US09557034B2
An illumination apparatus comprises a plurality of LEDs aligned to an array of directional optical elements wherein the LEDs are substantially at the input aperture of respective optical elements. An electrode array is formed on the array of optical elements to provide at least a first electrical connection to the array of LED elements. Advantageously such an arrangement provides low cost and high efficiency from the directional LED array.
US09557027B2
A lighting apparatus includes: a light guide which is tubular and includes a light entry portion in one end in a tube axis direction; and a light source arranged corresponding to the light entry portion. The light entry portion includes a light redirecting portion which changes a traveling direction of light entering from the first light source to a direction that is substantially parallel to the tube axis direction of the light guide. The light guide includes: plural light-emitting faces which are ring-shaped and formed concentrically in the other end in the tube axis direction of the light guide; and a non light-emitting face which is wall-like and formed along the tube axis direction of the light guide, at a border of adjacent ones of the light-emitting faces.
US09557025B2
A lighting apparatus for a vehicle may include a reflector configured to reflect light generated from a light source forward, a lens configured to be disposed in front of the reflector to receive the light reflected from the reflector, a first reflecting body configured to be disposed between the lens and the reflector to receive light not received in the lens among the light reflected from the reflector, and a second reflecting body configured to guide the light reflected from the first reflecting body to the lens.
US09557021B2
A solid state, recessed light fixture for residential and commercial lighting applications. The fixture includes a truncated cone-shaped trim having a concave bottom surface and a convex top surface, wherein the trim has a sloped circumferential wall that leads to a flat, annular lip at its periphery. An LED array is mounted to the underside within the concave bottom surface and a LED driver is mounted to the top surface. A cover with an open bottom partially encloses the LED driver and a junction box with cable openings and knock out ports is stacked on top of the cover. The cover is a thermal insulator to contain heat from the LED driver inside while the trim acts as a thermal conductor and radiator for the LED driver. No “can” housing is needed to enclose the fixture, and no finned, heat sink is needed to dissipate heat.
US09557007B2
An imaging system, safety system or combined imaging and safety system includes a light transmitter and a corresponding receiver. Image data relating to a machine tool and/or workpiece is derived and processed to determine information regarding the tool and/or tool position and/or extent of work carried out on the workpiece. A screen, such as a shadow screen, can be used to form an image of a profile of the tool tip and end of the workpiece. Tool tip position and extent of work on the workpiece can be derived from the image. Certain aspects are directed to a safety system application for halting a machine or tool when a light beam is interrupted, and can provide progressive muting of beam interruption detection, such as by systematically disregarding or muting signals from rows of receiver array elements as the beam passes through a mute point ahead of a tool.
US09556999B2
A hunting trophy presentation apparatus includes a vertical support structure having a plurality of supporting sides disposed so as to provide an enclosure having a first open end and a second open end, a frame connecting the plurality of vertical sides and defining an access opening through which an animal trophy is inserted, and a presentation platform disposed below the frame and providing a mounting surface for an animal trophy. The presentation platform is secured to one of the frame and the vertical support structure, and supports an animal trophy to present the animal trophy above the frame and the vertical support structure. The trophy presentation apparatus also presents a visual display, such as a video or a photograph, attached to the vertical support structure.
US09556998B2
Insulators (10A to 10C) according to the present invention include: a core material (11) that retains a space; a sheath material (12) that has a gas bather ability and encloses the core material (11) therein in a decompressed and closed state; and gas adsorbents (20A to 20D) enclosed in the sheath material (12) together with the core material (11). The gas adsorbents (20A to 20D) are each a copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5 type zeolite compact (21) which contains ZSM-5 type zeolite subjected to copper ion exchange, and is molded in such a manner that the density of the zeolite is higher than the density of the core material (11) decompressed and sealed in the sheath material (12).
US09556997B2
In embodiments, a large diameter, low pressure plug can be used to seal a pipe subsea. The large diameter, low pressure plug comprises a nose, two or more counter-rotating rings, and one or more seals. Other embodiments disclosed have varying additional structure. The large diameter, low pressure plug is inserted into the inner annulus of a tubular and a sealing action created by rotating the counter-rotating rings to create axial compression, in turn causing radial expansion in the seal against the inner annulus of the tubular, sealing the tubular.
US09556992B1
An apparatus for installing multiple utility meters is provided. The apparatus may be attachable to an existing setter in place of a utility meter. The apparatus includes connectors for a plurality of utility meters, wherein one of the utility meters attaches such that intake into the meter and outtake out of the meter utilize the setter. The apparatus may include connectors for one or more additional meters and secondary outtakes for each of the additional meters.
US09556987B2
An adapter box which makes possible a direct connect 110 volt central vacuum system hose to be plugged into a portable vacuum cleaner in the same way that a 110 volt direct connect central vacuum system hose would plug into an in home central vacuum system using direct connect central vacuum system inlets.An adapter box that attaches to the inlet vacuum port of a portable vacuum cleaner (household, commercial, or other) for the purpose of making compatible and possible the plugging in of a direct connect central vacuum system hose in the same way the same hose would be plugged into the direct connect central vacuum system inlet valve of an in house central vacuum system. This type hose allows 110 volts to be available for the operation of a 110 volt powered rug cleaning attachment.An adapter box that allows a direct connect central vacuum system hose to function with a portable vacuum cleaner so that it may function in like fashion to a central vacuum system in a home where the hose simply plugs into a direct connect central vacuum system wall inlet receiving vacuum power from the central vacuum system power unit through pipes installed in the walls and ceilings of the building.
US09556986B2
A dielectric fitting (10, 10′, 110) assembly includes a hose (14, 114) connected between two end fittings (12, 121, 112), and a structural reinforcement portion having at least an inner layer (26, 26′,126) formed of a first composite material having a high strength and a second composite material having a high electrical resistance. The first and second composite materials cover the assembly and provide a smooth transition of radial stiffness as the inner layer transitions from a high strength portion to a high electrically resistant portion.
US09556972B2
A cable manager includes a first portion and a second portion that cooperate to retain at least one cable. The first portion of certain types of cable managers is configured to be held in one or more rotationally fixed positions relative to the second portion. For example, the second portion may include at least one retaining arm that extends at least partially over a cable cradle of the first portion when the second portion is rotated to a closed position and that allows access to the cable cradle when rotated to an open position. The first portion of certain types of cable managers is configured to be held in one of a plurality of axially fixed positions relative to the second portion to accommodate cables of different diameters.
US09556969B2
Each of the valve device and the shower device includes: a valve/shower device main body; a link lever pivotally held in the valve/shower device main body; a weight provided on the link lever; and a ball valve provided between the weight and a pivot axis of the link lever. When the valve/shower device main body is manually caused to move by shaking, swinging, turning, tilting, tapping, or like operation, a kinetic energy imposed on the weight causes the link lever to make a rotational movement relative to the valve/shower device main body, and then the rotational movement of the link lever displaces the ball valve to open or close a valve hole. The valve device and the shower device can significantly facilitate the valve-opening/closing operations, and do not require a special external member for hand- or finger-operation such as a button, a handle or a switch.
US09556968B2
An electromagnetic actuator with at least one solenoid coil, one armature, which is magnetically movable by means of the solenoid coil in an armature area and has a first and a second tapering, and a magnetic yoke. The yoke has a first dipping stage in which the first tapering of the armature is dipped upon a shifting of the armature in a direction of actuation, and a second dipping stage in which the second tapering of the armature is dipped upon a shifting of the armature in the direction of actuation. A maximum radial external dimension of the armature in the area of the second tapering is smaller than a minimum radial internal dimension of the second dipping stage. In addition, the invention refers to a fluid valve that is actuated by means of the electromagnetic actuator.
US09556963B2
The invention relates to an overpressure valve (1) which is in the form of a one-way valve or a check valve and which includes a pot-shaped housing (2) with a base (3) and central opening (4) and which also has a valve seat (6) which interacts with a spring-loaded closing body (7). A guide sleeve (9) is inserted with a force fit or form fit into the housing (2) for the purpose of receiving a compression spring (8) which exerts a load on the closing body (7), which guide sleeve simultaneously ensures a construction of the overpressure valve (1) which is secured against falling apart.
US09556962B2
There is provided a multi-directional selector valve which makes it possible to control opening and closing of the discharge ports in an easy manner and to minimize increase in cost and size even if the number of branches is increased. The multi-directional selector valve includes a valve case provided with a suction port and at least two discharge ports, at least two valve bodies provided for opening or closing the at least two discharge ports, a drive body formed into a rod-like shape and provided for driving the valve bodies and a drive source for rotating the drive body, and is configured such that any of convex portions provided on the side of the drive body are pressed onto any of the at least two valve bodies by the rotation of the drive body, thereby opening or closing the at least two discharge port in order.
US09556958B2
A shift-drum speed change mechanism includes a first drum spring biasing a first drum toward a first side in an axial direction, which is a side on which a first slider comes into contact with a first speed change member, a first fork spring biasing a first shift fork toward a second side in the axial direction, which is a side opposite to the first side in the axial direction, with a weaker biasing force than the first drum spring, and a first stopper member for the first drum, defining an end of movement of the first drum toward the first side in the axial direction.
US09556949B2
Gear wheel and method for reducing vibrations transmitted by a rotating shaft. The gear wheel includes an inner part, which is connectable to a cause of vibration, a connection element and a ring gear. The connection element is structured and arranged to reduce vibrations.
US09556947B2
A bidirectional gear set includes a male bidirectional gear component having an array of addendum teeth and a female bidirectional gear component having an array of dedendum sockets, wherein each dedendum socket has a full boundary edge around an open end thereof. One or both of the male and female gear components may have a circular cross sectional geometry, or one may have a non-circular cross sectional geometry. The non-circular cross sectional geometry may be a flat sheet or a sheet with surface contour. In an intermeshed state, neither the male nor the female component can ‘slide’ relative to the other regardless of whether the male and female components are arranged in a parallel or perpendicular orientation. A method of making a bidirectional gear set is disclosed.
US09556944B2
A vibration damping device having improved air-tightness of a chamber holding a rolling mass in an oscillatable manner is provided. A cover member that covers an oscillating range of the rolling mass liquid-tightly or air-tightly comprises a first flange and a second flange. The first flange is pushed onto one of lateral faces of a holding member by a first pushing member fitted onto a rotary member while being prevented to move axially to seal a clearance between the holding member and the first flange by a first sealing member. The second flange is pushed onto the other lateral face of the holding member by a second pushing member fitted onto the rotary member while being prevented to move axially to seal a clearance between the holding member and the second flange by a second sealing member.
US09556943B2
A variable transmission includes an input shaft, two planetary gear sets, a first planetary set on the input side of a variator, and a second planetary set on the output side of the variator, to split the torque drivingly engaged with a variator comprising, a first ring assembly, a second ring assembly; various arrangements of brakes and clutches; a gearbox; and the output shaft to produce transmissions with continuously variable or infinitely variable torque output ratios.
US09556939B2
A control knob for an appliance includes an outer control ring, a stationary hub, a rotation modulating mechanism coupled to the outer control ring and engaged with an outer surface of the stationary hub, wherein the outer control ring is rotationally operable about the stationary hub at a first rate, an indicial ring positioned around the stationary hub, wherein the indicial ring engages a portion of the rotation modulating mechanism, wherein rotation of the outer control ring at the first rate causes the rotation modulating mechanism to rotate the indicial ring about the stationary hub at a second rate, the second rate being different than the first rate and an encoder shaft positioned within the stationary hub, wherein an inner gearing mechanism extends between an exterior surface of the encoder shaft and one of the outer control ring and the indicial ring.
US09556926B1
An original type damping-adjustable shock absorber is revealed. An adjustment rod is mounted into a through hole of a piston body while a knob is disposed on a top end of a main body of the adjustment rod and a tapered-end rod is connected to a bottom end of the main body. A tapered-head of the tapered-end rod is inserted into a channel under the through hole. An insertion hole is located at a wall of the piston body and communicated with the channel. The depth of the tapered-head of the tapered-end rod inserted into the channel can be adjusted so as to change resistance of hydraulic oil flowing through the channel and damping level of the shock absorber. Thus an original car runs smoothly over roads with various surfaces. Therefore features of the original car including a comfort rid and a sense of value are highlighted.
US09556920B1
A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.
US09556916B2
A clutch mechanism includes first and second shafts having a drive system disposed therebetween, wherein the first shaft is coupled to a drive mechanism. A fixed clutch plate is disposed on the second shaft and includes a plurality of ramped members disposed thereon. An attachment shaft includes a slip clutch plate disposed on a first end and having a plurality of ramped members adapted to releasably couple with the plurality of ramped members disposed on the fixed clutch plate. The slip clutch plate is operable between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the fixed clutch plate and a biasing mechanism is disposed on the attachment shaft and configured to bias the slip clutch plate towards the engaged position. The biasing mechanism is further configured to be overcome when a torque force of a predetermined load is realized on the attachment shaft.
US09556912B2
An oil deflector is provided comprising a ring-shaped body having a first face and an axial projection extending from the first face. The projection has a radially inwardly facing deflection surface. An oil deflector-bearing assembly includes a bearing, the oil deflector, and a carrier with a plurality of radial oil grooves. The second face of the oil deflector is arranged adjacent to an axial face of the bearing and the carrier is arranged adjacent to the oil deflector so that the projection is at least partially received in one of the oil grooves for deflecting an axial flow of oil.
US09556907B2
Gates (G) are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction only in a large annular section (2). The gates (G) are equal in number to a number of pockets (4). The gates (G) are arranged only at sites positioned on planes (Pa) passing circumferential centers of the respective pockets (4). Weld lines (W) are thus formed only in the vicinity of the planes (Pa) of a small annular section (1).
US09556905B2
Bearing assemblies are provided that include a bearing having a split bearing body that includes a material such as a composite or a thermoplastic; and at least one recess configured for receiving a rotary seal assembly; and at least one rotary seal assembly comprising an energizing component. The bearing assemblies may further include at least two recesses and/or an energizing component that is an o-ring.
US09556900B2
A spherical plain bearing comprising an inner ring having an outer spherical contact surface and an outer ring having an inner spherical contact surface. The outer spherical contact surface of the inner ring cooperates with the inner spherical contact surface of the outer ring. At least one of the inner ring and the outer ring comprises at least one internal cavity running on at least a portion of the circumference of said ring.
US09556892B2
One or more ductile metal inserts may be selectively incorporated into articles of limited ductility, including metal castings and molded polymers. The inserts are positioned at joint locations for joining of the article to other articles using self-piercing riveting (SPR). The inserts are of suitable ductility, thickness and strength to receive and retain self-piercing rivets and enable a strong riveted joint between the article and a second article. In an embodiment the articles are magnesium alloy castings formed by any of sand casting, die casting and semi-solid metal casting. The chemical composition of the insert may be informed by the anticipated corrosive environment of the joint and the casting temperature of the magnesium alloy. For magnesium alloy castings which may be exposed to corrosive environments, aluminum alloy inserts are preferred.
US09556891B2
There is provided a joined body in which two or more members Yi including a fitting hole are fastened, in which a fastening rod including reinforcing fibers and a thermoplastic resin is positioned in the fitting hole, the fastening rod is caulked by heat, and the members Yi are caulking-fastened.
US09556890B2
Elastic alignment assembly for aligning mated components and method of reducing positional variation
An elastic alignment assembly includes a first component having a first engagement surface. Also included is a second component having a second engagement surface and is configured to be mated with the first component. Further included is a receiving feature formed in at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. Yet further included is a protrusion comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the protrusion extending away from at least one of the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface, the protrusion formed of an elastically deformable material to elastically deform at a first interface and a second interface upon contact with the receiving feature, wherein the first interface is located proximate the first sidewall and the receiving feature, and wherein the second interface is located proximate the second sidewall and the receiving feature.
US09556889B2
A synthetic jet includes a first backer structure, one and only one actuator, a wall member coupled to and positioned between the first backer structure and the one and only one actuator to form a cavity, and wherein the wall member has an orifice formed therethrough, and wherein the orifice fluidically couples the cavity to an environment external to the cavity.
US09556886B2
A marine pumping system includes a pump for providing a cooling fluid to, for example, an internal combustion engine. The pumping system includes a pump, a reservoir separate from and upstream of the pump for storing cooling fluid, and plumbing downstream of the pump configured to maintain cooling fluid in the reservoir during non-operation of the pump. The reservoir and plumbing configuration minimize dry run time of the pump.
US09556885B2
An inlet shroud assembly includes a hub and a shroud for a ram air fan. The hub includes a center bore, a first frustoconical section, a plurality of slotted cooling holes located on the first frustoconical section, a second frustoconical section, a plurality of circular cooling holes located on the second frustoconical section, a rim, a central cavity, and an annular cavity. The shroud includes a central disk with a center bore, a circular flange located on a radially outer edge of the central disk, and an outer disk with a web portion and a tip portion, the tip portion having a curved lip.
US09556884B2
Propeller pump for pumping liquid, including: an axially extending tubular pump housing having an inner surface, an axially extending pump core having an envelope surface, at least one axial portion of the pump core enclosed in the pump housing. The pump core includes a propeller having a hub and at least one blade, and at least one guide vane that includes an upstream leading edge and a downstream trailing edge, and that in the circumferential direction includes a pressure side and a suction side. The guide vane extends between the inner surface of the pump housing and the envelope surface of the pump core. At the leading edge of the guide vane a connection angle between the suction side of the guide vane and the envelope surface of the pump core is larger than 90 degrees.
US09556881B2
A propeller fan may strongly draw the flow toward the inner circumferential side and greatly improve the pressure efficiency by degrading the tendency of the flow near the pressure surface to be inclined toward the outer circumferential side at the trailing edge of the blade. The blade is provided with a recessed portion raised toward a suction surface at a central portion of a trailing edge of the blade in a radial direction such that the recessed portion is open at least on a pressure surface of the blade, the recessed portion extending from the trailing edge toward a leading edge of the blade, and a cross section of the recessed portion taken in a radial direction is provided with a pair of lateral portions rising at a predetermined angle with respect to the suction surface and facing each other. The span-wise width of the recessed portion between the lateral portions increases as the recessed portion extends from an upstream side to a downstream side.
US09556879B2
A compressor is provided with a substantially tubular compressor casing, a substantially circular lid that is provided inside an inner periphery of the compressor casing so as to close off an end surface of the compressor casing, a space that is enclosed by the lid and an inner circumferential surface of the compressor casing so as to accommodate a blade, and seal member that is provided in a circumferential direction on the space side of an outer circumferential surface of the lid, wherein a slit part is provided on the lid, radially inside the outer circumferential surface, where the seal member is provided, so as to extend in the axial direction from the space side of the lid.
US09556868B2
A compressor and an air conditioner including the same having an improved structure capable of decreasing a discharge temperature of the compressor. The compressor which compresses and discharges refrigerant includes a casing defining an external appearance thereof, at least one cylinder including an inner space, a rolling piston which eccentrically turns in the inner space, a vane which radially abuts the rolling piston and divides the inner space into a suction chamber and a compression chamber, and a vane chamber recessed outward of the inner space such that the vane advances and retreats, a plurality of plates disposed above and below the at least one cylinder so as to define the inner space, an injection line provided in one of the at least one cylinder and the plural plates, and a check valve installed on the injection line.
US09556864B2
A method of controlling an auxiliary pump for supplying the hydraulic fluid of a hybrid transmission of a vehicle. The auxiliary pump, after the expiration of a predetermined time interval of deactivation, is activated to prevent accumulation of air in the intake area of the auxiliary pump. In addition, a device for the execution of the method, in which a control device is provided which has its signals connected with the electric auxiliary pump for the purpose of controlling the auxiliary pump in order to prevent accumulation of air in the intake area of the auxiliary pump.
US09556860B2
An implantable infusion device includes a voltage boost circuit configured to selectively generate an output voltage from a first voltage provided by a battery. The voltage boost circuit includes a signal generation circuit configured to generate control signals and a charge pump circuit configured to generate the output voltage in response to the control signals. In response to a request for a predetermined voltage, the signal generation circuit generates the control signals using a first profile for a first period of time, and generates the control signals using a second profile for a second period of time subsequent to the first period. The charge pump circuit increases the output voltage to (i) an intermediate voltage less than the predetermined voltage in response to the first profile of the control signals, and (ii) the predetermined voltage in response to the second profile of the control signals.
US09556858B2
An actuator includes a drum defining a longitudinal axis and having axially opposed first and second end portions that are rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis. A shape memory element is wrapped around the drum and extends from the first end portion of the drum to the second end portion of the drum to actuate relative rotation of the first and second end portions of the drum about the longitudinal axis by activation of the shape memory element.
US09556856B2
A geothermal energy system comprising a plurality of borehole heat exchangers, each borehole heat exchanger containing a working fluid and comprising an elongate tube having a closed bottom end and first and second adjacent elongate conduits interconnected at the bottom end, a manifold for the working fluid to which the plurality of borehole heat exchangers is connected, and a plurality of valves connected between the plurality of borehole heat exchangers and the manifold, whereby the first and second conduits of the plurality of borehole heat exchangers are selectively connectable to the manifold by operation of the valves.
US09556852B2
This invention relates to a method and a power plant controller arranged to carry out the method. The method is on an intelligent dispatching of the power production to wind turbines and optional compensation equipment of a wind power plant, as the power producing units of a wind power plant. The invention relates to a case where the requested produced power (both active and reactive) is less than the total capacity of the power plant, and the invention relates to utilizing this situation to dispatch set points to the wind turbines and the compensation equipment based on correction factors relating to the operating conditions of the wind park. This method may increase the wind turbines' life time, help in scheduling maintenance and expand the electrical operating range of the wind power plant.
US09556851B2
A system for reducing vibration in a wind turbine includes a mass structure having at least one hole extending therethrough; a rod having a top threaded portion, an upper level stop disposed on or below the threaded portion, and a fixed lower level stop disposed below the upper level stop. The mass structure has a designed weight and shape that, in combination with the adjustable axial distance between the upper level stop and the lower level stop, is designed to provide a properly tuned system for a particular frequency. A base having an aperture designed for receipt of the lower level stop therein is configured for attachment to a component of the wind turbine.
US09556846B2
An engine ignition shutdown module includes a voltage regulator circuit connected to a key switch, and a pair of isolated MOSFET driver circuits connected to the voltage regulator circuit. Each MOSFET driver circuit charges a capacitor while the key switch is in a run position and the interlock switches are closed, and each capacitor discharges through a resistor for a time delay period once the key switch is moved from the run position to an off position or at least one of the interlock switches are opened. A pair of high voltage output MOSFET transistors are switched on while the capacitors discharge and provide an output to a magneto ignition for the time delay period.
US09556834B2
The intake system has a valve seat, a plate valve, and an elastic sealing member. A path is provided to pass through the valve seat and to communicate with an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. The plate valve fits to or separates from the valve seat to close or open the path. The plate valve is provided with through holes passing through the plate valve in the thickness direction at a valve periphery part. The through holes are arranged linearly one after another in a peripheral direction of the plate valve to be offset to each other in the direction perpendicular to the peripheral direction. The elastic sealing member includes an elastic covering part that covers a first surface and a second surface of the plate valve and elastic coupling parts that are disposed in the through holes and are coupled with the elastic covering part at the first surface and the second surface.
US09556830B2
A vaporized fuel processing apparatus has a casing defining an adsorption chamber therein and having a tank port, a purge port, and an atmospheric port. The tank port is connected to a fuel tank. The purge port is connected to an internal combustion engine. The atmospheric port is open to the atmosphere. A heater is disposed between the adsorption chamber and the atmospheric port and has a fin heat exchanger and a heating element. The heating element is configured to generate heat by electricity supply. The fin heat exchanger is joined to the heating element. The surface area of the fin heat exchanger between the heating element and the adsorption chamber is larger than the surface area of the fin heat exchanger between the heating element and the atmospheric port.
US09556825B2
A valve device has a valve that opens and closes a passage, and a cantilever bearing member rotatably supporting a rotating shaft of the valve. The cantilever bearing member has rolling-element bearings arranged in series in an axial direction of the rotating shaft. One of the rolling-element bearings located the closest to the passage has a rolling element, an inner race, an outer race and a seal portion. A space is defined between the inner race and the outer race to receive the rolling element. The seal portion made of rubber tightly seals the space on a side adjacent to the passage.
US09556820B2
A cylinder of a combustion engine for a vehicle includes at least one intake duct and a spark plug which in turn includes a ground electrode. The spark plug is mounted in the cylinder such that during an operation of the combustion engine the ground electrode is cooled in as optimum a manner as possible by an airflow generated by the at least one intake duct. A spark plug and a method for manufacturing a cylinder of a combustion engine are also provided.
US09556819B2
The invention provides for a cylinder bore coating system that includes at least one cylinder bore configured to receive an axially movable piston. The at least one cylinder bore has a recessed area having an axial length and a radial depth. A first coating layer is arranged within at least the recessed area. A second coating layer covers the first coating layer and a portion of the at least one cylinder bore axially spaced from the recessed area.
US09556818B2
A two-stroke uniflow engine is provided with: a cylinder; a piston; an exhaust valve that is opened and closed in order to discharge exhaust gas that is generated inside the cylinder; a scavenging port that takes active gas into the interior of the cylinder in accordance with a sliding movement of the piston; a fuel injection port that is provided in the internal circumferential surface of the cylinder; a fuel injection valve that injects fuel gas into the fuel injection port; and a fuel injection control unit that executes control of the injection of the fuel gas in the fuel injection valve, wherein the fuel injection control unit decides at least one of an injection pressure and an injection time of the fuel injection valve based on a change in pressure inside the cylinder that is caused by a reciprocating movement of the piston.
US09556813B2
An internal combustion engine control device is provided. An engine executes A/F oscillation that alternates between lean combustion and rich combustion every cylinder. If a reaction state between rich gas and lean gas inside an exhaust passage on the upstream side of a catalyst is judged to be low, the assignment of cylinders conducting lean combustion and cylinders conducting rich combustion is swapped, so that rich combustion is conducted by a #1 cylinder farthest away from the catalyst in terms of the length of the exhaust passage, and also so that lean combustion is conducted by a #2 cylinder closer to the catalyst than the cylinder that is farthest away.
US09556809B2
A method for optimal fueling of an engine is disclosed. The method includes determining a quantity of exhaust residuals in each cylinder among a plurality of cylinders in the engine. Further, the method includes determining at least one of an intake and exhaust manifolds temperature, at least one of an intake and exhaust manifolds pressure, and a quantity of a first fuel being injected to each cylinder, and calculating a characteristic temperature of each cylinder based on the quantity of exhaust residuals, at least one of the intake and exhaust manifolds temperature and pressure, and the quantity of the first fuel. The method further includes determining a substitution rate of the first fuel for each cylinder based on the characteristic temperature, and controlling at least one of the quantity of the first fuel, and a quantity of a second fuel being injected to each cylinder based on the substitution rate.
US09556805B2
An improved fuel system for a dual-fuel internal combustion engine. During normal operation, the primary fuel passes through a pressure regulator before arriving at a primary fuel rail. Further, pressurized secondary fuel is delivered to both a secondary fuel rail and to the pressure regulator for purposes of regulating the output pressure of the primary fuel that is delivered to the primary fuel rail. When the pressure at the primary fuel supply or between the primary fuel supply and the pressure regulator drops below a minimum operating pressure, the pressure regulator is isolated from the secondary fuel and the secondary fuel continues to be pressurized until it reaches a suitable pressure for operating in a limp mode. Then, the secondary fuel, which is pressurized to greater than a normal operating pressure, may be injected at the higher pressure for improved performance of the engine in the limp mode.
US09556797B2
A fuel divider included in a fuel supply device of a gas turbine engine includes a movable member which is movable according to a fuel pressure at a fuel entrance, opens only a pilot port when the fuel pressure at the fuel entrance is lower than a first pressure, and opens both of the pilot port and the main port when the fuel pressure at the fuel entrance is higher than the first pressure. In addition, the fuel divider includes an adjusting means which adjusts a value of the first pressure in such a manner that it applies to the movable member a counter force in a direction opposite to a direction in which the movable member moves according to the fuel pressure at the fuel entrance, and adjusts the counter force.
US09556789B2
An assembly for supplying electrical energy to electrical traction motors in a rail vehicle, wherein the assembly includes at least one internal combustion engine, a generator allocated to the at least one internal combustion engine for generating the electrical energy, wherein the generator is mechanically coupled to the internal combustion engine such that it is driven by the internal combustion engine upon generator operation of the generator, a rectifier for rectifying an electrical alternating current generated by the generator, a direct voltage intermediate circuit that is electrically connected to the generator via the rectifier, a generator inverter that is present in addition to the rectifier or that is the rectifier operated in the inverter mode, wherein the generator inverter connects the direct voltage intermediate circuit to the generator in order to operate the generator in a motor mode as a motor, and a control for controlling the motor mode of the generator.
US09556779B2
Solid storage media stores a reductant in a reductant source that is released from the solid storage media in a gaseous form into an exhaust system. A leak detection and/or leak mitigation system, method and apparatus is disclosed for the gaseous reductant.
US09556770B2
An engine device is provided with an urea mixing pipe which injects urea water into exhaust gas of an engine, and an exhaust gas purification case which removes nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas of the engine, and is structured such that an exhaust gas inlet pipe of the exhaust gas purification case is connected to an outlet of the urea mixing pipe via a flange body. Exhaust gas outlet side end portions of an outer pipe and an inner pipe of the urea mixing pipe having a double-pipe structure are connected to exhaust gas inlet side end portions of an outer pipe and an inner pipe of the exhaust gas inlet pipe having a double-pipe structure. Fitting small-diameter portions are formed in an end portion of the inner pipe of the urea mixing pipe, and the fitting small-diameter portions are inward insert to an inner portion of the inner pipe of the exhaust gas inlet pipe.
US09556769B2
A honeycomb catalyst support structure including a honeycomb body and an outer layer or skin formed of a cement is described. The cement includes an amorphous glass powder with a multimodal particle size distribution applied to an exterior surface of the honeycomb body. The multimodal particle size distribution is achieved through the use of a first glass powder having a first median particle size and at least a second glass powder having a second median particle size. In some embodiments, the first and second glass powders are the same amorphous glass consisting of fused silica. The cement may further include a fine-grained, sub-micron sized silica in the form of colloidal silica. The cement exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion less than 15×10−7/° C., and preferably about 5×10−7/° C. after drying.
US09556767B2
An internal combustion engine having manifold ports and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) passages integrated into the cam cover is disclosed. The engine system comprises a cam cover having an internal, gas-passing passage, a PCV valve associated with the passage, an oil separator associated with the PCV valve, and an intake manifold having a port, the port being associated with the PCV valve. An oil separator is fitted between the gas-passing passage and the PCV valve. The oil separator is mounted on the cam cover. A manifold chamber is also provided and the PCV oil separator is associated with the manifold chamber.
US09556762B2
The present invention provides a variable valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine, which includes a rocker arm that is swingably supported by a single pivot, and a switching device that operates the rocker arm to switch a drive state of the valve, in which the rocker arm is configured such that at least in a predetermined drive state, a pressing force of the cam is applied disproportionately to one side of the rocker arm in a width direction with respect to a center line when the cam presses a portion of the rocker arm located away from the center line in the width direction. The variable valve mechanism further includes a swing guide that abuts against the rocker arm so that the rocker arm is guided in a swing direction so as not to be tilted in the width direction.
US09556758B2
A control valve includes a valve case, a spool accommodated in the valve case, an electromagnetic solenoid operating the spool along a spool axis extending in a longitudinal direction, the valve case including a pump port, an advanced angle port, a retarded angle port, and an unlocking port, the spool being operated to at least five positions, and a lock control fluid passage formed inside the spool in an attitude along the spool axis, the lock control fluid passage allowing the fluid from the pump port to be supplied only to the unlocking port irrespective of the position of the spool when the spool is operated to any one of the positions at which the fluid is supplied from the pump port to the unlocking port.
US09556754B2
A valve lifter assembly for an engine may include a valve lifter body, a roller pin mounted in the valve lifter body and having a crowned barrel portion, and a substantially cylindrical roller mounted about the crowned barrel portion of the roller pin. The roller may have a crowned outer surface with a cylindrical center portion having a constant outer diameter equal to a roller maximum outer diameter, and oppositely disposed variable outer diameter outer portions extending outwardly from either side of the cylindrical center portion toward corresponding roller ends of the roller with a roller outer diameter decreasing as the variable outer diameter outer portions extend outwardly from the cylindrical center portion. The valve lifter assembly may further include a clip having engagement surfaces that are machined to have complimentary shapes to corresponding engagement surfaces of the valve lifter body.
US09556747B2
Methods for retrofitting a turbomachine are provided. A first trip cup of the turbomachine may be replaced with a second trip cup. The first trip cup may include a throw-out arm connected to a first trip cup spring. The second trip cup may include a plunger disposed in a hole defined by the second trip cup and a plunger spring encircling the plunger in the hole. The first trip cup may be removed from the turbomachine and the second trip cup installed such that a location of the plunger in the turbomachine is the same as a location of the throw-out arm in the turbomachine when the first trip cup was installed on the turbomachine. The tension in the plunger spring may be adjusted such that, when a speed of the turbomachine exceeds a predetermined value, the plunger actuates a trip paddle located adjacent the second trip cup.
US09556746B2
An integrated strut and turbine vane nozzle (ISV) arrangement according to an embodiment, includes a single-piece interturbine duct (ITD) and a plurality of vane nozzle segments removably attached to the ITD. Vane airfoils of the vane nozzle segments in combination with trailing edge portions of the struts, form a vane nozzle integrated with the ITD.
US09556743B2
In some examples, a coating may include at least one feature that facilitates visual determination of a thickness of the coating. For example, the coating may include a plurality of microspheres disposed at a predetermined depth of the coating. The plurality of microspheres may define a distinct visual characteristic. By inspecting the coating and viewing at least one of the microspheres, the thickness of the coating may be estimated. In some examples, the plurality of microspheres may be embedded in a matrix material, and the distinct visual characteristic of the microspheres may be different than the visual characteristic of the matrix material. In other examples, the at least one feature may include at least one distinct layer in the coating system that includes a distinct visual characteristic, such as a color of the distinct layer.
US09556742B2
A composite airfoil includes a core that has a three-dimensional network of fibers. The core defines an airfoil section and a root section. A composite skin covers a portion of the core excluding the root section.
US09556741B2
A turbine blade for a gas turbine engine comprises a platform, a blade root, an airfoil portion defining pressure and suction sides, and a shroud provided at a tip of the airfoil portion opposite to the blade root. The shroud includes a body having a radially outer face opposite to the airfoil portion, upstream and downstream generally parallel fins extending outwardly from the outer face, and two ribs extending outwardly from the outer face. Each of the fins has an end disposed toward the pressure side and another end disposed toward the suction side. The ribs extend from and connecting the upstream fin to the downstream fin at locations other than the ends of the upstream and downstream fins. The ribs converge toward the downstream fin at an angle of between about 10 and about 45 degrees. A shroud for a blade is also presented.
US09556730B2
A method for testing a loss control material, the method including filling a testing environment in a testing system with a first fluid, injecting a loss control material in a second fluid into the testing environment from a first end of the testing system, thereby displacing the first fluid across the testing environment to a second end of the testing system, and monitoring a formation of a barrier created by the loss control material.
US09556722B2
The invention relates to a method of extracting oil from a reservoir. The method comprises the following steps: drilling of a first well; mounting and cementing of well pipes in the first well; mounting of a Blow Out Preventer or Lubricator in the top of the well. At a distance from this well, a second well is drilled against a section of the first well such that the second well gets into operational contact with the first well. Hereafter well pipes are mounted and cemented in the second well; a Blow Out Preventer or Lubricator is mounted in the top of the second well; where after the drilling from the first or the second well is continued down into the reservoir.
US09556714B2
A liner hanger assembly to run-in a liner on a liner hanger, cement the liner in place and set the liner hanger in one trip. Then, a wellbore treatment process can proceed while the running string remains downhole or via a second trip. The liner hanger assembly includes a liner hanger running tool and a liner hanger.
US09556713B2
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems that may be used to facilitate the retrieval and/or replacement of production and/or processing equipment that may be used for subsea oil and gas operations. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes, among other things, removing at least a portion of trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) from subsea equipment (100) while the subsea equipment (100) is connected to a subsea equipment installation (185) in a subsea environment (180), and storing at least the removed portion of the trapped production fluid (101a, 101b) in a subsea containment structure (120, 120a, 120b, 132) that is positioned in the subsea environment (180). Additionally, the disclosed method also includes disconnecting the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea equipment installation (185) and retrieving the subsea equipment (100) from the subsea environment (180).
US09556706B1
A downhole fluid flow control system and method includes a fluid control module having a main fluid pathway, a valve element and a pressure sensing module. The valve element has open and closed positions relative to the main fluid pathway to allow and prevent fluid flow therethrough. The pressure sensing module includes a secondary fluid pathway in parallel with the main fluid pathway having an upstream pressure sensing location and a downstream pressure sensing location with a cross sectional area transition region therebetween. In operation, the valve element moves between open and closed positions responsive to a pressure difference between pressure signals from the upstream and downstream pressure sensing locations. The pressure difference is dependent upon the change in cross sectional area and the viscosity of a fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity is operable to control fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.
US09556705B2
A casing joint assembly and methods for producing an annulus gas cap using the casing joint assembly. The casing joint assembly comprises a first valve and a second valve to control fluid pressure in the sealed annulus between the casing string and a wall of the well bore or another casing string.
US09556702B2
A remedial method for repairing a damaged cement sheath, especially for use in wells in which fluids with a pH lower than 6 are injected, stored or extracted, comprises placing an acid swellable composition adjacent to the cement sheath. In the event of cement-matrix failure, or bonding failure between the cement/casing interface or the cement/borehole-wall interface, the composition may be injected into or adjacent to the cement sheath so that the material swells when contacted by acid gases, including carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. The swelling seals voids in the cement matrix, or along the bonding interfaces, thereby restoring zonal isolation.
US09556692B1
A tool for boring holes in soil includes an elongated tubular housing which has disposed through its length a bore having an upper opening coupleable to a vacuum source and a lower opening coupled to the bore of a ring-shaped bore head having circumferentially spaced apart cutting teeth protruding downwards from the bore head. A zig-zag shaped unclogger bar disposed coaxially through the bore head and rotated by a drive shaft disposed coaxially through the tubular and housing and protruding through a bearing in an upper end of the housing and driven by a rotary power source such as an electric motor fixed to the housing fragments lumps of clay or wet soil lodged in the bore of the housing, facilitating removal of soil and clay, which are severed by twisting the tool around its longitudinal axis by manipulating handle bars protruding from the upper end of the housing.
US09556691B2
The present disclosure provides a drilling machine configuration and related method that avoids drilling mud from contaminating hydraulic fluid that flows through the drive system of the machine. The disclosed system and method provides a drilling mud anti-contamination system that requires infrequent service and a system wherein the service can be quickly and easily performed.
US09556681B2
A hybrid-type earth boring drill bit is described having fixed cutting blades and rolling cones with cutting elements, wherein the rolling cones are associated with a spindle assembly that may be optionally divorced from the head pin assembly, and which includes bearing members that further include a plurality of polycrystalline diamond elements.
US09556680B2
A liner assembly (100) includes a drill string (120) to drill a borehole (105) in a formation (110). The liner assembly further includes a liner assembly releasably coupled to the drill string to move with the drill string in the borehole while the drill string drills, and to be released from the drill string in the borehole after the drill string drills to a depth.
US09556679B2
A bottom hole assembly avoids damaging vibrations that can develop during directional drilling with a rotary steerable system. The assembly has a drill bit, a first collar that rotates with the bit, a rotary steerable tool that controls the bit's trajectory, and a second collar that rotates with the drill string. The first collar between the bit and the tool defines a bend that deflects the bit from the first collar's axis. During operation, this bend causes portion of the assembly to engage the borehole wall to inhibit counterclockwise (CCW) bit whirl by promoting clockwise whirl in the assembly, generating friction against the borehole wall, and dampening vibrations. By inhibiting CCW bit whirl, other damaging vibrations such as CCW whirl in the drill string can also be prevented up the borehole. Alternatively, only the second collar between the tool and the drill string may define the bend, or both collars can define bends.
US09556673B2
A safety gate apparatus is provided which couples as a cost efficient and reliable gate for preventing falls and injury as well as a gate that can easily be opened by existing equipment such as a fork lift. The invention comprises a vertical sliding gate configured to move in a path of motion having at least a closed position and an open position. The vertical sliding gate remains in a closed, default position by an applied counter force created by one more elastic means. The sliding gate slides down to an open position by a downward force created by a fork lift or other machinery. The gate will automatically return to the default position when the downward force is removed.
US09556668B2
A window includes a weather seal system that employs two seals. The first seal is located towards an exterior surface of the window and forms an air-permeable water barrier between an active sash and a sill. The second seal is located towards an interior surface of the window and forms a substantially air-impermeable and water-impermeable barrier between the active sash and the sill.
US09556667B2
A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially environmentally isolating a volume, such as by environmentally isolating the cargo compartment from the passenger compartment of an aircraft. In the context of an apparatus, a barrier curtain is provided that partially defines the volume. The apparatus also includes a cable extending along one or more walls that partially define the volume. The barrier curtain is supported by the cable. The apparatus may also include a cable release mechanism. The cable is held in place by the cable release mechanism and the cable release mechanism is configured to detach the cable at a predetermined load, thereby permitting the barrier curtain to drop in response to a decompression event.
US09556660B2
A damped hinge assembly is provided that comprises a hinge unit (10) and a damping unit (14). A mechanism is provided for connecting the two units together for purposes of transportation and handling, as well as for ease of installation. The connecting mechanism allows the units to move relative to one another between a transit state, which allows access for installation purposes, and a working position in which the damping unit is operative to provide resistance to closing movement of a door.
US09556657B2
A hinge for a refrigerator includes a hinge support configured to be mounted on a front surface of a cabinet of the refrigerator, where the hinge support has a plate shape and defining a coupling hole, a hinge bracket including an insertion part configured to be inserted into the coupling hole, where the hinge bracket is coupled to the hinge support along a longitudinal direction of the hinge support, and a hinge pin that is configured to mount to the hinge bracket and that is configured to allow a door of the refrigerator to rotate about the hinge pin. The hinge support includes a bracket support that at least partially surrounds the coupling hole and protrudes from a front surface of the hinge support, the bracket support being configured to provide support to the hinge support.
US09556656B2
A vehicle door lock device includes: a latching mechanism maintaining a vehicle door in a closing-stop state; an active lever having a support swiveling around a first support shaft, a link section disposed on the outer side from the support in a radial direction with the first support shaft as the center and having an outer circumferential section linked to and driven by an electric motor, a connection section connecting the support and the link section, and a first engagement section formed in one of an outer circumferential section of the support and an inner circumferential section of the link section; a release lever swiveling around a second support shaft disposed in the recessed portion to be parallel to the first support shaft, interconnected with the latching mechanism, and having a second engagement section engageable with the first engagement section so as to integrally swivel with the active lever.
US09556654B2
A lock device includes a housing; a pair of rods disposed slidably in a linear direction relative to the housing, and switched between a lock position separated from each other, and a release position approaching each other; and an operating member allowing the rods to be switched from the lock position to the release position by changing from an initial state to an operating state. The lock device engages/disengages opening/closing members with/from a main member through the rods, and is formed by the housing, the rod, the operating member, a connection member urging the rods in a connected state in a direction of separating the rods from each other, and an urging member disposed between the housing and the operating member and serving as a swaying resistance of the operating member when switched from the operating state to the initial state through an urging force of the connection member.
US09556653B2
The invention is a saddle lock that is inexpensive to manufacture and can be used with different style and/or size saddles.
US09556648B2
A retractable cover assembly is provided for a vehicle to cover a latching component such as the striker of a trunk door. The assembly includes a retractable cover and a support structure for supporting the cover at a position to cover the striker. The assembly further includes an arrangement for actuating the cover between an open position exposing the striker and a closed position covering the striker. A first light source may illuminate the cover and a second light source may illuminate an interior of the vehicle when the cover is in the closed position.
US09556647B2
A striker box assembly provides enhanced security when locking a door where the assembly includes a box and a cover plate which are secured to a stud in the frame around the doorway in at least three ways. The first way of securing the assembly is with screws in a jack flange that extends along a lateral side of the stud in flush contact therewith. The second manner is with a screw in the bottom of the box to hold the box firmly against the stud or through shims or a boot that solidly fills any gap between the bottom of the box and the stud. The third way is with offset screws that extend through the cover plate and the box into the stud. The cover plate includes a flange that provides additional strength to resist destructive forces involved when a person attempts to break down a door.
US09556640B2
In a cantilevered watercraft canopy, a plurality of vertical supports provides support to a plurality of horizontal supports. First and second main struts are supported by the horizontal supports. First and second pluralities of arch members are affixed at a central attachment point to the first main strut and second main strut, respectively. The outer ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members support outer struts. In the first exemplary embodiment, the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members are affixed to one another, and the main struts are affixed rigidly to the horizontal supports. In the second exemplary embodiment, first and second inner struts are affixed to the inner ends of the first and second pluralities of arch members, and the main struts are affixed rotatably to the horizontal supports. A canopy cover is affixed over the arch members and struts.
US09556630B2
This invention relates to a positioning apparatus for an upright panel of a building, the apparatus comprising a base adapted to depend from a structure associated with the building or construction thereof, a support for an edge of the panel, and a positional adjustment means depending from the base which provides for positional adjustment of the support relative to the base. A system for positioning a precast panel which incorporates the apparatus, along with methods for using the apparatus and method are also disclosed.
US09556623B2
Building panels, especially laminated floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system and several core grooves at the rear side in order to save material and decrease weight. Building panels, each having a surface layer on a front side, a backing layer on a rear side and an intermediate core, wherein the intermediate core and the surface and the backing layer all comprise wood fibres and thermosetting resins, said building panels are provided with a locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of a first edge of a first building panel to an adjacent second edge of a second building panel.
US09556621B2
An elevating leveling pedestal having a base rotatably attached to a first coupling end to collectively create a height adjustment mechanism, a second coupling end non-rotatably attached to a first end of a non-threaded midsection of predetermined length with a second end non-rotatably attached to a head assembly to support, secure, and level a surface installed over a non-sloping or sloping sub-surface. The head assembly comprising a support-head overlying and attached to a cap with either the support-head or the cap having a convex mating surface and the other having a concave mating surface making the support-head and the cap slidably re-positionable with respect to each other along their mating surface resulting in the support-head being tiltable with respect to said cap from zero to seven degrees. A recess is formed in a bottomed-well in the support surface of the support-head for supporting a double-ended bushing to interact with locking devices.
US09556618B2
A wall panel, a masonry wall system, and a method are described. Masonry units are used with wall panels to make a masonry wall. The wall panel has a back face and a front face. The front face has multiple ribs which engage the masonry units, where each rib has top and bottom sides. The bottom sides of the ribs have multiple compressible projections with cavities which can be deformed so as to retain the masonry unit in the panel. Each masonry unit has a body with a front face, a back face, and top and lateral faces. The back face and top lateral face form a back peripheral edge, and the top lateral face has at least one tooth for securing the masonry unit in the panel. In operation, the tooth compresses the projections of the horizontal ribs, thereby securing the masonry unit in the panel.
US09556614B2
A suspended ceiling system in one embodiment includes a ceiling panel and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a cable secured to a building support structure, a first coupler for attachment to the cable, and a second coupler for attachment to the ceiling panel. The first coupler includes a cable mounting channel having first and second openings and a cable adjustment mechanism for releasably gripping the cable. In one implementation, the adjustment mechanism includes a spring-biased plunger configured to engage the cable. The cable is routed through the channel from the first to second opening. The position of the cable with respect to the first coupler may be adjusted to select the desired position and angular orientation of the ceiling panel. In one embodiment, the first coupler includes ball element pivotably engaged with the second coupler to accommodate various angular positions of the panel and/or panel configurations.
US09556607B2
There is provided a method for constructing a cylindrical tank, including the step of assembling a metal inner tank by individually and sequentially conducting, on an internal side of a PC wall, raising of an inner tank lateral plate by a jack-up unit and welding of a next-stage inner tank lateral plate onto a lower section of the raised inner tank lateral plate, further including the step of installing a guide pair configured to sandwich the raised inner tank lateral plate onto the next-stage inner tank lateral plate that is to be welded therebeneath. As a result, in the case of adopting the jack-up construction system, it is possible to prevent an inner tank lateral plate from being attached next from falling.
US09556589B2
A working machine comprising a ground engaging structure and a propulsion system for moving the working machine via the ground engaging structure. A body is supported on the ground engaging structure, and a working arm is connected to the body and has a carriage at one end for receiving an attachment. A control system is provided for selectively and variably oscillating the carriage.
US09556577B2
An assembly for being dragged by a vessel, wherein the assembly includes a filtering system and a fluidum guiding system, wherein the filtering system is suitable for filtering large volumes of fluidum, and wherein the fluidum guiding system defines a channel configured such that at least in a channel portion the current velocity of the fluidum guided through that channel portion is reduced downstream, and wherein the fluidum guiding system and the filtering system are mutually arranged such that current velocity of fluidum filtered in the filtering system is reduced for decreasing drag.
US09556571B1
The disclosure provides a foldable portable excrement pick-up device. The device includes an upper housing and a lower housing which are combined to form a clip shape via a rotary shaft and a spring. The upper housing is composed of an upper handle and a cap-shaped upper housing body. The lower housing is composed of a lower handle and a bowl-shaped lower housing body. The upper handle and the lower handle are symmetrically arranged, the upper housing body and the lower housing body are hinged to form a clip shape in such a way that the rotary shaft penetrates through the upper hinging portion and the lower hinging portion, and the spring is arranged between the upper handle and the lower handle to make the upper housing body cover the lower housing body elastically in an openable/closeable manner.
US09556568B2
A hopper spreader for installation on a vehicle has a flow regulator configured to regulate flow of particulate material from the container. The spreader has a conveyor mechanism for conveying particulate material to a spinner that distributes the particulate material to the surface over which the vehicle moves. The spreader also includes a flow regulation mechanism located between the particulate material in the hopper and the conveyor mechanism which is configured to regulate flow of material from the hopper to the conveyor mechanism.
US09556562B2
Compositions that can be used in a paper material, which may include an anionic polymer, a polyamidoamine epihalohydrin resin, and a stabilizer, are disclosed. Methods for adding the compositions to a paper material are also disclosed.
US09556558B2
An improved semichemical pulping process is disclosed to reduce washing costs and recovery process costs, while producing equivalent pulp and paper products. In some variations, the invention provides a process for producing a paper product from biomass, comprising: digesting lignocellulosic biomass in the presence of steam and/or hot water to generate an intermediate pulp material and a liquid phase containing extracted hemicelluloses; mechanically refining the intermediate pulp material, to generate a refined pulp material; and introducing the refined pulp material, the liquid phase, and optionally a separate solid material to a paper machine, to produce a paper product. The process optionally employs no washing step. When the liquid phase is washed from the intermediate pulp material or the refined pulp material using an aqueous wash solution, the wash filtrate may be introduced directly or indirectly to the paper machine.
US09556554B2
The disclosure relates to a superhydrophobic surface. Methods of fabrication are disclosed including laminating an optically transparent polymer sheet with hydrophobic nanoparticles such that the nanoparticles are partially embedded and partially exposed. The resulting assembly remains optically transparent. Additional methods include the lamination of nanoparticles to flexible fabrics and the production of molded articles using nanoparticle-treated molds.
US09556546B2
A sewing machine includes a sewing machine motor configured to generate drive power to drive a needle bar up-and-down motion mechanism and a cutting unit. The cutting unit includes a cutting needle having a distal end with a blade, and a cutting needle up-and-down motion mechanism having a first motor separate from a sewing machine motor and configured to generate drive power to move the cutting needle independently of the needle bar up-and-down motion mechanism. A cut is formed by the blade as a result of up-and-down motion of the cutting needle while the cutting needle is held in a manner such that an extending direction of the cutting needle corresponds with an extending direction of the needle bar. The cutting unit further includes a cutting needle rotating mechanism configured to rotate the cutting needle about a central axis line of the cutting needle directed to the extending direction.
US09556545B2
A hydrophobic polymer fiber mat that folds in response to the application of water along a predetermined fold line, thereby allowing for the formation of three-dimensional objects strictly through the targeted application of water. The fiber mat is preferably formed by electrospinning a polymer, such as poly(vinyl acetate), to form mats with average fiber diameters ranging from 0.5 to 1 μm.
US09556535B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a template for epitaxial growth, the method including: a surface treatment step of dispersing Ga atoms on a surface of a sapphire substrate; and an AlN growth step of epitaxially growing an AlN layer on the sapphire substrate, wherein in a Ga concentration distribution in a depth direction perpendicular to the surface of the sapphire substrate in an internal region of the AlN layer excluding a near-surface region up to a depth of 100 nm from the surface of the AlN layer, which is obtained by secondary ion mass spectrometry, a position in the depth direction where the Ga concentration takes the maximum value is present in a near-interface region located between the interface of the sapphire substrate and a position at 400 nm spaced apart from the interface to the AlN layer side, and the maximum value of the Ga concentration is 3×1017 atoms/cm3 or more and 2×1020 atoms/cm3 or less.
US09556532B2
A method is provided for manufacturing a mold that has a porous alumina layer over its surface, which is capable of preventing formation of pits (recesses). A moth-eye mold manufacturing method of an embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a mold which has a porous alumina layer over its surface, including the steps of: providing a mold base which includes an aluminum base and an aluminum film deposited on a surface of the aluminum base, the aluminum film having a purity of not less than 99.99 mass %; anodizing a surface of the aluminum film to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of minute recessed portions; and bringing the porous alumina layer into contact with an etching solution to enlarge the plurality of minute recessed portions of the porous alumina layer.
US09556528B2
Hybrid thermochemical water splitting systems are disclosed that thermally reduces metal oxides particles to displace some but not all of the electrical requirements in a water splitting electrolytic cell. In these hybrid systems, the thermal reduction temperature is significantly reduced compared to two-step metal-oxide thermochemical cycles in which only thermal energy is required to produce hydrogen from water. Also, unlike conventional higher temperature systems where the reduction step must be carried out under reduced oxygen pressure, the reduction step in the proposed hybrid systems can be carried out in air, allowing for thermal input by a solar power tower with a windowless, cavity receiver.
US09556521B1
Methods, devices and systems for patterning of substrates using charged particle beams without photomasks and without a resist layer. Material can be deposited onto a substrate, as directed by a design layout database, localized to positions targeted by multiple, matched charged particle beam columns. Reducing the number of process steps, and eliminating lithography steps, in localized material addition has the dual benefit of reducing manufacturing cycle time and increasing yield by lowering the probability of defect introduction. Furthermore, highly localized, precision material deposition allows for controlled variation of deposition rate and enables creation of 3D structures. Local gas injectors and detectors, and local photon injectors and detectors, are local to corresponding ones of the columns, and can be used to facilitate rapid, accurate, targeted, highly configurable substrate processing, advantageously using large arrays of said beam columns.
US09556520B2
A method of depositing a layer includes spraying a source gas and a reactant gas onto a substrate disposed on a susceptor unit using at least one source gas spray nozzle and at least one reactant gas nozzle to form a first source gas region and a first reactant gas region on the substrate, respectively, moving the susceptor unit by a distance corresponding to a width of the source gas spray nozzle or a width of the reactant gas spray nozzle in a first direction, and spraying the source gas and the reactant gas onto the first reactant gas region and the first source gas region using the source gas spray nozzle and the reactant gas nozzle, respectively, to form a first monolayer.
US09556518B2
A raw material gas supply apparatus includes a liquid raw material gas supply source, a source tank storing liquid raw material, a gas distribution passage through which raw material gas comprising steam of the liquid raw material is supplied to a process chamber from the source tank, an automatic pressure regulator installed on an upstream side of the gas passage, wherein the automatic pressure regulator keeps supply pressure of the raw material gas at a set value, a supply gas switching valve installed on a downstream side of the gas passage, wherein this valve opens and closes the gas passage, an orifice provided on at least one of an inlet side or outlet side of the valve, wherein the orifice regulates flow rate of the raw material gas, and a constant temperature heating device heats the source tank, the gas passage, the valve and the orifice to a set temperature.
US09556517B2
A device for gas movement in vacuum-coating systems is disclosed that extracts gaseous coating material in the coating chamber that has not been deposited on the substrates to be coated. At least one pump for extracting the coating material is connected to it in an axial extension of the suction device; the suction device has one or more suction openings and is divided up into at least two axial areas whose suction characteristics can be adjusted separately from one another to a great extent.
US09556516B2
A method for forming a Ti-containing film on a substrate by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) using tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium (TDMAT) or tetrakis(diethylamino)titanium (TDEAT), includes: introducing TDMAT and/or TDEAT in a pulse to a reaction space where a substrate is placed; continuously introducing a NH3-free reactant gas to the reaction space; applying RF power in a pulse to the reaction space wherein the pulse of TDMAT and/or TDEAT and the pulse of RF power do not overlap; and repeating the above steps to deposit a Ti-containing film on the substrate.
US09556512B2
A system for substrate deposition is disclosed. The system includes a wafer pallet and an anode. The wafer pallet has a bottom and a top. The top of the wafer pallet is configured to hold a substrate wafer. The anode has a substantially fixed position relative to the wafer pallet and is configured to move with the wafer pallet through the deposition chamber. The anode is electrically isolated from the substrate wafer.
US09556508B2
A method for the photocatalytically active coating of surfaces is presented and described, as well as an article (1) photocatalytically actively coated according to this method. The object of providing a method for the photocatalytically active coating of, in particular, metallic surfaces, whereby a permanently stable coating is produced without negatively affecting the photocatalytic activity of the layer, is achieved by a method, in which a substrate article is prepared which has a surface, a metallic adhesion-promoting layer is applied to the surface of the substrate article, a photocatalytically active layer consisting of one or more metal oxides is applied to the adhesion-promoting layer, wherein the metallic adhesion-promoting layer and the surface of the substrate article consist of a different material and the adhesion-promoting layer is selected such that it is not oxidized or reduced by the photocatalytically active layer.
US09556505B2
A coating comprising a first surface and a second surface is provided. The coating includes a plurality of growth domains. An orientation of at least one growth domain of the plurality of growth domains is non-vertical with respect to the first surface of the coating. One or more growth domains of the plurality of growth domains comprise a plurality of at least partially melted and solidified particles.
US09556501B2
A magnesium-based composite member is provided with a through hole through which a fastening member for attachment to a fixing target is to be inserted. A substrate is provided with a substrate hole through which the fastening member is to be inserted, and made of a composite material which is a composite of SiC and a matrix metal which is any of magnesium and a magnesium alloy. A receiving portion is attached to the substrate and made of a metal material different from the matrix metal. The receiving portion is provided with a receiving portion hole through which the fastening member is to be inserted, and at least a part of an inner circumferential surface of the through hole is formed from an inner circumferential surface of the receiving portion hole.
US09556493B2
The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-115 RZ, which may exhibit a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel) races Bl:1 to Bl:30 and Ca-I to Ca-VIII, currant lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, and corky root rot (Sphingomonas suberifaciens), as well as very thick, weakly blistering, mature non-flabellate leaves having a shallowly dentate leaf margin, and broad base leaves. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-115 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-115 RZ.
US09556487B2
Described are methods for early diagnosis and progression monitoring of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by quantifying neurite and/or synapse miRNAs in bodily fluids.
US09556483B2
The present invention relates to a kit for conducting a method of measuring binding interactions using multiple sets of microparticles, wherein said set has the same identifiable characteristic and wherein one of more sets comprise subsets of microparticles and said subset presents at least one unique probe that acts as a binding partner for a target molecule in a biological sample. In particular, the invention provides for a kit for conducting a method of DNA-based tissue-typing antigens in donor tissue or recipient tissue using these multiple sets of microparticles.
US09556471B2
An aqueous enzyme based sensor comprising one or more enzymes and at least one indicator compound capable of indicating a reaction of at least one of the enzymes with at least one target analyte, wherein the enzyme and the indicator are capable of being delivered, preferably by being sprayed, to a surface having the target analyte without sampling the surface. An aqueous enzyme based sensor is provided that is capable of detecting an enzyme specific substrate as the analyte. This aqueous enzyme based sensor further comprises of one or more enzyme specific substrates in which the sensor detects enzyme inhibition. The aqueous enzyme based sensor optionally comprises one or more of a light scattering additive(s), an adhesive polymer(s), a protein stabilizer(s), a protein stabilizing sugar(s), a surfactant(s), and a solvent(s), and combinations thereof. A dispensing system and a method of detecting a target chemical on a surface without sampling the surface is provided.
US09556467B2
The invention provides methods for production of gangliosides, e.g., GM1, from cells in culture using, for example, bone marrow cells and neuroblastoma cells. Methods include the treatment of cells with neural induction media and chloroquine, or chloroquine alone in the case of, e.g., human bone marrow cells, neuraminidase or glucosamine, to induce the production of gangliosides, e.g., GM1, in the cells. Also provided are methods of long-term, high density culturing of cells without passaging to produce gangliosides, e.g., GM1. Methods of quantifying gangliosides, e.g., GM1 in cell culture are also provided.
US09556459B2
The present invention relates to a recombinant yeast comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous enzyme that catalyses the conversion of malic acid to fumaric acid. The invention further relates to a process for the production of a dicarboxylic acid wherein the yeast according to the present invention is used.
US09556457B2
A process for producing a cross-linked crystallized protein complex, which comprises: a first step of concentrating a crude protein derived from an animal or plant; a second step of encapsulating the protein in a gel, to thereby allow the protein to undergo air oxidation, and then extracting a protein complex from the gel; a third step of allowing the extracted protein complex to undergo crystallization and precipitation; and a fourth step of cross-linking the precipitated protein complex. Alternatively, by use of a fifth step of drying (FD) the obtained crosslinked crystallized protein complex, to thereby form a powder. As a result, there is provided an enzyme which is stable at room temperature storage, and has an activity in catalyzing an asymmetric oxidation reaction. That is, there is provided a useful material which enables an efficient enzyme-mimetic reaction under a mild condition.
US09556454B2
The present invention relates to a method of generating an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell comprising the step of introducing into a target cell one or two coding sequences each giving rise upon transcription to a factor that contributes to the reprogramming of said target cell into an induced pluripotent stem cell and selected from Oct3/4 or a factor belonging to the Myc, Klf and Sox families of factors, wherein the target cell endogenously expresses at least the factors that are not encoded by the coding sequences to be introduced and selected from Oct3/4 or factors belonging to the Myc, Klf and Sox families of factors, and wherein the cell resulting from the introduction of the one or two coding sequences expresses the combination of factor Oct3/4 and at least one factor of each family of factors selected from the group of Myc, Klf and Sox. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an induced pluripotent stem cell generated by the method of the invention and a method of identifying a compound that contributes to the reprogramming of a target cell into an induced pluripotent stem cell. Also, a method of generating a transgenic non-human animal and a composition comprising an iPS cell generated by the method of the present invention for gene therapy, regenerative medicine, cell therapy or drug screening are envisaged.
US09556453B2
The subject invention relates in part to stacking Cry1Be toxins along with Cry1Fa toxins to prevent insects from developing resistance towards either toxin by itself. As discussed in more detail herein, the subject pair of proteins is a particularly advantageous combination, as no other pair of proteins is known to provide high levels of control and non-cross-resistant activity against both Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) and Ostrinia nubilalis (ECB) insects. This dual, non-cross-resistant activity is also advantageous because it can reduce the number of proteins/genes needed to target these insects with multiple, non-cross-resistant proteins. This can reduce or eliminate the need for refuge acreage. Accordingly, the subject invention also relates generally to using four genes to provide three proteins for non-cross-resistant control of a first insect, and three proteins for non-cross-resistant control of a second insect. In preferred embodiments, the targeted insects are FAW and ECB.
US09556441B2
Site-specific Listeria integration vectors and methods for their use are provided. The subject vectors include a bacteriophage integrase gene and a bacteriophage attachment site, where in many embodiments the bacteriophage that is the source 0 of these elements is a listeriophage. In certain embodiments, the subject vectors further include a multiple cloning site, where the multiple cloning site may further include a polypeptide coding sequence, e.g., for a heterologous antigen. The subject vectors and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including the study of Listeria species and the preparation of Listeria vaccines.
US09556436B2
A method of treating Influenza A is disclosed. The method includes the step of administering a pharmaceutical composition including an oligonucleotide complementary to a corresponding segment of the nucleotide sequence of microRNA-1290 (miR-1290) (SEQ ID NO: 1) to a subject suffering from Influenza A, wherein at least one of the nucleotides in the oligonucleotide is Thymidine phosphate.
US09556429B2
Methods are provided for producing a molecular array comprising a plurality of molecules immobilized to a solid substrate at a density which allows individual immobilized molecules to be individually resolved, wherein each individual molecule in the array is spatially addressable and the identity of each molecule is known or determined prior to immobilization. The use of spatially addressable low density molecular arrays in single molecule detection and analysis techniques is also provided. Novel assays and methods are also provided.
US09556425B2
Provided are compositions comprising newly identified protein fragments of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, polynucleotides that encode them and complements thereof, related agents, and methods of use thereof in diagnostic, drug discovery, research, and therapeutic applications.
US09556417B2
The present invention generally provides methods and compositions for transdifferentiation of an animal cell from a first non-pluripotent cell fate to a second non-pluripotent cell fate. Also provided are methods and compositions for the transdifferentiation of an animal cell from a non-pluripotent mesodermal, endodermal, or ectodermal cell fate to a different non-pluripotent mesodermal, endodermal, or ectodermal cell fate.
US09556409B2
Fixed bed bioreactor with natural convection and forced draught to obtain bioactive substances by solid-state fermentation (SEF) using fungi macromycetes. This bioreactor may be from turn drum with pendulum motion and natural and forced convection to a tray bioreactor with natural convection. They are used in the production of bioactive substances as crude extracts of lignocellulosic enzymes and fungal polysaccharides obtained by using mixtures of lignocellulosic materials as substrates and macromycetes fungi as inoculum, controlling pH, humidity and particle size, inoculation rate and environmental conditions during fermentation such as temperature, relative humidity and carbon dioxide and oxygen concentration.
US09556406B2
Composition comprising a benefit agent and an aprotic solvent, wherein the benefit agent comprises at least one nucleophilically and/or hydrolytically unstable bond.
US09556405B2
An aqueous polymer structured detergent liquid composition comprising: (i) a surfactant system comprising surfactant and alkaline material present as surfactant salts and/or as free base, (ii) optionally, 0.01 wt % or more suspended particles, (iii) optionally, 3 wt % or more polymer that reduces the composition viscosity at 20 s−1, and (iv) at least 0.05 wt % of a suspending system comprising copolymer formed by the addition polymerization of: (A) 0.1 to 5 wt % of a first monomer consisting of an ethylenically unsaturated diacid of formula (I): HOOC—CR1═CR2—COOH or an unsaturated cyclic anhydride precursor of such an ethylenically unsaturated diacid, the anhydride having formula (II) where R1 and R2 are individually selected from H, C1-C3 alkyl, phenyl, chlorine and bromine; (B) 15 to 60 wt % of a second ethylenically unsaturated monoacidic monomer consisting of (meth)acrylic acid; (C) 30 to 70 wt % of a third ethylenically unsaturated monomer consisting of C1-C8 alkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid; (D) 1 to 25 wt %, of a fourth ethylenically unsaturated monomer, consisting of surfmer of formula (III) wherein each R3 and R4 are each independently selected from H, methyl, —C(═O)OH, or —C(═O)OR5; R5 is a C1-C30 alkyl; T is —CH2C(═O)O—, —C(═O)O—, —O—, —CH2O—, —NHC(═O)NH—, —C(═O)NH—, —Ar—(CE2)2-NHC(═O)O—, —Ar—(CE2)2-NHC(═O)NH—, or —CH2CH2NHC(═O)—; Ar is divalent aryl; E is H or methyl; z is 0 or 1; k is an integer in the range of 0 to 30; and m is 0 or 1; with the proviso that when k is 0, m is 0, and when k is in the range of 1 to 30; m is 1; (R6O)n is polyoxyalkylene, which is a homopolymer, a random copolymer, or a block copolymer of C2-C4-oxyalkylene units, wherein R6 is C2H4, C3H6, C4H8, or a mixture thereof, and n is an integer in the range of 5 to 250; Y is —R6O—, —R6—, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)NH—, ═R6NHC(═O)NH—, or —C(═O)NHC(═O)—; and R7 is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl selected from the group consisting of C8-C40 linear alkyl, C8-C40 branched alkyl, C8-C40 carbocyclic alkyl, C2-C40 alkyl-substituted, phenyl, aryl-substituted C2-C40 alkyl, and C8-C80 complex ester; wherein the R7 alkyl group optionally comprises one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkoxy, and halogen; and (E) 0.005 to 5 wt %, of a cross linking agent, for introducing branching and controlling molecular weight, the cross linking monomer comprising polyfunctional units carrying multiple reactive functionalization groups selected from the group consisting of vinyl, allyl and functional mixtures thereof.
US09556401B2
Alcoholysis of oils and fats containing EPA and DHA is performed by a lipase having substrate specificity for fatty acids having 18 carbons or less and in the presence of a reaction additive such as magnesium oxide; then the glyceride fraction is separated; alcoholysis of the glyceride fraction is performed by a lipase having substrate specificity for fatty acids having 20 carbons or less and in the presence of a reaction additive such as magnesium oxide; and EPA-enriched oil and DHA-enriched oil are simultaneously obtained.
US09556400B2
The invention relates to a compound of general formula (I) shown hereafter: as well as a composition comprising at least said compound of general formula (I), and its uses in perfumery.
US09556399B2
A multi-stage homogenization method for degumming triglyceride oil is used to increase oil yield and reduce impurities. Two high-pressure homogenizers are used in series. The homogenizers have multiple flow constrictions to finely disperse reagents in the oil while simultaneously suppressing cavitation in the fluid. A separation step can be used to remove the phosphatides and other impurities from the treated oil to form a purified oil product.
US09556398B2
A method for producing a high viscosity, low volatiles blown stripped plant-based oil is provided. The method may include the steps of: (i) obtaining a plant-based oil; (ii) heating the oil to at least 90C; (iii) passing air through the heated oil to produce a blown oil having a viscosity of at least 200 cSt at 40C; (iv) stripping the blown oil from step (iii) to reduce an acid value of the blown oil to from 5 mg KOH/g to about 9 mg KOH/g; (v) adding a polyol to the stripped oil from (iv), and (vi) stripping the oil from step (v) to reduce the acid value of the oil to less than 5.0 mg KOH/g or less.
US09556388B2
Aromatic extraction and hydrocracking processes are integrated to optimize the hydrocracking units design and/or performance. By processing aromatics-rich and aromatic-lean fractions separately, the hydrocracking operating severity and or catalyst reactor volume requirement decreases.
US09556386B2
A column for consecutive extractive distillations, in particular of crude hydrocarbon mixes comprising aromatic, naphthene and paraffin hydrocarbons. The invention also relates to methods for separating and recovering the components of a crude hydrocarbon mix comprising aromatic, naphthene and paraffin hydrocarbons by consecutive extractive distillations provided by means of the column for consecutive extractive distillations, to which the invention also relates.
US09556381B2
A fiber mulch having a first material and a second material. The first material comprises a cellulose based material, for example, shredded recycled paper fibers, including, but not limited to, newsprint. The second material comprises a shredded wheat straw. It is contemplated that, by weight, the wheat straw comprises between 5% and 20% by weight of the fiber mulch, while other formulations are contemplated. Tackifiers and surfactants may be incorporated. The fiber mulch may be bailed or pelleted.
US09556377B2
Chelating agents are often used in conjunction with stimulation operations in a subterranean formation to address the presence of certain metal ions therein. Hydrophobically modified chelating agents can be used to form metal-ligand complexes in a subterranean formation that can sometimes exhibit significantly different behavior than do their more water-soluble variants. Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise: providing a treatment fluid comprising a hydrophobically modified aminopolycarboxylic acid chelating agent, the chelating agent comprising an N-substitution having no carboxylic acid groups and about 6 carbon atoms or more; introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation; and complexing metal ions in the subterranean formation with the chelating agent to form a metal-ligand complex.
US09556367B2
Pressure sensitive adhesive compositions containing 92 to 99.9 parts of a block copolymer adhesive composition and 0.1 to less than 8 parts of an acrylic adhesive composition are described. Tapes including such adhesives, and methods of making such tapes are also described.
US09556362B2
Provided herein is a resin-metal complex and a manufacturing method thereof, the resin-metal complex being a synthetic resin comprising an olefin resin, filler, and coupling agent combined with a metallic material, the filler being at least one of an organic filler and inorganic filler, the inorganic filler being wood flour, wood pellet, wood fiber, or paper powder, and the inorganic filler being talc, calcium carbonate, wollastonite, or kaolinite.
US09556358B2
A method for coating of a metallic article is provided. According to the method, the metal surface is coated with a composition which comprises a polymer or comprises a two-component system that reacts to form a polymer following application to the metal surface. The composition comprises 70-2700 meq/kg olefinic double bonds which leads to stronger adhesion and to increased corrosion resistance.
US09556345B2
The disclosure relates to the use of compounds of specific structure as defoaming wetting agents for aqueous coating systems, for example paints and varnishes. The disclosure is more particularly related to methods of reducing the surface tension and/or increasing the density of an aqueous coating system, which methods include adding alcohol propoxylates to an aqueous coating system. The alcohol propoxylates have the general structure R—O—(PO)xH, in which R is a saturated alkyl radical having 7 to 10 C atoms, PO is a propylene oxide unit, and x is a number in the range from 4 to 6. The resulting aqueous coating composition has good wetting properties, but is low in foam, so it does not disrupt processing operations of the coating system.
US09556337B2
This application relates to thiophene azo dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such thiophene azo dyes, processes for making such thiophene azo dyes, and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The thiophene azo dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. These thiophene azo dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. The thiophene azo dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions.
US09556336B2
Methods and systems are provided for a dry silicone gel. The dry silicone gel comprises a base polymer having a vinyl-silicone group, a crosslinker, and a chain extender. The dry silicone gel may be made by reacting (a) a first set of components comprising a base polymer having a vinyl-silicone group and an addition cure catalyst with (b) a second set of components comprising a crosslinker, a chain extender, and additional base polymer. In certain circumstances, the base polymer and additional base polymer are vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane.
US09556334B2
Provided herein is a flame-retardant thermoplastic resin composition and a molded product thereof, the composition including polycarbonate resin, rubber modified aromatic vinyl copolymer, aromatic phosphate ester compound, glass fiber, and carbon fiber, wherein the composition includes a weight ratio of the glass fiber to the carbon fiber of about 1:0.3 to about 1:2.
US09556326B2
A compound of the formula (I) wherein m and n are independently of one another a number from 1 to 50; the ratio of m/n is 1:10 to 10:1, the recurring units X can have the same definition or different definitions, the recurring units Y can have the same definition or different definitions and the recurring units X and Y can have a random, alternating or block distribution; the recurring unit X is a group of the formula (I-a) and the recurring unit Y is a group of the formula (I-b) the radicals R1 independently of one another are C1-C12alkyl or C3-C12cycloalkyl; the radicals R2 and R4 are independently of one another C12-C30alkyl; the radicals R3 are independently of one another hydrogen, C1-C12alkyl or C3-C12cycloalkyl.
US09556324B2
The invention provides a composition comprising at least the following: A) interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, ethylene, an α-olefin and a nonconjugated polyene; B) sulfur; C) at least one phase transfer catalyst (PTC) selected from the group consisting of the following: as described herein; as described herein; as described herein; and D) at least one primary accelerator selected from the group consisting of the following: as described herein; as described herein; as described herein; as described herein; and combinations thereof.
US09556323B2
An ink for display device manufacturing, including a solid, a first solvent having a solubility for the solid of 2% or more and a second solvent having a solubility for the solid of 0.5% or less.
US09556314B2
Substituted poly(phosphazene) compounds comprising a combination of units having one or more of the structures (i) to (iii) wherein: the combination comprises R1 and R2; each R1, is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing an isocyanate-reactive moiety, an epoxide-reactive moiety, an amine-reactive moiety, a supramolecular noncovalent bonding moiety, or combinations thereof; and each R2 is independently an optionally substituted alkyl- or alkyl ether-based side chain containing nitro, nitramine, nitrate ester, azide, an ammonium compound moiety with energetic counter-ion, or combinations thereof. Methods of making the compounds are also described.
US09556308B1
1,2-Diothiolane monomers are disclosed, as are polymers and hydrogels comprising the polymers. Processes for preparing the monomers, polymers and compositions are also disclosed. The monomers have the formula: The polymers may include the following repeating units:
US09556307B2
The present invention aims to provide a method for producing polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) with an excellent color using biomass-derived 1,4-butanediol (BG). The invention relates to a method for producing PBT comprising a step of subjecting a diol component containing raw material 1,4-BG having a nitrogen content of 0.01 to 50 ppm by mass and a dicarboxylic acid component to esterification or ester-exchange reaction, and a polycondensation reaction step for obtaining PBT from the reactant, wherein the content of gamma butyrolactone in the raw material 1,4-BG is 1 to 100 ppm by mass.
US09556304B2
The invention relates to a method for producing polyurethanes containing cyclic carbonate structures by reacting at least A) a composition containing a) one or more compounds of the general formula (I), said compounds containing isocyanate groups and cyclic carbonate structures, and b) <=1 wt. %, based on the total mass of the composition A), of one or more monomer diisocyanates with aliphatically, cycloaliphatically, araliphatically, and/or aromatically bound isocyanate groups of the general formula (II), wherein R represents hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, aliphatic group with 1 to 7 carbon atoms, X represents a linear or branched organic group which comprises 1 to 36 carbon atoms and which can contain optionally ether, ester, and/or carbonate groups, n represents 0 or 1, and Y represents a linear or branched, aliphatic or cycloaliphatic group with 4 to 18 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted aromatic or aliphatic group with 6 to 18 carbon atoms, with B) an at least difunctional polyol with a number-average molecular weight Mn of 62 to 22000 g/mol, preferably 90 to 12000 g/mol, while maintaining an equivalent ratio of isocyanate groups to hydroxyl groups of 0.3:1 to 1.2:1. Furthermore, the invention relates to products which can be obtained using the method according to the invention. The invention additionally relates to the use of the products which can be obtained using the method according to the invention as a starting component in the production of crosslinkable binders, such as paints and raw materials for sealants or adhesives.
US09556303B2
The invention provides polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and methods for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to closed-celled, polyurethane and polyisocyanurate foams and methods for their preparation. The foams are characterized by a fine uniform cell structure and little or no foam collapse. The foams are produced with a polyol premix composition which comprises a combination of a hydrohaloolefin blowing agent, a polyol, a silicone surfactant, and a non-amine catalyst used alone or in combination with an amine catalyst.
US09556293B2
The present invention is directed to polyisocyanates and polyurethanes derived therefrom. In various embodiments, the present invention provides polyisocyanates, methods of making the polyisocyanates from fused bicyclic alcohols, polyurethanes, and methods of making the polyurethanes from the polyisocyanates.
US09556292B2
The present invention aims to reduce excess scattering in light emitting arrangements. A composition comprising a transparent matrix comprising an anionic organic moiety, and metal cations dispersed in the matrix is disclosed. The anionic organic moiety and the metal cations form an organometallic complex, and wherein the metal cations are capable of forming transparent nano-crystals upon contact with an agent comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of sulfur and selenium. Also an optical composition comprising a transparent matrix comprising an organic moiety residue, and unmodified nanocrystals is disclosed. Further, a method of preparing an optical composition comprising the steps of: providing a transparent matrix comprising an anionic organic moiety; dispersing metal cations into the matrix; and contacting the organometallic complex with an agent in order to in situ convert at least part of the metal cations into transparent nanocrystals.Preferably the matrix is a silicone or a polysiloxane and silicone rubber mixture.
US09556291B2
The present disclosure is directed to a process for producing olefin-based polymer in a gas phase polymerization reactor. The process includes forming a wet zone in the gas phase polymerization reactor. The wet zone is formed by maintaining a temperature less than or equal to the fluidizing medium dew point temperature+2° C. in a region of the reactor. The region is defined as the region extending from the distributor plate to 2.5 meters above the distributor plate. Injection of a high activity catalyst composition in the wet zone produces olefin-based having a settled bulk density greater than 23.5 lb/ft3.
US09556290B2
To provide a method for producing a compound that enhances dispersibility of a pigment of respective colors in a water-insoluble solvent, as well as a pigment dispersant, and a pigment composition, a pigment dispersion and a toner having a good tinting power. A method for producing a compound, including the following:(i): subjecting a polymerizable monomer forming a monomer unit represented by formula (1) to radical polymerization in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator and an iodine molecule to provide a polymer; and(ii): binding a colorant to a terminal of a main chain of the polymer: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group, and R2 represents a phenyl group, a carboxyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group or a carboxamide group.
US09556282B2
A modified cellulose is provided. The modified cellulose is represented by the chemical formula (1): wherein n is between 60 and 2500, at least one R is selected from one of the group consisting of R1 is C11 to C32 alkyl group or C11 to C32 alkenyl group, R2 is hydrogen, C3 to C29 alkyl group or C3 to C29 alkenyl group, R3 is C3 to C29 alkyl group or C3 to C29 alkenyl group, R4 is C4 to C8 cycloalkyl group or C4 to C8 cycloalkenyl group, n2 is between 15 and 33, n4 is between 20 and 40.
US09556276B2
The invention provides an anti-human IL-23R antibody having excellent activity and/or cross-reactivity compared to conventional IL-23R antibodies and methods of using the same for treating or preventing various diseases in which human IL-23R is involved in the pathogenesis of the diseases.
US09556269B2
Described herein is a novel receptor-ligand interaction and agents that may modify and/or block the interaction. Methods, uses, reagents and kits for the modulation of ligand activities related to its interaction with the novel receptor are disclosed. Also disclosed are therapeutic uses of reagents in treating inflammation-related disorders.
US09556268B2
The present invention relates to agents which modulate the effect of a RAMP (Receptor Activity Modifying Protein) protein on a Calcitonin Receptor Like Receptor (CRLR). Also included in the present invention are methods and uses of such agents and assays for identifying such agents. The agents of the present disclosure may be used in the treatment of, for example, cancer, obesity and other disorders.
US09556264B2
The inventors successfully produced anti-Epiregulin antibodies showing cross-species reactivity between cynomolgus monkey (non-human animals) and human, anti-Epiregulin antibodies with suppressed chemical degradation, anti-Epiregulin antibodies with lowered isoelectric point, anti-Epiregulin antibodies with increased thermal denaturation midpoint temperature, and anti-Epiregulin antibodies with reduced amount of aggregate by performing appropriate amino acid residue substitutions in the variable-region sequences of the humanized EP27 antibody which inhibits growth of cancer cells by exhibiting cytotoxic activity and neutralizing activity against human Epiregulin-expressing cancer cells.
US09556257B2
The invention relates to a binding member that binds the Extra Domain-A (ED-A) isoform of fibronectin for the detection and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
US09556255B2
Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:61-121 and 133-141, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1-60, 124-132, and 142-283, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
US09556252B2
C-terminal endostatin polypeptides are disclosed herein. Polynucleotides encoding these polypeptide, host cells transformed with the polynucleotides, and methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides are disclosed. Uses of these polypeptide, polynucleotides and expression vectors include the treatment of fibrosis in a subject. Thus, methods are provided for treating fibrosis, including fibrosis of the skin and/or the lung.
US09556251B2
The present invention provides new systems and strategies for the regulation of iron metabolism in mammals. In particular, methods of using agonists and antagonists of TGF-β superfamily members to modulate the expression or activity of hepcidin, a key regulator of iron metabolism, are described. The inventive methods find applications in the treatment of diseases associated with iron overload, such as juvenile hemochromatosis and adult hemochromatosis, and in the treatment of diseases associated with iron deficiency, such as anemia of chronic disease and EPO resistant anemia in end-stage of renal disease. The present invention also relates to screening tools and methods for the development of novel drugs and therapies for treating iron metabolism disorders.
US09556245B2
The CA125 gene has been cloned and multiple repeat sequences as well as the carboxy terminus have been identified. The CA125 molecule comprises three major domains: an extracellular amino terminal domain (Domain 1); a large multiple repeat domain (Domain 2); and a carboxy terminal domain (Domain 3) which includes a transmembrane anchor with a short cytoplasmic domain. The amino terminal domain is dominated by its capacity for O-glycosylation and its resultant richness in serine and threonine residues. An amino terminal extension is presented, which comprises four genomic exons. The molecular structure is dominated by a repeat domain comprising 156 amino acid repeat units, which encompass the epitope binding sites. More than 60 repeat units have been identified, sequenced, and contiguously placed in the CA125 domain structure. More specifically, this invention is directed to a CA125 cDNA sequence which can be introduced into animal or human cells to achieve transcription or expression of the cDNA.
US09556243B2
Apparatus and methods for generating a solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist from a tissue comprising cytokine-producing cells. The apparatus can include a filter used with a separation system. The separation system can include a float.
US09556233B2
The present invention relates to a novel cyclohexapeptide, to a method for the preparation of said cyclohexapeptide and to the use of said cyclohexapeptide.
US09556230B2
The invention provides peptides that bind Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI), including TFPI-inhibitory peptides, and compositions thereof. The peptides may be used to inhibit a TFPI, enhance thrombin formation in a clotting factor-deficient subject, increase blood clot formation in a subject, treat a blood coagulation disorder in a subject, purify TFPI, and identify a TFPI-binding compound.
US09556229B2
This invention provides novel methods of stabilizing peptides and peptides so stabilized. In certain embodiments the methods involve providing a peptide containing at least two S bearing residues within the peptide; and reacting the peptide with a di-halogen-aryl-compounds to form a bis(thioether)-aryl-bridge between said two residues.
US09556224B2
The present application discloses a method for treating microbial infection using an antimicrobial composition comprises antimicrobial peptide which contains at least one VGFPV motif.
US09556218B2
The present invention provides intermediates for preparing abiraterone, and processes for preparing abiraterone and intermediates thereof. The intermediates include a compound of formula (IV): wherein R represents a hydroxy-protecting group.
US09556209B2
The present invention refers to a process for the ruthenium-catalyzed trans-selective hydrostannation of alkynes and the so-obtained products. The inventive process makes use of a tin hydride which is reacted with an alkyne in the presence of a cyclopentadienyl-coordinated ruthenium catalyst.
US09556204B2
The present invention provides methods and intermediates for the preparation of (1aR,12bS)-8-cyclohexyl-11-fluoro-N-((1-methylcyclopropyl)sulfonyl)-1a-((3-methyl-3,8-diazabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-8-yl)carbonyl)-1,1a,2,12b-tetrahydrocyclopropa[d]indolo[2,1-a][2]benzazepine-5-carboxamide (formula I), including pharmaceutically acceptable salts. The compound has activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and may be useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US09556200B2
The present invention provides a compound having a superior serotonin 5-HT2C receptor activating action.The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (1) wherein ring A is an aromatic carbocycle optionally having substituent(s) or an aromatic heterocycle optionally having substituent(s), X is —N(R1)—, —O— or the like, when ring A is an aromatic carbocycle optionally having substituent(s), then R1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group optionally having substituent(s), or the like, and when ring A is an aromatic heterocycle optionally having substituent(s), then R1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group optionally having substituent(s), a cycloalkyl group optionally having substituent(s), or the like, is a single bond or a double bond, and n is an integer of 0, 1 or 2, or a salt thereof.
US09556196B2
The present invention relates to a use of haloid acid salt and sulfonate of a compound of formula I and a salt of the compound of formula I in preparation of medicament for preventing or treating diseases caused by thrombosis or embolism. The present invention provides acid addition salts, especially haloid acid and sulfonic acid addition salts of a compound of formula I having high inhibition effect on platelet aggregation, and preparation method of the same, a medicament comprising the same, and a use and/or method for preventing or treating diseases caused by thrombosis or embolism.
US09556190B2
The present invention is directed to piperidinyloxy lactone compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors. The present invention is also directed to uses of the piperidinyloxy lactone compounds described herein in the potential treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these pharmaceutical compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US09556181B2
The present invention relates to substituted pyrazolopyrimidinylamino-indazole compounds of formula I, below, as described and defined herein, to methods of preparing said compounds, to intermediate compounds useful for preparing said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prophylaxis of a disease, in particular of a hyper-proliferative and/or angiogenesis disorder, as a sole agent or in combination with other active ingredients wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, and R2 are defined herein.
US09556178B2
The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The Formula (I) imidazotriazines inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents.
US09556168B2
The present invention relates to compounds according to Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates thereof. Such compounds can be used in the treatment of RORgammaT-mediated diseases or conditions.
US09556155B2
The disclosure provides methods for treating fatty liver disease and associated conditions by inhibiting the synthesis of glucosphingolipids, as exemplified by the use of glucosylceramide synthase substrate analogs.
US09556154B2
The present invention relates to a pyrrole-substituted indolone derivative, a preparation method therefor, a composition comprising the derivative, and use thereof. The pyrrole-substituted indolone derivative has a structure shown in formula (I) below. The present invention further relates to use of the pyrrole-substituted indolone derivative for treating receptor tyrosine kinase-mediated diseases, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds having such a structure for treating related diseases such as tumors.
US09556153B1
The present invention relates to certain benzimidazole compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that inhibit Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds to treat certain types of cancer.
US09556146B2
Provided are compounds that target the lanthionine synthetase C-like protein 2 pathway. The compounds can be used to treat a number of conditions, including infectious disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and a chronic inflammatory disease.
US09556143B2
The instant invention describes compounds having metalloenzyme modulating activity, and methods of treating diseases, disorders or symptoms thereof mediated by such metalloenzymes.
US09556142B2
A method of preparing (R,S)-nicotine, comprising reacting a nicotinate ester with N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone in the presence of a base and a solvent to form a first mixture, combining the first mixture with an acid to form a second mixture comprising an aqueous layer, separating the aqueous layer from second mixture, combining the separated aqueous layer with an acid to form a third mixture, combining the third mixture with a base to form a fourth mixture comprising myosamine, reducing myosamine to nornicotine using a reducing agent, and methylating the nornicotine to yield R,S-nicotine.
US09556129B2
This invention relates to compounds of Formulas I, II, and III, and their use as inhibitors of phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP). The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of disorders related to the inhibition of PC-TP using the compounds of Formulas I, II, and III. Such disorders include obesity and disorders associated with obesity.
US09556127B2
Compounds and methods for treating diseases mediated by a P2X3 and/or a P2X2/3 receptor antagonist, the methods comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or prodrug thereof, wherein D, X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are as defined herein.
US09556126B2
Provided herein are diaminopyrimidyl Compounds having the following structures: wherein X, L, R1, and R2 are as defined herein, compositions comprising an effective amount of a Diaminopyrimidyl Compound, and methods for treating or preventing PKC-theta-mediated disorders, or a condition treatable or preventable by inhibition of a kinase, for example, PKC-theta.
US09556124B2
Methods for removing 1,3,5-trimethylhexahydro-1,3,5-triazine and N-methylenemethanamine from a N-methylimidazole and methods for making oligonucleotides using N-methylimidazole are provided. In one embodiment, a method for removing 1,3,5-trimethylhexahydro-1,3,5-triazine and N-methylenemethanamine from a feedstock containing N-methylimidazole includes contacting the feedstock with small or medium pore molecular sieves. The small or medium pore molecular sieves adsorb 1,3,5-trimethylhexahydro-1,3,5-triazine and N-methylenemethanamine from the feedstock. The method further includes separating the small or medium pore molecular sieves from the feedstock.
US09556115B2
The use of sulfonamides of formula (I) wherein R and R1 are as defined in the description, for the preparation of medicaments for the prevention of diabetes, in particular of type-1 diabetes is herein disclosed.
US09556113B2
The invention novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods useful for preventing or treating cancer in animals and humans. Also, the invention provides novel prodrugs useful for reducing tumor size, and inhibiting the growth of cancers, inhibiting tumor cell growth and tumor cell proliferation, and promoting apoptosis of tumor cells. When used in combination with chemoradiation therapy, the novel compounds, compositions and prodrugs provided herein can improve the effectiveness of chemoradiation therapy. The novel compounds, compositions and prodrugs of the invention inhibit PDK and LDH in unique and effective ways.
US09556107B2
The invention discloses a novel intermediate for preparing tapentadol and analogs thereof, wherein the structural formula is shown as formula I or II, and the groups are defined as the specification. The invention further discloses a method for preparing the novel intermediate and use of the intermediate for preparing tapentadol and analogs thereof. The invention can remarkably improve the product yield and quality of tapentadol, reduce the production cost, and simplify the production procedure. The preparation process is environment friendly, thus more suitable for the requirements of industrial production.
US09556102B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acids, comprising transesterifying triacylglycerols in extracted plant lipid.
US09556094B2
Disclosed are a monomer represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 for a hardmask composition, a hardmask composition including the monomer, and a method of forming patterns using the hardmask composition. In the above Chemical Formula 1,A1 to A3, X1 to X3, L1, L2, n and m are the same as described in the detailed description.
US09556089B2
[PROBLEM] To provide an industrially advantageous method and system that are simple and have superior energy efficiency for obtaining high-purity propane from low-purity propane.[SOLUTION] Water, carbon dioxide, at least one of ethane and propylene, and at least one of isobutane and normal butane present in low-purity propane in a gaseous phase are adsorbed by means of a zeolite molecular sieve that preferentially adsorbs water and carbon dioxide over propane, an activated carbon molecular sieve that preferentially adsorbs ethane and propylene over propane, and activated carbon that preferentially adsorbs isobutane and normal butane over propane. Propane is condensed in a state in which nitrogen and oxygen are maintained in a gaseous state by introducing the low-purity propane in a gaseous phase into a partial condenser. Nitrogen and oxygen in the gaseous phase are extracted from the partial condenser.
US09556088B2
The present invention provides an adsorbent catalytic nanoparticle including a mesoporous silica nanoparticle having at least one adsorbent functional group bound thereto. The adsorbent catalytic nanoparticle also includes at least one catalytic material. In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of using and making the adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles. In some examples, the adsorbent catalytic nanoparticles can be used to selectively remove fatty acids from feedstocks for biodiesel, and to hydrotreat the separated fatty acids.
US09556087B2
In a process for producing methyl-substituted biphenyl compounds, a feed comprising at least one aromatic hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of toluene, xylene and mixtures thereof is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a hydroalkylation catalyst under conditions effective to produce a hydroalkylation reaction product comprising (methylcyclohexyl)toluenes and/or (dimethylcyclohexyl)xylenes together with dialkylated C21+ compounds. At least part of the dialkylated C21+ compounds is then removed from the hydroalkylation reaction product to produce a dehydrogenation feed; and at least part of the dehydrogenation feed is dehydrogenated in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst under conditions effective to produce a dehydrogenation reaction product comprising a mixture of methyl-substituted biphenyl compounds.
US09556086B2
Systems and methods conducive to the formation of one or more alkene hydrocarbons using a methane source and an oxidant in an oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reaction are provided. One or more vessels each containing one or more catalyst beds containing one or more catalysts each having similar or differing chemical composition or physical form may be used. The one or more catalyst beds may be operated under a variety of conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially adiabatic conditions. At least a portion of the catalyst beds may be operated under substantially isothermal conditions.
US09556081B2
The invention relates to a method for the preparation of radiochemical compounds using a device having at least a reaction module, a dosing module, and a storage module, wherein the reaction module has at least one reaction vessel having a closable opening through which substances needed for the preparation of a predetermined radiochemical compound can be introduced into the reaction vessel of the reaction module and through which the prepared radiochemical compound can be removed from the reaction vessel of the reaction module; the dosing module has at least one pipetting head which can be moved relative to the storage module and the reaction module and in x, y, and z directions and also has at least one dosing unit; and at least one reservoir for one of the substances needed for the preparation of the respective radiochemical compound is formed in the storage module. Substances needed for the preparation of the respective radiochemical compound are introduced into the reaction vessel of the reaction module by means of dosing units, wherein the dosing units can be moved via a pipetting head in x, y directions or in x, y, and z directions.
US09556077B2
The invention relates to a method for recovery of urea dust and ammonia from a gas stream by contacting said gas stream with an aqueous sulphuric acid solution, thus forming an acid solution of ammonium sulphate and urea, characterized in that the acid solution is concentrated to a melt comprising less than 5 wt % of water, which melt is subsequently transferred into solid particles comprising urea and ammonium sulphate.
US09556075B2
Product formed from a ceramic material, at least part of the said product not being formed from amorphous silica and including pores and satisfying the following criteria (a), (b) and (c): (a) at least 70% by number of the said pores are frustoconical tubular pores extending substantially parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction; (b) in at least one cross-section plane, the mean size of the cross sections of the said pores is greater than 0.15 μm and less than 300 μm; (c) in at least one cross-section plane, at least 50% by number of the pores have a convexity index Ic of greater than 87%, the convexity index of a pore being equal to the ratio Sp/Sc of the surfaces Sp and Sc delimited by the perimeter and by the convex envelope of the said pore, respectively.
US09556068B2
A coating composition that contains at least one degradable coating layer and at least one layer of barrier coating is disclosed. The coating composition can be used to make a coated substrate having improved performance over conventional coated substrates after exposure to heat and certain chemicals like halides such as chlorides, sulfur, salt, chlorine, alkali, and enamels.
US09556061B2
Disclosed is an Ag2O—V2O5—TeO2 lead-free low-melting glass composition that is prevented or restrained from crystallization so as to soften and flow more satisfactorily at a low temperature. This lead-free low-melting glass composition contains a principal component; and an additional component. The principal component includes a vanadium oxide, a tellurium oxide and a silver oxide. The additional component includes at least one selected from the group consisting of yttrium oxide and lanthanoid oxides. A content of the additional component is 0.1 to 3.0 mole percent in terms of oxide. The additional component preferably contains at least one selected from Y2O3, La2O3, CeO2, Er2O3, and Yb2O3 in a content of 0.1 to 2.0 mole percent in terms of oxide. The additional component particularly effectively contains at least one of Y2O3 and La2O3 in a total content of 0.1 to 1.0 mole percent.
US09556057B2
The present invention concerns a bushing assembly comprising terminal ears (1) coupled to opposed end walls (2) of the bushing assembly, for heating the bushing tip plate and walls, each of said terminal ears comprising: (a) an electrically conductive plate, said conductive plate comprising at least a first portion (1A) extending along a longitudinal 1D axis (X1) from a first terminal edge (1D) substantially normal to said longitudinal axis (X1) 1B and coupled to a bushing end wall (2), and further comprising a second, free terminal edge (1C) connectable to a source of power, and (b) at least one elongated reinforcing member (1B) coupled to said at least first portion (1A) of said plate to increase the bending moment of the latter, characterized in that, said at least one elongated reinforcing member (1B) extends from, or adjacent to the plate first terminal edge (1D) along a direction non parallel to said longitudinal axis (X1).
US09556050B2
A process for cullet beneficiation by precipitation. A mass of cullet is melted to form a body of molten glass having a heavy metal con ration of greater than 100 ppm. A precipitate agent is introduced into the body of molten glass to form a heavy metal-containing precipitate phase and a liquid beneficiated glass phase within the body of molten glass. The precipitate phase may have a density greater than that of the liquid beneficiated glass phase. Thereafter, the liquid beneficiated glass phase is physically separated from the precipitate phase. The separated liquid beneficiated glass phase has a reduced concentration of heavy metals, as compared to the concentration of heavy metals in the body of molten glass.
US09556035B2
A particle formed of silica and carbon having a low impurity content and an excellent reactivity is provided. Also provided is a method of producing a silica and carbon-containing material including: (B) a carbon mixing step of mixing an aqueous alkali silicate solution having a silicon concentration within the liquid portion of at least 10 wt % with carbon so as to obtain a carbon-containing aqueous alkali silicate solution; and (C) a silica recovery step of mixing the carbon-containing aqueous alkali silicate solution with a mineral acid so as to cause carbon and silicon within the liquid portion to precipitate as particles formed of silica and carbon and thus obtaining a particle-containing liquid substance, then solid-liquid separating the liquid substance so as to obtain a solid portion of a silica and carbon-containing material which is an assembly of particles formed of silica and carbon and a liquid portion containing impurities.
US09556030B2
A sulfur recovery unit for processing an acid gas feed to recover elemental sulfur, the sulfur recovery unit comprising a reaction furnace configured to burn the acid gas feed, an oxygen source, and a fuel gas to create a furnace outlet stream, the acid gas feed comprises hydrogen sulfide which is converted to elemental sulfur, a waste heat boiler configured to capture heat from the furnace outlet stream to create a cooled stream, a condenser configured to condense the cooled stream to produce a waste gas stream and a condensed stream comprising elemental sulfur, a thermal oxidizer configured to burn the waste gas stream to create a sulfur dioxide rich stream, and a sulfur dioxide scrubbing unit configured to remove the amount of sulfur dioxide from the sulfur dioxide rich stream to create an effluent stream and a recycle stream recycled to the reaction furnace.
US09556024B2
The invention relates to an integrated method for gasification and indirect combustion of a solid hydrocarbon feedstock in a chemical loop, comprising:contacting solid hydrocarbon feedstock (1) with water (2) in a gasification reaction zone RG in order to discharge ashes (9) and to produce a gaseous effluent (3) comprising syngas and water,supplying reduction reaction zone RR of a redox chemical loop with at least part of gaseous effluent (3) produced in the gasification reaction zone in order to produce a CO2 and H2O-concentrated gaseous effluent (4),reoxidizing the oxygen-carrying solid particles from reduction reaction zone RR of the chemical loop in oxidation reaction zone RO by means of an oxidizing gas (6) and discharging fumes (7).The invention also relates to a plant allowing said integrated method to be implemented.
US09556022B2
For producing a structured coating, or for carefully lifting off a coating over a sensitive region, it is proposed that a release film be applied and structured under the coating in the region which is not to be coated. In a release step, the release film is reduced in the adhesion in the region which is not to be coated and is subsequently lifted off together with the coating applied over it.
US09556015B1
The present disclosure provides a substrate structure for a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device. The substrate structure includes a cap and a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) substrate. The cap has a cavity, and the MEMS substrate is disposed on the cap. The MEMS substrate has a plurality of through holes exposing the cavity, and an aspect ratio of the through hole is greater than 30.
US09556009B2
A labor-saving device for detection of no-load hand hoist motion, including a base, a stand pole, and a controller, a first cantilever beam, a second cantilever beam, a third cantilever beam, and a fourth cantilever beam being sequentially disposed in single vertical plane from top to bottom of the stand pole. Specifically, the electric hoist being disposed below the first cantilever beam; a pair of first guide unit being respectively disposed at two opposite laterals of the second cantilever beam; a driving unit including a motor, a stand plate, and an actuator being coaxially disposed in series from internal to external, being disposed above the third cantilever beam; and a pair of second guide unit are respectively disposed at two opposite laterals of the fourth cantilever beam.
US09556004B2
A handrail drive inverter for an escalator can include a memory configured to store instructions, a processor coupled to the memory, an input configured to receive a main speed control signal that corresponds to the speed of a main drive motor of the escalator, and an output configured to provide a handrail speed control signal for a handrail drive motor based on the instructions in the memory. The processor is configured to calculate a torque output of the handrail drive motor and determine the handrail speed control signal as a function of the torque output and a feedback of the handrail speed control signal constrained by at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit, the upper limit and the lower limit being determined from the main speed control signal.
US09556003B2
A safety mechanism for a lift system, the safety mechanism including a first motion retarder which operates frictionally between a load-carrying platform and a hoistway and a second motion retarder which operates by breaking a frangible element. The two motion retarders may act together so that when the frictionally engaging element is depleted, the frangible elements are then broken. In an embodiment, the frictional element is disengaged to engage the breaking of the frangible elements when the car is a predetermined distance above a floor of the hoistway, thereby ensuring that the load-carrying platform can be stopped prior to a collision with the floor or ceiling of the hoistway.
US09556002B2
A method includes receiving, from a portable recording device, multiple recordings of sounds made by an elevator during operation of the elevator, the multiple recordings generated at different times. The method includes analyzing, by a sound analysis circuit, the multiple recordings generated at the different times to detect changes in an elevator characteristic over time and generating, based on detecting the changes in the elevator characteristic over time, a notification to perform an action on the elevator.
US09556001B2
A method of allocating calls of a lift installation with at least one lift and at least one car per lift to move passengers in a journey from at least one input floor to at least one destination floor, a system for executing the method and a computer readable memory with instructions for executing the method. The method includes receiving input calls from passengers travelling from an input floor to a destination floor, each call identifying at least one floor as an input floor or a destination floor. A start zone with identified input floors and a destination zone with identified destination floors are determined from the input calls and destination calls. Each identified floor within a corresponding zone is considered using at least one selection criterion and a stopping floor is selected which satisfies the criterion. The car is caused to stop at fewer than all the identified input floors and identified destination floors during the journey.
US09556000B2
A set of blanks for being repeatedly assembled into a reel configuration. A flange blank has pass through slots angularly spaced apart from one another and interlocking apertures angularly aligned with the pass through slots. Each pass through slot is spaced radially from an interlocking aperture. A core blank has a hub portion that is folded toward a core configuration in which it has an annular shape. Push tabs extend outwardly from the hub portion. Each of the push tabs passes through a pass through slot. Each push tab includes a spine and a pair of wings extending outwardly from the spine. The wings of each push tab bend away from a coplanar position with respect to their spine as the push tab is inserted in an interlocking aperture. The wings lockingly engage the flange blank when each push tab is lockingly received in the interlocking aperture.
US09555994B2
The image forming apparatus controls feeding of a paper to an image forming unit and re-feeding of a paper to the image forming unit by a re-feeding unit that re-feeds the paper held by a double-sided paper feed path. The apparatus changes a print setting of a paper that is the single-sided printing into a forcible double-sided printing that uses the double-sided paper feed path, if a paper whose print setting is double-sided printing and a paper whose print setting is single-sided printing are mixed in a print job, and if there is no paper held in the double-sided paper feed path and the print setting of a paper to be fed is the forcible double-sided printing, the apparatus changes the print setting of the paper to be fed into single-sided printing.
US09555993B2
A winding apparatus for winding a web material onto an empty core and into a roll, having a winding drum for guiding the web material supported on a first side, and cutting device for cross-cutting the web material prior to winding of it onto an empty core. The winding apparatus has air nozzles for ejecting compressed air onto the first side of the web material near a free end of the web material. By ejecting a gas, which preferably could be compressed air, onto the free end of the web, the free end is blown towards the empty core which is rotated. When the free end of the web material comes into contact with the rotating empty core, due to the ejected gas/air, the web will easily be “caught” by the rotating empty core, even without tape or adhesive, and a smooth new roll of web material wound.
US09555991B2
In a device for rotating a stack of two-dimensional sheet-type or film-type products, or a stack thereof, at least two drive-roller pairs (11, 12; 13, 14) which are disposed beside one another so as to be spaced apart for conveying the products (1) are provided, the drive speed of said drive-roller pairs being modifiable in such a manner that the two roller pairs, oriented toward the same conveying direction, are operable at different speeds.
US09555984B2
A separation member separates a sheet, conveyed by a separation roller in a conveying direction, from remaining sheets supported by a support member. At least one of a first guide and a second guide is a movable guide which moves in a width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction to increase and decrease a distance therebetween. An urging member is retained, at one end thereof, by a base portion in an elastically deformed state and urges the separation member toward the separation roller. In response to the movable guide decreasing the distance between the first guide and the second guide, an engaging mechanism reduces elastic deformation of the urging member by moving the base portion in a first direction. In response to the movable guide increasing the distance, the engaging mechanism moves the base portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US09555976B2
Various embodiments of stand-off devices and methods are disclosed. The stand-off device can space a bearing assembly apart from a support, such as a frame of a conveyor belt, thereby providing access between the bearing assembly and the frame, such as for cleaning fluid. Certain embodiments of the stand-off device include a first end and a second end, with the first end being receivable in a securing hole of the bearing assembly and the second end configured to protrude from the bearing assembly.
US09555974B2
A surface treatment plant for vehicle bodies having a first treatment area which comprises a first conveyor system enabling a vehicle body to be conveyed through the first treatment area, and a second treatment area which includes a second conveyor system enabling the vehicle body to be conveyed through the second treatment area. A transfer device enables the vehicle body to be transferred from the first conveyor system to the second conveyor system. The transfer device includes supports which engage on regions of the vehicle body and at least one is arranged in particular on the highest point of the horizontal and the vehicle body is oriented roof upwards. Also a method for conveying vehicle bodies through a surface treatment plant.
US09555971B2
A conveyor employs a low-tension, direct drive conveyor belt, and a snap-on position limiter for ensuring proper engagement of the belt and a drive sprocket. The position limiter includes a body, a limiting surface and a snap clap opposite the limiting surface for snapping the position limiter to a mounting shaft. The limiting surface may comprise rotatable rollers mounted to the body, or a continuous arcuate surface. The position limiter may include a mounting arm for mounting a conveyor belt scraper at the front of the position limiter.
US09555962B1
Waste container includes a base defining a waste-receiving compartment, and an insert supported on the base and adapted to engage a peripheral edge of a bag that extends into the compartment while maintaining an opening of the bag unobstructed. The insert has at least one bag-engagement edge and possibly up to four such edges. A movable closure component has a first engagement position in which the closure component engages with the insert to press the bag when present against the at least one bag-engagement edge of the insert, and a second non-engagement position in which the closure component is separated from the at least one bag-engagement edge of the insert. A lid is preferably attached to the base and movable between a first, closed position covering the opening of the bag and a second, open position in which it does not obstruct the opening of the bag.
US09555954B2
An apparatus for dispensing material through a refillable cartridge, comprising a container having a receptacle for receiving a refill cartridge, the container having a lid cooperating with the container to enclose the refill cartridge, the container further comprising an exit port and a channel for communicating material from the refill cartridge to the exit port, and a valve for controlling the flow of material out of the refill cartridge; and a reusable, refill cartridge sized to be received in the receptacle, the refill cartridge including compressed gas and material separated by a bi-conical thruster, the refill cartridge further comprising a first end having a material inlet and outlet manifold, and a second end having a compressed gas inlet. The system's performance can be improved by applying a surface treatment to the wetted surfaces of the system to change the physical properties at the fluid/vessel interface.
US09555953B2
Head for spraying a product in a spraying direction, for example a cosmetic product, in particular a deodorant, this spray head comprising: a body, comprising: a channel for conveying the product, a housing in which the conveying channel emerges, the spray head also comprising: a spray nozzle mounted on the housing, this nozzle comprising at least two, better still three, spray orifices, respective feed channels being formed between the nozzle and the body, these channels connecting the conveying channel to the said corresponding spray orifices, and being obliquely inclined relative to the spraying direction.
US09555950B2
A fluid dispenser device comprising: a reservoir (10) containing at least two doses of fluid; a dispenser member (20), such as a piston, that is mounted to slide in said reservoir (10) so as to dispense the fluid; a dispenser head (30) that is provided with a dispenser orifice (31), said head being movable relative to said reservoir (10) so as to move said actuator member (20) in said reservoir (10) and thus dispense the fluid through said dispenser orifice (31); said dispenser head (30) including at least two viewing windows (35, 36), said device including an indicator (40) that is movable together with said reservoir (10), said indicator (40) co-operating with a respective viewing window (35, 36) after each actuation of the device.
US09555949B1
The insulated beverage housing provides an aperture for receiving a heat transfer body. Similarly, the heat transfer body provides an aperture for receiving a container. The heat transfer body stores a heat transfer material including but not limited to a fluid, gel, or other substance that can be heated or cooled depending upon the desired effect on the beverage. The removable heat transfer body may be easily removed and/or installed from the housing to heat or cool the heat transfer material for use in affecting the temperature of the beverage.
US09555935B2
A closure device for connecting two parts is provided. The closure device includes a connector, a housing which includes a connector receptacle, into which the connector can be inserted in a closing direction for closing the closure device, a slide shiftably arranged at the housing, which for opening the closure device is shiftable along an opening direction different from the closing direction, a detent spring element which in a closed position of the closure device latchingly holds the connector at the housing and for opening the closure device can be moved out of engagement with the connector by shifting the slide in the opening direction, in order to release the connector from the housing, so that in an open position of the closure device the connector is separated from the housing, and at least one guide element which guides the connector on insertion into the connector receptacle for closing the closure device along the closing direction into the closed position and supports the connector against tilting relative to the closing direction when the slide is shifted for opening the closure device.
US09555921B1
The present invention includes a portable, snap-together cooler and methods for providing a portable, snap-together cooler. The cooler may include six panels, wherein each of the panels includes connector elements that snap onto other connector elements to assemble the cooler. Each of the six panels may include attachment elements that may be used to secure each of the panels onto at least one other panel when the panels are stacked.
US09555918B2
A reusable plastic container is provided. The container includes a plastic container body having opposing side panels and opposing end panels. The container body also includes top side panel flaps attached to a top portion of each side panel, and bottom side panel flaps attached to a bottom portion of each side panel. The container body has top end panel flaps attached to a top portion of each end panel, and bottom end panel flaps attached to a bottom portion of each end panel. The top and bottom side panel flaps are each defined with respect to the side panels by a fold line. The fold lines including at least one scored portion and at least one welded portion.
US09555915B2
A system for displaying and dispensing has a plurality of dispensers each having a hollow body formed with at least one wall of flexible material, and a dispensing opening through a wall of the body, the body providing a default internal volume, such that deforming the hollow body reduces the internal volume, increasing pressure within the internal volume, and a support structure to which the plurality of dispensers is joined, the support structure presenting the plurality of dispensers in a specific three-dimensional pattern.
US09555913B2
An apparatus and method for automatically modulating vacuum applied to a vacuum cup are described herein. More particularly an automated labeling apparatus and method for applying labels onto containers using a vacuum based transport mechanism is described herein.
US09555910B2
When the opposing housings (1, 8) of the apparatus are closed, they form between them a small main chamber (P) delimited above by the film (H) for covering the tray and below by the tray (V) itself containing the product (M), and laterally by any suitable mechanical interface structure which surrounds the perimeter of said film and connects it to the perimeter of the upper edge (B) of the tray, this interface structure having holes (22) which are suitably distributed, are located outside the perimeter of the tray, and communicate with said main chamber (P). One or more of these holes (22) open(s) on at least one side of the tray and is/are connected to a first circuit (23, 24), while another one or more of said holes (22′) open(s) on at least one opposing side of the tray and is/are connected to a second circuit (17) which in turn is connected to the inner chambers of the two housings (1, 8). Means (18, 19, 20) are provided to operate in such a way that, in the step of vacuum formation, both said first circuit (24) and said second circuit (17) are connected to vacuum forming means (21) which are kept active for a sufficient time to eliminate some of the air from the inside of the tray and to act in such a way that said first circuit (24) is connected in the next step or at the correct time to means (25) for supplying the process gases, while said second circuit (17) is closed or remains in communication with the vacuum means (21) to ensure that the process gas entering the tray from said first circuit (22, 24) causes the residual air in the tray to flow out from and/or towards said second circuit (22′, 17), thus flushing and saturating the inner volume of the tray, which is subsequently sealed using known steps and means for welding and finally cutting the film (H).
US09555909B2
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a stick-type tea bag, which includes (a) forming a part of a board to form a pair of holes symmetrically based on a virtual center line formed at the board, (b) disposing a jig, which has grooves at locations respectively corresponding to the pair of holes, below the board, (c) disposing a mesh member on the pair of holes to respectively cover the pair of holes, (d) attaching an edge of the mesh member to a part of the board adjacent to the holes by pushing an upper portion of the mesh member with a push rod, in a state in which the push rod is inserted into the groove, and (e) adhering inner sides of the board in a state in which the board is folded based on the center line with tea being interposed therein so that the tea is confined in a storage bag.
US09555906B1
The disclosure describes a system for applying custom branded tape to packages that are shipped from a multi-seller materials handling facility. In some implementations, a materials handling facility may store, process and ship items for multiple sellers. As items are packed for shipping, a tape dispensing device may dispense custom branded tape associated with the seller of the item(s) being packed such that the sellers brand, logo or other information is presented on the exterior of the container.
US09555901B2
A method of protecting a part of a surface of an aircraft against contamination with insect residues and/or against icing is described. The method includes the following steps: a) coating the part of the surface to be protected with a coating that can, within a period of ≦3 hours from take-off of the aircraft and in normal flying conditions, reduce the adhesion to the part of the surface to be protected until detachment occurs on the basis of (i) temperature change and/or (ii) UV radiation and/or (iii) addition of a decomposing component and/or (iv) difference in air humidity, and b) exposing the part of the surface to be protected to (i) a temperature change and/or (ii) UV irradiation (iii) and/or addition of a decomposing component and/or (iv) a difference in air humidity, so that the coating together with any contaminants and/or icing thereon detaches.
US09555900B2
A method for positioning an access or loading assembly against the fuselage of an aircraft during the loading or unloading process, in which at least two multichannel scanners are oriented toward the aircraft fuselage and disposed above one another at a distance from each other, each with several light emitting units and at least one detector. First, a reference position is determined by using the scanners, then a current position of the aircraft fuselage relative to the access or loading assembly is determined at determined time intervals by the multichannel scanners. The current position is compared with the reference position to determine a deviation. In case of a deviation between the two positions, a signal is transmitted to the control system of the positioning drive for realigning the access or loading assembly and reducing the deviation.
US09555899B2
A system for arresting an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In an illustrative embodiment, a crane has an arrestment receiver that can pivot around the crane. A UAV has a hook on one of its wings that can latch onto the arrestment receiver during flight. After latching onto the arrestment receiver, the UAV pivots around the end of the crane until the UAV comes to rest. The UAV and the arrestment receiver each include optical alignment systems that facilitate the connection between the hook and the arrestment receiver.
US09555893B2
An aircraft air provision system includes a power turbine that receives bleed air at a first pressure and provides rotational energy to a shaft and outputs output air at an intermediate pressure. The system also includes a compressor coupled to the shaft that receives input air at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure and outputs compressed air having a pressure equal to the intermediate pressure and a mix chamber coupled to outputs of both the power turbine and the compressor where the output air and the compressed air are mixed. The system also includes a cooling turbine coupled to the shaft and that is in fluid communication with an output of the mix chamber.
US09555889B2
An area on board of a vehicle, in particular of an airplane. The area has a compartment and an opening providing access to the compartment. The area includes a curtain arranged to be drawn in a closed position in which the curtain covers the opening. The curtain includes at least one magnetic curtain element provided along a lower edge of the curtain, and the area includes at least one magnetic opening element positioned along a lower edge of the opening, which at least one magnetic opening element and at least one magnetic curtain element are arranged to attract each other when the curtain is in the closed position.
US09555887B2
A method to load stores on an aircraft, the method may be controlled by one or more controller and may include one or more acts of loading stores onto corresponding lift portions; determining a relative position of the aircraft; positioning the stores relative to the determined position of the aircraft; and securing the stores to corresponding hardpoints (HPs) of the aircraft.
US09555881B2
An apparatus for controlling a rotor of a rotary wing aircraft, including a stationary frame, a rotary propulsion shaft extending through the frame, the propulsion shaft having a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion coupled to the first shaft portion at a joint, the first shaft portion being configured to be coupled to a drive unit and the second shaft portion being pivotable relative to a centerline of the first shaft portion in two degrees of freedom about the joint, and at least one actuator coupled to the stationary frame at one end and connected to the second shaft portion at the other end so that the second shaft portion rotates relative to the at least one actuator, the at least one actuator being configured to pivot the second shaft portion in the two degrees of freedom.
US09555880B2
A rotor hub assembly for a helicopter includes a rotor hub operably connectable to a shaft of a helicopter. One or more flex beams extend through the rotor hub, with each end of each flex beam operably connectable to a rotor blade. One or more inner bearings are located at the rotor hub to spherically support the one or more flex beams in the rotor hub. A rotor assembly for a helicopter includes a rotor hub operably connectable to a shaft of a helicopter. One or more flex beams extending through the rotor hub and one or more inner bearings are located at the rotor hub to spherically support the one or more flex beams in the rotor hub. A plurality of rotor blades are operably connected to the ends of the one or more flex beams.
US09555874B2
A fixed wing of an aircraft, having a main wing extending over a half-span with a wing box including spars extending along the spanwise direction of the main wing, ribs arranged one in back of the other viewed in the spanwise direction, and an outer skin. The wing box includes a wing box base section (K10) and a wing box adapter section, that forms the outer end area of the wing box, as viewed from the wing root, and is designed to secure a wing tip device. In its nominal state of construction, the dihedral angle of the wing box adapter section referring to the respective local spanwise direction continuously increases by at most 60 degrees from the outer rib of the wing box base section (K10) up to the outermost rib of the wing box adapter section.
US09555870B2
A method for heating a cargo on a watergoing vessel using an energy source (such as a heat source) on another watergoing vessel. The vessels may be underway. The energy may be transferred to the cargo via energy umbilicals configured to carry energy in a transfer fluid. The transfer fluid may be circulated in a cargo heat exchanger configured to move energy into the hot cargo. The energy source on the another watergoing vessel may be a propulsion motor, exhaust heat, or non-propulsion heat source. The method may include heating the hot cargo. The method may also include switching between heat sources when both vessels are configured to heat the hot cargo.
US09555867B2
A jet propelled watercraft includes a prime mover, a jet pump driven by the prime mover and jetting water from a jet port, a reverse gate changing a direction of the jet flow jetted from the jet pump, a shift actuator capable of moving a position of the reverse gate to a plurality of shift positions including a forward drive position, at which the direction of the jet flow is toward the rear of the body, a reverse drive position, at which the direction of the jet flow is toward the front of the body, and an intermediate position in between these positions, and a controller configured or programmed to execute a stoppage shift control of controlling the shift actuator to move the reverse gate to the forward drive position when stoppage of the prime mover is detected.
US09555858B2
A power unit includes: a rotation plate 62 that is fixed to an end of a shift drum 50, includes a plurality of recessed portions 63, and rotates together with the shift drum 50; a shift lever 66 that engages with the rotation plate 62; a shift shaft 74 fixed to the shift lever 66; a support shaft 76 disposed substantially in parallel with the shift drum 50; a stopper lever 78 rotatably supported by the support shaft 76; and a stopper roller 88 that is provided in the stopper lever 78 and engages with the recessed portion 63 of the rotation plate 62. When viewed in an axial direction of the shift shaft 74, the stopper lever 78 is disposed to intersect a first line segment A that connects a center 74C of the shift shaft 74 and a center 62C of the rotation plate 62 to each other.
US09555854B2
A vehicle is provided which is operable to motor power and/or pedal power, in particular an electric bicycle, which includes a crankshaft drive having a bottom bracket spindle, a chain ring, which outputs a drive torque for the vehicle to a chain, an electric drive, and a cone ring transmission for the continuous variation of a gear step ratio, the cone ring transmission and the electric drive being situated at the crankshaft drive, and the cone ring transmission being connected to the crankshaft drive and set up in such a way that a torque generated by the rider is transmitted to the chain ring.
US09555853B2
A propulsion system for human powered vehicles includes an outer lever having an input end and an output end. An orbiting sprocket is coupled to the output end of the outer lever. A fixed sprocket is also provided, with the orbiting sprocket orbiting around the fixed sprocket. A closed tension-bearing member engages an outer circumference of both the orbiting sprocket and the fixed sprocket. A driveshaft is co-axial with the fixed sprocket, the driveshaft being free to rotate with respect to the fixed sprocket and the crank lever being fixedly connected to the driveshaft and rotationally connected to the orbiting sprocket. A chassis is propelled by the driveshaft. Wherein application of a force on the input end of the outer lever causes the orbiting sprocket to orbit around the fixed sprocket and thereby rotate the crank lever to impart rotation to the driveshaft and propel the chassis.
US09555851B2
A scooter having a riding platform rotationally engaged to a front steering assembly is provided which significantly increases the ability of riders to perform tricks. The riding platform is rotationally engaged to the steering column which itself may be employed as a riding platform. An optional mechanism may be employed whereby the riding platform is rotated by a spin of the steering column with the handlebars. The scooter may also be equipped with skids to allow employment in the snow or on ice.
US09555849B1
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a motorized tricycle includes a lean mechanism and an active system that is operably coupled to the lean mechanism that receives an signal indicative of an interaction with human, that is operable to detect a lean of the body of the human and that is operable to receive a sensed movement on the seat via multisensory devices, and to generate and send a signal to the lean mechanism from the signal, the lean and the sensed movement.
US09555844B2
A vehicle suspension assembly includes a vehicle frame rail, a slide rail extending longitudinally along the vehicle frame rail and slidably adjustable thereto, a support bracket extending downwardly from the slide rail, a trailing arm pivotably coupled to the support bracket, a spring member positioned between the trailing arm and the slide rail, and an elastically resilient coupling arrangement coupling the slide rail to the vehicle frame rail, wherein the coupling member is configured to elastically deform during vertical displacement of the vehicle frame rail with respect to the slide rail.
US09555838B2
A number of variations may include a rocker system using tunable parts to satisfy a number of load cases. A number of variations may include a rocker system including a vehicle rocker and at least one reinforcement attached to a first side wall or a corner of the rocker.
US09555837B2
A vehicle hood structure includes a hood outer panel and a hood inner panel. The hood outer panel includes at least one character line extending substantially in a vehicle front-rear direction. The character line intersects a central line that extends in a vehicle width direction and that passes through a central point where a center of the hood outer panel in the vehicle front-rear direction and a center of the hood outer panel in the vehicle width direction are superposed on each other. The character line intersects the central line at an intersection point positioned within a region extending from the central point by 300 mm or less in the vehicle width direction.
US09555836B2
In a vehicle, a gusset is provided at a lower end portion of a front pillar, a body wall portion of the gusset is joined to the front pillar, and a bottom wall portion of the gusset is joined to an upper wall portion of a rocker outer reinforcement. Thus, when the front pillar is about to collapse rearward, the upper wall portion supports the bottom wall portion of the gusset from below the vehicle. Therefore, the front pillar is restrained from collapsing. Besides, the rocker outer reinforcement receives, on a surface thereof, a load input from the gusset. Therefore, the load input to the rocker outer reinforcement is dispersed, so the load can be restrained from concentrating.
US09555833B2
A vehicle control apparatus includes: a straight-ahead cruising determining unit that determines whether or not a vehicle is in a straight-ahead cruising state; a detecting unit that detects a target object that meets a predetermined condition related to at least either of a current positional relationship or a future predicted positional relationship with the vehicle, among objects ahead of the vehicle, when the vehicle is determined to be in the straight-ahead cruising state; an operation control unit that makes the vehicle perform a predetermined operation related to the detected target object; and a condition setting unit that sets the condition to be applied to the left side in relation to a center line of the vehicle to differ from the condition to be applied to the right side, based on a cruising trajectory of the vehicle.
US09555825B2
A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.
US09555821B2
A control arrangement for a rail vehicle, having at least one control device which is or can be connected for the purpose of receiving sensor signals, wherein the sensor signals each represent at least one speed, and having at least one bus connection which is used or can be used to connect the control device to a data bus of the rail vehicle for interchanging data. The control device creates a standstill signal on the basis of the sensor signals and transmits the standstill signal onto the data bus. Also disclosed is a standstill determination device which can receive standstill signals via the data bus, wherein the standstill determination device determines, on the basis of standstill signals received via the data bus, whether the rail vehicle is at a standstill. Also disclosed is a rail vehicle and a method for determining a standstill of a rail vehicle.
US09555815B2
According to one embodiment, an electric power conversion device includes an inverter which converts DC power into AC power and supplies the AC power to electric equipment of a railway vehicle, a battery capable of storing DC power, and a converter which converts the AC power into DC power and charges the battery. The battery supplies electric power to the inverter when the electric power is not supplied to the inverter from an external power source.
US09555811B2
Provided is an apparatus and method for providing an analysis index of a roadway section based on road and traffic conditions. The method may include calculating a traffic light density of a roadway section using a number of traffic lights installed in the roadway section, calculating road shape information based on at least one of a curvature and a gradient of the roadway section, calculating a speed variation of the roadway section using a change of speed in the roadway section, and calculating an analysis index of the roadway section using the traffic light density, the road shape information, and the speed variation.
US09555810B2
A motorcycle's transmission control device is provided in which, in a case of a clutchless shift operation, disengagement of a fit of gears of a transmission and the fit of subsequent gears thereof can be smoothly achieved. A throttle operation unit controls the degree of opening of a throttle valve to become a first throttle opening-degree when a clutchless shifting unit determines that a clutchless down-shift operation can be implemented, and controls the degree of opening of the throttle valve to become a second throttle opening-degree when the clutchless shifting unit determines that a fit between shift gears is disengaged by the clutchless down-shift operation.
US09555792B2
Systems and methods for assisted direct start control are provided. An example method varies engine torque, forward clutch engagement pressure, and wheel brake pressure during a vehicle launch responsive to longitudinal vehicle grade to improve launch performance.
US09555787B2
A vehicle brake booster includes a brake input member configured to receive a braking input force and a booster housing divided into a first chamber adjacent the brake input member and a second chamber remote from the brake input member. A poppet valve includes a poppet valve body and a poppet seal, the poppet valve operable to maintain separation between pressure and vacuum during assisted braking and further being operable to enable evacuation of the air from the first chamber through one or more side ports of the poppet valve body upon release of the braking input force and completion of the assisted braking A restrictor element provides a predetermined release speed for the booster. The one or more side ports define a total flow resistance of the poppet valve body which is less than an effective total flow resistance of the poppet valve body set by the restrictor element.
US09555786B2
A motor vehicle braking system and method operable in a brake-by-wire mode and independently of the driver, with a master brake cylinder (2) operated by a brake pedal (1) having a piston (15, 16) and a pressure chamber (17, 18), connected with a brake circuit (I, II) and wheel brakes (8,9, 10, 11). An electrically controllable pressure supplying device (5) operates the wheel brakes; and a simulation device (3) with at least one elastic element (33), provides an acceptable brake pedal feel in the brake-by-wire mode. The simulation device (3) has a simulator chamber (29) connected, or is hydraulically connected, through a first hydraulic connection (54) to the pressure chamber (17) and which has an electrically actuated isolation valve (28) with a pressure means reservoir (4) under atmospheric pressure. A media separator device (47) is arranged in the connection (46) between the simulator chamber (29) and the isolation valve (28).
US09555785B2
A brake fluid pressure control unit for a vehicle comprises: a hydraulic block that includes a housing containing an internal channel for a first system and an internal channel for a second system, which individually allow communication with a wheel cylinder for a first wheel and a wheel cylinder for a second wheel respectively, and also containing a detected hydraulic pressure inlet hole leading to a pressure receiving part of a pressure sensor. A first hole included in the internal channel for the first system and a second hole included in the internal channel for the second system can selectively be connected to the detected hydraulic pressure inlet hole by machining such that the depth of either the first hole or the second hole is made greater than the other.
US09555781B2
To determine a triggering criterion for outputting brake signals in a vehicle, at least one object in the vehicle surroundings is sensed, and a determination is made as to whether the vehicle is on a collision course with the object. When a collision course is determined, an avoidance criterion, which is satisfied if an avoidance maneuver is not available, is checked. When the avoidance criterion is met, a braking criterion is checked. The object is classified into at least a first or a second class as a function of its properties, and the avoidance maneuver is determined as a function of such classification such that, in the case of a first class, a first avoidance trajectory is determined, and, in the case of a second class, a second trajectory, different from the first, is determined. The triggering criterion for brake signal output is satisfied when the avoidance and braking criteria are satisfied.
US09555780B2
A method of controlling an electronic parking brake of a vehicle having a dual clutch transmission. The method includes: identifying a slope of an area in which the vehicle is located in order to determine whether the identified slope exceeds a predetermined slope value; determining whether both of two clutches are opened in a safe mode when the identified slope exceeds the predetermined slope value; determining whether the vehicle moves upward in a front direction when both of the two clutches are opened; and operating the electronic parking brake when the vehicle moves upward in the front direction. When the vehicle moves upward in the front direction on the inclined road, the electronic parking brake is automatically operated to prevent the vehicle from slipping in the rear direction. Therefore, the method can effectively improve the safety of the driver and vehicle even when the driver is inept in pedal operation.
US09555765B2
An airbag module for a vehicle is disclosed. The airbag module includes a module housing, a gas generator in response to an impact of the vehicle, and an airbag for expanding with the gas. The airbag and the gas generator are arranged in the module housing. The airbag module includes an actuator member for carrying out a linear movement and for actuating an unlocking mechanism of an engine bonnet or hood of the vehicle. The actuator member in a position of rest is arranged within the module housing and in an activation position is arranged at least in sections outside the housing.
US09555764B2
An airbag includes an airbag body formed by joining front and rear panels, an inlet of pressurized fluid, a vent hole communicating inside and outside of the airbag body, a regulation portion regulating discharge of the pressurized fluid from the vent hole and a coupling portion temporarily joining the front and rear panels. The inlet and the vent hole are formed on the rear panel. The regulation portion includes a connecting member, a vent hole cover and a link member. The connecting member regulates a thickness of the airbag body in the inflated state. The vent hole cover covers the vent hole and has one end portion supported by the rear panel and the other end portion joined to the coupling portion. The link member has one end portion joined to the vent hole cover and the other end portion joined to the connecting member.
US09555753B2
The vehicle mobile microgrid is a vehicle on-board electrical grid dedicated to supplying all supplemental electrical needs for the vehicle utilizing recovered energy from internal combustion engine heat, vehicle motion and auxiliary electrical power generator, chemical and mechanical storage systems and electrical power from incident light energy. Unlike electrical grids that serve wide population areas, the vehicle on-board electrical grid is not meant to serve electrical demand beyond that utilized by the vehicle. This on-board electrical grid is therefore very small by comparison, and the term microgrid is meant to convey this comparative size. The microgrid utilizes a common-mode bidirectional microgrid to efficiently capture, store and distribute electrical power depending on the vehicle's demand for electrical power.
US09555739B1
A vehicle safety belt bypass warning system involves, a video camera, at least one processor, face detection software, a safety belt, and a safety belt engagement sensor circuit. The processor detects that a human face is present and associated with an individual seat. An infrared (IR) emitter output is positioned on the safety belt and transmits individually coded light pulses unique to the occupied seat. At least one IR receiver receives individually coded light pulses from occupied seat IR emitters and, in response, will output coded electrical signals indicative of which occupied seat(s) the individually coded light pulses were received from. The at least one processor will wait for receipt of the coded electrical signals from the IR receiver. If the processor does not receive an indication for a particular occupied seat, the processor will trigger a safety belt bypass warning indicator.
US09555738B2
A control system and method for a vehicle having a warning function are provided. The system includes a control device that is configured to determine whether an amplifier is installed within the vehicle based on an occurrence of an alert situation. The control device is configured to transmit an alarm sound to an amplifier when the amplifier is installed therein and transmit the alarm sound to a cluster speaker when the amplifier is not installed within the vehicle. The amplifier is configured to transmit amplifier installation information to the control device and output an alarm sound received from the control device and the cluster speaker is configured to output the alarm sound received from the control device.
US09555735B2
A vehicle cargo box tonneau cover device includes two or more hard panels formed of thin-walled, friction welded polypropylene material hermetically enclosing extruded support beams. Each panel forms an upper surface falling on a common plane when in a deployed position. Adjacent panels are joined along their common edges by a multi-pin hinge disposed entirely below the upper surface to provide a flat overall appearance. The hinge has a first flange carried by a first panel, a second flange carried by an adjacent second panel, and an elongated free-moving link mounted to the first flange for relative rotation about a first axis and mounted to the second flange for relative rotation about a second axis. The two axes are spaced from and parallel to one another, whereby the hinge enables 180° freedom of rotation between the adjacent panels when transitioning between a planer deployed position and a folded retracted position.
US09555729B2
Disclosed is a car seat for protecting vertebral column, comprising: a backrest and a seat, wherein there is disposed with a troughed recess at a central portion of each of the backrest and the seat, so that when the backrest and the seat are subject to external impact, the impact damage incurred by the backrest and the seat onto a human vertebral column may be avoided, and in this way the human vertebral column can therefore be protected; in an embodiment of the present invention, there further comprises a plurality of viscous elastomers disposed inside the backrest and the seat, these viscous elastomers are set up in a corresponding arrangement on two sides of a human vertebral column, so as to assist in biasing the muscle on the two sides of the vertebral column to cause less direct impact by the external force, and to provide a cushioning effect.
US09555711B2
A power converter includes a first set of transistors electrically connected in series, a second set of transistors electrically connected in series, and an AC link. The second set of transistors is electrically connected in parallel with the first set of transistors to form an H-bridge. The AC link is electrically connected between the first and second sets of transistors. A plurality of H-bridges are connected in parallel and a three-wire DC bus is electrically connected to the H-bridges.
US09555710B2
A system for filtering data according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a data module configured to access vehicle data in a database according to a query input, a display module configured to display the vehicle data in an environment, and a query module configured to generate the query input according to an interactive list of filter statements. Each filter statement in the interactive list of filter statements is selectable from a group of filter types. The group of filter types is configured to dynamically update in response to at least one selection from the group of filter types. A method of filtering data is also disclosed.
US09555707B2
An in-vehicle input system includes: a display device for displaying screen images having selection items; a selection operation device for moving a cursor from a first selection item to a second selection item to select and input the second selection item; a first image switching device for switching from a current level screen image to a lower level screen image when the selected second selection item is input; a second image switching device for switching from the current level screen image to an upper level screen image when the selection operation device selects and inputs a level return item of the selected second selection item disposed on a nearest screen edge side of the selected second selection item; and a level return item display device for emphasizing a display of the level return item when the second selection item is selected.
US09555699B2
A transmission for a vehicle may include first and second input shafts, first and second shifting output units, a reverse speed idle unit and an electric driving force unit. Each input shaft may include a plurality of input gears having different numbers of gear teeth. The second input shaft may be hollow and disposed at a front side of the first input shaft without any rotational interference with the first input shaft. Each shifting output unit may include an output shaft, shift rotational driving force transferred through shifting gears selectively outer-engaging with corresponding input gears by a synchronizing unit and output the shifted rotational driving force through an output gear. The reverse speed idle unit may regulate reverse speed shifting. The electric driving force unit may selectively transfer rotational driving force of a motor/generator to the first input shaft or the second shifting output unit.
US09555692B2
Each fin shaft of auxiliary fins passes through each of upper and lower bearing parts in a first wall part. A pair of transmission shafts provided for the upper and lower fin shafts is arranged outside of the first wall part. A cam member is rotationally arranged outside of the first wall part. A fin shaft of a main fin is rotationally supported by the first wall part. The fin shaft of the main fin has an arm and a transmission shaft. The cam member has cam holes in which the transmission shafts of the upper auxiliary fin are fitted, cam holes in which the transmission shafts of the lower auxiliary fin are fitted, and a long hole in which the transmission shaft of the fin shaft of the main fin is fitted.
US09555684B2
A gas spring assembly includes an end member, a piston assembly and a flexible sleeve secured therebetween. An end closure secures an end of the flexible sleeve to the piston assembly. A connector fitting connects the end closure to a support post of the piston assembly. The connector fitting includes a fitting passage and a first annular groove. A jounce bumper assembly is supported on the connector fitting. The jounce bumper assembly includes a bumper body and a bumper mount. The bumper mount includes securement pin having a second annular groove. A retaining member is received within the first and second annular grooves such that the jounce bumper assembly can freely rotate relative to the connector fitting while substantially restricting axial displacement of the jounce bumper assembly relative to the piston assembly during such rotation.
US09555682B2
A wheel support for arrangement on a motor vehicle axle is disclosed on a multi-link axle having a flange for receiving a wheel hub and at least two receptacles for rotatable coupling to links, the wheel support being coupled to a trailing link by means of thermal joining, which wheel support is distinguished by the fact that the wheel support is configured as a welded component and has a main body region which has at least two sheet metal components which are coupled to one another by way of thermal joining.
US09555681B2
Transformation method of hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air includes the following transformation and reciprocal steps: Tilting the compensation cover (7) on. Expansion of both whole wings (1) from the transportation vehicle longitudinal position around two vertical axes (2) into the flying position. Expansion of rear parts of wings (1) from the top front parts of wings (1) into the spread flying position by tilting the rear of each wing (1) around a horizontal axis (3). The take-off and landing tilting of wings (1) by an angle of attack alpha=0 to 40° of the wings onset. Front wheels track (5) is reduced by axially shifting the front wheels (5) towards the fuselage. Furthermore, a corresponding hybrid transportation vehicle for ground and air is described which contains reciprocal transformation mechanisms for transformation from a sterling double or four-track automobile into a sterling aircraft for take-off and landing on the ground or water, and vice versa.
US09555679B2
A modular bicycle and board apparatus having a buoyant board, a front wheel, a rear wheel and handlebars mountable and usable in a first configuration as a bicycle in which the buoyant board is the bicycle's frame and in a second configuration as a surfboard by changing the orientation of the front wheel and handlebars with 90 degrees with respect to the buoyant board, the surfboard being steerable from the handlebars.
US09555677B1
An apparatus is provided for covering a hitch receiver. That apparatus includes a rotating cover displaceable between a first position concealing a hitch receiver from view and a second position allowing access to the hitch receiver. In one embodiment the cover includes two cooperating lugs and pivots about two pivot pins. In another embodiment the cover slides along opposed guide channels.
US09555676B2
A hydraulic towing system for use with towing vehicles lacking hydraulics including a hydraulic housing which is mounted to a towing device. The hydraulic housing includes an internal compartment which stores a hydraulic system for controlling the towing device. A reservoir, pump, and control are used to control flow of hydraulic fluid through a plurality of hydraulic conduits. First and second hydraulic conduits are linked with a lift actuator which acts to transition the towing device between a lowered position for use and a raised position for storage. Third and fourth hydraulic conduits are linked with a catch actuator, which acts to mount the towing device to a towed vehicle by extending an engaging member to through a hitch of the towed vehicle. Thus, a self-contained hydraulic system may be provided for a towing device where the towing vehicle does not include its own hydraulic system.
US09555671B2
In a method for determining identifiers of wheel units and positions relative to the vehicle of the wheels on which the wheel units are fitted, the vehicle is equipped with a speed sensor for each wheel and elements for transmitting at a predetermined angular position of the corresponding wheel about its axis a message including the identifier of the wheel unit. A central processing unit receives the message and information from the speed sensors. The method includes a) counting, for each identifier, of a number “nt” of receptions of the identifier, b) statistical processing of the numbers “nt” to determine candidate identifiers of a wheel unit of the vehicle, until the number of candidate identifiers at least equals the number of wheels, and c) determining that a candidate identifier is the identifier of a wheel unit if the candidate identifier meets a predetermined criterion.
US09555669B2
A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion with an asymmetric pattern including an outboard shoulder main groove, an inboard shoulder main groove, an outboard shoulder portion between the outboard shoulder main groove and an outboard tread edge, a middle portion between the outboard shoulder main groove and the inboard shoulder main groove, and an inboard shoulder portion between the inboard shoulder main groove and an inboard tread edge, wherein the outboard shoulder portion is provided with a three dimensional sipe that has a pair of sipe surfaces extending to a depth direction of the sipe while changing its direction or opening configuration, and the inboard shoulder portion or the middle portion is provided with a two dimensional sipe that has a pair of sipe surfaces extending to a depth direction of the sipe while maintaining its direction and opening configuration.
US09555668B2
In the tire (1), a region of the tread portion (10) overlapping with a range of 80% of a length of the circumferential belt layer (40) in a tread widthwise direction around a tire equator line CL is a central region CR in the tire radial direction trd, and a remaining region of the tread portion (10) is a terminal region TR, a maximum curvature radius of the arc portion of the central circumferential groove 50a is R1, a minimum curvature radius of the arc portion of the terminal circumferential groove 50b is R2, a maximum depth in the tire radial direction trd from the tread surface (11) to a groove bottom 55a of the central circumferential groove 50a is D1, a maximum depth in the tire radial direction trd from the tread surface (11) to a groove bottom 55b of the terminal circumferential groove 50b is D2, and a relationship of R1/D1≦0.130 and a relationship of R2/D2>0.195 are satisfied.
US09555665B2
A bicycle wheel spinner which is quickly and easily released from a hub and has an inner ring formed segments, with blades protruding from each segment. The segments each mount a roller wheel riding in a groove in a supporting hub. The segments are releasably fixed together in the groove. The spinner can be quickly removed by disassembling the inner ring segments. A locking mechanism allows the spinner to be locked to the hub or released to rotate independently.
US09555661B2
An electric pencil sharpener has a body, a cover and a cutter assembly. The body has a transmission device and a waste case having an opening. The cover is mounted on and closes the opening of the waste case. The cutter assembly is mounted in the waste case, is detachable from the waste case via the opening and has a connection base, a cutter bracket and a cutter. The connection base has a combining hole defined through the connection base. The cutter bracket is connected rotatably with the connection base and has a connection element connected with transmission device to make the cutter bracket driven by and rotate with the transmission device. The cutter is mounted on the cutter bracket. Accordingly, the cutter assembly is easily and conveniently replaceable when the cutter of the cutter assembly is damaged or worn off.
US09555655B2
A recording medium includes a substrate and a first ink-receiving layer. The first ink-receiving layer contains an amorphous silica having an average particle size of 1.0 μm or more and an inorganic particle having an average particle size of 50 nm or less. The content of the amorphous silica in the first ink-receiving layer is 30 mass % or more and 95 mass % or less based on a total content of all inorganic particles.
US09555647B2
A printing device includes a paper medium print mode configured to execute printing on a paper medium; and a textile print mode configured to execute printing on a fabric medium, types of inks used in the textile print mode being greater in number than types of inks used in the paper medium print mode.
US09555636B2
Fluid couplings examples are disclosed in examples herein. An example printer includes a housing; and a fluid reservoir permanently fixed within the housing, the fluid reservoir having a capacity sufficient to store enough ink to print a number of pages that corresponds to an expected useful life of the printer.
US09555625B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a power supply unit that boosts a single voltage and includes multiple voltage boosting circuits which generate power supply voltages different from each other; a drive circuit that amplifies an original drive signal based on a power supply voltage which is generated by at least one of the multiple voltage boosting circuits and generates a drive signal that is applied; and an ejecting unit that includes a piezoelectric element which becomes displaced in accordance with the drive signal, in which the power supply unit controls the voltage boosting circuit, which generates the power supply voltage that is not used for amplification, to stop voltage boosting.
US09555624B2
A liquid discharging apparatus includes a modulation portion that generates a modulation signal obtained by pulse-modulating a source signal; a switching element that generates an amplification modulation signal obtained by amplifying the modulation signal; a low-pass filter that generates a driving signal by demodulating the amplification modulation signal; a piezoelectric element that is displaced by applying the driving signal; a selection portion that is configured to include a transistor and selects whether or not the driving signal is applied to the piezoelectric element; and a detection portion that detects lowering of a power source voltage supplied to the selection portion. The detection portion performs control for lowering a voltage of the driving signal if lowering of the power source voltage is detected.
US09555619B2
An anilox roller for flexographic printing machines, which comprises a sleeve cylinder rotatably supported about its own axis by the fixed structure of a flexographic printing machine, and an anilox sleeve, which has a tubular body provided, on its outer side wall, with an anilox surface which can be axially fitted on and removed from the sleeve cylinder. Forced circulation of a temperature control fluid within the tubular body is further provided.
US09555616B2
The present invention relates to using soft secondary plates and specialty inks in a printing process. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and methods of using soft secondary plates made of a rubber comprising a saturated chain of polymethylene or a photopolymer material to decorate an exterior surface of cylindrical metallic containers with high definition graphics and other indicia.
US09555611B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a laser stripping apparatus, comprising: a frame; a laser located above the frame and a carrier stage located below the frame; a support mechanism provided on the carrier stage for carrying a flexible display substrate stripping plate; wherein the support mechanism is removably fixed to the carrier stage; the flexible display substrate stripping plate comprises a bearing substrate and a flexible display substrate provided on the bearing substrate; and when the flexible display substrate stripping plate is provided on the laser stripping apparatus, the flexible display substrate comes into contact with the support mechanism.
US09555610B2
An LED light bulb device that includes a bulb body, a plurality of flexible circuit strips, and at least one LED. The flexible circuit strips are formed to a shape of, and adhered directly to, an interior face of the bulb body. At least one of the flexible circuit strips defines a plurality of stress-relieving notches. At least one LED is mounted to a corresponding one of the flexible circuit strips and is electrically connected to a conductive trace formed by the flexible circuit strip. The LEDs are arranged to aim inwardly relative to the bulb body. In some embodiments, a rear surface of each of the flexible circuit strips is adhesively attached to the interior face of the bulb body. In some embodiments, a plurality of LEDs are provided and arranged to provide one or both of uniform light distribution and diverse heat distribution.
US09555609B2
The present invention is directed to a method of making a door having first and second door facings and an internal doorframe. An interior side of a first facing is coated with quick acting adhesive. A frame is placed on the coated interior side about the periphery of the first facing. The frame is then coated with quick acting adhesive. An interior side of a second facing is placed on the coated frame. The facings and frame assembly are then compressed to form a door. The present invention also provides for an automated system of making the door.
US09555608B2
A method of forming an injection-bonded joint may include forming a chamber wall within a bondline region between mating surfaces of a first part and a second part. The chamber wall may divide a bondline length and define at least one adhesive chamber. The method may include injecting a structural adhesive into the adhesive chamber through an injection port, and discharging excess adhesive from the adhesive chamber through a bleed hole.
US09555607B2
A tape sticking apparatus includes a rubber sheet that partitions an airtight space formed above a chamber into first and second airtight spaces and, a tape frame that holds a tape above the rubber sheet, and a supply/exhaust mechanism that switches between pressurizing and depressurizing by supplying gas to or sucking gas from the first and second airtight spaces. The gas supply/exhaust mechanism includes a first flow-rate control valve that controls the flow rate of sucked gas when the first airtight space is depressurized, and a second flow-rate control valve that controls the flow rate of supplied when the first airtight space is pressurized.
US09555605B2
A device for laminating plate-shaped articles, in particular glass panes, has two laminating rolls (2, 9), of which at least one laminating roll (2) is driven and between which the plate-shaped articles for laminating are guided through. One laminating roll (2) is preferably mounted fixedly in a machine frame (1) and the other laminating roll (9) is mounted adjustably in the machine frame (1). The roll (9) which is mounted adjustably in the machine frame (1) is mounted in the region of the ends of the roll (9) in bearings (11) which are connected to parallel links (25, 26). The parallel links (25, 26) are mounted in the machine frame (1) and are connected to one another via a coupling rod (32). One of the two parallel links (25) is connected to a drive (37).
US09555604B2
A resin composition, preferably an adhesive composition, comprising a polyether polyamide elastomer capable of being strongly bended with a polyimide resin, preferably strongly bended through an easy process to form an interface between the polyimide resin and the composition, and a bonded composite having the resin composition and a polyimide resin which together form an interface to be bonded with each other. A resin composition for forming an interface together with a polyimide resin for bonding, wherein the resin composition comprises a polyether polyamide elastomer (component R) obtained by subjecting a specific aminocarboxylic acid compound A1 and/or lactam compound A2, polyether compound B, and dicarboxylic acid compound C to polymerization, wherein the content of the component R in the resin composition is 80 to 100% by weight.
US09555598B2
A composite foam cushion for a sound control device. The cushion includes a core formed of a polymeric foam material and a polymeric coating overlying at least a portion of the core of polymeric foam material. The polymeric coating includes an outer coating layer and an inner polymeric coating layer bonded to the core of polymeric foam material. The inner coating layer may provide the cushion with strength, while providing a high degree of flexibility and suppleness to closely conform around contours and obstructions. The outer coating layer may provide the cushion with enhanced abrasion resistance and/or chemical resistance while having an aesthetically pleasing feel and appearance.
US09555589B1
Methods of making optical films and optical stacks are described. A method of making an optical stack includes providing a thermoform tool centered on a tool axis and having an external surface rotationally asymmetric about the tool axis; heating an optical film resulting in a softened optical film; conforming the softened optical film to the external surface while stretching the softened film along at least orthogonal first and second directions away from the tool axis resulting in a conformed optical film rotationally asymmetric about an optical axis of the conformed film where the optical axis coincident with the tool axis; cooling the conformed optical film resulting in a symmetric optical film rotationally symmetric about the optical axis; and molding an optical lens on the symmetric optical film resulting in the optical stack.
US09555585B2
A three-dimensional printer uses its extruder and build platform to properly orient the build platform within a working volume. In a multi-point leveling operation, the extruder is moved to the z-axis origin at a number of x-y positions within the plane of the build platform, and the height of the build platform is adjusted to meet the extruder at the origin. If the build platform is a meltable material such as a plastic, then this leveling process must be performed while the extruder is cool. A homing operation may be performed periodically after leveling in order to realign the z-axis positions of the build platform and extruder. A non-meltable contact point may be usefully provided so that homing can be performed while the extruder is hot, such as immediately before a build or between a number of builds.
US09555583B1
The present invention is related to methods of fabricating neural interfaces using 3D projection micro-stereolithography.
US09555578B2
A transfer system including a frame having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, a transfer fixture connected to the upper end portion, the transfer fixture defining a channel and including an elongate transfer member positioned in the channel, the elongate transfer member including a web and a base flange connected to the web.
US09555576B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a resin bottle formed from a preform as a prototype by a blow molding process. The method comprises: a first step of measuring each of weights or wall thicknesses of a plurality of inspection parts set in a body portion of the preform; a second step of comparing each of the weights or the wall thicknesses measured by the first step with a preset set value, and thereby inspecting a difference between each of the weights or the wall thicknesses measured by the first step and the set value for each of the inspection parts; and a third step of adjusting a condition for blow molding in the blow molding process in accordance with an inspection result of each of the inspection parts.
US09555568B2
A tool and method for forming a container from a construct. The tool comprising a cavity for receiving a construct, a core operatively associated with the cavity and being operable to move into the cavity, an injection cavity for receiving injection-molding material and directing injection-molding material around at least a portion of the perimeter of the construct, and a clamping feature. The clamping feature is operatively connected to at least one of the cavity and the core and is for clamping a peripheral portion of the construct as the core moves into the cavity to form the construct into the container.
US09555565B2
An apparatus for producing a two-color molded article, including a pair of primary forming molds, which constitute a primary molding unit for molding a primary molded body by a primary injection molding operation using a first injection unit, are opened while retaining the primary molded body by one of the pair of primary forming molds, and a second injection unit, which constitutes a secondary molding unit for molding a secondary molded body by secondary injection molding operation, is assembled in one of a pair of secondary forming molds with at least part of the second injection unit being accommodated in the one of the pair of secondary forming molds. A secondary molding cavity is formed between the pair of secondary forming molds so as to accommodate at least a part of the primary molded body retained by the above-described one of the pair of primary forming molds.
US09555563B2
A compression molding machine includes a first spray device configured to spray an external lubricant to at least one of the inner surface of a die bore, the upper end surface of a lower punch, and the lower end surface of an upper punch, and a second spray device configured to spray a coating agent for blocking a strange taste or an odor of a molded product, or the like, to at least one of the inner surface of the die bore, the upper end surface of the lower punch, and the lower end surface of the upper punch.
US09555562B2
A method for making a nano-scale film includes the steps of: (a) providing a suspension including an organic solvent and a number of nano-scale particles dispersed therein; (b) dropping/releasing the suspension into a liquid having a specific gravity greater than that of the nano-scale particles; and (c) forming a uniform film of nano-scale particles on the surface of the liquid.
US09555557B2
A method of preparing hollow metal or metal oxide nano- or microspheres is provided. The method comprises providing a suspension comprising monodispersed polydopamine nano- or microspheres, forming a layer of metal or metal oxide on the monodispersed polydopamine nano- or microspheres, and adding an alkaline solution to the suspension to dissolve the polydopamine thereby forming the hollow metal or metal oxide nano- or microspheres.
US09555555B2
A cutting method and an apparatus are provided which enable a rim area or other part of a vitreous silica crucible to be cut off so as to leave a smooth cut surface without damaging the cut edge, etc. The apparatus for cutting the crucible comprises a disk-shaped cutting blade (10) disposed to be movable with respect to the crucible. Without rotating the crucible (20), the rotating cutting blade (10) is brought into contact with a surface of the crucible wall and pushed forward in the wall thickness direction to make a cut piercing the crucible wall. The cutting blade (10) is moved relatively to the crucible (20) in the circumferential direction of the crucible (20) while keeping the cutting blade in the state of piercing the wall. A rim area (25) of the crucible (20) is thus cut off.
US09555553B2
A retractable safety cover for a slitting blade edge. This cover pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the blade edge. The cover is spring loaded in the open direction and is held in the covered orientation by a spring loaded moveable block. By retracting the moveable block the blade edge is exposed for use.
US09555550B2
A holding device (10) having a plurality of gripping devices (18) which are arranged displaceable relative to each other on a support structure (12) in such manner that by their displacement gripping devices (18) are adjustable to a free-form surface. The support structure (12) comprises a plurality of mutually associated movable support elements (22) on which are arranged gripping devices (18), wherein a plurality of support elements (22) are arranged in a row and are connected to form a carrying chain (24) such that the carrying chain (24) is form-adjustable by the movement of the support elements (22) relative to each other.
US09555546B2
A program for a numerical control device is disclosed that determines path points to be approached by an end effector. A control signal group is ascertained for each path point that contains its set point value for each position-controlled axis. Those values are output to the axes, moving the end effector. The degrees of freedom are fewer than the position-controlled axes. The control signal groups are ascertained so that the end effector approaches the path points at least approximately. The control signal groups are ascertained gradually during the activation of the axes. The set point values are ascertained by minimizing an objective function. The objective function that is minimized includes at least the set point values for a path point only to be approached in the future. The sequence between the currently approached point and the point approached in the future has at least one further path point.
US09555534B2
A device is provided for screwing. The device includes a handle housing and a gear reduction housing. The handle housing includes a handle and lodges a motor. The gear reduction housing lodges a gear reduction unit, the input of which cooperates with the output of the motor. The gear reduction unit includes a single output cooperating with a rotating end element for cooperating with an element to be screwed. The gear reduction housing is linked to the handle housing by a rotating link. The rotating link is configured in a way such that a negligible reaction force is transmitted to the handle housing during an operation of screwing.
US09555524B2
A clamping device for clamping a fastener, includes a clamping jaw, a first biasing member for biasing the clamping jaw, a clamping body having a central axis, a driving assembly for driving the clamping jaw to clamp the fastener, and a second member which can be driven by the first member to move axially relative to the clamping body so as to push the clamping jaw to clamp the fastener. The clamping body is formed with a notch for receiving the clamping jaw and the driving assembly is supported on the clamping body and includes a first member which can rotate and move axially relative to the clamping body. The installation structures between the clamping body, the driving assembly and the clamping jaw may be designed to be more compact so that the clamping device has a smaller size.
US09555512B2
A work holding device that secures a workpiece includes a first support column, a second support column, and a plurality of part fixturing anchors. The first support column and the second support column are coupled to one another forming a longitudinal loading envelope having a width-wise dimension, a height-wise dimension, and a length-wise dimension. At least one of the support columns includes a plurality of part fixturing recesses passing through the support column in the width-wise dimension and arranged within the height-wise dimension and the length-wise dimension of the longitudinal loading envelope. The part fixturing anchors extend through the support column at the part fixturing recesses into the longitudinal loading envelope and couple the workpiece to the first and second support columns.
US09555507B2
A display system is easily attached to the safety bar of a chair on a chair lift system at the beginning of a season. The display system includes brackets formed of rails holding clamp portions that may be fastened together to clamp the display system to a chair, such as to the safety bar across the lap of a rider. At the end of a season, the display system may be removed from each chair, the clamp portions removed, and the display systems stacked. In one simplified system, adjacent displays may be stacked back to back, and such adjacent pairs may be stacked with the displays in adjacent pairs positioned face-to-face. Thus, metal brackets on the backs need not scratch up the reading faces or surfaces. Meanwhile, the displays may be stored in minimal space, with great stability, while minimizing wear and damage.
US09555501B2
A process for obtaining a mechanical component by joining a first metallic material and a second metallic material. The process comprises: (A) putting the first material and the second material in contact with each other, (B) fixating a sheet metal element onto the first material to at least partly enclosing the second material and so that the sheet metal element is at least partly in contact with the second material. The sheet metal element comprises carbon, joining the first material and the second material by diffusion welding. The carbon activity of the second material Ca2 and the carbon activity of the sheet metal element Cam at the temperature of joining fulfills a relation Ca2≦Cam.
US09555492B2
A boring tool includes a clamping shaft and a boring body. Between the end face of the boring body and the clamping shaft, at least one main blade extends along a longitudinal axis of the boring body and includes a blade web with a rake face facing a groove-shaped chip space, and a free surface on the outer circumferential side, these converging at a cutting edge which runs along the boring body longitudinal axis and which removes material on an inner wall of a pre-bored workpiece core bore hole as a result of said boring tool being rotated. The main blade extending along the longitudinal axis of the boring body transitions at the end face, of the boring body into a groove blade that is aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the boring body. This groove blade allows the boring tool to be displaced, prior to removing the material by rotation, into the core bore hole in an axial lifting motion such that a groove is formed which extends along the longitudinal axis of the core bore hole, the main blade of the boring tool engaging in this groove.
US09555484B2
A drill may have a cutting tip and a holder located on a rear end portion side of the cutting tip. The cutting tip has two cutting edges located away from each other at a front end portion, two flutes respectively extending from the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge toward the rear end portion, two side surfaces respectively extending from the first flute and the second flute toward a front side in a rotation direction, and two constraining surfaces respectively extending from the first side surface and the second side surface in a tilt direction with respect to the rotation direction. The first side surface and the second side surface are asymmetric with respect to a central axis, and the first constraining surface and the second constraining surface are point symmetric with respect to the central axis in a front end view.
US09555481B2
A drill press comprises a hollow pillar with a base, a holder for a drill slidably mounted on the pillar and a clamp integral to the pillar for clamping the base to a work piece so that the drill is guided to the work piece. The clamp is a G clamp with a jaw held by an arm which engages a screw thread shaft housed in the pillar so that rotating the shaft raises and lowers the arm and the jaw.
US09555475B2
Apparatus and a method for forming a metallic component by additive layer manufacturing are provided. The method includes the steps of mounting a work piece (3) to ALM manufacturing apparatus including measuring means in the form of load cells (13, 14) to measure stresses tending to distort the work piece, using a laser heat source (24) to apply heat to a surface (18) of the work piece (3) sufficient to melt it; adding metallic material to the melted surface (18) and moving the heat source (24) relative to the work piece (3) whereby progressively to form a layer (30) of metallic material on it; repeating the above steps as required, whereby progressively to form the component and, while doing so, measuring stresses tending to distort the component with the load cells (13, 14) and, if they are above a predetermined threshold, stress relieving the work piece with means such as a pulsed laser (27) while still mounted to the apparatus to reduce distortion to a predetermined level, and again repeating above steps as required to complete the component. A computer (16) may be included to control the whole process.
US09555472B2
An arc melting and tilt casting apparatus having a casing provided with a vacuum chamber for housing a hearth having a melting trough and pouring means, arc-melting electrode means passing through the casing in the chamber, a mold having a melt receiving orifice, vacuum generating means, sealing means for maintaining the vacuum in the chamber and tilting means for tilting the apparatus to cause the melt to flow from the melting trough via the pouring means in the mold through the mold orifice. The hearth and mold are connected together and moveable as a single unit in the vacuum chamber and out from the chamber.
US09555465B2
A drawing and/or straightening unit for feeding one or more oblong metal products to a machine for working the metal products is included that has a first roller on which at least one metal product being fed is positioned longitudinally. Also included is a second contrasting roller, opposite the first roller. This keeps the metal product correctly positioned during feed. The drawing and/or straightening unit has actuators operationally associated with the second roller to initially move and position the second roller with respect to the first roller and to vary the distance between the rollers. The actuators have actuators for initial movement of the second roller to the first roller, and for selective and controlled movement of the second roller.
US09555446B2
A system and method for separating mixed materials employing an angled screen that is moved through a vertically oriented circular path by a single drive element.
US09555445B1
A rotating suction chamber apparatus for sorting a mixture of materials comprises a cylindrical drum with its upper end is at a higher elevation than its lower end. An upper housing connected to the upper end has a material intake for receiving the mixture of materials for introduction to the upper end. The mixture of materials includes a light fraction and a heavy fraction, and the upper housing has an outlet for the light fraction. A suction hood connected to the light fraction outlet includes a light separator shaft with a substantially vertical portion, and an air blower is adapted to create an airflow from the lower end, to the upper end, through the light fraction outlet and through the suction hood. A rotator rotates the drum about its longitudinal axis so that the heavy fraction is moved through the drum and falls out of the lower end.
US09555442B2
A composite material includes a carrier material, wherein the carrier material is coated on a first surface with a first coating material and on a second surface with a second coating material, the composite material has links of coating material which run from the first surface of the carrier material to the second surface of the carrier material, and the links of coating material start from 1% to 90% of at least one of the surfaces of the carrier material. A method includes producing a composite material of this type.
US09555438B2
A transfer pump for moving pellets of adhesive includes a pump housing with an adhesive inlet coupled to a supply hopper, an adhesive outlet coupled to an outlet hose, and an adhesive passage extending between the adhesive inlet and the adhesive outlet. A first air nozzle communicates with the adhesive passage adjacent the adhesive inlet and expels a first air jet that pushes pellets of adhesive through the adhesive passage. A second air nozzle communicates with the adhesive passage between the adhesive inlet and the adhesive outlet and expels a plurality of second air jets that draw pellets of adhesive through the adhesive passage by a vacuum force. The first and second air nozzles prevent clogging of pellets in the adhesive passage and enable movement of larger pellets than either air nozzle individually.
US09555434B2
A deposition mask for forming a thin film pattern having a predetermined shape on a substrate by deposition, includes a resin film that transmits visible light and has an opening pattern penetrating through the resin film and having the same shape and dimension as those of the thin film pattern so as to correspond to a preliminarily determined forming region of the thin film pattern on the substrate.
US09555431B2
A discharge system includes: a head unit including discharge heads that discharge a liquid material from nozzle openings that are communication with cavities onto a target by changing the internal pressure of the cavities using piezo elements; a viscosity estimating unit that estimates the viscosity of the liquid material by sucking the liquid material from first vessels that hold the liquid material into the cavities; and a waveform control unit that controls the voltage applied to the piezo elements according to the estimated viscosity of the liquid material.
US09555430B2
A paint spraying system is proposed with a paint spraying device with a paint spray gun with a fan for dispensing paint via a spray head, which paint spraying device is connected via a paint line to a base station with a connector to a paint reservoir. In order to achieve a low and uniform paint pressure which is required in the paint spray gun, the paint spray gun is equipped with a separate pressure reducing device and the base station is equipped with a pressure monitor, which pressure reducing device and pressure monitor perform a pressure regulation of the paint pressure in the system.
US09555427B2
A trigger dispenser (1) for liquids comprises a suction valve (30) and a delivery valve (60), separate from the suction valve (30). The dispenser (1) has a detachable stop (100), comprising a bottom (104) positioned rearwards of the delivery valve (60) to form an end stop abutment with this during the dispensing step.
US09555424B2
Provided is an airbrush in which a needle cap separated from a nozzle is not easily lost. The airbrush includes: an airbrush body; a nozzle that is provided at a tip of the airbrush body so as to spray paint and air; a needle cap that is separably attached to the nozzle; and a needle cap attachment portion that is provided at a rear end of the airbrush body so as to temporarily attach the needle cap separated from the nozzle thereto.
US09555418B2
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for recovering a target material from an aqueous stream. The target material can be a natively hydrophobic target material, such as a hydrocarbon material, such as coal. The target material can also have a surface modification that renders it hydrophobic. Systems for recovering the target material can comprise an extractant formulation comprising a light hydrocarbon solvent and a high molecular weight hydrophobic polymer, wherein the extractant formulation is mixable with the aqueous stream in a mixer to form an admixed solution having a hydrophobic portion and an aqueous portion, with the target material partitioning to the hydrophobic portion; a separator for isolating the hydrophobic portion from the aqueous portion; and a collector to which the hydrophobic portion is directed, wherein the target material is recovered from the hydrophobic portion.
US09555413B2
The present invention provides systems for cell separation based on cell rolling on surfaces along edges of regions coated with cell adhesion molecules. A variety of designs of coated regions and edges are disclosed.
US09555406B2
A method for forming an oxide coated substrate comprising heating a pre-coating mixture in the presence of a substrate to synthesize an oxide coating on the substrate. The pre-coating mixture comprises a solubilized reducing additive, a solubilized oxidizing additive, and the substrate. The heating is conducted at a temperature sufficiently high enough to exothermically react the solubilized reducing additive and solubilized oxidizing additive and low enough to control the phase and composition of the oxide.
US09555405B2
Nanocatalysts and methods of using the same to obtain aromatic hydrocarbon compounds from a source of carbon atoms and a source of hydrogen atoms in a single reaction step is provided. The catalyst comprises an Fe/Fe3O4 nanocatalyst that may be supported on a non-reactive support material such as a zeolite or alumina CO2 and H2 are preferred sources of carbon and hydrogen atoms for the reaction. The aromatic hydrocarbon compounds produced are suitable for direct usage as fuel without need for further refining.
US09555403B2
A process for activating a hydroalkylation catalyst in a first state comprising an acid component and a hydrogenating metal component, including: (i) treatment at a temperature of at least 120° C. in the presence of hydrogen for a first duration to produce a catalyst in a second state having a first hydroalkylation activity; (ii) contacting the catalyst in the second state with an aromatic compound and hydrogen under a hydroalkylation condition effective to convert at least part of the aromatic compound to a cycloalkylaromatic compound and produce a catalyst in a third state; and (iii) treating the catalyst in the third state at a temperature of at least 160° C. in the presence of hydrogen but advantageously in the substantial absence of the aromatic compound for a third duration to produce an activated catalyst in a fourth state having a third hydroalkylation activity greater than the first hydroalkylation activity.
US09555382B2
A centrifugal microfluidic device having a microfluidic mixing element with a microfluidic mixing chamber in which at least two flows emerging from channels into the chamber at separate places are redirected to land at substantially the same place on a mixing surface provides efficient mixing of two or more fluids in the chamber.
US09555381B2
A container restraint assembly includes a base that may have a container positioned thereon. A stop is coupled to the base and the stop may engage the container. A retainer is movably coupled to the base wherein the retainer may be manipulated by a user. The retainer is positionable in an engaging position to compress the container against the stop. Thus, contents of the container may be mixed without the container tipping over. The retainer is positionable in a releasing position to allow the container to be removed from the base.
US09555379B2
A fluid path set includes a first fluid line having a proximal end fluidly connectable to a source of a first fluid and a second fluid line having a proximal end fluidly connectable to a source of a second fluid. A flow mixing device is in fluid communication with distal ends of the first and second fluid lines. The flow mixing device includes a housing, a first fluid port provided for receiving the first fluid, and a second fluid port for receiving the second fluid. A mixing chamber is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid ports. A third fluid port in fluid communication with the mixing chamber for discharging a mixed solution of the first and second fluids. A turbulent flow inducing member is disposed within the mixing chamber for promoting turbulent mixing of the first and second fluids.
US09555363B2
An absorber of a carbon dioxide capture system according to an embodiment includes: a release region for releasing carbon dioxide from an absorbing liquid supplied from a stripper; and a second gas-liquid contact unit to which carbon dioxide released in the release region is supplied together with exhaust gas discharged from a first gas-liquid contact unit. The absorbing liquid having released the carbon dioxide therefrom in the release region is supplied to the second gas-liquid contact unit by an absorbing liquid supply device. The absorbing liquid having passed through the second gas-liquid contact unit is guided to the first gas-liquid contact unit while bypassing the release region. The second gas-liquid contact unit brings the exhaust gas and the absorbing gas into contact with each other so as to cause the carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas to be absorbed in the absorbing liquid.
US09555360B2
A device and method for producing a reformate fuel from a hydrocarbon gas source. The invention enables the conversion of a dilute hydrocarbon gas into a more easily consumable reformate fuel. Gases having low concentrations of hydrocarbons are concentrated using a concentrator into a gaseous or liquid concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is then converted into a reformate using a reformer. The reformate is more easily consumed by an energy conversion device such as a combustion engine, fuel cell, sterling engine or similar device that converts chemical energy into kinetic or electrical energy. The reformer enables complex hydrocarbon fuels that are not normally suitable for use in an energy conversion device to be converted into a reformate. The reformate may be directly supplied into the energy conversion device.
US09555354B2
The invention provides apparatus for separation of particles and methods for using the apparatus. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes three arms extending radially from a central reservoir, each arm being associated with a separation electrode. At least one on the arms includes a separation medium. Using a sequence of driving and mobility-changing voltages, target particles can be separated from closely related particles within a sample. For example, single point mutations can be resolved from a sample containing predominantly wild type nucleic acids.
US09555351B2
A filter device having a filter element received in a filter housing, the filter housing has an inlet and an outlet. The filter element separates a crude chamber that communicates with the inlet from a pure chamber that communicates with the outlet. The filter element has an axially and eccentrically projecting plug, which in an inserted state, is plugged into a plug receptacle formed within the filter housing, and wherein at least one signal generator recognizes at least one of a presence and an absence of the plug in the plug receptacle, generating at least one signal.
US09555343B2
Process for the purification of a residue containing solids and mother liquor and having a chloride ion content greater than 5000 ppm by weight relative to the weight of the residue which comprises (a) piston washing said residue with a washing fluid and (b) recovering a purified residue.
US09555342B2
A reactor and its internals used for the thermal processing of a mixture. The reactor comprises plates and at least part of the surface of said plates is used to perform said thermal processing. The reactor and its internals are used for the thermal processing of mixtures containing organic compounds. The processes, for thermal processing a mixture comprising organic compounds, comprising the steps of feeding the reactor and its internals and being useful for treating wastes oils and/or for destroying hazardous and/or toxic products; and/or for reusing waste products in an environmentally acceptable form and/or way, and/or for cleaning contaminated soils or beaches, and/or cleaning tar pits, and/or use in coal-oil co-processing, and/or recovering oil from oil spills, and/or PCB free transformed oils. A process for fabricating the reactor and its internals is also proposed.
US09555339B2
A building block, comprises a plurality of basic units and a plurality of connectors. Each connector is used to connect each two basic units. The basic unit is a hexahedron. Each face is set with a plurality of connecting holes and a slot. The connector inserts into one connecting hole on one face of the basic unit, and comes out from another connecting hole on the opposing face through the slot to connect with another basic unit. The connecting design not only increases the ways of connecting each two basic units, but also ensures that one basic unit has at least one connecting hole for connecting with another basic unit. The present invention is help to cultivate children's ability of multiple perspectives thinking and ability of 3D space thinking.
US09555338B2
A baseplate assembly, used with releasably coupleable playing pieces, includes a baseplate operably coupled to an image generating device. The baseplate includes a display region, having playing pieces coupling elements, and means for transmitting images generated by the image generating device to the display region. An image generating and playing-piece-interacting assembly includes a receptor operably coupled to an image generating device, having a display screen for generated images, including integrated visual and optically encoded message images, a playing piece at a location relative to the display screen having an optical display message sensor, and a messaging transponder. The optical display message sensor receives the generated images and generates a first signal at least partially based upon the optically encoded message image. The messaging transponder receives the first signal and generates and sends the receptor a second signal at least partially based thereon.
US09555335B1
The present invention relates to a zip-line ride system. The zip-line ride system may consist of a tower and an anchor connected by a cable. The anchor may be fixed or temporary, allowing for a zip-line ride that may be portable. The zip-line ride system may also allow for an adjustment to the height, length, tension, or any combination of all three, of the cable.
US09555330B2
An example of a configuration of an information processing system of the exemplary embodiment includes a first input device on which at least a portion of a user's body is allowed to be put and an information processing apparatus for processing data obtained from the first input device. The first input device includes a first platform on which at least a portion of a user's body is put; and a distance data output unit. The distance data output unit outputs distance data determined in accordance with a distance to an object positioned in a direction away from a platform surface of the first platform. The information processing apparatus includes a data acquisition unit and a processing unit. The data acquisition unit acquires the distance data outputted by the distance data output unit. The processing unit performs a predetermined process, based on the distance data acquired by the data acquisition unit.
US09555329B2
A multi-access online game system and a game control method for use in the same are disclosed. The game control method is applied to a multi-access online game system which is connected to at least one user client and includes a first server and at least one second server. The method includes: receiving an event message associated with a game from a first user client, wherein the first server receives the game-associated event message when the game-associated event message is not the real-time message, and the at least one second server receive the game-associated event message when the game-associated event message is the real-time message; determining a second user client where the real-time message is to be received; and transmitting the real-time message to the second user client. The real-time message is processed by the second server, so that the load of the first server is reduced.
US09555328B2
A method is provided for creating or evolving a virtual environment with a computer system. Steps of the method include: forming a plurality of layers of data, including a first layer and a second layer, each layer including a plurality of cells containing data corresponding to a variable; operating on the data from the cells in the first layer with a function to yield target data; distributing the target data to corresponding cells in the second layer; and altering the data in at least one of the plurality of cells in each layer according to a rule.
US09555326B2
An interactive computer game is described which works in conjunction with a number of physical modules that a user can connect together in different ways to form a coherent physical whole object. The game receives data from the object via a wireless link, the data identifying at least which modules form part of the object and updates game play based on the data received. At some point within the game play, the game presents an objective or goal to the user which the user can only achieve by interacting with the physical object formed from the modules. In an embodiment, this interaction comprises re-arranging the modules or swapping modules to form an object with a different visual appearance, moving all or part of the object and/or interacting with a sensor on a module in the object. The game may receive further data from the object during the user interaction.
US09555314B2
The device pertains to providing a vertically compliant rear truck for a skateboard. This truck provides a truck axle which allows only a single vertical compliance and a single rotational compliance. This provides stability a high speeds and compliance for steering and “pumping” the skateboard.
US09555306B2
A ball throwing machine can include a hopper for receiving one or more balls and a ball delivery device. The ball delivery device can be used to throw or pitch a ball from the hopper to a user of the machine. The ball delivery device can include wheels to impart speed to the ball and a direction system to control the projection angle of the ball. The direction system can control at least one of the up and down angle and the side to side angle of the ball as it is thrown, among possibly other throwing parameters. A controller may be provided for controlling operation of the ball throwing machine.
US09555303B1
This application provides for a new, synergistic combination of components for training an element of the golf swing normally referred to as lag. This new combination consists of a basic lag swing trainer which enables the golfer to attach additional multiple training tools or regulation golf clubs that can be interchangeably used at the same time. The additional combinations of tools that can be attached are unlimited, thereby letting golfers work on more than one of the various aspects of the swing all at the same time, for example, training the golfer in the proper sensations of the backswing technique, the swing plane, and the release of the golf club thru the hitting area. The Golf Swing Lag Training System provides any golfer with all of the kinesthetic and visual feedback that is essential to learning how to lag the golf club like a tour pro.
US09555296B2
A set of golf clubs including golf club heads having improved mass distribution characteristics. The set includes golf club heads having a club head main body including a hitting face and a face support, a muscle back shell and a weight insert.
US09555283B2
An apparatus and method for exercising muscles of a body part, especially the neck, waist, torso, legs, and glutes from any angle with variable resistance while taking up minimal floor space. The apparatus improves the ability of athletes, including football players and wrestlers, to better prepare for contact from any angle while engaged in their sport. The apparatus includes a ring having a guide track therein. Another inner ring may also be provided in different sizes and shapes to accommodate a variety of users. A car connected to a source of resistance rides freely along the guide track. The source of resistance may be other gym equipment including a bungee cord, a cable cross over machine, springs, and the like. As the user freely exercises by moving the body part the car adapts to the user's position to facilitate a full range of motion.
US09555264B1
This invention relates to MEMS X-ray sources based on carbon nanotube coated with metal oxides and metal oxide crystals and insulated with parylene for parallel microbeam intraoperative 100 to 1,000 Gy radiation therapies with minimal toxicity to normal tissue. It sterilizes cancer stem cells that cause tumor recurrence and metastasis. It generates high brightness, 10,000 to 20,000 Gy/s radiations that is closer to synchrotron radiation's dose rate.The parallel microbeam generating X-ray sources are microfabricated with CNT and its variant herringbone, stacked carbon nanotube. They are implantable or contact therapy X-ray sources. Each microfocus carbon nanotube based X-ray source is capable of switching a series of parallel microbeam simultaneously or in sequence. The 100-1,000 Gy single fraction radiosurgery exposes tumor antigens that induce local and systemic tumor immunity. It avoids adaptive resistance to radiation therapy as with 2 Gy daily fractionated radiation therapies that lasts several weeks.
US09555256B2
Forming a connector head for a generator of an active implantable medical device by providing a pin (20) having alternating smooth sections (21) for receiving an electrical contact (210) and a profiled section (22); disposing the electrical contacts on the smooth sections; injecting into a first mold a flexibly resilient material around the profiled sections of the pin to produce isolation elements between the electrical contacts; injecting in a second mold a rigid material around the pin to form the connector head with the electrical contacts and isolation elements embedded therein; and withdrawing the pin from the cavity of the connector head thus formed. The material provides precise axial and radial positioning of the different elements, and good electrical insulation.
US09555240B2
A system and method for skeletal muscle stimulation is provided for increasing muscle mass by stimulating a muscle in an optimal condition through a stimulus signal from an electrical stimulation device disposed at a stimulation position.
US09555235B2
A scaffold defines a plurality of channels, into which axons of a severed nerve may regenerate, such as after limb amputation. Each channel includes a corresponding electrode. Regenerating axons may make electrical contact with the electrodes. Each channel is at least partially filled with a growth factor selected to selectively stimulate axon regeneration. Adjacent channels may include different growth factors, so as to attract different types of axons, for example efferent axons and afferent axons, to each of the adjacent channels. The growth factors may be distributed in the channels so as to present a gradient across a geometry of each channel. This gradient provides enhanced differentiated geometric guidance to the axons, thereby yielding better specificity, in terms of which axons regenerate into which channels. Topography, such as geometric patterns in walls, ceilings and floors of the channels, may also be used to selectively encourage axon regeneration into the channels.
US09555228B2
Devices, systems, and methods for localized drug delivery. In at least one embodiment of a method of localized drug delivery, the method comprises the steps of placing a resorbable device within a tube, introducing the tube within a mammalian body at or near a tissue and/or organ within the mammalian body, and anchoring the resorbable device to the tissue and/or organ. Devices and systems useful for performing such a method are also disclosed herein, wherein an exemplary device comprises at least one drug release portion having at least one drug to be released over time and a binder intermixed with the at least one drug, and at least one resorbable anchor portion coupled to the at least one drug release portion.
US09555227B2
Systems and methods for synchronizing the administration of compounds with the human body's natural circadian rhythms and addiction rhythms to counteract symptoms when they are likely to be at their worst by using an automated and pre programmable transdermal or other drug administration system.
US09555226B2
The invention concerns a transdermal delivery system for controlled dispensing of an active substance to and through a porous surface. A certain amount of fluid comprising at least one active substance and at least one solvent is dispensed into an administration reservoir. In the administration reservoir the at least one solvent is separated from the administration reservoir by a solvent recovery means such that the active substance achieves a certain level on an interface device which is permeable for the one active substance. Thereby the active substance is absorbable via diffusion from the interface device by a porous surface to be treated.
US09555225B2
The invention relates to an intraruminal sustained release capsule which is capable of delivering a sustained release dose of a first medicament to an animal, as well as either or both of a dump dose of a second medicament or mineral, and an exit dose of a third medicament or mineral. The capsule can have a dissolvable overcap molded from plasticized starch enabling a dump dose of medicament to be held between the overcap and one end of the capsule. A piston within the body of the capsule can be modified to enable it to accommodate an exit dose of medicament within its hollow interior which is aligned with an aperture at the end of the capsule which enables release of the medicaments to the rumen. After insertion of the capsule in the animal the overcap (if present) dissolves and separates from the capsule to release the dump dose of medicament. The sustained release medicament is then dispensed via the apertured end, followed by the release of the exit dose of medicament (if present).
US09555218B2
A medical device is disclosed. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end an expandable end effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector assembly may include a plurality of end effector units each having an injector for simultaneously delivering material into tissue.
US09555210B2
A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.
US09555209B2
An apparatus, method and system for delivering CO2 into an inspiratory gas stream to formulate a blended respiratory gas in a manner that continuously maintains a target CO2 concentration in a volume of the inspired respiratory gas, for example, over the course of a breath or a volumetrically definable part thereof or a series of partial or full breaths.
US09555207B2
The invention concerns a gel covering of a patient interface. This gel covering has a mask connection area by which its side that faces away from the patient is joined with a mask body. The patient interface can be designed, for example, as a respiratory mask. On its side that faces the patient's face, the respiratory mask has thin, inwardly formed, peripheral contact lips. The respiratory mask has accessories that allow it to be fastened on the patient's head as well as a hose connection for supplying air. At least one region formed from a filler is placed in or on the walls of the gel covering. The method is used to produce the gel covering of the invention.
US09555205B2
An endotracheal tube for mechanically ventilating patients is disclosed. The endotracheal tube comprises a distal end for insertion into the patient's airway, past the vocal chords, through the subglottal region, and into the patient's lung; and a proximal end for connection to a mechanical ventilator. The endotracheal tube further comprises a cuff at the distal end of the endotracheal tube to be located in the subglottal region of the patient below the vocal chords, an inflating lumen for inflating the cuff, and a suction lumen having a suction inlet port leading from the outer surface of the endotracheal tube, and to be located in the subglottal region, for evacuating secretions and/or rinsing fluid from the subglottal region during the mechanical ventilation of the patient. The distal end of the endotracheal tube is formed with an outer surface configuration effective to prevent blockage of the suction inlet port by the cuff or by tracheal mucosal tissue of the patient during a negative pressure condition in the suction lumen.
US09555202B2
A respiratory drug delivery apparatus that includes a housing for holding a source of a medication, wherein the housing has a patient interface portion for delivering one or more doses of the medication to an airway of a patient, and a sound generator coupled to the housing. The sound generator is adapted to generate one or more audible instructions in response to an actuation signal. The actuation signal may generated in response to a manual actuation performed by the patient, or in response to the detection of an event relating to operation of the apparatus.
US09555197B2
Bubble traps for removing bubbles from a stream of liquid and flexible containers comprising such bubble traps are disclosed. The bubble trap includes a containment chamber fluidly coupled to an outlet conduit. At least one grate is disposed between the containment chamber and the outlet conduit. The at least one grate includes a plurality of grate inlets formed in a grate wall and fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit with a plurality of grate conduits such that the containment chamber is fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit. The grate traps bubbles entrained in the stream of liquid flowing from the containment chamber to the outlet conduit in the containment chamber when the bubbles are greater than or equal to a diameter of the grate inlets.
US09555186B2
Systems and methods of venting a cartridge of an infusion pump system are disclosed. The system can be actively vented. A interior volume of the system can be actively vented at times when a drive mechanism of the system is inactive. Such an active venting system can include a valve that seals a volume of the cartridge that can be vented from the ambient when pressure measurements in the cartridge are made by a pressure sensor for greater measurement and calculation accuracy.
US09555180B2
A peritoneal dialysis (“PD”) connection apparatus includes a first connector for connecting to a PD fluid fill line; a second connector in fluid communication with the first connector, the second connector including a filter configured to allow air but not fluid to pass through the filter; and an air-tight cap manually removeable and resealable to the second connector so as to selectively expose the filter to allow air trapped in a patient's peritoneum to be vented to atmosphere.
US09555153B2
A cotton bud with a rod-like grip body and with a bud body that is arranged at least at one free end of the grip body. The rod-like grip body is a biologically degradable extrusion body, and includes natural fibers embedded into a material matrix.
US09555150B2
An absorbent article, such as a diaper, panty diaper, sanitary napkin or incontinence device includes a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes an anti-bacterial agent or an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal chloride in combination with an organic zinc salt, in particular, zinc ricinoleate. The combination of antibacterial or (earth) alkali metal chloride and organic zinc salt exerts a synergetic effect in the suppression of malodours, such as ammonia.
US09555149B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a medical material which, while retaining high liquid absorbency and styptic properties through gelation of CMC, can maintain shape stability even after absorbing a liquid; which has excellent conformance to the skin; and through which the body surface to which it is to be applied is visible. This medical material is a structure comprising regenerated cellulose fibers including carboxymethyl cellulose fibers in which the degree of substitution of the hydroxyl groups in the glucose units making up the cellulose molecule is at least 0.1 but less than 0.5, wherein the medical material is characterized in that the structure has the form of a woven and/or nonwoven fabric, and when the structure is impregnated with physiological saline, the range of the 10% modulus in both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the structure is 0.2 N/50 mm-5.0 N/50 nm, inclusive.
US09555148B2
This invention relates to a method for producing a water-absorbing polymer, including the following steps: (i) mixing (α1) 0.1 to 99.999 wt % polymerizable, ethylenically unsaturated, acid-group-containing monomers; (α2) 0 to 70 wt % polymerized ethylenically unsaturated, monomers copolymerizable with (α1); (α3) 0.00 1 to 10 wt %, cross-linking agent(s); (α4) 0 to 30 wt % water-soluble polymers; and (α5) 0 to 20 wt % additive(s), wherein the total quantity by weight of (α1) to (α5) amounts to 100 wt %, (ii) radical polymerization while cross-linking, in order to form a hydrogel polymer, (iii) drying the hydrogel polymer, (iv) grinding and sifting the water-absorbing polymer, (v) surface post-cross-linking the hydrogel polymer, and (vi) drying and processing the polymer, wherein, before the admixture of the initiator and the start of radical polymerization, 0.01 to 5 wt % of a surfactant, relative to acrylic acid, 0.01 to 5 wt % foaming agent, are added.
US09555146B2
A method of sterilizing an object having at least first and second openings toward an inner space of the object includes connecting the first opening to a feed line for a sterilization agent, connecting the second opening to an outlet line for the sterilization agent, and conducting the sterilization agent through the feed line into the inner space, through the inner space, and out of the inner space through the outlet line.
US09555142B2
The method for the heat treatment of waste includes introducing the waste by into a bag and placing the bag inside an apparatus for treating waste, the apparatus including a cylindrical barrel, a removable closure lid and a bottom moveable inside the barrel, at least in the direction of the lid. After the bag has been placed in the apparatus heat treatment of waste is carried out by raising the temperature of the lid and the bottom and by providing this lid and this bottom with a hold temperature. At least during the rise in temperature of the lid and the bottom, and before the hold temperature is reached, this lid and this bottom are moved towards each other at least once. A temperature conferred on the lid differs by at most 2° C. from the temperature of the bottom.
US09555139B2
Described herein are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating pathogenic cell populations. The compounds described herein include conjugates of tubulysins and vitamin receptor binding ligands. The conjugates also include a releasable bivalent linker.
US09555136B2
Disclosed herein are polymer-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles and methods of their manufacture and use. The nanoparticles are coated with a copolymer of poly(maleic anhydride alt-H2C═CH—R1)-polyethylene glycol (PMAR-PEG), wherein R1 is a hydrophobic moiety. The molecular weights of the PMAR and PEG portions of the copolymer, as well as the core diameter of the nanoparticles are selected in order to produce optimal performance for specific applications. Representative applications of the nanoparticles include magnetic particle imaging, magnetic sentinel lymph node biopsy, and magnetic fluid hyperthermia. The disclosed nanoparticles are tools for these methods that provide previously unachieved levels of stability (e.g., via reduced agglomeration) and customizability (e.g., tuned blood circulation half-life in vivo).
US09555131B2
An imaging agent for detecting analytes in an environment includes functionalized nanodiamonds and functionalized magnetic particles that can selectively interact with an analyte. Each functionalized nanodiamond contains at least one color center configured emit light in response to illumination. At least one property of the light emitted by the color centers is related to the proximity of the functionalized magnetic particles to the color centers. This property can be detected to determine that the functionalized nanodiamonds are proximate to the functionalized magnetic particles, to determine that the functionalized nanodiamonds and the functionalized magnetic particles are interacting with the analyte, or other applications. Devices and methods for detecting properties of the analyte by interacting with the functionalized nanodiamonds and functionalized magnetic particles are also provided.
US09555112B2
This invention provides fully human monoclonal antibodies that recognize HER2. The invention further provides methods of using such monoclonal antibodies in a variety of therapeutic, diagnostic, and prophylactic indications.
US09555107B2
Compositions and methods are provided for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammation and autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis. Compositions and methods for modulating IL-23 or IL-22 signaling are provided.
US09555106B2
Disclosed herein are compounds and related compositions for the treatment of viral infection, including RNA viral infection, and compounds that can modulate the RIG-I pathway in vertebrate cells, including compounds that can activate the RIG-I pathway.
US09555103B2
The present invention relates to a nutritional, preferably enteral, composition for use in the treatment of cow's milk allergy in infants allergic to cow's milk containing specific beta-lactoglobulin peptides, which are able to reduce, in particular abolish the acute symptoms of cow's milk protein allergy.
US09555100B2
Provided herein are, for example, immunogenic compositions and methods of using the same for the treatment or prevention of Herpesvirus infections.
US09555099B2
Compositions of recombinant HSV-2 proteins and an agonist of the innate immune system, such as an adjuvant, are provided as a vaccine. Proteins include an envelope glycoprotein and a structural protein other than an envelope glycoprotein, e.g., a capsid or tegument protein. The vaccine is for use in either HSV-2 seropositive or seronegative subjects.
US09555089B2
Modification of recombinant adenovirus with immunogenic plasmodium circumsporozoite protein epitopes
The present disclosure relates to adenovirus protein modifications to augment immune response to a transgene of a recombinant adenovirus and to circumvent pre-existing anti-adenovirus immunity. Some embodiments are directed to a recombinant adenovirus derived from a recombinant adenovirus plasmid vector, wherein the recombinant adenovirus plasmid vector comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein, or antigenic portion thereof, operably linked to a heterologous promoter and a modified capsid or core protein, wherein an immunogenic epitope of Plasmodium circumsporozoite is inserted into or replaces at least part of a capsid or core protein. Other embodiments are directed to a pharmaceutical composition or a malaria vaccine composition comprising a recombinant adenovirus according to the above embodiments. Further embodiments include a method of treating, preventing, or diagnosing malaria, comprising administering a therapeutic amount of the pharmaceutical composition or malaria vaccine composition in accordance with the above embodiment.
US09555082B2
Disclosed is a composition containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae var boulardii and the enzyme superoxide dismutase.
US09555079B1
Intestinal absorption is enhanced in short bowel syndrome patients presenting with colon-in-continuity by treatment with a GLP-2 receptor agonist, such as teduglutide.
US09555077B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a hypothermic agent for an animal, a therapeutic agent for hyperthermia in an animal, etc. The present invention provides a hypothermic agent for an animal, a therapeutic agent for hyperthermia in an animal, etc., the agents etc. comprising desacyl ghrelin or its derivative, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
US09555073B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods for the use of an encapsulation additive having between about 0.1 to about 30 percent isolated and purified vitelline protein B to provide for mixed and extended release formulations.
US09555072B2
The invention provides viral vectors (e.g., herpes viral vectors) and methods of using these vectors to treat disease.
US09555068B2
A new use or method of use of a thylakoid extract, for oral route of administration, and a composition comprising the thylakoid extract in adjunction with an acceptable carrier for oral administration. Also described is a method for treating or preventing a disease or disorder involving the formation of reactive oxygen species inflammation in an individual, which comprises the step of orally administering an effective dose of a thylakoid extract. Also described is an oral composition comprising purified thylakoids and a carrier for oral ingestion or oral administration, with the proviso that the carrier does not essentially consist of water, physiological saline or propylene glycol. The thylakoid extract or composition is also provided as a food or a food supplement, or as a pellet, or encapsulated granules or powder.
US09555065B2
A method is provided for evaluating agents for the treatment of different intestinal motility disorders, using distinct methodological parts related to musculature and nerves of the GI tract which communicate with the brain. In particular, the present invention provides a method for the selection of an agent effective for the treatment of an intestinal motility disorder, wherein said method comprises: a) a step of spatiotemporal (ST) mapping carried out on a gastrointestinal segment to analyze the effect of said agent on gastrointestinal motility; and b) a step of ex vivo nerve bundle recording carried out on a gastrointestinal segment to analyze the effect of said agent on mesenteric afferent nerve firing. Bacterial strains selected by the methods of the invention and the use of said bacterial strains in the treatment of intestinal motility disorders are also provided.
US09555064B2
The invention relates to a Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) in which more than one secreted protease is inactivated by genetic modification. Such a protease-deficient B. anthracis has an improved ability to produce recombinant secreted proteins compared to other bacteria, particularly other Bacillus. Improvements include production of intact (i.e., mature full-length) proteins, often at high yield. The disclosure provides a B. anthracis that comprises a genetic modification that inactivates a protease of the M4 family of metalloproteases and a genetic modification that inactivates a protease of the M6 family of metalloproteases. Also provided is a modified B. anthracis comprising such genetic modification transformed with a recombinant molecule encoding a product, as well as methods to prepare and use such B. anthracis.
US09555061B2
The invention relates to low-molecular-weight compounds which are capable of inducing differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell into hepatocytes.
US09555060B2
Some embodiments comprise methods, systems, and compositions to produce and/or administer modified exosomes or other vesicles containing one or more selected microRNAs, including but not limited to, miR-146b. Some embodiments also comprise the therapeutic administration and use of such modified exosomes and/or producer cells to treat mammalian injuries and diseases, including in human beings.
US09555059B2
A composition nutritional containing dietary fibers is useful for the treatment of muscle wasting, if the dietary fiber comprise at least 30 wt. % of galacto-oligosaccharides or other oligosaccharides having mainly anhydropyranose units, and having a chain length of 3-10 units. The composition may further contain other oligo- or polysaccharides, especially polysaccharides having a majority of anhydrofuranose units.
US09555047B2
Corticosteroid microparticle formulations are provided for use for treating pain, including pain caused by inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and for slowing, arresting or reversing structural damage to tissues caused by an inflammatory disease, for example damage to articular and/or peri-articular tissues caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroid microparticle formulations are administered locally as a sustained release dosage form (with or without an immediate release component) that results in efficacy accompanied by clinically insignificant or no measurable effect on endogenous cortisol production.
US09555033B2
Provided herein are methods for treating and/or preventing a cancer or a tumor syndrome in a patient, comprising administering an effective amount of a TOR kinase inhibitor to a patient having cancer or a tumor syndrome, characterized by a LKB1 and/or AMPK gene or protein loss or mutation.
US09555029B2
The invention provides improved methods for coadministration of colchicine with drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 (anciently referred to as cytochrome P450 isozyme 3A4) or the P-glycoprotein transporter, but not both. The method enables non-toxic coadministration of colchicine and the second drug at their ordinary levels safely and effectively without reducing the dose or frequency for either drug.
US09555021B2
Disclosed herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising (3-(1-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)ethyl)-2-methylphenyl)methanol and methods of using the composition to treat chronic pain.
US09555018B2
The present invention provides a method of controlling bacterial contamination using synergistic interactions of antimicrobials. The invention utilizes a combination of organic acids where the combined antimicrobial effect is synergistic.
US09555014B2
This invention relates to clinically useful therapeutic regimens comprising the administration of (R)-6-(2-(ethyl(4-(2-(ethylamino)ethyl)benzyl)amino)-4-methoxyphenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol.
US09555009B2
This invention reports ciprofloxacin (CIP)-encapsulated polymeric nanoparticles and its antibacterial potential with a variety of gram positive and gram negative pathogenic bacteria. CIP-encapsulated nanoparticles of diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEA-EC) are prepared by the multiple emulsion solvent evaporation method. CIP-encapsulated nanoparticles showed superior effectiveness to inhibit the growth of bacteria in-vitro.
US09555005B2
An extended-release topiramate capsule that includes a capsule shell containing a single population of coated particles; wherein each coated particle includes a core and a coating thereon; wherein each particle core includes a homogeneous mixture comprising topiramate throughout its core; and wherein the coating includes one or more release controlling agent(s).
US09555004B2
Pharmaceutical compositions of topiramate for once-a-day oral administration are provided. The formulations comprise a sustained-release component and an optional immediate-release component, the compositions of which can be selectively adjusted, respectively, to release the active ingredient along a pre-determined release profile. Method of treating or preventing pathological disorders in mammalian subjects comprising the administration of the novel formulations disclosed herein is also provided.
US09554996B2
Described herein are compositions comprising particles of poorly soluble drugs encapsulated by stabilizers. Further described are pharmaceutical compositions comprising such encapsulated compositions. Also described are methods of making such encapsulated particle compositions, and methods of making the corresponding pharmaceutical compositions. The encapsulated particle compositions described herein allow poorly soluble drugs to be administered with good bioavailability by routes that are non-invasive to patients, such as by oral administration.
US09554992B2
Microparticles comprising a combination of an anticholinergic, a beta2-adrenoceptor agonist, and an inhaled corticosteroid are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of respiratory diseases.
US09554990B2
A method is provided to promote secretion of cholecystokinin (CCK) by administering an active component. The active component includes acrylic acid and/or an unsaturated aldehyde having a main chain of 4 to 12 carbon atoms having a double bond in at least position 2 or 4, where the main chain has 4 to 9 carbon atoms when there is a double bond in only position 2, and the main chain has 9 to 12 carbon atoms when there is a double bond in only position 4. The cholecystokinin secretion-promoting composition can be used as an appetite suppressant. By adding this cholecystokinin secretion-promoting composition to food, appetite-suppressing food products can be provided.
US09554986B2
The present invention relates an oral care composition, comprising one or more functional agents selected from a group consisting of a whitening agent, a re-mineralizing agent, an anti-plaque agent, an anti-gingivitis agent, a detoxifying agent and its combinations. The composition further comprises a probiotic blend consisting of beneficial oral bacterial population and at least one essential oil comprising antimicrobial activity.
US09554976B2
A tooth whitening product is provided. The tooth whitening product has a backing layer and a tooth whitening composition. The tooth whitening composition includes first and second water soluble polymers, water, and a tooth whitening agent, wherein the first water soluble polymer is polyethelene oxide and the second water soluble polymer is polyvinyl alcohol.
US09554974B2
The invention relates to daily necessities of life; and more particularly to a dentifrice powder that promotes oral health, and cleaning for the teeth and gums. One example includes the following ingredients: calcium carbonate26-36parts mineral powder6-12parts foaming agent3-7parts sodium benzoate3-7parts Chinese gall1-3parts hydrated amorphous silica2-6parts aromatic agent1.5-2.5parts wintergreen oil1.5 to 2.4parts sodium monofluorophosphate17-22parts calcium supplements17-24parts This dental powder provides the absorption of calcium and trace minerals by the teeth and gums, to promote microcirculation, reduce or eliminate periodontal sores, receding gums, loose teeth, gum bleeding, sensitivity to heat and cold, tooth decay, dental disease the breeding of bacteria, and oral inflammation; and to remove stains from the teeth, including cigarette smoke stain, coffee and tea stains, and black and yellow dye stains.
US09554971B2
The present invention provides dental bonding agents and dental bonding systems comprising the dental bonding agents. The dental bonding agents of the invention are characterized by having antibacterial properties, and in some aspects of the invention, remineralizing properties.
US09554966B2
An upper limb training apparatus includes a training apparatus main body that includes a base frame, and an operation rod to be operated by a trainee by hand. A chair is positioned in a right or in a left arm training position relative to the training apparatus main body. A monitor stand extends upward from the base frame. A monitor arm is provided in the monitor stand, and supports the monitor such that the position of the monitor can be adjusted in both right and left directions.
US09554963B2
An apparatus and corresponding method for treatment of skin conditions which includes a brushhead member which comprises a first portion which includes a plurality of rings of bristle tufts, the first portion oscillating in operation through a selected angle at a selected frequency and a second portion which also includes a plurality of rings of bristle tufts concentric with the first portion, the second portion remaining stationary in operation. At least one monochromatic light source is included, providing light directed from the brushhead in a direction substantially the same as the bristle tufts, such that the light impinges on the area of skin of the user acted on by the oscillating brushhead.
US09554961B1
A folding walker is provided, including methods of using the folding walker. The folding walker includes two side members. Each of the side members includes a leg assembly; a handle assembly; and two first joints coupled between the leg assembly and the handle assembly. The folding walker also includes a front member. The front member includes a horizontal member having a first portion and a second portion; and a second joint coupled between a first end of the first portion and a first end the second portion, wherein a second end of the first portion is rotatably coupled to one side member and a second end of the second portion is rotatably coupled to the other side member.
US09554954B2
The present invention relates to a convertible wheelchair with a removable wheel assembly that can be replaced by a stationary stand for use at the beach and other loose gravel and sand locations.
US09554952B2
An absorbent article includes a belt placed around the waist of the wearer and an absorbent pad attached to the belt, wherein the pad includes a chassis having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent pad is attached to a surface of the belt attaching arrangements provided on each corner of the front portion and the rear portion of the pad, wherein the waist elastic is provided at the waist portion of at least one of the front and rear portion and is movable between a contracted condition in which the topsheet and/or backsheet exhibit(s) pleats and a fully stretched condition in which the pleats of the topsheet and/or backsheet are fully stretched out, wherein the elastic force from said waist elastic is within the range of from 2 N to 7 N when the elastic is in the fully stretched condition.
US09554951B2
An absorbent article comprising a wearer-facing topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, characterized in that the absorbent core comprises: a first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, a layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on the first substrate, and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles; a second absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate and a mixed layer deposited on the second substrate, the mixed layer comprising a mixture of second superabsorbent particles and cellulosic fibers, the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer being combined together such that at least a portion of the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the mixed layer of the second absorbent layer, and wherein the first absorbent layer is placed closer to the topsheet than the second layer.
US09554943B2
An ophthalmic instrument for the application of laser radiation in a patient's eye, particularly for the examination and/or surgical laser treatment of the cornea and the lens of the eye, includes a femtosecond laser, an objective and optical assemblies. The optical assemblies are arranged in front of the objective selectively vary the focus position in the coordinate direction X,Y and Z either within the region of the cornea or within the region of the lens of the eye. The objective or at least one lens group is movable relative to the eye. The variation of the position of the lens group or objective shifts the focus position from the cornea to the lens of the eye and vice versa.
US09554937B2
A pump includes a pump bulb connected to a pump body. An exhaust valve assembly is disposed in the pump body within an exit flow path communicating between the pump bulb and the cylinder. An inlet valve is rotatably disposed in the pump body within an inlet flow path communicating between the reservoir and the pump bulb. The inlet valve includes a spherical part retained in a seat formed by the pump body, an inlet flange connected to and extending radially away from the spherical part, and a lockout flange connected to and extending radially away from the spherical part. A channel is formed through a portion of the spherical part of the inlet valve. The channel includes an outlet hole that is blocked from the inlet flow path by the seat formed in the pump body and opened to the inlet flow path by rotation of the inlet valve.
US09554933B2
A strap tightener assembly has a base, a tightening device mounted on the base and movable relative thereto, and a strap assembly coupled to the tightening device. The tightening device provides incremental movement of the strap assembly relative to the base at a plurality of predefined settings. A cover extends over the strap assembly and connects to the base so that the base and the cover form a channel permitting movement of the strap assembly therethrough. The cover defines an elongate slot extending along a portion of a length of the cover, and the strap assembly has an indicator identifying the relative location of the strap assembly to the cover. A strap is securable to the strap assembly.
US09554919B2
An vertebral implant for fusing adjacent vertebrae or for replacing vertebral bodies is disclosed. The implant is a biocompatible metal, resorbable, or radiolucent implant conforming substantially in size and shape with an end plate of a vertebra. The implant preferably has a wedge-shaped profile to restore disc height and the natural curvature of the spine. The top and bottom surfaces of the implant have areas with a plurality of teeth to resist expulsion and provide initial stability and areas devoid of any protrusions to receive implantation instrumentation. The implant also has a stackability feature. The implant provides initial stability needed for fusion without stress shielding.
US09554915B2
A fixation device comprises a first clamping member having an adjustable clamping collar and a first curved support portion attached to the adjustable clamping collar. The first clamping member is adapted to receive a digit. The first curved support portion is adapted to support an inferior surface of a proximal phalanx of the digit. A distal member is adjustably attachable to the first clamping member. The distal member has a second curved support surface adapted to support an inferior surface of a distal phalanx of the digit and a curved distal end adapted to apply a compressive force in a proximal direction to a distal end of the distal phalanx.
US09554910B2
A method is disclosed for repairing a defect in an anatomical feature, the defect having a surface that defines a volume. The method includes receiving imaging data obtained using a medical imaging technique. The imaging data represents the anatomical feature. In one example, the method further includes creating a three-dimensional (3D) model of a mold for an implant based on the imaging data. The mold includes a cavity that replicates the volume of the defect. In another example, the method further includes creating a 3D model of an implant based on the imaging data. The implant is configured to fill the volume of the defect. In various implementations, the mold, the implant, and/or a replica of the implant are formed based on the 3D model of the mold or the 3D model of the implant. Guides and implants corresponding to the method are also disclosed.
US09554904B2
A catheter assembly according to the present invention includes a handle assembly, an introducer sheath, and a distal tip assembly. The distal tip assembly can include first and second retaining sleeves and a slotted tip with a non-traumatic tip guard positioned at the proximal end of the slotted tip. The handle assembly can include a fixed main handle and two or more rotating handles that allow a user to control the distal tip assembly of the catheter. Each control knob on the handle assembly controls a portion of the components on the distal by of the catheter by allowing for precise manipulation of various delivery shafts. Each delivery shaft extends from the handle assembly to respective positions towards the distal end of the catheter.
US09554893B2
A haptic is provided for use in an accommodating intraocular lens. The haptic has multiple filaments, each connected to the edge of the optic at one end. Each filament has a shape that conforms to an equatorial region of the capsular bag. The haptic couples the forces exerted by the capsular bag of the eye during accommodation radially to the edge of the optic, produce a diametric expansion or compression of the optic. This diametric motion distorts the optic, producing a change in any or all of the anterior radius, the posterior radius, and the thickness. These changes affect the power of the lens and/or location of the image. The haptic may optionally have a thin membrane joining the filaments at the optic end, and may optionally have a connecting ring that joins the filaments at the end opposite that of the optic.
US09554892B2
An ophthalmic lens for providing enhanced vision includes a finished optic comprising a base optic and a membrane. The base optic has an anterior surface and an opposing posterior surface, at least one of the surfaces having a first value of a surface quality parameter. The base optic also includes a membrane including an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface covering one or more of the surfaces of the base optic. The outer surface has a second value of the surface quality parameter, wherein the second value is greater than the first value.
US09554885B2
Implants for the treatment of pelvic support conditions and methods of implementing the same. The implants comprise relatively soft, flexible bodies and relatively strong arms extending in predetermined orientation therefrom. Methods and devices for placing the implants minimize trauma to the pelvic floor and provide well-anchored support to pelvic organs without interfering with sexual or other bodily functions.
US09554879B2
A cradle, assembly, system and method for installing a prosthesis at a surgical site. The cradle temporarily engages the prosthesis and holds it in the correct orientation and position adjacent the surgical site. An aperture is defined in the cradle and a portion of the prosthesis is received therein. In one embodiment, the cradle, assembly and system are used to install a final dental prosthesis in a patient's mouth in a single visit to the dentist's office. A securement member pins the surgical template and subsequently the cradle to the jaw. A reinforced sub-structure on the final dental prosthesis is received in the aperture in the cradle. Cylinders attached to implants anchored in the jaw extend through holes in the sub-structure and are bonded to the prosthesis. The cradle is detached from the jaw and from the prosthesis prior to screws being re-inserted through the cylinders and into the implants.
US09554878B2
A method (30) for manufacturing a dental superstructure or part thereof is provided. The method comprises the steps of (i) making (31) a dental imprint from the mouth of a subject; (ii) mounting (32) an analog in the imprint to obtain a working model; (iii) attaching (33) a screw channel directing device (10, 20), comprising a screw channel part (11, 21) and an implant cooperating part (12, 22), said screw channel part (11, 21) being tiltable in relation to the implant cooperating part (12, 22), to the working model; (iv) tilting (34) the screw channel part (11, 21) in relation to the implant cooperating part (12, 22) into a desired angle; (v) shaping a mold creating a master superstructure or part thereof onto the screw channel directing device (10, 20); (vi) forming (37) a mold based on the master superstructure or part thereof; and (vii) casting (38) or CAD/CAM shaping of the dental superstructure or part thereof. Embodiments of screw channel directing devices are also provided.
US09554869B1
The present invention is directed to a bite tray having fiducial markers for head scan registration and method of use. The bite tray is held by a patient in his teeth while the scan of his head and the fiducial markers is made by x-ray, CT, or MM and the scan is entered into a computer to register the scan to the fiducial markers. Instrument optical markers are placed on a dental instrument and it is observed by a camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the instrument optical markers to the dental instrument. Patient optical markers are placed on the patient and it is observed by the camera and the observation is entered into the computer to register the patient optical markers to the patient. The tip of the dental instrument is then touched to one of the fiducial markers making the location of the tip and the fiducial marker the same. The computer then registers the scan to the instrument and the patient. The bite tray is then removed from the mouth allowing access by the dentist to the teeth. The camera follows the movement of the instrument optical markers to the patient optical markers to create a display of the instrument and tip on the scan.
US09554868B2
A method and system for intraoperative, image-based reduction control for long bone shaft fracture treatment. The method includes preoperative steps of a) implanting markers into the proximal fragment and into the distal fragment of the broken bone, b) creating a 3D reference model of bone by taking a CT scan of the healthy bone, a CT scan of the broken bone and c) defining landmarks in the reference model based on the marker positions. The method further includes intraoperative steps of d) extracting the 3D position of the same landmarks from a series of 2D fluoroscopic images, using a reference object and e) comparing the positions the preoperatively defined landmarks and the positions of the intraoperatively extracted landmarks to calculate the malalignment of the fracture fragments.
US09554867B2
A light attachment device for removable attachment to an electrosurgical pencil and/or an electrosurgical pencil attachment such as a shroud for an electrosurgical pencil. The light attachment device may be automatically turned on and off in conjunction with the activation and deactivation of the electrosurgical pencil and/or electrosurgical pencil attachment.
US09554866B2
A system and method for using a remote control to control an electrosurgical instrument, where the remote control includes at least one momentum sensor. As the surgeon rotates their hand mimicking movements of a handheld electrosurgical instrument, the movements are translated and sent to the remote controlled (RC) electrosurgical instrument. The surgeon uses an augmented reality (AR) vision system to assist the surgeon in viewing the surgical site. Additionally, the surgeon can teach other doctors how to perform the surgery by sending haptic feedback to slave controllers. Also, the surgeon can transfer control back and forth between the master and slave controller to allow a learning surgeon to perform the surgery, but still allow the surgeon to gain control of the surgery whenever needed. Also, the surgeon could be located at a remote location and perform the surgery with the assistance of the AR vision system.
US09554857B2
Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, system, computer-accessible medium, procedure and method are provided which can be used for providing laser steering and focusing for, e.g., incision, excision and/or ablation of tissue in minimally-invasive surgery. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one optical element which can be configured to refract and/or diffract light provided in a structure which can be configured to be inserted into a body, where at least one of the optical element(s) is structured to receive the light at a first angle and generate a refracted and/or diffracted light at a second angle which can be different from the first angle relative to an optical axis. For example, an actuating arrangement can be provided, which can be configured to control the optical element(s), can be provided and situated at least partially within the at least one structure.
US09554844B2
An open electrosurgical forceps is provided and includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member at a distal end thereof. The jaw members are movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to a subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A cutting mechanism is adapted to selectively and removably couple to one of the first and second shaft members. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting trigger for selectively advancing a knife blade extending therefrom through a knife channel defined along one or both of the jaw members. The first shaft member includes a stop feature formed thereon and the second shaft feature includes a stop member formed thereon. The stop feature and stop member configured to selectively engage one another to limit rotation of the first and second shaft members with respect to one another.
US09554838B2
Methods for treating pain resulting from osteoarthritis, and associated devices and instruments for such pain treatment are disclosed. These methods aim to prevent the progression of osteoarthritis of a joint, by biochemically diagnosing microenvironmental abnormalities in the subchondral bone, and subsequently treating the subchondral bone to prevent, or delay the onset or progression of, or otherwise treat, osteoarthritis as well as any bone marrow edema or lesion.
US09554836B2
A bone fixation device comprises an elongated body. The elongated body includes a first end portion with a coil and an opposite second end portion with an elongated tail. The second end portion also includes an attachment portion configured for engagement with a fastener.
US09554829B2
Spine stabilization systems are disclosed. One spine stabilization system includes a bone screw assembly including a coupling member and a screw member received therein. The coupling member includes a pair of extension elements that form a pair of slots. The slots include bottom angled surfaces. An angled wedge member having a substantially horizontal bottom surface and an angled top surface is delivered on top of the screw member within the coupling member. A rod member can be delivered down the coupling member such that it rests on the slots and on top of the angled wedge member. A locking assembly comprising a cap member and set screw can be delivered down the coupling member to secure the rod member to the coupling member. The rod member and locking assembly components can be delivered through a single incision and at a same or similar angle as the screw member during surgery.
US09554824B2
An orifice introducer device for introducing, for example a surgical device, into, for example an orifice of a body, includes a tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end is adjustable between a first position for insertion into an orifice and a second position once inserted into the orifice. Alternatively, the orifice introducer device includes a distal portion having a proximal end configured to be detachably secured to the distal end of the tubular member. The distal portion is selectively detachable when the orifice introducer device is positioned in the orifice.
US09554821B2
A medical device for resecting tissue. The medical device is slidably disposed within a working channel of an elongate introduction sheath. The medical device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The distal end of the elongate shaft may include an opening in communication with the lumen. In addition, the medical device includes a support structure having a slot extending along an inner surface of the support structure in communication with the lumen of the elongate shaft. The medical device further includes a snare loop having a first position disposed within the slot of the support structure, and a second position disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft. An actuation member is slidably disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft and is connected to the snare loop.
US09554819B2
An endoscopic treatment tool includes a sheath, a support portion which is attached to a distal end of the sheath, a pair of forceps members which are provided on the support portion, a linear portion which is inserted through the sheath so that the linear portion is capable of advancing and retracting, the linear portion causing facing surfaces each provided on the pair of forceps members to approach each other, and the linear portion separating the pair of facing surfaces from each other, an engaging portion which is provided in the support portion, an engaged portion which is provided in the linear portion, and a moving mechanism that moves the position of the distal end portion of the linear portion to a distal end position closer to the distal end side than the engaged portion.
US09554818B2
A system for magnetically suspending tissue includes a grasper placement tool, a tissue grasper, a magnetic coupling element, and a tether which secures the magnetic coupling element to the tissue grasper. The grasper placement tool is used to simultaneously introduce both the tissue grasper and the magnetic coupling element to a body cavity. The grasper then releases the magnetic coupling element and engages a target tissue structure. The tissue grasper is then detached from the placement tool and a conventional laparoscopic or other grasper is used to engage the magnetic coupling element to an external magnet.
US09554811B2
An embodiment includes a system for preparing fusion of joints, such as joints in the toes or fingers of an animal such as a human. The system may include one or more of complementary ball and socket joint reamers. A reamer may be separable from an intramedullary fixation rod. The rod may include channels to prevent rotation of the rod once implanted in bone. Other embodiments are discussed herein.
US09554806B2
An occlusive device includes a frame element having a distal end and a proximal end, and a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. The occlusive device also includes an occlusive face having a peripheral edge, where the occlusive face positioned toward the proximal end of the frame element. The occlusive device also includes at least one anchor positioned at the peripheral edge of the occlusive face, where the at least one anchor extends at an acute angle to the peripheral edge of the occlusive face.
US09554794B2
In various forms, the modular motor control system may comprise one or more motor controllers each having an associated motor. The one or more motor controllers may be in communication with a master controller. The master controller is configured to provide control signals to the motor controllers to control the associated motors. In some forms, the one or more motor controllers and the associated motors may be located within a surgical module. The surgical module may provide a communications interface between the master controller and the one or more motor controllers.
US09554789B2
Expandable dilators, dilation assemblies, and kits are disclosed, along with methods for using same.
US09554788B1
A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing an arthroscopic cannula in place during arthroscopic surgery. The method and apparatus seal the arthroscopic incision to mitigate leakage of fluid from the joint and seepage of the fluid into surrounding tissue. Reducing leakage of fluid during surgery reduces consumption of saline to insufflate the joint, and improves safety in the operating room by reducing accumulation of fluid on the operating room floor. Reducing leakage and tamping the incision also reduces the likelihood of expulsion of the cannula under pressure from the joint. Reducing seepage of fluid into surrounding tissue also reduces stiffening of the joint during surgery which can interfere with manipulation of the joint and instruments to desired positions during surgery. Reducing seepage of fluid into surrounding tissue also reduces the likelihood of complications or extenuating circumstances during surgery due to migration of fluid through expulsion of the cannula by reducing expansion of surrounding soft tissue during manipulation of instruments and the cannula during surgery, and improves patient recovery.
US09554783B2
In one embodiment, a device for closing or occluding ASDs and PFOs, or other bodily passageways, includes a circumferential frame, a sheet of biocompatible material attached to the frame, and at least one anchor attached to the sheet of biocompatible material. In another embodiment, the closure device includes a circumferential frame, at least one crossbar extending across and attached to the frame, at least one anchor connected to at least one crossbar; and at least one sheet of biocompatible material (such as ECM material) attached to the frame. The anchor includes at least one grasping member having a structure, such as a wired loop, which is configured for releasable attachment to a delivery release member, which facilitates delivery of a closure device collapsibly disposed in a delivery catheter. Alternatively, one or more anchor end pairs may be connected to a delivery bar enhancing delivery and retrieval of the device.
US09554781B2
A minimally invasive surgical suturing device has a shaft; a needle slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end; and a guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture and moveably coupled to the shaft for selectable movement between a retracted position and an enabled position. In a related method, a distal shaft end, having a guide tip in a retracted position, is passed through a minimally invasive entry point and into a body cavity. The guide tip having a ferrule receiving aperture is actuated into an enabled position such that an insertion profile of the guide tip and shaft in the enabled position is larger than an access dimension of the minimally invasive entry point. A needle, slideably coupled to the shaft and having a ferrule engaging end, is advanced on a path substantially parallel to the shaft, toward and in alignment with the ferrule receiving aperture.
US09554780B2
The present invention refers to a portable device for the collection of biological samples. The device comprises a receptacle (8) with a cover (2), which comprises a pierceable area (3) and may include a collection instrument (1), comprising a rod (4), and a collection arrangement at the end, which may include a solid matrix, for instance a sponge or a tampon (5). The receptacle (8) has a rounded or conical shaped bottom (10), at the center of which there is a conical or rounded-shaped projection (11), with one or more holes (12). The bottom of the receptacle (8) is in contact with a collector recipient through a system of close-aperture, which may comprise screw or a fitting system with protrusions (13). In this way, the device referred in the present invention allows for the collection, storage, transportation and separation of biological material without significant manipulation and without risk of cross-contamination.
US09554774B2
A catheter-based imaging system includes a catheter having a telescoping proximal end, a distal end having a distal sheath and a distal lumen, a working lumen, and an ultrasonic imaging core. The ultrasonic imaging core is arranged for rotation and linear translation. The system further includes a patient interface module including a catheter interface, a rotational motion control system that imparts controlled rotation to the ultrasonic imaging core, a linear translation control system that imparts controlled linear translation to the ultrasonic imaging core, and an ultrasonic energy generator and receiver coupled to the ultrasonic imaging core. The system further includes an image generator coupled to the ultrasonic energy receiver that generates an image.
US09554771B2
A method for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium and a device for nondestructively detecting an elasticity of a viscoelastic medium are provided. The method comprises steps of: a) driving an ultrasonic transducer probe with a low-frequency vibration by a vibrator so as to produce an elastic wave to be propagated in the viscoelastic medium, transmitting an ultrasonic wave to the viscoelastic medium by the ultrasonic transducer probe, and collecting an ultrasonic echo returned from the viscoelastic medium; b) selecting an effective ultrasonic echo from the ultrasonic echo according to a duration of the low-frequency vibration and physical parameters of the viscoelastic medium; c) calculating a propagation velocity of the elastic wave in the viscoelastic medium according to the effective ultrasonic echo; and d) calculating the elasticity of the viscoelastic medium according to the propagation velocity of the elastic wave.
US09554764B2
The present disclosure describes a method for determining spinal instability, more particularly, a method for quantifying the type and extent of spinal instability in a standardized way. The disclosure also describes a method comprising measurement of the intervertebral rotation and intervertebral translation between a vertebrae pair using simple images, and from these measurements, determining if one or more vertebrae pair of the spine is unstable. Finally, the disclosure describes software that may be used to quantify the type and extent of spinal instability.
US09554762B2
A method of obtaining an X-ray image, the method including: obtaining a first image of an object; receiving a determination whether the first image includes an entirety of a region of interest (ROI); and obtaining a second image of the object, the second image including a portion of the ROI which is absent in the first image.
US09554751B2
A personal cloud structure for a portable computing device such as a tablet personal computer (PC), mobile phones, portable media players, or the like. The personal cloud structure may be fitted with memory, a network connection, two-way wireless charging, external memory slots, external connections and other components to create a portable personal cloud.
US09554749B2
An instrument that utilizes body contact electrodes evaluates the quality of the connections made between the electrodes and the body. An electrode contact quality evaluation circuit performs the quality evaluation, such as by determining contact impedances for the electrodes. The corresponding contact quality of each electrode is conveyed to the user.
US09554743B2
An optical system and apparatus for the diagnosis of a biological sample is disclosed. An embodiment of the apparatus includes an optical probe, a probe head distally connectable to the optical probe, the optical probe further comprising at least one optical element for applying an electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength to the biological sample, and one or more collection elements positioned proximate the at least one optical element; and an analyzer for analyzing a signal received from the biological sample by the one or more collection elements.
US09554737B2
A method for noninvasively measuring analyte levels includes using a non-imaging OCT-based system to scan a two-dimensional area of biological tissue and gather data continuously during the scanning. Structures within the tissue where measured-analyte-induced changes to the OCT data dominate over changes induced by other analytes are identified by focusing on highly localized regions of the data curve produced from the OCT scan which correspond to discontinuities in the OCT data curve. The data from these localized regions then can be related to measured analyte levels.
US09554736B2
The disclosure provides an allergy detection system for use during catheterization. The allergy detection system is incorporated into specialized syringes, connectors for use with standard syringes, or can be an independent test module designed for the sole purpose of allergy detection. The detection system features a test strip, such as an immunochromatographic test strip, and a structure to couple the system to a connector, syringe, or a housing, to form an independent test module. The detection system, by way of test strips, is used to detect potential allergic reactions.
US09554735B2
A system for determining the concentration of an analyte in at least one body fluid in body tissue comprises an infrared light source, a body tissue interface, a detector, and a central processing unit. The body tissue interface is adapted to contact body tissue and to deliver light from the infrared light source to the contacted body tissue. The detector is adapted to receive spectral information corresponding to infrared light transmitted through the portion of body tissue being analyzed and to convert the received spectral information into an electrical signal indicative of the received spectral information. The central processing unit is adapted to compare the electrical signal to an algorithm built upon correlation with the analyte in body fluid, the algorithm adapted to convert the received spectral information into the concentration of the analyte in at least one body fluid.
US09554733B2
A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed.
US09554731B2
Systems and methods provide patient position information to a user. A patient positioning device is placed on a patient in a predefined location. The patient positioning device determines a relative patient position with respect to at least one known reference axis. The patient positioning device communicates patient position information including or with reference to the at least one known reference axis. The communicated patient position information allows the user to position the patient and/or a surgical tool using the communicated patient position information.
US09554723B2
Medical devices having electrically conductive pathways are disclosed. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to catheter shafts including an electrically conductive wire embedded in a polymeric tube. The disclosure is also directed to catheter shafts including an electrically conductive media coextruded in a polymeric tube. The disclosure is also directed to catheter shafts including electrically conductive pathways formed with electrically conductive ink, paste, adhesive and/or epoxy.
US09554705B2
The present disclosure provides a medical monitoring system which comprises a landmark with a wireless module configured to broadcast a location information, a server connected to the landmark, a wearable device comprising a wearable-end wireless module and a user tag, a monitoring device comprising a monitor-end wireless module and a tag reader, and wherein the tag reader reads a user information from the user tag. The wearable device uses the wearable-end wireless module to receive the location information from the landmark, and determines a first current location based on the location information, and uses the wearable-end wireless module to send the first current location and the user information to the server via the landmark. The monitoring device uses the monitor-end wireless module and the user information as reference to obtain the first current location from the server via the landmark.
US09554701B2
An article for use in an OCT method, the article comprising a solid substrate and nanoparticles dispersed in or on the substrate in at least one light transmissive portion of the article such that the nanoparticles result in an increased extinction of the light transmissive portion along a transmission direction of the light transmissive portion compared to the substrate being free of nanoparticles. The extinction of the light transmissive portion along the transmission direction is less than 6, wherein the extinction is defined as a negative decadic logarithm of a ratio of an intensity of light which is transmitted through the light transmissive portion to an intensity of light which is incident on the light transmissive portion, wherein the light is in at least one of a visible and a near infrared wavelength range.
US09554697B2
An ophthalmic method for determining a relationship between aphakic ocular power and estimated effective lens position (ELP) of an intraocular lens (IOL) to be implanted in a patient's eye. The method can be used to determine an estimate of the ELP of an IOL given the aphakic ocular power of the patient's eye, for example, without measurement of the corneal curvature or axial length of the patient's eye. The estimate of ELP can then be used to determine a suitable value of optical power for the IOL to be implanted in the patient's eye.
US09554680B2
A cleaner head comprising a main body rotatably coupled to a neck, and a locking arrangement operable to permit rotation of the main body relative to the neck when the cleaner head is positioned on a surface and to prevent rotation of the body relative to the next when the cleaner head is lifted off a surface. The locking arrangement therefore stops the cleaner head from rotating undesirably when the cleaner head is lifted away from a cleaning surface.
US09554668B2
A beverage forming method and system in which a carafe is positionable at a carafe receiving area of a beverage forming machine with a lid of the carafe in an open position or a closed position. The carafe may be positioned at the carafe receiving area in any one of multiple rotational positions within a range of 45 to 180 degrees, and the machine may detect whether the lid is open or not for any of the rotational positions. Beverage forming is prevented if the lid is detected to be closed, allowing the carafe to be safely stored on the machine regardless of lid position.
US09554662B2
The present invention provides a neck pillow comprising an elongate cushioned member extending from a first end to a second end of the pillow. Each end comprises at least one fastening element for mutual engagement such that the pillow may be arranged in a closed configuration in which the pillow defines a closed loop and an open configuration in which the ends are spaced apart from each other.
US09554653B2
A compact collapsible camping chair includes upper tubes, leg tubes, a molded central tube connector and a seat back. The tube connector is molded from aluminum, zinc or plastic reinforced with glass fiber. Lower ends of the upper tubes fit snugly into circular upper holes in the central tube connector, and upper ends of the leg tubes fit snugly into circular lower holes in the central tube connector. Upper ends of the upper tubes fit into tube receptacles in the seat back. The two longer upper tubes are bent, whereas the two shorter upper tubes are straight. Elastic cords pass from the upper tubes, through the tube connector and into the leg tubes and tend to pull the tubes into the holes in central tube connector. The upper tubes, leg tubes, central tube connector and seat back can be placed in a bag that is less than one foot long.
US09554648B2
The present invention relates to a sliding system for a drawer comprising a main base which is fixed unto a grill whose front end of the base overlaps from the same; a wire rod base set over the main base by means of a fixed rail, said wire rod base allows for the complete aperture of the drawer; a drawer base which supports the drawers and remains fixed unto the system; a plurality of bushings which decrease the amount of friction, which allows for smooth and silent sliding; a magnet which provides closing force to the drawer which grants the closing sensation when the drawer reaches the bump and extractable drawers which are transportable.
US09554640B2
An oral care implement is provided. The implement comprises: a handle having a core (118) comprising recycled material and a cover (112) enveloping the core (118); and a head comprising at least one cleaning element, the head (120) being connected to, or connectable to, the handle. Also provided is a method of manufacturing an oral care implement, the method comprising: providing recycled material; and enveloping the recycled material with cover material to form a handle of the oral care implement, the handle having a core comprising the recycled material and a cover comprising the cover material enveloping the core.
US09554638B2
A jacket includes an inner harness, a jacket for wearing over the harness, and a load for attachment to the harness through attachment openings in the jacket. The load can be an airbag, a backpack, or other load or load carrying member for attaching to the harness. The jacket has at least one back opening providing access to the inner harness, to facilitate the attachment of the load to the harness. The jacket can be readily removed without disturbing the harness or its load. The removed jacket is effectively carried by the load and/or harness to which the load is secured. The inner harness can be used to carry loads without using the jacket.
US09554631B1
A suitcase includes pivotally attached first and second shells, and latch means for releasably securing the shells when closed. A partition divides the second shell into first and second compartments. Second and third partitions sub-divide the second compartment into first, second, and third sub-compartments adapted to separately store two pairs of shoes, and a blow-dryer. A transparent flap releasably seals the shoe compartments using Velcro, preventing egress of dislodged debris. Fishnet secures the blow-dryer in the third sub-compartment. The first compartment receives a correspondingly shaped case that is partitioned to form a plurality of shaped sub-compartments, to receive correspondingly shaped toiletry items. A pivotal cover seals the case, and alternatively supports it in a selective upright position for hygienic display/use on a vanity countertop of a hotel room. A third shell is pivotally coupled to the second shell to form a tri-fold arrangement for use with a hotel luggage rack.
US09554629B1
Bracelet alert device used as a visual alert device that acts as a child safety/awareness imperative, worn as a bracelet. The device functions to prevent the tragedy of a baby being left in a hot car. The device has three signature, giant beads, a color matching functional carabiner for attachment with the male end of the auto seatbelt buckle, a color matching functional male end seatbelt adapter piece to fastened with the female end of the child safety seat belt buckle, and a matching “official child safety apparatus” tag, includes a card stock bookmark or a magnet, displaying a symbol and meaning of the various charms on one side and the instructions for properly using the said bracelet alert device the other side.
US09554618B2
An article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a method of assembling the article of footwear are disclosed. The method includes folding the article of footwear from a flat configuration and attaching top and bottom lateral edges to form the article of footwear. A kit of parts containing an article of footwear with an integral upper and sole and a set of instructions is also disclosed.
