US09632233B2

A display device includes a light source, a light guide plate, a chassis, a display panel, a flexible circuit board, a signal transmission circuit board, and a first heat dissipation member. The chassis includes a bottom plate that includes a light source supporting portion and a light guide plate supporting portion. The bottom plate includes a surface on which the light source and the light guide plate are arranged. The flexible circuit board is bent and a portion thereof is opposed to another surface of the light source supporting portion. The signal transmission circuit board is arranged over the other surface. The first heat dissipation member is sandwiched between the light guide plate supporting portion and the flexible circuit board and in contact with the other surface and with the flexible circuit board.
US09632232B2

The invention discloses a backlight, a backlight module and a display device, belonging to the field of display technology. The backlight includes a plurality of LED lamps, a flexible circuit board for supplying power to the LED lamps and a supporting plate for supporting the flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit board is arranged below the LED lamps, and the supporting plate is arranged below the flexible circuit board and is in a bent shape. In the present invention, by designing the supporting plate to be in a bent shape, it is no longer required to have to employ the existing linear backlight with a single structure, and meanwhile, the contact area between the supporting plate and air is enlarged to improve the heat dissipation effect of the backlight.
US09632228B2

Provided are a light source device which may disperse a force shifted in a plane direction due to a difference in thermal expansion by a reflection sheet so as to maintain good display quality, and a display apparatus using the light source device. The light source device includes a transparent plate used as a light guide plate, a light source disposed to face a part of a peripheral surface of the transparent plate along the part thereof, and a reflection sheet attached to one wide surface of the transparent plate, and the reflection sheet is provided with a plurality of cut lines formed in a prescribed range including a center thereof at a prescribed interval. Thereby, even if the transparent plate and the reflection sheet are thermally expanded in relation to the different expansion coefficients from each other, it is possible to prevent the reflection sheet from being peeled off from the transparent plate.
US09632227B2

A light guide body includes: a light incident portion on which light is incident; a light guiding portion which is adapted to guide the light incident on the light incident portion; and a light emitting portion which is adapted to emit the light guided by the light guiding portion. One of the light incident portion and the light guiding portion is extended in a first direction, and the light emitting portion is extended in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.
US09632220B2

A decal for manufacturing a multi-colored retroreflective sticker having a variety of colorful letters or patterns includes: a glass bead layer including a printing layer having the colorful letters or patterns made of dye-based ink, on one side of the glass bead layer; a transparent reflective layer formed on the other side of the glass bead layer and having a polarization element and a diffused reflection element sequentially deposited; an opaque bonding layer including a mixture of polyurethane and a white pigment and applied on the reflective layer to hold the glass bead layer; a thermal adhesive layer applied on the bonding layer; and a carrier sheet removably attached on the thermal adhesive layer by an adhesive remover layer, thereby obtaining uniform luminance under an artificial light source and high brightness and saturation under a natural light source.
US09632217B2

A composition for light diffusion film in which the angle of aperture of diffused light in a light diffusion film obtainable therefrom can be expanded effectively, and a light diffusion film obtainable by the composition for light diffusion film are provided.
US09632216B2

An optical modulation device includes a plasmonic nano-antenna layer, a metal layer that faces the plasmonic nano-antenna layer, and a permittivity variation layer and a dielectric material layer between the plasmonic nano-antenna layer and the metal layer. An active area formed in the permittivity variation layer according to an external signal may function as a gate that controls optical modulation performance.
US09632211B2

A method for detecting a precipitation particle, and a precipitation sensor, especially a hail sensor, which includes an impact body, a transducer for registering vibrations caused by impact of at least one precipitation particle on the impact body, and a device for evaluating the electrical signals generated by the transducer. The evaluation device is provided for the purpose of separately evaluating the signals generated by the transducer in successive measurement time intervals after impact to determine the kinetic energy of the precipitation particle.
US09632210B2

Example methods and systems for detecting weather conditions using vehicle onboard sensors are provided. An example method includes receiving laser data collected for an environment of a vehicle, and the laser data includes a plurality of laser data points. The method also includes associating, by a computing device, laser data points of the plurality of laser data points with one or more objects in the environment, and determining given laser data points of the plurality of laser data points that are unassociated with the one or more objects in the environment as being representative of an untracked object. The method also includes based on one or more untracked objects being determined, identifying by the computing device an indication of a weather condition of the environment.
US09632209B2

A sensor comprising a light emitter and light detector directly covered and encapsulated by a layer of light blocking compound. The light blocking compound can be thick enough between the light emitter and light detector to block substantially all light emitted by the light emitter from reaching the light detector directly, but be thin enough above the light emitter and light detector to allow at least some level of light emitted by the light emitter to escape out of the sensor, be reflected by another object, re-enter the sensor, and survive passing through the light blocking compound to enter the light detector.
US09632206B2

The present specification discloses systems and methods for integrating manifest data for cargo and light vehicles with their X-ray images generated during scanning. Manifest data is automatically imported into the system for each shipment, and helps the security personnel to quickly determine the contents of cargo. In case of a mismatch between cargo contents shown by manifest data and the X-ray images, the cargo may be withheld for further inspection. In one embodiment, the process of analyzing the X-ray image of the cargo in conjunction with the manifest data is automated.
US09632201B2

Embodiments of a multi-axial antenna system and system for measuring subsurface formations are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. In some embodiments, the multi-axial antenna system comprising at least two co-located coils wound around a torroidal-shaped bobbin. Each coil generates a magnetic field in a mutually orthogonal direction. Signals provided to the coils may be adjusted to simulate a tilted-coil antenna system.
US09632199B2

Inductive clamps for use in utility locate operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an inductive clamp includes a head assembly including a base element and a plurality of arm elements coupled to the base element, a handle assembly including a utility selector element coupled to the head assembly, and a magnetic core subassembly for generating a magnetic field for coupling to a targeted utility, the magnetic core subassembly including a plurality of ferrite elements and wire winding wrapped about one or more of the ferrite elements.
US09632194B2

A technique includes determining at least one attribute of a slowness vector associated with a seismic gather based on pressure data and an indication of particle motion that is measured by at least one seismic sensor while in tow.
US09632189B2

An energy-sensitive imaging detector for fast-neutrons includes energy-selective radiator foil stacks converting neutrons into recoil protons. The foils are separated by gas-filled gaps and formed of two interconnected layers: a hydrogen-rich layer such as a polyethylene layer for neutron-to-proton conversion, and a metal foil layer, such as an aluminum layer, defining a proton energy cut-off and limiting a proton emission angle. Energetic recoil protons emerging from the radiator foil release electrons in surrounding gas in the gaps. An electric field efficiently drifts the electrons through the gaps. An electron detector with position sensitive readout, based on Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector technologies (such as THick Gaseous Electron Multipliers—THGEM) or other measures provides electron amplification in gas. The charge detector has a dedicated imaging data-acquisition system detecting the drifted electrons thereby sensing the position of the original impinging neutrons.
US09632180B2

A visual display includes hidden reference illuminators adapted to emit invisible light for generating corneo-scleral reflections on an eye watching a screen surface of the display. The tracking of such reflections and the pupil center provides input to gaze tracking. A method for equipping and an LCD with a reference illuminator are also provided. Also provides are a system and method for determining a gaze point of an eye watching a visual display that includes reference illuminators. The determination of the gaze point may be based on an ellipsoidal cornea model.
US09632179B2

Described are methods and systems for estimating a baseline of a proximity sensor on an electronic device comprising: collecting proximity sensor data at the electronic device using the proximity sensor; collecting second data using a second source at the electronic device; obtaining a sample of the proximity sensor data at the electronic device when it is determined that no object is proximal to a first face of the electronic device based on the proximity sensor data and based on the second data; and approximating the baseline of the proximity sensor using the obtained sample.
US09632170B2

A method for evaluating the position of an aerial vehicle involves receiving a radio signal from the aerial vehicle with an antenna array, determining the direction of arrival of the received radio signal, forming a reception beam of the antenna array depending on the determined direction of arrival for receiving one or more further radio signals from the aerial vehicle, calculating the ranging between the aerial vehicle and the antenna array based on a radio signal provided for ranging and received from the aerial vehicle, and evaluating the position of the aerial vehicle based on the calculated ranging, the determined direction of arrival, and the known position of the antenna array.
US09632167B2

A solar tracker device continuously captures sun rays to be redirected towards a target The device includes a mirror defining a center point and fixedly mounted to a heliostat, an imaging device having an optical axis passing through the mirror center point, an electronic board, and a partly transparent dome extending between the imaging device and the target When sun rays penetrate said dome, the mirror reflects rays toward the dome and a portion are reflected back by the dome to the imaging device to form an image of the mirror center point An image of the fixed target is formed on the imaging device through the dome and defines an image of the target Whenever the images of the mirror and the target center are not in coincidence, the electronic board is activated to rotate the heliostat reflecting surface toward an orientation for which coincidence is obtained.
US09632162B2

An apparatus for correcting distortion in medical images comprises a data receiving unit for receiving first medical image data, second medical image data and third medical image data, wherein the first medical image data has a first distortion of a first distortion type and the second medical image data has the first distortion and a second distortion of a second distortion type wherein the first distortion and the second distortion are cumulative, a representation unit for determining a representation of the first type of distortion by comparing the first medical image data to third medical image data, and for determining a second representation of the second distortion in the absence of the first distortion, and an image correction unit for correcting the second type of distortion in the second medical image data using the representation of the first type of distortion and the representation of the second type of distortion.
US09632159B2

A method includes recording a magnetic resonance (MR) spectrum with the aid of a high frequency (HF) coil and a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) device. A static magnetic field results in a recording volume of the MRT device. The method also includes an automatic analysis of the MR spectrum by searching for two resonant signals in the form of a fat peak, a water peak, and a minimum between the fat peak and the water peak. Such an automatic analysis is used for an automatic decision as a function of a predeterminable criterion, as to whether a series, including a plurality of acts, or a single act is performed. The homogeneity of the static magnetic field is adjusted with the aid of at least one shim coil of the MRT device, and an HF pulse is calculated for fat saturation as a function of the result of the search.
US09632156B2

A method for parallel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reconstruction of digital images includes providing a set of acquired k-space MR image data v, a redundant Haar wavelet matrix W satisfying WTW=I, wherein I is an identity matrix, a regularization parameter λ≧0, and a counter limit k, initializing a variable z0=Wv, and intermediate quantities p0=q0=0, calculating yi=arg minz½∥z−(pi+zi)∥22+λ∥z∥1 for 0≦i≦k, wherein z denotes values of an MR image sought to be reconstructed, updating pi+1=(pi+zi)−yi, updating zi+1=arg minz½∥z−(qi+zi)∥22+g(z), wherein g ⁡ ( z ) = { 0 , z = WW T ⁢ z , + ∞ , otherwise ; and updating qi+1=(qi+yi)−zi−l, wherein x=WTz is a solution of min x ⁢ 1 2 ⁢  Wx - Wv  2 2 + λ ⁢  Wx  1 that specifies a reconstruction of the MR image.
US09632147B2

A method for testing multiple spatially distributed protective devices of an energy supply network. Each of the protective devices is configured to, in the event of a fault occurring in the energy supply network, isolate the fault in the energy supply network. The method comprises: producing an initial test sequence; outputting of the test sequence to the protective devices; detecting outputs of the protective devices that the protective devices output on the basis of the test sequence; analyzing the outputs and generation of inputs for the protective devices depending on the outputs. If the inputs are not part of the test sequence, these inputs are incorporated into the test sequence and the outputting step proceeds. Otherwise, all outputs of the protective devices are evaluated. Each test sequence comprises inputs in the form of process variables of the energy supply network for at least one of the protective devices.
US09632135B2

Disclosed is a signal transmission circuit device (200) including a feedback signal transmission unit (210) that feeds back a control output signal (Sout) as a feedback signal (Sf) to an input side circuit (200A). A logical comparison circuit (212) detects “mismatch” between input and output by performing logical comparison between a control input signal (Sin) and the feedback signal (Sf). When a state of “mismatch” between input and output occurs, a first pulse generating circuit (202) or a second pulse generating circuit (204) outputs a first correction signal (Sa1) or a second correction signal (Sa2) corresponding to a potential (high level or low level) of the control input signal (Sin), and corrects the control output signal (Sout) to the same potential (high level or low level) as the control input signal (Sin). With such configuration, the mismatch between input and output can be automatically corrected.
US09632127B2

A method and device for detecting an electrical continuity fault between a first and a second points of a network of metallization strips, including determining, from mapping, a length or a duration of a shortest path between the first and the second points, sending, at the first point, a signal in the network, detecting, at the second point, the signal sent, measuring a duration between the sending and the detection of the signal, knowing the speed of propagation of the signal in the metallization strips, determining the presence of at least one electrical continuity fault if the distance traveled calculated from the measured duration is different from the length of the shortest path determined from the mapping or if the measured duration is different from the duration to travel the shortest path determined from the mapping.
US09632122B2

A method determines operating characteristics of a signal generator. The method includes performing a first set of measurements of an output signal generated by the signal generator and corresponding reflected signal, where the first set of measurements is performed over multiple frequencies and amplitudes of the output signal; applying an external signal to the output port of the signal generator; performing a second set of measurements of the output signal and corresponding reflected signal while the external signal is being applied to the output port, where the second set of measurements is performed over frequencies and amplitudes of the output signal, the external signal having the same frequency as the output signal for each measurement of the second set of measurements. A set of coefficients describing the operating characteristics of the signal generator is determined by processing results of the first and second sets of measurements through a non-linear model.
US09632121B2

The present invention relates to electronic power converter suitable, in a first mode, for receiving electrical voltage and/or current magnitudes from a first device as input, for processing them using processing means capable of measuring said electrical magnitudes and servocontrolling said electrical magnitudes based on said measurements and constraints specific to a second device, and for providing the adapted voltage and/or current magnitudes to said second device.
US09632119B2

A sensor device includes a printed circuit board, a power line, a first semiconductor device, and a second semiconductor device. The first semiconductor device includes a first inductor, and the second semiconductor device includes a second inductor. Each inductor is formed using an interconnect layer. The power line extends between the two inductors without overlapping the first and second inductor, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the printed circuit board.
US09632117B2

An electron beam detecting device detects a state of an electron beam radiated by an electron beam radiation device. A plurality of wire electrodes, which are conductors, are disposed corresponding to a plurality of filaments, the wire electrodes being electrically insulated from each other, in the area in which the electron beams are radiated. The electrical current flowing through each of the wire electrodes is measured by an electric current measuring instrument (measuring unit). A CPU (determining unit) determines the radiation level of the electron beams by receiving a signal output by the electric current measuring instrument. The CPU judges that when the measuring instrument measures a decrease of the current value, an abnormal condition exists in the filament corresponding to the conductor with the lower current value.
US09632111B2

A method and an apparatus for a shunt measurement are provided. In one embodiment a measurement unit includes an input for a source device, the source device configured to provide a first analog voltage level to be measured in a first operating mode of the source device and a second analog voltage level to be measured in a second operating mode of the source device, a control input configured to detect the operating mode of the source device and an input stage configured to minimize a reaction time of the measurement unit after a change of the operating mode of the source device.
US09632109B2

A semiconductor device includes a first wafer having i) a plurality of semiconductor dies, ii) a plurality of scribe lines adjacent one or more of the semiconductor dies, iii) a test access interface positioned in one or more of the scribe lines, wherein the test access interface has a first plurality of through-substrate conductors with a standardized physical layout, and iv) electrical couplings between at least some of the through-substrate conductors and at least one of the semiconductor dies. Methods, apparatus and systems for testing this and other types of semiconductor devices are also disclosed.
US09632108B2

A method and an apparatus for verifying or testing test substrates, i.e. wafers and other electronic semiconductor components, in a prober under defined thermal conditions. Such a verifying apparatus, known to the person skilled in the art as a prober, has a housing having at least two housing sections, in one housing section of which, designated hereinafter as test chamber, the test substrate to be verified is held by a chuck and is set to a defined temperature, and in the other housing section of which, designated hereinafter as probe chamber, probes are held. For verification purposes, the test substrate and the probes are positioned relative to one another by means of at least one positioning device and the probes subsequently make contact with the test substrate.
US09632104B2

A sensor includes a body having a sensor surface and an oblique surface. A sensor element is arranged on the sensor surface and configured to pick up a direction component of a directional measurement variable. At least one contact-making surface configured to make contact with the sensor element is arranged on the oblique surface. The oblique surface is at an angle with respect to a lattice structure of carrier material of the sensor and is oriented in a different direction than the sensor surface.
US09632102B2

Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.
US09632098B2

The present application provides compositions and methods useful for detecting and monitoring autoimmune diseases in a human subject. The methods comprise providing a moesin fragment for binding to an anti-moesin autoantibody and contacting the moesin fragment with a sample obtained from the human subject. The moesin fragment comprises the entire N-terminal FERM domain of a human moesin protein. The human subject has or is suspected of having an autoimmune disease such as connective tissue disease, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren's syndrome, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
US09632097B2

The present embodiments relate to methods for determining or detecting pathological cartilage turnover by detection of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein (COMP) neoepitopes, both released into body fluids and present in the tissue. Furthermore the embodiments relate to antibodies against COMP neoepitopes and to fragments and peptides containing COMP neoepitopes for generation of such antibody.
US09632088B2

Presented herein are polypeptide substrates based on Notch polypeptides, assay methods based on the use of these substrates, and screening methods directed toward identifying inhibitors of γ-secretase activity. The assay methods and the screening methods are adapted for use in high throughput multi-well plate assay apparatuses. In many embodiments the substrate polypeptides are labeled for ease of detection, and/or may bind specific ligands that themselves are labeled. Generally the labels promote high specificity as well as high sensitivity of detection. These features render the assay and screening methods that employ the labeled substrates especially suited for use in high throughput assay formats.
US09632085B2

Embodiments of various aspects described herein are directed to methods, compositions, kits and systems for rapid determination of antibiotic susceptibility of a microbe within hours after a sample is collected. In some embodiments, the methods, compositions, kits and systems described herein can allow determination of antibiotic susceptibility of a microbe based on a small number of microbes, e.g., as few as 5-10 microbes bound to a microbe-targeting substrate described herein.
US09632083B1

A rapid diagnostic test device uses driven flow technology to significantly expedite the testing time of a sample. The rapid diagnostic test device can be used to analyze liquids, such as some body fluids, by using labeled molecular affinity binding, such as immunochromatography. The test device can detect an analyte, such as an antibody or antigen, which may indicate a particular condition, the presence of a particular drug, or the like. The device includes a top and bottom that combine to form a fluid channel through which a fluid is forced from a fluid collector. A press pad in the device may press against a press pad on a test strip to accelerate chemical mixtures to flow from the conjugate color pad of the test strip toward fixed sites along the strip from which readings are taken.
US09632077B2

A detection system of a test substance, includes: a magnetic body that is modified by a first substance capable of being bound to the test substance at a first binding site of the test substance; a marker that is modified by a second substance capable of being bound to the test substance at a second binding site of the test substance, the second coupling site being a different site from the first binding site; a development medium that has a flow passage into which liquid, in which the magnetic body and the marker is dispersed, flows due to a capillary phenomenon, the development medium having a detection position for detecting the marker in a portion of the flow passage, the development medium having light transparency at least in the detection position; and a magnetic force generating portion that is equipped in the development medium.
US09632075B2

Methods of reducing or abolishing neuropathic pain in humans and animals are discussed. In some examples administration of the apoptosis inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), greatly reduced both neuronal loss and the increase in glia, and partially reversed spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Among RVM neurons, serotonergic (5-HT) neurons decreased by 35% ipsilateral to SNL. In some examples, the density of 5-HT immunoreactive varicosities in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord was lower ipsilateral to SNL. The RVM 5-HT neurons that remained after SNL appeared to facilitate nociception. When rats that had undergone SNL were treated with the 5-HT neurotoxin, 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT), mechanical withdrawal thresholds increased significantly. In some examples nerve injury induces death of antinociceptive RVM neurons which can be reduced or abolished by TUDCA. In some examples, that the loss of RVM neurons shifts the balance of descending control from pain inhibition to pain facilitation.
US09632069B2

Embodiments of the invention include integrated systems and methods of evaluating cannabis and cannabinoid products for public safety, quality control and quality assurance purposes for research and public use purposes. Embodiments of the invention facilitate suppliers and consumers of a cannabis and/or cannabinoid product to evaluate the origin, efficacy, potency, and quality of the product. Embodiments of the invention also include cannabis processing center where samples of the products are analyzed for research studies to test and set parameters for third parties. Embodiments of the invention include, for example, analyzing cannabis products to determine quality and quantity of desired components and undesired components, determining concentrations of cannabinoids in the product, and comparing measures of components in the product against regulations. Embodiments of the invention further include, for example, an online testing facility for determine whether cannabis products meet a plurality of regulations or guidelines.
US09632066B2

A system for sampling a sample material includes a probe which can have an outer probe housing with an open end. A liquid supply conduit within the housing has an outlet positioned to deliver liquid to the open end of the housing. The liquid supply conduit can be connectable to a liquid supply for delivering liquid at a first volumetric flow rate to the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust conduit within the housing is provided for removing liquid from the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust system can be provided for removing liquid from the liquid exhaust conduit at a second volumetric flow rate, the first volumetric flow rate exceeding the second volumetric flow rate, wherein liquid at the open end will receive sample, liquid containing sample material will be drawn into and through the liquid exhaust conduit, and liquid will overflow from the open end.
US09632064B2

An injection port for a gas chromatograph (GC) is operated such that, during an injection sequence, an inert gas is used for sample transfer to the analytical column while hydrogen is subsequently utilized for the majority of the analytical separation. This allows for a high degree of chromatographic efficiency, while also reducing unwanted chemical reactions involving hydrogen and/or reactive solvents in a hot injection port. Certain embodiments also provide an increased margin of safety when using hydrogen, since the total flow may be limited such that the concentration of hydrogen in the GC oven never exceeds a safety limit, such as the lower explosive limit.
US09632061B2

An eddy current sensor is used for detecting a metal film (or conductive film) formed on a surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The eddy current sensor is disposed near the metal film or the conductive film formed on the substrate to detect an eddy current generated in the metal film or the conductive film. The eddy current sensor includes a plurality of coils having different sizes formed by winding a wire or a conductive material. The plurality of coils includes an inner coil and an outer coil spaced from each other, and the outer coil is configured to surround the inner coil. The plurality of coils are configured to detect respective eddy currents generated in the metal film or the conductive film.
US09632058B2

A non-invasive glucose sensor (10) for detecting an amount of glucose in bodily fluid, comprising: an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) having a gate electrode (20); wherein a surface of the gate electrode (20) is modified with an enzyme and a nanomaterial to increase sensitivity and selectivity of the gate electrode (20).
US09632053B2

Analyte sensing devices suitable for measuring pH or other analytes are provided in a variety of form factors, including a hand-held device.
US09632037B2

A three dimensional printing apparatus and method for detecting printing anomaly are provided. The method is adapted to the three dimensional printing apparatus including an image sensor module and a movable platform. The three dimensional printing apparatus forms a plurality of layer objects on the movable platform according to three dimensional model information so as to build a three dimensional object including the layer objects. The method for detecting printing anomaly includes following steps. At least one object image is captured according to at least one view angle by using the image sensor module. At least one checking image associated with the layer objects is obtained according to the three dimensional model information and the view angle. Whether the object image and the checking image are matched to each other or not is determined through comparing the object image and the checking image.
US09632030B1

A method for determining fluorescent lifetime of a fluorescent particle in a flow cytometer comprising calculating a point on a digitized scatter waveform and a corresponding point on a digitized fluorescence waveform using the same method and calculating the time delay if any between the calculated point on the digitized scatter waveform and the calculated point on the fluorescent waveform to determine the fluorescent lifetime of the fluorescent particle with digitized data collected from a flow cytometer having an unmodulated light source.
US09632029B2

A light source unit has two or more types of emission units which apply excitation light of three colors (blue, green, and red). The emission units share a single circuit board. LEDs of the respective emission units are mounted on the circuit board. An excitation light filter, which limits a wavelength range of light to generate the excitation light, is placed in front of each LED in direction of light emission from the LED. Each emission unit has a mounting area that faces the excitation light filter. Blue light from the LED excites resin contained in the circuit board and causes harmful light. Light shielding sections provided around the mounting area prevent the harmful light from being transmitted to another emission unit through the circuit board. Each light shielding section is composed of through holes.
US09632015B2

A hydrostatic head tester arrangement has a frame, a test pressure generating device, a clamping device having first clamping ring and a second clamping ring and wherein a power gain element is connected to the first clamping ring. Further, the power gain element is connected to an actuation lever via a resilient member.
US09632009B2

Functional faults of a turbo-machine are determined by operating the turbo-machine as a test object in a test stand using one or more gas pressure pulses which are not superimposed onto a substantially constant gas flow and detecting dynamic behavior of the test object using measuring devices, a measuring and control system and an evaluation unit.
US09631986B2

A rotatable temperature sensing device. In one example, a temperature sensing device includes a first end. The temperature sensing device also includes a second end. The temperature sensing device includes a shaft coupling the first end and the second end. The shaft is configured to rotate the first and second ends together during operation. The temperature sensing device also includes a temperature sensor disposed in the first end and configured to communicatively connect to an external device, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to provide an indication of a temperature of the workpiece.
US09631983B2

An optical fiber temperature distribution measuring device measures a temperature distribution along an optical fiber by using backward Raman scattering light generated in the optical fiber. The device includes an arithmetic controller that changes a plurality of calibration parameters in conjunction with each other on the basis of a measured temperature value and a reference temperature value at a to-be-measured point, thereby converging a calibrated value of the measured temperature to a true value.
US09631978B2

In the method of hair color consultation, actual individual images of a person are continuously recorded by a video camera and are input into a computer in a continuous sequence in real time. Automatic image editing and processing is carried out in real time, in which the computer continuously marks hair regions of the individual images by an automatic analysis of close and similar pixel color values, of contiguous texture, and/or of contiguous morphological properties, and changes hair color of the hair regions according to predetermined specifications. Then the modified individual images with the changed hair color are displayed on the at least one screen and/or touch screen in real time so that the desired hair color may be selected. An apparatus for performing the method is also described.
US09631974B2

The invention relates to a photoarray (1), comprising: a plurality of cells (10), wherein each of said cells (10) comprises a means (20)that is configured to generate a photocurrent (I) being proportional to the intensity (L) of the light impinging on the respective cell (10), and wherein each of said cells (10) comprises a change detection circuit (100) connected to the respective means (20) for generating the photocurrent (I), which change detection circuit (100) is configured to generate an output signal merely in case a change event occurs at which said intensity (L) changes by a threshold amount (T, T′) since the preceding change event from the respective cell (10). According to the invention said means (20) for generating said photocurrent (I) is additionally also used to estimate the magnitude of the said photocurrent (I) being a measure of the brightness of the light at the respective cell (10).
US09631973B2

A programmable multifunction spectral and/or polarization imager. In one example, such an imager includes an imaging optical subsystem configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from a distant scene, a focal plane array configured to produce an image of the scene, and a programmable polarimetry subsystem electrically switchable between an ON state in which the polarimetry subsystem receives the electromagnetic radiation and provides polarized electromagnetic radiation to the focal plane array, and an OFF state in which the polarimetry system is configured as a first substantially clear aperture that passes the electromagnetic radiation to the focal plane array. In certain examples, the imager includes a programmable spectral imaging sub-system configurable between an ON state and an OFF state.
US09631970B2

Various embodiments provide a high precision belt weighing device and a high precision belt weighing method. An exemplary high precision belt weighing device includes a set of buffer carrier rollers provided between a first and second belt weighing scale frames. A volume scale hopper is provided above the set of buffer carrier rollers. A transfer conveyor is provided above the volume scale hopper. The first and second belt weighing scale frames, the volume scale hopper, an initial point detector, and a speedometer are connected with a weighing control instrument by cables. Cumulative weights of bulk materials handled by each of the first and second belt weighing scale frames, the corrected weight of bulk materials in the volume scale hopper, and a zero point in the length of a conveying belt detected by the initial point detector are displayed on the weighing control instrument.
US09631967B2

The present invention proposes a structural unit (21) for arrangement on a hydraulic fluid tank of a jet engine having a vision device (23) and a sensor device (25), which can independently of one another determine a level of a hydraulic fluid present in a hydraulic fluid tank (1) when the structural unit (21) is arranged on a hydraulic fluid tank. A fastening device (27) is provided to fix the structural unit (21) on the hydraulic fluid tank.
US09631964B2

A material flow sensor for a harvesting machine comprising an acoustic chamber comprising an impact plate and a housing, microphone, a pneumatic impulse line connecting the housing and the microphone, and an electronics module, wherein the housing is shaped so as to direct sound waves created by crop matter striking the impact plate into the pneumatic impulse line, wherein the sound waves move through the pneumatic impulse line into the microphone, which detects the sound waves and converts them into an electrical signal that is a representation of the sound power derived from the sound waves, which in turn is a representation of the mass of the crop matter striking the material flow sensor.
US09631963B2

An apparatus is configured to perform a solution process by supplying a processing solution from a processing solution supply source to the substrate held on a substrate holder via a flow path member and a nozzle at a flow rate equal to or less than 1 mL/sec. The apparatus includes a solution transfer unit configured to transfer the processing solution to the nozzle, and connected to the flow path member, and an ultrasonic flowmeter connected to the flow path member at an outlet side from the solution transfer unit. In this embodiment, a lower limit of a flow rate range which is measured by the ultrasonic flowmeter is equal to or less than 1 mL/sec.
US09631955B2

Sensor assemblies and methods of assembling and using the sensor assemblies are provided for monitoring operational characteristics of subsea rotating devices such as subsea motors and pumps. Pressure-compensated proximity sensor tip assemblies configured to withstand subsea pressures are mounted adjacent a subsea rotating shaft for directly monitoring a position of the rotating shaft during dynamic operation thereof. An end of a sensor housing opposite a sensor tip assembly is mounted to a wall of the device housing. The sensor housing defines a fluid reservoir containing a substantially incompressible fluid therein that is in fluid communication with the interior portions of the proximity sensor tip assembly. A length of the sensor housing is adjusted to accommodate a distance between the wall of the device housing and the rotating shaft.
US09631951B2

A resolver includes a stator core (3), winding wires (12) and a resin mold (6). The resin mold (6) contains a ring portion (4), a connector (5) and a stress reduction structure (9). The ring portion (4) covers the stator core (3). The stress reduction structure is arranged at the connecting portion between the ring portion (4) and the connector (5).
US09631950B2

A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle with an inductive charging system is characterized by the addition of alignment coils to a secondary coil on the vehicle. For efficient inductive charging, it is necessary that the vehicle mounted secondary coil be aligned with a stationary primary coil of a transformer of the inductive charging system. When the primary coil is energized, it produces a magnetic field which induces a voltage in the alignment coils as a function of the proximity of the alignment coils to the central axis of the primary coil. The voltage differential between opposed pairs of alignment coils is determined by a comparator which then generates a directional signal which can be used by the operator of the vehicle to position the vehicle for closer alignment of the vehicle secondary coil with the primary coil and more efficient charging.
US09631948B2

A method and an arrangement for performing the method for the error-free conversion of the counting values of a segment counter including Wiegand sensors and the position values of a fine position sensor into a total position value using the last magnetization direction of the Wiegand wire of a segment counter as part of the information for an absolute synchronization of counting and position values. The method further includes detecting a magnetization direction of the Wiegand wire on the basis of a combination of the magnetization direction, the last stored counting value of the segment counter, and information of the fine position sensor about the current.
US09631947B2

Provided is a rotation sensor capable of reducing manufacturing costs and improving workability. The rotation sensor includes: a case including: a bottom surface portion; and a side surface portion that defines a hollow internal space in cooperation with the bottom surface portion; a plurality of lead frames respectively having distal ends inserted into the case; a magnetic detection section provided to the distal ends of the plurality of lead frames arranged in parallel; a spacer provided between the plurality of lead frames and the side surface portion so as to be held in contact with an internal wall surface of the side surface portion; and an internal filling resin for filling a space portion of the hollow internal space except for the spacer, the magnetic detection section, and the plurality of lead frames.
US09631943B2

A system for identifying a landmark for use in autonomous vehicle navigation is provided. The system includes at least one processor programmed to receive at least one identifier associated with the landmark; associate the landmark with a corresponding road segment; update an autonomous vehicle road navigation model relative to the corresponding road segment to include the at least one identifier associated with the landmark; and distribute the updated autonomous vehicle road navigation model to a plurality of autonomous vehicles. The at least one identifier is determined based on acquisition, from a camera associated with a host vehicle, of at least one image representative of an environment of the host vehicle; analysis of the at least one image to identify the landmark in the environment of the host vehicle; and analysis of the at least one image to determine the at least one identifier associated with the landmark.
US09631934B2

According to one general aspect, a method may include storing, in a memory device, a plurality of floor maps, each floor map indicating the structural layout of a respective predefined physical location. The method may include storing, in a memory device, a plurality of point-of-interest (POI) data structures. Each POI data structure may include a physical location of an associated POI. The method may include receiving a floor map request from a client computing device, wherein the floor map request includes a requested location. The method may include based upon the location included by the floor map request, selecting a selected floor map and a selected subset of the plurality of POI data structures. The method may include transmitting, to the client computing device, a response to the floor map request based upon the selected floor map and the selected POI data structures.
US09631932B2

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for mapping. In one aspect there is provided a method which may include sampling a position and a viewpoint of a three-dimensional map view presented at a browser while traversing the three-dimensional map; sending to a database a query including the sampled position and the sampled viewpoint; and receiving, in response to the sent query, a recommended browsing path including a recommended position and a recommended viewpoint for traversing the three-dimensional map presented at the browser. The recommended browsing path represents an aggregation including crowd-sourced information for position and viewpoint. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US09631929B2

An inertial sensor comprising a frame to which at least two seismic bodies are connected by resilient means so as to be movable in a suspension plane, and transducers to keep the seismic bodies vibrating and to determine a relative movement of the seismic bodies relative to one another, characterized in that the seismic bodies have a single shape and a single mass, and in that the seismic bodies comprise interlocking parts such that the seismic bodies are nested inside one another while being movable in the suspension plane relative to the other of the seismic bodies, with the seismic bodies having centers of gravity that coincide with one another. A method for manufacturing such a sensor.
US09631920B2

A door lock detection system is disclosed. The system includes a magnet flexibly attached to a strike plate. The strike plate includes an opening. The magnet extends across the opening of the strike plate in a first orientation when a bolt does not extend into the opening of the strike plate. The magnet is configured to be deflected from the first orientation to a second orientation, distinct from the first orientation, in response to the bolt being extended into the opening of the strike plate. The system includes a magnetometer configured to detect one or more magnetic fields of the magnet that is flexibly attached to the strike plate in the first orientation and in the second orientation.
US09631917B2

Provided are a position detection method that selects one antenna at a time from a plurality of loop antennas, transmits, through the selected loop antenna, an electromagnetic signal to a pointer that indicates a screen unit, receives, from the pointer, a resonance signal corresponding to the electromagnetic signal transmitted through the selected loop antenna, and extracts polar coordinates including a distance value and an angle value of a point on a screen unit indicated by the pointer, based on a distribution of a signal strength of a resonance signal received through each of the plurality of loop antennas, a position detection apparatus, a display apparatus, and an antenna apparatus appropriate for extracting polar coordinates.
US09631914B2

Systems and methods for calibrating sensor arrays. An exemplary system measures a distance to a target object with the sensors. The system calculates a first position of the target object based on measurements from a first pair of the sensors and calibrated sensor coordinates for the first pair, calculates a second position of the target object based on measurements from a second pair of the sensors and the calibrated sensor coordinates for the second pair, and calculates a third position of the target object based on measurements from a third pair of the sensors and the calibrated sensor coordinates for the third pair. The system then compares the first position, the second position, and the third position calculated for the target object, and determines that the calibrated sensor coordinates for one or more of the sensors are inaccurate if a difference between the first, second, and third positions exceeds a threshold.
US09631913B2

A calibration control device for being coupled to a measuring device such as a caliper, micrometer, or gauge is provided. The calibration control device includes a circuit portion and couples to a coupling feature on the measuring device. A calibration limit portion defines a parameter limit as related to a usage limit for which the measuring device is certified as calibrated. A controller operates a host-side data connection portion of the calibration control device to output measuring data in a first mode when the usage limit is not exceeded, and operates the calibration control device to perform a calibration limit function when the usage limit is exceeded. The calibration limit function may include stopping the output of the measuring data through the host-side data connection or providing an out-of-calibration warning to the host, or the like.
US09631909B2

A cylindrical carbon fiber arrow shaft formed with an increased external diameter of 0.380 inches. This arrow shaft is formed with an axial bore which has a first internal diameter throughout a substantial portion of the shaft length, and a second, smaller, internal diameter throughout the fletching end of the arrow. The second internal diameter corresponds to the internal diameter of standard arrows having external diameters of 0.295 inches. Using this standard internal diameter at the fletching-end of the arrow, standard nooks may be used without the need for any spacer or insert, thereby decreasing fletching-end weight significantly and providing for the proper and more desired location of the center of gravity forward on the arrow.
US09631906B2

Implementations of an electronically scored target array are provided. In some implementations, the electronically scored target array may be used for training individuals in the use of rifles, hand guns, and similar weapons. In some implementations, the electronically scored target array may be used to facilitate competition between participating individuals. In some implementations, the electronically scored target array may be configured to record the performance (e.g., the number of target plates shot, number of target plates not shot (e.g., missed), overall time, etc.) of a shooter during a course of fire. In some implementations, the electronically scored target array comprises a base, a base guard, a cover plate, a first trunk tube, a second trunk tube, and nine target plates. In some implementations, the electronically scored target array may further comprise gaming software, a target controller, nine lasers mounted to the base, and an accelerometer secured to each target plate.
US09631902B2

The turret includes a hollow casing provided with a firearm, such as a cannon. The casing includes a front portion or shell, on which there is mounted the firearm and which defines a front cavity, which at least partially houses the firearm; and a rear portion or tail. The rear portion or tail defines a rear cavity, which houses at least one between a projectile magazine and a mechanism to load the projectiles into the breech of the firearm. The front portion or shell and the rear portion or tail are distinct from one another and are mutually mechanically assembled so that the cavities at least partially communicate with one another.
US09631899B2

A helmet assembly is provided including a front mount configured to attach to the front of the helmet above a brim of the helmet, a mandible for protecting a portion of the user's face, a lower edge rim mounting portion such as a halo attached along the lower edge of the helmet for securing the mandible to a helmet and providing power and data conduits. The front mount provides a center top mounting arrangement that operatively connects a center top location of the face shield to a center front mount on the helmet. The mount provides frontal bracket portions for mounting accessories. The helmet assembly provides a helmet shell with a curved shape having a surrounding reinforcing ridge. A reeling system is provided for adjusting front and lower chin straps. Other improvements in helmet assemblies are also disclosed.
US09631894B2

The invention is directed toward a heated grip for a firearm. The heated firearm grip comprises a grip body, and a rechargeable cartridge comprising a power source and an electrically resistive heating element. The grip body is shaped as a pistol style firearm grip and has a hollow internal cavity in the grip body. The grip body is interchangeable with the factory installed grip of a firearm. The rechargeable cartridge may have a shaped rigid outer body. The rigid shaped outer body may be configured to operate as a pistol clip. The rechargeable cartridge may be removably secured within the hollow internal cavity of the grip body. The rechargeable cartridge may be removed when a user presses a magazine release button on the grip body of the firearm.
US09631882B2

A recoil controller is disclosed whose body 1 incorporates a strategically designed inner surface or surfaces 2. A moving countermass 6 impacts one or more times against one or more inner surfaces 2. During this process momentum is transferred from the countermass 6, to the inner surfaces 2, and then to the body 1 of the recoil controller, and then to anything to which it is attached or against which it is braced. The distributions, over time, of the momenta resulting from this transfer of momentum will depend on various factors including the composition, geometry and placement of the inner surfaces 2. A given recoil controller is designed such that the distributions, over time, of the momenta resulting from its use, are preferable to the distributions, over time, of the original momenta. The countermass 6′ shown in FIG. 1 is the countermass 6 shown after one impact.
US09631876B2

A heat exchanger includes a stack of heat exchanger plate pairs that each define an internal volume and include an inlet and an outlet such that a first medium flows from the inlet to the outlet along a flow axis. The inlets together form an inlet header through the heat exchanger plate pairs and the outlets together form an outlet header through the heat exchanger plate pairs. The heat exchanger also includes an array of fins disposed between and in thermal contact with adjacent heat exchanger plate pairs. The array of fins defines flow channels between the adjacent heat exchanger plate pairs such that a second medium flows through the flow channels along the flow axis. One end of the array of fins includes a cut-out area which causes a first portion of the array of fins to be positioned laterally from either the inlet header or the outlet header.
US09631873B2

One exemplary embodiment can be a process for transferring heat to a first stream from a second stream in a hydrocarbon process. The process can include passing the first stream through at least one generally vertically-orientated tube in an exchanger. An interior surface of the at least one generally vertically-orientated tube may form one or more curved irregularities where the first stream, prior to entering the at least one generally vertically-orientated tube, may include a mixture of a gas including hydrogen and at least one or more C1-C3 hydrocarbons, and a liquid including one or more C4-C13 hydrocarbons.
US09631868B2

A dental furnace having a display device and an operating device (10) for the dental furnace, is provided, the operating device being integrated in particular in the display device by forming a touch screen (12), and the operating device (10) facilitating the selection of programs for the firing of dental restoration parts in the dental furnace. The operating device (10) allows in particular the input of further parameters for a firing cycle. An operating element (30, 32, 34) facilitates the control of a final firing program of the dental furnace, namely with different values for the temperature as well as for the duration of the final firing, the operating element (30, 32, 34) making possible the simultaneous adjusting of temperature and duration parameters of the final firing.
US09631855B2

Various embodiments of modular dual vector fluid spray nozzles are disclosed. Embodiments of the nozzles are characterized by specially shaped fluid channels, impingement surfaces and exit orifices used to generate atomized mists of fluid under pressure. Embodiments of the nozzles are generally characterized by composite fluid spray density patterns having horizontal and vertical components, i.e., dual vector in nature. The nozzles disclosed are modular and may be easily installed or removed from a given fluid spray system, nozzle head, or fixture as dictated by any given application.
US09631851B2

Disclosed is a vacuum container for an adsorption refrigeration machine, the vacuum container being connected to a condenser unit of the adsorption refrigeration machine via a connection that permits the passage of vapor. The container has a discharge arrangement and at least one cooling element. The connection means are provided with at least one component for shutting off or regulating the flow of fluids.
US09631849B2

Obtained is a heat medium relay unit capable of having improved serviceability and an air-conditioning apparatus equipped with the heat medium relay unit.Heat medium flow control devices are each disposed below a corresponding one of the first heat medium flow switching devices. The heat medium flow control devices are similarly disposed in a zigzag manner along with the zigzag arrangement of the first heat medium flow switching devices.
US09631846B2

A seasonal thermal energy storage system for heat supply and removal, including an energy-storage device, a solar collector, a refrigerating unit, and a water supply device in closed-loop connection to a user terminal. The energy-storage device includes at least a heat source storage pond and a cold source storage pond. The heat source storage pond and the cold source storage pond are connected to water source via first water pumps. The water supply device includes a hot water supply pool connected to the heat source storage pond and a cold water supply pool connected to the cold source storage pond. The solar collector is connected to the heat source storage pond and the hot water supply pool via second water pumps. The refrigerating unit is connected to the hot water supply pool and the cold water supply pool via third water pumps.
US09631845B2

A heat pump system using waste heat has a compression heat pump circuit that uses the shaft output of a power engine as a power source for a compressor for compressing refrigerant, and an absorption heat pump circuit using waste heat of the power engine as a heat source for a regenerator for heating absorbing liquid, refrigerant vaporized in the compression heat pump circuit is circulated to an absorber of the absorption heat pump circuit, the refrigerant is separated after regenerated by the regenerator, and the separated refrigerant is circulated in the compression heats pump circuit. The absorption heat pump circuit has a reverse pump R in a return pipe for absorbing liquid from the regenerator to the absorber, and the rotation energy of the reverse pump R can be withdrawn by a circulation pump P for the absorbing liquid.
US09631842B1

A magneto-caloric cooling system includes an energy absorption area configured to be positioned proximate a thermal energy producing device. At least one energy dissipation area is configured to be positioned proximate a thermal energy dissipation device. A thermal energy transfer device is configured to be cycled between the energy absorption area and the energy dissipation area. A magnetic field generation device is configured to produce a magnetic field proximate the energy dissipation area.
US09631837B2

A hot water supply device 1 includes a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger (21) that applies heat to fresh water with combustion gases, and a heat exchanger casing (22) for housing the heat exchanger (21), and in order to be able reliably to determine by a simple method whether the hot water supply device is clogged by lime scale, there are provided a temperature detector (31) for detecting the surface temperature of the heat exchanger casing (22) and a control unit (7) that determines that scale has built up in the heat exchange tubing (27) of the heat exchanger (21) when the temperature detected by this temperature detector (31) is greater than a set temperature.
US09631835B2

A heating device (1) which includes: an assembly (2-4) made of a heat-conducting material and has a heating resistor (5) and has a defined passage (7a, 7b) close to the resistor (5), for a flow of water to be heated. The assembly (2-4) includes a central body (2) having two main opposite surfaces (2a, 2b) to which respective closing shells (3, 4) are connected in a liquid-tight manner. Between each main surface (2a, 2b) and the associated shell (3, 4) there is defined a passage following a serpentine path (7a, 7b). The serpentine passages (7a, 7b) communicate with each other by a through-hole (10) provided between the main surfaces (2a, 2b) of the central body (2). The heating resistor (5) is provided in the central body (2), between the main surfaces or faces (2a, 2b) such that it is in a heat-exchanging relationship with both the serpentine passages (7a, 7b).
US09631827B2

The present invention relates to a cage changing cabin (1) for replacing cages in which laboratory animals are housed, of the type comprising a supporting surface (21) supported by a lower box-like portion (20) and surmounted by a plenum or upper box-like portion (30), said lower box-like portion (20) and said upper plenum (30) comprising means for forced air circulation in laminar flow substantially tangent to the periphery of said supporting surface (21), characterized in that said lower box-like portion (20) and said upper plenum (30) are made of plastic material.
US09631824B1

A method and system for conditioning air utilizing a liquid desiccant and the ability to use low grade and clean renewable heat sources for heating, cooling, dehumidifying and humidifying air as well as regenerating desiccant, with a low temperature differential for inlet and outlet air. Said system provides some filtering, purifying and sterilization of air. Said system may have low resistance through the system to lower fan energy. Said system may have low resistance through system pipework to lower pump energy.
US09631817B2

A cooktop appliance includes a plurality of gas burners positioned at an outer surface of a panel. A griddle plate may be positioned over at least one gas burner of the plurality of gas burners. An electric heating element is mounted to the griddle plate. A socket on the panel may receive a plug of the electric heating element. A switch configured for obstructing gas fuel flow to the at least one gas burner of the plurality of gas burners when the griddle plate is positioned over the at least one gas burner of the plurality of gas burners.
US09631812B2

A support frame for assembling a combustion module for a gas turbine includes a base plate disposed at a bottom end of the support frame and a support plate that is vertically separated from the base plate by one or more vertical support members. The support plate defines an opening that is sized to allow a portion of the combustion module to pass therethrough. A support block extends vertically from the base plate towards the support plate where the support block defines one or more fastener holes for connecting an aft end of a combustion liner of the combustion module to the support block. A central support column extends vertically from the base plate towards the support plate. A horizontal support extends radially outward from the central support column to align the combustion liner with the opening in the support plate.
US09631811B2

A furnace assembly comprising a non-condensing furnace with a draft inducer. The draft inducer includes a permanent magnet electrically commutated motor and a draft inducer blower fan. The motor includes a stator, a rotor, a motor cooling fan, and a controller. The rotor being rotatable relative to the stator, the fan being operatively coupled to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor causes rotation of the fan, the controller being configured to selectively operate the motor in first and second different torque ranges of the rotor, with the first and second torque range operating within a fixed percentage and within a fixed percentage of each other. The controller being configured such during normal operation, the motor is not operable at any torques between the first torque range and the second torque range except during transitionary periods.
US09631800B2

A compressible decorative structure can be easily converted from a non-compressed configuration to a compressed configuration. The structure includes an inner support that is attached to a base. A movable ring slides along the inner support and is held in the compressed configuration by retaining clips. Naturally biased connectors, formed of a flexible material, return the structure to its non-compressed configuration when the retaining clips are disengaged. Alternatively, the structure includes a rope and a top cover that engages the rope. Springs hold the structure in the desired configuration.
US09631794B2

A wavelength converting unit includes: an incident portion configured to be connected to an excited-light emitting end of a excited-light source, and on which excited light emitted from the excited-light source is made incident; a wavelength converting member configured to convert the excited light into wavelength-converted light of a desired wavelength; a light transmitting member configured to transmit the excited light and the wavelength-converted light; a reflector configured to reflect at least part of the wavelength-converted light; and an emitting portion configured to emit at least part of the at least part of the wavelength-converted light reflected by the reflector to outside. At least part of the light transmitting member is continuously formed to extend from the incident portion to the emitting portion, and part of an external surface of the light transmitting member has the reflector.
US09631791B2

A reflector interconnect having a front surface and a back surface is disclosed. The reflector interconnect comprises at least two segments of a reflector valve metal and at least one segment of an oxide of the reflector valve metal, wherein the at least two segments of the reflector valve metal are electrically isolated from each other by the at least one segment of the oxide of the reflector valve metal. The reflector interconnect is configured to support one or more electric components attached on the front surface in direct thermal contact with the reflector interconnect. The reflector interconnect is curved so that electromagnetic radiation radiated by at least one of the one or more electric components is reflected from the front surface and focused to a beam.
US09631785B2

A lighting unit (1) is provided with a reflecting surface (2, 2′, 2″) for providing an output beam of light with at least two beam patterns. A first light source (5) and a second light source (7) are arranged to illuminate substantially identical surface areas of said reflecting surface (2, 2′, 2″) and are independently controllable from each other. The reflecting surface (2, 2′, 2″) is shaped and said light sources (5, 7) are positioned relative to said reflecting surface (2, 2′, 2″) so that said first light source (5) generates an output beam of light, having a first beam pattern and said at least second light source (7) generates an output beam of light, having a second beam pattern, different from said first beam pattern. A corresponding vehicle headlamp (10) comprises at least one lighting unit (1).
US09631782B2

An illumination device includes a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in a rectangular light mixing cavity mounted above the LEDs and configured to mix and color convert light emitted from the LEDs. The long sidewall surfaces of the rectangular light mixing cavity are coated with a first type of wavelength converting material while the short sidewall surfaces reflect incident light without color conversion. The output window that is above and separated from the LEDs is coated with a second type of wavelength converting material. The light mixing cavity may include a replaceable, reflective insert that includes a non-metallic, diffuse reflective layer backed by a second reflective layer. Additionally, the LEDs may be mounted on raised pads on a mounting board. The light mixing cavity may include a bottom reflector with holes wherein the raised pads elevate the LEDs above the top surface of the bottom reflector through the holes.
US09631774B2

A single use bag for storing a material. The single use bag includes a two layers of which one of the two layers is in contact with the material container within the bag. The layer which is in contact with the material contained within the bag is an active layer. The active layer may be made active by incorporating a scavenger into the layer. At least one layer of the single use bag may include a fluoropolymer.
US09631771B1

A manually actuatable hanger suitable for suspending articles from a tubular carrier structure includes jaws that may be actuated to expand a jaw opening to receive the carrier structure, with the jaws biased toward a closed position to engage the carrier structure. The hanger further includes a pivoting gate element that is operable by a user to selectively open a gate opening to provide access to a hook portion, whereby one or more articles may be hung from an interior surface of the hook portion.
US09631766B2

A method of producing composites from inorganic materials by processing with thermoplastic forming techniques mixtures containing one or more inorganic, fine residual materials and one or more polymers based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the form of protective colloid-stabilized, water-redispersible polymer powders, wherein the inorganic, fine residual materials are based on inorganic materials selected from the group consisting of gypsum, lime, talc, silicas, kaolins, silicates and titanium dioxide, and wherein the composites are based on from 5 to 80% by weight of polymers based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers and from 20 to 95% by weight of inorganic, fine residual materials, based on the total weight of polymer based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers and inorganic, fine residual materials.
US09631763B2

Pipe splitting apparatuses and systems including a replaceable blade, and methods therefor, are provided. In various examples, a cable retention and release mechanism is configured to releasably engage a cable and includes one or more segments of a pipe splitting apparatus including a cable passage. A segmented collet includes tapered segments and is disposed within a tapered portion of a cable passage of the one or more segments. Channel surfaces of the tapered segments together form a cable channel through the segmented collet. The cable channel is configured to widen in a disengaged position of the segmented collet and narrow in an engaged position of the segmented collet. A spring is disposed within the spring pocket of the one or more segments to bias the segmented collet distally in the engaged position.
US09631762B2

A connection assembly for sealing to an end of a tube includes a polymeric body having an opening configured to slidably receive the end of the tube. The opening further has a first open end, a second end, and an internal sealing surface spaced from the open end. A reinforcement member is spaced from and generally surrounds at least a portion of the opening and includes a body section and an end portion with the end portion being generally adjacent the internal sealing surface. A sealing member is adjacent the internal sealing surface of the opening and is configured to interact with the internal sealing surface of the opening and the end of the tube to form a seal between the connection member and the tube. A locking device is configured to secure the connection assembly to the tube.
US09631756B2

A connector comprising a body (1) having a throughway (5) which is open at one end (4). A shoulder (8) in the throughway faces the open end and supports an O-ring (9). A collet (3) in the open end of the throughway has a plurality of legs (18) extending away from the open end, each engaging with the body and having an inwardly facing tooth to grip, in use, a tube in the throughway. The body has a plurality of fingers (11) extending to the open end. The connector further comprises a cap (2) fitting over the open end of the body and extending from the open end towards the opposite end. The cap has a plurality of recesses (23) in a wall at the open end into each of which a finger is retained by a snap fit.
US09631754B2

A clamp can be used to further secure the connection between a flexible tube and a tubing connector and to eliminate or diminish fluid stasis near the connection interface. The clamp can include a hollow member having a passageway extending through the hollow member, an internal thread in the passageway, and a clamping surface in the passageway. The passageway is configured to receive the flexible tube. The internal thread is configured to engage the flexible tube and has a first diameter. The clamping surface has a second diameter less than the first diameter. A hub may be used as an adapter between the clamp and the tube.
US09631750B1

A pipe flange alignment guide to assist in connection of adjoining bolted pipe flanges is described. The guide is comprised of first and second semi-circular body sections joined together by a clamshell hinge and a buckle assembly. Each body section has a flared bottom that forms a conical opening when the body sections are positioned around adjoining flanged pipe segments. The top of each body section forms a semi-circular cover with opening edges having a plurality of spaced apart scallops. The scallops conform to the bolt hole pattern of the adjoining pipe flanges and serve as an alignment guide for the flange attachment bolts.
US09631745B2

A processing apparatus including an expansible and contractable bellows unit mounted on a workpiece holding unit for covering an area of movement of the workpiece holding unit in a feeding direction and a guide unit for guiding the expansion and contraction of the bellows unit in the feeding direction. The guide unit has an opening for allowing the movement of the workpiece holding unit in the feeding direction and a gutter extending in the feeding direction adjacent to the opening. The bellows unit has a bellows member having one end connected to the workpiece holding unit and the other end connected to the guide unit. The processing apparatus further includes a floating unit for floating the bellows member along the gutter of the guide unit in a noncontact manner.
US09631733B2

A plunger type safety valve includes a valve body, a valve rod, and a tube piece. The valve body is provided with a first water inlet port and a first water outlet port, the first water inlet port is connected to a water pipe of a local water supply plant, while the first water outlet port is connected to a water input end of a filtering device. The valve rod is disposed vertically in an inner chamber of the valve body, to switch between connection and disconnection of the first water inlet port and the first water outlet port. And the tube piece is connected fixedly with a lower end of the valve body, to form into a chamber body, and is provided with a second water inlet port and a second water outlet port.
US09631732B2

A cavitation reactor having a pulse valve for receiving an input fluid flow and generating a pulsed output flow that is provided to the input of a resonance chamber, such as a tube. The pulse valve uses a shaft with a number of regularly spaced lands to form fluid conduits between an input port and the output port connected to the resonance tube to cause fluid communication between the input and output ports to be regularly opened and closed, thereby producing a pulsed output that drives the formation of resonance waves in the resonance chamber. The shaft is rotated at a suitable frequency to produce cavitation bubbles that collapse in the resonance chamber without damaging the valve shaft.
US09631727B1

A mechanical seal (100) is configured such that an annular sealed space (S1) is formed by a first bellows (141), a second bellows (151), and members respectively provided on both end sides of the first bellows (141) and the second bellows (151), and that the first bellows (141) and the second bellows (151) expand and contract in a central axial direction of a rotating shaft (200) in accordance with fluid pressure inside the sealed space (S1). The first bellows (141) and the second bellows (151) are arranged at positions distant to each other in the central axial direction, and are arranged such that a part of the first bellows (141) on a radially inward side and a part of the second bellows (151) on a radially outward side overlap when viewed in the central axial direction.
US09631719B2

A transmission having a plurality of shifting elements which are selectively engaged and disengaged when a gearshift is carried out, and a plurality of gearsets which, depending on the shifting position of the shifting elements produce a defined transmission ratio, and a shifting oil system which supplies the shifting elements with oil in order to operate them and a cooling and lubricating oil system which supplies assemblies of the transmission with oil for cooling and/or lubricating. From the shifting oil provided by the shifting oil system, a partial stream of oil can be tapped off for cooling and/or lubricating the shifting elements, such that a quantity of cooling and lubricating oil that is or can be supplied by the cooling and lubricating oil system can be reduced to the quantity required for cooling and/or lubricating those assemblies of the transmission which do not contain the shifting elements.
US09631704B2

A multi-stages automatic transmission for a vehicle may include first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, each including first, second and third rotation elements, respectively, and friction members including first, second, third and fourth clutches and first and second brakes.
US09631702B2

A gearbox includes two axially spaced epicyclic gear trains, each having a sun gear, axially spaced planet gears carried by a planet carrier, and a ring gear fixed to the gear box. One of the planet gears engages with the fixed ring gear, and another of the planet gears engages with an output ring gear. The sun gears of the two gear trains are mounted on a single shaft. The planet carriers of the two gear trains are mounted on a shaft so that they can freely rotate but have limited axial motion along the shaft. The two output ring gears are helical gears of opposite handedness.
US09631699B2

A drive system with a drive chain which is guided over a sprocket (10), said sprocket having a sequence of teeth (11) arranged on its circumference, and which is composed of a succession of chain links (14), wherein each chain link (14) is composed of at least two link plates (15) which are arranged parallel to one another and which are connected to one another by means of link pins (16), is characterized in that the individual chain links (14) are coupled to one another by means of at least one connecting plate (18) which is arranged between said chain links and which permits a parallel displacement of the chain links (14) relative to one another, wherein each connecting plate (18) has at least one projection (19), and projections (19) and teeth (11) have in each case an angular form with rectilinearly running tooth flanks (13) and engagement flanks (20), and in that, in the case of a load-induced elongation of the connecting plates (18), the engagement flanks (20), starting with the final connecting plate (18) which is in engagement as far as the first connecting plate (18) which is passing into engagement, slide outward on the tooth flanks (13) of the individual successive teeth (11) such that the areal contact is maintained.
US09631698B2

A two piece crimping bead is provided. The crimping bead has a crimp bead and a crimping plunger. The crimp bead has a through bore with a first opening, a second opening, and a sidewall. The through bore is adapted to have beading cable passed therethrough. The crimping bead also has a crimping bore intersecting the through bore. The crimping plunger is disposed therein in interference fit with the crimping bore. When the crimping plunger is urged into the crimping bore, the crimping plunger retains the beading cable against the sidewall of the through bore.
US09631695B2

A shock absorber includes a cylinder; a piston movable therein and dividing the cylinder in first and second cylinder chambers; a cylinder attachment for attachment to a first part of a vehicle and connected to the cylinder; and a piston attachment for attachment to a second part of a vehicle and connected to the piston. The piston attachment and cylinder attachment move towards one another on an inward movement and away from one another on an outward movement. The piston includes a first inward channel; a first inward valve to open the first inward channel on inward movement; a first outward channel; a first outward valve to open the first outward channel on outward movement; a second inward channel; a second inward valve to open the second inward channel on inward movement; a second outward channel; and a second outward valve to open the second outward channel on outward movement.
US09631678B2

A clutch apparatus includes a clutch outer, a clutch inner, driving friction plates, driven friction plates, a pressure receiving plate, a pressing plate, a movable cam member, a fixed cam member, clutch springs, and a swollen portion. The clutch outer is connected to an input power member. The clutch inner has a first ring plate portion extending along a plane perpendicular to an axial direction of an output power shaft and boss portions extending in the axial direction from the first ring plate portion. The clutch inner is connected to the output power shaft to rotate with the output power shaft. The driving friction plates are connected to the clutch outer. The swollen portion is provided at a base portion of each of the boss portions and swollen from opposite sides of each of the boss portions along a circumferential direction of the clutch inner.
US09631677B2

A clutch includes a first clutch part connected to a drive shaft, a second clutch part connected to an output shaft and a pressure element arranged to engage the first and second clutch parts, wherein a reinforcement mechanism is provided in a force flow zone between the pressure element and the second clutch part, wherein the mechanism has first and second ramps to transmit a biasing force for pressing the pressure element against the first clutch part.
US09631676B2

A tripod joint including an outer joint member with several axially extending elongate tracks; an inner joint member with several radial axle journals distributed over the outer circumference thereof; at least a number of rollers corresponding to the number of axle journals, where the roller is respectively pivotably retained with a central bore on the associated axle journal and is in engagement with the elongate tracks, where the roller is accommodated in the associated track so as to be displaceable in the axial direction of the outer joint member; where each axle journal includes on its circumference two outer diametrically opposed spherical end faces for engagement into the bore, where the bore has a cylindrical portion for engagement with the spherical end faces in order to support the roller so as to be displaceable relative to the journal, and at least a constricted portion that is adjacent thereto in the axial direction, while forming a continuous transition, on one side of the cylindrical portion, and that reaches behind the spherical end faces, for limiting the displacing movement.
US09631673B2

A load bearing system with controlled movement of a stationary bearing race to distribute load and wear over the load bearing surface and increase bearing life. The system includes an inner race and an outer race which are predictably rotatable relative to one another about an axis. The system uses oil holes and other holes to place balls and spring loaded ball assemblies to facilitate movement as well as gears strategically placed in the stationary race with timer mechanisms to rotate the races relative to one another as desired.
US09631670B2

A lubrication unit in a rolling bearing apparatus includes a pump that supplies a lubricant to an annular space formed between an inner ring and an outer ring, and is provided adjacently to the annular space. The pump includes a needle-like nozzle having, at a tip thereof, a discharge port through which the lubricant is discharged toward an outer ring raceway groove in an outer ring. A tip of the nozzle is in contact with a shoulder portion inner peripheral surface adjacent to the outer ring raceway groove or is provided close to the shoulder portion inner peripheral surface such that a very small gap is formed between the tip and the shoulder portion inner peripheral surface.
US09631659B2

A multi-material joint includes first and second body members, a staple, a wire ladder, and an adhesive. The first body member includes a first layer of fiber reinforced material which has first upper and lower surfaces. The second body member includes a metal. The staple includes first and second prongs joined by a crown. The first and second prongs are inserted through the first layer such that the crown is positioned adjacent to the first upper surface. The wire ladder is positioned adjacent to the first lower surface and includes first and second rails coupled together by a plurality of rungs. The first and second prongs hook over the respective first and second rungs. The adhesive is positioned between the first and second body members, and covers at least a portion of the crown. Other multi-material joints are also provided, as are methods of making multi-material joints.
US09631654B2

A fastening member for fastening and unfastening at least two panel members includes first and second elastic arms. One panel member has a first surface. The other panel member has a second surface facing away from the first surface. Each panel member has a fixed through hole having at least a portion with a width (P1). Each elastic arm has first and second end edges respectively proximate to and relatively distal from the first surface. The first end edge has a width larger than the width (P1). A limiting arm extends from the first end edge of the first elastic arm, and includes a limiting portion that can extend through the fixed through holes of the panel members or move away from the second elastic arm when the elastic arms are pressed or released, respectively.
US09631646B2

A cylinder mechanism includes a cylinder body, a piston pole slidably installed to the cylinder body, a connecting member mounted to the piston pole away from the cylinder body, and an adjusting apparatus. The cylinder body includes two tabs protruding out from two side surfaces of the cylinder body. Each tab defines a guiding hole extending along a moving direction of the piston pole. The adjusting apparatus includes two screws and two adjusting nuts fitting about the two screws. A first end of each screw is mounted to the connecting member, and a second end of each screw is passed through the corresponding guiding hole. Each adjusting nut is connected to the second end of the corresponding screw, and the adjusting nut is configured to abut against the corresponding tab. The stroke of the piston pole is configured to adjust according as rotating the adjusting nuts.
US09631637B2

A compressor end head for providing a thermal barrier near a mechanical seal includes an inner end head and an outer end head. The outer end head includes an opening in the center for enclosing the inner end head, an outlet and grooves alongside surfaces radially adjacent the opening. The inner end head has an opening in the center, an inlet, grooves in the opening for enclosing an end portion of a compressor shaft and a flow path along an outer surface.
US09631632B2

A blade of an impeller has a blade surface made up of line elements. The line elements forming the blade surface are not parallel to each other. A relationship between a twist angle of the line elements and a distance between the origin and an intersection of a central line of the impeller and an extension line of a Z-axis projection line obtained by projecting each of the line elements onto a Z-axis projection plane is represented by a curve.
US09631627B2

Air moving device includes a housing, an impeller in the housing for generating a downward air flow, and vanes in the housing in close proximity to and a selected distance below the impeller to straighten the air flow. The device produces an air flow that substantially remains in a column over a substantial distance. The method includes producing an air flow that substantially remains in a column over a substantial distance and directing the air flow from the ceiling towards the floor to provide temperature destratification of the air in an enclosed space. The method also includes directing warm air from the ceiling to the floor and storing heat in the floor, apparatus on the floor and ground under the floor. The stored heat is released when the ceiling is cooler than the floor.
US09631624B2

An exhaust diffuser and method for manufacturing an exhaust diffuser is provided. An exhaust diffuser for a torque-generating turbine, in particular a torque-generating gas turbine is provided herein. The exhaust diffuser having an inner member, the inner member having an outer surface and an outer member having an inner surface, the inner member and the outer member forming an annular channel, at least a first supporting strut connecting the inner member and the outer member, the first supporting strut extending essentially radially from the inner surface to the outer surface, the first supporting strut having a middle section having a first airfoil and an outer section having a second airfoil, and the second airfoil differing from the first airfoil in shape to be able to handle a higher range of angle of attack. Furthermore, it is described a method for manufacturing an exhaust diffuser.
US09631622B2

An inducer for vertical flow, cryogenic liquid centrifugal pumps comprising a stationary outer housing portion having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet located at a lower end and the outlet located at an upper end, the housing further having an inner wall portion with one or more spiral vanes projecting outwardly from the inner wall portion, the one or more spiral vanes defining one or more gap regions on the inner wall portion that spiral in a first direction, and an inner rotating impeller mounted on a rotating center shaft, the impeller having at least one curved blade which defines a curved, helicoid plane surface in which the slope of the plane increases as the distance from the center axis increases, the impeller rotating in a second direction which is in counter rotation to the first direction.
US09631619B2

A helical rotor intended to be arranged in a progressing cavity pump, said progressing cavity pump being capable of pumping a multiphase fluid from a fluid reserve, the helical rotor comprising at least one mixer capable of homogenizing the multiphase fluid located in said fluid reserve.
US09631612B2

Setting of the pressure sensing mechanism which controls an opening degree of the first valve body is changed by transmitting driving force of the driving force transmission member to the first valve body via the second valve body. According to this configuration, when the second valve body has been opened while conduction of electricity to the electromagnetic solenoid has been stopped, the refrigerant gas from the discharge chamber is supplied to the control pressure chamber via the passage, the valve chamber, the communication opening, the insertion hole, the first passage, the second passage, the housing chamber, the passage, the second pressure adjusting chamber, the communication hole, the first pressure adjusting chamber, the first shaft inner passage, and the second shaft inner passage.
US09631610B2

A system for utilizing power extracted from intraluminal pressure changes may comprise: (a) an intraluminal generator; (b) an intraluminal pressure change-receiving structure operably coupled to the intraluminal generator; and (c) a power utilization device. A system for utilizing power extracted from intraluminal pressure changes may comprise: (a) means for receiving an intraluminal pressure change; (b) means for converting an intraluminal pressure change into energy with an intraluminal generator; and (c) means for providing, the energy to a power utilization device.
US09631608B2

A wind power plant connected to an electric grid. A central plant controller is configured to carry out a method of controlling an electric output of the wind power plant in the event of a transient low-voltage fault of the electric grid. The central plant controller is configured, after a fault stage in response to detection of a low-voltage fault during which the wind turbines ride through the grid fault, to control the wind power plant during a post-fault-support stage to provide only real power, or perform voltage control. The central plant controller is configured to resume control of the wind power plant according to the nominal-grid operation mode, which prevailed before the low-voltage fault, in a nominal-grid operation stage.
US09631599B2

This invention relates to an arrangement in a wave energy recovery system comprising at least a wing element hinged on its one edge to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents, a wave energy recovery means having a space alterable by its volume with the help of a connection rod making a reciprocating movement caused by the wing element At least the sealings and/or through holes between the space and the connection rod are protected against seawater.
US09631587B2

Systems and methods are provided for engine systems including a first multiple tap aspirator with a motive inlet coupled to an intake upstream of an air induction system throttle and a mixed flow outlet coupled to an intake manifold, and a second multiple tap aspirator with a motive inlet coupled to the intake upstream of a main throttle and a mixed flow outlet coupled to the intake downstream of the air induction system throttle. During non-boost conditions, intake air may be selectably diverted around a compressor and through the first and/or second aspirator based on desired vacuum generation. During boost conditions, the first and second aspirators may function as compressor bypass valves, and intake air may be selectably directed from downstream of the compressor to upstream of the compressor via the first and/or second aspirator based on a desired compressor bypass flow.
US09631583B2

A vapor purge system having a tank isolation valve and a canister vent valve, where each valve includes a latching mechanism for maintaining the valves in an open position. A diagnostic test is performed on the purge system to prove that each of the valves are functioning correctly. Using latching valves in these applications reduces electricity draw from the battery and reduces electrical interference with integrated pressure sensors. The fuel tank is sealed by the tank isolation valve between the fuel tank and a vapor storage canister, and the canister vent valve provides sealing between the canister and the atmosphere, and controls venting of the canister. The tank isolation valve reduces power consumption from the battery, while the valve is being held in either an open position or a closed position by the latching mechanism, and uses only a single pulse of voltage to change the state of the valve.
US09631572B2

Methods and systems are provided for enriching an engine cylinder in response to an indication of pre-ignition. The cylinder is enriched by initially increasing a proportion of fuel delivered to the cylinder via a port injector on an open intake valve event. The cylinder is then continued to be enriched by increasing a proportion of fuel delivered to the cylinder via a direct injector.
US09631567B2

A fuel control system for a vehicle includes a pressure compensation module that compensates an intake oxygen signal based on an intake pressure signal and that generates a compensated intake oxygen signal. A blow-by estimation module generates an estimated blow-by flow. A purge flow estimation module estimates the purge flow based on the compensated intake oxygen signal and the estimated blow-by flow. A fuel control estimation module reduces fueling to injectors of an engine of the vehicle based on the purge flow.
US09631565B2

A control method for improving nitrogen oxide purification performance (NOx) includes starting NOx regeneration, comparing first and second lambda values measured at first and second lambda sensors in a control unit, checking the lean NOx trap (LNT) temperature, and measuring a second time that has elapsed after the first and second lambda values are found to be the same, and checking whether the second time is greater than or equal to a predetermined time when it is observed that the temperature of the LNT is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature value.
US09631556B2

A foil bearing includes an outer member (11), and a plurality of foils (13) that are mounted to an inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11) and directly face the inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11) in a radial direction without interposition of another member (such as back foils). The foils (13) each include: holding portions (13a, 13b) that are formed at both circumferential ends and held while in contact with the outer member (11); and a body portion (13c) that is formed circumferentially between the holding portions (13a, 13b) and has a bearing surface (A). At least an end portion on one side in a circumferential direction of the body portion (13c) is raised radially inward with respect to the inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11).
US09631551B2

An internal combustion engine includes working cylinders and a fresh gas line for supplying fresh gas to the working cylinders. The fresh gas line has a charge air section. A mechanically driven compressor is disposed in the charge air section of the fresh gas line. An air control/shut-off flap is disposed in the charge air section such that, in dependence on a position of the air control/shut-off flap, a gas mass flow in the charge air section flows completely or partially via the mechanically driven compressor or flows past the mechanically driven compressor. A method for operating an internal combustion engine is also provided.
US09631544B2

A cooling system includes: a compressor; a first condenser; a cooling portion; a heat exchanger; a first line; a second line; a switching device; and an ejector. The first line forms a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by flowing refrigerant in order of the heat exchanger, the compressor, the first condenser and the cooling portion. The second line forms a heat pipe by circulating refrigerant between the first condenser and the cooling portion. The switching device flows refrigerant through the first line when air conditioning is performed, and flows refrigerant through the second line when air conditioning is stopped. The ejector is configured to, when refrigerant flows from the compressor to the first condenser via the ejector, draw refrigerant from the second line and join the drawn refrigerant into refrigerant from the compressor.
US09631542B2

A system includes a gas turbine engine that includes a combustor section having one or more combustors configured to generate combustion products and a turbine section having one or more turbine stages between an upstream end and a downstream end. The one or more turbine stages are driven by the combustion products. The gas turbine engine also includes an exhaust section disposed downstream from the downstream end of the turbine section. The exhaust section has an exhaust passage configured to receive the combustion products as an exhaust gas. The gas turbine engine also includes a mixing device disposed in the exhaust section. The mixing device is configured to divide the exhaust gas into a first exhaust gas and a second exhaust gas, and to combine the first and second exhaust gases in a mixing region to produce a mixed exhaust gas.
US09631540B2

Systems and methods are described for heating engine coolant by transferring heat from an exhaust flow to the engine coolant via a heat exchanger positioned in an exhaust gas heat recovery line coupled to the EGR cooler responsive to an EGR valve position. In one particular example, a branching pathway of the EGR cooler is positioned downstream of the EGR cooler and allows exhaust gas to be routed to the EGR cooler and/or exhaust gas heat exchanger based on the EGR valve position, which allows for control of the amount of heat transferred to the engine coolant as well as exhaust gas recirculation into the engine. With this arrangement, a cabin temperature of a hybrid vehicle may be increased as quickly as possible under cold start conditions to allow the engine to be quickly turned off after heating the vehicle cabin.
US09631532B2

Provided is an engine device of a working vehicle structured such that a first case and a second case can be firmly fixed with a high rigidly by sharing supporting loads of the first case and the second case by an engine room and a working portion. In the engine device of the working vehicle having the first case which removes particulate matter in exhaust gas of an engine, and the second case which removes nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas of the engine, the first case is provided in an outer side of the engine room which is inward provided with the engine via a first case support body, and the second case is provided in the working portion which is adjacent to the engine room via a second case support body.
US09631530B2

Regarding a work vehicle that includes an engine mounted on a travelling machine body and an exhaust gas purification device arranged in an exhaust gas path of the engine, it is an object to prevent the regeneration control of the exhaust gas purification device from being executed against operators' will. The work vehicle of the present invention includes a regeneration switch 329 for executing the regeneration control of an exhaust gas purification device 50, a meter panel 246 for displaying the situation of driving operations of a travelling machine body 2, and a work device 15. Then, when it is assumed that a predetermined amount or more of particulate matter in the exhaust gas purification device 50 is accumulated, the meter panel 246 notifies a regeneration control request warning and displays characters that urge stoppages of work of the work device 15 and travelling of the travelling machine body 2.
US09631523B2

A device for adjusting a motor vehicle valve train includes at least one camshaft with at least four cam elements arranged in an axially displaceable manner. In each case two of the cam elements that are adjacently situated are formed as a cam element group to be switched together.
US09631521B2

Method for operating a combined-cycle power plant is provided. The plant includes at least a gas turbine and at least a steam power generation system. The plant activates at least one electric generator connectable to an electric grid, wherein the gas turbine includes a compressor. The steam power generation system includes a steam turbine, a heat recovery steam generator and a bypass line. The method is such that the gas turbine de-loads to a condition, where the compressor operates at its nominal speed. The method is such that the steam turbine de-loads in coordination with the de-load of the gas turbine, to a condition where the total load exported by the plant to the grid is substantially equal to zero, being both the gas turbine and the steam power generation system connected.
US09631519B2

A method of fabricating a sound attenuation panel of curved shape, the method including impregnating a fiber structure defining a cellular structure with a ceramic precursor resin; polymerizing the ceramic precursor resin while holding the fiber structure on tooling presenting a curved shape corresponding to the final shape of the cellular structure; docking the cellular structure with first and second skins, each formed by a fiber structure impregnated with a ceramic precursor resin, each skin being docked to the cellular structure before or after polymerizing the resin of the skins; pyrolyzing the assembly constituted by the cellular structure and the first and second skins; and densifying the assembly by chemical vapor infiltration.
US09631513B2

Disclosed is a method to minimize rotor vibration of a gas turbine. According to the method an air separator is attached to the rotor, an interference is determined between the air separator and a turbine disc of the rotor, and the interference is adjusted in the range of 0.020 and 0.060 inches. Further disclosed is rotor for a gas turbine in which an axial interference between two parts attached to the rotor are in a range of 0.20 to 0.060 inches.
US09631505B2

The present invention relates to a device for cooling a wall of a component, where a fluid flow flows parallel to the wall, with at least one inflow duct, the center axis of which being arranged inclined to the plane of the wall, with a groove provided in the wall, into which issues the inflow duct, where a wall of the groove is designed contoured downstream of a discharge opening of the inflow duct and has an inflow edge facing the discharge opening, characterized in that the groove extends on both sides of the discharge opening and adjacent to the inflow edge at an angle to the direction of the fluid flow, and has a narrowing width.
US09631500B2

An assembly for use in a turbine engine is provided. The assembly includes a first bucket, a second bucket circumferentially adjacent to the first bucket, a shroud extending between the first and second buckets, and an aerodynamic shell substantially encircling the shroud such that a cavity is formed between the aerodynamic shell and the shroud.
US09631498B2

A gas turbine blade having a film cooling structure can reduce stress and strain that occur around the cooling holes of the film cooling structure. For example, in the gas turbine blade, a plurality of cooling holes thoroughly connected to the cooling pass formed inside the gas turbine blade are arranged in the span direction in the leading edge portion of the gas turbine blade, and the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cooling holes is made identical to the direction of principal strain occurring in the leading edge portion of the turbine blade within a range of 15 degrees.
US09631487B2

A fluid pressure pulse generator comprises a stator having a body and cylindrical bore and a rotor having a cylindrical body and cap. The diameter of the cylindrical body is smaller than that of the stator central bore such that an annular gap is formed therebetween. The cap has a base with a diameter larger than that of the rotor body, forming a protruding lip that covers at least a portion of the annular gap. The stator body and rotor body collectively have at least one fluid flow chamber comprising a lateral opening and an uphole axial inlet, and a downhole axial outlet and at least one fluid diverter comprising a lateral opening in fluid communication with the axial outlet. The rotor can rotate within the stator such that the fluid diverter moves in and out of fluid communication with the fluid flow chamber to create fluid pressure pulses.
US09631482B2

Methods for communicatively coupling components at down-hole locations within a wellbore include introducing first and second cables through which signals are transmissible into the wellbore. Terminal ends of the cables are coarsely aligned by coupling connector housings associated with the cables within the wellbore. The terminal ends are then finely aligned by activating motors to move at least one of the terminal ends within the connector housings until a signal of sufficient strength is transmissible between the first and second cables.
US09631480B2

Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to emit acoustic pulses into a drilling fluid in a well bore, using a first acoustic transducer in a downhole tool, and detecting the acoustic pulses after reflection from the wall of the well bore, using a second acoustic transducer in the downhole tool. The faces of the first and second acoustic transducers are non-parallel. Further activities include emitting additional acoustic pulses into the drilling fluid using the second acoustic transducer, and detecting them using the second acoustic transducer. The acoustic velocity of the drilling fluid can be determined based on respective travel times. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are described.
US09631476B2

Various systems and methods for implementing and using a variable stiffness downhole tool housing include cylindrical segments positioned along a common axis, with a pair of segments each coupled to a bulkhead and positioned at either axial end of the tool housing. The housing also includes a flexible cylindrical sleeve, positioned along the common axis between two of the plurality of cylindrical segments, that includes a first and second region with an outer diameter no larger than a common segment inner diameter and a third region located between the first and second regions and with an outer diameter no larger than a common segment outer diameter (the first and second regions each at least partially inserted into an end of one segment). A stiffness controller controls the stiffness of the tool housing by controlling at least part of an axial force exerted between the two segments.
US09631475B2

Systems and methods for monitoring the tool rotation of a survey tool within a wellbore during a gyrocompassing survey measurement are provided. A plurality of signals from at least one accelerometer module of the survey tool is indicative of measurements of the Earth's gravitation vector taken by the at least one accelerometer module during the gyrocompassing survey measurement. The plurality of signals is used to calculate a tool face rate of change of the survey tool with respect to the wellbore during the gyrocompassing survey measurement.
US09631469B2

An adjustable fracturing system (10) is provided. The system includes an adjustment joint (60, 62, 64, 130, 170, 224) configured to be varied in length to facilitate coupling of a fracturing manifold (22) to a fracturing tree (20). In one embodiment, the system may also include the fracturing manifold and the fracturing tree. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
US09631465B2

A method for maintaining a downhole pump impeller of a geothermal downhole pump includes locating a line shaft to a selected depth, monitoring the depth of a lowermost distal end of the line shaft using a monitor positioned at a lowermost distal end of the line shaft, determining that the depth of the lowermost distal end of the line shaft has significantly changed, and taking a corrective action to return the depth of the lowermost distal end of the line shaft to the selected depth. The depth of the lowermost distal end is monitored by directing a beam of light emitted from a housing mounted on a outer portion of the downhole pump onto a plurality of reflective elements located on the line shaft distal end, and determining whether a receiver mounted in the outer portion receives light reflected from one of the plurality of reflective elements.
US09631464B2

An artificial lift system for use with a subterranean well can include a cylinder having a piston reciprocably disposed therein, the piston having opposing sides, each of the opposing sides being selectively communicable with a hydraulic pressure source and a hydraulic reservoir, and the piston having another side in communication with a gas pressure source, and the gas pressure source including a gas compressor connected between gas containers. A method of controlling an artificial lift system can include connecting a cylinder to a hydraulic pressure source and to a gas pressure source, operating a gas compressor of the gas pressure source, thereby increasing gas pressure applied to the cylinder from the gas pressure source, and displacing a piston, thereby operating a downhole pump.
US09631458B2

The switching device comprises an electronic switch embedded within a downhole tool (100) and an activator for remote switching of the electronic switch. The activator may be a handheld unit that is used at the surface of the wellbore by an operator or may be a wireline run unit. The activator permits wireless and contactless activation of the electronic switch without the need for mechanical switches which could provide a point of failure for the downhole tool. The electronic switch comprises an electronics module and a power source such as one or more batteries wherein in the active configuration, the switch can allow electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source and in the inactive configuration, the switch prevents electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source.
US09631446B2

A jarring tool operable for coupling within and generating an impact imparted to a downhole tool string. The jarring tool includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a shaft coupled with the lower housing and extending into the upper housing. The upper housing moves axially relative to the lower housing along the shaft. The jarring tool also includes an accelerometer for detecting acceleration caused by an impact generated by movement of the upper housing away from the lower housing until corresponding impact features of the upper and lower housings collide.
US09631444B1

The present invention provides a measuring unit, a kick information identification apparatus and method, and relates to the oil and gas well engineering field. The measuring unit comprises: a throttling device, mounted on a drill stem; sensors, arranged at the two sides of the throttling device, and configured to sense the pressure and/or temperature at the two sides of the throttling device; and a signal transmitter, configured to transmit the pressure and/or temperature values. The present invention employs a throttling device and measures the pressure drop and/or temperature difference across the throttling device, and can identify kick information successfully according to the pressure drop and/or temperature difference. Even in the case of horizontal wells where the flow and pressure variations are not apparent, the present invention can still attain a good kick information identification effect.
US09631440B2

A packer assembly for sealing about a subsea riser is provided. The subsea riser is operatively connectable between a surface platform and subsea equipment. The packer assembly includes a packer housing and at least one packer. The packer housing is positionable about a telescoping assembly. The telescoping assembly operatively connects the subsea riser to the surface platform. The packer(s) are positionable along an inner surface of the packer housing to form a seal with the telescoping assembly and include a plurality of packer segments. Each of the packer segments has male and female connectors on each end thereof matably connectable to the male and female connectors of another of the segments to form a seal connection therebetween. The seal connection defines a non-linear leak path whereby leakage of fluid between the plurality of segments is resisted.
US09631437B2

Systems and methods for managing pressures present in an annular space defined between casing strings contained within a subterranean well. These systems and methods may include providing a pressure distribution casing that includes a plurality of pressure distribution passages and distributing fluids present within the annular space along a length of the pressure distribution casing and/or between the annular space and the subterranean formation using a portion of the plurality of pressure distribution passages. Pressure distribution passages may be present on an inner surface of the pressure distribution casing, on an outer surface of the pressure distribution casing, and/or within a wall of the pressure distribution casing and may distribute the fluids along the length of the pressure distribution casing without distributing the fluids across and/or through a wall of the pressure distribution casing, such as between the inner surface and the outer surface of the pressure distribution casing.
US09631435B2

A fixed cutter drill bit for drilling a borehole in earthen formations includes a blank assembly and a matrix crown fixably mounted to the blank assembly. The blank assembly includes an annular mandrel and a plurality of elongate studs fixably coupled to the mandrel. The mandrel has a first end distal the crown and a second end engaging the crown. In addition, the mandrel includes a plurality of bores extending axially from the second end. Each elongate stud has a first end disposed within one of the bores and a second end disposed in the crown distal the mandrel.
US09631428B2

Climbing devices and tree supports are provided for aiding a climber in scaling a tree, pole, or other generally vertical surface, and for supporting the climber at an elevated position along a tree or pole, such as in a standing or sitting posture. The climbing and tree supports include a body that supports one or more steps or support surfaces or handholds, a strap, cable, or other flexible securing member that is wrapped around the tree, and a retractor for stowing the flexible securing member so that it is extendable and retractable from the support. The climbing and tree supports are thus substantially self-contained so as not to require separate components for installation or use. Standoffs may be provided for stabilizing the support in a location spaced from the tree. Optionally, the steps or footrests, standoffs, and body are collapsible to compact configurations for stowage or transport.
US09631423B2

A component part assembly for a window or door screen is provided. One or more component parts are provided which add functionality to a window or door screen. An attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the one or more component parts to a screen frame subsequent to manufacture of the screen. The one or more component parts may include at least one of a locking component, a guide component, a slide component, a handle component, a pull tab component, a roller component, a wheel component, a hinge component, a pivot cam component, a weather stripping component, a seal component, a frame component, a barcode component, an RFID component, a flexible attachment component, or the like. The screen frame may be a flexible screen frame or a rigid screen frame, and may be for a full or half window screen or a door screen.
US09631422B1

A roller shade includes a frame unit (1), a guiding unit (2) and a light regulating shading member (3). The light regulating shading member presents a two-layer state and has a plurality of light shading sections (31) and a plurality of light permeating sections (32). Each of the light permeating sections is provided with a plurality of through holes (321). When the light permeating sections at one layer of the light regulating shading member align with the light permeating sections at the other layer of the light regulating shading member, ambient sunlight passes through the through holes of each of the light permeating sections. When the light shading sections align with the light permeating sections, each of the light shading sections covers the through holes of each of the light permeating sections to interrupt the sunlight.
US09631421B2

A light input-adjustable window shade includes a supporting unit having a main rod and two sliding rods. Each sliding rod is slideably mounted to one of two ends of the main rod. A positioning seat is fixed to an end of each sliding rod distant to the main rod. Each sliding rod has a coupling portion. A spool is rotatably mounted to the positioning seats of the supporting unit. A shade body includes a first periphery fixed to the spool and a second periphery. The shade body is coiled around the spool. A weighting unit includes a rod body formed by an inner rod and two movable rods. Each movable rod is slideably mounted to one of two ends of the inner rod. The shade body is wound around the rod body. The second periphery of the shade body is fixed to the coupling portions of the two sliding rods.
US09631420B2

A garage door opener protective shield system for preventing unauthorized a garage in combination with a garage door and a garage door opener. The garage door opener protective shield system includes a protective shield having a notch to allow for the protective shield to be positioned adjacent to and perpendicular to each side of a garage door carriage or a notch and a crease to allow for the protective shield to be positioned in front of and perpendicular to the garage door carriage; one or more rows of mounting tabs; and one or more fasteners to secure the protective shield to a door arm.
US09631419B1

A door barricade is provided. The door barricade includes a metal plate having a substantially planar inside surface and outside surface. The metal plate includes at least one receiving flange protruding from at least one of the inside surface and the outside surface. A sign with indicia is releasably retained within the receiving flange. The metal plate is secured to a door, thereby preventing burglars from entering.
US09631410B2

A door opening/closing device includes a shaft member installed on a first door panel side so that it cannot rotate. Both ends of a torsion spring in the door opening/closing device are latched to a second door panel side via torsion spring latching walls, and a center portion of the torsion spring is latched to the first door panel side via a latched member, a latching portion, and the shaft member. When the first door panel and the second door panel are pulled from the state in which the doorway is closed, the first door panel and the second door panel fold about an outside cylindrical member as center. The outside cylindrical member rotates relative to the shaft member. First and second coil portions deform elastically in the direction that they are each wound tighter, and the first and second door panels are opened and the doorway is opened.
US09631395B1

An outdoor shelter system has a bottom water-proof fabric with a perimeter and zippers circumscribing the perimeter. The bottom water-proof fabric can have a hood and be worn separately as garment. An upper fabric has zippers circumscribing its perimeter that mesh with zippers of the bottom water-proof fabric. The surface of the upper fabric accommodates at least one support pole, and is crossed by each support pole at a portion. Each of the zippers on the perimeter of the bottom water-proof fabric mate by zipping to corresponding ones of each of the zippers on the perimeter of the upper fabric to form the outdoor shelter system fully enclosed by a floor, walls and ceiling with the bottom water-proof fabric at the bottom serving as a floor and part of walls and the upper fabric on top, serving as the ceiling and part of the walls.
US09631390B2

A storage structure (10) according to the invention comprises a plurality of pallets (14) that is each configured to carry a load such as a car (16), a vertical conveyor (12) including a number of endless chains (26), a support structure (24) that defines storage bays (18) in which the pallets (14) and cars (16) can be stored, a number of brackets (30) on each chain (26), and a sliding mechanism (44,46) on each level, for sliding the pallets (14) between the bays (18) and a position in which the pallet (14) is supported on some of the brackets (30) on the chains (26). The bays (18) are provided on opposing sides of the vertical conveyor (12) and are spaced apart vertically on multiple levels, with equal vertical spacing between the levels. The brackets (30) are spaced apart on the chains (26) by a distance equal to the spacing between the levels of bays (18).
US09631381B2

This invention provides fall protection systems comprising a suspension fabric, supported by a grid-work of longitudinal and lateral bands, in metal building construction. The fall protection system uses safety clips to attach lateral bands to intermediate purlins, and also provides novel attachments of the lateral bands to eaves and ridges whereby the respective eave and/or the ridge absorbs an enhanced portion of the force of impact when an object falls onto the fall protection system. The invention further provides methods of installing such systems, and buildings embodying such systems.
US09631378B1

A hydrostatically power self-propelled concrete finishing trowel has at least two coolers in a cooling system of the machine's hydraulic circuit. In the most typical case in which the first cooler is a closed loop oil cooler, the second cooler may take the form of an open loop oil cooler disposed in a flow path connecting one or more low-pressure outlets of the hydrostatic drive system to a reservoir. The closed loop oil cooler actively drops the temperature within the trowel's hydrostatic drive system, while the open loop oil cooler supplements that cooling by reducing the oil temperature in the reservoir.
US09631377B2

A joint connector for connecting abutting edges of tapered drywall is provided that includes a base, a column projecting forward from said base, and mud legs extending generally perpendicular to said column forming pockets for receipt of tapered edges of said drywall.
US09631375B1

Interlocking panels have a top portion and side edges. Multiple panels are interlocked together mechanically along the side edges by locking features. The top portion includes a substantially planar top surface, side edges, and interlocking features. The bottom support structure is made of a shock absorption material that fits under the substantially planar top surface, thereby providing support and cushioning to the substantially planar top surface. The locking features include, for example, alternating upward/downward facing steps or key/key receivers to hold adjacent interlocking panels to each other.
US09631366B2

A peripheral portion of a light frame construction building constructed from structural engineered wood components involves first, second and third structural engineered wood rim boards each having a cavity on an exterior-facing side and a substantially flat interior-facing side, with ends of the second and third structural engineered wood rim boards abutting each other to form a corner, and an auxiliary corner support affixed to, and within the cavities of, the second and third structural engineered wood rim boards.
US09631362B2

A fire and/or water resistant expansion joint system for installation between substrates of a tunnel. The system includes a coating applied at a predetermined thickness to the substrates and a fire and water resistant expansion joint. The expansion joint includes a core and a fire retardant infused into the core. The core is configured to define a profile to facilitate the compression of the expansion joint system when installed between the substrates. The coating and the fire and water resistant expansion joint are each capable of withstanding exposure to a temperature of at least about 540° C. or greater for about five minutes.
US09631346B2

A lock mechanism is provided for a wear member retention system for an implement. The lock mechanism includes a wear member engagement portion extending in one direction. A boss engagement portion extends from the wear member engagement portion in a direction generally perpendicular to the one direction. The boss engagement portion defines a threaded bore extending generally parallel to the boss engagement portion.
US09631339B2

A new inner passageway through a pre-cast concrete structure damaged by corrosion may be formed by stackable inserts formed of polymer concrete. The inserts may be stacked in the old passageway through the pre-cast concrete structure such that an inner surface of the stacked inserts forms a new passageway through the pre-cast concrete structure. A grout may be poured between an outer surface of the stacked inserts and an inner surface of the pre-cast concrete structure forming the old passageway. The surfaces of the stackable inserts may have superior resistance to corrosive acids such that the need for future repair is greatly reduced. Suitable pre-cast concrete structures for rehabilitation include pre-cast concrete structures utilized in wastewater systems, including manholes and other similar structures. In this manner, the damaged pre-cast concrete structures do not need to be removed during the rehabilitation.
US09631337B2

An internal caisson/jacket leg cutter and method provides a frame having upper and lower end portions. The upper end portion has rigging that enables the frame to be lifted. Extensible arms are movably supported upon the frame. The arms extend and retract along generally radially extending lines. Extension of the arms enables them to contact the inside surface of a caisson/jacket leg and thus center and anchor the frame within the caisson/jacket leg interior. A cutting mechanism at the lower end portion of the frame includes one or more rotary cutters or milling devices that cut the caisson/jacket leg wall as these cutters traverse an arc shaped path, tracking the caisson/jacket leg wall.
US09631328B2

A sports field comprises a base structure and a cover. The cover is at least partly permeable to fluid, especially water. The base structure comprises voids for containing fluid. The base structure forms a substantially continuous deck supporting the cover. The cover comprises or is formed by an artificial sports layer, such as artificial grass. At least a number of the voids are in fluid communication with each other. Wick elements are provided fluidly connecting at least a number of the voids with the cover for supplying fluid from the voids to the top layer.
US09631325B2

A track adjustment system for operating a permanent-way machine (17) which is displaceable on a track system (1) comprises computer-controlled lifting and lining devices adjusting the track position, a control measuring system measuring the track position in the region of the lifting and lining devices (14), an acceptance measuring system measuring the corrected track position, and a tamping unit (24) tamping a ballasted track of the track system (1). For the purpose of achieving an improved track lining result, the amount of the elastic springback (Δcw) of the track panel, which is the result of a lining force (F) acting on the track, is calculated and said elastic springback (Δcw) is considered in the target value lining specification in such a way that the track is displaced with the lifting and lining devices by the amount of the elastic springback (Δcw) beyond the target position (0).
US09631320B2

An anti-foaming agent containing (A) an organopolysiloxane and a finely powdered inorganic filler, (B) a polyoxyalkylene group-containing branched chain organopolysiloxane, and (C) an anionic surfactant. This anti-foaming agent exhibits stable anti-foaming performance even at high temperatures that reach, for example, 80QC or under strongly alkaline conditions and produces no aggregates.
US09631316B2

The present invention provides a process for fractionating lignocellulosic biomass, comprising: contacting biomass with SO2, water, and optionally a first solvent, to produce intermediate solids; then contacting the intermediate solids with SO2, water, and a second solvent, to produce cellulose-rich solids and a liquid phase comprising hemicelluloses and lignin. The first concentration of SO2 may be lower or higher than the second concentration of SO2. It is desirable to vary the SO2 and solvent concentrations in different stages to optimize the removal of hemicellulose versus lignin. The resulting cellulose-rich material can contain very low hemicellulose, very low lignin, or both low hemicellulose and low lignin. High-purity cellulose is useful both for producing glucose as well as for cellulose products or derivatives. The hemicelluloses may be hydrolyzed to produce monomeric sugars, and the lignin may be recovered as a co-product.
US09631315B2

A controlling method for a dryer is applied to a dryer, in which at least one of a heat pump system and a heater is selected as a heat source for heating air supplied in to a drum and a heat supply capacity of the heat pump system is more than that of the heater. The controlling method includes, when both the heat pump system and the heater are selected as the heat sources, turning the heat pump system on, turning the heater on after the heat pump system is normally turned on, turning the heater off to cool the drum and terminate drying after the drying is performed, and turning the heat pump system off after the heater is turned off.
US09631313B2

A washing machine includes a cabinet, a washing tub disposed in the cabinet, a detergent supply device to supply detergent to the washing tub, a valve housing, having valve devices to control water supply, connected to the detergent supply device, a coupling pipe coupled to a water supply hose outside the cabinet to guide water into the cabinet, and a connection pipe to connect the valve housing to the coupling pipe, wherein the valve housing is directly coupled to the detergent supply device, and the connection pipe is fixed to the valve housing and the coupling pipe.
US09631312B2

A laundry treating apparatus is provided. The laundry mating apparatus includes a first treating device including a cabinet that defines an exterior appearance thereof, with an opening to load and unload laundry therethrough, a first space positioned in the cabinet to treat the laundry loaded through the opening, and a door that opens and closes the opening, a second treating device provided underneath a support, the second treating device including a second space to treat laundry. A surface of the cabinet, in which the opening is provided, includes an inclined portion projected in a direction away from a front surface of the second treating device.
US09631311B2

A washing machine control system includes a tag unit that includes a tag storage unit that stores model information; and a transmitting and receiving unit that transmits the model information based on a mobile device being tagged. The washing machine control system further includes a mobile device that includes a tag communication module that receives the model information based on being tagged by the tag unit; an internet module that receives, from a server, information about a plurality of operation courses associated with the model information; a display that displays information; and a control unit that controls the display to display an operation course list comprising the plurality of operation courses.
US09631308B2

A sewing machine for hem includes a turn-back device provided in front of a needle location position on a sewing machine bed, the turn-back device turning back an edge part of cloth into a state of being folded one above the other, and then feeding the turned-back cloth. In front of the turn-back device, a feed belt and a cloth presser foot are arranged opposite to each other with a cloth feeding path in between. By virtue of operation of a rotary solenoid performed on the basis of a detection result of a detector arranged in front of the opposing portion, the cloth presser foot is raised and lowered and thereby holds the cloth in cooperation with the feed belt so as to exert a movement force in the right and left directions onto the cloth.
US09631297B2

Provided is a method of producing an epitaxial silicon wafer which has high flatness at the peripheral portion and an epitaxial silicon wafer obtained by the method. In the method of producing an epitaxial silicon wafer, an epitaxial layer is formed on the top surface of a silicon wafer with a chamfered end having a width of 200 μm or less, which surface has a surface orientation of the (100) plane or the (110) plane.
US09631289B2

A method for starting up an electrolytic cell (20) for aluminum production having a cathode block (26) with an upper surface (32), the method comprising: disposing contact resistance material (46) over the upper surface (32) of the cathode block (26); lowering a plurality of anodes (28) to abut the contact resistance material (46); filling the electrolytic cell (20) and covering the anodes (28) with solid electrolyte material (72) comprising crushed electrolytic bath material, cryolite, or mixtures thereof; delivering electrical current to the anodes (28) to at least partially melt the solid electrolyte material (72) and raising the anodes (28) when a predetermined depth of molten electrolyte material has been reached.
US09631283B2

A coating layer 12 is formed on a base film 10 by heat resistant resin having a Tg (glass transition temperature) of 120° C. or more, and more preferably 200° C. or more, and a functional thin film 14 is produced by printing ink composite including conductive particles on a surface of the coating layer 12 and thereby forming an ink layer. This functional thin film 14 is sintered by heating performed by photo irradiation, and a conductive layer is formed thereby.
US09631282B2

A method for depositing nickel-metal layers for colouring surfaces, and a bath for depositing such a layer. This is made possible by depositing a nickel-metal layer from a bath for the electroless deposition of nickel which contains at least one further metal compound, a voltage being additionally applied enable the metal of the metal compound to be incorporated while forming a nickel-metal layer.
US09631280B2

Provided is a method of manufacturing a palladium (Pd) thin film by using an electroless-plating method, the method including: manufacturing a reaction mixture by adding Pd salt and an alkaline pH regulator to an alcohol-water mixed solution; and forming a Pd thin film by loading and stirring the reaction mixture in a substrate. Accordingly, a Pd thin film having a surface enhancement Raman scattering (SERS) effect may be easily manufactured without having to use expensive additional equipment, such as a vacuum device, and in detail, electroless-plating may be performed even on an insulating substrate formed of, for example, glass. In addition, since a size of the Pd thin film manufactured on the substrate may be adjusted, the Pd thin film may be applied to various electrochemical products.
US09631277B2

Provided are atomic layer deposition apparatus and methods including a rotating wheel with a plurality of substrate carriers for continuous processing of substrates. The processing chamber may have a loading station on the front end which is configured with one or more robots to load and unload substrates from the substrate carriers without needing to stop the rotating wheel.
US09631276B2

A gas delivery system includes a first valve including an inlet that communicates with a first gas source. A first inlet of a second valve communicates with an outlet of the first valve and a second inlet of the second valve communicates with a second gas source. An inlet of a third valve communicates with a third gas source. A connector includes a first gas channel and a cylinder defining a second gas channel. The cylinder and the first gas channel collectively define a flow channel between an outer surface of the cylinder and an inner surface of the first gas channel. The flow channel communicates with the outlet of the third valve and the first end of the second gas channel. A third gas channel communicates with the second gas channel, with the outlet of the second valve and with a gas distribution device of a processing chamber.
US09631273B2

An apparatus comprises a first gas inlet coupled between a first pipe and a reaction chamber, wherein the first pipe configured to carry process gases, a second gas inlet coupled between a second pipe and the reaction chamber, wherein the second pipe configured to carry a precursor material in a gaseous state and a heating device coupled to the second pipe and the second gas inlet, wherein the heating device keeps an ambient temperature of the second pipe and the second gas inlet above a boiling point of the precursor material.
US09631268B2

There is provided a method of training a shape memory alloy (SMA) workpiece. The method includes applying a force couple to a shape memory alloy (SMA) workpiece to impart a generally planar transformational behavior to the SMA workpiece to obtain a trained shape memory alloy (SMA) workpiece.
US09631267B2

A method and device for making metallic glass includes a first step of preparing metal or alloy; a second step of melting metal or alloy into liquid metal; a third step of putting the liquid metal into a boiler and applying pressure into the boiler and the liquid metal being ejected into lines from an outlet located a the lower portion of the boiler; a fourth step of cooling the lines as ejected from the outlet of the boiler in a cooling tank by a quick-flowing coolant; a fifth step of forming straight metallic glass fibers and allowing the metallic glass fibers to be settled to the bottom of the cooling tank; a sixth step of weaving the metallic glass fibers into pieces, and a seventh step of overlapping the pieces into a metallic glass. The lower portion of the boiler is located at a lower level than a surface of the coolant as quickly flowing in the cooling tank.
US09631265B2

A hot-rolled steel sheet satisfies that average pole density of orientation group of {100}<011> to {223}<110> is 1.0 to 5.0 and pole density of crystal orientation {332}<113> is 1.0 to 4.0. Moreover, the hot-rolled steel sheet includes, as a metallographic structure, by area %, ferrite and bainite of 30% to 99% in total and martensite of 1% to 70%. Moreover, the hot-rolled steel sheet satisfies following Expressions 1 and 2 when area fraction of the martensite is defined as fM in unit of area %, average size of the martensite is defined as dia in unit of μm, average distance between the martensite is defined as dis in unit of μm, and tensile strength of the steel sheet is defined as TS in unit of MPa. dia≦13 μm  (Expression 1) TS/fM×dis/dia≧500  (Expression 2)
US09631256B2

This alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal extraction method is superior in terms of cost and allows repeated use of the aqueous solution that extracts alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal from a solid. This method is for extracting alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal from a solid containing an alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal, and involves an elution step in which the solid is added to an amino acid-containing aqueous solution, and the alkali metal and/or alkali earth metal is eluted into the amino acid-containing aqueous solution.
US09631255B2

The invention relates to metallurgy, particular to acid methods for producing alumina, and can used in processing aluminum-containing raw materials, including those of a low-grade. The method for producing alumina comprises treating aluminum-containing raw materials with hydrochloric acid, separating aluminum chloride hexahydrate crystals from the supernatant chloride solution, and thermally decomposing said crystals in two stages to produce alumina. In order to increase the quality of alumina and decrease energy consumption while achieving high process productivity, water vapor is continuously introduced during the second stage of thermal decomposition, with a ratio of the total mass of the introduced water vapor to the mass of produced alumina equal to 0.2-5.7.
US09631251B2

The present disclosure relates to an induction annealing apparatus adapted to anneal cartridge cases to improve their reusability. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a power supply unit and a plurality of annealing units, each including a magnetic core having ends separated by an air gap. An induction coil is wound around the magnetic core to generate a magnetic field in the air gap. A cartridge case holder holds the cartridge case such that the neck of the cartridge case is positioned in one of the air gaps. The power supply unit selectively connects to the annealing units to supply power for a predetermined length of time, and the size of the air gap of the magnetic cores of each of the annealing units may differ. In other implementations, the size of the air gap may be adjustable, and a temperature sensor or a ferrite stake may be included.
US09631248B2

In a heating furnace system for hot stamping, a first heating furnace has a plurality of pairs of upper and lower rolls arranged in a lengthwise direction thereof in order to transfer a steel plate, and high-frequency coils alternately arranged with the pairs of upper and lower rolls in the lengthwise direction thereof. A second heating furnace continuously transfers the steel plate from the first heating furnace during heating the steel plate at temperature of Ac3 or more, and has a plurality of transfer rollers arranged in a lengthwise direction thereof. The second heating furnace includes an electric furnace or a gas furnace. This heating furnace system can reduce space required for facilities by 50% or more compared to the related art.
US09631247B2

An apparatus is disclosed for processing the skin side (5) of a tubular pelt (3), the apparatus comprising an elongated tapering mandrel (1) for supporting the pelt with its skin side turned outwards, a scraping device comprising a first set of primary scraping roller (6, 7) arranged on opposing sides of the mandrel and a second set of primary scraping rollers (8, 9) arranged on other opposing sides of the mandrel, the scraping device further comprising primary rotation means (6, 7, 8, 9) for rotating said primary scraping rollers during processing of a pelt so as to engage a skin side of the pelt, moving means for conducting a relative movement between the scraping device and the mandrel in the longitudinal direction of the mandrel, and displacement means for displacing at least one scraping roller in the direction of the axis of rotation of said scraping roller.
US09631242B2

The invention provides a method and compositions for detecting the presence of viable endophyte in a plant, the method comprising germinating seed and excising a young leaf, optionally preparing an extract from the young leaf, and performing antibody, nucleic acid, or preferably PCR-based methods to detect the viable endophyte, wherein at least one primer hybridizes to the intergenic region (IGS) of the ribosomal repeat region of a specific endophyte when used in a PCR-based method. The invention provides a new method for rapid identification of both viable beneficial endophytes and any viable contaminating endophytes, as opposed to any non-viable endophytes, by detecting the presence of endophytes in the first leaf of germinated plants.
US09631240B2

Nucleotide and amino acid variations associated with tumors are provided. Methods for detecting variations and for diagnosing and treating tumors are provided.
US09631234B2

An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.
US09631230B2

The invention provides methods of conducting a nucleic acid reaction, including methods for performing digital PCR using a “droplet-in-oil” technology. In the methods, the starting sampled is segmented at least partially into a set of sample droplets each containing on average about one or fewer copies of a target nucleic acid. The droplets are passed in a continuous flow of immiscible carrier fluid through a channel that passes through a thermal cycler, whereby the target is amplified. In one implementation, the droplets are about 350 nl each and the number of positively amplified droplets is counted at the near-saturation point.
US09631225B2

A method and kit are provided for enhancing the tolerance of an assay reagent to compounds in an assay sample, the assay reagent including a luciferase enzyme. The method includes contacting the luciferase with a tolerance enhancement agent in an amount sufficient to substantially protect luciferase enzyme activity from interference of the compound and minimize interference by at least about 10% relative to an assay not having tolerance enhancement agent.
US09631224B2

To provide a method for simply measuring ethanolamine phosphate in a sample, and a reagent, kit, program and the like useful in the method.A measurement method of ethanolamine phosphate includes a first step of adding an enzyme, which can catalyze a reaction that forms acetaldehyde from ethanolamine phosphate, to a sample, and conducting a first enzymatic reaction to form acetaldehyde, phosphoric acid and ammonia; and a second step of quantifying at least one of the resultant acetaldehyde, phosphoric acid and ammonia to determine an amount of the ethanolamine phosphate in the measurement sample.
US09631223B2

A method of processing liquid biological material includes providing a liquid processing system. The liquid processing system includes a trunk, a first arm, a second arm, a driving mechanism, and physiochemical equipment. The first arm includes a first robot hand. The second arm includes a second robot hand. A process is performed on a cell suspension in which periphytic cultured cells are suspended as a liquid biological material. In the process, a culture vessel is held with the first robot hand in a state with an open top of the culture vessel facing upwards. The culture vessel has a culture face where the cultured cells are cultured on a base thereof. A cell scraper is held with the second robot hand. The cell scraper is provided with a blade to scrape the cultured cells from the culture face.
US09631222B2

The invention provides devices and methods for sampling, detecting and/or characterizing particles. Devices and methods of the invention, including particle samplers, impactors and counters, include a filter component for removing particles in the exhaust flow of the device, for example, to eliminate or minimize the potential for the device itself to provide source of particles in an environment undergoing particle monitoring. This aspect of the present devices and methods is particularly useful for monitoring particles in manufacturing environments requiring low levels of particles, such as cleanroom environments for electronics manufacturing and aseptic environments for manufacturing pharmaceutical and biological products.
US09631218B2

The invention relates to a sortase-mediated protein purification and ligation. Specifically, the invention relates to a technique that links protein expression/purification with conjugation to therapeutic agents, imaging agents, or linkers.
US09631217B2

Methods, apparatus, systems, computer programs and computing devices related to biologically assembling and/or synthesizing peptides and/or proteins are disclosed.
US09631211B2

The present invention relates to a novel bacterial strain designated DD1, which has the ability to produce organic acids, in particular succinic acid (SA), which was originally isolated from bovine rumen, and is capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source; and variant strains derived there from retaining said capability; as well as to methods of producing organic acids, in particular succinic acid by making use of said microorganism.
US09631207B2

Provided are a method of preparing biofuel, in which the method includes obtaining saccharificated products from lignocelluosic biomass in high saccharification yield, and a simultaneous pretreatment and saccharification (SPS), in which the method includes a first step of pulverizing biomass and immersing the pulverized biomass; and a second step of preparing saccharificated products by performing the simultaneous pretreatment and saccharification of the immersed biomass with the enzyme produced by inoculating a fungal consortium in a culture medium and culturing the fungal consortium. In addition, the second step further includes a detoxification of decreasing or removing toxic materials through laccase produced by culturing with a strain producing laccase in the second step.
US09631203B2

Genetic male sterile plants are provided in which complementing constructs result in suppression of a parental phenotype in the progeny. Methods to generate and maintain such plants and methods of use of said plants, are provided, including use of parental plants to produce sterile plants for hybrid seed production.
US09631202B2

The invention provides specific transgenic soybean plants, plant material and seeds, characterized in that these products harbor a specific herbicide tolerance transformation event at a specific location in the soybean genome. Tools are also provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification of the event in biological samples.
US09631194B2

The present invention relates, in part, to the treatment and prevention of cancers by administering agents that modulate the activity or expression of microRNAs.
US09631190B2

Cell attachment coatings for articles such as implantable medical devices and cell culture vessels are disclosed. The coatings include an intermediate coater layer which includes a phosphorous-containing component that is bonded in the coating by reacted photoreactive functional groups. The coating also include a second coated layer including an immobilized ECM protein or peptide that includes an active portion of an ECM protein that is able to serve as an outer layer to contact cells during use. The coatings promoted enhanced cell binding and growth.
US09631185B2

Fusion-proteins containing an enzyme, preferably a feed or food enzyme, coupled to a gut surface-binding domain are presented. The fusion-proteins can be used to promote feed utilization in animals. In a particular example, a Fusion enzyme according to the invention comprising a gut-surface-binding polypeptide segment linked to a phytase show an increased resident time in the gut, which leads to an increased amount of time given to the enzyme to catalyse the corresponding reaction which finally leads to improved feed utilisation.
US09631184B2

The present invention relates to a conjugate of cell penetrating peptide and an active ingredient; and its use. Specifically, a conjugate including a cell penetrating peptide which is a peptide comprising any one amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 6, a fragment of any one sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 6, or a peptide having above 80% homology with the above-mentioned sequence; and a composition comprising the same are disclosed.
US09631176B2

The present invention provides a method for preparing homogeneous stem cells and/or precursor cells in a large amount, in a simple and efficient manner, from human (in particular, the subject per se). The present invention further provides a method for preparing tissue implant or graft in a large amount by the use of the stem cells and/or precursor cells of the present invention. The present inventors have unexpectedly discovered that an aspirate from liposuction contains a large number of stem cells and have established a method for preparing stem cells from such an aspirate from liposuction, and thereby achieved the above-mentioned object.
US09631162B2

A candle wick includes a first layer of paper or dried pulp and a second layer of material selected from the group consisting of paper, silk, thread, textiles, corn fiberfill, cotton batting, bamboo fiber, soybean protein fiber, wood, alpaca hair, dried pulp, rosin, resin, and fibrous material. The first layer is attached to the second layer to form a candle wick that is pliable and shapeable from a generally flat shape to a generally curved shaped. When ignited, the material comprising the candle wick is capable of providing sufficient fuel to a flame to provide a substantially consistent burn from an upper portion to a lower portion. A wick clip includes a slot similarly sized and shaped to receive an undersurface of the pliable, shaped configuration of the candle wick. The candle wick and wick clip form a clip assembly.
US09631154B2

A multi-stage process for recovering acid gas from natural gas having high acid gas contents utilizes two or more membrane absorption contactors arranged in series. The first membrane absorption contactor uses a physical solvent to remove a high volume of acid gas transferred across a membrane, and to reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to a lower level that can be managed using chemical solvents. The second and, if needed, subsequent membrane absorption contactors can use a chemical solvent to remove acid gas transferred across the respective membranes and reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to very low levels, if needed, depending on product specifications.
US09631151B2

Apparatuses, systems, tar crackers, and methods for breaking down vaporized tars in a syngas stream are described. An example system may include a gasifier comprising a combustion chamber configured to, during a startup operation, receive heated air at a first port near a bottom of the combustion chamber and to support combustion of a column of biomass feedstock in an upward direction within the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber may be further configured to receive, during normal operation, air at a second port near a top of the combustion chamber to support gasification of the column of biomass feedstock in a downward direction within the combustion chamber to provide syngas from the first port near the bottom of the combustion chamber.
US09631147B2

A unique process and catalyst is described that operates efficiently for the direct production of a high cetane diesel type fuel or diesel type blending stock from stoichiometric mixtures of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This invention allows for, but is not limited to, the economical and efficient production high quality diesel type fuels from small or distributed fuel production plants that have an annual production capacity of less than 10,000 barrels of product per day, by eliminating traditional wax upgrading processes. This catalytic process is ideal for distributed diesel fuel production plants such as gas to liquids production and other applications that require optimized economics based on supporting distributed feedstock resources.
US09631146B2

Solid base catalysts and their use for the base-catalyzed depolymerization (BCD) of lignin to compounds such as aromatics are presented herein. Exemplary catalysts include layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as recyclable, heterogeneous catalysts for BCD of lignin.
US09631136B2

A downhole fluid comprises a base fluid, for example a hydrocarbon base fluid, a gelling agent, and a gel enhancer. The gelling agent has an aromatic core of one or more aromatic rings, the gelling agent having two or more amide branches distributed about the aromatic core, each of the two or more amide branches having one or more organic groups. An example gelling agent is a pyromellitamide gelling agent. A method of making a downhole fluid, the method comprising: combining a base fluid, a gelling agent, and a gel enhancer. A downhole fluid comprising a base fluid, a gelling agent, a breaker, and a gel enhancer. Downhole fluids with such gels and a breaker are also disclosed.
US09631131B2

The hydration of clays and shale in drilling operations may be inhibited by employing an aqueous based drilling fluid comprising a shale hydration inhibition agent comprising a polyaminopolyamide-epichlorohydrin resin, preferably the polyamino polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin is a reaction product of an aliphatic polyamine, an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid, and epichlorohydrin. The shale hydration inhibition agent should be present in the aqueous based drilling fluid in sufficient concentration to reduce the reactivity, such as swelling, of clays and shale when exposed to water-based drilling fluids.
US09631129B2

Liquid compositions for use in compression refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump systems in which a fluoroalkene containing from 3 to 4 carbon atoms and at least 1 but no more than 2 double bonds is combined with an effective amount to provide lubrication of an essentially miscible organic lubricant comprised of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and having a ratio of oxygen to carbon effective to provide a degree of miscibility with said fluoroalkene so that when up to five weight percent of lubricant is added to said fluoroalkene the refrigerant has one liquid phase at at least one temperature between −40 and +70° C. Methods for producing refrigeration and heating with the fluoroalkenes, alone or in combination with the disclosed lubricants, are also disclosed.
US09631121B2

A polishing composition is used to polish a polishing subject having a phase change alloy. The polishing composition includes abrasive grains and a brittle film formation agent. The brittle film formation agent is at least one or more selected from a saturated monocarboxylic acid and an organophosphorus compound.
US09631093B2

Compositions and methods for reducing the foul odors of a hydrocarbonaceous material such as asphalt comprise the addition of an odor reducing amount of a reducing carbohydrate and/or a soluble zinc compound. The reducing carbohydrate may be a monosaccharide, oligosaccharide or polysaccharide, including a starch; and it may be used as a sole odor reducing agent or in combination with soluble zinc compounds and/or other odor reducing compounds.
US09631092B2

A thiol-ene polymeric material is disclosed. The material is produced by the photopolymerization of reactants having thiol and olefin moieties. The material can incorporate encapsulated components, including cells. Additionally, the material can be derivatized by reacting the polymeric material with components such as proteins.
US09631087B2

A thermoplastic resin composition according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: (A) a polycarbonate resin; and (B) a biphenyl group-containing (meth)acrylic copolymer. As such, the refractive index of the biphenyl group-containing (meth)acrylic copolymer (B) can be approximately from 1.495 to 1.640. The thermoplastic resin composition exhibits superior balance of material properties such as impact strength, internal scratch resistance, transparency, thermal resistance and appearance.
US09631080B2

A composition comprising: a polyvinyl chloride resin; a first rubber component; a second rubber component; at least one copolymer; at least one low temperature plasticizer; at least one filler comprising bismuth trioxide; at least one heat stabilizer; at least one internal lubricant; at least one antioxidant; and at least one biofouling agent.
US09631078B2

A compatibilizer including a thermoplastic elastomer and an acrylic polymer. The thermoplastic elastomer and the acrylic polymer form an interpenetrating polymeric network.
US09631074B2

A sulfur-crosslinkable rubber blend which includes from 60 to 100 phr of at least one butadiene rubber and 51 phr or more of at least one hydrocarbon resin which is built up to the extent of 30 to 100 wt. % from aromatic monomers. In some aspects the sulfur-crosslinkable rubber has from 51 to 300 phr of the at least one hydrocarbon resin which is built up to the extent of 30 to 100 wt. % from aromatic monomers, and in some cases, the hydrocarbon resin is built up to the extent of 30 to 100 wt. % from at least one aromatic monomer from the group consisting of alpha-methylstyrene and/or styrene and/or vinyltoluene and/or indene and/or coumarone and/or methylindene and/or methylcoumarone.
US09631072B2

Provided are a rubber composition that is environmentally friendly and achieves both excellent breaking properties and low energy loss, and a tire that includes a component prepared using the same and is environmentally friendly and excellent in rolling resistance properties and durability. The present invention provides a rubber composition containing a rubber component, a specific chemically modified microfibrillated cellulose, and carbon black.
US09631060B2

An extruded foam sheet having a foam layer constituted of a base resin containing low density polyethylene as a major component thereof, wherein the foam sheet has an apparent density of 45 to 450 kg/m3, an average thickness of 0.03 mm or more and less than 0.3 mm and a dimensional change of −5% to 0% in the extrusion direction when heated at 80° C. for 24 hours and wherein cell walls of the foam layer have an average thickness of 6 to 70 μm. The foam sheet may be used as an interleaf sheet for glass plates.
US09631054B2

The present disclosure is directed to a base film having a chemically converted polyimide, a particulate polyimide matting agent and a low conductivity carbon black. The particulate polyimide matting agent is present in an amount from 1.6 to 20 weight percent of the base film.
US09631051B2

An apparatus for synthesis of a polymer with separation of a gaseous substance comprises a reaction space having an essentially circular cylindrical upper section which is bounded by two circular faces and one shell face and has a longitudinal cylinder axis, and a lower section, an inlet orifice disposed in a circular face or the shell face of the upper section, a first outlet orifice disposed in a wall of the lower section, a second outlet orifice disposed in the shell face of the upper section opposite the first outlet orifice, and a removal device which is disposed so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal cylinder axis and is in contact with both circular faces and the shell face. This apparatus can especially be used for performance of a process including the feeding of an oligomer melt into a reaction space through an inlet orifice, the polymerization of the oligomer melt to give a polymer melt, the removal of the polymer melt from the reaction space through a first outlet orifice of the reaction space, and the removal of a gaseous substance from the reaction space through a second outlet orifice of the reaction space, wherein deposits on at least one inner wall of the reaction space are removed by a removal device and transported into the oligomer melt.
US09631031B2

The invention relates to multispecific antibody constructs comprising Fab fragments having mutations at the interface of the CH1 and CL domains, said mutations preventing heavy/light chain mispairing.
US09631027B2

The present invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind to the human c-Met receptor protein and that act as strict antagonists of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-mediated activation of the c-Met receptor and also inhibit HGF-independent activation of the human c-Met protein.
US09631025B2

The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to Fucosyl-GM1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. This disclosure also provides methods for detecting Fucosyl-GM1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer, using anti-Fucosyl-GM1 antibodies.
US09631019B2

Immunoglobulin chains or antibodies having light or heavy chain complementarity determining regions of antibodies that bind to P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1. Also disclosed are methods of inducing death of an activated T-cell and of modulating a T cell-mediated immune response in a subject.
US09630992B2

Compounds comprising peptides capable of binding C3 protein and inhibiting complement activation are disclosed. The compounds comprise compstatin analogs in which the N-terminus contains an added or substituted component that improves (1) the peptide's binding affinity to C3 or its fragments, (2) the peptide's solubility in aqueous liquids, (3) the peptide's plasma stability, (4) the peptide's in vivo retention and/or (5) the peptide's bioavailability, as compared with an unmodified compstatin peptide under equivalent conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the compounds are also disclosed.
US09630990B2

In fibrotic lung fibroblasts, basal levels of p53 protein (and miR-34a) are markedly suppressed, leading to reduced p53-mediated inhibition of uPA and uPAR, or concurrent induction of PAI-1. These changes contribute to excessive FL-fibroblast proliferation and production of extracellular matrix (ECM), and, therefore, pulmonary fibrosis. These processes are reversed by treating the cells, and treating subjects suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with the small organic molecule nutlin-3a (NTL) or with a peptide, CSP-4 (SEQ ID NO:1), or variants or derivatives or multimers of this peptide, which increase p53 levels by inhibiting MDM2-mediated degradation of p53 protein. Use of these compounds serves as a new approach to the treatment of IPF, they restore p53 expression and p53-mediated changes in the uPA-fibrinolytic system in FL-fibroblasts and restrict production and deposition of ECM.
US09630985B2

The invention provides binding agents and assays for insulin signal peptide. The agents and assays are useful in methods for predicting, diagnosing, assessing or monitoring acute cardiac disorders, glucose handling disorders and diabetes in a subject. Also provided are nucleotides, polypeptides, and kits useful in the methods of the invention.
US09630983B2

Novel organic compounds containing a twisted aryl group are provided. In particular, the compounds provided contain a 2-phenylpyridine ligand having a twisted aryl group on the pyridine portion of the ligand. The compounds may be used in organic light emitting devices, particularly as emitting dopants. Devices comprising the compounds containing twisted aryl may demonstrate improved color, efficiency, stability and manufacturing. Additionally, methods are provided for making homoleptic Ir (III) compounds which may contain a twisted aryl.
US09630971B2

The present invention relates to crystals of (6aR,9aS)-5,6a,7,8,9,9a-hexahydro-5-methyl-3-(phenylamino)-2-((4-(6-fluoropyridin-2-yl)phenyl)methyl)-cyclopent[4,5]imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazolo[4,3-e]pyrimidin-4(2H)-one, and methods of making and using such crystals.
US09630967B2

This invention generally relates to processes for making zilpaterol and salts thereof, as well as processes for making intermediates that, interalia, may be used to make zilpaterol and salts thereof.
US09630965B2

The present invention relates to HSP90 inhibitors containing fused amino pyridine core that are useful as inhibitors of HSP90 and their use in the treatment of HSP90 related diseases and disorders such as cancer, an autoimmune disease, or a neurodegenerative disease.
US09630962B2

The present invention is related to 4-amino-6-(2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-(phenylamino)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-one derivatives, to the preparation of such compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to their use in the treatment and/or prevention of a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
US09630960B2

The invention provides novel quinolinone-carboxamide 5-HT4 receptor agonist compounds. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat diseases associated with 5-HT4 receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US09630955B2

There is disclosed a methylated intermediate which may be demethylated to provide an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Also disclosed are methods of making and using said intermediate.
US09630954B2

The T cells specific to human collagen type II, one of the possible autoantigens, have a crucial role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis in the context of HLA-DR4. The protein-protein interactions between the T cell receptor (TCR) and the type II collagen linked to the allele MHC of class II HLA-DR4 may thus represent the target for the development of new drugs against rheumatoid arthritis. Using computational virtual screening techniques, families of pharmacologically active molecules have been identified that interfere with the TCR/collagen ll-MHCII interaction. The compounds identified here open up new possibilities in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
US09630953B2

The present invention provides a small compound targeting at TACC3. The present invention further provides a drug, particularly, an anticancer agent, comprising the small compound targeting at TACC3. A compound represented by the general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or ester derivative thereof binds to TACC3 and inhibits cell growth. Thus, these compounds can be used as drugs, particularly, anticancer agents.
US09630947B2

Methods of treating disorders using compounds that modulate striatal-enriched tyrosine phosphatase (STEP), such as those of formula (III), and composition thereof are described herein. Exemplary disorders include schizophrenia and cognitive deficit.
US09630944B2

The invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of Imatinib and salts thereof, in particular Imatinib Mesylate, having a content of a particular genotoxic impurity, named impurity F, within the pharmacopeia limits.
US09630943B2

The present invention relates to novel tetrahydronaphthyl(thio) carboxamides, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use thereof as biologically active compounds, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials
US09630937B2

Novel substituted N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) derivatives and related compounds and methods of using these compounds for the treatment of diseases and/or conditions, including but not limited to diseases and/or conditions of, or involving, the Central Nervous System (CNS), including schizophrenia adrenoleukodystrophy, mitochondrial diseases (e.g. Leigh syndrome, Alpers' disease, and MELAS), Huntington's disease, trichotillomania, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, drug craving, and drug addiction.
US09630928B2

Disclosed are compounds of Formula 1, including all stereoisomers, N-oxides, and salts thereof, X is CH or N; Y is C(O) or S(O)2; provided that when Y is S(O)2, then X is CH; A is a radical selected from the group consisting of and B1, B2, B3, T, R1, R2 R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 are as defined in the disclosure. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds of Formula 1 and methods for controlling undesired vegetation comprising contacting the undesired vegetation or its environment with an effective amount of a compound or a composition of the invention.
US09630925B2

Disclosed are an Hsp90 inhibitor and a preparation method and use thereof. The Hsp90 inhibitor is 2-(4-(3-acetylcarnitineacyloxy)cyclohexylamino)-4-(1-(3,6,6-trimethyl-4-oxy-4,5,6,7-tetrahydroindazole))benzamide. The Hsp90 inhibitor has good water solubility and high bioavailability, and can effectively inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, such as leukemia, cervical cancer, breast cancer, human laryngeal epithelial carcinoma, or malignant melanoma cells. It can also effectively inhibit the activity of herpes simplex virus. The maximal non-toxic concentration of the Hsp90 inhibitor on normal cells is a high, and the Hsp90 inhibitor only has specific inhibition effect on cancer cells.
US09630924B2

The present invention provides a heterocyclic compound having a RORγt inhibitory action.The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification. or a salt thereof.
US09630921B2

Compounds of the formula (I) useful as 11-Beta Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibitors
US09630917B2

Cysteamine prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the cysteamine prodrugs, and methods of using cysteamine prodrugs and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for treating eye, kidney, liver, metabolic, and neurological disorders such as cystinosis, cystinuria, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, Batten disease, Leigh syndrome, and Huntington's disease.
US09630914B2

Multitarget inhibitors of the enzymes Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH), Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and/or Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) having a specific carbamate moiety on the meta or ortho position of the A ring of a substituted biphenyl core and having an halogen in the ortho position of the B ring of the biphenyl core. Also concerns the therapeutical application of the multitarget inhibitors, in particular, in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
US09630913B2

This present invention discloses a nitro-containing bisoxime ester photoinitiator having a structure represented by general formula (I). This photoinitiator has excellent application performances in terms of storage stability, photosensitivity, developability, pattern integrity, etc., and it has good adaptability to single-wavelength UV-LED light sources and exhibits a photosensitive property, which is obviously superior to those of existing photoinitiators, under the irradiation of UV-LEDs.
US09630904B2

According to the present invention, a molded catalyst for use in the production of methyl methacrylate can be provided. The molded catalyst comprises synthetic faujasite-type zeolite and a layered magnesium silicate compound, wherein the sulfur content in the layered magnesium silicate compound is 0.10% by weight or less. According to the present invention, a method for producing methyl methacrylate can also be provided. The method is characterized by comprising a step of carrying out a gas-phase catalytic reaction of methyl α-hydroxyisobutyrate using the above-mentioned molded catalyst for use in the production of methyl methacrylate.
US09630903B2

A process for preparing and separating a monodisperse polyethylene glycol, including: dissolving a starting material of polyethylene glycol into an organic solvent for reaction with a compound represented by general formula I under catalytic action of an alkaline substance, to prepare a mixture of derivatives of polyethylene glycol having different polarities; separating the mixture of derivatives of polyethylene glycol by means of silica gel column chromatography, to obtain a monodisperse derivative of polyethylene glycol; and hydrolyzing the derivative of polyethylene glycol to obtain a monodisperse polyethylene glycol. The starting material is industrially prepared polyethylene glycol with a wide source and low cost, which provides a guarantee for popularization and application of a monodisperse polyethylene glycol product.
US09630902B2

The present invention relates to methods of preparing fused ring indeno compounds that involves reacting together a dienophile and a lactone compound, in the presence of a catalyst, and a carboxylic acid anhydride. With some embodiments, the fused ring indeno compound is represented by the following Formula (I-A), the dienophile is represented by the following Formula (II-A), and the lactone compound is represented by the following Formula (III-A):
US09630898B2

The present invention describes a novel method for producing haloketones.
US09630897B2

Monomers, polymers and copolymers are provided that incorporate at least one naturally occurring phenolic compound, such as a plant phenol.
US09630888B1

A sanitary waste treatment method includes the steps of: adding water to sanitary waste to form a slurry characterized by a first biochemical oxygen demand, aerating the slurry, chlorinating the slurry to produce a sterilized slurry, dechlorinating the sterilized slurry to produce a dechlorinated slurry and inoculating the dechlorinated slurry with aerobic bacteria, wherein the aerobic bacteria digest solid waste in the slurry. The sanitary waste treatment method may be utilized in agricultural or municipal settings.
US09630886B2

Generally, the instant disclosure relates to fertilizer compositions and methods of making and using the same. More specifically, the instant disclosure relates to blast suppressant and/or blast resistant ammonium nitrate fertilizer compositions, as well as methods of making and using the same.
US09630884B2

Provided is a coloring agent composition to be added to a gypsum-containing raw material powder constituting a gypsum product and to be used for coloring the gypsum product, the coloring agent composition being a powder containing a pigment, calcined gypsum, and amorphous silica. A process for producing the coloring agent composition includes a first step of mixing a pigment, calcined gypsum, and amorphous silica to obtain a mixed powder. Use of the coloring agent composition makes it possible to easily produce gypsum products such as a powder and a hardened body that are excellent in colorability.
US09630870B2

The present invention discloses a method for processing a columnar curved tempered glass. The method specifically comprises the following steps. Bending and tempering of the high temperature flat glass are divided into two stations. Bending is firstly carried out on the high temperature flat glass output by a heating furnace; the columnar extending direction of the curved glass is perpendicular to the direction the glass output from the heating furnace in the bending process, and then the formed curved glass is output to a tempering station in the columnar extending direction thereof to undergo tempering. In the present invention, bending and tempering of the high temperature flat glass are completed by two stations to break the normal procedure that bending and tempering are carried out by a single bending device intensively, thereby providing a novel technological approach for processing the columnar curved tempered glass.
US09630860B2

A waste water and hazardous chemical containment and collection system includes a substantially planar, non-porous lower layer. A lower corrugated plate layer rests upon the planar, non-porous lower layer and an upper corrugated plate layer rests upon the lower corrugated plate layer. An upper layer that has several holes for the passage of fluids rests upon the upper corrugated plate layer. The overall length and width of the lower corrugated plate layer, the upper corrugated plate layer, and the upper layer are substantially equal. Fluids enter the system through the holes and some oils from the fluids collect within netting of the lower corrugated plate layer and the upper corrugated plate layer for later collection.
US09630859B2

A sterilization apparatus having UV light capable of assembling to a container is provided. The sterilization apparatus having UV light includes a body, a light-emitting component and a heat dissipating component. The body is detachably assembled to an opening of the container to contact a fluid in the container. The light-emitting component is disposed on the body and emits UV light to irradiate the fluid in the container. The heat dissipating component is disposed in the body and is thermally coupled to the light-emitting component. The body exposes part of the heat dissipating component, such that the heat dissipating component contacts the fluid in the container.
US09630858B2

A method for treating ballast water to achieve IMO standards for ballast water includes a reactor fabricated of copper nickel for receiving and discharging ballast water, a UV source for irradiating the water in the presence of copper nickel thereby to generate free radicals for biocidal and bactericidal effects on organisms and microbes entering the reactor with ballast water.
US09630856B2

A water treatment assembly generally in the form of a filter faucet generally of the type mounted on a sink or similar countertop surface. The water treatment assembly generally comprises a mounted valve assembly, an inline water filter, and a water spout. The inline water filter is configured intermediate the mounted valve assembly and the spout. The inline water filter has a watertight shell comprising a water inflow port and a water outflow port that allow the filter to be used as a readily replaceable and disposable modular filter cartridge. The filter inflow port allows for releasable fluid engagement with the valve assembly. The filter outflow port comprises a fitting for receiving the spout. Water flow through the filter and spout is controlled by the valve assembly. The combined assembly permits the new use of standard components improved in a cost effective manner to form a reliable filter faucet.
US09630852B2

A method of preparing a graphene material. The method includes: (1) preparing a liquid polyacrylonitrile (LPAN) solution, stirring the LPAN solution to yield a cyclized polyacrylonitrile solution; (2) stirring the cyclized LPAN solution at between 200 and 300° C. to yield a thermally-oxidized polyacrylonitrile; (3) grinding and sieving the thermally-oxidized polyacrylonitrile, and drying a resulting product at room temperature, to yield a thermally-oxidized precursor; (4) calcining the thermally-oxidized precursor in the presence of an inert gas flow of between 10 and 500 mL/min for between 1 and 24 hrs at the temperature of between 400 and 1000° C., to yield a carbonized precursor; and (5) calcining the carbonized precursor in the presence of an inert gas flow of between 10 and 500 mL/min for between 1 and 10 hrs at the temperature of between 1000 and 3000° C., to yield a graphene material.
US09630828B1

A large bottle has a lower region, an upper region, and an intermediate region with a cap removably positioned on the upper region. A small bottle has a lower region, an upper region, and an intermediate region with a cap removably positioned on the upper region. A coupling tube has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end is operatively coupled to the small bottle at the upper region. The lower end is operatively coupled to the large bottle at the lower region. A long web attaches the coupling tube to the large bottle. A short web attaches the coupling tube to the small bottle. A display panel removably receives and supports a plurality of large and small bottles.
US09630819B2

A jack apparatus is provided for lifting a low rider vehicle, even though the vehicle has very low ground clearance. The jack apparatus includes interfitting upper and lower subframes supported by a scissor lift. The upper subframe includes opposing parallel arms shaped to fit within a generally triangular cavity defined by the vehicle's tire and sheet metal and ground surface, such that the jack apparatus can engage the vehicle's tire and lift the vehicle without violating the generally triangular cavity, thus leading to a safer and better system for lifting the low rider without potentially damaging vehicle's sheet metal components. The jack apparatus includes width-adjustable arms and legs for flexible use, which are removable or collapsible to a very low shape for compact storage. Also, the upper subframe includes a table, allowing it to lift an ATV or motorcycle.
US09630805B2

A roller apparatus is provided. The roller apparatus may include a bearing wheel configured to rotatably couple the roller apparatus to a roller shaft, and a resilient member radially disposed about the bearing wheel and configured to contact a guiderail at different magnitudes of loads. The resilient member may include a first section of a first diameter and a second section of a second diameter. The first section may be caused to deflect in response to loads within a first load range, while the second section may be caused to deflect in response to loads within a second load range. The resilient member may exhibit a stepwise increase in stiffness with a gradual increase in load.
US09630800B2

A filament storage and dispensing assembly stores and dispenses filament, such as fishing line, thread or the like. The assembly includes a container having a closed end, an open end and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending between the closed end and the open end. The open end defines an access opening into an interior space of the container. A spool is positionable in the interior space of the container. Filament is rotatably mounted around the spool for storing the filament in a coiled manner on the spool. A hole is positioned in the perimeter wall of the container. A free end of the filament is extendable through the hole for dispensing the filament outwardly of the container. A container lid is removably couplable to the open end of the container and is positionable to close the access opening of the container.
US09630798B2

An image forming apparatus (10) includes an apparatus main body (20), a first processing unit (30) and a second processing unit (40). The apparatus main body (20) performs an image forming process onto a paper sheet. The first processing unit (30) and the second processing unit (40) are disposed in vertical direction (91) such that one is located on an upside of the other on a same side face's side of the apparatus main body 20. The second processing unit (40) is disposed on the upside of the first processing unit (30), and is configured in such a manner as to be capable of being slidingly moved in an approaching-leaving direction (92) in relation to the apparatus main body (20).
US09630795B2

The present invention concerns the high speed packaging of folded paper articles such as tissues, napkins and the like, and more precisely it concerns an apparatus for continuously feeding such articles, arranged in stacked groups(P, P1) coming from folding machines, towards packaging machines, for example with a rotating drum, arranged downstream.
US09630792B2

A paper feeding unit of an image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is provided with a base portion, a guide, a protruding portion, and a roller. The base portion is capable of having the sheet placed thereon. The guide erects with respect to the base portion. The guide regulates a position of the sheet in a width direction which intersects with a transporting direction of the sheet. The protruding portion is provided on the guide. The protruding portion faces an end portion of the sheet in the width direction from a side opposite to the base portion. The roller is provided on the protruding portion. The roller is provided with a circumferential surface facing the end portion of the sheet. The roller is rotatable in the transporting direction of the medium.
US09630789B2

A sheet storage device, including a storage tray configured to store a sheet therein; a board, on which the sheet to be stored in the storage tray is placed, the board being configured to be swingably supported by the storage tray at a first position closer to a first end thereof than a second end being opposite from the first end to swing about a swing axis; and a projection configured to protrude from a bottom of the storage tray toward the board, the projection including a contact part being configured to contact the board member at a second position closer to the second end than to the first end of the board, is provided. A length of the contact part along an axial direction of the swing axis is smaller than a length of the board at the second position closer to the second end.
US09630785B2

A conveyor for buffering products includes a first helical conveyor having a first conveyor input and a first conveyor output and a second helical conveyor having a second conveyor input and a second conveyor output. The first conveyor output is coupled to the second conveyor input and the second conveyor output is coupled to the first conveyor input. A loading station and a discharging station are configured to load and discharge products to and from the conveyor. A single conveyor belt follows the helical tracks of the first and second helical conveyors.
US09630780B2

A clamp for feeding items of laundry to a laundry treatment machine that can be easily actuated and that can enhance performance and reliability when items of laundry are fed, for example, to a mangle or the like, by configuring at least one clamping element of the clamp as a clamping lever having an insertion aid with a guideway for the sliding insertion of a section of the item of laundry into a clamp mouth.
US09630777B2

A multi-tier automated warehouse includes first and second stacking racks having multiple tiers of shelves and being positioned facing one another in parallel; loading shuttles which are capable of horizontal travel between the stacking racks, and which carry out loading and unloading of cargo upon the shelves; and an elevator device for moving the loading shuttles to different tiers. The elevator device further includes masts which are positioned adjacent to the stacking racks; a shuttle elevator platform, which is positioned elevatably on the inner side of the masts, for elevating the loading shuttles; and cargo elevator platforms, which are positioned elevatably on the outer side of the masts, for elevating the cargo. In a state where the shuttle elevator platform is aligned with the cargo elevator platforms, it is possible for the loading shuttles on the shuttle elevator platforms to carry out cargo loading and unloading to the cargo elevator platforms, allowing handling cargo even while the loading shuttles are being elevated, obviating the need for wasteful waiting for cargo. As a result, it is possible to implement high performance.
US09630774B2

Automated warehouses are provided which include a main path, a series of secondary paths perpendicular to the main path along which storage stations are defined, suitable for receiving cargo units. In order to move the cargo units, a main self-propelled vehicle is movable along the main path, and is associated with an auxiliary self-propelled vehicle, movable along the secondary paths. Location data representations are provided along the paths, which identify absolute positions of reference points or ranges within the automated warehouse. Sensors to read the data are mounted on board of the main self-propelled vehicle and the auxiliary self-propelled vehicle. Methods for storing and withdrawing cargo units in automated warehouses are also provided.
US09630766B2

The dispenser assembly for an aerosol container includes a fixing plate 10 mounted to an aerosol container 2 that has two stems 6, a nozzle 40 for discharging the contents via two connection parts 47 that respectively lead to the stems 6 and via one discharge tube 42, and a cover member covering the nozzle 40 and held by engagement with the fixing plate 10. The cover member includes a lower cover 20 having a first engaging piece 25, and an upper cover 30 having a second engaging piece 33. The lower cover 20 has a pressing portion 26 that is supported via a hinge ha and pushes on the second engaging piece 33 to disengage the second engaging piece from the second engaging hole 27.
US09630764B2

An oxygen-absorbing resin composition copolymerized polyolefin compound including a copolymerized polyolefin compound and a transition metal catalyst, wherein the copolymerized polyolefin compound is a copolymerized polyolefin compound including at least one of constitutional unit (a) selected from the group consisting of the constitutional units represented by the general formula (1), and at least one of the constitutional unit (b) having an indane ring, selected from the group consisting of the constitutional units represented by the general formulas (2) and (3).
US09630762B2

A package includes a container and a closure for mating on the brim of the container. The closure is hermetically sealed to the container brim at a factory. The seal is broken the first time a consumer removes the closure from the container brim.
US09630761B2

Packaging for a generally block shaped product (12) is made from a wrapper (14) of flexible material encasing the product. The wrapper has a foldable flap portion (24) adjacent an end of the package. The free edges (28, 30, 32) of the flap over-lap a further portion (34) of the wrapper and are bonded by means of a peelable and re- sealable adhesive (37). The flap (24) extends fully across one face (38) of the package and at least partially down opposing sides to form a sealed and re-sealable closure for the package. The package can be formed using flow-wrap techniques and is particular suited for packaging chocolate bars and the like.
US09630760B2

A storage bag includes first and second sidewalls each having a top edge, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The bottom portions of the sidewalls include at least one shift region about which the bag is capable of shifting. The shift region includes a score line, an indentation, or a crimp formed into the first sidewall. The top portions of the sidewalls include a cuff line about which the bag is capable of shifting. The bag shifts (a) between (i) a flat configuration with the sidewalls positioned adjacent to each other, and (ii) a stand-up configuration with the sidewalls separated from each other. In the stand-up configuration, the bag has a substantially flat base. The bag also can be shifted to a cuffed position with the bag being folded over the cuff line of each of the sidewalls such that the cuff region forms an opening to the bag.
US09630750B2

A storage solution for children's toys is described. A storage and transportation device for children's items (e.g., toys, puzzles, craft supplies, etc.) is specially designed to be used by children, including children under three years old. The storage solution may also include an improved zipper pull for opening and closing the storage and transportation device.
US09630748B2

A gift presentation system comprising: a gift bag comprising at least four side edge connected side walls, each side wall connected at its side edge to an adjacent side wall edge, each side wall connected at a bottom edge of each side wall to a bottom panel side edge of the gift bag, with a cavity formed by the interior surfaces of the side walls and bottom panel, and an opening formed by the connected top edge of each side wall of the gift bag a cover operably attached to the opening of the gift bag, the cover placed over at least a contained gift in the cavity of the gift bag and the cover operably secured to the gift bag; and an at least one decorative element operably attached to the cover that also operably assists to secure the cover to the gift bag.
US09630746B1

A time programmable container that includes a base for containing the object, a lid, a base, and a ring which is positioned intermediate the lid and the base. The ring is positionable in a select one of a plurality of positions on the base. The ring and the base contain time indicia such that each of the plurality of positions that the ring can be placed upon the base corresponds to a different of time indication. The base includes members to secure the ring in the select one position. The lid includes a cavity on the bottom surface of a lip which mates with a tab on the ring, such that when the ring is placed upon the base and the lid is threaded onto the base, the tab secures prevents the removal of the lid from the base without first removing the tab from the cavity.
US09630731B2

An apparatus for sorting objects conveyed by a conveying line, comprises a portion of conveying line (2) at which the objects (3) are sorted, a plurality of gripping means (4) for gripping the objects (3) operating at a portion of conveying line (2). The gripping means (4), on command and selectively, pick up the objects present on the portion of conveying line (2) and transfer them onto supports (5) in temporary waiting areas preselected for forming stacks of objects (3) homogeneous with each other. Lifting and conveying means (6) are provided for lifting, on command, single objects or stacks of objects (3) resting on supports (5) in preselected temporary waiting areas and conveying them onto an evacuation line (7).
US09630710B2

Unmanned aerial vehicles and methods for providing the same are disclosed. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations related to a support frame. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations with a continuous track for ground propulsion. The unmanned aerial vehicles may have various configurations related to payload clamps.
US09630709B1

A rotor system is disclosed for a reactive drive rotary wing aircraft. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maintaining the rigidity of the rotor and eliminating play between flight controls and the rotor by mounting swashplate actuators to a flange rigidly secured to the mast. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for thermal management of the rotor in order to avoid bearing failure or loss of bearing preload. Methods include modulating the temperature of oil pumped over one or more of the mast bearing, swashplate bearing, and spindle bearing. The temperature of air passively or actively drawn through rotor may also be modulated to maintain bearing temperature within a predetermined range. Structures for reducing pressure losses and drag on components due to air flow through the rotor are also disclosed. A rotor facilitating thermal management by oil and air flow is also disclosed.
US09630703B2

Systems, methods, and devices for propelling self-propelled movable objects are provided. In one aspect, a rotor assembly for a self-propelled movable object comprises: a hub comprising a first fastening feature; a drive shaft comprising a second fastening feature and directly coupled to the hub by a mating connection of the first and second fastening features, wherein the drive shaft is configured to cause rotation of the hub such that the mating connection of the first and second fastening features is tightened by the rotation; and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the hub and configured to rotate therewith to generate a propulsive force.
US09630700B2

A device for opening an aircraft door, comprising: a support arm arranged between the aircraft fuselage and the aircraft door; an opening system for opening the aircraft door; a support arm cover covering the support arm in the closed position of the aircraft door, the support arm cover having a cover element, and a flap element which swivels between being flush with the cover element, and a state in which the flap element overlaps the cover element; and a guide system for guiding the flap element, wherein the guide system has at least one guide arm, one end of which is joined in an articulated manner to the support arm, and the other end of which is joined to at least one guide element, which guide element can be guided along a guide track on the inner side of the flap element, when the aircraft door is opened.
US09630694B1

An outboard marine engine comprises an internal combustion engine; a lower gearcase, a set of gears disposed in the lower gearcase, the set of gears being configured to transfer power from the internal combustion engine to drive a propulsor to generate a thrust on the outboard marine engine, and a dipstick that extends into the lower gearcase. The dipstick is removable from the lower gearcase and configured to indicate a level of lubrication in the lower gearcase.
US09630691B2

Systems and methods for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers. In some embodiments, the system includes a carrier containing receivers. The carrier can include a frame having a mounted structure (e.g., a movable carousel, movable conveyor, fixed parallel rails, or a barrel) for seating and releasing the receivers (e.g., axially stacked). The structure can facilitate delivering receivers to a discharge port on the frame. The system can include a discharge mechanism for removing receivers from the carrier. In some embodiments, the method includes loading a carrier with receivers, transporting the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed, and using an ROV to remove receivers from the carrier and place the receivers on the seabed. In some embodiments, an ROV adjacent the seabed engages a deployment line that guides receivers from the vessel down to the ROV for “on-time” delivery and placement on the seabed.
US09630685B2

A floating construction (1, 11) includes a vessel (2, 12) partially or fully filled with water and with transparent walls or with walls including transparent sections, and space (3, 5, 6) provided around or partially around the vessel, where the vessel includes at least one opening allowing the surrounding water to enter into the vessel, wherein the space (3, 5, 6) provided around the vessel (2, 12) is enclosed to provide interior observation area for activities taking place inside the vessel.
US09630680B1

The present invention discloses a two-speed bicycle transmission that utilizes a backward pedaling power input mode to provide a higher forward driving speed ratio (“lower gear”) inherently, without the intervention of any other means of rider control. Such bicycle transmissions were popular in the early part of the 20th Century and marketed as “Retro-Direct.” Since, bicycle transmissions offering even greater numbers of selectable forward pedaling mode speeds have been developed, but at the expense of complexity and reliability, thereby causing a growing fraction of the cycling public to prefer single-speed bicycles for reasons of lower maintenance and/or minimalist aesthetics. Accordingly, the focus of the present invention is to provide a useful second speed with a minimum of added complexity by adapting a uniquely configured and functionally improved Retro-Direct transmission to the modern bicycle. Additionally, a beneficial backward pedaling exercise mode is reintroduced.
US09630672B2

A Kalman filter in a roll angle estimation device estimates a roll angle of a vehicle body, a vehicle speed, a roll angular velocity sensor offset, a yaw angular velocity sensor offset, and a vertical acceleration sensor offset on the basis of detected values of a roll angular velocity sensor, a yaw angular velocity sensor, a vertical acceleration sensor, a longitudinal acceleration sensor, a lateral acceleration sensor, and a rear-wheel speed sensor, and also on the basis of estimated values of the roll angle, the vehicle speed, the roll angular velocity sensor offset, the yaw angular velocity sensor offset, and the vertical acceleration sensor offset obtained in a previous estimation operation.
US09630671B1

An apparatus includes a connector assembly configured to selectively connect with a chin-strap assembly of a motorcycle helmet. The connector assembly is also configured to selectively connect with a motorcycle device of a motorcycle.
US09630669B2

A system for dynamic distribution of bicycle lighting including a plurality of light sources coupled to and under operation of a controller. The controller controls power distributed to the light sources and provides dynamic illumination of the light sources according to bicycle operating condition data regarding the speed, angle of incline, angle of descent and geographic and terrain conditions in which the bicycle is operated.
US09630667B2

An attachment mount for the front end of a truck, which can fit trucks with full-width or tapering chassis. The attachment mount may include a front member for supporting a front-end truck attachment, and a distribution member. The distribution member may be attached to the vehicle chassis and to the front member, so that the attachment mount spreads stresses originating from downwardly-directed forces exerted on the front member by the attachment, to the front portion of the vehicle chassis.
US09630665B2

A crawler belt coupling apparatus includes a first crawler belt link, a second crawler belt link, a master pin, a locking pin, and a snap ring. The master pin is inserted in first and second through holes. The master pin is provided with an insertion hole. The locking pin is press fitted into the insertion hole, and has both ends projecting relative to the master pin. The snap ring has a C-like shape, has an outer diameter larger than the first through hole, is disposed opposite to the second crawler belt link relative to the first through hole, and is attached to the master pin. The groove has a width smaller than a diameter of the master pin. The locking pin is disposed in the groove.
US09630660B2

The present invention relates to a device for a vehicle cab of a vehicle, said vehicle cab comprising a cab module configured for attachment to a chassis beam via a support device arranged to support said cab module, said support device comprising rotation means for rotation of said vehicle cab, wherein said support device comprises elevation means for raising/lowering of said cab module. The present invention also relates to a vehicle with a device for a vehicle cab.
US09630643B2

Recreational mobile structure for letting children play and for transporting and securing them while protecting them from falling objects, smoke and flames. The structure is also suitable to simultaneously fill the need of containing and entertaining children, as in a playpen, ensuring that they do not exit, and to store and transport toys.
US09630630B2

A tool for mitigating driver fatigue. The tool registers a profile for a driver, wherein registering the profile includes the driver in a social community. The tool receives a request to initiate a conversation, wherein the request indicates the driver is suffering from driver fatigue. The tool gathers information to fulfill the request to initiate a conversation, wherein information includes at least a proximity of the driver to one or more additional drivers in the social community. The tool determines, based, at least in part, on the registered profile and the gathered information, one or more strategies for mitigating driver fatigue; the one or more strategies for mitigating driver fatigue including at least. The tool initiates a conversation between the driver and the one or more additional drivers.
US09630622B2

An example method includes controlling a hybrid vehicle to maintain a set speed, and adjusting the set speed from a first value to a different, second value in response to a change in a road grade.
US09630621B2

Provided is an automatic drive control method for a vehicle in which, as a target control quantity for automatically controlling a rudder angle of front wheels, a target control quantities Δθptj of a pinion angle for the current cycle to the c-th cycle are calculated by prediction according to parameters for trajectory control based on a driving situation of the vehicle; and when a magnitude of a target control quantity Δθpt1 for the current cycle is less than a preliminarily set reference value P and it is determined that the probability is high that the target control quantity Δθptj has a sign identical to a sign for the current cycle and the magnitude thereof increases to the reference value P or above by the c-th cycle at the latest, the magnitude of the target control quantity Δθpt1 for the current cycle is increasingly corrected to the reference value P.
US09630616B2

A method for controlling a vehicle system, which is designed for autonomous operation of a motor vehicle is described, wherein setting information for the vehicle system is determined from location information describing a current position of the motor vehicle and from at least one location-related permission information item relating to the permission of use of the vehicle system, and at least one operating parameter of the vehicle system is selected as a function of the setting information.
US09630593B2

In a vehicle wiper device, a retaining portion is formed inside an arm piece at respective areas of a base end side fixing section, a main body, and a leading end side fixing section of the arm piece. A hose is retained by the retaining portion. This thereby enables the hose to be retained to the arm piece without using a retaining member, such as a holder, to retain the hose to the arm piece. Moreover, disposing the hose inside the arm piece enables the hose to be suppressed from being exposed or projecting out from the arm piece. The hose can accordingly be retained in the arm piece without having a detrimental effect on the appearance and while suppressing an increase in cost of the vehicle wiper device.
US09630589B2

A method is described including receiving sensory data, determining an indication of initial user impairment based on the sensory data, providing one or more games to the user to determine a level of user impairment, calculating a game score based on user responses to the one or more games and providing an indication of impairment upon a determination that the game score indicates user impairment.
US09630580B2

The present invention provides a back beam for vehicle, which includes: a back-beam body formed in an arcuate shape and having a predetermined length; and reinforcement parts protruding from a plurality of portions of a front surface of the back-beam body and spaced apart from each other with intervals gradually varying toward both ends from a central portion of the back-beam body.
US09630576B1

A panel assembly includes a first panel and noise attenuation panel that is attached to the first panel. The noise attenuation panel includes a central portion having a length and a width. The central portion of the noise attenuation panel is spaced from the surface of the first panel by a gap distance to form a gas chamber between the surface of the first panel and the central portion of the noise attenuation panel. The panel assembly includes at least one wall structure that is disposed within the gas chamber. The wall structure extends between the central portion of the noise attenuation panel and the surface of the first panel, and includes a pattern that defines a fluid flow path through the gas chamber, which includes an effective length that is greater than both the length and the width of the central portion of the noise attenuation panel.
US09630575B2

A panel assembly includes a first panel defining a surface, and a boom attenuation panel. The boom attenuation panel includes a circumferential edge, and a central portion. The boom attenuation panel is attached to the surface of the first panel, along the circumferential edge of the boom attenuation panel. The central portion of the boom attenuation panel is spaced from the surface of the first panel a gap distance to form a gas chamber between the surface of the first panel and the central portion of the boom attenuation panel. The gas chamber contains a gas that is moveable within the gas chamber in response to wave-like motion of the first panel. Movement of the gas increases the effective acoustic mass of the boom attenuation panel, and damped the wave-like motion of the first panel, which operates to reduce noise generated from the wave-like motion of the first panel.
US09630572B2

A clip may have a clip body configured to be attached to a rib formed in an attaching article and configured to be inserted into an attaching hole formed in an object panel. The clip body includes a clamping portion configured to be coupled to the rib via an engagement slot formed in the rib, and an engagement portion elastically engageable with the attaching hole. The engagement portion has a biasing body that is configured to elastically contact an outer surface of the rib when the engagement portion is deformed inwardly caused by an extraction load applied to the clip body. The biasing body is positioned so as to contact the outer surface of the rib in a position closer to a distal end of the rib than the engagement slot.
US09630557B2

Alarm indications of objects (431, 631) in spaces (113) subject to vehicle movements are provided using a scanner unit configured to provide indications of directions and distances of objects within a scan area. A computer compares the signal output from a scanner unit (121) and resolves the signal output to a pattern of the indications of directions and distances, and further resolve multiple instances of the indications over time to resolve the pattern of indications and distances to movement corresponding to the movement of the objects (431, 631). The indications are compared to render an indication of objects (431) partially blocked by other ones (631) of the objects from line-of-sight of the scanner unit (121). Predetermined relative movements of the objects (431, 631) as resolved by the computer render predetermined indicator or alarm signals (341, 342, 345).
US09630556B2

A method for warning the driver of a vehicle against cross traffic when leaving a parking space, wherein the motor vehicle has far-field sensors at least in the region of the rear-end corners for detecting possible cross traffic and lateral near-field sensors for detecting the near surroundings of the vehicle and wherein the warning is generated if at least one of the far-field sensors detects cross traffic. The method surveys the nearby lateral surroundings of the driver's vehicle while leaving the parking space, determines from the results of the near-field detection whether the far-field sensors have a free view of the cross traffic, and generates a notification to the driver if one or both far-field sensors do not have a free view of the cross traffic.
US09630555B1

A system for alerting drivers when a vehicle is or may be likely to be traveling in excess of a speed limit is provided. The system evaluates vehicle speed and provides custom warnings for various speed-related occurrences including a prediction that based on an instantaneous speed and acceleration the vehicle is about to exceed the speed limit. Haptic feedback from a wearable device such as a smart watch may preferably provide distinct intensities of warning between actual and predicted excursions over a limit.
US09630552B1

The vehicle speed display is a device that is adapted to be mounted on the window of an automobile that publically displays the current speed of the automobile. This public display of speed is used to send a calming signal aggressive drivers that the lead car is maintaining their speed under the legal speed limit. The vehicle speed display comprises a logic module, a display module, a power module and a housing.
US09630548B2

An interface system is provided for a truck box. An interface plate is attached to a recess formed in a sidewall of the truck box. A cleat is attached to an inverted T-shaped opening formed in the interface plate. A T-shaped base is inserted in the inverted T-shaped opening to hold the cleat to the sidewall of the truck box. A reinforcement plate is attached to an inside surface of the sidewall.
US09630546B2

A container handling system is adapted to move, deploy, and retrieve containers used to manage waste or other materials. The container handling system includes a vehicle and a hoist unit coupled to the vehicle to move therewith and relative to the vehicle. The hoist unit includes a hoist frame and a hoist-frame mover coupled to both the vehicle and the hoist frame to cause the hoist frame to move between a transport position in which the hoist frame is generally horizontal and a use position in which the hoist frame is arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal to facilitate deployment and retrieval of containers.
US09630542B2

A mat fixing clip of a vehicle carpet that is configured to fix the clip to the carpet by one fastener and then to fix the fixed fastener in advance while being covered by another fastener, and doubly couples and fixes the clip to the carpet using these fasteners, thereby easily and quickly mounting the clip to the carpet to improve assembling characteristics, and fixes the clip twice to prevent the clip once mounted from being detached from the carpet and improve the coupling force. In particular, a mat fixing clip of a vehicle carpet that enables the two fasteners to fix the carpet in opposite directions, thereby being able to complement the coupling strength at the coupling site and further enhance the coupling strength.
US09630539B2

A tiltable vehicle seat has a seat frame, a pad formed in a mold associated with the seat frame and a bracket attaching a seatback to the seat frame. The pad is formed through foaming to expand and engulf the seat frame and is integrated with the seat frame. The bracket allows for the seat frame and the pad contained therein to be tilted relative to the seatback to provide multiple vehicle seat modes. The bracket is formed separately from the seat frame and attached to the seat frame thus allowing for the pad to be formed from a relatively compact mold.
US09630538B2

A side support cover for application to a vehicle seat having a backrest part is disclosed. The side support cover includes left and right cover bodies for covering respective left and right side supports, and left and right lace members with one ends attached to the respective cover bodies. The left and right lace members are connected to the left and right cover bodies at a point positioned in the vicinity of boundaries between the lace members and the side supports. The backrest part has through-holes extending through the backrest part in a front-back direction. The lace members are passed through the respective through-holes in a state of being tensioned.
US09630534B2

The lateral back support includes a pair of wedge-shaped pads adjustably connected to one another for positioning on a vehicle seat to support a torso of a user when subjected to lateral forces. The pair of pads act as a shim sandwiched between the torso and a side bolster of a seat, thereby preventing the torso from leaning sideways while cornering.
US09630530B2

Longitudinal, adjuster (27) having an outer and an Inner rail (50, 51), characterized in that the outer rail (50) has a structural element (53) which absorbs vertical forces and has a flexible element which biases a rolling body (52) against the inner rail (51).
US09630529B2

A seat reclining apparatus is provided in which a spring cover which covers a lock spring for rotationally biasing a rotational cam can be easily and securely mounted to an outer surface of a base plate or a ratchet plate.The seat reclining apparatus is provided with a lock spring disposed to face the outer surface of the base plate or disposed in a hole in the base plate to bias and rotate the rotational center shaft in a direction to rotate the rotational cam toward the locked position, and a spring cover disposed to face the outer surface of the base plate and covers the lock spring, and to make an inner surface of one of the seat cushion side frame and the seatback side frame contact an outer surface of a protrusion which is projected from the spring cover.
US09630517B2

Disclosed are an unmanned aerial vehicle, a charging station, and an automatic charging system for an unmanned aerial vehicle including the same. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a main body which includes a plurality of rotors, and is capable of flying and vertical taking off and landing by the rotors; a battery which is mounted in the main body for supplying power and is chargeable; a landing gear which includes a first charging terminal and a second charging terminal having different polarities and electrically connected to the battery, and is provided at a lower part of the main body; and a controller configured to control the main body.
US09630507B2

A bogie for a rail vehicle includes: two pairs of wheel sets arranged frontward and backward (51), axle boxes (52) respectively fixedly arranged at both ends of a central rotating shaft of the wheel set, and a frame arranged on two axle boxes on the same side (50), and further includes: a current collector mounting plate (53) that is fixedly mounted with a current collector, with both ends of the current collector mounting plate being respectively fixedly connected to the two axle boxes on the same side. In the bogie for the rail vehicle, the current collector is fixedly connected on the axle box, and thus has the same state of motion as the axle box, effectively reducing the displacements of the current collector in all directions relative to the third rail during operation, and reducing vibration and impact suffered by the current collector.
US09630503B2

An automotive vehicle high voltage bus is connected to a power source by a circuit having a main contactor and a precharge contactor. To energize the bus, the precharge contactor is closed and then the main contactor is closed. Upon completion of precharging, the main contactor is opened and energization of the bus is complete.
US09630491B2

A transfer case includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset having a sun gear, a ring gear and a pinion gear meshingly engaged with the sun and ring gears. A range actuator includes first, second and third range sleeves abutted in series being axially translatable between a first position to provide a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft, a second position providing a direct drive ratio connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft as well as the input shaft and a second output shaft, and a third position to provide a reduced speed drive ratio connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft as well as the input shaft and the second output shaft. The gears of the planetary gearset are not driven when the range sleeves are at the first and second positions.
US09630475B2

A cabin air filter is provided with a filter element receptacle and a filter element having a fold pack. The filter element is inserted in an insertion direction into the filter element receptacle. The filter element is provided with a sword that extends in the insertion direction away from a face of the filter element. The filter element has lateral strips that close off the fold pack on at least two sides of the fold pack. The sword is preferably inherently stable so that it can transmit compressive forces from the filter element to the receptacle.
US09630474B2

A method for regulating coolant temperature of an HVAC heat pump system with coolant heating. The method includes measuring temperature of coolant flowing through the system, and configuring a valve assembly of the system to direct coolant flow to a heater core from both an engine and an engine bypass line when temperature of the coolant is above a predetermined threshold.
US09630467B2

A leaf spring assembly comprises a leaf spring having an axially extending member, an axis, a key portion disposed at an end thereof, first and second parallel elongate members extending radially from the attachment ring along an axis and include inner facing surfaces opposing one another along the axis to define a receiving slot that is configured to receive the end of the leaf spring. The leaf spring is joined with the leaf spring eye and a key slot, formed adjacent to a terminal end of the receiving slot and comprising an enlarged slot portion defined by a first shoulder formed in an inner facing surface of an elongate member and configured to receive the key portion disposed at the end of the axially extending member.
US09630466B2

The invention relates to a link unit, in particular for use in utility vehicles, comprising an arm element and a load-bearing element, wherein the arm element has a holding section and the load-bearing element has an engagement section, wherein the holding section and the engagement section can be placed in positively locking engagement such that the load-bearing element is secured against displacement relative to the arm element in at least three holding directions which lie in a holding plane. The invention also relates to a method for producing a link unit.
US09630464B2

An alignment assembly that automatically aligns the inverted ball socket on a trailer tongue and temporarily raises the ball socket over a ball mounted on the end of the towing vehicle as the towing vehicle is being backed up. The assembly includes a tongue mount attached to the front edge of the ball socket on a trailer. The tongue mount includes a vertical, transversely aligned front plate in front of the ball socket. Selectively attached to the front plate is a vertical sliding transverse plate that attaches to a forward extending, diagonally aligned guide tunnel. The guide tunnel includes a wide front opening and narrow rear opening that terminates directly in front of the ball socket. During use, the ball travels rearward into the guide funnel which creates a lifting force on the guide funnel. Upward force on the guide funnel causes the trailer tongue to lift. When the ball clears the guide tunnel, the ball socket falls and is aligned with the ball.
US09630463B2

A hitch accessory retaining device includes a pair of opposed engagement pins and a biasing device. When positioned within a shank body, the engagement pins are slidable within shank pinning apertures and are normally urged in outward, extended positions by the biasing device. When biased outwardly, a portion of each engagement pin extends outwardly from and projects beyond a shank sidewall while an additional portion of each engagement pin is retained within the shank body. A portion of the biasing device contacts, is attached to, or is part of, the engagement pins. The normally outwardly biased engagement pins are biasable inwardly to a retracted position within the shank pinning apertures to a position wherein the outward ends of the engagement pins are flush with the outward sides of shank sidewalls.
US09630462B2

An apparatus for processing a tire-wheel assembly including a tire and a wheel that removes entrapments between a bead seat of the wheel and bead of the tire is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire-wheel assembly exerciser having a tire-engaging portion. The tire-engaging portion includes at least one tire-engaging device that is adjustably-connected to a base portion. A system is disclosed. A method is also disclosed.
US09630450B1

A castor for a suitcase includes a fixed seat, a wheel support, a hollow axle, two roller modules, and two caps. The fixed seat is mounted on a suitcase. The wheel support is mounted on the fixed seat and provided with two ears each having a transverse axle hole provided with a plurality of locking grooves. The hollow axle extends through the transverse axle hole of each of the two ears. The roller modules are mounted on the hollow axle and arranged between the ears. Each of the caps is provided with a plurality of locking hooks locked into the locking grooves of the transverse axle hole of one of the ears. Thus, when one of the roller modules cannot be rotated, the other one of the roller modules can be rotated freely.
US09630444B2

When the rear axial cylinder (3) is rotated, the cam cylinder (17) is also rotated, thereby the cam protrusion (18a) moves forward by means of the functions of the cam groove (17a) and the slit (18b), so that the slider (18) moves forward to cause the writing body (14) to move forward against a biasing force by the biasing member (15). The cam cylinder (17) and the rear axial cylinder (3) are fixed via the adjustment mechanism of rotational positions (17n).
US09630443B2

The present invention provides a printer responsive to commands from printer driver software. The printer driver software is characterized by being responsive to two types of input data. One of the types includes text data, and the other of the types includes watermark data. The two types of data are separately applied to printer driver software, rather than integrated together prior to application to the printer driver software.
US09630441B1

A book binding for a scrapbook with hinges separated by gussets and an anchored end and a free end that may be bent to the right or left to accommodate pages of different thickness such that the pages lie flat and the covers of the scrapbook are substantially parallel when the scrapbook is closed. The binding is constructed from sheet material scored into groups of four equally spaced panels separated by a panel forming the gusset. The four equal width panels are folded along a longitudinal center score line and adhesively secured together to form the hinges.
US09630439B2

A printing method is provided. In this printing method, a printing ink composed of pigment-based solvent UV ink or UV ink is applied onto a transfer sheet capable of transmitting an ultraviolet light, and then the printing ink is cured to form a printing ink layer. Thereafter, a bonding ink composed of solvent UV ink or UV ink for bonding the printing ink layer to a medium is applied onto the printing ink layer. Subsequently, the bonding ink is pressed against the medium. In this state, irradiation with the ultraviolet light from an opposite surface of the transfer sheet to a surface having the printing ink layer formed thereon is performed, such that the bonding ink is completely cured to form a bonding ink layer. Thereafter, the transfer sheet is peeled off from the printing ink layer, whereby the printing ink layer is transferred onto the medium.
US09630430B2

A conveyor includes: a slide gear and a clutch gear including a first gear and a second gear. The clutch gear includes: a first surface and a second surface provided on one of the first and second gears and facing each other; and a contact member provided on the other of the first and second gears and located between the first surface and the second surface. A controller is configured to: control a motor in a state in which the slide gear and the first gear are in mesh with each other, to rotate the clutch gear to establish a state in which the contact member is not in contact with the first surface or the second surface; and control a sliding mechanism to slide the slide gear in the state in which the contact member is not in contact with the first surface or the second surface.
US09630422B2

A printer performs a multi-pass printing including: (a) pass process executed with Ka number of nozzles; (c1) pass process executed with Kc1 number of nozzles; (c2) pass process executed with Kc2 number of nozzles; and (b) pass process executed with Kb number of nozzles. Kc1 and Kc2 are greater than or equal to Kb and smaller than Ka. An upstream gradient of dot recording rates of (c1) pass process is greater than a gradient of (a) pass process. A downstream gradient of (c1) pass process is the same as the gradient of (a) pass process. An upstream gradient of (c2)-pass process is the same as a gradient of (b) pass process. A downstream gradient of (c2)-pass process is greater than the gradient of the (a) pass process. Kc1 is greater than Kc2.
US09630417B2

In one example, a flexible circuit for a fluid cartridge includes a single flexible substrate, an electronic memory on the substrate, an authentication code stored on the memory, first electrical connector pads on the substrate connected to the memory, and second electrical connector pads on the substrate, not connected to the memory, to connect to a fluid dispensing die.
US09630412B2

A liquid ejecting head includes: a substrate having pressure generating chambers; drive units configured to apply pressure vibration to the pressure generating chambers; and a head casing having first and second areas mutually exclusively disposed as viewed from the substrate, the first areas being disposed in a staggered arrangement as viewed from the substrate, the head casing storing the drive units in the first areas as viewed from the substrate, the head casing having recesses disposed in the second areas as viewed from the substrate.
US09630403B2

A multichannel printhead for mixing purposes is presented, comprising a first set of fluid outlets each outlet discharging an amount of a first fluid, a second set of fluid outlets each outlet discharging an amount of a second fluid, whereby corresponding outlets of the first and second set are configured to internally or externally lead together and mix the fluids, and whereby at least the fluid discharge of the first set of fluid outlets is controlled by drop-on-demand fluid ejectors responsive to control signals.
US09630399B2

A method for cleaning a liquid ejection head, including a flow path forming member forming a liquid flow path, a heat generating resistive element, and a coating layer covering the heat generating resistive element and in contact with the liquid, in which the heat generating resistive element is made to generate heat and the liquid is made to be ejected from ejection ports, the method including: applying a voltage to the coating layer to produce an electrochemical reaction between the coating layer and the liquid, and causing the coating layer to be eluted into the liquid, thereby removing kogation deposited on the coating layer; and causing the heat generating resistive element to generate heat and causing the liquid to be ejected from the ejection ports while a voltage is applied to the coating layer continuously or intermittently, thereby eliminating air bubbles generated due to the electrochemical reaction.
US09630396B2

An apparatus for printing an image onto a curved surface of a three dimensional article. The apparatus principally includes a support fixture, an ink jet print head having a plurality of nozzles, and an articulatable robotic arm. One of the support fixture and the print head are mounted to and carried by the robotic arm. The robotic arm is moveable so as to cause relative movement of the print head along a series of scanning paths that follow the surface contour of the curved surface of the article. A controller is coupled to the robotic arm and is configured to cause articulation of the robotic arm. The controller causes the robotic arm to continuously locate the print head relative to the curved surface and to cause the plurality of nozzles to eject printing medium at predetermined locations along the scanning paths so as to form the image.
US09630385B2

A carrier film of thermoplastic polyester has releasable metal adhesive properties suitable for a metal transfer in which the polyester film is metalized and the metal layer is subsequently transferred to a permanent adhesive-coated substrate. The metal layer is in direct contact with the polyester carrier film and no intermediate release layer is present. Desired metal adhesion is provided by dispersing a suitable surfactant, and optionally, a hydrocarbon wax, uniformly into the polyester film. Surfactant on the outer surface of the carrier film modifies metal adhesion to the polyester such that the metal can be removed in a metal transfer operation.
US09630383B2

A laminate film comprising a core layer comprising of a high crystalline propylene homopolymer blended with an amount of hydrocarbon resin; crystalline polyethylene wax; and a fluoropolymer and/or a metal oxide nanoparticle which exhibits excellent transparency and moisture vapor barrier properties. The laminate film could further have additional layers such as a second polyolefin resin-containing layer, or a heat-sealable polyolefin-containing layer, or combinations thereof.
US09630382B2

A decorative molding film includes a base film provided with a protective layer, a coloring layer containing a polyolefin based hot melt adhesive and pigment, and an adhesive layer containing a polyolefin based hot melt adhesive, stacked in that order on one side of the base film.
US09630381B2

An appliance includes an outer shell and an inner shell, wherein the outer shell and the inner shell are engaged to define an insulating cavity therebetween, and wherein the inner shell includes an inner surface that defines an interior cavity. An insulation member includes a plurality of layers, each layer of the plurality of layers including an insulative sheet defining first and second surfaces and a plurality of microspheres at least partially disposed within the insulative sheet, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of microspheres extends outward from each of the first and second surfaces to define a plurality of protrusions, and wherein the engagement of two adjacent layers of the plurality of layers causes a portion of the plurality of protrusions to engage and define a plurality of insulating air pockets between the adjacent layers.
US09630362B2

A printing head module includes a driving gear, a bi-directional motor, a first feeding module and a second feeding module. The bi-directional motor selectively drives the driving gear to rotate along a first direction and a second direction. The first feeding module disposed at a first side of the driving gear includes a first unidirectional gear and a first idler gear. The driving gear is engaged with the first unidirectional gear, and the first unidirectional gear unidirectionally drives the first idler gear to rotate. The second feeding module is disposed at a second side of the driving gear opposite to the first side, and includes a second unidirectional gear and a second idler gear, the driving gear is engaged with the second unidirectional gear to drive the second unidirectional gear to rotate, and the second unidirectional gear unidirectionally drive the second idler gear to rotate.
US09630353B2

A method of manufacturing bulked continuous carpet filament which, in various embodiments, comprises: (A) grinding recycled PET bottles into a group of flakes; (B) washing the flakes; (C) identifying and removing impurities, including impure flakes, from the group of flakes; (D) passing the group of flakes through an expanded surface area extruder while maintaining a pressure within the expanded surface area extruder below about 25 millibars; (E) passing the resulting polymer melt through at least one filter having a micron rating of less than about 50 microns; and (F) forming the recycled polymer into bulked continuous carpet filament that consists essentially of recycled PET.
US09630352B2

A method for manufacturing open cavity integrated circuit packages, the method comprising: placing a wire-bound integrated circuit in a mold; forcing a pin to contact a die of the wire-bound integrated circuit by applying a force between the pin and the mold; injecting plastic into the mold; allowing the plastic to set around the integrated circuit to form a package having an open cavity defined by the pin; and removing the open cavity integrated circuit package from the mold. A mold for forming a package for an integrated circuit sensor device, comprising: a bottom part for supporting an integrated circuit die; a top part that is operable to be placed on top of said bottom part to form a cavity into which a plastic material can be injected to form the package, wherein the top part of the mold comprises a spring-loaded pin arrangement comprising a cover that covers a sensor area on the integrated circuit die and provides for an opening when the plastic material is injected.
US09630350B2

In order to produce molded foam parts from foam systems, such as soft, semi-hard and integral foam, foaming molds are typically used, which are produced from different base materials, depending on the intended purpose and required output or service life. Molds for producing molded foam parts are produced from steel or aluminum. A negative or undesirable property during the production of molded foam parts is that the foam adheres to the foaming molds and can often only be removed mechanically. In order to prevent this, the disclosure proposes a mold insert for a molded part mold, comprising a cavity, wherein the mold insert can be arranged on the molded part mold such that a volume-reduced cavity is formed in the arranged state and the mold insert contributes to creating the shape of the material.
US09630346B2

A method of fabricating an injection-molded component is provided. The method includes the step of introducing pellets into an injection barrel of an injection molding machine. The pellets include a first supercritical fluid. The pellets are plasticized in the injection barrel and a second supercritical fluid is injected into the plasticized pellets. The second supercritical fluid and the plasticized pellets are mixed to form a mixed material. The mixed material is injected into a mold.
US09630342B2

A machine for and method of manufacturing concrete U-wall type construction blocks by molding each concrete u-wall construction block from concrete poured about a block cage made from reinforcing material while said block cage is loaded within the machine. The method involves providing a system of molding jacket panels, including a core molding assembly having a pair of inside stem jacket panels that are adjustably supportable in a substantially parallel manner during a molding process, and arranged is such a manner that the front wall portion is molded in downwardly facing direction toward a horizontal support surface and completely enclosed in one or more molding jacket panels. Before block molding operations, the thickness of the front wall portion of the U-wall construction block is set by determining the thickness of a front wall surface liner and installing the front wall surface forming liner within the system of molding jacket panels.
US09630340B2

A system used to form poured walls or structures with a finished surface which may be smooth, various pattern surfaces such as brick or stone or applying thin material, such as thin brick and thin stone, using exterior applied finish panels which are attached by attaching means, grapple catches, to the exterior face of a concrete/cementous material flow through lattice grid form as one or both forming surfaces in a concrete/cementous pour. When the forms are poured concrete/cementous material flows through the lattice grid panel and flows up to the interior forming face of the exterior applied finish panel. When the concrete hardens to the desired stiffness the exterior applied finish panel is removed the pattern or thin material remains on the exterior formed face and where the thin material holding gaskets were located now represent the thin material surrounding concrete/cementous material mortar joints.
US09630339B2

Provided is a manufacturing method of a three-dimensional structure which manufactures a three-dimensional structure by laminating layers, the method including: forming the layers using a three-dimensional formation composition containing three-dimensional formation powders, a solvent, and a binder; discharging a binding solution containing a binding agent to the layers; and performing a permeation prevention step of preventing the solvent from permeating the layers, at least on a part of the layers to which the binding solution is discharged. It is preferable that the permeation prevention process is selectively performed with respect to an area of the layers to which the binding solution is not discharged.
US09630334B2

A food cutting assembly includes an outer ring has a circular shape. The outer ring has an inner surface, an outer surface and a bottom edge comprising a blade. A pair of handles is attached to the outer surface. A plurality of cutting members is attached to and extending between the outer ring and an inner ring such that the inner ring is coaxial with the outer ring. Each of the cutting members has a lower edge comprising a blade. The lower edges of the cutting members and the bottom edge are co-planar. An intermediate ring has a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite of each other wherein the second edge is directed downwardly and comprises a blade. The intermediate ring is removably attached to the cutting members such that the second edge is co-planar with the lower edges.
US09630331B2

Replaceable shaving assemblies are disclosed that include a blade unit, an interface element configured to removeably connect the blade unit to a handle, on which the blade unit is pivotably mounted, and a return element disposed on the interface element. Shaving systems including such shaving assemblies are also disclosed, as are methods of using such shaving systems.
US09630328B2

A folding tool such as a knife includes first and second spaced apart sidewalls with a blade pivotally attached to both sidewalls with a self-interlocking pivot pin. An opening in one sidewall includes a first, larger portion that receives an end of the pivot pin, and a smaller cylindrical opening that communicates with the larger portion through a slot. The end of the pivot pin slides through the slot and the sidewalls are rotated relative to one another to interlock the sidewalls. The knife may be easily assembled and disassembled without tools.
US09630326B2

A controlled relative motion system includes a base support and a manipulable support. A plurality of lower link members are pivotally coupled to the base support, and each includes a spherical section capture opening. A plurality of upper link members are rotatably coupled to the lower link members via spherical joints at the spherical section capture openings. The manipulable support is pivotally coupled to the plurality of upper link members.
US09630324B2

A system for robotic device control and data acquisition, comprising a robotic device control system adapted to receive sensor-based data comprising physical object information, the sensor-based data being received from a plurality of sources, each source comprising at least a physical sensor in communication with the robotic device control system computer via a communications network, an enhanced robotic device control application adapted to receive sensor-based data from the robotic device control system computer and manipulate the sensor-based data to produce enhanced data, and a method for robotic device control and data acquisition.
US09630314B2

A socket holder is provided, including a main body having at least one receiving slot for a socket to be arranged therein and at least one restriction portion. Each receiving slot has a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion and a slot opening. Each restriction portion has a first arm portion extending from the first end portion substantially toward the second arm portion and a second arm portion transverse to the first arm portion and extending toward a wall of the receiving slot. Wherein, when the socket is arranged in the receiving slot, the first and second arm portions protrude into a sleeve opening of an end of the socket to restrictedly abut against an inner wall thereof, and the second end portion restrains the other end of the socket from swinging toward the slot opening.
US09630303B2

A bicycle alignment device can be used to align the nose of the bicycle seat with the top tube of the bicycle frame. In addition, the same device can be used to align the handlebar stem with the front tire of the bicycle. The device can use a pointing device, such as a pin or a laser pointer, to align the seat to the top tube. The device can be easily broken down into its components for easy and convenient storage when not in use.
US09630296B2

A substrate processing apparatus capable of preventing corrosion of metal interconnects of a substrate formed thereon is disclosed. The substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate horizontally and rotate the substrate, and a slit nozzle configured to supply a processing liquid onto a surface of the substrate. The slit nozzle is adjacent to the surface of the substrate and extends in approximately a radial direction of the substrate.
US09630289B2

A polishing method includes rotating a substrate, performing a first polishing process of pressing a polishing tape against an edge portion of the substrate by a pressing member, with a portion of the polishing tape projecting from the pressing member inwardly in a radial direction of the substrate, to polish the edge portion of the substrate and bend the portion of the polishing tape along the pressing member, and performing a second polishing process of pressing the bent portion of the polishing tape inwardly in the radial direction of the substrate by the pressing member to further polish the edge portion of the substrate.
US09630286B1

A tool buddy couples to an existing pneumatic tool and allows service personnel to suspend the pneumatic tool from a hoist or other ferromagnetic object. The tool buddy has a molded or otherwise shaped magnet housing that supports, retains, and protects standard magnets therein. The magnet housing defines a tray with side walls and a bottom that receives the magnets therein, but which is open on one face to allow the magnets to effectively engage with a ferromagnetic support. The magnet housing has a generally cylindrically defined concave surface distal to the open face which is cooperative with the curved housing used on most pneumatically or electrically powered tools to nest therewith. To affix the tool buddy to the tool housing, a very high bond double-sided adhesive that adheres on one surface to the magnet housing concave face and on the opposed surface to the tool.
US09630283B2

A plurality of engagement members (20), inserted in a hole in an object to be fixed, which are capable of gripping an inner circumferential surface of the hole are provided, and a wedge face (32) of a clamping rod (15) is engaged on an inner circumference of the engagement member (20) from an upper side. An upper part of a piston rod (55) protruding upward from a piston body (54) of a piston (12) is coupled to a lower part of the clamping rod (15). The engagement member (20), the clamping rod (15), and the piston (12) are provided in a housing (2). An annular valve member (78) is provided between the housing (2) and the piston rod (55). When the piston (12) has moved to a lower-limit region in a lock direction, an actuating portion (89) of the piston rod (55) causes the valve member (78) via an actuated portion (99) of the valve member (78) to be opened downward.
US09630275B2

Disclosed are methods and structures for joining metallic members. A welding material can be used between two metallic members that comprise different metals. The different metals can normally form brittle intermetallic compounds when welded to one another, and the welding material can inhibit the formation of the brittle intermetallic compounds.
US09630271B1

A welding gun includes a bending pipe (10), an insulating barrel (20) mounted on a mounting seat (11) of the bending pipe, a nozzle (30) mounted on the mounting seat (11) of the bending pipe, a connector (40) connected with the insulating barrel, and a cap (50) connected with the connector. The mounting seat has a groove (14) which has a periphery provided with a plurality of flow channels (15). The insulating barrel has an interior provided with an air chamber (23) connected to the flow channels. The air chamber includes a plane (85) and a guiding wall (86) to evenly stabilize a pressure of a welding gas. The insulating barrel has a mediate portion provided with a recessed end face (24) which is provided with a plurality of guiding holes (25) connected to the air chamber.
US09630269B2

A mechanism to attach a die to a substrate and method of use are disclosed. The vacuum carrier includes a frame composed of material compatible with solder reflow process. The vacuum carrier further includes a vacuum port extending from a top surface to an underside surface of the frame. The vacuum carrier further includes a seal mechanism provided about a perimeter on the underside surface of the frame of the vacuum carrier. The frame and seal mechanism are structured to maintain a flatness of a die attached to the vacuum carrier by a vacuum source during the solder reflow process.
US09630266B2

A saw band guiding device is comprised of a fixed insert holder comprising a fixed insert guide at a tip end portion of the fixed insert holder, the fixed insert guide guiding one side surface of a saw band; and a movable insert holder comprising a movable insert guide at a tip end portion of the movable insert holder, the movable insert guide being opposed to the fixed insert guide and guiding another side surface of the saw band, the movable insert holder being rotatable relative to the fixed insert holder, wherein the movable insert holder is provided to be regulated in directions where the movable insert holder gets closer to and away from the fixed insert holder so as to regulate a saw band guiding surface of the fixed insert guide and a saw band guiding surface of the movable insert guide to be parallel with each other.
US09630264B2

A cutting insert, used for a milling cutter, which includes two polygonal main surfaces that are opposite each other and a plurality of side faces and whose main surfaces are rake faces, whose side faces are flank faces, and whose ridge lines at positions where the main surfaces and the side faces cross each other are used as cutting edges include two major side surfaces that are opposite each other and a plurality of minor side surfaces that are formed continuously with the major side surfaces. A mounting hole is provided at the two major side surfaces in a direction in which the mounting hole extends therethrough, and areas of the two major side surfaces are greater than those of the main surfaces. The major side surfaces and the minor side surfaces are provided with flutes along entire regions of the cutting edges.
US09630261B2

The present invention relates to a drill bit structure which comprises a body. The body has a free end, an intermediate section and a connection end. The body comprises a first groove portion, a second groove portion, a third groove portion, a fourth groove portion and a fifth groove portion. The first groove portion is partially overlapped with the third groove portion from the free end. The second groove portion is partially overlapped with the fourth groove portion from the free end. After extending a preset axial distance from the free end, the first groove portion and the second groove portion are partially overlapped with each other by forming an intersecting protrusion. The fifth groove portion is extended from the intermediate section toward the connection end. The first, second, third and fourth groove portions are extended to the fifth groove portion.
US09630255B2

An object of the present invention is to configure a cutting-off processing tool that includes a cutting edge angled at an end cutting edge angle and causes evacuation of chips to be controlled so that the chips are evacuated in the tool axis direction, thereby reducing concerns about damage to a processed surface by the chips. The cutting-off processing tool includes a cutting edge angled at the end cutting edge angle. In the cutting-off processing tool, an upper surface has a shape laterally asymmetric about a center in a width direction. In the cutting-off processing tool, when θb is a rake angle of a rake face on a first corner side positioned on a foremost end of the tool, and θc is a rake angle of the rake face on a second corner side, θb>θc is satisfied.
US09630250B2

Provided is a process for silver nanowire production in which the major-axis length of the silver nanowires can be controlled in a wide range and an agent for controlling the growth of silver nanowires. A process for silver nanowire production which is characterized in that an agent for controlling the growth of silver nanowires which comprises a polymer obtained by polymerizing one or more polymerizable monomers comprising an N-substituted (meth)acrylamide is reacted with a silver compound in a polyol at 25-180° C. The agent for controlling the growth of silver nanowires is characterized by comprising a polymer which has units of an N-substituted (meth)acrylamide as a polymerizable monomer.
US09630241B2

A device for hardening foundry cores of a sand-containing molding material, wherein the core, for its hardening, is subjected in a core molding tool to a catalyst vapor/carrier gas mixture and subsequently to a pressurized air stream is provided. Each of the vapor/carrier gas and air stream are at a predetermined pressure and a predetermined temperature, wherein a heating and mixing stage, is connected to a container containing an organic catalyst in liquid form and to a pressurized air source. The liquid organic catalyst and the pressurized air are heated together in the heating and mixing stage. The device has a separate flushing line, wherein a first cutoff valve is arranged in the line to the heating and mixing stage, which is closed at the beginning of the flushing, and a second cutoff valve is arranged in the flushing line, which is open at the beginning of the flushing.
US09630239B2

In a forming apparatus, stationary journal dies (10U, 10B) and movable journal dies (11U, 11B) each hold and retain rough journal portions (J′) of a preform blank (4) therebetween, and crank pin dies (12) contacts rough crank pin portions (P′) thereof, and in this state, the movable journal dies (11U, 11B) are moved axially toward the stationary journal dies (10U, 10B) and the crank pin dies (12) are moved in the same axial direction and in an eccentric direction. Rough crank arm portions (A′) are axially compressed to reduce their thickness to that of crank arms of a forged crankshaft, and the rough crank pin portions (P′) are pressed in the eccentric direction to increase eccentricity to that of the crank pins of the forged crankshaft. Consequently, it is possible to form a blank for finish forging having a shape generally in agreement with the shape of the forged crankshaft.
US09630235B2

A roller hemming processing apparatus adapted to perform a hemming processing has a hemming die, on which a panel-like workpiece having a hemming flange portion on a periphery portion thereof, is positioned and supported, a roller hemming processing tool that is moved along a longitudinal direction of the hemming flange portion to bend the hemming flange portion at a root portion thereof while pressing the hemming flange portion toward the hemming die, and a nesting block disposed at a part of the periphery of the hemming die. The nesting block performs positioning of the workpiece by being brought into contact with the root portion of the hemming flange portion with which the workpiece is formed. The nesting block is elastically supported to be retractable in the pressing direction and to be swingably displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the hemming flange portion.
US09630230B2

A device and a method for forming by stamping a curved metal sheet. The device includes a punch made of deformable and substantially non-compressible material, a hammer configured to strike the punch along the longitudinal axis Z. A generator to generate a magnetic field configured to impart on the hammer a speed greater than a predetermined speed in the Z direction. The device further includes a matrix of predetermined shape, approximately rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis Z. The punch is rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and configured to be disposed in front of the matrix. The punch has a longitudinal dimension in the same order of magnitude as its dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Z.
US09630227B2

Before a first strip point is fed into a production line, an actual energy content at a location in front of the production line and a setpoint energy content at a location behind the production line are received for a first strip point, second strip point, and third strip point. The third strip point, followed by the first strip point, followed by the second strip point, are fed into the production line. A command variable for the first strip point and second strip point(s) is determined prior to feeding in the first strip point. Each command variable is determined based on (a) the actual value and the setpoint value of the strip point currently entering the production line, and (b) the actual value and the setpoint value of at least one strip point having already entered.
US09630216B1

A ticket scraping device for scraping an obscurant layer off of a ticket includes a housing that is substantially rectangularly box shaped. A first slot is centrally positioned in a top of the housing. The first slot is sized such that an end of a ticket is insertable into the first slot. A second slot is complementary to the first slot and is positioned in a front of the housing. A wall extends from a perimeter of the first slot to a rim of the second slot, defining a channel that extends from the first slot to the second slot. A scraper is coupled to the wall and extends into the channel. The first slot is configured for insertion of the ticket and the scraper is configured to remove an obscurant layer from the ticket as the ticket is directed past the scraper to the second slot.
US09630213B2

A vibration actuator includes: a movable element that includes a magnet and moves reciprocatingly; first and second coils arranged to surround the magnet; a housing that includes a bottom portion and a lid portion that oppose each other in a movement direction of the movable element; and a plate-like magnetic body arranged at bottom portion of the housing, magnetic attraction being generated between the plate-like magnetic body and the magnet, and the movable element being drawn towards the bottom portion side.
US09630211B2

Described is a method for producing a multicoat color and/or effect paint system by (1) applying to a substrate a pigmented aqueous basecoat material, (2) forming a polymer film from the coating material applied in stage (1), (3) applying a clearcoat material to the resultant polymer film, and then (4) curing the polymer film together with the clearcoat film. The pigmented aqueous basecoat material comprises at least one alcohol having a structure: wherein R is a C1 to C4 alkyl radical, with the proviso that R is not an n-butyl radical. The at least one alcohol is used in an amount of 0.1% to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous basecoat material. Additionally, described are the corresponding coating materials and also the use of the alcohols in pigmented aqueous coating materials.
US09630210B2

A method of lining container closures includes providing a liner machine base including a number of fluid dispensing apparatus fixed in a stationary position on the base, conveying a plurality of container closures to the fluid dispensing apparatus using a conveying assembly, manipulating each of the container closures with respect to a corresponding one of the fluid dispensing apparatus as the fluid dispensing apparatus remains stationary and dispenses a sealant, lining a plurality of the container closures with said sealant, and, discharging the container closures from the liner machine.
US09630208B2

Provided is a coating composition excellent in antifouling properties, transparency and hydrophilicity, wherein the coating composition contains (A) a metal oxide particle having a number average particle size of 1 nm to 400 nm; and (B) a polymer particle, in which the content of an aqueous-phase component in the component (B), represented by the expression (I), is 20 mass % or less, where (I) (%)=(dry mass of a filtrate obtained by filtering the component (B) at a molecular cutoff of 50,000)×(100−total mass of solid content)/(mass of the filtrate−dry mass of the filtrate)×100/the total mass of solid content.
US09630207B2

A flexible pipe body and methods of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method may include providing a tubular length of polymeric material for forming a polymeric layer of flexible pipe body; providing a strength layer radially outwards of the polymeric layer; and treating the polymeric layer with a non-ambient temperature and pressure.
US09630193B2

A handheld showerhead assembly is provided with an extendable handle. The showerhead assembly includes a handle having a proximal end affixed to a threaded hose and a distal end connecting to a traditional showerhead. The showerhead assembly's handle has a hollow housing for receiving an extension member. The extension member can be locked in a retracted or extended position by rotating the extension member relative to the handle's housing.
US09630191B2

A spray structure of a water spray gun is formed on a surface cover of the water spray gun. The surface cover is formed with a plurality of spray orifices. The inner side of the surface cover is formed with annular flanges each corresponding to the edge of each spray orifice. Each flange is formed with a tangential opening. The surface cover of the present invention is formed with the tangential opening instead of the inclined opening of the water distribution member of the prior art. When the water flows to the tangential opening and then enters the flange to be rotated and sprayed out through the spray orifices. The tangential opening of the present invention is flat and smooth and won't be blocked. The water spray gun won't be damaged easily and has a long service life. The cost is reduced.
US09630189B2

Various methods and apparatuses may be used to spray sloped surfaces, such as by using a nozzle (1). The method of the invention for spraying a fluid on turf having sloped surfaces may include spraying the fluid using a flat fan spray angle between 110 and 130 degrees and an inclination angle between 4.5 and 9.0 degrees. In some implementations, spraying the fluid may include spraying the fluid using a flat fan spray angle of approximately 120 or 127 degrees. In some implementations, spraying the fluid may include spraying the fluid using an inclination angle of approximately 4.5 degrees. In some implementations, spraying the fluid may include spraying the fluid using an inclination angle of approximately 6.5 degrees. In some implementations, spraying the fluid may include spraying the fluid using an inclination angle of approximately 9.0 degrees. In some implementations, the inclination angle may include a backward facing angle. In some implementations, the orifice of the nozzle (1) is formed by the interaction of a bent “vee” slot cut (10) though a hemispherically terminated hole creating a truncated elliptical orifice hole.
US09630188B2

A device and method for processing decoke effluent to remove particulate matter and pollutant gases is provided, with particular concern for meeting ever more stringent environmental standards.
US09630180B2

A droplet actuator with a droplet formation electrode configuration associated with a droplet operations surface, wherein the electrode configuration may include one or more electrodes configured to control volume of a droplet during formation of a sub-droplet on the droplet operations surface. Methods of making and using the droplet actuator are also provided.
US09630175B2

Disclosed herein is a method comprising: depositing a second electrode of each of a plurality of electrode pairs onto a substrate, through an opening of one or more resist layers; depositing a strip of a sacrificial layer directly on the second electrode through the same opening of the one or more resist layer; depositing a first electrode of each of the plurality of electrode pairs directly on the strip of the sacrificial layer through the same opening of the one or more resist layer; and forming a nanogap channel by removing the strip of the sacrificial layer; wherein the strip of the sacrificial layer is sandwiched between and in direct contact with the first electrode and the second electrode before the strip is removed, and wherein at least a portion of the first electrode directly faces at least a portion of the second electrode.
US09630168B2

The present invention relates to a catalytic system comprising at least two catalytic zones of which at least one zone exclusively contains one or more noble metals selected from the group consisting of Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium, Palladium and Platinum and at least another zone contains Nickel, said catalytic system characterized in that at least one zone exclusively containing noble metals selected from the group consisting of Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium, Palladium and Platinum is always distinct but in contact with at least one zone containing Nickel. One or more metals selected from the group consisting of Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium, Palladium and Platinum are possibly added to the catalytic zone or zones comprising Nickel.
US09630164B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a porous polymer metal complex which can be used as a gas adsorbent and contains two or more types of similar ligands. A porous polymer metal complex is provided expressed by [CuX]n(1) (in the Formula, X represents two or more types of isophthalic acid ions selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid ions and isophthalic acid ions having a substituent at position 5, at least an amount of one type of X is 5 mol % to 95 mol % of the total number of moles of X, and n represents an assembly number of constituent units expressed by CuX and is not particularly limited).
US09630160B2

Disclosed are an apparatus and method for continuously producing carbon nanotubes. More specifically, disclosed are an apparatus for continuously producing carbon nanotubes including i) a reactor to synthesize carbon nanotubes, ii) a separator to separate a mixed gas from the carbon nanotubes transferred from the reactor, iii) a filter to remove all or part of one or more component gases from the separated mixed gas, and iv) a recirculation pipe to recirculate the filtered mixed gas to the reactor for carbon nanotubes.Advantageously, the apparatus and method for continuously producing carbon nanotubes enable rapid processing, exhibit superior productivity and excellent conversion rate of a carbon source, significantly reduce production costs, reduce energy consumption due to decrease in reactor size relative to capacity, and generate little or no waste gas and are thus environmentally friendly.
US09630139B2

Functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers have been found to perform as non (or anti-) scaling hydrogen sulfide scavengers. A method of scavenging hydrogen sulfide includes contacting a fluid containing hydrogen sulfide with a treatment fluid including a functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ether. Accordingly, the alpha-hydroxy alkyl ether reacts with the hydrogen sulfide to reduce the amount of hydrogen sulfide in the fluid. The functionalized alpha-hydroxy alkyl ether is functionalized with a phosphate group, phosphonate group, sulfate group, or sulfonate group. A broad range of alpha-hydroxy alkyl ethers are disclosed.
US09630138B2

The invention involves a process for treating a gas stream from a hydroprocessor that contains hydrogen, methane and C2+ hydrocarbons. In embodiments of the invention, the gas stream is sent through at least two pressure swing adsorption units to produce a high quality hydrogen stream, a fuel gas stream containing most of the methane and a tail gas stream that is sent to a steam cracker. Lean gas from a gas plant and other refinery off gases may also be processed together with the gas stream from the hydroprocessor.
US09630134B2

Filter cartridges including tubular filter media having ovate cross-sections and filter systems using the ovate tubular filter cartridges are described herein. The inner perimeters of the ovate cross-sections of one or more of the filter cartridges may be asymmetric, i.e., the inner perimeters of the cross-sections of the tubular filter media in the filter cartridges may have no lines about which they are symmetric. The inner perimeters of the ovate cross-sections of the tubular filter media in one or more of the filter cartridges may have only one line of symmetry.
US09630133B2

An air cleaner is provided. The air cleaner may include a filter assembly having a plurality of stacked filters, a first case including a filter mount sleeve having the filter assembly mounted thereon, a second case coupled to a first surface of the first case and having a discharge grille disposed on a first side thereof, a support leg disposed on a second side of the second case corresponding to an opposite side of the discharge grille, a third case coupled to a first surface of the second case, and a first panel attached to a first surface of the third case. When the filter assembly, the first case, the second case, the third case, and the first panel are coupled to each other, the air cleaner may have a cylindrical exterior. The discharge grille may extend by a predetermined distance along an upper circumferential surface of the second case.
US09630122B2

A system for removing salt from a process stream being fed into a flash separator introduces a swirling motive fluid into the fluid column of the separator. The swirling motive fluid comes into contact with salt components residing in the fluid of the column to create a salt slurry. Means to limit the upward movement of the swirling motive fluid can be provided. The salt slurry is then removed and can be sent to a brine generation vessel. Saturated brine from the vessel is transported back to the fluid column to replace the motive fluid in the column.
US09630121B1

The modular flying disc is an amusement device that is aerodynamically supported. The modular flying disc is a flying device that has four weighted corner sections and a center weighted section that allow the modular flying disc to expand with centrifugal force when thrown. In various embodiments of the disclosure, the weights used in the four weighted corner sections are configured to allow multiple modular flying discs to be stacked. The modular flying disc comprises a swatch, a center weight, and a plurality of corner weights.
US09630112B2

A server device determines: win/loss of a battle game in response to a battle request from a player terminal; a provisional game content when it is determined that a player wins the battle game; win/loss of a successive battle game succeeding the battle game in response to a successive battle request from the player terminal after determining the provisional game content; and a game content, to which rarity higher than or identical to the provisional game content is set, to be provisional game content after change when determined that the player wins the successive battle game; and allows the player to own the provisional game content when accepting an acquisition request from the player terminal after determining the provisional game content, and allows the player to own the provisional game content after change when accepting an acquisition request from the player terminal after determining the provisional game content after change.
US09630111B2

Game players are connected to each other through comparisons of information associated with events in which the game players and their friends have competed. Competition information such as game play results, leader board positions, game attributes, and entitlements may be used to compare players and players' friends to each other, and the comparison information is used to recommend additional events to the players in such a way as to enhance social networking and asynchronous game play among the game players and their friends in the game.
US09630100B2

A gaming system for enabling three-dimensional game play of remote-control craft controlled by a controller, each craft including a communication system with both radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) capabilities. The system can include a plurality of hovering remote-control flying craft each controlled by a handheld controller, and further may include at least one additional game accessory elements, such as a puck, a ground station or a gun. Each pairing of craft and controllers communicate via an RF protocol that transmits at least control communications between the controller and the craft based on pair identification information in an RF communication protocol. The craft and game-accessory elements also communicate via at least an IR protocol that communicates game-play information. Selectable pairs of craft and controllers may be assigned to different teams for playing multiplayer team games based on team identification information in the RF communication protocol.
US09630098B2

A head mounted display is provided. The head mounted display includes a head attachment portion and a viewing module coupled to the head attachment portion. The viewing module includes an inner portion having a view port into a screen configuring for rendering image content, and an exterior housing. Further included are a plurality illuminating elements integrated with the exterior housing of the viewing module. The plurality of illumination elements defined for image tracking of the head mounted display. Illumination logic is provided for controlling the plurality of illumination elements to be active or inactive during use of the head mounted display.
US09630092B2

The game program according to the present invention directs a computer to execute a process in which a player unit that is selected on a game field by a player is moved on the game field in response to the player's operations and is engaged in battle with an enemy unit at the destination, and a process in which a rental unit selected from a unit list by the player is engaged in battle with an enemy unit on the game field without being moved on the game field.
US09630088B2

A game system is disclosed that can be played using gross motor skills. The game system is mountable on a portion of a user's body and includes a track along which a playing figure can be propelled by movement of the player's body. The game system can include detachable templates that include tracks of varying difficulty.
US09630086B1

A jack for leveling a pool table fits under at least one leg of the table. The jack has a circular base disk and a circular upper disk, with a gear wheel disposed between the disks. Opposing surfaces on the disks and the gear wheel have pairs of cooperating circular ramped grooves therein, with each pair of grooves receiving a ball. A worm gear has teeth in geared connection with the teeth of the gear wheel. Turning the worm gear causes the gear wheel to rotate, which causes the balls to roll in their respective pair of grooves, thus creating an axial motion of the gear wheel and upper disk. By selectively turning the worm gear in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, the axial motion may be used to selectively raise or lower the pool table, in order to level the playing surface.
US09630080B1

Putting in the game of golf is an acquired art but one that must be perfected for the golfer, whether amateur or professional must master in order to be successful. A modified putter that incorporates the use of a striking surface that extends away from the face of the putter and is slightly curved with a counterweight and a slot in the face of club is contemplated. Other embodiments use the same striking surface that is affixed to the face of the putter and the use of a counterweight have also been contemplated.
US09630074B2

An iron-type golf club head includes a ball striking face and a rear weight member that are engaged through one or more resilient members with a connection structure that creates a mass-damping effect at impact with a golf ball.
US09630071B2

A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a ball-striking surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and at least one weight element connected to the body. The head has a total weight that is higher than a target weight of the head, and the at least one weight element is configured to be at least partially removed by a material removal technique to lower the total weight of the head to approximately equal the target weight. The at least one weight element may be integrally connected to the body, such as being integrally formed with at least a portion of the body. The material removal technique may constitute milling, machining, or other material removal techniques or combination of such techniques.
US09630068B2

A golf club head includes a golf club body, the golf club body including a toe portion and a heel portion, the golf club body including a hosel connected to the heel portion, the golf club body defining an external surface area, thereby each portion of the golf club body including a contributing external surface area to the total external surface area of the golf club body; a face connected to a front of the golf club body; a surface covering applied to at least 50% of the sole.
US09630066B2

A fitting method, of a shaft of a golf club, for selecting a shaft having a torque matching a golfer based on a swing of the golfer. The method includes the steps of obtaining measurement values from a sensor attached to a grip of the golf club and capable of measuring angular velocities about three axes when a golf ball is hit by the golf club; obtaining a predetermined index value for the angular velocities quantified from the measurement values; and selecting a shaft matching the golfer from among multiple shafts whose torques have been measured in advance, based on a relationship established through test-hitting performed in advance between the index value and a torque of a shaft.
US09630065B2

A hollow fiber pipe structure includes a fiber pipe body. The fiber pipe body is hollow and formed with a through hole. The inner wall of the through hole is integrally formed with a plurality of reinforcement ribs. Each of the reinforcement ribs includes a foam material layer therein. The inner wall of the through hole is integrally formed with a plurality of reinforcement ribs to enhance the strength of the present invention greatly, and each reinforcement rib comprises a foam material layer therein so that the fiber pipe body is more compact by compressing the foam material layer. The present invention not only enhances its whole strength but also saves the use of the fiber fabric so as to lower the manufacture cost. Besides, the product is light. This is beneficial for hitting a ball.
US09630056B2

The current invention relates to an exerciser, especially a crawling exerciser, comprising two hand slides each containing a wheel and two leg slides each containing a wheel, characterized in that, characterized in that it also contains components of a linear parallel track, wherein both the hand slides and the leg slides slide in the track and a damping structure is installed on the wheels or between the wheels and the track. The exerciser of the current invention is convenient, flexible, easy to control, and is easy to perform alternate movements of the hands and legs. It does not damage the floor, carpet or ground, and is very appropriate for indoor application.
US09630053B2

An apparatus, in particular for balance training and/or fine motor training, includes at least one moveable platform, which is in at least two dimensions oscillatingly moveable, and at least one damping unit for a damping of movements of the moveable platform. The damping unit comprises a central connecting element, which extends at least partially along a zero axis of a rest position of the platform, for the connection of the platform and the damping unit and for a transfer of an at least two-dimensional movement of the platform.
US09630052B2

An elliptic-orbit treadmill has a front-end drive portion and a middle drive portion configured on the front end of the pedal, the middle drive portion being pivotally linked to the bottom end of the handle bar on the same side. Each transmission bar set includes a transverse connecting rod and a vertical connecting rod pivotally connected to each other in an elbow style, the rear end of the transverse connecting rod being pivotally connected to the middle section of the handle bar on the same side, while the bottom end of the vertical connecting rod being pivotally connected to the front-end drive portion of the pedal on the same side. The crank provided on the transverse driven shaft at the center of the flywheel is pivotally connected to the middle section of the transverse connecting rod provided on the transmission bar set on the same side.
US09630048B2

A variable resistance band assembly may include a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end. Additionally, a first disc is proximate the first end defining a plurality of holes arranged in a pattern extending through the first disc, and a second disc is stacked adjacent the first disc along an assembly axis, the second disc defining a plurality of holes arranged in a similar pattern to that of the first disc and axially aligned therewith. A connector is proximate the second end and a first resilient member is releasably attached to the connector and extending through one aligned hole in the first and second discs and releasably attached to the first disc.
US09630043B2

A stretching device that enables a user to employ the mechanical advantage of a multi-pulley system while performing various, prolonged muscle stretches; the stretching device including a first anchor assembly, a second anchor assembly, and a motion transfer line. The first motion transfer line has a first anchor body and a first motion transfer pulley; the first anchor body being attached to the user and the first motion transfer pulley being coupled to the first anchor body. Similarly, the second motion transfer line has a second anchor body and a second motion transfer pulley; the second anchor body being attached to a stationary object and the second motion transfer pulley being coupled to the second anchor body. The motion transfer line is terminally attached to the first anchor body and is trained around both the first motion transfer pulley and the second motion transfer pulley.
US09630036B2

A safety cabinet is disclosed which includes an enclosure having a double-wall construction and at least one door to selectively seal the enclosure. The safety cabinet includes a latch system for selectively retaining the door(s) in a closed position to cover the enclosure. The safety cabinet can be used to store, for example, flammable liquids, flammable waste, corrosives, pesticides, or combustible waste. The latch system includes fusible links that fuse when exposed to high ambient temperatures and cause the latch system to further engage the enclosure, thereby promoting the interlocking relationship between the door(s) and the enclosure when the safety cabinet is exposed to threshold high ambient temperatures.
US09630025B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for planning and delivering radiation treatments by modalities which involve moving a radiation source along a trajectory relative to a subject while delivering radiation to the subject. In some embodiments the radiation source is moved continuously along the trajectory while in some embodiments the radiation source is moved intermittently. Some embodiments involve the optimization of the radiation delivery plan to meet various optimization goals while meeting a number of constraints. For each of a number of control points along a trajectory, a radiation delivery plan may comprise: a set of motion axes parameters, a set of beam shape parameters and a beam intensity.
US09630023B2

The present invention is a method and system for developing a dynamic scheme for Gamma Knife radiosurgery based on the concept of “dose-painting” to take advantage of robotic patient positioning systems on the Gamma Knife C and Perfexion units. The spherical high dose volume created by the Gamma Knife unit will be viewed as a 3D spherical “paintbrush”, and treatment planning is reduced to finding the best route of this “paintbrush” to “paint” a 3D tumor volume. Under the dose-painting concept, Gamma Knife radiosurgery becomes dynamic, where the patient is moving continuously under the robotic positioning system.
US09630015B2

Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.
US09630012B2

A stimulator and a method for the treatment of intractable pain syndromes by electrical stimulation of the spinal cord is disclosed. An example method includes positioning a first pair of implantable electrodes to a dura matter in an epidural space proximate to a subject's spinal cord at predetermined locations, positioning a second pair of implantable electrodes to the dura matter in the epidural space proximate to the subject's spinal cord at predetermined locations, and transmitting signals of first and second frequencies through the first and second pairs of implantable electrodes respectively, so that the signals of the first and second frequencies interfere with each other to produce at least one beat signal proximate to the subject's spinal cord. The at least one beat signal has a frequency within a range of more than 250 Hz to about 15,000 Hz.
US09630007B2

The invention is related to a totally implantable cochlear implant having a transducer which is a piezoelectric vibration energy harvester to be mounted on the ossicular chain or the tympanic membrane to detect the frequency of oscillations and generate the required voltage to stimulate the relevant auditory nerves. The invention enables patients' continuous access to sound, since it eliminates the outside components of conventional cochlear implants. The invention also eliminates the problem of battery need, since the transducer generates voltage required to stimulate auditory nerves from the vibrations of ossicular chain. The transducer is fabricated using Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) fabrication techniques. The invention incorporates of two main parts, a transducer acting both as a frequency detector and an energy harvester, and electrodes to stimulate the auditory nerve inside the cochlea.
US09630004B2

Various methods and devices for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy to a patient are provided. In certain variations, a method may include positioning a stimulator electrode over a glabrous skin surface overlying a target nerve of a subject. Electrical stimulation may be delivered through or across the glabrous skin surface to the target nerve to stimulate the target nerve, while remaining safe and tolerable to the patient. Electrical stimulation may be delivered at frequencies that may be painful or intolerable when applied over non-glabrous surfaces of the body. Various applicators or devices for providing transdermal electrical stimulation therapy are also provided.
US09630002B2

Embodiments of dermatological cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09630000B2

MRI/RF compatible leads include at least one conductor, a respective conductor having at least one segment with a multi-layer stacked coil configuration. The lead can be configured so that the lead heats local tissue less than about 10 degrees Celsius (typically about 5 degrees Celsius or less) or does not heat local tissue when a patient is exposed to target RF frequencies at a peak input SAR of at least about 4 W/kg and/or a whole body average SAR of at least about 2 W/kg. Related leads and methods of fabricating leads are also described.
US09629991B1

Disclosed herein are unique needle cartridges for use with transdermal microneedling devices that generate and emit low energy RF signals to, and prevent backflow of liquid(s) from, the skin of a patient. One embodiment may comprise a base portion and a sleeve coupled to the base portion. Such an embodiment may also comprise an RF needle capsule disposed within the housing, and having a needle unit comprising at least one needle on an end thereof. Also, the needle cartridge comprises a drive shaft disposed through the base portion and coupled to the needle unit, and configured to be driven reciprocally along a longitudinal axis of the base portion and thereby move the RF needle capsule reciprocally such that the needles of the needle unit extend beyond and retract within the housing. Such RF needle cartridges further include an absorbing barrier disposed within the housing to prevent the backflow of liquid(s) from the needle unit by absorbing such liquid(s).
US09629985B2

A drug delivery balloon apparatus is disclosed herein, comprising: (a) at least two lumens, comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, (b) a balloon inflation port in communication with the first lumen, (c) a drug delivery port in communication with the second lumen, (d) a guidewire port in communication with either the second lumen or a third lumen, (e) an occlusion balloon, (f) a drug delivery balloon having an outer surface with a plurality of grooves, where the occlusion balloon is disposed between the drug delivery balloon and the balloon inflation port, and the occlusion and drug delivery balloons are in communication with the first lumen, (g) one or more drug delivery channels extending the length of the second lumen, and (h) one or more drug delivery ducts extending from the one or more drug delivery channels to an exterior surface of the second lumen.
US09629981B2

A multipurpose catheter includes an un-tapered portion and a tapered portion, the latter being disposed distally of the former. The catheter has an arrangement of echo reflective features over at least a portion of the tapered portion. The echo reflective features may be echo reflective solely due to their shape, or may be made of radio opaque materials, and thus may provide a degree of echogenicity not only due to their material but also due to the reflectivity of their shape.
US09629980B2

A variable stiffness catheter includes an elongate tubular body having proximal and distal body ends and defining a lumen extending longitudinally between a fluid inlet in the proximal body end and a fluid outlet in the distal body end. The catheter includes a vacuum responsive stiffener coupled with the elongate tubular body, which may include a stiffening medium such as an open cell foam having an expanded state and a vacuum collapsed state. The stiffening medium can transition between the expanded state at which it is relatively flexible and the vacuum collapsed state at which it is relatively inflexible via withdrawing fluid from the vacuum responsive stiffener by way of a vacuum device.
US09629978B2

Apparatus and methods are provided for making catheters having intermediate layers that minimize or eliminate gaps during layup.
US09629975B1

A method for ventilating a patient in which nasal mask having an exhalation scoop formed of a flexible or resiliently deformable material, fixed adjacent a lower portion of mask, is positioned to overlie an upper lip of a patient. When needed, the exhalation scoop is folded back on itself to provide access to the patient's mouth.
US09629972B1

In a bilateral bite block, a broad upper component extends bilaterally between a front end and a back end for overlying a person's tongue and at least some of the person's lower molars and for underlying at least some of the person's upper molars. Molar blocks extend downward from both sides of the broad upper component and are disposed for contacting the person's lower molars. A groove is disposed within a top surface of a handle and the broad upper component for receiving an endotracheal tube. An aperture is disposed within the groove in the broad upper component for grasping a received endotracheal tube that can extend within the groove from the handle to beyond the back end of the upper component so that a received endotracheal tube that extends within the groove can contact the person's tongue and thereby enhance the grasp of the endotracheal tube.
US09629966B2

An internal dry powder delivery system through a working channel of an endoscopic cannula for directly applying the powder form medication to an internal tissue/organ site, includes an elongated tubular delivery channel and a powder supply device for producing pressurized gas mixing with the dry powder for feeding to form a mixture of dry powder and pressurized gas delivering to an internal tissue/organ site through the delivery channel via endoscopic cannula. It ensures a smooth powder release by preventing liquid from accumulation at the tip of the delivery channel and offers physicians a new powder form drug delivery method via endoscope. Also, it offers new minimal invasive application by directly and precisely applying the powder format drug to the internal sites of human gastrointestinal organ via endoscope to achieve hemostasis, anti-inflammation, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor treatment, etc.
US09629965B2

Drug products adapted for nasal delivery, comprising a pre-primed device filled with a pharmaceutical composition comprising an opioid receptor antagonist, are provided. Methods of treating opioid overdose or its symptoms with the inventive drug products are also provided.
US09629955B2

A drug or fluid delivery device includes a pump having a control module. A cassette is removably mounted to the control module. A reservoir is contained within the cassette, and contains a fluid to be delivered to a patient. A protrusion extends from an interior surface of the cassette, creating and maintaining a crease in the reservoir as the fluid is emptied therefrom, thereby creating a fluid path along which the fluid travels to reduce occurrences of the reservoir deleteriously sealing off pockets of fluid as the reservoir is emptied.
US09629953B2

The subject invention provides novel, inexpensive, and highly effective methods and devices for convenient and effective irrigation of abscesses, puncture wounds, and similar types of deep tissue wounds. In one embodiment the subject invention provides a discharge apparatus for a reservoir housing containing irrigation solution, wherein the discharge apparatus has a specifically designed nozzle for insertion into a wound opening and through which a sufficient volume of the irrigation solution can pass at an appropriate pressure.
US09629943B2

Apparatus and methods for blocking needle tracts are disclosed. In some embodiments, the needle tracts are blocked by using a needle that includes an elongated shaft that defines an outer surface, and a polymer coating applied to the outer surface of the shaft, the coating being adapted to block the tract formed by insertion of the needle into an object.
US09629942B2

The present invention is related to a medical device carrying at least on a portion of its surface a Limus drug or Limus drug preparation and butylated hydroxytoluene at a ratio of 3-100% by weight of butylated hydroxytoluene in relation to 100% by weight of the Limus drug.
US09629932B2

In the early detection of cancer, in particular bladder cancer, a photodynamic diagnosis uses, as a photosensitizer, a formulation that contains sodium hypericinate that is bonded to polyvinylpyrrolidone or complexed with polyvinylpyrrolidone.
US09629931B2

The present invention is associated with a method of evaluating platelet function in vivo using skin-irradiation and nanoparticle radiation treatment. The present invention in the recovery of radiation skin injury suggests that radiation skin injury can be used as a substitute model to evaluate platelet substitute products instead of measuring bleeding times. Submicron nanoparticles and a future platelet treatment product are administered intravenously before and after irradiation to subjects. The resultant radiation skin injury are compared and used to evaluate the effectiveness of the platelet treatment product on platelet function in vivo. The radiation skin injury can serve as a model to evaluate platelet and platelet-substitute products, by replacing bleeding time measurements.
US09629930B2

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for insertion of Factor IX (FIX) sequences into the genome of a cell for treating hemophilia B.
US09629916B2

Human lubricating gels, methods and kits for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient utilizing human lubricating gel are provided, the human lubricating gel being capable of adhering to the target tissue site and comprising one or more biodegradable formulations containing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent. In various embodiments, the human lubricating gel is sprayable and hardens after contacting the target tissue site.
US09629914B2

Biomaterial compositions that include an isolated heparosan polymer are disclosed, as well as kits containing such biomaterial compositions and methods of producing and using such biomaterial compositions.
US09629912B2

A method, device and system employs particles, such as nanoparticles, and an electric or electro-magnetic field, to cause cell death in target cells by non-thermal means. The method of causing targeted cell death comprises the steps of: introducing a particle to the interior of a target cell and exposing the target cell to a transient electromagnetic field for a sufficient time interval in order to cause cell death. The invention overcomes problems associated with similar methods as a result of the fact that a smaller electric field is applied because the particle enhances the effect of the electric field in its immediate vicinity, so reducing the field strength needed to achieve cell lysis and thereby reducing the risk of damage to healthy cells that may be in its vicinity. Apparatus for performing the method; as well as techniques of delivering particles and for producing particles are also described.
US09629911B2

The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of protein function, which regulator is a light-sensitive regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated polypeptide that includes a subject synthetic regulator. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated polypeptide. The present invention further provides methods of modulating protein function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate protein function.
US09629901B2

Some embodiments a glucagon administration system can provide a suggested glucagon dosage based on one or more particular parameters (e.g., the user's recent blood glucose characteristics, a glucagon sensitivity value of the user, and other parameters). In some circumstances, the glucagon administration system can receive information indicative of the user's blood glucose level and suggest a glucagon dosage that is at least partially dependent upon a previously stored glucagon sensitivity for the user.
US09629900B2

The present invention provides oral compositions which contain interferon α (IFNα) as an active ingredient for preventing and/or treating periodontal disease. The number of causative microorganisms of periodontal disease can be suppressed by administering the compositions into the oral cavity. IFNα of the present invention can produce a sufficient effect even when administered at a very low dose. Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention can also be readily administered to animals such as dogs by formulating them into feed or such.
US09629890B2

The present invention relates to a composition comprising a tryptophan-containing peptide and having a Trp/LNAA ratio of more than 0.1 for decreasing eating or appetite during or after stress.
US09629879B2

The present invention provides an isolated cell obtainable from the CTX0E03 neural stem cell line for use in the treatment of a disorder associated with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, wherein the disorder is selected from unipolar and bipolar depression, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, autism and autistic syndrome disorders.
US09629874B2

Methods are provided to make clinoptilolite into a water-soluble hydrolyzed form suitable for various administration routes, including oral administration. Absorption of water-soluble hydrolyzed clinoptilolite fragments can aid in detoxification by binding heavy metals and environmental toxins, can reducing reactive oxygen species and inflammation related to heavy metals, resulting in an increase in energy, an increase in one or more of focus, concentration, and memory. Water-soluble hydrolyzed clinoptilolite fragments can be combined with one or more dietary supplements, including various vitamins and sleep aids.
US09629873B2

Disclosed herein is a non-toxic, bioresorbable, magnesium based alloy for use in production of implants. Specifically exemplified herein are alloy embodiments useful for orthopedic implants. Also disclosed are alloy materials that incorporate magnesium, calcium and strontium.
US09629867B2

Chemically modified small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that include both phosphorodithioate modifications (PS2-RNA) and 2′-O-methyl modifications (MePS2) provide improved RNA silencing. Specific chemically modified siRNA that show enhanced silencing of RNAs involved in resistance to chemotherapeutic agents are provided.
US09629859B2

The invention relates to novel NO donors which are targeted to the mitochondria. The NO donor compounds of the invention allow NO to be selectively provided to the mitochondria.
US09629854B2

The present invention is about a pharmaceutical composition, an oral preparation, and an injection preparation containing a G protein-coupled Receptor19 (GPCR19) agonist, specifically sodium taurodeoxycholate (HY2191) and its derivative, as an active ingredient for preventing or treating allergic skin diseases. The present invention is also about an external preparation and a cosmetic composition containing said pharmaceutical composition for preventing and improving allergic skin diseases. The said pharmaceutical composition shows an excellent efficacy in treating and improving allergic dermatitis compared with the steroid ointments or immunosuppressive ointments currently used. The said pharmaceutical composition reduces the level of serum IgE, which is a major factor causing allergic dermatitis, increases TH1 cytokine alleviating allergic dermatitis and reduces TH2 cytokine that exacerbates allergic dermatitis. The said pharmaceutical composition also reduces infiltration of a mast cell, eosinophil, and neutrophil in dermis and ameliorates clinical symptoms such as erythema, hemorrhage, edema, excoriation, erosion, scaling and dryness. Thus, the said pharmaceutical composition can be used to prevent and treat allergic skin diseases.
US09629851B2

The current disclosure relates to pharmaceutical combinations and compositions useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer. The disclosure also relates to method of treatment these certain types of cancer. In particular, the disclosure relates to the combined use of inhibitors of ROCK and proteins of the MAPK/ERK-pathway in the treatment of KRAS-, NRAS- or BRAF-mutated cancer, in particular in NRAS mutated melanoma.
US09629845B2

The present invention provides methods of treating, ameliorating or preventing hand-foot syndrome in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.
US09629844B2

The present invention relates to a stabilized pemetrexed formulation, and more specifically, to a stabilized pemetrexed formulation comprising acetylcysteine as an antioxidant and sodium citrate as a buffering agent. Additionally, the present invention relates to a pemetrexed formulation filled in a sealed container, comprising pemetrexed or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient, wherein the oxygen gas content within the headspace of the container is 3 v/v % or less.
US09629838B2

This application discloses a composition comprising an amiloride and/or an amiloride analog which can be used for reducing nerve injury or nervous system injury in a subject. The formulation of such composition is also disclosed. The application further directs to methods for treating nerve injury or nervous system injury by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising amiloride, an amiloride analog or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09629796B2

The present invention relates to a method of preparing a colored gloss pigment using a natural dye. According to the present disclosure, the method may include preparing a dye from a dye material of natural dyes; titrating the dye with an inorganic salt solution and subsequently adjusting a pH neutral to prepare a natural pigment containing the dye; dispersing a substrate coated with a metal oxide into a DI water to form a substrate suspension; and introducing a pH adjusting agent and the natural pigment into the substrate suspension to coat a surface of the substrate with the natural pigment.
US09629792B2

A mixable multi-functional composition for application to keratin fibers such as hair, lashes or brows comprising at least one volatile solvent, at least one siloxane resin, at least one montmorillonite mineral, optionally at least one non-volatile oil, and optionally at least one wax; and a method for coloring keratin fibers comprising the steps of sequentially applying to the fibers, in any order, at least one mixable composition and at least one pigmented composition, wherein upon application the mixable composition mixes and combines with the pigmented composition in the wet state to form a final mixed composition that upon drying forms a compatible and homogeneous film.
US09629784B2

Molding method of manufacturing for soft-shield and orthodontic pacifiers, and for pacifiers having snap-in caps that prevent exposing baglet to molten plastic during molding process.
US09629774B2

A smart necklace includes a body defining at least one cavity and having a neck portion and first and a second side portions. The necklace includes a pair of stereo cameras that is configured to detect image data including depth information corresponding to a surrounding environment of the smart necklace. The necklace further includes a positioning sensor configured to detect positioning data corresponding to a positioning of the smart necklace. The necklace includes a non-transitory memory positioned in the at least one cavity and configured to store map data and object data. The smart necklace also includes a processor positioned in the at least one cavity, coupled to the pair of stereo cameras, the positioning sensor and the non-transitory memory. The processor is configured to determine output data based on the image data, the positioning data, the map data and the object data.
US09629772B2

A medical examination device is provided with a pair of foot support assemblies, a patient support mat, and a U-shaped support frame with an attached pair of legs. Wheel assemblies are attached to the legs and facilitate the transportation of the device to and from a bed whereby the support assemblies, patient support mat, and legs are extended and adjusted to support a patient on the bed to facilitate a medical examination. The foot support assemblies are foldable, and the patient support mat and legs are collapsible so that the device is transported and stored in a small, compact size.
US09629770B1

A portable transfer board can facilitate moving a person having limited mobility, for example a person in a wheelchair transferring himself or herself into or out of a wheelchair. The portable transfer board can be transported in a compact configuration and placed in a transfer configuration on an as-needed basis. For example, a user or caregiver can tote the portable transfer board in a backpack, in a compartment on a wheelchair, or on his or her person. When needed for transfer, the user or caregiver can reconfigure the transfer board, so that at least one dimension is lengthened, and deploy the transfer board.
US09629762B2

A wheelchair curb-climbing and curb-descending system for aiding a wheelchair to negotiate a curb. The system includes a wheelchair attachment mechanism; a pair of front arms adapted to extend to lift a front portion of wheelchair and to retract back to lower the front portion of the wheelchair; a pair of rear arms adapted to extend to lift a rear portion of wheelchair and to retract back to lower the rear portion of the wheelchair. The system further includes an arm extending mechanism for extending/retracting the arms; a rotatable lifting-arm wheel at free ends of each arm; a wheel motor for rotating the arm wheels; an operation control unit; and a leveling mechanism for ensuring the seat of the wheelchair remains substantially level to the ground during operation of the system.
US09629755B2

An absorbent article having improved softness signals is disclosed. The article may include a topsheet or a backsheet including a nonwoven web. The web may have a basis weight of 30 gsm or less, may be formed of spunlaid fibers including polyolefin and up to 5 percent by weight TiO2, and may be impressed with a pattern of bond impressions to a bond area percentage of at least 10 percent forming a pattern of bonded regions and raised regions. The web may have opacity of 42 or greater; have an average height difference between bonded regions and raised regions of at least 280 μm; be hydroengorged; and/or have a cross-direction tensile strength of 350 gf/cm. A nonwoven web manufactured to have a suitable combination of such features exhibits an enhanced appearance of softness, soft tactile feel and satisfactory mechanical attributes, while being relatively cost effective.
US09629752B1

A welding helmet with a sensor-operated light and photochromic visor lens including a welding helmet body configured, sized, and shaped to cover and substantially conform to a welder's forehead. A frustoconical protrusion, integrated into a front side of the welding helmet body, houses a battery-operated LED light bulb. At least one photosensor is disposed proximal the protrusion. Upon the detection of a welding arc by the at least one photosensor, an auto-darkening filtered visor lens darkens and the LED light bulb in activated. A battery compartment, an on-off switch, and a microchip are disposed on a rear side of the welding helmet body. A padded length-adjustable strap is pivotally disposed across the rear side of the welding helmet body.
US09629750B2

A comprehensive multi-mode system for performing ophthalmic laser surgery on selected tissue inside an eye includes a laser unit for generating and focusing a laser beam to perform Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) at a focal point in selected tissue. Also included is a selector for defining an operational mode according to characteristics of the tissue to be altered by LIOB. In combination, the operational mode specifies value ranges for configuration parameters for a pulsed femtosecond laser beam, establishes a base reference datum in the eye, and identifies a scanning procedure for the focal point of the laser beam to customize the system for a particular surgical procedure. A computer that is connected to the laser unit is responsive to the selector for implementing the operational mode.
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