US09714949B2
The invention relates to a method for detecting antibodies against the TpN17 antigen of Treponema pallidum in an isolated sample wherein a peptide sequence of Vibrio cholerae lipoprotein 15 (VcLp15) or a partial sequence thereof is used as a reagent for reduction of interference, i.e. for minimizing false positive results. In addition the invention relates to fusion polypeptides comprising a VcLp15 peptide sequence and a chaperone, to their use as an additive in an immunoassay for said reduction of interferences and for minimizing false positive results and to a reagent kit for detecting antibodies against Treponema pallidum antigens in an isolated sample comprising a TpN17 antigen and said VcLp15-chaperone fusion polypeptide.
US09714946B2
The present invention provides compounds of the Formula (I) and (II), and salts thereof, wherein L1, L2, A, B, Z, and RO are as defined herein. The present invention also provides synthetic intermediates, methods of preparation and use, and kits comprising such compounds. Such compounds, when bound to a label or probe (B), may be useful in various assays for identifying bromodomain binding agents, for example, specific for the BET-family of bromodomains.
US09714930B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring salinity of interstitial water in a soil sample, the apparatus including: an air supplier that generates a stream of high-pressure air; an air nozzle from which the high-pressure air, supplied from the air supplier, is ejected; a soil-compressing tank into which the high-pressure air, ejected from the air nozzle, is introduced and which compresses a soil sample contained therein to squeeze interstitial water from the soil sample; and a water tank which collects and stores the interstitial water drained from the soil-compressing tank and in which a salinity-measuring sensor for measuring salinity is installed to measure salinity of the interstitial water.
US09714926B2
To heat a flowing liquid, an apparatus includes a heater block assembly having a heater block made of thermally conductive material. The heater block assembly has a tube inlet, a tube outlet, and a tube path between the tube inlet and tube outlet. Tubing extends through the tube path from the tube inlet to the tube outlet. The tubing is in thermal communication with the heater block. A heater cartridge, in thermal communication with the heater block, is configured to provide heat to the heater block for transfer to liquid flowing through the tubing between the tube inlet and the tube outlet of the heater block assembly. Circuitry is in electrical communication with the heater cartridge to control a temperature of the heater block by controlling operation of the heater cartridge.
US09714925B2
A gas chromatographic method for analyzing natural gas and a natural gas upgrading system using the gas chromatographic method for analyzing natural gas. The method includes transporting the natural gas through a chiller, transporting the natural gas from the chiller to at least two gas upgrading membranes, and operating a gas chromatographic system having at least one upstream gas chromatograph and at least two downstream gas chromatographs. The at least one upstream gas chromatograph, the first downstream gas chromatograph, and the second downstream gas chromatograph all operate simultaneously and utilize the same heating oven to heat samples of natural gas.
US09714924B2
An ultrasonic inspection device includes: a vibration generating section that irradiates laser beam onto a first member to generate ultrasonic vibration; a detecting section that detects the ultrasonic vibration propagated from the first to a second members via a welded portion; and an analyzing section that analyzes the propagated ultrasonic vibration detected by the detecting section. The analyzing section obtains at least one of frequency and wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration detected by the detecting section upon when a displacement in the second member in a thickness direction becomes maximum. The analyzing section obtains a cross sectional dimension of the welded portion from a correlated relationship of the cross sectional dimension of the welded portion obtained in advance at a position on a surface of the second member on the first member side and the at least one of the frequency and wavelength of the ultrasonic vibration.
US09714922B2
A probe for use in magnetostrictive testing of tubular structures. The probe has a handle and an outer tube, the latter having an expandable probe head for insertion into the tubular structure. A pair of magnetostrictive sensors is mounted in or on the probe head. A flexible bladder is located inside the outer tube in the area of the probe head, and communicates with a pressurizing cartridge in the probe handle via a bladder tube. The bladder is operable to expand, causing the probe head to expand, which moves the sensors toward the inner wall of the tubular structure. The probe is also equipped with a couplant injector that delivers coupling fluid to any gaps between the inner surface of the tubular structure and the outer surface of the probe.
US09714908B2
Method and apparatus for analysis and display of fine grained mineral samples. A portion of the sample is illuminated with a charged particle beam. Emitted radiation is detected, and a sample emission spectrum is generated and fit with a plurality of standard emission spectra of minerals in a candidate mineral composition. A mineral composition whose emission spectrum best fits the sample emission spectrum is selected from a plurality of candidate mineral compositions. An assigned color is received for each mineral in the selected mineral composition, and the assigned colors are blended according to the proportion of each mineral in the selected mineral composition. An image pixel corresponding to the portion of the sample is rendered for display.
US09714891B2
A device for fixing a rock sample, including: a lower clamp and an upper clamp; the lower clamp including a lower connector connected to a loading base at a bottom of a testing machine, a lower end cap for fixing samples, a lower chain connecting the lower connector and the lower end cap, a first spiral spring, a first central position-limit mechanism, a second central position-limit mechanism, and a first hydraulic mechanism; the upper clamp including an upper connector connected to a loading base at a top of the testing machine, an upper end cap for fixing samples, an upper chain connecting the upper connector and the upper end cap, a second spiral spring, a third central position-limit mechanism, a fourth central position-limit mechanism, and a second hydraulic mechanism.
US09714888B2
The invention discloses a device and method for rapid high-pressure gas sampling includes a main gas line, a sample container filled with liquid and sampling tube, a close loop sampling bypass line coupled with the said main gas line, the upper end of the sampling tube connects with a particulate filter in the sampling bypass line, the sampling tube lower end extending into inside sample container, on top of the sample container a gas outlet line is attached, condensate drain path attaches to the sample container. The fast high pressure gas sampling device significantly minimizes the process gas sampling time to a few seconds range, which will help improve a real-time gas components analysis and process control for high pressure high temperature and dust laden conditions.
US09714879B2
Electrically conductive barriers for integrated circuits and integrated circuits and methods including the electrically conductive barriers. The integrated circuits include a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor device supported by a device portion of the substrate, and a plurality of bond pads supported by a bond pad portion of the substrate. The integrated circuits also include an electrically conductive barrier that projects away from an intermediate portion of the substrate and is configured to decrease capacitive coupling between the device portion and the bond pad portion. The methods can include methods of manufacturing an integrated circuit. These methods include forming a semiconductor device, forming a plurality of bond pads, forming a plurality of electrically conductive regions, and forming an electrically conductive barrier. The methods also can include methods of operating an integrated circuit. These methods include applying an input electric signal, receiving an output electric signal, and applying a reference potential.
US09714876B2
Methods and apparatus for a semiconductor strain gauge pressure sensor. An apparatus includes a sense element configured to be exposed to a pressure environment, the sense element including at least one highly doped semiconductor strain gauge, the highly doped semiconductor strain gauge including a five pad single full Wheatstone bridge, an electronics package disposed on a carrier and electrically coupled to the sense element, the carrier disposed on a port that comprises the sense element, a housing disposed about the sense element and electronics package, and a connector joined to the housing and electrically connected to the electronics package, the connector including an external interface.
US09714875B2
Various systems and techniques may be used to enhance the sensing loads on a roof surface. In some implementations, an impact-resistant surface-mounted roof sensor system may include a sensor, a protective cover, and a load transfer mechanism. The sensor may be adapted to sense a load incident thereon, and the protective cover may be configured to span at least the width of the sensor and adapted to withstand impacts from dense media and an direct incident load. The load transfer mechanism may be adapted to mechanically transfer a load applied on the protective cover to the sensor.
US09714868B2
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for thermal sensor power savings using a toggle control. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit (e.g., a memory device) includes an on-die thermal sensor, a storage element (e.g., a register), and toggle logic. The toggle logic may transition the thermal sensor from a first power consumption level to a second power consumption level responsive, at least in part, to a toggle indication.
US09714864B2
A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.
US09714860B2
A gas supply warning and communication system to generate and communicate alarm signals indicating gas pressure and gas flow malfunctions in a pressurized gas system, and to open a reserve gas reservoir in the event of certain types of malfunction. The system stores, transmits, and makes available for download, gas pressure, gas flow, and oxygen concentration data, and information regarding the status of the system. The system also accepts commands for modification of system function from users of remote devices. A software product encoding methods for operating the gas supply warning and communication system. A motorized reservoir changing device including a universal valve coupler, and methods for operating a reservoir valve with the reservoir changing device. A gripper tube for secure connection of gas lines linking components of a pressurized gas system.
US09714855B2
An ultrasonic flow meter device includes a piping arrangement, at least two ultrasonic transducers, and at least two reflective elements. The piping arrangement includes a fluid passage extending through a tubular body. The at least two ultrasonic transducers are configured to generate and/or receive an ultrasonic sound wave and the at least two reflective elements are configured to direct the ultrasonic sound wave through a fluid passage in a measurement section of the piping arrangement between the at least two ultrasonic transducers in a travel path that is substantially Z-shaped. A width of the fluid passage in the measurement section is less than the width of the fluid passage at the ends of the tubular body, but the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage in the measurement section is the same as the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage at the ends of the tubular body.
US09714847B2
A signal processing apparatus comprising: a first gain-adjustable amplifier receiving the first input signal and generating a gain-adjusted first input signal according to a first gain; a first adder for subtracting the gain-adjusted first input signal from the second input signal, thereby generating a second output signal; a second gain-adjustable amplifier receiving the second input signal and generating a gain-adjusted second input signal according to a second gain; a second adder for subtracting the gain-adjusted second input signal from the first input signal, thereby generating a first output signal; and a weighting correlator receiving the first output signal and the second output signal, and generating the first integrated signal to control the first gain and the second gain.
US09714845B2
A resolver abnormality detection apparatus for a resolver having first and second secondary windings includes a first resistor section including a first pull-up resistor for pulling up the first secondary winding, a first pull-down resistor for pulling down the first secondary winding, a second resistor section including a second pull-up resistor for pulling up the second secondary winding and a second pull-down resistor for pulling down the second secondary winding, and first and second differential input sections connected across the first secondary winding and across the second secondary winding, respectively. The resolver abnormality detection apparatus detects presence of an abnormality in each of the first and second secondary windings based on outputs of the first and second differential input sections, a DC voltage between the first resistor section and the first differential input section and a DC voltage between the second resistor section and the second differential input section.
US09714840B2
A method for determining a route of travel for a mobile device from a start point to at least one destination point based on a user ranking of wireless internet quality of service metrics using a server connected to the mobile device through a network. The server receives the start point, at least one destination point, and the ranking of wireless internet quality of service metrics from the mobile device. The server determines registered wireless access points along a plurality of routes between the starting point and the at least one destination point accessible to the mobile device. The server ranks each of the plurality of routes based on the wireless internet quality of service metrics of the wireless access points along the route and the user ranking of the wireless internet quality of service metrics; and sends at least one of the routes to the mobile device.
US09714838B2
The terminal holding device includes an attaching unit to be attached to a vehicle, a holding unit which removably holds a terminal device in such a manner that a display unit of the terminal device is exposed and which includes a contact surface to be contact with the terminal device, an acceleration sensor which detects acceleration in a direction from a side of the contact surface to a side opposite to the contact surface, and a supplying unit which supplies a detection signal of the acceleration sensor to the terminal device.
US09714836B2
Identifying a position of a vehicle using an absolute position coordinate based on radio navigation and a relative position coordinate based on at least vehicle speed. Setting, for traveling history information, reference sections in which a traveling area is common, and reading two absolute position coordinates concerning a same vehicle that are transmitted at different points in the reference section. Calculating distances between the two absolute position coordinates. A first distance is calculated based on the road map information. A second distance is calculated based on the vehicle speed included in the traveling history information. Selectively performing, according to an absolute value of a difference between the first and second distances, one of identification of the position using the absolute position coordinate, identification of the position using a vehicle speed integrated value, and identification of the position using both of the absolute position coordinate and the vehicle speed integrated value.
US09714835B2
Provided is a system or the like capable of allowing a navigation-client to efficiently use a route search result by a navigation server, while accepting the existence of difference between map data used by each of the navigation server and the navigation-client. By having a common description such as coordinate values, it is able to make the navigation-client 200 efficiently use the route search result by the navigation server 100, while accepting the existence of difference of map data used by each of the navigation server 100 and the navigation-client 200.
US09714827B2
A lithographic process is used to form a plurality of target structures (92, 94) distributed at a plurality of locations across a substrate and having overlaid periodic structures with a number of different overlay bias values distributed across the target structures. At least some of the target structures comprise a number of overlaid periodic structures (e.g., gratings) that is fewer than said number of different overlay bias values. Asymmetry measurements are obtained for the target structures. The detected asymmetries are used to determine parameters of a lithographic process. Overlay model parameters including translation, magnification and rotation, can be calculated while correcting the effect of bottom grating asymmetry, and using a multi-parameter model of overlay error across the substrate.
US09714826B2
A shape of an object is measured using a plurality of space encoding patterns each of which includes a light portion and a dark portion. A first and second pattern sets are obtained. The first set comprises patterns each of which has the light portion of each space encoding pattern masked by a pattern mask. The second set comprises patterns each of which has the light portion of each of the space encoding pattern masked by a mask with varying the mask pattern. Captured images of an object on which the patterns of the first and second sets are sequentially projected are inputted. A correspondence between projection coordinates of the projected pattern and image coordinates of a captured image for the projected pattern is detected. A shape of the object is derived based on correspondences.
US09714807B2
A vibration dampening crossbow comprising a stirrup disposed on the distal end of the body, the stirrup including a foot-receiving portion for securing the distal and of the body to the ground with a foot applying pressure on the stirrup toward the ground when cocking the string of the crossbow, wherein the foot-receiving portion of the stirrup is configured to damp vibrations.
US09714804B2
Systems for a firearm are provided to increase safety, reduce complexity, and improve precision of the weapon. In general, examples of the systems including a safe axis firing pin that prevents unintended discharge are described herein, where the firing pin is not aligned with the primer of a chambered cartridge until the user intends to fire the firearm. Embodiments of the system are capable of modular installation and generally include a user-actuated trigger configured to displace the firing pin from a safe axis to a firing axis, by rotation, translation, or a combination thereof. Additional features are provided to prevent displacement of the firing pin by input other than the trigger, e.g., if the firearm is dropped. In another aspect, examples of the systems described herein include a barrel interfacing a slide where the barrel and slide include features to centrally align the barrel as the slide completes a cycle.
US09714795B2
To increase a heat exchange capacity of an indoor heat exchanger without increasing a pressure loss inside tubes of an outdoor heat exchanger. A heat exchanger is constituted by an indoor machine equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 10 constituted by a plurality of heat transfer tubes 12A, which have a spiral grooves 13A formed with a predetermined lead angle Ra on inner faces of the tubes and are made to pierce a plurality of fins 11, and an outdoor machine equipped with an outdoor heat exchanger 20 constituted by a plurality of heat transfer tubes 22A which have a lead angle Rb of spiral grooves 23A smaller than that of a heat transfer tubes 10A used for the indoor heat exchanger 10 and are made to pierce a plurality of fins 11.
US09714794B2
A fin for a heat exchanger includes a flat portion having an upstream flat part and a downstream flat part parallel to a flow direction of a fluid. Multiple louvers are arranged in the flow direction. A fluid-turning part including a surface approximately parallel to the flow direction is arranged between two of the multiple louvers. A first portion of the louvers located upstream of the fluid-turning part are inclined in a direction opposite from a second portion of the louvers located downstream of the fluid-turning part. The first and second portion of the louvers include first louvers and second louvers. The first louvers are inclined from the flat portion at a first inclined angle larger than a second inclined angle at which the second louvers are inclined from the flat portion. The second louvers are arranged adjacent to the fluid-turning part.
US09714792B2
An assembly for providing a saggar for use in high temperature applications, may include a first substantially rectangular base element and two sets of two substantially rectangular side elements, wherein the side elements of each set of side elements have at least one dimension corresponding to dimensions of first and second opposite edges of the base element. The assembly may also include four corner elements and fasteners, wherein the base element and the side elements are configured to be assembled into a box-shaped saggar and secured to one another using the corner elements and the fasteners, and wherein the first base element is made of a corrosion resistant material.
US09714774B2
A high efficiency downfired gas water heater is provided which has a tank for storing water to be heated, a combustion chamber extending downwardly through a top end of the tank, and a gas burner operative to create hot combustion products within the combustion chamber. At the bottom end of the tank is a transfer chamber coupled to an external discharge conduit and to a single pass heat exchanger, in the form of multiple flue tubes. extending vertically through the tank and connected to the combustion chamber. In one embodiment of the water heater the burner is a power burner which forces the combustion products sequentially through the combustion chamber, heat exchanger, transfer chamber and discharge conduit. In another embodiment of the water heater a draft inducer fan is used to draw the combustion products through this path from the combustion chamber.
US09714770B2
Embodiments of the invention provide an air conditioning unit and a ventilator. The ventilator has an impeller to draw outside air into an enclosure and cause air within the enclosure to be exhausted to the outside. The ventilator can be tied into the air conditioning unit's control system and act to supplement the cooling and ventilation needs of the space. Alternatively, the ventilator can have a separate integral control system. By having a separate control system, the ventilator can operate as a stand-alone device.
US09714764B2
The invention relates to a method for chemical-looping combustion of a hydrocarbon-containing feedstock, comprising: contacting oxygen-carrying material particles coming from a reduction zone R0 with an oxidizing gas stream in a reactive oxidation zone R1, separating the fly ashes, the fines and the oxygen-carrying material particles within a mixture coming from zone R1 in a dilute phase separation zone S2, the driving force required for dilute phase elutriation in S2 being provided by the oxidizing gas stream from reactive oxidation zone R1. Optionally, partitioning is carried out in a dedusting zone S4, then possibly in a dense phase elutriation separation zone S5. The invention also relates to a chemical-looping combustion plant allowing said method to be implemented.
US09714763B1
A lamp assembly includes a base plate and a plurality of light emitting units. The base plate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The base plate is formed with a plurality of first heat-dissipating holes extending through the first and second surfaces, and a plurality of second heat-dissipating holes extending through the first and second surfaces and possessing a diameter smaller than that of the first heat-dissipating holes. The plurality of light emitting units are mounted on the first and second surfaces.
US09714758B2
An LED lamp including: a lamp holder; a housing; a lamp house; a power supply assembly; an LED light source assembly; a heat radiation assembly. The housing includes a wall, a chamber, and an opening. The lamp holder is in fixed connection to the housing. The power supply assembly is disposed in the chamber of the housing. The LED light source assembly and the heat radiation assembly are disposed in the lamp house. The wall of the housing includes a plurality of first air vents. A clamping plate is disposed between the power supply assembly and the lamp house, and the lamp house is connected to the opening of the housing via the clamping plate. The lamp house includes a vent hole.
US09714757B2
A light emitting device with good handling performance for storage, transportation, or in use, which can prevent stress from concentrating on the light emitting elements. The substrate member includes a first end portion, a middle portion, and a second end portion. The first end portion defines a locking hole for insertion of a locking bar. A plurality of light emitting elements are disposed on the middle portion. On the second end portion, an electronic member such as a Zener Diode, a Bridge Diode, a connector, a fuse, a resistance etc., is disposed.
US09714754B2
Lighting arrangement (1, 1′) comprising a light source (2) for generating light; a spreading element (3) realized to laterally spread the generated light in a spreading plane (S), defined by an optical axis (AO) of the light source (2) and a longitudinal axis (L) of the spreading element (3), to give an essentially uniform quantity of light per unit area at an emission face (41, 51) orthogonal to the spreading plane (S) and parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the spreading element (3) and a light redirecting element (4, 5) arranged to collect the spread light, which comprises a longitudinal planar emission face (41, 51), and is realized to collect the laterally spread light and to emit the collected light essentially uniformly from the emission face (41, 51).
US09714742B1
A glow stick carrier comprising one or more openable containers for carrying at least one substance, and one or more attachments of the container to a glow stick.
US09714739B2
A method and apparatus for compressing gases and supplying compressed gaseous fuel to a consuming device, such as a gaseous fueled vehicle or the like. One embodiment includes a gas compressor for compressing the gaseous fuel to an array of tanks having predetermined initial set points which are increasing for tanks in the array. One embodiment provides a selecting valve having first and second families of ports wherein the valve can be operated to select a plurality of ports from the first family to be fluidly connected with a plurality of ports with the second family, and such fluid connections can be changed by operation of the valve.
US09714733B2
A connector is provided for connecting an auxiliary device to a fluid circulating system. The connector comprises a body with inlet and outlet ports for connection to the fluid circulating system, and an auxiliary port for connection to the auxiliary device. The auxiliary port diverts fluid from the inlet to the auxiliary device and returns fluid to the outlet port. A collar surrounds the auxiliary port, secured by two spring clips. When the spring clips are both locked, movement between the connector and auxiliary device is prevented. When the first clip is released and the second clip is locked, rotation between the connector and the auxiliary device about the central axis and a predetermined amount of movement along the axis is permitted. The connector can be fitted in a variety of orientations relative to the auxiliary device and angular adjustment is possible while the two remain connected and sealed.
US09714729B2
A method of forming complex structures in a ceramic-, glass- or glass-ceramic-body microfluidic module is disclosed including the steps of providing at green-state refractory- material structure (140) comprising least a portion of a body of a microfluidic module, providing a removeable insert (120) formed of a carbon or of a carbonaceous material having an external surface comprising a negative surface (122) of a desired surface to be formed in the microfluidic module, machining an opening (132) in the green-state structure (140), positioning the insert (120) in the opening (132), firing the green-state structure (140) and the insert (120) together, and after firing is complete, removing the insert (120). The insert (120) is desirably a screw or screw shape, such that interior threads are formed thereby. The insert (120) desirably comprises graphite, and the structure desirably comprises ceramic, desirably silicon carbide.
US09714725B2
An adapter for releasably attaching a cable end having an end fitting to a frame of a hoist apparatus at an attachment opening of the frame includes a pair of longitudinal arms connected by a transverse bridge, an attachment portion coupled to the pair of arms and spaced longitudinally from the bridge, and a gate member. The bridge has inner and outer faces connected by a side face, a longitudinal cable passageway through the inner and outer faces, and a cable insertion slot communicating with the cable passageway, wherein the insertion slot is open through the inner, outer, and side faces. The gate member is received by the insertion slot, and is selectively removable from the slot to permit transversely directed insertion of a portion of the cable end through the slot into the cable passageway such that the end fitting is opposed by the inner face of the bridge.
US09714718B2
There is disclosed a mechanism for detecting that a valve coupled to a pressurized container is fully installed into a nose piece of an actuator for actuating the valve.
US09714716B2
An one way valve comprising: a conical shaped valve seat (1); and a membrane (2) having a hole (3) that is located around the conical valve seat (1), such that a surface (60) of the valve seat (1) seals onto an inner periphery (61) of the hole in the membrane (2), wherein, in use, the membrane (2) is deflected from the surface (60) of the valve seat (1) to provide a fluid path across the membrane (2) and allowing fluid to flow from one side of the membrane (2) to the other.
US09714702B2
A variable coaxial shaft for a hydraulic unit includes a shaft body having a variable input shaft interface to drive rotation of a variable input shaft of the hydraulic unit. The variable coaxial shaft also includes a differential assembly interface having a first sealing interface, a second sealing interface, and one or more lubrication ports between the first sealing interface and the second sealing interface. The differential assembly interface is configured to be driven by a differential assembly. The one or more lubrication ports provide a lubrication path to the differential assembly. A shaft length is defined between a first end of the variable input shaft interface and a second end of the differential assembly interface. A ratio of the shaft length to a shaft diameter of the shaft body is between 18.65 and 19.12.
US09714695B2
A variable-speed belt drive includes at least: two shafts that can be positioned in a substantially parallel manner; two variably interspaced flange pulleys, one driving, the other driven, one carried by one, the other by the other of the shafts, the pulleys being interconnected by the belt; a speed-variation device controlled by the action of the flanges of the driving pulley being brought together or interspaced; and elements for recalling the flanges in a close position. The speed-variation device is manually controlled and the shaft of the driven pulley is provided with at least one idler member having an outer peripheral surface mounted on the shaft in a freely rotating manner, and around which the belt can wind at least partially in the interspaced position of the flanges of the driven pulley, corresponding to the position with the smallest diameter for the winding of the belt around the shaft.
US09714694B2
A tensioner device, includes a housing defining a cylindrical bore. A plunger is disposed in the bore and has a non-cylindrical outer surface. A spring is engaged with the plunger for biasing the plunger in an outward direction and an oil passage is in communication with the cylindrical bore for delivering pressurized oil to the bore. The non-cylindrical outer surface provides hydraulic clearance areas between the plunger and the bore to provide improved damping without high damping force.
US09714693B2
A tensioning rail for an endless drive, in particular a timing chain drive of an internal combustion engine, comprises a sliding lining body and a reinforcement body inserted in the sliding lining body and connected thereto by a detent connection, the sliding lining body comprising a slide rail for contact with an endless drive and a press-on region for the tensioning piston of a tensioning device. The tensioning rail is characterized in that the press-on region is arranged in a resiliently movable fashion on the slide rail and comprises a detent device as a constituent part of the detent connection such that the detent device is adapted to be locked due to the resilient movement of the press-on region. An endless drive having a tensioning rail of the type disclosed is also provided.
US09714678B2
A slider is composed of four components except for rolling elements. A slider moving relatively to a guide rail is composed of a carriage having raceway grooves, a circulator to make a return passage and insert nuts to fit into through-holes in the circulator. Engaging parts of the carriage makes fit-engagement with holes in the circulator to make snap-fit between the carriage and the circulator to fasten them each other.
US09714675B2
A locknut assembly for securing a component to a shaft is provided that includes, in one form, a locknut defining an internal cavity and an aperture having internal threads, the internal cavity defining an internal wall comprising at least one location feature. A lockwasher defines an internal cavity, an external wall comprising at least one mating location feature, and an anti-rotation feature disposed within the internal cavity and adapted for engagement with a corresponding anti-rotation feature located at an end portion of the shaft. The internal threads of the locknut aperture engage continuous external threads of the shaft, the mating location feature of the lockwasher engages the location feature of the locknut, and the anti-rotation feature of the lockwasher engages the corresponding anti-rotation feature of the shaft to limit rotation of the locknut.
US09714668B2
A torque converter is provided including a turbine with a turbine hub. A cover plate is fixed to the turbine hub. A damper assembly including a damper flange with an axially extending sleeve portion having a splined or toothed inner surface that is adapted to engage a transmission input shaft is provided. A spring is located between the cover plate and the damper flange for transferring torque from the turbine hub to the transmission input shaft via the damper flange. The turbine hub includes axially protruding tabs that contact an outer surface of the sleeve portion to center the turbine hub on the sleeve portion. The turbine hub also includes a radially inwardly extending portion that at least partially overlaps an axial end of the sleeve portion.
US09714665B2
A liquid pump for use with a fluid circulation system for a body of water includes a strainer assembly; a centrifugal pump assembly having at least first and second outlet ports respectively oriented in vertical and horizontal directions; a motor; and at least one cap configured and dimensioned to engage and close an outlet port.
US09714664B2
An impeller in which a plurality of vanes are provided so as to overlap each other back and forth as viewed in the direction of axis has a first impeller part on a front side and a second impeller part on a rear side. A method for manufacturing impeller includes a step of molding a first impeller part, a step of molding a second impeller part and a step of combining together the first impeller part and the second impeller part.
US09714663B1
A temperature destratification assembly can include an outer housing. An impeller can be positioned within the outer housing between the inlet and outlet of the outer housing. The impeller can have an impeller hub and a plurality of impeller blades extending radially outward from the impeller hub. The assembly can include an impeller motor configured to rotate the impeller blades about an axis of rotation. A stator can be positioned within the outer housing between the impeller and the outlet of the outer housing. The stator can include a plurality of vanes. The stator vanes can include an upstream edge at the upstream end of the stator, a first surface extending from the upstream edge to the downstream edge of the vane, and a second surface opposite the first surface and extending from the upstream edge to the downstream edge of vane. A plurality of the vanes can have a downstream edge at the outlet of the outer housing.
US09714660B1
An aquatic fan device for positioning under a water surface directs cooler water towards the water surface to cool an area for comfortable swimming. The device includes a tube and a line having a first end coupled to the tube such that the line supports the tube in a vertical position when the tube hangs from the line. The line extends from the tube wherein the line suspends the tube within a body of water under a surface of the body of water. A propeller is coupled to the tube and positioned within the tube between a top end and a bottom end of the tube. A submersible motor is coupled to and rotates the propeller such that the propeller is urges water upwardly through the tube towards the surface of the body of water.
US09714652B2
An article of footwear with an inflatable bladder and a pump unit for inflating the inflatable bladder. The pump unit includes an external pump including a coupling for releasably attaching to a valve mechanism or a cap fitted over the valve mechanism located on the article of footwear and in communication with the inflatable bladder. The valve mechanism is actuated by the coupling to allow for inflation of the inflatable bladder.
US09714647B2
The air-compressing device for a cycle has a crank set. The device includes at least one cartridge for storing compressed air, and a compressor, connected to the cartridge. The compressor includes a device for engaging with the crank set and a first and a second compression chamber, each chamber provided with an air piston. The device for engaging is connected to each piston and translatably drives the stroke of each piston so as to carry out compression in the respective chamber. The first chamber is connected to the second chamber so as to transfer the compressed air within the first chamber to the second chamber when compression is being carried out in the latter.
US09714646B2
A capacity control valve includes: intake-side passages connecting an intake chamber that takes in fluid and a control chamber; a pressure-sensitive chamber formed midway along the intake-side passages; a liquid-refrigerant discharge valve that receives the pressure of the control chamber to open and close the intake-side passages; a pressure-sensitive body placed in the pressure-sensitive chamber, which extends to apply a biasing force to the liquid-refrigerant discharge valve in the direction of closing the valve, while contracting as the ambient pressure increases; and a solenoid that applies an electromagnetic drive force to control the main valve; wherein the pressure-sensitive body is supported on one side by the driving rod of the solenoid in a manner permitting relative motion, while connected on the other side to the liquid-refrigerant discharge valve, wherein the discharge valve structure and discharge flow passages for discharging liquid refrigerant are simplified.
US09714632B2
In a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, fuel is delivered by a high-pressure pump into a fuel rail. The quantity of the delivered fuel is influenced by a quantity control valve (30) actuated by an electromagnetic actuating device. A limit-value retaining current is ascertained, at which the quantity control valve still remains in its closed state or is just opening.
US09714622B2
A vehicle speed limit apparatus includes a demand value calculation part configured to calculate a demand value according to an accelerator opening degree, a limit vehicle speed acquisition part configured to obtain a limit vehicle speed, an upper limit value calculation part configured to calculate an upper limit value based on a limit acceleration, a selection part configured to select the smaller of the demand value and the upper limit value, a control part configured to control a drive force generation apparatus, and an upper limit value correction part configured to correct the upper limit value based on a current acceleration and the limit acceleration when the selected value corresponds to the upper limit value, and to correct the upper limit value based on the current acceleration and the demand value when the selected value corresponds to the demand value.
US09714620B2
Methods and systems are provided for improving boost response in a turbocharged engine. In one example, a method may include in response to a tip-out following a tip-in, when an exhaust catalyst temperature is within a threshold range, deactivating fuel injectors to the engine and increasing air flow to an exhaust turbine based on a desired increase in a turbine speed to maintain the turbine speed at or above a threshold speed.
US09714618B2
A system and method for improving engine emissions is described. In one example, engine emissions may be improved via increasing rotational resistance of a turbocharger while a temperature of an exhaust after treatment device is less than a threshold temperature. The system and method may reduce an amount of time for the after treatment device to reach an operating temperature.
US09714617B2
A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine cranking module and a throttle control module. The engine cranking module determines whether an engine is cranking based on at least one of an input received from an ignition system and engine speed, and generates a signal indicating whether the engine is cranking. The throttle control module selectively adjusts a throttle of the engine to a fully closed position when the signal indicates that the engine is cranking.
US09714616B2
An engine control system for a vehicle may include a sequence determination module that generates a first set of possible MPC target values and a second set of possible MPC target values. A cost module determines a first cost for the first set of possible MPC target values and a second cost for the second set of possible MPC target values. A selection module that selects MPC target values from one of the first and second sets of possible MPC target values based on the first and second costs. A transition module that receives the MPC target values, compares the MPC target values with a plurality of previous control requests, and selects a set of target values ranging from the previous control requests to the MPC target values that control a plurality of engine functions.
US09714614B2
Systems and methods are described for controlling an aspirator control valve in an engine. An example method comprises closing the aspirator control valve responsive to diagnosing a first engine degradation condition and opening the aspirator control valve in response to diagnosing a second engine degradation condition.
US09714611B2
A heat shield manifold system for an inner casing between a compressor and turbine assembly is disclosed. The heat shield manifold system protects the outer case from high temperature compressor discharge air, thereby enabling the outer case extending between a compressor and a turbine assembly to be formed from less expensive materials than otherwise would be required. In addition, the heat shield manifold system may be configured such that compressor bleed air is passed from the compressor into the heat shield manifold system without passing through a conventional flange to flange joint that is susceptible to leakage.
US09714605B2
A rotary machine is provided which includes a chamber. The chamber includes an island having an island outer surface. The outer surface is an elongated convex shape. The island includes a crankshaft port. The chamber includes a front-plate attached to a front surface of the island. A concave shaped contour is included, which is biased toward the island outer surface and which rotates with respect to the island. A working volume is defined between an inner surface of the contour and the outer island surface. At least one front-plate engaging bearing is provided, which extends from a front surface of the movable contour and over a guide edge of the front-plate. The front-plate engaging bearing engages the guide edge during a combustion cycle.
US09714593B2
An exhaust gas aftertreatment system for a vehicle operated by a combustion engine, in particular for a watercraft, includes a turbine of an exhaust turbocharger in an exhaust line, and at least one storage device, by which at least some of the sulphur pollutants contained in the exhaust gas can be stored and/or put into intermediate storage, at least for a defined period of time. According to the invention, particularly for storing the sulphur pollutants in the high-pressure region, the at least one storage device is arranged in the exhaust line upstream of the at least one turbine in a high pressure region of the exhaust line.
US09714578B2
A method of depositing abradable coating on an engine component is provided wherein the engine component is formed of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and one or more layers, including at least one environmental barrier coating, may be disposed on the outer layer of the CMC. An outermost layer of the structure may further comprise a porous abradable layer that is disposed on the environmental barrier coating and provides a breakable structure which inhibits blade damage. The abradable layer may be gel-cast on the component and sintered or may be direct written by extrusion process and subsequently sintered.
US09714577B2
Embodiments of a gas turbine engine rotor including stress relief features are provided, as are embodiments of method for producing a gas turbine engine rotor. In one embodiment, the method includes producing a hub preform in which a plurality of elongated sacrificial cores are embedded. Blades are attached to an outer circumference of the hub preform by, for example, bonding a blade ring to the outer circumference of the preform. The blades are spaced about the rotational axis of the gas turbine engine rotor and circumferentially interspersed with the plurality of elongated sacrificial cores. The plurality of elongated sacrificial cores are then removed from the hub preform to yield a plurality of stress distribution tunnels extending in the hub preform.
US09714569B2
A pressure measurement apparatus for a downhole measurement-while-drilling tool comprises a feed through connector and a pressure transducer. The feed through connector comprises a body with opposing first and second ends, at least one electrical interconnection extending axially through the body and out of both ends, and a pressure transducer receptacle in the first end and a communications bore extending from the receptacle to the second end. The pressure transducer is seated in the receptacle such that a pressure at the first end can be measured, and comprises at least one electrical contact that extends from the pressure transducer through the communication bore and out of the second end. The pressure transducer can take pressure measurements for predicting wear of a primary seal in a motor subassembly of the tool, detect a pressure-related battery failure event, and control operation of a dual pulse height fluid pressure pulse generator.
US09714561B2
A method of separating a multiphase fluid, the fluid including a relatively high density component and a relatively low density component, that includes introducing the fluid into a separation region; imparting a rotational movement into the multiphase fluid; forming an outer annular region of rotating fluid of predetermined thickness within the separation region; and forming and maintaining a core of fluid in an inner region. Fluid entering the separation vessel is directed into the outer annular region and the thickness of the outer annular region is such that the high density component is concentrated and substantially contained within this region, the low density component being concentrated in the rotating core. A separation system employing the method is also provided. The method and system are particularly suitable for the separation of solid debris from the fluids produced by a subterranean oil or gas well at wellhead flow pressure.
US09714556B2
An apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a first location to a second location includes a body, a valve, a shear seal, and a biasing member. The body has a fluid conduit and a chamber. The conduit has an inlet that communicates with the first location and an outlet that communicates with the second location. The valve is disposed in the chamber and has a seal separating the chamber into a pressure section and a flow section. The pressure section communicates with the outlet via an outlet fluid branch. The shear seal has a movable sealing element disposed on the valve and a stationary sealing element disposed in the body. The biasing member urges the valve to a closed position wherein the stationary sealing element sealingly engages the movable sealing element. Pressure communicated by the outlet fluid branch also urges the valve to the closed position.
US09714554B1
A downhole plug and a method of releasing a portion of the plug. The plug has a run-in configuration, a deployed configuration, and a released configuration. The plug includes a mandrel, a bull nose, and a cone and an expandable slip. The expandable slip has an external gripping surface. The plug includes an inner and outer sleeve, where the outer sleeve is concentric around the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve is concentric with the mandrel. The inner sleeve is slidable about but releasingly coupled to the mandrel. The inner sleeve is slidable about the outer sleeve but releasingly coupled to the outer sleeve in both the run-in configuration and in the deployed configuration. The inner sleeve is coupled with the mandrel in the run-in configuration and in the deployed configuration, but uncoupled and slidable about the mandrel in the released configuration.
US09714553B2
A well packer includes an expandable member carried on a mandrel, the mandrel including a groove formed on at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the mandrel; a back-up assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the expandable member; and a fold back assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the back-up assembly, the fold back assembly including a snap ring carried on the mandrel and adapted to move into the groove and adjust the expandable member into an expanded position in substantially sealing contact with a tubular.
US09714552B2
A well comprising: (a) a safety mechanism, the safety mechanism comprising: (i) an obstructing member moveable between a first position where fluid flow is permitted, and a second position where fluid flow is restricted; (ii) a movement mechanism; (iii) and a wireless receiver, adapted to receive a wireless signal; wherein the movement mechanism is operable to move the obstructing member from one of the first and second positions to the other of the first and second positions in response to a change in the signal being received by the wireless receiver; (b) sensors to detect a parameter in the well, in the vicinity of the safety mechanism; wherein a sensor is provided above and a sensor is provided below the safety mechanism. Embodiments of the invention have acoustic and/or electromagnetic receivers or transceivers.
US09714549B2
Adjustable drill string housings are described for use in the directional drilling of wellbores, e.g. wellbores for hydrocarbon recovery wells. The adjustable drill string housings permit adjustment of a bend angle in the housings without removing the housings from a wellbore. In some exemplary embodiments, the bend angle can be adjusted by changing the internal stresses in a support member carried by the housings. In other embodiments, the bend angle may be adjusted by causing failure of sacrificial support members carried by the housings, and the failure may be caused by delivering chemicals through a chemical delivery system to the sacrificial support members. Methods of operating the adjustable drill string housings include multi-lateral drilling operations wherein the bend angle is adjusted when a casing window has been detected.
US09714548B2
A borehole logging instrument sonde employs a case in which support electronics including a processor are mounted. A rotatable platform is mounted within the case and carries an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and a roll axis gyroscope. A motor is adapted to rotate the rotatable platform within the case. The processor receives an input from the roll axis gyroscope and provides an output to the motor responsive to the input for control of rotation of the platform to space stabilize and isolate the IMU from the roll of the instrument sonde.
US09714546B2
An offshore drilling rig comprising a drill deck, at least one work center arranged in the drill deck; a diverter system operatively connectable at least to a riser extending towards the seafloor; a hoisting system adapted for raising or lowering tubular equipment through the work center; wherein the offshore drilling rig comprises a first positioning system configured for positioning at least the work center and/or the diverter system and/or a riser tensioning system selectively at a first horizontal position and a second horizontal position, different from the first horizontal position; and wherein the hoisting system is operable to raise or lower tubular equipment through the work center when said work center is positioned at said first horizontal position.
US09714542B1
A ladder storage assembly for storing tools on a ladder includes a saddle that may be removably coupled to a top step of a ladder. A tray is removably coupled to the saddle. Thus, the tray is secured to the ladder. The tray may contain a plurality of tools thereby facilitating the tools to be accessible from the ladder.
US09714541B2
A ladder top for a stepladder includes a plane having a front and a rear. The plane has a bin for holding small parts and having a shape to hold a propane tank adjacent the front of the plane. The plane has at least one screwdriver hole. The plane has a drill holster. The plane has a hammer/pipe wrench hole. The plane has a channel lock slot. The plane has a pipe holder extending along the length of the pipe for holding pipe. A method for using a ladder top for a stepladder.
US09714532B2
In one aspect, a latch assembly is provided. The latch assembly includes a claw movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, and a pawl movable between a first position and a second position. The pawl engages and holds the claw in the latched position when the pawl is in the first position, and the pawl disengages the claw for movement to the unlatched position when the pawl is in the second position. The latch assembly also includes a switch cam movable between a switch-off position and a switch-on position. The claw engages and holds the switch cam in the switch-on position when the claw is in the unlatched position, the claw releasing the switch cam for movement to the switch-off position when the claw rotates to the latched position.
US09714530B2
An inertia locking mechanism for a bin having a bin lid and subjectable to an applied force resulting in an acceleration includes a housing attachable to the bin, a bracket attachable to the bin lid and having a locking feature, a locking pin, a biasing member, and a trigger. The locking pin is linearly moveable in the housing. The trigger has a triggering mass and is connected to the housing via a trigger pivot. The triggering mass is offset from the trigger pivot such that the triggering mass applies a torque to the trigger when the acceleration occurs in each of the front, rear, left, and right directions. The trigger is configured to release the locking pin when the acceleration exceeds a threshold acceleration such that the biasing member urges the locking pin into the locking feature of the bracket to lock the bin lid in a closed position.
US09714528B2
The invention relates to a presentation device for presenting a hand-held electronic media display unit, comprising: a support comprising a foot provided with a support surface; a number of frame parts mounted on the support and provided with hooks, wherein the support surface and the hooks of the frame parts together form an enclosing space in which the unit can be held, wherein the frame parts extending along one side of the enclosing space take a displaceable form; a guide which is embodied to guide the displacement of the displaceable frame parts, wherein the guide is embodied to guide the displaceable frame parts between a first, closed state in which the display unit is non-removable and a second, open state in which the display unit can be easily placed in the device and can be easily removed again therefrom, wherein the position of the respective hooks of the frame parts in the opened state and the position thereof in the closed state are spatially remote from each other both in a direction in the plane of the support surface and in a direction transversely of the support surface.
US09714518B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a debris bag and a collar for a pool cleaner. The debris bag includes a body defined by two opposing sheets of filtration media that are joined together to form an interior compartment. A neck portion extends downwardly from the sheets. A support ring is disposed adjacent the bottom end of the neck portion and an orientation tab extends upwardly from the support ring toward the interior compartment.
US09714508B2
A structure configured with an inner, sound limited or reduced volume is formed with a frame and a sheet material arranged about the frame to form and enclose the sound limited or reduced volume. The sheet material includes a base layer and a layer of sound-absorbing material provided on or integral with the base layer and the sound limited or reduced volume includes a form of egress that in an open state allows for the sound entry to and exit from the sound limited or reduced volume and in a closed state limits sound entry to and exit from the sound limited or reduced volume.
US09714502B2
A switch device with multiple water outputs includes a switch valve, a rotary rod, an engagement ring, a first rotary plate and a second rotary plate. The rotary rod is mounted through an opening of the switch valve. The engagement ring has an inner toothed ring and an outer toothed ring formed on a bottom end of the rotary rod. The first rotary plate and the second rotary plate respectively engage the inner toothed ring and the outer toothed ring, and the both rotary plates have multiple holes. As water entering the holes with different number and deviation angle of the first and second rotary plate selectively communicate with each other, different water outputs can be provided.
US09714496B2
An apparatus, for allowing control of liquid level on a site, comprising a hollow stake body comprising lateral openings for allowing liquid thereinto when the apparatus is positioned into the ground, a stake tip at one end and a hit plate receiver at an opposite end. A method for controlling liquid level on an excavation site comprising positioning the apparatus at one location on the site, positioning a hit plate on the apparatus, repeatedly hitting the hit plate until at least one opening is below ground at a liquid control depth, removing the hit plate and installing a pump for pumping liquid accumulated in the apparatus. A mesh construction, for use with the apparatus, comprising a first punctured cover, a second punctured cover and a mesh assembly, comprising at least one filtration mesh, sandwiched between the first and the second punctured covers for allowing liquid therethrough.
US09714493B1
Apparatus for absorbing energy when impacted by a vehicle includes guardrail forming structure for folding a guardrail including a pipe through which the guardrail passes and an elongated ramp-like guardrail engagement member in the pipe which cooperates with the pipe to apply compressive forces to the guardrail and fold the guardrail.
US09714489B2
A method of damping the vibrations of at least one pair of stay cables of a civil engineering structure, in which the stay cables of said pair are linked by a damper having a first stiffness in response to tensile stress and a second stiffness in response to compressive stress, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness.
US09714481B2
Polymer compositions, methods of making polymer compositions, structures having the polymer composition covalently bonded to the surface of the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, and the like, are disclosed.
US09714479B2
A heat setter that heat-sets delicate knit fabrics, sensitive knit fabrics, similar constituted fabrics, and analogously constituted fabrics that may include metal, other threads, and panels in or appended to the delicate knit fabrics and the sensitive knit fabrics, and supports and avoids stretching, marking, and drooping of the delicate knit fabrics and the sensitive knit fabrics going through the heat setter. The heat setter includes a main portion. The main portion heat-sets the delicate knit fabrics, the sensitive knit fabrics, the similar constituted fabrics, and the analogously constituted fabrics that may include the metal, the other threads, and the panels in or appended to the delicate knit fabrics and the sensitive knit fabrics, and supports and avoids the stretching, the marking, and the drooping of the delicate knit fabrics and the sensitive knit fabrics going through the main portion.
US09714476B2
A semiconductor wafer holder includes first and second holding members between which a semiconductor wafer is held. The second holding member includes a second conductive element placed in contact with a first conductive element of the first holding member and the semiconductor wafer. A ring clamp is used to press the second holding member against the first holding member for holding of the semiconductor wafer.
US09714473B2
Some embodiments of the present invention provide processes and apparatus for electrochemically fabricating multilayer structures (e.g. mesoscale or microscale structures) with improved endpoint detection and parallelism maintenance for materials (e.g. layers) that are planarized during the electrochemical fabrication process. Some methods involve the use of a fixture during planarization that ensures that planarized planes of material are parallel to other deposited planes within a given tolerance. Some methods involve the use of an endpoint detection fixture that ensures precise heights of deposited materials relative to an initial surface of a substrate, relative to a first deposited layer, or relative to some other layer formed during the fabrication process. In some embodiments planarization may occur via lapping while other embodiments may use a diamond fly cutting machine.
US09714468B2
A film-forming method of an osmium film includes disposing a metal plate in a chamber; introducing OsO4 gas at a flow rate of 0.1 to 3 cc/min and an inert gas for maintaining discharge into the chamber while maintaining the pressure in the chamber to 13 to 40 Pa; and forming an osmium film on the surface of the metal plate by turning the gas in the chamber into plasma using radio frequency output power with the density of 0.25 to 2.0 W/cm2.
US09714465B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide apparatus and methods for altering the flow and pressure differential of process gases supplied across a showerhead of a processing chamber to provide improved deposition uniformity across the surface of a substrate disposed therein. In one embodiment, a blocker plate is disposed between a backing plate and a showerhead. In one embodiment, the distance between the blocker plate and the showerhead is adjustable. In another embodiment, the blocker plate has a non-planar surface contour. In another embodiment, a regional blocker plate is disposed between a backing plate and a showerhead. In another embodiment, a central blocker plate and a peripheral blocker plate are disposed between a backing plate and a showerhead.
US09714464B2
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) precursors that are useful for forming metal-containing films are provided. These compounds include triazapentadienyl, α-imino enolate compounds and α-imino ketone compounds having formulae 1, 2, and 3, respectively. An ALD method using the precursors is also provided.
US09714460B2
A self-limiting shaped memory alloy device, including a shape memory alloy member, with first and second ends, a first anchor member connected to the first end, an energy contact, a second anchor member connected to the energy contact, an energy source connected in energetic communication to the energy contact, a moveable member connected to the second end, and a biasing member operationally connected to the moveable member for urging the moveable member towards and into physical contact with the second anchor member. The moveable member is in physical contact with the second anchor member and the second end is in energetic communication with the energy contact. Actuation of the energy source energizes the energy contact. Energization of the shape memory alloy member initiates a phase change that urges the moveable member away from the second anchor member. Movement of the moveable member away from the second anchor member disengages the second end from the energy contact.
US09714454B2
The present invention relates to detection of materials derived from transgenic plant events. In particular, the invention provides methods, reagents, kits and reference materials for detecting the presence or absence in a sample of genetic material derived from and attributable to select transgenic plant events.
US09714447B2
The present disclosure relates to characterization of biological samples by amplification detection in a porous substrate. By way of example, a porous substrate may include amplification reagents configured to provide a signal when released during amplification. When a sample is applied, amplification occurs as a wavefront from the application point, and the time that the wavefront reaches a distance on the porous substrate is related to an initial concentration of the sample applied. By detecting the distance traveled by the amplification products at one or more time points, an initial concentration of the sample may be estimated.
US09714443B2
High-density microfluidic chips contain plumbing networks with thousands of micromechanical valves and hundreds of individually addressable chambers. These fluidic devices are analogous to electronic integrated circuits fabricated using large scale integration (LSI). A component of these networks is the fluidic multiplexor, which is a combinatorial array of binary valve patterns that exponentially increases the processing power of a network by allowing complex fluid manipulations with a minimal number of inputs. These integrated microfluidic networks can be used to construct a variety of highly complex microfluidic devices, for example the microfluidic analog of a comparator array, and a microfluidic memory storage device resembling electronic random access memories.
US09714437B2
The invention generally relates to the production of a fatty alcohol composition from recombinant microbial cells. The fatty alcohols are produced by expressing a gene encoding a heterologous fatty alcohol forming acyl-CoA reductase (“FAR”); a gene encoding a heterologous thioesterase (“TE”) gene and a gene encoding an acyl-CoA synthetase (“ACS”).
US09714434B2
The present invention relates to a vector particle for transferring biological material into cells, wherein said vector particle comprises at least: a first protein which comprises the transmembrane and extracellular domains of the feline endogenous RD114 virus envelope glycoprotein, and a second protein which comprises a ligand of the c-Kit receptor.
US09714433B2
Establishment of human pluripotent stem cells having properties close to human ES cells with the genome of the patient per se that can circumvent immunological rejection of transplanted cells from cells derived from a postnatal human tissue are described. Human pluripotent stem cells can be induced by introducing three genes of Oct3/4, Sox2 and Klf 4, or three genes of Oct3/4, Sox2 and Klf 4 plus the c-Myc gene or a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor of undifferentiated stem cells present in various human postnatal tissues in which each gene of Tert, Nanog, Oct3/4 and Sox2 has not undergone epigenetic inactivation.
US09714430B2
Provided are isolated polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequence at least 80% homologous to SEQ ID NO:68, 51-66, 69-100, 379-656, 707-715, 720-723, 742-754, 764-771 or 772 with the proviso that the amino acid sequence is not as set forth by SEQ ID NO: 765 or 771, isolated polynucleotides comprising the nucleic acid sequence at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NOs:18, 1-16, 19-50, 101-378, 657-672, 674-706, 716-719, 724-741 and 755-763 with the proviso that the nucleic acid sequence is not as set forth by SEQ ID NO:756 or 762, and isolated polynucleotides selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:779-792 and methods of using same for increasing oil content, yield, growth rate, biomass, vigor, abiotic stress tolerance and/or nitrogen use efficiency of a plant.
US09714429B2
This invention is in the field of plant biology and agriculture and relates to novel seed specific promoter regions. The present invention further provide methods of producing proteins and other products of interest and methods of controlling expression of nucleic acid sequences of interest using the seed specific promoter regions.
US09714414B2
The disclosure relates to a method of reprogramming one or more somatic cells, e.g., partially differentiated or fully/terminally differentiated somatic cells, to a less differentiated state, e.g., a pluripotent or multipotent state. In further embodiments the invention also relates to reprogrammed somatic cells produced by methods of the invention, to uses of said cells, and to methods for identifying agents useful for reprogramming somatic cells.
US09714410B2
It is an object of the present invention to allow a cell to produce a protein at a high level using a medium containing an enzymatic degradation product of fish meat or a fish meat extract. A method of culturing a cell comprising starting culturing in an initial medium and feeding at least once a feed medium to the initial medium during culturing, wherein at least one of the initial medium or the feed medium contains an enzymatic degradation product of fish meat or a fish meat extract added thereto. A method of producing a protein of interest using the above culture method.
US09714406B2
Aspects of the invention include methods of removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a CO2 containing gas. In some instances, the methods include contacting CO2 containing gas with a bicarbonate buffered aqueous medium under conditions sufficient to produce a bicarbonate rich product. Where desired, the resultant bicarbonate rich product or a component thereof may then be stored or further processed, e.g., combined with a divalent alkaline earth metal cation, under conditions sufficient to produce a solid carbonate composition. Aspects of the invention further include systems for practicing the methods, as well as products produced by the methods.
US09714405B2
Bioprocessing container tube management systems, totes including the systems, and methods of using the systems, are disclosed.
US09714404B2
Various embodiments provide a bioreactor for producing a bioproduct comprising one or more catalytically active zones located in a housing and adapted to keep two incompatible gaseous reactants separated when in a gas phase, wherein each of the one or more catalytically active zones may comprise a catalytic component retainer and a catalytic component retained within and/or thereon. Each of the catalytically active zones may additionally or alternatively comprise a liquid medium located on either side of the catalytic component retainer. Catalytic component may include a microbial cell culture located within and/or on the catalytic component retainer, a suspended catalytic component suspended in the liquid medium, or a combination thereof. Methods of using various embodiments of the bioreactor to produce a bioproduct, such as isobutanol, are also provided.
US09714393B2
A compound useful for reducing fouling in a hydrocarbon refining process is provided. A method for preparing the compound includes functionalizing a polymer having a vinyl chain end to obtain a terminal group having one or more anhydride units, and reacting the anhydride units with a polyamine. Methods of using the compound and compositions thereof are also provided.
US09714391B2
A waste to fuel system is disclosed that provides for simplified pyrolysis and cracking of useful hydrocarbons from waste by using molten salt as a heat transfer medium in the pyrolysis stage and using molten salt mixed with catalyst in the cracking stage.
US09714379B2
A method of making a semiconductor nanocrystal can include contacting an M-containing compound with an X donor having the formula X(Y(R)3)3, where X is a group V element and Y is a group IV element.
US09714375B2
A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. Crosslinking increases viscosity of the fluid during a development time. A pH decrease is controlled during the development time using the acidifying substance. The method also includes delaying the development time of the viscosity increase by controlling the pH decrease. A well treatment method includes forming a well treatment fluid by combining ingredients including a hydratable polymer, a crosslinker, an acidifying substance, and a base fluid. The method includes delaying development time of a viscosity increase by controlling a pH decrease without adding further acidifying substance after combining the polymer, crosslinker, acidifying substance, and base fluid. A well treatment fluid formulated with ingredients include a base fluid, a polymer, a crosslinker, and an acidifying substance. The acidifying substance is configured to delay development time.
US09714371B2
An aqueous slurry composition for use in industries such as the petroleum and pipeline industries includes a particulate, an aqueous liquid and a chemical compound that renders the particulate surface extremely hydrophobic. The slurry is produced by rendering the surface of the particulate extremely hydrophobic during or before making the slurry.
US09714369B2
A polymerizable composition comprising a (meth)acrylate copolymer having pendent photoinitiator groups and a high Tg monomer or macromer is described. The resulting copolymer is physically crosslinking and is of the formula I: (I).
US09714367B1
A system that includes a polymer adhesive containing metallic or other nanoparticles that resonate upon the application of electromagnetic radiation to product heat. Heat generated by particle resonance is used to cure the polymer adhesive. Applications include wound repair, and industrial, commercial and craft applications.
US09714364B2
There is provided a curable resin composition that exhibits high adhesive properties to materials such as glass, copper, aluminum, PET, and PC, which have been regarded as poor adherends relative to photo-curable compositions, and high adhesive properties also between adherends different from each other. A curable resin composition including a polyene compound of Formula (1): (where n1, n2, and n3 are each independently an integer of 2 to 4; and R1 to R9 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a C1-10 alkyl group). The composition may further include a thiol compound or a photopolymerization initiator. The thiol compound may be a compound having two to six thiol groups in the molecule, or be an aliphatic thiol, or be produced by a reaction of an aliphatic mercapto carboxylic acid and a polyhydric alcohol. The polyhydric alcohol may be an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol or hydroxyalkyl isocyanurate.
US09714361B2
The present invention relates to hydrophilic, i.e., water loving coatings (hereafter referred to as “WLC”). Polyurethane epoxy alkylene oxide coatings usable as coatings on for example, medical devices are a preferred WLC.
US09714355B2
Disclosed is a composition such as a pigmented free radical UV-curable inkjet liquid composition for the printing of food packaging materials, which when cured in ambient air produces minimal contamination of the foodstuff. This composition uses non-polymeric photoinitiators having molecular weights less than 500 amu that migrate at levels below the specified SML (specific migration limit).
US09714340B2
A halogen-free flame retardant polybutylene terephthalate resin composition contains 5 to 80 parts by weight of a phosphorus flame retardant (B) having a polyester structure in the main chain, 20 to 120 parts by weight of a nitrogen compound (C), 1 to 50 parts by weight of talc (D), and 0.1 to 2 parts by weight of an anti-dripping agent (E), based on 100 parts by weight of a polybutylene terephthalate resin (A) and exhibits a comparative tracking index of 400 V or higher in a tracking resistance test in accordance with IEC60112. The halogen-free flame retardant polybutylene terephthalate resin composition does not contain a halogen containing flame retardant, has high flame retardancy and high tracking resistance, and can be suitably used as members for electric/electronic parts.
US09714331B2
Foams for filling cavities and crevasses and for forming foamed products are provided. The latex foam may include an A-side containing a functionalized latex and a B-side that contains a crosslinking agent and optionally a non-functionalized latex. The A- and/or B-side contain a blowing agent package or components forming the blowing agent package. The blowing agent package may be the combination of two or more chemicals that when mixed together form a gas or a chemical compound that, when activated by heat or light, forms a gas. In an alternate embodiment, the latex foam includes a functionalized latex, an acid, and an encapsulated crosslinking agent and base. Alternatively, the spray latex foam may include a functionalized latex, a crosslinking agent, and an encapsulated dry acid and dry base. The encapsulating agent may be a protective, non-reactive shell that can be broken or melted at the time of application.
US09714329B2
A film includes a vinyl chloride-based resin, a modified epoxidized vegetable oil having a multimer mass content of 5 to 50 %, an aliphatic dibasic acid ester-based compound with not more than 10 carbon atoms having a molecular weight-average of 200 to 1000, and a polyester-based compound having a molecular weight-average of 3000 to 10000, in which a mixture of the modified epoxidized vegetable oil and the aliphatic dibasic acid ester-based compound is compounded in a mass ratio of 30 to 50 parts based on 100 parts of the vinyl chloride-based resin, a content of the modified epoxidized vegetable oil in the mixture of the modified epoxidized vegetable oil and the aliphatic dibasic acid ester-based compound is 30 to 70 % by mass, and the polyester-based compound is compounded in a mass ratio of 5 to 15 parts based on 100 parts of the vinyl chloride-based resin.
US09714319B2
Hyper-branched biodegradable polymers are produced by melt processing biodegradable polymers with a branching agent at temperatures that promote free radical reactions between the biodegradable polymer and the branching agent. The biodegradable compositions have an excellent balance of mechanical properties and are suitable for flame retardant applications.
US09714315B2
A moisture-curable resin composition comprising (a) a moisture-curable polymer having at least one hydrolysable silyl group; (b) a reactive modifier; (c) a catalyst for catalyzing the reaction between the moisture-curable polymer (a) and reactive modifier (b) under curing conditions; and optionally, the composition can contain one or more conventional components, including pigments, fillers, curing catalysts, dyes, plasticizers, thickeners, coupling agents, extenders, volatile organic solvents, wetting agents, tackifiers, crosslinking agents, thermoplastic polymers, ultraviolet stabilizers, and combination thereof. The moisture-curable resin composition is useful in the production of adhesives including hot melt adhesives, primers, sealants and coatings.
US09714309B2
A novel amphiphilic graft copolymer is described. A process to make amphiphilic graft copolymers via grafting either poly(ethylene oxide) or polylactide side chains onto an EVA platform using oxo-anion ring-opening polymerization chemistry is also described. Polyethylene or polypropylene based graft copolymers are prepared starting from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) or maleic anhydride grafted isotactic polypropylene respectively. The amphiphilic character will result from the incorporation of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side-chains. Various applications of the novel amphiphilic graft copolymer are also described including, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, films, fibers, fabrics, gels, breathable packaging materials, additive for biodegradable system, surfactant, antistatic additives, polymer compatibilizers, phase transfer catalysts, solid polymer electrolytes, biocompatible polymers, or incorporation into the materials listed above.
US09714307B2
A method of making a partially fluorinated polymer dispersions and resulting aqueous mixtures. The method comprising polymerizing one or more fluorinated monomers in an aqueous emulsion polymerization in the presence of a polymerizable fluorinated emulsifier to form a fluorinated polymer. The polymerizable fluorinated emulsifier has the formula X2C═CX(CF2)m(CH2)n[O—(CX2)p]q-[O—(CX2)r]s—[O—(CX2—CX2)]t—[(O)w—(CX2)u]v-[CH2]z—Y.
US09714306B2
The present invention provides an olefin resin with an improved heat resistance, reduced stickiness, excellent optical and low temperature properties, as well as the balance between these physical properties. The olefin resin according to the present invention satisfies the following requirements: (I) a melting peak (Tm) is observed within the range of from 60° C. to 130° C., and the heat of fusion ΔH at the melting peak is within the range of from 5 to 150 J/g; (II) the percentage E (wt %) of a portion soluble in o-dichlorobenzene at 20° C. or lower, and the heat of fusion ΔH satisfy certain relationships; (III) the glass transition temperature (Tg) is from −80 to −30° C.; (IV) the spin-spin relaxation time (T2) of a component having the highest mobility, as obtained in a four-component approximation with a Lorentzian function performed for a free induction decay curve, is within the range of from 150 to 500 ms, and the abundance ratio of the component is within the range of from 15 to 50%; and (V) the intrinsic viscosity [η] as measured in decalin at 135° C. is within the range of from 0.1 to 12 dl/g.
US09714297B2
Isolated human monoclonal antibodies which bind to human TF and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the antibodies.
US09714294B2
Isolated monoclonal antibodies which bind to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the antibodies are also disclosed.
US09714293B2
The present invention relates generally to glutamine-free cell culture media supplemented with asparagine. The invention further concerns the production of recombinant proteins, such as antibodies, in asparagine-supplemented glutamine-free mammalian cell culture.
US09714286B2
For determining the presence and amount of human interleukin 3 (IL-3) in a sample, the present invention provides a diagnostic method, wherein an anti-IL-3-antibody, fragment or construct thereof is added to said sample under conditions which allow for binding said antibody, fragment or construct thereof to IL-3 and detecting the amount of antibody bound IL-3 in said sample, wherein the anti-IL-3-antibody is clone 13. Further subject matter of the present invention are the novel antibody clone 13, a nucleic acid encoding said antibody and a hybridoma cell line which produces antibody clone 13. A diagnostic assay kit contains all necessary reagents and materials for performing such assay, preferably an ELISA assay and especially preferably contains antibody clones 13 and 11.
US09714284B2
A HBS-specific antibody, a LHBS-specific antibody, a WT LHBS-specific antibody, an immunoassay kit comprising the antibodies, and a method of detecting pre-S2 deletion mutant LHBS using the immunoassay kit are disclosed herein. The method comprises incubating a biological sample with a first antibody to captured HBS proteins; detecting the LHBS and WT LHBS bound to the immobilized first antibody, respectively; and calculating the amount of the pre-S2 deletion mutant LHBS protein by subtracting the amount of the WT LHBS protein from that of the LHBS protein. Advantageously, by the method described herein, the amount of the pre-S2 deletion mutant LHBS, a potential high-risk marker for HCC incidence in chronic HBV carriers and recurrence in HCC patients after hepatectomy surgery, in a biological sample may be easily calculated without mutual influence between the WT and pre-S mutant LHBS while reducing the labor-intensive process for cloning each gene product before analysis.
US09714280B2
Disclosed herein are genetically modified cells expressing HLA-G (e.g., cell surface HLA-G) persistently, and nucleic acid compositions useful for generating such genetically modified cells. Also disclosed are cell therapy methods that utilize genetically modified cells that express HLA-G persistently. The HLA-G genetic modifications described herein provide the cells with characteristics of reduced immunogenicity and/or improved immunosuppression, such that these cells have the promise of being universal or improved donor cells for transplants, cellular and tissue regeneration or reconstruction, and other therapies.
US09714278B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention includes administering a genetically modified Th17 cell to express a CAR having an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an ICOS intracellular signaling domain.
US09714270B2
The invention relates to thioether monomer and dimer peptide molecules which inhibit binding of α4β7 to the mucosal addressing cell adhesion molecule (MAdCAM) in vivo.
US09714264B2
A method for working up an aqueous, alkaline-alcoholic and lignin containing solution via nanofiltration, wherein a permeate and a retentate are obtained, which permeate is an aqueous, lignin-starved solution and which retentate is an aqueous lignin-enriched solution.
US09714255B2
The present invention relates to analogs of cortistatin A, J, K, and L, having the general formula: and salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, n, and m are as defined herein; processes for preparing such compounds and intermediates thereto; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods for treating a proliferative disease; methods for treating a disease associated with aberrant angiogenesis; methods for inhibiting angiogenesis; and processes for preparing cortistatin A, J, K, and L, and analogs thereof.
US09714251B2
A series of substituted imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4]triazine derivatives of formula (I), being potent modulators of human TNFa activity, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders.
US09714250B2
Provided in the present invention are a new method for preparing the crystalline forms of Temozolomide and three types of crystalline form of Temozolomide by the method. Said method comprises the following steps: a Temozolomide is dissolved into dimethyl sulphoxide, a second organic solvent is added for recrystallization to prepare the crystalline forms of Temozolomide, wherein the second organic solvent is an alcohol, a ketone, a halohydrocarbon or an ester.
US09714249B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a method for manufacturing the pyrazolo-pyrrolidin-4-one derivatives, and their use as BET inhibitors for the treatment of conditions or diseases such as cancer. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US09714246B2
Compounds having a structure of formula (I), including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof: wherein R1 is as defined herein. Such compounds are inhibitors of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and have utility for treating, for example, hyperkinetic disorders. Also disclosed are compositions containing these compounds in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, as well as methods relating to the use in a subject in need thereof.
US09714240B2
Described herein are compounds that are autotaxin inhibitors, methods of making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds in the treatment of conditions, diseases, or disorders associated with autotaxin activity.
US09714239B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula I wherein Het, R1, R2, W and X are as defined herein. Compounds of formula I are useful for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
US09714231B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are GPR40 G protein-coupled receptor modulators which may be used as medicaments.
US09714224B2
The present invention relates generally to compounds that are useful in antagonizing the angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor. More particularly, the invention relates to substituted isoquinoline compounds and their use as AT2 receptor antagonists. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and their use in modulating the AT2 receptor and therapies that require modulation of the AT2 receptor are described.
US09714223B2
The present invention provides a method for producing 2-amino-6-methylnicotinic acid represented by formula [I], wherein the production method comprises: (a) reacting 2-chloro-3-cyano-6-methylpyridine represented by formula [II] in an ammonia aqueous solution to obtain a reaction solution containing 2-amino-6-methylnicotinamide represented by formula [III]; and (b) removing the ammonia from the reaction solution, then reacting the 2-amino-6-methylnicotinamide represented by formula [III]with a base to produce 2-amino-6-methylnicotinic acid represented by formula [I].
US09714222B2
Compounds, compositions and methods relating to EWS-FLI1 protein inhibitors are provided. The compounds have utility in the treatment of cancers including the Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors.
US09714214B2
A compound has Structure I: where R1 and R2 independently are C2-C12 alkyl groups, R3 and R3′ independently are H or CH3, X1 is a C4-C28 alkyl or alkenyl group, and R4 is H or a N,N-bis((meth)acryloylalkyl)-amide group having Structure II: where R5 and R6 independently are C2-C12 alkyl groups, and R3″ and R3′″ independently are either H or CH3.
US09714205B2
The subject matter of the present invention is a process for direct synthesis of (meth)acrolein from a reactive mixture comprising at least one compound chosen from ethers, acetals or hemiacetals derived from linear alcohols comprising from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples of compounds are dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl ethyl ether, dimethoxymethane, diethoxymethane, dipropoxymethane, 1,1-dimethoxyethane or 1,1-diethoxyethane. The process of the invention comprises two successive phases: oxidation then aldol condensation, which can be carried out in the presence of a solid oxidation catalyst chosen from molybdenum-based catalysts and optionally of an aldol condensation catalyst. These two phases are carried out in a reaction system comprising a single reactor or optionally two reactors in cascade.
US09714204B1
Described herein are processes and systems for purifying an olefin stream which has at least 99 mol % ethylene, involving use of a sulfur guard bed to yield an effluent from the olefin stream which is substantially free of sulfur; a hydrogenation catalyst to yield an effluent from the sulfur guard bed effluent which is substantially free of sulfur, oxygen, acetylene, methyl acetylene, and propadiene; a copper-metal containing catalyst bed to yield an effluent from the hydrogenation catalyst effluent which is substantially free of sulfur, oxygen, acetylene, methyl acetylene, propadiene, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen; and a desiccant to yield a purified ethylene stream having greater than or equal to 99.875 mol % ethylene.
US09714202B2
A method for producing adamantane includes the steps of preparing a catalytic composition including an acidic ionic liquid and a co-catalyst and subjecting a tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene-containing component to isomerization in the presence of the catalytic composition to form adamantane. The acidic ionic liquid includes aluminum chloride and a quaternary onium compound selected from the group consisting of a quaternary ammonium halide, a quaternary phosphonium halide, and a combination thereof. The co-catalyst is an oxygen-containing reagent.
US09714197B2
Nano polycrystalline diamond is composed of carbon, an element of different type which is an element other than carbon and is added to be dispersed in carbon at an atomic level, and an inevitable impurity. The polycrystalline diamond has a crystal grain size not greater than 500 nm. The polycrystalline diamond can be fabricated by subjecting graphite in which the element of different type which is an element other than carbon has been added to be dispersed in carbon at an atomic level to heat treatment within high-pressure press equipment.
US09714193B2
The present invention relates to a float glass for chemical strengthening, containing a bottom surface coming into contact with a molten metal at the time of forming and a top surface opposing the bottom surface, in which a difference Δ(N—Na2O2) determined by subtracting a square of a normalized Na2O surface concentration of the bottom surface which is a value obtained by dividing an Na2O concentration in the bottom surface by an Na2O concentration at a depth position of 100 μm therefrom, from a square of a normalized Na2O surface concentration of the top surface which is a value obtained by dividing an Na2O concentration in the top surface by an Na2O concentration at a depth position of 100 μm therefrom, is 0.040 or less.
US09714178B2
Treatment of silica-laden wastewater is herein described. Unlike traditional fixed bed designs that cannot use an activated alumina sorbent due to the high volumes of sorbent needed in a fixed bed design, the herein disclosed continuous cycle enables smaller volumes of sorbent to be used and thereby enabling activated alumina to be used. Adsorption, regeneration, and rinse regions are provided. Activated alumina is provided to the adsorption region along with silica-containing wastewater. A pH below the zero point charge for alumina is set, and this causes the silica to load onto the alumina. Gravity brings the loaded alumina to the regeneration region, having a pH equal to or greater than the zero point charge of alumina such that the silica is released from the alumina. The silica and alumina are further separated in the rinse region, and the regenerated alumina can then be returned to the adsorption region.
US09714173B2
The present invention relates to, inter alia, gyroidal mesoporous carbon materials and methods of use and manufacture thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a mesoporous carbon composition comprising a gyroidal mesoporous carbon having an ordered gyroidal structure and mesopores having a pore size of greater than 2 nanometers (nm) in diameter, and more particularly greater than 11 nm in diameter.
US09714172B2
Methods for making carbon materials are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include combining one or more polymer precursors with one or more liquids to produce a mixture. The mixture can be an emulsion, dispersion, or a suspension. The liquid can include hexane, pentane, cyclopentane, benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m-xylene, p-xylene, diethyl ether, ethylmethylketone, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, mineral oils, paraffin oils, vegetable derived oils, or any mixture thereof. The method can also include aging the mixture at a temperature and time sufficient for the polymer precursor to react and form polymer gel particles having a volume average particle size (Dv,50) of the polymer particles in gel form greater than or equal to 1 mm. The method can also include heating the polymer gel particles to produce a carbon material.
US09714157B2
An elevator damping unit for reducing vertical oscillations of an elevator car when at a standstill, has brake shoe retainers provided with brake shoes. The brake shoe retainers are connected to a common electric motor via a toothed gear mechanism. The toothed gear mechanism has a central driving gearwheel, which adjoins a drive shaft of the motor, and eccentric gearwheels, which are each assigned to one of the brake shoes and are in operative connection with the driving gearwheel. The brake shoes are supported resiliently on the respective brake shoe retainers in each case via two helical compression springs.
US09714149B2
Systems and methods for deskewing a media object may include receiving, at a deskew of a self-service terminal, the media object. The method may also include engaging a drive member to position the media object into a first position within the deskew. A deskew member may be engaged in a first direction to position the media object into a second position within the deskew. The deskew member may be engaged in a second direction to position the media object into a third position within the deskew.
US09714145B1
The disclosure describes, in part, a system and method for improving the stacking of containers on or in a transportation unit. In some implementations, a stacking configuration may be planned that identifies containers and a position for those containers in the stacking configuration. The stacking configuration may be planned based on dimension values of the containers such that when stacked the stacking configuration remains stable. In addition, to improve the efficiency at which containers may be stacked, the disclosure describes that containers and/or the picking of items for those containers may be sequenced so that the containers, when packed and routed, arrive in a manner that allows efficient stacking.
US09714142B1
The belt tracking guide provides a stationary device that secures to a side rail of the conveyor system. The belt of the conveyor system travels between the two rails to transport objects through the conveyor system. The guides attach to the side rails allowing the belt to travel adjacent the guides. Each guide provides an upper guide finger and a lower guide finger. The guide fingers form a guide aperture located between the fingers. The belt travels through the guide apertures between the guide fingers. The guide finger redirects the belt away from the guide to center the belt.
US09714140B1
A belt having a longitudinal direction extending around the first wheel and the second wheel and forming a closed shape with a circumference in the longitudinal direction. The belt has a first rigid portion and a second rigid portion each extending from the first wheel to the second wheel. The belt may be included in a drive mechanism including a first wheel, a second wheel. Accordingly, when the first wheel is rotated about its axis of rotation the rotation causes movement of the belt along the longitudinal direction such that the first rigid portion provides a pushing force on the second wheel, and the second rigid portion provides a pulling force on the second wheel. Drive mechanisms may have a longitudinal gap between a belt and wheels of the belt. Belts may have a v-shaped or arcuate cross-section. Belts may have multiple layers.
US09714134B2
A packet having: a group of articles; a sealed package enclosing the group of articles and having a first cover flap, which is defined by a first cut through the sealed package and is movable to allow access to the group of articles; a rigid container enclosing the sealed package and having a second cover flap, which is defined by a second cut through the container, is superimposed on the first cover flap of the sealed package, and is movable to allow access to the sealed package; and a reclosable adhesive panel, which is coated on the inside with re-stick adhesive, and has a grip tab with no re-stick adhesive and located at an edge of the adhesive panel.
US09714126B2
A closure is provided. The closure is configured to be coupled to a container having a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis and defining an open end and an interior. The closure includes a sidewall. The sidewall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface includes a coupling feature configured to couple the closure to the sidewall of a container. The closure includes an intermediate wall extending radially inwardly from the sidewall including a first vent aperture. The closure includes an upper closure portion including a second vent aperture. The closure includes a filter layer located between the upper closure portion and the intermediate wall. The closure is configured to prevent gas from travelling in a path generally parallel to the longitudinal axis from the first vent aperture to the second vent aperture.
US09714124B2
The present invention provides a slider valve assembly for connection to a spout of an aseptically-packaged flexible container for filling and dispensing flowable material. The slider valve assembly comprises a cap member, a valve member, and an outlet member. The cap member has a central opening and is adapted to be secured to the spout of the container. The valve member defines one or more side openings in communication with a central bore, is slidable within the central opening of the cap member and is lockable into a closed or open position. The outlet member is detachably engaged to the valve member and is used for actuating the valve member. The outlet member also defines a hollow interior portion which is in communication with the central bore of the valve member.
US09714119B2
The present disclosure relates to an end clip for a closure for a reclosable package or similar apparatus. The end clip includes any of a variety of inwardly extending engagement elements to engage portions of a closure held therebetween, particularly the flanges of the closure. The end clip is ultrasonically welded or similarly bonded to itself through the closure flanges.
US09714116B2
A two-component pallet includes an upper part defining a deck and including a plurality of posts, and a lower part including a corresponding plurality of feet arranged in complement with the posts. The posts and the feet each include an alignment member and ribs. The upper part is welded to the lower part such that the ribs are welded together. The alignment member of the posts is engaged with the alignment member of the feet without being welded. In some embodiments, the ribs are bent to better absorb impact from a forklift tine or the like.
US09714106B2
Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting. The devices include a loading chute having a ceiling or door having at least a portion configured to open and close and a floor underlying and in cooperating alignment with the ceiling. The ceiling and floor are configured to cooperate to encase a product chamber with an axially extending open channel therebetween. At least one of the floor and ceiling reciprocates in a substantially vertical direction between a first loading position corresponding to when the ceiling is open and a second operative position corresponding to when the ceiling is closed.
US09714105B2
An apparatus for supplying a large amount of bags includes: a bag stocking mechanism that stocks a large amount of raised bags and guides the stocked bags to the front end thereof; and a bag transport mechanism that transports the bags of the bag stocking mechanism to a packaging machine. The apparatus further includes, a bag pickup mechanism and a bag delivery mechanism that pick up the bag from the bag stocking mechanism; a detection unit that detects the orientation of the picked up bag; and a bag turning mechanism that turns the bag in the predetermined transport direction of the bag transport mechanism according to the orientation of the bag detected by the detection unit.
US09714100B2
A method for detecting a failure of at least one sensor onboard an aircraft implementing a baro-inertial loop is provided. The method includes implementing a baro-inertial loop including obtaining a computed vertical speed, then a short-term baro-inertial altitude, based on a double integration of the measured vertical acceleration; and developing at least one intermediate loop parameter based on a deviation between the short-term baro-inertial altitude and the pressure altitude. The method also includes observing at least one failure detection parameter obtained from one of the intermediate parameters of the baro-inertial loop; and determining the presence of a failure on one of the sensors of the aircraft based on the value of the observed failure detection parameter.
US09714094B2
Compact aircraft galley and lavatory arrangement and articulating lavatory partition for an aircraft
A combination lavatory and galley arrangement for aircraft includes a lavatory portion having adjacent inboard and outboard lavatories, and a galley portion, and can be located aft of aft aircraft aft doors, and can at least partially rearwardly extend into the aircraft's aft pressure dome. The inboard and outboard lavatories can be separated by a movable wall or partition to provide access for persons with restricted mobility, and can be provided in a modular housing to facilitate retrofit assembly within an aircraft. The movable wall can be an articulating movable lavatory partition movable between a first, linearly extended configuration and a second, folded configuration in a stowed position to provide entry for persons with restricted mobility.
US09714087B2
A vertical takeoff/landing capable, multi-engine aircraft with an airfoil without elevator or rudder surfaces is provided. Strut apertures accommodate vertical and horizontal translation of the airfoil in reference to engine supporting struts which are disposed through the apertures, opposite ends of the struts extending to opposite sides of the airfoil, wherein the struts are adjustably attached to the airfoil. A first and second plurality of engines are attached to ends of the struts, an attachment position of the plurality of engines to the struts is horizontally adjustable. A computerized engine controller, controls thrusts of the engines, to enable the aircraft to vertically lift off/land and re-orient itself to horizontally fly, and perform thrust-initiated elevator and rudder emulating flight. An external payload-to-delivery mating mechanism is attached to the bottom of the payload, which mates to a pole leading to the payload receptacle. Transceivers facilitate precise transfer of the payload.
US09714084B2
Method and arrangement for reducing the effects of a sonic boom created by an aerospace vehicle when the vehicle is flown at supersonic speed. The method includes providing the aerospace vehicle with a first spike extending from the nose thereof substantially in the direction of normal flight of the aerospace vehicle, the first spike having a second section aft of a first section that is aft of a leading end portion, the first and second sections having a second transition region there between and each of the sections having different cross-sectional areas, the leading end portion of the first spike tapering toward a predetermined cross-section with a first transition region between the predetermined cross-section and the first section. The first transition region is configured so as to reduce the coalescence of shock waves produced by the first spike during normal supersonic flight of the aerospace vehicle. A spike may also be included that extends from the tail of the aerospace vehicle to reduce the coalescence of shock waves produced by the spike during normal supersonic flight of the aerospace vehicle.
US09714078B2
An aircraft window has an inner window assembly retained on an outer window assembly by a plurality of interlocking clips and receptacles positioned around the perimeter of the window. The interlocking clips and receptacles produce a retention force that compresses a seal against an outer structural the window to seal an internal cavity between the inner and outer window assemblies.
US09714072B2
Dampers for mounting on a dock to control landing a boat. The dampers may be used individually or in damper systems made up of a plurality of dampers. Each damper has a flexible body with one or more sidewalls defining an inner chambers, and orifices are provided in one of the sidewalls to allow the chamber to be filled with water when the damper is in an at-rest state. When the boat approaches the dock and contacts the damper or the outer set of dampers in a damper assembly/system, the collision or impact force applied by the boat against the outer surfaces of the damper(s) causes the damper body to be compressed, which causes the sidewalls of the chamber to collapse so as to expel water out of the inner chamber via the orifices so as to reduce the speed of the boat at a desired rate of deceleration.
US09714070B2
A recreational water flotation device includes a central body defining an upper surface and a bottom surface and having a front end and a rear end. A left lateral element extends from a left end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defines a left end of the flotation device. A right lateral element extends from a right end of the central body and defines a left canted surface canted toward the central body and further defining a right end of the flotation device. The device is buoyant in water. A propeller can be mounted to the bottom surface of the central body.
US09714069B2
A base member attached to a supporting surface has an open top cavity in the general shape of a shoe and a base assembly housing, which is attached to the lower end of a rigid pedestal which supports an apparatus at its upper end, is foot shaped in part to nestle in the base member shoe area. A manually operable securing device releasably secures the housing snugly in the base member so that the pedestal is readily attached and removed as necessary.
US09714068B1
Method and apparatus for a canopy for watercraft wherein the canopy is constructed by using a pair of flexible, rod-like members wherein one end of each of the flexible rods is inserted through mating apertures in an upright member mounted onto the watercraft so that the rods are bowed outwardly and frictionally held in the stanchion. A canopy is attached between the rods so that the canopy generally appears to be in an elongated V-shaped structure which stretches across a portion of the watercraft between the flexible rods.
US09714060B2
A modular trailer apparatus, which in some embodiments may include a bed coupled to a frame having a length and width. A first transportation conveyance for contacting a ground surface and a second transportation conveyance for contacting a ground surface may be coupled to opposing sides of the frame. The apparatus may further include a towing arm comprising a bed element movably coupled to a tow element. The bed element may be coupled to the frame and the tow element may be coupled to a trailer coupler configured to be secured to ball hitches or any other tow hitch. In further embodiments, the tow element may be movably coupled to the bed element between an extended position and a retracted position.
US09714059B2
A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter body. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow. The splitter body is moveably mounted at the first vehicle body end and generates an aerodynamic downforce on the first vehicle body end when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system also includes a mechanism configured to selectively translate the splitter body along the longitudinal body axis away from the first vehicle body end into the incident airflow and toward the first vehicle body end out of the incident airflow. The translation of the splitter body by the mechanism in turn adjusts the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body on the first vehicle body end.
US09714057B2
A pneumatically actuated air control device is provided. The device includes a control surface that affects the air flow along the device, and an at least one pneumatic motor configured to alter or change the configuration or orientation of the control surface or sections thereof. The device is configured such that when selective air pressure is supplied to the at least one motor, the control surface or sections thereof changes its configuration or its orientation with respect to the air flow, thereby affecting the air flow with respect to the device.
US09714049B2
When an engine is to be restarted, a power-steering mechanism is reactivated once a battery voltage has reached at least a predetermined voltage at which the power-steering mechanism normally operates after the resistance of a power supply circuit is switched by the circuit switching device, after startup of the engine has been initiated.
US09714046B2
A device, in particular a vehicle, intended to be moved by muscle force, including an electric machine, which influences the movement of the device in addition to the muscle force and which produces an additional force, at least one sensor for measuring the muscle force acting on the device, and apparatuses for controlling the production of the additional force by the electric machine on the basis of the measurement signal of the sensor. The apparatuses for controlling the production of the driving and/or braking force include a load device for converting electrical energy produced by the electric machine operating as a generator into another form of energy, in particular heat.
US09714045B2
A foldable cart for holding a plurality of baskets. Each basket has collapsible sidewalls and an upper-frame secured to and surrounding an upper rim of the collapsible sidewalls. The cart has shelf-supports, each shelf-support supporting at least one basket. First and second arms are each pivotally coupled to a side of each of the plurality of shelf-supports, the sides being opposite one another. Basket-retainers for removably receiving a basket are provided, each basket-retainer pivotally coupled to the first arm at a first side thereof and to the second arm at a second side thereof, the first and second sides being opposite one another. Each basket-retainer is pivotally coupled above each shelf-support to secure the upper-frame of one basket above the shelf-support. Also provided is cart handle coupled to an upper-end of both the first and second arms, and a leg pivotally coupled to each of the first and second arms.
US09714041B2
A control system for a train having at least one locomotive or control car and, optionally, at least one railroad car, operating in a track network, wherein an on-board computer determines or receives movement data and location data and generates stopping data representing an amount of force for stopping the train at a distance from a target and/or predictor data representing an estimated or predicted location or position of the train in the track network based on the movement data and the location data. A train control method is also provided.
US09714038B1
The invention provides a method and device for warning against vehicle water wading. The method comprises: measuring a water depth at a predetermined distance in front of a vehicle, based on respective measuring results of a vehicle bottom laser rangefinder, an ultrasonic rangefinder, a vehicle roof laser rangefinder, and a gyro sensor; determining whether the water depth exceeds a safe depth of the vehicle; issuing a vehicle warning message if the water depth exceeds the safe depth. The invention also provides a corresponding device of the method. Compared with the prior art solution in which it is only possible to detect the water depth and issue any warning message after the vehicle wades into the water, the solution of the present embodiment may detect the water depth at a predetermined distance in front of the vehicle before the vehicle wades into the water and issue warning message if the water depth exceeds the safety depth of the vehicle, which improves the efficiency of the vehicle water wading warning, and thus carries out water wading warning in a real sense.
US09714034B2
In a case where existence of a branch point in front of a vehicle is not recognized based on position information of the vehicle and map information, when a lane width variation is greater than or equal to a first threshold value larger than a second threshold value, a determination that the branch point exists is made by a determination unit of a vehicle control device. On the other hand, in a case where existence of the branch point is recognized based on the position information of the vehicle and the map information, when the lane width variation is greater than or equal to the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, a determination that the branch point exists is made by the determination unit.
US09714032B2
A driving assistance apparatus to be mounted on a vehicle includes: an object detecting unit configured to detect an object outside the vehicle and acquire object information including a distance to the object; a vehicle speed detecting unit configured to detect a vehicle speed of the vehicle; and a processing unit configured to carry out driving assistance associated with an object on the basis of the object information when the object has been detected by the object detecting unit, and suppress the driving assistance when a predetermined condition that is changed on the basis of the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detecting unit is satisfied.
US09714024B2
A method and an apparatus for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a navigation device that provides information regarding a gradient, a speed limit, and a traffic speed of a road. An accelerator pedal position detector detects a position of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal position detector detects a position of a brake pedal. A vehicle speed detector detects a vehicle speed, a state of charge (SOC) detector detects an SOC of a battery, and a gear stage detector detects a gear stage that is currently engaged. A controller operates the hybrid vehicle based on signals of the navigation device, the accelerator pedal position detector, the brake pedal position detector, the vehicle speed detector, the SOC detector, and the gear stage detector.
US09714017B2
The brake controller includes a friction brake device, a regeneration brake device, a required braking force calculating portion, a vehicle motion control portion which distributes the required braking force to the non-regeneration braking side right/left wheels that is either one of the right/left front wheels and right/left rear wheels, a maximum braking force calculating portion which calculates the maximum braking force at each wheel and a braking force control portion-which calculates the regeneration braking force generated at the regeneration braking side right/left wheels within a range where the regeneration braking force to be generated at the regeneration braking side right/left wheels does not exceed a smaller value of the maximum braking forces of the regeneration braking side right/left wheels, based on the required braking force and the distribution of the braking force to the non-regeneration braking side right/left wheels.
US09714016B2
A sensor is described for a regulating system in a vehicle, having a sensor element and an interface element. The interface element is set up for the communicative connection of the sensor element to a control device in a vehicle. The interface element is fashioned as a two-contact interface element.
US09714013B2
There is provided a collision avoidance assist apparatus that includes an object detection sensor that detects a relative speed between a vehicle and an object ahead, a brake unit that brakes the vehicle so as to avoid collision with the object ahead, and a control unit that sets a set braking time that will be taken for the relative speed to reach zero based on set deceleration determined depending on a braking ability of the vehicle, and controls the brake unit such that the braking of the vehicle is continued over the set braking time.
US09714012B1
A method and apparatus for replacing a power source element is provided. The method includes enabling a first vehicle comprising a first power source apparatus comprising a first multiple compartment housing comprising a first plurality of receptacles retaining a first plurality of power source elements, a controller, and a communication interface. The first vehicle receives a notification indicating that a second vehicle requires replacement of a power source element of a second plurality of power source elements within a second power source apparatus of the second vehicle. The first vehicle is directed to a current location of the second vehicle and the first vehicle is docked to the second vehicle. The power source element of the second vehicle is replaced with a fully charged power source element of the first plurality of power source elements from the first vehicle during operation of the first vehicle and the second vehicle.
US09714011B2
A vehicle wash component includes a hub portion with a first hub section and a second hub section. The first hub section includes a first distal end and a first proximate end opposite the first distal end. The first hub section defines a first axis of rotation. The second hub section includes a second distal end and a second proximate end opposite the second distal end. The second hub section defines a second axis of rotation. A connector device rotatably couples the first hub section to the second hub section. An actuator is in communication with the first hub section to effectuate movement of the first distal end between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation are parallel. In the extended position, the first axis of rotation is at a non-90 angle with respect to the second axis of rotation.
US09714010B2
A foam/liquid applicator system for an automated carwash has at least one foam generator with a first end, a second end, a first input for receiving air, and a second input for receiving a detergent mixture. The foam generator transforms the air and the detergent mixture into foam. A light chamber is attached to the first end of said foam generator and receives the foam formed in the foam generator, the light chamber has a plurality of openings for dispensing. A light bar is disposed in the light chamber and has a plurality of lights for illuminating the foam as it is expelled via the openings.
US09714007B2
The invention relates to a wiper device (10) for vehicle windows, in particular for vehicle windscreens, with a wiper arm (11) which carries an adapter (16) on the wiper arm side, which is able to be connected with a wiper blade (20; 20a; 20b; 70) by means of an adapter element (18; 18a) on the wiper blade side, wherein the wiper blade (20; 20a; 20b; 70) has a wiper rubber (21) and at least one carrier rail (26, 27; 71) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the wiper blade (20; 20a; 20b; 70), which is arranged in operative connection with a heating arrangement (28; 28a; 72) having an electrical connection (46; 56, 57; 76). According to the invention, provision is made that the electrical connection (46; 56; 57; 76) of the heating arrangement (28; 28a; 72) is held in a sealing manner in a first plug connector body (48; 54, 55; 77).
US09714003B2
In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media (transitory and non-transitory) are described that are associated with providing alerts to a caregiver in a vehicle. In various embodiments, an apparatus may include a first sensor coupled with a restraint to provide a restraint indicator, a second sensor coupled with a securing component to provide an attachment indicator, and an alert module operated by one or more processors to cause a wireless transmitter to transmit an alert signal based at least in part on the restraint indicator and the attachment indicator. In various embodiments, a warning apparatus may include an output device and a warning module operated by one or more processors to activate the output device based at least in part on a wireless alert signal from a car seat in a vehicle that indicates the car seat is in use.
US09713997B2
Interior panels having integrated airbag deployment doors for motor vehicles and methods for making such interior panels are provided. In one example, an interior panel for a motor vehicle includes a substrate. The substrate includes a substrate section and a film insert. The film insert is disposed in the substrate section such that a frangible tear seam is formed along an interface between the film insert and the substrate section defining an integrated airbag deployment door in the substrate.
US09713996B2
An airbag apparatus may include: an inflator part installed in a vehicle so as to spray gas; and an airbag cushion part deployed by the gas sprayed by the inflator part. The airbag cushion part may include: a main cushion to which the gas sprayed by the inflator part is introduced; an auxiliary cushion connected to the main cushion and tucked into the main cushion; and an expansion limiting part connecting the main cushion to the tucked-in auxiliary cushion at a preset pressure or less so as to limit expansion of the auxiliary cushion.
US09713993B2
This discloses apparatus including, but not limited to, an all Direct Current (DC) energy transfer circuit, a energy transfer controller, an all-DC energy transfer network, components of use in such circuits, and application apparatus that benefits from including and/or using the all-DC energy transfer device and methods of operating the above in accord with this invention. The application apparatus may include, but are not limited to, a hybrid electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, and/or a solar power device, in particular, a hybrid electric/internal combustion engine automobile.
US09713989B2
An integrated carrier rack and storage system for vehicles is provided. Generally, the system includes a receiving unit, installed in a motor vehicle that receives a carrier bar device. The system further includes an immobilizing system attached carrier bar and various attachment units which facilitate in transportation and storage. The integrated carrier rack and storage system is user friendly and may be applied to any motor vehicle to carry an assortment of items and store them using the same system.
US09713986B2
A mirror reflective element sub-assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a mirror reflective element and a mirror back plate disposed at a rear side of a glass substrate of the reflective element. The back plate includes a mirror actuator attaching portion that is established at a first side by a plastic injection molding operation. The mirror actuator attaching portion includes structure for attaching the back plate to a mirror actuator of an exterior rearview mirror assembly. A heater pad is disposed between the rear side of the glass substrate and the second side of the back plate. When the exterior rearview mirror assembly utilizing the mirror reflective element sub-assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle, light emitted by an indicator passes exits the heater pad and the reflective element to provide a visual icon visible to a driver of the vehicle.
US09713985B2
A vehicle rearview mirror system is described. A display device constructs an image by an image signal having been output from an image receiving unit of a vehicle-mounted camera and then causes a display screen to display the constructed image. A vehicle mirror main body incorporates the display device. A posture of the vehicle mirror main body is altered between a posture when a driver watches a vehicle rear side appearing in a half mirror and a posture when the driver watches an image which is displayed on the display screen. An operating lever member is employed to alter the posture of the vehicle mirror main body. A power supply switch switches on or off the display device in conjunction with operation of the operating lever member.
US09713983B2
A boundary line recognition apparatus receives detection results transmitted from camera devices and a laser radar device performing different optical detection methods. These detection results indicate information regarding a lane boundary line of a vehicle lane on a roadway on which an own vehicle drives. The apparatus further obtains surrounding environmental information of the own vehicle on the roadway, and selects at least one of the camera devices and the laser radar device suitable for correctly recognizing the lane boundary line on the basis of the environmental information. The apparatus finally recognizes the lane boundary line with high accuracy on the basis of the detection result transmitted form one or more devices selected based on the environment information.
US09713980B2
A vehicle is equipped with a spotlight. The spotlight has a rod that passes through a pillar of the vehicle, such as the A-pillar. The A-pillar includes one or more beams. The beam is provided with an aperture or a through-hole for the rod to pass through. One or more sleeves are provided with a tubular body and a flange. The flange is secured to the beam and is oriented such that the tubular body passes at least partially through the aperture or through-hole. The sleeve provides an engagement surface that surrounds the rod of the spotlight while improving structural rigidity of that portion of the pillar.
US09713976B2
A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, a powertrain assembly, a front suspension assembly, and a rear suspension assembly. A cargo bed may be supported by the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an operator seat and at least one passenger seat positioned within an operator area. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes doors to enclose the operator area.
US09713975B2
A vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle has raised seatback that includes a permeable foam layer having a plurality of spaced apertures. A distribution system having airflow passages is juxtaposed against the permeable foam layer, such that the airflow passages of the distribution system are in fluid communication with the apertures in the permeable foam layer. A carrier assembly is juxtaposed against the distribution system and has an upper portion having a central annual member supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms, to which is attached a blower in fluid communication with the airflow passages of the distribution system and the apertures in the permeable foam layer. Warm air from the permeable foam layer is displaced away from the permeable foam layer and is circulated through the raised seatback by operation of the blower.
US09713974B2
A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a backrest, a head restraint, and a pump. The backrest is coupled to the seat base. The head restraint includes a rigid backing member, a padding, an inflatable bladder, and a cover. The backing member is coupled to the backrest. The padding is coupled to the backing member and disposed at least along a forward face of an upper portion of the backing member. The inflatable bladder is coupled to the backing member and disposed along a forward face of a lower portion of the backing member. The padding and the inflatable bladder are disposed between the backing member and the cover. The pump is coupled for fluid communication with the inflatable bladder. The bladder is selectively inflated or deflated to improve the comfort of the head restraint.
US09713970B1
A seat for a motor vehicle includes a base, a seat cushion on top of the base having a top surface and rear surface, a seat back having a forward surface, a rear surface, and a bottom surface, and a handle attached to the bottom surface of the seat back located between the bottom surface of the seat back and the top surface of the seat cushion when the seat back is upright. The handle and bottom surface of the seat back being exposed when the seat back is folded down.
US09713956B2
A vehicle-to-vehicle communication system providing a spatiotemporal look ahead and method thereof is provided. A trailing vehicle having a look ahead capability can communicate with a preceding vehicle. The preceding vehicle can measure a distance to a leading vehicle and provide that information through vehicle-to-vehicle communications to the trailing vehicle. The trailing vehicle can then display an augmented reality indicator above the vehicle through its head-up display indicating how far the leading vehicle is in front of the preceding vehicle. An icon representing the leading vehicle can be displayed within the augmented reality indicator representing the leading vehicle. Braking actions by the leading vehicle can be communicated to the trailing vehicle through the augmented reality indicator.
US09713944B2
Data representing a ground contact time of a tire is transmitted from a tire side device, and received by a vehicle side device to calculate the ground contact time of the tire, to thereby calculate a ground contact length of the tire at that time. In a situation where a tire air pressure may change such as a tire exchange, the ground contact length at that time is set as a reference ground contact length, and a determination reference value is set on the basis of the reference ground contact length. As a result, the relative determination reference value corresponding to the tire type can be set, and a variation of the reduction rate of the tire air pressure when it is determined that the tire air pressure is reduced can be reduced. As a result, the reduction in the tire air pressure can be detected with high precision regardless of the tire type.
US09713943B2
A middle land portion includes middle sipes and middle lateral grooves. A shoulder land portion includes shoulder lateral grooves and shoulder sipes. A ratio Ems/Ema is smaller than a ratio Ess/Esa. Ems denotes a total of elements of edge lengths of the middle sipes in an axial direction of the tire. Ema denotes a total of elements of edge lengths of the middle sipes and the middle lateral grooves in the axial direction. Ess denotes a total of elements of edge lengths of the shoulder sipes in the axial direction. Esa denotes a total of elements of edge lengths of the shoulder sipes and the shoulder lateral grooves in the axial direction.
US09713938B2
The present invention relates, in general, to a novel artwork surface and, in particular, to an ultra lightweight dispersed solid artwork surface and methods of creating artwork structures. Techniques are described herein that are capable of creating an innovative artwork structure. For example, a method of preparing a dispersed solid artwork surface, applying said medium to said dispersed solid artwork surface, finishing said dispersed artwork surface to create an artwork structure, and displaying said artwork structure.
US09713923B2
A printhead is provided having an elongate support having a plurality of internal webs protruding from a base section to define a plurality of parallel fluid supply channels, a shim supported by the support and defining a plurality of rows of openings through which fluid from respective supply channels is supplied, and a plurality of elongate printhead modules supported serially on the shim. Each module defines a plurality of fluid supply passages through which fluid passes to fluid ejection nozzles from respective rows of the openings. Either end of each module defines complementary formations such that adjacent modules nest together.
US09713920B2
A screen printing method and an apparatus are provided for printing on objects (12) which can be rolled against a printing screen (34). The method and apparatus provide the possibility of printing on the region (13) of the object to be printed upon over the entire periphery thereof, that is over 360°, even when the length of the final overall print image in the peripheral direction of the object is longer than the spacings between the individual objects passing through the printing station. For that purpose, the peripheral surface to which the final overall print image is to be applied is subdivided into at least two portions (13a, b) which are displaced relative to each other in the peripheral direction of the object (12). Each of those portions is provided with at least one individual print (53), wherein a plurality of individual prints applied to the same portion (13a, b) can supplement each other to afford a colored partial print image.
US09713911B2
A packing unit and method for folding a blank on a packing machine; the packing unit having: a packing conveyor having at least one pocket for receiving the blank; and a feed device for inserting the blank into the pocket on the packing conveyor; the packing conveyor has at least a first conveyor belt defining a bottom wall, of the pocket; at least a second conveyor belt separate from, parallel to, and alongside the first conveyor belt, and defining the bottom wall of the pocket together with the first conveyor belt; a first retaining member, which projects perpendicularly from the first conveyor belt and defines a front wall of the pocket; and a second retaining member, which projects perpendicularly from the second conveyor belt and defines a rear wall of the pocket.
US09713903B2
A system to fabricate hierarchical graded materials includes a reservoir to contain a material to be deposited, a print head connected to the reservoir to allow the print head to receive the material to be deposited, the print head having a mixing section, and an actuator connected to the print head, the actuator configured to actuate the print head in six axes of motion.
US09713900B2
A resin mold for nanoimprinting has a substrate, a resin layer formed upon the substrate and having a depressions and protrusions pattern on a surface, an inorganic substance layer formed of uniform thickness on at least the surface having the depressions and protrusions pattern of the resin layer, and a mold release agent layer formed of uniform thickness on at least the surface having the depressions and protrusions pattern of the inorganic substance layer. The resin of the resin layer includes constituent units derived from an epoxy group-containing unsaturated compound at a concentration of 1 to 50 percent relative to total constituent units, and the epoxy value is 7.0×10−4 to 4.0×10−2.
US09713894B2
The instant disclosure provides a die assembly for producing microcapillary film. The die assembly is operatively connectable to an extruder having a thermoplastic material passing therethrough. The die assembly includes a pair of die plates, a manifold, and a plurality of nozzles. The manifold is positionable between the pair of die plates and defining a plurality of film channels therebetween. The plurality of film channels converge into an elongate outlet. The thermoplastic material is extrudable through the plurality of film channels and the elongate outlet to form a multi-layer film. The plurality of nozzles are positionable between the plurality of film channels. The plurality of nozzles are operatively connectable to a source of channel fluid for emitting the channel fluid into the thermoplastic materials exiting the die whereby microcapillaries are formed.
US09713884B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing polyurethane foam moldings where the density of the molding is at most 500 g/L, by mixing the following to give a reaction mixture: a) organic polyisocyanates with b) polyesterols, c) blowing agents, d) cell-opening additives selected from the group consisting of homo- or copolymers based on ethylhexyl acrylate, on polybutadiene, on polyisobutene, and on diorganosilicones, or a mixture of two or more of said antifoams, e) silicone-based cell stabilizers and optionally f) chain extenders and/or crosslinking agents, g) catalysts, and h) other auxiliaries and/or additives, and charging the materials to a mold, and permitting them to complete a reaction to give a polyurethane foam molding. The present invention further relates to polyurethane moldings obtainable by this process, and to the use of said moldings as shoe sole, steering wheel, seat, or armrest.
US09713883B2
The present invention generally relates to polymeric materials pulverization. More particularly, the present invention relates to an extrusion method and device for producing particulate deformed polymers having a more useful resultant devulcanized surface area for downstream industrial usage. Specifically, the present invention relates to a pulverization extrusion method and device that utilizes the herein described specific combination of variable feed screw torque and variable main screw speed together with coupled temperature control of the extruder barrel and extruder main screw.
US09713876B2
A shaving head includes at least one cutting unit in which an external cutting member is subjected to a shaving action. The external cutting member is suspended relative to a holder of the shaving head through suspension means. The suspension means includes at least two pivot constructions, wherein one pivot construction enables a member of the suspension means to be pivotable relative to the holder. The other pivot construction enables the external cutting member to be pivotable relative to the suspension member. Furthermore, a pivoting stiffness of a connection of the latter pivot construction is lower than a pivoting stiffness of the first pivot construction. In this manner, good contour following performance is obtained at two levels, in both relatively small and relatively large curvature changing areas.
US09713873B2
A continuum style manipulator is actuated by jammable media within an envelope of a module, which is also actuated by a tensile element, such as a cable and spooler motor. Multiple modules may be reversibly added. Two or more tensile elements may also be used. Three or more actuated tensile elements can actuate three DOFs of each module, and the terminal module, as well as the entire manipulator. Jammable media may be granular, actuated by a pressure change. Coarsely ground coffee works well. Rather than a jammable media, tensile elements may alternatively be used with other phase change media, such as magnetorheological and electrorheological media. A high friction angle of the granular media is desirable, and has been achieved with a particle size dispersion including both small and relatively larger particles. Applications include endoscopes, proctoscopes, laparoscopic instruments, manufacturing and medical manipulators. Methods of actuating include unjamming all modules, positioning the manipulator with tensile elements or otherwise, jamming the base-most module, and then repositioning remaining, not-jammed modules, followed by jamming the base-most not-jammed module, and so on, until all modules are positioned and jammed.
US09713869B2
The calibration device combines a work object with an industrial robot and a robot tool. The work object uses a pair of beam projecting lasers and three plane projecting lasers, the laser beams intersecting at a laser intersecting point. The laser intersection point of the laser beams and laser planes represent the location of the reference coordinate system which is selected to be the origin of the robot path being downloaded from the off-line programming. Once this off-line programming is created, the work object is placed onto the fixture on the manufacturing shop floor in the same place as the CAD environment. The user then manipulates the TCP into position of the laser intersection point and the laser planes. The robot is then manipulated down a first laser with the TCP recording a second point along a first laser beam and recording a third point along the opposing laser beam.
US09713867B2
The present invention relates to a versatile nail magazine for a nailing gun. In certain embodiments, the versatile nail magazine includes an elongated nail magazine body for loading nails. The nail magazine body includes: a front end connected to a nailing head of the nailing gun, and a rear end for reloading various types of nails, a nail shank track having a lower end, and an upper end, a nail head track disposed on the upper end of the nail shank track, and one or more nail head positioning protrusions disposed between the upper end of the nail shank track and the nail head track for securing the plurality of nails. The nail shank track, and the nail head track extend lengthwise along nail magazine body. Nails in a nail strip are loaded in the nail head track, and the nail shank track from rear end of nail magazine body.
US09713858B2
A metal plate loading/unloading and cutting method and system comprises: a block cart and a sheet cart both of which are arranged on a guide rail; a cutting operation unit arranged at one side of the guide rail; a carrying and stacking robot arranged between the cutting operation unit and the guide rail of the block cart and the sheet cart, a robot external shaft being parallel to the cart guide rail and extending over two fast moving table waiting stations of the cutting operation unit; and a waste material conveying device arranged below the two cutting stations of the cutting operation unit. The present invention can effectively increase material utilization efficiency and further enlarge the range in production and machining, and is especially suitable for providing production of small-batch vehicle models and trial production of new vehicle models.
US09713855B2
A method of drilling a part, or a turbine engine part, by a pulse laser generator including a cavity in which there is mounted a solid bar for generating laser pulses, the method including determining values of a plurality of operating parameters of the laser generator for forming orifices of predetermined diameter in the part, and taking account, among the parameters, of a setpoint value for the temperature of the laser cavity, which value is determined as a function of characteristics of the orifices to be drilled.
US09713845B2
A method for manufacturing a cutting insert having a through-hole that extends in a direction that is non-parallel to the main pressing direction. The method includes the steps of moving first and second punches within a die cavity toward each other along a first pressing axis and compacting a powder around a core rod into a cutting insert green body, wherein, during at least a portion of the compaction step, the core rod is turned a predetermined angle in alternating direction around its longitudinal axis.
US09713842B2
The present invention relates to a method for coating primary particles with secondary particles using dual asymmetric centrifugal forces wherein, the primary particles comprise (a) at least one metal, or (b) at least one ceramic; the secondary particles comprise at least one metal or salt thereof; and wherein the secondary particles are more malleable than the primary particles.
US09713839B2
In a continuous casting method for casting aluminum-deoxidized molten stainless steel 1 by using a continuous casting apparatus 100 in which a long nozzle 3 extending into a tundish 101 is provided at a ladle 2, the molten stainless steel 1 is poured into the tundish 101 through the long nozzle 3, while the spout 3a of the long nozzle 3 is being immersed in the molten stainless steel 1 that has been poured, and the molten stainless steel 1 in the tundish 101 is poured into a casting mold 105. A TD powder 5 is sprayed so that the powder covers the surface of the molten stainless steel 1 in the tundish 101, and nitrogen gas is supplied around the molten stainless steel 1. A calcium-containing material is added to the molten stainless steel 1 in a state other than a state of retention in the tundish 101.
US09713827B2
The present invention relates to a device for decontaminating surfaces such as a wall, a floor, or a ceiling of a building, or the like, having one or more toxic products, such as, asbestos, lead (Pb), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), or radioactive products. The device includes at least one hydroblasting head fed by a high pressure unit and connected to a vacuum source comprising a low pressure source connected to a cyclone head mounted on a container which collects water containing toxic products and residues of the support. A filtration system having a filtering press is provided. The filtering press is fed with water containing toxic products collected in the container and whose output feeds a buffer tank wherein the water from the filtration comprises particles less than or equal to 5 μm. Another objective of the invention concerns a method for decontaminating surfaces.
US09713822B2
A substrate processing apparatus comprising a substrate holding rotating mechanism, a process liquid supply mechanism having a nozzle for dispensing a process liquid toward a principal face of the substrate, a processing liquid reservoir for holding sufficient process liquid to form a liquid film covering the whole principal face of the substrate, a liquid film forming unit for forming the liquid film by supplying the process liquid onto the principal face of the substrate in a single burst, and a control unit for controlling the liquid film forming unit and the process liquid supply mechanism such that the process liquid is dispensed from the process liquid nozzle toward the principal face of the substrate after formation of the liquid film covering the whole area of the principal face of the substrate by the liquid film forming unit.
US09713815B2
A marker airbrush device for transferring marking solution from a marking device onto a writing surface using air is provided. The airbrush device includes a housing with an air outlet, a trigger for controlling an amount of air travelling through the air outlet, and a marker positioner coupled to the housing. The marker positioner positions a marking device relative to the air outlet such that air traveling through the air outlet contacts at least one surface of the marking device to transfer marking solution onto a writing surface. In embodiments, rotation of a portion of the marker positioner advances and/or retracts the marking device with respect to the flow of air through the air outlet, thereby altering the angle and/or amount of air that contacts the marking device during spraying. In another embodiment, the marker positioner includes a locking lever for engaging against the marker device nib and/or housing.
US09713813B2
The invention relates to a centrifuge cup, which has a container and a cover. The cover has a lever including a guide element in each case on opposing edge areas thereof. The guide elements are able to be introduced into an associated guide path of the container by pivoting the lever. The guide elements are implemented in such a way that in a closed state of the cover with the container, a clamping force (F) having vertical force component (Fy) and horizontal force component (Fx) is provided at a contact point or a contact line of the guide elements with the particular associated guide path.
US09713812B1
Methods and systems for mining or recovering high value recyclable materials from waste streams with high percentages of recyclable materials. Examples of waste streams that can be advantageously processed using the methods and systems herein include dry commercial solid waste, dry industrial solid waste, and/or source separated curbside collected and processed single stream waste. The methods utilize a shredder to improve the efficiency and recovery rate of recyclables. Some methods also include upgrading an existing waste processing facility to include a shredder.
US09713810B2
Devices and methods for washing a suspension of cells are provided. The devices include concentric center, intermediate, and outer compartments. The center compartment and the intermediate compartment are in communication with each other by a first valve and the intermediate and outer compartments are in communication with each other by an opening, aperture, or second valve. The methods include loading a suspension of cells into the center compartment, loading a wash solution into the intermediate compartment, and rotating the device. Centripetal force forces cells through the wash solution and into the outer compartment, where they are isolated and collected.
US09713809B2
A method for the heterogeneous catalysis of a chemical reaction using, in a reactor, at least one reagent and a catalytic composition that can catalyze the reaction within a given range of temperatures T. At least one reagent is brought into contact with the catalytic composition which includes a ferromagnetic nanoparticulate component whose surface is formed at least partially by a compound that is a catalyst for the reaction; the nanoparticulate component is heated by magnetic induction in order to reach a temperature within the range of temperatures T; and the reaction product(s) formed on the surface of the nanoparticulate component are recovered. A catalytic composition includes a ferromagnetic nanoparticulate component that can be heated by magnetic induction to the reaction temperature, whose surface thereof is at least partially formed by a catalyst compound for the reaction. The catalyst is heated by the effect of the magnetic field.
US09713808B2
The present invention relates generally to catalysts and processes for the Z-selective formation of internal olefin(s) from terminal olefin(s) via homo-metathesis reactions.
US09713804B2
The invention relates to a catalyst composition suitable for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes having 2-8 carbon atoms comprising silico-zinc aluminate, wherein the relative molar ratios of the elements comprised in said composition are represented by SixZn1-xAl2O4, wherein x stands for a number in the range from 0.003 to 0.76. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said catalyst composition, to a process for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes, preferably isobutane using said catalyst and to the use of said catalyst in a process for the non-oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes.
US09713789B2
Process for reducing the water and carboxylic acid content of an alcohol composition containing at least one alcohol having one to four carbon atoms, water and at least one carboxylic acid having from one to four carbon atoms by contacting the alcohol composition with a desiccant bed containing at least one porous inorganic oxide material at elevated temperature. At least one of the porous inorganic oxide material(s) contains Brønsted acid sites and/or neutralized Brønsted acid sites.
US09713788B2
A method is described for separating CO2 and/or H2S from a mixed gas stream by contacting the gas stream with a non-aqueous, liquid absorbent medium of a primary and/or secondary aliphatic amine, preferably in a non-aqueous, polar, aprotic solvent under conditions sufficient for sorption of at least some of the CO2. The solution containing the absorbed CO2 can then be treated to desorb the acid gas. The method is usually operated as a continuous cyclic sorption-desorption process, with the sorption being carried out in a sorption zone where a circulating stream of the liquid absorbent contacts the gas stream to form a CO2-rich sorbed solution, which is then cycled to a regeneration zone for desorption of the CO2 (advantageously at <100° C.). Upon CO2 release, the regenerated lean solution can be recycled to the sorption tower. CO2:(primary+secondary amine) adsorption molar ratios>0.5:1 (approaching 1:1) may be achieved.
US09713787B2
The embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to adsorbent beds, adsorbent contactors, and methods of using same. The disclosure includes polymer filaments that include an adsorbent particle, such as a zeolite, metal oxide, metal organic framework. A plurality of fibers composed of the polymer filaments can be formed into an adsorbent bed for use in pressure swing and/or temperature swing adsorption processes. The plurality of fibers can be packed into a bed randomly, spirally wound, or woven into a fabric that can be formed into a contacting structure. The adsorbent particle can be contained within the polymer filament and can interact with a medium having a component for adsorption by being in fluid communication with the medium via tortuous pathways within the polymer.
US09713781B2
Filter assemblies, filter modules, and filtration systems and methods.
US09713779B2
A method of subsiding foam resulting from an industrial process and moving it in a predetermined direction on the surface of an industrial-process liquid includes establishing a foam-displacement direction and a foam-displacement path. At least two fluid-spray sources from which a foam-subsiding fluid can be ejected are arranged serially above the industrial-process liquid and foam accumulating thereon. The fluid-spray sources are oriented and caused to eject foam-subsiding fluid such that foam impacted by foam-subsiding fluid ejected from the first fluid-spray source is wetted, partially subsided and displaced in the foam-displacement direction toward the spray being ejected from the second fluid-spray source by which the foam is further wetted, subsided and displaced in the foam displacement direction. In implementations including three or more fluid-spray sources, foam is moved sequentially through the sprays of the fluid-spray sources such that it is increasingly subsided as it moves through the foam-displacement path.
US09713778B2
A method for constructing a spiral tube support apparatus used in countercurrent chromatography, improvements to countercurrent chromatography tube support design, and methods of using the improved countercurrent chromatography apparatus are described. The spiral tube support apparatus may be constructed by a shape forming process such as a three dimensional printing process that in turn uses a laser sintering technique, and can be made out of any easily formed material. Shape changes on both the tube support and the top improve the performance of the tube support and ease of manufacturing. The improved tube support and new method of creation permit use in both micro or macro scale preparations and use in small or large molecule preparations. In particular, specific solvent systems are described that permit purification of proteins.
US09713777B2
A construction toy is provided, with illustrated panels that connect together magnetically to assemble two- and three-dimensional structures and background scenery, optionally with accessory items that bind magnetically or mechanically to the panels to embellish the structures or scenes that are created.
US09713770B2
A system for a-synchronous multi-player network-based and turn-based gaming, the system comprising: a client associated with a processing unit and being configured to communicate over a network with a gaming server and receive a tournament invitation and at least one game move notification therefrom; the client is further configured to receive participation authorization indication from a player and instruct the processing unit to perform at least the following: send the participation authorization to the gaming server; receive at least one game move instruction from a player within a time interval parameter defining a time-window during which said player has to make a game move in his turn; and send the game move instruction to the gaming server if the time interval is met.
US09713768B2
The present invention is a game controller including a housing; a plurality of game controls disposed on a first side of the housing; a lever disposed on a second side of the housing; a first switch configured to contact a first end region of the lever; and a second switch configured to contact a second end region of the lever, wherein the lever is configured to pivot between a neutral position in which the lever returns when no force is applied thereon, a first position in which the first switch is activated and a second position in which the second switch is activated. In another aspect, a lever assembly is also disclosed.
US09713767B2
A device for online gaming includes a gaming accessory provisioned with a configuration that includes a group of settings of operating parameters for the gaming accessory. The group of settings corresponds to selections from first equipment of a user via an accessory management application. Upon initiation of a gaming session, the gaming accessory is in communication with second equipment of the user. The gaming accessory is not in communication with the first equipment of the user and is not in communication with the second equipment of the user prior to the initiation of the gaming session. The accessory management application can be a client application of a server remote from the first equipment of the user and the second equipment of the user. The group of settings can be received from the first equipment of the user via a graphical user interface presented by the accessory management application.
US09713764B2
A system, method and apparatus for managing a football match on a hand held computerized device is presented. The hand held computerized devices includes a first display screen disposed substantially opposite a second display screen. Pre-match information for a first team and a second team are entered into the hand held computer device. Match related events, such as goals, penalties and substitutions are entered on the hand held computer device. The device compiles match events and said pre-match information into a match log, and wirelessly transmits the match log to a receiver, such as a match following device.
US09713759B2
Ski pole accessories are described herein. Ski pole accessories can include a releasable ski pole basket system, a ski pole clamp system, and a releasable ski pole strap system. A ski pole basket system can include a ski pole ferrule and a ski pole basket having a slot therethrough that receives and secures the ski pole ferrule. A ski pole clamp system can include a rubber mold with a first and a second thickness to secure the ski pole clamp to an upper component and a lower component of a ski pole. A releasable ski pole strap system can include a pole mount including a jaw that engages a strap attachment member, where operation of the jaw disengages the strap attachment member from the ski pole mount.
US09713758B2
Disclosed herein is a boot frame comprising: a) a base; b) two side supports; c) a toe binding; d) a heel binding; e) an ankle support; f) a calf support; and g) at least one strap configured to secure a boot to the boot frame, wherein the side supports are independently adjustable, and wherein adjusting the side supports allows for a boot to line up at an angle relative to the base.
US09713753B2
A shaft 6 includes at least two hoop layers s3 and s8, at least one bias layer, and at least one straight layer. An interposition layer other than the hoop layer is present between every opposing hoop layers. An average thickness of the opposing hoop layers is defined as t, and a total thickness of the interposition layer is defined as T. The shaft 6 satisfies the following formula (1): T/t≧1.9 (1).
US09713752B2
A golf club head comprising a channel and an expandable weight that can be removably fixed at any point within the channel is disclosed herein. The weight comprises at least an upper portion, a lower portion, and a bolt, and preferably is formed of a metal material co-molded with a polymeric material such as rubber. The channel has an opening with a width that is less than the width of both an inner part of the channel and the weight, such that the weight cannot fall out of the channel during use. The channel may also have an end that opens into a port, which can be filled with a plug or weight screw to prevent the weight from falling out of the channel, and also can be removed so that the weight can be removed and replaced with another expandable weight.
US09713748B2
Golf ball and method for making it, comprising a first layer that comprises a first polymeric composition and is surrounded by and adjacent to a second layer comprising a second polymeric composition different than the first polymeric composition; with one of these layers further comprising at least one silane-containing adhesion promoter such as organosilanes and/or organosiloxanes throughout in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % of the entire layer. Neither layer is surface treated with at least one silane-containing adhesion promoter. The second layer may be the layer comprising the silane-containing adhesion promoter throughout, surrounded by a third layer that comprises a third polymeric composition that differs from the second polymeric composition and does not incorporate any silane-containing adhesion promoter. Strong interlayer bonding is therefore created both between the second layer and the first layer and between the second layer and the third layer.
US09713746B2
The present invention provides a golf ball having an outer surface comprising a plurality of dimples covering greater than 70 percent of the outer surface, wherein at least 20 percent of the dimples incorporate directional surface texturing therein. The directional surface texturing preferably comprises substantially parallel channels or protrusions formed within the dimples.
US09713738B2
An apparatus for exercising the muscles, comprising a power arm having actuating elements at one end area, and where the other end of the power arm is pivotally connected to a holding element through a first hinge. The apparatus further comprises a spring element, wherein one end of the spring element is linked to the power arm at a first articulation point, and a second end of the spring element is linked to the holding element through a second articulation point. A support is further included which lies on an imaginary plane defined by an x-axis and a y-axis. The holding element is connected to the support by a rotary hinge which allows the holding element to rotate with respect to the support about a shaft which lies on an axis that is normal to the imaginary plane.
US09713735B2
A polyvalent apparatus for physical therapy including a support to which is fastened a first tool provided for a specific treatment, a second and a third tool provided for a specific treatment, the second and the third tool being connected to the support in combination with the first tool.
US09713731B2
Methods for non-invasive fat reduction can include targeting a region of interest below a surface of skin, which contains fat and delivering ultrasound energy to the region of interest. The ultrasound energy generates a thermal lesion with said ultrasound energy on a fat cell. The lesion can create an opening in the surface of the fat cell, which allows the draining of a fluid out of the fat cell and through the opening. In addition, by applying ultrasound energy to fat cells to increase the temperature to between 43 degrees and 49 degrees, cell apoptosis can be realized, thereby resulting in reduction of fat.
US09713721B2
External control devices, neurostimulation systems, and programming methods. A neurostimulator includes a feature having a numerical range. Information identifying a type of the neurostimulator is transmitted to an external control device. The external control device receives the information from the neurostimulator, identifies the type of the neurostimulator based on the received information, and programs the neurostimulator in accordance with the numerical range of the feature corresponding to the identified type of the neurostimulator.
US09713718B2
An implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed having measurement circuitry for measuring one or more currents in the IMD, such as the currents drawn from various power supply voltages. Such currents are measured without disrupting normal IMD operation, and can be telemetered from the IMD for review. Switching circuitry in line with the current being measured is temporarily opened for a time period to disconnect the power supply voltage from the circuitry being powered. A voltage across a capacitance in parallel with the circuitry is measured when the switching circuitry is opened and again closed at the end of the time period, with the circuitry drawing power from the charged capacitance during this time period. The average current drawn by the power supply voltage is determined using the difference in the measured voltages, the known capacitance, and the time period between the measurements.
US09713711B2
A method for treating a disorder of a patient. The method comprises transcutaneously delivering electrical energy to a targeted tissue site at a frequency of at least 50 KHz, thereby treating the disorder.
US09713707B2
An electrostimulator implant comprises (i) an implant body, the implant being injectable into tissue of a subject along a longitudinal axis of the implant body, (ii) first and second electrodes, disposed on respective first and second portions of the implant body; (iii) circuitry, disposed inside the implant body, and configured to drive the electrodes to apply current to the tissue; and (iv) a mesh, disposed over at least 50 percent of the implant body, and configured to serve as an anchor of the implant. Other embodiments are also described.
US09713705B2
Various embodiments of this disclosure concern assembly of a lead having one or two modular lead ends. A modular lead end can be made by aligning a plurality of wires exposed on an end of a main lead body with a plurality of conductors exposed on an end of a lead end. The lead end may comprise a spine, the plurality of conductors circumferentially arrayed about the spine, and an outer surface comprising a plurality of exposed electrical elements and polymer material, the plurality of electrical elements arrayed on the spine and electrically connected with the plurality of conductors. The assembly can further include making electrical connections between the plurality of electrical wires and the plurality of conductors and insulating the plurality of wires and the plurality of conductors.
US09713698B2
A safety balloon catheter includes a catheter having a stretch valve, a connector, a balloon inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon and conveying inflation fluid thereto and therefrom, a hollow second lumen, and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon to the second lumen. The stretch valve has a hollow base fixed in the second lumen at a proximal catheter end and shaped to permit a fluid therethrough and a hollow plug slidably positioned in the second lumen at a given distance from the base to, in a steady state, prevent inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, when actuated, slide within the second lumen to permit inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen. The connector connects the base and the plug and has a length greater than the given distance.
US09713685B2
The present invention relates to a dose counter. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a dose counter for use with a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI). The dose counter comprises a rotary counting element (26) and an actuator (2). The actuator (2) is movable relative to the rotary counting element (26) and comprises a shaped part (17) which can move into and out of engagement with a complementary feature (33) of the rotary counting element (26) when the actuator (2) moves between first and second positions. When the shaped part (17) of the actuator (2) is engaged with the complementary feature (33) of the rotary counter element (26), rotation of the rotary counter element (26) is resisted.
US09713675B2
Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to participate in the performance of tasks, for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance, or for facilitating other interactions with such devices.
US09713668B2
A device includes (i) a housing defining an interior, wherein the interior has a blood compartment, a plasma compartment, and a fluid compartment; (ii) a first filter disposed in the interior of the housing, and (iii) a second filter disposed in the interior of the housing. The first filter separates at least a portion of the blood compartment from at least a portion of the plasma compartment. The first filter is configured to allow plasma components, but not cell components, of blood to pass through the first filter from the blood compartment to the plasma compartment. The second filter separates at least a portion of the plasma compartment from at least a portion of the fluid compartment. The second filter is configured to allow fluid and small molecules, but not larger components, to pass through the second filter from the plasma compartment to the fluid compartment. The device may include a sorbent in the plasma compartment to remove or reduce the concentration of selected components of the plasma. In embodiments, a system including the device includes a sorbent with which the plasma may be contacted.
US09713660B2
A surgical cassette clamping system includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side. A bracket system may be disposed adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. A clamp motor may be disposed adjacent the mounting plate and fixed relative to the mounting plate. The clamp motor may be operably connected to the bracket system to displace the bracket system relative to the mounting plate. The system may also include a plurality of pivot arms pivotably connected to the bracket system and extending adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. An engagement portion may be attached to each of the plurality of pivot arms that cooperatively engages the second side of the mounting plate, the engagement portion being operable to pivot the pivot arms when the bracket system moves relative to the mounting plate.
US09713656B2
Biomaterial having a multi-dimensional structure and comprising demineralized bone matrix dispersed within differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) tissue, wherein MSCs are adipose tissue-derived stem cells. Method for producing this biomaterial comprising incubating MSCS in osteoblastic and/or chondrongenic medium in presence of demineralized bone matrix. Use of this biomaterial for alleviating or treating a bone or cartilage defect, supporting or correcting a congenital or acquired abnormality, supporting a bon or articular bone replacement following surgery or trauma, and/or supporting a musculoskeletal implant.
US09713651B2
The present invention provides compounds with imaging moieties for imaging a subject. The present invention also relates to systems, compositions, and methods for the synthesis and use of imaging agents, or precursors thereof. An imaging agent precursor may be converted to an imaging agent using the methods described herein. In some cases, a composition or plurality of imaging agents is enriched in 18 F. In some cases, an imaging agent may be used to image an area of interest in a subject, including, but not limited to, the heart, cardiovascular system, cardiac vessels, brain, and other organs.
US09713648B2
Methods for the treatment of CD30-expressing cancers are provided. The methods comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a weekly dose of from about 0.8 mg/kg to about 1.8 mg/kg of an antibody-drug conjugate compound having formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein: mAb is an anti-CD30 antibody unit, S is a sulfur atom of the antibody, A- is a Stretcher unit, and p is from about 3 to about 5.
US09713644B2
The present invention relates to treatment of inflammatory diseases. In particular, the present invention relates to antagonistic DR3 ligands useful for treating inflammatory diseases.
US09713636B2
A highly stable nucleic acid-polysaccharide complex of an siRNA and schizophyllan is formed by adding polydeoxyadenine in which at least part of the phosphodiester link portion is phosphorothioated to an siRNA and allowing the siRNA and schizophyllan to form a complex.
US09713632B2
The present disclosure relates to the control of fungal infection of horn-like envelopes covering dorsal and terminal phalanges in humans and animals and related cerebral protrusions in animals as well as keratin comprising material on surfaces of humans and animals. Agents and natural and synthetic formulations and extracts useful for the control of fungal infection of these envelopes and related protrusions and keratin comprising material are also encompassed by the subject disclosure. In an embodiment, the present disclosure teaches the treatment of fungal infection of nails and in particular onychomycosis in humans.
US09713621B2
The present invention provides a composition and method for treating endometriosis which generally, comprises a mixture of anabolic steroids and the administration of same. The first anabolic steroid used is stanozolol used in conjunction with nandralone. The composition is preferably deployed an as injectable liquid suspension. It is also possible to deploy the steroids used herein as an oral administration of the stanozolol alone with an injection of nandralone weekly or as a daily topical nandralone cream.
US09713616B2
Compositions comprising a calcium salt of L-leucovorin may be prepared that have a higher concentration of L-leucovorin than may be prepared using racemic leucovorin under similar conditions. Thus, some pharmaceutical compositions described herein may comprise a calcium salt of L-leucovorin at a relatively high concentration, such as at least about 15 mg/mL. Such a composition may be a stable aqueous solution, and may have near physiological pH, such as about 6 to about 8. Some pharmaceutical compositions may be substantially free of D-leucovorin, and may contain either: a) no EDTA, or b) less than about 1 mg/ml of EDTA. These compositions may be prepared, for example, by sonicating a mixture comprising the solid calcium salt of L-leucovorin and water. In some compositions, a calcium salt of L-leucovorin may be sufficiently soluble that it does not precipitate when it is injected.
US09713614B2
The invention relates to the combined use of a PDE4 inhibitor with a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor for the prevention and curative treatment of an inflammatory pulmonary disease.
US09713611B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising pharmaceutical active ingredients which are susceptible to, or have potential for, abuse. The invention provides an oral pharmaceutical composition comprising a first population of beads and a second population of beads. The first bead population comprises a pharmaceutically active ingredient susceptible to, or having the potential for, abuse. The second bead population comprises a gelling agent and a coating substantially surrounding the gelling agent, but containing no pharmaceutically active ingredient. The first bead population and the second bead population are physically separable, but visually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Upon ingress of water into the second population of beads, the gelling agent is caused to swell forming a viscous mass inhibiting or preventing the extraction of the active ingredient.
US09713596B2
Methods for treating excess pigmentation, including treatment of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), are disclosed. The disclosed methods comprise administration of a composition comprising bakuchiol substantially free of furanocoumarins to a mammal. Compositions comprising bakuchiol and methods for their preparation are also disclosed.
US09713594B2
An exemplary method comprises providing a spray-dried dispersion comprising particles, the particles comprising an active agent and a polymer, the dispersion particles having an average particle diameter of less than 50 μm. An ordered mixture is formed by high-shear mixing the dispersion with a powdered glidant, wherein the average particle diameter of the glidant is less than or equal to one fifth the average particle diameter of the dispersion after high-shear mixing. The dosage forms are formed by at least one of directly compressing the ordered mixture to form a tablet and encapsulating the ordered mixture to form a capsule.
US09713589B2
The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of an aerosol. More specifically the present invention provides methods for the preparation of an aerosol of immunoglobulin single variable domains wherein the amount of aggregate formation is significantly reduced. The invention further provides aerosols prepared by the methods of the invention, as well as compositions for use in the methods of the invention. The invention further relates to methods for the preparations of such compositions, to containers, kits and aerosol delivery systems comprising such compositions and to uses of the same.
US09713582B2
A multi-layered cosmetic composition suitable for topical application is provided. The composition comprises an oil layer comprising at least about 5%, by weight of the composition, of natural oil; and an aqueous layer, comprising at least about 0.01%, by weight of the composition, of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polysaccharide, sodium hyaluronate, or a combination thereof. The multi-layered cosmetic composition is free of surfactant.
US09713578B2
A feeding tube with an inflatable balloon component, a kit containing the feeding tubing, and a method for intubating a patient to deliver the feeding tube to a desired location for delivering nutrients and/or medication to the patient are described herein.
US09713576B2
A spout pouch, configured to removably couple to a feeding device, for feeding liquid to a child includes a spout having an inner surface that includes at least one feature selected from the group consisting of a ridge, rib, boss, recess, groove and step. The inner surface is configured to engage with a portion of the feeding device when the portion of the feeding device is inserted into the spout. The spout pouch also includes a pouch of flexible material coupled to the spout and configured to hold the liquid. Other systems, methods, and components are also provided.
US09713569B2
The invention is to provide a pressurized gas mist bathing system, ensuring hygiene and reduction in costs, by making only one part of the system disposable. This system causes a mist to contact the skin or the mucous membrane of a living body in a high pressure not less than a predetermined value, the mist is prepared by pulverizing liquid and the mist of micron size dissolving oxygen and/or carbon dioxide gases and comprises a gas supply means 10; a gas mist generating means 30 having a fluid nozzle 32 of generating the gas mist and a liquid storage 34 of storing liquid; a pressure cover 50 for covering the skin and the mucous membrane of the living body and formed with a space for sealing inside the gas mist supplied from the gas mist generating means 30; and a humors circulating means 41 for circulating the liquid from the liquid storage 34 of the gas mist generating means 30 to the fluid nozzle 32 and wherein, in the gas mist generating means 30, at least the liquid storage 34 is displaceable and replaced by another liquid storage.
US09713562B2
An adjustable support apparatus for a surgery table utilizing a platform having first and second end portions. First and second end supports are used to mount the platform which is adjusted by a carriage having a pawl operator. The carriage includes studs having support surfaces for the platform. A tower utilizing a gear rack interacts with the carriage pawl operator to position the platform relative to the first and second end support of the surgery table.
US09713559B2
A medical chair includes a seat supported by a base and actuators adapted to both tilt and lift the seat with respect to the base. A controller controls the actuators to both lift and tilt the seat as the seat moves from the sitting position to the standing position. The movement from the sitting position to the standing position assists in the egress of an occupant from the chair, while the movement from the standing position to the sitting position assists in the ingress of an occupant to the chair. A backrest on the chair remains substantially vertically oriented during movement between the sitting and standing position so as to provide more comfort to the occupant during the sit-to-stand or stand-to-sit movement. The backrest also moves in a manner that generally keeps the occupant's torso vertically aligned with his or her hips during this movement.
US09713551B2
A kinesiology tape bandage includes a piece of anisotropically stretchable woven fabric, a stretchable dressing attached to a first side of the fabric, and pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to at least some of an exposed area of the first side of the fabric. The kinesiology tape bandage is applied to a body by stretching the kinesiology tape bandage to at least 125% of its unstretched length, positioning a dressing of the bandage over a wound on the body, and pressing the stretched bandage against the body to activate a pressure-sensitive adhesive on the bandage and adhere the stretched bandage to the body.
US09713549B2
An device for occluding a body lumen such as a reproductive lumen which includes an occluding component having an impervious barrier to provide initial occlusion of the body lumen and a permeable body to facilitate tissue ingrowth which provides long term occlusion of the body lumen. The device and the method of using the device is particularly suitable for contraception.
US09713544B2
A wearable apparatus is configured to be worn by an individual and includes left and right shoulder loops which are connected through intermediate strap segments to at least one connector. The wearable apparatus further includes at least one bottom strap connected to the at least one connector and configured with a fastener that may be used to reversibly mount the bottom strap to the beltline of the wearer. The apparatus is configured such that if the wearer slouches forward the apparatus provides a force reminding the individual to maintain proper posture.
US09713541B2
There is disclosed a biomechanically driven prosthetic thumb assembly. Embodiments include an H-shaped rocker and a distal ring configured to receive a user's residual thumb, the distal ring and the rocker each independently and rotatively coupled between a coupling tip and a proximal anchor plate configured for affixing to a hand strap secured to a user. The coupling tip is articulated in response to a pulling force of the H-shaped rocker. Additional embodiments include a bidirectional thumb assembly including a ring mounted upon an adjustable ring tendon that is rotatively coupled between a coupling tip and a proximal anchor plate, which is rotatively coupled with a hand strap attached to the user. Vertical movement of the residual thumb within the ring actuates the coupling tip within a vertical plane. Lateral movement of the residual thumb within the ring actuates the coupling tip within a lateral plane. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US09713539B2
The present invention relates to a method for planning the positioning of a ball joint prosthesis, in particular a hip joint prosthesis, wherein the prosthesis includes a stem and a cup and the method comprises the following steps: —determining the geometric shape of the joint socket, in particular the acetabulum, and the geometric shape of the cup which is to be placed; —defining target areas where the cup has to abut the bony structure of the joint socket, in particular the acetabulum, in order for the cup to be sufficiently fixed; —determining actual areas of the cup which will abut the bony structure of the joint socket, in particular the acetabulum, when the cup is placed; —defining a requirement for the position and/or orientation of the cup on the basis of the position and/or size of the target areas and/or actual areas. The present invention also relates to a method for optimizing the positioning of a ball joint prosthesis, in particular a hip joint prosthesis, wherein the prosthesis includes a stem and a cup and the method comprises the following steps: —defining at least one requirement for the position and/or orientation of the cup; —calculating an optimum position and/or orientation of the cup on the basis of all the defined requirements being fulfilled.
US09713534B2
A surgical system including an expandable device is provided, including an inflatable body and a compliant sleeve. The compliant sleeve includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a cavity extending from the proximal end to the oppositely disposed distal end configured to receive a portion of the inflatable body. The cavity is defined by an inner wall and an outer wall of the compliant sleeve. The distal end of the compliant sleeve forms a closed portion of the cavity and the proximal end includes an opening.
US09713530B2
Apparatus is provided including an annuloplasty ring structure configured to be implanted in a body of a patient. The annuloplasty ring structure includes a flexible body portion and an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a size of the body portion of the annuloplasty ring structure. The adjusting mechanism includes a housing. A coupling is attached to the housing and to the body portion and is configured to couple the housing to the body portion in a manner in which the housing is moveable with respect to the body portion. Other embodiments are also described.
US09713528B2
An intraocular lens insertion device having a configuration in such a manner that, with the displacement of a haptic toward the convex side of an optical portion, which can be deformed in a curved shape, restricted by an engaging part provided to the tip part of a plunger, the haptic is deformed in a curved shape in the direction in which the haptic approaches the optical portion. The configuration allows, when the intraocular lens is pushed out by the plunger, the haptic to enter a gap formed on the concave side of the optical portion which has been deformed in a curved shape.
US09713524B2
Human implantable tissue expanders are provided, that comprise an inner foam filling enclosed within a substantially non-stretchable resilient expansion restricting layer configured to retain a shape and/or volume of said foam filling upon changes of ambient pressure and/or temperature, and an outer shell comprising one or more layers formed of a resilient material.
US09713518B2
Some embodiments are directed to implants and methods for making and using the implants. An exemplary implant includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member each having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first and second end portions of the first elongate member may be configured to be coupled to tissue of a patient proximate the vagina and sacrum, respectively. The first elongate member may define a first opening and a second opening, where the second elongate member may be configured to extend through the first opening and the second opening. The first end portion of the second elongate member may be coupled to tissue proximate the vagina of the patient.
US09713517B2
A method of placing an implant indwelling in a living body is disclosed. The method can include forming an insertion hole in the living body, the insertion hole extending from a living body surface and passing an obturator foramen on one side and an obturator foramen on the other side, the insertion hole having its end portion on the one side opened in the living body surface and its end portion on the other side closed in relation to the living body surface; inserting a medical tube that permits the implant to be inserted into the medical tube, prior to insertion of the implant; inserting the implant into the medical tube inserted in the insertion hole; and pulling the medical tube out of the insertion hole so that the implant is placed indwelling in the living body.
US09713515B2
An artificial teeth packaging container includes an artificial teeth accommodating portion for fixing a plurality of continuously arranged artificial teeth detachably, and holding an arrangement position relation with an adjacent artificial teeth and an arrangement position relation with an upper or lower artificial molar teeth, in which the artificial teeth accommodating portion covers the plurality of artificial teeth from an occlusal plane in a state exposed around a cervical portion.
US09713506B2
Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for use in electronic guidance systems for surgical navigation to determine the relationship between the three-dimensional coordinates of an anatomy of a patient and those of medical image data. These coordinates are required to assist in the determination of the surgical measurements with respect to which components, such as, an acetabular prosthesis, are inserted into a body of the patient. In one such example, during hip replacement surgery, a surgeon receives guidance of how to place an acetabular prosthesis in the body of the patient, specifically in the pelvis with respect to medical image data.
US09713503B2
A surgical utility connector is detectable by a surgical utility supplying device to indicate connection with the surgical utility supplying device. The surgical utility connector includes a first connecting region, a second connecting region, and a detection region between the first connecting region and the second connecting region. A utility channel may pass a utility from the surgical utility supplying device. The utility channel may extend through the first connecting region, the detection region, and the second connecting region. The surgical utility connector also may include a magnetic element disposed in the detection region and surrounding the utility channel. The magnetic element may have a field detectable by the surgical utility supplying device when the surgical utility connector is connected to the surgical utility supplying device.
US09713502B2
Apparatus, including a housing that is configured to be mounted in proximity to a human eye. The apparatus further includes optics that is retained by the housing and that is configured to focus optical radiation from a scene to an image viewable by the human eye. The apparatus also includes a tunable wavelength filter that is retained by the housing and that is configured to sequentially filter the optical radiation from the scene by a first wavelength and by a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.
US09713497B2
An ablation device includes an antenna assembly having a radiating portion configured to deliver energy from a power source to tissue. The radiating portion has an outer conductor and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is disposed within the outer conductor. The device also includes an imaging device operably coupled to the radiating portion. The imaging device is configured to generate imaging data corresponding to tissue proximate the radiating portion of the antenna assembly.
US09713488B2
A method of treating a spinal column shape deformation includes fixing at least two fixation screw assemblies to respective vertebrae, sliding a rod between the arm extensions on each of the fixation screw assemblies, swinging the channels of the screw assemblies relative to the fixation screws so that the channels become less inclined to the axes of the fixation screws, and so that the rod is located generally posteriorly of the spinal column, locking the channel against swinging relative to the screw, rotating the rod about its axis relative to at least one of the channels, and locking the rod against movement relative to the channel.
US09713480B2
Technologies are provided for an opto-mechanical device for enabling surgeons to rapidly simulate proposed intestinal/colorectal anastomosis cut lines and assess their impact upon tissue perfusion prior to their implementation. The pre-selection process enables a surgeon to decide upon the locations of the anastomotic cut lines that are most likely to reduce ischemia, while preserving most of the intestinal tissue length. The opto-mechanical device may simulate a cut line by applying pressure to intestinal tissue and detecting a light pattern transmitted through the intestinal tissue before and after the applied pressure. A perfusion map may be generated to estimate perfusion quality around the circumference of the intestinal tissue at the site of a simulated cut line, and the perfusion map may be displayed as a two-dimensional graphic image of the proposed anastomosis site. Once the site of the best cut line is selected, the surgeon may activate a cutting blade to implement the cut.
US09713478B2
A method of performing an orthopedic procedure in a sacroiliac region. At least a portion of an undercutting system is inserted at least partially into an aperture in at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position so that at least a portion of the probe assembly is between the ilium and the sacrum. The probe assembly is manipulated between the ilium and the sacrum. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a refracted position to an extended position so that at least a portion of the probe assembly is between the ilium and the sacrum. The cutting assembly is manipulated between the ilium and the sacrum to cut tissue between the ilium and the sacrum.
US09713471B2
A surgical fastener applier having a handle and a fastener housing extending from the handle. The housing contains at least one anvil movable within the staple housing, the anvil has a proximal position and a distal position. When in the distal position a distal end of the anvil extends distal to the distal end of the staple housing. The housing contains a plurality of surgical fasteners each of which in the shape of a loop. At least one of the fasteners is placed around a portion of the anvil when in the distal position. The applier has a first mechanism for moving the anvil distally after a fastener has been deployed, and a second mechanism for moving the anvil distally after a fastener has been deployed. The second means is independent of the first means.
US09713465B1
A surgical fastening assembly has a fastener delivery sub-assembly with a plurality of elongated tubular needle members rigidly affixed to one another about a longitudinal axis of the subassembly. The tubular needle members are positionable around an elongate trocar movably positionable inside a cannula. The cannula is coupled to the fastener delivery sub-assembly. Anchors or fasteners are disposed in the needle members and ejected at the same time by a pusher member.
US09713463B2
The present invention includes a method of assembling an anchor for use in tissue comprising an anchor body, a continuous closed suture loop and an insert, the method comprising positioning a portion of the continuous closed suture loop through an opening in the anchor body; positioning the insert adjacent the portion of the continuous closed suture loop which was passed through the opening; and securing the insert to the anchor body such that the continuous closed suture loop is secured to the anchor body by the insert.
US09713453B2
A physiologic transmitter manages multiple communications between physiologic data acquisition devices attached to the patient and a receiver attached to an MRI or CT scanner. The transmitter's processor is able to generate waveform data and trigger data based upon the acquired physiologic data and transmit the data to a physiologic receiver attached to the host scanner. The receiver then is able to deliver a trigger signal to the host scanner for imaging the patient during a selected time frame based upon cardiac and/or respiratory cycles of the patient.
US09713449B2
The present invention allows a subject to hold breathing at any position, and it is confirmed whether or not the breath holding is really performed in the middle of imaging to reflect its result to the imaging sequence. An image 411 showing a temporal change of respiratory displacement of the subject is generated from nuclear magnetic resonance signals acquired by executing the navigator sequence 231 repeatedly on the subject. Upon accepting from an operator a confirming operation that the operator viewing the image confirms a state of breath holding, the navigator sequence 231 is switched to the real imaging sequence 211 and the real imaging sequence is executed for a predetermined period of time. Those operations are repeated more than once. It is also possible to determine whether or not the breath holding during the imaging sequence is successfully performed, based on a difference in respiratory displacement between immediately before and immediately after the real imaging sequence.
US09713439B1
A system and method are provided for targeted training of a person walking on a powered backward moving surface. Kinematic information of motor performance, such as ankle position and velocity, is measured throughout one or more phases of a gait cycle with a detector. The gait phase is determined, and a resistive/assistive force is applied to the leg that differs depending upon the gait phase and the measured kinematic information.
US09713436B2
A method of optimizing scan parameters for LGE-MRI. At least one cardiac MRI TI scout scan is performed by applying an inversion pulse every predetermined heart beat of a patient. An initial value of an inversion time TIinitial is determined by assessing a set of images generated from the scout scan. A first multiple of a duration between successive indicia of ventricular depolarization is selected, and a relaxation time T1 is determined based on the initial value Tinitial and the first multiple of duration. An optimized inversion time TIoptimal for LGE-MRI is determined based on the relaxation time T1 and a second multiple of a duration between successive indicia of ventricular depolarization. A correction factor is determined based on the optimized inversion time TIoptimal from the initial value of the inversion time TIinitial.
US09713427B2
An apparatus for releasably engaging an implantable medical device during delivery includes an elongate, tubular body having an open distal end a plurality of deflectable jaw members extending distally from the distal end of the body and terminating in distal tip portions, and an actuating member slidably disposed within the body and including a distal end portion operable to prevent inward deflection of the jaw members when positioned proximate the distal tip portions. The jaw members are adapted to releasably engage an engagement feature of the implantable medical device.
US09713425B2
In one implementation, an apparatus estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point is described, estimates temperature from a digital infrared sensor and determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer, or determines vital signs from a solid-state image transducer and estimates body core temperature from an infrared measurement of an external source point using a cubic relationship between the body core temperature and the measurement of an external source point; after which the estimated and/or determined information is transmitted to an external database.
US09713422B2
The present invention provides a laser system for detecting biomechanical properties of the cornea, which comprises a laser for emitting a pulsed laser beam, a beam transmission module, a collecting-filtering module and a spectroscopic analysis unit, the beam transmission module is used for transmitting the laser beam and focusing the laser beam onto the cornea, on the surface of which a laser-induced plasma signal is generated; the laser-induced plasma signals are collected and filtered by the collecting-filtering module; the spectroscopic analysis unit performs spectroscopic analysis on the laser-induced plasma signal to determine the biomechanical properties of the cornea. The present invention further provides a method for detecting the biomechanical properties of the cornea with the above laser system. The same laser system for LASIK surgery is utilized in the present invention to measure the biomechanical properties of the cornea timely and accurately, which improves work efficiency.
US09713420B2
An ophthalmic apparatus for precisely positioning an optical instrument, such as a wavefront aberrometer, in three dimensions with respect to a patient's eye. The ophthalmic apparatus may include an optical instrument directed in a first direction toward a target area to receive light therefrom and a camera directed in a second direction toward the target area to receive light therefrom, the first and second directions being non-parallel. The camera may include imaging optics to form an optical image on a photodetector array using light reflected from the target area. The ophthalmic apparatus may also include a processor configured to correlate a position of the optical image on the photodetector array with the distance between the optical instrument and the target area.
US09713418B2
Methods, systems, and devices for providing treatment to a target site are described. The system may include a guide assembly, an expandable support device coupled with the distal end of the guide assembly, and an operative member disposed on the expandable support device. The expandable support device may be configured to transition between a collapsed and expanded configuration. The expandable support device may be supported by one or more flexible supports aligned in parallel with an axis about which the expandable support device collapses and/or multiple splines arranged in a pattern configured to promote transitioning of the expandable support device between an expanded and collapsed configuration. The guide assembly may be configured to provide torque to the expandable support device. The operative member can include multiple electrodes arranged in parallel to the axis about which the expandable support device collapses.
US09713411B2
A head unit for a surface-treatment apparatus is provided and includes a housing that includes a fluid inlet, a dispensation unit, and at least one baffle. The fluid inlet receives fluid from a fluid reservoir. The dispensation unit defines a dispensation chamber and an input port in fluid communication with each of the dispensation chamber and the fluid inlet. The at least one baffle is configured to direct the flow of fluid through the dispensation unit and out of the elongated dispensation outlet.
US09713409B2
The invention relates to a vacuum cleaning apparatus comprising a vacuum cleaner and a filter bag. When using an empty filter bag, said vacuum cleaning apparatus has a quality factor Qsun of more than 7, preferably more than 8, especially preferably more than 9 QSun=(Psaugun/Peiun)×ψ, where Psaugun is the suction power of the vacuum cleaning apparatus with an empty filter bag according to EN 60312, with orifice diameter 8, Peiun is the input power of the motor/fan unit of the vacuum cleaning apparatus with an empty filter bag according to EN 60312, with orifice diameter 8, and ψ is the filtration efficiency of the filter bag material), and/or when using a partly filled filter bag, the vacuum cleaning apparatus has a quality factor QSteil of more than 4, preferably more than 5, especially preferably more than 6 (QSteil=(Psaugteil/Peiteil)×ψ, where Psaugteil is the suction power of the vacuum cleaning apparatus with a partly filled filter bag according to EN 60312 with orifice diameter 8 after collecting 400 g of DMT8 test dust, and Peiteil is the input power of the motor/fan unit of the vacuum cleaning apparatus with a partly filled filter bag according to EN 60312 with orifice diameter 8 after collecting 400 g of DMT8 test dust, and ψ is the filtration efficiency of the filter bag material).
US09713400B2
The invention relates to a brewing method including providing a capsule into a brewing module with a brewing liquid injector and a brewed product discharging device, said capsule having a covering surfaces on an extraction side and an injection side, said injector having at least one perforation element for each of the injection and extraction sides; closing a brewing chamber of the brewing module so that the at least one perforation element pierces the injection-side covering surface along a cutting line; introducing under pressure a brewing liquid into the region between the injection-side supporting surface and the injection-side covering surface in such a manner that the pressure of the liquid causes the extraction-side covering surface to be displaced towards the interior of the capsule wherein brewing liquid then enters the capsule; and maintaining said pressure until the brewed product emerges from discharge openings produced in the extraction-side covering surface.
US09713396B2
A merchandising assembly includes a latch configured to attach a cooperating member to a rail supported on an associated shelf. The rail is adapted to be mounted to the associated shelf and the elongated cooperating member is configured to engage the rail. The latch includes a first end and an opposite second end, such that the first end is adapted to be attached to the cooperating member and the second end is configured to be selectively attached to the rail. The latch includes a first arm and a second arm, the first arm being spaced from the second arm such that the first arm can be resiliently biased relative to the second arm. An attachment member extends from the first arm and is configured to selectively connect to the rail.
US09713392B2
The invention concerns a bouncer comprising a base frame and a seat frame. In a use position the seat frame is inclined relative to the base frame. The baby bouncer further comprises a support device movably connecting the seat frame to the base frame. The support device is attached to the seat frame at one or ore respective first connection portions, and to the base frame, such that the inclination alternately increases and decreases during operation of the bouncer, and such that when the inclination of the seat frame decreases, the one or more first connection portions are moved forward relative to base frame, and vice versa.
US09713387B2
The invention relates to an electromotive furniture drive (100) for adjusting a movable part (4, 5) of a piece of furniture (1) by means of an output element, comprising a) at least one adjusting drive (7, 8) with respectively at least one electric motor, a speed reducing mechanism which is coupled thereto and which ensures that the output element is drivenly coupled and can be linearly displaced and/or rotatably moved, and when said output element reaches a predetermined position, said output element actuates an end switch and/or reference switch and/or switching means, b) at least one control device (9) and c) at least one control unit (10), said control device (9) comprising a positioning device for the output element provided with a control block with a counter and a recording device for evaluating impulses of a counter EMK of the at least one electric motor. Said control device (9) comprises a digital potentiometer which emits as an output value, an electric value which is proportionate to the position of said output element. The control device comprises, in a further embodiment, a monitoring device. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a pulse width ratio of an electromotive furniture drive and a piece of furniture (1).
US09713384B1
A net chair-back includes a first frame member, a second frame member corresponding to the first frame member and combined with the first frame member, and a net member arranged between the first frame member and the second frame member. The first frame member includes a recessed groove formed therein and arranged in a circumferentially surrounding form. The recessed groove includes a plurality of fixation posts mounted therein. The second frame member includes an insertion groove formed therein and arranged in a circumferentially surrounding form. The insertion groove includes a plurality of locking pillars formed therein. The locking pillars each include a retention member mounted thereto. The retention member is tightly engageable with an inside surface of the fixation post. In this way, exposing locking holes or threaded fasteners outside the net chair-back can be prevented to thereby improve the outside appearance of the net chair-back.
US09713383B2
A ball chair includes a ball-shaped cushion, a seat, a back and at least a threaded fastening member. The seat has a bearing portion for bearing the cushion, and a connecting portion connected with the bearing portion and having an engaging recess and at least a through hole communicating with the engaging recess. The back has an engaging block inserted in the engaging recess and having at least two relatively larger protrusions, at least a relatively smaller protrusion located between the two relatively larger protrusions, and at least a threaded hole provided in the relatively smaller protrusion and corresponding in position to the through hole. The threaded fastening member is inserted through the through hole and fixed in the threaded hole to fix the back to the seat.
US09713373B1
A tension arm locking assembly having a tension arm assembly with a tension arm. The tension arm has a tongue. The tension arm assembly further has a fixed base, a pivot housing, and a base. A first cavity is defined between the fixed base and the base. An actuating lever is mounted at the pivot housing. The actuating lever has a body extending to an extension edge that defines an extension interior wall. The body includes an engagement post that extends to a post base. Protruding from the engagement post is a locking protrusion. A first predetermined force is placed upon a release towards the base to place the actuating lever in the open position, and a second predetermined force is placed upon the actuating lever between the pivot housing and the extension edge to place the actuating lever in the closed position.
US09713370B2
In one embodiment disclosed herein, a hair grooming system includes a vacuum canister, a hose, and a hand-held unit. The hose is secured to and in fluid communication with the vacuum canister and the hand-held unit. The hand-held unit includes a vacuum chamber. A mechanism for creating a vacuum is positioned in the vacuum canister, and the vacuum is communicated to the vacuum chamber by the hose. The system can further include a heating element and a fan arranged to heat air and move the air into the vacuum chamber. In one embodiment disclosed herein, a method for grooming hair includes the steps of placing a section of hair into a vacuum chamber; drawing a vacuum to remove excess water from the hair; and applying heated air to the section of hair.
US09713346B2
An electronic cigarette comprises nicotine without harmful tar. The cigarette includes a shell, a cell, nicotine solution, control circuit, and an electro-thermal vaporization nozzle installed in the air suction end of the shell. The advantages of the present invention are smoking without tar, reducing the risk of cancer, the user still gets a smoking experience, the cigarette is not lit, and there is no fire danger.
US09713343B2
A tobacco processing system for processing tobacco includes a tobacco mixing device for mixing an additive in the tobacco, a tobacco supplier for supplying the tobacco to the mixing device, and an additive supplier for supplying the additive to the mixing device. The mixing device includes a mixing housing which encloses the tobacco and additive to form a mixing chamber in which the tobacco and additive are mixed and a gas stream unit which is operatively connected to the mixing housing and configured to provide a gas stream which moves the tobacco and additive through the mixing chamber.
US09713336B2
An evisceration apparatus for eviscerating a poultry carcass suspended by the legs, including an evisceration tool is movable up and down, and into and out of, a body cavity of the poultry, and two bracket halves that connect to each other. A hinge at a lower extremity of the tool is embodied with cooperating clamping faces adjacent to the hinge for clamping a part of the viscera of the poultry when the two bracket halves are moved towards each other from an open position into a closed position.
US09713335B2
A process for manufacturing dry sausage. The process includes preparing a dry sausage meat mixture, stuffing the mixture into a casing or mold, fermenting the mixture, heat treating the mixture, cooling the mixture to a temperature sufficiently low to permit slicing, slicing the sausage, placing the sausage onto a conveyor, and passing the conveyor and sausage through a chamber. The process also includes introducing a supply of conditioned air into the chamber, the air having a relative humidity below about 60% and a temperature in the range of at least about 40° F. to 130° F., and introducing a supply of microwaves into the chamber. The air supply and microwaves are selected to reduce the moisture content of the meat to a predetermined moisture to protein ratio.
US09713331B2
A biocide is formed by mixing at least one of ammonium sulfamate and ammonium carbamate with an aqueous solution of a hypochlorite oxidant at a molar ratio of ammonium to hypochlorite of at least 1:1. The biocide is useful in treating microbial or biofilm growth, pulp and paper process water, cooling tower water, waste water, reclaimed waste water, sludge, colloidal suspensions, irrigation water or a medium having a reducing capacity.
US09713325B2
An insect elimination assembly includes a housing that has a plurality of apertures extending therethrough such that each of the apertures may allow an insect to enter the housing. A plurality of hooks is provided and each of the hooks is attached to the housing. A plurality of strips is provided and each of the strips is removably suspended from an associated one of the hooks. Each of the strips is infused with a chemical insect attractant such that each of the strips may lure the insects into the housing. Each of the strips is comprised of an adhesive material such that each of the strips may capture the insects.
US09713320B2
A poultry feeder for feeding birds in their early stages of growth, having a rectangular-rounded shape, comprising: a clamp for embracing a food supply tube; a holding throat for holding the clamp; a shutter for limiting the food supply; a hopper coupled to the holding throat for distributing the food; a food receiving plate integrally coupled to said hopper; wherein the holding throat is bifurcated and surrounds the clamp; wherein the hopper extends from the holding throat; wherein the clamp, which has a cylindrical shape, comprises three sections: a left lateral section; a central section and a right lateral section, and is formed by an upper half and a lower half, wherein said upper and lower halves are symmetrical and semi-cylindrical; wherein the upper half of the clamp comprises: an upper left lateral section, an upper central section and an upper right lateral section; and the lower half of the clamp comprises a lower left lateral section; lower central section, and a lower right lateral section; wherein the central section having a width and a diameter which are greater than a width and a diameter of the lateral sections; and wherein the central section is delimited by two central flanges, and the left and right lateral sections comprising an end flange respectively, wherein the central flanges having a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the end flanges, wherein the central flanges comprising a protrusion or security stop which has the function of limiting the rotation of the feeder, and wherein the end flange only extends in the upper right lateral section.
US09713316B1
A canine excrement collection assembly for attachment to a dog includes a harness that comprises a first strap. The first strap has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to couple to a collar that is positioned around a neck of a dog. A second end of the first strap is positioned on a back of the dog proximate to rear hips of the dog. A panel is reversibly couplable to the second end of the first strap. The panel is flexible. The panel is couplable to the harness such that the panel is positioned on the dog such that the panel is configured to collect feces expelled by the dog.
US09713306B2
A crop feeding system for a harvester includes an electrohydraulic circuit comprising electric and hydraulic connections that allow for the movement of a bottom floor assembly, such movement defining the depth of a crop feeding channel in the harvester and allowing at least one variable setting for removing a clog of material in a crop collection channel.
US09713304B2
A self-propelled mower includes a mover main body; a battery, an electric generator, or an engine; a protruding wing that protrudes sideward, the protruding wing being retractable and an extension length of the protruding wing being variable; mowing units protruding from a front face of the mover main body and a front face of the protruding wing, each including a movable blade that reciprocates or rotates to cut grasses driven by an electric motor or the engine, the electric motor being powered by battery or the electric generator. The mover main body moves on a slope face while being towed, via a traction rope, by a straddle-type mover body that moves straddling on a guard rail installed on top of a slope of a bank; or moves on the ground or in the air while being suspended by a suspension rope hung from a spanning cable spanning in the air.
US09713301B2
A method for displacing bees from vegetation subject to cutting by a mowing machine having a cutting deck and using a blower assembly affixed to the mowing machine. The assembly is provided as a fan or motorized blower affixed to a funnel. In operation, the fan or motorized blower creates then forces a concentrated air stream into the funnel that then directs the concentrated air stream to an area of vegetation immediately in front of the cutting deck, displacing bees in the area of vegetation prior to cutting. A funnel mouth is oriented so that the emitted air stream is at least as wide as the cutting deck, and multiple blower assemblies or larger funnel attachments may be used to accommodate larger cutting decks. The method includes selective actuation of the blower while operating the mowing machine.
US09713300B2
A bee displacement assembly provided as a mowing machine with a direct drive operated fan housed inside a housing formed with a funnel leading from an interior space of the housing and terminating in a mouth. The funnel tapers both horizontally and vertically to the mouth such that the mouth approximates a narrow, widened slot. Powering the motor turns the drive shaft that in turn operates the fan, creating a concentrated stream of air inside the fan housing that is channelized in the funnel and emitted out the mouth at an area of uncut vegetation immediately prior to cutting by a cutting deck of the mowing machine.
US09713299B2
An agricultural implement includes a first tool bar and a second tool bar each supporting respective ground engaging tools and fluid dispersal components. The second tool bar is pivotally coupled to the first tool bar. The agricultural implement further includes fluid conduits coupled to respective tool bars for conveying fluid to the respective fluid dispersal components. Additionally, each of the conduits has a flexible end adjacent to the other tool bar. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a fluid joint coupled between the first and second flexible ends and configured to provide a sealed connection between the first and second flexible ends during relative pivotal movement of the first and second tool bars in operation but to allow for uncoupling of the first and second flexible ends for servicing of the agricultural implement.
