US09725689B2

Embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and systems for configuring settings of a cell expansion system including a bioreactor. Through a user interface, a user may configure display settings, system settings, and settings associated with protocols for loading, growing and/or harvesting cells. In configuring settings for protocols and associated processes, a diagram view or window of the cell expansion system is displayed in embodiments. The diagram view displays the process settings as graphical user interface elements. Settings available for configuration are enabled for selection in the diagram view. The diagram view allows the user to visualize the settings available for task configuration and to configure enabled settings. Configured settings are stored and capable of retrieval for subsequent execution or modification of the applicable protocol.
US09725688B2

A bioreactor is provided that includes a main reactor having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. The bioreactor also includes a growth reactor continuous with the main reactor and having a configuration selected from the group consisting of stirred and unstirred tank reactor, trickle bed reactor (TBR), cocurrent contactor (CCC), moving bed bioreactor (MBBR), and a bubble column reactor. A method is also provided where acetogenic bacteria are contacted with syngas in a growth fermentor section of a reactor vessel that is continuous with a main fermentor section of a reactor vessel.
US09725687B2

The invention provides integrated Organ-on-Chip microphysiological systems representations of living Organs and support structures for such microphysiological systems.
US09725684B2

A seamless capsule comprises at least one core and a shell layer. The capsule can further comprise an intermediate layer which surrounds the core(s) and is surrounded by the shell layer. The shell layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of water-soluble polymers, water-dispersible polymer, hydrogels. The shell layer can further comprise a disintegration aid.
US09725677B2

A cleaner composition includes: a saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon (A); an anionic surfactant (B); a nonionic surfactant (C); and water (D). The cleaner composition contains the saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon (A) in a proportion of 60.0% by mass to 85.0% by mass, the anionic surfactant (B) in a proportion of 8.0% by mass to 15.0% by mass, the nonionic surfactant (C) in a proportion of 2.0% by mass to 5.0% by mass, and the water (D) in a proportion of 1.0% by mass to 20.0% by mass, forms a W/O microemulsion or a solubilized W/O emulsion, and has a volume resistivity of 1×109 Ω·cm or less.
US09725672B2

A lubricating oil composition for a continuously variable transmission contains at a specific content: (A) a mineral oil or PAO having a sulfur content of 0.03 mass % or less and a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. from 1.5 mm2/s to 3 mm2/s; (B) a mineral oil or PAO having a sulfur content of 0.03 mass % or less and a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. from 5.5 mm2/s to 8 mm2/s; (C) PAO having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. from 30 mm2/s to 400 mm2/s; and (D) a polymethacrylate having a mass average molecular weight of 10000 to 40000, in which the total content of the components (C) and (D) is 19 mass % or more and the lubricating oil composition has a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. from 5.5 mm2/s to 6.5 mm2/s and a kinematic viscosity at −20 degrees C. of 680 mm2/s or less.
US09725669B2

Anti-wear and/or friction reducing formulations that include a mixture of at least one first ionic liquid and at least one ashless antiwear compound. The ashless antiwear compound can be a second ionic liquid or an ashless thiophosphate compound. The formulation desirably provides synergistic anti-wear and/or friction reducing properties. The first IL can be a monocationic ionic liquid or a dicationic ionic liquid. The second IL is a dicationic ionic liquid. The ashless thiophosphate is desirably a thiophosphate, such as a fluorothiophosphate (FTP), an alkylphosphorofluoridothiolate, or an alkylthioperoxydithiophosphate. Antiwear and/or friction reduction formulations comprising the above mixtures diluted up to 25% by weight in a base oil.
US09725664B2

A power generation system, which includes a source of a seed oil, a source of alcohol, and a reactor in communication with the source of seed oil and the source of alcohol. The reactor produces a biofuel product. The system has a power source that operates on a biofuel energy source to produce heated exhaust and is in communication with the reactor to utilize a portion of the biofuel product as its biofuel energy source. The system has a heat transfer mechanism that transfers heat from the exhaust manifold to the reactor. The power source also converts mechanical power into electrical power. Also disclosed is a system that involves extraction of oil from an oilseed product. A method of extracting oil from an oilseed product, a method of making a transesterified seed oil, and a method of making a biofuel are also disclosed, as are products obtained thereby.
US09725663B2

A feedstock conversion system including an integrated two-stage fluid bed thermochemical reaction apparatus (50) has first and second reaction chambers (110, 120) side-by-side and physically separated from one another in one vessel (100) by a partition (130). One or more clusters of heat pipes (400) pass through the partition (130) between the first and second chambers (110, 120) for efficient indirect heat transfer between first and second fluid bed reaction stages (200, 300) and materials therein. The system includes devices for solids transfer between the two reaction chambers (110, 120) to enhance feedstock conversion.
US09725659B2

The invention relates to removing contaminants from oil using solid sorbents that are comprised primarily of carbon and preferably of coke particles. The coke particles have an affinity for contaminants in oil and are sized to be filtered from oil without plugging. Most contaminants have such a small size that they tend to plug up filters. As the contaminants agglomerate onto the solid sorbent, the resulting particles form a filter cake on conventional filter materials in such a way as to allow the oil to pass on through without significant pressure drop or delay.
US09725651B2

There is provided a polymerizable compound-containing liquid crystal composition having strong alignment regulating force of a liquid crystal compound. The polymerizable compound-containing liquid crystal composition includes: a polymerizable compound; and a liquid crystal compound, in which the polymerizable compound includes at least one polymerizable compound represented by General Formula (I), and in which the liquid crystal compound includes at least one component selected from the group consisting of at least one compound represented by General Formula (II) as a second component, at least one compound represented by General Formulae (IIIa), (IIIb), and (IIIc) as a third component, and at least one compound represented by General Formulae (IVa), (IVb), and (IVc) as a fourth component.
US09725649B2

The present invention relates to additive composition for controlling and inhibition of polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene comprising (a) one or more of nitroxide (i.e. nitroxyl) compounds, and characterized in that the said composition further comprises one or more of (b) aliphatic amines selected from a group comprising tertiary amines, secondary amines and primary amines. In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of use of presently provided composition. In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of controlling and inhibiting polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene by employing presently provided composition. In still another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of preparation of presently provided composition.
US09725640B2

Methods of stimulating a well comprising providing a stimulation fluid comprising at least one surfactant and submicron particles, the submicron particles having a particle size between about 200 nm and about 800 nm and a specific surface area greater than about 5 square meters per gram; and introducing the stimulation fluid into a wellbore. Additional methods to enhance oil recovery from subterranean reservoirs accessible via a well are described.
US09725631B2

Compositions, methods and systems which comprise or utilize a multi-component mixture comprising: (a) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 10% to about 35% by weight of HFC-125; (c) from about 20% to about 50% by weight of HFO-1234ze, HFO-1234yf and combinations of these; (d) from about 15% to about 35% by weight of HFC-134a; and optionally (e) up to about 10% by weight of CF3I and up to about 5% by weight of HFCO-1233ze, with the weight percent being based on the total of the components (a)-(e) in the composition.
US09725627B2

The use of a hot-melt adhesive as a protective element for objects is disclosed, wherein the hot-melt adhesive contains over 80 wt. % of at least one modified polyolefin copolymer produced from a high-molecular-weight polyolefin copolymer by thermomechanical degradation of the polymer under shear stress and/or heating, wherein the viscosity of the copolymer is reduced, and up to 20 wt. % of additives and auxiliary substances, wherein the adhesive has a softening point from 70 to 150° C.
US09725625B2

The invention provide a manufacturing method for producing conductive adhesive with spherical graphene, and the steps comprise as following: step 1: preparing monomer, initiator, a dispersing agent and solvent to manufacture a monomer compound, and use the monomer compound to produce polymer micro ball; step 2: heating pre-treatment or plasma etching pre-treatment to the said polymer micro ball; step 3: by chemical vapor deposition, the polymer micro ball after pre-treatment from step 2 to grow graphene outside surfaces or inside polymer micro ball, and then obtain the spherical graphene; step 4: producing epoxy gel system made by epoxy, hardener and accelerant with a certain ratio mixing homogeneously; step 5: dispersing the spherical graphene from step 3 into the epoxy gel system to produce pre-material of conductive adhesive of spherical graphene; Step 6: deforming the pre-material of conductive adhesive of spherical graphene, and then obtain conductive adhesive of spherical graphene.
US09725618B2

A resist underlayer film-forming composition including: (A) component: an isopoly or heteropoly acid, or a salt thereof, or a combination thereof; and (B) component: polysiloxan, poly hafnium oxide or zirconium oxide, or a combination thereof, wherein an amount of the (A) component is 0.1 to 85% by mass of a total amount of the (A) component and the (B) component; and polysiloxan is a hydrolysis-condensation product of hydrolyzable silane of Formula (1): R1aR2bSi(R3)4−(a+b)  Formula (1) and a hydrolyzable silane whose (a+b) is 0 is contained in a proportion of 60 to 85 mol % of a total hydrolyzable silane in Formula (1); the poly hafnium oxide is a hydrolysis-condensation product of hydrolyzable hafnium of Formula (2): Hf(R4)4  Formula (2) and the zirconium oxide is a hydrolysis-condensation product of hydrolyzable zirconium of Formula (3) or Formula (4): Zr(R5)4  Formula (3) ZrO(R6)2  Formula (4) or a hydrolysis-condensation product of a combination thereof.
US09725617B2

A polyamideimide and polyamide amic acid resin polymer that allows for reduced levels of toxicity in manufacturing. In an embodiment, a coating composition comprises at least one polyamideimide resin, at least one aprotic dialkylamide solvent and at least one co-solvent. In another embodiment, the at least one co-solvent is selected from a group consisting of methyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, t-butyl acetate, iso-butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, n-propyl lactate, isopropyl lactate, n-butyl lactate, isobutyl lactate, t-butyl lactate, cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, n-butyl acetate, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, n-acetyl morpholine, ε-caprolactone and methylcyclohexane.
US09725615B2

The present disclosure relates to coating compositions, kits, and methods of applying the same, for use with fireproofing materials. The coating compositions are effective to control the drying rate and shrinkage of fireproofing materials. The coating compositions are also able to be applied to fireproofing materials shortly after these materials have been applied to a substrate.
US09725614B2

Processes for preparing stabilized metal-containing nanoparticles comprising silver and/or a silver alloy composite by reacting a silver compound with a reducing agent comprising a hydrazine compound at a temperature between about 20° C. and about 60° C. The reaction being carried out by incrementally adding the silver compound or a mixture of the silver compound and a stabilizer to a solution comprising the reducing agent, a stabilizer, and a solvent. Conductive ink compositions containing stabilized metal-containing nanoparticles prepared by such processes.
US09725611B2

An ultraviolet ray curable ink composition adapted to be ejected by using an ink jet method is provided. The ultraviolet ray curable ink composition includes a polymerizable compound, metal powder, and a liquid component having an alicyclic structure including a hetero atom. The metal powder is constituted from metal particles subjected to a surface treatment with a fluorine type silane compound and/or a fluorine type phosphoric acid ester as a surface treatment agent. An amount of the liquid component contained in the ultraviolet ray curable ink composition is in the range of 0.05 mass % or more but 7.0 mass % or less. A printed object is also provided. Such a printed object is produced by using the ultraviolet ray curable ink composition.
US09725598B2

The present invention relates to a modified colorant comprising a colorant having at least one polymer attached or adsorbed thereto. The polymer comprises at least one functional group, and various embodiments of the functional group are disclosed. For each of these embodiments, preferably the functional group has a defined calcium index value. Also disclosed are various uses for these modified colorants, including inkjet ink compositions. Thus, the present invention further relates to an inkjet ink composition comprising a) a liquid vehicle, b) at least one colorant, and c) at least one polymer comprising at least one functional group as described herein.
US09725594B2

The invention concerns polymer compositions comprising 20-80 weight percent polycarbonate polymer, 15-40 weight percent filler and 4-20% flame retardant and articles comprising same.
US09725593B2

A method for producing an injection-molded article of a polylactic acid resin composition, including filling a melt-kneaded product of a polylactic acid resin composition containing a polylactic acid resin, a plasticizer containing a polyoxyalkylene group or an oxyalkylene group, and a mold releasing agent having a melting point of from 20° to 75° C. in an injection-molding machine to mold in a die, wherein the method is characterized in that the above-mentioned injection-molding machine comprises a cylinder at least a part of which has a set temperature of 200° C. or higher, that the die has a surface temperature of 85° C. or higher, and that the die has a surface roughness of 1.0 μm or less.
US09725589B2

A process for preparing a composition by free-radical polymerization of a monomer composition comprising: a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid containing monomer or anhydride thereof; b) optionally at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer different from a) but copolymerizable therewith; and c) at least one crosslinking monomer containing at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups. The monomer composition is polymerized in an organic medium having a solubilizing effect on one or more of the monomeric ingredients, but substantially none on the resulting polymer. The polymerization is conducted in the presence of a free radical forming catalyst and at least one steric stabilizing polymer polymerized from a vinyl lactam and a copolymerizable monomer selected from a short chain alkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid, a long chain alkyl ester of (meth)acrylic acid, and combinations thereof.
US09725588B2

It is intended to obtain a methacrylic resin composition that has high transparency, is excellent in fluidity and heat resistance, and is low variable in impact resistance. The present invention provides a methacrylic resin composition containing predetermined amounts of a predetermined methacrylic resin (A) and a predetermined rubber polymer (B) and satisfying the following conditions (I) to (III): (I) the weight-average molecular weight is 40000 to 300000; (II) the area of a molecular weight range of 15000 to 30000 in a differential molecular weight distribution curve obtained from the GPC elution curve is 10 to 70% in terms of a ratio to the total area obtained from the differential molecular weight distribution curve; and (III) when arbitrary 10 fields of view of the methacrylic resin composition are observed at a magnification of 50000 times under a transmission electron microscope, a plurality of aggregates each containing a plurality of particles of the rubber polymer (B) are present, the plurality of aggregates include an aggregate α, and 0 or more and 10 or less rubber polymer particles (Bα) entirely surrounded by other rubber polymer particles are present in the aggregate α, and the average number of the rubber polymer particles (Bα) is 0 or more and 10 or less per one of the 10 fields of view.
US09725582B2

The present invention aims to provide a fluororesin composition for a molded product that is excellent in tensile strength and flex resistance. The present invention relates to a fluororesin composition that contains a fluororesin and a fluorinated nanodiamond. The amount of the fluorinated nanodiamond is 0.001 to 5% by mass based on the fluororesin.
US09725578B2

The present invention relates to polypiperidine compounds of polymeric type which are capable of conferring to the polymeric materials, particularly to polyolefins, a high stability against photodegradation and oxidative action of air, belong to the HALS category and have general formula (I): wherein p is from 3 to 20; n is from 2 to 12; R and R1, which are the same or different, are selected in the group consisting of hydrogen, linear and branched C1-C12 alkyl groups, alkenyl groups having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and aralkyl groups having 7 to 19 carbon atoms; X and X1, which are the same or different, are selected in the group consisting oxygen and groups of formula (II) wherein R2 is selected in the group consisting of hydrogen, linear and branched C1-C12 alkyl groups, cycloalkyl groups having 5 to 12 carbon atoms and aralkyl groups having 7 to 12 carbon atoms; A represents a —(CH2)a— group wherein a is from 2 to 12, with the proviso that a is different from n; Z is selected in the group consisting of C1-C18 alkyl groups, groups of formula (III) wherein n, X, X1, R and R1 are as above defined, and groups of formula (IV) wherein R is as above defined; Y represents a substituent selected in the group consisting of the groups of general formula (V) the groups O—R4 and S—R4, wherein R3 and R4, which may be the same or different, represent hydrogen, a linear and branched C1-C18 alkyl group, a cycloakyl group having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms or may form, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are linked, a heterocycle containing 5 to 7 carbon atoms; and the piperidine group (VI) wherein R and X are as above defined. The invention further relates to the processes for preparation of the compounds according to the invention.
US09725572B2

A liquid color concentrate for use in plastic articles comprises a non-orthophthalate plasticizer and at least one of a colorant, a functional additive or a special effect pigment.
US09725569B2

This invention relates to high porosity (≧15%) and/or low pore diameter (PD<165 μm) propylene polymers and propylene polymerization processes using single site catalyst systems with supports having high surface area (SA≧400 m2/g), low pore volume (PV≦2 mL/g), a specific mean pore diameter range (PD=1-20 nm), and high average particle size (PS≧30 μm).
US09725567B2

In various embodiments, the invention provides an in-situ adduct formed by reacting liquid, solid, and/or semi-solid epoxy resins with a di-carboxylic acid functionalized polymer. The adducting process at least doubles the viscosity of the mixture. A hot melt thermosetting surfacing film and composite formed using the adduct are also disclosed. Methods of preparing and using are also disclosed.
US09725565B2

This disclosure relates to a flexible metal laminate including a porous polyimide resin layer including 30 wt % to 95 wt % of a polyimide resin, and 5 wt % to 70 wt % of fluorine-containing resin particles, wherein micropores having a diameter of 0.05 μm to 20 μm are distributed in the porous polyimide resin layer, and a method for preparing the same.
US09725564B2

Methods of making fiber-resin compositions are described. The methods may include the providing of a thermoplastic resin to an extruder, where the thermoplastic resin may include at least one reactive moiety capable of forming a covalent bond with a coupling agent on a plurality of reactive fibers. The methods may further include combining the thermoplastic resin with the plurality of reactive fibers also supplied to the extruder. The reactive fibers are sized with the coupling agent that reacts with the thermoplastic resin to form the fiber-resin composition, which may be extruded from the extruder. Methods of making fiber-reinforced composite articles from the fiber-resin composition are also described.
US09725560B2

The present invention relates to a catalyst for reductive amination-reaction, and uses thereof. The catalyst according to the present invention can show a high amine conversion rate because it can maintain catalytic activity even in the presence of moisture particularly while basically maintaining the balance of dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions. Accordingly, the catalyst can be usefully used for preparing a polyetheramine compound through a reductive amination-reaction not only in a continuous preparation process but also in a batch preparation process, irrespective of the existence of moisture.
US09725557B2

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to conjugated polymers, their manufacture and their implementations. As may be implemented in connection with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a conjugated polymer and a side chain or end chain material connected to the conjugated polymer. The amount and makeup of the side chain or end chain enhance solubility of the resulting modified conjugated polymer, relative to the conjugated polymer itself.
US09725555B2

Polyurethane foams which are highly flame resistant are described, as well as the production of such polyurethane foams by the reaction between a natural polyol, such as sucrose or a blend of mono- or disaccharides in place of the standard hydrocarbon-based polyol component, a polyisocyanate and water in the presence of a suitable polyurethane forming catalyst and a flame retardant, and optionally one or more components such as surfactants and/or emulsifiers. The resultant polyurethane foam has a bio-based solid content ranging from about 17% to 30%, may be formulated in a variety of foam densities for a variety of applications, and exhibits a high degree of fire and burn resistance, as exhibited by the flame spread index and the smoke spread values.
US09725551B2

There is provided an aromatic hydrocarbon formaldehyde resin obtained by reacting an aromatic hydrocarbon compound (A) represented by the following formula (1) with formaldehyde (B) in the presence of an acidic catalyst. wherein R represents an organic group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; l represents an integer of 0 to 2, and m and n represent integers satisfying 1≦m+n≦10, m≧0 and n≧1.
US09725534B2

An object of the present invention it to provide a novel fluororesin that has excellent mechanical strength and chemical resistance, and very low permeability at high temperature. The fluorine resin is a copolymer that includes copolymerized units derived from tetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer other than tetrafluoroethylene and vinylidene fluoride. The fluororesin has a storage modulus E′, as measured at 170° C. by a dynamic viscoelasticity analysis, in the range of 60 to 400 MPa.
US09725521B2

The present invention discloses a human-derived insecticidal gene and insecticidal peptide encoded by the same and application thereof. The nucleotide sequence of the human-derived insecticidal gene is as represented by SEQ ID NO.1. The amino acid sequence of the insecticidal peptide encoded by this gene is as represented by SEQ ID NO.2. The insecticidal peptide may be expressed through prokaryotic system. The primary culture has binding activity to Cnaphalocrocis medinalis midgut peritrophic membrane specific receptor BBMV. It is obtained without animal immunization and has a short production cycle and a small amino acid sequence. It is suitable for in vitro mass production and may lower the safety risks resulting from wide use of existing Bt toxins and even might substitute Bt to biologically control agricultural pests in the future. It has important scientific and practical significance to reducing the use of insecticides.
US09725514B2

The present inventors assessed the effect of anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies in suppressing chronic rejection reaction. They assessed the effect of anti-mouse IL-6 receptor antibody (MR16-1) administration in suppressing the chronic rejection reaction using a mouse model for post-heart-transplantation chronic rejection. The result of histopathological analysis of transplanted hearts extirpated 60 days after transplantation revealed that fibrosis of myocardium and vascular stenotic lesions, which are pathological conditions characteristic of the chronic rejection reaction, were significantly suppressed in the MR16-1-treated group as compared to the control group. Thus, MR16-1 administration was demonstrated to have the effect of suppressing chronic rejection reaction. Specifically, the present inventors discovered for the first time that the rejection reaction in the chronic phase after organ transplantation was suppressed by administering an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody.
US09725504B2

Eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against C5 that inhibits terminal complement activation, showed activity in a preliminary 12-week open-label trial in a small cohort of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The present study examined whether chronic eculizumab therapy could reduce intravascular hemolysis, stabilize hemoglobin levels, reduce transfusion requirements, and improve quality of life in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center global Phase III trial. It has been found that eculizumab stabilized hemoglobin levels, decreased the need for transfusions, and improved quality of life in PNH patients via reduced intravascular hemolysis. Chronic eculizumab treatment appears to be a safe and effective therapy for PNH.
US09725500B2

The invention provides methods for making antibody conjugates for use in antibody screening assays and antibody conjugates produced by the claimed methods.
US09725474B2

Provided is an oligonucleic acid analog which contains, as at least one structural unit thereof, a modified nucleic acid monomer compound which is a ring-open nucleoside having a cleaved carbon-carbon bond between the 2′ and 3′ positions and a substituent hydroxymethyl group at the 4′ position. When used as siRNA, the oligonucleic acid analog exhibits superior biological stability and target gene expression inhibiting activity. The oligonucleic acid analog can be used in antisense methods, ribozyme methods, and decoy methods, etc., can be used as a nucleic acid aptamer, and can also be used as a nucleic acid probe or molecular beacon, etc., or in genetic diagnostics, etc.
US09725466B2

25-desacetyl rifaximin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is provided. Methods of treatment of bowl related disorders using isolated and/or purified 25-desacetyl rifaximin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are also provided.
US09725463B2

The invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, wherein the substituents are as described herein, and their use in medicine for the treatment of diseases, disorders associated with the modulation of calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds in treating diseases disorders associated with calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel modulators. wherein, ring D is Formula (a) or Formula (b): A and B, which may be same or different, are independently CR3 or N; Y is CR3 or N; L is selected from —NR2C(O)—, —C(O)NR2— and —NR2CRaRb—; Ra and Rb are independently hydrogen, halogen or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl; ring E is selected from the Formula (i) to (vii).
US09725459B2

The invention relates to amidic oxotetrahydro-2H-furo[3.2-b]pyrrol-4(5H)-yl) derivatives as dual CatS/K inhibitors. to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and also to these compounds for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of pain and further diseases and/or disorders.
US09725448B2

In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: where R1, R2a, R2b, R3-R6, a, b, Z, and X are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US09725428B2

A continuous process for the preparation of propylene oxide, comprising (i) providing a liquid feed stream comprising propene, hydrogen peroxide, acetonitrile, water, optionally propane, and at least one dissolved potassium salt of a phosphorus oxyacid wherein the molar ratio of potassium relative to phosphorus in the at least one potassium salt of a phosphorus oxyacid is in the range of from 0.6 to 1.4; (ii) passing the liquid feed stream provided in (i) into an epoxidation reactor comprising a catalyst comprising a titanium zeolite of structure type MWW comprising zinc, and subjecting the liquid feed stream to epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation reactor, obtaining a reaction mixture comprising propylene oxide, acetonitrile, water, the at least one dissolved potassium salt of a phosphorus oxyacid, optionally propene, and optionally propane; (iii) removing an effluent stream from the epoxidation reactor, the effluent stream comprising propylene oxide, acetonitrile, water, at least a portion of the at least one dissolved potassium salt of a phosphorus oxyacid, optionally propene, and optionally propane.
US09725424B2

Disclosed in the present invention are 4-(5-amino-6-hydroxybenzoxazol-2-yl)ammonium benzoate shown in formula (I) and the preparation method and use thereof. The preparation method comprises: fully reacting 4-(5-amino-6-hydroxybenzoxazol-2-yl)benzoic acid shown in formula (II) or 4-(5-amino-6-hydroxybenzoxazol-2-yl)carboxamide benzoate, as a raw material, with ammonia in an aqueous solvent, and directly heating the obtained reaction liquid to remove excess ammonia, so as to obtain 4-(5-amino-6-hydroxybenzoxazol-2-yl)ammonium benzoate. The mass of the 4-(5-amino-6-hydroxybenzoxazol-2-yl)ammonium benzoate (ABAA) prepared in the present invention can reach a polymer grade (where the purity is above 99.5%, the content of metal ions is below 200 ppm, and containing no DMF polymerization inhibition impurities), and the 4-(5-amino-6-hydroxybenzoxazol-2-yl)ammonium benzoate can be used as an AB type monomer for preparing PBO and modified PBO fibers, the resulting PBO having an intrinsic viscosity ηof up to 38/dl/g, and the method has such features as ABAA being highly soluble in PPA, a fast polymerization speed, a short time of 2-4 h, a low temperature of 150° C., a high molecular weight of the polymer, fibers of excellent tensile property, being easy to industrialize, etc.
US09725419B2

The present disclosure provides 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds having antiproliferative activity, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds to inhibit cellular proliferation and to treat proliferate diseases such as tumorigenic cancers.
US09725417B2

Compounds which inhibit the small G protein Rho GTPase cell division cycle protein Cdc42 are provided. Morphological analyzes of filopodia, western blots of Ccd42 phosphorylation, and effects on cellular wound healing and on growth cone formation all demonstrate that the described compounds are able to inhibit all tested Cdc42-mediated processes. The compounds effectively inhibit the effects of Cdc42 and effectively inhibit Cdc42-related cellular functions involving actin, such as Golgi organization and cell movement. Furthermore, the described Cdc42 inhibitor compounds may be provided as a medicament for the treatment of various conditions.
US09725411B2

The present invention relates to a process for converting commercially available lutein and/or lutein esters from extracts of marigold flower petals to (3R)-β-cryptoxanthin (major) and (3R,6′R)-α-cryptoxanthin (minor) in ratios ranging from 95:5 to 98:2 in a one-pot reaction at room temperature. Because the entire process can be carried out by employing safe and environmentally friendly food-grade reagents, the resulting mixture of these carotenoids is suitable for human consumption as a dietary supplement.
US09725408B2

Disclosed are methods of recovering urea from a urea/oil complex by drying the complex, combining the complex with water to form a urea solution, and removing water from the urea solution. Methods for recycling the urea in urea complexation processes are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of recovering polyunsaturated fatty acids or derivatives thereof from the urea/oil complexes.
US09725402B2

The invention relates to nitroso derivatives including carboxylic acid and phosphoric acid esters of hydroxy nitroso compounds that donate nitroxyl (HNO) under physiological conditions. The compounds and compositions of the invention are useful in treating and/or preventing the onset and/or development of diseases or conditions that are responsive to nitroxyl therapy, including heart failure, ischemia/reperfusion injury and cancer.
US09725401B2

A process for production of C4 to C15 esters by the esterification of a carboxylic acid or anhydride with a C4 to C15 alcohol including forming a reaction mixture of the acid or anhydride and the C4 to C15 alcohol including a stoichiometric excess of the alcohol is provided.
US09725395B2

The inventive concepts disclosed and/or claimed herein relate generally to catalysts and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a heterogeneous, metal-free hydrogenation catalyst containing frustrated Lewis pairs. In one non-limiting embodiment, the heterogeneous, metal-free catalyst comprises hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) having frustrated Lewis pairs therein.
US09725385B2

The present technology is directed to processes involving formation of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons through use of oxygen supplied by ion transport membranes. More particularly, the present technology relates in part to a process involving steam reforming and subsequent production of a synthetic product where carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen downstream of the process is reclaimed to generate the synthetic product. The present technology also relates in part to an ethylene formation process involving a viral-templated coupling catalyst in the presence of an ion transport membrane.
US09725382B2

An improved catalytic dehydrogenation process which process comprises contacting an alkane or alkyl aromatic feedstream with a dehydrogenation catalyst under catalytic conditions in an up-flow fluidized reactor, wherein the fluidized reactor comprises one or more reactors, which catalytic conditions include a temperature within a range of from 500 to 800° C., a weight hourly space velocity within a range of from 0.1 to 1000, a gas residence time within a range of from 0.1 to 10 seconds, and, subsequent to the fluidized reactor, effecting separation of entrained catalyst from reactor effluent by use of a cyclonic separation system, wherein the improvement comprises interposing a cooling means between an up-flow fluidized reactor and the cyclonic separation system to substantially halt thermal reactions, thereby effectively increasing overall molar selectivity to alkene product is provided.
US09725381B2

Fluidizable catalysts for oxygen-free oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanes to corresponding olefins. The catalysts contain 10-20% (by weight per total catalyst weight) of one or more vanadium oxides as the catalytic material, which are mounted upon an alumina support that is modified with zirconia at alumina/zirconia ratios of 5:1 up to 1:2. Various methods of preparing and characterizing the fluidizable catalysts are also provided.
US09725378B2

The invention relates to a p-xylene separation process wherein at least a portion of ethylbenzene present in an aromatics-containing feed is removed prior to isomerization. Aspects of the invention provide a process for producing p-xylene. The process includes providing a first mixture comprising ≧5.0 wt. % of aromatic C8 isomers, the C8 isomers comprising p-xylene and ethylbenzene. A p-xylene-containing portion and an ethylbenzene-containing portion are separated from the first mixture in a first separation stage to form a p-xylene-depleted raffinate. The first separation stage can include at least one simulated moving-bed adsorptive separation stage. At least a portion the p-xylene-depleted raffinate in the liquid phase is reacted to produce a reactor effluent comprising aromatic C8 isomers. The first mixture can be combined with ≧50.0 wt. % of the reactor effluent's aromatic C8 isomers. The combining can be carried out before and/or during the separating of the p-xylene and ethylbenzene portions.
US09725372B2

Reaction products and methods for making and using such reaction products are provided. For example, a reaction product comprising an adduct formed from urea, formaldehyde, and a urease inhibitor is described, which can be provided in various forms. For example, such a reaction product can be in the form of a solid or solution. Such a reaction product can also be combined with one or more additional components, including but not limited to, additional urease inhibitor and/or a nitrogen-based fertilizer composition.
US09725370B2

The invention relates to a process of selectively treating parts of the surface of a porous dental ceramic comprising the steps of a) providing a composition and a porous dental ceramic having an outer surface, b) applying the composition to only a part of the outer surface of the porous dental ceramic, c) optionally drying the porous dental ceramic, and d) optionally firing the porous dental ceramic, wherein the composition comprises—a liquid being miscible with water, but not being water, —a whitening agent comprising nano-sized metal oxide particles, metal ion containing components or mixtures thereof which precipitate if the composition is adjusted to a pH above 5, —acid, complexing agent or mixture thereof. The invention also relates to a dental ceramic article obtainable by a process.
US09725367B2

Provided are: an apparatus and a method for producing a (metal plate)-(ceramic board) laminated assembly, a bonding material and a metal plate during the bonding of the metal plate to the ceramic board through the bonding-material layer and an apparatus and a method for producing a power-module substrate. An apparatus for producing a (metal plate)-(ceramic board) laminated assembly by laminating a metal plate having a temporary bonding material formed thereon on a ceramic board having a bonding-material layer formed thereon, the apparatus being equipped with: a conveying device which conveys the metal plate onto the ceramic board to laminate the ceramic board and the metal plate on each other; and a heating device which is arranged in the middle of a passage of the conveyance of the metal plate by the conveying device and melts the temporary-bonding material on the metal plate.
US09725366B2

A manufacturing process of a cement product includes: (1) incorporating at least one additive into a high-alumina cement composition, wherein the at least one additive is selected from nitrate-containing salts, nitrite-containing salts, carbonate-containing salts, sulfate-containing salts, chloride-containing salts, and hydroxide-containing salts; and (2) curing the high-alumina cement composition to form the cement product.
US09725364B2

Process for reducing hexavalent chromium in oxidic solids, which comprises the steps: a) mixing of the oxidic solid containing Cr(VI) with a carbon-containing compound which is liquid in the range from 20 to 100° C., b) treatment of the mixture obtained after a) in an indirectly heated reactor at a temperature of from 700° C. to 1100° C., particularly preferably at a temperature of from 800° C. to 1000° C., under a protective atmosphere, c) cooling of the reaction product obtained after b) to at least 300° C., preferably at least 150° C., under a protective atmosphere.
US09725360B2

The invention relates to a method for the dry slaking of calcium oxides and magnesium from calcomagnesian compound containing preferably at least 10 wt. % of MgO in relation to the total weight of said calcomagnesian compound, in which calcomagnesian compound is supplied to a slaking vessel, a slaking aqueous phase is supplied to the slaking vessel, followed by slaking the calcomagnesian compound delivered to the slaking vessel, by means of the slaking aqueous phase, and forming hydrated solid particles of calcium hydroxides and magnesium, in the presence of an additive. The invention also relates to the compound produced in this way.
US09725358B2

A coated article includes a coating, such as a low emissivity (low-E) coating, supported by a substrate (e.g., glass substrate). The coating includes at least one dielectric layer including zinc oxide that is doped with another metal(s). The coating may also include one or more infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) of or including material such as silver or the like, for reflecting at least some IR radiation. In certain example embodiments, the coated article may be heat treated (e.g., thermally tempered, heat bent and/or heat strengthened). Coated articles according to certain example embodiments of this invention may be used in the context of windows, including monolithic windows for buildings, IG windows for buildings, etc.
US09725354B2

Latent colorant material compositions, soda-lime-silica glass compositions, and related methods of manufacturing color-strikable glass containers. The latent colorant material compositions may be introduced into a plurality of base glass compositions having redox numbers in the range of −40 to +20 to produce color-strikable glass compositions and color-strikable glass containers. The latent colorant material compositions introduced into the base glass compositions include a mixture of cuprous oxide (Cu2O), stannous oxide (SnO), bismuth oxide (Bi2O3), and carbon (C). After formation, the color-strikable glass containers may be heat-treated to strike red or black therein.
US09725352B2

A method for forming a hollow cylinder, in a single step or in as small a number of steps as possible, into a quartz glass tube with a large outer diameter and high dimensional stability is provided. The cylinder, while rotating about a rotation axis, is softened in portions in a heating zone which is moved at a relative feed rate Va, and the softened portion is radially expanded by a centrifugal force and/or an internal overpressure applied in the hollow cylinder bore so as to form a deformation zone. The tube is continuously shaped with an outer diameter D2 which is greater than that of the hollow cylinder D1. The radial expansion of the softened portion is carried out at a location-dependent radial expansion rate Vr, the profile of which along the deformation zone has a maximum value Vr,max which is smaller than two times the feed rate Va.
US09725351B2

A method of forming an opaque quartz glass component is provided. The method includes (a) providing a starting preform made of quartz glass; (b) heating at least a portion of the starting preform to a predetermined temperature at which the quartz glass of the starting preform has a viscosity in a range of 10E2 to 10E12 poise; and (c) deforming at least a portion of the heated preform at the predetermined temperature to change a shape and/or dimension(s) of the heated perform in order to form the opaque quartz glass component. The starting preform and the heated preform have respective densities of at least 2.15 g/cm3 and at least 2.10 g/cm3. The starting perform and the opaque quartz glass component have respective direct spectral transmissions of approximately 0.1-1% and 0.2-3% in the wavelength range of λ=190 nm to λ=4990 nm at a wall thickness of 3 mm and a diffuse reflectance of at least 60% in a wavelength range of λ=190 nm to λ=2500 nm.
US09725347B2

Disclosed is a water treatment apparatus that includes a head including an inlet portion into which water flows, an outlet portion from which water is discharged externally, and a connection portion connected to the inlet portion and the outlet portion, and a water treatment unit connected to the connection portion, including a plurality of water treatment sections, coupled to the head, and configured such that a portion of the water flowing into the inlet portion passes through the plurality of water treatment sections and sequentially, the remainder of the water passes through only a portion of the plurality of water treatment sections and, and the water flows to the outlet portion together.
US09725346B2

A system and method of treating wastewater having at least one undesirable biological species is provided. In accordance with embodiments, a wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a main biological treatment train including at least one first unit operation configured to perform an anaerobic ammonium oxidation process, and at least one subsystem configured to increase a concentration of anammox bacteria in the at least one first unit operation, the treatment system arranged to reduce the concentration of total nitrogen in the wastewater.
US09725345B2

Integrated methanogenic anaerobic reactor and membrane bioreactor, and method for eliminating organic matter and nitrogen in urban or industrial wastewater, preferably with COD concentrations between 150 and 5000 mg/L and where the eliminations of total nitrogen that occur are between 15 and 50 mg/L, at temperatures above 15° C. The wastewater treatment takes place thanks to three stages of treatment: methanogenic anaerobic stage, anoxic stage with biofilms and suspended biomass and aerobic filtration stage with biofilms and suspended biomass.
US09725342B2

The invention relates to a method for preparing phosphine-based selective transition metal binding particles, said method comprising at least a step of reacting macroporous particles comprising at least one “NH” reactive function reacted with at least one molar equivalent of a phosphine derivative R—P(CH2OH)2, with a nucleophile reactive agent of formula NHRaRb, wherein NHRaRb comprises at least one “NH” function.
US09725341B2

Methods for removing one or more contaminants from an aqueous stream comprising: adding one or more hydraulic binders and one or more promoters to the aqueous stream, and separating the contaminants from the aqueous stream are provided. The methods may be used for removing contaminants that are arsenic-based, selenium-based, cadmium-based, zinc-based, mercury-based, iron-based, chromium-based and/or phosphate-based.
US09725331B2

A method for configuring a non-lithium-intercalation electrode includes intercalating an insertion species between multiple layers of a stacked or layered electrode material. The method forms an electrode architecture with increased interlayer spacing for non-lithium metal ion migration. A laminate electrode material is constructed such that pillaring agents are intercalated between multiple layers of the stacked electrode material and installed in a battery.
US09725320B2

A device D accommodated in a reactor R and containing a gas- and/or liquid-permeable bottom B, in the peripheral region of which is arranged a lateral boundary W which completely surrounds the bottom B and forms a volume V which is partially or completely filled with catalytic and/or non-catalytic moldings, there optionally being located on the side facing the bottom B in the upstream direction at least one noble metal and/or non-noble metal fabric, wherein a thermal insulation layer S is located on at least part of the surface of the inner side of the lateral boundary W of the device D, the material for the thermal insulation layer S being selected from the group consisting of ceramic material, microporous material and silicate fibers.
US09725312B1

A method for fusion bonding a pair of substrates together with silane preconditioning is provided. A surface of a first oxide layer or a surface of a second oxide layer is preconditioned with silane. The first and second oxide layers are respectively arranged on first and second semiconductor substrates. Water is applied to the surface of the first or second oxide layer. The surfaces of the first and second oxide layers are brought in direct contact. The first and second oxide layers are annealed. A method for manufacturing a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) package using the fusion bonding is also provided.
US09725302B1

Embodiments include devices and methods for detecting particles, monitoring etch or deposition rates, or controlling an operation of a wafer fabrication process. In an embodiment, one or more micro sensors are mounted on wafer processing equipment, and are capable of measuring material deposition and removal rates in real-time. The micro sensors are selectively exposed such that a sensing layer of a micro sensor is protected by a mask layer during active operation of another micro sensor, and the protective mask layer may be removed to expose the sensing layer when the other micro sensor reaches an end-of-life. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US09725300B2

Measures for reducing parasitic capacitances in the layer structure of capacitive MEMS sensor elements, in which parasitic capacitances between bond pads for electrically contacting measuring capacitor electrodes and an electrically conductive layer lying underneath are reduced by these measures. The sensor structure having the measuring capacitor electrodes and bond pads of such MEMS components are in a layer structure on a semiconductor substrate. The carrier layer directly underneath the bond pad structure is uninterrupted in the bond pad region, and the layer structure includes at least one insulation layer by which at least one of the bond pads is electrically insulated from an electrically conductive layer lying underneath. At least one layer under the carrier layer is structured in the region of this bond pad, so that hollow spaces are situated in the layer structure underneath this bond pad, by which the parasitic capacitance between this bond pad and the conductive layer lying underneath is reduced. Alternatively/additionally, the material of the conductive layer in the region underneath this bond pad is replaced by electrically conductive material at least in the upper layer region, so that the insulation layer in the region of this bond pad is considerably thicker than outside the bond pad region.
US09725299B1

A device includes a substrate, a first structure, a second structure, a third structure and a bumper. The first structure is over the substrate. The second structure is over the substrate, wherein the second structure has a first end coupled to the first structure. The third structure is over the substrate, wherein the third structure is coupled to a second end of the second structure. The bumper is between the substrate and the third structure, wherein the bumper is a multi-layered bumper including a first conductive feature, a dielectric feature and a second conductive feature. The dielectric feature is over the first conductive feature. The second conductive feature is over the dielectric feature and electrically connected to the first conductive feature.
US09725297B2

A fluid product dispenser is sized to removably receive a product package containing a supply of the fluid product. The product package includes an internally integrated fluid pump, and the dispenser includes a drive unit powered by flow of a fluid. Flow of the fluid powers the drive unit, which in turn drives the pump internal to the product package, resulting in dispensation of the fluid product in a product/fluid ratio that is independent of the fluid flow rate.
US09725294B2

The current invention teaches a universal manifold for delivering chemical liquids to a storage container. The universal manifold contains a universal mating system that enables a single manifold to attach to a number of variously sized storage containers that include a number of variously sized fill apertures. This enables the use of the same universal manifold for the delivery and collection of liquid chemical to the storage container at different times.
US09725290B2

The invention relates to a device (1) for gripping and holding PET bottles in filling systems or the like, having a carrier body (3) that can be mounted on a star-shaped element (2) or the like, and spring-loaded gripper arms (7) that can pivot on said carrier body. The aim of the invention is to allow simple, rapid, and low-cost replacement of the gripper arms. To achieve this, a fixing element (11) is positioned between the bearing ends (13) of the gripper arm (7), wherein the bearing ends (13) of the gripper arms comprise an edge recess (14) allowing removal of the gripper arm (7) past the fixing element (11) when a gripper arm (7) is positioned in the extreme opening position.
US09725284B2

An improved remote sling release for a crane has a main plate member including an access hole for attaching a main crane hoisting line therethrough, a hook portion located at an opposite end from the access hole and adapted to selectively hold securely or release sling members thereon. Two sling ejector plate members connected to one another such that the ejector plate members are pivotally attached to the main plate member, wherein each of the sling ejector plate member has a sling notch therein adapted to receive the sling members of a hoist pallet therein. A sling access handle member attached to at least one of the sling ejector plate members and used to manually rotate the ejector plate members from an open position for receiving the sling members therein and into a closed position, wherein the sling member are locked upon the hook portion of the main plate member. A remotely controlled solenoid mechanism attached to the main plate member and adapted to unlock the locking mechanism, and a first traction spring member adapted to bias the ejector plate members into the open position and force the sling members off of the hook portion. A remote control mechanism adapted to remotely activate the solenoid mechanism, to force the sling members off of the hook portion.
US09725281B2

An exemplary vertically moveable elevator system component includes a top portion, a bottom portion and a plurality of vertically oriented side portions between the top and bottom portions. At least one of the side portions includes a roller guide support sheet. A first roller guide roller is supported by the sheet such that the first roller is at least partially disposed on a first side of the sheet and an axis of the first roller is generally parallel with the sheet. Second and third rollers are supported by the sheet such that the second and third rollers are on a second, oppositely facing side of the sheet. An axis of each of the second and third rollers is generally perpendicular to the axis of the first roller. The axis of each of the second and third roller remains in a fixed position relative to the sheet.
US09725278B2

Apparatus for forming a knot, the apparatus having a first pathway for receiving a first element, and a second pathway for receiving a second element, the first pathway having a configuration which corresponds to the path to be followed by the first element and the second pathway having a configuration which corresponds to the path to be followed by the second element, respectively, in order to form a knot; a shuttle for moving the second element; and a mechanism for moving the shuttle through the second pathway, whereby, when the first element is received in the first pathway and the second element is connected to the shuttle, movement of the shuttle through the second pathway causes the second element to be moved through the second pathway so as to form a knot around the first element.
US09725270B2

A web tensioner, a web slitter, a method of tensioning a web, and a method of slitting a web are provided. A corrugated edge nip is used in the tensioner, the slitter, and the methods of tensioning and slitting. The corrugated edge nip can provide a crossweb tension to a suspended web or film in a web line. The corrugated edge nip can be used in conjunction with, for example, a rotary shear slitter to improve slit edge quality.
US09725269B2

The present invention discloses a sheet winding structure to reduce indentation transfer occurring because of sheet thickness or adhesive colloidality of the innermost layer of the sheet. The sheet winding structure comprises: a winding core having an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the winding core comprises a recess thereon; and a sheet winded over the outer surface of the winding core, wherein a beginning portion of the sheet is disposed in the recess.
US09725263B2

A sheet feeding cartridge storing a sheet conveyed orthogonally to a width direction includes a main body, a pair of side cursors and a restricting member. The main body has a bottom part including a sheet placement face and allows sheets of different sizes to be placed. The side cursors mutually slide in approaching and separating directions and restrict a position in the width direction. The restricting member comes into contact with a side edge in the width direction at a position separated from one of the side cursors to an upstream side in a conveyance direction and restricts the position in the width direction. The restricting member is attachably/detachably provided in the main body at each of plural positions along the width direction and restricts the side edge of each of the sheets of different sizes in the width direction.
US09725254B2

A system for replenishing the supply of a particulate agricultural product in the tank of an air cart. A mixture of air and product comes out of a venturi delivery system and enters in a multiplicity of inlet hoses. Then the product enters into inlet tubes of various lengths and release angles from which product particles are gently spread strategically forming a pile that is more or less horizontal to ensure even feeding of meters during dispensing operations. Then the air exits through one or more fine screens to avoid product escaping as well and is conveyed through the exhaust hoses until reaching an air diffuser. The air diffuser has a series of varying size holes or louvers at the bottom so the air can come out at a uniform low velocity which minimizes any discomfort to nearby operators.
US09725250B2

Methods are disclosed for handling cylindrical tubulars in a process that, in preferred embodiments, also performs cleaning, inspection and other operations on the tubular. The tubular is held stationary while it is rotated. During rotation of the tubular, internal and external cleaning systems, and data acquisition systems, pass up and down the length of the rotating tubular. In preferred embodiments, a first tubular is loaded onto the handling machine, whereupon it is indexed and then rotated. Cleaning, inspection and other operations may be performed during rotation. Once operations are complete, the handling system ejects the first tubular while queuing up a second tubular to be loaded.
US09725248B2

The present disclosure provides systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls. Tapered feed rolls may be used to change the rate and direction of workpiece travel along a processing line while retaining the workpieces in sequential order. Routing workpiece flow with tapered feed rolls may allow the workpieces to be tracked along one or more processing lines, and may reduce the operational space required for workpiece processing.
US09725247B2

Apparatus for moving containers containing substances, comprising a plane, for the transport, movement and at least temporary storage of said containers, mobile along transit paths developing at least along an axis of movement to serve several machines or user devices.
US09725241B2

It is disclosed a storage and picking system for storing and picking of articles in accordance with a picking order into order containers comprising: a storage zone; a working zone; at least one picking-work station; and a plurality of storage and retrieval devices, wherein each of the storage and retrieval devices comprises: a load-handling device; a vertical mast along which the load-handling device is supported vertically movable, preferably exclusively; and a ground-near travelling unit, wherein the travelling unit is connected to the mast; and a controlling device being integrated into the travelling unit; wherein the travelling unit is dimensioned such that and wherein the mast is arranged such that the storage and retrieval device can travel, for purpose of storing or retrieving, in the travelling direction beneath one of the racks while an other storage and retrieval device can pass the storage and retrieval device in the rack aisle; an wherein the storage and retrieval device can travel autonomously within each of the zones and between the zones in the travelling direction along a travelling path which is selectable freely.
US09725235B2

A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a base and opposed sides, linear and non-linear tracks, and a plurality of dunnage supports extending between the tracks. At least one of the tracks on each side may be non-linear in the shape of a “C” or “U” or “J”. One type of dunnage support comprises end members and a tubular middle member, the end members being movable along the tracks. The dunnage supports support dunnage, such as pouches.
US09725233B2

A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.
US09725232B2

A beverage brewing product for brewing a sweetened beverage is disclosed which produces a sweetened beverage solution that can be mixed with a diluting liquid and which comprises at least one water permeable sieve wherein beverage material and granulated sweetener are contained. The beverage material and sweetener are brewed and dissolved during steeping in hot water to produce a sweetened beverage solution. The beverage solution, if concentrated, is then mixed with a proportioned amount of diluting liquid to make a consistently sweet beverage. This beverage brewing product may be used to produce a variety of consistently sweetened beverages, including tea, coffee, and lemonade.
US09725229B2

Hand-held articles for applying lotion to a user, including a user's back or other hard-to-reach places. A housing contains a lotion to be dispensed, and a member, integral to the housing, transfers the lotion to a user's body. The member may be a roller or a pre-moistened, elongated sheet, web or strip, with the housing containing a roll of pre-moistened material. The housing may further include a manually operated lever that allows a length of the strip to be pulled from the roll in the housing. The housing may additionally include a cap with a cutting edge to sever the strip at a desired length. The strip of material may be pre-moistened with a tanning lotion; self-tanning lotions; sun block; moisturizing cream, or insect repellant. The strip of material may be made of a non-woven synthetic fibrous material, with a width in the range of 1 to 3 inches.
US09725226B2

A container used in daily life comprises a container main body, and a pressure channel composed of a pressure transmission channel, a removal channel and an outflow channel connected in series. The pressure channel, attached to a wall of the container main body, has one end in communication with the removal channel and the other end connectable to a pressurizing component provided externally. The pressure transmission channel transmits pressure exerted on the inside of the pressure transmission channel by the pressurizing component provided externally, via a pressure transmission medium inside the channel. A wall of the removal channel is provided with a one-way valve allowing the contents to flow into the pressure channel. The one-way valve opens at the bottom on the inside of the container main body. The outflow channel is used for flowing out the contents from the container and preventing the contents flowing back.
US09725218B2

A lid comprises a support extending from the lid that is used to maintain a container in an inverted position. The lid further comprises a dispenser, such that when the lid is connected to a container and the container is inverted, gravity compels contents of the container out the dispenser.
US09725216B2

A beverage container cover is disclosed herein and includes: a solid strip stabilizing component, a cover component, wherein the solid strip stabilizing component is hingeably coupled to the cover component, and a handle component that is operatively coupled to the stabilizing component and the cover component. A beverage container cover is disclosed herein and includes: a solid strip stabilizing component, a cover component, wherein the solid strip stabilizing component is hingeably coupled to the handle component, and a handle component that is operatively coupled to the stabilizing component and the cover component. In addition, a beverage container cover system is disclosed that includes: a beverage container cover, a beverage container, and an insulating cover, wherein the beverage container is surrounded in part by the insulating cover and wherein the solid strip stabilizing component of the beverage container cover is located in the space between the beverage container and the insulating cover.
US09725214B2

An improved container lid comprising an integral lid retaining channel which is configured to accept and be press fit onto the circumferential rim of a container, such as, for instance, a coffee cup is disclosed in preferred and various alternate embodiments. The improved container lid of the invention may comprise any material suitable for container lids such as paper, waxed paper, plastic, or other materials known in the art. The improved container lid of the invention is adapted to be retained upon, for example, a lip of a beverage container while the beverage container is in use. Thus, the improved container lid of the invention prevents accidental loss of the container lid and may be used in an open or closed position.
US09725200B2

A gluing arrangement for applying glue to labels in a labeling machine, which gluing arrangement has a heated roller element and one or more temperature sensors which sense the temperature of a portion of the roller element. The temperature sensors are protectively sealed against contamination and mechanical damage, such as by being sealed inside the body of the roller element. The gluing arrangement also has a heating arrangement which includes one or more induction coils for heating the roller element. The heating arrangement and/or induction coils are positioned within the roller element such that they are surrounded by either an inner or outer surface of the roller element.
US09725196B2

A method for making a capsule usable in a brewing machine including the steps of: making a filtering element intended for containing the initial product and having at least one gripping portion; fixing the filtering element to a casing; filling the filtering element with a dose of the initial product; fixing a covering element to the casing to close hermetically inside the cavity the filtering element and the initial product; and reinforcing the gripping portion to enable a user grasping the latter to remove at least the filtering element from the casing after use.
US09725183B2

A pylon is provided for connecting a propulsion system to an aircraft. The pylon includes a structure configured to structurally tie the propulsion system to the aircraft. The pylon also includes a pylon fairing configured to house and provide an aerodynamic cover for the structure. A lower aft fairing segment of the pylon fairing includes a plurality of apertures. The apertures are fluidly coupled with a sealed, sound attenuating chamber within the pylon.
US09725182B2

An aeroengine control device including a mount and having pivotally mounted thereon a code wheel together with a main lever and a secondary lever, both for turning the code wheel. Each lever is movable between a rest position and a maximum actuation position. The secondary lever is mounted to pivot on the main lever. Cam paths are mounted on the code wheel and on the mount in such a manner that the main lever can move the code wheel when the main lever is moved while the secondary lever is in the rest position. The secondary lever can move the code wheel when the secondary lever is moved while the main lever is in the rest position, with movement of either lever being prevented when the other lever is clearly away from its rest position.
US09725179B2

An electrical generator assembly including a central rotatable shaft (12) having a winding assembly (26) mounted thereto for rotation therewith, a rotatable permanent magnet assembly (28) surrounding the winding assembly (26) adjacent thereto and in use cooperating therewith to induce a current in the winding assembly (26), and a drive system (38, 138, 238, 338, 438) drivingly interconnecting the central shaft (12) and the permanent magnet assembly (28), the drive system (38, 138, 238, 338, 438) defining a relative rotational speed between the permanent magnet assembly (28) and the winding assembly (26) which is greater than an absolute rotational speed of the winding assembly (26). A method of powering an electrical system (22) on a rotating rotor blade (18) supported by a rotating mast (12) is also discussed.
US09725174B2

Systems for storing an on-board-wheelchair on-board an aircraft are provided. In order to provide a stowage possibility for an on-board-wheelchair that requires less valuable space, an aircraft cabin is provided that comprises an on-board space unit and at least one stowage compartment for an on-board-wheelchair. The on-board space unit provides an on-board function, and is surrounded by a housing wall structure. The stowage compartment provides space to accommodate an on-board-wheelchair. The stowage compartment is at least partly surrounded by an enclosure structure. At least a part of the enclosure structure is provided by the housing wall structure.
US09725172B2

The invention relates to a launched aerial surveillance vehicle, more specifically to a grenade or under-slung grenade launcher (UGL) aerial surveillance vehicle, a surveillance system and methods of providing rapid aerial surveillance.The vehicle once deployed is capable of autonomous flight paths, with basic inputs to change the circular flight paths, so as to build up surveillance for an area of interest. The vehicle comprises at least one optical sensor, which may be IR or visible range, to survey the area of interest, and feed the images back to at least one remote user.
US09725163B2

An electric connector assembly is provided that is designed to provide a simple and reliable electric connection between a source of electric power on an aircraft and a plurality of electrical connections, such as those from stator windings, in an electric drive means powering an aircraft landing gear drive wheel. The plurality of drive means electrical connections are individually connected to power distribution elements designed to significantly reduce the number of connectors required to establish an electrical connection between the drive means and an aircraft power supply. The reduced number of connectors is directed out of the wheel and guided along a path by a path guide element to a connector element designed to connect directly with a wire harness or other connection with an aircraft source of electric power. This electric connector design facilitates disconnection and reconnection when removal and remounting of the drive wheel is required.
US09725162B2

A system and method is provided for improving efficiency of aircraft gate services and reducing time spent by an aircraft parked parallel to an airport terminal wherein aircraft utilities and gate services provided during turnaround are supported by an arrangement of flexibly movable, service and utility-carrying extendable passenger boarding bridges that enable passenger and baggage exchange concurrently with connection of utilities and provision of gate services to the aircraft. Baggage transfer is facilitated by conveyors mounted on one or more loading bridges and designed to provide a direct connection between an aircraft and a terminal. Aircraft are maneuvered by a pilot into and out of a parallel parking location in a forward direction by an engines-off electric taxi system, enabling loading bridge, utility, and service connections to be made to multiple aircraft doors as soon as the aircraft reaches a parking location and then quickly disconnected upon departure.
US09725161B2

A method for maximizing traction in an aircraft drive wheel powered by non-engine drive means controllable to move the aircraft on the ground without reliance on the aircraft's brakes and dependence on friction defined by a mu-slip curve. The non-engine drive means is operated to control wheel speed and maintain the powered drive wheel in a maximized optimal traction condition when driving torques are applied to the drive wheel. Traction can be automatically maximized and maintained within an optimal range defined by a relationship between slippage and braking for maximum efficiency of aircraft ground travel under a wide variety of surface, weather, temperature, tire, and other conditions.
US09725154B2

A conjugate damper for a structural panel includes a constraining sheet extending between a first edge and a second edge. Each of the first edge and the second edge is at least partially coupled to a first surface of the structural panel. The conjugate damper also includes a damping layer coupled between the constraining sheet and the first surface such that, when the structural panel is in a compressively deformed state, a thickness of the damping layer in a direction generally normal to the first surface is decreased relative to a baseline state. The damping layer includes a viscoelastic material.
US09725150B2

System for aiding the planing of a planing boat comprising a hull, having a critical transition speed from a displacement sailing and a planing sailing and at least an internal combustion engine comprising means for transmitting an engine displaced power to the water; transmission means defining a gear ratio and identifying a critical speed of rotation of the engine corresponding to the critical speed of the hull; the system comprises a centrifugal supercharger, for supercharging said internal combustion engine, activated by speed multiplying means to be operating in a predetermined interval of speeds of the at least an internal combustion engine including said critical engine speed.
US09725146B2

A propulsion mechanism (100) for a maritime vessel (200) including a rotor (75) mounted for rotation about a rotor axis. The rotor (75) includes a plurality of vanes (20) extending essentially radial to the rotor axis and the vanes are arranged to define spaces (25) in between the vanes (20). The propulsion mechanism (100) further includes means configured for freeing the spaces (25) of water by means of application of air.
US09725143B2

A sleeved pole-like cleaning device having a pole-like member with a head portion defining a working surface and a removably couplable sleeve with a distal end, a proximal end, a first layer being of a substantially deformably-resilient and polymer-based material, and a second layer coupled to the first layer. The removably couplable sleeve has a first position along a slideable path while the removably couplable sleeve is encapsulating the pole-like member with the distal end of the removably couplable sleeve not substantially adjacent to the head portion of the pole-like member and a second position along the slideable path while the removably couplable sleeve is encapsulating the pole-like member with the distal end of the removably couplable sleeve substantially adjacent to the head portion.
US09725142B2

A supplemental bumper apparatus for covering the bumper of a personal water craft and providing enhanced shock absorption and blemish resistance. The supplemental bumper apparatus comprises a synthetic rubber body and a fastener system. The synthetic rubber body provides a barrier which can absorb shock and block blemishes from an impact. The synthetic rubber body is attached to the bumper fastener system defined by a plurality of snap fasteners on its upper section and a hook and loop fabric fastener is on its lower section. A plurality of snap fastener base members are permanently attached to the bumper and a corresponding hook and loop fastener material is permanently attached to the bumper, each providing a corresponding engaging member to enable the snap fasteners and the hook and loop fastener surface to attach the synthetic rubber body to the surface of the bumper.
US09725139B2

A boat includes a hull provided with a rear stern hatch located in correspondence with an internal stern compartment of the hull and suitable for opening and closing in correspondence with an aperture of the compartment, the hatch having a body with opposed side located in correspondence with side walls of the compartment and upper edge and lower edge. The hatch includes an actuator to open and close the compartment arranged inside its own body, the actuator rotatably constraining at least one of the sides of the hatch to a support movable with respect to the stern of the hull and suitable for allowing the hatch to reach, upon opening, a position submerged in the water where the boat is, the body of the hatch being not provided with any further connections of the sides to the hull.
US09725135B2

A method for the maintenance of a ship or platform propulsion assembly includes providing a hull insert forming a watertight housing located within a hull of a ship except for an opening. A motor is in the hull external to the housing and a thruster is external to the hull. A telescopic driving shaft sealingly passes through one of the walls of the housing to operatively connect the motor and the thruster to transmit movement to the thruster. Moving the thruster includes retracting the thruster into the housing through the opening. A separable submersible movable hatch is lowered by removable hanging cables. The submersible movable hatch externally engages the housing and sealingly closes the opening to close the housing and form a watertight closed chamber. Fluids within the closed chamber are evacuated even when the hull is floating and partially submersed, with the thruster at least partially in air.
US09725132B2

A bicycle crank assembly having a rotational center axis is basically provided with a crank member and a sprocket member. The crank member includes a support portion that extends in the axial direction and an arm portion that is integrally rotatable around the rotational center axis with the support portion. The sprocket member includes a sliding portion that extends in the axial direction that is integrally rotatable with respect to the support portion and that is displaceable in the axial direction. The bicycle crank assembly is constructed to achieve high strength and to suppress the decrease in the efficiency of the rotation transmission from the crank member to the sprocket member in a crank assembly in which the sprocket member is movable in the axial direction.
US09725128B2

A lightweight handlebar configured to be coupled to a plurality of stems is characterized by the strength of the center portion not being a maximum. Moreover, the design may be such that a single handlebar is attached between two stems, wherein the strength at a center portion that is positioned between stem attaching positions is less than the strength of the portions that are positioned toward the outsides of the stem attaching portions. Moreover, a marker for indicating unsuitability for securing to a stem may be provided at the center portion of the handlebar.
US09725127B2

A front wheel supporting frame structure of a saddle-ride vehicle includes a main frame, upper and lower arms and a lower frame. The main frame has a front portion and a rear portion. The main frame includes an upper connection portion, a lower connection portion, and an extending portion. The extending portion extends downward. The upper arm has an upper front end portion and an upper rear end portion. The upper rear end portion is movably connected to the upper connection portion. The lower arm has a lower front end portion and a lower rear end portion. The lower rear end portion of is movably connected to the lower connection portion. The lower frame includes a bottom portion and an upright portion. The bottom portion extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The upright portion has a top portion connected to the extending portion.
US09725126B2

A vehicle-to-vehicle connector includes a first component and a second component. The first component is configured to be connected with a first vehicle body, and a second component is configured to connect a second vehicle body with the first vehicle body. The second vehicle body includes a front wheel assembly, a stem and a handle bar, and the front wheel assembly, the stem and the handle bar lean toward a direction opposite a moving-forward direction of the first vehicle body.
US09725113B2

A hydraulic steering system (1) is described comprising a steering unit (3) and a pressure source (4), said steering unit (3) comprising a working port arrangement (L, R) having two working ports, a supply port arrangement having a high pressure port (P) and a low pressure port (5), a main flow path (7) having a main bleed (A1) and a metering device (8) and being arranged between said high pressure port (P) and said working port arrangement (L, R), an amplification flow path (9) having an amplification bleed (Au) and being arranged between said high pressure port (P) and said working port arrangement (L, R), said main bleed (A1) and said amplification bleed (Au) being controlled together by means of a steering handle (6) and being closed in neutral position of said steering handle, and said pressure source (4) having a variable displacement.
US09725111B2

Output signals of a torque sensor include a first output signal used in an assist control and a second output signal used in controls other than the assist control. An adjusting device of an electric power steering device includes an input torque meter for measuring an input torque applied to the input shaft, an output torque meter for measuring an output torque output by the steering mechanism, and a sensor output corrector for correcting an output signal of the torque sensor. The sensor output corrector corrects the first output signal so that a relationship between the input torque measured by the input torque meter and the output torque measured by the output torque meter becomes an ideal characteristic set in advance, and corrects the second output signal so that an input torque detected by the torque sensor coincides with the input torque measured by the input torque meter.
US09725098B2

A user gesture is detected based on received data from one or more motion sensors. User gesture attributes are identified including at least one of hand vectoring, wrist articulation, and finger articulation from the gesture including respective movements of each of a plurality of a user's fingers. Based on the gesture attributes, a user and an action to be performed in a vehicle are identified. The action is performed in the vehicle to control at least one vehicle component based on the gesture.
US09725096B2

A method and apparatus for generating an indicator of a risk level in motor vehicle and notifying vehicle systems when a risk level is above a specific threshold includes, receiving a plurality of driver distraction indicators, assigning a weighting value to each indicator, applying a scaling factor to the weighting value assigned to those indicators which are identified as being related, and summing the weighting values to produce an output value indicating a risk level. Distraction indicators can include on-board system and sensor outputs and stored data relating to driver attributes. Related indicators may comprise those distraction indicators relating to environmental conditions (eg. rain and low ambient light levels), or to vehicle performance to driver concentration level (eg. in-car phone and navigation system). The scaling step allows the weighting process to be refined based on the status of other received indicators.
US09725095B2

An adaptive automatic transmission control system responds to stopping of a vehicle for reducing torque absorption by an automatic transmission and movement of and range to obstructions forward from a vehicle for reengaging the automatic transmission after a stop. The torque converter is released from its reduced torque absorption mode under one of three circumstances: 1) the brake pedal is released; 2) the detected obstruction moves outside a first predefined maximum range; and, 3) the detected obstruction moves outside a second predefined maximum range and at greater than a predefined minimum speed.
US09725094B2

A method for controlling power generation load based on coasting operation may include a first control step for judging whether a coasting operation is being executed, and a step for controlling the power generation load of a generator based on the charged level of a battery if the operation is judged as a coasting operation.
US09725084B2

Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are described. The systems and methods may improve hybrid driveline performance so that a driver may experience less turbocharger lag and/or less cam phasing lag. The methods and systems may hold engine torque at an elevated level in the presence of a decrease in driver demand torque.
US09725076B2

A method for securing a vehicle, whose wheels of one axle are on a dynamometer, against being unintentionally pushed out of the dynamometer during an inspection of the parking brake. In order to avoid endangerment of people who are in the surroundings of the vehicle, it is proposed to ascertain with the aid of a sensor system whether the vehicle is located on a dynamometer and, if this has been determined, to automatically generate a braking torque at a wheel brake of at least one wheel, which is located outside the dynamometer, after a control element of the parking brake has been operated.
US09725068B2

A self-locking belt retractor for seat belts having a belt shaft rotatably mounted in a housing frame and having a belt-webbing-sensitive actuation mechanism A control plate that can be deflected with a relative rotation between the belt shaft and the control plate The control plate bears a two-arm eccentrically mounted inertial mass A control clip is rotatably frictionally mounted on a bearing surface for the belt shaft. An actuator of the control plate engages two legs of control clip and forms contact surfaces for the legs for shifting the control plate in belt retracting direction as well as in belt extending direction. One of the legs projects during rotation of the control plate in the belt retracting direction into the pivoting path of a pivot arm of the inertial mass and releases the inertial mass with a rotation of the control plate in the belt extending direction.
US09725066B2

An air bag packaging arrangement and a self-adhesive checking valve, the air bag packaging arrangement includes an air bag and an air valve which is the self-adhesive checking valve. The air bag includes first and second cell overlapped layers to form an air chamber and a valve opening. The air valve includes first and second sealing films overlapped between the first and second cell layers, and a strengthening film provided between the first valve film and the first cell film to strengthen a joint strength between the first valve film and the first cell film, so as to prevent the first valve film from being broken, so as to further avoid an air leakage.
US09725058B2

A method and a control unit for triggering a passenger protection arrangement for a vehicle are described. A crash type is determined as a function of a first signal of a centrally disposed first acceleration sensor system and of a second signal of a second acceleration sensor system disposed in the side region of the vehicle. The triggering of the passenger protection arrangement takes place as a function of the crash type.
US09725052B1

A license plate mounting bracket for vehicles having horizontal grilles, includes a license plate holder coupled to a license plate holder mount that has an adjustable clamp that includes a first jaw and a second jaw. A male-to-female standoff includes an axial threaded hole at a female end thereof, a shoulder engaging a front end of the first jaw and a male threaded portion passing through the first jaw and engaging female threads in a hole in the second jaw. A horizontal stabilizing member is attached to the first jaw of both the first and second clamps to hold the first jaw of the first clamp in a fixed position with respect to the first jaw of the second clamp.
US09725051B2

An engine cover having a feature that macro aligns the engine cover to the engine to quickly orientate the engine cover for correct assembly is provided. The features allow the installer to align the engine cover by touch. The locating lip is a macro feature formed integrally with the engine cover. The system includes an engine cover, a body attached to and extending from the engine cover. The body has an outer surface and an aperture for receiving a mechanical fastener. The aperture is formed through the outer surface. A locating lip extends outwardly from the outer surface. A doghouse feature may be formed on the engine cover. The body may be in the shape of an elongated tower that is attached to and extends from the doghouse feature. The locating lip is defined by a wall. The wall may be a ring-shaped wall or may be a semi-circular wall.
US09725049B2

The invention relates to a device for holding a camera, which serves in particular as a parking assistance in a vehicle, said device having a housing (10) in which a carriage (20), to which said camera can be secured, is movably accommodated, wherein said carriage (20) can be driven by a gear system (30). The gear system (30) has a first swiveling element (31) and a second swiveling element (32) which are connected to the carriage (20) in an articulated matter, and each swiveling element (31, 32) is rotatably mounted on the housing (10) in such a way and the carriage (20) is rotatably mounted on each swiveling element (31, 32) in such a way that the carriage (20), between a resting position (A) and an operating position (B), carries out at least a first movement phase (I) and a second movement phase (II).
US09725048B2

A motor vehicle has at least one electronic rearview mirror, particularly an exterior and/or side mirror, that has a display apparatus, particularly a display, for images recorded by an exterior camera that is provided particularly outside the motor vehicle. The operator control element provided for adjusting an image detail from the image, which image detail is to be displayed on the display apparatus, and/or an orientation for the exterior camera is a mirror operator control element, developed for the purpose of adjusting a mirror face of a conventional exterior mirror, and/or a rotary/push control of a man/machine interface.
US09725041B2

A flexible step assembly for a vehicle configured to provide stability when being mounted by a user. The flexible step assembly includes a top-plate secured on the top of each side member through a backing plate. The top-plate each seat in a recess of an upper member that is connected to the vehicle and the top-plate and the upper member are connected by a resilient connection such that they can separate by an impact load but will be recoupled by the resilient connection. The top-plate is substantially bisected by its connection to the backing plate so that the backing plates are each substantially centered on the top plates.
US09725040B2

A vehicle object detection system includes a vehicle body structure, a sensing device, a video display and a controller. The vehicle body structure defines a passenger compartment and has an underside section a predetermined height above ground. The sensing device detects height of an object within a prescribed area adjacent to the underside section as the vehicle body structure approaches the object. The video display is viewable from within the passenger compartment and displays images representing the prescribed area adjacent to the underside section of the vehicle body structure. The controller is configured to process object information received from the sensing device in order to determine the height of the object, and display images on the video display representing the object along with a representation of the height of the object relative to the underside section and images representing the underside section of the vehicle.
US09725032B2

An integrated coat hook and light source assembly includes a housing, a base pivotally carried on the housing, a coat hook carried on the base and a light source carried on the base.
US09725028B1

An apparatus, system, and method of using the apparatus and system may generally include a strap or retention device. A first end of a fastener is operatively coupled to the strap that is configured to retain a cargo contactingly adjacent a cargo support surface. A second end of the fastener is operatively coupled to the first end. The second end has an inner surface and an opposing, outer surface. The inner surface provides a recess feature configured to receive a magnet that is configured to support the second end adjacent a side of the cargo support surface. The inner surface provides a recess feature configured to receive a magnet that is configured to support the second end adjacent a side of the cargo support surface, wherein the side does not produce its own magnetic field.
US09725027B2

A vehicle includes a truck bed side panel, a docking plate, an E-track, and a clamp. The truck bed side panel has a top surface, a side surface, and an overhang extending from the top surface. The docking plate is secured to the side surface and defines a keyway. A keyed protuberance extends from the E-track. The keyed protuberance engages the keyway and secures the E-track to the docking plate. The clamp extends from the E-track and engages the overhang to secure the E-track to the side panel.
US09725018B2

A seat device includes a seat part that is capable of changing a posture to a use posture that allows sitting on the seat part and to a non-use posture that does not allow sitting on the seat part. A seat support can support the seat part in a state in which the seat part has been changed to the use posture. A guide member has a free groove that slidably guides a sliding part of the seat support and a regulation groove that regulates sliding of the sliding part in a state in which the seat part has been changed to the use posture. The guide member can be fixed on the seat part. A spring biases the seat support so that the sliding part is held in the regulation groove in the state in which the seat part has been changed to the use posture. A lever may cause the sliding part to slide from the regulation groove to the free groove and allow the seat support to swing downward.
US09725015B2

Connecting device of linear drive includes a main body part with a rectangular profile, and a hardware stamping. The two opposite sides of the main body part are respectively fixedly connected with the hardware stamping. The middle portion of the main body part has a hollow cavity. A threaded axle hole device with threaded holes inside is accommodated in and fixedly connected with the cavity. The lateral walls of the cavity have locating protrusions. The hardware stamping includes two reverse bends between which the portion is disposed above the main body part. The lower portion of the hardware stamping is tightly adhered to the lateral side of the main body and bolted, while the upper portion of the hardware stamping has a connecting hole. The connecting device is light in structure, small in size and more convenient to install and is improved in bearing capability and operation stability.
US09725014B2

Provided is a vehicle that can improve vehicle posture control or operation performance during accelerating turn. A vehicle is provided with: a left drive wheel and a right drive wheel connected to a motor; a required drive power amount input device for inputting a required drive power amount; and a required turn amount input device for inputting a required turn amount. The vehicle further includes a turn control device that adjusts a power difference between the left drive wheel and the right drive wheel on the basis of a time derivative value of the required drive power amount in addition to the required turn amount.
US09725002B2

A charging system for charging an electric vehicle at a charging station includes a charge module at the charging station and a charge module at the vehicle. The charge modules include electric contact elements which can be interconnected together. The charging system includes an automatic positioning device configured to move the charging station charge module relative to the vehicle charge module to align and join the charge modules together. The charging system includes an automatic feed device configured to enable the contact elements of the charging station charge module to connect to the contact elements of the vehicle charge module when the charge modules are joined together. The contact elements of the charge modules are configured such that the contact elements can connect to each other without overriding a contact force.
US09725001B2

A charging device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a battery adapted and configured to store a DC voltage, first and second motors adapted and configured to operate as a motor or a generator, first and second inverters adapted and configured to operate the first and second motors, a voltage transformer adapted and configured to boost the DC voltage of the battery to supply it to the first and second inverters and boosts the DC voltage of the inverter to supply it to the battery, and a charging controller adapted and configured to operate the first and second inverters as a booster or operate the voltage transformer as a buck booster according to a voltage that is input through a neutral point of the first and second motors and the voltage of the battery.
US09725000B2

In one embodiment, a system for monitoring and indicating remote battery charging comprises a sensor unit, a power source, at least one remote battery, and a wiring harness; wherein the sensor unit comprises an analog to digital converter (an “A/D Converter”) and a display means such as lights (e.g., LEDs) and/or a screen (e.g., LCD). In one method of use, the system for monitoring then monitors the power supply (the source) as well as the auxiliary charging system (e.g., the liftgate electrical system) and provides advanced warnings or signals when the system is not receiving sufficient power or is otherwise not functioning properly.
US09724996B2

A method and system for verifying operation of a motor propulsion plant fitted to an automotive vehicle with electric or hybrid traction, the motor propulsion plant including an electric motor including a permanent-magnet rotor. The method includes: a regulation of currents of a stator and a measurement of direct and quadratic components of the currents; an application, in a model of the electric motor linking control signals to the direct and quadratic components of the currents, of a change of variable in which X=Iq3+Id3, Y=Iq−Id; determination of minimum and maximum bounds for X and Y to deduce therefrom minimum and maximum bounds for Iq and Id; and a comparison between the measured direct and quadratic components of the currents and the minimum and maximum bounds for Iq and Id.
US09724986B2

A device for applying an adhesive-backed elongated seal (e.g., a weatherstrip seal) to a surface of a substrate. The device comprises a release liner removal tool having a stripper portion. The stripper portion comprises a spacer and a release liner guide surface. The spacer has a leading edge, an angled trailing edge, a central axis and a thickness profile that separates the adhesive on the back of the seal from the substrate surface while allowing the body of the seal to contact the substrate surface, when the stripper portion is positioned between the seal and the surface. The angled trailing edge has a transverse radius of curvature allowing the release liner to be removed from the adhesive, bent-backwards-over the trailing edge, and pulled-off along a portion of the guide surface, while the seal is adhered along its length to the surface.
US09724981B2

There is provided an air conditioning register which can prevent or effectively suppress a reduction in an effective opening surface area at an air-conditioned air blow-out portion, and which has good blow-out efficiency of air-conditioned air. A first flow path 42 and a second flow path 44, whose directions toward a blow-out bezel 26 differ, are formed within a retainer 12 of an air conditioning register 10. A first damper 52 and plural second dampers 58, which are interlocked with one another, are provided at the retainer 12. The first damper 52 opens and closes the first flow path 42, and the second dampers 58 open and close the second flow path 44. The first damper 52 and the second dampers 58 are operated such that either one of the first flow path 42 and the second flow path 44 is opened and the other is closed, and the flow path of the air-conditioned air is switched. In this way, a blow-out direction of the air-conditioned air from the blow-out bezel 26 is controlled, while a reduction in an effective opening surface area at the blow-out bezel 26 is prevented or effectively suppressed.
US09724969B2

A motorcycle tire that improves straight-line traction performance and also improves turning performance is provided. In a motorcycle tire, a condition of LC/T≦0.08 is satisfied for center blocks, a condition of LM/LC>1.0 is satisfied for the center blocks and intermediate blocks, and the center blocks and the intermediate blocks are either separate from each other in the tire circumferential direction, or overlap each other in the tire circumferential direction with an overlap region of 0.5 LC or less.
US09724961B2

The invention is directed to a wheel (1) which comprises a rim (4) and a thereto connected spoke structure (3) made out of fiber reinforced plastic material. An insert (2) is embedded in the fiber reinforced material at the center of the spoke structure (3). The insert (2) protrudes in at least one region above the surface of the fiber reinforced plastic material (16) forming at least one contact area (10, 14, 5).
US09724953B2

A sheet processing apparatus includes a saddle unit on which a mountain-folded sheet folded along a folding line is accumulated so as to straddle the saddle unit, a staple inserting section disposed above the saddle unit, and a staple receiving section accommodated in the saddle unit. The staple inserting section includes an inserting unit which inserts a staple into the folding lines of the sheets, and holding members disposed on both sides of the inserting unit in a direction parallel to the folding lines of the sheets. The staple receiving section includes a staple receiving unit which receives and bends the tips of the staple inserted by the inserting unit, and supporting members disposed on both sides of the staple receiving unit at positions opposite to the holding members.
US09724951B2

Provided is an image erasing method including heating a thermoreversible recording medium with laser beams to erase an image which has been recorded on the thermoreversible recording medium, the thermoreversible recording medium reversibly changing between a colored state and a decolored state depending on a heating temperature and a cooling time; and measuring at least one of a surface temperature of the thermoreversible recording medium and an erasing environmental temperature before a beginning of erasing the image to obtain a measured temperature value and controlling a heating time with the laser beams to be emitted for erasing the image depending on the measured temperature value.
US09724949B2

A printing apparatus system, comprising: a printing apparatus; and connection devices connected to the printing apparatus in multistage, wherein a device side controller is configured to: execute an authentication process in cooperation with an apparatus side controller when a signal is input thereto, the signal corresponding to a start command signal output from the printing apparatus and input to an electric resistance; and execute a level process where a voltage level of the start command signal passed the electric resistance is set to be higher than or equal to a predetermined level when the authentication process is finished, wherein the apparatus side controller is configured to store identification information assigned to each of the connection devices and number-of-stage information indicating, for each of the connection devices, which stage a connection device associated with the identification information is connected to, wherein the identification information is associated with the number-of-stage information.
US09724948B2

A printing module configured to print a label on a curved surface of an article includes an expandable printing mechanism configured to be expanded to an open configuration for receiving the article or contracted to a closed configuration placing the curved surface in an operative position with respect to a print head and an article moving assembly configured to grasp and hold the article and effect relative movement between the curved surface and the print head. The printing mechanism includes contact elements, such as rollers, that contact or otherwise engage the article when the printing mechanism is in the closed configuration and maintain the curved surface in the operative position with respect to the print head during relative movement between the curved surface and the print head.
US09724947B2

A printer includes a body, a lid, and a restriction member. The body includes a holder configured to accommodate a roll of a recording sheet. The lid is attached to the body to be opened and closed relative to the body. The restriction member is pivotably attached to the bottom of the holder, and includes a contact part urged toward the interior of the holder. The contact part is urged to contact the peripheral surface of the roll accommodated in the holder.
US09724944B2

The present invention provides a recording head, a recording head adjusting system, and a recording head adjusting method. A recording head includes: a head module having a recording surface; a support member that supports the head module; a first direction position adjusting unit that adjusts the first-direction position of the head module; a rotation direction adjusting unit that adjusts the angular deviation of the rotation direction; and a position detection unit that detects the first-direction position of the head module that is used when performing adjustment by the first direction position adjusting unit and the rotation direction adjusting unit. The rotation direction adjusting unit includes a rotation support mechanism for rotatably supporting the head module within the plane parallel to the recording surface and a second direction moving mechanism for moving the adjustment position of the head module in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
US09724938B2

An ink jet recording method includes layer forming which includes image recording which records an image by discharging an ink composition which contains water and coloring materials on a recording surface of a recording medium having low absorbency or non-absorbency to ink, and protective layer forming which forms a protective layer on the image by discharging a clear ink composition which contains resin particles and substantially does not contain a coloring material; and heating and drying which includes first heating which heats the recording surface at a glass transition temperature or more of the resin particles after the layer forming, and first drying which performs ventilation while heating the recording surface at a heating temperature or less of the recording surface in the first heating after the first heating, in which the drying time in the first drying is two times or more the heating time in the first heating.
US09724930B2

A liquid storage unit for collecting a liquid supplied to an ejecting head is provided. The liquid is supplied to a plurality of ejecting heads via a pressure regulating valve, and the liquid is suctioned from the plurality of ejecting heads by a circulation pump, and then is discharged to the liquid storage unit. In this way, since the liquid is suctioned from each of the ejecting heads, the passage resistance is decreased, so that the ink can be appropriately circulated. In addition, since the ejecting head is supplied with the liquid at an appropriate pressure from the liquid storage unit via the pressure adjusting valve, the liquid can be appropriately ejected.
US09724928B2

A method, a system and a memory chip for generating a verification value, which can eliminate the defect of time consuming and high power consumption of the existing memory chip for generating verification value, are provided according to the present disclosure. The method comprises the following steps: a frequently changing data relating to an imaging cartridge is acquired; an intermediate verification data pre-generated based on infrequently changing data is acquired; the frequently changing data and the intermediate verification data are calculated through a predetermined algorithm, and thus a verification value is obtained. A step of calculating the infrequently changing data relating to the imaging cartridge is omitted according to the present disclosure, and thus the calculation amount for acquiring the verification value can be reduced, the calculation efficiency can be improved, the calculation time and the response time of the entire printing and imaging apparatus can be shortened, and the power consumption of the memory chip can be reduced.
US09724925B2

A liquid ejecting head unit which includes a liquid ejecting head which includes a nozzle surface provided with nozzles, the nozzle surface being on a plane defined by two directions including a first and a second directions intersecting each other, a wiping unit comprising a wiper parallel to the first direction and configured to perform relative movement in the second direction between the wiper and the nozzle surface to wipe the nozzle surface, a recess defined by an edge provided along the first direction on the nozzle surface, and a controller for filling the recess with a liquid which spills from at least one nozzle among the nozzles, and for wiping the nozzle surface after wiping the recess.
US09724913B2

A liquid discharging apparatus includes a driving signal creation section that creates a driving signal, a discharge section provided with a piezoelectric element, and a pressure chamber, and a detection section that is capable of detecting residual vibrations. The driving signal creation section is capable of creating a signal having an inspection waveform of which a potential of a first period is a first potential, a potential of a second period is a second potential, and a potential of a third period is a third potential, as the driving signal. The first potential is a potential that is between the second potential and the third potential, and the internal volume of the pressure chamber in a case in which the driving signal is the second potential is smaller than the internal volume of the pressure chamber in a case in which the driving signal is the third potential.
US09724904B2

A system is provided for producing components of composite material, and especially elongate or continuous components of fiber-reinforced polymer. The system comprises a winding mechanism for winding an elongate sheet of composite material about a winding axis that is at an angle to a perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate sheet so as to form a helical coil of wound sheet a mechanism is provided for drawing or conveying the helical coil of wound sheet along a process path, wherein the process path is preferably substantially parallel to the winding axis. A shaping mechanism forms or shapes the coil of wound sheet as it is drawn or conveyed along the process path. A corresponding method of producing a composite component is provided.
US09724901B2

Embodiments provide extruded oriented low density polyethylene (LDPE) films. Embodiments provide methods for making extruded oriented low density polyethylene (LDPE) films. Embodiments provide resin compositions for extruded oriented low density polyethylene (LDPE) films.
US09724896B2

A copper heat dissipation material having a satisfactory heat dissipation performance is provided. The copper heat dissipation material has an alloy layer containing at least one metal selected from Cu, Co, Ni, W, P, Zn, Cr, Fe, Sn and Mo on one or both surfaces, in which surface roughness Sz of the one or both surfaces, measured by a laser microscope using laser light of 405 nm in wavelength, is 5 μm or more.
US09724885B2

A mold pin fixed to a tread mold for a tire tread and forming a stud hole is disclosed. The mold pin is provided at one end of its main shaft portion with an expanded portion having a larger outer diameter. The expanded portion comprises a supporting part formed integrally with the main shaft portion, and an outer-shell part disposed on the outer surface of the supporting part to define the maximum outer diameter of the expanded portion. When a force directed from the main shaft portion toward the expanded portion is applied to the outer-shell part, the outer-shell part is moved so as to reduce the maximum outer diameter.
US09724884B2

Equipment for molding and curing a green tire includes a curing mold including a first bead molding ring including a first surface for contacting a radially inner and axially inner surface portion of an annular fixing structure of the green tyre and a first sidewall plate including a second surface for contacting a radially inner and axially outer surface portion of the annular fixing structure. The first bead molding ring is radially extendable from a contracted operating position to an expanded operating position so as to delimit a portion of the annular fixing structure between the first sidewall plate and the first bead molding ring, and the first bead molding ring is translatable towards the first sidewall plate for generating a first squeezing pressure on the annular fixing structure. The equipment further includes an inflatable bladder associated for operation with the curing mold.
US09724882B2

Retroreflective sheeting comprising cube corner microstructure and having channels substantially parallel to a longitudinal, peripheral edge of the sheeting.
US09724880B2

The present invention provides a residue removing device for removing residues in a partition plate, and a related 3D printer for use on a working platform. The partition plate e.g. of a 3D printer has a plurality of openings arranged in an array, and residues may be filled in the openings. The residue removing device includes a base plate and a plurality of jutting pins disposed on an upper side of the base plate. The jutting pins are arranged in an array corresponding to the openings array such that the jutting pins are capable of being inserted into the openings, in order to easily remove the residues in the openings of the partition plate.
US09724870B2

A method of forming a composite material part using an integrated shape memory polymer (SMP) and caul tool comprises the steps of: placing a caul on a positive feature of a mold, deforming the SMP from a relaxed state such that the SMP integrates with the caul to form an integrated SMP and caul tool, placing composite material on the integrated SMP and caul tool, heating the composite material to cure the composite material to form a composite material part while the SMP remains deformed, and stimulating the SMP to return to the relaxed state such that the SMP separates from the caul and the composite material part.
US09724866B2

A three-dimensional model built with an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, and having a perimeter based on a contour tool path that defines an interior region of a layer of the three-dimensional model, where at least one of a start point and a stop point of the contour tool path is located within the interior region of the layer.
US09724864B2

A method for fabricating an embodiment of a medical device comprising the steps of: preparing a biodegradable polymeric structure; coating the biodegradable polymeric structure with a polymeric coat including a pharmacological or biological agent; cutting the structure into patterns configured to allow for crimping of the cut structure and expansion of the cut structure after crimping into a deployed configuration.
US09724863B2

An injection molding machine is provided that includes a clamping force sensor that detects a clamping force of a mold, and a clamping force monitoring unit that monitors a detected value of the clamping force sensor and calculates a first mold open distance and/or a second mold open distance. The first mold open distance is calculated based on the difference between the maximum value of the detected values obtained during an injection process and a pressure holding process and the detected value obtained at the start of the injection process. The second mold open distance that is calculated based on the difference between the detected value obtained at the end of the pressure holding process and the detected value obtained at the start of the injection process.
US09724859B2

The equipping of syringe barrels (11) with needles (25) takes place before the injection of the plastic, in which the needles (25) are introduced through the fixed part (5) of the injection mold (1) by a suitable transport device (transport rollers 33).
US09724857B2

Compression molded polymeric foam articles and methods are described herein. Equipment design and processing techniques may be controlled to form compression molded articles having desired characteristics.
US09724856B2

A molding machine, which is operable to mold plastic granules into a plastic piece, includes a machine body, a platform, a heater, and a pressing unit. The platform is installed at the machine body and defines a molding cavity to receive the plastic granules. The heater is installed at the machine body adjacent to the platform. The pressing unit is installed at the machine body and disposed above the platform. The pressing unit includes a pressure cylinder, a telescopic rod driven by the pressure cylinder to extend downward and retract upward, and a pressing plate coupled to the telescopic rod and disposed to correspond in position with the molding cavity, and driven by the pressure cylinder to move relative to the platform.
US09724854B2

Preforms for use in molding composite parts are made directly from composite chips that are composed of fibers and an uncured thermosetting resin. Cold composite chips are formed into a stream of non-agglomerating chips that is used to fill the cavity of a preform tool. The non-agglomerating chips flow into the preform tool cavity to form a population of non-cohesive composite chips. The non-cohesive composite chips are then heated to form a preform made up of a consolidated population of cohesive composite chips in which the non-sticky uncured thermosetting resin of the non-cohesive chips has been converted to a sticky uncured thermosetting resin.
US09724850B2

A method for manufacturing an artificial elastic implant for restorative and reconstructive surgery includes two casting steps performed in a casting mold. The mold has at least a cover that is optically and UV transparent. In a first step, a first layer of a first photo-curable material or of a second photo-curable material is cast while forming a meniscus. Using one of two photo masks, the mold is irradiated with UV light to cure the first layer. In a second step, a second layer of either the first or the second photo-curable material is cast onto the cured first layer while forming a meniscus. After irradiating the mold again with ultraviolet light, unhardened photo-curable material is removed from the product by dissolving in a suitable solvent. After additionally irradiating the product with UV light, the product is soaked, separated from the mold, placed in isopropyl alcohol and then vacuum dried.
US09724838B2

A cutting unit includes a spindle housing, a spindle, a mounter fixed to the front end portion of the spindle for supporting a cutting blade, and a fixing flange for fixing the cutting blade to the mounter. The mounter includes a boss portion for axially slidably supporting the fixing flange, the boss portion being fitted to an engaging hole formed in a central portion of the fixing flange, a flange portion projecting radially outward from the outer circumference of the boss portion, the flange portion having a supporting surface for supporting the cutting blade on the front side opposed to the fixing flange, and a cylindrical portion formed on the rear side of the flange portion. The flange portion has a suction hole opening. The cylindrical portion has a communication passage communicating with the suction hole. The communication passage is connected through a rotary joint to a suction unit.
US09724837B2

A method and apparatus are provided for die cutting label stock comprising a facestock, an adhesive and optionally a liner to form labels where a liner of the linered pressure sensitive adhesive label stock may be a thin or ultrathin liner.
US09724835B2

A pair of scissors has a first cutting blade with a thumb handle and a thumb ring and a second cutting blade with a finger ring. The second cutting blade is pivotally attached to the first cutting blade, and the first and second cutting blades pivot relative to one another within a first plane. The thumb ring is slidably attached to the first cutting blade by a shaft that moves freely but with a certain amount of friction along a longitudinal slot in the thumb handle of the first cutting blade when the scissors are in use. The longitudinal slot in the thumb handle is situated within a second plane that is perpendicular to the first plane.
US09724832B2

The invention relates to an elastic corrugated pipe single-acting cylinder-driven mechanical gripper with a series-connection plate spring framework. The mechanical gripper consists of a palm and two flexible fingers or a palm and three flexible fingers. The flexible fingers are identical in structure. Each flexible finger consists of an elastic corrugated pipe single-acting cylinder and a series-connection plate spring. Dimensions of all plate springs connected in series are optimally designed according to grasping objects. The mechanical gripper is driven by the elastic corrugated pipe single-acting cylinder to generate a grasping force. The mechanical gripper applies to the grasping of fragile, brittle objects or the grasping of objects varying with shapes and dimensions. When connected with a robot body, the mechanical gripper particularly applies to the production and logistic fields for grasping, sorting and packing of foods, agriculture products and light industrial products.
US09724821B2

A hand tool case holding device including at least one holding device, which is provided for the purpose of detachably holding a hand tool case in a case accommodating area. It is provided that the hand tool case holding device has at least one charging coil and a bearing arrangement, which is provided for the purpose of movably supporting the charging coil and the holding device in relation to one another.
US09724819B2

A container, e.g., a carry-case, includes: a body having an internal cavity for storing contents, the body including at least one access side of the body having at least one opening sufficient in size to accommodate movement of the contents through the opening(s); and at least one lid configured to releasably close the at least one opening, respectively. The body further includes: first and second stacking sides in which are formed complementarily-shaped surface feature(s) and surface feature(s), respectively, configured to be releasably engageable with the corresponding surface feature(s) formed in second and first stacking sides, respectively, of other instances of the container. And each access side and corresponding lid are configured to permit access through the corresponding opening while one or more of the first and second stacking sides are disposed in states of releasable engagement, respectively.
US09724817B2

A driver with two operating positions has a handle with a first shell and a second shell connected that can open with respect to each other. Attached to one of the handle portions is a working end that is configured to rotate substantially, generally ninety degrees between a first position with a working end extending along an axis that is longitudinal with the handle and a second position with the working end extending along an axis that is transverse to the handle.
US09724816B2

In a handheld electric tool having a tool housing in which is disposed a gearbox for transferring a torque, generated by a drive motor, to a drive spindle with which a spindle locking apparatus is associated, the drive spindle being rotatably mounted in the tool housing at at least two bearing points, the at least two bearing points are provided in the tool housing in a region downstream from the gearbox, and the spindle locking apparatus is disposed between the two bearing points in an axial direction of the drive spindle.
US09724815B2

A portable power tool includes a motor housing and a motor mounted in the motor housing. The motor includes a rotary spindle. The portable power tool also includes a trigger configured to be actuated and released to switch on and off the motor. The portable power tool also includes a mechanical brake assembly connected with the trigger and automatically operated by the trigger. Accordingly, the brake assembly releases the spindle when the trigger is activated and brakes the spindle when the trigger is released.
US09724813B2

The invention concerns a hydraulic striking tool for application in rock and/or concrete cutting equipment containing a machine housing (100;200) with a cylinder (115;215) with a moveably mounted piston (145;245) which during operation performs a repetitive forward and backward movement relative to the machine housing (100;200) and directly or indirectly strike a rock and/or concrete cutting tool (155;255), and where the piston (145;245) includes a driving part (165;265) which separates a first (120;220) and a second (105;221) driving chamber formed between the piston (145;245) and the machine housing (100;200) and where these driving chambers are arranged to include a pressurized working fluid during operation. The total volume V of the first and second driving chambers is inversely proportional dimensioned to the square of a for the striking tool recommended maximal pressure p, as well as proportional, by a proportionality constant k within the interval 5.3-21.0, to the product of the pistons energy E during the strike against the tool and compression module β of the working fluid.
US09724809B2

Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for impact forming a cotter pin in a brake assembly are disclosed. In one example, an impact forming tool comprises a handle for receiving an operating force, a stationary portion and a hammer portion. The stationary portion is connected to the handle at a proximate end. An orientation pin is positioned on a distal end and two anvil pins are positioned on the stationary portion between the proximate end and the orientation pin. The hammer portion communicates with the operating force and moves linearly across the face of the stationary portion from a first position to a second position. The hammer portion has a symmetrical arcuate end, wherein a vertex of the symmetrical arcuate end is between the two anvil pins when the hammer is in the second position.
US09724805B2

An abrasive article includes abrasive particles contained within a hybrid bond that may include a metal bond material and an organic bond material, the article having an average thickness of 250 microns or less and the metal bond material including a solid solution phase and an intermetallic phase distinct from the solid solution phase.
US09724797B2

A polishing apparatus has a polishing pad, a top ring for holding a semiconductor wafer, and a vertical movement mechanism operable to move the top ring in a vertical direction. The polishing apparatus also has a distance measuring sensor operable to detect a position of the top ring when a lower surface of the top ring is brought into contact with the polishing pad, and a controller operable to calculate an optimal position of the top ring to polish the semiconductor wafer based on the position detected by the distance measuring sensor. The vertical movement mechanism includes a ball screw mechanism operable to move the top ring to the optimal position.
US09724793B2

A piston assembly mounting apparatus for an engine may include a robot having two multijoint arms movable in a predetermined range, a taking-out unit mounted at a free end of one of the arms of the robot and clamping and taking out one of a plurality of piston assemblies, and a fitting unit mounted at a free end of another of the arms of the robot, receiving and clamping the one piston assembly taken out of the taking-out unit, and then inserting the one piston assembly into a cylinder of a cylinder block.
US09724791B2

Aircraft engine rotors traditionally have low coaxiality after assembly. This is solved by the methods and devices described herein, having advantages that the rotors have high coaxiality after assembly, reduced vibration, easy installation, high flexibility, and improved engine performance. A measurement method and device use an air flotation rotary shaft system determining a rotary reference. An induction synchronizer determines angular positioning of a turntable. Using a four probe measurement device, a radial error of a rotor radial assembly surface and an inclination error of an axial mounting surface are extracted and an influence weight value of the rotor on the coaxiality of assembled rotors is obtained. All rotors required for assembly are measured and an influence weight value of each on the coaxiality of the assembled rotors is obtained. Vector optimization is performed on the weight value of each rotor and an assembly angle of each rotor is obtained.
US09724790B2

A travel system (20) for a canister storage, transfer, or transport system generally includes a support structure (22), at least one traveling device (24) for preparing, inspecting, and/or repairing the canister, and a base ring (26) for supporting the traveling device and providing for rotational movement of the traveling device relative to the support structure.
US09724788B2

A welding system includes a protective cover selectively movable between a first position and a second position. While in the first position the protective cover is configured to block environmental elements from contacting a display, and while in the second position the protective cover is not configured to block environmental elements from contacting the display. The welding system also includes control circuitry configured to detect whether the protective cover is in the first position or the second position.
US09724784B2

In general, the disclosure is directed toward transmitting radiant energy across a boundary of a medical device via an optical feedthrough. A system for transmitting radiant energy across a boundary of a medical device includes a first functional module of a medical device, a second functional module of the medical device, an optical feedthrough assembly coupled to the first functional module, and a radiant energy source that emits a beam through the optical feedthrough assembly to perform a manufacturing process on the first functional module and the second functional module.
US09724780B2

Dual alloy turbine rotors and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. The dual alloy turbine rotor comprises an assembled blade ring and a hub bonded to the assembled blade ring. The assembled blade ring comprises a first alloy selected from the group consisting of a single crystal alloy, a directionally solidified alloy, or an equi-axed alloy. The hub comprises a second alloy. The method comprises positioning a hub within a blade ring to define an interface between the hub and the blade ring. The interface is a non-contacting interface or a contacting interface. The interface is enclosed by a pair of diaphragms. The interface is vacuum sealed. The blade ring is bonded to the hub after the vacuum sealing step.
US09724778B2

Embodiments described herein include wireless control of a welding power supply via portable electronic devices. In particular, operating parameters and statuses of the welding power supply may be modified by the portable electronic device, as well as be displayed on the portable electronic device. For example, in certain embodiments, the welding power supply may be an engine-driven welding power supply, and the portable electronic device may be configured to start and/or stop an engine of the engine-driven welding power supply. A pairing procedure may be used to pair the welding power supply and the portable electronic device in a wireless communication network. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a method of prioritization of control between a control panel of the welding power supply and the portable electronic device may be implemented.
US09724777B2

A soldering iron system includes a power assembly that provides power to an induction heater at a variable voltage and a variable frequency. A control assembly adjusts the temperature of the heater in accordance with signals from a current detector coupled to the induction heater and a selection made by the user on an operating level selector.
US09724773B2

A tool for the chipless production of a thread on a workpiece can comprise a forming region, which is rotatable about a tool axis (A), for the chipless production of an internal thread, wherein the forming region has a plurality of pressure studs, which project radially from the tool axis (A), for producing or finishing the thread by pressing the pressure studs into the workpiece surface. In one implementation, the pressure studs are arranged successively along a shaping curve that encircles the tool axis (A) in a substantially spiral manner, and the pitch of the shaping curve corresponds substantially to the pitch of the thread to be produced. Additionally, the pitch angle (t1) between first and second pressure studs along the shaping curve differs from the pitch angle (t2) between the second pressure stud and a third pressure stud that follows the second pressure stud along the shaping curve.
US09724771B2

It is an object of the invention to provide a technique for reducing vibration by counter weights which smoothly operate without linearly reciprocating, in a reciprocating power tool.The reciprocating power tool has first and second bevel gears 123, 147 which are opposed to each other on either side of a pinion 119 and rotationally driven in opposite directions at the same reduction ratio by the pinion 119. Further, the reciprocating power tool has a slider 107 which is caused to linearly reciprocate in a longitudinal direction of a tool bit 111 by a crank 129. The first and second bevel gears 123, 147 are provided with first and second counter weights 143, 145 in positions displaced from their rotation axes, respectively. When the first counter weight 143 and the second counter weight 145 revolve, components of the revolving motion in the longitudinal direction of the tool bit oppositely move with respect to linear motion of the slider 107, and the first counter weight 143 and the second counter weight 145 move in the same phase in the longitudinal direction of the tool bit 111 and are disposed on opposite sides of the rotation axis and at the same distance from the rotation axis in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tool bit 111.
US09724752B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for forming a component from a solidified fluid medium. The apparatus comprises a body defining a cavity into which the fluid medium may be introduced, the cavity optionally being shaped to define a shape of the component, and a carrier for supporting one or more elements to be embedded in the component. The carrier is arranged to be introduced into the cavity to support the one or more elements within the cavity while the fluid medium is introduced into the cavity. Embodiments of the invention are useful in a range of fabrication technologies including casting of metals and injection molding operations.
US09724746B2

A recuperator disposed in the exhaust duct of a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of recuperator plates arranged in a spaced-apart relationship to define therebetween a plurality of interstices and fluid channels, the plurality of interstices adapted to direct therethrough at least one first stream received at a leading plate edge of the recuperator plates and the plurality of fluid channels adapted to direct therethrough at least one second stream to effect heat exchange between the at least one first stream and the at least one second stream. Each recuperator plate includes, formed at the leading plate edge thereof, a first concavity extending along the leading edge in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the plate. The first concavity extends transversely to a direction of the at least one first stream flowing over each recuperator plate.
US09724744B2

Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing a long-neck flange comprising: a pipe support bar for supporting the inside of a pipe, the pipe support bar being rotatable; a rotatable pressurizing device connected to the pipe support bar for simultaneously rotating, pressurizing, and conveying the pipe with one end fixed thereto; a face roller for contacting a cross section of the pipe support bar to form a flange surface; a curvature roller positioned at the outside of the pipe for giving a curvature to the flange part; and a circumferential roller positioned at the outside of the pipe in the circumferential direction so as to form the width of the flange part.
US09724742B2

A method of forming a flat bar is provided. A tube is provided having an inside surface and an outside surface. The outside surface of the tube can be clad with a nickel or stainless alloy material. A helix shaped strip can be cut from the tube. The helix shaped strip can be uncoiled to form an uncoiled strip, and the uncoiled strip can be straightened and flattened to meet mill standards.
US09724741B2

A drum (10,12) for receiving, transporting and discharging long metal products (P), such as bar or the like, preferably coming from a hot rolling mill: the drum includes at least one pair of channels (C1-C2) extending longitudinally axially and the channels being around the circumference of the drum, the channels simultaneously receive two long products (P1,P2), respectively one long product in each one of the channels that is part of the pair. Also a method and a system for handling long rolled products coming from different strands of a rolling mill are disclosed.
US09724739B2

A gap control device for a Pilger die assembly of cold Pilger mills. The gap control device can independently control the height of a pair of bearing blocks which axially support an upper die. A lower plate has first and second receiving holes which respectively correspond to the upper portions of a pair of bearing blocks. First and second wedge plates are fitted into the receiving holes, and respectively have inclined surfaces on the upper portions thereof. First and second adjustment blocks respectively have inclined guide surfaces to be in surface contact with the inclined surfaces of the wedge plates, and are movable horizontally with respect to the lower plate. An upper plate is assembled to the upper portion of the lower plate to cover the adjustment blocks. First and second adjustment bolts allow the first and second adjustment blocks to be respectively manipulated in a horizontal direction.
US09724730B2

Methods and systems for cleaning, coating and sealing leaks in existing pipes, in a single operation. A piping system can be cleaned in one pass by dry particulates forced and pulled by air throughout the piping system by a generator and a vacuum. Pipes can be protected from water corrosion, erosion and electrolysis, extending the life of pipes such as copper, steel, lead, brass, cast iron piping and composite materials. Coatings can be applied to pipes having diameters up to approximately 6″. Leak sealants of at least approximately 4 mils thick can cover insides of pipes, and can include novel mixtures of fillers and epoxy materials, and viscosity levels. A positive pressure can be maintained within the pipes during applications. Piping systems can be returned to service within approximately 96 hours.
US09724718B2

An apparatus and method for supporting a tubular medical device, such as a stent or scaffold, includes a rod disposed between two collets. The rod can be shaped to form a range of different size or length helical supports to support a wide range of tubular medical devices. The rod is shaped into a full or partial helix by rotating one of the collets relative to the other.
US09724714B2

In a foam discharge device, a pump has a piston for a liquid linked to a stem, a cylinder for a liquid in which the piston for a liquid is vertically slidably accommodated, a piston for air linked to the stem, a cylinder for air in which the piston for air is vertically slidably accommodated, and an air-liquid mixing unit to mix a liquid from the cylinder for a liquid and air from the cylinder for air to foam the liquid, the cylinder for air is inside a mounting cap and accommodated in a container main body, a head-section-side cylinder for air into which a piston tube erected at a ceiling wall section of the mounting cap is fitted extends from a pressing head, and a communication path to bring the insides of the head-section-side cylinder for air and the cylinder for air in communication is formed at the pump.
US09724713B2

A dispenser device, including an outlet, air expeller including a piston that slides in an air chamber between rest position and dispensing positions, and a reservoir containing a dose composition. The reservoir includes an air inlet connected to the air expeller, and a composition outlet connected to the outlet, the air inlet including a composition retainer member, and the composition outlet being closed by a closure element force fitted in the composition outlet of the reservoir. A mechanical opening system co-operates with the closure element to expel it from its closed position while the device is actuated. The piston, when in its rest position, co-operates in non-airtight manner with the air chamber so that the air chamber communicates with the atmosphere. The piston includes an inner lip co-operating with a cylindrical surface, the cylindrical surface including fluting co-operating in non-airtight manner with the inner lip in the rest position.
US09724697B2

A wear indication device comprises an outer body and a sensor configured to detect and indicate wear to the outer body. The outer body exhibits an opening extending at least partially therethrough and comprises a stem region, and a head region integral with the stem region and extending outwardly beyond a lateral periphery of the stem region. The sensor is positioned within the opening and comprises an output device. An assembly, and a method of detecting wear to a component of an assembly are also described.
US09724695B2

An apparatus for performing a thermocyclic process, such as amplifying DNA, includes a microfluidic chip with a channel formed therein and one or more thermal distribution elements disposed over portions of the chip. Each thermal distribution element is configured to distribute thermal energy from an external thermal energy source substantially uniformly over the portion of the chip covered by the thermal distribution element. The portion of the chip covered by the thermal distribution element thereby comprises a discrete temperature zone. Other temperature zones can be defined by other thermal distribution elements or by portions of the chip not covered by a thermal distribution element. The channel is configured so that a fluid flowing through the channel would enter and exit the different temperature zones a plurality of times, thereby alternately exposing the fluid to the temperature of each zone for a period of time required for the fluid to traverse the zone.
US09724692B2

The present invention relates to a multiplex slide plate for various types of assays. The slide plate may be pre-filled with special-formulated reagents in different reaction zones, and the reactions carry out independently in the reaction zones filled with special-formulated reagent.
US09724684B2

A dehydrochlorination process is disclosed. The process involves contacting RfCHClCH2Cl with a chromium oxyfluoride catalyst in a reaction zone to produce a product mixture comprising RfCCl═CH2, wherein Rf is a perfluorinated alkyl group.
US09724681B2

Processes of making catalyst compositions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the processes include modifying an organoaluminum compound with a modifier that decreases the initial reducing strength of the organoaluminum compound, where the modifier can be an ether, an anhydride, an amine, an amide, a silicate, a silyl ether, a siloxane, an ester, a carbonate, a urea, a carbamate, a sulfoxide, a sulfone, a phosphoramide, or a combination thereof. The processes further include adding a transition metal complex to the mixture of the organoaluminum compound and the modifier; and obtaining a catalyst composition including the organoaluminum compound and the transition metal complex.
US09724674B2

The present invention relates to a catalyst having surface-modified metal nanoparticles immobilized in a stationary phase in which a polymer electrolyte membrane is formed, and a preparation method thereof. The catalyst of the present invention may be used in a process for producing hydrogen peroxide by direct synthesis from oxygen and hydrogen.
US09724672B2

Process for the preparation of an additive comprising TiO2 particles dispersed on a support of pseudo-layered phyllosilicate-type, comprising the dispersion in water of the support, the acid activation of the support and the high-shear dispersion of the support with the TiO2 particles Use of the particles obtained by this process as additives with photocatalytic activity for water purification and disinfection, for purification of polluted gas streams and to provide materials, in particular construction materials, with self-cleaning, biocide, deodorization and/or pollution reduction properties in the presence of air and ultraviolet light.
US09724665B2

An apparatus for producing trichlorosilane in which metallurgical grade silicon powder supplied to a reactor is reacted with hydrogen chloride gas while being fluidized by the hydrogen chloride gas, thereby discharging trichlorosilane generated by the reaction from the reactor, includes: a plurality of gas flow controlling members which are installed along a vertical direction in an annular shape R from an inner peripheral wall of the reactor in an internal space of the reactor; and a heat transfer tube which is installed along the vertical direction in the annular space R and through which a heating medium passes.
US09724664B2

The process comprises delivering a spray solution comprising an active agent and a matrix material in an organic solvent to a spray-drying apparatus, atomizing the spray solution into droplets within the spray-drying apparatus to remove at least a portion of the organic solvent from the droplets to form a plurality of particles, and collecting the particles. The spray solution may be formed by forming a feed suspension comprising the active agent, the matrix material, and the organic solvent, wherein the feed suspension is at a temperature T1, and directing the feed suspension to a heat exchanger, thereby increasing the temperature of the feed suspension to a temperature T2, wherein T2 is greater than T1, and the spray solution is at a pressure greater than the vapor pressure of the organic solvent at T2, such that the active agent and matrix material are soluble in the organic solvent at T2.
US09724657B2

A centrifugal mixing device can include a shaft assembly that is operably coupled to a motor such that the motor rotates the shaft assembly about a first axis. The devices can further include a turret that is rotatably coupled to the shaft assembly such that the turret rotates about the first axis relative to the shaft assembly. The turret can include a first support, a first canister rotatably coupled to the first support such that the first canister rotates about a second axis, and a second canister rotatably coupled to the first support such that the second canister rotates about a third axis. The turret is configured to rotate about the first axis in a first rotational direction and each of the first and second canisters is configured to rotate about the second and third axes, respectively, in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.
US09724654B2

An agitating bar and an agitator including the same are provided. The agitating bar includes a barrier unit in addition to a rotating shaft, and an impeller unit. Therefore, the agitating bar can be useful in preventing the stream of a fluid which flows rapidly toward a fluid outlet port in a state in which the fluid is not mixed uniformly around the rotating shaft, thereby enhancing agitation efficiency and a degree of homogenization for the mixed fluid.
US09724646B2

A separation membrane element includes a water collecting pipe, a separation membrane main body having a feed-side face and a permeate-side face, a feed-side channel material and permeate-side channel materials. The separation membrane main body, the feed-side channel material and the permeate-side channel materials are spirally wound around the water collecting tube. A plurality of the permeate-side channel materials are discontinuously provided on the permeate-side face of the separation membrane main body, along a first direction that is a longitudinal direction of the water collecting pipe. The feed-side channel material has a thickness of from 0.15 to 0.5 mm.
US09724638B2

An apparatus for evaporating waste water and reducing flue gas acid gas emissions includes an evaporator device configured to receive a portion of flue gas emitted from a combustion unit and waste water for direct contact of the flue gas with the waste water to cool and humidify the flue gas, and to evaporate the waste water. An alkaline reagent as well as activated carbon may be mixed with the waste water prior to waste water contact with the flue gas. Solid particulates that are dried and entrained within the cooled and humidified flue gas can be separated from the flue gas via a particulate collector.
US09724634B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a honeycomb filter capable of achieving a combination of high collection efficiency and low pressure loss. The honeycomb filter comprises a ceramic honeycomb substrate in which a multitude of cells through which a fluid flows are disposed in parallel in a longitudinal direction and are separated by cell walls, each cell being sealed at an end section at either the fluid inlet side or the fluid outlet side, and a filter layer which, among the surfaces of the cell walls, is formed on the surface of the cell walls of those cells in which the end section at the fluid inlet side is open and the end section at the fluid outlet side is sealed by a sealing material, wherein the thickness of the filter layer increases gradually from the fluid inlet side toward the fluid outlet side.
US09724624B1

An inlet diverter is provided for separating multiphase mixtures. The inlet diverter has curved vanes which define flow passages between adjacent vanes. The passages are arranged such that the inlet diverter discharges flow from the passages toward the inlet.
US09724616B1

A self-inflatable toy having first and second housing portions and an inflatable toy body positioned there-between. The inflatable toy body having chemicals that react to produce an inflating gas. The first and second housing having beads that interact to temporarily prevent the separation of the two housings. As the toy body inflates, a pressure increases between the two housings until the increasing pressure is greater than the friction between the first and second beads causing the first housing to separate from the second housing.
US09724611B2

There is provided a method of synchronizing a portable device with an online user account. The method comprises establishing a first connection between the portable device and an online application, receiving data from the online application concerning the online user account, including a persona, updating the portable device with a portable user account corresponding to the online user account, including the persona, terminating the first connection between the portable device and the online application, recording modifications to the portable user account on the portable device after terminating the first connection, establishing a second connection between the portable device and the online application, uploading the modifications to the portable user account recorded on the portable device to the online application, and updating the portable user account according to modifications to the online user account performed by the online application to synchronize the portable user account with the online user account.
US09724607B2

A computer-implemented method of controlling a display of a computer device by: rendering on the display a game board having a plurality of selectable game objects, each at a respective tile location in an array. User input is detected to select a game object causing the game object to move in a direction. A game move is implemented in which the selected game object is moved to an adjacent new tile location and swapped with the selected game object. Match data is generated if the move results in at least three game objects of the same characteristic occupying adjacent tile locations, which are removed from the rendered image. New game objects are generated to replace the removed game objects.
US09724595B2

The jigsaw puzzle includes a baseplate used with attachable puzzle pieces. The baseplate has multiple upward-facing engagement mechanisms that are engaged with corresponding and complementary puzzle piece rear-facing engagement mechanisms. The rear-facing engagement mechanisms and the complementary puzzle piece rear-facing engagement mechanisms are designed so as to leave a space between the bottom of the puzzle piece and the top surface of the baseplate. Therefore, even when the puzzle piece rear-facing engagement mechanisms are engaged with the upward-facing engagement mechanisms, this space can accommodate the provided pry tool. The pry tool can be inserted in to the space to easily remove the puzzle pieces after play, storage, or display. Therefore, the puzzle can be used over and over.
US09724594B2

A packing box for packaging of playing cards has, in an assembled state, a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with six faces including front and rear faces, right and left side faces, and top and bottom faces. The packing box includes cut lines in two locations at a predetermined interval in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped, and a central band in a portion defined by the cut lines provided in the two locations. The right and left side faces of the packing box can be removed along the cut lines such that side edges of the playing cards within the packing box are exposed.
US09724590B2

The Snow Rider provides two separate platforms, each equipped with a pair of truck mounted skis, interconnected via a centerline articulated spar. Each platform undergoes an angle change before articulating with the trucks. This angle change is referred to herein as the truck angle, which determines the degree to which the skis turn relative to the long axis of the Snow Rider for a given amount of rotation of the platform about the centerline. The trucks translate leaning by the rider into a redirection of the skis, which through the use of ski riser mechanisms between the platforms and skis, are simultaneously rotated about their long axis to get the skis up on edge and in contact with the snow.
US09724582B2

The invention is directed to a ball tee for supporting a ball. The ball tee includes a base, a telescoping post, a clamp, and a ball holder. The base presents a plurality of laterally extending arms and an opening. The telescoping post includes a static segment and a first telescoping segment. The clamp is configured to secure the telescoping post to the base. The clamp is disposed at least partially within said opening of the base and at least partially around said static segment of the telescoping post. The ball holder is disposed atop the telescoping post configured to support a ball. The ball holder includes a rolled flexible sheet and an outer holder (and in some embodiments an inner holder). The rolled flexible sheet presents a generally conical shape oriented with a large end upward for supporting the ball, and is at least partially disposed within the outer holder.
US09724575B2

A golf club head including a club face constructed from a low modulus material for maximizing driving distance potential and a perimeter flange having a mass reducing configuration for preventing adverse influences to the center of gravity and the moment of inertia of a golf club head including the club face.
US09724569B2

Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.
US09724556B1

An exercise bar having a frame and a pair of rails positioned interiorly of the ends of a frame. A pair of moveable handles engaged with and mounted upon the rails. The moveable handles have a user grip. A pair of spring assemblies is located at each end of the frame and attached therein between and to the frame and one end of each respective moveable handle. During exercise, a user place weights on the outer ends of the frame and may then move the exercise bar in a general vertical swinging motion up or down, similar to existing barbells, and add additional stress via a compound movement by moving the handles in towards the center of the load and concurrently handle towards the center of the exercise bar to produce a transverse stress upon the user and user's musculature.
US09724550B2

A one part, solids containing decontamination blend composition comprises a solid acetyl donor coated with a compound that protects it from hydrolysis, a peroxygen source, optionally a catalyst, optionally a surfactant, and optionally a buffer. The decontamination blend composition is generally in a dry powder, particle, etc. form or in a tablet, pill, etc. form and is complete in and of itself in that no additional compounds are required prior to use and is readily distributed as a one package system. Upon the addition of water, a peroxygen compound such as hydrogen peroxide is formed, and peracetic acid is generated under alkaline conditions. The decontamination blend composition is particularly suitable for oxidizing various chemical and biological compounds thereby eradicating the same in situ as on surfaces, clothes, articles, and the like. Representative contaminants include mustard gas, nerve gas, bacterial toxins, anthrax, bird flu, and the like.
US09724548B2

Method and apparatus for environment protection (climate change) from toxic elements and subsidence by existing underground coal seam fires by expansion termination of these fires. The method is based on creating, on the path of or around a burning coal seam fire, a subterranean void-barrier, with non-combustible gases (or fluids) and absence of oxidiser. The void-barrier may be substantially free from combustible material. The void-barrier will prevent further expansion of the existing coal seam fire, and may be created by known methods of coal extraction in gasified form, such as Underground Coal Gasification (USG). By-products from void-barrier creation can be utilized to reduce environmental pollution and for production of useful commercial entities such as gas or liquid fuels like: petrol, diesel, jet fuel, avgas, paraffin or electrical power generation and/or chemicals like CO2 for enrichment of coal or which may be sold.
US09724541B2

A new whitening dentifrice suitable for use with porcelain veneers and dental work as well as with natural tooth enamel comprising diamond particles is disclosed.
US09724536B1

A phototherapy device includes a high intensity light source secured to a leaky light conducting fiber to leak light along the length of the fiber. The light fiber is illuminated at either or both ends by the light source and the light fiber is generally oriented in a 3-D spiral pattern to form a dome of light to provide phototherapy to an area of a patient's scalp to be treated. A generally hemispherical shell is formed of a first or inner translucent diffuser layer secured to a second or outer reflective layer, the first and second layers encapsulating the 3-D non-overlapping spiral pattern light fiber. A control system is also provided to turn off the light source when a break or discontinuity occurs in the fiber.
US09724529B2

A method for delivering electrotherapy from a defibrillator includes the steps of providing a source of patient ECG signals received during a CPR period, estimating from the patient ECG signals the likelihood of a shockable rhythm existent during the CPR period, and determining whether CPR should be interrupted prior to the end of the CPR period to deliver electrotherapy based on the estimating step. Based on the determining step, the defibrillator may then provide an output instruction to stop CPR. The AED (10) thus enables an improved rescue protocol.
US09724522B2

Medical device systems and methods with multiple communication modes. An example medical device system may include a first medical device and a second medical device communicatively coupled to the first medical device. The first medical device may be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a first communication mode. The first medical device may further be configured to communicate information to the second medical device in a second communication mode after determining that one or more of the communication pulses captured the heart of the patient.
US09724517B2

Various embodiments concern delivering electrical stimulation to the brain at a plurality of different levels of a stimulation parameter and sensing a bioelectrical response of the brain to delivery of the electrical stimulation for each of the plurality of different levels of the stimulation parameter. A suppression window of the stimulation parameter can be identified as having a suppression threshold as a lower boundary and an after-discharge threshold as an upper boundary based on the sensed bioelectrical responses. A therapy level of the stimulation parameter can be set for therapy delivery based on the suppression window. The therapy level of the stimulation parameter may be set closer to the suppression threshold than the after-discharge threshold within the suppression window. Data for hippocampal stimulation demonstrating a suppression window is presented.
US09724506B2

This disclosure provide a nanopillar electrode device, comprising a substrate patterned with a plurality of metal pads. The device may further comprise a plurality of nanopillars electrode arrays, wherein each nanopillar electrode array is attached to the substrate above a metal pad and electrically connected to the pad. The device may further comprise and a chamber surrounding the nanopillar electrodes, which can be used for culturing cells of interest for recording action potentials. The nanopillar electrode device may be configured to apply a voltage through the nanopillar electrodes from a voltage source. Nanopillar electroporation may be used to increase the permeability of cell membranes to allow intracellular recording. Also provided are methods of device fabrication, and methods of use.
US09724491B2

There is provided a microcatheter having a proximal solution lumen and a distal tip portion with a guidewire lumen. The microcatheter and methods of use thereof allows for introduction of solution into a vessel while manipulating the guidewire and/or the microcatheter itself. The solution may be a contrast solution, for viewing of the vessel, a therapeutic or diagnostic solution, or any other type of solution.
US09724490B2

A heater wire including at least one extending component disposed thereon. The heater wire is positioned within a respiratory gas conduit. The heater wire may include a wire component and a groove that extends along a length of the heater wire. The heater wire may also include threads extending from an outer surface of the heater wire that faces away from the wire component. The threads may be woven or braided threads.
US09724479B2

Various handheld medical dispensing configurations and methods including the following. Handheld medical dispensing system comprises a syringe, which has a plunger, releasably mounted to syringe actuation apparatus, the apparatus having an actuator configured such that it can move the plunger more than once to dispense a plurality of amounts of substance from the syringe. A method of dispensing fluid from a syringe comprises holding a medical substance delivery system including a syringe, which has a needle, and which is secured to syringe actuation apparatus configured to dispense predetermined amounts of the substance from the syringe, penetrating the needle at one patient site and using the apparatus to deliver a predetermined amount of the substance, and penetrating the needle at another patient site and using the apparatus to deliver a predetermined amount of the substance.
US09724473B2

A device for the measurement of forces on the tip of a jet injector drug ampoule. Sensor consists of multiple spokes with strain sensing capability where each spoke has a modified linkage to allow for quasi-free bending behavior on one spoke end. By using the strain output of all three full bridges in parallel, it is possible to discriminate between lateral forces and axial forces directed collinear with the center axis of the ampoule applied to the tip of the nozzle. This information can be relayed to the user to attain, for example, a pre-determined contact force between the nozzle and an area receiving an injection.
US09724471B2

Certain exemplary embodiments comprise can comprise an auto-injector, which can comprise: a vial configured to store and/or contain an injectable medicament, the vial defining a vial longitudinal axis, and a housing comprising the vial. In various embodiments, the injectable medicament can be a medicine, medication, drug, pharmaceutical, prescriptive, agent, antidote, anti-venom, hormone, stimulant, vasodilator, anesthetic, and/or nutritional supplement that is substantially ready for injection.
US09724466B2

An flow meter includes a coupler, a support member, an image sensor, and one or more processors. The coupler is adapted to couple to a drip chamber. The support member is operatively coupled to the coupler. The image sensor has a field of view and is operatively coupled to the support member. The image sensor is positioned to view the drip chamber within its field of view. The one or more processors are operatively coupled to the image sensor to receive data thereform. The one or more processors (1) receive image data from the image sensor, and (2) determine an existence of a free flow condition by identifying an optical distortion of an area behind the free flow condition within the drip chamber using the received image data.
US09724460B2

Disclosed is a system to generate bubbles. The bubbles may be formed to include a substantially or medically pure gas. The bubbles may be formed on demand and in a selected small size.
US09724454B2

[Problem] To provide a manual breast pump which can be disassembled and assembled easily for cleaning purposes, and which can easily change a negative pressure during expression of milk which is generated by an operating section.[Means for Solving] It is provided an accommodating vessel 11 for storing breast milk, a breast pump main body 21, and a manual operating section 61 attached to the breast pump main body and deforming a negative pressure generating member 30 installed on the breast pump main body. The manual operating section 61 has a lever shape, and has an engagement structure 80 which engages with the engaging section 38 on the breast pump main body 21 side. The engagement structure 80 tilts down the extending section erected in the form of a pillar, the extending section being a part of the negative pressure generating member, and is selectively engaged with a plurality of engaging sections provided in the middle of the extending section upon erecting the extending section.
US09724440B2

A system and method according to various embodiments combines three separate technologies to form a unique lighting system with enhanced antimicrobial properties and air cleaning capabilities. The combination of the three technologies also produces a lighting system that extends the required maintenance period for lighting fixtures. The first technology is based on anatase type TiO2. The second and third technologies are based on the use of micro-sized surface structures to generate light scattering effects and, at the same time, reduce bacterial colonization and inhibit bacterial migration even during the absence of light or in dark environments.
US09724439B2

A sterilization cabinet for use in an autoclave. The sterilization cabinet includes one or more filtered vents permitting sterilization agent to enter and exit the interior space of the cabinet during a sterilization cycle. Each vent is occluded by a cover plate. The cover plate contains a latch configured to accept a rod extending from the center of the vent and engage a notch disposed thereon. The floor of the cabinet is shaped to direct the liquid contained within the cabinet to flow into the drain port disposed within the floor. The drain assembly is used to expel the liquid from the cabinet while preventing microbes and contaminants from entering the cabinet. The hinges connecting the door to the cabinet can be used to adjust an angle of inclination, a horizontal position, and a vertical position of the door.
US09724434B2

There is provided a lysine oligomer derivative, wherein an ε-amino group and a carboxyl group of lysines are linked via a peptide bond, and a group capable of generating or absorbing electromagnetic wave is bonded to a C-terminal carboxyl group, an N-terminal amino group and/or an α-amino group. This lysine oligomer derivative has the characteristic of specifically accumulating in the cartilage matrix and can generate or absorb an electromagnetic wave, and is, therefore, useful as a cartilage tissue marker.
US09724432B2

The present application relates to a non-human mammal model of a human neurodegenerative disorder, methods of producing the non-human mammal model, and methods of using the non-human mammal model to identify agents suitable for treating a neurodegenerative disorder. The present application also relates to methods of treating neurodegenerative disorders and restoring normal brain interstitial potassium levels.
US09724428B2

Disclosed is a medical device constructed and arranged for contact with a flow of blood or other bodily fluid of a patient and including an attached binding agent or a roughened surface that binds to pathogenic cells targeted for elimination from the blood or other bodily fluid. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the device.
US09724420B2

Disclosed are an albumin-free liquid formulation including a long-lasting oxyntomodulin conjugate in which an oxyntomodulin peptide comprising a derivative, variant, precursor or fragment of oxyntomodulin is linked to an immunoglobulin Fc region, which can increase the duration of physiological activity of the long-lasting oxyntomodulin conjugate and maintain the in vivo stability thereof for an extended period of time, as compared to native oxyntomodulin, and a method for preparing the liquid formulation. The liquid formulation contains a buffer, a sugar alcohol and a nonionic surfactant and does not contain a human serum albumin and factors that are potentially harmful to the human body, and thus is not susceptible to viral infection. The oxyntomodulin conjugate contains oxyntomodulin linked to an immunoglobulin Fc region, and thus has a large molecular weight, prolonged physiological activity, and excellent storage stability, compared to native oxyntomodulin.
US09724419B2

The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, and treatment of metabolic conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09724413B2

The present invention describes combination treatment comprising a PD-1 axis binding antagonist and a MEK inhibitor and methods for use thereof, including methods of treating conditions where enhanced immunogenicity is desired such as increasing tumor immunogenicity for the treatment of cancer.
US09724411B2

The present invention provides methods for treating hypercholesterolemia and reducing LDL-C. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic composition comprising an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.
US09724406B2

Chimeric protein constructs including a herpesvirus glycoprotein D (gD) and a heterologous polypeptide that interact with herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) and enhance and enhance an immune response against the heterologous polypeptide and methods for their use are provided.
US09724401B2

The present invention relates to immunogenic compositions containing one or more antigens of interest, one or more carrier proteins, and one or more polycations, wherein the antigen of interest is entrapped with cross-linked carrier protein matrix and one or more polycations, methods of making such vaccines, and methods of vaccine administration.
US09724395B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer or a metastasis thereof in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods involve administering a composition comprising therapeutically effective amount of at least one immune stimulator to the subject. In some embodiments, a combination of at least two immune stimulators is used for the treatment. In some embodiments, the combination includes an alpha thymosin peptide and an additional immune stimulator, and/or optionally one or more additional anti-cancer agents.
US09724389B2

A system for multiphasic delivery of at least one growth factor at a treatment site comprises a delivery vehicle for releasing at least one growth factor in an initial release profile and a carrier for releasing at least one growth factor in a sustained release profile. The initial release profile releases at least one growth factor over a period of hours to days, wherein the growth factor is released in a large amount initially, with the remainder being released in progressively lower amounts. The sustained release profile releases at least one growth factor over a period of days to weeks, wherein the growth factor is released at a generally constant amount over such period. The system of the invention is particularly suited for applications on bioimplants. The invention also comprises methods and kits for multiphasic delivery of at least one growth factor. The invention also comprises calcium sulphate as a carrier for releasing at least one growth factor in both single and multiphasic systems for delivering at least one growth factor at a treatment site.
US09724386B2

It is disclosed herein that osteoprotegerin increases human beta cell proliferation and survival. Methods are provided for increasing beta cell proliferation, but contacting a beta cell with an effective amount of osteoprotegerin, a functional fragment, variant or fusion protein thereof. Methods are also provided for treating a human subject with diabetes, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of osteoprotegerin, functional variant or fusion protein thereof.
US09724383B2

Disclosed herein are trimeric polypeptide pharmaceutical compositions comprising three monomers, each monomer comprising a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of the N-terminal heptad repeat (NHR or HR1) or C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR or HR2) of the transmembrane glycoprotein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and a trimerization motif.
US09724374B2

A capsule containing total flavonoids of Desmodium styracifolium, a method for preparing the same and a use of the capsule containing total flavonoids of Desmodium styracifolium are provided. Specifically, the capsule includes total flavonoids of Desmodium Styracifolium provided in a form of alcohol extract of Desmodium Styracifolium and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
US09724367B2

The present invention concerns phase changing injectable formulations for organ augmentation containing active agents, such as bioactive cell populations, and methods of making and using the same.
US09724360B2

Provided are compounds, methods, and pharmaceutical compositions for treating Filoviridae virus infections by administering ribosides, riboside phosphates and prodrugs thereof, of Formula IV: The compounds, compositions, and methods provided are particularly useful for the treatment of Marburg virus, Ebola virus and Cueva virus infections.
US09724354B2

Disclosed are methods for the treatment of proliferative disorders. Disclosed in particular, are methods for treatment of proliferative disorders such as cancer, by administering an mTORC1/2 inhibitor in combination with a selective inhibitor of Aurora A kinase. Preferred MTORC1/2 inhibitors include MLN0128 and the preferred Aurora A kinase inhibitor of the combination is MLN8237.
US09724348B2

The present invention relates to novel crystalline polymorphic forms of 3-(2-{4-[(4-fluorophenyl)carbonyl]piperidin-1-yl}ethyl)-2-methyl-4H-pyrido[1,2-α]pyrimidin-4-one. The present invention also includes the methods of making crystalline polymorphic forms thereof and the use thereof for preparing a pharmaceutical composition.
US09724347B2

There are provided compounds of formula (I) which are inhibitors of the family of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase enzymes, and to their use in therapy, including in pharmaceutical combinations, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory diseases of the lung, such as asthma and COPD.
US09724342B2

Pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms comprising Compound I are disclosed.
US09724338B2

Methods of treating, preventing or managing antecedent hematologic disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndrome, including chronic myelomonocytic leukemia are disclosed. The methods encompass the administration of SNS-595. Also provided are methods of treatment using this compound with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy. In certain embodiments, the method of treatment comprise administering SNS-595 in combination with cytarabine. Pharmaceutical compositions and single unit dosage forms suitable for use in the methods are also disclosed.
US09724318B2

The present invention provides a composition for improving mind-concentration, characterized in that the composition comprises theanine; and a method of improving mind-concentration comprising administering theanine to an individual.
US09724315B2

The present embodiments relate to topically delivered medication (compounded) for treatment of pain, inflammation, muscle fatigue, spasms, and/or other ailments. A transdermal cream may provide the effective topical administration of multiple medications simultaneously. The transdermal cream may include a salt load of approximately 30% or greater. The transdermal cream may include a unique base composition such that the transdermal cream may be able to remain stable and avoid degradation for six months or more and capable of effective delivery of active ingredient concentrations exceeding approximately 40% or more of the total formulation weight. The active ingredients may include a nerve depressant, NSAID, muscle relaxant, opiate agonist, local anesthetic, NMDA receptor antagonist, and a tricyclic antidepressant. In one embodiment, the transdermal cream may comprise ketamine HCL, gabapentin, clonidine HCL and baclofen. The transdermal cream may deliver an enhanced topical delivery flux of ketamine via a single transdermal application.
US09724310B2

Described are transdermal drug delivery systems for the transdermal administration of estrogen, comprising a polymer matrix and estrogen. Methods of making and using such systems also are described.
US09724308B2

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the field of tissue repair and regeneration. More specifically embodiments of present disclosure relate to devices or constructs and methods to prepare various devices or constructs useful in directing cellular repair and controlling tissue regeneration to prevent or minimize postsurgical or post traumatic adhesions, excessive scars and/or fibrotic reactions of injured tissues.
US09724300B2

A long-lasting, controlled-release local anesthetic liposome preparation is produced by: providing a liposome composition, which is obtained by mixing, in a water-miscible organic solvent, a first aqueous phase solution with a water-miscible organic solution, in which a phospholipid and cholesterol are contained at a defined total concentration, at a defined ratio by volume thereby obtaining an emulsion wherein a total concentration of the phospholipid and cholesterol in the mixed phase is at 15 w/v % to 50 w/v %, followed by subjecting the emulsion to external solution exchange with a second aqueous phase solution to obtain a liposome composition wherein an ion gradient is formed between an internal-region aqueous phase of a liposome membrane made of the first aqueous phase solution and an external-region aqueous phase of the liposome membrane made of the second aqueous phase solution; and encapsulating a local anesthetic in the internal-region aqueous phase according to a remote loading method.
US09724299B2

The present invention provides nanoparticle compositions comprising AE nanoparticles. The present invention provides AE nanoparticles comprising one or more amphiphilic entities and pharmaceutical compositions comprising AE nanoparticles. The present invention provides methods of manufacturing AE nanoparticles. The present invention provides methods of delivering a biologically active agent to a subject by administering AE nanoparticles containing a biologically active agent to a subject.
US09724297B2

The present invention provides oral solutions containing sotalol hydrochloride which advantageously avoid swallowing while providing with improved stability. The present invention also relates to methods of using the oral solutions for treatment of diseases and disorders, such as delay in reoccurrence of atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter and/or ventricular arrhythmias.
US09724295B2

The present invention provides compositions and methods for topical treatment of infections. The compositions comprise glycerol monolaurate or a derivative thereof, and are administered topically, for example, to treat viral, fungal or bacterial infections.
US09724282B2

A stomatological composition is provided. The stomatological composition is capable of stably compounding an antibody obtained from a hen egg yolk, and preventing diseases in an oral cavity such as odontonecrosis and periodontal disease from occurring, or improving such diseases in the oral cavity. The stomatological composition includes at least one selected from the group consisting of lipase, protease and the antibody obtained from the hen egg yolk, citric acid and a metal salt of citric acid. A total amount of the lipase, the protease and the antibody obtained from the hen egg yolk is in the range of 0.001 to 10 wt %. When an amount of the citric acid is defined as “A” [wt %] and an amount of the metal salt of citric acid is defined as “B” [wt %], the following relation is satisfied: 0.005≦A/B≦1. Further, the stomatological composition of the present invention includes a polyglyceryl fatty acid ester or an amino acid-based ampholytic surfactant as a surfactant. Further, the stomatological composition of the present invention includes a collagen.
US09724278B2

The present invention is directed to a dual phase mouth wash composition comprising a hydrophilic phase, a hydrophobic phase, and a hydrotrope, and methods of use thereof. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases remain separated and form a temporary emulsion when mixed. The emulsion spontaneously reverts back to the two original phases after rest, without the formation of a emulsion.
US09724276B2

Dental materials may be made from polyhydric phenols that are non-genotoxic and exhibit estrogenic activity less than that of bisphenol S, while exhibiting properties such as strength and flexibility comparable to those of conventional BPA-derived dental materials.
US09724273B2

A portable spittoon device for cleanly containing spit from chewing tobacco in a portable container. The device includes a bottom wall and a perimeter wall defining an interior space. A funnel having an open top end and an open bottom end is couplable to the perimeter wall such that the funnel extends downwardly from an opening into the interior space. The funnel extends away from the perimeter wall wherein the funnel is configured for inhibiting spit within the interior space from passing back out through the opening. A lid is couplable to the funnel such that the interior space is enclosed and sealed by the funnel and the lid preventing spit in the interior space from passing out of the interior space. A base wall may define a compartment under the bottom wall.
US09724261B2

A handcart includes a main body, main wheels, support portions, auxiliary wheels, an extended portion, connection portions, a tilt angle sensor, and a gyro sensor. The main body is supported at one end thereof to be rotatable in a pitch direction relative to a pair of the main wheels. A bar-shaped connection portion of the extended portion is inserted through a tube portion at another end of the main body. The extended portion extends from the other end of the main body to a rear side in a travelling direction of the handcart. A region of each support portion from a rotation shaft of the main wheel to a rotation shaft of the auxiliary wheel and the extended portion are connected to each other by the connection portion. The connection portion is supported to be rotatable in the pitch direction relative to the support portion and the extended portion.
US09724260B2

A graduated compression garment is disclosed that includes a plurality of longitudinal fuzzy wales arranged to form a fabric with a plurality of transverse elastomeric threads under variable tension connecting the adjacent longitudinal fuzzy wales to deliver a first level of elastic compression distally on a limb and a gradually decreasing level of elastic compression as the limb increases in diameter proximally.
US09724255B2

A first embodiment provides a manually operable castor assembly for a hospital bed, including a wheel unit fittable to a bed frame and provided with a lock actuator. A sensor unit is provided with a trigger element and a sensor element, the trigger element being located on the manually operable brake actuator and the sensor element being located on the wheel unit. Another embodiment provides a manually operable safety side panel assembly including a hinge assembly coupled to the panel element and attachable to a bed frame, and a sensor unit including a trigger element and a sensor element, the trigger element being located on the manually operable actuator and the sensor element being located on a part of the side panel or hinge assembly. Monitoring apparatus monitors the manually operable bed safety device and including a control unit coupled to the sensor unit and an indicator unit controllable by the control unit and operable to give an indication of the state of the device.
US09724253B2

A mechanical steering system for a wheelchair to permit a user's foot to pivotably adjust a pair of caster wheels of the wheelchair is provided. The system includes a platform coupled to a frame of the wheelchair, a foot controller assembly pivotably mounted to the platform and having a foot plate to receive the user's foot and a rod coupled to the foot plate, a drag linkage member coupled to the rod of the foot controller assembly, and a pair of lever arm assemblies pivotably mounted to the drag linkage member, each lever arm assembly having a lever rod coupled to a fork member, the fork member being coupled to one of the caster wheels. Pivotable movement of the foot plate is transferred through the drag linkage member to permit both lever rods of the lever arm assemblies to pivot, thereby enabling simultaneous pivotal adjustments of the caster wheels.
US09724250B2

A unitary fabric structure for use within a personal care absorbent article includes a composite of at least two functional components for fluid intake. The two functional components include a fibrous, liner functional component and at least one fibrous, surge functional component. The functional components are positioned immediately adjacent one another within the composite and held together directly to one another.
US09724248B2

A nonwoven composite that exhibits latent elastic properties is provided. The composite is formed from a multi-layered, elastic film laminated to a nonwoven web facing. Latent elasticity is imparted to the composite through the use of at least one base layer that contains a thermoplastic elastomer and at least one skin layer that contains a propylene/α-olefin copolymer. During formation, the film is stretched in one or more directions to orient the elastomer chains. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe that the oriented state of the chains may be held in place by the relatively stiff semi-crystalline domains of the propylene/α-olefin copolymer. The stretched elastic film may subsequently be relaxed and bonded to a nonwoven web facing to form the composite. The composite may be later activated (e.g., heated at or above the softening point of the copolymer) to soften the crystalline domains and allow the chains to return to their unoriented state. This causes the film to retract, which forms buckles in the nonwoven facing. In this manner, the resulting composite becomes elastic in that it has the ability to stretch and recover due to the “latent” buckle formation in the nonwoven facing.
US09724247B2

There is disclosed herein a sensor for detecting at least one of urination and excretion into an incontinence garment, the sensor comprising an activation unit and a sensing unit and being connectable to a power supply; the activation unit comprising: two spaced-apart electrodes, and a switch arranged in series between the sensing unit and the power supply; wherein the activation unit is configured to activate the sensing unit in the presence of moisture by closing the switch; and wherein at least one of the sensing unit and the activation unit comprises a latching circuit arranged such that the activation of the sensing unit is irreversible. An incontinence garments such as the diaper is incorporating such a sensor is also disclosed as it is a method for operating such a sensor or incontinence garment.
US09724243B2

An apparatus and method for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response comprises a foam pad for insertion into a wound site, a drape covering the foam pad, and a thermal control element configured to be placed proximate the wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The thermal control element has a pair of flexible sheets for receiving a thermally conductive fluid.
US09724242B2

A protective device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cover including a first region that extends over a vulnerable site on a patient and a second region that extends over an area on the patient peripheral to the vulnerable site. The first region of the cover is at least generally impermeable to liquid water. The device further includes an adhesive film and a liquid-absorbing element. The adhesive film is configured to form an adhesive bond between the second region of the cover and the patient. The bond has an inner edge portion positioned toward the vulnerable site and an outer edge portion positioned away from the vulnerable site. The liquid-absorbing element is configured to absorb liquid contamination at the outer edge portion of the bond and/or liquid contamination approaching the outer edge portion of the bond when the cover is operably positioned on the patient.
US09724237B2

A cataract surgical system includes a laser source to generate a first set of laser pulses; a guiding optic to guide the first set of laser pulses to a target region in an eye; a laser controller to generate an electronic representation of a target scan pattern, and to control the guiding optic to scan the first set of laser pulses according to a portion of the target scan pattern to create a first photo-disrupted region in the target region; and an Optical Coherence Tomographic (OCT) imaging system to generate an image of a portion of the first photo-disrupted region. The laser controller can generate an electronic representation of a modified scan pattern in relation to the image generated by the OCT imaging system, and control the guiding optic to scan a second set of laser pulses according the modified scan pattern.
US09724236B2

An ophthalmic laser treatment apparatus, comprising: an emitted treatment laser beam; an emitted aiming beam; an irradiation unit including a zoom lens and a scanner for scanning in two dimensions, and being arranged to irradiate both beams to the eye; an irradiation pattern setting unit including a switch for setting an irradiation pattern in which a plurality of spots is arranged; and a controller for controlling the aiming beam based on the set pattern during aiming before irradiation of the treatment beam, the controller being configured to divide the spots in the set pattern into two or more groups and switch the positions of the spots of the aiming beam at a predetermined time interval in each group to irradiate the aiming beam so that the irradiation spots of the aiming beam in a group before switching and another group after switching are not recognized simultaneously by an operator.
US09724231B2

The present invention relates to a heating and/or cooling assembly such as a heat pad. The assembly includes a plurality of modules articulated together by connection means so that the assembly can be manipulated by a user to adopt a desired profile. At least one of the modules contains a thermal store in the form of a solid, liquid or gel responsive to heating or cooling externally applied to the assembly so that the solid, liquid or gel is heated or cooled, respectively, and remains in a heated or cooled state for a prolonged period of time after the externally applied heating or cooling is removed.
US09724229B2

An implanted tongue pulling device including a pull plate, a pull line, a retractor and a method thereof are provided. The tongue pulling device is implanted in the mandible and tongue of a human body, respectively, for tightening the tongue dorsum and/or the tongue base for treating obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). At least three pull lines are used for positioning the pull plate, which is a flat object implanted beneath the tongue dorsum and/or the mucous membrane of the tongue base and includes through holes for the growth of tissues and pull line fixing mechanisms. The pull line includes a draw line and a sleeve. The retractor includes a casing, a control switch and a pull line fixing device mounted on the casing. A patient after surgery can adjust the tightening extent of the implanted tongue pulling device by pressing the skin outside the control switch, thereby preventing OSAHS.
US09724228B2

A fixture is provided for attachment to a device to be inserted into a nasal cavity. Further, the fixture is a nasal cavity insertion device fixture formed of a wire rod. The fixture includes a first wire rod part, a second wire rod part, and a third wire rod part. The second wire rod part is connected to the first wire rod part and formed by folding back the wire rod so as to be opposed to the first wire rod part. The third wire rod part is connected to the second wire rod part and formed by bending the wire rod so as to be disposed oppositely to a side of the second wire rod part facing the first wire rod part.
US09724206B2

An implant or endoprosthesis suitable to be implanted in human or animal tissue includes two (or more than two) parts to be joined in situ. Each one of the parts includes a joining location, the two joining locations facing each other when the device parts are positioned for being joined together, wherein one of the joining locations includes a material which is liquefiable by mechanical vibration and the other one of the joining locations includes a material which is not liquefiable by mechanical vibration and a structure (e.g. undercut cavities or protrusions) suitable for forming a positive fit connection with the liquefiable material. The joining process is effected by pressing the two device parts against each other and by applying ultrasonic vibration to one of the device parts when the two parts are positioned relative to each other such that the two joining locations are in contact with each other.
US09724203B2

A three-dimensional scaffold for a medical implant includes a plurality of layers bonded to each other. Each layer has a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of pores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Each layer has a first pore pattern of the pores at the top surface and a different, second pore pattern at the bottom surface. Adjacent surfaces of at least three adjacent layers have a substantially identical pore pattern aligning to interconnect the pores of the at least three adjacent layers to form a continuous porosity through the at least three adjacent said layers.
US09724200B2

A medical device for delivering an action to an area of a hip joint or its surroundings, inside a human body, is provided. The hip joint of a patient comprises a collum femur and a ball shaped caput femur, being the proximal parts of the femoral bone, and an acetabulum, being a bowl shaped part of the pelvic bone. The medical device comprising; an elongated member, having a length axis along its elongated distribution, comprising a first portion, adapted to enter the body of the patient, and a mechanical element, adapted to be used during an operation in the hip joint or its surroundings, inside the body. The first portion of the elongated member comprises a holding member adapted to hold the mechanical element inside the body of the patient, wherein the first portion of the elongated member have a first portion cross-section area substantially perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member. The first portion is adapted to pass through a hole, in a bone of the patient, the hole having a hole cross-section area. The first portion cross-section area, is adapted to be smaller than said hole cross-section area. The mechanical element have a functional status, ready to deliver said action inside said body, when held by the holding member inside the body of the patient. The mechanical element is adapted to have a mechanical element cross-sectional area substantially perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member, substantially larger than the first portion cross-sectional area and adapted to be unable to pass through the hole, when the mechanical element is in the functional status.
US09724198B2

Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for providing improved surgical implants. Embodiments of the implants may include a thin porous sheet formed on a mandrel. The porous sheet that is formed has an interconnected pore structure that may be compressed by a heat compression mold without losing porosity. Additional membrane materials or other layer materials may be applied to one of the face surfaces of the porous sheet or to one of the edges of the porous sheet. For example, a solid membrane surface may be compressed, bonded, welded, or secured a surface face or an edge of the porous sheet. The solid membrane may be compressed or laminated to the upper surface, lower surface, or both. The solid membrane may be welded to at least one edge of the porous sheet (by, for example, being butt welded, thermally bonded, or heat compressed to the at least one edge).
US09724197B2

A tool for implanting an inflatable penile prosthetic cylinder includes a pincher connected to a handle, a suction feature provided on the pincher, and an evacuation feature provided on the handle. The handle is operable to open the pincher a distance to receive the inflatable penile cylinder and operable to close the pincher against opposed sides of the inflatable penile cylinder. The suction feature is operable to couple the inflatable penile cylinder to the pincher. The evacuation feature is operable to provide suction to the suction feature.
US09724196B2

An annuloplasty ring holder including a head having an upper surface and an annuloplasty ring receiving surface facing opposite the upper surface. The annuloplasty ring holder also includes means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface may include one or more suture guides operatively associated with the head and configured to position one or more sutures to removably associate an annuloplasty ring with the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The head may include a central hub and more than one spoke radiating out from the central hub. If the head is thus configured, each spoke will include a portion of the annuloplasty ring receiving surface.
US09724178B2

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a water flosser handle for providing treatment deep into a user's gum pockets. The water flosser handle may include a chamber configured to hold a treatment tablet, a flosser tip attached to a distal end of the handle, and a water supply tube attached to a proximal end of the handle. The handle may be configured to allow passage of pressurized water therethrough into a user's mouth. A treatment tablet may be positioned within the chamber such that the water pressure of the water configured to flow through the handle at least partially dissolves and transports the treatment tablet into the user's mouth and gums.
US09724165B2

The invention relates to a surgical system and, more particularly, to a surgical system and method for verifying calibration of a surgical device. The surgical system or method can be configured to perform the steps of: identifying an interface on an anatomy of a patient, determining a position of a checkpoint of the interface in a coordinate frame of reference, contacting the interface with a portion of a surgical tool of the surgical device, determining a position of the portion of the surgical tool in the coordinate frame of reference, and determining whether the position of the portion of the surgical tool has an expected correspondence to the position of the checkpoint. The interface may comprise a painted portion of a bone of the patient, a divot made in the bone, or a mechanical interface that includes a portion configured to be affixed to the bone and an interface portion that is configured to be contacted by the portion of the surgical tool.
US09724163B2

A sterile adaptor is provided. The adaptor includes a housing, a retractor plate assembling, and a disc. The retractor plate assembly is coupled to the housing and includes a spring plate between upper and lower retractor plates. The spring plate includes an aperture with leaves. The disc is movably coupled to the spring plate of the retractor plate assembly, with a first side of the disc couplable to a surgical instrument and a second side of the disc couplable to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system. The disc is capable of transmitting torque from the manipulator arm to the surgical instrument.
US09724158B2

A microwave ablation system includes a power source. A microwave antenna is adapted to connect to the power source via a coaxial cable that includes inner and outer conductors having a compressible dielectric operably disposed therebetween. The inner conductor in operative communication with a radiating section associated with the microwave antenna. The outer conductor includes a distal end transitionable with respect to each of the inner conductor, compressible dielectric and radiating section from an initial condition wherein the distal end has a first diameter to a subsequent condition wherein the distal end has second diameter. Transition of the distal end from the initial condition to the subsequent condition enhances the delivery of microwave energy from the power source to the inner conductor and radiating section such that a desired effect to tissue is achieved.
US09724156B2

The embodiments herein provide a system and method for detecting, actively targeting and selectively treating the biological targets in a human body by a non-invasive procedure. The system comprises an electromagnetic inductor supported at a predetermined height and rotated to generate a high frequency magnetic field. A head rest is provided at one end of a non-metallic bed provided at the center of the inductor for supporting a patient. A track is arranged below the bed to move the bed and the patient to a desired position indicated by a laser beam to efficiently aim at the targets. The electromagnetic inductor produces electric, magnetic and thermal effects on the nano-conductors attached to the biological targets to activate a nano drug infused into the blood stream of a patient and attached to the surface of the targets to dysfunction or destroy the targets.
US09724153B2

A deployment mechanism for selectively deploying and retracting an energizable member and/an insulative member relative to an end effector assembly of a surgical instrument includes one or more actuators, a clutch assembly, and a drive assembly. The clutch assembly is configured to couple to the actuator(s) to provide rotational motion in the first direction in response to such rotation of the actuator(s) and to decouple from the actuator(s) in response to rotation thereof in the second direction. The drive assembly is operably coupled to the clutch assembly and is configured to convert the rotational motion provided by the clutch assembly into longitudinal motion to translate the energizable member and/or insulative member from a storage position to a deployed position and to translate the energizable member and/or the insulative member from the deployed position back to the storage position.
US09724147B2

An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.
US09724146B2

An orthopedic fixation system includes a sterile packaged implant kit and a sterile packaged instrument kit. The sterile packaged implant kit includes at least one surgical implant, an insertion device, and an implant package adapted to receive the at least one surgical implant and the insertion device therein. The implant package maintains the at least one surgical implant and the insertion device sterile after sterilization of the sterile packaged implant kit. The sterile packaged instrument kit includes one or more instruments necessary to use the sterile packaged implant kit and an instrument package adapted to receive the one or more instruments therein. The instrument package maintains the one or more instruments sterile after sterilization of the sterile packaged instrument kit.
US09724131B2

In some embodiments, a connector can be configured to couple a first fixation element (e.g., a first rod) to a second fixation element (e.g., a second rod). One or both of the first and second fixation elements can be included with the connector, or one or both can be separately provided. In some instances, at least one of the fixation elements is previously implanted in a patient. The connector can provide one or more degrees of freedom between the first and second fixation elements. The connector can also include a locking element configured to (1) lock one or more of the fixation elements to the connector, and (2) lock one or more of the degrees of freedom between the fixation elements. The connector can be configured to snap onto or otherwise engage a fixation element in a manner that provides tactile and/or audible feedback to the surgeon.
US09724125B2

A surgical access port for passage through body tissue to provide access to an underlying tissue site is provided. The access port has a working channel dimensioned for receiving a surgical instrument and a seal assembly for providing a substantial seal before, during and after insertion of a surgical instrument. The seal assembly includes an instrument seal and a zero seal. The instrument seal includes a proximal base that is interconnected to a distal instrument engaging portion by an elongate supporting portion. The engaging portion has a lateral dimension larger than the lateral dimension of the supporting portion forming a bulbous, mushroom-like head. The lateral dimension of the engaging portion decreases toward a distal opening of the instrument seal such that the distal end of the engaging portion is substantially perpendicular to the seal axis. The supporting portion closely conforms to an inserted instrument and serves to align the distal end of the seal.
US09724123B2

An atherectomy device with an exchangeable drive shaft is disclosed, having a drive shaft gear at a distal end of the exchangeable drive shaft for meshing engagement with a prime mover gear on the output shaft of the prime mover. The exchangeable drive shaft is inserted into an opening at the distal end of the handle housing and moved axially in a proximal direction. Surface features on at least the prime mover housing and the engageable drive shaft help to align the drive shaft gear with the prime mover gear for meshing engagement.
US09724117B2

A medical sliding-shaft instrument having a first handle arm, a second handle arm pivotably mounted to the first handle arm, a shaft connected to the first handle arm and a slider coupleable to the second handle arm and axially displaceable on the shaft. The slider is removable from the shaft and is guided along a sliding path. A cross-pin couples the second handle arm to the slider and is received in a slot defined by first and second legs of the second handle arm. The first leg is a resilient tongue moveable transversely to a longitudinal axis of the first leg and outwardly away from the second leg. The second handle arm is positioned so that the cross pin lies in the slot. The cross pin is covered and held back by the first leg and is released by applying a force and displacing the end of the first leg.
US09724116B2

An endoscopic forceps includes an elongate shaft defining an instrument axis. An end effector includes first and second jaw members each supporting an opposed sealing surface for clamping tissue. At least one of the jaw members is movable relative to the instrument axis such that the jaw members are movable between a first spaced-apart configuration and a second closed configuration for grasping tissue. A cutting instrument includes a reciprocating blade translatable relative to the sealing surfaces to sever tissue clamped between the jaw members. The reciprocating blade contacts an undersurface of at least one of the jaw members when the jaw members are in the second configuration to define a gap distance between the sealing surfaces. A handle adjacent the proximal end of the elongate shaft is operable to induce motion in the jaw members, and an actuator is operable to selectively translate the reciprocating blade.
US09724114B2

In a discharge mechanism of basket-type grasping forceps according to the present invention, a support member can advance and retract relative to a plurality of basket wires, the position of the support member can be fixed, and an object inside a basket part is discharged to the outside of the basket part from a portion of the basket part proximal to the basket wires by movement of the support member and the basket part relative to each other.
US09724111B2

Methods and devices are provided for forming bone tunnels. In general, the methods and devices allow multiple converging tunnels to be formed in bone, such as in an arthroscopic surgical procedure, e.g., a rotator cuff repair surgical procedure. One or more sutures can be advanced through the converging tunnels, and the suture(s) can be coupled to tissue. The suture(s) with the tissue coupled thereto can be tensioned, thereby helping to maximize an amount of the tissue in contact with the bone. In an exemplary embodiment, a guide device is provided that can be configured to allow a first tunnel to be formed in bone and to allow a plurality of additional tunnels to be formed in the bone at predetermined angular positions relative to the first tunnel such that each of the additional tunnels can extend transverse to the first tunnel and intersect the first tunnel.
US09724107B2

System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curved cannula comprising a curved distal end configured to be extended outward from the distal opening to generate a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.
US09724104B2

An aneurysm closure clip along with a system and method for use by a physician in delivering the closure clip into the vasculature of a patient is disclosed. The closure clip delivery system comprises a delivery tube in the form of a catheter, a guide wire, and a detachable closure clip. The closure clip includes a proximal side and a distal side. The distal side comprises at least two winged elements that interact with the wall of the body vessel to hold the clip in place after delivery. The proximal side includes a seal element and a guide bar. The guide bar is in communication with the guide wire during delivery. The seal element forms a barrier between the aneurysm and the rest of the body vessel, thereby, reducing any pressure exerted on the aneurysm. The seal element and optionally the winged elements include a material layer comprised of bioremodelable material, such as an extracellular matrix material (ECM).
US09724102B2

In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which the coronary sinus is occluded using an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded coronary sinus is continuously measured and stored, the fluid pressure curve is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the coronary sinus is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the measured pressure values. The pressure increase and/or pressure decrease per time unit each occurring at a heart beat are used as characteristic values.
US09724100B2

An apparatus is provided for stapling tissue. The apparatus includes an anvil and a trocar selectively coupled with the anvil. The anvil may have an inner opening and a plurality of staple pockets aligned around a surface of the anvil. The anvil may be inserted trans-orally through an esophagus prior to being coupled with the trocar. The trocar may include a shaft and a locking assembly. The locking assembly may secure the anvil in position relative to the trocar when the locking assembly is in the expanded position. The apparatus may also include an alignment assembly to align the staple pockets of the anvil relative to the apparatus. The apparatus may also include an introduction assembly to guide the anvil through the esophagus.
US09724095B2

A surgical fastener applying apparatus includes an anvil half-section and a cartridge-receiving half-section including an elongated channel member having a pair of opposed openings defined through sidewalls thereof. A disposable assembly including a single use loading unit and a single use firing unit is configured to be releasably supported within the cartridge-receiving half-section. The disposable assembly includes a stationary housing for supporting the firing unit which includes a distal extension for supporting the single use loading unit. The stationary housing includes a pair of flared tabs configured to be releasably received within the openings of the cartridge-receiving half-section to releasably engage the disposable assembly within the cartridge-receiving half-section.
US09724087B2

A replaceable suturing head for a suturing device includes a suturing portion. The suturing portion comprises a curved suturing needle arranged to move around a circular path defined by a plurality of rollers mounted on roller shafts within the suturing portion, at least one of the plurality of rollers being a drive roller driven by the drive motor to move the suturing needle around the circular path. One or more of the roller shafts is mounted within the suturing portion so that it can pivot around its base.
US09724084B2

The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of identifying a suitable location on the tricuspid annulus, another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of placing a wire across the tricuspid annulus at such an identified location, another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of deploying a tissue anchor across such an identified location, and yet another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of applying tension to two or more of such tissue anchors and reducing the circumference of the tricuspid annulus. As a result, a regurgitation jet is reduced or eliminated.
US09724082B2

Among other things, methods and apparatus for inserting devices for closing tissue openings are disclosed. Examples may include a handle, sheath and/or sleeve for insertion into a patient and through or adjacent a tissue defect, fistula, or other tissue opening to be closed. Winding mechanisms for operation in or with such inserting devices are also described.
US09724069B2

An improved method and device for accurate, efficient surgical procedures are disclosed. The disclosed system consists in simultaneously using an elongated member that conveys energy to a treatment site and imaging means to control position of the elongated member and monitor treatment progress in real-time. In a preferred embodiment, for BPH, a twister fiber with a fused cap is used and ultrasound image guidance is obtained using a rectal probe. The method consists in placing an ultrasound rectal probe, fixed by mechanical means, and an optical fiber inserted into urethra. Initial positioning of probe is done under endoscopic/ultrasound control. The twister fiber probe operates in contact-mode. Treatment is monitored, real-time, by the ultrasound device. Additional imaging technologies include Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT) or Optical Coherence Tomography. Other applications include the removal of tumorous (hyperplasic) tissue. Sources include lasers, higher power LEDs or bright lamps and photodynamic therapy.
US09724062B2

An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray source configured to transmit X-rays; an X-ray detection assembly configured to detect the X-rays, and to convert the detected X-rays into an electrical signal; an image processor configured to generate an X-ray image based on the electrical signal; and a controller configured to process the X-ray image by changing shades of the X-ray image, and set a region of non-interest of the X-ray image based on the X-ray image and the processed X-ray image.
US09724061B2

Provided are an X-ray imaging apparatus that is capable of tracking a position of an object of interest using a Kalman filter so as to reduce the amount of X-ray radiation exposure of a subject, calculating covariance indicative of accuracy of the tracing, and controlling a collimator so that the position of the object of interest and calculated covariance may be correlated with a position and an area of a region into which X-rays are radiated, and a method of controlling the X-ray imaging apparatus.
US09724053B2

There is provided an X-ray CT apparatus including: an X-ray source; a wedge which is disposed between the X-ray source and a subject and in which a shield blocking apart of an X ray is formed; a wedge driving unit for moving position of the wedge; and a system control unit controlling the wedge driving unit during a scan execution period to control the position of the wedge.
US09724051B2

A medical X-ray CT photography apparatus body includes a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are opposed to each other with the subject interposed therebetween, a bracket part that fixedly supports an axial center position of a turning shaft provided in the turning arm, and a support drive part that turns the turning arm about the turning shaft with respect to the bracket part. The medical X-ray CT photography apparatus body also includes a subject chair on which the subject sits, a chair moving mechanism that linearly moves the subject chair in a front-back direction (Y-axis direction) of the subject, and a main-body controller that performs the panoramic X-ray photography by controlling the chair moving mechanism and the support drive part in conjunction with each other.
US09724050B2

Systems and methods for providing infant monitoring and support avoid image degradation, for x-ray imaging, related to sensors used for infant monitoring by separating an infant-supporting body from a sensor-carrying body. The sensor-carrying body, and with it any number of related sensors, is moved out of the way during x-ray imaging.
US09724037B2

A wearable device includes a main body, a support portion, an electrode assembly, and a processor. The main body can be worn by a user. The support portion is secured to the main body and faces the user. The electrode assembly is secured to the support portion, and includes two electrode arrays and a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged in arrays. Each electrode array includes arranged electrodes electrically connected to each other. The electrodes of each electrode array include at least two first electrodes each electrically connected to one carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotubes electrically connected to the two electrode arrays are alternatively arranged on the support portion and spaced from each other to form a detecting surface. The processor detects a resistance value of each electrode assembly, and determines an amount of the perspiration corresponding to the detected resistance value.
US09724032B2

A lancing device and a method for using the lancing device includes a plunger mechanism having a permanent magnet housed therein. The lancing device includes a movable element having at least one attracting object and at least one repelling object. The attracting object attracts the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a retracted position. The repelling object repels the permanent magnet to move the plunger into a lancing position to pierce the skin of a test subject. The use of the permanent magnet in the plunger mechanism reduces or eliminates multiple punctures due to plunger bounce or oscillation that can occur while a body fluid sample is being drawn.
US09724030B2

A fluid handling device includes a receiving container with a piston arranged therein in a displaceable manner, such that the volume of a fluid receiving reservoir may be changed by a displacement of the piston. In addition, the fluid handling device includes an actuation mechanism configured to displace a carrier bearing upon actuation of the former. Finally, the fluid handling device includes a spring mechanism configured to transfer a force from the carrier bearing to the piston so as to effect, in response to displacement of the carrier bearing in a first direction, a displacement of the piston within the receiving container such that a volume of the fluid reservoir is increased.
US09724026B2

A body-mountable light sensing device includes a photodiode configured to receive light from a portion of subsurface vasculature and electronics configured to operate the photodiode to measure the received light. The electronics include a photodiode voltage source configured to reverse bias the photodiode, a current mirror, and a sigma-delta modulator configured to generate a digital output related to the received light and having a high resolution while using low power. The digital output could be used to determine a pulse rate or other properties of blood in the portion of subsurface vasculature by detecting absorption of ambient light by blood in the portion of subsurface vasculature. Components of the body-mountable device could be embedded in a polymeric material configured for mounting to a surface of an eye. The digital output and/or related information could be wirelessly communicated by the body-mountable device.
US09724025B1

An active-pulse blood analysis system has an optical sensor that illuminates a tissue site with multiple wavelengths of optical radiation and outputs sensor signals responsive to the optical radiation after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow within the tissue site. A monitor communicates with the sensor signals and is responsive to arterial pulses within a first bandwidth and active pulses within a second bandwidth so as to generate arterial pulse ratios and active pulse ratios according to the wavelengths. An arterial calibration curve relates the arterial pulse ratios to a first arterial oxygen saturation value and an active pulse calibration curve relates the active pulse ratios to a second arterial oxygen saturation value. Decision logic outputs one of the first and second arterial oxygen saturation values based upon perfusion and signal quality.
US09724022B2

An apparatus for non-invasive glucose monitoring includes a light source for emitting at least one ray of light; a first beam splitter, a set of photo detectors for measuring optical rotatory distribution (ORD) information and absorption energy information; a reference component receiving the light from the first beam splitter, and the light reflected by the reference component being transmitted to the set of photo detectors by the first beam splitter, wherein the light emitted from the light source is transmitted to the set of photo detectors by the first beam splitter and the eyeball to form a first optical path, the light emitted from the light source is transmitted to the set of photo detectors by the first beam splitter and the reference component to form a second optical path; and a processing unit receiving and processing the ORD information and the absorption energy information to obtain a glucose information.
US09724016B1

Respiratory rate can be calculated from an acoustic input signal using time domain and frequency domain techniques. Confidence in the calculated respiratory rate can also be calculated using time domain and frequency domain techniques. Overall respiratory rate and confidence values can be obtained from the time and frequency domain calculations. The overall respiratory rate and confidence values can be output for presentation to a clinician.
US09724015B2

Systems and methods for generating MRI images of the lungs and/or airways of a subject using a medical grade gas mixture comprises between about 20-79% inert perfluorinated gas and oxygen gas. The images are generated using acquired 19F magnetic resonance image (MRI) signal data associated with the perfluorinated gas and oxygen mixture.
US09724012B2

A method of determining an indication of the hydration status relating to a subject. The method includes determining a measured impedance value for at least one body segment, and then; for each body segment, using the measured impedance values to determine at least one indicator at least partially indicative of a level of extracellular fluid. Indicators can then be used to determine an indication of the hydration status.
US09724009B2

A system and method of locating a source of a heart rhythm disorder are provided in which a first pair of cardiac signals is processed to define a first coefficient associated with variability of the first pair of signals at a first region of the heart. A second pair of cardiac signals is processed to define a second coefficient associated with variability of the second pair of signals at a second region of the heart. Thereafter, the first coefficient of variability is compared to the second coefficient of variability to determine a direction towards the source of the rhythm disorder.
US09724008B2

A cardiac monitoring device includes: at least one sensing electrode for obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal from a patient; a processing unit comprising at least one processor operatively coupled to the at least one sensing electrode; and at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the cardiac monitoring device to: obtain the ECG signal from the at least one sensing electrode; determine a transformed ECG signal based on the ECG signal; extract at least one value representing at least one feature of the transformed ECG signal; provide the at least one value to determine a score associated with the ECG signal, thereby providing an ECG-derived score; compare the ECG-derived score to a predetermined threshold score determined by machine learning; and provide an indication of a cardiac event if the ECG-derived score is one of above or below the predetermined threshold score determined by the machine learning.
US09724006B2

A cardiac implant includes a classifier configured analyze the data for comparison to thresholds prioritized according to a Boolean decision tree. The implant can generate an indicator of alert status (i.e., alert or no alert). A supervisory device operated, for example, by a doctor can associate each indicator a marker (AE/no AE) indicating the presence or absence of an observed adverse event. In the presence of a false positive, a command for update of the thresholds of the decision tree is transmitted to the implant. A database of reference patients can be used to recreate or further update the decision tree to avoid the occurrence of false negatives.
US09724003B2

Systems and methods may provide for a piezoelectric film that generates an excitation signal in response to pressure variations on a surface of the piezoelectric film and an analog front end coupled to the piezoelectric film, wherein the analog front end generates a first measurement signal based on the excitation signal. Additionally, a heart rate monitor may be coupled to the analog front end, wherein the heart rate monitor generates a heart rate measurement based on the first measurement signal. In one example, the analog front end includes a single stage amplifier.
US09723995B2

Systems and methods for real-time tracking of photoacoustic sensing are provided. In one aspect, a method for performing in vivo analysis of a subject is provided. The method includes directing an electromagnetic excitation toward a subject to be analyzed, and acquiring, with an ultrasound probe, data about resultant waves caused by the electromagnetic excitation. The method also includes processing the acquired data to extract information related to properties of tissues in the subject, and comparing the information related to the properties of tissues in the subject using a set of criteria. The method also includes generating a report about a condition of the subject based on the comparison of the information related to properties of the tissues in the subject.
US09723994B2

An object information acquisition apparatus, configured to receive an acoustic wave from an object and acquire characteristic information of the object, includes a receiver configured to receive the acoustic wave and convert the received acoustic wave into an electric signal, a scan control unit configured to scan the receiver at least in one direction, and a display control unit configured to produce guide information for displaying a guide on a display unit, wherein the guide is in terms of the number of times the receiver is scanned in a first direction and wherein the guide information is produced using information associated with a specified region defined by a user as a region in which characteristic information is to be acquired.
US09723985B2

A first detector is provided with a cuff adapted to be placed on an upper arm of a subject to detect noninvasive blood pressure of the subject. At least one second detector is adapted to be placed on a part of the subject to detect at least one vital sign of the subject. A single main body is detachably provided on the cuff while being connected with the first detector and the at least one second detector. A display is provided on the main body and operable to display the non-invasive blood pressure and the at least one vital sign as measurement data. A transmitter is provided in the main body and operable to transmit the measurement data to a receiver placed in a remote location.
US09723984B2

A contact lens shaped measuring device comprises a sensor having a protrusion towards the cornea. The measuring device is flexible to a degree that it is flattened by a closing eye lid and the protrusion creates an indentation of the cornea. The force on the protrusion is measured by the sensor. Applying a constant lid acceleration/deceleration model to the movement of the lid and a mechanical model to the cornea, the tension of the cornea is determined and deduced from the force measured with the lid closed, yielding the true intraocular pressure. In an alternative, the protrusion is characterized by a discontinuity in its shape, or the sensor is subdivided, each subsensor being characterized by a protrusion of different shape. With the values obtained as extrema and at the discontinuity or with different protrusions, the tension of the cornea can be obtained by a (linear) extrapolation.
US09723978B2

A fundus photography device includes: a fundus illumination optical system that illuminates a fundus of an eye by illumination light; a fundus photography optical system; an OCT optical system; an anterior chamber observation optical system for observing an anterior chamber observation image of the eye illuminated by the anterior chamber illumination light source; a first wavelength separation member that sets a first optical axis commonly shared by the fundus illumination optical system and the fundus photography optical system to be coaxial with a second optical axis commonly shared by the OCT optical system and an anterior chamber observation optical system; and a second wavelength separation member that forms the second optical axis by setting an optical axis of the OCT optical system to be coaxial with an optical axis of the anterior chamber observation optical system.
US09723974B2

An image type laryngoscope apparatus includes a laryngoscope (3), a fastening device (1) and an image device (2). The image device is attached to the laryngoscope by the fastening device, and the signal transmitting unit (21) of the image device transmits image signals to a monitor (24) in a wire transmission manner or to a mobile device (4) in a wireless transmission manner, so that the operator can clearly inspect the present condition of a patient's throat by the image signals.
US09723971B2

Obtaining a surface image captured by an endoscope inserted in a tubular organ associated with a surrounding blood vessel and representing an inner surface of a wall of the organ, generating, from a three-dimensional image representing a three-dimensional area including the organ, an adjacent blood vessel image depicting a portion of the blood vessel adjacent to the wall from a viewpoint in the three-dimensional image corresponding the viewpoint of the surface image, generating, from a three-dimensional image representing a three-dimensional area including a surrounding area of the organ, a surrounding blood vessel image depicting the blood vessel from a viewpoint in the three-dimensional image corresponding the viewpoint of the surface image, and causing the surface image, adjacent blood vessel image, and surrounding blood vessel image to be displayed in this order on a display unit.
US09723970B1

A dishwasher includes a treatment chamber configured to clean dishes; a rack in the treatment chamber configured to hold dishes, the rack including an upper horizontal bar, a lower horizontal bar and a vertical bar; and a stop removably attached to the rack. The stop includes a first latch that is latched to the upper horizontal bar, a second latch that is latched to the lower horizontal bar, a third latch that is latched to the vertical bar, and a stopper portion that extends below a lowest wire in the rack and is configured to abut a portion of the dishwasher to limit travel of the rack out of the dishwasher.
US09723961B1

A vacuum cleaner has an agitator assembly, a belt drive system coupling the agitator assembly to a motor via a belt, and a belt shifting assembly which selectively shifts the belt between a drive pulley and an idler pulley on the agitator assembly. Trace rotational force transmitted to the agitator assembly when the belt is on the idler pulley is prevented from causing the agitator assembly to rotate by an anti-rotation member of the belt shifting assembly.
US09723958B1

Easy Clean is a tool specifically designed to help the elderly and disabled to clean themselves properly after a bowel movement. The device comprises a cone-shaped end with a handle; the handle being about nine inches in length for sufficient reach. The device also features a wipe dispensing unit encased within an aluminum handle that is about three inches in length. The dispenser may be fabricated from blue rubber. The device is used with flushable wipes.
US09723954B2

A combination griddle and teppanyaki cooking unit for a household cooking appliance or stand-alone cooking appliance is provided in which the combination griddle and teppanyaki cooking unit includes a cooking surface, a first heating unit for heating a first portion of the cooking surface, and a second heating unit for heating a second portion of the cooking surface, wherein the first heating unit and the second heating unit are selectively operable to uniformly heat an entire area of the cooking surface in a griddle mode of operation and to concentrate a greater amount of heat in a first area of the cooking surface than in a second area of the cooking surface in a teppanyaki mode of operation.
US09723953B2

The invention relates to a barbecue accessory comprising a chicken roaster for preparing poultry, in particular chicken, arranged vertically on a barbecue. The barbecue accessory comprises a chicken roaster formed from a poultry holder and a base plate, and a roasting hood extending over the chicken roaster and surrounding, at least partially the roaster. A gap, through which the hot gases coming from the barbecue penetrate into the roasting hood, is provided between the hood and the base plate of the chicken roaster when in the ready-to-use state.
US09723951B2

A matchbox oven is disclosed. The matchbox oven includes a housing, a slider, a mover and a heat source. The housing includes a cavity having a first and second openings. The mover moves the slider in and out of the cavity through the first and second openings. The heat source provides heat to the cavity for heating up any food item placed on a portion of the slider located within the cavity. The slider, which is configured to receive food items, includes multiple stoppers to serve as oven covers for preventing heat within the cavity from escaping through the first and second openings. When necessary, a portion of the slider can also be utilized as a heat sink for lowering the temperature of the cavity during oven operation.
US09723945B2

In a device (1) for making a beverage on the basis of interaction between a beverage extract and an extracting fluid, which comprises an openable and closeable chamber (50) for receiving and accommodating a quantity of the beverage extract, and heating/cooling means (30) for setting the temperature of the extracting fluid, arranged upstream of the chamber (50), a beverage making process can be performed with extracting fluid that is exactly at a desired temperature. During heat-up or cool-down phases of the heating/cooling means (30), the extracting fluid is transported to another position than the chamber (50) where the beverage making process is supposed to take place. For the purpose of determining an appropriate path of the extracting fluid in every possible situation, valve means (60) are applied, which are switchable under the influence of a change of the flow rate of the extracting fluid.
US09723940B2

A protective film includes a base layer and a wear layer, the wear layer comprising a UV cured hardcoat resin, and the UV cured hardcoat resin comprising surface modified silica nanoparticles. The protective film may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive for adhesion to a floor. The protective film may be used, for example, as a protective floor finish.
US09723935B1

A food shield has shield panels that are location adjustable and angularly adjustable in respect of support posts coupled to a buffet table or cart. For vertical or location adjustment of a shield panel in relation to a post, a bracket assembly includes outer and inner collar portions, a grip element positioned between the outer and inner collar portions, and a tightening element that tightens the connection of the assembled collar against support posts. A lever is set to lock the outer and inner collar portions to one another, and pulled to release the collar portions. For angular adjustment, each bracket assembly includes an indexing base, a rotatable arm assembly with an indexing hub, and a removable or retractable coupling element. The bracket assembly further has clamps that engage the shield panel at or near each of the front and rear panel edges.
US09723927B2

A chair supporting structure comprises a base frame having a plurality of connecting arms which is downwardly inclined; a lower distal end of each connecting arm being formed with outer threads for combining with the connecting units; a plurality of legs being installed at a bottom of the a seat of a chair; an upper end of each leg being formed with an insertion hole; and a plurality of combining units for combining the base frame and let set; an upper end of the combining unit being formed with a combining hole which has inner threads; so that the outer threads of each combining arm being threadly engaged with the inner threads of the combining hole of the combining unit; a lower end of the combining unit being tightly engaged to the insertion hole so that the base frame is combined with the legs.
US09723921B2

A table assembly comprising a top member forming a substantially flat top surface circumscribed by an outer edge and at least a first leg support member supporting the top member in a substantially horizontal position, a table dock secured to the top member and forming an elongated channel having a dock length dimension and at least a first display panel circumscribed by a panel edge and having at least one straight edge having a panel length dimension, the dock length dimension less than panel length dimension, wherein at least a portion of the straight edge of the panel is receivable within the dock channel with the panel extending out the open first and second ends of the channel to support the panel in a substantially upright orientation with at least a portion of the display panel extending to a height above the flat top surface.
US09723920B1

A height-adjustable table with concealed wiring design is provided herein, which includes table surface, table leg, table foot, driving mechanism, and control device. The table leg is connected between the table surface and the table foot and includes a telescoping tube structure. The driving mechanism includes motor, first threaded rod, and connecting tube. The first threaded rod screwed to one end of the connecting tube and the connecting tube are disposed in the telescoping tube structure. The motor is configured to drive the first threaded rod to alter the length of the telescoping tube structure. The control device includes wiring and a control interface. The wiring is disposed in the telescoping tube structure and spirals around the connecting tube. The wiring transmits power to the driving mechanism and transmits a control signal from control interface to the motor to drive the driving mechanism.
US09723919B1

A workstation includes a frame supporting a work surface upon which a task can be completed and/or an item can be stored. The workstation can include a drive system for adjusting a height of the work surface above a surface supporting the workstation. The workstation can also be configured such that the work surface and other components of the workstation can be moved between an in use mode and a lower profile storage and/or transportation mode.
US09723913B2

An oral care system that includes an oral care implement and a dispenser, an oral care method, and a method of applying an oral care agent to an oral surface. In one embodiment, the invention may be a method of applying an oral care agent to an oral surface that includes: providing a kit comprising a toothbrush and a dispenser containing an oral care agent; removing the dispenser from kit; and applying the oral care agent to an oral surface using the dispenser.
US09723908B1

An ear repositioning and shielding clamp for protecting an ear from heat sources used in hair styling includes a pinch handle that is spring loaded. Each of a pair of jaws has a first edge coupled to the pinch handle. The jaws are substantially rigid. The jaws are biased to a closed position when the pinch handle is not pinched. Each of a pair of pads is coupled to a respective jaw. The pinch handle is configured to be pinched by the user, such that the jaws move in opposition to an open configuration to position the jaws around the ear. The pinch handle, upon release by the user, will motivate the jaws to resume a substantially closed position, inducing the user's ear to a safer position. The pads are configured to protect the user's ear from a nearby source of heat.
US09723906B2

The present invention relates to a spuit-type cosmetic container. The spuit-type cosmetic container, according to the present invention, comprises: spiral grooves for guiding the ascending and descending operations of a piston rod on both sides of an inner cap; and guide protrusions which move along the spiral grooves on both sides of the piston rod such that the piston rod ascends and descends along the spiral grooves of the inner cap. Thus, the present invention can prevent a sudden discharge of the content by minimizing the pressure caused by a piston.
US09723904B1

A jewelry storage system includes a first elongated section, a second elongated section, and a third elongated section. The system further includes a necklace panel, an earring panel, a ring bar, an earring shelf, a cylindrical bracelet bar, a panel, and a locking mechanism having a plurality of slots extending partially through the thickness of the first side of the second elongated section; and a tab rigidly secured to the panel and removably attached to the plurality of slots.
US09723903B2

The packages described by this invention all have reduced “head space,” that is, the distance from lid to lens. Packages contain dimples to achieve this reduced head space. Specifically, packages are designed with dimple sag equal to or less than 1.90-mm, or volume displaced equal to or less than 360 μl. Combined with the existing primary packaging, it has been found that such conditions provide for reduction in folded lens rate during shipping and handling. As well, lenses stored or having an extended time in low head space packages in a “foil down” orientation now have characteristics closer lenses stored in a “foil up orientation.”
US09723902B2

A collapsible suitcase has a bottom panel, a rear panel, two side panels, and a front panel. The rear panel, side panels, and front panel are connected to the bottom panel by hinges permitting them to be rotated from a folded position against the bottom panel to a deployed position perpendicular to the bottom panel. The side hinges have a clearance sufficiently greater than the clearance of the front hinge to allow the side hinges to lie flat on the front panel when folded, and the rear hinge has a sufficiently greater clearance than that of the side hinges to allow the rear panel to lie flat on the side panels when folded.
US09723901B1

A self-righting cane is provided that includes a handle portion having a grip and a collar. A shaft extends from the handle portion and is joined to the handle portion at the collar. A base supporting portion includes a weight disposed within the base supporting portion. The weight has an aperture such that the shaft connecting to the base supporting portion through the aperture. The weight disposed within the base supporting portion self-rights the cane and prevents the cane from falling over.
US09723900B2

Clasp comprising a cover connected to a first bracelet strand and to a second bracelet strand, a connecting means being inserted between the second bracelet strand and the cover of the clasp, the connecting means comprising an end link sliding between a first position in which it is engaged in the cover of the clasp, and a second position in which it is outside the cover of the clasp, the end link comprising a push-button which causes a toothed element to change from a first position, in which the toothed element is in mesh with a rack toothing, to a second position, in which the toothed element is released, the end link being provided with an arresting means preventing the removal of the end link from the cover of the clasp, the arresting means comprising at least one lug, which projects into a groove arranged in the bottom of the cover and which defines two end stop members.
US09723899B2

Embodiments of a watch can include a watch having an analog watch face, a first watch band portion, a second watch band portion and an analog watch face. The watch can include a butterfly clasp having a digital display and a circuit board associated with a controller.
US09723895B2

Uppers for article of footwear may include one or more skin layers attached to a base layer, wherein the skin layers overlap with one another in varying ways (e.g., with a first skin layer overlaying a second skin layer at some locations and the second skin layer overlaying the first skin layer at other locations). If desired, at least one of the skin layers may be at least partially transparent or translucent. The skin layer(s) may be applied over other elements of the upper (e.g., other skin layers, base layers, reinforcing layers, etc.). Additional aspects of this invention relate to production of curved tongue composite structures and/or footwear having a bonded (hot melt) side seam for forming the upper (and optionally do not include a rear heel seam).
US09723891B2

An article of footwear has an upper with multiple components. The upper includes a fastening system, a shield, and a tongue. The shield and the tongue are each attached to the upper. The shield and the tongue may be readily moved to facilitate entry of a foot into the article of footwear, or exit of a foot from the article of footwear.
US09723885B2

An apparatus for supporting trousers has an elastic band adapted to wrap around a waist of a person wearing the trousers, a pouch affixed at or adjacent to a lower edge of the elastic band, and a trousers-engaging element for grasping or abutting an interior surface of the trousers. The trousers-engaging element is a strip of polymeric material received within the interior of the pouch. The strip a polymeric material has a vertical portion and a horizontal portion. The horizontal portion is adapted to engage with an interior surface of the trousers.
US09723877B2

A USB electronic cigarette has an atomizer section. The atomizer section has a heat chamber configured to receive liquid from a fluid reservoir. A USB connector is formed on the atomizer section. The USB connector includes a USB socket mounted to the atomizer section. A battery section is releasable and detachable from the atomizer section at the USB connector. The USB connector includes a USB protrusion configured to fit into the USB socket. The USB protrusion is mounted to the battery section. A rechargeable battery is housed within the battery section and configured to be recharged via the USB protrusion. A user is provided a smokable USB stick that is USB rechargeable.
US09723871B2

The present invention discloses an electronic cigarette and a method for disposing smoking data of the electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette includes a microcontroller, a smoking signal detecting module and a memory that are both connected with the microcontroller; the smoking signal detecting module configured to detect smoking signals and send the smoking signals to the microcontroller; the microcontroller configured to record a time of each reception of the smoking signals and a continuation time length of each received smoking signal, and calculate a smoking data according to the time and the continuation time length; the memory configured to store the time, the continuation time length and the smoking data; the smoking data including a time interval between every two smoking signals and a number of receiving the smoking signals during a preset period. The smoking data of the users using the electronic cigarette can be recorded and stored.
US09723864B2

An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.
US09723855B2

The invention relates to a confectionery product comprising a plurality of beads, each bead comprising an aqueous core, a hydrophobic first coating layer surrounding the aqueous core, and a hydrophilic second coating layer surrounding the first coating layer; to a confectionery product comprising these beads. The invention also relates to a method of production thereof.
US09723839B2

The present application provides processes for making pesticidal compounds and compounds useful both as pesticides and in the making of pesticidal compounds.
US09723836B2

Methods and compositions for synergistic pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control are disclosed. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an herbicidal composition comprising at least one pre-emergent herbicide and at least one post-emergent herbicide, wherein the pre-emergent herbicide and the post-emergent herbicide synergistically inhibit pre-emergent and post-emergent development of a weed. The disclosure further relates to herbicidal compositions comprising isoxaben, 2,4-D, mecoprop-P, and dicamba.
US09723833B2

The present invention provides a biocide composition comprising a biocide and a carrier, wherein the biocide is soluble in the carrier. The carrier may comprise polyethylene glycol ester. The present invention also provides a method for controlling biofilms by eliminating and/or preventing microorganisms in an aqueous environment.
US09723830B2

A filter for filtering perfusate is integrated with an exterior portion of an organ container. The filter may be used in an apparatus for perfusing an organ. The perfusion apparatus may include an organ container configured to contain an organ, the filter integrated with an exterior portion of the organ container, and another filter. At least the filter integrated with an exterior portion of the organ container may be provided in a sterilized disposable kit.
US09723817B2

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for measuring an electropharyngeogram (EPG) in living organisms. In some embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein include an array for sorting and immobilizing an organism (such as a nematode) for measurement of an EPG and/or optical imaging. Also disclosed are methods for identifying therapeutic or toxic compounds utilizing the disclosed devices and systems. In some embodiments, the methods include screening for compounds with anthelmintic activity, toxicity (for example HERG channel blockers), or candidate drugs for treatment of a variety of human and/or animal diseases.
US09723813B2

Enhanced methods and systems for human-pet communication are described. Example embodiments provide an Internet Canine Communication System (“ICCS”). The ICCS facilitates remote communication and interaction with between a dog and its owner, caretaker, trainer, family member, or the like. The ICCS may include a base station or similar device that is configured to deliver treats to a dog and to transmit audio/visual communication between the dog and a remote client device operated by a human user. The ICCS may also facilitate training the dog to utilize the ICCS to communicate with the user, such as by answering calls from or initiating calls to the remote client device of the user.
US09723812B2

An elevated feeding tray apparatus includes a tray riser and a tray. The tray riser includes an elevated base and a plurality of legs attached to the elevated base; the elevated base defining a one of a top outer edge and a top inner edge, a portion of the one of the top outer edge and the top inner edge of the tray riser at the rear end of the tray riser higher than the one of the top outer edge and the top inner edge of the tray riser at the front end of the tray riser; each of the plurality of legs including an attachment portion proximate to the tray and a foot portion distal from the attachment portion. The tray includes a tray separately removable from the tray riser, the tray including a bowl, the bowl defining a feeding cavity.
US09723811B2

A freestanding trough has an elongate trough body 12 and transverse restraints 14. The trough body has a bottom portion 16 integrally formed with two side wall portions 18 from a resilient semi-rigid sheet. The restraints 14 extends transversely across the inside of the trough, intermediate the ends of the trough body 23, lower than upper edges of the side wall portions but higher than the bottom portion. The side wall portions 18 are restrained from moving outward, away from a longitudinal centerline of the trough, at least in part by a tension in the restraint 14 and the side wall portions are maintained upright in part by the tension in the restraint, and in part by the resilient semi-rigidity of the sheet.
US09723801B2

The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 14R952B2XF. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 14R952B2XF. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 14R952B2XF and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 14R952B2XF with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.
US09723795B2

Devices are provided for guiding the growth of scaffold branches, and in particular, devices for training scaffold branches to form wide crotch angles with main trunk of a tree.
US09723784B2

A crop quality sensor, comprising an illumination source, an imaging device, and a processor executing application software. The illumination source is shone onto a crop sample, and an image is taken with the imaging device of the illuminated crop sample. The software executing on the processor is used to analyze the image to identify the outlines of individual kernels and to identify which of those outlines contain a specular highlight, indicative that the kernel is whole and unbroken, while the absence of such a specular highlight is indicative of a broken kernel.
US09723781B1

A stand on mower including a pedestal with a deck height adjustment lever positioned adjacent the pedestal for operator use while standing behind the pedestal. A cross yoke, height position lock, and floating height mechanisms are also taught for mounting the deck off of the mower frame.
US09723774B2

A system for planting cover crop seeds in fields with standing row crops, including a high-clearance agricultural vehicle with a high-clearance toolbar, soil sealers, and a seeder with a reciprocator above the soil sealers to deliver various types of seeds onto the disrupted soil after which the soil sealers cover the seeds with soil.
US09723773B2

A soil tillage apparatus that includes a frame with a hitch arrangement for pulling the frame mounting, back from the frame front end, are sequently mounted earth cutter disks that individually turn when pulled through the soil to lift the soil above the ground, followed by a hammer tiller consisting of a rotor drum mounted to turn oppositely to the cutter disks and includes pivotally mounted tines that turn with the rotor drum above the ground to flail the clumps of soil lifted by the disks and pulverize the clumps of lifted soil, in mid-air, into soil particles that fall back to the ground, and are mixed into the soil by chiselers that follow the hammer tiller, and the frame may further mount a soil leveler wheel and soil packer wheel.
US09730364B2

A contra-rotating fan system includes a fan chassis. A first fan in the fan chassis includes blades that provide airflow in a first direction when the first fan rotates in a second direction, and provide airflow in a third direction opposite the first direction when the first fan rotates in a fourth direction opposite the second direction. A second fan adjacent the first fan in the fan chassis includes the same number of blades as the first fan. The first fan and the second fan rotate at the same time in opposite directions. The blades on the second fan provide airflow in the first direction when the first fan rotates in the second direction and the second fan rotates in the fourth direction, and provides airflow in the third direction when the first fan rotates in the fourth direction and the second fan rotates in the second direction.
US09730354B2

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a chassis and a circuit board. The chassis may have one or more structural posts. The circuit board may mechanically couple to the chassis, and the circuit board may comprise a substrate having formed therein one or more through-holes and one or more hooks each configured to mechanically couple the circuit board to the chassis via a corresponding structural post of the one or more structural posts, each of the one or more hooks comprising one or more mounting features, wherein each of the one or more mounting features is sized and shaped to engage with a corresponding one of the one or more through-holes in order to mechanically couple such hook to the substrate.
US09730351B2

An electrical connector assembly, adapted for electrically connecting an IC package or module to a printed circuit board, includes a metallic bracket surrounding a stationary electrical connector which is mounted upon the printed circuit board. A module equipped with another electrical connector is positioned upon and removably assembled to the stationary electrical connector. A locking/ejecting member is pivotally mounted upon the bracket to releasably lock the module in position. A retention lever is pivotally mounted upon the bracket to prevent the locking/ejecting member from inadvertently or mistakenly unlatching the locking member from the module.
US09730350B2

The invention discloses electrical equipment, an integrated circuit's loop thereof and a circuit connecting method. The integrated circuit's loop includes: a passive component part, including a power device and/or an execution device; and one or more electrical components, each of the electrical components including a body and multiple pins, wherein at least one pin extends to an electrical connecting end of the passive component part, and is electrically connected with the electrical connecting end. In the integrated circuit's loop of the invention, the pins of the electrical components extend to electrical connecting ends of the passive component part, and are electrically connected with the electrical connecting ends, so that the electrical components are not required to be arranged on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a physical structure of the circuit configuration is simplified, a size of the circuit is reduced, and the technician is not required to design the PCB.
US09730348B2

A flip cover structure for a chassis which includes a casing, a cover covered onto the casing, a stopping member installed to the casing and at a pivoting position of the cover, a fixing component disposed on the cover and corresponsive to the stopping member, a control member movably installed to the fixing component, an acting member integrally formed with the control member and situated in a stressed state. When the cover is pivoted upward, the fixing component will be flipped together with the cover, and the acting member changes its stressed state to a released state, such that the control member is displaced by the resilience of the acting member to a position opposite to the stopping member to stop the cover at the stopping member and erect the cover at a specific angle on the casing. Therefore, maintenance persons no longer need to find extra space for accommodating the cover.
US09730347B2

A method of manufacturing a scented USB drive includes providing a fragrance; providing a molding composition; mixing the fragrance with the molding composition, the mixing forming a molding compound; injecting the molding compound into a mold and around a recess configured to receive a circuit board; and cooling the molding compound until the solid USB drive is formed, the solid scented USB drive emitting a selective scent.
US09730346B2

A clamshell structure for an electronic device includes a window-type frame, a cover plate and a pivot. The window-type frame has an opening, and includes a first pivoting portion and a first fixing member. The first pivoting portion is near the opening. The first fixing member is disposed on a cover fixing area of the window-type frame. The cover plate includes a clamshell body, a second pivoting portion and a second fixing member. The clamshell body is used to cover the opening. The second pivoting portion is disposed on the opening. The second fixing member is disposed on an open side of the clamshell body. The pivot is pivoted through the first pivoting portion and the second pivoting portion. When the clamshell is opened, an electronic component is mounted into or dismounted from the opening for assembling or disassembling.
US09730339B2

A Common Bus Structure for Avionics and Satellites (CBSAS) (10) as shown in FIG. 1 is comprised of a module lid (14), module floor (38), module stack base (16), module compression bolts (22) and stackable modules (12). Stackable modules (12) are sub-dividable to create module scaled chamber volumes (45) individually as required, while stackable modules (12) simultaneously create at least one collectively continuous raceway sealed chamber volume (44) perpendicular to individual stackable modules (12) in the vertical direction where no module floor (38) is present, in order to internally electrically interconnect the contents of any stackable module (12) with the contents of any other stackable module (12) via internal connector raceway system (24). Raceway sealed chamber volume (44) therefore collectively and continuously traverses all present stackable modules (12) positioned between module lid (14) and module stack base (16). Modules are interchangeable and inter-connectable in any order, and contain all required electronic or mechanical components required for CBSAS (10) to function as a single box consolidated avionics system that is equally functional in the atmosphere or the vacuum of space, while also being fully functional as a single complete stand-alone satellite system. CBSAS (10) enables a paradigm shift in the aerospace industry whereby all legacy and current multiple black-box systems on aerospace platforms such as missiles, rockets, satellites and aircraft are extremely inefficient when compared to the size, weight and power attributes of CBSAS (10). The ability for CBSAS (10) to be instantly employable as either a single box consolidated avionics system for use within the atmosphere or in space while also being fully functional as a stand-alone satellite enables a hardware, firmware and software capability never before manifested in the aerospace industry.
US09730336B2

Methods and systems for manufacturing a swallowable sensor device are disclosed. Such a method includes mechanically coupling a plurality of internal components, wherein the plurality of internal components includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of projections extending radially outward. A cavity is filled with a potting material, and the mechanically coupled components are inserted into the cavity. The cavity may be pre-filled with the potting material, or may be filled after the mechanically coupled components have been inserted therein. A distal end of each projection abuts against a wall of the cavity thereby preventing the potting material from covering each distal end. The cavity is sealed with a cap causing the potting material to harden within the sealed cavity to form a housing of the swallowable sensor device, wherein the distal end of each projection is exposed to an external environment of the swallowable sensor device.
US09730335B2

A heat-bonding apparatus and method of manufacturing a heat-bonded product without overheating during cooling thereof after the completion of the heat-bonding, where the object can be cooled in a shorter time than the conventional when the heat-bonding is performed in a vacuum. A heat-bonding apparatus having a vacuum chamber for housing an object to be heat-bonded and a buffer part, a heater for applying heat to the buffer part placed into contact with the object, an object temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the object heated through the buffer part, a buffer temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the buffer part, a vacuum breaker for breaking the vacuum, and a controller for operating the vacuum breaker to break the vacuum when a temperature difference between a temperature detected by the object temperature sensor and a temperature detected by the buffer temperature sensor falls within a range of specified temperature difference.
US09730329B2

An active chip package substrate and a method for preparing the same. The active chip package substrate includes: a core board; at least one upper active chip, embedded in the core board and having an active surface facing toward a lower surface of the core board, the upper active chip being an active bare chip; and at least one lower active chip, embedded in the core board and having an active surface facing toward an upper surface of the core board, the lower active chip being an active bare chip.
US09730317B2

A display device includes a display panel including a curved surface bent along a first direction, a circuit board coupled to the display panel, the circuit board being bent along the first direction in correspondence to the curved surface of the display panel, and an integrated circuit (IC) chip on the circuit board, a short side of the IC chip extending along the first direction.
US09730314B2

The present invention provides a security assembly for protecting a device includes first and second security wraps fitted to the device. The first security wrap covers a first area of the device. The second security wrap partially overlaps the first security wrap and covers a second area of the device. Each of the first and second security wraps has a security screen having first and second screen terminals and a conductive track extending between the first and second screen terminals. A conductive structure is disposed in an overlapping area between the first and second security wraps and coupled to the second screen terminal of the first security screen and to the first screen terminal of the second security screen.
US09730310B2

A metal-ceramic substrate having at least one ceramic layer (2), which is provided on a first surface side (2a) with at least one first metallization (3) and on a second surface side (2b), opposite from the first surface side (2a), with a second metallization (4), wherein the first metallization (3) is formed by a film or layer of copper or a copper alloy and is connected to the first surface side (2a) of the ceramic layer (2) with the aid of a “direct copper bonding” process. The second metallization (4) is formed by a layer of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
US09730309B2

The invention relates to a ceramic printed circuit board comprising an upper side and a lower side, sintered metallization regions being arranged on the upper side, and the lower side being embodied as a cooling body. In order to improve the heat dissipation of components on the upper side of the printed circuit board, the lower side is also provided with sintered metallization regions to which a metal cooling body is soldered.
US09730307B2

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a plasma arc cutting torch and an electrode assembly used in the torch. The electrode assembly includes a high thermionic emissive insert and a high thermally conductive and high work function shell into which the insert is inserted. The shell aids in cooling the insert during operation and also has a design which ensures that the shell remains in a proper position during manufacture of the electrode assembly.
US09730301B2

A wireless lighting control module for LED lighting includes a Zigbee wireless receiver receiving an input wireless control signal, an analog control output which conforms to the 0-10V format, and a microcontroller which is connected to the wireless receiver and receives the input wireless control signal from the wireless receiver. The microcontroller regulates the analog control output. The analog control output has a predetermined cutoff level. A lighting power output is controlled by the microcontroller and cut off by opening a relay when the analog control output is below the predetermined cutoff level. The predetermined cutoff level of the analog control output is 0.5V.
US09730300B2

The present invention generally relates to a wireless lighting control system and its application thereof, particularly for commercial application. Said wireless lighting control system mainly involves a novel communication protocol developed for functioning of the said lighting control system, which allows users to remotely control on/off, configure different layouts and settings, and time schedule the operation of different types of lighting fixtures including LEDs.
US09730288B2

An analog AC circuit for light emitting diode (LED) groups that provides continuously emitted light through a dimming process from 100% relative light output to 5% of relative light output. The analog AC circuit utilizes ancillary circuitry that bypasses a first series interconnection of a first LED group and presents a capacitor electrically connected to an ancillary transistor to provide constant current at above a current threshold to cause the first LED group to continuously emit light even through a dimming process.
US09730286B2

Disclosed are a control circuit and a voltage generation method of an LED lighting apparatus which provides lighting using a rectified voltage. Light emission of the LED lighting apparatus can be implemented through current regulation, a rectified voltage used for light emission can be used to provide a constant voltage required for a peripheral circuit, and a current flowing through a current path formed by the current regulation can be controlled to perform dimming.
US09730285B2

An electronic circuit drives a plurality of LED strings connected in series. The electronic circuit includes a regulation module corresponding to each LED string, with the regulation module connected to the cathode terminal of the corresponding LED string. Each regulation module is further coupled to receive a reference voltage in phase with a rectified a.c. voltage. The regulation modules execute in turn and in sequence a current-regulation phase as a function of a trend of the reference voltage. Each regulation module, when executing the current-regulation phase, functions to regulate the current that flows in the corresponding LED string and in any previous LED strings in the series connection so that the regulated current is proportional to the reference voltage.
US09730283B2

The disclosure regards to drivers and driving methods for a LED string consisting of LEDs. The LED string and a current switch are coupled in series between a power line and a ground line. The power line is powered to regulate a signal representing a current passing through the LED string. An enable signal capable of switching the current switch is provided. Whether a predetermined event occurs is detected. When the predetermined event occurs, the enable signal is clamped to have a predetermined logic value, the current switch thereby being kept either open or short.
US09730277B2

The invention relates to a heating rod for a pressurizer of a primary cooling system of a pressurized-water nuclear reactor, the rod comprising a metal outer shell (36) of longitudinally elongate shape having an external surface (62), and a heating element (40) mounted inside the shell (36). It comprises an anti-corrosion coating (60) covering at least part of the external surface (62) of the shell (36).
US09730275B2

A gas turbine engine 10 comprises at least one rigid raft assembly that has a fluid passageway 210 at least partially embedded therein. The fluid passageway 210 is at least a part of a fluid system. In addition to the fluid passageway 210, the rigid raft assembly 200 also has at least a part of another system. For example, the rigid raft assembly may also include electrical conductors 252, which are part of an electrical system. The rigid raft assembly 200 may be lighter, easier to assemble, more robust and more compact than conventional solutions for providing systems to gas turbine engines.
US09730273B2

The present invention includes: a laminated structure of an insulation substrate; a resistance pattern laminated on one side of the insulation substrate with a pure metal or an alloy which is a mixture of two or more metals at a predetermined ratio and having a resistance value which is set by a pattern having a length and a cross-sectional area; a first insulator layer coated on an upper surface of the resistance pattern by a predetermined method to protect and insulate the resistance pattern; a conductor layer in which a metal material is deposited on the upper surface of the first insulator layer by a predetermined method; and a thin film protective layer deposited on the upper surface of the conductor layer to provide insulation from the conductor layer, waterproofing, corrosion resistance, and chemical resistance.
US09730272B2

In one embodiment of the present invention, a portable computing device for wireless communications comprises a first network interface for communicating with a public wireless wide area network (WWAN), a second network interface for communicating with a private wireless local area network (WLAN), and a processor executing under control of software instructions, the software instructions defining a gateway protocol, the gateway protocol establishing the portable computing device as an access point within the private WLAN after the wireless presence on the public WWAN is established.
US09730270B2

A communication system for an organization having multiple sites uses a dual-mode device capable of both cell phone communication and telephone communication on a local area network (LAN). IP LANS are established at organization sites such that a temporary IP address is assigned to a dual-mode device that logs onto an organization LAN, and the IP address is associated at a PSTN-connected server on the LAN with the cell phone number of the communication device. The IP server notifies a PSTN-connected routing server when a device logs on to a LAN, and also provides a destination number for the IP server. Cell calls directed to the device are then redirected to the IP server and directed to the device connected to the LAN.
US09730250B2

The present invention provides a method and user equipment for transmitting an uplink signal capable of enhancing coverage while conserving energy by separating a cell for receiving a downlink from a cell for transmitting an uplink.
US09730244B2

A method and apparatus for supporting a random access using a random access channel (RACH) are disclosed. The WTRU detects a format of control information in at least one control channel element (CCE) of a common area in a control portion of a downlink transmission. The control information indicates a resource allocation in a data portion of the downlink transmission. The WTRU recovers a random access response assigned to the WTRU from the indicated resource allocation of the data portion on a condition that the at least one CCE has a random access radio network terminal identifier (RA-RNTI) assigned to the WTRU.
US09730235B2

An embodiment of the present invention provides an adaptive channel bandwidth switching method, including: buffering service data to be sent; sending a first microwave frame to a receiving end device; performing a receiving configuration after processing the first microwave frame; continuously sending second microwave frames to the receiving end device; switching a configuration related to the symbol rate after receiving the second microwave frames; performing symbol synchronization; performing frame synchronization; performing equalizer convergence; sending a third microwave frame to the receiving end device after the receiving end device performs the equalizer convergence; performing a receiving configuration after processing the third microwave frame; stopping buffering the service data to be sent; and sending a fourth microwave frame to the receiving end device, so as to switch the channel bandwidth. The embodiment of the present invention provides an effective method for improving link availability.
US09730233B2

A channel allocation method based on Shapley value in wireless networks is provided. The method comprises: disclosing by a PU (primary user) some idle channels denoted by serial numbers, a utilization rate threshold, a lowest selling price, and an increment between two bidding prices; SUs (secondary users) reporting the corresponding numbers of required channels to the PU; calculating a plurality of legal teams satisfying the utilization rate threshold; classifying the plurality of SUs; calculating the Shapley value of each SU in each legal team; calculating an estimated price of each multi-user in each legal team; determining the retained legal teams; performing an ascending auction process by the retained legal teams; and allocating the channels to the SUs in the winning team.
US09730230B2

A method is provided in one example and includes determining at least one subscriber session policy, determining at least one current subscriber session analytic data, the current subscriber session analytic data comprising subscriber session analytic data that is indicative of at least one current subscriber session condition, and performing resource allocation based, at least in part, on the subscriber session policy and the current subscriber session analytic data.
US09730228B2

Individualized gain control of remote uplink band paths in a remote unit in a distributed antenna system (DAS) based on combined uplink power level in the remote unit. The combined uplink power of a combined uplink communications signal in a remote unit is measured. If the combined uplink power level exceeds a defined uplink threshold power level for the remote unit, the gain is reduced for individual uplink band paths that provide a higher power contribution to the combined uplink power of combined uplink communications signal in the remote unit. This allows the initial uplink gain of the uplink band paths in a remote unit to be set higher to increase sensitivity, because the gain of the uplink band paths providing higher power contributions to the combined uplink power in the remote unit can be reduced, without reducing gain in other uplink band paths of the remote unit.
US09730213B2

A communication system includes a movable terminal device and a plurality of communication devices configured to perform radio communication with the terminal device. The communication devices include a large-scale communication device having a first range in which communication with said terminal device is possible and a small-scale communication device having a second range in which said communication is possible. The first range is larger than the second range. A handover of the terminal device from the large-scale communication device to the small-scale communication device is prohibited whenever (a) the small-scale communication device is connected with the large-scale communication device by a dedicated line, (b) said small-scale communication device operates by using functionality of the large-scale communication device, or (c) the small-scale communication device is located within the first range of the large-scale communication device.
US09730209B2

A communication terminal device includes a determining unit that determines a region size of a control channel in accordance with a PHICH duration value transmitted from a base station device, and an acquiring unit that acquires, on the basis of the region size, data to be sent to the communication terminal device. A base station device includes a first control unit that updates a CFI value at a first interval, a second control unit that updates a PHICH duration value at a second interval, the second interval being greater than the first interval, and a scheduling unit that performs scheduling of, only in a subframe in which the PHICH duration value matches the CFI value, data to be sent to a communication terminal device that is outside an arrival coverage of a signal including the CFI value.
US09730204B2

A method for and apparatus for supporting transmission efficiency in a wireless communication system is provided. A wireless device determines a message type based on information, the message type indicating a plurality of transmission types; and performs adaptive measurement, data process, and power control according to the message type. Herein the information indicates one of the plurality of candidate message types that are predefined or are defined by a RRC message.
US09730201B2

A method operating a telecommunications system including a base station and plural terminal devices arranged to communicate over a radio interface supporting a downlink shared channel conveying user-plane data from the base station to the terminal devices and a downlink control channel conveying control-plane data from the base station to the terminal devices. The control-plane data can convey information on physical resource allocations for the downlink shared channel for respective of the terminal devices. The radio interface uses a radio frame structure including plural subframes. Each subframe includes a control region supporting the downlink control channel and a user-plane region supporting the downlink shared channel. The method uses the control region of a first radio subframe to convey an indication of a physical resource allocation for a first terminal device on the shared downlink channel in the user-plane region of a second radio subframe subsequent to the first radio subframe.
US09730197B2

A communication system is provided in which a communication node can allocate resources, for another communication node, within a number of consecutive subframes using a single control message. The other communication node receives codewords transmitted over using the allocated resources, aggregates ACK/NACK feedback for the received codewords and transmits the aggregated ACK/NACK feedback to the communication node for use in controlling subsequent transmission of new codewords or retransmission of previous codewords.
US09730193B2

Provided is a method for wireless communication which includes transmitting codewords according to an initial transmission rank, receiving downlink transmissions indicating at least one of the codewords to be retransmitted, constructing a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) to be sent with the at least one codeword to be retransmitted, and retransmitting the at least one codeword with the DM-RS according to a retransmission rank. The downlink transmissions may include one or more physical hybrid automatic retransmission request indicator channels and the DM-RS may be constructed based at least in part on information in the downlink transmissions.
US09730190B2

A terminal apparatus includes a downlink transceiver that receives downlink data via a base station governing a first cell and exchanges with the base station governing the first cell, control information that is for receiving the downlink data; and an uplink transceiver that transmits uplink data via a base station governing a second cell that is different from the first cell and exchanges with the base station governing the second cell, control information that is for transmitting the uplink data.
US09730188B2

The present invention provides a terminal device that allows constraints on user allocation to be prevented and spread codes to be allocated in a scheduler when non-adaptive HARQ is employed using a PHICH. A codeword generator (103) generates code words (CW) by encoding data, a layer mapping unit (108) places each CW in one or a plurality of layers, a DMRS generator (110) generates a reference signal for each layer in which a CW is placed by using any resource among a plurality of resources defined by a mutually orthogonal plurality of OCCs, and an ACK/NACK demodulator (102) receives a response signal indicating a retransmission request. When a response signal requesting retransmission of only a CW placed in a plurality of layers is received, the DMRS generator (110) uses each resource having the same OCC among the plurality of resources for the reference signals generated in the corresponding layers.
US09730185B2

The present invention relates to a method by which terminals in a wireless communication system receive control channels. More particularly, the method includes the steps of: receiving control information that includes the transmission mode for the control channel and information about the number of antenna ports through a broadcast channel from a base station; and receiving the control channel on the basis of the control information.
US09730181B1

The present invention provides a mobile terminal with a call function or a texting function. The present invention controls the use of a mobile terminal by a manual operation because of an incoming call during movement. Location information indicating movement of a mobile terminal with a call or a message data exchange function is received by a GPS receiver, the distance and the movement speed are determined by using the measurement information of the two locations at every predetermined time, and whether or not the mobile terminal is moving in accordance with the movement speed is determined by a movement determination unit. When it is determined by the movement determination unit that the mobile terminal is moving, the display of incoming call information indicating an incoming call is set to non-displayed on the display unit, and at the same time, a notification sound from a speaker, etc. is invalid.
US09730179B2

Apparatuses and methods for performing multi-channel passive ranging operations are disclosed. In one example, a passive listening device may receive, on a first wireless channel, a first exchange of signals between a first wireless device and a second wireless device, and then receive on a second wireless channel, a second exchange of signals between the first wireless device and the second wireless device, the first wireless channel different than the second wireless channel. The passive listening device may determine a differential distance between the passive listening device and the first and second wireless devices based, at least in part, on the first and second exchanges of signals on the first and second wireless channels, respectively.
US09730177B2

A quite simple and effective way for simplifying the mobile system for the mobile broadband customers, thereby lowering the equipment costs and in the end allowing for more competitive flat rate fees, is to direct the traffic from mobile broadband devices (110) to dedicated gateways (120). The mobile broadband device (110) is comprised in a user equipment (105) in a wireless communication network (100). The wireless communication network (100) comprises a network node (115) is arranged to be connected to the mobile broadband device (110). First, the mobile broadband device (110) sends (200, 300) an attach request message to the network node (115). The attach request comprises an information element indicating that the device (110) is a broadband device. Then, the device (110) receives (301) an attach accept message from the network node (115) comprising address information of the dedicated gateway (120). After the device (110) has received the attach accept message it sends (302, 205) traffic to the dedicated gateway (120).
US09730176B2

Methods and apparatuses for capillary network device registration implemented in a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) are disclosed. Registration or bootstrap messages may be received by a capillary network device where the WTRU acts as a gateway for communication between the capillary device and a network such as a 3GPP network. A capillary network device identifier (CNDID) is sent to the capillary device. A packet data protocol (PDP) context or PDN connection may be established with the network and the CNDID may be sent to a machine type communications (MTC) server. The WTRU may create the registration message, establish a connection with the network, and forward the registration message to the MTC server. Methods and apparatuses implemented in a network are also disclosed for identifying, addressing, and triggering the capillary devices from the MTC server. The trigger message may include fields for group communication, reducing signaling, and enabling charging.
US09730172B2

There is provided a base station device capable of achieving synchronization in a wired manner between base station devices in IP-DECT. Thus, according to the base station device, in slave base station devices, synchronization control unit hardware that is connected to Ethernet (registered trademark), and outputs timestamp information and synchronization pulses which includes interval pulses and wide pulses, synchronization control unit software that generates frame numbers based on the timestamp information, and a wireless timing control unit that receives the synchronization pulses generated in the synchronization control unit hardware and the frame numbers generated in the synchronization control unit software, and performs timing control for performing wireless communication with IP-DECT client terminals are provided. The wireless timing control unit includes a frame counter, and the frame counter is updated using the frame numbers with the wide pulses as triggers.
US09730163B2

A method of conserving battery power of mobile devices within a location-based group starts with server receiving location data and proximity information from each of the mobile devices. Location data received from first mobile device includes the first mobile device's location. Proximity information received from first mobile device includes an identification of mobile devices within a predetermined radius of first mobile device's location. Server identifies based on location data and proximity information a specific location and forms a subgroup of mobile devices that are within a predetermined radius of the specific location. Server queries and receives a level of power associated with each mobile devices in the subgroup and transmits control signals to each mobile devices in the subgroup to shut down radio functions based on the level of power. Other embodiments are also described.
US09730156B1

A method is provided in one example embodiment and may include determining that a periodic timer for a user equipment (UE) is about to expire; communicating to an application service, prior to expiration of the periodic timer for the UE, an indication associated with an availability of the UE to receive data from the application service; and communicating the data from the application service to the UE upon receiving the indication. In some cases, the method can include registering, by the application service, to receive the indication from a Mobility Management Entity (MME) or a serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) support node (SGSN), wherein the registering is performed via a service capability exposure function (SCEF) in communication with the MME or the SGSN and the application service.
US09730154B2

The invention relates to a method for managing an access point of a communication network, said access point being suitable for supplying data packets to at least one communication terminal connected to said access point, said method comprising the following steps when the access point is inactive or on standby:a plurality of data packets are placed in a queue, a data packet having a waiting time d at the expiration of which the packet is considered lost;for each waiting time value d, the transmission time of the data packets having a waiting time d is determined; and if, for a waiting time d, a corresponding transmission time Td is higher than said corresponding waiting time d, the duration d−Td thus being negative, the method comprises a step of activating said access point in order to transmit packets from the queue, the transmitted packets preferably being those having a low waiting time.
US09730152B2

To support the new characteristics where FDD carriers and TDD carriers provide different services with different QoS or with different coverage or with different mobility robustness, UE enhancements of FDD-TDD network are proposed. In one embodiment, a dual mode UE in idle mode camps on a source cell and determines a target cell based on the cn domain and/or additional paging information contained in an enhanced paging message. In another embodiment, a dual mode UE may establish an RRC connection with a source cell with TDD carrier, and later is handover or redirected to a target cell supporting voice over IMS. The handover or redirection is based on the cn domain and/or the additional paging information contained in the enhanced paging message.
US09730147B2

A user equipment (UE) determines whether the UE is camped on a highest priority network. The UE being configured to scan for a higher priority network even though the UE is already camped on the highest priority network as specified in a network selector data structure that identifies networks and that indicates respective priorities of the identified networks. In response to determining that the UE is camped on the highest priority network, the UE stops scanning for a higher priority network.
US09730141B2

A method for updating location information includes detecting a change in mobility of a second device, and determining whether an update condition has been met. When the update condition has been met, the method also includes updating a first location management function in accordance with location information of the second device, and forwarding the location information of the second device to a second location management function.
US09730134B2

Methods and apparatuses for handover of device-to-device (D2D) communications have been disclosed. A method may comprise: receiving, from a first device of a D2D cluster, a first measurement report which indicates a handover of the first device is needed; and determining, according to a D2D handover condition, whether to initiate or postpone the handover based on the first measurement report. In some embodiments, the first measurement report is sent by the first device in response to meeting the D2D handover condition.
US09730127B2

Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for providing a handover of an electronic device and reselection of a base station (cell) in a wireless communication system, considering load of the base station. A method for performing handovers in an electronic device of a wireless communication system includes: when a handover is required, measuring power of signals received from a serving base station and nearby base stations, and obtaining load information of the serving base station and the nearby base stations; selecting the first candidate base stations capable of performing a handover, using the measured power of the received signals; selecting the second candidate base stations capable of performing a handover, based on the load information of the first candidate base stations; and transmitting information on the power of signals received from the selected second candidate base stations and a request message for a handover to the serving base station.
US09730124B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for acquiring a UE capability, a terminal, and a base station. A method for acquiring a UE capability includes: receiving, by a target base station, a handover request sent by a core network device or a source base station, where the handover request carries first UE capability information; and if the first UE capability information indicates an incomplete capability of a UE, after the UE is handed over to the target base station, the target base station determines, according to the first UE capability information, whether to acquire a complete capability of the UE.
US09730119B2

A synchronization method, a communication handover method, a radio network, and a RAN node are disclosed. The interface information synchronization method includes determining whether a condition for initiating interface information update is fulfilled. Information about the S1 interface between the RAN node and the core network node, is sent. In addition, or alternatively, information about the X2 interface between the RAN node and the neighboring RAN node is sent to the neighboring RAN node if the condition for initiating interface information update fulfilled.
US09730118B2

A communication system is described in which mobile telephones are able to roam between neighboring home node base stations and in which the home base stations or the home base station gateway devices are arranged to aggregate “Unsuccessfully Transmitted DL Data Volume” determined by previous home base stations served by the gateway device. In this way, when a call is transferred away from the gateway device or is released, a total aggregated value of “Unsuccessfully Transmitted DL Data Volume” can be provided to the core network for billing purposes.
US09730117B2

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for configuring an access point in a wireless network. During operation, the access point discovers one or more existing access points associated with the wireless network. The access point then obtains a set of configuration information from one existing access point, and synchronizes a local timestamp counter to a selected existing access point, thereby allowing the access point to be configured without using a centralized management station.
US09730115B2

A method for supporting indication of a failure event to a source access system is provided. The method includes notifying, by the source access system, information of a source cell to a target access system, routing, by the target access system, a message to the base station or the base station controller of the source access through a core network by use of the information of the source cell received from the source access system when the target access system needs to transmit a message to the source access system. By use of the method provided by the present disclosure, a problem of mobility robustness optimization (MRO) among different radio access technology (RAT) may be notified to the source access system, so as to avoid impact for a terminal, reduce operator configuration.
US09730111B2

Throughput for rate-adaptive wireless communication is maximized by accounting for the rate loss associated with selecting a transmission rate as a function of the actual rate supported by the channel. An optimal rate is selected by minimizing a set of average cost functions; each of the average cost functions is based on the delayed LQMs and rate-loss cost functions associated with selecting a candidate transmission rate as a function of a maximum rate supported by the channel.
US09730099B2

The present invention discloses a method, a device, and a system for measuring channel state information, which relate to the communications field. The method includes: transmitting, by a base station BS, multiple sets of channel state indication reference signal CSI-RS resources; and notifying a user equipment UE of an aggregation mode of the CSI-RS resources, so that after the UE aggregates the multiple sets of CSI-RS resources according to the aggregation mode of the CSI-RS resources to form a measurement source, the UE performs CSI measurement according to a channel corresponding to CSI-RS ports on the measurement source.
US09730093B2

An information processing apparatus for communicating with another information processing apparatus using a plurality of component carriers, including a receiver configured to receive allocation information that specifies how data to be transmitted is to be allocated among component carriers; and a processing unit configured to execute a process in order to conduct a handover procedure according to the allocation information.
US09730092B2

A method for device-to-device (D2D) operation performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system and a terminal using the method are provided. The method comprises: receiving information related to a D2D resource pool; and performing D2D operation with another terminal from a D2D resource indicated by the information related to the D2D resource pool, wherein the terminal establishes a gap which does not receive a downlink signal transmitted from a serving cell, based on the D2D resource.
US09730087B2

Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for analyzing interference in the time-space dimensions. The apparatus includes an evaluation area partition unit configured to partition an evaluation area into lattices in order for a receiver to determine whether a permitted interference level at which interference needs to be accepted is satisfied or not and an interference analysis unit configured to spatially evaluate the amount of interference in each of the lattices based on a result of temporal evaluation of the amount of interference in each of the lattices.
US09730082B2

Logic may enable client devices or access points to relay medium access control (MAC) frames through a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct network such as a network of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) connections to extend the wireless range of the devices or access points beyond the transmission range of the individual devices or access points. Logic may extend the range of IEEE 802.11 devices, such as IEEE 802.11ah devices, by allowing a station in the middle of two stations to serve as a relay station using the Wi-Fi Direct technology. Logic may enable relaying to avoid a full mesh technology such as is defined in IEEE 802.11s, since the full mesh technology may contain too many features that are not required for a simple or a static network configuration of such embodiments.
US09730077B2

A network for providing air-to-ground (ATG) wireless communication in various cells may include an in-flight aircraft including an antenna assembly, a plurality of ATG base stations, a plurality of terrestrial base stations. Each of the ATG base stations defines a corresponding radiation pattern, and the ATG base stations are spaced apart from each other to define at least partially overlapping coverage areas to communicate with the antenna assembly in an ATG communication layer defined between a first altitude and a second altitude. The terrestrial base stations are configured to communicate primarily in a ground communication layer below the first altitude. The terrestrial base stations and the ATG base stations are each configured to communicate using the same radio frequency (RF) spectrum in the ground communication layer and ATG communication layer, respectively.
US09730066B2

A network access point secures a WiFi network, and acts as a picocell, by identifying applications running on computer-based devices, such as mobile phones, tablet computers, and the like, that seek to access the Internet (or another network) via the access point and applying network access policies to data communications by those applications according to application, location, context, device and/or user characteristics.
US09730061B2

Disclosed is a method for determining identification information on a user of a user terminal including a subscription of a second network, wherein the user terminal is requesting access to a first network. In the method an access request message is received from an entity controlling at least pertly the access to the first network and an identification request message is delivered to the user terminal. The user terminal is configured to return an indication of identification and if the indication is positive, pre-agreed piece of information is retrieved from a location accessible to the server. The pre-agreed piece of information is delivered to the entity controlling the access to the first network in order to provide an access to the first network. Also disclosed is a server, a user terminal and a computer program product.
US09730057B2

A technique to manage members of a group of decoders having access to broadcast data, each group member sharing a common broadcast encryption scheme (BES) comprising the steps of, in a stage for a decoder to become a group member, receiving keys pertaining to the position in the group according to the BES, receiving a current group access data comprising a current group access key, and in a stage of accessing broadcast data, using the current group access data to access the broadcast data, and in a stage of renewing the current group access key, sending a first group message comprising at lease a next group access key encrypted so that only non-revoked decoders can access it, said group message being further encrypted by the current group access key, updating the current group access key with the next group access key.
US09730052B2

In an embodiment, a secondary communication terminal (CT) executes a client application to engage in a client application session (CAS), the secondary CT configured to connect to a primary CT over a local wireless connection (LWC), the primary CT having a higher-quality user interface environment as compared to the secondary CT. The secondary CT establishes the LWC with the primary CT during the CAS and, responsive to the establishment, negotiates with the primary CT to selectively transition the CAS to the primary CT. Alternatively, the primary CT executes the client application before the establishment and negotiates with the secondary CT to selectively transition the CAS to the secondary CT. In another embodiment, the primary CT hosts the CAS while the LWC is established with the secondary CT. Then, upon disconnection of the LWC, the secondary AT selectively transitions the CAS to the secondary CT.
US09730051B2

A hybrid residential gateway may provide network access using either a wireless access interface or a wired access interface. Network access over either interface may be authenticated using a single SIM card within the residential gateway.
US09730049B1

A proximity detection method implemented by a detecting device includes: (a) receiving detection signals from multiple signal providing devices that include a target device and at least one reference device; (b) for each of the detection signals, collecting signal strength values of the detection signal at a variety of time points; (c) filtering out a portion of the signal strength values based on a predetermined criterion; (d) for each of the detection signals, calculating a signal level according to a sum of the signal strength values; and (e) calculating proximity of the target device in relation to the at least one reference device according to the signal level.
US09730046B2

Techniques are disclosed enabling a wireless device to associate other wireless devices within a communication range of the wireless device as belonging to a specific individuals or groups recognized by the wireless device. In one embodiment, a first set of data including an identifier broadcast from the other wireless device in proximity to the wireless device is received by the wireless device. The wireless device identifies a user in a set of event data available on the wireless device. The wireless device evaluates the set of event data and the identifier to correlate the identifier of the other wireless device with the user. Upon determining that the identifier from the other wireless device has an association with the user identified in the set of event data, the wireless device assigns a display label to represent the other wireless device on the wireless device.
US09730040B2

A communication apparatus includes a computer. The apparatus includes a transmitter for transmitting wireless signals in communication with the computer. The apparatus includes a memory in communication with the computer. The apparatus includes a display in communication with the computer. The apparatus includes a first operational screen that appears on the display after the apparatus is turned on or woken up. The first operational screen is a first screen through which the computer can be activated and performed by the computer. The first operational screen having an emergency icon which when selected causes the computer to send with the transmitter a text stored in the memory to at least one remote contact stored in the memory along with location information from a GPS or tracking location system where the apparatus is currently located. A method for communicating.
US09730024B2

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for storing, referencing, retrieving, and graphically displaying spatial and non-spatial related information of a mobile computing device, such as a laptop computer or a cellular telephone. The spatial-related information may be obtained by using positioning tracking systems such as a global positioning system, whereas the non-spatial related information may include communication activities associated with the mobile computing device, such as phone calls, e-mails, text messages, pages, etc. The present invention also provides methods and apparatus of sharing event information between mobile communication devices as well as related navigational information for traveling to an event from a real-time position of a mobile communication device.
US09730019B2

An apparatus receives a message including results of measurements on signals of a WLAN access point. The apparatus determines as a first condition whether the message comprises no indication of a position obtained in a non-cell based positioning and/or no information enabling a non-cell based positioning. The apparatus determines as a second condition whether the message comprises in addition results of measurements on signals of at least one cell of a cellular communications network. If the conditions are met, the apparatus determines a position based on the results of measurements on signals of the at least one cell of a cellular communications network and causes storage of location information that is based on the determined position in a memory for the WLAN access point, in case no location information has previously been stored in the memory for the WLAN access point.
US09730009B1

An electronic device has a processor, a Wi-Fi radio, a first database and a second database. The first database includes geolocation and identity information of a sparse subset of a global catalog of Wi-Fi access points. The second database includes locally stored location-based content. The processor: (i) controls the Wi-Fi radio so as to detect one or more Wi-Fi access points proximate to the electronic device, (ii) makes an identification of the one or more detected Wi-Fi access points, (iii) makes a coarse determination of a location of the electronic device by comparing the identification of the one or more detected Wi-Fi access points with the geolocation identity information in the first database, (iv) selects location based content corresponding to the coarse determination from the second database or from a server, and (v) outputs the selected location-based content to a user of the electronic device.
US09730005B2

Techniques are described herein that transfer information using a container-located module. The module is coupled to sensor(s) that are configured to detect characteristic(s) pertaining to a medical substance that is included in a medical container. The module wirelessly transfers information that is based on the characteristic(s) to a requesting device in response to a request from the requesting device.
US09730004B2

A system for securing contactless communications with an external device is provided. The system has an operating device for performing at least one of production and testing operations. A controlling device is coupled operationally to the operating device; a receiving device configured to receive first data from the external device. A unidirectional network is configured to allow communication of the first data from the receiving device to the controlling device. The controlling device is configured to control the at least one of production and testing operations performed by the operating device on the basis of the first data.
US09729998B2

A method and apparatus associated with one or more wearable devices for a user includes utilizing the one or more wearable devices, for a set of functionality, in a first configuration by the user, wherein the user is in a specific role; communicating data, in a Personal Area Network (PAN), between the one or more wearable devices and between a mobile device associated with the user; and providing information to a recommendation engine, wherein the information is related to the specific role, the set of functionality, and the first configuration.
US09729996B2

The invention relates to the technical field of mobile terminals and discloses a mobile terminal and a method and device for updating the setup information thereof. The method comprises: obtaining a National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) position message through the Global Positioning System (GPS); interpreting the NMEA message to obtain the current time and the current position information of the mobile terminal; obtaining a nation to which the current position belongs according to the position information, recognizing the language of the nation; and updating the setup information of the mobile terminal according to the recognized language and the current time. Through the invention, the setup information of the mobile terminal can be updated according to the location of the mobile terminal.
US09729990B2

A condenser microphone comprises a substrate, a vibratile diaphragm and a back plate. The substrate has an opening. The diaphragm is disposed corresponding to the substrate and covers the opening, and has a plurality of protrusions. The back plate is coupled to the diaphragm and has a plurality of through holes, at least some of which are corresponding to the protrusions respectively. An interval is formed between the diaphragm and the back plate, and when the diaphragm vibrates, the protrusions move into or further near the through holes.
US09729985B2

Method and devices for testing a headphone with increased sensation are provided. The headphone can filter and amplify low frequency audio signals, which are then sent to a haptic device in the headphone. The haptic device can cause bass sensations at the top of the skull and at both ear cups. The testing system can evaluate the haptic and acoustic sensations produced by the headphone to evaluate if they have been properly assembled and calibrate the headphones if necessary.
US09729979B2

A hearing aid includes a hearing aid assembly having an antenna for emission of an electromagnetic field, a transceiver for wireless data communication, the transceiver interconnected with the antenna, and a housing for accommodation of the antenna, wherein the antenna comprises a first section having a length between at least one sixteenth wavelength and a full wavelength of the electromagnetic field, the antenna being positioned so that current flows in the first section in a direction that corresponds with an ear-to-ear axis of a user when the housing is worn in its operational position by the user, whereby the electromagnetic field emitted by the antenna propagates along a surface of a head of the user with its electrical field substantially orthogonal to the surface of the head of the user.
US09729974B2

The present invention relates to a compact and robust hybrid receiver comprising a moving coil type receiver and one or more moving armature type receivers, wherein the moving coil type receiver and the moving armature type receiver, at least partly, share a common magnetic circuit.
US09729969B2

A system and method for enhancing the real and/or perceived bass band of an audio signal is disclosed. A computationally simple yet effective bass band enhancement system for use in consumer electronics applications is disclosed. An audio processing system including bass enhancement functionality for use in a mobile audio system is disclosed.
US09729967B2

Reducing feedback in an input signal that contains a signal component based on an output signal from a proximate output. The input signal is separated into a plurality of frequency bands by band pass filters. The power of signal in each band is determined, and the band signal with the greatest power is selected. That band's signal is sampled at a sampling rate, and at regular intervals one of the samples is selected. Blind signal separation is used to estimate signal sources from the selected samples. The estimated signals are compared to the output signal, and the estimated signal most similar to the output signal is subtracted from the input signal.
US09729961B2

A system for a seat in a motor vehicle that has a cabin audio system and a bass loudspeaker that is able to generate sound in the cabin. The system includes a seat active suspension system with a vibration sensor coupled to the seat, and a controller that is responsive to the vibration sensor and that outputs control signals that are provided to an electromagnetic actuator that reduces seat vibrations. The active suspension system is arranged such that it can cause a change in the audio system.
US09729958B2

A headset providing audio input and output for a mobile device includes a microphone and speaker. An RF transceiver performs wireless communication with the mobile device. One or more buttons are configured for push operations to control operation of the headset, the mobile device, or both. A processor is configured to process a signal input from the microphone and output the processed signal to the RF transceiver, process a signal received from the RF transceiver and output the processed signal to the speaker, and process a signal input according to the push operations of the one or more buttons. At least one of the buttons is configurable to actuate a selected function. A memory associated with the processor stores program instructions for executing a plurality of functions, wherein the selected plurality of function is selected in response to user input via a user interface on the mobile device.
US09729957B1

The overall performance and power utilization of an audio device may be improved with an adaptive sidetone generation system that generates sidetones optimized for different application-specific problems. In particular, systems that include sidetone generation capabilities may be developed to include numerous microphones from which information may be received and processed to generate optimized sidetones. For example, the information from the microphones may be used to receive and/or determine the audio device's operating mode. The information from the microphones and the received and/or determined mode may then be used to generate a sidetone that is optimized for the particular mode and particular conditions in which the audio device is operating. Through the generation of optimized sidetones, the audio signal quality may be improved, thus reducing the amount of subsequent audio processing required, and resulting in improved performance and power utilization.
US09729954B2

A headset in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes a headpiece, an earpiece, an arm extending therebetween, and a cord extending through the arm. The arm includes elongate first and second segments through which the arm is operably connected to the earpiece and the headpiece, respectively. The first and second segments have a telescoping arrangement such that the arm is movable between a lengthened state and a shortened state. The arm further includes a hinge operable to rotate the arm about an axis and thereby move the arm relative to the headpiece between a folded state and an unfolded state. Increased slack in the cord preferentially gathers within an interior region of the second segment when the arm moves from the lengthened state toward the shortened state and when the arm moves from the folded state toward the unfolded state.
US09729950B2

The communication system has first and second optical systems and an optical feed fiber in communication with the first optical system and arranged to convey a feeder optical signal to the second optical system. The first optical system includes a multiplexer configured to multiplex/demultiplex between a first optical line terminal signal, a second optical line terminal signal, and the feeder optical signal. The feeder optical signal includes the first optical line terminal signal and the second optical line terminal signal. The first optical line terminal signal includes a first upstream free spectral range and a first downstream free spectral range. The second optical line terminal signal includes a second upstream free spectral range and a second downstream free spectral range. The second optical system is in communication with the optical feed fiber and is configured to multiplex and demultiplex between the feeder optical signal and optical network unit signals.
US09729946B2

Consistent with the present disclosure, an optical switch is provided that switches multiple wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signals. Each of the WDM signals includes optical signals having the same wavelengths. The WDM signals are supplied to optical splitters, which supply power split portions of the WDM signals to corresponding optical gates. Groups of the optical gates are associated with a corresponding switching block, which may include a cyclical arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), and the optical gates within each group are controlled so that one gate passes a received WDM signal portion while the remaining optical gates in the group are in a blocking configuration. As a result, the WDM portion received by the non-blocking gate is demultiplexed in the switching block and each of the wavelength components that constitute the selected WDM portion are supplied to corresponding outputs within the switching block. In a later time interval, a different optical gate may be rendered non-blocking so that a different WDM signal portion, supplied from a different optical splitter and carrying different information over the same wavelengths, may be input to the switching block. Thus, by controlling the optical gates, different WDM signal portions may be switched to, and thus demultiplexed by, a particular switching block. In addition, portions of the same WDM signal may be selectively supplied to different AWGs by appropriately control of the optical gates.
US09729945B2

An environmental monitor device with a database comprises a data bus, a multitude of sensors, at least one processing unit, input/output device(s); communications interface(s), and memory. Communications interface(s) communicate with at least one environmental sensor device comprising with a multitude of sensors. The multitude of sensors may include particle counter(s), pressure sensor(s) and/or the like. The memory is configured to hold data and machine executable instructions. The machine executable instructions are configured to cause at least one processing unit to: collect sensor data from at least one environmental sensor device; store at least some of the sensor data in at least one database; and generate a report of sensor data that exceeds at least one threshold.
US09729927B2

Systems and methods for generating shadows for a media guidance application are provided. A display of a media asset is generated that includes a media object with a shadow at an object shadow position. Object shadow information is stored corresponding to the shadow of the object and the object shadow position. In response to receiving a user request to access a media guidance application, a media guidance application display corresponding to the user request is selected. A guide shadow is generated based on the stored object shadow information and the media guidance application display. The guide shadow is combined with the media guidance application display for display to the user.
US09729922B2

A set-top box (STB) determines an occurrence of a first STB error during operation of the STB, and identifies a first error code that corresponds to the first STB error. The STB maps the first error code to a first self-help video of multiple self-help videos stored at the STB, and plays back the first self-video via a display device coupled to the STB.
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