US09829083B2

A multi-function torque converter, comprising: a cover rotatable about a rotational axis and comprising opposite first and second sidewalls, the cover further comprising an outer wall extending between and interconnecting the opposite sidewalls; an impeller coaxially aligned with the rotational axis and comprising an impeller shell; a backing plate extending radially inward from and non-rotatable relative to the outer wall of the cover and being spaced between the opposite sidewalls of the cover, the backing plate having a first engagement surface; and, a turbine-piston coaxially aligned with and hydrodynamically drivable by the impeller, the turbine-piston comprising a turbine shell including a radial extension having a second engagement surface axially movable toward and away from the first engagement surface of the backing plate to position the torque converter into and out of a lockup mode in which the turbine-piston is mechanically locked to and non-rotatable relative to the backing plate.
US09829081B2

A tensioner includes a base, a tension arrangement rotatable at the base, a damping member being rotated in a loading direction by the tension arrangement, and an elastic member biasing against the damping member. The position of the damping member depends by the layout geometry of the specific application and is directly in opposition to the hub load. The reaction force of the cylindrical surface of the base on the damping member is very near to the plan of the external forces represented by the hub load to minimize the deflection of the shaft. The tension arrangement is rotated to push the damping member for generating a first positive tension between the damping member and the base, and to expand the elastic member radially for generating a second positive tension between the elastic member and the damping member, so as to enhance a damping force of the tensioner.
US09829078B2

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting torque of the input shaft, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first shaft, a second shaft directly connected to the input shaft, a third shaft directly connected to the output shaft, a fourth shaft, a fifth shaft, a sixth shaft selectively connectable to the first shaft, a seventh shaft selectively connectable to at least one of the first shaft and the fourth shaft, an eighth shaft selectively connectable to at least one of the fifth shaft and the sixth shaft, and a ninth shaft directly connected to a transmission housing.
US09829077B2

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle having an input shaft for receiving torque of an engine; an output shaft for outputting torque; a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; and a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, improves power delivery performance and fuel economy by achieving at least ten forward speed stages.
US09829070B2

This mechanism for driving motions of a surface of spherical, ellipsoidal, plane, or other shape comprises a pair of drive wheels mounted on a freely pivoting frame, each wheel being driven by its own bidirectional motor. The motors and the active electronics of an angle encoder are mounted in an associated fixed frame, so no slip rings or other rotating connections are needed for motor power and control, or for determining the rotation angle of the pivoting frame. Control of the motors provides differential rotation of the two wheels to effect controlled rotation of the pivoting frame, and therefore of wheel direction. This avoids the use of a separate motor for changing the direction of motion of the surface.
US09829068B2

An endless conveyor belt loop includes a conveyor belt that has an elongated body and a substantially uniform width. The ends of the conveyor belt each include a splice formation extending across the width of the conveyor belt that are each configured to mate with the other. A thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged between exposed surfaces formed by the splice formation at the ends of the conveyor belt. When the splice formations are aligned, the thermoplastic connector is thermally engaged and continuously interconnected between the ends for conveyor belt to form a seamless end connection. The thermoplastic connector comprises a thermoplastic copolyester elastomer.
US09829063B2

A seismic isolator is provided, which is excellent in vertical shock-absorbing and vibration reducing, has more functions of horizontal shock-absorbing, recovering, and reaction-force resisting, is easy to install while adjusting the horizontal level of supporting structure in the construction site, and is able to adjust the height of the supporting structure even after installed in the construction site. The seismic isolator includes a wedge unit including a rod, a pair of wedges installed movably along the rod, a horizontal elastic body engaging the rod and supporting the pair of wedges and a supporting means supporting the horizontal elastic body, a wedge bottom surface member supporting the pair of wedges while surface-contacting a wedge bottom surface of the wedge surface of the pair of wedges, and a wedge top surface member supported by the pair of wedges while surface-contacting a wedge top surface of the wedge surface of the pair of wedges.
US09829059B2

A single-degree-of-freedom magnetic vibration isolation device belongs to vibration isolation devices and solves the following problems: the existing active and passive combined vibration reduction system is complex in structure, needs energy supply, and has low reliability. The present invention includes a metal conductor sleeve, a base, an upper annular permanent magnet, a lower annular permanent magnet, a connecting rod and a center permanent magnet; poles of the upper annular permanent magnet and the lower annular permanent magnet facing to each other have reverse polarity, which are connected to an upper end and a lower end of an inner wall of the metal conductor sleeve respectively; the center permanent magnet is concentrically sleeved on the connecting rod and fixedly connected therewith, and the center permanent magnet is located between the upper annular permanent magnet and the lower annular permanent magnet, and is capable of moving axially together with the connecting rod between the upper annular permanent magnet and the lower annular permanent magnet; and the pole of the center permanent magnet facing to the poles of the upper annular permanent magnet and the lower annular permanent magnet have reverse polarity. The present invention is simple in structure, does not need energy supply, has high reliability, and can generate a static magnetic force and a dynamic magnetic force. Connecting the device according to the present invention with a passive vibration isolation system in parallel can effectively improve the passive vibration isolation performance of the original system.
US09829058B2

A method for the operation a parking brake of a motor vehicle that comprises at least one wheel brake device, wherein the wheel brake device comprises an electric motor that can be activated for its actuation and that drives a spindle for the displacement of a brake piston between a clamping position and a release position, wherein for the calibration of the parking brake the electric motor is activated in order to move the brake piston into the release position in a first step and from the release position into the clamping position in a subsequent second step. It is provided that in the second step a power supply of the electric motor is interrupted during the displacement of the brake piston in a no-load phase (II) and at least one motor parameter of the electric motor is determined depending on a coasting behavior of the electric motor.
US09829054B1

A reciprocating action drive is disclosed in which a pair of magnetically sprung over-running clutches, each in overrunning connection with a driven shaft, and attached to a reciprocating lever, are joined via a direction reversing mechanism. In one embodiment, the direction reversing mechanism uses bevel gears, two of which are connected to the outer shells of the overrunning clutches. One or more intermediate bevel gears, mounted orthogonally to the axis of the driven shaft, mesh with the others to form the reversing mechanism. In a further embodiment, the reciprocating action drive is used to power a bicycle using a standard chain ring and chain arrangement and a cadence equalizing 3× epicyclic gear train. In a still further embodiment, sprung limit stops limit the range of motion of the reciprocating levers to 60-degrees, and make stopping at the end of the tread less abrupt.
US09829051B2

A gearbox (BV) comprises a secondary shaft (AS) provided with a synchromesh (SB) comprising a flange (FL) comprising a sub-hub (SM) fixedly secured to the secondary shaft (AS) and provided with external splines (CE3), a hub (MO) comprising internal splines (CI1) collaborating with the external splines (CE3) of the sub-hub (SM) to allow translational movement with respect to the latter (SM), and a sleeve (MA) that can undergo a translational movement with respect to the hub (MO) so that the internal splines (CI2) thereof are closely coupled to dogs (CR) of an idling pinion (PF1). This translational movement of the hub (MO) with respect to the sub-hub (SM) guarantees close coupling of the internal splines (CI2) of the sleeve (MA) with the dogs (CR) with a minimal margin for translation, irrespective of dimensional variations in the manufacture of the sleeve (MA) and idling pinion (PF1).
US09829045B2

One object is to provide a fishing reel including a magnetic fluid sealed bearing wherein foreign substances are shut out from the magnetic fluid seal to prevent degradation of the magnetic fluid (degradation of the magnetic sealing function). In accordance with one aspect, the fishing reel of the present invention includes a magnetic fluid sealed bearing rotatably supporting a drive shaft (pinion). Protection walls are disposed opposite to each other on or near the sides of the bearing body so as to shut out foreign substances from the bearing body of the magnetic fluid sealed bearing.
US09829043B2

By randomly arranging dimples provided on a sealing face, a sliding characteristic is improved in a wide range of a bearing characteristic number on the sealing face. A pair of sliding parts in which a plurality of dimples is arranged on at least one of sealing faces that relatively slide on each other is characterized in that each of the plurality of dimples is provided independently from the other dimples, and arranged in such a manner that the plurality of dimples having different opening diameters is randomly distributed.
US09829033B2

A mounting system includes a double-beam support structure comprising two parallel, horizontal bars spaced apart vertically, and a bracket designed to hang from the double support bars while resisting rotation about the support bars. The bracket is slidably positionable along the support bars and may further include a releasable clamp jaw for clamping one of the support bars to selectively fix the position of the bracket along the support bars. The bracket may support a mounting assembly for an electronic visual display, an extension boom assembly, or another item.
US09829032B2

Wheelchair designs and enhancements are provided for use with conventional wheelchair design. The designs and enhancements include bariatric extension panels and security features making it suitable for use in high security areas such as prisons and psychiatric wards.
US09829022B2

A universal joint system is provided for joining tubular members to form two-dimensional or three-dimensional shapes or structures. The system includes a plurality of cubic elements, a plurality of adaptor elements, a plurality of connection elements, and a plurality of insertion elements. Structures or shapes built with the system can have a smooth and continuous appearance. In addition, the construction of varies structures or shapes requires only few kinds of elements and no special tool or training is needed.
US09829021B2

A compensation nut fastener assembly to connect first and second panels includes first and second nuts. The first nut includes a shaft having an outer threaded portion and a fastener-receiving channel. The first nut is connected to the first panel through the fastener, and the fastener is threadably secured to the first nut within the fastener-receiving channel. The second nut threadably retains the first nut, and includes a retaining wall having an internal threaded portion defining a central passage configured to threadably engage the outer threaded portion of the shaft of the first nut. The second nut is connected to the second panel, and the first nut is moveable within the central passage toward the first panel when the fastener threadably engages the first nut in order to compensate for a gap between the first panel and the second panel.
US09829020B2

COMPENSATION NUT, of the type used to perform fixing together of two parts which may be joined together at a slightly variable distance while maintaining said distance separating them, used for example in motor vehicles in order to fix the supports of dashboards to the vehicle structure, said nut being formed by a combination of a top part, one or more intermediate nuts and a base clip or nut, which are provided with threads which allow mutual mating thereof and mutual retraction or extension thereof by means of a single screwing operation, said threads each being provided with stops which limit relative displacement thereof.
US09829008B2

A centrifugal compressor including: a casing; at least one impeller supported for rotation in the casing and provided with a hub, a shroud and an impeller eye; an impeller-eye sealing arrangement, for sealing the impeller in the region of said impeller eye. The centrifugal compressor further includes at least one cooling-medium portlocated at the impeller-eye sealing arrangement, arranged for delivering a cooling medium around the impeller eye.
US09829001B2

An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly bearing is described. A bearing set for an ESP assembly includes a rotatable sleeve, and a bushing outward of the rotatable sleeve, the bushing including a tubular portion, and a radial flange extending around a downstream side of the tubular portion. An ESP assembly includes a rotatable shaft, at least one stage stacked in series on the rotatable shaft, each stage including a diffuser, a stationary bearing member including a tubular portion secured within a working fluid exit of the diffuser, a stationary member flange extending radially outward from a top of the tubular portion, and a rotatable sleeve inward of the stationary bearing member and secured to the rotatable shaft. A bearing set for an ESP assembly includes a bushing including a tubular portion, and an annular retaining ring groove extending around an outer surface of the tubular portion.
US09828998B2

A screw compressor includes a housing having an inlet for receiving gas to be compressed by the compressor and an outlet for discharging pressurized compressed gas. A pair of meshing threaded rotors, each rotor having an axis and being rotatably received in the housing, each rotor having a first end near the inlet and a second end near the outlet. A bearing rotatably carrying each rotor about its axis and positioned near the first end and the second end of each rotor. A conduit formed in the housing in selectable fluid communication with at least one bearing and a force generating source from a pressurized fluid source, the force generating source selectably providing a force in a radial direction relative to the axis of the at least one bearing.
US09828997B2

A discharge chamber, into which refrigerant compressed by a compression mechanism, is discharged, is formed in an inside of a housing. A resonator is connected to an intermediate portion of a communication passage, which communicates between the discharge chamber and a discharge port of the housing. The resonator includes a resonance chamber and an inlet passage. The inlet passage has one end portion, which is connected to the intermediate portion of the communication passage, and another end portion, which is connected to the resonance chamber.
US09828996B2

A rotor has at its two axis end portions an upper large-diameter inner circumferential portion and a lower large-diameter inner circumferential portion that have inner diameters larger than the inner diameter of the axially middle portion of the rotor and are offset in the radial direction. A crankshaft has a passageway, which is formed in the crankshaft and allows refrigerant to flow therethrough, and a gas venting hole, which provides communication between the passageway and at least one discharge opening formed in the outer circumferential surface of the crankshaft. The at least one discharge opening is formed at a position facing the inner circumferential surface of the lower large-diameter inner circumferential portion 5b on the compression unit side.
US09828993B2

A rotary fluid machine that reduces fluid leakage from a gear pump or gear motor and achieves improvement in responsiveness is provided. The present invention is configured such that force of pressing a side plate toward gears by a seal member provided between the side plate and a case and performing pressure compartment is partly strong, not uniform along the entire length of the seal member. Specifically, for example, a gear pump comprises an assembly including a pair of gears, a side plate sealing a side surface of the gears, and a seal block sealing tooth tips of the gears, a case housing the pump assembly, and a seal member being arranged between the side plate or the seal block and the case and along a notch portion formed in the side plate or the seal block. The seal member is wider at a portion in a position passing through a place with large pressure fluctuations than at other portions.
US09828992B2

A vane pump includes a liner defining a cammed inner surface, a rotor rotatably disposed within the liner that has a plurality of vane slots, and a plurality of vanes slidably disposed within vane slots of the rotor and configured to extend away from the rotor and contact the cammed inner surface of the liner. The plurality of vanes include at least one sentinel vane that is configured to allow detection of wear on the sentinel vane.
US09828989B2

A liquid delivery device includes a constant flow valve, a pump and channels. A medicinal solution bag is connected to the liquid delivery device. The pump has a suction aperture, a discharge aperture and check valves. The constant flow valve includes a valve casing and a diaphragm that partitions the interior of the valve casing to form a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber. A first opening, a second opening, and a third opening are provided in the valve casing. A conical spring arranged between and in contact with a top plate and the diaphragm is provided in the second valve chamber. The spring applies a pressure towards an O-ring side to a second main surface of the diaphragm.
US09828988B2

A damper for a high-pressure pump includes a housing and a cover that can be coupled to the housing to form a damping space. The cover has an elevation including a plurality of concave regions and a plurality of convex regions, wherein the concave and convex regions are arranged about a central region of the elevation. Each of the concave regions is arranged between two of the convex regions in order to scatter sound.
US09828986B2

A method of measuring a property of entrained gas in a hydraulic liquid received by a working chamber of a fluid working motor, wherein the said property is determined from the period of time elapsing between the closure of a first valve to isolate the working chamber and the passive opening of a second valve to bring the working chamber into fluid communication with a manifold. The property may, for example, be related to the concentration of entrained gas in the received hydraulic liquid or the compressibility or bulk modulus of the received hydraulic fluid.
US09828984B2

A tubing assembly is provided that can comprise a plurality of tubes or lumens that can be disposed within a head of a peristaltic pump. The tubing assembly can provide a flow rate or volume capacity that is generally equal to or greater than that achieved with a comparable prior art tube while operating at higher pressures than that possible using the prior art tube. Further, in accordance with some embodiments, the tubing assembly can achieve a longer working life than a comparable prior art tube, and the load on the pump motor can be reduced such that the pump life is increased and/or a larger pump motor is not required to achieve such advantageous results.
US09828981B2

The invention relates to a pump unit that can be driven by an electric motor, in particular for providing vacuum for a pneumatic brake booster, including a pump housing that can be closed by a working-chamber cover and at least one elastic displacement element, wherein a working chamber is bounded between the displacement element and the working-chamber cover and wherein inlet valves and outlet valves and inlet channels and outlet channels associated with the valves are associated with the working chamber. According to the invention, in order to reduce noise emissions, devices for reducing a contact surface between the working-chamber cover and the pump housing are provided.
US09828979B2

An artificial lift system for use with a subterranean well can include a cylinder having a piston reciprocably disposed therein, the piston having opposing sides, one side being selectively communicable with a hydraulic pressure source and a hydraulic reservoir, and the other side being selectively communicable with the hydraulic pressure source and at least one accumulator, and the accumulator being selectively communicable with an input side of a pump of the hydraulic pressure source. A method of controlling an artificial lift system can include connecting a cylinder to a hydraulic pressure source including a hydraulic pump, the pump being connected between the cylinder and at least one accumulator, the accumulator being connected to a gas pressure source, and operating a gas compressor of the gas pressure source, thereby increasing hydraulic pressure applied to the pump from the accumulator.
US09828976B2

A pump for cryogenic liquids including plurality of temperature managed pumping mechanisms. Each pumping mechanism including a barrel having a first end and a second end, and at least one bore extending through the barrel from the first end to the second end. The pump barrel including a stabilizer positioned on the first end and at least partially defining a space in fluid communication with the at least one bore to provide cooling to the barrel.
US09828972B2

A method of de-icing a wind turbine blade (5) comprises the steps of: generating heated air using heating means (10) provided in the root portion of the blade; and continuously circulating the heated air around the interior of the blade through at least a portion of two more longitudinal blade cavities (24, 26, 28) defined within the blade. The circulating step includes: channeling the heated air from an outlet (32a) of the heating means at least part way through a first longitudinal blade cavity (26), towards the tip end (18) of the blade; at a position along the length of the blade, diverting the heated air from the first longitudinal blade cavity (26) into a second longitudinal blade cavity (24); and channeling the diverted air at least part way through the second longitudinal blade cavity (24) back to an inlet (34) of the heating means (10). The heated air is circulated through at least a central cavity (24) and a leading edge cavity (26) defined between longitudinal webs (22) within the blade.
US09828970B2

A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a plurality of control systems. The wind turbine further includes a reflective memory system. The plurality of control systems is coupled with the reflective memory system. Each of the plurality of control systems may include a respective memory of the reflective memory system. In response to data being written into one of the respective memories, the reflective memory system may automatically replicate the data to other respective memories.
US09828966B2

A lawn mower includes an internal combustion engine, a rotary tool driven by the internal combustion engine, an electric motor coupled to the internal combustion engine and configured to start the internal combustion engine, a receiving port mounted to the internal combustion engine, an energy storage device configured to be selectively inserted into and removed from the receiving port without tools, a first user interface, and a second user interface, wherein the electric motor starts the internal combustion engine upon actuation of the first user interface and the second user interface.
US09828962B2

A method of controlling fuel delivery to an engine includes providing a fluid atomizer, a mechanically driven air compressor, a start up air source, and an air valve coupled between the mechanically driven air compressor and the start up air source, charging the start up air source, delivering compressed air from the start up air source to the fluid atomizer, providing an initial air/fluid mixture with the fluid atomizer, and operating the air valve to direct compressed air from the mechanically driven air compressor to the fluid atomizer.
US09828953B2

A pneumatically actuated vacuum pump is disclosed. The pneumatically actuated vacuum pump includes a body. The body defines at least two converging motive sections each having an outlet end, at least two diverging discharge sections each having an inlet end, and at least one Venturi gap. The Venturi gap is located between the outlet ends of the at least two converging motive sections and the inlet ends of the at least two diverging discharge sections.
US09828948B2

Methods and systems are provided for accurately determining the composition of a knock control fluid using sensors already present in the engine system. An intake oxygen sensor is used to estimate the water and the alcohol content of a knock control fluid that is direct injected into an engine cylinder responsive to an indication of abnormal combustion. A change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the water content of the knock control fluid is distinguished from a change in the pumping current of the oxygen sensor due to the alcohol content of the knock control fluid, while compensating for interfering effects of intake air diluents on the change in pumping current.
US09828946B2

A carburetor including a one piece choke valve and shaft assembly including a shaft, a detent plate formed on a first end, a lever arm formed on a second end, a pair of opposing collars formed adjacent the detent plate and lever arm, a valve plate centrally positioned on the shaft, and opposing splines formed on the shaft enabling it to be inserted through an assembly slot cut into a shaft bore in the carburetor body. The detent plate includes a partial annular slot encompassing the angular range of travel of the choke valve. First, second and third detent pockets are formed along an outer edge of the slot. A positive positioning pin engages or interacts with the detent plate to positively position the choke valve in first, second or third angular positions corresponding to “close choke”, “half choke” and “open choke.”
US09828942B2

A thermal energy recovery system. The system includes a Stirling engine having a burner thermal energy output. Also, a superheater mechanism for heating the thermal energy output and an expansion engine coupled to a generator. The expansion engine converts the thermal energy output from the burner to mechanical energy output. The generator converts mechanical energy output from the expansion engine to electrical energy output. The expansion engine may also includes vapor output. Some embodiments of the system further include a condenser for condensing the vapor output, a pump for pumping the vapor output and a boiler in fluid communication with the pump. The pump pumps the vapor output to the boiler.
US09828940B2

A rod seal assembly. The rod seal assembly includes a housing between two spaces configured to receive a reciprocating rod, the reciprocating rod disposed within a first space and a second space, a floating bushing configured to move axially and radially within the housing and disposed coaxially around the reciprocating rod, a rod seal configured to seal the outside diameter of the reciprocating rod relative to an inside surface of the floating bushing, and at least one stationary bushing fixed within the housing that may form a seal with the floating bushing to the axial flow of fluid in the presence of a pressure difference between the two spaces.
US09828938B2

A resin coat film 39 formed on a skirt portion 10 of a piston 7 has a four-sided outer peripheral region knurled at upper and lower regions thereof corresponding in a rear view of the piston 7 to an upper skirt part 36 and a lower skirt part 38 of the skirt portion 10 extending in parallel with an axial direction of left and right piston pin boss portions 15 and 14, with a combination of short vertical grooves 43A and 43B and medium-length vertical grooves 42A and 42B extending in parallel with a central axis C of a piston crow portion 9, and at left and right edge regions thereof, with long vertical grooves 41.
US09828935B2

An internal combustion engine includes a plurality of cylinders, each of which two intake valves and two exhaust valves, respectively arranged in a valve mount of a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine as well as a coolant distributing chamber and a coolant accumulating chamber being associated to. For each cylinder two coolant ducts are formed in the cylinder head and each is fluidly connected to the corresponding coolant distributing chamber and the corresponding coolant accumulating chamber. A first one of the coolant ducts on a first side extends about a first one of the intake valves and on a second side opposite the first side about a first one of the exhaust valves, and a second one of the coolant ducts extends on the first side about a second one of the intake valves and on the second side about a second one of the exhaust valves.
US09828927B2

A vaporized fuel treating device having a canister that is configured to adsorb vaporized fuel in a fuel tank and to feed the adsorbed vaporized fuel to an engine may include a pressure sensor that is configured to periodically detect an inner pressure of the fuel tank, and a pressure sensor failure determination device that is configured to determine that the pressure sensor has failed when a change of the inner pressure detected by the pressure sensor in a unit of time is not less than a predetermined pressure value that is greater than a maximum value of possible pressure changes within the fuel tank.
US09828926B2

A method for detecting defective injectors includes operating an internal combustion engine in an idling mode and deactivating mixture control of the internal combustion engine. The method also includes switching off selectively each injector of the respective injection group, detecting the change in the characteristic value when the respective injector is switched off, and checking a fault criterion. The fault criterion is satisfied when the change in the characteristic value for the respective switched-off injector exceeds or undershoots a predetermined amount. The method also includes detecting a defect in the respective injector in response to the fault criterion being satisfied.
US09828921B2

An engine sound enhancement system includes a conduit in communication with at least one of an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold of an engine. An interface is arranged at least one of within the conduit and between an inlet of the conduit and the at least one of the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold. The interface is responsive to pulses within the at least one of the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold, wherein the interface is configured to transfer the pulses into the conduit.
US09828919B2

An apparatus and a method for controlling a valve includes a first database which stores a plurality of first exhaust cam angles and outputs a first exhaust cam angles corresponding to a current engine speed and inflow air amount. A second database stores a plurality of second exhaust cam angles and outputs a second exhaust cam angles corresponding to the engine speed and inflow air amount. A target angle decision unit selects the exhaust cam angles outputted from the first and second databases as a target angle for controlling an operation of an exhaust valve, in accordance with a current gear stage of a vehicle. A camshaft control unit controls rotational motion of a camshaft coupled to the exhaust cam so that the exhaust cam reaches the target angle, in which the plurality of first exhaust cam angles are in a range in which the exhaust cam is not retarded.
US09828914B2

A thermal management system and method of circulating air in a gas turbine engine are disclosed. The thermal management system includes a nose cone having an aperture communicating air to an interior space of the nose cone and a fan blade coupled to the nose cone and having a blade passage, wherein the nose cone rotates with the fan blade to circulate air from the aperture to the blade passage.
US09828912B2

An exemplary method for the operation of a CCPP with flue gas recirculation to reduce NOx emissions and/or to increase the CO2 concentration in the flue gases to facilitate CO2 capture from the flue gases as well as a plant designed to operate is disclosed. To allow a high flue gas recirculation ration (rFRG) an imposed combustion inhomogeneity ratio (ri) is used for flame stabilization. The imposed combustion inhomogeneity ratio (ri) is controlled as function of the flue gas recirculation rate (rFRG) and/or combustion pressure. Oxygen or oxygen enriched air to the gas turbine inlet gases or to the combustor is admixed to enhance operatability.
US09828896B2

An exhaust system for treating an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system comprises a modified lean NOx trap (LNT), a urea injection system, and an ammonia-selective catalytic reduction catalyst. The modified LNT comprises a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises a NOx adsorbent component and one or more platinum group metals. The second layer comprises a diesel oxidation catalyst zone and an NO oxidation zone. The diesel oxidation catalyst zone comprises a platinum group metal, a zeolite, and optionally an alkaline earth metal. The NO oxidation zone comprises a platinum group metal and a carrier. The modified LNT stores NOx at temperatures below about 200° C. and releases at temperatures above about 200° C. The modified LNT and a method of using the modified LNT are also disclosed.
US09828894B2

Disclosed is an exhaust manifold that comprises an exhaust gas passage, an EGR passage, and a coolant passage. The exhaust gas passage extends fluidly between an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet positioned downstream thereof. The EGR passage extends fluidly between an EGR inlet and an EGR outlet positioned downstream thereof. The EGR inlet is defined by the exhaust gas passage. A coolant passage extends fluidly between a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet positioned downstream thereof. The coolant passage overlaps the exhaust gas passage and the EGR passage. The exhaust gas passage is configured to cool the exhaust gas, and EGR passage is configured to cool the recirculated portion of the exhaust gas.
US09828893B2

A system for controlling a sound level of a prime mover permitted to emanate from or within a vehicle includes a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver operable for receiving a GPS signal and a sound control device. The sound control device is operable for increasing or decreasing a sound level of the prime mover in response to a control signal. A controller in communication with the GPS receiver includes a calendar and clock, and is programmed to execute a method, including receiving the GPS signal via the GPS receiver, and determining an actual location of the vehicle using the GPS signal. The controller also determines an actual date and time of day using the calendar and the clock, respectively, and transmits the control signal to the sound control device to increase or decrease the sound level using at least one of the actual location, date, and time of day.
US09828892B2

A device for producing at least one hollow valve for a gas exchange system may include at least one valve holder. The at least one valve holder may include a valve stem centring element, a valve receptacle and a valve head holder. The valve receptacle may receive a valve stem and the valve head holder may receive a valve head. A first carrier and a second carrier may be provided. The valve holder may be arranged on the first carrier. At least one cathode holder may be arranged on the second carrier. The cathode holder may include a cathode that is insertable through the first carrier via the valve stem centring element. At least one contact plate may be arranged opposite the valve head holder.
US09828886B1

A high efficiency steam engine or steam expander includes a cylinder, cylinder head and piston in which cylinder clearance volume is zero or nearly zero together with a negligible amount of compression such that any pressure in the cylinder clearance volume just before the power stroke is as low as ambient pressure or condenser pressure to provide superior thermal efficiency in a compact compound engine having a high pressure expansion chamber within the piston and low pressure chamber in the cylinder. The inlet valve is opened slightly by piston movement and a steam assist force then drives it to its fully open position. Steam passes from the high pressure chamber to the low pressure chamber through a transfer valve located in the head of the piston and steam is released through an automatic exhaust valve in the cylinder head.
US09828883B2

The present invention provides a method for open-loop controlling or closed-loop controlling and/or monitoring a device with an expansion engine which is supplied live steam of a working medium that is expanded to exhaust steam in the expansion engine comprising the steps: determining at least one physical parameter of the exhaust steam; determining at least one physical parameter of the live steam based on the determined at least one physical parameter of the exhaust steam; and open-loop controlling or closed-loop controlling and/or monitoring the device based on the at least one determined physical parameter of the live steam. A thermal power plant is also provided in which the method is realized.
US09828879B2

A shroud retention system may include a shroud hanger having an outer hanger wall that defines a clip groove including a narrow groove portion and an enlarged groove portion, with the enlarged groove portion defining a radial height that is greater than a radial height of the narrow groove portion. The system may also include a shroud segment having a shroud wall and a retention clip configured to couple the shroud segment to the shroud hanger. The retention clip may include an inner rail, an outer rail and a clip wall extending radially between the inner and outer rails. The inner rail may be configured to extend along an inner surface of the shroud wall. The outer rail may include a narrow rail portion configured to be received within the narrow groove portion and an enlarged rail portion configured to be received within the enlarged groove portion.
US09828877B2

A bypass turbojet engine including a cylindrical cold stream flow path supported by link rods which are attached to a cylindrical outer shell ring of an exhaust case at attachment points. The attachment points for the exhaust case are crevice mounts including lugs that extend radially from the outer shell ring, a bore of the crevice mounts being directed in a direction of generatrices of the outer shell ring.
US09828876B2

A fan case for use in a gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes an outer shroud and a liner extending along the outer shroud. The fan case provides a protective band that blocks fan blades from being thrown out of the fan case in case of a blade-off event in which a fan blade is released during operation of the gas turbine engine.
US09828865B2

An example turbomachine rotor provides a groove that is annular and is configured to receive a root of an airfoil, the groove having a radial cross-sectional area. A ratio of the radial cross-sectional area of the groove to a radial cross-sectional area of the root received within the annular groove is from 2 to 5.
US09828855B2

A rock bolting system rock bolting system comprising a frame supporting a movable bolter feed rail, a bolter feed slidable on the bolter feed rail, the bolter feed having a bolt driver for driving a rock bolt into a drilled hole in a rock face, a plate magazine for storing a plurality of bolt plates, and a plate holder for holding a plate to enable the plate to function as a centralizer to centralize the bolt.
US09828848B2

A downhole pressure sensor to measure absolute pressure in an annulus and a method of measuring absolute pressure in an annulus are described. The sensor includes an inductor including primary windings and secondary windings, and a capacitor coupled to the secondary windings and disposed in the annulus, at least one of the plates of the capacitor being flexible. The sensor also includes a controller coupled to the primary windings, the controller introducing an input signal to the primary windings and receive a return signal from the primary windings, the return signal resulting from the input signal being transferred through the secondary windings to the capacitor and back through the secondary windings to the primary windings. The controller determines the absolute pressure from the return signal.
US09828838B2

An assembly for restricting fluid flow into a completion string of a well and restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics is presented. The assembly includes an adjustable inflow control device. The adjustable inflow control device is for restricting flow of production fluids into the completion string. The assembly also includes a first autonomous inflow control device fluidly coupled to the inflow control device for restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics. Others systems and methods are presented.
US09828835B2

A telescoping joint is used to space out ends of a string and distribute the string weight between the tie-down locations. The joint can be compressed to reduce its length but has a locking mechanism that prevents extension under tensile loading. The seals in the joint provide a longer service life due to minimization of relative movement in the expansion joint components. The locking mechanism is preferably a ratchet system that uses a body lock ring that is enabled after breaking a shear pin.
US09828829B2

A completion system includes a lower completion installed in a borehole proximate to a downhole formation. An intermediate completion assembly is included directly engaged with the lower completion. The intermediate completion assembly includes a barrier valve and packer device. The barrier valve is operatively arranged to selectively impede fluid flow through the lower completion and the packer device operatively arranged for isolating the formation. An upper completion string is included that is selectably engagable with the intermediate completion assembly. The barrier valve is operatively arranged to be transitionable to an open position when engaged with the upper completion string and transitions to a closed position via the upper completion string when the upper completion string is pulled out of the borehole. A method of completing a borehole is also included.
US09828827B2

A composite plug that can be used in fracturing has backup rings for the seal that are preferably made of a composite material. The backup rings are essentially connected segments that allow the connections to break when the plug is set and the cones are brought closer together. When the rings break to form gaps between segments in a specific ring, the adjacent ring has offset gaps so that as a whole there are no extrusion gaps that would allow the seal element to pass. The rings can be rotationally locked to each other initially at the adjacent segments that are formed when the plug is set to maintain their relative positions so that gaps between segments adjacent the seal are overlapped with segments from the adjacent ring. The segmenting backup rings can be used on one or on both sides of a sealing element.
US09828823B2

A hang-off system for suspending a rod string within a well is provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes a hang-off ram of a blowout preventer and a hang-off sub sized to fit within a bore of the blowout preventer. The hang-off ram and the hang-off sub have complementary surfaces that enable the hang-off ram to engage the hang-off sub within the blowout preventer to facilitate suspension of a sucker-rod string in a well from the hang-off sub. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
US09828818B2

Downhole apparatus comprises first and second tools for location in a tubing string. The first tool has a first seat of a first diameter and the second tool has a second seat of a second diameter larger than the first diameter. First and second activating devices are provided for use in activating the respective first and second tools. The first activating device includes a first activating profile having an extended diameter larger than the first diameter and smaller than the second diameter and a retracted diameter smaller than the first diameter. The second activating device includes a second activating profile having an extended diameter larger than the second diameter and a retracted diameter smaller than the first diameter.
US09828816B2

A flexible collet on a subterranean tool has sacrificial soft components to protect seal bores through which the collets have to compress to get through. The sacrificial components can be replaced when the tool is removed to the surface. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners are used alone or with washers for height adjustment such that the heads of the fasteners which are softer than the seal bore material ride on the seal bore and take the wear. The tool can ultimately be used to latch into shifting sleeves to move such sleeves to open or close wall ports. Alternatively axial ridges with beveled profile ends can be used or rolling members such as wheels or balls can be used to keep sharp edges off the seal bore. EDM method can be used to create multiple fingers with an axial ridge profile and rounded end transitions.
US09828804B2

Rotary steerable drilling apparatus and methods utilizing apparatus comprising a shaft, a multi-angle strike ring axially repositionable along the shaft, an articulated member coupled to the shaft, and a steering member carried by the articulated member. An actuator is operable to maintain an angular offset of the articulated member relative to the shaft by maintaining azimuthally-dependent contact between the multi-angle strike ring and the steering member.
US09828802B2

A fluid pulse apparatus for down hole drilling having a turbine assembly actuated by a flow of drilling fluid. The apparatus has a narrowed fluid flow section that cooperates with a piston that moves between an open and a fluid flow restricting position. The apparatus has a turbine assembly that rotates in response to a flow of drilling fluid. The turbine apparatus has upper and lower cam surfaces that cooperate with fixed cam followers such that rotation of the turbine assembly and cam action between the cam surfaces and the fixed followers causes the turbine assembly to reciprocate axially. The piston is fixed to either of the upper or the lower cam surfaces such that as the turbine assembly reciprocates axially, the piston moves between the open and the flow restricting positions to create a pulsed fluid flow.
US09828794B2

A kit for articulated connection between dividing panels having a pair of male pieces with a coupling protrusion; and a pair of female pieces with a coupling hole, the protrusions engage the holes when relative vertical movement between the pair of male and female pieces is produced when fixed to the panels. One of the first or second pair of pieces is configured with a depression such that the coupling protrusion or the coupling hole is arranged in the groove. The kit includes an auxiliary piece with a retaining pin actuatable with a lever and with an angled end, fixable to the lateral wing of one of the male pieces, the pin remaining parallel to the lateral wing and outside the panel. Regulated by the lever, the angled retaining end of the pin can be arranged in at least two positions: a release position and a locking position.
US09828791B2

A restraint device having a tubular body with a handle at one end and a telescopic extension rod at the other end which allows the overall length of the body to be selectively adjusted. A cuff is attached to a tether at the end of the rod in a non-deployed position. The tether can be released so a law enforcement officer can loosely control a detainee. Electrical circuitry in the body is connected to electrodes on the lower end of the handle and on the cuff so a disabling charge can be delivered. The device is also useful to civilians as a protective device when jogging, walking, bicycling or the like.
US09828789B2

A handle assembly includes a handle, a handle seal recess, and a hub engaging portion. A hub has a lock receiving surface and a handle engaging portion. A shaft is receivable within the hub and has first and second ends, the first end engaged with the handle, and the second end rotatable by rotating the grasping portion of the handle. A V-ring is disposed within the handle seal recess and engages the hub to prevent moisture ingress between the handle and the hub. The hub has a seal recess and an X-ring and an O-ring disposed therein to seal against the shaft to prevent moisture ingress between the hub and the shaft. Axial pressure applied to the O-ring by the hub engaging portion of the handle causes the O-ring to press against the X-ring to force at least one lobe of the X-ring against the central portion of the shaft.
US09828786B2

The invention relates to a tower of a wind power plant, having a lower part in the form of a lattice tower or truss tower with at least two corner bars, and an upper part in the form of a cross-sectionally substantially round tubular tower, wherein each particular corner bar is put together from a plurality of steel tube profiles that are connected together in the longitudinal direction. In order to achieve good transportability and easier assembly of the components of such a tower, the invention proposes a modular tower concept. According to the invention, each particular corner bar is in this case put together from at least three steel tube profiles which are provided with perforated flanges for holding screws, wherein the corner bars are connected together by cross struts and/or tension struts attached to the flanges, and wherein the steel tube profiles of each particular corner bar are spirally welded steel tube profiles.
US09828784B2

A submersible device for placement in a swimming pool to facilitate the placement of lifeguard stations around the pool. The device includes a base and movable members. The base has a weighted portion with sufficient weight to cause the device to sink to a bottom of the pool. The movable members extend from the base. The movable members have less weight than the base, thereby allowing the movable members to move and sway as the current of water in the pool changes. The device is used to simulate a submerged swimmer/bather in the pool.
US09828778B2

A walkway pad is provided for placement on a flat roof to protect the roof from foot traffic, tools, and/or equipment. The walkway pad includes a body and at least one expansion joint that absorbs thermal movement of the body. A method of manufacturing the walkway pad is also provided.
US09828774B2

A roof drip edge including a roof leg and a drip leg joined to a down leg adapted to protect the intersection of a roof and fascia of a building. Some embodiments include a back drip leg adjacent to the drip leg. Some embodiments include tabs positioned on the roof leg for protection from water infiltration under roof shingles.
US09828773B2

In a column end joint structure for joining an end of a column made of flat wooden material having a rectangular cross-section to a joining member, splitting generation at the end of the column is controlled. An expansion of crack is controlled when splitting generated. A cutout portion is provided in each of ends in a longitudinal direction of a column end face, and a joint fitting is coupled inside the cutout portion by a joint bolt. The joint fitting is coupled to a foundation by an anchor bolt. Joint fittings are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the end face inside each cutout portion. One joint fitting is located contacting or close to a surface of the column inside the cutout portion such that the joint fitting side face and the surface of the column inside the cutout portion restrain a displacement orthogonal to the column axis.
US09828769B2

The invention is about a modular foldable brick that enables architectural elements such as stacked walls, arches, corners, doors, windows and wall niches to be constructed at indoor and outdoor conditions that divides, restricts and secures a certain space; Due to the possibility of folding the storing and carrying of this brick is possible at a minimum weight. The brick is connectable within itself and also attachable to others for constructing architectural elements as wall building systems. The foldable brick provides a foldable brick body that forms the outer walls and an inner wall being formed with three techniques; connecting/fixing (A-B groups)/encircling (C group). All three techniques are related to the forming of the detachable wall building system's entity unit foldable and sustainable brick. All these three techniques are used simultaneously.
US09828768B2

A concrete slab system includes a bed of a first concrete having a top surface and edge surfaces. The bed's top surface has shrinkage cracks and induced cracks. The widths of the induced cracks are greater than widths of the shrinkage cracks. Non-concrete material is disposed on the bed's top surface and on each of the bed's edge surfaces. A second concrete covers the non-concrete material and the bed. The second concrete has stretchable fibers mixed therein.
US09828766B2

A construction block and a wall face structure with high durability and versatility are provided. The construction block including: a front face wall and a rear face wall being parallel to each other; a top face wall with a horizontal groove formed for inserting a horizontal reinforcement; side face walls formed with at least one vertical groove for inserting a vertical reinforcement; at least one vertical hole formed between both of the side face walls and closed off by the top face wall and opened at a bottom face; a plurality of protrusions formed on the bottom face in a shape to engage with the horizontal groove; and recessed slits respectively formed in vertical direction on each side face of the front face wall and the rear face wall, is used.
US09828761B2

A building system that includes a modular panel with side members, at least one of the side members having an associated coupling for hooked connection with a corresponding shaped fixture of an adjacent structure, the coupling and fixture being adapted to be held together by a locking device that, when engaged, acts to lock the structure and the side member together and, when disengaged, allows for play between the panel and structure in order to free the panel from the structure.
US09828756B2

A controllable self-cleaning device for a flushing spray nozzle is provided and includes a self-cleaning pole and a manual control valve. The self-cleaning pole is disposed with an inlet and a flushing hole to clean the flushing spray nozzle. The inlet is connected to the flushing hole. The manual control valve is disposed with an inlet port to connect to the water source and a self-cleaning outlet port. The self-cleaning outlet port of the manual control valve is connected to the inlet of the self-cleaning pole. With the above structure, the outflow of the flushing hole of the self-cleaning pole by the manual control valve is manually controllable, so that the user can control the clean time of the self-cleaning pole manually. For a single cool cover, the controllable self-cleaning device includes the self-cleaning pole to clean the flushing spray nozzle.
US09828751B2

The present invention provides an electronic plumbing fixture fitting, such as an electronic faucet.
US09828749B2

To provide a hybrid wheel loader capable of reliably detecting a short-circuited state of a synchronous generator driven by a drive source. The present invention is provided with an MG 4 being a synchronous generator driven as an electric generator by an engine and operated as a motor by the electric power supplied from an electrical storage device 9, an MG inverter 5 having a motor current sensor 5d for detecting motor current flowing through the MG 4 and semiconductor switches 5a, 5b, and an HCU 10 for detecting a short-circuited state of the MG 4, wherein the HCU 10 determines that the MG 4 is in a short-circuited state when the semiconductor switches 5a, 5b of the MG inverter 5 are in an OFF state at gates and when the motor current detected by the motor current sensor 5d is equal to or greater than a specified threshold value.
US09828745B2

A construction machine is provided which is capable of warming up without an additional hydraulic device. A hydraulic excavator includes a cooling oil line connected to an arm control valve for leading hydraulic oil discharged from the arm control valve to a tank through an oil cooler when the arm control valve is shifted to an extension position, and a non-cooling oil line connected to the arm control valve for leading hydraulic fluid discharged from the arm control valve to the tank running away from the oil cooler when the arm control valve is shifted to a neutral position. The arm control valve includes a guide passage provided at the neutral position for leading hydraulic fluid discharged from a hydraulic pump to the non-cooling oil line.
US09828743B2

A bulldozer comprises a blade, an engine, a selective catalytic reduction device, a reducing agent tank, and a cab. The engine is disposed behind the blade. The selective catalytic reduction device treats exhaust from the engine. The reducing agent tank stores a reducing agent used by the selective catalytic reduction device. The cab is disposed behind the engine. The reducing agent tank is disposed on a first side of a lower part of the cab. At least a part of the reducing agent tank overlaps the cab when viewed from a top view.
US09828742B2

A universal cutter assembly comprising a transport device carrying a plurality of freewheeling cutting elements mounted to freely rotate about an axis, where the axis is canted about two angles with respect to the surface being cut and a line of action imparted by the transport device.
US09828734B1

A pet waste collector includes an elongated handle extending between a rear end and a front end, a loop situated forwardly of the front end configured so that a waste disposal bag can be fit within the loop, and a (preferably bendable) stem situated between the handle front end and the loop. A pet owner can grasp the handle and situate the loop (and the bag therein) beneath the rear of a dog as the dog squats to excrete waste, thereby catching the waste within the bag. The waste-filled bag may then be removed from the loop for disposal. Bending the stem allows the loop (and bag) to be oriented as the pet owner desires for visibility, and for ease of catching the waste.
US09828728B2

The present invention relates to an improved process for producing chemical cellulose pulp wherein biopolymers are added immediately before, during or after a bleaching step, depending on pulp characteristics and on process conditions used. The biopolymers according to the present invention are starches chemically modified by an etherification reaction. This treatment results in a differentiated pulp having improved physical, chemical and mechanical properties when compared with cellulose pulps obtained by traditional processes. The use of said biopolymer alters the relations between important pulp properties rendering their application in papermaking process advantageous. This differentiation increases the possibilities of use and also of new applications, including for the substitution of pulps produced from other cellulose sources. Thus, the present invention also relates to methods of making paper, such as printing, writing, decorative, special or tissue-type papers, through the use of the cellulose pulps modified by the above process.
US09828725B1

A method for making a specialty fiber by activating pulp in an alkaline aqueous medium, then reacting it a water-soluble, multi-functional reagent able to bridge neighboring cellulose chain within a single fiber. The resultant specialty cellulose fibers have high intrinsic viscosity and may be used to make cellulose ethers, cellulose acetate, and viscose.
US09828722B2

For imparting enhanced water-repellency and oil-repellency properties to substrates compositions comprising blends of (A) one or more ester oligomers and (B) one or more polycarbodiimides. Also methods for applying such compositions and articles treated with such compositions.
US09828711B2

A needle plate replacement device including positioning mechanisms provided in an opposing manner in the needle plate and the bed portion, the positioning mechanisms positioning the needle plate to an attaching position in the bed portion; a lock mechanism including a locking member provided in the bed portion and a locked member provided in the needle plate, in which by mounting the needle plate on the attaching position in the bed portion, the locking member and the locked member is locked to each other thus maintaining a locked state; a push-up mechanism provided in the bed portion, the push-up mechanism pushing up the needle plate mounted on the bed portion towards a dismount position above the bed portion; and a release mechanism cancelling the locked state between the locking member and the locked member of the lock mechanism by being interlocked with an operation of the push-up mechanism.
US09828703B2

An apparatus and method for preparing coated cable for a cable conveyor system. The apparatus includes a stripping die, a swaging die, and a spacing fixture spaced from each other at a predetermined interval that corresponds to the spacing interval between discs in a cable conveyor system. The apparatus facilitates the method of stripping a section of coating from the coated cable, and securing a barrel to the cable over the stripped section. The barrel acts as an attachment point for molded discs carried on the cable.
US09828694B2

Provided is a metal film forming method which can form a metal film having excellent adhesion industrially advantageously and a metal film formed by using the method. A method of forming a metal film on a base includes an atomization step of atomizing a raw-material solution into a mist, in which the raw-material is prepared by dissolving or dispersing a metal in an organic solvent containing an oxidant, a chelating agent, or a protonic acid; a carrier-gas supply step of supplying a carrier gas to the mist; a mist supply step of supplying the mist onto the base using the carrier gas; and a metal-film formation step of forming the metal film on part or all of a surface of the base to causing the mist to thermally react.
US09828678B2

The invention relates to a method for depositing a metal M1 onto a carbon layer, as well as to a method for manufacturing an electrode for fuel cells and to a method for manufacturing a fuel cell. The method for depositing a metal M1 onto a porous carbon layer according to the invention includes a step of depositing said metal M1 by means of the electrochemical reduction of an electrolytic solution of a salt of the metal M1, and, prior to said step of depositing the metal M1 by means of electrochemical reduction, a step of depositing a metal M2 by means of chemical reduction using a reducing gas of a salt of the metal M2, the thermodynamic equilibrium potential between the ionic form of the salt of M2 and M2, Eeqionic form of the salt of M2/M2 being greater than the thermodynamic equilibrium potential between the ionic form of the salt of M1 and M1, Eeqionic form of the salt of M1/M1. The invention can be used, in particular, in the field of fuel cells.
US09828669B2

Microwave radiation may be applied to electrochemical devices for rapid thermal processing (RTP) (including annealing, crystallizing, densifying, forming, etc.) of individual layers of the electrochemical devices, as well as device stacks, including bulk and thin film batteries and thin film electrochromic devices. A method of manufacturing an electrochemical device may comprise: depositing a layer of the electrochemical device over a substrate; and microwave annealing the layer, wherein the microwave annealing includes selecting annealing conditions with preferential microwave energy absorption in the layer. An apparatus for forming an electrochemical device may comprise: a first system to deposit an electrochemical device layer over a substrate; and a second system to microwave anneal the layer, wherein the second system is configured to provide preferential microwave energy absorption in the device layer.
US09828666B2

An exemplary embodiment provides a thin film transistor array panel, including: a substrate; an oxide semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate; an insulating layer disposed on the oxide semiconductor layer; and a pixel electrode disposed on the insulating layer. The oxide semiconductor layer includes a first layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer includes an oxide semiconductor including silicon, and the second layer contacts the insulating layer.
US09828665B2

The object of the present invention is to provide a metal plate capable of manufacturing a deposition mask in which dispersion of positions of through-holes is restrained. A thermal recovery rate is defined as parts per million of a difference a distance between to measurement points on a sample before a heat treatment and a distance therebetween after the heat treatment, relative to the distance therebetween before the heat treatment. In this case, an average value of the thermal recovery rates of the respective samples is not less than −10 ppm and not more than +10 ppm, and (2) a dispersion of the thermal recovery rates of the respective samples is not more than 20 ppm.
US09828663B2

Provided is a galvannealed steel sheet with excellent anti-powdering property when press forming is performed, without controlling the contents of chemical elements in steel which are effective for strengthening a steel sheet, such as Si and P, to be low in order to achieve required material properties and without increasing cost due to, for example, processes being complicated. A galvannealed steel sheet with excellent anti-powdering property has a coated layer taking in grains of a base steel sheet such that the grains constitute 2.0% or more and 15.0% or less of the coated layer in terms of cross section area ratio.
US09828657B2

There is provided an Ni-base super alloy which is used for airplane engines and gas turbines for power generation and has favorable mechanical properties at high temperature. The Ni-base super alloy contains 0.001 to 0.1 mass % of C, 1.0 to 4.0 mass % of Al, 2.0 to 4.5 mass % of Ti, 12.0 to 18.0 mass % of Cr, 11.1 to 18.0 mass % of Co, 1.2 to 12.0 mass % of Fe, 1.5 to 6.5 mass % of Mo, 0.5 to 6.0 mass % of W, 0.1 to 3.0 mass % of Nb, 0.001 to 0.05 mass % of B, 0.001 to 0.1 mass % of Zr, and Ni and impurities as a remainder.
US09828656B2

In a Ni-base alloy, an area-equivalent diameter D is calculated. D is defined by D=A1/2 from an area A of a largest nitride in a field of view when an observation area S0 is observed. This process is repeated in n fields of view for measurement, where n is the number of the fields of view for measurement, so as to acquire n pieces of data on D, and the pieces are arranged in ascending order D1, D2, . . . , Dn to obtain a reduced variate yj. The obtained values are plotted on X-Y axis coordinates, where an X axis corresponds to D and a Y axis corresponds to yj. In a regression line yj=a×D+b, yj is obtained when a target cross-sectional area S is set to 100 mm2. When the obtained yj is substituted into the regression line, the estimated nitride maximum size is ≦25 μm in diameter.
US09828653B2

Provided is a method for recycling a lead oxide-containing waste material, comprising: (1) contacting the lead oxide-containing waste material with a desulphurizer under desulphurization reaction conditions, and performing a solid-liquid separation on the mixture after contacting to obtain a filtrate and a filtration residue; (2) performing a conversion reaction on the above-mentioned filtration residue at a temperature of 350-750° C. so as to convert the lead-containing components in the filtration residue into lead oxide; (3) contacting the product obtained from step (2) with an alkaline solution so as to dissolve the PbO therein, and then performing a solid-liquid separation to obtain a PbO-alkaline solution; and (4) crystallizing the PbO-alkaline solution from step (3) to obtain PbO crystals and an alkaline filtrate. The method can reduce the energy consumption.
US09828641B2

The invention provides a method for detection of allergic inflammation in a subject that comprises assaying a test sample of peripheral blood from the subject for a marker of DNA damage. An elevated amount of marker present in the test sample compared to control sample is indicative of inflammation. The method can be adapted for quantitatively monitoring the efficacy of treatment of allergic inflammation in a subject. Markers of DNA damage include single- and/or double-stranded breaks in leukocytes, oxidative DNA damage in leukocytes, or a marker of nitric oxide oxidative activity (protein nitrosylation in leukocytes). This unexpected discovery of markers of systemic genotoxicity present in circulating leukocytes enables detection of allergic inflammation with a relatively simple and minimally invasive assay using peripheral blood.
US09828629B2

The present invention provides for novel methods and compositions for nucleic acid sequence detection. Unique, identifying cleavage fragments from probes, bound to target nucleic acids, are produced during PCR by the 5′-nuclease activity of the polymerase. The identity of the targets can be determined by identifying the unique cleavage fragments.
US09828622B2

The present invention provides photosensitizer compounds for use in detecting beta-lactamase activity. Methods and kits that utilize the photosensitizer compounds of the invention for the detection of, quantitation of, and classification or typing of microbial beta-lactamases.
US09828617B2

Microorganisms and processes for the recombinant manufacture of clavine-type alkaloids such as cycloclavine, festuclavine, agroclavine, chanoclavine and chanoclavine aldehyde, as well as polypeptides, polynucleotides and vectors comprising such polynucleotides which can be applied in a method for the manufacture of clavine-type alkaloids are provided.
US09828610B2

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding. More specifically, the present invention includes a method of using haploid plants for genetic mapping of traits of interest such as disease resistance. Further, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are associated with resistance to Goss' Wilt, a bacterial disease associated with Clavibacter michiganense spp.
US09828601B2

The present invention is directed to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating PD1, PDL1, IDO1, LAG3, TIM3, CTLA4, IDO2, CEACAM1, OX40, and/or OX40L mRNA or protein expression using gene silencing compounds comprising two or more single stranded antisense oligonucleotides that are linked through their 5′-ends to allow the presence of two or more accessible 3′-ends.
US09828599B2

Methods for selecting a binding-element are provided. The method comprised of different steps. A first mixture is formed using at least one target molecule and a plurality of oligomers, followed by incubating the first mixture to form a second mixture comprising at least one target-bound oligomer and at least one target-unbound oligomer. Then a first accelerator is added to cleave the target-unbound oligomer and the target-bound oligomer is separated from the target molecule. This is followed by addition of a second accelerator for ligation, and a third accelerator for amplification followed by sequencing and post sequence analysis to select the binding-element.
US09828598B2

Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle.
US09828592B2

The present disclosure provides a sophorolipid composition that can be used for inducing protein expression in a fermentation host. The sophorolipid composition described herein can be prepared from a natural sophorolipid mixture. Acid treatment of the natural sophorolipid mixture results in a mixture of monoacetylated, deacetylated, and/or diacetylated sophorolipids. The chemically modified sophorolipid composition, or isolated components of the chemically modified sophorolipid composition, can be used as inducers for protein production in filamentous fungi.
US09828591B2

Described are compositions and methods relating to the thermostable fungal cellulase enzyme, EGV, and Trichoderma host cells having a modification comprising or consisting essentially of disruption or deletion of nucleotide(s) for expression of this cellulose, whereby EGV expression is prevented.
US09828589B2

The present invention pertains to the recombinant manufacture of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Specifically, it relates to acyltransferase polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding said acyltransferases as well as vectors, host cells, non-human transgenic organisms containing said polynucleotides. Moreover, the present invention contemplates methods for the manufacture of polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as oils obtained by such methods.
US09828588B2

The present invention provides a stable cell line overexpressing a recombinant vitamin K-dependent (VKD) protein and both a recombinant vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) and a recombinant vitamin K dependent gamma carboxylase (VKGC), wherein the amount of fully carboxylated VKD protein produced in the cell is increased 10% as compared to the amount of fully carboxylated VKD protein produced in the cell in the absence of the recombinant VKOR and the recombinant VKGC.
US09828584B2

The present invention relates to the in vitro production of erythrocytes/granulocytes and to the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome using a method for inducing hemoblast differentiation. The present invention provides a media composition comprising gelsolin as an active ingredient for inducing the differentiation of hematopoietic precursor cells into erythrocytes/granulocytes, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising gelsolin as an active ingredient for treating myelodysplastic syndrome. Since the composition of the present invention improves the efficiency of differentiation of hematopoietic precursor cells into erythrocytes/granulocytes while maintaining a low rate of occurrence of cell dysplasia and having the effect of improving the enucleation rate and cell survivability, the present invention can be effectively used for producing erythrocytes/granulocytes in vitro and for treating myelodysplastic syndrome.
US09828579B2

A cell culture apparatus comprises at least one storage space, at least one barrier, a working space, a sterilization space, and a control space. The at least one storage space comprises a container shelf, an upright track, a rotatable holder, and a light tube. The working space comprises a filling station and an inspecting station. The filling station comprises a first delivering device, an open-close device, and a filling mechanism. The inspecting station comprises a first inspecting mechanism and a second delivering device. Also provided is a method of using the cell culture apparatus including steps of filling, inspecting, or collecting cell cultures, therefore, the cell culture apparatus performs multiple cell culture processes automatically.
US09828576B2

The disclosure relates to the fabrication of a three dimensional [3-D] cell culture membrane comprising one or more functionalized surfaces adapted to provide cell culture conditions suitable for the analysis of proliferation, differentiation or function of cells, typically eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells.
US09828575B2

The present invention relates to a cleaner composition. Specifically, the present invention relates to a cleaner composition that can be used to remove metal oxides and metal abrasive particles arising during metal polishing, such as chemical mechanical planarization (CMP). The cleaner composition has an improved ability to complex with metal abrasive particles. In addition, the cleaner composition maintains its ability to reduce metal abrasive particles, achieving improved stability. Therefore, the cleaner composition can be used for cleaning the surface of a metal with an increased ability to prevent corrosion of the metal surface.
US09828572B2

A method is provided for removing a volatile organic compound (VOC) contained in an artificial leather fabric and odor caused by the volatile organic compound by coating the artificial leather fabric with an adsorbent which reacts with a noxious substance containing the volatile organic compound (VOC); and immersing; washing; and drying the reacted artificial leather fabric. The method includes coating the adsorbent and immobilizing the volatile organic compound through a reaction, to prevent volatilization of the organic compound or reduce an amount thereof. Further, after the reaction between the artificial leather fabric and the adsorbent, the artificial leather fabric is washed, to remove the volatile organic compound immobilized on a surface of the fabric from the artificial leather.
US09828570B2

Fatty amine compositions made from a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives are disclosed. In another aspect, fatty amidoamines made by reacting a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives with an aminoalkyl-substituted tertiary amine are disclosed. The fatty amines or amidoamines are advantageously sulfonated, sulfitated, oxidized, or reduced. In other aspects, the ester derivative is a modified triglyceride made by self-metathesis of a natural oil or an unsaturated triglyceride made by cross-metathesis of a natural oil with an olefin.
US09828560B2

The lifetime of artificial lift systems, such as progressing cavity pumps (PCPs), used to transport aqueous slurries which contain fine particles, e.g. coal fines, may be prolonged by incorporation of at least one dispersant in the slurries. The dispersants act to inhibit or prevent the fine particles from agglomerating to plug the artificial lift intake and/or inhibit or prevent the agglomerated coal fines settling above the artificial lift system. The dispersant may also improve the lubricity of the slurry.
US09828555B2

The invention concerns with improved and more flexible deasphalting process for production of lube oil base stock as well as feed stock for secondary processes depending on requirement from heavy residual hydrocarbon oil containing saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltenes etc by contacting the oil with a solvent comprising of hydrocarbon containing two to six carbon atoms, preferably LPG having C3-C4 hydrocarbons and mixture thereof at predetermined deasphalting conditions wherein the yield of deasphalted oil including its quality is controlled by varying the deasphalting conditions including the operating temperature. The yield variations of 15 to 60 wt % is achieved by swinging the temperature by about 10-20° C. within the operative temperature range of 70-130° C. keeping the rest of the operating conditions including solvent to feed ratio same. The LPG solvent can be recovered using supercritical mode of operation using technology known in the art and recycled.
US09828550B2

Provided are a liquid crystal device, a composition capable of forming a liquid crystal layer, a method of manufacturing the liquid crystal device, a system for manufacturing the liquid crystal device, and a use of the liquid crystal device. The liquid crystal device is a device capable of exhibiting, for example, a normally white or black mode, which may exhibit a high contrast ratio and be driven with a low driving voltage, and exhibit excellent durability such as thermal stability. Such a liquid crystal device may be applied to various optical modulators such as a smart window, a window protective film, a flexible display device, an active retarder for displaying 3D images, or a viewing angle control film.
US09828548B2

There is provided a liquid crystal composition which enables a significant reduction in crystallization temperature as compared with addition of a homolog while having a similar skeleton structure, which has an excellent compatibility, and which enables an increase in the absolute value of negative dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈). The liquid crystal composition contains two or more compounds which each have two to four ring structures between two side chains. At least one of the ring structures is a 2,3-difluorobenzene skeleton. The two side chains are bonded to different ring structures. The positions of the 2,3-difluorobenzene skeletons are different from each other, and the number of the ring structures are the same as each other.
US09828546B2

A method can be used for producing a powdery precursor material for an optoelectronic component having a first phase of the following general composition (Ca1-a-b-c-d-eZndMgeSrcBabXa)2Si5N8, wherein X is an activator that is selected from the group of the lanthanoids and wherein the following applies: 0
US09828538B2

A thermally conductive resin filler including a sintered body containing at least magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, and silicon oxide, the thermally conductive filler being characterized in that, when the molar number of calcium element contained in the total composition of the sintered body in terms of calcium oxide (CaO) is defined as MCa, and the molar number of silicon element contained in the total composition of the sintered body in terms of silicon oxide (SiO2) is defined as MSi, the molar ratio of the calcium oxide (CaO) to the silicon oxide (SiO2) represented by MCa/MSi is in the range of 0.1 or more and less than 2.0.
US09828535B2

The present invention provides a hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive being highly environmentally-friendly, as well having sufficient adhesion, thermal stability and coating performance, and also having an excellent hand-peeling property and alkali-peeling property. The present invention relates to a hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive for labeling comprising: (A) a polar functional group-modified conjugated diene-based polymer, (B) an aliphatic polyester-based resin, and (C) a tackifier resin.
US09828531B2

Provided is an adhesive composition comprising a continuous aqueous medium and further comprising (i) particles of a polymer dispersed in said aqueous medium; and (ii) particles comprising fatty amide and one or more fatty acid, wherein 50 mole % or more of said fatty acid is in the carboxylate form, and wherein the weight ratio of said fatty amide to said fatty acid is from 0.12:1 to 2.3:1, wherein said particles comprising fatty amide and one or more fatty acid are dispersed in said aqueous medium. Also provided is a method of bonding substrates using such an adhesive composition and a bonded structure made by such a method.
US09828527B2

Described is a chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) composition comprising the following components: (A) surface modified silica particles having a negative zeta potential of −15 mV or below at a pH in the range of from 2 to 6 (B) N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis-(2-hydroxypropyl)-ethylenediamine or methanesulfonic acid (C) water (D) optionally one or more further constituents, wherein the pH of the composition is in the range of from 2 to 6.
US09828524B2

In one aspect, the invention has an object of providing antifouling coating compositions which have high resistance to fouling, in particular, fouling by slime, can form coating films with excellent properties such as strength and rubber properties, exhibit appropriate viscosity (sprayability and coating film surface leveling properties during spray coating) and sagging resistance, and have high storage stability suppressing deteriorations of these properties. To achieve the object, the invention provides an antifouling coating composition including (A) a diorganopolysiloxane having at least two silanol groups in the molecule, (B) an organosilane and/or a partial hydrolyzate condensate thereof having at least two hydrolyzable groups in the molecule, and (C) a pyrithione metal salt. The antifouling coating composition can be prepared from a kit in the form of a multiple-component system including respective packages of a component including the component (A) and the component (C), and a component including the component (B). In the (kit for the preparation of the) antifouling coating composition, the pyrithione metal salt (C) functions as an effective ingredient for achieving excellent antifouling properties, in particular, anti-sliming properties, and also as an effective ingredient for improving storage stability.
US09828523B2

A method for decreasing the vapor permeability of a water and air barrier treated substrate that includes treating the substrate with a liquid applied, vapor permeable air and water barrier coating composition comprising a cross-linked polysiloxane dispersion composition.
US09828519B2

A resin composition for forming a phase-separated structure, including a block copolymer, and an ion liquid containing a compound having a cation moiety and an anion moiety, the anion moiety being represented by general formula (a1), (a2) or (a3), in which X″ represents an alkylene group of 2 to 6 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a fluorine atom; Y″ and Z″ each independently represents an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen atom is substituted with a fluorine atom; R″ represents an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms in which at least one hydrogen atom is optionally substituted with a fluorine atom, m represents an integer of 1 to 6, and n represents an integer of 0 to 5, provided that m+n=6.
US09828516B2

A paint composition producing paint films which change from an achromatic color to a chromatic color when the angle of incidence of the light with respect to the normal to the paint film plane is changed. The paint composition comprises (A) glitter material which has an angle-dependent interference effect and (B) metal oxide coated mica and/or metal oxide coated alumina flakes in proportions where the content ratio ((A)/(B)) of the (A) component with respect to the (B) component, as the solid fraction mass ratio, is from 2.5/1 to 1/6 and in which the interference color of the (A) component and the interference color of the (B) component at a face angle of the paint film have a complementary color relationship.
US09828501B2

A flame retardant containing composition resistant to becoming sticky from moisture is prepared by the introduction of epoxy containing compound either into the ethyleneamine polyphosphates or into the polymeric composition.
US09828498B2

The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of a vinyl acetate polymer comprising the step of polymerizing vinyl acetate under emulsion polymerization conditions in the presence of a chain transfer agent which is a hypophosphite salt or X—R1—SH, where R1 is a C1-C4 alkyl group and X is sulfonate, hydroxyl, sulfate, phosphate, phosphonate, carboxylic acid or a salt thereof, or C1-C3-alkyl carboxylate. The process provides a way of lowering the viscosity of the vinyl acetate polymer at a given solids content.
US09828496B2

The invention provides a composition comprising a first ethylene-based polymer, formed by a high pressure, free-radical polymerization process, and a second ethylene-based polymer, formed by a high pressure, free-radical polymerization process, such composition comprising the following properties: a) a melt index (12) from 2.0 to 10 dg/min; b) a density from 0.922 to 0.935 g/cc; and wherein the second ethylene-based polymer is present in an amount from 60 to 95 weight percent, based on the sum of the weight of the first polymer and the second polymer; and wherein the second ethylene-based polymer has a density greater than, or equal to, 0.924 g/cc; and wherein the first ethylene-based polymer has a melt index less than 2.5 dg/min.
US09828486B2

A halogenated polysaccharide is provided having a halogen content of from about 1.0 wt. % to about 85 wt. % based on the total weight of the halogenated polysaccharide and having an average chain length of at least 6 monosaccharides. Methods of halogenating a polysaccharide to form a halogenated polysaccharide are provided that can be performed in the presence or absence of a proton solvent. Compositions such as articles of manufacture containing a halogenated polysaccharide and methods of producing such articles are also provided. The article of manufacture can also include one or more additional polymers, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC). The article of manufacture can be, for example, a flooring tile, flooring plank, or carpet. Halogenated polysaccharides and products containing the same are bio-based, environmentally sustainable replacements or complements to existing polymers and polymer products.
US09828482B2

Reversibly cross-linkable foam is provided. The reversibly cross-linked foam includes a first polymeric material, at least one reversibly cross-linkable monomer polymerized with the first polymeric material, and at least one blowing agent. The reversibly cross-linkable co-polymeric foam is thermally stable at temperatures of at least 10 degrees higher than otherwise identical polymeric foam that does not include the reversibly cross-linkable agent polymerized with the first polymeric material.
US09828476B2

The instant invention provides a linear low density polyethylene composition suitable for cast film, films made therefrom, and packaging devices comprising one or more such film layers. The linear low density polyethylene composition suitable for cast film according to the present invention comprises an ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer composition having a Comonomer Distribution Constant (CDC) in the range of from 40 to 200, for example from 40 to 150, a vinyl unsaturation of less than 0.12 vinyls per one thousand carbon atoms present in the backbone of the ethylene-based polymer composition; a zero shear viscosity ratio (ZSVR) in the range from 1.2 to 5, for example from 1.5 to 4; a density in the range of from 0.910 to 0.935, for example from 0.915 to 0.925, g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in a range of from 1 to 10, for example from 2 to 6 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 2 to 3.5.
US09828467B2

This disclosure describes new compositions and methods related to photoresponsive poly(hexahydrotriazines) and related polymers.
US09828461B2

This disclosure relates to an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester of poly(butylene-co-adipate terephthalate) that is prepared from recycled polyethylene terephthalate in the presence of titanium catalyst and a phosphorous containing compound. The copolyester is contaminated with little or no ethylene glycol and/or isophthalic acid, which are artifacts of preparing the copolyester from recycled PET. Advantageously, because there is little or no contamination from ethylene glycol and/or isophthalic acid in the copolyester, there is essentially no depression in the material's melting temperature.
US09828460B2

A solid electrolytic capacitor is obtained by a method comprising dissolving a polymerizable material for being converted into a conductive polymer in a water-soluble organic solvent to obtain a solution, adding the solution to water while homogenizing the solution to obtain a sol, immersing an anode body having a dielectric layer in the surface of the anode body in the sol, and applying voltage using the anode body as a positive electrode and a counter electrode as a negative electrode placed in the sol to electropolymerize the polymerizable material. An electropolymerizable liquid for producing a conductive polymer, the liquid composed of a sol comprising water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and a polymerizable material for being converted into the conductive polymer.
US09828445B1

Synthesis of modified chitosan particles for oral insulin delivery includes amidation of chitosan with a fatty acid, a modified fatty acid, and/or an amino acid. The amidated chitosan can be grafted with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and cross-linked to provide the modified chitosan particles.
US09828442B2

The present invention provides a method to prepare polysaccharides from Hirsutella sinensis. The prepared polysaccharides can reduce hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and can therefore be used to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes and related conditions.
US09828436B2

Disclosed herein are antibodies which specifically bind to at least one epitope defined by the immunogenic glycopeptide. Other aspects of the present disclosure are pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody; and method for preventing and/or treating Globo-H-positive cancer.
US09828435B2

Provided herein are methods for inhibiting, delaying, or reducing tumor growth and metastases of plexin-B1-expressing cancer cells in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an isolated binding molecule which specifically binds to semaphorin-4D (SEMA4D) in combination with an effective amount of at least one other immune modulating therapy.
US09828433B2

The present invention relates to silent Fc variants of anti-CD40 antibodies and compositions and methods of use of said antibodies for treating pathological disorders such as autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and/or for preventing or reducing the risk of graft rejection in transplantation.
US09828431B2

Use of antagonists to IL-31Ra and OSMRb are used to treat inflammation and pain by inhibiting, preventing, reducing, minimizing, limiting or minimizing stimulation in neuronal tissues. Such antagonists include soluble receptors, antibodies and fragments, derivative, or variants thereof. Symptoms such as pain, tingle, sensitization, tickle associated with neuropathies are ameliorated.
US09828430B2

This invention provides fully human monoclonal antibodies that recognize the IL-6/IL-6R complex. The invention further provides methods of using such monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic, diagnostic, and prophylactic.
US09828429B2

Provided are methods for modifying the isoelectric point of an antibody while retaining its antigen-binding activity, comprising modifying the charge of at least one exposable amino acid residue on the surface of the complementarity determining region (CDR). Also provided are methods for purifying multispecific antibodies, comprising modifying isoelectric point, and methods for improving the plasma pharmacokinetics of antibodies with a modified isoelectric point. Antibodies with a modified isoelectric point, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies as an active ingredient, and methods for producing the antibodies and compositions are also disclosed.
US09828427B2

The present invention provides antigen-binding proteins capable of binding to KIR3D polypeptides. The antibodies have increased activity in the treatment of disorders characterized by KIR3DL2-expressing cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, including malignancies such as Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome.
US09828426B2

Novel antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to KAAG1 and which may be used in the treatment, detection and diagnosis of cancer comprising KAAG1-expressing cells are disclosed herein. Cells expressing the antibodies and antigen binding fragments as well as methods of detecting and treating cancer using the antibodies and fragments are also disclosed. Cancer indications which may benefit from such treatment or detection include ovarian cancer, renal cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, brain cancer, and prostate cancer, as well as melanomas.
US09828402B2

A film-forming composition including a 3-intracyclic cyclopentadienyl precursor and dimethyethylamine is useful for Atomic Layer Deposition, and improves viscosity and volatility while maintaining unique features of metal precursors.
US09828393B2

Silylalkyloxyaryl compounds useful as anti-cancer agents. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are particularly useful for the treatment of melanoma, colon, neuroblastoma, bladder, breast, lung, pancreatic, melanoma, sarcoma, lymphoma or gastric cancer.
US09828386B2

The present invention discloses a sulfur-substituted podophyllotoxin derivative, synthesis method thereof, and use thereof. The present invention introduces a rigid aromatic heterocyclic compound, as well as a further sulfonamidated product of 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole, 2-amino-5-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole, 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride, or 4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride as a substituent group, into position 4 of the C-ring of podophyllotoxin or 4′-demethylepipodophyllotoxin to obtain the podophyllotoxin derivative shown in formula (V), said derivative having significantly increased antitumor activity and reduced toxic side effects. Experiments on in vitro tumor cell inhibition indicate that the antitumor activity of the compound of formula (V) of the present invention is significantly higher than the antitumor activity of podophyllotoxin or 4′-demethylepipodophyllotoxin.
US09828383B1

Described herein is the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitor 1-((R)-3-(4-amino-3-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)piperidin-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, including crystalline forms, solvates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the Btk inhibitor, as well as methods of using the Btk inhibitor, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US09828381B2

Compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, L1 and G1 are as defined in the specification, are useful in treating conditions or disorders prevented by or ameliorated by positive allosteric modulation of the γ-aminobutyric acid B (GABA-B) receptor. Methods for making the compounds are described. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions of compounds of formula (I), and methods for using such compounds and compositions.
US09828378B2

The present invention provides chemical entities or compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that are capable of modulating certain protein kinases such as mTor, tyrosine kinases, and/or lipid kinases such as PI3 kinase. Also provided in the present invention are methods of using these compositions to modulate activities of one or more of these kinases, especially for therapeutic applications.
US09828363B2

The present invention is directed to certain fused pyrimidines having a homo or hetero cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl ring as the pyrimidine fusion partner; having an amino benzyl or substituted amino benzyl group at the 4 position of the pyrimidine ring; and a 5:6 heterobicyclo ring with at least one N, O or S at the 2 position of the pyrimidine ring. These compounds are useful for treatment of cancer by inhibition of the p97 complex.
US09828361B2

Provided are 4′-arylmethoxy isoindoline compounds, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, clathrates, stereoisomers, and prodrugs thereof. Methods of use, and pharmaceutical compositions of these compounds are disclosed.
US09828355B2

The material for forming an underlayer film for lithography of the present invention contains a compound represented by the following general formula (1). (in formula (1), each X independently represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R1 represents a single bond or a 2n-valent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, the hydrocarbon group may have a cyclic hydrocarbon group, a double bond, a hetero atom or an aromatic group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, and each R2 independently represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, or a hydroxyl group, provided that at least one R2 represents a hydroxyl group, each m is independently an integer of 1 to 4, n is an integer of 1 to 4, and p is 0 or 1.)
US09828352B2

The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof wherein Ar′, R1, R2, R3, R4, X, Y are as defined in the description of invention, as multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) that are at the same time inhibitors of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme and modulators of the D3 dopamine receptor (D3DR), their methods of preparation, formulations and therapeutic applications thereof.
US09828350B2

The present invention relates to novel 5,6-dihydro-2H-[1,4]oxazin-3-ylamine derivatives as inhibitors of beta-secretase, also known as beta-site amyloid cleaving enzyme, BACE, BACE1, Asp2, or memapsin2. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, to processes for preparing such compounds and compositions, and to the use of such compounds and compositions for the prevention and treatment of disorders in which beta-secretase is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment, senility, dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, Down's syndrome, dementia associated with stroke, dementia associated with Parkinson's disease and dementia associated with beta-amyloid.
US09828348B2

The invention provides compounds that are useful as sodium channel blockers. In one aspect, the invention provides compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, or diastereomers thereof, wherein W1, W2, W3, W4, U, G, m, R1, and R2 are defined in the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the invention provides compounds of Formulae II to V as set forth supra. The invention also provides the use of compounds of any of the above discussed formulae to treat a disorder responsive to blockade of sodium channels. In one embodiment, Compounds of the Invention are useful for treating pain.
US09828342B2

One aspect of the invention relates to novel isatin derivative compounds and the pharmaceutical composition thereof. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of using the isatin derivative compounds disclosed herein and the pharmaceutical compositions thereof. In certain embodiments, the method is used to treat a cancer or a tumor in a subject including, without limitation, prostate cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma. In certain embodiment, the method is used to treat a condition in a subject that can be regulated by the activation of one or more proteins such as EGFR, Erk1/2, Her2/Neu, Jak2, Src, Stat3, Akt, Cyclin B1, and Cdc25C. In certain embodiment, the method is used to treat a condition in a subject that can be regulated by the disruption of microtubule formations.
US09828325B2

Methods for catalytically dehydrating lactate salt to acrylic acid, acrylate salt, or mixtures thereof with high yield and selectivity and without significant conversion to undesired side products, such as, acetaldehyde, propionic acid, and acetic acid, are provided. The catalysts include acid-base bifunctional catalysts.
US09828324B2

The present teachings are directed at 1,1-disubstituted alkene monomers (e.g., methylene beta-diketone monomers), methods for producing the same, and compositions and products formed therefrom. In the method for producing the monomer, a beta-diketone is preferably reacted with a source of formaldehyde in a modified Knoevenagel reaction optionally in the presence of an acidic or basic catalyst, and optionally in the presence of an acidic or non-acidic solvent, to form reaction complex. The reaction complex may be an oligomeric complex. The reaction complex is subjected to vaporization in order to isolate the monomer. The monomer(s) may be employed in compositions and products, including monomer-based products (e.g., inks, adhesives, coatings, sealants or reactive molding) and polymer-based products (e.g., fibers, films, sheets, medical polymers, composite polymers and surfactants).
US09828313B2

There are provided methods and systems for an electrochemical cell including an anode and a cathode where the anode is contacted with a metal ion that converts the metal ion from a lower oxidation state to a higher oxidation state. The metal ion in the higher oxidation state is reacted with an unsaturated hydrocarbon and/or a saturated hydrocarbon to form products. Separation and/or purification of the products as well as of the metal ions in the lower oxidation state and the higher oxidation state, is provided herein.
US09828299B2

Methods for rendering micellar coordination complexes for the treatment of plants, comprising the steps of mixing one or more ketoesters with other nutrients resulting in water-borne availability; applying a suitable volume of the resulting mixture to one or more plants; delivery to green plants; nutrimentally based growth of crops; and compositions for the same.
US09828298B2

Disclosed are cement compositions for applying to honeycomb bodies as a plugging cement composition, segment cement, or even as an after-applied artificial skin or coating. The cement compositions generally comprise an inorganic powder batch mixture; an organic binder; a liquid vehicle; and a gelled inorganic binder. Also disclosed are honeycomb bodies having the disclosed cement compositions applied thereto, and methods for making same.
US09828297B2

An anticorrosion agent comprising (A) an organosilicon compound of formula (1) R1—Si—(OR2)3  (1) and (B) an amine compound of formula (2) and/or an amine compound of formula (3) is applied to steel-reinforced concrete to prevent corrosion of the steel reinforcement.
US09828282B2

Embodiments of glass ceramic articles and precursor glasses are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the glass-ceramic articles are transparent and include a nepheline phase and a phosphate phase. The glass-ceramic articles are colorless and exhibit a transmittance of about 70% or greater across the visible spectrum. The glass-ceramic articles may optionally include a lithium aluminosilicate phase. The crystals of the glass-ceramic articles may have a major cross-section of about 100 nm or less.
US09828270B2

A treatment system is provided and comprises a precipitation unit and a recovery unit. The precipitation unit is configured to treat a solution using one or more miscible organic solvents to produce a mixture of precipitate solids and a liquid. The recovery unit is in fluid communication with the precipitation unit and configured to facilitate separating the liquid at least into an organic phase liquid and an aqueous phase liquid comprising a portion of the one or more miscible organic solvents. The treatment system further comprises a purification unit comprising one or more membrane devices in fluid communication with the recovery unit and configured to separate at least a portion of the one or more miscible organic solvents in the aqueous phase liquid from the aqueous phase liquid. A treatment system and a treatment process are also presented.
US09828269B2

Water treatment compositions are provided that are effective for mitigating corrosion or fouling of surfaces in contact with aqueous systems. The water treatment compositions can include one or more azole compounds, one or more transition metals, and one or more dispersants, in addition to various other additives. The water treatment compositions can exclude phosphorus and still be effective. Methods for mitigating corrosion or fouling of a surface in an aqueous system are also provided.
US09828256B2

Provided is a method for producing hematite for ironmaking, capable of using a conventional Ca-based neutralizing agent and a base rock-derived neutralizing agent other than the Ca-based neutralizing agent. The method is performed by a process of adding a mineral acid and an oxidizing agent to an ore containing iron and a valuable metal and then leaching the valuable metal under high temperature and pressure, and includes (1) a high-pressure acid leaching step, (2) a preliminary neutralization step, (3) a first solid-liquid separation step, (4) a neutralization step, (5) a second neutralization step, (6) a third solid-liquid separation step, (7) a step of adding part of the Fe-enriched slurry as a seed crystal in the neutralization step (4), and (8) a second solid-liquid separation step.
US09828246B2

The invention relates to a process for the production of liquid hydrocarbons by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in which the reforming section of the plant comprises a process line comprising autothermal reforming (ATR) (5) or catalytic partial oxidation (CPO), and a separate process line comprising steam methane reforming (SMR) (8).
US09828242B2

An accelerometer includes a measurement mass, a top cap silicon wafer and a bottom cap silicon wafer, both of which are coupled with the measurement mass. The measurement mass includes a support frame, a mass, and a plurality of resilient beams. The mass and the resilient beams are located within the support frame. The mass and the support frame are connected by several sets of the resilient beams, and each set comprises two resilient folding beams. The resilient folding beams are symmetrically provided with respect to the midline of the mass. A connection beam is provided in between each set of the resilient folding beams to connect the resilient folding beams together. Silicon wafers with electrodes are bonded on the top and bottom surfaces of the measurement mass, and form a capacitor with the measurement mass. The accelerometer has a large mode isolation ratio and is symmetrical in high order vibrational modes, which further decreases the noise of a MEMS chip. Therefore, the accelerometer provides the advantages of high measurement accuracy, high stability, and low noise.
US09828239B2

A method of making a system-in-package device, and a system-in-package device is disclosed. In the method, at least one first species die with predetermined dimensions, at least one second species die with predetermined dimensions, and at least one further component of the system-in-device is included in the system-in package device. At least one of the first and second species dies is selected for redimensioning, and material is added to at least one side of the selected die such that the added material and the selected die form a redimensioned die structure. A connecting layer is formed on the redimensioned die structure. The redimensioned die structure is dimensioned to allow mounting of the non-selected die and the at least one further component into contact with the redimensioned die structure via the connecting layer.
US09828233B2

Described herein is a fuel authorization program that vehicles enrolled in the fuel authorization program to provide fuel tank sensor data in each fuel authorization request, so that an amount of fuel authorized will be limited to the amount needed to fill the vehicle's fuel tank, reducing a likelihood that fuel will be diverted. In at least some embodiments, the fuel authorization controller at the vehicle automatically uses the fuel tank sensor data and known tank size to include in a fuel authorization request sent to a fuel vendor data defining how much fuel is required to fill the vehicle fuel tanks. In at least some embodiments, the fuel vendor consults data from a source other than the vehicle (such as records maintained by the fuel authorization program) to determine how large the vehicles fuel tanks are, and to calculate how much fuel is required.
US09828230B2

Spill and contaminant resistant dispensers and measuring cap devices and methods for measuring and dispensing a desired amount of a bulk particulate, powdery, granular or viscous liquid substance from a storage container through a cap or a dispenser are provided. A dispenser and measuring cap is attached to a storage container or comprises an integral storage container. The dispenser and measuring cap has one or more measuring chamber ducts, each having a different predetermined volume. The measuring chamber ducts are selectively and separately operationally aligned with an internal funnel stem and a dispensing spout. A selected measuring chamber duct is filled with the substance by inverting the cap and attached container. A measured amount of the substance is captured and dispensed, and the unused portion of the substance retained in the storage container without exposure to outside contaminants or implements, by rotating the duct into operational alignment with the spout.
US09828223B2

A fork-lift truck includes a load carrier, a first optical detector, an optical analyzing unit, and a second optical detector. The analyzing unit receives and analyses information from the second optical detector, wherein the first and second optical detector are movable together with the load carrier, and the first optical detector is positioned in relation to the load carrier, such that a first field of view includes at least a part of the load carrier and an extension of the load carrier. The second optical detector is positioned, such that a second field of view includes a predetermined volume above the load carrier The position and orientation of the second detector is calibrated in relation to a predetermined position on the fork-lift truck, in case one or more objects are positioned in the predetermined volume, at least one three-dimensional relative position can be determined.
US09828214B2

A hoisting device rope has a width larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material, said composite material comprising non-metallic reinforcing fibers, which include carbon fiber or glass fiber, in a polymer matrix. An elevator includes a drive sheave, an elevator car and a rope system for moving the elevator car by means of the drive sheave. The rope system includes at least one rope that has a width that is larger than a thickness thereof in a transverse direction of the rope. The rope includes a load-bearing part made of a composite material. The composite material includes reinforcing fibers in a polymer matrix.
US09828206B2

A method of winding a conductor in double pancake, including a first pancake and a second pancake, a reel initially containing the conductor, the method including: a first step in which the reel is placed on a tensioner and a first portion of the conductor is wound around a storage volume; a second step in which a first part of the conductor is inserted in a winding mandrel to change the layer; a third step in which a second portion of the conductor is wound around a first part of the storage volume so as to form a first pancake; a fourth step in which the first portion of the conductor is unwound from the storage volume and is wound around the reel; and a fifth step in which the first portion of the conductor is wound around a second part of the storage volume to form a second pancake.
US09828203B2

The present invention is to provide a sheet aligning apparatus that is capable of detecting misalignment. A control portion of a post-processing apparatus causes a front aligning member and a rear aligning member to be moved to an aligning position to align sheets conveyed to a processing tray, and determines whether an electrostatic capacitance sensor detects misalignment (sheet shifting from a sheet bundle). After the control portion determines that there is no misalignment, the control portion performs detection strength adjusting for a sensor and initial value setting for detecting misalignment of a next sheet.
US09828190B2

The invention relates to a conveying device having a first and a second conveyor belt and a moveable turnout which directs a flow of products onto the first and/or second conveyor belt.
US09828184B1

A portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly that includes a feeder conveyor configured to transport a construction material toward a distal end of the feeder conveyor and a main conveyor boom assembly including a plurality of main conveyor boom sections. The plurality of main conveyor boom sections may include a proximal main conveyor boom section and a distal main conveyor boom section that is rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of main conveyor boom sections about a revolution joint, has a second main conveyor belt spanning from a first end of the distal main conveyor boom section to a second end of the distal main conveyor boom section, and is operably configured to independently revolve approximately 360° about the revolution joint. The first and second main conveyor belts are operably configured to transport the construction material toward the second end of the distal main conveyor boom section.
US09828181B2

A rubber-reinforcing steel cord embedded in a rubber product has a stranded structure including a core strand, and a plurality of sheath strands intertwined around an outer circumferential surface of the core strand; wherein a lubricant is provided between wires that constitute the core strand.
US09828179B2

The invention relates to a conveying device comprising at least one movable carriage on which at least one first group and at least one second group of track rollers are disposed, and a track rail disposed so as to be locationally fixed for guiding the carriage. The track rail has at least one track face, at least one straight portion and at least one curved portion. The track rollers are configured in such a manner that during movement of the carriage along the straight portion, exclusively the track rollers of the first group roll on the track face assigned to the straight portion, and during movement of the carriage along the curved portion, exclusively the track rollers of the second group roll on the track face assigned to the curved portion. The invention furthermore relates to a further conveying device and corresponding carriages, as described herein.
US09828152B2

A low profile cable tie includes a strap having a tail at one end and a locking head at the other end. The locking head has passage for receipt of the tail therethrough. The strap includes a planar surface between the tail and the locking head having a plurality of notches therealong. The locking head includes a base portion and a head portion flexibly connected to the base portion with the passageway formed therebetween. The head portion includes a plurality of locking teeth extending into the passageway for engagement with the notches of the strap body. The notches engage a number of teeth less than all of the locking teeth upon insertion of the strap into the passageway. The head is flexibly pivotable so that more than the number of locking teeth engage the notches upon attempt to withdraw the strap from the head.
US09828146B2

A closure is provided for a container. The closure includes a base having a substantially cylindrical shape with a recessed area along a top perimeter of the base. The closure also includes a lid configured to close over and open off of the base. The closure further includes a tab that extends from a lower surface of the lid and includes a lip portion configured to fold back onto the tab and lock with the base when the lid is closed over the base. The tab detaches from the lid when opening the lid from the base after the lip portion is folded back onto the tab. A portion of the outer surface of the tab is visible through the at least one recessed area after the lid is closed over the base and remains partially visible after the tab has detached from the lid.
US09828129B2

A deep-drawing packaging machine that includes a sealing station and a method for changing the sealing frame together with the sealing plate at the sealing station. The sealing station includes a sealing plate and a sealing frame. The sealing plate may be releasably coupled to an upper sealing tool part, and the sealing frame may be slidably removable at a lower sealing tool part. The sealing frame may be slidable on rails. The sealing frame may include one or more centering aids for aligning the sealing plate with respect to said sealing frame during removal thereof. The centering aids may be displaceable underneath a film web by the upper sealing tool part during the clamping of the film web between the sealing frame and the upper sealing tool part.
US09828125B2

An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. The apparatus also includes processing stations for loading the pouches, transferring fluids (typically gases) into and out of the pouches, and sealing the pouches. Various alternative methods and devices are provided for separating each sealed pouch from the web by either making a continuous cut across a connecting strip of web material downline of the processing stations or pre-perforating the connecting strip upline of the processing stations. When the connecting strip is pre-perforated, a sealed pouch of sufficient weight may be separated from the web passively by a takeaway conveyor, and a lighter sealed pouch may be separated from the web by a tear-off mechanism that grips and pulls the web.
US09828124B2

A process and apparatus are provided for treating or processing containers that are used for storing substances for medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic applications or contain the same. During the process, cylindrical containers open at least at one end are automatically led past or pass through processing stations for treatment or processing by means of a conveying device, while the containers are jointly held by a carrier in a regular two-dimensional arrangement. The carrier includes a plurality of openings or receptacles that determine the regular arrangement. The treatment or processing of the containers is performed on or in at least one of the processing stations while the containers are supported by the carrier.
US09828098B2

Aircraft cargo management systems comprising a support structure comprising a first rail and a second rail, the first rail arranged parallel to the second rail, wherein the first rail has a first exterior face and the second rail has a second exterior face, a wheel mounted on an axle, the axle mounted to the first exterior face and passing through the second exterior face, and a power drive unit (“PDU”) mounted to the axle and configured to rotate the axle about an axis are provided. PDUs comprising an electronic controller housed in a controller housing, a motor housed in a motor housing, and a first connecter mounted to the motor housing and a second connector mounted to the controller housing, the first connector configured to mate with the second connector and to conduct electricity between the motor and the electronic controller are also provided.
US09828096B2

Systems and methods are provided for decoupling movable control surfaces. Such systems may detect that a movable control surface is in a non-responsive state, such as a hard-over, and decouple the movable control surface from the main, fixed, control surface. The control surfaces may be coupled to an aircraft. A controller of the aircraft may detect the nonresponsive movable control surface, provide instructions to decouple the movable control surface, and compensate for the decoupling of the movable control surface in instructions provided to flight systems of the aircraft.
US09828093B2

A system including an aerial vehicle having an airframe and a power source onboard the aerial vehicle, wherein the aerial vehicle includes a landing gear structure having a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, and a charging station having a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, wherein the aerial vehicle is programmed to dock with the charging station when the power source is in need of recharging, the docking being a mechanical engagement between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the aerial vehicle with the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact of the charging station is provided. A method for continuous surveillance utilizing the aerial vehicles and charging stations is also provided.
US09828092B1

Described is a system and method for utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”) to facilitate delivery of ordered items to user specified delivery destinations. In one implementation, the UAV may be configured as a one-way UAV that is designed to transport ordered items to the user specified delivery destination but not return to a materials handling facility under its own power. Instead, the one-way UAV may remain at the delivery destination for later retrieval by a retrieval unit (e.g., truck).
US09828090B2

An aircraft includes a fuselage, a wing, a ducted fan and a controller. The wing and the ducted fan are coupled to the fuselage. The controller is operable to control the aircraft in a vertical flight mode, a horizontal flight more, and transition the aircraft from the vertical flight mode to the horizontal flight mode.
US09828089B2

A rotor drive system includes a mast defining a rotation axis, an electric motor with a stator portion fixed to the stationary mast, a rotor portion rotatably relative to the stator portion, and a clutch disposed along the rotation axis and connected to the rotor portion of the electric motor. A rotor assembly is rotatable about the rotation axis and operably connected to clutch such that, when rotational speed of the rotor assembly exceeds rotational speed of the rotor portion of the electric motor, the clutch disengages the rotor assembly from the electric motor rotor portion.
US09828087B2

Systems and methods for displaying ground effect ceiling limit values associated with an operation of a mobile platform on a display are provided. The method includes receiving a preference for the display of the ground effect ceiling limit values, and determining a gross weight of the mobile platform. The method includes based on the preference, determining, with a processor, an air temperature associated with the operation of the mobile platform. The method also includes based on the gross weight and the air temperature, determining with the processor, an in ground effect limit value and an out of ground effect limit value. The method includes displaying the determined in ground effect limit value and the determined out of ground effect limit value on the display.
US09828085B2

Aircraft fuselages are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a fuselage of an aircraft having a first section and a second section to which a tail assembly is to be coupled. The second section is aft of the first section and is to extend to at least a trailing edge of a horizontal stabilizer of the tail assembly. A first width of the first section decreases from a front to a rear of the first section, and a second width of the second section is substantially constant.
US09828082B2

A solar-powered airship with a hull configured to contain a gas and at least one propulsion assembly with a propulsion device and electric motors configured to drive the propulsion device. The airship may also include a power supply system including solar panels operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The power supply system may also include batteries operatively coupled to the solar panels and configured to receive and store electrical energy supplied by the solar panels, the batteries being further operatively coupled to the electric motors and configured to supply power to the electric motors. The batteries may each be located within an outer envelope of the airship defined by the hull of the airship in a position selected to provide ballast. The solar-powered airship may also include a cargo system configured to contain passengers or freight.
US09828077B2

An underwater base for handling plural underwater vehicles equipped with seismic sensors for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The underwater base including a storing part configured to store the plural underwater vehicles; an inlet part located above the storing part and configured to control access of the plural underwater vehicles to the storing part; a control part configured to acoustically guide the plural underwater vehicles to the inlet part; and a support part configured to support the control part, the storing part and the inlet part. The storing part is further configured to receive the plural underwater vehicles as the plural underwater vehicles fall from the inlet part into the storing part.
US09828075B1

Wakeboat hull control systems are provided that can include a first accelerometer operatively associated with the hull of the wakeboat to measure the acceleration of the hull along a first axis; a second accelerometer operatively associated with the hull of the wakeboat to measure the acceleration of the hull along a second axis, the first axis being non-parallel to the second axis; and processing circuitry calculating the rotation of the hull of the wakeboat about a third axis based on the acquired measurements. Wakeboat hull control methods are provided that can include using the processing circuitry to calculate the rotation of the hull of the wakeboat about a third axis based on the acquired measurements.
US09828060B2

A method may include determining whether a sweat sensor is available. E-assist may be provided when a sweat sensor is not available by determining a sweat threshold and determining whether the sweat threshold is surpassed. When a sweat sensor is available, e-assist may be provided when the sweat sensor senses sweat.
US09828057B2

A cushion member is swingable with respect to a main frame about a fourth rotation axis to be expanded and compressed according to a movement of a front wheel. A first arm is swingable with respect to a front fork supporting member about a fifth rotation axis and with respect to the main frame about a sixth rotation axis. A second arm is swingable with respect to the front fork supporting member about a seventh rotation axis, with respect to the cushion member about an eighth rotation axis, and with respect to the main frame about a ninth rotation axis. The fourth to ninth rotation axes are substantially parallel to one another. The fourth rotation axis is provided to be substantially perpendicular to a plane including a second rotation axis about which the front fork is turnable.
US09828052B2

A system for use in testing the installation of an airbag module in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a jig and an instrument coupled to the jig. The instrument includes a contact assembly and a linear actuator coupled to the contact assembly such that, when the contact assembly is seated adjacent to the airbag module, the contact assembly is selectively moveable towards the airbag module relative to the jig via the linear actuator for testing the installation of the airbag module.
US09828050B2

A mobile power supply housed within a wheeled trailer which can be towed to various locations, particularly remote locations, for providing electrical power as needed for operating equipment or for charging of batteries or other electrical supply devices at such remote locations. The apparatus includes a unique trailer design including venting means for preventing the accumulation of hydrogen normally associated with high power battery operation, particularly charging thereof and therewith, by monitoring hydrogen at all times within the trailer interior and selectively passively and actively venting the interior environment when hydrogen levels are high or whenever necessary. A unique roof design is included for gathering hydrogen near the upper portion of the interior roof construction adjacent to a venting outlet to facilitate expelling thereof.
US09828047B2

A suspension for a tracked utility vehicle is provided. The trailing link suspension for the tracked utility vehicle has at least two trailing links. Each of said trailing links has a shock and a walking beam. The first end of the trailing link is pivotably connected to the tracked utility vehicle chassis. The second end of said trailing link is pivotably connected to the walking beam. The first end of the shock is pivotably connected to the chassis and the second end is pivotably connected to the trailing link. The walking beam has a plurality of axle mounted bogey wheels for engaging one or both of the track of said tracked utility vehicle or the track lug or guide. The shocks are independently adjustable to permit more of the tracked utility vehicle's weight to be supported at the suspension midpoint.
US09828043B2

In a moving body side section structure that includes a flow correction fin 1A that is provided on a side section of a moving body, the flow correction fin includes a first inclined portion 1Ae which is formed at a front end in the longitudinal direction of the moving body and in which a width in a width direction of the moving body is widened toward a rear side in the longitudinal direction of the moving body, and a second inclined portion 1Af which is formed further rearward than the first inclined portion 1Ae in the longitudinal direction of the moving body and in which the width in the width direction of the moving body is narrowed toward the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the moving body.
US09828041B2

A trailer (50, 60) has a chassis (1) which is fabricated from sheet plastics material. The chassis (1) is hollow and substantially planar and has an upper sheet (6) and lower sheet (10) separated by a peripheral wall (12). The shape of the chassis is generally dart like being formed by a forward triangle 3 and a rear rectangle (4). The sheet plastics material is preferably high density polyethylene which is 16 mm thick.
US09828037B2

A structural beam component for a vehicle comprises: a beam body that has an I-section for at least part of its length, the beam body having first and second sides opposite each other, wherein the I-section extends at least partially along the first and second sides; a crash rail attachment at one end of the beam body, the crash rail attachment providing a fore-aft backup structure for a crash rail in the vehicle; another attachment at an opposite end of the beam body, the other attachment connecting the structural beam component to a side sill of the vehicle; and first and second ribbing on the first and second sides, respectively.
US09828036B2

An active grille shutter (AGS) system for a vehicle can include a housing defining first, second, and third openings, the third opening being located between the first and second openings and being configured to receive an object detection device that is configured to detect objects in front of the vehicle, a first set of louvers arranged in the first opening, a second set of louvers arranged in the second opening, and a linkage connecting the first and second sets of louvers, wherein a set of actuators are configured to selectively open/close the first and second sets of louvers by driving the linkage or at least one of the first and second sets of louvers. The AGS system can be configured to be fully-integrated, semi-integrated, or standalone with respect to a grille assembly of the vehicle.
US09828030B2

Longitudinal members for motor vehicles may generally include a supporting element that is releasably connectable to an energy absorption mechanism. The supporting element may typically include a joining zone that can be used to secure the supporting element to one or more chassis or drive components of the motor vehicle. The supporting element and the energy absorption mechanism may be comprised of fiber-reinforced plastic. More specifically, the supporting element may be comprised of a plurality of length portions having different fiber orientations. For example, a first length portion may have fibers oriented substantially parallel to a horizontal longitudinal plane about which the supporting element is positioned, whereas a second length portion between the first length portion and the energy absorption mechanism may have intersecting fibers oriented oblique to the horizontal longitudinal plane.
US09828025B1

The invention comprises a transaxle having an electric motor that is controlled by a vehicle user and that drives at least one output axle. The transaxle includes a power generating device that powers the electric motor and a reduction gear train engaged to and driven by the electric motor. The transaxle includes a common housing in which the power generator, the electric motor, and the reduction gear system are each disposed. In dual-axle systems, the transaxle also includes a differential engaged to and driven by the reduction gear system to power a pair of oppositely extending output axles. The differential is also disposed within the common housing.
US09828021B2

Disclosed is a power steering apparatus including: a rack shaft that includes a rack, and moves front wheels; a steering wheel-side pinion shaft that includes a pinion meshing with steering wheel-side rack teeth of the rack shaft, and is rotated along with the steering of a steering wheel; an assistance unit-side pinion shaft that includes a pinion meshing with an assistance unit-side rack of the rack shaft, and is driven by an electric motor to rotate so as to assist the rotation of the steering wheel-side pinion shaft; and a steering angle sensor that is provided on the assistance unit-side pinion shaft, and detects a rotational angle of the assistance unit-side pinion shaft.
US09828018B2

An upper surface of a front portion of an outer column is provided with a slit having a substantial T shape as seen from a radial direction and a pair of sandwiched portions. In a rear end side portion of an outer surface of the sandwiched portion, a dented portion is formed to be dented inward in a width direction at a lower half portion thereof. Accordingly, a distance from the position of a force which acts on the sandwiched portions according to an operation on an adjustment lever to a position of a main outer column body which is a fulcrum of elastic deformation becomes longer. Therefore, a structure capable of reducing change of a force necessary for operating the adjustment lever and stably fitting and holding an inner column regardless of the position of a steering wheel in a front-rear direction is implemented.
US09828016B2

A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and a first interlock configured to indicate when the steering column shaft is in the driving position and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position. When the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is non-deployable, and when the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable.
US09828012B2

A condition monitoring system for bearing units for vehicles, the system including at least one condition monitoring unit for measuring at least one operating parameter of one bearing unit and a control unit for receiving and processing signals obtained from the condition monitoring unit. The system additionally includes a circuit for detecting a geographic position, wherein the condition monitoring unit is configured to be at least one of activated and deactivated depending on the detected geographic position.
US09828011B2

A communication system for a guideway mounted vehicle includes a control system communication system configured to exchange information between the guideway mounted vehicle and an external control system. The communication system further includes a vehicle-to-vehicle communication system configured to exchange information between the guideway mounted vehicle and another vehicle along the guideway, wherein the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system is separate from the control system communication system, and the vehicle-to-vehicle communication system is configured to exchange information directly between the guideway mounted vehicle and the other vehicle. The communication system further includes a vital on-board controller (VOBC) configured to generate instructions for controlling the exchange of information between the guideway mounted vehicle and the control system through the control system communication system, and to generate instructions for controlling the exchange information between the guideway mounted vehicle and the other vehicle.
US09828006B2

A handle assembly for an outlet valve for a tank, where the outlet valve has a stem that is actuated to open and close the outlet valve, is provided. The handle assembly includes a handle. A shaft is attached to the handle, and an adapter attached to the shaft. A bracket is adapted to mount the shaft to the tank so that the shaft is pivotally mounted with respect to the tank and movable with respect to the outlet valve between an engaged position, where the adapter is connected to the stem, and a disengaged position, where the adapter is disconnected from the stem.
US09828004B2

A ski pole holder for attachment to a chairlift is disclosed. A lower body portion includes a slot slightly wider than a ski pole shaft. An upper body portion includes a floor with a slot corresponding to the lower body slot, a peripheral wall with an opening in front, and an attachment to a bar of the chairlift.
US09828000B2

A method for controlling a vehicle may include sensing the presence of a switch-off signal indicative of a command to switch off an ignition of a drive assembly of the vehicle, measuring a voltage value of an on-board power system voltage in an on-board power system of the vehicle in response to sensing the switch-off signal, and comparing the measured voltage value to a predetermined voltage threshold value. If the measured voltage value exceeds the predetermined voltage threshold value, the method may include switching an assistance system of the vehicle into an emergency operating state.
US09827995B2

By measuring speeds and deflection angles of two front wheels in real time, and according to values of gravity sensors at four wheel axles, and an axle base and a wheel base of an automobile, a center of gravity of the automobile is determined; moving speeds of the left and right front wheels of the automobile around an instantaneous center during cornering are converted into moving speeds at the center of gravity of the automobile respectively, and an average value of the two automobile speeds at the center of gravity of the automobile is taken as an actual driving speed of the vehicle during cornering; meanwhile, an automobile speed may be controlled according to force conditions of four wheels.
US09827994B2

A system for writing an occupancy grid map of a sensor centered coordinate system using a laser scanner includes a data unit that includes scan data read by the laser scanner, a past measurement map, and data relating to a movement of the sensor, a mapping unit for stochastically combining a current measurement map written from the scan data with a predicted map written by using the past measurement map and the data relating to a movement of the sensor, and a static and dynamic object detection unit for determining whether an object in the occupancy grid map is a static or a dynamic object by using a mapping algorithm of the mapping unit.
US09827987B2

A vehicle having a powertrain control system includes an internal combustion engine configured to generate torque, and a transmission to transfer the torque to at least one driveline component of the vehicle. At least one electronic sensor is configured to output a signal indicative of at least one operating parameter of the vehicle. The powertrain control system further includes a vehicle scenario detection module and an electronic control module. The vehicle scenario detection module determines a current vehicle scenario of the vehicle based on the at least one operating parameter. The electronic control module determines a current vehicle scenario based on the at least one operating parameter, to actively determine an active skid-torque value in real-time based on the current vehicle scenario. The control module further generates a torque limiting control signal that adjusts operation of a powertrain system of the vehicle based on the active skid-torque value.
US09827986B2

Systems and methods for adaptive cruise control based on user defined parameters are disclosed. An example disclosed vehicle includes a GPS receiver configured to provide a location of the vehicle, an adaptive cruise control; and a cruise control adjuster. In the example cruise control adjuster is configured to generate an action when a cruise control event is defined for the location. In the disclosed example the cruise control event is based on past changes to the adaptive cruise control at the location. The example cruise control adjuster is also configured to apply the action to the adaptive cruise control to change how the adaptive cruise control controls the vehicle.
US09827980B2

A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine, both capable of providing propulsion power. A clutch is configured to selectively couple the engine to the electric machine. At times, the vehicle may be subject to excessive loads, such as a large amount of weight in the vehicle or the vehicle towing another object. At least one controller is programmed to engage the clutch and start the engine in response to a load of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold and a release of the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped and in drive. This increases available engine torque prior to vehicle launch in anticipation of an upcoming acceleration demand.
US09827972B2

A hybrid vehicle system facilitates operator control over electric power generation and use. The system features a motor/generator that can be mounted to an output of a transmission of the vehicle.
US09827954B2

A parking brake assembly which includes a brake lever, a rotary clutch and a lock-release mechanism which cooperate to selectively lock and release a parking brake. The clutch allows actuation of the brake lever in one direction and prevents movement of the brake lever in an opposite direction. The lock-release mechanism allows selective movement of the rotary clutch and the brake lever together in the opposite direction. A gear mechanism is operatively coupled between the brake lever and the rotary clutch.
US09827952B2

A windshield wiper arm is provided on an outside of an aircraft and positioned to directly engage an air flow while the aircraft is traveling. The wiper arm includes an arm portion coupled to the aircraft and having an arm exterior surface, the arm portion extending along an arm axis and defining an arm length. A bead extends outwardly from the arm exterior surface and defines a bead exterior surface, the bead being sized sufficiently to engage a boundary layer of the air flow. A wiper blade is coupled to the arm portion. The bead prevents separation of the boundary layer from the arm exterior surface, thereby to attenuate shedding of vortices and associated vibrations and noise.
US09827950B2

An exemplary locking assembly includes, among other things, a lock that transitions between a first state that prevents disengaging electric vehicle supply equipment from a charge port and a second state that permits the disengaging. A control module is configured to command the lock to transition from the first to the second state in response to a user interaction with a selector device and an authentication of the user interaction. An exemplary securing method includes, among other things, receiving a request to disengage electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) from a charge port of a vehicle, permitting a disengaging if the request can be authenticated, and preventing the disengaging if the request cannot be authenticated.
US09827945B2

In a through anchor, a thinned portion is formed at a metal core lower portion of a metal core. This thereby enables an increase in body size of the through anchor to be prevented or suppressed even when a mold portion is made thick at the portion of the metal core where the thinned portion is formed.
US09827938B2

The present invention discloses embodiments of an apparatus, system and related method for diagnosing initiators in air bag systems. An embodiment of the system comprises a diagnostic circuit electrically connected between acceleration switches and one or more squib, that is user-activated via a momentary switch, and with user-feedback, wherein a user can diagnose the health of the one or more squib with no power drain while inactive. An embodiment of a method related to the system comprises activating a momentary switch, completing a circuit whereby a diagnostic circuit may function, indicating to the user that the diagnostic circuit is functioning, regulating the current into the diagnostic circuit so that the squib does not fire, boosting the signal to a window comparator, detecting the desired voltage by the window comparator, giving feedback to the user that the voltage is good, too high, or too low. An apparatus embodiment of the present invention may comprise an electronics control module for sensing a crash event and initiating an inflation sequence for one or more airbags with an integrated system for diagnosing one or more initiators. The apparatus may include a housing enclosing one or more circuit boards, to which may be electrically connected one or more wire harnesses which themselves are electrically connected to one or more squibs.
US09827929B2

The invention concerns a method for managing a system for supplying a vehicle electrical system with electrical energy, comprising the steps consisting of: •supplying the electrical system with electrical energy via the additional electrical energy storage device and the DC/DC converter when the switch is open; •regulating the electrical energy generator to supply voltage lower than that imposed by the DC/DC converter and higher than a voltage of the electrical energy storage device; •closing the switch such that the DC/DC converter imposes a voltage on the electrical system that is higher than that of the electrical energy storage device and the electrical energy generator; •applying a voltage to the electrical system from the electrical energy generator that is higher than that of the DC/DC converter; and deactivating the DC/DC converter.
US09827922B2

A headlining having a heat shielding function for a vehicle and a manufacturing method for producing the headlining, in which a heat shielding layer having a heat shielding effect is stacked on a polyurethane foam sheet as a substrate having an excellent insulating effect and integrally formed therewith to prevent heat from being transferred to an inside of the vehicle through a roof panel occupying a wide portion exposed to an outside of the vehicle. In so doing, it is possible to create comfortable indoor environment of the vehicle even in hot summertime, to restrict an increase in an internal temperature of the vehicle and thus to reduce an operation time of an air conditioner and to enhance fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
US09827921B1

A cargo area protection system for a vehicle defining a cargo area and comprising a seat assembly has a sheet member and a spreader member. The spreader member is arranged to engage at least a portion of the seat assembly. The sheet member is supported by the spreader member such that at least a supported portion of the sheet member is in a desired position with respect to the cargo area.
US09827914B2

A height adjustable floor system for a motor vehicle includes a load compartment floor having front and rear floor members that are pivotally connected together to permit relative rotation about a transverse axis. The load compartment cover can be positioned in upper and lower load carrying positions and be moved between these positions with the aid of a pair of first side supports each having a continuous groove defining a path to be followed by a pair of spaced apart guide members located on left and right sides of the front floor member near to a front end thereof. The rear floor member is used to facilitate the transitioning of the load compartment floor between the two load carrying positions and the first side supports are so configured that in the load carrying positions load is not transferred from the load compartment floor to the guide members.
US09827908B2

[Problem] To provide a vehicle rearview mirror system which is capable of eliminating a circumstance that a driver feel a sense that something is wrong, even in a case where a screen of a display device is caused to one-to-one correspond with an aspect ratio of the vehicle rearview mirror, and the ratio of the display screen of the display device is made different from an aspect ratio of an image which is acquired by a vehicle-mounted camera.[Means for Solving the Problem] A vehicle rearview mirror system of the present invention has: a display device 9 to construct an image by an image signal having been output from an image receiving unit 2a of a vehicle-mounted camera 2 and then cause a display screen 9a to display the constructed image; and a vehicle mirror main body 3 in which the display device 9 is incorporated. A ratio between a width in a transverse direction and a width in a longitudinal direction of the screen 9a of the display device 9 is caused to one-to-one correspond to a ratio between a width in a transverse direction and a width in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle mirror main body 3, The display device 9 has a signal processing unit 11 which processes an image signal and then causes the display screen 9a to display a resultant image. Partway of a signal line SL between the image receiving unit 2a and the signal processing unit 11, there is provided an image signal clipping unit 17 to clip an image signal corresponding to an image portion which is unrequired for driving by the driver 4 from an image constructed by the image signal having been output from the image receiving unit 2a and then output the remaining image signals to the signal processing unit 11, The signal processing unit 11 constructs an image G1′ of a ratio one-to-one corresponding to a ratio of the display screen 9a by a remaining image signal having been input.
US09827901B1

A method for projecting information from a motor vehicle to an observer external to the motor vehicle includes receiving, by a controller, a data signal indicative of an operating state of the motor vehicle from a sensor, determining, using the controller, a projection profile based on the data signal which includes a dynamic feature and indicative of a status of the motor vehicle, and continuously projecting the projection profile onto a surface on which the motor vehicle is traveling using a dynamic projector system that animates the dynamic feature.
US09827900B2

A method is provided for operating a headlight having a laser light source in a motor vehicle. The headlight generates a light distribution from the light of the laser light source. The laser light source is activated such that the operating power of the laser light source is switched from a first power value to a deactivated operating state or is lowered to a second power value when the speed of the motor vehicle falls below a first speed threshold. The operating power of the laser light source is increased from the deactivated operating state or from the second power value to the first power value, when the speed of the motor vehicle exceeds a second speed threshold, which is greater than or equal to the first speed threshold.
US09827889B1

A pillow device couples to a vehicle interior to provide enhanced comfort to a user's elbow while driving. The device includes a substantially cylindrical cover having a cylindrical medial portion and a pair of hemispherical ends. The cover has a planar section parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cover. Stuffing is positioned within the cover. A first fastener is coupled to the cover wherein the cover is configured for being coupled to a surface of an interior side of a vehicle door.
US09827887B2

A vehicle seat includes a seat frame; and a shield that is fitted to the seat frame. The shield includes a fitting portion that is integrally fitted to the seat frame, and an elastic support portion that is elastically pressed against the seat frame at a position different from a position of the fitting portion.
US09827885B2

A seat assembly is provided and may include a base assembly, a first arm, a seat bottom assembly, a second arm, and an adjustment arm. The base assembly may be mounted to a vehicle. The first arm may be rotatably coupled to the base assembly and may be operable to rotate relative to the base assembly about a first axis of rotation. The seat bottom assembly may be rotatably coupled to the first arm and may be operable to rotate relative to the first arm about a second axis of rotation. The second arm may be rotatably coupled to the seat bottom assembly and may be operable to rotate relative to the seat bottom assembly about a third axis of rotation. The adjustment arm may include an adjustment mechanism, and may be rotatably coupled to the second arm and rotatably coupled to the base assembly. The adjustment mechanism may be operable to rotate the adjustment arm relative to the base assembly about a fourth axis of rotation.
US09827884B2

A vehicle includes a vehicle seat having a seat frame and a plurality of wire anchors attached to a lateral member of the seat frame. Each wire anchor is formed from a single continuous metallic wire and comprises an anchor portion, a first end that extends from the anchor portion and tangentially engages the lateral member proximate a top portion of the lateral member and extends downward over a rear portion of the lateral member and a second end that extends from the anchor portion and tangentially engages the lateral member proximate a bottom portion of the lateral member and extends upward over the rear portion of the lateral member, and wherein the wire anchor is free of engagement with a front portion of the lateral member.
US09827879B2

A power seat slide device capable of changing not only to an electric operation but also to an manual operation, and preventing half-lock in spite of a manually operable structure. For front-rear movement, a rack attached to a lower rail and a pinion meshed with the rack are used, and a driving force of a motor is transmitted to the pinion, which enables the use in an electric mode. As no slide screw is used, while the motor is not energized, rotating the pinion causes an output shaft of the motor to rotate, so that manual adjustment becomes possible.
US09827878B1

Provided is a seat sliding device. The seat sliding device comprises a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, a lock portion, a first elastically deforming portion, a second elastically deforming portion, a releasing member, and a protruding piece. The movable-side rail comprises an open-sectional portion including two side walls and a lid wall that couples the two side walls to each other. The lock portion is displaceable between a restraint position and a release position. The releasing member is engaged with the first elastically deforming portion. The protruding piece comprises an engaged portion with which the second elastically deforming portion engages.
US09827877B2

A release device for the upper rail and the lower rail of a longitudinal seat adjustment system of a motor vehicle seat, the release device having a lever rotatably supported on the upper rail of the seat. An end of the lever interacts with the locking means and optionally releases the locking means. A handle is provided at the other end. If the handle is operated, the lever moves relative to the upper rail from a passive position to a release position and moves the locking means from a locking position to a releasing position. So the release device automatically moves into a passive position of the release device, a spring element is provided, which preloads the lever into the passive position of the lever. The spring element additionally supports the lever on the upper rail.
US09827876B2

A vehicle safety seat for protecting a vehicle occupant from injury due to impact and airborne debris, in the event of a collision. The vehicle safety seat includes a seat bottom, a backrest, and a headrest, wherein the seat is secured to a frame. The frame is pivotally secured to the floor and frame of a vehicle, wherein the seat can recline immediately in advance of a collision for absorbing impact forces. The safety seat further includes telescoping shields that are retractably secured to the lateral sides of the seat bottom, backrest, and headrest. The shields are projected from the safety seat, creating a protective cocoon around the seat occupant prior to a collision. The seat is operably connected to one or more sensors that can detect an imminent collision between the vehicle and another object, wherein a pneumatic system deploys the shields and an electro-mechanical system reclines the seat.
US09827874B2

A vehicle includes a front-wheel/rear-wheel motor, a battery and an ECU. The ECU is configured to (i) control the front-wheel/rear-wheel motors, and (ii) control the front-wheel/rear-wheel motors such that a braking torque of a resonance-side motor, when at least one of the rotation speed of the front-wheel/rear-wheel motors is within a resonance range, is smaller than the braking torque of the resonance-side motor, when the rotation speed of the front-wheel/rear-wheel motors are outside the resonance range, and such that the braking torque of a non-resonance-side motor, when at least one of the rotation speed of the front-wheel/rear-wheel motors is within a resonance range, is larger than the braking torque of the non-resonance-side motor, when the rotation speed of the front-wheel/rear-wheel motors are outside the resonance range, during deceleration caused by a braking torque from the front-wheel/rear-wheel motors.
US09827872B1

A hybrid vehicle battery cell rebalancer for hybrid vehicles used to restore cell balance and improve performance while cooling and protecting the hybrid battery against damage from the rebalancing process. This may be accomplished by charging and/or discharging the battery cells in the hybrid battery pack at the same time while powering and controlling the vehicle's hybrid battery cooling fan.
US09827866B2

A drive device of an at least partially electrically operated vehicle includes at least two vehicle wheels, each wheel being mechanically coupled to an electrical drive unit. Each electrical drive unit obtains electrical energy from an electrical energy storage device during motor operation, and/or supplies the electrical energy storage device with electrical energy during generator operation. When operating as intended, the electrical drive units provide a torque according to a drive-unit-specific torque of a vehicle control system. A maximum total torque is determined by taking into consideration a maximum available output of the electrical energy storage device, wherein the sum formed of the drive-unit-specific torques is limited using the maximum total torque.
US09827864B2

A power reception-side coil is mounted on the bottom surface of a vehicle body and contactlessly receives power transmitted from a power feeding-side coil disposed on the ground. The power reception-side coil is of a solenoid type such that an electric wire is wound with the vehicle longitudinal direction as a coil axis. A shield member that is a plate-shaped magnetic shield is disposed between the bottom surface of the vehicle body and the power reception-side coil. The shield member has a forward-inclined surface serving as a first wall part protruding downward of the vehicle, the forward-inclined surface being raised and provided at the vehicle front side in a direction of the coil axis with respect to the power reception-side coil.
US09827863B2

A vehicle-side, electronic charging device of a wireless battery charging system receives, converts and feeds energy into a rechargeable traction battery of an electric vehicle traction motor. The traction battery is charged by an external charging system via a wireless link and the vehicle-side charging device. The vehicle-side charging device includes a first LC resonant circuit between first and second output ports, and a current rectifier having first and second AC voltage inputs and first and second DC voltage outputs. Either (i) the first and second DC voltage outputs of the current rectifier, or (ii) the first and second AC voltage inputs of the current rectifier, or (iii) the first and the second output ports of the first LC resonant circuit, or (iv) a first and a second connection of the reception coil are switchably connected to one another via an actuable kill switch.
US09827859B2

A method of managing charging of a traction battery and corresponding devices, the traction battery including a thermal regulating system, the thermal regulating system including a compressor, the method including transmitting information between a control device for the compressor and a device for managing the charging of the traction battery, before activating the compressor or before activating a device for charging the traction battery.
US09827852B2

A shaft bearing assembly including a housing, in which a bearing is arranged, is disclosed. The housing includes a first and second flange part. The first and second flange parts can be connected to each other, wherein the two flange parts jointly form a receptacle for the rolling-element bearing, wherein one of the flange parts has at least one securing interface and the other has at least one securing counter-interface, wherein the first and second flange parts can be connected to each other and/or fixed to each other in a positive-locking manner by the securing interface and the securing counter-interface that prevents the two flange parts from detaching from each other in an axial direction established by projecting the axis of rotation of the rolling-element bearing onto the housing. The first and second flange parts are hooked to each other by the securing interface and the securing counter-interface.
US09827847B1

A shutter system includes a housing, and a plurality of shutters coupled to the housing. Each of the shutters is rotatable about a respective rotation axis, between a first position and a second position. At least one actuator is attached to the housing, and is coupled to at least one of the shutters for moving that shutter between its respective first position and second position. Each of the shutters define a first angle relative to a reference axis when disposed in their respective first position, and a second angle relative to the reference axis when disposed in their respective second position. The first angle of each of the shutters is substantially equal to the first angle of all other of the shutters. The second angle of at least one of the shutters is different than the second angle of at least another of the shutters.
US09827844B2

A mid-mounted radiator in a motor vehicle has at least one outgoing air guide attached laterally on the left and right of the radiator. In vehicles with a relatively low cooling requirement, the lateral outgoing air guides are removed and the openings are closed by a cover.
US09827843B2

A wheel of a roller includes a roller axis, the wheel being driven by an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is a hub motor which drives a hub body, which extends with circumferential spacing and surrounds the wheel axle, relative to the fixed wheel axle, wherein furthermore the wheel has a running surface. The running surface is formed on a running surface carrier and the running surface carrier is supported flush on the hub body at the back of the running surface. Further, a manually movable load truck includes one or more rollers, of which at least one roller has a driven wheel. Further, an operating device, in particular for a manually movable load truck, is formed having a substantially annular cross-section having a central through opening.
US09827835B2

A device for assisting in the driving of a motor vehicle, comprising a screen with variable transmission intended to be arranged between a road scene in front of the vehicle and a driver of the vehicle, the device comprising a number of sensors suitable for recovering data representative of the environment in which the vehicle is located, the device being configured to drive a transmission coefficient of the screen with variable transmission, wherein the device is configured to take into account the data recovered by the sensors and to compute the transmission coefficient by combining the data.
US09827827B2

Methods and systems are described for preventing condensation on a windshield and other windows of a parked vehicle. One method includes following the vehicle shut down, and when a temperature of a windshield is lower than ambient dew point, transferring heat from a powertrain of the vehicle to the windshield via a coolant if a powertrain temperature is higher than the windshield temperature, and transferring heat from ambient air to the windshield via the coolant if the powertrain temperature is lower than the windshield temperature, and ambient temperature is higher than the windshield temperature.
US09827826B2

When an air conditioning ECU determines that it is immediately before idling stop, the air conditioning ECU implements a front seat air conditioning mode even if the air conditioning ECU determines that an occupant intensive air-conditioning mode can be implemented. Accordingly, the air conditioning ECU controls opening and closing mechanisms so as to blow a conditioned air from driver's seat side outlet ports, and also blow the conditioned air from a passenger's seat side foot outlet port. Hence, in cooling operation, since a temperature increase of air drawn into an inside air inlet port is limited when the idling stop is carried out, temperature increase of air blown into the vehicle interior from the outlet port can be restricted. In other words, a temperature change in the vehicle interior can be limited when a travel engine stops due to the idling stop.
US09827821B2

A vehicle wheel suspension of a control blade design has three wheel-guiding control arms essentially oriented in the transverse direction of the vehicle and one longitudinal control arm fastened rigidly to the wheel carrier and barely limiting its transverse movement with respect to the vehicle body. The longitudinal control arm is constructed of a fiber composite material and is also rigidly fastened to the vehicle body and thereby takes over the function of a main spring between the wheel carrier and the vehicle body. Other than stop springs integrated in a vibration damper, no further main spring element is provided between the wheel carrier and the vehicle body. The above-mentioned longitudinal control arm may be formed by two, in a wide area, individual control arm parts, which are essentially situated in a common vertical plane, specifically such that the first control arm part of the longitudinal control arm is fastened to the wheel carrier above the wheel center, and second control arm part is fastened to the wheel carrier below the wheel center. The two control arm parts, guided together with their other ends in a common fastening element, are, as required, slightly elastically fastened to the vehicle body.
US09827817B2

A tire changing machine includes a base having a pedal-operated control system located on one side, a rotating platform which defines a surface upon which wheels of vehicles can be fixed, and which is supported by the base, a column rising from the base, an operating arm hinged to an upper area of the column, which can be oriented in a plane transverse to the column and parallel to the plane of the platform, between a work position facing the platform and an opposite rest position facing away from the platform and having a hinging end and an opposite end having a connection for a device holding work tools, a selector unit being interposed between the hinging end and the column, for selecting an orientation of the operating arm in its work position.
US09827816B2

Methods and systems are provided for estimating a temperature of a tire. The method includes: receiving tire pressure data; and estimating a temperature of a tread of the tire based on the tire pressure data.
US09827803B2

A security paper for manufacturing value documents has a planar substrate equipped on one surface with an anti-forgery means based on a carrier foil having an optically variable security feature. The anti-forgery means and a partial substrate area surrounding the anti-forgery means is furnished with a dirt-repellent radiation-curing first lacquer substantially not influencing the perceptibility of the optically variable security feature. The layer thickness of the lacquer lying is in a range of 0.7 to 2 micrometers. The radiation-curing first lacquer is may be a UV-cross-linking lacquer which after cross-linking is high-gloss. The substrate can be furnished on its surface lying outside the anti-forgery means with a dirt-repellent second lacquer and optionally partly overlaps the first lacquer in the region of the partial substrate area surrounding the anti-forgery means. The second lacquer involves either a physically drying, water-based dispersion lacquer, or a UV-cross-linking lacquer, and has a matt impression.
US09827802B2

A security element (1) for a security paper, value document or the like, having a carrier (8) which has an areal region (3) which is divided into a multiplicity of pixels (4) which respectively includes at least one optically active facet (5), whereby the majority of the pixels (4) respectively have several of the optically active facets (5) of identical orientation per pixel (4), and the facets (5) are so oriented that the areal region (3) is perceptible to a viewer as an area that protrudes and/or recedes relative to its actual spatial form.
US09827799B2

Disclosed herein is a transfer printing technology. A transfer printing substrate includes a plurality of pillar structures and a sacrificial layer applied thereon. In situ alignment of a transfer layer is performed by the pillar structures and a structural confinement by a concave structure formed on a bottom surface of the transfer layer corresponding to the pillar structures, or a chemical bond of the pillar structure and the transfer layer. In the in situ alignment by the structural confinement, the remaining sacrificial layer after being removed may serve as an adhesive component. The transfer process is performed by a separation of the bond by the sacrificial layer, a cutting of the pillar structures in the chemic bonding state of the pillar structures and the transfer layer, or a separation of the bond between the pillar structures and the handling substrate.
US09827788B2

Provided is an ink jet recording method including: discharging an ultraviolet ray-curable ink, which has a viscosity at 20° C. of 25 mPa·s or less and an average equivalent of polymerizable unsaturated double bond of 100 to 150, from a head onto a recording medium at a discharge temperature of 30° C. to 40° C.; and irradiating the ultraviolet ray-curable ink, attached onto the recording medium, with ultraviolet rays emitted from a light source to cure the ultraviolet ray-curable ink.
US09827783B2

The detector that detects a light beam emitted from a light source of a second image forming device and reflected by a polygon mirror, and an adjustment device that performs adjustment processing of adjusting the velocity of the polygon mirror based on an output of the detector are provided. Before a first image forming device performs the image forming processing, the adjustment device performs the adjustment processing while causing the light source of the second image forming device to emit the light beam during a time period including at least a time period in which a photosensitive member of the second image forming device is emitted with the light beam. Before the adjustment processing is finished, the first image forming device starts to move a developing member to a developing position.
US09827780B2

A color discriminating apparatus reads a plurality of colored dots placed on computer readable media. The plurality of colored dots represents encoded data that has a plurality of non-binary digits where each non-binary digit has at least three possible digit values. Each non-binary digit is represented by a single colored dot from the plurality of colored dots, and each possible digit value is represented by a different color so that a color of each colored dot indicates a digital value represented by the colored dot. The color discriminating apparatus detects a color of each colored dot in the plurality of colored dots. A module correlates the color of each colored dot in the plurality of colored dots detected by the color discriminating apparatus to recover an original digital value represented by each colored dot in the plurality of colored dots and to recover the encoded data that is represented by the plurality of non-binary digits.
US09827770B2

Provided is a recording apparatus including a recording head which is supported by a carriage that moves back and forth and performs recording by ejecting liquid on a recording medium, a supply tube which guides liquid in the liquid container body to the recording head and the recording head side thereof is follows and deformed in response to the back and forth movement of the recording head, and a dividing member which vertically divides the supply tube. The supply tube has a first portion which is folded back by the dividing member and a second portion which is folded back by the dividing member forward to the head side more than the first portion, follows and is deformed.
US09827769B2

There is provided a liquid discharge device including: a wiping member that performs wiping on a nozzle forming surface by being caused to perform relative movement on the nozzle forming surface while coming into contact with the nozzle forming surface; a cleaning liquid supply section that supplies cleaning liquid to at least one of a head and the wiping member; and a circulation speed adjustment section that is capable of adjusting a circulation speed of the liquid, which is circulated between a liquid storage section and the head, to a second speed which is faster than the first speed. In addition, the circulation speed during the wiping is the second speed.
US09827760B2

Provided is an ink jet recording method including: discharging an ultraviolet ray-curable ink, which has a viscosity at 20° C. of 25 mPa·s or less and an average equivalent of polymerizable unsaturated double bond of 100 to 150, from a head onto a recording medium at a discharge temperature of 30° C. to 40° C.; and irradiating the ultraviolet ray-curable ink, attached onto the recording medium, with ultraviolet rays emitted from a light source to cure the ultraviolet ray-curable ink.
US09827758B2

The present disclosure discloses a film stripping device including: a fixing mechanism for fixing a substrate on which a film to be stripped is disposed; and a stripping mechanism comprising a striping member for stripping at least a part of an edge of the film and a gripping member for gripping the stripped part of the film and movable in a direction towards the film to be stripped relative to the fixing mechanism. Correspondingly, a film stripping method using the film stripping device is also disclosed. The present disclosure increases the efficiency of film stripping and reduces an amount of used adhesive tapes.
US09827743B2

A composite material includes laminated composite material sheets having conductivity, partitioning members provided between end parts of sets of the composite material sheets to mutually separate the sets of the composite material sheets, and metal sheets respectively provided in the separated end parts of the composite material sheets so as to be respectively pinched between the composite material sheets.
US09827742B2

A flexible display is disclosed. In one aspect, the display includes a flexible substrate and a protection film formed over the flexible substrate. The display further includes a layer of adhesive material formed between the flexible substrate and the protection film, wherein a plurality of patterns are formed in the adhesive layer.
US09827739B2

Heat de-bondable optical articles include two optical substrates and a heat de-bondable adhesive article disposed between them. The adhesive article includes a heat-shrinkable substrate and an optically clear adhesive proximate to the heat-shrinkable substrate. Optical articles can be prepared by disposing the heat-shrinkable substrate and the optically clear adhesive between two optical substrates. The optically clear adhesive covers a majority of the surface area of the optical substrates, and the heat-shrinkable substrate is located near the edge of the optical substrates.
US09827730B2

A method for fabricating a lid for attachment to a vessel having an open top surrounded by a peripheral edge portion, includes injection molding from a molten plastic material a first shot structure defining a web portion, a peripheral portion surrounding the web portion; in a second shot procedure, over-molding an elastomeric material different from said plastic material onto the first short structure to form a seal structure portion integrated with the lid portion to form a unitary lid-seal structure, wherein the seal structure portion is permanently adhered to the peripheral portion of the first shot structure, and wherein the seal structure portion is configured to provide an air-tight seal between the lid and a sealing surface portion of the peripheral edge of the vessel when the lid is attached to the vessel.
US09827726B2

A method of making a tire tread includes mixing a tire tread compound including a virgin rubber component and a reclaimed rubber component, forming a green sheet from the tire tread compound, and curing the green sheet to form a cured tire tread. The reclaimed rubber component may have a Mooney viscosity (ML (1+4) @ 100° C.) of greater than 65. The reclaimed rubber component may also have a crosslink density that is between 20 and 50% of the crosslink density of the reclaimed rubber prior to reclaiming.
US09827722B2

A method for forming a roll core for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes shaping the roll core from a mixture of an uncured elastomer and hollow microparticles. The elastomer of the shaped roll core is cured without permanently expanding hollow microparticles positioned near the outer surface of the shaped roll core. After curing, the hollow microparticles positioned near the outer surface of the shaped roll core are permanently expanded to form the roll core having compressible and resiliently recoverable hollow microparticles extending beyond an outer circumference of the roll core and providing a surface texture to the roll core.
US09827719B2

A method for fabricating custom surface reflectance and spatially-varying bi-directional reflectance distribution functions (BDRFs or svBRDFs). The 3D printing method optimizes micro-geometry to produce a normal distribution function (NDF) that can be printed on surfaces with a 3D printer. Particularly, the method involves optimizing the micro-geometry for a wide range of analytic NDFs and simulating the effective reflectance of the resulting surface. Using the results of the simulation, the appearance of an input svBRDF can be reproduced. To this end, the micro-geometry is optimized in a data-driven fashion and distributed on the surface of the printed object. The methods were demonstrated to allow 3D printing svBRDF on planar samples with current 3D printing technology even with a limited set of printing materials, and the described methods have been shown to be naturally extendable to printing svBRDF on arbitrary shapes or 3D objects.
US09827715B2

A three-dimensional formation apparatus includes a head unit which can discharge liquid in a first direction and a control unit which controls the head unit. The control unit forms a cross section object by discharging the liquid containing a second quantity which is smaller than the first quantity to a changed portion where an outline of the cross section object is simultaneously changed in the second direction and the third direction, in the first cross section object formation process, and executes a filling process of discharging the liquid containing a third quantity which exceeds the first quantity when the third quantity is added to the second quantity to a portion to which the liquid containing the second quantity is discharged, after the first cross section object formation process is executed and before the second cross section object formation process is executed.
US09827714B1

According to at least one illustrative embodiment, a computer device and a corresponding method of enabling customization and 3-D prototyping of a 3-D representation of an object illustrated by an interactive content item comprise providing, by the computer device, an interactive content item including a representation of a three-dimensional (3-D) object to a client device. Upon an end user of the client device interacts with the interactive content item and provides one or more customization parameters for a 3-D representation of the 3-D object, the computer device receives the one or more customization parameters from the client device. The computer device then cause a 3-D representation of the 3-D object to be printed by a 3-D printer associated with the client device.
US09827712B2

In one aspect, methods of printing a 3D article are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of printing a 3D article comprises selectively depositing a first portion of build material in a fluid state onto a substrate to form a first region of build material; selectively depositing a first portion of support material in a fluid state to form a first region of support material; and selectively depositing a second portion of build material in a fluid state to form a second region of build material, wherein the first region of support material is disposed between the first region of build material and the second region of build material in a z-direction of the article. In some cases, the first region of support material forms a grayscale pattern and/or a CMY color pattern in combination with the first region of build material and/or the second region of build material.
US09827705B2

The present invention is directed to a process for making a low coefficient of friction (COF) high gloss polyolefin bottle by the following: a) adding a high gloss metallocene polyethylene during a manufacturing process on the outer layer of a container; b) adding a slip agent on the outer layer of the container wherein the container has a gloss range greater than 60 gloss units with a coefficient of friction of less than 0.25.
US09827704B2

The invention relates to an extrude unit for a dryer (2) for biomass, in particular slurry, wherein the extruder unit (1) has a surface section (4) for the biomass to pass through and a plurality of apertures (3), wherein the extruder unit (1) comprises a base support (5) which is connected by means of a connecting section (6) to a driving element (7) and can be driven by means of the driving element (7) about an axis of rotation (8) and relative to the surface section (4), wherein the base support (5) comprises at least one support arm (9) having at least one scraper blade (10) which during a rotation of the base support (5) follows the shape of the face of the surface section (4) facing the scraper blade (10). According to the invention the base support (5) also comprises at least one breaker element (11) having at least one scraper blade (10) which during a rotation of the base support (5) also follows the shape of the face of the surface section (4) facing the scraper blade (10) and during the rotation of the base support (5) effects a crushing of constituents contained in the biomass which are retained by the surface section (4). The invention further relates to a dryer having at least one corresponding extruder unit.
US09827701B2

An injection molding apparatus including: a valve pin driven by an actuator, the valve pin extending axially through at least a portion of the channel length of the fluid flow channel, the fluid flow channel including a throat, downstream flow of the injection fluid being restricted by a bulb portion of the pin, the valve pin having an intermediate position where downstream flow of injection fluid is unrestricted and a fully downstream position where downstream flow of injection fluid is stopped at both the gate and at the throat, wherein the actuator is driven by a valve assembly comprised of a spool mechanically driven by first and second actuators or solenoids that each separately engage the spool at opposing axial ends to effect movement of the spool back and forth between the drive fluid flow positions.
US09827699B2

A foam cushion pad formation assembly that includes a conveyance assembly having at least one moving conveyor component presenting a pad shape formation surface, which surface is convoluted and arranged to shape sealed enclosures of a pad chain received by the conveyance assembly. A separation device is provided to separate shaped pads of the pad chain received by said conveyor device. The shaped pads include convoluted surface that are formed by way of gripping projection and recesses combinations in the moving conveyor component. Embodiments include sensing for non separated pads from a downstream end of the bag chain, pad chain separation enhancement devices, and various control system including the requirement of confirmation of separation before feeding a new pad enclosure as in one containing liquid polyurethane precursor chemicals. An embodiment includes a pad chain path disruption sensor and a form feed control which implements the formation of pad enclosures free of filler material in a bridging region between the outlet end of the enclosure formation means and the conveyance assembly.
US09827689B2

A slicing machine for cutting slices of a food product includes a machine housing including a circular blade configured to rotate in a cutting plane, a stop plate configured to be move, by an adjustment device, perpendicular to the cutting plane, a carriage mounted such that it is movable parallel to the cutting plane, and a machine status display for displaying an actual status of the slicing machine.
US09827686B2

The utility knife assembly includes a housing which extends in a longitudinal direction between opposite ends and presents an at least partially open interior. A blade with a sharp edge is fixed with the housing such that the blade extends through one of the longitudinal ends, and the blade is fixed with the housing in such a manner that it is non-movable relative to the housing. A blade protector is partially disposed in the open interior of the housing and is movable in the longitudinal direction relative to the housing between a retracted position and a covering position. In the retracted position, the sharp edge of the blade outside of the housing is exposed for cutting, and in the covering position, the sharp edge of the blade outside of the housing is covered by the blade protector.
US09827682B2

A motor is fixed to one wall portion of an arm in an inner space of the arm. A hollow bearing is inserted in a first opening portion formed in other wall portion of the arm. A hollow shaft portion is removably fixed to a housing and supports an inner ring of the hollowing bearing. A hollow portion of the hollow shaft portion is formed to be smaller than the motor. The first opening portion is formed such that the motor is allowed to pass therethrough. A wall portion of the housing that forms support portions is formed with a second opening portion that allows the hollow bearing and the motor to pass therethrough.
US09827678B1

An example robotic arm includes a base linkage and a first end effector connected to a second end of the base linkage through a first rotational joint. The robotic arm additionally includes a control arm. The control arm includes a first linkage and a second linkage, each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first linkage is connected to the second end of the base linkage through a second rotational joint. The first end of the second linkage is connected to the second end of the first linkage through a third rotational joint. The control arm also includes a second end effector connected to the second end of the second linkage through a fourth rotational joint. The first, second, third, and fourth rotational joints are configured to rotate in or parallel to a first plane.
US09827675B2

A collision avoidance method according to the present invention avoids collision of a robot arm 120 including an upper arm part 122 and a forearm part 124 connected to each other via an elbow part 134 with an obstacle. Movable areas of the upper arm part 122 and the forearm part 124 in a state in which positions of both ends of the robot arm 120 have been fixed are calculated. Intersections of the movable areas with a first line on a boundary surface of an obstacle area including the obstacle are calculated. A collision avoidance range in which the robot arm 120 does not collide against the obstacle area in the movable areas is determined based on the intersections that have been calculated.
US09827673B2

A robot controller able to suppress shaking of a tool tip of a robot due to operation of a travel axis. The robot controller includes a movement calculating part calculating an amount of movement of the travel axis and an amount of movement of the tool tip each time the travel axis operates in accordance with a command and a correcting part correcting a command value so that at least one command value of a speed and acceleration to the travel axis becomes smaller when the amount of movement of the travel axis is larger than a predetermined first threshold value and the amount of movement of the tool tip is smaller than a predetermined second threshold value.
US09827672B2

A piezoelectric drive device includes a piezoelectric drive portion which includes a contact portion capable of coming into contact with a driven body and a piezoelectric material, and a drive circuit which drives the piezoelectric drive portion. The drive circuit sets an allowable maximum output torque Tlim or less to an allowable output torque range, sets output torque Td of the piezoelectric drive portion so as to be within the allowable output torque range, and operates the piezoelectric drive portion. The allowable maximum output torque Tlim is expressed by the following Expression (1). Tlim=r1×μk×Ns×fs  (1) In the expression, r1 is a distance between a rotation center of the driven body and a contact position of the contact portion, μk is a dynamic friction coefficient between the driven body and the contact portion, Ns is a pressing force by which the contact portion presses the driven body when an operation of the piezoelectric drive portion stops, and fs is a coefficient of 1 or less.
US09827671B2

A teaching operation supporting apparatus includes a teaching jig which makes, when a mold is stationary, tentative teaching points by touching up a groove more than once while moving along the groove and which is attached to a robot, a coordinate value calculating unit for calculating coordinate values of actual robot teaching points corresponding to the respective tentative teaching points, based on the distance between a grasping position and the bottom end of the string-like workpiece, and coordinate values of the tentative teaching points, and a speed calculating unit for calculating a lowering speed of the robot for each of portions between adjacent ones of the robot teaching points, based on distances between adjacent ones of the robot teaching points, horizontal distances between adjacent ones of the tentative teaching points corresponding to the respective robot teaching points, and the constant speed of the mold.
US09827651B2

A tensioning device and method of use is disclosed, the tensioning device helps tighten a rotationally free screw including a head and an expanding nut, wherein the screw retains an article to a surface through an aperture in the surface. The tensioning device includes an extension and an arcuate element, wherein a user grasps the extension and positions the arcuate element about the screw and underneath the screw head then manually exerting an axial force to tension the screw causing frictional contact of the expanding nut to an opposing hidden surface thereby allowing the screw to be tightened as against the nut and securing the article to the surface.
US09827644B2

A sharpening device for sharpening and grinding mower blades. The sharpening device includes a roller table and a plurality of mower blade mounting platforms that slide back and forth atop a base. The mower blade mounting platforms include an electromagnet that secures a mower blade to a support surface and guides for directing the position of the secured mower blade. The sharpening device further includes a plurality of sharpening members, such as grindstones, that engage with the mower blades secured to the mower blade mounting platforms. Each mower blade mounting platform includes adjustment mechanisms that allow a user to alter the lateral position of the blade and the sharpening angle of the blade. A first and second motor causes the mower blade mounting platforms to reciprocate and the sharpening members to rotate.
US09827640B2

An apparatus and a system comprise a collet comprising a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion comprises a threading means. The bottom portion at least comprises means for holding the collet from rotating and means for retaining an end mill. A master comprises a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion is configured for engagement with a spindle of a milling machine. The bottom portion comprises a threading means for engagement with the threading means of the collet, wherein the master is retained by the spindle and the collet engages and disengages the master by rotation of the spindle. The milling machine operates under computer control during engagement and disengagement of the collet from the master.
US09827639B2

A method of placing a fastener plate on a structure made of composite material, the structure being obtained by a technique of injecting resin under a vacuum, the technique including placing a fiber preform in a closed mold, injecting a thermosetting resin into the mold, and polymerizing the resin prior to cooling. The method includes mounting a metal fastener plate against a wall of the mold before putting the fiber preform into place, the fastener plate coming into contact with one of faces of the fiber preform while the fiber preform is being put into place in the mold, and the resin becoming deposited between the fastener plate and the fiber preform while the resin is being injected into the mold. The method may be used in particular for fastening equipment on a composite material fan casing of a gas turbine for an aeroengine.
US09827636B2

Present invention provides a universal fixture that fits a broad range of flange/pipe sizes, covering the common sized 4-hole to 24-hole flanges. The present invention solves the end play issue (between the mounting studs and the screw holes of the flange) by aligning the centers of the flange to the center of the pipe, relying on the center hole of the OH plate. An additional accessory can be used to set adjustable height support, for propping up pipes and balance the weight, facilitating the ease of handling the welding work.
US09827633B2

A method for the preparation of steel sheets for fabricating a welded steel blank is provided. The method includes procuring at least two pre-coated steel sheets, each having a pre-coating of an intermetallic alloy layer, topped by a layer of aluminum metal or aluminum alloy or aluminum-based alloy. The sheets have a principal face, an opposite principal face, and at least one secondary face. The sheets are positioned so a gap between 0.02 and 2 mm exists between the secondary faces. The secondary faces face each other. The positioning of the first and second sheets defines a median plane perpendicular to the principal faces. Layers of metal alloy are removed by melting and vaporization simultaneously on the principal faces, in a peripheral zone of the sheets, the peripheral zones being the zones of the principal faces closest in relation to the median plane.
US09827631B2

A method can include co-axially locating a turbine wheel and a shaft where a force applicator applies an axially directed force to the turbine wheel, where the turbine wheel transfers at least a portion of the force to shaft and where a rotatable shaft collet supports the shaft; rotating the rotatable shaft collet; energizing at least one laser beam; and, via the at least one laser beam, forming a weld between the turbine wheel and the shaft.
US09827630B2

A fixing apparatus for respot welding is provided. The fixing apparatus includes a base plate on which electrically-powered cylinders are mounted, lower pin jigs mounted upright on the electrically-powered cylinders to support a workpiece and the workpiece is fixed at a position by allowing pin units mounted on upper portions of the lower pin jigs to penetrate the workpiece. Further a pressing hanger is positioned to be spaced apart from the upper portions of the lower pin jigs, and moves downward toward the pin units to apply a force to the workpiece when the workpiece is seated on the lower pin jigs.
US09827613B2

Provided is a method for producing metal microparticles in which the ratio of crystallite diameter to the particle diameter of the metal microparticles is controlled. At least two types of fluid to be processed are used, including a metal fluid in which a metal or a metal compound is dissolved in a solvent, and a reducing agent fluid which includes a reducing agent. Sulfate ions are included in one or both of the metal fluid and the reducing agent fluid. The fluid to be processed is mixed in a thin film fluid formed between at least two processing surfaces, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, and which are disposed facing each other and capable of approaching and separating from each other, and metal microparticles are precipitated. The present invention is characterized in that at this time, the ratio (d/D) of the crystallite diameter (d) of the metal microparticles to the particle diameter (D) of the metal microparticles is controlled by controlling the molar ratio of metal and sulfate ions in the mixed fluid to be processed.
US09827609B2

A cast mold fabricating device supplies thickener-coated sand and steam into a mold forming die at an optimum timing to shorten a mold fabrication time. The device includes the die 2 with an injection inlet 1, a sand supply head 4 for supplying and filling the thickener-coated sand 3 into the die, a steam supply head 5 for supplying steam into the die 2 to solidify and/or cure a thickener of the sand by application of heat of the steam. The device further includes a vertical drive 6 for lowering the sand supply head 4 to a position where the injection inlet 1 is connected to a sand nozzle 8 of the sand supply head 4, and a horizontal drive 7 for advancing the steam supply head 5 to a position where the injection port 1 is connected to a steam nozzle 9 of the steam supply head 5.
US09827584B2

A masking fixture for coating dishware includes a support base having a first ferromagnetic member and a contoured support surface configured for engagement with a lower contour of the dishware. A mask base includes a second ferromagnetic member. The second ferromagnetic member is magnetically attracted to the first ferromagnetic member. The mask base includes a mask guide. A mask includes a masking surface configured for engagement with the upper contour. The mask is moveably coupled to the mask guide for movement between an engaged position in which the masking surface is engageable with the upper contour and a disengaged position. The mask can be moved to the disengaged position to facilitate removal of the mask base from the dishware after a coating operation.
US09827581B2

A pump system may include a blown-in dip tube connected to a valve body and having a connection which may include an improved blown-in dip tube connector having one or more of a lip for sealing with a blown-in dip tube, a seal ring configured to mate with a blown-in dip tube and seal therewith, a dip tube lock for mating with a blown-in dip tube, or an o-ring for providing an improved seal with a blown-in dip tube.
US09827578B2

Embodiments of the invention generally include shield frame assembly for use with a showerhead assembly, and a showerhead assembly having a shield frame assembly that includes an insulator that tightly fits around the perimeter of a showerhead in a vacuum processing chamber. In one embodiment, a showerhead assembly includes a gas distribution plate and a multi-piece frame assembly that circumscribes a perimeter edge of the gas distribution plate. The multi-piece frame assembly allows for expansion of the gas distribution plate without creating gaps which may lead to arcing. In other embodiments, the insulator is positioned to be have the electric fields concentrated at the perimeter of the gas distribution plate located therein, thereby reducing arcing potential.
US09827570B2

A paper shredder having shredder cover and a motor coupled to shredder blades includes a shredder throat in proximity to shredder blades. The shredder throat has a moveable blade, and a fixed blade. A cam coupled to the moveable blade is in communication with a power switch plunger. When the shredder is in the NORMAL/ON position, a throat gap is in its normal position and the cam positions the plunger to power to the motor. When the shredder is in the JAM CLEAR/OFF position, the throat gap is in its wide position and the cam positions the plunger to remove power to the motor. A method is provided, including providing a moveable blade; sensing a throat jammed condition; releasing the moveable blade; moving the moveable blade to a wide gap position; sensing the moveable blade in the wide gap position; turning off the motor in response to the sensing.
US09827566B2

There is provided plate equipped with a mechanism to facilitate determination of the amount of a fluid added to or removed from a well in the plate. Other embodiments are also described.
US09827565B2

The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a nucleic acid from a fluid comprising cells. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity nucleic acid isolated from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.
US09827557B2

The present disclosure relates to a naphtha reforming process for obtaining reformed naphtha comprising contacting naphtha with a catalyst, the catalyst comprising a chloride free zeolite coated alumina support impregnated with 0.01 wt % to 0.5 wt % active metal and 0.01 wt % to 0.5 wt % promoter metal, wherein the thickness of the zeolite coating on the alumina support ranges from 100 μm to 200 μm, which results in formation of reformed products of naphtha and ethylbenzene formed in-situ.
US09827536B2

Provided is a composite semipermeable membrane having a high salt removal rate and a high water permeability. The composite semipermeable membrane comprises a substrate, a porous support layer formed on the substrate, and a separation functional layer formed on the porous support layer, the hydrophilic macromolecule concentration on the substrate-side surface of the porous support layer being higher than that on the separation functional layer-side surface.
US09827534B2

Blood or other fluids can be caused to interact with a gas by providing a plurality of fluid flow channels that are surrounded by nanotubes, each of the channels having an inflow end and an outflow end, wherein each of the channels is wide enough for the blood to flow through, and wherein the nanotubes are spaced close enough to each other to retain the fluid within the channels when the blood is flowing through the channels. The fluid is then passed through the through the channels while a gas is passed through the spaces between the nanotubes outside the fluid flow channels. This permits the gas to interact with the fluid in the channels.
US09827527B2

A method of reinforcing a filter media pack as well as a reinforced media pack is provided. The method includes forming a media pack to have an inlet face and an outlet face. The method includes applying a reinforcing agent to the media pack. The reinforcing agent is applied in a flowable state. The method also includes hardening the reinforcing agent to form a reinforcing structure to reinforce the media pack. Filter element having such a reinforcing structure is also provided.
US09827522B2

A fastening system for applying, over an opening and surrounding fascia of a structure, a covering material including either of a flexible or rigid outer reinforced extending perimeter within which is configured a plurality of receiving apertures. A plurality of rails are adapted to being secured to the fascia in extending fashion proximate the opening, each of the rails exhibiting a three dimensional cross sectional shape with a forwardly projecting support surface within which is configured an outwardly facing narrowed slot for receiving a plurality of fasteners for securing the edges of the covering. An insert secures together the elongated channels in perimeter defined fashion over the intake opening. The inserts each have compression fitting sides adapted to inter-engage within the interior channels of the rails. The compression fitting sides can also include any collection of ramps, dimples, protuberances or crush portions to facilitate frictional fitting of the inserts within the channel interior following an initial disassembly of an associated kit from the intake surface, additional and replacement inserts are provided for subsequent reassembly.
US09827520B2

The present disclosure relates to an air handling system including a casing structure formed from a cohesive sheet of material. The air handling system also includes a first side wall of the casing structure including a first section of the cohesive sheet of material. The air handling system also includes a first support portion extending inwardly from the first side wall. The first support portion includes a folded portion of the first side wall. The air handling system also includes a second side wall disposed substantially opposite the first side wall. The second side wall includes a second section of the cohesive sheet of material. The air handling system further includes a second support portion extending inwardly from the second side wall. The second support portion includes a folded portion of the second side wall. The first and second support portions are configured to support a filter.
US09827519B2

A method of manufacturing a filter pipe for vehicles which has an expanded tube portion with a different diameter at one side and is provided with a plurality of through holes formed along a circumferential direction includes: forming the plurality of through holes in a mother member; forming furrows at one end portion of the mother member; forming a planar member having the plurality of through holes and the furrows by a shearing process of the mother member; bending the planar member in a tubular shape and spreading the furrows to form an area where the furrows are formed in an expanded tube shape; and adhering both facing end portions of the planar member so as to form a body having the expanded tube portion at one side thereof.
US09827515B2

A filter element (20) includes individual components (2, 4, 8), such as a filter medium (8) as one component and further filter element components (2, 4), of which at least one component (4) is made of a material that is at least partially transparent to laser light and at least one further component (2), in the manner of a barrier layer, is made of a material that is at least partially opaque to laser light to perform a transmission welding method by laser light for connecting associable components to each other. At least some of the components of the filter element that are exposed to the laser light during the transmission welding method are at least partially electrically conductive.
US09827506B2

A system and method is provided for monitoring and controlling a load disposed at least partially within a model vehicle. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with a load car that includes a load, a motor, and a controller for operating the motor to raise and lower the load. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to monitor at least one metric (e.g., a coal level) and to operate the motor so that the vertical position of the load (e.g., a coal load) is synchronized to the metric. If the metric goes up, then the load is moved (e.g., via the motor) in an upward direction. Alternatively, if the metric goes down, then the load is moved (e.g., via the motor) in a downward direction.
US09827505B2

A swing attachment apparatus for holding a child's toy on a swing includes a seat base that has a lower portion configured to rest on a swing seat and an upper portion configured to support a child's toy. A seat back may be provided that adjustably engages with the seat base to support a rear portion of the child's toy. A first strap is attached to the seat base and is configured to wrap around the swing seat to secure the seat base to the swing. A second strap is attached to the seat base and is configured to extend over the child's toy to secure the child's toy between the second strap and the seat base.
US09827496B1

Embodiments of systems disclosed herein may use example based procedural animation techniques to create smooth, lifelike animations. Systems herein can identify a character pose at the end of each game update frame. Reference features can be extracted from the game update frame and may be used to identify a specific motion capture frame to use in generating an animation. The selected motion capture frame can be used as an initial target frame for a subsequent frame. Further, the target frame may be modified in response to a collision event. Based on the extracted reference feature information and the applied external forces due to the collision event, a new motion capture frame may be selected thereby, creating a new animation that appears more realistic compared to previous systems.
US09827493B2

A method of assisting a first player of a videogame is provided. The method includes making a game state of the first player accessible to a second player. The game state describes a state of the videogame as played by the first player. The method also includes executing the videogame for the second player using the game state of the first player to define the initial state of the videogame for the second player, allowing the second player to play the videogame based upon the game state of the first player until a first predetermined criterion is met, and providing to the first player data for updating their game state in response to the play of the second player.
US09827487B2

A method is disclosed for operating a mobile computing device. The method may include a communication link between the mobile computing device and a second computing device. The second computing device may provide a virtual environment for the mobile computing device. Furthermore, the mobile computing device may allow a user to control a self-propelled device, which may be rendered as a virtual entity upon the virtual environment.
US09827477B2

A Pilates Aquatics Device (PAD) including a board, the board being generally rectangular, planar, buoyant, and having top and bottom surfaces, first and second sides that are generally parallel to one another with a longitudinal axis midway there between, first and second ends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a strap defining three loops on the top surface of the board, the loops aligned along the axis, the loops defining openings perpendicular to the axis for insertion of a user's hands or feet to control the PAD.
US09827468B2

An improved anchor fitting (10) for anchoring a tether cord (22) to a hollow ball (12). The anchor fitting (10) includes an anchor body (16) comprising a shank portion (18) and a head (20) at one end of the shank portion. The anchor body is received in a hole (14) in the wall of the ball and defines an axial passage through which the tether cord extends. The anchor fitting includes two rigid shoulder-defining bodies (26) and (28) which are located within the ball and which extend perpendicularly relative to one another when assembled. The shoulder-defining bodies define holes in which the shank portion of the anchor body is received, with the head (20) abutting an inner side of the shoulder-defining body (28). A flexible resilient rubber washer (34) is located between the shoulder-defining bodies and an interior side of the wall for absorption of impact forces acting on the wall of the ball when the ball is struck by a bat.
US09827467B2

Multi-layered golf balls containing a two-layered core assembly are provided. Preferably, at least one of the core layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that comprises: a) thermoplastic non-acid polymer, and b) plasticizer. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core is made of a first thermoplastic composition comprising the non-acid polymer and plasticizer; and the outer core layer is made of a second thermoplastic composition. For example, an ethylene acid copolymer may be used to form the outer core layer. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. Suitable non-acid polymers include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The core assembly has a relatively high resiliency at given compressions.
US09827464B2

A system and methods for custom-fitting golf clubs and golf club components is disclosed. Data is generated by a tracking device as a plurality of golf swings are performed by an individual. The data comprises motion and orientation information associated with a golf ball and with a golf club. The data is displayed using a graphical user interface. A plurality of shot characteristics is determined from the data. The shot characteristics are used to recommend golf clubs and golf club components that adjust a golfer's swing where the golfer exhibits the plurality of shot characteristics.
US09827452B2

A fall protection apparatus includes a heavy support base with a pivotal mast having a top member for rotation around the axis of the mast carrying a series of booms pivotal about respective vertical axes, each having an end coupling member for receiving a fall restraint harness. Each boom is formed by a tube which fractures on a fall and an elongate stainless steel strap inside the tube which bends without fracturing. The mast includes a series of telescopic rectangular mast sections with a winch driven cable and pulley arrangement for extending the first section which acts to pull the second inner section to the extended position as the first inner section moves out of the outer section. Each section includes first and second pulleys mounted at the same face of the section with the cable located between the face of the section and the face of the next section.
US09827451B2

There is provided a height rescue apparatus comprising a safety line (1) which is attached at (3) to a flexible elongate element (2) which has a lower tensile strength than the safety line 1 which is wound on a drum (9) which is part of a speed control means. A friction device (5) acts on a portion of the safety line (1) to reduce tension in said portion of the safety line by at least 50% in a full arrest situation. The drum (9) or the speed control means is held in a first position which prevents rotation of the drum and release means can be actuated after the fall arrest to allow the drum to provide a controlled lowering action.
US09827447B1

Devices, kits, systems and methods described herein may be for treatment to skin, including but not limited to wound healing, the treatment, amelioration, and/or prevention of scars or keloids. Devices kits, systems and methods described herein may be used to select treatment parameters or devices for treating skin in a zone or region of skin having particular mechanical or other properties.
US09827444B2

An ophthalmic radiation device using a polymeric radiation-source implemented as either a polymer molecularly bonded with a radioisotope or a polymeric encasement of a radioisotope.
US09827442B2

The present invention relates to a thermoplastic composition suitable for manufacturing a thermoplastic sheet for producing a medical cast, such as a radiation mask. The composition has a polymeric component comprising a mixture of a styrene acrylonitrile copolymer and polycaprolactone, optionally together with a cross-linker and/or a filler, wherein the polymeric component comprises, 20 to 40 weight % of a styrene acrylonitrile copolymer and 80 to 60 weight % of a polycaprolactone, expressed in weight % of the polymeric component, wherein the thermoplastic composition has a glass transition temperature of 35° C.-80° C. The invention further relates to a thermoplastic sheet and to a medical cast, in particular a radiation mask, obtainable from said composition. In a final aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing said sheet and said radiation mask.
US09827438B2

A system for irradiation of a vascular space and its contents is presented. An adapter device having a vascular access end and an optical interface end can include a waveguide affixed within a waveguide lumen and extending outwardly through the vascular access end. The optical interface end includes a tapered terminus configured to engage with a cavity of an optical connector adapter, creating an optical interface between the waveguide of the adapter device and a waveguide of a light or radiation source. The adapter device enables the simultaneous administration of radiation and exogenous fluids to a patient while maintaining the optical interface isolated from any fluids.
US09827437B2

Radiofrequency (RF) skin treatment devices and methods are provided herein. RF energy is delivered via electrodes in a phase-controlled manner which heats skin volumes below the surface more than the skin surface itself. At least one electrode at least partially encloses at least one other electrode. The combination of controlling the phases of the RF energy delivered to different electrodes and the enclosing configuration of the electrodes allows concentrating the delivered energy in specific regions below the skin surface at a particularly high efficiency. Configurations of the enclosing and the enclosed electrodes, their forms and combinations with other electrodes and the phase polarities applied to the electrodes are also provided.
US09827434B2

A wearable medical device includes a water-resistant/waterproof housing configured to be continuously or nearly continuously worn by a patient and formed from a water-resistant/waterproof material, and configured to prevent ingress of water in a wet environment; a plurality of ECG sensing electrodes configured to be removably coupled to the patient and to monitor an ECG of the patient; a plurality of therapy electrodes configured to be removably coupled to the patient and to deliver at least one therapeutic pulse to the patient; and a control unit disposed within the water-resistant/waterproof housing and configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of ECG sensing electrodes and the plurality of therapy electrodes, the control unit configured to receive the monitored ECG of the patient, and responsive to detection of a cardiac arrhythmia, provide the at least one therapeutic pulse to the patient via the at least one therapy electrode.
US09827433B2

A buttstock includes a main body and a protecting member. The main body includes a shell member and an automated external defibrillator disposed in the shell member. The protecting member is movably connecting with the shell member of the main body so as to move relative to the shell member between a first position and a second position, wherein the protecting member shields the automated external defibrillator at the first position and exposes the automated external defibrillator at the second position respectively.
US09827432B2

A headrest structure is provided and includes a body and two supporting rods. The body includes a covering cushion and an automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED is enclosed by the covering cushion. Each of the supporting rods includes a linking end and a combining end opposite to the linking end, and each of the supporting rods is connected to the body with the linking end so as to support the body. Based on this, the AED is assembled in the body to improve the applicability of the AED, so that patients experiencing cardiac arrest can be treated properly and instantly.
US09827431B2

A wearable defibrillator system includes a support structure with one or more electrodes in an unbiased state. A monitoring device monitors, for the long term, a parameter of the person that is not the person's ECG; rather, the monitored parameter can be the person's motion, a physiological parameter, or both. When a value of the monitored parameter reaches a threshold, such as when the person is having an actionable episode, the electrode becomes mechanically biased against the person's body, for making good electrical contact. Then, if necessary, the person can be given electrical therapy, such as defibrillation. As such, the electrodes of the wearable defibrillator system can be worn loosely for the long term, without making good electrical contact. This can reduce the person's aversion to wearing the defibrillation system.
US09827419B2

Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles and/or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators and/or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. The assembly affords maximum patient mobility and comfort through differentiated components having minimal profiles and connected by way of detachable and adjustable connections.
US09827417B2

A system including an implantable medical device (IMD) configured to be programmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) settings for use during an MRI scan, a server configured to receive MRI settings associated with the IMD, and configured to store the MRI settings associated with the IMD, and a portable retrieval programmer. The portable retrieval programmer includes a housing configured for portability by a user, a first communication module in the housing configured to communicate with the server to retrieve the MRI settings associated with the IMD, and a device communication module connectible to and disconnectible from the housing and configured to communicate with the IMD to retrieve the identity data and program the IMD with the MRI settings.
US09827415B2

A multilayer helical wave filter having a primary resonance at a selected RF diagnostic or therapeutic frequency or frequency range, includes an elongated conductor forming at least a portion of an implantable medical lead. The elongated conductor includes a first helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a first inductive component, and a second helically wound segment having at least one planar surface, a first end and a second end, which forms a second inductive element. The first and second helically wound segments are wound in the same longitudinal direction and share a common longitudinal axis. Planar surfaces of the helically wound segments face one another, and a dielectric material is disposed between the facing planar surfaces of the helically wound segments and between adjacent coils of the helically wound segments, thereby forming a capacitance.
US09827414B2

Embodiments include a medical implant for insertion into the human and/or animal body. The medical implant includes a helical fixing device to fix the implant at a site of implantation, wherein the helical fixing device is one or more of coupled to a locking device on the fixing device and coupled to an implant surface. One or more of the locking device and the implant surface impedes an autonomous detachment of the fixing device.
US09827413B2

A stimulation lead extends from a proximal end to a distal end and includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the distal end of the lead; a plurality of terminals disposed along the proximal end of the lead; and an elongated body separating the plurality of electrodes from the plurality of terminals. The elongated body includes an outer tube of insulative material, and a cog-shaped conductor guide disposed within the outer tube. The conductor guide includes a central core and a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the central core. The plurality of protrusions and the outer tube define a plurality of pocket regions. The stimulation further includes a plurality of conductors disposed within the plurality of pocket regions, each conductor coupling at least one of the plurality of electrodes to at least one of the plurality of terminals.
US09827410B2

A medical connector includes a body defining a lumen for fluid flow through the medical connector. The medical connector includes a luer member and an annular member disposed about the luer member. The annular member includes internal and/or external engagement structures. The medical connector may be provided on the outlet of a syringe or on a catheter. A fluid path is disclosed including a first section and a second section. The first and second sections may each include a medical connector to provide a removable connection with a syringe and a catheter, respectively. The medical connector may provide a removable connection between the first and second sections. A fluid delivery system is disclosed including an injector, a syringe operatively associated with the injector, and a fluid path connecting the syringe and a source of injection. The medical connector may provide a removable connection between the syringe and fluid path.
US09827409B1

A tattooing device is designed for ingraining a design on the skin. The tattooing device includes an electric drive motor with a rotatable motor pin. The motor pin defines an axis of rotation. A rotatable actuator cam is operatively connected to the motor pin, and comprises a cam post axially offset from the motor pin and the axis of rotation. An elongated drive shaft is operatively connected to the cam post, such that rotation of the actuator cam effects simultaneous substantially linear reciprocating movement of the drive shaft. A needle assembly is operatively connected to the drive shaft, and adapted for carrying a pointed tattooing needle for penetrating the skin.
US09827408B2

A device for inserting at least one hollow needle for the injection or withdrawal of a solution into/from a tissue, said device comprising a casing (1), a plunger (2) movably mounted inside the casing, and propulsion means (3 and 4) suitable for driving the plunger towards the distal end (1a) of the device by applying a force F1(t). The propulsion means and/or the plunger comprise retaining means (3a) for joining the propulsion means and the plunger while the latter is moving, said retaining means releasing the plunger from the propulsion means when a force F2(t) is exerted in the opposite direction to F1(t). Pressure means hold the needle in the tissue and allow a controlled withdrawal of the plunger at least while the solution is being injected.
US09827404B2

Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the performance of procedures in the left atrium. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the right atrium and through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device.
US09827403B2

A reduced pressure treatment system includes a compressible chamber positionable beneath a foot of a user and being movable between an expanded position and a compressed position. The compressible chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve is in fluid communication with the inlet to prevent fluid within the compressible chamber from exiting the inlet, and an outlet valve is in fluid communication with the outlet to prevent fluid from entering the compressible chamber through the outlet. A biasing member is disposed within the compressible chamber to bias the compressible chamber toward the expanded position, and a manifold is positionable at a tissue site and in fluid communication with the inlet of the compressible chamber.
US09827401B2

Embodiments of the invention include apparatus and methods for coating drug eluting medical devices. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus including a coating application unit comprising a movement restriction structure; a fluid applicator; and an air nozzle. The apparatus can further include a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism, the axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US09827395B2

An apparatus and method are presented for a therapy delivery device including a catheter, an endoscope and an endoscope shaft, one or more attachment features for attaching the catheter to the endoscope, wherein the catheter has an expandable lumen at a distal end and wherein the expandable lumen expands upon injection of a therapy at the proximal end of the catheter. Attachment features may be a series of clips along the length of the catheter for attaching to an endoscope or a second lumen on the catheter wherein an endoscope may through one of said lumens. Targeted therapy delivery may be a hydrogel or a chitosan hydrogel to provide a treatment within a sinus of a patient.
US09827394B2

The invention concerns a cartridge for an inhalation device for delivering anaesthetic to a human or animal wherein anaesthetic in the cartridge is dispersed in an anaesthetic control release medium; an inhalation device for use with the cartridge and a formulation including at least one selected anaesthetic and anaesthetic control release medium.
US09827389B2

A respiratory treatment apparatus (1) provides blood glucose monitoring and breathing control based on detected blood glucose information. In an example embodiment, a flow generator provides a flow of breathable gas at a pressure above atmospheric to a patient interface according to a pressure treatment control protocol such as a CPAP, APAP, bi-level CPAP, etc. A detector determines a blood glucose condition indicator with one or more sensors that are used to sense physiological information. In response to signals from the sensors, a controller, such as a digital signal processor, controls adjustments to the flow of breathable gas provided by the flow generator. The adjustments are determined by the controller based on the detected blood glucose indicator and/or changes thereto.
US09827387B2

An apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient within the scope of the diagnosis and/or the treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders includes an electronic signal processing device for generating a pressure control signal on the basis of indicative signals relating to the breathing activity and/or the physiological state of a person. The signal processing device comprises a signal inputting device and an extraction device for generating data field entries according to predefined signal analysis procedures. A pressure signal generator is provided for generating the pressure control signal, taking into account determined data field entries which are at least selected by the extraction device.
US09827381B2

Described is an autoinjector comprising a case, a chassis slidably arranged in the case, a syringe carrier operably coupled to the chassis, an outer plunger selectively engaged to the chassis, an inner plunger selectively engaged to the outer plunger, and a drive spring applying a biasing force to the outer plunger. The biasing force is applied to the inner plunger when the inner plunger is engaged to the outer plunger. Rotation of the chassis causes the inner plunger to rotate relative to the outer plunger and disengage the outer plunger to remove the biasing force from the drive spring on the inner plunger. When the inner plunger disengages the outer plunger, the biasing force of the drive spring pushes the chassis to retract the syringe carrier relative to the case.
US09827376B2

Provided herein is a plunger assembly for advancing a plunger through a barrel, such as the barrel of a pre-filled syringe. The plunger assembly includes a stopper adapter defining an aperture. The stopper adapter includes a first restraining member adjacent to the aperture. The plunger assembly also includes a plunger rod having a first end, a second end, and a plunger rod head disposed adjacent the first end of the plunger rod. The plunger rod head includes a second restraining member engageable with the first restraining member of the stopper adapter. The plunger assembly is configured such that as the plunger rod head is moved axially within the aperture of the stopper adapter, the first restraining member of the stopper adapter engages the second restraining member of the plunger rod head to secure the plunger rod head within the aperture. A syringe assembly with a plunger assembly is also disclosed.
US09827371B2

A method (400) controls the delivery of insulin in a diabetic patient (P) based on data (d) representative of at least a fraction of a meal (m(k+i)) that the patient (P) will consume. The method provides from a block (R) representative of conventional therapy or open loop rule that the patient (P) is subject to, based on the data (d) representative of at least a fraction of the meal (m(k+i)), a reference insulin value (u0). The method is also based on data representative of the difference between input data (ŷ), a reference glycemic level, and feedback data (yCGM) representative of the glycemic level detected in the patient (P). A control module (301; 401) provides a value of insulin (i) to be delivered to the patient (P) based on the various representative data.
US09827354B2

A microlead includes a conductive cable formed by a strand of microcables, each microcable being formed of a strand of individual metallic wires. The microlead also includes an insulation layer sheathing the cable. The microlead further includes at least one exposed area formed in the insulation layer so as to form a corresponding electrode of the microlead. The microlead further includes a pharmacologically active agent (e.g., an anti-inflammatory agent) configured to gradually be released into the environment of the microlead after implantation of the microlead. The pharmacologically active agent may be a soluble material. An interstitial space, delimited by the inner wall of the insulation layer and existing in the remainder between the wires of each microcable, is filled with the pharmacologically active agent.
US09827350B2

The present invention relates to methods for removing antigens from tissues by sequentially destabilizing and/or depolymerizing cytoskeletal components and removing and/or reducing water-soluble antigens and lipid-soluble antigens. The invention further relates to tissue scaffolding and decellularized extracellular matrix produced by such methods.
US09827346B2

Rapid setting high strength calcium phosphate cements and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the cements include fine and coarse calcium phosphate particulate reactants and a cyclodextrin which, upon combination with a setting fluid, produce a flowable composition that rapidly sets into a high strength product. The flowable compositions find use in a variety of different applications, including the repair of hard tissue defects, e.g., bone defects such as fractures.
US09827339B2

The present invention discloses a method and corresponding apparatus utilizing UV-A and UV-C for treatment of textile materials. The method comprises the steps of (a) exposing incoming textile materials to UV-A radiation for detection of optically brightened textile materials and/or synthetic fiber materials; (b) separating detected optically brightened textile materials and/or synthetic fiber materials from the incoming textile materials; (c) exposing the separated incoming textile materials to UV-C radiation for sterilization and surface modification of the textile materials to increase wettability and absorbability and reduce pilling. The apparatus comprises an enclosed segregation chamber disposed with a cascading conveying means, a UV-A radiation source and an optically brightened textile materials and/or synthetic fiber materials separating means therewithin, and an enclosed segregation chamber disposed with a UV-C radiation source therewithin.
US09827335B2

The present application discloses treating water insoluble nanoparticles, particularly nanoparticles of metals and metal compounds which find utility in diagnostic imaging such as MR and X-ray imaging, with an alpha-hydroxyphosphonic acid conjugate with a hydrophilic moiety to render the nanoparticles sufficiently hydrophilic to find utility in diagnostic imaging. Among the modified hydrophilic nanoparticles disclosed are those in which the hydrophilic moieties of the modifying conjugate are ethylene oxide based polymers and copolymers and zwitterions and the nanoparticles are composed of transition metal oxides such as superparamagnetic iron oxide and tantalum oxide. Disclosed are nanoparticles which are sufficiently hydrophilic to form stable aqueous colloidal suspensions. Also disclosed is diagnostic imaging such as MR and X-ray using the modified hydrophilic nanoparticles as contrast agents.
US09827326B2

The invention relates to (among other things) polymer-sunitinib conjugates and related compounds. A compound of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits advantages over sunitinib in unconjugated form.
US09827324B2

An inhalable formulation containing SAE-CD and corticosteroid is provided. The formulation is adapted for administration to a subject by nebulization with any known nebulizer. The formulation can be included in a kit. The formulation is administered as an aqueous solution, however, it can be stored as a dry powder, ready-to-use solution, or concentrated composition. The formulation is employed in an improved nebulization system for administering corticosteroid by inhalation. SAE-CD present in the formulation significantly enhances the chemical stability of budesonide. A method of administering the formulation by inhalation is provided. The formulation can also be administered by conventional nasal delivery apparatus.
US09827322B2

A method for treating cancer is disclosed by boiling blended cannabis material with oil and collecting oil infused with cannabis; targeting cancerous cells in a body; and injecting the oil infused with cannabis into the body portion with cancerous cells.
US09827321B2

The present inventions are directed to shear-thinning and stabilizing hydrogels, especially for use in drug delivery and therapy. Various embodiments provide settable, shear-thinning hydrogels, each hydrogel comprising a hydrophilic polymer network, said hydrophilic polymer network comprising non-covalent crosslinks and at least one set of chemical moieties being capable of participating in at least one chemical covalent cross-linking reaction. In certain embodiments, these settable shear-thinning hydrogels are triggerable to cross-link by the application of a stimulus.
US09827316B2

The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects having or at risk of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, sickle-cell anemia, or other conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide, peptides, or both. 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 and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). 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.
US09827308B2

It is disclosed herein that (a) an anti-tumor DNA vaccine delivered using a MIP DNA vector is a less effective tumor treatment than the corresponding anti-tumor DNA vaccine delivered using a conventional pDNA vector, despite the MIP DNA vector eliciting a higher frequency of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells; and (b) tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells in animals immunized with the MIP DNA vector express higher levels of the immune checkpoint protein LAG-3 than animals immunized with a conventional pDNA vector, while the expression levels of other immune checkpoint proteins was the same for both groups. Based on these findings, improved methods and compositions for administering DNA vaccines are disclosed. Specifically, DNA vaccines delivered with MIP DNA are administered along with a LAG-3 pathway blocking agent, resulting in a more effective vaccine-induced cellular immune response.
US09827304B2

The subject invention pertains to attenuated influenza viruses, and related vaccines and methods, comprising a genetically modified viral genome. The genetically modified viral genome comprises a disruption in the non-structural (NS1) coding segment and one or more base substitution in the matrix membrane protein coding segment. The genetic modifications result in viruses that lose NS1 functionality, yet remain replication competent.
US09827293B2

Described herewith are compositions comprising placental growth factors and methods for non-surgical, localized delivery thereof. The composition is delivered to a diseased or injured organ and/or body part and is formulated in a manner which allows for localized retention of the composition at the site of delivery.
US09827291B2

Methods of treating individuals with a glucose metabolism disorder and/or a body weight disorder, and compositions associated therewith, are provided.
US09827288B2

The present invention relates to a method for treating a refractory or relapsed lung cancer. Particularly, the invention provides a method and a formulation of using an immunomodulatory protein derived from Ganoderma microsporum in the treatment of a refractory or relapsed lung cancer.
US09827287B2

The present invention includes methods of inhibiting or suppressing cellular secretory processes. More specifically the present invention relates to inhibiting or reducing the release of inflammatory mediators from inflammatory cells by inhibiting the mechanism associated with the release of inflammatory mediators from granules in inflammatory cells. In this regard, the present invention discloses an intracellular signaling mechanism that illustrates several novel intracellular targets for pharmacological intervention in disorders involving secretion of inflammatory mediators from vesicles in inflammatory cells. Peptide fragments and variants thereof of MANS peptide as disclosed in the present invention are useful in such methods.
US09827285B1

Provided herein are compositions, formulations, kits, and methods for improving or modifying cognitive performance in an individual having normal-age related cognitive decline. The composition can include an amount of a blueberry extract, L-carnosine, a green tea extract, vitamin D3, and a grape extract. The composition can be included in a pharmaceutical formulation and be administered to a subject having normal-age related cognitive decline according to a dosing regimen.
US09827284B2

The invention concerns herbal compositions which improve lactation of farmed livestock comprising an effective amount of an extract and/or at least one bioactive fraction or powder from herbs such as Asparagus, Gossypium, Foeniculum, Lepidium, Chlorophytum, Ipomoea, Withania, Leptadenia and optionally dicalcium phosphate, chelated minerals and/or mineral mixture.
US09827278B2

The present invention concerns methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer and cancer cells using intravascular administration of a vaccinia virus. In some embodiments, methods and compositions involve a replicative vaccinia virus that encodes GM-CSF.
US09827273B2

The invention related to medicine, in particular, to a method and a preparation for preventing and treating atypical osteoporosis with normal or increased bone tissue mineralization with the presence of cavities in trabecular bone sections (and conditions similar thereto involving excess mass and metabolic syndrome). The method comprises administrating a preparation comprising from 10 mg and 1000 mg of drone brood per day and from 50 IU and 100,000 IU of vitamin D or vitamins of the group D and/or active metabolites thereof per day. The preparation comprising drone brood and vitamin D or vitamins of the group D and/or active metabolites thereof can be in a powder, tablet or capsule form. The method and the preparation provide redistributing calcium in the body, reducing mineralization of soft tissues, vessels and other organs, and filling cavities in trabecular bone.
US09827266B2

The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects having or at risk of arteriosclerosis, hypertension, sickle-cell anemia, or other conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide. The nitric oxide 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 vesicles containing nitric oxide. 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, e.g., onto a location with acne, or on another suitable portion of 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.
US09827264B1

A method and system for identifying and treating various medical conditions caused by toxins, pathogens, hormonal imbalances and other factors involving intravenous therapy.
US09827258B2

Compounds that have agonist activity at one or more of the S1P receptors are provided. The compounds are sphin-gosine analogs that, after phosphorylation, can behave as agonists at S1P receptors.
US09827254B2

The present invention relates to methods and compositions designed for the treatment or management of acute coronary syndromes, particularly, unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction. The methods of the invention comprise the administration of an effective amount of a formulation containing one or more therapeutic agents which specifically decreases or inhibits the activity of phagocytic cells and/or eliminates or diminishes the amount of phagocytic cells including, but not limited to, macrophages and monocytes. The formulations are specifically targeted to phagocytic cells. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions of formulations containing one or more therapeutic agents of the invention for administration to subjects currently suffering from or having recently suffered an acute coronary syndrome such as unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction.
US09827252B2

The present invention relates generally to methods, compositions and kits for treatment of ribosomal disorders and ribosomopathy, e.g. Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA). In some embodiments, the invention relates to methods for the use of calmodulin inhibitors and calcium channel blockers for treatment of ribosomal disorders and ribosomopathy, e.g. Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA).
US09827248B2

Described herein are compounds of Formula (I) or Formula (VI), pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided are particles (e.g., nanoparticles) comprising compounds of Formula (I) or Formula (VI) and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that are mucus penetrating. Methods of using the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions thereof for treating diseases are also provided.
US09827246B2

Disclosed herein are markers whose mutational status is associated with sensitivity to treatment with NAE inhibitors. Mutational status is determined by measurement of characteristics of markers associated with the marker genes. Compositions and methods are provided to assess markers of marker genes to predict response to NAE inhibition treatment.
US09827240B2

This invention relates to the discovery of novel polymorphic forms of naltrexone, including solvates, hydrates, anhydrous and other crystalline forms and combinations thereof. These novel forms of naltrexone impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including sustained release, or long acting, formulations.
US09827234B1

The present invention provides a simple and improved dose form that is capable of providing a controlled release of methylphenidate contained in the core thereof. The invention also provides methods of administering the dosage form and of treating conditions that are therapeutically responsive to methylphenidate. The dosage form exhibits improved resistance to alcohol-related dose dumping.
US09827229B2

The present invention relates to novel securinine and norsecurine analogs and their applicapility in treating cellular proliferative disorders.
US09827228B2

Disclosed is an in vitro screening method for identifying an antagonist-to-agonist allosteric modifier of a mu-opioid receptor and an in vivo method for confirming that a test compound is such a modifier of a mu-opioid receptor. Also disclosed is a method for treating an opioid receptor-associated condition using a compound of Formula (I) and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same.
US09827226B2

Disclosed are substituted 5-(3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)indoline-2-one compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one such 4 substituted 5-(3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)indoline-2-one compound processes for the preparation thereof, and the use thereof for inhibiting BET family of bromodomains and for treating disorders mediated thereby, such as certain cancers.
US09827217B2

The present invention relates to new pharmaceutical salts of β-GPA which exhibit improved physical properties. In particular, the invention relates to salts of β-GPA with improved flow properties (e.g., improved Carr's index and/or Hausner ratio) such as fumarate salts, succinate salts, and oxalate salts. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions including a pharmaceutically effective amount of one or more salts of β-GPA, as well as methods of treating cancer including administration of a formulation including a β-GPA salt of the invention to a subject in need thereof.
US09827215B2

The present specification discloses pharmaceutical compositions, methods of preparing such pharmaceutical compositions, and methods and uses of treating a chronic inflammation and/or an inflammatory disease in an individual using such pharmaceutical compositions.
US09827210B2

A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a neurological and/or neuropsychiatric disorder associated with altered dopamine function comprising administering to the eye of a patient in need thereof an effective amount of an agent that modulates neurotransmitter production or function.
US09827204B2

Described are immediate release oral dosage forms that contain abuse-deterrent features. In particular, the disclosed dosage forms provide deterrence of abuse by ingestion of multiple individual doses. In addition, the disclosed dosage forms provide protection from overdose in the event of accidental or intentional ingestion of multiple individual doses.
US09827203B2

The invention is associated with ingestible film coated solid dosage forms comprising natural honey in the coating applied to such forms. The natural honey of the film coated solid dosage form is of sufficient level to be perceived by the user while avoiding sticking to each other or the packaging with which they are in contact and, or storage.
US09827200B2

Provided are an orally disintegrating tablet that quickly disintegrates when it is placed in the mouth or put into water, provides favorable taste, has a sufficient hardness in general production, transportation and use and is excellent in terms of storage stability, and a process for the production of the same which is excellent in terms of industrial production. An orally disintegrating tablet containing a drug, a crystalline cellulose having a bulk density of 0.23 g/cm3 or less (preferably from 0.10 g/cm3 to 0.23 g/cm3), a sugar alcohol and a pregelatinized starch.
US09827196B2

The present invention relates to the use of pharmaceutical preparations comprising paclitaxel for administration to a human patient in need thereof.
US09827192B2

Oral dosage forms of osteoclast inhibitors, such as zoledronic acid, in an acid or a salt form can be used to treat or alleviate pain or related conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome.
US09827181B2

The present disclosure relates to a method and a pharmaceutical composition for hair growth. The pharmaceutical composition includes a hair growth peptide (HGP) which includes all or part of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No: 1. The method includes administering a hair growth peptide (HGP) which includes all or part of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No: 1 to an interest.
US09827177B2

The invention provides antiperspirant formulations comprising a protein and an antiperspirant salt in combination with a cosmetically acceptable carrier, together with methods of making and using these complexes and compositions.
US09827174B2

A formulation starts as a gel and transforms into a foam under influence of light and heat to expand out into the oral cavity of a user for advantageous health benefits. A closed system mouthpiece includes light and heat generation to activate the formulation to increase its volume. Application of heat above a threshold temperature causes the gel to transform into foam and expand out of the mouthpiece and into the oral cavity. With the foam so dispersed within the oral cavity, activation of a light source embedded within the mouthpiece enhances the bacteria killing properties of the now foam material. The foam spreads onto the tongue of the user as well and acts to kill any damaging bacteria found there. As a result, the pH balance of the mouth is restored to a neutral level in the range of 6.75 to 7.25 or maintained at that pH level.
US09827168B2

A beverage container system for babies through small children has a thermally insulated outer container which is sized to receive a standard baby bottle and hold it therein with a retainer securable to hold a standard baby bottle. A cap may be positioned over the baby bottle nipple system to protect the nipple. The retainer and standard baby bottle may be removed. An adapter may be thereupon attached to the outer container which can be used with other beverage accessories such as a sippy cup, straw spout and drink tube spout.
US09827167B2

Disclosed herein are approaches for a precise medication, vitamin, and/or other medication substance organizer having a plurality of storage compartments that house and separate medications and vitamins by a specific time of day and a means for indicating whether a particular medication or vitamin has already been or needs to be taken. This organizer removes doubt associated with missed or duplicate drug dosages, interactions between medications and vitamins, as well as regulating daily medication and vitamin doses. Additionally, the organizer provides a location to indicate a name and a time a medication or vitamin should be ingested or otherwise taken and an indicator to show whether a medication or vitamin has already been removed from the organizer for ingestion. The medication, vitamin, and/or other medication substance organizer can also be used to prompt a user to take medications that will not fit into the organizer, such as an inhaler.
US09827166B2

A pill crushing device pulverizes pills and then transfers the pulverized pills out of the device with minimal transfer loss and spillage. The device includes a storage portion and a pill chamber. The pill chamber forms a threaded connection with the storage portion that enables detachment. The storage portion stores the pill and operates the crushing mechanism. The pill is pulverized in the pill chamber. The pill chamber is disposed beneath the storage portion. A first spoon retains the pill and carries the pulverized pill out of the chamber along a longitudinal opening of the pill chamber. An optional second spoon detachably attaches to the first spoon to carry supplemental compositions to the pulverized pill.
US09827164B2

A machine for preparing substances for intravenous application includes: an initial container reception zone, a final container reception zone and a substance transfer circuit which includes a set of substance extraction devices, each of which is connected to a flexible tube connected to a device for introducing a substance into the final container by means of a peristaltic pump. The initial container reception zone and the vector of extraction devices are capable of relative movement along a horizontal axis and/or the final container reception zone and the vector of introduction devices are capable of relative movement along a horizontal axis.
US09827162B1

A mobile body unweighted sit and stand chair assembly prevents repetitive stress from sitting, standing, and lifting objects for long periods. The assembly provides a vertically, rotatably, and pivotally adjustable seat, a restrictive support padding that rotates from a support bracket to selectively support the spine or the pelvis, and a frame for structural integrity, mobility, and steering. The seat supports the buttocks and the ischium region of the pelvis, tilting forward up to 35 degrees to abut the pelvis against the support padding. This forward position maintains the spine in a straight posture and forces open posterior intervertebral disc space. The seat is supported by an adjustable rod that supports the weight of user while sitting, walking, kneeling, or lifting. A frame includes wheels that enable mobility and a brake. A first bracket enables feet to steer for hands-free maneuverability. A second bracket provides balance during kneeling and lifting.
US09827159B2

A system provides compression of a limb of a patient and out-of-axis restraint of a joint of the limb being compressed and application of vibration to a first end of the limb so that the vibration is transmitted through the first end of the limb, the compressed joint, and through the remainder of the limb.
US09827155B2

The invention relates to a backrest for supporting the back of a seated person, the backrest comprising mounting means for mounting the backrest on a frame of a seating device; comprising: —a first back part for supporting at least a part of the back of the person at a determined angle, which first back part has a stiffness such that during use the part of the back shapes itself substantially to the first back part, and wherein the backrest comprises adjusting means for adjusting the angle and/or the position of the first back part relative to the frame; and —a second back part which has a flexibility such that during use the second back part shapes itself substantially continuously to another part of the back of the person. The invention further relates to a method for adjusting such a backrest and a (wheel) chair provided with such a backrest.
US09827152B1

A stretcher including a flexible base panel sized to support a person lying thereon during a rescue or extrication operation. The base panel includes a header end and an opposite footer end, and further includes a support mat resting on the base panel between the header and footer ends. The stretcher further includes a stability strap coupled to the base panel and fixedly attached to the rear surface of the support mat, the stability strap operable to retain the support mat in position against the flexible panel during use. The rescue stretcher may further include a pair of shoulder straps and leg straps fixedly coupled to the support mat for securing the person to the base panel. A securement strap may be coupled to the base panel and extend across the flexible base panel to help prevent the injured person from rolling off the sides of the stretcher.
US09827147B2

A method and apparatus for mechanically deforming a substrate assembly. The substrate assembly may be advanced in a machine direction at a first velocity toward a bonder apparatus. The bonder apparatus may rotate about an axis of rotation and include a support surface between each of a first and a second member. The first member and the second member may be separated by a repitch angle. The second member may be repositioned such that the first member and the second member are separated by a product angle. The first member may receive a leading portion and second member may receive a trailing portion of the substrate assembly and each member may rotate at the first velocity. The leading portion and the trailing portion are separated by a product arc length, which may be equal to a process product pitch. The substrate assembly may then undergo one or more processes such as bonding, cutting, and/or scoring.
US09827143B2

Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.
US09827142B2

Provided is a tip for phacoemulsification superior in ability to efficiently and smoothly crush and suck a crystalline lens. A tip (1) of the present invention includes: a shaft (2) having first and second ends (21, 22); a distal part (3) arranged at the first end (21) of the shaft (2) and having an opening (4); and a suction passage (5) extending from the opening (4) of the distal part (3) to the second end (22) of the shaft (2). The suction passage (5) is narrowed in a staircase shape (51) or/and a helical shape (53) from the opening (4) toward the shaft (2). It is preferable that one or a plurality of guide grooves (52) leading from the opening (4) toward the shaft (2) are further formed in an inner wall of the suction passage (5).
US09827139B2

An intraocular lens injector includes a lens holder holding an intraocular lens which has an optic and a haptic extending in a curved shape from the optic, a plunger which comes into contact with the intraocular lens and pushes out the intraocular lens, and a device body in which the plunger is inserted projectably/retractably and in which the lens holder can be attached in an intersecting direction relative to an axis of the plunger. The lens holder includes a position regulating portion for regulating a disposing position of the haptic in such a manner that a distal end of the plunger at an initial position before the plunger is pushed in and the optic may be laid on a common plane with a portion of the haptic lying on top of the plunger.
US09827132B2

An elbow brace for use by athletes or others requiring protection and support of the elbow. The elbow brace includes a base and a tension member. The base is comprised of elastic material and configured to closely fit around the elbow. A tension member having upper and lower pairs of tensioning straps is fastened to the interior surface of the base, with the tensioning straps extending through upper and lower apertures in the base for detachable attachment to the exterior surface of the base. The tension member may include an anchor portion made of material that stretches in multiple directions, and strap portions that stretch primarily lengthwise.
US09827131B2

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an ankle-foot orthosis (1) for resisting plantarflexion of a patient's foot, comprising a resiliently flexible sock-like orthotic structure (1) formed of first (12) and second (14) tubular sections set at an angle to one another, wherein the second tubular section is capable of being opened for insertion of the patient's foot and lower leg into respective ones of said first and second tubular sections, the orthosis further comprising at least one closure member (34) that can be passed round at least part of the periphery of the second tubular section and secured in place to urge the second tubular section towards a closed position in which the second tubular section is closely fitted to the lower leg of the patient.
US09827126B2

A stent delivery system can include a core member and a stent. The stent can be carried by an intermediate portion of the core member. The core member can have an elongate, spiral-cut tube extending proximally of the intermediate portion. The core member can have one or more flex zones having different bending stiffnesses.
US09827125B2

A sealable vascular endograft system for placement in a vascular defect includes a delivery catheter shaped to be disposed within a blood vessel. The delivery catheter includes an implant delivery catheter sheath defining an implant delivery catheter lumen and an endovascular implant removably disposed within the implant delivery catheter lumen in a compressed or folded state for delivery thereof to the vascular defect. The endovascular implant includes a tubular implant body and a sealable circumferential collar including a variable sealing device and a control lead traversing from the variable sealing device to a user and controlling variability of the variable sealing device by the user. The sealing device and the control lead cooperate to reversibly expand and contract the sealable circumferential collar to circumferentially adjust during deployment thereof to achieve a repositionable fluid-tight seal between the sealable circumferential collar and the internal walls proximal to the vascular defect.
US09827123B2

A system for implanting a prosthesis includes a control lumen and a nose cone affixed at a distal end of the control lumen. At least one supporting wire is affixed at one end, is substantially parallel to a major axis of the control lumen and is free at an opposite end, wherein the free end of at least one of the supporting wires is arcuate.
US09827117B2

A method for depositing a coating comprising a polymer and pharmaceutical agent on a substrate, comprising the following steps: discharging at least one pharmaceutical agent in a therapeutically desirable morphology in dry powder form through a first orifice; discharging at least one polymer in dry powder form through a second orifice; depositing the polymer and/or pharmaceutical particles onto said substrate, wherein an electrical potential is maintained between the substrate and the pharmaceutical and/or polymer particles, thereby forming said coating; and sintering said coating under conditions that do not substantially modify the morphology of said pharmaceutical agent.
US09827108B2

A prosthesis system comprises plates that can be positioned against vertebrae and a selected resilient core that can be positioned between the plates to allow the plates to articulate. The selected resilient core can be chosen from a plurality of cores in response to patient characteristics, such as age and/or intervertebral mobility, such that the prosthesis implanted in the patient is tailored to the needs of the patient. The plurality of cores may comprise cores with different resiliencies, and one of the cores can be selected such that the upper and lower plates articulate with the desired shock absorbing resiliency and/or maximum angle of inclination when the one selected core is positioned between the plates.
US09827104B2

There is provided a device for supporting an object during machining thereof, the object having a first object surface having a patient-specific configuration and a second object surface opposite the first object surface. The device comprises a support member adapted to support the object, the support member having a support surface shaped using patient-specific modeling and configured to matingly engage at least a portion of the first object surface for exposing the second object surface for machining thereof.
US09827089B2

Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of particular configurations that control bending character. In embodiments provided herein, a valve leaflet is provided with a planar zone that is bounded at a planar zone base by a straight line, wherein the leaflet is operable to bend along a base of the planar zone.
US09827074B2

A frictionally-retained detachable dental anchor device is provided for adjustably attaching a dental appliance with a tooth root or implant. The dental anchor device includes a cap secured in the dental appliance, an abutment attached with a tooth root or implant, and a compressible retention member with a first end in fixed attachment with the cap and a second end in snap engagement with the abutment via a frictionally-retained ball secured within a cavity of the abutment. The retention member is formed using a compressible material to allow the ball to compress and the retention member to flex while inserting the ball into the cavity. Additional friction-retained and fixed attachment configurations of the dental anchor device are provided, along with methods of securing a dental appliance in a subject's mouth by means of the friction-retained and fixed attachment dental anchor devices.
US09827073B2

A self-ligating orthodontic bracket for captivating an archwire with a tooth. The bracket includes a bracket body mountable to a tooth and a self-ligating mechanism having an archwire slot and a ligating slide. The ligating slide is movable between an open position in which an archwire is insertable into the archwire slot and a closed position in which the archwire is retained in the archwire slot. The bracket body may be formed from a non-metallic material, such as a polymer, a filled polymer composite, or a ceramic, and the self-ligating mechanism may be formed from a metal. The bracket may include a resilient engagement member with a detent positioned to engage an aperture or throughhole extending through the ligating slide when the ligating slide is in the closed position.
US09827072B2

Method of assembling a distalizer comprising a mesial element and a distal element, and an arm connecting the distal element with the mesial element, the arm comprising a ball member at one end of the arm and the distal element comprising a receptacle for receiving said ball member, the method comprising providing the distal element with an opening of the receptacle that is large enough to introduce the ball member substantially without deformation, providing the arm with the ball member, introducing the ball member into the receptacle, and reducing the opening of the receptacle. The disclosure further relates to a distalizer obtainable by such a method.
US09827067B2

A linear member transfer apparatus includes: a linear member housing portion having a bottomed cylindrical shape and including: a bottom portion; an opening; a side wall; a restriction portion that is a diaphragm disposed on a position at a predetermined distance from the bottom portion and that has an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the bottom portion; a first chamber configured to house a linear member in a wound state; and a second chamber configured to house the linear member in an extended state; a transfer portion configured to transfer the linear member; and a guide.
US09827061B2

A command interpreter is in communication with a wireless controller. The command interpreter is configured to identify a reference location of the wireless controller, identify a second location of the wireless controller, and determine, based on the reference location and the second location, a sequence of instrument commands configured to adjust positioning of the instrument device.
US09827060B2

An interface component is provided for use with a first glove and a medical equipment component. The interface component comprises at least one switch located on the first glove, where each of the at least one switch provides a control signal to the medical equipment component. The interface component may further comprise a controller coupled to the plurality of switches, a power supply module coupled to the controller, and a wireless communications interface coupled to the controller in communication with a wireless interface of the medical equipment component.
US09827056B2

A medical device positioner for use with a remote catheter guidance system (RCGS) is provided, which can address angular, lateral and/or translational misalignment of an elongate medical device between the RCGS and an access point on a patient's body. Such a medical device positioner can comprise a base configured to attach to a remote catheter guidance system and a first support member extending from the base and having a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the elongate medical device. The medical device positioner can further include a second support member movably coupled to the first support member and including a second receiving area sized and configured to receive at least a portion of the elongate medical device. The medical device positioner can also include first and second tube sections with at least a portion of the first tube section being adapted to be inserted into a vascular system of a patient at an access point. A joint septum can be included for connecting the first and second tube sections.
US09827055B2

An endovascular device monitoring system is provided that determines, based on movement of the endovascular device past a selected reference location, at least one of a movement rate of a endovascular device and position of a distal end of a endovascular device in a body of a patient.
US09827045B2

A laser light waveguide device includes laser light provision units that oscillate and cause laser light to exit; a laser light waveguide path formed of an optical fiber capable of guiding the laser light; and a control unit that controls the laser light provision units. The control unit detects an illumination spot (output of the visible laser light) based on a captured image, captured by an image capturing unit, of a laser light illumination area and an area close thereto illuminated with the laser light, and controls exit of the infrared laser light by the infrared laser light provision unit based on a result of detection of the illumination spot (output of the visible laser light).
US09827044B2

A method for photothermolysis that includes applying galvanic current energy to skin at an area of a hair follicle and applying pulsed optical energy to the skin at the area of the hair follicle at an energy level and duration so as to cause thermal destruction of a hair papilla.
US09827029B2

A dynamic bone fixation element can include a sleeve elongate along a first direction and a fixation member. The sleeve can define a channel that extends from a proximal end through to a distal end along the first direction. The channel has a first cross-sectional dimension. The fixation member has a head, a shaft extending from the head and elongate along a second direction, and an abutment member extending from the shaft and integral with the shaft, wherein the shaft extends through the channel such that the sleeve is captured between the abutment member and the head. At least a portion of the shaft that is within the channel has a second cross-sectional dimension that is less than the first cross-sectional dimension such that the fixation member is moveable with respect to the sleeve along a direction that has a directional component transverse to the first direction.
US09827022B2

A spinal management system includes a stabilizing member adapted to extend substantially longitudinally along a target region of a spine tending to exhibit a defective curvature and a set of stabilizing anchors adapted for fixation to vertebrae and to receive the stabilizing member to secure the stabilizing member against substantial transverse translation relative to the vertebrae. The system also includes a first correction anchor adapted for fixation to a vertebra, a second correction anchor adapted for fixation to a vertebra, and a connection between the stabilizing member and the first correction anchor and between the first and second correction anchors adapted such that when the connection is tensioned a compressive force is selectively exerted between the first and second correction anchors.
US09827019B2

A socket rail pedicle screw includes a fixator, a spherical head screw pivotally disposed at a bottom of the fixator and a retention screw cap. The fixator has a circular sidewall and a though hole. A pair of U-shaped grooves is defined on a top portion of the circular sidewall and a pair of locating steps is internally extended from an inner wall of a bottom portion of the circular sidewall and below the U-shaped grooves. The spherical head screw includes a bolt and a pair of diametrically faced socket rails. Each socket rail is constructed by a second top wall and a corresponding second sidewall extended from the second top wall to the bottom of the head. The second top wall is vertically pressed against the first top wall, both of the first and second sidewalls are arced, and a gap is defined between the first and second sidewall.
US09827009B2

An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while providing fluid management during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of pleated ribs, tubes, or v-shaped ribs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope thereby creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site.
US09827007B2

A tissue collection needle with a hollow interior provides two opposing tips with beveled edges on facets that drive tissue toward the hollow interior where the tissue can be gathered and severed from surrounding tissue as the needle advances through a biological specimen. The points and bevels are advantageously formed from a minimal number of cuts amenable to rapid fabrication from readily available hollow needle stock.
US09827006B2

Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for harvesting small portions of tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts can be provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, where a distal end of the hollow tube can have two or more points or extensions to facilitate separation of the micrografts from the surrounding tissue. The exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of such tubes for simultaneous harvesting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.3 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue. The micrografts can be approximately cylindrical or strip-shaped, and can be placed in a biocompatible matrix to form a graft or directly into tissue at the recipient site. Such exemplary micrografts can be obtained from skin or other types of tissue, e.g., various internal organs.
US09827002B2

Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs and relates to surgical instruments, useful in endoscopic, laparoscopic and/or open surgical procedures to effectively remove a suspect region of tissue such as a polyp, abnormal growth, cyst, tumor, lesion, or other abnormality from a base tissue structure.
US09826999B2

A device for dilating an ostium of a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject may include: a handle; an elongate shaft having a proximal end coupled with the handle and extending to a distal end; a guidewire disposed through at least a portion of the shaft lumen; a dilator having a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and a slide member coupled with at least one of the guidewire or the dilator through the longitudinal opening of the shaft for advancing the guidewire and/or the dilator relative to the shaft.
US09826993B2

A guide tool adapted for removal of damage cartilage and bone and adapted for guiding insert tools during repair of diseased cartilage at an articulating surface of a joint is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide base having a positioning body and a guide body protruding from the guide base. The guide body includes a height adjustment device and a guide channel with a length. The guide channel extends throughout the guide body and through the height adjustment device with one opening on a cartilage contact surface of the positioning body and one opening on the top of the height adjustment device. The guide body includes a height adjustment device being arranged to enable stepwise adjustment of the length.
US09826990B2

Disclosed is a reamer for implant surgery including: cutting front end portions each of which has a sharp front end; cut edges of a horizontal line form, the cutting front end portions and the cut edges being arranged radially and alternately, wherein one side of the cutting front end portion having the sharp front end has a triangular depressed face inclined downwardly toward a rotation central axis of the cutting part, and one side of the cut edge having the horizontal line form has a triangular inclined face inclined downwardly toward the outer circumferential surface of the cutting part, wherein an inclination angle of a side inclined edge inclined downwardly at the sides of the outer circumferences of the cutting front end portion and the cut edge becomes gradually smaller in the rotation direction of the cutting part.
US09826986B2

A surgical preparation tool for preparing a sacroiliac joint for a surgical procedure comprising a trial tool assembly and a cutting tool configured to releasably and slidably couple with the trial tool assembly, wherein the trial tool assembly is configured to guide the cutting tool during distal-proximal translation such that as the cutting tool distally advances relative to an implant trial of the trial tool assembly, at least a portion of a cutting element of the cutting tool extends generally over and perpendicularly outward from a first top surface of a body of the implant trial.
US09826977B2

The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and a segmented circuit comprising a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments comprising a storage verification segment configured to indicate when a surgical instrument has been properly stored and sterilized.
US09826974B2

A surgical suturing and knotting integrated device includes a knotting assembly and an operation/control apparatus. The knotting assembly has a suture pre-tied with a slipknot and a loop. In use, the knotting assembly is mounted on a front end of the operation/control apparatus and the front end of the operation/control apparatus is extended into a patient's abdominal cavity to perform laparoscopic surgery. In suturing process, the operation/control apparatus is used to enlarge the loop of the suture, whereby the suture and one end of the suturing needle can be easily passed through the loop. Then, the operation/control apparatus is used to minify the loop and detach the slipknot of the suture from the knotting assembly and change the slipknot into a fixed knot.
US09826966B2

Technology disclosed herein relates to retractors and methods of use for surgical procedures, and in particular, spinal surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical retractor includes a pair of pivotable armatures and a translatable armature. A body for supporting the armatures is provided, with a handle connected thereto. The handle includes a first rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the first rotary actuator moves the pair of pivotable armatures in opposite arcuate directions, and a second rotary actuator, wherein a rotation of the second rotary actuator translates the translatable armature in a linear direction.
US09826965B2

Various surgical kits are provided including a sealing cuff configured to be positioned around a body lumen and a sealant. In one embodiment, the sealing cuff can form an enclosed loop around an anastomosis and can define an interior chamber for receiving sealant therein. The sealing cuff can ensure that sealant remains in contact with the body lumen as the sealant cures and reinforces the anastomosis. Methods for sealing an anastomosis are also provided and include delivering sealant to the sealing cuff, inserting inflatable members so that they are positioned adjacent to the anastomosis, and delivering fluid to at least one of the inflatable members to expand an inner wall of the tubular organ. In certain aspects, gas and/or liquid can be delivered to an anastomosis, such as after the sealant has solidified, in order to test the effectiveness of the seal.
US09826962B2

The ultrasound probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves in different directions and the diagnostic apparatus body combines a plurality of images captured in the different directions of transmission and reception to produce an ultrasound image. In this process, the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus measures the temperature of the ultrasound probe to change the ultrasound transmission and reception for producing a composite ultrasound image or makes the directions of transmission and reception in the last ultrasound image in one composite ultrasound image coincide with those in the first ultrasound image in its temporally adjacent composite ultrasound image. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus thus enables consistent ultrasound diagnosis against heat generated in the integrated circuit board of the ultrasound probe while simplifying the control of the ultrasound transmission and reception.
US09826961B2

An ultrasonic transducer element package includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a support body, and first and second ultrasonic transducers. The first substrate has first and second openings that are aligned in a first direction. The second substrate has a third and fourth openings that are aligned in the first direction. The support body supports the first and second substrates. The first and second substrates are aligned in a second direction that intersects with the first direction, with a space therebetween. The first and Second ultrasonic transducer elements are configured at the first and second openings respectively.
US09826955B2

According to embodiments of the present invention, an air conduction sensor for detecting a sound from a user is provided. The air conduction sensor includes a housing comprising an opening, wherein a rim of the opening is configured to at least substantially attach to a skin or a clothing of the user; a microphone coupled to the housing such that there is an air gap between the microphone and the skin or the clothing, and wherein the microphone is configured to detect the sound. A system and a method for monitoring a health condition of a user are also provided.
US09826954B2

A diagnostic gage (12) that can be implemented into a tissue-simulating headform (17) or other anthropomorphic surrogate test device (11) as a means of determining the internal strain within the test surrogate. One embodiment of the gage consists of a matrix or substrate embedded with x-ray contrast agents (14) and a series of holes within the substrate (15) that provide contrasting markers in an x-ray image and a means of closely coupling the gage to the test specimen. The relative motion of these contrasting markers can be monitored using x-ray fluoroscopy equipment (e.g., source (10) and detector (13)). This gage provides a means of determining the internal strain within a headform surrogate model for the purpose of evaluating the performance of helmets in terms of reducing the occurrence of concussion among other biomechanical injuries from trauma.
US09826951B2

A computerized method for determining an objective tumor response to an anti-cancer therapy using one or more cross-sectional images can comprise receiving one or more cross-sectional images that comprise one or more cross-sectional slices of digital medical image data and identifying one or more target lesions within the one or more cross-sectional images. The method can also comprise analyzing at least one of the target lesions with an image-processing module configured to identify a total range of pixel intensities and restrict the total range of pixel intensities to a first restricted range that corresponds to pixel intensities representative of vascularized tumor. Further still, the method can comprise deriving a vascular tumor burden for the at least one of the one or more target lesions and determining the objective tumor response for the at least one of the one or more target lesions based on the vascular tumor burden.
US09826949B2

A raw DPC (differential phase contrast) image of an object is acquired. The background phase distribution due to the non-uniformity of the grating system is acquired by the same process without an object in place, and the true DPC image of the object is acquired by subtracting the background phase distribution from the raw DPC image.
US09826947B2

An antiscatter grid for radiological imaging, the grid formed as a stack of two or more sheets having a flexible substrate, wherein each sheet has spaced-apart opaque cavities, each opaque cavity containing a radio-opaque material. The opaque cavities define a plurality of channels that extend through the sheets to allow ionizing radiation to pass therethrough. Magnets disposed along the sheets couple each sheet to one or more neighboring sheets of the stack.
US09826940B1

Systems and methods are provided for determining a pulse rate based on a photoplethysmographic measurement of blood in a portion of subsurface vasculature. A plurality of samples of the photoplethysmographic signal are obtained and a plurality of digital phase-locked loops are operated to generate respective oscillating signals based on the plurality of samples. Respective correlations between the plurality of samples and each of the generated oscillating signals are determined and used to select a subset of the plurality of phase-locked loops. The frequencies of the selected oscillating signals generated by the selected phase-locked loops are determined and used to determine a cardiovascular pulse rate. This method can be performed a plurality of times for a respective plurality of overlapping sets of the obtained plurality of samples to determine pulse rates over time.
US09826938B2

A method of optical heart rate sensing includes receiving a motion frequency from a motion sensor and receiving an optical signal from an optical sensor. The motion frequency is then filtered from the optical signal, and an estimated heart rate frequency is determined based on the filtered optical signal. A heart rate is reported that is based on the motion frequency, but not based on the estimated heart rate frequency, when a local neighbor magnitude ratio of the estimated heart rate frequency is below a confidence threshold.
US09826936B2

Provided herein is a self-contained physiological measuring device adapted for disposition within a patient body cavity, primarily the vagina, for an extended period of time (e.g., 6-48 hours or more). While disposed within the body cavity, the device periodically measures one or more physiological parameters at known locations within the body cavity. In addition to measuring such physiological parameters, the device is operative to store such measurements to memory for subsequent download/processing upon removal of the device from the body cavity and/or upon wireless interrogation.
US09826929B2

A device for stuttering alleviation is disclosed, comprising a speech sensor, configured to output signals indicative of speech, a processing unit configured to detect stuttering, log stuttering and/or produce stimulation indication based on stimulation rules Said device may further comprise a remote server and a server user interface, configured to allow the speech therapist access to the processing unit. Further provided is a method for accelerating the learning procedure for obtaining a permanent fluent speech, comprising receiving and analyzing speech parameters, determining whether a negative reinforcement is required and executing the negative reinforcement.
US09826928B2

There are provided an apparatus and method for measuring thermal conductivity capable of easily and accurately obtaining an extent of thermal damage of a targeted tissue. The apparatus for measuring thermal conductivity in burns includes a thermal paper stacking member having a plurality of sheets of thermal paper stacked thereon to form layers, and a pressing member configured to press the stacking member so that the thermal paper is stacked and maintained in a closely adhered state. Here, an extent of thermal damage of the targeted tissue according to the depth can be calculated as an extent of thermal damage of the stacking member according to the depth.
US09826927B2

A blood lancet device comprising a housing having one end formed as an opening; a sliding sleeve having one end extending from the opening to the outside of the housing; a blood lancet including a needle body and a needle tip arranged at one end of the needle body, the sliding sleeve being bushed at the outside of the housing, said blood lancet adapted to move relative to the sliding sleeve so as to expose the needle tip at the opening; and a biasing member having one end securely fixed with another end of needle body.
US09826926B2

The invention relates to a sensor element for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid or in a body tissue, particularly for determining at least one metabolite concentration in a body fluid. The sensor element comprises an implantable, one-piece shaped body, which comprises a sensor end and a coupling end. The shaped body comprises, in the area of the sensor end, at least one sensor area, which comprises at least one sensor material. The sensor material changes at least one optically measurable property in the presence of the analyte. The shaped body also has at least one optically transparent coupling part, which is designed to transmit electromagnetic radiation in at least one spectral range between the sensor area and the coupling end. In the sensor area, the shaped body has at least one optically transparent matrix material, and the analyte can at least partially diffuse through the matrix material to the sensor material. The sensor material is embedded in the matrix material. The coupling part is formed at least partially by the matrix material.
US09826922B2

A method for studying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area including stimulating the animal using a stimulus device; collecting data from the animal using a data collection device; analyzing the collected data; and developing a quantitative behavioral primitive from the analyzed data. A system for studying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area including a stimulus device for stimulating the animal; a data collection device for collecting data from the animal; a device for analyzing the collected data; and a device for developing a quantitative behavioral primitive from the analyzed data. A computer implemented method, a computer system and a nontransitory computer readable storage medium related to the same. Also, a method and apparatus for automatically discovering, characterizing and classifying the behavior of an animal in an experimental area. Further, use of a depth camera and/or a touch sensitive device related to the same.
US09826917B1

The present invention relates to an electrode harness and more particularly to an electrode harness with various features, which enhance the use and performance of the electrode harness. The present invention further relates to a method of taking biopotential measurements. The electrode harness and methods of the present invention allow for use with most applications where biopotential measurements are taken. The electrode harness can be used in ECG (or EKG), EEG, EMG, and other such biopotential measurement applications. Because of the versatility of various embodiments of the present invention, preferably the electrode harness can be adjusted for different applications or for application to various sized and shaped subjects. The electrode harness is further preferably part of a system, which includes either wireless or tethered bridges between the electrode harness and a monitor, and preferably includes various forms of processors for analyzing the biopotential signal.
US09826914B2

A method for functional analysis of neurophysiological data by decomposing neurophysiological data and EEG signal to form a plurality of signal features. The signal features may then optionally be analyzed to determined one or more patterns.
US09826911B2

A wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes a photon sensor, a processor, and an output unit. The photon sensor senses light reflected from a specific region and transforms the sensed light to a plurality of electric-signal components. The processor receives the electric-signal components sensed within a period to form a dimensional sensing signal. The processor extracts a feature of a waveform of the dimensional sensing signal and determines whether a predetermined heart condition of the object is present according to the feature of the waveform of the dimensional sensing signal to generate a determination signal. The output unit is coupled to the processor. The output unit receives the determination signal and generates an alarm signal according to the determination signal.
US09826910B2

Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a guidewire system for treating a patient includes an internal sensor mount having a body and a first cutout extending through a wall of the body; a core wire secured to the internal sensor mount; a sensor assembly for detecting a physiological characteristic of a patient secured to the internal sensor mount; an external housing disposed about the internal sensor mount and including an opening in communication with the cutout of the internal sensor mount; a proximal flexible member secured to at least one of the internal sensor mount and the external housing; a first distal flexible member secured to at least one of the internal sensor mount and the external housing; and at least one conductor electrically coupled to the sensor assembly and extending proximally beyond the internal sensor mount through the proximal flexible member.
US09826909B2

[Problem] To provide a neurogenic baroreflex sensitivity measurement device, neurogenic baroreflex sensitivity measurement program and neurogenic baroreflex sensitivity measurement method capable of easily and objectively measuring neurogenic baroreflex sensitivity that is not dependent on vascular hardness without using blood pressure or pulsations in the diameter of the carotid artery.[Solution] The neurogenic baroreflex sensitivity measurement device comprises: a pulse wave data-acquiring unit (41) for acquiring pulse wave data of an artery; a normalized pulse wave volume-calculating unit (42) for calculating a normalized pulse wave volume on the basis of the pulse wave data; a pulse interval-acquiring unit (43) for acquiring pulse intervals corresponding to the pulse wave data; a baroreflex series-detecting unit (44) for detecting baroreflex series in which the normalized pulse wave volume and pulse interval both increase or decrease for at least three beats in a row; and a neurogenic baroreflex sensitivity-calculating unit (45) for calculating the slope of a regression line representing the correlation between the normalized pulse wave volume and the pulse interval in a baroreflex series as the neurogenic baroreflex sensitivity, which is an index representing the neurogenic baroreflex function.
US09826898B1

An electronic device may include a display and control circuitry that operates the display. The control circuitry may be configured to daltonize input images to produce daltonized output images that allow a user with color vision deficiency to see a range of detail that the user would otherwise miss. The daltonization algorithm may be specific to the type and severity of color vision deficiency that the user has. The control circuitry may conduct a color vision assessment using the display. The color vision assessment may include a sequence of test images that are each displayed for a predetermined period of time before moving to the next test image in the sequence. Each test image may include a color patch on a neutral background. A predetermined number of severity levels for each type of color vision deficiency may be tested during the color vision assessment.
US09826897B2

In a perimetry to be conducted, designating an inspection region through a region designator, stimuli are presented to regions separated in an up/down direction, an oblique direction and a right/left direction from the inspection region (“the spaced region”) in addition to the designated inspection region. At the result, examinees are not able to predict to which of both regions, the inspection region and the spaced region the stimuli are presented, thereby obtaining correct inspection results that do not receive a prediction of the examinees.
US09826891B2

An endoscope apparatus including: an image pickup device; a detection device that detects whether or not an image region at which a part of an object region is edged along a direction parallel to the scan lines in a state that is different to a case where a plurality of the scan lines are simultaneously exposed exists in a frame image due to differences of exposure timings for each of the scan lines of the image pickup device based on an image feature amount in the frame image that is obtained from the image data for each of the scan lines that is outputted from the image pickup device; and an exposure control device that changes an exposure time of each of the scan lines by the image pickup device simultaneously for all of the scan lines if the detection device detects the image region.
US09826884B2

An image processing device includes an image acquisition section that acquires a captured image that includes an image of an object, the captured image being an image captured by an imaging section, a distance information acquisition section that acquires distance information based on the distance from the imaging section to the object when the imaging section captured the captured image, an irregularity information acquisition section that acquires extracted irregularity information from the acquired distance information, the extracted irregularity information being information that represents irregular parts extracted from the object, and an enhancement section that performs an enhancement process on an enhancement target, the enhancement target being an irregular part that is represented by the extracted irregularity information and agrees with characteristics specified by known characteristic information, the known characteristic information being information that represents known characteristics relating to the structure of the object.
US09826883B2

The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) such as a dishwasher or an oven, the front door (3) of which is opened by pulling from the top downwards, comprising an adjustment mechanism (5) that balances the weight of the door (3) so that while the door (3) is being opened it doesn't fall by its own weight or closed in a hard way. The adjustment mechanism (5) comprises a spring (9) that applies a tensile force on the door (3), that is pulled to be tensioned by the pulling cable (10) which is activated by an adjustment rod (6), an endless screw (7) and a gearwheel (8).
US09826878B2

Cleaning articles including a heat engine incorporated therein. The cleaning article may include a substrate (e.g., a non-woven wipe) including one or more layers. The heat engine may be in the wipe or pad, and includes a reactive metal composition which upon contact with a salt water (e.g., saline) composition, reacts to produce heat. The cleaning article may thus produce water vapor and/or steam upon activation of the heat engine. A venting structure may be provided adjacent to or surrounding the heat engine that includes an impermeable material (e.g., impermeable to water and/or air or other gas), which includes one or more vents through the impermeable material. The venting structure directs water vapor and/or steam to a desired face of the cleaning article, away from the user. A heat barrier layer may insulate a user's hand from the generated heat, and/or a handle may be attachable to the pad.
US09826869B2

A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner, the suction nozzle comprising a suction chamber, an outlet duct extending from the suction chamber for connection to a vacuum source on the vacuum cleaner, a soleplate for supporting the nozzle on a carpeted floor, a suction opening in the soleplate which opens into the suction chamber, and a valve which can be manually operated to open or close a bleed path through the front of the nozzle into the suction chamber, the bleed path being defined by a channel formed on the underside of the soleplate which is fluidly connected to the outlet duct, the channel terminating in an entrance slot on the front of the nozzle for admitting debris as the suction nozzle is pushed in a forward direction, the channel defining a throat downstream of the entrance slot, the throat having a smaller cross-sectional area than the entrance slot.
US09826860B2

A container with strainer divider is appointed to filter liquid from a food product to maintain freshness. The liquid strainer divider has a main body portion with a plurality of closely arranged apertures having small diameters. The body portion terminates at a perimeter with a perimeter rim. The perimeter rim and perimeter of the main body portion of the liquid strainer divider are adapted to be received and abut against walls of a container and the plurality of straining holes or apertures of the liquid strainer divider function to separate liquid to the bottom wall of the container. The liquid strainer divider is formed having a plurality of interconnected shallow peaks and valleys, wherein the peaks are formed as a convex arched curve with sloping walls terminating to valleys that are conversely concave arched curves so as to form an interconnected waved structure.
US09826845B2

An apparatus and method for hanging objects on a supporting wall includes a bracket with an outwardly extending shelf for supporting engagement with the object. A flange extends upwardly from the bracket and is secured by a fastener to the object. A marking device is removably mounted in an aperture formed in the bracket and has a sharp marking element extending therefrom. After the bracket is attached to the object by the fasteners and the marking element is positioned in the aperture, the object is pressed against the supporting wall at the desired hanging location whereupon the marking element marks the wall at the correct location for installing the hanging hardware. After the hanging hardware is installed at the marked locations, it is subsequently received in the bracket aperture after the marking element is removed therefrom to hang the object on the hanging hardware.
US09826841B2

An adjustable lumbar support mechanism for adjusting a position of a lumbar support in a seating unit is provided. The mechanism includes a pair of spaced apart swing links that are pivotally coupled on an upper end to the back frame of the seating unit. The lower free end of each swing link is coupled to a lumbar support. An actuating mechanism is coupled on an upper end to the back frame, and on a lower end is pivotally coupled to the lumbar support. Extending the shaft of the actuating mechanism extends the lumbar support providing additional support to someone sitting in the seating unit.
US09826840B2

A thoracic support for a seatback of a seat is provided. The thoracic support includes a center portion extending in an upright direction and adapted to be positioned adjacent the seatback to align adjacent a thoracic region a user's spine. The center portion is formed of a first foam material having a first hardness. A pair of side portions each disposed adjacent to and are connected with the center portion. The side portions are formed of a second foam material having a second hardness. The first hardness is greater than the second hardness so that the center portion provides support to at least a portion of the thoracic region of the user's spine.
US09826835B1

A self-adjusting furniture glide attachable to an article of furniture is described. The self-adjusting furniture glide comprises an outer shell comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and the lower portion are joined together to form a hollow cavity and a center member disposed in the outer shell. The center member is seated in the outer shell above a cup-shaped cushion, and comprises a means capable of attaching the self-adjustable furniture guide to an article of furniture attached to a top surface of the center member. The center member is capable of vertical movement within the outer shell and the vertical movement of the center member in the outer shell compresses the cup-shaped cushion.
US09826832B2

A fixing device includes an encircle element having lateral sides and left and right flap portions located inwardly of the lateral sides and extending transversely and outwardly from the lateral sides to define left and right chambers which are accessible only from the same direction, each of the left and right lateral sides being formed with a through hole; a fixing element installed on the encircle element at one of the through holes; and a locking plate having a first end fastened movably to the encircle element via a fastener such that the locking plate is movable relative to the encircle element between a locked position, where a second end of the locking plate engages the fixing elements, thereby preventing access into the chambers, and an unlocked position, where the locking plate disengages the fixing elements, thereby permitting access into the chambers.
US09826817B2

A multi-mode strap system (100) is convertible between a single arm shoulder bag configuration, a two armed backpack configuration, and a single armed cross body configuration. The strap system (100) includes first and second straps (102 and 104), first and second attachment mechanisms (106 and 108) and a linkage assembly (110). The attachment mechanisms (106 and 108) and linkage assembly (110) allow the straps (102 and 104) to move or slide freely during transitions between the three configurations. The transitions can thus be accomplished without manipulating and straps or buckles and without having to remove the pack, and the pack remains upright during transitions.
US09826816B1

A modular wearable object includes a main body, two combination plates, and a carrier. The main body includes a main portion and at least one extension portion. The extension portion extends outward from an end of the main portion. A part of each of the combination plates is fixed on the extension portion. Each of the combination plates has a first connecting portion located on a surface thereof facing the main body. The carrier includes a bearing portion and a positioning portion, wherein a space is formed therebetween to be passed through by the main portion. The positioning portion has a second connecting portion located on a surface thereof opposite to the main portion. The second connecting portion is adapted to be detachably engaged with each of the first connecting portions. A relative position between the main body and the carrier can be adjusted, and the carrier is replaceable.
US09826802B2

The earring device (1) includes: a shaft (2) suitable for passing through the orifice; a catch (3) hinged with the shaft, the catch being suitable for adopting an unlocked position, wherein the catch is aligned with the shaft and a plurality of locking positions (17) along the shaft, wherein the catch is arranged transversely relative to the shaft; elements (17, 31, 32, 33) for reversibly locking the catch in one of the locking positions. The device makes it possible to adapt the earring to the thickness of the ear wearing same. The device is also suitable for other parts of the body liable to be pierced for the purposes of visual appeal.
US09826799B2

A composite shell for an upper may include a base layer and a fiber-reinforced layer. The base layer may comprise a mesh or other type of textile material and may extend at least over sides of a generally foot-shaped interior region of the upper. The fiber-reinforced layer may be at least partially bonded to the base layer. The fiber-reinforced layer may extend at least from a lower portion of the base layer generally corresponding to a footbed perimeter to at least a top portion of the base layer generally corresponding to part of an instep region. The fiber-reinforced layer may include a plurality of strips extending from the lower portion to the top portion, the strips separated by inter-strip gaps in the fiber-reinforced layer.
US09826791B2

A head garment is provided that has a head band and at least one hair holding component. The head band is formed from an piece of material that is folded over on itself to provide inner and outer layers and a bottom edge. A top edge is formed by sewing the free edges of the layers together. Ends of the layers are also sewn together to provide a rear seam. The rear seam is provided with an opening through which the component can be extended when it is desired to be used, or which can be moved through the opening to be held between the layers when not desired to be used. The component being secured between the layers. An alternative head garment has a button attached to a rear of a head band for releasably securing a hair net thereto. Each head garment may include a visor if desired.
US09826787B2

A transformable article of clothing wearable by a person in a plurality of configurations. According to various embodiments, a transformable article of clothing comprises a central tubular portion coupled to a first member and a second member is configurable between a shawl and a scarf. In another embodiment, a transformable article of clothing comprises a first continuous loop coupled to a second continuous loop and is configurable among a hat, a hood, a scarf and a hand warmer. In yet another embodiment, an article of clothing comprises a mask portion and an ear muffler portion selectively retained on ears of the wearer. In still another embodiment, a transformable glove comprises a hand portion, a thumb portion, a first finger portion and a second finger portion with an opening in at least one of thumb and finger portions.
US09826785B2

An apparatus and system for facilitating breast milk pumping and breastfeeding in a discreet and comfortable manner. The apparatus including a bandeau provided within a covering shirt. The bandeau can include a pair of apertures corresponding in location to a wearer's nipples which provide access through the bandeau to the wearer's nipples for pumping purposes. Further, the bandeau and covering shirt being formed of a resilient material for exposing one or both breasts, or alternatively uncovering only the bandeau.
US09826780B2

Disclosed herein are methods and systems to vaporize extract, plant material containing organic material and the like utilizing convection heating via one or more manifolds each in fluid communication with a section of chamber containing organic material. The manifolds may be valved and may contain temperature sensors.
US09826778B2

A sleeve (1) for holding a plurality of elongate elements (9) positioned in end-to-end relationship is disclosed. The sleeve has an elongate body (2) with opposite ends (10,11) and a space (3) defined therebetween to receive the elongate elements (9). The elongate body has an opening (4) between the ends (10,11) that is configured to enable a user to contact elongate elements (9) received in the sleeve (1) through the opening (4) and push them along, and out of one end of the sleeve (1).
US09826774B2

A container assembly moistens a neck of a bottle and then applies a dry flavoring to the moistened neck. The container assembly includes a base with two side-by-side dispenser trays. One dispenser tray includes a liquid used to moisten the bottle, and another dispenser tray includes the dry flavoring used to coat portions of the moistened bottle.
US09826770B2

Antimicrobial compositions, especially those useful when applied topically, particularly to mucosal tissues (i.e., mucous membranes), including, in particular, a fatty alcohol ester of a hydroxycarboxylic acid, alkoxylated derivatives thereof, or combinations thereof. The compositions can also include an enhancer component, a surfactant component, a hydrophobic component, and/or a hydrophilic component. Such compositions provide effective topical antimicrobial activity and are accordingly useful in the treatment and/or prevention of conditions that are caused, or aggravated by, microorganisms (including viruses).
US09826767B2

The invention concerns a synthetic infant formula composition with a low content of medium-chain fatty acids in specific proportions and a relatively high content of unsaturated fatty acids, preferably polyunsaturated fatty acids. This composition is for infants, preferably preterm infants. This composition has been designed to promote the healthy establishment of cognitive function.
US09826758B2

Provided are a feed composition, which can be stored for a long time and is easily produced and adjustable in components, and which can increase the body weight and reduce a feed conversion ratio of farm animals to which the feed composition is fed, and a production method for the feed composition. In the feed composition, a liquid feed additive obtained by fermenting a carbohydrate-containing carbohydrate raw material by Aspergillus is substituted for 5 to 50% on a dry matter basis of a feed raw-material.
US09826756B2

Confectionery products can be shelf-stable and can be suitable for quiescent freezing to form frozen confectionery products. In particular, unfrozen packaged confections can comprise a coagulated protein system which contributes to the stability of the confections in particular when stored at room or chilled temperatures. Also included are a method producing such confectionery products, the products obtainable from the method, and the use of the products for providing frozen desserts also forms part of the invention.
US09826751B2

Food products and systems and methods for their production involve microfiltration (“MF”) of fluid skim to form a MF retentate, combining the MF retentate with cream and subjecting the combination to ultrafiltration (“UF”) to form a UF retentate. Prior to UF, the composition is formed of non-acidified components. Following UF, the UF retentate is acidified and forms a food product including a high solids content. The solids content may be further increased using evaporation. The resulting cheese or cheese base contains a lower whey protein ratio in a fat:casein:whey protein ratio compared to systems and methods that do not employ MF.
US09826749B2

Apparatus and methods for deheading and peeling shrimp hydraulically using the Venturi Effect. A shrimp-laden fluid is pumped through a conduit system including one or more venturi tubes. The acceleration of the fluid through the venturis detaches the heads and loosens or detaches the shells from the shrimp. The venturis may be used in conjunction with a roller peeler to increase peeling quality. An inspection station receives shrimp from the roller peeler and directs incompletely peeled shrimp back to the peeler or one or more of the venturis.
US09826748B2

A method is disclosed for mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat therefrom and an apparatus for performing the method, including automated individual processing steps. The processing steps include: grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder; cutting tissue near the hip knuckle; and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper. The processing steps further include: moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extent of the thigh bone; allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle; and collecting the meat separated from the bone. In particular the method includes and the apparatus performs the process step of cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle of the thigh bone, prior to allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle. The apparatus includes a plurality of processing stations for carrying out the individual steps, and the processing stations are arranged along a path of conveyance defined by a conveyor chain moving through a predefined path.
US09826746B2

The game shears 10 of the present disclosure comprise an upper arm 20, a lower arm 30, a linkage 40 and a blade 50. The upper arm 20 and lower arm 30 act as levers which move the game shears 10 from a first closed configuration to a second open configuration. The upper arm 20 and lower arm 30 are engaged with one another, the upper arm 20 is also engaged with the blade 50 via the linkage 40 and the lower arm 30 is directly engaged with the blade 50.