US09897453B2

A position information correcting device includes a reception processing unit receiving position information transmitted from a nearby mobile object, a position correcting unit performing a position correcting process for correcting, based on map data, the position information of the nearby mobile object such that a corrected position of the nearby mobile object is on a running area of a road, a nearby mobile object type acquiring unit acquiring a mobile object type of the nearby mobile object, and a correction performance determining unit determining, based on the mobile object type acquired by the nearby mobile object type acquiring unit, whether the position correcting process needs to be performed to the position information of the nearby mobile object. The position correcting process is performed to the position information of the nearby mobile object only when the correction performance determining unit determines that the position correcting process needs to be performed.
US09897445B2

A method of determining a direction of a target in a ground referential, the method including: acquiring an image of a scene including the target and a control object using a camera; obtaining position data of the camera and control object using a geo-spatial positioning system; determining a control direction from the camera to the control object in the ground referential using the position data; estimating a camera attitude in the ground referential using the control direction; determining the target direction from the camera to the target using the estimated camera attitude and a pixel position of the target in the image.
US09897444B2

Systems and methods are provided for obtaining measurements of an integrated circuit chip and a connected carrier to obtain the measurements of the interconnect heights. More specifically, a method is provided that includes defining a top best fit reference plane and a bottom best fit reference plane, and adjusting the top best fit reference and the bottom best fit reference to be superposed to one another. The method further includes calculating first distances between each height measurement for a first set of points and the adjusted top best fit reference plane, and calculating second distances between each height measurement for a second set of points and the adjusted bottom best fit reference plane. The method further includes calculating height values of a gap or interconnect between the first substrate and the second substrate by subtracting the thickness of the first substrate and the second distances from the first distances.
US09897442B2

The invention pertains to a method for determining at least one spatial coordinate of a measurement point of a local structure of an object, providing a mobile coordinate measuring machine, the method comprising at least placing the mobile coordinate measuring machine on a surface of the object to be measured, approaching the measurement point with a sensing head, and determining at least one spatial coordinate of the at least one measurement point, characterized by establishing a defined spatial relation between the coordinate measuring machine and the local structure wherein the defined spatial relation is established by means of a mechanical fixation of the coordinate measuring machine to the object, and/or a continuous determination of position and orientation of the coordinate measuring machine relative to the object. The invention furthermore pertains to a mobile coordinate measuring machine and a computer program product for execution of said method.
US09897433B2

A wafer metrology system includes an interferometer sub-system and a controller. The interferometer sub-system is configured to generate an interferogram with an intensity map that corresponds to a modulated representation of a wafer surface. Further, the interferometer sub-system includes a detector configured to capture the interferogram. The controller includes one or more processors configured to generate a wrapped phase map of the interferogram, define patterns associated with features on the wafer, and correct phase discontinuities by applying a phase unwrapping procedure to the wrapped phase map to generate an unwrapped phase map and correcting phase discontinuities in the unwrapped phase map based on the patterns, or by combining phase unwrapping and correction in a unified step. Further, the patterns comprise two or more structures such that a portion of the unwrapped phase map associated with structures of the same type is continuous across borders separating structures of the same type.
US09897432B2

Inductance-based sensing in a digital camera in which actuation of at least one electromagnetic (EM) actuator that includes at least one stationary ferromagnetic member associated with a large air gap causes a moving ferromagnetic member mechanically coupled to an optical element to by-pass or bridge the large air gap through at least one smaller air gap. The stationary member includes at least one ferromagnetic core surrounded at least partially by a coil. An inductance value correlated with a position of the optical element may be measured using the same coil as the one used for the actuation. In some embodiments, a single EM actuator includes two coils and the actuator is driven using both coils, while a regular or a mutual inductance is measured. In some camera embodiments that include two opposite EM actuators, one actuator is used to move the optical element while the other actuator is used to measure the inductance value.
US09897425B1

An explosive warhead includes shear liners to enhance rupturing of the warhead's housing following an initiation of a detonation charge in the warhead. The shear liners are positioned directly upon the warhead housing's inside surface. The shear liners are applied as metallic powder granules embedded in structural patterns, and applied in a liquid form which is allowed to cure before the charge is installed in to the warhead. Rupture patterns of the warhead housing upon detonation, approximately mimic the structural patterns on the said shear liners.
US09897416B2

The present invention relates to the technical field of sighting, and specifically relates to a photoelectric sighting device capable of indicating shooting in advance and having high shooting accuracy. The sighting device comprises a field-of-view obtaining unit for acquiring image information within a field of view of the sighting device; a display unit, for displaying reticle center and the image information acquired by the field-of-view obtaining unit; a control unit, for determining a target object in the image information and a target point of the target object while indicating shooting in advance; a power supply for supplying power for the photoelectric sighting device. The invention applies shooting indication in advance, so as to avoid a shooter from missing the best shooting time further to improve shooting accuracy.
US09897415B2

The present invention relates to the technical field of sighting device, and specifically relates to an infrared-light and low-light two-phase fusion night-vision sighting device. The night-vision sighting device comprises a field-of-view obtaining unit, a two-phase fusion unit, a control unit and a display unit, the two-phase fusion unit in the night-vision sighting device can perform infrared-light and low-light fusion processing to the optical image obtained by the field-of-view obtaining unit, and display on the display unit, which realizes to obtain a night-vision image featured by image stabilization, clear outline, high resolution, high contrast, high SNR, and low pepper and salt noise, to thereby ensure night-vision sighting of the electronic gun sight under the condition of night or low brightness.
US09897413B1

A process for starting an engine in a cruise missile that is launched from an aircraft during flight, where the cruise missile is ejected from a weapons bay of the aircraft and towed using a tow line, where the cruise missile engine is started while being towed and then released after the engine has started. The tow line is a low radar signature line and the weapons bay door is closed quickly after the cruise missile has been ejected to reduce radar signatures.
US09897411B2

A method, apparatus and system for networking and powering accessories to a firearm or weapon wherein the accessories are conductively powered from the rail via at least one pin having a tungsten carbide surface and data is transferred between the accessories and the rail via conductive coupling using the at least one pin. In one embodiment, a weapon is provided, the weapon having: an upper receiver; a lower receiver, the upper receiver being removably mounted to the lower receiver; a powered accessory removably mounted to a rail of the upper receiver; and an apparatus for conductively networking a microcontroller of the powered accessory to a microcontroller of the upper receiver and a microcontroller of the lower receiver.
US09897403B2

The present invention relates to firearms, especially to guns, and more particularly to a system for attenuating recoil, reducing muzzle climb and increasing accuracy. The invention provides a recoil attenuating mechanism that is an improvement on the well-known and widely used Browning tilting barrel system which is used mostly in semi-automatic pistols. The recoil attenuation is achieved by redirecting and manipulating the forces of the recoil of the slide of the pistol to a different axis than what is the norm on a regular Browning action, thus reducing muzzle climb substantially in addition to attenuating recoil, and therefore improving accuracy, recovery time, and controllability.
US09897399B2

A liquid collection trough assembly for a cooling tower, condenser or dephlegmator includes a plurality of elongate troughs and associated inclined capture plates arranged to receive liquid on a front face thereof and direct the liquid into an associated elongate trough. Each capture plate has a generally upright deflection plate extending downwards from an upper region on its rear face so as to be capable of receiving liquid droplets contacting it and directing such liquid into or onto an adjacent trough or capture plate, in use. The deflection plate extends downwards to terminate in a bottom edge that is located downwards of the upper region of the capture plate and spaced rearwards of the rear face of an inclined portion of the capture plate.
US09897389B2

The invention relates to a heat exchanger for carrying out a thermal exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of chambers stacked in a longitudinal direction to form a thermal exchange bundle. At least one first chamber suitable for containing the first fluid is defined by a pair of first plates, and at least one second chamber suitable for containing the second fluid is defined by a pair of second plates. The second plates including openings in communication with the second chamber The first plates each include at least two primary openings and at least two secondary openings The two primary openings being in communication with the first chamber, and the two secondary openings being in communication with the openings of the second plates.
US09897382B2

The present invention relates to a method for treating exhaust gases containing nitrogen oxide from technical processes, such as fume gases, for the purpose of removing or precipitationg the nitrogen oxide and/or for the purpose of reducing the nitrogen oxide content, in particular by chemically reducing the nitrogen oxide.
US09897369B2

A handle assembly for mounting to a door of a refrigerator includes a main body member having first and second end portions separated by an intermediate portion. Each of the first and second end portions includes a cavity adapted to receive an end insert formed of soft material. Each of the end inserts includes an attachment member. The handle is mounted to a front face of the door through interengagment of the attachment members and base members provided on the door without scratching the surface of the door.
US09897366B2

The invention relates to a device (1) for controlling the flow of a coolant in a circuit (20) and capable of being exposed to a flow (26) of outside air at the front surface of a vehicle (21), including a means for controlling the flow of coolant, at least one opening of which is placed under the control of a thermostatic detection means, characterized in that the thermostatic detection means includes a thermally conductive surface (9) exposed to said flow (26) of outside air. The invention also relates to the coolant circuit (20) including said control device (1), and to a vehicle (21) provided with such a circuit. The invention can be used for motor vehicles.
US09897363B2

The present application provides a carbon dioxide based refrigeration system. The carbon dioxide based refrigeration system may include a mid temperature cycle with a mid temperature ejector, a low temperature cycle with a low temperature ejector, and a gas cooler/condenser in communication with the mid temperature cycle and the low temperature cycle.
US09897354B2

In an ejector, a passage formation member is disposed inside a body forming a space therein. Provided between an inner peripheral surface of the body and the passage formation member are a nozzle passage functioning as a nozzle, a mixing passage in which an ejection refrigerant ejected from the nozzle passage and a suction refrigerant drawn through a suction passage are mixed together, and a diffuser passage that converts a kinetic energy of the refrigerant that has flowed out of the mixing passage into a pressure energy. The mixing passage has a shape gradually reducing in cross-sectional area toward a downstream side in the refrigerant flow.
US09897351B2

An air conditioner includes a compressor, a flow switching part, an outdoor heat exchanger including a plurality of refrigerant tubes for guiding the refrigerant heat exchanged with outdoor air, a main expansion valve disposed at one side of the outdoor heat exchanger, a first inlet/outlet tube extending from the flow switching part to the outdoor heat exchanger, and a second inlet/outlet tube extending from the outdoor heat exchanger to the main expansion valve. The outdoor heat exchanger includes a header defining a flow space for the refrigerant, the header including an upper header and a lower header, a check valve disposed between the upper header and the lower header to guide the refrigerant to flow in one direction, and a bypass tube extending from the lower header to the second inlet/outlet tube to guide a discharge of a liquid refrigerant existing in the lower header.
US09897348B2

The invention relates to a device for converting thermal energy of a low temperature into thermal energy of a high temperature by means of mechanical energy, and vice versa, comprising a rotor which is mounted so as to rotate about a rotational axis and in which a flow channel is provided for a working medium that circulates in a closed circuit process, said medium being conducted outwards, relative to the rotational axis, in a compression unit in order to increase pressure, and being conducted inwards, relative to the rotational axis, in an expansion unit in order to reduce pressure. At least one heat exchanger is provided for exchanging heat between said working medium and a heat exchange medium.
US09897344B2

The present invention relates to a solar collector (1) having Fresnel mirrors comprising a mounting for a set of mirrors made up of strips of mirrors (2) referred to as primary mirrors (2), each pivoting about a respective axis of rotation (5) referred to as the large axis (5) relative to the mounting, and intended for collecting solar radiation and for concentrating said radiation toward one or more concentrating elements (100) which can be mutually similar or different, carrying a heat-transfer fluid, characterized in that the invention comprises a means (10, 20, 30) for moving one or more concentrating elements (100) such as to make the collector mobile relative to the mounting of the set of primary mirrors (2).
US09897339B2

A wall mountable connector configured to facilitate a user in removing a first thermostat from the wall mountable connector and installing a new, different second thermostat on the wall mountable connector without having to do any wiring work. The field wires remain coupled to the wall mountable connector, and the wall mountable connector provides the appropriate electrical connections between the field wires and the first and second thermostats. In some cases, the wall mountable connector may include a memory for storing data communicated by a first thermostat, and to communicate the stored data to a subsequently installed second thermostat. In some instances, the first and second thermostats may be selected from a line of compatible thermostats.
US09897333B2

A water heating system includes a first water heater having a first heating source of a first type, and a second water heater having a second heating source of a second type. The system further includes a valve having a first interface connected to the cold water source, a second interface connected to the first cold water inlet of the first water heater, a third interface connected to a second hot water outlet of the second water heater, and a fourth interface connected to the first hot water outlet of the first water heater. A motor positions the valve to one of at least three positions Finally, the system also includes a control circuit including a temperature sensor near the first hot water outlet of the first water heater, and a controller configured to control the motor based on a sensed temperature by the temperature sensor.
US09897328B2

A tabletop cooking assembly for preparing foods thereon comprises a cooking element having a cooking area and a vent disposed peripherally to one side of the cooking element defining an aperture for receiving smoke from the cooking element. The assembly includes a first exhaust duct, a filter assembly, an electrostatic precipitator, and a high velocity blower. The first exhaust duct is substantially unobstructed and in fluid communication with the vent for directing smoke away from the cooking element. The high velocity blower is in fluid communication with the first exhaust duct and the filter assembly for drawing smoke from the cooking element through the vent. The heating system includes a retaining plate, a plurality of heating strips, and an insulating material. The heating strips are disposed between the retaining plate and the heating surface to heat the cooking area for preparing foods thereon.
US09897323B2

The present invention relates to a gas oven. The gas oven includes: a cavity in which an oven chamber having an opened front surface is defined; a heating source installed in the cavity through the opened front surface of the oven chamber, the heating source providing energy for cooking foods in the oven chamber; a bracket fixing the heating source to the cavity; and a coupling member fixing the bracket to the cavity. The heating source is horizontally moved into the oven chamber when the heating source is fixed to the bracket, and is thus fixed to the cavity via the coupling member. Thus, a burner may be easily fixed and separated.
US09897320B2

A gas turbine engine combustor is provided. An inner liner has an upstream end and a downstream end and extends in an axial direction between the upstream and downstream ends. A dual wall outer liner has a hot wall, a cold wall at least partially surrounding the hot wall, an upstream end, and a downstream end. The outer liner extends in the axial direction between the upstream and downstream ends. A dome assembly is coupled between the upstream ends of the inner and outer liners to define a combustion chamber between the inner liner and the hot wall of the outer liner. Effusion cooling holes are disposed in the hot wall, including a first row disposed at a tangential angle of between about 70° and about 90° and a second row disposed at a tangential angle of between about 0° and about 20°.
US09897311B2

A combustion chamber assembly unit, especially for a vaporizing burner and particularly especially for a vehicle heater, includes at least two combustion chamber elements (12, 20, 26, 32, 50, 52, 64, 102, 126) with wall areas (12, 34, 46, 54, 64, 104, 130, 140, 142). The at least two combustion chamber elements are arranged in a radially staggered pattern in relation to a longitudinal axis (L) of the combustion chamber and are fixed to one another by laser welding.
US09897306B2

A mirror assembly can include a housing, a mirror, and a light source. In certain embodiments, the mirror includes a light pipe configured to emit a substantially constant amount of light along a periphery of the mirror. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly can be configured to adjust the amount of emitted light based on the position of a user in relation to the mirror. Certain embodiments of the mirror include an algorithm to adjust light based on the position of a user relative to the mirror, the level of ambient light, and/or the activation of different light modes.
US09897302B2

An LED-based lamp assembly for use with a light fixture having a socket portion including a driver assembly having a base portion rotateably engageable with the socket portion to make a first electrical contact with the light fixture. The base portion is coupled to a driver housing. The driver assembly includes an electrically conductive tip portion coupled to the base portion. The tip portion is engageable with the socket portion to make a second electrical contact with the light fixture wherein the tip portion and driver housing are moveable relative to each other when the tip portion is in the second electrical contact with the socket portion. The driver assembly includes first electrical contacts. A lamp housing assembly is operably connected to the driver assembly. The lamp housing assembly includes second electrical contacts operatively connected to the first electrical contacts of the driver assembly.
US09897299B2

A wearable light assembly includes an opaque housing that is open towards the ground and is configured to reflect light emitted from a first light source downward onto a first location that is close to the wearer and reflect light from a second light source downward onto a second location on the ground that is farther away from the wearer than the first location. In an embodiment, the wearable light assembly senses motion of the wearer and switches between the first light source and the second light source depending on whether the wearer is moving slowly (in which case it activates the first light source) or moving quickly (in which case it activates the second light source).
US09897295B2

The invention provides a Light-Emitting Diode (LED) display screen, including: fixing assemblies and a display assembly. The fixing assemblies are provided at an upper side and lower side of the display assembly so as to fix the display assembly. The display assembly includes: an LED display light bar and a connecting structure connected with the LED display light bar. The display assembly further includes an angle adjustment structure provided between the connecting structure and the LED display light bar. The angle adjustment structure can adjust a mounting angle of the LED display light bar. The technical solution of the invention effectively solves the problem in the traditional art that an angle of an LED display light bar cannot be adjusted.
US09897293B2

The present disclosure relates to a field of display technology and discloses a backlight module and a display device. The backlight module comprises: a backplate comprising a bottom plate and side plates, which form a mounting recess; an optical film positioned in the mounting recess; at least two supporting bars positioned between the bottom plate and the optical film and arranged crosswise, wherein each two supporting bars are fastened to each other and each of the supporting bars is fastened on the bottom plate. In the above backlight module, a mechanical strength of the backplate of the backlight module may be increased due to the supporting bars mounted on the bottom plate and arranged crosswise, and a resistance to bending of the backplate is thus improved. Further, as the used supporting bars have a bar-shape structure and are arranged crosswise without covering the overall surface of the backplate, the weight of the backlight module is increased by a smaller amount than the existing backlight module with an increasing strength of the backplate. Thus, the backlight module has a high strength and a light weight.
US09897287B1

A finisher for a vehicle console assembly includes a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and an opening defined therethrough, the opening having a forward end, a rear end, and opposing sides extending therebetween, and a lower light shield extending from the lower surface. The lower light shield includes a canopy having a hood formed at the rear end of the opening, the hood extending away from the lower surface and toward the forward end of the opening. The hood is configured to cover at least a portion of the opening.
US09897270B2

A method and device for realizing an electric candle flame with a dynamic visual effect. The device comprises a shell, an upper cover, a candle flame simulating object, an LED lamp, a pivot, a candle flame simulating object seat and a water stirring device. The seat is cylindrical and fixed at a center part of the upper cover, and the candle flame simulating object is vertically arranged in the seat in a swinging mode by the aid of the pivot. The LED lamp is arranged on the vertical wall of the seat and located at the lower front of one lateral plane of the candle flame simulating object, and LED lamp upwardly and obliquely emits light to said plane of the candle flame simulating object at an elevation angle. Water is filled in the lower part of the shell with the water stirring device is arranged therein.
US09897268B2

A portable tower trailer having a light tower housing constructed to allow for both stacking and nesting which is beneficial in both storage and shipping of light towers is disclosed. The portable tower trailer employs a frame having a hinged axle that allows the wheels to operate in a conventional manner. The hinged axle further allows the wheels to be rotated upward allowing the frame to rest flush on the ground or stacked upon a similar shaped portable tower. The stackable light tower is constructed having a base employing an engine system and a fuel tank; and a mast pivotally coupled to the base and movable between a storage configuration and a positioning configuration. The storage configuration is when the mast is folded over an upper surface of the base whereby an additional light tower base or tower trailer may be placed or stacked over the top of the first light tower base.
US09897261B2

A method and an apparatus for determining leakage volume of fluid in transportation pipelines are provided. The method comprises: obtaining the negative pressure wave signals detected by at least two pressure sensors arranged on the pipeline; determining the pressure signal at the leakage location based on the negative pressure wave signals; determining the leakage rate during a leakage period based on the pressure signal at the leakage location according to a leakage model; and determining the leakage volume of the fluid in the pipeline based on the leakage rate and the leakage period. The apparatus provided corresponds to the method described above. By using the method and apparatus described above, the leakage volume of the transportation pipelines can be obtained to help understand the leakage profile of the pipelines and thus reduce losses (FIG. 1).
US09897244B1

A pipeline connector that is piggable and is reinforced against deformation. At the point where the connector diverges from one pipeline to multiple pipelines, the connector may be surrounded by a tube, forming a space between the connector and the tube. The space may be filled with filler material, such as grout. Thus, radial pressure from the contents of the pipeline may be borne by the tube rather than the connector at the point of divergence. The ends of the tube surrounding the connector may be covered by plates, which may enclose the grout-filled space and which may act as feet for the pipeline connector.
US09897241B2

A liner assembly for a pipeline section having at least one junction with a lateral pipe, the liner assembly comprises an outer tubular liner having an opening therein generally coinciding in position with each junction when the liner assembly is positioned with the pipeline section and an inner malleable inflatable bladder assembly positioned longitudinally within the tubular liner, said bladder assembly being inhibited from over-expanding during positioning and inflation of the liner assembly within the pipeline section.
US09897240B2

Embodiments of systems and methods for installing a single valve assembly into in-service pipelines are presented using conventional hot tap technology. In one embodiment, the single valve assembly may comprise a removable cartridge assembly that comprises a wedge assembly that is rotated from an open position to a closed position and movable from a first unexpanded position to a second compressed position that sealingly engages one or more sealing elements to the valve body or housing to prevent fluid flow in the pipeline. The cartridge assembly is configured to be removed from the valve body for repair, maintenance, or replacement without additional line stops or interruptions to the in-service pipeline.
US09897238B2

A coupling device for coupling to a fluid line includes a coupler body having an end portion with a threaded outer surface and a conical inner surface. A fastener threadedly engages the threaded outer surface of the coupler body. A ferrule includes a rotational driving portion and a clamping portion having a threaded inner surface. When a tube is inserted through the ferrule and the fastener and into the end portion of the coupler body, the fastener threads onto the coupler body and the conical inner surface of the coupler body engages an outer surface of the clamping portion of the ferrule to substantially clamp the clamping portion of the ferrule around the tube. With the fastener tightened, the ferrule is rotatable relative to the fastener and the coupler body and the tube, whereby rotation of the ferrule moves the tube further into the coupler body.
US09897237B2

A fitting, such as an anti-blowback fitting, that includes a friction reducing device that enables easy removal of the fitting from a high pressure connection such as one associated with an HVAC unit. When used in connection with refrigeration, anti-blow back fittings function to keep the refrigerant in the hose to which it is connected in order to minimize or prevent the refrigerant from escaping to the environment. In certain embodiments, a friction reducing device is positioned in the fitting, and decreases the load on the rear housing, which enables easy rotation of the outer or swivel housing of the fitting to remove the same from the high pressure connection. In certain embodiments, the friction reducing device is a thrust bearing.
US09897221B2

A sealing element of a valve, e.g., a gas valve, for controlling a medium includes a base body having a sealing surface, the sealing surface either (i) being inclined in relation to a center axis of the sealing element or (ii) having at least one inclined area. In addition, a valve seat support of the valve for controlling a medium includes: a first ring-shaped valve seat in a first valve seat plane; a second ring-shaped valve seat in a second valve seat plane; and a passage aperture situated between the first valve seat and the second valve seat, the first and second valve seat planes being perpendicular to a center axis of the valve seat support.
US09897212B2

An assembly forming a seal for a turbine engine, comprising a brush seal formed by a plurality of sealing bristles surrounding a core, a retaining cap comprising a portion at least partially housing the brush seal, and a support cover placed in contact with the brush seal in order to hold it in position against the retaining cap, the brush seal being situated between the retaining cap and the support cover. The support cover comprises a structure for lubricating the bristles of the brush seal, comprising an opening for collecting lubricating oil, a lubricating oil distribution groove connected to the opening, and at least one channel for flow of lubricating oil towards the bristles of the brush seal, connected to the groove.
US09897209B2

A sleeve, rotary seal, rotary seal assembly, shaft with an integrated primary surface, rotary seal assembly component, and/or any combination thereof which preferably results in rotary seals having a higher tolerance for radial eccentricity (static eccentricity and/or dynamic eccentricity). Related methods of manufacturing, using, and/or providing same are also set forth.
US09897208B2

A flat gasket with at least one extended carrier layer is described. Such flat gaskets are for instance used as transmission plates or also as cylinder head gaskets. They are also used in the area of the exhaust line of a combustion engine. The at least one extended carrier layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The layer also has a passage opening for a fluid which penetrates the carrier layer. The circumferential edge of each of the two surfaces has one or several projections which encircle the passage opening at least in sections and protrude into the passage opening. A functional element is arranged in the passage opening, which is held by the one or several projections in the passage opening.
US09897206B2

An actuator for activating a parking lock, in particular for automatic transmissions in motor vehicles, includes a hydraulic piston which is guided in a cylinder and which activates a locking pawl for a parking lock wheel in the transmission by way of an actuating rod. The piston disengages the parking lock against the force of a preload spring which engages the parking lock in the pressureless state. An electromagnetically activated locking device can positively secure the piston in the disengaged position, with the locking device securing the piston relative to a guide sleeve attached to the cylinder with radially extendable locking elements. To improve system protection, the piston can also be secured in a positively locking fashion by the locking device in the position corresponding to the engaged state of the parking lock.
US09897205B2

A roller position control mechanism including a steering element, positioned inside the bearing of each roller and provided with a skew shaft and a steering shaft defining an angle therebetween. A spider element fixes the steering element to a longitudinal shaft of the CVT and a control ring element interconnects the steering elements of the various rollers. Movement of the control ring element with respect to the spider element translates to a tilting movement of the rollers, thanks to the angle between the skew and steering shafts.
US09897204B2

In a control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a continuously variable transmission mechanism continuously modifying speed ratio and a stepped transmission mechanism that is disposed on a downstream side of the continuously variable transmission mechanism and being switched between a plurality of gear positions by engaging and disengaging a plurality of frictional engagement elements, the control apparatus comprises a control unit that performs a coordinated shift by shifting the stepped transmission mechanism and simultaneously shifting the continuously variable transmission mechanism in an opposite direction to a shift direction of the stepped transmission mechanism in order to suppress variation in a through speed ratio, which is an overall speed ratio of the automatic transmission, when the stepped transmission mechanism is upshifted and the control unit predicts, on the basis of an increase in an accelerator opening, that judder will occur in the frictional engagement element during the upshift, the control unit reduces a shift speed of the continuously variable transmission mechanism while shudder is predicted to occur in the frictional engagement element in comparison with a shift speed of the continuously variable transmission mechanism during the coordinated shift, the coordinated shift being executed at an accelerator opening corresponding to the increased accelerator opening.
US09897203B2

A gear change lever device for a vehicle transmission with a holder, a gear change lever movably arranged on a holder and comprising a gripping surface, wherein the gear change lever can be moved to pre-determined positions (P, R, N, D), a sensor device, by which the current position of the gear change lever can be detected, an evaluation device coupled to the sensor device for the control of transmission, by means of which in cooperation with the sensor device a change in the gear change lever position can be recognized, and at least one touch sensor coupled to the evaluation device and arranged on the gear change lever in the area of the grip surface, by means of which a human touch of the grip surface can be detected and information about the touch state of the gripping surface can be sent to evaluation device.
US09897202B2

A temperature warning method of a friction element for issuing a warning depending on temperature of the friction element arranged between a power source and a driving wheel, includes issuing the warning when the temperature of the friction element exceeds an upper limit temperature, and making a period of time, from when the temperature of the friction element exceeds the upper limit temperature until when the warning is issued, longer when the temperature of the friction element exceeds the upper limit temperature for a first time than when the temperature of the friction element exceeds the upper limit temperature for a second or subsequent time.
US09897198B2

An apparatus for calculating a filling time in an automatic transmission and a method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus includes an oil temperature detection unit for detecting an oil temperature of a transmission oil, a control duty input unit for receiving a control duty for controlling a solenoid valve that discharges or fills the transmission oil supplied from an oil pump from or to an oil flow path corresponding to a gear shifting stage to form a hydraulic pressure, a storage unit for storing a filling time table in which a relationship between a remaining flow and a filling time according to the oil temperature is mapped, and a calculation control unit for receiving the control duty of the solenoid valve from the control duty input unit to calculate the remaining flow on the basis of a variation interval of the remaining flow and an elapsed time, and calculating the filling time depending on the filling time table stored in the storage unit on the basis of the remaining flow.
US09897196B2

A cube type electronic shift lever including a shift lever panel mounted on a console surface or a center fascia of a vehicle, and having a seating unit including a plurality of position fixing magnets, a plurality of cube type buttons including metallic plates coupled to lower portions of the plurality of cube type buttons, the plurality of cube type buttons being detachably installed on the seating unit of the shift lever panel, an operating unit embedded in each of the plurality of cube type buttons, and sending operational signals generated by the each of the plurality of cube type buttons, and a control unit configured to transmit the operational signals sent by each of the plurality of cube type buttons to a transmission control unit (TCU) or an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, in which shapes and functions of the cube type buttons are arbitrarily selected.
US09897192B2

A lubricating structure for a speed reducer includes: a case; a first reduction gear pair provided inside the case; a second reduction gear pair provided inside the case; a first catch tank arranged inside the case; a second catch tank arranged inside the case; a partition member that includes a partition wall that partitions an inside of the case into a first accommodation space in which the first reduction gear pair is accommodated and a second accommodation space in which the second reduction gear pair is accommodated; a first oil passage communicating with the first accommodation space and configured to guide lubricating oil to the first catch tank; a second oil passage communicating with the second accommodation space and configured to guide lubricating oil to the second catch tank; and a communication port provided in the partition member and communicating the first oil passage with the second oil passage.
US09897183B2

A hydrostatic variator having a common yoke design and two or more bent axis piston drive units is disclosed in which the rotating group of a drive unit is arranged to be movable relative to the yoke to alter the angle between its drive shaft axis and rotating group axis independent of the other drive unit. This can be accomplished using movable sector plates coupled to the rotating groups that are arcuately movable within the yoke about the axis perpendicular to the respective drive shaft axes of the drive units. Such variators enjoy the response and packaging advantages of a common yoke design while still allowing dynamic adjustment of system size. In turn, varying system size allows for efficiency to be improved at conditions other than at the maximum design torque.
US09897178B2

The present invention provides a controllable epicyclic type clutch device coupled with hybrid power train structured by using the controllable brake device to manipulate an epicyclic gear set (EG101), in which the power train having the clutch device structured by using the controllable brake device to manipulate the epicyclic gear set (EG101) can be widely applied in a dual rotary kinetic power source or a triple rotary kinetic power source, the structural configuration includes a coaxial in-series structure or a multiple axial in-parallel structure for satisfying the requirement of applied space.
US09897177B2

A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving power from an engine, an output shaft configured to output power, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotating elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotating elements, a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotating elements, a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotating elements, and six control elements, each of which is disposed at a position where one rotating element among twelve rotating elements including the first to twelfth rotating elements is selectively connected with another rotating element among the twelve rotating elements or disposed at a position where one rotating element among the twelve rotating elements is selectively connected to a transmission housing.
US09897175B2

A planetary gear train of claim of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft for outputting a shifted torque, 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, a third shaft, a fourth shaft, a fifth shaft selectively connectable with the first shaft and the second shaft, and directly connected with the input shaft, a sixth shaft selectively connectable with the second shaft, a seventh shaft selectively connectable with the second shaft, and an eighth shaft directly connected with the output shaft.
US09897171B2

The present disclosure provides a planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle to perform ten or more forward speeds and one or more reverse speed. The planetary gear train includes: an input shaft, an output shaft, three planetary gear sets respectively having three rotational elements, and seven control elements for selectively interconnecting the rotational elements and a transmission housing.
US09897160B2

A vibration isolator of the present invention includes a first attachment member (11), a second attachment member (12), an elastic body (13), a partition member (15), and a movable member (23). In addition, a plurality of communicating holes (27a and 27b) extending outward in an axial direction from a portion facing the movable member (23) in the axial direction in a wall surface of an accommodating chamber (18) and configured to communicate the accommodating chamber (18) with a main liquid chamber (16a) or a subsidiary liquid chamber (16b) are provided in the partition member (15), at least one of the plurality of communicating holes (27a and 27b) is a direct coupling hole (27a) configured to directly couple the accommodating chamber (18) with the main liquid chamber (16a) or the subsidiary liquid chamber (16b) in the axial direction, a flow control member (30) positioned at an outside in the axial direction relative to the direct coupling hole (27a) and disposed to overlap the movable member (23) in the axial direction through the direct coupling hole (27a) is further provided, and the flow control member (30) does not come into contact with the movable member (23) deformed in the axial direction when a liquid pressure of the main liquid chamber (16a) varies based on an input from a vibration-generating part.
US09897156B2

Method for functional testing of a holding brake of an electric motor. Method includes applying, while the holding brake is closed, phase currents to the electric motor in magnitude and angle for producing a current vector; varying, while the holding brake is closed, the phase currents so as to rotate the current vector to be normal to a rotor flux direction at least one time; and checking whether the holding brake slips when the phase currents are being applied.
US09897152B2

A brake pad for a disc brake with decreased wear characteristics is provided. The brake pad is configured with the distribution of brake pad friction material weighted toward the radially outer region of the brake pad, with the lateral sides of the pad material being generally aligned with radial lines originating at the rotation axis of the brake disc of the disc brake. The brake pad friction material distribution results in decreased brake application pressure between the brake pad and the brake disc while obtaining the same braking force provided by a comparable generally rectangular brake pad, resulting in lower brake pad wear at the same braking force levels.
US09897149B2

A backing plate assembly includes a front cover and a rear cover. The front cover defines an inner surface and a front plane, and the rear cover terminates at a lip. A backing plate forms a body having an outer surface that terminates at a base portion. When the outer surface is coupled to the inner surface, the backing plate is rotationally but not axially coupled to the front cover. The lip contacts the base portion to define a maximum axial distance between the backing plate and the front plane.
US09897146B2

A method of providing lubricant to a bearing assembly is provided. The method includes providing a bearing assembly including a housing with an inner surface that forms an outer race, a plurality of rolling elements that roll on the outer race, and a packet having a rupturable membrane and a predetermined volume of lubricant therein. At least one of a shaft or a cage is inserted into the bearing assembly and ruptures the packet via engagement of the packet with at least one of the shaft or the cage such that the volume of lubricant is distributed to contact surfaces of the bearing assembly.
US09897141B2

A curvilinear motion rolling guide unit is such that pipe members adapted to form return passages are disposed respectively at undercuts of wings of an arcuate casing, thereby reducing working costs. A slider has a casing and end caps fixed to respective opposite ends of the casing. Pipe members adapted to form return passages are disposed at the respective undercuts formed on the wings of the casing. Cover members have longitudinally extending grooves, respectively, for covering the pipe members. Fitting grooves formed at opposite ends of the grooves of the cover members are fitted to direction changing passages provided in the respective end caps, whereby the cover members are fixed to the end caps.
US09897137B2

A rotary machine is provided with: a flange section protruding in the radial direction of a rotating shaft which rotates about an axis and rotating together with the rotating shaft; a stationary bush disposed at a distance in the direction of the axis from the flange section, surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, and provided in a housing supporting the rotating shaft so as to be immovable in the direction of the axis relative to the rotating shaft; and a rotation bush which is disposed between the flange section and the stationary bush so as to be sandwiched there between in the direction of the axis, covers the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft, and is rotatable relative to the rotating shaft and the housing while floating in fluid. The rotation bush has, on the surface thereof which faces the direction of the axis, a land surface and a tapered surface which is continuous with the land surface.
US09897133B2

A carbon fiber washer is provided and includes a carbon fiber fabric made of a plurality of fiber bundles being woven, in which each of the plurality of fiber bundles is made of discontinuous fibers; the advantage of the carbon fiber washer of the present invention includes high temperature and fatigue resisting, and weather proofing. The structure of the carbon fiber washer is stable due to the use of discontinuous fibers; breakages of discontinuous fibers do not affect other unbroken discontinuous fibers, so that the structure of the carbon fiber washer would not be loosened or delaminated and the service life can be prolonged accordingly.
US09897132B2

A fastener assembly includes a bolt having a shaft and a head. The shaft has proximal and distal shaft ends and a shaft body, with the head at the proximal shaft end. At least a bondable portion of the shaft body is at least partially made of a bondable material. At least one collar has proximal and distal collar ends longitudinally separated by a collar body which includes a longitudinally oriented collar aperture extending through a thickness thereof between proximal and distal collar surfaces. The collar aperture defines an inner collar wall having a bondable portion which is at least partially made of a bondable material. At least the bondable portion of the shaft body is located inside the collar aperture. The bondable material of both of the inner collar wall and the shaft body is activated to bond the shaft and the collar into an integral fastener assembly structure.
US09897129B2

A non-rotational, flare nut attached to a panel with tolerance float formed and applied using special flaring tool, which simultaneously creates a square profile on the shank as the nut is attached. During flaring, the shank is broken into radially extending segments that provide retention to the panel with the ability to “float” on the panel by an amount equal to the clearance between the hole and the shank of the nut. The length of the segments allow for a greater float distance. The anti-rotation capability is provided by interference between the flat sides of the nut shank and the sides of the rectangular receiving hole.
US09897125B2

A fastener is provided. The fastener includes a fastening portion configured to fasten a body; and a retaining portion configured to retain a portion of the body after the fastening portion is fastened to the body. The fastener apparatus may be used to attach composite body materials to a vehicle.
US09897112B2

A method and system is provided for controlling a hydraulic actuator in a work machine by opening a load holding valve in a measured fashion in order to leak hydraulic pressure back into a depressurized portion of the hydraulic circuit, thereby minimizing or eliminating jerkiness in the actuator when the actuator is under an external load.
US09897108B2

An inner peripheral side of the blade with respect to an apex (P) of the leading edge protruding portion extends forward in the fan rotating direction with respect to the apex (P). A radius (Rq) at a position of an apex (Q) of the trailing edge protruding portion is larger than a radius (Rp) at a position of the apex (P). The radius (Rq) at the position of the apex (Q) is larger than an intermediate radius (Rm) between a radius (Ro) of an outer peripheral edge and a radius (Ri) of an inner peripheral edge.
US09897106B2

A rotary machine support device is used for supporting a rotary machine including a hearing housing with a flange and a rotary shaft. The rotary machine support device includes a support portion which supports the rotary machine. The support portion includes: a mounting flange capable of contacting the flange; and arms, each arm including a holding portion which holds the mounting flange and the flange together while pressing the flanges contacting each other inward from outside in the radial direction thereof. The holding portion includes a pair of claw pieces. In addition, at least one of the mounting flange and a groove portion formed between the pair of claw pieces is formed in a tapered shape, and the tapered shape is formed so that the width thereof in the opposing direction of the flange and the mounting flange gradually decreases outward from inside in the radial direction.
US09897104B2

A compressor that includes a frame, a rotor assembly, and a heat sink assembly. The rotor assembly includes a shaft to which an impeller, a bearing assembly and a rotor core are secured. The heat sink assembly is then secured to the bearing assembly and to the frame.
US09897102B2

A structure improvement of a pump casing with a Polyfluoroalkoxy (PFA) liner which improves manufacturing efficiency, reduces manufacturing cost and improves yield strength, more particular to keep the stiffness of the shaft support and improve yield of the pump casing. The metal pump casing with the PFA liner used for handling corrosive liquids includes a suction casing with PFA liner, and a volute casing with PFA liner for accommodating an impeller. The volute casing also collects and then ejects the liquid through a discharge. The suction casing with the PFA liner and the volute casing with the PFA liner are separately formed as two workpieces by injection molding process and then assembled to form the pump casing so as to reduce the residual stress applied in the PFA liner.
US09897099B1

A pump for pumping a fluid includes a motor, a drive shaft, an impeller, a pump housing having an inlet and an outlet portion, and an extension tube extending between the motor and the pump housing. Preferably, a portion of the fluid to be pumped is contained within the extension tube at a relatively constant level to provide a seal.
US09897091B2

In a compressor of the present invention, an intermediate pressure port through which a first discharge chamber and a motor chamber communicate with each other is formed in a front housing. A refrigerant having an intermediate pressure is discharged to the first discharge chamber. Consequently, it is possible to guide the refrigerant having the intermediate pressure in the first discharge chamber to the motor chamber, and cool an electric motor, which generates heat during actuation, with the refrigerant having the intermediate pressure. In the compressor, a first impeller and a second impeller are disposed such that large diameter portions of the first impeller and the second impeller face each other. The second impeller is smaller in diameter than the first impeller.
US09897076B1

A solar power plant for generating steam is comprised of a spherical shell, the interior of which is sealed from the outside atmosphere and which is mounted adjacent the top of a vertical tower. A plurality of heliostats surrounds the tower and the direct sunrays onto the sphere for heating the same sphere. A spray nozzle within the sphere directs water supplied to it from an external source onto the interior surface of the sphere to create steam. The steam is withdrawn and directed to a turbine or the like for generating electricity. A motor rotates the sphere about its vertical axis thereby regularly exposing a different portion of the sphere to the heliostats to prevent the sphere from melting.
US09897075B2

A wind farm comprising a number of wind turbines arranged on a ground comprising a first ground portion having a first ground surface and an outer periphery and a second ground portion having a second ground surface and surrounding the first ground portion. The first ground portion is covered with a reflective artificial covering to provide a reflecting surface having an albedo higher than the albedo of the second ground portion and thereby generating a lower temperature and a higher pressure in the first ground portion than in the second ground portion and a wind having a speed in a direction from the first ground portion towards the second ground portion. Some of the wind turbines are arranged in the second ground portion in such a distance from the periphery of the first ground portion that they are subjected to the wind coming from the first ground portion.
US09897070B2

The invention concerns a rear box section for a rotor blade, in particular of a wind power installation, comprising a pressure-side surface, a suction-side surface, a trailing edge separating the pressure-side and suction-side surfaces, and a connecting side which is opposite to the trailing edge and which is adapted for mounting to a corresponding connecting surface of the rotor blade. The invention concerns in particular a rear box section which is sub-divided into a foot segment having the connecting side and one or more head segments which have the trailing edge and which can be coupled to the foot segment. The invention also concerns a rotor blade for a wind power installation, and a wind power installation.
US09897066B2

A method of making a root end joint for a wind turbine. A plurality of root segments (10) are formed of a composite material. Each has an arcuate end face (11) which subtends an angle of 90° or less and has a plurality of connection holes (12). The segments are joined together side-by-side to build up the circular profile of the root end. The segments include a proportion of uni-axial to multiaxial fiber which decreases from the arcuate end face towards the opposite end.
US09897055B2

A method and system is disclosed for delivering a cryogenically stored fuel in a gaseous state into the air intake system of a gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine. The method comprises determining the flow rate capacity in the engine system's fuel delivery line, comparing the determined flow rate capacity to a required flow rate demand and supplying fuel in gaseous state directly from the vapor space of the cryogenic storage vessel to the fuel delivery line that supplies fuel to the engine, when the flow rate capacity is equal to or higher than the required flow rate demand. The method further comprises activating a cryogenic pump to deliver fuel to the internal combustion engine from the liquid space of the cryogenic storage vessel when the determined flow rate capacity is lower than the required flow rate demand.
US09897048B2

An internal combustion engine having a crankcase and a cylinder head is provided. The internal combustion engine includes at least one cylinder block, at least one cooler, at least one smooth flange surface for accommodating the at least one cooler, at least one coolant inlet to the cooler, at least one coolant outlet from the cooler, at least one exhaust gas inlet to the cooler, at least one integrated exhaust gas feed-through from the cooler and at least one internal cooling section.
US09897045B2

A fuel vapor recovery apparatus includes an adsorbent canister capable of capturing fuel vapor, a vapor passage connecting the adsorbent canister to a fuel tank, an atmospheric air passage communicating the adsorbent canister with the atmosphere, and a purge passage coupling the adsorbent canister to an intake pipe of an internal combustion engine. In addition, the apparatus includes a purge pump configured to generate a gas flow from the adsorbent canister to the intake pipe through the purge passage, and a flow control valve provided at the purge passage and configured to regulate the gas flow through the purge passage. Further, the apparatus includes a pressure regulator configured to make an absolute value of pressure at an outlet side of the purge pump smaller than an absolute value of pressure at an inlet side of the purge pump while the purge pump is driven.
US09897041B2

An engine for propelling an aircraft includes an annular fuel cell arrangement having at least one fuel cell, at least one electric motor couplable to the fuel cell arrangement, at least one fan couplable to the electric motor and a cowling having an inlet and an outlet nozzle. The fuel cell arrangement is arranged inside the cowling, the at least one fan is arranged between the inlet and the fuel cell arrangement inside the cowling, the electric motor is operable under consumption of electric power delivered by the fuel cell arrangement and the at least one fan is designed to produce a thrust force by creating an accelerated airflow at the outlet nozzle. The engine is extremely efficient and comprises a distinct low noise.
US09897035B2

An engine (10) is a cylinder injection engine, and includes an injector (21) that directly injects a fuel into a combustion chamber (23), and an ignition plug (34) that generates an ignition spark in the combustion chamber (23). An ECU (40) performs multiple first injections to each produce an air-fuel mixture of a lean air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber (23) before an ignition in one combustion cycle of the engine, and performs a second injection to produce an air-fuel mixture of a rich air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber (23) before the ignition and after the first injection. In particular, the ECU implements the multiple first injections in such a manner that the first injection implemented early among the multiple first injections produces an air-fuel mixture leaner than that of the first injection implemented subsequently. The ECU implements the second injection only once immediately before an ignition timing.
US09897031B2

The present disclosure is a method of controlling an operation of a swirl control valve for a diesel engine, which predicts an internal temperature of a swirl control valve for a diesel engine, and limit a motor duty ratio of the swirl control valve based on the predicted temperature. In particular, the method predicts an internal temperature (a temperature of a motor coil) of a swirl control valve in real time through modelling, and controls a motor duty ratio of the swirl control valve, so that the internal temperature does not reach a maximum coil temperature, at which the swirl control valve is damaged and/or is irresistible, based on the predicted temperature.
US09897030B2

Methods and systems are provided for accurately learning the zero point of an intake gas oxygen sensor during selected engine no-fueling conditions. The learned zero point is used to infer EGR flow and accordingly adjust EGR valve control. In addition, EGR valve leakage is diagnosed based on the zero point learned during a DFSO adaptation relative to a zero point learned during an idle adaptation.
US09897028B2

An internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust purification catalyst and an air-fuel ratio sensor arranged at a downstream side of the exhaust purification catalyst, stops or decreases a feed of fuel as fuel cut control, and controls an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas to a rich air-fuel ratio after the end of the fuel cut control as post reset rich control. The diagnosis system calculates a first characteristic of change of air-fuel ratio at the time when the output air-fuel ratio first passes a first air-fuel ratio region leaner than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio and a second characteristic of change of air-fuel ratio at the time when the output air-fuel ratio first passes a second air-fuel ratio region including a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio. The diagnosis system diagnoses the abnormality of the air-fuel ratio sensor based on the first characteristic of change of air-fuel ratio and the second characteristic of change of air-fuel ratio. As a result, it is possible to suppress the effects of the change of state of the exhaust purification catalyst while accurately diagnosing the abnormality of deterioration of response of a downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor.
US09897016B2

On the basis of a decrease in a high-pressure detection value and a low-pressure detection value during fuel control using a CNG injector, an electronic control unit automatically switches the combustion control to combustion control using a gasoline injector even when the amount of CNG remaining is insufficient. When the first shutoff valve is forcibly switched to an closed state by inputting a forcible shutoff command of a first shutoff valve to a terminal and the combustion control using the CNG injector is performed, a switching process to the combustion control using the gasoline injector is inhibited regardless of the decrease in the high-pressure detection value and the low-pressure detection value.
US09897007B2

A panel for a nacelle structure that surrounds a jet engine core includes a longitudinally extending, generally semicircular center region, an upper bifurcation region, a lower bifurcation region, a hinge beam region extending from the upper bifurcation region and configured to receive an upper thrust reverser track guide, and a latch beam region extending from the lower bifurcation region and configured to receive a lower thrust reverser track guide. A bypass duct is formed in a space between the panel and the nacelle structure. A hinge beam structure and latch beam structure are integrally formed with the panel. An inner skin layer extends continuously across a bond panel surface generally facing the engine core and an outer skin layer extends continuously across a bond panel surface generally facing the bypass duct, the inner and outer skin layers extending across the center region, upper and lower bifurcation regions, hinge beam region, and latch beam region. The outer skin layer may have an acoustic treatment, such as being perforated in at least the center region and the upper and lower bifurcation regions. In this way, a separate hinge beam and latch beam are not used, and therefore there is no need to couple the panel to the respective beams.
US09897002B2

An accumulator system is coupled to gas turbines for storing thermal energy in a heat accumulator, having a charge circuit and a discharge circuit. The charge circuit has an electrically operated heat generation device which is configured for generating heat with the utilization of electrical energy. The charge circuit is configured for transferring the heat at least temporarily to the heat accumulator, in order to store the heat therein. The discharge circuit is configured to thermally condition a fluid by the heat from the heat accumulator, and to then guide the fluid to the intake side of a compressor of a gas turbine, wherein the charge circuit has a heat pump as heat generation device.
US09896994B2

Upon request for start-up of an engine, a control apparatus controls the opening/closing action of a waste gate valve in accordance with the temperature Te of the engine before cranking and, if the temperature Te of the engine is equal to or lower than a first set temperature Te1, sets the waste gate valve in an open state.
US09896984B2

An orifice plate for an injector is provided, which includes a base portion disposed along a base plane. An offset portion is unitarily formed with the base portion. The offset portion is at least partially disposed outside of the base plane. The offset portion defines a flow entry side and a flow exit side, and the offset portion defines a plurality of exit apertures therethrough. A plurality of projections extends from the flow entry side of the offset portion. The plurality of projections is configured to contact an injector surface. An injector and a reductant delivery unit incorporating such an orifice plate are also provided.
US09896981B2

An exhaust elbow component may be located upstream of a decomposition reactor pipe and/or may be integrated with decomposition reactor pipe. The exhaust elbow component includes a mounting area for mounting a dosing module to the exhaust elbow component. The mounting area may be configured to limit the heat transfer from the elbow component to the dosing module via the mounting area. The mounting area may include a boss and one or more mounting legs. The one or more legs and/or the boss may have a surface area for convective cooling of the mounting area. The boss may include an opening through an exterior wall of the exhaust elbow component through which an injection tip of the dosing module may dose reductant into an interior chamber of the exhaust elbow. A central axis of the opening may be substantially coaxial with a central axis of the exhaust gas outlet.
US09896978B2

An intake valve for an engine supplies an intake gas to a combustion chamber of the engine, and an adiabatic coating layer including a polyamideimide resin and an aerogel dispersed in the polyamideimide resin and having thermal conductivity of 0.60 W/m or less may be formed on a surface portion that comes into contact with a flame during operation of the engine.
US09896975B1

This invention presents methods and system for conversion of heat to electrical power through absorption of heat from any types of fluids with temperatures both higher and lower than 0° C. Heat can be absorbed from fossil or renewable energy resources. The mechanism in this invention uses a fluid or fluids' enthalpy and internal energy difference to generate power, where a reciprocating piston-cylinder system provides the required force to rotate a turbine for power generation.
US09896970B2

A method and system for a compartment baffle system are provided. The compartment baffle system includes a first baffle portion extending along an axial length of a casing, the first baffle portion extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the casing and a second baffle portion extending at least partially radially outwardly from the first baffle portion. The second baffle portion further includes a radially inner edge supported by the first baffle portion and a radially outer edge extending proximate an inner surface of a radially outer cowl. The compartment baffle system also includes a gap extending between the radially outer edge and the inner surface.
US09896964B2

A case for a gas turbine engine includes a core body. The core body defines a longitudinally extending core flow path, a laterally extending bleed air duct coupling the core flow path in fluid communication with the external environment, and a structure-supporting member spanning the bleed air duct. A heating element is connected to the core body and is in thermal communication with the structure-supporting member.
US09896962B2

A system includes a trip manifold assembly (TMA). The TMA includes a plurality of block valves configured to receive a flow of fluid from a hydraulic power unit (HPU), and a plurality of solenoid valves configured to admit the flow of fluid to actuate the plurality of block valves, a plurality of dump valves, and a plurality of relay valves of the TMA. The plurality of solenoid valves is configured to admit a respective portion of the flow of fluid. The plurality of dump valves is configured to depressurize a trip header of the TMA as an output to operate a plurality of stop valves coupled to a turbine system. The TMA is configured to regulate the flow of fluid to control the operation of the plurality of stop valves as a mechanism to interrupt an operation of the turbine system.
US09896958B2

A method for monitoring an ignition sequence of an engine, in particular a turbomachine engine, including the following steps: (i) defining an ignition time of the engine for a defined starting parameter, (ii) comparing the ignition time of the engine defined in this way with a reference ignition time expected for a reference engine and for this starting parameter, (iii) deducing an indicator of the bringing into operation of the engine, (iv) repeating steps (i) to (iii) for this starting parameter, for each bringing into operation of the engine of the sequence, and (v) on the basis of the change in the indicator, generating a degradation alert for the ignition sequence of the engine.
US09896957B2

An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a turbine (2) which has a turbine wheel (3) surrounded by an inflow duct (4), and having a VTG cartridge (5), which VTG cartridge has a disc (6) and a vane bearing ring (7), which delimit the inflow duct (4), and which VTG cartridge has a multiplicity of vanes (8) which are arranged in the inflow duct (4) and which are mounted in the vane bearing ring (7) by way of rotatable vane shafts (9), which vane shafts are connected to vane levers (10), the lever heads (11) of which engage into associated grooves (12) in an adjusting ring (13) which surrounds the vane bearing ring (7) on the outside; and having a radial bearing between the adjusting ring (13) and the vane bearing ring (7). Two min-flow stops (25, 26) are arranged, with a selectable angular spacing (α) with respect to one another, on the vane bearing ring (7).
US09896956B2

A support assembly for a gas turbine engine includes at least one inner support that extends about a circumferential axis and defines a cavity for receiving a control ring. At least one cover plate is attached to at least one inner support to enclose the cavity. At least one of the inner support and the cover plate includes a rail and the other of the inner support and the cover plate includes a groove for engaging the rail.
US09896955B2

A brush seal is provided. The brush seal may comprise an annular backing plate and a first bristle pack coupled to the annular backing plate. The first bristle pack may be oriented in an axial direction. A second bristle pack may be coupled to the first bristle pack and oriented in the axial direction. A bristle of the first bristle pack may have a greater diameter than a bristle of the second bristle pack. A retention structure may be coupled to the second bristle pack.
US09896952B2

A steam turbine through which a fluid flows along an axis is equipped with: a tip shroud for turbine blades that are provided on a shaft that extends with the axis as a center; an outer partition plate ring that is provided on a casing so as to face the tip shroud in a radial direction and be capable of rotating relative to the tip shroud around the axis; seal fins that extend radially inward from the outer partition plate ring and that, with the tip shroud, form minute gaps therebetween; and steam introduction surfaces that are formed on downstream sides of the seal fins and are provided so as to face the seal fins within cavities where a main vortex, generated from a leakage flow passing through a minute gap, is generated, and that guide the flow, generated from the main vortex, toward the minute gaps.
US09896949B2

A fan is provided. The fan may comprise a fan blade and a blade platform coupled to the fan blade. The blade platform may be a thermoplastic. A fan blade platform is also provided. The fan blade platform may comprise a first platform half comprising a slot at a first end of the first platform half and a first receiving member at a second end of the first platform half opposite the first end of the first platform half. A second platform half may comprise a hook. The second platform half may also include a second receiving member at a second end of the second platform half opposite the first end of the second platform half with the hook configured to interface with the slot. A pin may be configured to pass through the first receiving member and the second receiving member.
US09896948B2

In some examples, an apparatus may include a gas turbine engine component comprising a blade, a platform forming an airflow surface from which the blade extends on one side, and a motion weld receiving surface disposed on a non-airflow side of the platform, and a disk having a motion weld disk portion to receive the motion weld receiving surface of the gas turbine engine component and form a motion weld coupling when the disk and gas turbine engine component are coupled, wherein, prior to coupling, the gas turbine engine component further includes a blade stalk disposed on the non-airflow side of the platform and in which is formed the motion weld receiving surface.
US09896943B2

Gas path components of gas turbine engines and methods for cooling the same using porous medium cooling systems are provided. The gas path component comprises a wall at least partially defining a cooling plenum and a porous medium cooling system. The wall includes a wall surface comprising a gas path surface and an opposing wall surface proximate the cooling plenum. The porous medium cooling system is disposed between the cooling plenum and the opposing wall surface. The porous medium cooling system comprises a perforated baffle and a porous material layer disposed between and adjacent the perforated baffle and the opposing wall surface. The wall includes a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the cooling plenum via the porous medium cooling system.
US09896939B2

A swirler tube is disclosed. A swirler is provided comprising a flange defining a first surface, a tube extending away from the first surface, a flow surface defined by a flange inner surface and a tube inner surface, the flange inner surface having an inlet diameter, and a metering feature disposed on the flow surface, wherein the metering feature is integral to the tube, the metering feature have a metering feature diameter that is less than the inlet diameter.
US09896935B2

A hydraulic transmission apparatus having at least one declutchable hydraulic motor having radial pistons and connected via two motor ducts, and a casing duct connected to the inside of the casing. The apparatus further has clutching means that, in order to perform the clutching of the motor, are suitable for bringing a first one of the motor ducts to a “clutching” first pressure that is higher than the pressure in the casing while also making it possible to remove fluid via the casing duct. Disposed on the casing duct, the apparatus further has means for limiting the flow of fluid in said casing duct, in a manner such as to cause the pressure inside the casing to increase during the clutching operation. This apparatus enables clutching to take place gently.
US09896926B2

Disclosed are intelligent casing collars and cement wiper plugs used in wellbore cementing operations. A disclosed well system includes a casing string extending from a surface location within a wellbore, an annulus being defined between the casing string and the wellbore, a casing collar included in the casing string and having one or more sensors configured to measure at least one fluid property of a fluid present within the annulus, a cement wiper plug arranged within the casing string and communicably coupled to the casing collar such that measurement data obtained by the one or more sensors is conveyed to and received by the cement wiper plug, and a pulser associated with the cement wiper plug and configured to transmit pressure pulses to the surface location, wherein the pressure pulses correspond to the measurement data received from the one or more sensors.
US09896925B2

A system and method acquire raw data from drilling equipment that includes at least two drilling related parameters measured in real time during a drilling operation by a drilling rig and conditioning the raw data by removing outlier data values and/or filtering out noise. The conditioned data is processed to generate output values and generating an alarm based on the output values to indicate an abnormal drilling condition. Processing the conditioned data includes determining incremental changes in data values and whether the incremental changes are an increase, decrease or no change for each of the at least two drilling related parameters. The incremental changes are summed over a user-defined time period for each of the at least two drilling related parameters and compared to a threshold for the user-defined time period for each of the at least two drilling related parameters.
US09896923B2

A technique facilitates a fracturing operation by maintaining the heterogeneity of proppant fluid as it is injected into reservoir fractures. The technique comprises using a blender to deliver proppant material in a pulsating manner to create pulses of proppant. The pulses of proppant are mixed with a fluid to create a proppant slurry having the pulses of proppant material separated by a second fluid. The proppant slurry is then split between a plurality of pumps which are operated to pump the slurry to a well. To maintain heterogeneity, the pump rates of the pumps are individually adjusted to control dispersion of the pulses of proppant downstream of the pumps and to substantially maintain the separated pulses of proppant material in the slurry. A wide variety of other system adjustments also may be made for enhancing the ability of the overall fracturing system to maintain separated pulses of concentrated proppant material.
US09896919B1

The present disclosure describes methods and systems for fracturing geological formations in a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method includes forming a borehole in a hydrocarbon reservoir from a surface of the hydrocarbon reservoir extending downward into the hydrocarbon reservoir; transmitting an electromagnetic (EM) wave through the borehole: directing at least a portion of the EM wave to rocks at a location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir; and fracturing the rocks at the location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir by irradiating the rocks around the borehole using at least the portion of the EM wave, wherein irradiating the rocks elevates pore-water pressure in the rocks causing fracturing of the rocks.
US09896916B2

The present invention relates to an electric generation plant (110) of the type without connection to an distributed electric supply network for generating an alternating electric current destined for a plurality of utilities (105) comprising: a first generator (101) fed with fuel of a fossil origin for generating a first alternating electric current in continuous service, i.e. 24 hours a day; a second photovoltaic generator (102) for generating a second direct electric current by conversion of solar radiation comprising a plurality of inverters (106) of the distributed type for inverting and regulating said current; an electric feeding panel (103) of the power motor control center type fed by said first and second current; an energy management system (104) for regulating said first generator (101) in relation to the electric current generated by said second generator (102) and load requirements of possible electric utilities (105); a resistor (107) for preventing the inlet of electric currents in the first generator (101) potentially dangerous for the same. A further object of the present invention relates to an isolated electric system (100) comprising an electric generation plant (110) as described above for feeding a plurality of electric utilities (105).
US09896907B2

An equalizer valve is configured to stay shut when pressure on one side or the other goes up. A dynamic seal and a metal to metal seal are located within the housing. Pressure from above is directed uphole of the metal to metal seal and downhole of the larger dynamic seal for a net closing force. Pressure from downhole is directed between the metal to metal and dynamic seals for a net force uphole to keep the metal seal closed. Normal operation is from a control line moving a rod piston to move a valve member to open the metal to metal seal for flow through the valve body.
US09896885B2

A hydraulic tool includes a stator, a rotor, and a removable coating. At least one of the stator and the rotor comprises a resilient material. The removable coating has a thickness selected to compensate for expected swelling of the resilient material or an expected contraction of a clearance between the rotor and the stator based on thermal expansion. The removable coating is disposed on a surface of at least one of the rotor and the stator, and the removable coating is formulated to be removed during operation of the hydraulic tool. A method of operating a hydraulic tool includes passing a fluid through the hydraulic tool during rotation of the rotor within the stator and removing at least a portion of the removable coating responsive to rotation of the rotor within the stator as a volume of the resilient material increases responsive to contact with the fluid passing through the hydraulic fluid.
US09896879B2

Extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation, the method for extruding such products, and the windows and doors made with such plastic extrusions. The plastic extrusions may additionally include a low heat build-up capstock system comprising an acrylic cap and pigment system that is substantially IR transparent. The extruded plastic profiles with integrated insulation are recyclable using conventional plastic extrusion process and are fully weldable in conventional window and door manufacturing.
US09896873B2

A tension applying apparatus includes a tension applying member applying a tensile force to a drive cable by being pressed against the drive cable, a biasing member generating a biasing force for pressing the tension applying member against the drive cable, a holding member including a guide portion which restricts a moving direction of the tension applying member and a housing member housing the tension applying member and the holding member. The holding member is configured to change the moving direction of the tension applying member which is guided by the guide portion in a state where the holding member including a rotation shaft is housed within the housing member. The housing member includes a holding structure holding the holding member at a position to which the holding member rotates in a direction where a pressing angle of the tension applying member relative to the drive cable becomes shallow.
US09896869B2

A hinge is used to connect a cover to a bowl of a grill so that the cover is pivoted relative to the bowl between a closing position and an opening position. The hinge includes two leaves and a fastener. The first leaf includes a first terminal portion connected to the bowl, a second terminal portion, and a middle portion formed between the first and second terminal portions. The second leaf includes a first terminal portion connected to the cover, a second terminal portion, and a middle portion formed between the first and second terminal portions thereof. The fastener connects the second terminal portion of the first leaf to the second terminal portion of the second leaf.
US09896868B2

In one or more embodiments, a hinge assembly is provided to a vehicle including first and second parts with the first part including a hinge aperture, where the hinge assembly includes a hinge arm to be connected to the second part and partially received through the hinge aperture, and a hinge skirt including a skirt aperture to partially receive the hinge arm, the hinge skirt to be positioned between the first and second parts.
US09896859B2

Reinforcing bars include load transfer connectors. A link plate includes openings that mate with the load transfer connectors to overlie the splice between reinforcing bars being spliced. A cover plate may be fastened over the link plate.
US09896852B2

A foldable quad-chord truss which can be connected end-to-end with like trusses. Each pair of chords are rigidly attached, and connector members intermediate the ends are swivelly attached to the chord pairs to effect the folding into a compact shape for transport and storage. The connector members are adapted for attachment to connector members of beams which may extend perpendicular to a parallel pair of the trusses and attached thereto. The laid trusses and beams is overlaid with sheets of corrugated sheet metal which overlap each other along their adjacent edges. While standing on a sheet of laid sheet metal adjacent ends of an already laid pair of trusses, another truss can be held adjacent the edge of the sheet metal for attaching an end of the other truss along only one side so that it can then be swung outwardly into a position wherein the other end of the other truss can also be attached to rigidly connect the trusses end-to-end.
US09896848B1

A temporary guardrail for an unprotected staircase is assembled and installed using prefabricated sections. One section is a safety section that includes an adjustable length upper railing, with a pair of balusters respectively hinged to each end of the upper railing. Another section is a support section having an adjustable length lower railing that is engaged between the balusters of the safety section and which, when assembled with the safety section, is oriented parallel to the upper railing. The safety and support sections are then stiffened to account for an incline angle α that is defined by the staircase. Also included are structures which can be engaged with the temporary guardrail to stabilize it on the staircase.
US09896846B2

A roofing system, comprising: at least one strap spaced on centers horizontally up the slope of a roof deck; at least one bead of adhesive applied to the at least one strap; at least two metal roofing panels placed on the at least one bead of adhesive applied to the at least one strap; and at least two fasteners attached to the at least two metal roofing panels and into the roof deck at a top and perimeter of the at least two metal roofing panels.
US09896840B2

Curtain wall mullion anchoring systems for resisting dead load and negative wind load, and that permit three-way construction tolerance adjustments. The mullion anchoring systems include an anchoring device secured to a building structural element and attached to a mullion connection bridge, which is connected to a mullion connection clip, which is connected to a mullion. Uplifting forces on the anchoring device may be significantly reduced or even eliminated by transmitting dead load under negative wind load conditions from the mullion to the anchoring device at a point over the inside of a concrete floor slab, such that the dead load counteracts any uplifting force generated by the negative wind load.
US09896835B2

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides complex curved structures and methods of making the same without requiring specially made frames or the like. These structures may include complex multi-axis, spherical, semi-spherical, twisted, or other like curves, for example. In this illustrative embodiment, individually sized boxes are stacked or assembled to form the structure.
US09896829B2

A diaphragm for use in a diaphragm-type flush valve includes a flexible diaphragm body having a first side and a second side and an outer periphery, a center passageway defined in the diaphragm body, a bypass orifice defined in the diaphragm body, and a sealing ring attached to the outer periphery of the flexible diaphragm body. The sealing ring defines an outer circumferential surface of the diaphragm. The outer circumferential surface of the sealing ring defines a recessed area. The recessed area is configured to be positioned in a keyed relationship with a flush valve body.
US09896827B1

A drainage overflow pipe structure for a bathtub, wherein an overflow pipe of the drainage overflow pipe structure is mounted on a bathtub, and the drainage overflow pipe contains: a tee part, a drainage part, an overflow part, a pipe elbow, and a universal rotation assembly. The tee part includes a first coupling orifice, a second coupling orifice, and a third coupling orifice. The drainage part is connected with the first coupling orifice and the drainage hole. The overflow part includes a joining section and a connecting seat which has outer threads and a groove-shaped holding portion. The pipe elbow includes an inlet and an outlet. The universal rotation assembly includes a connector and a limitation member, wherein the connector has a screwing portion, a spherical knob, and a through orifice, and the limitation member includes inner threads.
US09896825B2

In accordance with an embodiment, a method for diverting a flow of a fluid is provided. The fluid is introduced into a conduit that has a central portion, an elbow spout, and a diverter. The spout is coupled to the conduit and the diverter is coupled to the spout. The inverter can be configured in a first position or a second position. In the first position, the diverter enables the fluid to flow through the spout and in the second position, the diverter inhibits fluid from flowing through the spout.
US09896823B2

The present disclosure relates to a cast steel for construction equipment bucket parts and parts for a construction equipment bucket manufactured by using the same, and the cast steel includes 0.27 to 0.34 wt % of carbon (C), 1.2 to 1.8 wt % of chromium (Cr), 0.8 to 1.7 wt % of silicon (Si), 1.0 to 1.4 wt % of manganese (Mn), 0.2 to 0.4 wt % of molybdenum (Mo), 0.2 to 0.4 wt % of nickel (Ni), and a balance of iron and impurities.
US09896821B1

A bucket attachment for an excavator including a single bucket having a base, a right side wall, a left side wall, a right guide wing, a left guide wing, and a rear wall. A rotatable crossbar is continuously disposed from a first aperture disposed in the right guide wing to a second aperture disposed in the left guide wing. A pair of inverted V-shaped mounting cleats is disposed on an exterior surface of the rear wall adjacent a top edge. A pivotable frame is attached to the crossbar, and a return spring is disposed around the crossbar and attached to the frame.
US09896812B2

Methods and systems for a mounting device for mounting debris deflector to transportation vehicles such as light rail which helps to position the deflector at the front or rear end of vehicles are disclosed. The mounting device is located between the deflector and transportation vehicle and includes a longitudinal member having a proximal end and a distal end, a first base plate rigidly connected to the proximal end of the longitudinal member, and a second base plate rigidly connected to the distal end of the longitudinal member. Further, the first base plate may be connected to understructure of the transportation vehicle, and the second base plate may be connected to the debris deflector.
US09896806B2

Sanitary tissue products employing fibrous structures that exhibit a novel combination of compressibility properties, plate stiffness properties, and slip stick coefficient of friction properties, and methods for making same.
US09896800B2

A method for producing a tubular underwater pipe including: assembling a structure of peripheral metal elements (3A, 3B, 3C) wound in an S-Z configuration about a central flexible core (1) as the core is driven in movement along its longitudinal axis; providing an inductive sensor (12) arranged for rotation about the central flexible core (1) in a manner synchronized with the longitudinal movement of the core so that the sensor scans the periphery of the structure opposite and in the immediate proximity of peripheral elements wound about the core and during the assembly step; using the sensor (12) to acquire measurement signals (S) of which the amplitude varies according to whether or not the sensor (12) is located opposite a peripheral element during the rotation of the sensor (12); and using the measurement signals to control the positioning of the assembled peripheral elements.
US09896795B2

A method of controlling a drum type washing machine is disclosed. The method includes sensing laundry weight to perform a washing cycle (a laundry weight sensing step), immediately executing a first spin-drying pattern without additional laundry weight sensing when a laundry weight value sensed at the laundry weight sensing step is equal to or less than A in a spin-drying cycle, and executing a second spin-drying pattern after sensing the laundry weight when the laundry weight value sensed at the laundry weight sensing step is greater than A in the spin-drying cycle. In a case in which the laundry weight is low, spin-drying is immediately performed without performing laundry weight sensing, whereby it is possible to reduce time necessary to sense the laundry weight.
US09896791B2

A pincushion includes an inner container, a cushioning material, a flexible sheet material, an elastic ring member and a cylindrical outer cover. The inner container has a bottom wall portion and a side wall portion standing upright from the bottom wall portion. The side wall portion has an opening at its upper part. The cushioning material is provided in the inner container. The sheet material covers part of the cushioning material that projects upward from the opening of the side wall portion. The ring member is fitted onto the side wall portion of the inner container with the hem of the sheet material interposed between the ring member and the side wall portion. The outer cover is fitted around the side wall portion of the inner container such that its inner face is in contact with the elastic ring member.
US09896790B2

An elastic fabric made by a plurality of rubber threads, first elastic wefts, second elastic wefts, first wraps, high-tensile nylons and second wraps. The rubber thread, the first elastic weft, the second elastic weft are elastic, and the first elastic weft, and the second elastic weft are knitted across and interlaced with the rubber thread at right angles such that the elastic fabric is configured to be stretched in all directions. The first elastic weft and the second elastic weft are wrapped on at least three rubber threads to form a plurality of breathing holes therebetween, and the first wrap and the second wrap are wrapped along the single rubber thread such that the elastic fabric is configured to have the solid structure and the great ventilation effect simultaneously.
US09896789B2

A handicraft weaving loom with improved usability is provided. The weaving loom includes a main body having a pair of edge portions that are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined first direction. Each edge portion extends elongated in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The weaving loom further includes a yarn catch member provided with a yarn catch portion for holding threads in parallel. The yarn catch member is detachably attached to one of the two edge portions.
US09896784B2

A method produces a flat semi-finished product from a fiber composite material that contains individual carbon fibers, carbon fiber bundles, or a mixture thereof in a defined anisotropic fiber orientation and a thermoplastic matrix material. The anisotropy of the carbon fibers is created in a carding process using the high orientability of admixed non-carbon textile fibers, at least some of the non-carbon textile fibers being thermoplastic, and the carbon fibers having been isolated from waste or used parts. The flat fibrous web which is produced by a carding process and which has a specific orientation of the carbon fibers in the longitudinal direction is compressed into a sheet material under the effect of heat. This enables the use of carbon fibers, for example from production waste, as reinforcing fibers, whereby a less expensive raw material is provided and the carbon fibers are contained in the waste materials are recycled.
US09896781B2

A silicon carbide single-crystal substrate includes a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface. The first main surface has a maximum diameter of not less than 100 mm. The first main surface includes a first central region excluding a region within 3 mm from an outer circumference of the first main surface. When the first central region is divided into first square regions each having a side of 250 μm, each of the first square regions has an arithmetic average roughness (Sa) of less than 0.2 nm, and an oxygen concentration in each of the first square regions is not less than 5 atom % and less than 20 atom %.
US09896770B2

Provided are methods for etching films comprising transition metals which help to minimize higher etch rates at the grain boundaries of polycrystalline materials. Certain methods pertain to amorphization of the polycrystalline material, other pertain to plasma treatments, and yet other pertain to the use of small doses of halide transfer agents in the etch process.
US09896766B2

Provided is a surface processing method for an aluminum heat exchanger, by which odor can be suppressed and which enables the aluminum heat exchanger to exhibit corrosion resistance and moisture resistance that are excellent to conventional art. The surface processing method for an aluminum heat exchanger uses a chemical conversion treatment agent that includes: one, or two or more type of a metallic element (A) selected from a group comprising of zirconium, titanium, and hafnium; vanadium element (B); and a resin (C). The resin (C) includes a polyvinyl alcohol resin (C1). The ratio (Wa/Wb) of the weight-based total content (Wa) of the metallic element (A) relative to the weight-based content (Wb) of vanadium element (B) is 0.1-15, and the ratio ((Wa+Wb)/Wc1) of the weight-based total content (Wa+Wb) of the metallic element (A) and vanadium element (B) relative to the weight-based total content (Wc1) of the polyvinyl alcohol resin (C1) is 0.25-15.
US09896765B2

The present invention discloses a process for electroless plating of a metal or metal alloy onto copper features of an electronic device such as a printed circuit board which suppresses undesired skip plating and extraneous plating. The process comprises the steps i) providing such a substrate, ii) activating of the copper features with noble metal ions; iii) removing excessive noble metal ions or precipitates formed thereof with an aqueous pre-treatment composition comprising an acid, a source for halide ions and an additive selected from the group consisting of thiourea, thiourea derivatives and polymers comprising thiourea groups, and iv) electroless plating of a metal or metal alloy layer.
US09896764B2

The present invention provides a method for forming a siliceous film. According to the method, a siliceous film having a hydrophilic surface can be formed from a polysilazane compound at a low temperature. In the method, a composition containing a polysilazane compound and a silica-conversion reaction accelerator is applied on a substrate surface to form a polysilazane film, and then a polysilazane film-treatment solution is applied thereon so that the polysilazane compound can be converted into a siliceous film at 300° C. or less. The polysilazane film-treatment solution contains a solvent, hydrogen peroxide and an alcohol.
US09896759B2

The present invention provides an OLED material vacuum thermal evaporating mask plate, comprising a mask frame (1), a quickset (3) fixed on the mask frame (1) and a mask (5) fixed on the quickset (3); the mask frame (1) comprises four edges, and the four edges surround to form an opening corresponding to the mask (5); each edge of the mask frame (1) comprises a groove (11) dented at the upper surface; the quickset (3) is fixed in the groove (11); the mask (5) is fixed on the quickset (3) by point weld, and welding points (7) are on the quickset (3). When the mask deforms and the replacement is necessary, only the quickset is extracted for polishing or is replaced. The mask frame can be repeatedly used to diminish the waste amount and to raise the availability of the mask frame. Meanwhile, the spare amount of the mask frame can be reduced to save material and production cost.
US09896750B2

There are provided a steel wire rod for ultra-high-strength parts such as automobile engine bolts or structural mechanical parts, and a method for producing the steel wire rod. The steel wire rod having high strength and ductility includes, by wt %, carbon (C): 0.7% to 0.9%, manganese (Mn): 13% to 17%, copper (Cu): 1% to 3%, and the balance of iron (Fe) and inevitable impurities.
US09896749B2

A steel for induction hardening includes as a chemical composition, by mass %, C: 0.45% to 0.85%, Si: 0.01% to 0.80%, Mn: 0.1% to 1.5%, Al: 0.01% to 0.05%, REM: 0.0001% to 0.050%, O: 0.0001% to 0.0030%. Ca: 0.0050% or less as necessary, Ti: less than 0.005%, N: 0.015% or less, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.01% or less, and the balance consists of Fe and impurities. The steel for induction hardening also includes a composition inclusion which is an inclusion containing REM, O, S, and Al, or an inclusion containing REM, Ca, O, S, and Al, to which TiN is adhered.
US09896747B2

The present invention relates to an aluminum alloy having low density and enhanced heat resistance. An aluminum alloy having improved high temperature physical properties comprises: magnesium (Mg) in an amount of about 7 to about 11 wt %, silicon (Si) in an amount of about 4 to about 8 wt %, copper (Cu) in an amount of about 0.5 to about 2 wt % and manganese (Mn) in an amount of about 0.3 to about 0.7 wt %, and a balance of aluminum based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy. Vehicle parts such as a piston, a housing and/or a bed plate of high power engine, to which the aluminum alloy may be applied, are provided as well.
US09896744B2

Provided is a process for recovering metals from solid radioactive waste, preferably uranium, cesium, mercury, thorium, rare earths or combinations thereof. The process comprises a leaching step and a separation step. The leaching step comprises contacting the solid radioactive waste with an aqueous inorganic acid and a leaching salt to produce a mixture of a metal-rich leachate and a metal-poor waste, which are separated in the separation step. Also provided is a process for recovering metals from solid radioactive waste comprising an attrition step, a leaching step, a washing step, a combination step and a recovery step.
US09896737B2

A hot-rolled steel sheet consists of, in mass %, C: 0.03-0.2%, Mn: 0.1-3.0%, P: 0.10% or less, S: 0.03% or less, Al+Si: 0.2-3.0%, N: more than 0% to 0.01%, O: more than 0% to 0.01%, and balance: iron and impurities. A microstructure contains ferrite and hard phases of martensite and/or austenite in an amount of, in area fraction, 3% to less than 20%. Hard phases with an aspect ratio of 3 or more account for 60% or more of the hard phases present in a sheet-thickness central portion. A length in a rolling direction of the hard phases is less than 20 μm. An average aspect ratio of ferrite grains is less than 5. The sum of X-ray random intensity ratios of <011> and <111> orientation from the rolling direction is 3.5 or more, and an X-ray random intensity ratio of <001> orientation from the rolling direction is 1.0 or less.
US09896732B2

A method of diagnosing cancer in a mammal is provided. The method includes the steps of determining in a nucleic acid-containing sample from the mammal the degree of DNA methylation of a target region within the hTERT promoter from the nucleotide at about position −157 to the nucleotide at about position −580, or a corresponding target region in a TERT promoter in a mammal other than a human, to yield a sample methylation signature, determining the baseline degree of DNA methylation of the target region in a control sample to yield a control methylation signature, comparing the sample methylation signature to the control methylation signature and rendering a diagnosis of cancer when there is at least 1.5 times more methylation in the sample methylation signature as compared to the control methylation signature. Methods of determining tumor grade and progression, predicting survival and determining whether or not a mammal is a candidate for telomerase-targeted or demethylation therapy are also provided.
US09896730B2

The present invention provides diagnostic methods for assessing the EMT status of tumor cells, and for predicting the effectiveness of treatment of a cancer patient with an EGFR or IGF-1R kinase inhibitor, utilizing an EMT gene signature index score. The present invention further provides methods for treating patients with cancer that incorporate these methods.
US09896716B2

A method is described for the measurement of thrombin activity in the presence of fibrinogen, or for the measurement of the functionality of fibrinogen in the presence of thrombin.
US09896704B2

The present invention provides a method for producing L-isoleucine by fermentation using a bacterium belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae which has been modified to overexpress the cycA gene. The method also allows reducing the amount of byproduct amino acids that are produced during fementative production of L-isoleucine using Enterobacteriaceae bacterium having an L-isoleucine-producing ability.
US09896702B2

This document describes biochemical pathways for producing 2(E)-heptenedioyl-CoA methyl ester from precursors such as 2-oxo-glutarate, acetyl-CoA, or succinyl-CoA using one or more of a fatty acid O-methyltransferase, a thioesterase, a CoA-transferase, a CoA ligase, as well as recombinant hosts expressing one or more of such enzymes. 2(E)-heptenedioyl-CoA methyl ester can be enzymatically converted to pimeloyl-CoA using a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and a methylesterase. Pimeloyl-CoA can be enzymatically converted to pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoate, 7-hydroxyheptanoate, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol.
US09896701B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing 1,3-propanediol using a mutant microorganism lacking a 2,3-butanediol synthetic gene, and more particularly to a mutant microorganism wherein a gene encoding lactate dehydrogenase and a gene encoding an enzyme which is involved in 2,3-butanediol synthesis are deleted in a microorganism having the ability to produce 1,3-propanediol from glycerol and wherein a gene encoding pyruvate decarboxylase and a gene encoding aldehyde dehydrogenase are introduced or amplified, and to a method of promoting the production of 1,3-propanediol while inhibiting the production of 2,3-butanediol by using the mutant microorganism. The use of the glycerol-fermenting mutant microorganism according to the present invention can significantly increase the production of 1,3-propanediol while minimizing the production of 2,3-butanediol.
US09896699B2

The present invention provides methods for making reconstructed diploid human oocytes comprising the diploid genome of a human somatic cell, and also methods for making human nuclear transfer embryos, human embryonic stem cells, and human differentiated cells therefrom. The present invention also provides reconstructed human oocytes, human nuclear transfer embryos, human embryonic stem cells, and differentiated cells made using such methods, as well as compositions and kits useful in performing such methods.
US09896697B2

The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules derived from Nicotiana alata, which encode defensin-like molecules. The present invention contemplates the use of such nucleic acid molecules in the generation of transgenic plants having resistance or at least reduced sensitivity to plant pests including insects, microorganisms, fungi and/or viruses and the of the encoded defensin-like molecules in compositions for topical application to a plant or a plant part so as to reduce prevent or reduce infestation of the plant or plant part by plant pests. The transgenic plants provided by the present invention include monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, and particularly include crop plants and ornamental flowering plants.
US09896692B2

An activation tagging construct for maize that includes one or more sugarcane bacilliform viral (SCBV) enhancer elements, and resulting tagged populations and plants, are described. In one example, an activation tagging DNA construct includes a coding sequence for a transposase, a detectable reporter (such as anthocyanin regulatory genes B-Peru and C1) and a non-autonomous transposable T-DNA cassette. For example, the transposable T-DNA cassette is inserted into the detectable reporter encoding region such that the B-Peru and C1 genes express anthocyanins in a cell containing the maize activation tagging DNA construct only upon excision of the transposable cassette. Methods of generating a tagged population of maize plants include transforming a maize plant cell or tissue with the disclosed constructs.
US09896690B2

The present invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a double-stranded structure, wherein the double-stranded structure is formed by a first strand and a second strand, wherein the first strand consist of the following nucleotide sequence 5′ acGaGcUgGaCcAcUgGuCdTsdT 3′, and the second strand consists of the following nucleotide sequence 5′ GAcCaGuGgUcCaGcUcGudTsdT 3′, wherein a minor nucleotide indicates that the nucleotide is 2′-F modified and an underlined nucleotide indicates that the nucleotide is 2′-O-methyl modified and wherein dTsdT indicates that at the 3′ end a dinucleotide is attached consisting of two dT nucleotides, wherein said two dTs are covalently linked through a phosphorothioate bond.
US09896686B2

Compositions and methods for isolating new variants of known gene sequences are provided. The methods find use in identifying variants, particularly homologs, in complex mixtures. Compositions comprise hybridization baits that hybridize to gene families of interest, particularly agricultural interest, in order to selectively enrich the polynucleotides of interest from complex mixtures. Bait sequences may be specific for a number of genes from distinct gene families of interest and may be designed to cover each gene of interest by at least 2-fold. Thus methods disclosed herein are drawn to an oligonucleotide hybridization gene capture approach for identification of new genes of interest from environmental samples. This approach bypasses the need for labor-intensive microbial strain isolation, permits simultaneous discovery of genes from multiple gene families of interest, and increases the potential to discover genes from low-abundance and unculturable organisms present in complex mixtures of environmental microbes.
US09896683B2

Methods for isolating circulating small RNAs, e.g., microRNA (miRNA), from plasma samples, e.g., that comprise using an alkaline phenol:chloroform extraction, and methods of use thereof, including for the detection, prognosis, and/or monitoring of disease in a subject.
US09896675B2

A hyperthermostable endoglucanase, having an endoglucanase catalytic domain including: (A) a polypeptide including the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, (B) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence in which at least one amino acid has been deleted, substituted, or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, and having hydrolysis activity against a substrate of carboxymethyl cellulose at least under conditions of 90° C. and pH 5.5, or (C) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having 80% or greater sequence identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, and having hydrolysis activity against a substrate of carboxymethyl cellulose at least under conditions of 90° C. and pH 5.5.
US09896672B2

A composition comprising recombinant iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) and a method for producing a purified recombinant IDS are provided. The glycosylation pattern and formylglycine content of the IDS composition are different from those of ELAPRASE® and have superior pharmaceutical efficacy and are safer than the conventional agent and thus can be effectively used for the therapy of Hunter syndrome.
US09896670B2

Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.
US09896664B2

Embodiments of the invention include compositions and methods related to Maraba virus and their use as anti-cancer therapeutics. Such rhabdoviruses possess tumor cell killing properties in vitro and in vivo.
US09896645B2

Aerosolized compositions including a cyclic oligosaccharide; a fragrance; a volatile solvent; and a propellant; wherein the aerosolized composition is free of nonvolatile solvents are described herein. The aerosolized compositions and methods disclosed herein may provide a longer lasting fragrance.
US09896638B2

A low-phosphorus lubricating composition having less than 600 ppm phosphorus, comprising at least 85 weight % of a lubricating base blend, and an additive comprising the following, as weight % of the total composition: (1) an organomolybdenum component comprising: (a) an organomolybdenum complex, and (b) a molybdenum dithiocarbamate, the organomolybdenum component being present at an amount which provides about 400-800 ppm Mo; (2) (iso-octyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionate), at about 0.25-1.5%; (3) a dithiocarbamate component comprising (a) methylene-bis-dialkyldithiocarbamate and (b) said molybdenum dithiocarbamate, at a total dithiocarbamate component of about 0.6-1.2%; and (4) an alkylated diphenyl amine, at about 0.5-1.5%.
US09896637B2

In a method of manufacturing a sliding member including a polyamide resin and a filler, a compound having a carbodiimide bond is supplied during kneading of the polyamide resin and the filler.
US09896630B2

A process for the conversion of oil feeds for the production of low sulphur fuels by fixed bed hydrodemetallization of the feed using an upstream system of fixed bed swing reactors; fixed bed hydrocracking of the hydrodemetallized effluent in the presence of a hydrocracking catalyst; separation in order to obtain a heavy fraction; hydrodesulphurization of the heavy fraction in which hydrogen is reinjected.
US09896615B2

A composition is provided for the treatment of scaling and deposits due to naturally occurring radioactive material, said composition comprising one or more extractants that preferentially attract radioactive isotopes over other forms of alkaline earth cations A composition is further provided wherein said composition forms a polydentate ligand with one or more metals to act as carriers for radioactive elements. The composition comprises components that enhance stabilization of coordination complexation of the radioactive isotopes in the formation of polydentate ligands.
US09896607B2

An acrylic adhesive composition is provided comprising a free-radical polymerizable monomer, an initiation system and a co-accelerator that enhances the reactivity of the initiation system by increasing the reaction rate between the oxidizing agent and the reducing agent. The free radical-polymerizable monomer preferably comprises methyl methacrylate (MMA), the initiator system preferably comprises N,N-diisopropanol-p-toluidine (DIIPT) and benzoyl peroxide (BPO), and the co-accelerator preferably comprises 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (or triethylene diamine (TDA)).
US09896595B2

Acrylic polymers, 1K coating compositions including the same, and multilayer coating systems including a topcoat layer formed from the 1K coating compositions are provided herein. In an embodiment, a 1K coating composition includes an acrylic polymer having a nominal Tg of at least 25° C. and a melamine crosslinker. The acrylic polymer includes a free radical-polymerized backbone and pendant chains bonded thereto. A first pendant chain of the acrylic polymer includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment includes an ester linkage and a secondary hydroxyl group. The second segment is connected to the first segment and includes an ester linkage and a branched hydrocarbon chain. A second pendant chain of the acrylic polymer includes a primary hydroxyl group or a urethane-containing group formed therefrom.
US09896591B2

A pencil lead includes an organic-inorganic hybrid resin inside fine pores of a porous lead body. A colorant may also be included inside the fine pores. The organic-inorganic hybrid resin is preferably a silica-organic hybrid resin.
US09896581B2

A polycarbonate containing composition comprising a peak melt viscosity of at least 8,000 poise when measured using a parallel plate melt rheology test at a heating rate of 10° C./min at a temperature of between about 350° C. to about 450° C., and wherein a molded article of the composition has a UL 94 V0 rating at a thickness of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, or between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm is disclosed.
US09896573B2

The present invention relates to a composition, comprising (i) a polypropylene having a melt flow index MFI(230° C., 2.16 kg) of less than 2.0 g/10 min, a flexural modulus of from 1200 to 2400 MPa, a density of from 0.895 to 0.910 g/cm3, (ii) a high-density polyethylene, and (iii) an inorganic filler.
US09896572B2

The invention provides a coffee pulp treatment process comprising (a) Providing coffee pulp, obtainable from a production process for producing green coffee beans from coffee cherries; (b) extracting from the coffee pulp a pectin comprising extract, wherein extraction is performed under acid conditions or alkaline conditions, to provide the pectin comprising extract; (c) enzymatic treatment of the pectin comprising extract, wherein the enzymatic treatment comprises a treatment with one or more enzymes selected from the group consisting of an esterase and a reductase, to provide a enzymatically treated pectin material; and (d) extraction of polyphenol functionalized coffee pectin extract from the enzymatically treated pectin material.
US09896570B2

Plasticizers of indane and or tetralin esters and blends thereof with thermoplastic polymers, such as PVC, are disclosed.
US09896564B2

The use of very low concentrations of carbon nanofillers selected from among carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphene or a mixture of same in any proportions, in order to improve resistance to ageing, in particular protection against ultraviolet (UV) light, of a composite material based on a polymer matrix. A composite product comprising a composite material, the composite material stabilized with respect to UV light using a content of between 1 ppm and 0.1% by weight, of carbon-based nanofillers chosen from carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, graphene or a mixture of these in all proportions, wherein the composite product is selected from yarns, films, tubes, fibers, and nonwovens.
US09896563B2

A spongelike structure or a powder having fibers three-dimensionally arranged therein with high dispersibility, whose apparent density can be designed depending on the purpose or utility, as well as a process producing it. A fiber dispersion in which fibers having a number mean diameter in a predetermined range are dispersed in a dispersion medium, and this fiber dispersion is dried to remove the dispersion medium, thereby, a spongelike structure and a powder are produced.
US09896560B2

Novel absorbable foams, lyophilizing solutions, and lyophilizing and annealing processes are disclosed. The foams are made from copolymers of glycolide and epsilon-caprolactone. The foams are useful in or as implantable medical devices.
US09896556B2

Process for the impregnation of a polymer substrate including at least one polymer, which comprises putting said polymer substrate in contact with at least one aqueous emulsion, preferably an aqueous microemulsion, including at least one organic additive. The impregnated polymer substrate obtained from said process can be advantageously used for obtaining polymer end-products having improved aesthetic characteristics (for example, impregnation with at least one dye) or stability characteristics (for example, impregnation with at least one stabilizer), which can be used in various fields such as, for example, the optical field (e.g., advanced optical components, laser applications), the medical field (e.g., the release of pharmaceutical substances), the agricultural field (e.g., release of pesticides), fragrances (e.g., release of fragrances). More specifically, said polymer substrate can be used in luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) which, in their turn, can be advantageously used together, for example, with photovoltaic cells (or solar cells), or photoelectrolytic cells, in solar devices (i.e. devices for exploiting solar energy). Furthermore, said luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) can be advantageously used together, for example, with photovoltaic cells (or solar cells), in photovoltaic windows.
US09896553B2

Provided are a method for manufacturing a rubber composition, which method can give a rubber composition provided with excellent reinforcement properties by improving the dispersibility of fibers in a rubber component when the fibers are added to the rubber, a rubber composition obtained using this method, a vulcanized rubber, and a tire. The method is a method for manufacturing a rubber composition comprising short fibers, comprising a dispersion preparation step for preparing a short fiber dispersion by adding the short fibers into a liquid, a mixed dispersion preparation step for preparing a mixed dispersion by adding at least one dispersant selected from the group consisting of carbon black and inorganic compounds into the short fiber dispersion, a mixing step for mixing the mixed dispersion and rubber latex to prepare a rubber-short fiber mixed solution, and a drying step for drying the rubber-short fiber mixed solution to give a rubber composition.
US09896542B2

A method of producing a high primary hydroxyl group content and a high number average molecular weight polyol includes preparing a mixture that includes a double metal cyanide catalyst and a low molecular weight polyether polyol having a number average molecular weight of less than 1,000 g/mol, the polyether polyol is derived from propylene oxide, ethylene oxide, or butylene oxide, setting the mixture to having a first temperature, adding at least one selected from propylene oxide, ethylene oxide, and butylene oxide to the mixture at the first temperature, allowing the mixture to react to form a reacted mixture, adding a Lewis acid catalyst to the reacted mixture, setting the reaction mixture including the second catalyst to have a second temperature that is less than the first temperature, and adding additional at least one selected from propylene oxide, ethylene oxide, and butylene oxide to the reacted mixture at the second temperature such that a resultant polyol having a primary hydroxyl group content of at least 60% and a number average molecular weight greater than 2,500 g/mol is formed.
US09896529B2

The present invention provides a method for producing, by adding an additive and/or gas bubbles to a monomer with high efficiency, a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water-absorbing resin having high physical properties while high productivity is maintained. The step of preparing an aqueous monomer solution includes the steps of: preparing an aqueous solution; and adding a water-insoluble additive and/or gas bubbles. A retention time from when the water-insoluble additive and/or the gas bubbles is/are added to when polymerization starts is 1 second to 60 seconds.
US09896528B2

There is provided a carboxyl group-containing polymer composition having excellent water solubility and aqueous solution-thickening properties, having a minimal change in viscosity due to the thermal history in a drying step, and having high transparency of a neutral viscous solution obtained by mixing with water. The carboxyl group-containing polymer composition comprises (A) a carboxyl group-containing polymer obtained by copolymerization of an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid (a1) and a compound (a2) having at least two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups per molecule; (B) a polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester alkylene oxide adduct; and (C) a polyoxyalkylene modified product, which is at least one of an ether (c1) of a polyoxyalkylene with a fatty alcohol, and a polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester (c2).
US09896525B2

This invention relates to a continuous homogeneous solution phase polymerization process comprising contacting, in an evaporative reactor system at a temperature of 50° C. or more and a pressure of 100 kPa or more, a catalyst system, optionally, a hydrocarbon diluent, optionally, scavenger, and one or more monomer(s) to form a homogeneous polymerization medium, where the polymer product is dissolved in the reaction medium at 10 wt % or more (based upon the weight of the polymer present in the effluent at the exit of the reactor) and the catalyst system is dissolved in the reaction medium, and where the catalyst system comprises an activator and a coordination catalyst precursor compound and where all or part of the polymerization medium is evaporated during the polymerization.
US09896520B2

The present disclosure generally relates to a slurry polymerization process for the preparation of polyethylene in the presence of a Ziegler catalyst and aluminum alkyl co-catalyst in at least one polymerization reactor, in which process suspension medium comprising a concentration of aluminum alkyl co-catalyst is recycled to the polymerization, the concentration of aluminum alkyl co-catalyst in the recycled suspension medium is determined; and the amount of fresh aluminum alkyl co-catalyst fed to the polymerization is adjusted to maintain a targeted aluminum alkyl co-catalyst concentration in the recycled suspension medium.
US09896513B2

The application discloses a combination of two monospecific TFPI antibodies, wherein one antibody is capable of specifically binding TFPI (1-181) and the other antibody is capable of specifically binding TFPI (182-276), as well as bispecific anti-TFPI antibodies derived from two such monospecific antibodies. Both the combination of the two monospecific antibodies and the bispecific antibody strongly enhance thrombin generation by neutralising full length TFPIα, even where the concentration of TFPI is abnormally elevated.
US09896511B2

Methods and compositions for treating inflammatory or autoimmune diseases in a subject comprising blocking the interaction between DR3 and TL1A. In the methods of treating inflammatory or autoimmune disease, the inflammatory or autoimmune disease can be an autoimmune disease with a T cell component, including asthma, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, graft versus host disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
US09896507B2

The invention relates to BTLA antibodies that block BTLA-HVEM interaction and uses thereof.
US09896502B2

The invention features methods for preventing or treating CGRP associated disorders such as vasomotor symptoms and/or headaches (e.g., migraine, cluster headache, and tension headache) by administering an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. Compositions for use in the disclosed methods are also provided. Antagonist antibody G1 and antibodies derived from G1 directed to CGRP are also described.
US09896501B2

The present invention provides, among other aspects, methods for the manufacture of plasma-derived immunoglobulin G compositions highly enriched for anti-brain disease related protein antibodies (e.g., anti-Aβ, anti-RAGE, and anti-α-synuclein antibodies). Advantageously, the methods provided do not affect the manufacturing processes or capabilities for producing plasma-derived IgG therapeutics. Plasma-derived IgG compositions that are highly enriched for anti-brain disease related protein antibodies (e.g., anti-Aβ, anti-RAGE, and anti-α-synuclein antibodies), as also provided here. Methods for the treatment of brain diseases and disorders by administration of plasma-derived IgG compositions highly enriched for anti-brain disease related protein antibodies (e.g., anti-Aβ, anti-RAGE, and anti-α-synuclein antibodies), are also provided.
US09896499B2

The present invention provides materials and methods for antagonizing the function of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, platelet derived growth factor receptors and other receptors, to prevent, inhibit, or ameliorate allograft rejection or arteriosclerosis in organisms that receive an organ transplant.
US09896494B2

A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising one carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to an amino terminus of a cytokine and two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a carboxy terminus of a cytokine are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US09896493B2

A nucleic acid or transgene comprising a modified VEGF 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) polynucleotide sequence and a polynucleotide sequence encoding a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). When transformed into a host cell, the nucleic acid or transgene exhibits a high stability and provides prolonged and reliable expression of VEGF. A method for extending the lifetime of transgene mRNA encoding VEGF in a mammalian host cell. A method for treating a subject in need of increased or modified expression of VEGF using this nucleic acid or transgene.
US09896472B2

A method of deprotecting a solid support bound polynucleotide includes the step of contacting the polynucleotide with a composition comprising a diamine under conditions sufficient to deprotect the 2′-protected ribonucleotide residue. The solid support bound polynucleotide has at least one 2′-protected ribonucleotide residue, which has the following structure: wherein BP is a protected or unprotected heterocycle; R12 is a protecting group selected from a hydrocarbyl, a substituted hydrocarbyl, an aryl, and a substituted aryl; X is O or S; and PG is a thionocarbamate protecting group.
US09896470B2

The present application discloses a method for enhancing the stability of a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) or a HMO precursor or a HMO blend when stored for extended periods at temperatures above 25° C. by spray-drying an aqueous solution of the HMO or HMO precursor to remove at least 90% of the water and providing a HMO or a HMO precursor or a HMO blend with a specific glass transition temperature. Also disclosed is a method for removing organic solvent residues from a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) or a HMO precursor or a HMO blend by spray drying. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing the bioavailability of a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) or a HMO precursor or a HMO blend by spray drying.
US09896464B2

Compounds having the following formula (E): Formula E or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R, R′, R″, X and n are as defined herein are provided. Methods comprising use of such compounds for the treatment of neurologic disorders, such as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and their use in treatment of neurologic disorders are also provided.
US09896458B2

The present disclosure relates generally to compounds and compositions, and their use as kinase inhibitors.
US09896456B2

This invention provides a novel non-natural pharmaceutical compound having a different mechanism than statin drugs and having a selective inhibitory activity against ACAT2. This invention relates to the compound represented by Formula (I), a salt thereof, or a solvate thereof:
US09896453B2

The purinone derivative 6-amino-9-[(3R)-1-(2-butynoyl)-3-pyrrolidinyl]-7-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-7,9-dihydro-8H-purin-8-one hydrochloride has Btk-selective inhibitory activity and, in addition to having excellent metabolic stability, it is a compound that exhibits a high level of solubility and absorption with respect to the free base and can be crystallized, hence it can serve as a therapeutic agent for diseases involving B cells and mast cells.
US09896447B2

The present invention is directed to benzyl urea compounds of formula (I) which are tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) family protein kinase inhibitors, and hence may be useful in the treatment of pain, inflammation, cancer, restenosis, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, thrombosis, a disease, disorder, injury, or malfunction relating to dysmyelination or demyelination or a disease or disorder associated with abnormal activities of nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor Trk-A, Trk-B and/or Trk-C.
US09896446B2

The present application provides a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof, wherein R7, R8, R9, G, and X are as defined herein. This application further describes compositions comprising the same. Compounds of formula (I) and their salts have aPKC inhibitory activity, and may be used to treat proliferative diseases.
US09896445B2

The present application provides novel heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also provided are methods for preparing these compounds. These compounds are useful for inhibiting ERK1/2. By administering to a patient in need a therapeutically effective amount of one or more of the compounds of formula (I), wherein X, Y, Z, J, M, and R1 to R8 are defined herein, these compounds are effective in treating conditions associated with dysregulation of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. A variety of conditions can be treated using these compounds and include diseases which are characterized by abnormal cellular proliferation. In one embodiment, the disease is cancer.
US09896429B2

The invention provides certain nicotine salts, co-crystals, and salt co-crystals and provides novel polymorphic forms of certain nicotine salts. In particular, nicotine salts with orotic acid are described. The invention further provides methods of preparation and characterization of such nicotine salts. In addition, tobacco products, including smoking articles, smokeless tobacco products, and electronic smoking articles comprising nicotine salts, co-crystals, and/or salt co-crystals are also provided.
US09896426B2

The present invention refers to the technical field of flavone component extraction, and provides an extraction separation method of a flavone component based on amination graphene. The flavone components comprise flavones, flavanols, isoflavones, flavanones, flavanonols, flavanones, anthocyanidins, chalcones, and chromones etc. The extraction separation method is adsorption extraction, and amination graphene is taken as a medium of adsorption extraction. The extraction separation method of the flavone components based on amination graphene is superior in separation speed and product purity, low cost and convenient operation.
US09896422B2

The present disclosure is directed to compositions and methods which utilize the tetracycline scaffold, preferably the scaffold of tetracycline or minocycline, and which significantly lack antibiotic activity. The compounds have neuroprotective attributes without interfering with the drugs capacity to pass through the blood brain barrier. These compounds have neuroprotective activity because of their inhibition of neuronal cell cycle progression. The compounds are characterized in part by a fifth ring joining positions 9 and 10.
US09896417B2

The present invention provides a compound which is: tert-butyl N-[2-{4-[6-amino-5-(2,4-difluorobenzoyl)-2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl]-3,5-difluorophenyl}ethyl)-L-alaninate or a salt, hydrate or solvate thereof. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or excipients. The compound and composition are useful for inhibiting the activity of a p38 MAP kinase enzyme. As such they may be used in the treatment of a autoimmune or inflammatory disease, or a cell proliferative disease. In addition, the invention provides an acid produced by hydrolysis of the ester group of the compound of the invention. The acid is N-[2-{4-[6-amino-5-(2,4-difluorobenzoyl)-2-oxopyridin-1(2H)-yl]-3,5-difluorophenyl}ethyl)-L-alanine.
US09896397B2

A method for separating an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon, the method having a step of adding a first diluent and an extractant having a superacid to a mixture comprising the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon and one or more isomers thereof to carry out an acid-base extraction to thereby form a complex of the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon with the superacid, and thereafter separating the complex from the mixture, and a step of adding an eliminating agent having a relative basicity in a range of 0.06 to 10 with respect to the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon and a second diluent to the complex, and carrying out complex exchange of the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon for the eliminating agent to thereby separate the alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon from the complex.
US09896396B2

Processes and systems for making cyclopentadiene and/or dicyclopentadiene include converting acyclic C5 hydrocarbon(s) into CPD in a first reactor to obtain a first reactor hydrocarbon effluent, which is processed in an eductor to obtain an eductor effluent at higher total pressure than atmospheric pressure, separating the eductor effluent in a separator such as compression train to obtain a C5-rich fraction comprising CPD, dimerizing the C5-rich fraction in a second reactor to obtain a product effluent comprising DCPD, which is separated to obtain a DCPD-rich fraction. Multiple-stage of dimerization and separation steps can be optionally used to obtain multiple DCPD-rich fractions of various degrees of purity and quantity. C5-rich fractions from various stages of the process may be recycled to the first reactor, or converted into mogas components after selective hydrogenation. C5-rich fractions and mogas components may be optionally separated to produce value-adding chemicals.
US09896392B2

The present invention relates to a method for oligomerization of ethylene, comprising the steps: a) feeding ethylene, solvent and a catalyst composition comprising catalyst and cocatalyst into a reactor, b) oligomerizing ethylene in the reactor, c) discharging a reactor effluent comprising linear alpha-olefins including 1-butene, solvent, unconsumed ethylene dissolved in the reactor effluent, and catalyst composition from the reactor, d) separating ethylene and 1-butene collectively from the remaining reactor effluent, and e) recycling at least a part of the ethylene and the 1-butene separated in step d) into the reactor.
US09896385B2

A multi-component or ‘composite’ inorganic fiber comprising a nano-scale contiguous collection of a plurality of packed unique phases of material randomly interspersed throughout the fiber body, without unwanted impurities, and a method for producing same. Said phases include three or more foundational chemical elements from the Periodic Table mixed together during fiber production, producing distinct material phases interspersed throughout the fiber volume.
US09896384B2

A method of forming a sintered ζ-phase tantalum carbide can include assembling a particulate mixture including a tantalum hydride powder and a carbon source powder. The particulate mixture can be sintered to form a tantalum carbide having at least 70 wt. % of a ζ-phase with at least about 90% densification. After sintering, the tantalum carbide can be cooled to substantially retain the ζ-phase.
US09896376B2

A bonded ceramic component which is resistant to reactive halogen-containing plasmas, said component comprising ceramic portions which are bonded together by a bonding material which includes an oxyfluoride glass-ceramic-comprising transition area between interfaces of the ceramic portions, where the transition area includes from at least 0.1 volume % amorphous phase up to about 50 volume % amorphous phase.
US09896373B2

The disclosure provides a method for forming a hole in a glass or glass-ceramic sheets. The method includes scoring a major surface of a glass or glass-ceramic sheet to define the hole, placing the sheet on a cavity-containing receiving surface such that a peripheral edge of the cavity is positioned external to the area bounded by the first score, and fracturing the sheet along the score to break away the portion of the sheet defined by the first score. The method allows for the formation of large openings in thin glass sheets where the mother sheet is not broken or damaged by the formation of the opening.
US09896353B2

The present invention is directed to methods of treating a hydrocarbon-containing waste stream to form a hydrocarbon-containing retentate and an aqueous permeate which is substantially free of hydrocarbon. The method includes passing the hydrocarbon-containing waste stream through a microporous membrane to yield the hydrocarbon-containing retentate and the aqueous permeate. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has pores with a volume average diameter less than 1.0 micron, and at least 50 percent of the pores have a mean diameter of less than 0.35 micron.
US09896350B2

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of degradation of persistent pollutants and discloses a method for efficiently degrading a perfluorinated compound (PFC), through which the problems of harsh reaction conditions and less high defluorination rate existing in prior-art methods for degrading PFCs are solved. In the present disclosure, a 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) solution is irradiated with 254 nm UV light to generate hydrated electrons, with which the PFC are degraded by reduction under an aerobic condition, where an organo-modified montmorillonite is added to provide a reaction microzone, so the degradation and defluorination effects of the hydrated electrons for the PFC are greatly improved. The method for degrading a PFC according to the present disclosure is not affected by the pH of and the dissolved oxygen in the solution and less affected by the humic substances in a water body, thereby overcoming the defects in existing methods for degrading PFCs with hydrated electrons while the degradation efficiency is ensured. Therefore, the present disclosure is of great application value.
US09896349B2

The present invention provides a water purifying device that may include: an upper cover that is configured to have an inlet for liquid; two or more light source modules that are configured to include a light source that emits a UV ray; two or more light guide plates that are configured to guide, to the front, the UV ray that is incident through the lateral side thereof from the light source module to then be output; a purifying plate that is configured to provide a flow path through which liquid flows, and that is configured to provide a plate-type photocatalyst that is disposed on the flow path so that the UV ray emitted from the light guide plate reaches the plate-type photocatalyst in order to thereby purify the liquid; and a lower cover that is configured to have an outlet for the liquid.
US09896346B2

A method for synthesizing lithium-titanium oxide using a solid state method includes: mixing lithium oxide (Li2O) and titanium oxide (TiO2) in a solvent; separating a solid material which includes lithium oxide and titanium oxide from the solvent; drying the solid material separated from the solvent; and performing a heat treatment on the solid material.
US09896343B2

The present invention relates to a titanium silicalite molecular sieve, wherein the crystal grain of the titanium silicalite molecular sieve has a ratio of (surface Si/Ti ratio):(bulk Si/Ti ratio) being larger than 1.1 and less than 5.
US09896342B1

A method of synthesizing nanostructures from agro-waste can include providing powdered Phoenix dactylifera agro-waste; mixing the powdered Phoenix dactylifera agro-waste with a liquid to provide a Phoenix dactylifera agro-waste solution; heating the Phoenix dactylifera agro-waste solution in a hydrothermal autoclave to provide a heated solution; and centrifuging the heated solution to provide a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. The liquid fraction can include a first plurality of nanostructures. The first plurality of nanostructures can include C-dots. The solid fraction can be further processed to provide a second plurality of nanostructures and a third plurality of nanostructures. The second plurality of nanostructures can include lignin nanoparticles. The third plurality of nanostructures can include cellulose nanocrystals. The nanostructures can be used in various applications, such as three dimensional cell culture, UV-protecting textiles, and bio-imaging.
US09896340B2

In some embodiments, the present disclosure pertains to methods of forming a reinforcing material by: (1) depositing a first material onto a catalyst surface; and (2) forming a second material on the catalyst surface, where the second material is derived from and associated with the first material. In some embodiments, the first material includes, without limitation, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoribbons, boron nitride nanotubes, chalcogenide nanotubes, carbon onions, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the formed second material includes, without limitation, graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, chalcogenides, and combinations thereof. In additional embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure also include a step of separating the formed reinforcing material from the catalyst surface, and transferring the separated reinforcing material onto a substrate without the use of polymers. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to reinforcing materials formed by the aforementioned methods.
US09896332B2

Provided is an ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst which can decrease the reduction temperature of a support, which is required for the catalyst to have a property of being activated at room temperature, and also can render a property of being activated at a temperature lower than room temperature. The ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst of the present invention is an ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst, comprising: a catalyst support composed of a composite oxide of cerium oxide and zirconium oxide; and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of metals of group 6A, group 7A, group 8, and group 1B as a catalytically active metal deposited thereon, characterized in that the molar concentration of zirconium oxide in the catalyst support is from 10 to 90%.
US09896329B2

The present disclosure relates to an integrated semiconductor device, comprising a semiconductor substrate; a cavity formed into the semiconductor substrate; a sensor portion of the semiconductor substrate deflectably suspended in the cavity at one side of the cavity via a suspension portion of the semiconductor substrate interconnecting the semiconductor substrate and the sensor portion thereof, wherein an extension of the suspension portion along the side of the cavity is smaller than an extension of said side of the cavity.
US09896328B2

An electromechanical switching device includes a first electrode, comprising layers of a first 2D layered material, which layers exhibit a first surface; a second electrode, comprising layers of a second 2D layered material, which layers exhibit a second surface opposite the first surface; and an actuation mechanism; wherein each of the first and second 2D layered materials has an anisotropic electrical conductivity, which is lower transversely to its layers than in-plane with the layers; the first electrode includes two distinct areas alongside the first surface, which areas differ in at least one structural, electrical and/or magnetic property; and at least one of the first and second electrodes is actuatable by the actuation mechanism, such that actuation thereof for modification of an electrical conductance transverse to each of the first surface and the second surface to enable current modulation between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09896327B2

A micro-electro-mechanical system sensor device is disclosed. The sensor device comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) layer, comprising: an actuator layer and a cover layer, wherein a portion of the actuator layer is coupled to the cover layer via a dielectric; and an out-of-plane sense element interposed between the actuator layer and the cover layer, wherein the MEMS device layer is connected to a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) substrate layer via a spring and an anchor.
US09896325B2

A vacuum vapor liquid recovery system employs a strong vacuum vessel that can withstand vacuums without damage. The vacuum vessel may be portable and configured to accept an inflow drain line for receiving waste liquid/vapors from a processing system. Additionally, at least one outflow drain line is attached to the vacuum vessel to which a vacuum truck or other similar recovery equipment can be connected in order to pump out whatever liquids/vapors have been drained into the vacuum vapor liquid recovery system. Additional features can include wheels to assist in moving and positioning the vacuum vapor liquid recovery system, tow bar, transport handles, support legs, sight port, a wash out connector, a vacuum relief, etc.
US09896324B2

A device for preventing air from displacing wine poured from a bottle. A retainable spout assembly comprises a bottle seal, a base having a liquid channel and vent channel, and a spout. A disposable bag assembly comprises folded limp inflatable bag attached to a vent tube which is attachable to the vent channel. As wine is poured, air enters the vent tube and inflates the pliable bag. After the bottle contents are consumed, the retainable subassembly may be removed from the disposable subassembly by leaving the disposable subassembly in the bottle or container. The retainable subassembly may be cleaned, and a replacement subassembly attached to the vent channel before inserting into a new container. The air displacement device may be inserted into a bottle before or after pouring wine. A pump or manual blow tube can be used to remove air from a partially-filled bottle.
US09896323B2

Assembly comprising:—a beverage dispensing line (20) defining at a dispensing end (46) thereof an inner circular flow area having a first diameter;—an upstream valve part (26) connected to said dispensing end, the upstream part having an outwardly oriented snap lock member (44);—a flexible downstream valve part (28) defining a beverage outlet at its downstream end, having an inwardly oriented snap lock member cooperating with the outwardly oriented snap lock member, the downstream valve part including a cylindrical plug (36) and defining a passage from the dispensing end past the plug to the beverage outlet, the plug defining a downstream section defining a second diameter larger than the first diameter, and defining an upstream section defining a third diameter equal to or smaller than the first diameter, connected to the downstream section, a tap handle (14) operating the downstream valve part between a dispensing position, an intermediate non-dispensing position and a final non-dispensing position.
US09896315B2

Some embodiments include apparatuses to fulfill customer orders comprising a motorized transport unit; a product pick unit (PPU) that cooperate with the motorized transport unit; a wireless communication network; and a central computer system configured to communicate with the multiple motorized transport units and the plurality of product pick units, and comprises a control circuit and memory storing instructions executed to cause the control circuit to: communicate an instruction to the motorized transport unit and direct the motorized transport unit to transport the product pick unit to a determined first location within the shopping facility proximate to where a first product having been ordered is located; and communicate an instruction to the product pick unit cooperated with the motorized transport unit and direct the product pick unit to retrieve the first product.
US09896301B2

A cord spool may have a generally cylindrical primary element made of flexible material, which may have first and second primary element openings. The primary element may further include a central exterior portion between first and second raised portions. The primary element may further include an interior portion dimensioned and configured to accept a fixture. The cord spool also may have at least one flexible strap securely affixed to and extending through the interior portion of the primary element and extending beyond the first and second openings of the primary element. The strap may have first and second strap ends with first and second fasteners. The strap may be dimensioned and configured to allow the first and second strap ends to be releasably secured to one another, forming a cord securing loop.
US09896295B2

A buffer apparatus configured to hold a stack of sheets includes an input, first and second side guides each having a face facing transverse to the travel direction, and a backstop facing the input and spaced from the input in the travel direction. The first side guide, second side guide and backstop define a hopper for holding a plurality of the sheets. First and second retractable supports are shiftable from first positions in which a first portion of the respective retractable support projects a first distance into the hopper and a second position in which the first portion of the respective retractable support projects a second distance into the hopper or does not project into the hopper, the second distance being less than the first distance. The at least one second retractable support is located between the input and the at least one first retractable support.
US09896285B2

A medium conveyance device includes: a first conveyance unit that applies a first conveyance force in a conveyance direction to a lowest medium among media on a medium stacker; a second conveyance unit disposed downstream in the conveyance direction of the first conveyance unit and that applies a second conveyance force in the conveyance direction to the medium being conveyed in the conveyance direction; a detector that detects that a rear end of the lowest medium receiving the first conveyance force passes through the first conveyance unit; and a controller that controls the first and second conveyance units. Upon determining that the rear end of the lowest medium receiving the first conveyance force passes through the first conveyance unit, the controller switches the first conveyance unit from a conveyance state of applying the first conveyance force to a non-conveyance state of not applying the first conveyance force.
US09896278B2

An infeed apparatus includes an item manipulator that orients items such as cases in a desired orientation as determined by a build menu, and a row build apparatus that is synchronized with the manipulator to space items pursuant to the build menu. The manipulator uses a pusher to push items across a friction belt to thereby orient the items, and includes sensors for determining when an item is in an incorrect orientation. The row build receives items from the pusher and is selectively advanced to locate items in a desired relative orientation so that rows of items are built correctly.
US09896276B2

A method and apparatus for automatically and visually monitoring the wear of a continuous conveyor chain without having to stop the conveyor chain. The method and apparatus provides first and second sensors fixedly spaced along the conveyor chain at a predetermined distance and first and second opposing visualization devices oppositely positioned at a point along the conveyor chain. The first and second sensors generate signals corresponding to the presence and absence of successive links provided in the conveyor chain. The generated signals are received and processed, and the necessary time intervals are calculated for providing an output indicative of chain wear of any portion of the chain. Several parameters of chain wear may be calculated, including chain stretch and instantaneous chain speed. The first and second visualization devices capture visual images of each of the links so as to visually inspect and identify any problems associated with the links.
US09896274B2

A support roller or drive roller for a drive belt of a conveyor, having a hub which is supported by use of ball bearings and which is provided with an elastic polymer layer on its outer periphery as a running surface for the drive belt. The roller is easily manufactured as the hub is made up of a hollow cylindrical outer hub which bears the polymer layer, and a hollow cylindrical inner hub which accommodates the ball bearings. Further, the inner hub is pushed into the outer hub and joined to the outer hub in a rotationally fixed manner.
US09896273B2

An article supply apparatus includes an inclined passage which inclines downwardly toward a predetermined direction, a vibration imparting device which vibrates the inclined passage, an article feeding device which feeds a plurality of articles to the upper end side of the inclined passage, a visual sensor which captures images of the articles on the inclined passage and which obtains information for identification of at least a position of each of the articles on the inclined passage, and a robot arm which picks up the articles one by one from the inclined passage by using the information obtained by the visual sensor and which supplies the picked-up articles to a predetermined supply destination.
US09896269B2

A method of forming a subterranean gas storage vessel is provided. A wellbore is drilled through the surface of the ground into the ground, and a casing is inserted into the wellbore, the casing having a size such that a wellbore annulus is formed between the outside surface of the casing and the wall of the wellbore. A cement sheath is then formed in the wellbore annulus, and the interior of the casing is sealed to help prevent gas from inadvertently escaping therefrom. The cemented and sealed casing can then be used as a storage vessel to store and dispense gas such as compressed natural gas (CNG).
US09896268B1

A multitrack storage system for open crawl space includes: a) different sets of tracks for guiding separate, wheeled storage bins, wherein the tracks have a proximal and a distal end; b) a bumper at the distal end of each set of tracks to prevent off track movement; c) separate, wheeled storage bins, each storage bin having a plurality of bottom wheels and a plurality of side wheels, and nests on the track base; d) a bin movement mechanism connected to at least one separate, wheeled storage bin for movement; e) a proximal end for different sets of tracks, wherein the tracks terminate adjacent one another in a predetermined pattern; f) a drop down gate for access to different sets of tracks; wherein a user may store items in the wheeled storage bins and move the storage bins along different sets of tracks away from the central terminus for storage.
US09896260B2

A container includes a canister having an upper lip, and an operator having an operator main body. The operator has a gripping ring at one end that defines an operator upper lip and a container opening. The gripping ring outside diameter is greater than an outside diameter of the operator main body. The canister includes a helical grooved canister engagement feature which extends about the canister. The operator includes an operator engagement feature which is a longitudinal slot formed through the operator main body. A lift having a lift projection is received in the operator, and the operator main body is received within the canister, with the lift projection extending through the operator engagement feature and into the canister engagement feature. The gripping ring extends at least partially over the canister upper lip, and a lower edge of the gripping ring is located adjacent the canister upper lip.
US09896256B2

The invention discloses a dunnage bag arrangement for securing loads, includes an inflatable dunnage bag having a gastight inflatable bladder; and a hanger member connected to the dunnage bag and adapted to being supported on top of loads and adapted to support the dunnage bag in a void between loads. The dunnage bag includes a reinforcing sleeve made of at least one material ply, the sleeve having a first opening and a second opening, and the sleeve being folded and sealed and/or stitched to close off at least one of the openings.
US09896250B2

A package includes a vessel and a closure. The vessel is formed to include a product-storage chamber and a mouth opening into the product-storage chamber. The closure is configured to mount on the vessel to assume an installed position closing the mouth formed in the vessel when rotated relative to the vessel about a vertical axis of rotation in a closure-installation direction.
US09896246B2

A portable beverage container (e.g., an insulated, double-walled bottle) is disclosed. The container includes a lid pivotably connected to it by a hinge. The lid is arranged to be automatically pivoted open by the spring assembly when a catch on the lid is released so that the lid opens in a controlled, non-jarring manner. The spring assembly comprises an elastomeric member and a contact surface (e.g., a recess in a cap of the bottle). The elastomeric member is arranged to cooperate with the contact surface whereupon the elastomeric member operates bi-modally to effect the automatic opening of the lid.
US09896241B2

The zipper for a reclosable package wherein the zipper includes fragrance-carrying oil within an internal zipper volume or storage volume thereby confining the scent while the zipper and the package are closed. When the zipper is opened, the scent is allowed to escape to the consumer.
US09896240B2

A humidity controlled package that uses a humidity sensitive valve that opens and closes an opening to control a humidity in the package. The package has a package holding area inside the package. The humidity level in the package controls the valve to open to allow air flow between an inside of the valve and an outside of the valve, and close to prevent air flow between the inside and outside of the valve. At least part of the valve is in the package. In one embodiment, the package is vented when the humidity value gets higher than a setpoint. In another embodiment, a sachet of dessicant is opened by the humidity level.
US09896236B2

A tank has a circumferential wall defined by a plurality of separate elements in the form of vertical staves. Adjacent elements are shaped so that they are squeezed together to prevent leakage past adjacent elements. Hoops surround the wall elements. One hoop is a plurality of segments. Truss rods connect separate elements of the hoop to a support inside the tank. The truss rods of the hoop connect the hoop segments to the inside support in the tank and are tightened thereto for drawing the hoop wall elements inward to the truss rod supports, squeezing the adjacent wall elements together for preventing leakage between adjacent elements. A divider across the tank has the supports thereon for receiving the ends of the truss rods in the tank. Other staves define a divider of staves. Vertical beams support them.
US09896235B2

A foldable lid for a box-type container includes a promotional panel that has a printable surface disposed on the same side of the blank used to create the lid as the other printing surfaces of the lid. When the blank is printed, material can be added to the promotional panel at the same time and with the same equipment as the other surfaces of the lid. When the lid is assembled, the promotional panel is disposed on the inside of the main body panel of the lid facing the cavity of the container. When the user removes the lid, the promotional panel can be viewed.
US09896232B2

A method of making a liquid or semi-liquid emulsion cleaning, waxing, and restoring product with applicability to painted motor vehicles. The emulsion removes bugs, tar and paint from other vehicles, etc. and is safe for paint, plastic, chrome and wheels. The emulsion is prepared using a unique sequence of mixing steps that result in a complete emulsification of ingredients that heretofore have been difficult or impossible to effectively combine. The emulsion may be provided in liquid or paste form or in microfiber cloths, or disposable towelettes, and other such carriers infused with the emulsion. The carrier is moistened with the emulsion and packaged in sealed individual packages. In other embodiments, multiple emulsion-soaked towels or towelettes may be packaged in reclosable cylinders from which individual towels may be extracted and the cylinder reclosed. These pre-soaked towelettes may be used to easily clean and wax vehicles or other similar surfaces.
US09896218B2

The invention concerns an aircraft propulsion control system in which multiple gas turbine engines (10) are under the control of a controller (30). One or more sensor is arranged to sense a condition indicative of vapor trail formation by an exhaust flow from one or more of the engines. The controller (30) is arranged to be responsive to a thrust demand (51) for the aircraft and to control the thrust produced by each of the engines (10) concurrently so as to alter the efficiency of the engines upon sensing of the vapor trail formation condition, while satisfying the aircraft thrust demand. The controller (30) may output a separate throttle control signal (35) to each engine (10).
US09896217B2

In one example embodiment, a strut for mounting a jet engine to a wing of an aircraft includes a plurality of engine mounts and a space frame truss supported from the wing and comprising front and aft portions, the front portion being coupled to and supporting the engine mounts, the aft portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from an aft end of the front portion. By removing the aft end of the strut from the core exhaust zone of the engine, substantial reductions in the weight and drag of the strut, and a corresponding increase in the specific fuel consumption of the associated aircraft may be achieved.
US09896209B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to lower deck mobile crew rests and improvements to the user experience and use of space therein. There is provided a lower floor with a second floor surface that can be extended and retracted with respect to the lower floor.
US09896204B1

In some examples, a system for instructing an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. The system may include a delivery management service for processing orders for items available in connection with an electronic marketplace. The delivery management service may also determine a landing location for delivery of an item to a customer of the electronic marketplace. The landing location may correspond the customer's address. Determination of the landing location may be based on a first digital elevation dataset, a second digital elevation dataset, and parcel data corresponding to a region in which the customer's address is located. The unmanned aerial vehicle may access the landing location as part of delivering the item to the customer.
US09896201B2

An airborne tethered flight system including a base unit, a tether having a first end attached to the base unit and a second end attached to a kite, wherein the kite comprises a main wing, a tail wing, and a tail boom attached to said main wing on a first end, said tail boom coupled to said tail wing on a second end, a plurality of vertical pylons attached to the main wing, said pylons comprising vertical airfoils adapted to provide lift, turbine driven generators mounted on the vertical airfoils attached to the main wing, and an additional vertical airfoil extending between the tail boom and tail wing.
US09896196B1

A manned or unmanned aircraft has a main body with a circular shape and a circular outer periphery. One or more rotor blades extend substantially horizontally outward from the main body at or about the circular outer periphery. In addition, one or more counter-rotation blades extend substantially horizontally outward from said main body at or about the circular outer periphery, but vertically offset from the main rotor blades. The rotor blades and counter-rotation blades can be folded upward into a storage position. In addition, the unmanned aircraft can have solar panels positioned about the top housing and fuselage of the aircraft.
US09896195B2

A signal line protection assembly for an aerial vehicle includes a foot stand and a protection sleeve configured to receive a signal line. The foot stand includes a foot stand sleeve. At least a portion of the protection sleeve is received in the foot stand sleeve.
US09896189B2

The invention relates to the field of aerial propellers, in particular the field of variable-pitch propellers, specifically for unducted fans. More specifically, the invention relates to a pivot (15) for a blade (14) of a propeller (3a, 3b), the pivot including at least a proximal portion (15a) made of metal and suitable for being retained in a radial orifice of a propeller hub, while being capable of turning in said orifice about a longitudinal axis (Z) of the pivot (15), and a distal portion (15b) including a receptacle (20) suitable for retaining a blade root, and at least one arm (17) of organic matrix composite material extending laterally relative to said longitudinal axis (Z) and supporting a flyweight (16).
US09896181B2

An aircraft rear structure that comprises a rear pressure bulkhead, and a lifting surface located at both sides of the fuselage of the aircraft. The lifting surface comprises spars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lifting surface. The pressure bulkhead is aligned with one of the spars of the lifting surface.
US09896178B1

A method of controlling engine RPM in a marine propulsion device having an engine that effectuates rotation of a propulsor through a gear system that shifts amongst a forward gear position, a reverse gear position, and a neutral position, includes determining that a coolant temperature is below a temperature threshold or that a battery voltage is below a voltage threshold, and then increasing an engine RPM setpoint by a compensation RPM amount while the engines remains in an idle state in order to increase the coolant temperature or the battery voltage. When a shift instruction is detected to transition the gear system from the reverse gear position to the neutral position or from the forward gear position to the neutral position, the engine RPM setpoint is reduced by a shift RPM reduction amount during transition of the gear system, and the engine is controlled according to the engine RPM setpoint.
US09896166B2

A method and system for automatically enabling an automated commercial fishing process is provided. The method includes enabling a commercial fishing software application associated with selecting a location for implementing a commercial fishing process. In response user data identifying a user and license data associated with a commercial fishing license belonging to the user are received. A control signal is transmitted to a vehicle. The control signal enables control of the vehicle such that the vehicle initiates motion and navigates in a specified direction towards a specified geographical area. Control hardware of the vehicle verifies a status of the commercial fishing license belonging to the user and it is determined if the commercial fishing license authorizes commercial fishing activities within the specified geographical area.
US09896164B2

A mooring method includes the steps of: transporting a mooring member having a mooring cable which can be connected to a float at one end and an accommodation member installed at the other end of the mooring cable and has an accommodation space therein to a mooring position of the float; accommodating a first heavy weight in at least a part of the accommodation space of the accommodation member at the mooring position; connecting the one end of the mooring cable to the float at the mooring position after the accommodation step; and accommodating a second heavy weight in the accommodation space of the accommodation member by adding the second heavy weight to the first heavy weight or exchanging at least part of the first heavy weight with the second heavy weight at the mooring position after the connection step.
US09896160B2

A moon pool control device (5) for a marine vessel (1) comprises one or more closure members (8a,b) arranged for movement in the moon pool, between a moon pool closing position in a region of the moon pool opening (7), a moon pool open position, and a retracted position, and guiding means (14a,b; 15a,b; 17a,b; 18a,b) and motive means (9a,b; 10a,b; 22) configured for moving the closure member between said positions. In a particular embodiment, a pair of closure members (8a,b) and corresponding guiding means (14a,b; 15a,b; 17a,b; 18a,b) and motive means (9a,b; 10a,b; 22) are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the moon pool and configured to cooperate to close the opening (7) when both closure member s are in the closing position. The closure members comprise a continuous surface that forms a fluid barrier. The closure members may be retrieved onto the deck of the vessel.
US09896152B2

A bicycle transmission system comprises a first input device, a transmission, an assist device, and a controller. The first input device is configured to receive a first input operation from a user. The transmission is configured to transmit a pedaling torque to a wheel at a current gear ratio among a plurality of gear ratios. The assist device is configured to assist a rotation of the wheel at a current assist ratio among a plurality of assist ratios. The controller is configured to change the current gear ratio into a predetermined gear ratio without changing the current assist ratio based on the first input operation in a first condition. The controller is configured to change the current gear ratio into a predetermined gear ratio and change the current assist ratio into a predetermined assist ratio based on the first input operation in a second condition.
US09896132B1

A working vehicle includes a housing member in which fluid is housed, and a gauge that indicates a remaining amount of the fluid in the housing member. The gauge is disposed at a central portion of the housing member in a longitudinal direction.
US09896127B2

Provided are related to a vehicle steering control apparatus and a method for lane keeping, in which the performance of lane keeping support is improved by correcting lane information of a camera. The vehicle steering control apparatus for lane keeping includes a correction unit which estimates lane information to be subsequently input using self-feedback lane information, and corrects lane information determined in a misrecognized state when present input lane information is determined in the misrecognized state using the estimated lane information, and a steering controller configured to control steering of a vehicle in consideration of the lane information corrected by the correction unit.
US09896122B2

Provided is a steering control device, including: an actuator for applying a steering assist torque to a steering system of a vehicle; a vehicle turning state detection section for detecting a state amount representing a turning state of the vehicle; a steering-holding determination section for determining a steering-holding state of the steering system; a storing section for storing, when the steering-holding determination section determines that the steering system is in the steering-holding state, the state amount detected by the vehicle turning state detection section as a steering-holding determination state amount; a steering assist torque calculation section for calculating the steering assist torque based on an absolute value of the steering-holding determination state amount; and an actuator control section for controlling the actuator based on the calculated steering assist torque.
US09896117B1

Present invention teaches the construction of a welding table cart that consists of a table structure and a reversible top. The welding table cart provides, among other features, a side plate, removable/adjustable bar, and a hanger tube assembly near the under portion of reversible table top, where an inner tube can be extended out from an outer tube, and provides an end-platform for added convenience. Multiple welding table carts can be joined together for increased work space.
US09896109B2

A vehicle control system configured to suppress engine noise in an autonomous mode is provided. An operating mode of the vehicle can be switched between a manual mode in which a driving force and a braking force of the vehicle are controlled by a manual operation and an autonomous mode in which the driving force and the braking force of the vehicle are controlled autonomously. The vehicle control system is configured to shift an upshifting point for reducing a speed ratio of a transmission to a low speed side in the autonomous mode, in comparison with the upshifting point set in the manual mode.
US09896108B2

In a 2H mode of two-wheel drive and a 4H mode of four-wheel drive, a driver does not put much importance on traveling performance on a rough road. Therefore, implementation of both of idling-stop control and neutral control is permitted. Compared with the 4H mode, in a 4HLc mode for limiting differential motions of a center differential gear and a rear differential gear, it can be regarded that the driver puts importance on the traveling performance on the rough road. Therefore, the implementation of the idling-stop control is prohibited and the implementation of the neutral control is permitted. In a 4LLc mode for switching a sub-reduction gear to a low gear side compared with the 4HLc mode, since it can be regarded that the driver puts more importance on the traveling performance on the rough road, both of the implementation of the idling stop control and the implementation of the neutral control are prohibited.
US09896096B2

A system and method to avoid collisions on highways, and to minimize the fatalities, injury, and damage when a collision is unavoidable. The system includes sensor means to detect other vehicles, and computing means to evaluate when a collision is imminent and to determine whether the collision is avoidable. If the collision is avoidable by a sequence of controlled accelerations and decelerations and steering, the system implements that sequence of actions automatically. If the collision is unavoidable, a different sequence is implemented to minimize the overall harm of the unavoidable collision. The system further includes indirect mitigation steps such as flashing the brake lights automatically. An optional post-collision strategy is implemented to prevent secondary collisions, particularly if the driver is incapacitated. Adjustment means enable the driver to set the type and timing of automatic interventions.
US09896086B2

A moving assist apparatus for assisting a vehicle to move from current position to destination includes a mode planning unit for, for each section obtained by dividing traveling route, planning one traveling mode from first mode of not maintaining a charge storage amount of the secondary battery and second mode of maintaining the charge storage amount of the secondary battery, based on a traveling load associated with the section. If the charge storage amount of the battery is above a first threshold, the mode planning unit takes a section after which the charge storage amount of the battery that is predicted with assumption of traveling with the first mode is below a second threshold less than the first threshold by taking the section being traveled by the vehicle or the next section as a reference, as a first mode priority section in which the first mode is planned in priority.
US09896084B2

A control system for a hybrid vehicle to start an engine without causing a torque drop is provided. A combined planetary gear unit is configured in such a manner that an input element connected to the engine and an output element are situated between a reaction element connected to a first motor and a fixed element connected to a brake in a nomographic diagram. The first motor is selectively connected to the engine by a clutch. A controller is configured to start the engine by the first motor while engaging the brake to restrict rotation of the fixed element and engaging the clutch.
US09896072B2

A brake device (10) includes a service brake valve (16) that produces an actuation-dependent pressure at a service brake valve outlet (20) when an operating means (18) is actuated. The brake device (10) includes a brake actuator (40) with a brake actuator inlet (39). The service brake valve outlet (20) is connected to the brake actuator inlet (39) via a pressure connection (14). The pressure connection (14) includes a directional control valve (24) and a check valve (30). The check valve (30) is bypassed in a first valve position of the directional control valve (24) to allow a fluid flow from the brake actuator inlet (39) to the service brake valve outlet (20) and a fluid flow through the check valve (30) from the brake actuator inlet (39) to the service brake valve outlet (20) is largely prevented in a second valve position of the directional control valve (24).
US09896063B2

The present disclosure provides a wireless communications system for a fleet of automotive vehicle comprising: a server in communication with a wireless wide area network and including a database; a fob including a memory storing a unique fob identifier, the fob in communication with a wireless local area network; and a control unit in the automotive vehicle including a memory storing a vehicle identifier. The control unit is in communication with the server via the wireless wide area network and with the fob via the wireless local area network, wherein the server stores data correlating the fob identifier to the vehicle identifier in the database, and when the fob transmits a communication to the vehicle through the local area network the vehicle accesses the database to validate the key fob.
US09896061B2

A device for providing information about a smart key for use in vehicles includes a communicator which receives information about at least one function, performed by the smart key, of controlling a vehicle; and a controller which sets a usage restriction for the at least one function. The communicator may provide information about the at least one function including the usage restriction to an external device.
US09896054B2

Clips that can be used to temporarily hold a curtain side airbag (CSA) to a bracket on a vehicle rail are disclosed. The clips can be integrated into the CSA and allow the CSA to be positioned on the brackets temporarily until such time as a more secure means is utilized, such as a threaded fastener. The clips allow access to an opening in the bracket that is configured to receive a fastener that can be used to secure both the grip assist and the CSA to the bracket. The clip thereby allows the CSA to be positioned on the vehicle rail without interfering with the subsequent attachment of a grip assist to the same bracket. The fastener that attaches the grip assist to the bracket also serves to secure the CSA to the bracket. The clip remains attached to the bracket and to the CSA.
US09896048B2

The invention relates to a power supply unit (3) for supplying power to an on-board electrical network of a vehicle, including: at least two DC-to-DC converters (9A, 9B) which are interleaved and reversible between an opera-ting mode for lowering voltage and an operating mode for raising voltage, the converters (9A, 9B) being intended for being connected to a power storage device (ST2) and being capable of supplying current to the on-board network; and a switch (K) enabling a power source (STI) to supply power to the on-board network when the switch (K) is in a first state, and enabling the power storage device (ST2) to supply power to the on-board network when the switch (K) is in a second state. The unit is characterized in that the converters (9A, 9B) are variable-frequency converters, and in that the power supply unit (3) also includes a synchronization unit (200) configured such as to synchronize the operation of the converters (9A, 9B) operating at variable frequencies and the current generation of the converters.
US09896046B2

A receiving assemblage is provided for a control device in a vehicle, having a voltage generator for generating a synchronization pulse, which encompasses a first voltage source, a current source, and a current sink, the voltage generator generating the synchronization pulse within predefined specification limits with a predefined shape and a predefined time-related behavior, and the receiving assemblage outputting the synchronization pulse via a data bus to at least one sensor for synchronization of a subsequent signal transfer, the voltage generator generating the synchronization pulse via the current source and the current sink, substantially as a sinusoidal oscillation, by charging and/or discharging a bus load, and to a method for generating a synchronization pulse.
US09896040B2

A vehicle accessory hitch assembly for attaching an accessory to a vehicle. The vehicle may include a frame and a bed mounted to the frame. First and second base rails may be disposed on the bed and coupled to the frame of the vehicle, and the vehicle may include a vehicle trailer hitch with a receiver for accepting a shank. In one embodiment, the vehicle accessory hitch assembly may be mechanically connected to each of the first and second base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch such that the vehicle accessory hitch assembly is immovable or stationary relative to the first and second base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch. In another embodiment, the vehicle accessory hitch assembly may be adaptable to connect to differently-configured base rails and vehicle trailer hitch constructions, including different horizontal and vertical spacing between the base rails and the vehicle trailer hitch.
US09896037B2

A ski carrier clamp mountable on a cross bar of a vehicle roof carrier includes an elongate base part having a first end portion and a second end portion, an elongate top part having a first end portion and a second end portion, and a hinge mechanism having a guiding portion coupled to the elongate base part and a guided element slidably disposed in the guiding portion. The hinge mechanism couples the first end portion of the elongate base part to the first end portion of the elongate top part. The first end portion of the elongate base part and the first end portion of the elongate top part are configured to move with respect to each other.
US09896034B2

A cargo mounting system is shown and described. The cargo mounting system may include a rail having first and second portions and a length, the first portion being opposite the second portion, a first engaging member positioned on the first portion of the rail, and a second engaging member positioned on the second portion of the rail. The cargo mounting system may also include at least one vehicle attaching member selectively attached to and positionable on the second engaging member of the rail, the at least one vehicle attaching member selectively attachable to a vehicle, and at least one accessory mounting member selectively attached to and positionable on at least one of the first and second engaging members, where the at least one accessory mounting member is capable of carrying an item.
US09896032B2

A folding mirror apparatus and related method are provided for improving the fuel efficiency of a motor vehicle. That folding mirror apparatus includes a first exterior mirror, a second exterior mirror and a sensor array for monitoring an area around the motor vehicle. Further, the apparatus includes a control module that is configured to receive data from the sensor array and displace the exterior mirrors into a stowed, more aerodynamic position when no obstacles are detected in the area being monitored.
US09896027B2

An electrical socket is described, which is configured to be mounted on a towing vehicle. The electrical socket comprises a socket body, a plug receiver mounted in the socket body and configured to receive a vehicle electrical plug from a towed vehicle, an illuminated closure mounted on the socket body and movable between a closed position in which the plug receiver is closed and an open position in which the plug receiver is accessible to receive the vehicle electrical plug, the illuminated closure comprising a lens and a light source mounted adjacent the lens and configured to direct light through the lens toward the towed vehicle when it is connected to the towing vehicle wherein the light source is also configured to illuminate the plug receiver when the closure is in the open position.
US09896026B2

A rear window assembly for a vehicle includes a fixed window panel. The rear window assembly may be a rear slider window assembly and may include a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, with the fixed window panel fixed relative to the frame portion and defining an opening, and with a movable window panel movable along the upper rail and the lower rail so as to be movable between a closed position and an opened position. A lighting device is disposed at an inner surface of the fixed window panel. The lighting device is operable to emit light that passes through the fixed window panel so as to be viewable by a person viewing the slider window assembly from exterior and rearward of the vehicle.
US09896007B2

The present disclosure provides an occupant protection device including: side support sections pair provided at a seat width direction left and right of a seatback; an outside bag body, provided inside an outside side support section out of the side support sections pair which is disposed at a window section side, that displaces the outside side support section by gas being supplied to and inflating an interior portion of the outside bag body; an inside bag body, provided inside an inside side support section out of the side support sections pair which is disposed at opposite side of the outside side support section, that displaces the inside side support section by gas being supplied to and inflating an interior portion of the inside bag body; and a communicating connection member that places the outside bag body and the inside bag body in communication.
US09896004B1

A tailgate of a vehicle including a back portion and a seat portion, a telescopic mechanism including a first link, a second link, and a slotted link with a slot connected to the back portion of the tailgate allowing the tailgate to slide and pivot, and a four-bar mechanism including a third link and a fourth link hingedly connected to the back portion and the seat portion of the tailgate, wherein the telescopic mechanism and the four-bar mechanism allow the tailgate to transition between a first position, a second position, and a third position.
US09896002B2

A vehicle seating assembly is provided. The seat assembly includes a front seat assembly having a front seat bottom adapted to be mounted to the vehicle body and a front seat back adapted to be mounted to the vehicle body adjacent to the front seat bottom. A sensor cooperates with at least one of the front seat bottom and the front seat back. An actuator is disposed on at least one of the seat bottom and seat back. The seat assembly includes a rear seat assembly behind the front seat assembly. A vehicle seat controller receives an input indicative of a rear occupant seated information and convey a signal to an actuator to move a front seat assembly to an accommodation position in response to the input.
US09896000B2

A control device of an electric vehicle comprises: an operating state detector that detects the operating state of an accelerator pedal; a motor controller that executes deceleration control over a travel motor, including coasting control which reduces the driving force of the travel motor to zero, when the returning operation of the accelerator pedal is detected by the operating state detector; and a region setter that sets the range of the depression amount of the accelerator pedal for executing the coasting control, based on the depression amount of the accelerator pedal at the start of the returning operation of the accelerator pedal. The control device can switch among the types of control over the travel motor during the returning operation of the accelerator pedal, while suppressing a driver's sense of incongruity.
US09895998B2

A vehicle which includes a fuel cell, a receptacle, a lid, and a fixing pin, and which stores a detection of the open state during a period from a time point of a latest end of operation of the vehicle to a time point of input acceptance of a start-up instruction. If a detection of an open state has been stored in a memory at a time point of input acceptance of a start-up instruction, then the vehicle executes a retry operation of temporarily moving the fixing pin of the fixed position to the released position and thereafter moving the fixing pin again to the fixed position during an operating period of the vehicle from the time point of input acceptance of the start-up instruction.
US09895993B2

A state of charge indicator includes a first indication unit that provides an indicator display within a predetermined display range including first and second ends, according to an increase/decrease in a state of charge of a battery of a hybrid vehicle. In an EV traveling mode, the first indication unit allows the first and second ends to correspond respectively to an upper limit of a state of charge range directed to the EV traveling mode, and a first threshold that defines switching from the EV traveling mode to an HV traveling mode. In the HV traveling mode, the first indication unit allows the first and second ends to correspond respectively to a second threshold that defines switching from the HV traveling mode to the EV traveling mode, and a lower limit of a state of charge range directed to the HV traveling mode.
US09895991B2

A method and apparatus estimating a state of a battery are provided. A battery life estimation apparatus may charge a battery using a normal charge rate (C-rate) during a charging interval of a charging cycle and a low charge rate (C-rate) in a low-rate charging interval of the charging cycle, may compare a determined change in an electrical physical quantity of the battery over time to a reference curve, corresponding to a life of the battery, for an initial state of the battery, in the low-rate charging interval, and may estimate the life of the battery based on a result of the comparing.
US09895982B2

Disclosed are a vehicle driving system and method. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle driving system converts a voltage of a second battery section, which supplies power to electric parts inside a vehicle, into a voltage of a first battery section, which supplies power to an inverter for operating a motor through a converter; and supplies power having the converted voltage to a capacitor of the inverter when the vehicle starts so that the capacitor can be charged with the power. With this, the pre-charge circuit is removed from the battery system to thereby make the battery system inexpensive, small and light weight.
US09895980B2

A power converter has a series direct connection mode of keeping on/off of a plurality of switching elements to maintain the state where first and second DC power supplies different in amount of voltage change with respect to input/output of the same amount of electric power are connected in series with an electric power line connected to a load, and a voltage controlling mode of controlling an output voltage on the electric power line to be a voltage command value by controlling on/off of the plurality of switching elements. In the voltage controlling mode, between time tx and ta, the sum of voltages of the first and second DC power supplies is matched with the voltage command value by controlling the output voltage by means of charging/discharging between the first and second DC power supplies. After time ta, the series direct connection mode is applied.
US09895977B2

An article transport vehicle includes a transport vehicle main body, a first travel portion, a second travel portion, and power-receiving portions for receiving driving electric power without contact from one or more electricity supply lines. The first travel portion rotatably supports a transport vehicle main body. The second travel portion rotatably supports the transport vehicle main body. The power-receiving portions include a first power-receiving portion which is configured to be rotated integrally with the first travel portion, and a second power-receiving portion which is configured to be rotated integrally with the second travel portion.
US09895972B2

A wheelie suppressing device comprises a wheelie determiner section which detects a wheelie state; and a wheelie suppressing section which performs a wheelie suppressing control for suppressing an engine output when the wheelie determiner section has detected the wheelie state, wherein the wheelie suppressing control includes a first suppressing control for suppressing the engine output while performing fuel feeding and an ignition operation, and a second suppressing control for suppressing the engine output by performing the fuel feeding or the ignition operation at a reduced rate.
US09895960B2

A front defroster nozzle apparatus includes a retainer, and a guide fin. The retainer includes an inlet opening, an outlet port, and a retainer base. The retainer base is branched into two forked elements (i.e., first and second branches having a first outlet opening and a first inlet end and a second outlet opening and a second inlet end, respectively). The outlet port involving the first and second outlet openings has an outlet width of 400 mm or less that is larger than an opening width of the inlet opening. The first and second outlet openings have first and second opening widths being larger than first and second opening widths of the first and second inlet ends. The retainer base includes a throttled portion whose flow-passage cross-sectional area accounts for from 80% or less to 60% or more of a flow-passage cross-sectional area of the inlet opening.
US09895955B2

A method for protecting occupants in the passenger compartment of a parked motor vehicle from exposure to dangerously elevated temperatures and CO2 concentration levels is based on control of vehicle systems by a central microprocessor in communication with CO2 and temperature sensors and a wireless communication module. The method implements a graduated, progressive series of warnings and responses as the cabin temperature and/or CO2 concentration levels reach certain designated setpoints, so that security-compromising steps, such as opening windows, can be deferred until less extreme measures have been exhausted.
US09895953B2

A heat exchanger air control system is provided that utilizes a central heat exchanger and a pair of side-mounted heat exchangers, where the central heat exchanger is positioned forward of the side-mounted heat exchangers. The air outlet of the central heat exchanger is coupled to both the air inlet and the air outlet of each of the side-mounted heat exchangers using several air ducts through which air flow is controlled, thus allowing air flow throughout the system to be optimized based on the needs of the thermal systems coupled to the heat exchangers. A pair of fans, one adjacent to the outlet of each of the side-mounted heat exchangers, can be used to draw air through various combinations of the three heat exchangers.
US09895950B2

The present invention is a torsion beam suspension 100 including an upper member 10 and a lower member 20, and including right and left trailing arms 50 configured to include a pair of trailing arm configuration members 11 and the pair of lower members and configured to extend in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body and to be swingable in a vertical direction and a torsion beam 16 which is disposed between the right and left trailing arm configuration members of the upper member 10. The lower member includes an upper connection 21 and a beam joint portion 22 inclined from the upper connection 21 to a bottom portion of the U-shaped cross section of the torsion beam and joined with the torsion beam.
US09895940B2

The wheel includes a tire, a rim, two groups of supporting members. The tire is coupled to the rim. The groups of supporting members are oppositely positioned and received in the tire. Each group of supporting members are separately positioned from each other. The supporting members of each group are coupled to an inner surface of the tire by injection method. Central axes of the supporting members of each group are coincident or parallel. A central axis of each supporting member is coincident with or parallel to a central axis of a central axis of the tire.
US09895937B2

The invention relates to improving the endurance of the beads of a radial tire for a heavy vehicle of construction plant type by reducing the cracking that starts on the axially outer face of the turn-up and spreads through the polymer coating and filler materials. According to the invention, a transition element made of a polymer transition material, is in contact, via its axially inner face, with the polymer coating material of the axially outer face of the turn-up and, via its axially outer face, with the polymer filler material, and the elastic modulus at 10% elongation of the polymer transition material is somewhere between the respective elastic moduluses at 10% elongation of the polymer coating material and of the polymer filler material.
US09895936B2

A steel-cleated, all terrain tire has cleats that dynamically engage with changing road conditions, across slick ice and bridges, and while turning, breaking and accelerating on steep terrain. The tire design can provide stability and an enormous safety benefit in dangerous conditions, on demand, without the driver's intervention. The tire design can be used for military vehicles and aircraft, commercial jets, turboprop aircraft, heavy equipment, commercial diesel trucks, helicopters, law enforcement vehicles, fire and rescue vehicles, school buses, government vehicles, sport cars, and the like. The tire design include spring loaded cleats that can are spaced about and extend outward from the tire's surface. The spring load may be strong enough to permit the cleat to penetrate ice and the like, while not damaging asphalt or concrete roadways.
US09895930B2

The invention is a car jack that uses a threaded ring to raise a jack, and then a compressing nut that compresses opposing jaws to hold a vehicle axle in place as a car tire is replaced.
US09895926B2

The invention is directed to a vehicle wheel (1) comprising a fiber reinforced polymer rim (2) for receiving a tire at its radially outer side (3). The rim (2) comprises an outer rim flange (4), an outer rim seat (5), a frusto-conical plane (6) inclined at an angle a relative to the rotational axis (7) of the wheel of between 1 and 90 Q, an inner rim seat (8) and an inner rim flange (9). A wheel hub (10) is connected to the rim (2) via a metal support element (11). The support element (11) is connected with the rim (2) through at least one connecting element (12) which extends through a radially elongated opening (13) in the frusto conical plane (6) of the rim (2) and is received in the support element (11). The support element (11) may alternatively be connected with the rim (2) through at least three connecting elements (12) which extend through radially elongated openings (13) in the support element (11).
US09895923B2

Disclosed is a divider adhesion strip assembly that includes a sheet with a front side and a bottom side having a perimeter that is defined by a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge wherein the first edge is opposite the second edge and the third edge is opposite the fourth edge. A first laminate strip portion may be adhered to the front side of the divider sheet. The first laminate strip portion is positioned along the first edge of the sheet and extends between the third edge and the fourth edge. A plurality of apertures may be aligned adjacent the second edge of the sheet. A tab member having indicia thereon and an adhesive portion may be provided wherein the adhesive portion is configured to adhere to the first laminate strip portion such that the indicia extends past the perimeter of the sheet.
US09895911B2

When trial printing is executed in a repeat printing mode, trial printing is performed in size of an image of one piece in a layout in which a plurality of images are supposed to be printed in the repeat printing mode normally. A user who has checked a finished state of the trial printing sets, when the finished state is in a desired state, the recording paper on which the trial printing is performed to the paper feed portion again and executes the repeat printing. Thereby, in a blank space excluding a print image which is printed with a first time trial printing, a scheduled quantity of a plurality of images are repeatedly printed.
US09895909B2

In accordance with an embodiment, a printer comprises a label holding section configured to hold a label roll formed by winding a belt-shaped label on the back surface of which an adhesive layer activated through heating at a temperature lower than a thermal color developing temperature of a printing surface is arranged without a mount; a cutting section configured to sandwich the label from the printing surface side and the adhesive layer side to cut it; and a printing section configured to be arranged at the downstream side of a label conveyance direction with respect to the cutting section and print on the printing surface of the label through a thermal head.
US09895904B2

A recording method includes applying a white ink containing a white material and a first resin onto a predetermined region of a recording medium, and applying a reaction liquid containing a reaction agent onto at least the predetermined region. Further, the recording method includes applying a clear ink containing a second resin onto at least the predetermined region, and the application of the white ink and the clear ink are performed while the white ink and the clear ink are both wet; and/or the white ink further contains the second resin. When either the first resin and water, or the second resin and water, is mixed with an aqueous solution of magnesium sulfate, the average particle size of the first resin increases more than the second resin.
US09895896B2

Disclosed herein are methods for reducing drooling, wetting or adhesion on a front face of an inkjet printhead configured for ejecting aqueous ink. The methods including disposing an anti-wetting, low adhesion coating onto a surface of the inkjet printhead front face, wherein the anti-wetting, low adhesion coating is a reaction product of a reactant mixture including a triisocyanante and a perfluoropolyether diol compound having an ethyoxylated spacer; and ejecting a drop of an aqueous ink having a surfactant from the printhead, wherein the aqueous ink drop exhibits a contact angle of greater than about 40° and a sliding angle of less than about 30° with a surface of the coating on the inkjet printhead front face.
US09895893B2

A control unit 6 of a printer 1 determines the combination of conditions of regular flushing that ejects ink into a maintenance unit 5, and onto-paper flushing that ejects ink onto printing paper P, based on the set print mode. To achieve the dot density defined by the selected combination, flushing dots Df are added to the input data 10 to be printed and are printed. When printing, regular flushing is executed at the frequency and strength determined by the selected combination of conditions.
US09895890B2

There is provided an ink jet recording apparatus that can correct bending of an ink jet head with a compact structure. First supporting frames 122 that support ink jet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, and 110K and second supporting frames 170 that support a part of ink supply sections supplying ink to the ink jet heads 110C, 110M, 110Y, and 110K are mounted on a mount 300. The first supporting frames 122 are mounted on the mount 300 while both end portions of the first supporting frames 122 in a longitudinal direction are supported. Each of the second supporting frames 170 is provided with a bending correction mechanism 340 that applies a pressing force to the first supporting frame 122 to correct the bending of the first supporting frame 122.
US09895879B2

A semiconductor device includes, an anti-fuse element, a transistor connected via the anti-fuse element to a power source terminal which may apply a voltage to the anti-fuse element, an ESD protection element connected to the power source terminal via a node, and a first resistive element disposed in an electric path between the node and the anti-fuse element, wherein resistance of the first resistive element increases with an increase of a voltage applied to the first resistive element.
US09895873B2

A method of adjusting a machine (1) for printing plate elements (12) equipped with at least one rotary impression cylinder (27) includes the steps of measuring a speed of the element (12, 13) passing through the machine (1), generating an operating signal (34) as a function of the measured speed and a tangential speed of the cylinder (27), and adjusting an operating speed of the machine (1) as a function of the signal generated so that the operating speed of the machine (1) is such that the speed of the element (12, 13) is substantially equal to the tangential speed of the cylinder (27).
US09895866B2

Disclosed are an anisotropic organic thin film and its manufacturing method. The method includes steps of depositing a mixed solution including an ionic liquid and a polymerizable material on a substrate; separating positive ions from negative ions in the ionic liquid, so that the polymerizable material is aligned; polymerizing the aligned polymerizable material, so that an aligned first thin film is obtained after cured; and depositing liquid crystal molecules on the first thin film, and polymerizing the liquid crystal molecules to form a second thin film, wherein the second thin film is aligned in a way that matches with the first thin film, and the first thin film and the second thin film constituent the anisotropic organic thin film.
US09895859B2

Provided are a two-color molding method, and a two-color molded article capable of suppressing deterioration of the appearance quality which is caused by resin shrinkage or resin deformation in the two-color molding. The two-color molding method includes: molding a first resin portion by a common die and a primary die; and molding a second resin portion integrally with the first resin portion by the common die and a secondary die. An abutting portion is molded on an edge of the first resin portion to protrude toward the secondary die when the first resin portion is molded, and a distal end surface of the abutting portion is maintained to be abutted on a cavity surface or a parting surface of the secondary die when the second resin portion is molded. The deformation of the abutting portion or the first resin portion is suppressed to suitably mold the second resin portion.
US09895855B2

A tire is described that includes a casing defining a cavity and equipped to receive an object, such as an electronic circuit, for example, through use of a two-part attachment, such as a touch-close attachment, of which a first part is fixed to a wall of the casing and a second part can be joined to the first part when placed in contact with the first part to keep the object on the casing in a service position. The first part of the attachment includes connection elements that are an integral part of the wall of the casing of the tire. The connection elements allow these two parts to have freedom to move relative to each other, thereby limiting the transmission of stresses, which affect the wall of the tire, to the object. The connection elements may be loops of flexible thread formed by the extremities of turns of a coiled thread integrated into the wall of the tire during the tire's manufacture.
US09895841B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for determining 3D printing customizations for a user. One of the methods includes receiving data indicating a selection of a product design by a user for creation of a three-dimensional product that includes a plurality of attributes, determining a style which includes values for some of the plurality of attributes and that is associated with the user, for each of the plurality of attributes determining whether the style includes a value for the respective attribute, and upon determining that the style includes a value for the respective attribute, customizing the product design using the value for the respective attribute, or upon determining that the style does not include a value for the respective attribute, customizing the product design using a default value for the respective attribute, and providing data for the customized product design for the three-dimensional product.
US09895826B2

Preform (1) or preform assembly for blow molding a container (23), wherein the preform of preform assembly has a neck portion (4), a lid element (16) being provided at the neck portion, an opening extending into the neck portion, providing access to an internal space of the preform or preform assembly. Method for blow molding a container. Container blown from a preform or preform assembly.
US09895821B2

In a web cutting device, a web held by pads has a section between mutually adjacent pads that is sandwiched between an anvil and a blade edge of a cutter and cut. A stop member is fixed in a rotating member. The cutter is biased by a biasing member and comes in contact with the stop member. The stop member obstructs travel by the cutter towards the outside in the radial direction of the rotating member, when the cutter comes in contact with the stop member. The biasing member biases the cutter to the outside in the radial direction of the rotating member and causes the cutter to come in contact with the stop member, by using a predetermined biasing force, and allows the cutter to retreat when the reaction force acting on the cutter is greater than the predetermined biasing force.
US09895819B1

Aspects of continuous feed fabric cutting are described. In one example, a system includes a textile cutter having a cutting table and a laser cutting assembly. The laser cutting assembly includes a set of laser cut modules arranged in a row to provide a combined laser cutting span across at least a portion of the cutting table. The laser cut modules provide respective laser cutting spans which, collectively, form the combined laser cutting span across the cutting table. As a textile sheet is fed across the cutting table of the textile cutter, one or more textile panels or pieces of fabric can be cut out from the textile sheet using laser beams along the region where the textile sheet intersects or crosses the combined laser cutting span. The laser cutting assembly can provide continuous cutting as a sheet is being fed across the cutting table.
US09895817B2

A shaver that includes a handle with an elongated handgrip portion and a mounting portion, and a shaver head attached to the mounting portion. A removable cartridge is attached to the shaver head through a rotating lock. The rotating lock is adapted to rotate about an axis parallel to the length of the blades of the cartridge, thus defining a neutral position and a rotated position. The rotating lock in the neutral position attaches the cartridge to the shaver head, and the rotating lock in the rotated position releases the cartridge from the shaver head.
US09895808B2

A robot configured to navigate a surface, the robot comprising a movement mechanism; a logical map representing data about the surface and associating locations with one or more properties observed during navigation; an initialization module configured to establish an initial pose comprising an initial location and an initial orientation; a region covering module configured to cause the robot to move so as to cover a region; an edge-following module configured to cause the robot to follow unfollowed edges; a control module configured to invoke region covering on a first region defined at least in part based at least part of the initial pose, to invoke region covering on least one additional region, to invoke edge-following, and to invoke region covering cause the mapping module to mark followed edges as followed, and cause a third region covering on regions discovered during edge-following.
US09895803B1

Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for calculating a trajectory corridor for a robot end effector. In some implementations, a seed path may be determined between first and second sites that is traversable by a reference point associated with an end effector of a robot. Then, a trajectory corridor may be calculated that encompasses and expands the seed path. In some implementations, a plurality of candidate paths may be determined through the trajectory corridor that are traversable by the reference point. In some implementations, a candidate path that satisfies a criterion may be selected.
US09895795B2

A multi-purpose tool operated by a user for storing, opening, cutting, clamping and holding of articles is provided. The multi-purpose tool includes a first shear, a second shear movably coupled to the first shear at a pivot point and a ratchet extending from each finger grip. Each shear includes a finger grip, cutting edges, tines and gripping tips. Further, the multi-purpose tool includes ratchet extending from respective finger grips. Each ratchet having a plurality of ratchet teeth defined therein, the ratchets extending towards each other. The first cutting edge and the second cutting edge are adapted for extending around the article in a firm grip by engagement of the ratchets in order to clamp the article between the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge.
US09895790B2

A multi-abrasive tool is constituted by a support on which abrasive elements are present. Such abrasive elements are arranged in a manner so as to form one or more paths along which the successive abrasive elements have grain size sequentially increasing or decreasing by an arbitrary quantity when passing from on element to the next. Such principle gives rise to abrasive tools with different conformation both for polishing machines and for grindstones. For roto-orbital and planetary polishing machines, and optionally orbital, such support is circular and the grain sequence is circumferential, or radial, or in both directions. A first tool is constituted by contiguous (or non-contiguous) circular rings, that are differently abrasive. A second tool comprises differently abrasive elements arranged along the circular peripheral edge. A third tool comprises differently abrasive elements arranged along a spiral path of 360° starting from the edge. A fourth tool comprises two 180° spiral paths with reversed roughness sequences. A fourth tool comprises pairs of differently abrasive small cylinders fixed to a plate on concentric circumferences. A fifth tool is obtained directly on the plate of the polishing machine by means of reliefs and spacers for fixing differently abrasive sectors. For linear polishing machines, the abrasive support is a belt along which differently abrasive rectangular or oblique zones follow each other. For alternative polishing machines, the abrasive support is a plate shaped like the aforesaid belt. For tools to use with grindstones, the multi-abrasive element has a cylindrical rotation symmetry, or conical with rounded tip, or spherical symmetry.
US09895789B2

A polycrystalline diamond composite compact element comprises a body of polycrystalline diamond material and a cemented carbide substrate bonded to the body of polycrystalline material. The cemented carbide substrate has tungsten carbide particles bonded together by a binder material comprising an alloy of Co, Ni and Cr. The tungsten carbide particles form between 70 weight percent and 95 weight percent of the substrate. The binder material comprises between about 10 to 50 wt. % Ni, between about 0.1 to 10 wt. % Cr, and the remainder weight percent comprising Co. The size distribution of the tungsten carbide particles in the substrate has fewer than 17 percent of the carbide particles with a grain size of equal to or less than about 0.3 microns, between about 20 to 28 percent of the tungsten carbide particles having a grain size of between about 0.3 to 0.5 microns; between about 42 to 56 percent of the tungsten carbide particles having a grain size of between about 0.5 to 1 microns; less than about 12 percent of the tungsten carbide particles being greater than 1 micron; and the mean grain size of the tungsten carbide particles is about 0.6+0.2 microns.
US09895786B2

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a sharpener for sharpening a snow/ice travel member such as a skate blade, a ski or a snowboard, which includes a sharpening surface that is movable lengthwise along an edge face of the item to be sharpened. The sharpening surface may be movable lengthwise by means of a motor and a reciprocating mechanism, or may be manually moved by a user.
US09895783B2

A vehicle wheel positioning device, including a frame, a jacking cylinder and two sliding sleeves fixed on a bottom plate, the outputting end of the jacking cylinder is connected with a top plate, and a belt pulley connected to a servo motor via a shaft. A vehicle wheel may be positioned via the top plate during a vehicle wheel finish turning automation processing, without switching programs for automation production of the wheel with different wheel widths and different offset distances.
US09895781B2

An apparatus for mounting a coordinate positioning apparatus accessory, such as a tool setter, to the workpiece mounting surface of a coordinate positioning apparatus, the workpiece mounting surface having a slot formed in it. The apparatus includes an insert for inserting into the slot of the workpiece mounting surface, and a mount attachable to a coordinate positioning apparatus accessory. The insert includes structure to fix the insert within the slot; the insert is substantially contained within the slot when inserted therein. The mount includes at least one protruding member for engaging the insert when contained within the slot, thereby fixing the mount, and therefore any coordinate positioning apparatus accessory attached to the mount, to the workpiece mounting surface of the coordinate positioning apparatus.
US09895780B2

A combined working machine includes a base frame having a sloped surface, a first headstock installed on the sloped surface, a first main spindle rotatably provided on the first headstock, a second headstock installed on the sloped surface oppositely to the first headstock, a second main spindle provided on the second headstock, a tool head installed on the sloped surface on one side of the first headstock, a tool head provided in the tool head and having a tool attachment base to which a cutting tool is attached, a grinding head installed on the sloped surface on another side of the first headstock, and a grinding head body provided in the grinding head and supports a rotatable rotary shaft. A grinding wheel for grinding is exchangeably attached to the rotary shaft of the grinding head. According to the combined working machine, cutting and grinding can be carried out concurrently.
US09895779B2

The present disclosure provides radial springs that control radial forces between adjacent concentric components. The radial springs may be configured for placement between the adjacent concentric components. The radial springs may include a base member, support members extending from the base member, and resilient members extending from the base members. The resilient members may extend radially, axially, at an angle relative to the axis, or a combination thereof, and may be radially deformable. The resilient members may exert radial forces substantially uniformly radially inward or outward in use. The resilient members may be leaf type members or cantilever type members. The support members and resilient members may be provided on a radially inward or outward side of the base member. The methods of installing and uninstalling radial springs may include engaging the resilient members with a tool and radially deforming the resilient members to engage or disengage the radial spring from an adjacent concentric component.
US09895772B2

A method of removing material from an opposite side of workpiece includes directing a laser beam at a first side of the workpiece to remove the material from an opposite second side of the workpiece.
US09895770B2

A system for automatically inspecting and trimming a ceramic patch antenna includes an inspection apparatus electrically connected to a radio frequency component testing fixture. The inspection apparatus is inputted standard parameters of electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna. The ceramic patch antenna is arranged on the radio frequency component testing fixture. Then, the inspection apparatus is configured to measure electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna and to judge whether the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are the same as the standard parameters or not. The inspection apparatus is configured to drive a trimming machine for trimming a radiation metal surface of the ceramic patch antenna if the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are different from the stand parameters.
US09895764B2

A resistance spot welding system includes a calculation unit that calculate and store a time variation of an instantaneous amount of heat generated, a division unit that divides a current pattern into a plurality of steps and stores a time variation of the instantaneous amount of heat generated and a cumulative amount of heat generated for each step as a target value, and an adaptive control unit that starts welding upon subsequent actual welding using, as a standard, a time variation curve of the instantaneous amount of heat generated that is stored as the target value, and adjusts welding current and voltage during welding, when a time variation amount of an instantaneous amount of heat generated deviates during any step from the time variation curve by a difference, so as to compensate for the difference during a remaining welding time in the step.
US09895762B2

Embodiments of the present invention are wire feeders and wire feeder cable connections which include a power block portion, a cable connection portion and a liner guide assembly portion. The liner guide assembly portion and power block portion are structured and assembly so that a liner guide can be removed from a welding cable from inside the wire feeder, without removing the cable connector from the wire feeder.
US09895761B2

A wireless control system (10) for a welding system (12) including an electrical control interface (18). The control system (10) may generally comprise a foot pedal (14) and a receiver (16). The foot pedal (14) may include a pivotable housing (20), a sensing element (22) operable to sense a position of the pivotable housing (20) and provide a corresponding pedal position signal, and a transmitter (24) operable to wirelessly transmit the pedal position signal. The receiver (16) may include an antenna (36) operable to wirelessly receive the pedal position signal generated by the foot pedal (14), a processor (38) operable to process the received pedal position signal, and a connector (40) operable to connect with the electrical control interface (18) associated with the welding system (12) to provide the processed pedal position signal thereto.
US09895738B2

A knuckle bracket includes a bracket main body that has an inner peripheral shape along a tube of a shock absorber and a pair of attachment parts that are formed to protrude parallel to each other. The apparatus for manufacturing the knuckle bracket includes a width molding machine that molds a width of the pair of attachment parts in a state where the workpiece is supported on a support shaft, and a hole punching machine that machines attachment holes into the pair of attachment parts in a state where the workpiece is supported on the support shaft. The workpiece is transported from the width molding machine to the hole punching machine by moving the workpiece along the support shaft until the workpiece is above the die after the support shaft is raised and then lowering the support shaft until the support shaft abuts a top surface of the die.
US09895735B2

A method and a device are provided for joining the ends of strips with two or more surfaces arranged flat on top of each other, more particularly metal sheets that can be coiled, in order to draw these successively through a treatment or machining system. It is provided that the strip ends are joined by means of a plurality of eyelets arranged essentially transversally to the strip direction, wherein initially all holes are simultaneously punched in a first stroke and then all eyelets are pressed in a second stroke. The device has a clamping device and a machining unit, which has a working tool with a plurality of punching and pressing tools, wherein the working tool and a die are displaceable by the distance between two neighboring individual tools and wherein above the punching and pressing tools, a pressing device is provided.
US09895722B2

A method of removing an unwanted constituent from a siliceous surface in which the method includes contacting the siliceous surface and the unwanted constituent with a multi-functional composition that includes water, a hydrophilic silane, and a surfactant, and drying the surface.
US09895701B2

A shower water rotating structure includes a main body having a water inlet and water outlet, and a rotating disk, pinion, water inclining support, impeller and rotors arranged top to bottom inside the main body; the water inclining support has inclined water inlet adapted to guide water flow to impact the impeller to rotate the impeller configured with a drive gear adapted to drive the pinion to rotate; the pinion is configured with a guide rod adapted to drive the rotating disk to rotate; the rotating disk is distributed radially with guide grooves for the staged matching with the guide rod; and a lower part of rotating disk is configured with a gear adapted to drive the rotors having an inclined water hole and capable of being rotated in the water outlet of the main body, thereby realize spray having a pulsating rotating water effect.
US09895697B2

[Problem] To resolve segregation of grinding media to thereby enable a large-flow-rate circulation operation while reducing wear of an agitating member and a grinding media separating member. [Solution] In a media-agitation type pulverizer, the agitating means comprises: a circular plate-shaped hub member (26) fixed to an end of a rotary drive shaft located inside a grinding chamber, wherein the rotary drive shaft extends front the side of one end of the grinding chamber into the grinding chamber; an annular end plate (28) disposed in spaced-apart relation to the hub member in an axial direction of the rotary drive shaft; a plurality of agitating members (30) fixed between the hub member and the end plate at circumferential intervals, in a posture where each of them protrudes radially outwardly from respective outer peripheries of the hub member and the end plate; and a plurality of grinding media scraping-out members (31) each extending radially inwardly with respect to the outer peripheries of the hub member and the end plate, wherein an open region as a part of an outer periphery of the agitating means other than thicknesses of the agitating members and the grinding media scraping-out members is formed as a grinding media circulation opening (22a) for circulating the grinding media from an inside to an outside of the agitating means, and wherein an area ratio of the grinding media circulation opening to a circumferential plane between opposing surfaces of the hub member and the end plate of the agitating means is set to 50 to 90%.
US09895691B2

According to one embodiment, an analysis package, including a board, an analysis chip provided on the board, the chip including a detector for detecting a particle, a flow channel of a sample liquid, and a liquid receiver of the sample liquid, a first mold layer provided on the analysis chip, the first mold layer including an opening above the liquid receiver, and a second mold layer provided on the board and the first mold layer, the second mold layer including an opening above the opening of the first mold layer, wherein the respective openings of the first and second mold layers are connected above the liquid receiver to allow the sample liquid to be introduced into the liquid receiver from outside.
US09895690B2

Provided is a microfluidic chip, which comprises a substrate and a cover sheet, wherein a microreactor array is arranged on the substrate and comprises at least one main channel (401) and at least two micro cells (402) connected to the main channel (401). The microfluidic chip also comprises at least one local temperature control device, which is used for heating the main channel (401) or cooling the micro cells (402). The use of the microfluidic chip ensures uniformity and independency of the micro cells (402). Also provided is an application of the microfluidic chip in biological detection or medical inspection.
US09895666B2

A method for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising a porous support and a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method includes the steps of applying a polar solution comprising a polyfunctional amine monomer and a non-polar solution comprising a polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of a porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer. The method is characterized by including a substituted benzamide monomer within the non-polar solution.
US09895661B2

The invention discloses a process and device for desulfurization-denitration of a flue gas. A desulfurization-denitration solution is used in an absorption tower to absorb sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides from the flue gas or various combustion tail (waste) gases. The desulfurization-denitration solution with absorbed sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides releases the sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides by heating and/or gas stripping and/or vacuum regeneration in a regeneration tower. The released sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxides are further concentrated into a sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxide product with a higher purity in a concentration tower. The regenerated desulfurization-denitration solution is recycled for use. The process and device have a wide range of industrial applications, and can be used for desulfurization and/or denitration of flue gases, incineration gases, coke-oven gases, synthetic waste gases from dyestuff plants, pollutant gases discharged from chemical fiber plants and other industrial raw material gases or waste gases containing SOx.
US09895657B2

A high-efficiency method for removing sulfur and mercury of coal-fired flue gas, and an apparatus thereof. The method comprises: activating, by using water vapor, lime or Ca(OH)2 used as a sulfur removal and mercury removal absorbent and mixing the lime or Ca(OH)2 with flue gas; conveying, by using water vapor, part of a by-product to a top of a reaction tower and mixing the part of the by-product with the flue gas, so as to strengthen the sulfur removal and mercury removal effect; the flue gas entering a bag type or electric bag compound dust remover after sulfur removal and mercury removal in the reaction tower, and conveying part of the collected by-product to the reaction tower for cycle use.
US09895655B2

A drying apparatus housing head for compressed air is connected to a housing wherein a diaphragm filter includes an inlet for humid compressed air and an outlet for dried compressed air. The inlet transitions into an inner pipe surrounded by a housing section. The outlet transitions into a ring-shaped chamber formed between an outer side of the inner pipe and an inner side of the housing. A valve ring guide of a main body surrounds the inner pipe and is held immovably, and a ring-shaped rolling diaphragm is arranged in the chamber, held at the outer side thereof and connected at the inner side thereof to a valve ring which surrounds the valve ring guide and moves along a longitudinal axis. The valve ring guide has a duct through which dry compressed air is conducted in the direction of the diaphragm filter and is closed off by the valve ring.
US09895649B2

A high solids magnesium hydroxide slurry may be provided. The slurry may include a magnesium hydroxide compound and a carbohydrate-based viscosity control agent. The slurry may further include sea water as at least a portion of the liquid component. The high solids magnesium hydroxide slurry may be utilized in connection with exhaust scrubber systems for removing SOx and NOx compounds from exhaust gas emissions.
US09895644B2

Provided are a method and to a wet scrubber for removing particles from gas. The wet scrubber includes a second vertical cylindrical vessel having a second upper end for receiving an accelerated stream of liquid- and particles-laden gas from a vertically oriented venturi channel and a second lower end for feeding the accelerated stream of liquid- and particles-laden gas to a swirl generator. The second vertical cylindrical vessel and the swirl generator are arranged in a vertical cylindrical separation space of a first vertical cylindrical vessel. The swirl generator is arranged above the liquid tank.
US09895631B2

A method comprising forming an antifoam solution comprising an antifoam and a base stock. The antifoam solution is sheared with a shear device to produce a sheared antifoam solution. The sheared antifoam solution has a maximum particle size less than about 1 micron.
US09895621B1

The invention is a multi-directional reactive pendulum object that is intended to be attached to any moving object such as the dashboard of a motor vehicle. The object is put into motion by the movement of the vehicle causing a pendulum to swing. The pendulum operates two levers that are on pivots which are perpendicular to each other. The object entertains occupants by mimicking the actions of the movement of the vehicle (i.e. turning left, right, stopping, accelerating). Placed on top of the pendulum object will be a toy consisting of various characters, models, or artistic renderings of existing items such as a car, motorcycle, or airplane.
US09895603B2

Systems and methods for designing and selling a user-generated game offered for sale via an online retail platform are provided. A user can input user-specified game information via a computing device over a network instructions for the development of the components of a game are automatically created based at least in part on the user-specified game information. Moreover, the systems and methods may further include transmitting the instructions for the development of the components of the game to an online retail platform, print on demand manufacturing the game, and thereafter offering the game for sale or rent via the online retail platform.
US09895592B2

A baseball or softball protective facial mask worn like a pair of sunglasses or glasses without the inconvenience of straps. The protective facial mask having a protective frame assembly encompassing a wearer's face to reduce facial injuries. A set of ear extension components coupled to the protective frame assembly extend over or around a wearer's ears. The ear extension components having a non-slip silicon material to hold said protective facial mask in place to a wearer's head. A set of ear padding implements is disposed on an inner area of said ear extension components to dampen any force focused towards the wearer's ears. A nose bridge having a non-slip rubberized material helps support a weight of the protective facial mask.
US09895588B2

A ball bat includes a barrel in which one or more stiffening elements are located. The stiffening element may be positioned at a variety of locations, and may have a variety of configurations, for selectively limiting the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the bat's moment of inertia. In one configuration, the stiffening element includes two radially outer flanges, a radially inner flange, and two web members connecting the outer flanges to the inner flange. The radially outer surfaces of the radially outer flanges contact, and may be affixed to, the inner surface of the barrel wall.
US09895583B2

Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, the method of manufacturing a golf club head may include providing a body portion and providing a plurality of weight portions. The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with an outer surface curve, and a weight port region located at or proximate to the bottom portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09895569B2

A garment that generates resistance against body movement that can be used during exercise, during everyday activities, or during rehabilitation therapy. The garment includes bands providing resistance against the movement of an associated limb. The garment includes a structure to secure the garment to a user during activity.
US09895566B2

A device for performing ankle-based inversion therapy, based on the method established by gravity boots. The device includes a mounting component at its top which enables attachment to support bars, while the primary loop of the device is adjustable in size and conforms to the ankle. A handle and extension are used to enter the inverted posture and to open the primary loop upon exit. Grip loops on the outside of the primary loop are used to manipulate the device with opposite toes during use.
US09895562B2

A fire hose coupling, such as a quarter-turn Storz-style coupling, comprises a substantially annular body having a first end connected to a fire hose and a second end having internal engagement lugs for connecting to lugs on another coupling. The coupling includes at least one locking lever movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the lever locking the annular body of the coupling to the other coupling. The one or more locking levers comprise a light-reflecting surface to improve visibility of the lever. This facilitates assembly and disassembly of the couplings in conditions of poor visibility.
US09895538B1

Methods for identifying responders to paresthesia-free stimulation therapy, and associated systems are disclosed. A representative method comprises implanting a pair of spinal cord signal delivery devices and connecting an external signal generator thereto. A plurality of the electrical contacts are simultaneously activated with a high frequency signal without causing paresthesia in the patient, wherein the electrical contacts would cause paresthesia in the patient if activated with a low frequency signal. The high frequency signal is in a range of from about 3 kHz to about 20 kHz and an amplitude of less than 4 mA. If the patient responds favorably, a signal generator is implanted in the patient. A second high frequency signal is then applied to fewer than the plurality of electrical contacts.
US09895528B2

A hologram chip may be programmed to emit and/or augment energy tuned to interact with bodily functions through transdermal contact. The chip may be programmed by using a pair of Tesla pancake coils, each coupled to a spherical electrode and driven to create an energetic field between the electrodes. Embodiments may include systems that include the programmed hologram chip in a fabric body. The systems may be wearable so that the effects of the programmed chip may be applied to selected areas of the human body. Some embodiments may be useful for augmenting healing of ailments.
US09895522B2

A cell culture transferring instrument includes a cylindrical body held by an operator not shown in the drawing, a plunger inserted through the interior of the cylindrical body, a plurality of support members connected to a distal end of the plunger, and an adsorbent capable of adsorbing a sheet-shaped cell culture held by the support members. The support members in contact with the distal end of the cylindrical body are elastically deformed by displacing the plunger toward the proximal end side with respect to the cylindrical body in a state in which the sheet-shaped cell culture is adsorbed to the adsorbent, whereby the adsorbent and the sheet-shaped cell culture are deformed and housed in a housing hole in the cylindrical body.
US09895513B2

A hub of a catheter has a first tapered portion in which an inner diameter is reduced toward a distal direction from a proximal opening portion, a second tapered portion in which an inner diameter is reduced at a ratio greater than that of the first tapered portion from a distal end of the first tapered portion toward the distal direction, and a third tapered portion in which an inner diameter is reduced at a ratio smaller than that of the second tapered portion from a distal end of the second tapered portion toward the distal direction.
US09895502B2

A medical device has a first controller that has a control section responsible for sequence control of a device and is for controlling the medical device, a second controller that operates if a failure occurs in the first controller, and an alarm that makes a notification output based on exclusive OR between notification outputs of the first controller and the second controller. The second controller, after acquiring the notification output of the first controller, outputs its own notification output as it is if the notification output of the first controller is in an OFF state, or inverts its own notification output so as to output an inversion result if the notification output of the first controller is in an ON state.
US09895500B2

A medicine accommodating structure includes a medicine accommodating unit and a movable unit. The medicine accommodating unit is disposed in a receiving space, and the medicine accommodating unit includes a medicine accommodating space and a first opening communicated between the receiving space and the medicine accommodating space. The movable unit is movably disposed between the receiving space and the medicine accommodating space through the first opening. At least one pharmaceutical capsule having a medicinal liquid received therein is placed inside the medicine accommodating space. Whereby, when the movable unit is moved from the receiving space into the medicine accommodating space, the movable unit can pierce into the at least one pharmaceutical capsule, such that the medicinal liquid can flow from the at least one pharmaceutical capsule into the receiving space.
US09895499B2

A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.
US09895479B2

A water management system for use in dialysis. The water management system includes apparatuses to generate purified water, and a reservoir for storing the purified water. The reservoir can be connected to a dialysate flow loop and the purified water can be generated, stored, and used for later cleaning and disinfection of the dialysis flow loop and the components thereon.
US09895473B2

In one embodiment, system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration includes a housing having a first port adapted for connection to a vacuum source and a second port adapted for connection with an aspiration catheter, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the housing, a measurement device coupled to the pressure sensor and configured for measuring deviations in fluid pressure, and a communication device coupled to the measurement device and configured to generate an alert signal when a deviation in fluid pressure measured by the measurement device exceeds a pre-set threshold. In another embodiment, the system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration further includes a vacuum source for connection to the first port and an aspiration catheter having an aspiration lumen for connection to the second port.
US09895472B2

A negative pressure wound therapy system with exudate level detection through photoelectric total internal reflection, includes: a negative pressure wound therapy device; a fluid collection canister for collecting exudates, where a side wall of the fluid collection canister protrudes outward to form a protrusion, an angle θ formed by two planes where two opposite sides of the protrusion are located respectively is greater than 97.2 degrees and smaller than 180 degrees; and at least one detecting module, including: a transmitting unit arranged at one side of the protrusion; a receiving unit arranged at the other side of the protrusion; and a detection control unit, adapted to determine, according to a determination of whether the receiving unit receives the electromagnetic wave or ultrasonic wave signal transmitted by the transmitting unit, whether there exit exudates where the detecting unit is located.
US09895467B2

This disclosure relates compositions comprising upconverting nanocrystals and photoactive compositions and methods using these compositions to modify treat myopia and other ocular conditions. In some cases, the methods use near infrared irradiation to adjust the refractive power of light adjustable ocular lenses. Other methods improve the mechanical strength of the sclera directly.
US09895461B2

The present disclosure is generally related to devices, methods and systems for cleaning, disinfecting and/or sterilizing a medical device, medical hoses and tubes and accessories thereof with ozone gas, in particular the disclosure relates to devices, methods and systems with multiple receptacles for providing closed-loop fluid pathways to distribute ozone gas to inner passageways and the outer compartments of medical devices. The devices in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure have two or more receptacles for distributing ozone gas, a gas-tight compartment, an ozone operating system, and one or more connector units configured to fluidly migrate ozone in closed-loop treatment systems.
US09895459B2

An ultraviolet ray emitting package includes: a substrate having an upper portion defining a recess; an ultraviolet ray emitting element provided within the recess of the substrate; an ultraviolet ray transmitting window member provided on the upper portion of the substrate to cover the recess of the substrate; a resin adhesive layer provided between the upper portion of the substrate and the ultraviolet ray transmitting window member; and an optical shielding layer provided between the resin adhesive layer and the ultraviolet ray transmitting window member.
US09895433B2

Mutant Listeria bacteria that modulate interferon-β production are provided. The subject bacteria are characterized by having a mutation in a gene chosen from a TetR gene, a LadR gene, a VirR gene, a MarR gene a MdrL gene, a MdrT gene and a MdrM gene. The subject bacteria find use in a variety of applications, where representative applications of interest include, but are not limited to: (a) use of the subject bacteria as adjuvants; (b) use of the subject bacteria as delivery vectors for introducing macromolecules into a cell; (c) use of the subject bacteria as vaccines for eliciting or boosting a cellular immune response; etc.
US09895421B2

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, which contains a mixture of extracts of Stemonae Radix, Asparagi Tuber, Scutellariae Radix, Schisandrae Fructus, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Armeniacae Semen, and Moutan Cortex Radicis, for suppressing the occurrence of inflammatory bowel diseases due to cigarette smoke, a method for preventing or treating inflammatory bowel diseases, a method for suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines by using the composition, and to a food composition, which contains a mixture of extracts of Stemonae Radix, Asparagi Tuber, Scutellariae Radix, Schisandrae Fructus, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Armeniacae Semen, and Moutan Cortex Radicis, for preventing or ameliorating inflammatory bowel diseases due to cigarette smoke. The pharmaceutical composition, according to the present invention, contains the mixture of extracts of Stemonae Radix, Asparagi Tuber, Scutellariae Radix, Schisandrae Fructus, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata, Armeniacae Semen, and Moutan Cortex Radicis, thereby reducing the level of MMP12 expression that is known to destroy IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1, which are inflammatory cytokines that accompany the inflammatory bowel diseases, elastin, and collagen, and thus can be widely used in developing a safe and effective inflammatory bowel disease treating agent.
US09895418B2

Methods of treating peripheral vascular disease comprising administering a protein solution site of a defect at least two proteins from the group IL-1ra, sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, IGF-I, EGF, HGF, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB, VEGF, TGF-β1, and sIL-1RII. The solution may also comprise white blood cells, platelets, concentrated bone marrow aspirate, and combinations thereof.
US09895417B2

The invention relates to a derivative of a FGF21 protein having a cysteine residue at a position corresponding to position 167, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175 and in particular position 180 or position 181 of mature human FGF21 and derivatives thereof having a side chain attached to this cysteine. The FGF21 derivatives of the invention display high potency towards the FGF receptors. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such FGF21 derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, as well as the medical use of the FGF21 derivatives.
US09895416B2

The invention relates to variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fusions of FGF19 and/or FGF21, and variants or fusions of FGF19 and/or FGF21 proteins and peptide sequences (and peptidomimetics), having one or more activities, such as bile acid homeostasis modulating activity, and methods for and uses in treatment of bile acid and other disorders.
US09895411B2

Materials and methods for treating and preventing an infection or disease, and for directly killing microorganisms, using carboxy-terminal C5a analogs, are provided.
US09895409B2

Provided is a gastritis and gastric ulcer-treating agent, which is prepared and developed by processing solar salt and bamboo tree into heat-treated purple salt, in which the heat-treated salt, which is prepared by firstly heat-treating mineral rich solar salt and bamboo tree at a high temperature, that is, 1,100° C. or more; and two or more time repeating the heat-treating of the first heat-treated salt and bamboo tree under the above-described conditions, includes a large amount of hydrogen sulfide-producing material and has a purple color, and when the heat-treated salt is used along with aspirin, the heat-treated salt has an excellent effect on preventing stomach damage, thereby significantly reducing bleeding, ulcer, and the damage of mucous membrane, induced by aspirin.
US09895402B2

Disclosed are novel Lactobacillus plantarum strains as well as a composition containing the novel Lactobacillus plantarum strains or a culture thereof.
US09895400B2

A use of a Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-263 in decreasing blood lipid levels is disclosed. Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-263 (accession No.: CCTCC M 209263) specifically inhibits gene expression related to pro-inflammatory factor and lipid synthesis and promotes gene expression related to cholesterol metabolism. Lactobacillus reuteri GMNL-263 is utilized to produce a composition for decreasing blood lipid levels, thereby achieving the aim of hyperlipidemia treatment.
US09895396B2

Provided are beverage compositions comprising a urine citrate increasing component and a urine oxalate reducing component. The beverage compositions may be provided in a ready-to-drink form or may be provided in a concentrate form. Also provided are kits comprising the beverage compositions and methods for treating various conditions using the beverage compositions.
US09895395B2

A method is provided for attenuating free radical formation resulting from a bodily insult. The method includes administering bicarbonate to the body of a subject at a dosage ranging from 1.5 mEq/kg of body weight to 5.0 mEq/kg of body weight within a 24-hour period.
US09895390B2

The technology described herein is directed to the treatment of cancer, e.g. methods and assays relating to selecting and administering a chemotherapy with or without an EZH2 inhibitor.
US09895389B2

This invention relates to compounds represented by formula (I): wherein the variables are defined as herein above, which are useful for treating diseases and conditions mediated by the sodium D-glucose co-transporter (SGLT), e.g. diabetes. The invention also provides methods of treating such diseases and conditions, and compositions etc. for their treatment.
US09895386B2

An aqueous or powder composition includes anti-gram-negative antibiotic or salt thereof being present at an amount ranging from about 100 mg/ml to about 200 mg/ml. Another aqueous or powder composition includes anti-gram-positive antibiotic or salt thereof being present at a concentration ranging from about 0.6 to about 0.9 of the water solubility limit, at 25° C. and 1.0 atmosphere, of the anti-gram-positive antibiotic or salt thereof. Other embodiments include unit doses, kits, and methods.
US09895380B2

The present invention relates to methods and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection. In particular, the present invention relates to farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists for use in a method for the treatment of hepatitis B virus infection in a subject in need thereof.
US09895370B2

Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating liver fibrosis, comprising a GPR119 ligand as an active ingredient. The composition comprising the GPR119 ligand as an active ingredient significantly inhibits the expression of collagen I, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), thereby inhibiting HSC activation, and also significantly inhibits HSC proliferation. Therefore, the composition may be effectively applied in improvement, prevention, inhibition or treatment of liver fibrosis.
US09895358B2

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In certain embodiments, compounds are provided that increase full-length survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein production by an SMN2 gene.
US09895357B2

Compositions, methods, and kits useful for treating hyperlipidemic conditions are provided herein. Such compositions can contain synergizing amounts of nicotinic acid, nicotinamide riboside and/or nicotinic acid metabolites in combination with leucine and/or a leucine metabolite, with or without resveratrol.
US09895355B2

Methods for treating androgen receptor-mediated diseases, such as breast cancer, with imidazoline derivatives of formula (I) are provided:
US09895351B2

Provided are compositions for inhibiting a biological activity of an aldo-keto reductase family 1, member C3 (AKR1C3) polypeptide. In some embodiments, the compositions are indomethacin derivatives that are AKR1C3-specific inhibitors. Also provided are methods for producing disclosed indomethacin derivatives that substantially lack cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity but that have AKR1C3 inhibitory activity, methods for inhibiting AKR1C3 polypeptide biological activities, and methods for treating prostate tumors in subjects.
US09895348B2

Disclosed herein are methods for treatment of estrogen-related medical disorders. The methods of treatment may comprise administering to a subject in need of such treatment a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09895341B2

Therapeutic use of extracts containing proanthocyanidin including treating disorders, e.g., inflammatory disorders, e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, microscopic colitis, collagenous colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Methods of increasing a subject's immunological resistance to an infection and/or treating the infection. The infection can be, e.g., a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The methods can include, e.g., selecting a subject that has, or is at risk of developing, an infection, e.g., a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, or a combination thereof; providing a composition comprising at least about 10% proanthocyanidin by weight; and administering to the subject an amount of the composition to the subject, to thereby increase a subject's immunological resistance to an infection and/or to treat the infection.
US09895329B1

Disclosed herein are novel formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) antagonists and their uses in manufacturing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and/or disorders mediated by FPR1.
US09895318B2

The invention refers to a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition, comprising a) a core, comprising a pharmaceutical or a nutraceutical active ingredient, b) an inner coating layer comprising one or more salts of alginic acid and c) an outer coating layer comprising one or more water-insoluble polymers or copolymers and one or more water-soluble polymers, selected from the group of water soluble celluloses, polyvinyl pyrrolidones or polyethylene glycols or any combinations thereof. wherein the ratio by weight of the amount of the one or more salts of alginic acid in the inner coating layer to the amount of the one or more water-insoluble polymers or copolymers in outer coating layer is from 0.6 to less than 2.5:1.
US09895316B2

The invention relates to improved isomalt-containing tablets and to methods for the production thereof.
US09895315B2

The tablets, compositions and methods of the present invention, comprising a carbonate salt of an aliphatic amine polymer and s monovalent anion can prevent or ameliorate acidosis, in particular acidosis in patients with renal disease. The tablets and compositions of the present invention maintain a disintegration time of no greater than 30 minutes at 37° C. and at pH of at least 1 for a period of at least ten weeks at 60° C. Furthermore, the tablets are stable for extended periods of time without the need for specialized storage conditions.
US09895310B2

The present application relates to probiotic confection-based compositions comprising lactic acid-producing bacteria and oil-based compositions comprising the same.
US09895302B2

The present invention aims to provide a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of alopecia, said composition comprising polymeric nanoparticles, preferably nanocapsules, containing finasteride, additives and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as the use of the nanoparticles for preparing said composition for treating alopecia. The invention further includes an appropriate finasteride nanocapsule preparation process suitable for a composition for topical application for treating alopecia.
US09895301B2

The invention provides for methods for treating a hair loss disorder in a subject by administering a Janus Kinase/Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription inhibitor.
US09895297B2

A novel microcapsule which is endowed for example with reduced leakage of encapsulated materials. The microcapsule contains one or more fragrances and is suitable for inclusion in non-edible consumer goods products, laundry products, personal care products and cosmetic products. The microcapsule can be obtained in an economic and efficient manner by polymerizing an emulsion so that emulsion droplets are encapsulated into a subsequently cured polymeric shell.
US09895293B2

A nipple shield containing a luminescent agent that illuminates for visibility in darkened conditions. The nipple shield has a nipple portion and a base portion that extends from the nipple portion formed of a resin material such as silicone that contains the luminescent agent, such as a photoluminescent pigment. The base portion or an outer annular part can contain the luminescent agent. The nipple shield or only the base portion can be a formed film that has a resin material layer that contains substantially no luminescent agent, and a layer that contains the molded resin material and the luminescent agent. An illuminating nipple shield can also be a nipple shield rim containing the luminescent agent that conforms and adheres releasable to the base portion of a conventional nipple shield.
US09895292B1

Briefly, a feeding device embodying features of the present invention approximately conforms to the shape of a human breast and includes at least one housing for storing fluid coupled to a dispensing portion having an apertured dispensing tip for delivering the fluid to an infant.
US09895278B2

The environment-friendly coffin according to the invention comprising a box assembly and a profiled lid assembly covering said box assemblies, with both assemblies being connected to each other by means of connecting elements, is characterized in that the coffin's box assembly (1) comprises a casing (3) made of natural stone plates, plate-shaped flats (10) with tapped bores (11) made in them, fixed to inner or outer surfaces of longer plate side walls (5) of said casing, plate-shaped metal washers (12) with tapped mounting bores (13) fixed to these inner side walls (5) and a tubular element (15) mounted inside casing (3), said element tubular being made of glass fiber mat or metal and fastened to inner surfaces of plate side walls (5) and to bottom (4) made of natural stone slab or made of natural stone slab and plate (27) made of a made of a wood-base material and fixed to said stone slab by means of glue-based sealing mass (17), whereas the profiled lid assembly (2) of the coffin has an outer casing made of natural stone in the form of a solid with bottom cascade-shaped cavity (23) or with trough-shaped cavity (32) with a profile of the truncated pyramid, with a lower side offset in the form of a slab frame (29), where in the inner surface of said casing there is insert (30) made of a wood-base material with the same profile fixed by means of a glue to which glass fiber mat (31) is glued.
US09895274B2

The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
US09895265B1

A safety system includes safety glasses and an apparatus. The safety glasses include an electronic system having a sensor configured to detect when the safety glasses are worn by a user and a wireless communication device. The apparatus includes a body housing an electrical isolation device and a wireless communication device. The body includes a first end defining a female electrical socket, a second end defining a male electrical plug and a fastening device coupled to the body and configured to move from an open position to a closed position in which an electrical cord that is electrically coupled to the body at one of the first end or the second end is also physically secured to the body by the fastening device. The electrical isolation device is configured to prevent current flow in the line conductor included in the body when the safety glasses are not being worn by the user.
US09895259B2

Injection devices for delivering pharmaceutical compositions into the eye are described. Some devices include a resistance component for controllably deploying an injection needle through the eye wall. The resistance component may be disposed on a removable injector attachment or on a portion of the injection device housing. Other devices may include a filter for the removal of air, infectious agents, and/or other particulate matter from the composition before the composition is injected into the eye. Related methods and systems comprising the devices are also described.
US09895250B2

An orthopedic device has various frame elements concealed by a sleeve defining pockets into which such frame elements are located. The orthopedic device includes a strap tightening assembly adapted to secure a plurality of straps simultaneously. The frame may include flexible edge features located along a periphery thereof.
US09895235B2

A spinal implant comprises an implant body extending between an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and including a first vertebral engaging surface and a second vertebral engaging surface. The implant body includes an inner surface that defines at least one opening oriented to implant a fastener oblique relative to a lateral axis of a subject body and adjacent an intervertebral space of the subject body. The implant body defining a cavity such that a surgical instrument is connectable with the implant body adjacent the cavity and movable relative to the implant body. Systems, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.
US09895223B2

A prosthesis for implantation at an implantation site proximate a native aortic valve, the implantation site including a valve annulus and a plurality of Valsalva sinuses located distal to the valve annulus. The prosthesis comprises an armature and a valve connected to the armature, wherein the armature includes a proximal portion configured for anchorage to the valve annulus, a distal portion configured to be positioned distal to the Valsalva sinuses when the proximal portion is anchored to the valve annulus, and first, second and third Valsalva sinus anchors each extending between and connecting the proximal and distal portions and arching radially outward between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The Valsalva sinus anchors are positioned so that each can extend into and engage a wall of a different one of the Valsalva sinuses.
US09895220B2

A heart valve assembly has a leaflet support structure and a leaflet assembly. The leaflet support structure has a wire frame that supports the leaflet assembly. The leaflet assembly has first and second separate leaflets, each of which is comprised of a skirt section and a sinus leaflet section. Each skirt section has a flange portion and a body portion that has a smaller diameter than the flange portion, with the body portion having opposing side edges, and a curved opening defined by a first stitching edge at about the central portion of the body portion. Each sinus leaflet section has an outflow edge, and a curved second stitching edge, with the sinus leaflet section stitched to the skirt section along the first and second stitching edges. The opposing side edges of the body portion of the first leaflet are stitched to the corresponding side edges of the body portion of the second leaflet.
US09895215B2

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for deploying and/or retrieving a vena cava filter in a vena cava using a system configured to: (i) maintain grip of the unsheathed filter in the vena cava until deliberately released, (ii) prevent premature release of the filter in the vena cava, and/or (iii) facilitate retrieval by first everting the filter, then withdrawing the filter through a guiding catheter (e.g., retrieval via eversion).
US09895213B2

A vein filter can switch from a collapsed state to a deployed filtering state and further from this filtering state to an open non-filtering state. The filter includes a plurality of primary filter legs and a plurality of secondary filter legs. The primary filter legs are grouped at one end in a common filter head. One secondary filter leg is connected to each of the primary filter legs in proximity of the filter head. Each secondary filter leg is connected to the adjacent primary leg to which it is not already fixed in proximity of the filter head by a connecting wire attached in the area of the free ends of the legs.
US09895207B2

An orthodontic bracket is described and which includes a base member defining an archwire slot having an opening, and at least one projection extending outwardly from the base member; a ligating slide moveable between a first position which is clear of the archwire slot, and second position where the ligating slide projects over the opening of the archwire slot; and a biasing member borne by the ligating slide, and resiliently cooperating with the projection, and wherein the biasing member has a first portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the first position, and a second portion which receives the projection when the ligating slide is in the second position.
US09895203B2

An apparatus for controlling asymmetrical coasting of an endodontic reciprocating motor includes a controller operatively connected to the endodontic motor. The controller may include a processing unit that is configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the forward direction for a coast time and configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the reverse direction for a coast time. The forward coast time is separately calculated from the reverse coast time. A method for asymmetrically coasting a reciprocating endodontic motor includes rotating an endodontic motor in a forward direction and calculating a forward coast time for the forward direction and coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction for the calculated forward coast time. After coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction, the endodontic motor is rotated in a reverse direction. The reverse coast time is different than the forward coast time.
US09895200B2

Example embodiments relate to surgical systems having end-effector assembly, first and second arm assemblies, and elbow joint assembly. End-effector assembly includes instrument assembly and wrist assembly. Instrument assembly includes a first instrument. First arm assembly includes a body, first and second instrument drive assemblies, wrist drive assembly, and first arm drive assembly. First instrument drive assembly is configurable to move first instrument relative to first axis. Wrist drive assembly is configurable to move instrument assembly relative second axis. First arm drive assembly is configurable to rotate end-effector assembly relative to third axis. Elbow joint assembly includes elbow pitch joint portion configurable to be driven to move first arm assembly relative to fourth axis. Elbow joint assembly also includes elbow sway joint portion configurable to be driven to move first arm assembly relative to fifth axis.
US09895199B2

A valve assembly comprising a housing and a valve, the valve being disposed within the housing, a first indexed member integral to the housing, the first indexed member adapted to be complementary to a second indexed member, and a radio frequency identification device adapted to communicate with a radio frequency receiver, the valve being configured to align with a canister, seal the canister and open in a single movement. A drug containment device having said valve assembly is also disclosed.
US09895197B2

A device for guiding a medical instrument (2) inserted into a natural duct (101) or an artificial duct of a patient in order to bring at least a distal end (1) of the instrument in proximity to an internal organ (100). The device includes an articulated arm (3) with a plurality of degrees of freedom, for moving a proximal end (4) of the instrument, and a controlled blocking mechanism (7) for blocking the degrees of freedom of the articulated arm. The blocking mechanism is designed in such a way that, for at least one of the degrees of freedom, a blockage imposed on the degree of freedom can be released when an outer stress exerted on the instrument (2) exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US09895189B2

A method for treating an infection using irreversible electroporation is presented. The method includes providing an ablation device that has at least one electrode and inserting the ablation device into a target tissue of a patient. The tissue at least partially surrounds the implanted medical device. The outer surface of the medical device is at least partially covered by infectious cells. The method also involves positioning at least one electrode in or near the implanted medical device and delivering electrical pulses to or near the implanted medical device sufficient to irreversibly electroporate the infectious cells.
US09895188B2

A skin surface is treated with RF energy (e.g., unipolar, monopolar, bipolar or multipolar RF delivery). A first semiconductive cap disposed on a first distal end of a first electrode and, optionally, a second semiconductive cap disposed on a second distal end of a second electrode are applied to the skin surface. RF energy is delivered from the first electrode and the second electrode through the first semiconductive cap and the second semiconductive cap, respectively, through the skin surface. The first semiconductive cap and/or the second semiconductive cap have an electrical conductivity matched or substantially matched to the skin's electrical conductivity (e.g., about 0.1 to about 2 times that of the skin).
US09895187B2

A scanning cannula for scanning an electrosurgical instrument for electrical insulation defects includes an elongated sleeve having a receiving end, an opposite exit end, and a passageway extending from the receiving end to the exit end. At least one sweeping contact is disposed in the passageway. A circuit in the sleeve is electrically connected to the at least one sweeping contact. A communication device is connected to the circuit to transmit signals from the circuit to a switchbox of a surgical instrument. An electrosurgical instrument inserted into the receiving end of the sleeve passes through the at least one sweeping contact, and any electrical defect of the electrosurgical instrument detected by the at least one sweeping contact is relayed as an error signal to the circuit, which communicates the error signal to the switchbox. The switchbox cuts current to the electrosurgical instrument and signals an alarm.
US09895179B2

An internal intramedullary fixation device for the stabilization of bone in arthrodesis and fractures of the foot and hand is disclosed. During implantation in the medullary canal of each bone, the device grasps the edges of the canal, stabilizing the bone (internally) during the natural healing process.
US09895178B2

A system including an intramedullary nail and an insert dimensioned to be positioned within the intramedullary nail. The insert can include a rotating component configured to rotate about a rotational axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the intramedullary nail. The insert can be configured to receive a bone screw, rotate about the rotational axis as the bone screw is positioned at a selected angle of a plurality of angles relative to the intramedullary nail, and lock the bone screw at the selected angle.
US09895176B2

A method for fusing a spinal sacroiliac joint and a surgical kit. The kit includes a bone-void filler, stabilization device or implant, a guide pin, a joint locator, a set of dilation tubes, a reamer, a novel directional cannula, a novel tapping cap, a novel drill guide, a drill bit, and a novel implant positioner. The method includes the steps of locating the sacroiliac joint, retracting the soft tissue exposing the graft site, removing any bone obstructions and preparing a relatively smooth graft site horizontal to the immediate sacroiliac joint, creating a cavity in the ilium and sacrum to a predetermined depth that spans the sacroiliac joint, inserting a novel stabilization implant into the cavity, and seating the implant within the cavity at a predetermined depth.
US09895173B2

An element with a shank (1) and a holding element (2) connected to it for connecting to a rod (100) is provided, wherein the holding element (2) has a recess (3) having a U-shaped cross-section for receiving the rod (100) with two legs (4, 5) open at one end (6) and an inner thread (7) on the open legs (4, 5) and a locking element (9) with an outer thread (8) which cooperates with the inner thread of the legs, wherein the inner thread (7) of the legs and the outer thread (8) of the locking element are constructed with a flat thread in which the two flanks (7a, 7b; 8a, 8b)) enclose an angle of 90° in each case with the screw axis (S, M). This prevents splaying of the open legs when the locking element is screwed in. The flat thread is easy to produce.
US09895168B2

A spinal correction system for implantation in a patient, the system including a reciprocating adjuster and/or a resistance adjuster coupled to a stabilizing member, for example. The resistance adjuster includes a potential energy drive, a slide unit, and a resistance unit. The reciprocating adjuster includes a piston unit, a transfer unit coupled to the piston unit, and a return mechanism.
US09895160B2

A probe includes a probe distal end body, a vibration transmission body and a heat dissipation unit. The probe distal end body includes a first electrode. The vibration transmission body is arranged to a proximal end of the probe distal end body. The vibration transmission body transmits ultrasonic vibration generated by an ultrasonic transducer to the probe distal end body, and transmits current to the first electrode. An interior surface of the probe distal end body and an interior surface of the vibration transmission body define an interior space. The heat dissipation unit dissipates heat generated at the probe distal end body, wherein at least a portion of the heat dissipation unit is arranged in the interior space defined by the probe distal end body and the vibration transmission body. A treatment instrument includes the probe and an end effector including a second electrode.
US09895158B2

Systems and methods for treating a blood clot include a catheter to be inserted into a patient. The catheter is used to deliver low stability microbubbles toward the blood clot in the patient. A thrombolytic agent is delivered toward the blood clot, and ultrasonic energy is applied to the microbubbles to vibrate the microbubbles.
US09895151B2

An anvil assembly includes a circular anvil head that supports a crush ring, an anvil cap that supports an o-ring, and a circular anvil buttress member. The cap connects to the head and is movable relative to the head between approximated and unapproximated positions. The crush ring is spaced from the cap when the cap is in the approximated position and movable into engagement with the cap to move the cap to the unapproximated position. The buttress member includes a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion is supported on the head and the extension portion is secureable between the o-ring and the head when the cap is in the approximated position. The extension portion is releasable from between the o-ring and the head when the cap is disposed in the unapproximated position so that the body portion separates from the head.
US09895150B2

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and a method for applying an adhesive or sealant to an anastomosis site immediately prior and/or during anastomotic surgical stapling. The present invention further relates to surgical instruments, devices, and methods for applying sealant to a target tissue of a surgical site being anastomotically joined so as to prevent leakage.
US09895145B2

A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose with first and second noose limbs connected, preferably slidably connected, to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. The first and second noose limbs emerge from the anchor as first and second free filament limbs which are capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and then passable through the noose. The noose, such as one or more half-hitches, is capable of receiving the free filament limbs and strangulating them when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limbs and the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated. Preferably, the snare assembly further includes a flexible sleeve joining at least some portion of the first and second free filament limbs to facilitate passing of the free filament limbs at least through the tissue as a single unit.
US09895127B2

Systems and methods of object reconstruction from x-ray imaging include receiving an input of a first angulation for a first x-ray image. A first score representative of a quality of a reconstruction of an object from an x-ray image acquired at the first angulation is calculated. The first x-ray image is acquired at the first angulation. An input of a second angulation for a second x-ray image is received. A second score representative of the quality of the reconstruction of the object from the first x-ray image and an x-ray image acquired at the second angulation is calculated. The second x-ray image is acquired at the second angulation. The object is reconstructed from the first x-ray image and the second x-ray image.
US09895122B2

A scanning apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first scanning control unit, a first determination unit, a second scanning control unit, a second determination unit, and a third scanning control unit. The first scanning control unit obtains at least one first slice image of the leg in an approximate coronal plane direction. The first determination unit determines a direction of a gap between a thighbone and a shinbone in the at least one first slice image. The second scanning control unit obtains at least one second slice image of the leg in a direction vertical to the direction of the gap in the at least one first slice image. The second determination unit determines an axial plane direction according to the at least one second slice image. The third scanning control unit obtains at least one slice image of the leg in the axial plane direction.
US09895118B2

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a supporting arm configured to support the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in directions to face each other, a moving mechanism configured to move the supporting arm around a plurality of rotation axes and processing circuitry configured to set an imaging sequence concerning a plurality of left-eye imaging positions with respect to the object and a plurality of right-eye imaging positions respectively corresponding to the plurality of left-eye imaging positions and configured to control the moving mechanism to move the supporting arm in accordance with the set imaging sequence. The imaging sequence includes a sequence of continuously performing imaging at at least two of the plurality of left-eye imaging positions or a sequence of continuously performing imaging at at least two of the plurality of right-eye imaging positions.
US09895116B2

A fail safe concealment mechanism for a radiation imaging capsule, including, a collimator having a first area that blocks radiation and an second area that releases radiation, a radiation source that is initially positioned inside the collimator in the area that blocks radiation, a linear mechanism that moves the radiation source inside the collimator to the area that releases radiation when power is provided to the mechanism and automatically returns the radiation source to the area that blocks radiation when power is not provided to the mechanism.
US09895113B2

Systems and methods for planar imaging with detectors having moving heads are provided. One system includes a gantry having an opening therethrough, a patient table movable through the opening of the gantry along an examination axis, and a plurality of detector units mounted to the gantry and aligned in a row transverse to the examination axis. The plurality of detector units are spaced apart from each other, wherein the spacing forms gaps between adjacent detector units. The plurality of detector units are configured to acquire Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) data. The system further includes a controller configured to control movement of the patient table and the plurality of detector units to acquire two-dimensional (2D) SPECT data, wherein the plurality of detector units remain in a fixed relative orientation with respect to each other when acquiring the 2D SPECT data and move together to acquire the 2D SPECT data.
US09895094B2

A lateral flow device for testing a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, mucous, saliva, etc., is provided. The lateral flow device is configured to be attached to an absorbent article via an attachment mechanism located on the lateral flow device or the absorbent article. The lateral flow device includes a chromatographic medium (e.g., porous membrane) that defines a detection zone that provides a signal indicative of the presence or absence of the analyte. The device may also include a control zone that provides a signal indicative of whether a sufficient amount of bodily fluid has been provided and tested. Regardless of its specific configuration, the lateral flow device is configured to be attached onto the absorbent article to provide a user or caregiver with rapid information about a health condition. For example, the device may be attached onto a diaper to provide information about the presence of enzymes or other compounds often encountered with a patient having a urinary tract infection. This information may provide an early warning system to allow the user or caregiver to seek additional testing and/or treatment. Alternatively, semi-quantitative or quantitative results may be derived from the test.
US09895088B2

A hearing protection device is disclosed which incorporates integrated audiometric testing, thereby allowing for testing without removal of safety hearing protection. The hearing protection is typically intended to be worn for the duration of a work shift, and allows for self-testing during the shift. Embodiments of the device may utilize a series of partial test sessions, so that each test session is kept brief so as to not interfere unduly with the work schedule. This may encourage frequent testing, hopefully aiding in early detection of potential hearing loss. Additionally, methods of use are disclosed.
US09895084B2

A CPU of a blood pressure measurement apparatus configured to be used while attached to a wrist of a measurement subject calculates an inclination angle formed by a forearm of the measurement subject with respect to a reference plane, and a rotation angle about an axis, where the forearm is used as the axis, of the blood pressure measurement device, based on information detected by an acceleration sensor, and uses the distance d between the radial artery and the ulnar artery that pass through the wrist, the inclination angle, and the rotation angle to determine the relative positional relationship between the radial artery and the ulnar artery. In accordance with the relative positional relationship, the CPU guides the measurement orientation of the measurement subject.
US09895079B2

A method for forming an electropotential map, including: measuring locations of points on a surface of a body organ, and measuring electrical potentials of a subset of the points. The method further includes assigning respective resistances to line segments joining the points so as to define a resistor mesh, and generating an electropotential map of the surface by applying an harmonic function to the resistor mesh responsive to the measured electrical potentials.
US09895076B2

A method and system are provided for analyzing data for a region of interest in connection with cardiac mapping. The method and system acquire data recordings of at least one of electrical sensor measurements from an electrical sensor and motion data from a motion sensor in contact with the region of interest, determine cycle lengths associated with cardiac events in the data recordings; and identify a reference cycle length from the cycle lengths determined. The method and system analyze the cycle lengths such that differences in heart rate and cycle length have limited effect on an overall map.
US09895074B2

Systems and related methods for analyzing data sensed from a device implanted in a patient, such as a cardiac pacing system. The system detects and evaluates electric signals within the patient that share a common event marker. By using algorithms and graphical presentation of the collected signals having common event markers, deviations in signals over time can be identified and evaluated in consideration of taking further action related to the patient and the implanted device. The system can also be used in conjunction with an advanced patient management system that includes a programmer or repeater capable of gathering information from the implanted device and transmitting the data to a host via a communications network for evaluation at a remote location.
US09895067B2

An apparatus for simultaneously detecting surface pressure and blood volume of an object and a method of detecting the same are provided. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board (PCB); a light emitter disposed on the PCB which emits light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength; a first light receiver which detects light of the first wavelength and a second light receiver which detects light of the second wavelength; a transparent elastic body on the PCB which covers the light emitter, the first light receiver, and the second light receiver; and a dichroic coating formed on the transparent elastic body. The dichroic coating reflects light of the first wavelength and transmits light of the second wavelength.
US09895063B1

A surgical imaging system includes a light source configured to illuminate a portion of a surgical environment and a light sensor configured to receive light from the illuminated portion in response to the illumination. The surgical imaging system determines spectrographic content of the received light and uses the determined spectrographic content to identify the illuminated portion of the surgical environment; for example, to determine that the portion contains a surgical instrument, a foreign body, a suture, a particular type of tissue, a blood vessel, and/or a fluorescent marker. This identification of the illuminated portion of the surgical environment could be used to implement a surgical intervention. For example, a surgical laser could be operated, based on such generated identification information, to ablate cancerous tissue in the surgical environment that is marked with a fluorophore while avoiding ablating any sutures or surgical instruments disposed in the surgical environment.
US09895051B2

An assist tool attachable to an insertion section of an insertion apparatus includes a tube including a longitudinal axis. The tube is provided with a lumen through which the insertion section is insertable. The tool includes a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism receives a drive force and is rotated together with the tube with respect to the insertion section inserted through the lumen. The tool includes a locking mechanism provided on a more distal end side than the connecting mechanism in the tube. The locking mechanism includes a convex portion or a concave portion engaged with the insertion section to restrict movement of the tube along the longitudinal axis with respect to the insertion section. Furthermore, an insertion apparatus to which the tool is attached and an introduction apparatus including them is provided.
US09895049B2

Provided is an endoscopic surgical device and an overtube with which a surgeon can easily obtain a desired image and operability is high. The overtube includes a slider inside the overtube body that guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into a body cavity, the first valve member provided in the endoscope insertion passage, and the second valve member provided in the treatment tool insertion passage. F1>F3 and F2>F3 are satisfied when a fixing force for fixing the slider to the endoscope is defined as F1, a fixing force for fixing the slider to the treatment tool is defined as F2, and a frictional force that receives from the first valve member when the endoscope moves forward and backward is defined as F3.
US09895047B2

An image pickup apparatus includes a solid state image pickup device including a plurality of pixels with a photoelectric conversion element, a transfer section, an electric charge conversion section, a reset section, an operation mode control section configured to switch a first operation mode in which the reset section and the transfer section are turned off, and a second operation mode in which the reset section is turned off, and the transfer section is turned on, a black level correction section, and a memory, and transfers a synchronous signal for outputting an image signal from the solid state image pickup device, and a control signal for causing the solid state image pickup device to operate in the first operation mode and the second operation mode respectively by using a common signal line.
US09895040B2

A telescopic extension, typically for an electric household appliance, comprises: an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube and the outer tube are slidable telescopically relative to one another. The inner tube comprises, on an outer surface thereof, a plurality of deformations of predetermined shape; a sleeve fitted inside the outer tube, at one of its ends; a constraining device configured to lock sliding of the inner tube with respect to the outer tube, when the constraining device is at least partially engaged in one of the deformations; a slider and elastic means, wherein the slider cooperates with the constraining device under the action of the elastic means; and an actuating device operatively connected to the slider. The slider comprises a guiding device for providing a guided movement between the slider and the constraining device.
US09895038B2

An automatic cleaner is provided. The automatic cleaner may include a main body, and a wheel assembly disposed in the main body to allow the main body to move. The wheel assembly may include a drive, a first wheel rotated by a power of the drive, and a second wheel rotated by the power of the drive. The second wheel may include a plurality of contact protrusions on an outer circumferential surface thereof.
US09895036B2

The present disclosure is directed to adjustable toilet footrests while using a toilet. In one embodiment, an adjustable toilet footrest comprises a foot platform having at least two telescopic legs extending therefrom, wherein the telescopic legs have a locking mechanism that allows for the height of the platform to be selectively adjusted to a user's desire.
US09895035B2

Provided is a toilet seat assembly comprising: a bidet housing for defining the appearance of a bidet; a hinge member which is fixed to the inner side of the bidet housing and is provided with a shaft, wherein the hinge member is provided with a circular ring-shaped coupling groove formed along the outer circumference of the shaft; and a toilet seat connected to the shaft so as to allow rotation thereon, wherein the bidet housing is provided with a coupling protrusion protruding to the inner side so as to be inserted into the coupling groove. Thus, it is possible to prevent moisture from permeating into the inside of the bidet housing, and to facilitate wiring of wires for supplying electricity to a heating device provided in the toilet seat.
US09895034B1

The hand-held urinal with stabilizing mechanism is a hand-held collection device that comprises a medical urinal, weight bar, and a semi-rigid connector. The medical urinal is modified through the addition of the weight bar and the semi-rigid connector. The weight bar and the semi-rigid connector act as a counterbalance that adjusts the location of the first moment of the hand-held urinal with stabilizing mechanism relative to the first moment of just the medical urinal. The addition of the weight bar and the semi-rigid connector reduces the change in the first moment of the hand-held urinal with stabilizing mechanism that is caused by the addition of urine to the medical urinal during the use of the hand-held urinal with stabilizing mechanism. This makes the hand-held urinal with stabilizing mechanism easier to hold during the collection of urine.
US09895013B2

A drinking container includes a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base. The base and the sidewall define a cavity. The drinking container includes an ice retaining structure in the cavity, with the ice retaining structure including a ring member held adjacent an inner surface of the sidewall. The ring member and the sidewall define at least one laterally extending gap therebetween. The ice retaining structure is positioned and configured to retain ice in the cavity and to permit liquid to pass through the at least one gap when the drinking container is tilted relative to vertical.
US09895008B2

This showcase for the preservation and display of objects in a protected environment, comprises a bell, a base and pantograph mechanisms housed in lateral end regions of the base and formed by arms, pairs of arms and lower arms, the latter with a curvilinear configuration. The pantograph mechanisms are actuated by actuation systems housed at the bottom of the lateral end regions of the base. The showcase ensures an easier recovery of the space otherwise occupied by the actuation systems and at the same time an appropriate opening of the showcase.
US09895007B2

A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that may define a cam glide.
US09895004B2

A mat with a thermostatic layer between two layers of foam to reduce heat accumulation and the manufacturing process thereof, which includes a supporting foam layer, an air permeable foam layer, and the thermostatic layer; wherein the thermostatic layer lies on the top side of the supporting foam layer and includes phase change material (PCM) microcapsules and a bonding material; the air permeable foam layer has larger pores than the supporting foam layer, and has its bottom side attached to the thermostatic layer, and is thus bonded to the supporting foam layer via the bonding material. When a user lies on the air permeable foam layer, the user's body skin is not directly pressed against the PCM microcapsules, thereby allowing the PCM microcapsules to communicate with the ambient air through the pores in the air permeable foam layer and to dissipate heat rapidly for keeping the mat cool.
US09895002B1

A sleeper sofa having a bridge joint to inhibit bowing between frames in a sleeper position is provided although other folding articles are contemplated. The sleeper sofa has a first frame section and a second frame section foldable/pivotable from a first sitting position to a second sleeping position. When in the sleeping position, the bridge joint extends under and between the first and second frame section to provide support to inhibit bowing at the junction between the first and second frame section. The bridge joint includes a pivot axle and an anti-buckling member coupled to a pivot guide having a track. The anti-buckling member travels in the track as the first and second frames are unfolded about the pivotal axle.
US09895000B2

A chair includes a seat base, a back rest, left and right chair arm structures on opposite sides of the seat base, and a dispenser housing fitted within one of the chair arm structures. A cooler is removably received within an interior chamber of the dispenser housing and is structured to be filled with ice or frozen gel packs. A downwardly angled rack within the interior chamber provides a path that is directed at least partially around the cooler. The rack holds an arrangement of adjacently positioned beverage cans that are able to roll along the path by gravity assist while also being chilled by the cooler. A sliding drawer below the interior chamber includes a pocket for receiving a lowermost beverage can from the rack. The drawer pulls out from the front of the chair to dispense a single beverage can while the remaining cans advance one position.
US09894979B2

A drawing apparatus and a drawing method for a drawing apparatus whereby only an amount of drying necessary to dry the ink can be efficiently performed, and both high-definition drawing and expedited drawing processing can be realized.The drawing apparatus includes a drawing unit 40 that performs a drawing on a surface of a nail T by applying ink to the surface of the nail T, and a fan 92; a drying unit 90 that performs a drying operation for drying the ink applied to the surface of the nail T; a drying condition determination portion 813 that determines a drying condition for the drying unit 90; and a drying control portion 814 that controls the drying operation of the drying unit 90 in accordance with a determination by the drying condition determination portion 813.
US09894972B2

An item of luggage, comprising: a plurality of sides sufficient to define a first volumetric space, an expandable section disposed within the space between first and second opposing sides, wherein at least the first opposing side defines a boundary for the volumetric space and provides an exterior surface for the item of luggage; the expandable section having a first configuration wherein it is stored within the space and has an expandable side that is adjacent to the first opposing side, and a second configuration wherein the expandable side extends a predetermined distance from the first opposing side to define a boundary for a second volumetric space that is the same as or different from the first volumetric space.
US09894968B2

A jewelry item for supporting a living plant includes a stylized base member that is handmade from a polymer clay to resemble a whimsical article. Structurally, the jewelry item is formed with a lumen (passageway) that extends between two open ends. The living plant is preferably a tillandsia that can live in a soil-free environment, when periodically hydrated.
US09894965B2

A convertible tool-chain with a counterweight designed to hold and carry tools in various configurations for maximum efficacy and comfort. Example configurations include but are not limited to: a tool-belt chain or a utility necklace with arrangements for receiving tools on the front, and a pendant or weight arranged on the rear to counterbalancing the weight tools on the front. In a second embodiment, the necklace is a decorative jewelry item, with an accessory pendant affixed to the back to counterbalance the weight of the decorative features on the front. A set of interchangeable counterweights may be provided with the necklace, possibly in different weights, for being attached to selected position(s) for counterbalancing loads in various positions. In addition, a method includes steps of selecting and positioning counterweight(s) on the rear of a necklace with weights and positions for counterbalancing load(s) on the front.
US09894959B2

An article comprises a chamber that includes a barrier formed from a polymer material. The barrier has a first portion that forms a first surface of the chamber, and a second portion that forms an opposite second surface of the chamber. The barrier forms at least one interior cavity between the first portion and the second portion. The at least one interior cavity is filled with fluid retained by the barrier. Tethers of different configurations operatively connect the first portion and the second portion.
US09894951B2

The hair band has a stretchable foundation (lateral and longitudinal) which carries a plurality of hair wefts in a brick layered pattern thereby permitting the hair wefts to move both left-right and up-down with the expanding-contracting foundation. A filament is attached to the foundation which encircles the user's head. One or two elastic members are attached between the foundation and the filament such that, when the hair band is worn, the elastic-foundation establishes a tension fit about the head of the user. Elastic elements are disposed in respective foundation tunnel cloths. The brick layered pattern of hair wefts has at least a top spaced apart weft pattern, an intermediate spaced apart weft pattern and a bottom spaced apart pattern such that respective intermediate spaces are covered by hairs falling downward.
US09894948B1

A fastener with one or more movable locking bands in a drawstring of sweatpants. The body of the fastener is made out of a material, such as highly dense polyurethane foam, that is strong, yet flexible, or of a rigid plastic, that is strong, yet flexible. The two strings to be fastened pass through one or more gripping and/or locking holes in the fastener body. When the shoelace is passed through the gripping and/or locking holes, the dense polyurethane foam grips the lace tightly. The free ends are pulled through one or more peripheral slits extending towards, but not all the way to, the gripping and/or locking holes and then bent against the upper outer surface of the disk and locked in place in the respective one or more peripheral locking slits. Flexible and/or rigid bands encircling over the fastener drawstrings further secure the drawstrings in a locked position.
US09894945B2

A hospital gown closes along the side and across the rear of the shoulder of the person wearing the gown. The side closure combined with different arm closures allows the gown to be used by the patient and the medical staff in different ways. The gown can be placed onto the patient without requiring the patient to sit up. The gown can be draped over the patient like a blanket. The gown can be removed from a patient while the patient is lying down in bed. The side opening of the gown allows the gown to be placed over a patient who is lying on his back without immediately wrapping the gown around the patient's body. When the patient is up and walking, the side closure and a long waist tie provide modesty.
US09894941B2

An adjustable support brassiere comprises traditional bra elements—a bra band with closure; left and right breast cups; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise left and right inner support cups having inner ends pivotally attached, respectively, to the left and right breast cups, and a respective support strap having a bottom end attached at a distal (outer) end of each inner support cup, with a top end of each support strap fixedly secured to a hook member. Each of the left and right hook members may be releasably secured to two or more different portions of the shoulder strap, to cause individual lifting and reconfiguring of the left and right inner support cups to produce a desired amount of lifting to each of the woman's breasts. Adjustments may be made by a woman throughout the day to alter her appearance as desired.
US09894934B2

The present disclosure relates to an exemplary aerosol generating device for heating a tobacco block. The aerosol generating device includes a shell, a mouthpiece assembly at an end of the shell, and an atomizing assembly received in the shell. The atomizing assembly includes a hollow heating body configured for inserting into the tobacco block. The heating body includes an inner surface and an outer surface for heating the tobacco block.
US09894932B2

A battery assembly of an electronic cigarette according to the present application is adapted to form an electronic cigarette in combination with an atomizing assembly. The atomizer of the electronic cigarette is provided with a substance to be detected, and the battery assembly is provided with a spectrum identification device and a microcontroller. The spectrum identification device is arranged on the battery assembly and is configured to obtain spectrum information of the substance to be detected. The microcontroller is connected with the spectrum identification device and configured to determine whether the spectrum information of the substance to be detected matches a preset information, and in a case that the spectrum information of the substance to be detected matches the preset information, the microcontroller controls a circuit between the battery assembly and the atomizing assembly to be switched on to enable the electronic cigarette to work normally.
US09894931B2

Provided is an anion electronic cigarette that includes an atomizer (1) and battery assembly (2) which are electrically connected to each other. The anionic electronic cigarette further includes an anion generation device, comprising an anion generator (14) which is electrically connected to the control circuit provided in the battery assembly (2). The anion electronic cigarette causes electronic smoke comprised of high-density anions to enter the human body, which can help smokers to mitigate the smoking addiction and even quit smoking, while providing a cleaner a method of smoking. At the same time, when it is required to add liquid tobacco tar into the electronic cigarette in the present invention, it only requires opening the cigarette nozzle and pulling out the sealing pillar from the tar injection hole to inject tobacco tar into the tobacco tar cavity, which is fast and convenient and is not easy for tar to leak.
US09894923B2

The present invention relates to a process for the production of a powdered composition from a liquid composition comprising fat, protein or both, to the powdered composition obtained thereby and products containing said powdered composition.
US09894917B2

The present teachings provide modified enzymes, preferably phytases, which have increased stability, hypothesized to arise from increased glycosylation. The enzymes can be modified to introduce or increase the number of glycosylation sites in the amino acid sequence, or glycosylation can be increased by the use of specific host production methods, or both. The enzymes of the present teachings have an increased stability after treatment at elevated temperature, which can be measured by inactivity reversibility or percent recovery following a treatment such as heating. The enzymes of the present teachings find application for example in food, feed, and feed pelleting.
US09894914B2

Protein concentrates and protein isolates, in addition to processes for the production of protein concentrates hydrolyzates thereof and protein isolates, are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to a process for removing fiber from an oilseed meal, comprising: i) mixing an oilseed meal with a blending solvent, optionally water, saline solution, polysaccharide solution or protein containing solution, to form a mixture; ii) optionally adjusting the pH of the protein slurry to a pH of about 2 to about 10; iii) separating the mixture to form a protein slurry comprising soluble and insoluble proteins and an insoluble fiber fraction, and iv) hydrolyzing the insoluble proteins.
US09894912B2

A machine for processing a chilled food product includes a product in a storage container, wherein the product has a frozen portion and a non-frozen portion in the storage container, and the frozen portion has a granular size. The machine mixes the frozen portion of the product with the non-frozen portion of the product within the storage container, flows the frozen portion and non-frozen portion into contact with a shearing apparatus, and shears at least the frozen portion with the shearing apparatus, thereby reducing the granular size of the frozen portion. The machine may refine and process chilled food products such as smoothies and slushes to have a smoother and more even consistency.
US09894908B2

The present invention is an innovative method, process and mechanism utilizing infrared energy for the process to dry/dehydrate an oil reduced avocado paste or an oil retained avocado paste into dried/dehydrated avocado powders, flakes, or sheets, with no compromise in the nutritional value of the end food product. The present invention is economical, preserves the original color and nutritional content, provides a continuous drying/dehydrating process for the avocado paste, achieves a food product with a long shelf life and easily transportable.
US09894904B2

A cooling jacket for use with an industrial mixer that includes a bowl sheet, including a first horizontal rail mounted lengthwise across the top portion of the rear section of the bowl sheet; a second horizontal rail mounted lengthwise across the top portion of the front section of the bowl sheet; a plurality of vertical rails mounted on the rear section of the bowl sheet in a staggered pattern; a plurality of vertical rails mounted on the front section of the bowl sheet in a staggered pattern; a plurality of horizontal rails mounted across the bottom edge of the bowl sheet, wherein each rail is mounted between and perpendicular to certain of the vertical rails on the rear and front sections of the bowl sheet; wherein the first and second horizontal rails, vertical rails, and horizontal rails define a first coolant channel on the rear section of the bowl sheet and a second coolant channel of the front surface of the bowl sheet; and a plurality of channel covers mounted to the various vertical rails for enclosing the coolant channels.
US09894895B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to organo-silica based composite materials, methods of making the organo-silica based composite material, methods of using the organo-silica based composite material, and the like.
US09894891B2

A strike indicator fishing system comprising of a means of visual notification of a fish strike that is easy to quickly set up using magnet line securing means. The system has a signal flag that is placed in a pre-strike position by connecting it to a fishing line by using clasp magnets to grab and hold the fishing line. The fishing line is also passed through a slip bobber containing an anti-freeze material to prevent icing of the fishing line that would interfere with the fish strike indicator.
US09894888B2

The present invention provides a transgenic mouse which comprises a deficiency for murine T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes and NK cells, a deficiency for murine MHC class I and MHC class II molecules, and a functional xenogenic SIRPα transgene. This mouse is useful for in vivo screening of various compounds, including immuno-therapeutic agents and vaccines. The said mouse is also useful for testing the in vivo metabolism of xenobiotic compounds.
US09894884B2

Systems and methods for companion animal health monitoring are described. In one embodiment, an animal health monitoring system including an electronic assembly located on a companion animal including a microprocessor, a power source connected to the microprocessor, and a transceiver and a microchip implanted in the companion animal and including memory storing identification data and a temperature sensor measuring the temperature of the companion animal, wherein the electronic assembly interrogates the microchip to obtain identification data and temperature data and transmits the identification data and the temperature data.
US09894883B1

An improved device to retain a dog leash in a manner so that the garment can be used to walk the dog in a hands-free manner and also retain portable electronic devices in an operative condition while the dog is being walked.
US09894882B2

A disposable diaper for pets, having: a diaper longitudinal direction; a diaper longitude-intersecting direction; a rear-side flap section; a stomach-side flap section; and a tail insertion opening provided in a prescribed area in the diaper longitudinal direction. The disposable diaper for pets is formed such that the length in the diaper longitude-intersecting direction in the rear-side flap section is different from the length in the diaper longitude-intersecting direction in the stomach-side flap section.
US09894875B2

A milking robot comprises a frame that is movable along a guide track that is positioned adjacent to a rotary platform such that the frame can move in conjunction with the movement of the rotary platform. The milking robot further comprises a moveable arm having a first end that couples to the frame and a second end that extends in a longitudinal direction, and at least one gripper coupled to the movable arm at the second end. The gripper is extendable in the longitudinal direction of the movable arm.
US09894874B1

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH858215. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH858215, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH858215 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH858215.
US09894872B1

A novel soybean variety, designated 5PTEG52 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PTEG52, cells from soybean variety 5PTEG52, plants of soybean 5PTEG52, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PTEG52. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PTEG52 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PTEG52, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PTEG52, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PTEG52. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PTEG52 are further provided.
US09894871B1

A soybean cultivar designated 64480739 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 64480739, to the plants of soybean cultivar 64480739, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 64480739, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 64480739. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 64480739. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 64480739, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 64480739 with another soybean cultivar.
US09894868B1

A soybean cultivar designated 50270736 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 50270736, to the plants of soybean cultivar 50270736, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 50270736, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 50270736. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 50270736. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 50270736, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 50270736 with another soybean cultivar.
US09894860B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01058780. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01058780. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01058780 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01058780 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09894858B2

The invention provides seed and plants of tomato line FIRXM11-5005. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato line FIRXM11-5005, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09894851B2

A piece insertion method for a pipe, for example an irrigation pipe, including: ejecting at least one piece, for example a dripper, from an ejection unit, advancing the at least one dripper inside the irrigation pipe by a dripper advancing unit, lifting the dripper towards the inner surface of the irrigation pipe by using a lifting device such that the dripper is parallel or substantially parallel to this inner surface of the irrigation pipe on impact with this inner surface. The method according to the invention allows also coordination between the lifting device, the ejection unit and the dripper advancing unit such that the dripper spacing can be maintained in tight tolerances.
US09894840B2

A self-propelled tree fruit picking machine, of the type which includes a vibrator device which acts on the trunk of a tree detected by a probe device. The picking machine includes two side frames joined by a transverse gantries device, equipped with transporting devices to move the fruit towards peeling devices, and from these towards hoppers. Each gantry includes four successively articulated segments with anchoring devices between adjacent segments, which are extractable to fold the machine by closing together both side frames via the action of cylinders to a minimum width. The machine is further equipped with a control cabin which can be moved inwards to the position of minimum width, and with the transport wheels connected to suspension devices adjustable in height via cylinders.
US09894839B2

An apparatus for harvesting small fruit detached from fruit trees or bushes has a tarpaulin, a winding shaft fastened to a proximal end of the tarpaulin, a first bearing structure supporting the winding shaft, a rotary drive motor coupled to the winding shaft, at least one band having bending and shape memory, a winding drum connected to one end of the band, and a second bearing structure supporting the winding drum. The band has an end connected to the distal end of the tarpaulin. A distal end of the band pushes the distal end of the tarpaulin so as to move the tarpaulin away from the winding shaft so as to deploy the tarpaulin above the ground.
US09894837B2

An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis and a windrow assembly carried by the chassis. The windrow assembly includes a windrow chute and a width adjustment device operatively mounted to the windrow chute. The windrow chute includes a discharge panel and a pair of side walls attached and movable relative to the discharge panel. The width adjustment device includes a manual adjustment member mounted to the discharge panel, and a pair of linkages with each linkage interconnecting between the manual adjustment member and a respective side wall.
US09894836B2

A machine is controlled to operate according to a first control configuration. Enhancement criteria values, that are indicative of an enhancement metric, are evaluated based on operation in the first control configuration. The machine is then controlled to operate according to a second control configuration, and the enhancement criteria are again evaluated. The machine is iteratively switched between operating in the first and second control configurations until a signal-to-background-variation-ratio with respect to the evaluated enhancement criteria is sufficient. One of the first and second control configurations are then identified as corresponding to a best enhancement criteria value.
US09894830B2

A distribution device for metering granular material, such as seeds, fertilizer, or the like. The seed drill coulters of this distribution device are supplied with grains from at least one grain storage hopper via respectively separate feed tubes, wherein each of these feed tubes is allocated a metering device and a sensor unit for detecting the grains located in the partial flow. Each sensor unit and each metering device are respectively connected in signaling terms with a central regulating device, which processes the quantities of grains detected in the feed tubes as well as the motor torques measured in the metering devices, and which regulates the grain distances for each metering device by varying the drive speeds of the drives under consideration of target values for the grain distances and/or of target values of a longitudinal distribution of the grains from single, multiple, or all metering devices.
US09894828B1

A garden tool adapter is provided for punching holes for seeds. The adapter comprises an elongated tube having male threads on each end and a plurality of spaced apart openings formed therethrough, a pair of end caps having female threads corresponding to the male threads, and an optional plurality of spacers configured to fit onto prongs of a garden tool. The openings in the elongated tube configured to receive the prongs of the garden tool after which the elongated tube is pushed against the spacers, if used, and the end caps tightened against the outer surface of outer prongs.
US09894825B2

A middle mounted implement tractor utilizes a movable frame design in order to provide for middle mounting of implements on a tractor that can drive up to the implement, raise its front portion in the air, drive forward over the implement, and then lower the front portion to the ground and attach the middle mounted implement. This is accomplished utilizing a front frame assembly pivotably connected to a mounting frame assembly which mounts the implement; a frame mover mechanism that lifts the front frame and mounting frame; a middle frame which connects the cab, frame mover mechanism and related components; and a rear frame which attaches rear wheels, caster wheels, engine, etc. The front wheels can turn one hundred and eighty degrees and the tractor can easily interchange consumables via a carriage system that allows simple loading and unloading of tanks, etc.
US09901019B2

A tape feeder, including a tape feeder body and a feeder wagon/linear guide, is used to direct component tape in a linear movement towards a component pick position. The feeder wagon comprises a feeder wagon body slidably mounted to the tape feeder body for movement between a first, pickup position and a second, delivery position. The feeder wagon further comprises a feeder head mounted to the feeder wagon body for movement (1) with the feeder wagon body as it moves along the first path, and (2) along a second path transverse to the first path between a first, tape-engaged position and a second, tape-released position. The feeder head comprises a tape-engaging element engageable with component tape.
US09901016B1

An EMI shielding device is provided. A first shielding layer is formed on a first surface of a first substrate, and a first through hole is formed through the first substrate. A second substrate is mounted in an opening of the first through hole, and a second shielding layer is formed on a surface of the second substrate. A conductive paste is mounted between the first substrate and the at least one second substrate to electrically connected the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer. A protective layer, an antirust layer, and a shielding layer are sequentially mounted on the conductive paste. The EMI shielding device is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) by Surface Mount Technology. Therefore, the EMI shielding device may be firmly mounted on the PCB, and there is not any narrow gap that may leak electromagnetic radiation.