US09916013B2

An in-flight entertainment system remote controller has a control unit with a generally planar configuration. The control unit has a gaming controls side, an opposed keyboard side, and a top edge segment between the gaming controls side and the keyboard side. A dock is mounted to a passenger seat structure, and defines an open receptacle that is receptive to the control unit. The dock defines an insertion axis that is substantially coplanar with the remote control unit when oriented for mounting. The top edge segment is exposed while the gaming controls side and the keyboard side are concealed, with the control unit in a retracted position.
US09916002B2

Augmented and virtual reality systems are becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, their potential for social interaction is difficult to realize with existing techniques. Various of the disclosed embodiments facilitate social augmented and virtual reality experiences using, e.g., topologies connecting disparate device types, shared-environments, messaging systems, virtual object placements, etc. Some embodiments employ pose-search systems and methods that provide more granular pose determinations than were previously possible. Such granularity may facilitate functionality that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to achieve.
US09915993B2

Supply of power to a plurality of circuits is controlled efficiently depending on usage conditions and the like of the circuits. An address monitoring circuit monitors whether a cache memory and an input/output interface are in an access state or not, and performs power gating in accordance with the state of the cache memory and the input/output interface. The address monitoring circuit acquires and monitors an address signal between a signal processing circuit and the cache memory or the input/output interface periodically. When one of the cache memory and the input/output interface is in a standby state and the other is in the access state, power gating is performed on the circuit that is in the standby state.
US09915990B2

Embodiments described herein improve availability of a power plane in a network device by using a PoE manager that is separate from an operating system in the network device. For example, when the operating system (or a PoE application executing in the operating system) becomes unavailable, either because of failure or system upgrade, the PoE manager continues managing a power plane in the network device such that connected PDs continue to receive DC power. Stated differently, by using a PoE manager that is separate from the operating system, there is no fate sharing between the PoE manager and the operating system. If the operating system is unavailable, the PoE manager continues to provide the same power allotment to the PDs. As such, updates and failures which previously made the power plane unavailable no longer affect the power supplied to the PDs.
US09915984B2

A thermal response engine on an information handling system compares a processor thermal response to a predetermined workload with an expected thermal response to the predetermined workload in order to validate that a heat sink disposed on the processor matches a heat sink used by a thermal controller profile to manage thermal conditions of the information handling system. If the heat sink thermal characteristics fail to match up with expected thermal characteristics, the thermal response engine provides the thermal controller with an appropriate thermal profile and alerts the end user of an incompatibility.
US09915979B2

[Object] To provide an input device, a display device, an electronic device, and a mobile terminal such that the reliability of the electrical connection between a detection wiring and a wiring board can be improved.[Solution] An input device X1 includes a substrate 2, a first colored layer 6 that is provided on the substrate 2, a first detection electrode 3a that is provided on the substrate 2, a detection wiring 8 that is provided on the first colored layer 6 and is electrically connected to the first detection electrode 3a, and a wiring board 10 that is electrically connected to the detection wiring 8 through an adhesive member T1 containing conductive particles P1, the detection wiring 8 extends from a position on the first colored layer 6 to a position on a part of the substrate 2 in which the first colored layer 6 is not included, and if the detection wiring 8 located on a part of the substrate 2 in which the first colored layer 6 is not included is an extension section 8a, the adhesive member T1 is located between the extension section 8a and the wiring board 10.
US09915978B2

Some forms relate to a method of making a stretchable computing system. The method includes attaching a first set of conductive traces to a stretchable member; attaching a first electronic component to the first set of conductive traces; adding a first set of flexible conductors to the stretchable member such that the first set of flexible conductors is electrically connected to the first set of conductive traces; adding stretchable material to the stretchable member such that the first set of conductive traces is surrounded by the stretchable member; forming an opening in the stretchable member that exposes the first set of conductive traces; and attaching a second set of conductive traces to the stretchable member such that the second set of conductive traces fills the opening to form a via in the stretchable member that electrically connects the first set of conductive traces with the second set of conductive traces.
US09915967B2

In order to suppress a negative influence on a circuit operation caused by variation in a substrate potential, a circuit device includes a bridge circuit having a high-side transistor and a low-side transistor, a detection circuit configured to detect current flowing in the bridge circuit, a control circuit configured to control switching on and off of the bridge circuit, and a guard region for setting a substrate PSB of the circuit device to a substrate potential.
US09915966B2

A device includes a proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) current source having a bandgap reference voltage node, and a negative temperature dynamic load having an input terminal electrically connected to the bandgap reference voltage node.
US09915956B2

Methods and associated systems for autonomous package delivery utilize a UAS/UAV, an infrared positioning senor, and a docking station integrated with a package delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV accepts a package for delivery from the docking station on the delivery vehicle and uploads the delivery destination. The UAS/UAV autonomously launches from its docked position on the delivery vehicle. The UAS/UAV autonomously flies to the delivery destination by means of GPS navigation. The UAS/UAV is guided in final delivery by means of a human supervised live video feed from the UAS/UAV. The UAS/UAV is assisted in the descent and delivery of the parcel by precision sensors and if necessary by means of remote human control. The UAS/UAV autonomously returns to the delivery vehicle by means of GPS navigation and precision sensors. The UAS/UAV autonomously docks with the delivery vehicle for recharging and preparation for the next delivery sequence.
US09915947B1

Example systems and methods are disclosed for determining vehicle pose data for an autonomous vehicle. The vehicle computer system may receive pose data from multiple pose measurement systems of the autonomous vehicle. Each pose measurement system may include one or more corresponding sensors of the autonomous vehicle. The vehicle computer system may determine a pose data quality for the received pose data for each pose measurement system. The vehicle computer system may set the vehicle pose data to the pose data of the pose measurement system with the highest pose data quality. The vehicle computer system may control the autonomous vehicle based on the vehicle pose data.
US09915939B2

An industrial control system is provided that includes a first control set, having a first frame period. The first control set includes at least one first input/output (I/O) pack; and at least one first controller. The industrial control system also has a second control set with a second frame period. The second control set includes at least one second input/output (I/O) pack; and at least one second controller. A mixed-frame rate logic device is also included with the industrial control system. This device may handle sharing of input data, output data, or both provided by the first control set to the second control set when the first and second frame periods are different.
US09915938B2

An adjustment apparatus capable of adjusting various types of processing units of a substrate processing apparatus within a shorter period of time is disclosed. The adjustment apparatus includes a main operation device configured to manipulate the processing units and adjust the designated operations, terminal operation devices configured to manipulate the processing units and adjust the designated operations, a network that connects the processing units and the main operation device to each other; and connecting devices configured to connect the terminal operation devices to the network and disconnect the terminal operation devices from the network. Each of the terminal operation devices is configured to be able to manipulate at least one of the processing units.
US09915932B2

Systems and methods are provided for monitoring equipment in a semiconductor manufacturing facility. A processing device maintains baseline measurement record generated from measurements performed by a plurality of tools over a first time range. A measurement record is received, the measurement record corresponding to a measurement performed on a wafer, the wafer having been processed by a first tool of the plurality of tools. The measurement record is stored in a drift candidate table corresponding to a second time range. A determination is made as to whether the measurement record satisfy a set of excursion rules in view of the drift candidate table, and, in response to the determination, the measurement record is stored in an alert table.
US09915930B2

A system is provided, including a plurality of inter-connected premises management devices, each premises management device including a storage device, a memory that stores computer executable components, and a processor that executes the following computer executable components stored in the memory: a primary function component to control a primary function of the premises management device related to managing a premises, a communication component to locate and to communicate with other compatible premises management devices, and a computational component to process system related tasks. Each premises management device is configured to function as part of a unit comprising one or more devices that collectively form a primary system processor when the present primary system processor assigns the respective premises management device to the unit. The primary system processor processes system level tasks.
US09915926B2

System and method for safely controlling the containment of gas within a manifold system and the delivery of gas to a sample holder for an electron microscope for imaging and analysis.
US09915922B2

Magnetic cylinder escapement, comprising a regulating wheel set cooperating with an escape wheel comprising actuators (6) at the periphery of a first disc, each comprising a first impulse part and a second stop part, generating or guiding magnetic fields parallel to the pivot axes, and arranged to work in attraction, via the first disc, with a second non-magnetically charged, soft ferromagnetic disc integral with the regulating wheel set, the mechanism comprising a conductive ferromagnetic plate, underneath but not in contact with the first disc, comprising a cutout surrounding, in a contactless manner, the periphery of the second disc, with a variable air-gap, and closing a magnetic circuit comprising an actuator, the first disc, the second disc, and a structure in which the escape wheel pivots and which carries the plate.
US09915917B2

A process cartridge has a drum unit having a photosensitive drum; a developing unit having a developing roller and movable relative to the drum unit; a first electrically conductive member provided at the drum unit and configured to contact a terminal of an image forming apparatus; a second electrically conductive member provided at the developing unit; and a third electrically conductive member electrically connected to the first electrically conductive member and to the second electrically conductive member, the third electrically conductive member being deformable in accordance with the movement of the developing unit.
US09915915B2

An image forming apparatus is provided with: an apparatus body; a photosensitive member; a developing cartridge configured to have a developer supporting body; a cleaner configured to collect developer remaining on the photosensitive member; and a waste developer container configured to contain developer collected by the cleaner. The apparatus body is configured to have an installment passage, through which the developing cartridge passes when the developing cartridge is installed into and removed from the apparatus body. The waste developer container is configured to be movable between a first position at which at least a part of the waste developer container is located within the installment passage and a second position at which the waste developer container is located away from the installment passage.
US09915907B2

The document conveying apparatus includes a document tray, a butted part with which leading edges of a plurality of documents stacked on the document tray are butted, a roller for conveying a document stacked at a lowermost position, a pressurizing module for pressurizing, from above, the documents stacked on the document tray, a separator, a first detector, provided between the butted part and the separator in a document conveying direction, for detecting a conveyed document, and a control module for causing the pressurizing module to pressurize the documents stacked on the document tray and causing the roller to rotate with a first speed until the first detector detects a document. In a case where the first detector detects a document, the control module reduces a force with which the pressurizing module pressurizes the documents and causes the roller to rotate with a second speed slower than the first speed.
US09915899B2

The fixing device includes a charge elimination member, a retaining member, a contact sheet metal, and a first contact member. The charge elimination member performs charge elimination from a recording medium by making contact with the recording medium that has passed through a fixing-and-nipping part. The retaining member has the charge elimination member fixed thereto. The contact sheet metal is held at a specified potential. The first contact member electrically connects the charge elimination member and the contact sheet metal to each other. The retaining member has a hollow cylindrical-shaped positioning boss, and the fixing housing has an insertion hole into which the positioning boss is to be inserted. The first contact member is placed inside the positioning boss and has one end protruded from the positioning boss. The contact sheet metal is placed so as to face the positioning boss.
US09915891B2

A developing device includes a developing container for accommodating a developer, a rotatable developer carrying member for carrying and feeding the developer, and a layer thickness regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member. The developer circulates between first and second chambers, which are partitioned by a partition wall. A rotatable feeding member feeds the developer in the first chamber, and a light-transmitting portion permits light transmission into a developing container. The light-transmitting portion is disposed at a developer carrying member side of the partition wall so that a light beam entering inside of the developing container is regularly reflected by a surface of a rotation shaft of the feeding member, and the regularly reflected light is emitted outside of the developing container through a gap between the developer carrying member and the layer thickness regulating member.
US09915889B2

An image forming apparatus includes an intermediary transfer member, a first image forming portion including a first photosensitive member, a first charging member, a first developing device, a first transfer portion, and a first pre-exposure device, a second image forming portion including a second photosensitive member, a second charging member, a second developing device, a second transfer portion, and a second pre-exposure device, a current detecting portion, and an adjusting portion for adjusting an exposure amount of the first photosensitive member by the first pre-exposure device on the basis of a detection result of the detecting portion in a region on the first photosensitive member having contacted a toner band formed in a maximum amount per unit area on the intermediary transfer member by the second image forming portion in a state in which a transfer current is supplied.
US09915887B2

The object of the present invention is to provide a toner for development of electrostatic images (hereinafter referred to as toner) which, while preventing dust during fixation, secures improved hot offset resistance and is excellent in providing good image quality. The invention relates to the toner that comprises a binder resin, a colorant and a wax, wherein the wax has, while in a state of being contained in the toner, a melting point of from 55° C. to 90° C., and the value Dt of the toner satisfies a specific formula.
US09915885B2

The present invention provides a toner that excels in low-temperature fixability and also maintains charging performance, storability, and anti-hot offset property even in long-term image output. The toner comprising a toner particle containing an amorphous polyester resin, a crystalline polyester resin, wax, and a colorant, wherein a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the crystalline polyester resin is 5000 to 14,000, and the crystalline polyester resin includes 0.5 mass % to 15.0 mass % of a segment derived from one or more aliphatic compounds selected from the group consisting of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids with a carbon number of 8 to 20 and aliphatic monohydric alcohols with a carbon number of 8 to 20.
US09915883B2

The toner of the present invention is an electrostatic latent image developing toner, and has a toner base particle. The toner base particle contains a binder resin including a crystalline resin, and a release agent. The toner has the maximum value G′MAX at a temperature equal to or lower than Tm, among specific storage elastic modulus ratios, of 2.2 or more. The Tm represents a peak top temperature (° C.) of a specific endothermic peak in DSC of the toner.
US09915874B2

An illumination optical unit for EUV projection lithography serves for illuminating an illumination field in which an object field of a downstream imaging optical unit is arranged. An object displaceable in an object displacement direction is in turn arrangeable in the object field. A facet mirror of the illumination optical unit has a plurality of facets arranged alongside one another and serving for the reflective, superimposing guidance of partial beams of a beam of EUV illumination light to the object field. The facet mirror is arranged such that a position of the respective facet on the facet mirror and an impingement region of an illumination light partial beam on the respective facet of the facet mirror predefine an illumination direction for the field points of the object field.
US09915872B2

The disclosure provides an optical component that includes an optical element fixed in the transverse direction in a frame. The frame has a linear expansion of at most 0.01% in the transverse direction even in the case of a linear expansion of the optical element in the transverse direction by up to 1%.
US09915869B1

A method for fabricating an interposer wafer includes providing at least one mask having printing regions for forming a plurality of interposer designs; selecting an interposer design; and forming the interposer design on a substrate using a plurality of lithographic imaging steps. For each lithographic imaging step, at least one portion of the interposer design is printed by exposing at least one of the printing regions while blocking at least one other of the printing regions.
US09915857B2

Systems and methods for calibrating an image projection system, using image capture devices are disclosed. In particular, Wide-Angle (WA) and Ultra Wide-Angle (UWA) lenses can be utilized to eliminate need for traditional test patterns and tedious alignment settings. That is particularly useful for automatic calibration of projection sources that may require frequent adjustments on the field. Geometric mapping techniques combined with image analytics allow identifying parallel lines in an image captured from a scene. Coordinates of vanishing points corresponding to pairs of parallel lines provide sufficient information to determine orientation of the image projection system in space.
US09915856B2

A projection apparatus includes a light source, an optical engine module, and a lens module. The lens module includes a plate having at least one through hole, a lens fixed to the plate, at least one slide assembly disposed between the plate and an optical engine housing of the optical engine module, and a position adjusting device including a movable guide member and at least one guide pillar. The plate is movably disposed on the optical engine housing through the slide assembly. The movable guide member is movably disposed between the plate and the optical engine housing. The guide pillar is disposed on the movable guide member and passes through the through hole. When the movable guide member is forced to move towards an axial direction, the guide pillar drives the plate to move on the slide assembly along the axial direction relative to the optical engine housing.
US09915854B2

An adjustable light fixture for photography that is versatile in mobility and utility. The light fixture includes a light socket, a handle, an umbrella-mounting hole, a hot shoe mount, a stand adaptor, and a lockable pivot joint. The light socket receives a light bulb and includes a housing and an electrical interfacing cavity. The intermediate spar is adjacently connected to the housing to connect the handle to the light socket. The electrical interfacing cavity traverses into the housing, opposite the intermediate spar. The handle is adjacently and perpendicularly connected to the intermediate spar, opposite the housing. The umbrella-mounting hole traverses through the handle, oriented parallel to a main axis of the electrical interfacing cavity. The hot shoe mount is adjacently connected to the intermediate spar, opposite the handle. The stand adaptor is pivotably attached to the handle by the lockable pivot joint, opposite the intermediate spar.
US09915850B2

Apparatuses and methods for producing and/or receiving an optical beam are disclosed, A phased array on a chip comprises phase shifters and off-chip couplers to provide phase controlled pixels. An optical system is arranged in front of the phased array. The optical system is configured to concentrate light from the phased array and/or expand a received beam of light for input into the phased array.
US09915846B2

An array substrate and a display device belonging to the field of display technology. The array substrate comprises a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines which intersect the plurality of gate lines, and a plurality of pixels units comprised of electrodes defined by neighboring gate lines and neighboring data lines. The array substrate includes a plurality of common electrode lines extending in a gate line direction. Each of the common electrode lines comprises a plurality of branches extending in a data line direction. The array substrate can shield an electric field formed between the data lines and the pixel electrodes, so that a problem of light leakage in the array substrate is solved.
US09915843B2

In order to take advantage of the properties of a display device including an oxide semiconductor, a protective circuit and the like having appropriate structures and a small occupied area are necessary. The protective circuit is formed using a non-linear element which includes a gate insulating film covering a gate electrode; a first oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating film; a channel protective layer covering a region which overlaps with a channel formation region of the first oxide semiconductor layer; and a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer each of which is formed by stacking a conductive layer and a second oxide semiconductor layer and over the first oxide semiconductor layer. The gate electrode is connected to a scan line or a signal line, the first wiring layer or the second wiring layer is directly connected to the gate electrode.
US09915837B2

Provided is a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal cell, a backlight side polarizer, an optical thin film which forms an air interface, and a backlight unit, in this order. The liquid crystal display device satisfies n (535)
US09915823B1

An eyepiece for a head wearable display includes a lightguide component for guiding display light and emitting the display light along at a viewing region. The light guide component includes an input surface oriented to receive the display light into the lightguide component at the peripheral location, a first folding surface disposed to reflect the display light received through the input surface, a second folding surface disposed to reflect the display light received from the first folding surface, an eye-ward facing surface disposed opposite to the second folding surface to reflect the display light received from the second folding surface, and a curved reflective surface having reflective optical power disposed at the viewing region to receive the display light reflected from the eye-ward facing surface and to reflect the display light for emission out through the eye-ward facing surface.
US09915817B2

A periscope includes an object window 4, a first reflector 5, a second reflector 6; and an intermediate port between the first reflector 5 and the second reflector 6. The first reflector 5 is arranged to reflect light from the object window 4 towards the second reflector 6 through the intermediate port. The second reflector 6 is selectively movable between a first position of use in which the second reflector 6 reflects light from the first reflector 5 towards a viewing position and a second position of use in which the second reflector 6 closes the intermediate port.
US09915809B1

The present disclosure relates to the field of optical lens, and discloses an optical camera lens, which, from an object side to an image side, includes: an aperture, a first lens having positive refraction power, a second lens having negative refraction power, a third lens having negative refraction power, a fourth lens having positive refraction power and a fifth lens having negative refraction power, which satisfy relational expressions: 0.70
US09915804B2

Provided is an imaging lens and a camera module, the device including in an orderly way from an object side, a first lens with positive (+) refractive power; a second lens with negative (−) refractive power; a third lens with negative (−) refractive power; a fourth lens with negative (−) refractive power; and a fifth lens with negative (−) refractive power, wherein the lens is concavely formed at an object side surface.
US09915801B2

An auto focusing (AF) module includes a fixed base, an AF barrel configured to support a focus lens, an AF base supported by the fixed base and configured to support the AF barrel such that the AF barrel that moves along an optical axis. A stepper motor is fixed to the AF base and provides a driving force to the AF barrel; a bonding member is arranged between the fixed base and the AF base, the bonding member being configured to bond the fixed base and the AF base to each other. The AF module may fix the AF base in an optimum location with respect to the fixed base, so that the assembling error of a first guide shaft assembled in the AF base may be compensated. The AF module may be fixed to the optimum location with respect to another component, such as the lens frame.
US09915799B2

The present invention relates to central loose optical-fiber cables. An exemplary optical-fiber cable includes a central buffer tube that encloses loose optical fibers. Stranded strength yarns surround the central buffer tube and the optical fibers positioned within the central buffer tube's annular space, and a cable jacket surrounds the stranded strength yarns.
US09915793B2

A tool for removing a ferrule alignment sleeve from a sleeve mount of a fiber optic adapter, wherein the sleeve mount defines an axial bore and radially inwardly extending fingers for retaining the ferrule alignment sleeve therewithin, includes a handle and a pin extending from the handle. The pin is configured to slidably receive the ferrule alignment sleeve, the pin defining longitudinal keys for mating with gaps defined between the radially inwardly extending fingers of the sleeve mount, wherein the tool can also be used as a ferrule alignment sleeve insertion tool if the pin is inserted into the axial bore in a different orientation and from an opposite end of the axial bore as compared to the removal function.
US09915789B2

An optical adaptor for mounting to a receptacle to optically couple connectorized optical cables comprises a coupling element to provide a passageway for inserting a ferrule of a first optical connector to terminate a first one of the connectorized optical cables and a ferrule of a second optical connector to terminate a second one of the connectorized optical cables to optically couple the first and the second connectorized optical cable. The optical adaptor further comprises a mounting element being mountable to the receptacle to hold the optical adaptor. The mounting element is configured to receive the coupling element.
US09915785B2

A device includes a substrate, a pedestal extending from the substrate, and a ring resonator disposed on the pedestal above the substrate. The ring resonator has a resonance wavelength greater than 1.5 μm and includes at least one of silicon and chalcogenide glass. The device can be used as a ring resonator sensor or a light source. The ring resonator is substantially transparent to mid-infrared radiation to reduce optical losses. The pedestal has a narrower width compared to the ring resonator to generate improved interaction between evanescent fields of light in the ring resonator and analytes nearby the ring resonator, thereby increasing sensing sensitivity. In addition, fabrication of the device is compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes and hence is amenable to large scale manufacturing.
US09915782B2

An optical interconnection device including: a first element layer formed on a substrate; a second element layer disposed on the first element layer and receiving an optical signal; and a mode converter interposed between the first element layer and the second element layer, and eliminating a difference between an effective refractive index of the first element layer and an effective refractive index of the second element layer and match a mode profile, wherein the first element layer, the mode converter, and the second element layer are sequentially disposed on respective planes spaced apart from each other on the substrate, and one end of the mode converter overlaps a part of the second element layer, and the other end of the mode converter overlaps a part of the first element layer.
US09915781B1

A waveguide-based polarization splitter-rotator (PSR) includes a converter with tapered rib-structure configured to convert TM0/TE0 polarization mode of an input light to a TE1/TE0 mode, a splitter coupled to the first plane for splitting the input light evenly to a first wave at a first port and a second wave at a second port. Furthermore, the PSR includes a phase shifter having a first arm coupled to first port and a second arm coupled to the second port. The first arm guides the first wave to a third port with no phase shift while the second arm adds 90 or 270 degrees to the second wave. The PSR also includes a 2×2 MMI coupler for coupling the first wave and the second wave to output a first output light in TE0 mode exclusively from TM0 mode and a second output light in TE0 mode exclusively from TE0 mode.
US09915779B2

The low magnetic sensitivity PM-PCF based on mechanical buffer is obtained by adding buffer structures in the cladding layer of the photonic crystal fiber. In the center of the fiber, the core region contains at least 3 layers of air-holes, enclosed by the cladding layer. The buffer structures are placed in the cladding layer. These buffer structures are formed by replacing silica of any shape by air, and are symmetrically located in X-axis and Y-axis directions to achieve mechanical isotropy. The buffer structures improve the fiber's performance in fiber coiling and stress conditions. Therefore, the fiber optic gyroscope using the PM-PCF can do without a magnetic shield, thus greatly reducing the weight of the fiber optic gyroscope and extending the scope of its application. Compared with the conventional commercial PCF, the PM-PCF provides the fiber optic gyroscope with lower temperature sensitivity and improved accuracy.
US09915775B2

Methods and apparatus for providing circadian-friendly LED light sources are disclosed. A light source is formed to include a first LED emission (e.g., one or more LEDs emitting a first spectrum) and a second LED emission (e.g., one or more LEDs emitting a second spectrum) wherein the first and second LED emissions are combined in a first ratio and in a second ratio such that while changing from the first ratio to the second ratio the relative circadian stimulation is varied while maintaining a color rendering index above 80.
US09915773B1

A backlight module includes a light source component and a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes at least one micro-structure on a bottom surface of the light guide plate, and the micro-structure includes a plane reflective surface. The light source component includes light source groups, a first cylindrical lens array and a second cylindrical lens. Each of the light source groups includes a first light source and a second light source arranged along an X direction. The first cylindrical lens array is optically coupled between the light source groups and the light guide plate, and includes first cylindrical lenses having lens power along the X direction and disposed corresponding to each of the light source groups. The second cylindrical lens is optically coupled between the light source groups and the light guide plate, and has lens power along a Z direction orthogonal to the X direction.
US09915770B2

A backlight unit includes LEDs, a light guide plate, a prism sheet, exiting light reflecting portions, prisms, concave lenticular lens lenses, and flat portions. The concave lenticular lenses are configured such that an occupancy rate of concave cylindrical lenses with respect to the second direction is higher in an area closer to a light entering surface with respect to the first direction and the occupancy rate is lower in an area farther from the light entering surface. The flat portions are formed adjacent to the concave cylindrical lenses with respect to the second direction such that an occupancy rate of flat portions with respect to the second direction is lower in an area closer to a light entering surface with respect to the first direction and the occupancy rate of the flat portions with respect to the second direction is higher in an area farther from the light entering surface.
US09915768B2

The wire grid polarizer plate includes a light permeable substrate and a conductive pattern layer arranged on one surface of the light permeable substrate, the conductive pattern layer includes window regions and at least one reflective region arranged in a rectangular region which is circumscribed to the window regions, the window regions have target patterns including conductive simple closed curves surrounding in piles, spaced apart from each other at an interval of a period which is shorter than a wavelength of incident light, transmit first polarized light of the incident light and reflect second polarized light which is perpendicular to the first polarized light and the reflective regions reflect both of the first polarized light and the second polarized light.
US09915753B2

The present disclosure describes a neutron generator including an ion source that generates ions; a target that outputs neutrons when the ions impact the target; one or more power supplies that supply electrical power to the ion source and the target; and a control system. The control system determines one or more rules that describe relationships between operational parameters, useful life, reliability, neutron output, environment, and constraints of the neutron generators; determines one or more operational parameter setpoints based at least in part on the one or more rules; and instructs the one or more power supplies to adjust electrical power supplied to the ion source, the target, or both based at least in part on the one or more operational parameter setpoints.
US09915749B2

A logging sensor or tool including a structural component, a non-structural component, and a composite disposed between the structural component and the non-structural component. The composite may contain a metallic foam having pores and an elastomeric material deposited in the pores. The elastomeric material may include an elastomer and a plurality of metallic shield particles. A logging system and to a wireline system containing such a logging sensor or tool.
US09915744B2

Marine seismic sources for exploring formations under the seafloor using reflection seismology include ghost attenuators for reducing or eliminating ghost signals. Such a ghost attenuator is located in the water above an individual source element and 5 water surface and is configured to dissipate energy of up-going signals and/or to redirect the up-going signals.
US09915737B2

A nuclear medicine (NM) multi-head imaging system is provided that includes a gantry defining a bore configured to accept an object to be imaged. The imaging system includes a plurality of detector units coupled to the gantry, with each of the detector units having a respective detector field-of-view (FOV). Each of the detector units is configured to rotate about a respective unit axis, with the plurality of detector units including at least a first and a second detector unit. The imaging system also includes at least one processor configured to execute programmed instructions stored in memory, wherein the at least one processor, when executing the programmed instructions, rotates the first and second detector units as the first and second detector units acquire persistence image data; and generates at least one persistence image based on the persistence image data.
US09915734B2

Systems and methods for averaging satellite sigmas and readmitting excluded satellite measurements into differential corrections and integrity monitors are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: calculating a first RFI based averaged sigma and a second RFI based averaged sigma, wherein the first RFI based averaged sigma includes a sigma for the excluded satellite measurement and wherein the second RFI based averaged sigma does not include the sigma for the excluded satellite measurement; and, readmitting the excluded satellite measurement into either a differential correction broadcast or a respective integrity monitor when the first RFI based averaged sigma is less than or equal to the second RFI based averaged sigma.
US09915733B2

A method of imaging a scene includes estimating multiple three-dimensional (3D) representations, each of which corresponds to a respective portion of the scene. Neighboring portions of the scene area are at least partially overlapping. Each 3D representation is estimated by illuminating the respective portion of the scene with a light burst including multiple light pulses, after which multiple point clouds are generated by detecting photons reflected or scattered from the respective portion of the scene using a focal plane array. Data points in the point clouds represent a distance between the focal plane array and a scene point in the respective portion of the scene. The 3D representation is then estimated based on the multiple point clouds via coincidence processing. The method then generates a 3D image of the scene based on the multiple 3D representations.
US09915728B2

A phased array radar configured to transmit two or more slightly misaligned beams, for improved angular resolution. The transmitting array is split into two or more subarrays that transmit slightly misaligned beams that may have a common carrier frequency and each of which has a different modulation. Each subarray may include alternate elements in the rows of the transmitting array, and alternate elements in the columns of the transmitting array. The width of each transmitted beam may be greater than or comparable to the diffraction-limited width, but the region in which the beams overlap may be significantly narrower than any of the transmitted beams. The reflected beam from a target contains one or more of the modulations of the transmitted beams, in proportions depending on the location of the target, and the extent to which it is illuminated by each beam.
US09915724B2

Some demonstrative embodiments include devices, systems and methods of determining a Time of Arrival (ToA) of a wireless communication signal. For example, a method may include receiving a signal over a wireless communication channel, detecting a symbol boundary of a symbol of the signal, and determining a ToA of the signal based on the symbol boundary and a channel estimation of the wireless communication channel.
US09915716B2

In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus for establishing at least one measurement protocol of a magnetic resonance measurement of an examination object, the measurement parameters necessary for the magnetic resonance measurement of the examination object are set, at least one absorption variable according to the measurement parameters set is established, and at least one measurement protocol is established that includes further measurement parameters according to the established at least one absorption variable. A characteristic variable can be established that indicates the ability to carry out the at least one measurement protocol according to the at least one established absorption variable.
US09915715B2

In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging of an examination object, a control computer is provided with a designation of a first recording region, which is cuboidal. The computer automatically determines a second recording region that represents an adjustment of the first recording region such that the second recording region is cube-shaped. Magnetic resonance scan data are acquired from the entire second recording region. Magnetic resonance image data are reconstructed from the acquired magnetic resonance scan data. An image region of the magnetic resonance image data is supplied in electronic form from the computer.
US09915710B2

A magnetic sensor is provided in which in a case where magnetization amounts of the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer in the first magnetic sensor element are respectively set to be Mst11 and Mst12 and magnetization amounts of the first ferromagnetic layer and the second ferromagnetic layer in the second magnetic sensor element are respectively set to be Mst21 and Mst22, in a case of Mst11>Mst12, a relationship of Mst21>Mst22 is satisfied, and in a case of Mst11
US09915703B2

A voltage sensing system for a vehicle traction battery having a plurality of cells includes: a battery controller, a plurality of electrical circuits, each being respectively connected to at least one of the cells and including an electrical component for limiting current therethrough, and a plurality of wires, each being respectively connected to one of the electrical circuits in series with a respective one of the electrical components for limiting current and the controller.
US09915700B2

Probing an integrated circuit (IC), by: electrically applying stimulation signal to said IC; scanning a selected area of said IC with a monochromatic beam; collecting beam reflection from the selected area of said IC, wherein the beam reflection correspond to modulation of the monochromatic beam by active devices of said IC; converting said beam reflection to an electrical probing signal; selecting a frequency or a band of frequencies of said probing signal; utilizing the probing signal to generate a spatial modulation map for various locations over the selected area of said IC; and displaying the spatial map on a monitor, wherein grey scale values correspond to modulation signal values.
US09915699B2

A method of probe testing dies, the method includes loading a wafer having a first die and a second die into a prober and bringing probes of the prober into contact with first contact pads of the first die according to first probe parameters. A first probe contact test of first values of the contact between the probes and the first contact pads is performed, and a die test of the first die is performed after performing the probe contact test. Results of the die test and results of the probe contact test are saved and second probe parameters are automatically generated based on at least the results of the first probe contact test.
US09915681B2

A semiconductor test apparatus includes a pogo pin that is provided on a board and is in contact with an inspected object. The pogo pin includes a barrel fixedly disposed on the board, a plunger movably coupled to the barrel, and a conduction film covering the pogo pin. The conduction film contacts a portion of the plunger to be electrically connected to the plunger while being electrically insulated from the barrel.
US09915680B2

A faulted circuit indicator (FCI) device for installation on a power line includes a housing, a laminate structure fastened to the housing and configured to receive the power line, and a clamp mechanism pivotally fastened to the housing and configured to secure the housing to the power line. The clamp mechanism includes a pair of opposing clamp arms each having a curved configuration. The curved configuration of the clamp arms maintains the power line in a centered relationship within the laminate structure when the clamp arms are engaged on the power line over a range of power line diameters.
US09915676B2

A method for receiving a sound generated from a moving subject and an electronic device implementing the same are provided. The method includes confirming a position of a subject so as to intensively receive a sound generated from the subject, photographing a moving image, selecting at least one subject among subjects included in the photographed moving image, obtaining movement information of the selected subject, and adjusting a major sound capture region based on the obtained movement information of the subject.
US09915668B2

The invention relates to antibodies, antibody fragments and binding agents that specifically recognize oligomeric tau but do not bind to monomeric tau, fibrillar tau or non-disease associated forms of tau.
US09915664B2

The present invention relates generally to methods for diagnosing the presence or the risk of development or the therapy control of spondyloarthritis (Spa), in particular, of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis in a subject, in particular in mammals. In addition, the present invention relates to test kits for use in the diagnosis of the presence or the risk of development, or for the therapy control of Spa, like AS and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, in a subject. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for diagnosing the presence or the risk of development, or for the therapy control of Spa, like AS and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis, in a subject analysing for the presence of autoantibodies against CD74 and/or IKBKB in a subject. The presence of autoantibodies against CD74 and/or IKBKB is indicative for the presence or the risk of development, or for the therapy control of Spa, like AS and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. In particular, detection of the presence of autoantibodies against CD74 and/or IKBKB allows early diagnosis of Spa, in particular, AS and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis.
US09915660B2

Provided herein are methods for determining the risk that a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer will develop a recurrence of colorectal cancer and methods of predicting clinical outcome for a subject diagnosed with colorectal cancer by a) determining the level of expression for each marker of a panel of markers in a panel of tumor compartments in a tumor tissue sample from the subject, wherein the panel of markers comprises at least two of TEM1, HIF2α, CAIX, PDGFRβ, fibronectin, collagen I, collagen IV, and CD31 and wherein the panel of tumor compartments comprises at least three tumor compartments of pure stroma, tumor, stromal vessel, and tumor vessel; b) determining the TAPPS score for said subject; and c) comparing the TAPPS score of the subject to the TAPPS score of a population of subjects diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Also provided are related computer-implemented methods and systems, kits, and tumor microarrays.
US09915659B2

The present invention describes methods of prognosticating patient survival based on an analysis of the ZEB1 gene or gene product. The present invention also describes methods of selecting and/or selecting various therapies based on the analysis of ZEB1, IDH1, PTEN, MGMT and/or RET. Further describes are systems for analyzing ZEB1, IDH1, PTEN, MGMT and/or RET as well as selecting and/or selecting the therapies.
US09915658B2

The present invention is directed to combination immunoassays, reagents and kits for simultaneous detection of HCV antigens and anti-HCV antibodies in a sample. The combination immunoassays of the present invention employ a non-ionic detergent that effectively exposes or releases the HCV core antigen from virions in a sample without interfering with the performance of other reagents such as the capture of anti-HCV antibodies by recombinant HCV antigens.
US09915655B2

The present invention relates to a method for determining whether a protein binds to a specific DNA sequence. This method is useful in particular for identifying modifications to the DNA sequence (e.g. methylations) via the binding of proteins that specifically recognize those modifications (e.g. antibodies), but also to identify the binding sequence on DNA of a variety of proteins.
US09915648B2

The invention relates to a method of analysing a sample, comprising the analysis of clinical-chemical parameters and the analysis of immunodiagnostic parameters in a fully automatic analysis apparatus, wherein the analysis apparatus comprises a pipetting apparatus, at least one holder for a reagent cartridge containing the components necessary for carrying out the analysis, a holding apparatus for a measurement cell, at least one measurement cell, with each reagent cartridge being associated with a measurement cell, a holding apparatus for a sample container containing sample, and a photometric or spectrometric measurement device. On the basis of a sample it is possible here for a plurality of different clinical-chemical and/or immunodiagnostic parameters to be determined, to which end a dedicated reagent cartridge is inserted into a holding apparatus of the analysis apparatus for each clinical-chemical or immunodiagnostic parameter to be determined.
US09915637B2

First inner gas holes 134a and first outer gas holes 144a of a gas sensor are formed so that the following conditions are satisfied: a first-inner-hole count Nin≧3, 0
US09915633B2

Example systems and methods for non-destructive evaluation of depressions on a surface of an object are provided. One example system includes a measurement apparatus having a two-dimensional ultrasonic transducer array, a delay line material, a sealing member position such that the sealing member forms a cavity between the delay line material and a surface of the object, and a liquid inlet for injecting a liquid into the cavity. The example system also includes a processor configured to determine, using ultrasonic signals received from the two-dimensional ultrasonic transducer array, at least one property of a depression such as a dent on the surface of an object. The example system may also be configured to provide an output that is indicative of whether the at least one property of the depression satisfies a predetermined criterion. Another example system includes a compressible elastomeric delay line material that conforms to a surface of an object.
US09915628B2

Methods and systems for tracing circuitry on integrated circuits using focused ion beam based imaging techniques. A first component or node on an integrated circuit is coupled to a second component or node on the same integrated circuit. After an external bias is applied to the first component or node, a focused ion beam is applied to the integrated circuit and an image is taken using an electron detector. The features or components on the integrated circuit which are coupled to the second component or node will show up in high contrast on the resulting image. The method may also involve applying a bias to a node or component and then using focused ion beam imaging techniques (through an electron detector) to arrive at an image of the integrated circuit. Components coupled to the node will appear in high contrast in the resulting image.
US09915624B2

A method and system are presented for use in controlling a process applied to a patterned structure having regions of different layered stacks. The method comprises: sequentially receiving measured data indicative of optical response of the structure being processed during a predetermined processing time, and generating a corresponding sequence of data pieces measured over time; and analyzing and processing the sequence of the data pieces and determining at least one main parameter of the structure. The analyzing and processing comprises: processing a part of said sequence of the data pieces and obtaining data indicative of one or more parameters of the structure; utilizing said data indicative of said one or more parameters of the structure and optimizing model data describing a relation between an optical response of the structure and one or more parameters of the structure; utilizing the optimized model data for processing at least a part of the sequence of the measured data pieces, and determining at least one parameters of the structure characterizing said process applied to the structure, and generating data indicative thereof.
US09915622B2

Systems configured to inspect a wafer are provided. One system includes an illumination subsystem configured to direct pulses of light to an area on a wafer; a scanning subsystem configured to scan the pulses of light across the wafer; a collection subsystem configured to image pulses of light scattered from the area on the wafer to a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to integrate a number of the pulses of scattered light that is fewer than a number of the pulses of scattered light that can be imaged on the entire area of the sensor, and wherein the sensor is configured to generate output responsive to the integrated pulses of scattered light; and a computer subsystem configured to detect defects on the wafer using the output generated by the sensor.
US09915617B2

The present invention is related to a portable electronic assay device, a portable assay device and a kit thereof. The portable electronic assay device is used for determining a result of an assay performed using a test strip comprises a casing, an optical module, a light detector, and a processor. The casing comprises a transmissive part. The optical module emits a detecting light signal and display light signal. The detecting light signal is illuminated to the test strip and the display light signal is illuminated to the transmissive part. The light detector detects light from the test strip so as to obtain a detecting signal. The processor receives the detecting signal compared with a default value so as to obtain an assay result. The assay result is displayed on the transmissive part. Therefore, it provides simple structure of the assay device for displaying the assay result rapidly and correctly.
US09915614B2

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for molecular capture, manipulation, and analysis. In one aspect, a device to aggregate and characterize particles in a fluid includes an electrically insulative substrate including a channel to carry an electrically conducting fluid containing particles, electrodes located in the channel forming a nanoscale opening and including an insulating layer over their surface at the opening, a first circuit to apply a non-uniform ac electric field and a dc bias signal across the electrodes, in which the applied non-uniform ac electric field produces a positive dielectrophoretic force to aggregate the particles in a trapping region including the opening and adjacent region, a second circuit to detect changes in a dc current caused by at least some of the particles in the trapping region, and an optical device that directs a coherent light beam on the opening to determine Raman spectra of the particles in the trapping region.
US09915609B1

In accordance with certain embodiments, detection of a fire event via detection of scattered light of at least two wavelengths is based on rates of change between measurements of the scattered light of the different wavelengths.
US09915587B2

A particulate sensor (1) which detects particulates S contained in a gas under measurement (EG) flowing within a gas flow pipe (EP) has a space forming portion (12) and an ion source (15). The space forming portion (12) projects into the gas flow pipe EP and forms an internal space MX. The space forming portion (12) has an introduction port (43I) and a discharge port (48O) for discharging from the internal space MX the gas EGI introduced through the introduction port (43I). The source (15) produces ions CP by gaseous discharge. The space forming portion (12) is configured such that the introduced gas EGI is discharged from the internal space MX through the discharge port (48O), the gas under measurement EG is introduced into the internal space MX through the introduction port (43I), and the introduced gas EGI is mixed with the ions CP produced by the ion source (15).
US09915583B2

A method for verifying a position of an energy beam spot, said method comprising the steps of: providing a calibrated energy beam having a first focus in a at least two positions at a work table, detecting said at least two positions of said energy beam spot on said work table created with said energy beam having said first focus, providing said calibrated energy beam having a second focus in said at least two positions at a work table, detecting said at least two positions of said energy beam spot on said work table created with said energy beam having said second focus, comparing said at least two positions created with said first and second focus, wherein said position of the energy beam is verified if said positions created with said first focus are deviating less than a predetermined distance from said positions created with said second focus.
US09915569B2

Provided herein is an apparatus for sensing temperature. The apparatus for sensing temperature includes: a sensor unit configured to include at least one sensor resistor and output a sensing signal varying by the sensor resistor in response to temperature when the sensor unit is applied with an operating voltage; a data conversion unit configured to convert a change in temperature sensed based on the sensing signal output from the sensor unit into a time signal and generate temperature information based on the converted time signal; and a control unit configured to control the sensor unit and the data conversion unit and output a temperature value determined depending on the temperature information.
US09915568B2

A circuit device including: a detection circuit (10) that performs A/D conversion of a first detection voltage (VD1) that is detected by using a thermopile (2), and outputs a first detection value (DT1) that is a digital value, and performs A/D conversion of a second detection voltage (VD2) that is detected by using a thermistor (4), and outputs a second detection value (DT2) that is a digital value; and a control unit (50) that obtains a self-temperature by using the second detection value (DT2), obtains a second electromotive voltage that corresponds to the self-temperature by using the self-temperature, obtains a first electromotive voltage that corresponds to an object's temperature by using the first detection value (DT1) and the second electromotive voltage, and obtains the object's temperature by using the first electromotive voltage.
US09915566B2

A system is provided that includes a security system that protects a secured area, a passive infrared (PIR) detector of the security system that detects intruders within the secured area, a pyroelectric element carried by the PIR detector, the pyroelectric element being tilted downwards towards a floor within the secured area to receive and detect a predominant portion of energy from an area extending outwards from the PIR detector and directly in front of the PIR detector and a relatively small portion of energy from a floor area directly below the PIR detector, and a pivoting door having first and second positions mounted below and directly adjacent the pyroelectric element, the door pivoting upwards to the first position where the relatively small portion of energy is blocked and pivoting downwards where the relatively small portion of energy is transmitted onto the pyroelectric element.
US09915565B2

A method of calibrating a spectral imaging system is disclosed. The spectral imaging system comprises an interferometer having a beam splitter and at least a first reflector and a second reflector. The method comprises: obtaining data pertaining to an interference pattern model, operating the spectral imaging system to provide an interference pattern of a received light beam, and varying a relative orientation between at least two of: the beam splitter, the first reflector and the second reflector, until the interference pattern of the input light beam substantially matches the interference pattern model.
US09915545B2

A method for providing directions to a blind user of a smart device is described. The method includes detecting, by at least two sensors and in response to a selection of a find mode of the smart device, image data corresponding to a surrounding environment of the smart device and positioning data corresponding to a positioning of the smart device. The method also includes receiving, by an input device, the desired object or the desired location. The method also includes determining, by a processor, the initial location of the smart device based on the image data, the positioning data and map data stored in a memory of the smart device. The method also includes providing, by the output device, the directions to the desired object based on the initial location of the smart device and the map data.
US09915544B2

A method and an apparatus provides a service using a sensor and image recognition in a portable terminal that supports Augmented Reality (AR). The method includes determining whether the portable terminal is parallel to ground using an acceleration sensor. When the portable terminal is parallel to the ground, either a map including nearby Point Of Interest (POI) information or constellation information is displayed.
US09915541B2

A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle information including at least location and fuel level. The processor is also configured to determine a current estimated time-of-arrival (ETA) to an event-associated destination based on travel time from the location. The processor is further configured to determine a fuel-level impact on the current ETA. Also, the processor is configured to provide a remote party update, including the current ETA, responsive to the current ETA deviating from a previous ETA by more than a threshold deviance.
US09915540B2

Aspects of the present invention disclose a method, computer program product, and system for generating routing information. The method includes one or more processors acquiring a current location for each of a plurality of mobile computing devices. The method further includes one or more processors identifying a range that corresponds to each of the plurality of mobile computing devices. The method further includes one or more processors determining a target location at which at least two of the plurality of mobile computing devices can be in proximity. The determined target location is based on the acquired current location of each of the plurality of mobile computing devices and the identified ranges that correspond to each of the plurality of mobile computing devices. The method further includes one or more processors generating routing information corresponding to the at least two of the mobile computing devices and the determined target location.
US09915533B2

A terminal apparatus, a method and a system for setting up a destination and providing information are provided, in which the terminal apparatus includes a communicator which is configured to communicate with other terminal apparatuses, an input unit which is configured to receive a user command, a display which is configured to display a list including at least one item which corresponds to at least one of the other terminal apparatuses, and a controller which is configured to control the communicator to transmit destination information to a first terminal apparatus which corresponds to a selected item that is selected from among the at least one item included in the displayed list via the input unit. Accordingly, a user is provided with routes to the destination, without having to input address or name of the intended destination on his own terminal apparatus.
US09915532B2

A gyroscope having a resonant body utilizes a self-calibration mechanism that does not require physical rotation of the resonant body. Instead, interface circuitry applies a rotating electrostatic field to first and second drive electrodes simultaneously to excite both the drive and sense resonance modes of the gyroscope. When drive electrodes associated with both the drive and sense resonance modes of the gyroscope are excited by forces of equal amplitude but 90° phase difference, respectively, the phase shift in the gyroscope response, as measured by the current output of the sense electrodes for each resonance mode, is proportional to an equivalent gyroscope rotation rate.
US09915530B2

A laser readable surveying rod is provided with adjustable lighting elements. More specifically, lighting elements, such as LED lights are provided along a length of a surveying rod such that laser readings may be taken at night or in dark conditions. Lighting elements may be translated along a length of a rod, particularly where it is desirable to illuminate only a portion of a rod and conserve valuable energy.
US09915527B2

A detachable hazard detection device includes a protective covering configured to detachably couple to an article. A plurality of proximity sensors are coupled to the protective covering. Each of the plurality of proximity sensors is configured to gather proximity information. Electronics are embedded in the protective covering, and the electronics include a controller coupled to the plurality of proximity sensors. The controller is configured to determine a proximity of the article to an object based on the proximity information. The controller is further configured to initiate a notification based on the proximity.
US09915526B2

An apparatus comprises: (1) measuring unit configured to transmit a signal towards the object and to determine a plurality of voxels, each comprising phase and magnitude of a reflected signal and spatial coordinates (comprising Z-axis, X-axis and Y-axis), and the voxels comprise a plurality of series of voxels along the Z-axis, each having a same X-coordinate and a same Y-coordinate; and (2) surface-determining unit comprising (a) magnitude unit configured to determine a maximum magnitude voxel for each series of voxels, (b) phase unit configured to determine, for each maximum magnitude voxel, phases of at least three voxels (maximum magnitude voxel and voxels adjacent thereto), (c) angle unit configured to determine, for each maximum magnitude voxel, a normal vector based on the respective phases, and (d) reconstructing unit configured to determine the object surface based on the spatial coordinates of the maximum magnitude voxels and the respective normal vectors.
US09915518B2

A capacitive sensor for measuring the clearance between the apex of the vanes of a rotor and the inner surface of an abradable coating covering the inner surface of a turbomachine casing, the clearance measuring capacitive sensor including a first electrode the material of which is abradable so as to get worn upon contacting an apex of a vane, the material of the first electrode having a degree of wear substantially identical to the degree of wear of the material of the abradable coating.
US09915517B2

A method is disclosed for determining a rotor position of an electrically excited electrical machine by injecting voltage test signals at a plurality of space vector angles with a fundamental frequency which lies in a frequency range in which there is a difference in admittance in space vector angles; calculating resulting values of an excitation current indicator variable as Fourier coefficients of the excitation current resulting from the voltage test signal with reference to the fundamental frequency of the voltage test signal at the corresponding space vector angles; and determining the rotor position on the basis of the profile of the excitation current indicator variable.
US09915516B2

There is provided a method for controlling a shape measuring apparatus which continues to perform nominal scanning measurement to a workpiece having a slightly large deviation from a design data. A scanning path to move a stylus tip is calculated based on design data of a workpiece. The stylus tip is moved along the scanning path. It is monitored whether a distance between the scanning path and an actual workpiece is excessive. When the distance between the scanning path and the actual workpiece is excessive, a trajectory difference error is generated. When the trajectory difference error is generated, geometric correction is performed to the design data so that the design data approaches to the actual workpiece. Scanning measurement is performed based on the design data after the geometric correction.
US09915512B1

Technologies for analyzing and deactivating an explosive device include electrically connecting an analysis device to a pair of trigger wires of the explosive device, performing a number of electrical measurements, and determining a deactivation action to be performed on the explosive device based on the electrical measurements (e.g., based on the calculated resistance between the trigger wires). In a disclosed embodiment, a primary lead of the analysis device is electrically coupled to a first trigger wire of the explosive device and a pair of secondary leads are each electrically coupled to a second trigger wire of the explosive device. The analysis device measures a voltage between the primary lead and at least one of the secondary leads. The analysis device also measures a current flowing through the secondary leads after a link of trigger wire extending between the leads has been cut or broken. The analysis device determines the deactivation action by determining a resistance of the analysis device based on the measured voltage and current. The deactivation action may include applying shunt to the trigger wires or cutting one or more trigger wires.
US09915504B2

The presently disclosed subject matter includes a laser system, comprising with a phase conjugation laser receiver and transmitter (PCLRT) and at least one processing unit and configured to enable simultaneous designation of multiple platforms each to a respective target.
US09915500B2

The present disclosure relates to a portable firearm carrier including a bag having an interior compartment and a burst zipper for accessing the interior compartment. The portable firearm carrier also includes a handgun holster mounted within the interior compartment of the bag. The handgun holster is arranged and configured to retain a handgun at a position where the handgun can be accessed through the burst zipper.
US09915497B2

A buttstock assembly configured to work in conjunction with a compact buffer assembly consisting of a buffer tube, spring and bolt carrier with an integral buffer is provided. The buttstock assembly, buffer tube and bolt carrier are configured to work with AR15/M16 type firearms and their derivatives. By incorporating the buffer onto the bolt carrier, which is used in conjunction with a buffer tube of reduced length, the overall length of the host firearm is reduced by approximately 3.2 inches. No permanent modification need be made to the host firearm in order to utilize the compact buffer assembly and buttstock assembly disclosed herein.
US09915494B2

A stabilizer for an archery bow capable of being removably attached to an archery bow. The stabilizer includes one or more weights removably attached to the stabilizer which provides dampening to the archery bow when the stabilizer is attached to the bow. The stabilizer can be locked at a position offset to the longitudinal length of the bow. The stabilizer includes a handle that enables the bow to be held or transported.
US09915463B2

An automatically adjustable swing seal for a rack-aisle freezing and chilling system extends, for example, from the top horizontal frame member of a racking structure and defines an intake opening along with side seals and a bottom seal. The swing seal is positioned at a height such that a product stack having a top edge positioned at any point along the face of the swing seal creates a seal between the intake opening and the stack via the swing seal, the side seals, and the bottom seal. Thus, stacks of varying heights may automatically be accommodated. Further, the bottom edge of the swing seal may be beveled, such that if a product stack is not evenly stacked a portion of the uneven stacking will not catch against the swing seal when the stack is pulled away from the opening.
US09915461B2

A refrigerator includes an ice-making chamber, an ice bucket that can be slidably drawn into and out of the ice-making chamber, and a locking device that can lock the ice bucket, and the locking device may be provided in an upper wall of an inner case. Only a latch protrusion that protrudes upwardly is formed in the ice bucket so as to be coupled to the locking device, and therefore a structure of the ice bucket may be simplified, and an unnecessary opening may not be formed in the ice bucket, thereby preventing cool air of an inside of the ice bucket from leaking.
US09915442B2

A household appliance has a heating circuit (140) for heating a fluid including a heating element (150) that can be selectively energized (155) to determine the heating of the fluid, and a monitoring unit (125) for monitoring the operation of the heating circuit. The monitoring unit (125) is configured to monitor at least one electrical potential internal to the heating circuit (140). The at least one electric potential internal to the heating circuit (140) is at least one among: an internal electric potential detected at a first terminal (160b) of the heating element (150) connected to an on/off switch (155) of the heating circuit (140); an internal electric potential detected at a second terminal (160a) of the heating element (150) connected to a main switch (135) of the appliance or to a safety switch provided for switching the heating circuit off in case of malfunction of the on/off switch (155). The monitoring unit (125) is further configured for: detecting a value of the voltage of the electricity distribution network; and calculating, starting from the detected value of the voltage of the electricity distribution network, first and a second reference electric potentials, comparing the at least one detected internal electric potential with the first and second reference electric potentials; recognizing a state of good operation or malfunction of the heating circuit (140) in case the at least one detected internal electric potential does not fall within a range of values between the first and second reference electric potentials.
US09915441B2

A heat exchanger having at least one electrical resistance heating element, two conductors connected electrically to the electrical resistance heating element to conduct electric current through the electrical resistance heating element and thereby to heat the electrical resistance heating element, a heat-conducting element for transferring heat from the electrical resistance heating element to a fluid to be heated, an electrical insulating element insulating electrically the two conductors and the at least one electrical resistance heating element, and at least one tube. The two conductors, the electrical insulating element, and the electrical resistance heating element are arranged within a cavity bounded by the tube. The heat exchanger has an adapter plate and a tube opening, each being arranged at an opening of the adapter plate, and the at least one tube being connected fluid-tight to the adapter plate, which is connected fluid-tight to an electronics housing and/or an HVAC system housing.
US09915439B2

A system that allows a contractor to remotely monitor and/or interact with its customers' building control systems, such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and analyze information obtained from the building control systems over time. Such a system may help the contractor monitor and diagnosis customer building control systems, setup service calls, achieve better customer relations, create more effective marketing opportunities, as well as other functions. In some cases, the disclosed system may include a controller that analyzes data from HVAC systems, determines if one or more of the HVAC systems may benefit from a particular product or service, and outputs the HVAC systems that are determined to benefit from a particular product or service.
US09915429B2

Nozzle for engine has coaxial arrangement of inner pilot and outer mains airblast fuel injectors and intermediate air-swirler passage sandwiched between the outer and inner air-swirler passages of the pilot and mains airblast fuel injectors, respectively. The nozzle has an annular first-splitter wall separating the pilot outer air-swirler passage from the intermediate one. An outer surface profile of the first-splitter wall defines radially inner side of the intermediate air-swirler passage. The nozzle has an annular second-splitter wall separating the intermediate air-swirler passage from mains inner air-swirler passage. An inner surface profile of second-splitter wall defines radially outer side of intermediate air-swirler passage. The outer and inner surface profile of the first and second splitters walls, respectively, have convergent sections facing each other forming convergent portion of the intermediate air-swirler passage. The inner surface profile of the second-splitter wall has a divergent section downstream of its convergent section.
US09915424B2

A coal fired Oxy boiler power plant with a condensate system, combustion system and post combustion CO2 capture plant configured and arranged to remove CO2 from a flue gas stream generated in the combustion system. The condensation system includes a plurality of serial low pressure heaters arranged in flow series downstream of the pump and at least one parallel low pressure heater arranged fluidly parallel to at least one of the serial low pressure heaters. Flue Gas Heat Recovery System, Flue Gas Condenser and Gas Processing unit are thermally integrated into the condensate system.
US09915422B2

A combustion chamber assembly unit, especially for a vehicle heater, includes a combustion chamber housing (12) extending in the direction of a combustion chamber housing longitudinal axis (L), a support area (24) extending radially outwards in relation to the combustion chamber housing (12), a sealing element (33) with a first sealing area (34) on a first axial side of the support area (24) and a second sealing area (36) on a second axial side, opposite the first axial side, of the support area (24). A deformation connection area (42) connects the first sealing area (34) and the second sealing area (36) to one another and encloses the support area (24) in a circumferential section that is radially outwards.
US09915421B2

The present invention discloses a saturated water explosive device, including a water intake pipe, a flow splitter for splitting a high-pressure liquid, a flow baffle for baffling the high-pressure liquid, a heat receiver having a cavity defined inside, a pillar connected with the heat receiver by a micro-channel wherein the high-pressure liquid is heated to be high-temperature saturated water, and a heat source for heating the cavity. High-pressure water is heated to produce high-temperature high-pressure saturated water, and then by using the saturated water explosive device of the present invention, the produced high-temperature high-pressure saturated water instantaneously explodes as being heated, and a high-temperature high-pressure steam flow is produced due to rapid vaporization, and expansion and is used as a power source.
US09915419B2

A light includes a body, a front housing secured to a front end of the body, a translating retainer rotatably engaged with the front housing, a slip ring positioned around the front housing and between the translating member and the front end of the body, a compressible ring positioned around the front housing and between the slip ring and the front end of the body, a lens mounted to the front housing, an electronic assembly, and a light emitting element in electrical communication with the electronic assembly and positioned within the lens. Rotation of the translating retainer in a first direction causes the translating retainer to drive the slip ring toward the front end of the body, compressing the compressible ring and causing the compressible ring to bulge outward to contact, and removably engage, an inner wall of a pipe or conduit that the light is positioned in.
US09915415B2

A lamp structure has a film-coated glass tube fixed by a body and a fixing element. The film-coated glass tube has 3D images film-coated on an inner wall for projection. A hollow tube passing through the film-coated glass tube is connected to a lighting bulb at a top thereof and has a projecting bulb connected in a middle section thereof for projection on the film-coated glass tube. Thereby the present invention is able to display 3D images by projection with a strongly fixed structure of the film-coated glass tube.
US09915408B2

The present invention provides an LED lighting fixture, comprising: a lens configured to concentrate light from a light source and project a concentrated light beam; an LED module comprising a controller and a plurality of LED lamps arranged in a geometric pattern, the controller being configured to control variation in luminous intensity of the plurality of LED lamps; a solar module configured to receive the concentrated light beam projected by the lens and convert the received light energy to electricity to actuate the LED module; and a lamp shade with an uneven surface; wherein the controller controls variation in luminous intensity of the plurality of LED lamps and causes light emitted from the plurality of LED lamps to be casted upon the uneven surface which, in collaboration with the geometric pattern of the plurality of LED lamps, creates a variety of lighting effects through refraction.
US09915402B2

An illumination device (e.g., an electric candle, etc.) generally includes a housing, a light source, and a pendulum supporting the light source. At least one portion of the pendulum is disposed within the housing. At least one support member is fixedly coupled to both the housing and the pendulum, and is configured to support pivotal movement of the pendulum and the light source relative to the housing. And, a driving device is coupled to the pendulum, at a location within the housing, and is configured to produce the pivotal movement of the pendulum.
US09915400B2

A multi-staged lighting device (1) for generating a polarized multi-colored light beam (25) is disclosed. The multi-staged lighting device (1) comprises two or more light concentrators (5, 15), each light concentrator (5, 15) having a wavelength converter (8, 19) configured to convert light entering the light concentrator (5, 15) to light having a longer wavelength, and at least one polarizing beam splitter (10) configured to split converted light coupled out from a light concentrator (5, 15) into two light beams having different polarizations, one of the light beams being transmitted to a different light concentrator (5, 15) and the other light beam forming a color component of the polarized multi-colored light beam (25). Light converted by wavelength converters (8, 19) of different light concentrators (5, 15) has different wavelengths, and the light concentrators (5, 15) are arranged in order of increasing wavelength of the converted light, a first light concentrator (5) being arranged to receive light from at least one light source (2, 17). A method for generating a polarized multi-colored light beam (25) is also disclosed.
US09915394B2

A positionable lift stand includes a support structure defining a first positioning hole, a sliding member slidably engaged with the support structure and defines a second positioning hole, an elastic member, and a fixing member. The elastic member is connected between the support structure and the sliding member, while provides a restoring force enabling the sliding member to move against the support structure. The fixing member passes through the first positioning hole of the support structure and the second positioning hole of the sliding member. By utilizing the fixing member and various positioning holes associated with the lift stand, the lift stand can be fixedly held to occupy the least amount of space for packaging or storing purpose. Such attribute is achieved by using fewer parts and processing steps, which means fewer parts need to be manufactured, more cost savings, and less assembling time.
US09915389B1

Mechanically-retained sealing disks for use with fluid regulators are disclosed. In some examples, an apparatus includes a disk holder having an inner surface. In some examples, the apparatus includes a disk gasket coupled to the inner surface of the disk holder. In some examples, the apparatus includes a sealing disk positioned in the disk holder. In some examples, the sealing disk has a front side including a sealing surface, and a back side located opposite the front side. In some examples, the back side of the sealing disk in positioned adjacent the disk gasket. In some examples, the apparatus includes a disk retainer coupled to the disk holder. In some examples, the disk retainer is to retain the sealing disk in the disk holder.
US09915388B2

Each detecting leg includes a detection portion provided on the end side of the detecting leg to protrude inward in the diametric direction, and contacting with an annular boss at an initial position, and a push-in inhibition portion provided in the detecting leg on the side of a base from the detection portion, locked in the push-in direction to a connector body in a state where the detecting leg does not bend to the inner side in the axial direction at the initial position, and put in such a state as being not locked in the push-in direction to the connector body in a state where the detecting leg bends to the inner side in the axial direction.
US09915379B2

The invention relates to a press seal (1) for building up a sealing closure of a through-opening intersected by a line, having an elastomer body (2), a press plate (3a) and a tensioning bolt (4) intersecting the elastomer body (2), wherein the press plate (3a) can be pressed by said tensioning bolt (4) onto said elastomer body (2); the tensioning bolt (4) is screwed into a nut (20) around a rotational axis (21), a section (20a) of said nut (20), which section (20a) lies proximal to said elastomer body (2), being held by a form-fit in a recess in said press plate (3a) and being secured against a rotational movement around said rotational axis (21) thus, a section (20b) of said nut (20), which section 20b lies distal to said elastomer body (2), comprising a flange which protrudes beyond said recess in directions perpendicular to said rotational axis (21) outwards for transferring a force onto said press plate (3a) and pressing said press plate (3a) onto said elastomer body (2) when said tensioning bolt (4) is tensioned.
US09915377B2

An underwater pipe assembly includes a first pipe having a first collar and a first flange, a second pipe having a second collar and a second flange, and a connector apparatus including at least two first clamp seats, at least two first fasteners, at least two second clamp seats, at least two second fasteners. The first clamp seats are interconnected by the first fasteners to surround a junction of the first collar and the first flange. The second clamp seats are interconnected by the second fasteners to surround a junction of the second collar and the second flange. A plurality of connecting fasteners interconnect the first and second clamp seats, thereby clamping the first and second flanges between the first and second clamp seats.
US09915366B2

A plug system is provided. The plug system may comprise an adapter having an annular body oriented about an axis, a passage defined by the annular body, and a retention feature protruding radially from the annular body. The retention feature may be configured to obstruct the passage. A threaded surface may at least partially define an outer diameter of the annular body. A fuse plug may be configured for insertion into the passage, and the retention feature may be configured to at least partially retain the fuse plug.
US09915365B2

An inflation valve for inflating containers with non-rigid walls comprising a tubular body defining a passage with a first opening at one end and a second opening at its opposite end, adapted to be secured to a container; a sealing disc adapted to sealingly close off the second opening to the passage in the tubular body, and adapted to open the second opening mechanically when an inflation device is inserted into the passage through the first opening and thus gas may be passed into the container through the second opening, thereby moving the sealing disc away from the second opening; a guide member located within the passage of the tubular body; a spring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening; and a gasket and/or sealing ring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening.
US09915362B2

Fluidic diodes are disclosed that have a housing defining an inlet and an outlet and a divided fluid passageway therebetween defined by mirror image partitions generally tear-drop shaped spaced apart a first distance from one another by a constant width primary fluid pathway with the tip thereof pointed generally toward the outlet and spaced apart a second distance from an interior wall of the housing to define a constant width secondary fluid pathway. Fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet is through the primary fluid pathway with some additional flow through the secondary fluid pathways joining the primary fluid pathway proximate the outlet for flow together in the same direction, and fluid flow from the outlet to the inlet through the secondary fluid pathways exits the secondary fluid pathways into the primary fluid pathway, proximate the inlet, in a direction substantially opposite the flow in the primary fluid pathway.
US09915361B2

A cavitation reactor having a pulse valve for receiving an input fluid flow and generating a pulsed output flow that is provided to the input of a resonance chamber, such as a tube. The pulse valve uses a shaft with a number of regularly spaced lands to form fluid conduits between an input port and the output port connected to the resonance tube to cause fluid communication between the input and output ports to be regularly opened and closed, thereby producing a pulsed output that drives the formation of resonance waves in the resonance chamber. The shaft is rotated at a suitable frequency to produce cavitation bubbles that collapse in the resonance chamber without damaging the valve shaft.
US09915358B2

A valve includes a valve body and a handle operably connected to the valve body. The handle has a shut position that prevents fluid flow through the valve body and an open position that permits fluid flow through the valve body. A shut detent is configured to engage with the handle in the shut position, and the valve further includes structure for biasing the handle toward the open position.
US09915357B1

An actuator device for a pressurized container incorporating an internal back flow prevention valve. The actuator may include a ball and socket check valve with a resilient component to maintain the ball in a condition to operate as a check valve even when upside-down.
US09915356B2

Disclosed herein is a valve apparatus for vehicles that is configured such that the sealability of a valve body can be markedly enhanced. The valve apparatus includes a valve body, a valve member and a sealing unit. The valve body is provided with at least two ports and has an internal space communicating with the ports. The valve member is rotatably installed in the internal space so as to open or close the ports. The sealing unit is provided to seal at least one of the ports. The sealing unit includes a sealing body airtightly installed on an inner surface of the corresponding port, and at least one elastic element integrally provided on a first end of the sealing body. The elastic element axially applies elastic force to the sealing body so that a second end of the sealing body comes into airtight contact with the valve member.
US09915354B2

A rotary check valve is disclosed having sealing surfaces between two sealing members that engage with a rotating shearing motion. The rotating shearing motion may shear debris between the sealing members and minimize or eliminate blockage of fluid passageways in the sealing members. In a closed position, the upper sealing member and lower sealing member are rotated such that fluid passageways in the upper sealing member and fluid passageways in the lower sealing member are not aligned and blocked by the sealing surfaces. The sealing members of the rotary check valve may be biased to a closed position via a spring.
US09915353B2

A fluid valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A fluid control member is movably disposed within the fluid passageway, the fluid control member cooperating with a trim assembly to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The valve seat is clamped into the valve body and the fluid valve operates under choked flow at a pressure drop of 10% or less of the inlet fluid pressure.
US09915344B2

The invention is to suppress the increase of axial lengths of each input shaft and each output shaft and increase the number of gear shift stages. A transmission device transmits a driving force of a crankshaft from a first transmission to a drive wheel side through a second transmission. The first transmission is provided with a first countershaft to which the driving force from the crankshaft is transmitted, and a first drive shaft to which the driving force of the first countershaft is transmitted. The second transmission is provided with a second countershaft to which the driving force of the first drive shaft is transmitted, and a second drive shaft to which the driving force of the second countershaft is transmitted and which transmits the driving force to the drive wheel side. The first and second transmissions are disposed side by side in a front/rear direction. Each of the first and second transmissions is set to have a plurality of gear shift stages.
US09915338B2

In accordance with an example embodiment, a continuous belt may include an outer surface having a first edge spaced apart from a second edge defining a belt width, and a first wear indication positioned on the outer surface near the first edge and having a first width, the first width is less than the belt width, and the first width represents the amount of allowable wear of the continuous belt.
US09915330B2

A torque converter utilizes four distinct fluid passageways. The torque converter hydrodynamic chamber is supplied with fluid via a passageway that includes a gap between a stator shaft insert and a turbine shaft. Fluid returns from the hydrodynamic chamber via a passageway that is formed between a hollow stator shaft and the stator shaft insert. The torque converter includes a bypass clutch with an apply chamber and a return chamber. Fluid is routed to the apply chamber via a passageway that includes a gap between a hollow portion of the turbine shaft and a turbine shaft insert. Fluid is routed between the balance chamber and an elevated exhaust via a passageway that runs through the turbine shaft insert.
US09915326B2

The present invention relates to a belt installation tool which is to be installed so as to cover at least a part of a first side surface of a pulley, including an attaching part attached along an outer peripheral part of the pulley, an installation part brought into contact with at least a part of the first side surface, a protection part covering at least a part of the first side surface without coming into contact therewith, and a belt holding part protruding on the protection part or on the installation part, in which the protection part covers at least a part of a part having a largest distance in a vertical direction in an area located inside the part with which the installation part comes into contact in the first side surface.
US09915322B2

Disclosed herein is an eight-speed powertrain of a vehicle automatic transmission, including first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets, each having a plurality of operational elements, an input shaft connected to a second planetary carrier while power of a vehicle engine is input to the input shaft, an output shaft connected to a fourth ring gear while varied torque is output from the output shaft, a plurality of rotary shafts interconnecting the operational elements, a plurality of brakes, and a plurality of clutches selectively connecting the rotary shafts.
US09915321B2

A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces at least nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of three shift elements in various combinations. Each disclosed transmission includes four planetary gear sets, three brakes, and either three or four clutches. One embodiment produces twelve forward speed ratios and two reverse speed ratios. Another embodiment produces thirteen forward speed ratios.
US09915313B2

Twin tube dampers are provided. In one embodiment, a twin tube damper includes a damping assembly, the damping assembly defining a central longitudinal axis and including an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube defines an inner fluid chamber, the outer tube generally surrounds the inner tube and defines an outer fluid chamber, and the outer fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the inner fluid chamber. The twin tube damper further includes a piston assembly, the piston assembly including a piston disposed within the inner fluid chamber and movable generally along the central longitudinal axis. The twin tube damper further includes a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the damping assembly, the fluid reservoir including a flexible membrane, the flexible membrane generally coaxial with the damping assembly.
US09915305B2

A friction drive arrangement includes a plurality of interleaved rotor and stator discs. An end stator disc is adjacent a reaction plate containing a plurality of cylindrical, stepped bores defining spring receptacles opening toward the end stator disc and pin guide holes opening in an opposite direction. Each receptacle contains a coil compression spring located between a bottom of the receptacle and a spring retention pin having a first end section reciprocably received in the guide hole and having a second end section defined by a large diameter foot located between an end of the spring and the end stator disc, with the foot being configured for directly engaging the end stator disc. A tool is used to retract the pins and associated springs into the associated receptacles so as to retain the springs during assembly. Excess retraction of the pins is prevented for preventing over-compression of the springs.
US09915300B2

A wedge clutch, including: an outer carrier; a first clutch plate non-rotatably connected to the outer carrier; a wedge clutch plate; a hub radially inward of the outer carrier; an engagement assembly including a pin partially disposed within the hub and in contact with the wedge clutch plate; and an actuator. For a first synchronization stage for closing the wedge clutch: the actuator is arranged to clamp the first clutch plate and the wedge clutch plate; and a first portion of the pin extending radially outward beyond an outer circumference of the hub is arranged to transmit torque between the hub and the carrier. For a second synchronization stage for closing the wedge clutch: the hub or the wedge clutch plate are arranged to circumferentially displace with respect to each other; and the wedge clutch plate is arranged to displace the pin radially inward.
US09915295B2

A constricting clutch brake element is operable to selectively transmit mechanical power between relatively movable rotating members. A plurality of backing plates are movably mounted and selectively movable radially on an annular body of the clutch brake element. The backing plates engage a plurality of friction linings. Each backing plate is configured for usage with different numbers of torques bars to meet different torque carrying capacities, all within the same envelope size. The configuration also allows plural torque bars to be relatively positioned so that they can engagingly guide the backing plate during its radial movement.
US09915286B2

A radial foil bearing includes: a cylindrical top foil disposed so as to face a rotary shaft; a back foil disposed outside in the radial direction of the top foil; and a cylindrical bearing housing accommodating the top foil and the back foil. The bearing housing is provided with a limiting member which limits movement of the back foil. A locking recess is provided in a central part in the axial direction of an inner circumferential surface of the bearing housing. In addition, the limiting member includes a locking protrusion and is fixed to the bearing housing by the locking protrusion being locked into the locking recess.
US09915271B2

A blower assembly includes a housing having a scrolled wall, a motor having an output shaft extending within the housing, an impeller positioned within the housing and mounted to the output shaft for creating an airflow along an airflow path within the housing, an airflow outlet, and a scroll cut-off. The scroll cut-off may rotate about its central or center axis and forms a substantially continuous surface with the scrolled wall and with the airflow outlet, along the airflow path, in a first position and defines an air gap. The blower assembly also includes an actuator for rotating the scroll cut-off from the first position to a second position wherein the air gap is increased for reducing the airflow.
US09915260B2

A control method and a system for controlling the piston of a resonant linear compressor including at least one electronic control unit, the electronic control unit including at least one observing electronic circuit and at least one control circuit associated to each other. The observing electronic circuit is configured for: measuring at least one electric magnitude of the electric motor; estimating at least one set of electric parameters and at least one set of mechanical parameters of the resonant linear compressor; and estimating and providing at least one control parameter of the system for the control circuit based on the measured electric magnitude measured and on the estimated set of electric and mechanical parameters. The control circuit is configured for actuating the electric motor from the at least one control parameter.
US09915258B2

The present invention provides a system for heating a compressor assembly of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The system comprises a heat source for transferring thermal energy to a plurality of compressor units. A controller varies the thermal energy transferred to the compressor units, between at least two substantially non-zero rates of transfer of thermal energy, in a plurality of modes of operation of the HVAC system.
US09915256B2

A well pump has a standing valve seat with a standing valve mounted in a lower end of a barrel. A plunger is carried within the barrel for axial stoking movement. A travelling seat with a travelling valve are mounted in a lower end of the plunger. The travelling valve has a head that lands on the travelling valve seat while the travelling valve is in a closed position. The travelling valve has a stem extending downward from the head through a hole in the travelling seat. The stem is a permanent magnet. Another permanent magnet is carried by the barrel below the travelling magnet. The polarities of the magnets are configured to interact and cause the travelling valve to lift relative to the travelling seat to an open position as the plunger nears a bottom of a stroke.
US09915254B2

A compressor frame structure is provided for providing flow paths of cooling substance near an upper region of a cylinder, and includes a center ring on the frame structure having an opening for accommodating insertion of the cylinder, a plurality of flow channels near the upper region of the cylinder around an inner surface of the frame structure, and wherein the plurality of flow channels include a plurality of outer flow channels around an outer circumferential surface of the center ring, and a plurality of inner flow channels around an inner circumferential surface of the center ring.
US09915243B2

A system for automatic generation control in a wind farm is provided. The system includes a wind farm controller for controlling the plurality of energy storage elements. The wind farm controller receives an automatic generation control set point from an independent system operator, generates a farm-level storage power set point for the wind farm based on the automatic generation control set point, generates individual storage power set points for the plurality of energy storage elements based on states of charge of the respective energy storage elements, and controls the plurality of energy storage elements based on the individual storage power set points for dispatching storage power to perform automatic generation control.
US09915242B2

Disclosed are systems and method that generally relate to the capture of wind energy by small wind turbines mounted on buildings with gabled roofs. Wind energy harnessing system for gabled roof buildings having a roof ridge including a low silhouette visually appealing enclosure mounted along the roof ridge of a building and extending down both sides of the roof forming the ridge. The enclosure includes airflow guides defined by columns extending down a length of both sides of the building roof forming sidewalk and a roof formed of pivoting louvers above the columns. A paddle-wheel type wind turbine consists of a multiple-bladed cylindrical shaft that contacts the wind and provides rotational work mounted within the enclosure and a generator connected to the wind turbine for converting the rotational work from the wind turbine to electrical energy. The enclosure for the wind turbine functions to capture wind and directs the airflow via the airflow guides before it reaches the ridge.
US09915241B2

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a seal assembly that includes a compressible seal slidably mounted on a central longitudinal shaft of a rotor assembly, the seal having a first lateral surface adapted for contacting a first end surface of a first stator and a first end surface of the second stator and a first end surface of a first longitudinal vane and a first end surface of a second longitudinal vane, a compression member slidably mounted on the shaft, and a locking piston slidably mounted on the shaft, the locking piston including an opening sized to receive the shaft, an end surface adapted to contact the compression member, a circumferential surface sized to be received in the bore of the housing, and a lateral surface adapted to receive actuation fluid.
US09915238B2

A starter battery pack with a start button included as part of the starter battery pack is shown and described. The starter battery pack includes a start button that, when the starter battery pack is received within a receptacle of outdoor power equipment, such as a lawn tractor, allows the starter battery pack to provide power to a starting circuit of the power equipment. The battery pack is selectively rechargeable and preferably is a type of battery, such as lithium ion, that can be repeatedly discharged and recharged without affecting battery life. When the starter battery pack is received within the receptacle, activation of the start button provides current and voltage from the starter battery pack to an electric starter motor, which initiates operation of the internal combustion engine.
US09915237B2

A system for starting an engine is disclosed herein. The system includes a combination valve to control compressed fluid flow and lubricant flow to an air starter. The combination valve includes a housing having a shuttle valve and a lubricator valve disposed therein. The shuttle valve controls a compressed fluid flow and the lubricator valve controls a lubricant flow to the air starter.
US09915228B2

A seal assembly for an exhaust duct section of a gas turbine engine includes a multiple of springs that axially extend from a split hoop opposite a seal surface.
US09915225B2

A method of designing an engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, designing an engine and a nacelle assembly together in an interactive process, the engine including a turbine section configured to drive a fan section and a compressor section. The step of designing the compressor section includes the step of designing a first compressor and a second compressor, with an overall pressure ratio being greater than or equal to about 35. The step of designing the nacelle assembly includes the step of designing the fan section to include a fan nacelle arranged at least partially about a fan, with the fan section having a fan pressure ratio of less than about 1.7. The step of designing the fan section includes configuring the fan section to deliver a portion of air into the compressor section, and a portion of air into a bypass duct, and with a bypass ratio equal to or greater than about 5.
US09915215B2

A fuel injection system is provided. The fuel injection system can have a fuel injector having a check valve with a plurality of fuel output ports, and a fuel injector body with an outer surface and an inner surface. The fuel injector body defines an inner volume to accommodate bi-directional movement of the check valve. The fuel injector body includes at least a first row of injection ports and a second row of injection ports extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. The check valve is bi-directionally controllable in the inner volume, during a single cycle, to output from the fuel injector body any one of a plurality of predefined pulse injection patterns.
US09915205B2

A substitution device for replacing a turbojet type of aircraft engine, with a nacelle comprising protective covers, and a support mast having two engine mounts, each of said protective covers being mounted to pivot between an open position and a closed position, said substitution device comprising a body, two anchors attaching to the engine mounts of the engine support mast, and bearing portions adapted to receive support portions belonging to the protective covers.A method for installing such a substitution device in a nacelle, which makes it possible to close the engine covers and authorize the movement of the aircraft.
US09915197B2

A method of setting actuator position of a variable geometry turbine linked to drive a compressor for a compression ignition engine using exhaust gas recirculation. The method includes detecting an engine transient event; determining current mass air flow through the compressor and exhaust temperature; resetting variable geometry turbine position to maximize mass air flow through the compressor; adding the maximum allowable quantity of fuel; determining exhaust temperature increase; adjusting exhaust pressure to allow an increase in mass air flow and exhaust temperature; and returning to the resetting step until a limit is reached.
US09915194B2

Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine with variable displacement engine (VDE) operation coupled to a twin scroll turbocharger. One method comprises directing exhaust from a first outer cylinder and a first inner cylinder of four cylinders to a first scroll of the twin scroll turbocharger, directing exhaust from a second outer cylinder and a second inner cylinder of the four cylinders to a second scroll of the twin scroll turbocharger, and during a first condition, firing all four cylinders with uneven firing.
US09915189B2

The disclosure describes multipoint ignition systems for an engine and methods of operation of the same. The systems and methods can include an engine, including an engine block having at least one cylinder bore, a piston having a piston crown facing a flame deck surface such that a combustion main chamber is defined within a cylinder bore and located between the piston crown and the flame deck surface, the piston crown further including a piston bowl having a generally concave shape, and a combustion pre-chamber having a nozzle tip disposed in fluid communication with the combustion main chamber, the nozzle tip having at least one nozzle opening configured to inject a fuel jet into the combustion main chamber, wherein the piston includes a piston wall located around a circumference of the piston bowl, the piston wall including at least one cavity.
US09915185B2

An injector mounting assembly for supporting an injector is described. The injector mounting assembly includes an upstream wall and a downstream wall coupled to the upstream wall. The injector mounting assembly further includes a thermoelectric cooler coupled to at least one of the upstream wall and the downstream wall. The thermoelectric cooler is disposed in thermal contact with the injector and configured to exchange heat with the injector.
US09915175B2

A system is provided associated with an engine of an aircraft. The system includes a ring, a runner and at least one radially-oriented hole associated with the runner that is configured to supply oil to an interface between the runner and the ring. The at least one hole is contained within an axial projection of the ring.
US09915170B2

A spoke for a mid-turbine frame on a gas turbine engine includes a cylindrical portion. A flange is attached to the cylindrical portion. At least one gusset extends between the cylindrical portion and the flange. At least one gusset extends to a perimeter of the flange.
US09915165B2

An environmental control system includes a higher pressure tap at a higher pressure location in the main compressor section, and a lower pressure tap at a lower pressure location. The lower pressure location being at a lower pressure than the higher pressure location. The lower pressure tap communicates to a first passage leading to a downstream outlet and a compressor section of a turbocompressor. The higher pressure tap leads into a turbine section of the turbocompressor such that air in the higher pressure tap drives the turbine section to in turn drive the compressor section of the turbocompressor. A pylon includes a lowermost surface and the higher pressure tap does not extend above a plane including the lowermost surface. A combined outlet of the compressor section and the turbine section of the turbocompressor intermixes and passes downstream to be delivered to an aircraft use.
US09915158B2

The disclosure relates to a vane arrangement with a vane carrier, an array of rocking first stage vanes, and an array of frame segments for axially receiving aft ends of a combustor transition pieces. The frame segments comprise an I-beam with an upper horizontal element, a lower horizontal element, a vertical web, a radially outer fixation to the vane carrier, and an arm extending from the lower horizontal element in axial direction below the inner rim segment for supporting the inner platform of the vane and for sealing a gap between the inner platform and the lower horizontal element. Besides the vane arrangement the disclosure relates to a method for assembly of such an arrangement as well as to a gas turbine comprising such a vane arrangement.
US09915154B2

A Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) airfoil segment for a gas turbine engine includes a box-shape fiber geometry which defines a rectilinear pressure side bond line and a rectilinear suction side bond line.
US09915153B2

A shroud segment assembly for use within a turbine shroud of a gas turbine engine may generally include a forward shroud portion having a forward outer arm and a forward inner arm extending from a forward wall and an aft shroud portion having an aft outer arm and an aft inner arm extending from an aft wall. Additionally, the shroud segment assembly may include a first expansion joint positioned between the forward and aft shroud portions such that the first expansion joint extends circumferentially between the forward outer arm of the forward shroud portion and the aft outer arm of the aft shroud portion and a second expansion joint positioned between the forward and aft shroud portions such that the second expansion joint extends circumferentially between the forward inner arm of the forward shroud portion and the aft outer arm of the aft shroud portion.
US09915143B2

A downhole tool may include a tool housing extending along a longitudinal axis and having a circumference which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the tool housing being adapted to be lowered into the inside of the borehole or borehole casing. The downhole tool may include a longitudinal transducer for transmitting a probing signal longitudinally from an end part of the tool housing into a fluid flowing in said borehole or borehole casing and for receiving a reflected signal reflected from reflective entrained surfaces in the fluid flowing along a longitudinal direction towards the end part of the tool housing. The downhole tool may include a plurality of electrodes arranged spaced apart around the longitudinal axis in the periphery of the downhole tool so that the fluid flows between the electrodes and a borehole wall or borehole casing wall.
US09915136B2

A method of extracting hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well includes receiving an aqueous solution including dissolved inorganic carbon, and extracting the dissolved inorganic carbon from the aqueous solution to create CO2 by changing a pH of the aqueous solution. The method also includes pumping the CO2 into the hydrocarbon well and, in response to pumping the CO2 into the hydrocarbon well, extracting the hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon well.
US09915134B2

An integrated system is disclosed to handle production of multiphase fluid consisting of oil, gas and water. The production stream is first separated into two streams: a liquid dominated stream (GVF<5% for example) and a gas dominated stream (GVF>95% for example). The separation can be done through shrouds, cylindrical cyclonic, gravity, in-line or the like separation techniques. The two streams are then routed separately to pumps which pump dissimilar fluids, such as a liquid pump and a gas compressor, and subsequently recombined. Both pumps are driven by a single motor shaft which includes an internal passageway associated with one of the pumps for reception of the fluid from the other pump, thereby providing better cooling and greater overall efficiency of all systems associated therewith. A method for providing artificial lift or pressure boosting of multiphase fluid is also disclosed.
US09915130B2

There is disclosed herein a method for assessing the drilling performance of a drill bit configuration used to drill at least a portion of a wellbore in a formation, comprising: determining a value of at least one drill bit performance parameter at points along the wellbore, at least including at multiple points along an interval constituting at least part of the portion drilled using the drill bit configuration; determining rock characteristics for the interval; determining the drilling performance for said drill bit configuration in the interval based on the values for the drill bit performance parameter; and assessing the effectiveness of the drill bit configuration for drilling the interval based on the determined drilling performance and the determined rock characteristics. Also disclosed are related methods for comparing the performance of at least two different drill bit configurations; of designing a drill bit configuration for drilling at least part of a wellbore; for selecting a drill bit design for drilling at least part of a wellbore; and of well planning for drilling wells in a well field.
US09915125B2

An apparatus for use in a wellbore contains a flow control device for use in a wellbore that includes a bore that provides a first flow path and a second flow path via an annulus around the first flow path. The apparatus further includes a closing device that closes the second flow path when the closing device is mechanically moved in a first direction and an opening device that opens the second flow path when a fluid under pressure is supplied to the annulus when a valve is closed.
US09915114B2

A retrievable downhole tool has a mandrel, an upper radially expandable slip carried by the mandrel, a lower radially expandable slip carried by the mandrel, a rubber element disposed between the upper radially expandable slip and the lower radially expandable slip, an upper backup disposed between the upper radially expandable slip and the rubber element, and a lower backup disposed between the rubber element and the lower radially expandable slip. At least one of the upper radially expandable slip, the lower radially expandable slip, the upper backup, and the lower backup comprises a soluble material.
US09915093B2

A security gate including an outer gate and an inner gate for selective passage of people and/or pets therethrough. In one example, the security gate includes: an outer frame; an outer gate at least partially disposed within the outer frame; an inner gate disposed within the outer gate, the inner gate comprising an inner frame having at least one recess; a door at least partially disposed within the inner frame; and at least one projection extending from the outer gate and engaging the at least one recess for supporting the inner gate within the outer gate.
US09915092B2

The present invention relates to a sealing apparatus for vacuum window manufacturing equipment, the sealing apparatus being configured to cover a vacuum hole formed in at least one glass plate for a vacuum window with a cover. The sealing apparatus includes: a vacuum chamber including an internal space and configured to be evacuated for forming a vacuum therein; a cartridge installed in the internal space and accommodating a plurality of covers; a cartridge elevator installed on the vacuum chamber and configured to sequentially lift or lower the cartridge; a cover transfer device installed in the internal space and configured to transfer the covers one by one from the cartridge; a cover-rest head configured to receive a cover from the cover transfer device; and a head elevator configured to lift up the cover-rest head to the vacuum hole of the glass plate.
US09915088B2

The invention relates to a doorstop having an interchangeable decorative member. The doorstop has an elongated post that is designed for securing behind an interior door of a building. The decorative member carries a fitting member on the back surface, which allows the decorative member to snap onto the post. Decorative indicia can be imprinted on the front surface of the decorative member.
US09915082B2

A latch for capturing a striker includes a latch cam, a trigger, a drive cam, a motor coupled to the drive cam, and a switch coupled to the motor. The latch cam is biased to rotate toward an open position and configured to capture the striker in a closed position. The drive cam uses at least one cam surface to contact the trigger, and the switch permits actuation of the motor to rotate the drive cam when sensing the trigger or the drive cam, thereby rotating the drive cam to urge the trigger toward an unlocked position, disengage the trigger from the latch cam, and allow the latch cam to rotate from the closed position toward the open position. A system incorporating the latch and method of capturing a striker is also provided.
US09915081B2

A collapsible structure connection system and method including an apparatus having a pair of mated ferrules, at least one pivoting pin and at least one slider arm. Each ferrule couples to a rod segment of the structure, the ferrules connecting the rod segments when mated, but allowing the rod segments to rotate into a collapsed structure. The apparatus has a locking system in one example embodiment. The systems include a bracket, at and at least one locking device to fix the rod segments in a preferred configuration. An alternate apparatus and collapsible structure connection system includes a pair of mated ferrules each having a lengthwise slot, a connector arm and pivoting pins. The connector arm rotates around the pivoting pins within the slots of the ferrules, allowing the ferrules to rotate into various positions when selectively connecting and collapsing rod segments.
US09915075B2

An alignment device, systems and methods where the device includes a guide, a support and a connector which engages the guide and the support. The guide may be a relatively flat piece attachable to and edge of a frame for framing a window or a door. In one aspect the guide member a slot, support attaches to an object such as a window or a door (or is integral with an object such as a window or door) which is to be aligned with the frame. The connector threads within a hole associated with the object, such as a hole of a support connected to a jamb of a window. The connector engages a slot of the guide and the device allows for desired alignment of an object within a frame by transferring rotational movement to linear movement.
US09915074B2

A front adjustable wall panel mounting device that is adjustable from the front of a wall is disclosed. The front adjustable wall panel mounting device has a fixed channel configured to be coupled with a wall frame and a moving channel configured to be coupled with wall panel mounting hardware. The tilt, depth and vertical height of the wall panel can all be adjusted while the wall panel remains mounted to the wall frame.
US09915072B1

An airflow-controlling valve is described for a soffit vent in which a one-piece valve member normally lies below a housing, both parts being deeply hill-and-valley deformed to give ample surface area for apertures essentially equal to the full area of the vent opening itself, allowing two-way venting flow unless and until inward-acting pressure reaches a certain strength, wherewith the valve is pushed up to close quietly against the housing to block flow; the valve falling opening again if the pressure differential reverses or simply subsides below that certain strength. An immediate need for the device is in ventilating houses and like building structures, and in particular in ventilating roof spaces such as attics to make the structures much more resistant to hurricane damage firstly by blocking ruinous rain entry while also “harnessing” the winds to prevent roof space pressurization, or even (given other openings are valved or closed off) to strongly depressurize the roof space by preventing inward airflow but allowing outward flow to wind-depressurized zones bounding the house.
US09915071B2

An assembly having a longitudinal webbed base plate, upright webbed diverter (e.g. “V”-shaped) and coupling stabilizer and brace arms that assemble to extend from a roof above typical snow cover depths to protect downstream appliances protruding from the roof from snow/ice slide damage. The base plate and/or stabilizer arm includes surfaces shaped to promote the scoring and shearing of a snow/ice slide prior to the sheared sections of the snow/ice being laterally displaced away from a downstream appliance via the upright diverter. Alternative serrated, saw tooth, pointed, spiked and wedged shear surfaces are formed into the base plate and/or a single or multi-section stabilizer arm. An appliance cover piece can be fitted to the upright diverter and suspended above the downstream appliance.
US09915070B2

A roof gutter for the purpose of keeping small debris out of the gutter and allowing rainwater to pass into the gutter. The covering is comprised of a water permeable, weather resistant mesh having apertures of a pre-determined size for passing water, the mesh sized to substantially cover a rain gutter; corrugations formed in the mesh, providing a planar stiffness to the mesh causing the mesh to be self-supporting over a gutter; a debris collection first trough disposed along a longitudinal axis of the mesh, formed by making at least two bends in the mesh, the first trough located between a longitudinal midline of the mesh and a front gutter end of the mesh, wherein the gutter debris preclusion device, when attached directly or indirectly to a gutter does not require a separate support mechanism to keep the mesh substantially planar over the gutter.
US09915069B1

A non-black roofing membrane comprises an EPDM rubber; a non-black filler; a UV light stabilizer selected from the group consisting of NOR-HALS of the formula wherein R* is C1-C20alkyl, OH-substituted C1-C20alkyl, optionally C1-C4 alkyl-substituted C5-C12cycloalkyl, C7-C9phenylalkyl or O- or S-interrupted C2-C20alkyl, preferably C1-C12alkyl, benzyl or C5-C8 cycloalkyl especially C6-C10alkyl or cyclohexyl; and a cure package. The resultant roofing membrane provides increased weathering resistance.
US09915068B2

A solid reinforced concrete column and a method of constructing the same are disclosed. The solid reinforced concrete column includes outer main reinforcing bars, inner reinforcing bars, inner transverse reinforcing bars, outer transverse reinforcing bars, and concrete. The outer main reinforcing bars are arranged in an axial direction. The inner reinforcing bars are each arranged to be placed between two or three of the outer main reinforcing bars inside the two or three outer main reinforcing bars in the axial direction. The inner transverse reinforcing bars are each arranged to connect the two or three outer main reinforcing bars and the inner reinforcing bar in a transverse direction. The outer transverse reinforcing bars are arranged to surround the outer main reinforcing bars outside the outer main reinforcing bars in the transverse direction. The concrete is placed to bury the reinforcing bars.
US09915066B2

A sound absorbing panel is provided above an uppermost of soundproof panels arranged in plural stages in a vertical direction and each having a back surface opposite to a sound source side, the back surface being formed to be a sound insulating surface, the sound absorbing panel including: an outer frame body having therein an acoustic space in which a first acoustic material is provided, the outer frame body allowing formation of a partition wall separating a sound source and a surrounding area from each other, the outer frame body having, at a front and back portions thereof, sound transmitting surfaces each having multiple sound through holes allowing transfer of sound between the acoustic space and outside thereof; and a second acoustic material provided above an upper end of the outer frame body such that a peripheral surface of the second acoustic material except for a corner portion is air-permeable.
US09915065B2

A process for producing a mineral foam includes (i) separately preparing one or more slurries of cement, and an aqueous foam for which a D50 of bubbles is less than or equal to 400 μm; (ii) homogenizing the one or more slurries of cement with the aqueous foam to obtain a slurry of foamed cement; (iii) casting the slurry of foamed cement and leaving the cast slurry of foamed cement to set.
US09915058B2

A fitting (10) for a sanitary unit outlet (5) has a tubular housing (12) having an inlet (14) and an outlet (16), a grid (18) associated with the housing inlet (14) and a one-way valve (20) associated with the housing outlet (16). The housing (12), grid (18) and one-way valve (20) are removable from the sanitary unit outlet (5) as a single entity.
US09915050B2

An apparatus and method for ground improvement includes a device having a plurality of tines extending downwardly from a top plate in a manner to achieve displacement of ground material downward and radially outward. The tines may include ridges spaced vertically along an outer surface of the tines. The tines may also be in the form of opposing plates. The device is mechanically driven into the ground to achieve predetermined depths of penetration by the tines/plates. The device is retracted and driven repeatedly to achieve densification. Optionally, voids made by the device can be filled with a flowable media.
US09915047B2

An energy dissipater comprising a plurality of periodic hyperbolic surfaces, forming a continuous surface-structure, and enveloping contiguous tunnels there through.
US09915042B2

A heating hood is operable to be advanced along a length of bituminous pavement to recycle at least part of the bituminous pavement. The heating hood includes a plurality of burners operable to combust a fuel so that each burner produces a heated exhaust stream. A lower margin of the heating hood is operable to discharge the heated exhaust streams onto the pavement, with the heated exhaust streams discharged from the lower discharge margin having no visible flame.
US09915034B2

Products having improved caliper, sheet bulk and absorbency and methods for making those products are described. The method comprises producing a multi-ply product having different emboss patterns on each ply where the emboss patterns are made up of emboss elements having an aspect ratio of from about 1 to about 2.
US09915022B2

A household laundry-drying machine comprising a drum rotatable about an axis of rotation and defining a laundry drying compartment, said drum comprising a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall which surrounds the laundry drying compartment, at least one laundry-agitation member associated to the cylindrical peripheral wall and protruding internally to the laundry drying compartment, an air heater for drying the laundry, and a conduit for conveying the air from the air heating means to the laundry drying compartment.The laundry-agitation member comprises a cavity in fluid communication with the laundry drying compartment, said cavity being suitable for containing at least one substance to be delivered in the laundry drying compartment during a drying cycle. The cavity of the laundry-agitation member is external to said means for conveying the air.
US09915012B2

The present disclosure relates to a compact polymer gel consisting of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), at least one nucleator, at least one filler and at least one fluid medium. The present disclosure also provides a process for the preparation of the compact polymeric gel and fibers from the compact polymeric gel. The fibers prepared in accordance with the present process have tensile strength ranging from 2.5 to 10 GPa and tensile modulus ranging from 110 to 300 GPa.
US09915011B2

The invention provides a low resistivity silicon carbide single crystal wafer for fabricating semiconductor devices having excellent characteristics. The low resistivity silicon carbide single crystal wafer has a specific volume resistance of 0.001 Ωcm to 0.012 Ωcm and 90% or greater of the entire wafer surface area is covered by an SiC single crystal surface of a roughness (Ra) of 1.0 nm or less.
US09915008B2

The disclosure concerns a process for producing a sol-gel coating on a surface of a component made of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy that is to be coated, comprising the following steps: anodization of the surface through the application of an electrical voltage over a particular time period so as to form an anodized layer on the surface; and deposition of a sol-gel coating on the surface. In doing so, the voltage applied for purposes of anodizing is, by way of a particular potential gradient, continuously increased in the direction of a holding voltage that is maintained throughout the rest of the anodization time, in particular up to the holding voltage. The disclosure furthermore concerns a component made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
US09915007B2

The present invention is directed to apply plates, clutch plates, reaction plates and backing plates utilized of friction clutch packs, brake housings, clutch hubs, clutch housings, accumulators, spline sets, valve bodies and wear surfaces against which bushings, seals, springs and similar components slide and contact which are utilized in motor vehicle automatic transmissions, are fabricated of aluminum and include an electro ceramic coating deposited thereon. Such components exhibit reduced weight relative to similar components fabricated of steel as well as extended service life due to both the hardness and porosity of the ceramic coating.
US09914998B2

An apparatus and a non-vapor-pressure dependent method of chemical vapor deposition of Si based materials using direct injection of liquid hydrosilane(s) are presented. Liquid silane precursor solutions may also include metal, non-metal or metalloid dopants, nanomaterials and solvents. An illustrative apparatus has a precursor solution and carrier gas system, atomizer and deposit head with interior chamber and a hot plate supporting the substrate. Atomized liquid silane precursor solutions and carrier gas moves through a confined reaction zone that may be heated and the aerosol and vapor are deposited on a substrate to form a thin film. The substrate may be heated prior to deposition. The deposited film may be processed further with thermal or laser processing.
US09914988B2

Provided are a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent formability, excellent ductility, excellent hole expansibility, and high yield ratio and a method for producing the same. The high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet contains 0.05% to 0.15% C, 0.10% to 0.90% Si, 1.0% to 2.0% Mn, 0.005% to 0.05% P, 0.0050% or less S, 0.01% to 0.10% Al, 0.0050% or less N, and 0.010% to 0.100% Nb, which are chemical components, on a mass basis, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities; has a microstructure which is a multi-phase structure containing 90% or more of a ferrite phase and 0.5% to less than 5.0% of a martensite phase on a volume fraction basis, the remainder being low-temperature transformation phases; and has a yield ratio of 70% or more.
US09914987B2

A martensitic stainless steel alloy is strengthened by copper-nucleated nitride precipitates. The alloy includes, in combination by weight percent, about 10.0 to about 12.5 Cr, about 2.0 to about 7.5 Ni, up to about 17.0 Co, about 0.6 to about 1.5 Mo, about 0.5 to about 2.3 Cu, up to about 0.6 Mn, up to about 0.4 Si, about 0.05 to about 0.15 V, up to about 0.10 N, up to about 0.035 C, up to about 0.01 W, and the balance Fe and incidental elements and impurities. The nitride precipitates may be enriched by one or more transition metals. A case hardened, corrosion resistant variant has a reduced weight percent of Ni, enabling increased use of Cr, and decreased Co.
US09914982B2

Compositions, methods and kits for detecting viral nucleic acids. Targets that can be detected in accordance with the invention include HBV and/or HIV-1 and/or HCV nucleic acids. Particularly described are oligonucleotides that are useful as hybridization probes and amplification primers that facilitate detection of very low levels of HBV nucleic acids.
US09914975B2

Improved methods of assessing status of a solid-tumor cancer in a subject involving detection of tumor-associated mutations in the subject's blood.
US09914971B2

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a developmental defect of the diaphragm, causing abdominal viscera to herniate into the thorax. A common genetic cause for CDH and the associated abnormal lung development has not been identified. We have found that human fetal hypoplastic CDH lungs have a specific microRNA miR-200/miR-10a signature, which changes in response to fetal therapy.
US09914966B1

The invention relates to devices and methods for hybridization assisted sequencing of biomolecule analytes in nanopores, nano-channels and micro-channels. An alternating current signal may be employed to achieve a significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio, thereby enhancing system performance.
US09914952B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to stabilized lactate oxidase compositions, and electrodes, sensors and systems that include the same. Also provided are methods for making the compositions and for detecting and/or measuring lactate in vivo with stable lactate enzyme compositions.
US09914949B2

The present invention provides a method for enhancing N-acetylglucosamine production by usage of a recombinant Bacillus subtilis with a glcK knockout. This invention enhanced the production of GlcNAc by knocking out the glcK gene which encodes a glucokinase, thus eliminating the GlcNAc phosphorylation to GlcNAc-6-P. The specific growth rate and content of GlcNAc in the supernatant of the recombinant Bacillus subtilis with the glcK knockout were 0.15 h−1 and 3.0 g/L, respectively, which were 2.32 times and 2.14 times of those of the control strain without glcK knockout. The recombinant Bacillus subtilis of the present invention would be potentially useful for industrial production of GlcNAc.
US09914937B2

The invention relates to a recombinant measles virus expressing a heterologous amino acid sequence derived from an antigen of a determined RNA virus, said recombinant measles virus being capable of eliciting a humoral and/or cellular immune response against measles virus or against said RNA virus or against both measles virus and against said RNA virus. It also relates to the use of said recombinant measles virus for the preparation of immunogenic composition.
US09914930B2

A method of gene editing or gene stacking within a FAD3 loci by cleaving, in a site directed manner, a location in a FAD3 gene in a cell, to generate a break in the FAD3 gene and then ligating into the break a nucleic acid molecule associated with one or more traits of interest is disclosed.
US09914926B2

Methods of treating a wound in a subject are provided comprising administering to the subject an amount of an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2. Compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising an amount of an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2 are also provided. Methods are also provided for identifying an inhibitor of Fidgetin-like 2.
US09914924B2

This invention relates to methods and compositions for treating neurological disease, and more particularly to methods of delivering iRNA agents to neural cells for the treatment of neurological diseases.
US09914922B2

The present invention provides oligomeric compounds. Certain such oligomeric compounds are useful for hybridizing to a complementary nucleic acid, including but not limited, to nucleic acids in a cell. In certain embodiments, hybridization results in modulation of the amount activity or expression of the target nucleic acid in a cell.
US09914900B2

This liquid detergent contains an α-sulfofatty acid ester salt (component (a)), an alkylbenzene sulfonate (component (b)), a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate (component (c)), and an alkanolamine (component (d)). The amount of the component (a) is 5% by mass or greater; the total amount of the component (b) and the component (c) is 5% by mass or greater; the total amount of the component (a), the component (b), and the component (c) is 10% by mass to 50% by mass, the mass ratio represented by (d)/(a) is 1/5 or greater, and the mass ratio represented by (a)/((b)+(c)) is 1 or less.
US09914899B2

An improved process is provided for separating corn oil from stillage comprising forming stillage from the fermentation of corn; mixing the stillage with a chemical additive comprising alkoxylated modified corn oil prepared by the transesterification of corn oil with glycerine followed by alkoxylation; and separating the corn oil from the stillage.
US09914898B2

An ethanol production process and system for recovering high value oil products. The invention includes adding a heated lipid (oil) stream to a thin stillage stream to break the water/oil emulsion and free bound oil then recovering the oil. The process uses oil as the heat transfer mechanism to increase both the volume and quality of the oil recovered.
US09914895B2

Provided are lubricant compositions comprising a hydrocarbon base oil and a polyoxybutylene polymer prepared by polymerizing butylene oxide with a monol initiator and having a number average molecular weight ranging from 800 g/mol to 1200 g/mol. The polyoxybutylene polymer functions as a highly active friction-modifier additive.
US09914892B2

A composition contains an additive for assisting with regeneration of the PF in the form of an organic dispersion of iron particles in crystallized form and a detergent including a quaternary ammonium salt.
US09914886B2

Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for conversion of mercaptans are provided. In one example, an apparatus comprises a vessel that is capable to receive a feed stream that comprises liquid hydrocarbons and the mercaptans. The vessel comprises a catalyst bed section that is capable of contacting the feed stream with a catalyst in the presence of oxygen (O2) and caustic at reaction conditions effective to oxidize the mercaptans and form a caustic-containing, sweetened liquid hydrocarbon-containing stream. A coalescing bed section is capable to coalesce and separate at least a portion of the caustic from the caustic-containing, sweetened liquid hydrocarbon-containing stream for forming a caustic-depleted, sweetened liquid hydrocarbon-containing product stream.
US09914882B2

The present invention generally relates to methods for resolving water and oil emulsions in the produced fluid of an oil production system comprising adding a reverse emulsion breaker to the produced fluid of the crude oil production system in an amount effective for resolving an oil-in-water emulsion. In particular, these methods for resolving an oil-in-water emulsion can be used in separation processes where the oil and solids in the produced fluid are separated from the produced water in the produced fluid.
US09914879B2

Methods and systems of heating a body of crushed hydrocarbonaceous material to produce hydrocarbons therefrom can involve heating multiple zones of the body of material sequentially. An exemplary method can include forming a body of crushed hydrocarbonaceous material having a first zone and a second zone. The first zone can be heated in a first heating stage to form a dynamic high temperature production region in the first zone. A cooling fluid can then be injected into the first zone after the high temperature production region forms. The high temperature production region can move into the second zone in a second heating stage. Hydrocarbons can be collected from the body of crushed hydrocarbonaceous material during both the first and second heating stages.
US09914874B2

A composite particle that includes: a fluorescent semiconductor core/shell nanoparticle (preferably, nanocrystal); and a malonic acid derivative attached to the core/shell nanoparticle outer surface, wherein the malonic acid derivative (prior to attachment to the nanoparticle) has the following Formula (I): wherein: R1 is a linear or branched alkyl group having 8 or more carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkylene group having 8 or more carbon atoms (wherein it is understood that C—R1 is a single or double bond); R2 is H or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 or more carbon atoms; and x is 0 (resulting in C═R1) or 1 (resulting in C—R1); and wherein the malonic acid derivative is liquid at room temperature (prior to attachment to the nanoparticle).
US09914873B2

Composition and methods using the compositions are disclosed, where the compositions include heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, poly vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof reacted with sulfonic acids, alkyl sulfonic acids, sulfosuccinates, sulfamic acids, sulfuric acids or partially neutralized amine or other alkali sulfonate and/or reacted with alpha hydroxyl carboxcylic acids which form coatings that alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles and surfaces. Furthermore, the coating can be used to improve filtration of fluids through particulate matter and it is found that the coating will increase hydrocarbon liquid and gas flow through or over treated particulates and surfaces.
US09914872B2

Embodiments of proppants are described herein. In one embodiment, a proppant for hydraulic fracturing includes a proppant body. The proppant body has a length (L) and an outside diameter (D), and the proppant body length (L) to the proppant body outside diameter (D) ratio (L/D) is about 0.3 to about 5.0. The proppant body includes a space frame, and the space frame includes a plurality of rigid members creating a plurality of openings allowing fluid to flow through the proppant thereby increasing permeability. In another embodiment, a proppant for hydraulic fracturing includes a substantially cylindrical proppant body with a substantially circular cross-sectional area and an internal flow path with a substantially circular cross-sectional.
US09914863B2

An abrasive particle includes at most three surfaces and at least one edge which has a corner at least one end. The abrasive particle may contain a ceramic material, particularly polycrystalline α-Al2O3. Abrasive particles as a whole, methods for producing abrasive particles, moulds, abrasive articles, methods for producing abrasive articles, and methods for abrading a surface are also disclosed.
US09914862B2

The present invention relates to a two-component polyurethane adhesive consisting of a polyol component and a polyisocyanate component, wherein the polyol component comprises a triol with a molar mass of 1,000 to 10,000 g/mol, a diol having two primary hydroxy groups and a molar mass of 60 to 150 g/mol, a poly(trimethylene oxide) diol or a poly(tetramethylene oxide) diol with a molar mass of 200 to 3,000 g/mol and an aliphatic polyamine. The adhesive is characterized by high early strength, a low temperature dependence of the mechanical properties, good adhesion and the possibility of controlled thermally induced release of adhesion.
US09914859B2

Method for molding a body in a mold, comprising the following steps: applying an adhesive tape to the inside of a mold, distributing the layers of material forming the body over the adhesive tape, curing the layers of material, removing the body from the mold, where the adhesive tape has a backing on one side of which a self-adhesive has been applied in the form of a polymer mixture, the polymers being constructed of 60 to 99.5 wt % of n-butyl acrylate and/or 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 0.5 to 10 wt % of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer having an acid or acid-anhydride function, 0 to 30 wt % of one or more olefinic monomers and the self-adhesive comprises between 0 and 60 parts by weight of one or more tackifiers.
US09914858B2

Water resistant, acrylic emulsion pressure sensitive adhesive polymers containing particles having a mean “volume-average” particle diameter of greater than about 210 nm for use in label and tape application are provided. The emulsion polymers exhibit an increase in opacity of less than about 10%.
US09914855B2

The present invention relates to curable compositions that are suitable for use as electrically conductive materials in the fabrication of electronic devices, integrated circuits, semiconductor devices, passive components, solar cells, solar modules, and/or light emitting diodes. The curable compositions comprise a) one or more curable resins; b) composite particles, which comprise i) an electrically conductive core, and ii) an electrically conductive shell, comprising one or more shell materials each selected from the group consisting of metal carbides, metal sulfides, metal borides, metal silicides, and metal nitrides; and c) electrically conductive particles different from component b). The present invention further relates to a method of bonding a first substrate to a second substrate, wherein the substrates are bonded under heat and pressure using said curable composition.
US09914849B2

Highly durable hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coatings and methods and compositions for their production are described herein. Also described herein is a plunger having a hydrophobic surface prepared using the coating compositions described herein.
US09914846B2

The present invention relates to the use of a modified effect pigment in a radiation-curable coating composition, wherein the modified effect pigment is an effect pigment that is coated with at least one metal oxide layer to which at least one organic compound having one or more functional groups with a carbon-carbon multiple bond is bound. The invention is particularly suitable for metallic effect pigments, in particular aluminum pigments. A further part of the invention is the use of a modified effect pigment in a radiation-curable coating composition, wherein the modified effect pigment is an effect pigment to which at least one organic compound having one or more functional groups with a carbon-carbon multiple bond is bound. The radiation-curable, preferably UV-curable, coating compositions can in particular be lacquers, paints, printing inks, nail varnish or plastics.
US09914840B2

The invention relates to aqueous, cationically stabilized primary dispersions comprising dispersed polymer particles that have a Z-average particle diameter of 5 to 500 nm and are obtainable by emulsion polymerization of at least one olefinically unsaturated monomer (A), wherein the emulsion polymerization takes place in the presence of one or more emulsifiers (E) having the following general formula: R1—(R2)(R3), where: R is a moiety that contains at least one aromatic group and at least one aliphatic group, has 15 to 40 carbon atoms, and contains at least one functional group selected from hydroxy groups, thiol groups, and primary or secondary amino groups and/or comprises at least one carbon-carbon multiple bond; and R1, R2, and R3 are, independently of each other, identical or different aliphatic moieties having 1 to 14 carbon atoms. The invention also relates to a method for producing the primary dispersions, coating agents comprising the primary dispersions, use of the primary dispersions to produce electrocoats, and conductive substrates that have been coated with the coating agent compositions.
US09914839B2

A coating dispersion or building article can include titanium dioxide, and a dihydrazide. The coating dispersion or building article can further include calcium carbonate, calcined aluminum silicate, acrylic polymers, and a fluoroalkyl polymer.
US09914838B2

A composition containing a cationic polymer obtained from a reaction product of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound and epihalohydrin; and a phosphorus compound. The composition can be used as a surface treatment for gold or gold alloy. The composition can seal pinholes on the surface of the gold or gold alloy.
US09914835B2

Carbon black is used as a component of a rubber composition, ensures that the resulting rubber exhibits improved processability, is reinforced in an improved manner, and exhibits low heat buildup, and may suitably be used for a rubber member (e.g., tire tread) and the like for which high abrasion resistance is required. The carbon black includes primary particles having an average particle size of 15 to 35 nm, and forms aggregates having a Stokes mode diameter measured using a centrifugal sedimentation method of 140 to 180 nm, and having a spherical shape when observed using a transmission electron microscope.
US09914831B2

The present invention relates to an injection-molded item with HDT-B temperature of from 80 to 105° C. in accordance with DIN EN ISO 75-2:2004-09, comprising: i) from 47 to 59% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester; ii) from 3 to 14% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of an aliphatic-aromatic polyester; iii) from 15 to 24% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of polylactic acid; iv) from 10 to 35% by weight, based on the total weight of components i to iv, of at least one mineral filler; where the following applies to the compounded material comprising components i to iv: the ratio of component i to component iii in the compounded material is from 2.2 to 3.2, and the MVR of the compounded material is from 8 to 50 cm3/10 min in accordance with DIN EN 1133-1 of Mar. 1, 2012 (190° C., 2.16 kg).
US09914822B2

A rubber composition comprises 100 parts by mass of a diene rubber component comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, natural rubber and polyisoprene rubber, the diene rubber component containing modified styrene-butadiene rubber modified with a functional group having an interaction with a silanol group on a surface of silica, from 20 to 120 parts by mass of silica, and from 3 to 30 parts by mass of hydrogenated non-modified nitrile rubber. A pneumatic tire has a rubber part comprising the rubber composition.
US09914818B2

There are provided a crosslinkable elastomer composition which assures a small change in weight in both of There are provided a crosslinkable elastomer composition which assures a small change in weight in both of O2 plasma treatment and O2/CF4 plasma treatment and is capable of significantly inhibiting generation of foreign matters (particles) in these treatments, and a molded article made of the composition. The crosslinkable fluorine-containing elastomer composition comprises a crosslinkable fluorine-containing elastomer, silicon carbide particles having a bulk density of not more than 0.15 g/cm3, and further a crosslinking agent as case demands, and the molded article is obtained by crosslinking the composition.
US09914813B2

A polyrotaxane is blended into a polyol composition, which can reduce the tensile stress of a flexible polyurethane foam. A vertical compressive stress due to the weight of a sitting user and a tensile stress due to the input of lateral vibrations act on a urethane pad. However, by reducing the tensile stress of the flexible polyurethane foam, the direction (inclination) of a resultant force obtained by combining the compressive stress and the tensile stress can be brought close to the vertical direction. Thus, the angle of inclination of the user's hip (ischium) on the urethane pad to the vertical direction due to the input of lateral vibrations can be reduced, so that the sense of wobble of the urethane pad can be reduced.
US09914812B2

A polyrotaxane is blended into a polyol composition, which can reduce the tensile stress of a flexible polyurethane foam. A vertical compressive stress due to the weight of a sitting user and a tensile stress due to the input of lateral vibrations act on a urethane pad. However, by reducing the tensile stress of the flexible polyurethane foam, the direction (inclination) of a resultant force obtained by combining the compressive stress and the tensile stress can be brought close to the vertical direction. Thus, the angle of inclination of the user's hip (ischium) on the urethane pad to the vertical direction due to the input of lateral vibrations can be reduced, so that the sense of wobble of the urethane pad can be reduced.
US09914810B2

A transparent conductive film having a transparent polymer substrate and a transparent conductive layer on one main surface of the transparent polymer substrate. A cured resin layer with surface irregularities is formed: at least one of: between the transparent polymer substrate and the transparent conductive layer; and on the main surface opposite to the surface with the transparent conductive layer formed thereon of the transparent polymer substrate. The cured resin layer is preferably 1 μm or more and 3 μm or less in thickness and preferably contains a resin composition containing at least two components that undergo phase separation based on a difference in physical properties and 0.01 to 5 parts by weight of fine particles to 100 parts by weight of the solid content of the resin composition. The particle size of the fine particles is preferably 25 to 80% of the thickness of the cured resin layer.
US09914807B2

A bulk polymer composite comprising a thiol-ene polymer matrix, or the corresponding polymers derived from a phosphinyl, selenol, or arsinyl monomer, and metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed within said matrix, said nanoparticles being bonded to polymer molecules contained in the matrix. Terpolymers that further comprise repeat units derived from a molecular metal oxide cluster, and composites in which such terpolymers function as a matrix for metal oxide nanoparticles are also disclosed.
US09914796B2

A method of producing a (meth)acrylic resin composition. The method comprises a step of continuously feeding a monomer mixture comprising 80 to 100% by mass of methyl methacrylate and 20 to 0% by mass of an alkyl acrylate to a tank reactor and bulk polymerizing the monomer mixture until obtaining a polymerization conversion of 40 to 70% by mass to prepare a reaction product; continuously discharging the reaction product, and heating the reaction product to 200° C. to 270° C. with a heater, and then separating the unreacted monomer with a extruder equipped with a vent; and transferring the separated unreacted monomer entrained by an inert gas flow to reuse the separated unreacted monomer as a raw material of the monomer mixture.
US09914795B2

Described herein is a class of non-homopolymers polymerized from at least: (A) 10-22 mole percent of at least one N-vinyl lactam, (B) 30-35 mole percent of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and combinations thereof, (C) 40-52 mole percent of at least one (meth)acrylate of a straight- or branched-chain alkyl alcohol, and (D) 5-20 mole percent of at least one (meth)acrylate of a saturated or unsaturated cyclic alcohol having 6 to 20 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the non-homopolymers exhibit solubility in the lower molecular weight alcohols. The non-homopolymers may be used in personal care or performance chemicals compositions. In one embodiment, the polymers are used in various personal care formulations, such as used for skin, sun, hair, and preservatives.
US09914790B2

The present disclosure relates generally to a composition comprising a low molecular weight graft polymer. The graft polymer is a graft homopolymer, copolymer or terpolymer. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a scale inhibitor composition comprising the low molecular weight graft polymer. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a process for preventing the deposition of scale from water or aqueous solution and a method for scale inhibition treatment of an oil or gas production well by using the low molecular weight graft polymer. The scale inhibitor is low corrosive for application in the oilfield.
US09914786B2

The invention relates to a dry or slurry process to prepare phosphate-crosslinked cellulose ethers from a cellulose starting material comprising the steps of adding an alkalizing agent to the cellulose starting material to achieve mercerization, adding an ethehfying agent to the reaction mixture to achieve etherification of the cellulose, and adding a crosslinking agent to the reaction mixture to achieve crosslinking of the cellulose, wherein at least part of the alkalizing agent is added to the cellulose starting material before the etherification and/or crosslinking reactions take place to obtain alkalized cellulose; the crosslinking agent and the etherifying agent are added one after the other in random order or simultaneously; the crosslinking agent is an alkali metal thmetaphosphate; and the crosslinking and etherification steps are performed at an elevated temperature. Additionally, the invention relates to crosslinked cellulose ethers obtainable by the above process having a viscosity and/or water absorption capacity higher than their non-crosslinked equivalents and the use thereof.
US09914784B2

PTK7 modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat hyper-proliferative disorders are provided.
US09914783B1

The present disclosure provides novel anti-PD-1 antibodies, compositions including the new antibodies, nucleic acids encoding the antibodies, and methods of making and using the same.
US09914775B2

Methods for identifying compounds that positively regulate connexin 43 hemichannels.
US09914769B2

The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US09914767B2

The subject relates to a cross-neutralizing antibody comprising at least one polyspecific binding site that binds to alpha-toxin (Hla) and at least one of the bi-component toxins of Staphylococcus aureus, its medical and diagnostic use, method of producing the antibody, including an isolated nucleotide sequence, plasmids and host cells as used in the production of the antibody; and further an isolated conformational epitope recognized by a specific cross-neutralizing antibody.
US09914763B2

Ophthalmic formulations of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist are provided suitable for intravitreal administration to the eye. The ophthalmic formulations include a stable liquid formulation and a lyophilizable formulation. Preferably, the protein antagonist has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4.
US09914762B2

In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for promoting bone growth and increasing bone density and strength. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides ALK3 polypeptides, including ALK3-Fc fusion proteins.
US09914756B2

Non-naturally occurring factor H binding proteins derived from variant 3 fHbp that can elicit antibodies that are bactericidal for at least one strain of N. meningitidis, and methods of use of such proteins, are provided. In certain embodiments, a non-naturally occurring factor H binding protein (fHbp) derived from a naturally occurring variant 3 fHbp is disclosed. The non-naturally fHbp may include a substitution of the histidine at position 223 of the naturally occurring variant 3 fHbp with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of arginine, lysine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, or tryptophan, wherein the numbering of position 223 is based on the numbering of the mature fHbp ID 1. The non-naturally occurring fHbp may have a lower affinity for human factor H (fH) than fHbp ID 79.
US09914755B2

The present invention relates to cyclosporin analogs that are potent inhibitors of cyclophilin D and have low immunosuppressive activity; processes for preparing them; pharmaceutical compositions containing them; and methods for using these analogs and compositions containing them for the treatment of medical conditions, including but not limited to ischemic conditions, such as ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, including myocardial FR injury, cerebral I/R injury, and ocular or retinal I/R injury.
US09914753B2

The present invention provides peptide compounds that regulate the complement system and methods of using these compounds. The invention is an isolated, purified peptide of 30 amino acids derived from human astrovirus protein, called CP1. The invention is directed to peptide compounds that are peptide mimetics, peptide analogs and/or synthetic derivatives of CP1 having, for example, internal peptide deletions and substitutions, deletions and substitutions at the N-terminus and C-terminus, and that are able to regulate complement activation. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions of therapeutically effective amounts of the peptide compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient for treating a disease or condition associated with complement-mediated tissue damage.
US09914743B2

Provided herein is a method for preparing a silver complex. The method includes reacting a silver oxide with a mixture of ammonium carbamate and isopropyl amine at room temperature in the presence of methanol.
US09914741B2

Novel tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative compounds are disclosed herein that may be used as an active ingredient for a pharmaceutical composition, and in particular, for a pharmaceutical composition useful for preventing or treating a disease or condition responsive to modulation of the contractility of the skeletal sarcomere. This may be accomplished, for example, by modulation of the troponin complex of the fast skeletal muscle sarcomere through one or more of fast skeletal myosin, actin, tropomyosin, troponin C, troponin I, and troponin T, and fragments and isoforms thereof. The tetrahydroisoquinoline derivative compounds can thus be used as an agent for preventing or treating 1) neuromuscular disorders, 2) disorders of voluntary muscle, 3) CNS disorders in which muscle weakness, atrophy, and fatigue are prominent symptoms, 4) muscle symptoms stemming from systemic disorders, and 5) dysfunctions of pelvic floor and urethral/anal sphincter muscle.
US09914740B2

The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or stereoisomers, tautomers, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein all the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are selective ROCK inhibitors. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating cardiovascular, smooth muscle, oncologic, neuropathologic, autoimmune, fibrotic, and/or inflammatory disorders using the same.
US09914736B2

The present invention is directed to substituted five membered heteroaryl benzamide compounds of formula (I) (Formula (I)) which are tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) family protein kinase inhibitors, and hence are 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 TrkA.
US09914730B2

The present application provides azaquinazoline compounds as defined herein. This application further describes compositions comprising the same. These azaquinazoline compounds and their salts have atypical protein kinase C (“aPKC”) inhibitory activity, and may be used to treat proliferative disorders.
US09914724B2

This invention relates to a kind of C- aryl glycoside derivatives, its pharmaceutical compositions, preparation methods, and uses thereof. The preparation method comprises: method 1: in a solvent, deprotecting the acetyl protecting groups of compound 1-f in the presence of a base; method 2: 1) compound 2-g reacts with via Mitsunobu reaction; 2) deprotecting the acetyl protecting groups of compound 2-f obtained from step 1; method 3: 1) compound 2-g reacts with via nucleophilic substitution reaction; 2) deprotecting the acetyl protecting groups of compound 3-f obtained from step 1. The pharmaceutical composition comprises a kind of C- aryl glycoside derivatives; it's pharmaceutically acceptable salts and/or prodrugs thereof and excipient thereof. This invention relates to a kind of C- aryl glycoside derivatives, it's pharmaceutically acceptable salts or compositions thereof for preparing a SGLT inhibitor. The C- aryl glycoside derivatives of this invention provides a new direction for SGLT inhibitors.
US09914707B2

The present invention relates to a naphthylamide compound of the structure as represented by formula (I), medicinal salts, prodrugs and hydrates or solvates thereof, and also relates to a method of preparing the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and the uses thereof as protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, particularly as VEGFR-2 inhibitors, in preparing drugs for preventing and treating diseases related to abnormal angiogenesis.
US09914703B2

Pyridone derivatives, methods of preparing the pyridone derivatives, and methods of using the pyridone derivatives are provided. In particular, pyridone derivatives of formula (I), and pharmaceutical salts thereof are provided. The pyridone derivatives are useful as mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors, and can be used as therapeutic agents for treating cancer.
US09914693B2

The present invention relates to a process for preparing ethylenediamine (EDA), where the process comprises the steps a) to c). In step a), formaldehyde is reacted with hydrocyanic acid (HCN) to form formaldehyde cyanohydrin (FACH), where the hydrocyanic acid is completely free or largely free of sulfur dioxide (SO2). The FACH prepared in this way is reacted with ammonia (NH3) to form aminoacetonitrile (AAN) in step b), whereupon a hydrogenation of AAN in the presence of a catalyst to form EDA is carried out in step c).
US09914690B2

The present invention relates to catalytic conversion of ketoacids, including methods for increasing the molecular weight of ketoacids. The method can include providing in a reactor a raw material having at least one ketoacid. The raw material is then subjected to one or more C—C-coupling reaction(s) in the presence of an ion exchange resin catalyst to produce at least one ketocid dimer. The method can include providing in a reactor a feedstock having the at least one ketoacid dimer and subjecting the feedstock to one or more C—C-coupling reaction(s) at a temperature of at least 200° C.
US09914688B2

The present invention belongs to the field of pharmaceutical technology, more specifically relates to optically pure benzyl-4-chlorophenyl-C-glucoside derivatives represented by formulae (II) and (III), a process for preparing these compounds and intermediates thereof, a pharmaceutical formulation and a pharmaceutical composition containing these compounds, and the use of the optically pure benzyl-4-chlorophenyl-C-glucoside derivative as a sodium glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitor in manufacture of a medicament for treating and/or preventing diabetes mellitus (including insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) or diabetes-associated diseases (including insulin resistance disease and obesity)
US09914686B1

A method of producing fatty alcohols comprises: introducing a fatty alcohol feedstock stream to a distillation column; forming a light outlet stream and a heavy outlet stream; condensing at least a portion of the light outlet stream to form a reflux stream; returning the reflux stream to a reflux inlet of the distillation column at a reflux ratio of greater than or equal to 2; and recovering a fatty alcohol product stream from an outlet of the distillation column, wherein the fatty alcohol product stream comprises a first mass percentage of the first fatty alcohol species (M), and a second mass percentage of the second fatty alcohol species (M2), and wherein a fatty alcohol mass ratio (M1/M2) of the fatty alcohol product stream is the first mass percentage divided by the second mass percentage, and wherein the fatty alcohol mass ratio is greater than or equal to 2.0.
US09914683B2

A method of synthesizing fuel from an aqueous solution includes pumping the aqueous solution, containing dissolved inorganic carbon, from a body of water into a carbon extraction unit. The method further includes extracting the dissolved inorganic carbon from the aqueous solution to create CO2 by changing a pH of the aqueous solution in the carbon extraction unit. The CO2 derived in the carbon extraction unit is received by a fuel synthesis unit, and the CO2 is converted into fuel including at least one of a hydrocarbon, an ether, or an alcohol using the fuel synthesis unit.
US09914679B2

One or more processes for recovering entrained ionic liquid from a hydrocarbon phase containing droplets of ionic liquid are described. The processes includes contacting the hydrocarbon phase containing the droplets of ionic liquid with a retaining material in a separation zone. The droplets of ionic liquid are retained by the retaining material. The ionic liquid may be recovered from the retaining material with a solvent or desorbent. The retaining material may be regenerated and the ionic liquid may be reactivated. The retaining material may be used in a wash vessel to retain or remove contaminant solids within the reactor or other vessels.
US09914675B2

Alkylation processes are described. The processes utilize ionic liquid catalysts having a kinematic viscosity range of about 50 cSt to about 100 cSt at 25° C. Catalysts within this range produce alkylate having higher octane than catalysts outside this range, especially at higher process temperatures which are preferable from an operating cost standpoint. The alkylate can have one or more of a research octane number of at least about 93, a selectivity of C8 of at least about 65%, and a mole ratio of trimethylpentane to dimethylhexane of greater than about 7:1.
US09914660B2

A sensitized, photo-structurable glasses and methods for producing are provided. The glasses includes Si4+, one or more crystal-agonist, one or more crystal-antagonist, and one or more pair of nucleating agents. The glasses are sensitized in that the glass reacts more sensitive to irradiation with UV-light and can be crystallized easier and with higher aspect ratios than a non-sensitized glass with equal composition. Furthermore, the sensitized glasses of this invention have smaller crystal sizes after irradiation and tempering than a non-sensitized glass with equal composition. The invention also relates to a structured glass product. Such product can be obtained by submitting the crystallized glass product to a subsequent etching step. The structured product can be used in components or as component for the application fields micro-technology, micro-reaction-technology, electronic packaging, micro-fluidics, FED spacer, bio-technology, interposer, and/or three-dimensional structured antennae.
US09914655B2

A water treatment apparatus including a central electrode, and an outer periphery electrode, water to be treated being treated by applying a high voltage between the central electrode and the outer periphery electrode to thereby form a discharge in a discharge space between the central electrode and the outer periphery electrode and supplying the water to be treated as water droplets or a water film into the discharge space from above the discharge space, the water treatment apparatus further including a water droplet reformation unit connected to the outer periphery electrode, wherein the water droplet reformation unit captures, as trapped water, a portion of the water to be treated falling in the discharge space, performs water droplet reformation by causing the captured trapped water and gas containing oxygen supplied via a gas pipe to be mixed, and jets out water droplets formed by water droplet reformation into the discharge space.
US09914649B2

A composition of matter is disclosed which is a perovskite having a composition A2−xA′xB2−yB′yO6−δ, where A is a praseodymium (Pr) element at the A-site of the perovskite, A′ is a strontium (Sr) element at the A-site of the perovskite, B is a cobalt (Co) element at the B-site of the perovskite, and B′ is a manganese (Mn) element at the B-site of the perovskite, and where 0
US09914647B2

Methods of forming two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide sheets are provided. The methods include adding a cross-linking agent to an activating agent to form a solution and mixing a two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide with the solution to form a mixture. The methods also include adding a cleaving agent to the mixture to form one or more contiguous sheets of transition metal dichalcogenide.
US09914643B2

In some aspects, a method for incremental hydrogen production includes separating in a first Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) system an existing reformer synthesis gas product stream into a first hydrogen stream and a first waste stream. The first waste stream is compressed to at least 40 bar to produce a compressed waste stream. Water is removed from the compressed waste stream to produce a dried waste stream. Carbon dioxide is removed from the dried waste stream to produce a remaining waste stream, and the removed carbon dioxide is at least 85% of carbon dioxide in the existing reformer synthesis gas product stream. A second PSA system separates the remaining waste stream into a second hydrogen stream and a second waste stream, and the second hydrogen stream comprises at least 11% of hydrogen from the existing reformer synthesis gas product stream.
US09914642B2

The invention relates to a method for producing hydrocarbon-containing gaseous fuel comprises at least three stages. In the first stage water is entered for heating and water steam forming. In the second stage hydrocarbon component is entered and mixed with water steam by injecting. The mixture is heated and directed to subsequent stages to additional heating for fuel producing. Turbo generator is made as two cylinder tubes, divided on isolated sections. The first section is made with induction heat source for system start-up, the second section is made with injector type mixer. The inner tube cavity forms the firing chamber. In technological cylinder multistage components and mixture heated and additional heating in subsequent sections are realized until forming of hydrogen-containing gaseous fuel. Burning system, worker burner, start-up burner are installed on the firing chamber inlet. Working torch forming element is installed on the firing chamber outlet.
US09914637B2

According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a base region, an element portion located on the base region, the element portion including a movable portion, and a protective film overlying the element portion and forming a cavity on an inner side of the protective film. The protective film includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer located on the first protective layer. A hole extends in a direction parallel to a main surface of the base region, and the second protective layer covers the hole.
US09914635B2

The invention pertains to upholstery techniques for upholstering the central bust line of mannequins. Particularly a shaping body is coupled to the central line of the upholstery and shaped to conform to the central bust line of an underlying mannequin form. The shaping body includes anchors, preferably, in the form of strings, which can be fed through the mannequin form and tensioned accordingly. The shaping body is preferably elongate with two identical body members coupled by a fold therebetween. The first body member is coupled to a first side of the central bust line seam of the upholstering covering and the second body member is coupled to the second side of the central bust line seam of the upholstering covering. The fold therebetween is shaped to conform to the shape of the central bust line of the mannequin form. The use of such a shaping body results in a natural convex curve of the central bust line.
US09914633B2

A fuel transfer system for use with a motor vehicle includes a stationary module configured for permanent installation in the motor vehicle and a portable module configured for a detachable connection to the stationary module. The stationary module has a fuel fitting arranged in fluid communication with the fuel line between the fuel sending unit and the engine, a first fuel conduit connected to the fuel fitting and to a first transfer connector. A first normally closed valve is arranged in the first transfer connector. The first transfer connector is configured to be secured to a motor vehicle, for example next to a fill neck behind a filler door of the vehicle. The portable module has a second fuel conduit having a second transfer connector on one of two ends and a fueling nozzle connected to the other one of the two ends of the second fuel conduit.
US09914632B2

Methods and apparatus for delivering precursor materials derived from liquid chemicals to a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a liquid chemical delivery apparatus includes: a body having an inner volume to hold a liquid chemical, an inlet to receive a carrier gas into the inner volume, and an outlet to flow the carrier gas from the inner volume, wherein a bottom of the inner volume includes a reduced volume portion; and a level sensor configured to detect a level of the liquid chemical in the reduced volume portion.
US09914628B2

A unit for carrying out an operation on a container fillable with a pourable product is disclosed. The unit comprises: a first area; a second area; at least one operative head, which is adapted to carry out the operation; at least one gripping device for gripping the container and which is movable between a rest position, in which the at least one gripping device receives or discharges the container; and an operative position, in which the at least one gripping device sets the container in a position in which the container undergoes the operation. The unit further comprises: a movable element, which is operatively connected to the at least one gripping device for moving the at least one gripping device between the rest position and the operative position, and which comprises a portion movable between the first area and the second area; and a bellow.
US09914627B2

The present invention relates to a three-mast order picker, belonging to the technical field of manned elevation equipment. The three-mast order picker comprises a chassis, a hydraulic elevation assembly, a sprocket elevation assembly and a picker platform, the hydraulic elevation assembly comprises a fixed mast, a hydraulic cylinder and a movable mast, and the sprocket elevation assembly comprises a sprocket and a chain. The fixed mast is erected and fixed on the chassis, and the knockout rod of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to the movable mast to drive the movable mast; one end of the chain is connected to the fixed mast and the other end is connected to the second movable mast so that the second movable mast is raised and lowered by the raising and lowering of the movable mast and with the assistance of the sprocket and the chain.
US09914625B2

A clutch comprises an input shaft, an output shaft, a biasing member and a plunger. The biasing member is arranged to provide a biasing force that allows torque transfer from the input shaft to the output shaft via one or more input friction plates and one or more output friction plates. Axial displacement of the plunger relative to the output shaft may cause the biasing force to vary to adjust the maximum torque setting of the clutch during reeling-in or reeling-out of a winch cable around a winch drum. A winch assembly may be provided that includes an arm in operable connection with a winch drum. The arm is displaced as the effective radius of the drum varies during reeling in or reeling out. Displacement of the arm can be communicated to the plunger to provide the axial displacement thereof.
US09914623B2

Several embodiments of an end cap are provided for use with a spreader bar system for distributing the lift force of a load across multiple points. The end cap comprises at least one lifting lug with the shackles positioned therethrough, along with at least one visual indicium for keeping a minimum of a 45 degree lift angle. Additionally, the end cap is provided with a pinch bolt system for easy assembly as well as a flat, horizontal foot plate located beneath the end cap for quick alignment. A four-point embodiment duplicates these features and positions two end caps at a 90 degree perpendicular angle atop a support plate. Additionally, a method of use is provided for pre-calculating maximum load so as to reduce the computation to a single chart.
US09914620B2

An ABS brake control circuit for elevator breaking comprises a brake controller, a backup power supply, a manual rescue instruction circuit, a power grid power-off instruction circuit, a system failure instruction circuit, a signal identification circuit and a brake mode switching circuit. when transport equipments, such as an elevator, an escalator, and so on, encounters a system failure or power grid power-off or needs an emergency rescue, the ABS brake control circuit can allow the transport equipment to transition to a safe brake stop through a previous safe deceleration, thereby eliminating a significant security risk caused by a halt resulted from one-step brake which exists in an elevator brake system, and being capable of ensuring that the manual brake releasing will not cause the phenomena of a stalling of an elevator car and a brake failure of a brake, such that the brake safety of the transport equipments such as an elevator, an escalator, a moving walkway and the like is increased.
US09914616B2

In an image forming apparatus, a discharge roller discharges a sheet conveyed by a first conveying path. The discharge roller switches between: a mode of conveying a sheet in a sheet discharging direction to discharge a sheet; and a mode of reversing a direction of conveying a sheet from the sheet discharging direction and feeding a sheet to a re-conveying path. A pivot plate at an open position constitutes a second conveying path. The pivot plate at a closed position closes the second conveying path. The pivot plate is provided with a penetrating portion penetrating the pivot plate over an entire thickness of the pivot plate. The penetrating portion constitutes part of the re-conveying path when the pivot plate is disposed at the closed position. Part of the pivot plate is exposed outside the housing.
US09914600B2

An automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A vertical stack of envelopes rests on a long stacker table. The mail tray filling apparatus has a track positioned next the vertical stacker table parallel to the length of the vertical stacker table. A mail tray transport is positioned beneath the track and arranged to transport mail trays beneath the track in a direction parallel to the vertical stacker table. A movable mail tray filler is movably mounted on the track to travel in parallel next to the vertical stacker table and above the mail tray transport, and is arranged to withdraw envelopes from the end of the vertical stack in a sideways direction. Envelopes are then redirected into a downward direction and fed into a mail tray positioned beneath the movable mail tray filler.
US09914579B2

A container has elastomeric sheets defining a periphery with four sides. A seal extends about the periphery defining a closed chamber. A separator extends across the closed chamber dividing the closed chamber into a first compartment and a second compartment. The separator includes a rod for wrapping the sheets around the rod to define a dividing portion. A retainer clip presents an inner wall clamped about the dividing portion providing an impermeable closure between the sheets. The sheets define at least two aligned and spaced pockets separated by a gap whereby removing the rod from the retainer clip and inserting the rod into the pockets extending across the gap and clamping the retainer clip over the rod to define a handle. The present invention also includes a method for mixing a first component and a second component in the container and releasing the components.
US09914571B2

A container and dispenser in conical shape for edible or non-edible substances is described.
US09914569B1

A plastic soft tube with a cap structure able to control outflow includes a tube main body, a main body connector having an outlet, and an outer cap. The main body connector is provided with an inner cap and a middle cap fitted on the inner cap. The inner cap includes a protruding post. The protruding post has a first passageway. A lower end of the protruding post is connected with a protrusion for the first passageway selectively to communicate with the outlet or not to communicate with the outlet. The middle cap has a post hole corresponding to the protruding post. The middle cap and the inner cap are movably mated with each other. When the middle cap is turned, the inner cap is brought to move up and down relative to the main body connector for controlling the outflow of the liquid or paste.
US09914564B2

A dispenser assembly having a container and an insert secured within the container. The insert includes a product cartridge defining a product containing space and a dispensing body having a dispenser receptacle. The product containing space has a first opening through which product exits, and the dispenser receptacle has a second opening at least partially offset from the first opening through which product enters the dispenser receptacle. The dispenser assembly further includes a push-button assembly attacked to the insert, including a button that moves between first and second positions. The button has an orifice defined therein in communication with one of the first or second openings when in the first position and with the other of the first or second openings when in the second position, such that the button permits transmittal of product between the first and second openings when moved between the first and second positions.
US09914563B2

A closure mechanism for a reclosable bag including an elongated groove profile having two arms which define an opening to a channel, and an elongated rib profile opposing the groove profile, wherein a plurality of first segments of the rib profile alternate with a plurality of second segments of the rib profile to create a structural discontinuity along a length thereof. The groove profile and the rib profile form a first zipper, the second segments have a smaller cross-section when viewed perpendicular to the length of the rib profile than the first segments, and the second segments are longer than the first segments.
US09914558B2

A serviceable draw and return tube assembly for use in fuel tanks is disclosed. The assembly may include a draw tube and a return tube secured to a plate, wherein the plate may be removably secured to a flange, which is fixedly secured to a fuel tank. The process of removably securing the plate to the flange allows for use of different sizes and materials to be utilized in manufacture of the assembly, thereby saving installation time and manufacturing costs.
US09914551B2

Embodiments described herein provide for passive timing of asynchronous Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) attitude data using information derived from a pattern of skipped and duplicate samples of attitude data generated by the IMU. One embodiment is an attitude controller for a vehicle that generates samples of attitude data at a first frequency (f1) from an IMU of the vehicle. The IMU updates the attitude data at a second frequency (f2). Each update of the attitude data includes a time stamp. The attitude controller is processes time stamps in the samples to identify a pattern of at least one of a skipped sample of an update to the attitude data and a duplicate sample of an update to the attitude data. The attitude controller estimates lag times between updates of the attitude data and samples of the attitude data based on the pattern and a relationship between f1 and f2.
US09914545B2

A heat exchange system for an aircraft includes an aircraft controller for controlling an operation of an aircraft, a thermoelectric device having a low temperature side and a high temperature side. Heat is transferred away from the inlet line to the outlet line through the thermoelectric device when a predetermined condition is met.
US09914543B2

A method includes receiving a plurality of temperature measurements from temperature sensors of an aircraft. The method includes determining whether a first count of one or more first temperature metrics that are within a temperature range is greater than a first threshold. The one or more temperature metrics are derived from the plurality of temperature measurements. The method includes initiating generating an icing output signal when the first count is greater than or equal to the first threshold.
US09914540B2

A seating assembly comprising: a frame having an opening; a support surface spanning the opening in the frame; a variable thermal resistance device that opposes the support surface when the variable thermal resistance device is in a closed state in which airflow is obstructed, the variable thermal resistance device being movable from the closed state to an open state in which airflow is not obstructed and from the open state to the closed state; and an actuator coupled to the variable thermal resistance device. The actuator is operable to actuate movement of the variable thermal resistance device between the open and closed states.
US09914538B2

A supporting assembly for an unmanned aerial vehicle is disclosed. The supporting assembly includes a base, rotor arms, and rotor shrouds. The rotor arms extend from the base. Each of the rotor arms includes a proximal end secured to the base and a distal end opposite to the proximal end. Each of the rotor shrouds includes a converged end removably engaged with and secured to the distal end, an arc shaped end, and one or more connecting members extending from the arc shaped end to the converged end. An unmanned aerial vehicle and a rotor shroud apparatus are also disclosed.
US09914537B2

Systems and methods are provided for transformation of a UAV from an extended state to a compacted state. The UAV can be transported in the compacted state. The UAV can comprise one or more segmented arms that can be folded to reduce the volume of the UAV. The segmented arms can be sealed to prevent ambient air, dirt, and or water vapor from entering the segmented arm. The UAV can comprise a cooling and air filtering system on-board the UAV.
US09914533B2

A method of forming an in-wing device-retention assembly includes inserting a first plate into a wing, the wing having a wide end and a narrow end. The method includes inserting a second plate into the wing, inserting a wedge plate into the wing and positioning the wedge plate between the first plate and the second plate, and applying a force to the wedge plate in a direction toward the narrow end to fix the first plate, the second plate and the wedge plate within the wing.
US09914525B2

A rotorcraft provided on top with a waterdrop-shaped fairing arranged below the rotary wing of a main rotor of the rotorcraft and overlying a cover covering a power plant of the rotorcraft. The trailing edge(s) of the fairing is/are provided with a respective movable member guiding a first stream of air flowing along the fairing and escaping from the trailing edge towards the rear of the rotorcraft in flight. By way of example, the movable member is arranged as a flap or as a bladed roller that may potentially be motor-driven as a function of the effects of the first stream of air on the behavior of the rotorcraft in flight.
US09914519B2

A mount for mounting a drive module to a watercraft is described herein. The mount in-use with the drive module is also described. The mount in-use with the drive module and the watercraft is also described. The mount includes a frame configured to be attached to the watercraft. The mount is also configured to attach to the drive module to selectively allow the drive module to translate from a first position to a second position. When in the first position, the drive module is capable of propelling the watercraft. The frame has a retainer to fix the drive module in the first position and a first spring to assist translation of the drive module toward the second position. The second position is a relatively raised position compared to the first position.
US09914516B1

A hydrofoil shield for protecting a boat motor includes a shield body, two fins, a nose section, and a tail section, wherein the shield body has a central shield portion with fins extending therefrom and the nose section disposed forward of the body, wherein the shield body and fins are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis extending from the nose section to the tail section, and wherein the fins curve toward the central shield portion at a dihedral/sweep angle forming a U-like shape.
US09914510B2

The current invention relates to a yacht or other vessel, such as a ship, comprising a hull and a superstructure, wherein at least one of the hull and the superstructure comprises cladding elements thereon or therein, wherein at least a selection of the cladding elements comprise an at least partially transparent cover and at least one light source, wherein the light source is shielded by the cover. Furthermore, the invention relates to a cladding element containing light sources, to be in use arranged on the hull of a yacht, or in swimming pools and in particular side walls and/or bottoms thereof, as well as on surrounding structures, like a pool house or paths or pavements there around, in bridges, for example on bridge decks and/or against uprights and/or stairs and/or walls, or in ornamentation of public spaces and public structures.
US09914505B2

A method for installing a water-submersible platform is disclosed. The method includes lowering the platform in water from a vessel positioned above the platform while spuds connecting the vessel to the platform stabilize the platform during lowering. An assembly of the vessel and platform, and a vessel that is used to connect to the platform is also disclosed.
US09914504B2

An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake. A wake modifying system for modifying a wake produced by a watercraft traveling through water may include a rudder pivotally mounted to the watercraft for steering the watercraft, a fin pivotally mounted to the watercraft substantially along a centerline of the watercraft and forward the rudder, wherein the fin pivots about an upright axis to modify the wake produced by the watercraft traveling through the water, an actuator mounted within the watercraft and operably coupled to the fin for pivoting the fin relative to the centerline, and a controller mounted on the watercraft allowing an operator to control the actuator and selectively pivot the fin to a desired angle θd relative to the centerline.
US09914502B2

A detachable chainring assembly includes a first chainring, a second chainring and a locking part. The first chainring includes a first through hole. The second chainring includes a first surface, a second surface, a driven hole, and a plurality of first protrusion parts. The second surface is opposite to the first surface. The driven hole runs through the first surface and the second surface for securing a driving portion of a crank arm. The first protrusion parts protrude from the second surface and are disposed around the driven hole, and at least one of the first protrusion parts has a first locked hole. The locking part is detachably secured to the first through hole and the first locked hole such that the first chainring and the second chainring are jointly secured to each other via the locking part.
US09914501B2

The invention relates to a battery holder device (1) for an electric bicycle (2), for example of the type with pedal assist by means of an electric motor. Such a battery holder device is designed to be housed inside a corresponding housing seat associated with the frame of the bicycle and to be connected to the electric motor of said bicycle. For this purpose, the battery holder device has a box-like body (20) having the structure of a removable rigid bag provided with a concealable-type handle (27); housing inside the corresponding seat is performed by means of snap-engagement of mechanical means and counter-means which comprise the said handle (27); an electrical connection with the motor (3) is established by means of coupling together of electrical connectors (17) provided in the box-like body (20) and in the housing seat.
US09914486B2

A motor vehicle hood assembly includes a hood shell and a fluid reservoir having a body including a stringer section and a plurality of finger sections that are connected to and extend from the stringer section. The fluid reservoir may be provided packaged between the hood shell and an insulation layer of the hood assembly. A filling port is provided to assure the fluid is replenished by gravity once it's emptied from the reservoir.
US09914455B2

The invention relates to a control apparatus of a vehicle. The apparatus calculates a requested acceleration of an own vehicle on the basis of feedback and feedforward requested accelerations and executes a following travel control for causing the own vehicle to travel following a communicating preceding vehicle by controlling an acceleration of the own vehicle such that the acceleration of the own vehicle corresponds to the requested acceleration. The apparatus sets the feedforward requested acceleration to zero when an own vehicle sensor device has not detected the preceding vehicle and the feedforward requested acceleration is larger than zero after starting an execution of the following travel control.
US09914450B2

The present disclosure provides a technology of determining an engine friction torque even when idling of an engine is not performed, by providing a certain engine Revolutions per Minute (RPM) in stop state of the engine using Hybrid Starter & Generator (HSG) connected to an engine pulley. The present disclosure provides a technology of determining an accurate engine friction torque using a torque provided from the outside of an engine instead of a torque generated the engine itself.
US09914444B2

A method and a control device are provided for operating a road-coupled hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle has an electronic control unit, a primary motor associated with a first axle, and a secondary motor associated with a second axle. By way of the electronic control unit, the primary motor and the secondary motor are basically controlled in a drive-oriented manner such that preferentially only a single-axle drive by the primary motor is provided. Beginning with the secondary motor switched off, when a traction requirement is determined, the secondary motor is switched on, regardless of whether the vehicle is traveling on a curve. Beginning with the secondary motor switched on, when a traction requirement is not present, the secondary motor is not switched off until it is determined that the vehicle is not, or is no longer, traveling on a curve. A traction requirement is preferably determined at least when an expected traction requirement in the longitudinal direction is predicted when wheel slip is recognized or when the ASC control is active. An expected traction requirement in the longitudinal direction is predicted when a requested longitudinal dynamic setpoint parameter exceeds a defined threshold value based on a longitudinal dynamic potential parameter.
US09914436B2

A system for clearing snow and ice from a vehicle surface having a robotic arm, a brush, a control system, wireless communication circuitry, and an electrical power source where the brush is mounted on the robotic arm, and the robotic arm is mounted on a vehicle and articulates about multiple axes and moves the brush over the vehicle surface, and the motor spins the brush, the movements based on a coordinate data set transmitted to the control system for operation on a specific vehicle type, make and model.
US09914427B1

A hood hinge apparatus for a vehicle may include a bracket fastened to a vehicle body, an arm having a front end portion fastened to a hood, a rear end portion formed with a slot, and an arch portion formed to be concave downwards between the front end portion and the rear end portion, a link pressed against one surface of the arm having the slot, a hinge pin serving as a hinge point of rotation of the arm, and fastened to the bracket through the slot from an upper end portion of the link, and a pop rivet fastened between a lower end portion of the link and the rear end portion of the arm.
US09914426B2

An airbag system for a motor vehicle includes an airbag arrangement with at least one airbag and a gas generator for filling the airbag arrangement. A base body includes two end regions, and an ignition element protrudes from the base body between the two end regions. The folded airbag arrangement in a packed state envelops at least one of the end regions in multiple layers on one part of its outer periphery.
US09914425B1

A sub-assembly for a housing of a gas generating system is provided. The sub-assembly includes a housing portion and an insert attached to the housing portion such that at least a portion of a force applied to one of the housing portion and the attached insert is transferred through the attachment to the other one of the housing portion and the attached insert. A housing, a gas generating system, and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the sub-assembly are also disclosed.
US09914421B2

A vehicle seatback assembly includes a cushion assembly having a seating surface. A back panel includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and a back portion. A first living hinge is disposed between the first side portion and back portion. A second living hinge is disposed between the second side portion and back portion. A frame is disposed between the back panel and the cushion assembly. A peripheral cushion structure supports a periphery of the cushion assembly. A closeout panel is coupled with the back panel and is disposed behind the cushion structure to define a peripheral gap between the closeout panel and the cushion structure that extends around the sides of said seatback assembly. A shingled portion of the closeout panel extends behind and couples with the back panel. An airbag is coupled with the frame and is configured to deploy between the closeout and back panels.
US09914420B2

A number of variations may include a product that may include a mounting bracket portion that may include a spring housing that may define at least one through hole. The product may further include a lock spring that may include a first end may be disposed within the at least one through hole such that the first end extends through the through hole and protrudes from the spring housing.
US09914413B2

A bus system for configuring communication interfaces in a vehicle has at least two different bus lines which are each electrically coupled to one and the same first voltage-limiting element to limit the voltage level of a voltage pulse occurring with a predefined reference potential as a positive voltage pulse between one of the two bus lines and a first point. In addition, the two bus lines are each electrically coupled to one and the same second voltage-limiting element to limit the voltage level of a voltage pulse occurring with a predefined reference potential as a negative voltage pulse between one of the two bus lines and a second point, to a second voltage limit.
US09914410B1

A license plate covering assembly includes a frame that may be coupled to a vehicle. The frame may surround a license plate on the vehicle. The frame comprising a first half that is hingedly coupled to a second half. A window is coupled to the second half. The window facilitates the license plate to be visible when the frame is positioned in a closed position.
US09914404B2

A method of manufacturing a chrome plated component can include performing a two-shot (2K) molding process to form a component comprising first and second \members. A non-plateable resin can be molded to form the first member defining a front surface that defines a recess. A plateable resin can be molded to form the second member defining a back surface that defines the protrusion. The component can then be removed from its mold, where (i) an exposed surface of the second member defines a front surface of the component and (ii) the recess receives the protrusion such that the front surface of the first member is substantially flush with the back surface of the second member. An exposed surface of the second member can then be chrome plated to obtain the chrome plated component.
US09914403B1

A bracket is provided having a shaft with an upper end for mounting an optical warning device and a platform supporting a lower end of the shaft. The platform is fixed to a side of a truck bed so that the upper end of the shaft extends from the shaft to position the optical warning device at a height higher than the cab of the truck. The bracket freestands mounts the optical warning device since the optical warning device stands alone or on its own foundation provided by the attachment of platform to side of the truck bed, free of support or attachment to any other part of the truck. The platform may be attached by a support member mounted in a stake pocket present along the side of the bed of the truck, or by one or more clamp members to the side of the truck bed.
US09914397B2

A hitch-mountable, collapsible stair assembly is disclosed for use in assisting mounting into a raised vehicle bed. The steps rotate between a generally vertical stowed position and a generally horizontal in-use position. The height of the steps above the ground is adjustable. The lower step can also be extended for ease of use.
US09914396B1

An extendable ladder with hinge brackets specifically designed for the purpose of a person to have easier and safer access to a recreational vehicle roof. RV's have a permanently attached ladder on the rear of the vehicle that has to be climbed vertically, straight up which defies gravity. The hand rails and steps are small therefore making people feel very insecure and unsafe when climbing it. This invention overcomes that obstacle by giving people a firm ladder that reaches to the ground at an angle which makes it very easy to climb. The hinge bracket design creates a pivot affect that allows the two section extendable ladder to swing out at the bottom and extend downward to the ground, then the lower ladder can slide back up into the ladder rails and is positioned back against the RV.
US09914395B1

An electrochromic rearview mirror contains a connection assembly, and the connection assembly includes: a first substrate, a first coating layer, a second coating layer, a packaging frame, an electrochromic layer, a first conductive glue, a second conductive glue, at least one third coating layer, at least one fourth coating layer, and a second substrate. The first substrate has a first face and a second face, and the second substrate has a third face and a fourth face. The second coating layer conducts electricity, each of the at least one fourth coating layer is fixed on the third face, and each of the at least one third coating layer is disposed on the third face. Furthermore, the packaging frame and the electrochromic layer are defined among the second coating layer, the fourth coating layer and the third coating layer.
US09914394B2

The present invention provides a rearview mirror comprising a panel and a control circuit, a first substrate in the panel is provided with a planar transparent electrode layer, a second substrate is provided with a transparent hydrophobic material layer and multiple block electrodes, a side of the transparent hydrophobic material layer facing the first substrate is provided with multiple cells, lightproof electro-wetting ink is provided within each cell, the block electrodes are provided on a side of the transparent hydrophobic material layer away from the first substrate and can at least reflect part of light entering the rearview mirror from first substrate side, the control circuit is configured to control area of each cell covered by the electro-wetting ink in the cell by controlling a change in intensity of the electric field between the planar transparent electrode layer and the block electrodes.
US09914392B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for receiving feedback during transport. Embodiments include a transportation system comprising a tractor, a dolly attached to opposing ends of a first and second trailer, and a sensor feedback system. Sensor feedback system may include a tilt sensor system mounted on at least one of the dolly, the first trailer, and the second trailer, and a user feedback system mounted within the tractor. Tilt sensor system may measure tilt of at least one of the dolly, first and second trailers, and first and second containers attached to the first and second trailers, to obtain tilt information, and send tilt information to the user feedback system via a communication system. User feedback system may receive the tilt information and alert a driver of the tractor if the tilt information is above a predetermined level.
US09914390B1

A vehicle is provided which includes a headliner including a retaining member. A window and a shade assembly is positioned proximate the window. The shade assembly includes a housing and a shade. The shade is configured to deploy from the housing. An engaging member is positioned on the shade and is configured to couple with the retaining member. A photoluminescent structure is positioned on the shade.
US09914382B2

A vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat bottom comprising a frame assembly securable to a vehicle. The frame assembly comprises a frame disposed within a structural foam pad, with the frame assembly having a first attachment member. The vehicle seat assembly comprises a cushion assembly comprising a flexible foam pad supported on a wire frame assembly, with the cushion assembly having second attachment member cooperable with the first attachment member to secure the cushion assembly to the frame assembly. The vehicle seat assembly comprises a seatback secured to the seat bottom.
US09914370B2

A vehicle seat including: a connection mechanism; a seat cushion connected to an interior structure of a vehicle via the connection mechanism and configured to be displaced between a first state and a second state at which the seat cushion is arranged at a position closer to a front part-side of the vehicle than at the first state; and a seat back, wherein a sitting surface of the seat cushion at the first state gradually inclines upwardly from the rear of the seat towards the front of the seat, and wherein the connection mechanism is configured to displace the seat cushion to the second state and move a front part-side of the seat cushion more downwardly than at the first state, whereby the sitting surface of the seat cushion is made more horizontal at the second state than at the first state.
US09914369B2

A vehicle seat includes a hook and cam latching mechanism that releasably couples an occupant support to the vehicle body. The latching mechanism has a hook and a cam that apply clamp loads at opposite sides of an anchor to lock the occupant support in a use position in a manner that can reduce or eliminate loose conditions and associated noise often associated with other types of latching mechanisms. Cam movement is coordinated with hook movement to accommodate an engaged condition with a secured clamp load along with easy engagement and disengagement of the hook. The latching mechanism can be used with easy-entry vehicle seats or other types of vehicle seats where movement of a seat bottom or seat back away from the vehicle body is desired.
US09914368B1

A hybrid thermal management system includes a battery, a capacitor, and a controller programmed to, responsive to a demand and a temperature being less than an upper threshold, select and operate only one of the battery and capacitor to satisfy the demand according to which of two values, corresponding to traction power dependent heat generation functions representing rates at which the battery and capacitor generate heat, is less to maintain the temperature below the threshold.
US09914367B2

A motor vehicle is provided having a control device, an electronic power unit and an energy storage system including first and second electric energy storage devices connectable in parallel so as to have a common base voltage at respectively different states of charge. The base voltage is substantially adjustable by the electronic power unit. A predictive energy management system executed by the control device determines a predefined setpoint value of a base voltage as a function of a predicted charge balance of the energy storage device.
US09914364B2

A method of charging an electric vehicle (EV) includes receiving a user's authentication code in an electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) from a user's mobile device, comparing in the EVSE the user's authentication code to a whitelist having a plurality of authorized user authentication codes, and enabling an electric vehicle (EV) charging transaction serviced by the EVSE in response to the comparing of the user's authentication code to the whitelist so that a user's authentication code is authenticated to enable the EV charging transaction without concurrent access to an EVSE-related remote server.
US09914363B2

Disclosed is a method for efficiently retrieving a charger to supply electric power to an electric vehicle and achieving maximum wireless recharging efficiency, using visible light communication, upon wirelessly recharging the electric vehicle. Wireless visible light communication can be realized, using the existing head lamp installed at the vehicle. Accordingly, it is unnecessary to provide separate communication equipment. In addition, enhanced physical security, efficient charger retrieval, and maximum wireless recharging efficiency can be achieved by virtue of straightness of light.
US09914361B2

Vehicles that are capable of connecting to the AC grid are described that comprise a prime mover and at least one motor generator. In one embodiment, a vehicle may be constructed as a plug-in hybrid system and using the powertrain under controller instruction to either place power on an AC power line (to service AC grids) or to draw power from the AC power line to add electrical energy to the batteries on the vehicle. In some aspects, vehicles may test whether the power needed to service the AC power line may be satisfied by the on-vehicle batteries or, if not, whether and how much power to extract from the prime mover. In some aspects, vehicles may have a thermal management system on board to dynamically supply desired heat dissipation for the powertrain, if the powertrain is using the prime mover to supply power to the AC grid.
US09914344B1

Some embodiments are directed to a tonneau assembly including a tonneau sheet configured to cover at least a part of an exposed area of a vehicle, and a rail assembly including a front rail connected to the tonneau sheet, a rear rail, and a pair of longitudinally extending side rails. The rear rail is pivotable between an open position that uncovers part of the exposed area of the vehicle, and a closed position that covers the part of the exposed area. The rear rail is connected to the tonneau sheet to apply a longitudinal tensioning force as the rear rail is pivoted from the open position to the closed position. The tonneau assembly includes a lateral tensioning assembly that is configured to apply a lateral tensioning force that is perpendicular to the longitudinal force as the rear rail is pivoted from the open position to the closed position.
US09914341B2

Provided is a fragrance device for vehicle with an aim to restrain an olfactory adaptation of an occupant, to continuously provide the occupant for a long time with changes in sensory intensity of smell caused by intermittent smell emission, and to provide the occupant for a long time with a relaxation effect due to a smell, the fragrance device for vehicle includes: a fragrance holder holding a fragrance; a blowing means for blowing air to the fragrance holder to blow a smell of the fragrance into a vehicle cabin; and a fragrance blowing control means for sequentially repeating the repeating of a predetermined cycle of blowing a smell of the fragrance and a pause predetermined times by intermittently blowing the smell at each cycle, and then the providing of a stop time for stopping the blowing out of the smell of the fragrance for a predetermined time period.
US09914338B2

A thermal management system for a vehicle and a method for controlling the same are provided. The thermal management system comprises a first coolant circuit, a second coolant circuit, a refrigerant circuit, and a controller. The first coolant circuit includes at least a first coolant circuit heat exchanger, a Coolant Heater Control Module (CHCM), a CHCM mixing valve, and a bypass valve. The CHCM mixing valve is configured to modulate flow of a coolant between the first coolant circuit heat exchanger and the CHCM. The bypass valve is configured to link the first coolant circuit with the engine. The controller directs the thermal management system to operate in one of a high efficiency mode, a heat pump assist mode, a maximum performance mode, and a propulsion system energy improvement mode, effectuating the selected mode of operation via the actuation of the CHCM valve and the bypass valve to predetermined positions.
US09914336B2

An automotive vehicle has a passenger cabin, an HVAC system adjustable between a fresh air mode and a recirculate mode, a compartment containing a heat-producing electrical component, and a non-passenger compartment that is ventilated to outside of the vehicle. A duct has an inlet end adjacent the compartment and an outlet end adjacent an air intake of the HVAC system. A valve controls whether cooling air exiting the compartment is directed into the duct or into the non-passenger compartment. The valve is operated to direct a majority of the cooling air into the duct when the HVAC system is in the recirculate mode, and into the non-passenger compartment when the HVAC system is in the fresh air mode. Air from the non-passenger compartment may be vented out of the vehicle through an air extractor vent.
US09914332B2

A trailer hitch assembly for a vehicle includes a tubular beam, a trailer hitch, and a barrel nut. The tubular beam includes a first end sized for disposal within a first vehicle frame bracket, a second end sized for disposal within a second vehicle frame bracket, and a lowered portion therebetween. The tubular beam defines a through-hole at one of the ends. The trailer hitch is mounted to the lowered portion. The barrel nut extends through the through-hole, is secured to the tubular beam, and defines a cavity. The first vehicle frame bracket may define a first ring sized to receive the first end of the tubular beam. The second vehicle frame bracket may define a second ring sized to receive the second end of the tubular beam.
US09914324B2

A kit for making a simulated stained glass article, having a light-transmissive molded plastic substrate with an array of ridges on one major surface, laterally defining a pattern of upwardly open spaces, and a set of light-transmissive molded plastic colored stickers that are respectively peripherally shaped to fit conformingly into the spaces of the pattern. Side walls of the ridges are beveled at an angle sufficient to enable release of the substrate from a mold but are steep enough to facilitate precise placement of the stickers in the spaces and to minimize transmission of light around the edges of the stickers. In an article made from the kit, the stickers and ridges simulate the glass pieces and lead cames of a conventional stained glass window.
US09914323B2

To compensate for inaccuracies in the finishing of a decorative workpiece such as cutting or producing tongue-and-groove profiles to the decorative workpiece, a bleed area is added to the decorative pattern carried by a decoration layer of a decorative workpiece. The bleed area is filled with image content of the decorative pattern. In the bleed area a mark such as a cut mark or a control mark may be digital printed.
US09914312B2

A printer includes a head that is positioned at a plurality of recording positions by moving in a direction which is orthogonal to a transport direction of a sheet and a pressing member that has a medium guide surface which is able to face the sheet, in which when the head is positioned, the medium guide surface is positioned below the head surface, and during maintenance of the head, the medium guide surface is positioned above the head surface.
US09914305B2

A liquid storage container unit according to the present invention includes: a liquid storage container provided with an opening; a plug which is attachable to and detachable from the opening and provided with a front edge to be inserted in the opening; and a support member which connects the plug and a member other than the plug and supports the plug, wherein the support member is molded into a shape with a curved portion and the front edge of the plug comes closer to the inner side surface of the curved portion of the support member in a state in which the plug is removed from the opening than in a state in which the plug is attached to the opening.
US09914301B2

A piezoelectric device includes an actuator substrate that includes two rows of piezoelectric element rows piezoelectric elements, and a wiring substrate that is disposed so as to face the actuator substrate. The piezoelectric element rows include individual electrodes disposed for each of the piezoelectric elements, and a common electrode common to the piezoelectric elements. The wiring substrate includes a core portion disposed on a surface on the actuator substrate side, an individual wiring portion disposed for each of the piezoelectric element rows that partially covers the core portion, and a common wiring portion disposed for each of the piezoelectric element rows that partially covers the core portion. The two rows of piezoelectric element rows are respectively disposed so as to interpose the core portion. The individual wiring portion and the common wiring portion are respectively electrically connected to the individual electrode and the common electrode.
US09914290B2

The present invention relates to a peeling bar, apparatus, and method for peeling a polarizing film from a panel. This invention can minimize friction between the peeling bar and the polarizing film since the peeled polarizing film is in contact with a front part of the peeling bar. Also, in order to equalize tension applied to the polarizing film in a peeling process, this invention makes both ends of the polarizing film closely adhere to the peeling bar.According to this invention, fracture of the polarizing film is prevented, and thereby the polarizing film can be stably peeled from the panel without fracture.
US09914288B2

A light emitting device can further improve light extraction efficiency. A method of manufacturing such a light emitting device can also prove advantageous. The light emitting device includes a light emitting element, a light-transmissive member which is disposed on a light extracting surface side of the light emitting element, and a reflecting layer disposed on an element bonding surface of the light transmissive member where the light emitting element is disposed and adjacent to the light emitting element. The light-transmissive member, in a plan view, has a planar dimension greater than the light extracting surface of the light emitting element.
US09914287B2

The present invention relates to composite elements comprising (i) plastic, adhering to which there is (ii) a polyisocyanate polyaddition product, where the polyisocyanate polyaddition product is obtained via mixing of (a) isocyanate with (b) compounds having groups reactive toward isocyanates, (c) catalysts and optionally additional products to give a reaction mixture and converting the reaction mixture to a polyisocyanate polyaddition product, where the compounds (b) comprise a polyester polyalcohol as adhesion promoter, capable of production via polycondensation of an acid component and one or more low-molecular-weight diols whose molar mass is less than 500 g/mol, in excess, where the acid component comprises from 83 to 97 mol % of adipic acid and from 3 to 17 mol % of phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, and/or terephthalic acid. The present invention also relates to components in the fitting-out or aircraft, of vehicles, or of buildings, and to insulation comprising this type of composite element.
US09914282B2

A composite component includes a plurality of layers. A fracture region includes at least one fracture inducing layer in an overlapping relationship with at least one of the plurality of layers.
US09914278B2

Methods, computer-readable media, and systems described herein relate to producing on-demand packaging. For example, packaging can be automatically produced on-demand and be sized and configured for use with a customized set of items. In one aspect, a request for multiple items is received and a packaging customization engine accesses an information store that includes information about each of the requested items. The information may include dimensional information about the three-dimensional size of the items. The packaging customization engine may use the dimensional information to simulate a model arrangement of all of the requested items, and then calculate the dimensions of a box or other package that can provide a precise fit for the items when physically arranged consistent with the model arrangement.
US09914274B2

Methods and systems are disclosed for apparel assembly using three-dimensional printing directly onto fabric apparel materials. Disclosed is a method and system for direct three-dimensional printing and assembly of an article of apparel, including designing a three-dimensional pattern for printing, positioning at least a portion of the article on a tray in a three-dimensional printing system, the portion being positioned substantially flat on the tray, printing a three-dimensional material directly onto the article using the designed pattern, curing the printed material, and removing the article from the three-dimensional printing system.
US09914270B2

An apparatus for manufacturing composite stringers from a composite laminate comprising a male mold, a main caul plate, two fixed female mold halves, two secondary movable caul plates and a retention device. The main caul plate is located below the male mold, the female mold halves are located at both sides of the main caul plate and the secondary movable caul plates, each of them located respectively over each one of the two female mold halves. The male mold, the main caul plate, the two female mold halves and the two secondary caul plates are non-developable surfaces. The retention device keeps each secondary movable caul plate at a predetermined distance of its respective female mold half.
US09914268B2

Systems and methods for defining a surface contour of a layered charge of material are disclosed herein. The systems include a forming die, which includes a forming surface shaped to define a desired surface contour of the layered charge, and a fluidly actuated support, which includes a support surface that is adjacent to the forming surface and located to support the layered charge. The systems further include a vacuum bag that at least partially defines an enclosed volume and a vacuum source configured to selectively apply a vacuum to the enclosed volume. The methods include locating the layered charge on the forming surface and on the support surface, covering the layered charge with the vacuum bag to define the enclosed volume, applying the vacuum to the enclosed volume, compressing the fluidly actuated support, translating the support surface, and deforming the layered charge to define the desired surface contour.
US09914266B2

A three-dimensional printing apparatus includes a controller to control first and second projectors that apply equal or substantially equal total amounts of optical energy. The controller performs first and second projecting operations. The first projecting operation involves simultaneously projecting first and second cross-sectional sub-images from the first projector onto first and second areas of an image projecting surface, respectively, and the second and third cross-sectional sub-images from the second projector onto the second and third areas of the image projecting surface, respectively. The second projecting operation involves simultaneously projecting the first cross-sectional sub-image from the first projector onto the first area and the third cross-sectional sub-image from the second projector onto the third area. The controller equalizes the number of times the first to third cross-sectional sub-images are to be respectively projected onto the first to third areas.
US09914263B2

An ultrasonic welding system includes a movable ultrasonic welding stack for applying vibrational energy to a workpiece. A motion control system controls the motion of the ultrasonic welding stack and one or more sensors sense a control variable and output a corresponding control signal. A controller provides control inputs, based on the control signal, to the motion control system and causes, following initiation of a welding operation, an automatic change of speed of motion of the ultrasonic welding stack. The automatic change of the speed is a function of at least one control variable until the control variable reaches a predetermined value.
US09914257B2

A blow mould for producing plastic containers comprises at least two blow mould parts and a hollow space formed from the at least two blow mould parts at which plastic parisons are transformed by an application of a flowable medium to the plastic containers. The hollow space includes an interior wall that has a contour which produces a predetermined configuration of the plastic containers. A first portion of at least two blow mould parts produces a bottom of the plastic containers. A second portion of the at least two blow mould parts has an opening region for discharging a gaseous medium during an expansion process of the plastic containers. The opening region extends along a first line and a second line, wherein the first and second lines run at least in some sections of the blow mould at an angle different from 0° relative to one another.
US09914251B2

A method for producing a plastic board with an upper side 1, an underside 2 and at least one edge surface 3 by an injection-molding technique, and also a corresponding plastic board are provided. In the method, a first half 6, which forms at least the upper side of the plastic board, and a second half 7, which forms at least the underside of the plastic board, are injection-molded. Then, the first half and the second half are joined together in order to form a plastic board with an upper side and an underside. The two halves being formed in such a way that at least one cavity forms between the halves when they are joined together. The two halves are fixed onto one another, preferably by molding on a connecting component 5 of plastic.
US09914250B2

Methods, systems, and apparatuses for retaining magnetic properties of magnetic elements while undergoing manufacturing processes are presented. In one embodiment, a manufacturing fixture includes a temperature controlled region suitable for retaining a magnetic element. The manufacturing fixture also includes a cooling mechanism configured to maintain the magnetic element at an acceptable temperature range during a thermally active manufacturing process. The temperature controlled or stabilized region can include a structure configured to receive the magnetic element and a sensor, or sensors. In one embodiment, the sensor can be configured to measure an ambient temperature of the temperature stabilized region. In another embodiment, the sensor can be a magnetic sensor configured to determine a magnetic property of the magnetic element.
US09914249B2

A seat back suspension assembly for a vehicle, disposed in a seat back frame inside a vehicle seat, may include a main wire including side wires extending in a vertical direction at left and right side thereof; at least one first support wire extending in a horizontal direction between the side wires at both sides thereof to allow both ends thereof to contact the side wires; at least one second support wire disposed to be spaced from the first support wire and extending in a horizontal direction between the side wires at both sides thereof to allow both ends thereof to contact the side wires; and a side guide injection-molded to cover the side wire and end portions of the first and second support wires contacting the side wire.
US09914245B2

A process for controlling the embedding depth of reinforcing mesh to a cementitious board is disclosed. The process comprises applying a pressure from a plate to a reinforcing mesh on a core mix moving downstream on a conveyor, wherein the plate vibrates at a rate that assists in embedding the reinforcing mesh at a depth within the core mix such that the reinforcing mesh is barely visible.
US09914243B2

A mold base of an embodiment is a mold base for use in manufacture of a mold that has a porous alumina layer over its surface, including: a base; and an aluminum alloy layer provided on the base, wherein the aluminum alloy layer contains aluminum, a non-aluminum metal element, and nitrogen. The aluminum alloy layer of the mold base of an embodiment of the present invention has high specularity.
US09914241B2

Disclosed herein are embodiments of batch-style bottom-discharge rotary debarkers for removing bark from a batch of logs in a bin and discharging debarked logs from a bottom of the bin. In some embodiments, the bin includes four walls and an opening in its bottom. In some embodiments, the debarkers include a plurality of rotors, a plurality of chutes, and a plurality of conveyor belt systems for carrying bark and logs away from the bin. In some embodiments, the debarkers include an internal gate which can be moved between a debarking configuration and an unloading configuration.
US09914234B2

The present invention provides a perforating station comprising two or more discrete perforating stations, the stations synchronized with one another to cut a line of perforations across a web, such as a web of tissue paper, moving at high speeds. By providing two or more synchronized perforating stations the perforating station may increase the number of impacts per minute compared to prior art perforating devices.
US09914230B2

The invention relates to the production of superabsorbent polymers on a continuous belt reactor, comprising at least one rotating knife that cuts the formed polymer gel at the end of the continuous belt reactor, wherein the length of the cutting edge is at least 1 cm and the cutting edge is non-parallel to the rotation axis.
US09914228B1

A hair razor with interactive features including RPM control protocol that includes: an under side; an interactive display placed on the under side, where the interactive display provides access to display applications stored in memory; a top side; a digital display on the top side, where the digital display provides operational information related to the hair razor; a motor; a motherboard, where the motherboard is adapted to provide RPM control for the motor, wherein said RPM control is accomplished by syncing RPM speeds with musical notes; a USB connector on one side of the hair razor; a touch control button on the top side of the hair razor; and a power cord, the power cord supplies power to the hair razor. The interactive display is adapted to maneuver through a plurality of screen selections. The operational information shown on the digital display includes pitch tone associated with the RPM speed of the motor.
US09914219B2

A robot cleaner based on wall following and a controlling method thereof are provided. The robot cleaner includes a first detector configured to generate a wall detection signal by detecting a wall, a second detector configured to generate a first contact signal through contact with the wall, a cleaner main body in which the first and second detectors are disposed and which includes a driver configured to drive on a surface to be cleaned, and a controller which is mounted on the cleaner main body and to which the first and second detectors and the driver are electrically coupled. The controller controls the driver so that the robot cleaner moving to one direction moves along the wall by the wall detection signal, the robot cleaner rotates to a first direction to be in contact with the wall in response to the first contact signal not being generated within a preset time, and the robot cleaner rotates to a second direction opposite to the first direction to be spaced from the wall in response to the generated first contact signal.
US09914211B2

An automated positioning device and associated method for use in a medical procedure is provided. The automated positioning device comprises a computing device having a processor coupled to a memory, a multi-joint positioning arm electrically coupled to the computing device and controlled by the computing device, and a sensor module attached to the multi-joint positioning arm and providing a proximity signal to the computing device indicating proximity of a target. The computing device provides a control signal to the multi-joint positioning arm to move the multi-joint positioning arm in response to the proximity signal.
US09914210B1

A tool cabinet includes a cabinet unit and an audio device. The cabinet unit includes a cabinet body and at least one receiving member. The receiving member has a cover body and a bottom wall. The cover body is movably connected to the cabinet body. The bottom wall cooperates with the cover body to define a receiving space therebetween. The cover body is movable relative to the cabinet body to open and close the receiving space. One of the cabinet body and the cover body is formed with a coupling opening in communication with the receiving space. The audio device engages the coupling opening, is received in the receiving space, and has a sound output surface exposed from the coupling opening.
US09914207B2

A socket holding frame has a track base and at least one positioning mount. The track base has a bottom panel and a slide rail. The bottom panel has at least one first engaging segment formed on a top surface of the bottom panel. The at least one positioning mount is slidably and rotatably mounted on the track base, and each one of the at least one positioning mount has a sliding seat and an extending element. The sliding seat is slidably and rotatably mounted in the slide rail and has multiple second engaging segments. The multiple second engaging segments selectively engage with the at least one first engaging segment on the bottom panel. The extending element is formed on the sliding seat and extends out of the slide rail.
US09914201B2

A ratchet tool device includes a shaft having two compartments formed by curved surfaces, two pawls pivotally attached to the shafts and each having a toothed segment and a swelling, a barrel having an opening for engaging with the shaft and having an internal gear for engaging with the toothed segments of the pawls and for determining the rotational direction of the barrel by the shaft, a spring biasing member is engaged between the pawls for biasing the toothed segments of the pawls to engage with the internal gear of the barrel, a control ferrule is engaged with the shaft and the barrel and includes two actuators for engaging with the swellings and for disengaging the toothed segments of the pawls from the internal gear of the barrel.
US09914191B2

A method of machining a fibrous sheet for a composite structure is described. The sheet comprises a resin matrix having a glass transition temperature, wherein the method comprises cooling the sheet substantially to maintain the temperature of the matrix below its glass transition temperature during machining.
US09914187B2

A system and method are provided to automate the assembly of a wing panel, such as utilized by commercial aircraft. In the context of a system, a tacking cell is provided that is configured to tack one or more stringers to a skin plank. The system also includes a riveting cell configured to receive a tacked plank from the tacking cell and to rivet the one or more stringers to the skin plank. The system also includes a splicing cell configured to receive a plurality of riveted planks from the riveting cell and to attach one or more splice stringers to the plurality of riveted planks. Further, the system includes a side of body cell configured to receive a spliced panel from the splicing cell and to attach a side of body chord thereto to produce a wing panel.
US09914175B2

The invention is a boring machine including: a guide rail linearly extending in one direction; a main part slidably mounted on the guide rail; a sleeve extending from the main part in a plane substantially parallel to the guide rail; and a rotatable face plate mounted at a distal end of the sleeve; wherein a deflection-compensating wedge plate is provided between the distal end of the sleeve and the rotatable face plate.
US09914174B2

A lathe (1) with a simple construction that is capable of making the relative displacement of a headstock (2) and tool rest (3) due to thermal deformation smaller.The lathe (1) comprises: a head including a headstock attaching section (51), and a slide attaching section (52) which has a portion with a height lower than the headstock attaching section; a headstock (2) attached to the headstock attaching section (51); a slide section (6) attached to the slide attaching section (52); and a tool rest (2) provided laterally to the headstock (3) and attached to the slide section (6).The headstock (2) is attached to the headstock attaching section (51) slanted to the tool rest side with respect to the direction in which the headstock (2) and the tool rest (3) are lined up.
US09914171B2

The present invention provides a method of forming a leading edge for an aerofoil component e.g. an aerofoil blade. The method comprises forming a pre-form having a precursor edge and processing said precursor edge to form the leading edge. The pre-form is formed using metal injection molding. The leading edge may have an elliptical profile.
US09914167B2

A method of pre-controlling the shapes of a continuous-casting slab head and tail for reducing the cut amount of the head and tail of the hot rolling intermediate slab. The continuous-casting slab head and tail, is cut into a shape such that an end surface of the head concaves inwards and the tail projects outwards. The head and tail of a slab is cut in a curve that is symmetric to the center line in width thereof. Arc height, i.e. a maximum value of the concave amount at the head or that of the projection amount at the tail, is controlled within 0 mm-50 mm.
US09914152B2

One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of fabricating a low friction, wear resistant, polydopamine/polytetrafluoroethylene layered film. In one embodiment, the method comprises the deposition of a polydopamine film on a stainless steel substrate through an oxidative polymerization process, the deposition of a polytetrafluoroethylene nanoparticle film on top of the polydopamine film, and heat treating the layered film to remove moisture and fuse the particles together.
US09914150B2

The invention relates to a graphical application system to apply a desired pattern by multiple tiles onto a target surface. The system comprises a graphical application device comprising a base structure with a trackable optical feature, at least one nozzle for expelling paint, a driving unit for positioning the nozzle and a local camera for a local referencing of the nozzle. A controller controls the driving unit and the expelling of the nozzle to achieve an application of the desired pattern on the target surface. The system also comprises an external referencing device located remote from the graphical application device, for a global referencing of the application device according to the trackable optical feature. The desired pattern is applied with a primary alignment of the application range by the global referencing and with a fine-alignment of the actual tile to a previously applied tile according to the local referencing.
US09914148B2

A dispenser for dispensing a mixing of viscous materials is provided, to dispense a two or more component material such as a two or more component sealant or adhesive. The dispenser comprises a dispensing mechanism for dispensing respective materials from a material holder through a dynamic mixer. The dispensing mechanism is driven by a first electric motor and the dynamic mixer is driven by a second electric motor. Advantageously, a simple and effective multicomponent dispenser with a dynamic mixer is provided.
US09914147B2

A dispenser for dispensing liquid material while attenuating the liquid material or controlling the pattern of the liquid material with process air has a plurality of process air passages for providing process air to one or more liquid dispensing modules or nozzles. The flow rate of process air provided to one or more of the modules or nozzles may be separately controlled to be different from the flow rate provided to other modules or nozzles on the dispenser. Accordingly, the flow rate provided to each module or nozzle can be optimized to accommodate a particular dispensing nozzle or die.
US09914146B2

A low profile, lighted waterfall apparatus for producing a sufficiently lit artificial waterfall having a light source chamber, distal to a waterfall slot/primary outlet and substantially aligned on the same plane therewith, and a port for accessing the light source, such that the light source can be easily accessed, inserted, removed, and/or replaced. The light source chamber having a transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent divider to shine light towards and across the waterfall slot/primary opening via a grooved spreading manifold/area/passage. The grooved spreading manifold/area/passage configured to spread the flowing water, and direct the water as a fluid wave guide towards the waterfall slot/primary outlet.
US09914144B2

A spray nozzle assembly includes a nozzle tip and a nozzle tip adapter. The nozzle tip adapter may include a visually perceptible indicia that corresponds uniquely to an offset angle value of the nozzle tip adapter. In one embodiment, the visually perceptible indicia may comprise a unique color for each offset angle among a selectable group of nozzle tip adapters. Another feature is a locator tool that includes an adjustable holder that is fixed in position relative to a spray nozzle tip or orifice during an alignment operation, and repositioned away from the nozzle tip during a spraying operation. The adjustable holder may include a measurement member to determine one or more distances between the nozzle tip or orifice and a location on a workpiece that will be coated or sprayed.
US09914143B1

A sprinkler can include a nozzle turret having a removable nozzle carrier. For example, the nozzle carrier can be removably installed within a recess of a nozzle housing. The nozzle carrier can include one or more nozzle ports configured to receive sprinkler nozzles. The nozzles can have varying characteristics including flow rate, output range, spray pattern, etc. In some cases, a primary nozzle can be removably coupled with the nozzle carrier. The primary nozzle can include a body (e.g., inlet) portion having a first axis and a tapered (e.g., outlet) portion having a second axis non-parallel to the first axis. The primary nozzle can be configured to be installed in the nozzle carrier in at least two orientations. In some cases, one or more secondary nozzles are removably or permanently connected to the nozzle carrier.
US09914140B2

A water sprinkler includes a housing and an ejection head. An impeller is assembled in the housing, pushed by water, and connected to a cam. A water-hit target is pivoted with the housing via a compression spring, and an impacted portion of the water-hit target is extending outside of the housing. The water-hit target repeatedly impacts the housing because of the pivoting motion caused by the pushing of water flow and by the pulling of the compression spring, so that the housing is pivoted to change the ejection direction of the ejection head. A water baffling cover is pivoted with the housing. A abutted member is assembled on the water baffling cover and abutted against the cam. The cam can push the abutted member to drive the pivoting motion of the water baffling cover, so that the water baffling cover shields the ejection head by different extents.
US09914137B1

A method of removing impurities from silicates or clays through selective flocculation. The method comprises mixing a chemical product with silicates or clays, where the chemical product comprises a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, or a combination of acrylic acid and acrylamide with at least one of the following monomers: hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid, and/or 3-allyloxy-1,2-propanediol, or a derivative thereof; allowing impurities to separate from the silicates or clays; and removing the impurities from the silicates or clays. The chemical product may further comprise tannic acid, where the active tannic acid to active polymer concentration is 1% to 25% tannic acid, or more particularly 1% to 5% tannic acid.
US09914129B2

This invention relates to a wear part for the rotor of a rock crusher, the rotor including at least one outlet port, and a mounting bar, wherein the wear part is configured to engage with the mounting bar, the wear part including: a body having an upper surface and a lower surface, the body also including a surface configured to abut against the outlet port, characterized in that the wear part is configured with a channel having substantially an U-shaped cross section running between the upper surface and the lower surface of the body, the channel having a mouth and a location portion, wherein the locating portion is complementary to the width of the mounting bar; wherein the exterior surface of the bottom portion of the U-shaped cross section includes a lateral projection and abuts the outlet port in use.
US09914122B2

A sample ampoule for calorimetric measurements includes a vial, a lid and a sealing member. The vial, lid and sealing member are adapted to form a hermetically sealed sample ampoule. The vial has a first contact surface and the lid has a second contact surface, the first and second contact surfaces are in contact with each other in a sealed position of the ampoule, and the vial and lid are formed out of materials with different strength.
US09914114B2

Method for the preparation of a metal exchanged crystalline microporous metalloaluminophosphate or mixtures containing metal exchanged microporous metalloaluminophosphates materials comprising the steps of providing a dry mixture containing a) one or more metalloaluminophosphates starting materials that exhibit ion exchange capacity, and b) one or more metal compounds; heating the mixture in a gaseous atmosphere containing ammonia to a temperature (less than 300 C) and for a time sufficient to initiate and perform a solid state ion exchange of ions of the metal compound and ions of the crystalline microporous material; and obtaining the metal-exchanged microporous metalloaluminophosphate material or mixtures containing the metal-exchanged microporous metalloaluminophosphate material.
US09914111B1

The present invention relates to a mercury-containing wastewater treatment technology field, in particular to an attapulgite-crosslinked chitosan composite adsorbent and its solid-phase synthetic method. The attapulgite-crosslinked chitosan composite mercury adsorbent in the invention is synthesized by the method of adding chitosan and glutaraldehyde in batches. In consideration of the limited solubility of chitosan, batch addition can not only dissolve chitosan, but also minimize the use of organic acid, resulting in less discharge of wastewater and waste gas, which is suitable for large-scale industrial production. The prepared mercury adsorbent can be applied to the removal of mercury ions in the wastewater owing to the excellent adsorptive property and regeneration performance. Meanwhile, the solid-phase synthetic procedure for preparing the mercury adsorbent is simple, easy to handle and environmental-friendly. Moreover, the product cost is greatly reduced due to the use of attapulgite.
US09914102B2

A receptacle includes a cardboard box in which is arranged a plastics container. A first securement element associated with the plastics container is positioned in a gap defined by the cardboard of the box thereby to restrict movement of the container within the box.
US09914091B2

A method for cool drying gas, making use of a heat exchanger whose primary section forms the evaporator of a cooling circuit with a compressor, an expansion valve and a bypass pipe across the compressor with a hot gas bypass valve, whereby the method makes use of a formula that makes the link between the state of the expansion valve and hot gas bypass valve, whereby on the basis of this formula: either the state of the expansion valve is adjusted as a function of the state of the hot gas bypass valve; or adjusting the state of the hot gas bypass valve as a function of the state of the expansion valve or vice versa; or the states of both valves are controlled with respect to one another.
US09914081B2

An aircraft engine having a device for separating oil from an air-oil volume flow, where a fluid volume flow with a lower oil load than the air-oil volume flow supplied to the device can be discharged from the device via a line area. The fluid volume flow can be supplied via the line area to a unit by means of which a pressure in the line area downstream of the unit can be increased.
US09914080B2

A fuel filter for a vehicle may include an upper case with a fuel inlet at a first side; a main filter disposed in the upper case to filter fuel flowing between an inner surface of the upper case and an external diameter of the main filter; a lower case provided in a structure having a fuel outlet and joined with a second side of the upper case; a first auxiliary filter assembly installed between the upper case and the main filter to secondarily filter the fuel; and a second auxiliary filter assembly installed between the main filter and the lower case to secondarily filter the fuel.
US09914076B2

A convertible filtration system for use with cartridge filters and bag-type filters for filtering contaminated fluids comprising a filtration system housing, a base attached to the filtration system housing, and a lid mechanism for generating sealing pressure between the lid mechanism and the filtration system housing. The filtration system housing includes a basket support flange and an integral basin for accommodating both cartridge and bag-type filters. When fluid is introduced into the filtration system housing through one or more fluid inlet ports, the basket support flange and integral basin additionally serve to prevent contaminated fluids from contaminating any filtered fluids that exit the filtration system housing through one or more fluid outlet ports.
US09914069B2

A flying disc device appears to “flutter” in flight when rotating. The design is interesting and visually appealing when in use, is easy to see in flight, and can be easily retrieved when laying flat on the ground or another flat surface owing to its angularly oriented dual-disc design.
US09914065B2

The present invention relates to a selectively conductive toy building element, comprising: a body adapted for releasable engagement to at least one other toy building element body or to a corresponding baseplate, the body including at least one conductive portion having at least one contact area adapted to generate pressure on a conductive portion or contact area of an adjacent toy building element body, in such a way that ensures electrical conduction between said toy building elements in a desired location and direction.
US09914047B2

The present invention relates to an aiming method for a shooting game, which is applied to a mobile terminal having a touch display screen. The method comprises the following steps: a positioning step, acquiring a current rotation angle of a virtual camera when the mobile terminal is in a game interface; a rotation step, acquiring a coordinate position of a contact object when detecting that there is contact on the game interface, so that the current rotation angle of the virtual camera matches the coordinate position; and an adjusting step, acquiring a corresponding waggle angle via a sensor of the mobile terminal when detecting that the mobile terminal is waggling, so that the current rotation angle of the virtual camera matches the waggle angle. The present invention further relates to an aiming device for a shooting game.
US09914046B2

A system, device and method provide for the printing of an instant, scratch-off lottery ticket product on demand at a retail location. In various embodiments, a pre-activation printing process applies an active thermal layer and other coatings on a ticket substrate, but excludes any game indicia or security codes. An activator printer thermally applies game indicia and/or security code(s) at a retail location according to ticket selections made by a user and further according to data generated via a central host, wherein the activator printer applies the indicia and code(s) at least partially under one or more security coatings on the ticket substrate, where the coatings had been applied during the pre-activation process.
US09914041B2

A hockey practice device in one embodiment includes a base for resting on a horizontal surface, a motor, a rotating firing wheel coupled to the motor, and a puck feed ramp mounted proximate to the firing wheel on the base. The feed ramp includes an arcuately curved and elongated feed surface arranged to slideably engage a puck. In one arrangement, the firing wheel is rotatable in a vertical rotational plane which is arranged in an off-axis manner from the centerline of the ramp feed surface. This engages the puck off center, thereby inducing spin to the puck when it is discharged from the device toward a target which replicates a pass from a hockey stick. A puck loader is provided that holds a plurality of puck which are automatically dispensed in sequential fashion at pre-selected time intervals to the feed ramp.
US09914038B2

A system for selecting a golf ball comprises a ballistics data input configured to receive ballistics data for a plurality of golf balls and for a plurality of launch conditions; a material data input configured to receive material measurement data for each of the plurality of golf balls; a data structure generation module configured to generate a data structure for each of the plurality of golf balls based on the ballistics data and measurement data; an indexing module configured to index the data structures relative to each other; a interactive feedback module configured to solicit and receive launch monitor data and preferences; a modeling module configured to generate a performance model based on the launch monitor data and preferences; and a selection module configured to select one of the plurality of golf balls based on the index and the performance model.
US09914035B2

A basketball training apparatus includes a shot completion sensor, a condition sensor, and a computer. The shot completion sensor determines whether a shot goes through a basketball hoop. The condition sensor senses a physical condition of a basketball shooter. The computer is in communication with the shot completion sensor and the condition sensor, and has a processor for calculating shot completion percentage as a function of the physical condition.
US09914034B2

A batting tee that includes a return mechanism, a swing arm connected to the return mechanism to swing about a rotation axis, a strike target connected to the swing arm, and a base supporting the return mechanism and the swing arm, the return mechanism including a mechanical energy storage device that stores mechanical energy when the swing arm swings in one direction in response to a batter's striking of the strike target, and a damper that slows down the swinging of the swing arm in the opposite direction as the swing arm swings back by the force supplied by the mechanical energy storage device.
US09914029B2

Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a hollow body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, a plurality of ports on the bottom portion and a plurality of inner support portions in the hollow body portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09914025B2

A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the face. The body has an impact-influencing structure in the form of a channel positioned on at least one surface of the body. A majority of a force generated by impact with a ball is absorbed by the impact-influencing structure, and a majority of a response force generated by the head upon impact with the ball is generated by the impact-influencing structure. The face may have increased stiffness as compared to existing faces, and may include a stiffening structure to create the increased stiffness, such as a porous or cellular stiffening structure.
US09914023B2

Disclosed herein are polyurethane golf ball compositions. The compositions are prepared by adding a UV absorber to a polyol prior to reacting the polyol with an isocyanate to form a prepolymer, which is then reacted with a curing agent to form the polyurethane.
US09914022B2

Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer.
US09914019B1

The present invention is a golf training device which employs multiple electronic sensors for detecting both improper and proper swings. These sensors work together to improve proper swing and give immediate feedback to the golfer.
US09914011B2

An impact damping mat comprises a base layer having a base surface with a plurality of protuberances, a damping layer overlying the base layer, a load distribution layer overlying the damping layer and an upper layer overlying the load distribution layer and having a planar top surface. The materials and dimensions of the layers cooperate to provide a selected rebound characteristic and a selected sound reduction characteristic.
US09914009B2

An exercise device may include at least one pedal pivotably mounted to a leg rest portion and having a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The pedal may be configured to rotate about the neutral pivot axis in a first direction away from the neutral position and in a second direction away from the neutral position. The devise may further include a counteracting force member configured to exert a force on the pedal about the pivot axis opposite to the respective first and second directions of rotation. The device may be adjustable to at least a first and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the pedal may be disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user in a sitting position. In the second configuration, the pedal may be disposed in the neutral position to receive a foot of a user in a supine position.
US09914008B2

A locking rotational suspension training system is described that includes a locking rotational device within which a user can secure a strap to anchor the strap when the device is in a locked mode, and to enable the strap to move freely through the device when the device is in an unlocked mode. The locking rotational device includes a wheel and brakes that clamp around the wheel to prevent wheel rotation and secure a strap there between in a locked mode and that are positioned away from the wheel to allow wheel rotation and permit the strap to move freely in an unlocked mode. Such a locking rotational device enables a user to lock a strap at any point along its length thereby allowing the user to engage in a full range of bodyweight rotational, static, symmetric and asymmetric exercises, as well as weighted “pulley type” exercises.
US09914000B2

The present invention relates to an aerial fire-fighting bucket. The bucket includes a base plate and a valve arrangement including at least one valve and a liner actuator. The base plate includes at least one aperture and the valve is arranged to block the aperture in a closed position and to allow fluid to pass from within the bucket through the aperture when in an open position. The valve is arranged to be moved by the linear actuator generally transversely across an upper face of the base plate between the closed position and the open position of the valve to progressively reveal the aperture.
US09913998B2

An air purifier having an electret module for capturing airborne particles, the electret module including an electret element disposed within a housing and an adhesive layer coupled to the housing to capture airborne particles, whereby the static field of the electret attracts the airborne particles, which subsequently adhere to the adhesive layer.
US09913979B2

Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for control using electrical signals recorded from clinically paralyzed muscles and nerves are presented. The discomplete neural prosthesis system and method for clinically paralyzed humans utilizes a controller. The controller is adapted to receive a volitional electrical signal generated by the human that is manifest below the lesion that causes the clinical paralysis. The controller uses at least the volitional electrical signal to generate a control signal that is output back to a plant to change the state of the plant, which in one aspect is one or more of the user's paralyzed muscles to achieve a functional result or to devices in the environment around the user that are adapted to receive commands from the controller.
US09913972B2

A cannula seal is presented. The cannula seal includes a cap portion that fits over a cannula and a valve portion. The valve portion includes an hourglass seal and a cross slit seal. In some embodiments, the cap portion includes a tab. In some embodiments, the cap portion and the valve portion are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the cap portion and the valve portion are joined at a bonding region, which may include overflow traps. In some embodiments, ribs are included.
US09913969B2

Devices and methods for delivering substances to lung tissue through an extra-anatomic passage created in an airway.
US09913967B2

A system for use in prevention of stroke is provided that has a shaft that carries an occluding balloon. The occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through at least one of a right carotid artery and a left carotid artery. An actuation device for causing inflation of the occluding balloon is present. The inflation is applied in a cyclical nature based upon a cardiac cycle. The cyclical inflation of the occluding balloon in turn causes a resulting cyclical occlusion.
US09913964B2

A method for dilating a stenotic region in an airway of a patient may include advancing a balloon catheter through the airway of the patient to position an inflatable balloon of the catheter within at least a portion of the stenotic region, maintaining a position of the catheter relative to the patient, and inflating the balloon of the catheter to dilate the stenotic region of the airway. A system for dilating a stenotic region in an airway of a patient may include a catheter shaft having an overall length of less than 70 cm, an inflatable balloon disposed along a distal portion of the catheter shaft, and a stylet.
US09913963B2

A steerable catheter includes a body portion, a flexible catheter body with a proximal end and a distal tip and a continuous steering wire passing through the flexible body from the proximal end to the distal tip and turning back through the flexible body from the distal tip to the proximal end.
US09913962B2

A catheter is provided including a first lumen and a second lumen. A first member is disposed for relative movement within the first lumen and defines a cavity. A second member is disposed for relative movement within the second lumen. The cavity of the first member is configured for disposal of the second member. The catheter may include an elongated tubular body that includes the first lumen and the second lumen. The first member may have a distal portion that extends beyond the distal end of the body. The distal portion may include the cavity. The cavity may be defined by a member lumen. The first and second members may include tubular stylettes. The second member may include a guidewire.
US09913959B2

Medical devices, perfusion systems, and methods for detecting a pressure within a space in a subject and for perfusion of fluid into a space in a subject. The space may be a fluid-filled space, or a space that is depleted of fluid due to an obstruction to fluid flow into the space. Methods for forming the medical devices.
US09913958B2

A process for making a sheath used to protect a medical device. The medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath is removed by a health professional either by removing the sheath directly or using a tube containing the catheter.
US09913954B2

A method of providing pressure support to a patient that includes determining a measure associated with an inspiratory time of the patient during therapy, delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient at an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) level during at least a portion of an inspiratory phase of the patient, delivering the flow of breathing gas to the patient at an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) level that is less than the IPAP level during at least a portion of an expiratory phase of the patient, and automatically setting a rise time associated with a transition from the EPAP level to the IPAP level based on the measure associated with the inspiratory time of the patient. Also provided is a pressure support system adapted to perform the method.
US09913952B2

This invention relates to an inhaler with a respiration indicator, whereby the inhaler has a chamber wall forming a chamber and a dispensing device for fluidic connection of the chamber to a bodily opening, preferably a nostril, whereby the respiration indicator has a wall section of the chamber wall or is formed in this way, whereby the wall section is designed to indicate a respiratory activity by deformation and/or movement.
US09913950B2

An improved medicant delivery system 100 is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.
US09913949B2

Needle hub assembly (200) for a syringe (100), said assembly having a longitudinal axis (L1) comprising:—a needle hub body (210) having a syringe connector (212) for receiving an attachment member (110) of a syringe (100) at a first end (210a) of the body (210) and a needle receiving portion (214) at a second opposing end (210b) of the body (210),—a needle (216) extending from the needle receiving portion (214), wherein the syringe connector (212) comprises a substantially conical receiving opening (218) for receiving a syringe attachment member (110), at least a distal end (110b) thereof, wherein a length (A) of said opening (218), measured along the longitudinal axis (L1), is approximately 6.1+0.05 mm.
US09913948B2

An injection needle assembly includes an injection needle, a fitting portion, and a hub. The fitting portion is formed into a cylindrical shape and has one end serving as a fitting opening. The fitting portion includes a female taper shape in which an inner diameter of a cylindrical hole of the fitting portion becomes smaller toward an inner side. The hub includes the fitting portion for holding the injection needle. The injection needle assembly is used such that the female taper shape of the fitting portion is fitted to a drug discharge tube, which has a male taper shape in which an outer diameter of a cylinder becomes smaller toward a tip. When the male taper shape of the drug discharge tube has a taper ratio of N/100, the female taper shape of the fitting portion 12 is formed to have a taper ratio of M/100, where M>N.
US09913946B2

A dose setting mechanism for a medicament delivery device is presented having a pinion mounted to a locking member where the axis of rotation of the pinion is offset and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing containing the dose setting components. Primary and secondary dose members are engaged with the pinion to indicate a set dose of medicament. A resetting mechanism is also presented where nut segments are threadedly engaged with an outer surface of a lead screw when in the locked position and are disengaged from the lead screw when the nut segments are in the unlocked position.
US09913941B2

A fluid path set for a fluid delivery system includes a tube coil that is designed to optimally position one or more volumes of a pharmaceutical within an ionization chamber to measure and prepare a pharmaceutical dose for administration to a patient. Methods for priming at least a portion of the fluid path set include placing a tubing section of the fluid path set in fluid connection with a source of a radiopharmaceutical, and placing the tube coil within a dose calibrator of the fluid delivery system. A volume of the radiopharmaceutical may be pumped through the tube coil, the tubing section, and an additional tubing section, and the dose calibrator may be monitored to determine if a measured activity level is substantially equal to or above a predetermined activity level, and if so, it may be concluded that the tubing section of the fluid path set has been primed.
US09913936B2

A method for aspirating material from a patient includes providing an elongate tubular member having a lumen having a first diameter adjacent its distal end, providing an aspiration catheter including a tubular aspiration member having an aspiration lumen and configured to at least partially extend out of the lumen of the elongate tubular member, an elongate support member coupled to the tubular aspiration member, and at least one annular sealing member coupled to the tubular aspiration member and configured to seal against the first diameter, placing the distal end of the elongate tubular member into vasculature, inserting the aspiration catheter into the lumen of the elongate tubular member, extending the distal end of the tubular aspiration member out of the distal end of the elongate tubular member such that the at least one annular sealing member is aligned with the first diameter of the lumen of the elongate tubular member, and applying a vacuum to the lumen of the elongate tubular member at the such that material is aspirated through the tubular aspiration member and into the lumen of the elongate tubular member.
US09913927B2

Described herein are fluid complex coacervates that produce solid adhesives in situ. Oppositely charged polyelectrolytes were designed to form fluid adhesive complex coacervates at ionic strengths higher than the ionic strength of the application site, but an insoluble adhesive solid or gel at the application site. When the fluid, high ionic strength adhesive complex coacervates are introduced into the lower ionic strength application site, the fluid complex coacervate is converted to a an adhesive solid or gel as the salt concentration in the complex coacervate equilibrates to the application site salt concentration. In one embodiment, the fluid complex coacervates are designed to solidify in situ at physiological ionic strength and have numerous medical applications. In other aspects, the fluid complex coacervates can be used in aqueous environment for non-medical applications.
US09913920B2

The disclosure relates to activities and characteristics of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In particular, immunoglobulin single variable domains are provided against markers of TAMs, and methods using the same for in vivo imaging of tumor cells, as well as cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
US09913917B2

The invention relates to highly fluorescent metal oxide nanoparticles to which biomolecules and other compounds can be chemically linked to form biocompatible, stable optical imaging agents for in vitro and in vivo applications. The fluorescent metal oxide nanoparticles may also be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thus providing a multi modality imaging agent.
US09913916B2

Asymmetric bifunctional silyl (ABS) monomers comprising covalently linked pharmaceutical, chemical and biological agents are described. These agents can also be covalently bound via the silyl group to delivery vehicles for delivering the agents to desired targets or areas. Also described are delivery vehicles which contain ABS monomers comprising covalently linked agents and to vehicles that are covalently linked to the ABS monomers. The silyl modifications described herein can modify properties of the agents and vehicles, thereby providing desired solubility, stability, hydrophobicity and targeting.
US09913914B2

The invention relates to novel polypeptides for transporting molecules across cell membranes and, particularly but not exclusively, biological membranes; a conjugate comprising at least one of said polypeptides and at least one selected molecule or agent co-joined or conjugated to said polypeptide for the purpose of transporting said molecule or agent across a cell membrane; a method of transporting at least one selected molecule or agent across a cell membrane involving the use of at least one of said polypeptides; a therapeutic comprising at least one of said conjugates; a combination therapeutic comprising at least one of said conjugates and at least one further therapeutic agent; a method of treatment involving the use of at least one of said conjugates or said therapeutics.
US09913905B2

Concentrated, low-viscosity, low-volume liquid pharmaceutical formulations of proteins have been developed. Such formulations can be rapidly and conveniently administered by subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) injection, rather than by lengthy intravenous infusion. These formulations include low-molecular-weight and/or high-molecular-weight proteins, such as mAbs, and organophosphates. The viscosity of the formulation is significantly reduced by the addition of one or more organophosphates.
US09913900B2

The invention provides a method of treating alveolar bone loss involving administration of a sclerostin inhibitor to a subject in need thereof.
US09913898B2

The invention relates to means and methods for preparing aqueous composition comprising aluminum and a protein said composition comprising less than 700 ppm heavy metal on the basis of weight with respect to the aluminum content. The invention further relates to aqueous compositions comprising a protein and an aluminum-salt, said composition comprising less than 350 ppb heavy metal based on the weight of the aqueous composition.
US09913891B2

The present invention encompasses FMDV vaccines or compositions. The vaccine or composition may be a vaccine or composition containing FMDV antigens. The invention also encompasses recombinant vectors encoding and expressing FMDV antigens, epitopes or immunogens which can be used to protect animals, in particular ovines, bovines, caprines, or swines, against FMDV. The invention further encompasses methods of making or producing antigenic polypeptides or antigens.
US09913888B2

The present document discloses a new species of Bizionia, herein denoted Bizionia piscinecroseptica and a reference strain of this bacterium denoted Bizionia sp. 130524K2F7 which has been deposited at the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria and has been assigned accession number NCIMB 42183. Further disclosed is the medical use of bacteria of the genus Bizionia for vaccinating fish against a new disease identified and herein denoted bizioniosis.
US09913884B2

A peptide or composition comprising at least one HLA-A2 epitope or analog from CEA, HER2/neu, MAGE2, MAGE3, or p53.
US09913883B2

The current invention involves the administration of negatively charged particles, such as polystyrene, PLGA, or diamond particles, to subjects to ameliorate inflammatory immune responses. Additionally, the present invention describes methods of treating inflammatory diseases by administering these same negatively charged particles.
US09913879B2

The inventive subject matter relates to novel methods for modulating an immune response in an animal, which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of an agent that increases IL-27R/WSX-1 activity. Further, the inventive subject matter relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of an agent that increases IL-27R/WSX-1 activity.
US09913871B2

The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for making and using topical compositions comprised of an isotonic, biome-friendly solution containing xylose and/or a Salvia extract. The compositions are useful for, for example, maintaining or enhancing female lower reproductive tract (LRT) homeostasis and physiological function. In particular, topical compositions of this disclosure can be formulated for use as a freshening, menopausal, fertility, and/or perineal composition.
US09913866B2

Compositions and methods for retargeting adenovirus to a cell using chemical dimers are described. In particular, a recombinant adenovirus comprising a nucleic acid comprising a capsid-dimerizing agent binder conjugate and a ligand-dimerizing agent binder conjugate is provided.
US09913863B2

The present invention relates to a phenotypically distinct CD1dhighCD5+ B cell subset that regulates T cell mediated inflammatory responses through the secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10). The invention also relates to the use of these IL-10 producing regulatory B cells in the manipulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and in the treatment of disease. Therapeutic approaches involving adoptive transfer of these regulatory B cells, or expansion of their endogenous levels for controlling autoimmune or inflammatory diseases and conditions are described. Ablation of this subset of regulatory B cells, or inhibition of their IL-10 production can be used to upregulate immunodeficient conditions, and/or to treat tumors/cancer. Diagnostic applications also are encompassed.
US09913852B2

The method of treating elevated blood levels of iPTH by increasing or maintaining blood concentrations of both 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in a patient by administering, as necessary, both Vitamin D repletion and Vitamin D hormone replacement therapies, is disclosed. The blood concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are increased to and maintained at or above 30 ng/mL, and blood concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D are increased to or maintained within a patient's normal historical physiological range for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D without causing substantially increased risk of hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia or over suppression of plasma iPTH in the patient. The blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D are maintained at or above 30 ng/mL between doses of Vitamin D repletion therapies, and the blood levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D are maintained in the patient's normal historical physiological range between doses of Vitamin D hormone replacement therapies. In one aspect, the disclosure includes methods wherein the blood concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D during treatment comprises predominantly 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and/or wherein the method includes administering predominantly or solely 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 for 25-hydroxyvitamin D repletion and/or maintenance.
US09913849B2

Provided herein are prostaglandin F2alpha analog compositions and methods for treating migraines by topical administration. The method involves administering topically to a subject in need thereof a composition including a prostaglandin F2apha analog or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in an amount effective to treat migraine. The treatment may be administered prophylactically or therapeutically. Topical administration is to the epidermis, conjunctival surface or other mucous membranes, typically to a nail, the skin, the hair, the surface of the eye or the inner surface of the eyelid, and the like. The prostaglandin F2a analog can be latanoprost, isopropyl unoprostone, bimatoprost, travoprost, or tafluprost; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09913844B2

Reversing resistance to a B-Raf inhibitor for the treatment of a proliferative disease by obtaining a tumor sample from the patient and testing it for genetic alterations in a panel of genes comprising BRAF, CRAF, CCND1, CDK4, HER2, IGF-1R, cMET, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3 EGFR, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, NRAS, KRAS HRAS, PTEN, PIK3CA, and P16 and administering a drug combination therapy comprising the B-Raf inhibitor and a second inhibitor which overcomes resistance to the B-Raf inhibitor, which second inhibitor is selected based on genetic alterations discovered in the tumor sample.
US09913843B2

This disclosure concerns compounds which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and are thus useful for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are mediated or sustained through the activity of PKC. This disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions that include these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US09913842B2

The present invention provides 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds that inhibit the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades that lead to the release of chemical mediators, intermediates and methods of synthesizing the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of contexts, including in the treatment and prevention of diseases characterized by, caused by or associated with the release of chemical mediators via degranulation and other processes effected by activation of the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades.
US09913838B2

A method for treating brain metastases of a cancer in a mammal includes administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a perillyl alcohol carbamate, such as TMZ-POH. The brain metastases can be originated or spread from breast cancer. The perillyl alcohol derivative may be perillyl alcohol conjugated with a therapeutic agent, such as a chemotherapeutic agent. The chemotherapeutic agents that may be used in the present invention include a DNA alkylating agent, a topoisomerase inhibitor, an endoplasmic reticulum stress inducing agent, a platinum compound, an antimetabolite, an enzyme inhibitor, and a receptor antagonist.
US09913837B2

The invention relates to a composition comprising buprenorphine and a μ opioid receptor antagonist, wherein the composition is characterized by an Agonist Antagonist Activity Index (AAnAI) of between about 0.7 and about 2.2; wherein; AAnAI = [ C max ⁡ ( BUP ) / EC 50 ] [ C max ⁡ ( ANTAGONIST ) / IC 50 ] .
US09913827B2

The present invention is directed to bendamustine esters and bendamustine amides and their use for the treatment of cancer.
US09913816B2

A method for using metformin and sodium butyrate in combination to treat a cancer patient with K-ras mutation is disclosed. When administering the pharmaceutical composition to a cancer patient, Metformin and sodium butyrate offer cooperatively therapeutic efficacy. The present invention also discloses a pharmaceutical composition and a pharmaceutical kit containing both aforementioned. The application of the method, the pharmaceutical composition and the pharmaceutical kit of the present invention are advantageous for improving the treatment effect to cancer patients with K-ras mutation.
US09913814B2

The invention is directed to an immediate release capsule which mitigates the abuse of Tapentadol or physiologically acceptable salt thereof by direct intravenous injection. The capsule comprises a tamper resistant formulation which when mixed with water and heated, results in a turbid, bubbling mixture that is not injectable with a standard insulin syringe.
US09913807B2

The present disclosure refers to topical pharmaceutical bases that possess scar healing properties. Further, these topical pharmaceutical bases are proposed for treating skin conditions, such as, for example keloids, hypertrophic scars, wounds, and burns, among others. The topical pharmaceutical bases include Amazonian oils and resins, such as pracaxi oil and breu-branco resin. The synergistic effect of pracaxi oil combined with breu-branco resin results in a highly effective scar and wound treatment. Suitable active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) can be incorporated to the topical pharmaceutical bases to formulate topical pharmaceutical compositions, which improve healing effects. The synergistic effect provided by the combination of pracaxi oil and breu-branco resin enables lower dosage requirements of the associated APIs when topical pharmaceutical compositions are employed for treating skin conditions.
US09913799B2

Described herein are compositions useful for moisturizing and/or improving the appearance of skin by evening skin tone and/or reducing the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation. The compositions comprise cosmetic ingredients such as lactobacillus ferment; Ferula foetida root extract; Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed extract; Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extract, and niacinamide.
US09913798B2

Disclosed is a topical skin composition and corresponding methods for its use that includes an extract from Phaseolus vulgaris, Citris sinensis, Wedelia trilobata, Burretiodendron hsienmu, Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, Cystacanthus paniculatus, Caesalpinia minax, Pueraria wallichii, Tetracentron sinense, Bridelia insulana, Hedyotis verticillata, Syzygium fruticosum, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Bauhinia glauca, Rhododendron siderophyllum, Cudrania pubescens, Cajanus cajan, Wendlandia uvariifolia, Siegesbeckia glabrescens, Azolla imbricate, Juncus bufonius, Poikilospermum suaveolens, Clerodendrum trichotomum var. fargesii, Porandra ramosa, Annona glabra, Sterculia pexa, Phoebe puwenensis, Myriopteron extensum, Croton lachnocarpa, Dillenia turbinata, Alpinia blepharocalyx, Crotalaria spectabilis, Ficus lacor, Ravenala madagascariensis, Cocculus orbiculatus, Drynaria fortunei, Acrachne racemosa, Pseuderanthemum polyanthum, Eriobotrys serrata, Vernonia arborea, Adianthum caudatum, Phaseolus lunatus, Ipomoea cairica, Alopecurus aequalis, Arenga pinnata, Rhynchosia yunnanensis, Syzygium cumini, Clausena dunniana, Cyclosurus parasiticus, or Solanum carolinense.
US09913793B2

The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, treatment of skin, and improving the appearance of skin, e.g., medically or cosmetically. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.
US09913792B2

The disclosure relates to topical compositions comprising a flavonoid compound and a vitamin B3 compound, and optionally a hydrolyzed silk protein or fragment thereof, which are useful for improving the health and appearance of aging skin An exemplary composition contains quercetin, hydrolyzed silk sericin and niacinamide.
US09913790B2

The invention relates to a water-in-oil antiperspirant composition comprising: A) an aqueous phase containing dissolved antiperspirant active; B) an oil phase comprising: i) an amido gelator; ii) a fatty alcohol that is liquid at 25° C.; iii) a primary non-volatile emollient oil having a refractive index of from 1.47 to 1.56; iv) a secondary non-volatile emollient oil having a refractive index of from 1.38 to 1.451 and C) and emulsifier; and further to a method of production of said antiperspirant composition.
US09913785B2

A topical skin care composition providing broad spectrum protection from harmful rays of the sun containing a combination of ultrafine titanium dioxide, a moisturizing saccharide complex, an anti-oxidant complex, a chicory extract rich in oligofructosans, and various other components for topical application to the skin. The composition provides protection from the sun's rays and promotes rejuvenation of the skin and inhibits damage to skin caused by dehydration and environmental factors and promotes skin health by supplying vitamin D to the skin to make up for the loss of natural vitamin D production caused by blocking the sun's rays.
US09913784B2

Disclosed herein are oral care compositions comprising a zinc amino acid halide complex, and linear polyvinylpyrrolidone and/or sodium tripolyphosphate, which compositions have improved rheological stability. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.
US09913774B2

The present invention relates to an implantable apparatus for obtaining urinary control and emptying of the urinary bladder, The apparatus operates with a powered member (100) operating from the outside of the urinary bladder assisted by a support structure to discharge urine from the urinary bladder. A control device (200) controls the operation of the powered member. The control device further comprises a source of energy for operating the powered member and other energy consuming parts of the apparatus and a control assembly.
US09913765B2

A diaper changing assembly includes a bag removably coupled to a diaper. The bag is available when the diaper is changed. A first packet is positioned within the bag. The first packet contains a salve. The salve may be applied to a user when the diaper is changed. A second packet is positioned within the bag. The second packet contains a powder. The powder may be applied to the user when the diaper is changed. A plurality of wipes is positioned within the bag. The wipes may be used to clean the user when the diaper is changed.
US09913764B2

An elastic nonwoven laminate that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven facings is provided. The nonwoven facing contains a conventional polyolefin and can also contain a polyolefin-based plastomer. The laminate is activated by grooving to decouple the nonwoven facing from the elastic film. To reduce fiber-pull out that can result due to activation by grooving, the laminate can be post-bonded at room or elevated temperatures and a specific range of pressures to compact the fibers of the facing and minimize fiber pull-out/fuzziness while not sacrificing the softness, elasticity, and feel of the laminate.
US09913763B2

A personal care absorbent article is disclosed which employs a combination of void spaces, also referred to as channels, in the crotch region of the article in conjunction with shaping elastic members located outside the lateral side edges of the absorbent core, that, when coupled with strategic alignment of certain components and specifically-located folding lines, will create an article with improved convex or outward curvature of the chassis upon unfolding which provides increased spatial separation of the topsheet or body side liner of the article from the genital area of the wearer. In addition, due to the manipulation of the specific location of such elements in the article, gender specific product designs can be created which are specifically tailored to more appropriately deal with the differences in location of the male and female genitalia.
US09913760B2

A unit for making absorbent pads for nappies including a forming drum by which the absorbent pad is formed and in turn including on its peripheral surface one or more suction recesses; at least one hood for feeding the absorbent material and peripherally facing at least part of the peripheral surface of the drum; and a duct which leads to the hood and which can intermittently feed predetermined charges of a superabsorbent material; the feeding duct is configured in such a way that the flow of superabsorbent material fed into the hood expands until reaching an extent corresponding to the longitudinal extension of the at least one discrete layer of the absorbent pad.
US09913758B2

A method of closing a wound with a dressing. The method including: restraining at least a portion of the dressing corresponding to the wound into a first shape; adhering first and second portions of the dressing across the wound; removing the restraint from the dressing while the first and second portions are adhered to the skin by removing a member from the dressing to allow at least the portion to move towards a second shape and apply a force tending to close the wound.
US09913756B2

A compression bandage that is formed by the assembling of a self-adhesive nonwoven based on short conjugate fibers which have been crimped and of an elastic material, the effectiveness of which increases over time. The bandage can be used, alone or in a bilayer compression system, for the prevention or treatment of venous pathologies or lymphedema.
US09913753B2

The present invention provides a lacrimal duct tube that can be preferably used for the treatment of lacrimal duct obstruction, in particular, sheath guided endoscopic probing having been frequently performed in recent years, the lacrimal duct tube being excellent in passage through a lesion in the lacrimal duct, operability in the lacrimal duct, and manipulation of the endoscope inserted into the lumen of the tube, and providing a sufficient viewing field of the endoscope. The present invention relates to a lacrimal duct tube, including: a pair of tubular members that each has an opening at one end and a hole in a side wall communicating with a lumen; and a connection member that connects other ends of the tubular members, wherein the tubular members each include a plurality of resin portions different in Shore hardness, at least one of the resin portions is positioned between the opening and the hole and forms a lumen wall of the tubular member, and the lumen wall has a Shore hardness of 57D or more.
US09913751B2

A lens aid, lens aid system and powered light source combined with a mirror that uses a lens cup of soft pliable material providing an improved visual method including a hands-free or one hand method for the insertion of a contact lens and more preferably a scleral lens into the eye.
US09913744B2

A gastrointestinal device for reducing flow through a pyloric sphincter of a patient is disclosed. The device may include a stent including a plurality of strands forming first and second ends, the plurality of strands configured to form a proximal portion having a proximal diameter and a distal portion having a distal diameter. The proximal and distal diameters may be larger than a diameter of the pyloric sphincter and the proximal diameter may be larger than the distal diameter. The device may include a connector assembly including proximal and distal connectors, the plurality of strands being attached to the proximal and distal connectors at the first and second ends. The connector assembly may further include a middle portion extending between the proximal and distal connectors. The middle connector may extend within the plurality of strands, and may be unattached to the plurality of strands.
US09913742B2

An assembly for delivering an intraluminary member into a body lumen including a delivery catheter including an elongated tubular member, an elongated rod disposed within and slidingly engaged with the tubular member, a handle fixed to a proximal end of the rod, and at least one securing mechanism located on the handle, and a thread-like member removably secured to one end of the intraluminary member, the thread-like member extending between the intraluminary member and the handle, the at least one securing mechanism adapted to secure the thread-like member.
US09913738B1

A conditional braking knee includes an upper member configured to couple to a prosthetic socket. A braking member couples to the upper member. A lower member couples to the braking member and is configured to rotate with respect to the upper member. A flexion coupler couples to the braking member and is configured to couple to a prosthetic foot. The braking member is configured to prevent a rotation of the upper member relative to the lower member in response to a flexion of the prosthetic foot communicated to the braking member through the flexion coupler. In implementations the braking member is a clamping member rotatably coupled to the upper member with a first axle, the lower member is rotatably coupled to the clamping member with a second axle, and the clamping member prevents a rotation of the upper member relative to the lower member by clamping on the first axle.
US09913728B2

Disclosed are surgical implants for providing therapy to a treatment site, tool sets and methods for minimally invasively accessing and deploying the implants within the spine. The treatment site may be a vertebral body, disc, and/or motion segments in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine.
US09913727B2

An intervertebral implant includes a frame including an end member and an intermediate member pivotally coupled to the end member about a first pivot axis. The intervertebral implant includes a first vertebral contact member pivotally coupled to the frame about a second pivot axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis, and a second vertebral contact member coupled to the frame. The frame is configured such that pivoting the intermediate member with respect to the end member about the first pivot axis changes both a width between the first vertebral contact member and the second vertebral contact member with respect to a direction that is substantially parallel to the second pivot axis, and changes a height between the first vertebral contact member and the second vertebral contact member with respect to a direction that is substantially parallel to the first pivot axis.
US09913724B2

A prosthetic device that may be utilized as an artificial meniscus is disclosed. The prosthetic device can restore shock absorption, stability, and function to the knee after the damaged natural meniscus is removed and replaced with the prosthetic device. In some embodiments, the meniscus includes an integral fixation anchor and additional features that minimize the requirement for modification of the implant for proper fit during surgery.
US09913719B2

Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying one or more tensile member to bring a wall of the heart and a septum of the heart into contact. A plurality of tension members may help exclude scar tissue and provide a more effective remaining ventricle chamber. The implant may be deployed during beating of the heart, often in a minimally invasive or less-invasive manner. Trauma to the tissues of the heart may be inhibited by selectively approximating tissues while a pressure within the heart is temporarily reduced. Three-dimensional implant locating devices and systems facilitate beneficial heart chamber volumetric shape remodeling.
US09913714B2

A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex, the native valve complex having three semilunar sinuses and three native commissures. The prosthesis includes a valve prosthesis support, which comprises a support structure comprising exactly three engagement arms that meet one another at three respective junctures. The engagement arms are shaped so as define three peak complexes at the three respective junctures, and three trough complexes, each of which is between two of the peak complexes. Upon implantation of the prosthesis, each of the engagement arms is at least partially disposed within a respective one of the semilunar sinuses, such that each of the peak complexes is disposed distal to and in rotational alignment with a respective one of the native commissures, and each of the trough complexes is disposed at least partially within the respective one of the semilunar sinuses.
US09913712B2

Described herein are intraocular lenses and methods of implantation. In one aspect, the lens includes a shape changing optical element; a force translation element having a first end region coupled to the optical element and a second end region extending towards a ciliary structure, and an attachment portion coupled to the second end region of the force translation element and configured to contact the ciliary structure. The force translation element is configured to functionally transmit movements of the ciliary structure into a force exerted upon the optical element to effect an accommodating and a disaccommodating change of the optical element.
US09913711B2

A long term absorbable matrix brassiere including a circular tube member adapted to be fixed to the chest of a woman, a membrane or tarpaulin fixed within the tube member; and a cup held within the tube member.
US09913708B2

An endoluminal prosthesis including a radially expandable support member having interior and exterior surfaces and a wall with openings, a first covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the interior surface, and a second covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the exterior surface. The first covering member attaches to the second covering member at predetermined bonding locations within less than all of the openings thereby leaving unbonded regions.
US09913705B2

The present disclosure provides tissue fillers. The tissue fillers can include a plurality of tissue particles formed from acellular tissue matrix fragments. The tissue fillers can be used to fill tissue sites, such as voids formed after tissue resection.
US09913692B2

The description relates to surgical computer systems, including computer program products, and methods for implant planning using captured joint motion information. Data is captured representative of a range of motion of a joint associated with a particular individual, where the joint includes a first bone and a second bone. The first bone of the joint is represented and a first implant model is associated with the representation of the first bone. Based on the captured data, a relationship is determined between the first implant model and a representation of the second bone or a second implant model through at least a portion of the range of motion of the joint. Information is displayed representative of the determined relationship.
US09913690B2

A joint alignment method comprises using imaging data of at least a portion of a leg to create a leg model, wherein the leg model includes a femur having medial and lateral condyles and a tibia having tibial plateaus that are configured to engage the medial and lateral condyles at a knee joint, displaying an image of the leg model for manipulation by a user, locating a pivot point within one of the medial or lateral condyles, and rotating, in the displayed image, the tibia with respect to the femur, about the pivot point, to obtain a desired knee joint articulation in a specified plane.
US09913673B2

A linear member for medical use having stretchability and flexibility while maintaining sufficient strength includes: an inner helical body including a plurality of helically wound wires, the inner helical body including a space portion inside, gap portions being provided in an axial direction between each wire; and an outer helical body provided outside of the inner helical body including a plurality of wires helically wound in such a manner as to form a layer along an axis of the helical body and a helical direction of the outer helical body is opposite to that of the inner helical body with gap portions being provided between each of the wires, the outer helical body being disposed to provide a multilayer structure.
US09913661B2

Medical devices that have a releasable intermediate member and tubular member are described. Methods of using medical devices that have a releasable intermediate member and tubular member are also described. An example medical device comprises an elongate member, an intermediate member, and a tubular member. Each of the intermediate member and tubular member is releasably disposed on the elongate member.
US09913651B2

Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.
US09913648B2

A surgical system for use with a robotic surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system comprises a stapling head, an elongate shaft coupled to the stapling head, and a rigid housing coupled to the elongate shaft. The housing comprises a first rotary disc member, a second rotary disc member, a third rotary disc member and a fourth rotary disc member. Each of the rotary disc members are configured to be driven by the robotic surgical system. Each rotary disc member is rotatable about a different axis to operate the stapling head. The first rotary disc member is configured to rotate more than a complete rotation about its axis to operate the stapling head.
US09913625B2

Provided is a medical diagnosis device that further increases the reliability of measurement results on the basis of an image of a subject. The medical diagnosis device is characterized by being provided with: an image generation unit that generates an image of a subject; an auxiliary information generation unit that generates auxiliary information on the basis of input from an operation unit; a measurement computation unit that computes a measurement position using the image generated by the image generation unit, the auxiliary information, and measurement conditions, and computes measurement values using the image generated by the image generation unit and the computed measurement position; and a display unit that displays the image generated by the image generation unit, the input position information, and the measurement value computed by the measurement computation unit.
US09913613B2

This invention provides a physiological monitoring garment having a band-like configuration and incorporating respiratory, cardiac and temperature sensors. The garment is designed so that it is easily constructed from a few number of separate elements, and so that one garment design can be adjusted to subjects of a range of sizes and shapes. The design is further adapted to require little on no wearer effort during donning or wearer attention during use.
US09913612B2

The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.
US09913609B2

A mobile electronic device includes: waveform information acquisition part configured to add a time stamp to a waveform detected from a user and record the waveform with the time stamp as waveform information; condition information acquisition part configured to add a time stamp to information indicating a condition of the user and record the information with the time stamp as condition information; artifact waveform acquisition part configured to acquire, from artifact waveform data in which a condition and the artifact waveform are associated with each other and stored, an artifact waveform that corresponds a condition indicated by the condition information in the same time period as a time period of the waveform information; waveform correction part configured to correct the waveform information using the artifact waveform; and autonomic nerves diagnosis part configured to diagnose autonomic nerves of the user using the waveform information corrected by the waveform correction part.
US09913597B2

A magnetic resonance imaging device for prostate examinations with a patient in said device comprises a coil for generating a strong homogeneous magnetic field in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the patient, at least one transmission coil for generating an electromagnetic alternating field, three gradient coils and suitable reception coils, of which individual coils are arranged below the patient in the lower back region and/or at the rear part and at least one of said coils is arranged above the patient, and also comprises data processing for obtaining images from the signals of the transmission and reception coils, wherein a closed reception coil is provided which sits closely against the patient and surrounds the scrotum and the penis.
US09913595B2

A coated electromyography needle including an anti-microbial, electrically insulative coating applied to non-tip portion of an electrode of the electromyography needle.
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