US09927171B2

A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to improve the recovery of C2 (or C3) and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The preferred method of separating a hydrocarbon gas stream generally includes producing at least a substantially condensed first stream and a cooled second stream, expanding both streams to lower pressure, and supplying the streams to a fractionation tower. In the process and apparatus disclosed, the expanded first stream is heated to form a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction. The vapor fraction is combined with the tower overhead vapor, directed to a heat and mass transfer means inside a processing assembly, and cooled and partially condensed by the expanded first stream to form a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is combined with the liquid fraction and supplied to the tower at its top feed point.
US09927168B2

A refrigeration appliance has a cabinet defining a refrigeration compartment with a thermoformed inner liner disposed within the refrigeration compartment. A light source is located within the refrigeration compartment and configured to emit light such that the refrigeration compartment is illuminated when the light source is powered. The thermoformed liner has a reflective surface. The reflective surface includes a plurality of microcrystalline structures and is positioned to reflect emitted light from the light source and ambient light.
US09927167B2

A bottom mount refrigerator is provided with a pantry compartment that is accessible from outside the refrigerator by pulling open an easy access pantry drawer without the need to first open the fresh food compartment or the freezer compartment. A divider between the pantry compartment and the fresh food compartment is formed by a secondary mullion and a transparent shelf. The secondary mullion is provided with a light source for illuminating the contents of the pantry drawer. A light source at the rear of the pantry compartment shines generally forwardly and upwardly to illuminate the fresh food compartment.
US09927151B2

This invention provides a method of extracting geothermal energy, generally comprising the steps of: insertion of a thermal mass into a Heat Absorption Zone, absorbing heat in thermal mass, raising the thermal mass to a Heat Transfer Zone, and transferring the heat from the thermal mass. The acquired heat can be used to generate electricity or to drive an industrial process.The thermal mass can have internal chambers containing a liquid such as molten salt, and can also have structures facilitating heat exchange using a thermal exchange fluid, such as a gas or a glycol-based fluid.In some embodiments, two thermal masses are used as counterweights, reducing the energy consumed in bringing the heat in the thermal masses to the surface. In other embodiments, solid or molten salt can be directly supplied to a well shaft to acquire geothermal heat and returned to the surface in a closed loop system.
US09927150B2

A stabilizing system for stabilizing an arrangement for pivoting an elongate assembly plane extending along a longitudinal axis about an axis of rotation oriented along the longitudinal axis, comprising a first tension element and first and second base arrangements each including a deflecting element fixed on the assembly plane, and spaced apart from the axis of rotation to different sides, wherein the base arrangements are offset with respect to one another along the longitudinal axis, the base arrangements the first tension element, or a second tension element is connected the deflecting element to a fixed point and back at a first distance, and wherein the first tension element and/or the tension element is guided between the base arrangements along the longitudinal axis whereby a tension can be built up in the base arrangement.
US09927145B2

A heating system combines a heat source for applying heat energy to a supply of heat transfer fluid including a polyol having five or less pendant hydroxyl groups and a polydimethylsiloxane and a pump that moves the heat transfer fluid through conduits to a heat exchanger. In one configuration, the heating system has a primary circuit including the heat source, delivery line, pump, heat exchanger and return line, and a sub-circuit including a bypass line interconnecting the delivery line and the return line to provide a flow path bypassing the heat source. The sub-circuit includes the bypass line, a portion of the delivery line, the pump, the heat exchanger, and a portion of the return line. Control valves and a control mechanism direct the flow of fluid between the primary and sub-circuit. The heat transfer fluid is a blended mixture of 5-15% glycerin, 20-40% propyl glycol and 45-75% silicone.
US09927143B2

A burner includes a first burner port that generates a first flame, a gap that surrounds the first burner port, and a plurality of second burner ports that are disposed on either side of the gap, the second burner ports generating second flames to hold the first flame. The first burner port combusts a first mixture (lean mixture) to generate the first flame (lean flame). The first mixture includes air more than fuel gas. A gap that surrounds the first burner port is formed. A plurality of the second burner ports are arranged on either side of the gap. The second burner ports combust a second mixture (rich mixture) to generate the second flames (rich flames) and hold the first flame. The air-fuel ratio of the second mixture is smaller than the first mixture.
US09927135B2

In various implementations, an air conditioning system may automatically adjust an amount of refrigerant using an accumulator. The air conditioning system may operate in at least two operation modes including a cooling operation and a reheat operation. The amount of refrigerant allowed to flow to a condenser of the system may be based at least partially on the operating mode of the air conditioning system.
US09927133B2

An air conditioning system includes a heat pump section performing indoor air-warming by using a vapor-compression refrigeration cycle, a separate heat source section performing indoor air-warming by using a heat source separate from the heat pump section, and a control unit configured to control actions of the heat pump section and the separate heat source section. When a heat pump air-warming operation is being performed, and when a first switching condition is met, the control unit switches from the heat pump air-warming operation to a separate heat source air-warming operation. The first switching condition is that an outside air temperature reaches a first switching outside air temperature and an air-warming capability of the heat pump section reaches an upper limit.
US09927127B2

An oven appliance with one or more features for notifying a user of the oven appliance that the cooking chamber is heavily loaded is provided. Further, a method for operating an oven appliance to notify a user of the oven appliance that the cooking chamber is heavily loaded is provided.
US09927108B2

A luminaire having a body that includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion including two or more apertures. At least one of the two or more apertures being sized to match a main lighting component, at least one other of the two or more apertures being sized to match a first function module, and at least another of the two or more apertures being sized to match a second function module. One of the first function module and the second function module is one of a motion detector, a camera, an air pollution sensor, and a communication unit.
US09927104B2

A lighting fixture is disclosed. The lighting fixture includes at least one lamp cup shell, a lampshade configured to be supported on the at least one lamp cup shell, and an LED light bulb configured to be coupled to the at least one lamp cup shell and extend up through an opening in a bottom of the lampshade. The LED light bulb includes a heat sink having a base and series of cooling fins arranged around the base. The cooling fins define external threads. The LED light bulb also includes an LED light board on the heat sink and a translucent cover covering the LED light board. The LED light board includes at least one LED light. The lighting fixture also includes a compression ring configured to threadedly engage the external threads of the heat sink to couple the LED light bulb to the lampshade.
US09927103B2

In an example embodiment, a lighting fixture comprising a lighting device and a mounting bracket is provided. The lighting device comprises a front cover, a back cover, a frame, and at least one LED mounted within the interior of the lighting device. The frame has an interior edge that is in contact with a perimeter of the front cover and a perimeter of the back cover. The front cover, the back cover, and the frame define the interior of the lighting device. At least one of the frame and the back cover comprises one or more attachment mechanisms. The mounting bracket comprises a junction box mounting element configured for securing the mounting bracket to a junction box or a mounting surface, and one or more attachment mechanism mating elements configured to mate with the one or more attachment mechanisms when the lighting device is rotated within the mounting bracket to secure the lighting device into the mounting bracket.
US09927101B2

An illumination device includes a light source configured to emit laser light; and a wavelength conversion part configured to convert a wavelength of the laser light emitted from the light source and to irradiate illumination light. The wavelength conversion part includes a conversion region provided with a phosphor which converts the wavelength of the laser light and emits the wavelength-converted laser light, and a non-conversion region not provided with the phosphor and configured to transmit the laser light irradiated from the light source. The non-conversion region is formed in a pinhole shape with respect to the conversion region.
US09927085B2

A vehicle lighting fixture using a reflecting surface can be configured such that connecting surfaces cannot be visually recognized while having an excellent aesthetic appearance without not-shining portions when a light source is lit. The vehicle lighting fixture can include a paraboloidal reflecting surface, and a light source configured to emit light to be reflected by the reflecting surface, the reflecting surface including a plurality of projections and recesses to show a wavy vertical cross section and a wavy horizontal cross section.
US09927082B2

The invention relates to a method for producing a lighting unit of a vehicle headlight, comprising the following steps: provision of a printed circuit board (1) comprising a plurality of groups (A, B, C) of contact pads (2) for contacting LEDs (3), population of contact pads (2) in the groups (A, B, C) with LEDs (3), wherein the contact pads (2) to be populated are selected according to a desired light function of the respective group (A, B, C), and provision of securing means (A″, B″, C″) for reflectors (A′, B′, C′) on the printed circuit board (1), wherein each securing means (A″, B″, C″) is specifically designed for a reflector (A′, B′, C′) that is adapted to the light function of the respective group (A, B, C).
US09927079B2

Embodiments of the invention are directed to wall recessed two-component luminaires. The two components can include a primary optical subsystem and a secondary optical subsystem. The primary optical subsystem can provide indirect lighting, illuminate an architectural space upward toward a ceiling, and/or have greater luminous flux than the secondary optical subsystem. The secondary optical subsystem can provide direct lighting, illuminate an architectural space horizontally and/or downward, provide lit appearance, provide direct view color and/or color gradients, provide direct view luminance and/or luminous gradients, and/or provide lighting for ambience.
US09927074B2

A lighting device may be provided that includes: a base; a substrate disposed on the base and comprising a top surface; a plurality of light emitting devices disposed on the top surface of the substrate; a member comprising a housing portion and an inner portion disposed inside the housing portion; and a optical plate disposed on the plurality of light emitting devices and the inner portion, wherein: the housing portion is disposed on the base and coupled to the base, the inner portion comprises a sloped surface forming an obtuse angle with the top surface of the substrate, the housing portion comprises an upper part and a lower part, an outer diameter of the upper part is greater than an outer diameter of the lower part, the housing portion comprises an outer surface, and the housing portion comprises a projection part extending from the outer surface.
US09927067B2

Systems and methods for controlling the temperature and pressure of a cryogenic liquid methane storage unit are provided. The disclosed systems and methods generate methane gas from a reservoir of liquid methane stored within the methane storage unit, vent the methane gas through one or more outlet valves connected to the methane storage unit, and generate electric power using the vented methane gas. The generated electric power can then be used to initiating a cooling cycle, which reduces the temperature of said reservoir of liquid methane and reduces the pressure in said methane storage unit. Micro anaerobic digesters and methane storage units may be configured in a networked environment with a central controller that monitors remote units.
US09927065B2

A leak catching apparatus is provided. The leak catching apparatus may include a plate having a first section, a center section, and a second section, wherein the first section is non-coplanar with the second section; an absorbent material housed on the first section; one or more absorbent material attachments coupled to the first section to secure the absorbent material to the first section; and one or more plate attachments coupled to the first section and the second section, wherein the one or more plate attachments temporarily secures the first section and the second section to a sealed system that contains liquid.
US09927063B2

Described herein, among other things, is an attachment system for connecting other accessories to the upright structures of a boat dock, deck or related systems, said upright structures comprising at least one post, a pair of tubular portions provided for interlocking together forming a tubular sleeve for application about the post forming the upright structure, said tubular sleeve provided for securement of other accessories thereto, to accommodate affixation of the other accessories to the post forming the upright structures for the dock or deck, and to prevent the untimely disconnection of the accessory from the post during its usage or storage.
US09927057B2

An apparatus according to the present invention provides a bundle tie including a head dampener. The tie generally comprises a strap and a tie head coupled to the strap. The tie head is adapted to engage a free end of the strap, thereby forming a loop, which may be formed or placed about one or a bundle of elongate articles such as conduit, wires, cables, ropes, and pipes, for example. The tie head is provided with a head dampener which serves to cushion what otherwise may be damaging force placed upon the one or more elongate articles by the tie head. The dampener may also serve to limit movement of the one or more elongate articles through the loop formed by the tie.
US09927054B2

A plug-in coupling element having a base body that includes a connection geometry for a fluid line and an accommodation opening. For a simplified installation, the claw array is arranged in the region of the accommodation opening, with the claw array including multiple claws arranged such that they are distributed in a circumferential direction, the claws being tilted from the radial outside to the radial inside.
US09927052B1

A sanitary clamp with facing ring halves employs one or more threaded closure devices configured to avoid having any threads exposed to the ambient. A bolt member may have a stepped shaft with a first smooth shaft portion and a male-threaded tip portion. The latter may be the same or a smaller diameter. An associated nut member has a blind bore that extends from a first end of the nut, with a first smooth wall portion and a second female threaded bore portion. The second female threaded portion may have the same bore diameter, or the bore can have a stepped interior diameter with the second female threaded bore portion having a diameter smaller than the first smooth wall portion. A seal member or gland within the smooth wall bore portion closes off a space defined between said the tip portion of the bolt member and the female-threaded bore portion. Once installed, there are no threaded surfaces of the bolt member or the nut member that are exposed to the ambient.
US09927048B2

A hose caddy is pivotally mounted on a powered implement connected to the boom arms of a loader to control the positioning of hydraulic hoses or electrical wiring. The hose caddy is formed with an elongated retention member that provides for the detachable mounting of a first support member at the upper end and a second support member at the lower end. Each support member has a detachable hose clamp member for engaging the hoses and controlling the positioning of the hoses relative to the retention member. The retention member is pivotally connected to an implement mounting bracket by a pivot pin. A spring biasing mechanism mounts on the pivot pin to bias the pivotal movement of the implement mounting bracket toward the retention member. A bunk defacing apparatus is also disclosed to facilitate the operation of dislodging and collecting silage material from a compacted bunker of silage material.
US09927047B2

A clamp including a first bracket having a first base plate with a first mating surface and a first curved edge, a first channel and a second channel; a second bracket having a second base plate with a second mating surface and a second curved edge, a third channel and a fourth channel; wherein the first base plate is clamped to the second base plate such that the first and third channels engage the first pipe section and such that the second and fourth channels engage the second pipe section; and wherein the first curved edge aligns with the second curved edge to form a joint line that is configured to extend in continuous abutment with a continuously curved pipe edge.
US09927036B2

A valve assembly having a seat, a valve body, and a seal. The valve body has an outer circumferential surface defined by an upper planar surface, a lower planar surface, and a groove disposed between the upper planar surface and the lower planar surface. The seal is coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the valve body. The valve body and the seal are movable into engagement with the seat to form a seal.
US09927033B2

A circumferential shaft seal segment has radial inner and outer faces and first and second axial faces, and at least one feed slot in the radial inner face extending from the first axial face toward the second axial face. At least one recess extends from the at least one feed slot and has first and second axially spaced side walls, a bottom between the side walls, a first end at the feed slot and a second end circumferentially spaced from the feed slot. The recess includes a first portion extending from the first end and a second portion extending from the second end, and a radial depth of the first portion is a first function of a distance from the feed slot and a radial depth of the second portion is a second, different, function of the distance from the feed slot.
US09927029B2

The invention relates to a multilayer multi-element composite hard PVD coating with low friction coefficient on the surface of a piston ring, a piston ring and a preparation process. The present invention employs vacuum multi-arc ion plating vapor deposition process, which uses multiple multi-arc ion sources, in the combination of equipping with different single metal target material and multi-element target material to deposit multilayer multi-element composite hard PVD coating with low friction coefficient on the surface of a steel or cast iron piston ring. The coating consists of five layers with the total thickness of up to 60 μm. The coating has high adhesion with the surface of piston ring, high hardness, low friction coefficient and good abrasion resistance. By controlling the adding amount of additive elements Al, Mo, W, B, Si and Ti, the friction coefficient of the coating can be further reduced 5 to 20% compared with that of a single TiN or CrN deposited layer.
US09927022B2

A manual transmission shifter includes a reaction arm mounting the shifter to a transmission via a bushing. The bushing includes a resilient member having a tubular section lining a mounting hole in the arm and having a flange extending around the hole. The bushing includes a rigid cup member having an inner sleeve disposed within the tubular section and having a cup rim defining a recess between the inner sleeve and cup rim with a predetermined depth. The flange has a thickness greater than the predetermined depth and is inserted in the recess to create an open gap between the cup rim and the arm. A fastener extends through the inner sleeve to attach the cup member to a transmission bracket. The resilient member attenuates vibrations through the bushing. The arm is provided with a limited range of longitudinal rotation by contact of the arm with the cup rim.
US09927013B2

In a torque convertor including a pump impeller, a turbine runner and a stator, an outer regulation surface facing inwards in a radial direction is provided at a turbine shell on an inward side in the radial direction from a turbine blade, an inner regulation surface that approaches and faces the outer regulation surface from inside in the radial direction is provided at a stator hub, and at least one of the outer regulation surface and the inner regulation surface is formed into a ring shape. Accordingly, movement of the stator along the radial direction at a time of transportation is inhibited and it is made unnecessary to form flange portions at core rings of the pump impeller and the turbine runner.
US09927012B2

An improvement of a worm gear speed reducer is provided where the output gear is substituted by a threaded chain comprised of nut-like threaded bodies mounted on the extended rods of two parallel endless chains, thus the contact surfaces of the drive screw and the threaded chain are much greater than the contact surfaces of the worm gear reducer, and thus the load capacity and wear resistance are much higher. The screw applies the driving force at the centroid of the contact surface of the threaded chain. There are three embodiments which may be a roller screw, a ball screw or a plain translation screw. With the roller screw or the ball screw there is rolling contact and thus the efficiency of the present invention is higher than that of the worm gear reducer which permits it to be used as an amplifier.
US09927006B2

A multi-speed drive for a supercharger includes a planetary gear mechanism with a sun gear mechanism, a plurality of planet gears mounted on a planet carrier, and a ring gear, all mounted for rotation on a stationary shaft. A rotary-mechanical drive input is received by either the ring gear or the planetary drive, and a rotary-mechanical drive output is provided by the planetary drive when the ring gear receives the input, or by the ring gear when the planetary drive receives the input. A one-way roller clutch is disposed coaxially with the planetary gear mechanism, between the sun gear mechanism and the stationary shaft. A hydraulically-actuated, clutch assembly mounted coaxially with the planetary gear mechanism on the stationary shaft engages the sun gear and the ring gear to change the gear ratio of the drive.
US09927000B2

In an aspect, a decoupler is provided, comprising a hub defining an axis, a pulley, a one way clutch and an isolation spring that act in series, a damping member that frictionally engages a friction surface the pulley or the hub, and a biasing member that urges the damping member into the friction surface. The biasing member has a mounting portion having an axially extending first mounting surface that is fixedly engaged with a second axially extending mounting surface on the other of the pulley and hub and an engagement portion resiliently connected to the mounting portion by a transition portion having at least one bend that urges the engagement portion into engagement with the damping member with a selected force. The at least one bend resiliently permits axial movement of the damping member engagement portion independent of the mounting portion.
US09926999B2

A first mounting metal fitting is connected to an engine while a second mounting metal fitting is mounted on a vehicle body. A vibration isolating elastic body provides a connection between the first and second mounting metal fittings. Middle portions of opposed upwardly extending wall sections are formed in a concave curve surface, and expanded recess portions are provided between the opposed upwardly extending wall sections. A projecting section provided on the first mounting metal fitting is accommodated in the expanded recess portions. The projecting section overlaps with the expanded recess portions in the X direction so as to regulate the movement in the X direction of the first mounting metal fitting. The X direction elastic leg for regulating the movement in the X direction is not provided, so that the molding can be performed by demolding a molded object in the X direction.
US09926993B2

A coil spring is formed by winding a wire in a coil shape. In the cross sectional shape of the wire formed in the coil shape, the inner diameter side part in the coil shape includes a semi-elliptical shape having a major radius and a minor radius and the outer diameter side part in the coil shape includes a curved shape circumscribing a circumscribed circle having a radius larger than the minor radius, arc shapes having a curvature larger than the curvature of the circumscribed circle, and linear shapes connecting both ends of the arc shapes to both ends of the semi-elliptical shape. This can increase the cross sectional shape of the wire, reduce a shearing stress, and improve the durability of the coil spring.
US09926991B2

Systems disclosed herein may be useful for use in a disk brake system. In this regard, a disk brake system may comprise a stator thickness that is less than 15% greater than an end plate thickness and/or pressure plate thickness. Additionally, a disk brake system may further comprise a combination of split friction disks comprising a damping feature and solid friction disks. These split friction disks and/or solid friction disks may be arranged together in any suitable pattern or position within the disk brake system.
US09926988B2

A starting clutch control device for an automatic transmission has a starting clutch controller. The starting control device controls a transmission torque capacity of a starting clutch interposed in a transmission path in which rotation of the power source is transmitted to wheels while shifting is underway by the automatic transmission. The starting clutch controller controls the transmission torque capacity of the starting clutch such that a rotation trajectory of the power source develops as desired in a low rotation speed range in which the transmission torque capacity control of the starting clutch is necessary. The starting clutch controller causes the transmission torque capacity of the starting clutch to change, when a shift of the automatic transmission occurs during the transmission torque capacity control by the starting clutch controller, in a direction in which the change in the rotation trajectory will occur corresponding to the shift.
US09926983B2

In a sliding shaft, an outer circumferential surface of a male shaft is coated with a resin coating layer formed by a fluidized bed powder coating method using a powder coating material containing a base resin and at least either a carbon black or a metal oxide as an antistatic agent. A steering device includes this sliding shaft as an intermediate shaft transmitting steering force.
US09926979B2

A sealing device for a bearing unit, where the unit has a radially outer ring, two rows of rolling bodies arranged, respectively, between the radially outer ring and a pair of radially inner rings. The sealing device further provides a spacer including an annular groove and configured to be arranged between the radially inner rings of the bearing unit and a seal housed inside the groove of the spacer. The seal is “U” shaped, defines a volume internally and is configured to be mounted in the annular groove with the concavity directed towards the axis of symmetry of the bearing unit.
US09926978B2

A plain bearing composite material (2), has a supporting layer (4), optionally a porous substrate layer (6), in particular made of bronze, and a sliding layer material (8) made of a matrix-forming thermoplastic plastic material (10) and fillers (12) accommodated therein, wherein the sliding layer material (8) has a fraction of 1-40 vol % wollastonite as a mineral filler (14) and at least half of the wollastonite is present with needle-shaped modification.
US09926975B2

An assembly includes a bearing having an annular shape, a bearing support radially outward from the bearing, a squeeze film damper having a first end adjacent the bearing and a second end adjacent the bearing support with the second end forming a squeeze film damping surface, and a first spring between the bearing and the bearing support with the first spring configured to resist a movement of the bearing to center a shaft radially inward from the bearing.
US09926972B2

A spheroidal joint for a tuned mass damper system includes a base having a concave seat and a lubricious liner secured thereto. The base defines a first mounting portion under the concave seat and a circumferential rim opposite the first mounting portion. The concave seat tapers radially outward to define a chamfer which terminates at a radially inner edge of the rim. The spheroidal joint includes an inner member that has a convex seat. The inner member has a second mounting portion extending from the convex seat and an indentation circumferentially extending around the inner member between the convex seat and the second mounting portion. The indentation cooperates with the chamfer for misalignment of the inner member relative to the base. The convex seat slidingly engages the lubricious liner.
US09926971B2

An omni-directional connection assembly broadly includes a hinge pin and one or more connection brackets. The hinge pin comprises a base section, a pair of primary walls, and a pair of opposed projections. The primary walls form a primary slot therebetween for receiving an engagement portion of a first panel therein. The opposed projections are spaced from the primary walls and form elongated passageways for allowing the primary walls to bend slightly outward for receiving the engagement portion of the first panel. The connection brackets are U-shaped for being positioned over the hinge pin and including flanges for attaching the connection brackets to a second panel. The first and second panels are then connected together at angles of between 0 and 180 degrees or more.
US09926970B2

A swivel joint system for pivotally connecting a mirror to a vehicle includes a first arm, a second arm, a locking pin, a spring element and a centering element. The first arm has first and second bearing shells. The second arm has a first counter bearing shell and a second counter bearing shell. The counter bearing shells are disposed between the first bearing shell and the second bearing shell. A first latching surface of the first counter bearing shell contacts and presses against a second latching surface of the first bearing shell. The locking pin passes through the first bearing shell, the second bearing shell and a hole in the centering element. The second arm swivels relative to the first arm about a joint axis that is oriented co-axially to the locking pin. The spring element pushes the locking pin away from the first counter bearing shell.
US09926963B2

A method for the connection of sheet parts, of which at least one is formed as an organic sheet part, with the aid of an auxiliary joining part and an apertured metal washer, the auxiliary joining part having a functional section with an undercut and a piercing section with a shaft surface and a shaft recess. The sheet parts and the metal washer are brought into a stacked arrangement in such a way that the metal washer contacts the organic sheet part. The piercing section slugs are punched out of the stacked sheet parts. The auxiliary joining part is joined to the metal washer. The other of the undercut or of the shaft recess is brought into a holding engagement with a sheet part not formed as an organic sheet metal part or with a further metal washer.
US09926960B2

The invention relates to a coupling for connecting construction parts, a truss provided therewith and associated method and use. The coupling comprises a female and a male coupling part. The female coupling part comprises: a tubular receiving part, in the wall of which an opening is provided; a ball which is placed in the opening and which is movable in radial direction of the receiving part; and a locking sleeve which is screwed onto and encloses the receiving part and which by being screwed is movable in the longitudinal direction of the receiving part between an opened position, in which the locking sleeve allows movement of the ball in the opening for the purpose of placing/removing the male coupling part into/from the receiving part, and a closed position in which the locking sleeve locks the male coupling part in the female coupling part with the ball, wherein the male coupling part is an elongate pin which comprises in its outer wall a groove for the ball.
US09926959B2

The invention is directed to an interlocking device for releasably connecting ground a first and a second ground cover mats each having tubular members. The device includes two clamping arms and a securing means. The clamping arms each have a collar member to engage one of the tubular members. The collar members are adjustably connected to each other to move the device from an open installation position into a closed restraining position in which the concave surfaces restrain the tubular members and are opposed to each other. The securing means releasably locks the clamping arms in the closed restraining position.
US09926956B2

An apparatus comprises a housing comprising a housing first portion and a housing second portion. The housing first portion comprises a first joint portion overlapping a second joint portion of the housing second portion so as to form a housing joint. A clamp is positioned on the housing joint and comprises a base portion. A first surface of the base portion is positioned on the housing joint. A plurality of legs extend from the base portion towards the housing each of which are spaced from each other around the housing joint. A plurality of flange segments extend from each side of the base portion away from the housing. A band is positioned on a second surface of the base portion opposite the first surface and around the clamp. The band is positioned between the plurality of flange segments and operatively coupled to the housing via the clamp.
US09926955B1

A latch for coupling a first object to a second object is disclosed comprises a primary block coupled to the first object. A locking cam is rotatably coupled to the primary block. A cam track having a sloped surface is in the locking cam. A locking stem slideably engages the primary block and traverses the locking cam. A cam pin is coupled to the locking stem. The cam pin slidably engages the sloped surface for displacing the locking stem between an extended position and a retracted position. A stem head is coupled to the cam pin. A secondary block is coupled to the second object. A cam channel is in the secondary block for receiving the locking stem. A head receiver is in the secondary block for engaging the stem head. The extended position defines an unlocked position and the retracted position defines a locked position.
US09926944B2

A device for guiding variable pitch diffuser vanes of a turbine engine is provided. The device includes a first ring having an axial portion at its periphery that is extended by a collar extending radially outwards; a second ring mounted around the axial portion of the first ring so as to cooperate therewith to define a plurality of outwardly open sockets; a plurality of cylindrical bushings, each mounted in a respective socket for the purpose of receiving a guide pivot of a diffuser vane; and a resilient clamping ring for cooperating with one of the rings in order to clamp the two rings axially one against the other.
US09926941B2

An assembly can include a compressor backplate; a bearing boss that extends axially from the compressor backplate and that includes an outer surface and male coupling features disposed along the outer surface; and a casing that includes a compressor end, a bearing boss opening at the compressor end, a turbine end, an inner surface located between the compressor end and the turbine end and female coupling features disposed along a portion of the inner surface, the male coupling features and the female coupling features configured to couple the bearing boss to the casing. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
US09926934B2

An arrangement for liquefying natural gas is provided. The arrangement includes a gas turbine unit that includes a gas turbine compressor, a steam turbine unit, a first compressor unit, a shiftable clutch, a heated steam generator for supplying steam to the steam turbine unit, and a second compressor unit. The steam turbine unit and the first compressor unit have a common, rigidly connected first shaft assembly, while the gas turbine unit and the second compressor unit have a common, rigidly connected second shaft assembly. In order to increase economic efficiency, the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly are operable to be connected to and disconnected from each other using the clutch. A suitable method for starting said arrangement is also provided.
US09926930B2

A vane pump (1) is disclosed comprising a housing (2) having a stator bore, a rotor (4) being rotatably mounted within said stator bore, and having a number of vanes (5) slidably mounted in said rotor (4) in radial direction of said rotor (4), an inlet (11) and an outlet (12). Such a vane pump should have a good efficiency. To this end said inlet (11) opens in an axial end wall of said stator bore (3) and said outlet (12) is connected to an outflow area formed in a circumferential wall (3) of said stator bore.
US09926924B2

System for managing a vehicle compressor, wherein the compressor (C) is driven in rotation by a vehicle engine (E). The system varies a stop pressure threshold (cut-off threshold) of the compressor as an inverse function of a compressor speed of rotation. The compressor speed of rotation is directly proportional to the vehicle engine speed of rotation (E).
US09926922B2

A barrel assembly for a pumping mechanism includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plunger bore configured to receive a plunger for sliding within the plunger bore. The barrel assembly also includes at least one inlet passage including at least one inlet extending through the first end and fluidly connected to the plunger bore to communicate fluid from the at least one inlet passage to the plunger bore. The barrel assembly further includes an outlet passage fluidly connected to the plunger bore and configured to receive fluid from the plunger bore, the plunger bore and the outlet passage forming separate openings in the second end of the barrel assembly.
US09926905B2

A system that converts acceleration to rotational energy by using gravity to lower a ballast member and buoyancy to raise it when the ballast member is filled with compressed air. The ballast's initial ascent is controlled by a brake member. This ascent causes a rack assembly to rise that actuates a compressor to refill the intermediary tank with compressed air so the cycle can repeat itself. The initial phase begins with the ballast member containing compressed air so it can ascend up a liquid-filled silo, generating rotational energy along the way using a mounted cable that travels around a wire drum. Upon reaching the top of the silo, valves will open allowing water to enter the ballast thereby sinking it to the bottom, creating additional rotational energy.
US09926902B2

A system and method for starting/stopping an engine in a moving vehicle include stopping the engine, by a controller, in response to a time needed to start the engine from a stopped state and attain an engine speed corresponding to a driveshaft speed when stopping the engine being less than a target time, and starting the engine in response to the time needed reaching the target time. A start/stop vehicle having an engine includes a driveshaft speed sensor and a controller configured to stop the engine while the vehicle is moving with a vehicle speed below a threshold speed in response to a time associated with starting the engine and powering a driveshaft to attain a driveshaft speed measured by the driveshaft speed sensor and stored from a previous engine stopping event being less than a threshold time.
US09926897B2

A fuel pump module includes a suction filter, a fuel pump portion having an end part opposing the suction filter, and a holding member allowing the fuel pump portion to rotate around a central axis of the fuel pump portion and restricting the fuel pump portion from moving in an axis direction. A convex part protruding toward the suction filter is defined at the end part of the fuel pump portion. The holding member is positioned between the fuel pump portion and the suction filter and has a concave part, in which the convex part is inserted, such that a clearance is defined between the convex part and the concave part in a radial direction. The convex part has a tip end capable to be in contact with the concave part in the axis direction.
US09926881B2

An engine of a stop/start vehicle, after the engine has been automatically stopped, may be commanded to automatically restart in response to detecting that the vehicle is in a turn lane based on traffic data in a vicinity of the vehicle such that the engine is automatically restarted before a brake pedal is released and a steering wheel is turned.
US09926880B2

An in-vehicle engine control apparatus allowing split injection frequency or split injection of fuel while preventing a driving switch element for fuel injecting electromagnetic coils and a boosting switch element for generating a boosted high voltage from being overheated. An operation control circuit portion has reference data of measured environmental temperature vs allowable engine rotational speed with a selected value of the split injection frequency being a parameter, and determines the selected value having, as an upper limit, a split injection frequency which makes the internal temperature of the boosting switch element or a rapidly exciting switch element a predetermined allowable limit value in association with the present environmental temperature detected by an average environmental temperature detection element in a case and the present engine rotational speed detected by an engine rotation sensor.
US09926878B2

When a plunger of a high pressure pump is rising, a high pressure pump controller closes a regulator valve by energizing a solenoid of an electromagnetic actuator of the high pressure pump to discharge fuel into a delivery pipe. Further, this fuel discharge energization is stopped before the plunger reaches top dead center at a pump TDC timing. Further, a fuel pressure of the delivery pipe is detected at the pump TDC timing, and based on that detected value, a time Td from the pump TDC timing until a valve opening timing of the regulator valve is estimated. Once the estimated time Td elapses from the pump TDC timing, the solenoid is reenergized to removed a movement speed of a movable portion in a direction that pushes the regulator valve in an opening direction.
US09926875B2

Methods and systems are provided for conducting a fuel tank pressure transducer rationality test diagnostic procedure in vehicles with sealed fuel tanks. In one example, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure-to-vehicle (V2I2V) technology may be utilized to obtain fuel tank pressure transducer data from a select crowd of vehicles, where the select crowd may be based on the vehicles in the select crowd experiencing similar ambient temperature and weather as the vehicle being diagnosed. In this way, FTPT data from vehicles in the select crowd may be compared to FTPT data in the vehicle being diagnosed, in order to indicate whether the FTPT in the vehicle being diagnosed is functioning as desired, where such a diagnostic can be performed without unsealing the fuel tank on either the vehicle being diagnosed or the vehicles in the select crowd, and which may thus reduce undesired evaporative emissions.
US09926874B2

A drive device capable of detecting individual variations of an injection quantity of a fuel injection device of each cylinder and adjusting a current waveform provided to an injection pulse width and a solenoid such that the individual variations of the fuel injection devices are reduced. The fuel injection device in the present invention includes a valve body that closes a fuel passage by coming into contact with a valve seat and opens the fuel passage by separating from the valve seat and a magnetic circuit constructed of a solenoid, a fixed core, a nozzle holder, a housing, and a needle and when a current is supplied to the solenoid, a magnetic suction force acts on the needle and the needle has a function to open the valve body by colliding against the valve body after performing a free running operation and changes of acceleration of the needle due to collision of the needle against the valve body are detected by a current flowing through the solenoid.
US09926868B2

A variety of methods and arrangements are described for controlling transitions between firing fractions during skip fire and potentially variable displacement operation of an engine. In general, cam first transition strategies are described in which the cam phase is changed to, or close to a target cam phase before a corresponding firing fraction change is implemented. When the cam phase change associated with a desired firing fraction change is relatively large, the firing fraction change is divided into a series of two or more firing fraction change steps—with each step using a cam first transition approach. A number of intermediate target selection schemes are described as well.
US09926865B2

An evaporated fuel processing apparatus includes: a fuel tank that stores fuel supplied to an engine; a purge pipe that communicates an upper space in the fuel tank with an inlet system of the engine; an electromagnetic valve that is mounted on the purge pipe and that opens and closes the purge pipe; an air-fuel ratio detecting module for detecting an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture burned in the engine in accordance with an oxygen concentration in exhaust gas emitted from the engine; and a controlling module for controlling open and close of the electromagnetic valve based on an operating state of the engine. The controller controls at least one of a valve-open cycle, a valve-open period, and a valve-open amount of the electromagnetic valve based on a variation value of the air-fuel ratio detected by the air-fuel ratio detecting module when opening the electromagnetic valve.
US09926862B2

A method involves operating an internal combustion engine connected to an electric generator, in particular a synchronous generator, during a network fault, in particular during an electric short-circuit, in a power supply network connected to the generator. A mechanical power delivered by the internal combustion engine is introduced into the generator and converted into electric power in the generator. The electric power is delivered to the power supply network, and the mechanical power delivered by the internal combustion engine is at least temporarily increased depending on the value of at least one operating parameter of the generator and/or the internal combustion engine prior to the network fault and/or during the network fault, preferably by an amount of a fuel introduced into the internal combustion engine being increased.
US09926857B2

This utility type patent publishes a safety control device for petrol post hold digger. It includes an operation frame, respective handles in the opposite two sides of the frame; one is throttle control handle in the right side and another is balance control handle in the left side. The safety control device is mounted on the above of the frame near left side, connected with engine in the middle place of the operation frame by one cable, with the throttle control handle in the right side by another cable. A long touch rod is installed underneath the safety control device, sticking outside of the operation frame to position A as shown in bellow picture.When post hole digger is used, drill bit is driven into soul at clockwise direction. If the drill bit touches big roots or rocks and stops rotation in a sudden, all the inertia and torque from still running engine will be thrown to the operation frame, makes it turn to opposite anticlockwise direction. Then the touch rod, usually sticking out of the frame at position A, will turn to touch leg and rotate in a certain angle towards position B. Detecting this angle change, the safety control device will act and reduce the engine torque by releasing its throttle cable to get a lower speed. As a result, to avoid the operator's danger of falling down, make the machine always operate under comfortable control.This patent is designed to be safe in operation, simple in structure and high practical in use.
US09926853B2

The invention concerns a method for the computerized control and/or regulation of a technical system. Within the context of the method according to the invention, an action-selection rule (PO′) is determined which has a low level of complexity and yet is well suited to the regulating and/or control of the technical system, there being used for determination of the action-selection rule (PO′) an evaluation measure (EM) which is determined on the basis of a distance measure and/or a reward measure and/or an action-selection rule evaluation method. The action-selection rule is then used to control and/or regulate the technical system. The method according to the invention has the advantage of the action-selection rule being comprehensible to a human expert. Preferably, the method according to the invention is used for regulating and/or controlling a gas turbine and/or a wind turbine.
US09926849B2

An accessory gear box for a gas turbine engine having a drive shaft with a rotational axis and a tower shaft coupled to the drive shaft is provided. The accessory gear box includes a first plurality of gears arranged, which extend along a first axis substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the drive shaft. The accessory gear box includes a second plurality of gears, which extend along a second axis. The accessory gear box includes a first shaft, with one of the first plurality of gears coupled to the first shaft, and one of the second plurality of gears coupled to a second shaft. The one of the second plurality of gears coupled to the first shaft includes a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, and the second engagement surface is coupled to another one of the second plurality of gears to drive the second shaft.
US09926845B2

A combustor according to the invention includes a combustor basket to which air A is supplied from the outside, a plurality of first nozzles that are annularly provided along the inner periphery of the combustor basket and that supply premixed gas M of the air and fuel to the inside of the combustor basket, and a transition piece in which the combustor basket is connected to a base end thereof and which burns the premixed gas supplied from the first nozzles, thereby forming a flame front spread to the outer periphery side toward the leading end in an axial direction, wherein each first nozzle supplies the premixed gas with fuel concentration changed around the center axis of the first nozzle such that the flame front has a uniform temperature in the axial direction.
US09926844B2

A power generation system includes a gas turbine, a fuel cell, an exhausted fuel gas supply line, an on-off control valve arranged in the exhausted fuel gas supply line, a heating unit that heats the exhausted fuel gas supply line in a range on an upstream side of the on-off control valve, a detection unit that detects a state of exhausted fuel gas in the exhausted fuel gas supply line in the range on the upstream side of the on-off control valve, and a control unit which controls the heating of the exhausted fuel gas supply line by the heating unit and which sets the on-off control valve to open when determining that the heating of the exhausted fuel gas supply line is completed.
US09926842B2

In one aspect, described is a rotary engine having a purge port located rearwardly of the inlet port and forwardly of the exhaust port along a direction of the revolutions of the rotor, the purge port being in communication with the exhaust port through each of the chambers along a respective portion of each revolution, and the inlet and outlet ports being relatively located such that a volumetric compression ratio of the engine is lower than a volumetric expansion ratio of the engine.
US09926839B2

An internal combustion engine includes an internal combustion engine main body, an intake passage, an exhaust passage, a supercharger, an intake circulation passage, an exhaust circulation passage, an intake circulation valve, an exhaust circulation valve and a controller. The supercharger is provided on the intake passage and the exhaust passage. The supercharger supplies compressed intake air to the internal combustion engine main body. The intake circulation passage connects the sections of the intake passage that are upstream and downstream of the supercharger. The exhaust circulation passage connects sections of the exhaust passage that are upstream and downstream of the supercharger. The intake circulation valve is provided in the intake circulation passage. The exhaust circulation valve is provided in the exhaust circulation passage. The controller is programmed to close the exhaust circulation valve in accordance with an opening degree of the intake circulation valve.
US09926837B2

An internal combustion engine, in particular a stationary gas engine, includes a combustion chamber to which a propellant can be fed from a first propellant source via a combustion chamber pipe, and a pre-combustion chamber to which a flushing gas can be fed via a flushing gas pipe. A flushing gas mixer, in which a propellant to be fed via a propellant pipe from the first propellant source or from a second propellant source, and a synthesis gas to be fed via a synthesis gas pipe, can be mixed is provided. A mixer outlet opens into the flushing gas pipe, and the synthesis gas can be generated by a reformer to which a fuel can be fed from a fuel source via a reformer feed pipe. The reformer outlet of the reformer opens into the synthesis gas pipe, and a cooling device for cooling the synthesis gas is provided.
US09926836B2

A system includes a compressed air system configured to couple to an engine. The compressed air system includes a compression device configured to compress an air flow, a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat with the air flow along a first flow path, and a bypass system configured to flow the air along a second flow path that bypasses the heat exchanger. The compressed air system is configured to selectively flow the airflow along the first flow path, the second flow path, or a combination thereof, to the engine.
US09926830B2

A two-stroke engine includes a crankcase defining a cylinder bore, a piston moveably disposed within the cylinder bore, and a cylinder head that covers the cylinder bore. A wall surface of the cylinder bore, a piston combustion surface of the piston, and a head combustion surface of the cylinder head, cooperate to define a combustion chamber for combusting a fuel therein. A thermal conductivity reducing mechanism is disposed in thermal connectivity with at least one of the crankcase, the piston, and the cylinder head for reducing heat transfer from combusted fuel within the combustion chamber to at least one of the crankcase, the piston, and the cylinder head. The thermal conductivity reducing mechanism may include a layer of low conductivity material coating one of the surfaces defining the combustion chamber, or a void in the cylinder head and/or the crankcase adjacent the combustion chamber.
US09926824B2

A catalytic converter apparatus for use in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine includes a housing having a gas inlet and a gas outlet, and at least one catalytic substrate element disposed in the housing. The at least one substrate element is divided into a plurality of zones or sections, the zones at least partially separated from one another to inhibit heat flow. The zones can be at least partially separated with walls. The walls can include insulating material for reducing the mobility of heat radially outwardly. Each of the zones defines a generally separate flow passage connecting the inlet and outlet in fluid communication. The apparatus can heat more rapidly from a cold start compared with conventional catalytic converters.
US09926823B2

A method for controlling an exhaust after-treatment system connected to a diesel engine via a gas passage and having a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and a “diesel-exhaust-fluid” (DEF) injector arranged downstream of the DOC and upstream of a selective catalytic reduction catalyst (SCR) includes detecting a flow of exhaust gas emitted by the engine into the gas passage. The method also includes detecting a level of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the exhaust gas downstream of the SCR. The method additionally includes activating the DEF injector for a period of time to reduce the level of NOx to a predetermined NOx value. Furthermore, the method includes regulating an injection of fuel upstream of the DOC to clean the DEF injector via a stream of superheated exhaust gas if the period of time used to reduce the level of NOx to the predetermined NOx value is greater than a predetermined threshold value.
US09926818B2

A valve opening and closing timing control apparatus includes a driven-side rotational member connected to a camshaft by a mounting member, a spool movably provided at an inner portion of a tubular wall portion of the mounting member, a first flow passage connecting a first port of the tubular wall portion and the advanced angle chamber to each other and a second flow passage connecting a second port of the tubular wall portion and the retarded angle chamber to each other, the first flow passage and the second flow passage being provided at the driven-side rotational member. A thermal expansion coefficient of a material forming the driven-side rotational member is greater than a thermal expansion coefficient of a material forming the mounting member.
US09926816B2

A switchable rocker arm for valve deactivation is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The switchable rocker arm includes a cam lever assembly, a valve lever assembly, and a hydraulically actuated coupling assembly that is radially arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies. The coupling assembly includes a shuttle pin, a locking pin with a round or flat locking interface, and optional shuttle pin and locking pin sleeves. In a first, locked position, the rotational motion of a camshaft is translated to linear motion of an engine valve. In a second, unlocked position, the cam lever assembly rotates about the valve lever assembly, facilitating valve deactivation. A pivot joint arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies facilitates an arcuate lost motion of the cam lever assembly. An integrated arrangement for one or more lost motion springs offers packaging and functional advantages.
US09926811B2

Systems and methods for controlling a heat engine system are provided. One method includes initiating flow of a working fluid through a working fluid circuit having a high pressure side and a low pressure side by controlling a pump to pressurize and circulate the working fluid through the working fluid circuit and determining a configuration of the working fluid circuit by determining which of a plurality of waste heat exchangers and which of a plurality of recuperators to position in the high pressure side of the working fluid circuit. The method also includes determining, based on the determined configuration of the working fluid circuit, for each of a plurality of valves, whether to position each respective valve in an opened position, a closed position, or a partially opened position and actuating each of the plurality of valves to the determined opened position, closed position, or partially opened position.
US09926807B2

Turbine assemblies, loss recovery systems, and related fabrication methods are provided for managing temperatures associated with an electrical generator. One exemplary turbine assembly suitable for use in a loss recovery system includes a wheel configured to rotate in response to a portion of a fluid flow bypassing a flow control valve, a generator including a stator assembly disposed about a rotor coupled to the wheel to rotate in response to rotation of the wheel, a conductive structure in contact with the stator assembly, and an insulating structure radially encompassing the conductive structure and the generator. The conductive structure accesses at least a portion of the fluid flow bypassing the flow control valve and impacting the wheel, thereby providing thermal coupling between the stator assembly and the bypass fluid flow to transfer heat from the stator assembly to the bypass fluid flow via the conductive structure.
US09926797B2

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sealing arrangement includes a turbine static structure with an inner case and a seal ring each having contact surfaces. The sealing arrangement also has a bearing compartment with a contact surface. A piston seal is positioned between the inner case, the seal ring, and the bearing compartment and is configured to contact the contact surfaces.
US09926789B2

A flow splitting baffle for separating a main cooling flow through an inner channel of a component includes a tubular structure defining a tubular cavity and having a longitudinal axis. The flow splitting baffle also includes an inner ring coupled to the tubular structure and extending away from the tubular structure along a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The flow splitting baffle also includes an outer ring parallel to the plane, positioned a first distance from the tubular structure, extending away from the tubular structure and positioned a second distance from the inner ring. The flow splitting baffle also includes a strut perpendicular to the plane, extending from the inner ring to the outer ring and coupled to the inner ring and the outer ring.
US09926783B2

A method and apparatus for determining a parameter of a production fluid in a wellbore by providing an initially blocked isolated communication path between a sensor and an aperture formed in a sleeve. The isolated communication path is subsequently unblocked to allow measurements of the parameter of the production fluid.
US09926782B2

Systems and methods for automated fluid sampling for tracer testing are described. In one aspect, an automated fluid sampling system includes a pressurized line, such as a production well or an injection well connectively and a fluid separation vessel receiving sample fluids therefrom. The fluid separation vessel includes a plunger and is configured for gravity-mediated phase separation of the sample fluids into a plurality of aqueous, organic and/or gas phase fluid fractions and includes pluralities of inlet and outlet ports for mediating flow of sample fluids therethrough. At least one purging fluid source, such as a gas or liquid, is used for driving the plunger. Sample fluid collection vessels receive phase-separated sample fluids from the fluid separation vessel. Pluralities of fluid lines and solenoid valves operatively link the pressurized line, purging fluid sources, sample fluid collection vessels, and disposal vessel to one another, whereby a controller selectively manages the automated flow of fluids through the various fluid lines.
US09926779B2

A method for making downhole whirl measurements in a drill string includes rotating a sensor set in a borehole. The sensor set is deployed in the drill string and includes at least one cross-axial accelerometer and at least one cross-axial magnetometer. Sensor measurements, including a plurality of accelerometer measurements and a plurality of magnetometer measurements made at predetermined measurement intervals, may be obtained while drilling and used to compute a whirl magnitude.
US09926777B2

In an embodiment, a sensing subassembly for use with a downhole tool comprises a housing, a cavity extending into the housing, a sensor disposed at least partially within the cavity, a shock mitigating member disposed between at least one end of the sensor and the housing, and at least one seal member disposed between the sensor and the housing. At least a portion of the sensor is in fluid communication with an exterior of the housing, and the shock mitigating member is configured to attenuate at least a portion of a shock wave between the housing and the sensor.
US09926771B2

Apparatus and method for connecting tubular members in a wellbore. A host tubular member has annular members mounted within a receiving section to provide regions of differing resistance to the radial load. When a portion of a second tubular member is expanded radially outwardly within the receiving section a joint is formed between the members. Embodiments of host tubular members include recesses for the portion to form protrusions within, collapsible rings, channels and valves to expel fluid from the interface between the members and gripper elements and sealing elements to improve the joint.
US09926760B1

A technique facilitates use and operation of a tree cap which may be deployed into engagement with a subsea tree located over a subsea well. The subsea tree may comprise a production flow passage and an annulus flow passage in communication with a tree cap receiving area. The tree cap may be moved via a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) into position in the tree cap receiving area. The ROV also may be operated to selectively lock and/or release the tree cap with respect to its position in the subsea tree.
US09926753B2

Apparatus and methods include a parking system for a drilling rig. The parking system includes a first track portion extending along a pathway between a well center and a V-door on a drilling rig and a second track portion extending in a transverse direction relative to the first track portion. A trolley is configured to carry a racking device and move along at least a portion of the first track portion and the second track portion between a position in the pathway between well center and the V-door on a drilling rig and a position offline and out of the pathway between well center and the V-door on a drilling rig.
US09926750B2

A pressure responsive downhole tool comprises a threaded shearable retaining mechanism which performs the tension sleeve or shear pin function. The threaded shearable retaining mechanism comprises a pin and box thread that shears upon application of a predetermined pressure which may be adjusted based upon the amount of thread engagement. The pin thread may comprise indicators to indicate which thread engagement corresponds to what shear value. A keystone thread design may be utilized such that the thread would be retained along the threaded connection and not become lost in the well. Thus, the present invention allows for each pressure responsive tool to be custom tailored for a specific job.
US09926748B2

An oil field tubular has a composite material housing within which is located one or more wireless communication devices with a charge storage device for powering the communication device(s). In a disclosed method of installing a wireless communication device upon an oilfield tubular, a prefabricated composite shell formed with an inner skin and outer skin forming an inner space for containing the wireless communication device is applied to a surface of the tubular so as to form a cavity between the surface of the tubular and the prefabricated composite shell, a bonding material is introduced to the cavity and bonding material is cured.
US09926747B2

Signal communications at a drilling system generally includes communicating upwards or downwards from the rig floor. For example, signal communications upwards may comprise the control of a cementing head operation (e.g., actuating cementing head). Signal communications downwards may comprise the activation of tools and their confirmation (e.g., hole opening tools, liner hangers, and packers). Actuation may be performed via umbilicals, for example, via pressure spikes or the dropping of balls, darts, or radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. However, issues may arise wherein, for example, a ball may not properly land to close a circulation valve. As another example, a cementing head could be over 100 feet above the rig floor, which may make it difficult for signal communications via an umbilical. Accordingly, what is needed are techniques and apparatus for activation of tools and their confirmation by a remote communication system.
US09926746B2

A downhole tool includes a body having a bore extending at least partially therethrough. A component is disposed within the bore and arranged and designed to move axially from a first position to a second position within the bore. An axial end portion of the component has a first contact surface that is oriented at an angle from about 1° to about 45° with respect to a longitudinal axis extending through the component.
US09926740B2

A mounting system for a roller blind includes a tension bar for mounting under pressure between first and second sides of a windows frame. The tension bar may provide both long and short adjustment of mounting system width. The tension bar extends through a hollow roller tube of the roller blind, and through a clutch mechanism of the roller blind, and is coupled to end mounting fixtures. The length of the tension bar may be adjusted as a long adjustment of mounting width. Various mechanisms may be associated with one or both of the end mounting fixtures for short adjustment of mounting width, such as a latch mechanism, wedge mechanism, spring-loaded mechanism, or turn-buckle system. End pads at the ends of the blind provide friction and absorb excess pressure. The mounting mechanism serves as a universal window blind bracket and support rod, which requires no screws or nails to install.
US09926738B1

A safety gate for enclosing a passageway includes first and second gate members situated in an overlapping arrangement for slidable movement horizontally so that a width defined collectively by the gate members is selectable. The second gate member is essentially received by the first gate member. Each gate member includes an upstanding proximal end panel and spaced apart upper and lower panels extending away from the respective proximal end panel, the upper and lower panels having terminal ends, respectively, that together define a void therebetween. Each gate member includes an upper rail member extending horizontally along an upper edge of the first gate member that is perpendicular to respective upper panels. The first and the second rail members are situated one atop the other and share a singular vertical axis extending through them.
US09926734B2

Hinge for a door which covers at least in part a compartment, of the type comprising a fixed support for coupling to a compartment frame, and a mobile support for coupling to a door, wherein such mobile and fixed support are at least rotatably constrained one to the other. The hinge also comprises a coil spring operatively interposed between the fixed support and the mobile support to impose a predefined law of motion to the mobile support with respect to the fixed support, and an actuator for applying a push or a pull force onto said mobile support with respect to the fixed one.
US09926729B2

A handle assembly includes a first handle, a second handle, and a magnet. The first handle is moveably attached to a first base. The second handle is moveably attached to a second base. The magnet magnetically couples the first handle to a striker plate. Movement of the first handle with respect to the first base uncouples the magnet and the striker plate. Movement of the second handle with respect to the second base moves the first handle with respect to the first base. A handle assembly includes a first handle and a magnet. The first handle is pivotable about a first axis. The magnet magnetically couples the handle assembly to a doorjamb. Pivotal movement of the first handle uncouples the handle assembly from the doorjamb. The handle assembly may include a second handle pivotable about a second axis. Pivotal movement of the second handle pivots the first handle.
US09926725B2

The present disclosure provides lockable cover assemblies that can cover mounting fasteners used to secure network devices to mounting structures, including racks, rack-mounted enclosures, cabinets or other mounting enclosures used to mount network devices, or utility boxes used to mount network devices. The lockable cover assemblies can be configured to cover the mounting fasteners of one or more network devices or the lockable cover assemblies can be built into a mounting enclosure and lock each network device in the rack.
US09926718B2

The invention relates to a flexible coupling comprising a lower assembly (10) having a spigot member (20), and an upper assembly (60) having a recess adapted to receive the spigot member, thereby allowing articulation of the upper assembly (60) with respect to the lower assembly (10) in any direction. A complementary indexing means is adapted to circumferentially align the lower assembly (10) and the upper assembly (60), and a single resilient member (65) interconnects the lower and upper assemblies, wherein the lower and upper assemblies are urged into mutual engagement against said articulation.
US09926711B2

A G-hook for the mutual releasable connection of two prop portions of a telescopic construction prop has a pin and a hoop. The pin and the hoop are different, separate parts which are rotationally rigidly connected to one another, meaning the pin cannot rotate relative to the hoop because they are rigidly fixed to one another. The pin has a force introduction portion with a surface which is curved regionally and a force removal portion which is diametrically opposite the force introduction portion and whose surface is formed substantially planar.
US09926710B2

The present invention discloses a lipped tray, intended for use on scaffold towers and adapted to hold builders' tools in use. The tray incorporates on each of its two opposite side edge regions a means which, when the tray is in use, locates the tray between horizontally successive rails of the tower in a manner which also causes the tray to engage with one at least of those rails and be supported, in use, by each of them.
US09926706B2

A snow guard includes a plate having a front side and a back side, a first and second flange extending from the opposite edges of the front side of the plate, wherein the first flange defines a first vertical slot and the second flange defines a second vertical slot, such that the first vertical slot faces the second vertical slot. The snow guard also including base extending from the back side of the plate and terminating in a distal end. A groove is defined through the plate and the base, the groove extending from the front side of the plate to the distal end of the base, and one or more holes extend transversely through the base, the one or more holes in communication with the groove.
US09926705B2

A covering employing a fascia gutter is disclosed. The fascia gutter includes a front member, bottom member, a rear member, a ledge, a guiding groove, a protrusion and a receiving space. The bottom member connects the front member to the rear member. The receiving space is defined by the front member, the bottom member, and the rear member. The ledge is connected to the rear member. An opening is defined by the ledge and the protrusion.
US09926686B2

A gear mechanism of a power train includes first and second planetary gear mechanisms, which respectively include first to third rotating elements and fourth to sixth rotating elements which are each different to each other. The transmission section transfers the drive force of the second rotating element to the fourth rotating element. A rotating shaft fixing section of a power train integrally operates the rotating shafts of the third and fifth rotating elements. A variable transmission section of a power train includes an input section where drive force is input and an output section configured to output drive force equal to or less than the input drive force. A drive force conversion control section of a controller controls the variable transmission section to enable the output of the engine to be converted to an appropriate drive force and the converted drive force to be transferred to the output shaft.
US09926685B1

An adjustable coupler includes a frame, a first bracket, and a second bracket. One or both of the first bracket and the second bracket are slidably combined with the frame along a slot formed in the frame. A fastener extends from each bracket and is received into the slot allowing the bracket to slide along the frame. The fastener also serves to securely fasten the bracket to the frame after it is moved to its desired position. The slidable engagement of the brackets with the frame allows the distance between the brackets to be selectively changed allowing them to be secured to different types and sizes of mobile attachment devices. The frame further includes an attachment opening adapted to receive a pin for connecting a motor or prime mover vehicle with the adjustable coupler.
US09926680B2

A method and apparatus incorporating erosion preventing mats or blankets having oyster spat are placed to prevent or reduce erosion. The method and apparatus incorporates seeding with oyster spat and/or oyster larvae onto a blanket having rough surfaces and comprising calcium. After seeding and setting natural growth of the oyster larvae can create a barrier that helps prevent erosion by breaking the kinetic energy of waves.
US09926679B1

A barricade with a plurality of interlocking barricade members hingedly coupled to each other. Each of the interlocking barricade members include two vertical posts between which horizontal barricade members are mounted. The interlocking barricade members includes a base assembly onto which the vertical post is supported, such that the base assembly is rotatable and removable with respect to the vertical post. The base assembly is entirely behind and extends away from the barricade's rear face, thereby keeping the barricade and all its components out of a given walkway to avoid becoming a hazard to pedestrian traffic.
US09926677B1

A vibratory compactor for a work machine, includes a support frame that defines an interior space and includes a base disposed at a lower end thereof configured to contact a work surface. A guide member is attached to the support frame. A vibratory mechanism includes a vibratory housing and includes a contact plate. The contact plate is configured to compact the work surface. An excitation device is configured to vibrate the contact plate. A guide opening is formed through the vibratory housing configured to movably receive the guide member and to permit the vibratory mechanism vertical movement relative to the support frame. At least one biasing member is disposed between the support frame and the vibratory housing and generates a selected force between the support frame and the vibratory housing when the base is in contact with the work surface.
US09926676B1

A locking mechanism for a base plate of a vibratory compactor includes a locking actuator configured to alternately lock and unlock the base plate relative to the vibratory compactor, and a hydraulic control circuit in fluid communication with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and the locking actuator. The hydraulic control circuit includes a hydraulic pilot-pressure-actuated, 2-position spool valve, wherein the spool valve is configured to move to a first position when pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source is supplied to the spool valve in a first direction, and move to a second position when the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source is supplied to the spool valve in a second direction. In the first position of the spool valve the pressurized hydraulic fluid moves the locking actuator to a locked position, and after the locking actuator is in the locked position, the pressurized hydraulic fluid operates a hydraulic motor configured to power the vibratory compactor. In the second position of the spool valve the pressurized hydraulic fluid moves the locking actuator to an unlocked position.
US09926667B2

A seamless unitary deflection member. The seamless unitary deflection member can have a backside defining an X-Y plane and a thickness in a Z-direction. The seamless unitary deflection member can also have a reinforcing member and a plurality of protuberances positioned on the reinforcing member. Each protuberance can have a three-dimensional shape such that any cross-sectional area of the protuberance parallel to the X-Y plane can have an equal or lesser area than any cross-sectional area of the protuberance being a greater distance from the X-Y plane in the Z-direction.
US09926666B2

A modified kraft pulp fiber with unique properties is provided. The modified fiber can be a modified bleached kraft fiber that is almost indistinguishable from its conventional counterpart, except that it has a low degree of polymerization (DP). Methods for making the modified fiber and products made from it are also provided. The method can be a one step acidic, iron catalyzed peroxide treatment process that can be incorporated into a single stage of a multi-stage bleaching process. The products can be chemical cellulose feedstocks, microcrystalline cellulose feedstocks, fluff pulps and products made from them.
US09926656B2

The present invention provides a sewing machine for identifying the embroidery frame correctly by using the existing mechanism and embroidery frame. A photography unit photographs an attached embroidery frame from a height direction, an embroidery frame transfer unit moves the embroidery frame from a specific location within a region surrounded by the embroidery frame until the photography unit photographs an image of the embroidery frame corresponding to one of the plurality of embroidery frame images registered in the database, a calculation unit calculates a size of the embroidery frame based on a moving distance of the embroidery frame moved by the embroidery frame transfer unit, and an embroidery frame identification unit identifies the embroidery frame based on the size of the calculated embroidery frame.
US09926653B2

Disposable article or nonwoven that includes a first fiber layer comprising a plurality of fibers, each of which comprising an intimate admixture of a thermoplastic polymer, and a wax and/or oil, wherein at least some of the wax and/or oil is exposed at an outer surface of the fibers and wherein a surface energy treatment is disposed on at least some of the plurality of fibers; and a second fiber layer that is adjacent the first fiber layer and that comprises a plurality of cellulosic fibers.
US09926651B2

An add-on weaving method, a device based on this method, 3D fabric items producible by this method and device, and composite materials reinforced with such 3D fabric items. The 3D fabric items are produced directly by the add-on weaving process using Complementary Fabric, warp yarns and weft yarns. The interacting woven fabric produced by interlacing the warp and weft yarns is simultaneously integrated with the Complementary Fabric used. The Complementary Fabric and interacting woven fabric integrate in mutual through-thickness directions at their intersecting planes and create directly 3D fabric items which are useful for manufacturing delamination resistant and high-performance composite materials.
US09926635B2

An irrigation system is provided. The irrigation system includes a reservoir for storing irrigation water, an electrolytic gas generator, a detector, and a control unit. The electrolytic gas generator is in fluid communication with the reservoir to output a first gas and a second gas generated by the electrolytic gas generator to the irrigation water. The detector is arranged in the water reservoir to detect the concentrations of dissolved first gas and dissolved second gas of the irrigation water to obtain dissolved gas concentration information. The control unit electrically connects to the detector and the electrolytic gas generator receives the dissolved gas concentration information and adjusts the voltage applied to the electrolytic gas generator according to the dissolved gas concentration information to control the type of gas generated by the electrolytic gas generator and the concentrations of dissolved first and second gas of the irrigation water.
US09926634B2

This invention relates to a process and reactor for the electrochemical production of hydrogen peroxide.The process comprises producing protons at an anode, transporting produced protons through a cation exchange membrane into catholyte, producing peroxide anions in a cathode membrane assembly comprising a gas diffusion electrode and an anion exchange membrane adjoined to said gas diffusion electrode and in contact with said catholyte, which produced peroxide anions migrate at least in part into said catholyte, and combining protons and peroxide anions in said catholyte to form hydrogen peroxide.
US09926633B2

The present invention provides a method for generating hydrogen by water splitting at a higher hydrogen generation efficiency. In the present method, used is a photoelectrochemical cell comprising a container, a liquid stored in the container, a semiconductor electrode contained in the container, and a counter electrode contained in the container. The semiconductor electrode comprises a first semiconductor layer, a light-transmissive conductor layer; and a second semiconductor layer.
US09926630B2

The present invention relates to a process for the protection against corrosion of an article, comprising the steps of (a) application of a layer of a corrosion protecting composition comprising (i) an amorphous polymer composition comprising an amorphous polymer having a glass transition temperature of −20° C. or less and (ii) a water-absorbing filler, on a surface of the article, and (b) application of a mechanical protective layer on top of the layer of said corrosion protecting composition, wherein the article is in a wet environment. The invention further relates to a corrosion protecting composition and to a tape comprising a layer comprising a corrosion protecting composition according to the invention. The invention also relates to an article, comprising (a) a layer of a corrosion protecting composition according to the invention on a surface of the article, and (b) a mechanical protective layer to protect said layer of said composition.
US09926627B2

According to the present disclosure, a substrate processing apparatus for processing a flexible substrate including a vacuum chamber configured for being evacuated and being configured for having a process gas provided therein, a processing module adapted to process the flexible substrate, wherein the processing module is provided within the vacuum chamber, and a discharging assembly configured to generate a flow of charged particles to discharge the flexible substrate is provided. The discharging assembly is configured to generate an electric field for ionizing a processing gas.
US09926612B2

Provided are lectenz molecules, which are mutated carbohydrate processing enzymes that are catalytically inactive and that have had their substrate affinity increased by at least 1.2 fold. Further provided are methods for making and methods of using such lectenz. Additional mutated proteins following the lectenz approach are further provided.
US09926608B2

Oligonucleic acid molecules comprising a SNP site at a position corresponding to position 7480 of the bovine signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT5A) coding sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1). Also disclosed are an array or a kit comprising the same, a method for detecting the SNPs, a method for progeny testing of mammals, a method for increasing human and non-human mammal pregnancy rate in natural and artificial reproduction processes. Further provided are cattle breeding methods for improved milk production traits.
US09926603B2

A procedure and an apparatus are described for identifying individuals at risk of pulmonary tumour and/or for diagnosing a pulmonary tumour using the study of levels of expression of miRNA in the blood or another biological fluid. Also described are a method and a compound for reducing or eliminating a risk of pulmonary tumour by rebalancing the miRNAs that are underexpressed or overexpressed.
US09926596B2

The invention relate to systems and methods for sequencing polynucleotides, as well as detecting reactions and binding events involving other biological molecules. The systems and methods may employ chamber-free devices and nanosensors to detect or characterize such reactions in high-throughput. Because the system in many embodiments is reusable, the system can be subject to more sophisticated and improved engineering, as compared to single use devices.
US09926591B2

A fluid identification system comprising a plurality of particles, each particle encapsulating therein at least one tracer material having an identifiable DNA, the at least one tracer material being encapsulated by an encapsulation material, wherein the particles are adapted to retain the at least one tracer material in an encapsulated form after exposure of the particles to a temperature of at least 75° C. and/or a pressure of at least 1000 psi (6.9×106 N/m2).
US09926588B2

This invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with elevated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. Moreover, the invention provides methods for testing a candidate compound for a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase modifying activity by calculating the level of relocalization of an SMN complex component from the cytoplasm to the nucleus of a cell. Additionally, the invention provides a kit and a system for calculating the same.
US09926587B2

The present invention relates to the use, notably cosmetic and/or therapeutic, of the YKL-40 protein belonging to the family of chitinase-type proteins, of polypeptides derived from this protein or analogs thereof of a nucleic acid sequence encoding such a polypeptide or of an agent that modulates the activity or expression of such a polypeptide notably for stimulation of terminal epithelial differentiation.
US09926579B2

The present invention relates to methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, in recombinant cells such as yeast or plant cells. Also provided are recombinant cells or plants which produce long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a group of new enzymes which possess desatorase or elongase activity that can be used in methods of synthesizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US09926575B2

The invention relates to a bioreactor for methanizing biomass, a biogas plant having a plurality of such bioreactors, and a method for operating such a bioreactor. Because the elongated reactor vessel includes both a loading gate and an unloading gate that are arranged at opposite ends of the elongated reactor vessel, it is possible to remove consumed biomass, which is harmless in terms of epidemiologic hygiene and plant hygiene due to thermophilic process control during the fermentation, from the reactor vessel through the unloading gate and to transfer this consumed biomass directly to the composting process. The bioreactor thus has a “clean” unloading gate and an “unclean” loading gate.
US09926564B2

Monomeric and multimeric aptamers are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions which comprise same and methods of using same.
US09926562B2

The present invention relates to methods for preventing and treating chronic kidney disease (CKD).
US09926556B2

The present invention provides oligomeric compounds comprising at least one neutral methoxypropyl phosphonate modified internucleoside linkage. Such oligomeric compounds have one or more improved properties such as selectivity, potency, improved toxicity profile and or improved proinflammatory profile. Such oligomeric compounds have enhanced stability to exposure to base during synthesis. 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.
US09926555B2

Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for generating a repertoire of recombinant fusion polypeptides from immune cells, and uses thereof.
US09926549B2

The present invention relates to a medium composition for production of botulinum toxin and, more particularly, to a medium composition for culture of Clostridium sp. capable of producing botulinum toxin. The medium composition of the present invention comprises at least one plant-derived peptone selected from the group consisting of a garden pea hydrolysate, a cotton seed hydrolysate and a wheat gluten hydrolysate. When the medium according to the present invention, which contains plant-derived peptones and minerals, is used for culture of Clostridium botulinum, the growth rate of the bacterium in the medium is about 1.5-2 times higher than that in the medium that is in current use. In addition, when botulinum toxin is produced by culturing the bacterium in the medium, infection with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) or the like can be prevented by blocking introduction of animal-derived components.
US09926547B2

The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity, catalytic domains, cellulose binding domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or cellulose binding domains.
US09926541B2

Compositions are disclosed herein comprising poly alpha-1,3-1,6-glucan with a weight average degree of polymerization (DPw) of at least 1000. This glucan polymer comprises at least 30% alpha-1,3 linkages and at least 30% alpha-1,6 linkages. Further disclosed are glucosyltransferase enzymes that synthesize poly alpha-1,3-1,6-glucan. Ether derivatives of poly alpha-1,3-1,6-glucan and methods of using such derivatives as viscosity modifiers are also disclosed.
US09926532B2

Methods for generating iPSCs and differentiated cells of interest by reprogramming donor cells that have been obtained in a non-invasive manner. In particular, the donor cells are exfoliated epithelial urine cells. The differentiated cells can be obtained by differentiation of the reprogrammed iPSCs or by direct reprogramming the urine cells.
US09926530B2

The present invention relates to the use of warmers, or autonomous heat packs, for heating and maintaining a solution on at a suitable temperature, for the period of time required to accomplish a chemical, biochemical or biological reaction, in particular in molecular biology or cell biology applications. Biology kits containing warmers are also part of this invention.
US09926514B1

Cleaning compositions which can be applied to surfaces and materials to clean or condition the surfaces or materials which provide an enhanced level of non-toxicity and biodegradability by conforming to EcoLogo CCD-146 and Green Seal standards.
US09926511B2

The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a lubricant composition comprising a water-miscible silicone material having a silicone emulsion wherein the silicone emulsion contains less than 500 ppm of a triethanolamine salts of alkyl benzene sulfonic acid compounds.
US09926507B2

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for precise monitoring and control of torrefaction temperature, which enables accurate control of the quality and properties of the torrefied material. The method includes determining the surface temperature of the biomass in the torrefaction arrangement is using an IR-thermometer and hot nitrogen gas a purge gas.
US09926506B2

A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon or liquid biologically derived fuel a compound having formula C{Ph(R1)i(OR2)j}2{Ph(R3)m(OR4)n}{Ph(R5)o(OR6)p}, wherein Ph represents a benzene ring, R1, R3 and R5 independently are C1-C18 alkyl or C4-C18 heteroalkyl; R2, R4 and R6 independently are C1-C18 alkyl or C4-C18 heteroalkyl, i, j, m, n, o and p independently are zero, one or two. Each compound having formula C{Ph(R1)i(OR2)j}2{Ph(R3)m(OR4)n}{Ph(R5)o(OR6)p} is present at a level from 0.01 ppm to 20 ppm.
US09926503B2

The present invention relates to a process and system for producing fuel components, and more particularly to a process and system for producing fuel components from a material of biological origin. The process is a two-step or a three-step process comprising purifying of the feed material by evaporating and refining the purified feed material in the presence of at least one catalyst to form a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds from which mixture liquid hydrocarbon compounds are separated and further fractionated into fuel components. The present invention relates further to fuel components obtained by the process of the present invention as well as to the use of the fuel components and a mixture comprising the fuel components.
US09926495B2

Alumina/NiO/ZnO and Alumina/ZnO are synthesized via a novel modified hydrothermal method and investigated for the desulfurization activities. Sulfur compounds such as thiophene, benzothiophene (BT) and dibenzothiophene (DBT) are tested for their removal from model diesel fuel. The prepared composite materials were examined by the means of N2-adsorption, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
US09926489B2

The present disclosure relates to a fluorescent powder and a light-emitting device including the same. The fluorescent powder includes an inorganic compound. The inorganic compound contains components including an element M, an element A, an element D, an element E, and an element R. The element M is selected from Eu, Ce, Mn, Tb, Dy, and Tm, the element A is selected from Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, the element D is selected from B, Al, Ga, In, La, Gd, Sc, Lu, and Y, the element E is selected from Si, Ge, Zr, and Hf, and the element R is at least two elements selected from N, O, F, and Cl. In a powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectrum with CoKα radiation, the inorganic compound at least has diffraction peaks within ranges of an Bragg angle (2θ) from 27.3° to 28.3°, 29.7° to 30.7°, 41.9° to 42.9°, and 43.5° to 44.5°.
US09926480B2

Inorganic-organic polymer nanocomposites are provided. The inorganic-organic polymer nanocomposite includes a polymeric matrix and a plurality of metal nanoparticles embedded within the polymeric matrix. The plurality of metal nanoparticles are configured to provide cooling of the nanocomposite upon exposure to photoradiation.
US09926478B2

Methods for preparing durable hydrophobic, oleophobic, and anti-icing coatings by applying a composition that comprises a lacquer binder, one or more types of particles having a size of about 30 microns to about 225 micron, and one or more types of particles modified with hexamethyldisilazane, polydimethylsiloxane or silanizing agents are set forth, along with the resulting coatings and methods of their use.
US09926463B2

Compositions and methods for changing a property of a coating are provided. The coating includes a dynamic material configured to be reversibly convertible between a hydrophobic state and a hydrophilic state, wherein transition between the hydrophilic state to the hydrophobic state occurs in an environment dependent manner. The coating also includes an environment altering material configured to alter the hydrophobic or hydrophilic state of the dynamic material.
US09926460B2

An ultraviolet curing type coating resin composition having all of respective beneficial features of excellent state in chemical resistance, under high temperature, against human skin protection creams containing a mixture of alkyl esters of benzoic acid, trademark), excellent state in gas barrier property against metal-corrosive gases as represented by sulfur-containing gases, and excellent state in flexibility that accommodates three-dimensional shape forming processing is demanded, includes an ultraviolet curing type coating resin composition containing an unsaturated-group-containing acrylic resin, with a weight average molecular weight of 5000 to 70000, a number of (meth)acrylate functional groups per molecule of 12 to 40, a hydroxyl value of 2 to 200 mgKOH/g, and with a glass transition temperature of 20 to 90° C., a volatile organic solvent, and a photopolymerization initiator.
US09926459B2

A paint composition for forming energy saving self-cleaning coatings includes water, a binder composition, a powder catalyst composition, a first pigment composition, a second pigment composition, and a fluoropolymer-composition. The binder composition includes a first acrylic resin having an average particle size from about 0.2 to 1 micron and a glass transition temperature less than about 10° C. The powder catalyst composition includes anatase titanium dioxide with a surface area from about 50 to 500 m2/g. It should be appreciated that anatase provides catalyst activity that is useful for providing the self-cleaning properties of the present embodiment. The first pigment composition includes rutile titanium dioxide which typically has low or no catalytic activity while the second pigment composition is different than the first pigment composition. Characteristically, the fluoropolymer-containing composition includes polyvinylidene fluoride and a second acrylic resin.
US09926438B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition for a heavy-load tire having excellent low heat build-up when formed into a tire and excellent flowability of the rubber during vulcanization, and a pneumatic tire produced using the rubber composition. The rubber composition for a heavy-load tire contains a diene rubber and a carbon black; the diene rubber containing: a natural rubber; and a modified polymer obtained by modifying a conjugated diene polymer with a nitrone compound; the content of the natural rubber in the diene rubber being not less than 60 mass %; and the content of the modified polymer in the diene rubber being not greater than 40 mass %; and the content of the carbon black being from 30 to 70 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the diene rubber.
US09926429B2

A polyolefin composition comprises (a) a polyolefin polymer; (b) 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol; and (c) an additional acetal component selected from a recited group.
US09926418B2

Curative fibre components comprise one or more fibres for filaments of curative suitable to cure curable resins such as thermoset resin. In curative fibre components comprising a plurality of fibres of curative, the fibres can be commingled, such as twisting, to form a thread or yarn. Curative fibre components can be used to form a material in the form of a sheet, fabric, layer, textile or mat of woven or non-woven curative fibres. Curative fibre components can be used to produce composite materials such as fibre reinforced resinous composite materials. The curative fibre components can be commingled, including interwoven, stitched and layered with other fibres or fibrous materials, such as fibrous reinforcement, fibrous curable resin, fibrous thermoplastic, other non-reinforcing fibres to form composite materials, prepregs, preforms and articles.
US09926417B2

The invention relates to a method for producing a dispersion of nanoscale dicarboxylic acid salts, to the use of these dispersions for producing a compound, and to the use for producing films. The invention further relates to the use of the compounds for producing films.
US09926415B2

The present disclosure is directed to a base film having a chemically converted polyimide, a particulate polyimide matting agent having a density from 1.3 to 1.5 g/cc and either a non-carbon black pigment or a dye. The particulate polyimide matting agent is present in an amount from 1.6 to 20 weight percent of the base film.
US09926410B2

A release-modifier composition comprises a capped polydiorganosiloxane-(MQ resin) copolymer, which comprises a macromolecule having an MQ resin portion covalently bonded to a polydiorganosiloxane portion. An M unit typically has the formula R1SiO1/2 and a Q unit typically has the formula SiO4/2, wherein R1 is an independently selected substituent. The polydiorganosiloxane portion comprises two D segments coupled to each other via a (RV,Alkenyl)SiO2/2 unit, wherein RV is (C1-C6)hydrocarbyl. Alkenyl may be (C2-C6)alkenyl. Each D segment comprises two or more (RD)2SiO2/2 units, which independently may be the same as or different than each other. Each RD independently may be (C1-C6)alkyl, (C3-C6)cycloalkyl, or phenyl. A curable release-coating composition comprising or prepared from the release-modifier composition, cured release-coating composition, coatings comprising the same, manufactured articles, kits, methods and uses, are also disclosed.
US09926406B2

A novel soluble green polythiophene electrochromic material, poly[2,3-bis(3,4-dialkoxyphenyl)-5,8-bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythienyl)quinoxaline], as shown by formula (I), wherein, n is an integer from 40 to 200, R=CmH2m+1, wherein m is an integer from 8 to 14.
US09926403B2

Process for preparing rigid polyurethane or urethane-modified polyisocyanurate foams from polyisocyanates and polyfunctional isocyanate-reactive compounds in the presence of blowing agents wherein the polyfunctional isocyanate-reactive compounds comprise a polyether polyol having a hydroxyl number of between 50 and 650 mg KOH/g obtained by reacting a polyfunctional initiator first with ethylene oxide and subsequently with propylene oxide wherein the propoxylation degree is between 0.33 and 2 mole propylene oxide per active hydrogen atom in the initiator and wherein the molar ratio of ethylene oxide to propylene oxide in said polyether polyol is at least 2.
US09926399B2

An elastomeric polymer, comprising (1) a hard segment in the amount of 10% to 60% by weight of the elastomeric polymer, wherein the hard segment includes a urethane, urea, or urethaneurea; and (2) a soft segment in the amount of 40% to 90% by weight of the elastomeric polymer, wherein the soft segment includes a polyisobutylene macrodiol and/or diamine. Additionally disclosed is a method of forming a polyisobutylene-based thermoplastic urethane, comprising the steps of (a) reacting a polyisobutylene macrodiol and/or diamine with a diisocyanate to form a first reaction mixture; (b) combining a metal catalyst and a chain extender with the first reaction mixture to create a second reaction mixture, a molar ratio of the metal catalyst to the diisocyanate being greater than 0.0:1 and less than or equal to 0.4:1; and (c) reacting the second reaction mixture for a period of time sufficient to form the polyisobutylene-based thermoplastic urethane.
US09926376B2

Antibody drug conjugates (ADC's) that bind to 158P1D7 protein and variants thereof are described herein. 158P1D7 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in glioblastoma, lung cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer. Consequently, the ADC's of the invention provide a therapeutic composition for the treatment of cancer.
US09926372B2

Methods and compositions for modulating blood-neural barrier (BNB) for the treatment of CNS conditions such as edema, and for increased drug delivery efficacy across the BNB. The present invention further relates to improved tPA treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular and related diseases in combination with antagonism of the PDGF signaling pathway. The inventive method and composition is particularly suitable for conjunctive therapy of ischemic stroke using tPA and an anti-PDGF-C antagonist or an anti-PDGFR-α antagonist.
US09926371B2

M-CSF-specific RX1-based or RX-1 derived antibodies are provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing such antibody, kits containing a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of preventing and treating bone loss in a subject afflicted with an osteolytic disease.
US09926368B2

The disclosure provides novel molecules related to growth and differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), in particular mouse and humanized antibodies, and antibody fragments, including those that inhibit GDF-8 activity and signaling in vitro and/or in vivo. The disclosure also provides methods for diagnosing, treating, ameliorating, preventing, prognosing, or monitoring degenerative orders of muscle, bone, and insulin metabolism, etc., in particular amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of such disorders by using the antibodies, polypeptides, polynucleotides, and vectors of the invention.
US09926367B2

Antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that bind to human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTPβ), and uses thereof.
US09926360B2

The present invention provides, in particular embodiments, for modified recombinant T cell receptor (TCR) ligands (RTLs) comprising a MHC class I or MHC class II component. The modified RTLs have redesigned surface features that preclude or reduce aggregation, wherein the modified molecules retain the ability to bind Ag-peptides, target antigen-specific T cells, inhibit T cell proliferation in an Ag-specific manner and have utility to treat, inter alia, autoimmune disease and other conditions mediated by antigen-specific T cells in vivo.
US09926337B2

Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases which are pathophysiologically mediated by the ghrelin receptor. The compounds have the general Formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US09926335B2

There is provided a 5,6-dihydro-4H-benzo[b]thieno-[2,3-d]azepine derivative which is useful in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and for the prevention of disease associated with RSV infection. (Formula (1)).
US09926334B1

Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for detecting remnant cancer cells in a tissue sample.
US09926314B2

The present invention provides compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer, or stereoisomer, thereof, wherein the variables are as defined herein. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds for treating, preventing, inhibiting, ameliorating, or eradicating the pathology and/or symptomology of a disease caused by a Plasmodium parasite, such as malaria.
US09926307B2

The present invention relates to novel compounds and methods for the manufacture of inhibitors of deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs). In particular, the invention relates to the inhibition of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1). The invention further relates to the use of DUB inhibitors in the treatment of cancer and other indications. Compounds of the invention include compounds having the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1 to R8 are as defined herein.
US09926306B2

This disclosure features compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that inhibit MCL-1 and/or BFL-1/A1 and compositions containing the same. This disclosure also features combinations that include one or more of the MCL-1/BFL-1/A1 inhibitor compounds described herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and one or more additional therapeutic agents (e.g., one or more chemotherapeutic agents (including small molecule and/or anti-body based chemotherapy and/or radiation); e.g., one or more therapeutic agents that modulate apoptosis; e.g., one or more therapeutic agents that bind to and inhibit anti-apoptotic proteins or modulate them indirectly; e.g., one or more therapeutic agents that bind to and inhibit, or indirectly modulate, anti-apoptotic BCL-2, BCL-XL, BCL-w, MCL-1, and/or BFL-1/A1; e.g., one or more therapeutic agents that directly bind to and inhibit anti-apoptotic BCL-2/BCL-XL; e.g., agents such as ABT-199, ABT-263 and ABT-737; e.g., ABT-737), or (where applicable) a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the one or more therapeutic agents (as well as compositions containing the same). Also featured are methods of using such compounds, salts, combinations, and compositions, e.g., for the treatment or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with deregulated apoptosis of cells (e.g., diseased or damaged cells; e.g., insufficient apoptosis of diseased or damaged cells or reduced apoptosis of diseased or damaged cells).
US09926303B2

Provided herein are processes for synthesizing dihydropyridophthalazinone derivatives, such as for example, 5-fluoro-8-(4-fluorophenyl)-9-(1-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)-8,9-dihydro-2H-pyrido[4,3,2-de]phthalazin-3(7H)-one and its stereoisomers, which are potent poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) inhibitors as well as novel synthetic intermediate compounds.
US09926291B2

A novel synthesis of the anti-androgen, A52, which has been found to be useful in the treatment of prostate cancer, is provided. A52 as well as structurally related analogs may be prepared via the inventive route. This new synthetic scheme may be used to prepare kilogram scale quantities of pure A52.
US09926286B2

The present invention provides a new intermediate II and a method for synthesizing the same. The method comprises: (a) firstly diazotizing a compound of formula I as a raw material, and then halogenating to obtain an intermediate II; and (b) reacting the intermediate II with a compound III to obtain a compound IV, hydrolyzing the obtained compound IV directly without being separated to obtain Vortioxetine represented by compound V. The intermediate II can be used for synthesizing Vortioxetine.
US09926284B2

The invention relates to N-(1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)arylcarboxamides of formula I and their use as herbicides. In said formula I, X represents N or CR2, whereas R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 represent groups such as hydrogen, halogen or organic groups such as alkyl or phenyl.
US09926282B2

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.
US09926280B2

In certain embodiments hydantoin compounds are provided herein that are effective to inhibit BACE activity against APP. Without being bound to a particular theory, it is believed the activity of the hydantoins identified herein appears to be associated with binding to BACE and/or to APP particularly when these moieties form a BACE/APP complex. Accordingly, it is believed the compounds described herein represent a new class of compounds designated herein as APP-Binding-BACE Inhibitors (ABBIs) and provide a new mechanism to modulate APP processing. The hydantoins described herein appear to show improved brain permeability and functional BACE inhibition.
US09926277B2

Provided herein are pyridone compounds, for example, a compound of Formula I, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods of their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a proliferative disease.
US09926274B2

The present invention provides a process that enables a substituted methylamine compound which is useful as an intermediate for the production of agricultural chemicals and medicines, to be produced easily, with good yield, and at low cost, and also provides a production intermediate thereof. The process comprises a step of reacting a hexamethylenetetraammonium salt compound represented by a formula (I) with a base to obtain an N-methylidene-substituted methylamine oligomer represented by a formula (II) or a mixture of two or more of the oligomers, and a step of hydrolyzing the N-methylidene-substituted methylamine oligomer represented by formula (II) or the mixture of two or more of the oligomers in the presence of an acid. (wherein A represents an organic group, R represents a hydrogen atom, or an organic group, L represents a halogen atom and the like, and n represents an integer of 2 to 20).
US09926273B2

The invention relates to compounds and methods for modulating one or more components of a kinase cascade. The invention also relates to substantially pure compound 1 and substantially pure compound 1 salt (e.g., compound 1 hydrochloride salt and compound 1 benzenesulfonate salt). The invention further relates to methods of preparing substantially pure compound 1 and compound 1 salts.
US09926265B1

There is disclosed a process for producing taurine from ammonium isethionate by the ammonolysis of alkali isethionate in the presence of alkali ditaurinate or alkali tritaurinate, or their mixture, to inhibit the formation of byproducts and to continuously convert the byproducts of the ammonolysis reaction to alkali taurinate. Alkali taurinate is reacted with ammonium isethionate to obtain taurine and to regenerate alkali isethionate. The production yield is increased to from 90% to nearly quantitative. The ammonolysis reaction is catalyzed by alkali salts of hydroxide, sulfate, sulfite, phosphate, or carbonate.
US09926256B2

Disclosed herein is a mixed phosphate catalyst for converting lactic acid to acrylic acid, which is characterized by a high conversion of lactic acid, a high selectivity for acrylic acid, a high yield of acrylic acid, and correspondingly low selectivity and molar yields for undesired by-products. This is achieved with a particular class of catalysts defined by a mixture of metal-containing phosphate salts. Further, the catalyst is believed to be stable and active for lengthy periods heretofore unseen in the art for such dehydration processes.
US09926247B2

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol comprising the steps of hydrogenating a composition comprising C2-oxygenate compounds in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst.
US09926239B2

A methanation reactor for reacting dihydrogen with a carbon-based compound and producing methane. The reactor has a hollow body configured to receive a fluidized bed of catalytic particles, an inlet for each carbon-based compound and dihydrogen, and an outlet for methane and water. A water inlet is provided to inject liquid-phase cooling water into the fluidized bed. When each carbon-based compound is a gas, the reactor has at least one water-injection nozzle and at least one gas injection nozzle for a gas consisting of the carbon-based gas and dihydrogen, and at least one water-injection nozzle positioned below the gas-injection nozzle. The flow rate of water introduced into the hollow body can depend on the temperature measured in the reactor.
US09926236B2

The present invention provides: an oxide sintered body having superior manufacturing stability, film stability, discharge stability, and mechanical strength; a process for manufacturing the same; and an oxide film obtained by using the oxide sintered body and having an intermediate refractive index. The oxide sintered body comprising In and Si, wherein a Si content is 0.65 to 1.75 in Si/In atomic ratio, a relative density is 90% or more, and a bending strength is 90 N/mm2 or more, is manufactured, and the oxide film with refractive index of 1.70 to 1.90 by a sputtering process using the oxide sintered body is manufactured.
US09926226B2

The invention relates to: a composition for the cold-end treatment of hollow glass articles, characterized in that it is an aqueous solution containing 0.01% to 1% by weight of solids of carnauba wax; a process for the cold-end treatment of hollow glass articles, comprising the spraying of this composition; and a hollow glass article thus obtained.
US09926206B2

An improved method for treating manganese-containing materials, such as seafloor manganese nodules, by leaching with aqueous HNO3 and NO gas, and more particularly to methods for recovering valuable constituents from such nodules, especially manganese, cobalt, nickel, iron, and copper. It also provides a method to leach manganese material to release the titanium, vanadium, cerium, molybdenum and other metals from the manganese oxides and to make them available to be recovered.
US09926205B2

A method for producing antimony trisulfide can inexpensively produce antimony trisulfide that has a relatively low content of lead, arsenic, and crystalline silica (i.e., impurities). The method includes charging a reaction vessel with an antimony trioxide powder and sulfur, and heating the inside of the reaction vessel to react antimony trioxide with sulfur. Since antimony trioxide is obtained by volatilization-oxidation refining, antimony trioxide has a small particle size and a large specific surface area, and exhibits good reactivity, and high-purity antimony trioxide having a low content of impurities (e.g., lead, arsenic, and crystalline silica) is easily available. It is possible to inexpensively produce antimony trisulfide having a low content of impurities by utilizing high-purity antimony trioxide as a raw material.
US09926202B2

Procedures for the synthesis of zero dimension GQDs based on exfoliation/reduction of surface passivated functionalized graphite oxide (f-GO PEG) are described. The synthesis procedures can include exfoliation/reduction f-GO PEG in presence of hydrogen gas, using focused solar radiation and under vacuum.
US09926200B1

Highly purified carbon nanotubes (CNT) having virtually no carbonaceous impurities (amorphous carbon) nor inorganic impurities (metal and metal oxides), and methods of their preparation are described. The purified CNT feature excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties due to the near total absence of detrimental impurities. The CNT starting material is preferably in the form of wafer, film, or buckypaper for efficient diffusion of purifying media. The highly pure CNT are prepared by heat treating a CNT starting material in a specified amount of oxygen, then treating the CNT in a solution comprising water and acid, or further heat treating the CNT in an atmosphere comprising chlorine (Cl2). Extremely low levels of inorganic impurities may be achieved by treating sequentially with a treatment solution followed by chlorine. Removal of chloride from purified CNT may be achieved by further treating the chlorine-treated material in an atmosphere comprising hydrogen (H2).
US09926198B2

A method for manufacturing high purity sulfuric acid is provided. A mixed solution subsequently undergoes a first preheating step, a second preheating step, a distilling step and an evaporating step to remove peroxide, water, oxygen and insoluble impurities, so as to obtain the first gas containing sulfur trioxide, sulfuric acid and hydrogen oxide. And then, the sulfur trioxide is absorbed by a sulfuric acid solution, thereby forming the high purity sulfuric acid.
US09926193B2

Nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) devices having nanomagnets for an improved range of operating voltages and improved control of dimensions of a cantilever are described. For example, in an embodiment, a nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) device includes a substrate layer, a first magnetic layer disposed above the substrate layer, a first dielectric layer disposed above the first magnetic layer, a second dielectric disposed above the first dielectric layer, and a cantilever disposed above the second dielectric layer. The cantilever bends from a first position to a second position towards the substrate layer when a voltage is applied to the cantilever.
US09926190B2

A MEMS device and methods of forming are provided. A dielectric layer of a first substrate is patterned to expose conductive features and a bottom layer through the dielectric layer. A first surface of a second substrate is bonded to the dielectric layer and the second substrate is patterned to form a membrane and a movable element. A cap wafer is bonded to the second substrate, where bonding the cap wafer to the second substrate forms a first sealed cavity comprising the movable element and a second sealed cavity that is partially bounded by the membrane. Portions of the cap wafer are removed to expose the second sealed cavity to ambient pressure.
US09926185B2

A fluid transfer lid for removably coupling to pharmacy bottles or containers for withdrawing and/or delivering liquid medication or other fluid therefrom or thereto. In example forms, a syringe comprising a male or female connection tip couples with a transfer port of the lid, thereby allowing the transfer of fluids from the container and to the syringe.
US09926181B1

A touchless tap handle for beverage dispensing is provided that incorporates a spring and ball check valve within a spigot housing. The spigot housing as a male threaded end for connection to a beverage dispensing line. Between the beverage connection and the check valve is a flow control valve having a detachable control mechanism. A system operator can use the control mechanism to calibrate fluid flow. The control mechanism is further fastened or keyed to allow for removal after modifying system flow parameters. A tap handle extension is further provided that can be threadingly affixed to the spigot housing. The tap handle extension specifically does not control operational parameters, which are intended to be initiated through touchscreen or pushbutton control of a pour control system.
US09926173B1

This invention provides a circular tower spiral escalator structure with counter-rotating sprocket wheels at the top and bottom floors that use a side bow roller chain to connect and drive the ascending and descending escalator steps. Two pedestal robots and a step conveyor at the top and bottom floors pick up each escalator step when it arrives and move it to the opposite side of the circular tower where it departs. An alternate design replaces the two pedestal robots and step conveyor with a double arm pedestal robot on the top and bottom floors. Both designs provide continuous transport of escalator riders to a plurality of floors of varying ceiling heights with level entries and exits on each floor.
US09926172B2

A ropeless elevator system, a propulsion system, and a method for operating a ropeless propulsion system are disclosed. The ropeless elevator system may include an elevator car, a hoistway in which the elevator car travels, and a ropeless propulsion system. The ropeless propulsion system may include electrical windings energized by a power source, the electrical windings affixed to a stationary structure, the stationary structure associated with the hoistway, and a magnet, the magnet affixed to a moving structure, the moving structure associated with the elevator car, and interaction between the electrical windings and the magnet generates a thrust force on the elevator car traveling in the hoistway. The ropeless elevator system may further include an array of Hall effect sensors, the array of Hall effect sensors determining a sensed magnetic field, the sensed magnetic field being associated with electrical currents carried by the windings and used to determine a magnetic field orientation of the electrical currents carried by the windings with respect to the magnet.
US09926165B2

An adhesive tape dispenser includes a main body provided with a flattening sheet at an upper side of a first end and the flattening sheet is connected with a blade. The main body is provided with a Velcro at an underside of the first end and pivotally mounted with a first roller corresponding with the Velcro. In the process of release of adhesive tape, the adhesive tape enables the first roller and the Velcro to rub each other and generates static electricity and thus, when the adhesive tape is not used, the adhesive tape will be absorbed to the first roller and impossible to roll up back to the adhesive tape roll.
US09926161B2

Provided is a paper feeding roller in which recesses due to deformation are unlikely to be formed even when contact with another roller in one location continues for a comparatively long period of time, particularly as a conveying roller or the like. A paper feeding roller that has a shaft measuring 6 mm in exterior diameter pressure-welded to the outer circumferential surface under a load of 600 g in a high-temperature environment of 60° C. for 24 hours is left at room temperature for eight hours while being pressure-welded, after which the recess amount obtained using the difference (T)0−T1, between the thickness T1 (mm) of the position where the shaft was pressure-welded and the thickness T0 (mm) of a position where the shaft was not pressure-welded, is 0.1 mm or less.
US09926150B2

The present invention provides a sheet feeding apparatus capable of feeding sheets at a proper position without a regulating member being bent even if a cassette unit is closed in a state in which a large volume of sheets are stacked. A large-volume feeding deck includes a non-reference-side regulating plate, an external casing plate, and positioning members, which are movable relative to the cassette unit.
US09926138B1

An item that is moving along a moving surface of an inventory conveyance system may be identified. An orientation of the item with respect to the moving surface may be determined based on sensing information that describes the item and a portion of the moving surface surrounding the item. A removal strategy for operating a robotic arm to remove the item from the moving surface may be determined based at least in part on the item and the orientation. The removal strategy may include a trajectory for the robotic arm to follow as part of removing the item from the moving surface.
US09926135B2

A control mechanism for a refuse vehicle includes a first control valve that operates a first hydraulically controlled mechanism and a second control valve that operates a second hydraulically controlled mechanism. The control mechanism also includes a plurality of switches and a pneumatic control mechanism. The plurality of switches generates a valve select signal and a mode signal. The pneumatic control mechanism selectively controls the first control valve and the second control valve based on the valve select signal and the mode signal. An operator of the refuse vehicle actuates the plurality of switches while the operator is operating the pneumatic control mechanism.
US09926117B2

A can cover having an inner cover comprising a circular groove in which an upper sealing portion of said can is inserted. An inner O-ring is tightly attached to said upper sealing portion of said can. Said inner O-ring is inserted into said circular groove of said inner cover. Also included is an outer coupling ring having a plurality of coupling protrusions inserted into a plurality of coupling grooves formed in an outer circumferential portion of said inner cover. A clearance is formed between said coupling grooves such that when said outer coupling ring is separated from said inner cover, said clearance spreads and separates said inner cover from said upper sealing portion of said can.
US09926103B2

Assembled and combined pallet constitutes of supporting beams and skids wherein: the supporting beams are made of the hollow metal section bar and the supporting beams are equipped with the grooves along its length direction on the top; the skids are set with inserting blocks at the bottom in relation to the grooves on the top of the supporting beams and inserting blocks are inserted into the grooves along the length direction of the grooves; the supporting beam is set with a locating lever in relation to the inserting block of each skid, and the inserting block of each skid is set with a locking hole in relation to the locating lever and the locating level passes through the corresponding locking hole of the inserting block to lock the skid. The skid connection and supporting beam is reliable and the disassembly and assembly during the use is convenient and fast.
US09926101B2

Provided is a paper container for foods capable of being fabricated by heat sealing which does not absorb flavors, such as limonene, and capable of storing a long period at ordinary temperature. The laminated material for paper containers is composed of paper substrate layer/adhesive for paper layer/first adhesive for barrier layer/barrier layer/second adhesive for barrier layer/heat-sealable PET resin layer, has an oxygen gas barrier ability of 2.0 ml/m2·D·atm or less, and the heat-sealable PET resin layer is made having a crystal portion of less than 15%, non-crystal portion of 85% or more.
US09926094B2

The following simplified summary is provided in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. In certain embodiments a system for opening packages is provided comprising a conveyer for supporting or conveying a package, wherein the package comprises a surface material and a measurement zone wherein the package is inspected and measured for a cutting operation to thereby determine a process location comprising a location on the package for introduction of a cut to the surface material.
US09926091B2

An apparatus comprises a shrink tunnel for use in a production system for the production of packaging units from packaging materials filled with a product and having shrink film shrunk thereon, the shrink tunnel comprising a tunnel zone, heating means for application of heat to shrink the shrink film onto packaging units moved through the tunnel zone, the tunnel zone being maintained at a tunnel temperature equal to a target operating temperature, wherein the tunnel has an operating mode and a standby mode, wherein heat output during the standby mode is less than heat output during the operating mode, and wherein the standby mode is triggered by at least one of a time control and a signal control.
US09926085B2

Method for optimising the design of sealing rings of internal manhole covers which close the manhole openings over the inner surface of the skin of an aircraft structure, the surface that is in contact with the inner surface of the skin being the optimized surface of said sealing rings, the method including dividing the outer contour and the inner contour of the optimised surface into n points; grouping into families Fi the sealing rings of each manhole opening; generating the curves that are best adapted to the set of points taken for the outer contour and for the inner contour of each sealing ring for each one of the families Fi; generating a ruled surface among the curves generated for each one of the families Fi.
US09926083B2

A valve for connecting an external tank to an aircraft has a valve body; and a seal assembly arranged, in use, to resiliently engage a seal surface on an aircraft. The seal assembly has a telescopic seal member extending from a proximal end within the valve body to a distal end. The telescopic seal member is constrained within the valve body so as to maintain axial alignment of the telescopic seal member and the valve body. The seal assembly may also have a seal carrier at the distal end of the telescopic seal member. The seal carrier may be pivotable relative to the telescopic seal member for alignment, in use, with the aircraft seal surface.
US09926077B2

A rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform includes a vehicle body. The vehicle body includes a processing unit that receives positional sensor data and provides flight controls based upon the received positional sensor data. The vehicle body also includes a first frame connection interface that is configured to interface with a plurality of different arm types. The first frame connection interface comprises a physical connection and an electronic connection. Additionally, the rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform includes a first arm, of a rotor-based remote flying vehicle platform, that is selectively connectable to the vehicle body through the first frame connection interface. The first arm comprises a first arm connection interface that is selectively connectable to the first frame connection interface. Additionally, the first arm comprises a first motor mounted to the first arm.
US09926069B2

A load-bearing fairing element for a flap adjustment mechanism of an aircraft comprises a shell-shaped fairing housing with an at least partly U-shaped profile with an open side, a closed side, and a direction of main extension, at least one first cover panel that along the direction of main extension covers part of the open side, and a load-bearing bridge element. The bridge element is arranged in the fairing housing and with a base area conforms so as to be flush against an internal surface of the fairing housing and extends towards the open side. The bridge element comprises an essentially planar cover area that covers the base area on the open side in order to produce a closed profile contour that is circumferential on the direction of main extension. The bridge element comprises means for holding a shaft feed-in of a central flap drive and means for holding an adjustment mechanism that is couplable to the shaft feed-in. Consequently there is no need to provide complex stiffening structures within the fairing element.
US09926064B1

A latching apparatus is for a cowl on an outboard marine engine. The cowl has a first cowl portion and a second cowl portion, which are latched together by the latching apparatus in a closed cowl position and unlatched from each other in an open cowl position. The latching apparatus comprises a retainer on the first cowl portion; an actuator device on the second cowl portion, and a wire coupled to the actuator device. The wire is coupled to the retainer in the closed cowl position and the wire is uncoupled from the retainer in the open cowl position. Actuation of the actuator device in a first direction rotates the wire so as to couple the wire to the retainer and actuation of the actuator device in a second direction rotates the wire so as to uncouple the wire from the retainer.
US09926058B2

A propeller having a means for creating fluid flow in a non-axial direction and redirecting it in an axial direction.
US09926056B2

A small watercraft end portion transportation device utilizes a hull cradle attached to a hull carrier to protect a watercraft during portage. The hull cradle has form-fitting cradle plates which wrap around the sides of the bow or stern and support the underside hull. Plate cushions can be used to more evenly distribute pressures to the cradle and protect the craft. Tie attachments, tie cables and tie downs can be used to secure the craft in the cradle. The lower hull carrier uses a number of hull carrier supports which together support the cradle above a carrier wheel assembly and provide additional plate protection to the craft and cradle. A modified set of rear hull carrier supports extend downwards from the lower hull carrier and attach to a carrier wheel assembly. The hull carrier supports act as independent suspension systems to absorb shock from the wheels.
US09926044B1

A full contact pontoon floating deck is revealed. An upper and a lower assembly grooves are disposed concavely on an upper and a lower ends of each of two sides of a pontoon respectively. A connecting rod is connected to the two pontoons by upper connecting members and lower connecting members. One end of the upper connecting member and one end of the lower connecting member are connected to the upper and the lower assembly grooves of the pontoon respectively by upper and lower assembly members while an upper and a lower connecting portions on the other end of the upper and the lower connecting members are connected to an upper and a lower connecting grooves of the connecting rod respectively. Thereby the tight connection forms a fully-sealed design with good support strength. No vapor space is formed so that environmental requirements are met.
US09926035B2

A system/assembly for a suspension fork for a bicycle is disclosed. A suspension system for use in a vehicle is also disclosed. A front suspension fork for a bicycle such as a mountain bike configured to contain a hydraulic fluid for fluid flow and in a flow path providing for compression damping and for rebound damping is also disclosed. A damper assembly configured to contain a hydraulic fluid for fluid flow in a flow path is also disclosed. The assembly/system generally comprises a set of inventive concepts/inventions (combination of inventive features) including (but not specifically limited to): (1) an externally-accessible adjustment mechanism; and (2) internal floating piston. The compression assembly/system of the suspension fork comprises a combination of improved functional assemblies including (but not limited to) an adjustment mechanism (e.g. with a “travel-adjust” setting) operating through flow control elements; the compression assembly can be adjusted to a “travel adjust” setting (with a reduced stroke length) and either of a “neutral” setting or “descend” setting with progressively less resistance in the fluid flow circuit. The rebound assembly/system of the suspension fork comprises a combination of improved functional assemblies including (but not limited to) an adjustment mechanism; the rebound assembly can be adjusted in a range between a “quick” setting and a “slow” setting (corresponding to relative system response speed in rebound to restore stroke length) operating through flow control elements.
US09926030B2

A cowling structure of a straddle-type vehicle, comprises a front opening forming section formed with a front opening which opens frontward in a vehicle body; a rear opening forming section formed with a rear opening which is placed rearward relative to the front opening and opens to a rear in the vehicle body; an inclined wall which is placed between a lower portion of the front opening forming section and a lower portion of the rear opening forming section, extends in a forward and rearward direction, and includes an inclined surface inclined to be higher as the inclined surfaces extends in a rearward direction; and an outer side wall protruding upward from an outer side portion of the inclined wall in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle body and extending in the forward and rearward direction.
US09926019B1

A rear fairing system for a vehicle includes a roof foil on top of the vehicle roof and sidewall foils pivotally mounted to the vehicle sidewalls. The roof foil includes downwardly facing concavity and a roof foil curved convex upper surface extending laterally across the vehicle roof. A spring extends laterally across the vehicle roof in the downwardly facing concavity. A door foil extends aft of the roof foil with a curved convex upper surface continuing the roof foil curved convex upper surface. Cables extend from the vehicle rear doors to the sidewall foils adjacent the sidewall foil free edges. The cables are taut and strain the sidewall foils toward the vehicle rear doors with the vehicle rear doors closed.
US09926017B1

An electric vehicle includes a chassis frame, a battery pack, and a multi-shear fastener. The battery pack includes a support structure vertically spaced, at least in-part, from the chassis frame. The multi-shear fastener is constructed and arranged to attach the chassis frame to the support structure.
US09926014B1

A cowl unit includes a cowl top panel connected with a dash panel by forming a bending line in a vehicle width direction, a cowl top upper panel bonded in the vehicle width direction along a top end of the cowl top panel, a first reinforcement plate, and a second reinforcement plate. The cowl top upper panel is assembled to a front glass. The first reinforcement plate includes a first end bonded to a front surface of the cowl top panel. The cowl top panel is bent downward at the first end of the first reinforcement plate. A second end of the first reinforcement plate is bonded to one side of the bending line. A first closed space portion is formed between the first reinforcement plate and the cowl top panel. The second reinforcement plate includes a first end bonded to a front end of the cowl top upper panel.
US09926009B2

Trailer guidance systems require sensors for detecting the hitch angle and the turning radius and output means for displaying the intended trailer destination. However, most vehicles do not have integral turning sensors and most trailers and/or hitches do not have integral hitch angle sensors. The present invention is a system for guiding a trailer while backing that can easily be installed or removed.
US09926001B2

A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a support element, an adjusting element that is displaceable relative to the support element for the rotatable mounting of a steering spindle, and a locking device for locking the adjusting element relative to the support element in a crash event. The locking device may include a blocking element disposed on the support element, which can be brought into engagement with an engagement part of the adjusting element. Further, a switching element may be provided for bringing about the engaging of the blocking element in the engagement part in a crash event. The switching element may bring about the engaging based on its mass inertia.
US09925996B2

Dollies support steered skis of a snowmobile on wheels to enable the snowmobile to be moved along an underlying surface with carbides on the bottom surfaces of the skis free of contact with the underlying surface.
US09925994B2

Systems and methods for controlling a train may override wayside interface units (WIUs) and/or override wayside devices. An example control system may comprise a transceiver configured to receive a status from a WIU and an on board unit (OBU) coupled to the transceiver. The OBU may be configured to override the command from the WIU and ignore a status from another wayside device associated with the WIU. The OBU may enforce all positive train control commands other than commands from sources associated with the overridden WIU.
US09925988B1

A control system for a vehicle includes a computer. The computer is programmed to command application of one of up to a predetermined steering torque value and up to a predetermined net asymmetric braking force value. Each predetermined force is selected to achieve a predetermined vehicle yaw torque that is at most the lesser of a first maximum yaw torque resulting from actuating a steering system and a second maximum yaw torque resulting from actuating a brake system.
US09925987B1

A system for detecting abnormal driver behavior includes an input interface and a processor. The input interface is for receiving a sensor data of a vehicle. The processor is for determining a driving behavior based at least in part on the sensor data of the vehicle; determining whether the driving behavior is abnormal; and, in the event that the driving behavior is abnormal, indicating an abnormal driver behavior.
US09925980B2

A collision avoidance system of a vehicle includes a sensor configured to be disposed at a vehicle for sensing exterior and forwardly of the vehicle. A processor is operable to process sensor data captured by the sensor to determine the presence of a pedestrian ahead of the vehicle and at or moving towards a path of travel of the vehicle. The processor determines a time to collision based on a determined distance to the pedestrian and determined speed of the pedestrian and speed of the vehicle. The collision avoidance system is operable to generate an alert to the driver of the vehicle at a threshold time before the determined collision with the pedestrian. Responsive to a parameter, the collision avoidance system adjusts the threshold time to generate the alert at an earlier time.
US09925974B2

Methods and systems are provided for controlling hybrid vehicle engine operation, where the vehicle engine comprises one or more cylinders dedicated to recirculating exhaust to an intake manifold. In one example, during an engine cold-start event or other event where temperature of one or more exhaust catalysts are below a temperature needed for catalytic activity, fuel injection to the dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinder(s) is maintained shut off, while its intake and exhaust valves are maintained activated, thus enabling the dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinder(s) to route air to the intake manifold of the engine, resulting in exhaust gas lean of stoichiometry that may serve to heat the catalyst. In this way, during cold start events and other events where temperature of one or more exhaust catalysts are below a temperature for catalytic activity, combustion stability issues may be avoided, and exhaust catalyst(s) rapidly heated, thereby reducing undesired tailpipe emissions.
US09925970B2

An electrohydraulic pressure control device for vehicle brake systems, including at least one electronic control unit, at least one hydraulic unit and at least one electric motor for driving a hydraulic pump, wherein the electronic control unit is mechanically connected to the hydraulic unit and is sealed off from the outer environment in at least one connection zone to the hydraulic unit by a circumferential, in particular elastic sealing material, and the sealing material extends along an edge of the substantially cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit, wherein the edge is formed by a face of the cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit facing the electronic control unit and at least one face of the cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit not facing the electronic control unit, and the sealing material at least partially covers both cuboid faces in the connection zone and/or sealing zone.
US09925955B2

In an on-board communication system, an on-board device transmits processing start signals and detection signals from a plurality of antennas provided in a vehicle, and a portable device receives the processing start signals and the detection signals and transmits a response signal that includes information corresponding to the received detection signals. Position detection of the portable device is performed based on the response signal. The processing start signals start reception processing of the detection signals by the portable device. The detection signals are successively transmitted from the plurality of antennas, at a different timing for each of the plurality of antennas. Various vehicle processing, such as engine start processing, may be performed based on the detected position of the portable device, such as whether the portable device is inside or outside the vehicle.
US09925949B2

An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The module includes an airbag formed by connected first and second panels, wherein the airbag includes first and second inflatable chambers. The module also includes an inflator for providing inflation gas for the airbag. The first and second inflatable chambers are fluidly connected by a gas flow passage. The first and second panels are connected together along a volume controlling seam located in the second chamber. The seam is configured to give way during inflation of the airbag to thereby allow the second chamber to completely inflate.
US09925946B2

An airbag module including an airbag, comprising an elongated backbone, and an airbag housing having the airbag therein coupled to the backbone. A sleeve is secured about the airbag housing, and coupled to the backbone. The module also includes tubular chute having open ends that receives the elongated backbone, airbag housing, and sleeve therein, wherein the airbag housing restricts expansion of the airbag through the open ends of the tubular chute during deployment of the airbag.
US09925939B2

A method is provided for preventing a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian. The method uses a camera and a processor mountable in the motor vehicle. A candidate image is detected. Based on a change of scale of the candidate image, it may be determined that the motor vehicle and the pedestrian are expected to collide, thereby producing a potential collision warning. Further information from the image frames may be used to validate the potential collision warning. The validation may include an analysis of the optical flow of the candidate image, that lane markings prediction of a straight road, a calculation of the lateral motion of the pedestrian, if the pedestrian is crossing a lane mark or curb and/or if the vehicle is changing lanes.
US09925936B2

The disclosure includes a system and method for reconfiguring a second vehicle based on one or more preferences of a user without the user directly providing an input to the second vehicle to reconfigure the second vehicle. The method may include wirelessly receiving user profile data at a second vehicle. The user profile data may indicate one or more preference of the user. The method may also include updating one or more settings of the second vehicle based on the user profile data so that the second vehicle is reconfigured based on the one or more preferences of the user.
US09925935B2

An increase in the number of signal lines of a control apparatus for controlling devices of an automobile can be prevented and safety of the automobile can be secured. An in-vehicle communication system includes an input DHM that obtains device data from an input device, a BCM that generates control data for controlling an output device based on a value of the device data, and an output DHM that controls the output device according to the control data. The input DHM is composed of duplexed input control blocks, duplexed input shared memories, and an input NW control block. The BCM is composed of a BCM_NW control block, duplexed BCM shared memories for different intended uses, and duplexed arithmetic blocks. The output DHM is composed of an output NW control block, duplexed output shared memories, duplexed output control blocks, and a matching circuit.
US09925931B2

A reversible trim piece bracket includes a body including a first attachment edge and a second attachment edge that is differently configured from the first attachment edge. The first attachment edge and second attachment edge are configured to engage a cooperating surface on a vehicle, which may be associated with a vehicle structure such as a B-pillar. The first attachment edge may include one or more catches defining a first length for engaging the cooperating surface. The second attachment edge may include one or more catches defining a second length that is different from the first length for engaging the cooperating surface. An orienting structure may be provided for properly orienting the bracket body, which may be one or more notches defined in the bracket body for engaging one or more cooperating tabs associated with the vehicle trim piece.
US09925928B2

A versatile roof mounted cargo and recreation system is comprised of a tubular framework that provide a means for securing and transporting articles on the roof of a vehicle. The tubular framework also provides longitudinal channels which allow various accessories to be stored within the framework of the roof mounted carrier and which accessories can be arranged and fastened in a variety of configuration to serve multiple purposes such as adjusting the position of support members to support the weight of a removable hardtop for lifting and removing the hardtop and also for adjusting the position of the support members to support a canopy that is attached to the vehicle.
US09925925B2

A variable partition apparatus for a trunk of a vehicle may include a luggage board having a guide rail and arranged on an bottom surface of a trunk room, an actuating unit configured to move forwards, rearwards, leftwards, and rightwards along the guide rail, a board fixing unit coupled to an upper portion of the actuating unit and in which a partition board may be fixedly assembled while being erected, and a partition board configured to move and rotate on the luggage board by the actuating unit to variably divide the trunk room.
US09925920B2

A vehicle system includes at least one sensor that can detect a first target vehicle in a first blind spot and a second target vehicle in a second blind spot. The first blind spot is associated with an adjacent lane relative to a host vehicle and the second blind spot is associated with an extended lane relative to the host vehicle. A processor can generate a first alert signal when the first target vehicle is detected and a second alert signal when the second target vehicle is detected.
US09925919B2

A parking assistance device includes: an obstacle detection unit detecting an obstacle; a target position determination unit determining a target position between a first virtual obstacle, based on a first obstacle, and a second virtual obstacle based on a second obstacle being lined up with the first obstacle in a first direction; and a route determination unit determining a first route from the position of a vehicle to the target position, and that, when while the vehicle travels along the determined first route, the obstacle detection unit has detected a third obstacle positioned between the first and second obstacles and closer to the first obstacle than the second obstacle, enlarges the first virtual obstacle, and determines a second route that avoids the enlarged first virtual obstacle and is set from the position of the vehicle to the target position.
US09925912B2

An exterior lighting and object detection assembly for a vehicle operable in an exterior environment that includes an object includes a housing, a first light source, an inner lens, and an object detection device. The first light source is connected to the housing and emits light for a position light function of the vehicle. The inner lens is connected to the housing and has a first portion that receives and reflects the light from the first light source to the exterior environment of the vehicle to provide the position light function. The object detection device is connected to the housing and is operable to detect the object via an electromagnetic energy. The first portion of the inner lens is disposed between the object and the object detection device and is configured to permit the electromagnetic energy to pass through such that the object detection device detects the object.
US09925901B2

A vehicle seat includes a tilt plate rotationally coupled at a first horizontal axis to a front of a base. A cushion spring extends from a rear of the base to the tilt plate. Rotation of the tilt plate rotates the cushion spring about a second horizontal axis. A thigh support is rotationally coupled to the tilt plate. A dynamic spring biases the thigh support away from the tilt plate.
US09925895B2

Described are close-out shrouds (10) formed of a flame retardant material with at least one living hinge (16). The flame retardant material is configured to substantially enclose an articulating opening to a cavity, and the at least one living hinge is configured to articulate through greater than 50,000 cycles before failure.
US09925894B2

A method for customizing a vehicular massage function includes providing massage element indicia, creating massage subroutines using the massage element indicia, selecting a vehicle that includes a seat having a massage element configuration, placing the massage subroutines in communication with the vehicle, adapting the massage subroutines to be compatible with the massage element configuration and activating the seat to perform at least one massage subroutine.
US09925892B2

A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. The vehicle seat further includes a seat-bottom foundation arranged to interconnect the seat bottom and seat back to translate back and forth relative to a vehicle floor.
US09925886B2

Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for communicating with a charging system comprising a plurality of charging stations configured to charge an electric vehicle. At least one first signal is transmitted to the charging system via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. At least one second signal is received from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station, the second distance less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of a charging station identifier of the at least one charging station.
US09925885B2

A control system for a vehicle including an engine, an electrical storage unit and a generator driven by the engine, the control system includes a socket and a controller. The socket is configured to supply electric power from the generator or the electrical storage unit to a device outside the vehicle in a travel stop state. The controller stops the engine when a preset condition is satisfied. The controller sets a first range and a second range in which the condition is satisfied. The first range is the range in a case where electric power is supplied to the device outside the vehicle and the second range is the range in another case. The first range is narrower than the second range.
US09925884B2

Methods and systems are described to control the use of electrical power when charging a traction battery. A vehicle module can drive the contactor coils with two set-points for controlling the power into the contactor coils, namely, a travel or vehicle “on” set point and a charging, vehicle “off” set point. In use, full power is initially applied to the coils to guarantee immediate closure of the contactor. During charging and after closing the contactor, the power is set at the charging, vehicle “off” set point. The travel or vehicle “on” set point is higher than the charging, vehicle “off” set point. Using the charging, vehicle “off” set point reduces electricity consumption. The vehicle “on” set point is at a higher electrical level as it must maintain closure under worst-case vibration and shock conditions considering mounting location, contactor orientation, as well as other characteristics of the vehicle and contactor.
US09925881B2

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a bi-directional inverter of a vehicle. The bi-directional inverter may include an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) inverter configured to receive AC power from a power grid and generate DC power on a DC bus operatively coupled to a vehicle battery. The bi-directional inverter may also include a DC to AC inverter configured to receive DC power from the DC bus and generate AC power delivered to the power grid. The bi-directional inverter may also include an energy management system operatively coupled to the AC to DC inverter and the DC to AC inverter and configured to selectively operate the bi-directional inverter in a charging mode or a generation mode. Additionally, the bi-directional inverter may include a power line communications (PLC) coupler configured to transfer electronic data between the energy management system and a power plant network through the power grid.
US09925879B2

A switching power supply device includes a first switch, a second switch, a current sensing portion configured to sense current flowing in the second switch, and a controller configured to control the first and second switches. The controller controls the first switch and the second switch in accordance with current sensed by the current sensing portion if a ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage is a predetermined value or lower, and controls the first switch and the second switch independently of the current sensed by the current sensing portion if the ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage is higher than the predetermined value.
US09925875B2

In order to provide a technology enabling efficient visual recognition of notification information by a user, provided is an information presentation device, including: a display adjustment unit configured to display, using processing information for displaying information based on a start condition, the information on a plurality of display areas; and a storage unit configured to store condition information associating a predetermined start condition with notification information being the information to be displayed when the predetermined start condition occurs, in which the display adjustment unit is configured to, when satisfaction of the predetermined start condition is detected: identify the display area for displaying the notification information that is associated with the predetermined start condition in the storage unit; cause display of the notification information on the display area; and restrict display on other display areas other than the display area.
US09925874B2

An in-vehicle information display device has a first display and a second display disposed in a vehicle interior, a display content determination unit configured to determine whether a first content displayed on the first display and a second content displayed on the second display are identical to each other, and a display content change unit. When the display content determination unit determines that the first and second contents are identical to each other, the display content change unit changes the first content displayed on the first display or the second content displayed on the second display to a third content associated beforehand with one of the first and second contents that have been determined to be identical.
US09925868B2

A transfer case (16) for translating torque from an engine (12) to first and second differentials (20, 22), including: a housing (42), a primary shaft (44) supported in the housing (42) with an input end (52) in communication with the engine (12) and an output end (54) in communication with the first differential (20), a secondary shaft (46) spaced from the primary shaft (44) and in communication with the second differential (22), a clutch assembly (48) in communication with the shafts (44, 46) for selectively translating torque therebetween, and a sleeve (50) operatively attached to the primary shaft (44) between ends (52, 54). The sleeve (50) has an outer surface (68) with a plurality of radially spaced flutes (70) defined therein for directing lubricant from a predetermined location (72) of the housing (42) toward the clutch assembly (48) during rotation of the primary shaft (44).
US09925867B2

A fuel control regulator system for a vehicle is disclosed in which a restraint control module registers an acceleration/deceleration that falls outside of predetermined limits. In one embodiment, the fuel control regulator system includes a vehicle including steering, an accelerator, brakes, one or more audio devices in proximity to one or more front crash sensors recording sensor data, a processor, and memory. The restraint control module is coupled to the processor and configured to dynamically adjust a threshold to lie outside of an amplitude of the sensor data of the one or more front crash sensors compromised by sound from the one or more audio devices. In another embodiment, the fuel control regulator system adjusts the sensor data of an affected front crash sensor to lie within an existing threshold. In yet another embodiment, the fuel control regulator system ignores the sensor data of an affected front crash sensor.
US09925863B2

A self-sealing liquid bladder having a plurality of layers including a liquid impermeable material layer that is compatible with a liquid held in the bladder and at least one sealing layer that is conformally arranged to span a surface area of the liquid impermeable material layer and that is separated from a liquid held in the bladder by the liquid impermeable layer, the sealing layer including a sealing means that, in response to a penetration of both the liquid impermeable material layer and the sealing layer, substantially seals the penetration.
US09925857B1

A case structure of a power equipment unit includes: a case body having an upper portion opened to accommodate a power equipment; a lid member which covers the upper portion of the case body; and a cover member which is attached to the lid member and covers at least a first opening part formed in the lid member. The cover member has an intake port, the lid member has a second opening part which is provided with a maintenance/inspection plug of the power equipment so as to be adjacent to the first opening part, a space part is formed between the cover member and the lid member, the space part has a drain passage for discharging liquid to the outside, and the second opening part and the drain passage are located opposite to each other with the first opening part interposed therebetween.
US09925856B2

An arrangement in a motor vehicle includes a subframe. An energy source is arranged in a region of the subframe and components are assigned to the energy source. The energy source and the components are positioned in front of the subframe in a crash direction. The subframe has a window which exceeds the external dimensions of at least one of the energy source or the components and is configured to allow the at least one of the energy source or the components to dip into the window.
US09925849B2

Sun visor body with a light source and a mirror, wherein a surface facing the mirror is reflectively configured.
US09925845B2

A heat exchange system for realizing an adequate heat exchange among a plural type of fluids uses a refrigerant radiator and a radiator which are combined to have one unit for enabling heat exchange between a refrigerant and a coolant, and decreases an inflow amount of the coolant flowing into the radiator when coolant temperature of the coolant flowing into the radiator is equal to or higher than a second standard temperature, which is set to be lower than a temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant radiator, and is equal to or lower than a predetermined first standard temperature. In such manner, heat from the refrigerant is effectively transferred to an outside air by reducing an unwanted heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air.
US09925844B2

A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system includes a blower unit that has an interior air intake and an exterior air intake. Two doors are moved between open and closed positions to define a recirculation mode, a fresh mode and a partial recirculation mode. As the doors move between their open and closed positions, a variable partial mode and a variable fresh mode are defined.
US09925841B2

A user device is identified as being operated by a vehicle occupant. An operation being performed by the user device is identified. A road condition is determined. A vehicle suspension is adjusted based at least in part on the identified user device operation and the road condition.
US09925833B2

An object of the invention is to increase the room for elongation of a tread protection layer, while securing durability.An aircraft pneumatic tire 10 includes: a tread protection layer (12) that is provided at a lower layer of a tread section (22), and that includes plural cords (24) that arrayed in a tire width direction and are each disposed along a wave shaped imaginary line extending along a tire circumferential direction with the tire width direction as the amplitude direction; and cord discontinuity portions (14) where locations of close proximity of the cords (24) to each other are partially omitted in the tread protection layer (12).
US09925831B2

To provide a multilayer structure having high gas bather property and crack resistance as well as excellent fatigue resistance, an inner liner for a pneumatic tire using the multilayer structure, and a pneumatic tire comprising the inner liner. According to the present invention, the multilayer structure includes a barrier layer 2 made of polymer material with 50% or less elongation at break conforming to JIS K 7113 at 20° C. and 65% RH and an elastomer layer 3 made of polymer material with 100% or more elongation at break conforming to JIS K 7113 at 20° C. and 65% RH, wherein a plastic deformation amount at the time of 100% strain input is larger than a deformation amount at a tolerance point.
US09925814B2

A recording medium includes in this order a water-resistant substrate, a first ink receiving layer, and a second ink receiving layer that is the outermost layer. The first ink receiving layer contains a fumed silica and a binder. The second ink receiving layer contains a colloidal silica having an average primary particle diameter of 50 nm or more and 100 nm or less, and a polyvinyl alcohol having a silanol group.
US09925812B1

A craftwork accessory may provide a portable and/or easy-to-use tool to help users'accurately and repeatedly apply stamp impressions and the like to items such as cardstock. The accessory may include a base portion, one or more elevated side portions and cover portion. The side portions may define a workspace for arranging the item. The cover portion may be movably attached to the base portion or a side portion, for example, by one or more hinges. In operation, the item and stamp may be aligned in the workspace and the cover portion may be pressed onto the stamp to stick the stamp to the cover portion. The cover may then be opened, the stamp may be inked, and the cover portion may be closed and pressed onto the item to stamp the item. The accessory may include alignment indicia on the base portion, side portions and/or cover portion to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp. The accessory may also include fastening mechanisms, such as magnetic elements, to facilitate placement of the item and/or stamp.
US09925807B2

There is provided a conveyance system including a plurality of rollers, a plurality of motors, a plurality of measuring devices, and a controller. The controller is configured to carry out the processes of: determining a control input on each of the plurality of motors, inputting a drive signal according to the control input, calculating an estimated reaction force value for each of the rollers, calculating an estimated tension value for each pair of the adjacent rollers, calculating a tension control input for each pair, and calculating a state control input on a particular one of the rollers. The controller determines the control input on each of the plurality of motors based on the tension control input for each pair and the state control input on the particular roller.
US09925802B2

Provided is a highly reliable ink jet recording apparatus capable of preventing the occurrence of image defects. The ink jet recording apparatus includes a liquid absorbing device including a porous body configured to absorb/remove an aqueous liquid component from an image containing the aqueous liquid component and a coloring material, a heat drying device configured to perform a heat drying treatment of the image after being subjected to the liquid absorption treatment, a temperature measuring device configured to measure the temperature of the image after being subjected to the heat drying treatment with the heat drying device, and a determination unit configured to determine the state of the liquid absorbing device from the measured temperature.
US09925796B2

A method, apparatus, and computer program product are described herein for controlling a printing device. In an example embodiment, a print line is divided into frames and frame dot states are determined based on neighboring frame dot states. Maximum motor speeds of the printing device may be adjusted so that actual motor speeds change gradually during printing. The print engine may detect a printhead type by sending a signal to the printhead and receiving a response.
US09925791B2

A liquid ejection apparatus of the invention includes a liquid storage container that stores liquid, a plurality of print element boards including an ejection opening that ejects liquid and a pressure chamber that includes a print element generating energy for ejecting liquid therein, a common supply passage that supplies liquid to the plurality of print element boards, a supply-side filter provided in a passage between the liquid storage container and the common supply passage to remove a foreign substance from liquid, and a supply-side pressure adjustment mechanism provided in a passage at a downstream side of the common supply passage to adjust a pressure in the common supply passage.
US09925789B2

A regulator component includes a pressure regulator, a liquid filter, a vent with air filter downstream of the liquid filter, a second vent with air filter upstream of the liquid filter, and an outlet.
US09925781B2

Provided is a maintenance system of an ink jet recording device which appropriately maintains an ink jet head and efficiently processes a job. In an ink jet recording device that acquires a job relevant to image recording and sequentially executes the job, the ejection state of the ink jet head is detected before the next job is executed. The ejection abnormality level of the ink jet head is determined on the basis of the detection result. A maintenance execution criterion which is set in advance refers to, and the necessity of maintenance of the ink jet head is determined from the determination result of the ejection abnormality level. In a case where maintenance is required, the ink jet head is maintained before the next job is executed. On the other hand, in a case where maintenance is not required, the next job is performed.
US09925780B2

A method of capping a plurality of printheads positioned in a staggered overlapping arrangement across a width of a media feed path. Each printhead has a respective capper. The method includes the steps of: moving the cappers towards respective printheads in a direction parallel to a media feed direction; and lowering the printheads onto their respective cappers. The cappers for neighboring printheads are moved in opposite directions towards their respective printheads.
US09925778B2

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head including a nozzle which ejects liquid, and an opening face to which the nozzle opens; a cap which forms a closed space between the cap and the opening face; and a holder which holds the cap so as to move in a tilting manner in a direction which goes along the opening face.
US09925773B2

A method of bonding two components includes plating a first of the components with a first silver layer, a tin layer, and a second silver layer, plating a second of the components with silver, inserting the first and second components into a pre-heated press, and applying pressure to the components causing the components to bond. A stack of layers has a first component layer, a first silver layer, a tin layer, a second silver layer, a second component silver layer, and a second component layer.
US09925769B2

A MEMS chip having at least two chip components bonded together by means of an adhesive layer that is applied to at least one of two mating bonding surfaces of the two components, wherein a pattern of finely distributed micro-cavities is formed in at least one of the two mating bonding surfaces, said micro-cavities being arranged to accommodate a major part of the adhesive.
US09925765B2

An apparatus for ejecting liquid, includes a liquid ejection head with a plurality of individual liquid chambers and a common liquid chamber, and a pressure generator to generate a pressure for pressing liquid in the individual liquid chambers. A pulse interval, which is a time from the end of a push-in waveform element of a preceding driving pulse to the start of a pull-in waveform element of a succeeding driving pulse in the two continuous driving pulses is set to a timing when a pressure difference among the pressure fluctuations in the individual liquid chambers, caused by the pressure fluctuation in the common liquid chamber, becomes smaller.
US09925757B2

A method of creating a custom relief image printing element from at least one raw photocurable material and at least one lamination layer supplied by a manufacturer is described. The manufacturer provides a menu of raw photocurable materials and a menu of lamination layers and wherein the customer selects at least one raw photocurable material from the menu of raw photocurable materials and selects at least one lamination layer from the menu of lamination layers. The method includes the steps of: a) laminating the selected at least one raw photocurable material to the selected at least one lamination layer at a customer's location to create a photocurable printing blank; and thereafter b) imagewise exposing the at least one photocurable printing blank to actinic radiation at the customer's location to crosslink and cure portions of the at least one photocurable material and create a relief image therein. A lamination system is also described.
US09925756B2

A method for fabricating a display device is provided. A laser having a power density is provided to a substrate coupling body. The substrate coupling body includes a first substrate and a second substrate coupled to the first substrate. The second substrate is separated from the first substrate. An optical property of the first substrate separated from the second substrate is measured. The power density of the laser is adjusted based on the optical property of the first substrate.
US09925755B2

Apparatus and methods for mechanically cleaving a bonded wafer structure are disclosed. The apparatus and methods involve clamps that grip the bonded wafer structure and are actuated to cause the bonded structure to cleave.
US09925747B2

Provided is an outer cover material for a vacuum insulator, sequentially comprising: one or more layers of a polyester film; a polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) film adhered to a lower surface of the polyester film; and a sealing film adhered to a lower surface of the PVOH film. Also provided is a vacuum insulator, comprising a core material consisting of a fiberglass; and the outer cover material under internal pressure, accommodating the core material.
US09925743B2

A process for producing glass laminates including at least one sheet of glass having a thickness not exceeding 1.0 mm with reduced optical distortion and shape consistency. A pre-laminate stack of two glass sheets and a polymer interlayer are stacked between two buffer plates that are formed nominally to the desired shape of the laminate mold. The pre-laminate stack is held between the buffer plates while a vacuum is applied to the edges of the pre-laminate stack and the stack is heated to a temperature somewhat above the softening temperature of the interlayer to de-air and tack the interlayer to the two glass sheets forming the desired shaped laminate with reduced optical distortion.
US09925741B2

An acrylic rubber-metal composite, which comprises an iron phosphate treated iron-based metal, and an adhesive layer comprising a phenol resin and a metal oxide, and preferably further a halogenated polymer, and an acrylic rubber layer, successively provided on the iron-based metal surface, has not only distinguished initial adhesiveness and water resistance, when the acrylic rubber is bonded to the metal owing to application of the iron phosphate treatment to the metal surface, but also can reduce the abrasion of the mating materials when brought into contact with rubber-unbaked parts of the sheet, because the surface roughness Ra[according to JIS 0601(1994)] of the surface treated steel sheet is 0.6 or less.
US09925738B2

The assembly consists of at least one metal insert and one reinforcing sheet. The reinforcing sheet contains reinforcing fibers longer than or equal in length to one centimeter. The metal insert comprises protrusions shaped to traverse the sheet, passing between the reinforcing fibers, and to fold by plastic deformation, enclosing the reinforcing fibers when said protrusions are subjected to a longitudinal compression force.
US09925735B2

A quilling tool includes a housing, a motor, a spindle, and a platform. The motor is positioned inside the housing and coupled to a power source. The spindle is coupled to the motor and extends from the housing. The motor is operable to rotate the spindle when powered by the power source. The spindle has a portion for receiving a separate strip of paper. The platform is positioned adjacent the spindle and the housing. The platform is removable from the body in order to remove a wound strip of paper. A method for quilling strips of material is also included.
US09925726B1

A universal object holding mechanism for holding three-dimensional objects for printing thereon uses an array of wires connected to one side of a frame that are stretched to an opposite side of the frame of the holding mechanism to thereby trap an object between the wires and a back plate positioned behind and spaced from the frame. A minimum number of wires are used to hold the object against a minimum number of datum pins, so that the maximum amount of object surface is available for printing.
US09925722B2

A three-dimensional (3D) printing device has at least one collapsible vertical or horizontal axis using a scissor lift mechanism. One of the horizontal axis's can be made operable via a track or path where the entire machine moves along that path via movable wheels or gears. Sensors may monitor the height, orientation, position, and relative distance of the axes, machine, or extruders. Compensating mechanisms such as counterweights, propellers, or gyroscopes may be used to maintain balance, levelness, and control of the system. As a result, the size and weight of the 3D printer is reduced and made easier to transport while maintaining quality build functionality.
US09925720B2

A method that includes: arranging plastic and further workpieces (1, 3) such that an abutment surface (5) of the plastic workpiece (1) is abutted to a first surface (13) on the further workpiece (3) and a projection (7) on the plastic workpiece (1) extends through a through hole (17) in the further workpiece (3); linearly moving a friction tool (23) parallel to its rotational axis (25) such that a friction surface (31) on the tool (23) contacts a front surface (9) of the projection (7); linearly moving the tool (23) along the rotational axis (25) while rotating the tool (23) so that a pin (29) on the tool (23) penetrates and plasticizes the projection (7) as well as drives a portion of the plasticized projection (7) into an undercut (21) formed in the hole (17) of the further workpiece (3); and retracting the tool (23) from the projection (7).
US09925718B2

An assembly for use during manufacture of a balloon envelope that includes a table having first and second levels, an indicator disposed on the first level and a sealing component. The first level is arranged to receive a first sheet portion of material. The indicator is arranged along a lengthwise axis of the table to indicate a position for attaching a tendon to the first sheet portion. The second level is arranged to receive assembled gore portions of the envelope comprising the first sheet portion, the tendon and a second sheet portion of material. The sealing component is configured to move along the table and to apply a heat seal to bond together the first and second sheet portions disposed thereon in order to form at least part of a gore portion of the envelope, such that the tendon is arranged proximate to a centerline of the gore.
US09925705B2

Fixed side molding dies are removed from fixed side molding dies insertion hole portions in accordance with the disconnection in the connection/disconnection while maintaining a contact state that a second transfer portion is in contact with a portion other than a fixed side optical functional surface of each molded article at the time of mold opening of a fixed die and a movable die. Thereby a first transfer portion is released from the fixed side optical functional surface.
US09925701B2

A device for the application of foaming reaction mixtures to a substrate which makes it possible to apply that foaming reaction mixture uniformly, a process for the production of foaming reaction mixtures using this device, apparatus for producing composites which include the device of the present invention and composites produced using such apparatus are disclosed. Use of the device of the present invention to produce foams makes it possible to produce foams having improved surface quality at higher production rates than were previously possible. The device of the present invention is particularly useful for the production of sandwich composite elements.
US09925691B2

A drill bit includes a pointed head and a bit shaft. A dust suction passage is formed in the bit shaft. A hole with an opening is formed in the pointed head or in a portion of the bit shaft, the portion being near a distal end of the bit shaft. The bit shaft includes a first portion, the first portion including a core and a rib. The core extends in an axial direction, and is thinner than the pointed head. The rib protrudes radially outward from a side surface of the core, and extends over an entire length of the first portion. The dust suction passage extends through the core in the axial direction.
US09925690B2

A chute assembly for directing cement from a cement truck is disclosed. The chute comprises an elongate chute of generally u-shaped cross section fabricated from UHMWPe and comprising an upper end and a lower end, a plurality of reinforcing rods arranged along a length of and encased within the UHMWPe, one end of each of the rods adjacent the upper end and another end of each of the rods adjacent the lower end, a pair of u-shaped collars, an upper one of the collars adjacent the upper end and a lower one of the collars adjacent the lower end, and a fastener for securing each of the collars to their respective rod ends. A method of fabrication is also disclosed.
US09925689B2

A machine (1) for the production of ceramic products includes: a mould (2) made up of two parts (3, 4) designed to define, in a closed configuration, a cavity for casting the product; an apparatus (5) for clamping and containing the mould (2) acting on the mould (2) in its closed configuration; a frame (7) for supporting the mould (2) and clamping and containing apparatus (5). The machine includes a supporting base, interposed between the supporting frame (7) and a walkable surface (P), having a first portion (8) pivoted to the frame (7) to allow the supporting frame (7) to rotate relative to the walkable surface (P) and a second portion (9), spaced from the first portion (8) and equipped with at least one actuator element (10, 11) connected to the supporting frame (7) to incline the supporting frame (7) at least from a first limit operating position, where the supporting frame (7) is inclined by a first angle (α or β) relative to the walkable surface (P), to a second limit operating position, where the supporting frame (7) is inclined by a second angle (α or β) which is different from the first angle (α or β), relative to the walkable surface (P).
US09925687B2

A self-rotating saw tooth and associated mount assembly for use in wood cutting, for example with the saw disc on a feller buncher. Each saw tooth configured to rotate about its own axis of rotation responsive to contact with wood during cutting. A saw disc specially configured for use with the self-rotating saw teeth.
US09925685B2

A chainsaw includes a chainsaw body, a guide bar and a saw chain. The chainsaw body includes an oil tank, an oil pump to supply oil stored in the oil tank to a sliding portion between the guide bar and the saw chain, a first extension chamber arranged above the oil tank and a second extension chamber arranged above the first extension chamber. The oil tank communicates with the first extension chamber via a first flow path, the first extension chamber communicates with the second extension chamber via a second flow path and a vent hole communicating with the outer space is formed in the second extension chamber.
US09925679B2

Devices and methods for assisting with slicing items, such as food items, are disclosed. The devices may be referred to as press and slice devices. Such devices may include a base and a lid. The base and lid may each include a flexible layer, and flexible layers may be configured to hold the items being sliced when the lid and base are pressed together. The lid may include a handle to, for example help the user hold the lid and protect the user's fingers. The base may include a foot made of a material with a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the base to, for example help secure the base to the surface the device is being used on. The lid and base may include a mechanism for positionally securing the lid relative to the base, such as using a post and slot system.
US09925668B2

A robot includes: an arm; and a controller that operates the arm, the controller generating a pathway according to a relative position and a relative orientation of: a first object that moves together with the arm; and a second object and according to a first position of the first object.
US09925665B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a robot system controlling method and robot system which perform link angle control and joint stiffness control through feedback control.
US09925662B1

Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for training a path of a robot by physically moving the robot, wherein the particular trained path and/or particular robot component movements to achieve the trained path are dependent on which of a plurality of available user interface inputs are selected for the training. The trained path defines a path to be traversed by a reference point of the robot, such as a path to be traversed by a reference point of an end effector of the robot. The particular robot component movements to achieve the trained path include, for example, the orientations of various robot components at each of a plurality of positions along the path, the velocity of various components at each of a plurality of positions along the path, etc.
US09925653B2

A hammer drill comprises a motor including an output shaft, a shaft assembly rotationally engaged therewith, a hollow spindle, and a hammer mechanism comprising a piston arranged for reciprocating motion within the spindle. The shaft assembly comprises a first part carrying a first gear engaged with a gear on the spindle to cause spindle rotation, a second part carrying a crank member to cause piston reciprocation, and a connecting part configured to rotationally interconnect, or disconnect, the first and second parts. In a first position of the connecting part only one of the first and second parts is rotationally engaged with the output shaft to enable rotation of only one of the first gear and the crank member respectively, while in a second position both the first and second parts are rotationally engaged with the output shaft to enable rotation of both the first gear and the crank member.
US09925652B2

Disclosed is a magazine attachment for a device for driving fastening elements into a support, comprising an attachment part which has a connecting region for connecting the magazine attachment to the device, and a pressing part which has a contact region for placing the magazine attachment against the support. The attachment part and the pressing part are held together in such a way as to be movable along a movement path which is delimited by a normal position and a pressing position. An outer contour of the pressing part has three contact points which define two half-lines forming a right angle. In the normal position and in the pressing position, the attachment part and the pressing part are entirely located within a volume formed by the right angle and a straight line that intersects the two half-lines at the vertex of the right angle.
US09925642B2

Wet abrasive blasting systems are described that have a slurry piping system and a gas piping system that have pipes and other piping components, such as valves and regulators, that have a more consistent internal cross-sectional area than conventional wet abrasive blasting systems. The more consistent flow area provides astonishing improvements in blasting efficiency and consistent and predictable slurry flow rates.
US09925640B2

The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a memorial process in the memorial industry utilizing a novel photo resist process and novel state of the art design ordering software. The software allows the customer to create and order a design online with the family present. The software solves problems including that the conventional process requires an approval of a layout or requires a professional draftsman on site to draw the customer's design. The software also allows for barcode label tracking throughout the process. Finely detailed engravings are achieved using the photo resist engraving process in the memorial industry, where the photo resist is repositionable prior to being applied to the memorial.
US09925636B2

A polishing device includes a processing vessel into which workpieces are charged, a fluidizing unit that fluidizes the workpieces in the processing vessel, an abrasive-feeding unit that feeds an abrasive into the workpieces, and a suction unit that generates an air flow in a direction in which the abrasive passes through the processing vessel, and recovers the abrasive by suction. The abrasive fed from the abrasive-feeding unit is allowed to pass between the workpieces charged into the processing vessel by the air flow generated from the suction unit while coming into contact with the workpieces. Accordingly, the workpieces are polished.
US09925630B2

Provided is a device that prevents a workpiece from sticking to a clamp part and moving with the clamp part to a position deviating from a predetermined position. The device for holding the workpiece includes: a seat on which the workpiece is seated; a clamper that is movable with respect to the seat; a clamp part that is movably supported by the clamper and is configured to hold the workpiece at a clamp position with respect to the clamper in such a manner that the clamp part is pressed against the workpiece by an operation of the clamper so that the workpiece is held between the clamp part and the seat; and a biasing part that is configured to bias the clamp part to move the clamp part from the clamp position when the clamp part is at the clamp position.
US09925626B2

The present invention concerns a forming process for hot forming of a steel sheet of a rotor blade to be produced of a wind power installation, including the steps heating the steel sheet in a furnace while the steel sheet is lying on a hearth bogie, displacing the heated steel sheet with the hearth bogie from the furnace into a pressing apparatus for the hot forming operation, transloading the heated steel sheet in the pressing apparatus from the hearth bogie on to a form bogie having a counterpart form, and pressing the steel sheet by at least one pressing punch which presses on the steel sheet in such a way that it is formed between the pressing punch and the counterpart form and in particular assumes the shape of the pressing punch and the counterpart form.
US09925612B2

A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor package having a mountable face, a bump, and a coating part. The bump is made of first solder and is formed on the mountable face. The coating part formed of a first composition containing solder powder made of second solder, a flux component, and a first thermosetting resin binder coats the top end of the bump.
US09925607B2

The shell of this helical broach (1) is formed by stacking a plurality of wafer shells (20W(1)-20W(N)) in the axial direction, and is obtained by forming on the wafer shells (20W(1)-20W(N)) finishing blades (30W(1)-30W(N)) corresponding to teeth grooves on a piece to be cut (W) and forming the finishing blades (30W(1)-30W(N)) such that the blade width gradually increases with each of the aforementioned wafer shells (20W(1)-20W(N)) from the leading end of the cutting direction toward the trailing end of the cutting direction.
US09925604B1

An apparatus is described that is suitable for automated manufacture of electrical control panel DIN rails. The apparatus is directed to an automated assembly that shears multiple DIN rail blanks at varying lengths without a need to manually feed DIN rail blanks through a cutter. The apparatus is particularly well suited for use in an automated assembly of electrical control panels that require customized lengths of significant quantities of DIN rail.
US09925601B2

Apparatus, methods, and other embodiments associated with a key duplication machine are described. In one embodiment, an assembly for duplicating a master key includes an optical imaging device, a logic, a clamping assembly, and a cutting member. The optical imaging device is capable of capturing an optical image of at least a portion of the master key. The logic is capable of determining a key pattern of the master key from the optical image of the master key. The clamping assembly is capable of clamping a key blank and the cutting member is capable of cutting a key pattern into said key blank.
US09925599B2

A protection tool for an electronic drill provides various functions when drilling is carried out. The electronic drill has a front end with a through hole located at the front end and a drill head extending through out the through hole. The protection tool is moveably mounted at the front end of the electronic drill along an operation direction. A guard plate includes a pore aligning with the through hole and provides pass way for the drill head. A supporting frame is assembled with the guard plate and is moveably mounted at the front end of the electronic drill along the operation direction, so that the guard plate is positioned at a variable distance from the front end according to the movement of the supporting frame with respect to the front end.
US09925596B2

A turning tool holder includes a tool body, a cutting tool insert, and a shim. A coolant conduit system extends through the turning tool holder, a first portion of the coolant conduit system extending through the tool body and an end portion of the coolant conduit system extending through the shim. The end portion of the coolant conduit system includes a through hole extending from a first surface to an opposite second surface of the shim. The end portion has a coolant outlet opening at the second surface, the coolant outlet opening being formed by the shim alone. A jet of coolant from the coolant outlet opening may be directed towards a space expected to have a cutting zone of a workpiece. Further a cutting tool insert arranged to be used in a turning tool holder is disclosed.
US09925594B2

A method to form a surface on a metal work piece includes providing a turning insert having a first cutting edge, a second cutting edge and a convex nose cutting edge connecting the first and second cutting edges, a nose angle formed between the first and second cutting edges being less than or equal to 85°; arranging the second cutting edge such that it forms a back clearance angle of more than 90° in a feed direction; positioning all parts of the turning insert ahead of the nose cutting edge in the feed direction; rotating the metal work piece around a rotational axis in a first direction; and moving the turning insert in a direction parallel to or at an angle less than 45° relative to the rotational axis, such that the surface at least partly is formed by the nose cutting edge.
US09925585B2

An injection system applied to a die casting machine includes a container module, a first mold module, a second mold module, and a pipe module. The container module includes a container casing member, and the container casing member has a material receiving space. The first mold module includes a first mold structure embedded inside the container casing member, a first inlet reinforcing structure disposed on the first mold structure and partially embedded inside the container casing member, and a second inlet reinforcing structure disposed on the first mold structure and partially embedded inside the container casing member. The second mold module includes a second mold structure. The pipe module includes a first pipe body connected between the first mold structure and the second mold structure and embedded inside the container casing member, and a second pipe body connected to the second mold structure.
US09925583B2

Disclosed are embodiments of a temperature regulated vessel and a fluid delivery device, and methods of use thereof. The vessel can be used in an injection molding apparatus and include one or more temperature regulating lines configured to flow a fluid or liquid within the body (e.g., to heat a cold device). The fluid delivery device is mounted in the apparatus and has a collar with an opening extending therethrough to sealingly mate with the vessel. A delivery channel is provided within the collar for directing an input flow of fluid into the vessel. An exit channel can also be provided within the collar for directing an output flow of the fluid from the vessel.
US09925582B2

The present invention provides a method for casting a slab having a good cast surface. The method includes heating the surface of molten metal on a metal inlet side of a mold by a first heat source so that the following formulas: q≥0.87 and c≤11.762q+0.3095 are satisfied where c is a cycle time [sec] of turning movement of the first heat source, and q is an average amount of heat input [MW/m2] determined by accumulating an amount of heat input applied by at least the first heat source to the contact region between the upper surface of the slab on the metal inlet side and the mold, along the path of turning movement of the first heat source, and dividing the resultant accumulated value by the cycle time c.
US09925566B2

An electronic product sorting system includes a conveying device; an image capturing device configured to capture at least one image of an electronic product; a storage unit configured to pre-store appearance characteristic information of a plurality of predetermined electronic products; a processing unit coupled to the image capturing device and the storage unit, configured to determine appearance characteristic information of the electronic product according to the at least one image of the electronic product, and generate a comparison result by comparing the appearance characteristic information of the electronic product and the plurality of predetermined electronic products; and a sorting unit configured to sort the electronic product according to the comparison result.
US09925565B2

Device (100) for riddling materials such as, for instance, inert materials arising from demolitions or the like or inert materials for the building industry such as gravels, sands or the like, comprising at least two riddling rollers or drums (103, 102), wherein at least one of them can be moved with respect to the other so that the distance between the axis of rotation of said at least two rollers or drums can be changed according to the needs and/or circumstances.
US09925553B2

Provided is a method for forming a bezel pattern of a display panel, the method including: attaching a release film including a non-pattern portion to a panel; printing at least one bezel pattern by applying an ink composition on the panel; and removing the release film from the panel.
US09925546B2

A spray nozzle having a nozzle housing, at least one swirl chamber which is disposed in the nozzle housing, and at least one exit opening, wherein the exit opening is disposed at the end of an exit duct which emanates from the swirl chamber and widens in the direction towards the exit opening, wherein a constriction is disposed at the transition from the swirl chamber to the exit duct, and wherein the angle of the wall steadily increases in the direction towards the exit opening or in portions remains identical, in which an angle of the wall of the exit duct at the exit opening, when viewed in the circumferential direction of the exit opening, is not constant.
US09925541B2

A pretensioning cable assembly for a crusher in which the assembly is an anchor member having a tapered aperture, a cable having an end for being inserted into and through the tapered aperture of the anchor member, and an anchor wedge positioned on the end of the cable for securing the end of the cable in the tapered aperture, for assembly of a crusher.
US09925531B2

A method for producing a photocatalyst-carrying structure includes coating a carrier with a composition for forming an adhesive layer, followed by drying, to form the adhesive layer; and coating the adhesive layer with a composition for forming a photocatalyst layer. The composition for forming the adhesive layer is formed by mixing an aqueous silicone-modified resin, 2% by weight to 15% by weight of a deposition assistant, 10% by weight to 40% by weight of an organic solvent, and water. The aqueous silicone-modified resin is formed by emulsion polymerization of a monomer in the presence of an emulsifier in an aqueous medium, and by further modification with silicone using a compound having a silicone structure.
US09925530B2

The present invention relates to a nanoporous thin film and a method for fabricating the same. The nanoporous thin film fabricating method for fabricating a nanoporous thin film with a composite photocatalyst structure for a photodegradation and a water purification includes providing a porous substrate with a plurality of through-nanopores therein, each of which through-nanopores have an inner tube wall; forming an oxide-based photocatalyst layer over the porous substrate and the inner tube wall by using a first chemical-based deposition process; and forming a metal-based photocatalyst layer on a part of the oxide-based photocatalyst layer by using a second chemical-based deposition process.
US09925523B2

According to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a self-powered piezoelectric structure is provided which includes a base material that can be bent by an externally applied force, and a catalyst layer formed on the base material, wherein the catalyst layer is formed by using a mixture of a catalytic material, which can be activated when the energy is applied thereto from an outside, and a piezoelectric material.
US09925518B2

A sol-gel sorbent or chromatography stationary phase is a particulate metal oxide gel containing polymeric segments uniformly distributed throughout the metal oxide gel. The metal oxide gel is an oxide from silicone or other metal oxide that can have one of the valence bonds attached to an organic group and the remainder occupied by oxygens that can be provided as an oxide or an alkoxide or aryl oxide of the polymeric segments. The particles are used for an SPE sorbent or as a packing for a reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), a normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) column or a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column.
US09925517B2

The present invention is related to a selective adsorption process aimed at reducing the content of nitrogen organic compounds (NOC's) that is present in hydrotreating loads (HDT) for the production of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD below 15 ppm), which is carried out at ambient temperature, atmospheric pressure, without hydrogen, using adsorbing materials with organic metal structure MIL-101-Cr-MX+ (MOF MIL-101-Cr-MX+), where MX+ can be any metal cation such as Mg2+, Al3+ or Ti4+.Likewise, the present invention considers the preparation of extrudates and the regeneration of the employed MOF adsorbent materials.In this sense, it is worth noting that the diesel HDT loads to which the present invention is referred to are hydrocarbon currents with distillation temperatures ranging from 150 to 400° C. being preferably Straight Run Gasoil (SRGO), Light Cycle OIL (LCO) and Coker Gasoil (CGO), including their blends, but oil derived fuels can be included: gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, and other hydrocarbon currents obtained from the oil refining processes, which in turn are destined to be loads of the hydrodesulfurization process (HDS) for the production of ultra-low-sulfur diesel.According to the aforementioned, it is worth mentioning that the present invention process which is the selective adsorption process of nitrogen organic compounds is designed for the pretreatment of loads that enter the HDS process, which increases the catalyst lifespan and improves the economy of the HDS process.
US09925509B2

The present invention relates to a method for combinatorial particle manipulation for producing high-density molecule arrays, and to the high-density molecule arrays obtained therefrom. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for producing high-density molecule arrays, in particular peptide or oligonucleotide arrays, by combinatorial patterning of particles, wherein the patterning is achieved by the selective and direct action of electromagnetic radiation.
US09925503B2

A stirring-processing apparatus and a processing method are provided to realize excellent processing of a fluid regardless of the properties of the fluid. The stirring-processing apparatus is provided with the stirring blade and the stirring chamber provided with the screen, wherein the apparatus performs, under a state in which the stirring chamber is disposed in a fluid to be processed, a process of applying a shear force to the fluid by a relative rotation between the screen and the stirring blade. The stirring chamber is provided with the suction opening to suck the fluid from outside to inside and the ejecting opening to eject the fluid from inside to outside; these openings being disposed above and below. The suppressing body to control a flow of the fluid is disposed between the suction opening and the ejecting opening. The suppressing body is, for example, in the form of a cylinder, and is interposed between the suction flow and the ejecting flow, thereby suppressing interference between the two flows.
US09925491B2

Waste treatment comprises heating it in a chamber to effect pyrolysis of the waste, introducing oxygen into the chamber to effect combustion of the pyrolyzed waste, and contacting off-gas from the pyrolysis and/or combustion steps with an oxidation catalyst to convert carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the off-gas into carbon dioxide and water and with a reduction catalyst to convert nitrous oxides to nitrogen and oxygen. Thus, domestic waste is treated in a batch process using catalytic converters to reduce the level of toxic components before off-gas reaches the atmosphere.
US09925489B2

A method is provided for fractionating a feed gas containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide, from which feed gas carbon dioxide is largely selectively removed by scrubbing in a first gas scrubber using a sulphur-free scrubbing agent, wherein a scrubbing agent stream laden with carbon dioxide and co-absorbed hydrogen is obtained which is subsequently expanded in an expansion vessel in order to convert co-absorbed hydrogen into the gas phase. The characterizing feature of the method is that the hydrogen-containing gas phase is drawn off from the expansion vessel and admixed with a sulphur-free gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon dioxide, which gas mixture arises in a second gas scrubber operated in parallel to the first as a product at a pressure which is lower than the pressure of the feed gas.
US09925475B2

A wind chime assembly with traditional chiming functions actuated by outside wind currents knocking a striker into an array of metal pipes but additionally incorporating bubble making acquisition through a coupling of a bubble making apparatus with integrated wind vanes joined to a plurality of bubble producing apertures rotatablely dipped into a supply of contained bubble solution to simultaneously manifest a flotilla of entrancing bubbles drifting airily about to the soothing tones of the wind chimes actuated by the same outside wind currents. Disengagement of the primary components also allow for each be operated separately.
US09925474B1

A toy includes a body and a first flap coupled to the body movable between a first position, in which a first surface of the first flap is visible, and a second position, in which a second opposite surface of the first flap is visible. The toy also includes a second flap coupled to the body movable between a first position, in which a first surface of the second flap is visible, and a second position, in which a second opposite surface of the second flap is visible. When the first and second flaps are both in the first positions, the toy defines a first configuration, and when the first and second flaps are both in the second positions, the toy defines a second configuration different in appearance from the first configuration.
US09925470B1

An urn holding device comprises a body encasing plush fill and a compartment disposed within in an interior of the body. The compartment has at least one opening in communication with the body. The plush fill surrounds all sides of the urn within the body.
US09925461B2

Technologies are generally described for providing full-motion animation-as-a-service. In some examples, short motion-capture segments may be captured from user motion user interface devices and stored in a database. When a full-motion animation is desired, a start pose and a target pose may be provided, and a multiple-path, multiple-iteration search through the database may be used to assemble the full-motion animation. Motion retargeting may be used to further refine the assembled full-motion animation.
US09925460B2

An example image processing system and method uses a control device including a movement detector. Gesture inputs corresponding to a gesture made by moving the control device are used for animation. An animation begins based on at least one gesture input received prior to completion of the gesture and the animation is modified based on at least one gesture input received after the beginning of the animation.
US09925459B2

Detection and prevention of false positives associated with a handheld controller are provided. Information is stored in memory regarding indicia of false positive input associated with a handheld controller used to control media usage. Sensor information is monitored at the handheld controller. It may be detected that the monitored sensor information matches one or more indicia of false positive input. Subsequent input received from the handheld controller may then be nullified, such that the nullified input is not registered and does not result in control changes to the associated media. It may then be detected that the monitored sensor information no longer matches one or more indicia of false positive input. Subsequently, nullification is ended, and subsequent input received from the handheld game controller is registered normally and results in control changes to the associated media.
US09925458B2

Introduced herein are various systems and techniques for dispensing scents from a scent delivery system. The scent delivery system could be a self-contained unit that is attachable to a head-mounted display (HMD) or could be integrated into the HMD itself. The scent delivery system can be used to improve the realism of content (e.g., visual content, audio content) experienced via the HMD. More specifically, the scent delivery system can be configured to dispense one or more scents in response to determining a particular scene is being experienced by the user. Different scents can be dispensed based on characteristics of the content. In some embodiments, the scent(s) are held in capsules that are housed within the scent delivery system. The capsules may be readily replaceable by the user, which enables the scent(s) to be customized based on what content is to be shown or projected in the future.
US09925456B1

Apparatuses, systems and methods for game play having a base with a first planar conductive pattern of a plurality of conductive touch points and a programmable electronic device with a touch screen that registers contact with the conductive touch points and outputs location data for where the conductive touch points contact the touch screen surface are disclosed. An application in communication with the touch screen interprets the location data, identifies the base, and, depending on the identity of the base, juxtaposes one or more computer graphics and animations with the base to form a single manipulatable object having co-operable physical and virtual components. A physical object may be movably or spinnably coupled to the base.
US09925448B2

A swivel joint system for hanging a heavy punching bag from an overhead support has a swivel joint defining at least first and second perpendicular pivot axes and a hanging shaft having a lower end pivotally connected to the universal joint for rotation about the first pivot axis and an upper end configured for rotatable attachment to an overhead support for free rotation about a third pivot axis. A hanging tube is pivotally connected to the universal joint for rotation about the second pivot axis, and releasably secured to a mounting plate. A plurality of attachment members are rigidly attachable at spaced locations around the mounting plate to surround the hanging tube and configured for attachment to straps at the upper end of a heavy punching bag.
US09925447B2

An adjustable support for a speed bag includes a base and a telescoping support column. The column is pivotably connected to the base and movable between a folded position and a deployed upright position. The support further includes a cantilever arm having a first end pivotably connected to an upper column portion of the column, and a speed bag platform is secured adjacent a second end of the cantilever arm. The cantilever arm is movable between a first folded position and a second cantilever position. A platform locking mechanism releasably secures the cantilever arm in the second cantilever position, whereby the pivoting and telescoping column and the pivoting cantilever arm and speed bag platform allow the speed bag to be deployed and used at a plurality of heights and orientations.
US09925444B2

The inventions disclosed herein relate to designs of climbing surfaces, fall safety pads and/or accessories related thereto. According to some embodiments, different impact zones of a fall safety pad can have different cushioning attributes. The different cushioning attributes of the different impact zones of the safety pad can be based on a vertical distance to a directly overlying portion of the climbing surface. The different cushioning attributes of the different impact zones of the safety pad can also consider a predicted or measured frequency of falling from a portion of the climbing surface directly overlying each impact zone of the safety pad. Other intended climber attributes, enjoyment, and safety concerns can be considered in the design of the climbing surface(s), safety pad(s), and accessories disclosed. Further, wear, replicability, customizations of enjoyment, and updates to safety concerns in the climbing sport are further understood in view of this disclosure.
US09925442B2

Embodiments of golf club heads with sole cavity ports are described herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US09925438B1

A golf green repair tool having a plurality of spears centered around a plurality of tines. The tines and spears are biased by a spring inside a housing and sleeve. When the cap the housing is pressed by the foot of a greenskeeper or golfer the spring is compressed forcing the tines and spears into the turf. The tines are inserted around the periphery of the ball-mark to aerate and loosen the turf. The spears are inserted into the center of the ball-mark and aerate and pull the bottom of the ball-mark to the level of the surrounding turf. The bottom side of the ground-contacting sleeve pressed down the raised rim of the ball-mark correcting the entire ball-mark to the level of the surrounding turf.
US09925434B2

A putter-type golf club head and method of manufacturing said golf club are herein disclosed. The putter has a body, a face surface, a rear surface, a sole surface, a crown surface, and a heel surface. To reduce the reflective glare off the crown surface and to improve the ease of alignment, the putter includes various curved boundaries between surfaces of the club head. Multiple sections of the crown connect with the heel surface through curved transition regions, which reflect the light differently than the crown surface and thus serve as alignment aids.
US09925431B2

A high forgiveness wood-type golf club head comprises a body and a face. The body comprises a sole that forms a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown that forms a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt that forms a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. The face place is positioned at a front portion of the golf club head opposite a rear portion of the golf club head. The body defines an outer periphery having a generally triangular shape in plan.
US09925427B2

A stand-alone putter structured and weight balanced enabling the putter to stand upright in a favorable lie and loft position on a putting surface without any outside support formed of a club head, a shaft connected to the club head, and having a gripping area at the upper end of the shaft. The club head is conventional in design and includes a ball striking face, a rear surface, a heel, a toe, an upper surface and a bottom sole structured to serve as a first ground support surface for the putter in a conventional use position with the bottom sole lying on a putting surface. The club head further includes at least one additional ground engaging support member extending outwardly from the club head forming a second ground support member to maintain the putter in a stand-alone position on the putting surface.
US09925423B2

Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyester composition containing a polyester thermoplastic elastomer and plasticizer are provided. The plasticizers help reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composition and various plasticizers may be used. For example, the composition may include alkyl oleate plasticizers such as ethyl oleate and octyl oleate. Polyester-ether block copolymers are particularly preferred. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyester composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball.
US09925421B2

A golf ball having formed therein a hit line for making a fade shot or a draw shot, and a manufacturing method therefor and, more specifically, to a golf ball having formed therein a hit line for making a fade shot or a draw shot, and a manufacturing method therefor, the golf ball having a balance line, a fade line, and a draw line formed on the outer surface of the golf ball to thus unify a golfer's intended direction and the flying direction of the golf ball if a driving shot or a putting shot is made, thereby enabling putting with a precise hit and enabling a fade shot or a draw shot to be more effectively made. The present invention relates to a golf ball having a plurality of dimples and a bonding line formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, wherein: a gravity center indication point for indicating the center of gravity of the golf ball is formed on the outer surface of the golf ball; a balance line passing through the gravity center indication point is formed; and a fade line for guiding a fade shot and a draw line for guiding a draw shot are formed on both sides on the basis of the balance line in a state of being spaced apart from each other at regular intervals.
US09925419B2

The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.
US09925418B2

The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.
US09925390B2

A protective case for a mobile electronic device is provided. The case includes at least one light emitting diode that emits electromagnetic radiation in the range of UV-C light for sanitizing contaminated surfaces. The case also includes additional LEDs that emit light at wavelengths known to have a therapeutic effect such as a blue light for treating seasonal affective disorder. The LEDs are provided in a separate encasement that is detachable from the protective cover configured to receive and protect the mobile electronic device. A short-range wireless receiver is included to communicate with an application installed on the mobile electronic device for controlling the activation, intensity, duration and mode of the LEDs including predetermined treatment or sanitization protocols.
US09925385B2

Timing channel circuitry for controlling stimulation circuitry in an implantable stimulator is disclosed. The timing channel circuitry comprises a addressable memory. Data for the various phases of a desired pulse are stored in the memory using different numbers of words, including a command indicative of the number of words in the phase, a next address for the next phase stored in the memory, and a pulse width or duration of the current phase, control data for the stimulation circuitry, pulse amplitude, and electrode data. The command data is used to address through the words in the current phase via the address bus, which words are sent to a control register for the stimulation circuitry. After the duration of the pulse width for the current phase has passed, the stored next address is used to access the data for the next phase stored in the memory.
US09925379B2

A computer implemented method and system is provided for managing neural stimulation therapy. The method comprises under control of one or more processors configured with program instructions. The method delivers a series of candidate stimulation waveforms having varied stimulation intensities to at least one electrode located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. A parameter defines the candidate stimulation waveforms is changed to vary the stimulation intensity. The method identifies a first candidate stimulation waveform that induces a paresthesia-abatement effect, while continuing to induce a select analgesic effect. The method further identifies a second candidate stimulation waveform that does not induce the select analgesic effect. The method sets a stimulation therapy based on the first and second candidate stimulation waveforms.
US09925377B2

A transcutaneous electrical-stimulation system includes a transcutaneous control module including a processor. The transcutaneous control module provides electrical-stimulation signals to electrode sets electrically-coupled to the transcutaneous control module. A first electrode set is electrically-coupled to the transcutaneous control module and is placed along patient skin over a first stimulation location. The first electrode set generates a first effective electric field suitable for transcutaneous stimulation of patient tissue at the first stimulation location. A second electrode set is electrically-coupled to the transcutaneous control module and is placed along patient skin over a second stimulation location. The second electrode set generates a second effective electric field suitable for stimulating patient tissue at the second stimulation location. The second effective electric field is time-delayed from the first effective electric field such that the second effective electric field is out of phase with the first effective electric field.
US09925365B1

A needleless injection port assembly includes first and second body parts and a resilient barrier received within the body. A cannula attached to the first body part is received within an internal cavity of the resilient barrier. The resilient barrier is moveable between a less axially compressed first position in which fluid flow through the injection port assembly is prevented and a more axially compressed second position in which fluid flow through the assembly is allowed. An interference fit is provided between the resilient barrier and the cannula to seal against fluid flow through the cannula when the resilient barrier is in the first position. The cannula has an internal fluid passageway with a non-circular cross section providing increased fluid flow.
US09925360B2

Devices and methods for regulating and directing bodily fluids from one region of a patient to another region are disclosed. In general, an apparatus is provided that can include an implantable shunt system and a system controller. The implantable shunt system can have an adjustable valve for regulating the flow of fluid, a sensor element for measuring a physiological characteristic of a patient, and an electromechanical valve actuator that can be adapted to adjust a resistance of the valve. The implantable shunt system can be in electrical communication with the system controller. The system controller can generally be adapted to receive a physiological characteristic of the patient and operate the electromechanical valve actuator to adjust a resistance of the valve. The apparatus can also include an external programming device that is in communication with the system controller.
US09925358B2

A catheter stabilization device having a release liner and a catheter stabilization member with a permeable first layer and a bottom surface having an adhesive interposed between the release liner and the first layer. The catheter stabilization member includes an elongated continuous retention strip coupled to the first layer is of a deformably rigid material operably configured to have a first static state with a first shape, a dynamic state, generated by an external force, with a second shape different than the first shape, and a second static state, after removal of the external force, with the second shape in a fixed configuration.
US09925349B2

A patient interface device (2,102) is includes a cushion (6,106) and a frame assembly (60,160) coupled to the cushion, the frame assembly including a main frame member (4,104) and a stiffening structure (62,162) coupled to the main frame member, the stiffening structure having a main arm (64,164), a first Y-portion coupled to a first end of the main arm having first and second front branches extending at upward and downward angles, respectively, from the first end of the main arm, and a second Y-portion coupled to a second end of the main arm having first and second rear branches extending at upward and downward angles, respectively, from the second end of the main arm.
US09925348B2

A system for delivery of a gas to a user has a single tubular nasal cavity component having only two terminal ends: a gas inlet and a gas outlet with a single gas flow path between. The component is configured for insertion into the nostril of a user and maintains the position without adhesive. The nasal cavity component includes a first portion having a first longitudinal axis along the single gas flow path. A proximal end of the first portion is flared outward for insertion into a nostril of a patient. A second portion has a second longitudinal axis, and a gas inlet end to receive gas from a gas supply. A distal end of the second portion intersects a distal end of the first portion in a bend portion, such that the first and second longitudinal axes intersect at an angle of between about 60 and about 80°.
US09925346B2

Systems and methods for ventilation that allows the patient to trigger or initiate the delivery of a breath are provided. Further, systems and methods for triggering ventilation when exhalation flow is unknown or unreliable by the ventilator are provided.
US09925340B2

The invention relates to a syringe closure for a syringe having a basic body, a terminal extension that extends from the basic body, which has a free end and a base arranged on the basic body. A recess is provided on the extension at a distance from its free end. The syringe closure for closing off the syringe can be attached in such a way on its extension via its free end that the syringe closure overlaps at least one recess of the extension. The syringe closure is characterized by a locking device having at least one locking element, which assumes a release position in a first functional position after the attachment of the syringe closure on the extension, and ensures a positive engagement with at least one recess on the extension in a second functional position, the locking position, and thus lockingly holds the syringe closure on the extension.
US09925339B2

A counter system for use in a drug delivery device is provided. The counter system comprises a counter element which is a foil, the counter element comprising indentations and indicia associated with the indentations, and a drive member provided with a catch for driving the counter element, wherein the catch engages a first indentation, and wherein, the catch is configured such that, when the drive member moves in a first direction, the counter element does not move and the catch disengages the first indentation and engages a second indentation which is arranged adjacent to the first indentation, and when the drive member moves in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, the counter element also moves in the second direction.
US09925337B2

A delay mechanism for an automatic injection device having a housing and a medication filled syringe. The delay mechanism includes a shuttle, a follower, a damping compound, at least one biasing member, and a biased plunger element. When moved in the device housing from a first location to a second location, the biased plunger element is adapted to drive the syringe piston within syringe barrel to force medication through the syringe needle for an injection. The follower, when the plunger element is so moved, is freed to move, under urging of the at least one biasing member, from a first position on the housing toward a second position to thereby move the shuttle for retracting the syringe needle into the housing after injection. The damping compound dampens or slows rotation of the follower as the follower moves from the first position toward the second position.
US09925333B2

Drug delivery system, injection device, transfer apparatus, vial holder and method of administering and transferring are disclosed. The system may include transfer apparatus and an injection device. The transfer apparatus may have receiving stations for a drug source, such as a vial or vial holder, and for an injection device, and fluid flow pathways for transferring drugs from the source into the injection device. The injection device may include an expandable elastic bladder and an injection cannula that is movable between a plurality of positions.
US09925324B2

The present invention relates to a reception means for receiving fluids, which comprises a fluid surge redirection element comprising at least one flow-conditioning body that is adapted and intended to divide the fluid surge of the inflowing fluid into at least two partial fluid surges. It further relates to an external functional means as well as a treatment apparatus comprising a reception means in accordance with the invention.
US09925316B2

The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a system and method for administering reduced pressure at a tissue site. The apparatus includes a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure source generates a reduced pressure. The apparatus includes a tube having a plurality of lumens. The plurality of lumens includes at least one collection lumen. The reduced pressure source applies the reduced pressure to the tissue site through the plurality of lumens such that the at least one collection lumen receives fluid from the tissue site. The at least one collection lumen stores the fluid received from the tissue site.
US09925313B2

A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance includes an impermeable flexible overlay for applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. The wound treatment appliance may also include a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay, a wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix including the wound packing means, a suction drain, a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound, and/or a suction bulb which may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an impermeable overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the wound treatment appliance.
US09925312B2

The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a manually-actuated pump and method for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site. The manually-actuated pump includes at least one variable volume chamber that is manually compressible into a plurality of positions. The manually-actuated pump includes a fixed volume chamber in communication with the at least one variable volume chamber. The manually-actuated pump also includes a filter housing having a hydrophobic filter that prevents liquid from entering the at least one variable volume chamber. The fixed volume chamber is coupled to the at least one variable volume chamber via the filter housing. The filter housing is located in between the at least one variable volume chamber and the fixed volume chamber. The fixed volume chamber has reduced pressure that is applied to the tissue site in response to a movement of the at least one variable volume chamber from a compressed position in the plurality of positions to an uncompressed position in the plurality of positions.
US09925307B2

The present invention relates to hydrogels comprising a plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing such hydrogels and to various uses of such hydrogels, e.g. as cell culture substrates, for drug and gene delivery, as wound dressing, as an implant, as an injectable agent that gels in situ, in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, in regenerative medicine, in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, or in electronic devices. It also relates to a method of tissue regeneration or tissue replacement using a hydrogel in accordance with the present invention.
US09925304B2

The present invention concerns the enhancement of the osteogenic potential of bone graft by ex vivo treatment with a Wnt polypeptide, such as a liposomal Wnt polypeptide.
US09925295B2

Methods for improving the antibacterial, osteoconductive, and/or osteoinductive characteristics of silicon nitride and/or other ceramic materials, particularly to make them more suitable for use in manufacturing biomedical implants. In some embodiments and implementations, the surface chemistry and/or morphology of a silicon nitride bioceramic may be modulated significantly through thermal, chemical, and/or mechanical treatments to achieve such advantageous results. A portion of the resulting material, such as a glaze or upper layer of the material, may be separately produced as a powder or frit, for example, and used in manufacturing biomedical implants and/or other products, such as by using such portion of the material as a coating or filler. In other embodiments the surface material may be separately manufactured as a silicon oxynitride monolith.
US09925292B2

The present invention provides methods and systems for an ion generator mounting device for application of bipolar ionization to airflow within a conduit, the device includes a housing for mounting to the conduit having an internal panel within the enclosure, and an arm extending from the housing for extension into the conduit and containing at least one opening. At least one coupling for mounting an ion generator to the arm oriented with an axis extending between a pair of electrodes of the ion generator being generally perpendicular to a flow direction of the airflow within the conduit.
US09925289B2

A lyophilizing and/or sterilizing machine comprises a treatment chamber, a plurality of loading planes having at least one loading surface, disposed inside the treatment chamber, one overlapping the other and positionable in a desired and known manner by means of vertical tie-rods. The lyophilizing and/or sterilizing machine also comprises a movement apparatus to move containers, the content of which is to be treated in the treatment chamber. The movement apparatus comprises at least one loading/unloading device mobile on horizontal guides comprising at least one internal horizontal guide independent and autonomous from the loading planes and located in correspondence to a lateral portion of the loading planes and between the loading surface and the vertical tie-rods.
US09925282B2

Novel cromolyn analogs useful as imaging agents for detecting atherosclerotic plaques and for treating atherosclerosis and Alzheimer's Disease, and methods of making the cromolyn analogs, are disclosed. The cromolyn analogs have the general formula: wherein X is OH, C1-C6 alkoxyl; Y and Z are independently selected from a C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxyl, halogen, un-substituted or C1-C6 substituted amine, 18F, 19F, or H; and n is 1, 2, or 3; and wherein for structure (I), if n are both 1 and Y and Z are both H and X is OH.
US09925277B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of polynucleotides formulations containing amino acids.
US09925274B2

The invention relates to a composition comprising a complex of delphinidin and a sulfoalkyl ether β-cyclodextrin for use as an antiphlogistic and/or immunosuppressive.
US09925258B2

The present relation relates to recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus for use as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for infectious diseases of AIDS. The present invention encompasses the preparation and purification of immunogenic compositions which are formulated into the vaccines of the present invention.
US09925256B2

An improved method for recovering the protein expressed by open reading frame 2 from porcine circovirus type 2 is provided. Also provided is recombinant PCV2 ORF2 protein, and immunogenic compositions comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein. Moreover, multivalent combination vaccines are provided which include an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of PCV2 infection, preferably PCV2 ORF2 protein, or an immunogenic composition comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein, and at least one immunogenic active component of another disease-causing organism in swine.
US09925255B2

An improved method for recovering the protein expressed by open reading frame 2 from porcine circovirus type 2 is provided. Also provided is recombinant PCV2 ORF2 protein, and immunogenic compositions comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein. Moreover, multivalent combination vaccines are provided which include an immunological agent effective for reducing the incidence of or lessening the severity of PCV2 infection, preferably PCV2 ORF2 protein, or an immunogenic composition comprising PCV2 ORF2 protein, and at least one immunogenic active component of another disease-causing organism in swine.
US09925249B2

The invention provides compositions and methods for treating celiac sprue.
US09925242B2

The invention relates to variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), variants and fusions of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), fusions of FGF19 and/or FGF21, and variants or fusions of FGF19 and/or FG-F21 proteins and peptide sequences (and peptidomimetics), having one or more activities, such as bile acid homeostasis modulating activity, and methods for and uses in treatment of bile acid and other disorders.
US09925240B2

Provided herein are combination therapies for the treatment of pathological conditions, such as cancer, using an antagonist of FGFR signaling.
US09925220B2

A method of expanding double negative T cells in culture is described. The method comprises (a) providing a starting sample comprising DN T cells or precursors thereof; (b) substantially depleting CD8+ and CD4+ T cells from the starting sample; (c) culturing the sample from step (b) with an immobilized T cell mitogen in a culture medium comprising an agent that can stimulate DN T cell growth (d) washing the cells obtained in step (c) and resuspending in a culture medium comprising the agent without the T cell mitogen; and (e) washing the cells obtained in step (d) and resuspending in a culture medium comprising the agent and a soluble T cell mitogen. The DN T cells obtained by the method are useful in a variety of applications including the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, graft versus host disease and autoimmune disease.
US09925213B2

Non-natural oligomers have recently shown promise as functional analogs of lung surfactant proteins B and C (SP-B and SP-C), two helical and amphiphilic proteins that are critical for normal respiration. The generation of non-natural mimics of SP-B and SP-C has previously been restricted to step-by-step, sequence-specific synthesis, which results in discrete oligomers that are intended to manifest specific structural attributes. Presented herein an alternative approach to SP-B mimicry that is based on sequence-random copolymers containing cationic and lipophilic subunits. These materials, members of the nylon-3 family, are prepared by ring-opening polymerization of β-lactams. The best of the nylon-3 polymers display promising in vitro surfactant activities in a mixed lipid film. Pulsating bubble surfactometry data indicate that films containing the most surface-active polymers attain adsorptive and dynamic-cycling properties that surpass those of discrete peptides intended to mimic SP-B. Attachment of an N-terminal octadecanoyl unit to the nylon-3 copolymers affords further improvements by reducing the percent surface area compression to reach low minimum surface tension.
US09925210B2

The present invention comprises chitosan materials and methods of using carbonic acid for aqueous solubilization of neutralized or pre-treated chitosan gels and provides, among other things, substantially acid salt free composition native final forms without requiring subsequent acid salt elution. The invention includes chitosan-based solid and semi-solid material forms, optionally reinforced with chitosan fibers, such as powders, fibers, films, matrices, sponges, implants, scaffolds, fillers, and hydrogels. Native final forms are produced from chitosan powder solubilized in an aqueous acidic solution, processed to form a high pH hydrated chitosan gel precipitate material that is then neutralized by water washing and re-solubilized substantially to chitosan solution using carbonic acid. Chitosan materials can be mixed in solution with one or more of other hydrophilic polymers to create compositional heterogeneity and pharmaceutical agents to achieve controlled release of the agent(s) from the final forms at the site of application.
US09925204B2

A composition for treating inflammation and pain, including a hydrogen-generating compound in an amount that increases the amount of hydrogen in an individual and has an anti-inflammatory effect. A composition for treating inflammation and pain, including synergistically effective amounts of pregabalin and lactulose. A method of treating inflammation and pain, by administering a composition comprising a hydrogen-generating compound to an individual in an amount that increases the amount of hydrogen in the individual and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
US09925200B2

The present invention is directed to stable pharmaceutical formulations. More specifically, the present invention is directed to stable pharmaceutical formulations of testosterone undecanoate.
US09925198B2

The present invention is related to a pharmaceutical composition and health food for preventing or treating hearing loss, wherein the pharmaceutical composition and health food contain carbenoxolone or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts as an effective component. More particularly, a composition including carbenoxolone or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts as an effective component is provided as a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating ototoxic hearing loss due to the carbenoxolone or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts prevent damages on auditory cells from ototoxic drugs such as cisplatin anticancer drugs, and the composition may be used as a drug for treating noise-induced hearing loss and age-related hearing loss, as well as ototoxic hearing loss.
US09925187B2

Compounds, compositions and methods for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber's congenital Amaurosis, Syndromic retinal degenerations, age-related macular degeneration and Usher Syndrome, and hearing loss associated with Usher Syndrome are described herein.
US09925179B2

The present invention relates to a method of decreasing cholesterol or low density lipid protein in a subject in need thereof comprising: administering to said subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition comprising dextromethorphan.The present invention also relates to a method of treating a subject suffered from bipolar II disorder, comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of valproic acid and a combination of dextromethorphan and memantine, wherein the dose of dextromethorphan or memantine is a low dose not sufficient to work as a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist.The present invention further relates to a composition for treating bipolar II disorder, which comprises valproic acid and a combination of dextromethorphan and memantine, wherein the dose of dextromethorphan or memantine is a low dose not sufficient to work as a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist.
US09925178B2

The disclosures herein relate to novel compounds of formula wherein Ar1 and R1 are as defined herein, and their use in treating, preventing, ameliorating, controlling or reducing cerebrovascular or vascular disorders associated with CGRP receptor function.
US09925174B2

The invention relates to a new administration form for the oral application of the active substance ethyl 3-[(2-{[4-(hexyloxycarbonylamino-imino-methyl)-phenylamino]-methyl}-1-methyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carbonyl)-pyridin-2-yl-amino]-propionate and the pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof.
US09925169B2

Disclosed are compounds having enhanced potency in the modulation of NMDA receptor activity. Such compounds are contemplated for use in the treatment of conditions such as depression and related disorders. Orally available formulations and other pharmaceutically acceptable delivery forms of the compounds, including intravenous formulations, are also disclosed.
US09925167B2

The invention relates to agents for the control of parasites on animals, comprising an active substance from the group of the phenylpyrazoles and vitamin E or a derivative thereof, such as particularly vitamin E acetate, as well as optionally a further active substance from the group of the pyrethroids and/or optionally additionally further active and/or auxiliary substances. In particular, the invention relates to the use of such agents for the control of ectoparasites such as, in particular, fleas, ticks and sand flies in pets such as, in particular, in dogs, cats and ferrets.
US09925162B2

Methods and compositions are provided for inducing physiologic hypertrophy in a cell for treatment or prevention of a cardiovascular disease or condition. In certain embodiments methods and compositions involve an aquaporin 7 inducer.
US09925156B2

The disclosure provides oral cysteamine and cystamine formulations useful for treating cystinosis and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. The formulations provide controlled release compositions that improve quality of life and reduced side-effects.
US09925153B2

The present invention relates to method(s) of treating a subject afflicted with a skin disease or condition, the method comprising administering to the subject or patient in need a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a substituted cis or trans-stilbene or a stilbene hybrid. A method of treating or reducing the likelihood of a skin disease or condition in a patient is an additional embodiment of the present invention. Preferred pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include nanoemulsions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a substituted cis or trans-stilbene or stilbene hybrid and at least one antibiotic.
US09925146B2

A thermoformed pharmaceutical dosage form having a breaking strength of at least 300 N, said dosage form comprising a pharmacologically active ingredient (A), a free physiologically acceptable acid (B) in an amount of from 0.001 wt.-% to 5.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical dosage form, and a polyalkylene oxide (C) having a weight average molecular weight Mw of at least 200,000 g/mol.
US09925139B2

The present invention relates to glucocorticoid-containing pharmaceutical compositions or kits for use in acute emergency situations where acute glucocorticoid therapy is required. Notably, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions and kits that are designed to be administered by non-medically trained persons outside a hospital or another medical or clinical setting. The invention also relates to a method for treating a disorder requiring acute glucocorticoid therapy by providing a fast onset of action of a glucocorticoid.
US09925134B2

The invention relates to substances which are capable of protecting FGF-2, to a composition for preventing or controlling degradation of FGF-2, and a method of protecting FGF-2 in the skin from degradation.In particular, the invention relates to an extract of Hibiscus Abelmoschus or ambrette, a rebokza extract, a gougizi berry extract, a banha extract, a lessonia extract, a mustard flour extract, a wooyin extract, a barley extract, and/or a sesame extract, in amounts effective to protect FGF-2 from its degradation.Further, the present invention allows the extracellular matrix to be restructured, particularly at the dermis, which is useful, for example, for controlling aging.
US09925126B2

Aerogel, calcined articles, and crystalline articles comprising ZrO2. Exemplary uses of the crystalline metal oxide articles include dental articles (e.g., restoratives, replacements, inlays, onlays, veneers, full and partial crowns, bridges, implants, implant abutments, copings, anterior fillings, posterior fillings, and cavity liner, and bridge frameworks) and orthodontic appliances (e.g., brackets, buccal tubes, cleats, and buttons).
US09925123B2

A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. A cover which is configured as a metal belt is designed to selectively block access to the compartments of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration in one of two directions. The actuator selects the direction to reduce the time required to make such movement.
US09925112B2

The disclosed embodiments provide skin stimulating devices and methods that address the aging effects of skin at a protein level. Particularly, cyclical mechanical strain is used to regulate specific proteins within the skin, so as to produce specific effects. As a non-limiting example, the disclosed embodiments can be used to increase the production of certain proteins (e.g., hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3); fibronectin; tropoelastin; procoll1; integrin, etc.) in the skin, which results in anti-aging effects by increasing epidermal cohesion.
US09925107B2

A patient lift for transporting patients having a hoist assembly, a lift assembly and an integrated flexible load-bearing supporting member. The flexible load-bearing supporting member is retractable into the hoist assembly and has integrated load-bearing, data communications, and power components to transmit data and/or power to/from the hoist assembly and lift assembly.
US09925099B2

Embodiments herein relate to a wheelchair gearshift arrangement (10), which comprises an axle tube (20) and a pair of wheel attachment adaptors (30) inserted into a respective end (21, 22) of the axle tube (20). The wheel attachment adaptors (30) further includes a respective axle sleeve (40) adapted to receive and hold a respective wheel axle (51) of a respective complete wheelchair wheel (50). Each complete wheelchair wheel (50) having a respective wheel axle centric, axially translatable, gear change mechanism (52). One or more gear change actuators (80) are arranged within the axle tube (20) such that they are operative to selectively, upon user manipulation of an associated gear selector (60), axially translate the associated gear change mechanisms (52) of the respective complete wheelchair wheels (50). Such translation will affect a change of gear ratio between a push-rim (55) and wheel-rim (56) of each respective complete wheelchair wheel (50).
US09925086B2

An implantable tissue retractor for treatment of a breathing disorder and related methods. The implantable tissue retractor comprises a shaft sized for insertion into a soft tissue located in a patient's oral cavity or pharynx. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a retractor member at or near a first end of the shaft. The implantable tissue retractor also comprises a removable coupler connected at or near a second end of the shaft. At least one of a portion of the shaft or the retractor member is positionable on a surface of the soft tissue. At least one of the shaft, retractor member, or removable coupler is adjustable to vary a force to prevent a deformation of at least a portion of the soft tissue to prevent obstruction of the patient's airway.
US09925085B2

A penis lengthening device comprises a traction chamber with tapered sidewalls configured to secure the penis within the chamber by forming a partial vacuum therein. A flexible air seal covers the upper portion of the traction chamber and extends over the penis. As the chamber is evacuated, the air seal tightens around the penis, creating an air seal to retain the vacuum within the chamber. Tensile force is transmitted through the chamber to the penis of the user. Alternative “light traction” embodiments utilize a condom-like device configured to attach to an elastic band, or to suspend weights therefrom. Larger tensile forces are applied for shorter periods of a few minutes up to an hour using the traction chamber embodiment, and smaller forces of 1-2 pounds are applied for longer periods of several hours using a light-traction embodiment. Alternate between the two methods throughout the day enhances its effectiveness.
US09925084B2

A body exercise device includes a seat portion having a seat face, a pair of left and right airbags and a pair of front and rear airbags causing the seat face of the seat portion to be left-right and front-rear inclined, and an air supply unit that supplies pressurized air to the airbags. An air supply/discharge switching unit switches between supplying air to and discharging air from the airbags, and a pressure detection unit detects pressure in the airbags. A balance determination unit, in a process of supplying air to or discharging air from the right and left or front and rear airbags according to the switching operation of the air supply/discharge switching unit, determines the left-right or front-rear balance state of the user based on a difference in pressure change in the pair of left and right airbags or the pair of front and rear airbags.
US09925083B2

A wrist brace comprises (a) a main brace body, (b) an adjustable wrist strap configured to encircle the main brace body about a wearer's wrist, and (c) a lace and rotatable tightening mechanism. The main brace body comprises a semi-rigid splint configured to fit the anterior of a wearer's wrist, extending from the palm to a portion of the anterior of the forearm. The lace and tightening rotatable mechanism is configured to apply tension on the lace thereby tightening the wrist strap about the wearer's wrist and drawing the splint closer to the anterior of the wearer's wrist.
US09925077B2

The invention relates to a delivery system for delivering a stent (S) into a body vessel of a patient, comprising a flexible catheter tube (3) having a proximal and a distal end for delivering the stent (S) to a predetermined location in the body vessel and a catheter tip (1) having a longitudinal direction, which is disposed at the distal end of the catheter tube (3). The catheter tip (1) has a stent chamber (150) to receive the stent (1). The catheter tip has a first pressure chamber (20, 22). In the catheter tube (3) a first fluid channel (31) extends from the proximal end to the first pressure chamber (20, 22) of the catheter tip (1). The volume of the first pressure chamber (20, 22) can be enlarged by delivering a first fluid from the first fluid channel (31) to the first pressure chamber (20, 22), such that the stent (S) is released from the stent chamber (150) at the predetermined location in the body vessel. According to the invention the catheter tip (1) has a second pressure chamber (21, 23), wherein in the catheter tube (3) a second fluid channel (32) extends from the proximal end to the second pressure chamber (21, 23) and wherein the volume of the second pressure chamber (21, 23) can be enlarged by delivering a second fluid from the second fluid channel (32) to the second pressure chamber (21, 23), such that a partially released stent (S) can be returned from the predetermined location in the body vessel into the stent chamber (150). This delivery system according to the invention makes it possible to release a stent (S) at a well-defined location and also to surround same again relatively atraumatically and to reposition same in situ.
US09925073B2

A stent is disclosed, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a cavity portion, and is freely switched between an expanded state and a contracted state where the stent contracts to a central axis (O) side from the expanded state. The stent has an anchor portion which protrudes to a central axis (O) side relative to an inner surface surrounding the cavity portion in the contracted state, and which is displaced to the inner surface side in the expanded state relative to a protruded position in the contracted state.
US09925067B2

An expandable device for expanding and supporting body tissue comprises an inferior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact one body tissue surface and a superior endplate having an outer surface configured to contact an opposing body tissue surface. The inferior endplate and the superior endplate are movable relative to each other in a direction of expansion. The device includes an elevator captively supported between the inferior endplate and the superior endplate for independent movement along the direction of expansion. In the first direction the elevator is moved toward said superior endplate to lift the superior endplate and expand the device. In the second direction the elevator moves away from said superior endplate toward said inferior endplate to create a space for insertion of an insert into the expanded device.
US09925062B2

The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an intervertebral implant. The intervertebral implant may be configured to transition from a collapsed configuration having a first height and a first width to an expanded configuration having a second height and a second width.
US09925060B2

An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon.In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.
US09925045B2

A heart valve therapy system including a delivery device and a stented valve. The delivery device includes an outer sheath, an inner shaft, an optional hub assembly, and a plurality of tethers. In a delivery state, a stent frame of the prosthesis is crimped over the inner shaft and maintained in a compressed condition by the outer sheath. The tethers are connected to the stent frame. In a partial deployment state, the outer sheath is at least partially withdrawn, allowing the stent frame to self-expand. Tension in the tethers prevents the stent frame from rapidly expanding and optionally allowing recapture. Upon completion of the stent frame expansion, the tethers are withdrawn.
US09925038B2

The design of a corrective lens combines the measured aberration with decentration and rotation of the lens to design customized optical surface profiles to reliably achieve vision correction.
US09925035B2

Implantable passive engineered mechanisms and a method for implanting such devices in a subject are described. The implantable passive engineered mechanism may be made of or comprise a biocompatible material and is appropriately sized for implantation in a subject. Exemplary implantable passive engineered mechanisms may be selected from a strut, a pulley, a lever, a compliant mechanism, a scissor lift, a tendon network, springs, planetary gears, rigid or soft hydraulics, a linkage system, a cam/clutch system, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the system comprises plural inserts, such as pulleys, levers, and/or tendon networks. Plural inserts may be arranged hierarchically to distribute force differentially from an input to one or more outputs.
US09925034B2

A system and method for stabilizing unintentional muscle movements are disclosed. In a first aspect, a non-contact sensing system comprises a stabilization unit, at least one non-contact position sensor coupled to the stabilization unit, and a processing unit coupled to the at least one non-contact position sensor, wherein the processing unit transmits motion commands to the stabilization unit to cancel unintentional muscle movements. In a second aspect, the method comprises a processing unit of a non-contact sensing system receiving position data of a stabilization unit that is detected by at least one non-contact position sensor and filtering the position data to identify the unintentional muscle movements. The method includes modeling the position data to create a system model and determining motor commands based upon the system model to cancel the unintentional muscle movements.
US09925033B2

This disclosure is directed toward sealable and repositionable implant devices that are provided with one or more improvements that increase the ability of implants such as endovascular grafts to be precisely deployed or re-deployed, with better in situ accommodation to the local anatomy of the targeted recipient anatomic site, and/or with the ability for post-deployment adjustment to accommodate anatomic changes that might compromise the efficacy of the implant.
US09925031B2

An endoluminal prosthesis having a tubular graft comprising a first biocompatible material having a first weave density comprising yarns aligned in a first direction interwoven with yarns aligned in a second direction, and a second biocompatible material having a second weave density less than the first weave density comprising yarns aligned in a first direction interwoven with yarns aligned in a second direction, the second biocompatible material spirally positioned throughout the entire length of the tubular graft around a central axis with respect to the first biocompatible material. An elongate member is attached along the length of the tubular graft. The tubular graft includes first regions comprising the first biocompatible material and second regions containing the second biocompatible material. The elongate member is attached to the first regions of the tubular graft.
US09925024B2

A dental restoration system is disclosed including an implant for attachment to a jaw bone of a patient. The implant includes a cylindrical body having an interior bore formed between a distal end and a proximal end. An abutment includes an interior bore formed through the stem and the post and an interface section interfacing with the abutment interface of the dental implant. An abutment removal insert has a cylindrical end insertable into a groove formed in the interior bore of the abutment. An abutment removal tool screw is insertable within the abutment removal insert. The abutment removal tool screw includes a grip and an opposite end. The opposite end causes the abutment removal insert to contact the abutment. The grip is rotatable to cause the opposite end to create force against the implant to cause the abutment to be detached from the implant.
US09925022B2

A dental attachment assembly and method anchors a dental appliance with an implant and has an abutment member attached to the implant, a retention member in releasable snap engagement with the abutment member, and a cap secured in a recess of the dental appliance and in releasable swivel engagement with the retention member to position and secure the dental appliance onto the implant. The cap includes a cavity with a rounded, concave inner surface which engages with the retention member, an interior top surface of the cavity with a concave recess extending radially along an outer periphery of the interior top surface of the cavity to allow for rotation of the retention member within the cap. A central portion of the interior top surface of the cavity surrounded by the concave recess therefore protrudes vertically into the cavity to minimize vertical displacement of the retention member as it rotates.
US09925007B2

A smoke evacuation attachment device for attachment to a laser resurfacing handpiece that includes a channel for evacuating smoke, dead skin cells, and other debris from the application site of the laser and which has a low profile to preclude encumbering the use of the laser handpiece.
US09925005B2

The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe.
US09925003B2

A surgical tool is disclosed. The surgical tool has a tool mounting portion having a tool mounting housing, a tool mounting plate, and a coupler to couple a shaft assembly having an articulation section to the tool mounting portion. An articulation mechanism is located within the tool mounting portion and is configured to receive a proximal end of the shaft assembly to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. The articulation mechanism has a cam mechanism operative to articulate the articulation section of the shaft assembly. An interface mechanically and electrically couples the tool mounting portion to a manipulator.
US09924990B2

Apparatus and methods for securing a bone implant are provided. The implant may be an expandable implant. The implant may be a non-expandable implant. The implant may be for repairing a bone fracture. The implant may be secured to a bone by anchors. The implant may include anchor receiving features. The anchor receiving features may be configured to direct an anchor into cortical bone. The anchor receiving features may be configured to receive an anchor driven through cortical bone. The implant may include bone engaging members configured to engage cancellous bone. An implant may include different profiles. The different profiles may be configured to secure the implant. The profiles may be configured to support the bone. The implant may have different flexing properties configured to position the implant in the bone. The implant may be positioned to receive an anchor driven through an outside of the bone.
US09924985B2

An intramedullary fixation device used in bone fixation and stabilization on a patient includes a longitudinally extending rigid body, a distal head disposed at a distal end of the body and sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient, the distal head having a central core portion and a plurality of extending distal wings radially projecting from the central core portion. A proximal head at a proximal end of the body is sized for insertion into an intramedullary canal of a phalanx of the patient. It has a central core portion and a plurality of proximal wings extending radially outwardly from the central core portion.
US09924983B2

A method for treating a spine, comprises the steps of fastening a first fastener to a first portion of vertebrae, a second fastener to a second portion of vertebra, and a third fastener to a third portion of vertebrae, wherein the second portion of vertebra is between the first and third vertebra; providing a longitudinal element having a first portion and a second portion; passing the first portion of the longitudinal element through the second and third fasteners such that the second portion of the longitudinal element extends from the second fastener through the third fastener; bending the first portion of the longitudinal element to a selected curvature; and moving the second portion of the longitudinal element through the second fastener to the first fastener after the first portion of the longitudinal element has been passed through the second and third fasteners. Systems and instruments are disclosed.
US09924975B2

A pivotal bone anchor assembly includes a shank sub-assembly comprising a shank and a coupler, and a receiver sub-assembly comprising a receiver having a bore with a bottom opening and a snap-fit assembly proximate the bottom opening comprising an insert, a retainer ring positioned within an expansion chamber, and a positioner configured to hold the retainer ring in position. The shank sub-assembly is uploaded through the receiver bottom opening such that the positioner is pushed up into a holder chamber and the retainer rings engages a circumferential locking groove of the coupler to secure the shank sub-assembly with the receiver sub-assembly with a snap-fit connection.
US09924971B2

A coupling assembly for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element, including a receiving part having first and second ends, a recess at the first end for the rod, and an accommodation space for a head of the bone anchoring element, the accommodation space having an opening at the second end to permit insertion of the head into the receiving part, a retainer element configured to be arranged at least partially in the accommodation space and to hold at least part of the head, and a spring element configured to be arranged at least partially in the accommodation space and to be compressed in an axial direction. The retainer element and the spring element are separate parts. When the retainer element and the spring element are in the accommodation space of the receiving part in a first position, the spring element extends into the recess of the receiving part.
US09924966B2

Devices and methods are disclosed for less invasive surgery. More particularly, methods and devices described herein permit improved access within a body cavity when performing a minimally invasive procedure, typically through a small opening, a surgical port, or during an open surgical procedure.
US09924965B2

A surgical instrument includes a first member defining a passageway defining a first axis. A second member is positioned in the passageway and includes a lip extending at an angle relative to a second axis defined by the second member that engages a flange of the first member. A third member engages an outer surface of the first member. The third member includes an end surface. A fourth member defines a pathway having the first and second members disposed therein. The fourth member includes a first locking element. A fifth member includes a body including an inner surface that engages the third member. The fifth member includes a plurality of straps extending outwardly from the body. At least one of the straps includes a second locking element that engages the first locking element to fix the fourth member relative to the fifth member. Systems and methods are disclosed.
US09924952B2

A surgical dissection tool for cutting bone and other tissue includes a cutting head having an outer surface having non-paired or an odd number of flutes formed therein. Each flute includes a rake surface intersecting with the outer surface to form a cutting edge, and a relief surface opposite the rake surface. The relief surface and the rake surface form a first angle. Each flute also includes a leading angled surface extending from the relief surface to a distal end portion of the cutting head, the leading angled surface and the rake surface forming a second angle substantially the same as the first angle.
US09924950B2

A method of creating a patient specific instrument (PSI) for use in knee replacement surgery is described which includes performing at least two X-ray scans of a bone, each of the X-ray scans being taken from different angular positions, generating a digital bone model of the bone based solely on the X-ray scans, planning the PSI based on the digital bone model, including determining locations for one or more anchor points on the PSI which are adapted to abut a surface of the bone, the determined locations of the anchor points being disposed on the PSI at locations corresponding to areas of expected high accuracy on the digital bone model generated by the X-ray scans. The areas of expected high accuracy include at least a peripheral bone contour in at least one of the angular position of the X-ray scans. A suite of such PSI instruments is also described.
US09924949B2

An adjustable vascular compression device assists in achieving partial or full occlusion of a blood vessel when applied to a patient's limb, for example, during or following a medical procedure. Pads on the device apply preferential compression to portions of the circumference of the limb so as to enable blood flow through adjacent blood vessels during the compression period. Further, rapid fastening, tightening, loosening and release is enabled by a single mechanism, and gradual adjustments to the tightness may be made without releasing said mechanism.
US09924945B2

An improved surgical apparatus actuator includes a nail bin assembly (1002), a nail anvil assembly (1001) connecting with the nail bin assembly (1002), and a drive assembly (1003) controlling the nail bin assembly (1002) and the nail anvil assembly (1001) to convert between opening and closing conditions. The nail anvil assembly (1001) includes a nail anvil plate (103) and a nail anvil seat (102), wherein the nail anvil plate (103) is provided on an inner side (1022) of the nail anvil seat (102), the nail anvil seat (102) has the structure, material and processing technology capable of providing high anti-bending performance, the nail anvil plate (103) is cold-punched from a thinner stainless steel sheet. Therefore, the processing difficulty of the components is reduced, and meanwhile, the ability of the actuator chuck to resist bending deformation is improved.
US09924943B2

A jaw member for use on a surgical stapling instrument includes a cartridge assembly and a cartridge housing each having an arcuate configuration. The cartridge assembly includes a surface configured to engage tissue and a plurality of rows of fastener retaining slots extending along a length of the cartridge assembly. The cartridge housing defines a channel configured for receipt of the cartridge assembly. The cartridge housing includes a base portion and a plurality of tabs. The base portion has a concave inner edge and a convex outer edge. The tabs extend from the concave inner edge and the convex outer edge. The tabs are spaced from one another along a length of the cartridge housing.
US09924935B2

A suture anchor assembly including a suture anchor that incorporates a harder distal tip with a softer proximal body. The tip and body of the suture anchor are connected via a threaded plug, which also serves to connect the suture anchor to an inserter.
US09924929B2

The present invention relates to a kit for taking biopsies, resections, excisions, and/or autopsies. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of taking biopsies resections, excisions, and/or autopsies using the kit of the present invention. The kits and methods of the present invention allow for fewer errors, decreased turn around time and/or more rapid processing due to a cassette and specimen numbering system that is simplified and superior over that which has been previously disclosed in the prior art. The kit of the present invention comprises one or more tissue cassettes, and optionally one or more bottles of formalin and optionally, other components.
US09924927B2

A system for automatically determining a thickness of a wall of an artery of a subject includes an ECG monitoring device that captures an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal from the subject, and an ultrasound video imaging device, coupled to the ECG monitoring device, that receives the ECG signal from the ECG monitoring device, and captures a corresponding ultrasound video of the wall of the artery of the subject. The system produces a plurality of frames of video comprising the ultrasound video of the wall of the artery of the subject and an image of the ECG signal. A processor is configured to select a subset of the plurality of frames of the ultrasound video based on the image of the (ECG) signal, locate automatically a region of interest (ROI) in each frame of the subset of the plurality of frames of the video using a machine-based artificial neural network and measure automatically a thickness of the wall of the artery in each ROI using the machine-based artificial neural network.
US09924926B2

An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to acquire an ultrasound image of a region of the body containing suspect anatomy such as a suspected lesion. A body marker template (104, 106) of the region of the body is displayed on a touchscreen display of the imaging system. The operator records the location of the suspect anatomy by touching a corresponding point on the body marker template displayed on the touchscreen display. The mark (120 a, 120 b) on the template can be finely adjusted by one or more controls on the imaging system control panel. The body marker template can also record a graphic indicating (120 c) the orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the body when the suspect anatomy was imaged. A report generator produces a report containing both the ultrasound image of the suspect anatomy and the body marker template with the indicated location of the suspect anatomy.
US09924924B2

A piezoelectric device includes a base, a vibration film, and a piezoelectric element. The base of the piezoelectric device has at least one opening. The opening is closed by the vibration film. The piezoelectric element is located on the vibration film. The vibration film includes a first layer that is has lower water permeability than silicon oxide and a second layer that is in close contact with the first layer and that has a larger toughness value than the first layer.
US09924921B1

Disclosed herein are techniques for joint performance monitoring and diagnosis. A joint monitoring system includes a plurality of event detection sensors configured to be mounted on a wearer of the joint monitoring system, and a plurality of position tracking sensors configured to be mounted on the wearer. The plurality of event detection sensors is configured to generate detection signals for detecting an event in a joint region. The joint region includes a region within a body of the wearer and within a threshold distance of a joint. The detection signals from the plurality of event detection sensors includes information for determining a location of the event. The plurality of position tracking sensors is configured to record position information of one or more body parts associated with the joint in response to the detected event.
US09924919B2

The invention relates to a model for use in an imaging technique based on an interaction of the model with an electromagnetic radiation. The model comprises a plurality of volume elements. The interaction intensities of two neighboring volume elements are distinguishable by an imaging technique. The model comprises first volume elements made of a supporting material, and second volume elements are made of a supporting material and a contrast material and exhibit a higher interaction intensity with the electromagnetic radiation than the first volume elements because of the presence of contrast material. The second volume elements have been generated by a printing method.The invention further relates to a method for fabricating the model by 3D printing.
US09924913B2

Various methods, systems and apparatus are provided for brain imaging during virtual reality stimulation. In one example, among others, a system for virtual ambulatory environment brain imaging includes a mobile brain imager configured to obtain positron emission tomography (PET) scans of a subject in motion, and a virtual reality (VR) system configured to provide one or more stimuli to the subject during the PET scans. In another example, a method for virtual ambulatory environment brain imaging includes providing stimulation to a subject through a virtual reality (VR) system; and obtaining a positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the subject while moving in response to the stimulation from the VR system. The mobile brain imager can be positioned on the subject with an array of imaging photodetector modules distributed about the head of the subject.
US09924903B2

An intravascular sensor assembly including a flexible elongate member having a longitudinal axis (LA) is provided. The sensor assembly includes a first engagement feature proximal to a distal end of the flexible elongate member; a core member disposed inside a lumen of the flexible elongate member, the core member configured to translate within the flexible elongate member along the LA proximal to the first engagement feature; and a component holding a sensor circuit, the component fixedly secured to a distal end of the core member such that the mounting structure translates along the LA of the flexible elongate member with the core member. A system and a method for performing measurements using a sensor as above are also provided.
US09924895B2

A specialized spectrometer comprises a light source to generate a monochromatic light beam to generate resonance Raman peaks or resonance near infrared absorption peaks from a region of the subject and a reference light source to illuminate the region with a reference light beam. The light energy from the resonance Raman peaks can be measured with a detector coupled to an optical wavelength separator. A portion of the reference beam scattered from the region can be measured with a reference detector. An amount of the constituent can be determined with a processor in response to the resonance Raman peaks measured with the detector and the portion of the reference beam measured with the reference detector. The illumination of the region with reference beam with the monochromatic beam allows accurate determination of the amount of the constituent, and the amount may comprise a concentration, such as an amount per unit volume.
US09924892B2

An integrated blood glucose measuring device is described that has blood glucose metering device, a glucose metering test strip storage mechanism attachable to the metering device, a test strip feeding mechanism for feeding a single test strip from the storage mechanism for blood intake. The metering device, the test strip storage mechanism and the test strip feeding mechanism are integrated into a single device for blood glucose measurement. In another embodiment, a lancet mechanism is attachable to a side of the metering device and thus the metering device, the storage mechanism, the test strip feeding mechanism, and the lancet mechanism are integrated into a single device for blood glucose measurement.
US09924877B2

Various system embodiments comprise a stimulator adapted to deliver a stimulation signal for a heart failure therapy, a number of sensors adapted to provide at least a first measurement of a heart failure status and a second measurement of the heart failure status, and a controller. The controller is connected to the stimulator and to the number of sensors. The controller is adapted to use the first and second measurements to create a heart failure status index, and control the stimulator to modulate the signal using the index. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US09924873B2

An electromagnetic tomography system for gathering measurement data pertaining to a human head includes an image chamber unit, a control system, and a housing. The image chamber unit includes an antenna assembly defining a horizontally-oriented imaging chamber and including an array of antennas arranged around the imaging chamber. The antennas include at least some transmitting antennas and some receiving antennas. The control system causes the transmitting antennas to transmit a low power electromagnetic field that is received by the receiving antennas after passing through a patient's head in the imaging chamber. A data tensor is produced that may be inversed to reconstruct a 3D distribution of dielectric properties within the head and to create an image. The housing at least partially contains the antenna assembly and has a front entry opening into the imaging chamber. The head is inserted horizontally through the front entry opening and into the imaging chamber.
US09924869B2

A method of determining a required blood flow includes obtaining morphological information of a coronary artery in a cardiac image, segmenting the cardiac image into at least one myocardial region based on the morphological information of the coronary artery, and determining a blood flow required for each of the at least one myocardial region.
US09924867B2

The methods and systems provided can automatically determine an Arteriolar-to-Venular diameter Ratio, AVR, in blood vessels, such as retinal blood vessels and other blood vessels in vertebrates. The AVR is an important predictor of increases in the risk for stroke, cerebral atrophy, cognitive decline, and myocardial infarct.
US09924866B2

The present disclosure describes compact remote eye tracking systems that include depth sensing capacity. In one aspect, a method of eye tracking includes illuminating a subject's eye with illumination; detecting, in a depth sensor, optical signals reflected from the subject's face in response to the illumination; generating a depth map based on the optical signals detected by the depth sensor; acquiring an intensity image based on optical signals reflected from the subject's face in response to the illumination; determining, based on a portion of the depth map corresponding to the subject's eye, an estimated distance between the subject's eye and a target screen; determining an estimated gaze direction of the subject's eye based on information obtained from the intensity image; and determining, based on the estimated gaze direction and the estimated distance between the subject's eye and the target screen, a gaze point for the subject's eye.
US09924855B2

Endoscopic instrument with a control element, an instrument shaft, an adjustment element, a pull element, an actuator, an intermediate element which is operatively connected to the control element and to the adjustment element such that a force applied to the control element by the user can be transmitted to the adjustment element via the intermediate element in order to move the adjustment element, a detection device for detecting a torsion of the intermediate element, and an abutment device, which defines a free rotatory movement range of the control element relative to the adjustment element.
US09924840B2

A toilet seat sheet capable of being automatically disposed from a toilet seat and causing less discomfort to a user is provided. The toilet seat sheet is provided with a sheet main body 1, an opening 2 formed in a center portion of the sheet main body 1, a hanging part 3 configured to hang down from an inner edge portion 21 of the opening 2. The hanging part 3 is provided with a hanging part connecting part 311 which is connected to the sheet main body 1 at an obliquely right front side or an obliquely left front side of the inner edge portion 21 of the opening 2, and is designed to have a length that allows the hanging part 3 to come into contact with an inner front-side surface of a toilet bowl when the sheet main body 1 is placed on the toilet seat.
US09924835B2

A stockpot has an outer pot and an inner pot. The outer pot has an outer pot body and an insulating pot bottom. The insulating pot bottom is connected to the outer pot body and has a connecting base, a flame guiding block, and multiple insulating mounts. The flame guiding block is mounted on the connecting base. The insulating mounts are mounted on the connecting base around the flame guiding block. The inner pot is mounted in the outer pot and has an inner pot body, two handles, and an inner pot bottom. The inner pot body is mounted in the outer pot body and has an abutting ring abutting a top of the outer pot body. The handles are securely connected to the abutting ring. The inner pot bottom is securely connected to the inner pot body above the insulating pot bottom of the outer pot.
US09924834B2

Disclosed is an expanded polystyrene cooler having a body, a lid and a lid locking mechanism, said lid locking mechanism including a transversely-extending ridge near the perimeter of the underside surface of the lid, with the ridge surrounding the majority of said underside surface. There are at least two opposed flanges on the underside surface having extended portions extending towards the edge of the lid, as well as at least two horizontal channels on the inner surface of the body, each channel including an opening at one end facing the flanges and configured to receive one of the flanges and including a section having an extension towards the inside of the body, said section configured to rest upon the flange extended portion and lock the lid with the body, when the flange is positioned below the extension, whereby the lid is in place atop the cooler body.
US09924833B2

The present invention relates to a self-contained trolley for temperature conditioning and distribution of meal trays (13) comprising two compartments separated by an insulating wall (11), namely a compartment for heating, called the hot compartment, and a compartment for chilling, called the cold compartment, receiving at least one stack of meal trays arranged so that one part of each meal tray (13) is located in the hot compartment and the other part thereof is located in the cold compartment, wherein the heating of the hot compartment and the chilling of the cold compartment are simultaneously obtained by means of a thermochemical system. This trolley is characterized in that said reactor (15) and the evaporator of the thermochemical system are respectively and exclusively arranged in the hot compartment and in the cold compartment and in that the reactive material used in the thermochemical system consists of a compacted mixture of manganese chloride and expanded natural graphite (ENG), and the gas consists of ammonia.
US09924832B2

A heating system for heating a food product includes a housing including at least one heating cavity, a conveyor belt system which is configured to move the food product from a first end of the heating cavity to a second end thereof, a heating unit disposed generally parallel to a top surface of the conveyor belt system, and an in-feed rack having a first and second portion. The first portion of the in-feed rack may be positioned proximal to the conveyor belt system, and the second portion is positioned distal to the conveyor belt system. Each of the first and second portions of the in-feed rack has a generally planar cross section. A longitudinal length of the first portion of the in-feed rack is offset a substantially vertical distance from a longitudinal length of the second portion of the in-feed rack.
US09924829B2

The invention relates to a device for preparing milk froth that can be optionally hot or cold, or for dispensing optionally hot or cold milk (1), said device comprising a milk container (4) that can be removed from the device, a milk inlet which connects the milk container (4) to a cold froth device via a milk valve section, said cold froth device being activatable by means of an air valve section, and comprising an outlet line (15) that is located downstream of the cold froth device and comprises an outlet (16). The milk container (4) can be inserted into the device (1) in a guided manner and the base (4a) of said container is equipped with a milk snap-in valve (17). A complementary receiving section (17a) for the milk snap-in valve is fixed in the device (1) and is formed as a milk inlet directly on the milk valve section. When the milk container (4) is inserted, the milk snap-in valve (17) engages in the complementary receiving section (17a) for the snap-in valve and is locked therein.
US09924822B1

Implementations of a spherical ornament are provided. In some implementations, the spherical ornament may include a plurality of light reflecting assemblies that are configured to reflect visible light and thereby create a visual phenomenon. In some implementations, the spherical ornament may be used in conjunction with one or more external light sources to create a reflected light display. In some implementations, the spherical ornament may comprise a body portion having a plurality of light reflecting assemblies mounted thereon. In some implementations, each light reflecting assembly may comprise a light reflecting element that is held by a setting. In some implementations, the setting may include a post that is configured to be inserted into the body portion of the spherical ornament and thereby mount the light reflecting assembly thereon.
US09924810B2

A merchandise display assembly comprises a tier of horizontally elongated metallic shelving for merchandise, with a display assembly detachably coupled at each shelf to an LED TV display of the merchandise. Each elongated LED TV display comprises an LCD screen comprised of 1920×95 pixels backlit by white light emitting LEDs, and projecting white LED lighting to illuminate the merchandise below each LED TV display, said LED TV displays each driven by an elongated compact HDMI or daisy chained controller board. The face of the display is arranged to have maximal area by confining vertical drivers to a compact upper region, permitting the boarder of the region to be of equal thickness both above and below the display and by providing a back cover that extends only to the rear surface of the display element.
US09924809B2

A retail display system is provided with a point-of-sale display unit sized to be received in a retail store aisle. A plurality of planar display panes with varying sizes and varying styles are oriented within the display unit. Mounting hardware kits are common for the plurality of planar display panes, and are oriented within the display unit, to mount the plurality of planar display planes at varying distances from an upright support surface. A plurality of frames with varying sizes and varying styles, are sized to mount about one of the plurality of planar display panes, and are oriented within the display unit. Instructional indicia are provided on the display unit to inform a customer to select at least one planar display pane and at least one frame.
US09924796B2

A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail and an auxiliary member. The second rail is movable relative to the first rail. The auxiliary member is configured to be operated between a first state and a second state relative to one of the first rail and the second rail. When the auxiliary member is in the first state, the second rail is able to be moved a predetermined distance from a position relative to the first rail along a direction. When the auxiliary member is in the second state, the auxiliary member is configured to prevent the second rail from being moved the predetermined distance from the position relative to the first rail along the direction.
US09924787B2

For example, a magnetic retention system comprising: (A) a piece of clothing with a pocket with an opening and outer and inner surfaces of a portion of pocket fabric; (B) a tab device comprising material A, the tab device placed near the opening on the outer surface; (C) an electronic device with a viewing screen on a major surface and a cover on an opposing major surface, the cover incorporating or having affixed complementary surface comprising material B, wherein one of materials A and B is magnetic, and the other is magnetically susceptible, and wherein the tab and material B are situated and such that when the electronic device is in the pocket with appropriate orientation there is a strong attraction between materials A and B such that greater force is needed for the electronic device to slip from the pocket.
US09924776B2

A container for dispensing a cosmetic product includes a first container member and a second container member shaped and dimensioned for coupling together so as to define a cavity therebetween for storing a cosmetic product. The first container member includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. The first container member further includes an apex having an aperture formed therein and an open end opposite the apex, the open end defining a circumferential free edge that is opposite the aperture. A plurality of ribs radially extend from the interior surface of the first container member toward a central axis running through a center of the aperture such that the plurality of ribs define an elongated passageway extending on the central axis. Each of the plurality of ribs includes an edge attached to the interior surface, a free edge and a supporting edge shaped and dimensioned for supporting cosmetic product above the supporting edge after cosmetic product is gravity fed through the passageway. A plug covers the aperture after the cosmetic product has been fed into the cavity.
US09924773B2

A valve for injecting a fluid into a bowl has a vent with an inlet and a flexible diaphragm for covering the discharge opening of the vent. The diaphragm is connected to a vessel body of a bowl, and the vent is connected to a stand of a bowl. The diaphragm has a closing area for closing the discharge opening and a connecting area for connecting the diaphragm with the vessel body spaced to the vent. At least one window is provided between the closing area and the connecting area.
US09924772B2

A method for producing a clamping member of a hair clip includes filling a plastic material into a cavity defined by a fixed mold and a movable mold, forming a clamping member. The plastic material in rectilinear passages and grooves in the movable mold form teeth on a clamping portion of the clamping member. Then, the movable mold disengages from the fixed mold with the clamping member remaining on the movable mold. Next, the clamping member is moved away from the movable mold by a distance. The plastic material in each groove becomes an elongated section. Before the plastic material completely cures, the clamping member completely disengages from the movable mold. The elongated section of each tooth bends downwards due to gravitational force and completely cures to form a hooked section. The remaining portion of each tooth forms a rectilinear section interconnected between the hooked section and the clamping portion.
US09924766B2

An attachment mechanism that can be used to attach a portable or wearable electronic device to a user. The attachment mechanism may include a band strap having multiple links that are configured to wrap around a user's wrist. The links of the band may be spring biased and allow the band to be secured to a wrist or other object as it transitions from an open to a closed position. The amount of spring bias may be adjusted or specially configured to attach the device comfortably yet securely.
US09924764B2

A disposable insert for footwear comprised of a top surface and a bottom surface. The top and bottom surfaces are substantially thin and made of PP spunbonded nonwoven materials to keep a wearer's foot clean by absorbing sweat, odor and dirt. The top surface has a high coefficient of friction to provide good traction to the bottom of the wearer's foot during wear, especially for those individuals whose feet tend to sweat often while wearing shoes. The bottom surface has an anti-slip adhesive coating for allowing the insert to adequately grip the insole of a shoe without leaving a residue that could damage the wearer's shoe when removed, yet easily moveable in shoes as necessary. The present invention also provides a disposable insert composed of different colors and patterns to satisfy the fashionable preferences of the wearers.
US09924762B2

A method of insert molding comprises placing in a first mold a curable rubber composition comprising a reactive species; placing on a surface of the rubber composition a first thermoplastic material in a film or layer comprising a group reactive with the reactive species of the rubber composition; curing the rubber composition in the mold to form a first molded article of cured rubber having a first thermoplastic material layer covalently bonded through reactive of the reactive species and the group; placing the first molded article as an insert into a second mold, the cured rubber contacting an inside surface of the second mold and the thermoplastic layer facing into the second mold cavity; closing the second mold and injecting into the second mold a second thermoplastic material that to form a second molded article comprising the first molded article thermally welded and/or covalently bonded to the second thermoplastic material.
US09924740B2

A layer composite acting as a covering for the filter of an article to smoke, which includes a filter cover which allows diffusion and a mouthpiece lining paper arranged outside said filter cover, the mouthpiece lining paper being in contact with a sensory substance area. A layer which is impervious to the substances contained in the sensory substance area is arranged between the mouthpiece lining paper and the filter cover. The filter cover consists of a material which allows diffusion.
US09924732B2

Apparatus, system and method embodiments for molding soft confectionery are included herein include a conveyor system arranged for conveying a plurality of trays in a serial succession, a loading unit arranged for loading the trays onto the conveyor system, a depositing unit arranged for depositing liquid confectionery in mold cavities of at least two trays simultaneously, and an unloading unit arranged for unloading the trays from the conveyor system.
US09924727B2

A dip tank and recycling system for applying antimicrobial solution to food items, including a dip tank having a bottom and sides, and holding a liquid antimicrobial solution. A conveyor to convey food items through the tank passes through the liquid antimicrobial solution held in the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are dipped in the liquid antimicrobial solution. At least two discharge nozzles spray fresh antimicrobial solution into the tank. The discharge nozzles are located in the sides of the tank, and are positioned above the level of the conveyor but below an expected top level of the liquid antimicrobial solution contained within the tank such that food items conveyed on the conveyor are agitated by the force of the spray from the discharge nozzles. The spray from the discharge nozzles causes unstacking of items on the conveyor, producing an even application of the antimicrobial solution.
US09924724B2

Visually distinct, flaked Ready-to-Eat (“R-T-E”) cereal products with varied texture and thickness are produced by forming a cereal dough and forcing the same through an extrusion die assembly including various spaced openings which establish a plurality of dough streams which are merged prior to reaching a die outlet. Directly at the die outlet, a resulting dough extrudate is sliced by a cutter unit to form dough discs which are then dried and cooled, during which the discs curl and form cereal flakes having varying textures defined, at least in part, by distinct sets of surface bumps. The number and configuration of the bumps can be altered by changing the number, shape and/or position of the various spaced openings of the die assembly, while the thicknesses of the resulting cereal flakes can be varied by just altering an operational speed of the cutter unit.
US09924721B2

Malonic ester derivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols A1, A2, Y, R10, p, X, R2, G, Q, L2 and R1 are each as defined in the description, and salts, metal complexes and N-oxides of the compounds of the formula (I), and the use thereof for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi and processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I).
US09924714B2

An impregnable matrix of plant, animal or synthetic origin or mixtures of same in different proportions, containing an antimicrobial compound uniformly distributed throughout the whole composition, in which the compound is a compound of a transition metal, particularly Cu4SO4(OH)6. In addition, a method is provided for impregnating the matrix with a compound, comprising steps of (a) absorbing or impregnating the antimicrobial compound; (b) centrifuging or pressing or crushing; (c) air drying; and (d) binding and obtaining the active principle. Moreover, the use of the method for the preparation of a matrix having antimicrobial properties and the use of the matrix in the preparation of solid supports or solid materials for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, medical or veterinary use are provided.
US09924709B1

A stabilized, collapsible platform having two stages, each adjustable with respect to the other along a support column except to the extent restricted by a temporary lock. In a preferred embodiment, the platform may be adjusted along the support column with each stage moving independently of the other, and, once in the desired position, the temporary lock may then be employed to restrict movement of the stages relative to one another. The temporary lock may additionally stabilize the platform against movement with respect to the support column.
US09924694B1

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV759867. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV759867, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV759867 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV759867 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV759867.
US09924679B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057010. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057010. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057010 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057010 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09924675B1

The invention provides seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated X13534. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety X13534, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety X13534 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety X13534.
US09924673B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01064169. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01064169. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01064169 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01064169 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09924670B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH829129. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH829129, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH829129 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH829129.
US09924668B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH249124. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH249124, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH249124 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH249124.
US09924667B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH789924. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH789924, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH789924 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH789924.
US09924665B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH499427. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH499427, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH499427 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH499427.
US09924656B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV086859. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV086859, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV086859 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV086859 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV086859.
US09924655B1

A novel maize variety designated X75H413 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X75H413 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X75H413 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X75H413, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X75H413. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X75H413.
US09924653B2

A maize plant and a method of increasing the number of grain bearing ears per plant is provided. The maize plants, irrespective of their variety, exhibit at least two adjacent shortened internodes (defined as being equal to or less than twice the largest transverse dimension of the stalk just above the ground) spacing at least two ear nodes. Preferably the internode spacing is about 70 mm or less. The maize plants are preferably selected such that the ears develop substantially synchronously; the silks start being exerted either at the same time as, or before, pollen is released by the tassels of the plants; and the maize plants are both of a dwarf maize type and a prolific plant type.
US09924652B1

The present invention provides novel watermelon cultivar SP-7 and plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. The invention also provides methods for producing a watermelon plant by crossing the watermelon plants of the invention with themselves or another watermelon plant. The invention also provides watermelon plants produced from such a crossing as well as plant parts, seed, and tissue culture therefrom. Further provided are methods of producing triploid watermelon seed and plants and seedless watermelon fruit produced therefrom as well as the triploid watermelon seed and plants and the seedless fruits produced by such methods.
US09924650B2

The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 15R508. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 15R508. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 15R508 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 15R508 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.
US09924649B2

The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 15R549. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 15R549. Also provided by the invention are methods of using cotton variety 15R549 and products derived therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 15R549 with itself or another cotton variety and plants and seeds produced by such methods.
US09924646B1

A sprinkler system to control distribution of water flow to a plurality of sprinkler heads, the heads providing an outlet to dispense water passing through a corresponding one of the plurality of sprinkler heads and a plurality of distribution control devices, one of the plurality of distribution control devices coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of sprinkler heads, wherein the distribution control device controls water flow to an associated sprinkler heads for a first predetermined period of time when a flow of water through the distribution control device is detected.
US09924643B2

The present invention relates to an intelligent tree transplanter that comprises a rotary support, a structure comprising at least one horizontal hydraulic closed telescopic boom that is driven by and connected to a driving device, wherein there is a multi-way valve assembly, tree-oriented anchor point and infrared horizontal automatic calibration point, wherein there is a ball pool data detector including infrared central contact in the center of the present device; and, a lateral hydraulic telescopic boom that drives the rotary support comprising a number of regolith scrapers, and at least one vertical hydraulic angle rotating shaft connected to a vertical hydraulic telescopic joints are located at the bottom of the device. Vertical hydraulic telescopic joints that are connected to the ball-end horizontal rotating shaft are also located at the bottom of the device.
US09924635B1

A header of an agricultural harvester or plant cutting machine is provided that includes a shaft sealing assembly for a center knife drive assembly having an output shaft, a cover, and a pressurized air source. The shaft sealing assembly is fastened to the cover, circumscribes the output shaft and conveys pressurized air for cleaning.
US09924634B2

A device for marking natural and artificial grass surfaces, which comprises a mowing drum linked to a chassis, wherein the mowing drum comprises a plurality of cutting elements and can rotate around a main shaft, where a perforated sheet is arranged between the mowing drum and the grass surface, with said perforated sheet comprising a plurality of holes cut to an appropriate size so as to allow blades of grass to pass through them, in addition to an opening configured to facilitate the passage blades of grass to be cut by the cutting element.
US09924632B2

A quick connect mower blade system includes a blade bolt inserted into the top end of a hollow spindle and threaded into a collet having an upright inserted into the lower end of the spindle. The collet has a head that is aligned substantially perpendicular to a hole in a blade holder if the blade bolt is tightened onto the collet to clamp a mower blade between the spindle and blade holder.
US09924629B2

An agricultural planting system and method comprising a soil sampling and analysis means, wherein soil samples are taken and analyzed in real-time during a planting operation (or, optionally, via a separate, prior operation) to determine the conditions and nutrient content of the soil, and a planting system, wherein the planting system is capable of planting seeds in any arbitrary position on an X-Y plane directly beneath the planting system, whereby the data gathered from the analyzed soil samples are used to determine the optimal placement of seeds or plants in a field in order to take advantage of the soil conditions present and to optimize crop yield.
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