US09976461B2

A particulate filter for a motor vehicle has a casing (2) that allows through flow. A core (4) is accommodated in the casing (2) and allows through flow. The casing (2) has a longitudinal axis (3). A through flow duct (9) is formed between the casing (2) and the core (4) to allow the through flow of exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle. A ring (7) is arranged in the through flow duct (9) and gives the through flow duct (9) a labyrinth-type configuration.
US09976455B2

This internal combustion engine includes a piston, an oil jet that operates at a predetermined operating pressure to supply oil to the piston, and a hydraulic controller provided upstream of an oil passage including the oil jet. The hydraulic controller includes a constantly opened first passage through which the oil having a pressure lower than the predetermined operating pressure is supplied to the oil jet, a second passage provided alongside of the first passage and being openable and closable, through which the oil having a pressure higher than the predetermined operating pressure is supplied to the oil jet in combination with the first passage in a state where the same is opened, and an opening-closing control portion that controls the second passage to be in an open state when actuating the oil jet, and controls the second passage to be in a closed state when stopping actuating the oil jet.
US09976445B2

A pressure regulating system which is an arrangement with a turbo machine for example a nuclear steam turbine. Main lubricant oil pump supply fluid for example lubricant oil to the nuclear steam turbine passes through a cooler and via filter through a main supply line. The pressure regulating system is connected to the main supply line through an actuating line. Based on requirement of the fluid excessive fluid can be diverted through the actuating line to the pressure regulating system and from there to oil tank. In oil tank an auxiliary lubricant oil pump is provided to supplement the supply of the lubricant oil to the nuclear steam turbine. An emergency lubricant oil pump has also been provided to supply the lubricant oil to the nuclear steam turbine in case when regular supply is not working.
US09976439B2

The present invention relates to a method for differentiating control failures in a system for controlling an actuator (14) determining the position of a member for modifying the state of a gas-turbine engine, the system including a single- or dual-channel electric control and a mechanical control, the electric control including one computer (10, 10′) per channel, only one of which is active at any given time in order to calculate the set position of the movable member of the actuator (14) and to transmit a set signal to the single-channel mechanical control of the actuator, a failure being diagnosed when a deviation is detected between the set position of the movable member of the actuator and the position thereof measured during a predetermined deviation confirmation time. The method is characterised in that the speed of movement of the actuator is measured and in that the system diagnoses an electrical failure when, during said time for confirming the deviation, the measured speed of movement is other than zero and remains higher than a predetermined threshold speed; otherwise, the failure is diagnosed as being of temporary mechanical origin.
US09976437B2

A turbine engine has a fan shaft. At least one tapered bearing is mounted on the fan shaft. The fan shaft includes at least one passage extending in a direction having at least a radial component, and adjacent the at least one tapered bearing. A fan is mounted for rotation on the tapered bearing. An epicyclic gear train is coupled to drive the fan. The epicyclic gear train includes a carrier supporting intermediate gears that mesh with a sun gear. A ring gear surrounds and meshes with the intermediate gears. Each of the intermediate gears are supported on a respective journal bearing. The epicyclic gear train defines a gear reduction ratio of greater than or equal to about 2.3. A turbine section is coupled to drive the fan through the epicyclic gear train. The turbine section has a fan drive turbine that includes a pressure ratio that is greater than about 5. The fan includes a pressure ratio that is less than about 1.45, and the fan has a bypass ratio of greater than about ten (10).
US09976434B2

A brush seal assembly may include a packing body that includes an insertion groove formed inward in a circumferential direction. The insertion groove may be positioned between a rotating body and a fixed body. The packing body may include insertion holes having openings disposed toward the insertion groove at different positions and in different directions. A brush seal part includes a brush and a support member that supports the brush. The brush may extend toward the rotating body when brush is disposed in the insertion groove. A thermal expansion member may adhere to a side of the support member and thermally expand in a circumferential direction of the packing body. Fixing members may be inserted into the insertion holes, respectively, from an outside of the packing body to maintain a fixed state of the brush seal part in radial and circumferential directions of the packing body.
US09976432B2

Provided is a radial vane with which manufacturing is possible with superior economy, without incurring a cut loss associated with vane separation in a weld part of a thread bundle. With a longitudinal intermediate part of a contiguous bundle of threads being a fold-over part, both end parts of the fold-over part of the thread bundle are opened into radial shapes and superpositioned, leaving a space in the center part of the fold-over part, a ring-shaped fold-over part (12) is formed within the circumference of the space in the center part thereof. The outer part of the ring-shaped fold-over part (12) is welded in a ring shape, forming a ring-shaped core part (13). A through hole (11) is formed in the inner side of the fold-over part (12), and radial vane parts (14) are formed in which a plurality of thread materials (21) extend outward from the core part (13) toward the outer circumference side from all regions of the circumference direction. The ring-shaped fold-over part (12) is either an un-welded part or an incompletely welded part which protrudes in a dome shape in both surfaces and protrudes in an arch shape into the center, and is also efficacious as a boss part for gap adjustment when a plurality of radial vanes (10) are fixed in an axle, forming a brush head, as well as functioning simultaneously as a slide part which makes fixing easy, and as a grip part which anchors the fixed vanes.
US09976429B2

A gas turbine engine composite disk includes dovetail slots between disk posts extending radially inwardly from a periphery, a hub ring of composite plies circumscribed about a centerline axis, and radial plies extending radially away from hub ring into disk posts. A segmented intermediate ring concentric with and located radially outwardly of hub ring includes intermediate ring segments having nested plies with annular bases circumscribed about centerline axis and substantially radially extending clockwise and counter-clockwise radial ply arms. An outer segmented ring may be concentric with and located radially outwardly of intermediate ring, include annular outer ring segments with circumferentially stacked composite plies disposed within intermediate ring segments between clockwise and counter-clockwise radial ply arms and radially outwardly of annular bases. An outer skin of outermost composite covering plies may extend circumferentially around composite disk. Circumferential and radial composite plies may include circumferentially and radially oriented fibers.
US09976415B2

A downhole apparatus for measuring drilling fluid characteristics. The downhole apparatus may comprise one or more sensors located within a housing. The sensors may include one or more of an imaging device, a resistivity/conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a flowmeter and a fluid density sensor. The downhole apparatus may also include a controller for receiving measurements and/or determining optimal electromagnetic telemetry transmission settings. The downhole apparatus may also comprise a transmitter for transmitting the measurements and/or the optimal electromagnetic transmission settings. The downhole apparatus may be operated to determine optimal transmission settings for an electromagnetic telemetry system. Optimal transmission settings may include settings relating to one or more of frequency, amplitude, voltage, current, and power.
US09976408B2

A navigation device for surveying and directing a borehole comprises: a first gyro including a first sensitive axis and a second sensitive axis; a second gyro including at least a third sensitive axis; and a driving unit configured to orient the second gyro in a first mode in a first position in which an earth acceleration dependent error on the second gyro is insignificant and to orient the second gyro in a second mode in a second position in which the third sensitive axis is perpendicular to the first sensitive axis and perpendicular to the second sensitive axis.
US09976399B2

Selectively actuated plungers and systems and methods including the same are disclosed herein. The methods include flowing a wellbore fluid stream in fluid contact with a plunger and in an uphole direction within a wellbore conduit while the plunger is located within a target region of the wellbore conduit. The methods further include maintaining the plunger in a low fluid drag state while a variable associated with the wellbore fluid stream is outside a threshold range and transitioning the plunger to a high fluid drag state responsive to the variable associated with the wellbore conduit being within the threshold range. The methods further include conveying the plunger in the uphole direction within the wellbore conduit. The systems include the plungers and/or hydrocarbon wells that include the plungers.
US09976382B2

A downhole tool useable for isolating sections of a wellbore, the downhole tool having: a mandrel made of composite material, a metal slip, a seal element, a composite slip, a first cone, and a lower sleeve. The first cone is disposed around the mandrel, and proximately between an underside of the composite slip and an end of the seal element. The first cone has a completely smooth circumferential conical surface engaged with the underside of the composite slip.
US09976379B2

A wellbore isolation device comprising a tubular body comprising a downhole component having an external surface and a first inner bore formed therein, and an uphole component having a sloped external surface and a second inner bore formed therein, wherein the sloped external surface of the uphole component has at least one first protrusion, a plurality of slips disposed about the external surface of the tubular body between the uphole component and the downhole component, each of the plurality of slips comprising at least one sloped surface having at least one second protrusion, and an outer surface facing away from the external surface of the tubular body, the outer surface having one or more gripping protrusions, wherein the at least one sloped surface of each of the slip abuts the sloped external surface of the uphole component, wherein the three components provide a central inner bore.
US09976376B2

A fluid-driven adapter for a mineral extraction system is provided. The adapter includes a sleeve (e.g., annular piston) that engages a mandrel disposed in a wellhead component and moves in an axial direction in response to fluid pressure. The adapter moves the mandrel between a first position and a second position to open or close passages in the wellhead component. The adapter includes a lock ring that moves in response to fluid pressure and that locks the adapter to a wellhead assembly to prevent axial movement of the adapter. Methods of operation are also provided.
US09976374B2

A blowout preventer (“BOP”) includes a housing comprising a vertical bore extending through the housing and ram cavities intersecting the bore and a pair of opposing ram assemblies, with each ram assembly movably positionable within a ram cavity and comprising a side packer assembly. The side packer assembly comprises an upper plate, a lower plate, an elastomeric body positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate and comprising elastomeric material, and a support member positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate and configured to confine movement of the elastomeric body when sealing.
US09976373B2

A blowout preventer may be used for shearing an object positioned in a vertical bore extending through the blowout preventer. The blowout preventer includes a shear ram movable towards the tubular, the shear ram including a biasing mechanism for biasing against an interior surface of the blowout preventer body. In this way, the biasing mechanism urges the shear ram into axial engagement with an opposing shear ram movable towards the tubular during shearing operations. The biasing mechanism comprises a biasing member, such as a coiled spring, coned-disc spring, and/or coned-disc washer which urges the biasing mechanism into contact with the inner portion of the blowout preventer body.
US09976366B2

A valve assembly is for selectively opening and closing a radial aperture provided on a drilling element for drilling mud circulation. The valve assembly includes a valve body that has an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a duct for putting the apertures in communication with each other, thereby defining a mud path (p). The valve assembly includes at least two shutters arranged in a cascade along the direction of the mud path (p), thus forming at least a double barrier.
US09976362B2

A hydraulic lifting apparatus and a method is described that raises and lowers caps, such as night caps, lift caps, and other similar items, about a cap sub engaged to a wellhead. The apparatus includes a cap sub, vertical support member, a horizontal support member, a base member, and a hydraulic cylinder. The lifting device is attached to a wellhead assembly through a cap sub. The base member is attached to the cap sub through an enlarged ring. The base member also includes an elongated projected portion. The vertical support member is rotatably retained within a bore in the elongated projected portion. The proximal end of horizontal support member is connected to the upper end of the vertical support member. The hydraulic cylinder, which includes a hydraulic head and a hydraulic piston, is connected to the distal end of the horizontal support member. The vertical support member is capable of being rotated about the base member. The hydraulic cylinder is actuated to raise or lower a cap onto a cap sub, which is removably attached to a wellhead assembly. The vertical support member may be locked into place in a cap-engagement position or a non-cap engagement position through use of a spring-loaded locking pin which is inserted into a locking bracket on the vertical support member and into a recess on the base member.
US09976356B2

A cutting element includes a sleeve, a rotatable cutting element, and at least one retaining ring. The sleeve has a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter, wherein the second inner diameter is larger than the first inner diameter and located at a lower axial position than the first inner diameter. The rotatable cutting element has an axis of rotation extending therethrough, a cutting face, a body extending axially downward from the cutting face, wherein the body has a shaft that is disposed within the sleeve, and a circumferential groove formed around an outer surface of the shaft. The at least one retaining ring is disposed in the circumferential groove and extends at least around the entire circumference of the shaft, wherein the at least one retaining ring protrudes from the circumferential groove, thereby retaining the rotatable cutting element within the sleeve.
US09976346B2

A bottom bar for a roller blind. The bottom bar has a longitudinal body with an upper surface having a longitudinal channel that is in communication with a generally hollow interior. The channel receives the lower end of the blind fabric to which is secured a stopper to hang the longitudinal body from the fabric. The bottom bar includes one or more spacers receivable within the generally hollow interior and between the stopper and the upper surface of the longitudinal body. The spacers increase the set-off between the stopper and the upper surface of the longitudinal body, thereby lifting the elevation of the longitudinal body relative to the roller tube.
US09976342B1

A scratch prevention device for a door and a door frame comprising a primary panel and a knob opening located near the top of the primary panel, the knob opening comprising a primary aperture with an outer perimeter, a slot extending away from the outer perimeter of the primary aperture, an edge which runs along the outer perimeter of both the primary aperture and the slot and a seat located on a topmost portion of the edge of the knob opening, wherein the slot, in combination with the primary aperture, permit a door knob to be inserted through the knob opening, and placing the seat on the door knob to secure the scratch prevention device to the knob and wherein the primary panel covers a substantial portion of the door and extends laterally to cover a substantial portion of the door frame located on the knob side of the door.
US09976335B2

A system for mounting a panel within an existing window frame. The system includes an elongated deformable bulb, and an elongated carrier. The bulb has a resilient portion, a base section, an extension extending from the base section, and a crosspiece coupled to a distal end of the extension. The crosspiece includes a pair of shoulders at opposite ends of the crosspiece. Each shoulder protrudes laterally beyond the extension. The elongated carrier has a receiving slot opposite a panel gap. The receiving slot has a neck laterally narrower than an interior cavity of the receiving slot. The receiving slot is configured to securely receive the crosspiece of the bulb and to confine the shoulders of the crosspiece.
US09976324B1

An aircraft door latch arm rotation limiting device incorporates a flexible strap having a proximal end and distal end. The distal end is insertable through a loop eye proximate to an aircraft door. An elongate sleeve is disposed on the proximal end of the flexible strap and the sleeve is received over a rotatable latch arm of an aircraft door. A first receiving element intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the flexible strap releasably engages the distal end of the flexible strap to establish a first predetermined looped strap length restricting rotation of the lever beyond a partially open position. A second receiving element is disposed between the first receiving element and the proximal end on the flexible strap to releasably engage the distal end to establish a second predetermined looped strap length preventing rotation of the lever from a closed position.
US09976321B2

A locking structure for a bicycle contains: a fixing mount, a locking member, and a flexible strap. The fixing mount includes at least one orifice, a recessed portion, and a first connecting portion. The locking member includes a housing in which a lock block and a retaining unit are accommodated, the housing has a second connecting portion for mating with the first connecting portion, and the lock block has a cylinder core and an aperture. The flexible strap includes a coupling bolt arranged on a first end thereof and a loop disposed on a second end thereof. When the coupling bolt inserts into and locks in the aperture, it pushes the retaining unit into the recessed portion to fix the locking member and the fixing mount together, and the coupling bolt inserts through the loop so that the flexible strip forms a positioning ring.
US09976320B2

A barrier panel is formed of a first vertical rail member and a second vertical rail member mounted to and extending between top and bottom rail members. At least one vertical support member is also mounted to and extends between the top and bottom rail members. The first and second vertical rail members include first and second openings, respectively, spaced apart along their lengths. Horizontal cables are mounted to and extend between the first vertical rail member and second vertical rail member. A first end of each horizontal cable is secured within one of the first openings in the first vertical rail member and a second end of each horizontal cable is secured within an opposite one of the second openings in the second vertical rail member. Each cable further passes through an additional opening provided in the vertical support member (which is positioned between the first and second vertical rail members).
US09976319B2

A frame for a portable structure preferably in the form of a tent includes a hub having a plurality of tent pole frame members attached to it. The each tent pole is formed from a plurality of pole sections interconnected to one another along a structure permitting the pole sections to fold and/or compact upon one another. The poles define a proximate end attached to the hub and a distal end having a locking structure associated with it. The locking structure attaches each pole to the material defining the portable structure. The structure provides a reduced size package in the compacted position of the structure.
US09976315B2

An elongate member, reinforcement system and associated methods is disclosed. The system can include an elongate member, a structure associated with an end of the elongate member, a support member coupled to the structure and laterally offset from the elongate member extending about an end portion of the elongate member, a support layer surrounding the end portion of the elongate member such that at least a portion of the support member is between the support layer and the elongate member, and a structural filler disposed between the support layer and the elongate member. A load tending to cause relative movement of the end portion of the elongate member and the structure can be transferred through the structural filler and the support member to provide support for the elongate member.
US09976314B2

A method for manufacturing a concrete structure comprises an installation step of installing a formwork 30 for concrete placement, a placement step of performing concrete placement in a state where a curing sheet 10 is attached to an inner surface of the formwork 30, and a demolding step of removing the formwork 30 after placement of concrete C. A contact angle of a contact surface of the curing sheet 10 for use in the placement step with water is 50 degrees or more, wherein the contact surface faces the concrete. Thus, generation of bleeding water is suppressed.
US09976312B2

The invention relates to a device for fixing, to a top face of a floor batten, cladding elements each having at least one edge provided with a groove, said device comprising at least one body configured so as to be fixed to the floor batten and a clamp having a rod intended to cooperate with said body and with a head, the head being configured so as to cooperate with at least one groove in at least one cladding element in order to provide the locking of said cladding element, characterized in that the fixing device comprises at least one holder intended to be at least partly inserted in the body and in a side of the floor batten so as to fix the body on the side of the floor batten and so that a traction or compression applied to said head exerts a shear force at the holder.
US09976302B2

A retractable roof system (30) for a large building structure (32) for selectively closing off an opening (39) of a fixed roof (34) of the building structure (32), the system includes at least one roof section (40) movably mountable on at least one pier (42) of substantially C-section when viewed in profile. The or each pier (42) comprises a ground-engaging foot (43) with an upstanding substantially columnar portion (48) leading to a substantially horizontal top section (50) provided with a movable bracket (44) reciprocable in guide channels (54) formed in the top section (50) and actuable by a deployment mechanism (46).
US09976301B2

The construction kit consisting of wall elements and connectors to be inserted therebetween is designed in order to erect room dividers. The wall elements are produced by compressing fiber material and have at least one connecting flank which is systematically provided with contours. The connectors are designed as a profiled rail on which there is at least one connection which has systematically arranged mating contours. The contours on the wall elements can be brought into form-fitting engagement with the mating contours on the connectors. The fiber material used for producing the wall elements is a compressed polyester nonwoven fabric or a mixture of natural and synthetic fibers. The connector is an extruded profile, preferably made of aluminum. The construction kit essentially comprises rectilinear wall elements, differently curved wall elements and a three-winged wall element with three connecting flanks.
US09976294B1

A dual action retractable screen includes a first screen portion with a first screen portion perforated surface connected to the hinge mount via a horizontal hinge, which allows the first screen portion to rotate within a substantially horizontal plane. The screen also has a second screen portion with a second screen portion perforated surface and a latch pin. A vertical hinge connects the first screen portion to the second screen portion and allows the second screen portion to rotate within a substantially vertical plane. The screen also includes a latch mount that connects to the curb inlet and has a latch saddle that receives the latch pin. The screen operates in two modes: (1) a closed mode where the latch pin is disposed of in the latch saddle, inhibiting rotation about the horizontal hinge; and (2) an open mode where the latch pin is dislodged from the latch saddle, permitting rotation about the horizontal hinge and about the vertical hinge.
US09976293B2

According to an exemplary embodiment, a bidet assembly for a toilet generally includes a sprayer, a water supply system, and an arm. The sprayer is configured to spray water. The water supply system is configured to selectively communicate water from one or more water sources to the sprayer. The arm is operationally coupled to the water sprayer and the water supply system. The arm is configured such that rotation of the arm acts to rotate the sprayer and the arm forger comprises a feature configured to allow control of the amount of water flow from the water supply to the sprayer.
US09976280B2

An attachment for a skid loader includes a base configured to attached to a loader arm of the skid loader, a rotatable coupling attached to the base on a side opposite the loader arm, and a claw portion attached to the rotatable coupling. The claw portion includes a stationary jaw and a pivoting jaw. The pivoting jaw pivotable with respect to the stationary jaw about a pivot rod. The pivoting jaw is coupled to the rotatable coupling via a hydraulic cylinder such that movement of the pivoting jaw about the pivoting rod is effected by actuation of the hydraulic cylinder.
US09976272B2

The invention relates to a method of fabricating an element in ground (S), the method comprising: a step of drilling an excavation (T) in the ground; and a step of mixing the ground in place in the excavation in situ with a geopolymer.
US09976253B2

A set for mechanical processing suspended fibrous material includes a die plate having receiving openings in a predefined arrangement for insertion of blade-shaped processing elements which jut out on a process side and are flowed onto by the fibrous material. The blade-shaped processing elements have each a plurality of foot regions in longitudinally spaced-apart relation, which pass through the die plate (2) and jut out from the die plate on a process-distal. At least some of the foot regions of the processing elements reach into associated receiving grooves of a base plate on the process-distal side. As an alternative, transverse stiffening elements are arranged substantially orthogonally in the longitudinal direction of the processing elements such that the transverse stiffening elements stabilize the foot regions of the processing elements on the process-distal side.
US09976252B2

A flyer bow providing reduced drag during a wire processing operation is provided. The flyer bow may include an elongate arcuate body having a middle portion, and first and second end portions at opposite ends of the middle portion. The elongate arcuate body may be configured to be rotated about an axis of rotation, the middle portion may include an inner surface, an outer surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, the inner surface and the outer surface may cooperate to form a cross section, and at least one centerline of the cross section may include a radius of curvature substantially equal to a distance between the elongate arcuate body at the location of the at least one centerline and the axis of rotation.
US09976248B2

A water supply assembly (1) for laundry washing machines (100) provided with a detergent drawer (115) structured for receiving a given amount of detergent, softener or other washing agent and fitted in an extractable manner into a corresponding drawer housing (116). The water supply assembly (1) structured for selectively pouring the water arriving from the fresh-water supply circuit (108) of the laundry washing machine (100) into the detergent drawer (115) so as to selectively flush the detergent, softener or other washing agent out of the same detergent drawer (115).
US09976244B2

A laundry treatment apparatus is described. The laundry treatment apparatus includes a rotary control. The laundry treatment apparatus further includes a lighting surface that includes a plurality of first parts that have a first translucence, where a first set of the first parts that are located at lower positions of the circumference have shorter arc lengths than a second set of the first parts that are located at upper positions of the circumference.
US09976240B2

An embroidery frame includes an inner frame, an outer frame, an elastic member, and an attachment member. The inner frame is formed in a ring shape. The outer frame is formed in a ring shape and is configured to be fitted onto an outside of the inner frame. The elastic member is arranged on at least one of an outer peripheral surface of the inner frame and an inner peripheral surface of the outer frame. The attachment member detachably attaches the elastic member to one of the inner frame and the outer frame.
US09976234B2

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing para-aramid fibers, which includes: spinning a polymeric solution containing aramid polymer in an organic solvent through a spinneret into an inert gas to partially remove the organic solvent contained in the spun fiber; contacting the spun fiber with conditioning solution, so as to maintain residual water in fiber in a range of 10 to 15%; and subjecting the treated fiber to drawing, washing and heating in a dry-spinning manner. The present invention may greatly reduce energy consumption and costs for recovery of the solvent, as compared to a conventional manufacturing method of aramid fiber in a wet-spinning manner. Further, the present invention may solve conventional problems such as corrosion of apparatus, deterioration of working environments, or the like, since a concentrated sulfuric acid solvent is not used in a spinning process. Still further, the present invention may conduct drawing and heating after maintaining the residual water in fiber in a range of 10 to 15% before drawing, thereby remarkably improving the strength and elastic modulus of the fiber.
US09976230B2

A crystallized layer can be formed on a substrate from a precursor layer deposited on a surface of the substrate. The precursor layer can be an oxide, a nitride, a carbide, or an oxynitride. The process for forming the crystallized layer includes melting the precursor layer formed on the surface of the substrate by localized topical heating of the precursor layer and then cooling the melted precursor layer so that it crystallized to form a scratch resistant crystallized layer. The scratch resistant crystallized layer can have a hardness of 15 GPa or greater.
US09976227B2

An ECM method involves the use of a thin hollow electrode assembly that carries the electrolyte within and that is advanced relatively to the workpiece. The small profile of the electrode results in a minimal removal of metal in forming the desired rotor or stator shape. The electrode profile allows significant power consumption reduction or increased machining speed for a given rate of power input. The electrode can be a unitary ring shape or can be made of segments that are placed adjacent each other so that a continuous shape is cut. Not all the lobes of the stator or rotor have to be cut in the same pass. Electrode segments can be used to sequentially provide the desired lobe count in separate passes. The lobe shapes in the electrode can be slanted to get the desired rotor or stator pitch or they can be aligned with the workpiece axis.
US09976222B2

The invention concerns a bubble collector guide for use in an electrolysis process, which comprises a plurality of guide members arranged at a distance from each other, the guide members comprising a lower side. The guide members can be arranged horizontally on the vertical surface of an electrode so that the lower side of the guide member forms a downwards facing surface that is substantially orthogonal to the vertical surface of the electrode, so as to collect bubbles of gas generated at the electrode.
US09976210B2

A shadow mask includes a mask foil and a plurality of openings provided on the mask foil in accordance with a shape of at least one region where films are formed on a film forming object. The mask foil has an annular shape where first end of the mask foil and a second end of the mask foil, which is opposed to the first end of the mask foil, are connected to each other.
US09976200B2

A highly corrosion resistant and highly formable cladded aluminum-alloy material, a method for producing the same, a heat exchanger using the same and a method for producing the same are shown. The present cladded aluminum-alloy material has an aluminum alloy core material, an intermediate layer material clad on one surface of the core material and a brazing filler metal clad on the intermediate layer material surface which is not at the core material side, wherein a crystal grain size of the intermediate layer material before brazing heating is 60 μm or more, and in a cross section of the core material in a rolling direction before brazing heating, when R1 (μm) represents the crystal grain size in a plate thickness direction, and R2 (μm) represents the crystal grain size in the rolling direction, R1/R2 is 0.30 or less.
US09976196B2

Hot-stamped steel includes: a steel base metal including a tempered portion having hardness corresponding to 85% or less of the highest quenching hardness defined as a Vickers hardness at a depth position spaced away from a surface layer by ¼ times a sheet thickness in a case of performing water quenching after heating at a temperature equal to or higher than an Ac3 point and retention for 30 minutes; and a Zn coating layer formed on the tempered portion of the base metal. The Zn coating layer includes a solid-solution layer including a solid-solution phase containing Fe and Zn that is solid-soluted in Fe, and a lamella layer including solid-solution phase and a capital gamma phase. In the Zn coating layer, an area ratio of the lamella layer is 30 to 100% and an area ratio of the solid-solution layer is 0 to 70%.
US09976195B2

The present invention relates to an energy-efficient process for the treatment of plant biomass, particularly sugar cane, for the production of carbohydrates and ethanol, using physico-chemical and extraction techniques, as well as very simple milling configurations, thereby minimizing energy consumption during extraction of the cane juice.The biomass treated and obtained through this process, when subjected to a fermentation process for the production of ethanol, increases the yield of the process in comparison with that of traditional sugar cane. It can also be used for the production of enzymes, animal feedstuffs, and other useful products.
US09976185B2

The present invention is in the field of molecular diagnostics and relates to a method for classifying samples obtained from patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma into three newly defined clusters. The invention also relates to a method for determining the prognosis of an individual diagnosed with multiple myeloma as well as a method for the prediction of the response to treatment of an individual diagnosed with multiple myeloma. More in particular, the invention provides a method for determining the disease outcome or the prognosis of a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma by classifying said patient into a high risk or a low risk category, based on a 92 gene classifier.
US09976178B2

The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, kits, systems and apparatus that are useful for nucleic acid polymerization. In particular, modified polymerases and biologically active fragments thereof, such as modified Taq polymerases, are provided that allow for improved nucleic acid amplification. In some aspects, the disclosure provides modified polymerases having improved thermostability, accuracy, processivity and/or read length as compared to a reference Taq polymerase. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to modified polymerases or biologically active fragments thereof, useful for amplification methods, and in practically illustrative embodiments, emulsion PCR.
US09976170B2

The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the integrity of the cell wall of the bacteria present in a culture in the presence of an antibiotic acting on the bacterial cell wall which, from a practical point of view, allows quickly determining if a bacterium is sensitive or resistant to an antibiotic acting on the bacterial cell wall. Likewise, the present invention also relates to a lysis solution applicable in the preceding method, specifically affecting bacteria having the cell wall damaged by the action of an antibiotic acting on the bacterial cell wall, which allows distinguishing bacteria sensitive to said antibiotic from those resistant to said antibiotic.
US09976160B2

A method of producing a sugar liquid from biomass includes decomposing a fermentation inhibitor contained in a sugar aqueous solution obtained from biomass with a microorganism incapable of utilizing glucose and/or xylose or a crude enzyme derived from the microorganism, wherein the fermentation inhibitor includes one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of courmaric acid, coumaramide, ferulic acid, ferulamide, vanillin, vanillic acid, acetovanillone, furfural, and 3-hydroxymethylfurfural.
US09976151B2

Artificial DNA of a 5′-UTR leader region, which artificial DNA is effective in increasing the expression of recombinant proteins in plants, and comprises, along the 5′→3′ direction, an Inr initiator site and a Kozak or Kozak-like consensus sequence, and also comprises, between the Inr initiator site and the Kozak or Kozak-like consensus sequence, a plurality of poly(CAA) and a plurality of poly(CT) regions, in the same number as the poly(CAA) regions wherein at least one, optionally each one, poly(CAA) region, in the 5′→3′ direction, is upstream of a poly(CT) region and at least one poly(CAA) region, in the 5′→3′ direction, is contiguous with a poly(CT) region, wherein the artificial DNA provides the absence of A/T-rich motifs, the absence of trinucleotide elements ATT, the absence of trinucleotide elements CTG and the absence of homopolymeric tracts, that is, sequences consisting of more than 3, optionally more than 4, identical nucleotides.
US09976147B2

Described herein, inter alia, are STAT-binding nucleic acids-including compositions and methods of using the same.
US09976146B2

Disclosed herein is an aptamer targeting a MHC-presented peptide and its uses thereof. The MHC-presented peptide is expressed in various cancer cells; therefor, the aptamer of the disclosure is useful as a bio-tool to label and/or treat peptide-presenting cancer cells. Also disclosed herein is a pharmaceutical composition containing the aptamer.
US09976141B2

RNA interference (RNAi) triggers and RNAi trigger conjugates for inhibiting the expression of Hif2α (EPAS1) gene are described. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more Hif2α RNAi triggers optionally with one or more additional therapeutics are also described. Delivery of the described Hif2α RNAi triggers to tumor cells in vivo provides for inhibition of Hif2α gene expression and treatment of cancer.
US09976139B2

Anti-sense-oriented RNA gene suppression agents in the form of a loop of anti-sense-oriented RNA is produced in cells of transgenic organisms, e.g. plants, by transcription from a recombinant DNA construct which comprises in 5′ to 3′ order a promoter element operably linked to an anti-sense-oriented DNA element and a complementary DNA element.
US09976138B2

Described are compounds and methods useful for the treatment and investigation of diseases and disorders associated with expanded repeat-containing RNA molecules.
US09976134B2

The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one thermolysin-like neutral protease enzyme with improved storage stability and/or catalytic activity. In some embodiments, the thermolysin finds use in cleaning and other applications comprising detergent. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising thermolysin formulated and/or engineered to resist detergent-induced inactivation.
US09976132B2

A thermostable cellobiohydrolase, having a cellobiohydrolase catalytic domain including: (A) a polypeptide including the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, (B) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence in which at least one amino acid has been deleted, substituted, or added in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, and having hydrolysis activity against a substrate of phosphoric acid swollen Avicel at least under conditions of 75° C. and pH 5, or (C) a polypeptide including an amino acid sequence having 60% or greater sequence identity with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2, and having hydrolysis activity against a substrate of phosphoric acid swollen Avicel at least under conditions of 75° C. and pH 5.
US09976130B1

This invention is directed toward a non-wild-type organophosphorus acid anhydrolase enzyme having two site mutations, method of production, and method of use to more effectively degrade toxic organophosphorus compounds and, in particular, toxic chemical GD (3,3-Dimethylbutan-2-ylmethylphosphonofluoridate), than the wild type organophosphorus acid anhydrolase.
US09976123B2

The present invention provides methods for cellular seeding onto three-dimensional fibroblast constructs, three-dimensional fibroblast constructs seeded with muscle cells, and uses therefore.
US09976122B2

Provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter, or adapter fragment, and CD40 activity. Also provided are nucleic acid compositions comprising sequences coding for chimeric proteins that include an inducible CD40 peptide and an inducible pattern recognition receptor adapter or adapter fragment.
US09976121B2

This invention relates to the treatment of cancer in an individual by administration of a population of modified T cells that express a recombinant cAMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) or a fragment thereof and an antigen receptor which binds specifically to cancer cells in the individual. Populations of modified T cells and methods of producing populations of modified T cells are provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment.
US09976110B2

A cosmetic brush cleanser having a solid goat's milk soap base and comprising almond oil, jasmine oil, coconut oil, and lavender oil.
US09976108B2

The present invention provides a perfuming composition that is free of ethanol and that is in the form of a transparent, clear microemulsion that contains a fragrance at a concentration of 0.5 to 50% by weight; a solvent at a concentration of 1 to 36% by weight; a non-ionic surfactant at a concentration of 1 to 35% by weight; an ionic surfactant at a concentration of 0 to 12% by weight, a cooling hydrotrope at a concentration of 0.01 to 12% by weight and water. Said microemulsions benefit from the presence of a cooling hydrotrope which allows lowering the amount of surfactant needed and provides a cooling effect.
US09976099B2

A composition including one or more aromatic alkanoate monoester compounds represented by the formulae (I) and (II) as defined herein. The composition has a viscosity (Kv100) from about 1 cSt to about 10 cSt at 100° C. as determined by ASTM D445, a viscosity index (VI) from about −100 to about 300 as determined by ASTM D2270, and a Noack volatility of no greater than 50 percent as determined by ASTM D5800. A process for producing the composition, a lubricating oil base stock and lubricating oil containing the composition, and a method for improving one or more of thermal and oxidative stability, solubility and dispersancy of polar additives, deposit control and traction control in a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil containing the composition.
US09976098B2

Disclosed is a method for producing a quality lubricant base oil (meeting the standard of Group III or higher) comprising: decarbonylating mixed fatty acids derived from oils and fats of biological origin to produce mixed olefins; oligomerizing the mixed olefins to produce an olefinic lubricant base oil; and performing hydrogenation to remove olefins from the olefinic lubricant base oil.
US09976086B2

To provide a liquid crystal aligning agent to obtain a liquid crystal alignment film which is excellent in the adhesion to a sealing agent and a substrate of a liquid crystal display device, and of which a decomposed product formed after irradiation with ultraviolet rays will easily be removed.A liquid crystal aligning agent containing at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyimide precursor having a bond represented by the following formula (1) in its main chain and an imidized polymer of the polyimide precursor: wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 which are independent of one another, is a hydrogen atom or a C1-20 monovalent hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, and D is a protecting group to be replaced with a hydrogen atom by heat.
US09976073B2

Methods and systems for generating heat and/or nitrogen gas in subterranean operations, pipelines, and other related operations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment composition comprising a carrier fluid, a delayed acid generating component, a first reactant, and a second reactant, wherein the first and second reactants are selected for being capable of reacting in an exothermic chemical reaction or a chemical reaction that produces nitrogen gas; and introducing the treatment composition into at least a portion of a conduit, container, or subterranean formation.
US09976071B2

Oil recovery processes from carbonate or sandstone reservoirs. With a carbonate reservoir, the reservoir is initially flooded with a fluid such as sea water. Then the same fluid containing a plurality of citric acid-filled microcapsules is injected into the reservoir. These microcapsules are left to incubate in the reservoir, which will then infiltrate the rock formations, degrade by heat and release the encapsulated citric acid. The released citric acid reacts with the carbonate rocks to produce CO2 in situ, which causes oil trapped in the rock formations to swell, reduce in viscosity and move towards to a nearby production well. For a sandstone reservoir, calcium carbonate can be also encapsulated with the citric acid for CO2 generation at the reservoir.
US09976060B2

A description is given of a method, and of pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions suitable therefor, for bonding a substrate to cold and damp surfaces, the surface temperature being lower than the dewpoint temperature of the air in contact with the surface, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive polymer formed from defined amounts of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, monomers selected from C1 to C2 alkyl (meth)acrylates, styrene, acid monomers, and optionally further monomers, in the presence of chain transfer agents.
US09976059B2

The present invention relates to an adhesive composition for optical use, which is applied to optical devices or display devices and thus may exhibit excellent adhesion performance while exhibiting a high barrier performance based on a low water vapor transmission rate, and may implement both excellent optical characteristics and durability, and specifically, provides an adhesive composition for optical use, the adhesive composition including: a thermally curable rubber including an isobutylene-isoprene rubber having a carboxyl group and an isobutylene-isoprene rubber having a hydroxy group; and a thermal crosslinking agent. Further, the present invention provides an adhesive film for optical use, including an adhesive layer including photocured products of the adhesive composition for optical use.
US09976058B2

The disclosure relates to sealant compositions for forming hermetic seals, methods of use, and hermetically sealed products. The sealant compositions comprise a first inorganic oxide chosen from at least one of MgSiO3, MgO, MgTiO3, CaO, and CaSiO3, a second inorganic oxide chosen from SiO2, at least one solvent, and optionally at least one organic resin binder.
US09976055B2

Select metal salts of mono and di aromatic sulfonic acids and aliphatic sulfonic acids are effective latent acid catalysts in coating compositions capable of acid catalyzed crosslinking and provide coating compositions with lower cure temperature and quicker cure times than encountered with conventional sulfonic acid catalysts, have excellent storage stability and avoid drawbacks of epoxy and amine blocked sulfonic acid catalysts.
US09976049B2

The invention provides monolayer films excellent in hydrophilicity and transparency which include a crosslinked resin having a surface enriched with hydrophilic groups, and materials which exhibit excellent properties such as hydrophilicity, antifogging properties and antifouling properties by virtue of having the above monolayer films. A monolayer film is fabricated which includes a crosslinked resin obtained by polymerizing a composition including a compound (I) having an anionic hydrophilic group and a functional group with a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond, and a compound (II) having three or more hydroxyl groups and three or more functional groups with a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond, the monolayer film having a gradient (Sa/Da) of not less than 1.1 wherein Sa is the surface concentration of the anionic hydrophilic groups in the monolayer film, and Da is the deep concentration of the hydrophilic groups at ½ of the thickness of the monolayer film.
US09976042B2

According to embodiments of the present invention, a conductive paste is provided. The conductive paste has a composition including a plurality of conductive nanoparticles and a plurality of conductive nanowires, wherein a weight ratio of the plurality of conductive nanoparticles to the plurality of conductive nanowires is between about 10:1 and about 50:1. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming an interconnection and an electrical device are also provided.
US09976041B2

Provided in various embodiments are methods for making ultraviolet radiation curable (UV-curable) silicone compositions and the UV-curable silicone compositions prepared by such methods. Provided in various embodiments are methods for making anti-dust coatings using such UV-curable silicone compositions and the anti-dust coatings using such UV-curable silicone compositions prepared by such methods. The UV-curable silicone compositions may be used in the coating of silicone-based articles for LED packages, encapsulants, lamps, luminaires, optical articles and the like, substantially reducing and/or eliminating the pick-up of dust and improving optical properties of the silicone-based articles.
US09976038B2

The present disclosure provides an ultraviolet light-C (UVC) reflective coating composition. The UVC reflective coating includes a polymer binder of a first volume having a first refractive index and an inorganic material of a second volume having a second refractive index at least 0.2 greater than the first refractive index, the second volume in ratio to the first volume such that the reflective coating is at or below critical pigment volume concentration (CVPC), wherein the reflective coating is configured to diffusely reflect at least 10% UVC.
US09976030B2

A resin composition contains a polycarbonate resin, a reaction product of a glycidyl-group-containing polyethylene copolymer with a polyethylene terephthalate resin, a polyethylene terephthalate resin that has not reacted with the glycidyl-group-containing polyethylene copolymer, an organic phosphorus flame retardant, and a flame-retardant anti-drip agent, wherein the amount of the polyethylene terephthalate resin in the reaction product is approximately not less than 3 mass % relative to the amount of the whole reaction product.
US09976027B2

A curable resin composition of the present invention contains 1 to 100 parts by mass of a polymer fine particle (B) relative to 100 parts by mass of an epoxy resin (A), wherein the polymer fine particle has a core-shell structure, the core layer of the polymer fine particle is diene rubber, the content of the epoxy group of the polymer fine particle (B) is 0.01 to 0.2 mmol/g. A curable resin composition (I) of the first embodiment contains 0.5 to 30 parts by mass of fumed silica as an inorganic filler (C). In addition, a curable resin composition (II) of the second embodiment contains bisphenol A epoxy resin and rubber-modified epoxy resin and/or urethane-modified epoxy resin as the epoxy resin (A).
US09976004B2

A method for forming a blend including graphene nanoparticles and a poly(styrene-co-methylmethacrylate), where the method includes melt mixing the poly(styrene-co-methylmethacrylate) and the graphene nanoparticles to obtain a nanocomposite and exposing the nanocomposite to microwave irradiation to bond the methyl methacrylate copolymer to the graphene nanoparticles, in which a content of the graphene nanoparticles is from 0.05 to 2 wt % based on the nanocomposites. A blend composition, including graphene nanoparticles and a poly(styrene-co-methylmethacrylate), where the graphene nanoparticles are dispersed in the poly(styrene-co-methylmethacrylate), the graphene nanoparticles are modified with microwave induced defects, and the free radicals of poly(styrene-co-methylmethacrylate) is bonded to the graphene nanoparticles at the defects.
US09975999B2

A liquid organopolysiloxane having fluidity at least 100° C., a silicon-bonded glycerin derivative group, and a crosslinked structure comprising a carbon-silicon bond at the crosslinking portion.
US09975997B2

A composition including a polyamic acid modified with an alkoxysilane group; and an oligo silica compound, wherein the polyamic acid modified with an alkoxysilane group includes a reaction product of (i) a condensation reaction product of an acid anhydride and a diamine, and (ii) a reactive organosilane compound, wherein the oligo silica compound includes a condensation reaction product of an organosilane diol and a an alkoxysilane compound, wherein an amount of silicon atoms in the composition is less than or equal to about 15 wt % based on a total weight of solid contents in the composition.
US09975993B2

A perfluoro(poly)ether group containing silane compound of the formula (1): (Rf-PFPE)α-X—(SiQkY3-k)β  (1) wherein Rf, PFPE, X, Y, Q, k, α and β are as defined herein, and which is able to from a layer having water-repellency, oil-repellency and antifouling property as well as high surface slip property and high friction durability.
US09975992B2

A phosphorus-containing polyester composite and method of manufacturing the same is related to the field of compound formulation. The composite is prepared by condensation under certain conditions of (A) a poly-functional phosphorus-containing aromatic hydroxy compound; (B) a difunctional aromatic acryl chloride compound and (C) a monofunctional aromatic phenol compound used as a blocking agent. The composite is used as a curing agent for epoxy. The phosphorus-containing polyester composite is reacted with the epoxy group of the epoxy to obtain non-halogen and flame-retardant cured composite being environment friendly and having low dielectric, low dielectric loss factor and high heat resistance. It can be used in an integrated circuit board and used as a semiconductor packaging material.
US09975990B2

Provided is an aliphatic polycarbonate-co-aromatic polyester with long-chain branches. The copolymer includes repeating units represented by —OAO— and Z(O—)a, which are linked via carbonyl (—C(O)—) and —C(O)YC(O)— as linkers. Also provided is an aliphatic copolycarbonate including repeating units represented by —OAO— and Z(O—)a, which are linked via carbonyl (—C(O)—) linkers. The aliphatic copolycarbonate has a weight average molecular weight of 30,000 or more.
US09975977B2

Multimodal polyolefin resin having superior characteristics including moldability, mechanical strength, external appearance, melt strength and a polyolefin resin molded product meeting the requirements: (1) polymerized in the presence of at least two different metallocene compounds as catalysts; (2) matrix index of 2 or less and a melt strength of 4.0 Force (cN) or greater at 190° C.; (3) melt flow index (MIP, 190° C., 5.0 kg load condition) of 0.01 to 5.0 g/10 min; (4) ratio (Mw/Mn, MWD) of weight average molecular weight (Mw) to number average molecular weight (Mn) of 5-35 as measured by gel permeation chromatography; and (5) bimodal or multimodal peaks in a weight average molecular weight distribution measured by gel permeation chromatography, wherein the height ratio of two peaks (the ratio of the height of low molecular weight peak to the height of high molecular weight peak) is 0.7-3.
US09975972B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a polyethylene-based resin composition excellent in the moldability and at the same time, excellent in the balance between impact strength and stiffness as well as in the transparency, and a molded product and a film, which are obtained by the molding of the polyethylene-based resin composition. The polyethylene-based resin composition of the present invention comprises from 41 to 99 wt % of (A) an ethylene-based polymer satisfying specific conditions and from 1 to 59 wt % (B) an ethylene-based polymer satisfying specific conditions, wherein MFR of the composition as a whole is from 0.05 to 50 g/10 min and the density is from 0.910 to 0.960 g/cm3.
US09975967B2

Regioselectively substituted cellulose esters having a plurality of aryl-acyl substituents and a plurality of alkyl-acyl substituents are disclosed along with methods for making the same. Such cellulose esters may be suitable for use in optical films, such as optical films having certain Nz values, −A optical films, and/or +C optical films. Optical films prepared employing such cellulose esters have a variety of commercial applications, such as, for example, as compensation films in liquid crystal displays and/or waveplates in creating circular polarized light used in 3-D technology.
US09975964B2

Causes of hair loss have not been completely clarified and still remain unknown in many points. However, it appears that hair loss is partly caused by a mechanism wherein androgenic hormones in the scalp become active via the activation of DHT hormone by 5α-reductase and thus the activity of cells in hair roots is lost.In the present invention, an antibody, said antibody being obtained by inoculating a female bird with 5α-reductase or DHT as an antigen, is administered to the scalp so that the activity of DHT is suppressed and the activity of cells in hair roots is elevated. This antibody can be used in the form of a composition together with other component(s), for example, as a hair tonic together with another hair growth promoter.
US09975956B2

Embodiments concern constructs comprising surrogate light chain sequences. In particular, embodiments concern constructs that can bind to DR4 and/or DR5 and aspects relating to such constructs and their use.
US09975955B2

Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating a subject suffering from a deficiency in arylsulfatase A in the CNS. The methods include systemic administration of a bifunctional fusion antibody comprising an antibody to a human insulin receptor and an arylsulfatase A.
US09975952B2

Antibody fragment comprising a first polypeptide comprising a light chain variable domain and two constant domains and a second polypeptide comprising a heavy chain variable domain and two constant domains, wherein two chain constant domains are light chain constant domains and two constant domains are CHI heavy chain constant domains.
US09975948B2

Disclosed herein are methods for the isolation and purification of anti-IL-13 antibodies wherein the use of an affinity chromatographic step results in an antibody composition sufficiently pure for pharmaceutical uses. The methods described herein comprise pH viral reduction/inactivation, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, affinity chromatography (e.g., Protein A affinity chromatography), ion exchange chromatography, and hydrophobic chromatography. Further, the present invention is directed toward pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more antibodies of the present invention.
US09975947B2

Provided are anti-human α-synuclein-specific binding molecules, e.g., antibodies or antiben-binding fragments, variants or derivatives thereof, as methods related thereto. Further provided are anti-human α-synuclein binding molecules which bind to specific N-terminal and C-terminal epitopes on human α-synuclein. The binding molecules described herein can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for α-synuclein targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.
US09975938B2

A polypeptide and polynucleotides comprising at least two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a non-human peptide-of-interest are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the non-human polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using both human and non-human polypeptides and polynucleotides are also disclosed.
US09975937B2

The present invention provides method for promoting the maturation and export of T cells from thymic tissue by contacting the thymic tissue with supraphysiological levels of interleukin (IL)-15. The present invention also provides methods for preventing, alleviating, reducing, and/or inhibiting lymphopenia or peripheral depletion of lymphocytes in a patient in need thereof by administering to the patient IL-15.
US09975936B2

Modified FGF-21 polypeptides and uses thereof are provided.
US09975934B2

In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides compositions and methods for inhibiting activity of TGFβ superfamily ligands, particularly ligands such as GDF8, GDF11, activin A, activin B, activin C and activin E, in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans. In some embodiments, the compositions of the disclosure may be used to treat or prevent diseases or disorders that are associated with abnormal activity of a follistatin-related polypeptide and/or a follistatin ligand.
US09975929B2

This invention relates to novel recombinant clostridial neurotoxins exhibiting increased duration of effect and to methods for the manufacture of such recombinant clostridial neurotoxins. These novel recombinant clostridial neurotoxins comprise a random coil domain, and the methods comprise the steps of inserting a nucleic acid sequence coding for a random coil domain into a nucleic acid sequence coding for a parental clostridial neurotoxin and expression of the recombinant nucleic acid sequence comprising the random coil domain-coding sequence in a host cell. The invention further relates to novel recombinant single-chain precursor clostridial neurotoxins used in such methods, nucleic acid sequences encoding such recombinant single-chain precursor clostridial neurotoxins, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the recombinant clostridial neurotoxin with increased duration of effect.
US09975924B2

An approach of producing recombinant trimers that mimic native HIV-1 envelope trimers is developed. A recombinant protein forming the recombinant trimers encompasses a recombinant HIV-1 gp140 fused to a tag through a linker at C-terminus of the recombinant HIV-1 gp140. The linker is sufficiently long so that the tag is accessible for binding by a binding molecule bound on a solid matrix. After expressed in a cell, the recombinant protein is secreted into the culture medium and assembles into recombinant trimers therein. The recombinant trimers may be directly purified from the culture medium. Cleaved and uncleaved trimers from different clade viruses are produced.
US09975922B2

Disclosed are peptides that exhibit good binding to the anticodon stem and loop of human lysine tRNA species, tRNALys3. The starting point was the 15-amino-acid sequence, RVTHHAFLGAHRTVG, found to bind selectively to hypermodified tRNALys3. The peptide backbone conformation was determined via atomistic simulation of the peptide-ASLLys3complex and then held fixed throughout the search. Analysis of the binding structure and the various contributions to the binding energy shows that: 1) two hydrophilic residues (asparagine (ASN) at site 11 and the cysteine (CYS) at site 12) “recognize” the ASLLys3 due to the VDW energy, and thereby contribute to its binding specificity, and 2) the positively-charged arginines (ARG) at sites 4 and 13 preferentially attract the negatively-charged sugar rings and the phosphate linkages, and thereby contribute to the binding affinity.
US09975915B1

The present disclosure provides novel crystalline forms of nicotinoyl riboside compounds or derivatives of formula (I): wherein X−, Z1, Z2, n, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 are described herein, modified derivatives thereof, and phosphorylated analogs thereof, or salts, solvates, or prodrugs thereof; and methods of preparation thereof.
US09975912B2

The present invention concerns a method to access (E,Z)-7,9-dodecadienyl-1-acetate in two synthesis steps with excellent yields and selectivity greater than 70% by transformation of 2-hexenal into a novel intermediate, which is itself then transformed into (E,Z)-7,9-dodecandienyl-1-acetate.
US09975907B2

The present invention provides pyrimidinones that modulate the activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to the activity of PI3Ks including, for example, inflammatory disorders, immune-based disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
US09975905B2

Broad spectrum beta-lactamase inhibitors. Certain inhibitors also exhibit potent antibiotic activity in addition to beta-lactamase inhibition. Compounds of the invention are designed such that on cleavage of the beta-lactam ring reactive moieties are generated which can inactivate beta-lactamase. Also provided are methods of making betalactamase inhibitors and beta-lactam antibiotics exhibiting such inhibition. Additionally provided are pharmaceutical compositions for treatment or prevention of bacterial infections and methods of treatment of such infections.
US09975904B2

Provision of orally-available and low-toxic somatostatin receptor subtype 2 agonist. Since the compound represented by the general formula (I): wherein all symbols represent the same meanings as those described in the description, a salt thereof, an N-oxide thereof, a solvate thereof, or a prodrug thereof is non-peptidic low-molecular compound which has strong somatostatin receptor subtype 2 agonist activity, the compound is orally-available. Additionally, since the compound is low-toxic, the compound is useful for the prevention and/or treatment of the somatostatin related diseases such as acromegaly or gastrointestinal obstruction.
US09975903B2

The present invention relates to a condensed heterocyclic compound that has an enteropeptidase inhibitory effect and is useful in the treatment or prevention of obesity, diabetes mellitus, or the like, and a medicament containing the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a compound represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof, and a medicament containing the same [in the formula, each symbol is as defined in the specification].
US09975892B2

The present invention relates to chemical compounds of general formula (I) which may possess useful therapeutic activity in a range of central nervous system disorders, and in particular, anxiety disorders.
US09975889B2

Heteroarylpiperidine and -piperazine derivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols A, X, Y, L1, L2, G, Q, p, R1, R2 and R10 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).
US09975883B2

Disclosed are a compound represented by Formula (1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, prodrug, tautomer, enantiomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable diastereomer thereof, a method of preparing the same, and a pharmaceutical composition, which have effects for treatment or prevention of metabolic syndromes, comprising the same: wherein R1 to R6, X1 to X4, and n are the same as defined in Claim 1.
US09975871B2

This is to provide a continuous arycyclic compound having a DGAT1 inhibitory activity, and useful for prophylaxis and/or treatment of obesity or hyperlipidemia caused by obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, lipid metabolism disorder, fatty liver, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, etc., as well as to provide a DGAT1 inhibitor comprising the continuous arycyclic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an effective ingredient. Disclosed is the continuous arycyclic compound is represented by the formula: wherein the substituents in the formula are the same as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09975870B2

Amino acid protecting groups are provided for use in peptide synthesis. Particular compounds disclosed include 5,6-dimethoxy-1,1-dioxobenzo[b]thiophi methyloxycarbonyl (DM-Bsmoc) and related amino-protecting groups.
US09975868B2

In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to 7,8-dihydoxyflavone and 7,8-substituted flavone derivatives, such as those described by formula provided herein, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods related thereto. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of treating or preventing diseases or conditions related to BDNF and TrkB activity, such as psychiatric disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and autism spectrum disorders, stroke, Rett syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease by administering effective amounts of pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds disclosed herein to a subject in need thereof. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the 7,8-substituted flavone derivatives disclosed herein are prodrugs of 7,8-dihydoxyflavone and analogs.
US09975867B2

Disclosed herein are processes for forming 2-furoic acid derivatives represented by Formula (I):
US09975864B2

The present disclosure provides crystalline piperidine sulfamoyl intermediates of formula 8 and 9. The present disclosure also relates to an improved process for the preparation of cobicistat using compounds of formulae 8 and 9.
US09975862B2

The present invention provides arylpiperazine derivatives having Formula I as shown below, which can be advantageously used for treating schizophrenia and related psychoses such as acute manic, bipolar disorder, autistic disorder, and depression,
US09975859B2

Provided is a method for preparing a nitrogen-containing aromatic compound through catalytic pyrolysis from organic materials. The method comprises: feeding organic materials and a catalyst into a reactor, to enable the organic material to undergo reactions in the presence of nitrogen and under heating conditions, so as to generate a reaction system flow containing one or more nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds.
US09975855B2

The present invention relates to novel 1-methyl-pyrazole(thio)indanyl carboxamides, to processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use thereof as biologically active compounds, especially for control of harmful microorganisms in crop protection and in the protection of materials.
US09975850B2

The present invention relates to the preparation of N-(2-(6-fluoro-1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl)-3-(2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropoxy)-benzylamine (Compound I), INN-name idalopirdine, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof:
US09975842B2

The present invention relates to a method for producing a C4-C10 alkyl (meth)acrylate, by direct esterification of (meth)acrylic acid by the corresponding alcohol, the reaction water being removed in the form of an azeotrope with the esterification alcohol from a distillation column mounted over the esterification reactor comprising a cationic resin as a catalyst. Said method is characterized in that the molar ratio of alcohol to acid at the inlet of the reactor is between 1.4 and 3, and in that the crude reaction mixture circulates in a recirculation loop joining the reactor and the water removal column, at a recirculation rate of between 6 and 25, expressed by the mass ratio between the flow fed into the loop and the flow sent to a purification treatment.
US09975841B2

Disclosed herein are flame retardant compounds and polymer compositions containing these flame retardant compounds. The flame retardant compounds can be derived from biological sources and can include coordinated metal ions.
US09975833B2

The disclosure relates to the efficient preparation of aromatic hydrocarbons useful as intermediates for di-, tri-, tetra- and poly-dentate organophosphorus ligands having value in particular as hydroformylation catalysts. The use of triarylphosphine halide catalysts have been found to be more efficient in forming these intermediates by the use of excess triarylphosphine in an amount beyond what is required to form a coordination complex.
US09975826B2

Provided is a method for producing an aliphatic alcohol having 8 or more and 22 or less carbon atoms through hydrogenation of a fatty acid or a fatty acid ester using a catalyst, wherein the catalyst carries a catalyst metal on a support, (a) the catalyst contains one or more elements selected from Co and Cu as the catalyst metal, (b) the total pore volume of the catalyst is 0.05 mL/g or more, and (c) the volume of pores with a pore size of 0.1 μm or more and 500 μm or less is 50% or more of the total pore volume of the catalyst.
US09975824B2

This invention provides a method capable of efficiently producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) with a recycling step using substantially a single reaction step. A method for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), comprising a reaction step of reacting at least one chlorine-containing starting compound selected from the group consisting of chlorine-containing alkanes represented by formula (1): CX2YCHClCH2Z (wherein X, Y and Z independently represent H, F or Cl) and chlorine-containing alkenes represented by formula (2): CX2YCCl═CZ2 (wherein X, Y and Z independently represent H, F or Cl) with a fluorinating agent, wherein the molar ratio of the chlorine-containing starting compound represented by formula (1) or (2) newly supplied to the reactor inlet is less than 1.2 relative to 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) in components obtained from the reactor outlet.
US09975822B2

A method of precipitating polymer and deactivated organometallic catalyst in an olefin oligomerization reaction is provided. The method includes providing an effluent stream from an olefin oligomerization reaction. The effluent stream can include a polymer and an organometallic catalyst. The method can further include introducing sorbent particles into the effluent stream. The sorbent particles can include a deactivating agent. The deactivating agent can be water, an alcohol, an amine, an amino alcohol, or a combination thereof. At least about 10% of the sorbent particles can have a particle size in a range from 10 μm and 60 μm. The method can further include cooling the effluent stream, thereby precipitating polymer and deactivated organometallic catalyst from the effluent stream to provide a precipitate that includes sorbent, polymer, and deactivated catalyst.
US09975816B2

According to the present invention new isolates of bacterial strains have been shown to possess unique properties. These bacterial strains are plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), posses an enhanced competitive advantage at colonizing leguminous plants, and enhance the overall performance of leguminous plant growth. Further still, the present invention discloses a novel method for screening and selecting bacterial strains having the aforementioned beneficial characteristics.
US09975811B2

A sintered ceramic ball is described that includes an incomplete ceramic ball portion with a wall with an exterior surface, the wall having an interior space located radially interior of an inner surface of the wall. The incomplete ceramic ball portion also has an exterior surface, the exterior surface having an exterior surface area. The sintered ceramic ball further includes a ceramic plug joined with the incomplete ceramic ball portion to form a continuous exterior ball surface. The ceramic plug includes an exterior plug surface and a plug wall. The plug surface includes an exterior plug surface area, wherein the exterior plug surface area is between about 5% to 49.9% of the sum of the exterior surface area of the incomplete ceramic ball portion and the exterior plug surface area. The interior space of the sintered ceramic ball is sealed within the wall and the plug wall.
US09975804B2

The invention provides a method for producing composite nanoparticles, the method using a first compound capable of transitioning from a monoclinic to a tetragonal rutile crystal state upon heating, and having the steps of subjecting the first compound to a hydrothermal synthesis to create anisotropic crystals of the compound; encapsulating the first compound with a second compound to create a core-shell construct; and annealing the construct as needed. Also provided is a device for continuously synthesizing composite nanoparticles, the device having a first precursor supply and a second precursor supply; a mixer to homogeneously combine the first precursor and second precursor to create a liquor; a first microreactor to subject the liquor to hydrothermic conditions to create an\isotropic particles in a continuous operation mode; and a second microreactor for coating the particles with a third precursor to create a core-shell construct.
US09975803B2

An alkali aluminosilicate glass that can be chemically strengthened and formed into a three dimensional shape. The glass has a softening point of less than about 825° C. and a high temperature coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 30 parts per million (ppm)/° C. The glass may be ion exchanged after the three dimensional shape is formed. When ion exchanged, the glass has a surface layer that is under a compressive stress of at least about 700 MPa.
US09975801B2

A strengthened glass sheet product along with a process and an apparatus for strengthening a glass sheet are provided. The process comprises cooling the glass sheet by non-contact thermal conduction for sufficiently long to fix a surface compression and central tension of the sheet. The process results in thermally strengthened glass sheets having improved breakage properties.
US09975796B2

Wastewater influent is supplied to an aeration zone having a membrane module. Activated sludge is established in the aeration zone and an oxygen surplus is maintained by controlling a rate of oxygen supplied to the aeration zone. Wastewater influent is mixed with the activated sludge to form a first mixed liquid. A portion of the first mixed liquid is filtered to form a filtrate and unfiltered activated sludge. The unfiltered activated sludge is mixed with the activated sludge in the aeration zone to form the first mixed liquid. A portion of the first mixed liquid is transferred from the aeration zone to an anaerobic zone, and a second portion of first mixed liquid is mixed with activated sludge in the anaerobic zone to form a second mixed liquid. The second mixed liquid is recycled to the aerobic zone.
US09975795B2

Methods and systems are provided for aerobic digestion of organic waste material.
US09975792B2

A device for the treatment of waste material in a waste water collection system includes an inner core and an outer portion partially surrounding the inner core such that at least one surface of the inner core is exposed. The inner core has a greater water solubility than the outer portion. In another aspect, a device for the treatment of waste material in a waste water collection system includes an outer portion defining a hollow core portion, the hollow core portion defining an interior and having at least one end plug sealing said interior against ambient atmosphere, the outer portion partially surrounding the hollow core portion such that only the end plug is exposed. The end plug has a greater water solubility than the outer portion. Methods of treating waste material in a waste water collection system are also provided.
US09975791B2

A method and apparatus for treating a body of water to kill microorganisms by enhancing the concentration metal ions therein. The apparatus comprising a dispenser with a first housing having a water accessible compartment containing 5,5-dimethylhydantoin for releasing the 5,5-dimethylhydantoin when contacted by the body of water and a second housing having a water accessible compartment containing a biocidal metal to the body of water for generating biocidal metal ions when contacted by the body of water containing the 5,5-dimethylhydantoin.
US09975787B2

A cerium (IV) oxide composition having unexpectedly greater arsenic loading capacities than oxides of cerium (IV) of the prior art are disclosed. The arsenic loading capacities are greater at low level equilibrium levels of arsenic. The cerium (IV) oxide composition is more effective at removing arsenite and arsenate. Moreover, the cerium (IV) oxide composition has a greater capacity for the previously more difficult to remove arsenite.
US09975784B2

An adaptive waste water treatment plant includes an influent intake configured to receive an influent flow from a waste water influent stream. A first settling tank is in a controllable fluid communication with the influent intake. The first settling tank includes a first decanter in fluid communication with a first effluent discharge pipe. A first effluent discharge valve is communicatively coupled to a controller. A first flow meter is in communication with the controller and adapted to measure a rate of flow through the first effluent discharge pipe. A second settling tank is similarly configured. The controller is configured to control the controllable fluid communication between the influent intake and the first settling tank and the controllable fluid communication between the influent intake the second settling tank in response to a change in a rate of influent flow.
US09975782B2

Disclosed herein are a SiOx nanoparticle manufacturing apparatus that can not only manufacture a SiOx nanoparticle in large quantities but also prevent a silicon melt residue from being stuck and solidified on an inner bottom surface of a crucible by designing a sliding type tapping structure, and a SiOx nanoparticle manufacturing method using the same.
US09975779B2

A CVD-SiC formed body has low light transmittance and high resistivity, and may suitably be used as a member for an etcher that is used for a semiconductor production process, for example. The SiC formed body is formed using a CVD method, and includes 1 to 30 mass ppm of boron atoms, and more than 100 mass ppm and 1000 mass ppm or less of nitrogen atoms. The SiC formed body preferably has a resistivity of more than 10 Ω·cm and 100,000 Ω·cm or less, and a light transmittance at a wavelength of 950 nm of 0 to 1%.
US09975778B2

A method is described to make a chemically activated carbon by first immersing a suitable carbonized material into a neutral aqueous solution of inorganic salts that constitutes the chemical activating agent. The carbonized material is then removed and forms a chemically loaded activatable material that is separately heated at temperatures up to 1000° C. to form the chemically activated carbon. An additional CO2 or steam activation step is implemented to increase the surface area up to ˜3000 m2/gm. The chemical activating agents are nitrate salts in aqueous solutions, and may be reused since they are not directly heated as part of the activation process. The carbonized precursor materials include naturally occurring sources of carbon, synthetic polymeric materials and petroleum based sources.
US09975774B2

The present invention relates to a catalyst for synthesizing multi-wall carbon nanotubes and, more specifically, to a catalyst for synthesizing multi-wall carbon nanotubes, capable of easily disperse the synthesized multi-wall carbon nanotubes and significantly improving conductivity, to a method for producing the catalyst, and to multi-wall carbon nanotubes synthesized by the catalyst.
US09975768B2

A system for generating and purifying hydrogen. To generate hydrogen, the system includes inlets configured to receive a hydrogen carrier and an inert insulator, a mixing chamber configured to combine the hydrogen carrier and the inert insulator, a heat exchanger configured to apply heat to the mixture of hydrogen carrier and the inert insulator, wherein the applied heat results in the generation of hydrogen from the hydrogen carrier, and an outlet configured to release the generated hydrogen. To purify hydrogen, the system includes a primary inlet to receive a starting material and an ammonia filtration subassembly, which may include an absorption column configured to absorb the ammonia into water for providing purified hydrogen at a first purity level. The ammonia filtration subassembly may also include an adsorbent member configured to adsorb ammonia from the starting material into an adsorbent for providing purified hydrogen at a second purity level.
US09975758B2

Embodiments include devices and methods for detecting particles, monitoring etch or deposition rates, or controlling an operation of a wafer fabrication process. In an embodiment, one or more micro sensors are mounted on wafer processing equipment, and are capable of measuring material deposition and removal rates in real-time. The micro sensors are selectively exposed such that a sensing layer of a micro sensor is protected by a mask layer during active operation of another micro sensor, and the protective mask layer may be removed to expose the sensing layer when the other micro sensor reaches an end-of-life. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US09975754B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes receiving a first substrate including a dielectric layer disposed over the first substrate; forming a sensing structure and a bonding structure over the dielectric layer; disposing a conductive layer on the sensing structure; disposing a barrier layer over the dielectric layer; removing a first portion of the barrier layer to at least partially expose the conductive layer on the sensing structure; and removing a second portion of the barrier layer to at least partially expose the bonding structure.
US09975752B2

A pour spout, for attaching to a bottle, has a first wireless transceiver and a valve for selectively controlling flow of a beverage from the bottle. A server interface, adapted to be carried by a person who serves beverages, has a second wireless transceiver. A control unit is provided to wirelessly communicate with the second transceiver. In one mode, the pour spout transmits a spout identifier to the server interface, which responds by transmitting the spout identifier and a server identifier to the control unit. The control unit responds with a reply transmission causing the server interface to command the pour spout to open the valve. In another mode, a person selects a cocktail, that results in the control unit sending designations of a plurality of liquor ingredients to the server interface. The server interface controls dispensing each of the plurality of liquor ingredients.
US09975750B2

Compact tool carriers having a loader mounted to a low-profile mainframe are disclosed. In some embodiments, the pivot points of the mainframe about which the loader is pivoted are low relative to the mainframe to reduce the mainframe size and to lower the center of gravity to improve the stability of the compact tool carrier during use.
US09975744B2

A device, system and method are used for hoisting and lowering a load. The device has a front plate that may be displaced to reveal a sheave. The device also has a friction accessory. The friction accessory is arranged to create friction between a rope and the device when a load is suspended from the device using the rope and where the device is secured to a support structure. The system may be prepared by an operator, having ascended to an elevated location, and further allows the operator to lower the load from the elevated location prior to descending.
US09975740B2

A lift device comprises a mounting arm that includes a mounting member that is configured to be mounted to a structure. The lift device includes a vertical member having a lower end and an upper end spaced from the lower end along a first axis that is aligned with the vertical direction. A lifting boom includes a first end coupled to the upper end of the vertical member and the second end is configured to be secured to the object. The lift device includes a first actuation system disposed along the vertical member and configured to cause the lifting boom to rotate about the first axis. The lift device also includes a second actuation system configured to cause the lifting boom to rotate about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.
US09975739B2

One three-phase transformer (71A) out of two paired three-phase transformers among three-phase transformers provided for respective feeder lines outputs, as operating power, first three-phase AC power of the same voltage phase as that of power-supply power. The other three-phase transformer (71B) out of the two paired three-phase transformers outputs, as the operating power, second three-phase AC power of a voltage phase shifted by π/6 from that of the power-supply power. The power storage device (4) of a crane apparatus (10) stores DC power supplied from a three-phase full-wave rectifier (1) to a common bus (B), and supplies the stored power to the common bus (B) upon reduction of the DC power.
US09975735B2

An elevator car is constructed and arranged to move along a hoistway. The car includes a cab support from below by a platform. A vertical member is connected to the platform via a flex joint and extends upward from platform for further elevator cab support. The flex joint facilitates cab isolation from vibration and noise.
US09975724B2

An improved tape applicator for apply a tape to close a case or box is provided that uses a wiper system that better seals the tape to the box, provides an improved cut-off system wherein the action of the cut-off blade which partially cuts and then tears the tape is across the tape path at an improved angle. Also included is an improved system for adjusting tab length on the lead end of the case, providing a stiffened free end portion of the tape to engage an on-coming case, for controlling the rotation of large tape rolls by applying pressure to the side of a large roll and locking the tape roll to the mounting hub on the machine by penetrating the tape roll core with locking elements.
US09975718B2

In a case where, for example, a certain sheet feeding operation by one of sheet delivery portions is an operation that continues from a sheet feeding operation by another one of the sheet delivery portions in a sheet feed device, a control portion delays output timing, to a feed clutch, of a control signal for feeding a first one of recording sheets, as compared to output timing of control signals for sequentially feeding a second and the following ones of the recording sheets from the same sheet delivery portion.
US09975709B2

A substrate transfer apparatus and a substrate transfer system are disclosed. The substrate transfer apparatus including a main body and a plurality of main arms arranged side by side on the main body, wherein a plurality of branch arms are disposed on both sides of each of the main arms, and the plurality of main arms and the plurality of branch arms are disposed in a same supporting plane. When a substrate is transferred, the plurality of main arms and the plurality of branch arms are both disposed beneath the substrate and support the substrate together. Therefore, the downward recess of the substrate due to gravity action can be greatly reduced, so that the flatness of the substrate can be effectively improved, therefore, the display quality of the display product produced can be improved.
US09975693B2

A roof panel of a sealed floating roof for a storage tank includes a first frame segment and a second frame segment. Each of the first and second frame segments includes a first depression configured to abut an adjacent top depression of a respective frame segment of a respective adjacent roof panel to form a walled trough to guide an automatic welder along a weld joint during a welding process. The roof panel also includes a panel component. The panel component includes a top sheet and a pan-shaped bottom sheet coupled to the top sheet. The pan-shaped bottom sheet is coupled to a respective upper lip of each of the first and second frame segments.
US09975687B2

A container is formed to include and interior region and a mouth opening into the interior region. The container includes a floor, a side wall coupled to the floor to define the interior region between the floor and the side wall, and artwork on the side wall.
US09975661B2

A collapsible produce keeper is selectively positionable between an expanded position and a collapsed position, in which the produce keeper may be used to contain produce in both positions. In one version, an upper container portion is telescopically connected to a lower container portion, with a lid removably attached to the upper container and a base removably attached to the lower container.
US09975660B2

A dispensing device includes first and second cylindrical portions which are detachably interconnected end-to-end. The first portion is arranged to store consumables, such as bags, for collecting pet faeces and includes a tubular side-wall 110 having an aperture formed therein through which the consumables can be dispensed. The second portion is arranged to store a fluid such as a hand sanitizer and has an outlet at one end through which the fluid can be dispensed. The dispensing device provides a convenient manner for storing consumables and associated fluids together, so that, for example, a user can sanitize their hands after picking up pet faeces using a dispensed bag.
US09975659B2

A reusable cap for a container comprising a central body extending along a central axis with a lower end that is open and a top end that is closed by a top plate, wherein the lower end is rotatably engageable with the top end of a similar cap; a skirt that extends around the central axis to surround the central body with an inner edge adjacent to the central body and an opposing outer edge and is radially spaced from the central body by a plurality of tabs to form an open space allowing air passage; a plurality of external cooperating engaging formations on said skirt, wherein the plurality of external cooperating engaging formations comprise at least one male engaging formation and at least one female engaging formation; and wherein the male engaging formation is a protrusion extending radially outward from said skirt and the female engaging formation is defined by an indent.
US09975657B2

Provided is a sterilization device for a container which exhibits high sterilization performance while being low in cost. A heating medium is positioned in a sterilant passage so as to block the downstream end thereof in the direction in which the liquid sterilant is discharged. A ventilation passage is formed in the lateral surface of a tube body of a sterilant supply tube, on the upstream side in the direction in which the liquid sterilant is discharged in relation to the heating medium. A sterilant supply unit sterilizes the inner-peripheral surface of a container as a result of the sterilant vaporizing upon reaching the heating medium, leaking to the exterior via the ventilation passage formed in the lateral surface of the tube body, and adhering to the inner-peripheral surface of the container.
US09975653B2

An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.
US09975650B2

A lifting tool 100 form part of a lifting apparatus associated with an aircraft handler 10 for applying a lifting load to an undercarriage of an aircraft. The lifting apparatus comprise a pair of opposed lifting tools 100 which engage end portions of an undercarriage wheel axle 300 for lifting. Each lifting tool 100 has a body 101 with a cavity 103 therein filled with a plurality of axially displaceable closely packed pins 105 which permit insertion of a portion of the axle or adaptor means into the cavity, and other pins, in use, surrounding said portion provide support and transfer the lift load to the surrounding body 101.
US09975649B1

A safety system includes an apparatus-mounted projector capable of projecting a warning image onto a designated danger zone about a dangerous implement of the apparatus. The projector is in signal communication with an electronic control module configured to control the warning image depending on a measured or received operational state of the apparatus implement. The projected warning image can include static, dynamic, or static and dynamic image elements depending on the measured or received operational state of the implement.
US09975648B2

In aspects herein, if GPS signals used as inputs into a GPS landing system become unreliable, an aircraft instead uses signals derived from radar data to operate the GPS landing system. Generally, GPS signals are unreliable if they cannot be received or if the signals are corrupted. Instead of using GPS signals, the landing system uses radar derived location data as inputs. In one example, the radar derived location data is generated using a radar system located at the intended landing site—e.g., an airport or aircraft carrier. The landing site transmits this data to the aircraft which processes the data using its GPS landing system that outputs control signals for landing the aircraft. Thus, even when GPS signals are unreliable, the aircraft can use the GPS landing system to land.
US09975643B2

In an intake structure of an aircraft that takes in air from a front side of an airframe, a bump is provided on a surface of the airframe of the aircraft at a portion immediately before an intake. The bump is formed so as to smoothly protrude from the front side of the airframe while having a width that is wider than a width of the intake.
US09975628B2

A method for controlling brakes is provided. The method comprises detecting an imminent skid by an anti-skid controller/deceleration controller (ASK/DK). The ASK/DK outputs at least one of a negative desired pressure command to a pressure control unit (PK) in response to detecting the imminent skid and causes a current command output from the PK to be reduced to release braking pressure if the negative desired pressure command minus a measured feedback pressure is greater than a deadband of the PK or outputs a negative desired force command to a force control unit (ForK) in response to detecting the imminent skid and causing a current command output from the ForK to be reduced to release braking force if the negative desired force command minus a measured feedback force is greater than a deadband of the Fork. A brake control system is also provided.
US09975626B2

A clutch driven aircraft electric taxi system is provided with a clutch assembly designed to be automatically selectively engaged or disengaged as required to drive an aircraft autonomously during ground operations. The clutch assembly is mounted integrally with other electric taxi system components completely within an aircraft landing gear wheel and may be designed with one way overrunning or selectable clutch engagement capability in one or both rotational directions, preferably using an arrangement of ratcheting struts and clutch elements adapted specifically for use in an aircraft landing gear drive wheel environment. The clutch assembly may automatically disengage in response to predetermined defined conditions or operating parameters. A failsafe overrunning capability ensures that the clutch assembly will not engage taxi system drive components so that an aircraft's wheel will not be driven during aircraft operation when safety considerations dictate that the aircraft electric taxi system should not be engaged.
US09975623B2

An elastomeric transition for spanning a gap between first and second surfaces on an aircraft includes an elastomeric skin. A first skin edge is configured for attachment to the first surface and a second skin edge is configured for attachment to the second surface. The elastomeric skin has a longitudinal dimension, coincident with the gap, which is significantly longer than a distance between laterally corresponding points on the first and second skin edges. At least one continuous rod is coupled at one end to a selected first point on the first surface and at another end to a selected second point, spaced apart from the first point, on the second surface. The at least one continuous rod is configured in the elastomeric transition to run along the gap such that the rod extends at an acute angle in relation to both the first and second skin edges.
US09975613B1

A boat lift drive housing for containing a control box, electric motor and gear head for raising and lowering a boat lift. The housing includes front and rear coaxial openings for access to the gear head. The housing further includes an eyebrow cantilevered over an opening in the housing through which a key switch extends such that the key switch is protected from the sun, rain, snow and ice. The housing further includes a pair of bottom openings, with one bottom housing permitting access to a drive shaft of the electric motor and with the other bottom opening holding a tool for driving the drive shaft of the electric motor. The housing further includes a shape tailored to the control box, electric motor and gear head to minimize extra connections within the housing.
US09975610B2

Disclosed in the present invention is a small leisure boat. The leisure boat according to the present invention comprises: a container-shaped boat on which people board; seats arranged along the inner wall of the boat body; three or more connection rods of which one end is coupled to the boat body and which are arranged symmetrically with the boat body at the center; and floating bodies respectively connected to the other end of each of the connection rods. According to the present invention, riders can converse or play a game while facing each other by arranging the table inside the boat body and the seats around the table, thereby increasing convenience and entertainment aspects of leisure activities. Also, the stability of the leisure boat is significantly increased by the floating bodies arranged symmetrically around the boat body, and the boat body is not easily rocked due to movement of users or waves due to the positioning of the boat body at the center of the three floating bodies, thereby enabling enjoyment of refreshing and safe leisure activities.
US09975607B2

A marine deflector handling system includes a seismic survey vessel with a deflector towing sheave with a towing line to a seismic deflector bridle block. The bridle block includes, as counted from its outer end to its inner end: two triple head arms with each its triple head in their outer ends for fore and aft sets of bridle lines to a deflector, wherein said triple head arms in their inner ends are coupled together in a hinge bearing block which further holds an outer end of a grip adapter stem, wherein said grip adapter stem in its opposite, inner end is provided with a grip adapter axle block with a transverse through extending and protruding grip adapter axle arranged for being gripped by a crane jaw, wherein said grip adapter axle further holds an outer end of a sheave block stem with an inner end provided with a sheave block for said towing line.
US09975602B2

An electric power-assist device for a bicycle includes an electrical machine with a rotor, a connector structured to attach to the electrical machine, a drive pinion arranged to be driven by the rotor of the electrical machine, and a supporting structure. The drive pinion is structured to mesh tangentially with a complementary toothing integral to a tyre of a rear wheel of the bicycle. The connector is borne by the supporting structure. The connector together with the electrical machine form a sub-assembly that is manually separatable from the supporting structure.
US09975601B2

An electric power-assist device for a bicycle includes an electrical machine with a rotor, a connector structured to attach to the electrical machine, a battery arranged to power the electrical machine, a controller arranged to control the electrical machine, a drive pinion arranged to be driven by the rotor of the electrical machine, and a supporting structure. The drive pinion is structured to mesh tangentially with a complementary toothing integral to a tire of a rear wheel of the bicycle. The connector is borne by the supporting structure. The supporting structure includes arms attachable to an axle of the rear wheel of the bicycle.
US09975595B2

Embodiments of a fork brace for a bicycle are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a brace portion is integrally formed along with two tubular fork members and an overlay fits in a mating relationship with the brace portion to create a unitary, tubular brace.
US09975594B2

A light device includes a light engine. A plurality of petals extends radially outward from the light engine. A trim is disposed over the petals and light engine. An installation card is disposed between the trim and the petals and includes an elongated opening. A strap extends through the elongated opening of the installation card. A light-emitting diode is connected to the light engine. A support component is formed on a surface of the petals. The strap includes a hook surface and a loop surface opposite the hook surface. The installation card includes a second elongated opening formed near an edge of the installation card and a third opening formed in a central region of the installation card. A plurality of straps includes a width of the straps being less than a width of the elongated opening. The plurality of straps includes a zip tie.
US09975593B2

The elastic member (60) is enabled, by temporarily elastically deforming a part thereof, to be fitted with and removed from the fixing portion (24a), and is provided with a tabular fixing member (80) that prevents elastic deformation of the elastic member (60) by being fixed to the elastic member (60), and a fastening member (90) that integrally fixes the blinker housing (51), the elastic member (60), and the fixing member (80). In the fixing member (80), a fastening hole portion (86) through which the fastening member (90) is inserted and a wiring hole portion (83) through which a wiring (92) that supplies electricity to the light source (54) is inserted are disposed side by side to each other, and in the wiring hole (83), a cut-away (83a) to open a part of the wiring hole (83) is provided.
US09975568B2

The disclosed invention is a steering wheel cover with inflatable bladders thereon that provide the driver with a comfortable place to position his or her hands on the steering wheel while preventing injuries associated with maintaining a tight grip on the steering wheel for long periods of time. Said inflatable bladders are placed at roughly the four o'clock and eight o'clock positions and at locations roughly equidistant between the ten and eleven o'clock positions and roughly equidistant between the one and two o'clock positions on the steering wheel, where drivers tend to rest their hands. The bladders are inflatable so that they fit comfortably within the driver's cupped hands, thus avoiding the need to grip the wheel. When the driver's hands are on the bladders, his or her wrists remain in line with the palm of his or her hand, thus relieving fatigue while reducing vibration from the wheel.
US09975567B2

A protective cover that is stored in a pouch that is integrally formed as a part of an upper surface of a pivotable canopy that is attached to a frame of the stroller. The protective cover is movable between a closed position in which the cover is stored in the pouch and an open position in which the cover is disposed across the canopy and across a seat of the stroller.
US09975561B2

A train includes a fuel storage tank configured to contain liquid fuel, a locomotive including an engine having an intake and configured to combust the fuel in a combustion reaction to provide a power output, an oxidant storage tank configured to contain at least liquid oxygen, and a vaporizer disposed along the flow path between the oxidant storage tank and the intake. The vaporizer is configured to convert a portion of the liquid oxygen into a flow of gaseous oxygen and provide the flow of gaseous oxygen to the intake thereby increasing the power output of the engine.
US09975535B1

A motor vehicle having a tubular frame, an engine, and a brake modulation system comprising sensors and a modulator includes a bracket that includes a bracket body, at least one body attachment point, and at least one bracket fastener for attaching the bracket body to the tubular frame at the at least one body attachment point. The motor vehicle also includes a cover that includes a cover body, at least one cover attachment point, at least one cover fastener for attaching the cover body to the bracket at the at least one cover attachment point, and wherein the modulator is attached to the bracket and is covered by the cover.
US09975529B2

Performance electric parking brake controllers determine braking control signals for a performance electric parking brake system of a vehicle based on differing sets of operating conditions of the vehicle. A controller is configured to electromechanically actuate rear brake calipers of the vehicle in response to a first set of operating conditions of the vehicle, to hydraulically actuate front brake calipers and the rear brake calipers of the vehicle in response to a second set of operating conditions of the vehicle, and to hydraulically actuate only the rear brake calipers in response to a third set of operating conditions of the vehicle.
US09975513B2

A protection arrangement for an occupant of a vehicle includes an air bag package and a structural component. The structural component includes a reception with a profile geometry for the air bag package. The air bag package includes a receiving section which is received in the reception. The receiving section includes a permanent press contour corresponding and/or equals to the profile geometry of the reception.
US09975508B2

A method of extruding a component includes: creating a first design of a component, wherein in the first design the component comprises a member and is configured for an implementation; adding at least one radial fin to the member in the first design, the member and the radial fins being a second design of the component; extruding a piece that conforms to the second design and has at least one extruded radial fin; and altering the extruded radial fin on the extruded piece, the alteration adding or enhancing a structural property of the component in the implementation.
US09975506B2

An impact beam for a motor vehicle, said impact beam includes a front wall, a rear wall and at least two transverse walls connecting the front wall and the rear wall. The front wall has a single-layered section and a multilayered section, wherein the multilayered section is formed by a first and a second front wall section, wherein the first front wall section is fixedly connected with the second front wall section, wherein at least the single-layered front wall section, the rear wall and the at least two transverse walls together enclose a hollow chamber. The front wall, the rear wall and the transverse walls are configured in one-piece and of a same material, wherein the impact beam is made of a longitudinal starting section with a constant U-shaped cross section.
US09975505B2

A vehicle includes: an input unit configured to receive an execution command for speech recognition; a calculator configured to calculate a time in which the vehicle is expected to arrive at an obstacle existing on a road on which the vehicle travels; and a speech recognition controller configured to compare the calculated time in which the vehicle is expected to arrive at the obstacle to a time in which a voice command input is expected to be completed to determine whether to perform dynamic noise removal pre-processing.
US09975495B2

A load carrier foot of clamping type includes a tensioning arrangement. The tensioning arrangement includes a cam member and a separate lever. The lever can be operated to pivot the cam member to impart a clamping force to retain the load carrier foot. The lever or a separate release member can be used pivot back the cam member to detach the load carrier foot.
US09975494B2

A support pad for a vehicle roof load support system is disclosed where the support pad includes a base layer, a contact layer for contacting a load disposed on the support pad, and ribs extending between the base layer and the contact layer such that the contact layer is spaced from the base layer. The support pad is configured to flex in multiple directions to support the load disposed on the support pad.
US09975492B2

A securement system for portable bottles, intended for use in a vehicle, is disclosed and claimed herein. In one particular embodiment, the securement system is constructed from a vertical stanchion. Disposed about the periphery, on four sides, are four vertically oriented mounting channels. A top bottle holder and a bottom bottle holder are installed in a selected mounting channel. At least the top bottle holder can be adjusted vertically to accommodate bottles with various heights. The bottom bottle holder includes a platform for supporting the bottle, and both the top and bottom holder include a cradle that receives a side of the bottle. Both the top bottle holder and bottom bottle holder include releasable, hook and loop straps to hold the bottle flush and secure against the cradles. The base of the stanchion includes features for securing the stanchion in a convention L-Track, of the type typically found in transit vehicles.
US09975491B2

A retractable cargo cover system is provided for a motor vehicle having three rows of seating. That retractable cargo cover system includes a first receiver carried on a second row seat, a second receiver carried on a third row seat and a retractable cargo cover assembly. The retractable cargo cover assembly may be selectively mounted in the first receiver or the second receiver as desired by the vehicle operator.
US09975488B2

A parking assistance device includes: imaging means mounted on a vehicle to image a periphery of the vehicle; a coil for a vehicle installed on a bottom surface of the vehicle; a displaying means that displays an image; and a controlling means that performs a display control on the displaying means. The controlling means stores a parking initial image, simultaneously showing a power transmission coil installed on a road surface in a parking space and ground marks provided at a predetermined distance from the power transmission coil, displays the power transmission coil on the displaying means with reference to the ground marks imaged by the imaging means and the parking initial image when a distance between the vehicle and a target parking position falls below a predetermined value, and superposes and displays an image indicating the coil for a vehicle on the displaying means.
US09975481B2

A system includes a processor configured to detect a wireless signature indicating an animal presence within a predefined proximity to a vehicle. The processor is also configured to issue an alert to vehicle occupants responsive to the wireless signature detection, the alert varying based on detected signal strength. The wireless signature may be transmitted from a BLE or RFID device provided to an animal affixed to a collar, for example, or from an RFID chip embedded in an animal.
US09975477B2

A vehicle interior panel can be constructed to include accent lighting in the form of an electroluminescent element that includes a thin multi-layer film disposed over a substrate. The multi-layer film is sufficiently thin to conform to the shape of the substrate surface over which it is disposed, making it possible to integrate accent lighting with the panel in a manner that gives the impression that the light is produced at the visible outer surface of the panel. The substrate plays a dual role, providing both the overall shape, contour, and structure for the panel while additionally functioning as one of the electrodes of the electroluminescent element. The substrate includes an electrically active material that is integrated into a plastic material either by blending an additive with the plastic material prior to molding the substrate, or by insert molding and embedding electrically conductive material into the plastic material.
US09975476B2

An illuminated vehicle foot pedal assembly is provided that includes a foot pedal and at least one light source located on the foot pedal. The assembly further includes at least one proximate sensor disposed on the pedal for sensing an operator's foot proximate to the pedal. The at least one light source may illuminate the pedal and the foot well and may indicate a vehicle condition such as a driving mode or a warning. The sensed proximity of the foot may be used to control the lighting or a pedal adjustment.
US09975473B2

A roof rail is disposed on a motor vehicle and furnished with an integrated light system. The light system has at least one light source and one or more batteries that are part of the system arranged in or on a cover of the roof rail. The battery powered light system enables the light system to be operated independently of any connection to the onboard power supply of the motor vehicle, and it is then no longer necessary to provide an electrical connection between the light system and the onboard power supply or the motor vehicle electronics. A computer program, when executed on a light system controller, is configured to detect a position of a vehicle door and switch the at least one light source of the light system on and off.
US09975471B2

A driver assistance system for controlling a high beam, including an environment detecting device. At least one radar or lidar sensor system as well as a camera sensor system are provided for detecting the environment in front of the vehicle. A control signal for a high beam controller or warning device is generated when the high beam is active and at least one sensor system for detecting the environment simultaneously detects a potentially dazzled object.
US09975465B2

A vehicle includes a slide-out room that moves between a retracted position and an extended position and a bed coupled to the slide-out room. The bed moves vertically between a lowered position where the bed is positioned to receive one or more persons thereon and a raised position where the bed is stowed.
US09975455B2

A counterweighted release lever for a vehicle seat back release mechanism is described. The release lever includes a counterweight providing sufficient weight to move a center of mass of the release lever towards a release lever pivot point disposed adjacent to the counterweight. The counterweight may be integral to or attached to the release lever, or may be operatively connected to a release lever shaft. Vehicle seat back release mechanisms and vehicle seat assemblies including the counterweighted release lever as described above are described.
US09975453B2

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for controlled power seat of vehicle designed to improve the problem of seat pinching by changing an initial torque value of a seat motor according to a moving direction of a seat and method thereof.
US09975442B2

An apparatus and method for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft are disclosed. The apparatus for containing and charging an unmanned VTOL aircraft includes a post, an extended member, a cover, a fastening unit, and a charging unit. The post is placed on a ground. The extended member is connected to the post. The cover is provided on the extended member, and is configured to be opened or closed in order to contain and protect the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The fastening unit is provided in the cover, and is configured to fasten the unmanned VTOL aircraft. The charging unit is provided in the fastening unit, and is configured to charge the unmanned VTOL aircraft.
US09975438B2

An operating device for operating a motor vehicle has at least one solid-state gas battery that is designed to provide energy for an electric motor of the motor vehicle. In addition, the operating device has at least one high-pressure tank for receiving and storing gas for the solid-state gas battery. Furthermore, the operating device has at least one charging connection via which the solid-state gas battery can be coupled for the purposes of a charging process for receiving electrical current, and via which the high-pressure tank can be coupled for the purposes of the charging process for receiving gas.
US09975436B2

A method of controlling a vehicle having a first axle driven by an internal combustion engine, and a second axle independently driven by an electric device includes determining if the accelerator pedal is disposed in a depressed position or in a non-depressed position, and determining if a brake pedal is disposed in a depressed position or in a non-depressed position. An axle control strategy for controlling energy regeneration of an energy storage device is selected based on the position of the accelerator pedal being in either the depressed position or the non-depressed position, and the position of the brake pedal being in either the depressed position or the non-depressed position. A control signal is communicated to at least one of the first axle or the second axle to implement the selected axle control strategy.
US09975434B2

A method for monitoring contactor health according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, storing wear data associated with a contactor, categorizing the wear data into at least a first bin and a second bin, assigning a first health level to the wear data associated with the first bin and assigning a second health level to the wear data associated with the second bin. Health information concerning the contactor is communicated to the vehicle operator.
US09975432B2

A vehicle includes an electric power supply, an external terminal, a lid, a switch, and an electronic control unit. The lid is disposed in the external terminal. The switch is disposed at an electric circuit between the external terminal and the electric power supply. The electronic control unit is configured to close the switch while the output or the input of the electric power is performed through the external terminal. The electronic control unit is configured to open the switch during traveling. The electronic control unit is configured to execute welding diagnosis for the switch. The electronic control unit is configured to determine whether to permit the vehicle to travel based on a result of the welding diagnosis and an open-closed state of the lid.
US09975423B2

The present invention relates to an anti-theft device for fuel tanks, wherein the anti-theft device comprises a pipe to be secured to a fuel inlet, wherein the pipe comprises attachment means at its upper portion, furthermore the pipe comprises at least one opening disposed in the side wall of the pipe, wherein the pipe is closed at a lower portion and that said pipe accommodates a substance, wherein said substance is adapted, in the event of a fuel theft attempt, to be carried with the fuel into the pump used during the theft attempt and thereby prevent continued pumping with it, and that the substance is further adapted to be incapable of leaking into the actual fuel tank.
US09975421B2

A shutter assembly includes a shutter frame and at least one louver moveably mounted to the shutter frame. The shutter assembly also includes a mechanism configured to shift the at least one louver relative to the shutter frame to select a position for the shutter assembly between and inclusive of fully-opened and fully-closed. The shutter assembly additionally includes a heating element configured to generate thermal energy sufficient to melt ice formation on the shutter assembly and facilitate shifting of the at least one louver relative to the shutter frame. Furthermore, the shutter assembly includes a controller configured to regulate the mechanism and activate the heating element. A method of controlling operation of a shutter assembly and a vehicle having such a shutter assembly are also disclosed.
US09975414B2

There are provided a pillar attached to a vehicle-body side separately from a roof, a pillar-side weather strip provided at the pillar, a vehicle-body-side weather strip provided at a vehicle-body side of a lower portion of the pillar, and an engagement portion provided at a lower end portion of the pillar-side weather strip, the engagement portion being configured to engage from an inward side, in a vehicle width direction, of the vehicle-body-side weather strip. The vehicle-body-side weather strip comprises a guide portion which guides the engagement portion of the pillar-side weather strip inward and downward, an engaged portion positioned at a lower portion of the guide portion, and a wall portion which contacts a hanging piece provided at the lower end portion of the pillar-side weather strip from an outward side in the vehicle width direction.
US09975410B2

Sliding roof system for an automotive vehicle with a movable roof part which is displaceable relative to a vehicle-fixed roof frame module between a closed position, a ventilation position and an open position, and with a drive system including at least one carrier profile for displacing the roof part. A control lever is provided with at least one support roller which is supported on a floor of the guide rail arrangement, and the floor of the guide rail arrangement includes a seat into which the support roller plunges when the latching cam is received in the latching recess.
US09975409B2

An arrangement with a cover for a vehicle roof. The rear region of said cover can be raised starting from a closed position using deployment means to open the roof opening, and the cover can be moved towards the rear over the vehicle roof into an open position. The deployment means have a slide movable in a guide rail in a vehicle longitudinal direction by means of a drive, said slide comprising a slide gate. The deployment means may further have a gate stationary relative to the guide rail. The deployment means additionally have a deployment rod movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction by means of the slide and which is coupled to the stationary gate by means of a first coupling element and to the slide gate by means of a second coupling element in the closed position of the roof.
US09975396B2

An installation frame for a heat exchanger, in particular for a heat exchanger in particular for installation in an air-conditioning system for motor vehicles, having frame elements that encompass the heat exchanger at the short sides thereof arranged parallel to the air flow direction, whereby the frame elements are connected to one another, and whereby the installation frame is in the form of a sealing element.
US09975394B2

Vehicle seats may be configured as part of an airflow management system capable of controlling the environment in the immediate vicinity of seated passengers. A vehicle seat may include any number of air intake and discharge ports arranged so that discharged air flows along the body of the seated passenger on its way to the air intake ports. The air may be heated and/or cooled along a system air flow path to have an immediate effect on the comfort of the seated passenger without the need to heat or cool the entire vehicle cabin. Less energy is consumed to achieve a vehicle seat-specific climate than to achieve an overall interior cabin climate. The airflow management system may include more than one such vehicle seat, and the airflow characteristics with respect to each vehicle seat may be separately controllable.
US09975389B2

A wheel carrier of a vehicle has a clamping-fit connection to a further component, preferably a suspension strut, including a threaded connection having a screw for clamping the clamping-fit connection; a hole, in which the screw sits; and a lever, which has a fastening segment and an impact segment. The fastening segment is fastened by the threaded connection. The impact segment protrudes from the fastening segment in such a way that, in the event of a vehicle crash and the accompanying deformation, a part of the vehicle applies a force to the impact segment in order to at least partially loosen the threaded connection. At least one material taper or material recess is formed in the material of the wheel carrier surrounding the hole in order to enable an at least partial break-out of the screw from the hole in the event of the application of force to the lever.
US09975387B2

In order to improve a trailer coupling for motor vehicles comprising a ball neck, which is mountable at a first end on a rear part of a motor vehicle to be fixed to the vehicle by means of a ball neck holder and which carries a coupling ball at a second end, in such a manner that load carriers can be mounted and securely held in a simple manner, it is proposed that at least one positioning body is arranged on the ball neck at a defined spacing from the coupling ball to position a load carrier holding arrangement attachable to the coupling ball and the ball neck.
US09975378B2

The present disclosure relates to a rolled multilayer tire inner liner product and processes or methods for preparing a rolled multilayer tire inner liner product. The product comprises a film layer, two adhesive layers (each directly contacting one outer surface of the film layer) and at least one removable partitioning sheet layer contacting the outer surface of at least one of the adhesive layers. The process includes co-extrusion of a film layer and two adhesive layers, addition of at least one partitioning sheet layer to at least one of the adhesive layers either during the co-extruding step or directly thereafter (and may be a mixture of both if more than one partitioning sheet layer is present) and rolling of the layers together (such that if there is only one partitioning sheet layer it faces inward) to form a rolled multilayer tire inner liner product.
US09975375B2

A commercial vehicle wheel cover is provided. The assembly includes two handles and two interlocking cam latch mechanisms. The wheel cover assembly is attached to the wheel hub via two cam latch mechanisms which lock into a collar assembly. The collar assembly includes of two collar halves and a latch that, when installed, applies a compressive force on the axle hub flange holding the assembly to the hub.
US09975367B2

A reverse type stamp includes an outer cylindrical body, an inner cylindrical body which is movable relative to the outer cylindrical body, an elastic member that constantly urges the inner cylindrical body in a protruding direction inside the outer cylindrical body, an inversion body which is reversed and returned in synchronization with the relative movement, and a print body which is joined to the inversion body. When the outer cylindrical body is pressed down while the inner cylindrical body stands on a paper surface, the inversion body is reversed inside the inner cylindrical body for an imprinting operation. An ink pad is provided inside a movable container inside a cartridge. The movable container is elastically supported inside the cartridge by a coil spring provided at a rear surface thereof. Since contact between the ink pad and the print body is buffered, the sagging of the ink pad can be prevented.
US09975366B2

Systems and apparatus relating to motor control (e.g., for thermal transfer printing) include, according to at least one implementation, a motor control system including: a position controller to receive a demanded position (PD) input for controlling a motor; a torque controller coupled with the position controller, the torque controller to receive a torque bias (TB) input for controlling the motor; and a feedback circuit coupled with the torque controller and the position controller; wherein the feedback circuit is configured and arranged to combine an output from the position controller, the output being generated based on the demanded position (PD) input, with the torque bias (TB) input to generate a torque demand (TD) input to the torque controller.
US09975365B2

In accordance with an embodiment, a thermal printer comprises a first thermal head, a first sensor and a control section. The first thermal head prints a first mark on a first surface of an image receiving medium. The first sensor detects a printing density of the first mark. The control section determines whether or not the printing density of the first mark is in a predetermined range, and adjusts the printing density by the first thermal head in the predetermined range in response to determining that the printing density of the first mark is out of the predetermined range.
US09975353B2

A liquid discharge apparatus includes: a head unit that has a plurality of nozzles that discharge a column-shaped liquid; a liquid droplet generating unit that applies cyclically changing energy to positions of the column-shaped liquids discharged from the plurality of nozzles, respectively, which are separated from the plurality of nozzles, respectively, and that generates liquid droplets; and a direction changing unit that changes a flying direction of at least some liquid droplets of the generated liquid droplets.
US09975351B1

In one example, a method for controlling temperature of a print dryer. High power is applied to a heater of the print dryer. A series of temperatures of the print dryer are periodically measured and stored until a target temperature for the print dryer is exceeded. Low power is applied to the heater after the target temperature is exceeded. A rate of temperature change at a time when the target temperature was exceeded is calculated from the stored temperatures. Using the rate, an initial heater duty cycle defining an initial heater power determined. PID control of the heater power is performed, beginning with the initial heater duty cycle, to maintain the print dryer temperature at the target temperature within a predefined accuracy.
US09975348B2

A method is disclosed. The method includes analyzing an image of a first flushing pattern applied on a medium during production of a print job to detect presence of one or more defective ink jet nozzles and adjusting to a second flushing pattern during the production of the print job upon detecting the presence of one or more defective print head nozzles.
US09975338B2

A method for manufacturing a liquid ejection head substrate, in which a heat storage layer, a pair of electrodes extending from the surface of the heat storage layer toward the back surface, a heat-generating resistor layer in contact with the pair of electrodes and the surface of the heat storage layer, and a first cover layer configured to cover the heat-generating resistor layer are stacked, includes the steps of etching the heat-generating resistor layer and the first cover layer by using a mask disposed on a substrate including the heat-generating resistor layer and the first cover layer, removing the mask, and forming a second cover layer configured to cover an end portion of the heat-generating resistor layer in that order.
US09975333B2

A liquid discharging apparatus includes a liquid discharging head that discharges a liquid from a nozzle, a control circuit that controls a discharge operation of the liquid discharging head, a nozzle omission detection mechanism that detects a discharge fault of the nozzle, a maintenance mechanism that performs a maintenance operation, which ejects the liquid from the nozzle of the liquid discharging head, and a display device that displays a setting screen relating to the discharge operation of the liquid discharging head. The control circuit executes the discharge operation of the liquid discharging head on the basis of the operation mode selected by a user using the operation mode selection screen for selecting a plurality of operation modes in which a situation in which a transition to the maintenance operation is performed in a case in which the discharge fault is detected, differs, on the display device.
US09975329B2

The present disclosure relates to a printhead control system for a printer, wherein the printer includes at least one printhead comprising a plurality of nozzles for ejecting printing fluid, wherein the nozzles include high drop weight nozzles and low drop weight nozzles ejecting drops of different drop weight, and are each arranged to eject printing fluid on a print medium such as to print images in frame areas of the print medium and such as to clean nozzles in spit bar areas of the print medium; the printer further includes a transport unit for moving the print medium relative to the printhead, wherein the print medium includes frame areas for printing images and spit bar areas for cleaning the nozzles; the printhead control device including: a module to determine a first group of said nozzles located over a frame area of the print medium and a second group of said nozzles located over a spit bar area of the print medium; a module to operate the high drop weight nozzles of the first group such as to eject printing fluid and print an image in the frame area; a module to operate disable the low drop weight nozzles of the first group such as to not eject printing fluid in the frame area; and a module to operate the high drop weight nozzles and the low drop weight nozzles of the second group such as to alternately eject printing fluid in the spit bar area.
US09975304B2

A tire manufacturing method in which a vulcanizing mold (20) is provided with a tire molding portion (21) defining an outer surface shape of a tire (1), an extrusion preparing portion (22) in which an unvulcanized rubber member (5) that forms a tread portion (2) can be disposed, and a rubber inflow path (23) communicating between the tire molding portion (21) and the extrusion preparing portion (22), wherein vulcanization molding includes: loading a casing member (4) in the tire molding portion (21) and loading the unvulcanized rubber member (5) in the extrusion preparing portion (22); extruding the unvulcanized rubber member (5) to tread molding portions (21c), (21d) through the rubber inflow path (23), the tread molding portions formed in the tire molding portion (21) and defining an outer surface shape of a land portion of the tire; and vulcanizing the unvulcanized rubber member (5) and casing member (4) together.
US09975302B2

The present invention provides a coated optical element including an optical substrate and a primer layer that is formed by cationic polymerisation of a coating composition containing an effective amount of an epoxy monomer and a vinyl ether monomer. The optical element may be an ophthalmic lens.
US09975297B2

A polyamide powder is disclosed for use in a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object by selectively solidifying layers of the polyamide powder at the locations corresponding to the cross-section of the object in the respective layer by application of electromagnetic radiation. The polyamide powder of the invention is reclaimed after manufacturing of an object and, then is treated with water or water vapor and subsequently dried. After treatment, the powder preferably can have a molar weight Mn (numeric average) of more than about 20,000 g/mol and a Mw (weight average) of more than about 40,000 g/mol. Also, the powder preferably has an excess of carboxylic end groups relative to amino end groups of at least 4:1 up to at most 200:1.
US09975292B2

Advanced ultrasonic welding components of Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,016 are readily incorporated into new form-fill-seal machines, but owners of existing machines utilizing heat-seal stations were unsuccessful at swapping the sealing packages. Retrofit kits to a replace heat sealing stations with an advanced ultrasonic sonotrode and anvil comprise: a housing; a linear rail fixed thereto; first and second bearing carriages being slidable upon the rail; and first and second fluidic muscles. Each of the fluidic muscles is mounted with a first end fixed to a respective housing wall, and a second end fixed to a respective bearing carriage, permitting actuation of each carriage through pressurization/depressurization of the muscles. The advanced anvil and sonotrode may be secured to respective carriages. In-line arrangements of anvil/sonotrode, bearing carriages, the first fluidic and second fluidic muscles provides a narrow profile, permitting side-by-side kit installations for retrofits accomplishing duplex sealing on a horizontal machine.
US09975283B2

The invention relates to a method for producing at least two-layer components and correspondingly produced components per se as absorptive lining in the interior and/or boot or for floor coverings of motor vehicles, comprising a top material and an absorber.
US09975276B2

A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object facilitates the removal of support material from the object. The method includes moving the object to a position opposite a microwave radiator and operating the microwave radiator to change the phase of the support material from solid to liquid. A controller either monitors the expiration of a predetermined time period or a temperature of the object to determine when the microwave radiator operation is terminated. The microwave radiation does not damage the object because the support material has a dielectric loss factor that is greater than the dielectric loss factor of the object.
US09975274B2

A processing apparatus includes a chuck table for holding a plate-like workpiece under suction. A suction unit is connected to the chuck table, and a processing unit is configured to process the workpiece while supplying processing water to the workpiece. The suction unit includes a first suction source, a first pipe providing fluid communication between the first suction source and the chuck table, a separator arranged in the first pipe, for separating a gas and a liquid drawn in from the chuck table, and a water discharging unit configured to discharge the liquid separated by the separator. The water discharging unit includes a second suction source, a second pipe providing fluid communication between the second suction source and a water discharge port of the separator, and a check valve arranged in the second pipe, for preventing a fluid from flowing from the second suction source to the separator.
US09975273B2

A tile or masonry saw assembly may include a saw and a frame. The saw includes a motor operable to turn a blade of a blade assembly to cut a workpiece. The blade assembly is internally wetted during operation by nozzles disposed on opposing sides of the blade to provide water onto the blade within a blade guard configured to shield a portion of the blade. The frame is operably coupled to the saw to support the workpiece. The frame supports a water collecting system for collecting the water. The water collecting system includes a water tank that is removable from the frame.
US09975272B1

Provided is a system and method for building retaining and freestanding stone walls, wherein wall panels are made, then transported to an installation location, and installed on site quickly and efficiently. The wall panels are made in wall frames that use joint forms to provided wall panels having sides that reliably and securely mater together. The joint forms include “zig-zag” like connections and a structural interlocking key, engineered to prevent vertical and lateral deformation of the assembled wall. Drainage and strengthening materials are built into the wall panels while in the wall frames. A lifting apparatus is also provided that engages a wall panel through openings formed in a rear side, and stably lifts and flips the wall panel from a facedown orientation to an upright orientation.
US09975269B2

A power table saw has a saw blade driven by a motor with power selectively supplied to the motor by actuation of a switch. A riving knife is selectively positioned in an extended position and a retracted position relative to the blade. A blade guard is removably mounted to the riving knife above the blade. A sensible element on the riving knife can be detected by a first sensor when the riving knife is retracted, the first sensor has a non-null state when the sensible element is adjacent the first sensor and a null state otherwise. A second sensor has a null state when the blade guard is detected and a non-null state otherwise. A controller determines the states of the sensors and disengages power to the motor when the switch is actuated when the states of the sensors are different.
US09975266B2

A movable conveyor 42 of a post-gluing conveyor 33 (sliding extendable roller conveyor) is provided, in a front portion, with a non-driving roller 42d (guiding roller) disposed so as to be inclined toward a reference surface (ruler) 42e at a predetermined angle with respect to a width direction such that a leading end of a veneer is guided toward the reference surface (ruler) 42e (one lateral side) of a movable conveyor 42. When the veneer is detected by a veneer detecting sensor 45 (veneer detecting means), a post-gluing conveyor controller 47 (slide movement control means) retracts the movable conveyor 42 in an extended state, in a contracting direction in a state in which forward rotational driving of a driving roller 42a of the movable conveyor 42 is maintained.
US09975259B2

The invention discloses a folding knife, comprising: a blade, whose upper part is configured with a lockup switch mounting hole; a handle, whose lower part is configured with a stopping slot; a lockup switch provided in the lockup switch mounting hole and having a lockup part located on the first side of the blade, the lockup part has a lockup position at which it is clapped in the stopping slot when the blade and the handle are buckled up and an unlock position at which it is released from the stopping slot when the blade is separated from the handle. The folding knife of the invention enables safe locking after the blade is folded in the handle by making use of the lockup switch having a lockup part, the structure of the folding knife is simple and easy to implement, and safety performance of the folding knife is improved.
US09975258B2

Technology is provided for an air flow cooling system and self-balancing robot incorporating the same. The robot includes a body, a robot controller disposed in the body, and a pair of axle housings extending from the body, each containing a drive assembly. An arm extends from the body and supports a head unit. A plurality of intake fans are disposed in the body and are configured to draw air into the body, thereby pressurizing the body, axle housings, and head unit. An axle fan is disposed in at least one of the pair of axle housings and is configured to exhaust air from the axle housings.
US09975256B1

A robotic manipulator can include fingers with rigid members. The fingers may be movable by actuators that are responsive to fluid pressure. A piston may be movable in a chamber to communicate fluid pressure changes from the chamber. The chamber may be fluidly coupled with the actuators so that movement of the piston communicates fluid pressure changes that actuate multiple fingers.
US09975246B2

A humanoid robot is provided with a manager for its physical and virtual resources, a method of use and a method for programming said manager. Said resources (140, 1410, 1420) are requested so as to execute behaviors. The resources and the behaviors are organized into hierarchical subsets, optionally defined in object trees. Conflicts of use of the resources by the behaviors are resolved locally, the behavior reserving resources being able to be programmed so as to offer options to the user of locking the resources by the reserving behavior, of release in favor of the first other requesting behavior, of partial execution of the behavior in progress or of pausing. A software toolkit makes it possible to program the Resource manager of the invention in a graphical manner in the development environment which allows the programming of the behaviors.
US09975235B2

A handle (16) is disclosed having an elongate portion (21) and a outrigger portion (26). The elongate portion has a longitudinal axis (24) which extends between two ends (22, 23) and is shaped to be grasped by an operator in use. The outrigger portion extends away from one end of the elongate portion and has a free end (27). The three ends (22, 23, 27) are each connected to the blower or other appliance by a corresponding anti-vibration coil spring (32, 33, 37) through which a corresponding bolt (42, 43, 47) passes. The outrigger portion prevents the elongate portion rotating about its longitudinal axis. In addition, the elongate portion can be grasped by a hand of an operator in either one of two positions. A first position substantially above the blower's center of gravity provides a balanced grip while the blower is not operating. When the blower is operating, air is expelled from a tube having an exit generally coplanar with, or aligned with, the handle. In those circumstances, the handle is grasped at a second location spaced from the first location in a direction extending away from the tube. The blower operates in a stable equilibrium condition and can be weighed by a spring balance having a hook located at the second handle location. A weight reduction of approximately 1 kg reduces operator fatigue. The handle (16) at the second location (66) is tilted relative to the tube (14) and its outlet (15) so that when the blower is used on level ground the air exit tube points downwardly at approximately 45° and the second location of the handle is substantially level. The blower has a two-part body one part (51) of which has a grille for an air intake, and the other (52) of which has the internal combustion engine mounted thereon. Fasteners (42, 43, 47) extend from the handle through the other part and into blind holes in the one part. Thus the fasteners are not visible when the blower is viewed from the air intake side.
US09975214B2

A polishing pad for surface planarization is made by impregnating a polyester-based fibrous fabric with thermosetting resins to form a porous impregnated material, and heating the porous impregnated material to effect changes in shape of the pores such that an integrally formed polishing pad with hard/soft layers of different hardnesses is obtained; the heated side of the polishing pad has high hardness and high cutting/grinding ability, whereas the unheated side maintains the original tiny pores and low hardness; and the polishing pad can produce a buffering effect when subjected to an external force and in turn apply an evenly distributed force to an article being polished.
US09975211B2

A machine tool for machining a workpiece is provided with a cutting tool holder for holding a cutting tool and a rotation mechanism for holding the workpiece. One or both of the cutting tool holder and the rotation mechanism are movable on multiple axes so that the cutting tool is movable relative to the workpiece in multiple axial directions. A control device is provided for controlling the movement of one or both of the cutting tool holder and the rotation mechanism to synchronously vibrate the workpiece and the cutting tool relative to each other at a low frequency in multiple axial directions.
US09975197B2

The present invention relates to a shaping and welding device and process of connector pipes or dowels (1) primarily intended for use in compressors. More specifically the process presented here concerns the shaping and welding of copper pipes (1) used as connectors for suction, discharge and process, the metal housing (2) of hermetic compressors, with the goal of making this equipment much more practical, efficient and economical.
US09975196B2

Methods and systems are provided herein for measuring 3D apparatus (e.g., manual tool or tool accessory) orientation. Example implementations use an auto-nulling algorithm that incorporates a quaternion-based unscented Kalman filter. Example implementations use a miniature inertial measurement unit endowed with a tri-axis gyro and a tri-axis accelerometer. The auto-nulling algorithm serves as an in-line calibration procedure to compensate for the gyro drift, which has been verified to significantly improve the estimation accuracy in three-dimensions, especially in the heading estimation.
US09975191B2

An oscillatory drive is specified, having a housing in which there are accommodated a drive motor for driving a motor shaft in rotation and a tool spindle, and a first coupling drive mechanism which is coupled to the motor shaft and to the tool spindle for the purpose of driving the tool spindle in oscillatory fashion about its longitudinal axis, wherein a second coupling drive mechanism is coupled to the tool spindle such that the tool spindle performs a superposed movement composed of a rotary oscillating movement and a movement directed perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.
US09975182B2

A cutting tool made by an additive manufacturing process is disclosed. The cutting tool has an exterior surface and an enclosed interior cavity defined by one or more inwardly facing surfaces. The interior cavity may have internal supports such as a lattice or a honeycomb structure. The cutting tool may be an insert, drill or endmill with coolant holes.
US09975180B2

A machine tool can perform a turning process using a fixed tool and a milling process using a rotating tool. The machine tool includes: a tool spindle having an air supply portion, for rotating the rotating tool; a lower tool rest for mounting a plurality of fixed tools thereon; a tool holder having a tapered surface restraining a tool, and attached to the lower tool rest, for detachably holding the tool; an automatic tool changer; and a special tool mounted on the tool spindle, into which the air is introduced from the air supply portion. When the tool is automatically changed by the automatic tool changer, the special tool mounted on the tool spindle is coupled to the tool holder, and the air from the air supply portion is supplied to the tapered surface through the special tool.
US09975166B2

Provided is a method for manufacturing a caulked assembly that is capable of manufacturing the caulked assembly at a low cost, preventing reduction of the strength of a columnar body caused by a circumferential groove, preventing deformation of the columnar body, and assembling a slimmer columnar body with a plate-like body. A mounting hole 10 for inserting and assembling a columnar body 2 is provided in a metallic plate-like body 1, and a thick portion 11 is formed along an inner circumferential edge of the mounting hole 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the columnar body 2 is inserted into the mounting hole 10 of the plate-like body 1 so that the plate-like body 1 is set in an assembly position on an outer circumferential surface of the columnar body 2. Further, the thick portion 11 is compressively pressed from an axial direction of the columnar body so as to be plastically deformed toward the center of the mounting hole 10 to thereby tighten and fix the thick portion 11 to the outer circumferential surface of the columnar body 2.
US09975164B2

A shell, a container employing the shell, and tooling and associated methods for forming the shell are provided. The shell includes a center panel, a circumferential chuck wall, an annular countersink between the center panel and the circumferential chuck wall, and a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall. The material of at least one predetermined portion of the shell is selectively stretched relative to at least one other portion of the shell, thereby providing a corresponding thinned portion. The tooling includes a pressure concentrating forming surface.
US09975160B2

A liner for an extrusion press container that includes an elongate body having a longitudinally extending passage therein through which a billet is advanced, the passage having a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile. The liner further comprises at least one first longitudinally extending heating element accommodated by the body adjacent a first side of the passage, and at least one second longitudinally extending heating element accommodated by the body adjacent a second side of the passage. The first and second heating elements are individually controllable for controlling a thermal profile within the liner.
US09975157B2

The present disclosure relates to a process for producing profiles from metal, a metallic strip material being fed to a shaping-hardening device, in which the strip material is shaped into a profile and is hardened at least in certain regions, portions of the profile that are emerging continuously from the shaping-hardening device being coated with a protective layer. The disclosure also relates to an apparatus for producing profiles from metal, with a shaping-hardening device for shaping a metallic strip material that can be fed to the shaping-hardening device into a profile and for hardening the profile at least in certain regions, and with a coating device, by which portions of the profile that are emerging continuously from the shaping-hardening device can be coated with a protective layer.
US09975154B1

A drain cleaner includes a handle assembly with a grip, a motor supported by the handle assembly, and a shroud coupled to and extending forwardly from the handle assembly. The shroud includes a closed end facing the handle assembly and an open end facing away from the handle assembly. The drain cleaner also includes a drum assembly rotatably coupled to the handle assembly and positioned within the shroud. The drum assembly is operable to be rotated by the motor relative to the handle assembly and the shroud. The drain cleaner further includes a flexible cable stored within the drum assembly. The drum assembly encloses the flexible cable.
US09975150B2

A cleaning device, which includes a clean water tank, a water pump and a cleaning head. A water outlet of the clean water tank is connected with the water pump, and a water outlet of the water pump is connected with the cleaning head through an outlet pipe. The cleaning device further includes an outlet control switch and a one-way water hydraulic control valve. The outlet control switch is provided on the outlet pipe; a water inlet of the one-way water hydraulic control valve is connected with the outlet pipe, and a joint of the water inlet of the one-way water hydraulic control valve and the outlet pipe is disposed between the outlet control switch and the water pump; and a water outlet of the one-way water hydraulic control valve is communicated with a water inlet of the clean water tank.
US09975145B2

An electrical waveform generating circuit has a pair of Pulse Amplitude Controlled Switching Current Sources (PACS). A gate pulse driver circuit is coupled to an input of each of the pair of PACS for sending gate pulses for driving the pair of PACS. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit is coupled to the gate pulse driver circuit for controlling amplitudes of the gate pulses. A transducer is coupled to the PACS.
US09975144B2

A flexible pipe body and methods of producing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method may include providing a tubular length of polymeric material for forming a polymeric layer of flexible pipe body; providing a strength layer radially outwards of the polymeric layer; and treating the polymeric layer with a non-ambient temperature and pressure.
US09975131B2

A fluid applicator configured to reduce user fatigue is presented. The fluid applicator comprises a trigger configured to, when actuated, move between a closed position and an open position, wherein the open position comprises a fluid flowing from the inlet, to the outlet, along the fluid path. The trigger also comprises a trigger support configured to, when actuated, reduce a pressure required to maintain the trigger in an open position.
US09975118B2

A cell study device, comprising, a base layer, a planar conduit defining layer, including a conduit cut out of the layer; and a planar cover layer which defines a capillary flow channel in said conduit layer, said conduit layer and said cover layer acting as side walls for said capillary flow channel, wherein said layers are formed of materials that do not interfere with cell behavior over a period of at least 5 hours when loaded with aqueous solution.
US09975104B2

Processing unit for assisting and/or performing a processing basic operation for a chemical reaction, with an operating unit for preparing a contribution for the processing basic operation and a frame for accommodating the operating units, the frame having an extension dL in the longitudinal direction which corresponds substantially to an integral multiple ZL of an integral portion NL of an extension LL, in the longitudinal direction of an interior of a standard transport container, in accordance with DIN ISO 668, and/or the frame having an extension dQ in the transverse direction with corresponds substantially to an integral multiple ZQ of an integral portion NQ of an extension LQ in the transverse direction of an interior of a standard transport container, in particular in accordance with DIN ISO 668, wherein different processing units can be stored in a pool for different processing basic operations and be assembled in modular and flexible manner in the standard transport container for the synthesis of a given chemical product.
US09975101B2

The present invention disclosed a process for the preparation of microcapsules containing epoxy resin which comprises water-insoluble and/or water-soluble components prepared by in-situ polymerization using non-aqueous continuous phase which acts as healing agents for the micro-cracks when embedded in composite structures.
US09975099B2

A fuel synthesis catalyst of an embodiment for hydrogenating a gas includes at least one selected from the group consisting of; carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, the catalyst comprising, a base material containing at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of; Al2O3, MgO, TiO2, and SiO2, first metals containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of; Ni, Co, Fe, and Cu and brought into contact with the base material, and a first oxide containing at least one selected from the group consisting of; CeO2, ZrO2, TiO2, and SiO2 and having an interface with each of the first metals and the base material. The first metals exist on an outer surface of the base material, and on a surface of the base material in fine pores having opening ends on the outer surface of the base material and inside the base material. The first metals and the first oxide exist in the fine pores. The first metals have interfaces with the base material in the fine pores. The first metals exist inside the base material.
US09975094B2

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mixing apparatus. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a mixing apparatus for mixing fluid components such as phosgene and amine during a highly reactive chemical reaction. One embodiment provides a mixing conduit comprising a cylindrical sidewall defining an inner volume, wherein one or more jets are formed through the cylindrical sidewalls and connect to the inner volume and one or more flow obstructions disposed in the inner volume, wherein each flow obstruction is positioned upstream from an associated aperture.
US09975093B2

A mixer for mixing an exhaust flow in an exhaust pipe includes a tubular housing having a first end, a second end and a center portion positioned between the ends. The center portion has a reduced size in relation to at least one of the first and second ends. The housing includes circumferentially spaced apart apertures extending through the center portion. A mixing element includes a body having a first peripheral portion and a second peripheral portion. The first peripheral portion is fixed to the center portion at a location adjacent to one of the apertures. The second peripheral portion is fixed to the center portion at a location adjacent to another one of the apertures.
US09975089B2

A reverse osmosis system and method of operating the same includes a membrane housing comprising a reverse osmosis membrane therein. The membrane housing has a feed fluid input, a brine outlet and a permeate outlet; The system further includes a charge pump, a plurality of valves and a tank having a volume comprising a movable partition dividing the volume into a first volume and a second volume. The plurality of valves selectively couples the charge pump to the first volume or the second volume and the brine outlet to the second volume or the first volume respectively.
US09975087B2

A system and method of reducing the net carbon dioxide footprint of an industrial process that generates power from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels in which ambient air is admixed with up to 50% by volume of an effluent gas from the power generator of the industrial process, in order to substantially increase the CO2 concentration in the air prior to treatment. The treatment comprises adsorbing CO2 from the admixed ambient air utilizing a cooled, porous substrate-supported amine adsorbent, wherein the porous substrate initially contacts the mixed ambient air containing condensed water in its pores, which act as an intrinsic coolant with respect to the exothermic heat generated by the adsorption process. In addition, prior to regenerating the supported adsorbent, air pressure is substantially reduced in the sealed regeneration chamber and the low pressure chamber is placed in fluid connection with a higher pressure regeneration chamber containing steam and carbon dioxide, to preheat the sorbent to be regenerated and to quickly cool the regenerated sorbent prior to use for further CO2 adsorption.
US09975061B2

Disclosed herein are methods of concentrating liquid waste streams including methods comprising drawing a fluidized gas liquid mixture containing water from a mixing cavity into a multi-stage cyclonic separator comprising a first cyclonic separation chamber and a second cyclonic separation chamber in fluid communication with the first cyclonic separation chamber; draining a liquid discharge from the cyclonic separator into a liquid sump; and supplying a liquid contained in the sump to the mixing cavity. Related methods comprise steps such as supplying a liquid waste feed to a concentrator having a mixing cavity and a first cyclonic separation chamber and feeding a supply gas to the mixing cavity. Evaporative concentrators configured to practice these methods are also disclosed.
US09975048B2

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gaming console having a controller to receive a request to decrease or increase at least one of a plurality of sounds generated by a gaming application to enhance at least one condition in the gaming application, and modify sound produced by the gaming application according to the request. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US09975047B2

A game method includes making an output control to move at least one object displayed over a display screen toward a predefined area of the display screen; making, for each of the at least one object, a first success/failure determination, based on first and second timings, wherein at the first timing the object moving over the display screen reaches the predefined area of the display screen, and at the second timing the acceptor accepts the inputs; and making, for each of the at least one object, a second success/failure determination, based on motions of the object, depending on a type of operation that the acceptor determined from the inputs that the acceptor has accepted, in a case that a result of the first success/failure determination represents success.
US09975041B2

The system and methods of the present application comprise one or more computers for substantially removing the element of chance in a contest that would normally be on whose outcome would be determined by a mixture of chance and skill. The system comprises one or more computers that interact with a user in order to reduce or eliminate the elements of chance, thereby forcing the contest to obey the law of averages within a finite number of iterations of the contest, thereby reducing variance and increasing the success of skillful players.
US09975036B2

A method of using a dealer shoe that is configured to provide access to and removal of playing cards from within the dealer shoe includes:a base, a front plate forming a lower gap with the plate through which individual playing cards can pass, a top, and opposed sides joining the base, top, two sides and the front plate to form a card-carrying cavity. The front plate further is associated with a light producing element configured to shine light (e.g., in patterns, in colors, and the like) over a back of a first playing card extending out of the lower gap; and the wavelength and intensity and qualities of the shone light being sufficient to reduce optical contrast of different colors and/or shades on the back of the first playing card or otherwise disrupt optical viewing of printed images on the backs of playing cards.
US09975034B2

Device and method embodiments for a rotation powered vehicle are described, the rotation powered vehicle being capable of converting a rotational motion of a platform pivotally secured to the rotation powered vehicle in either of two angular directions into a linear motion of the rotation powered vehicle in a single linear direction for the purposes of conveyance. In some cases, the angular motion of the platform may be slight when compared to the resultant linear powered stroke of the rotation powered vehicle.
US09975030B2

Systems and methods for determining a time of a passing at a reference line of an RFID tag traveling along a route and a time of lapsing of the tracked RFID tag on the route, the system have a plurality of spaced apart tag reader systems for wirelessly obtaining tag reads, wherein at least one of the tag reader systems is space apart from the reference line. The timing system receives a plurality of tag reads and determines the time of passing of the RFID at the reference line responsive to the plurality of received tag read messages received from the plurality of tag reader systems.
US09975029B2

A device, such as a batter's eye, is provided for improved contrast of a propelled object, such as a baseball, to a subject, such as a batter, located in contraposition to the propelled object and the device. The device includes a backdrop component which includes a fabric semi-permeable to wind which is adapted to provide contrast to the propelled object when raised behind the propelled object. The backdrop further includes at least two vertically spaced sections of at least about two feet in height. The device also includes means for raising and lowering the backdrop between closed and opened positions and means for securely, but detachably, anchoring the device at a pre-determined location but which also permit ready removal of the device. Methods for utilizing the device are also provided.
US09975027B2

A kickboard containing a low density member and a high density member, the kickboard having a weight configured that the kickboard does not float on a body of water and does not sink to the bottom of a body of water thereby providing swimmers with greater resistance during swimming as the weighed kickboard requires more force from the user to maintain proper position.
US09975025B2

A support belt for stabilizing lower back and abdominal muscles during heavy lifting, comprising: an elongated body that wraps about the waist of a person, with overlapping abdominal support sections toward the ends of the body and a lumbar support section midway between the ends, stiffener panels on the lumbar and abdominal support sections, a strap on the outer side of the body for securing the body about the waist, and means for limiting vertical movement and pivotal movement and/or skewing between the overlapping sections without impairing lengthwise movement between them.
US09975017B2

Embodiments of golf club heads having a hydrophobic surface and methods to manufacture such golf club heads are generally described herein. The golf club heads are configured to comprise a ball-striking face and at least two channels formed therein. The channels are separated by a land portion of the ball-striking face extending therebetween. The land portion is associated with at least a first step portion extending at a first elevation and a second step portion extending at a second elevation, the second elevation being higher than the first elevation relative to a bottom of the channels. Each of the first and second step portions is so dimensioned as to be associated with a substantially hydrophobic contact angle.
US09975006B2

Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyamide composition containing a transparent polyamide polymer and fatty acid salt are provided. In one preferred version, the polyamide composition consists essentially of a blend of 40 to 99% by weight transparent polyamide and 1 to 60% by weight fatty acid salt. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. The polyamide compositions have a good combination of properties including Coefficient of Restitution (COR) and compression.
US09975005B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball travelling a great flight distance on driver shots, exhibiting an excellent spin performance on approach shots under a dry condition and a wet condition, and showing an excellent shot feeling and durability. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body having a spherical core, an intermediate layer and a cover, and a paint film composed of two or more layers, wherein a 10% elastic modulus difference (Min−Mout) between an innermost layer and an outermost layer of the paint film is 25 kgf/cm2 or more.
US09975003B2

A control system for a treadmill including a control unit and a laser distance sensor, the laser distance sensor being configured to determine the distance and/or the movement of a user relative to the laser distance sensor with the aid of a laser beam, the control unit being configured to control a movement of the treadmill as a function of measuring data of the laser distance sensor. A treadmill including such a control system is also described.
US09975002B2

A computer-implemented method and system facilitating a karaoke performance while exercising during an individual exercise session or group exercise class are disclosed. An indication of a song to be performed during the session or exercise class is received. At least one computer-readable karaoke file corresponding to the song is retrieved. The at least one computer-readable karaoke file may comprise common data elements, at least two independent karaoke data streams and exercise-related data elements. From a first class participant a selection of a first data stream of the at least two independent karaoke data streams is received. From a second class participant a selection of a second data stream of the at least two independent karaoke data streams is received. The presentation of the common data elements and the exercise-related data elements on a display common to the first and the second class participants is directed. The presentation of the first karaoke data stream on a display unique to the first class participant is directed. The presentation of the second karaoke data stream on a display unique to the second class participant is directed. The presentation of the common data elements, the exercise-related data elements, the first data stream and the second data stream may be synchronized.
US09975001B2

In a first aspect, a method for monitoring a golf swing is provided that includes coupling a mobile telephone to a golf club and employing the mobile telephone coupled to the golf club to monitor acceleration of the mobile telephone as the mobile telephone swings while a user swings the golf club, collect acceleration information based on the monitored acceleration of the mobile telephone as the mobile telephone swings, analyze the collected acceleration information to determine one or more characteristics of the golf swing based on the collected acceleration information, and output information regarding the one or more characteristics of the golf swing on the display of the mobile telephone. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US09974999B2

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include an apparatus for performing stretching exercises. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a base, a seat, and an upright member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the seat is connected to the base and can rotate with respect to the base. In some embodiments, the upright member is connected to the base and includes a leg bar assembly.
US09974996B2

A rowing machine can include a frame, a seat movably attached to the frame, the seat being configured to slide horizontally along the frame, a flywheel rotatably mounted to an end of the frame, a cable having a free end and an end attached to the flywheel, and an adapter assembly for compatibility with multiple oar or handle configurations.
US09974994B2

A weight apparatus includes a bar including a handle, an anchorage rotatably mounted to an end of the handle, the handle and the anchorage having an axially extending opening, a pinion gear rotatably mounted in the axially extending opening, a rod slidably disposed inside the axially extending opening and having a rack arranged to be moved axially relative to the axially extending opening upon rotation of the pinion gear, and a gear drive arrangement for rotating the pinion gear upon rotation of the handle relative to the anchorage.
US09974990B1

A fire extinguishing agent delivery apparatus, system, and method of use having an outer tube with an inlet attached to a pressurized water source and an outlet attached to a firefighting hose. The apparatus includes an inner venturi tube mounted within the outer tube, having a funnel-shaped inlet and outlet, a reduced diameter intermediate portion, and an extinguishing agent inlet port. The apparatus includes a device for injecting extinguishing agent into the inlet port and the venturi tube has a smaller diameter than the outer tube, so a portion of water travels through the venturi tube and mixes with extinguishing agent and a greater portion of water travels unobstructed through the outer tube and mixes with the mixture of water and fire extinguishing agent discharged from the venturi tube, prior to discharge from the outer tube.
US09974978B2

A scintillation material is longitudinally packaged in a circumferentially surrounding sheath, where the sheath has a lower index of refraction than the scintillation material, to form a scintillation optic or scintillation fiber optic. The scintillation material yields secondary photons upon passage of a charged particle beam, such as a positively charged residual particle beam having transmitted through a sample. The internally generated secondary photons within the sheath are guided to a detector element by the difference in index of refraction. Multiple scintillation optics are assembled to form a two-dimensional scintillation array coupled to a two-dimensional detector array, such as for use in determination of state of the residual charged particle beam, determination of an exit point of the particle beam from the sample, path of the treatment beam, and/or tomographic imaging.
US09974972B2

A lighting system includes: an illumination light source which irradiates a user with illumination light; a user interface which receives a user operation; a controller which controls an amount of light of the illumination light source and an irradiation period of the illumination light source; and a storage which stores characteristic information having a negative correlation between the amount of light and the irradiation period. When the user interface receives a user operation which specifies a value of one of the amount of light and the irradiation period, the controller determines a value of the other according to the characteristic information and controls the illumination light source according to the specified value of the one of the amount of light and the irradiation period and the determined value of the other.
US09974970B2

A system for artificial stimulation of the heart of a subject comprises a controller comprising a receiver for receiving signal data, a processor for processing received signal data, and a transmitter for transmitting signal data; a sensing stent for location in the proximal coronary sinus of the subject and comprising a sensing electrode assembly for sensing atrial and/or ventricular signals from the heart of the subject and a transmitter for transmitting signal data to the receiver; a stimulation stent for location in a vein of the subject distal of the sensing stent and comprising a receiver for receiving signal data from the transmitter and an electrode assembly for providing a stimulating electrical signal to the heart in response to the data received; and a defibrillator assembly for providing stimulation to the heart sufficient to defibrillate the heart in response to a signal received from the controller assembly.
US09974968B2

An implantable head-mounted unibody peripheral neurostimulation system is provided for implantation in the head for the purpose of treating chronic head pain, including migraine. The system may include an implantable pulse generator (IPG) from which multiple stimulating leads may extend sufficient to allow for adequate stimulation over multiple regions of the head, preferably including the frontal, parietal and occipital regions. A lead may include an extended body, along which may be disposed a plurality of surface metal electrodes, which may be sub-divided into a plurality of electrode arrays. A plurality of internal metal wires may run a portion of its length and connect the IPG's internal circuit to the surface metal electrodes. The IPG may include a rechargeable battery, an antenna, and an application specific integrated circuit. The IPG may be capable of functional connection with an external radiofrequency unit for purposes that may include recharging, diagnostic evaluation, and programming.
US09974967B2

An implantable electromedical device, including a casing part accommodating an electronic or electric functional unit, an electrode disposed on the outside of the casing part or a line connection, and a feedthrough, which surrounds an orifice of the casing part and accommodates at least one metallic conductor element connecting the electrode or the line connection to the functional unit, and which has a metallic circumferential flange, wherein the feedthrough comprises a ceramic base body, around which the circumferential flange and in which the conductor element are directly shrunk in a positively and non-positively connecting manner.
US09974965B2

An implementation provides a system that includes: a control module including a first antenna, the control module configured to generate a first radio frequency (RF) signal and transmit the first RF signal using the first antenna; an implantable lead module including a second antenna and at least one electrode configured to stimulate excitable tissue of a subject; and a relay module configured to receive the first RF signal; generate a second RF signal based on the first RF signal, the second RF signal encoding a stimulus waveform to be applied by the at least one electrodes of the implantable lead module to stimulate the excitable tissue of the subject; and transmit the second RF signal to the implantable lead module.
US09974957B2

Sensory information can be delivered to a subject mammal, for example, for restoring a sense of cutaneous touch and limb motion to the subject mammal. A biomimetic electrical signal is generated based on (a) a stimulation reference signal applied to a somatosensory region of a nervous system of a reference mammal, (b) a stimulated-response signal acquired from a sensory cortex of the reference mammal in response to application of the stimulation reference signal to the thalamic nucleus, and (c) a natural-response signal acquired from the sensory cortex in response to peripheral touch stimuli and/or peripheral nerve stimulation of the reference mammal. The biomimetic electrical signal is applied to a somatosensory region of a nervous system of the subject mammal to induce an activation response, in a sensory cortex of the subject mammal.
US09974954B2

The present invention is an improved visual prosthesis including a video processing unit with user controls optimized for use by blind individuals. The controls include easily identifiable shapes. The controls are programmable to provide improved usability with a simple tactile interface.
US09974949B2

A medical device includes a pulse generator and a filter. The pulse generator is configured to generate a stimulation signal and to provide the stimulation signal to tissue of a patient via an implantable lead assembly. The filter is configured to couple to the implantable lead assembly. A combined impedance of the implantable lead assembly and the filter with respect to a current induced by an external electro-magnetic field satisfies an impedance threshold when the external electro-magnetic field has a first frequency and when the external electro-magnetic field has a second frequency. The combined impedance has a peak impedance value when the external electro-magnetic field has a third frequency that is between the first frequency and the second frequency.
US09974942B2

This disclosure relates to fluid line sets and related methods. In certain aspects, the fluid line sets include a vial adapter connected to a first end of a fluid line, and a cap removably attached to a second end of the fluid line such that the cap seals the second end of the fluid line. The vial adapter includes a base, a spike extending from a central region of the base, and a sidewall extending from the base and substantially surrounding the spike. The base and the side wall at least partially define a cavity configured to receive a portion of a vial. The cap includes a deformable portion at least partially defining a gas chamber, and the cap is configured so that deformation of the deformable portion causes gas to be forced from the gas chamber to the vial adapter via the fluid line.
US09974921B2

A humidification system for delivering humidified gases to a user can include a heater base, humidification chamber having an inlet, outlet, and associated fluid conduit, and breathing circuit including a supply conduit, inspiratory conduit, and optional expiratory conduit. The humidification system can include various features to help make set-up less difficult and time-consuming. For example, the supply conduit, inspiratory conduit, and optional expiratory conduit can be coupled into a one-piece circuit to aid set-up. Various components can be color-coded and can have corresponding structures to indicate which components should be connected to one another during set-up. Such features can also help make the set-up process more intuitive for an operator, which can reduce the need for specialized training and reduce the number of potential errors.
US09974920B2

Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods, including an oxygen delivery device that includes an oxygen delivery module to produce at least concentrated oxygen, and a gas moving device to deliver air to the oxygen delivery module. The gas moving device includes at least one piston rotatable inside a first chamber defined in a housing, the rotational movement of the at least one piston inside the first chamber resulting in varying pressure generated in a first portion of the first chamber, and a vane member rigidly coupled to the at least one piston, the vane member being configured to move inside a vane chamber defined in the housing, the piston and the vane rigidly coupled to the piston define the first portion of the first chamber and a second portion of the first chamber.
US09974911B2

The apparatus provides for the determination of the instantaneous phase in the respiratory cycle, subject's average respiration rate and the provision of ventilatory assistance. A microprocessor (16) receives an airflow signal from a pressure transducer (18) coupled to a port (17) at a mask (11). The microprocessor (16) controls a servo (19), that in turn controls the fan motor (20) and thus the pressure of air delivered by the blower (10). The blower (10) is coupled to a subject's mask (ii) by a conduit (12). The invention seeks to address the following goals: while the subject is awake and making substantial efforts the delivered assistance should be closely matched in phase with the subject's efforts; the machine should automatically adjust the degree of assistance to maintain at least a specified minimum ventilation without relying on the integrity of the subject's chemoreflexes; and it should continue to work correctly in the presence of large leaks.
US09974909B2

A method and device for delivering a pharmaceutical to the airway of a human or animal patient, in one aspect, includes a dose drum formed into a cylinder and including a plurality of dose compartments for containing individual doses. In another aspect, the device may include a reservoir containing a pharmaceutical material in bulk form and a metering recess for metering the pharmaceutical material to form a pharmaceutical dose. Another aspect provides an inhaler with a combined reservoir and dosing chamber configured to contain multiple doses of a pharmaceutical material.
US09974906B2

An assembly for a drug delivery device comprises a housing, a rotation member, a drive member and at least one correction member. The rotation member is adapted to be rotated with respect to the housing in a first rotational direction for delivering a dose of a drug. The drive member is coupleable to the rotation member for delivering the dose. In a delivery mode, the drive member and the rotation member are coupled such that the drive member follows rotational movement of the rotation member in the first rotational direction due to mechanical interaction of the rotation member and the drive member. In a correction mode, the rotation member and the drive member are decoupled such that the rotation member is rotatable in the first rotational direction with respect to the drive member.
US09974895B2

The present disclosure relates to a hemodialysis membrane for the treatment of vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients, especially in chronic hemodialysis patients. The present disclosure further relates to methods of treating vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients, wherein the hemodialysis membrane is characterized in that it comprises at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer and in that it has a MWRO of between 15 and 20 kD and a MWCO of between 170-320 kD or that the hemodialysis membrane comprises at least one hydrophobic polymer and at least one hydrophilic polymer and has a MWRO of between 8.5 kD and 14.0 kD and a MWCO of between 55 kD and 130 kD.
US09974887B2

Apparatus and methods are provided for creating tubular devices, e.g., as components for catheters, sheaths, and or other devices sized for introduction into a patient. In one embodiment, a method is provided for making a tubular device using a sheet of material including a coated first surface. The sheet is rolled around a mandrel until longitudinal edges of the sheet are disposed near or adjacent one another, e.g., without attaching the longitudinal edges together. A tubular braid is positioned over the sheet-wrapped mandrel, one or more tubular segments are positioned over the tubular braid, and heat shrink tubing is positioned over the tubular segments. The resulting assembly is heated to cause the tubular segments to at least partially reflow and/or otherwise laminate the tubular segments to the tubular braid and sheet. The heat shrink tubing and mandrel are then removed to create the tubular device.
US09974883B2

The present invention provides processes for combined applications of making grooves on an implant surface, applying MgO nanoparticles with PMMA cement, restricting the cement movement by PCL nanofiber and tethering biomolecules with PCL nanofiber to enhance mechanical stability and osseointegration of PMMA cement with bone. This is achieved through enhanced osteoconductive properties, roughness, and less viable fracture originating sites at the bone-cement interface. Such combined applications of nanoparticle and nanofiber on the mechanical stability and osseointegration of cemented implant is heretofore unknown, but as provided by the present invention can solve the debonding problem of cemented implant from bone.
US09974880B2

An apparatus (100 and/or 200) and corresponding method (500) for air sterilization and disinfection can include an electronics and control module (110 and/or 210), a means for drawing air from the surrounding environment into the apparatus (120 and/or 220), an air management chamber (130 and/or 230), and a housing (170 and/or 270). The means for drawing air from the surrounding environment into the apparatus (120 and/or 220) mobilizes latent pathogens in the environment and draws them into the apparatus (100 and/or 200) for sterilization and disinfection. The air management chamber (130 and/or 230) provides for exposure of the airborne pathogens to UV radiation, via UV LEDs (150 and/or 250), with a dosage sufficient to penetrate the cell walls and destroy the pathogens. The electronics and control module (110 and/or 210) powers the apparatus (100 and/or 200) and interfaces with the electronic components. The housing (170) forms the outer shell of the apparatus (100).
US09974875B2

A sterilizer for point-of-sale credit card readers and keypads. One or more UV-C LEDs are integrated into the housing of the unit and directed at the keypad or other surface. The LED lights shine on the keypad or other contact surfaces, such as a stylus. Because LEDs use low DC voltage, the electronics may be powered by the keypad device power supply. The electronic circuits may be designed so that the LEDs are automatically turned on after each transaction is complete for a predetermined amount of time to kill the vast majority of pathogens that could be transmitted from person to person. The LEDs may be arranged on both the left and right side of the keypad, and at the top edge of the keypad to illuminate all exposed surfaces of the keys.
US09974872B2

Methods and apparatus to reduce biological carryover using induction heating are disclosed herein. An example method includes washing an aspiration and dispense device. The example method includes generating an alternating electromagnetic field and introducing the aspiration and dispense device into the alternating electromagnetic field. In the example method, the washing is to occur prior to introducing the aspiration and dispense device into the alternating electromagnetic field. The example method includes inductively heating the aspiration and dispense device with the alternating electromagnetic field.
US09974867B2

The invention relates to novel benzodiazepine derivatives with antiproliferative activity and more specifically to novel benzodiazepine compounds of formula (I)-(VII). The invention also provides conjugates of the benzodiazepine compounds linked to a cell-binding agent. The invention further provides compositions and methods useful for inhibiting abnormal cell growth or treating a proliferative disorder in a mammal using the compounds or conjugates of the invention.
US09974862B2

An object of the present invention is to provide lipid particles which have low cytotoxicity, can stably hold nucleic acid molecules outside cells, and can promptly release nucleic acids in cytoplasm after escaping from endosome, and a nucleic acid delivery carrier. According to the present invention, there are provided lipid particles containing a compound represented by the following General Formula (1), sterol, at least one lipid selected from the group consisting of a neutral lipid and a lipid having a polyethylene glycol chain, and nucleic acids, and a nucleic acid delivery carrier. In the formula, R1 and R2 are the same as or different from each other, and are alkyl groups having 10 to 22 carbon atoms.
US09974859B2

Self-assembled gel compositions including a gelator, e.g., an enzyme-cleavable gelator, e.g., having a molecular weight of 2500 or less, are described. The self-assembled gel compositions can encapsulate one or more agents. Methods of making the self-assembled gel compositions, and methods of drug delivery using the self-assembled gel compositions are also described.
US09974854B2

Highly effective vaccine compositions are constructed according to the methods of this invention. The methods are amenable to use with any peptidic antigen sequence and involve covalent attachment of an immunostimulatory nucleotide sequence to an antigenic peptide sequence. Preferred antigenic peptides are fusion peptides made up of one or more CTL epitope peptides in sequence fused to a T helper peptide.
US09974841B2

An improved manufacturing process produces microcrystalline hydroxyapatrte with sustained gradual calcium release that avoids spiking in blood calcium levels. Although the improved material did not cause significant elevation of blood calcium, it was just as effective in promoting bone mineralization as conventional calcium supplements. In addition, the material has much higher levels of bone growth factors as compared to prior hydroxyapatite products.
US09974837B2

Intestinal absorption is enhanced in short bowel syndrome patients presenting with colon-in-continuity by treatment with a GLP-2 receptor agonist, such as teduglutide.
US09974830B2

The present invention provides compounds, compositions, and methods for detecting, diagnosing and treating cancers such as glioblastoma multiforme.
US09974829B2

The present disclosure provides methods and uses of Slit protein and nucleic acid for inhibiting fibrosis and fibrotic-related disorders, for example, of the kidney, lung, heart, liver, or a wound. The Slit protein can be, for example, Slit2 or Slit2-N, or a Slit variant that can bind the Robo receptor and induce signalling. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the Slit protein or nucleic acid and an additional anti-fibrotic agent.
US09974827B2

Provided herein are peptide formulations comprising polymers as stabilizing agents. The peptide formulations can be more stable for prolonged periods of time at temperatures higher than room temperature when formulated with the polymers. The polymers used in the present invention can decrease the degradation of the constituent peptides of the peptide formulations.
US09974824B2

A PLG copolymer material, termed a PLG(p) copolymer material, adapted for use in a controlled release formulation for a bioactive material is provided, wherein the formulation exhibits a reduced “initial burst” effect when introduced into the tissue of a patient in need thereof. A method of preparation of the PLG copolymer material is also provided, as are methods of use.
US09974822B2

The present invention relates to a composition and functional health food containing a composite extract of Rehmannia glutinosa and Pueraria lobata for preventing or treating menopausal symptoms; and a method for preventing or treating menopausal symptoms by administering the composite extract. The composite extract of Rehmannia glutinosa and Pueraria lobata of the present invention can ameliorate weight increase, which is the representative symptom of menopausal women, and can effectively improve osteoporosis and blood cholesterol. Thus, the composition can be useful as a pharmaceutical composition or functional heath food for preventing or treating menopausal symptoms, and can be used in preventing or treating menopausal symptoms.
US09974820B2

A method of smoke-infusing proteinaceous foods comprises the following sequential steps: a) enclosing the proteinaceous foods in a vacuum-treating zone; b) introducing smoke directly or indirectly from a smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; c) subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone, thereby infusing smoke into the proteinaceous foods; d) repeating the steps of introducing smoke directly or indirectly from the smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone at least fifty times in pulsed sequences of smoke introduction stage/vacuum purging stage/vacuum release stage for the efficient infusion of smoke into the proteinaceous foods; and e) a post-chill resting cycle of the smoke-infused proteinaceous foods at a suitable temperature and for a suitable period of time. An optional modification to the smoke-infusing process is the addition of Cannabis plant material in order to enable the deposition of Cannabis-derived compounds on the surface of the smoke-infused food.
US09974818B2

The present invention relates to a complex of PPSA or PSPA polymer and a virus, and a pharmaceutical composition including the same. According to the present invention, when a polymer-virus complex formed using PPSA or PSPA polymer is used, transduction efficiency thereof to cells may be enhanced, an excellent therapeutic effect may thus be obtained when used as a pharmaceutical composition, and, therefore, the pharmaceutical agent may be useful as a therapeutic agent.
US09974817B2

The invention provides a composition comprising Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 strain DSM 14241 for use in preventing, alleviating the symptoms of or treating, alone or as an adjuvant component, a metabolic syndrome related disorder selected from prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The effect may be achieved by simultaneously: decreasing the level of glycated haemoglobin HbA1c, decreasing or preventing low-grade inflammation on a cellular level and increasing the level of adiponectin.
US09974810B2

The invention provides isolated stem cells of non-embryonic origin that can be maintained in culture in the undifferentiated state or differentiated to form cells of multiple tissue types. Also provided are methods of isolation and culture, as well as therapeutic uses for the isolated cells.
US09974808B2

It is described in vitro methods for expanding, detecting or isolating rare populations of antigen specific memory T cells. It is also described an in vitro method for obtaining a genetically modified memory T cell population. Uses of cells so obtained are also disclosed.
US09974806B2

The present invention relates to the a bismuth-based composition, particularly involving the use of bismuth ions, particularly the Bi+3 ion, for prevention and/or treatment of the haemolytic uremic syndrome, with the invention also relating to the use of a bismuth ion in the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention and/or treatment of an infection caused by a Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli strain, as well as to a method for preventing and/or treating the haemolytic uremic syndrome comprising administering bismuth ions to a patient in need thereof, and a method for inhibiting dissemination of the gene encoding virulence factors of a Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli strain in animals and humans.
US09974801B2

Disclosed is a method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) in a patient comprising administering transcranially, for example, directly to the skull, an effective amount of an anti-inflammatory agent to the patient. Examples of the anti-inflammatory agent include glutathione and inhibitors of purinergic receptors such as P2X4, P2X7, P2Y6, and P2Y12 receptors. Examples of disease or disorder of the CNS include brain injury, particularly traumatic brain injury, inflammation, infection, degeneration of brain cells, stroke, brain edema, tumor, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. Also disclosed is a kit comprising at least one anti-inflammatory agent and printed materials containing instructions for transcranially administering the anti-inflammatory agent to the patient having a disease or disorder of the CNS.
US09974797B2

Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for delivering solid form medications such as pellets to various locations in the body. One embodiment provides an apparatus for in vivo delivery of medication pellets comprising a housing including a port, a pellet-containing belt disposed in the housing, and a mechanism for transferring the pellets from the belt to a delivery site (DS) outside the housing. Each pellet contains a dose of drug to treat a medical condition. An elongate member is coupled to the housing and includes a lumen for pellet delivery, a proximal end coupled to the port and a distal end positioned at the DS. The pellet can be delivered to the DS at regular intervals or responsive to a detected biological event. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for delivering medication to treat a medical condition over an extended period without requiring a patient to take external medication.
US09974790B2

The present invention provides heteroaryl substituted pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines and heteroaryl substituted pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrimidines that modulate the activity of Janus kinases and are useful in the treatment of diseases related to activity of Janus kinases including, for example, immune-related diseases, skin disorders, myeloid proliferative disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
US09974787B2

A modified microbubble is provided. The modified microbubble includes an albumin microbubble and a plurality of chitosan oligosaccharide lactates. The albumin microbubble includes an albumin shell and a gas core inside the albumin shell. The plurality of chitosan oligosaccharide lactates is connected to an outer surface of the albumin shell.
US09974776B2

The invention provides a treatment of mesothelioma, especially malignant pleural mesothelioma, using an estrogen receptor β subtype (ERβ) agonist, wherein the treatment comprises administering the ERβ agonist to the patient, and then after a time, t, of up to 24 hours; administering a platinum-containing anti-cancer drug to the patient. The invention also provides an ERβ agonist and a platinum-containing anti-cancer drug for use in the treatment of mesothelioma in a patient, wherein the treatment comprises administering the ERβ agonist to the patient, and then after a time, t, of up to 24 hours, administering the platinum-containing anti-cancer drug to the patient; and a kit comprising a platinum-containing anti-cancer drug and an ERβ agonist.
US09974775B2

Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula (I) as follows: wherein R1, R2, R3, and G are defined herein.
US09974764B2

Methods and compositions containing a phorbol ester or a derivative of a phorbol ester are provided for the treatment of chronic and acute conditions. Such conditions may be caused by disease, be symptoms, treatments, or sequelae of disease. The phorbol esters described are particularly useful in the treatment of neoplastic diseases and/or managing the side effects of chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic treatments of neoplastic diseases.
US09974761B2

Personal care compositions, such as oral medication compositions containing a flavor system comprising one or more coolants. The pleasant cool sensation provided by a coolant is enhanced in terms of quicker onset, greater intensity, impact or longer duration, which improves appeal and acceptability of the compositions to consumers.
US09974760B2

The present invention provides, in part, compositions and methods for treating cancer using a combination of C6-ceramide and other anti-cancer agents.
US09974759B2

Methods of treating orthostatic hypotension are disclosed. The methods include administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a beta 2 (β2) adrenoceptor antagonist, and in particular, the specific β2 adrenoceptor antagonist, 3-(isopropylamino)-1-[(7-methyl-4-indanyl)oxy]butan-2-ol.
US09974756B2

A dietary supplement composition and associated method of use has the composition formulated in a therapeutic amount to treat and alleviate symptoms of joint pain in a person having joint pain. The composition includes astaxanthin and microbial fermented, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronan). The composition also includes at least one of a phospholipid, glycolipid, and sphingolipid. It is formulated into an oral dosage form and the astaxanthin is 0.1 to 15 percent by weight of the at least one phospholipid, glycolipid, and sphingolipid.
US09974754B2

Provided is a patch providing sufficiently high absorbability of dexmedetomidine and less skin irritation.Hydrous adhesive patch comprising dexmedetomidine or a salt thereof and a water-soluble polymer.
US09974749B2

The method of treating diabetic wounds using biosynthesized nanoparticles includes administering an effective amount of silver and gold nanoparticles to a patient in need thereof. The silver and gold nanocomposite is prepared by ‘biosynthesis”, i.e., by providing a first aqueous solution of a noble metal salt or a noble metal oxide; providing a second solution of an aqueous plant extract, and combining the first solution and the second solution to produce a solution including nanoparticles of the noble metal. The second solution includes a plant extract obtained from Solenostemma argel, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Cinnamomum cassia. The metal salt can include silver nitrate (AgNO3) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4). Nanoparticles of gold and nanoparticles of silver are prepared separately, and then mixed to obtain a composition containing a gold and silver nanocomposite.
US09974745B2

Disclosed are novel methods for making cochleates and cochleate compositions that include introducing a cargo moiety to a liposome in the presence of a solvent. Also disclosed are cochleates and cochleate compositions that include an aggregation inhibitor, and optionally, a cargo moiety. Additionally, anhydrous cochleates that include a protonized cargo moiety, a divalent metal cation and a negatively charge lipid are disclosed. Methods of using the cochleate compositions of the invention, including methods of administration, are also disclosed.
US09974738B2

A method is used in the production of a disintegrative particulate composition including three components consisting of a first disintegrator component having sedimentation volume in water of 4.0 cm3/g or more, and a second disintegrator component other than the first disintegrator component and an excipient. The method includes a first wet granulation step using any two of the three components, and a second wet granulation step using the granules obtained in the first wet granulation step and at least the component not used in the first wet granulation step; thus the disintegrative particulate composition is produced. Moreover, an orally disintegrating tablet contains a medicinal ingredient and the disintegrative particulate composition.
US09974730B2

Provided is an oral care composition comprising a phosphate/acrylate co-polymer, a tartar control agent, and an orally acceptable carrier and methods of using the same.
US09974716B2

Primer formulation which contains (1) at least one alkoxysilane monomer of the general formula R1nSi(OR2)4-n (I), wherein R1 stands for an organic residue which contains at least one ethylenically unsaturated, polymerizable group, R2 stands for a C1-C8 alkylorganic residue and n is 1, 2 or 3, wherein the residues R1 and R2 can each be the same or different; (2) at least one polyhydrogen fluoride salt of the general formula (R9)+(Hx-1Fx)−z (II), wherein R9 stands for a metal cation from the series of the alkali, alkaline earth or transition metals or for an ammonium ion of the formula (R5)(R6)(R7)(R8)N+, in which R5 R6 R7 and R8 each independently of each other stand for H or C1 to C12 alkyl, C3 to C12 alkenyl or C6-C12 aryl residues, wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 can be the same or different, and wherein two of these residues can be bound together to form a heterocycle together with the nitrogen atom and wherein three of the residues and the nitrogen atom can together form a pyridinium ion, x is an integer from 2 to 5, preferably 2 to 4, in particular 3, z corresponds to the valence of the cationic residue R9, (3) organic solvent, and (4) water.
US09974714B1

A pacifier for dispensing medicine to a human infant is disclosed. In some embodiments, the pacifier includes a medicine container that is located between the mouth guard front side and the mouth guard rear side. In other embodiments, the pacifier includes a pacifier housing that is formed by a mouth guard flange and a cap mating and the medicine container is located in the pacifier housing interior.
US09974709B2

A nozzle can produce bubbles from a liquid saturated with gas desirable in bathing. The nozzle can have a housing forming a first chamber for receiving a liquid. The nozzle can have an intermediate chamber located between the outlet of the first chamber and the inlet of the outflow passage. The nozzle can have a generally cylindrical structure enclosing the outflow passage and having a central longitudinal axis extending into the outlet of the first chamber. The intermediate chamber can have a first wall generally perpendicular to said axis and surrounding the outlet from the first chamber and second wall spaced from said first wall and generally parallel thereto and surrounding the inlet to the outflow passage.
US09974706B2

A driving device includes a wearable mechanism that is worn on a wearing part, an actuator that drives the wearable mechanism, and first and second force sensors that are provided on the wearable mechanism and detect a force. The first and second force sensors are provided at positions at which a first detected value obtained from the first force sensor and a second detected value obtained from the second force sensor are changed in response to a motion of the wearing part. When a difference between the first and second detected values is less than a pre-decided first threshold value and the first or second detected value is greater than a pre-decided second threshold value, the actuator drives the wearable mechanism so that the second detected value is constant.
US09974705B2

A patient transport incubator (PTI) suitable for MRI device having an open bore; the PTI comprises an inner volume having a first set of dimensions, adapted by means of shape and size to accommodate a patient or accommodate at least a portion of an MRI-compatible neonate's cradle, the inner volume is further covered by an envelope having a second set of dimensions, adapted by means of shape and size to be temporarily introduced within the open bore; wherein at least a portion of the envelope comprises MRI safe thermo-isolating and noise reducing foam. The invention will increase the safety and comfort of MRI scanning of neonates.
US09974703B2

An adjustable wheelchair for ready assembly in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, the wheelchair includes, an undercarriage including, a horizontal axle including a first end segment telescopically coupled to a body segment and a second end segment telescopically coupled to the body segment opposite the first end segment allowing for adjustment of the wheelchair width, and a tongue including a body segment telescopically coupled to an end segment allowing for adjustment of the wheelchair length, and a seat post including an end segment telescopically coupled to a body segment allowing for adjusting the wheelchair seat height; and a pair of wheels; and a swivel wheel coupled to the tongue of the undercarriage to support the wheelchair and provide mobility; and a seat bottom coupled to the end segment of the seat post for load-bearing support; and a seatback rotatably coupled to the seat bottom.
US09974700B2

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious material, a liquid impervious material, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially intermediate the liquid pervious material and the liquid impervious material. The absorbent article comprises one or more nonwoven substrates each comprising one or more layers of fibers. A plurality of the fibers each comprise a plurality of fibrils extending outwardly from a surface of the fibers. The plurality of fibrils comprise a lipid ester.
US09974696B2

A disposable diaper (10) includes a pair of leg stretch units (75) extending along the leg opening (35) and can expand and contract in the product longitudinal direction.A separation distance (D2) between the ends the leg stretch units (75) in the rear waistline region 30 is longer than the separation distance (D1) between the ends of the leg stretch units (75) in the front waistline region (20). The leg stretch units extending from the crotch region towards the rear waistline region are convex outwardly in the product widthwise direction. The leg stretch units extending from the crotch region towards the front waistline region are convex towards an inner side in the product widthwise direction.
US09974692B2

A system and method for performing a femto-fragmentation procedure on tissue in the crystalline lens of an eye requires that a laser beam be directed and focused to a focal point in the crystalline lens of the eye. The focal point is then guided, relative to an axis defined by the eye, to create a segment cluster by causing Laser Induced Optical Breakdown (LIOB) of tissue in the crystalline lens. The resultant segment cluster includes a plurality of contiguous, elongated segments in the crystalline lens that are individually tapered from an anterior end-area to a posterior end-area. Specifically, this is done to facilitate the removal of individual segments from the segment cluster in the crystalline lens.
US09974672B2

An intravascular device for keeping open a previously constricted site within a vessel is provided. The device includes an expandable substantially tubular body having a distal end and a proximal end. The device also includes a flexible amorphous glass coated metallic wire netting system that is circumferentially disposed about the body, and extends beyond at least one of the distal end or proximal end. The amorphous glass coated metallic wire netting system can expand along with the body to smooth tissue intrusion and minimize release of tissues debris at the site from closing the lumen of the vessel. The netting system can include a plurality of pores to permit communication between fluid flow within the vessel and the vessel wall, and at least one pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment or prevention of certain conditions. A method for placing the device at a site of interest is also provided.
US09974671B2

A fenestrated aortic cuff is configured to be delivered endovascularly to a target region, deployed, fastened, and sealed to a vessel wall, e.g., in a neck region of an aortic aneurysm. Example fenestrated cuffs provide a suitable landing zone for a commercially available endograft, which may be, in some cases, positioned below or above the renal arteries in order to complete exclusion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) or a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), respectively, from systematic circulation. In some cases, fenestrated cuff function is facilitated and improved by employing active fixation and sealing mechanisms, including, e.g., helical fasteners, which may allow deployment of the fenestrated cuff in short neck regions with limited sealing area.
US09974669B2

A percutaneous heart valve for deployment within a body cavity is described. The percutaneous heart valve includes an expandable frame having a plurality of cells adapted for allowing the frame to expand and collapse. A one-way valve is positioned within the expandable frame. The frame includes a proximal anchoring portion and a distal anchoring portion. The distal anchoring portion includes a plurality of distal anchors, each distal anchor having at least a portion positioned radially outwardly from the frame and extending in a direction that is substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis. The distal anchors preferably bend radially outwardly before bending to extend toward the proximal anchoring portion. Radial expansion of the frame causes the proximal and distal anchoring portions to move closer together for capturing body tissue therebetween, thereby anchoring the percutaneous heart valve to the body tissue.
US09974662B2

The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being inserted between adjacent vertebrae to facilitate the fusion process. A method of installing an expandable fusion device may comprise introducing the expandable fusion device into an intervertebral space, wherein the expandable fusion device comprises a proximal end, a distal end, an anterior side connecting the proximal end and the distal end, and a posterior side connecting the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the expandable fusion device has an anterior height on the anterior side and a posterior height on the posterior side. The method may further comprise adjusting the anterior height of the expandable fusion device independently from adjustment of the posterior height. The method can also include changing the lordotic angle.
US09974658B2

A glenoid implant is disclosed which has a protruding surface on a first side arranged to engage the surface of a cavity formed in a glenoid extending between peripheral glenoid surfaces and a flat surface adjacent the protruding surface of the implant arranged to engage the peripheral glenoid surfaces adjacent the cavity. The implant also has a wear-resistant surface on a second side opposite the flat surface and the protruding surface.
US09974653B2

Apparatus is provided, including an intracardiac annuloplasty structure configured for placement on an annulus of a heart valve, a first rotatable ring coupled to the annuloplasty structure and a second rotatable ring coupled to the annuloplasty structure. The first and second rotatable rings are arranged such that the first rotatable ring is rotatable to contract the annuloplasty structure while the second rotatable ring remains stationary, and the second rotatable ring is rotatable to contract the annuloplasty structure while the first rotatable ring remains stationary. Other embodiments are also described.
US09974649B2

Systems and methods of delivering and deploying a stented prosthetic heart valve having a wrap that is automatically deployed to prevent or mitigate paravalvular leakage. In various embodiments, during transcatheter delivery of the stented prosthetic heart valve, the wrap is extends beyond a stent frame of the stented prosthetic heart valve so that the profile of the stented prosthetic heart valve is not increased during delivery. The disclosed embodiments are arranged and configured so that upon expansion of a stent frame of the stented prosthetic heart valve, a plurality of elongated members automatically pull the wrap distally into a deployed arrangement.
US09974648B2

A template 13 comprises a cusp base forming part 11 having a shape corresponding to a cusp base is provided to obtain cusp material for dispersing stresses exerted on the cusp. Such a cusp forming template may further comprise wing forming parts 15 corresponding to wing parts provided outside the cusp base forming part 11. As examples of the wing forming part, there may be employed a single or plural holes provided at a part or parts corresponding to the outline of each wing, and guide parts provided at parts corresponding to the outline of wings.
US09974633B2

The present invention relates to oral care and dental implants. In particular, the present invention is a dental implant with a removable protective film that is used to prevent implant loss and remove unwanted residual cement.
US09974630B2

An IR laser bite plate for orthodontic remodeling is disclosed, and the device can be combined with vibrational forces.
US09974625B2

Apparatus and methods for identifying and counting objects having identifiers entering and exiting a surgical field are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus has an entry scanner, a hand held scanner and an exit scanner for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. In another embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of lower antennas and an upper antenna for generating a detection field and for receiving data which identifies said objects. Various surgical devices with identifiers and methods for preventing electromagnetic coupling between and protecting objects and identifier are also provided. The invention further provides apparatus and methods comprising a handheld scanner and a mat adapted to underlie a patient during a surgical procedure.
US09974622B2

A wearable remote control worn on a finger of a user is provided. The wearable remote control is for use with a medical equipment component. The wearable remote control has a housing, a switch located on the housing, the switch configured to provide a control signal to a control module, and an interface connector attached to the housing and the switch. The interface convector connects the wearable remote control to the control module. The housing of the wearable remote control may include a collar worn around the finger.
US09974617B2

A shape sensing enabled instrument includes a flexible longitudinal body (103) including an outer surface which encapsulates interior features. The interior features include an optical fiber lumen (105) configured to receive one or more optical fibers for optical shape sensing, and a mechanical member (107) forming a hollow extending longitudinally down the body. The mechanical member is configured to receive the optical fiber lumen therein to permit rotation and translation of an optical fiber and to protect the optical fiber.
US09974615B2

A method of determining the position of a medical device to be localized, comprising: a) acquiring main position data comprising reference structure position information which describes the position of a reference structure in a global coordinate system, the main position data having been gathered by a main detection device; b) acquiring supplement position data comprising relative position information which describes the position of the medical device relative to the position of the reference structure in a reference coordinate system, the supplement position data having been gathered by a supplement detection device; c) determining, based on the relative position information and the reference structure position information, medical device position data comprising medical device position information which describes the position of the medical device in the global coordinate system.
US09974612B2

A telepresence device may autonomously check patients. The telepresence device may determine the frequency of checking based on whether the patient has a risk factor. The telepresence device may include an image sensor, a thermal camera, a depth sensor, one or more systems for interacting with patients, or the like. The telepresence device may be configured to evaluate the patient's condition using the one or more sensors. The telepresence device may measure physiological characteristics using Eulerian video magnification, may detect pallor, fluid level, or fluid color, may detect thermal asymmetry, may determine a psychological state from body position or movement, or the like. The telepresence device may determine whether the patient is experiencing a potentially harmful condition, such as sepsis or stroke, and may trigger an alarm if so. To overcome alarm fatigue, the telepresence device may annoy a care provider until the care provider responds to an alarm.
US09974609B2

A medical device is disclosed for delivering energy to a body lumen. The device includes an elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion adapted for insertion into a body lumen; and an energy delivery device disposed adjacent the distal portion of the elongate member, the energy delivery device including at least one elongate electrode arm, wherein the elongate electrode arm is configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration different than the first configuration. The at least one elongate electrode arm includes an active region configured to contact and deliver energy to the body lumen. When the elongate electrode arm is in the first configuration, at least a portion of the active region of the elongate electrode arm extends radially inward toward a longitudinal axis of the energy delivery device.
US09974600B2

A bipolar electrosurgical instrument is provided. The bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another. A first conductive lead is adapted to connect to a first electrical potential and a second conductive lead is adapted to connect to a second electrical potential. One of the first and second conductive leads extends through the pivot to connect to a respective jaw member.
US09974590B2

The invention relates to devices, implants, systems, techniques and methods for addressing certain conditions of the spine, including devices, implants, systems and methods for performing spinal laminoplasty or other expansion of the spinal canal. The devices of the invention are expandable in situ, providing greater versatility for surgeons performing various procedures where expansion of the spinal canal is desired.
US09974587B2

A PZT transducer-horn integrated ultrasonic driving structure consists of a nut, a bolt, a left PZT circular stack, a flange, a right PZT truncated stack and a horn. The horn, the right PZT truncated stack, the flange and the left PZT circular stack are arranged in sequence and connected via the bolt and then fastened via the nut; the right PZT transducer is a truncated cone-shaped stack formed by PZT circular plates; and the right PZT transducer and the horn are integrated to form the ultrasonic driving structure. Considering the dimension of PZT on two sides of the flange and the horn meet the requirements for ultrasonic vibration node and antinode, the dimension of round contour of the circular PZT stack and flange is reduced to increase the thickness of the truncated PZT stack and flange. With the integrated structure, the effect of reducing the contour dimension of the ultrasonic driving surgical device can be obtained, and the outer diameter is reduced to the range of 8-10 mm as compared with the range of 12-15 mm in the prior art, thereby further meeting the application requirements.
US09974585B2

Disclosed herein is an article comprising a first screw and a second screw, the first screw being reversibly attached to the second screw such that a longitudinal axis of the first screw coincides with or is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second screw; the first screw and the second screw each comprising a biodegradable composition, the biodegradable composition comprising a metal or metal alloy comprising magnesium, strontium, zinc, calcium or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing. Methods of making and using the article are also disclosed herein.
US09974571B2

In one embodiment, a connector has a bone connecting portion that is elongate along a central axis and secures the connector to a vertebra, and has a guiding portion that is located proximal to the bone connecting portion. The guiding portion has a flexible wing that extends from a platform member of the guiding portion, and a connecting portion that attaches the platform member to the bone connecting portion. The wing is bendable with respect to the platform member between an extended configuration where the wing extends outwardly away from the platform member, and a curved configuration where the wing is bent so as to define at least a portion of a passageway between the inner surface of the wing and a protrusion of the platform. The passageway receives and slides along an elongated support member such as a spine rod.
US09974564B2

A surgical access device for facilitating access through an incision to a surgical site in a patient's body has a pliable membrane which is configured to engage and expand the incision. The pliable membrane includes a base layer, a permeable membrane attached to the base layer, and a fluid channel disposed between the layers. The fluid channel is fluidly coupled to a fluid source. The fluid is delivered to the surgical site via the permeable membrane. The surgical access device may also have a locking mechanism for holding the device in a desired configuration.
US09974556B2

In a disclosed method for inserting an endoscopic device, in a state in which a guide wire is inserted through an opening of a hollow organ of a subject, the guide wire is indwelt in the hollow organ. Next, a flexible endoscope is made to approach the opening of the hollow organ. Next, inside of the body of the subject, an endoscopic device that projects from the tip of a channel of the endoscope slidably engages with the guide wire. Next, the endoscopic device is inserted into the hollow organ through the opening, along the guide wire. The guide wire that is indwelt once is subsequently used as a guide for second and subsequent insertions of endoscopic devices.
US09974554B2

Devices and methods for removal of calculus (including for example, kidney stones) are disclosed. In an embodiment, a device for removal of kidney stones includes a substantially sealable pouch that can be inserted into the kidney for capturing a kidney stone. The pouch is also designed to permit fragmentation of the kidney stone inside the pouch, while preventing kidney stone fragments from escaping from the pouch. As a result, the likelihood of dispersing stone fragments during fragmentation of a large stone is greatly lessened.
US09974540B2

A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a handle assembly is disclosed. The surgical device adapter includes: a housing including a proximal end couplable to a distal end of a handle assembly; and a drive coupling assembly and selectively couplable to the handle assembly, the drive coupling assembly including a tubular clamping member having at least one flexible member, the tubular clamping member movable from a proximal position in which the at least one flexible member is disengaged from the distal end of the handle assembly to a distal position in which the at least one flexible member is engaged to the distal end of the handle assembly.
US09974539B2

A method of operating a medical device comprises electrically connecting a power device to the medical device. The method further comprises sensing at least one characteristic of the medical device with the power device. The method further comprises adjusting or maintaining one or more characteristics of an electrical connection feature of the power device according to the at least one observed characteristic such that the electrical connection feature of the power device is operationally compatible with an electrical connection feature of the medical device. The method further comprises operating the power device according to an operational profile associated with the medical device.
US09974532B2

Provided herein is a clip for organ retraction or organ exposure during minimal invasive surgery wherein the clip comprises a body made of a biocompatible material wherein the body comprises at least two generally opposing first and second segments that form a jaw defined by a separation between the two segments; wherein the two segments each comprise distal and proximal ends wherein the proximal ends may be directly connected or connected through one or more segments within the body of the clip and wherein the clip defines at least four configurations a resting configuration, an open configuration, a grabbing configuration, and a sliding configuration.
US09974529B2

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an actuation system, a drive system, and a tool head. The drive system is coupled to the actuation system and includes a rotatable shaft which defines a longitudinal axis. The tool head is coupled to the drive system and includes an annular cartridge and a pliable bunchable ring. The annular cartridge includes a plurality of staples. The pliable bunchable ring surrounds the annular cartridge. The surgical instrument is configured to drive the staples through the pliable bunchable ring substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis.
US09974514B2

A computer-implemented method for reducing image artifacts in X-ray image data includes dividing pixels of X-ray image data into a plurality of pixel value regions based on a pixel value of each pixel, wherein each pixel value region has a different range of pixel values. The method also includes generating calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region, wherein the respective calibrated X-ray image data for each pixel value region is generated using a different dose of radiation. Further, the method includes calculating a gain slope for each pixel value region based on the calibrated X-ray image data, and calculating a pixel gain correction for the pixels of the X-ray image data based on at least one of the calculated gain slopes.
US09974511B2

A medical imaging apparatus according to a present embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains pieces of medical image data, the pieces each being generated in each of multiple time phases and each including bone information. The processing circuitry sets first regions each being included in each of the pieces. The processing circuitry generates pieces of corrected medical image data by aligning the pieces of medical image data so that the first regions are substantially a same position. The processing circuitry specifies second regions each corresponding to a bone moving in the pieces of the corrected medical image data. The processing circuitry displays the second regions so as to be recognized on a display.
US09974507B2

An X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, and a processing circuitry. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays that have passed through a subject. The processing circuitry calculates, for each of a plurality of X-ray images that are acquired chronologically, an average of pixel values and a reference value based on the pixel values. The processing circuitry extracts, from the plurality of X-ray images, an X-ray image with a relatively large difference between the average and the reference value, an X-ray image with a relatively large ratio between the average and the reference value, or an X-ray image with a relatively large number of pixels each representing a value equal to or larger than the average or the reference value.
US09974501B2

A system and method for a procedure that can be performed on any appropriate subject. Procedures can include assembling any appropriate work piece or installing members into a work piece, such as an airframe, autoframe, etc. Regardless of the subject, tracking a substantially small tracking device in a plurality of degrees of freedom is provided. The tracking device can be positioned on or be formed in an instrument to be tracked.
US09974500B2

A molecular breast imaging (MBI) unit includes a housing, a first detector unit, and a second detector unit. The housing is configured to be positioned in an imaging position for imaging an object. The first detector unit includes a first nuclear medicine (NM) imaging detector secured in the housing. The first detector unit is configured to acquire first imaging information of the object when the housing is in the imaging position. The second detector unit includes a second NM imaging detector secured in the housing. The second detector unit is configured to acquire second imaging information of the object when the housing is in the imaging position. The housing includes an opening disposed between the first and second detector units. The opening is configured to allow access by a biopsy assembly to the object with the housing in the imaging position.
US09974499B2

A radiation imaging system includes: multiple radiation imaging apparatuses each including a radiation detecting panel and an enclosure enveloping the radiation detecting panel. The multiple radiation imaging apparatuses are arrayed so that a part of each of the radiation imaging apparatuses spatially overlap as seen from a radiation irradiation side, and a radiation image is acquired based on image signals from each of the multiple radiation imaging apparatuses. The enclosure of at least one radiation imaging apparatus of the multiple radiation imaging apparatuses is formed so that a radiation transmittance of the enclosure which defines the overlapping region is higher than a radiation transmittance of the enclosure which defines a different region.
US09974496B2

A medical apparatus is disclosed. The medical apparatus comprises a base, a support assembly and a patient support. The support assembly includes a first support rotatably mounted to the base, a second support movably mounted to the first support to move along a first horizontal direction, a third support, a height adjustment mechanism disposed between the second support and the third support such that the height of the third support with respect to the second support is adjustable, and a fourth support movably mounted to the third support to move along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction. The patient support is movably mounted to the fourth support to move along the first horizontal direction.
US09974495B2

An X-ray CT apparatus 1 stores an image quality improvement table 3 indicating levels of image quality improvement effects for a plurality of image quality improvement processes in a storage device 123. In a case where imaging is performed while modulating an X-ray irradiation amount on the basis of predetermined dose modulation data, an image processing device 122 acquires a reference dose used as a reference of image quality, and acquires an irradiation X-ray dose during imaging for image reconstruction target projection data from the dose modulation data. The image processing device 122 determines an image quality improvement process for obtaining image quality used as a reference by referring to the image quality improvement table 3 on the basis of a ratio between the dose values, and performs the determined image quality improvement process on the reconstruction target projection data.
US09974492B1

Devices, systems and methods for reconfigurable and/or updatable lightweight embedded devices or systems are disclosed. Via use of such a device, system, or method, various capabilities for a user are provided, simplified, secured, and/or made more convenient. The system may interact with various other devices or systems, including those that are cloud-based or communicate through the cloud, and may utilize various local sensors, in order to provide one or more of improved access, monitoring, diagnostics, and so forth.
US09974490B2

In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus for segmenting image data of an examination object, raw data of the examination object are achieved with the operation of a magnetic resonance scanner. Quantitative image data of the examination object are then calculated in a processor from the raw data. At least one physical variable of the examination object is quantitatively ascertained pixelwise and is displayed. The quantitative image data are segmented for identification of predetermined objects in the quantitative image data, and displayed in a display unit.
US09974486B2

A measurement information display system includes a measuring apparatus that measures biological and/or behavioral information of a user, and the measurement information display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a display unit with a screen; a communication unit that communications with the measuring apparatus to acquire the information, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display a plurality of graphs on the screen, where the graphs represent the information. The graphs include a first graph located on a first portion of the screen and a second graph located on a second portion of the screen overlapping the first portion.
US09974476B2

A handheld device detects and measures orofacial activity, including oral cavity pressure and one or more compressions, deformations, displacements, or deflections of a pacifier engaged to the device. The compressions, deformations, displacements, or deflections of the pacifier refer to changes in the shape of the pacifier, caused by patient, relative to an initial state of the pacifier. The device translates the oral cavity pressure and compressions into an electrical signal, digitizes the electrical signal, and performs analytical processing of the digitized signal to extract physiological artifacts salient to the patient's ability to orally feed using a software application executing on a processor within the device. The device automates and simplifies the assessment of a patient's readiness to orally feed by presenting graphical and numeric scores for organization and effort of non-nutritive suck.
US09974451B2

A health care band operably attaches a biosensor to a patient. The biosensor includes one or more sensors for collecting vitals of a patient and a wireless transmitter that is configured to communicate with an EMR network that stores and maintains an EMR of the patient. The biosensor stores a unique identification associated with the patient's EMR such that vitals measured by the biosensor may be transmitted with the patient's unique identification for storage in the patient's EMR. The sensors in the biosensor may include a temperature sensor and motion detector/accelerometer. In an embodiment, one of the sensors includes a photoplethysmography (PPG) based sensor configured to continuously or periodically measure a patient's vitals, such as heart rate, pulse, blood oxygen levels, NO concentration levels, or other blood analytics.
US09974450B2

A method for determining a calibrated aortic pressure waveform from a brachial cuff waveform involves the use of one or more generalized transfer functions. The one or more generalized transfer functions are specific for predetermined brachial cuff pressure ranges, such as below diastolic pressure, between diastolic and systolic pressure, and above systolic pressure. The brachial cuff is inflated to a pressure within the pressure range appropriate for the generalized transfer function to be applied to the brachial cuff waveform to generate the aortic pressure waveform. In some circumstances, it may be necessary to use a calibration transfer function to generate a calibrated aortic waveform. In other circumstances, the calibration transfer function is not necessary.
US09974444B2

The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.
US09974440B2

A desired structure is selectively imaged by photoacoustic imaging. Photoacoustic signals are detected, and the detected photoacoustic signals are reconstructed to generate photoacoustic image data. A Fourier transform in a two-dimensional or higher dimensional space is applied to the photoacoustic image data to generate spatial frequency domain photoacoustic image data. Given spatial frequency components are extracted from the spatial frequency domain photoacoustic image data, and an inverse Fourier transform is applied to the extracted spatial frequency components to generate spatial frequency-processed photoacoustic image data.
US09974439B2

A photoacoustic imaging method is provided that can prevent the surface of the subject from appearing in an image when a part to be observed at a position deeper than the surface of the subject is imaged. The photoacoustic imaging device includes a unit for outputting pulsed light toward the subject, and generating photoacoustic data by detecting photoacoustic waves emitted from the subject exposed to the light. The photoacoustic imaging device also includes a region detection unit that detects a near-surface region of the subject based on the photoacoustic wave detection signals, and a correcting unit that attenuates (which encompasses removing) information of the near-surface region found by the region detection unit when the part to be observed is displayed.
US09974435B2

A quality control method for optometric measurements includes the following steps: (a) recording, via computer, a first record (14) that includes at least one first value of a first identifier (12), enabling identification of a glasses wearer (1), and at least one other value of another identifier (13) enabling identification of an optometric apparatus (15) on a first optometric measuring site (10); (b) carrying out at least one optometric measurement (16) of the wearer; (c) sending, to a second site (20), a digital measurement data set (18) including the optometric measurement result from step (b), the digital data set being linked, via computer, to the first record; and (d) digitally processing the optometric measurement result from the first record (14) on the basis of a digital data reference system (45) and the values of the respective identifiers of the glasses wearer and the optometric apparatus of the first record.
US09974434B2

A processor extracts a reference signal of a scanner included in an adaptive optics SLO apparatus output while the scanner performs reciprocating scanning once on a region of an eye, generates sampling data strings of reciprocating scanning based on an electric signal obtained by a photoelectric conversion unit included in the adaptive optics SLO apparatus using the reference signal as a sampling reference position, and compares, among the sampling data strings of the reciprocating scanning, a sampling data string of forward scanning with a sampling data string of backward scanning so as to evaluate the correlation between the sampling data strings, and compensates a sampling reference position based on a result of the evaluation. An image construction unit assembles image data to construct an image of the region of the eye based on the sampling data strings of the reciprocating scanning in accordance with the compensated sampling reference position.
US09974431B2

An image sensor includes: a reference signal generation unit configured to generate and output a reference signal in accordance with a predetermined voltage; a plurality of pixels disposed in a two-dimensional matrix form and configured to receive light from outside, and to generate and output an imaging signal in accordance with an amount of the received light; a transfer unit configured to transfer the reference signal output from the reference signal generation unit and the imaging signal output from each of the plurality of pixels, during different periods; and an output unit configured to separately hold the reference signal and the imaging signal transferred from the transfer unit, sequentially switch between the reference signal and the imaging signal to output the switched signal.
US09974424B2

A laminate cleaning implement with a facing sheet, a substrate, and optionally a backing sheet. The facing sheet, the substrate, and the optional backing sheet are mechanically intermeshed. The mechanically intermeshing can provide one or more discrete tufts protruding outwardly from the laminate.
US09974416B2

A dispenser includes a housing, an aperture, a receptacle, a heating element, and an actuator. When a reservoir is received within the receptacle, an outlet port of the reservoir is exposed through the aperture. The heating element heats fluid housed within the reservoir. The actuator provides a dispensing force that induces a flow of the heated fluid. In some embodiments, the heater is an inductive heater. In other embodiments, the heater is a resistive heater. The dispenser dispenses the fluid through the aperture. Another embodiment of a dispenser may include a housing, an aperture, a receptacle within the housing, an actuator configured to receive a fluid reservoir, and a power source. The power source provides power to the actuator. The power source includes an alternating current source.
US09974408B2

A travel mug that maintains its liquid contents at temperature while cooling portions of the beverage on demand to a safe and comfortable drinking temperature. In embodiments, a passive cooling system is integrated into the travel mug for drawing heat from the beverage as the user consumes it. In embodiments, a brewing system may be integrated to brew beverage matter into a drinkable beverage. In embodiments, a heating element may be provided to raise water to brewing temperature or to further heat the liquid in the container.
US09974398B2

A display case includes a housing partially surrounding a display space, a door pivotably coupled to the housing and cooperating with the housing to further enclose the display space, and a hinge assembly for pivotably coupling the door to the housing. The hinge assembly includes a biasing member applying a biasing force on the door and a gear drive for adjusting a pre-tension force on the biasing member.
US09974392B1

An Ice Hot Seat provides ice fishermen with both heat and light while fishing at night and includes a hollow cylindrical base in the shape of a bucket with a seat on top. A rectangular opening is near the bottom of the base. A liquid gas lantern is placed within the base and a seat having a specially designed heat tunnel is placed on the top of the base. The base is semi-transparent providing light for the nighttime angler. The heat tunnel channels heat from the lantern out through the front of the seat so that an angler can warm their hands. A band with pockets encircles the base to hold extra fishing articles.
US09974390B2

An armrest includes a shell convertible between a fixed position and a non-fixed position, a lock unit, and a control unit. The lock unit includes a base seat and two pivot gears, each of which has an arm segment and a gear segment having a plurality of first teeth. The control unit includes a rack having a plurality of second teeth and is operable to move between a locking position and an unlocking position. When the control unit is at the locking position, the second teeth mesh with the first teeth, the pivot gears are locked, and the shell is at the fixed position. When the control unit is at the unlocking position, the rack is away from the pivot gears, the pivot gears are pivotally rotatable, and the shell is at the non-fixed position.
US09974380B2

The invention relates to an application tool (1) for adhesives and/or sealants, having a holding area (10) with a handle (11) and having an application area (20) comprising a shank (21) from which a plurality of bristles (22) protrude in the direction of an application side (26). A row of adjacently situated bristles (22) is provided on the shank (21), and the shank (21) and the bristles (22) are formed in one piece and are made of a plastic material.
US09974375B2

A fragrance sampler having an integral applicator is disclosed in which the sampler comprises a top ply having an upper surface and a lower surface, a mid ply having an upper surface, an outer perimeter edge, a back surface, a well formed therein, a bead of adhesive surrounding the well, and an area between the bead of adhesive and the outer perimeter edge, a non-woven material applicator having a sample material incorporated therein with the applicator being sized and shaped to fit within the well, and a bottom ply having a front surface and a back surface.
US09974370B2

A system for releasing a contained volume of gas. The system has a base with a pressure-release vent positioned within a flex region and a seal to disengagably seal the pressure-release vent. The seal has a gas vent path that extends from the pressure-release vent. The contained volume of gas passes through the gas vent path to apply force against the flex region and disengage the seal from the pressure-release vent, allowing the gas to exit through the pressure-release vent.
US09974369B1

An apparatus for anchoring an umbrella including a container base and a cylindrical male attachment member medially attached and upwardly extended from a flattened middle portion of the container base. The cylindrical male attachment member has an inner threaded cavity. An umbrella shaft has an umbrella canopy attached to a top end and a threaded exterior portion disposed proximal a bottom end. The threaded exterior portion of the umbrella shaft is selectively threadable engageable with the inner threaded cavity of the cylindrical male attachment member. A hook is attached to the umbrella shaft proximal the top end, and a shovel is removably attachable to the hook. The inner chamber of the container base is fillable with a weighty substance that can include, but not be limited to, sand.
US09974366B2

A pole comprising a pole handle and a pole tip, with at least two tube portions located therebetween, which in an assembled state of the pole are connected to one another by means of insertion connections aligned along a longitudinal pole axis A. At least one of the plug connections is realized on a second tube portion by way of a form-fit and/or force-fit locking device, wherein the second tube portion has a smaller the same outer diameter than the inner diameter of a first tube portion, and which can be inserted into the first tube portion, and which can be fixed in the relative axial position by means of the form-fit locking device. On at least one of the plug connections, a tubular sleeve having a clamping element in a receiving groove is arranged between the tubular sleeve and the lower end of the first tubular portion.
US09974365B2

A guide mechanism may be provided in a buckle assembly including an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The guide mechanism in one example includes notches in the outer sleeve mateable to notches in a tongue piece. In another example, the guide mechanism includes ribs formed on an interior of the outer sleeve, that together with a wall of an outer button included in the outer sleeve, form a slot for receiving a tongue piece. In yet another example, the guide mechanism includes a pair of leaf springs having openings therein forming a slot for receiving a tongue piece.
US09974364B2

In a seat belt device, when a buckle cover is moved obliquely upward in a vehicle forward direction relative to a buckle guide and the buckle cover reaches a moving endpoint at a vehicle upper side relative to the buckle guide, cover-side engagement portions of the buckle cover become sandwiched between vehicle lower side surfaces of guide-side engagement portions of the buckle guide, and the outside surfaces of guide long-side wall portions of the buckle guide. Due to this, not only movement of the cover-side engagement portions of the buckle cover in the vehicle upward direction but also movement of the cover-side engagement portions outwards in the thickness directions of the cross-sectional shapes of the buckle cover and the buckle guide are restrained by the guide-side engagement portions.
US09974363B2

Various embodiments of a fastening system that either attaches to existing buttons or attaches directly to an article of clothing. In preferred embodiments, the fastening system has a first portion that attaches to a button hole or a first part of the article and a second portion that attaches to a button or second part of the article. The first portion and second portion detachably attach to each other by means of a twist-lock, magnetic mechanism, or some other attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the fastening system can be built directly into an article without augmenting an existing button and button-hole fastener.
US09974361B2

A portable inflatable foldable shoe, including an inflatable shoe-shaped soft bag and solid bearing blocks, where the inflatable shoe-shaped soft bag is of a hollow cavity structure and includes a sole and a vamp; more than two solid bearing blocks are arranged, the sole is divided into a middle supporting cavity and a supporting folding cavity by the solid bearing blocks, the region connected with the two regions of a front sole region and a heel region is the middle supporting cavity, the region connected with the adjacent bearing blocks is the supporting folding cavity, each solid bearing block has upper, lower, left and right surfaces, and is tightly adhered to the corresponding inner wall of the shoe-shaped cavity of the sole, and each solid bearing block is provided with more than one air passage that run through the entire block.
US09974359B2

Soles for footwear and footwear are disclosed. The sole may include a midsole having a first surface. The sole may additionally include an outsole having a second surface and a plurality of first recesses. The second surface may be attached to the first surface. The first surface and the plurality of first recesses may define a plurality of chambers. One or more chambers of the plurality of chambers may include trapped air. The midsole may further include first protruding portions that extend downwardly from the first surface toward one or more first recesses of the plurality of first recesses.
US09974355B2

A padded foot support with a ball of foot depression is a shoe insole designed to alleviate pressure from the second and third metatarsals of a foot by redistributing pressure to the first, fourth and fifth metatarsals. A forefoot depression traverses into the top surface of a pad body made of an elastically compressible material in the second and third metatarsal region, slightly forward and inside of center on the forefoot portion of the pad body.
US09974353B2

The convertible shoe consists of: a top portion having a stylized upper, a footbed, and an underside with bottom side attachment; an insert with top side attachment and a bottom side attachment; and a bottom portion having a top side attachment and a tread on the bottom. The top side attachment of the bottom portion and insert are identical, and the bottom side attachment of the top portion and insert are identical. The bottom side attachment is sized and configured to correspond to, and attach to, the top side attachment, such that the top portion can attach directly to the bottom portion to create a low-heeled shoe, or attach to the insert which is attached to the bottom portion to create a high-heeled shoe.
US09974340B2

An electronic cigarette having a function for detecting the operating voltage and current of an atomiser. A microcontroller (102) detects the operating voltage or/and the operating current of an atomiser, and when the operating voltage or/and the operating current exceeds a threshold value, a switch circuit (103) is disconnected, so that a battery rod ceases to supply power to the atomiser, and a power supply circuit (101) of the battery rod and the atomiser is disconnected, thereby having the effect of protecting the atomiser. In addition, power supply voltage and current mismatching between the atomiser and the battery rod is prevented, said mismatching causing operational irregularities such as the amount of vapor atomised by the atomiser being unstable, and burning. The switch circuit (103) has a simple and clever structure, costs are low, and reliability is high.
US09974335B2

An electronic vapor provision device comprising a power cell and a vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer comprises a heater and a heater support, wherein the heater is one the inside of the heater support.
US09974331B2

The invention relates to a water pipe head (2) comprising a capsule (12) including smokable material (10), a first sealing element (6) being detachably attached to a first surface of the capsule and a second sealing element (3) being detachably attached to a second surface of the capsule for sealing the capsule, a guiding element (8) having a first opening in which the capsule is held, an opposing second opening and an intermediate passage connecting the first opening and the second opening, and a longish element (7) being attached to the first sealing element and extending from the first sealing element (6) through the intermediate passage and through the second opening to the outside of the guiding element.
US09974329B2

An aerosol-generating system is provided, including a nicotine source; a volatile delivery enhancing compound source, wherein a volatile delivery enhancing compound comprises an acid; and a heating means for heating one or both of the nicotine source and the volatile delivery enhancing compound source, wherein one or both of the nicotine source and the volatile delivery enhancing compound source is encapsulated in a cylindrical polymeric capsule, and the cylindrical polymeric capsule includes a thermally conductive material.
US09974327B2

A food processing apparatus including a tank having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, the tank having an inner wall defining a compartment and including a solid, imperforate wall portion, fluid being contained in the compartment, and a rotatable auger mounted in the compartment, the auger for advancing food product within the compartment from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the auger including flights having a flight wall with a radial edge, a clearance space being defined between the radial edge of the flights and the solid, imperforate wall portion of the inner wall. Flow of fluid through the clearance space may be inhibited. One of the inner wall and the flight wall may include a perforated wall portion. Flow of fluid between the first auger section and the second auger section may be provided through the perforated wall portion.
US09974323B2

The present invention relates to granules comprising an active substance, obtained by spray-drying an emulsion comprising said active substance, solid particles, water and a water-soluble biopolymer having a molecular weight below 100 KDa. The invention further relates to a process for obtaining such granules and to products containing them.
US09974313B2

A baking mold consists of a first exterior element having at least one first baking cavity, a second exterior element having at least one second baking cavity, and an intermediate supportive element having at least one operational channel. The intermediate supportive element is disposed between the first and second exterior elements in such a manner that the first and second baking cavities and the operational channel form a continuous baking chamber adapted to accommodate a baked product.
US09974310B2

A method of making a ceramic glaze formulation having an antimicrobial property for use with a ceramic article. The method comprises fritting an antimicrobial formulation in a flux frit, providing least one unfritted antimicrobial component, providing a silver carrier in a glass matrix, and combining the flux frit, the at least one unfritted component, and the silver carrier in the glass matrix to form the ceramic glaze formulation. The silver carrier is combined at an addition rate based on a dry weight basis of the ceramic glaze formulation. A ceramic glaze additive formulation and ceramic glazed article are also provided.
US09974303B2

A cationic star polymer is disclosed of the general formula (1): wherein w′ is a positive number greater than or equal to 3, I′ is a dendritic polyester core covalently linked to w′ independent peripheral linear cationic polymer chains P′. Each of the chains P′ comprises a cationic repeat unit comprising i) a backbone functional group selected from the group consisting of aliphatic carbonates, aliphatic esters, aliphatic carbamates, aliphatic ureas, aliphatic thiocarbamates, aliphatic dithiocarbonates, and combinations thereof, and ii) a side chain comprising a quaternary amine group. The quaternary amine group comprises a divalent methylene group directly covalently linked to i) a positive charged nitrogen and ii) an aromatic ring.
US09974300B2

This invention is based on the use of cyclopropene to stabilize/enhance yield/seed production for corn inbred lines known to be stress-susceptible. Inbred corn lines are especially susceptible to environmental and mechanical stresses. Provided are methods and use of cyclopropene to enhance production of inbred seed from inbreds especially susceptible to stress. Also provided are methods and use of cyclopropene to enhance production of hybrid seed from inbreds susceptible to environmental stress. Also provided are methods and use of cyclopropene to enhance production of hybrid seed from inbreds susceptible to mechanical stress.
US09974292B2

A tool for making the task of tying a hook or bait onto a fishing line easy. The device includes a magnet to hold the hook or bait, holders for each end of the line on either side of the hook, a neck around which to wrap the line and a notch through which the line can be inserted and pulled back under and through the wraps to complete the knot.
US09974290B2

The invention concerns a non-human animal model useful for sensitively studying gene-gene interactions over a wide genetic background; methods for producing the animal model; and methods for studying gene-gene interactions using an animal model of the invention.
US09974271B1

A novel maize variety designated PH25V7 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH25V7 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH25V7 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH25V7 or a locus conversion of PH25V7 with another maize variety.
US09974267B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057526. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057526. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057526 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057526 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09974264B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01057212. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01057212. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01057212 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01057212 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09974262B2

The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola, designated CL134904R. Also included are seeds of canola CL134904R, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola CL134904R and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola CL134904R with itself or another canola genotype, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola CL134904R.
US09974261B1

A novel maize variety designated X18H528 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 X18H528 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18H528 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18H528, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18H528. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18H528.
US09974254B2

Plant genome design method defines DNA markers M1 to M5, for target region, DNA marker M2 is defined at an end on an upstream side of a target region, or upstream thereof, DNA marker M1 is defined upstream of the DNA marker M2, DNA marker M4 is defined at an end on a downstream side of the target region, or downstream thereof, DNA marker M5 is defined downstream of the DNA marker M4, and DNA marker M3 is defined in the target region; and designs a genome so that a substitution region, containing the target region, in a chromosome of the original cultivar to be substituted with a chromosome fragment derived from the foreign cultivar has an end on an upstream side between DNA marker M1 and DNA marker M2, and an end on a downstream side of the substitution region between DNA marker M4 and DNA marker M5.
US09974251B2

A multi-layered aquaponics system used for cultivation has a fish tank, at least one layer of a grow bed adapted to support growth of at least one variety of plant in a direction substantially vertical to a plane of a backing element of the layer, a growth light system having at least one LED growth-light fixture disposed above the grow bed, a water supply system having a water circulation loop, and an aeration system without a power source. The aeration system includes a standpipe inside the layers of grow beds and a plurality of bell siphons positioned within the standpipe and connected to a water drainpipe.
US09974250B1

An insulated chilling reservoir for chilling and storing a nutrient solution utilized with a hydroponic system for growing plants. The chilling reservoir has a plurality of exterior walls that enclose an interior chamber that is sized and configured to receive a quantity of the nutrient solution. At least the side exterior walls are insulated. The interior chamber has one or more interior walls and a chamber floor that are in contact with the nutrient solution when it is in the interior chamber. The chilling reservoir has a chilling mechanism associated with the reservoir body and the interior chamber that lowers the temperature of the nutrient solution through the interior walls when the solution is in the interior chamber. A control panel allows the grower to monitor and control the temperature of the nutrient solution. The chilling mechanism includes evaporator coils in the exterior walls, a radiator and a refrigerant system.
US09974248B2

A planter box for holding planting soil includes a box body having a bottom wall, a sidewall and an open top. An anti-clog drainage and irrigation pipe is mounted across and above the bottom wall. The pipe includes a water inflow and outflow opening formed at a lower portion and extending along the length of the pipe. Two flow-guiding plates extend from two longitudinal sides of the water inflow and outflow opening towards an interior of the pipe body to form two overflow troughs in the pipe. During rainy day, the pipe is used for drainage. During sunny days, water can be supplied to the pipe for irrigation. A method for soil drainage and irrigation is also disclosed.
US09974246B2

An anchoring device for a self-propelled irrigation system includes a drive assembly that drives a soil auger into the ground to anchor a drive tower of the irrigation system. The soil auger is rotatably driven about a vertical axis and movable vertically relative to the drive tower. The soil auger includes a lower tip, a multi-sided head at an upper end, and a helical screw portion between the lower tip and the upper end. The drive assembly includes a sleeve member with an inner surface that mates with the head of the soil auger and allows the soil auger to slide within the sleeve member while rotating together with the sleeve member. A bit cleaner assembly is arranged to engage the helical screw portion of the soil auger to clean soil from the auger and to cause the auger to move vertically relative to the sleeve member upon rotation.
US09974235B2

A device for harvesting mushrooms from a mushroom bed involves a robotic arm configured to interchangeably deploy one of a plurality of different suction grippers, each of the suction grippers having a suction cup having a size and shape profile appropriate for gripping a cap of a mushroom, the cap having a size and shape profile within a predetermined range. A vacuum source in fluid communication with the suction gripper supplies negative air pressure to the suction gripper for retaining a cap of the mushroom to be harvested in the suction cup. A control circuit in electronic communication with the suction gripper and the vacuum source is configured to automatically adjust the negative air pressure in the suction gripper in response to harvesting requirements during a mushroom harvesting process. A few standard mushroom shapes have been identified, which permits suction cup designs that maximize contact between the suction cups and the mushroom caps, which permits minimizing the strength of the vacuum needed to harvest the mushrooms.
US09974225B2

A method includes generating a non-continuous curvature end-of-row turn path for an agricultural vehicle, wherein the non-continuous curvature end-of-row turn path includes a plurality of initial segments that are curved or straight, adding at least one continuity segment between each of the initial segments, wherein the at least one continuity segment is a clothoid segment, and the initial segments and the at least one continuity segment combine to form a continuous curvature end-of-row turn path, and implementing the continuous end-of-row turn path, displaying the continuous end-of-row turn path, or both.
US09974221B2

A singulation-style seeding system includes planter row units arranged on a drill that may have a front rank and a back rank. The planter units may singulate and deliver seeds from a first segment of the drill, which may correspond to one of the front and back ranks. A high-volume fertilizer may be delivered from a second segment of the drill, which may correspond to the other one of the front and back ranks and may be delivered at a relatively high delivery rate. A starter fertilizer may be delivered at a relatively lower delivery rate at or near seed furrows.
US09980420B2

The assembling machine is provided with fiducial marks which are attached to a defined position on a moving head, and an image processing section which recognizes the holding state of the component by the holding member based on high resolution data which is generated by super-resolution processing which uses a plurality of items of image data. The image processing section includes a displacement amount calculation section which calculates each displacement amount of imaging positions of other items of image data in relation to the imaging position of reference data, a positioning processing section which performs the positioning of the other items of image data in relation to the reference data, and a reconstruction processing section which generates the high resolution data based on the plurality of items of image data which are positioned.
US09980419B2

The pressure of a gas supplied to a nozzle is stably controlled over a wide range. A first positive pressure supply pathway supplies the gas at a first positive pressure. A second positive pressure supply pathway supplies the gas at a second positive pressure that is lower than the first positive pressure. A nozzle connecting pathway is connected to the nozzle. A switch-over valve selectively switches between a first connected state in which the first positive pressure supply pathway is connected to the nozzle connecting pathway and a second connected state in which the second positive pressure supply pathway is connected to the nozzle connecting pathway. A valve controller controls the connected state of the switch-over valve and adjusts the pressure of the gas supplied to the nozzle within the range from the first positive pressure to the second positive pressure.
US09980410B1

The present invention provides a heat dissipation device including a baseplate, one or more heat pipes in thermal communication with the baseplate, where the one or more heat pipes has one or more internal cavities, one or more vapor chambers coupled to the one or more heat pipes, where the one or more vapor chambers has one or more internal cavities, where the one or more internal cavities of the one or more heat pipes and the one or more internal cavities of the one or more the vapor chambers are contiguous, where the one or more vapor chambers extends from the one or more heat pipes, and heat conducting fins coupled to the one or more vapor chambers, where the one or more heat conducting fins extends from the one or more vapor chambers.
US09980409B2

A mounting device includes an enclosure, a mounting frame, and a pivoting member. The enclosure includes a mounting wall with a hook extending therefrom. The mounting frame is configured for receiving a plurality of fans. The pivoting member is pivotably mounted to the mounting wall. The pivoting member is pivotable relative to the mounting wall to engage in or disengage from the hook. When the pivoting member is engaged in the hook, the pivoting member secures the mounting frame to the mounting wall. When the pivoting member is disengaged from the hook, the mounting frame is removable from the mounting wall. A fan assembly with the mounting device is further disclosed.
US09980407B2

An electronic device includes a circuit board with an insulating substrate, a wiring at the substrate, an electronic component mounted at the substrate and electrically connected to the wiring, at least one through hole through the substrate from one surface to an opposite surface of the one surface of the substrate, and a conductive member arranged at a surface of the through hole and electrically connected to the wiring; and further includes: a sealing resin; and a cap including an annular connection with a part connected to the substrate and a recess recessed from the annular connection. Furthermore, in the cap, at least a part of the connection is connected to the substrate, the cap being sealed integrally with the electronic component by the sealing resin while arranging a space communicating with the through hole; and a terminal is inserted into the through hole and electrically connected to the wiring.
US09980405B2

The present disclosure provides an electrical module and a modular building system including electrical modules. The electrical module includes a housing member including N pin portions and a connecting portion that connects the N pin portions, where N is greater than 1; N conduction members unconnected with each other; and N magnetic members. Each pin portion is a plate having a through-hole towards its thickness direction, and corresponds to one conduction member and one magnetic member. Each conduction member includes: a first part electrically connected with a lead of an electrical component; and a second part electrically connected with the corresponding magnetic member. Each magnetic member fills the through-hole of the corresponding pin portion, and establishes magnetic connection with a magnetic member of another electrical module in thickness direction to allow the two electrical modules to contact and rotate against each other using a contacting point as a rotation pivot.
US09980400B2

An electronic equipment enclosure includes a frame structure, one or more panels attached to the frame structure, at least one vertical mounting rail fastened to the frame structure, and a rail seal attached to the at least one vertical mounting rail. The rail seal includes a generally flat panel portion and a seal along an edge thereof. The seal is adapted to engage at least one of the one or more panels to provide an air dam between the one or more panels and the at least one vertical mounting rail.
US09980396B1

A magnetic component for an electronic circuit includes a core having a core body and a core leg extending from the core body. The core body defines a core body height, and the core leg defines a core leg height less than the core body height. A conductive winding is positioned about the core leg. The winding defines a winding height. A winding height offset ratio is defined as the winding height divided by the core body height. In some embodiments the winding height offset ratio is less than about 1.1. The winding can be positioned on a bobbin structure disposed about the core leg. The magnetic component can be positioned in an enclosure to form an electronic device such as a power control or a power supply, and a thermally conductive gap-filler can be positioned between the magnetic component and the enclosure wall to dissipate heat from the magnetic component. The reduced height of the core leg provides a reduced gap distance between the core body and the enclosure wall for improving heat transfer, reducing thermal gap-filler material volume and reducing enclosure size. A method of forming an electronic device is also provided.
US09980394B2

A method for making an electronic assembly includes applying a conductive adhesive to a resist layer overlying a patterned conductive nanowire layer on a substrate and engaging an electrical contact of an electronic component with the conductive adhesive to provide an electrical connection between the electronic component and the conductive nanowire layer.
US09980391B1

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method that includes forming a wireless module on a first region of a circuit board and forming a host controller module on a second region of the circuit board. The method also includes forming, on the circuit board, a perforation along a boundary that separates the first region from the second region. The method further includes forming a plurality of first trace structures in the first region and forming a plurality of second trace structures in the second region, wherein each second trace structure of the plurality of second trace structures is electrically coupled to a corresponding first trace structure of the plurality of first trace structures. The method also includes disposing a tri-state contact in the second region.
US09980390B2

A suspension board with circuit assembly sheet includes an assembly provided region provided with a plurality of suspension boards with circuits at spaced intervals to each other along one direction and a margin region provided at least at one side in a crossing direction with respect to the one direction of the assembly provided region. In the assembly provided region, a first opening portion is provided between the suspension boards with circuits that are adjacent to each other and in the margin region, a fragile portion is provided.
US09980388B2

A biocompatible, micro-fabricated ribbon cable is described in which at least one set of conductors diverges laterally into a bypass wing that forms an aperture through the ribbon cable. The bypass wing is folded in a line through the aperture and over a central portion of the ribbon cable, resulting in a ribbon cable with a narrow, stacked region. The narrow region can fit through small incisions in membranes, such as through an incision in a sclera of an eyeball. The ribbon cable can have an integrally-formed electrode array for attaching to a retina of an eyeball and other electronics for sending signals to the electrode array.
US09980382B2

A device has a base with a mounting surface with a length and a stack, the stack having a diameter smaller than the length and fastened to the mounting surface. The stack may have a plurality of stack conductive layers in addition to a plurality of insulating layers that separate each of the plurality of stack conductive layers. The stack conductive layers may be separated in a manner that aligns them with corresponding printed circuit board conductive layers when the stack portion of the device is inserted into an aperture in a printed circuit board.
US09980374B2

A support is provided for fabrication of an electronic device. The support includes at least one component to be protected and at least one three-dimensional element of a height at least equal to a height of the electronic component. The three-dimensional element is disposed laterally opposite the at least one component to be protected. The three-dimensional element is chiefly constituted of a permanent assembling material.
US09980371B2

A printed wiring board includes a resin insulating layer having recess portions formed on first surface, a first conductor layer formed in the recess portions and including pads positioned to mount an electronic component, conductive pillars formed on the pads, respectively, and formed to mount the electronic component onto the resin insulating layer, a second conductor layer formed on second surface of the resin insulating layer on the opposite side with respect to the first surface, and a via conductor formed in the resin insulating layer such that the via conductor is penetrating through the resin insulating layer and connecting the first and second conductor layers. The pillars is formed such that each of the pads has an exposed surface exposed from a respective one of the conductive pillars, and the pads are formed such that the exposed surface is recessed from the first surface of the resin insulating layer.
US09980366B2

An apparatus including an output driver on a PCB and a number of chips on the PCB, the chips including a first chip and a second chip. The PCB includes a first transmission line connected to the output driver, a second transmission line connected to the first transmission line and the first chip, the second transmission line having a length greater than or equal to 10 times a length of the first transmission line, and a third transmission line connected to the first transmission line and the second chip, the third transmission line having a length greater than or equal to 10 times the length of the first transmission line. The second transmission line connects to the first chip without being coupled to a termination resistor on the PCB and the third transmission line connects to the second chip without being coupled to a termination resistor on the PCB.
US09980345B2

A control circuit for a flashing lamp provides power for the flashing lamp. The control circuit includes a control module, a strobe module, and a booster module. The control module includes an oscillator and first and second NOR gates. A square wave from the oscillator of the control module controls the first and second NOR gates to output a first control signal and a second control signal of opposite potential to the strobe module. The strobe module controls the booster module to apply boosting to the flashing lamp, reducing the number of components necessary in a control circuit for a flashing lamp.
US09980334B2

The invention relates to a LED lighting system comprising a power supply circuit and at least one LED module. The power supply circuit comprises input terminals (K1, K2) for connection to a supply voltage source and output terminals (K3, K4),and a driver circuit (I, II) coupled between the input terminals and the output terminals for generating a LED current out of a supply voltage supplied by the supply voltage source, and comprising a driver control circuit (II) with an input terminal (K7) for receiving a current control signal and for generating a LED current in dependency of the current control signal. The at least one LED module comprises input terminals (K5, K6) for coupling to the output terminals of the power supply circuit, a LED load (LS) coupled between the input terminals, and a module control circuit for generating a current control signal as a square wave shaped signal comprising a first part having a first amplitude during a first time lapse representing a desired magnitude of the LED current, said module control circuit comprising an AC coupling of the current control signal to the input terminal of the driver control circuit.
US09980328B1

Systems, methods and apparatuses for configuring an unpowered light emitting diode (LED) driver using an RS-232 interface are provided. An LED driver includes an RS-232 serial connector and an RS-232 serial interface controller coupled to the RS-232 serial connector. The RS-232 serial interface controller is configured to provide an RS-232 port for the LED driver. The LED driver includes a voltage regulator coupled between the RS-232 serial connector and the RS-232 serial interface controller. The voltage regulator is configured (i) to receive a voltage regulator input voltage at least in part from the RS-232 serial connector when operating in an unpowered tuning mode, and (ii) to output a regulated voltage. A controller of the LED driver is powered by the regulated voltage during an unpowered tuning operation of the LED driver.
US09980317B2

A protocol stack for an ad hoc type network comprises existing modules from third generation 3GPP architectures, a radio access plane, a mobility management module and a radio resource control module, said ad hoc type network being able to be organized into several groups—or clusters, a group corresponding to a grouping of radio resources for a given coverage area, and: a routing module arranged between the management module and the radio resource control module; a part of the mobility management being managed in the access plane in order to manage transfers, or handovers, between the groups, in the case of a network that is organized into groups of users or “clusterized”; the module manages handover decisions and radio resource management; said protocol stack additionally comprising, an L2RTP layer suitable for processing the radio-level regenerative relaying at the level of a data packet; a security plane for isolating security functions.
US09980316B2

A network comprising a cellular network and a WLAN for handling an authentication procedure with a communication device comprises a storage unit for storing instructions and a processing means coupled to the storage unit. The processing means is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage unit. The instructions comprise performing a first connection to the communication device by the cellular network; performing a second connection to the communication device by the WLAN; initiating an EAP AKA procedure to the communication device by the WLAN, if the communication device is not configured with a communication of cellular PDUs via the WLAN; and initiating an eNB assisted authentication procedure to the communication device by the cellular network, if the communication device is configured with the communication of the cellular PDUs via the WLAN.
US09980310B2

A method of enhanced session management procedure is proposed. A user equipment, upon receiving a rejected PDN connectivity request with a cause code, automatically alters the rejected factor to fit network restrictions based on the received cause code. The UE then retries the PDN connectivity procedure by sending a subsequent PDN connectivity request using the altered factor. By automatically altering the rejected factor and reattempting to establish an EPS bearer for data service without user interaction, possible permanent rejection can be avoided in case of user error or unawareness.
US09980308B2

There is provided a method for performing a logical channel prioritization. The method may comprise: receiving an uplink (UL) grant; identifying a set of logical channels whose data are to be transmitted using the uplink grant; and performing a logical channel prioritization (LCP) based on the identified set of logical channels.
US09980305B2

In the present invention, a network device acquires terminal proximity relationship information and determines, according to the proximity relationship information, a beneficed terminal of multiple UE cooperative communication and at least one adjacent terminal of the beneficed terminal, the network device acquires channel quality information of the beneficed terminal and the at least one adjacent terminal of the beneficed terminal, makes, according to the channel quality information of the beneficed terminal and the at least one adjacent terminal of the beneficed terminal, a decision on whether to trigger the multiple UE cooperative communication for the beneficed terminal, and determines a supporting terminal of the multiple UE cooperative communication for the beneficed terminal according to the acquired channel quality information of the beneficed terminal and the at least one adjacent terminal of the beneficed terminal when it is decided that the multiple UE cooperative communication needs to be triggered.
US09980303B2

Various implementations disclosed herein include systems, methods and apparatuses of a first device, that obtain contact point information of a second device associated with the first device, as a peer device in a private network, where the contact point information of the second device includes one or more peer uplink identifiers and each respective peer uplink identifier corresponds to a respective peer device uplink of the second device. The systems, methods and apparatuses establish a first private network data tunnel from a first uplink of the first device to the second device, using the contact point information of the second device, and a first uplink identifier associated with the first uplink, and establish a second private network data tunnel from a second uplink of the first device to the second device, using the contact point information of the second device, and a second uplink identifier associated with the second uplink.
US09980301B2

The present disclosure relates to a terminal device, a communication method, a program, and a communication system, which can enable one-on-many wireless communication among terminal devices with less trouble for the user.A communication system according to the present disclosure is a communication system in which one parent device and a plurality of child devices perform one-on-many wireless communication. The parent device includes a management unit which manages group information representing a group made up of two or more child devices to which a child device belongs, and a child device connecting unit which establishes wireless connection with the child device which performs notification of the group information that matches the managed group information, and consecutively establishes wireless connections with a plurality of child devices. On the other hand, the child device includes a notifying unit which notifies the parent device of group information representing a group made up of two or more child devices, to which it itself belongs, and a parent device connecting unit which establishes wireless connection with the parent device in response to a predetermined trigger. The present disclosure can be applied to a system which distributes data by one-on-many wireless communication.
US09980294B2

A method, an eNodeB and a User Equipment for transmitting Random Access Response messages are provided. The method includes: receiving a random access preamble, wherein the random access preamble is transmitted by a user equipment on a random access channel; determining whether the user equipment belongs to a random access area central group or a random access area edge group according to the random access preamble; if the user equipment belongs to the random access area edge group, transmitting a first random access response (RAR) message to the user equipment, based on the random access preamble and a channel resource information.
US09980293B2

Methods and apparatus for providing a Random Access procedure used by a communications device and an access node, for example the UE (user equipment) and eNodeB (the LTE radio basestation) in an LTE network, to e.g. establish a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection. An example of a method according to the invention for use in an access node comprises: receiving (42) signals comprising multiple instances of an uplink Random Access message; spatially resolving (44) the received signals to identify (46) directions from which the uplink Random Access message was received; and transmitting (48) distinct downlink Random Access messages in the identified directions from which the uplink Random Access message was received.
US09980292B2

A method of performing contention-based uplink OFDMA transmission is proposed in accordance with one novel aspect. A wireless communications station (an AP) reserves both dedicated resource and contention resource for uplink OFDMA operation for a list of communications devices (STAs). For contention-based random access, the AP does not need to collect traffic requests from the STAs. The AP only needs to make simple resource arrangement. The AP only needs to specify the allocated resource for random access and the uplink OFDMA operation duration and timing for each uplink OFDMA packet. Each STA having traffic request will contend the resource based on a random access probability scheme.
US09980291B2

A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting a random access preamble in a wireless communication system. The method includes estimating path loss based on a downlink signal received from a base station; selecting a random access region based on the estimated path loss; determining a transmission power, based on a false alarm probability of the selected random access region; and transmitting the random access preamble to the base station, based on the determined transmission power.
US09980289B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for establishing a transmission mode, which relates to the field of network technologies, ensure backward compatibilities of an existing WLAN system and a next generation WLAN system, realize introduction of a new technology in the next generation WLAN protocol during data transmission, and improve network performance. The method includes: transmitting, by an access point AP, a first Clear To Send frame to a first station STA, to enable the first STA to set duration of a network allocation vector NAV of the first STA and remain in a silent state when the AP communicates with a second STA; transmitting the first Clear To Send frame to the second STA, to enable the second STA to process a Green Phase operation; and communicating with the second STA in a Green Phase period. The present invention is applied in data transmission.
US09980282B2

A terminal device in a wireless telecommunication system which transmits a master information block and a first and a second system information block the first and second system information block comprising first and second scheduling information relating to the timing of at least one additional block of system information. The terminal device configured to receive the master information block of system information that comprises a marker instructing the terminal device to ignore the first scheduling information and process only the second scheduling information.
US09980280B2

The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for sending uplink/downlink scheduling information, and a method and an apparatus for receiving uplink/downlink scheduling information. The method for sending downlink scheduling information includes: determining, in downlink subframes on a second carrier, a first downlink subframe, in which at time corresponding to the first downlink subframe, a subframe on a first carrier is an uplink subframe; and sending, on a fifth downlink subframe on the first carrier, downlink scheduling information corresponding to the first downlink subframe on the second carrier to a terminal, in which time corresponding to the fifth downlink subframe is before the time corresponding to the first downlink subframe. The present invention achieves the purpose of performing uplink and downlink scheduling on a second carrier through a first carrier bearing a PDCCH.
US09980275B2

A multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) wireless communication device performing early camping in initial cell selection or reselection may detect an active communication on a modem stack associated with a first SIM, and a condition requiring initial cell selection/reselection on a modem stack associated with a second SIM. In response to receiving a paging message for the second SIM, the wireless communication device may trigger a radio resource to tune to a frequency of an identified target cell of the second SIM, receive a first portion of system information broadcast by the identified target cell, and determine whether initial cell selection/reselection to the identified target cell is complete. In response to determining that initial cell selection/reselection to the identified target cell is not complete, the wireless communication device may save the received paging message, and raise a priority level for the activity on the modem stack associated with the second SIM.
US09980268B2

A communication device assigns a plurality of different orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) tone blocks for a wireless local area network (WLAN) communication channel to a plurality of devices. At least a first assigned OFDM tone block has a first frequency bandwidth that is less than a smallest bandwidth of a legacy WLAN communication protocol. The communication device generates an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) physical layer (PHY) data unit for transmission in the WLAN communication channel. The OFDMA PHY data unit is generated to include: a preamble portion that includes a legacy signal field having a bandwidth equal to the smallest bandwidth of the legacy WLAN communication protocol; and a data portion that includes respective independent data for the plurality of devices modulated to respective OFDM tone blocks, including data for a first communication device modulated to the first assigned OFDM tone block.
US09980267B2

Systems and methods configured to form and manage different types of beams toward target ground terminals to “optimally” communicate with the terminals. In one set of embodiments, the UAV generates a set of beams to cover cells on the ground, the beams are divided into groups, and the UAV communications system deterministically and sequentially turns a subset of the beams on/off to reduce cross-beam interference and increase system throughput. In another embodiment, in order to increase throughput, the UAV communications system determines the highest data rate on the downlink and uplink that are decodable at the receiver given the received signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) while maintaining a low packet error rate. Systems and methods are described to determine the UAV antenna pattern toward different terminals needed for SINR calculation and data rate determination.
US09980260B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a data transmission method and apparatus, and UE. The method includes: receiving a downlink CQI fed back by first UE, and determining a first downlink MCS of the first UE according to the downlink CQI fed back by the first UE; allocating a transmission resource of a first cell to the first UE according to the first downlink MCS of the first UE; acquiring an uplink channel matrix of a sub-bandwidth SB level of each cell in a measurement set of the first UE; determining an SINR of a downlink transmission stream to be sent by each cell in a transmission set of the first UE; and determining a second downlink MCS of the first UE according to the SINR of the downlink transmission stream to be sent.
US09980252B2

A method and apparatus are provided for transmitting and receiving signaling information in a digital broadcasting/communication system. A method for transmitting the signaling includes encoding signaling information for a physical layer to generate at least one coded block; and transmitting a frame comprising the at least one coded block.
US09980244B2

Dynamic, untethered array nodes are frequency, phase, and time aligned, and used to focus their transmissions of the same data coherently on a target, using time reversal. Alignment may be achieved separately for the radio frequency (RF) carriers and the data envelopes. Carrier alignment may be by phase conjugation. The data is distributed across the nodes. Data distribution and/or alignment may be performed by a Master node of the array. The nodes capture a sounding signal from the target, in the same time window. Each node converts the captured sounding signal to baseband, for example, using in-phase/quadrature downconversion. Each node stores the baseband samples of the sounding pulse. Each node convolves time-reversed samples of the sounding signal with the data, and upconverts the convolved data to radio frequency. The nodes emit their respective convolved and upconverted data so that the emissions focus coherently at the target.
US09980243B2

Systems and techniques for synchronization between in-coverage and out-of coverage user devices. A base station configures in-coverage and out-of coverage synchronization signals and configures user devices to recognize synchronization signals as in-coverage or out-of-coverage. An in-coverage device furnishes an in-coverage synchronization signal upon detection of an out-of coverage signal, and may continue to furnish the signal upon continued detection of an out-of-coverage signal that is not synchronized to the network. An out-of-coverage device may receive and synchronize to an in-coverage signal if available, or an out-of-coverage signal if available, or may generate and transmit its own out-of-coverage signal if no in-coverage or out-of-coverage signal is available. Signals may include rank information to indicate relay sequence information, and user devices may be configured to respond to signals based on the rank information—such as favoring a signal whose rank indicates that the signal represents a lower relay order number.
US09980242B2

The present disclosure discloses an air-interface-based synchronization method, a base station and its control apparatus, and a wireless communications system. By taking advantage of active random access of user equipment, a time difference between base stations is acquired by detecting a random access preamble, and a time adjustment value of a non-reference base station is acquired according to the acquired time difference and reference time of a reference base station; and the non-reference base station performs time adjustment according to the acquired time adjustment value, to complete time synchronization with the reference base station. The present disclosure can easily and effectively implement air-interface-based synchronization between base stations by using an existing wireless network, thereby achieving a technical effect in a convenient and economic manner.
US09980239B2

Disclosed are a signal processing method, a base station, a terminal, and a system. A base station side method comprises: sending a synchronization signal to a terminal through a predetermined first time-frequency resource; sending a supplemental synchronization signal different from the synchronization signal to the terminal through a predetermined second time-frequency resource, the synchronization signal and the supplemental synchronization signal being corresponding to a same physical layer cell identifier. In the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention, in addition to that the synchronization signal is sent, the supplemental synchronization signal is also sent, and it is equivalent to increase of the transmission frequency of the synchronization signal. In a case where the network coverage is poor, the increase of the transmission frequency of the synchronization signal can increase the probability that the terminal completes cell searching by performing relevant detection on the same number of signals, so as to not only shorten the time required by the terminal to perform cell searching, but also decrease the amount of data buffered by the terminal, thereby decreasing the requirements on the buffer of the terminal.
US09980235B2

An information processing apparatus is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a communication interface configured to perform a wireless communication with an external apparatus and to transmit data to the external apparatus, and a controller configured to calculate a required bandwidth of a wireless communication as required by at least one application and to adjust a transmission power of the communication interface based on the calculated required bandwidth, when the at least one application is determined to be executed.
US09980234B2

The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a terminal controlling uplink power in the wireless communication system, comprising the steps of: configuring an uplink subframe (UL SF) of a first set and a UL SF of a second set; receiving a downlink control information (DCI) format including a bitmap for indicating transmit power control (TPC) for a plurality of terminals; and controlling transmit power of an uplink channel by using TPC information on the terminals from the bitmap, wherein the TPC information is used for controlling transmit power of an uplink channel transmitted from the UL SF of the first set when the DCI format comprises a first identifier, and the TPC information is used for controlling transmit power of an uplink channel transmitted from the UL SF of the second set when the DCI format comprises a second identifier.
US09980212B1

Systems and methods are provided for adaptive control of scanning by a communications device, such as a mobile handset, for an available communication network based on a status of the communications device, user behavior, and signal status. A new time interval used for scanning for communications networks and access points is calculated responsive to a detected change in condition.
US09980200B2

In one embodiment, a mobile communication system is provided comprising a base station, a relay station, and a mobile station, a determiner configured to determine the distance between the mobile station and the base station or between the mobile station and the relay station, a decider configured to decide whether data transmission between the base station and the mobile station is carried out in a first relaying mode or a second relaying mode based on the determined distance and a controller configured to control the mobile communication system based on the result of the decision by the decider.
US09980195B2

Data provided by an access point of a wireless local area network (“WLAN”) is used to assist a mobile device in cell reselection. If a serving cell of a cellular communications network is unsuitable for providing cellular service, a candidate cell co-located with the serving cell can be selected as the serving cell based on quality of service metrics associated with the serving cell and the candidate cell. The mobile device can be proactively commanded to switch to the candidate cell for receiving cellular service. In some implementations, the quality of service metrics are calculated from call logs collected from mobile devices operating in the cellular communications network. In some implementations, network information regarding serving cell performance can be used with the call logs to generate the quality of service metrics.
US09980192B2

A method and apparatus are disclosed for steering a UE (103) from a WLAN (105) to a cellular network (106) with an overlapping coverage area. The UE (103) is connected to the WLAN (105) through an access point (AP) (102). The AP (102) suppresses the broadcast of a network identifier of the WLAN (105) and de-authenticates the UE (103) from the WLAN (105). After de-authenticating the UE (103), the AP (102) ignores probe requests from the UE (103). The UE (103) will conclude that the WLAN (105) is no longer available and will connect to the cellular network. From the perspective of the UE (103), the suppression of the network makes it appear to the UE (103) that it has moved out of range of the AP (102) so the UE (103) will not “blacklist” the WLAN (105). The suppression of the network ID will not impact UEs not targeted, which will continue to communicate via WLAN (105) even when the network ID is suppressed.
US09980184B2

The invention relates to the initiation of a service to a mobile terminal capable of communicating via at least a first and second access network. Further, the invention relates to a reduction of power consumption of mobile terminals supporting connectivity to at least two access networks. The invention also relates to mobile communication systems and in particular to mobile communications through heterogeneous access networks. In order to prove improved method for initiating services to mobile terminals and/or to reduce power consumption of mobile terminals, the invention introduces of a sleep state that can be entered by the terminal for an access system if same is not used. Upon requesting a service from/to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal starts service initiation through a second access system and transits back to active state for the first access system for service provision.
US09980180B2

A communication system (1) is disclosed in which a relaying user device (UE-R) (3-2) obtains bit rate information (e.g. aggregate maximum bit rate, AMBR) for relaying data for another (relayed) user device (UE) (3-1, 3-3). The obtention of said bit rate information may by receiving a message from the another (relayed) device, UE1, for registering the UE1 to an application server, AS (PSCC). The registration message may comprise UE1 identity, UE-R identity and information identifying a bit rate required by the UE1 while communicating via the UE-R (e.g. an AMBR parameter such as Relay-APN-AMBR). The UE-R sends the registration message received from the UE1 to a core network (7) node (e.g. a gateway device like a P-GW or S-GW, an MME, or a PCRF) comprising the information identifying a bit rate for relaying communication data for the UE (3-1, 3-3) to which the bit rate information relates. The UE-R (3-2) relays data received from the UE (3-1, 3-3) to a base station (5), and relays data for the UE (3-1, 3-3), received from the base station (5), to the UE (3-1, 3-3).
US09980166B2

A computer device may include a memory configured to store instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to detect a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) call and identify an available technology type to carry the SIP call from an originating device. The processor may be further configured to execute the instructions to generate an originating available technology type header that includes information identifying the identified available technology type to carry the SIP call from the originating device and forward the SIP call toward a destination with the generated originating available technology type header.
US09980162B2

The present invention addresses a method, apparatus and computer program product for enabling enhanced repetition radio resource management measurement mechanism in local area network with flexible time division duplex. For initiating a radio resource management measurement accomplished by a user equipment of a host cell and approaching a neighboring cell, the base station of the host cell transmits information indicating a radio resource management measurement subband and a cross link measurement subframe to the user equipment and not performing an uplink transmission, wherein the radio resource management measurement subband is an uplink prohibited subband that is being used in a downlink transmission of the neighboring cell, and the cross link measurement subframe is a subframe capable of being used for completing an uplink to downlink switch.
US09980159B2

An enhanced RRC re-establishment procedure on secondary base station (SeNB) is proposed. A UE with dual connectivity is connected to both a master base station (MeNB) and a secondary eNB (SeNB). The UE performs radio link monitoring (RLM) and radio link failure (RLF) procedures over PCELL served by the MeNB. Once RLF is detected, the UE performs RRC connection reestablishment with a selected cell. From SeNB perspective, the SeNB triggers proactive fetching of UE context from the MeNB to ensure a successful reestablishment. From MeNB perspective, the MeNB provides preference information to the UE for selecting a suitable cell for reestablishment. From UE perspective, the UE considers its mobility state during cell selection such that smallcells are skipped for reestablishment when the UE has high mobility.
US09980154B2

The current disclosure is directed to broadcasting information among nodes in the network. More specifically, the current disclosure relates to directional networking among nodes in the network. The directional broadcasting system allows for a more efficient way to deliver broadcasting information among nodes where at least some of the nodes use directional antennas.
US09980153B1

A method of operating a femtocell network cluster is disclosed. One example method of operating the femtocell network cluster may include certain operations, such as, selecting a master femtocell access point among various femtocell access points operating on the femtocell network cluster and updating a master table to include the master femtocell access point in the master table neighbor list. Other operations may include transmitting the master table to each of the femtocell access points informing them of the identity of the master femtocell access point. The tables may be maintained by all of the femtocell access points operating on the network.
US09980142B2

Methods and apparatus presented herein allow a non-SIM device to access a paid Wi-Fi network by having a server emulate the non-SIM device as a related SIM-enabled device to a mobile operator. The mobile operator is led to believe that the non-SIM device is the related SIM-enabled device, and thereby grants authorization to the non-SIM device to access the paid Wi-Fi network.
US09980136B2

A technology that is operable to authenticate content access for dynamic adaptive streaming over hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) (DASH) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a client device is configured with circuitry to communicate, to a content server, a request for a media presentation description (MPD). An MPD message is received from the content server indicating one or more content authorization elements to access content at the content server. A request for authorization of the client device to access content at the content server is communicated to an authorization server, when the client device is configured to perform the content authorization elements in the MPD message. An authorization message is received from the authorization server. A content request message requesting one or more DASH segments is communicated to the content server.
US09980134B2

Systems and methods of tracking authentication sessions performed between Wi-Fi-enabled devices and authentication servers via wireless access points in Wi-Fi networks that allow authentication messages to be easily correlated to determine the authentication sessions to which the authentication messages belong. The systems and methods employ a tracking tag that an authentication server can insert into each authentication message that it sends to a Wi-Fi-enabled device via a wireless access point in an authentication session. By having the wireless access point echo the same tracking tag in each subsequent authentication message that it forwards to the authentication server, and storing each authentication message with its tracking tag in a database, the authentication messages stored in the database can be correlated using their tracking tags to determine the authentication session to which the respective authentication messages belong, thereby facilitating subsequent troubleshooting of the authentication session in the event of an unexpected failure.
US09980132B2

Methods for detecting a request for transmission/reception of messages and a call request are provided. The method includes recognizing a request from one of the request for transmission of the message or the request for the call, determining whether the recognized request is created by a user's input, outputting an alert pop-up window when the recognized request is not created by the user's input, and determining whether to one of transmit the message or make the call, in response to another input of the user applied to the alert pop-up window.
US09980126B2

A communication system is described in which mobile telephones are able to roam between neighboring home node base stations. Techniques are described for allocating U-RNTIs to mobile telephones by the home base stations or the home base station gateway. Techniques are also disclosed for target home base stations to be able to retrieve information needed to respond to a Cell Update request received from a mobile telephone.
US09980114B2

Structures and protocols are presented for signaling a status or decision concerning a wireless service or device within a region to a communication device (smartphone or wearable device, e.g.) or other wireless communication participant (motor vehicle having a wireless communication capability, e.g.).
US09980109B2

Provided are methods and devices for reporting a broadcast state of a warning message. In the method, an evolved Node B (eNB) receives a state request message from a Mobile Management Entity (MME), wherein the state request message is used for requesting to report a broadcast state of a warning message; in response to the state request message, the eNB reports the broadcast state of the warning message to the MME. By means of the technical solution, the effect that a network side can report a broadcast state of a warning message according to a state request from a Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) is achieved.
US09980106B2

Embodiments provide an MTC device communication method, device, and system. A second network element receives, a query message sent by a first network element after the first network element identifies that a type of a received short message is a preset-type short message. The query message comprises an identifier of a receiver of the short message and an identifier of a sender of the short message. The second network element checks whether the sender is authorized to send the preset-type short message to the receiver. The second network element sends a message to the first network element indicating whether or not to send the short message to the receiver.
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