US09989282B2
Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.
US09989281B2
An air conditioner includes a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a converting unit, a first injection module, and a second injection module. The first injection module injects a portion of refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger to the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor in a heating operation and supercools refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger in a cooling operation. The second injection module injects a portion of refrigerant flowing from the indoor heat exchanger to the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor in the heating operation and injects refrigerant flowing from the outdoor heat exchanger to the indoor heat exchanger to the compressor in the cooling operation.
US09989278B1
A solar energy collector and/or concentrator, a thermal energy storage and retrieval system including the same, and methods of storing and recovering thermal energy are disclosed. The solar energy collector and/or concentrator may include an array of lenses configured to concentrate solar energy, a plurality of conduits through which a heat storage or heat transport fluid flows, and one or more heat transfer elements on each of the conduits, configured to receive the concentrated solar energy from the lenses and transfer the concentrated solar energy to the heat storage/transport fluid. The conduits are configured to move in at least first and second angular dimensions. The thermal energy storage and retrieval system may include the solar energy collector and/or concentrator, a thermodynamic cycle, and a heat storage and retrieval subsystem. Heat is transferred from the heat storage/transport fluid to the heat storage and retrieval subsystem and/or the thermodynamic cycle.
US09989276B2
A condensate drainage enhancing device is provided for an evaporator. An integrally molded plastic part snap fits around the conventional lower manifold, with rails maintained in tight engagement with the front and rear edges of the refrigerant flow tubes. These interrupt the meniscus films of columns of retained water that would otherwise form and, which instead drains down ribs that depend from the rails.
US09989271B1
An air conditioning system has an air conditioning thermal storage that includes one or more thermal plates. The one or more thermal plates have a first side and a second side separated by a thermally conductive plate (e.g. metal such as aluminum or copper). The first side of each of the one or more thermal plates has a primary input orifice and a primary output orifice. The second side of each of the one or more thermal plates has a secondary input orifice and a secondary output orifice. The first side of each of the one or more thermal plates is fluidly isolated from the second side of each of the one or more thermal plates providing for thermal conduction between such. The thermal plates are at least partially immersed in a material (e.g. antifreeze, vegetable beetroot) for storing cold heat.
US09989270B2
An integrated thermal energy and rainwater storage system for reducing peak electrical demand by air conditioning systems. Such a system includes a water conveyance system for collecting and conveying water to a storage tank for storing rainwater, where the rainwater functions as a lower temperature thermal reservoir while it is being held and awaiting use. The system further includes a residential air conditioning system with an air-cooled condenser unit along with an additional water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger connected to the storage tank on one side, and on the other side connected into the refrigerant lines with reconfigurable flow paths and actuated valves to control the discharging and recharging of the thermal energy storage. The lower temperature and better heat transfer capabilities of the rainwater improve operating efficiency and reduce power consumption of the compressor when used instead of the air-cooled condenser during the hottest hours of the day.
US09989268B1
An assembly for mounting in a wall includes a first tube having a flange at a first end of the first tube, the flange to be secured against an inner wall panel, a first hose-guide adjacent the first end of the first tube; a second tube having a faceplate flange attached to a second end of the second tube, the faceplate flange to be secured against an outer wall panel, a second hose-guide adjacent the second end of the second tube; and a hood attachable to an outer side of the faceplate flange. A first distance between the first hose-guide and an inner periphery of the first tube is greater than a second distance between the second hose-guide and an inner periphery of the second tube so that a hose guided by the hose-guides slopes downwardly as it exits the building through the wall.
US09989266B2
An electric water heater that includes a thermostat is retrofitted for remote control as follows. A relay is installed on an electrical feed to the electric water heater. Water temperature and electric current or power through the electrical feed are measured over time with the relay closed, and the thermostat deadband maximum and minimum are detected as the water temperature at which the thermostat turns the heating element off, and the water temperature at which the thermostat turns the heating element on, respectively. The detected thermostat deadband maximum and minimum are stored as load controller deadband maximum and minimum, respectively. The thermostat set point is raised, and the electric water heater is thereafter controlled using the load controller by operations including closing the relay when the water temperature falls below the load controller deadband minimum and opening the relay when the water temperature rises above the load controller deadband maximum.
US09989261B2
Disclosed herein is an over-the-range oven including a body provided with a suction port and an exhaust port, an air blower unit causing air to be suctioned through the suction port and discharged through the exhaust port, and an air curtain unit movably installed at a lower portion of the body to generate an air curtain by discharging air. Since the air curtain unit is movable between a first position at which the air curtain unit is disposed close to the body and a second position at which the air curtain unit protrudes from the body, it may allow gas produced by a cooking apparatus disposed below the air curtain unit to be efficiently discharged.
US09989255B2
A method of turbulator fabrication is provided and includes additively disposing an elongate flexible member in tension onto a liner body, dispensing braze paste at an elongate flexible member-liner body interface and conducting a brazing process with respect to the braze paste to attach the elongate flexible member to the liner body.
US09989245B2
To provide a superheated steam treatment apparatus capable of efficiently treating an object by superheated steam containing a high concentration of hydroxyl radicals. The superheated steam treatment apparatus includes an induction heating unit 4 configured to generate superheated steam by induction heating saturated stream, a treatment chamber 5 configured to allow the superheated steam generated by the induction heating unit 4 to be introduced thereinto, and a discharge treatment unit 6 located in the treatment chamber 5 and configured to treat the introduced superheated steam by discharge. The discharge treatment unit 6 has a frame serving as a support for the discharge treatment unit, a discharge electrode located at an upper part of the frame, a mesh-like opposite electrode located below the discharge electrode, and a high-frequency power source configured to supply high-frequency, high-voltage power between the discharge electrode and the opposite electrode to cause the discharge, whereby an object immediately below the opposite electrode is allowed to be treated by the superheated steam having an increased hydroxyl radical concentration due to the discharge.
US09989242B1
An umbrella, comprising a support pole including an upend end and a lower end, a canopy connected to the upper end of the support pole, the canopy including a plurality of struts that support a waterproof material and transition the canopy between an expanded open position and a contracted closed position, an upper handle unit permanently attached to the lower end of the support pole, the upper handle unit including an upper battery compartment, a lower handle unit removably attached to the upper handle unit, the lower handle unit including a lower battery compartment, a plurality of fiber optic lights embedded within the plurality of struts wired directly to and powered by the upper battery compartment, and a flashlight within the lower handle unit wired directly to and powered by the lower battery compartment.
US09989237B2
A light source device includes a light emitting element adapted to emit exciting light; a fluorescent element having a phosphor and adapted to convert at least a portion of the exciting light emitted from the light emitting element into fluorescence and to reflect the fluorescence; and a common cooling member adapted to cool the light emitting element and the fluorescent element. The cooling member includes a first cooling surface coupled to the light emitting element for cooling the light emitting element, and a second cooling surface coupled to the fluorescent element for cooling the fluorescent element. The first cooling surface and the second cooling surface are placed in parallel with each other and are placed in such a way as to be oriented in the same direction.
US09989233B2
A rugged lighting assembly is provided. The assembly includes an array of light elements. Respective light elements are flexibly and electrically coupled to each adjacent light element. An overmold bottom casing assembly extends from beneath the array of light elements to a lower surface defined about a lens of the light element. An overmold top casing extends above the array of light elements and into engagement with the overmold bottom casing to form a housing that contains the array of light elements therein. A related method is also provided.
US09989214B2
A light emitting device wherein discoloration of a reflective layer in an optical component can be prevented and a stable optical output power can be maintained, and a method of manufacturing an optical component used in the light emitting device. The optical component includes a supporting member defining a through-hole, a reflective layer formed on an inner wall defining the through-hole, a protective layer formed on the reflective layer, and a light transmissive member having a light incident surface, a light emitting surface, and an outer circumference side-surface, and disposed in the through hole. The light transmissive member is fixed in the through-hole with a joining portion where the outer circumference side-surface and the protective layer are joined, and an end portion at the light emitting side of the joining portion is covered with a second protective layer disposed continuously on the protective layer and the light transmissive member.
US09989212B2
A device for providing light including: a housing; an array of a plurality of LED lights mounted to the housing, wherein, when active, each LED emits a highest intensity beam of light along a primary axis and emits a lower intensity beam of light along a secondary axis; a lens mounted to the housing, the lens including an optic element corresponding to each of the plurality of LED lights, each optic element intersected by the primary axis of the corresponding LED light; and a translucent edge-light diffusing layer located between two or more of the plurality of LED lights, the edge diffusing layer is not intersected by the primary axis and is intersected by the secondary axis of the LED lights.
US09989209B2
A light source module includes light source having a light emitting element, a stem configured to support the light emitting element, and a terminal, one end side of which is electrically connected to the light emitting element, a wiring portion to which the other end of the terminal is electrically connected and which is configured to electrically connect the terminal to an external power supply terminal, a connection portion configured to fix the wiring portion and the other end side of the terminal by a connection member, and a thermal diffusion member disposed between the stem and the connection portion and thermally connected to the light emitting element, the terminal has a bent portion which is deformed in accordance with dimensional change in at least one of the thermal diffusion member, the terminal, the wiring portion and the connection member.
US09989201B1
A lighting device includes a housing; a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) located on a first side of the housing; a plurality of switches for controlling the plurality of LEDs; and a controller operably coupled with the plurality of switches and configured to control operations of the plurality of LEDs in response to inputs received via the plurality of switches. Each of the plurality of switches is exposed through a corresponding hole formed at the housing, and a top surface of each of the plurality of switches is lower than a surface of the housing through which the plurality switches are exposed.
US09989196B2
The invention relates a LED lamp. The LED lamp includes: a sleeve; a female joint received in the sleeve; a pluggable connector rotatably connected to the sleeve; a LED tube connected to the pluggable connector; and a male joint received in the pluggable connector and engaging the female joint; wherein the pluggable connector is provided with a plurality of clips on an outer sidewall thereof extending towards the LED tube, the clip is provided with a protrusion, the sleeve defines an annular groove on an inner wall thereof, the protrusion is latched in the annular groove when the pluggable connector is inserted into the sleeve, thereby preventing the pluggable connector from disengaging from the sleeve.
US09989188B2
A wear-heat-resistant anti-bacterial anti-fouling steel wire framed pipe and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The steel wire framed pipe includes: an anti-bacterial anti-fouling inner layer, an enhancement layer and a wear-heat-resistant outer layer from inside to outside in turn, wherein: the anti-bacterial anti-fouling inner layer is made from antifouling and antibacterial composite modified polyethylene; the wear-heat-resistant outer layer is made from wear-resistant cross-linked modified PE-RT; the enhancement layer includes an interlayer and two steel wire gauze layers respectively coating on an inner surface and an outer surface of the interlayer, and the interlayer is respectively bonded with the anti-bacterial anti-fouling inner layer and the wear-heat-resistant outer layer via hot-melt adhesive. The steel wire framed pipe provided by the present invention has high structural strength, wear-resistance, heat-resistance, and anti-bacterial and anti-fouling properties.
US09989187B2
A strain reliever for a hollow tube is disclosed. The strain reliever has a fitting dimensioned to fit at a tube segment and a tapered sleeve extending from the fitting. The tapered sleeve is configured to surround the tube segment and to provide relief of strain imposed by forces exerted on the tube. Strain relievers having helical conic and slotted tapered sleeves are also described.
US09989181B2
A disconnect fitting adapted for use with a phase changing composition including a fitting base having a first fitting base end, a second fitting base end and a fitting base opening therebetween, a pin capture disposed within the fitting base opening, a displaceable pin secured within the pin capture, a fitting socket having a first fitting socket end, a second fitting socket end, a fitting socket opening therebetween, the second fitting socket end secured to the second fitting base end, and a valve at least partially disposed within the fitting socket opening. When the displaceable pin is in an unloaded condition, the displaceable pin extends in a direction of the second fitting base end, and when the displaceable pin is in a loaded condition, the displaceable pin is compressed in a direction of the first fitting base end. The pin capture permits passage of the phase changing composition through the fitting base opening when the displaceable pin is in the unloaded condition or the loaded condition. The disconnect fitting permits a secure connection of the fitting base and the fitting socket regardless of the state the material when the base and socket are disconnected.
US09989178B2
A quick connect coupling having a housing with a throughbore to receive a tube. A verifier is mounted to the housing which nests in the housing when the coupling is fluidly connected. Otherwise, the verifier protrudes outwardly from the housing to provide an indication that the coupling is not fully connected.
US09989175B2
An exemplary adapter configured as a transition between a fitting and a fluid system component. In one exemplary embodiment, the adapter is configured as a transition between a compression fitting and a fluid system component. The adapter comprises a body portion, a compression portion, and a flange portion. A first end of the body portion is inserted into a port of the compression fitting and the compression portion compresses a resilient seal against a sealing shoulder of the fitting. A nut of the compression fitting engages the flange portion of the adapter to connect the adapter to the compression fitting. A second end of the body portion is connected to a fluid system component. The adapter provides a fluid tight connection between the compression fitting and the fluid system component without using a gasket ring or a locking ring of the compression fitting.
US09989172B2
A pipe assembly that includes a hollow main pipe having a top, an open bottom and a divider extending longitudinally therethrough that divides the main pipe into first and second channels, a first branch pipe in flow communication with the first channel and extending from the main pipe, and a second branch pipe in flow communication with the second channel and extending from the main pipe.
US09989161B2
Reed valve modules and corresponding reed valve assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, the reed valve module includes a body having a single or a plurality of sealing faces, a seat and flow passages from the seat to the sealing face(s). The reed valve module also includes one or a plurality of petals. In some embodiments, the module further includes a petal guard. Novel reed valve assemblies are disclosed incorporating the reed valve modules. One embodiment of the reed valve assembly includes a seat with a plurality of fluid conduits, a retainer plate with a plurality of fluid conduits and a means for receiving recesses between the seat plate and retainer plate. Other devices, systems, and methods related to reed valve modules and valve assemblies are also disclosed.
US09989155B2
A connector link for use in an actuation system for a butterfly valve has a central web extending between two generally cylindrical ends. There are bores formed in each of two generally cylindrical ends and bushings extend axially upwardly from a nominal face at each of the ends. One of the ends has a bore formed at a radius defined as a first distance. A distance between center points of the bores in the first and second ends is defined as a second distance. The ratio of the second distance to the first distance is greater than or equal to 19.2772 and less than or equal to 19.4125. A valve and method are also disclosed.
US09989146B1
A continuously variable transmission, a control system, and a method are provided. The control system and method are configured to learn a desired running pressure to be applied to a clutch that is lower than a pulley clamping pressure and higher than a pressure at which the clutch would slip (a clutch critical pressure), so that the clutch can act as a fuse to avoid pulley slip. A plurality of clutch slip tests are performed, each of which include decreasing pressure supplied to the clutch until a clutch slip occurs. Clutch slip data points are collected at the point of slip and used to determine a gain and an offset, where the gain is a clutch pressure versus clutch torque capacity gain, and the offset is a clutch pressure offset, which is used to determine the clutch critical pressure.
US09989142B2
A linear actuator includes: a pinion shaft coaxially coupled to a motor shaft; a driven gear that is engaged with a pinion gear on the pinion shaft; a nut that rotates with the driven gear; a feed screw mechanism that converts rotation movement of the nut into linear movement of a rod; a coupling part allowing an outer peripheral surface of the motor shaft to be serration coupled to an inner peripheral surface of a vertical hole in the pinion shaft; and a pressurizing unit that generates a pressure that axially acts between e motor shaft and the pinion shaft in the coupling part.
US09989125B2
The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets.
US09989119B2
A piston-cylinder unit having a cylinder, the interior of the cylinder being divided into two working chambers by a displaceable piston, a piston rod being arranged at the piston and guided outward in a sealed manner through one of the working chambers. A first connection end is arranged at the end of the cylinder opposite the piston rod and a second connection end is arranged at the free end of the piston rod. The cylinder is enclosed by a first housing which is fastened by its one end region to the first connection end.
US09989107B2
A hydraulic fluid pressure operated torque transmitting assembly for use as a brake or clutch which utilizes hydraulic pressure operated cylinders in a housing moveable with respect to an axially stationary spring housing to move a pressure plate against rotating discs and reaction plates. Hydraulic fluid pressure disengages the torque transmission and loss of hydraulic pressure enables springs in the spring housing to move the pressure plate to engage the friction discs for torque transmission. Radially removable spacers permit the spring housing position on mounting studs to be adjusted for compensating for friction disc wear. The hydraulic cylinders each have a drain port communicating with an annular collector groove in the cylinder bore. The drain ports are interconnected through flexible conduits connected to a master drain port in the cylinder housing.
US09989106B2
The invention relates to a motor vehicle clutch release bearing device including a rolling bearing that forms a member for transmitting an axial force, having a rotating ring and a non-rotating ring, between which a rolling chamber for rolling elements is defined. The rotating ring provides a first radial portion intended to come into contact with an actuating member when a sufficient axial force is applied to the non-rotating ring by a member that is able to move in translation, and a second radial portion that is intended to bear against a spring, which exerts an axial force in the opposite direction to the axial force exerted by the member that is able to move in translation, dedicated to preloading the rolling bearing in an opposite direction to the actuating member.
US09989105B2
An electric actuator (32) for a clutch arrangement (26, 28, 52) of a motor vehicle (10) has an electric drive unit (40) for providing mechanical driving force, an electric control unit (38) that is connected to the electric drive unit (40) to control the drive unit (40), and a cooling element (42) that is connected thermally to electric components of the drive unit (40) and/or the control unit (38). The cooling element (42) is assigned a coolant line (44), through which a coolant can be conducted to dissipate heat from the electric components.
US09989099B2
A splined coupling comprises a radially inner shaft and a radially outer shaft having a cavity for receiving the inner shaft. First splines are provided on a radially outwardly facing surface of the inner shaft. Second splines are provided on a radially inwardly facing surface of the cavity of the outer shaft. The first splines are slidably engaged with the second splines. At least one biasing element, for example a diaphragm is arranged to act between the radially inner and radially outer shafts for locating the first splines in a desired axial position relative to the second splines and to provide a biasing force resisting the axial movement of the first splines relative to the second splines upon relative axial movement of the inner and outer shafts.
US09989085B2
A journal foil bearing includes a bearing retainer having one slot configured to receive a top foil leading edge tab and another slot configured to receive a top foil trailing edge tab. A backup support structure, integral to the bearing retainer, extends between and is at least partially defined by the slots. The retainer is configured so that, during operation, the trailing edge tab further contacts, at an increased contact pressure, the support structure at a position close to the friction force, thereby minimizing top foil bending stress and improving bearing strength.
US09989074B2
A mixing portion that is formed in an area from a refrigerant injection port of a nozzle portion to an inlet section of a diffuser portion in an internal space of a body portion of an ejector, that mixes an injection refrigerant injected from the refrigerant injection port and a suction refrigerant suctioned from a refrigerant suction port is provided. A distance from the refrigerant injection port to the inlet section in the mixing portion is determined such that a flow velocity of the refrigerant flowing into the inlet section of the diffuser portion becomes lower than or equal to a two-phase sound velocity. A shock wave that is generated at a time that a mixed refrigerant is shifted from a supersonic velocity state to a subsonic velocity state is generated in the mixing portion.
US09989068B2
A method for controlling an inlet-adjustment mechanism in an air inlet for a compressor so as to switch the mechanism in a binary fashion between two positions P1 and P2 for adjusting a flow area of the inlet. The method includes identifying a threshold line on a compressor map of pressure ratio versus corrected flow rate for the compressor. The threshold line is a line on which the pressure ratio and flow rate of the compressor are the same for the P1 and P2 positions of the inlet-adjustment mechanism at equal speeds. When the operating point of the compressor on the compressor map crosses the threshold line, the inlet-adjustment mechanism is switched from one of its binary positions to the other.
US09989067B2
Blower includes: scroll casing, centrifugal impeller and a motor. Scroll casing includes: recessed portion formed outside lateral plate concentrically with centrifugal impeller; inner-circumferential flat portion disposed more on an inner circumference than recessed portion; and outer-circumferential flat portion disposed more on an outer circumference than recessed portion. Bottommost surface of recessed portion is disposed on a same plane as lateral plate end surface of lateral plate. Angle θa made by inner-circumferential flat portion and recessed portion inner surface of recessed portion on an inner circumference is set to a value which falls within a range of 90° or more to 120° or less.
US09989063B2
A monitoring device for monitoring power consumption of a magnetic bearing vacuum pump rotatably driven by a motor and configured such that a rotor is magnetically levitated and supported by a magnetic bearing, comprises: a calculator configured to calculate the power consumption of the magnetic bearing vacuum pump, the power consumption of the magnetic bearing vacuum pump being obtained by adding power consumption of the motor based on a motor rotational speed and a motor current value and power consumption of the magnetic bearing together; and a display controller configured to display, on a display device, the power consumption of the magnetic bearing vacuum pump calculated by the calculator.
US09989058B2
An electric vehicle vacuum pump assembly includes a combination, a separate acoustic barrier casing configured to encase the combination in each of a radially-spaced relationship and an axially-spaced relationship, and an annular gastight attenuation assembly radially arranged between the separate acoustic barrier casing on a first side and the combination on a second side. The combination comprises a pump unit and a drive motor comprising a rotor space, a stator space, a ventilation inlet, and a ventilation outlet. The rotor space comprises a motor rotor, and the stator space comprises a motor stator. The separate acoustic barrier casing comprises an intake connection and a discharge connection. The ventilation inlet and the ventilation outlet of the drive motor are configured to provide a forced ventilation past the annular gastight attenuation assembly and through at least one of the rotor space and the stator space.
US09989055B2
A liquid pump in the present disclosure includes a pressure container, a shaft, a first bearing, a second bearing, a pump mechanism, and a thrust bearing. The internal space of the pressure container is partitioned into a high pressure side space and a low pressure side space. The shaft has a thrust supported face, one of both ends of the shaft is disposed in the high pressure side space, and the other of both ends of the shaft is disposed in the low pressure side space. The pump mechanism is disposed between the first bearing and the second bearing, and pumps liquid by rotation of the shaft. The thrust bearing is disposed to face the thrust supported face between the first bearing and the second bearing.
US09989039B2
A valve arrangement for an aerospace component includes an inlet, an outlet, and an actuator that can be actuated by a heating element. In a non-actuated state of the actuator, the valve is open to allow flow between the inlet and the outlet. The actuator is a single-use effect shape memory actuator that is compressed in the martensitic state along a longitudinal axis of the actuator and integrated into the valve arrangement. Through the activation of the heating element upon reaching a predetermined transformation temperature, the actuator undergoes a change in length, whereby it is gradually pressed against a seal seat that is embodied at the inlet or the outlet.
US09989035B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a wind turbine. The method includes: dividing a plurality of wind turbines into at least one group based on a similarity in status information of the plurality of wind turbines; in response to having detected a fault in a first wind turbine of the plurality of wind turbines, searching a group to which the first wind turbine belongs for a second wind turbine matching status information of the first wind turbine; and controlling the first wind turbine based on parameters from the second wind turbine.
US09989031B2
An engine automatic stop/restart device includes a ring gear which is linked to a crank shaft of the engine, a starter motor which is energized so as to be rotated, a pinion gear which transmits a rotation of the starter motor to the ring gear, and a pinion gear movement unit which is energized so as to move the pinion gear in a direction of the ring gear, whereby the pinion gear is engaged to the ring gear, in a state where the engine automatic stop/restart device automatically stops the engine when an engine automatic stop condition is established, and restarts the engine when an engine restart condition is established, and includes an inertially-rotating-restart-decision unit which permits or prohibits a restart of the engine, which is inertially rotating after the engine is automatically stopped, in accordance with a detection result of an oil temperature of the engine.
US09989029B2
A method for determining charge air mass flow rate comprises a turbocharger speed sensor with a closed loop observer that is based on a modeled turbocharger revolution rate. An open loop charge air mass flow rate is determined in a characteristic field stored in an engine controller and is corrected by the scaled difference between the measured and modeled turbocharger revolution rates. The corrected closed loop charge air mass flow is fed back to model the subsequent turbocharger revolution rate and to update the open loop charge air mass flow rate in the characteristic field.
US09989026B2
A fuel system including a high pressure fuel pump with a quite fuel metering valve is disclosed. In one example, the quite fuel metering valve may be driven via a rotating motor. The fuel system may reduce engine noise and may provide improved fuel pressure control.
US09989022B2
A fuel system includes a low-pressure fuel delivery unit; a high-pressure fuel delivery unit which has a drive region and a delivery region such that the drive region supplies fuel to the delivery region and such that the delivery region supplies fuel to a high-pressure fuel injector; a low-pressure fuel supply passage which supplies fuel from the low-pressure fuel delivery unit to the drive region of the high-pressure fuel delivery unit; a cooling passage which receives fuel from the drive region of the high-pressure fuel delivery unit; and a low-pressure fuel injector supply passage which is in direct fluid communication with the low-pressure fuel supply passage and which supplies fuel to a low-pressure fuel injector from the cooling passage.
US09989019B2
A fuel vapor recovery apparatus includes an adsorbent canister capable of capturing fuel vapor, a vapor passage connecting the adsorbent canister to a fuel tank. In addition, the apparatus includes an atmospheric air passage communicating the adsorbent canister with the atmosphere, a purge passage coupling the adsorbent canister to an intake pipe of an internal combustion engine, a purge pump configured to generate a gas flow from the adsorbent canister to the intake pipe through the purge passage, and a flow control valve provided at the purge passage downstream of the purge pump in a direction of the gas flow and configured to regulate the gas flow through the purge passage. Further, the apparatus includes a decompressor configured to decrease pressure upstream of the flow control valve when the pressure upstream of the flow control valve in the direction of the gas flow is higher than the atmospheric pressure.
US09989006B2
An electronic control unit detects a manner of fluctuation of a fuel pressure with injection of fuel by a fuel injection valve with the use of a fuel pressure sensor, and calculates a tendency of deviation of an actual fuel injection characteristic of the fuel injection valve with respect to a basic fuel injection characteristic on the basis of a result of comparison between a detected temporal waveform and a basic temporal waveform. The tendency of deviation is reflected at a predetermined reflection rate (R) at the time of updating a learned value (Gij) for compensating for an individual difference of the fuel injection valve. The predetermined reflection rate (R) is increased when an accumulated value (D) of a vehicle travel distance is shorter than a predetermined value (Dth) as compared with when the accumulated value (D) is longer than or equal to the predetermined value (Dth).
US09989002B2
Disclosed are a turbocharger for a combustion engine and a method of operating a turbocharger. The turbocharger may include a variably positionable flow restrictor for restricting flow in a turbocharger inlet of the turbocharger by an amount dependent on a flow restrictor position. The method may include determining an operating point variable of the combustion engine, controlling a first actuator to exert on the flow restrictor a first actuating force for varying the flow restrictor position depending on the operating point variable, determining a crank angle variable of the combustion engine, and controlling a second actuator to exert on the flow restrictor a second actuating force for varying the flow restrictor position depending on the crank angle variable.
US09988994B2
Methods and systems are provided for reducing torque transients experienced when a dedicated EGR cylinder is deactivated to reduce EGR. Before deactivating the dedicated cylinder, an intake throttle position and spark timing of remaining engine cylinders is adjusted to build-up torque reserve in anticipation of a negative torque transient at deactivation. Then, the throttle position or spark timing is adjusted to reduce torque when a positive torque transient is expected.
US09988976B2
A turbocharger assembly can include a shaft having a rotational axis where the shaft includes a turbine wheel that includes a hub portion; a bearing that includes an outer race, an inner race operatively coupled to the shaft, and rolling elements disposed between the inner race and the outer race where an inner radius of the outer race and an outer radius of the inner race define a radial gap; and a lubricant slinger disposed axially between the inner race and the hub portion of the turbine wheel where the lubricant slinger includes a surface that faces and slopes away from the radial gap.
US09988974B2
An exhaust gas turbocharger with a wastegate port configured to permit some exhaust gas flow to exit a turbine volute upstream of the turbine wheel and enter a bypass channel thereby bypassing the turbine wheel, a valve with a valve head dimensioned to seat on a valve seat and to move between a seated position and an open position, the bypass channel having a sidewall contoured to surround the valve head as the valve head moves between the seated position and the open position, he bypass channel sidewall shaped so that a throat area (At) area between the bypass channel sidewall and valve head gradually increases as the valve head moves between the seated and the open position, such the bypass flow is controlled by the throat area (At) and not the area between the valve head and the valve seat.
US09988971B2
An amount of air taken into an air leading type two-stroke engine is increased to enhance an engine output, and gas emission characteristic deterioration caused by blow-back is inhibited. An inhibition member 16 is disposed between a choke valve 4 in a full open position and a throttle valve 6 in a full open position. The inhibition member 16 includes, for example, a mesh member like a metal mesh. Mixed fuel containing oil is supplied to the air-fuel mixture channel 14. Numerous pores of the inhibition member 16 (mesh member) are occluded by a membrane of oil components of the mixed fuel. Consequently, entry of a blow-back flow of an air-fuel mixture from the air-fuel mixture channel 14 into the air channel 12 through the numerous pores of the flow inhibition member 16 (mesh member) can be inhibited.
US09988960B2
An estimated trapped amount (PM) that is an estimated value of an amount of particulate matter that is trapped in a particulate filter arranged in an engine exhaust passage is calculated based on an engine operating state, and PM removal control is performed when the estimated trapped amount exceeds an upper limit amount. Reference temperature increase control is performed to remove the particulate matter from the particulate filter, and an actual temperature that is the temperature of the particulate filter while the reference temperature increase control is being performed is detected. A reference temperature that is the temperature of the particulate filter when it is assumed that the reference temperature increase control has been performed when the amount of particulate matter trapped in the particulate filter is a reference initial trapped amount is stored in advance. The estimated trapped amount is corrected based on the actual temperature and the reference temperature.
US09988958B2
The present disclosure provides a gas turbine combustor including a combustion structure (10) having a combustor liner (14) and a flow sleeve (12). The combustor liner (14) includes inner and outer surfaces (31, 30) and defines a combustion zone (15). The gas turbine combustor further includes a plurality of hollow airfoil-shaped structures (22) affixed to the combustor liner (14) and extending radially outwardly into an airflow space (18) defined radially between the flow sleeve (12) and the combustor liner (14). Each hollow structure (22) includes at least one metering tube (26) providing acoustic communication between the combustion zone (15) and the hollow structure (22). The metering tubes (26) are detachably coupled to the combustor liner (14) for permitting interchanging of the metering tube (26) with at least one additional metering tube having at least one different dimension to effect a change in an acoustic characteristic of the hollow structure (22).
US09988956B2
An oil circulation system and method for continuously purifying engine oil including an engine operably connected to an oil reservoir, wherein at least one stream of oil is conveyed from the oil reservoir to the engine via a conduit, and circulated through the engine and conduit via engine operating pressure and/or one or more pumps, and at least one membrane unit positioned in a path of the oil stream such that oil containing dissolved/emulsified droplets of water is fed continuously through the membrane unit. A cross flow hollow fiber module adapted to be positioned in a system for continuously purifying engine oil, the hollow fiber module having a central feed distributor tube, hollow fiber membranes positioned around the central feed distributor tube, end caps with ports for receiving and emitting a flow of sweep air, and optionally a shell casing, wherein the central feed distributor tube includes openings sized and positioned to allow oil to flowing into the feed distributor tube to flow out radially.
US09988954B2
Methods and systems are provided for filtering an oil dilution amount based on a current value of the oil dilution amount. In one example, filtering the oil dilution amount may include decreasing a sensitivity of filtering at lower oil dilution below a threshold; otherwise, increasing the sensitivity of filtering. The sensitivity of the filtering may be decreased by implementing a larger time constant, while the sensitivity of the filtering may be increased by implementing a smaller time constant.
US09988952B2
A combustion engine includes a cylinder head including a controllable engine valve configured to open/close a combustion chamber in the combustion engine, a valve actuator operatively connected with and configured to displace the engine valve, and a closed pressure fluid circuit, wherein the valve actuator is arranged in the closed pressure fluid circuit. The combustion engine includes a cylinder head chamber that is included in the closed pressure fluid circuit and that is delimited by the cylinder head and a cylinder head mantle, by the valve actuator including a pneumatic pressure fluid circuit with an outlet opening that is in fluid communication with the cylinder head chamber, and by the cylinder head chamber including a hydraulic liquid drainage valve, wherein a drainage conduit stretches from the hydraulic liquid drainage valve to a hydraulic liquid vessel of the combustion engine for draining hydraulic liquid accumulated in the cylinder head chamber.
US09988951B2
The invention relates to a valve guide manufactured by a powder-metallurgical process for combustion engines, said guide comprising a central section, a cam-side end piece, and a duct-side end piece, wherein the central section consists of a first material and the duct-side end piece of a second material, with the second material having a hardness in excess of 70 HRB and the first material having a hardness that is by at least 10 HRB lower than that of the second material.
US09988931B2
A system and method to minimize flow induced vibration in a gas turbine exhaust is provided. The system includes a turbine exhaust manifold connected to a turbine exhaust cylinder establishing a fluid flow path, the fluid flow path bounded radially outward by an outer cylindrical surface and bounded radially inward by an inner cylindrical surface. At least one tangential strut is arranged between the outer cylindrical surface and the inner cylindrical surface. A first flap is arranged diagonally between the tangential strut and the outer cylindrical surface or the inner cylindrical surface where the first flap minimizes vortex shedding of the fluid flow from the tangential strut.
US09988926B2
An exemplary variable vane actuation system includes, among other things, a vane arm with a vane stem contact surface and a radially outward facing surface. The vane stem contact surface is to contact a vane stem of a variable vane and thereby actuate the variable vane about a radially extending axis. The vane stem contact surface is angled relative to both the radially extending axis and the radially outward facing surface.
US09988925B2
A laser measurement system for detecting at least one locked blade assembly in a gas turbine. The system includes at least one laser device for emitting a laser beam that impinges on a blade surface of each blade in a row of blade assemblies. The laser beam is also transmitted through a space between adjacent blades to impinge on corresponding internal surfaces of the gas turbine. Further, the system includes a photon detector for detecting a first time period in which first laser energy is reflected from each blade surface and a second time period in which second laser energy is reflected from each internal surface and transmitted through each space. The system also includes a controller for detecting a change in at least one second time period to indicate that a distance between consecutive blades has changed and that at least one locked blade assembly is locked.
US09988921B2
The present disclosure relates to sealing systems for gas turbine engines. In one embodiment, a circumferential seal for a gas turbine engine includes a first beam, a second beam, a seal shoe and at least one feature between the first beam and second beam configured to retain a beam spacer, wherein the at least one feature is configured to dampen at least one of beam and shoe vibration of the circumferential seal. Another embodiment is directed to a circumferential seal including a beam spacer.
US09988920B2
A fan section for a gas turbine engine is provided. The fan section having a fan hub with a slot and a fan blade with an airfoil extending from a root to a tip, the airfoil having a leading edge and the root is received in the slot, wherein a first platform is secured to the fan hub and arranged between adjacent fan blades of the fan section, the first platform having a first platform seal including a platform seal leading edge and a base is secured to a side of the first platform and a first winglet extends from the platform seal leading edge and contacts the airfoil leading edge.
US09988918B2
An airfoil assembly for a turbine engine, comprising at least one airfoil having a leading edge and a trailing edge, a band having an inner side and an outer side and rigidly coupled to the at least one airfoil along a portion of an interface between the band and the at least one airfoil for providing at least a portion of support for the at least one airfoil, a relief located in the band at the leading edge or the trailing edge of the at least one airfoil and defining a stress relief gap between the band and the leading edge or trailing edge and a closure preventing airflow through the relief.
US09988916B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cooling structure for a stationary blade, including: an endwall coupled to a radial end of an airfoil; a chamber positioned within the endwall and radially displaced from a radially outer end of the trailing edge of the airfoil, wherein the chamber includes a pair of opposing chamber walls, one of the pair of opposing chamber walls being positioned proximal to the pressure side surface of the airfoil and the other of the pair of opposing chamber walls being positioned proximal to the suction side surface and the trailing edge of the airfoil, and wherein the cooling fluid in the chamber is in thermal communication with least a portion of the endwall positioned proximal to the pressure side surface and the trailing edge of the airfoil; and a plurality of thermally conductive fixtures positioned within the chamber.
US09988911B2
A gas turbine engine component includes a wall that provides exterior and interior surfaces. The interior surface faces an internal cooling passage of the gas turbine engine component. An aperture extends through the wall and interconnects the interior and exterior surfaces to one another and is configured to provide a cooling fluid from the cooling passage to the exterior surface. The aperture has first and second outlet holes overlapping one another at an intersection to provide opposing sharp corners at the intersection.
US09988909B2
A turbocharger including a wheel having suction surfaces and hub surfaces contoured to reduce secondary flow. The suction surfaces are radially contoured with a sinusoidal component, and further have a chamfered edge at the shroud edge. The hub end-walls are contoured both streamwise and cross-stream with sinusoidal components.
US09988902B2
Methods for determining the quality of data gathered in a wellbore in a subterranean formation including (a) collecting a formation fluid sample in the wellbore in the subterranean formation using a formation tester for receiving the formation fluid, wherein the formation tester is lowered to at least one depth in the wellbore in the subterranean formation by a conveyor; (b) acquiring a wellbore measurement (“WM”) from the least one depth with the formation tester; (c) determining from the WM a measured quality value (“MQV”); (d) assigning a threshold value (“TV”) to the MQV; (e) assigning a range value (“RV”) to the MQV, based on geometric scaling of the TV, the RV defining the limits of the MQV above and below the TV; and (f) calculating a score value (“SV”) based on the MQV, the TV, and the RV, wherein the SV is a number between 0 and 2*TV, and wherein the quality of the WM increases as the SV increases.
US09988894B1
System and method for installing a power line in a well. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are a powered device engaged with a power line connectable to a power supply by a power connector, and a sensor coupled to the power connector and communicatively coupled to the power line, the sensor is configured to provide data indicative of the environment in the vicinity of the power connector during installation of the power line.
US09988889B2
A tunable pneumatic fracturing system and process useable in some instances to extract oil and gas. Some embodiments provide a pneumatic fracturing tool with an elongated body that (a) contains (i) a propellant supply source intermediate opposed propellant gas discharge assemblies, (ii) a control system, and (iii) a communications port, and (b) has roller assemblies at opposed ends of the body. The tool can be tuned to provide gas pulse amplitudes and frequencies that react with the resonant frequency or other aspect of an adjacent earth formation. Some tool embodiments can variably sweep a rock formation and adjust the pressure pulse amplitude and frequency to disrupt the formation in a more productive manner. Some tools can penetrate vertical bore wells as well non-vertical bore wells. In some systems, the tool is transported and operated by a control truck and can be commanded to download operational data during or after use.
US09988883B2
A wellbore screen for screening particulates in wellbore fluid comprising: a base pipe having an inner bore; and a screen section disposed in a section of the base pipe, the screen section comprising (i) an outer jacket having an inner facing surface and apertures extending through the outer jacket, (ii) an inner wall having an outer surface, an inner surface and a port extending through the inner wall from the inner surface to the outer surface, (iii) an annulus formed between the inner facing surface of the outer jacket and the outer surface of the inner wall, (iv) a filter medium for the apertures of the outer jacket; and (v) a filter disc disposed in the port of the inner wall, wherein wellbore fluid flows from outside the base pipe into the inner bore through the apertures, the filter medium, the annulus, and the filter disc.
US09988876B2
A valve assembly can include a generally tubular housing, a mandrel reciprocably disposed in the housing and operative to displace a valve closure in response to relative displacement between the mandrel and the housing, an engagement device reciprocably disposed externally on the housing and secured relative to the mandrel, so that the mandrel displaces with the engagement device, and a biasing device that biases the mandrel and engagement device in a selected longitudinal direction. A system can include a tubular string and a valve assembly reciprocably disposed in the tubular string, the valve assembly including a valve that selectively restricts flow through a longitudinal passage. The valve closes in response to displacement of the valve assembly in a selected longitudinal direction relative to the tubular string, and the valve opens in response to displacement of the valve assembly in the same longitudinal direction relative to the tubular string.
US09988874B2
An apparatus, device or system according to one or more aspects includes a first-type diamond semiconductor moveably positioned relative to a second-type diamond semi-conductor, the first-type diamond semiconductor operationally connected to a tool element, the first-type diamond semiconductor moving relative to the second type diamond semiconductor in response to movement of the tool element, and an electrical signal created in response to the first-type and the second-type diamond semi-conductors moving in and out of contact with one another, where the electrical signal or electrical signals are indicative of a monitored condition.
US09988872B2
A wellbore completion method comprising disposing a pressure relief-assisted packer comprising two packer elements within an axial flow bore of a first tubular string disposed within a wellbore so as to define an annular space between the pressure relief-assisted packer and the first tubular string, and setting the pressure relief-assisted packer such that a portion of the annular space between the two packer elements comes into fluid communication with a pressure relief volume during the setting of the pressure relief-assisted packer.
US09988869B2
A method for jarring allowing the operator to selectively control the jarring force while the tool is downhole and a powered bidirectional mechanical jar therefor, is disclosed. The jar includes a housing, an anvil fixed within the interior the housing, first and second hammers movably disposed within the housing at obverse sides of the anvil, first and second springs disposed to urge the hammers towards the anvil, and a rod with a radial catch that selectively engages and disengages the hammers so as move the hammers to compress the springs and thereafter release the hammers to be accelerated against the anvil. A actuator operates the catch. By controlling the movement of the rod, the spring compression and resultant jarring intensity can be controlled. A stroker tool may be provided to move the rod.
US09988868B2
A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.
US09988854B2
A method of manufacturing a roller cone for a drill bit includes: selectively carburizing a land of the roller cone between a plurality of spots on the land for protection against erosion; after carburization, forming sockets in the roller cone at the spots; and mounting cermet inserts in the sockets.
US09988851B2
A method and system for a hole opener are provided. The hole opener includes a shaft including a plurality of axial slots formed in an outer periphery and spaced circumferentially about the shaft, a plate coupled to the outer periphery between each pair of slots, the plate including fastening wings that extend radially outwardly from each circumferential end of the plate, and a blade extending radially outwardly from a respective one of the plurality of axial slots between a fastening wing of each of adjacent plates, the blade coupled to each fastening wing.
US09988849B2
Wellbore tools may use carbon nanoforests to reduce the access of abrasive particles to compressible sealing elements of joints of the wellbore tool. In some instances, a wellbore tool may include a joint comprising two elements having opposing mating surfaces that define a gap; a compressible sealing element arranged between the opposing mating surfaces and configured to seal a portion of the gap, thereby defining a sealed segment and an unsealed segment of the gap; and at least one carbon nanoforest disposed within at least a portion of the unsealed segment and coupled to at least one of the opposing mating surfaces.
US09988845B2
A vibrating soil is provided for locating one or more underground utility conduits. The vibrating soil probe includes a handle, an elongate rigid probe body attached to the handle at a proximal end of the probe body, a probe head attached to a distal end of the probe body, a drive shaft attached to a motor at a first end of the drive shaft, the driveshaft disposed within the elongate rigid probe body, and a vibration mechanism disposed within the probe head, the vibration mechanism attached to a second end of the drive shaft. The vibration mechanism induces a vibration in the probe head of the soil probe to enable the probe head to penetrate the soil.
US09988843B2
The present invention relates to a impact body for a hydraulic impact device and, more specifically, to a impact body for a hydraulic impact device which is capable of remarkably reducing production costs by inserting a cylinder liner having a flow path into an inner wall of a body, adjusting an impact interval and an impact strength according to the properties of a material to be crushed by adjusting an impact distance of a piston, minimizing the loss of a fluid in a pipe by forming a cylindrical flow path between the body and the cylinder liner, and remarkably improving performance by employing a circular valve to shorten the flow path whereby reduction of pressure is minimized.
US09988841B2
A system to reduce drafts in front of a window is described. The system includes a window covering and a motor and gearbox that adjust the window covering. The system also includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a microcontroller networked to the motor and temperature sensors. The first temperature sensor is positioned above the window covering within a thermal convection zone of a window associated with the window covering, and the second temperature sensor is positioned below the window covering within the thermal convection zone. The microcontroller instructs the motor to adjust the window covering based on a temperature gradient from the first temperature sensor to the second temperature sensor.
US09988840B2
A flexible yet durable roll-down curtain is normally stored in a rolled condition, and is unrolled during use. The curtain includes plural, vertically spaced apart rods extending through a width of the curtain. When rolled, the curtain wraps around an elongate, spring-loaded mandrel assembly. The mandrel assembly couples with a pair of mounting brackets mounted at opposing sidewalls of a temperature-controlled compartment. A pair of locking brackets disposed directly opposite one another at opposing sidewalls engage opposing ends of a rod extending through the curtain, to retain the curtain in a deployed position. A flexible side seal provides a sealing engagement vertically along each side edge of the curtain. When deployed, the curtain extends from ceiling to floor, and from sidewall to sidewall, forming a barrier against uncontrolled air movement from a space on either side of the curtain to a space on an opposing side of the curtain.
US09988826B1
An animal door system includes a door forming a body having: a front surface; a back surface; a first side; and a second side. The system further includes a plurality of hinges secured to the second side; a handle extending through a thickness of the body and configured to manipulate a latch extending through the first side of the body; a latch blocker secured over the latch and rigidly attached to the first side of the body; an animal interface rigidly secured to the first side of the body and configured to protrude relative to the front surface of the body; and an adjustable door return device secured to the back surface of the body of the door, the adjustable door return device is configured to return the door to a closed position.
US09988824B2
The invention provides means, methods, and devices for suspending persons and goods above the ground while outdoors. Particularly, the invention provides a treepod assembly having a tent and a suspension element, capable of securely supporting at least one occupant while suspended above the ground from a tree or other elevated structure. In some embodiments, the treepod assembly may further include a rigid frame for additional support. Certain embodiments include an inflatable pocket that protects occupants and items inside the tent from injury or damage in case of a fall and impact with the ground.
US09988822B2
The invention relates to a device comprising a first part (1) provided with a base (11) and a rod (12) having an opening or recess (13) for the engagement of an actuation tool (3), a second part (2) provided with a through-opening (21) for mounting on the rod (12) of the first part (1) and a surface for supporting the tool (3), as well as a tool (3) of the second part (2) along the rod (12) of the first part (1). The tool (3) comprises: a first arm (31) and a second arm (32) hinged on an intermediate shaft (33), having respective ends (31a, 32a) for acting on the first part (1) and the second part (2), and respective handles (31b and 32b); a mechanism (4) for positioning and regulating the rotational relative movement of the arms (31, 32).
US09988821B2
A floor panel (10, 100) with an average density of between 1.5 and 2.5 g/cm3 and a mass per unit area (EN ISO 23997) of between 3.5 and 8 kg/m2, includes at least one soft elastic core layer (12) made from a PU material and a non-slip backing (22) having an embossing, with the lateral edges of the floor panel (10, 100) being contrived such that two adjacently installed floor panels (10, 100) abut against each other along their lateral edges in a non-locking manner.
US09988818B1
A rooftop rainwater drainage assembly that is at least partially concealed from view from an exterior of a dwelling. In particular, the rooftop drainage assembly can include an opening spout secured to a roof deck region of a dwelling, and an elongated downspout having a first region disposed between an exterior wall and an interior wall of the dwelling and secured to the opening spout, thereby at least partially concealing the downspout from view from both the interior wall and exterior wall of the dwelling.
US09988814B2
A facade structure comprises a load-bearing underground, an insulating layer fastened to the load-bearing underground, said insulating layer being made of dimensionally-stable insulating panels with flat and supporting outer surfaces, and a tile covering which forms the outer skin of the facade structure and which comprises a plurality of tile elements fastened to the insulating layer by way of an adhesive, wherein the adhesive is designed to be elastic and is applied to the tile elements and/or the insulating layer in point or row-like fashion, and that spacers are disposed between the tile elements and the insulating layer, said spacers defining hollow interconnected spaces between the individual tile elements and the insulating layer.
US09988807B2
The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to a drilling rig with a self-elevating drill floor. The drilling rig may have one or more jacking systems that may operate to raise the drill floor. The one or more jacking systems may raise the drill floor to a height sufficient to accommodate a substructure such as a substructure box. A substructure box may be placed, and the one or more jacking systems may lower the drill floor onto the substructure box. Substructure boxes may be placed beneath the drill floor, using the one or more jacking systems, until a desired drill floor height is reached. In some embodiments, the one or more jacking systems may additionally operate to move the drilling rig, for example between adjacent wells on a pad drilling site. The jacking systems may operate the move the drilling rig using walking feet or another movement mechanism.
US09988801B2
Embodiments of the disclosure provide systems and methods for improved removability and ease of maintenance for one or more components of the vacuum toilet system. They can be particularly useful on-board aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles. Specific embodiments relate to a rinse valve bracket and connection system, a rinse ring tie down, and various improved connection systems.
US09988800B2
The invention relates to a waste fitting including a waste pan means into which waste can flow, at least one part of the waste pan means allowing visual inspection therethrough. During installation, an opening of the waste outlet can be located by visual inspection through the or each at least one part of the waste pan means, enabling a suitable position to be determined for forming and or positioning of at least one aperture in the waste pan means. The at least one aperture is formed such that, in use, waste that flows into the waste pan means can exit through the or each at least one aperture towards the opening in the waste outlet. The invention also relates to a method of installing a waste fitting.
US09988793B2
An actuator assembly having an end guide with a first end and a second end, the end guide defining an axis passing through the first and second end, a rod having an outer surface, the rod being movable along the axis through the end guide, a wiper disposed outwardly of the rod and within the end guide, a scraper disposed outwardly of the rod and within the end guide and spaced axially from the wiper towards the second end, a cavity defined between the wiper, the scraper, the outer surface of the rod, and the end guide, and an orifice defined in the end guide between the wiper and the scraper, the orifice defining a flow path for a lubricating fluid to flow into the cavity, wherein, the wiper and the scraper are disposed in contact with the outer surface of the rod for removing debris therefrom.
US09988790B2
A working machine includes a machine body including a motor room, a motor mounted on the machine body and housed in the motor room, a fan arranged above the motor, the fan being to generate an air flow downward, a radiator arranged above the fan, an oil cooler arranged above the fan, and a shroud disposed around the fan. The shroud includes an opening rim portion forming an air inlet to take air from the motor room.
US09988787B1
A system configured to be mounted to a vehicle including an implement. The system may be configured to determine positions, coordinates, rotation angles (pitch, roll, and yaw), and slopes that may be utilized for autonomous control of the vehicle and the implement. In some cases, the sensor system may include a combination of one or more global positioning sensors mounted on top of a vehicle cab, at least one measurement unit mounted on the implement, and/or additional measurement units mounted on the vehicle body to collect data associated with the movement of the vehicle and implement.
US09988784B2
A method and apparatus for rapidly constructing a structural pier comprising the steps of placing into a soil under a structure to be supported a casing having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, positioning an injection tube into the inner diameter of the casing, and injecting an expansive material into the casing. Optional perforations in the casing allow some of the expansive material to be ejected from the casing into the surrounding soil to create fingers or branches for the purpose of adding friction to the structural pier.
US09988783B2
Example embodiments relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for securing an offshore platform to a bottom of a body of water comprising a shear assembly and a sleeve assembly. The shear assembly is operable to secure to the offshore platform at a first end and having a first connector portion at a second end. The sleeve assembly comprises a sleeve body forming an interior opening, the interior opening operable to receive at least a pile. The sleeve assembly further comprises a second connector portion secured to the sleeve body, the second connector portion securable to and un-securable from the first connector portion of the shear assembly.
US09988779B2
An unmanned mobile device for treating a snow covered surface having transport means adapted to the movement on snow and/or ice is disclosed. The device has compressing means of the snow for exerting a compression force on the snow in order to increase the specific weight thereof and/or varying means of the temperature of the surface of the snow.
US09988776B2
Wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays and method thereof. For example, a wind screen for one or more photovoltaic arrays includes a screen foundation including a concrete block, and one or more perforation blocks on the concrete block. In another example, the wind screen is configured to cover at least a first side of each array of the one or more photovoltaic arrays.
US09988770B1
A vibratory plate compactor. The vibratory plate compactor may comprise a base plate configured to vibrate and compact a work surface, and an upper yoke having at least one leg disposed above and facing the base plate. The vibratory plate compactor may further comprise an impact wear plate affixed to the bottom surface of the at least one leg. The impact wear plate may be unattached to the base plate, and may be at least partially formed from a non-metallic material.
US09988767B2
An apparatus for forming blanks from fibrous material is disclosed. The apparatus includes a die having a molding surface and perforations through molding surface and a body of the die; a molding screen; and a vacuum mechanism positioning fibrous material onto the molding surface and extracting water away from the fibrous material.
US09988754B2
A laundry treating appliance comprising a dispensing assembly which can identify laundry treating chemistry filled in a loading cup by way of a material sensor, and supplying said laundry treating chemistry to a proper corresponding bulk reservoir.
US09988748B2
The present invention provides a device (1) for locking and unlocking an elongate tubular element (2), the device comprising: a. A braided or knitted tubular locking sleeve (3) that has a first end (3a) and a second end (3b), and that has an inlet orifice (4) for allowing said elongate tubular element (2) into it, and an outlet orifice (5) for allowing said elongate tubular element (2) out of it; b. Fastener means (6) for fastening said locking sleeve (3) to a support (7); and c. Tensioner means (8) for tensioning said locking sleeve (3) along a substantially rectilinear path (L) making it possible to lock said elongate tubular element (2) inside said locking sleeve (3) between said inlet orifice (4) and said outlet orifice (5), said tensioner means (8) being deactivatable manually, and/or by using deactivation means (9), for unlocking said elongate tubular element (2) to enable it to slide inside the internal volume of the locking sleeve (3) and through said inlet orifice (4) and said outlet orifice (5).
US09988743B2
The invention relates to flame-retardant cellulosic man-made fibers containing a flame-retardant substance in the form of an oxidized condensate of a tetrakis hydroxyalkyl phosphonium salt with ammonia and/or a nitrogenous compound which contains one or several amine groups whereby the fiber has a tenacity of more than 18 cN/tex in a conditioned state. Production process and the use of the fibers according to the invention are further objects of the invention.
US09988739B2
Silicon single crystals are pulled from a melt in a crucible, the single crystal surrounded by a heat shield, the lower end of which is a distance h from the melt surface, wherein gas flows downward between the single crystal and the heat shield, outward between the lower end of the heat shield and the melt, and then upward in the region outside the heat shield. The internal diameter of the heat shield at its lower end is 55 mm or more than the diameter of the single crystal, and the radial width of the heat shield at its lower end is not more than 20% of the diameter of the single crystal. Highly doped single crystals pulled accordingly have a void concentration ≤50 m−3.
US09988737B2
An epitaxial diamond layer and a method for the production thereof can be provided that comprises the following steps: providing a substrate; depositing a metal layer on at least a subarea of the substrate, wherein the metal layer contains, or consists of, at least one period 4, 5 or 6 metal having a melting point of greater than or equal to 1200 K; and depositing a diamond layer on at least a subarea of the metal layer; wherein at least one intermediate layer is deposited between the metal layer and the diamond layer and has a higher lattice constant than undoped crystalline diamond and a lower hardness than undoped crystalline diamond.
US09988736B2
A method for growing a silicon single crystal includes determining a diameter to give the maximum value of a ratio of an equivalent stress and a critical resolved shear stress in a tail portion on the occasion of the gradual cooling of the silicon single crystal in an after-heating step, in advance; wherein, the tail portion is grown in the tail forming step under a condition that an interstitial oxygen concentration at a position of the determined diameter is 8.8×1017 atoms/cm3 (ASTM '79) or more. This method for growing a silicon single crystal by a CZ method can efficiently grow a heavy weight and large-diameter silicon single crystal while suppressing a generation of slip dislocations in the tail portion of the silicon single crystal in the after-heating step to gradually cool the crystal after finishing the tail forming step.
US09988733B2
An apparatus for electroplating metal on a semiconductor substrate with improved azimuthal uniformity includes in one aspect: a plating chamber configured to contain an electrolyte and an anode; a substrate holder configured to hold the semiconductor substrate; an ionically resistive ionically permeable element (“the element”) configured to be positioned proximate the substrate; and a shield configured for providing azimuthally asymmetrical shielding and positioned between the substrate holder and the element such that the closest distance between the substrate-facing surface of the shield and the working surface of the substrate is less than 2 mm. In some embodiments there is an electrolyte-filled gap between the substrate-facing surface of the element and the shield during electroplating. The substrate-facing surface of the shield may be contoured such that the distance from different positions of the shield to the substrate is varied.
US09988726B1
Extracts of Matricaria aurea flowers are shown to exhibit anticorrosive activity when used with mild steel in acidic media. A process is shown for obtaining such anticorrosive extracts from the flowers of M. aurea. In particular, certain methanolic, aqueous methanolic and water extracts, as well as ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions, of M. aurea flowers are shown to demonstrate particular anticorrosive activity when used with mild steel in acidic media. An isolated flavonoid compound from M. aurea flowers, designated as apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, is particularly useful for anticorrosive activity when used with mild steel in acidic media.
US09988712B2
A device for holding at least one substrate in a process chamber of a CVD or PVD reactor includes a flat upper side on which at least one bearing area for the at least one substrate is located. An outline contour line corresponding to the outline contour of the substrate is flanked by positioning edges for positioning a respective section of an edge of the substrate. The device further includes carrying protrusions projecting from a bearing area base surface of the bearing area that is surrounded by the outline contour line. The carrying protrusions have contact surfaces that are raised in relation to the bearing area base surface, on which contact surfaces the substrate can be placed. In order to improve the temperature homogeneity of the surface of the substrate, each of the carrying protrusions originate from a recess of the bearing area base surface.
US09988709B2
A sintered compact magnesium oxide target for sputtering having a purity of 99.99 wt % or higher excluding C, a density of 3.57 g/cm3 or higher, and a whiteness of 60% or less. In order to uniformly deposit a magnesium oxide film, a magnesium oxide target having a higher purity and a higher density is being demanded. An object of this invention is to provide a target capable of realizing the above, and a method for producing such a target. While a magnesium oxide sintered compact sputtering target is produced by hot-pressing a raw material powder, there is a problem in that color shading occurs in roughly φ60 (within a circle having a diameter of 60 mm) at the center part of the target. Conventionally, no particularly attention was given to this problem. However, in recent years, it has become necessary to investigate and resolve this problem in order to improve the deposition quality.
US09988707B2
A method of manufacturing indium tin oxide includes sputtering indium and tin from a target onto a substrate, the sputtering including moving the target along a path over the substrate. The indium tin oxide may have a sheet resistance less than 0.5 Ω/□. An indium film includes: a first moving target sputtered indium tin oxide layer; a second moving target sputtered indium tin oxide layer on the first moving target sputtered indium tin oxide layer; and a third moving target sputtered indium tin oxide layer on the second moving target sputtered indium tin oxide layer. A transparency includes the indium tin oxide, and a flying vehicle includes the transparency.
US09988700B2
The present invention provides a high-strength steel sheet excellent in shape fixability. The high-strength steel sheet contains C, Si, Mn, P, S, Al, N, and O with predetermined contents, in which a retained austenite phase of 5 to 20% in volume fraction is contained, an amount of solid-solution C contained in the retained austenite phase is 0.80 to 1.00% in mass %, WSiγ is 1.10 times or more WSi*, WMnγ is 1.10 times or more WMn*, and when a frequency distribution is measured with respect to a sum of a ratio between WSi and WSi* and a ratio between WAl and WAl*, a mode value of the frequency distribution is 1.95 to 2.05, and a kurtosis is 2.00 or more.
US09988690B2
Described herein are compositions and methods for the prediction of the prognosis of ovarian cancer subjects. The present invention further provides methods for distinguishing between histological subtypes of ovarian cancer tumors, and also methods and compositions for the treatment or prevention of ovarian cancer. Specifically the invention relates to microRNA molecules associated with said methods and compositions, as well as various nucleic acid molecules relating thereto or derived therefrom.
US09988689B2
Provided herein are methods for miRNA profiling for the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of melanoma and differentiation of melanoma from nevi.
US09988685B2
Methods and kits for diagnosing, prognosticating risk of, and selecting and/or administering a therapy for breast cancer based upon detection of methylated glucocorticoid receptor gene or measurement of glucocorticoid receptor and BRCA1 gene expression levels are provided.
US09988684B2
Described are embodiments related to gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NEN) biomarkers and agents, systems, and kits for detecting the same, and associated GEP-NEN diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive methods and uses thereof, such as detection, prediction, staging, profiling, classification, and monitoring treatment efficacy and other outcomes.
US09988682B2
The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing bone loss rate, particularly in the field of bone anchored implants. The present patent provides with a method that comprises the steps of: a) quantifying the expression level of one or more markers or ratio thereof related to the activity of osteoclasts and/or osteoblasts in an ex vivo sample; and b) determining the bone loss rate as a function of ongoing loss of marginal bone level by interpolating the value obtained in step a) in one or more calibration curves. The invention also relates to a kit for performing said method.
US09988676B2
A microfluidic cartridge can include at least one nucleic acid analysis portion. Each nucleic acid analysis portion can include a fluidic network being configured for micro-liter volumes or less, a sample input at the beginning of the fluidic network, a plurality of vent ports and fluidic channels in the fluidic network configured to effectuate hydrodynamic movement within the fluidic network, an extraction mixture reservoir in the fluidic network, a mixing chamber in the fluidic network, an amplification chamber in the fluidic network, and a separation channel in the fluidic network. A nucleic acid analyzer can be capable of performing nucleic acid analysis using the microfluidic cartridge. A nucleic acid analysis method can be performed using the microfluidic cartridge.
US09988673B2
A method for producing a nucleic acid molecule from a template nucleic acid sequence and a linking unit attached to a primer, which method comprises a step of contacting the template nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase under conditions which allow the nucleic acid polymerase to produce the nucleic acid molecule from the primer based on the template nucleic acid sequence, wherein the linking unit is attached to a target site in the template nucleic acid sequence with a covalent linkage.
US09988664B2
A bioparticle collection device and an aerosol collection system. The bioparticle collection device includes a collection medium including a plurality of fibers formed into a fiber mat and configured to collect bioparticles thereon, and includes a viability enhancing material provider disposed in a vicinity of the plurality of fibers and configured to provide a viability enhancing material to the collected bioparticles to maintain viability of the bioparticles collected by the fiber mat. The aerosol collection system includes an aerosol pumping device configured to entrain particles in an gas stream, an aerosol saturation device configured to saturate the particles in the gas stream with a biocompatible liquid, and an aerosol collection medium downstream from the aerosol saturation device and including a plurality of fibers formed into a fiber mat for collection of the saturated aerosol particles.
US09988663B2
Provided is a device for collecting biological material from a microbe, the device including: a collection container that is used to collect a microbe from a liquid sample containing the microbe and to extract the biological material from the microbe; and a temperature control mechanism that controls a temperature of the collection container. Herein, the temperature control mechanism controls a temperature of the collection container so that the microbe is collected at a first temperature and the biological material is extracted from the microbe at a second temperature higher than the first temperature.
US09988661B2
The present invention relates to a process for the enzymatic modification of a glycoprotein. The process comprises the step of contacting a glycoprotein comprising a glycan comprising a terminal GlcNAc-moiety, in the presence of glycosyltransferase that is, or is derived from, a β-(1,4)-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, with a non-natural sugar-derivative nucleotide. The non-natural sugar-derivative nucleotide is according to formula (3): wherein A is selected from the group consisting of —N3, —C(O)R3, —(CH2)iC≡C—R4, —SH, —SC(O)R8, —SC(O)OR8, —SC(S)OR8, —F, —CI, —Br —I, —OS(O)2R5, terminal C2-C24 alkenyl groups, C3-C5 cycloalkenyl groups, C4-C8 alkadienyl groups, terminal C3-C24 allenyl groups and amino groups. The invention further relates to a glycoprotein obtainable by the process according to the invention, to a bioconjugate that can be obtained by conjugating the glycoprotein with a linker-conjugate, and to β-(1,4)-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases that can be used in preparing the the glycoprotein according to the invention.
US09988656B2
The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising 1,4-butanediol (14-BDO) and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) pathways comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 14-BDO and GBL pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 14-BDO and GBL. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce 14-BDO and GBL.
US09988655B2
The present invention relates to use of inducible promoters in the production of methionine by fermentation. The present invention concerns a method for the production of methionine, its precursors or derivatives in a fermentative process comprising the following steps: culturing a modified microorganism in an appropriate culture medium comprising a source of carbon, a source of sulphur and a source of nitrogen, and recovering methionine and/or its derivatives from the culture medium, wherein in said modified microorganism, the expression of at least one gene involved in methionine production is under the control, direct or indirect, of a heterologous inducible promoter. The invention also concerned the modified microorganism used in the method.
US09988648B2
The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms containing an alkene pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an alkene pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to convert an alcohol to an alkene. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce an alkene, by culturing a non-naturally occurring microbial organism containing an alkene pathway as described herein under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce an alkene.
US09988643B2
The present disclosure relates to nucleic acid vaccine compositions and methods for preventing or treating pathological conditions, such as cancer or infectious disease. Further, the disclosure provides methods for more efficient production of antigens via mRNA containing one or more non-conventional start codons to promote multiplex initiation of translation in eukaryotic cells.
US09988638B2
This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for promoting transcription of a nucleotide sequence in a plant or plant cell, employing a minimal core promoter element from a Arabidopsis thaliana Ubiquitin-10 gene promoter or Cassava Vein Mosaic Virus promoter, and the full-length nucleotide sequence elements from a Cassava Vein Mosaic Virus promoter. Some embodiments relate to a synthetic CsVMV bi-directional promoter that functions in plants to promote transcription of two operably linked nucleotide sequences.
US09988633B2
Described herein are compositions and methods for enhancing erythropoiesis in an individual in need thereof. Specifically agents that decrease the expression of Exosc10, such as inhibitory nucleic acid molecules, produce an increase in red blood cell production in the individual.
US09988632B2
Provided are a composition for stimulating DNA damage in cells, the composition including a p53 induced non-coding transcript (PINT) gene expression inhibitor or a PINT activity inhibitor, a method of killing senescent cells in a subject, and a method of monitoring DNA damage in cells.
US09988613B2
Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.
US09988611B2
The invention provides bispecific fusion proteins that inhibit activation of complement pathway and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway and methods for using these fusion proteins.
US09988603B2
The present invention provides a method of generating megakaryocytes and platelets. In various embodiments, method involves the use of human embryonic stem cell derived hemangioblasts for differentiation into megakaryocytes and platelets under serum and stromal-free condition. In this system, hESCs are directed towards megakaryocytes through embryoid body formation and hemangioblast differentiation. Further provided is a method of treating a subject in need of platelet transfusion.
US09988601B2
The present invention relates to a method for retrieving more numerous, viable and efficient stem cells from the blood of a patient. The method comprises a preliminary step of pre-treating blood cells using an oxygen-ozone mixture and a subsequent step of separating the stem cells from said pre-treated blood cells.
US09988599B2
Disclosed herein are standardized and optimized, modular single-use kits and methods for sterile or non-sterile preparation of biological material, such as cells or tissue, for immediate use, further preparation, or storage. These single-use kits and methods facilitate and improve a healthcare practitioner's ability to prepare biological material for research, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in a convenient, consistent, repeatable, safe and effective manner.
US09988594B2
A cleaning composition for sanitizing and/or disinfecting hard surfaces, comprising: a cationic biocide, surfactant and low levels of VOC solvents. The cleaning composition is adapted to clean a variety of hard surfaces without leaving behind a visible residue and creates low levels of streaking and filming on the treated surface. The cleaning composition contains less than 5% by weight of VOCs. The cleaning composition may be used alone as a liquid or spray formulation or in combination with a substrate, for example, a pre-loaded cleaning wipe.
US09988566B2
A putty composition comprising an organic binder, which further comprises a silicone fluid, an anti-blocking agent, and a rheological additive. The putty also contains a filler. The non-staining putty composition meets the ASTM-D2203 standard test method for staining sealants.
US09988562B2
Provided herein, generally, are colored two-part adhesives, more particularly, in some embodiments, (meth)acrylate based two-part adhesives suitable for, but not limited to, use in repairing aircraft parts. The adhesives, in some embodiments, comprise a colored first component and a second component, wherein the colored first component comprises i) a polymeric resin base composition, ii) a flame-retardant compound, and optional synergist, iii) an acrylic paint, and iv) dispersant additive; and the second component comprises v) a curing agent.
US09988560B2
The invention relates to an antistatic silicone release film having a layer coated with an antistatic silicone release composition, and, used for semiconductors, electronics and display devices while addressing problems of static electricity generated when a general release film is separated from adhesive or an adhesive layer, and of contamination by such static electricity that causes critical product defects. The invention also relates to an antistatic silicon release film that can reduce product contamination caused by static electricity in peeling the film from adhesive or an adhesive layer, and achieves close adhesion between a substrate and a coated layer because of no interruption in curing a release layer, and also thereby has a stable release property.
US09988559B2
A quantum dot film article includes a first barrier layer; a second barrier layer; and a quantum dot layer between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer. The quantum dot layer has quantum dots dispersed in a matrix including a cured adhesive composition, wherein the adhesive composition includes: an epoxide; an amino-functional compound of Formula I: wherein A is a monocyclic or a polycyclic alkylene group, or a monocyclic or a polycyclic heteroalkylene group, and m and n are integers each independently selected from 0 to 5; and a radiation curable methacrylate compound.
US09988557B2
A composition useful as an asphalt additive includes a plurality of substrate particles and a coating layer disposed on the particles, the coating layer including a solid elastomer. A method of producing an asphalt additive includes mixing an emulsion comprising an elastomer with a plurality of substrate particles. Another composition useful as an asphalt additive includes a plurality of substrate particles substantially coated with a first coating layer and a second coating layer, the first coating layer including a solid elastomer. An asphalt mix includes the asphalt additive composition, aggregate, and a binder.
US09988552B2
Substrates, such as the interior surfaces of food containers, can be coated using a composition including a phenolic modified polyester resin prepared using a formulation not including Bisphenol A as a component or subcomponent. These polymers arid subsequent coatings are free of both mobile and bound Bisphenol A moieties. These polymers and resulting coatings have properties similar to and, in some embodiments, superior over comparable conventional polyester coatings.
US09988551B2
Thermally produced graphenic carbon particles for use as black pigments are disclosed. The pigments may be used in coatings and bulk articles to provide desirable jetness characteristics and absorbance at visible wavelengths.
US09988548B2
The invention relates to a molding composition modified for impact resistance, in particular to impact-resistant PMMA with improved optical properties at elevated temperatures, to molded items obtainable therefrom, and also to the use of the molding composition and of the molded items.
US09988542B2
The invention provides a tablet having a powdered or soft surface on which a dry-ink film of information for improving identifiability of the tablet is printed, and provides an ink for inkjet printers.
US09988541B2
An aqueous ink for ink jet including a resin particle. The resin particle has a first layer and a second layer in this order from the inside toward the outside of the resin particle. The first layer is formed of a first resin in which the proportion of a unit derived from a cycloaliphatic-group-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer is 10% by mass or less. The tetrahydrofuran-insoluble fraction of the second layer is 15% by mass or more. The second layer is formed of a second resin having the unit derived from the cycloaliphatic-group-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a unit derived from an ionic-group-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The proportion of the unit derived from the ionic-group-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the second resin is 3% by mass or more to 70% by mass or less.
US09988539B2
An active-energy-ray-curable composition including active-energy-ray-polymerizable compounds, wherein the active-energy-ray-polymerizable compounds include a monofunctional monomer, a bifunctional monomer, and a trifunctional monomer, and wherein the monofunctional monomer, the bifunctional monomer, and the trifunctional monomer satisfy conditions (1) and (2) below: (1) [number of functional groups derived from the monofunctional monomer]>[number of functional groups derived from the bifunctional monomer]>[number of functional groups derived from the trifunctional monomer]; and (2) a standard deviation of functional group ratios is from 0.003 through 0.030, the functional group ratios being expressed by [number of functional groups derived from N-functional monomer]/([number of functional groups derived from the monofunctional monomer]+[number of functional groups derived from the bifunctional monomer]+[number of functional groups derived from the trifunctional monomer]), the N being mono, bi, or tri.
US09988532B2
A flame-retardant thermoplastic elastomer compound includes polyphenylene ether, a hydrogenated styrene block copolymer, at least one solid non-halogenated phosphorus containing flame retardant, a nucleated olefinic polymer, two different specific UV stabilizers, and pigment. The compound has a before-aging tensile elongation of >200% and an after-aging tensile elongation residual of at least 75% according to UL 62. The compound is useful for making an insulation layer, a jacketing layer, or both for protected electrical lines such as alternating current wire and cable products, accessory cables, and a variety of injection molded electrical or electronic parts.
US09988524B2
The invention relates to composite polymer modifiers for thermoplastic resins, and especially for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The composite modifier is an intimate blend of mineral filler and polymeric process aid, which is formed by the co-powderization of aqueous emulsions, suspensions or slurries of one or more mineral filler(s) and process aid(s). The resulting composite modifier provides more effective modification of the thermoplastic resin than by the use of the dried components formed separately. The composite modifier may also contain other co-powderized components such as impact modifiers, for additional benefits.
US09988522B2
A polyolefin composition having good transparency and mechanical properties comprising, all percent amounts being by weight: A) from 70 to 98% of a propylene homopolymer or copolymer having haze of 25% or less and melting temperature of 130° C. or higher; and B) from 2 to 30% of a butene-1 copolymer containing from 0.5 to 30% of one or more comonomer(s).
US09988520B2
Resin compositions, e.g., epoxy resin compositions, comprising flame retardant materials obtained by heating phosphonic acid salts at temperatures above 200° C., have excellent properties and exhibit manageable curing behavior. Laminates, composites, molded articles and the like, which have excellent flame retardant properties and physical characteristics, are readily prepared from the resin compositions of the invention.
US09988518B2
The present invention relates to chlorine resistant crosslinkable silane-containing polyolefin compositions and stabilizer masterbatch compositions, their preparation, and articles made therefrom. These crosslinkable silane-containing compositions contain a mixture of antioxidants, light absorbers and stabilizers that provide resistance to the levels of chlorine used in potable water and to light, thereby extending the useful life of said articles made therefrom, such as potable water pipes and valves, bottles, tanks, and the like.
US09988510B2
The present invention provides a polyurethane which has excellent flame retardance and various excellent performances. A phosphoramidate compound having a specific structure is used as a flame retardant for a polyurethane foam or a polyurethane elastomer. By mixing this flame retardant with a raw material of a polyurethane resin (polyol, polyisocyanate and various additives), a polyurethane reactive raw material composition is obtained. By reacting the polyisocyanate and active hydrogen-containing compounds such as polyol in the polyurethane reactive raw material composition, a curing reaction takes place and a polyurethane foam composition or polyurethane elastomer composition is obtained. The obtained polyurethane resin composition has excellent flame retardance and other excellent performances as the polyurethane foam or polyurethane elastomer.
US09988508B2
An epoxy-resin composition of the components (A), (B), (D) and (E), where component (A) is an epoxy resin having an oxazolidone-ring structure, (B) is a bisphenol bifunctional epoxy resin with a number-average molecular weight of at least 600 but no more than 1300, which does not have an oxazolidone-ring structure, (D) is a triblock copolymer, and (E) is a curing agent. A film made of the epoxy-resin composition, a prepreg and a fiber-reinforced plastic is also disclosed. The epoxy resin composition is capable of achieving both a processability of a prepreg at room temperature and a suppression of voids in the molded product. A fiber-reinforced plastic having excellent mechanical properties, especially excellent fracture toughness and heat tolerance, is also obtained by using the epoxy-resin composition.
US09988506B2
A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 μg*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.
US09988504B2
A reinforced organic natural fiber composite material having a lambda value in the range 15-35 mW/m·K is disclosed which comprises 25-85% by weight hydrophobic nanoporous particles calculated on the total weight of the composite material, at least 10% by weight organic natural fibers having isocyanate reactive groups calculated on the total weight of the composite material and 1-15% by weight binder selected from a polyurea/polyurethane comprising binder made from emulsifiable polyisocyanate, water and surfactants.
US09988501B2
A method of producing polymer particles includes, in a system in which a polymer A and a polymer B are dissolved in and mixed with an organic solvent to undergo phase separation into two phases which are a solution phase containing the polymer A as a major component and a solution phase containing the polymer B as a major component, continuously adding an emulsion including the polymer A, the polymer B and the organic solvent, and a poor solvent for the polymer A to a vessel continuously to allow the polymer A to precipitate; and separating polymer A particles from the vessel continuously.
US09988500B2
The present invention concerns aqueous emulsions and a process for preparing aqueous emulsions of a midblock sulfonated styrenic block copolymer comprising at least two non-sulfonated polymer end-blocks A and at least one sulfonated block B, comprising the steps of providing a cement of a midblock sulfonated styrenic block copolymer in the apolar solvent, mixing the cement with a co-solvent to form a mixture, emulsifying the mixture in the absence of a surfactant with water to produce an emulsion, and removing the hydrocarbon solvent and any optional co-solvent from the emulsion to produce the aqueous emulsion. The resulting emulsion of the midblock sulfonated styrenic block copolymer has relatively small particle diameters.
US09988498B2
Organopolysiloxanes having an OH content of from 3.0-10.0 weight percent are continuously produced by continuously feeding chlorosilanes, alkoxysilanes, water, and nonpolar solvent essentially non-miscible in water, continuously discharging a reaction mixture containing organopolysiloxanes dissolved in a solvent phase, and optionally separating organopolysiloxanes from the solvent phase, wherein the chlorosilanes and alkoxysilanes are added in respective weight fractions of 95-60% and 5-40% based on the total weight of chlorosilanes and alkoxysilanes. The process does not employ and polar solvents, and produces products with improved flash points while minimizing complexity and expense of waste water treatment.
US09988493B2
A poly(amide-imide) copolymer including a structural unit represented by Chemical Formula 1; a structural unit represented by Chemical Formula 2, and/or an amic acid precursor structural unit which forms the structural unit represented by Chemical Formula 2 through imidization; and a structural unit represented by Chemical Formula 3, and/or an amic acid precursor structural unit which forms the structural unit represented by Chemical Formula 3 through imidization, wherein the poly(amide-imide) copolymer has a modulus of greater than or equal to about 5.5 giga Pascals after being cured, a yellowness index YI of less than or equal to about 3.5, and an increase in yellowness index ΔYI of less than or equal to about 0.7 after being exposed to ultraviolet light for 72 hours: wherein in Chemical Formulae 1 to 3, groups and variables are the same as described in the specification.
US09988476B2
The invention mainly pertains to a process for heat treating a composition [composition (C)] which contains at least one melt-processible perfluoropolynner [polymer (F)] formed of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer with one or more perfluorinated comonomers [comonomer (F)] containing at least one unsaturation of ethylene type in amounts from 0.5% to 13% by weight, preferably from 0.6% to 11% by weight, and more preferably from 0.8% to 9% by weight; the process comprising at least the step of heat-treating the composition (C) at a temperature of at least 260° C. and in the absence of a melt flowable polytetrafluoroethylene. The invention is also related to a melt-processible perfluoropolynner [polymer (F1)] formed of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer with one or more perfluorinated comonomers [comonomer (F)] containing at least one unsaturation of ethylene type in amounts from 0.5% to 13% by weight, preferably from 0.6% to 11% by weight, and more preferably from 0.8% to 9% by weight, wherein a particular relation between comonomer (F) content and first melting temperature of polymer (F1) is satisfied.
US09988470B2
Disclosed herein are catalyst compositions containing boron bridged, cyclopentadienyl-indenyl metallocene compounds with an alkenyl substituent. These catalyst compositions can be used for the polymerization of olefins. For example, ethylene homopolymers produced using these catalyst compositions can be characterized by a density less than 0.97 g/cm3 and a melt index greater than 50 g/10 min.
US09988467B2
The invention relates to a polymerization process for the production of high density polyethylene by polymerization of ethylene in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising a chromium compound, a support material wherein the alcohol is a primary alcohol having the formula (I) wherein R, R′ and R″ are the same or different and respectively represent a linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl or phenyl containing radicals comprising from 5 to 15 carbon atoms and wherein only one of R, R′ or R″ can be a hydrogen radical and/or wherein the alcohol is a secondary alcohol and/or a secondary cyclic alcohol. The catalyst composition may also comprise a titanium compound. The high density polyethylene may be applied in the production of blow molded articles.
US09988465B2
The present invention describes a metallocene catalyst based on a transition metal of group 4 or 5 of the periodic table, supported on a hybrid catalytic support provided with aliphatic organic groups, and a process for supporting metallocene on the hybrid catalytic support. The supported metallocene catalyst provides an ethylene polymer with broad or bimodal molecular weight distribution, in the presence of only one metallocene complex on the support.
US09988462B2
Described herein are materials and methods for treating subjects having a HER-3 associated disease, by administering a first agent that binds to HER-3, in combination with a second agent that binds and/or inhibits another member of the HER family. The first and the second agent may be a biologic, such as an antigen-binding protein, or a small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitor, for example.
US09988455B2
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies binding to human lectin-like oxidized LDL (low density lipoprotein) receptor 1 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “LOX-1”), and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment comprising the same.
US09988450B2
Provided are antibodies that specifically bind to Programmed Death-1 (PD1, Pdcd-1, or CD279) and inhibit PD1-mediated cellular signaling and activities in immune cells, antibodies binding to a set of amino acid residues required for its ligand binding, and uses of these antibodies to treat or diagnose cancer, infectious diseases or other pathological disorders modulated by PD1-mediated functions.
US09988449B2
The present invention relates to plexin D1 for use as a targetable protein in the treatment or diagnosis of disorders that involve expression of plexin D1. Diagnosis is suitably effected by detecting the presence of plexin D1 in the body or a bodily tissue or fluid, whereas treatment is effected by targeting plexin D1 for delivery of therapeutics to the site where treatment is needed. The invention further relates to the use of molecules that bind plexin D1, a nucleic acid encoding plexin D1 or a ligand of plexin D1 for the preparation of a therapeutical composition for the treatment or diagnosis of disorders that involve expression of plexin D1. The disorders comprise disorders in which plexin D1 is expressed on tumor cells, tumor blood vessels or activated macrophages.
US09988446B2
The invention relates to antibody molecules having specificity for antigenic determinants of both IL-17A and IL-17F, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecules and methods for producing said antibody molecules.
US09988443B2
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies binding to human angiopoetin-like protein 4 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “ANGPTL4”), and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment comprising the same.
US09988441B2
A method of treating a hemolytic disorder in a subject in need thereof includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that binds to a component of alternative pathway C3 convertase and selectively inhibits C3a, C5a, C3b, C5b, and C5b-9 produced exclusively by the alternative pathway, without inhibiting any of the classical pathway's ability to produce C3a, C5a, C3b, C5b, and C5b-9.
US09988422B2
The present disclosure provides methods of preventing or treating renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in a mammalian subject and methods for chronic treatment of ARVD, including administering an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to a subject in need thereof. The methods include administering aromatic-cationic peptides to prevent or treat renal injury during the treatment of renal artery stenosis. The methods include administering an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to subjects in need thereof.
US09988414B2
Disclosed is a steviol glycoside referred to as rebaudioside D3. Rebaudioside D3 has five β-D-glucosyl units connected to the aglycone steviol. Also disclosed are methods for producing rebaudioside D3, a UDP-glycosyltransferase fusion enzyme, and methods for producing rebaudioside D and rebaudioside E.
US09988410B2
This invention relates to novel bridged bis indenyl metallocene catalyst compounds where the bridge is —((R15*)2Si—Si(R15)2)— wherein, each R15 and R15* is identical or different and is a substituted or unsubstituted, branched or unbranched C1-C20 alkyl group, preferably each R15 together do not form a ring, and/or each R15* together do not form a ring, and/or R15 and R15* together do not form a ring. This invention also relates to polymerization processes to produce polymer and to polymer compositions produced by the methods described.
US09988408B2
The present invention is related to novel cytotoxic agents, pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine (PBD) derivatives, their conjugates with a cell-binding agent, the preparation and the therapeutic uses in the targeted treatment of cancers, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.
US09988407B2
Methods and compounds are disclosed for treating a disease or condition by inhibiting PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) using prodrugs of 2-PMPA.
US09988398B2
A novel crystalline form of rifaximin and process for its preparation are described. A pharmaceutical composition comprising crystalline rifaximin is also described.
US09988389B2
Methods are disclosed for making 3-(imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-3-ylethynyl)-4-methyl-N-[4-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]benzamide, intermediates and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US09988383B2
A series of substituted purine derivatives, being potent modulators of human TNFα activity, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of various human ailments, including autoimmune and inflammatory disorders; neurological and neurodegenerative disorders; pain and nociceptive disorders; cardiovascular disorders; metabolic disorders; ocular disorders; and oncological disorders.
US09988382B2
Compounds having a structure of formula (I), including stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof: wherein R1 is as defined herein. Such compounds are inhibitors of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and have utility for treating, for example, hyperkinetic disorders. Also disclosed are compositions containing these compounds in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, as well as methods relating to the use in a subject in need thereof.
US09988381B2
This invention provides a class of five-member-heterocycle fused pyridine compounds as shown below in Formula (X), pharmaceutically acceptable salts or pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof, a method of producing the same, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, and use of the compounds in preparing medicament for preventing and/or treating diseases and tumors associated with abnormal protein tyrosine kinase.
US09988379B2
The present invention relates to a novel compound having GPR40 receptor agonist activity that promotes insulin secretion and inhibits blood sugar rise after glucose loading, and is thereby useful for the treatment of diabetes and complications thereof, the preparation method thereof and pharmaceutical composition containing them as an active ingredient.
US09988371B2
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (VIII) wherein the moieties R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined in the specification, and salts thereof, as well as their use, methods of use for them, methods of their synthesis, and the like. The compounds are protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors and can be used in the treatment of various cancer diseases and cancer-associated pain.
US09988369B2
Compounds of Formula I and Formula II, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, stereoisomers of any of the foregoing, or mixtures thereof are agonists of the APJ Receptor and may have use in treating cardiovascular and other conditions. Compounds of Formula I and Formula II have the following structures: where the definitions of the variables are provided herein.
US09988353B2
The present invention relates to a novel catalytic hydrogenation of substituted 2-methyl cyanopyridyl derivatives, in particular 3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]acetonitrile [=Py-CN] to substituted 2-ethylaminopyridine derivatives, in particular 2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]ethanamine [=Py-ethanamine] or salts thereof in the presence of metal catalysts, in particular palladium catalysts.
US09988349B2
A method for the direct stereospecific conversion of structurally diverse mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-substituted olefins to N—H, N-alkyl, N-cycloalkyl, or N-aralkyl aziridines using a hydroxylamine amination agent with transition metal catalyst. The method is operationally simple (i.e., one-pot), scalable and fast at ambient temperature.
US09988348B1
A method for preparing a trithiocarbonate derivative compound includes reacting ethyl cyanoacetate, carbon disulfide (CS2) and ethyl chloroacetate in the presence of potassium carbonate (K2CO3) in an organic solvent to produce 2,2′-(thiocarbonylbis(sulfanediyl))diacetate compound, represented by the structural formula:
US09988337B2
The present invention discloses a single step, environmentally and economical viable process for the preparation of butyl acetate from ethyl acetate and n-butanol with high yield using boron loaded zeolite catalyst.
US09988336B2
Methods, compositions, and systems related to preparing gaseous 18F-compounds for use in radiolabeling positron emission tomography (PET) tracer precursor compounds are disclosed. [18F]fluoride ions produced by conventional methods are converted by reaction with an acid anhydride having the formula: to a gaseous 18F-compound having the formula: wherein each R is independently a substituted or unsubstituted, straight chain or branched C1-C4 alkyl group. The gaseous 18F-compounds, which also can be readily trapped on solid-phase extraction media or in organic solvents such as acetonitrile, provide an alternative source of [18F]fluoride for use in the nucleophilic substitution reactions that are used to synthesize a large number of 18F-labeled PET imaging tracers, including 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG).
US09988329B1
A transfer-hydrogenation process for preparing a carbonyl compound and an alcohol compound comprises the steps of (a) contacting a first carbonyl compound with a first alcohol compound in the presence of a transfer-hydrogenation catalyst in a first reaction zone at conditions effective to form a second carbonyl compound from the first alcohol compound and a second alcohol compound from the first carbonyl compound, and (b) removing the second carbonyl compound from the first reaction zone during step (a). The first carbonyl compound is a saturated aldehyde or ketone, or an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone. The first alcohol compound is a primary or secondary alcohol. The second alcohol compound is α,β-saturated. The transfer-hydrogenation catalyst includes a Group 8 to 11 metal. This process is useful for preparing and higher value alcohols, such as butanol or 2-ethylhexanol, from the corresponding carbonyl compounds by engaging lower alcohol (C2-C4) feedstocks instead of hydrogen (H2).
US09988326B2
A four-stage membrane separation unit purification process, especially for prepurified biogas, in which a retentate from the first stage is fed as feed gas to a second stage, a permeate from the first stage is fed as feed gas to a third stage, a retentate from the third stage is fed as feed gas to a fourth stage.
US09988316B2
A material contains open pores in which the channels and pores that are internally coated with at least one layer of phosphorus-containing alumina. Such material is formed by infiltrating a porous material one or more times with a non-colloidal, low-viscosity liquid coating precursor, drying, and curing the coating precursor to form a phosphorus-containing alumina layer within pores of the material.
US09988308B1
A composition of matter includes: a first composition and a second composition configured to react with each other and provide an epoxy-based binder system; and aggregate for being disbursed into the binder system to provide a material; wherein a moisture content of the aggregate is controlled according to a desired strength for cured material. A method of application of the resulting epoxy based material is disclosed.
US09988307B2
The present invention provides two-component compositions comprising a component A) one or more acrylic aqueous emulsion copolymer having a measured glass transition temperature (Tg) of from −20 to 0° C. and which is the copolymerization product of (i) from 60 to 89.9 wt. % of one or more nonionic (meth)acrylic monomers, (ii) from 10 to 40 wt. % of one or more vinyl aromatic monomers, (iii) from 0.1 to 2.0 wt. % of one or more monomers chosen from itaconic acid, methacrylic acid, amides of a,β-unsaturated C3 to C6 carboxylic acids, and mixtures thereof, all wt. %s of monomers based on the total monomer solids, wherein the aqueous emulsion copolymer has at least one residue of an ascorbic acid reducing agent or is the copolymerization product of a monomer (iii) comprising itaconic acid, and, a separate component B) comprising a fast curing dry mix powder composition of a hydraulic cement and a high alumina content cement.
US09988301B2
A vanadium-based glass material for local heat sealing has a glass composition containing, in terms of mol %, 30.0 to 60.0% V2O5, 20.1 to 30.0% ZnO, 10.0 to 25.0% TeO2, 1.0 to 5.0% Al2O3, 0.5 to 5.0% Nb2O5, 0 to 10.0% BaO, 0 to 5.0% Fe2O3, 0 to 5.0% MnO2, 0 to 5.0% CuO, 0 to 5.0% SiO2, and 0 to 8.0% CaO, and substantially not containing Pb and P.
US09988284B2
A desalination system includes a vertical column with a lower end submerged into a body of liquid to be treated. The column has a dark-colored outer surface able to absorb electromagnetic energy, and at least one vacuum compressor is connected to provide a vacuum pressure in the vertical column such that the liquid is drawn into the vertical column through openings in the vertical column. A condensing dome has a main shell and that receives vapor of the liquid in the vertical column via a vapor port joining the vertical column and the condensing dome. A wind-driven outer turbine surrounds the main shell of the condensing dome and draws outside air into a space around the main shell of the condensing dome. A tank is connected to the condensing dome via a pipe and receives desalinated liquid from the condensing dome.
US09988279B2
A process (10) for the production of lithium hydroxide, the process comprising the steps of: (i) Causticising lithium chloride (12) with sodium hydroxide (16) to produce a lithium hydroxide product; (ii) Collecting the solids resulting from the causticisation of step (i) and filtering (22) same; (iii) The filtered solids from step (ii) are passed to a heating step (32) in which anhydrous lithium hydroxide is produced; (iv) Filtering (34) the anhydrous lithium hydroxide product of step (iii); and (v) Quenching the anhydrous lithium hydroxide of step (iv) with water to produce lithium hydroxide monohydrate crystals.
US09988273B2
A process for producing a highly oriented humic acid (HA) film, comprising: (a) preparing a dispersion of HA or chemically functionalized HA (CHA) sheets dispersed in a liquid medium, wherein HA sheets contain an oxygen content higher than 5% by weight or CHA sheets contain non-carbon element content higher than 5% by weight; (b) dispensing and depositing HA or CHA dispersion onto a surface of a supporting substrate to form a wet layer, under an orientation-inducing stress; (c) removing liquid medium from the wet layer to form a dried HA or CHA layer having hexagonal carbon planes and an inter-planar spacing d002 of 0.4 nm to 1.3 nm as determined by X-ray diffraction; and (d) thermally reducing the dried HA or CHA layer at a first heat treatment temperature higher than 80° C. for a sufficient period of time to produce the film containing reduced HA or CHA.
US09988265B2
Trapped sacrificial structures and thin-film encapsulation methods that may be implemented to manufacture trapped sacrificial structures such as relative humidity sensor structures, and spacer structures that protect adjacent semiconductor structures extending above a semiconductor die substrate from being contacted by a molding tool or other semiconductor processing tool in an area of a die substrate adjacent the spacer structures.
US09988254B2
Provided are flush mountable bottle openers and methods of using such openers to remove bottle caps. These openers may be used in aircraft and other types of vehicles as well as any applications where protrusion away from supporting structures may be undesirable. A flush mountable bottle opener may include a base and a cap leverage plate pivotably coupled to the base. The base may protrude into a supporting structure such that the top edge of the base is substantially flush with the surface of the supporting structure. When the opener is not in use, the cap leverage plate may be closed and be substantially coplanar with the base edge. During operation, the cap leverage plate is brought into its open position directly by a user or using a bottle. The base and plate include engagement surfaces that support a bottle cap while the cap is removed.
US09988253B1
A lifting jack system includes a lifting bar; having a track of teeth running vertical along one edge of the lifting bar; and a foot secured to a base of the lifting bar; a lifting head secured around the lifting bar and vertically moveable along the track of teeth; a nose, extending outward from the lifting head for securing to an item to be raised; a gear system housed within the lifting head, the gear system having a safety gear with asymmetrical teeth; a spring loaded pawl engaged with the teeth of the safety gear; and a round gear with symmetrical teeth engaged with the teeth of the safety gear and the track of teeth of the lifting bar; and a ratchet bar secured by a ratchet to the safety gear and extending outwardly from the lifting head; the ratchet bar is to turn the safety gear via the ratchet, thereby engaging the safety gear with the round gear, the round gear then engaging with the track of teeth to raise the lifting head along the track of teeth; and the spring loaded pawl engages with the safety gear to prevent downward movement of the lifting head.
US09988248B2
An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. An encoder is provided to measure an angular position of the drum. A counter is provided to record a number of rotations of the drum. A locking mechanism automatically prevents rotation of the drum when the drum stops. Using this information, a processor may calculate an amount of line let out from the drum based on the number of rotations of the drum, the angular position of the drum, and a radius of the drum. In certain embodiments, the angular position and/or number of rotations is stored in non-volatile memory so that is can be recovered in the event of a power outage or other significant event.
US09988246B2
The flippers consist of a new type of flippers which operate as a rigid assembly in the usual operation thereof, but which elastically yield against impacts and overloads, recovering the usual operation afterwards. This flexibility is achieved two ways, which exclusively affect the flipper itself, not the connection thereof with the spreader or the possible driving system thereof. Mainly: use of elastic materials and use of geometries which are stable against service loads but are readily deformed against impacts.
US09988243B2
An elevator system includes an elevator car carrier moveable in a travel space to a plurality of floors. The elevator car carrier has a first elevator car and a second elevator car adjustably arranged thereon, as well as a drive unit. An adjustment device includes a first traction device and a second traction device, which traction devices are wound in the opposite sense onto drums of the drive unit. The distance between the first elevator car and the second elevator car can be adjusted by a rotation of the drums to adapt to varying floor distances.
US09988241B2
A hoisting rope for a hoisting apparatus has a longitudinal direction, a thickness direction and a width direction, and includes a group of load bearing members made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in polymer matrix; and a coating encasing the group of load bearing members; wherein the load bearing members extend in an untwisted manner inside the coating parallel with each other as well as with the longitudinal direction of the rope throughout the length thereof, the load bearing members being substantially larger in width direction than in thickness direction of the rope and stacked against each other in thickness direction of the rope. An elevator includes the hoisting rope.
US09988238B2
A conveyance system includes a camera to generate an image of an area of interest; a dispatch system including a facial recognition unit and a profile unit, the facial recognition unit detecting facial features of a user in the image; the dispatch system determining if the facial features match a profile stored in the profile unit, the dispatch system scheduling car service in response to the facial features matching the profile stored in the profile unit; a system interface including a system interface camera, the system interface camera to generate a second image of the user at the system interface; the facial recognition unit detecting facial features of the user in the second image; the dispatch system determining if the facial features of the user in the second image match the profile stored in the profile unit.
US09988232B2
The damper mechanism includes a rack and a damper unit. The rack is provided in an apparatus main body. The damper unit is provided in a turning member. The damper unit has a movable gear, a fixed gear and a supporting member. The movable gear is configured to engage with the rack and to rotate by the turning of the turning member. The fixed gear is configured to be engaged with the movable gear and to apply a load to the rotation of the movable gear. The movable gear is supported by the supporting member so as to move relatively with respect to the fixed gear in a direction to be engaged with the fixed gear at the turning of the turning member in one direction and in another direction to be separated from the fixed gear at the turning of the turning member in the other direction.
US09988228B2
Provided is a rewinding machine including a winding zone wherein a continuous strip is wound around a core; a movement unit of the continuous strip defining a sliding surface for the continuous strip; a support unit defining a support surface for the core; the support surface is opposite and spaced from the sliding surface so as to define a sliding channel, configured to guide the core in the winding zone; a contrast unit defining a contrast surface; and a tearing tooth configured to press the continuous strip against the contrast surface causing the tearing of the continuous strip; said sliding surface being interposed between the support surface and the contrast surface.
US09988221B2
The present application discloses braking devices for use in a pneumatic tube system (PTS). The braking devices are adapted for in-line incorporation with a pneumatic tube and are operative to stop a pneumatic carrier within a pneumatic carrier system. The in-line braking devices allow for decelerating a carrier to a stop over a distance to reduce the forces applied to a carrier and its contents.
US09988219B2
A metal container conveyor system is provided. The metal container conveyor system includes (i) a conveyor body for moving metal containers, and (ii) at least one diverter mechanism configured to change a width of a portion of the conveyor body.
US09988211B1
A mounting bracket for mounting a container to a support surface includes a base having a mounting portion configured to be mounted to the support surface and a support portion configured to receive a portion of the container. The bracket further includes a securing member pivotally coupled to the support portion for movement in only a single pivot plane between a first position, in which the container can be removed from the support portion, and a second position, in which the container cannot be removed from the support portion. A lock is operable to selectively lock the securing member in the second position. At least one of the base or the securing member includes an aperture through which a portion of the other one of the base or the securing member extends when the securing member is in the second position.
US09988210B2
A bin for receiving or storing one or more items. The bin includes a wall having an upper end and a lower end, and a bottom extending along the lower end of the wall. The wall and the bottom cooperate to define a chamber for receiving or storing one or more items. The bin also includes mouth at the upper end of the wall that is in communication with the chamber. The bin further includes a rim extending around a periphery of the mouth. The bin also includes content information on at least a portion of an exterior surface of the rim that is configured to identify the one or more items the bin is intended to receive or store.
US09988206B2
A modular shipping apparatus comprising: at least one base for a cargo container; each base having at least two spaces and each of spaces is formed by a left rectangular opening and a right rectangular opening, at least one wheel assembly is attached in one of the spaces, the base has a center portion that forms a first channel between the center portion and one of the openings and forms a second channel between the center portion and another one of the openings, a shipping container with a bottom interior and having at least two tracks attached to the bottom interior, wherein at least a portion of each of the at least one wheel assemblies attached in one of the at least two spaces slides along one of the at least two tracks.
US09988205B2
A non-woven mono-component, mono-constituent poly lactic acid (PLA) web is disclosed. The web material is useful for production of infused and brewed beverage filtering media such as tea bags and other pouches and filters. The nonwoven network of PLA fibers in mono-component, mono-constituent configuration provides enhanced liquid infusion properties, superior wet strength and weight properties that surpass current beverage bags and pouches because of its unique composition and structure. The manufacture of Biodegradable Tea and Coffee filter fabrics utilizing PLA powders in place of low melt mono-component, mono-constituent fibers to improve fabric elongation and reduce cost. The addition of a Chlorine scavenger allows preserving the taste and essence of the beverage.
US09988192B2
The present invention regards a package for food products comprising a flexible container having a first wall and a second wall opposite each other and peripherally sealed along at least the respective side edges, a space inside said walls containing, optionally in sterile conditions, a food product, and a gusset element extended between the upper edges of said first wall and of said second wall, said gusset element defining a pocket turned towards the interior of said flexible container, characterized in that it comprises an opening and closing device housed in said pocket and constrained to said flexible container, said opening and closing device comprising a pourer body associated with an opening and closing cap, and cutting means suitable to perforate said flexible container at the time of the first opening of said packaging. The invention also regards a method for packaging a food product, in particular in sterile conditions, in a package of the aforesaid type, a flexible container for a package of the aforesaid type as well as a method for producing such container.
US09988185B2
A container is provided. The container has a lid and a tray. The lid has a contiguous array of walls extending therefrom. The tray has a recess for receiving soft food material. The recess is sized to receive the array of walls of the lid. The tray has a contiguous array of ridges corresponding to the array of walls of the lid. A top surface of the ridges of the tray contact a bottom surface of the walls of the lid when mated to form sealed compartments. A sealing mechanism is provided along a perimeter of at least one of the lid and the tray sealing the lid and the tray along perimeters thereof, and restricting separation of the bottom surface of the walls of the lid from the top surface of the ridges of the tray when mated. At least one of the lid and the tray is formed from a flexible material so that the lid and the tray can be partially separated to remove a food portion formed in one of the compartments without breaking all of the seals of the compartments.
US09988178B2
A plastic keg includes a liner including a neck portion and a body portion. A lid having an opening is disposed at least partially over the liner. The liner is disposed in an outer container having a wall with at least one locking rib projecting therefrom. The locking rib angles downward and the lid secured to the outer container by the at least one locking rib. Optionally, a locking ring securing the neck portion of the liner to the lid may be configured to release the liner when the filled keg is dropped.
US09988164B2
A device and a method for manufacturing an item of packaging for a group (27) of smokable articles (11), in particular cigarettes, having a wrapping, preferably an inner wrapping, of, in particular, a thin packaging material, such as paper, tinfoil or the like, in which a material web (31) of the packaging material is severed into individual blanks (10) and in which the article groups (27) to be wrapped are in each case wrapped with the individual blanks (10). Flavoring and/or aromatic portions (42) for the smokable articles are applied to the packaging-material web (31), which flavoring and/or aromatic portions (42), after application, are at least in regions reduced in their height by a processing means, preferably in that they are spread flat and/or pressed flat by the processing means (47).
US09988159B2
A ram air turbine is provided that utilizes a one-piece strut. The strut includes an integral gearbox section and an integral drive section. Within the strut, a turbine shaft and a bevel gear engages a driveshaft and a pinion gear, which transfers rotation from the turbine to a generator. The strut may be machined from a single piece of metal, such as aluminum.
US09988152B2
An aircraft air-conditioning system including an air-conditioning unit which is designed to provide cooled process air. A process air line conducts cooled process air provided by the air-conditioning unit into a working area of an aircraft cabin. A cooler supplies cooling energy to a device to be cooled which is provided in the working area of the aircraft cabin. Finally, the aircraft air-conditioning system includes a heat transfer arrangement which transfers waste heat generated by the cooler to process air flowing through the process air line.
US09988147B2
A flight control apparatus for fixed-wing aircraft includes a first port wing and first starboard wing, a first port swash plate coupled between a first port rotor and first port electric motor, the first port electric motor coupled to the first port wing, and a first starboard swash plate coupled between a first starboard rotor and first starboard electric motor, the first starboard electric motor coupled to the first starboard wing.
US09988145B2
Disclosed is a supporting assembly and an unmanned aerial vehicle using the same, the supporting assembly includes a first base, a second base, a plurality of arms, and a damping element disposed between the first base and the second base. The second base is disposed on the first base. Each of the plurality of arms includes a proximal end and a distal end opposite to the proximal end, the proximal end is secured to the first base, and the distal end is configured for mounting a vibration source.
US09988139B2
An electronic control architecture for an aircraft actuation system may include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel may be configured to receive one or more inputs comprising a movement command, to produce an output to control a component of the system, and to receive feedback from the component respective of movement of the component. The first channel may comprise a fault detection module configured to compare the feedback to the command to determine if the first channel is functioning properly. The second channel may be configured to receive the one or more inputs and, if the first channel is not functioning properly, to produce an output to control the component.
US09988137B2
Methods and apparatus for forming and installing insulation blankets in a vehicle compartment are disclosed. An example apparatus includes an insulation blanket that includes an outer layer, an insulation layer disposed in the outer layer, and a first fastener disposed in the insulation layer. The outer layer and the insulation layer are to form to a first channel. The first fastener is to receive, via the first channel, a first portion of a vehicle compartment frame to sealingly couple the insulation layer and the outer layer of the insulation blanket to the vehicle compartment frame.
US09988136B2
A structural component for reinforcing the fuselage of an aircraft or spacecraft is integrally formed and segmented into surface-like stiffening sections, whereby at least one stiffening section is formed as a rigid mesh section, and at least one stiffening section is formed as a solid section.
US09988127B2
This invention relates to a vessel having an extendable and retractable cursor frame assembly for deploying other vessels into a body of water. The retractable cursor frame assembly on the main vessel may be retracted and secured on a module of the main vessel as the main vessel is in transit. When another vessel is to be deployed into the body of water from the main vessel, the cursor frame assembly is then extended into the body of water to facilitate the launch of the other vessel.
US09988126B2
A wake adjustment system for a boat may include a wake adjustment device mountable at the stern of the boat to deflect water moving past a stern trailing edge of the boat's running surface. The wake adjustment device includes water deflectors that are rotatable about a first pivot axis for varying a degree of wake adjustment. The wake adjustment device is mounted to the boat proximal to the centerline.
US09988117B2
A bicycle rack for use in providing temporary parking for a large number of bicycles, comprising a rail and a plurality of tire trays evenly spaced, along said rail and pivotal in motion from a parallel position to said rail to a depioyed position, substantially perpendicular to said rail, each said tire tray including a recessed wheel bed for seating a wheel of a bicycle therein. “The wheel beds are adjustable to accommodate bicycles with tires of various widths. The tire trays have channels for holding printed signs. The rack is compact, modular, and stable. The rack breaks down for easy transport and storage and facilitates both, the rapid setup and breakdown of an orderly temporary parking area for a large number of bicycles. The rack is well suited for multisport races where an orderly transition area significantly enhances the profile of the event.
US09988116B2
A motor vehicle includes a frame body defining a cabin area and an engine area. The engine area is primarily accessible from the cabin area during installation of the engine assembly. A seat frame is removably attached to the frame body in the cabin area, and a seat assembly is removably attached to the seat frame. A method of installing the engine assembly during the assembly of the motor vehicle includes the steps of lowering the engine assembly into the cabin area of the frame body, moving the engine assembly along a longitudinal axis into the engine area of the frame body, lowering the engine assembly onto an engine mount in the engine area of the frame body, attaching the seat frame to the frame body in the cabin area, and attaching the seat assembly to the seat frame.
US09988111B2
An idler wheel recoil assembly mounts an idler wheel to a roller frame of an undercarriage of a track-type machine. The idler wheel recoil assembly includes a recoil shaft and spring mounted on the roller frame for reciprocal movement of the recoil shaft, and a swing arm pivotally connected to a guard mounted on the roller frame by a guard mounting assembly and having the idler wheel rotatably mounted thereon. A yoke is pivotally connected between the recoil shaft and the swing arm. A guard mounting assembly connects the guard to the roller frame of the undercarriage and has a plurality of mounting positions for securing the guard to the roller frame, with an idler rise height of the idler wheel relative to the roller frame being different when the guard is secured to the roller frame in each of the plurality of mounting positions of the guard mounting assembly.
US09988108B2
A track system for traction of a vehicle that is connectable to an axle of the vehicle and includes a track and a track-engaging assembly for driving and guiding the track around the track-engaging assembly. The track-engaging assembly includes a drive wheel for driving the track, idler wheels for contacting a bottom run of the track, and a bogie carrying the idler wheels. The track system includes a transmission for transmitting power from the axle of the vehicle to the drive wheel such that a rotational speed of the drive wheel is different from a rotational speed of the axle of the vehicle. The track system includes a connector disposed between the transmission and the bogie such that the bogie is movable (e.g., pivotable) relative to the transmission. The connector may be disposed below an output shaft of the transmission.
US09988098B2
A hybrid laminated wood floor for cargo-carrying truck trailers, truck bodies and containers is provided. The hybrid laminated wood floor is formed from two or more different types of hardwood strips that are mixed in a controlled manner and arranged in a pattern. The hardwoods are selected to provide a difference in the average density of the wood types. The hybrid wood floor provides weight reduction and cost savings as compared with a conventional laminated wood floor made of a single type of wood, such as oak or hard maple.
US09988095B2
An A-pillar structure in an electric vehicle for increasing vehicle rigidity and decreasing potential damage to the vehicle battery and to passengers. The A-pillar structure may include a surface and various ribs and bosses that protrude outward from the surface. The A-pillar structure may include three main cross ribs that being along a front edge of the A-pillar structure and extend rearward in the longitudinal direction toward two bosses. The bosses may be coupled via additional ribs to an anchor structure that is secured to the body structure and/or chassis of the electric vehicle. The rib configuration influences the transfer of energy through the A-pillar structure in the event of a collision.
US09988087B2
In a vehicle body side structure, an outer reinforcement lower is configured as a divided structure of a reinforcement body and a divided patch that are joined to each other at a joint portion located in a corner portion. Accordingly, when a load from a front wheel is input to a front pillar at the time of a small overlap collision, the outer reinforcement lower can be bent at the joint portion near the root of the outer reinforcement lower. Consequently, the bending moment that is transmitted to a rocker outer reinforcement can be reduced and therefore longitudinal bending deformation of the rocker outer reinforcement can be suppressed. As a result, deformation of a vehicle compartment can be suppressed.
US09988086B1
A vehicle sub-frame structure for affixation to a vehicle frame as a support platform for a vehicle body comprises a frame skeleton of interconnected longitudinal and transverse frame members defining internal frame cavities therebetween. Top and bottom outward panels are connected to upper and lower sides of the frame skeleton enclosing the internal frame cavities. A plurality of bracing members are rigidly affixed within each internal frame cavity extending longitudinally and transversely between the frame members and vertically between the top and bottom outward panels to resist deformation of the frame members and the outward panels under forces and loads applied to the sub-frame structure. The bracing members include a plurality of mirror image V-shaped brace panels which form an X-shaped configuration between opposing corners within each frame cavity.
US09988085B2
The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver in maneuvering a motor-vehicle combination (1) comprising, as vehicles, at least one tractor motor vehicle (2) and at least two trailers (3a, 3b) coupled thereto, wherein a target articulation angle (γ2) at least between two of the vehicles (3a, 3b) is externally specified and is adjusted by means of at least one steering actuator (5a, 5b) of at least one of the vehicles (2). The method comprises at least the following steps: a) dividing the motor-vehicle combination (1) into at least two sub-combinations (1a, 1b) in such a way that adjacent vehicles (2, 3a, 3b) form a sub-combination (1a, 1b) in pairs, in which sub-combination a first vehicle is used as a trailer unit (3a, 3b) and a second vehicle is used as a tractor vehicle unit (2, 3a), at least virtually; b) repeatedly determining a target angle (α, γ1, γ2) for a number of consecutive sub-combinations (1a, 1b) from a specified target articulation angle (γ1, γ2) between the tractor vehicle unit (2, 3a) and the trailer unit (3a, 3b), beginning with the sub-combination (1a) whose target articulation angle (γ2) was specified externally, wherein: —the determined target angle is adjusted as a target steering angle (α) for the tractor vehicle unit (2) of the sub-combination (1b) by means of the at least one steering actuator (5a, 5b) of the associated vehicle (2) if the tractor vehicle unit (2) has the at least one steering actuator (5a, 5b), or —the determined target angle is specified as the target articulation angle (γ1) for the next sub-combination (1b).
US09988076B2
A steering control apparatus includes a steering angle feedback processing unit and an operation signal generation processing unit that operate a reaction force actuator to adjust a steering angle to a target steering angle that is a target value for the steering angle based on feedback control, an ideal-axial-force calculation unit that calculates an ideal axial force, a road-surface-axial-force calculation unit that calculates a road surface axial force, an axial-force allocation calculation unit that calculates a base reaction force in which the ideal axial force and the road surface axial force are allocated in a predetermined ratio, and a target steering angle calculation processing unit that sets a target steering angle based on the base reaction force. The steering angle feedback processing unit feeds back the target steering angle in which road surface information is incorporated through the road surface axial force, so that the steering angle is controlled.
US09988071B2
A bearing arrangement for a motor vehicle steering system includes a sleeve arranged between an outer bearing ring and a housing. The sleeve includes an inner contact surface in contact with an outer circumferential surface of the outer bearing ring, and an outer contact surface in contact with a seat surface of the housing, wherein either of the inner contact surface or the outer contact surface of the sleeve are convex shaped.
US09988069B2
A steering column module includes a tubular jacket rotatably supporting a steering shaft, a switch module having a carrier including contact pressure surfaces, and a device for fastening the switch module to the tubular jacket. The device includes a clamp assembly between the tubular jacket and the switch module for exerting a clamping force on the tubular jacket. The clamp includes two half clamps each having two outwardly bent end flanges. The end flanges are axially movably accommodated in the carrier such that when the switch module is axially moved onto the tubular jacket the end flanges come into contact with axial end stops of the tubular jacket and the contact pressure surfaces of the carrier. The contact pressure surfaces exert forces on the end flanges as the switch module is axially moved onto the tubular jacket thus fastening the switch module to the tubular jacket with a clamping action.
US09988065B2
A suspension system includes a main pivot housing, a swing arm housing, a linkage assembly, and a resilient component. The main pivot housing is disposed on a lower end of a leg of a stroller. An accommodating space is formed inside the main pivot housing. The swing arm housing is pivoted to a side of the main pivot housing. A wheel of the stroller is pivoted to the swing arm housing. The linkage assembly is movably disposed in the accommodating space. The resilient component is disposed between the linkage assembly and a bracket of the stroller. The swing arm housing can be forced to drive the linkage assembly to pivot relative to the main pivot housing for compressing the resilient component, so as to absorb a shock load.
US09988061B2
A rail vehicle including at least one deformation zone arranged at each end side, where the deformation zone has a collision frame, a multiplicity of deformation elements and two A pillars, where the deformation elements are oriented radially about the front structure of the wagon body and are respectively connected at one of their ends to the wagon body, and where the collision frame connects the ends, facing away from the wagon body, of the deformation elements and is arranged about the front structure of the wagon body in an arcuate manner, and where the two A pillars each extend between the wagon body and the collision frame and are permanently connected to the collision frame.
US09988054B2
A method for ascertaining a minimum value for the friction coefficient of a road segment, in which at least one movement variable of a second vehicle, which characterizes the vehicle movement, is ascertained with the aid of a surroundings sensor system contained in a first vehicle; a minimum value for the friction coefficient of the road segment traveled by the second vehicle is ascertained on the basis of the at least one movement variable of the second vehicle; the spatial position of the first vehicle is ascertained; the relative position of the second vehicle with respect to the first vehicle is ascertained with the aid of the surroundings sensor system; the spatial position of the second vehicle is ascertained with the aid of the spatial position and the relative position of the first vehicle; the spatial position of the second vehicle and the minimum value are stored in a database.
US09988050B2
A vehicle control device which can substantially eliminate or shorten a period when vehicle speed exceeds a lowered speed limit when a vehicle goes into a road where a speed limit lower than before then during running of the vehicle should be provided. A speed control decreases vehicle speed so that the vehicle speed approaches the next speed limit from a time point when it is judged that a position of the own-vehicle is at a predetermined position in front of a transition point which is a point where the next speed limit starts to be applied, in a case where a specified condition that the next speed limit is lower than the present speed limit is satisfied.
US09988044B2
A method to control a road vehicle with steering rear wheels when driving along a curve. The control method comprises the steps of: determining an actual attitude angle of the road vehicle; determining a desired attitude angle; and changing the steering angle of the rear wheels based on the difference between the actual attitude angle and the desired attitude angle.
US09988036B2
A vehicle includes an engine, a traction motor, a clutch, and a controller. The clutch selectively couples the traction motor to wheels. The controller, in response to a torque output by the fraction motor achieving a torque limit while operating to partially satisfy a demand for driveline damping and while the clutch is locked, slips the clutch to completely satisfy the demand for driveline damping.
US09988030B2
The invention relates to an electromechanical-magnetically integrated braking assistance device, comprising an electrical motor, an oil holder, a braking main cylinder, an assistant force generating portion, and a pedal input rod, an absolute displacement sensor or a relative displacement sensor is connected to the pedal input rod; a lead screw is sleeved over the pedal input rod, and a ball nut is sleeved over the lead screw; a ball nut bushing is fixed to the ball nut by being sleeved over the ball nut; a driven gear is fixed to the ball nut bushing by being sleeved over the ball nut bushing; and the electric motor meshes with the driven gear via a transmission mechanism. An end of the lead screw which passes through the ball nut bushing has an aperture, into which a feedback disc is installed; an end of the feedback disc is connected to an end of an output rod which is coaxially arranged with the lead screw inside the assistant force generating portion, and another end of the output rod extends into the braking main cylinder and is connected to a piston of the braking main cylinder.
US09988009B2
A separated anti-collision car includes a frame and an independent passenger cabin, wherein the independent passenger cabin is arranged on the frame separately, a connected part between a front part of the independent passenger cabin and the frame is provided with a wedge-shaped slope mutually matched with the two, the slope is provided with a damping supporting rod separating the independent passenger cabin from the frame during collision, one end of the damping supporting rod is fixed on the frame, and the other end is connected to the independent passenger cabin; and a back part of the independent passenger cabin is hinged with the frame through an elastic expansion rod.
US09988007B2
An occlusion control device includes: a map obtaining unit that obtains map data with a close observation detecting criterion set in each of one or more close observation regions in which presence or absence of a moving object should be closely observed; a proportion calculator that calculates proportion of a blind spot for a host vehicle with respect to the close observation detecting criterion; and a behavior determining unit that selects coping behavior of the host vehicle based on the proportion.
US09988001B2
A motor vehicle license plate mounting bracket includes a substantially planar body defining an A surface and an opposite B surface and one or more resilient members disposed on the body B surface. The bracket body further includes a sidewall having one or more resiliency-imparting notches or grooves therein. Fascia assemblies including the license plate mounting bracket are described.
US09987996B2
A vehicle recovery or anchoring system is provided including a winch coupled to a vehicle, a cable retractably disposed in the winch, a selectively removable dual use vehicle component and anchoring structure (DUVCAC), e.g., a spare tire, and a retaining structure that is configured to retract and hold the DUVCAC or extend the same based on operation of the winch. The cable is adapted to selectively couple and decouple with the retaining structure, wherein the cable is passed through a section of the DUVCAC and be drawn against the vehicle and/or winch. Different types of retaining structures are provided including retaining structures that are formed with additional anchoring elements, e.g., folding spades, as well as different structures, e.g., cable sections or loops, to couple with the DUVCAC. Different cable configurations as well as coupling arrangements are also provided. Various methods are also provided.
US09987993B2
A holder for supporting a long-barreled gun in a vehicle comprises a base and a holder, whereby the base may be removably coupled to the cup holder of a vehicle and the holder is adapted to support the stock of a long-barreled gun. The holder may be adjustable so as to snugly receive various sizes of gun stocks and may be covered in a cushioning material. The height of the holder relative to the base may be adjustable. The base may include one or more cavities adapted for holding bullets. The holder may include a selectively releasable retainer for retaining the stock of the gun in the holder. A method and kit for mechanically coupling two or more gun holding devices so as to prevent movement of one gun holding device relative to the other gun holding devices is also provided.
US09987984B2
A method and apparatus for use in traversing a vehicle transportation network may include a host vehicle receiving a remote vehicle message including remote vehicle information, identifying host vehicle information, determining a relative position code indicating whether an expected path for the remote vehicle and an expected path for the host vehicle are convergent based, determining a remote vehicle dynamic state code based on the remote vehicle information, determining a host vehicle dynamic state code based on the host vehicle information, identifying an expected blind spot collision condition based on the relative position code, the remote vehicle dynamic state code, and the host vehicle dynamic state code, in response to identifying the expected blind spot collision condition, identifying a vehicle control action based on the host vehicle dynamic state code, and traversing a portion of the vehicle transportation network in accordance with the vehicle control action.
US09987982B2
A method for controlling an environmentally-friendly vehicle operating sound generator apparatus. The method includes a step of providing an environmentally-friendly vehicle operating sound generator apparatus. The method further includes a diagnosis confirmation step of allowing the control unit to confirm a connection state of the sound output unit and an operation state of the sound source playback unit and compare an output of the sound source amplification unit with a preset reference value to diagnose the presence of distortion. The method further includes an operating sound execution step of allowing the control unit to determine whether or not to generate an operating sound of the environmentally-friendly vehicle according to the vehicle operation state sensed by the vehicle state sensing unit, output at least one sound source, selected from among the sound sources stored in the sound source storage unit, as the operating sound through the sound output unit.
US09987981B1
Embodiments of an apparatus and methods of use thereof are provided. An apparatus for work zone intrusion detection related to a stationary vehicle, whereby the apparatus includes a processor configured to receive radar detection data about an oncoming vehicle and determine when to trigger an alarm sound in accordance with the radar detection data upon determining that the oncoming vehicle is moving in a direction and at an orientation to collide with the stationary vehicle. A method of using an apparatus for detecting and warning against intrusion in a work zone around a stationary vehicle is provided that includes obtaining, from a radar unit, detection data for a moving vehicle or object approaching the stationary vehicle, and determining, using a processor, when to trigger an alarm sound to allow a response time according to the detection data and a warning mode.
US09987973B2
A lighted accessory for a motor vehicle includes a machined aluminum body. The body includes a front wall that has a plurality of openings through it and a cavity behind it. A plurality of lenses are potted in place within the openings. LED lights are installed on the aluminum body in alignment with the lenses. Additional potting compound is applied to cover the LEDs and substantially fill the cavity. A faulty LED board may be replaced by removing a portion of the potting compound and the faulty LED board, replacing the faulty LED board with an operable one, and refilling the removed portion of the potting compound with additional potting compound.
US09987969B1
A fastening device integrated into a vehicle to fasten a cargo including a strap assembly with a strap, and a hook affixed to a first extremity of the strap, a shaft assembly affixed to a second extremity of the strap to roll the strap, a ratchet assembly to prevent rotation of the shaft assembly in an unrolling direction when engaged, a handle assembly to engage and force the ratchet assembly to rotate, a housing assembly affixed to the body of the vehicle to support the shaft assembly, and the handle assembly, a head cover to cover the shaft assembly, the ratchet assembly, and the housing assembly and provide access to the handle assembly, a neck cover that protrudes downwardly from the head cover to receive the strap and the hook, wherein the handle assembly is articulable to engage the ratchet assembly and tighten the strap around the cargo.
US09987954B2
An increase in the lateral dimension of a vehicle seat equipped with a tip up lock cancel mechanism is prevented. In a vehicle seat equipped with a tip up mechanism for retaining the seat cushion at least in a tip up position and a tip up lock cancel mechanism for releasing the seat cushion from a retained condition effected by the tip up mechanism in response to a forward tilting movement of the seat back, the tip up lock cancel mechanism includes a cable encasing member having one end fixed to the seat cushion and another end fixed to a back side frame via a fixing part, and a cable slidably received in the cable encasing member and having one end connected to the tip up mechanism and another end connected to a seat base, the fixing part for fixing the cable encasing member to the back side frame being located on an inner side of the back side frame.
US09987947B2
A power supply apparatus of a vehicle includes: an engine and a first MG; a battery; a converter stepping up a voltage of the battery and supplying the stepped-up voltage to an inverter of the vehicle; and a control device controlling the converter in a continuous voltage step-up mode in which the converter is continuously operated and an intermittent voltage step-up mode in which the converter is intermittently operated. The control device estimates an SOC of the battery based on battery current IB flowing into and out of the battery, and forces the battery to be charged by the engine and the first MG when an estimate value of the SOC is lower than a predetermined lower limit. The control device suppresses an operation of the converter in the intermittent voltage step-up mode to a greater extent as the estimate value of the SOC is closer to the lower limit.
US09987940B2
A method for sending a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) request that includes receiving a V2G request for a specific geographical region; determining which of a plurality of vehicles are in the specific geographic region; determining a subset of the plurality of vehicles located in the specific geographic region that meet at least one criteria to join the V2G request, wherein the at least one criteria uses historical data of the plurality of vehicles to reduce battery degradation of the plurality of vehicles; and sending a signal to the subset of the plurality of vehicles to join the V2G request.
US09987932B2
A battery system includes: a power detector that detects output power from an external power source; a charging mechanism that charges a main battery by external power; a temperature raising mechanism that raises a temperature of the main battery to a temperature not lower than a reference temperature; and a controller that controls the charging mechanism and the temperature raising mechanism, wherein when the detected output power is lower than a reference power, the controller prohibits a temperature raising process with an SOC of the main battery lower than a charge reference value and performs a charging process.
US09987930B2
A railroad network (10) having a track (12), a network energy supply (14) and a plurality of trains (16) that are connectable to the network energy supply (14) via means (20) for connecting the train (16) to the network energy supply (14) and each have an internal energy storage system (24) for receiving and storing energy originating from said train (16) or from trains (16) of the railroad network (10) and for supplying energy to said train (16) or to trains (16) of the railroad network (10). Each train (16) is able to switch from an operational state in which it is able to move along the system of rails (12) and an idle state in which it is unable to move along the system of rails (12) and vice versa.At least one of the trains (16) of the railroad network (10) is in the idle and energized state at the same time, its internal energy storage system (24) being connected to the network energy supply (14).
US09987926B2
Provided herein is a control method of an electronic apparatus. The control method comprises generating an information for performing a driving-related guide which assists a driving of a vehicle; generating an indicator for the driving-related guide using the generated information; and displaying the generated indicator on a specific region of a road guide screen.
US09987911B2
An open roof construction is provided for a vehicle having an opening in a fixed roof where the fixed roof has a roof edge defining the opening and protruding in a downward direction and further comprises a stationary part, at least one panel for at least partly opening and/or closing the roof opening. The panel is movable in vertical and longitudinal directions with respect to the roof opening. The stationary part is provided with sealing assembly comprising a first seal part capable of sealing the panel towards the fixed roof part, and a second seal part capable of sealing the stationary part against an inner part of the fixed roof and wherein the sealing assembly further comprises a third seal part capable of sealing the stationary part against a lower part of the roof edge.
US09987899B2
An apparatus and a method for determining a mounting state of an electronic control unit (ECU) of an electronic controlled suspension (ECS) system can determine either a normal mounting state or a mounting failure of the ECU of the ECS system. The apparatus for determining the mounting state of the ECU includes: a signal processor receiving a damper velocity of each damper; an integrator calculating an integral of the damper velocity by integrating the damper velocity of each damper received by the signal processor per unit time; a comparator comparing the integral of the damper velocity calculated by the integrator with an actual stroke of each damper; and an index output unit outputting a mounting state of the ECU in the form of an index according to comparison results of the comparator.
US09987891B2
A safety chain engaging device for a towing vehicle having a gooseneck hitch attached with a rail of the towing vehicle is shown and described. The safety chain engaging device may include a first bracket configured to be secured with the rail of the towing vehicle, and a second bracket attached with the first bracket, the second bracket including a plate member spaced from the first bracket. The safety chain engaging device may also include at least one safety chain engaging member secured with the plate member, where the safety chain engaging member is configured to be laterally spaced from the rail upon securement of the first bracket with the rail.
US09987885B2
A pneumatic tire with improved heat build-up resistance in a land portion in a tread center region. The pneumatic tire is provided with a tread pattern that includes a plurality of center lug grooves (14) disposed at intervals in a tire circumferential direction that cross a tire equator line; a plurality of shoulder lug grooves (12A, 12B) disposed in intervals between the plurality of center lug grooves in the tire circumferential direction extending outward in the tire width direction, an inner end in the tire width direction being disposed outward of an end of the center lug groove in the tire width direction; a pair of circumferential primary grooves (11A, 11B) extending around an entire circumference of the pneumatic tire in a wave-like shape with the ends of the center lug grooves and the inner ends of the plurality of shoulder lug grooves in the tire width direction alternately connecting to the pair of circumferential primary grooves (11A, 11B); and a circumferential secondary groove (10) disposed on the tire equator line around the entire circumference of the pneumatic tire that intersects the center lug grooves. A straight line that joins an intersection portion between the center lug groove and the circumferential secondary groove and the end of the center lug groove has an inclination angle with respect to the tire circumferential direction ranging from 55° to 75°.
US09987884B2
Tire tread having a central part (I) made from at least one first rubber compound and having at least one circumferential rib (121-123) formed of a plurality of blocks (1210) separated by sipes; a first and a second lateral part (II and III) made of at least a second and third rubber compound, and having a circumferential rib (131,141) formed by a plurality of blocks (1310,1410), separated by sipes, wherein the at least one second and third rubber compounds have a value of tan δ at 23° C.—at a frequency of 10 Hz and an elongation of 10% —of less than 0.25, wherein the complex modulus G*(T) of the at least one first rubber compound is greater than the complex moduli G*(T) of at least one second and third rubber compounds for all temperatures T greater than or equal to 0° and less than or equal to 60° C.
US09987883B2
In a cross-sectional view of a pneumatic tire in the tire meridian direction, land sections, which are located on the inner side of left and right outermost circumferential main grooves in the tire width direction, have a first profile which protrudes outward in the tire radial direction. In addition, shoulder land sections, which are located on the outer side of the right and left outermost circumferential main grooves in the tire width direction, have a second profile which protrudes inward in the tire radial direction within a ground contact surface. In addition, the distance between a line extending from the first profile in the ground contact surface of the shoulder land section and the second profile in the tire radial direction increases toward the outer side in the tire width direction.
US09987880B2
A bearing assembly includes a hub element or a housing element, the hub element or the housing element having at least one opening, at least one intermediate element mounted in the at least one opening, the at least one intermediate element including at least one wave-shaped or lug-shaped projection in contact with the hub element or the housing element, and a first bearing element press-fit in the at least one intermediate element and a second bearing element mounted in the at least one opening, the second bearing element being movable relative to the first bearing element.
US09987871B1
A greeting card having a gift card holder attached thereto with motor module which is operative to cause movement to the gift card holder. The greeting card may additionally contain a mobile object attached to the gift card holder which moves out of synch with the gift card holder. The gift card holder may contain a first portion and a second portion which separate to reveal a gift card therein.
US09987869B2
Disclosed is a stationery item that includes a cover and removable contents forming a refill. The refill includes: a block of stacked pages forming two main outer surfaces by a certain thickness; a binding that binds the pages of the block together at the back of the block; and a flexible covering strip that covers the binding. The covering strip includes: a back portion which outwardly covers the binding and which is provided with magnetic elements, and two side portions that are attached to both of the main surfaces of the block, respectively. The refill can be removably attached to the back of the cover which includes built-in magnetic means for attracting the magnetic elements of the refill.
US09987867B2
A thermal transfer image receiving sheet including a substrate having a surface, a heat-insulating layer formed on the surface, an undercoat layer formed on the heat-insulating layer, and a dye-receiving layer formed on the undercoat layer. The undercoat layer includes as a main component a polycondensate made from i) at least one of an alkoxide, a hydrolyzate of an alkoxide, and tin chloride, ii) a water-soluble polymer, iii) a vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl imidazole copolymer, and iv) a urethane resin.
US09987864B2
A first score line camera captures an image of one sides of a plurality of tablets being conveyed by a conveyor drum. During transfer from the conveyor drum to a first conveyor belt, all the tablets are turned upside down while their directional properties are maintained. A second score line camera captures an image of opposite side of the tablets being conveyed by the first conveyor belt. Based on image data about both the front sides and back sides of the tablets acquired by the first and second score line cameras, a first ink-jet head performs front-side printing process on a front side of a tablet to conform to a predetermined direction relative to a score line in this front side. The second ink-jet head performs back-side printing process on a back side of a tablet to conform to a direction on the back side same as the predetermined direction.
US09987863B2
According to an embodiment, a printer includes a drop portion that catches, in a case where a diameter of a roll of paper stored in a holder becomes small, the roll of paper that falls from the holder. The printer further includes a plurality of support rollers that are arranged so as to sandwich an inlet of the drop portion and rotatably support the roll of paper PR stored in the holder. At least one of the plurality of support rollers is a short-width roller whose width in an axial direction of a shaft is shorter than a paper width of the roll of paper PR, and a void is provided at a non-shaft arrangement part provided at an extension portion of the short-width roller in the axial direction.
US09987860B2
The disclosure provides an inkjet printer capable of reducing yellowing of a coating attributable to clear ink with respect to printing on a print medium with color ink. An inkjet printer (10) having LED lamps (26) for hardening color ink and an ultraviolet lamp (27) for hardening clear ink ejects ultraviolet curing type color ink toward a print medium (90) by inkjet heads (24) for color ink, and radiates ultraviolet light with a wavelength equal to or longer than 365 nm toward the color ink having adhered to the print medium (90) by the LED lamps (26), and ejects ultraviolet curing type clear ink toward the hardened color ink by inkjet heads (25) for clear ink, and radiates ultraviolet light with a wavelength equal to or shorter than 365 nm toward the clear ink having adhered to the color ink by the ultraviolet lamp (27).
US09987859B2
Systems and methods for evenly heating a drum dryer of a print system. In one embodiment, the dryer is configured to rotate about an axis oriented in a lateral direction, to receive a radiant energy source disposed inside the drum that extends between each lateral end of the drum in the lateral direction, and to receive a reflective assembly inside the drum that includes an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion surrounds the radiant energy source and removably attaches the reflective assembly to a lateral end of the drum. The outer portion extends from the inner portion in a radial direction of the drum that is perpendicular to the lateral direction. The outer portion includes a reflective surface that reflects radiant energy from the lateral end to the central portion of the drum in contact with the web.
US09987852B2
In one example a replaceable tri-color ink cartridge housing includes three chambers for different colors ink. In a further example, a headland may have three parallel ink slots having a length of at least 14.4 millimeters.
US09987851B2
An ink supply unit is provided and includes an ink container, and a cap fittable to the ink container and having an opening, a valve body, and an elastic body, an ink tank that holds the ink container fitted with the cap at a cap-side part of the container, a pivotable lever disposed on the ink tank pivotably around a pivot axis that is a pivoting center; an anti-rotation mechanism configured to restrict relative rotations of the ink container and of the cap to the ink tank, a conversion mechanism configured to convert the pivoting motion of the pivotable lever into linear motions of the ink container and of the cap in a direction along the pivot axis, and a valve-opening projection that presses the valve body toward an opening position when the cap is drawn nearer to the ink tank by the linear motion of the cap.
US09987838B2
A separation method allows a carrier substrate and a resin layer to be separated without, for example, breaking the resin layer for use in a final product, such that the resin layer can be rendered easy to handle thereafter. A protection step coats the surface of a resin layer with a protective film. A holding-by-suction step retains by suction the coated resin layer on a suction stage with a flat suction surface. After the back surface of the carrier substrate is supported at or near a first end by a support roller capable of moving from the first end to a second end of the carrier substrate, a peeling step lowers the first end of the carrier substrate while moving the support roller toward the second end, thereby peeling the carrier substrate from the resin layer while bending the carrier substrate at a portion supported by the support roller.
US09987836B2
The present disclosure provides a method and device for removing an integrated circuit. The device is used to remove the integrated circuit from a display panel. The device includes a heating unit configured to contact and heat the display panel, and a retractable clamping-taking component configured to clamp and take the integrated circuit on the display panel which has been heated. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the method and device may remove the integrated circuit from the display panel without destroying the display panel and increase efficiency of removing the integrated circuit.
US09987834B2
A system, apparatus, and method for removing pressure adhesive indicia, such as labels or stamps, from their backing and affixing the same to a target substrate is provided. The automated process affixes stamps, for example, to the target substrate with both speed and precision of placement. Desired stamps can be selectively removed from a backing, for example, can be placed on variable locations upon the target substrate, and can be affixed in the desired orientation with precise spacing between stamps. The precision of affixation afforded by this system is commensurate with philatelic standards and is suitable for all pressure adhesive indicia where rapid and precise placement is desired for aesthetic or other reasons.
US09987824B2
A metal-resin composite structure (106) is obtained by bonding a metal member (103) and a resin member (105) formed of a thermoplastic resin composition (P) to each other. Regarding six linear portions in total on a surface (110) of the metal member (103) including three arbitrary linear portions which are parallel to each other and another three arbitrary linear portions which are perpendicular to the former three linear portions, a surface roughness measured according to JIS B0601 (corresponding international standard: ISO4287) satisfies the following requirements (1) and (2) at the same time: (1) material ratio of the roughness profile (Rmr) of one or more linear portions at a cutting level of 20% and an evaluation length of 4 mm are lower than or equal to 30%; and (2) ten point average roughnesses (Rz) of all the linear portions at an evaluation length of 4 mm are greater than 2 μm.
US09987823B2
A method of manufacturing a composite structural member including laying up a stack of fiber reinforced laminate plies, wherein at least one of the plies is laid up as discrete first and second ply portions, and the fibers of the second portion have a different characteristic from those of the first portion. Also, a composite structural member manufactured according to the method.
US09987822B2
A method of adhering multiple polyurethane foam layers together sticks a first polyurethane foam layer with a second polyurethane foam layer by using polyurethane system components in polymerization foaming reaction. The method contains steps of: A. delivering the first polyurethane foam layer toward a cladding position; B. cladding or depositing the polyurethane system components on the first polyurethane foam layer at the cladding position so that the polyurethane system components start foaming polymerization on and adhere with the first polyurethane foam layer; C. delivering the polyurethane system components and the first polyurethane foam layer to a press roller so that the polyurethane system components foam to produce the second polyurethane foam layer, and the second polyurethane foam layer adheres with the first polyurethane foam layer; and D. conveying the second polyurethane foam layer and the first polyurethane foam layer away from the press roller.
US09987815B2
A method and device for production of a combustion chamber tube for restraint systems in vehicles. The combustion chamber tube is embossed by several embossing dies arranged stellate around the combustion chamber tube and movable by an annular compression module with several punches movable in synchronized fashion in the radial direction and two inner punches extending into the ends of the combustion chamber tube, each with a support mandrel and a shaping mandrel movable relative to support mandrel. The combustion chamber tube is embossed from the outside by the embossing dies radially movable via punches against the support mandrels and the ends of the combustion chamber tube are shaped by shaping mandrels movable relative to support mandrels when the embossing dies are closed.
US09987812B2
Provided are a vulcanization device for a pneumatic tire and a method for vulcanizing a pneumatic tire. A pressurizing medium having a relatively low pressure is supplied through a pressurizing medium low-pressurization/supply line into a vulcanization bladder having a tube-like shape inserted into a green tire in a vulcanization mold to inflate the vulcanization bladder. Thereafter, a heating medium is supplied through a heating medium supply line into the vulcanization bladder (2). Then, a pressurizing medium having a relatively high pressure is supplied through a pressurizing medium supply line into the vulcanization bladder to increase internal pressure of the vulcanization bladder while the media in the vulcanization bladder are circulated through a circulation line extending outside the vulcanization bladder, thereby vulcanizing the green tire.
US09987805B2
A cart that moves through a three-dimensional object printing system includes a platform and a cleaning device configured to remove material from a surface as the platform passes the surface. The cart further includes a rechargeable power supply configured to be connected to the cleaning device. A controller onboard the cart is operatively connected to the rechargeable power supply and the cleaning device. The controller is configured to connect the rechargeable power supply to the cleaning device and operate the cleaning device to clean the surface.
US09987804B2
Methods and apparatuses for making three-dimensional objects from multiple solidifiable materials is shown and described. Multiple solidifiable material container assemblies are provided for holding different solidifiable materials. Relative movement between the solidifiable material container assemblies and a build platform allows the solidifiable materials to be switched as an object is built. Several exemplary cleaning stations are provided for removing residual solidifiable materials from the surface of the three-dimensional object as it is built to better ensure smooth transitions between materials on the finished object.
US09987801B2
A method of manufacturing a custom device for external application to the head of a patient over a removed portion of the cranium of the patient is described. A three dimensional digital image portion of the external surface of the head comprising at least the removed portion is generated. A three dimensional digital image portion is processed to identify the removed portion. A digital file is generated that is utilized to manufacture the device.
US09987793B2
A method for producing a panelling component for a motor vehicle. The method includes press-forming a fiber-reinforced load-bearing composite component; forming a film having a class-A surface; and joining the load-bearing composite component as a first layer and the film as a second layer via an adhesive as an interposed third layer.
US09987791B2
According to one aspect of the present invention, an adhesive sheet material application device is disclosed, which includes a roller support bar, a handle, and a roller, where the handle and the roller are connected to the roller support bar, a portion of the handle is parallel to the roller, and the roller is rotatable. In another aspect of the present invention, a second handle is connected to the roller support bar and the second handle has a strap. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of using the adhesive sheet material application device is disclosed, which includes securing a portion of adhesive sheet material to a surface, applying the adhesive sheet material to the surface with the adhesive sheet material application device, and regressing and eradicating bubbles between the adhesive sheet material and surface.
US09987782B2
A nozzle heater assembly coupled to a hot runner nozzle includes a heater support made of at least two support segments spaced apart by a gap. A heater element secured to both support segments is configured to limit the gap between the two segments. The nozzle heater assembly to be coupled to a hot runner may also include in other applications a heater support formed of a single piece and configured as a hollow helical tube including at least two axial gaps. A heater element is secured to the helical tube, where the helical tube can be compressed or stretched axially to alter a clamping force generated when the helical tube and the heater are coupled to the hot runner nozzle.
US09987781B2
The invention relates to equipment (1) for manufacturing a part (2) by injection moulding, including: a first cavity (10), a second cavity (20), and a supporting element (30), shaped such as to hold the part (2) in position in the equipment, and defining, together with the cavities (10, 20), an inner space of the equipment, the holding element (30) as well as the first cavity (10) and/or the second cavity (20) being movable relative to one another.
US09987765B2
A mold assembly is used for manufacturing a ventilated building block. The ventilated building blocks are configured such that adjacent stacked blocks are inverted and reversed, thereby establishing front-to-back air passages that do not provide a sight line and prevent rain from passing through while enabling air ventilation.
US09987761B2
The invention is to a device and method, for cutting a can blank in which case an end section of the can blank is severed. The can blank is moved by means of a conveyor arrangement at a constant speed about a first axis of rotation. Preferably, a laser beam is used as the cutting means. A deflecting arrangement deflects the laser beam to a focal point where the side surface of the can blank is located. Due the rotation of the can blank about its longitudinal axis, the axial end section of said can blank is severed. The focal point of the laser beam does not change relative to the longitudinal axis of the can blank during the laser cutting operation.
US09987760B2
The invention relates to manual pliers (1) which comprise a fixed cutting jaw (26) and a movable cutting jaw (23). The manual pliers (1) comprise a first maximal opening position in which it is possible to run through a working stroke part caused by the closure of the hand levers (2). In the first maximal opening position the latching lever (16) and a pushing lever (19) engage with a toothing (32) of the movable cutting jaw (23). With the actuation of the latching lever (16) it is possible to transfer the manual pliers into a second maximal opening position in which the opening angle of the hand levers (2) is larger than in the first maximal opening position. In the second maximal opening position the latching lever (16) and the pushing lever (19) do not engage with the toothing (32) of the movable cutting jaw (23). For the definition of the two opening positions, two stops are used which are formed by the latching lever (16) and a swivel bolt of the latching lever (16).
US09987756B2
A hand device includes: a hand base (40a); a first finger (40b) which extends from a tip of the hand base (40a) in a longitudinal direction while bending to the hand base (40a); a second finger (40c) attached to the hand base (40a) so as to face a surface of the hand base (40a) side of a tip of the first finger (40b); and a drive mechanism (40e) which actuates the second finger (40c) so that a tip of the second finger (40c) approaches or separates from the first finger (40b).
US09987743B2
Apparatus and methods for a modular robotic device with artificial intelligence that is receptive to training controls. In one implementation, modular robotic device architecture may be used to provide all or most high cost components in an autonomy module that is separate from the robotic body. The autonomy module may comprise controller, power, actuators that may be connected to controllable elements of the robotic body. The controller may position limbs of the toy in a target position. A user may utilize haptic training approach in order to enable the robotic toy to perform target action(s). Modular configuration of the disclosure enables users to replace one toy body (e.g., the bear) with another (e.g., a giraffe) while using hardware provided by the autonomy module. Modular architecture may enable users to purchase a single AM for use with multiple robotic bodies, thereby reducing the overall cost of ownership.
US09987742B1
A system and method for positioning hanging objects includes a transfer sheet capable of being marked (e.g. paper) is releasably attached to a positioning member having a ledge that can be aligned with a top surface of an object being hung (e.g. picture); the transfer sheet is then marked (creating a transfer mark) at the location of the object's mounting portion (e.g. hook); the ledge is then positioned as desired (e.g. against a wall), and aligned using a built in level; a mark is made on the wall using the transfer mark (e.g. using a pencil through the transfer mark); a fastener (e.g. nail) is then fixed to the wall at the location of the mark; the object is then hung. Thus, the tedious and often erroneous process of calculating where the hole should be using measuring devices is eliminated.
US09987740B2
A vent manipulation system includes a building that has a ceiling and a floor. The ceiling is spaced from the floor and the ceiling is inaccessible without a ladder. A vent is coupled to the ceiling and the vent may pass air through the ceiling. A tool is provided and the tool may be manipulated. The tool engages the vent such that the tool adjusts the vent between an open position and a closed position. Thus, the tool adjusts the vent without the ladder.
US09987737B2
A machine tool and control method are disclosed. The machine tool has a tool receptacle which supports a chiseling tool so that it is movable along an axis of movement. A magneto-pneumatic striking mechanism has a primary drive, which is arranged around the axis of movement, and has a first magnetic coil and a second magnetic coil. On the axis of movement within the magnetic coils, the striking mechanism has a striker and riveting head. Furthermore, the striking mechanism has a pneumatic spring which acts on the striker. The control method provides for a pressure sensor which measures the prevailing pressure in the pneumatic spring during a movement of the striker in the direction opposite the striking direction. A controller initiates an acceleration phase at the start of a drop in pressure in the pneumatic spring. The primary drive accelerates the striker in the striking direction during the acceleration phase.
US09987727B2
Process for manufacture of a dental burr including a brazed diamond grit working surface comprising the steps of: a. providing a vacuum induction furnace and a graphite insert which is tuned to be heated at a predetermined frequency in the induction furnace, said graphite insert including a sub chamber configured for receiving at least one dental burr; b. providing a dental burr blank including a shaft portion and a working head portion; c. providing a synthetic diamond abrasive grit material, which is unprocessed for removal of ferromagnetic properties, mixture with a temporary green binder which adheres to the burr substrate and coating the working head portion with the mixture; d. placing the coated burr into the graphite insert sub chamber and heating the graphite insert to 910 to 990° C.; and e. heating the coated burr in the chamber under a vacuum for forming a diamond burr with a brazed diamond grit working surface.
US09987726B2
An example drill bit for subterranean drilling operations includes a drill bit body with a blade. The drill bit may further include a cutting element and an alloy affixing the cutting element to the blade. The alloy may include a particulate phase, such as ceramic material or an intermetallic material, that increases the strength of the alloy without significantly affecting the melting point of the alloy.
US09987725B1
An abrasive jet apparatus configured to machine features into an inner diameter of bored structures. In the abrasive jet apparatus, an abrasive mixture of pressurized liquid and abrasive particles is propelled as an abrasive jet in a direction other than the direction in which the abrasive jet apparatus extends. The abrasive jet apparatus may be implemented in an automated boring system and boring method for machining rifling grooves and other features into bored structures. The boring system and boring method use an iterative process of mapping a target surface of the bored structure and adjusting parameters of the boring system in between successive passes of the abrasive jet on the target surface.
US09987722B2
The invention relates to a hard-rolling roller for a deep rolling tool having a torus-shaped base body for deep rolling of radiuses or recesses which limit the bearing trunnion on crankshafts on both sides, and two at least approximately truncated cone-shaped central bodies, rising on both sides of the body. A cylindrical body rises on the upper end surface of one of the two central bodies.
US09987720B2
A method for operating a polishing head is provided. The method includes keeping a stator of at least one electromagnetism actuated pressure sector stationary with respect to a carrier head, and electromagnetically and linearly moving an active cell of the electromagnetism actuated pressure sector with the stator to linearly move the active cell with respect to the carrier head.
US09987716B2
A machine tool brake device of a portable machine tool includes at least one magnetic-field-type brake unit that is configured to brake a spindle and/or a machining tool when the magnetic-field-type brake unit is in at least one braking position. The machine tool brake device further includes at least one spindle immobilization unit that is configured to immobilize the spindle when the spindle immobilization unit is in at least one immobilization position. The machine tool brake device also includes at least one activation unit that is configured to transfer the magnetic-field-type brake unit into the braking position and to enable an automatic transfer of the spindle immobilization unit into the immobilization position.
US09987714B2
A method and apparatus for installing a frangible collar onto a fastener installed in a hole using an end effector in which rotation of the fastener is not restricted by the hole. Rotation of the fastener may be restricted using the end effector. A frangible collar may be installed onto the fastener by an element installer of the end effector while the while restricting rotation of the fastener. A frangible portion of the frangible collar may be sheared off by torqueing the frangible portion using the end effector.
US09987699B2
A method and system for electrochemically machining a hollow body of a metal or a metal alloy. An electrode is positioned within a hollow body including a metal or metal alloy, where the hollow body has a variable internal diameter. The hollow body is oriented vertically, with the electrode oriented vertically therein. The hollow body is at least partially filled with an aqueous, acidic electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solution being devoid of hydrofluoric acid and having a viscosity less than 15 cP. An electric current is passed between the hollow body and the electrode, where the electric current includes a plurality of anodic pulses and a plurality of cathodic pulses, and where the cathodic pulses are interposed between at least some of the anodic pulses.
US09987698B2
When machining of a workpiece is started in a wire electric discharge machine, before a voltage is applied between a wire electrode and the workpiece (a machining gap), practicable shaft feed control systems are discriminated on the basis of machining conditions set in advance. According to the discrimination, running into an inability state of continuity of machining and an accuracy failure after machining are prevented beforehand.
US09987694B2
The present invention is a coping saw for performing a coping operation. The saw is operable in a first orientation for performing a first cut and in a second orientation for performing a coping second cut and comprises a handle having one or more power switches for activating and deactivating the drive system in both the first orientation and in the second orientation.
US09987693B2
A table saw includes a height adjustment wheel including a threaded shaft; a blade suspension mechanism secured to a lock crank; a rod secured to both the blade suspension mechanism and a bottom of the cutting surface; an electric motor including a driving shaft and a link extending forward to secure to the blade suspension mechanism; a circular saw blade operatively connected to the driving shaft; first and second mounting plates each secured to the link and including a slanted slot element; and an interconnection including two end holes moveably disposed in the slot elements of the first and second mounting plates respectively, and an intermediate threaded hole secured to the threaded shaft. A rotation of the height adjustment wheel moves the saw blade up or down.
US09987692B2
A centering device for centrally chucking a rotary tool includes a socket on a mandrel of a tool holder. A tool arrangement includes a tool holder that has a mandrel, and including a rotary tool that is placed on the tool holder and includes a socket. In order to create a universal centering device that is easy to manufacture and can be used for a multitude of internal chucking units, and create a tool arrangement in which the rotary tool can be centered with high accuracy on the internal chucking unit, the centering device is designed as a closed centering ring which can be inserted between the rotary tool and the mandrel and which has an elastically deformable contour, and such a centering device is disposed between the mandrel and the rotary tool in the tool arrangement.
US09987691B2
According to one implementation, a drill that drills at least one of a composite material and a metal is provided. A web thickness at least at a tip of the drill is not less than 5% and less than 25% of at least one diameter of the drill. Further, according to one implementation, a method of manufacturing a drilled product is provided. The drilled product is manufactured by drilling a workpiece using the above-mentioned drill. The workpiece is made of the at least one of the composite material and the metal.
US09987687B2
A coated cutting tool for chip forming machining of metals includes a substrate having a surface coated with a chemical vapour deposition (CVD) coating. The coating has a layer of α-Al2O3, wherein the α-Al2O3 layer exhibits a texture coefficient TC(0 0 12)≥7.2 and wherein the ratio of I(0 0 12)/I(0 1 14) is ≥1.
US09987685B2
Described herein is a method of producing an alloy. The method includes pouring a stream of molten mixture of component elements of the alloy, separating the stream into discrete pieces, solidifying the discrete pieces by cooling before the discrete pieces contact any liquid or solid. Also described herein is another method of producing an alloy. This method includes pouring and solidifying a stream of molten mixture of component elements of the alloy into a rod or pulling a rod from a molten mixture of component elements of the alloy, before the rod contacts any liquid or solid, separating the rod into discrete pieces. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the methods above can include a container from which the molten stream is poured or the solid rod extends, one or more coil, conductive plates, a laser source, or an electron beam source arranged around the molten stream or the solid rod and configured to separate the molten stream or the solid rod into discrete pieces.
US09987679B2
A method of fabricating a die cast article is disclosed and includes forming an insert with an additive manufacturing process to define a cavity for generating desired part geometry. The insert is then mounted within a mold tool, material is injected into the cavity to fill the cavity and form a cast article.
US09987677B2
A method of forming a component having an internal passage defined therein includes positioning a jacketed core with respect to a mold. The jacketed core includes a hollow structure formed from a first material, an inner core disposed within the hollow structure, and a core channel that extends from at least a first end of the inner core through at least a portion of inner core. The method also includes introducing a component material in a molten state into a cavity of the mold, such that the component material in the molten state at least partially absorbs the first material from the jacketed core within the cavity. The method further includes cooling the component material in the cavity to form the component. The inner core defines the internal passage within the component.
US09987656B2
A sealant tube for use in a pneumatic sealant gun for reducing or eliminating air bubbles in the sealant being dispensed. The sealant tube may fit within a hollow sleeve of the pneumatic sealant gun and contains sealant and a slidable plunger. The tube body may include an inner surface, an outer surface opposite the inner surface, a first opening, a second opening opposite the first opening, and pressure release openings formed through the tube body, such that air from a pressurized air source flows into the tube body and between the tube body and the hollow sleeve during use of the pneumatic sealant gun, equalizing pressure on the inner surface and the outer surface of the tube body. A seal or gasket may also be located proximate the second opening of the tube body, for forming an airtight seal between the hollow sleeve and the tube body.
US09987649B2
A sprinkler includes a compartment that surrounds its riser portion in an offset or asymmetrical configuration. More specifically, the distance of the compartments walls from those of the riser vary (i.e., increase or decrease) at different locations surrounding the riser. Put another way, the riser is closer to one side of the compartment than other sides of the compartment. This non-concentric configuration allows larger components to fit inside the compartment than would otherwise fit if the riser was symmetrically surrounded by the compartment.
US09987638B2
Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and or platelet poor plasma (PPP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma into separate receivers while retaining the platelets and other factors in the centrifuge chamber. High speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.
US09987626B2
A hydrocarbon trap catalyst and method of forming the same are disclosed. The method may include introducing copper into a zeolite at 10% to 75% of an ion-exchange level of the zeolite, introducing at least one of nickel and manganese into a zeolite at 50% to 100% total of an ion-exchange level of the zeolite, and applying a three-way catalyst layer. The copper and nickel and/or manganese may be introduced into a single zeolite or the copper may be introduced into a first zeolite layer and the nickel and/or manganese may be introduced into a second zeolite layer. If copper and another metal are introduced into the same zeolite, copper may be introduced first. The disclosed trap catalyst may increase the release temperature of hydrocarbons such as ethanol, propylene and toluene, and thus reduce vehicle cold start tailpipe emissions.
US09987620B2
The present invention relates to a catalytic system comprising at least two catalytic zones of which at least one zone exclusively contains one or more noble metals selected from the group consisting of Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium, Palladium and Platinum and at least another zone contains Nickel, said catalytic system characterized in that at least one zone exclusively containing noble metals selected from the group consisting of Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium, Palladium and Platinum is always distinct but in contact with at least one zone containing Nickel.One or more metals selected from the group consisting of Rhodium, Ruthenium, Iridium, Palladium and Platinum are possibly added to the catalytic zone or zones comprising Nickel.
US09987616B2
A magnetic polymer nanocomposite is provided. The magnetic polymer nanocomposite includes a polymeric matrix and plurality of magnetic nanoparticles embedded within the polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix of the magnetic polymer nanocomposite is configured to adsorb water molecules as air is passed through the nanocomposite and is configured to release the adsorbed water molecules on exposure of the nanocomposite to an electromagnetic field.
US09987614B2
The invention relates a process for preparing a microporous carbon material comprising the following steps: i) providing a cross-linked polymer obtainable by reacting either A1) a maltodextrin deriving from starch comprising amylose in the range from 25 to 50% expressed as dry weight relative to the dry weight of the starch or A2) a cyclodextrin with an organic aromatic dianhydride in a mass ratio of either maltodextrin or cyclodextrin with respect to the organic aromatic dianhydride in the range of 1:0.50 to 1:2, ii) pyrolyzing at a range from 700 to 900° C. with a heating ramp in the range from 5° C./min to 30° C./min in a inert gas flux; and iii) cooling the obtained residue. The microporous carbon material obtainable by the process of the invention consists of micropores having pore size distribution in the range from about 6 to about 16 Å and is used as absorber for liquids and gases.
US09987612B1
A reactor assembly is provided. The reactor assembly includes a substrate and a first catalytic layer provided on the substrate. The first catalytic layer further includes a first temperature zone configured to operate at a first temperature. The first catalytic layer further includes a second temperature zone extending from the first temperature zone. The second temperature zone is configured to operate at a second temperature. The second temperature is lower than the first temperature. The reactor assembly also includes a diffusion barrier coating provided on the first catalytic layer. The diffusion barrier coating is configured to regulate a diffusion of gas phase oxygen therethrough for controlling the first temperature with respect to the second temperature.
US09987604B2
The invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for mixing of liquids (50) or of particles with a liquid (50). In a volume of liquid (50), a thermal convection flow is generated at at least one surface of the volume of liquid by irradiating IR radiation (30) into the volume of liquid. Thereby it is possible to avoid a depletion zone at the surface and to more accurately measure interactions of the particles with the surface by means of surface-based measurement methods.
US09987598B2
Preparing forming coating liquid for an acid gas separation facilitated transport membrane which includes a hydrophilic compound, an acid gas carrier, and water, coating the forming coating liquid, using a layered film layered in the order of a hydrophilic porous film, a hydrophobic porous film, and an auxiliary support film as a porous support, on a surface of the hydrophilic porous film of the layered film with a liquid film thickness of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm and drying the coated liquid to form a first acid gas separation facilitated transport membrane, and further coating the forming coating liquid for the acid gas separation facilitated transport membrane on the surface of the hydrophilic porous film with the previously formed acid gas separation facilitated transport membrane and drying the coated liquid to form a next acid gas separation facilitated transport membrane.
US09987597B2
Provided is a microporous membrane which has an asymmetric structure and which exhibits higher permeability while keeping a high particle rejection. This microporous membrane is an asymmetric microporous membrane that is provided with: a skin layer in which micropores have been formed; and a support layer which supports the skin layer and in which pores larger than the micropores have been formed. The material of the microporous membrane is a polyvinylidene fluoride-based resin. In the skin layer, multiple spherical bodies (1) are present, and multiple linear joining parts (2) extend three-dimensionally from each of the spherical bodies (1), each pair of adjacent spherical bodies (1) being linked to each other by one or more of the linear joining parts (2). Thus, the skin layer has a three-dimensional network structure wherein the spherical bodies (1) act as nodes.
US09987589B2
A rotating packed bed (RPB) unit comprising one rotor is described. The rotor comprises a first plate and a second plate. The rotor further comprises a plurality of annular permeable packing elements housed in between the first plate and the second plate, wherein a first end of each of the plurality of annular permeable packing elements is attached to the first plate, and wherein a second end of each of the plurality of permeable packing elements is attached to the second plate. The rotor further comprises a shaft coupled to one of the first plate and the second plate for rotating the rotor. Further, the rotor comprises a liquid inlet for receiving a liquid phase and a gas inlet for receiving a gas phase.
US09987586B2
A CO2 recovery unit includes a CO2-absorber that causes a gas containing CO2 to contact a CO2-absorbing solution and that causes the CO2 in the gas to be absorbed into the CO2-absorbing solution; a CO2-regenerator that heats the CO2-absorbing solution, releases the CO2 from the CO2-absorbing solution, and regenerates the CO2-absorbing solution; and a CO2 recovery amount controller that: calculates a computed target value of a CO2 recovery amount and a computed target value of a CO2 recovery rate based on a set value of the CO2 recovery rate, actual measured values of CO2 concentration, gas flow rate, and temperature of the gas, and calculates a maximum value of the CO2 recovery amount in the CO2-absorber and a maximum value of the CO2 recovery amount in the CO2-regenerator.
US09987581B2
There is described a HVAC pre-filter system for a vehicle. The pre-filter system acts to prevent relatively large or coarse debris from reaching a dedicated HVAC filter through the use of at least one pre-filter element, which is provided in at least one inlet/outlet connected to ambient air. The pre-filter system has an inlet to supply air to the HVAC system, and an outlet to allow for air to exit from a vehicle cab interior, and the inlet/outlet can be switched to be fluidly coupled with either the HVAC inlet or the cab outlet. Dependent on which inlet or outlet the inlet/outlet is coupled with, the flow direction in the inlet/outlet can be controlled. Accordingly, the pre-filter can be cleaned of accumulated dust and debris by reversing the direction of airflow through the inlet/outlet.
US09987576B2
A mechanical input to a fluidic filter network can be actuated. The fluidic filter network can include respective branches fluidically coupling the mechanical input to respective deformable mechanical outputs. A mechanical displacement can be selectively coupled a selected deformable mechanical output of the fluidic filter network to a deformable mechanical input of a microfluidic device. A fluid flow in a portion of the microfluidic device can be controlled using the displacement, the selected deformable mechanical output can be selected at least in part by actuating the mechanical input to produce a displacement having energy in a specified range of frequencies, and the fluidic filter network is generally fluidically isolated from the microfluidic device.
US09987569B2
An apparatus for use in a filter system for filtering water or wastewater. The apparatus preferably includes at least one underdrain lateral having at least an inner chamber, a first outer chamber and a second outer chamber. The first outer chamber and the second outer chamber are preferably in fluid communication with the inner chamber. The inner chamber, the first outer chamber and the second outer chamber are preferably formed by an inner liner and an outer liner. The outer liner is a separate piece from the inner liner and surrounds the inner liner. The inner chamber is preferably configured to simultaneously receive a liquid and a gas during a washing procedure including simultaneous use of a liquid and gas to clean a filter bed to create a liquid and gas interface in the inner chamber.
US09987564B1
A method and device for conducting blackjack-type games includes receiving a base wager and dealing at least one initial player hand and an initial dealer hand. A final player hand is formed from each initial player hand. A final dealer hand is formed. If the final dealer hand is a predefined modified dealer bust hand, the base wager is paid according to a pay table which includes at least one payout that is less than even money and at least one payout that is greater than even money. The base wager may otherwise be resolved in a manner consistent with conventional blackjack.
US09987563B2
There is provided a system and method for inducing a reply from a first client connected to a virtual world to facilitate a social interaction using a second client connected to the virtual world. There is provided a method for inducing a reply from a first client connected to a virtual world to facilitate a social interaction using a second client connected to the virtual world, the method comprising locating, in the virtual world, an avatar of the second client in a proximity of an avatar of the first client, executing a social action using the avatar of the second client such that the social action is observable by the first client but not observable by the second client, receiving the reply from the first client in response to the social action, and rendering the reply from first client using the avatar of the first client.
US09987562B2
A method for an online video game or application service system includes running a video game or application on an application host server at a data center, an uncompressed video stream being produced therefrom. The uncompressed video stream is encoded into compressed video stream, which is then transmitted over the Internet to an output client device of a user. The output client device decompresses the compressed video stream and displays live video on a screen. User control input transmitted from an input client device is delivered to the application host server. The user control input includes game or application commands. The input client device is associated with the user and is separate from the output client device. Responsive to receiving the game or application commands, the application host server generates a new uncompressed video stream.
US09987553B2
A virtual world processing apparatus and method. Sensed information, which is information collected by a sensor is inputted. The sensed information is adapted, based on a sensor capability, which is information on capability of the sensor. Accordingly, interoperability between a real world and a virtual world or interoperability between virtual worlds may be achieved.
US09987547B2
A motor control and regulating device has a sensor system for detection of forces acting sideways on a skateboard or longboard relative to the travel direction, sensor systems for control of the rpm of an electric motor, measurement of rpm and direction of rotation of rollers of the skateboard or longboard, and detection of the turning angle of the skateboard or longboard relative to the travel direction. There is an electronic data processor with sin integrated controller, which controls the rpm and direction of rotation by processing the signals received by the sensor systems. Forces acting sideways on the skateboard or longboard are deflected into a lateral thrust force. Without an external controller, the direction of rotation of the electric motor is reversed approximately in real time when the skateboard exceeds an defined angle so it is no longer in a rolling mode but instead in a sliding mode.
US09987546B1
A roller board device like a skateboard or scooter operated by a user with one or more user-maneuverable wheel assemblies that are automatically returned to their “true north” position is provided according to the invention. The roller board device comprises an elongated deck, at least one wheel assembly, a rotation assembly operatively engaging and extending through the opening in the deck, one end of the rotation assembly being connected to the wheel assembly positioned below the deck, the other end of the rotation assembly being connected to a user interface member extending upward beyond the top surface of the deck, and a north-seeking return mechanism secured to the deck containing an engagement member movable along a linear axis within a housing and engaging a spring disposed between the engagement member and an interior wall of the housing, the rotation assembly operatively connected to the engagement member to convert rotational movement of the rotation member into linear movement of the engagement member. When the user applies rotational force to the user engagement member to turn it to the left or right, the rotation assembly and wheel assembly are rotated in the same direction and degree to allow the roller board device to be turned, the rotated rotation assembly interacting with the engagement member of the north-seeking return mechanism to move the engagement member along its linear axis to a retracted position to compress the spring. But, when the user releases the rotational force upon the user interface member, the spring extends from its compressed state to its elongated state to move the engagement member of the north-seeking return mechanism back along the linear axis from its retracted position to its standby position, counter interacting with the rotation assembly to return the wheel assembly of the roller board device to its true north position.
US09987543B2
A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a covering support assembly configured to support the covering. The support assembly may comprise a plurality of movable positioning elements having the covering resting thereon and positioned in an array extending in a reference plane and movable along axes extending substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The support assembly may comprise a movement actuator configured to move at least one of the positioning elements independently of other positioning elements in the array.
US09987542B2
A green simulation apparatus having a configurable upper surface with a changeable contour may comprise a covering forming the upper surface and a covering support assembly configured to support the covering. The support assembly may comprise a plurality of movable positioning elements having the covering resting thereon and positioned in an array extending in a reference plane and movable along axes extending substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The support assembly may comprise a movement actuator configured to move at least one of the positioning elements independently of other positioning elements in the array. The plurality of positioning elements may include active positioning elements and passive positioning elements, with the active positioning elements being associated with a movement actuator and the passive positioning elements not being associated with a movement actuator.
US09987539B2
A swinging bob toy having three bobs constrained to a string with at least the center bob being slideable along the string. Each bob is modular and consists of two hemispheric elastomeric mantle pieces, a three-component throughbore sheath, and one or two hex nuts mounted on a threaded central component of the throughbore sheath. The two end components of the throughbore sheath are flared and are non-elastomeric, while the threaded central component is elastomeric. The outside ends of the flared end components of the sheath are recessed relative to the mouths of the throughbore so that all exterior impact surfaces of the bob are elastomeric. The string has a circular cross-section and has a width greater than 50% of the width of the narrowest diameter of the throughbore.
US09987535B2
A golf club head includes a striking face, and a body coupled to the striking face. The body includes a crown, a sole disposed in generally opposed relation to the crown, and a back extending away from the striking face. The striking face and body collectively define a hollow interior chamber. A weight is disposed entirely within the interior chamber. An adjustment mechanism is coupled to the body and the weight to enable external adjustment of the weight along three axes.
US09987533B2
Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.
US09987527B1
A golf club head having improved stiffness characteristics is disclosed herein. The golf club head, which preferably is an iron-type head, comprises a body with at least two stiffening rods extending between a top portion and a bottom portion or heel and toe portions of the body. The stiffening rods, when tightened, place pressure on one of the top portion and bottom portion, thereby stiffening that portion of the body. The stiffening rods are inserted into the body via internally threaded through-bores or ports, and when tightened, press against receiving cups extending from the top or bottom portions of the body into a rear cavity of the body. The present invention is also directed to a set of such golf club heads with stiffening rods in differing orientations within the heads depending on their loft angles.
US09987526B2
Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a method of manufacturing a golf club head may include providing a body portion and providing a plurality of weight portions. The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having a plurality of ports. Each port of the plurality of ports may be configured to receive a weight portion of the plurality of weight portions. The plurality of ports may include a first set of ports and a second set of ports. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US09987524B2
A system of golf club heads having reduced variability in characteristic time is disclosed herein. Further, a method of manufacturing a system of golf club heads having reduced variability in characteristic time is disclosed herein.
US09987517B1
A joint structure of an endless treadmill belt of a treadmill is provided. The treadmill belt is a sandwich-type laminated rectangular treadmill belt. Two ends of the treadmill belt are cut to form serrations. Two ends of a bottom layer of the treadmill belt are meshed with each other. At least one plastic piece is placed on the joint of the two ends of the bottom layer. The serrations of two ends of a top layer of the treadmill belt are connected with each other in a cross-knitted manner, and the pointed portions of the serrations of the two ends of the top layer are inserted into and covered by the plastic piece and then the two ends of the treadmill belt are joined together by hot melting to form an integral flat joint of the treadmill belt.
US09987514B1
A switchably swingable spinning bike includes a bike body and a base. The base has a pivot portion and is pivotally connected to a swinging seat of a swinging device. The swinging seat has two buffers flanking the pivot portion. The swinging seat has a switching device that includes two undeformable propping members that flank the pivot portion. Each of the propping members is slidable with respect to the swinging seat until it props between the swinging seat and the base, thereby limiting the swinging seat's pivotal swing with respect to the base, and in turn switching the bike body from a swingable state to a non-swingable state.
US09987513B2
Described herein are embodiments of stationary exercise machines having reciprocating foot and/or hand members, such as foot pedals that move in a closed loop path. Some embodiments can include reciprocating foot pedals that cause a user's feet to move along a closed loop path that is substantially inclined, such that the foot motion simulates a climbing motion more than a flat walking or running motion. Some embodiments can further include reciprocating handles that are configured to move in coordination with the foot via a linkage to a crank wheel also coupled to the foot pedals. Variable resistance can be provided via a rotating air-resistance based mechanism, via a magnetism based mechanism, and/or via other mechanisms, one or more of which can be rapidly adjustable while the user is using the machine.
US09987509B1
The invention is directed to a pressure controller and a method for monitoring and controlling the pressure level in a fire protection piping network maintained under vacuum pressure and for detecting a positive pressure variation in the network. The rate of pressure increase is used to detect the opening of a sprinkler head in the sprinkler piping network.
US09987496B2
A wearable medical device includes a garment and a medical device. The medical device has a functionality that can transition between an operative state and an inoperative state. When the functionality is in the inoperative state, a protrusion extends so as to poke the patient, as an indication that steps need to be taken to make the device ready for use.
US09987494B2
An external device transfers a key to an implantable medical device over a proximity communication and then establishes a first far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the key is used for the first communication session. This first communication session may occur before implantation while the implantable medical device is positioned outside of the sterile field so that using a proximity communication is easily achieved. Once the implantable medical device is passed into the sterile field for implantation, the external device may then establish a second far field communication session with the implantable medical device where the last key that was used for the first communication session is again used for the second communication session which avoids the need for another proximity communication to occur within the sterile field.
US09987489B2
Systems and related methods for controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device, in response to determination of electrical contact of an electrode in a stimulator earpiece with an ear of a user of the personal computing device, are described. If the electrode is not in good electrical contact with the ear of the user, delivery of the stimulus is prevented and the user is notified of the status of the electrode. In various aspects, the user is instructed to reposition the earpiece or replace, clean, moisten, or apply gel to at least a portion of the electrode.
US09987485B2
The present invention relates, generally, to scientific and medical system methods for diagnosis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead conductor anomalies, in particular conductor migration and externalization within an ICD implantable cardiac lead. The method uses an “imaginary” component of the high frequency transmission line impedance having certain spectral changes that correspond to movements of the conductor or an “imaginary impedance”. This allows the detection of conductor migration and small insulation failures.
US09987482B2
A lead anchor includes a flexible housing having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the flexible housing defining a lead lumen forming a continuous passageway through the flexible housing. The lead anchor also includes a compressible retention ring disposed within the flexible housing and around a portion of the lead lumen. The retention ring defines an uncompressed position in which the retention ring has an elongate shape, with a major axis and a minor axis, to hold a portion of a lead received within the lead lumen. The retention ring further defines a compressed position achieved by compressing opposite ends of the major axis of the retention ring to transition the retention ring to a more circular shape that allows the lead to slidingly pass through the retention ring. Upon release of the compression, the retention ring returns to the uncompressed position.
US09987481B2
An electrode assembly that includes an electrically conductive layer, a first impedance reduction system, and a second impedance reduction system. The electrically conductive layer forms an electrode portion of the electrode assembly and a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin. The first impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a first amount of an electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a first activation signal. The second impedance reduction system is configured to dispense a second amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface of the electrically conductive layer in response to a second activation signal.
US09987479B2
A medical connector can include a body having a fluid path with an inlet port, an outlet port, a luer portion, and a post extending through a fluid path. An arm having a latch member is coupled to the body to engage a ridge or thread on an exterior surface of a reciprocal connector. The arm may also include an extension. When the connector is in an open position, the latch member restricts retraction of the reciprocal connector from the outlet port. A seal is coupled to the body and includes a flap extending across the outlet port or a bellows to compress along an axis. In a closed position, the post restricts flow through the luer portion. In an open position, the post permits flow through the luer portion.
US09987471B2
An inflation device including a handle mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage threads within the device. In some instances the threads are configured to couple a plunger to a syringe body. The handle mechanism may be configured to (1) provide a mechanical advantage and (2) change the location and direction of the input force, thereby making the device easier to use.
US09987470B2
A deflation catheter device, comprising: a catheter tube having a proximal end and a distal end; a stylet disposed within the catheter tube; a stylet handle attached to the stylet; and a y-connector disposed near a proximal end of the catheter tube, configured to provide fluid communication from the distal end of the catheter tube and a suction port, and configured to provide access for the stylet from the proximal end of the catheter tube to the distal end of the catheter tube.
US09987466B2
Described herein are catheter securement devices that can be used to secure catheters, catheter hubs and other medical devices to the body of a patient. The catheter securement devices can include an adhesive pad and engagement tabs with a slide locking feature. Adaptors can be used to provide suture tabs to catheters that lack suture tabs.
US09987461B2
A hemodialysis catheter with a plurality of umbrella-like wire members covered with a film which works as a thrombus blocker and can easily and effectively remove the thrombus is disclosed. The hemodialysis catheter has a proximal lumen, the arterial lumen, and a distal lumen, the venous lumen. An elongate member is longitudinally put in either the proximal lumen or the distal lumen, or two elongate members in both lumens. A plurality of umbrella-like wire members are connected to the end of the elongate member. When the hemodialysis catheter is put in the vessel but not in use, the end of the lumen is capped off by the plurality of umbrella-like wire members covered with a film. When it is ready to use, the doctor can pull the elongate member which connects to the plurality of umbrella-like wire members out off the lumen inverting the plurality of umbrella-like wire members and clearing away any thrombus that has formed.
US09987457B2
An exhalation assembly that controls the pressure of exhaled gas in a ventilation system is described. The exhalation assembly includes a filter body and a condensate trap. Additionally, a filter/trap module that includes a filter body and a condensate trap is also described.
US09987450B2
A respiratory mask assembly includes a frame having a channel and a cushioning element including a clip portion adapted for interference seal and retention in the channel. The cushioning element includes an interfacing portion constructed from foam and having a wider width than the clip portion.
US09987448B1
A tracheostomy tube apparatus and method includes an outer tube with a first end and a second end and an inside and an outside. Dual inflatable balloons are connected in spiral relation with the outside of the second end of the outer tube. An outer suction tube with more than one outer suction port is connected with the outer tube such that the more than one outer suction port captures secretions from the outside of the outer tube. An inner tube, conformed to fit within the outer tube, is provided. The inner tube has a first end and a second end and an inner suction tube with more than one inner suction port is connected with the inner tube such that the more than one inner suction port captures secretions from the inside of the inner tube.
US09987445B2
A comfort signature that naturally adapts delivered pressure to patient breathing by measuring comfort directly from the source is disclosed. Pressure is measured at the patient interface and is used to provide a comfortable and suitable target pressure adjustment that is synchronized with patient respiration.
US09987442B2
Dry powder inhaler dose counters capable of making a display move swiftly between digits, in contrast to the progressive movement that occurs in simple gearing mechanisms.
US09987437B2
A rectal injection device and a method of operating a rectal injection device. In one embodiment, the device includes: (1) a handle having a trigger associated therewith, (2) an extension tube extending from the handle and terminating in a head, (3) at least two needles coupled to the head and configured to move relative thereto between a retracted position and a deployed position and (4) a pullrod coupling the trigger and the needles and configured to cause the needles to move.
US09987429B2
A display assembly is proposed, comprising: a body (4) defining a window (17) having an axial extension, an indication member (2) for providing information to be displayed in the window (17), wherein the indication member (2) is movable relative to the body (4) for changing the information displayed in the window (17), a selection member (3), wherein the selection member (3) defines a masking section (45) and a non-masking section (46), the selection member (3) is rotatable around a rotation axis (x) with respect to the body (4) and with respect to the indication member (2), the non-masking section (46) and the masking section (45) partially overlap with the window (17) to define a displayed section (52) of the indication member (2), and wherein the selection member (3) and the indication member (2) are coupled such that the displayed section (52) of the indication member (2) is axially displaced within the window (17).
US09987428B2
An injector (100) may include a container (102) having a wall (110) with an interior surface (112) and a seal assembly (140) with an interior surface (142), the interior surfaces (110) of the wall (110) and the seal assembly (140) defining a closed sterile reservoir (150) filled with a drug product. The injector (100) may also include a fluid delivery system comprising a clean, unsheathed, rigid container needle (180) having a point (182) disposed only partially through the seal assembly (140) in a storage state, and disposed through the interior surface (142) of the seal assembly (140) into the sterile reservoir (150) in a delivery state. Further, the injection may include an actuator (106) that is adapted to move the container needle from the storage state to the delivery state.
US09987427B1
The present invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods for detecting and/or monitoring one or more markers in a sample. In particular, such devices integrate a plurality of hollow needles configured to extract or obtain a fluid sample from a subject, as well as transducers to detect a marker of interest.
US09987423B2
A needle guard assembly having a resilient arm extending from a base. In one implementation the needle guard has an elongate containment member that rides with the resilient arm and is co-operable with the resilient arm to effectuate a covering of the entire distal tip of the needle upon the needle being retracted into the elongate containment member.
US09987420B2
Systems and methods for a fluid reservoir for use with a fluid infusion device which is automatically filled are provided. A set connector for use with a fluid reservoir of a fluid infusion device includes a body for defining a fluid flow path out of the fluid reservoir. The body includes at least one locking tab that cooperates with a portion of the fluid infusion device to removably couple the body to a proximal end of the fluid reservoir. The body is movable between a first position, in which the fluid flow path is obstructed, and a second position, in which the fluid flow path is open.
US09987415B2
An equipment mounting apparatus on which a plurality of equipment devices are mountable, each equipment device having, in a memory thereof, drug dosage information associated with drug usage location information, includes a main body having a plurality of installation portions, each installation portion being configured to receive one of the equipment devices. Each of the equipment devices is configured such that, when the drug usage location information is specified, the equipment device displays the related drug dosage information based on the drug usage location information that is specified. The equipment mounting apparatus is configured to set a standard specifying drug usage location information and to use the standard specifying drug usage location information to cause the drug usage location information of each of the plurality of equipment devices to coincide with the standard specifying drug usage location information.
US09987413B2
An injector for the injection of a fluid into human or animal bodies with a pump for the conveying of the fluid at a flow rate, and with a control device for the control of the pump and for the setting of a desired flow rate (theoretical flow) of the fluid, and a pressure measurement device coupled with the control device for the recording of the pressure of the fluid conveyed by the pump, wherein a theoretical pressure is specified for the control device. In order, on the one hand, to reliably prevent an exceeding of a pressure hazard in the injection system and, on the other hand, to avoid an unnecessary prolongation of the injection process by a power reduction or a switching off of the drive mechanism, and to increase the throughput of several injection processes carried out with the injector one after the other, provision is made so that the control device compares the pressure of the fluid recorded by the pressure measurement device to the theoretical pressure, and when the theoretical pressure is exceeded over a time period, integrates the chronological pressure course of the pressure recorded by the pressure device over this time period for the determination of a pressure integral, and switches off the pump or operates it with a lower pump power if the determined pressure integral exceeds a prespecified integral limiting value.
US09987400B1
A kit includes a mesh substrate and a polymer that is fixed to the mesh substrate. The polymer includes an active agent that is configured to elute over time. The kit further includes a hemostatic agent. The hemostatic agent is separate from the mesh substrate and the polymer. Systems and methods are disclosed.
US09987394B2
A prosthetic implant comprising a biocompatible three-dimensional scaffold and at least two cell types selected from the group consisting of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and endothelial cells or progenitors thereof.
US09987393B2
A thiol-yne polymeric material and methods for producing said polymers are disclosed. The material is produced by the radically mediated polymerization of monomers having alkyne and thiol functional groups. The alkyne moiety, internal or terminal, may react with one or two thiols. Degradable monomers may be used to form degradable polymers.
US09987388B2
Devices and methods for sterilizing an enclosed space using ozone are disclosed herein. Various embodiments of the devices and methods also provide for accelerated degradation of the ozone upon sterilization. In some embodiments, a disclosed sterilization unit includes a first housing defining an ozone generation cavity, an ozone generator disposed within the ozone generation cavity, a second housing defining an ozone degradation cavity, and an ozone degrader disposed within the ozone degradation cavity. The sterilization unit of various embodiments is configured to cycle air between the enclosed space and the ozone generation cavity during an ozone generation cycle to sterilize the enclosed space; similarly, the unit is further configured to cycle air between the enclosed space and the ozone degradation cavity during an ozone degradation cycle to return the air within the enclosed space to safe ozone levels.
US09987378B2
The invention describes a coordination polymer construct for multimodal imaging and therapy. The construct consists of a core particle made of a novel coordination polymer. The core is coated with a biocompatible coating that stabilizes the particles in a physiological environment. The biocompatible coating can contain attached targeting agents, imaging agents and therapeutic agents or combinations one or more of the targeting, imaging and therapeutic agents. When administered to a subject or a subject-derived specimen, the resulting coordination polymer core-shell construct enables multimodal imaging and therapy, which improves the diagnostic and treatment outcomes of the conditions or diseases where it is administered. The invention describes the novel material, base for the construct, methods for the preparation of the said construct and its use as a multimodal imaging and therapy agent.
US09987371B2
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide-polynucleotide complex, and methods of use thereof.
US09987370B2
The present invention provides herein the design of monodisperse, amphiphilic anticancer drugs—which are now termed “drug amphiphiles” (DAs)—that can spontaneously associate into discrete, stable supramolecular nanostructures with the potential for self-delivery (no additional carriers are needed). The quantitative drug loading in the resulting nanostructures is ensured by the very nature of the molecular design. The DA is a composition comprising: D-L-PEP; wherein D is 1 to 4 hydrophobic drug molecules which can be the same or different; L is 1 to 4 biodegradable linkers which can be the same or different; and PEP is a peptide that can spontaneously associate into discrete, stable supramolecular nanostructures. In an alternate embodiment, the DA composition also comprises a targeting ligand (T). Methods of making DA molecules, as well as their use in treatment of disease are also provided.
US09987368B2
Found out is a pharmaceutical composition that sustained-releases a drug for a long term after administration into the body. Provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a drug and a polypeptide represented by Ac-(Arg-Ala-Asp-Ala)4-NH2, and further containing an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide, glycofurol, and N-methylpyrrolidone.
US09987365B2
The invention is directed to personal care compositions comprising an acid functionality bearing silicone neutralized in situ with at least one aminosilane or a partially hydrolyzed aminosilane. The invention provides better stability to formulation in addition to improved delivery of hydrophilic actives from the formulation.
US09987357B2
Methods for treating diseases such as cancer comprising administering a Wnt pathway inhibitor, either alone or in combination with other anti-cancer agents, and monitoring for skeletal-related side effects and/or toxicity.
US09987352B2
Disclosed are immunotherapeutic compositions and methods for preventing and/or treating hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection, including yeast-based HDV immunotherapeutic compositions and methods of use of such compositions to prevent and/or treat HDV infection and symptoms and sequela thereof.
US09987350B2
The instant invention provides materials and methods for producing immunologically active antigens derived from members of the Picornaviridae virus family. The picornavirus antigens of the invention may be in a form for use as a vaccine administered to a subject in a therapeutic treatment or for the prevention of a picornavirus infection. The picornavirus antigens of the invention may be in the form of an immunogenic composition for use in vaccines which are administered for the prevention of an Enterovirus infection. The instant invention further encompasses immunogenic compositions comprising Human enterovirus A, Human Enterovirus B, Human enterovirus C, Human Enterovirus D antigens and their use in vaccines for the prevention of an enterovirus infection.
US09987337B2
Physiologically acceptable anti-biofilm compositions comprising Serratia peptidase and optionally one or more of bromelain, papain and a fibrinolytic enzyme. Additional components can include antimicrobials, antibiotics, antifungals, herbals, chelating agents, lactoferrin and related compounds, minerals, surfactants, binders, and fillers useful for the inhibition and treatment of gastrointestinal biofilms in humans. Physiologically acceptable anti-biofilm compositions containing these enzymes are useful in the inhibition, reduction and/or treatment of biofilms such as in the ear, vagina, joints, bones, gut, surgical sites and other locations, and are useful for the inhibition, reduction and/or treatment of associated systemic symptoms caused by biofilm associated microorganisms.
US09987332B2
The present invention refers to a pharmaceutical composition for use in the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease.
US09987331B2
This document provides methods and materials for treating cardiovascular and/or renal diseases. For example, AAV9 vectors designed to express natriuretic polypeptides, nucleic acid molecules encoding natriuretic polypeptides, methods for making AAV9 vectors, and methods for using such vectors or molecules to treat cardiovascular and/or renal diseases are provided.
US09987330B2
Disclosed is a method of treating, reducing, or preventing pruritis in a mammal, the method comprising administering at least one natriuretic polypeptide b (Nppb) blocking agent to a mammal in an amount effective to treat or prevent pruritis in the mammal. An in vitro method of identifying a compound that inhibits Nppb activity is also disclosed.
US09987325B2
Provided is a composition and a pharmaceutical composition for reducing localized fat or promoting weight loss, wherein the composition comprises a plant extract composition comprising resveratrol and turmeric extract and a weight ratio of resveratrol and turmeric extract ranges from 1:30 to 10:1. The composition and the pharmaceutical composition are primarily administered through localized injection to inhibit the growth of fat cells and promote fat cells apoptosis to reduce adipocytes, decrease localized fat deposition, and promote weight loss, without causing inflammation or necrosis on peripheral cells or tissues to avoid severe pain, so as to avoid inflammation, damage, and pain caused by surgical liposuction or non-surgical lipolysis products such as phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate.
US09987322B1
Methods are provided for relieving pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, by topical application to human skin of a topical composition comprising Hamelia patens extract in combination with a dermatologically-acceptable carrier. According to methods of the invention, the topical composition is applied to human skin at a sufficient concentration and for a sufficient time to relieve pain associated with peripheral neuropathy.
US09987314B2
The present disclosure relates to a group B adenovirus comprising a sequence of formula (I): 5′ITR-B1-BAB2-BX-BB-BY-B3-3′ITR wherein: B1 is bond or comprises: E1A, E1B or E1AE1B; BA comprises: E2B-L1-L2-L3-E2A-L4; B2 is a bond or comprises: E3; BX is a bond or a DNA sequence comprising: a restriction site, one or more transgenes or both; BB comprises L5; BY is a bond or a DNA sequence comprising: a restriction site, one or more transgenes or both; B3 is a bond or comprises: E4; wherein at least one of BX or BY is not a bond, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same and use of the viruses and compositions in treatment, particularly in the treatment of cancer. The disclosure also extends to plasmids and processes employed to prepare the said viruses.
US09987308B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions to confer and/or augment immune responses mediated by cellular immunotherapy, such as by adoptively transferring genetically modified tumor specific CD8+ T cells in the presence of tumor-specific, subset specific genetically modified CD4+ T cells, wherein the CD4+ T cells confer and/or augment a CD8+ T cells ability to sustain anti-tumor reactivity and increase and/or maximize tumor-specific proliferation of the tumor-specific CD8+ T cells of interest. Pharmaceutical formulations produced by the method, and methods of using the same, are also described.
US09987304B2
Method and topical composition for the treatment of Rosacea and skin erythema using selenium sulfide
A method for the treatment of facial Rosacea and skin erythema using selenium sulfide as the sole active ingredient in a topically applied administration to a user's face in combination with an inactive moisturizing ingredient.
US09987301B2
The invention provides the use in combination of a heparin containing composition that has anticoagulant activity when used alone, such as an unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin, in combination with an inhibitor of the anticoagulation activity/effect or effect of heparin, for the inhibition of metastasis.
US09987297B2
A method for bonding a polymeric fiber to tissue is provided which includes providing a polymeric fiber having a plurality of tissue reactive members linked to a surface of the fiber via a specific binding pair, and contacting the polymeric fiber to biological tissue, to covalently bond the fiber to the tissue.
US09987295B2
Disclosed are novel compounds having the structure of Formula (I): which are useful for treating mammals for dependence upon substances of addiction, for example addiction to a dopamine-producing agent such as cocaine, morphine, amphetamines, nicotine, and/or alcohol. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (I) and methods of using the compounds of Formula (I) in the treatment of addiction to a dopamine-producing agent.
US09987281B2
This application relates to various salts and solid state forms of Compound (I). This application also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic uses of these materials and compositions.
US09987276B2
The present invention provides 2,4-diaminopyrimidines, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, as kinase inhibitors.
US09987270B1
The invention provides therapeutic methods and kits for treating a glioma using a particular dosing regimen of the organonitro compound ABDNAZ, radiation therapy, and one of temozolomide, irinotecan, or bevacizumab.
US09987268B2
The present invention relates to methods of treating metabolic syndrome Type 2 diabetes mellitus atherogenic dyslipidemia and/or obesity. The present invention also relates to methods of restoring the incretin effect, to restoring physiologic control of glucagon levels, to restoring first-phase insulin secretion, and to restoring the physiologic glucose-dependent insulin secretion. The methods of the present invention comprise administration of a selective κ-receptor antagonist, such as guanidinylated naltrindole (GNTI), or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof to a subject in need thereof.
US09987267B2
This invention provides transdermal non-patch pergolide formulations useful for the treatment of disease in an equine. The invention also provides methods for treating a disease in an equine by administering a formulation of the invention to an equine.
US09987266B2
Alkyl-amide-substituted pyridyl compounds useful as modulators of IL-12, IL-23 and/or IFNα responses
Compounds having the following formula I: or a stereoisomer or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined herein, are useful in the modulation of IL-12, IL-23 and/or IFNα by acting on Tyk-2 to cause signal transduction inhibition.
US09987264B2
A method and composition for treating serotonin receptor-mediated conditions.
US09987257B2
The invention is directed to a pediatric oral suspension composition containing amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium where the clavulanate potassium is present in an amount equal to or less than about 21.5 mg/5 mL, and a method of treating bacterial infections by providing between about one to about fourteen dosage days of the composition.
US09987248B1
A method for increased efficiency in transdermal delivery of cannabinoids wherein combination of cannabinoids with emu oil effects increased efficiency in delivery of cannabidinol and other cannabinoids to targeted areas in the hypodermis for therapeutic treatment therein, whereby inflammation and other symptomology is alleviated and convalescence assisted.
US09987239B1
The present invention relates to compositions and manufacturing methods of topical adapalene preparations, which include a solvent-lipid complex in order to keep the active pharmaceutical ingredient dissolved in a vehicle whose external or continuous phase is aqueous. Thus, a pleasant non-oily sensation is achieved at the moment of application, while greater retention of the active pharmaceutical ingredient is reached in targeted skin layers, thereby reducing systemic uptake in the blood.
US09987233B2
Described herein are injectable corticosteroid-loaded microparticles, pharmaceutical composition thereof and methods for reducing inflammation or pain in a body compartment such as a joint, an epidural space, a vitreous body of an eye, a surgically created space, or a space adjacent to an implant.
US09987229B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing a particulate medicament that has greater homogeneity and a lower adhesion between the particles of the active ingredient and the carrier. The process comprises the steps of: (a) combining a pharmaceutically active ingredient in the form of an agglomerate of primary particles having an agglomerate particle size such that the agglomerate is capable of passing through a sieve having a mesh of 50-3000 .mu.m with a pharmaceutically acceptable particulate carrier, and (b) mixing the resultant material in a mixer to break up the agglomerate into primary particles dispersed in the pharmaceutically acceptable particulate carrier such that 90% or more of the pharmaceutically active ingredient exists as primary particles having a particle size of 50 .mu.m or less.
US09987226B2
The present invention relates to methods of forming miniemulsions and use of the miniemulsions as a delivery system for bioactive agents. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for forming a miniemulsion comprising providing a first phase comprising a hydrophilic surfactant, lipophillic surfactant and water and a second phase comprising a lipid, wherein said miniemulsion comprises emulsified particles having a mean diameter of 1 μm or less.
US09987225B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a hydrogel comprising the step of crosslinking a biopolymer using a carbodiimide crosslinker of Formula I wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is a functional group that is a bulky organic functional group. R1 and R2 can each independently be an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated functional group selected from the group consisting of an alkyl, a cycloalkyl, a heterocyclic, and an aryl. The bulky organic functional group will slow down the crosslinking reaction of carbodiimide due to the steric effects and/or electronic effects, in comparison to a crosslinking reaction using EDC. Also provided are the hydrogels and ophthalmic devices prepared using the method of the invention and uses thereof.
US09987223B2
Compositions and methods for inducing pterygium regression from visual axis/central cornea, stabilizing pterygium, treating hyperemia and symptoms in pterygium patients, and treating pterygium recurrence following pterygiectomy are disclosed. The methods include administration of a multikinase inhibitor, an antimetabolite or a combination thereof to patients in need thereof.
US09987219B2
The present disclosure relates to a composition including an extract from an Acidithiobacillus bacteria or a yeast extracted after exposure of the bacteria to UV radiation. The disclosure further relates to a method of preparing a UV-blocking composition by exposing a culture of Acidithiobacillus or yeast to UV radiation and extracting UV-blocking cellular material produced in response to the UV radiation from the Acidithiobacillus or yeast. The disclosure further relates to a method of protecting an item from UV radiation damage by extracting UV-blocking cellular material from Acidithiobacillus or yeast exposed to UV radiation and covering the item with the UV-blocking cellular material. The disclosure further relates to a UV-resistant yeast cell and a UV-resistant bacterial cell.
US09987215B2
The present invention relates to process for preparing cosmetic compositions at two stages. The first relates to the preparation of organogels in which liquid oils are structured by a mixture of structuring agents such as monoglycerides and waxes, which also have the addition of other components such as polymers and polyol esters. The second step is the formation of the cold or hot process cosmetic compositions where emulsions are prepared by the addition of water, aqueous solutions and other components, to the organogel. The emulsions prepared have superior sensory, chemical-physical and stability characteristics, to those currently produced by the classic technology of preparation with emulsifiers.
US09987212B2
An acetone deficient composition including at least one polyol, at least one alkyl carbonate, at least one monoalcohol and optionally at least one hydrocarbon based non-volatile oil is provided.
US09987210B2
Disclosed is a cosmetic conditioning oil composition comprising of an oil or mixture of oils having surface tension in the range of 26 dyne/cm or lower and an oil thickener, wherein the composition has a viscosity about 5,000 cps or higher at 25 degrees Celsius. The composition of the present invention can provide improved conditioning benefits such as smoothness, softness, and ease of combing for hair when applied in shampoos, conditioner, treatments, and skin cleansing products as a silicone alternative.
US09987209B2
A composition is described that may be used in personal care products. The composition can serve as a preservative. In addition or alternatively, the composition may serve as a fragrance and/or as a coloring agent. The composition can contain an active compound, an organic acid, a solvent, and optionally a dispersant. In one embodiment, the active compound and the organic acid comprise all natural ingredients.
US09987204B2
The present invention relates to a solid cosmetic makeup and/or care composition in the form of a powder comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least: —a fatty phase containing at least one silicone polyamide and a silicone resin, and —at least one pulverulent phase containing at least perlite.
US09987201B2
The present application provides an oil-in-water type emulsified cosmetic which has the effect of beautifying the appearance of skin and also excels in emulsion stability. The oil-in-water type emulsified cosmetic according to the present invention is characterized by comprising (A) 1 to 20 mass % of a hydrophobized titanium oxide having an average particle size of at least 0.1 μm; (B) a sugar ester having a carboxyl group within the structure; (C) a liquid higher fatty acid; (D) a higher alcohol; (E) a non-ionic surfactant; (F) water; and (G) an oil component.
US09987200B2
A photo-chemically activated micro-bubble based root canal disinfection method for disinfecting a shaped root canal comprises (a) introducing a photoactive solution into the root canal, the photoactive solution containing a photoactive compound (such as methylene blue) dissolved in an alcohol carrier solution (such as polyethylene glycol and/or ethanol); (b) removing excess photoactive solution from the root canal; (c) introducing a micro-bubble solution comprised of an oxygen carrier (such as perfluorocarbon), an oxidizing agent (such as hydrogen peroxide) and a surfactant (such as a nonionic polyoxyethylene surfactant); (d) sonically or ultrasonically activating the micro-bubble solution in the canal; and (e) introducing light into the canal.
US09987199B2
Provided are a dental adhesive composition, a dental adhesive primer, a dental adhesive bonding material, a dental adhesive composite resin, and a dental adhesive resin cement each having an excellent adhesive force and excellent adhesion durability. Specifically, provided are a dental adhesive composition, including (A) a polymerizable monomer containing an acidic group-containing polymerizable monomer, and (B) a dendritic polymer, and a dental adhesive primer, a dental adhesive bonding material, a dental adhesive composite resin, and a dental adhesive resin cement each using the dental adhesive composition.
US09987196B2
A drug delivery device 10 has a support structure 20 and a medicine-laden member 100 affixed or otherwise attached to the support structure 20. The device 10 is sized to fit into the mouth and upon exposing the medicine-laden member 100 to saliva, medicaments 101 are released into the mouth. The drug delivery device 10 permits a new method of medication delivery. The method of oral transmucosal drug delivery has the steps of providing a drug delivery device 10 that fits into the mouth, the device 10 having a medicine-laden member 100; wearing the drug delivery device 10; activating release of medicine 101 by contact with saliva; and transmitting the released medicine 101 transmucosally to the bloodstream.
US09987186B1
A compression-type bandaging incorporates parallel wire members operatively spaced within a pair of elastic layers such that the wire members can be shaped to conform to the limb or area that is under compression and further provide a semi-rigid splint function. Each elastic layer includes a lattice structure of threads.
US09987184B2
Systems, methods, and media for providing video of a burial memorial are provided. In accordance with some implementations of the disclosed subject matter, systems for providing video of a burial memorial are provided, the systems comprising: a burial memorial; a camera mounted to the burial memorial and directed toward the burial memorial, wherein the camera is configured to capture images of the burial memorial and generate the video including the images; a transceiver that is coupled to the camera, that receives the video, that transmits the video to a user device, and that receives audio from the user device; and an audio output device that receives the audio from the user device and that plays the audio at the burial memorial.
US09987183B2
The present invention relates to a portable and foldable oxygen chamber, and more particularly, relates to a portable and foldable hyperbaric oxygen chamber that may be reduced in volume and conveniently carried and kept by including a tube capable of accommodating a patient and a body part which protects the tube and is divided into multiple cylindrical bodies formed in a longitudinal direction and inserted into and overlapped with one another.
US09987180B1
An armrest extension device for a wheeled chair includes a tube that has a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are open. The tube has a first side that is open from the second end to proximate to the first end. A handle is coupled to and extends linearly from the first end the tube. A first cutout is positioned in a bottom of the tube proximate to the first end. The first cutout is substantially complementary to a diameter of a frame member that supports an armrest of a wheeled chair. The tube is configured to laterally insert the armrest into the first side, coincident with insertion of the frame member into the first cutout, to couple the tube to the armrest. The handle is configured to be grasped in a hand of a user.
US09987177B2
A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a front caster pivot arm, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The front caster is coupled to a front end of the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly is pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly comprises a drive wheel and a motor that drives the drive wheel. Torquing of the drive wheel by the motor in a forward direction causes the drive assembly to pivot with respect to the front caster pivot arm such that the drive wheel moves forward toward the front caster and a distance between a support surface and the connection between of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm increases.
US09987171B2
An absorbent article includes a backsheet having a longitudinal axis, a topsheet attached to the backsheet and having a body-facing surface, and an absorbent core disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The article may also include barrier leg cuffs. The article further includes a sensation aspect, which sensation aspect may be provided between the core and the topsheet. The sensation aspect may be, for example, a temperature sensation aspect. A visible indicator may be associated with the sensation aspect.
US09987154B2
An implantable stent includes a plurality of rings. At least a distal end ring has an eased corner feature formed in the polymer substrate at a radially outward, distal-facing corner of the ring while relatively sharp corners of the polymer substrate are maintained in radially inward corners of the ring.
US09987149B2
An insertion handle for medical implants includes a handle with an elongate shaft extending therefrom and connection means for the implant disposed at the end of the shaft opposite the handle. The connection means includes a pivotable attachment for the implant that is controlled remotely from the handle. Both angle of the implant with respect to the handle and shaft as well as the attachment may be separately controlled and adjusted. Remote angular adjustment facilitates insertion of implants in to small surgical sites because the orientation of the implant may be repeatedly, remotely adjusted as the implant is inserted. Connectors may also be provided at the engagement surface between the handle and implant in order to provide communication with the implant or surgical site. The connectors also may serve as torque bearing members to avoid the need for separate torque bearing means such as keyways and the like.
US09987139B2
A method for manufacturing a prosthetic hip acetabulum includes the following steps. First, one provides an insertion cup (1) having an inner concave receiving surface (3) having an opening surface (5) contained in an opening plane (P), and having an outer annular receiving structure (6). Next, one provides an installation and positioning insert (7) having a peripheral annular attachment structure (10) shaped to engage with the receiving surface (9) of the structure (6), fitting around that structure. Next, one heats the insert (7) in order to increase its size. Next, one fits the attachment structure (10) around the receiving surface (9) of the receiving structure (6). Finally, one cools the insert (7) to room temperature to reduce its size and achieve radial tightening of the attachment structure (10) on the outer annular receiving structure (6).
US09987136B2
A pump for an implantable penile prosthetic includes a reservoir tubing port, an inflatable implant tubing port, a pump bulb connected to a body of the pump, a rotary valve. The pump bulb is operable to move a liquid through the reservoir tubing port and into the pump bulb along a first flow path formed in the body of the pump, and out of the pump bulb and through the inflatable implant tubing port through a second flow path formed in the body of the pump. The rotary valve communicates with both of the first flow path and the second flow path. The rotary valve is constrained to rotate in only one of a clockwise direction and a counter clockwise direction.
US09987134B2
Embodiments of an expandable sheath can be used in conjunction with a catheter assembly to introduce a prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, into a patient. Such embodiments can minimize trauma to the vessel by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the introducer sheath to accommodate the delivery apparatus, followed by a return to the original diameter once the prosthetic device passes through. Some embodiments can include a sheath with inner and outer layers, where a folded portion of the inner layer extends through a slit in the outer layer and a portion of the outer layer overlaps the folded portion of the inner layer. Some embodiments include an elastic outer cover positioned outside the outer layer. Embodiments of the present expandable sheath can avoid the need for multiple insertions for the dilation of the vessel, thus offering advantages over prior art introducer sheaths.
US09987131B2
The present embodiments provide a prosthesis comprising first and second segments, and an axially extendable segment coupled to the first and second segments. A valve is coupled to at least one of the axially extendable segment or the second segment. The axially extendable segment comprises a first state in which the valve at least partially overlaps with the first segment, and the axially extendable segment comprises a second state in which the valve lacks an overlap with the first segment.
US09987130B2
Vascular valve systems for treating calcified vascular vessel valves by delivery of one or more calcium chelating agents are described. The vascular valve system includes an expandable stent; a valve with a plurality of leaflets, and a hydrogel layer disposed on an outer surface of the stent. The hydrogel layer includes a hydrogel, and a calcium-chelating agent and an acidifying agent disposed within the hydrogel. The calcium-chelating agent and the acidifying agent are covalently bonded to the hydrogel. The hydrogel layer is configured to capture loosened calcium deposits to form a calcium-chelating agent complex covalently bonded to the hydrogel layer. Methods of making the vascular valve systems are also described.
US09987120B2
In some aspects, a system for applying a fiber matrix on a tubular conduit is provided. The system can include a tubular conduit, a mandrel and a fiber matrix delivery assembly. The mandrel can comprise an elongate shaft and a rolling membrane configured to atraumatically engage the tubular conduit.
US09987119B2
A double-weave vascular prosthesis includes an inner layer that contacts a flow of blood, and an outer layer in contact with the inner layer and having an inner layer-covering rate C (%) of 15%≤C≤75% defined by formula (1): C=[{(W1×D1+W2×D2)×25.4−W1×W2×D1 ×D2}/(25.4×25.4)]×100 (1), where D1 is a warp density (ends/25.4 mm) of the outer layer, D2 is a weft density (picks/25.4 mm) of the outer layer, W1 is an apparent width (mm) of a warp yarn of the outer layer, and W2 is an apparent width (mm) of a weft yarn of the outer layer, and the apparent width of each yarn is determined as a mean of measurement values for the widths of randomly selected five threads exposed on a surface of the woven structure.
US09987116B2
The present invention relates to medical prostheses and methods of manufacturing those devices. In particular, the prostheses are temporarily stiffened meshes with particular coatings to provide initial stiffness and thereby permit easier surgical handling for treatment or reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Preferred embodiments include surgical meshes coated with one or more biodegradable polymers that can act as a stiffening agent by coating the filaments or fibers of the mesh to temporarily immobilize the contact points of those filaments or fibers and/or by increasing the stiffness of the mesh by at least 1.1 times its original stiffness. The devices of the invention can also provide relief from various post-operative complications associated with their implantation, insertion or surgical use. By including biologically active agents and/or drugs in the coating, the devices provide prophylaxis for and can alleviate side effects or complications associated with the surgery or use of prostheses in general.
US09987110B2
A curing light device includes a body with a tip portion that has a plurality of elements for providing electrical energy to the distal end of the tip and for removing heat from the distal end of the tip. A light engine includes at least one light emitting element operable for emitting light and is positioned on the distal end of the tip portion. A power supply is positioned in the body and is rechargeable and includes at least one ultracapacitor element. Spring electrical contacts are positioned in the body and electrically coupled with the ultracapacitor element. The spring electrical contacts are spaced along the length of the body and configured for electrically engaging the tip portion along its length for delivering power to the light engine and for provide a spring alignment of the tip portion in the body.
US09987108B2
Methods and systems for scanning an intraoral cavity of a patient provide capturing one or more viewfinder images of the intraoral cavity and scanning the intraoral cavity with an intraoral scanner to generate one or more topography scans of the intraoral cavity. The one or more topography scans may correspond to the one or more viewfinder images. The methods and systems further provide capturing a viewfinder image of a portion of the intraoral cavity, the viewfinder image overlapping with the one or more viewfinder images. An area of overlap of the viewfinder image with the one or more viewfinder images can be determined. One or more indicators of the area of overlap can be displayed on one or more locations of a display in order to provide guidance for positioning a field of view of the intraoral scanner.
US09987099B2
A disposable housing includes a housing portion and a memory. The housing portion defines a cavity therein configured to receive a motor operable, inner core handle assembly. At least a portion of the housing portion has a color that corresponds to a color of one type of end effector or adapter assembly. The memory has stored therein at least one operating parameter for the inner core handle assembly.
US09987097B2
Provided herein are systems, devices, assemblies, and methods for localization of a tag in a tissue of a patient. For example, provided herein are systems, devices, and methods employing an implantable tag that emits sidebands at defined frequencies upon activation by a magnetic field generated by a remote activating device, and a plurality of witness stations configured to detect such sidebands. Also provided herein are herein are systems, devices, and methods employing a detection component that is attached to or integrated with a surgical device.
US09987095B2
A force transmitting assembly of an adapter assembly includes a rotatable drive shaft, a strain sensor, and a drive member. The drive shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a flange. The distal portion includes a threaded portion. The strain sensor is coupled to the drive shaft and disposed adjacent the flange such that longitudinal movement of the drive shaft imparts a force on the strain sensor via the flange. The distal drive member has a proximal end rotatably coupled to the threaded portion of the drive shaft and a distal end configured to be operatively coupled to a driven member of a surgical loading unit. Rotation of the drive shaft longitudinally moves the drive member relative to the drive shaft to actuate the surgical loading unit.
US09987091B2
A medical instrument includes a rod-shaped grasp portion at a base end thereof, a functional portion used in medical practice at a front end thereof, and a shape-memory portion including a rod-shaped shape-memory alloy provided between the grasp portion and the functional portion. The grasp portion includes a holding portion having a space in which one end of the shape-memory portion is inserted from the longitudinal direction. The instrument has a gap between an outer surface of the shape-memory portion and an inner surface of the holding portion, and in bending the shape-memory portion, the shape-memory portion is capable of deforming within the range of the gap. Then, by bending, the outer surface of the shape-memory portion comes into contact with an inner edge portion of an opening of the holding portion, and thereby restricts deformation of the shape-memory portion beyond the predetermined range.
US09987087B2
Microwave ablation applicators and methods for manufacturing the microwave ablation applicators are disclosed. A microwave ablation applicator includes a feed-line segment, a step-down segment, and a radiator base segment. The feed-line segment includes a first inner conductor, a first dielectric disposed on the first inner conductor, and a first outer conductor disposed on the first dielectric. The step-down segment includes a second inner conductor, a second dielectric disposed on the second inner conductor, and a second outer conductor disposed on the second dielectric. The radiator base segment includes a third inner conductor disposed on the third inner conductor, a third outer conductor disposed on the proximal end of the third dielectric so as to form a feed gap at a distal end of the radiator base segment, a balun dielectric disposed on the third outer conductor, and a balun outer conductor disposed on the balun dielectric.
US09987085B2
Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example device may include an expandable balloon including an outer surface. At least one flexible circuit may be mounted on the outer surface of the expandable balloon. The at least one flexible circuit may include a first insulating layer, at least one heat sensing device positioned at least partially within the first insulating layer, a conductive layer above the first insulating layer, at least a portion of which is electrically coupled to the heat sensing device, a second insulating layer above the conductive layer, and at least one electrode associated with the conductive layer.
US09987071B2
A surgical device includes an elongated shaft having an end-effector assembly at a distal end thereof. The end-effector assembly includes first, second and third jaw members. The first and second jaw members controllably movable from a first position, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to the third jaw member disposed therebetween, to a second position, wherein the first, second and third jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The surgical device also includes a knife operatively coupled to the elongated shaft. A channel defined along a length of an upper surface of the third jaw member is configured to slideably receive a portion of the knife therein.
US09987046B2
A top-loading pedicle screw system for correcting a misalignment of the spinal column of a patient. The top-loading pedicle screw assembly comprises a screw having a threaded shaft for affixation the assembly to a vertebral pedicle. The screw has a shank top forming an internal curved socket. A head is positioned within the socket to move in a multi-axial relationship thereto. A through bore is formed in the head to receive a rod that joins two or more pedicle screw assemblies to the spinal column of a patient. A locking element is inserted into the head to lock the rod to the head while also locking the head to the shank top of the screw.
US09987032B2
The present disclosure relates to a cutting tool that includes an outer tubular member having a first magnet and an inner tubular member having a second magnet wherein the inner tubular member is slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. A force, such as an attractive force, is created between the first magnet and the second magnet. The attractive force creates a preload force between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. A method of creating a force between an inner and outer tubular member is also disclosed.
US09987019B2
An endoscopic treatment tool includes a sheath having a lumen, an elongated shaft inserted into the lumen and having an insertion passage, a stylet disposed in the insertion passage, an implant connected to the stylet, and a manipulation part main body provided on the sheath, a slider advanceable and retractable in an axial direction relative to the manipulation part main body, and a cam tube retracting while rotating in accordance with manipulation of the slider and having a spiral guide passage. A proximal end portion of the stylet has a projection engaged with the guide passage such that a force retracting the stylet is applied to the stylet by the cam tube retracting while rotating. The projection is slidable on the guide passage such that the stylet is advanceable relative to the elongated shaft against the force.
US09987017B2
Embodiments of the invention may be directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing apertures in tissue and related methods of use.
US09987015B2
An embolic implant for treating aneurysms or other vascular disorders may include a cover component of unitary construction that is disposed about the exterior of a microcoil such that it does not extend into a lumen formed by the coil. The cover can enhance packing volume and density per unit length of coil, and can prevent blood flow and cause blood clotting while not risking rupture of the vascular disorder. The cover may also provide a platform for the application of multiple treatments and/or therapies including, for example, functionalized and/or bioactive coatings, drug coatings, gene therapy, thrombogenicity control coatings, and surface modifications, while preserving key coil performance attributes.
US09987012B2
An end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a cartridge. The first cartridge includes a sled and the second jaw includes an anvil. The first and second jaws are moveable relative to one another. The cartridge is disposed on the first jaw and has a plurality of staples. The sled is configured to engage each staple to the plurality of staples to eject the plurality of staples from the cartridge as the sled is longitudinally translated through the cartridge. A loading unit is also disclosed including an elongated body and an end effector that is articulable relative to the end effector. The end effector and the elongated body of the loading unit are configured to pass or fit through a 5 mm opening.
US09987009B2
The pneumatic actuator for dispensing surgical staples is a handheld actuator for use with a typical staple cartridge. A source of pressurized fluid is used to automatically drive forward movement of a plunger rod. As in a conventional, manually-driven surgical stapler, the forward movement of the plunger rod is used to actuate the surgical stapler to bend and eject a staple. The pneumatic actuator may be used with any suitable type of surgical staple cartridge, through coupling of the plunger rod thereto. The pneumatic actuator for dispensing surgical staples includes a housing having an upper portion, for receiving the pressurized fluid to drive the plunger rod, and a lower portion, which is configured to act as a gripping handle for the user. A finger-actuated trigger is further provided, allowing for single finger release of the pressurized fluid to reset the pneumatic actuator for a surgical stapler.
US09987005B2
A surgical apparatus has a clamp and a stapling mechanism. The clamp has a first jaw and a second jaw to clamp on a body tissue at a desired location for a stapling operation. The stapling mechanism is controlled by a trigger handle or a switch assembly. The surgical apparatus has a controller for providing a delay between clamping and actuating of the firing mechanism of the stapling mechanism. The delay provides for a desired amount of time for tissue compression producing a more uniform staple formation. The surgical apparatus also has an indicator. The indicator provides feedback about the status of the stapling mechanism and also displays a time of tissue compression by the clamp.
US09987001B2
A surgical circular fastener apparatus includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, a fastener cartridge disposed adjacent the distal end of the body, an anvil retainer releasably mounted relative to the fastener cartridge; and a manually operably release configured to move between a first position corresponding to a secured condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge and a second position corresponding to a release condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge.
US09986997B2
A tissue closure device includes a pusher assembly having a drive arm extending from a drive shaft and a needle driver at a distal end of the drive arm, wherein the needle driver is capable of releasably engaging and rotating a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end about a rotational axis and a cartridge having a protective housing and the suturing needle, the cartridge extending from a distal end of a cartridge holder assembly and releasably attached to the cartridge holder assembly. A pointed end of the suturing needle may be positioned within the protective housing before and after a complete rotation of the suturing needle about the rotational axis. A removable electronic module may be provided controlled by an actuator that mechanically engages the drive shaft to rotate the drive shaft and the needle driver, thereby rotating the suturing needle about the rotational axis.
US09986995B2
Medical suturing devices, systems, and methods will be useful for endoscopic or open surgeries, including ear, nose, and throat procedures. Articulation motions may be transferred from a handle to needle grasping jaws using an axial movement of a shaft. Portions of the devices may be disposable, replaceable, and/or reusable, with different needle-grasping jaws and/or different elongate extension bodies having different configurations optionally being selectably coupleably to an articulatable handle and housing so as to allow the user to configure the device for a particular procedure.
US09986994B2
A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition with each other and held in place by cooperation between the suture and the suture retainer. The suture retainer may include one or more portions between which the suture extends. The suture retainer may include sections which have surface areas which are bonded together. If desired, the suture may be wrapped around one of the sections of the suture retainer. The suture retainer may be formed with a recess in which the suture is received. If desired, the suture retainer may be omitted and the sections of the suture bonded to each other.
US09986991B2
A surgical apparatus for use in assisting the performance of a procedure on an eye, the eye having a front and rear, a cornea, an iris defining a pupil, and a lens capsule behind the iris. The apparatus has a frame with a front and rear, a first portion and a second portion. The first frame portion has at least one iris engagement portion for being operatively connected to the iris to exert a pressure upon the iris that maintains the pupil in an enlarged state. The second frame portion has a curved edge configured to guide movement of an instrument in a curved path with the first frame portion operatively connected to an iris.
US09986990B2
A surgical instrument includes a first member comprising an end surface. A second member includes a flange and a first groove having a holding member movably disposed therein. A third member includes a lip and a second groove having the holding member movably disposed therein. The lip extends at an acute angle relative to an axis defined by the third member. The holding member is movable between a first configuration in which the holding member is disposed in the second groove and first and second portions of the holding member are positioned in the first groove and a second configuration in which the holding member is spaced apart from the second groove and the first and second portions of the holding member are spaced apart from the first groove. Systems and methods are disclosed.
US09986986B2
A system and method for facilitating the removal of a tissue specimen from a patient is disclosed. The system includes a bag or pouch, a tissue cutter device, a support and a stabilizer. The tissue cutter device includes a passer, a wire, and a handle. The support is an elongated member. The passer is an elongated member configured to be coupled to the support and introduced as a temporary unit into the mouth of the bag or pouch in the patient's body holding the tissue specimen. The wire is attached to the passer. The temporary unit is configured to pass around the tissue specimen and out of the opening in the bag or pouch to carry the wire through that path so that a distal portion of the wire and a proximal portion of the wire are outside the patient's body. Those portions of the wire can be pulled to cut into the tissue specimen. The stabilizer holds the tissue specimen as the wire cuts into it.
US09986982B2
A biopsy device comprises a probe and a holster. The probe has a distally extending needle including a transverse tissue receiving aperture. A cutter is translatable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding through the aperture. A thumbwheel is manually operable to rotate the needle to reorient the angular position of the aperture about the longitudinal axis defined by the needle. The thumbwheel is positioned obliquely with the longitudinal axis. A cable driven mechanism in the holster drives the cutter. A rotatable tissue sample holder is coupled with the probe, and has chambers configured to receive tissue samples communicated proximally through a lumen defined by the cutter. A piezoelectric motor in the holster drives the tissue sample holder.
US09986976B2
Various embodiments include a system and method that enhance performance of an ultrasound system by dynamically changing an impedance of a transmit/receive switch. The system can include a transmit/receive switch and a low noise amplifier. The transmit/receive switch may be configured to switch between a transmit phase and a receive phase of an ultrasound scan. The transmit/receive switch may provide a receive signal communicated from an ultrasound transducer to a low noise amplifier when in the receive phase. An impedance of the transmit/receive switch may be dynamically adjusted by changing a resistance of the transmit/receive switch while the transmit/receive switch is in the receive phase. The low noise amplifier may be configured to amplify the receive signal. In various embodiments, a gain of the low noise amplifier is independent of the resistance of the transmit/receive switch.
US09986975B2
A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.
US09986968B2
The present invention providing a real-time positioning ultrasonic system that locates the dental implant drill bit relative to placed reference points or fiducial markers, and guides the drill entry point and angular trajectory, so that drilling is effected in the most optimum location in the jaw bone, as planned based on pre-surgery cone-beam computed tomography scans.
US09986967B2
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems and methods for providing embolic protection to a medical procedure by filtration of debris generated by the medical procedure. The system and methods include an embolic protection device having an ultrasound transducer for assisting in intravascular navigation of the device.
US09986965B2
A dispensing system is provided including a housing having a cavity, a first opening and a second opening, the openings being in communication with the cavity. First and second rollers are positioned within the cavity. A strip extends through the openings. The strip has a first end that is wound about the first roller and a second end that is wound about the second roller. A plurality of instrument covers are removably positioned on the strip. Methods of use and kits are disclosed.
US09986963B2
Method and apparatus for reducing radiation from CT measurement of respiratory cycles and CT scanner
A method for reducing radiation from CT measurement of respiratory cycles and a corresponding CT scanner. The method includes: determining a lying direction of a patient to be measured; and setting a tube position for a first respiratory cycle measurement of the patient according to the lying direction.
US09986955B2
The present invention provides an oral sensor device comprising: a sensor assembly which is bendable and generates an electrical signal by detecting an X-ray; and a window cover comprising a base portion and a side wall, the base portion being positioned on the front of a sensor panel with respect to the traveling direction of the X-ray, and covering the sensor panel, and the side wall protruding toward the rear from the lateral side of the edge of the base portion so as to cover the lateral surface of the sensor panel, and having a plurality of grooves formed on at least a part thereof.
US09986952B2
The disclosure includes systems and methods directed toward simulating heart sounds. The system can include an optical sensor configured to obtain data for generating a plurality of plethysmograph waveforms at a first frequency. The heart sound simulator can also include a processor in communication with the sensor. The processor can be configured to generate a heart sound signal based on at least one of the plurality of plethysmograph waveforms.
US09986950B2
An electrophysiology catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate, deformable shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The basket electrode assembly has a proximal end and a distal end and is configured to assume a compressed state and an expanded state. The electrode assembly further includes one or more tubular splines having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon and a plurality of conductors. Each of the plurality of conductors extends through the tubular spline from a corresponding one of the plurality of electrodes to the proximal end of the basket electrode assembly. The tubular splines are configured to assume a non-planar (e.g., a twisted or helical) shape in the expanded state.
US09986949B2
A medical probe includes an insertion tube for insertion into a patient's body, and multiple arms that are attached to a distal end of the insertion tube. Each arm includes a braid of wires that traverse the arm. Multiple electrodes are coupled to the arms and electrically connected to respective selected wires of the braid. The electrodes are configured to exchange signals over the wires with a system external to the patient body.
US09986940B2
The present disclosure relates to a method and system for determining the sensitivity of a first microphone, the method comprising providing an acoustic coupler having at least one internal cavity configured such that a sound field can be generated within the cavity, the cavity being further in acoustic communication with a reference microphone configured to measure the reference sound pressure at a given position in said cavity, the cavity being further provided with an inlet opening configured to establish acoustic communication between the sound inlet of said first microphone, the sensitivity of which is to be determined.
US09986936B2
A coil device is provided having a member adapted to extend around and conform to an outer surface of a subject and a conductor adapted to extend only once around a first portion of the subject. The coil device can be positioned about the subject in order to measure a volume of the subject. When placed about the subject in the presence of a relatively homogeneous magnetic field, the conductor can generate a signal indicative of a volume of the first portion of the subject. The coil device may also include two or more conductors separately generating signals indicating volumes of two or more corresponding portions of the subject. In some cases the coil device includes associated authorization data that can limit use of the coil device. Systems and methods incorporating the coil device are also provided.
US09986934B2
Systems and methods for detecting biometrics using microwave radar sensor modules are disclosed. Integrated microwave sensor modules can include a transmitter unit configured to generate at least one continuous wave transmit signal based upon at least one frequency control signal, a receiver unit configured to utilize a cancellation path to cancel contributions to a return signal based upon at least one cancellation path control signal, and a microcontroller unit that includes a processor, a memory containing a microcontroller application, where the microcontroller application configures the processor to generate at least one frequency control signal to generate least one CW transmit signal having a plurality of frequencies, generate at least one cancellation path control signal to automatically adjust the cancellation path in real time, receive at least one demodulated signal, digitize the at least one demodulated signal, and update the at least one frequency control and cancellation path control signals.
US09986923B2
What is disclosed is a system and method for selecting a region of interest for extracting physiological parameters from a video of a subject. In one embodiment the present method involves performing the following. First, time-series signals are received which have been generated by having processing image frames of a video of a subject captured using a single band video camera with a bandpass filter with a pass band in a wavelength range of 495-565 nm and/or 800-1000 nm. The regions of interest are areas where a plethysmographic signal can be detected by the camera. Each time-series signal is associated with a different region of interest. A signal strength is then calculated for each of the time-series signals. The region associated with the time-series signal having a highest signal strength is selected. The time-series signal associated with the selected region can be processed to extract a videoplethysmographic (VPG) signal containing physiological parameters.
US09986921B2
A real-time arrhythmia discrimination method is used in smartphones, which can discriminate between NSR, AF, PACs and PVCs using pulsatile time series collected from a smartphone's camera. To increase the sensitivity of AF detection and add the new capabilities of PVC and PAC identification, the arrhythmia discrimination method of these teachings combines Root Mean Square of Successive RR Differences (RMSSD), Shannon Entropy (ShE) and turning point ratio (TPR), with the Poincare plot, and utilizes the features of pulse rise/fall time and amplitude for arrhythmia discrimination.
US09986913B2
Systems and methods are provided for analyzing conditions associated with a physical feature using digital images. The method comprises acquiring a white-light image and an ultraviolet (“UV”) image of at least a portion of a body surface, such as a person's face, each of the white-light and UV images including a plurality of pixels and each pixel in the UV image corresponding to a respective pixel in the white-light image. The method further comprises identifying feature pixels in the white-light and UV images, and obtaining results associated with at least one physical condition using information in the feature pixels in the first white light and UV images.
US09986908B2
Various embodiments of an eye imaging apparatus can be used to image the posterior and/or anterior portions of the eye. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus can comprise a light source, imaging optics, an image sensor, and a handgrip comprising a bump shaped to fit with a palm of an operator. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus can comprise a light source, imaging optics, an image sensor, and a control button. The control button can comprise a multi-functional button and/or a control button activated by the index finger. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus can comprise a housing structure comprising a double shell structure with an inner shell and an outer shell, which can be configured to facilitate heat management. In some embodiments, the eye imaging apparatus can comprise a removable front imaging module, a main module, and an interconnect locking structure configured to enable repeated removal of the front imaging module from and re-attachment of the front imaging module to the main module. Various embodiments also comprise a carrying case for an eye imaging apparatus.
US09986904B2
A supercontinuum light source can comprise a seed laser arranged to provide seed pulses with a pulse frequency Fseed; a pulse frequency multiplier (PFM) arranged to multiply the seed pulses by converting pulses having the pulse frequency Fseed to pump pulses with a pulse frequency Fpump, where Fpump is larger than Fseed; and a non-linear element arranged to receive said pump pulses and convert said pump pulses to pulses of supercontinuum light. The PFM can further comprise a splitter for splitting pulses into first and second sub beams each having the same pulse frequency, where the PFM is configured such that the sub beams experience different delays; and a combiner for combining said first and second sub beams into a beam having the pulse frequency that is greater than said same pulse frequency. The splitter can have an uneven splitter ratio. The disclosure includes other embodiments as well.
US09986887B2
A warewash machine includes a sump for collecting hot cleaning water that is recirculated in the chamber during cleaning, a drain path for draining cleaning water from the sump and a fresh water input line including at least a fresh water input that receives fresh water. A waste water heat recovery arrangement includes a plurality of heat exchange compartments arranged in series flow communication and forming part of the drain path. A waste water input is associated with a first of the heat exchange compartments and a waste water output associated with a last of the heat exchange compartments. Waste water at least partially fills each of the heat exchange compartments. At least part of the fresh water input line passes through each of the heat exchange compartments. Heat from waste water is transferred to fresh water in the drain line within each heat exchange compartment.
US09986886B2
A warewash machine includes a housing at least in part defining a chamber for cleaning wares and a sump for collecting hot cleaning water that is recirculated through the chamber during cleaning. A drain path is provided for draining cleaning water from the sump and a fresh water input line includes at least a fresh water input that receives fresh water. A waste water heat recovery arrangement includes one or more plate heat exchanger units that transfer heat from the draining cleaning water to the incoming fresh water.
US09986880B2
A hand vacuum cleaner has a uniflow cyclone with a front cyclone air inlet and a rear air cyclone outlet.
US09986876B2
An in-counter or in-wall dispenser including a product housing and a cover is disclosed. The cover is pivotally mounted so as to pivot between an open position providing access to the interior volume defined by the product housing for loading a new stack of sheet products and a closed position so that the sheet products are only accessible through a dispensing opening in the cover for one at a time dispensing of sheet products from the product housing. First and second tab-like members project from an interior surface of the product housing into the interior volume. With the cover open, the first and second tab-like members engage in a margin or border area of a front face of the sheet products positioned closest to the dispensing opening to hold at least the engaged part of the sheet products spaced from an interior surface of the anterior cover.
US09986875B2
A container for wipes, and a cap for the container, having a pop-up style dispensing means positioned beneath a reclosable lid. The container may be an upright cylindrical container for perforated wipes or a rigid tub for interfolded wipes. The dispensing means comprises a raised member made of flexible, rubber-like material, having at least one opening through which wipes are removed when the lid is open. When the lid is closed it compresses the raised member. When the lid is released from its closed position the raised member pushes the lid open. The dispensing means may have a hard plastic backing member underneath a portion of the rubber-like material adjacent the opening through which wipes are removed.
US09986861B2
A cup holder for single cups, includes housing means of the cup in the cup holder with grip on the edge or in proximity to the upper edge of the cup and supporting means of the cup holder for supporting the so housed cup; a plane or upper surface of covering of the cup, when it is housed in the cup holder with such an extension as to cover entirely the cup and rigidly connected to the housing means of the cup. The cup holder has the supporting means placed on the side opposite the side of introduction of the cup in the housing means; the housing means includes a housing guide for the grip on an upper edge of a cup which is inserted in it; and the supporting means includes a short shank and a slider inserted in rectilinear or arched storage elements, arranged in a horizontal or even vertical direction.
US09986859B2
Aspects of the present invention comprise a container that is stably rotatable. In embodiments, a container may rotate about a central axis, wherein the container comprises at least one feature at the central axis that facilitate rotation and at least one other lateral feature that provides stability to the container to reduce the occurrence of tipping or spilling while the container is moving.
US09986856B1
A rack display comprising a base having a front panel with a plurality of horizontal and vertical slots included thereon; left and right side panels extending from sides of the front panel; a back panel extending between the left and right side panels; and one or more shelf members including horizontal and vertical tabs. The shelf members are secured to the base by inserting the vertical and horizontal tabs within the vertical and horizontal slots respectively. The rack display is erected from a knockdown configuration by securing the shelf members to the front panel of the base via insertion of the horizontal and vertical tabs within the horizontal and vertical slots respectively.
US09986853B2
A modular merchandise display system is provided. The system comprises an enclosure, a first upper bracket and a first lower bracket forming a first pocket on a first side of the enclosure, and a second upper bracket and a second lower bracket forming a second pocket on a second side of the enclosure. A first security door is slidably and pivotally connected to the first upper and lower brackets. A second security door slidably and pivotally connected to the second upper and lower brackets. The security doors can be positioned exterior of the enclosure and then pivoted about the upper and lower brackets to be positioned substantially parallel to the front of the enclosure in a closed position. The security doors can then be secured to one another in the closed position.
US09986850B2
A convertible highchair assembly includes a seat frame, a booster seat detachably installable on the seat frame, a tray detachably mountable on the booster seat and having a plurality of sockets, and a plurality of leg extensions selectively attachable to any of the support frame portion and the tray, each of the leg extensions having a connecting end. The seat frame includes a support frame portion and a seat portion affixed with each other, the seat portion being adapted to receive a child. The connecting ends of the leg extensions are attached to the support frame portion for configuring a highchair, and the connecting ends of the leg extensions are respectively inserted into the sockets while the tray is removed from the booster seat for configuring a standalone table, the leg extensions providing standing support for the tray.
US09986844B2
An easily assembled bracket, adapted for being installed at an edge of a bed frame for retaining a mattress on the bed frame includes a fastener and a retainer. The fastener has two wings booth located on an imaginary plane, and a convex protruded from the imaginary plane. A passage is provided between the convex and a top surface of the bed frame. The retainer has an inserting portion detachably inserted in the passage, two stop portions extending from the inserting portion in two adverse directions respectively and abutted against an end of the convex, two extending portions extending from the two stop portions respectively, and at least one retaining portion connected with at least one of the extending portions for being abutted against a side of the mattress.
US09986842B1
The present disclosure relates to a portable hand-wrapping platform that provides a solution for a trainer to wrap an athlete's hands. The portable hand-wrapping platform can be used by boxers, mixed martial artists, or any sports athlete for whom hand-wrapping is necessitated by the nature of a particular sport or activity. The portable hand-wrapping platform is designed to be attached to the backrest of one or two common, folding chairs. The hand-wrapping platform has a rigid bottom section that is configured to temporarily affix to either one chair back or to two chairs facing back-to-back. A padded upper surface provides a platform for an athlete to rest his forearm while a trainer wraps the athlete's hands.
US09986841B2
An armrest comprises a top surface; a first side surface and a second side surface being opposite to said first side surface; wherein said top surface incorporates a number of discrete regions; a first discrete region on which, in use, the elbow of a first user rests; said first discrete region extending diagonally towards said first side surface; and at least one further discrete region located in front of said first discrete region which extends diagonally towards said second side surface; whereby said second discrete region provides, in use, a resting surface for the elbow of a second user seating in an adjacent seat; wherein said first and said second regions are separated in the longitudinal direction by a line of separation which doesn't protrude higher than the majority of the top surface.
