US09995390B2
A hybrid vehicle powertrain assembly includes a combustion engine, an electric machine, an input shaft, a ratchet mechanism, and a controller. The input shaft selectively couples the engine and electric machine. The ratchet mechanism includes a base integrated with a transmission housing, a camwheel fixedly coupled to the input shaft, a pawl, and an actuator to move the pawl. The controller is programmed to, in response to receipt of an engine brake command, output an engagement command to the actuator to move the pawl toward the camwheel for engagement to prevent the input shaft from spinning. A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain is also provided herein. The method includes, responsive to receipt of an engine brake command, outputting via a controller a command for a ratchet mechanism to engage an input shaft coupled to an engine to prevent the input shaft from spinning.
US09995386B2
A transmission controller includes: a corner detector that detects a corner; a predictor to predict a rolling amount based upon road data when the corner is detected and an accelerator opening degree is fully closed; a device to determine a first necessary engine braking amount in accordance with the rolling amount; a device to determine a first required speed change stage corresponding to the first necessary engine braking amount; a calculator to calculate a second necessary engine braking amount when the corner is detected and the accelerator opening degree is fully closed based upon a minimum required inter-vehicle distance with the vehicle ahead; a device to determine a second required speed change stage corresponding to the second engine braking amount; and a transmission controller to select, as a target speed change stage, either smaller one of the first or second required speed change stage, and then perform downshift control.
US09995378B2
A drive device is provided to include: a case; a first motor and a second motor having an output shaft extending along a first axial line in the case and a second axial line parallel to the first axial line in the case, respectively; a first output shaft including a first shaft body and roller followers, the roller followers being engaged at a predetermined reduction gear ratio with the rib of the first motor; a second output shaft including a second shaft body and roller followers, the roller followers being engaged at a predetermined reduction gear ratio with the rib of the second motor; a first sealing member located between the case and the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft body; and a second sealing member located between an inner peripheral surface of the first shaft body and an outer peripheral surface of the second shaft body.
US09995377B2
A device for converting a rotating motion into a reciprocating motion comprises a motor having a rotatable motor shaft carrying cylindrical component, an embedded cam groove of the cylindrical component, a rod component constrained to travel back and forth and forth, and a cam follower carried on the rod component. The cam follower is engaged in the embedded cam groove track of the cylindrical component so that as the rotatable motor shaft rotates, the cam follower transmits the movement dictated by the embedded cam groove track profile thereby causing the rod component to travel back and forth once for each rotation of rotatable motor shaft. There is also disclosed a mascara applicator assembly; a first electric toothbrush assembly; and a second electric toothbrush assembly comprising such a device.
US09995371B2
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements, a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements, a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements, and six friction elements disposed to selectively connect the rotation elements, or to selectively connect at least one rotation element and a transmission housing.
US09995364B2
The invention relates to a device (10) for mechanically adjusting a vibration behavior of a machine element, wherein the device can be coupled to the machine element or is designed as a part of the machine element, the device comprises an adjustment section (11) for the adjustment and a cavity (12) arranged in the adjustment section, and a specified insertion apparatus (20) can be variably inserted into the cavity in such a way that the stiffness of the adjustment section can be changed. Thus the vibration behavior of the machine element can also be varied.
US09995359B2
A deformable structure, such as a panel or a shock absorber, for absorbing energy from a mechanical and/or acoustic impact. The structure comprises an inner core and one or more external layers covering the inner core. The inner core comprises a set of first segments having a positive Poison's ratio and second segments having a negative Poisson's ratio. The first and second segments are arranged alternately and joined to one another so that the deformation received by one first segment is transmitted to an adjacent second segment and vice versa.
US09995353B2
The present disclosure provides systems for mitigating brake vibration. In various embodiments, a brake force distribution arrangement may comprise: a member in operable communication with an actuator having at least two contact surfaces such that as one of the at least two contact surfaces moves in a direction of actuation of the actuator the other moves in a direction opposite to the direction of actuation of the actuator.
US09995350B2
A selector bracket assembly for a one way clutch assembly comprising an annular body portion having: first and second radial surfaces; an inner circumferential surface, connecting the first and second radial surfaces; at least one cutout portion; at least one axially extending post adjacent to the at least one cutout portion; and, an outer circumferential surface including a plurality of radially outward extending tabs; and, at least one actuator pin disposed radially outward of the inner circumferential surface and arranged for engagement with the selector bracket assembly to lock a one way clutch. A switchable one way clutch assembly having said selector bracket, or at least two selector brackets for making selectable the following states: free wheel or locked in both the first and second opposing circumferential directions; locked in first and free wheel in second circumferential direction; and, free wheel in first and locked in second circumferential direction.
US09995345B2
A Cardan drive for connecting a power take-off (PTO) of an agricultural vehicle to an input shaft of an agricultural implement, wherein the Cardan drive has a primary shaft and a secondary shaft that are mutually connected via a double universal joint to obtain a homokinetic connection between the primary and the secondary shaft, wherein the double universal joint has an intermediate element formed substantially by two yokes of the double universal joint, wherein at least one of the two yokes is connected via bearings to a frame provided for attachment to the agricultural implement.
US09995341B2
Provided is a resin cage for a tapered roller bearing in which a mold parting line which is extended in an axial direction is formed in a pillar portion defining a pocket. On facing surfaces of adjacent pillar portions, on an outer diameter side from the mold parting line, a first conical surface which slides in contact with an outer peripheral surface of a tapered roller is formed, and a first flat surface in a radial direction is formed in a portion on the outer diameter side from the first conical surface. On an inner diameter side from the mold parting line, a second conical surface which slides in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tapered roller is formed, and a second flat surface in a radial direction is formed in a portion on the inner diameter side from the second conical surface.
US09995338B2
A linear guide 10 includes: a track rail 20 having a ball rolling groove 22; a movable block 30 having a loaded ball rolling groove 33 opposing the ball rolling groove 22, an unloaded ball rolling groove 34 extending in parallel with the direction in which the ball rolling groove 22 extends, and a direction change guide groove 35 connecting the loaded ball rolling groove 33 and the unloaded ball rolling groove 34; and a plurality of balls 40 arrayed on an endless circulating path including a loaded ball rolling path 50, an unloaded ball rolling path 60, and a direction change path 70 formed by the track rail 20 and the movable block 30. The direction change path 70 has a plurality of change points where the track changes. By having this configuration, it is possible to provide a linear guide which does not require an end plate.
US09995331B2
The present disclosure is directed to a coupling element for the releasable connection of a first component to a second component. The coupling element has an annular basic element comprising a fastening structure at a radially outer side. Further, the basic element comprises a socket-like holding structure at a radially inner side. The socket-like holding structure comprises a centrally arranged supporting element as well as a plurality of holding webs. The holding webs comprise at least a first and a second web section. The first web section encloses with an axis of symmetry S of the coupling element an angle ∝ from a range of 45°≤∝≤90° and the first web section and the second web section are arranged in an obtuse angle with respect to each other.
US09995320B2
The present invention regards an elongated fluid actuator arrangement comprising a first and second cylinder housing (3, 5) extending in a longitudinal direction (X), respective housing (3, 5) encompasses a first respective a second piston body (7, 9). The respective piston body (7, 9) divides the respective cylinder housing (3, 5) in a first and second cylinder chamber (11, 13). The arrangement (1) is adapted for connection to a valve member means (15) of a fluid supply device (17). A piston rod member (19) extending through said respective first and second piston bodies (7, 9). The first piston device (7) comprises a piston rod engagement and disengagement means (29), which is adapted to engage or disengage the first piston device (7) to/from the piston rod member (19), wherein an engagement area (A2), defined by an engagement zone between the first piston body (7) and the piston rod member (19), is larger than a cross-sectional piston area (A1) of the first piston body (7).
US09995298B2
An apparatus and method for controlling a linear compressor and a linear compressor and a refrigerator having the same are provided. The apparatus may include a drive configured to drive the linear compressor based on a control signal, a detector configured to detect a motor current of the linear compressor, an asymmetric current generator configured to generate an asymmetric motor current by applying a current offset to the detected motor current, and a controller configured to generate the control signal based on the asymmetric motor current. The current offset may be changed based on a change in a position of a piston of the linear compressor.
US09995297B2
The invention relates to a pump system comprising a positive-displacement pump module, preferably a screw pump, a drive module which can be exchanged separately from the positive-displacement pump module, said drive module comprises an electric drive motor and a frequency converter associated therewith for controlling or adjusting a drive motor speed, control means comprising a controller for producing an adjustment variable (Ys) for the frequency converter in accordance with a reference variable (W) and a first actual operational parameter (X) and logistic means associated with the controller, and reference variable defining means for providing the reference variable (W) for the control means. According to the invention, the control means are provided in a control module separately from the drive module, and the drive module can be exchanged separately from the control module, and the drive module does not have a designed and/or controlled controller for producing the adjustment variable (Ys).
US09995294B2
The present invention refers to a hermetic reciprocating compressor for mobile application provided with a movement limiting assembly of its compression unit in relation to its hermetic housing, comprising technical and functional characteristics capable of optimizing the limitation of the movement of the compression unit in relation to the hermetic housing of a hermetic reciprocating compressor, reducing at the same time the level and intensity of vibrations and noises arising from this movement limitation. Said hermetic reciprocating compressor for mobile application provided with a movement limiting assembly comprises, besides conventional elements and components, an upper end stop (4) attached to the inside upper portion of the hermetic housing (2), a housing body (5) attached to the compression unit (1) and comprising at least one housing cavity (51), and a damping structure (6) housed inside the housing cavity (51) of the housing body (5) comprising at least a surrounding wall (61) and at least a bottom plate (62).
US09995293B2
A method for automatic mutual alternation between an arbitrary number of pumps by the control of each individual pump, which makes use of a start condition for a state change from an inactive state of the pump into an active state of the pump to be performed, as well as makes use of a stop condition for a state change from the active state into the inactive state to be performed. The method includes a sub method (Find start condition) that includes the step of, after a predetermined stage, arbitrarily changing the start condition of the individual pump within predetermined limits.
US09995288B2
Described herein is a motor comprising a first rotatable member and an anchor, spaced apart from the first rotatable member. The motor also comprises a belt, in tension about the first rotatable member and the anchor. The belt is co-rotatably engaged with the first rotatable member. Further, the belt is made from a shape-memory alloy. Additionally, the motor comprises a thermal regulation device, positioned between spaced-apart first and second portions of the belt. The thermal regulation device is also configured to concurrently cool the first portion of the belt to contract the first portion of the belt and heat the second portion of the belt to expand the second portion of the belt. Concurrent contraction and expansion of the first and second portions of the belt cause rotation of the belt.
US09995285B2
A solar thermal power system includes a solar receiver, and a thermal energy storage arrangement having thermal energy storage fluid to be circulated through the solar receiver to store thermal energy. The system includes a multistage steam turbine operable on variable pressure steam generated by a steam generator arrangement, by utilizing the thermal energy storage fluid. The arrangement includes an economizer section, an evaporator section, and a superheater section communicably configured to utilize the heat of the hot thermal energy storage fluid to generate and supply the variable pressure steam to the turbine. The system includes a recirculation line configured around the economizer section to recirculate the heated water to an inlet of the economizer section, increasing pressure range of the variable pressure steam in the arrangement.
US09995275B1
A mastless vertical axis wind turbine that comprises a plurality of sails that rotate about a vertical axis under the influence of wind. A platform is connected to and in tension with the plurality of sails at one or more points about the bottom of the plurality of the sails. Also, an external frame is connected to and in tension with the plurality of sails at one or more points about the top of the plurality of the sails. The external frame itself comprises a plurality of legs that converge above the plurality of sails at a central point about the vertical axis of rotation and extend beyond the path swept by the plurality of sails. A coupling mechanism connects one or more of the plurality of legs to the plurality of sails and allows the sails to rotate about the vertical axis of rotation while the legs remain stationary.
US09995267B2
An ignition apparatus includes an adjuster. The adjuster adjusts, according to at least one of a primary voltage and a secondary voltage detected by a voltage detector, at least one of an application timing and an application level of auxiliary electrical energy to an ignition coil while main electrical energy is applied to a spark plug by the ignition coil. The application timing includes whether the auxiliary electrical energy is applied to the ignition coil.
US09995265B2
An internal combustion engine is provided with an EGR device and is configured to be capable of executing an operation based on a first air-fuel ratio and an operation based on a second air-fuel ratio leaner than the first air-fuel ratio. In a case where an ECU decreases the amount of air flowing into a combustion chamber and decreases an EGR rate in response to a predetermined torque reduction request for the internal combustion engine, the ECU performs the operation based on the first air-fuel ratio in a case where an immediately preceding EGR rate immediately before the torque reduction request is made is lower than a first threshold and performs a stratified combustion operation based on the second air-fuel ratio in a case where the immediately preceding EGR rate is equal to or higher than the first threshold.
US09995263B1
Fuel nozzle assemblies are flushed after ultrasonic cleaning. In one embodiment, a method includes: cleaning a fuel nozzle assembly by ultrasonic cleaning; and after the ultrasonic cleaning, flushing the fuel nozzle assembly using a solution, the fuel nozzle assembly comprising a valve located in an interior of the fuel nozzle assembly, the solution flowing through the interior of the fuel nozzle assembly, and the flowing of the solution controlled by the valve.
US09995256B2
An engine includes a cylinder block defining a bank of cylinders having physically adjacent first and second cylinders. The engine also has a gas compressor configured to pressurize an ambient airflow for delivery to the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The engine additionally has intake valves configured to control delivery of the pressurized airflow as a first airstream to the first cylinder and a second airstream to the second cylinder for combustion therein. A firing interval for the two adjacent cylinders results in the first airstream temporally overlapping the second airstream. A charge-air cooler is configured to cool the pressurized airflow prior to delivery thereof to the first and second cylinders and includes a cold-side plenum for discharging the pressurized airflow toward the first and second cylinders. A partition in the cold-side plenum is configured to separate the first airstream from the second airstream and thereby minimize interference therebetween.
US09995251B2
A number of variations may include an actuator and valve arrangement.
US09995245B2
A method of fabricating a mixer for a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes forming a forward end and an aft end of the mixer, and forming an annularly undulating contour that defines a plurality of core immersion lobes and a plurality of bypass immersion lobes between the forward end and the aft end. The plurality of bypass immersion lobes includes a first bypass immersion lobe and a second bypass immersion lobe. The first bypass immersion lobe has a first crown contour line extending from the forward end to the aft end of the mixer, and the second bypass immersion lobe has a second crown contour line extending from the forward end to the aft end of the mixer. The first crown contour line is different than the second crown contour line.
US09995237B2
Methods and systems are provided for operating a lift pump of an engine fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise limiting a lift pump voltage to a lower first level when powering on a lift pump from off. The method may further comprise maintaining the lift pump voltage at the lower first level for a duration before increasing the lift pump voltage above the first level.
US09995235B2
A method for plausibilization of an engine control function for an internal combustion engine includes: provision of injection parameters with which an injection of fuel into cylinders of the internal combustion engine is controlled on the basis of a torque that is to be realized; estimation of an actual torque of the internal combustion engine as a function of the injection parameters; and evaluation of the actual torque as a function of the torque that is to be realized, in order to plausibilize the engine control function.
US09995233B2
A control device for an internal combustion engine, equipped with: an exhaust purification catalyst provided in the exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and capable of absorbing oxygen; a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor provided downstream from the exhaust purification catalyst in the direction of the exhaust flow; and an engine control device that controls the internal combustion engine in response to the output from the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor. The downstream air-fuel ratio sensor is configured such that the applied voltage for which the output current is zero changes in response to the exhaust air-fuel ratio, and such that when the exhaust air-fuel ratio equals the theoretical air-fuel ratio and the applied voltage in the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor is increased, the output current increases in conjunction therewith. When the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas is detected by the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor, the applied voltage in the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor is fixed at a constant voltage, with this constant voltage being a voltage for which the output current is zero when the exhaust air-fuel ratio is a predetermined air-fuel ratio that is leaner than the theoretical air-fuel ratio.
US09995219B2
A turbine engine wall having a cold side and a hot side and including a plurality of cooling orifices for enabling air flowing on the cold side of the wall to penetrate to the hot side at least some of the cooling orifices being plugged by a plugging material so as to define a minimum level of porosity for the wall corresponding to putting the turbine engine into service, and the plugged cooling orifices being suitable for being unplugged progressively throughout the lifetime of the turbine engine in order to define a maximum level of porosity for the wall corresponding to an end of lifetime for the turbine engine, the plugging being performed by alternating at least one of the following rows or lines: circumferential rows, axial rows, diagonal lines, so as to lie in the range one-third to one-half of the maximum porosity.
US09995209B2
A rotary engine has a circular shaped rotor and stator. The rotor has an expansion chamber for combustion and the stator has thrust director gate that passes through a passageway through the stator face to alternatively ride along the face of the rotor or to ride within the expansion chamber of the rotor. Passageways through the stator and radially close to the thrust director gate allow for air, fuel, and an ignition source to pass through the stator allow for ignition and expansion of the fuel within the expansion chamber. The thrust director allows for thrust to be applied to the rotor to rotate the rotor. An exhaust manifold, also passing through stator, and also radially aligned with the expansion chamber allows exhaust gases from combustion to be released from the expansion chamber as the rotor rotates the expansion chamber adjacent to the exhaust manifold.
US09995205B2
A condensed water discharge apparatus in an engine of a vehicle provided with a water cooling type intercooler installed integrally with an intake manifold includes a body provided on the intake manifold and having a designated receipt space formed therein to store condensed water generated by the intercooler and a discharge hole formed in the receipt space to discharge the condensed water stored in the receipt space to the outside through the discharge hole; a discharge valve configured to open and close the discharge hole; and an operating unit connected to the discharge valve to operate the discharge valve.
US09995196B2
A method and system for operating an aftertreatment system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A value of a storage efficiency for the lean nitrogen-oxide trap is determined. A value of an exhaust gas temperature is measured upstream of the lean nitrogen-oxide trap. An electric heated catalyst enabling condition may be fulfilled if the storage efficiency of the lean nitrogen-oxide trap is smaller than a threshold value thereof and the value of the exhaust gas temperature upstream of the lean nitrogen-oxide trap is greater than a lower threshold value and less than an upper threshold value. The electric heated catalyst is activated if the enabling condition is fulfilled. An inhibition enabling condition may be fulfilled if the value of storage efficiency is less than a second threshold value and the electric heated catalyst is deactivated and a denitrification of the lean nitrogen-oxides trap is started.
US09995195B2
Systems and methods of reducing the emissions of vehicles having a spark ignited internal combustion engine are provided. When the exhaust temperature is less than a set point temperature, the oxygen concentration of the exhaust is increased as the exhaust passes from a first stage catalytic converter to a second stage catalytic converter. The increased oxygen content of the exhaust improves the removal efficiency of carbon monoxide and/or hydrocarbons at the second stage catalytic converter without (or with minimal) reforming nitrogen oxide compounds. The oxygen concentration of the exhaust is not increased when the exhaust temperature is greater than the set point temperature.
US09995190B2
A contact heater comprising a heating member and a contact surface, where the contact surface is adapted for abutment towards a portion of an engine, gearbox, or similar, which is to be heated. The heating member comprises at least one PTC element and connection means for electrical energy supply, and the contact surface constitutes a portion of a contact element which is releasably connected to the heating member by connection means.The contact heater is suitable for use on an engine, for example an automobile engine, an engine block, a sump, a gearbox or a part of the transmission system for a vehicle.
US09995185B2
A valve timing control device 1 has a lock mechanism 30 which limits a relative rotation of a vane rotor 20 with respect to a housing 10 by engaging a lock plate 31 that is accommodated slidably in a radial direction with an engagement groove 32 of the vane rotor 20 by biasing force of a spring 33 in the housing 10. The lock plate 31 is provided with a plurality of penetrating holes 35 which are opened on a circumferential direction side surface of the lock plate 31.
US09995168B2
A hover aircraft rotor having a hub which rotates about an axis and has a number of blades; a drive shaft connectable to a drive member of the aircraft and connected functionally to the hub to rotate the hub about the axis; and damping means for damping vibration transmitted to the shaft, and which include a mass designed to oscillate, in use, to oppose transmission to the shaft of vibration generated by rotation of the blades; the mass being free to oscillate parallel to the axis, to oppose transmission to the shaft of vibration having main components along the axis.
US09995162B2
A seal and damper system is provided. The system comprises a blade assembly seal with a central portion defining a recess and a depression. The system also includes a damper comprising a center body and an arm extending from the center body and configured to engage the depression. A blade assembly is also provided comprising a blade platform, a seal configured to press against the blade platform, and a damper clipped onto the seal.
US09995158B2
A turbocharger (10) for an internal combustion engine includes a symmetric twin-volute turbine housing (12) having first and second volutes (16, 18). A turbine wheel (22) is disposed within the symmetric twin-volute turbine housing (12) for rotation about a turbocharger axis (R1). A nozzle ring (42, 58) is fixedly secured to the symmetric twin-volute turbine housing (12). The nozzle ring (42, 58) includes a plurality of fixed vanes (44, 62, 66) disposed circumferentially around the turbocharger axis (R1). The plurality of fixed vanes (44, 62, 66) form nozzle passages leading from at least one of the first and second volutes (16, 18) to the turbine wheel (22) for directing exhaust gas against the turbine wheel (22) at an optimum angle.
US09995155B2
A lock apparatus securing a blade to a hub, the lock apparatus comprising a planar element having a spring actuable between an expanded position and a compressed position without deviation from the plane of the element, wherein in the expanded position of the spring the planar element is partly located in a slot provided in the blade, the spring being compressible to its compressed position to disengage the planar element from the slot.
US09995141B2
A sliding block for a scotch yoke reciprocating piston engine having a base body with a receiving opening for cooperating with a crankpin of a crankshaft and side surfaces, which are oriented toward slide ways of a scotch yoke during operation, with a supply of pressurized lubricant from the receiving opening for the crankpin to the side surfaces being provided during operation, characterized in that the base body is provided with sliding plates in the region of the side surfaces oriented toward the slide ways of the scotch yoke, characterized in that the sliding plates are supported in floating fashion relative to the base body and between the sliding plates and the side surfaces, there is a gap, which is at least partially filled with lubricant during operation of the scotch yoke reciprocating piston engine.
US09995139B2
The present invention relates to a surrounding rock pretreatment method for a TBM (tunnel boring machine) passing through a round tunnel section with high rock-burst risk. A technical solution of the present invention is as follows: the surrounding rock pretreatment method includes the following steps: 1. determining a pretreatment area, wherein an area in which a clear spacing between a to-be-constructed tunnel and an adjacent existing tunnel in a TBM tunneling direction is less than 2 times that of a tunnel diameter of the TBM to-be-constructed tunnel is the pretreatment area: 2. performing controlled blasting; 3. injecting high pressure water, and selecting part of blast holes I to perform cyclic water injection pressurizing; and 4, performing normal tunneling by the TBM.
US09995133B2
A wellbore assembly is provided that can include a first motor housing assembly member and a second motor housing assembly member that can bend relative to the first motor housing assembly at a bend location. The assembly can also include a magnet positioned to emit a magnetic field. A sensor can be magnetically coupled with the magnet and positioned to detect the strength of the magnetic field emitted by the magnet. Based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the sensor, the amount of bend or bend direction of the second motor housing assembly member relative to the first motor housing assembly member can be determined.
US09995131B2
A system for temperature management of a downhole thermal component includes a heat exchanger thermally coupled with the thermal component and a heat exhausting temperature management system thermally coupled with the thermal component and the heat exchanger to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. The system may include an electrical device coupled between the thermal component and the heat exchanger and a power source to provide an energy flow to the electrical device to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger. The system may include a thermoelectric cooler coupled between the thermal component and the heat exchanger. A method includes energizing an electrical device or a thermoelectric cooler to transfer heat from the thermal component to the heat exchanger.
US09995122B2
Systems and methods are disclosed that may include providing a dual fuel burner in a superheater truck to burn wellhead gas produced from a wellhead in a first fuel burner and burn at least one of methane, ethane, propane, butane, gasoline, diesel, liquified natural gas (LNG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), and wellhead gas in a second fuel burner to heat water and/or other chemicals used in hydrocarbon production and/or well completion processes, including, but not limited to hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The first fuel burner may be integrated with the second fuel burner such that fuel rail fingers of the first fuel burner are interstitially spaced with fuel rail fingers of the second fuel burner. The first fuel burner and the second fuel burner may be operated independently from each other. The first fuel burner and the second fuel burner may alternatively be operated simultaneously with each other.
US09995115B2
A setting tool is provided for positioning in a subterranean wellbore. The tool carries a pre-charged, pressurized chamber, preferably filled with inert gas. A force-balanced piston assembly, with the piston chamber initially at atmospheric pressure, is in selective fluid communication with the pressurized chamber. A release mechanism, rupture disc, or valve is selectively operable to open the pressurized chamber and allow fluid flow to the piston chamber. The pressurized gas drives the piston which, in turn, drives a power rod for setting a downhole tool. Preferably a flow restrictor is incorporated in the gas flow path to meter the fluid and control the setting speed. In a preferred embodiment, the pressurized chamber is opened by rupturing a disc. A pyrotechnic device, which qualifies as a non-explosive device and is triggered by a low-powered battery, drives a piercing member into and through the rupture disc.
US09995110B2
Embodiments disclosed herein describe fracturing methods and systems, wherein pressure differentials and fluid flow rates may be utilized to stimulate multiple zones, sleeves, or ports with the same tool.
US09995103B2
A sealing element is flanked by wedge-shaped extrusion ring assemblies. The rings climb a ramp on an adjacent pedestal ring on the way out to the borehole wall. Depending on the dimension of the gap to be spanned the extrusion rings slide part way up the pedestal ring ramp or to the top of the pedestal ring. An anchor ring is initially forced up an opposite ramp of the pedestal ring. If the sealing gap is short the anchor ring touches the borehole wall to act as an anchor for the plug while remaining spaced apart from the extrusion ring assembly. For larger gaps the anchor ring moves out far enough to the borehole wall and in contact with the extrusion ring located on top of the pedestal so that reaction forces are directed to keep the anchor ring wedged in position for support of the extrusion ring assembly.
US09995101B2
What is provided is a method and apparatus wherein a swivel can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve or housing can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve or housing of the swivel.
US09995100B1
A tamper-evident sealing device for use with a ground well (such as, for example, a water well, gas well, oil well, or the like) has been developed which takes the form of a UV-resistant, micro-perforated polymer plastic device that can be easily sealed over a well cap by applying heat. Should an unauthorized individual attempt to gain access to the well, he/she will necessarily have to break through the sealed, ventilated plastic layer, thus leaving behind indications of the tampering. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a conventional well cap as used in prior art well structures remains in place, with the plastic protective covering of the present invention sealed directly over the cap.
US09995098B2
A computerized control is used in controlling a choke when drilling a wellbore with a drilling system. The computerized control obtains a measured value of a parameter in the drilling system and controls the parameter in the drilling system using the choke. The computerized control obtains indications of an error between a set point of the parameter and the measured value of the parameter in the drilling system, a flow coefficient character of the choke, and a current position of the choke. Based on these indications, the computerized control then determines a position adjustment for the choke and adjusting the parameter in the drilling system by applying the position adjustment to the choke.
US09995093B1
A wireline riser tensioner system includes a set of tensioning units arranged about a first well with at least one tensioning cable connected to a first and a second tension ring of the first and second wells, respectively. Both wells can be serviced using the same set of tensioning units. The at least one tensioning cable is routed through a plurality of sheaves. If not being serviced, the first or the second well might serve as an anchor.
US09995092B2
A fracturing liquid delivery hose for recovery of shale oil and gas, and manufacturing method and co-extrusion mold thereof are provided. The method includes extrusion of a cover layer with a first adhesive layer and an inner lining layer with a second adhesive layer, formation of an enhancement layer, heating and pressurizing for bonding between the cover layer and the enhancement layer and between the inner lining layer and the enhancement layer, so that the formed fracturing liquid delivery hose has resistance at least to high pressure and chemical corrosion. The cover layer and the inner lining layer can use different types of materials.
US09995070B2
An electronic device with an enclosure having a base and a base is disclosed. The electronic device can include a shaft coupled with the base and the base. The shaft can be coupled with a torque component engagement feature that provides a frictional engagement with the shaft. The torque component engagement feature can magnetically couple with a magnet, or magnets. The electronic device can also include a magnetic assembly configured to magnetically couple with the shaft engagement. The magnetic assembly can provide a first magnetic field that magnetically couples the torque component engagement feature with the magnetic assembly. However, the magnetic assembly can change to a second, reduced magnetic field less than the first magnetic field. When the display assembly is rotated toward the base, the magnetic assembly changes to the second magnetic field, and the torque component engagement feature magnetically decouples from the magnetic assembly based on the reduced magnetic field.
US09995062B2
The present invention relates to a catcher release device for a refrigerator and freezer, and more particularly, to a catcher release device for a refrigerator and freezer that has releasing means disposed on the inside of a side panel on which a catcher is located in such a manner as to be connected to the catcher, so that if a person is locked in the refrigerator and freezer, an inner handle of the releasing means just rotates, irrespective of a door lock device, thus allowing the catcher to be separated from the door lock device to rapidly open a door for the refrigerator and freezer.
US09995057B2
The present disclosure provides a frame for tents or canopies which alleviates standing water during rainy outdoor weather. The frame comprises a plurality of foot poles, a plurality of hinged beam assemblies, a plurality of frame supporting poles and a top plate. Each foot pole is hinged to one frame supporting pole, each frame supporting pole is connected to the top plate, and each hinged beam assembly connects two adjacent foot poles of the plurality of foot poles. The disclosed frame provides increased frame strength and stability.
US09995053B2
A detection apparatus includes: a plurality of accelerometers configured to be installed on respective positions of the architectural structure which are different in height from each other and separately measure an acceleration value generated in the architectural structure; and a computer configured to perform computation by using acceleration values measured by the plurality of accelerometers and detect collision of a flying object (airplane) against the architectural structure when a ratio between the acceleration values measured by the plurality of accelerometers exceeds a first threshold value.
US09995051B2
Pool cleaning system and method to automatically clean surfaces of a pool using images from a camera
A pool cleaning system for cleaning debris from a submerged surface of a swimming pool includes a self-propelled pool cleaner having rotatably-mounted supports for supporting and guiding the cleaner on the pool surface; an electric motor for enabling the rotation of the rotatably-mounted supports on the pool surface; at least one camera to capture imagery of the pool surface; a controller, in electronic communication with the at least one camera, to determine a cleanliness characteristic of the pool surface on which the cleaner has passed based on the camera imagery and generate a control signal to direct movement of the cleaner based on the cleanliness characteristic of the pool surface, wherein the control signal directs movement of the cleaner to reclean a portion of the pool surface where the cleanliness characteristic fails to satisfy a predefined threshold.
US09995047B2
A construction board installation robot comprises a frame with attached devices to securely hold and subsequently affix to a substructure a construction board, a robotic system consisting multiple joints and links to position the frame, and a cart containing ancillary equipment needed for the completion of the desired task and the ability to move and position the entire assembly under its own power. Positioning is determined dynamically utilizing a series of laser scanners and optical sensors. To assist a laborer with the mounting of boards, the arm and cart are capable of being easily maneuvered either through the use of integrated sensors that direct the actuation of the arm and/or cart wheels as determined by the push or pull of the operator on the device, a method of remote control, and/or independently with control software.
US09995044B2
A securing member includes a fixing portion having a reference surface and fixing holes, a main bulging portion having a contact surface that comes into contact with first to fourth exterior members, a supporting portion, upper and lower engagement portions attached to the supporting portion, a lower bulging portion, and an erected portion that projects from the lower bulging portion and that is disposed on a center line of the fixing portion between the first and third exterior members. One of the fixing holes that is closest to the center line is displaced from the center line. The fixing holes are arranged asymmetrically about the center line. A first length by which the main bulging portion bulges is greater than a second length by which the lower bulging portion bulges. The length from the reference surface to the front end of the erected portion is greater than the first length.
US09995039B2
A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.
US09995031B2
An anti-splashback urinal, comprising a bowl for receiving a user's urine, the bowl having a surface with a curvilinear shape designed to reduce the angle of impact between the urine and the surface and to carry the urine down and away from a user; an aperture, through which the user deposits the urine into the bowl, the aperture being off-center with respect to the bowl; and a drain that is offset aligned from the aperture. The urinal may also include a custom outer cover having a shape and color/pattern to complement the room. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the urinal is equipped with a low flow flush system having an armature that dispenses water at a low flow rate. The armature preferably comprises a plumbing tubing bent into a shape complementary to said urinal, and equipped with misting nozzles. In a particular embodiment, the urinal further comprises an air filter, which optionally may be a water stripper, connected to an air exhaust system, wherein air from the urinal enters the air exhaust system through the air filter, and wherein the air exhaust system is connected to a fan.
US09995022B2
A dragline lip assembly comprising, a dragline lip including at least one upright member having a boss, and a wing shroud comprising. The wing shroud further comprising a first sidewall having a first abutment surface, a second sidewall having a second abutment surface wherein the second sidewall has a securing portion configured so as to be coupled to a lock assembly on the dragline lip, and a center wall having a third abutment surface provided with an opening, the center wall connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall wherein the first, second and third abutment surfaces define a channel to receive a portion of the at least one upright member and wherein the boss is insertable in the opening.
US09995018B2
A control system of a hybrid construction machine includes a regeneration passage switching valve having a normal position where flow of working fluid is blocked, and a regeneration position allowing for the working fluid to flow from main passages to a regeneration motor when a working fluid pressure of the main passages reaches a set pressure during operation of the actuators, and an assist switching valve having a normal position proportionally dividing the working fluid of an assist passage into a regeneration passages, a first switching position supplying more working fluid of the assist passage to one of the main passages when that the one has a higher working fluid pressure, and a second switching position supplying more working fluid of the assist passage to the other one of the main passages when that the other one has a higher working fluid pressure.
US09995012B2
A snowplough system of the type being releasably anchored to a front end of a vehicle comprises a plough blade. A vehicle interface is adapted to be releasably anchored to the vehicle. A snowplough interface is operatively connected to the vehicle interface and comprises a structure supporting the plough blade, the structure being movable to displace the plough blade between a ploughing position and a retracted position. A wheel unit is connected to at least one of the vehicle interface and the snowplough interface, and comprises at least one wheel located in front of a front axle of the vehicle, to support part of the weight of the plough blade when in the retracted position.
US09995011B1
An elongated and adjustable pet waste collection apparatus having an integrated vacuum or suction pump which suctions waste matter off the ground and into a pre-loaded disposable waste bag. Aspects of embodiments of the disclosure contemplate a sanitizing solution dispenser along with a heat sealer for sealing the ends of the waste bag after waste collection. The disclosure is intended to provide consumers with a simple sanitary tool for the collection and discarding of pet waste.
US09994994B2
Hybrid rope (20) comprising a core element (22) containing high modulus fibers surrounded by at least one outer layer (24) containing wirelike metallic members (26). The core element (22) is coated (23) with a thermoplastic polyurethane or a copolyester elastomer, preferably the copolyester elastomer containing soft blocks in the range of 10 to 70 wt %. The coated material (23) on the inner core element (22) is inhibited to be pressed out in-between the wirelike members (26) of the hybrid rope (20) and the hybrid rope (20) has decreased elongation and diameter reduction after being in use.
US09994983B2
The needle board for use in a needling machine for needling a flat textile material comprises first needle rows and second needle rows, wherein the first needle rows and the second needle rows are arranged inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the needle board, which longitudinal direction corresponds to a direction in which the flat textile material to be needled is conveyed in the needling machine. The first needle rows are arranged at a first angle to the longitudinal direction, and the second needle rows are arranged at a second angle to the longitudinal direction. An absolute value of the second angle is different from an absolute value of the first angle.
US09994980B2
Systems and methods for forming a tubular braid are disclosed herein. A braiding system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an upper drive unit, a lower drive unit, a mandrel coaxial with the upper and lower drive units, and a plurality of tubes extending between the upper drive unit and the lower drive unit. Each tube can be configured to receive individual filaments for forming the tubular braid, and the upper drive unit and the lower drive unit can act against the tubes in synchronization to cross the filaments over and under one another to form the tubular braid on the mandrel.
US09994977B2
Woven fabrics are formed from high tenacity fibers or tapes that are loosely interwoven with adhesive coated filaments, to composite articles formed therefrom, and to a continuous process for forming the composite articles.
US09994970B2
A method of producing a synthetic diamond is disclosed, the method comprising: (a) capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; (b) conducting electrolysis of water to provide hydrogen; (c) reacting the carbon dioxide obtained from step (a) with the hydrogen obtained from step (b) to produce methane; and (d) using the hydrogen obtained from step (b) and the methane obtained from step (c) to produce a synthetic diamond by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
US09994968B2
An electroplating etching apparatus includes a power to output current, and a container configured to contain an electrolyte. A cathode is coupled to the container and configured to fluidly communicate with the electrolyte. An anode is electrically connected to the output, and includes a graphene layer. A metal substrate layer is formed on the graphene layer, and is etched from the graphene layer in response to the current flowing through the anode.
US09994966B2
A method is proposed for producing a cylinder working surface of an internal combustion engine that is optimized in terms of friction and wear.
US09994963B2
Sealing devices are provided as configured for use with cathode devices of an electrolytic cell for production of aluminum. In particular, the seals are specifically configured to provide an outlet seal for the cathode bars. The sealing devices are made of a material that is elastic, gas-proof, and heat-proof, and can create a hermetic seal around the cathode bar in such a way as to be able to move synchronously or asynchronously with the movement of the cathode bar as it undergoes thermally induced movement during aluminum production.
US09994960B2
Articles and methods for forming ceramic/polymer composite structures for electrode protection in electrochemical cells, including rechargeable lithium batteries, are presented.
US09994953B2
Nano technologies are widely recognized as enabling enhanced and new functionality in a wide range of applications and products. Many different ways have been developed to create and apply these nanomaterials. One method for making dry nanocoatings is vapor deposition. There exists a need for a portable machine that can apply nanocoatings to a wide of range of surfaces in a wide range of locations. The present invention comprises such a portable machine that can apply nanocoatings to a wide of range of surfaces in a wide range of locations.
US09994951B2
A method of: providing one or more spent sputtering targets comprising a photovoltaic compound and grinding the photovoltaic compound in an inert environment to form a powder.
US09994946B2
A process for producing a high strength, homogeneous copper-nickel-tin alloy with high strength includes preparing a molten mixture of copper, nickel, and tin; pressure assist casting the molten mixture to form a casting; and thermally treating the casting. Novel combinations of properties can be attained for the alloy.
US09994935B2
Magnesium alloys comprising a long period stacking order (LPSO) phase having an 14H-i or an 18R-i structure are provided. The alloys comprise magnesium as a majority element, a first alloying element that is larger than magnesium and a second alloying element that is smaller than magnesium. The first alloying elements include non-rare earth elements.
US09994932B2
Embodiments herein relate to a method of making roll formed objects of a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy comprising a metal alloy, and articles thereof. The roll forming includes forming a portion of the bulk solidifying amorphous alloy at a temperature greater than a glass transition temperature (Tg) of the metal alloy. The roll forming is done such that a time-temperature profile of the portion during the roll forming does not traverse through a region bounding a crystalline region of the metal alloy in a time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagram of the metal alloy.
US09994915B2
Provided herein are methods for the diagnosis of human melanoma by assessing MITF, miR-211, TRPM1, and/or KCNMA1 and methods for the diagnosis of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents by assessing the regulatory pathways of PGC1α. Methods for treating melanoma, including drug-resistant melanoma, are also provided.
US09994907B2
Disclosed herein, in certain instances, are methods for the diagnosis, prognosis and determination of cancer progression of a cancer in a subject. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, are methods for determining the treatment modality of a cancer in a subject. The methods comprise expression-based analysis of targets. Further disclosed herein, in certain instances, are probe sets for use in assessing a cancer status in a subject.
US09994906B2
The invention relates to prenatal detection methods using non-invasive techniques. In particular, it relates to prenatal diagnosis of a fetal chromosomal aneuploidy by detecting fetal and maternal nucleic acids in a maternal biological sample. More particularly, the invention applies multiplex PCR to amplify selected fractions of the respective chromosomes of maternal and fetal chromosomes. Respective amounts of suspected aneuploid chromosomal regions and reference chromosomes are determined from massive sequencing analysis followed by a statistical analysis to detect a particular aneuploidy.
US09994901B2
Treatment and diagnostic methods are provided for pulmonary disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Various pro-inflammatory mediators are elevated in a model of COPD that can be used predict the presence of COPD and/or subtypes of COPD in human patients. Profiles of these mediators can also predict the responsiveness of some patients to certain therapies, including thromboxane receptor antagonist treatment. Methods are provided for diagnosing a subject as a pulmonary disease candidate that include determining leukocyte expression in the subject of at least one pro-inflammatory mediator and identifying the subject as a pulmonary disease candidate when leukocyte expression in the subject of the pro-inflammatory mediator is increased compared to leukocyte expression of the pro-inflammatory mediator in a healthy individual. The pulmonary disease candidate can also be treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a thromboxane receptor antagonist.
US09994894B2
The invention relates to a novel method for the enzymatic marking of nucleic acid chains (target sequences) by means of nucleotide conjugates. Said nucleotide conjugates are able, under reaction conditions, to specifically bind to the target sequence and integrate into the complementary growing strand by means of a polymerase. The nucleic acid chains marked by such conjugates can be bound to the solid phase. The marking can be carried out parallel to the enzymatic amplification of target sequences.
US09994883B2
The disclosure relates to a method for enhancing the biosynthesis and/or secretion of sapogenins in the culture medium of plant and microbial cell cultures. Further, the disclosure also relates to the identification of novel genes involved in the biosynthesis of sapogenin intermediates, as well as to novel sapogenin compounds.
US09994877B2
Provided are a genetically engineered yeast cell having increased activity of SUL1, STR3, HXT7, ERR1, GRX8, MXR1, GRE1, MRK1, AAD10 or a combination thereof, compared to a parent cell, and also having acid tolerance, a method of preparing the same, and a method of producing lactate using the same.
US09994870B2
The present invention provides a method for generating methane from a carbonaceous feedstock with simultaneous in situ sequestration of carbon dioxide to afford a biogas comprising at least 85 percent by volume methane, the method comprising anaerobically incubating a particulate additive in contact with a carbonaceous feedstock in a neutral or alkaline aqueous culture medium containing a culture of methanogenic consortia and collecting methane generated therefrom. The additive comprises at least one material selected from a biochar, an ash produced by gasification or combustion of a carbonaceous material, a black carbon soil, and a Terra Preta soil.
US09994862B2
Rice is described that is tolerant/resistant to a plurality of herbicides, for example, ACCase and HPPD inhibitors. Use of the rice for weed control and methods of producing tolerant/resistant rice are also described.
US09994857B2
Aptamers having improved stability against nucleases that bind PDGF and aptamers that bind VEGF are provided. In addition, aptamer constructs comprising a PDGF aptamer and a VEGF aptamer are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aptamers and aptamer constructs are provided, as well as methods of treating conditions using the aptamers and aptamer constructs.
US09994854B2
The present invention relates to a compound selectively binding to a sensory receptor or selectively altering the expression of a sensory receptor for use in a method for treating or preventing a disease associated with a pathologic cellular cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response. Further, the invention relates to means for detecting a sensory receptor for use in a method for diagnosing cellular resistance against CTL response in a patient. The invention further embraces a method for determining the resistance of a cell against a CTL response in vitro and to a method for identifying agents that influence the response of cells to CTLs.
US09994853B2
The present invention relates to a multifunctional short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) having a structure of Formula MF-III: wherein each X, X′, Y, and Y′ is independently an oligonucleotide of length about 15 nucleotides to about 50 nucleotides; X comprises a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence present in region Y′; X′ comprises a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence present in region Y; one or more of X, X′, Y, and Y′ is independently complementary to a first, second, third, or fourth target sequence, respectively, or a portion thereof; and W represents a nucleotide or non-nucleotide linker that connects sequences Y′ and Y, wherein the siNA directs cleavage of the first, second, third, and/or fourth target sequence via RNA interference.
US09994852B2
The present invention provides oligonucleotide inhibitors of miR-155 and compositions thereof. The invention further provides methods for treating cancer such as a T cell lymphoma in a subject by administering to the subject an oligonucleotide inhibitor of miR-155. The invention also provides methods for reducing or inhibiting the proliferation of malignant T cells by administering an oligonucleotide inhibitor of miR-155.
US09994848B2
A pharmaceutical composition for preventing and treating endocrine disrupting chemicals-induced diseases and a treating method using the same. Since the composition has an effect of decreasing lipid accumulation caused by endocrine disrupting chemicals, for example, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated biphenyl and the like and can improve insulin resistance caused by the POPs through reduction of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IR1), the composition can be helpfully used for treating diseases including obesity, insulin resistance, and the like caused by the endocrine disrupting chemicals. Further, according to the present disclosure, the composition has an effect of excreting the endocrine disrupting chemicals.
US09994847B2
The present invention relates to synthetic oligonucleotide mimetics of miRNAs. In particular, the present invention provides double-stranded, chemically-modified oligonucleotide mimetics of miR-29. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the mimetics and their use in treating or preventing conditions associated with dysregulation of extracellular matrix genes, such as tissue fibrotic conditions, are also described.
US09994842B2
Methods are provided for the treatment of cardiovascular or metabolic diseases characterized by elevated serum total cholesterol, elevated serum LDL-cholesterol, or elevated serum triglycerides, through the administration of an oligomeric compound which modulates the levels or activity of miR-122a. Further provided are methods for reducing hepatic steatosis or liver tissue triglyceride accumulation through the administration of an oligomeric compound which modulates the levels or activity of miR-122a. Such methods employ oligomeric compounds which hybridize with or sterically interfere with nucleic acid molecules comprising or encoding miR-122a. Such oligomeric compounds may include one or more modifications thereon, which may improve the activity, stability, or nuclease resistance of the oligomeric compound. These modified oligomeric compounds are used as single compounds or in compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, to modulate or mimic the targeted nucleic acid comprising or encoding miR-122a.
US09994837B2
The invention relates to a variant polypeptide having lactase activity. The invention also relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding such a variant polypeptide, to a nucleic acid construct comprising said nucleic acid sequence, to a recombinant expression vector comprising said nucleic acid construct and to a recombinant host cell comprising said expression vector. Further, the invention relates to a method for producing a lactase variant via use of such a host cell. Also, the invention relates to a method of producing a lactase polypeptide variant. The invention further relates to a composition comprising a lactase variant, to use of such a lactase variant or to the use of a lactase variant-containing composition in the preparation of a dairy product, to a process for the production of a dairy product and to the resulting dairy product.
US09994826B2
Methods for culturing undifferentiated mammalian cells, such as stem and progenitor cells, are provided. The methods involve incubating the cell in the presence of a sustained release composition containing at least one growth factor, wherein the sustained release composition continuously releases the growth factor(s), and wherein the presence of the sustained level of growth factor maintains the cell in an undifferentiated state.
US09994823B2
This disclosure is in the area of research and therapeutics. In certain embodiments, it provides methods to assist in the purification of cell mixtures, e.g., cardiomyocytes, using molecular beacons targeting cell-type specific RNA, e.g. mRNA.
US09994819B2
The invention relates to purified, tissue-specific progenitors, methods of making and using such tissue-specific progenitors.
US09994806B2
A transport device for a container has a base, a vertical member extending up from the base and a complementary handling unit extending from an end of the vertical member spaced from the base. The complementary handling unit is configured for releasably engaging a container, such as a bioreactor container, so that the container can be transported to a holding device.
US09994803B2
Agent for cleaning and/or deodorizing for use in the sanitary field which is used to adhere to a moistened surface of a sanitary object and gradually to dissolve as it is flushed with water, which agent includes a cleaning block including tensides (10), wherein the surface (12) of the cleaning block is sticky, or becomes sticky in the presence of water, wherein the block (10) has on at least one side of its surface (12) a coating (13) of powder particles (14) to a thickness between 5 μm and 800 μm.
US09994799B2
Methods employing detergent compositions effective for reducing hard water scale and accumulation on hard surfaces, namely within food, beverage and pharmaceutical applications are disclosed. The detergent compositions employ phosphinosuccinic acid adducts in combination with an alkalinity source and optionally polymers, surfactants and/or oxidizers, providing alkaline compositions having a pH between about 10 and 13.5.
US09994795B2
An antifoam granule includes a carrier and an antifoam compound deposited on the carrier. The antifoam granule is formed using a method that includes providing an emulsion and contacting the emulsion with a carrier to deposit the antifoam compound on the carrier and form the antifoam granule. The emulsion includes an oil phase, an aqueous phase, and a silicone polyether. The oil phase includes an antifoam compound. The antifoam compound includes a hydrophobic fluid and a hydrophobic filler dispersed in the hydrophobic fluid. The aqueous phase includes a binder and water. The emulsion is formed using a method that includes combining the oil phase, the aqueous phase, and the silicone polyether to form the emulsion. The antifoam granule is also utilized in a method of facilitating rinsing of a detergent from a substrate that includes applying the detergent, including the antifoam granule, to the substrate and rinsing the substrate.
US09994789B2
Combining a metal based friction modifier, such as a molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamate, and certain esters of hydroxy carboxylic acids, such as short chain alkyl esters of citric or tartaric acid, e.g., tributyl citrate, has a synergistic effect on lowering the friction coefficient of lubricating oils allowing one to reduce the amount of metal based friction modifier needed to adequately formulate a lubricant with low friction characteristics.
US09994787B2
A grease manufacturing method includes: mixing a first base oil containing a first thickener precursor and a second base oil containing a second thickener precursor to prepare a mixture; applying a shear rate of 102 s−1 or more to the mixture; and mixing and dispersing the first thickener precursor and the second thickener precursor for reaction to prepare a thickener.
US09994784B2
A reactor for grinding and roasting biomass, including: a chamber interiorly delimited with internal walls; a grinder laid out inside the chamber, including a central rotary shaft rotatably mounted in the chamber and grinding elements present on the central rotary shaft for grinding against internal walls and of biomass, or lingo-cellulosic biomass, present inside the chamber; a heater for heating and maintaining by thermal conduction via the grinder the biomass present inside the chamber, at a predetermined called roasting temperature between 200° C. and 350° C., to simultaneously achieve grinding and roasting of the biomass in the chamber.
US09994779B2
The present invention relates to a catalytic hydroconversion process in dispersed phase of extra-heavy and heavy crude oils for upgrading their transport properties, that operates at low severity conditions, in such a way that the obtained product can be transported by conventional pumping to the distribution and refining centers.The main technical contributions of the hydroconversion process in dispersed phase of this invention to upgrade the transport properties of heavy and extra-heavy crudes are: Compact size and can be localized next to the production facilities on ground or offshore Use of operating conditions at low severity Reduction of the viscosity and increase of the API gravity at values that allow the transportation by pipeline of heavy or extra-heavy crude Upgrading of the crude oil properties in a permanent way Hydrocarbon and gases from production centers are used as supplies Operation in dispersed phase avoiding plugging problems Use of low-cost disposable catalysts at low concentrations.
US09994762B2
Methods and compositions for stimulating the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations
Methods and compositions for stimulating of the production of hydrocarbons (e.g., formation crude oil and/or formation gas) from subterranean formations are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions are emulsions or microemulsions, which may include water, a terpene, and a surfactant. In some embodiments, methods of selecting a composition for treating an oil or gas well are provided.
US09994749B2
Heat transfer systems, methods and compositions which utilize a heat transfer fluid comprising: (a) from about 30% to about 65% by weight of HFC-134a; (b) from about 0% to about 70% by weight of HFO1234ze; and (c) from about 0% to about 70% by weight of HFO-1234yf, provided that the amount of HFO-1234ze and HFO-1234yf in the composition together is at least about 35% by weight, with the weight percent being based on the total of the components (a)-(c) in the composition.
US09994742B2
A hot melt adhesive material and articles made using the hot melt adhesive to assemble structures in an article. The adhesive material typically is manufactured by blending amorphous polymer with a heterophase polymer having crystallinity into an adhesive composition.
US09994735B2
A slurry composition for polishing tungsten is provided. The slurry composition for polishing tungsten may include a water-soluble polymer, abrasive particles and an etching adjuster.
US09994731B2
A cover window according to an example embodiment of the present invention includes: a base film; and a coating layer positioned on the base film, in which the coating layer is formed through application of a coating solution. The coating solution includes a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1. In Chemical Formula 1, R is CH3, R′ is an epoxy group, X, Y, and Z are each independently Si, and Y is 85% to 90% based on a total amount of X, Y and Z.
US09994729B2
This liquid sealing material has low thermal expansion and has injection properties for injection into gaps between a semiconductor element and a substrate; this electronic component is formed by sealing a sealing site using the liquid sealing material. This liquid sealing material is characterized by containing (A) a liquid epoxy resin, (B) a curing agent, (C) a silica filler with an average particle diameter of 7-50 nm, surface treated with 2-(3,4-epoxy cyclohexyl) ethyl trimethoxysilane, and (D) a silica filler with an average particle diameter of 0.2-5 μm, wherein relative to a total of 100 parts by mass of all components of the liquid sealing material, the total of the silica filler of component (C) and the silica filler of the component (D) is 45-77 parts by mass, and the mixing ratio (weight ratio) of the silica filler of component (C) and the silica filler of component (D) is 1:10.2-1:559.
US09994720B2
Methods for producing 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene using a disubstituted carbodiimide, dipropylene triamine and optionally an ethereal solvent and/or an alcohol are disclosed. Use of 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene produced by this method in an electrodepositable coating composition, and electrophoretic deposition of such coating onto a substrate to form a coated substrate, are also disclosed.
US09994717B2
A CVD-coated article has a substrate with a substrate surface and a CVD coating scheme on the substrate surface. The coating scheme includes a coating layer of Ti1-xMex nitride wherein Me is selected from the group of zirconium or hafnium or a mixture of zirconium and hafnium, and x equals between about 0.1 and about 0.9. The coating layer of Ti1-xMex nitride has a microhardness equal to between about 2300 HV0.05 and about 2600 HV0.05, a face centered cubic crystal structure, and a lattice constant equal to between about 0.427 nanometers and about 0.453 nanometers.
US09994711B2
A condensation-curable silicone composition provides a cured product having good performance at a low temperature, excellent resistance to a temperature change, and a crack resistance, and a semiconductor device has a high reliability, whose semiconductor element is encapsulated with the cured product. A condensation-curable silicone composition has (A) a branched organopolysiloxane represented by formula (1-1) or (1-2) with a short branch made of 1 to 4 siloxane units and (C) a condensation catalyst in a catalytic amount. Further, a condensation-curable silicone composition also has (B) an organopolysiloxane having a network structure and represented by formula (2). Further, a semiconductor device is provided with a cured product obtained by curing the condensation-curable silicone composition.
US09994703B2
The bio composite (ABS/CF) material combined with the percentage of cellulose polymer compounds and chemical plant was built with nano-sized minerals. Cellulose compounds by chemical solution on specific treatments have been performed. Bio-composite material made of cellulose bio polymer composites, nano-sized minerals and compounds with a coupling agent was made.
US09994702B2
Provided is a liquid material for forming a three-dimensional object, the liquid material adapted to be delivered to a powder material for forming a three-dimensional object to harden the powder material, the powder material containing an organic material and a base material, the liquid material including a cross-linking agent cross-linkable with the organic material and a resin having a glass transition temperature of 50° C. or higher or a melting point of 50° C. or higher.
US09994698B2
Provided are a resin composition, a resin formed product and a multilayer structure that are superior in long-run workability in melt molding, and are capable of forming an article exhibiting inhibited coloring and generation of defects such as streaks and fish eyes and having superior appearance characteristics while generation of an odor is inhibited. The resin composition contains an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) and a saturated carbonyl compound (B) having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein the saturated carbonyl compound (B) is a saturated aldehyde (B-1), a saturated ketone (B-2) or a combination thereof, and the content of the saturated carbonyl compound (B) is 0.01 ppm or greater and 100 ppm or less. The saturated aldehyde (B-1) is preferably propanal, butanal, hexanal or a combination thereof. The saturated ketone (B-2) is preferably acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, 2-hexanone or a combination thereof.
US09994688B2
Processing methods are described for improving the physical properties of elastomeric materials including elastomeric tubing. The methods include heating tubing in a post-cured step for a specified time and at a specified temperature. The methods also include irradiating the tubing with a desired dose of radiation. Embodiments can include treatment of silicon-based elastomers and/or non-silicon-based elastomers. The improved elastomers can be utilized in pumps.
US09994679B2
A method for preparing a polyarylene sulfide includes reacting a methyl 4-(arylthio)aryl sulfoxide compound with sulfuric acid, methanesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid or trifluoromethanesulfonic acid to obtain a polysulfonium intermediate; and demethylating the polysulfonium intermediate to obtain a polyarylene sulfide, wherein the polysulfonium intermediate is demethylated with aqueous HCl, HBr, or HI.
US09994669B2
A composition is provided for making a polyurethane that may be incorporated in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesives, and a propellant binder. The composition includes one or more polyols, one or more isocyanate-group containing compounds having an isocyanate group functionality of at least two, and optionally one or more chain extenders. At least one of the polyols is a farnesene-based polyol having a number average molecular weight less than or equal to 100,000 g/mol and a viscosity at 25° C. less than 10,000 cP. The farnesene-based polyol may be a homopolymer or a copolymer of farnesene. The composition may also comprise additional polyols, such as a polyol of a homopolymer or copolymer of a polydiene. Methods of preparing a polyurethane are also provided.
US09994659B2
A crosslinked metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene copolymer having a higher molecular weight (HMW) component and lower molecular weight (LMW) component wherein the HMW component is present in an amount of from about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. % and wherein the LMW component is present in an amount of from about 70 wt. % to about 90 wt. %.
US09994658B2
This invention relates to a process to polymerize olefins comprising: i) contacting one or more olefins with a catalyst system comprising: 1) a support comprising an organoaluminum treated layered silicate and an inorganic oxide; and 2) a bisphenolate compound; and ii) obtaining olefin polymer having high molecular weight and layered silicate dispersed therein. Preferably the support is in the form of spheroidal particles.
US09994656B2
A process for polymerizing propylene in the presence of a polymerization catalyst by polymerizing propylene with a comonomer selected from the group of ethylene and C4-C10 alpha-olefins in two polymerization stages where the comonomer is present in at least one of the polymerization stages. The first polymerization stage is conducted in a loop reactor and the second polymerization stage in a gas phase reactor. The polymer produced in first polymerization stage has a higher melt flow rate and a lower content of comonomer units than the final polymer mixture. The process can be operated with a high throughput and catalyst productivity. The polymers are useful for making films.
US09994655B2
The invention relates to a resin mixture having a modified epoxy (meth)acrylate resin as the base resin, and optionally at least one reactive diluent, at least one stabilizer, and at least one accelerator, wherein the modified epoxy (meth)acrylate resin can be obtained by reacting organic compounds having epoxide groups with (meth)acrylic acid, and then by the partial esterification of the β-hydroxyl-groups, the same formed during the reaction, with the anhydride of a saturated dicarboxylic acid, to reactive resin mortars containing the same, and to the use thereof for the purpose of chemical fastening, by means of which it is possible to manufacture products which are not subject to labeling requirements and which additionally provide high bond strength.
US09994653B2
Provided are a novel metallocene compound, a catalyst composition including the same, and a method of preparing an olefin-based polymer using the same. The metallocene compound according to the present invention or the catalyst composition including the same may be used for the preparation of an olefin-based polymer, may have excellent polymerization ability, and may produce an olefin-based polymer having a high molecular weight. In particular, when the metallocene compound according to the present invention is employed, an olefin-based polymer having a high molecular weight may be polymerized because the metallocene compound shows high polymerization activity even when it is supported on a support and maintains high activity even in the presence of hydrogen because of its low hydrogen reactivity.
US09994648B2
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.
US09994647B2
The present invention relates to a A metal complex of formula 1 CyYMLjXn (formula 1) wherein Cy is a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand; M is a metal of group 4; L is a neutral Lewis basic ligand wherein the number of said neutral ligands “j” is in the range of 0 to the amount that satisfies the 18-electron rule: X is an anionic ligand; n is an integer denoting the number of anionic ligands X and is 1 or 2, preferably is 2; Y is a cyclic amidine-containing ligand moiety represented by formula 2 wherein the amidine-containing ligand is covalently bonded to the metal M via the imine nitrogen atom N2; S is a —CH2— unit, and t is the integer number denoting the number of S and is in the range of 1-4, more preferably in the range of 1-2, most preferably is 1; Sub1 is an aliphatic cyclic or linear substituent comprising a group 14 atom through which Sub2 is bonded to the amine nitrogen atom N1; Sub2 is an optionally substituted C2 unit in which the 2 carbon atoms may be sp2 or sp3 hybridized.
US09994642B2
The present invention concerns methods for treating progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) in a patient, and an article of manufacture with instructions for such use.
US09994640B2
The present invention provides high affinity anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies and related compositions, which may be used in any of a variety of therapeutic methods for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
US09994637B2
The present invention provides a newly identified B7 receptor, zB7R1 that functions as lymphocyte inhibitory receptor, which is a PD-1-like molecule and is expressed on T cells. The present invention also provides the discovery of zB7R1's ability to bind to CD155. Methods and compositions for modulating zB7R1-mediated negative signaling and interfering with the interaction of its counter-receptor for therapeutic, diagnostic and research purposes are also provided.
US09994634B2
The present invention relates to blocking, inhibiting, reducing, antagonizing or neutralizing the activity of IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-23. Antagonists include antibodies and antibody fragments that bind IL-23 and that bind IL-17A or IL-17F, such as antibodies that are cross-reactive for IL-17A and IL-17F. Antagonists that include an antibody or antibody fragment that binds IL-23 and an antibody or antibody fragment that binds IL-17A or IL-17F on one molecule are also disclosed. Antibodies and antibody fragments that bind IL-23 and IL-17F but that do not bind IL-17A are also disclosed. IL-17 and IL-23 are cytokines that are involved in inflammatory processes and human disease.
US09994630B2
Compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of Clostridium difficile infection in a subject are provided. The compositions comprise antibodies to Clostridium difficile toxin A. The methods provide for administering the antibodies to a subject in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate or prevent relapse from Clostridium difficile bacterial infection.
US09994627B2
The present invention relates to a method for purifying an erythropoietin analog having a low isoelectric point below 4 by adding an N-linked sugar chain with high purity. In accordance with the present invention, the erythropoietin analog having an isoelectric point below 4, which is an isoform having more sialic acid residues, can be effectively purified via three-step chromatographic processes in short time at lower cost.
US09994621B2
The present invention relates to novel DNA sequences encoding insecticidal Cry1 C proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis, and their use in plants to control insect pests. Also included herein are plant cells or plants comprising such genes and methods of making or using them, as well as plant cells or plants comprising a Cry1 C chimeric gene of the invention and at least one other chimeric gene, such as a chimeric gene encoding an insecticidal Cry1Ab protein, and methods of making or using such plant cells or plants.
US09994611B2
Methods for the improved purification of antibodies and other proteins from protein preparations including the steps of conditioning the protein preparation by contacting it with multivalent organic ions, then applying the conditioned preparation to an adsorptive chromatography medium.
US09994608B2
The invention relates to processes for preparing 17-alkynyl-7-hydroxy-steroids, such as 17-Ethynyl-10R,13S-dimethyl 2,3,4,7,8R,9S,10,11,12,13,14S,15,16,17-hexadecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3R,7R,17S-triol (also referred to as 17α-ethynyl-androst-5-ene-3β,7β,17β-triol), that are essentially free of process impurities having binding activity at nuclear estrogen receptors.
US09994606B2
There is provided processes for the purification of rebaudioside A from Steviol glycoside compositions, such as Stevia extracts. Also provided are pure compositions and formulations thereof of rebaudioside A with traces amounts of remaining steviol glycosides of less than 1%. Also provided are prepared foods, beverages, medicines and dietary supplements containing pure rebaudioside A.
US09994605B2
The invention relates to carbohydrate ligands presenting the minimal Human Natural Killer-1 (HNK-1) epitope that bind to anti-MAG (myelin-associated glycoprotein) IgM antibodies, and their use in diagnosis as well as for the treatment of anti-MAG neuropathy. In particular, the invention relates to disaccharides of formula (I) and (II) wherein Z is optionally substituted phenyl, heteroaryl, arylcarbonyl, or heteroarylmethyl, and to therapeutically acceptable polymers comprising a multitude of substituents of formula (I) and/or formula (II), wherein Z is a bifunctional linker connecting the disaccharides to the polymer backbone.
US09994592B2
A method for treating a proliferative disease, disorder, or condition comprising administering a gold(III) complex such as [Au(npen)Cl2]Cl.2H2O (1) or [Au(npen)2]Cl3 (2); the complexes, and methods for making them.
US09994587B2
The present invention is directed to 2,6-morpholine derivatives of Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein Z1, Z2, V1, V2, V3, R6, R6A, and X are defined herein. The invention also relates to methods of using the 2,6-morpholine derivatives of the invention for the inhibition of HV protease, the inhibition of HV replication, the prophylaxis of infection by HIV, the treatment of infection by HIV, and the prophylaxis, treatment, and delay in the onset or progression of AIDS. The compounds and their salts can be employed as ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, optionally in combination with other antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines.
US09994580B2
Provided is a phthalocyanine compound which has a green hue without having a halogen atom, and exhibits high luminance and an excellent coloring force at the time of being used for preparing a green pixel unit of a color filter. The phthalocyanine compound of the present invention has green hues without having a halogen atom, and exhibits high luminance and an excellent coloring force at the time of being used for preparing the green pixel unit of the color filter. In addition, the phthalocyanine compound can be used not only for the color filter, but also as a colorant for a wide range of applications as a general colorant such as printing ink, paint, colored plastic, toner, and ink for ink jet.
US09994579B2
The present invention relates to novel crystalline forms of 7-cyclopentyl-2-(5-piperazin-1-yl-pyridin-2-ylamino)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-car boxylic acid dimethylamide(compound I), its salts, and process for preparation thereof. Crystalline forms in the present invention have good stability, low hygroscopicity, good processability, easy treatability and other favorable properties. In addition, the process is simple, low cost, and has an important value for future optimization and development of the drug.
US09994568B2
The present invention relates to tricyclic quinoline and quinoxaline derivatives, to a pharmaceutical composition containing such compounds, to their use as modulators, especially agonists or partial agonists, of the 5-HT2C receptor, their use for preparing a medicament for the prevention or treatment of conditions and disorders which respond to the modulation of 5-HT2C receptor, and to a method for preventing or treating conditions and disorders which respond to the modulation of 5-HT2C receptor.
US09994566B2
Disclosed are a compound of the following formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a preparation method thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof in the preparation of a medicine for inhibiting HIF prolyl hydroxylase or a medicine for promoting the generation of endogenous EPO, wherein in the formula (I), R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen; R3 is hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl; and Ar is an aromatic ring or an heteroaromatic ring selected from a naphthalene ring, a pyridine ring, a thiophene ring, a furan ring and a substituted benzene ring.
US09994563B2
Indazole compounds for treating various diseases and pathologies are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention concerns the use of an indazole compound or analogs thereof, in the treatment of disorders characterized by the activation of Wnt pathway signaling (e.g., cancer, abnormal cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, Alzheimer's disease, lung disease and osteoarthritis), the modulation of cellular events mediated by Wnt pathway signaling, as well as genetic diseases and neurological conditions/disorders/diseases due to mutations or dysregulation of the Wnt pathway and/or of one or more of Wnt signaling components. Also provided are methods for treating Wnt-related disease states.
US09994561B2
The present disclosure relates generally to compositions and methods for treating cancer and neoplastic disease. Provided herein are substituted pyridine derivative compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds. The subject compounds and compositions are useful for inhibition histone demethylase. Furthermore, the subject compounds and compositions are useful for the treatment of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer and/or melanoma and the like.
US09994543B2
Novel processes for the preparation of a compound of Formula I-2 substantially free of the 5,6-trans isomer: wherein R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the specification are provided. Novel intermediates for the preparations of isomer free Prostaglandins and derivatives thereof are also provided.
US09994537B2
Provided herein are piperazine carbamates and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds. The subject compounds and compositions are useful as modulators of MAGL and/or ABHD6. Furthermore, the subject compounds and compositions are useful for the treatment of pain.
US09994532B1
A method and compound includes mixing a salt compound to 2-butyne-1,4-diol in an alcohol to create a mixture; adding a solution of dichloroglyoxime in an alcohol to the mixture to create 3,3′-bis-isoxazole-4,4′,5,5′-tetryltetramethanol; and nitrating the 3,3′-bis-isoxazole-4,4′,5,5′-tetryltetramethanol to create 3,3′-bis-isoxazole-4,4′,5,5′-tetrylbis(methylene) tetranitrate, which has the structural formula: The alcohol may include ethanol, wherein the adding may occur at 60° C., or alternatively the adding may occur at 80° C. The alcohol may include n-butanol, wherein the adding may occur at 100° C., or alternatively the adding may occur at 120° C. The mixing may occur at 120° C. The method may further include cooling the nitrated 3,3′-bis-isoxazole-4,4′,5,5′-tetryltetramethanol to 0° C.; stirring the cooled nitrated 3,3′-bis-isoxazole-4,4′,5,5′-tetryltetramethanol for at least four hours creating a precipitate; warming the precipitate; pouring the precipitate onto ice while stirring creating a solid material; collecting the solid material; and drying the solid material to yield the 3,3′-bis-isoxazole-4,4′,5,5′-tetrylbis(methylene) tetranitrate.
US09994518B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formula (IVA), or a salt thereof, and pharmaceutical formulations (pharmaceutical compositions) comprising those compounds, or a salt thereof: Formula (IVA), wherein “RIa”, “RIb”, “RIc”, “RId”, “RIe”, are defined herein above, which compounds are believed suitable for use in positive modulation of the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) receptors, for example, those found in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. Such compounds and pharmaceutical formulations are believed to be useful in treatment or management of neurodegenerative diseases, for example, Alzheimer's disease (AD), schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease (PD), or movement disorders arising from use of certain medications used in the treatment or management of Parkinson's disease.
US09994515B2
The present invention relates to substituted aryl naphthyl methanone oximes of general formula (I), their process for preparation and their derivatives, salts, pharmaceutical composition thereof and their use in treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, solid tumor forming cell-lines including such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer colon cancer, prostate cancer and killing of drug resistant cancer stem cells, as subject in need thereof.
US09994502B1
A process for enhancing the selective and efficient production of (E)-1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233zd(E), or 1233zd(E)). During the manufacture of HCFO-1233zd(E) by fluorination of 1,1,1,3,3-pentachloropropane (HCC-240fa), a by-product of 1,3,3-trichloro-1,1-difluoropropane (HCFC-242fa) is separated and then dehydrochlorinated to form 1,3-chloro-3,3-difluoropropene (HCFO-1232zd). The HCFO-1232zd is then fluorinated to form HCFO-1233zd(E).
US09994498B2
A fuel and method for conversion of sesquiterpenes to high density fuels. The sesquiterpenes can be either extracted from plants or specifically produced by bioengineered organisms from waste biomass. This approach allows for the synthesis of high performance renewable fuels.
US09994496B2
This invention relates to a method for preparing p-xylene and propylene from methanol and/or dimethyl ether. This method comprises coupling two reaction processes, an aromatization reaction of methanol and/or dimethyl ether and an alkylation reaction of ethylene with methanol and/or dimethyl ether. The method of this invention produces p-xylene and propylene with a high selectivity by returning an ethylene-enriched component in reaction byproducts from preparation of p-xylene from methanol and/or dimethyl ether to the reaction system for performing alkylation reaction with methanol and/or dimethyl ether in the presence of catalysts.
US09994492B2
A single-step method for preparing a free-flowing, non-dusting micronutrient-coated particulate solid fertilizer material, the method comprising applying a single fluid onto particulate solid fertiliser material at ambient temperature without chemical reaction or chelation, said single fluid comprising a suspension of one or more micronutrient materials in an oil.
US09994491B2
The present invention relates to compositions containing at least 80% by weight, especially at least 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of at least one magnesium sulfate-urea compound selected from the compound of the formula (I) and mixtures of the compound of the formula (I) with the compound of the formula (II): [MgSO4.mCO(NH2)2.nH2O] (I), [MgSO4.xCO(NH2)2.yH2O] (II), in which m and x are each in the range from 0.9 to 1.1, n is in the range from 1.9 to 2.1 and y is in the range from 2.9 to 3.1, where the compositions, based on the total weight of the composition, contain less than 10% by weight of free MgSO4 in the form of the anhydrate or in the form of hydrates of magnesium sulfate and less than 10% by weight of unbound urea. The invention also relates to the production of the compositions and to the use thereof as fertilizers or fertilizer additive.
US09994484B2
A method of making a rapid setting composition for cement boards is disclosed. Compositions including a hydraulic cement preferably portland cement, an alkali metal citrate such as tripotassium citrate, and a phosphate such as sodium trimetaphosphate, with optional gypsum, and no alkanolamine accelerant, and no fly ash based cement. An interaction between the alkali metal citrate and the phosphate increases the effectiveness of accelerating reactions of the portland cement without need for an alkanolamine accelerant, even in the presence of gypsum. This allows unexpected quick setting and increased early-age compressive strength without shrinkage in the cement board compositions.
US09994482B2
A curable formaldehyde-free binding composition for use with fiberglass is provided. Such curable composition comprises an addition product of an amine and a reactant to form an amino-amide intermediate. To the amino-amide is added an aldehyde or ketone to form the curable binder composition. The composition when applied to fiberglass is cured to form a water-insoluble binder which exhibits good adhesion to glass. In a preferred embodiment the composition when applied to fiberglass provides a sufficient blackness required in facer products.
US09994477B2
A method of preparing a glass medical container is provided including the steps of providing a glass blank and forming a channel through a part of the glass blank, the channel being substantially free of tungsten or derivatives thereof. In a further aspect of the subject invention, a glass medical container is provided including a glass body having a channel extending through a part of the glass body, the channel being substantially free of tungsten or derivatives thereof. With the subject invention, tungsten or derivatives thereof can be generally or altogether completely avoided in glass medical containers.
US09994466B2
A sulphur denitrification system includes a liquid input fluidly coupled to a source of saltwater that includes nitrate; a liquid output fluidly coupled to the source of saltwater; a plurality of vertically-oriented tanks, at least one of the tanks including a liquid inlet that is fluidly coupled to the liquid input to receive a flow of the saltwater, a volume configured to enclose a plurality of sulphur particles that support denitrification bacteria that biologically transform the nitrate into at least one of nitrous oxide or nitrogen gas, and a liquid outlet fluidly coupled to the liquid output and the liquid inlets of the tanks; and a circulation system configured to circulate a portion of the saltwater though the liquid input to the liquid inlets of the plurality of tanks, through the plurality of tanks, and from the liquid outlets of the tanks to the liquid output and the liquid inlets of the tanks.
US09994465B2
A tool for use with a basket assembly is provided. The basket assembly is of the type configured for being receivably engaged with an opening defined in a drain cover skirt for covering the perimeter of a floor drain. The tool is configured for engaging the basket assembly and removing the basket assembly from the drain cover skirt upon force input from a user.
US09994460B1
An expandable water filtering pitcher having a pitcher with a top portion, a base portion and an inner wall surface defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a spout at the top portion at a pitcher opening, a handle attached to an exterior of the pitcher, a filter adapter mounted within the pitcher top portion. The filter adapter is within a reservoir comprising an opening therethrough from the top portion to the base portion of the pitcher and a reservoir sleeve movably coupled to the reservoir and top portion, at least one of the reservoir and the reservoir sleeve moveable in relation to the other between a retracted position defining a first reservoir volume within the reservoir and reservoir sleeve, and an expanded position defining a second reservoir volume within the reservoir and reservoir sleeve at least 40% larger than the first reservoir volume.
US09994459B2
Systems, devices, and methods of filtering water utilize an integrated gravity-fed, dual ion-exchange filtration bottle. Flow-through multi-stage filtration technology is applied to a personal water bottle. The system filters water from an upper unfiltered water reservoir through a multi-stage filter to a lower filtered water reservoir. A user then drinks from the lower reservoir. The bottle includes a cap with a filtered water outlet through which filtered water in the lower reservoir is accessed with a straw, spout, or other access device. The cap includes an unfiltered water inlet to allow filling and refilling of the upper reservoir without disassembling the bottle. The bottle includes a filter vent that eliminates air locks and partial vacuum that can develop when unfiltered water drains from the upper reservoir through the filter to the lower reservoir. This gravity-fed dual ion-exchange filtration system allows for more complete removal of dissolved solids.
US09994453B2
Methods and systems are described for recovering carbon dioxide, for producing commercial quality carbon dioxide (CO2) of 90% to +99% purity using, wet calcium carbonate lime mud produced in a recausticizing process that also produces caustic soda, for instance, Kraft paper pulp mill lime mud (a.k.a., “lime mud”) as a feedstock to a multi-stage lime mud calcination process. High reactivity, high-quality calcined lime mud (a.k.a. re-burned lime, or calcine), required in the Kraft paper pulp mill's recausticizing process is also produced, and superheated high pressure steam and hot boiler feed-water is generated and exported to the mill's steam distribution and generation system as well as hot process water for use in the mill's manufacturing operation. The system for calcining calcium carbonate lime mud produced from a recausticizing manufacturing operation and converting it to calcined lime mud and CO2 comprises a calciner and a combustor linked by a moving media heat transfer (MMHT) system or apparatus. The MMHT system or apparatus thermally links separate fluid bed combustion (exothermic) and calcination (endothermic) stages with a solid particulate media. The system further comprises a flash dryer or spray dryer that utilizes exhausted enthalpy from the calcination stage.
US09994450B2
Devices are provided for generating a plasma field for dissociating water into elemental hydrogen and water. The elemental hydrogen may be used directly to produce power, or may be stored for use as an energy source or as a commodity. The devices of the present invention can provide on site, point of use sources for producing elemental hydrogen. In addition, the devices can produce a net positive energy output.
US09994440B2
The application describes improvements to (MEMS) transducers (100) having a flexible membrane (301) with a membrane electrode (302), especially where the membrane is crystalline or polycrystalline and the membrane electrode is metal or a metal alloy. Such transducers may typically include a back-plate having at least one back-plate layer (304) coupled to a back-plate electrode (303), with a plurality of holes (314) in the back-plate electrode corresponding to a plurality back-plate holes (312) through the back-plate. In embodiments of the invention the membrane electrode has at least one opening (313) in the membrane electrode wherein, at least part of the area of the opening corresponds to the area of at least one back-plate hole, in a direction normal to the membrane, and there is no hole in the flexible membrane at said opening in the membrane electrode. There may be a plurality of such openings. The openings effectively allow a reduction in the amount of membrane electrode material, e.g. metal, that may undergo plastic deformation and permanently deform the membrane. The openings are at least partly aligned with the back-plate holes to minimize any loss of capacitance.
US09994424B2
The invention relates to an elevator system comprising a first elevator car, a second elevator car, a rotatable rope wheel mounted on a fixed location, and a roping suspending the first and second elevator car on opposite sides of the rope wheel, the roping comprising at least one rope passing over the rope wheel, and connected on the first side of the rope wheel to the first elevator car and on the second side to the second elevator car. Said rope comprises at least one load bearing member oriented parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope made of composite material comprising reinforcing fibers embedded in polymer matrix, which reinforcing fibers are carbon fibers oriented parallel with the longitudinal direction of the rope.
US09994423B2
A resurfacer for a belt of an elevator system includes a resurfacing roller having a selected surface roughness and a heater element to heat the belt to a selected temperature. A biasing element urges the resurfacing roller into contact with the belt and applies a selected pressure to the belt. A method for altering a surface roughness of a belt of an elevator system includes positioning a resurfacing roller having a selected surface roughness at an outer surface of the belt and heating the belt to a selected temperature. A selected pressure is applied to the belt via the resurfacing roller. The belt is passed along the resurfacing roller and the surface roughness of the belt is altered via the resurfacing roller.
US09994422B2
A destination call-giving device for giving destination calls in an elevator system includes a device available to a user for selecting a destination floor from a plurality of floors that are in a certain sequence, and an output for communicating the selected destination floor to the control system of the elevator system. The device for selecting a destination floor includes a touch-sensitive display forming a user interface for presenting to the user information related to the selection of a destination floor and for receiving the input of the user. The destination floor is arranged to be selectable by the user from the aforementioned plurality of floors by moving a touch-sensitive point on a touch-sensitive display.
US09994413B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheet processing device including a first teeth portion, a second teeth portion that clamps and binds a sheet bundle with the first teeth portion, a first support portion supporting the first teeth portion, a shaft, and a second support portion supporting the second teeth portion. The second support portion includes first and second arm members integrally supported to be capable of swinging around the shaft between a binding position in which the second teeth portion clamps and binds the sheet bundle with the first teeth portion and a standby position in which the second teeth portion is apart from the first teeth portion. The second arm member is provided over the first arm member so as to cover a part of the first arm member.
US09994410B2
A sheet loading device is provided with a sheet ejection portion, a sheet loading portion, a first detection mechanism, a driving device, a second detection mechanism, and a control portion. The driving device drives the sheet loading portion to ascend/descend between an upper surface detection position and a reference position made to descend by a prescribed distance from the upper surface detection position. The second detection mechanism detects that the sheet loading portion is at the reference position. In a case where sheets of the same type are ejected continuously from the sheet ejection portion, the control portion controls beforehand the sheet loading portion to ascend from the reference position to the upper surface detection position and sets a loadable number of sheets of the sheet loading portion in accordance with an ascending time of the sheet loading portion.
US09994406B2
A rolled material dispensing apparatus including a housing, a frame, first and second retention structure, first and second ball bearings, first and second biasing components, and mounting structure. Sides of the frame form an open-front dispensing chamber and include first and second apertures for at least partially receiving the ball bearings therethrough. The retention structure retain the ball bearings and biasing components therein. The ball bearings may be urged out of the way of the roll of material when the roll is loaded into the apparatus. The biasing components urge the ball bearings at least partially through the apertures into ends of the roll when the roll is in a loaded position for retaining the roll in the dispensing chamber.
US09994400B2
Systems and methods for sorting products using conveyors having multiple inputs and multiple outputs include first product conveyors vertically stacked relative to one another, second product conveyors vertically stacked relative to one another, and transfer conveyors connecting the first and second product conveyors. The transfer conveyors permit products travelling on the first product conveyors to be transferred from the first product conveyors onto the second product conveyors by way of the products being first transferred from the first product conveyors onto the transfer conveyors and then from the transfer conveyors onto the second product conveyors.
US09994398B1
A powered roller system is operable in first and second configurations. In the first configuration, rotation of a motor drive shaft is transferred to a first drum member by an adapter collar that engages the drive shaft and the first roller drum assembly. In the first configuration, a first drum bearing assembly supports the first drum member on a motor support shaft, and a distal support assembly supports the first drum shaft. In the second configuration rotation of the drive shaft is transferred to a second drum member by engaging an adapter collar with the drive shaft and an adapter spacer and engaging the adapter spacer with a second drum assembly. In the second configuration, a second drum bearing assembly supports the second drum member on the support shaft, and the distal support assembly supports a second drum shaft.
US09994393B2
Containers are described which can accommodate a variety of flexible bag assemblies used for containing waste. Internal accommodating structures are designed to accommodate and secure various types of bag assemblies, including single bag assemblies and cassettes.
US09994392B1
Waste container includes a base defining a waste-receiving compartment, and an insert supported on the base and adapted to engage a peripheral edge of a bag that extends into the compartment while maintaining an opening of the bag unobstructed. The insert has at least one bag-engagement edge. A movable closure component has a first engagement position in which the closure component engages with the insert to press the bag when present against the bag-engagement edge(s) of the insert, and a second non-engagement position in which the closure component is separated from the bag-engagement edge(s) of the insert. A lid is attached to the base and movable between a first, closed position covering the opening of the bag and a second, open position in which it does not obstruct the opening of the bag.
US09994377B2
Exemplary embodiments of a gift card box and associated methods are provided, generally including a base section including a first insert configured and dimensioned to receive a gift card. The exemplary gift card box generally includes a lid section including a second insert configured and dimensioned to cooperatively mate with the first insert. The first insert and the second insert substantially fix the gift card inside the gift card box when cooperatively mated. An exemplary method of assembling a gift card box is provided, generally including providing a base section, providing a lid section, and substantially fixing the gift card inside the gift card box by cooperatively mating the first insert and the second insert. The base section generally includes a window configured and dimensioned to permit visualization of indicia on the gift card.
US09994374B2
A packaging wrapper is made of material having inner and outer laminate structures bonded together. A peelable flap is defined in the wrapper by means of offset score lines in the laminate structures, the structures being bonded together in a marginal region between the score lines by means of a peelable adhesive. In one aspect of the invention, the score lines are formed using a pair of contra-rotating die cylinders positioned on opposite sides of the laminated film Each cylinder contacts a respective laminate structure and has a blade for forming a score line in that structure. In another aspect, the laminate structures are bonded together using a single peelable adhesive both within and outside of the marginal region. In a further aspect, the structures are not bonded together in at least part of the marginal region to provide a lifting tab for the flap.
US09994373B2
A container has a container wall, a mouth for filling with and removing a product, in particular a free-flowing or pourable product, in the interior of the container and a closure for the mouth of the container as well as a disc seal in the closure. The disc seal is provided with pigments, which can be detected by means of a sensor.
US09994372B2
A closure apparatus for use with a flexible pouch containing a flowable material and having a spout for discharging the flowable material from the pouch, comprising a cap member sealingly engageable with the spout and a clip assembly extending from the cap member, the clip assembly comprising a first clip member; and a second clip member connected to the first clip member and cooperating with the first clip member to define a pouch receiving space, the first clip member and the second clip member having a pouch clip position such that the first clip member and the second clip member restrict the flow of the flowable material through the pouch when at least a portion of the pouch is positioned in the pouch receiving space.
US09994361B2
A method for applying a handle to a container, including placing the handle on the neck of the container, supporting the container to prevent the container from collapsing, and moving the handle toward an end of the neck that contacts a body of the container. The neck includes a supporting rib to fix the handle to the container.
US09994357B2
A pull-tab sealing member for a container containing an upper laminate forming a pull-tab bonded to a lower laminate capable of being heat sealed to a container's mouth or opening. The upper laminate defines the pull tab wholly within a perimeter or circumference of the seal. The sealing member further includes a sub tab layer or member under the gripping tab for structural support.
US09994346B2
A packaging method includes the steps of (a) detecting whether a height (104) of contents (105) in a container (106) exceeds a predetermined height (112), and (b) indicating how much dunnage to dispense based on predetermined criteria, including whether a detected height exceeds a predetermined height that is less than a height of the container. The indicating step includes indicating a quantity of dunnage to dispense selected from a plurality of predetermined quantities of dunnage. If no detected height is greater than the predetermined height, the indicating step includes indicating that a regular amount of dunnage should be dispensed. And if a detected height is greater than the predetermined height, the indicating step includes indicating that either zero or less than the regular amount of dunnage should be dispensed. The detecting step also can include detecting whether any contents in the container have a height above the height of the container.
US09994342B2
The invention provides a vacuum packaging method and a vacuum packaging apparatus that can sufficiently degasify the inside of a packaging bag without any trouble and in which bubbles are less likely to remain inside the packaging bag after vacuum packaging, even if a liquid is included in a packaged object.
US09994333B2
A rotorcraft winch lighting device, which is attachable to a rotorcraft winch, mounted to a rotorcraft such as a helicopter, the rotorcraft winch including a stationary portion and a mobile portion which is movable with respect to the stationary portion, includes: a stationary unit including a stationary coil and a mobile unit. The mobile unit is movable with respect to the stationary unit and includes at least one light source, at least one electrical storage device, and at least one mobile coil, which is electrically connected to the electrical storage device and/or the at least one light source. The stationary coil and the mobile coil are configured for transferring electrical energy from the stationary unit to the mobile unit when the at least one mobile coil is positioned in an energy transfer position in the vicinity of the at least one stationary coil.
US09994330B2
An aircraft comprises at least first and second gas turbine engines arranged in a line extending generally normally to an aircraft longitudinal axis (A), each engine comprising at least one compressor or turbine rotor disc defining a respective rotational plane (D32-D42). The rotational plane (D32-D42) of at least one of the rotors of at least one of the engines is angled relative to the aircraft longitudinal line (A) such that a burst disc plane of the respective engine is nonintersecting with another engine.
US09994324B2
A deicer boot includes a plurality of first elastomer fibers and a first carbon allotrope material selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite and carbon black. The first carbon allotrope material is aligned with one of the first elastomer fibers. The deicer boot also includes a plurality of second elastomer fibers and a second carbon allotrope material selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite and carbon black. The second carbon allotrope material is aligned with one of the second elastomer fibers. The second elastomer fibers are different from the first elastomer fibers.
US09994322B2
A system, which includes a plurality of heat exchangers and a compressing device, is configured to prepare in parallel a medium bled from a low-pressure location of an engine and flowing through a plurality of heat exchangers into a chamber. The compressing device is in communication with the plurality of heat exchangers and regulates a pressure of the medium flowing through the plurality of heat exchangers.
US09994319B2
An aircraft galley power and control system is disclosed having a plurality of electrical appliances within a monument, the galley control system including a control panel removed from the electrical appliances that include controls for operating each of the electrical appliances, The galley also includes a galley controller interface for receiving commands from a display screen on the control panel and communicating the commands to the electrical appliances.
US09994316B1
Described are methods and apparatuses for synchronizing two or more sensors of an UAV. In the implementations described, a synchronization event is performed such that identifiable signals of the synchronization event can be collected by each sensor of the UAV. The synchronization event may be generated by a synchronization event component that generates multiple output signals (e.g., audio, visual, and physical) at approximately the same time so that different sensors can each collect and store at least one of the output signals. The collected signals are then compared and the sensors are adjusted to align the signals.
US09994313B2
This disclosure is generally directed to a High Speed vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft that includes fixed wing flight capabilities. The High Speed VTOL aircraft may include at least two thrust producing rotors located equidistant from a longitudinal axis of the aircraft on a main wing, and at least two thrust producing rotors located equidistant from a longitudinal axis of the aircraft on a vertical wing. The rotors may be driven by electric motors. However, other power sources may be used such as combustion or hybrid engines. By adjusting the speed and/or the pitch of the rotors, the aircraft can transition from a vertical flight configuration to a horizontal flight configuration and back.
US09994311B2
The present application provides a drive link for a constant-velocity joint of an aircraft rotor, the link connecting a drive hub attached to a driveshaft to a rotor yoke. The link comprises a leading bearing connected to the drive hub, a trailing bearing connected to the yoke, a central portion between the bearings, and a tension loop connecting the bearings. The tension loop is formed from a composite material and is formed as a continuous band. The tension loop transfers drive forces from the leading bearing to the trailing bearing for driving the yoke in rotation with the driveshaft.
US09994303B2
A control system and method for an aircraft configured to operate according to a first mode of operation corresponding to an automatic piloting of the aircraft and a second mode of operation corresponding to a manual piloting of the aircraft, the system including a selection member. The system is configured to operate according to the first mode of operation when the selection member is not actuated continuously and to operate according to the second mode of operation when the selection member is actuated continuously.
US09994299B2
A tool for use in installing a bulkhead within a structure is provided. The tool includes a base member configured to couple to the structure, and a positioning member configured to couple to the bulkhead. The base member includes a primary fastener hole sized to receive at least a portion of a fastener therethrough, and sized such that the fastener is configured to bias against the base member to retract the positioning member towards the base member when the fastener is engaged with the positioning member.
US09994298B2
A system includes a septum sleeve, an aperture fitting, and a removable aperture. The septum sleeve is substantially hollow and is configured to be positioned at least partially within a core of an assembly of an aircraft. The aperture fitting is configured to provide an interface to mechanically fasten the removable aperture. The removable aperture is configured to contain one or more electronic components and to be removably positioned at least partially within the septum sleeve.
US09994293B2
A kayak paddle and accessory mounting system is a system for securely holding a kayak paddle and various accessories on a kayak. The system is mounted and elevated over the kayak cockpit in order to allow for the use of a spray skirt in conjunction with the present invention. A fore width adjustable support assembly and an aft width adjustable support assembly allow the system to be adjusted to accommodate various sizes and designs of kayaks and additionally serve to offset an accessory tray over the kayak cockpit. An at least one paddle holder clip and an at least one accessory holder allow for the mounting of a kayak paddle and an accessory such as a fishing net. The accessory tray may be closed via a lid in order to more securely hold accessories and personal belongings.
US09994289B2
A method and system for automatically enabling an automated commercial fishing process is provided. The method includes enabling a commercial fishing software application associated with selecting a location for implementing a commercial fishing process. In response user data identifying a user and license data associated with a commercial fishing license belonging to the user are received. A control signal is transmitted to a vehicle. The control signal enables control of the vehicle such that the vehicle initiates motion and navigates in a specified direction towards a specified geographical area. Control hardware of the vehicle verifies a status of the commercial fishing license belonging to the user and it is determined if the commercial fishing license authorizes commercial fishing activities within the specified geographical area.
US09994270B2
A lowerable vehicle frame with a folding trailer hitch for trailers and other vehicles has a vehicle frame, which can be transitioned between a lowered transit position and a raised deployed position through a swing suspension assembly and a plurality of lifting devices. A folding trailer hitch connected to the forward end of the vehicle frame allows the vehicle frame to be towed, and folds upwards for storage and aesthetics.
US09994265B2
Aerodynamic drag on a moving vehicle is reduced by adapting the apparent airflow onto a forward-mounted wing, according to vehicle speed. For example, an angle of the wing is adjusted by a motor or actuator. Alternatively, fans at varying speeds provide pilot airflow onto the wing.
US09994260B2
The four wheel vehicle uses an electric motor (142) for driving the vehicle and a battery unit (160) for supplying electric power to the electric motor. The lower chassis (5) of the vehicle includes a pair of front side frames (10) extending linearly in a fore and aft direction with an upward slant and a progressively increasing lateral mutual spacing from a front part thereof to a rear part thereof, a pair of rear side frames (12) connected to rear ends of the respective front side frames, and extending linearly in a fore and aft direction with an upward slant from a front part thereof to a rear part thereof in continuation of the corresponding front side frames in a mutually parallel relationship, and a plurality of cross members (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) connecting the side frames to each other.
US09994254B2
A method of assisting a driver of a vehicle in driving a road, the method includes obtaining a feature of a road using a sensor, selecting, via a controller, a parameter based on the feature of the road, determining, via a controller, whether the vehicle is approaching a boundary of the road, and providing a feedback operation to assist the driver in avoiding the boundary of the road, the feedback operation based on the selected parameter.
US09994247B2
A steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly. The energy absorption assembly includes an energy absorption strap, a bracket, a pin, and a cam member. The energy absorption strap includes a plurality of engagement members. The bracket is disposed on at least one of a lower jacket assembly and an upper jacket assembly. The bracket has a first wall disposed opposite a second wall. The pin extends through the first wall and the second wall to couple the cam member to the bracket. The cam member has a plurality of complementary engagement members configured to engage the plurality of engagement members.
US09994244B2
A transport device has a wheel with a braking mechanism. The transport device includes a rotatable actuation mechanism positioned adjacent the braking mechanism, and a handle extending upward from the actuation mechanism and configured to move the actuation mechanism between an open position at which no stopping force is applied, and a braking position at which the actuation mechanism causes the braking mechanism to apply.
US09994240B2
A chassis for rail vehicles, particularly with inside-supported wheelsets, wherein the drive unit is elastically supported transversely to the travel direction via spring devices within the chassis frame, where the vibrational behavior is optimized and the space available for the drive unit is enlarged because the spring devices are supported directly on the housing of the bearing of the wheelset.
US09994233B2
A touch vehicle control system having a gesture interface device with one or more touchless sensors that detect a position of a driver's appendage within a range of movement detected by the sensors. The touchless sensors send a signal to the controller that is indicative of the position of the driver's appendage within the range of movement which is then interpreted to be a vehicle command signal for a vehicle's mechanical system. Command signals include, but are not limited to acceleration, braking, parking brake, turn signals, etc.
US09994232B2
An automated vehicle configuration system for a host vehicle is presented here. The system includes a driver identifier module onboard the host vehicle, and a subsystem onboard the vehicle. The driver identifier module has a database and a processor device to execute processor-executable instructions. The database has database objects, each having a driver identifier, at least one key fob code, and at least one mobile device identifier. The processor device executes the instructions to dynamically populate and update the database objects such that key fob codes are dynamically assigned and reassigned to driver identifiers. The subsystem has user-specific configurable settings associated with the driver identifier objects. Selection of an active driver identifier results in the loading of corresponding settings for the subsystem.
US09994223B2
A method is provided for operating a vehicle, wherein during coasting of the vehicle, in order to reach a route position of a driving route that is still to be travelled, at a desired speed that is less than a vehicle speed at the start of coasting, a vehicle actual speed is compared with a vehicle target speed and an action is performed in dependence on the comparison. This renders possible a continuous adaptation of the driving resistance, so the desired speed is reliably reached. Interfering variables such as wind or gradient may be compensated for. A device is provided for operating a vehicle, and to a computer program.
US09994210B2
A method for ascertaining a setpoint trajectory of a motor vehicle, an initial setpoint trajectory being planned and transmitted to an evaluation unit, a curve of a power characteristic variable, which is implementable as a function of the initial setpoint trajectory, being received from the evaluation unit, and a corrected setpoint trajectory being determined therefrom as a function of the ascertained implementable curve of the power characteristic variable.
US09994206B2
A screw drive for an electromechanical brake booster of a braking system of a motor vehicle includes: a threaded nut; and a threaded spindle engaged with the threaded nut. The threaded nut includes an outer section which is connectable to a drive unit for driving the threaded nut, and an inner section having a thread for accommodating the threaded spindle. The inner section and the outer section of the threaded nut are connected by a damping unit for damping the torsion of the threaded nut.
US09994204B2
The vehicular brake system includes a hydraulic brake device and an electromechanical brake device. The electromechanical brake device includes: an electric motor; a braking force application mechanism to apply, to wheels, a braking force having a value based on an output from the electric motor; and a control device to control the electric motor. A brake operation input detector to detect an input of a brake operation is provided. The control device includes: determination section to determine whether a vehicle speed detected by vehicle speed detector is less than or equal to a predetermined vehicle speed; and operation limiter to limit or halt an output from the electric motor even when the brake operation input detector detects an input of a brake operation in a case where the determination section determines that the vehicle speed is less than or equal to the predetermined vehicle speed.
US09994197B2
The car cleaner includes a collecting part having a collecting space to collect dust or foreign substances; a suction/discharge pipe of which one side is coupled with the collecting part to be in communication therewith, and which has a suction and spray nozzle configured to transfer the dust or the foreign substances in the car to the collecting part; a vacuum suction unit having a sucking part connected with the collecting part and a discharging part configured to discharge sucked air; an external air suction switching unit installed between the collecting part and the sucking part of the vacuum suction unit so that air in the collecting part or external air is selectively sucked into the sucking part; and a suction/discharge switching unit provided so that air discharged through the discharging part is discharged through the suction/discharge pipe.
US09994182B1
An airbag assembly includes an airbag, roof mounting tethers, guide tethers and guides. The airbag when inflated has an upper part at a roof and a lower part above a floor and extends laterally across a vehicle interior. The roof mounting tethers are on a left side and a right side of the upper part. The guide tethers at a left side and a right side of the lower part connect to left and right guides. The guides are slidably engageable with first and second guide tracks.
US09994178B2
Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration, wherein in the second configuration the steering wheel is positioned laterally relative to the first configuration, and wherein the steering wheel is configured to be repositioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. A steering wheel actuator may be configured to move the steering wheel laterally from the first configuration to the second configuration.
US09994172B2
A method of rating driver effectiveness based on vehicle data compared to other vehicles that have driven over the same road segment includes storing driving speed data over a road segment for a plurality of vehicles. The method further includes calculating a nominal speed profile for the road segment based on the driving speed data. The method further includes comparing a speed profile of a subject vehicle to the nominal speed profile for the road segment and displaying a smoothness rating of the subject vehicle based on deviation of the speed profile from the nominal speed profile.
US09994171B2
A clamp mark includes a mark main body and flange parts. The mark main body, is made of resin material by molding, and covers a circumference of an electric wire entirely in a circumference direction of the electric wire at a predetermined position of the electric wire in an axial direction of the electric wire. The flange parts are respectively provided on both end portions of the mark main body in the axial direction of the electric wire so as to project outward in a radial direction of the electric wire from an outer peripheral surface of the mark main body. A cross section of the mark main body, which is perpendicular to the axial direction, is not precise circle.
US09994140B2
A floor mat is provided for a motor vehicle. The floor mat includes a debris pan and a debris retaining wall encompassing the debris pan. In addition, the floor mat includes an integral heel blocker within the debris retaining wall that is adapted to protect the feet, heels and lower legs of an operator of a motor vehicle in the event of a frontal collision.
US09994133B2
The invention relates to a bearing for a support rod (13a, 13b) of a headrest (11) for vehicle seats, having at least one frame (16) forming an opening (17) through which the support rod (13a, 13b) can pass, wherein the frame (16) at least partially engages around the opening (17), wherein the bearing (10) has at least one contact region (18) for contacting the outer surface (27) of the support rod (13a, 13b) that is connected by a connector to a support region (28) that is part of the frame (16).
US09994129B1
A seatback latch mechanism includes a cover. A lever member is rotatably supported by the cover for rotation about a lever axis, and presents a blocking surface. A hook member is rotatably supported by the cover for rotation about a hook axis, and includes a pin. An auxiliary hook member is rotatably supported by the cover for rotation about the hook axis. The auxiliary hook member defines a slot, with the pin extending through the slot. The slot limits movement of the pin to limit relative movement between the hook member and the auxiliary hook member. The auxiliary hook member includes a blocking portion, which is operable to engage the blocking surface on the lever member. The blocking portion engages the blocking surface to limit rotation of the auxiliary hook member about the hook axis.
US09994127B2
A seating arrangement with improved seating comfort. In one embodiment, the seating arrangement is for a transportation vehicle. The arrangement includes seats at least having two levels adjacent to single-level seats. The multi-level seats include at least a bottom row of seats and a top row of seats. In one embodiment, the bottom row seats are on a floor; and there is an imaginary horizontal plane that is parallel to the floor, and that at least a part of the top row seats and at least a part of the bottom row seats intersect. The single-level seats include at least two rows, with at least one seat in each row being adjacent to the aisle, to allow passengers to access the single-level seats. In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes only multi-level seats. In yet another embodiment, a computer-implemented method is applicable to the seats, such as allowing the display of a visual representation of a top-row seat and a bottom-row seat.
US09994122B2
An electric propulsion machine includes an electric motor, an electric motor control circuit, a propulsion device to generate thrust from an output of the electric motor, and a battery unit to supply electric power to the electric motor. The battery unit includes a mode selector to accept a designation of an operating mode. The electric motor control circuit outputs a control signal that controls the electric motor based on an operating mode which is designated from among a plurality of operating modes.
US09994112B2
A shield apparatus is used during wireless power supply from a power-transmitting coil to a power-receiving coil of a vehicle, and includes a multilayer magnetic shield member installed around the power-transmitting coil and arranged so as to surround a space between the power-transmitting coil and the power-receiving coil during supply of electric power.
US09994111B2
A method for performing a jump starting operation or a remote charging operation of a recipient vehicle. A current path from an inverter to an electric drive of the donor vehicle is disconnected. For the jump starting operation, the inverter of the donor vehicle is connected on the output side to the electric drive of the recipient vehicle and the inverter of the donor vehicle is operated in the virtual driving operation mode and the electric drive of the recipient vehicle is started. During the remote charging operation, the inverter of the donor vehicle is connected on the output side to the inverter of the recipient vehicle and is operated in the virtual driving operation mode, while the inverter of the recipient vehicle is operated in the virtual recuperation operation mode and charges the discharged battery of the recipient vehicle.
US09994110B2
A vehicle includes an electric machine that provides propulsive force to the vehicle, and a power inverter that supplies power from a traction battery to the electric machine using a first and second switch configured as a half-bridge. The first switch has a first gate, a first gate lead coupled with the first gate and having a first inductance, and a second gate lead coupled with the first gate and having a second inductance greater than the first inductance.
US09994107B2
A dial gauge assembly includes a single circuit board that supports light emitting diodes for both illuminating a pointer and backlighting a liquid crystal display. The dial gauge assembly controls illumination of the pointer by switching on and off a plurality of segments disposed within the LCD.
US09994102B2
A transmission includes a primary drive gear fixed to an input shaft and an idler gear meshing with the primary drive gear. A transmission pump is arranged to receive power from the idler gear. A power take-off unit is mounted to a case of the transmission and includes an input shaft having a first gear meshing with the idler gear and a second gear. An output shaft has a third gear meshing with the second gear.
US09994091B2
A window system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a window including an inner transparent layer, an outer transparent layer and a pixelated layer interposed therebetween. The pixelated layer includes a two-dimensional array of electrochromic cells and an electrode array that is electrically connected to the electrochromic cells. A controller determines, via an incident light monitoring subsystem, a field of view of a passenger and determines an intensity of incident light in relation to the field of view of the passenger. The controller is disposed to command a passenger compartment incident light management subsystem to activate selected electrochromic cells in the transparent window based upon the intensity of the incident light in relation to the field of view of the passenger.
US09994083B2
A pipe-shaped member of the present invention is a pipe-shaped member (1) which includes a flat plate portion (1h1, 1h2) placed in at least one end portion (1a1) of two end portions of the pipe, formed in a flat plate shape, and including groove-shaped recessed portions (ta1, tb1, tb2) formed in one and another extended surfaces in the flat plate shape. The recessed portions (ta1, tb1, tb2) are formed such that the flat plate portion (1h1, 1h2) has at least a substantially W-shape, in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of the flat plate portion (1h1, 1h2), and with a depth not reaching a boundary (1ha) between one plate (1h1) and the other plate (1h2) of the flat plate portion (1h1, 1h2).
US09994076B2
The invention provides a cured tread and a tire capable of controlling irregular wear of the tread. A base tire which is to be the base for the tire and a cured tread which is to be bonded to the base tire are molded separately, and they are integrated with each other to produce the tire. The tread is provided in its width (axial) direction with a plurality of grooves extending in its length (circumferential) direction. The thickness of the tread in a width cross section gradually decreases from the equator to the equator-side edge of the outermost groove located at an axially outermost position and gradually increases from the outer edge of the outermost groove outward in the axial direction.
US09994075B2
A tire includes: a tire case serving as an example of a circular tire frame member that is formed using a frame resin material; and a reinforcing cord member that is disposed at an outer circumference of the tire case, that is configured by a reinforcing cord covered with a resin covering layer, that is wound along a tire circumferential direction so as to form a spiral shape, that is bonded to the tire case, and in which tire axial direction adjacent portions of the reinforcing cord member are bonded together.
US09994067B2
An envelope opener features a through slot defining a channel that is closed on three sides around an axis of the slot. A blade projects into the channel from a first closed side thereof to an opposing second closed side thereof, and lies in plane spaced from the closed third side of the channel that lies opposite the mouth. The third side of the channel is angled relative to blade, and the cutting edge slopes away from the first closed side of the channel toward the second closed side, whereby the cutting edge is closer to both the second and third sides of the channel at one end thereof than the other. At the other end, a radiused corner is provided between the third side of the channel and an exterior of the tool. A metal insert lines one or more sides of the channel for an improved wear life.
US09994066B2
Provided are an erasing implement and a writing implement equipped with the erasing implement, the erasing implement being capable of erasing writing regardless of the type of ink or lead of the writing implement, even writing with thermochromic ink or writing with pencil lead. The erasing implement is equipped with a first erasing member for erasing writing with thermochromic ink and a second erasing member for erasing writing of types other than thermochromic ink, and is configured by covering the outer surface of the second erasing member with the first erasing member.
US09994063B2
A booklet includes a sheet-like first substrate, and a sheet-like second substrate that is attached to the first substrate. The first substrate includes a light-transmitting region, and an optical functional unit is provided to the light-transmitting region. A latent image is provided to a surface of the second substrate that is opposite to the first substrate at a position corresponding to the optical functional unit. The latent image manifests when the optical functional unit operates by overlapping the first substrate with the second substrate.
US09994062B2
A multilayer body includes a transparent first layer. In the transparent first layer, a multiplicity microlenses arranged in accordance with a microlens grid are impressed in a first region. Furthermore, the multilayer body includes a second layer, which is arranged below the first layer and in a fixed position with respect to the first layer and has a multiplicity of microimages arranged in accordance with a microimage grid and in each case in an at least regional overlap with one of the microlenses of the microlens grid for the purpose of generating a first optically variable information item. The grid pitches of the microimage grid and of the microlens grid in each case in at least one spatial direction are less than 300 μm.
US09994058B2
The book binding device includes a section for forming a cut in the end side of a conveyed sheet, a control section for controlling the section for forming a cut, and a selection section for selecting each sheet for the presence/absence of a cut to be formed by the section for forming a cut, wherein the control section controls the formation of a cut by the section for forming a cut based on the presence/absence of the formation of a cut selected by the selection section, and then the mixture of sheets in which cuts are formed and sheets in which cuts are not formed are bundled and bound to complete a booklet.
US09994054B2
An apparatus and methods for generating an identity document obtain unique machine data related to an identity document generation system. The apparatus and methods obtain personalization data related to an intended holder of the identity document. The apparatus and methods generate a unique machine and personalization data object that includes values of the unique machine data and the personalization data. The apparatus and methods digitally sign the unique machine and personalization data object. The apparatus and methods incorporate the signed unique machine and personalization data object into the identity document.
US09994051B2
In a roll-up prevention unit, an upstream roll-up prevention member guides a linerless label toward a platen roller. A downstream roll-up prevention member guides the linerless label away from the platen roller. Brackets have a roller engagement hole engaging with a roller shaft of the platen roller, and fixes the position of the roll-up prevention unit relative to the platen roller.
US09994030B2
A liquid supply apparatus and a liquid container that allow a liquid outlet portion and a liquid inlet portion to be readily connected to each other are provided. An ink supply apparatus for supplying ink to an inkjet printer includes: an ink container that has an ink bag, and an ink outlet portion in communication with the ink bag; a right recess portion and a left recess portion that support the ink container; an ink inlet needle that can be connected to the ink outlet portion; and a connection tube that connects the ink inlet needle and the inkjet printer. The ink container is detachably supported by the right recess portion and the left recess portion such that the ink outlet portion is positioned on the upper side in the gravity direction of the ink bag.
US09994021B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a flow channel forming substrate that is provided with a space constituting a pressure generating chamber which communicates with nozzle openings, a vibration plate that is stacked on one surface of the flow channel forming substrate and seals the space, and a piezoelectric element that includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode sequentially stacked on a surface of the vibration plate opposite to the flow channel forming substrate, in which the first electrode is formed, in which at least a width of a first direction along the opposite surface is narrower than the space in a region corresponding to the space, the piezoelectric layer is stacked so as to overlap the first electrode and at least a part of the vibration plate in the region corresponding to the space, the second electrode is stacked so as to overlap the piezoelectric layer in the region corresponding to the space, and as a thickness of a stacked direction of the piezoelectric element is a thickness of the piezoelectric layer, a first thickness (D1) of the piezoelectric layer of a part positioned on the first electrode and a second thickness (D2) of the piezoelectric layer of a part positioned on the vibration plate satisfy a relationship of the first thickness (D1)>the second thickness (D2).
US09994014B2
Selecting nozzles can include selecting nozzles of a plurality of nozzles to print a portion of a print job based on content of the print job and assigning firing reservations to the selected nozzles, where a total number of the firing reservations assigned to the selected nozzles is comparatively less than a total number of the plurality of nozzles.
US09994009B2
An inverted double dome double vacuum debulk tool having separable upper and lower chamber portions which can be assembled to form a vacuum chamber. In accordance with some embodiments, the top and bottom halves each comprise a circular cylindrical sidewall closed at one end by an inverted dome. The domes may be hemispherical or semi-elliptical with convex sides facing the chamber interior space. A base plate on which the composite patch rests is removable from the vacuum chamber. Various fittings pass electrical power and vacuum into the tool and sensor outputs out of the tool.
US09994001B2
Viscoelastic plastic interlayer for vibro-acoustic damping and glazing comprising such an interlayer
A viscoelastic plastic interlayer can be incorporated between two glass sheets to form a laminated glazing with vibro-acoustic damping properties. The interlayer includes at least one layer made of viscoelastic plastic with vibro-acoustic damping properties. The interlayer is tinted in the bulk at least on a part of its surface. The interlayer is such that the resonant frequency f2 of the second resonance mode of a laminated glazing bar with a surface area of 25 mm×300 mm composed of two glass sheets each 2.1 mm thick, between which is incorporated the interlayer, determined by measuring the mechanical impedance (MIM) at 20° C. according to standard ISO 16940, is between 760 Hz and 1000 Hz and the loss factor η2 of the second resonance mode of the bar, determined by MIM under the same conditions, is greater than or equal to 0.25.
US09993998B2
Provided is a resin-coated metal sheet for containers having a resin layer (A) on a side of the metal sheet, the side being a side that will serve as a container inner surface when the metal sheet is formed into a container. The resin layer (A) has a polyester-based multilayer structure. The resin layer (A) contains 85 mol % or more of terephthalic acid. The resin layer (A) includes at least two layers, and an uppermost resin layer (a1), which is to be in contact with contends, contains 0.10 to 2.0 mass % of a wax compound with respect to the uppermost resin layer (a1). The maximum value of the Raman band intensity ratio (I1720/I1615) when measured for the cross section of the uppermost resin layer (a1) by using a laser polarization plane parallel to the surface of the resin layer (a1) is in the range of 0.45 or more and 0.80 or less. The uppermost resin layer (a1) has a thickness of 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less. The resin layer (A) excluding the uppermost resin layer (a1) has a thickness of 5 μm or more and 20 μm or less.
US09993993B2
An anisotropic composite material assembly comprising a first layer with a tensile modulus different from its compressive modulus and that exhibits variable modulus behavior. The first layer elastically buckle under compressions. A second layer has a tensile modulus substantially the same as its compressive modulus. The first and second layers are joined together, and the assembly is bendable in a first direction with an outer surface of the first layer being in compression and the assembly has a first bending stiffness during bending in the first direction. The assembly is bendable in a second direction opposite the first direction with the outer surface of the first layer being in tension, and the assembly has a second bending stiffness greater than the first bending stiffness during bending in the second direction.
US09993992B2
A structural fabric suitable for lining pipes and pipes lined with the structural fabric. The fabric includes a strengthening layer laminated to a watertight layer. The strengthening layer may include carbon fiber bundles stitched to a watertight layer of woven glass fibers. In some embodiments, the strengthening layer includes lengthwise oriented carbon fiber bundles and widthwise oriented carbon fiber bundles bound together in a non-woven, non-crimp arrangement. The widthwise oriented bundles can have about three-times greater weight per unit area than the lengthwise oriented bundles. The watertight layer provides a watertight barrier when impregnated with the curable polymer, applied to the interior surface of the pipe, and cured. The watertight layer may include lengthwise and widthwise oriented bundles of glass fiber woven into one of a satin and twill weave.
US09993991B2
A lightweight composite panel, and resisting to impacts and to peeling, comprising: a honeycomb core in poly(p-phenyleneterephthalamide), on either side of which are positioned two skins each comprising: an internal ply comprising: a fabric of glass fiber E in contact with the honeycomb core; and a web of unidirectional carbon fibers oriented along a first direction; an external ply, in contact with the corresponding internal ply, comprising: a web of unidirectional carbon fibers oriented along a second direction different from the first direction, the web of each external ply facing the web of the corresponding internal ply; and a fabric of glass fiber E. The fabrics of glass fiber are impregnated with at least 70% by weight of epoxy resin, and have a mass of less than or equal to 30 g/m2.The webs of carbon fibers have an elastic modulus comprised between 275 and 300 GPa, are pre-impregnated with between 30% and 40% by weight of epoxy resin, and have a mass of less than or equal to 100 g/m2.
US09993980B2
Methods for forming radius fillers for composite structures are disclosed herein. The methods include locating a sheet of composite material on a first support surface and translating the sheet of composite material such that a first portion of the sheet is supported by the first support surface and a second portion of the sheet extends past the support surface edge. The methods also include supporting the second portion of the sheet with a second support surface and separating the second portion of the sheet from the first portion of the sheet to form a strip of composite material. The methods further include conveying the strip of composite material onto a layup surface.
US09993979B2
The present invention has a cooling unit (29) as a temperature gradient formation unit for forming a temperature gradient in which the temperature is lowered in the direction from one surface (18a) of a semi-cured prepreg sheet (18) layered on a top surface (12a) of a layered body (12) toward the other surface (17b) of a release sheet (17), in a first region (C1) of a layered sheet (16) located upstream from a first roller (52).
US09993972B2
A seal carving apparatus includes a thermal head having a plurality of heat generating elements disposed in lines, and thermal drive control means that performs a control process of selectively and thermally driving the individual heat generating elements while moving the thermal head and a porous material in relative to each other with the thermal head being in abutment with the porous material, thereby forming a seal face on the porous material. The thermal drive control means controls a pulse time width for thermally driving the individual heat generating elements of the thermal head under pulse width modulation control based on gradation image data having a gradation value, thereby forming a seal with a gradation on the porous material.
US09993954B2
A method is provided for fabricating a surface protection film that has no rolling defects such as blocking or wrinkling when rolled into a roll, and that, after the film is bonded to an adherend, is rolled into a roll, and stored for long periods of time, does not transfer unevenness or fisheyes on the back surface to the adherend. The surface protection film is fabricated as an elastomer by setting the arithmetical mean roughness (Ra) of the surface of a cold roller (4) to no more than 0.2 μm, and the ten point mean roughness (Rz) of the surface of a nip roller (3) to 2-8 μm and the mean distance (Sm) between protrusions and depressions thereof to no more than 90 μm.
US09993952B2
A seal molding system may include a mold body having a mold inner geometry formed complementary to a fitting outer geometry of a fitting. The mold body may have a mold base formed complementary to a panel surface. The mold body may include an injection hole for injecting sealant into the mold cavity, and a vent hole for venting air and sealant from the mold cavity.
US09993949B2
Provided is a preform member bonding method, in a RTM process, for bonding a preform member and another member (a preform member or a hardened member) together with an adhesive. The preform member bonding method includes: beforehand obtaining data on a range of a level of progress in hardening of the adhesive which allows the adhesive to penetrate the preform member, and data on a range of the level of progress in the hardening of the adhesive which decreases bonding strength of the adhesive; and controlling the level of progress in the hardening of the adhesive by heat-treating the adhesive based on these data, before the preform member comes into contact with the adhesive.
US09993948B2
Superhydrophobic films and methods of making such films are disclosed. More particularly, superhydrophobic films having durable nanostructures with high contrast ratios and various methods of producing such films are disclosed.
US09993936B2
A chop saw includes a base assembly and a saw assembly pivotally attached to the base assembly. The base assembly has a workpiece-supporting plane. The saw assembly has a blade and a motor driving the blade. A hinged connection between the base assembly and a saw assembly allows a user to rotate the saw assembly from a position where the plane of the blade extends through the workpiece-supporting plane to a position where the plane of the blade does not extend through the workpiece-supporting plane. In such position, the plane of blade may be substantially parallel to the workpiece-supporting plane. A switch or sensor may detect when the saw assembly is in the pivoted position so that the motor cannot be activated in such position.
US09993933B2
A precut module with one or more profiling heads and/or circular saws may be provided upstream of a saw module. The precut module may be used to implement a portion of a cut that would otherwise be made by the saw module, thereby reducing the depth of cut required at the saw module. In some embodiments, profiling heads may be used to profile a block that is wider than a desired side board. The block may be cut from the workpiece and sent to the edger. This may provide the same or better wood volume recovery and/or throughput speed than profiling the side board or cutting the side board from a flitch. In some embodiments, cut patterns for the precut module and other machine centers may be calculated and/or selected based on a desired depth of cut at the saw module, desired throughput speed, wood volume recovery, and/or other parameters.
US09993932B2
A rotary cutter system for cutting a web of material being feed into the rotary cutter at a press speed that includes a cutting cylinder, an anvil cylinder and a servo motor. The rotary cutter includes a controller that controls the speed of rotations of the cylinders. Control of the speed of cutting and anvil cylinders allows for the adjustment of the cut length of the material without having to adjust the position of knives in the cutting cylinder.
US09993931B1
A shaving razor system includes a razor handle that docks with a razor cartridge. The handle is configured to dock with the razor cartridge using a single hook configured to mate with a cartridge tab. A central pushrod is mounted with a spring into the handle, and is configured to exert a pushing force on the mounted cartridge. To eject the cartridge, the single hook may be pushed to pivot to the side of the cartridge tab, and thereby release the cartridge by ejecting it with a spring loaded pushrod.
US09993928B2
The present invention relates to a cutting assembly (10) for a hair clipping device (100), comprising: —a stationary cutting blade (12) having a first cutting edge (20), and a moveable cutting blade (14) that is resiliently biased against the stationary cutting blade (12) and has a second cutting edge (22) that is arranged parallel to the first cutting edge (20), wherein one of the cutting blades (12, 14) comprises at least one slot (42, 42′) for compensating a stress-induced warpage within said cutting blade (12, 14), wherein said at least one slot (42, 42′) extends substantially parallel to the two cutting edges (20, 22).
US09993925B2
Provided are end effectors and methods of using such end effectors for handling various composite structures. An end effector includes a support structure bendable relative the principal axis of the end effector. The support structure is disposed within a cavity partially formed by an engaging portion of the end effector. The engaging portion is formed from a flexible material and includes multiple openings in fluid communication with the cavity. When the engaging portion contacts a composite structure and when the pressure inside the cavity is reduced below the ambient level, the composite structure is forced against the engaging portion due to this pressure differential. The flexibility of the support structure and of the engaging portion allows the end effector to conform to the shape of the composite structure. At the same time, the support structure maintains the shape of the cavity in the directions normal to the principal axis.
US09993919B2
A toolbox has a casing and a cover. The casing has a top mounting flange, a first strengthening frame, and at least one engaging ring. The top mounting flange is formed on the casing. The first strengthening frame is mounted around the top mounting flange. The at least one engaging ring is mounted on the casing and has multiple ring fasteners mounted through the engaging ring and the top mounting flange via the first strengthening frame. The cover is connected to the casing and has a bottom mounting flange, a second strengthening frame, at least one engaging protrusion. The bottom mounting flange is formed on the cover. The second strengthening frame is mounted around the bottom mounting flange. The at least one engaging protrusion is mounted on the cover and has multiple protrusion fasteners mounted through the engaging protrusion and the bottom mounting flange via the second strengthening frame.
US09993916B2
A multi-purpose electric tool has a motor, an impact block, a detection assembly configured to detect the position and the movement state of the impact block, and a main control circuit board configured to control whether the motor is powered off upon reaching a preset state according to the detected information of the detection assembly. In the control method, the detection assembly feeds back the detected information to the main control circuit board, if the impact block is not impacting reciprocatingly, the main control circuit board performs torque control according to whether the preset state is reached; and if the impact block is impacting reciprocatingly, the main control circuit board enables the motor to output in a normal mode which does not limiting the current.
US09993913B2
A clenching adapter for use with automatic nailers tools is provided, which mounts to a nailer tool, and which extends behind a two-layer workpiece and curls the tip of a driven nail on the opposite side of the multiple-layer workpiece. The adapter includes a movable extension link that pivots on a proximal end, due to the action of an air cylinder actuator, and that pivoting motion causes an anvil mounted on its distal end to grasp the opposite (bottom) side of the workpiece, while also positioning the anvil to a location where it intercepts the nail that will be fired through the workpiece by the nailer tool. The anvil mechanism rotates from a “relaxed” position that fits within a gap in the boards of a workpiece, to an actuated “ready” position that receives and curls the nail, for clenching a multi-substrate workpiece. The actuations are automatically sequenced, in one embodiment.
US09993909B2
A method for manufacturing a grinding tool which has a binding agent based on aromatic molecules includes cutting an abrasive material parent web with a laser device to form at least one inner contour of the grinding tool, and punching out an outer contour of the grinding tool from the abrasive material parent web.
US09993903B2
A workpiece supply device is provided that is capable of supplying a workpiece to be machined next in a supplying area of the workpiece outside a machining area while the machining area is closed to control scattering of cutting fluid from the machining area during the machining of the workpiece. A machine tool includes a machining room of the workpiece, a loader room, a dividing wall having an opening part, a main spindle, a workpiece supply device, a delivery device, and an ejection device. The workpiece supply device includes a workpiece holder, a movement mechanism, a cover member, and a coil spring. The coil spring biases the cover member to close the opening part by the cover member such that the workpiece holder holds the workpiece in the loader room during the machining of the workpiece in the machining room.
US09993897B2
Multilayered brazing sheet material including an aluminum core alloy layer having a first brazing clad layer material on one face of the core layer and a second brazing clad layer material on the other face of the core material, and an inter-layer between the core layer and the first brazing clad layer material, wherein the core layer is 3xxx-series aluminum alloy having, in wt. %, up to 0.4% Si, up to 0.5% Fe, 0.4% to 0.75% Cu, 0.6% to 1.1% Mn, up to 0.04% Mg, up to 0.2% Cr, up to 0.25% Zr, up to 0.2% Ti, up to 0.15% Zn, balance aluminum and impurities, wherein the first brazing layer and the second brazing layer are 4xxx-series aluminum alloy having 7% to 14% Si and up to 2% Mg, balance aluminum and impurities, and wherein the inter-layer is aluminum alloy of the 1xxx-series alloys.
US09993895B2
In the method for structuring at least one area of a solid body surface provided with a ta-C coating, by means of a first laser, preferably an excimer laser having pulse durations in the nanosecond range, a first structure is produced upon which a second, ripple-like structure is superposed by means of a second laser, preferably having pulse durations in the femtosecond range. Preferentially, the excimer laser structuring is carried out according to the mask projection technique and the femtosecond laser structuring according to the focus technique. This method allows the rational manufacture of very complex, extremely fraud-resistant authentication features and/or of esthetically attractive, optical diffraction effective colored patterns.
US09993894B1
An apparatus for detecting radiation is provided. In embodiments, at least one sensor is disposed on a surface of a wafer-like substrate. At least one sensor medium is fixed relative to the substrate, optically or electrically coupled to the sensor, and separated from the sensor by no more than the substrate thickness. An electronic signal-processing circuit is connected to the sensor and configured to produce an output when the sensor is stimulated by a product of an interaction between the sensor medium and impinging radiation. The sensor is configured to collect, from the sensor medium, charge and/or light produced within the sensor medium by interactions with impinging radiation.
US09993887B2
The present disclosure relates to a method and to an apparatus for chamfering and deburring gear cut workpieces, especially of large-volume gear cut workpieces, using a deburring apparatus which is arranged on or at the cutting head of a gear cutting machine and which at least partially utilizes the machine axes of the gear cutting machine to chamfer and to deburr gear teeth along a tooth contour.
US09993883B2
A multi-flute ball end mill comprising a shank portion, a cutting edge portion having a ball-shaped tip portion, and 3 or more cutting edges formed in the cutting edge portion; each cutting edge being constituted by a peripheral cutting edge having a twist angle η of 35-45°, and a ball-end cutting edge having a twist angle μ at the outermost peripheral point, the twist angle η and the twist angle μ meeting the relation of η−μ≤7°, such that the ball-end cutting edge is smoothly connected to the peripheral cutting edge; the ball-end cutting edge having a radial rake angle of −37° to −11°; the peripheral cutting edge having a radial rake angle of 2-8°; and a center-lowered, inclined cutting edge integrally extending from a tip end of each ball-end cutting edge to a rotation center point, in a tip end portion of the ball portion near the rotation center point.
US09993878B2
A coated cutting tool includes a substrate and a coating layer formed onto the surface of the substrate. The coating layer contains an α-type aluminum oxide layer. A residual stress value at the (116) plane of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is greater than 0. A residual stress value at the (012) plane of the α-type aluminum oxide layer is smaller than 0.
US09993874B2
A chromium-iron interconnect includes at least one of Fe rich regions in the interconnect and carbon in the interconnect.
US09993873B2
A system and method for three-dimensional printing are provided. One three-dimensional printing system includes a first printing surface configured to hold a first three-dimensional object. The three-dimensional printing system also includes a second printing surface configured to hold a second three-dimensional object. The three-dimensional printing system includes at least one printing head disposed adjacent to the first and second printing surfaces for printing the first and second three-dimensional objects. A vertical position of the first printing surface is controlled independently from a vertical position of the second printing surface.
US09993872B2
A method includes introducing metallic powder into a fluidizing chamber of a fluidized bed reactor. A fluidization gas is flowed into the fluidizing chamber. The metallic power becomes entrained in the flow of the fluidization gas. Adsorbed water is removed from the metallic powder by exposing the metallic powder to the fluidization gas for a duration of time and at a treatment temperature to cause the adsorbed water to be removed from the metallic powder.
US09993870B2
A control pin for controlling the flow of molten metal through a down spout in a casting process is provided. The control pin comprises a body having an elongated shape, a lower portion insertable in the down spout, and a terminal end, opposite the lower portion. The body includes a central core, preferably a hollow tube or a rod of alumina or mullite; a heating element disposed around the central core, and an intermediate layer surrounding the central core and encasing the heating element, the intermediate layer being made of a solidified ceramic putty. Finally, an outer shell, preferably made of woven fiber reinforcing fabric in a matrix of ceramic, surrounds the intermediate layer.
US09993865B2
An aluminum alloy product for manufacturing structural components, made from direct chill casting ingots comprises, based on wt %: Zn 7.5˜8.7, Mg 1.1˜2.3, Cu 0.5˜1.9, Zr 0.03˜0.20, the balance being Al, incidental elements and impurities. The levels of Zn, Mg, Cu, and Zr in the aluminum alloy products satisfy the expressions of (a) 10.5≤Zn+Mg+Cu≤11.0; (b) 5.3≤(Zn/Mg)+Cu≤6.0; and (c) (0.24−D/4800)≤Zr≤(0.24−D/5000). D is the minimum length of a line section connecting any two points on the periphery of the cross section of the ingot and passing through the geometrical center of the cross section. 250 mm≤D≤1000 mm. The aluminum alloy products have a superior combination of strength and damage tolerance, and exhibit homogeneous and consistent performance on the surface, at various depths under the surface, and in the core of the product. A method of producing the aluminum alloy products is also provided.
US09993862B2
A fin manufacturing apparatus includes an inter-row slit processing device having upper and lower blades with blade edges extending in a feed direction of a thin metal plate that serves as a material of a fin. The upper and lower blades are engaged with each other to form a perforated slit between rows on the fin. Each blade has a recess where the blade edge is partially recessed toward a ridge. Recess depth dimensions are smaller than a lapping amount of the blades when the blades are engaged with each other. At least one of the blades is slidable in a longitudinal direction of the blade edge to allow the recesses to be moved from overlapping positions to adjacent positions as viewed along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the blade edges when the blades are engaged with each other over the lapping amount.
US09993861B2
A roller hemming apparatus is disclosed. A roller hemming apparatus for hemming an outer panel with respect to an inner panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a tool body mounted at a front end of an arm of a robot, a pre-hemming roller mounted to a front side of a mounting block, which is disposed at a lower portion of the tool body, through a first mounting bracket, a main hemming roller mounted to a rear side of the mounting block through a second mounting bracket, and at least one heater mounted at a lateral side of the mounting block and configured to heat a flange portion of the outer panel.
US09993860B2
The invention relates to a device for forming an at least in part closed hollow profile from a board a with a tool comprising a first half having an at least a U-stamp and at least an upper cavity and a second half having two identical at least in part U-shaped die cavities. The U-stamp and the upper cavity of the first tool half are each meshed with an at least in part U-shaped cavity when the tool is shut. The at least one U-stamp and the at least one upper cavity of the first tool half and the at least two at least in part U-shaped die cavities of the second tool half are arranged in a rotationally symmetrical manner to the rotational axis running in the closing direction of the tool.
US09993856B2
Method and system for the remediation of contaminated earth from hazardous substances in a batch-wise ex-situ on site manner. At least one mobile earth moving equipment, at least one mobile tumbler reactor and at least one liquid-solid separator are organized at a location in the proximity of the contaminated site. Contaminated earth portions are collected from the contaminated site batch by batch in the mobile earth moving equipment and transferred to the mobile tumbler reactor at the location. The contaminated earth portions in the mobile tumbler reactor are dosed with cleaning agents and water washed in the reactor under agitation or tumbling. The mixture of water washed earth portions and wash water with cleaning agents transferred into the liquid-solid separator and the wash water with the cleaning agents is separated from the mixture in the separator. The cleaned earth portions in the separator are transferred into the earth moving equipment, transported back to the contaminated site and deposited at the contaminated site until the entire contaminated earth at the contaminated site is remedied.
US09993854B2
An apparatus and method for collecting fluid during flushing of a subsea fluid conduit such as a subsea umbilical. The apparatus comprises a vessel configured to receive fluid from the subsea fluid conduit, and a first connector for fluidly coupling the vessel to the subsea flowline. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a second connector for fluidly coupling the apparatus to a subsea production system and a flow control system. The flow control system is configured to operate in a first mode in which flushing fluid is directed from the subsea fluid conduit into the vessel, and is configured to operate in a second mode of operation in which the fluid is diverted from the subsea flowline to the subsea production system. In another aspect, the apparatus is configured to provide a detectable signal to surface when a pre-determined volume of flushing fluid has been received in the vessel.
US09993841B2
A particulate film laminating system includes: a nanoparticle generating chamber in which nanoparticles of a metal material are generated; a nanofiber generating chamber in which nanofibers of a resin material are generated; a laminating chamber in which the nanoparticles and the nanofibers are film-formed and laminated on a substrate; a nanoparticle film-forming region configured such that the nanoparticles are film-formed in the laminating chamber; a nanofiber film-forming region configured such that the nanofibers are film-formed in the laminating chamber; a moving unit which moves the substrate between the nanoparticle film-forming region and the nanofiber film-forming region; an exhaust unit which exhausts the laminating chamber; and a coolant-gas introduction unit which introduces coolant gas into each of the nanoparticle generating chamber and the nanofiber generating chamber.
US09993836B2
A system for dosing one or more fluids on a substrate, the system comprising a rotating roll. The rotating roll has a central longitudinal axis, wherein the rotating roll rotates about the central longitudinal axis; an exterior surface defining an interior region and substantially surrounding the central longitudinal axis; and a vascular network configured for transporting the one or more fluids in a predetermined path from the interior region to the exterior surface of the rotating roll.
US09993825B2
A device for comminuting feedstock with a rotor which is disposed within a housing and rotates about an axis of rotation and is equipped over its circumference with comminuting tools. A ring disc is attached to front sides of the rotor in each case concentrically to the axis of rotation. The removal of the sufficiently comminuted material occurs via a screen deck extending over part of the rotor circumference. On axial front sides of the screen deck an arcuate sealing element following the outer circumference of the ring disc is disposed in each case, the element which to form a sealing gap in the plane of the ring disc lies radially opposite to the disc. The sealing effect of the sealing gap between the screen deck and rotor uniformly over the entire length is successfully achieved in this way.
US09993823B2
A laboratory specimen tray for the organization of medical and scientific specimens for improving continuity of case/patient identification and reduction in the mislabeling or mixing of specimens between patients is provided. The specimen tray may be an elongated body of material that forms various voids for securing various types of specimen containers and associated paperwork. An upper surface of the specimen tray provides a distinct demarcation, such as one of a plurality of colors, so that two specimens of the same type are never next to each other in a laboratory setting, further preventing the possibility of specimen/patient mix ups. This separation makes sure that a cassette during sectioning by the technologist is not accidentally cut and placed on the wrong patient slide.
US09993820B2
A reagent manager for a diagnostic analyzer system includes a reagent manager housing, a high-speed reagent bottle spinning device, a processor, and a memory. The reagent manager housing is for housing reagent bottles. The high-speed reagent bottle spinning device is disposed within the reagent manager housing for spinning at least one of the reagent bottles. The processor is in electronic communication with the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory includes programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is configured to spin the high-speed reagent bottle spinning device to spin the at least one reagent bottle to remove microparticles from a bottom surface of a septum of the at least one reagent bottle.
US09993819B2
An apparatus for actuating in rotation and reading a centrifugal microfluidic disk for biological and/or biochemical analyses, comprising: a container body, defining an internal chamber forming a closed curvilinear path, the path comprising a housing region configured to house the centrifugal microfluidic disk, and a curvilinear channel fluidically coupled to the housing region; a heater operatively arranged in a section of the curvilinear channel; and a fan operatively arranged in a respective section of the curvilinear channel.
US09993818B2
A valve for a fluidic cartridge is provided. The valve comprises a valve cavity having first and second openings connected to first and second passageways, respectively; and a flexible membrane within the valve cavity, the flexible membrane having a first portion actuatable to seal against the first opening and a second portion actuatable to seal against the second opening; wherein the valve cavity is configured such that the first flexible membrane portion may be actuated independently of the second flexible membrane portion to enable the first opening to be sealed independently of the second.
US09993811B2
A process for preparing a catalytic cracking catalyst, which process comprises: a molecular sieve is introduced into a gas-phase ultra-stabilization reactor, the molecular sieve is moved without the conveying of carrier gas from a molecular sieve inlet of the gas-phase ultra-stabilization reactor to a molecular sieve outlet of the gas-phase ultra-stabilization reactor, and the molecular sieve is contacted and reacted with a gaseous SiCl4 in the gas-phase ultra-stabilization reactor, the molecular sieve resulting from the contacting and the reacting is optionally washed, then mixed with a matrix and water into slurry, and shaped into particles.
US09993802B2
Shaped porous carbon products and processes for preparing these products are provided. The shaped porous carbon products can be used, for example, as catalyst supports and adsorbents. Catalyst compositions including these shaped porous carbon products, processes of preparing the catalyst compositions, and various processes of using the shaped porous carbon products and catalyst compositions are also provided.
US09993797B2
A method for conversion of carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide comprises: introducing a flow of a dehumidified gaseous source of carbon dioxide into a reaction vessel; and irradiating dried, solid carbonaceous material in the reaction vessel with microwave energy. Heating of the irradiated carbonaceous material drives an endothermic reaction of carbon dioxide and carbon that produces carbon monoxide. At least a portion of heat required to maintain a temperature within the reaction vessel is supplied by the microwave energy. Carbon monoxide thus produced is allowed to flow out of the reaction vessel.
US09993789B2
A reactor for a catalytic process comprising one or more catalyst beds has catalyst bed supports constructed as a grid comprising a plurality of cassettes (01), which are covered with easily removable screens (02). The down-time and service costs for the reactor are thereby lowered.
US09993778B2
A diffuser is disclosed and includes a channel with an inner portion having an inlet and an outlet through which a gaseous substance enters and exits the diffuser, respectively. The inner portion includes a first conical section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to a central axis, in a first direction. The inner portion also includes a second conical section that has a decreasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in the first direction. The second conical section is communicatively coupled with the first conical section. The outer portion includes a first annular section that has an increasing cross-sectional area, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis, in a second direction opposite the first direction. The diffuser further includes a plurality of orifices that communicatively couple the second conical section with the first annular section.
US09993772B2
A catalytic article having a flow-through substrate having an inlet, an outlet, and an axial length; an SCR zone containing a first SCR catalyst; and an oxidation zone containing (a) an ASC zone and a DOC zone or (b) a mixed ASC and DOC zone, where the oxidation zone contains an ammonia oxidation catalyst and a DOC catalyst, the SCR zone is positioned on the substrate from the inlet end and extends less than the axial length of the substrate from the inlet, the DOC zone or the mixed ASC and DOC zone is position on the substrate from the outlet end, and when the DOC zone is present, the ASC zone is located between the SCR zone and the DOC zone. In other catalytic articles, the ASC zone further comprises a DEC catalyst. Methods of using the catalytic articles in an SCR process, where the amount of ammonia slip is reduced, are also described.
US09993770B2
A method and system for collecting gaseous nitrogen compounds into an aqueous solution are provided. The method enables the combination of gaseous sulfur and nitrogen compounds in the aqueous solution to generate ammonium compound components, to include ammonium sulfate. Sulfur may be pressure injected into the solution as gaseous sulfur dioxide. Optionally, carbon may be introduced into the solution as gaseous carbon dioxide. The sulfur may be earlier sourced by a burning of a sulfurous solid. The pH of the solution may be monitored and the introduction of ammonia, carbon and/or sulfur may be halted or constrained while the pH of the solution is measured outside of specified range. The solution may be allowed to age to permit a mix of compounds of ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbomate to restabilize and thereby encourage a renewed surge of ammonium sulfate generation.
US09993765B2
Lightweight, small, portable devices and methods are disclosed that provide oxygen-enriched air using an ultra rapid adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials.
US09993762B2
A relatively quiet pulse valve and a method of using the pulse valve are provided. The pulse valve includes a dampening mechanism to decrease mechanical stresses, decrease operating noise, decrease compressed air waste and increase operational life expectancy of the valve. Such dampening mechanism is arranged within an internal area of the pulse valve housing.
US09993749B2
A method of exfoliating graphite into graphene uses a sequence of flow and sonication on graphite suspensions. Graphite particles after intense mixing/grinding in a liquid are found to be altered, graphite having curled-up edges, which increases its sensitivity to ultrasound. Quadrupled graphene yield is achieved through introducing chaotic flow pretreatment.
US09993746B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sulfur trap comprising an inlet, a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber, an outlet, and a float assembly. The float assembly may have many different configurations, but generally comprises a float and plug, is configured to float within liquid sulfur, and is operatively coupled to a seal seat in the divider for sealing and unsealing the first chamber from the second chamber. Generally, only liquid sulfur is allowed to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. However, the sulfur trap may be configured to allow for pressure relief, such that during an overpressure event the plug and seal seat disengage and allow the liquid-gas mixture to flow into the second chamber to prevent damage within the system. In some embodiments a filter and/or the flow of liquid sulfur is directed to collect debris from the liquid sulfur.
US09993745B2
Wastesolution treatment systems and methods are provided which may remove particulates and hydrocarbons from wastesolution. Embodiments may be used to treat scrubber wastesolution from exhaust gas cleaning (“EGC”) systems. Some embodiments may be used with terrestrial EGC systems and others may be used for maritime ship EGC systems. Certain embodiments remove free phase oil and particulates from the wastesolution. Some embodiments may utilize a fixed film biogenerator cultured with hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms to reduce the concentration of oils in the water. Certain embodiments may utilize a biofilter with granulated activated carbon (“GAC”) to adsorb contaminants in the water. Other embodiments may utilize GAC cultured with hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms to reduce oil concentration in the water. The wastesolution may be recirculated through the system until the measured contaminant concentration drops below a threshold value. The treated wastesolution may be stored, reused, or may be safely discharged from the system.
US09993743B2
The invention is a distributor tray (2) of a column for heating and/or material exchanging material between a gas and a liquid, comprising gas passage casings (4), liquid passages (6) and a secondary distribution system (7) projecting from the lower part of tray (2). Secondary distribution system (7) allows the liquid to be collected and distributed more homogeneously over the contactor. The invention also relates to a gas/fluid heat or material exchange column comprising such a distributor tray.
US09993740B2
A viewing system based on a two-layer film and television railcar, comprising a first railcar moving on a first rail track and a second railcar of a second rail track arranged thereabove; at the docking point of the first railcar and the second railcar, the first rail track and the second rail track are positioned on the same plane; and arranged on the bottom of the first railcar is a locking apparatus used for locking the first railcar onto the second rail track when the first railcar moves on the second rail track. Viewers can experience different viewing positions and viewing space by means of the first railcar and the second railcar, and can use the changing movement of the railcars to enjoy different film and television content.
US09993739B2
A system for interconnecting discrete rigid member mating components creates different stable, freestanding three-dimensional figures such as robots. The mating components are positioned in tandem employ an elastic element through bores and each mating component has at least one slot that is aligned with a corresponding slot formed on adjacent mating component or body. The arrangement of the slots and elastic element permits each mating components to be maneuvered onto an adjacent mating component and retains its position without the use of hinges or other securing devices. A reconfigurable toy is constructed by interconnecting a plurality of different sized mating components. The mating components can thus be rearranged to form different-shaped figures including a robot that is reversibly transformable between a first configuration, which can comprise a myriad of forms, and a second configuration that is a cube.
US09993734B2
A player model for a video game is generated based on inputs received from users who have played past versions of the game. The player model can be used to simulate user actions in a new version of the video game and make predictions about average user session length, average earnings per session, number of games played per day, etc. More than one player model may be generated for a game. Each player model for a game may represent one or more features, such as a user skill level, for a group of users.
US09993731B2
A computer performs a process for displaying an object string and a player object within a game screen, the object string including a main object, and at least one sub-object that is connected to the main object, the player object being an object that can be operated by a player, and virtual walls that limit a moving direction of each of the main object, the sub-object and the player object being provided within the game screen. The motion of the player object within the game screen is controlled in response to an operation performed by the player. The motion mode of the object string is switched from a first mode to a second mode or a third mode based on a given condition, the second mode being a mode in which the object string is inferior as compared with the first mode, and the third mode being a mode in which the main object is superior as compared with the first mode.
US09993720B1
A dice angle game is played on an apparatus that preferably has a flat playing surface, two side walls, two end walls, two barriers, scoring areas between the barriers and the adjacent end walls, and a plurality of dice. The game is played by rolling a dice against a side wall and trying to have it land in a scoring area.
US09993719B2
Card handling devices may include a card shuffling apparatus and a card output portion having a card buffer area positioned at an interface of the card shuffling apparatus and the card output portion. The card output portion may be configured to move relative to the card shuffling apparatus and alter the orientation of the card buffer area. Card handling devices having a substantially flat card output area may include an interface portion having an at least substantially flat draw surface. The substantially flat card output area may permit playing cards to be drawn from an outlet of the substantially flat card output area in a plurality of at least substantially horizontal directions. Methods of shuffling playing cards may include altering an orientation of a card buffer area and inserting cards into the card buffer area at both a top and a bottom of a group of cards within the card buffer area.
US09993715B2
An exercise system comprising: an exercise mat; a plurality of sensors integrated into the exercise mat, each of the sensors configured to sense when a force is applied to a respective portion of the exercise mat; a plurality of displays coupled to the exercise mat and configured to display indications corresponding to desired locations for body parts of a user in accordance with an exercise routine; at least one processor disposed in communication with the plurality of sensors and the plurality of displays; and memory storing at least one exercise routine for use with the exercise mat and instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, configures the exercise system to: display on one or more of the displays indications corresponding to desired locations of a user's body part in accordance with a form of one of the exercise routines stored in memory; sense by one or more of the sensors an application of force to the exercise mat; determine that a location of the sensed application of force is different than a display location of at least one of the indications; and display on one or more of the displays at least one marker identifying a direction from the location of the sensed application of force to the display location of the at least one of the indications.
US09993713B2
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.
US09993706B2
A golf tee having a contact alert coating cooperates with a golf ball and a golf club to provide a novel training aid that is economical, compact, and encourages proper golfing form. The golf tee has a golf tee body with a top plate, top wall and side walls. The top plate is fixedly attached to a shaft which terminates into a point that is inserted into a ground surface when a ball is placed on the top plate. A contact alert coating is coated on at least an upper portion of the golf tee body. The contact alert coating is composed of a material that generates a spark and, preferably, an audible sound when a golf club head strikes the ball and strikes the contact alert coating of the golf tee at the coating/golf tee interface. Generation of the spark and, preferably, the audible sound provides an alert that immediately informs the user whether the user's golf swing has been properly executed.
US09993704B2
An iron-type golf club head has a club head body that includes a back portion, a topline, a sole portion, and a striking face. The golf club head also may include a rib that extends from the back portion of the club head body to a rear surface of the striking face. A symmetric portion of the striking face is defined by contact with the topline, the sole portion, and the rib. A second rib may also be included in the golf club head and the symmetric portion of the striking face is defined by contact with the topline, the sole portion, the first rib, and the second rib. A flex support structure may also be incorporated into the golf club head. The flex support structures may have multiple profiles that contact the rear surface of the striking face at differing deflection depths.
US09993698B2
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.
US09993694B1
Recreational footballs with rotor assemblies are provided herein. An example recreational device includes a shell forming a prolate spheroid frame, a shaft disposed within the prolate spheroid frame and located along a central axis defined by the prolate spheroid frame, and one or more fan assemblies each having a plurality of blades, the one or more fan assemblies rotating around or in conjunction with the shaft, the one or more fan assemblies changing at least one aerodynamic aspect of flight of the recreational device when air passes through the prolate spheroid frame and across the plurality of blades of the one or more fan assemblies as the recreational device spirals during flight.
US09993687B2
A wheelchair exercise device comprising two assemblies, each assembly comprises: a seat plate; a longish pipe element; and a wide belt. The seat plate is L-shaped and made of hard material, the longish pipe element is flexible and has padding on its top side, the longish pipe element mounted onto ferrule or hole integrated approximately in the middle of the vertical edge of the L-shaped seat plate, the first end of the wide belt is attached to the longish pipe element and adjustable upwards, downwards and around the pipe of the longish pipe element, and the second end of the wide belt has hook and loop fastener. The two assemblies are adapted to be fastened onto each other by the hook and loop fasteners, and the assemblies are designed so that the combined measurement of both the width and length of the seat plates is smaller than the measurement of a wheelchair seat, thereby allowing the width and vertical adjustment of the location of the seat plates on the wheelchair seat.
US09993683B2
A physical exercise apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a frame, a seat, a pair of movable arms, and a pair of cycling foot pedals. The seat may be supported by the frame and configured to support a user in an at least partially supine position. The pair of movable arms may be movably coupled to a first portion of the frame and coupled with a common, linearly movable resistance load. The first portion of the frame may be stationary with respect to the seat. The pair of cycling foot pedals may be movably coupled to a second portion of the frame and independently movable from the pair of movable arms so that the user can cycle the pair of cycling foot pedals while separately engaging the pair of movable arms.
US09993681B2
An improved exercise bench for effectively and efficiently training the core portion of the user's body. The core training bench comprises a bench having an upper section and a separate lower section, a frame for supporting the bench above a surface, leg members interconnecting the frame and the bench and pivoting mechanisms interconnecting the leg members and the bench or the frame to allow the sections of the bench to pivot or tilt relative to the leg members. In the preferred embodiment, the upper section is able to pivot independent of the pivoting lower section so the user can place the bench in any one of a plurality of different tilt positions so he or she may selectively exercise different muscle groups at his or her core. The core training bench can include an oblique stand, grip bar, tension cable hooks and/or a removable section for an AB ball.
US09993677B2
A jungle gym joint has a joint main body including joint shafts to which pipes are connected and rotary members. The pipe is connected to one end and a folding portion is formed at the other end of the rotary member, the folding member being formed by a flat plate portion being held in a bifurcate portion together with the joint main body. A cover member including engaging projections on an inner circumferential surface is provided on an outer circumference of the folding portion. The cover member is guided to move back and forth in an axial direction by the engaging projections being brought into engagement with guide grooves. The folding portion is restricted from being folded with the cover member staying in an advanced end position while the restriction of folding thereof can be released with the cover member staying in a withdrawal end position.
US09993661B2
A system and method for light stimulation within a medium. Products, compositions, systems, and methods for modifying a target structure which mediates or is associated with a biological activity, including treatment of conditions, disorders, or diseases mediated by or associated with a target structure, such as a virus, cell, subcellular structure or extracellular structure. The methods may be performed in situ in a non-invasive manner by application of an initiation energy to a subject thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure directly or via a modulation agent. The methods may further be performed by application of an initiation energy to a subject in situ to activate a pharmaceutical agent directly or via an energy modulation agent, thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure. Kits containing products or compositions formulated or configured and systems for use in practicing these methods.
US09993642B2
In various embodiments, non-invasive methods to induce motor control in a mammal subject to spinal cord or other neurological injuries are provided. In some embodiments the methods involve administering transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to the mammal at a frequency and intensity that induces locomotor activity.
US09993629B2
A balloon coating method and apparatus are disclosed which can perform coating while freely controlling, for example, the thickness of a coating layer and/or the morphological form of a drug. The balloon coating method and the balloon coating apparatus are for forming a coating layer on a surface of a balloon. The balloon coating method includes a pulling step of pulling the balloon in the direction of an axis of the balloon to thereby straighten a bend of the balloon, and a coating step of rotating the balloon about the axis of the balloon, with the balloon maintained in the bend-straightened state, and coating an outer surface of the balloon with a coating liquid containing a drug.
US09993625B2
A medical device for insertion and expansion in a body passageway. The medical device includes an inflatable device such as a balloon that is designed to be inflated and deflated while positioned in the body passageway. The inflatable device is inflatable by inserting a fluid in an internal cavity of the inflatable device. The inflatable device includes an outer surface that has a surface structure or micro-surface structure which is designed to at least partially penetrate into an inner wall of the body passageway when the inflatable device is inflated.
US09993624B2
A mechanism can include a step feature guidewire having a guidewire with a proximal end, a distal end, and a diameter. A self-expanding element can be disposed approximate to the distal end of the guidewire and can have at least two states which include a contracted diameter and an expanded diameter. The self-expanding element can be expandable under its inherent properties, based at least on its original shape and the nature of the materials that make up the element. Further, the expanded diameter can be approximately 70% to 280% of the guidewire diameter. While the guidewire is designed for passing through a body lumen while treating a patient, the expanded diameter is less than any body lumen diameter the guidewire is determined to pass through.
US09993623B2
Guidewires are disclosed being configured to achieve variable rigidity to facilitate percutaneous exploration and the traversal of overlying elements such as catheters, for instance in performing the Seldinger technique. Embodiments of guidewires comprise sheaths and cores configured to be tightened together to achieve stiffness of the guidewire. Embodiments further include cores having an axial passage, along with one or more sections capable of independent activation to achieve variable rigidity. Embodiments also include guidewires comprising combinations of solid, wound metallic, or polymeric coils, or woven meshes, with attached or detached polymer coatings. Cores may be configured to increase or decrease pressure, pass acoustic, ultrasonic or other mechanical energy, pass one or more metallic cores to interact with the distal mechanical elements, or as a channel to pass wires to activate the distal materials in the sections and distal tip.
US09993622B2
A fixator assembly comprising a fixator for fixing inside a blood vessel, a guide tube attached to the fixator and a pump for supplying a liquid to the blood vessel or from the blood vessel via the guide tube. Blood flow past the fixator is possible during pumping so that critical situations are avoided. A method of providing a liquid to a blood vessel using the assembly is also claimed. Sampling or liquid dosing thus may be performed during extended periods of time while performing this at a well-defined position in the blood vessel and potentially close to or at the desired position in the person.
US09993620B2
Methods and apparatus for anchoring a catheter to a patient's skin using a catheter anchoring device are described. The catheter anchoring device includes one or more pairs of sharps with a sharpened end configured to pierce the surface of the skin. A locking mechanism for the sharps is used as a failsafe mechanism. The catheter anchoring device further includes a catheter clamp for securing a catheter to the catheter anchoring device. Releasing the clamp allows an operator to reposition and secure the catheter at the new position without moving the catheter anchoring device.
US09993617B1
An elongated surgical manipulator apparatus and method of operating enables determination of the shape of a flexible portion of the elongated surgical manipulator and/or the location of an arbitrary point thereon, as well as a measure of a contact force exerted on a distal portion of the manipulator. A plurality of fiber optics are operatively coupled with the manipulator, each of the fiber optics including a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings for determination of the shape and/or position. Each of the fiber optics further includes a fiber optic strain gauge such as a Bragg grating or a Fabry-Perot resonator at a distal portion of the elongated surgical manipulator that is isolated from the strain associated with the bending of the manipulator. The fiber optic strain gauges at the distal portion may thus be used to detect a force vector (magnitude and direction) imposed on the distal portion.
US09993614B2
Various embodiments provide a catheter positioning device with components for controlling actuators of the catheter in multiple axes. A catheter may be attached to a sled member by a modular plate with one or more actuator interfaces that may couple with the actuators of a catheter handle. One or more motors or drives in the sled member may move the actuator interfaces of the modular plate to control one or more actuators on the catheter in different axes. In various embodiments the sled member may have a clam shell design in which two or more sides of the sled member close around the catheter handle. In further embodiments, the sled member may include adjustable faces that can fit different types of modular plates and thereby control actuators on different types of the catheter.
US09993611B2
A probe, consisting of a flexible insertion tube, for insertion into a subject via a body lumen. The probe includes a sequence of tubular modules contained within the insertion tube, each module having a rigid tube segment having a preset shape and containing internal grooves on an interior surface of the tube segment. The probe further includes a flexible expander tube, which is threaded through the sequence of tubular modules and has external grooves configured to engage the internal grooves within the tube segment of each of the tubular modules when the expander tube is expanded, so as to hold the tubular modules in mutual alignment, wherein the tubular modules are able to move out of mutual alignment when the expander tube is unexpanded. The probe also has an expansion element, which is insertable through the flexible expander tube so as to expand the expander tube.
US09993606B2
A mask system including a headgear and cushion module and a seal and frame module provided to the headgear and cushion module. The seal and frame module includes a sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the patient's face and a frame portion adapted to form a breathing chamber. The headgear and cushion module includes a cushion region adapted to support and shape the sealing portion and a headgear region adapted to support and stabilize the mask system on the patient's face.
US09993597B2
The invention relates to a lubricant coating (5) for a medical injection device (1), comprising successively: —a bottom layer (50) in contact with the medical device surface (21) of the container to be lubricated, comprising a mixture of cross-linked and non-cross-linked poly-(dimethylsiloxane), —an intermediate layer (51) consisting essentially of oxidized poly-(dimethylsiloxane) and having a thickness comprised between 10 and 30 nm and, —a top layer (52) consisting essentially of non-cross-linked poly-(dimethylsiloxane) and having a thickness of at most 2 nm. The invention also relates to a medical injection device comprising such a lubricant coating, and a manufacturing process for said coating.
US09993592B2
A cartridge system for delivery of medicament includes as membrane placed between two disk magnets that are housed within pump body inserts. The pump body inserts having flow channels and fluid openings are between two inlet/outlet members. The inlet/outlet members each having a fluid outlet component and fluid openings are securely engaged to two reservoirs containing fluid medicaments.
US09993591B2
A system for cleansing a patient's ear is disclosed. The system includes a control unit, a portable applicator, and a liquid reservoir. The liquid reservoir includes a heater. The control unit includes controls for maintaining the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir within certain limits, for limiting the pressure of the liquid, and for varying the flow rate and pressure of the liquid. The portable applicator includes a hand piece, a nozzle connected to the fluid source and mounted on the hand piece, and a trigger for providing a flow control signal to the control unit.
US09993589B2
Discussed is a method of extracting high-concentration plasma from whole blood, the method including: collecting whole blood in a first syringe; connecting a centrifugation tube to the first syringe and centrifuging the whole blood; separating the centrifugation tube containing red blood cells collected therein; discharging buffy coat from the first syringe; connecting the first syringe and a second syringe to a pair of inlets of a membrane filter; applying pressure to the first syringe to introduce the plasma into the membrane filter, and introducing the plasma from the second syringe into the membrane filter; repeating said applying and introducing steps; and collecting a high-concentration plasma containing components that are larger than a predetermined particle diameter and remain in a cavity portion of a membrane of the membrane filter without passing through the membrane.
US09993585B2
A system or device for providing medical suction, particularly for intubating patients, wherein the system or device helps prevent clogging from solids dispersed in the liquid to be suctioned. This device will allow the user to effectively clear an airway or other region of the patient while minimizing the occurrence of clogs and providing for the effective and expedited unclogging of the device without the necessity of removing the device from the patient or requiring two hands to unclog.
US09993578B1
The present invention relates to compositions in the form of oil-in-water dispersions comprising a silicone oil having an average droplet diameter from about 30 microns to about 2000 microns and a polymeric thickening agent. These compositions are useful for stimulating collagen production in human patients and other mammals, and have applications for soft tissue augmentation for various medical and cosmetic procedures. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing these compositions and to methods for stimulating collagen production in human patients and other mammals in need thereof. In contrast to the prior art, the compositions and methods of the present invention are particularly useful for stimulating the production of high quality collagen that is uniform, smooth, long-lasting, and having good structural integrity.
US09993575B2
Devices and methods relate to inducing or promoting hemostasis. The hemostasis device may include a support layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The device may include a layer, the layer disposed on the first surface. The layer may include a target surface configured to contact a target site. The layer may include a monolayer of about 100% graphene or may include laser-reduced graphene oxide. The device may include a sensor configured to measure a level of hemostasis of the target site. The methods relate to a method of manufacturing a hemostatic device including a monolayer of graphene or a layer of laser-reduced graphene oxide.
US09993573B1
A combination of herbal extracts in aqueous solution that when sprayed into a confined area as a fine mist, chemically neutralizes a wide range of odors including those that are acidic, alkaline, and neutral in nature. While this chemical solution may contain fragrances, odor elimination occurs chemically rather than by masking.
US09993572B2
An apparatus for sanitizing a stethoscope head. The apparatus includes a housing, a reservoir disposed within the housing for containing the sanitizing fluid, one or more applicator pads mounted on the housing, and a dispensing valve for dispensing the sanitizing fluid from the reservoir onto the applicator pad.
US09993567B2
The present invention provides antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind the ENDO180 polypeptide and are internalized thereby, to conjugates comprising the molecules, to compositions comprising the antibodies and conjugates and to methods of using the same for delivery of therapeutic agents to cells that express the ENDO180 polypeptide on the surface of the cell for treating cell proliferative diseases or disorders and fibrosis, and for controlling (modulating) tumor progression.
US09993566B2
Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.
US09993558B2
This invention provides for biocompatible, biodegradable eye drop pharmaceutical formulations useful for the treatment of ocular indications. In particular, tocopherols and their esters of low water solubility, notably α-tocopheryl acetate, are exceptional vehicles for biocompatible, nonirritating topical eye drop formulations that provide sustained release of active agents.
US09993556B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising glycerol esters of a fatty acid, wherein the compositions are useful for the delivery of anti-psychotic drugs.
US09993555B2
The invention is a composition of human insulin or insulin analog that includes specific concentrations of citrate, chloride, in some cases including the addition of sodium chloride, zinc and, optionally, magnesium chloride and/or surfactant, and that has faster pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic action than commercial formulations of existing insulin analog products.
US09993547B2
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treatment of HIV infection using a T20 expression vector, such as that shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3. The T20 expression vector may be used in a variety of therapeutic applications, such as ex vivo transfection of dendritic cells to induce a host immune response to HIV, localized transfection in vivo in a gene therapy approach to provide longer term delivery of T20, or in vitro production of T20 peptide. The T20 may be secreted into the circulation to act as a fusion inhibitor of HIV infection, or may induce an endogenous immune response to HIV or HIV-infected cells. Alternatively, a DDD peptide may be incorporated in a fusion protein comprising T20 or another antigenic protein or peptide to enhance the immune response to the protein or peptide.
US09993538B2
Provided are methods for inducing and maintaining protective immunity against a tumor expressing FRα in a subject, comprising the administration of one or more peptide vaccines according to a particular dosages or particular dosage regimens.
US09993537B2
Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to methods for inducing an immunologic response to a tumor in a patient using mature dendritic cells transfected with a nucleic acid composition encoding one or more tumor antigens and loaded with a corresponding tumor antigen composition.
US09993530B2
Provided are fragments of human p97 (melanotransferrin) polypeptides having blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport activity, including variants and combinations thereof, conjugates comprising the p97 fragments, and related methods of use thereof, for instance, to facilitate delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents across the BBB.
US09993528B2
Intestinal absorption is enhanced in short bowel syndrome patients presenting with colon-in-continuity by treatment with a GLP-2 receptor agonist, such as teduglutide.
US09993522B2
The invention provides methods treating pain by inhibiting a Cav3.2 channel expression or function, including the use of contacting said channel in situ with an inhibitor of USP5 or an inhibitor of the interaction between Cav3.2 and USP5.
US09993519B2
The present invention relates to an anticancer composition comprising a peptide that inhibits the proliferation of cancer stem cells present in tumor tissue and that induces apoptosis of such cancer stem cells, and more particularly, to an anticancer peptide that inhibits the activity of NF-κB which is overexpressed specifically in cancer stem cells present in tumors.
US09993509B2
A method for increasing the expression of SIRT1 mRNA and/or decreasing the expression of SOCS3 mRNA, and especially for regulating blood glucose levels in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of an active component selected from the group consisting of a compound of formula (I), a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound of formula (I), and combinations thereof: wherein X is H or C1-C3 alkyl; one of Y and Z is and the other one is H, OH or wherein when Y is Z is R1 to R13 are independently H or OH, and wherein, R1 to R3 are not simultaneously H; R8 and R9 are not simultaneously H.
US09993507B2
The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms—microbial consortia, and compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and compositions comprising the same, in methods for modulating the production and yield of milk and milk components in ruminants. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable components of milk in ruminants. Furthermore, the disclosure provides for methods of modulating the rumen microbiome.
US09993505B2
Methods of generating an innervated muscle structures are disclosed as well as bioengineered structures for tissue repair or regeneration. The methods can include the steps of obtaining populations of smooth muscle cells and neuronal progenitor cells and then seeding the cells together onto a matrix material, followed by culturing the seeded cells to form an innervated smooth muscle cell construct of directionally oriented smooth muscle cells. In one embodiment, the neuronal progenitor cells can be seeded first as neurospheres in a biocompatible solution, e.g., a collagen/laminin solution, and allowed to gel. Next, a second suspension of smooth muscle cells can be deposited as separate layer. Multiple layer structures of alternating muscle or neuron composition can also be formed in this manner. Differentiation of the neuronal progenitor cells can be induced by exposure to a differentiation medium, such as Neurobasal A medium and/or exposure to a differentiating agent, such as B-27 supplement. The innervated muscle structures can be disposed around a tubular scaffold, e.g., a chitosan-containing tube and further cultured to form tubular, bioengineered structures and two or more innervated muscle structures can be joined together to form an elongate composite structure.
US09993503B2
Methods for production of platelets from pluripotent stem cells, such as human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are provided. These methods may be performed without forming embryoid bodies or clusters of pluripotent stem cells, and may be performed without the use of stromal inducer cells. Additionally, the yield and/or purity can be greater than has been reported for prior methods of producing platelets from pluripotent stem cells. Also provided are compositions and pharmaceutical preparations comprising platelets, preferably produced from pluripotent stem cells.
US09993502B1
Disclosed herein is a genetically-modified cell comprising in its genome a modified human T cell receptor alpha constant region gene, wherein the cell has reduced cell-surface expression of the endogenous T cell receptor. The present disclosure further relates to methods for producing such a genetically-modified cell, and to methods of using such a cell for treating a disease in a subject.
US09993498B2
Embodiments of a method and supplement for preventing and/or treating gastrointestinal distress, including ulcer conditions, in animals are disclosed. The supplement comprises mastic gum and lecithin. The supplement may also comprise B vitamins, one or more prebiotics or probiotics, and one or more minerals as well as, pH buffers and flavoring. A disclosed method of preventing and/or treating gastrointestinal distress comprises orally dosing an animal with the supplement at least one daily.
US09993497B2
Disclosed herein are compositions, methods and uses utilizing alginate compositions, for treating, preventing and/or reducing liver damage induced by a hepatotoxic agent, and for treating a medical condition treatable by a hepatotoxic agent, in which an alginate composition is administered prior to, concomitant with, or shortly after exposure to a hepatotoxic agent. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a hepatotoxic agent and an alginate composition and uses thereof for treating medical conditions treatable by the hepatotoxic agent.
US09993494B2
The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for treating or preventing a fibrotic disorder or disease.
US09993492B2
The present invention refers to a compound selected from the group consisting of a lysophospholipid and a lysophospholipid analog for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of honeybee brood diseases, in particular American foulbrood and European foulbrood. The invention also refers to a diet composition, a sprayable composition, a dipping solution for brood combs, a beeswax composition and liposomal and microsphere- or nanosphere-based compositions, comprising a compound according to the invention, for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of bee brood diseases.
US09993491B2
The present invention includes novel compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of said compounds which exhibit antibiotic activity against microorganisms bearing a guanine riboswitch that controls the expression of the guaA gene, including organisms which are resistant to certain antibiotic families, and which are useful as antibacterial agents for treatment or prophylaxis of bacterial infections in animals or in humans, in particular but not limited to infections of the mammary gland, or their use as antiseptics, agents for sterilization or disinfection.
US09993488B2
A respirable dry powder including acetylsalicylic acid in particles having a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) within a range of about 0.5 μm to about 10 μm. The respirable dry powder may contain a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, such as a phospholipid, in an amount ranging from about 0.1% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) of the particles.
US09993477B2
This invention is directed to compounds, which are PDE9 enzyme inhibitors. The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides processes for the preparation of the compounds of formula (I) The present invention further provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a neurodegenerative disorder comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I). The present invention further provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a psychiatric disorder comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I).
US09993466B2
A transdermal delivery system for systemic delivery of donepezil is described, where the system comprises an adhesive matrix drug reservoir layer comprised of a copolymer of acrylic acid/vinyl acetate, triethyl citrate, and donepezil base generated in situ by reaction of donepezil HCl and an alkaline salt. The system is provided for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and achieves transdermal delivery of the therapeutic agent at steady state that is bioequivalent to administration of the therapeutic agent orally.
US09993464B2
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising methyl (2R.3R)-2-{3-[amino(imino)methyl]benzyl}-3-{[4-(1-oxidopyridin-4-yl)benzoyl]amino}butanoate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable acidic reacting compound or to an aqueous solution or dispersion of the composition as well as a process for the preparation of the same, methods of using such compositions to treat subjects suffering from conditions which can be ameliorated by the administration of an inhibitor of Factor Xa.
US09993454B2
The present invention belongs to the fields of pharmacology, medicine and medicinal chemistry. The present invention provides novel pharmaceutical compositions composed of solid nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous medium of substantially water insoluble pharmaceutical substances such as docetaxel with reduced Ostwald ripening.
US09993452B2
The present invention is directed to novel anti-inflammatory immunomodulators including creatinine or a creatinine salt, for example, creatinine hydrochloride. The present invention is also directed to methods for treating inflammation and inducing an immunomodulatory response. In particular, the anti-inflammatory immunomodulators are useful for treating an inflammatory condition or an autoimmune disease.
US09993437B2
A submicron structure includes a silica body defining a plurality of pores that are suitable to receive molecules therein, the silica body further defining an outer surface between pore openings of the plurality of pores; and a plurality of anionic molecules attached to the outer surface of the silica body. The anionic molecules provide hydrophilicity to the submicron structure and are suitable to provide repulsion between other similar submicron structures, and the submicron structure has a maximum dimension less than one micron.
US09993436B2
Using porous hollow fiber membranes, systems/methods for continuously synthesizing polymer-coated particles by anti-solvent crystallization are provided. The disclosed systems/methods provide for synthesis of polymer-coated drug particles/crystals from solutions of the polymer and the drug particles in suspension by exposing the solution to an anti-solvent through a porous hollow fiber device. A feed solution of a coating polymer with suspended drug particles can be exposed to an anti-solvent through hollow fiber pores, thereby causing the polymer to precipitate on and coat the drug particles. In addition, a feed solution of a coating polymer with drug in solution can be exposed to an anti-solvent through hollow fiber pores, thereby causing the drug to crystallize from the solution and the polymer to precipitate/coat the drug. Results indicate that a uniformly coated, free-flowing product may be developed in this advantageous porous hollow fiber anti-solvent crystallization method. The coated drug particles can be used for controlled release of the drug, and the molecule and the crystal structure are not affected by the process.
US09993432B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical dosage form comprising an active ingredient combination of nifedipine or nisoldipine and at least one angiotensin II antagonist and/or at least one diuretic, characterized in that nifedipine or nisoldipine is released in the body in a controlled (modified) manner and the angiotensin II antagonist and/or the diuretic is released rapidly (immediate release (IR)), and also to processes for their preparation, to their use as medicaments and to their use for the prophylaxis, secondary prophylaxis or treatment of disorders.
US09993424B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an intravaginal matrix drug delivery device. The process comprises the steps of combining at least one therapeutic agent in a therapeutically effective amount with at least one biocompatible elastomeric polymer to form a mix; curing said mix in a mold having a shape of said intravaginal drug delivery device, to form a polymer matrix; and maturing said polymer matrix to form the intravaginal drug delivery device.The maturing step alters the release rate characteristics of a device prepared in accordance with the process of the invention.
US09993406B2
Coloring agents for keratin fibers, in particular for human hair, include—based on their weight—at least one compound selected from the group of oxidation dye precursors, substantive dyes and mixtures thereof, 0.1 to 5% by weight dicarboxylic acid(s) having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and/or salt(s) of said acid(s), 20 to 95% by weight water and less than 0.1% by weight peroxide compound(s), result in oxidative coloring agents with improved fiber protection.
US09993400B2
A mascara composition including water; an emulsifying system of at least one C16-C18 alkyl phosphate and at least one C16-C22 fatty alkyl ether of polyethylene glycol, the ether with 1 to 19 ethylene glycol units and having an HLB<8 at 25° C.; at least one pigment having a color; and at least one wax; wherein the emulsification system inhibits aggregation of the pigment in the mascara composition such that the color of the pigment is not inhibited, and wherein the mascara composition has a viscosity ranging from 1 to 60 Pa·s.
US09993399B2
Provided herein are microalgal skin care compositions and methods of improving the health and appearance of skin. Also provided are methods of using polysaccharides for applications such as topical personal care products, cosmetics, and wrinkle reduction compositions. The invention also provides novel decolorized microalgal compositions useful for improving the health and appearance of skin. The invention also includes insoluble polysaccharide particles for application to human skin.
US09993398B2
This method comprises the following steps: flowing drops of a first phase, through a circulation duct, into a second phase that is substantially immiscible with the first phase, each drop comprising a core formed from the first phase and a shell formed from a layer of coacervate inserted between the first phase and the second phase; recovering a dispersion containing drops and the second phase in a container; injecting a solution for increasing the viscosity of the second phase in the circulation duct or at the outlet of the circulation duct, upstream from the container.
US09993397B2
Composite particles and compositions with the composite particles are described. The particles have a polymeric base with or without voids and subparticles whereby the subparticles have indexes of refraction above and below the index of refraction of the polymeric base. When typically applied, the compositions impart excellent soft focus results on the skin of consumers.
US09993388B2
The present invention relates to a footwear-type growth stimulation apparatus, and more specifically to a growth stimulation apparatus which can give a low-frequency stimulus to a front portion of the sole of the foot of a user who wears it on his/her feet during sleep, can give a continuous stimulus by preventing the feet from being removed therefrom due to twisting and turning during sleep, and can promote the secretion of growth hormone by allowing the weight to be concentrated on the front portion of the sole of the foot even during walking and thus performing continuous Bubbling Spring acupressure.
US09993385B2
A system to monitor visual health includes a processor operatively coupled to memory. The system further includes one or more subsystems configured to record data related to eye-health. The processor is configured to analyze the recorded data, detect a likelihood of eyestrain based on the analysis, and generate an alert to perform at least one action in response to the detection and based on the analysis.
US09993377B2
An articulating bed incorporating a frame having side frame members and a rigid cross frame member extending between the side frame members employs a flexible support member secured to the rigid cross frame member. Support arms engage an upper body portion of the flexible support member with lubricious support and are rotatable through a range of motion from an aligned position with the side frame members to a fully elevated position angularly supporting the upper body portion in a raised position. A leg portion adjustment member engages the flexible support member at a knee position intermediate a thigh portion and a leg portion of the flexible support member. The leg portion adjustment member is rotatable through a range of motion from an aligned position with the side frame members to a fully elevated position placing the knee position at an elevated location with angular positioning of the thigh portion and leg portion.
US09993373B2
A tampon disposal device includes a tubular stiffener, and a membrane conforming to the stiffener with an opening on one end and an enclosure opposite the opening. The membrane is folded inside the stiffener into a first layer attached to the stiffener; and second and third layers that form a lip surrounding the stiffener near a stiffener rim. The second layer folds over the rim, reversing direction to become the third layer lip portion. The third layer continues inside the stiffener. A weak adhesive attaches the lip to the outside stiffener. Another adhesive attaches the first layer to the second layer inside the stiffener. When a hand grasps a tampon string with the membrane and pulls on the string, the first adhesive allows the lip to separate and be pulled into the stiffener together with the tampon. Pushing inwardly on the stiffener seals the tampon inside the membrane.
US09993371B2
The device (10) has a handle (16) fixed to an end of a shaft (14). The handle is provided for the insertion of a detachable collection container (12) into a vagina, for rotation of the collection container about its longitudinal axis within the vagina or for the removal of the collection container from the vagina. The handle is provided with a hole (24), which is connected with the hollow interior of the shaft or a ventilation tube to ensure the supply of air to prevent pressure differences during removal of the collection container from the vagina. An independent claim is included for a method for absorption and controlled discharge of liquid excretion from a vagina.
US09993369B2
An article having as a component a nonwoven material, which includes a layer of spunbond fibers. The fibers of the nonwoven material are made of a composition that includes a first polyolefin, a second polyolefin that is a propylene copolymer and is different from the first polyolefin and a softness enhancer additive. The layer of fibers also includes a plurality of calendering bonds with an aspect ratio of at least 2.5.
US09993363B2
An ostomy appliance includes a dual-chamber pouch, which can continuously drain liquids from body waste, while collecting solids in the pouch. The ostomy appliance can also include a flat output tap including a lumen, the size of which can be increased by applying pressure.
US09993360B2
An endovascular system (10) includes an endovascular implant (20) and a delivery tool (30). The implant (20) is configured to assume a radially-compressed delivery state, and a radially-expanded deployment state. The delivery tool (30) includes a proximal main delivery catheter (36), having a distal portion (46) in which the implant (20) is disposed while in the radially-compressed delivery state; and a distal restraining assembly (50), which includes a restraining-assembly tubular shaft (52) disposed distal to the proximal main delivery catheter (36). The distal restraining assembly (50) is configured to assume an engaged state, in which the distal restraining assembly (50) prevents proximal displacement of the implant (20) relative to the distal restraining assembly (50), and a disengaged state, in which the distal restraining assembly (50) allows proximal displacement of the implant (20) relative to the distal restraining assembly (50). Other embodiments are also described.
US09993359B2
The invention relates to a balloon catheter comprising a catheter tube, an inflatable balloon, the ends of which are attached to the catheter tube, and a stent attached around the balloon. The stent extends at least partly along the length of the balloon. In an uninflated state, at least the outside surface of the balloon not covered by the stent is provided with a relief structure which is substantially disappeared in an inflated state of the balloon. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a balloon catheter.
US09993356B2
An orthopedic device for the orthotic or prosthetic provision of a patient. The orthopedic device includes a knee joint which has a proximal upper part and a distal lower part arranged pivotably thereon, an ankle joint, a pivoted foot part which can be fastened distally to the ankle joint, and a shin part arranged between the ankle joint and the knee joint. The upper part of the knee joint or a thigh part fastened thereto that can be attached to the patient's body and is coupled with the foot part by means of a force transfer device, which causes a plantar flexion of the foot part when a knee is flexed.
US09993352B2
Biomedical implants comprising portions made of disparate materials, such as intervertebral implants and related methods and instruments. In some embodiments, the implant may comprise a base portion comprising a first material and a secondary fastener portion comprising a second material having distinct physical properties relative to the first material. The secondary portion may wholly define a front end wall surface of the implant, and the base portion and the secondary portion may collectively define at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the implant.
US09993341B2
An additively manufactured medical implant, comprising a metallic body having at least one porous surface configured to promote bony on-growth or in-growth of tissue, the porous surface being replicated from a high resolution scan of bone, and a biological surface coating configured to create a barrier to particulate debris, the biological surface coating being produced from a titanium porous plasma spray surface coating or a biomimetic coating.
US09993329B2
A stent graft prosthesis includes spaced stent elements for location on a tubular graft. First and second stent elements are located in first and second locations on the graft. The second stent element includes a saddle shaped stent. The first stent element includes a ring shaped stent. Optionally a third stent element is also present. The tubular graft includes a graft sleeve. The prosthesis can be used for treatment of vascular disorders such as aortic aneurysm.
US09993327B2
A urological device includes a valve support stem, a bladder retainer, and a urological valve. The valve support stem is adapted for placement in a urethra of a user and extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The bladder retainer is adapted for placement in a bladder of the user. The bladder retainer is connected to the valve support stem at a support stem location between the proximal end and the distal end of the valve support stem. The bladder retainer is formed as a wall of material extending radially outwardly from the valve support stem, with a proximal surface of the wall forming an acute angle relative to the valve support stem. The urological valve is disposed in the bladder retainer at a location proximal to the support stem location and proximal to the proximal surface of the wall.
US09993325B2
An embolic protection device comprising an expandable structure and a catheter. The catheter has a distal region and a working channel dimensioned to slideably receive an interventional device. The expandable structure is attached to the distal region of the catheter. The expandable structure has an expandable working channel extension and a working channel opening, the expandable working channel extension has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the working channel extension is attached to a distal end of the working channel, and the distal end of the working channel extension forms the working channel opening. The working channel opening is disposed proximate an exterior surface of the expandable structure when the expandable structure is expanded. The working channel, working channel extension, and the working channel opening form a continuous lumen.
US09993315B2
The invention relates to a removable lingual-vestibular dental alignment device comprising an assembly of independent caps (12). The inner part of each cover (12) includes a fissure (14) for coupling to a fixing element (21, 24, and 27) adhered to the tooth (20) and outer elements (13) facilitating the passage of the dental arch (16) having a circular, square or rectangular section. The invention also relates to a method for the production of the caps (12) that includes scanning the mold of the denture and working on a virtual mold in order to include the corrective elements. The caps (12, 35) are produced after printing the result of the denture (9) with the different elements and subsequent stamping method or from the printing of a file corresponding to a virtual cap produced on the virtual denture (8) that includes the virtual cuboids (4) and virtual half-spheres (5).
US09993311B2
A method and system are provided for visualizing a surgical path for a surgical tool. The method comprises a step of receiving anatomical information about a position of at least one anatomical structure in a region to undergo surgery, geometric information describing the surgical path and at least one safety margin defining a minimal distance between the surgical tool and the anatomical structure. The method further comprises defining a critical segment of the surgical path, in which critical segment a distance to the anatomical structure is smaller than the safety margin. Then a graphical representation of the surgical path is provided, wherein the critical segment is highlighted.
US09993310B2
A surgical drape is provided that has a drape body that has an upper surface and an oppositely disposed lower surface. A sleeve extends from the drape body into which an arm of a patient is located when the drape is positioned on the patient. A sleeve attachment component is located on the sleeve, and a body attachment component that is located on the drape body. The sleeve attachment component is attachable to the body attachment component in order to attach the sleeve to the drape body at a first location. A fenestration is present through which a portion of the patient can be accessed when the drape is positioned on the patient.
US09993309B2
A force/torque transducer comprises a first member, a second member for receiving a load, and load cells connecting the first and second members. The load cells include sensors for measuring physical deformation of the load cells. Sensor measurements are convertible into force/torque measurements using a transformation matrix configured with M rows and N columns. M and N are respectively defined by a number of degrees of freedom monitored by the transducer and a number of load cells employed by the transducer, or vice-versa. Each row or column that corresponds to each load cell has values relating to that one load cell. Each row or column that corresponds to each degree of freedom has values relating to that one degree of freedom. A sum of the values in each row or column corresponding to each degree of freedom is substantially equal to zero.
US09993297B2
The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves. According to some embodiments, the sensory nerves include neurons configured to transmit signals triggered by food passing through the duodenum, such as, but not limited to, neurohormonal signals.
US09993295B2
A method for treating tissue through a branched luminal network of a patient is provided. A pathway to a point of interest in branched luminal network of a patient is generated. An extended working channel is advanced transorally into the branched luminal network and along the pathway to the point of interest. The extended working channel may be positioned in a substantially fixed orientation at the point interest. A tool is advanced though the extended working channel to the point of interest. Tissue at the point of interest is treated.
US09993288B2
A forceps includes first and second shaft members, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The first and second shaft members are pivotably coupled to one another toward the distal ends thereof and are moveable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position for moving the jaw members between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A knife assembly including a handle and a knife extending from the handle is also provided. The knife assembly is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The handle is disposed between the first and second shaft members and is configured to block further closure of the first and second shaft members beyond the closed position, thereby defining a minimum gap distance between the jaw members.
US09993284B2
An apparatus for operating on tissue comprises an end effector disposed at the distal end of an elongate shaft and including a first jaw and a second jaw that is selectively pivotable toward and away from the first jaw to capture tissue. A trigger is configured to move the second jaw toward and away from the first jaw. The locking mechanism in the locked state is configured to allow movement of the second jaw along a first path where a relative angle between the first jaw and the second jaw is limited to a first maximum angle. The locking mechanism in the unlocked state is configured to allow movement of the second jaw along a second path where the relative angle between the first jaw and the second jaw is limited to a second maximum angle. The second maximum angle is greater than the first maximum angle.
US09993280B2
A system and method of using a source of low-pressure refrigerant for a cryotherapy procedure. The system may generally include a fluid reservoir and a fluid flow path in thermal exchange with the fluid reservoir, the fluid flow path including a thermal exchange device in thermal exchange with the fluid reservoir, a compressor in fluid communication with the thermal exchange device, a condenser, a reversing valve located between the compressor and the condenser, and an expansion valve located between the condenser and the thermal exchange device. The method may include transferring a low-pressure refrigerant to a first fluid reservoir, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant within the first fluid reservoir, increasing the temperature of the refrigerant within the first fluid reservoir, and transferring the pressurized refrigerant from the first fluid reservoir to a second fluid reservoir.
US09993274B2
A bone fixing system useful for holding bone in position, and a method for installing the same are disclosed. The ends of a conformable ligature are passed around bones, bone grafts, tendons, plates, rods, fasteners, or other anatomical or implanted structures, and the like to form a loop extending from a first portion of a body. The ends of the conformable ligature are passed through the body and extend out a second portion of the body. The ends may be attached to a tensioning tool and a selected tension may be applied. A closure member may engage an engagement portion of the body to create a friction force to hold the conformable ligature in place without significant movement relative to the body.
US09993269B2
Orthopedic fixation devices and methods of installing the same. The orthopedic fixation device may include a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element.
US09993267B2
An orthopedic device includes a fixator body having a first part and a second part that are connected by a joint and having an internally threaded bore extending longitudinally therethrough. A first pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots is provided in the first part and a second pair of opposed longitudinally extending slots is provided in the second part. A first and second pin-holders are received within and threadably engage the internally threaded bore of the first part and the second part, respectively, and are configured to removably hold a first and second sets of one or more bone fixation pins extending through the first and second pairs of opposed longitudinally extending slots, respectively.
US09993255B2
A system includes a guide arm, a ratchet arm frame configured to be coupled to the guide arm, a ratchet arm configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm frame, and a sagittal sizing guide body configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm. The sagittal sizing guide body includes a first radiopaque object disposed at a first position and a second radiopaque object disposed at a second position that is spaced apart from the first position. The first radiopaque object has a length that corresponds to a length of a second prosthesis component. When the surgical alignment system is positioned for use on a patient, the first radiopaque object identifies a location at which a first resection of a first bone is to be performed. The second radiopaque object has a profile that corresponds to a profile of a first prosthesis component for installation on a second bone.
US09993247B2
A device for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue. The device includes a fastener push rod including a first portion, a second portion and a force limiting mechanism operably coupled between the first portion and the second portion. A fastener is carried by the second portion of the fastener push rod. The force limiting mechanism transmits longitudinal movement of the first portion to the second portion while the forces applied to the fastener by the fastener push rod are less than a predetermined value such that longitudinal movement of the first portion of the fastener push rod causes substantially equivalent longitudinal movement of the second portion. The force limiting mechanism allows relative longitudinal motion between the first and second portions while the forces applied to the fastener are equal to or greater than the predetermined value such that the application of undue forces to the fastener is prevented.
US09993232B2
A biopsy device to remove tissue from a patient and place a marker in the patient. The device includes a needle with an opening where tissue enters. The tissue which enters the opening is cut and stored in the device. After the desired number of tissue samples are obtained, a marker is released from the same needle opening. The biopsy sampling and marker release are integrated for one hand operation in a single device.
US09993230B2
This disclosure includes shave biopsy devices having an elongated body with a proximal surface extending between first and second ends that are configured to be grasped by a user's fingers and a blade coupled to the body, where the body is configured to be curved such that the proximal surface is concave. In some devices, at least a portion of the body has a substantially fixed curvature. Some devices include a depth gauge disposed on at least one of the blade and proximal surface of the body, the depth gauge configured to indicate slicing depth of the blade when the body is curved to at least one predetermined curvature.
US09993224B2
Ultrasound systems and methods provide a workflow to automatically identify a fetal heartbeat. A region of interest (ROI) is identified in an ultrasound image and an ROI is identified that contains the fetal heart. The ultrasound system produces spatially different M-mode lines associated with the ROI. The ultrasound system can identify a fetal heartbeat by tracking the changing position of the heart wall and estimate the fetal heart rate, e.g. by measuring from peak-to-peak of two subsequent waves. The echo signals for the M-mode lines can also be ranked according to the likely presence of a fetal heartbeat in the echo data.
US09993216B2
A method for creating a resultant image for a specifiable, virtual x-ray quanta energy distribution includes capturing a first image dataset of the patient, capturing at least one second image dataset of the patient, and specifying a virtual x-ray quanta energy distribution. The method also includes establishing a spatial density distribution of the patient for at least two materials based on the first image dataset and the at least one second image dataset. The method includes creating a third image dataset of the patient based on the specified virtual x-ray quanta energy distribution and the established spatial material density distributions. The third image dataset represents an x-ray attenuation distribution of the patient corresponding to the specified virtual x-ray quanta energy distribution. The method also includes creating the virtual image from the third image dataset.
US09993211B2
A system and method for automatic registration of medical images includes accessing image data of a subject and plurality of elongated fiducial markers arranged in an asymmetrical orientation and analyzing the image data to detect the elongated fiducial markers by applying a line filter to treat the elongated fiducial markers as lines within the image data. The system and method also includes matching the elongated fiducial markers within the image data to a model of the elongated fiducial markers, registering the image data with a coordinate system based on the matching, and generating a report indicating at least the registered image data.
US09993210B2
A device for processing alarms includes a processor and a computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform various operations. The operations include receiving a first alarm from a first diagnostic device and determining a location associated with a first user. When the location associated with the first user is determined to be proximate to a device, the operations further include presenting a first verbal alert indicating that the first diagnostic device is presenting the first alarm. When the location associated with the first user is determined to be not proximate to the device, the operations further include sending a first notification message to a first mobile device of the first user indicating that the first diagnostic device is presenting the first alarm.
US09993201B2
A wearable device includes a main body, and a strap connected to the main body, the strap being configured to be flexible. The wearable device further includes a light source disposed in the strap, the light source being configured to emit light onto a surface of a user. The wearable device further includes a spectrum portion disposed in the main body, and an optical waveguide disposed in the strap, the optical waveguide being configured to receive the emitted light traveling into and out from the surface, and transmit the received light to the spectrum portion. The wearable device further includes a detector disposed in the main body, the detector being configured to detect the transmitted light dispersing through the spectrum portion.
US09993198B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that is adapted to assist in weight loss and exercise. The apparatus comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) having computer program code adapted to assist in at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. The PDA also includes computer program code adapted to display historical data regarding at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products.
US09993183B2
An apparatus comprising a system with an array of sensors, sound and light emitting and receiving devices having at least one object control from a monitored object comprised of an operator, a patient, an animal, or machine, control of at least one performance parameter of the system; at least one iris/retina biometric sensor; at least one physiological iris/pupil sensor; at least one infinite random light emitter; said at least one iris/pupil biometric sensor; said at least one physiological pupil sensor and said one infinite random light emitter operatively connected and synchronized communication with each other utilizing at least one central processing unit; said at least one biometric sensor and said at least one physiological sensor delivering a parallel array of sensory readings to said central processing unit; said central processing unit capable of detecting a normal or an abnormal sensory reading; said at least one central processing unit capable of effecting said at least one performance parameter in response to said sensory reading; and said central processing unit recording said sensory reading on a storage medium to be used for identifying and detection of said alive status and health condition of the monitored object in real time.
US09993178B2
Systems, devices and methods of determining orientation of a distal end of a medical instrument (e.g., electrode-tissue orientation of an RF ablation catheter) are described herein. One or more processors may be configured to receive temperature measurements from each of a plurality of temperature-measurement devices distributed along a length of the distal end of the medical instrument and determine the orientation from a group of two or more possible orientation options based on whether temperature measurement values or characteristics of temperature response determined from the temperature measurement values satisfy one or more orientation criteria.
US09993176B2
A biosignal detecting apparatus and method thereof are disclosed, including a ring-type main body, and a pair of electrodes configured to be in contact with a finger of a user and to detect a biosignal of the user. An electrode of the pair of electrodes is disposed along an inner surface of the main body.
US09993174B2
A method of deriving one or more individual thoracic parameters of a subject. The method comprises instructing a subject to perform a thoracic volume manipulation, receiving a plurality of measurements of a plurality of EM signals from a thoracic intrabody area of lungs of the subject during the thoracic volume manipulation, deriving a plurality of thoracic volume values at a plurality of different intervals during the thoracic volume manipulation so that each the thoracic volume value correspond with another of a plurality of estimated thoracic volumes achieved during the thoracic volume manipulation, and calculating at least one individual thoracic parameter of the subject by combining between the plurality of measurements and the plurality of thoracic volume values.
US09993164B2
A monitoring apparatus includes a condition determining section which is configured to determine a condition of one of a heart, lungs, and blood vessels based on: a concentration of carbon dioxide in an expired gas which is measured by using a first sensor; and an oxygen transport parameter or a metabolic parameter which is measured by using a second sensor.
US09993157B2
An optical measuring system comprises a control device and an optical meter. The optical meter comprises a first case, a first controller for controlling light emitters for irradiating a patient with light and light receivers for receiving light from the patient to obtain measurement data regarding a cerebral activity, and a first transmitter and receiver for transmitting the measurement data to the control device. The control device comprises a second case removably attached to the first case, a display and input device on a surface of the second case, a second transmitter and receiver for receiving the measurement data from the optical meter, and a second controller for controlling the display and input device to display the measurement data from the optical meter. The second case can be attached on a top face of the first case when the first case is placed on a table.
US09993156B2
A computerized method of generating a map of myelin tissue of a brain is described. In addition sub-maps of different myelin contents can be imaged. The method uses a simulation model comprising at least two interacting tissue compartments.
US09993148B2
A multiple piece tongue blade is described. The multiple piece tongue blade is provided with a step and a tip. The stem is adapted to be inserted into a handle of a surgical retractor. The tip is adapted to be selectively attached to the stem. The tip is insertable into a mouth of a patient such that the tip applies pressure onto a tongue of the patient.
US09993145B2
A washing instrument for an insertion device performs positioning of a distal portion by an axial direction regulating portion provided in a cylindrical hollow washing instrument main body and abutting on the distal portion of the insertion device, and a rotating direction regulating portion facing an observation surface of the insertion device, thereby attaching the insertion device. A raised distal portion of a swing base received in a receiving chamber of the distal portion abuts on a projecting locking portion provided on an inner peripheral surface between the washing ports, the locking portion and the axial direction regulating portion hold a positioned state of the distal portion, and washing liquids jetting out from the washing ports directly collide with washing target regions of the receiving chamber to perform washing.
US09993139B2
An optical scanning endoscope apparatus includes an optical fiber for illumination, a driver that drives the tip of the optical fiber for illumination in a Lissajous scan pattern, illumination lenses that irradiate an object of observation with irradiation light emitted from the tip of the fiber, a photodetector that detects light obtained from the object of observation by irradiation with the irradiation light and converts the light to an electrical signal, an image processor that generates an image based on the electrical signal output by the photodetector, and a phase adjustor that adjusts the phase of the drive waveform of the driver so as to correct a phase shift between the drive waveform of the tip of the fiber by the driver and the vibration waveform of the tip of the fiber.
US09993127B2
A vacuum cleaner includes a foot assembly having a suction inlet thereon, a suction source in fluid communication with the suction inlet to produce a working airflow therethrough, and a dirt container in fluid communication with the suction inlet and suction source. The foot assembly further comprises a body defined by a central portion and a pair of extension arms, a rotatable agitator on each extension arm, and a drive assembly configured to counter-rotate the agitators. The counter-rotating agitators are operable to cooperate with the suction source to direct dust and debris towards the suction inlet.
US09993121B1
A bathing tool consisting of a bathing ball and a handle is disposed. The bathing ball includes a base including a first back panel with equiangularly spaced first rib portions and a second back panel with equiangularly spaced second rib portions arranged in a stack. The first and second rib portions are alternatively arranged in a stagger manner, having respectively a first mating connection portion and a second mating connection portion. The handle is detachably connected to one second rib portion of the second back panel. Thus, on the one hand, the present invention allows the user to operate the bathing ball through the handle to clean every part of the body of a person, and on the other hand, the mating between the first and second mating connection portions allows multiple bathing balls to be connected together to expand the bathing area.
US09993119B2
A liquid dispenser is disclosed. The liquid dispenser includes a reservoir for containing liquid to be dispensed; a dispenser outlet for discharge of the liquid from the reservoir; a discharge mechanism operable to discharge the liquid from the dispenser outlet when activated; and a personal dispenser removably coupled to the dispenser outlet. The personal dispenser includes a receptacle for containing the liquid discharged from the dispenser outlet; an inlet port for receiving the liquid discharged from the dispenser outlet; and an outlet port for discharge of the liquid from the receptacle. The personal dispenser is configured so that, while the personal dispenser is coupled to the dispenser outlet, the liquid discharged from the dispenser outlet accumulates in the receptacle until the receptacle contains a preselected volume of the liquid, and once the receptacle contains the preselected volume of the liquid, the discharge of further said liquid from the dispenser outlet causes the liquid contained in the receptacle to be discharged from the outlet port.
US09993115B2
What is disclosed an improved spatula-tong combination culinary tool, wherein the tong member is coupled to the spatula member in a way such that the tong member is movable to and from one side of the spatula member via a hinged/pivotable/rotatable coupling, and wherein the hinged/pivotable/rotatable coupling is disposed such that the tong member can bias food from a cooking surface onto the spatula from the side of the spatula and the axis of rotation of the tong member is orthogonal with respect to the planar surface of the spatula. In variations, the tool-heads of the improved culinary tool are detachably removable and changeable to other tool members, including the ability to interchange the positions of the spatula member and the tong member, in case a user prefers to bias target food items onto the spatula member from one side or another.
US09993113B2
A filtration device to filter cooking oil is provided having an upper layer comprised of a filter paper and a lower layer comprised of a filter pad. The filter paper of the upper layer includes pleats defining a plurality of food particle receiving channels over a substantial portion of a central area of the filter paper. The filter pad is attached to a peripheral portion of the filter paper to form a multi-layered filtration device having a central pleated region in which the upper and the lower layers are unbonded to each other. The central pleated region is configured to accumulate food particles above a threshold size as the filter paper and filter pad cooperatively filter cooking oil during a filtration operation. Methods of making and using filtration devices are also provided.
US09993109B2
An adjustable food holding apparatus, said apparatus comprising: at least one fork assembly selectively, releasably, and slidably disposed along a rotisserie rod.
US09993105B2
The present application relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of use for producing beverages. The apparatus includes components and methods for facilitating beverage production applying water or other liquid in combination with a brewing substance and controlled aeration and pressurization of a mixing vessel or column. The aeration of the water and brewing substance can be accomplished with a vacuum system, a positive pressurization system, and a combination of such systems. The apparatus, systems, and methods can be used with a variety of beverage making devices such as a device which might be used to controllably produce volumes of beverage to a reservoir. The methods include controllable aeration and pressurization of the vessel for brewing which may include controlling extraction time, steep time, active controllable agitation of the brewing substance, as well as other brewing characteristics, features, and actions.
US09993097B2
A drinking cup includes a container with an open top and defining a longitudinal axis. The container includes a neck having a plurality of first detents provided on an outer surface. A handle assembly includes a rim and at least one handle integrally formed with the rim. The rim defines an opening sized to receive the container neck. The handle assembly has a plurality of second detents shaped to mate with the first detents, wherein selective engagement of the first and second detents configured to allow incremental rotational movement of the handle assembly on the neck about the container axis.
US09993093B2
A highlighter tool for enhanced display of greeting cards on a store shelf is provided. The highlighter includes a display portion, one or more support members coupled to the display portion, and one or more receiving notches coupled to the display portion for receiving a portion of a shelf and supporting the highlighter. In one exemplary embodiment, the highlighter includes a first receiving notch, a first support member, and a left wall aligned and coupled with a left edge of the display portion, and a right receiving notch, a second support member, and a right wall aligned and coupled with a right edge of the display portion. The highlighter may comprise a first and a second half rotatably coupled with a center hinge, and left and right walls rotatably coupled to the respective first and second halves, allowing the highlighter tool to be folded into a compact configuration for storage.
US09993089B1
Adjustable bed frame rail riser assemblies include a first riser assembly that detachably couples to a first rail of a bed frame and a second riser assembly that detachably couples to a second rail of the bed frame. Each riser assembly includes a wedge with a top surface with a slope that inclines or declines a mattress or box spring that resides on the top surface. The riser assemblies may be detachably coupled to standard metal or wooden bed frames and need not be permanent fixtures of the bed frames. The riser assemblies of the present invention do not require levers, arms, or electrical parts. The riser assemblies can further be coupled to standard metal or wooden bed frames, without requiring specially designed beds or bed frames.
US09993083B2
Disclosed are foldable chair frames and foldable chairs. A foldable chair frame includes left and right side frames, each having a front leg, a backrest rod, a rear leg, and a seat rod. The backrest rod is integrally formed with the front leg and extended from the upper end of the front leg at an obtuse angle with respect to the front leg. The rear leg has an upper end configured to abut and support the front leg when the foldable chair frame is unfolded. The seat rod is pivotally connected to the front and rear legs. A foldable chair frame also includes front and rear supporting rods disposed between the left and right side frames at front and rear sides of the foldable chair frame. The front and rear supporting rods are pivotally connected to the left and right side frames.
US09993080B2
Beam mounted chair assemblies may include at least two standards supported on a floor, a beam secured to, and supported by, the standards, and a plurality of chair assemblies secured to, and supported by, the beam. Chair assemblies may be secured to a beam via associated chair brackets. Chair brackets may include chair seat pivots that pivotally secure a chair seat in proximity to a chair back such that the chair seat may pivot between an up and a down position. Chair brackets and standards may be secured to a beam such that the chair brackets and standards may be linearly positioned along a full length of the beam without interfering with one another. The beam mounted chair assemblies may include electrical power and/or data wiring and associated components.
US09993069B2
A circuit controls a height-adjustable table. A current load acts on the table plate and is measured by a force-sensitive sensor and serves as control signal of a control according to the invention. Derived from this signal, a collision of the electrically height-adjustable table with fixed objects is recognized. Control signals are also detected, which are inputted by an operator of the table in the form of applications of force onto the table plate. Here, the table or respectively the control device is situated in a state of rest until the user of the table exerts a brief force impulse onto the table plate, i.e. presses once onto the table plate. Thereafter, the control changes from a state of rest into an operating state and waits for control inputs. When the user now presses from above onto the table plate, the latter moves electrically downwards.
US09993068B2
An electrical adjustable table having a table plate, a table foot, a lifting structure, a hand control device, a motion sensor unit, and a control box is provided. The electrical adjustable table adjusts a height of the table plate heading to a first direction after receiving an operation sent via the hand control device, and stops adjusting the height of the table plate after sensing the table plate is tilted via the motion sensor unit during adjusting the height of the table plate.
US09993065B2
A multipurpose brush mechanism and particularly a multipurpose art brush mechanism featuring an attachment and retainer mechanism to provide ease of use and effective storage for professional painters and consumers alike. The brush functions as an ordinary art brush, with the addition of magnetically enhanced provisions for storage and location, including upright displacement, and rotationally enhanced positioning, to allow for ease of reaching different angles for application.
US09993060B2
The present invention provides a cosmetic container having dual contents, in which first and second materials are separated, but the second material is discharged into the container body 10 and mixed with the first material by a user in use. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the second material that is sensitive to external environments from being exposed to the outside until a user uses it.
US09993057B2
An intelligent schoolbag, comprising a schoolbag body, wherein storage spaces are formed in the schoolbag body, and book selection means are arranged in the storage spaces; wheels and a driving device for driving the wheels to walk are arranged on the schoolbag body, the driving device is connected with pedals for the user to tread on, and the driving device is an electric monowheel of which the walking speed is controlled by an gravity sensing gyroscope. The intelligent schoolbag of the invention can keep books therein in order despite of bumping, thus articles in the schoolbag are neat. The schoolbag realizes easy access to books and can really reduce the burden to carry the schoolbag on the way to schools, and can better meet the needs of students.
US09993055B2
A bottle holder includes a case assembly and at least one padding assembly. The case assembly includes a body defining at least one compartment and having an open end giving access to the at least one compartment dimensioned to fully accommodate a bottle inserted axially, and a lid attached to the body and selectively closeable to cover the open end of the body and enclose the bottle in the at least one compartment. The at least one padding assembly is arranged in the at least one compartment and is dimensioned to be partially compressed between the bottle and walls of the at least one compartment.
US09993043B1
A safety helmet includes a shell, a plurality of internal lamps located on an inner surface of the shell, and a headlight assembly attached to an outer surface of the shell.
US09993042B1
A head covering system comprises a cap as an inner component and an outer head covering that cooperate to help protect the head from the elements but helps to protect against vision obstruction when the head is moved. A headgear system comprises a cap having a head engaging portion and a visor that engages and moves with the head of the user. An outer covering fits over the cap and at least a portion of the head of the user comprises head covering portion, an optionally a neck covering portion, and a bill attached to the head covering portion.
US09993028B2
An exemplary atomizer includes a main body of housing, a mouthpiece, an atomizing core, an atomizing cover. The main body of housing defines a liquid chamber configured for storing tobacco liquid. The mouthpiece is detachably connected with an end of the main body of housing. The atomizing core arranged in the main body of housing. The atomizing cover is arranged in the liquid chamber. The atomizing core is arranged in the atomizing cover. The atomizing cover has a top surface, and the top surface defines at least one liquid inlet. The atomizing core includes a heating element and a liquid conducting element surrounding the heating element. The liquid conducting element is configured for absorbing tobacco liquid flowed from the at least one liquid inlet, and the heating element is configured for atomizing the tobacco liquid in the liquid conducting element.
US09993020B2
A meltable smokeless tobacco composition configured for insertion into the mouth of a user is provided. The smokeless tobacco composition includes a tobacco material and a lipid having a melting point of about 36° C. to about 45° C. An associated process is also provided. The process includes melting a lipid having a melting point of about 36° C. to about 45° C. to form a molten lipid composition, mixing a tobacco material with the molten lipid composition to form a molten smokeless tobacco composition, and cooling the molten smokeless tobacco composition to form a solidified smokeless tobacco composition.
US09993016B1
A hands free frozen drink mixer system is a frozen drink mixing system of the immersion type that enables the user to automatically and hands-free blend ingredients for a frozen drink, add flavorings while blending, and automatically shut off the blender after a programmed interval of time. The hands free frozen drink mixer system may have a mixer assembly having an elevated motor supported by a back stand that integrally connects with a base having a drip basin and removable rack. A mixer shaft having a rotary blade assembly extends vertically downward from the front bottom side of the motor, and a canister holder that is adjustable in height via a vertical track holds a mixing canister. The canister is positioned over the base which has a removable drip tray.
US09993012B2
A system for producing chocolate-based articles in solidifying form includes a transportation system having at least a first conveyor belt looped around at least a first and second axes. A dispensing unit is arranged to dispense chocolate mass in liquid form along an outer surface of a top load carrying side of the at least first conveyor belt. The at least one conveyor belt is arranged for transporting the chocolate mass through at least one cooling chamber at a predetermined speed along a first and a second cooling path, which may be positioned opposite one another. The system may further include a release mechanism positioned along the second cooling path for releasing the chocolate mass from an outer surface of the bottom load carrying side of the at least first conveyor belt.
US09993010B2
A carotenoid-containing composition including: a carotenoid component containing a crystalline carotenoid that is in an amorphous state; a (poly)glycerol fatty acid ester that contains from one to six glycerol units and from one to six fatty acid units and has at least one hydroxyl group resulting from a glycerol unit; a fatty acid ester component which is at least one selected from the group consisting of triesters of glycerol and fatty acids, and esters of alcohols having one hydroxyl group and fatty acids, contains no hydroxyl group in a molecule, and has from 10 to 60 carbon atoms in total; and an antioxidant.
US09993005B2
Provided are methods and compositions for preventing or delaying a chill injury response of a plant or plant part that exhibits a chill injury response. The methods comprise exposing the plant or plant part to one or more bacteria, one or more enzymes, and/or an enzymatic extract isolated from one or more bacteria. The one or more bacteria, one or more enzymes, and/or the enzymatic extract isolated from one or more bacteria are exposed to the plant or plant part in a quantity sufficient to prevent or delay the chill injury response of the plant or plant part.
US09993000B2
Isosorbide mono ether derivatives with preservation activity.
US09992995B2
Provided are systems and methods for solvent-free delivery of volatile compounds, where an energy source is used to release the volatile compounds. The systems and methods provided herein have at least one advantage of (1) no solvent (for example water) is required; (2) immediate release of volatile compounds (for example 1-MCP can be released from HAIP within milliseconds or seconds instead of minutes or hours of the existing method using water); and/or (3) instantly starting and stopping the delivery of the volatile compound.
US09992976B2
An animal lift consisting of a lift mechanism, a vertical mast housing at least a portion of the lift mechanism, a horizontal shaft rotatably coupled to the lift mechanism about a longitudinal axis of rotation of the shaft, and a cradle coupled to the shaft, the cradle constructed of a horizontal support member having a surface for engaging the sternum or underbelly of an animal along the animal's longitudinal axis from head to tail and a pair of vertical side walls.
US09992975B2
An article includes flexible and resilient outer and inner bodies, where the inner body is at least partially disposed within the outer body. In addition, an unsealed sound-producing member surrounds at least a portion of the inner body and is disposed between the inner and outer bodies, such that the sound-producing member produces sound when the outer body is deformed. In one embodiment, the outer body includes an interior cavity and a plurality of inwardly facing projections that project into the interior cavity to focus force applied to the outer body on the sound-producing member. In one embodiment, the inner body includes a sidewall defining an interior cavity for holding items to be dispensed, and the article has one or more openings through the inner and outer bodies through which items can be inserted into and dispensed from the interior cavity of the inner body during use of the article.
US09992973B2
A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.
US09992962B1
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH236670. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH236670, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH236670 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH236670.
US09992954B1
A novel maize variety designated PH2T70 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2T70 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2T70 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2T70 or a locus conversion of PH2T70 with another maize variety.
US09992947B1
An inbred corn line, designated SLD04, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line SLD04, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line SLD04 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line SLD04 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line SLD04, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line SLD04 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09992944B1
An inbred corn line, designated AB3010, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line AB3010, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line AB3010 with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line AB3010 with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line AB3010, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line AB3010 and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09992942B1
A novel maize variety designated PH1M5V and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH1M5V with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1M5V through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH1M5V or a locus conversion of PH1M5V with another maize variety.
US09992941B2
The cotton variety FM 2007GLT is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and cotton lint as well as to hybrid cotton plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety FM 2007GLT with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of FM 2007GLT and to plants of FM 2007GLT reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from FM 2007GLT.
US09992935B2
A folding crop header having an articulated, elongate crop divider defining upper and lower crop divider edges and having first and second crop divider sections, the crop divider including at or adjacent a said lower crop divider edge a hinge permitting pivoting of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another about a first axis; and the crop divider including a linkage permitting pivoting of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another about a second axis at or adjacent the said upper crop divider edge; and additionally permitting displacement of the first and second crop divider sections relative to one another in a displacement direction that is skewed relative to the second axis, the hinge being decouplable.
US09992929B2
A connecting arrangement (1) for connecting a mower knife drive to a mower knife (7), that moves back and forth along a knife or X-axis, has a driving element (2) and an output element (3). The driving element (2) connects the connecting arrangement (1) to the mower knife drive. The output element (3) connects the connecting arrangement (1) to the mower knife (7). The driving element (2) and the output element (3) rotate relative to one another about three mutually perpendicular axes of rotation (X, Y, Z). Also, the driving element (2) and output element (3) can be moved relative to one another along at least two of the axes of rotation (Y, Z).
US09992922B2
The invention relates to an agricultural cultivator having a frame (10), which is designed to be self-propelled in a transport direction (T) or to be pulled by a tractor (5) in the transport direction (T), with a part of the frame (10) extending transversely to the transport direction (T) as a support (11), and with a plurality of individually mountable cultivator elements (20), which can be positioned side by side and spaced from one another on the support (11), wherein the support (11) is constructed from a plurality of support sections (12, 13, 14, 15) and has a folding mechanism (30) which enables the support sections (12, 13, 14, 15) to be folded onto one another about folding axes (31, 32, 33) that extend parallel to the transport direction (T). In addition, one or more mounting rails are provided. The mounting rails can be removably mounted on the support. The cultivator elements can be mounted on the mounting rail or rails.
US09999170B2
Electronic component mounting method for mounting an electronic component on a plurality of board types includes: placing, on tray holding shelves, trays storing components for first and second board types, respectively; recognizing on which tray holding shelf the tray is placed by reading identification information from the trays. The method further includes: rearranging the trays in the tray feeder to a first tray arrangement adapted for the first board type, based on recognized placement position of the tray and the first tray arrangement data, before start of production of the board of the first board type; and rearranging the trays in the tray feeder to a second tray arrangement adapted for the second board type, based on the second tray arrangement data, before start of production of the board of the second board type.
US09999169B2
A component mounting method performs suction and holing, by a suction nozzle, of a component fed to a component picking-up position by a tape feeder which feeds by pitch a carrier tape having a pocket in which the component is accommodated, after a predetermined delay time elapses after a pitch feeding timing, and carries and mounts the component on a board. The component mounting method includes imaging a tape position indicating portion at separate two timings after the delay time elapses, and calculating a shift amount between a first and second tape positions respectively obtained at first and second timings of imaging. It is determined whether or not the shift amount calculated is within an allowable range, and when it is determined that the shift amount exceeds the allowable range, the delay time set for the tape feeder is extended or an error is notified.
US09999157B2
A device that includes a region comprising an integrated device and a heat dissipating device coupled to the region comprising the integrated device. The heat dissipating device is configured to dissipate heat away from the region. The heat dissipating device includes a fluid, an evaporator configured to evaporate the fluid, a first condenser configured to condense the fluid, where the first condenser is located in a first wall of the device, an evaporation portion coupled to the evaporator and the first condenser, and a collection portion coupled to the first condenser and the evaporator. The evaporation portion is configured to channel an evaporated fluid from the evaporator to the first condenser. The collection portion is configured to channel a condensed fluid from the first condenser to the evaporator through the help of gravity.
US09999148B2
An electronics housing includes a base body and a metal plating layer formed on a surface of the base body. The base body includes an upper cover, a lower cover and a metal ring. The upper cover and the lower cover are integrally fused by virtue of an ultra high frequency technology, and the metal ring is embedded between the upper cover and the lower cover. A nickel-deposited layer of the metal plating layer is electrolessly deposited on the surface of the base body. A copper layer of the metal plating layer is plated on the nickel-deposited layer. A nano-nickel layer of the metal plating layer is plated on the copper layer. A surface decoration layer of the metal plating layer is plated on the nano-nickel layer. The base body together with the metal plating layer defines at least one assembling hole.
US09999145B2
A power module having a packaging structure includes a substrate having a first conductive area, a second conductive area, a third conductive area, a first fixing area and a second fixing area. The first, the second and the third conductive areas are electrically connected to a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal, and the first and the second fixing areas are electrically connected to a first switch set and a second switch set, so that they are in a parallel arrangement. The first terminal is a current input end, the second terminal is an intermediate end, and the third terminal is a current output end. When a current flows from the current input end to the intermediate end, or from the intermediate end to the current output end, the current flows straightly in order to reduce a crossover area and lower the stray inductance.
US09999142B1
A housing structure of an electronic device including a housing, a silicone rubber, and an assembling member is provided. The housing is metal and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The silicone rubber is disposed on the outer surface, and an edge of the silicone rubber is extended to the inner surface. The assembling member is disposed at the inner surface, such that the edge of the silicone rubber is clamped between the inner surface and the assembling member. A manufacturing method of the housing structure is also provided.
US09999133B2
A flexible printed circuit board includes a base substrate, a first pad part on the base substrate, a second pad part on the base substrate, and a line part on the base substrate, the line part electrically connecting the first pad part and the second pad part. The base substrate includes a first body part including the first pad part thereon and having a curved edge, a second body part including the second pad part thereon, and a connection part between the first pad part and the second pad part and having a width decreasing as a distance from the first body part increases and a distance from the second body part decreases.
US09999124B2
Tamper-respondent assemblies with regions of increased susceptibility to a tamper event are provided, which include one or more tamper-detect sensors, one or more conductive traces, and an adhesive. The tamper-detect sensor(s) facilitates defining a secure volume about one or more electronic components to be protected, and the conductive trace(s) forms, at least in part, a tamper-detect network of the tamper-respondent assembly. The conductive trace(s) is disposed, at least in part, on the tamper-detect sensor(s). The adhesive contacts the conductive trace(s) on the tamper-detect sensor(s), and is disposed, at least in part, between and couples a surface of the tamper-detect sensor(s) to another surface of the assembly. Together, the tamper-detect sensor(s), conductive trace(s), and adhesive are a subassembly, with the subassembly being configured with multiple regions of increased susceptibility to breaking of the conductive trace(s) with a tamper event through the subassembly.
US09999118B2
The plasma is formed between electrodes to be energized from an electric power source, containing a partially ionized mass having a luminescence region including neutral atoms (NA), primary electrons (PE), secondary electrons (SE), and ions. The method comprises the steps of: accelerating the primary electrons (PE) toward one of said electrodes polarized by a positive high voltage pulse impacting primary electrons (PE) against said electrode and ejecting secondary electrons (SE) from it; subsequently, accelerating the secondary electrons (SE) toward the luminescence region by polarization of said electrode by a negative voltage to collide the secondary electrons with neutral atoms (NA) and producing positive ions (PI) and derived electrons (DE); repeating the previous steps in order to obtain a steady state plasma with a desired degree of ionization.
US09999112B2
An electrical wiring device having a plurality of line and load terminals configured to be coupled to an AC electrical distribution system; an electro-optical assembly coupled to the line or load terminals, including at least one circuit coupled to an ambient light sensor, a light emitting assembly and a visual indicator element, the visual indicator element being configured to provide a visual indicator signal, the ambient light sensor being configured to provide a sensor signal corresponding to ambient light in the ambient environment, the at least one circuit being configured to read the sensor signal during a time period when the visual indicator signal are not being emitted, wherein at least one of the visual indicator element and the light emitting assembly is configured to provide a selectable color temperature signal based on user input; and a bidirectional light pipe including a first light pipe branch coupled to the visual indicator element, a second light pipe branch coupled to the ambient light sensor, an interface region coupled between the first and second light pipe branch, the interface region being further coupled to a bidirectional lens element configured to direct the ambient light into the second light pipe branch and direct the visual indicator signal into the ambient environment via the first light pipe branch.
US09999111B2
An apparatus for providing settings of a control system (9) for implementing a spatial distribution of perceptible output in a physical space (1-4; 17), which control system (9) is configured to control at least one output device (6-8,45-48) positioned in that physical space (1-4;17) and to maintain in memory (15) data (56-60) representative of locations associated with the respective output devices (6-8,45-48) in the physical space (1-4; 17) relative to a reference point (26), includes an input device (27,28) for obtaining user input pertaining to at least one location associated with one of the output devices (6-8,45-48). The settings are based on data representative of the user input. The input device (27,28) includes at least one component (27) for manipulation by a user to position at least a first point (31) on the component (27) and a sensor arrangement (28) arranged to provide output for detecting an angular co-ordinate of the first point (31) about at least one axis through a second point (30) of the input device (27,28).
US09999110B2
The embodiments disclosed herein describe a set of fault detection circuits for LED circuits in an LED channel. A first fault detection circuit is configured to detect a short fault across one or more LEDs. A second fault detection circuit is configured to detect an open fault across an LED. A third fault detection circuit is configured to detect a short across an LED channel transistor. A fourth fault detection circuit is configured to detect an LED channel sense resistor open fault. A fifth fault detection circuit is configured to detect if the LED channel is being intentionally unused. These fault detect circuits can be implemented in a fault detection integrated circuit coupled to the LED channel.
US09999109B2
An LED lighting assembly includes, according to various implementations, mechanisms for protecting the LED lights from voltage or current surges, including hardware that absorbs the strike voltage and hardware that provides a bypass path. The provision of a bypass path in the event of the failure of one or LED lights in an LED string allows the string to be, in effect, “turned off” in order to protect the remaining LED lights, thereby allowing the healthy LED lights to stay lit.
US09999107B1
In one aspect, an integrated circuit (IC) includes a first magnetic field sensor configured to sense a ring magnet, a second magnetic field sensor configured to sense the ring magnet and processing circuitry configured to receive a first signal from the first magnetic field sensor and to receive a second signal from the second magnetic field sensor. The processing circuitry is further configured to control an on/off state of at least one light emitting diode (LED) and brightness of the LED based on movement and position of the ring magnet with respect to the first and second magnetic field sensors.
US09999106B2
A dimming circuit for adjusting the brightness of an LED load, can include: a primary controlled flyback converter having a primary-side circuit, a first secondary-side circuit, and a second secondary-side circuit; a DC-DC converter coupled in a cascade arrangement with the second secondary-side circuit, where an output node of the DC-DC converter is coupled in series to an output node of the first secondary-side circuit; a control circuit configured to control, according to a dimming signal that represents an expected output current of the dimming circuit, a power switch of the primary controlled flyback converter to adjust output voltages of the first and second secondary-side circuits, to adjust a power that is provided to the LED load; and the control circuit being configured to control a power switch of the DC-DC converter according to the dimming signal, such that the DC-DC converter operates within a predetermined state range.
US09999105B2
The present disclosure provides a backlight module, a curved-surface display device, and a light source adjustment method for the backlight module. The backlight module includes an optical assembly at a side of a light-entering surface of the curved-surface display panel; a light-emitting assembly at a side of the optical assembly away from the curved-surface display panel, and including a plurality of point light sources on a bottom plate; and a control mechanism configured to control states of the point light sources of the light-emitting assembly at different regions of the bottom plate, so as to gradually change output light amounts of the light-emitting assembly at different regions in accordance with a curved surface of the curved-surface display panel.
US09999094B2
Techniques for co-existence on a shared communication medium are disclosed. An activation command may be received, over a backhaul connection and via a first Radio Access Technology (RAT), configuring the first RAT for active operation on a shared communication medium. An activity indicator may be generated based on the active operation of the first RAT. Based on the activity indicator, one or more measurements scheduled to be performed on the communication medium in accordance with a second RAT and a corresponding wakeup schedule may be disabled. Access of a first RAT to a shared communication medium may also be monitored. A priority indicator for the first RAT may be generated based on the monitored access. Based on the priority indicator, release of a backhaul connection on the communication medium that is associated with a second RAT may be coordinated.
US09999091B2
A method for connecting an audio device to a wireless network is provided. A first audio device on a wireless network receives notice that a second audio device not on the network is available to join the wireless network. The first audio device provides a bridge network apart from the wireless network. A bridge channel is established between the first audio device and the second audio device via the bridge network. The first audio device provides network credentials to the second audio device over the bridge channel. The second audio device uses the credentials to establish a connection with the wireless network.
US09999089B2
A wireless device (e.g., Machine Type Communications (MTC) device), a radio access network node (e.g., evolved Node B), and various methods are described herein for implementing long paging cycles (i.e., long discontinuous receive (DRX) cycles) within a wireless communication network.
US09999077B2
A control method for an information processing apparatus includes transmitting, by a first communication unit, information about an access point to which a second communication unit is connected, to a communication apparatus to which the first communication unit is connected. In a case where the information about the access point to which the second communication unit is connected is received, the communication apparatus connects to and communicates with the access point to which the second communication unit is connected by the second wireless communication method.
US09999073B2
A method in a network node is disclosed. The method comprises grouping a plurality of antenna ports corresponding to a plurality of channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) into at least a first CSI-RS antenna port group and a second CSI-RS antenna port group, and determining, based at least in part on one or more criteria, a first transmission periodicity for the first CSI-RS antenna port group and a second transmission periodicity for the second CSI-RS antenna port group. The method further comprises transmitting, to one or more user equipment, the CSI-RS corresponding to the antenna ports in the first CSI-RS antenna port group according to the determined first transmission periodicity, and transmitting, to the one or more user equipment, the CSI-RS corresponding to the antenna ports in the second CSI-RS antenna port group according to the determined second transmission periodicity.
US09999064B2
Wireless packet switches and enclosures include multiple port controllers, each in communication with a respective wireless transceiver, configured to analyze data streams to and from the respective wireless transceiver. A cross-connect switch is in communication with all of the port controllers and is configured to provide connections between respective port controllers. An arbiter is in communication with all of the port controllers and with the cross-connect switch and is configured to control the cross-connect switch, such that the cross-connect switch connects data streams of the port controllers in accordance with packet destination information and scheduling information from the port controllers.
US09999056B2
In a wireless communication base station device, a modulation unit carries out modulation processing for Dch data after coding to generate a Dch data symbol. A modulation unit carries out modulation processing for Lch data after coding to generate an Lch data symbol. An allocation unit allocates the Dch data symbol and Lch data symbol to each sub-carrier composing an OFDM symbol and outputs the allocated sub-carrier to a multiplex unit. In this case, the allocation unit allocates the Dch data symbol to a plurality of resource blocks where one Dch is arranged at an interval equal to integral multiples of the number of resource blocks composing a resource block group.
US09999049B2
Aspects described herein relate to wireless communications. Protocol data units (PDUs) can be received at a network layer from one or more transmitting nodes using a link associated with each respective transmitting node. One or more missing PDUs can be detected based, at least in part, on sequence numbers of the received PDUs. A timer can be started based on the detection of the one or more missing PDUs. In response to expiration of the timer, and without receiving the one or more missing PDUs before the expiration of the timer, a lower network layer can be notified that the one or more missing PDUs are received to prevent attempted transmitting/retransmitting or other processing of the one or more missing PDUs.
US09999046B2
Generally discussed herein are devices and methods for MIMO communications. A device can include processing circuitry (e.g., PHY and/or MAC layer circuitry) configured to transmit an enhanced sector sweep (ESSW) frame for each of a plurality of transmit sectors, wherein each of the plurality of transmit sectors correspond to a weight vector for the first plurality of antennas, each ESSW frame including a plurality of training units to simultaneously beamforming train one or more responder STAs, receive an SSW feedback frame, each SSW feedback frame indicating a transmit sector of the plurality of transmit sectors and a receive sector of a corresponding STA of the one or more STAs to be used in communication between the initiator STA and the responder STA, and transmit one or more SSW acknowledgement frames to the one or more responder STAs to verify the transmit sector and receive sector to use for communication.
US09999042B2
The disclosure provides a method and small cell for allocating a Resource Block (RB) to a transmission between the small cell and a User Equipment (UE) the method comprising generating a value using a quasi-random, low-discrepancy, number generator, associating the value with a RB and allocating the RB to a transmission between the small cell and the UE.
US09999039B2
Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. Semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) may be used for communication with various wireless communication devices, including machine-type communication (MTC) devices, to reduce overhead on control channels. Data transmissions scheduling using SPS techniques may be repeated and bundled together to effect coverage enhancement (CE) for devices with poor radio quality conditions. SPS communication may be used in both uplink and downlink transmissions. An SPS configuration may include a predefined number of scheduled transmission periods and a CE level, which may be established in either an SPS configuration message or as part of the SPS activation message from a base station. A device may identify the CE level of the transmissions and, in some cases, may determine the periodicity of the SPS based on the CE level. Bundled transmissions assigned with SPS may be prioritized with respect to one another or dynamically assigned resources.
US09999029B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a data transmission method, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), wherein a primary base station configures a data transmission parameter for a secondary base station, to assist the secondary base station to perform uplink and downlink data transmission for the UE. Therefore, the primary base station and the secondary base station transmit and receive data according to the same data transmission parameter, and there is no need to perform extra processing on the data transmitted and received by the secondary base station, that is, the secondary base station can only reserve simple buffering, encapsulating, and transceiving functions, or even only reserve buffering and transceiving functions, so that a protocol design of the secondary base station is simplified, and cost of the secondary base station, especially cost of a micro base station serving as the secondary base station is reduced.
US09999028B2
A first base station establishes a first PDCP entity. The first base station sends first configuration information to a second communications node, and sends second configuration information to user equipment. The first base station sends fourth configuration information to the second communications node for establishing a third bearer between the first base station and the second communications node. The first base station uses the third bearer and the second radio bearer to transmit at least a part of data of the service data between the first base station and the user equipment, where in a process in which the first base station transmits the service data, the first PDCP entity of the first base station and a second PDCP entity of the second communications node perform joint processing on the at least a part of data.
US09999015B2
The present invention relates to a method for detecting a synchronization signal for device-to-device (D2D) in a wireless communication system. More specifically, the method comprises a step of detecting at least one synchronization signal, which is transmitted repeatedly for D2D communication, in a synchronization signal transmission period for D2D communication, wherein the at least one synchronization signal comprises at least one synchronization sequence generated on the basis of a first root index according to a synchronization reference ID.
US09999012B2
There is provided a method and device in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: a cell information interacting step of interacting information about a first cell and a second cell having interference with each other between the first cell and the second cell to determine a source cell and a target cell among the first cell and the second cell, wherein the target cell performs synchronization with the source cell being a synchronization source; an initial synchronizing step of performing initial frame-level synchronization by the target cell with the source cell being the synchronization source; a synchronization information interacting step of interacting information about a synchronization subframe position between the source cell and the target cell to determine a synchronization subframe position configurable for both the source cell and the target cell; and a symbol-level synchronizing step of performing symbol-level synchronization between the source cell and the target cell according to the determined synchronization subframe position. According to the disclosure, it is possible to realize synchronization among cells belonging to different operators and/or adopting different synchronizing manners.
US09999010B2
An access point (AP), station (STA) and method of providing synchronizing the STA are generally described. The STA may transmit to the AP a Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) request and/or trigger frame. The STA may capture a STA Time Synchronization Function (TSF) value of the time the FTM request/trigger frame is transmitted to the AP as determined by the STA. The AP may determine an AP TSF value of the time the of the FTM request/trigger frame was transmitted by the AP as determined by the AP and transmit at least part of the AP TSF time to the STA in a FTM response frame. The STA may compare the STA TSF value and the AP STA value and adjust the STA TSF dependent on the difference between the AP TSF value and the STA TSF value to synchronize to the AP TSF value.
US09998994B2
A method and system for using a communication protocol over a low-powered transmission network. The communication system and protocol enables low-powered transmission devices to efficiently and reliably transmit data in challenging environments. The communication system and protocol can reduce power consumption by designating devices as either transmitter devices, repeater devices, and receiving devices, such that not all devices in the network need to be configured to transmit and receive data. Because the communication protocol does not require that all devices need to both transmit and receive data, there is a significant power usage savings relative to traditional mesh networks. Additionally, the present invention implements a combination of time-based diversity and transmission path diversity to more reliably communicate data. Devices in the system can change the manner in which they operate based on the sensor measurements, allowing the devices to intelligently respond to different conditions.
US09998990B2
Examples are disclosed for techniques for allowing a wireless device to wake up a low power device while remaining compatible with other devices and wireless protocols. A first station determines that a low power device needs to wake up all or a portion of its circuitry in order to send and/or receive data from the first station. The first station sends a legacy preamble according to a standard wireless communication method such as according to IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth addressed to the low power device. Legacy stations will recognize that a device is accessing the medium and will abstain from transmitting data during the transaction(s) between the first station and the low power device. The first station then sends a wake up payload according to a low power wireless communication method such as ASK or FSK to the low power device. The low power device recognizes the wake up payload and wakes up its main radio such as an IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth radio. The first station sends and/or receives data to/from the low power device according to the standard wireless communication method. If there is no more data to send or receive, low power device powers down at least its main radio.
US09998982B2
Features pertain to determining, at a client device, to send a query to a network access node. The query may be associated with a plurality of serving networks, each serving network identified with a serving network identifier. A first serving network identifier may be selected to associate with the query. The query may be sent to the network access node. The query may include the first serving network identifier, and in some aspects, a second serving network identifier. Additional features pertain to receiving, at a network node, a query including a first serving network identifier. The network node may be associated with a plurality of serving networks. A first server to which to forward the query may be determined at the network node. The first serving network identifier identifies the first server. The query may be sent to the first server.
US09998981B2
A network access method includes: determining with a mobile communications terminal if a network identity of a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) exists in an equivalent public land mobile network (EPLMN) list, obtaining a shared network information stored in an operator's server and searching for the network identity of the VPLMN from the shared network information upon a condition that the network identity of the VPLMN does not exist in the EPLMN list, adding the network identity of the VPLMN to the EPLMN list, and accessing a network based on the EPLMN list.
