US09151283B2
An electrochemical motive device is described having an electrochemical cell and at least one device configured produce motion as a function of electrochemical gas produced by the electrochemical cell. One example of an electrochemical motive device is a pump having one pump chamber, and pump member that forces a pumping fluid through the chamber. An electrochemical cell provides for a transfer of gas from the anode to the cathode. A control portion is described for taking input from the electrochemical pump and controlling the voltage and current to the electrochemical cell. In one embodiment, multiple pumping chambers are configured, and in one embodiment two pumping chambers are connected. It is further described that the control portion may automatically adjust parameters as a function of inputs, including user interface inputs.
US09151282B2
A pump system includes a pump unit an assembly frame that receives first and second pumps. A first and second pedal respectively couples to a first and second pump actuating portion. A rocker arrangement has a rocker that pivotally couples the first and second pedals, so a pushing movement of the first pedal in one direction causes a pulling movement of the second pedal in an opposite direction, and vice versa. The first and second pedals respond to a pushing force, respectively move the first and second pump actuating portions for pumping a fluid from the first and second pumps, and correspondingly move the first and second pump actuating portions for drawing the fluid to be pumped into the first and second pumps.
US09151276B2
The invention relates to a gearbox having a sensing device (109) for sensing a torque which acts on a drive shaft (101), an output shaft (102) or a shaft which can be driven by the drive shaft (101). The sensing device (109) is electrically connected to an integrated energy-generating device. A rotor (192), which is arranged inside the gearbox housing (103) and connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to a shaft which can be driven by the drive shaft (101), is assigned to the energy-generating device. A bearing (194), which is secured by a housing lid (193), is assigned to this shaft. The housing lid (193) surrounds the rotor (192) in this context. The energy-generating device is assigned a stator (191) which is mounted on the housing lid (193) within the gearbox housing (103).
US09151274B2
A wind turbine has a nacelle wherein a component is equipped with a first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the component, a second temperature sensor for detecting an outside temperature inside or outside the nacelle, a heater associated with a component to heat the latter, and a heater controller. The detected temperature of the component and the detected outside temperature are provided as input signals to the heater controller which activates the heater for heating when the detected temperature of the component is below a predetermined switch-on value for the heater. The switch-on value for the heater is, in at least one predetermined temperature interval, dependent on the detected outside temperature. The switch-on value for a first outside temperature is greater than the switch-on value for a second outside temperature in the temperature interval when the second outside temperature is greater than the first outside temperature.
US09151272B2
A method may involve transmitting power between a tethered aerial vehicle equipped with wind turbines for generating power and a ground station configured to interconnect the generated power to an electrical distribution network. The power may be transmitted using high voltage, high frequency AC electrical signals, and transformers at the ground station and the aerial vehicle can scale the AC voltage for use at the respective locations. Converters at the ground station and the aerial vehicle can then convert the transformed voltage to DC. The AC voltage may be transmitted through the tether at a resonant frequency of the tether based in part on an internal capacitance between multiple conductive paths on the tether.
US09151265B1
An ignition apparatus comprising a microwave device emitting microwave into a combustion/reaction field to increase temperature of a mixture, and create a plasma discharge, in the combustion/reaction field to increase radical concentration, an igniter igniting the mixture in the combustion/reaction field, and a controller controlling the microwave radiator and the igniter. The microwave radiator and igniter are controlled to repeat a cycle wherein the microwave radiator radiates the microwave into the combustion/reaction field to increase the temperature of the mixture in the combustion/reaction field and creates the plasma in the combustion/reaction field. When the igniter ignites the mixture, the microwave radiator creates the plasma in the combustion/reaction field by radiating the microwave into the combustion/reaction field to increase the radical concentration, so that the flame propagation speed is promoted, and the combustion reaction of the mixture is promoted in the combustion/reaction field.
US09151262B2
A work vehicle includes an engine, an authentication processing unit for permitting the engine to be started only when stored authentication information and authentication information inputted by a manual operation are identical to each other, storage means for pre-storing the stored authentication information, a first switch and a second switch for performing the manual operation, authentication information identifying means for comparing the inputted authentication information acquired by the authentication processing unit with the stored authentication information, and power controlling means for allowing power to be supplied to a starter motor of the engine when the inputted authentication information is identical to the stored authentication information at the authentication information identifying means. The authentication processing unit is configured to acquire, as the inputted authentication information, the number of operation iterations of the first switch and the number of operation iterations of the second switch.
US09151258B2
Embodiments of injectors configured for adaptively injecting and igniting various fuels in a combustion chamber are disclosed herein. An injector according to one embodiment includes an end portion configured to be positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber, and an ignition feature carried by the end portion and configured to generate an ignition event. The injector also includes a force generator assembly and a movable valve. The force generator assembly includes a first force generator separate from a second force generator. The first force generator creates a motive force to move the valve between the closed and open positions into the combustion chamber. The second force generator is electrically coupled to the ignition feature and provides voltage to the ignition feature to at least partially generate the ignition event.
US09151252B2
A combustion system is presented. The combustion system includes a hollow combustion chamber having a chamber head, chamber sidewalls, and a chamber bottom. Further, the combustion system includes a fuel injector coupled to the combustion chamber and configured to introduce a plurality of fuel droplets in the combustion chamber. Moreover, the combustion system includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on or about the combustion chamber such that an electromagnetic field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode in response to an applied electric signal, and where the electromagnetic field is configured to control a trajectory of the plurality of fuel droplets within the combustion chamber.
US09151251B2
A leakage judgment with respect to a fuel tank is carried out. If the fuel tank is not leaking, a leakage judgment with respect to a canister is carried out. If there is a possibility of leakage in the fuel tank, a leakage judgment with respect to the fuel tank and the canister is carried out. If it is judged that there is leakage in the fuel tank and the canister, the leakage judgment with respect to the canister is carried out.
US09151246B2
An engine system includes a thrust chamber that has a cooling channel. The cooling channel is adapted to provide sustained cracking conditions for a fluid at steady-state operating conditions. A turbine has an input in fluid communication with an output of the cooling channel. A pump is mechanically coupled with the turbine and is in fluid communication with the cooling channel.
US09151243B2
An improvement is provided to a pressurized close-cycle machine that has a cold-end pressure vessel and is of the type having a piston undergoing reciprocating linear motion within a cylinder containing a working fluid heated by conduction through a heater head by heat from an external thermal source. The improvement includes a heat exchanger for cooling the working fluid, where the heat exchanger is disposed within the cold-end pressure vessel. The heater head may be directly coupled to the cold-end pressure vessel by welding or other methods. A coolant tube is used to convey coolant through the heat exchanger.
US09151239B2
Valve timing is held to a position close to a target value as much as possible while suppressing control errors of valve timing even though a crankshaft rotates in reverse. In an internal combustion engine which controls the valve timing by a variable valve timing mechanism (an electric VTC) driven by an electric motor, an intake valve timing is controlled after an output of an engine stop command such that: when the engine rotates in a forward direction, a real valve timing (a VTC real angle θr) detected by a sensor is converged to a target valve timing (a VTC target angle θtrg) advanced for the time of start; and when the engine rotates in a reverse direction, a manipulated variable of the electric VTC is set so that the VTC real angle θr is held to the VTC real angle θr detected just before the detection of the reverse rotation.
US09151235B2
Methods and systems are provided for reducing fuel vapor generation from a fuel tank in a hybrid vehicle. A layer of gel-foam fire retardant is layered over the surface of fuel in the fuel tank. In response to the layer being below a fuel level in the fuel tank, fuel pump operation may be automatically disabled.
US09151234B2
An engine control apparatus includes a control unit configured to perform a feedback control based on a second amount of intake air until a engine speed reaches a target idle speed. The engine control apparatus then regulates the amount of intake air to an amount smaller than a predetermined second amount of intake air for a predetermined period when the engine speed exceeds the target idle speed, and then performs a feedback control based on a first amount of intake air. Such engine control apparatus minimizes variation in engine speed by reducing a convergence time of the engine speed to a target idle speed in switching control of the amount of intake air in a case where engine friction at a low temperature is high.
US09151228B2
A split fuel control module for a gas turbine engine and method of installation. The split fuel control module includes a first frame unit, a second frame unit, a segmented fuel path, and a distributed fuel controller. The first frame unit and the second frame unit are joined together at a frame unit interface. The segmented fuel path includes an upstream fuel interface fixed to the first frame unit and a downstream fuel interface fixed to the second frame unit and detachably coupled to the upstream fuel interface at the frame unit interface. A first portion of the distributed fuel controller is fixed to the first frame unit, and a second portion of the distributed fuel controller is fixed to the second frame unit.
US09151203B2
A method for adjusting an oxygen sensor measurement within an exhaust gas feedstream output from an internal combustion engine based on humidity includes monitoring relative humidity of ambient air obtained from a humidity sensor. Specific humidity at the oxygen sensor is modeled based on the relative humidity. The oxygen sensor measurement is adjusted based on the modeled specific humidity at the oxygen sensor.
US09151202B2
An exhaust aftertreatment system for treating exhaust flow from an internal combustion engine, and associated method, allows for independent control of exhaust flow through plural exhaust legs of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The independent control of exhaust flow is carried out by adjusting a valve positioned in each the exhaust legs based on a value of a signal generated by a flow measurement device positioned along at least one of the exhaust legs. The valves can be adjusted to force a target flow in a exhaust leg, relative flow among exhaust legs, exhaust temperature in an exhaust leg, exhaust backpressure and/or imbalance within the exhaust legs.
US09151201B2
Dosing structure (30) supplies diesel fuel to an exhaust passage of a diesel system. The dosing structure includes an electrically operated control valve (31). An inlet tube (45) is coupled with an inlet of the control valve. A first welded joint (6) is between the inlet tube and the control valve. The inlet tube is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a supply of diesel fuel for feeding fuel to the control valve. A dosing valve (32) is constructed and arranged to receive fuel from the control valve and deliver the fuel to the exhaust passage. An extension tube (33) is fluidly coupled between the control valve and the dosing valve to space the control valve from the dosing valve. A second welded joint (62) is between the extension tube and the control valve and a third welded joint (64) is between the extension tube and the dosing valve.
US09151200B2
A vehicle system operation method is provided. The method comprises, during a first operating condition, increasing back pressure in a first exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a turbine and downstream of a first emission control device and during a second operating condition, reducing back pressure in the first exhaust conduit and flowing boosted air from downstream of a compressor into a second exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a second emission control device and downstream of the turbine.
US09151194B2
A progressive distributor base body for distributing lubricant includes a first lubricant inlet channel, at least one second lubricant inlet channel, at least first and second cylinders each configured to slidably support a piston element, and a bore fluidly connecting at least one of the first and second lubricant inlet channels with a channel that is fluidly connected to the first and second cylinders. The progressive distributor base body is formed as one-piece without any seams and a longitudinal direction of the second lubricant inlet channel is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bore.
US09151192B2
Variable valve system, control apparatus and variable valve apparatus for internal combustion engine
A variable valve system for an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of engine valves provided per one cylinder; a swing arm configured to perform an opening-and-closing operation of at least one of the plurality of engine valves by swinging about a fulcrum given by a support member; a variable lift mechanism configured to cause the swing arm to swing, and to vary a lift amount of the at least one of the plurality of engine valves; a valve stop mechanism provided for the at least one of the plurality of engine valves and configured to stop the opening-and-closing operation of the at least one of the plurality of engine valves by producing a lost motion of the support member; and an engine-speed limiting section configured to variably limit a maximum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine in accordance with a displacement amount of the lost motion.
US09151188B2
A valve timing controller includes a rotation transmit component; a housing including an outer shape part fixed to the rotation transmit component and a plurality of partition parts extending from the outer shape part inward in a radial direction; and a vane rotor including a boss part and a plurality of vane parts radially extending from the boss part. The vane rotor is rotated relative to the housing on an advance side or a retard side according to a pressure of operation oil in an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The outer shape part of the housing has a dome shape.
US09151185B2
Provided is a power plant and a method of operating thereof. The power plant includes a boiler for heating process fluids; and a multistage first steam turbine with an outlet line that passes through the boiler. The outlet line includes an extraction line that is configured and arranged to extract steam from an intermediate stage of the first steam turbine and heat at least one of the process fluids.
US09151184B2
A heat exchanger includes an enclosure having a separator disposed therein that divides the heat exchanger into a mixing area and a heat exchange area. The mixing area is configured to receive a hot fume and droplets of a liquid for mixing with each other to form a fume-droplet vapor mixture. The mixture is configured to flow through orifices of the separator into the heat exchange area. A plurality of magazines is disposed within the heat exchange area of the first enclosure. Each magazine defines a cavity. The cavities are disposed in communication with one another. A lower-most magazine is configured to receive a receiver medium that is pumped through the cavity of each successive magazine to an upper-most magazine. The mixture is configured to circulate about the magazines to incrementally heat the receiver medium as the receiver medium is pumped through the cavity of each successive magazine.
US09151183B2
A retractable exhaust liner segment according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a first retractable exhaust liner segment which defines a first flange and a second retractable exhaust liner segment which defines a second flange. A fastener assembly received by the first flange and the second flange is configured to mount the first retractable exhaust liner segment and the second retractable exhaust liner segment. A forward end of the retractable exhaust liner segment overlaps an aft end of an engine structure and an aft end of the retractable exhaust liner segment overlaps a forward end of an exhaust liner in an assembled position. A gap exists between the retractable exhaust liner segment and one of the engine structure and the exhaust liner as the retractable exhaust liner segment is moved along an axis in one direction to a disassembled position and the gap closes as the retractable exhaust liner segment is moved along the axis in other direction to the assembled position. A method of maintaining a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
US09151178B2
A variable vane assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes a variable vane, an actuator, and a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage connects the variable vane to the actuator. The mechanical linkage includes a bellcrank rotatable about an axis, a first bellcrank arm having a first clevis at an inner end, and a first pin extending through the first clevis and a first flange of the bellcrank to fasten the first bellcrank arm to the bellcrank.
US09151171B2
A hot gas path system for a gas turbine including a stepped inlet ring at an intersection between a downstream end of a combustor basket and an upstream end of a transition is disclosed. The heat shield may be positioned downstream from a combustor basket and proximate to an intersection between the collar and the axially extending cylindrical wall. The stepped inlet ring may be coupled to the transition section and may extend upstream from the transition section. An upstream end of the stepped inlet ring may be positioned radially outward from the combustor basket such that at least a portion of the stepped inlet ring overlaps a portion of the combustor basket. A spring clip may be positioned between the combustor basket and the stepped inlet ring such that the spring clip seals at least a portion of a gap between the combustor basket and the stepped inlet ring.
US09151164B2
A turbine vane of a gas turbine engine is provided with a hollow core in the leading edge of the outer platform thereof. The core is interconnected with the leading edge core of the airfoil whereby to create a cooling air stream having a dual purpose and cooling both the leading edge of the outer platform and of the airfoil and thereby reducing cooling air consumption. The cooling air enters the core of the outer platform through an inlet port and exits through cooling holes provided in the leading edge of the airfoil.
US09151162B2
According to one embodiment, a rotor system includes an anti-rotation sleeve featuring an outer recess portion and a tilt sleeve positioned about the anti-rotation sleeve and having an opening therethrough. A first swashplate ring is positioned about the tilt sleeve and features an inner recess portion. An anti-rotation mechanism is disposed through the opening and at least partially in the outer recess portion and the inner recess portion. The anti-rotation mechanism is operable to prevent the first swashplate ring from rotating about the anti-rotation sleeve. A second swashplate ring is positioned about the first swashplate ring and rotatable about the anti-rotation sleeve.
US09151153B2
Disclosed is a method for producing a crystal sensor. The method includes selecting a crystal configured to sense a property of interest. The method further includes implanting ions in the crystal using ion-implantation to produce a conductive region within the crystal where the conductive region is capable of providing a signal to sense the property of interest. Also disclosed is a method and apparatus for estimating a property of interest using the crystal sensor in a borehole penetrating the earth.
US09151152B2
A fiber optic sensing tool assembly is deployed in a wellbore that penetrates a hydrocarbon-bearing formation of interest to measure fluid composition and other fluid characteristics. This measurement is implemented by deploying the tool in a region in which there is substantially no fluid flow and by heating the tool through an optical delivery system. Parameters of the fluid are monitored as a function of the heating of the tool to derive information that is indicative of fluid composition and other fluid characteristics.
US09151150B2
In one aspect an apparatus for determining a distance between a first borehole and a second borehole during drilling of the second borehole is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a magnet on a drilling tool that rotates in the second borehole to induce a primary magnetic field in a magnetic object in the first borehole, a substantially stationary sensor on the drilling tool that detects a secondary magnetic field from the magnetic object responsive to the induced primary magnetic field, and a controller that determines the distance between the first borehole and the second borehole from the detected magnetic field. In another aspect a method of determining a distance between a first borehole and a second borehole, the in one embodiment includes inducing a primary magnetic field in a magnetic object in the first borehole using a rotating magnet in the second borehole, detecting a secondary magnetic field from the magnetic object responsive to the induced primary magnetic field using a substantially stationary sensor in the second borehole, and determining the distance between the first borehole and the second borehole from the detected magnetic field.
US09151146B2
The disclosure relates to a plant for extracting hydrocarbons contained in an underground formation including: hydrocarbon tapping; at least one generator; at least one electromagnetic heating well in the underground formation, including an electromagnetic heating device connected to the generator; wherein the electromagnetic heating device includes a radiating coaxial line. The disclosure also relates to a method for extracting hydrocarbons from an underground formation able to be implemented using the plant.
US09151144B2
A method of well casing permitting thermal oil recovery includes drilling a wellbore to the top of productive formation, casing the wellbore with a casing string, drilling through the productive with a smaller diameter bit, running in a sand screen to the productive formation and subsequent drainage or heat carrier injection into the formation. The sand screen contains longitudinally-corrugated pipes with slots, mutually connected by the end cylindrical portions with a limited longitudinal shift possibility. Besides, the sand screen slots are internally hermetically sealed with a thermoplastic material. Running-in of the screen down to the target depth, include creating an internal excess pressure to expand the sand screen along its entire length except for cylindrical sections, fixing and hermetical anchoring to the casing. Pumping-in of a heat-carrier, under influence of which the thermoplastic material melts up, unseals the slots.
US09151141B1
A housing unit installed within a tubing string of a oil well, water well, or gas dewatering well contains at least one reciprocating plunger which utilizes the hydraulic head of the fluid in the tubing to modify the loading in a subsurface pump actuation string, such as a string of sucker rods. The device can be used to either reduce observed polished rod loads at the surface to reduce the required counterbalance, or the device can be used to provide additional loading in the pump actuation string above the pump to reduce buckling. The device is used in a method for modifying the loading in a subsurface pump actuation string.
US09151137B2
Systems and methods of production control are contemplated in which one or more multiphase flow meters are operationally coupled to a production conduit to provide flow and compositional information for the fluid in the production conduit. Data from the multiphase flow meter are then provided to a control system that uses the data to control operation of one or more choke valves of one or more well heads that are fluidly coupled to the production conduit.
US09151131B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a power and control pod for subsea artificial lift system. In one embodiment, a method of operating a downhole tool in a subsea wellbore includes: supplying a direct current (DC) power signal from a dry location to a subsea control pod; converting the DC power signal to an alternating current (AC) power signal by the control pod; and supplying the AC power signal from the control pod, into the subsea wellbore, and to the downhole tool.
US09151125B2
Systems, methods and compositions for temporary sealing fractures in subterranean formations employ at least one constituent for temporary sealing a fracture in a subterranean well. The degradation kinetics of the composition is dependent upon at least one degradation temperature-time parameter for designating a temperature range and a time at which the composition degrades.
US09151123B2
In some embodiments, apparatus useful for providing tubing into an underwater well includes at least one surface injector and at least one underwater injector. The surface injector is adapted and arranged to control the movement of the tubing into and out of the underground well below the sea floor during normal operations. At least one surface injector and/or underwater injector is arranged and adapted to maintain the tubing in substantial tension between the surface and underwater injectors.
US09151119B1
A bidirectional dual eccentric reamer which can form a larger wellbore than originally drilled and a wellbore larger than the drill bit diameter. The bidirectional dual eccentric reamer can have a shaft with a longitudinal axis supporting a plurality of reamer portions. The reamer portions have a plurality of helical blades of varying thicknesses. The plurality of helical blades can have a plurality of cutting nodes and cutting inserts. The plurality of helical blades can have a center of eccentric rotation which is offset from the longitudinal axis, thereby creating an eccentric rotation. This allows for the formation of a larger wellbore than originally drilled and a wellbore larger than the drill bit diameter.
US09151118B2
A downhole apparatus for reaming a borehole incorporates two sets of cutting structures into two integral blade stabilizers, one oriented downhole and the other oriented uphole. The cutting structures comprise polycrystalline diamond cutters that are brazed into a wedge of steel that is inserted into the body of the reamers in an axial direction and retained by a stop block and retention cover that is bolted into the reamer. The two integral blade stabilizers have a combination left hand/right hand blade wrapping to provide 360° support around the circumference of the reamer. Between the two stabilizers, an impeller and a flow accelerator agitate cuttings on the low side of the borehole to mix the cuttings in with the drilling mud.
US09151117B2
A drilling apparatus has a chassis and a feed beam. The feed beam includes a rock drill hammer, a moveable drill string, a rock drill system coupled to the feed beam, a media pressure system coupled to the rock drill system, and a sensor system. The media pressure system includes a high pressure supply path, a low pressure return path, a control valve coupled to the high pressure supply path, at least one accumulator, and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a pressure transducer coupled to the high pressure supply path, the low pressure return path, or the accumulator to supply pressure data, a control unit configured to monitor and compare the pressure data to an acceptable pressure range stored in memory, and a warning apparatus configured to alert the operator of a pressure outside of the predetermined acceptable pressure range.
US09151116B1
A portable hard rock drill rig uses fluids for rotational power and compressed air to achieve a hammer affect. The drill rig is comprised of modular parts configured to allow one or two workers to move the rig over difficult terrain and to assemble the rig within a small area.
US09151092B2
A lock unit (1) comprising at least one catch (2), a first pawl (3) with a pawl rotation axis (4), and a blocking lever (5), wherein in a locked state of the lock unit (1), the catch (2) transfers a moment of rotation onto the first pawl (3) and the first pawl (3) is held in place by means of the blocking lever (5), wherein a second pawl (6) is pivotably arranged on the pawl rotation axis (4) and is engageable with the blocking lever (5) and the catch (2), and the first pawl (3) has a curved first blocking surface (12) for the primary position (13) of the catch (2).
US09151090B2
The invention relates to a door handle unit for a lock in a vehicle with a door handle to open a door by a user, an operating unit showing at least the door handle, a coupling unit, or a combination of the door handle and the coupling unit, where by the mechanical coupling unit a motion of the door handle from a resting position into a operating position can be transferred to the lock, a crash block with a normal position, allowing a motion of the operating unit to operate the lock, and with a blocking position, which results during or after the impact of a force of acceleration, blocking any motion of the operating unit such that any operation of the lock is prevented, characterized in that the crash block in its blocking position can be transferred by a motion of the operating unit into the normal position.
US09151080B2
The present disclosure relates to the field of door fittings, particularly door fittings comprising a privacy latch for a sliding door. In one particular aspect the present disclosure is suitable for use for securing interior or exterior doors, including doors for bathrooms, changing rooms, shower or toilet cubicles to give users the option of privacy. The present disclosure stems from the realization that smooth movement of a latch hook between a locked and unlocked condition can be obtained by use of a guide.
US09151076B2
A device for the cleanup of dirt or soil removed when forming a hole in the earth including a base member, a first side member attached to a first side of the base member, a second side member attached to a second side of the base member, an aperture positioned within the base member, wherein the first side member is movable to an upright position and the second side member is movable to an upright position for directing dirt or soil off of the base member.
US09151074B2
Shown is a fence post system and a coupling used in such a system for coupling the fence rails and fence posts of metal tubular fences such as those used in horse and cattle ranching operations. A clamp ring is secured about the vertical tubular metal fence post. A pair of clamping body components fit about the horizontal fence rail and are secured by top and bottom tightening bosses and tightening elements. When tightened, the assembly nearly completely circumscribes the exterior surface of the fence rail, providing near 360 degree circumferential contact. The coupling can be articulated in various ways. It can be rotated about the fence post before tightening. It can also be pivoted in a vertical plane to adjust for changes in the elevation of the fence line.
US09151071B1
The personalized memorial display provides an aesthetically pleasant means for celebrating the life of an individual at their respective final resting place. The apparatus includes a human-shaped body, a structurally rigid support, a backing, a glazing, and a customized etching. The customized etching is a personalized statement regarding the passed individual that is imprinted into the glazing in order to preserve the memory of said individual for as long as the memorial stands. The glazing is held within the body and covered and supported by the backing, ensuring longevity of the glazing and thus the memory of the departed. The body is raised above the ground and supported by the rigid support. The apparatus acts as a permanent memorial to the memory of an individual.
US09151057B2
A curb assembly is provided for mounting on a sloped, standing seam metallic roof, in order to provide support for a roof fixture, such as an exhaust fan or skylight. The curb assembly includes a box-like structure mounted atop the roof in surrounding relationship to a roof opening. The curb assembly further includes an underlying, below-roof frame assembly. Specialized upper and lower end connection structure serves to securely mount the curb assembly to the metal roof.
US09151056B2
A panel unit with interlocked first and second engagement members each having panel-receiving cavities for receiving and retaining edge portions of panels, two pairs of opposed transparent or translucent panels mounted in the cavities of the first and second engagement members, in which the panel units are subject to positive and negative forces which may cause the engagement members to pivot with respect to each other and the first engagement member has catch rails for engaging sidewalls defining an interlock cavity in the second engagement member to limit the pivoting movement of the engagement members.
US09151054B2
The present invention relates generally to a steel reinforcing structure 10 for concrete according to one embodiment of the invention. The steel reinforcing structure is in the form of a cage 10 comprising six (6) reinforcing bars arranged substantially parallel to one another including a pair of common reinforcing bars 12A and 126 located intermediate two (2) pairs of opposing reinforcing bars 14A/B and 16A/B. The reinforcing cage 10 also comprises a plurality of spiral ties including one pair of spiral ties 18A and 18B located on one side of the reinforcing cage 10, and another pair of spiral ties 20A and 20B located on an opposite side of the reinforcing cage 10. The pair of spiral ties 18A/18B on the left hand side of the reinforcing cage 10 are formed in a clockwise direction whereas the other pair of spiral ties 20A/20B on the right hand side of the reinforcing cage 10 are formed in an anticlockwise direction forming a set of the spiral ties. This opposing orientation of the spiral ties such as 18A and 20A is understood to balance loads and stresses in the reinforcing cage 10 which may otherwise twist or distort.
US09151053B2
A building panel includes a polymeric block, one or more framing studs and one or more framing studs at least partially embedded in or to the polymeric block. The block includes a panel interior surface and a panel exterior surface. The panel interior surface of the polymeric block is offset from at least one of the one or more framing studs. The panel interior surface of the polymeric block includes one or more slots that can receive framing studs.
US09151049B2
A roof window (1) comprising a frame (2) with a top member (5), a bottom member (6) and two side members (7, 8) defining a frame plane, and a sash (3) having a top member (9), a bottom member (10) and two side members (11, 12) defining a sash plane, the sash (3) carrying a pane (4), the window (1) further comprising in connection with said bottom sash member (10) a bottom sash covering (319), wherein the roof window (1) furthermore comprises an insulating element (303) and preferably also a bottom sash gasket 310 adapted for insulating of the transition between the bottom sash member (10) and the bottom sash covering (319).
US09151046B1
A composite automated building construction system, with automated alignment of various truss and wall sections, includes a wall section having frame, an expanded wallboard, and a concrete layer. The wallboard includes an outer portion and inset portion wherein the wallboard is attached to the frame with the outer portion covering an exterior side of the frame and the inset portion is disposed within the frame. The wallboard thus provides exterior and interior insulation for the system. The concrete layer is sprayed on to the outer portion of said wallboard, forming a strong durable composite construction system. A building is constructed with these wall sections by way of a base form template delimiting the boundary of the building. The base forms are installed and then a concrete foundation slab is poured over the base forms. Pre-installed bolts extend above the concrete foundation to providing pre-determined mounting points for the frames for the wall sections.
US09151044B2
A wall panel assembly includes at least one panel made from a steel sheet having a plurality of rear extending lateral edge flanges forming an enclosure and including a front surface. A cleat disposed within the formed enclosure includes a cleat body having a slot that is engageable with a support structure that is fixedly attachable to a wall. The support structure includes a plurality of engagement members that are releasably engageable in the at least one slot of the cleat. The support structure can be formed from a series of linear interconnectable sections.
US09151031B1
A foot-activated toilet flushing system is a device that can be retrofitted to an existing toilet to transform the flush valve from a hand operated flush valve to a foot operated flush valve to allow hands-free flushing for limiting the spread of pathogens.
US09151029B2
A flow noise restrictor for use with a valve. The flow noise restrictor reduces the flow area as the valve closes and forms vortices to reduce the noise such as due to the Bernoulli effect.
US09151023B2
A programmable automated water flushing system (PAWFS) allows for two way communication and remote flushing unit management through a secure web access point or a secure interface in signal communication with a supervisory control and data acquisition system. The PAWFS is configurable to provide and log real time data. The PAWFS can be integrated with exterior water management devices. The PAWFS is configurable to cause flushing of water retention areas when disinfectant residual falls below selectable parameters. The PAWFS can be programmed to flush or clear liquids in accordance with at least one time-based function.
US09151021B2
The invention relates to a modular device formed by a single module (1) for installation between the hot water pipe (H) and cold water pipe (C) and a faucet (4), consisting of: two feed line sections for hot water (2) and cold water (3); a recirculation pump (5) in a bypass conduit (12) that connects the inlet conduits (2) and (3); a pressure switch (6) in feed section (2); a flow meter (7) arranged in feed section (2); a thermal switch (8) in section (2); a check valve (9) at the intersection of the bypass conduit (12) and section (3); and water flow regulating means (10, 11) located between the bypass conduit (12) and the hot water feed section (2).
US09151015B2
In an engine, an exhaust gas purifying device and a regeneration device, there are provided detectors for detecting working states thereof, such as a rotational sensor, a cooling water temperature sensor, an intake temperature sensor, exhaust gas temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and opening degree sensors. When a trouble occurs in any of the sensors other than the pressure sensors among them, a light degree of operation restrictions is performed for restricting a rotational speed of the engine while it can be determined that particulate matter is not excessively accumulated in a particulate matter removing filter from a detection value of the pressure sensors. On the other hand, when the particulate matter is excessively accumulated in the particulate matter removing filter or when any of the pressure sensors has a trouble, a heavy degree of the operation restrictions accompanied by a fuel injection quantity restriction of the engine is performed.
US09151013B2
A mobile working machine includes a working arm which is mounted in an articulated manner, by a first end, on a revolving superstructure of the working machine, and a tool which is mounted in a displaceable manner on a second end of the working arm. The mobile working machine includes a position control device of a working arm. At least one inclination sensor is arranged on the revolving superstructure and at least one inclination sensor is arranged on the working arm. Also, at least one rotation rate sensor is arranged on the working arm. The working machine further includes a calculation unit for processing the signals of the at least one inclination sensor, of at least one additional inclination sensor, and of at least one rotational rate sensor.
US09151011B2
A drilling method and device is for the execution of diaphragm walls by cutters, (131, 105, 110) carried by a frame (130) supported by suspension and movers (102). A guide hole (200) is formed as far as the depth specified in the design at the center of the panel to be made. Excavation is started with the introduction into the guide hole (200) of a guide element (101) that is fixed with respect to the tool-holder frame and having geometry such as to copy the guide hole along which it slides during excavation. Excavation is carried out as far as the depth specified in the design. The tool is extracted from the excavation and the excavation is filled with concrete and a panel is formed. The method is repeated so as to form adjacent panels.
US09151007B2
A quick-release attachment system for connecting a wing plow to the side of a vehicle has a mounting block configured to couple to a conventional structure on the wing plow. A mounting block lifting and securing mechanism has a base element affixed to the vehicle and an extendable and retractable slider controlled by a slider actuator. A lift arm is pivotably mounted to the slider and is raised and lowered by a pivot actuator connected between the slider and the lift arm. When lowered, the lift arm can be positioned such that it engages and raises the mounting block when the lift arm is pivoted back to its raised position. The engagement allows the lift arm to carry the mounting block with it when the slider is retracted, drawing the mounting block into a bracket on the base element to which the mounting block can be secured.
US09150983B1
Apparatus, methods and systems having first and second imaging stations for processing a specimen collection slide having a specimen adsorbed there-through. The first imaging station having a first camera adjacent a first surface of the sample slide and a first lighting assembly directed at an opposite surface of the slide to capture the first surface image, while the second imaging station has a second camera adjacent the second surface and a second lighting assembly directed at the first slide surface to capture a second surface image. A computing device having sets of instructions receives and analyzes the imaging data from the first and second imaging stations, and identifies a location of the absorbed specimen for removal. A punch removes this identified location of the absorbed specimen on the sample slide.
US09150971B2
An aerobic method for oxidizing an alkane is disclosed herein. At least a portion of a surface of a platinum working electrode is activated at an interface between the platinum working electrode and an ionic liquid electrolyte (i.e., 1-ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-pentyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-hexyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-heptyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-octyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, 1-nonyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and 1-decyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imidem, and combinations thereof). An interface complex is formed at the interface. An alkane gas is supplied to the interface. The alkane adsorbs at or near the interface complex. The alkane gas in the presence of oxygen is supplied to the interface. While the alkane gas in the presence of oxygen is supplied to the interface, a positive electrode potential is applied to the platinum working electrode, which causes a reactive oxygen species formed at the interface to catalyze oxidation of the adsorbed alkane to form a reaction product.
US09150963B2
A method of depositing phosphosilicate glass (PSG) is disclosed. The method includes a first deposition step for depositing a first PSG layer with a sputtering deposition ratio of 0.10 to 0.16, and a second deposition step for depositing a second PSG layer with a sputtering deposition ratio of 0.18 to 0.22 after the first deposition step. The first PSG layer has a thickness smaller than that of the second PSG layer. With such two-step deposition method, flower pattern having a dramatically reduced size can be formed without occurrence of clipping or formation of sidewall voids in the resultant gate patterns. Specifically, the formed flower pattern has a height reduced by about 50% and a thickness reduced by about 30%.
US09150962B2
Provided is a method for producing a substrate with a metal body. This method provides excellent film-forming properties (reflectance and adhesion), is easy to be used on a large substrate, and can be carried out at a low cost. The method includes the steps of: (A) heating a complex to a first temperature so as to generate a vapor of the complex; and (B) contacting the vapor with a substrate heated to a second temperature that is not higher than the first temperature so as to form a metal body containing a central metal of the complex, either in uncombined form or as a compound thereof (exclusive of the complex), on at least part of a surface of the substrate. The second temperature in step (B) is lower than the decomposition temperature of the complex. The central metal of the complex is aluminum or titanium.
US09150951B2
A low friction top coat over a multilayer metal/ceramic bondcoat provides a conductive substrate, such as a rotary tool, with wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The top coat further provides low friction and anti-stickiness as well as high compressive stress. The high compressive stress provided by the top coat protects against degradation of the tool due to abrasion and torsional and cyclic fatigue. Substrate temperature is strictly controlled during the coating process to preserve the bulk properties of the substrate and the coating. The described coating process is particularly useful when applied to shape memory alloys.
US09150949B2
The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus and methods of plasma spraying and plasma treatment of materials based on high specific energy molecular plasma gases that may be used to generate a selected plasma. The present disclosure is also relates to the design of plasma torches and plasma systems to optimize such methods.
US09150948B2
A method for manufacturing an integral rotationally symmetrical part, which includes producing a blank of the part around a cylindrical mandrel, the blank including at least one fibrous structure made of composite ceramic fibers coated with metal, followed by a diffusion-welding treatment of the blank by hot isostatic pressing, and optionally machining the thus-treated blank to obtain the part. The blank includes at least a first metal-wire layer between the mandrel and the composite fibrous structure, and at least a second metal-wire layer arranged around the composite fibrous structure to cover the composite fibrous structure.
US09150945B2
A multi-component high-entropy alloy includes a composition selected from the following group: VNbTaTiMoWRe, VNbTaTiMoW, VNbTaTiMoRe, VNbTaTiWRe, VNbTaMoWRe, VNbTiMoWRe, VTaTiMoWRe, NbTaTiMoWRe, VNbTaTiMo, VNbTaTiW, VNbTaMoW, VNbTiMoW, VTaTiMoW, NbTaTiMoW, VNbTaTiRe, VNbTaMoRe, VNbTiMoRe, VTaTiMoRe, NbTaTiMoRe, VNbTaWRe, VNbTiWRe, VTaTiWRe, NbTaTiWRe, VNbMoWRe, VTaMoWRe, NbTaMoWRe, VTiMoWRe, NbTiMoWRe, TaTiMoWRe, wherein relative amounts of each element vary by no more than ±15 atomic %.
US09150943B2
A method for producing a pure metal M or metal alloy MxNy, of interest, which comprises electrolyzing a molten salt electrolyte of an alkali-metal or alkaline-earth metal halide AX or AX2, with an anode formed of graphite or made of a composite of a metal oxide of the metal of interest and carbon, to discharge the alkali or alkaline-earth metal A, at the cathode, and to discharge nascent chlorine gas at the anode, whereby to produce a halide of the metal of interest MXn and/or NXn, and metallothermically reducing the metal halide MXn and/or NXn either separately or combined, with the alkali or alkaline-earth metal A, obtained cathodically to produce the metal M or the metal alloy MxNy of interest in particulate form.
US09150938B2
Disclosed is a process for the production of d-tagatose from deproteinized whey or whey permeate containing lactose after acid hydrolysis to provide a hydrolysate comprising 1 equivalent of d-glucose and 1 equivalent of d-galactose for each unit of lactose converted. More particularly, the invention relates to a process for the isomerization of d-galactose to d-tagatose and the use of a simplified separation scheme based on simulated moving bed (SMB) separation. The isomerization of d-galactose to d-tagatose is carried out in the presence of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The process is useful for providing a simplified processing route to providing pure d-tagatose and glucose syrup as two products from lactose hydrolysate isomerate. D-tagatose is useful as a food additive, as a sweetener, as a texturizer, as a stabilizer, or as a humectant.
US09150916B2
Compositions and methods are provided for the rapid and highly accurate identification of the entire essential genome of any organism under a given selection condition at a resolution of a few base pairs. An engineered transposon bearing an adapter sequence for ultra high throughput adaptor-based sequencing is employed for hyper-saturated transposon mutagenesis. Transposon junctions are subsequently isolated and collectively amplified through a shared parallel PCR strategy such that a second adaptor sequence is further incorporated into template DNA so that the first adaptor sequence and the second adaptor sequence flank the 5′ and 3′ regions of the sample DNA, respectively. Sample DNA is then sequenced in an ultra high-throughput adaptor-based DNA sequencer using adaptor primers. Transposon insertion sites are mapped onto the organism's genome, allowing for the algorithmic identification of essential genetic elements based on genomic transposition frequency.
US09150904B2
The invention relates to a method of detecting the coincidence of two biomolecular structures in a solid phase sample, said method comprising: (i) providing a first and a second fusion protein, each fusion protein comprising (a) a detection domain, said detection domain comprising a DNA binding domain; said detection domain capable of binding a cognate specific nucleotide sequence in co-operation with a further detection domain; (b) a recognition domain, said recognition domain capable of binding a target biomolecular structure; and (c) a connector domain; said connector domain being fused at one end to the detection domain and being fused at the other end to the recognition domain; wherein at least two of (a), (b) and (c) are heterologous to one another; wherein the recognition domains of said first and said second fusion proteins are capable of binding to first and second biomolecular structures; (ii) contacting the sample with said first and second fusion proteins; (iii) incubating to allow binding; (iv) removing unbound fusion protein; (v) contacting the sample with nucleic acid comprising said cognate specific nucleotide sequence; (vi) incubating to allow heterotrimeric binding of the nucleic acid; (vii) detecting nucleic acid bound to the sample wherein detection of nucleic acid in step; (vii) indicates that the two biomolecular structures are present coincidentally in said sample.
US09150902B2
A novel modified polysaccharide, a solid phase to which the polysaccharide is adhered, methods for detecting N-deacetylase activity, N-sulfotransferase activity and N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase activity in a sample which utilizes said solid phase, and detection kits thereof.
US09150900B2
The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.
US09150899B2
The present invention relates to methods for identifying compounds capable of modulating a cellular response. The methods involve attaching living cells to solid supports comprising a library of test compounds. The test compounds are linked to the solid support via cleavable linkers and may thus be released from the solid supports. Solid supports comprising cells, wherein the cellular response of interest has been modulated are selected and the test compound of the solid support can then be identified. The cellular response may for example be changes in complex formation between proteins.
US09150897B2
The present invention provides a new method for recombinantly expressing a protein of interest, such as the human BRCA2 protein, BLM protein, CtIP protein, or EXOI protein, by expressing the protein in the form of a fusion protein comprising two maltose-binding protein (MBP) or glutathione-S-transferase (GST) tags. The expression cassette useful for this method and the fusion protein produced by this method are also described.
US09150896B2
Provided herein is a method of amplifying nucleic acids using a plurality of modified nucleotides one or more of the nucleotides comprising a 3′ blocking group. Also provided is a method of amplifying nucleic acids using oligonucleotide primers one or both of the primers comprising a 3′ blocking group on one or more of the nucleotides of the primers.
US09150895B2
A method of hydrolysis of cellulose uses a filamentous fungus-derived cellulase as a carbohydrase and includes adding the carbohydrase to cellulose to perform primary hydrolysis and then subjecting the primary hydrolysate to solid-liquid separation into a primary sugar liquid and solids; adding water to the solids and performing secondary hydrolysis, followed by subjecting the secondary hydrolysate to solid-liquid separation into a secondary sugar liquid and a residue; and filtering the primary sugar liquid and/or secondary sugar liquid through an ultrafiltration membrane, and recovering the carbohydrase from the feed side and recovering a sugar solution from the permeate side.
US09150893B2
Described herein are microorganisms that produce methionine and related products from endogenous genes in a transsulfuration pathway, as well as from exogenous genes providing a direct sulfhydrylation pathway. Novel genes that are useful for methionine and SAMe production are disclosed.
US09150891B2
Disclosed is a transformation method whereby an ability to produce a useful substance of a stramenopile can be improved. The method for transforming a stramenopile comprises transferring a foreign gene into the stramenopile which is a microorganism belonging to the class Labyrinthula, more specifically, to a genus Labyrinthula, Altornia, Aplanochytrium, Schizochytrium, Aurantiochytrium, Thraustochytrium, Ulkenia, etc. Said foreign gene, which is a gene relating to tolerance against an antibiotic, a colorimetric protein and/or a fatty acid desaturase (Δ5 desaturase gene, Δ12 desaturase gene and/or ω3 desaturase gene), is transferred by using the electroporation or gene-gun technique.
US09150890B2
The invention relates to genetically engineered Candida tropicalis cells, use thereof and a method of production of ω-hydroxycarboxylic acids and ω-hydroxycarboxylic acid esters.
US09150886B2
The method of producing bioethanol by sugarcane fermentation is improved by using a polyalkylene glycol with a hydroxyl functionality of greater than 2 as a foam controlling agent.
US09150881B2
Novel compositions for the in vitro or in vivo production of specific proteins are provided. The compositions comprise components of vectors, such as a vector backbone, a promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes for the protein of interest, and the transposon-based vectors comprising these components. Also provided are methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of desired proteins in vivo or in transfected cells in vitro.
US09150880B2
Novel compositions for the production of the light and heavy chains of an antibody are provided. These novel compositions are also used to produce germline transgenic birds that can successfully pass the transgene encoding the antibody to their offspring. The compositions comprise components of vectors, such as a vector backbone, a promoter, and a gene of interest that encodes the light or heavy chain of an antibody, and the vectors comprising these components. In certain embodiments, these vectors are transposon-based vectors. Also provided are methods of making these compositions and methods of using these compositions for the production of the light and heavy chains of an antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody is a human monoclonal antibody.
US09150879B2
Disclosed herein are engineered cleavage half-domains; fusion polypeptides comprising these engineered cleavage half-domains; polynucleotides encoding the engineered cleavage half-domains and fusion proteins; and cells comprising said polynucleotides and/or fusion proteins. Also described are methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides, for example for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence.
US09150876B2
The invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a maize gene, RAMOSA3 (RA3), responsible for meristem development and inflorescence development including branching. The gene, gene product, and regulatory regions may be used to manipulate branching, meristem growth, inflorescence development and arrangement, and ultimately to improve yield of plants. The invention includes the gene and protein product as well as the use of the same for temporal and spatial expression in transgenic plants to alter plant morphology and affect yield in plants. The invention also includes the gene and protein product for SISTER OF RAMOSA3 (SRA).
US09150872B2
Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis.
US09150870B2
The invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid sequence comprising a promoter, which is a native sequence of Pichia pastoris comprising the nucleic acid sequence of pCS1 of SEQ ID NO:1, or a functionally active variant thereof which is a size variant, a mutant or hybrid of SEQ ID NO:1, or a combination thereof, expression constructs and recombinant host cells comprising the promoter, and a method of producing a protein of interest under the control of the promoter. It further relates to a method to identify a constitutive promoter from eukaryotic cells, and an isolated nucleic acid sequence comprising a promoter which when operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein of interest directs the expression thereof in a host cell at an expression level that is higher than under control of the native pGAP promoter at high and low growth rates.
US09150865B2
Certain embodiments are directed to compositions and methods of inhibiting pathogenic bacterial infection involving ADAMIO comprising administering an effective amount of a metalloprotease inhibitor to a patient. Certain embodiments are directed to method of inhibiting Staphylococcal infection comprising administering an effective amount of a metalloprotease inhibitor to a patient. Other embodiments concern methods of inhibiting infection by a bacteria from the genus Clostridium, Streptococcus, Listeria, Bacillus, or Arcanobacterium.
US09150855B2
The invention relates to methods for diagnosing bone disorders and/or cardiovascular disorders in a subject, by contacting a biological sample from the subject with (a) a nucleic acid molecule which hybridizes to miR-31 or its 5 or 3′ isoforms or variants, or (b) an agent that binds to miR-31 or its 5′ or 3′ isoforms or variants; detecting and evaluating the hybridization signal of the nucleic acid molecule or agent with a polynucleotide or said miR-31 or its 5′ or 3′ isoforms or variants; and comparing the detected and evaluated hybridization or binding signal with that of a control sample, wherein a stronger hybridization signal or a stronger binding signal in the sample of the subject compared to that of the control sample is indicative for a risk of developing or having a bone disorder and/or cardiovascular disorder.
US09150853B2
Disclosed are methods, compositions and devices for screening a protein library for proteins having a desired activity, such as capable of catalyzing the formation of a bond between two reactants. In an exemplary embodiments, a plurality of proteins are expressed in vitro from a plurality of nucleic acids, the plurality of proteins are exposed with two single stranded oligonucleotides having complementary sequences, each oligonucleotide having a reactant and a fluorophore, the fluorescence of the protein-reactant-oligonucleotide-fluorophore complexes is detected and the complexes showing detectable fluorescence energy transfer are isolated, thereby isolating proteins having the desired enzymatic activity.
US09150851B2
The disclosure relates to methods for the screening, identification, and/or application of one or more microorganisms of use in imparting one or more beneficial properties to one or more plants.
US09150843B2
The invention relates to recombinantly produced β-glucosidase variants with enhanced thermoactivity compared to naturally occurring proteins. The invention also provides methods for producing a variant β-glucosidase polypeptide with improved thermoactivity by identifying performance sensitive positions in a target β-glucosidase polypeptide and substituting the residue at that position with a thermoactivity enhancing residue.
US09150837B2
Compounds and methods for utilizing compounds comprising a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to polyethylene glycol. Methods are also provided for preparing a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to a polyethylene glycol, the methods comprising reacting an activated polyethylene glycol with a superoxide dismutase mimetic, or alternatively, reacting a superoxide dismutase mimetic with an activated polyethylene glycol. A method is also provided for preventing or treating a disease or disorder in which superoxide anions are implicated, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound comprising a superoxide dismutase mimetic covalently linked to a polyethylene glycol. Methods of determining the safety and efficacy of the compounds are also provided. Methods for determining the safety and efficacy can include methods in lab animals and humans.
US09150836B2
The present invention relates to fungal Δ-15 fatty acid desaturases that are able to catalyze the conversion of linoleic acid (18:2, LA) to alpha-linolenic acid (18:3, ALA). Nucleic acid sequences encoding the desaturases, nucleic acid sequences which hybridize thereto, DNA constructs comprising the desaturase genes, and recombinant host plants and microorganisms expressing increased levels of the desaturases are described. Methods of increasing production of specific omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids by over-expression of the Δ-15 fatty acid desaturases are also described herein.
US09150825B2
The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine having two main faces (17) of which one is adapted to cooperate with a container and a lateral face (18) extending between said main faces (17) as well as at least one sliding valve (3) housed in a cavity of said magazine (2) and in which there is formed a transfer duct (59) for said medium which issues on said face (17) adapted to cooperate with said container, said valve (3) having a closed position in which it sealingly isolates said duct (59) from said container and an open position in which said duct (59) is placed in communication with said container; said valve (3) comprising a valve member (40), an isolation sleeve (41) surrounding at least partially said valve member (40) as well as spring means (58) adapted to be compressed by said valve member (40) when said valve (3) is in its open position.
US09150820B2
The present invention provides a surfactant composition containing a polyglycerol alkyl ether which is capable of exhibiting a high emulsification performance for silicone oils compounded in cosmetics, detergents, etc., by using a natural alcohol derived from oils and fats as a raw material thereof, a process for producing the surfactant composition in an effective manner, and a use of the surfactant composition. The present invention relates to [1] a surfactant composition including a specific polyglycerol monoalkyl ether (1) and a specific polyglycerol dialkyl ether (2), a mass ratio of [(1)/(2)] being from 65/35 to 75/25; [2] a process for producing the surfactant composition; [3] an emulsifier composition including the surfactant composition; and [4] a detergent composition including the surfactant composition.
US09150814B2
A filter apparatus (10) for cleaning functional fluids, especially selected from phosphate esters, phosphate ester-based oils, mineral oils and phenols, includes a filter housing (12) into which a filter bed (14) has been introduced. The filter bed has a mixture of anionic and cationic ion exchange resins. At least one filter element (16), designed as a flow guide device, enables the diversion of the fluid from a radial to an axial flow direction (18) or vice versa.
US09150807B2
A method and system for processing an input fuel gas and steam to produce separate CO2 and output fuel gas streams. The method comprises the steps of using a decarbonizer segment for reacting at least a solid sorbent with the fuel gas and steam to remove carbon from the input fuel gas and to produce the output fuel gas stream in an exhaust gas from the decarbonizer; using a calciner segment for reacting the solid sorbent from the decarbonizer segment therein to release the CO2 into the CO2 gas stream; wherein CO2 partial pressures and temperatures in the decarbonizer and calciner segments respectively are controlled such that the temperature in the decarbonizer segment is higher than the temperature in the calciner.
US09150804B2
A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing a gasification reactor having a cavity defined at least partially by a first wall. The reactor also includes a first passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the first wall and a second wall, wherein the first passage is in heat transfer communication with the first wall. The reactor further includes a second passage defined at least partially by at least a portion of the second wall and a third wall. The method also includes coupling the cavity in flow communication with the first and second passages. The method further includes producing a first synthetic gas (syngas) stream within the cavity. The method also includes channeling at least a portion of the first syngas stream to the first and second passages.
US09150801B2
A system includes a gasifier configured to gasify a gasification fuel during a gasification mode. The system also includes a first injector configured to inject a heat control fuel and an oxygen enriched air into the gasifier for combustion during a heat control mode. The heat control fuel is the same or different from the gasification fuel, and the oxygen enriched air includes air enriched with additional oxygen.
US09150798B2
Provided is a method of reforming a produced gas to reform tar contained in the produced gas from a gasification furnace. Quick lime comes in contact with a produced gas (3) from a gasification furnace (2) in a reformer (1) such that the quick lime absorbs carbon dioxide in the produced gas to generate calcium carbonate, and reforming reaction of the tar is performed with calcium as a catalyst using heat of reaction emitted during that time. In addition, as the calcium carbonate of the reformer (1) is supplied and burnt in a reforming agent regenerator (8), the quick lime is regenerated and supplied into the reformer (1) again. According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a method and device for reforming a produced gas that are capable of simplifying equipment and operation thereof.
US09150795B2
A method of recovering bitumen from a froth utilizes solvent and a single settling vessel having a plurality of internals. The froth is diluted with enough solvent to reduce viscosity and is added to the vessel above the internals. Additional solvent is added below the internals, intermediate the internals or both and is flowed counter-current to the diluted froth flowing downwardly over the internals, forming a gradient of solvent concentration relative to hydrocarbon concentration throughout the internals, acting as multiple stages of separation. The bitumen and other light components, rise with the solvent to the top of the vessel. The heavier components, such as water, solids and asphaltene aggregates fall to the bottom by gravity. Where paraffinic solvents are used, the solvent-to-bitumen ratio (S:B) for the initial dilution of froth is below that at which asphaltenes are rejected. Substantially all asphaltene rejection occurs in the vessel as S:B increases therein.
US09150791B2
The invention provides for torrefaction apparatus which includes a drum (14) having a biomass inlet (18) and a torrefied material outlet (20), furnace means (16) external of the drum (14) for heating the drum (14) so that torrefaction temperature is achieved in the drum, and a gas inlet conduit (42) leading to the drum (14) from a source of inert gas, thereby to create an torrefaction atmosphere in the drum (14).
US09150790B2
A device includes a rotary drum and a fluid conduit. The rotary drum has a horizontal rotation axis and the drum has a sealed inlet end and a sealed outlet end. The drum is configured to receive biomass proximate the inlet end and has a discharge port proximate an outlet end. The fluid conduit is disposed along an inner surface of the drum. The fluid conduit is configured to carry heated fluid and has a coupling external to the drum.
US09150789B2
The invention is directed to sulfonated aromatic polyesters and methods of making said polymers. These polymers are useful as fibers and other articles. The polymer has a property of increased flame retardancy.
US09150788B2
The present invention relates to a non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion composition. The non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion composition includes a water-soluble polymer, a non-amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen encapsulated by the water-soluble polymer; and water. In one embodiment, the non-amphiphilic lyotropic mesogen includes, without limitation, a lyotropic chromonic liquid crystal, and more specifically disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). In another embodiment, the water-soluble polymer can include, without limitation, a polyacrylamide, a polyol, a polyvinylpyrrolidone, a polysaccharide, or a water-soluble fluoride-bearing polymer. The present invention also relates to a porous hydrogel made with the use of the non-amphiphile-based water-in-water emulsion. The present invention further relates to using the emulsion and hydrogel for various applications.
US09150786B2
A novel polymerizable monomer compound that can be used for a variety of liquid crystal devices is provided. Particularly, a novel liquid crystal composition including the novel polymerizable monomer compound and exhibiting a blue phase is provided. Further, a liquid crystal display device manufactured with the use of the liquid crystal composition is provided. A polymerizable monomer compound represented by the following general formula (G1) is provided. In the general formula (G1), n and m are individually an integer from 1 to 20 and may be the same as or different from each other, and R1 and R2 individually represent hydrogen or a methyl group.
US09150782B2
Disclosed herein are fluorescent tracer compositions and water-soluble polymer compositions containing fluorescent compounds for tracing one or more components in the polymer compositions. More particularly, the disclosure relates to fluorescent tracer compositions including a fluorophore and a bitterant aversive component to be incorporated into a water-soluble polymer composition such as a water-soluble film. An aversive compound such as a bitterant is desirably incorporated into the polymer composition as a deterrent to ingestion of the polymer composition (or an article made therefrom). Qualitative or quantitative detection of the fluorophore in the polymer composition can be correlated to a qualitative or quantitative detection of a corresponding traced material in the polymer composition, for example the bitterant aversive component. Related articles and methods for making and using the polymer compositions are also disclosed.
US09150755B2
The invention relates to a silicone composition comprising components bearing ≡SiH/≡SiOH groups, which can be polymerized/cross-linked by means of a dehydrogenative condensation reaction in the presence of a carbene-type catalyst in solution.
US09150754B2
A liquid crystal alignment agent includes a polymer composition obtained by subjecting a diamine component and a tetracarboxylic dianhydride component to a reaction, a solvent, and a hydroxyl compound. Preferably, the hydroxyl compound has a weight average molecular weight ranging from 300 to 1,000,000. A liquid crystal alignment film formed from the liquid crystal alignment agent and a liquid crystal display element including the liquid crystal alignment film are also disclosed.
US09150751B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of crosslinkable polymer particles, a peroxidase enzyme, and a hydrophobic hydroperoxide having a 10-hour half life temperature of at least 100° C. The composition provides a robust one-pot peroxidase mediated cure for latex particles bearing a variety of polymerizable functional groups.
US09150750B2
An acrylate-based curable printing medium is disclosed. Acrylates, in the form of monomers, dimers, trimers and oligomers, as well as resins, form an interpenetrating polymer network by crosslinking, which is effected by heat, and optionally peroxide curing agents. Formulations can be tailored to achieve desired properties of the cured polymer including film hardness, burnout properties, and adhesion to glass. Such properties are adjusted by manipulating the relative proportions of the acrylic monomers, oligomers and resins that are used as a ceramic medium or vehicle.
US09150745B2
Inkjet ink contains a pigment, a hydrosoluble solvent, and water, wherein the pigment is represented by the following chemical formula 1 and has a CuKα X-ray diffraction spectrum having a wavelength of 1.541 Å such that no main peak is observed at a Bragg (2θ±0.2°) angle in a range of 2θ of from 28.0° to 29.0°, wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or a chlorine atom.
US09150741B2
The present invention discloses a producing method for an ink composition for forming absorption layers of thin film cells. The ink composition comprising CIGS or CIS nanocrystals and a chelating agent specified for the CIGS or CIS nanocrystals. According to the present invention, the mixture comprising at least two substances selected from the group consisting of Group IB elements, Group IIIA elements, Group VIA elements, salts of Group IB elements, salts of Group IIIA elements and salts of Group VIA elements can be react into a single composition while the existence of the chelating agent. The chelating agent can alternatively be aromatic diamine compounds, alkyl diamine compounds or aliphatic diamine compounds. With the implementation of the present invention, manufacturing the CIGS or CIS films in large scale and simplifying the conventional manufacturing processes are capable of accomplishment.
US09150735B2
A coated substrate includes a substrate and a coating containing a water insoluble polymer and a water soluble polymer, the two polymers, due to different water affinity, forming a nanosegregant on the substrate. Also disclosed are a method of preparing the above-described coated substrate and the use of this coated substrate in a solid-state supercapacitor.
US09150734B2
Disclosed are antifouling compositions that can include a biopolymeric matrix which is substantially zwitterionic. The compositions may include a biopolymer matrix having positively charged functional groups, negatively charged functional groups, zwitterionic functional groups, or a combination thereof, such that the composition is substantially zwitterionic. The compositions can be used as additives and as compositions further containing a base material such as paint or lacquer. Methods of making and using such compounds and compositions are also disclosed.
US09150731B2
This invention provides metal oxide particles surface-treated with a hydrophobicity-imparting agent, methods of making such, and toner compositions comprising the same.
US09150730B2
The invention relates to inorganic-organic composite particles, in particular composite nanoparticles, wherein the composite particles comprise at least one organically based material containing or being made of at least one wax and an inorganically based material, and to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof.
US09150725B2
A flame retardant polycarbonate resin composition that can have excellent scratch resistance and impact resistance includes: (A) about 10 to about 89 wt % of a polycarbonate resin; (B) about 10 to about 89 wt % of a polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer; (C) about 1 to about 70 wt % of a modified (meth)acrylic copolymer resin; and (D) about 1 to about 50 parts by weight of a phosphorus-based flame retardant, based on about 100 parts by weight of components (A)+(B)+(C).
US09150721B2
The present invention generally relates to self healing polymer materials comprising thermoset and thermoplastic polymers. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing self healing polymer materials, methods of post-curing and healing the self healing polymer materials, composite materials comprising self healing polymer materials and methods of preparing the composite materials. In an attempt to develop improved structural materials, polymers and polymer materials have been identified that can be used in materials to act as self healing agents to repair structural damage occurring in the materials. The self healing polymer materials that have been identified are capable of being healed under post-curing or healing conditions.
US09150718B2
A weather-resistant crosslinked polyolefin composition is a novel formula containing a comprehensive mixture constituted by crosslinking agent, antistatic agent, TiO2 sized in nanometer and TiO2 sized in micrometer and essential components including polyolefin composition resin, lubricant auxiliary crosslinking agent, antioxidant, UV absorber and filler etc; this novel formula is particularly suited to produce a weather-resistant crosslinked polyolefin sheet with a calender machine instead of an extruder conventionally used, and the polyolefin sheets produced thereof are excellent in both heat-resistant and weather-resistant as well as in a high-quality sheet surface and capably made at a high yield rate through the calender machine.
US09150709B2
Epoxy resin compositions comprising a) epoxy resins and b) at least one 2-oxo-[1,3]dioxolane derivative of the formula I in which one or two of the radicals R1 to R4 are an electron-withdrawing organic group having 1 to 20 C atoms or an electron-withdrawing heteroatom, and the remaining radicals R1 to R4 are independently of one another an H atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 C atoms.
US09150704B2
A polyester resin composition comprises (A) about 100 parts by weight of polyester resin with a melting point greater than about 200° C. and including repeat units of Formula 1; (B) about 0.1 to about 80 parts by weight of white pigment; and (C) about 0.01 to about 80 parts by weight of filler. The polyester resin composition of the present invention does not exhibit deteriorated reflectance and impact strength and also has good heat resistance, non-yellowing property and humidity resistance and can be used in a light emitting diode (LED) reflector.
US09150700B2
Wrinkles are removed from fiber reinforced resin plies of an uncured composite layup by subjecting the wrinkles to vibration and pressure.
US09150695B2
There is provided a production method of a cyclic polyarylene sulfide from a reaction mixture including at least a sulfidizing agent (a), a dihalogenated aromatic compound (b) and an organic polar solvent (c). The production method includes: a process 1 of heating the reaction mixture having an arylene unit of not less than 0.80 mol but less than 1.05 mol per 1 mol of the sulfur content in the reaction mixture; and subsequent to the process 1, a process 2 of further causing the reaction to proceed after addition of the dihalogenated aromatic compound (b) to have the arylene unit of not less than 1.05 mol and not greater than 1.50 mol per 1 mol of the sulfur content in the reaction mixture.
US09150691B2
The present invention relates to a novel polyamide synthesized from biosourced monomers. The novel polyamide comprises the repeating unit of formula I below: in which A represents a covalent bond or a divalent hydrocarbon-based group chosen from saturated or unsaturated aliphatics, saturated or unsaturated cycloaliphatics, aromatics comprising at least 5 carbon atoms, arylaliphatics and alkylaromatics; X represents a divalent group of formula II or III below: The present invention also relates to the process for preparing the said polyamide, to its uses, and to articles and compositions comprising the said polyamide.
US09150682B2
Compounds for use as radical generating agents for modifying polymer compositions, wherein the modified polymer compositions and the process for preparing the polymer compositions are utilized with wires or cables thereby forming one or more layers of a wire of the cable.
US09150674B2
A novel amphiphilic graft copolymer is described. A process to make amphiphilic graft copolymers via grafting either poly(ethylene oxide) or polylactide side chains onto an EVA platform using oxo-anion ring-opening polymerization chemistry is also described. Polyethylene or polypropylene based graft copolymers are prepared starting from poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) or maleic anhydride grafted isotactic polypropylene respectively. The amphiphilic character will result from the incorporation of hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side-chains. Various applications of the novel amphiphilic graft copolymer are also described including, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer, films, fibers, fabrics, gels, breathable packaging materials, additive for biodegradable system, surfactant, antistatic additives, polymer compatibilizers, phase transfer catalysts, solid polymer electrolytes, biocompatible polymers, or incorporation into the materials listed above.
US09150672B2
Provided herein are methods for preparing a telechelic polymer of formula I wherein: R1 is a polyolefin group; R2 and R3 are, independently in each —(CR2R3)— unit, hydrogen or alkyl from 1 to 6 carbons; m is an integer from 2 to 20; RX is a cationic initiator residue; and p is an integer from 1 to 4.
US09150657B2
The present invention provides an antibody which recognizes an epitope recognized by an antibody produced by a hybridoma SH348-1 (FERM BP-10836) or a hybridoma SH357-1 (FERM BP-10837), an antibody produced by the hybridoma SH348-1 or the hybridoma SH357-1, an antibody obtained by humanizing the antibody produced by the hybridoma SH348-1 or the hybridoma SH357-1, a pharmaceutical agent comprising the antibody as an active ingredient, etc.
US09150642B2
Polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize the KTPAF50 protein, and compositions comprising thereof are provided. Also provided are uses of the KTPAF50-specific antibodies, in the diagnosis and therapeutic of conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, graft rejection, neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes.
US09150634B2
The present invention refers to peptides comprised in the extracellular region of human PDGF receptor (hPDGFR) alpha, their use for detecting auto-antibodies anti-hPDGFR alpha and to a method for the diagnosis or the monitoring control for therapy of SSc. The present invention also refers to antibodies or recombinant or synthetic derivatives thereof able to recognize and bind to the above peptide and to their use in the treatment of SSc.
US09150633B2
An acylated insulin analogue wherein the insulin analogue comprises a lysine residue connected C-terminally to the A21 amino acid residue or a peptide residue of up to 4 amino acid residues comprising a lysine residue which peptide residue is connected C-terminally to the A21 amino acid residue, characterized in that an acyl moiety comprising an alkylene glycol moiety is attached to the lysine residue in the A22 position or attached to a lysine residue present in the peptide residue that is attached to the C terminal end of the A21 amino acid residue and wherein there is only one lysine (K, Lys) in the insulin analogue, can conveniently be administered pulmonary.
US09150624B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for a green tissue-preferred promoter from maize. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises stabling incorporating into the genome of a plant cell a nucleotide sequence operably linked to the root-preferred promoter of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant that expresses the nucleotide sequence.
US09150608B2
Isolated compounds from Adelostemma gracillimum refined fractions and compositions containing the compounds are provided by the present invention. Adelostemma gracillimum refined fractions and the extraction process thereof are also provided by the present invention. The uses of the compounds and the Adelostemma gracillimum refined fractions for inhibiting the activities of NMDA receptor or amyloid-beta peptide, for improving memory, and for treating neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathological conditions or epilepsy are further provided by the present invention.
US09150604B2
The inventors have determined, contrary to the prior art and experience, how to successfully use triciribine to treat esophogeal adenocarcinoma by one or a combination of (i) administering triciribine only to patients which according to a diagnostic test described below, exhibit enhanced sensitivity to the drug; (ii) use of a described dosage level that minimizes the toxicity of the drug but yet still exhibits efficacy; or (iii) use of a described dosage regimen that minimizes the toxicity of the drug.
US09150603B2
The present invention relates to 2′-Cyano Substituted Nucleoside Derivatives of Formula (I): and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein B, X, R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising at least one 2′-Cyano Substituted Nucleoside Derivative, and methods of using the 2′-Cyano Substituted Nucleoside Derivatives for treating or preventing HCV infection in a patient.
US09150594B2
According to the present invention there are provided novel processes for the manufacture of the compound of formula 1 as well as intermediates and novel synthesis routes for key intermediates used in those processes.
US09150592B2
The invention provides a compound of Formula (I) pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pro-drugs, biologically active metabolites, stereoisomers and isomers thereof wherein the variable are defined herein. The compounds of the invention are useful for treating immunological and oncological conditions.
US09150590B2
Process for the preparation of rifaximin, pseudo-crystalline rifaximin and a new pseudo-crystalline form of rifaximin with fewer impurities obtained thereby.
US09150587B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formula III. Also disclosed are salts of the compounds, pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds or salts, and methods for treating HCV infection by administration of the compounds or salts.
US09150584B2
Provided herein are indole and benzofuran fused isoquinuclidene derivatives. Also provided herein are processes, preferably enantioselective processes, for preparing such derivatives including processes for preparing (−) and (+) noribogaine or a salt thereof, in substantially enantiomerically pure forms.
US09150583B2
The present invention relates to compounds defined by formula I wherein the variables R1-R8 are defined as in the description, possessing valuable pharmacological activity. Particularly, the compounds are inhibitors of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and thus are suitable for treatment and prevention of diseases which can be influenced by inhibition of this protein.
US09150582B2
Neuropeptide S receptor antagonists are provided that bind in functional assays to neuropeptide S receptors; methods are provided for use of these antagonists in treatment of conditions or disease states that are ameliorated by blocking of the neuropeptide S receptor, including substance abuse and substance abuse relapse; and for use of neuropeptide S receptor antagonists in the manufacture of therapeutics and pro-drugs for therapeutics useful in disease states and conditions sensitive to binding of the neuropeptide S receptor.
US09150577B2
Disclosed are novel compounds which inhibit RSK, methods of making such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. Also disclosed are methods of treating RSK2 regulated disorders using compounds of the invention.
US09150573B2
The present application relates to a novel and efficient process for preparing novel substituted 5-fluoro-1H-pyrazolopyridines of the formula (VI) which are suitable as an intermediate for production of medicaments and for production of medicaments for treatment and/or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disorders. More particularly, the 5-fluoro-1H-pyrazolopyridines of the formula (VI) are suitable for preparation of the compound of the formula (I) which serves for production of medicaments, for production of medicaments for treatment and/or prophylaxis of cardiovascular disorders.
US09150569B2
The present invention provides a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having an inhibitory effect on the production of kynurenine, represented by formula (I): (wherein R6 and R7 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or the like, R8, R9, R10, and R11 may be the same or different and each represent a hydrogen atom or the like, R1 represents lower alkyl which may be substituted with cycloalkyl, or the like, and R3 represents optionally substituted aryl or an optionally substituted heterocyclic group).
US09150565B2
Heteroarylpiperidine and -piperazine derivatives of the formula (I) in which the symbols A, X, Y, L1, L2, G, Q, p, R1, R2 and R10 are each as defined in the description, and salts, metal complexes and N-oxides of the compounds of the formula (I), and the use thereof for controlling phytopathogenic harmful fungi and processes for preparing compounds of the formula (I).
US09150550B2
Benzimidazole, benzopyrazole and benzotriazole compounds are provided which bind to CCR(4) and are useful for the treatment of diseases such as allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, graft rejection and cancer.
US09150533B2
Statin compositions are disclosed for stimulating neurite growth from spiral ganglion neurons in the inner ear and methods for preventing damage to or treating damage of auditory neurons and/or hair cells of the cochlea following acoustic or toxic insult.
US09150530B2
The present invention discloses esters of 4,9-dihydroxy-naphtho[2,3-b]furans and methods of making and using the same. The present invention also discloses conversion of the esters into therapeutically active 4,9-dihydroxy-naphtho[2,3-b]furans in vivo. The present invention furthermore discloses pharmaceutical compositions comprising the esters of 4,9-dihydroxy-naphtho[2,3-b]furans for the treatment of various indications including proliferative diseases.
US09150527B2
The instant invention describes compounds having metalloenzyme modulating activity, and methods of treating diseases, disorders or symptoms thereof mediated by such metalloenzymes.
US09150523B2
Disclosed herein are compounds and compositions useful in the treatment of pathologies associated with the insulin resistance syndrome (or syndrome X), in particular in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
US09150514B2
The invention is directed to methods for treating hypertension or heart failure using compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, Y, Z, Q, W, X, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In particular embodiments, the invention uses compounds having formula IIIa, IVa, Va: These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity.
US09150509B2
Lipoic acid derivatives and pharmaceutical formulations containing lipoic acid derivatives are useful in the treatment and prevention of disease characterized by disease cells that are sensitive to lipoic acid derivatives.
US09150504B2
The invention relates to fatty acid guanidine or salicylate guanidine derivatives; compositions comprising an effective amount of a fatty acid guanidine or salicylate guanidine derivative; and methods for treating or preventing a metabolic disease comprising the administration of an effective amount of a fatty acid guanidine or salicylate guanidine derivative.
US09150502B2
A method for producing urethane compounds includes allowing a primary amine, a urea and/or an N-unsubstituted carbamate, and an alcohol to react in the presence of a compound containing a noncoordinating anion and a metal atom as a catalyst.
US09150501B2
The present invention relates to solid forms of (S)—N-(4-cyano-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide and process for producing the same.
US09150486B2
The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of conjugated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), preferably conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), using finely dispersed heterogeneous metal catalysts on a mesoporous support, in the absence of Hg. The present invention also relates to a method to increase the large microporosity and (optionally) the small mesoporosity of a zeolite, thus obtaining a modified zeolite having a large and highly accessible internal surface.
US09150483B2
An aqueous solution comprising acrylic acid and the conjugate base thereof in a total amount of at least 10% by weight, based on the weight of the aqueous solution, and propionic acid and the conjugate base thereof, formic acid and the conjugate base thereof, acetic acid and the conjugate base thereof, benzoic acid and the conjugate base thereof, maleic anhydride, maleic acid and the conjugate bases thereof, phthalic anhydride, phthalic acid and the conjugate bases thereof, acrolein, benzaldehyde, 2-furaldehyde, and at least 20 mol % of at least one alkali metal cation; process for preparing this solution; and the use of this solution for preparation of polymer by free-radical polymerization.
US09150478B2
Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.
US09150473B2
A method for producing allyl alcohol is disclosed. The method includes steps of feeding allyl acetate and water into a reactive distillation column; performing a reaction in a reaction zone and separating a product containing allyl alcohol, acetic acid and water from the reactive distillation column. Accordingly, the method effectively enhances a conversion rate of hydrolysis for allyl acetate, simplifies the process and reduces energy consumption.
US09150468B2
Disclosed is a method of producing an organic compound. The method uses a metathesis catalyst in a coupling reaction of an olefin. The method comprises the steps of introducing the olefin into a container; either placing the container under vacuum or bubbling a gas through the olefin; adding an additive with the olefin; mixing the olefin and the additive, the mixing creating a mixture; adding an amount of the metathesis catalyst to the mixture, the amount being less than about 100 ppm by weight of the mixture; and optionally heating the mixture to a temperature, the temperature being greater than room temperature.
US09150455B2
A heavy oil ash self-compacting concrete can include aggregate, heavy oil ash fines, water, and cement. The heavy oil ash can include more than 90% carbon, by weight. In an embodiment, the heavy oil ash self-compacting concrete can flow under its own weight and yet maintain a stable mixture consistency.
US09150452B2
A method of expanding expandable polymeric microspheres including contacting an aqueous slurry including unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with steam in-situ during manufacture of a cementitious composition or article, wherein the aqueous slurry optionally further includes an admixture therefor. A method of manufacturing a cementitious composition or article includes: (i) contacting an aqueous slurry of unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with steam proximate to and/or during said manufacturing of the cementitious composition to create expanded polymeric microspheres; (ii) pre-wetting the expanded polymeric microspheres; and (iii) mixing the pre-wetted, expanded polymeric microspheres with cement and water to form the cementitious composition, wherein the aqueous slurry optionally further comprises an admixture therefor.
US09150447B2
There is provided a silica crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal, comprising silica glass and having a two-layer structure of an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein the inner layer, in a sectional side view of the crucible, has a wavy inner surface shape having mountain parts and valley parts at least between a start position and an end position for the pulling of a silicon single crystal in a silicon melt surface, and when a distance from an upper opening end of the crucible to the start position for the pulling of the silicon single crystal is 100, only a crucible portion from the upper opening end to a position within a range of 40 to 100 is crystalline.
US09150446B2
The present invention relates to a glass meting furnace comprising a channel-shaped melting tank, the batch materials being introduced at an upstream end, the molten glass being recovered at the downstream end, said furnace being heated by means of burners, in which the combustion energy is produced by oxy-fuel combustion in respect of at least 65% thereof, the burners being distributed on the walls along the length of the furnace, in which flue gas discharge is mostly localized close to the upstream end near the openings through which the batch materials are introduced, the rest of the flue gas being removed close to the downstream part so as to maintain dynamic sealing with respect to the surrounding atmosphere.
US09150441B2
A sewage treatment apparatus comprises a first stage equipment for treating sewage feed to obtain a first effluent and a second stage equipment for treating the first effluent to obtain a second effluent. The second stage equipment comprises a mixer (VI) for mixing the first effluent and a flocculation agent to obtain the first effluent containing the flocculation agent and a flocculation-clarification equipment (VII) comprises a first flocculation reaction chamber (A), into which the first effluent containing the flocculation agent is entered and subjected to flocculation reaction to form a mixture of water and dreg; a first separation chamber (C), into which the mixture of water and dreg from the first flocculation reaction chamber (A) is entered and separated to obtain a first part of the second effluent and a first dreg; and a second separation chamber (D), into which part of the first dreg is entered and separated to obtain a second part of the second effluent and a second dreg.
US09150436B2
A process for removing Hg2+ ions from a liquid stream is disclosed. The process involves contacting the liquid stream with specified ion-exchangers based on manganese oxides and metallomanganese oxides of the form An+wM3+xMn1-xO2 where A can be cations such as Na+ or Mg2+, M3+ can be metals such as Fe3+ or Co3+, and the TIC, the theoretical ion exchange capacity per framework metal atom, varies from 0.08 to 0.25. These ion-exchangers are particularly effective in removing Hg2+ ions from aqueous streams even in the presence of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions.
US09150435B1
A specialized gas sparged hydrocyclone apparatus in conjunction with the present invention can remove volatile organic compounds from ground water and other large water bodies. The volatile organic compounds recovered with the invention are in a concentrated form, which facilitates the disposal of these compounds as a hazardous waste.
US09150423B2
The present invention provides a catalyst substance that is stable and performs well in the synthesis of ammonia, one of the most important chemical substances for fertilizer ingredients and the like. The catalyst substance exhibits catalytic activity under mild synthesis conditions not requiring high pressure, and is also advantageous from a resource perspective. Further provided is a method for producing the same. This catalyst comprises a supported metal catalyst that is supported on a mayenite type compound including conduction electrons of 1015 cm−3 or more and serving as a support for the ammonia synthesis catalyst. The mayenite type compound used as the support may take any form, including that of powder, a porous material, a sintered body, a thin-film, or a single crystal. Use of this catalyst makes it possible to increase the electron donating ability toward a transition metal.
US09150415B2
A topographic profile of a structure is generated using atomic force microscopy. The structure is scanned such that an area of interest of the structure is scanned at a higher resolution than portions of the structure outside of the area of interest. An profile of the structure is then generated based on the scan. To correct skew and tilt of the profile, a first feature of the profile is aligned with a first axis of a coordinate system. The profile is then manipulated to align a second feature of the profile with a second axis of the coordinate system.
US09150411B2
Provided is a fusing method of a substrate layer including: treating a joining surface of a substrate layer formed from a resin using an organic solvent having solubility with respect to the resin; and heating the treated substrate layer at less than a glass transition temperature or a softening point temperature of the resin and crimping the heated substrate layer.
US09150406B2
An integrated multi-axis mechanical device and integrated circuit system. The integrated system can include a silicon substrate layer, a CMOS device region, four or more mechanical devices, and a wafer level packaging (WLP) layer. The CMOS layer can form an interface region, on which any number of CMOS and mechanical devices can be configured. The mechanical devices can include MEMS devices configured for multiple axes or for at least a first direction. The CMOS layer can be deposited on the silicon substrate and can include any number of metal layers and can be provided on any type of design rule. The integrated MEMS devices can include, but not exclusively, any combination of the following types of sensors: magnetic, pressure, humidity, temperature, chemical, biological, or inertial. Furthermore, the overlying WLP layer can be configured to hermetically seal any number of these integrated devices.
US09150405B2
In one embodiment, a rotary device includes a multiwall nanotube that extends substantially perpendicularly from a substrate. A rotor may be coupled to an outer wall of the multiwall nanotube, be spaced apart from the substrate, and be free to rotate around an elongate axis of the multiwall nanotube.
US09150397B2
A system useful for dressing out or performing maintenance or other work on a structure in a vertical position includes an elevator system emplaced around the perimeter of the structure, the elevator system including at least three elevators, each having an elevator mast and an elevator cab, the elevator masts interconnected such that the elevator system is freestanding; a control station for controlling and maintaining the elevation of the elevator cabs; a scaffolding/platform system attached to the elevator cabs and providing a work surface that may travel to an elevation proximate an upper portion of the structure, the elevation of work surface controllable using the control station and determined by the elevation of the elevator cabs; the elevator cabs being positionable at various elevations to allow for work to be performed on the structure. The systems may be used for construction, modification, and repair of various vertical structures.
US09150382B2
One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a stacking device including a conveyor belt configured to move one or more items towards a receiving storage hopper configured to receive the one or more items from the conveyor belt. The one or more items may form a stack of items in the receiving storage hopper. The stacking device may further include a sensing device configured to determine a level of the stack of items in the receiving storage hopper. The stacking device may be configured to adjust a height of the conveyor belt relative to the storage hopper based on the level of the stack of items in the receiving storage hopper.
US09150377B2
A tape dispenser, joining and dispensing a double-sided tape from two rolls of single-sided tape, includes a base having upper and lower sides, first and second spaced apart guide elements mounted to the upper side at first and second positions. First and second tape dispensing wheels, having rolls of single-sided tape mounted thereto, are mounted to the rearward portion of the upper side of the base. A handle extends from the lower side. A tape application roller is mounted to the forward portion of the base and extends above the upper side. A tape cutoff blade, or first and second cutoff blades, can be mounted to the base and extend above the upper side. An extension handle extending transversely to the handle, which can be at least 2 feet long or at least 4 feet long, can be removably mountable to the base plate.
US09150376B2
An image forming apparatus which enables double-sided image formation using a sheet feeding unit, and is capable of discharging a sheet, whose sheet length is undetermined by the time the sheet reaches a branch area in conveyance for double-sided image formation, without guiding it to a sheet inverting unit. A conveying flapper switches a destination for a sheet to a first conveying path leading to a sheet inverting unit or a second conveying path leading to a sheet discharge tray. A length of a sheet in a conveying direction is detected while the sheet is being conveyed. When a size of the sheet is undetermined, and the length of the sheet is not detected by the time the sheet reaches the conveying flapper, the conveying flapper is controlled so as to convey the sheet with an image formed on a first side thereof to the second conveying path.
US09150370B2
A sheet feeder, which is incorporated in an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet container, a sheet conveying member disposed facing a sheet stack that includes multiple sheet members loaded on the sheet container to separate an uppermost sheet member placed on the sheet stack from the other sheet members and to convey the uppermost sheet member, and a pressing member switchable between a pressing position to press the sheet stack from above and a retracted position to separate from the sheet stack.
US09150367B2
Some example vehicle restraints that include a movable barrier for selectively blocking a vehicle's RIG (Rear Impact Guard) near the dock face of a loading dock also include a spring loaded brace that helps hold the barrier in its blocking position, even when the RIG separates from the barrier. To hold the brace in its activated position where it supports the barrier, some examples of the brace include a tooth that engages a detent in a catch. The catch, in some examples, includes a tooth-engaging surface that protrudes into a circular path along which the tooth can travel relative to the barrier.
US09150365B2
A recognition machine 40, 90 connected to a pneumatic tube 14 is provided separately from a money change machine 20, 70. The recognition machine 40, 90 includes a recognition unit 46, 96 configured to recognize a paper sheet or a coin having been put thereinto, and a storing mechanism 48, 98 configured to store the paper sheet or the coin having been recognized by the recognition unit 46, 96, into a storing member for pneumatic tube 16 to be transported by a pneumatic tube 14. A control unit 60, 100 is configured to calculate a deposit amount of the paper sheet or the coin, by adding up information relating to the paper sheet or the coin stored in the money change machine 20, 70 and information relating to a paper-sheet recognition result or coin recognition result by the recognition unit 46, 96 of the recognition machine 40, 90.
US09150364B2
A pneumatic sample feedway that is embeddable into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The feedway includes: a plurality of capsules enclosing a biological tissue sample; and a conductor pipe connected to a source of a compressed fluid. The pipe receives a train of the capsules and pneumatically forwards the train into the MRI device. The pipe has a proximal terminal that loads the train of capsules into the pipe.
US09150362B2
The discharge accuracy of unit sortation is improved by making real time adjustments to the discharge timing of the carrier based on the determined actual position of each article on respective carriers. The adjustments are applied at the time the discharge command is given.
US09150351B2
A storage container comprises a cleat configured to be connected to a structure. A lid is pivotably connected to the cleat. A bag support is releasably connected to the cleat separate from the lid. A bag is supported by the bag support.
US09150350B2
A portable spill containment system that includes at least one grate that supports a container. The grate includes a plurality of drain holes. The portable spill containment system also includes a flexible bag that contains leakage from the container that passes through the drain holes of the grate. The portable spill containment system also includes a plurality of pedestals that support the at least one grate.
US09150345B2
Disclosed is a fastener container to provide fasteners to a fastener feeder for use in fastener driving operations. The fastener container may comprise a fastener housing and a rotating fastener mechanism. The fastener housing may include a plurality of fastener chambers, wherein each of the fastener chambers is configured to hold a plurality of fasteners. The rotating fastener mechanism may be located within the fastener housing and may include a plurality of bins. Each bin may be configured to receive fasteners from an adjacent fastener chamber of the fastener housing. The rotating fastener mechanism may be rotatable, such that, when a rotation occurs, a first bin drops fasteners to the fastener feeder and a second bin receives fasteners from an adjacent fastener chamber of the fastener housing.
US09150333B2
Device for providing pipette tips including a refill pack which includes a perforated plate with a plurality of holes, pipette tips inserted into the holes, a container covering the pipette tips at the bottom with a stiffness of up to 300 N/mm and a removable cover, covering the pipette tips from the top and a holder with a receiver for inserting the refill pack, a laterally protruding upper bearing edge being present between the refill pack and holder for supporting the refill pack when said refill pack is inserted into the receiver.
US09150332B1
A container for storing firearm cartridge reloading equipment and supplies. The container has a reinforced shelf that a reloading press can be attached to. The container also includes a mounting location for a powder dispenser and a case trimmer. The container can also have additional storage shelves and can have a door and lid that are openable to allow access and light into the interior of the container.
US09150331B2
A bottle includes a base, a neck, and a body extending axially between the base and the neck, and including at least one radially outwardly facing first surface, a radially outwardly facing second surface radially smaller than the first surface, a radially outwardly facing third surface radially larger than the second surface and established collectively by radially outwardly facing projection surfaces of a plurality of projections that project radially outwardly from the third surface. A label may be carried by the body over at least a portion of the third surface. Axial and circumferential space may be established between the label and the second surface.
US09150327B2
A box folded from a single cardboard sheet includes two handle members incorporated into the cardboard sheet. The box includes a first handle member removably attached near a top panel of the enclosure portion of the box, and a second handle member removably attached to the rear panel of the box. When the cardboard sheet is folded to assemble the box, the first handle member and second handle member come together in an overlaying configuration to form a box handle. Holes in the handle members form a structure through which users may insert their fingers for carrying the box, and a perforated area, allows the handle to be easily separated from the box leaving a flap to overlay or be tucked in the box.
US09150326B2
A cup holder tray having a plurality of cup pockets for receiving beverage cups therein, a finger spacing provided between two cup pockets, and a thumb-receiving surface above the finger spacing. The thumb-receiving surface can have friction protrusion to enhance friction with the thumb. Each one of the cup pockets having a circular wall and a system of cup holding surfaces protruding inwardly from the circular wall and cooperating in holding a beverage cup to be pushed downwardly therein. At least one of the cup holding surfaces can be connected to the circular wall by a lateral wall on each side, the lateral walls having a planar section oriented roughly normal to the beverage cup during use.
US09150318B1
The present disclosure provides a variety of methods and compositions useful for making, sterilizing, and preserving tissues. The disclosure also features the acellular tissue matrices made by the methods.
US09150306B2
A control lever (10) provided with a stick (11) extending axially from a stand (11′) towards grip means (11″) and with a carrier structure (20) for said stick (11) that is hinged about a first hinge axis (AX1) and about a second hinge axis (AX2). The control lever (10) includes phasing means (30) constrained to move in rotation with said stick (11) about said first hinge axis (AX1) and about said second hinge axis (AX2), said phasing means (30) comprising at least three main arms (31, 32, 33), each for controlling a respective power member (8′, 8″, 8″′) that is connected to a set (6) of swashplates for controlling a rotary wing (2).
US09150302B2
A pinned lug joint comprising: a first part comprising two first lugs projecting from a bridge which extends between them; a second part pivotally coupled to the first part, the second part comprising a second lug positioned between the first lugs; and a sealing member, the sealing member being mounted to the first lugs and extending between them to seal an air gap between the second lug and the bridge at least when the second part is in a first position. The pinned lug joint may be used to attach a panel assembly to part of an aircraft.
US09150295B2
Personal watercraft and watercraft power systems that include a power pod for supporting a power plant and a propulsion unit. An engine or an electric motor and a pump assembly are enclosed in the power pod. One or more sponsons removably cooperate with the power pod via a mechanical interface, such as dovetail joints and/or interlocking channels, formed between the power pod and the respective sponsons. A plurality of tool-lessly operable mechanical interfaces, locking mechanism(s), and fluid or electrical signal connectors allow the sponson(s) to be selectively secured to the power pod such that the resultant watercraft is modular and transportable by a single person when necessary.
US09150290B2
The present embodiments relate to ballast systems for marine structures. The ballast system comprises a ballast tank and a pump. The pump comprises a low side and a high side and the ballast system comprises a first inlet conduit assembly adapted to provide a fluid communication between the ballast tank and the low side. The ballast system is adapted to provide a first operating condition in which first operating condition a fluid is pumped from the low side to the high side.
US09150287B1
An elongate and tubular body of a watercycle, featuring a fish, for recreation and for exercise in the water, includes two humps on its back serving as saddle for a rider. The seated rider gets wet up to about the waist. The watercycle and the rider are floated by a highly buoyant material located within the upper body of the watercycle. Forward movement is initiated by manipulating the pedals to get the propellers in the body turning.
US09150284B2
A grabbing apparatus comprises a first arm, a first proximal end, a first distal end, a first anchor arm affixed at the first distal end, a second arm, second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second anchor arm affixed at the second distal end. The second anchor arm is affixed to the first anchor arm, and a flexible attachment member is deformably affixed to the first anchor arm and the second anchor arm. The first arm and second arm are affixed to the base at an affixation point. When a force vector is applied to at least one of the first arm and the second arm, the flexible attachment member deforms, moving the first arm and the second arm towards one another and engages the lock, to connect the grabbing apparatus to a docking location.
US09150279B2
A method and system for measuring the output power produced in a device having a crankset, includes: measuring the orthogonal force exerted on at least one pedal of the crank; determining the angular velocity of the crank; and deducing the tangential force exerted on the crank and the power, using a pre-established model of the distribution of the force exerted on the actuating member as a function of the angular velocity.
US09150278B2
There is described a method for determining the torque applied to a pedal axle (210) under load. The method comprises measuring the strain experienced by the pedal axle (210) as a result of the load, determining the orientation of the load from the strain measurement, determining the magnitude of the load from the strain measurement and determining torque from the orientation and the magnitude. There is also described a method for determining the orientation of a pedal axle (210) under load. The method comprises measuring the strain experienced by the pedal axle (210) as a result of the load and determining the orientation of the load from the strain measurement.
US09150275B2
A hydraulic connector arrangement includes a shaft member, a banjo fitting, a pair of sealing members and a banjo fixing member. The shaft member has a hydraulic passageway and an opening that extends from the hydraulic passageway to an outer surface of the shaft member. The banjo fitting rotatably extends around the shaft member covering the opening. The pair of sealing members are disposed between the shaft member and the banjo member and on opposite sides of the opening. The banjo fixing member is coupled to the shaft member to retain the banjo fitting to the shaft member. Further, the banjo fixing member is dimensioned to allow rotation of the banjo relative to the shaft member and the banjo fixing member.
US09150272B1
A bicycle frame component includes a yoke member, a driveside arm fixed to the yoke member, and a pivot arm coupled to the yoke member opposite the driveside arm. The pivot arm includes a first portion rotatably coupled to the yoke member with a first hinge and a second portion rotatably coupled to the first portion with a second hinge. The pivot arm extends along the driveside arm in a first position, and the pivot arm has a second position including the first portion extending along the driveside arm and the second portion rotated away from the driveside arm and interfacing with the first portion. A first primary wheel mount portion is disposed within the driveside arm, and a second primary wheel mount portion is disposed within the second portion of the pivot arm. The pivot arm substantially axially aligns the primary wheel mounts in the first position.
US09150268B2
A fuel tank and pump assembly is provided for supporting a fuel pump on a fuel tank, with a pump support member provided on a tank outer wall of the fuel tank. The fuel pump includes a pumping portion which is inserted into the fuel tank through a pump attachment opening formed a main tank body of the fuel tank. The pump support member includes a plurality of arcuate support plate elements arranged around the pump attachment opening. The fuel pump is secured to fastening sections provided on the support plate elements, and is attached to a main tank body at the pump attachment opening in a sealed, liquid tight manner.
US09150267B2
A fuel-tank support structure for a motorcycle includes a left outer extending portion, a right outer extending portion, a left tank support stay, and a right tank support stay. The left outer extending portion is provided in a left main frame to extend outward in a vehicle width direction of the motorcycle. The left main frame extends rearward to diverge from a head pipe to left. The right outer extending portion is provided in a right main frame to extend outward in the vehicle width direction. The right main frame extends rearward to diverge from the head pipe to right. The left tank support stay protrudes from a fuel tank and is supported by the left outer extending portion. The right tank support stay protrudes from the fuel tank and is supported by the right outer extending portion.
US09150257B2
The invention relates to a transverse element comprising: a crossmember (2) designed to support a motor vehicle instrument panel, chiefly comprising a tubular element; and at least one support element (28), having the shape of an L, designed to support one end of said tubular element and intended to be fixed to a front pillar (8) of said vehicle. According to the invention, the transverse element comprises a first reinforcing element (48) designed to connect a first branch (30) of the support element to the crossmember (2) and a second reinforcing element (50) designed to connect the second branch (32) of the support element to the crossmember (2).
US09150248B2
A steerable rear assembly is disclosed for a lowboy trailer. The assembly includes a lowboy trailer deck and a neck extending partially upwardly rearward and partially horizontally rearward from the deck. A front bogey is positioned beneath the horizontally extending portion of the neck, and the front bogey is connected to the neck by a horizontal pivot between the neck and the front bogey and by a turntable between the neck and the front bogey. A rear bogey is positioned behind the front bogey and is connected to the front bogey by a vertical pivot between the front and rear bogeys.
US09150246B2
A system and method for converting a vehicle steering angle command to a vehicle steering torque command for a vehicle steering system in a vehicle. The method estimates a self-aligning torque that defines the torque that maintains a vehicle steering wheel at a neutral steering position or to a position that makes no slip angle at the road wheel, applies known total steering torque commands to the steering system at a plurality of sample time steps where the known steering torque commands include the self-aligning torque, and measures a vehicle steering angle at each time step. The method then models the steering system of the vehicle using the torque commands, the measured steering angles, a system delay and a plurality of unknown parameters.
US09150243B2
A method of controlling an electric power steering system is provided. The method includes: determining a scale factor based on a handwheel position; applying the scale factor to a hand wheel torque value to scale the hand wheel torque value; and generating a corrected handwheel torque signal based on the scaled hand wheel torque value.
US09150236B2
A braking mechanism includes a base, a braking treadle and a resilient member. The base is connected to the foot assembly. The braking treadle is pivoted to the base. The braking treadle includes an engaging slot disposed on a lateral wall corresponding to the braking hub, and the engaging slot separately engages with the braking hub. An end of the resilient member is connected to the braking treadle, and the other end of the resilient member is connected to the base. If the braking hub abuts against an edge of the engaging slot during the recovery of the resilient member, the braking hub does not engage with the engaging slot completely. The braking hub can re-engage with the engaging slot only by slightly rotating the wheel due to the resilient member. Accordingly, the braking mechanism can achieve braking and prevent the fake-braking issue, so as to enhance reliability and safety.
US09150234B2
A tote transport assembly that includes a base, a handle, a partition, and a lid. The base includes a plurality of wheels that facilitate vertical or tipped transportation of the ice cart through an environment. The base and the partition and the partition and the lid are shaped to facilitate a stacked and secure cooperation of multiple containers, totes, or buckets with the cart assembly. The partition and the lid movably cooperate with the handle to facilitate secure and sanitary cooperation of the containers with the cart assembly as well as convenient and expedient filling and emptying of the discrete containers. The stacked orientation of the multiple containers and alternate transport modalities provide a compact assembly for conveniently transporting loaded or unloaded containers throughout even tight quartered environments and in a manner that reduces the effort associated with such activities.
US09150223B2
A collision mitigation apparatus includes an object detecting section for detecting a collision object present in front of an own vehicle on which the collision mitigation apparatus is mounted, a drive assisting section that performs drive assist for avoiding a collision between the collision object detected by the object detecting section and the own vehicle, or mitigate damage to the own vehicle due to the collision, a reliability determining section for determining reliability of detection result of the object detecting section, and a timing setting section for setting start timing to start the drive assist by the drive assisting section in accordance with the reliability determined by the reliability determining section.
US09150219B2
Two methods may be used to start the engine of a hybrid electric vehicle while the vehicle is moving under electric power. When smoothness is most important, a disconnect clutch is partially engaged to initiate engine rotation and then released as the engine accelerates under its own power toward a motor speed. When rapid starting is most important, the disconnect clutch torque capacity is controlled to decrease the time required for the engine to accelerates to the motor speed. A torque converter bypass clutch is disengaged during the engine restart under either method. Also, the motor torque is adjusted under either method to compensate for the torque provided to the engine.
US09150211B2
A control apparatus for a vehicle provided with an internal combustion engine, an oil pump actuated by the engine for pressurizing operation oil, and a belt-type continuously variable transmission to which the operation oil pressurized by the oil pump is supplied, is provided. Transmission control of the continuously variable transmission is performed by controlling an operation oil pressure supplied to the continuously variable transmission. An idling stop for automatically stopping the engine is performed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. A transmission ratio change history of the continuously variable transmission after an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned on, is stored, and the predetermined condition is satisfied on condition that the transmission ratio change history includes a predetermined transmission ratio change history.
US09150200B2
A method and an apparatus for changing a motor vehicle in an autonomous travel mode to a safe state when the driver of the motor vehicle is not able to monitor the autonomous travel mode and to assume control of the motor vehicle. The vehicle driver is warned using warning signals of increasing intensity; other road users in the area surrounding the motor vehicle are warned using optical and/or acoustic signals; the motor vehicle is braked and/or accelerated repeatedly such that parts of the body of the vehicle driver noticeably move in the direction of travel owing to inertia (the braking and/or acceleration being so brief that the travel speed of the motor vehicle changes relatively little); and the motor vehicle is brought to a standstill or is kept at a standstill by automatic braking in order to change the vehicle to a safe state.
US09150199B2
A safety device for motor vehicles is provided having a sensor system for locating objects in the area in front of the vehicle and at least in the lateral surroundings of the vehicle, a prediction unit for detecting a risk of collision with an object coming from the side, a detection unit for detecting an area in front of the vehicle which is clear of potential collision objects, and a control unit which is configured to suppress braking of the host vehicle when a risk of collision with an object coming from the side is detected and when the area in front of the vehicle is recognized as being clear if this would presumably make a collision with the object coming from the side avoidable. A method for intervening in the longitudinal guidance of a motor vehicle is also provided.
US09150196B2
The present specification relates to a heating element in which a heating value for each region is controlled or a heating element in which the heating value for each region is controlled and which is inconspicuous, and a method for manufacturing the same.
US09150193B2
A dual-mode retractor for an automotive seat belt webbing is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being one of an ELR mode and an ALR mode, and the second mode being the other one of the ELR mode and the ALR mode. The retractor switches between the first mode and the second mode via a relative movement between a first part and a second part of the retractor. The magnetic field of a permanent magnet mounted on the first part is picked up by a Hall effect sensor. An interrupter plate is mounted on the second part in a position relative to the magnet, in which the interrupter plate, in which the interrupter plate exposes the HED to the original magnetic field in the first mode and to a modified magnetic field in the second mode.
US09150188B2
An airbag can include a panel that defines at least a portion of an inflatable chamber. The airbag can also include a slit vent that is at least partially defined by the panel. One or more seams can encompass the slit vent and can permit the slit vent to naturally be in a closed orientation.
US09150182B1
In one embodiment, a utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members configured to contact a ground surface, and a powertrain assembly operably coupled to the ground-engaging members. The utility vehicle also includes a frame supported by the ground-engaging members and extending along a longitudinal axis of the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle further includes a rear seating area defined by longitudinally extending side by side seats arranged on both sides of the vehicle. A rear cab frame is positioned over the rear seating area and has an upright and folded position.
US09150180B1
An apparatus includes first and second cover segments adjacent one another and collectively defining a surface of an instrument panel for a vehicle in an installed position of the first cover segment and a support member spaced away from the first cover segment opposite the surface. The apparatus further includes a sidewall body extending between the first cover segment and the support member and enclosing a first volume therein and an inflator fluidly coupled to the first volume. When the inflator expands the first volume, the sidewall body extends away from the support member and respectively displaces the first cover segment to a deployed position away from the second cover segment.
US09150179B2
The deformation element has a profile part and may be of U-shaped profile with legs in cross section or may be of single-shear configuration. The deformation element has at least one side wall formed in the manner of an accordion with z-shaped deformation folds. The predefined deformation folds are provided in a direction transverse to an acting force and are arranged opposed to one another.
US09150167B2
A plug-in auxiliary headlight control unit (AHCU) repairs a damaged LCM and assures headlight performance. The plug-in AHCU contains an alternate lighting control circuitry, vehicle wiring harness connectors, LCM connectors, and a power relay, arranged on a chassis. The AHCU plugs into the failed LCM unit utilizing existing connectors for the vehicle's wiring harness. This arrangement places the AHCU in-line between the vehicle's wiring harness and the LCM.
US09150165B1
A vehicle camera assembly includes a pedestal, a bracket, a camera and an emblem. The pedestal has an interior surface and an exterior surface with a lens receiving opening extending from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The interior surface includes a bracket attachment structure having at least one projection extending from the interior surface such that a recess is defined between a portion of the interior surface and the at least one projection. The bracket is attached to the bracket attachment structure with one edge of the bracket being retained within the recess. The camera is retained between the bracket and the pedestal. The camera has a lens portion that is aligned with the lens receiving opening of the pedestal. The emblem is attached to the exterior surface of the pedestal and is spaced apart from the lens receiving opening.
US09150163B2
An equipment cradle for motor vehicles that is capable of securing equipment during transit in the passenger compartment of motor vehicles, and rests on the motor vehicles seats and is securely coupled to the motor vehicle using the standard Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System.
US09150152B2
A lighted vehicle cargo area arrangement includes a cargo area wall structure and a lighting system. The cargo area wall structure includes a first wall surface facing a vehicle cargo area. The lighting system includes a rail, a mounting bracket and a lamp. The rail is fixedly coupled to the cargo area wall structure and defines a lamp receiving space located laterally between an outboard surface of the rail and the first wall surface. The mounting bracket includes a rail attachment section rigidly attached to the rail and a lamp attachment section. The lamp is attached to the lamp attachment section. The lamp is aimed to shine light beneath the mounting bracket and the rail toward the vehicle cargo area.
US09150149B2
To provide a direction indicating apparatus that does not detect a break occurring in an indicator but can detect a break occurring in a direction indicating lamp incorporating an LED element with reliability. The direction indicating apparatus includes a pulse signal generating part, a first switching element, a direction indicating switch, first and second direction indicating lamp units, a break detecting part, a lighting state detecting part, an indicator part and an indicator driving part.
US09150127B2
An arrangement in passenger vehicles, that provide a mechanism for reducing the peak inertial loading on the occupant including children during lateral acceleration, and has synergistic comfort, convenience and utility features.
US09150120B2
A fastening clip (16) for fastening a bracket (20), in particular a metal bracket in a vehicle, which is adapted to be inserted into an opening (14) of a body part (10) and to be fixed therein, includes a housing (22) having an insertion opening (26) and an elongated receiving space (24) for the bracket (20), a latching element (42) being provided in the receiving space (24), which is adapted to be moved resiliently from a holding position in which the latching element (42) holds the bracket (20) in the receiving space (24), to a release position in which the bracket (20) can be inserted into the receiving space (24) or can be pulled out therefrom, and to a fixing position, corresponding holding elements (46, 48) which fix the latching element (42) in the fixing position being provided in the receiving space (24) and on the latching element (42).
US09150115B2
A wire routing device includes a wire housing part, a terminal housing chamber part, and a plurality of wire lead-out parts. The terminal housing chamber part includes a plurality of terminal housing chambers. Each of the wire lead-out parts couples one of the housing grooves with one of the terminal housing chambers. Each of wire surplus length absorption spaces is formed inside of a substantially rectangle abcd defined by a section bc of an outer wall of the voltage detection wire housing part located at a side of the terminal housing chamber and a section ad of a wall of the housing groove which faces the section bc, which are cut by a line ab and a line cd.
US09150106B2
A vehicle operating system and a method of controlling the vehicle operating system, the vehicle operating system including an electric power generation module that is configured to generate electric power; a battery, the battery being chargeable by using the electric power generated by the electric power generation module; a battery management system that controls the chargeable battery; and a cooler that is configured to cool the battery, wherein the battery management system is configured to cut off the electric power supplied to the battery when the battery is fully charged, and when the battery management system cuts off the electric power supplied to the battery, the cooler is configured to consume the electric power generated by the electric power generation module.
US09150103B2
An inner assembly that includes first, second and third structures, and a device for removably securing the first, second and third structures to one another. The securing device has at least one double clip which is fixed to the third structure, the double clip having first and second locking elements. The first and second structures have respectively first and second complementary locking elements. The securing device is movable between a locking position in which the first and second locking elements cooperate respectively with the first and second complementary locking elements and lock respectively the first and second structures to the third structure, and a free position in which the first and second locking elements do not cooperate respectively with the first and second complementary locking elements and the first and second structures are free with respect to the third structure.
US09150095B2
A front-end module (FEM) having in-vehicle parts incorporated in a vehicle front section are aggregated and assembled to a heat exchanger support frame, the plurality of in-vehicle parts are classified into first in-vehicle parts, which vibrate at frequencies in a first frequency band, and a second in-vehicle part, which vibrates at a frequency in a second frequency band having a frequency range higher than the frequency range in the first frequency band. The first in-vehicle parts are elastically supported by the heat exchanger support frame via first mount members. The second in-vehicle part is rigidly fixed to the heat exchanger support frame. The heat exchanger support frame is elastically supported by a vehicle body via second mount members.
US09150091B2
A liquid pressure circuit is provided in which connecting an accumulator (22) to a high pressure liquid path (Lh) by opening a cut-off valve (24a) and connecting a intake liquid path (Li) to the high pressure liquid path (Lh) by means of a switch valve (24b) enables a pump/motor (M) to be operated as a motor by liquid stored under pressure in the accumulator (22), connecting the accumulator (22) to the high pressure liquid path (Lh) by opening the cut-off valve (24a) and connecting the intake liquid path (Li) to a low pressure liquid path (Ll) by means of the switch valve (24b) enables the pump/motor (M) to be operated as a pump to thus store liquid of a tank (21) under pressure in the accumulator (22), and closing the cut-off valve (24a) and connecting the intake liquid path (Li) to the high pressure liquid path (Lh) by means of the switch valve (24b) enables the pump/motor (M) to rotate without load; it is therefore possible to switch between three circuits, that is, drive (motor operation), regeneration (pump operation), and neutral (load-free running) by a simple structure with a small number of components.
US09150086B1
A device for manipulating a tarpaulin so as to selectively cover and uncover a top aperture of a container, comprising: a guide mountable to the container along an aperture first side edge; a stopper positioned along the guide; a caddie mounted to the guide and movable therealong, the stopper being configured and sized for preventing movements of the caddie beyond the stopper; a tarpaulin rod support defining a pivot section and a tarpaulin rod supporting section spaced apart therefrom, the tarpaulin rod support being pivotally mounted to the caddie in the pivot section; a tarpaulin rod for rolling the tarpaulin therearound and unrolling the tarpaulin therefrom, the tarpaulin rod being rotatably mounted to the tarpaulin rod supporting section so as to be rotatable about a rod longitudinal axis thereof; and an actuator operatively coupled to the tarpaulin rod for selectively rotating the tarpaulin rod about the rod longitudinal axis.
US09150077B2
A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly that provides a high damping load during a compression stroke and an extension valve assembly that provides a high damping load during an extension stroke. One or more digital valve assemblies is positioned to work in parallel with the compression valve assembly and the extension valve assembly to provide a lower damping load. The lowering of the damping load is based upon the cross sectional area of flow passages provided by the one or more digital valve assemblies.
US09150071B2
A frame hanger including a frame bracket adapted for connection to a vehicle frame rail, a spring box attached to the frame bracket, a vertically extending gusset attached to the frame bracket and positioned within the spring box to form a first spring module and a second spring module, where the spring box provides a bottom wall, a top wall, and an outer side wall of the first spring module, and where the spring box provides a bottom wall, a top wall, and an outer side wall of the second spring module, and the vertically extending gusset provides an inner side wall of the first spring module and an inner side wall of the second spring module.
US09150067B2
An apparatus for attaching either a gooseneck trailer hitch or a fifth wheel trailer hitch to a truck bed can include a single cross-member, a gooseneck ball receiver and a plurality of mounting pads. The single cross-member can be attached to first and second truck longitudinal frame rails. The gooseneck ball receiver can be coupled to the single cross-member and aligned with a gooseneck hitch opening in the truck bed. The plurality of mounting pads can be spaced apart from the single cross-member and can be attached to the frame rails independent of the single cross-member. The plurality of mounting pads can be aligned with a corresponding plurality of access openings in the truck bed. The single cross-member can be a suspension cross-member supporting at least first and second suspension members.
US09150062B2
The present invention relates to an articulated chassis system of large articulated vehicle, which comprises a front beam, a spherical hinge connecting structure, a front frame, a turnplate bearing, a rear frame, a rear beam and a turning angle sensing means, the front beam is connected with the front frame through the spherical hinge connecting structure, the turnplate bearing comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, the front frame is connected fixedly with the outer ring/the inner ring, the rear frame is connected fixedly with the inner ring/the outer ring, the inner ring and the outer ring can rotate relatively, the rear frame is connected with the rear beam, the turning angle sensing means is arranged between the inner ring/the outer ring and the front frame/the rear frame. Preferably, the articulated chassis system of large articulated vehicle further comprises a hydraulic damping buffer system arranged between the front frame and the rear frame, the turning angle sensing means comprises an angle sensor, a first angle sensor and a second angle sensor, the spherical hinge connecting structure comprises a spherical hinge bracket structure and a spherical hinge. The present invention is designed uniquely and skillfully, has a simple and compact structure, is easy to install, so as to enhance the safety, stability and durability of the articulated chassis system of large articulated vehicle, and lower the cost, therefore the present invention is suitable for large-scale popularization.
US09150058B2
A pneumatic tire comprises, in a tread portion 1, at least two block groups GB1 to GB3 whose block number density is within a range of 0.003 pieces/mm2 to 0.04 pieces/mm2. At least one block group GB2 includes block 4 in which lateral length BW2 is larger that its longitudinal length BL2.
US09150052B2
A pneumatic tire includes the belt layer that is formed by laminating the circumferential reinforcing layer and the pair of cross belts. Also, the tire external diameter R at the point of intersection O of the tire equatorial plane CL and the tread profile, the distance D1 in the tire radial direction between the tire ground contact edge T and the point of intersection O, and the distance D2 in the tire radial direction between the foot X of the line drawn from the end portion on the outer side in the tire width direction of the circumferential reinforcing layer 145 normal to the tread profile and the point of intersection O have a relationship such that 0.010≦D1/R≦0.015 and 0.27≦D2/D1≦0.3.
US09150049B2
An axle assembly having two hubs, each for connection to a wheel, a housing for differential gears and a mounting arrangement for a braking system for braking a connected wheel. The housing has a depression formed therein. The depression is configured so as to accommodate: (a) when the mounting arrangement has a drum brake mounted thereon, movement of a slack adjuster of the drum brake in a direction away from one of the hubs nearest the drum brake so as to allow detachment of the slack adjuster; and/or (b) when the mounting arrangement has a disc brake mounted thereon, an air chamber of the braking system, wherein the air chamber is capable of being partially accommodated within the depression.
US09150044B2
A bookholder apparatus adapted to support a plurality of pages of reading material and to be slidable across a support surface includes a front cover, a back cover, and a spine operable coupled to the front cover and the back cover. The bookholder allows the container to be moved between an open position and a closed position, wherein the plurality of pages are supported within the container. A plurality of roller elements are mounted to an outer surface and within a perimeter of at least one of the front cover, the back cover, or the spine to allow the bookholder to slide and/or roll across a support surface.
US09150043B2
A book for use in an augmented reality system includes first and second pages. The first page is on a first leaf of the book and includes a first fiduciary marker for indicating the orientation of the book to a recognition system. The second page is on a second leaf of the book and includes a second fiduciary marker for indicating the orientation of the book to the recognition system and also page marker for indicating the page number of the second page to the recognition system. The page marker orientation is ambiguous without reference to a fiduciary marker. The page marker is positioned on the second page closer to an edge of the page than the second fiduciary marker to become visible to the recognition system before the second fiduciary marker, as the book is turned to the second page.
US09150036B2
A control method for carrying out printing of images on a continuous sheet, comprising: setting an area which includes a unique portion unsuitable for image printing that exists on the continuous sheet; and causing a cutter unit cut the area into a plurality of sheet pieces in a case where a length of the area which is continuous due to continuous existence of the unique portions exceeds a predetermined length.
US09150028B2
A liquid cartridge includes: a valve chamber; a moving member; first and second sealing parts; and a second liquid channel. The valve chamber is defined by a side wall surface including central, first-end side, and second-end side regions. The central region defines a first space having a first cross-sectional area. The first-end side region defines a second space having a second cross-sectional area. The second-end side region defines a third space having a third cross-sectional area. The second and third cross-sectional areas are greater than the first cross-sectional area. The moving member moves from a first position where the first and second sealing parts are positioned within the first and third spaces, respectively, and the valve closes the second liquid channel, to a second position where the first and second sealing parts are positioned within the second and first spaces, respectively, and the valve opens the second liquid channel.
US09150022B2
Air blown out from one blowing-out opening of a pinch roller which is within a predetermined angle range forms an air flow of a flow rate Fc which heads for a region between a suction mechanism and a print medium. This makes it possible to efficiently guide the air blown out from the blowing-out opening into the region, and as a result, ink mist can be collected satisfactorily even in a case where the amount of air blown from the pinch roller is relatively small. Further, in this case, the flow rate Fe of a flow blown from the pinch roller is appropriately determined, whereby the suction mechanism can collect substantially 100% of air and ink mist flowing into the region.
US09150014B2
A printer and a method of printing by depositing liquid droplets (26) onto a substrate (12), wherein a line is printed in a printing direction (B), wherein the droplets (26) forming the line are continuously printed wet-on-wet, and wherein, at least in a middle part of said line, the droplets (26) are printed according to a regular droplet pattern, and wherein, at least in one end part of the line, at least an outermost droplet (26) of the line is printed deviating from the regular droplet pattern, thereby adapting the continuously wet-on-wet printed line for compensating for ink flow behavior which causes deviation from the image to be printed.
US09150008B2
An ink jet head includes: a vibration plates having a plurality of openings of a first diameter; ink pressure chambers, each arranged on one surface of the corresponding vibration plate; first electrodes, each formed on the other surface of the vibration plate; a plurality of piezoelectric layers, each portion of which is formed on a first electrode such that it surrounds the opening and that, when a driving voltage is applied, deforms the vibration plate to expand or contract the ink pressure chamber; second electrodes formed on each piezoelectric layer; a protective layer which is at least formed on the vibration plate and the second electrode and has a nozzle for ejecting the ink having a diameter smaller than the first diameter extending therethrough and through the opening; and an ink-feeding mechanism that feeds the ink into the ink pressure chambers.
US09149997B2
A preform sheet for a composite component comprises a body section and a flange section. The preform body section includes a plurality of axial tows braided with at least a plurality of first bias tows and a plurality of second bias tows. The preform flange section includes a first braided flange layer and a second braided flange layer. The first braided flange layer is defined by the first and second braided bias tows of the preform body section extending into the flange section. Neither the first nor second braided flange layers have axial tows.
US09149996B2
The present invention relates to a ribbon-shaped strip used for an inner liner and a method for manufacturing the strip. The strip is to be wound on an outer circumferential surface of a tire molding drum or a core body to form an inner liner. The strip has an inner layer disposed inwardly in a tire and an outer layer disposed outwardly in the tire. The inner layer and the outer layer are bonded to each other with their ends offset by 0.5 mm to 30 mm in a widthwise direction. At least one layer of the inner layer is formed of an elastomer composition containing a styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer. At least one layer of the outer layer is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer composition.
US09149981B2
A soldering device for plastics adhering includes a handle having two protruded rings and a button assembly, a body having a pivoting portion and a head portion, the body pivotally rotated relative to the handle in a certain angle between the body and the handle, two conducting rods electrically connected to the button assembly, one end of each conducting rod inserted into the body, another end of each conducting rod exposed out from the body, an electrical storage element assembled into the handle and electrically connected to the button assembly and the two conducting rods. Therefore, when a user presses the button assembly, a unit of electricity is delivered to the conducting rod, so that an amount of heat is generated to adhere or repair an article.
US09149977B2
A lens manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys a workpiece having a sheet member and a resin base on the sheet member, an unevenness forming unit that moves a cutting blade in a direction different from the conveying direction of the workpiece and that makes a cut in the surface of the resin base to form concave and convex portions, a resin supply unit that includes nozzles supplying a lens resin to areas, in which the concave portions are not formed, between the convex portions formed on the surface of the resin base, and a resin curing unit that cures the supplied lens resin.
US09149975B2
A multifunctional detabber apparatus and method for producing bottles having a bottom surface with a hook projection integrally molded with and extending from the bottom surface in a deployed position. The bottom surface also includes at least one locking channel in order to receive and releasably secure the hook projection in a non-deployed position. The multifunctional detabber apparatus includes at least a grabber, a trimmer, and a hook closer. The grabber includes first and second jaws which surround the bottle and prevent movement. The trimmer includes first and second strikers for creating an outer periphery of the hook projection and an opening in the hook projection. The hook closer includes a mandrel that extends to bend and secure the hook projection in the locking channel in the bottom surface of the bottle.
US09149971B2
In various embodiments, a molded product delivery apparatus or a blow molding machine includes first transfer member that includes first paired chucks that hold a portion of an outer wall of a neck portion of a molded product, and a second transfer member that includes second paired chucks that hold another portion of the outer wall of the neck portion of the molded product. From a state where the molded product is held by both of the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks simultaneously, by opening one of the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks without interfering with the other, the molded product is delivered between the first paired chucks and the second paired chucks.
US09149966B2
Film structure with high oxygen barrier properties and method of manufacturing such a film structure
Film structure of at least five layers, two outer layers (2) made of a polyolefin on which is each time provided, on the opposite sides, a layer (4) forming a gas barrier and whereby, between both above-mentioned gas barriers (4), is provided a layer (3) made of a foamed synthetic material, whereby the outer layers (2) consist of a mixture of a polyolefin and a binder, which makes it possible to bond this polyolefin with the layer (4) forming the gas barrier.
US09149962B2
The transparent resin substrate has a light-transmitting thermoplastic resin underlying sheet 1 and a hard coating formed on one surface of the underlying sheet, wherein the hard coating includes a resin component obtained by curing an urethane acrylate that contains a tri-functional or less functional urethane acrylate and a tetra-functional or more functional urethane acrylate; a silane coupling agent or a hydrolyzed product thereof, a silica sol having a grain size of 5 to 500 nm and a refractive index in a range of 1.44 to 1.5; and a metal chelate compound. A low refractive index layer is formed on the hard coating, the low refractive index layer includes a low refractive index hollow silica sol having a grain size of 10 to 150 nm and a refractive index of not more than 1.44, the silane coupling agent or the hydrolyzed product thereof, and a metal chelate compound.
US09149951B2
A saw (100) includes a sawdust collection assembly (2) having a chute (10) made of a material having a stretchability to be shaped responsive to movement of a blade housing (102) into a moveable sawdust path. An upper end (40) of a top portion (6) of the chute (10) is removably and reattachably engaged with a top attachment member (36) mounted to the blade housing (102). A bottom portion (8) of the chute (10) is removably and reattachably engaged with a bottom attachment member (26) mounted to a rear side (106C) of a fence (106) of the saw (100). Two side edges (44, 46) of the top portion (6) are respectively attached by two side tension cords (18) to left and right sides (106B, 106A) of the fence (106). One of the side tension cords (18) can be used with a tension block (20, 28) to form a tensioning system.
US09149939B2
The invention relates mainly to a disposable working place or chamber and in particular to a disposable isolator.The invention relates to a disposable isolator (1) defining a top portion (10) and a bottom portion (20), said top and bottom portions being linked together by one or more side walls (30) forming all together an inside portion (40), wherein said bottom portion (20) comprises at least one support area (21) for positioning at least one container (80), wherein said disposable isolator (1) comprises at least one filling means (12), wherein said filling means (12) and said support area (21) cooperating, independently or not, to position at least one container substantially in front of said filling means to fill said container by a product.
US09149938B1
A system for preventing discomfort to a user of a robotic exoskeleton (200) determines the existence of an exoskeleton operating condition which has the potential to cause at least one of a discomfort or an injury to a user (204) when the exoskeleton is being worn by the user. Responsive to the determining, an exoskeleton control system (224) selectively controls at least one viscous coupling (208, 210) disposed at an interface location (201, 203) of the exoskeleton where a physical interaction occurs between a portion of the user and a portion of the exoskeleton when the exoskeleton is in use. The control system selectively varies a viscosity of a fluid (216) comprising the viscous coupling to control the stiffness of the interface.
US09149929B2
Methods and systems are provided for positioning a remote sensor within a target object. An articulated robotic system is coupled to the remote sensor. A positioning system determines a position of the target object to be inspected and determines a first position of the remote sensor. A control system calibrates a virtual representation of the target object with respect to the position of the target object, and tracks movement of the remote sensor relative to the target object.
US09149927B2
A robot arrangement has a movable, programmable robot (2), which has a plurality of links (4, 5, 6, 7) and axes of motion (I-VII) and is arranged on a movable, drivable carrying device (15). The robot arrangement (1) has a robot arrangement drive (16), which can be actuated by the robot (2), for the carrying means (15).
US09149919B1
A fastening system and method to removably attach change part components to a capping or filling machine in order to adapt a general purpose machine for use with a specific size or shape container. The fastening system and method uses magnetic forces to pull component parts into alignment and to interlock portions of interchangeable components. In addition, a blocking component is interposed between two other interchangeable component parts or within mushroom slots, securing the components in place, aided by biasing magnets. This system and method relies on a combination of mechanical and magnetic forces by using mechanical forces to reinforce or supplement biasing magnetic forces, and vice versa, creating a durable connection that will withstand the rigors of the filling and capping process, yet which is simple to assemble and disassemble without tools. The less intricate component parts are less prone to damage during assembly, use, or disassembly.
US09149917B2
A hand tool, such as a motorized cordless ratchet wrench, is configured for reducing part count and reducing assembly processes. The hand tool includes a clamshell housing that may be fastened to a drive member such as a ratchet head assembly without the use of additional fasteners such as large clamp nuts or additional screw sets, for example. One or more protrusions extending inwardly from the clamshell housing engage similarly shaped voids in the ratchet head assembly. The protrusions tightly engage the ratchet head housing when the clamshell housing portions are fastened together.
US09149914B2
A knife block system is described which in one embodiment includes a block unit having a magnetic core, a plurality of knives secured to the magnetic core of the block unit, a foot supporting the block unit, and at least one chopping board protruding from a surface of the block unit and removable from the block unit for use, the chopping board configured to fit into a chopping board back support attached to the block unit for storage when not in use, the chopping board having a female module formed therein. The system includes a knife sharpener unit removably attachable to the foot for use, the knife sharpener unit having a product logo on a surface thereof that is sized to mate with the female module on the chopping board to secure the knife sharpener unit to the chopping board as both items are in use.
US09149899B2
The invention relates to a machining center for work piece machining. The machining center comprises a machine frame, a machine spindle driven by a motor and rotatably arranged on the machine frame, and a group of machine tools that can be exchanged on the machine spindle. The machine tools comprise a coupling shaft that is compatible with a holder of the machine spindle. Furthermore, a rotary transmitter for electric energy is provided, having a stator fixed to the machine in a stationary manner and a rotor rotating along with the machine spindle. It is claimed as novel that the rotary transmitter comprises at least two transmission paths for electric energy which can be selected according to the electric power to be transmitted and the rotational speed of the spindle to be set and which can be activated in the coupled state of the machine tool. At least one first transmission path between the stator and rotor is designed in a non-contact way, while at least one second transmission path between the stator and rotor is provided with contacting contacts. With said measures, complete machining of the workpieces can be made possible when clamped in the machining center.
US09149896B1
Modular thermal truss plates carry heat in multiple directions. Framing around an array of flat heat pipes provides mechanical and thermal connections to other truss plates, and a base, such as a satellite, thereby supporting thermally active equipment. Walls sandwich banks of flat heat pipes and may bond to a honey comb, metal core conducting heat between multiple walls. Each bank of flat heat pipes passes heat best in one direction, and may be formed of corrugated copper sheets spaced apart by a metal mesh, such as an expanded metal or screen, also stamped or otherwise formed into a corrugated configuration. Joining methods (e.g., brazing, soldering, etc.) increase stiffness, pressure containment, and strength, by binding the two layers of metal sheet to one another.
US09149886B2
A modified layer forming method of applying a pulsed laser beam having a transmission wavelength to a workpiece through a predetermined beam entrance surface in the condition where the focal point of the pulsed laser beam is set inside the workpiece, thereby forming a desired modified layer inside the workpiece. The modified layer forming method includes the step of reducing the power of the pulsed laser beam to a power that cannot process the workpiece when a surface adjacent to the beam entrance surface of the workpiece is located at the beam entrance position of the pulsed laser beam.
US09149885B2
The invention relates to a method and an apparatus (1) for the production of a welding seam or a three-dimensional structure (26) on a surface of a metallic work piece (14) with the help of a welding torch (7) for carrying out a welding process with a welding wire (9) guided in a welding torch (7), whereby an electric arc (13) is ignited between the welding wire (9) and the work piece (14), and for stabilizing the electric arc (13) a laser (27′) for emitting a laser beam (27) with a maximum power of 2000 W is arranged, with a point of impact being on that position of the work piece (14) where the welding seam or structure (26) is produced. An improvement of the stabilization of the electric arc (13) is obtained if the laser (27′) is connected to a means (28) for the control of the laser (27′), which control means (28) is designed to activate the laser beam (27) prior to the ignition of the electric arc (13).
US09149876B2
The present invention relates to a core drilling machine (100). The core drilling machine (100) includes a front housing part (102) including a protruding nose. The drilling machine (100) includes a front handle assembly (118) and an output drive shaft (110) projecting outward from the protruding nose. A fluid attachment ring (120) is rotably arranged around the protruding nose. Further, the front handle assembly (118) is arranged around the protruding nose.
US09149871B2
A cutting tool insert for machining by chip removal includes a body of a hard alloy of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics or cubic boron nitride based material onto which a hard and wear resistant coating is deposited by CVD. The coating includes at least one multitextured α-Al2O3 layer with a thickness between 0.5 μm and 30 μm characterized with an ODF texture index>1 and at least two dominant texture components with 2
US09149863B2
A setting device for connecting at least two components includes a first lever arm having a first working end, and a second lever arm having a second working end, that are pivotably connected to each other like pliers. A first linear drive is connected to the first and the second lever arm so that, by changing of the length of the linear drive, the first and second working ends can move relative to each other. A punch is arranged at a first working end that is connected to a supply module for joining elements, and/or a hold-down module.
US09149856B2
A method for producing a screw-top bottle-can and a screw-top bottle-can are provided so that a screw-thread can be formed without damaging an inner coating and a resealing operation can be improved. A shoulder part is formed by reducing a diameter of an opening part of a closed-end cylindrical body, a cylindrical part having an intermediate diameter between a major thread diameter and a minor thread diameter and a tapered part which is tapered from an upper end of the cylindrical part toward an opening-end part are formed above the shoulder part, and forming a screw-thread from the tapered part to the cylindrical part so as to form a starting part of the screw-thread at a middle part of the tapered part.
US09149849B2
A straightening arrangement for straightening a chassis frame, having a plurality of bridges (11). Each bridge has a horizontal beam (12) and a vertical beam (13) whose lower end is fixed to the horizontal beam, a floor anchorage which detachably fastens the bridge to the floor, a device (15) arranged horizontally on the beam construction, and a chain attachment fitting (18). The bridge is locked in at least two directions, perpendicular to one another and also to the chassis frame. The horizontal device is arranged, in the straightening of a chassis frame which is bent in the lateral direction, to apply a horizontally directed force. The chain attachment fitting is arranged in the straightening of a chassis frame, which is bent in the vertical direction or is crooked, to secure a chain that is attached to the chassis frame.
US09149842B2
A system and method for classification of materials employing a material fall path that is intersected by an air flow path, a first materials output located below the material fall path and a second materials output located distally of the first materials output.
US09149834B2
A process for applying an overlayer to a cured thermoset molding composition is provided that includes exposing the cured thermoset molding composition to a plasma under conditions that modify the surface energy of a surface of the article without visually modifying the surface. The surface of the article is then overcoated with an overlayer having superior adhesion to a like article absent the intermediate plasma treatment. A component is also provided that is cured thermoset resin article having a shape and a surface. An overlayer is applied to the surface while the surface is still plasma activated. The overlayer is adhesion is unchanged by 4 weeks in a 100% humidity chamber at 30° C. over at least 95 area % of an interface between the overlayer and the surface.
US09149832B2
A cleaning device used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus that provides excellent wear resistance and mechanical robustness. In particular, the cleaning device is a crosslinked elastomeric polyurethane cleaning blade that includes at least an end region contacting the surface of an imaging member to remove debris therefrom and comprising spherical silica nanoparticles dispersion present in the cleaning blade matrix by in-situ condensation precipitation process.
US09149828B2
A changing device includes a feed component, a winder, a desizing oven, a coating component and a sizing component, and the feed component is provided for supplying a carbon fiber material, and a thermosetting resin oil is covered onto a surface of the carbon fiber material, and a desizing oven is provided for removing the thermosetting resin oil form the surface of the carbon fiber material, and then the coating component coats a surfactant onto the surface of the carbon fiber material, and finally the sizing component is used to coat a thermoplastic resin oil onto a surface of the surfactant to form a carbon fiber product to be wound onto a rewinding part of the winder, so as to produce a carbon fiber product with a thermoplastic resin oil coated onto a surface of the carbon fiber product.
US09149826B2
A mounting system for a shower head includes a mounting bracket mounted to a pipe passing through a shower wall, wherein the pipe is part of a shower that delivers water to a shower head. A telescoping arm is affixed to the mounting bracket through a multi-directional joint at a first end of the telescoping arm. A shower head holder is affixed to a second end of the telescoping arm by way of an adjustable joint. The multi-directional joint is formed to rotate and pivot relating to the mounting bracket so that the telescoping arm may be rotated and pivot toward and away from the shower wall in three dimensions.
US09149816B2
A point touch switching mechanism has a ball head component, a water separation unit, a switching unit, and a swinging block. The water separation unit can swing with respect to the ball head. The switching unit comprises a slide base connected to the water separation unit and a water separation disk fixedly connected to the slide base, so that the water separation disk can rotate forward when sliding with respect to the water separation unit, and water separation switching can be implemented when the water separation disk rotates with respect to the water separation unit. The swinging block can be connected to the water separation unit in a sliding manner, and the sliding of the swinging block and of the slide base form a connection, so that the water separation unit can drive the swinging block and drive the slide base to slide with respect to the water separation unit.
US09149815B2
The present invention relates to a lid for closing a centrifuge rotor, characterized by a form-fitting, rotation-actuated closure mechanism which, pre-positioned on the centrifuge rotor, moves automatically into a closed position by virtue of the intrinsic weight of the lid.
US09149811B1
In one example, mobile industrial equipment for coupling to a truck for on highway transportation is provided. The mobile industrial equipment includes a frame to connect to the truck, a plurality of wheels connected to the frame, and a track assembly connected to the frame. In another example a method for using mobile equipment is provided. The method includes transporting mobile industrial equipment over the highway with a plurality of wheels connected to a frame of the mobile industrial equipment. The frame of the mobile industrial equipment is separated from the truck. The mobile industrial equipment is moved while separated from the truck using a track connected to the frame of the mobile industrial equipment.
US09149804B2
A microfluidic device includes at least two layers arranged one above the other, a membrane which is arranged between the at least two layers, a cavity in one of the at least two layers, and a channel in the other of the at least two layers. The membrane is arranged so as to be expandable between the cavity and the channel. The membrane is expandable into at least one specified displacement volume.
US09149802B2
A flow cell with a temperature-control chamber for holding a fluid, the temperature of which is to be controlled, whose boundary wall is formed at least partially by a thin foil for transferring heat between a temperature-control element and the fluid. The foil has several layers joined with one another, such that the layer that faces the fluid is a plastic layer, and at least one other layer is of a metal.
US09149801B2
A system and method for adapting the clean filter correction map for a selective catalyst reduction filter SCRF of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system are provided. The system may be in fluid communication with an engine of a vehicle. The system may include a first pressure sensor and a second pressure. A differential pressure module is in communication with the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor and configured to generate a delta pressure signal corresponding to a pressure drop between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. The system may also include a controller configured to determine a number of completed regeneration events of the SCRF; compare the number of completed regeneration events to an evaluation element; and enable an adaptation module by executing one of a first control action, a second control action, and a third control action.
US09149793B2
A composite particulate material useful in analytical separations processes includes a carbon coating deposited through chemical vapor deposition on a substantially metal-free inorganic oxide particle. The resultant laminate material may be tuned for desired sorption rates and selectivities with respect to analytes of interest.
US09149792B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing ball-type desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity, comprising the following steps: placing initial balls in a rolling equipment; wetting the surface of the initial balls with an aqueous solution of an organic binder; then alternately adding non-crystalline iron oxide hydroxide and the aqueous solution of the organic binder to gradually form small balls of non-crystalline iron oxide hydroxide with high sulfur capacity and different diameters; and adjusting the shape of the small balls and then roasting or naturally drying the small balls. In the desulfurizer prepared by this method, the initial balls constitutes 0.98 wt %-9.03 wt % of the desulfurizer, the non-crystalline iron oxide hydroxide constitutes 90.29 wt %-98.62 wt % of the desulfurizer, and the organic binder constitutes 0.58 wt %-0.89 wt % of the desulfurizer. The present invention solves the problems that the desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity in the prior art has a high binder content and poor water resistance and diffusion performance, and provides a process for preparing a desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity, wherein a desulfurizer with high sulfur capacity and low binder content, good water resistance, good diffusion performance can be prepared.
US09149789B2
Dispersions of superabsorbent polymers are described comprising blends of polyols and super absorbent polymer. Products comprising deposits formed from such dispersions are also described. Suitable polyols can include, for example, polyethylene glycol. The dispersions can be flowed onto an absorbent sheet to form a deposit (sheeted SAP), which in some embodiments can be along a fraction of the sheet surface. Generally, the deposits are dried through a wicking process in which the polyol is wicked away from the superabsorbent polymer. The sheeted SAP can be incorporated into a final product with the deposit secured within the product. The dispersion allows for selective placement of superabsorbent polymer onto an absorbent sheet and/or in a final product. Embodiments based on coated yarns and the like are also presented.
US09149788B2
A device for stabilizing fuel in a fuel tank comprises activated carbon. The activated carbon is configured to be inserted into or installed inside a fuel tank, so that it is in contact with the fuel. The device allows the activated carbon to be in contact with the fuel, but does not allow it to be dispersed in the fuel. A method for stabilizing fuel in a fuel tank comprises adding the device to the fuel tank so that it is in contact with the fuel.
US09149780B2
The invention relates to a device for the continuous, homogeneous-catalysis reaction of a liquid with a gas and optionally an additional fluid, wherein the device comprises at least one reactor having an external liquid circulation driven by a pump, and wherein the device has at least one membrane separation stage that preferably holds back the homogeneous catalyst. The aim of the invention is to specify a device that allows homogeneous-catalysis gas/liquid phase reactions, in particular hydroformylations, which operate with membrane separation of the catalyst to be performed economically at an industrially relevant scale. Said aim is achieved in that a jet loop reactor is provided as the reactor, and that the pump and the membrane separation stage are arranged in the same external liquid circuit.
US09149779B2
A system to provide a particulate solid material to a pressurized gasification reactor includes a low pressure storage vessel fluidly connected to the inlet of a bulk materials pump, a first part of a transport conduit directly connecting the outlet of the bulk materials pump to an inlet of a diverter valve, a second part of the transport conduit connecting an outlet of the diverter valve to a burner as present in a reactor vessel, wherein said diverter valve is provided with a second outlet connecting a recycle conduit with the low pressure storage vessel and which diverter valve is adjustable to either fluidly connect the bulk materials pump to the burner or alternatively fluidly connect the bulk materials pump to the low pressure storage vessel.
US09149769B2
A dehydration system has improved membrane performance. The dehydration system includes a dehydrating apparatus 1 comprising, in a dehydrating apparatus body, a water separation membrane module in which a water separation membrane having at least one flow path extending in the up and down direction to cause a liquid 50 to pass through is provided with a liquid inlet at the bottom thereof and a liquid outlet at the top thereof; and a shell 11 defined by the outer surface of the water separation membrane module and the inner wall of the dehydrating apparatus body, wherein water in the liquid permeates the water separation membrane while the liquid rises in the water separation membrane, and moves in the shell, whereby the liquid is dehydrated; a pressure reducing device 13 for reducing the pressure of the shell 11; a pressure device for pressurizing the liquid before the liquid is fed to the water separation membrane module; and a heating device for heating the pressurized liquid.
US09149768B1
A passive mid bed air injection apparatus for an engine includes a three way catalyst positioned in an exhaust stream of the engine. The three way catalyst reduces NOx, CO and HC from the exhaust stream. The three way catalyst includes an ammonia slip catalyst positioned in the exhaust stream of the engine. The ammonia slip catalyst is positioned downstream from the three way catalyst and oxidizes NH3 and CO from the exhaust stream. The three way catalyst includes an oxygen input disposed between the three way catalyst and the ammonia slip catalyst such that the oxygen input delivers air downstream from the three way catalyst and upstream from the ammonia slip catalyst. The oxygen input receives the air from a charged side of a forced induction device and delivers the air to the exhaust stream entering the ammonia slip catalyst. An associated method also provided.
US09149767B2
The present invention provides a zero pollution recovery system for safely producing anhydrous fluorine hydride, comprising: a compartment, a reactor for producing fluorine hydride, and a water pool; the reactor is disposed in the compartment; the water pool is disposed at the bottom of the compartment; absorption hoods are respectively disposed above both ends of the reactor for absorbing fluorine hydride gas; at least two absorption towers mutually connected in series via pipes are disposed above the compartment; water pipes connected with the water pool are respectively disposed at the top and bottom of the absorption tower; and a cooler and a receiver connected with the water pool is disposed on the pipes. The present invention has the advantages of being able to control the range over which fluorine hydride can diffuse.
US09149762B2
A defect-free hydrogen separation membrane includes a metal thin membrane. The metal thin membrane includes a first metal layer composed of palladium on a porous support without substantial penetration into surface pores of the porous support and a second metal layer on the first metal layer. The second metal layer is a product of palladium deposition and closes defects being open on the surface of the first metal layer.
US09149760B2
A separation apparatus for carbon dioxide is provided which includes an absorption unit for absorbing flue gas from a fossil-fueled power station, a desorption unit and a heat exchanger which on the primary feed side is connected via an inlet-side feedback line to the desorption unit, and on the discharge side is connected via an outlet-side feedback line to the absorption unit. On the secondary feed side, the heat exchanger is connected via an inlet-side feed line to the absorption unit, and on the discharge side is connected via an outlet-side feed line to the desorption unit. A first bypass line connects the inlet-side feedback line to the outlet-side feed line so that a mostly closed first circuit with the desorption unit is formed, and a second bypass line connects the inlet-side feed line to the outlet-side feedback line so a mostly closed second circuit with the absorption unit is formed.
US09149752B2
An oil mist separator for separating aerosol oil from an oil-laden gas has an impactor. The impactor has a nozzle device with at least one nozzle for gas to be freed from oil, wherein the at least one nozzle has a streaming region. The impactor further has at least one deflector body having a separating region for the oil, wherein the separating region is positioned in the streaming region of the at least one nozzle. The separating region has a surface structure that is monolithically formed with the at least one deflector body. The surface structure has elevations and recesses arranged alternatingly in all directions transversely to a main streaming direction of the at least one nozzle.
US09149738B2
The present invention is directed to a continuous affinity chromatography method and to an apparatus to be used in such method. The method allows the use of high operational velocity while maintaining high binding capacities.
US09149734B1
A toy barber shop assembly allows a user to imitate cutting and styling hair within the setting of a simulated barber shop environment. The assembly includes a playhouse having a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending between the top wall and the bottom wall. Each of the top wall, the bottom wall and the perimeter wall define an interior of the playhouse. A chair and at least one hairstyling implement are provided and are sized for positioning within the interior of the playhouse.
US09149727B2
The invention relates to a communication device between an audiovisual information playback system (1) and at least one electronic game machine (2), each electronic game machine comprising a viewing means (200), a means (210) for interacting with the user and a means of payment (220), characterized in that each electronic game machine (2) is connected to the playback system (2) via a network interface (21) and an associated LAN (3), and comprises specific means (20, 21, 22) for managing a means of payment, a viewing means and an interactive means, in order to enable, on the electronic game machine (2), the selection and payment of at least one selection stored on the playback system (2), with a view to playback thereof on the playback system, the specific means (22) of managing payment means and the specific means (21) of managing viewing means and the interactive means being triggered by the activation means of the electronic game machine (2).
US09149725B2
A computer-implemented method for team battle matching in a computer game is provided. The method includes obtaining registration information and player number information for teams to participate in a team battle having two battle camps and creating a plurality of matching queues. The method also includes allocating teams having equal number of players to a same matching queue based on the player number information and selecting one team from a matching queue allocated with one or more teams having the maximum number of players. Further, the method includes determining whether a total number of players in the selected team is equal to a preset number and allocating the team to a battle camp when the total number of players of the selected team is equal to the preset number.
US09149709B1
This invention relates generally to a leg guard, an embodiment of which includes use in diamond sports. The leg guard contains an adjustable shin guard, thigh guard, and articulating knee allowing for movement mimicking the natural movement of the knee. The articulating knee opens and closes without gaps in protection, and locks into a standing position preventing the hyperextension of the knee.
US09149704B1
A short-flight golf training ball has a spherical hollow rubber carcass, a felt cover, and a hard spherical inner core. The spherical hollow rubber carcass has a spherical outer wall and a spherical interior wall defining a hollow spherical interior that has an interior diameter. The felt cover affixed to the outer wall. The hard spherical inner core has an outer diameter that is less than interior diameter of the carcass and is free or substantially free to move around at will in the hollow spherical interior.
US09149697B2
A ball bat extending along an axis configured for hitting a ball. The bat including a handle portion, a barrel portion coupled to the handle portion, a tubular sleeve positioned within the barrel portion, and an end cap. The barrel portion includes proximal and distal end regions, and a central region. The end cap is coupled to the sleeve and to the barrel portion by an adhesive. The end cap includes an end wall and an annular wall proximally extending from an inner surface of the end wall. The annular wall is configured to engage an inner surface of a distal end region of the sleeve. The annular wall defines at least one through-wall opening configured for facilitating flow of the adhesive through and about the annular wall during the coupling of the end cap to the barrel portion.
US09149694B2
A golf putter head with a front portion comprising traditional shape and appearance, with an integral face insert extending through the head to an alignment and weighting portion extending beyond the main body of the putter, adding improved alignment, increased moment of inertia (MOI) and adjustable weighting and adjustable balance and optimizable center of percussion. The putter head comprises a central face insert portion extending through the body and above the traditional weight flange, with mass relieved portions below the top of the alignment piece in order to receive one or more optional weights, and the upper side of the rearwardly extending portion being engraved or marked with various alignment indicia, and the whole through-head insert face portion and rearwardly extending portion being affixed to the base portion of the head at least in part with threaded fasteners.
US09149690B2
The present invention provides golf balls having a rubber core, and a cover layer made from a thermoset polyurethane of polyurethane-urea that is the reaction product of a polyisocyanate with moisture-resistant polyol and curing agent. An intermediate layer, formed from an olefin-based acid copolymer ionomer composition and preferably an ethylene acid copolymer, is disposed between the rubber core and cover. The moisture-resistant polyol is preferably a reaction product of dimer acid or dimer ester and a polyolefin diol, or a polybutadiene polyol, or a polyisoprene. Preferably, the cover layer has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) between 3 grams·mm/m2·day to 4 grams·mm/m2·day.
US09149685B2
A golf ball having a soft outer surface coating having a hardness less than about HB on the ASTM D3363 scale, or less than about 40 on ASTM D2134 scale. The soft outer surface coating may contain polyurethane, a hydroxyl functional silicone material, or a hydroxyl functional fluoro material. Also, a method for making the golf ball. The golf ball having the soft outer surface coating exhibits a high spin rate over short shots essentially without degrading performance on driver shots, as compared with the performance of the uncoated golf ball.
US09149680B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for converting a free weight into a kettlebell weight. The apparatus includes a main body housing, a rotatable handle, and a pivot grip. The apparatus may move from an open position for receiving a free weight to a closed position for locking a free weight into place.
US09149678B2
According to certain aspects, the invention includes a limb-exercising system for coupling (i.e., attaching, retrofitting) to or manufacturing with the swivel chair. The limb-exercising system includes a rigid framework, at least one limb-exercising unit, a force resistor and a cable. The rigid framework includes at least one chair coupler that couples the rigid framework with the swivel chair (e.g., so that the limb-exercising apparatus is disposed underneath the chair leg base), such that the relative movement between the rigid framework and the swivel chair is minimal. The rigid framework is coupled with the limb-exercising unit and with the force resistor, which in turn is coupled with the limb-exercising unit via the cable. The limb-exercising unit is operative to provide movement exercise for at least one muscle group of the body of a user.
US09149675B2
A therapy device is provided for trismus prevention and treatment, and includes a first arm hingedly connected to a second arm, and a spring device disposed therebetween to press the first and second arms apart. A pair of bite pads are provided at the ends of each of the first and second arms and are designed to be engaged by a user's teeth or gums in order to bite down on the device to exercise the user's jaw, and more specifically, the muscles of mastication.
US09149667B2
A device for ascending or descending using the single rope technique. The device includes a clamping mechanism that has a plurality of clamping segments interconnected by a flexible spine arrangement. A release mechanism is coupled to the clamping mechanism. A reduction mechanism is coupled to the release mechanism. The reduction mechanism includes a body portion having a rope slot configured to accommodate the single rope and a housing portion disposed over the body portion. The housing portion includes a cammed groove configured to accommodate the single rope. The cammed groove is rotatably aligned with the rope slot. The reduction mechanism is movable with at least two degrees of freedom between the clamping position and the released position. The reduction mechanism is configured to frictionally engage the single rope in the released position.
US09149664B2
Sunscreen compositions comprising one or more sunscreen agents (inorganic and combinations of inorganic and organic), one or more film forming polymers (synthetic or naturally derived), and heat treated xanthan gum. The sunscreen composition provides higher pre- and post-immersion SPF values, as well as a means for reducing the amount of sunscreen agents in a formulation without forfeiting efficacy.
US09149661B2
Disclosed herein are oral care compositions comprising a fluoride ion source and phosphate salts, and methods of making and using the same.
US09149653B2
Radiation therapy or brachytherapy devices, systems and methods are in general catheter form and include at least one balloon that assists in placement of radio therapeutic members at desired treatment locations within an existing body cavity or at a site that was formed under a patient's skin for treatment purposes. One or more detectors, such as microdiodes, are present on the device, and a hyperthermia tube or the like is also included that delivers hyperthermia treatment for the target treatment site or sites. Data collected by the detector allows the medical professional to monitor radiation treatment and, when desired, interaction between hyperthermia treatment and radiation delivery by the radiation treatment member.
US09149641B2
In a pacing mode where the left ventricle is paced upon expiration of an escape interval that is reset by a right ventricular sense, there is the risk that the left ventricular pace may be delivered in the so-called vulnerable period that occurs after a depolarization and trigger an arrhythmia. To reduce this risk, a left ventricular protective period (LVPP) may be provided. Methods and devices for implementing an LVPP in the context of multi-site left ventricular pacing are described.
US09149625B2
Embodiments of a catheter insertion device are discussed comprising: an approximately hollow cylindrical catheter sleeve, at whose distal end a catheter is attached; a needle sleeve with a hollow needle, which is attached thereto and which, when ready for use, extends through the catheter sleeve and the catheter, and; a needle protective element that is arranged inside the catheter sleeve while being able to move on the needle. Said needle protective element has an engaging section that engages with an engaging device, which is formed in the vicinity of the needle tip, when the hollow needle is withdrawn from the catheter sleeve. A check valve is placed inside the catheter sleeve between the catheter and the needle protective element. The hollow needle, when ready for use, extends through said check valve, and the check valve automatically closes once the needle is withdrawn.
US09149620B2
An implantable port assembly (10) having a lower housing (12) and an upper housing (14) and at least one chamber (20,22) and a corresponding septum (16,18) associated therewith. The upper housing (14) includes a plurality of latch arms (30) depending therefrom that latch with corresponding catches (34) of the lower housing for mechanically securing the assembly together during bonding or welding. Each septum (16,18) includes a peripheral flange (40) held in compression by and between the upper and lower housings (14,12) upon and after assembly. In a dual port assembly (10), a pair of septa (16,18) are disposed side-by-side with overlapping flanges (54), and the upper housing (14) includes posts (52) extending through apertures (54) through the overlapping flanges (56) that extend into holes (58) in the lower housing (12).
US09149618B2
A built-in non-verbal compact instructional device integratable to an applicator having a microdevice for painlessly perforating skin and optionally an active agent for application to the perforated area. The microdevice can include microneedles, microneedle arrays, microblades, microblade arrays, microknives, microknife arrays, and Functional MicroArrays (FMAs). The active agent can be stored in a first chamber. The microdevice can perforate stratum corneum without significant pain or discomfort to a patient. The active agent is applied to the perforated area. The device verifies compliance with predetermined methods of use, such as a light to indicate application with the recommended amount of force for perforating skin. The applicator can provide enhanced delivery of an active agent, with minimal discomfort, for therapeutic or cosmetic treatment, such as topical treatment for acne, or other skin disorders, wrinkles, blemishes, etc. The applicator is also useful for providing improved systemic or localized delivery of an active agent.
US09149616B2
Medical devices which are adapted to be inserted into a patient for a limited period of time using minimally invasive insertion procedures for dilating a stenotic opening, such as a stenotic sinus opening, are provided. The devices and methods can be used for treating sinusitis and other nasal and/or sinus disorders.
US09149615B2
A method and toolset capable of remotely moving a rotor of an implanted device in a first arcuate direction and detecting a first limit of travel, moving the rotor in a second, opposite direction and detecting a second limit of travel without altering the current performance setting of the implanted device, comparing the first and second limits of travel with known values for a plurality of selectable performance settings, and indicating the current performance setting of the implanted device.
US09149611B2
Disclosed is a balloon of an intragastric device, comprising, in combination: a core of a first material and having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a coating of a second material on at least one of the inner surface of the core and the outer surface of the core. Disclosed is a method, comprising, in combination: creating a core of a balloon by a core in a first material; dipping at least one of an inner surface of the core and an outer surface of the core in a second material, whereby a coating is formed on at least one of the inner surface of the core and the outer surface of the core. The first material may be of a more dimensional consistency than the second material, have a greater elasticity than the second material, or be primarily of polydimethyl-siloxane.
US09149606B2
Provided is a sheath assembly comprising a dilator hub and sheath hub, configured for coupling by a first movement that combines simultaneous longitudinal and radial movements, followed by a second movement that is substantially radial, and what is also provided is a sheath assembly that comprising a hemostasis valve with a W-slit.
US09149605B2
A “Smart Micro-catheter” (SMC) system comprising a device for controlled particle release and drug delivery into a blood vessel, hepatic artery or any patho-physiological target is disclosed. Methods of using the micro-catheter system for optimal targeted delivery of therapeutic microspheres comprising using subject-specific computer simulations of particle-hemodynamics are further provided.
US09149600B2
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of methods of forming a tapering distal tip for a catheter. An exemplary method includes providing a mandrel and a holding hypotube, placing a tip first material with a first outer diameter over the mandrel and the hypotube, placing a tip second material with a second outer diameter over the mandrel and under the first material, placing a shrink tube of heat-shrink material around at least a junction of the first material and second material, heating the shrink tube, cooling the first material and second material, and removing the shrink tube and the hypotube. The first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.
US09149596B2
A mechanism for releasing a mask from a patient's face includes a frame part including a male connection and a frame engagement portion for engaging a cooperating portion on a frame of the mask. A headgear part includes a female connection that is adapted to receive the male connection when the frame part is inserted into the headgear part, and a headgear engagement portion for engaging a cooperating portion on headgear of the mask. A cord has one end secured to the male connection, such that when the cord is pulled by the patient the male connection disengages from the female connection and consequently the frame part separates from the headgear part releasing the mask from the patient's face. A method of releasing a mask from a patient's face includes pulling a cord away from a frame of the mask to release a latch of the mask frame from a latch receiving portion of a headgear of the mask to release the latch from the latch receiving portion.
US09149592B2
The aspiration catheters, systems and methods include a catheter having an elongated body with a cross-section having a flat side and a curve near the distal end. The first side of the cross-section can contact a first side of a delivery lumen in a first orientation, and a second side of the cross-section contacts the first side of the delivery lumen in a second orientation rotated 180° from the first orientation. The curve can be directed 90° relative to a normal of the flat side. The systems and methods can utilize two catheters, and a key joint formed with the two catheters which can rotationally fix the catheters with respect to each other, and the first and second catheters each include at least one pre-formed curve near the distal end. The two catheters can be moved proximally and distally for positioning in the right and left bronchi.
US09149587B2
A sprayer includes: a sprayer body; a nozzle extending from the sprayer body; and an irradiation unit disposed on a leading end of the nozzle and emitting light that is oriented and diffuses in a leading end direction of the nozzle. The nozzle includes: an elongated nozzle body extending from the sprayer body and having a curved portion on a leading end side; and a nozzle head disposed on a leading end of the nozzle body. The irradiation unit is arranged inside a curve shape of the curved portion.
US09149586B2
The subject technology pertains to an herbal vaporization apparatus including an electric heat base comprising a glass pass-through tube, and a hydratube having a first end a second end, wherein the hydratube is configured to be removably coupled with the electric heat base at the second end to place the hydratube in fluidic communication with the glass pass-through tube. The electric heat base can be configured to be coupled to the hydratube such that the hydratube is vertically mounted on top of the electric heat base. The electric heat base can include a glass pass-through tube including a plurality of chambers separated by constrictions and configured to receive and transmit a volume of gas, and a heating element disposed adjacent to the glass pass-through tube to heat the volume of gas received by the glass pass-through tube. Furthermore, the herbal vaporization apparatus can also include an herbal containment unit.
US09149583B2
A method and system for proving a drug delivery device having a variable maximum dose. The drug delivery device comprising a first tubular member and a second tubular member rotatably coupled to the first tubular member. A maximum stop component is operatively coupled to the first tubular member and the second tubular member such that the maximum stop component is movable from a first position to a second position. The first position defines a first maximum dose that may be set by a user of said drug delivery device and the second position defines a second maximum dose that may be set by the user of said drug delivery device.
US09149576B2
An apparatus includes a cannula assembly, a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing includes an inlet port removably coupled to the cannula assembly and defines an inner volume. The fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the housing and configured to receive and isolate a volume of bodily fluid from a patient. The flow control mechanism is at least partially disposed in the inner volume. The actuator is operably coupled to the flow control mechanism and is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which bodily fluid can flow, via a fluid flow path defined by the flow control mechanism, from the cannula assembly, through the inlet port and into the fluid reservoir, to a second configuration, in which the fluid reservoir is fluidically isolated from the cannula assembly.
US09149574B2
The present invention relates to a port needle comprising a bearing for resting and fixing the port needle on the patient, a feed, and a needle. This problem is solved according to the invention by a port needle comprising a bearing (1) for resting the port needle on the patient, a feed (6), and a needle (3) having a tip (21), it being possible to bring the needle (3) into at least two positions, a puncture position and a retracted position, characterized by a safety section (7), which shields the tip (21) of the needle (3) at least in the retracted position and thus forms a needle-prick protection device.
US09149568B2
The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for fluid control, and more particularly to systems and methods for power and flow rate control for aspiration. In accordance with one embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.
US09149560B2
Provided herein are pre-formulations forming a biocompatible hydrogel polymer comprising at least one nucleophilic compound or monomer unit, at least one electrophilic compound or monomer unit, and optionally a therapeutic agent and/or viscosity enhancer. In some embodiments, the biocompatible hydrogel polymer covers a wound in a mammal and adheres to the surrounding skin tissue. In other embodiments, the hydrogel polymer is delivered into a joint space to treat joint disease or navicular disease.
US09149554B2
The present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling the processing solid waste material in a vessel during a processing cycle, including: (1) loading the vessel with a charge of solid waste products, said vessel including: (a) a rotatably mounted cylindrical vessel having an interior surface and two ends, at least one end terminating in a hatch that may be opened to allow access to the interior of said vessel and sealably closed to allow pressurization of said vessel; (b) a vessel steam inlet for injecting steam into at least one of said ends so as to come into contact with waste material placed into said vessel; (c) a thermometer adapted to monitor the processing temperature of the waste material placed into said vessel during an operational cycle; (d) a timer adapted to monitor the processing time of an operational cycle for the waste material placed into said vessel; (e) a microprocessor having processing instructions adapted to calculate the required processing time by integrating the function of the said processing temperature versus the processing time so as to be able to determine whether a predetermined energy input to the waste material has been attained, and to issue a signal in response thereto; and (2) terminating said processing cycle in response to said signal.
US09149544B2
Non-aggregating resorbable calcium phosphosilicate nanoparticles (CPNPs) are bioconjugated to targeting molecules that are specific for particular cells. The CPNPs are stable particles at normal physiological pH. Chemotherapy and imaging agents may be integrally formed with the CPNPs so that they are compartmentalized within the CPNPs. In this manner, the agents are protected from interaction with the environment at normal physiological pH. However, once the CPNPs have been taken up, at intracellular pH, the CPNPs dissolve releasing the agent. Thus, chemotherapeutic or imaging agents are delivered to specific cells and permit the treatment and/or imaging of those cells. Use of the bioconjugated CPNPs both limits the amount of systemic exposure to the agent and delivers a higher concentration of the agent to the cell. The methods and principals of bioconjugating CPNPs are taught by examples of bioconjugation of targeting molecules for breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and leukemia.
US09149542B2
The present application relates to microvesicles derived from a protoplast which is a bacterial, arhaea, fungal or plant cell or the like from which a cell wall is removed. The microvesicles derived from a protoplast enables free loading of a material necessary for diagnosis, treatment, vaccine, target induction, cell membrane fusion with a target cell, reduction of in vivo and in vitro side effects, stability improvement, and the like, and allows the therapeutic material, the diagnostic material and/or the vaccine material to be delivered specifically to a specific tissue or cell.
US09149540B2
Disclosed is a polymer conjugate of folic acid or a folic acid derivative, wherein an amide bond is not used. The compound has chemical stability and adequate drug release rate in the living organism. Specifically disclosed is a polymer conjugate of folic acid or a folic acid derivative, wherein a substituent represented by formula (I) is bonded to a carboxy group of a block copolymer which is composed of a polyethylene glycol and a polymer having a carboxy group in a side chain, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. [In the formula, A represents a monocyclic or fused aromatic group; G represents an optionally substituted (C1-C6) alkylene group; Y represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent; and E represents a residue of folic acid or a folic acid derivative.]
US09149536B2
Provided herein are antimicrobial conjugates of two antibiotic agents, exhibiting improved activity also against resistant bacteria, compared to each of the agents separately or their mixture, and having substantially no resistance emerged thereagainst, as well as processes for preparation the same, compositions containing the same, and uses thereof in medical treatments against pathogenic microorganisms. The disclosed antimicrobial conjugates are composed of aminoglycosides and non-ribosomal active antibiotics. Some of the antimicrobial conjugates are prepared via “click” chemistry.
US09149525B2
Disclosed herein are formulations of dexamethasone or a prodrug thereof suitable for delivery by ocular iontophoresis and methods of use thereof.
US09149521B2
This invention describes novel adjuvant compositions and formulations with excellent stability at refrigerated and room temperatures and up to and about 37° C. that can be produced at remarkably low costs. This invention describes novel vaccine compositions and formulations to treat and prevent urinary tract infections caused by gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli and multi-drug resistant E. coli. This invention also describes methods of administration of said novel vaccine compositions and formulations and methods of treatment to prevent and treat urinary tract infections caused by gram-negative bacteria including E. coli and multi-drug resistant E. coli.
US09149514B2
A composition of lysozyme and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is active against the papilloma virus in both humans and animals. The composition can be used to treat women suffering from cervical cancer. The composition can also be used to treat cows and horses suffering sarcoids.
US09149512B2
A collagen mixture having a portion of unhydrolyzed eggshell membrane collagen and Avian collagen.
US09149502B2
Disclosed is a low impurity content caspofungin pharmaceutical composition and a method for preparing the low impurity content caspofungin pharmaceutical composition. The caspofungin pharmaceutical composition comprises the compound of formula I and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with a saccharide protective agent(s) and an amino acid(s). The caspofungin pharmaceutical composition is prepared by dissolving the saccharide protective agent and the amino acid into water or a suitable buffer solution; adding the caspofungin compound and dissolving it; filtering the solution and lyophilizing.
US09149500B2
A method for relieving or preventing symptoms associated with uric acid crystals, comprising consuming a formulation that supports three or more processes, the processes comprising: 1) one that inhibits formation of uric acid in the body; 2) one that increases elimination of uric acid from the body; and 3) one that interferes with formation of uric acid crystals in the body. Also, a process to make a formulation, comprising mixing together: i. a material that inhibits formation of uric acid in a body; ii. a material that increases elimination of uric acid from the body; iii. a material that interferes with formation of uric acid crystals in the body; and forming the mixture into a medicament.
US09149498B2
Methods are provided for isolating and using a whole-saliva leech extract. The methods can include feeding a phagostimulatory agent to a leech; inducing a regurgitation in the leech, the inducing including placing the leech in an environment having a temperature of less than about 0° C.; and, collecting an unrefined, whole saliva in the regurgitation of the cooled leech. The methods can include revitalizing the leech by warming it at a temperature ranging from about 5° C. to about 40° C. Stable, lyophilized, whole-saliva extracts of a leech are also provided, the extract having a stable activity when stored for use at a temperature below about −20° C., the extract maintaining at least 70% of the activity for at least 6 months. The extracts can be used to treat solid tumors, treat liquid tumors, treat diabetes, treat a viral disease, treat a parasitic disease, treat an antibacterial disease, or serve as an anti-oxidant.
US09149496B2
Extracellular matrix (ECM) constructs having a biodegradable support scaffold and an anchoring mechanism, which includes a plurality of biodegradable microneedles that are capable of piercing tissue and anchoring therein. In a preferred embodiment, the support scaffold and anchoring mechanism comprise an ECM material. In some embodiments, the microneedles are also capable of administering a biologically active agent and/or a pharmacological composition to the engaged tissue.
US09149494B2
The present invention provides orally-administrable compositions comprising stable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). The compositions are preferably prepared as solid dosage forms such as tablets, capsules and powders. The present invention further provides methods for supplementing oral calcium intake in subjects and as well as methods for treating osteoporosis, osteomalacia and related diseases.
US09149486B2
Aqueous suspension formulations containing dexamethasone and ciprofloxacin are disclosed for the treatment of middle ear infections in human patients having an open tympanic membrane.
US09149481B2
The present invention relates generally to methods and materials for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases, for example cognitive disorders, using diaminophenothiazines. In particular it relates to treatments having optimised pharmacokinetic properties, and dosage forms are intended to improve the relative cognitive or CNS benefits of the diaminophenothiazines, for instance compared to haematological effects.
US09149472B2
A montelukast composition having a therapeutically effective amount of montelukast in a sustained release is disclosed. A montelukast composition having a therapeutically effective amount of montelukast in an immediate release and sustained release is also disclosed.
US09149465B2
The present invention provides isoxazoline FAAH inhibitors of the formula (I): or pharmaceutically acceptable forms thereof, wherein each of G, Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rd are as defined herein. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable form thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.The present invention also provides methods for treating an FAAH-mediated condition comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable form thereof, to a subject in need thereof.
US09149452B2
The present invention relates to methods for promoting the neurological development of an infant by administration of fatty acids and compositions comprising same, wherein the fatty acids are enriched with respect to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content.
US09149448B2
The disclosure relates, in general, to treatment of fatty liver disorders comprising administering compositions comprising cysteamine products. The disclosure provides administration of enterically coated cysteamine compositions to treat fatty liver disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
US09149441B2
A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.
US09149433B2
A method for formation of micro-prilled poloxamer particles is disclosed. The particles find special use in pharmaceutical formulations. The process involves use of atomizing nozzles at higher than normal pressure atomizing gas, high atomizing gas temperature, use of high feed temperatures to reduce the viscosity of the poloxamer and optionally sieving after prill formation in prilling towers. The poloxamer particles are spherical and preferably have an average nominal diameter of less than or equal to 106 microns. The process is very cost effective and rapid.
US09149429B2
The invention relates to a respiratory preparation providing cough relief in a human comprising: a film forming agent; a thickening agent; and the respiratory preparation provides on demand relief. Additionally, the invention relates to a method of providing cough relief in a human comprising: the steps of administering to a human a respiratory preparation comprising: a film forming agent; a thickening agent; and wherein said respiratory preparation provides on demand cough relief as needed.
US09149418B2
Composition in the form of an oil-in-water nanoemulsion containing one or more nonionic amphiphilic lipids, one or more volatile linear alkanes and one or more oils other than the volatile linear alkane(s).
US09149416B1
The present invention provides an insecticidal emulsion cleansing system comprising a clear oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion wherein the oil phase contains an ionic surfactant and an insecticide suspended together as nanometer sized particles in the water phase; and wherein the water phase contains an oppositely charged polymer. The insecticide is preferably a pyrethroid such as a natural pyrethrin or a synthetic pyrethroid. Suitable pyrethroids include pyrethroid esters and pyrethroid ethers.
US09149414B1
A nursing assistance device for aiding with the delivery of breast milk and/or formula while augmenting breastfeeding. The nursing assistance device generally includes a housing adapted to be secured to the breast to aid in nursing. The housing includes an inner channel in which a syringe dispenser or dispenser tube may be positioned. Each of the dispensers includes an outlet tube through which fluids such as formula and/or breast milk may be dispensed alongside the nipple. The dispenser tube may be connected to various sources of fluid, such as a pouch. The lower surface of the housing includes a securing member which will enable the housing to be removably and comfortably secured to the breast during use. The outlet tube is positioned directly alongside the nipple so that the infant may latch onto both the nipple and the outlet tube to augment breast feeding and facilitate nipple stimulation.
US09149412B2
A CPR compression device driven by a cam, in which the cam is shaped to provide a desired compression waveform. The cam controls movement of a compression pad, and has angular regions shaped to provide a compression stroke, a high compression hold, and a release phase of the chest contacting means.
US09149398B2
A wheelchair suspension is provided. The wheelchair suspension includes a frame, a front caster pivot arm, a drive assembly, and a rear caster. The front caster pivot arm is pivotally connected to the frame. The front caster is coupled to a front end of the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly is pivotally connected to the front caster pivot arm. The drive assembly comprises a drive wheel and a motor that drives the drive wheel. Torquing of the drive wheel by the motor in a forward direction causes the drive assembly to pivot with respect to the front caster pivot arm such that the drive wheel moves forward toward the front caster and a distance between a support surface and the connection between of the drive assembly and the front caster pivot arm increases.
US09149393B2
An emergency head trauma bandage cap with a detachable strap system and method of use, which, when applied to the head, delivers minimal pressure to control bleeding, doesn't compromise cervical spine immobilization, allows for fast and effective application of cold packs to control intracranial/internal swelling or hot packs to prevent hypothermia in non-trauma situations, doesn't come apart during treatment and transport, and doesn't require a caregiver to re-wrap the dressing.
US09149390B2
The invention relates to a device for applying a marking to the human eye, in particular on the cornea, comprising a marking head (1) and a retaining device (2) that supports the marking head (1), wherein the marking head (1) comprises a marking element (4) and a support that retains the marking element (4) in a specifiable or changeable angular position, wherein the support is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the retaining device (2) or a reference line and wherein the marking head (1) can be detached from the retaining device (2).
US09149389B2
A microsurgical handle and instrument may include an actuation structure having an actuation structure distal end and an actuation structure proximal end, a plurality of actuation arms of the actuation structure, and an actuation structure base. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to extend the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to expand an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of the actuation arms. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to retract the actuation structure distal end relative to the actuation structure proximal end. A decompression of the actuation structure may be configured to collapse an extension joint of an actuation arm of the plurality of actuation arms.
US09149383B2
Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to a novel esophageal device implantable in the patient's body and designed to replicate the restrictive and satiety mechanism associated with gastric banding systems known in the art. The device can be a compliant and tubular-shaped and fixated within the gastro-esophageal lumen using tissue anchors.
US09149366B2
An intervertebral fusion implant comprises a body defining a longitudinal axis and extending between a first end and a second end. The body defines a first wall configured for engaging a first vertebral surface and a second wall configured for engaging a second vertebral surface. The first wall is connected to the second wall. The first wall is movable relative to the second wall such that the body is deformable from a first, initial implanted configuration such that the body is disposed between the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface for fixation thereof and a second configuration such that the body is deformed relative to the first configuration to adapt to an orientation of the first vertebral surface and the second vertebral surface. Methods of use are disclosed.
US09149364B2
An expandable interbody spacer (10) is provided that includes a pair of oppositely facing endplate components (20, 40) and an interior component that includes one or more vertically extending stacks of arranged C-clip members (70) radially surrounding one or more bosses (30) protruding interiorly from one of the endplates, wherein the size and configuration of the bosses and the C-clip members are designed to allow the incremental expansion of expandable interbody spacer.
US09149361B2
A non-resorbable wound dressing can include a plug made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The plug can have a three-dimensional shape. The plug can be substantially cylindrical. The PTFE can have a high density and be expanded. The PTFE can be non-porous or have a porosity of less than about 0.4 microns. The PTFE can also be unsintered and unexpanded. A method of regenerating alveolar bone includes placing a PTFE plug in a cavity formed in an alveolar bone. Placing the plug in the cavity can include contacting at least a portion of a peripheral surface of the plug with the gingival tissue surrounding the cavity. The method can also include inserting a bone graft material in the cavity before placing the plug in the cavity.
US09149356B2
An interior bag for a capsular bag of an eye comprises a discriminatingly permeable interior bag that selectively reduces fluid flow volume through the interior bag. The interior bag is secured inside the capsular bag. A structure, adapted to hold a refractive device, is attached to the interior bag.
US09149355B2
A joining arrangement between a main tube (3) and a side arm (5) in a side arm stent graft (1). The side arm (5) is stitched into an aperture (11) in the main tube and is in fluid communication with it. The aperture is triangular, elliptical or rectangular and the side arm is cut off at an angle to leave an end portion having a circumferential length equal to the circumference of the aperture. The side arm can also include a connection socket (76) comprising a first resilient ring (79) around the arm at its end, a second resilient ring (80) spaced apart along the arm from the first ring and a zig zag resilient stent (82) between the first and second rings. The zig-zag resilient stent can be a compression stent. Both the main tube and the side arm are formed from seamless tubular biocompatible graft material.
US09149354B2
A flexor tendon repair device has a sheet of mesh material of rectangular shape with four edges: two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges perpendicular to the longitudinal edges. Each pair of edges is mutually parallel and spaced apart. Each edge is also folded inwardly for two smooth edges upon which the healing tendon rests and two smooth edges where the sheet mutually joins. Along with the sheet, the invention includes sutures, typically doubled, and one at each lateral edge. The lateral edges generally support the healing tendon while the sheet wraps around the tendon with the longitudinal edges generally parallel to the length of the tendon. A surgeon, during use of the invention, tightens each suture along the longitudinal edges, closing the device, and then upon the laterals to tie the suture. Upon tying, the mesh attains an ovoid shape similar to the natural cross section of a tendon.
US09149347B2
An abutment (10) for supporting a dental prosthesis including a post (30) and a shoulder (10a), wherein the shoulder comprises a concavely curved chamfer surface extending radially outwards from a base of the post, the post comprising at least one flat surface (35) which runs directly into the chamfered surface such that the chamfered surface is non-uniform.
US09149344B2
The appliance of the present invention is a customized wire device for orthodontic alignment of the mal-aligned teeth. The final position and orientation of the brackets are assessed by simulating the desired aligned stage. Once the final position and orientation of the brackets is known from the simulated aligned stage, this bracket position and orientation is preserved by passing a wire passively through these brackets at the desired aligned stage. This passive wire essentially forms a template of final aligned stage; when securely engaged in the brackets on the mal-aligned stage this wire needs to be deflected and generates forces that align the teeth to its designed aligned stage due to elastic recoil of the wire.
US09149343B2
A dental instrument, suitable for use when creating a dental filling, is provided. The dental instrument includes a wedge and a matrix. The matrix is fixedly attached to the wedge, and the wedge is adapted to be inserted into the approximal space between two teeth of a patient. The wedge has a bow shape along a length axis of the wedge, the matrix has a first bow shape along a length axis of the matrix, and the matrix also has a second bow shape along an axis perpendicular to the length axis of the matrix. A method of using the dental instrument and a disposable system, which further comprises a protective member, is further provided.
US09149337B2
A surgical system including one or two surgical gloves having support systems such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation, attached to fingers of the surgical glove. The support systems may be controlled with switches positioned on the fingers upon which each support system is positioned. The switches may be operable with the thumb on the human hand upon which the surgical glove is attached. The system may also include (i) a safety switch coupled to the glove for controlling the first surgical system so that the first surgical system will not operate unless both the first switch and the safety switch are actuated, or (ii) a shunt for controlling fluid flow between the first and second conduits. Different support systems may be included in each glove for a bilateral system or may be combined into a single glove system.
US09149336B2
The system contains a metal tray formed from a sheet of metal. A plurality of pockets is formed in the metal tray, wherein the plurality of pockets is formed from manipulating the sheet of metal. A cover is formed over the metal tray. Optionally, a base may be engaged with the cover, wherein the metal tray is formed to fit snugly between the cover and the base.
US09149332B2
Systems and methods for reconfigurable handheld laser treatment systems are provided. In one embodiment, a reconfigurable handheld laser treatment system comprises: a base unit; a handset that includes a attachment chamber having an attachment aperture, and a laser source arranged to project optical energy into the attachment chamber, the handset coupled to the base unit; an attachment having an adapter interface compatible with insertion into the attachment chamber; a trigger sensor coupled to logic that controls activation of the laser array; and an attachment sensor arranged to detect insertion of the adapted interface into the attachment chamber through the attachment aperture. The logic enables activation of the laser array when the attachment sensor detects an authorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture. The logic disables activation of the laser array when the attachment sensor fails to detect an authorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture.
US09149327B2
Prediction of atrial wall electrical reconnection based on contact force measured during RF ablation
A method and device for determining the transmuriality and/or continuity of an isolation line formed by a plurality of point contact ablations. In one embodiment, a method for determining the size of a lesion (width, depth and/or volume) is disclosed, based on contact force of the ablation head with the target tissue, and an energization parameter that quantifies the energy delivered to the target tissue during the duration time of the lesion formation. In another embodiment, the sequential nature (sequence in time and space) of the ablation line formation is tracked and quantified in a quantity herein referred to as the “jump index,” and used in conjunction with the lesion size information to determine the probability of a gap later forming in the isolation line.
US09149325B2
An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector assembly, a body, and a shaft. The shaft extends from the body to the end effector assembly. The body is operable to communicate with the end effector assembly via the shaft. The end effector assembly includes a pair of pivoting jaws and a firing beam. The firing beam is operable to advance distally through slots in the jaws to close the jaws. One of the jaws comprises a plurality of segments that are movable relative to each other. The segments may be joined by living hinges, pivoting hinges, or sliding features. One of the jaws may be formed by a combination of a distally projecting tongue of the shaft and two members that are secured above and below the tongue, respectively. An end effector jaw may also include a resiliently biased electrode cartridge.
US09149316B2
An anchor-in-anchor fixation system is provided for securing underlying structure, such as bone. The fixation system includes a linkage that defines first and second bores, a first bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone, and a head that is configured to attach to the linkage in the first bore, and a second bone anchor having a shaft for fixation to underlying bone and a head that is configured to attach to the linkage in the second bore.
US09149307B2
Instruments are provided for shifting elongate members, such as spinal rods, with respect to coupling members of spinal fixation systems. The instruments include a low friction drive mechanism having one or more rolling elements that ride along a helical groove or track in order to transform rotational movement of a drive member into linear shifting of a reducer member that shifts the elongate member. A one-way locking mechanism may be provided to selectively prevent unwanted counter-rotation of the low friction drive mechanism. The one-way locking mechanism may include annular ratchet teeth arranged on the exterior of the drive member and a ratchet pawl located adjacent to the teeth and selectively engageable therewith.
US09149299B2
Spinal implant comprising a quick closure (4) for securing a connecting element (2) in a bone screw (1) where the quick closure (4) is rotatively attachable in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction and lockable such as to be able to take up torques applied to the bone screw (1) while preserving the bone anchorage from manipulative stress.
US09149291B2
A system, delivery device and method delivers ultrasonic energy to a target musculoskeletal tissue site. In some embodiments, the delivery device includes a stainless steel needle joined to a horn. In some embodiments, the stainless steel needle is joined to the horn using a heating process or a brazing process.
US09149289B2
A medical retrieval device of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a proximal handle, a sheath, and a retrieval assembly. The sheath extends from the handle and includes a lumen and a distal end opposite the handle. The retrieval assembly is moveable relative to the sheath to achieve a collapsed position of the retrieval assembly within the lumen and an expanded position of the retrieval assembly when extended outside the lumen. The retrieval assembly includes a plurality of legs. At least one of the legs includes a wire having an inner core at least partially surrounded by an outer layer.
US09149288B2
A medical retrieval device, and related method, for removing material, such as calculi, from a patient's body. In one embodiment, the device includes a handle, a sheath, and a retrieval assembly located at the distal end of the retrieval device. The retrieval assembly includes a plurality of legs, each of which includes a lumen for receiving fluid. The legs are made of an expandable material that will allow the legs to inflate when the lumen receives a fluid. In another embodiment, the device includes a core element wound to form a helical coil. The helical coil has a lumen for receiving a fluid. The core element is made of an expandable material that allows it to inflate when the lumen within the helical coil receives a fluid.
US09149284B2
A milling tool system for accurately preparing a portion of the tibia preparatory to making femoral resections. The milling tool system provides a minimally invasive procedure to provide an aperture within an exposed surface of the tibia, the aperture then being used as a referencing surface to accurately resect the femur. Once the femur resections have been made, the remaining uncut portions of the tibia are exposed and easily accessible for the tibial resections.
US09149271B2
A device and method for treatment of hemorrhoids, in which the devices includes: a housing insertable into the rectum; a tissue port configured to receive a tissue segment containing at least a portion of a hemorrhoidal blood vessel; opposing needle chambers including at least one pair of corresponding needles coupled by a suture in which the pair of corresponding needles are substantially opposite to one another and in an active position substantially aligned with the tissue segment; a needle driver that advances the pair of corresponding needles through the tissue segment to encircle a portion of the hemorrhoidal blood vessel with the suture, thereby ligating the hemorrhoidal blood vessel; and an actuator coupled to at least one of the needle chambers that actuates the needle chambers such that another pair of corresponding needles is in the active position.
US09149269B2
A device for the anchoring of a suture in tissue includes a guide sleeve, a sonotrode, an anchor and the suture. The guide sleeve has a distal part with a smaller cross section and a proximal part with a larger cross section. The sonotrode extends through the lumen of the guide sleeve and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being designed for coupling the sonotrode to a vibration source (e.g. an ultrasonic device). The anchor is arranged at the distal end of the device and includes an anchor foot and an anchoring sleeve sitting on a shoulder of the anchor foot. The anchoring sleeve consists of a material which is liquefiable through mechanical vibrations. A middle portion of the suture runs through the anchor foot and two end portions of the suture are attached to the guide sleeve.
US09149267B2
A method can include forming a bore in a bone of a patient and positioning a first anchor in the bore. The first anchor can have a self-locking adjustable suture construct extending therefrom that can include first and second adjustable loops. The first adjustable loop can be positioned about a first portion of the soft tissue and the second adjustable loop can be positioned about a second portion of the soft tissue different than the first portion. A coupling element carried by the second adjustable loop can be coupled to the first adjustable loop. An end of the adjustable suture construct can be tensioned to reduce a size of the first and second adjustable loops to couple the soft tissue to the bone.
US09149261B2
Implant delivery systems are disclosed. In general overview, an exemplary system includes any number of the following: a delivery device, a sling assembly, guide members, and connectors that interconnect the above. Embodiments of all the above components and their combinations are disclosed. Methods of using the above system in suprapubic, prepubic, transvaginal, trans-obturator and other approaches are also disclosed.
US09149260B2
A biopsy needle assembly for excising a tissue specimen from a target tissue in an animal includes a mandrel with a core bed having an inner surface forming a projection for marking the tissue specimen at excision. The projections can be longitudinal and transverse in the core bed, and can project from an end of the core bed into the core bed. The projections can include a marking agent for marking the tissue specimen.
US09149256B2
Embodiments for forming a strain image by compensating for displacement in a later direction in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to acquire first ultrasound data where compression is not applied to a target object and second ultrasound data where compression is applied to the target object; and a processing unit configured to compensate for displacements in axial and lateral directions in the second ultrasound data based on the first ultrasound data and second ultrasound data, the processing unit being further configured to form a strain image based on the first ultrasound data and the axial and lateral displacement compensated second ultrasound data.
US09149255B2
Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described.
US09149247B2
An X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof precisely designates an imaging region and reduces user fatigue by designating a segmentation imaging region using an image of a target object captured by a camera and automatically controlling an X-ray generator according to the designated segmentation imaging region. The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator to perform X-ray imaging of a target object by generating and irradiating X-rays, an image capturer to capture an image of the target object, an image display to display the image captured by the image capturer, an input part to receive designation of a region for which segmentation imaging is to be performed on the image displayed on the image display, and a controller to control the X-ray generator to perform segmentation imaging with respect to the designated region.
US09149246B2
Methods and systems for adaptively correcting exposure parameters during digital radiographic imaging are disclosed.
US09149245B2
The invention relates to a device for taking high energy images, in particular, X-ray images, comprising an input image by means of which data for a medical auxiliary may be inputted into the device. Said medical auxiliaries are preferably stents or contrast agents which can be introduced into the body of a patient. The display unit of the device can thus be correspondingly set for the applied auxiliary.
US09149236B2
Devices, systems, and techniques are provided for assessment and management of an emotional state of a vehicle operator. Assessment of the emotional state of the vehicle can include accessing operational information indicative of performance of a vehicle, behavioral information indicative of behavior of an operator of the vehicle, and or wellness information indicative of a physical condition of the operator of the vehicle. In one aspect, these three types of information can be combined to generate a rich group set of data, metadata, and/or signaling that can be utilized or otherwise leveraged to generate a condition metric representative of the emotional state of the vehicle operator. Management of the emotional state can be customized to the specific context of the vehicle and/or the emotional state, and can be implemented proactively or reactively.
US09149234B2
Systems and methods for processing sensor data are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for calibration of a continuous analyte sensor. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for classification of a level of noise on a sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for determining a rate of change for analyte concentration based on a continuous sensor signal. In some embodiments, systems and methods for alerting or alarming a patient based on prediction of glucose concentration are provided.
US09149230B2
An apparatus (100), control system (150) and methods are provided for directly measuring a pressure gradient, i.e. by real-time pressure measurements, with particular application for in situ measurement of transvalvular blood pressure gradients for the aortic valve and other heart valves, using minimally-invasive techniques. The apparatus takes the form of a multi-sensor assembly, e.g. enclosed within a micro-catheter or a steerable guidewire, and comprises a plurality of optical pressure sensors (10) is arranged along a length of the distal end portion (101), for measuring pressure simultaneously at each sensor location. For example, four MOMS optical pressure sensors (10), and optionally, a flow sensor (20), are incorporated into a distal end portion (101) having a diameter of 0.89 mm or less, and preferably 0.46 mm or less. Beneficially, all sensors are optically coupled, via respective optical fibers (11), to an optical coupler (112) at the proximal end of the multi-sensor apparatus, without requiring electrical connections.
US09149227B2
Systems and methods are provided for determining an acceleration at a location of interest within one of a user's head and neck. At least one of linear acceleration data, angular acceleration data, angular velocity data, and orientation data is produced using at least one sensing device substantially rigidly attached to an ambient-accessible surface of the user's head. The location of interest is represented relative to a position of the at least one sensing device as a time-varying function. An acceleration at the location of interest is calculated as a function of the data produced at the sensing device and the time-varying function representing the location of interest. The calculated acceleration at the location of interest is provided to at least one of the user and an observer in a human-perceptible form.
US09149223B2
A method of measuring expended energy of a moving body, including providing a first sensor for measuring data of a first part of the moving body; providing a second sensor for measuring data of a second part of the moving body, wherein the second part is moveable relative to the first part and connected to the first part by a first resistive deformable element that is external to the moving body; using the first sensor to make a first measurement and subsequently calculating a global expended energy of the first part relative to a reference frame; using the second sensor to make a second measurement and subsequently calculating a relative expended energy of the second part relative to the first part; and calculating the total expended energy of the moving body by summing the global expended energy with the relative expended energy.
US09149221B2
A lancing device has a charging mechanism that operates to convert an external push action by a user to an internal pull action that retracts and charges a lancet for use in a lancing stroke. In some embodiments, the charging mechanism includes a user-actuated charging push-button, a reverse charging member coupled to a lancet carrier, and a reverse-motion conversion member coupled therebetween. Depressing the user-actuated member in a first longitudinal direction causes transverse movement of the conversion member, which in turn causes longitudinal retraction of the reverse charging member and the lancet carrier coupled thereto in a second longitudinal direction opposite the first direction, thereby charging a drive mechanism of the lancing device. In other embodiments, a rack-and-pinion gear mechanism provides the same push-to-pull functionality.
US09149216B2
A system and method for measuring one or more light-absorption related blood analyte concentration parameters of a mammalian subject, is disclosed. In some embodiments, the system comprises: a) a photoplethysmography (PPG) device configured to effect a PPG measurement by illuminating skin of the subject with at least two distinct wavelengths of light and determining relative absorbance at each of the wavelengths; b) a dynamic light scattering measurement (DLS) device configured to effect a DLS measurement of the subject to rheologically measure a pulse parameter of the subject; and c) electronic circuitry configured to: i) temporally correlating the results of the PPG and DLS measurements; and ii) accordance with the temporal correlation between the PPG and DLS measurements, assessing value(s) of the one or more light-absorption related blood analyte concentration parameter(s).
US09149207B2
A sizing plate for sizing a native valve annulus in a patient's heart for either valve replacement or repair during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is shown and described. The sizing plate is generally shaped such that it corresponds to the shape of the native valve annulus. Additionally, a thickness of the sizing plate is such that it can be inserted through a space between the ribs of the patient during the procedure. The sizing plate includes two keyways extending though the plate separated by a bridge. The keyways are sized and shaped such that they are adapted to be engaged by a minimally invasive surgical tool such as a laparoscopic grasper. The keyways in conjunction with the bridge facilitate manipulation of the sizing plate by the grasper from an external location.
US09149206B2
Tibial prosthesis systems for implantation or use in a knee joint are disclosed. A tibial prosthesis system can include a bearing component, a base component, a shim component, and optionally a spacer component. The shim or spacer component can be inserted between an inferior surface of the bearing component and a superior surface of the base component. The insertion of the shim or spacer component can provide spacing adjustment between the bearing and base components. The shim component can include one or both of a medial edge having a different height than a lateral edge or an anterior edge having a different height than a posterior edge. The differing edge height of the shim component can provide a surgeon with knee joint kinematic insight regarding an angled bone cut before the cut is made, and can allow for sizing of an appropriately permanent prosthesis system using a reduced number of provisional components.
US09149205B2
The present disclosure relates to a receive coil assembly for use in magnetic resonance imaging of breast tissue. In certain embodiments the assembly comprises separable parts: a configurable mechanical support and a flexible receive coil array. The adjustability and separability of the receive coil array relative to the mechanical support allows the receive coil array to substantially conform to the breasts of the patient during imaging.
US09149190B2
The present invention includes a healthcare system for capturing and maintaining patient healthcare records and employing information in the records to proactively alert hospital workers to a condition that places patient health at risk.
US09149185B2
A vision testing device includes a hood having an interior space defining a first side and a second side. A first electronic device is operable to project a first image to the first side and a second electronic device is operable to project a second image to the second side. The first image and the second image comprise computer-generated images. A mirror extends from the first side to the second side and is positioned to reflect the first image and the second image. A first viewing lens is in optical communication with the first side and is configured to receive the first image reflected from the mirror. A second viewing lens is in optical communication with the second side and is configured to receive the second image reflected from the mirror.
US09149181B2
A tomographic imaging apparatus includes: a light source; an optical splitter unit for splitting light from the light source into reference light and measuring light; a reference optical system including an adjustment unit for adjusting an optical path length of the reference light; a spectral unit for spectrally splitting combined light of the reference light and the return light obtained by irradiating an object to be inspected with the measuring light so as to acquire an interfering signal; a detection unit for detecting an optical path length when a tomographic image of the object is photographed; a storage unit for recording data about a refractive index of a refracting element of the object; and a calculation unit for calculating image data from the interfering signal acquired by the spectral unit based on an actual size using data about the optical path length and the refractive index.
US09149174B2
Using a transmittance adjusting device decreasing a transmittance of at least from 460 nm to 500 nm, which is a wavelength range between a point of end of a first optical absorption peak of hemoglobin and a point of start of a second optical absorption peak of hemoglobin, to between 20% and 70% for illuminating light from an illuminating light supply section or reflected light from an object, during observation of the inside of a body cavity, enhanced display of vessels with color reproduction that has no difference from that in observation under visible light, enabling color reproduction similar to that in observation under visible light and further enhanced display of vessels.
US09149170B2
A method of navigating an autonomous coverage robot between bounded areas includes positioning a navigation beacon in a gateway between adjoining first and second bounded areas. The beacon configured to transmit a gateway marking emission across the gateway. In some example, the navigation beacon may also transmit a proximity emission laterally about the beacon, where the robot avoids cleaning the migration within the proximity emission. The method also includes placing the coverage robot within the first bounded area. The robot autonomously traverses the first bounded area in a cleaning mode and upon encountering the gateway marking emission in the gateway, the robot remains in the first bounded area, thereby avoiding the robot migration into the second area. Upon termination of the cleaning mode in the first area, the robot autonomously initiates a migration mode to move through the gateway, past the beacon, into the second bounded area.
US09149169B2
Apparatuses and methods for vacuuming floors and other surfaces can include a vacuum cleaner head having a first chamber in communication with a first inlet positioned on a bottom surface of the vacuum cleaner head and a first outlet connected to a vacuum line, a second chamber in communication with a second inlet positioned on at least one side of the vacuum cleaner head and a second outlet connected to the vacuum line, and a divider separating the first chamber from the second chamber.
US09149167B2
A robot cleaner which does not stop to change a traveling direction thereof, and a control method thereof includes setting a territory about which cleaning will be performed based on position data acquired during traveling about a cleaning area, predetermining a cleaning path to clean the territory about which cleaning will be performed, and if the cleaning path includes a zigzag traveling path, changing the traveling direction of the robot cleaner by executing curved traveling of the robot cleaner during traveling along the zigzag traveling path, thus decreasing the time required to clean an area during a change of the traveling direction of the robot cleaner.
US09149166B2
A sweeper assembly can include a plurality of holes drilled in one or more sweeper headers that can be angled downwards towards the basin floor to produce a gentle flow of fluid to keep particulate matter rolling along the basin floor. A centrifugal separator can include a curved velocity plate for smoothly directing flow from an inlet pipe to an inner wall of the separator and creating a downward vortex of particulate-laden fluid within the centrifugal separator. The centrifugal separator can include one or more reversal mechanisms for transferring particulate matter to a collection chamber and reversing the direction of particle-free fluid, which may upwardly exit through a discharge pipe. The centrifugal separator can include a bleed valve in the discharge pipe for automatically bleeding accumulated air in the “dead zone” between the inlet pipe and the top of the centrifugal separator.
US09149161B2
A method of generating ozone containing fluid comprising: drawing atmospheric air into an air compartment, generating ozone within the air compartment from air in the air compartment by conversion within the compartment of oxygen in the air within the compartment into ozone to form ozonated air, discharging the ozonated air from the air compartment, mixing the ozonated discharged air with a flowable fluid to form an ozonated fluid-air mixture, and passing the ozonated fluid-air mixture out a discharge outlet. Preferrably the method is carried out in a dispenser utilizing a piston pump to draw air through a corona discharge ozone generator and to draw liquid from a liquid reservoir and simultaneously pass both the ozonated air and liquid through a foam generator to generate foam.
US09149157B2
A universal pot lid handling device is described. The device can include an elongated handle portion and a clamping portion slidably coupled to the handle portion. The handle portion can include a fixed jaw at a distal end thereof and the clamping portion can include a moveable jaw. The fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can have opposing, longitudinally extending gripping portions. The fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can include spacing portions and the gripping portions of the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw can extend from the respective spacing portions. The clamping portion can include a longitudinally extending guide and the handle portion can include a receiving portion adapted to receive the guide.
US09149153B2
Provided is a barbecue apparatus for preventing flare-ups and improving temperature distribution and heat retention when cooking on a barbecue. The apparatus comprises at least one plate that is movable between a first position lying atop a respective side of at least one burner tent and a second position withdrawn from the respective side of the at least one burner tent. Further provided are a barbecue comprising said apparatus and a method of preventing flare-ups and improving temperature distribution and heat retention when cooking on a barbecue by moving at least one plate between a first position lying atop a respective side of at least one burner tent and a second position withdrawn from the respective side of the at least one burner tent.
US09149151B2
A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
US09149145B2
A food product dispensing device (10) includes a housing (12) with an opening (66). The device includes a drive screw (30) for driving a piston (42) towards the opening. Portions (76) of a food product are placed in the housing and are forced through the opening by the piston as the screw is rotated. There are separators (78) between each two adjacent portions. These allow one portion at a time to be ejected through the opening and used or consumed, for example by spreading.
US09149136B2
The present disclosure is directed to a bed covering. In some embodiments, a bed covering according to the present disclosure can include a fitted base configured to at least partially enclose a mattress, a comforter portion including an end connected to the fitted base and sides removably connectable to sides of the fitted base, and extendable side flaps connected to the sides of the comforter portion. Additional and alternative embodiments of the bed covering are disclosed herein and/or will be evident from the principles described herein.
US09149135B2
The portable beverage rack of the present invention is a generally square or rectangular receptacle which may safely store one or more bottles in u-shaped channels which cradle the bottles and prevent movement of the bottles while in transit or while travelling on a boat or RV. The u-shaped channels may contain a rubber pad on the inside surface to prevent sliding, rolling, or other lateral movement of the bottles. The portable beverage rack also contains a securement mechanism, such as a strap, buckle or band which extends over the top of the bottles to prevent vertical movement of the bottles. Additionally, the rack includes means to attach the rack to a wall or other vertical surface using a separate wall mounted base plate.
US09149129B2
Device for facilitating the loading of capsules into a machine for dispensing capsules or for preparing drinks based on these capsules comprising: a detachable tube, containing stacked capsules furnished with an opening for the capsules to pass through the tube, means of aligning the tube allowing the tube to be aligned through a capsule receiving zone for the capsules to descend by gravity into this zone. The alignment means comprise means for retaining the capsules in their stack when the tube is moved with its opening oriented downwards, in the direction of the position in which the tube is aligned with the reception zone.
US09149126B2
A method includes providing an adjustable bed frame including one or more articulating portions, associating an air inflatable mattress with the adjustable bed frame, and associating the air inflatable mattress with an air pump to regulate air pressure in the air inflatable mattress, wherein the air inflatable mattress includes flex regions about which the air inflatable mattress can flex. The method also includes providing a touchscreen Bluetooth remote control adapted to control at least one aspect of the adjustable bed frame, wherein the at least one aspect includes operation of the air pump. The method also includes establishing a unique communication link between a controller and the touchscreen Bluetooth remote control, the controller configured to control both the adjustable bed frame and the air pump. An aspect of the adjustable bed frame may be controlled by via communication over the unique communication.
US09149123B2
A chair seat pan comprising a reinforced rear region, a reinforced pommel region, a pair of forward flexible regions which resiliently flex with respect to the reinforced regions under external pressure, and a continuous upper surface throughout the reinforced rear region, the reinforced pommel region, and the pair of flexible regions, for supporting a user.
US09149122B1
A system and method of stacking chairs which includes arranging stackable chairs in multiple substacks separately coupled together, and mounting one substack on another with a forklift using auxiliary lift means removably provided on each substack to be lifted. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for palletizing stackable chairs of the type having frames configured such that, when stacked, each stacked chair is offset toward the front of the chair on which it is stacked, the method comprising providing a pallet having an upper surface defining a generally horizontal plane and having a riser on the upper surface proximate the perimeter thereof, and creating a stack of the chairs on the pallet with the front legs of the bottom chair on the riser.
US09149120B2
A reclining mechanism (1, 1a) for an item of furniture comprising a pair of linkage units (2, 2a), each having a first arm (21, 21a) and a second arm (22, 22a) adapted to be secured to, respectively a stationary (40) and a reclining (41) part an item of furniture (4) adapted for moving the reclining part between upright and reclined positions. The first and the second arms are pivotally connected to each other at their first ends (23, 23a; 24, 24a) and ratchet arrangement (26, 27, 28) is provided between the first and the second arms which allows the second arm to rotate in one direction while preventing its rotation in the opposite direction. The linkage units are spaced apart from each other and are connected by a pivot bar (30) connected at its ends to the ratchet arrangement of each linkage unit and actuatable by a lever (31) for overriding the rotation preventing action of the ratchet mechanism to allow the second arm to rotate freely.
US09149119B2
A novel ventilated shelving cover is disclosed that transforms the appearance of wire shelves to cover the white vertical and horizontal bars with a clean sleek decorative trim (crown molding) giving the shelves a custom made look. While also utilizing a custom insert/liner to enhance the functionality by keep items from tipping or falling through the wire portion of the shelves. This system contains a decorative trim piece, decorative cover, specially engineered clasps and an insert/liner. The system also includes a custom saw and miter to provide “All You Need” to accomplish the transformation of your pantry, linen, bedroom closets or garage shelves.
US09149117B2
A tool cabinet drawer and latching mechanism for operating a drawer of a cabinet. The latch pivots within a channel disposed in a handle assembly, which itself pivotally mounts to supports, which are themselves mounted to the drawer. The latch engages with a catch in the cabinet itself to secure the drawer. In some embodiments the latch incorporates a tapered leading edge to allow the catch edges to exert downward force on the latch, which is free to move to an unlatched position, and thereby will automatically latch upon normal closing of the drawer.
US09149114B2
A cabinet having a deep shelf with limited access is described and includes at least two opposite sides carrying track means to permit easy adjustment of the shelf between two or more levels by a single person maneuvering only the one accessible end of the shelf. The cabinet can be mounted on wheels to form a cart. One or more such adjustable shelves can be provided. The shelves may be positioned just above the bottom of the cart to provide a maximum depth cart for use, in intermediate positions for use with smaller objects and/or at the very top and/or side of the cart and locked in position to provide a secured interior for the cabinet.
US09149111B1
An adjustable tray table having a tabletop, a tabletop support connected to the tabletop, and a base assembly attached to the tabletop support and configured to allow the tabletop to move from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation. The base support includes a spring-biased squeezable latch, which has a squeezed position and a released position. The latch is configured to engage an engagement opening in the tabletop support, which fixes the tabletop support in a desired orientation corresponding to the engagement opening. The latch is also configured to disengage from the engagement opening and to slide along a slot in the tabletop support until it reaches a different engagement opening corresponding to a different orientation.
US09149110B2
An oral care implement includes a handle, a head mounted to one end of the handle that includes a first face having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom and a second face, a store of dentifrice retained at the head, and a film matrix retained at the head containing at least one rapidly releasable agent. A soft tissue cleaner can be included on the second face. The at least one rapidly releasable agent can be provided to the first and/or second faces during use from the film matrix. In addition, dentifrice can be provided to the first and/or second faces during use from the store of dentifrice. The at least one rapidly releasable agent can include, for example, a flavoring agent, a dentifrice, or a therapeutic agent. The toothbrush can be small in size and lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.
US09149108B2
In various embodiments, there is provided a different methods of right sizing. The method would provide for the stylist having a matrix chart outlining as a percentage of or total amount of ingredients needed to create a mixture based on customer characteristics and/or service requested. The stylist would then be capable of creating a more accurate batch based on the matrix outline. The right-sizing of the mixture formula can be done by the stylist themselves or automatically done by a computer-driven system.
US09149106B2
A method of applying a UV gel manicure to a fingernail and a method for achieving a UV gel fingernail extension. First a nail appliqué made of dry nail enamel is applied to a fingernail. A UV gel is then applied with a brush on top of nail appliqué and is cured using a UV lamp. The result is a UV manicure that applied faster than a conventional UV manicure and it is healthier for a nail. UV nail extensions are achieved by applying an appliqué which overhangs from a fingernail and applying and curing UV gel on top of the appliqué.
US09149102B2
Provided is a hairdressing appliance, which includes a portable treatment unit provided with a gripping device and a heat and steam treatment system configured for heating hair and for applying steam to this hair, a base remote from the portable treatment unit, and connection device between the base and the portable treatment unit configured for supplying the portable treatment unit at least with electricity from the base. The hairdressing appliance includes a circuit board for controlling the treatment system arranged in the base and a system of communication between the control circuit board and the treatment system. The hairdressing appliance enables, for example, the straightening, curling, or crimping of hair and chiefly aims to reduce the weight and the bulk of the portable treatment unit so as to make it easier to handle during styling.
US09149092B2
A zipper arrangement is configured to fasten a first fabric portion to a second fabric portion. The zipper arrangement includes a plurality of first zipper elements positioned along the first fabric portion and a plurality of second zipper elements positioned along the second fabric portion. A zipper closure includes a first closure member releasably coupled to a second closure member. The first closure member is positioned on a mid-portion of the first fabric portion and the second closure member is positioned on a mid-portion of the second fabric portion. A first slider is positioned on one side of the zipper closure and a second slider is positioned on an opposite side of the zipper closure. The zipper arrangement may be used to fasten and unfasten a front right garment portion and a front left garment portion by moving the sliders in opposing directions.
US09149090B1
A belt adjustment system includes a belt; a plurality of belt teeth carried by the belt; a belt clamp carried by the belt; a buckle carried by the belt clamp, the buckle accommodating the belt; a lever pivotally carried by the buckle; a tooth-engaging tab carried by the lever, the tooth-engaging tab positional between a tooth-engaging position wherein the tooth-engaging tab engages one of the plurality of belt teeth and a tooth-disengaging position wherein the tooth engaging tab disengages one of the plurality of belt teeth responsive to pivoting of the lever on the buckle; and a tab biasing mechanism normally biasing the tooth-engaging tab in the tooth-engaging position.
US09149080B2
A method for attaching a fastening pad to a sidewing of a brassiere, a sidewing made according to the method and a brassiere with a sidewing made according to the method, the method includes attaching the fastening pad to a first sidewing piece of the sidewing, joining the perimeter of the fastening pad to a portion of a second sidewing piece of the sidewing, leaving a section of the perimeter of the fastening pad unjoined to the second sidewing piece and inverting the joined fastening pad and the second sidewing piece to expose the operative face of the fastening pad.
US09149070B2
A filter material of a filter element configured for application in a smoking article may include a fibrous substrate material finished with a fiber finish composition. The fiber finish composition may be formulated to selectively interact with at least one target component of mainstream smoke drawn through the filter element during use of the smoking article to selectively filter the target component from the smoke. The filter element may include multiple filter segments. Each filter segment may include a filter material having a finish composition formulated to selectively interact with a different target component. The various filter segments may be combined and/or arranged to selectively filter the mainstream smoke to achieve desired characteristics. Each filter segment may be formed from the same fibrous substrate material.
US09149063B2
A method for preparing alkaline hydrolysates of plant proteins, which includes the following steps: 1) preparing a suspension of proteins selected from the group consisting of pea proteins, potato proteins and maize proteins, at a dry matter content of between 10 and 15%; 2) adjusting the pH, with stirring, to a value between 9.5 and 10.5 using, as the only alkaline agent, one or more alkali metal hydroxides selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; 3) heating the resulting suspension at a temperature between 70 and 80° C., for 4 to 6 hours; 4) neutralizing said heated suspension using an inorganic acid, preferably hydrochloric acid; 5) drying the neutralized suspension so as to obtain the alkaline hydrolysate.
US09149054B2
Operating a database system comprises: storing a database table comprising a plurality of rows, each row comprising a key value and one or more attributes; storing a primary index for the database table, the primary index comprising a plurality of leaf nodes, each leaf node comprising one or more key values and respective memory addresses, each memory address defining the storage location of the respective key value; creating a new leaf node comprising one or more key values and respective memory addresses; performing a memory allocation analysis based upon the lowest key value of the new leaf node to identify a non-full memory page storing a leaf node whose lowest key value is similar to the lowest key value of the new leaf node; and storing the new leaf node in the identified non-full memory page.
US09149053B2
A method for producing a composition comprising conjugated linoleic acid in an amount of at least 55% by weight, comprises: (i) providing a liquid mixture comprising, as the free acids, from 50 to 95% by weight conjugated linoleic acid and at least 5% by weight of saturated C12-C22 fatty acids; (ii) cooling the liquid mixture to a temperature at which at least a part of the saturated C12-C22 fatty acids precipitate from the mixture as a solid; and (iii) separating the solid from the liquid, wherein the liquid obtained in (iii) comprises conjugated linoleic acid in an amount of at least 55% by weight.
US09149040B2
A pesticidal composition comprises a synergistically effective amount of a flonicamid-based selective homopteran feeding blocker compound and a pesticide selected from N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)thio)propanamide (I), N-(3-chloro-1-(pyridine-3-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-N-ethyl-3-((3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) sulfinyl)propanamide (II), or any agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. A method of controlling pests comprises applying the pesticidal composition near a population of pests. A method of protecting a plant from infestation and attack by pests comprises contacting the plant with the synergistic pesticidal composition.
US09149039B2
Disclosed is an insecticidal composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: (a) from about 9 wt % (weight percent) to about 82 wt % of one or more anthranilic diamide insecticides; (b) from about 9 wt % to about 82 wt % of a triblock copolymer component having a water solubility of at least about 5% by weight at 20° C.; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (a) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight; and (c) from about 9 wt % to about 82 wt % of a polymer crosslinking agent having water solubility of least about 5% by weight at 20° C.; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (c) is about 1:10 to about 10:1 by weight, and wherein the weight percents are based on the total weights of (a)+(b)+(c). Also disclosed is a geotropic propagule coated with the insecticidal composition. Further disclosed, is a liquid composition comprising, the insecticidal composition, and a method for protecting a geotropic propagule and plant derived therefrom from a phytophagous insect pest.
US09149038B2
Novel 4-amino-6-(heterocyclic)picolinic acids and their derivatives and 6-amino-2-(heterocyclic)pyrimidine-4-carboxylates and their derivatives are useful to control undesirable vegetation.
US09149037B2
Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistically herbicidal effective amount of (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) 2,4-D, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) aminocyclopyrachlor, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, and (b) 2,4-D, or an agriculturally acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.
US09149031B2
A device for dispensing an air treatment chemical includes a housing having an inlet for permitting air to enter into an interior space of the housing and an outlet for permitting air mixed with an air treatment chemical to exit the interior space of the housing. A substrate positioned within the housing bears an air treatment chemical. A power supply mounted within the housing powers a motor within the housing. The motor is connected to a fan mounted within the housing. The fan moves air from the inlet adjacent to the substrate to mix the air treatment chemical into the moving air and deliver the mixture of air and air treatment chemical through the outlet to the outside of the housing.
US09149030B2
This is a new method in detection and control of subterranean termites. This method involves building underground stations. To build a station, dig a small area (e.g, 18″×18″) of ground about 1″ to 4″ deep; then place termite feed or bait or mix of them on the bottom; cover with a plastic sheet; and finally cover it with soil, mulch, or turf. Cardboard can be used as feed among other choices. This method is very effective because the plastic sheet can keep moisture from escaping and preserve the feed/bait. Also when termites are foraging to find food, they will be stopped by the plastic sheet and be gathered there. The layer above the plastic sheet provides good insulation to disturbance. Larger size of the station than a traditional baiting container also helps termites to find the station more quickly and more reliably.
US09149019B2
A method of eliminating cat urine odor. A CO2 generating mixture of carboxylic acid and a base is placed into a container and cat litter that is comprised of an absorbent material is placed over the top. During the deodorizing process of the cat urine, carbon dioxide is generated to enhance the deodorizing effect of the absorbent material.
US09149015B1
A novel sorghum variety designated PHW4OLXKE and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a plant that comprise crossing sorghum variety PHW4OLXKE with another plant. Methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW4OLXKE through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid sorghum seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the sorghum variety PHW4OLXKE or a locus conversion of PHW4OLXKE with another sorghum variety.
US09149012B1
An anchoring apparatus for an irrigation system is disclosed. The anchoring apparatus includes a support base for securing to an axle of a support tower of the irrigation system. A threaded sleeve is secured to the support base and holds a shaft. The shaft has a threaded portion and an anchor portion. A motor secured to the support base is configured to rotate the shaft in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft to move the shaft along the longitudinal axis towards an anchoring position to secure and protect the system against wind and severe weather. The motor is also configured to rotate the shaft in a second direction about the longitudinal axis of the shaft to move the shaft along the longitudinal axis towards a disengaging position to lift the anchor portion of the shaft off of the ground.
US09149006B1
A modular planter assembly having plural U-shaped planting containers including plural male open ends, drain holes in a bottom portion thereof and an underneath male drain channel, plural connectors having U-shaped cavities at each end and an underneath drain cavity with seal means disposed therein. The male open ends are secured within the U-shaped cavities and the drain channels are secured within the drain cavity of the connectors. Plural U-shaped end caps having U-shaped cavities with an underneath drain cavity with seal members disposed therein. Opposite male ends are secured within the end cap cavities and the male drain channel is secured within the drain cavity of the end caps forming a single planter assembly with a continuous drain channel to a drain adapter in the end caps to release excess water there from. Plural U-shaped brackets disposed about the containers to support and attach to an elevated wall structure.
US09148999B2
A header for an agricultural machine includes a middle section disposed on a main frame and two side sections adjacent the middle section, a flexible knife bar extending across the width of the header and a conveying device behind the knife bar and designed at the side sections as an endless belt disposed adjacent to the middle section for transporting crop cut by the knife bar laterally. The side sections have supporting arms pivotably disposed on the main frame to support the knife bar of a side section and are rigidly connected to the knife bar. Each supporting arm is connected to the main frame permitting swivelling about a first rotational axis in the vertical direction and about a second rotational axis extending perpendicular to the first.
US09148996B2
A decorative lawn ornament including a rotatable carrier having a plurality of blades. At least one light-emitting device is arranged on each of the plurality of blades to emit light from the blades. A solar panel is provided to receive and collect sunlight, and a photoswitch is automatically operable between an activated state during instances of insufficient sunlight to thereby activate the light-emitting device, and a deactivated state during instances of sunlight to thereby deactivate the light-emitting device. The decorative lawn ornament is operable such that when a flow of air strikes it, the blades rotate and a decorative member rotates to control an orientation of the blades and the light emitted by the light-emitting devices.
US09148995B2
A boom sprayer and method of adjusting a boom assembly. A camera is attached to the boom assembly and aimed forward of the boom sprayer. The camera collects information associated with the dimensions and location of oncoming structures, such as crops, hills, fences and the like, and relays the information to a controller. The controller uses various actuators to lift, tilt and/or pivot the boom assembly to position the boom assembly at a desired height when the boom assembly passes over the structures.
US09148989B2
This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to implements generally used in combination with a multi-row soil trench closing mechanism. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units adapted to be attached to and following a multi-row planter and incorporating a combination of tools that includes a seed trench closing wheel assembly and a firming/packing wheel assembly. The deployment of and down force exerted by the packing wheel is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators and the soil penetration of the trench closing wheels is limited.
US09155236B2
Provided are a composition for an anisotropic conductive adhesive, a method of forming a solder bump and a method of forming a flip chip using the same. The composition for an anisotropic conductive adhesive includes a low melting point solder particle and a thermo-curable polymer resin. The anisotropic conductive adhesive includes forming a mixture by mixing a polymer resin and a curing agent, and mixing a deforming agent, a catalyst or a reductant with the mixture.
US09155234B2
An electrical device, includes electrical pins that protrude from an enclosing metal housing. A compressible protrusion around the pins is formed out of the material of the metal housing. The protrusion is formed such that (1) an EMI shield does not exist around the pins when the pins are not engaged to an electrical coupler, and (2) the EMI shield is formed around the electrical pins when the protrusion is compressed by an electrical coupler engaging the electrical pins.
US09155232B2
An under voltage lockout circuit configured to set a minimum turn-on voltage for a load is provided. The circuit includes an input terminal configured to receive an input voltage. The circuit includes a first transistor configured to become conductive to supply the input voltage to the load when an input voltage to the under voltage lockout circuit exceeds a threshold, and a second transistor coupled to the first transistor, the second transistor configured to become conductive to supply the input voltage to a first resistor and not to the load when an input voltage to the under voltage lockout circuit falls below the threshold.
US09155230B2
Embodiments of the disclosure may include a system for cooling a computer server including a plurality of server modules. The system may include a first cooling system configured to remove heat from the plurality of server modules, the first cooling system including a first plurality of conduits for circulating a first cooling medium through the first cooling system, a second cooling system configured to remove heat from the first cooling system, the second cooling system including a second plurality of conduits for circulating a second cooling medium through the second cooling system, and a manifold configured to couple the first cooling system and the second cooling system, wherein the first plurality of conduits is removably connected to the manifold.
US09155215B1
An electronic device including a display supported by a substrate is described. A plurality of electrochemical cells are embedded in the substrate to provide power without increasing the size and weight of the electronic device.
US09155209B2
A flex-rigid printed wiring board is provided which can retain flexibility of a flexible portion while increasing durability of the flexible portion against folding, and can ensure conduction in a rigid portion, and a method of manufacturing the printed wiring board. The flex-rigid printed wiring board includes a conductor layer provided on at least one face of a base film, one region of the wiring board containing the base film being a rigid region, an another region containing the base film being a flexible region. The average thickness “tf” of the conductor layer on the base film formed in the flexible region and the average thickness “tR” of the conductor layer on the base film formed in the rigid region satisfy the relationship of tf
US09155201B2
Conductive articles and devices have conductive micro-wires formed by curing a photocurable layer on a transparent flexible substrate that has a distortion temperature of less than 150° C. The photocurable layer has a viscosity <5,000 Pascal-seconds at the temperature micro-channels formation and the micro-channels having an average width of less than or equal to 4 μm and an average depth to average width ratio that is greater than or equal to 1. The photocurable layer is exposed to curing ultraviolet radiation to form a pattern of photocured micro-channels and a conductive composition comprising metal nano-particles is formed in the photocured micro-channels. The conductive composition is cured in the pattern of photocured micro-channels to provide a pattern of conductive micro-wires in the pattern of photocured micro-channels on the transparent flexible substrate. Each of at least 50% of the conductive micro-wires has a sheet resistance of less than 0.025 ohms/sq.
US09155200B2
A method of fixing reflowable elements on electrical contacts. The method includes providing a strip having a number of electrical contacts, each contact including a contact body and a tail portion extending away from the contact body. The tail portions of the contacts are then disposed adjacent an elongate reflowable member. The elongate reflowable member is pushed onto the tail portions of the plurality of contacts. Subsequently, the elongate reflowable member is cut into a plurality of separate reflowable elements, each reflowable element corresponding to one of the tail portions. The electrical contacts with the reflowable element attached thereto are separated from the strip.
US09155195B2
A method of fabricating a wiring board includes forming a resist layer, such as a solder or plating resist layer, defining an opening portion on a support board such that a portion of the support board is exposed. An electrode is formed directly on the support board within the opening portion, and the plating resist layer, when used, is removed. An insulating layer is formed on the electrode, as well as the support board or solder resist layer, and a wiring portion connected to the electrode at the insulating layer is also formed. A solder resist layer having an opening portion is then formed on the wiring portion, and the support board is removed to expose a surface of the electrode or a surface of the electrode and insulating layer. Another solder resist layer having an opening portion may then be formed on the exposed surface of the insulating layer.
US09155193B2
A flexible circuit board and a method for production thereof in which in cases where elastic wiring in movable parts is required, the wiring can be made to expand and contract with a simple arrangement, and the circuit board is excellent in weight and size reduction, and breaking or disconnection and exfoliation of a wiring layer do not take place easily, even in cases where the circuit board is deformed in a repeated manner. The flexible circuit board which has an insulating film made of a thermoplastic resin, a wiring layer formed on the insulating film, and an insulating layer made of a thermoplastic resin and formed on the wiring layer. A spiral part shaped into a spiral shape is provided in at least a part of the flexible circuit board, and the flexible circuit board is constructed to be expandable and contractable, and/or torsionally deformable in the spiral part.
US09155189B1
A multi-layer printed circuit board structure, a connector module and a memory storage device are provided. The multi-layer printed circuit board structure includes a first layout layer and a second layout layer. The first layout layer includes a shielding element and at least one pad. The shielding element provides the grounding voltage. The second layout layer is disposed corresponding to the first layout layer and includes at least one wire, and one end of each wire is coupled to one of the pads. A predefined proportion of the wire is covered by a projection plane of the shielding element projected on the second layout layer.
US09155185B2
Systems, methods, and devices with improved electrode configuration for downhole nuclear radiation generators are provided. For example, one embodiment of a nuclear radiation generator capable of downhole operation may include a charged particle source, a target material, and an acceleration column between the charged particle source and the target material. The acceleration column may include several electrodes shaped such that substantially no electrode material from the electrodes is sputtered onto an insulator surface of the acceleration column during normal downhole operation.
US09155184B2
Plasma generation source employing dielectric conduit assemblies having removable interfaces and related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The plasma generation source (PGS) includes an enclosure body having multiple internal surfaces forming an internal chamber having input and output ports to respectively receive a precursor gas for generation of plasma and to discharge the plasma. A dielectric conduit assembly may guide the gas and the plasma away from the internal surface where particulates may be generated. The dielectric conduit assembly includes a first and second cross-conduit segments. The dielectric conduit assembly further includes parallel conduit segments extending from the second cross-conduit segment to distal ends which removably align with first cross-conduit interfaces of the first cross-conduit segment without leaving gaps. In this manner, the dielectric conduit assembly is easily serviced, and reduces and contains particulate generation away from the output port.
US09155181B2
A plasma source includes a ring plasma chamber, a primary winding around an exterior of the ring plasma chamber and multiple ferrites, wherein the ring plasma chamber passes through each of the ferrites. A system and method for generating a plasma are also described.
US09155177B2
A data communication system and a radiation image capturing system are described. According to one implementation, a data communication system includes a wireless terminal; an access point; and a channel determination section. The channel determination section carries out calculation processing for calculating an influence rate as a score for each of a plurality of channels, and determines a channel having the smallest calculated score to be a channel used, and classifies the influence rate by the interfering radio wave into a plurality of zones, sets the score in each of the zones so that the value of the score is higher as transmission/receiving of the data between the wireless terminal and the access point of the system becomes more difficult when the interfering radio wave having the strength of the zone exists, adds the scores of each zone, and calculates the score.
US09155170B2
Technologies are described herein for a conductive magnetic coupling system. The system includes a signal supply component that provides electrical and/or data signals to a signal consumption component that utilizes the signal to provide an output. The two components are magnetically coupled together such that the magnetic coupling mechanisms not only provide the bonding mechanism for securing the components to one another, but also provide the electrical and communicative continuity that allows for the transfer of electrical and/or data signals between the two components. Aspects provide for the repositioning of the signal consumption component along any section of a signal supply component configured as a magnetic track system. Aspects further provide for a flexible, fluid impermeable signal supply component in which a signal consumption component is repositionable along its length.
US09155167B2
A replaceable fluorescent lamp starter unit of a fluorescent light fixture has a built-in RF transceiver, and communicates wirelessly with a motion-detecting master unit. The starter unit can be controlled to turn off and turn on the fluorescent lamp of the fixture. The starter unit is registered to the master unit so that the starter unit will not respond to wireless communications from other sources. During registration, registration information is loaded into the starter unit and stored in non-volatile memory. The stored registration information is later usable to determine whether subsequently received wireless communications are for the starter unit. Systems of existing light fixtures are retrofitted with such wireless starter units, and thereby made controllable by a master unit so that the master unit can turn off the lights to conserve energy if room occupancy is not detected. The master unit can control lamp fixtures individually or as a group.
US09155162B2
A two-wire lighting control device, may include a controllably conductive device, a signal generation circuit, and a filter circuit. The controllably conductive device may apply an AC line voltage to a load, being conductive for a first duration of time and non-conductive for a second duration of time within a half-cycle of the AC line voltage. The signal generation circuit may generate a non-zero-magnitude signal. And, the filter circuit may receive a signal from the controllably conductive device during the first duration of time and the non-zero-magnitude signal from the signal generation circuit during the second duration of time. The non-zero-magnitude signal may, in effect, fill-in or complement the signal from the controllably conductive device, and any delay variation as a function of the firing angle of the controllably conductive device through the filter circuit may be mitigated by the presence of the non-zero-magnitude signal.
US09155159B2
A QD protecting material having high compatibility with a binder component in a luminescent layer. The luminescent layer contains, as a part of its chemical structure, a compound containing a moiety A having a sum atomic weight MA of 100 or more and quantum dots protected by a protecting material, the protecting material contains, as a part of its chemical structure, a linking group connected to a quantum dot surface and a moiety B that has a sum atomic weight MB of 100 or more, satisfies a relationship between MB and MA represented by |MA−MB|/MB (2, and satisfies the requirement that the sum atomic weight MB is larger than one-third of the molecular weight of the protecting material, and a solubility parameter SA of the moiety A and a solubility parameter SB of the moiety B satisfy a relationship represented by |SA (SB| (2.
US09155157B2
An electroluminescent device (9) for emitting light (7) whose color point is able to be set variably, comprising at least two electroluminescent regions (41, 42) that, to allow the same operating voltage to be applied, are arranged to be connected in parallel electrically, wherein the electroluminescent regions (41, 42) comprise—at least one first electroluminescent region (41) of a first electroluminescent material for emitting light in a first spectral band in accordance with a first luminance vs. voltage characteristic (81), and—at least one second electroluminescent region (42) of a second electroluminescent material for emitting light in a second spectral band that is not the same as the first spectral band, in accordance with a second luminance vs. voltage characteristic (82) that is not the same as the first luminance vs. voltage characteristic (81).
US09155151B2
A light emitting diode (LED) dimming module includes an energy storage circuit, a load interface circuit, and a switch circuit. The energy storage circuit provides a substantially continuous current in response to a converter current. The load interface circuit provides a modulated load current in response to the continuous current. The switch circuit, which is operatively coupled to the load interface circuit, switches in accordance with a duty cycle. The modulated load current is based on the duty cycle.
US09155135B2
A display device includes: an element substrate on which light-emitting elements are arranged, the light-emitting elements being arranged in a display region of the element substrate; a sealing resin layer located over the light-emitting elements arranged on the element substrate; and an opposite substrate located opposite the element substrate with the sealing resin layer therebetween. The sealing resin layer includes: a first sealing portion formed along an outer periphery of the display region so as to have a frame-like shape; a second sealing portion formed so as to cover the display region within the first sealing portion; and a dendritic portion being a branched extension of the second sealing portion that extends into the first sealing portion. A tip of the dendritic portion is located within an outer periphery of the first sealing portion.
US09155125B1
A location validation system comprising a communication interface configured to receive an asserted location of a wireless communication device and a processing system configured to determine a trusted location of the wireless communication device, receive the asserted location from the communication interface, compare the asserted location to the trusted location, and generate a notification if the asserted location differs from the trusted location.
US09155117B2
A method for directly transferring data between devices includes, with a first computing system that is able to wirelessly associate with a computer network, establishing a direct data-link layer connection to a second computing system that is acting as a data sink, and with the first computing system transmitting data to the second computing system over the connection without transferring the data over the network.
US09155112B2
The disclosure discloses a method for querying group's dispatching area information, which comprises: a user sending a request for querying group's dispatching area information to a base station through a user terminal; and the base station querying the group's dispatching area information according to request for querying the group's dispatching area information, and returning a response to the group's dispatching area information query to the user terminal. The disclosure also discloses a query system for the querying group's dispatching area information correspondingly. The present invention can improve the validity, the dispatching reliability and accuracy of the group call.
US09155089B2
A method of wireless communication is provided which includes determining a first cell identification (ID) for scrambling a first reference signal of a first enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH) and determining a second cell ID for scrambling a second reference signal of a second EPDCCH. The second cell ID is based at least in part on the first cell ID. The first reference signal and the second reference signal are mapped to a same set of resources. The method also includes transmitting the first EPDCCH and second EPDCCH.
US09155086B2
Provided are a communication device and an SRS transmission method capable of reducing the possibility of a difference in recognition between the presence or absence of an SRS transmission between a base station and a terminal or of an SRS resource so as to prevent degradation of system throughput. At a terminal (200), a reception processing unit (203) detects control information indicating whether or not to request transmission of a sounding reference signal (SRS), whereupon a transmission signal forming unit (207) transmits an A-SRS by way of control by a transmission control unit (206) on the basis of control information. The transmission control unit (206) determines whether or not to execute SRS transmission on the basis of an “SRS Transmission Execution Rule” and the reception status of trigger information.
US09155081B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for scheduling in a carrier aggregation system. The method includes: transmitting information for indicating a plurality of secondary cells to be scheduled through a joint coded control channel by using a higher layer signal; transmitting a separate coded control channel for scheduling a primary cell; and transmitting one joint coded control channel for scheduling the plurality of secondary cells, wherein the separate coded control channel is a control channel for scheduling one data channel transmitted through the primary cell, and the joint coded control channel is a control channel for scheduling the plurality of data channels transmitted through the plurality of secondary cells.
US09155080B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for executing a CSI report in a wireless communication system, and a device therefor, the method comprising the steps of: composing a CSI report set having a first serving cell and a second serving cell, wherein each of the serving cells includes a plurality of independently consisting subframe subsets; receiving, at the predetermined subframe, a PDCCH signal requesting an aperiodic CIS report on the CSI report set; transmitting a PUSCH signal including a first CSI on the corresponding subframe subset in the first serving cell and a second CSI on the corresponding subframe subset in the second serving cell, wherein the first CSI and the second CSI are calculated on the basis of the subframe subset given by a predetermined method.
US09155071B2
Systems and methodologies are described that effectuate establishment of an IPSec tunnel for utilization in a wireless communication environment. IPSec establishment procedures on home base stations can be used to establish IPSec tunnels between home base stations situated on open access sectors of wireless communication environments and packet data interworking function components positioned at the contiguity of secured segments of the wireless communication environments. Moreover, high rate packet data point-to-point protocol challenge-handshake authentication protocols can be directed through the IPSec tunnels to facilitate authentication of access terminals associated with the home base stations in order to facilitate further communications with components dispersed within secure areas of wireless communication environments. Further, international mobile subscriber identities (IMSI) affiliated with access terminals associated with home base stations can be used to identify packet data serving nodes with which to establish communications between home base stations and packet data serving nodes.
US09155069B2
The present invention relates to a method and device for receiving a multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS) in a mobile communication system. The method for receiving the MBMS of a terminal in the mobile communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: determining whether service area ID (SAI) information on a serving cell is broadcast during the MBMS; receiving the SAI information on the serving cell when it is determined that the SAI information is broadcast; determining, by using the received SAI information of the serving cell, whether an SAI of the MBMS matches the SAI of the serving cell; and changing the cell reselection priority of the frequency of the serving cell to the highest priority if it is determined that the SAI of the MBMS matches the SAI of the serving cell. According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently receive MBMS services by enabling a terminal to select a proper frequency or cell when an MBMS service of interest starts.
US09155067B2
A method and apparatus are provided for activating a communication terminal situated in a wireless communication network including a plurality of access nodes. The method includes: receiving, by an access node of the communication network, termed an anchor access node, at least one datum to be transmitted to the communication terminal; identifying, by the anchor access node, at least one access node to which the communication terminal was previously attached, termed a last known access node, on the basis of the datum to be transmitted; and transmitting to the at least one last known access node at least one activation datum destined for at least one communication interface of the terminal, making it possible to activate the terminal.
US09155064B2
The present invention discloses a method and device for processing paging message when Idle State Signalling Reduction (ISR) is active. The method includes the following step: a Mobility Management Entity (MME) determines that a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)/Visited Location Register (VLR) is a default MSC/VLR and the paging message is used for a Short Message Service (SMS), the MME does not send the paging message to a Serving General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Support Node (SGSN). The present invention can reduce the unnecessary paging signalling in an Evolved Packet System (EPS) and the 2nd Generation (2G)/3rd Generation (3G), therefore avoiding the network resource waste occurred in the interface of the MME and the SGSN, in the air interface of a General Packet Radio Service/Enhanced Data Rate for Global System for Mobile communication Evolution Radio Access Network (GERAN)/Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), and in the MSC/VLR.
US09155062B2
In one aspect, a method of determining a geographical location of a base station is provided. The base station is within a coverage area of a master base station and requests geographical location information from the master base station through a first Precision Time Protocol (PTP) management message. The base station receives the geographical location information from the master base station through a second PTP management message. In addition, the base station determines the geographical location of the base station from the geographical location information included in the second PTP management message.
US09155059B2
Method for performing deregistration with content retention mode in broadband wireless access system
The present invention relates to a broadband wireless access system, and more specifically, to a deregistration with content retention mode operation procedure initiated by a base station. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for, a mobile station, performing a deregistration with content retention (DCR) mode by a request of a base station in a broadband wireless access system, and the method comprises the steps of: receiving a first broadcast message for indicating entry into the DCR mode from the base station; transmitting a second message for requesting the entry into the DCR mode to the base station; receiving a third broadcast message that includes acknowledgement (ACK) information for indicating whether the second message is detected, and entering the DCR mode if the ACK information indicates a successful detection of the second message.
US09155049B2
There are provided measures for power reduction control in a home network environment, which may be applicable in an interworking of a home network area and a macro network area. Such measures for power reduction control may for example include, upon receipt of an initial power reduction command from a network element of a macro network area, reducing a transmit power in a home network area by a predetermined power reduction amount and starting a timer with a predetermined time period, and upon receipt of a further power reduction command from a network element of a macro network area as long as the timer is not expired, discarding the further power reduction command.
US09155046B2
Devices and methods for optimizing semi-active workloads are described herein. A network interface device may be configured to offload data packet acknowledgment responsibilities of a host platform by transmitting, to the sender of the packets, acknowledgements of packets received throughout a time duration. Upon completion of the time duration, the network interface device may trigger the host platform to perform batch processing of the data packets received during the time duration.
US09155042B2
A method for operating in an idle mode and a machine-to-machine (M2M) apparatus are provided. The M2M apparatus receives a deregistration-response (DREG-RSP) message from a base station, and the M2M apparatus in the idle mode monitors a paging advertisement (PAG-ADV) message from the base station. Comprised is a fixed M2M deregistration identifier (FMDID), and the FMDID is a 16-bit identifier for identifying the M2M apparatus in a region of the base station.
