US09274009B2
A method for measurement of a film cooling effect is disclosed. Film cooling is a technique developed to protect gas turbine engine components from the extremely high temperatures created during its operation. A controlled air pressure is ducted into the hollow interior of the component and the mass rate of air flowing through the plurality of film cooling features or openings is measured. A coolant is then injected into the hollow interior of the component and allowed to flow out of a film cooling feature onto the heated outer surface of the component. The resulting infrared signature is a measure of the relative cooling effect generated by the individual film cool feature. The film cooling effect for an individual feature is quantified as the proportion of mass rate of airflow contributed by its relative individual cooling effect. The area, location and shape of the cooling effect are further classified to determine the degree of conformance to its design intent.
US09274004B2
An infrared sensor includes a heat sensing element, the heat sensing element includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a dielectric film formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The heat sensing element senses heat based on a change of a resistance value. The dielectric film includes at least Bi and Fe.
US09274000B2
A tunable light source system with wavelength measurement capability for a hyper-spectral imaging system is disclosed. A method includes reference filtering a portion of a tunable light beam while tuning the center wavelength, detecting with at least one photodetector the reference-filtered tunable light beam and generating therefrom at least one detector signal that varies with the center wavelength, and determining a tunable center wavelength based on the at least one detector signal.
US09273997B2
A spectrometer comprising a waveguide module, a diffractive component, and a light sensor is provided. The waveguide module has a first reflective surface, a second reflective surface opposite to the first reflective surface, and a light channel between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface. The diffractive component has a diffractive surface and a plurality of strip-shaped diffractive structures located on the diffractive surface. The sharpness of the profile of the strip-shaped diffractive structures on a first side of the diffractive surface is greater than that on a second side of the diffractive surface. When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the second reflective surface, the first side of the diffractive surface is positioned between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface with a distance away from the second reflective surface. A method for assembling the spectrometer and an assembling system are also provided.
US09273991B1
A device to assist in cutting accurate portions of meat will measure the height of a loin of meat of known density and width while being wrapped around the loin, and will instruct the user how thick to slice a portion from the loin so that the portion weighs the desired weight.
US09273977B2
The present disclosure relates to a method of setting a via-point in a navigation system. The method includes: inputting a plurality of starting places including a starting place of a driver and a starting place of a fellow passenger; when the starting place of the fellow passenger is selected as a via-point, searching for a route from the starting place of the driver to the destination of the driver and including the via-point; and when the starting place of the fellow passenger is not selected as the via-point, inputting various preferred traffic information about the fellow passenger, and calculating an optimum via-point for the fellow passenger to be included within a travelling route from the starting place of the driver to the destination of the driver.
US09273970B2
Systems and methods for generating a plurality of trip patterns are provided. One exemplary method includes receiving transit graph data describing a plurality of nodes respectively corresponding to a plurality of transit stations and a plurality of arcs respectively connecting the plurality of nodes. The method also includes performing a plurality of identification iterations. Each identification iteration includes determining an optimal transit trip connecting an origin node to a destination node based on a cost model. Each identification iteration also includes revising the cost model based on the determined optimal transit trip, such that the arc costs associated with one or more arcs associated with the optimal transit trip are increased. Each optimal transit trip can have an associated trip pattern describing a sequence of nodes traversed by such optimal transit trip. One exemplary system can include a transit planning platform that includes a trip pattern identification module.
US09273958B2
A rotation laser, in particular for surveying tasks, includes a remote control unit. The rotation laser has at least one operating mode necessary for measurement operation that is configured to be controlled exclusively by the remote control unit.
US09273956B2
A method for determining a distance between a first point and a second point on an object under examination inside the body of a person under examination by way of x-ray imaging by an x-ray device. The method includes the recording of x-ray images at different relative positionings of the x-ray device, which contain the first and the second point respectively. The relative positionings are substantially shifted in relation to one another in parallel to a central beam. Stereo reconstruction is carried out to define a 3D position of the first point and of the second point. The distance between the first point and the second point is determined from the 3D position of the first point and the 3D position of the second point.
US09273952B2
A system for inspecting specimens such as semiconductor wafers is provided. The system provides scanning of dual-sided specimens using a diffraction grating that widens and passes nth order (n>0) wave fronts to the specimen surface and a reflective surface for each channel of the light beam. Two channels and two reflective surfaces are preferably employed, and the wavefronts are combined using a second diffraction grating and passed to a camera system having a desired aspect ratio. The system preferably comprises a damping arrangement which filters unwanted acoustic and seismic vibration, including an optics arrangement which scans a first portion of the specimen and a translation or rotation arrangement for translating or rotating the specimen to a position where the optics arrangement can scan the remaining portion(s) of the specimen. The system further includes means for stitching scans together, providing for smaller and less expensive optical elements.
US09273950B2
A system, in one embodiment, includes an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system having a light source configured to emit light. The OCT imaging system further includes a beam splitter configured to receive the light from the light source, split the light into a first light portion directed along a sample arm comprising a sample and a second light portion directed along a reference arm comprising a reference mirror, receive a first reflected light portion from the sample arm and a second reflected light portion from the reference arm, combine the first and second reflected light portions to obtain an interference signal. Further, the OCT imaging system includes a controller having logic configured to perform an auto-ranging process to match the reference arm with the sample arm.
US09273949B2
Disclosed are improved optical detection methods comprising multiplexed interferometric detection systems and methods for determining a characteristic property of a sample, together with various applications of the disclosed techniques.
US09273946B2
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a location determination apparatus for determining a location of two components relative to one another. The apparatus may comprise at least one location encoder having a read head in cooperation with a code for generating first position determination data at a first measurement frequency. According to some embodiments of the invention, at least one inertial measurement unit is arranged for additionally determining translational and/or rotational accelerations of at least one of the two components and, moreover, for generating second position determination data with respect to the location at a second measurement rate.
US09273941B2
A method of operating a gas operated automatic or semi-automatic weapon that has a bolt that locks by a partial rotation of the bolt with respect to a bolt carrier, the bolt carrier in communication with a gas port on the barrel of the weapon, the method comprising utilizing the gas pressure from a cartridge received from a port in the barrel to unlock the bolt, and utilizing the expansion of a telescoping cartridge in the chamber to recycle the weapon after the bolt is unlocked. In embodiments the cartridge is a 5.56 mm cartridge. In embodiments, the propellant driving the projectile does not provide enough gas pressure to recycle the weapon and the telescoping cartridge supplements the needed power for recycling sufficient to accomplish the recycling. The invention include the telescoping cartridge providing a projectile with lethal energy and recycle capability for gas operated rifles. The subsonic cartridge may have at least 80 ft lbs of energy and operates subsonically.
US09273936B2
In one illustrative form a shooting gallery kit is disclosed that includes a shooting gallery. The shooting gallery comprises an inflatable structure having a base that includes an upper floor; at least one air vent located in said upper floor operable to generate an air stream; at least one target configured to be placed in said air stream such that said target hovers in said air stream; and a blower operable to inflate said inflatable structure and cause said air stream to be emitted from said at least one air vent. A bow and a non-lethal arrow are also included in the kit.
US09273929B2
A magazine well for a firearm having an angled spine receiving portion. A charging handle for a firearm having latch that extends below a bottom surface of a crossbar. A bolt carrier for a firearm having a pair of vent holes disposed in the indented portion and at least one additional vent hole on indented portion adjacent to the pair of vent holes. A bolt catch for a firearm having a receiving portion curved to match the contours of a human thumb. A scope assembly for a firearm having markers on a scope and amount that correspond to the same radial positions. A bolt for a firearm having a plurality of ribs disposed on a main body and extending from a front end toward a tail portion of the bolt.
US09273908B2
According to the present invention, the method of heat transfer in a direction, which is reverse to natural convection, includes introduction of an additional pumping substance into the heated area. The pumping substance is incapable to be dissolved in the heat-transfer agent and its boiling temperature is lower than the boiling temperature of the heat-transfer agent. The heat-transfer agent is heated up, the pumping substance evaporates and the vapor pressure of the pumping substance is used to force the hot heat-transfer agent to flow along the branches of the circulating loop. The device for heat transfer in a direction reverse to the natural convection characterized in that its design incorporates technical means intended for vapor condensation of the pumping substance as well as technical means intended for draining that condensate from the condensation area to the evaporation area.
US09273899B2
A hydrocarbon stream (30), such as natural gas, is commonly cooled together with a first refrigerant stream (140), against an evaporating refrigerant (24) in a series of one or more consecutively arranged common heat exchangers (2), which comprises a first common heat exchanger, upstream of which first common heat exchanger the hydrocarbon stream (10) and the first refrigerant stream (130) are not commonly cooled (4, 3). The hydrocarbon stream to be cooled is fed into the first common heat exchanger at a hydrocarbon feeding temperature, while the first refrigerant stream is fed into the first common heat exchanger at a refrigerant feeding temperature. The temperature difference between the hydrocarbon feeding temperature and the refrigerant feeding temperature is lower than 60 C.
US09273896B2
In an outdoor unit, an electric component unit includes an inlet part which communicates with an outlet side of an air blower and through which air on the outlet side flows into the electric component unit, and an outlet part which communicates with an inlet side of the air blower and through which air flows out from the electric component unit.
US09273895B2
[Object] To prevent a fastening member such as a bolt from being exposed from a bottom plate when a heater is fixed to the bottom plate using a heater fixture.[Solution] An outdoor unit 100 of an air-conditioning apparatus includes a bottom plate 4, a heat exchanger 10 mounted on the bottom plate 4, and a fan 11 sending air to the heat exchanger 10. The outdoor unit 100 includes a heater 12 provided on the bottom plate 4; a fan retaining portion 20, mounted on the bottom plate 4, for retaining the fan 11; and a heater fixture 40, mounted on the fan retaining portion 20, for fixing the heater 12 by pressing the heater 12 against the bottom plate 4 from above.
US09273892B2
Disclosed is an icemaker for a refrigerator, comprising: a tray for containing water to make the water into ice pieces having a predetermined shape; a water supply unit installed at one side of the tray, for supplying water to the tray; a drive unit installed to face the water supply unit with the tray being interposed therebetween; an ice separating lever rotatably assembled between the drive unit and the water supply unit to be rotated by a motor installed in the drive unit; and an ice separating heater for applying heat to the tray so that ice pieces are separated from the tray. The drive unit includes a drive unit housing, a driving motor having a driving gear, a slave gear having a rotary cam and a first magnet and coupled to a rotary shaft of the ice separating lever, a cantilever having a second magnet and rotated by the rotary cam, and first and second Hall elements corresponding to the first and second magnets, respectively.
US09273891B2
An ice maker has an ice mold that includes a metallic piece and an insulated piece. A cooling source is thermally coupled to the metallic piece. A cavity is within the ice mold and has a first reservoir in the metallic piece and a second reservoir in the insulated piece. The first and second reservoirs align to substantially enclose the cavity. An intake aperture in the insulated piece extends to the cavity for receiving water. A drive body rotatably coupled to the ice mold that operates in an ice-making cycle, wherein the drive body repeatedly rotates the mold from an injection position to a tilted position. The cavity receives an incremental amount of water in the injection position and moves to the tilted position to freeze at least a portion of the incremental amount of water over a side surface of the cavity to make an ice piece.
US09273889B2
Disclosed is a monitoring and control system for an air source heat pump apparatus having a controller to control at least one operation of the heat pump apparatus, a temperature sensor to detect the temperature in a specified area at, near, and/or around the controller, and an operable component, the system including a control program to: determine the temperature based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor; determine whether a first condition exists, the first condition including a determination that the controller is powered, but the operable component is not operating; determine whether a second condition exists, the second condition including a determination that the controller is powered, and the operable component is operating; and based at least partially on determinations (a)-(c), determine the ambient temperature at or around the heat pump apparatus.
US09273886B2
A magnetic body is provided to improve heat transport capability and heat transport efficiency. A magnetic body arranged plate has magnetic body units each including magnetic members. Low-temperature side and high-temperature side heat exchange units are disposed at ends of each magnetic body unit. Permanent magnets and heat conductive members are arranged on a magnet/heat conductive member arranged plate. When the magnetic body arranged plate and the magnet/heat conductive member arranged plate are moved relative to each other, the permanent magnets apply magnetism separately to the magnetic members of each magnetic body unit. The magnet/heat conductive member arranged plate creates a temperature difference and conducts heat in one direction between the magnetic members, the low-temperature side heat exchange unit, and the high-temperature side heat exchange unit.
US09273885B2
A roof integrated photovoltaic system includes a plurality of photovoltaic panels each having a right end, a left end, a front edge, and a back edge. A right end coupler is secured to the right ends of at least some of the photovoltaic panels and a left end coupler is secured to the left ends of at least some of the photovoltaic panels. The right end couplers and the left end couplers are configured to interlock and form a seal when two of the plurality of panels are moved into end-to-end engagement with each other. At least one front edge coupler is affixed to at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic panels at the front edges thereof and at least one back edge coupler is affixed to at least some of the plurality of photovoltaic panels at the back edges thereof. The front edge couplers and the back edge couplers configured to interlock when two of the plurality of panels are moved into edge-to-edge engagement and a seal is positioned to prevent water from penetrating at the junction of a front edge of one panel and the back edge of an adjoined panel. Panels are installed on a roof in end-to-end and front edge to back edge relationship to form a photovoltaic array and are electrically interconnected to produce electricity when exposed to sunlight. Flashing and gap filling faux panels are provided as part of the system.
US09273876B2
A contactor configured for use in a dehumidification system is provided including a plurality of contact modules. Each contact module has a porous membrane that defines an internal space through which a hygroscopic material flows. A membrane property of the porous membrane of at least one contact module is substantially different than the other membranes of the plurality of contact modules.
US09273873B1
Draft inducers (50,40) having hollow axis (73a,73b), folding impellers (37a) or retractable propellers (37b) having limited presence in the flue path, external motor (47a, 47b) with sensors (33a, 33b), male connection (63a, 63b) and female connection (65a, 65b) ends for connecting with flue stack and other tandem modules.
US09273868B2
A system for supporting bundled tube segments within a combustor includes an annular sleeve that extends circumferentially and axially within the combustor, a support lug that extends radially inward from the annular sleeve and an annular support frame that is disposed within the annular sleeve. The annular support frame includes an inner ring portion, an outer ring portion and a plurality of spokes that extend radially between the inner and outer ring portions. The inner ring portion, the outer ring portion and the plurality of spokes define an annular array of openings for receiving a respective bundled tube segment. The inner ring portion is connected to each bundled tube segment and the outer ring portion is coupled to the support lug.
US09273862B2
An LED light dedusting/cooling system includes a housing receiving therein a control member, a fan, a heat sink and an LED module. The fan and the LED module are respectively disposed on two opposite sides of the heat sink. The LED light dedusting/cooling system further includes a vibrator received in the housing and disposed on one side of the heat sink proximal to the fan and positioned between the heat sink and the fan. In operation, the vibrator can vibrate between the heat sink and the fan to shake (or shock) off the dust or alien articles attaching to the fan and the heat sink. Then, the fan operates to blow out the dust from the housing.
US09273861B2
A thermosyphon light engine and luminaire including the same are provided. The light engine includes a condenser, an evaporation chamber, and a connecting element therebetween. The condenser returns a gaseous substance located therein to a liquid substance. The evaporation chamber includes a solid state light source, a working liquid, and an optical element that beam shapes light emitted by the at least one solid state light source. The solid state light source is immersed in the working liquid, such that heat generated by the solid state light source changes the working liquid into a gaseous substance. The gaseous substance travels through the connecting element to the condenser, which returns the gaseous substance to a liquid substance. The liquid substance then travels through the connecting element back to the evaporation chamber.
US09273857B2
An electrical assembly selectively receives power from an external power supply. The electrical assembly includes a base that at least partially defines a tool port and a battery port and an electrical tool selectively coupled to the tool port. A rechargeable battery pack is selectively coupled to the battery port and a circuit is supported by the base and is operable to direct power to the tool port and the battery port such that the external power provides power to the electrical tool to operate the electrical tool and to recharge the rechargeable battery pack.
US09273853B2
The invention refers to a LED-based assembly (100) comprising: —an electrical device comprising circuit boards (110-1,110-2) arranged to drive and/or supply arrays of LEDs (111-1,111-2) electrically and mechanically connected thereto; —an optical device provided onto the electrical device and comprising optical boards (120) partly mounted onto the circuit boards (110-1,110-2).
US09273847B2
An illumination device comprising at least one reflector and at least one light generating unit, wherein the at least one reflector is designed and arranged to reflect at least a portion of a light emitted by the at least one light generating unit into a spatial region that cannot be directly irradiated thereby, and the at least one light generating unit comprises at least one illuminating region having a substantially uniform emission characteristic in a circumferential direction of the illumination device.
US09273842B2
The water lamp contains a main member, a base, an upper seat, and an agitation element. The base and the upper seat are joined to a top end and a bottom end of the main member, respectively. The agitation element is housed in the main member. Inside the base, there is an illumination element and a magnetic axle controlled by a control circuit. The agitation element is attracted by the magnetism of the axle and spins along with the axle so as to agitate the fluid inside the main member. The upper seat has an accommodation space for supporting a candle. The agitation element is spun by and along with the axle. The fluid inside the main member is stirred and, through the illumination by the illumination element, interesting and dynamic visual effects are produced.
US09273841B2
A solar powered ground lights is typically mounted in a walkway, pathway, pool deck, roadway, park pathway, either in cement, wood, synthetic materials, or otherwise, and are ideally suited for use in walkways, walls, ceilings, and pool or dock areas because they are readily mounted from the top, requiring only a cylindrical depression and possibly three screws for mounting and require no external wiring. The solar powered ground lights are LED or electro-illuminescent or similar type, supported close to a lens for a good low angle view factor and are low voltage and safe. A solar panel recharges the battery. The system may be fully IP68 waterproof rated.
US09273839B2
A street-lighting pole incorporates a vibration-reducing means on the upper end part of a pole provided standing vertically, wherein: the upper end part of the pole is formed so as to have a silicone receiving part of which the upper part is open in such a way that silicone oil can be stored to a predetermined level on the inside thereof; a removable cap is constituted so as to couple in removable fashion to an upper intake part of the silicone receiving part; a resilient supporting body of a predetermined length is constituted in the center of the removable cap; and a mass of a predetermined weight is constituted at the lower end part of the resilient supporting body.
US09273837B2
The present invention relates to a luminaire 100 comprising a luminaire base 1, an elongate, length-adjustable supporting strut 2 held by means of the luminaire base 1, and a lighting means 3 arranged on the supporting strut 2.
US09273833B2
An LED light fixture includes a heat sink structure, at least one LED board in thermal engagement with the heat sink structure, the at least one LED board having at least one LED emitter thereon, and an on-board connector on the LED board for connecting electrical wiring to the LED emitter(s). At least one enclosing member forms with the heat sink an interior space enclosing a corresponding LED board, the rigid enclosing member defining a wiring aperture therethrough in alignment with the on-board connector. The LED light fixture also has an exterior wireway structure including a one-piece duct which has an end portion engaged with the wiring aperture and forms a channel for wires to the on-board connector. The wireway structure further includes a single-piece rigid cover secured with respect to the enclosing member and enclosing the duct.
US09273832B2
There is provided a fixation device (100) and an assembly structure 10 comprising light emitting diode module, LED module, (200) and at least one fixation device (100) for in a mounted position fixating the LED module to a mounting surface (300). The fixation device comprises a main body (103), a first fixation means (102) for securing LED module to the mounting surface, a second fixation means (106, 506) for securing the fixation device to the LED module and at least one resilient portion (107, 108) arranged to extend from the main body and to, in a mounted position, at least partly bear against a predetermined bearing surface (201, 202) of the LED module such that a controlled force which is independent of the first fixation means is applied the bearing surface of the LED module by means of the resilient portion.
US09273828B2
An auto flow steam trap has a hollow main casing having an inlet channel and an outlet channel, a float assembly mounted in the main casing, and a non-return valve assembly. With the non-return valve assembly mounted in the outlet channel of the main casing, the auto flow steam trap only needs one non-return valve assembly to control allowing the condensate to flow out of the main casing or not. Thus, the auto flow steam trap has advantages such as simple structure and low failure rate, easy assembling, and so on.
US09273826B2
The present invention relates to a lubrication device for gas pressure-driven lubrication of a lubrication point. The device comprises a lubricant container provided at a first end with an outlet opening and is covered at a second end by a combination of a collar and an insert received within the collar and wherein the collar and the insert are relatively rotatable. The device further comprises gas generation means housed within one of the collar or the insert. The insert is provided with a groove having a contact surface forming a mechanical interlock with one or more catches of the collar, and the device comprises a release position of the insert relative to the collar, in which a force required to disengage the mechanical interlock is lower than at non-release positions, so that the insert can be removed to gain access to the gas generation means for separate disposal thereof.
US09273823B2
A latchable, clamping hanger for hanging an exercise mat from an external support. The hanger has a clip with a jaw which can be opened by a user pressing with one hand on the clip. When the clip reaches its ‘open’ position it latches in place, freeing the user to use both hands to lift the mat and insert its upper edge between the clip and the base of the hanger. Once the mat is in place the clip latch is released, and the hanger will hold the mat in an unrolled position so that it can dry flat.
US09273813B2
An in-line water hammer arrester comprises a housing connectable at each end to a piping system, a fluid channel disposed within the housing to permit fluid to flow from the piping system through the housing and back into the piping system, a piston and a pressurized chamber. When a pressure spike occurs, the piston is pushed against the pressurized chamber allowing an expanded area for water flow until the pressure spike is dissipated and the piston returns to its resting position. When used with flexible hoses and tubing typically found with household appliance water supply lines, the in-line arrester is easily installed by a crimping or clamping type connector and takes up little space.
US09273786B2
Three-way valve with two flaps comprising common control means (9) for the two flaps and actuation means (12, 13, 50) arranged each to drive, pivotwise, one of the two flaps, from one to the other of its open and closed position of one of the pathways, with a temporal phase-shift, such that, in a first stage the common control means pivot the second flap, the first flap remaining in a waiting position under the action of return means, and in a second stage, said control means, while continuing to pivot the second flap, begin to pivot the first flap, characterized in that said second actuation means (12, 50) comprises a return driving means (71) making it possible to pivot the second flap (5) to its first position under the action of the common control means (9) in the case of a failure of said return means.
US09273779B2
A manual transmission for vehicles minimizes rotational inertia and improves rattle as a consequence of preventing unnecessary idling of a first speed gear and a reverse speed gear by maintaining a first input gear to be a free gear state at all shift-speeds except a first forward speed and a reverse speed.
US09273773B2
A harmonic damper for use in vehicular accessory drive systems. The harmonic damper includes a one-piece inertia ring manufactured from a sheet metal blank using a cold forming process to define a series of interconnected folded ring sections.
US09273771B2
In a method for manufacturing a multi-stage gear in which no gap is formed between a small-diameter gear and a large-diameter gear, there are included a first step of forming the small-diameter gear on an outer peripheral surface of a workpiece, a second step of forming a large-diameter gear part by plastically deforming an end portion of the workpiece to increase the diameter thereof, and a third step of forming the large-diameter gear by cutting the large-diameter gear part.
US09273767B2
A threaded spindle (11), having a drive part (20), which has a longitudinal axis (A) and is mounted in a first journal (70), and having a threaded part (30), which has a longitudinal axis (B), and having a threaded nut (50), which is mounted in a second journal (80a; 80b) and in which the threaded part (30) is guided. The drive part (20) and the threaded part (30) are formed as separate parts and are each provided with at least one coupling element (25, 55), which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by plugging together. An offset of the longitudinal axes (A, B) can be compensated in this manner. The two-part threaded spindle (11) forms a threaded drive with the threaded nut (50) thereof, which can for example be used in a parking brake of a vehicle braking system.
US09273749B2
Embodiments of a low profile three parameter isolator are provided, as are embodiments of an isolation system employing one or more low profile three parameter isolators. In one embodiment, the three parameter isolator includes a first damper and a flat plate structure, which is coupled to the first damper and which extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the isolator. A main spring is formed in the flat plate structure and is coupled in series with the first damper, as taken along a first load path through the three parameter isolator. A tuning spring is also formed in the flat plate structure such that the tuning spring is coupled in parallel with the main spring and in series with the first damper, as taken along a second load path through the three parameter isolator.
US09273748B2
A magnetorheological damper system comprising a reservoir in communication with a damper. The damper comprises a damper cylinder defining a damper chamber, wherein the damper chamber contains a magnetorheological fluid and a movable damper piston. The damper piston comprises at least two coil windings on the outer surface of the damper piston, wherein the damper piston is capable of generating a magnetic field between the damper piston and a wall of the damper cylinder. The reservoir comprises a reservoir cylinder defining a passageway, wherein the reservoir includes a magnetorheological electromagnet capable of generating a magnetic field between the magnetorheological piston and a wall of the passageway. The combination of the MR reservoir and MR damper leads to a damping system capable of damping a wide range of extreme forces.
US09273745B2
A shock absorber includes a damping force adjustment mechanism having a flow passage that allows the fluid from a cylinder, a valve seat, a valve body, and a stepper motor that adjusts a flow passage area by driving the valve body. A valve body position in which step-out may occur in the stepper motor if the valve body is moved further toward the valve seat therefrom is set as a step-out boundary position, a zone between a seated position in which the valve body is seated on the valve seat and the step-out boundary position is set as a step-out zone, and when the valve body is to be moved to the seated position through the step-out zone, the stepper motor is energized to move the valve body by a distance that is at least twice a distance to the seated position.
US09273744B2
A hydraulically damped mounting device (10) having a flow limiting element (42), such as a resilient diaphragm, in a switchable auxiliary passageway (36) that is in fluid communication with its working chamber (22). The switchable auxiliary passageway corresponds to an additional fluid mass that can be switched into and out of communication with the working chamber to control the vibration characteristics of the device.
US09273738B2
Park brake systems comprising a motor shaft coupled to a brake drum, wherein the brake drum comprises a first groove and a second groove, wherein the brake drum is mounted to the motor shaft so as to rotate with the motor shaft, a first belt at least partially disposed in the first groove and about a first pivot linkage, a second belt at least partially disposed in the second groove and about a second pivot linkage, a first actuator piston coupled to an actuator and the first pivot linkage, a second actuator piston coupled to the actuator and the second pivot linkage, and a pivot base coupled to the first pivot linkage and the second pivot linkage are disclosed. Methods are also disclosed.
US09273735B2
The invention relates to a clutch disk (1) having a ring-shaped base body (2) having at least one tooth (3) protruding beyond the base body (2) radially inward or radially outward, which tooth has at least one lateral face (9) formed from a lug (8) extending in axial direction and has a first surface (12) as seen in axial direction, and a second surface (13) lying opposite the latter in axial direction, characterized in that the lug (8) is embodied to protrude beyond the first as well as the second surface (9, 11) in axial direction.
US09273732B2
A bearing with a supporting element, wherein the bearing is suitable for connecting a rotor blade of a wind turbine with a hub of the wind turbine is provided. The bearing comprises a first ring, which is arranged and prepared to be connected with the hub, and a second ring, which is arranged and prepared to be connected with the rotor blade. The rotor blade is rotatable with regard to the hub around a rotor blade axis of rotation. Furthermore, the bearing comprises a supporting element for supporting the first ring, in particular against deformation. The supporting element is arranged and prepared to be attached to the first ring with a first fixing element and to the hub with a second fixing element. A method of supporting a first ring of a bearing is also provided.
US09273724B1
A thrust bearing pad includes a relatively low wear and low friction contact layer disposed on a metallic substrate. The metallic substrate allows a manufacturer to couple the thrust bearing pad to a corresponding metallic thrust bearing in a relatively secure manner while the contact layer extends the operating life of the thrust bearing and minimizes maintenance.
US09273710B1
A rapid mounting hallow wall anchor comprises a cleat with latching tooth and hanging flange, and a T-shaped anchor structure with latching cogs on its stem. The cleat comprises a tube with a flange near or at one end of the tube. There are latching teeth inside of the tube for engaging the latching cogs on the stem. The tube flange can be made to have a groove or hook on where objects can be hung. A cross bar joins one end of the stem with a cross bar hinge. The cross bar hinge allows the cross bar to be bended for insertion into a drilled hole in a plasterboard of a hallow wall.
US09273709B2
Disclosed herein are furniture connection systems for connecting modular furniture components while disguising the connections between components. In some embodiments, a first furniture component is coupled to a second furniture component via a removable bracket, the bracket being secured to the second furniture component via a fastener extending through an opening in the bracket into an attachment hole in the second furniture components. In these embodiments, the furniture connection system further includes a button element having a head and a shank. When the bracket and fastener are removed, the shank of the button element is inserted into the attachment hole causing the head of the button element to cover the attachment hole, thereby disguising the presence of the attachment hole in the second furniture component.
US09273692B2
A centrifugal fan according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an impeller, a motor portion, and a housing. The housing includes an upper plate portion, a lower plate portion, and a side wall portion. The upper plate portion or the lower plate portion includes an air inlet. One of the upper and lower plate portions and the side wall portion together define a single housing component molded by casting. A portion of the one of the upper and lower plate portions which is along a boundary between the side wall portion and the one of the upper and lower plate portions defines an increased thickness portion arranged to have an axial thickness greater than that of a remaining portion of the one of the upper and lower plate portions.
US09273691B2
A rotor includes a first rotor core, a second rotor core, a field magnet, and an auxiliary magnet. The first rotor core includes a first core base and a plurality of first hook-shaped poles. The second rotor core includes a second core base and a plurality of second hook-shaped poles. The first and second hook-shaped poles are alternately arranged in a circumferential direction of the rotor. The field magnet is arranged between the first and second core bases in an axial direction. The field magnet cause the first hook-shaped poles to function as first poles and the second hook-shaped poles to function as second poles. The auxiliary magnet includes at least two interpolar magnet portions, which are integrally formed. Each interpolar magnet portion is arranged in a void between the first hook-shaped pole and the second hook-shaped pole and magnetized in the circumferential direction.
US09273686B2
A reciprocating pump with chamber-charging mechanism is provided. In an example diaphragm pump, a discharge valve can be opened by the pressure of fluid leaving the pump and can also be opened by an intermittent mechanical linkage actuated by the reciprocating member powering the pump. The discharge valve is mechanically opened to allow pressure backflow into the pumping chamber, thereby charging compressible fluid mixtures and gases with an increase in pressure. The increased pressure enables the compressible fluids to open the discharge valve on the next compression stroke and exit the pump. In an implementation, the discharge valve is pushed open by the reciprocating power source in a configuration that seals the valve mechanism from well fluid. In another implementation, the discharge valve is pulled open to pre-charge the pumping chamber.
US09273676B2
The piezoelectric pump comprises a housing, containing the following components connected in series: a rear piezoelectric clamp section, a piezoelectric extender section and a front piezoelectric clamp section. A displacer of pumped fluid is connected to the front piezoelectric clamp section. Electric pulses accessing at sections from a control station cause said sections to become fixed alternately inside the housing. Under the effect of electric pulses, the piezoelectric extender section moves the displacer step-by-step in one direction. Positive effect achieved by the invention is that of increasing the service life of the piezoelectric pump, expanding the scope of use thereof by increasing the number of fluids that can be pumped and also providing for a greater pressure by preventing contact between the pumped fluid and the friction surfaces of the housing and the piezoelectric clamp sections.
US09273675B2
A method for creating a supply of natural gas fuel for a combustion engine, comprising: obtaining boil-off gas from an LNG storage tank containing liquified natural gas, compressing the boil-off gas in a compression stage consisting of a labyrinth-sealed piston-compressor or a piston-compressor sealed by piston rings, and compressing the natural gas in a compression stage consisting of a piston-compressor sealed by piston rings or a labyrinth-sealed piston-compressor, compressing the natural gas to a pressure of between 100 Bar and 500 Bar, and making the natural gas available at an outlet, wherein at least one of the piston-compressors has a bypass, and that natural gas is returned via the at least one bypass such that the natural gas at the outlet is at a required target pressure (Psoll).
US09273671B2
Method for the identification in operation of the drive train main vibration frequency of a wind turbine, comprising online steps of: a) obtaining a input signal (r) of the generator speed (Ω); b) filtering the generator speed input signal (r) for obtaining a generator speed signal (r1) in a suitable band for representing the oscillating signal (o) comprised in the input signal (r) of the generator speed (Ω); c) extracting the drive train main vibration frequency (f) from said filtered signal (r1). The invention also comprise a method of damping the drive train vibrations of a wind turbine comprising steps of setting the generator torque reference (Trref) as a function of the generator speed (Ω) and of the drive train main vibration frequency (f) identified by the above mentioned method and wind turbine control system implementing said damping method.
US09273669B2
The present invention relates in particular, but not limited to, a wind turbine hydraulic brake calliper. The brake calliper comprising a cylinder bore, a piston having a piston head and a piston skirt. The piston being received in the cylinder bore in an orientation where the piston head faces towards the brake pad. The calliper comprising a fluid connection connected to or connectable to a source of hydraulic fluid for leading hydraulic fluid into the void of the cylinder bore below the piston head (1b), so as to move the piston. The piston is formed at least partly and preferably solely from a polymeric material or from polymeric materials.
US09273656B2
A method and a control unit are disclosed for controlling a single-cylinder or multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one fuel injector per cylinder, at least one camshaft for actuating inlet valves and/or outlet valves, and having a control unit which controls the fuel injectors in such a way that they inject in each case one fuel pre-injection per cylinder during a starting phase of the internal combustion engine. In order to make an improved pre-injection strategy possible during the starting phase, according to the invention at least one cylinder pressure signal which is supplied by a cylinder pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in a cylinder is evaluated with regard to interference signals, and the evaluation result is taken into consideration at least during the starting phase in a determination of the camshaft angle.
US09273655B2
A sealing device (100) includes a resinous sealing ring (110) and an elastomeric elastic ring (120) in an annular groove 210. The sealing ring (110) has a cylindrical surface portion (112a) making intimate contact with a groove bottom of the annular groove (210) and an inclined surface portion (112b) expanding in diameter toward the atmosphere side (A). The elastic ring (120) is disposed such that at least its portion is compressed between the inclined surface portion (112b) and the groove bottom of the annular groove (210) so as to press a portion of the sealing ring (110) on the atmosphere side (A) toward the outer peripheral side.
US09273635B2
An apparatus for igniting a larger rocket motor is provided. The apparatus may be a smaller rocket motor that can be ignited hypergolically, when a pressurized oxidizer contacts hypergolic fuel grains of the smaller rocket motor. The hypergolic ignition causes the larger rocket motor to be ignited. The hypergolic ignition of the smaller rocket motor may be stopped after the larger rocket motor is ignited, and the remaining hypergolic fuel grains and the pressurized oxidizer can be reserved for reigniting the larger rocket motor at a later time.
US09273634B2
The present invention relates to an improved rocket stage and a method of improving an existing rocket stage. In an embodiment, the improved rocket stage is where one can take existing rocket stages and re-propellant them. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of improving an existing rocket stage.
US09273631B2
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a composite acoustic panel employed in an inlet passage of a gas turbine engine (1). The acoustic panel comprises a permeable face-layer (8), an impermeable backing sheet (9) and a sound absorbing layer (10) disposed therebetween. The method comprises a double polymerisation process for the face-layer and the remainder of the acoustic panel and finally a perforation step to perforate the face-layer according to a pre-determined perforation distribution (11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5).
US09273614B2
A gas turbine engine provides mechanical shaft power. Two parameters relating to engine operation are sensed that are representative of two different pressures, two different temperatures, or a pressure and a temperature associated with the engine. A value representative of the shaft power is determined during engine operation as a function of these two parameters. This value may be used for engine monitoring including making one or more adjustments to operational aspects of the engine, regulating/controlling engine function, and/or providing one or more power indicators.
US09273606B2
A system for the gradual oxidation of fuel is disclosed. The system includes an oxidizer that has a reaction chamber with an inlet and an outlet. The reaction chamber is configured to receive a fluid comprising an oxidizable fuel through the inlet. The oxidizer is configured to maintain a flameless oxidation process. The system also includes a heating chamber with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the heating chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet of the reaction chamber. The heating chamber is configured to receive the fluid from the reaction chamber and selectably heat the fluid.
US09273605B2
According to the present invention, a variable compression ratio engine includes a cylinder head and crankcase directly joined by a control shaft, thereby eliminating use of a link between the control shaft and cylinder head. The present invention has a low manufacturing cost and a small size ideal for mass production applications. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control shaft includes a primary set of bearings and an eccentric set of bearings. The primary control shaft set of bearings are mounted directly in the crankcase assembly, and the eccentric control shaft bearings are mounted directly in the cylinder head assembly. There is only one control shaft per cylinder head, and there is no link between the control shaft and cylinder head assembly. The variable compression ratio mechanism also includes moment retaining means to prevent the cylinder head assembly from rotating out of alignment when the engine is running. The moment retaining means is a bushing that is mounted around the engine cylinder. The bushing provides the moment retaining means needed for holding the cylinder head assembly in alignment when the engine is running, and also provides displacement means, where the cylinder head assembly can slide on the bushing. The displacement means is needed to allow the cylinder head assembly to move relative to the crankcase when compression ratio is adjusted.
US09273604B2
A crankshaft having a front end, a rear end, and a central axis extending from the front end to the rear end is provided. The crankshaft includes a front crankpin, a rear crankpin, and one or more central crankpins. The front crankpin is located in proximity to the front end and the rear crankpin is located in proximity to the rear end. Further, the one or more central crankpins are located substantially equidistant from the front crank pin and the rear crankpin. The crankshaft further includes pairs of counterweights disposed on each side of the front crankpin, the rear crankpin and the one or more central crankpin. The counterweights are disposed such that counterweights in each pair of counterweights are angularly offset with respect to each other.
US09273595B2
A turbocharger system includes: an engine including a first cylinder head constituting a first bank and a second cylinder head constituting a second bank; a center turbocharger formed between the first bank and the second bank, and connected to exhaust and intake manifolds of the first and second banks; a first turbocharger connected to the other exhaust and intake manifolds of the first bank; and a second turbocharger connected to the other exhaust and intake manifolds of the second bank.
US09273590B2
A compressor is disclosed. In one aspect, the compressor includes a pressure chamber which is delimited by at least two housing parts, the housing parts including sealing surfaces that are connected by a connection device which applies a contact pressing force between the sealing surfaces. At least one groove extending in a circumferential direction is arranged on at least one sealing surface. At least one relief opening is arranged on at least one of the housing parts. The relief opening connects the groove to the surroundings of the compressor and emanates from the groove. The groove is arranged such that when a predetermined maximum pressure is exceeded in the pressure chamber, a pressure-building medium can gather in the groove and at least partially escape through the relief opening.
US09273586B2
A contact-type infrared temperature sensor 1 for high temperature measurement is provided with: a heat-resistant cylindrical member 2, having a cylindrical shape with one end as a closed section 21 and the other end as an open section 22; an infrared temperature detecting member 4, disposed facing and spaced from the closed section 21, and including no infrared filter; and an optical function section 33, having an infrared light inlet 31 disposed facing and spaced from the closed section 21 by a predetermined dimension, restricting infrared light radiated from the region spaced between the temperature-sensitive section and the infrared light inlet by the predetermined dimension to a range of the region by the infrared light inlet 31 and guiding the infrared light to the infrared temperature detecting member 4.
US09273585B2
This disclosure relates to a method for controlling a system for regenerating a diesel particulate filter. The method includes monitoring an engine run time that has lapsed since a previous regeneration event. The method also includes monitoring backpressure behind the diesel particulate filter. The method further includes triggering a regeneration flag if the engine run time that lapsed since the previous regeneration event reaches a predetermined time limit and the backpressure exceeds a minimum value.
US09273583B2
A vehicle comprises a compression ignition engine provided with engine management means and having a catalyst for exhaust gas aftertreatment, wherein the engine management means is configured, when in use, to detect idle conditions and upon determining that idle conditions exist, stops the engine entirely, wherein the catalyst comprises a honeycomb substrate monolith coated with a catalytic washcoat comprising one or more precious metal, which catalytic washcoat being arranged between a first, upstream washcoat zone and a second, downstream washcoat zone, wherein a thermal mass in the first washcoat zone is different from a thermal mass in the second washcoat zone and wherein a washcoat layer in the first, upstream washcoat zone is substantially contiguous with a washcoat layer in the second, downstream washcoat zone.
US09273564B2
A device for driving an auxiliary unit, in particular a high-pressure pump is provided. The device includes a rotatably supported drive shaft of an internal combustion engine coupled to a unit shaft of the auxiliary unit by a coupling. The unit shaft has a first bearing on the side facing away from the coupling, and a second bearing formed by the coupling. The device provides a coupling solution for connecting, for example, a high-pressure pump camshaft to an available intake or exhaust camshaft.
US09273561B2
A rotor blade for a turbine of a combustion turbine engine having an airfoil that includes a pressure and a suction sidewall defining an outer periphery and a tip portion defining an outer radial end. The tip portion includes a rail that defines a tip cavity. The airfoil includes an interior cooling passage configured to circulate coolant. The rotor blade further includes: a slotted portion of the rail; and at least one film cooling outlet disposed within at least one of the pressure sidewall and the suction sidewall of the airfoil. The film cooling outlet includes a position that is adjacent to the tip portion and in proximity to the slotted portion of the rail.
US09273560B2
A component for a gas turbine engine includes a wall and a cooling hole extending through the wall. The wall has a first surface and a second surface. The cooling hole includes a metering section extending downstream from an inlet in the first surface of the wall and a diffusion section extending from the metering section to an outlet in the second surface of the wall. The diffusion section includes a first plurality of lobes diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section on a first side of a centerline axis of the cooling hole and a second plurality of lobes diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section on a second side of the centerline axis.
US09273556B2
A rotary engine includes a casing having a first circular boring and a second circular boring smaller than the first circular boring. The first circular boring interconnects with the second circular boring. A piston rotor can move in a rotating manner within the first circular boring in the casing. A power head, ported to pass exhaust gases through a hollow center shaft, can move in a rotating manner within the second circular boring in the casing. The piston rotor and the power head can be coupled via a gear system to properly rotate during operation, with the piston rotor rotating counterclockwise and the power head rotating clockwise, or vice versa.
US09273555B2
A rotary positive displacement pump has a front-loading seal arrangement to better accommodate servicing and cleaning of the pump body. The pump includes a sliding seal subassembly disposed in a volume between a central portion of a rotor that is received on a shaft of a gear case and the hub of the pump body. A related method of modifying a rotary positive displacement pump enables a conventional pump with a rear-side seal arrangement to be transformed into a pump having a front-loading seal arrangement. In addition to the reduction of a dead zone in which turbulent flow does not occur by inclusion of the sliding seal subassembly, other modifications to the pump body improve the ability of the pump to be cleaned in place.
US09273554B2
A high efficiency energy conversion system disclosed herein incorporates a piston assembly including a sealed cylinder for storing a working fluid and an energy conversion element attached to the piston assembly. A kinematic mechanism such as a cam lobe or a scotch yoke may be used as the energy conversion element. In one implementation, the kinematic mechanism may be configured to provide rapid piston expansion in a manner so as not to allow the expanding working fluid inside the piston to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium. In an alternate implementation, the kinematic mechanism is further adapted to generate a compression stroke in a manner to provide the working fluid inside the piston to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium conditions throughout the compression stroke.
US09273543B2
A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller.
US09273539B2
A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to “fall-out” into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination.
US09273528B2
An assembly including a flexible sinker bar (24) including an electrically conductive wire (30) for use in the well drilling industry, particularly oil wells, and more particularly for use in assisting introduction into the wellbore, through the drill pipe or tubing, various types of logging tools and other completion assemblies securable to a tool connector (T), such as chemical cutters, string shots, free point indicators, jet cutters, metal severing tools, split shot cutters, radial cutting torches, pipe recovery logs, temperature logs, noise logs, and perforating guns. Conductive wire 30 is used to send electric power to operate or trigger the various logging tools.
US09273526B2
Anchoring systems for disposition in wellbores and tubular devices comprise a tubular member defined by two or more radially expandable slip members. The upper ends of the slip members are shaped such that when the slip members are in their respective run-in positions and in their respective set positions, a portion of an upper end of one slip member overlaps a portion of an upper end of another slip member so that the longitudinal space between each slip member that is created when the slip members are in their set position are blocked by the upper end of at least one of the slip members. Thus, in their set position, the upper end of at least one of the slip members provides a back-up to a sealing element that can be disposed adjacent to and in contact with the upper ends of the slip members when in their set positions.
US09273524B2
According to one aspect, a drilling rig carriage is adapted to move along a drilling mast, and includes a body structure, electric motors coupled to the body structure, and pinions operably coupled to the electric motors, respectively. The pinions are adapted to engage racks, respectively. According to another aspect, a drilling mast includes a longitudinally-extending frame having a first side portion and a second side portion spaced therefrom. Racks are coupled to the frame at the first side portion thereof. According to yet another aspect, an apparatus includes a drilling mast or tower extending longitudinally along an axis, the tower including racks spaced in a parallel relation. A top drive is movable along the axis and relative to the tower. Electric motors are coupled to the top drive and movable therewith. Pinions are operably coupled to the electric motors, respectively, and engage the racks, respectively, to move the top drive.
US09273522B2
A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for reducing a vibration of a drill string in a borehole. A sensor of the drill string obtains one or more measurements of a parameter of the vibration. A processor determines at least one force for controlling the measured vibration from the measured parameter. At least one actuator applies the determined at least one force against the borehole wall to control the vibration of the drill string.
US09273521B2
A threaded connection including first and second tubular components including respective male and female ends including a distal surface and a threaded zone. The threaded zone of the male end is threaded into the threaded zone of the female end. The threaded zones include respective male and female threads having increasing width from the distal surface and including load flanks having negative angles over at least a portion of their radial dimension, and stabbing flanks, with a radial clearance in the connected state between crests of the male threads and roots of the female threads and/or between crests of the female threads and roots of the male threads, with an axial clearance in the connected state between the stabbing flanks of the male and female threads. The distal surface of the male and/or female end is brought into axial abutting contact against a corresponding abutment surface.
US09273519B2
A downhole dual cutting reamer for bidirectional reaming of a wellbore with a tubular body with two cutting sections between end segments. Each cutting section has a plurality of helical blades separated by a flute, and wherein the helical blades are formed from at least two spiral angled sections connected together, with cutting components on the spiral angled sections. The cutting components can be polydiamond cutter nodes, high strength carbide cutting nodes, and tungsten carbide facing coating. The outer diameter of each cutting section is larger than the outer diameter of each of the end segments.
US09273512B2
Example flexible face panels for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock are disclosed herein. An example seal assembly comprises a face panel to be coupled to a projection panel, where the face panel has a front side, a back side and an edge spaced apart from the projection panel. A bulb is positioned adjacent the edge of the face panel. A seal flap is attached to the bulb such that the seal flap projects from an outer surface of the bulb and toward a doorway of a loading dock when the seal assembly is coupled to a wall of the loading dock.
US09273506B1
A device is described for opening and closing the discharge door of a bulk seed box. The device comprises a portable lightweight structure which is attached to the box and which uses an electrically operated screw actuator or linear actuator to move the discharge door of the box from its closed position to its open position and vice versa. The device is preferably remotely controlled.
US09273502B2
A multi-purpose pinless attachment system includes a first structure having oppositely facing recesses separated by a web region. Pairs of recesses form pivot bar bearing surfaces, and a transverse pivot axis passes through the web region at a midpoint between these pairs of bearing surfaces. A second structure defines an interior pivot channel between its distal tip and a proximal shank. The tip is separated from the shank by a gap to allow the web region of the first structure to pass through the gap while the interior pivot channel is brought into bearing registration with the pivot bar. The pivot channel receives the portion of the web region separating the first and second recesses. Surface portions of the pivot channel frictionally engage at least a portion of a pivot bar bearing surface while the second structure is pivoted relative to the first structure about the transverse pivot axis.
US09273501B2
This invention concerns mainly a handle system with two locking latches (7, 8) called “self-locking”, independent one from the other for locking, but fitted with a single unlocking paddle (6). This system is fitted with indicators, which: detect the door's opening and closing and indicate separately the locking of the two latches (7, 8).
US09273498B2
A fixture is attached to a hollow tube and has a pair of shafts protruding in a width direction. A handle has a base portion and a grip portion located at an end on the outside of the base portion. The base portion has a pair of side portions sandwiching both side surfaces of the fixture. The pair of side portions each have a hole receiving corresponding one of the pair of shafts. A restriction portion of a displacement preventing plate restricts a movement of the side portions in the width direction in a portion of each of the side portions located between an end on the grip portion side of the fixture and an end on the hollow space side of the base portion.
US09273494B2
The present invention relates to a fastening or unfastening system (1, 10) including: an actuating device (2, 20), which has a plurality of actuating elements (22, 220) made of magnetic, magneto-sensitive or magnetically inert material; and a device to unlock or lock (3, 30, 3′), which includes a first element (4, 40, 4′), a second element (5, 50, 5′) and a first plane (7, 70), between said first element (4, 40, 4′) and said second element (5, 50), and a second plane (8, 80=between the second element (5, 50, 5′) and the third element (6, 60, 6′). Said first element (40, 4, 4′) and said second element (5, 5′ 50) present a plurality of housing couples (41, 51, 410, 510) corresponding to said plurality of actuating elements (22, 220) of said actuating device (2, 20), provided with centering means (9, 90) said centering means (9, 90) being made of magnetic, magneto-sensitive or magnetically inert material, able to lock or unlock the movement in respect to said first plane (7, 70).Said device (3, 30, 3′) has a single housing (400, 4000) comprised of a first further housing (42, 420), a second further housing (52, 520) and a third further housing (62, 620), respectively obtained in said first, second and third elements.Said single housing (400, 4000) provides, inside, at least at least two prevent and release means (91, 92, 910, 920) each sliding mutually, and a thrust element (63, 630) acting on said prevent and release means (91, 92, 910, 920). Further, said system (1, 10) can take a first configuration, wherein said prevent and release means (91, 92, 910, 920), block the movement of said elements (4, 40, 4′, 5, 50, 5′, 6, 60, 6′) in respect to said planes (7, 70, 8, 80), and a second configuration wherein said prevent and release means (91, 92, 910, 920) and said thrust element (63, 630), in a compressed form, allow the movement of said first (4, 40, 4′) and second (5, 50, 5′) element in respect to said planes (7, 70, 8, 80).Finally, coupling and movement of actuation device (2, 20) allows the movement from said first to said second configuration.
US09273489B2
A lock assembly includes an exterior operator assembly having an exterior operator handle. An interior operator assembly has an interior operator handle having a mounting opening. An outer spindle is operatively coupled to a latch assembly, drivably coupled to the interior operator assembly, has a longitudinal bore, and is rotatable about a first axis. A coupling mechanism is drivably coupled to the outer spindle. A locking spindle assembly is rotatably received in the longitudinal bore and rotatable about the first axis, and is configured to selectively operate the coupling mechanism to drivably couple the exterior operator assembly to the outer spindle. A motor drive assembly includes a motor having a motor shaft. The motor is positioned inside the mounting opening of the interior operator handle. The motor shaft is drivably coupled to the locking spindle assembly to operate the coupling mechanism when the motor drive assembly is actuated.
US09273487B2
Described herein is locking apparatus, method for making a locking apparatus, and method for mounting a locking apparatus to the door of a personal storage container. The locking apparatus may include a threaded portion having deformed threads and a lock body shape to fit a restrictive mounting hole.
US09273486B2
A window assembly includes a first sash having a first rail having a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and an opposite second end. A continuous handle extends along the length of the first rail and is pivotally connected to the first rail between a lowered first position and a second raised position.
US09273478B2
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile lifting assembly comprising a body frame with one or more wheels for transporting a structural member, and four individually controllable lifting devices connected to the body frame for repositioning (such as raising, lowering, tilting or rolling) of the structural member. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile lifting assembly comprising a body frame being adapted to locate on a supporting surface, a lifting device connected to the body frame for raising or lowering a structural member, and a skid resting on the supporting surface underneath the body frame and being arranged to contact the body frame to distribute forces imparted by the structural member on the body frame across the supporting surface.
US09273477B2
A key for assembling at least a portion of a stay-in-place form-work for casting a structure from concrete or other curable construction materials. The stay-in-place form-work comprises a first elongate panel comprising a first edge component and a second elongate panel comprising a second edge component. The first and second panels are connectable in an edge-to-edge relationship wherein the first and second edge components engage one another. The key comprises a plurality of connector components for slidable engagement with complementary panel connector components on at least one of the first and second panels and a locking component for forcing the first and second edge components into a locked configuration as the key is moved longitudinally relative to the first and second panels while slidably engaged thereto.
US09273474B1
The present invention is directed generally to building tools with improved comfort in gripping and/or efficient control that may be used in various manners and orientations. A handle and work object (e.g., trowel blade) may be connected together by a connecting member (or connecting means) that may be a sloped, angled, and/or substantially curved member, so that a user has increased hand orientation options and/or control over the tool while gripping the handle and/or connecting member in various manners and orientations. In various embodiment(s), the connecting member (e.g., a tang for a trowel) may be a relatively gradually and/or notably sloped, angled, and/or curved structure that may reasonably provide a comfortable extension of the handle and augment the gripping of the tool. The various tools may include a handle connecting member having construction whereby a portion of the sides of the handle connecting member are removed. Magnesium may be used.
US09273473B2
An audio-video (AV) system in one embodiment includes a mounting apparatus for mounting the system to a wall support located behind a wall surface and within an in-wall space. The mounting apparatus includes a support member for supporting at least one component in a support space within the in-wall space, a display mounting member 30 for mounting a display device, and a removable wall opening cover for concealing at least a portion of the in-wall space that would otherwise be visible through a wall opening to a viewer. Various multimedia-supportive devices, including loudspeakers and a subwoofer, may be concealed behind the cover in the in-wall space.
US09273468B2
The window system has a substantially rectangular frame structure having four corner sections (1b) and being adapted to be installed in a roof structure and a bracket arrangement comprising a set of bracket units (6b), each bracket unit including a base element (10b) mounted at each corner section of the frame structure. Each bracket unit furthermore comprises at least one supplemental element (20b,40b) adapted to be detachably connected to said base element. One supplemental element comprises a leg element (20b) adapted to be detachably connected to the base element, preferably rotatably and detachably connected with the base element.
US09273466B2
A skeleton triangular tower frame structure comprising a series of vertical, horizontal and diagonal tubular members with flattened ends, joined together by means of threaded rods or studs, washers and nuts. Every three (3) vertical tubular members joined to three (3) horizontals and to three (3) diagonals, make a section which is connected to a similar section placed on a top level. There are as many sections as the tower require as per specific design. The length, diameter and thickness of the tubular members are determined by structural calculations for a given tower design loads and height. The three (3) horizontal tubular members conform an equilateral triangle of bigger section at the bottom portion of the tower and is reduced as the tower gets higher in a tapered manner. The first section of the tower is supported by a wider base formed by a tetrahedral frame for additional stability. The tubular tower members are delivered to the job site in separate short pre-manufactured members with studs, washers and nuts for easy transportation.In constructing the tower, a removable platform is placed on top of the three horizontal members that form the equilateral layer, where the erection crew can stand up to interconnect the upper sections. This procedure continues until the self-supporting tower reaches its total height, making the use of cranes or any other elevating equipment unnecessary.
US09273464B2
A floor system for a building includes prefabricated grid sections attached to framing members of the building and a plurality of panels mounted to the grid to form a structurally integrated floor. The panels are removable to provide access to space below the floor that would otherwise be inaccessible in a conventional floor. A subfloor deck below the floor separates one building story from another and encloses the space between the floor and the deck, which can be used for temporary and permanent installations including, for example, pipes for water, laboratory gases, and compressed air, and power, telephone, and data cables; and as a plenum for HVAC. Either or both of the floor and the subfloor deck can be attached to the building frame to function as a diaphragm. The floor system replaces conventional permanent structural floors and raised accessible flooring systems.
US09273461B1
A veneer tie for use in a cavity wall to connect to a wall anchor to join an inner wythe and an outer wythe of the cavity wall includes an insertion portion configured for disposition in a bed joint of the outer wythe. A cavity portion is contiguous with the insertion portion, and a pintle is contiguous with the cavity portion and configured for attachment to a receptor of the wall anchor. A thermal coating is disposed on the pintle, the thermal coating being configured and arranged to reduce thermal transfer in the cavity wall between the veneer tie and the wall anchor when attached to the pintle.
US09273440B1
A substantially cylindrical drainage unit for use when buried in soil as part of a wastewater leach field comprises a first plastic bead aggregate mass, optionally with a central perforated pipe, surrounded by a segmented-quilt exterior surface. Quilts are captured around the drainage unit by straps, a circumscribing netting sleeve, or by being themselves in the form of tubular sleeves. Preferred rectangular quilt segments contain a second pebble aggregate that is smaller than the first aggregate. Quilts are fabricated by mating two layers of geotextile and inserting the second aggregate into channels or cavities that are defined by seams that join the layers to each other.
US09273439B1
A method and apparatus for ensuring a minimum bypass flow installed in a stream wherein a diversion chamber is defined by front, rear and side panels, a screen, a bypass chamber and a second outlet chamber that allows water to flow into the second chamber only when the flow of water is sufficient.
US09273436B1
A system for controlling unwanted foliage growth about a post extending in an upright orientation from the ground comprises a mat having a first edge, a second edge separated from the first edge, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The weed mat further comprises at least one pre-formed cut portion therein for accommodating the post, so that the mat can be secured about the post. A molded-in cut line extends parallel to the edges of the weed mat. The weed mat also includes a molded-in scale system, wherein the molded-in scale system comprises a plurality of additional score lines extending from the molded-in cut line to one of the weed mat edges at pre-determined, measured increments.
US09273421B2
A take-up rail assembly including a fixed idler rail and a longitudinally movable take-up rail. The fixed idler rail is attached to a quilting frame or other sewing frame and the position of the fixed idler rail may be longitudinally and vertically adjustable with respect to the sewing frame. The take-up rail is movably attached to the sewing frame and a take-up rail control mechanism moves the take up rail longitudinally forward and rearward with respect to the fixed idler rail as the sewing machine moves with respect to the sewing frame, thus providing full utilization of the throat length of the sewing machine.
US09273419B2
A liquid acquisition material for use in an absorbent article. The liquid acquisition material having first fibers and second fibers. The first fibers are chemically cross-linked cellulose fibers and the second fibers are selected from the group consisting of: polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, rayon, lyocell, and mixtures thereof. The liquid acquisition material has a total dry weight, the first fibers have a first dry weight, and the second fibers have a second dry weight. The first dry weight is from 30 to 95 percent of the total dry weight and the second dry weight is from 5 to 70 percent of the total dry weight.
US09273415B2
A method of preparing a fiber including electro-spinning onto a substrate polymer solutions from a plurality of jets to form a network of filaments, wherein at least one jet sprays onto the substrate a first chemical mixture including a carbon fiber precursor compound, and at least one other jet sprays onto the substrate a second chemical mixture comprising a sacrificial polymer and a precursor compound of a functional material; and processing the filaments on the substrate, thereby forming an arrangement of carbon fibers having the functional material deposited thereon.
US09273409B2
One embodiment is a method for producing void-free electroplated metallic conductors, the method including steps of: (a) providing a substrate having an insulating mask formed over a metallic seed layer, said insulating mask having at least one opening formed therein, wherein inside the at least one opening only the bottom surface includes exposed metallic seed layer; (b) immersing the substrate in an electrolyte contained in an electrochemical deposition (ECD) cell, the ECD cell including at least one anode and a cathode, wherein the cathode includes at least the exposed metallic seed layer at the bottom of the at least one opening, and wherein the electrolyte includes plating metallic ions and at least one inhibitor additive, said metallic ions and said at least one inhibitor additive having concentrations; (c) providing agitation of the electrolyte across the surface of the substrate; (d) electroplating inside the at least one opening wherein (i) the agitation and the concentrations of the plating metallic ions and the at least one inhibitor additive produce void-free electroplated metal or alloy inside the at least one opening when applying to the substrate an average electroplating current density between 45-250 mA/cm2, and (ii) said electroplated metal or alloy is a material selected from a group consisting of Cu, Ag, Cu alloys, and Ag alloys; and (e) removing the insulating mask, and then removing the metallic seed layer which was covered by the insulating mask during step (d).
US09273407B2
This invention relates to a new compound represented by formula (I). Particularly, the new compound is used as an additive in copper electroplating. A chemical structure for the leveler, an electroplating bath containing the same, a method of preparing the additive and a method of electroplating a substrate with the electroplating bath containing the additive are disclosed. The additive compound/molecule of the present invention provides a branched structure at each ends, wherein each of the branches comprises a positively charged nitrogen moiety. The additive compound/molecule is formed by linking the branches having the positive charged nitrogen moieties to the backbone of the additive compound/molecule. This leads to a high charge density novel additive compound/molecule.
US09273384B2
A high speed tool steel containing, by mass percent, 0.5-1.5% of C; 1.0% or less of Si; 1.0% or less of Mn; 3.0-5.0% of Cr; 15.0-25.0% of one or two kinds of W and Mo according to a formula (W+2Mo); 1.0-less than 1.5% of V; 5.0-10.0% of Co; and a remainder including Fe and impurities, the high speed tool steel further containing 0.0005-0.004% of Ca and 0.005-0.015% of N. Also, a material for a blade edge that is made of the high speed tool steel and a cutting tool made by welding the material for the blade edge to a body material. Further, a manufacturing method of the material for the blade edge.
US09273383B2
A steel contains, by weight: C: 0.3% to 0.5%, Si: 0.1% to 0.5%, Mn: 1% or less, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Cr: 0.3% to 1%, Mo: 1% to 2%, W: 0.3% to 1%, V: 0.03% to 0.25%, Nb: 0.01% to 0.15%, Al: 0.01% to 0.1%, the remainder of the chemical composition of the steel being constituted by Fe and impurities or residuals resulting from or necessary to steel production and casting processes. The steel can be used to produce seamless tubes for hydrocarbon wells with a yield strength after heat treatment of 862 MPa or more or even 965 MPa or more.
US09273376B2
A flux injector apparatus and method adapted to distribute a predetermined amount of flux to an associated pool of molten aluminum. The flux injector apparatus includes a pressurized tank adapted to store and feed the flux under pressure. A feed mechanism operative to discharge a predetermined amount of flux to an outlet and a controller for monitoring and operating the apparatus. The feed mechanism includes a housing having an inner wall defining a cavity with an inlet and an outlet. A feed wheel is positioned within the cavity and operative to receive a predetermined amount of flux from the inlet, translate the flux within the cavity and discharge the predetermined amount of flux through the outlet of the pressurized tank.
US09273361B2
The present invention relates to a method for the specific detection and/or identification of Enterococcus species, in particular Enterococcus faecalis and/or Enterococcus faecium, using new nucleic acid sequences derived from the ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region. The present invention relates also to said new nucleic acid sequences derived from the ITS region, between the 16S and 23S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) or rRNA genes, to be used for the specific detection and/or identification of Enterococcus species, in particular of Enterococcus faecalis and/or Enterococcus faecium, in a biological sample. It relates also to nucleic acid primers to be used for the amplification of said spacer region of Enterococcus species in a sample.
US09273360B2
The present invention provides improved tests for the detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The tests are particularly useful for eliminating false positive results due to the presence of a mixed bacterial population in patient samples.
US09273359B2
The present disclosure relates to a method of assessing a subject's susceptibility to a vascular disease. The method may comprise providing a concentrated population of extracellular vesicles contained in a biological material obtained from a subject, processing the concentrated population to determine if the concentrated population contains a 16S rRNA sequence of Staphylococcus, and upon determining that the concentrated population contains a 16S rRNA sequence of Staphylococcus, further determining that the subject is potentially susceptible to a vascular disease.
US09273348B2
The invention includes a method and array for replicating and analyzing one or a plurality of different target sequences in nucleic acid samples. The different reactions for replicating the target sequences occur simultaneously on an array with selectively heatable array elements with their reaction surfaces, some of which have been modified differently, and in the sample solution disposed thereabove. The target sequences are analyzed using molecular detection on reaction surfaces of said array that have been modified with probe strands. The target strands are replicated and analyzed simultaneously, successively, or alternately.
US09273346B2
An experimental melting curve is modeled as a sum of a true melting curve and background fluorescence. A deviation function may be generated based upon the experimental melting curve data and a model of a background signal. The deviation function may be generated by segmenting a range of the experimental curve into a plurality of windows. Within each window, a fit between the model of the background signal and the experimental melting curve data may be calculated. The deviation function may be formed from the resulting fit parameters. The deviation function may include background signal compensation and, as such, may be used in various melting curve analysis operations, such as data visualization, clustering, genotyping, scanning, negative sample removal, and the like. The deviation function may be used to seed an automated background correction process. A background-corrected melting curve may be further processed to remove an aggregation signal.
US09273342B2
Methods and systems for evaluating and predicting the reactivity of natural and engineered monooxygenase enzymes are provided. Methods are provided for acquiring a functional profile (fingerprint) of monooxygenases that encode information regarding the active site configuration of such monooxygenases. Methods are also provided for carrying out analysis of a monooxygenase fingerprint, to formulate predictions regarding the reactivity properties (e.g., substrate reactivity, chemo-, regio, and stereoselectivity properties) of the fingerprinted monooxygenases.
US09273340B2
A method of detecting a target microorganism is disclosed. The method comprises providing a culture device with a selective culture medium and a detection article comprising a first indicator system. The selective culture medium facilitates the growth of an indicator microorganism. When an indicator microorganism is detected in a sample contacted with the culture medium, the detection article is contacted with the culture medium to detect the target microorganism.
US09273332B2
The present invention has its object to provide a method for producing an L-amino acid comprising reacting a keto acid with an amino acid dehydrogenase and an enzyme having coenzyme regenerating ability to convert to a L-amino acid, wherein a coenzyme is added in two or more portions in the reaction. The method of the present invention enables efficient production of an L-amino acid useful as a synthetic intermediate such as a pharmaceutical intermediate with high optical purity by an enzymatic reductive amination independent of the purity of the keto acid used as a substrate.
US09273330B2
Provided herein are recombinant yeast host cells and methods for their use for production of fermentation products from a pyruvate utilizing pathway. Yeast host cells provided herein comprise reduced pyruvate decarboxylase activity and modified adenylate cyclase activity. In embodiments, yeast host cells provided herein comprise resistance to butanol and increased biomass production.
US09273317B2
The invention generally relates to methods for identifying and using anticancer therapeutic agents and, more particularly, to methods for identifying and using inhibitors of genes for inhibiting the growth and/or proliferation of MYC-driven tumor cells relative to normal cells.
US09273315B2
Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of huntingtin mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate Huntington's disease, or a symptom thereof.
US09273310B2
Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for cloning a donor genome in a heterologous host cell. In one embodiment, the donor genome can be further modified within a host cell. Modified or unmodified genomes can be further isolated from the host cell and transferred to a recipient cell. Methods disclosed herein can be used to alter donor genomes from intractable donor cells in more tractable host cells.
US09273302B2
The present invention relates generally to compositions and methods comprising histidyl-tRNA synthetase polypeptides or other specific blocking agents for the treatment autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory diseases, including those related to Jo-1 antibodies.
US09273300B2
According to certain embodiments of the present invention, methods for modulating the production of sialic acid in a system are provided, which comprise providing the system with a wild-type GNE-encoding nucleic acid sequence. According to such embodiments, the system may comprise a cell, muscular tissue, or other desirable targets. Similarly, the present invention encompasses methods for producing wild-type GNE in a system that comprises a mutated endogenous GNE-encoding sequence. In other words, the present invention includes providing, for example, a cell or muscular tissue that harbors a mutated (defective) GNE-encoding sequence with a functional wild-type GNE encoding sequence.
US09273299B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions of variant polypeptides having isoprene synthase activity with improved solubility. In particular, the present invention provides isoprene synthase variant for increased isoprene production in recombinant host cells.
US09273288B2
The present invention discloses a replication-deficient pseudoinfective virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family that lack the capsid gene, where the replication-deficient pseudoinfective virus propagates only in cells expressing the capsid or capsid, prM and envelope protein of the flavivirus. The present also discloses the method of producing such viruses on a large scale and the use of these pseudoinfective viruses as vaccines for preventing diseases caused by infections of humans or animals by the viruses belonging to this family.
US09273286B2
The present invention discloses novel compositions and methods for enhancing cardiac differentiation efficiency of stem cells or promoting ventricular and atrial cardiomyocytes formation from stem cells. The present invention also discloses the atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes formed from the stem cells, and the uses of the cardiomyocytes for repairing cardiac injuries and screening for new medicaments for treating cardiac injuries.
US09273265B2
An overbased calcium sulfonate grease composition comprising a reduced amount of overbased calcium sulfonate, added calcium carbonate, base oil, one or more converting agents, and one or more complexing acids if a complex grease is desired. The calcium sulfonate grease composition improves thickener yield and expected high temperature utility as demonstrated by dropping point. The calcium carbonate may be used to react with complexing acids when making a complex grease, such that the addition of calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide is not required. A method of making the composition comprising the steps of mixing the overbased calcium sulfonate and base oil, adding the calcium carbonate, adding one or more converting agents, and adding one or more complexing acids. All or a portion of one or more of the complexing acids may be added with or prior to the one or more converting agents.
US09273263B2
A method for torrefaction of water containing cellulosic materials is performed in an inert atmosphere. The cellulosic material is cascaded through the apparatus between a plurality of rotatable trays vertically stacked within multiple processing zones. Steam being generated from heating of the cellulosic material is recycled back to the apparatus to provide an inert atmosphere. The steam may be superheated in a heat exchanger. Exhaust from the torrefaction zone of the apparatus has some moisture and other volatiles removed prior to being reheated in a burner. The heated exhaust is used in the heat exchanger to superheat the recycled steam.
US09273250B2
The present technology describes methods and systems for an improved quench tower. Some embodiments improve the quench tower's ability to recover particulate matter, steam, and emissions that escape from the base of the quench tower. Some embodiments improve the draft and draft distribution of the quench tower. Some embodiments include one or more sheds to enlarge the physical or effective perimeter of the quench tower to reduce the amount of particulate matter, emissions, and steam loss during the quenching process. Some embodiments include an improved quench baffle formed of a plurality of single-turn or multi-turn chevrons adapted to prevent particulate matter from escaping the quench tower. Some embodiments include an improved quench baffle spray nozzle used to wet the baffles, suppress dust, and/or clean baffles. Some embodiments include a quench nozzle that can fire in discrete stages during the quenching process.
US09273248B2
This disclosure relates to a blue phase liquid crystal composite material formed by photopolymerization of material components comprising a parent blue phase liquid crystal, a photo-polymerizable monomer, a photoinitiator, and inorganic nanoparticles; and to a liquid crystal display comprising the blue phase liquid crystal composite material. The blue phase liquid crystal composite material has a low driving voltage, no electro-optical hysteresis, and rapid response time to an electric field.
US09273245B2
To provide a liquid crystal compound having a high stability to light, a high clearing point, a low minimum temperature of a liquid crystal phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant and an excellent solubility in other liquid crystal compounds. The invention concerns a compound represented by formula (1), a liquid crystal composition containing the compound and a liquid crystal display device including the composition:
US09273243B2
Methods are described to make strong, tough, and/or lightweight glass-ceramic composites having a crystalline phase and an amorphous phase generated by viscous reaction sintering of a complex mixture of oxides and other materials. The present invention further relates to strong, tough, and lightweight glass-ceramic composites that can be used as proppants and for other uses.
US09273229B2
A method for producing de-colored shellac by dissolving colored shellac in an aqueous solution comprising an alkaline agent; contacting the colored shellac in the aqueous solution with a sufficient amount of a chlorite salt to achieve de-coloration of the shellac; precipitating the de-colored shellac by neutralizing the aqueous solution with an acid; and recovering the precipitated de-colored shellac from said aqueous solution. The de-colored shellac produced is non-toxic and suitable for human use. Dental compositions comprising the de-colored shellac are disclosed, as well as uses of the de-colored shellac as a food product coating, a nail polish or varnish, and a wood varnish.
US09273226B2
Coating compositions are disclosed. In some embodiments, the coating compositions are used to coat substrates such as packaging materials and the like for the storage of food and beverages. The coating compositions can be prepared by reacting an epoxidized vegetable oil and a hydroxyl functional material in the presence of an acid catalyst to form a hydroxyl functional oil polyol, mixing the hydroxyl functional oil polyol (with or without epoxidized polybutadiene) with a functional polyolefin copolymer to form a mixture, reacting the mixture with an ethylenically unsaturated monomer component in the presence of an initiator to form a graft copolymer, and crosslinking the graft copolymer with a crosslinker to form the coating composition.
US09273223B1
Binder compositions and methods for making and using same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the binder composition can include at least one unsaturated compound having two or more unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds and at least one free radical precursor. At least one of the unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds can be a pi-bond that is not conjugated with an aromatic moiety and can be capable of free radical addition. The free radical precursor can be present in an amount of about 7 wt % to about 99 wt %, based on the weight of the one or more unsaturated compounds.
US09273221B2
The present invention relates to a process comprising contacting methyl methacrylate or styrene; a C1-C10-alkyl acrylate; and a polymerizable carboxylic acid monomer with a stable aqueous dispersion of first polymer particles, under emulsion polymerization conditions, to form a stable aqueous dispersion of second polymer particles. The first polymer particles have a Tg in the range of from −30° C. to 30° C., and the monomers have a calculated Tg in the range of 50° C. to 120° C. The present invention also relates to the dispersion of second polymer particles, which is useful as a binder to improve freeze-thaw stability in a coatings formulation.
US09273218B2
A coating composition for an image transfer member in an aqueous ink imaging system is disclosed that comprises a hydrophilic composition and a surfactant. The hydrophilic composition can be a starch-based composition.
US09273210B2
The present invention relates to the use of an aqueous preparation for the coating of wood surfaces, characterized in that the aqueous preparation comprises: a hydroxyl-functional polyurethane-polyacrylate dispersion, apolyurethane dispersion, an at least partially hydrophilicized polyisocyanate and ≧0 weight-% to ≦10 weight-% of a matting agent, wherein the combined hydroxyl content of the hydroxyl-functional polyacrylate dispersion and the polyurethane dispersion is ≧1% to ≦12%. The invention further relates to a method of producing a coated wood surface, comprising the step of coating a wood surface with such an aqueous preparation and to a coated wood surface comprising an aqueous preparation whose use has been recited in the context of the use according to the invention.
US09273208B2
Disclosed herein is an acrylic resin film having excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength, less fish-eyes, and high transparency. The acrylic resin film is obtained by molding a resin composition containing a glutarimide acrylic resin (G) and a (meth)acrylic resin (F) obtained by polymerization of a vinyl group-containing compound in the presence of alkyl acrylate-based cross-linked elastic particles having an average particle size of less than 80 nm.
US09273204B2
An uncoated, highly reflective, impact-resistant injection-molded article which comprises a rubber ingredient (A) and a thermoplastic resin (B), characterized in that (1) the rubber ingredient (A) has been dispersed in the thermoplastic resin (B), (2) the rubber ingredient (A) has a coefficient of linear expansion of 12.5×10−5 to 19×10−5/° C., (3) the surface of the injection-molded article has a reflected-image clarity of 60-100%, and (4) the injection-molded article has a notched Charpy impact strength of 5-60 kJ/m2.
US09273194B1
A composition of matter that has surfactant properties in aqueous solutions. The presence of a large number of silanols on the molecules of these compositions creates a solubility or disperseability of these molecules in aqueous solutions that is not obtainable from the quaternary salt monomers. The compositions also have adhesive properties when cured with or without functional organic materials.
US09273186B2
The invention relates to a composition containing olefinically functionalized siloxane oligomers which are derived from olefinically functionalized alkoxy silanes and optionally alkoxy silanes functionalized with saturated hydrocarbons and optionally a tetra alkoxysilane, at most comprising an olefinic group on the silicon atom and which has a reduced chloride content and a weight average molecular mass (Mw) of more than 315 g/mol.
US09273182B2
A process of producing a polyester composition includes carrying out an esterification reaction of a dicarboxylic acid component with a diol component, and then carrying out a polycondensation reaction, wherein the diol component is added twice or more during a time from completion of the esterification reaction until beginning the polycondensation reaction, and alkali metal phosphate is added with an amount of COOH terminal groups of an esterification reactant being not more than 150 eq/ton.
US09273180B2
Polyol compositions containing methane linkages derived from amino acids. The polyols are obtained from the reaction of the carbonate with the cadres in the amino acids. Individual amino acids or mixtures of amino acids that are prepared from the hydrolysis of the proteins can be used.
US09273176B2
The present invention concerns new associative thickening agents belonging to the category of HEURs (Hydrophobically modified Ethylene oxide URethane). These products contain an original associative monomer with a base of alkyl cyclohexanol alkoxylates. Their thickening power is equal to or greater than that procured by HEUR associative thickening agents of the prior art containing grafted alkyl phenols. An efficient substitute product is therefore available, which is free of alkyl phenols, matching current market demand.
US09273165B2
A novel class of lanthanide metal phenoxyimine complexes can be used as an ingredient of a catalyst system. The catalyst system can be used in polymerizations of ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon monomers.
US09273163B2
This invention relates to the reaction product(s) of a polyalkylhydrosiloxane and a vinyl terminated macromonomer (VTM).
US09273156B2
The present invention may provide a process for producing a water-absorbent resin by employing a reversed suspension polymerization method, by which a water-absorbent resin having a small particle size and a narrow particle size distribution can be produced. The process for producing a water-absorbent resin may include subjecting a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer to a reversed phase suspension polymerization in a petroleum hydrocarbon dispersion medium containing a surfactant and a polymeric dispersion agent, wherein the polymeric dispersion agent is a polymeric protective colloid having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 2,000 to 15,000 and a molecular weight distribution (Mw/number average molecular weight (Mn)) of 3 to 50.
US09273152B2
Isolated polypeptides are disclosed comprising an amino acid sequence encoding a monomer of a fibrous polypeptide attached to a heterologous polysaccharide binding domain. Composites comprising same, methods of generating same and uses thereof are all disclosed.
US09273150B2
The present invention relates to amino acid sequences that are directed against/and or that can specifically bind Interleukin-6 Receptor (IL-6R) with improved affinity and/or avidity, and/or that have an improved efficacy and/or potency, and which are capable of (partially, or preferably totally) blocking the IL-6/IL-6R interaction and/or inhibit signalization through IL-6, IL-6R and/or the IL-6/IL-6R complex. The invention further relates to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more such amino acid sequences.The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such amino acid sequences and polypeptides, to methods for preparing such amino acid sequences and polypeptides, to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such amino acid sequences or polypeptides, to compositions, and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions, that comprise such amino acid sequences, polypeptides, nucleic acids and/or host cells, and to uses of such amino acid sequences or polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells and/or compositions, in particular for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
US09273138B2
Humanized forms of murine GHR106 monoclonal antibodies and methods of using them are described. Humanized GHR106 monoclonal antibodies have high affinity and specificity to the corresponding tumor-associated antigen, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor comparable to murine GHR106.
US09273134B2
The present invention provides moieties that bind to an Ig-like domain, e.g., D4 or D5, of a human receptor tyrosine kinase, e.g., the human Kit RTK or the PDGFR RTK, or the D7 domain of a type V receptor tyrosine kinase wherein the moieties lock the ectodomain of the receptor tyrosine kinase in an inactive state thereby antagonizing the activity of the receptor tyrosine kinase.
US09273133B2
Compositions and methods for treating fibrotic diseases are provided.
US09273131B2
Disclosed are an anti-bFGF humanized double-stranded antibody with stable disulfide bond, the preparation method and the applications thereof. The amino acid sequence of the anti-bFGF humanized ds-Diabody is shown in SEQ ID NO.1. The nucleotide sequence of gene encoding the anti-bFGF humanized ds-Diabody is shown in SEQ ID NO.2. By site-directed mutation, two cysteine residues are introduced into VL and VH domain of anti-bFGF Diabody, thus introducing the disulfide bond and form ds-Diabody. It is shown by experiments that the obtained ds-Diabody has the following advantages: enhanced stability; better affinity when binding to the specific antigen bFGF; moderate relative molecular weight, good tumor targeting, more powerful in tumor tissue penetration, and higher blood clearance rate, showing a broad application prospects in the clinic diagnosis and tumor therapy.
US09273130B2
This invention provides an antibody targeting a cancer antigenic protein specifically expressed on the surface of cancer cells and use thereof in a therapeutic and/or preventive agent for cancers. Specifically, this invention provides an antibody or a fragment thereof which has immunological reactivity with a partial CAPRIN-1 polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 or an amino acid sequence having 80% or higher sequence identity to the amino acid sequence, and a pharmaceutical composition for treatment and/or prevention of cancers, comprising the antibody or fragment thereof as an active ingredient.
US09273124B2
The present disclosure relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind poly-γ-D-glutamic acid (γDPGA), which is present on the surface of Bacillus anthracis. The disclosure also provides chimeric forms of the monoclonal antibodies, humanized forms of the monoclonal antibodies, and fragments thereof, as well as nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and fragments thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies are also disclosed herein. The disclosure further provides prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods of using the disclosed antibodies.
US09273116B2
There is provided a fusion protein comprising albumin and retinol-binding protein, which can be used for preventing or treating fibrotic diseases. The fusion protein, in which albumin and a retinol-binding protein (RBP) are bound together, induces the formation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets in stellate cells and returns the shape of activated stellate cells to the previous shape thereof before activation. Therefore, the fusion protein can be effectively used in preventing or treating fibrotic diseases occurring in the liver, pancreas, lungs, or other organs.
US09273113B2
The present invention is directed to novel chimeric VEGF receptor proteins comprising amino acid sequences derived from the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors flt-1 and KDR, including the murine homologue to the human KDR receptor FLK-1, wherein said chimeric VEGF receptor proteins bind to VEGF and antagonize the endothelial cell proliferative and angiogenic activity thereof. The present invention is also directed to nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding these chimeric VEGF receptor proteins, host cells harboring such expression vectors, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising such proteins, methods of preparing such proteins and to methods utilizing such proteins for the treatment of conditions associated with undesired vascularization.
US09273106B2
The invention provides FGF21 mutant polypeptides with reduced proteolysis and aggregation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.
US09273105B2
A protein isolated from the Chinese yam Dioscorea opposita that stimulates estrogen and progesterone release in vitro and in vivo but does not stimulate the proliferation of breast and ovarian cancer cells is disclosed. The protein exhibits anti-osteoporotic activity in vivo. Also provided are the procedure for isolation and purification of the protein and the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the protein.
US09273099B2
Novel polypeptides and methods of making and using the same are described herein. The polypeptides include cross-linking (“hydrocarbon stapling”) moieties to provide a tether between two amino acid moieties, which constrains the secondary structure of the polypeptide. The polypeptides described herein can be used to treat diseases characterized by excessive or inadequate cellular death.
US09273094B2
The present invention relates to modified opiorphin peptides as new inhibitors of metallo-ectopeptidases.
US09273090B1
Methods for the production of unicellular photosynthetic organisms capable of producing cell adhesion proteins are disclosed. DNA constructs as well as methods for integration of the DNA constructs into the genomes of unicellular photosynthetic organisms for the expression of cell adhesion proteins are also disclosed.
US09273084B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable form thereof; wherein R1,R2,R3,R6,R7,R12,Ra, and Rb are as defined herein, and G is a group of Formula (a), (b), or (c): Formula (II), wherein X1; X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, Y, RC, Rd, Rz, a, d, e, x, n, and m are as defined herein. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I), kits comprising such compositions, methods of use and treatment, and preparative methods.
US09273079B2
An organometallic complex emitting blue phosphorescence which can be manufactured inexpensively is provided. An organometallic complex in which nitrogen at the 1-position of a 5-aryl-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivative is coordinated to a Group 9 metal or a Group 10 metal, the aryl group is bonded to the Group 9 metal or the Group 10 metal, and the 5-aryl-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivative is a 3-aryl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivative is provided. The organometallic complex emits green to blue phosphorescence and has a cost advantage.
US09273071B2
Disclosed are compounds and methods of making said compounds comprising a zinc oxide molecule chemically bound to one or more molecules having an acidic hydrogen, such as an organic acid. The invention also provides compositions comprising such compounds and methods of preparing such compounds. The compounds of the invention may be provided in, for example, topical skin formulations, pharmaceutical compositions, or delivery systems for active ingredients.
US09273067B2
The disclosure generally relates to compounds of formula I, including compositions and methods for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The disclosure provides novel inhibitors of HIV, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods for making and using these compounds in the treatment of HIV infection.
US09273064B2
Compounds of the general formula I wherein each of m and n is independently 0 or 1; R1 and R2, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a heterocyclic ring comprising one or two heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulfur, —S(O)— and —S(O)2—; R3 is —CHF2, —CF3, —OCHF2, —OCF3, —SCHF2 or —SCF3; X is a bond, —CH2—, or —NH—; A is aryl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocycloalkyl or heterocycloalkenyl, optionally substituted with one or more, same or different substituents selected from R4; and R4 is hydrogen, amino, thioxo, alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, haloalkoxy, halogen, oxo, thia, or hydroxy; or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates or solvates thereof, have been found to exhibit PDE4 inhibiting activity, and may therefore be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and disorders.
US09273057B2
The invention provides compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The Formula (I) imidazotriazines inhibit protein kinase activity thereby making them useful as anticancer agents.
US09273050B2
Provided is a compound having at least one selected from the group consisting of cell growth promoting activity, angiogenesis promoting activity, lumen formation promoting activity, cell migration promoting activity, and neurocyte growth promoting activity, which is a chemically stable low-molecular-weight substance that has high absorbability and can be supplied stably at a low cost because of its low molecular weight. A cyclobutyl purine derivative, a tautomer or stereoisomer thereof, or a salt, solvate, or hydrate thereof according to the present invention is a cyclobutyl purine derivative represented by the following general formula (1), a tautomer or stereoisomer thereof, or a salt, solvate, or hydrate thereof.
US09273030B2
Provided are novel salts of benzimidazole derivatives, preferably salts of benzimidazole derivatives which are useful intermediates in the synthesis of pure 1-methyl-2-[N-[4-(N-n-hexyloxycarbonylamidino)phenyl]aminomethyl]benzimidazol-5-yl-carboxylicacid-N-(2-pyridyl)-N-(2-ethoxycarbonylethyl)amide and its salts.
US09273024B2
A dimeric aluminum(salen) catalyst of formula I: wherein: (a) at least one R group is selected from L-A, and/or (b) at least one of X group is a divalent C3-7 heterocyclene group, containing a ring atom which is a quaternary nitrogen atom paired with a counterion selected from Cl, Br and I; and/or (c) at least one X group is a C2-5 alkylene chain or a C1-3 bisoxyalkylene chain, substituted by a group -Q-L-A; and/or (ii) (a) one R group is L-A′, or (b) one X group is a divalent C3-7 heterocyclene group, containing a ring atom which is a quaternary nitrogen forming part of an ammonium linking group bound to a solid support and paired with a counterion selected from Cl, Br and I; or (c) one X group is a C2-5 alkylene chain or a C1-3 bisoxyalkylene chain, substituted by a group -Q-L-A′.
US09273023B2
A method for the synthesis of carbon-based structures, particularly graphene substructures and ribbons, from oligo- and poly-alkyne starting materials.
US09273019B2
There is provided a process for manipulating the amount of alkyl alcohol in a product stream, e.g., such as an alkylene oxide product stream. More particularly, and in contrast to conventional processes wherein substantially all of the alkyl alcohol must be separated and desirably recycled, in the present process, a greater amount of alkyl alcohol may be allowed to remain in a partially refined alkylene oxide product stream. The residual alkyl alcohol is subsequently substantially entirely reacted to form a downstream product, e.g., a glycol ether, which is more easily separated from the alkylene oxide product stream. Indeed, the amount of alkyl alcohol in the partially refined alkylene oxide product stream can be selected based upon the output of glycol ethers, if desired.
US09273014B2
Disclosed are compounds of Formula (I) and/or salts thereof: wherein R1 is —CH2CH2CF3; R2 is —CH2CH2CF3 or —CH2CH2CH2CF3; R3 is H, —CH3, or Rx; R4 is H or Ry; Ring A is phenyl or pyridinyl; and Rx, Ry, Ra, Rb, y, and z are defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds to inhibit the Notch receptor, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds. These compounds are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases or disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas, such as cancer; or as prodrugs of such compounds.
US09273004B2
A method of forming a structure having selectively placed carbon nanotubes, a method of making charged carbon nanotubes, a bi-functional precursor, and a structure having a high density carbon nanotube layer with minimal bundling. Carbon nanotubes are selectively placed on a substrate having two regions. The first region has an isoelectric point exceeding the second region's isoelectric point. The substrate is immersed in a solution of a bi-functional precursor having anchoring and charged ends. The anchoring end bonds to the first region to form a self-assembled monolayer having a charged end. The substrate with charged monolayer is immersed in a solution of carbon nanotubes having an opposite charge to form a carbon nanotube layer on the self-assembled monolayer. The charged carbon nanotubes are made by functionalization or coating with an ionic surfactant.
US09272996B2
A compound for use in treating polycystic kidney disease is represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of treating polycystic kidney disease in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Methods of treating in polycystic kidney disease in a subject in need thereof respectively comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US09272985B2
The invention relates to a novel hydroxyphenyl compound, to the preparation of the compound and intermediates used therein, to the use of the compound as an antibacterial medicament and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
US09272979B2
A process for separating esters of vinyl alcohol from a gas stream comprising from 70 to 99.5% by weight of ethylene and from 0.5 to 30% by weight of esters of vinyl alcohol being at a pressure in the range of from 0.5 MPa to 10 MPa and a temperature in the range of from 5° C. to 50° C.; and a process for copolymerizing ethylene and esters of vinyl alcohol in the presence of free-radical polymerization initiators at pressures in the range of from 110 MPa to 500 MPa and temperatures in the range of from 100° C. to 350° C. in a continuously operated polymerization apparatus comprising such a process for separating esters of vinyl alcohol from a gas stream comprising from 70 to 99.5% by weight of ethylene and from 0.5 to 30% by weight of esters of vinyl alcohol.
US09272965B2
A process for the conversion of an alcohol to an olefin is disclosed. The process may include: contacting at least one C2 to C5 alcohol with an organic acid in the presence of an esterification catalyst to convert at least a portion of the at least one C2 to C5 alcohol and the organic acid to an ester; at least one of catalytically and thermally degrading the ester to form an organic acid and an olefin.
US09272960B2
The present invention relates to methods for preparation of lycopenes, especially to lycopenes with high all-E contents or high 6Z contents from C15-Wittig slats mixtures. (with high all-E-contents and high 6Z-contents, respectively). C15-Wittig slats mixtures are purified and 6Z-C15-Wittig salts are extracted from the mixtures. The extracted 6Z-C15-Wittig salts are, used in the synthesis of lycopenes with high 6Z contents and the residues are used in the synthesis of lycopenes with high All-E contents.
US09272955B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a ferrite magnetic material capable of providing a permanent magnet in which high Br and HcJ are kept, and which has a high Hk/HcJ. A ferrite magnetic material in accordance with a preferred embodiment has a ferrite phase having a hexagonal structure and has a main composition represented by Ca1-w-x-yRwSrxBayFezMmO19 (R is at least one element of rare earth elements (including Y) essentially including La, and Bi, and M is at least one element of Co, Mn, Mg, Ni, Cu, and Zn essentially including Co), where 0.25
US09272953B2
Hydraulic cements, such as Portland cements and other cements that include substantial quantities of tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium aluminate (C3A), and/or tetracalcalcium alumino-ferrite (C4AF), are particle size optimized to have increased reactivity compared to cements of similar chemistry and/or decreased water demand compared to cements of similar fineness. Increasing hydraulic cement reactivity increases early strength development and release of reactive calcium hydroxide, both of which enhance SCM replacement and 1-28 day strengths compared to blends of conventional Portland cement and one or more SCMs, such as coal ash, slag or natural pozzolan. Decreasing the water demand can improve strength by decreasing the water-to-cement ratio for a given workability. The narrow PSD cements are well suited for making blended cements, including binary, ternary and quaternary blends.
US09272936B2
A process for treating waste includes reacting an organic feedstock in a reactor. The organic feedstock is part of a reaction mixture that includes a first oxidizing acid (e.g., sulfuric acid) and nitric acid. The weight ratio of solids in the organic feedstock to the total of the first oxidizing acid and the nitric acid is at least 0.2. The weight ratio of solids in the organic feedstock to the first oxidizing acid is at least 0.3. The weight ratio of solids in the organic feedstock to the nitric acid is at least 0.5.
US09272920B2
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
US09272909B2
The present disclosure relates to a porous carbon particle of which a pore size can be controlled by using a copolymer that allows selective cross-linking of a polymer particle and selective carbonization of a polymer particle, and a producing method of the porous carbon particle and a photo electrode including a porous layer containing the porous carbon particle and a dye-sensitized solar cell including the photo electrode.
US09272908B2
An apparatus for removing contaminants from a gas stream includes a reaction chamber for receiving the gas stream; a gas-liquid contact assembly disposed in the reaction chamber; a sump disposed in the reaction chamber beneath the gas-liquid contact assembly, the sump containing a liquid scrubbing agent; a first inlet in communication with the sump for providing a reactive species to the liquid scrubbing agent in the sump for producing an oxidizing solution; a second inlet in communication with the reaction chamber for providing the gas stream to the reaction chamber; and a feed line having a first end in communication with the sump and a second end in communication with the reaction chamber above the gas-liquid contact assembly for dispensing the oxidizing solution to contact the gas-liquid contact assembly.
US09272905B2
A method of optimizing steam methane reforming in a multiple cell, down-fired furnace. The method includes the steps of introducing hydrocarbons and steam to a plurality of catalyst filled process tubes, combusting gases through a plurality of center cell down-fired burners at a burner discharge velocity of V m/s, and a mass flow rate of 1 kg/s, combusting gases through outer cell down-fired burners at a burner discharge velocity of 1.5V-2V m/s and a mass flow rate of 0.5-0.65 kg/s, and finally discharging combustion products from the outer cell down-fired burners and the center cell down-fired burners at a substantially uniform momentum.
US09272902B2
A resistance heating composition including a silicon emulsion particle, a carbon nanotube, and an aqueous medium.
US09272897B2
A portable storage unit for a fuel additive such as DEF comprising: a housing including a tray support and a cover; a container disposed in the lower area for containing a fluid; a first heating element disposed between an inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the container; a fluid pump removable attached to the tray for pumping fluid from the container to a nozzle and for being removed from the tray to pump fluid from an external fluid source into the container; an intake hose connected to a coupler providing fluid communications between the container and the fluid pump.
US09272894B2
Easily serviced and hygienically maintained liquid supply system. A liquid storage vessel switching device switches between vessels to supply liquid uninterruptedly. Provided in a first connection tube is a liquid cutoff device, including a loop section, for switching the system between allowing/cutting-off supplying of liquid to a dispenser through the first connection tube. Utilizing the liquid cutoff device eliminates, along the first connection tube, intervening conventional valves having structural components that come in direct contact with the supplied liquid, and on which sponges or other cleaning elements might get caught. The inner wall of the first connection tube may thus be cleaned readily with a sponge or the like. Beverages such as beer thus can easily be kept hygienically and served.
US09272884B2
A telescopic boom (10) suitable for a material handling vehicle is provided. The boom comprises two telescopic sections. One end (12a) of an inner tube element (12) is telescopically slideable in one end (14a) of an outer tube element (14) so that a majority length of the inner tube element can be received therein. An intermediate element (16) is also provided, a first end (16a) of which resides within, and is slideable in, the outer tube element (14). A second end (16b) of the intermediate element is telescopically slideable in the end (12a) of the inner tube element (12) that resides inside the outer tube element. A first stop (20) serves to limit withdrawal of the first end (16a) of the intermediate element from the outer tube element (14), whilst a second stop (18) serves to limit withdrawal of the second end (16b) of the intermediate element from the inner tube element (12). The provision of the intermediate element (16) allows a reduced overlap between the telescopic sections (12,14) thus increased reach.
US09272882B2
A system for detecting a person relative to a passenger conveyor includes a driving circuit for supplying an oscillating drive signal to a first electrode of a capacitive sensor configured to produce an electric field toward a second electrode in response to the oscillating drive signal. A detection circuit is connected to the capacitive sensor, and produces an output as a function of the capacitance of the capacitive sensor, such that the detection circuit senses a change in capacitance of the capacitive sensor, such as when a person enters the electric field between the first and second electrodes. A controller is responsive to the change in capacitance sensed by the detection circuit to selectively adjust an operation mode of the passenger conveyor.
US09272878B2
A shaft access enabling device of an elevator system has a shaft access control unit and at least one access monitoring unit, wherein the shaft access control unit controls an operating state of the at least one access monitoring unit and the access monitoring unit monitors at least one shaft access. The shaft access control unit has at least two different operating modes for controlling the operating state of the at least one access monitoring unit and inspects access authorization before changing between the at least two operating modes thereof.
US09272875B2
A string-guiding structure for an automatic curtain-reeling device has an arc guiding frame pivotally attached at an entrance for a string corresponding to a connecting pin to extend the string via a limiting space defined between the arc guiding frame and the connecting pin. Therefore, the string is trimmed and depressed to avoid being seized caused by over-rebound or swing of the string and to make the string to work smoothly.
US09272874B1
A system for deploying and retrieving hose used in fluid transportation in hydraulic fracturing operations that is easy to operate. The system for deploying and retrieving hose used in fluid transportation in hydraulic fracturing operations includes a mounting plate configured to move about a slide rail system secured to a support structure and an apparatus for loading and unloading hose that is secured to a top of the mounting plate. The apparatus can rotate 360 degrees.
US09272871B2
A device and a method for holding a shaft, preferably a winding shaft, hold the shaft in a clamping jaw. A lever, which is rotationally supported about a first axis, is moved in reference to the shaft.
US09272863B2
A sheet feeding device having; a mounting portion capable of accommodating a stack of sheets; a blowing device that blows air onto the stack placed in the mounting portion, thereby floating at least a top sheet from the stack; a suction/transportation mechanism that includes a suction belt provided above the mounting portion and attracting the top sheet floated by the blowing device to transport the attracted sheet toward a transportation path; an image pickup device disposed so as to capture an image of the floated top sheet and the next sheet therebelow; and an illuminating device that emits light toward an area to be captured by the image pickup device. The light emitted by the illuminating device illuminates a plane in a direction approximately normal thereto, the plane including the closest end surface of the stack of sheets to the image pickup device.
US09272861B2
A sheet feeding unit includes a supporting member configured to rotatably support a rotary feeding member, a first retaining member configured to push the supporting member upward from the underside to retain the rotary feeding member at a waiting position, and a second retaining member protruding on the underside of the supporting member when the first retaining member retains the supporting member. The retention of the supporting member by the first retaining member is released in association with the mounting of a sheet storage portion in the mounting position, and then the retention of the supporting member by the second retaining member is released.
US09272860B2
A sheet feeding apparatus, in which a feeding roller can take a feeding and retracted positions through a simple configuration, and an image reading apparatus, and an image forming apparatus including the same. The sheet feeding apparatus includes an original stack tray, a pickup roller, a pickup arm, a separation shaft of a separation roller which is connected to the pickup roller and rotates the pickup arm, a driving motor which is connected to the shaft, and a weight member which is supported to the pickup arm on a side opposite to the pickup roller. When the driving motor is driven, the pickup arm is rotated to a feeding position to feed an original. When transmission of a driving to the shaft is blocked, the pickup roller is rotated to a retracted position by the weight member.
US09272857B2
A sheet stacking apparatus includes a base member, a sheet stacking portion on which sheets are stacked, and a biasing portion configured to bias the sheet stacking portion.The sheet stacking portion is swingably supported by the base member, and the biasing portion biases the sheet stacking portion such that a swing angle is reduced.
US09272847B2
An apparatus for transporting packages from an inlet to an outlet includes a closed transport path having a package transport route and a puck return transport route, an inlet, an outlet, transport elements that are rotatable in a circulation direction and that are adjacent to each other in the transport direction of the packages, and pucks for carrying a package from the inlet to the outlet. After release of the packages at the outlet, the pucks return to the inlet via the puck return transport route. The puck return transport route and the package transport route are in transport planes offset from each other in a vertical direction. The two transports are formed by common transport elements.
US09272846B2
A chute apparatus for conveying objects by gravity from at least one higher floor to at least one lower floor of internally a building includes one or more sets of discrete sections having passages which form an elongated conduit which may pass through one or more floors inside the building. The passage of one section of each set section decreases in transverse cross section in a given longitudinal direction and a passage of one of the other sections increases in transverse cross-section by a substantially corresponding amount. Two sections of each set couple telescopingly to permit their longitudinal span to be selected and/or adjusted in the field.
US09272840B2
The present invention is an alignment device for a bag containing one or more ports. The alignment device is attached to either the one or more ports or to the bag adjacent the one or more ports. The plate has an indicator or a unique outer edge shape that is designed to fit into a corresponding unique opening in a holder to ensure proper alignment of the bag and its port(s) in the holder. The plate is has a series of holes equal to and in alignment with the one or more ports of the bag and the port(s) extend through the holes of the plate.
US09272835B2
A squeeze container includes a concave storage portion in which a content is stored, a sheet-shaped elastic body arranged to cover an opening portion of the storage portion, pressurization mechanism configured to swell the elastic body to the storage portion side with gas pressure, and a delivery passage which provides communication between the inside and outside of the storage portion and which delivers the content squeezed by the elastic body to the outside. The pressurization mechanism is structured to be capable of gradually swelling the elastic body by repeating squeezing with a hand and releasing thereof.
US09272833B2
Packages (10) for storing, displaying and housing consumable products (18) without loss of product quality and methods of using same are provided. The packages (10) may be shallow enough to promote self-feeding while still allowing for upright display of the package (10). In a general embodiment, the packages (10) of the present disclosure include specific shapes, sizes and/or depths that provide complete coverage of consumable products (18) with sauces, preservatives, juices etc. (20) while still providing functional advantages to a consumer and/or user of such packages (10) who is learning to self-feed. In addition, the consumer product packages (10) having specific shapes, sizes and/or depths also provides for marketing and aesthetic advantages.
US09272825B2
An “anti-drip” cap for a deformable bottle including a base, connecting with the bottle, covered by a cover, including an outlet opening, the cap being movable between a sealing and locking configuration corresponding to a first angular position and a low vertical position of the cover, an intermediate configuration for venting the cap by an escape element corresponding to a second angular position and the low vertical position of the cover, and a dispensing configuration of the cap corresponding to the second angular position and a high vertical position of the cover in which the outlet opening is released, the cap passing from the intermediate configuration to the dispensing configuration once the cover is moved by the pressure of a product supplying the base, and returning to the intermediate configuration when the cover is returned under the effect of an elastic return element interposed between the cover and the base.
US09272824B2
A flex hinge closure with a drain-back channel includes a base portion having a dispensing aperture, a raised pour lip formed along a perimeter of the dispensing aperture, a raised rib forming a closed shape surrounding the raised pour lip, and a drain-back channel defined by a space between the raised pour lip and the raised rib. The drain-back channel collects excess material dispensed via the dispensing aperture and drains the excess material back to a receptacle. The closure further includes a cap portion hingedly connected to the base portion. The cap portion rotates relative to the base portion about the hinged connection between a closed position in which the cap portion covers the dispensing aperture and an open position in which the cap portion uncovers the dispensing aperture.
US09272822B2
A dispensing closure assembly for a container includes a main body member which is adapted, in use, to be releasably affixable to the container, that main body member including a dispensing outlet and a control member, releasably associated with the main body member, and closure member which is releasably associated with both the main body member and the control member such that movement of the control member allows for selective and controlled movement of the closure member between respective end positions into, and out of, engagement with the dispensing outlet of the main body member.
US09272809B2
A wooden water tank for a building has a tank wall, a tank bottom and a wooden dividing wall across the tank defining at least two water compartments. There are attachments between the foregoing parts, and leak preventing connections between parts. The dividing wall is a sequential series of staves or boards extending horizontally and pressed secured together for leak prevention.
US09272808B2
A foldable packaging which may include a die-cut form that is initially substantially planar and foldable to provide a container that can be assembled having a fastening mechanism that is removable for additional uses.
US09272805B2
In one embodiment the present invention comprises a smartphone and encoders for commissioning RFID transponders. The present invention further includes novel systems, devices, and methods for commissioning RFID transponders with unique object class instance numbers without requiring a realtime connection to a serialization database.
US09272804B2
A method and apparatus are provided for automatic bundle transport, positioning, wrapper entry, wrapper opening, wrapper loosening, wrapper removal and wrapper dunnage takeaway. The wrapper is made from pliable material, thin film or similar material and which can comprise a variety of package types and sizes of mail, media or other items. Additionally the method and apparatus of the invention performs the tasks of wrapper removal and discharge without damaging the item contents within. A bundle unwrapping machine according to the invention includes a conveyor by which bundles are presented to the unwrapping machine for opening. An opening mechanism includes a pair of openers positioned to engage a bundle on opposite sites. The bundle is transported into an opening zone in which it is supported for engagement with the openers.
US09272800B2
A cigarette packaging machine provided with a wrapping wheel to wrap products in wrapping sheets. The wrapping wheel has peripheral pockets to receive the products and the wrapping sheets, a first loading station to load the products in succession into the peripheral pockets, and a second loading station to load, in succession, first wrapping sheets of the wrapping sheets into the peripheral pockets. The wrapping wheel also has a third loading station to load, in succession, second wrapping sheets of the wrapping sheets into the peripheral pockets, thus reducing the bulk of a packaging machine.
US09272796B1
An automatic drug packaging machine and package-less verification system together with methods and apparatus. In embodiments, the system may include an automatic drug packaging machine for packaging one or more drug into ones of separate pouch packages forming a pouch package web. Each pouch package may include information, a machine-readable code, and have a side through which each packaged drug is viewable. An imager adjacent the web is provided to capture an image of each packaged drug within the pouch package. In embodiments, a code reader adjacent the web may read the pouch package machine-readable code. The code reader may be associated with the imager. In an embodiment, the machine-readable code is compared with an expected code for the pouch package and image information of each packaged drug within the pouch package is compared with a reference image corresponding to each packaged drug for a match. In such embodiment, data may be generated for the pouch package responsive to whether the codes match and whether the images match to provide a verification of the pouch package if the comparisons match and, alternatively, a non-verification of the pouch package if at least one of the comparisons do not match.
US09272795B2
Propylene polymer based packaging films for encapsulating hot melt adhesives are disclosed. The packaging films are readily miscible with the various hot melt adhesive chemistries during the melting stage without deleteriously affecting the adhesive properties, making the packaging film particularly well suited for packaging hot melt adhesives in a pillow, cylinder, pouch, block, cartridge and like forms.
US09272778B2
A hybrid helicopter includes a rotary wing, two half-wings with respective propellers, and an engine installation continuously driving the rotary wing and the propellers by meshing with a mechanical interconnection system. A piloting assistance device for the hybrid helicopter is configured to determine maximum mean pitch (βmax) applicable to the propellers without exceeding the power available for the propellers. The piloting assistance device is configured to determine the maximum mean pitch (βmax) as a function of the current mean pitch of the blades of the propellers as measured in real time, a maximum power that can be delivered by the engine installation, a current power being delivered by the engine installation, and a relationship determining a power gradient (GRD) as a function of pitch for the propellers.
US09272777B2
A cooling system using one or more heat pipes rotating about a central axis to transfer heat energy from one medium to another. The heat pipes are oriented within a rotating member such that the axis of the heat pipe is non-coaxial with that of a central axis of the rotating member. Centrifugal forces are used to assist the movement of the working fluid within the heat pipe. The cooling system also includes heat pipes associated with a planetary carrier assembly and supplemental heat exchangers for use in aircraft and other machinery.
US09272775B2
A breaker strut of an aircraft landing gear, including means to adjust the length of at least one of its lower and upper portions and/or a space allowing a nesting of the lower and upper portions in the folded position of the strut. A landing gear including such a strut and/or retraction means including two slider-crank mechanisms which are phase shifted by a non-zero angle φ allowing a reduction of the variations of torque C applied to the undercarriage of the gear as it moves between the lowered and raised states of the latter.
US09272763B2
A watercraft lift assembly is provided. The watercraft lift assembly may include a frame, a pair of opposing cantilever arm assemblies and a lifting system. The frame may include a plurality of vertical posts and overhead elements forming a generally simple cubic lattice frame defining a watercraft operational envelope. Each cantilever arm assembly may include a pair of cooperating cantilever arms. Each cantilever arm may be generally L-shaped having a horizontal arm portion and a vertical arm portion slidably secured to an adjacent vertical post. Each horizontal arm portion may include a housing for slidably receiving an extension element. On each cantilever arm assembly, a cantilever bunk may be pivotably connected to the ends of the cooperating extension elements so as to operably engage the bottom surface of various watercrafts when the pair of cantilever arm assemblies moves from a low position to a raised position under the power of the lifting system.
US09272759B2
A sliding fin for a surfboard includes a base having a planar tab with an upper flange, a large fin piece having a first indentation, and a small fin piece for mating face-to-face with the large fin piece. The second fin piece has a second indentation that forms a channel that has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the planar tab and upper flange, the channel being longer than the width of the planar tab, the small fin piece being translucent to enable the planar tab in the channel to be seen, the large and small fin pieces being slidable relative to the base on the planar tab.
US09272758B2
A method for offshore overboarding a structure on a vessel for subsequent lowering the structure to the sea floor, is using a crane (13) to lift the structure at its storage place on a deck of the vessel and move it by means of the crane to a position free of the vessel before lowering it into the sea. During at least a part of the overboarding movement of the structure (1), the structure (1) is forced to follow a track (2) along the deck of the vessel. Two apparatus for performing the method are also presented.
US09272755B2
The present invention relates to a coupling system for coupling two floating structures together. The coupling system is able to accommodate the relative rotational and translation motions between the two floating structures without becoming disconnected. Furthermore, the coupling system has an engagement and disengagement mechanism that may be implemented remotely and efficiently.
US09272753B2
A hull locating arrangement for a multi-hulled vessel having a body at least partially suspended above at least a first and a second hull by support components is disclosed. The hull locating arrangement comprises, for a hull, a first locating linkage and a second locating linkage to together constrain the hull in the lateral, longitudinal, roll and yaw directions relative to the body. The first and second locating linkages are longitudinally spaced, and the first locating linkage includes a first part and a second part, one of the parts of the first locating linkage being pivotally connected to the body about a body end pivot axis, and the other of the parts being pivotally connected to the hull about a hull end pivot axis. The first locating linkage is also arranged to permit relative motion between the first and second parts along at least one sliding axis to thereby permit the first locating linkage to vary in length between the body end pivot axis and the hull end pivot axis. The support components include a first support component adjacent the first locating linkage, the first support component including a first support element providing a support force supporting a portion of the body above the first hull. The support force of the first support element has a line of action that is within thirty degrees of parallel to a first linkage plane extending through the body end pivot axis and the hull end pivot axis.
US09272737B2
A vehicle lower structure includes: a passenger compartment front wall lower portion separating a vehicle-body front portion and a passenger compartment; and a tunnel portion extending toward a vehicle rear side from a central part of the passenger compartment front wall lower portion in a vehicle width direction and projecting toward a vehicle upper side relative to a vehicle body floor. The tunnel portion includes: a rear tunnel constituent portion, a sectional shape thereof perpendicular to an extending direction of the tunnel portion being a semipolygonal shape; and a front tunnel constituent portion, the front tunnel constituent portion being adjacent to a vehicle front side of the rear tunnel constituent portion, a sectional shape thereof perpendicular to the extending direction of the tunnel portion being a semipolygonal section and the number of corners thereof being larger than the number of corners of the rear tunnel constituent portion.
US09272736B1
Vehicle structures for dissipating and distributing energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a rocker support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, where the rocker support is positioned outboard of the side support in a vehicle lateral direction, a torque box extending in the vehicle lateral direction, a dash panel coupled to the torque box, where the dash panel comprises an engine room barrier portion extending upward from the torque box and a floor attachment portion extending downward from the torque box, and a reinforcement member positioned between the side support and the rocker support, where the reinforcement member is spaced apart from the side support and the rocker support, and where the reinforcement member is coupled to the engine room barrier portion and the floor attachment portion of the dash panel.
US09272734B2
A cowl top cover of the present invention provides that hardly applies influence when a dimension error occurs to a component, on sealability between the cowl top cover and a bonnet hood, a performance of a washer nozzle. The cowl top cover of the present invention includes at least one bent part that is formed to be bent in a mountain-like and a valley-like shape in a vehicle height direction as viewed in a cross section orthogonal to a vehicle widthwise direction, and the bent part includes a flexural deformation structure with which it is possible to allow a locally flexural deformation in a vehicle lengthwise direction in the bent part and to enable expansion and contraction of a distance in the vehicle lengthwise direction between a locking pawl part disposed at first end of the cowl top cover and a seal member fixation part disposed at second end of the cowl top cover.
US09272732B2
A method for determining a rack force for a steering apparatus of a vehicle, in which the rack force is determined as a function of a steering angle variable which characterizes an actual wheel steering angle or a set point of the wheel steering angle. In order to specify a method for determining a rack force, with which a target steering torque can be generated such that a comfortable steering feel is imparted to the driver and the steering apparatus nevertheless gives the driver feedback that is as realistic as possible regarding the motion state of the vehicle, the method comprises: determining a variable which characterizes a lateral force on a shaft of the steering apparatus, and determining the rack force as a function of the lateral force, wherein the determination of the rack force comprises a filtering by means of a signal processing element having a proportional-differential transfer function.
US09272729B2
Front wheels (6L, 6R) a steering operation of which is possible by a steering mechanism (12) are mounted on a vehicle body (2). Steering cylinders (22L, 22R) of the steering mechanism (12) extend and contract in response to an operation of a steering handle (27) provided in a cab (5) to perform the steering operation of the front wheels (6L, 6R). The steering mechanism (12) is provided with a rotation angle sensor (28) for detecting a steering angle θ of the left front wheel (6L) and a proximity switch (29) for detecting whether or not the front wheel (6L) is in a straight-ahead state. A controller (30) determines that the rotation angle sensor (28) or the proximity switch (29) is abnormal when the steering angle (θ) detected by the rotation angle sensor (28) is different from the detection result by the proximity switch (29).
US09272726B2
The invention relates to an adjustable safety steering column for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one clamping device (100) which, for the purpose of fixing the length of the adjustable steering column (10), has a torsion spring (130) which clamps a casing tube (110) for a steering shaft (110) at a position that can be adjusted by way of releasing the torsion spring (130), the casing tube being inserted in the clamping device (100). At least in the vicinity of one end of the torsion spring (130) at least one stop element (141, 142, 143) is arranged, against which the torsion spring (130) strikes during an axial displacement (V) of the casing tube (110) which is directed toward the receiving tube, whereby the coil of the torsion spring (130) assumes an oblique position, which can be limited. An adjustable crash function is thus implemented.
US09272723B2
A small container partitioned into two sections—one for housing a pair of retractable cords and the other half for housing a packet containing sanitizing material. Each of the sections have empty spaces therein and are conjoined together via click-and-lock hinges. The empty spaces between two sections when conjoined, they together house the protective covering sleeve. In operation, a user engages a cart handle by attaching the device thereto, and can detach the two sections from each other easily. The two sections when separated deploy the protective covering sleeve over the surface of the handle, providing a sanitary surface for the user to grip.
US09272721B2
A user configurable horizontal brake feature for a railroad crossing gate. The braking feature will maintain lowered crossing gate arms in the horizontal position when a train is approaching and until it is the proper time to raise the gate arms (e.g., after the passing of the approaching train).
US09272720B2
Information processing apparatus, communication terminal, information processing method, and program
Accident information determination server apparatus, when receiving a request from mobile communication terminal operated by a requester, specifies a train line, a terminal location, a moving direction, and a car number where mobile communication terminal that has made the request resides. Then, accident information determination server apparatus determines an impact of the accident represented by the accident information has on the requester who moves from the terminal location in the specified moving direction. Accident information determination server apparatus transmits a data that associates the accident information with the determined result on the accident information to mobile communication terminal.
US09272719B2
A railcar handling system is disclosed that includes an indexing unit having a plurality of dog carriages, serially aligned in fixed spaced relation, each carriage carrying a railcar axle-engaging dog and a railcar wheel sensor and a hydraulic operating system including a hydraulic cylinder for moving the plurality of dog carriages in unison in a reciprocating ratcheting manner and operating said axle-engaging dogs. A control system is provided to coordinate the operation of the railcar handling system.
US09272716B2
An anti-theft device for use with a locomotive horn is disclosed. An angled L-shaped bracket of the anti-theft device has a horizontal portion that is connected to an anti-theft or tamper proof fastener used to attach a base of the horn to the locomotive. A vertical portion of the bracket receives a shackle portion of a padlock for connection with and locking on the bracket. A bushing is placed on the shackle portion of the padlock over the anti-theft fastener to limit slack of the padlock relative to the bracket. When assembled with the locomotive horn, the anti-theft device at least partially covers the anti-theft fastener such that access to and/or removal of at least the anti-theft fastener is substantially prevented. Thus, theft of the horn is reduced and/or prevented.
US09272713B1
A device, system and method for establishing, determining compliance and ongoing monitoring of a user in the operation of a machine based on predetermined restrictions. The system is useful for a motor vehicle and, more particularly, to comply with user restrictions in teen driving, the presence of passengers, time of day, curfew, range and location, speed, sobriety and the like, An ignition interlock is engaged if one or more sensors that monitor the presence of the vehicle operator, passengers inside the vehicle compartment, and other operational compliance parameters established for the vehicle is out of compliance, and disengaged if compliance is verified.
US09272699B2
In a driving device of a vehicle provided with driving sources, an input shaft rotatable due to driving force of the driving sources, a continuously variable transmission mechanism that shifts the rotation of the input shaft to be transmitted to an output shaft, and a start clutch for switching presence/absence of driving force transmission from the output shaft to a downstream side; when a ratio of the continuously variable transmission is on a lower ratio side than a predetermined threshold value, the output torque control means for controlling the output torque of the driving sources perform control to restrict the upper limit of output torque of the driving sources to a value smaller than the upper limit when a ratio is on the higher ratio side than the threshold value.
US09272697B2
Regenerative torque is limited for a hybrid electric powertrain of a vehicle. A transmission controller determined torque limit is validated by a vehicle controller. The vehicle controller validates the torque limit using, individually or in combination, an actual status of a torque converter clutch, a detected status of the torque converter clutch, or a speed of the vehicle.
US09272694B2
A hydraulic braking system includes: a cylinder device including a pressurizing piston, a rear chamber, and a front pressure chamber on opposite sides of the pressurizing piston; a brake cylinder coupled to the front pressure chamber; a regulator including a control piston, an input chamber provided at a rear of the control piston, and an output chamber coupled to the rear chamber in front of the control piston; and an input-hydraulic-pressure control device including a high-flow-rate supply unit configured, when an operation of the regulator is started, to supply the working fluid to the input chamber at a set flow rate; and a low-flow-rate supply unit configured, when the supply is finished, to supply the working fluid to the input chamber at a flow rate less than the set flow rate.
US09272688B2
Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.
US09272683B2
An airbag 10 includes at least one panel 12 defining an interior 104/102 of the airbag, and a divider 100 positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into an upper chamber 102 and a lower chamber 104. A valve mechanism 200 is operatively coupled to the divider 100 for restricting a flow of gases from the lower chamber 104 into the upper chamber 102. The valve mechanism 200 includes one or more valves 200 with a desired aggregate opening(s) and located in predetermined location(s) thereby affecting a designed inflation profile. The divider 100 has an arcuate length Ld, measured between two divider airbag attachment points 100d and 100a, greater than a corresponding linear horizontal airbag length La, measured between the same two attachment points. The passenger side airbag 10 for each unique vehicle is designed by iteratively reconciling the requirements of FMVSS208 with the present airbag design.
US09272681B1
A knee airbag can be deployed from a side panel of a vehicle to cushion the lower leg of a vehicle occupant during a collision event. Such knee airbags can provide protection to occupants that move in a forward and outboard direction during a collision event. In some circumstances, the knee airbag includes one or more chambers.
US09272674B2
A wire harness continuity inspection method includes: specifying a first certain electrical wire and a second certain electrical wire of which one end is connected to the other end of the first certain electrical wire, described in the first region-based connector/wiring information, and regarding them as a single electrical wire; referring to auxiliary device-based wiring information to obtain a first terminal of a first electrical component and a second terminal of a second electrical component connected by a circuit line, which are described in the auxiliary device-based wiring information; referring to the region-based connector/wiring information to specify a first electrical wire of which one end is connected to the first terminal of the first electrical component, described in the region-based connector/wiring information; and determining whether the terminal connected to the other end of the first electrical wire is identical to the second terminal of the second electrical component.
US09272673B2
The present invention relates to a system consisting of a roof liner and a cassette, a method for producing the roof liner, and a method for securing a roof liner to a cassette, in particular a sliding-roof cassette.
US09272661B2
A vehicular lamp angle-adjusting mechanism includes a driving unit having a motor and a motor gear connected with the motor, a transmission unit having a transmission gear shaft and a middle gear connected with the transmission gear shaft, and an output unit. The motor gear is engaged with the middle gear so that the motor in operation can transmit power to the transmission gear shaft. The output unit has an output gear engaged with the transmission gear shaft and an output shaft connected with the output gear so that the transmission gear shaft can drive the output gear to force a vehicular lamp to pivot through the output shaft. As a result, the vehicular lamp angle-adjusting mechanism provided by the present invention is structurally simplified and space-saving.
US09272659B1
An auxiliary vehicle lamp operation system that detects interruption of DC current flow by a PIC microprocessor, which is Hall Effect device, based upon a decrease in the magnetic flow to a failing dim headlight bulb which, then, activates a power width modulation transistor which, in turn, activates an N channel power MOSFET, through which the microprocessor pulses the output thereof at approximately a 50% duty cycle to the bright headlamp bulb, permitting illumination output of the bright headlamp approximately the same as normal output of the dim headlight bulb. Upon detection of the failing dim headlight bulb, a visual indicator is provided by at least 3 one-quarter second flashes of the dim headlight bulb. Activation of the bright headlamp switch provides a normal rate of current to the bright headlamp bulb regardless of the detection of interruption of the magnetic field of current flow to the dim headlight bulb.
US09272653B2
A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a compound angle joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. When in a transport position, the upper auger assembly portion is offset from the lower auger assembly portion by a transport offset angle such that the upper auger assembly portions folded across the front of the grain cart in a non-obstructive and non-protruding manner.
US09272647B2
A seat climate control system includes a seat body having a first body surface and a second body surface opposite and spaced apart from the first body surface. The seat body defines an interior volume. The seat climate control system further includes at least one thermoelectric module at least partially disposed within the interior volume of the seat body. The thermoelectric module is configured to facilitate heat transfer upon receipt of electrical energy. The seat climate control system further includes at least one thermally conductive member disposed along the first body surface. The thermally conductive member is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric module. The thermally conductive member is configured to transfer heat between the thermoelectric module and a surface in contact with the thermally conductive member.
US09272640B2
A modular seat assembly having an elongate support spine extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end is provided. A seat portion is connected to a front side of the support spine, and each of the seat portion and the support spine includes one of a complementary pair of interlocking portions. The interlocking portion of the seat portion slides onto the interlocking portion of the support spine over the first end. The modular seat assembly further includes an end cap lockably disposed over the first end that prevents the seat portion from sliding off the support spine.
US09272637B2
A structure for reinforcing a seat mounting portion of a vehicle body may include a floor panel having a tunnel portion that protrudes in a height direction of a vehicle, side sill members extended in a length direction of the vehicle and coupled to the floor panel at both left and right sides in a width direction of the vehicle, a seat inner member coupled to the tunnel portion, a seat cross member extended in the width direction of the vehicle and having an outer tip portion coupled to the side sill members and an inner tip portion coupled to the seat inner member, a seat outer member coupled to the outer tip portion of the seat cross member and attached to the side sill members and the floor panel, and a reinforcing member inserted into the seat outer member to reinforce rigidity.
US09272636B2
Work vehicle for transmitting drive power from an electric motor to a propelling transmission system
A work vehicle comprising, a power unit, an electric motor activated by electric power from the power unit, a propelling transmission system for receiving drive power from the electric motor, a cabin including a roof portion the driver rides, an air conditioner for adjusting air temperature in the interior of the cabin. the power unit and the air conditioner are provided in the roof portion of the cabin.
US09272629B2
A power system switching between a charge-discharge function and a driving function and an electric vehicle including the same are provided. The power system includes a power battery; a charge-discharge socket; a bidirectional DC/DC module; a driving control switch connected with the power battery and the bidirectional DC/DC module; a bidirectional DC/AC module connected with the driving control switch and the power battery; a motor control switch connected with the bidirectional DC/AC module and a motor; a charge-discharge control module connected with the bidirectional DC/AC module and the charge-discharge socket; and a controller module configured to establish a path between the power battery and the motor when a current operation mode of the power system is a driving mode, and to establish a path between the charge-discharge socket and the power battery when the current operation mode of the power system is a charge-discharge mode.
US09272622B2
A projection system including a projection screen and a projection apparatus is provided. The projection screen has a plurality of optical microstructures. The optical microstructures are arranged along a first direction. The projection apparatus is capable of moving relative to the projection screen along the first direction. The projection apparatus includes an illumination unit, a light valve, and a projection lens. The illumination unit is capable of providing an illuminating beam. The light valve is disposed on a transmission path of the illuminating beam. The light valve is capable of converting the illuminating beam to an image beam. The projection lens is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam. The projection lens is capable of moving relative to the light valve along a second direction and projecting the image beam on the projection screen. The first direction and the second direction are opposite directions.
US09272619B2
The invention relates to a powertrain for a motor vehicle having a permanently driven primary axle, comprising: a drive unit for the generation of a drive torque; a first clutch for the transfer of a variable portion of the drive torque to a secondary axle of the motor vehicle; a second clutch for the deactuation of a torque transfer section of the powertrain arranged between the first clutch and the second clutch when the first clutch is opened; and a control unit for the automatic control of the first clutch, with the control unit being connected to at least one sensor for the detection of a wheel slip at the primary axle; with the control unit being made, starting from a deactuated state of the torque transfer section, to close the second clutch in dependence on a detected wheel slip at the primary axle.
US09272618B2
A misfuelling prevention device for a filler neck of a fuel tank includes a tubular element with an inflow side and an outflow side and a closure element, which, when in an open state, permits a flow of fuel through the outflow side, and, when in a closed state, prevents a flow of fuel through the outflow side. In a shell surface of the tubular element there is formed at least one opening which permits a flow of fuel from an inner side of the tubular element through to an outer side of the tubular element. The tubular element can be mounted such that at least a part of the shell surface in which the at least one opening is formed is arranged spaced apart from an inner surface of the filler neck such that fuel flowing through the at least one opening can flow via the filler neck into the fuel tank.
US09272613B2
An inner cowl and a radiator upper cowl surround a radiator cover. An air guide is provided inside a radiator. A first air duct sends traveling air flow to the radiator while a second air duct, spaced laterally inwardly from the radiator, bypasses the radiator and sends cool traveling air flowing toward a driver's legs via a slit provided in a rear radiator cover.
US09272601B2
Provided is a vehicle air conditioner which includes a simple water-proofing structure that is capable of preventing flooding of a vehicle cabin from mating surfaces, etc. of expansion-valve covers and top and bottom divided cases of an air conditioning unit (HVAC unit) without employing a water-proofing cover, or the like. In a vehicle air conditioner in which expansion-valve covers (6 and 7) that are horizontally divided into two parts are provided at an outer surface side of top and bottom divided cases of an air conditioning unit disposed in the vehicle cabin so as to bridge mating surfaces of the cases; an expansion valve can be disposed inside the expansion-valve covers (6 and 7); and, in addition, the interior of the expansion-valve covers (6 and 7) communicates with an engine compartment via an opening provided in a toe board, step portions (11) in which inner surface sides (9) are made lower and outer surface sides (10) are made higher are formed at the top and bottom mating surfaces of the expansion-valve covers (6 and 7).
US09272598B2
A vehicle suspension assembly including a first end, a second end, and a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is movable between a retracted position providing the vehicle suspension assembly with a first overall length, and an extended position providing the vehicle suspension assembly with a second overall length greater than the first overall length. The vehicle suspension assembly is configured to raise a vehicle when moved from the first overall length to the second overall length by the hydraulic actuator. The vehicle suspension assembly is configured to lower the vehicle when moved from the second overall length to the first overall length by the hydraulic actuator.
US09272596B2
A method of adjusting an air suspension system comprises detecting with a positioning system that the vehicle is approaching a park location and reporting the park location is approaching to an electronic control unit for the air suspension system. A vehicle speed is determined and compared to a predetermined speed threshold, with the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit selects a park mode for the suspensions system when the vehicle is approaching the park location and when the vehicle speed is below the predetermined threshold. Air supply for the air suspension system is controlled to adjust the corner assemblies for the air suspension system to lowered positions associated with the park mode.
US09272593B2
One variation may include a product comprising a top mount for a strut having a first inner strut rod attachment component comprising a metal, a second strut attachment component having at least a portion received in the first strut rod attachment component, a resilient or elastomeric material interposed between the first inner strut rod attachment component and the second inner strut rod attachment component, the second inner strut rod attachment component being constructed and arranged to receive a strut rod. One variation may include a product comprising a top mount for a strut having an inner strut rod attachment component, a first damping material and embedded in a resilient or elastomeric material, and wherein the first damping material has a greater damping property than the resilient or elastomeric material. One variation may include a product comprising an attachment collar for a strut rod, a microcellular urethane covering at least a portion of the collar.
US09272584B2
The disclosed pneumatic tire (1) comprises a stiffener (31) and a rubber pad (32) which, disposed between a toroidal carcass body (21) and a folded-back carcass portion (22) folded back at a bead core (11), are arranged so as to be oriented radially outwards of the tire from the bead core (11). Further, from the rim baseline (BL), the height KSH to the end (31A) of the stiffener (31), the height OWH to the maximum carcass width (20W), and the height FH to the end (101A) of the rim flange (101) fulfill 0.2≦[(KSH−FH)/(OWH−FH)]≦0.28.
US09272581B2
A pneumatic tire is provided in the outer surface of each sidewall portion with a serrated zone formed by a number of serration grooves extending at an angle of at most 45 degrees with respect to the tire radial direction. Each of the serration grooves has a variable depth such that the deepest point lies between the radially outermost end and innermost end of the serration groove. The deepest point is positioned in a range between 0.2 time and 0.4 times a radial distance Ha from the maximum carcass section width position to the radially outermost end of the tire. As a result, the rolling resistance of the tire can be reduced.
US09272571B2
A drive wheel attachment for a self-propelled irrigation system includes an annular-shaped clamping band assembly having multiple sections that fit around and clamp to existing wheel rims. A plurality of circumferentially spaced, radially extending structures are secured to and extend radially outwardly from the clamping band assembly. A plurality of foot assemblies are attached to the radially extending structures. Each foot assembly includes a first hinge sleeve removably attached to a respective one of the radially extending structures, and a ground engaging foot pad pivotally attached to the first hinge sleeve by a pair of second hinge sleeves and a pivot pin extending through the first and second hinge sleeves. The pivot pin is fixed to the second hinge sleeves and allows rocking movement of the foot pad relative to the radially extending structure about a pivot axis that extends generally parallel to an axial direction of the wheel rim.
US09272566B2
A support structure has a pair of elongate side panels and a pair of end support frame assemblies for maintaining the side panels in a mutually spaced relationship and at an elevation to enable suspension of hanging file folders from the side panels. Each of the side panels includes a top member, a bottom member spaced apart from the top member, and at least one reinforcing member interconnecting the top and bottom members. Each of the top and bottom members has opposite terminal ends each formed as a connecting member having a vertical slot. Each of the end support frame assemblies includes a pair of support legs configured to extend through the vertical slots of the respective connecting members of the side panels and includes at least one transverse support member having opposite terminal ends configured to be releasably mounted to respective ones of the support legs.
US09272554B2
An image processing device includes a storing section configured to store a predetermined dither mask, a defective nozzle detecting section configured to detect a defective nozzle, and an interpolation processing section configured to specify a mask position corresponding to a position of the detected defective nozzle among mask positions included in the dither mask, and alter a threshold of a predetermined mask position so that a dot of the predetermined mask position included in the dither mask becomes ON when a dot of the specified mask position is ON.
US09272546B2
A sheet feeding apparatus includes: a tray storing a sheet and detachably mounted on an apparatus body; a rotatable arm; a roller, provided on the arm, configured to pick up the sheet on the tray; a sensor, provided on the arm, configured to detect a physical property; and a determination unit configured to determine, based on detection by the sensor, at least any of a mounting state of the tray on the apparatus body and at least one of states of the sheet on the tray selected from the group consisting of the presence or absence of the sheet, a remaining amount of the sheet, a type of the sheet, front and back sides of the sheet, and a size of the sheet stored on the tray.
US09272534B2
A printing device for printing on containers in a rotationally-driven container conveying unit by means of which containers are conveyed between at least one container feed location and at least one container removal location, the printing device, and including at least one print head and at least one housing for housing a container. Each housing includes a hollow body, which is partially open at least in a printing area and which is used for accommodating the container, the opening for the printing area defining a front side and a side located opposite the front side defining a rear side.
US09272533B2
To provide an image processing method, including: image recording, wherein an image composed of a plurality of laser drawn lines is recorded by heating by irradiating parallel laser lights on a recording medium spaced by a predetermined distance, wherein, in the image recording, among the plurality of laser drawn lines constituting the image, at least two units of lines drawn with different energy, each composed of a pair of laser drawn lines adjacent to each other and with different irradiation energy, are formed.
US09272517B2
The present invention provides a liquid discharge head that causes less deviation in a discharge direction of a liquid from a direction orthogonal to a discharge hole surface, and a recording device using the liquid discharge head. The liquid discharge head of the present invention includes a discharge hole, a discharge hole surface having an opening of the discharge hole, a pressurizing chamber, and a flow channel connecting the discharge hole and the pressurizing chamber. The flow channel includes a nozzle part and a partial flow channel.
US09272512B2
In a method for printing a functional pattern using a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus applying a recording material on a substrate, the method includes determining a first part and a second part of the functional pattern, and controlling the printing apparatus such to apply a first amount of the recording material per unit area on the substrate to cover the first part and a second amount of the recording material per unit area on the substrate to cover the second part, wherein the first amount is larger than or equal to an amount sufficient to cover the substrate per unit area and the second amount is larger than the first amount. A printing apparatus includes a print head and a control unit. The control unit is configured to have the printing apparatus to execute the method for printing.
US09272504B2
A flexographic printing unit includes an engraved roll, a form cylinder and an impression cylinder. Axes of rotation of the engraved roll and the form cylinder are disposed in a horizontal plane and axes of rotation of the form cylinder and the impression cylinder are disposed in a vertical plane. The printing unit has at least one knee lever system for applying a pretensioning force to the form cylinder. A narrow web label printing press having at least one flexographic printing unit is also provided.
US09272502B2
A device for removing a thin outer layer from the surface of a cartridge or tubular container such as a caulk cartridge for removal of ink, contaminant, adhesive, or printed or stamped label from the outside of the cartridge. The apparatus includes cartridge hopper and a cartridge handling mandrel or plunger which automatically removes a cartridge from the hopper aligning same for insertion of the cartridge axially through the throat of a spinning ring which contains at least one and preferably a plurality of inwardly extending knifes. The spinning knife distal end trims or peels off the label, adhesive, ink, imperfections, or even a thin film from an outer layer of a selected thickness effectively reconditioning the cartridge for reuse to be filled with virgin material or to be used as uncontaminated re-ground material to be sold as scrap.
US09272491B2
A laminate comprising at least one layer of a first thermoplastic resin composition alternately stacked with at least two layers of a second thermoplastic resin composition, so that the outermost layers are the layers of the second thermoplastic resin composition, wherein the first thermoplastic resin composition, comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and modified ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers, and the second thermoplastic resin composition has a different composition from the first thermoplastic resin composition, and wherein, in any adjacent pair of the layer of the first thermoplastic resin composition and the layer of the second thermoplastic resin composition, the layer of the first thermoplastic resin composition and the layer of the second thermoplastic resin composition have a specific tensile modulus ratio and a specific thickness ratio.
US09272487B2
The present application relates to a method for producing a composite body comprising a flexible decorative material for use as decorative trim having a visible surface in a motor vehicle. The method comprises first joining a plurality of material pieces to form a material block, and then severing one or more composite bodies from the material block. The severing is carried out such that the severed composite body contains several of the material pieces. Thereafter, the severed composite body is applied to a visible surface of a decorative trim.
US09272484B2
In at least one embodiment, a plastic article comprises a first plastic layer having a periphery and defining a cavity. An expanded polymer particle core is formed in-situ and heat-bonded to the cavity. The expanded polymer particle core has an apparent bulk density ranging from 1 lb/ft3 to 20 lb/ft3. The article supports a dynamic load or static load exceeding 1.3 lbf/in2.
US09272472B2
A method of shaping an aspherical optical element is provided that includes the steps of fastening an optical element blank to a ring, the blank presenting an optical surface that is to be shaped and a surface referred to as a rear surface; applying forces and moments to the ring in order to deform the optical element and its optical surface, which element is fastened to the ring; using abrasion to shape said deformed optical surface so as to restore a spherical or planar shape thereto; and extracting the blank from the ring so as to release the stresses deforming said shaped optical surface so as to allow it to acquire the desired aspherical shape. The method also includes the step of fastening the blank to the ring is performed by bonding the optical surface or the rear surface to a surface of the ring with a layer of adhesive.
US09272470B2
The method of fabricating an aircraft part comprises the steps of placing in a stack comprising a preform at least one layer of a material that presents permeability to a predetermined resin that is less than the permeability of a portion of the preform that is the closest to the layer; and placing a resin presence sensor on a side of the layer that is remote from the preform.
US09272465B2
A high-quality, fire-resistant, decorative finish for panels made of composite material, such as aircraft interior panels. Starting with a flat or complex contoured panel, a flame-retardant filler primer is applied to the panel surface. This filler primer is then sanded to a very smooth solid surface. In a separate process, a polymeric film is printed with a desired pattern or image. The polymeric film is then bonded to the primed panel surface using an adhesive. The non-printed side of the polymeric film is bonded to the panel. A thin highly durable polymeric coating (clear or tinted) is then applied to the exposed printed side.
US09272464B2
The invention relates to an article (10) made of a shape memory composite material (12) comprising a shape memory polymer (14) and a magnetic material (16) embedded therein, said shape memory polymer (14) after thermomechanical programming being capable of undergoing at least one temperature-induced transition from a temporary shape into a permanent shape, as well as to a method for the production thereof and a method for retrieving stored shapes.It is envisaged that the article (10) has at least two directly or indirectly interconnected sections (18, 20) which differ by a different surface-to-volume ratio (S/V).
US09272455B2
A sealing arrangement between hot runner components includes a sealing component positioned between a first hot runner component and a second hot runner component having a molding material channel extending therebetween. The sealing component includes an opening through which the molding material channel extends. The sealing component is received in a bore in the second hot runner component such that a portion of the sealing component projects beyond the second hot runner component to create a gap between the first hot runner component and the second hot runner component. The sealing component has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the second hot runner component and less than a hardness of the first hot runner component. Further, the sealing component has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is proximate to a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second hot runner component.
US09272452B2
A substantially constant pressure injection molding method and machine that forms molded parts by injecting molten thermoplastic material into a mold cavity at a substantially constant pressures. As a result, the mold cavity is filled with molten thermoplastic material by advancing a continuous flow front of thermoplastic material from a gate to an end of the mold cavity.
US09272451B2
A method for producing a body of a passenger car is provided. A plurality of body components are connected to each other, the body components are provided at least in part with a plastic. The body is produced in a combined internal high pressure forming and injection molding process.
US09272449B2
An exemplary method for making a lens array requires an imprinting mold and a substrate. A blob of molding material is applied on each molding section of the substrate. First alignment marks, and second alignment mark of the imprinting mold aligned with third and fourth alignment marks on each one of the imprinting regions, respectively. The imprinting mold is pressed on the molding material on the imprinting region. The pressed portions of the imprinting region are solidified to obtain lenses in the imprinting region. The imprinting mold is pressed on another one of the imprinting region, and the imprinting mold is removed. This process is repeated for each other imprinting region. Thus, a large-scale lens array is obtained.
US09272436B2
A method of reusing an existing emblem from a vehicle. The method includes the steps of providing the identification of the existing emblem. From there, the dimensional characteristics of the existing emblem can be determined. The determined dimensional characteristics are then turned into a plurality of perforations through an adhesive sheet so that they correspond to the dimensional characteristics of the existing emblem. The existing emblem can then be applied to the adhesive sheet, and in turn, can be attached to a vehicle by way of the adhesive sheet. An entire library of templates corresponding to the dimensional characteristics of a plurality of existing emblems can be created.
US09272431B2
A method is provided for removing a polarizing sheet with a tool that includes a handle including a main body forming therein a channel for receiving adhesive dissolving liquid, a piston device mounted inside the channel, and a guide tube mounted on the main body, and a blade mounted to the handle. The guide tube has an end in communication with the channel and an opposite end positioned on the blade to guide the adhesive dissolving liquid from the channel to the blade. The polarizing sheet is removed by lifting up a portion of the polarizing sheet and placing the blade against bonding adhesive between the polarizing sheet and a substrate to which the polarizing sheet is attached to allow the adhesive dissolving liquid to be guided by the guide tube toward the blade for subsequently flowing toward and dissolving bonding adhesive.
US09272428B2
New methods, devices and measuring devices for slicing food are required for solving problems that occur with existing methods and devices and/or for reacting to changes to the food product being sliced. The devices include a blade for slicing food comprising a blade edge and a recess. The recess has a center point and may be employed for mounting and centering the blade on a slicing device. At least one dimension, D, of the recess is a length or diameter of the recess and preferably is at least 140 mm and at most 450 mm. The blade edge preferably has a radius, R, measured from the blade edge to the center point of the recess. The ratio of R/D preferably is less than 2.0 for every point on the blade edge.
US09272424B2
A gripper (1) for a contact lens comprises a gripper head (2) having a bearing surface (21) for the contact lens (L) to adhere thereto. The gripper (1) further comprises an ejector (23) for mechanically displacing the contact lens, at least partially, away from the bearing surface (21). Also a process for transporting a contact lens (L) from a start location to a destination location, comprising the steps of providing the gripper (1) and positioning the gripper head (2) of the gripper at the start location with its bearing surface (21) adjacent to the contact lens (L) at a distance sufficiently close to the contact lens (L) to cause the contact lens to adhere to the bearing surface (21), moving the gripper (1) together with the contact lens (L) adhered to the bearing surface (21) to the destination location, and actuating the ejector (23, 24) in order to mechanically displace the contact lens (L) at least partially from the bearing surface (21) until the contact lens comes into sufficient contact with a receiving liquid at the destination location in order to release the contact lens (L) from the gripper (1).
US09272422B2
A grasping method is by a grasping apparatus that is provided with a grasping portion that has a plurality of pawl portions, and a plurality of contact portions that are provided on portions of the plurality of pawl portions, which contact a workpiece, and that are able to be hardened. The grasping method includes conforming the contact portions to an outer shape of a master workpiece that has an outer shape that is able to deform the contact portions to a shape for positioning the workpiece; hardening the contact portions in a state conformed to the outer shape of the master workpiece; positioning the workpiece; and grasping the positioned workpiece with the grasping portion by hardening the contact portions while keeping the contact portions in the shape conformed to the outer shape of the workpiece.
US09272413B2
A conveying system according to an embodiment includes a robot and a controller. The controller includes a switching unit. The robot includes an arm unit formed of a hand and a plurality of arms connected rotatably with respect to one another, and a base unit. An arm on a rear end side is connected to the base unit rotatably about a rotation axis, and the hand is rotatably connected to an arm on a front end side. The switching unit switches cylindrical coordinate control for controlling the arm unit such that a trajectory of the hand overlaps with any one of lines radiating from the rotation axis and rectangular coordinate control for controlling the arm unit such that the trajectory of the hand overlaps with none of the lines at a predetermined timing.
US09272411B1
A creeper (10) includes a longitudinally extending pad (11) having a body portion (12), a headrest (13) at one end of the body portion (12) and an extension (14) at the other end of the body portion (12). A frame (15) carries the pad (11) and includes longitudinally extending laterally spaced side rails (16, 17) positioned at the lateral periphery of the pad body portion (12), and laterally extending longitudinally spaced cross rails (18, 19) positioned at the longitudinal periphery of the pad body portion (52). Support rails (21, 22) are carried by the cross rails (18, 19) and are positioned at the periphery of the headrest (13) and at the periphery of the pad extension (14), respectively. Caster assemblies (25) are located outside of the profile of the pad (11), and a cover (30) is positioned over each caster assembly (25). The caster assemblies (25) are attached to the cover (30) with an extension (34) of the side rails (16, 17) positioned therebetween.
US09272401B2
Disclosed is a spanner tool for mounting or dismounting components, which comprises a control piece (2), a connecting piece (1) and a rotating piece (3). The connecting piece (1) is hinged with one end of the control piece (2) and one end of the rotating piece (3) respectively. An angle β formed between the control piece (2) and the connecting piece (1) is less than an angle α formed between the rotating piece (3) and the connecting piece (1) when the control piece (2) and the rotating piece (3) respectively rotate to limit positions at different sides of the connecting piece (1). The spanner tool is practical and reliable. The spanner tool is convenient and rapid-in-use. The spanner tool can be folded for portability when not in use. Additionally, locking tightness of the tool can be adjusted by adjusting a nut.
US09272390B2
A pad conditioning tool includes a sapphire substrate with a specific orientation plane, wherein the specific orientation plane is selected from a group consisting of a-plane, c-plane, r-plane, m-plane, n-plane and v-plane, the sapphire substrate further defining a mounting surface; and a plurality of sapphire dressing particles and a plurality of scrapers formed on the mounting surface of the substrate in a predetermined geometric arrangement, wherein the dressing particles are scattered between an adjacent pair of the scrapers. In case a wafer polishing pad is conditioned by the dressing particles of the pad conditioning tool, the scrapers are capable of removing abrasive waste and particles from the wafer polishing pad during a dressing operation, thereby forming new trenches and cilia structure on a polishing surface of the wafer polishing pad.
US09272386B2
A polishing head for a chemical-mechanical polishing system includes a carrier head, at least one electromagnetism actuated pressure sector and a membrane. The electromagnetism actuated pressure sector is disposed on the carrier head. The membrane covers the electromagnetism actuated pressure sector.
US09272383B1
The surface preparation apparatus includes a motor-powered wheeled vehicle and a grinding head assembly. The grinding head assembly may oscillate relative to the direction of the travel of the vehicle. The weight applied to the surface by the grinding head assembly may be varied from the weight of the grinding head assembly to zero.
US09272373B2
A positioning device for assembling parts on a structure is disclosed. More specifically, the positioning device is designed for assembling fixed brackets to an aircraft structure. A laser projector is fastened directly on the rigid aircraft structure; its position is therefore stable in relation to the latter, even if the structure undergoes slight deformations. The position of the projector is determined accurately by utilizing targets, which are also fastened to the primary structure. A method for implementing the positioning device is also disclosed.
US09272370B2
Laser etching antenna structures (AS) for RFID antenna modules (AM). Combining laser etching and chemical etching. Limiting the thickness of the contact pads (CP) to less than the skin depth (18 m) of the conductive material (copper) used for the contact pads (CP). Multiple antenna structures (AS1, AS2) in an antenna module (AM). Incorporating LEDs into the antenna module (AM) or smartcard (SC).
US09272368B2
The present disclosure provides an improved welding process for joining two components of which at least one comprises a brass alloy. In one exemplary embodiment, an intermediate part that includes a metal material different from a brass alloy may be arranged between the components such that it is in contact with the components in marginal regions. The intermediate part may then be heated during the welding process such that it enters into a connection having material continuity with the components in the marginal regions.
US09272365B2
A superalloy substrate, such as a turbine blade or vane, is fabricated or repaired by laser beam welding to clad one or more layers on the substrate. Laser optical energy is transferred to the welding filler material and underlying substrate to assure filler melting and adequate substrate surface wetting for good fusion. Energy transfer is maintained below a level that jeopardizes substrate thermal degradation. Optical energy transfer to the filler and substrate is maintained uniformly as the laser beam and substrate are moved relative to each other along a translation path by varying the energy transfer rate to compensate for localized substrate topology variations.
US09272354B2
The present invention relates to the provision of a cylinder apparatus that is able to maintain a superior join condition, and has: a cylindrical cylinder (11); an end portion member (12) that is placed on the end portion side of the cylinder (11); and a weld portion (13) that fixes an outer circumferential side of the cylinder (11), when this has been engaged with an inner circumferential side of the end portion member (12), to one end of the end portion member (12) by means of a weld, wherein abutting portions (21), which abut in the circumferential direction against a contact portion (60) of the end portion member (12) and notch portions (20) are provided alternatingly in the circumferential direction on the end portion side of the cylinder (11), and the notch portions (20) form communicating passages (69) that connect the weld portion (13) to an inner circumferential side space (67) inside the cylinder (11) or end portion member (12).
US09272347B2
In one embodiment, a reciprocating tool includes an elongated spindle configured to reciprocate along its lengthwise axis, a wobble drive mechanism operably connected to the elongated spindle, an elongated rocker assembly having an upper end portion operably connected to the spindle, a lower end portion, and a pivot located between the upper and lower end portions, and a counterweight operably connected to the lower end portion, such that as the elongated spindle reciprocates along its lengthwise axis, the counterweight is driven by the elongated rocker assembly to reciprocate along the axis.
US09272343B2
A tool for machining a workpiece, in particular a milling tool, is presented. The tool incorporates a shank which is drivable rotatably about a longitudinal axis and is fixable to a tool holding fixture. The tool further incorporates a plate holding fixture that is arranged on one end of the shank, a support plate having at least one internal thread, a cutting element with at least one cutting edge, and at least one fastening element which is provided with an external thread that is adapted to the at least one internal thread.
US09272337B2
A method of forming a bore through a workpiece with a drill by monitoring drill orientation and bore position; and adjusting drill path as necessary. Adjusted the drill path includes selectively applying an axial impulse to the drill when the drill is in a designated azimuthal orientation. Drill orientation and bore position are monitored with an acoustic transmitter and receiver disposed adjacent an outer surface of the workpiece. The acoustic transmitter and receiver are moved at the same rate at which the drill axially progress through the workpiece, so that they are aligned with the bottom of the bore.
US09272336B2
A cutting insert according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper surface, a side surface, and a first cutting edge located at an intersection of the upper surface and the side surface. The upper surface includes a pair of raised parts located opposite to each other with a perpendicular bisector of the first cutting edge interposed therebetween. A top of each of the pair of raised parts includes at least two protrusions oriented toward a direction along the perpendicular bisector in a top view. Each of the at least two protrusions includes a first protrusion located on a side closest to the perpendicular bisector, and a second protrusion which is located on a side further away from the perpendicular bisector than the first protrusion, and is located at a higher position than the first protrusion. A cutting tool including the cutting insert, and a method of manufacturing a machined product by using the cutting tool are also provided.
US09272325B2
An environment servo type clean metal casting mold has a casting mold body with an ingate. The casting mold body includes a cold bottom mold plate and a peripheral mold plate that is connected with the cold bottom plate. The peripheral mold plate is provided with a vertical temperature break servo device. The temperature of the vertical temperature abrupt servo device contacting with the cooling metal varies in the vertical direction, hence the liquid metal has rapid heat emission, crystallization and solidification.
US09272322B2
A feeding device (10) comprises: a support frame (12); an annular-shaped rotary frame (13); paired feeding rollers (15, 161) for nipping a strip-shaped member therebetween; a rotating motor (M1) for rotating the rotating frame (13); a feeding motor (M2) for rotating at least one (15) of the feeding rollers; and a driving force transmission mechanism (17) comprising a rotatable member relatively rotatable with respect to the rotating frame (13). The rotating frame (13) is rotated by driving of the rotating motor (M1) through a roller or a gear, and the at least one feeding roller (15) is rotated by the feeding motor (M2) through the driving force transmission mechanism (17), so that the strip-shaped member (100) is fed out in the form of a given helical configuration.
US09272319B2
A machining tool, such as a forming, embossing, punching or pinching tool carries at least two tool elements at radial external faces for processing sheet metal. The tool elements are fixed to a tool body, either as separate pieces or integrated therein, and the tool body is rotatably supported in a receptacle. The tool body is rotatable about a rotation axis which is not perpendicular to the sheet metal during processing.
US09272316B2
An apparatus for keeping a slotted tubular liner in axial alignment with a seamer head through which it is passing adjusts the spatial position of the seamer head in response to inputs from liner centerline sensors. The seamer head is mounted on a seamer head carrier that is vertically movable relative to a seamer head frame, which in turn is horizontally movable relative to a base structure. A programmable logic controller is programmed to continually poll the liner centerline sensors to determine the position of the seamer head relative to the liner, and to instruct vertical and horizontal axis positioners to move the seamer head as necessary to make the seamer head's rotational axis substantially coincident with the centerline of the liner as the liner passes through the seamer head.
US09272311B2
A system for cleaning a fiber cap including a first fixture configured to hold the fiber cap, the fiber cap having an internal cavity with an opening therein. The fiber cap also includes a first axis generally aligned with the central axis of the fiber cap and internal cavity, a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, and a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes. The system further includes a second fixture configured to hold a particulate collecting member (1) to receive and hold an electrical charge and (2) for insertion into the opening of the fiber cap. Also included with the system is a first camera positioned to provide a view of the fiber cap held in the first fixture and the particulate collecting member held in the second fixture in the direction of the third axis of the fiber cap and a second camera positioned to provide a view of the fiber cap held in the first fixture and the particulate collecting member held in the second fixture in the direction of the second axis of the fiber cap.
US09272310B2
A liquid processing apparatus includes a substrate holding unit and an elevating member provided to ascend/descend with respect to the substrate holding unit. The substrate holding unit includes a holding base, and a first engagement member and a second engagement member which are provided to be movable in the holding base, and moved between an engaging position where the member is engaged with the peripheral edge of the substrate and a releasing position where the member releases the substrate. When the first contact unit connected to the first engagement member is in contact with a first portion to be contacted, the first engagement member is located at the engaging position. When the second contact unit connected to the second engagement member is in contact with a second portion to be contacted at a lower position than the first portion, the second engagement member is located at the engaging position.
US09272305B2
A compound delivery applicator comprising a substantially conical portion comprising a first end configured to couple to a compound receptacle and an applicator blade comprising a first portion extending outwardly along a longitudinal axis of and from a second end of the substantially conical portion, the first portion comprising a first side edge and a second side edge each forming an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the substantially conical portion and a scraper comprising a recessed channel along an edge of the scraper. The device further comprises a substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel extending along the longitudinal axis of and internally through at least a portion of the substantially conical portion, the substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel further extending through the scraper of the applicator blade and configured to pass a compound therethrough and a flow control button located within the recessed channel.
US09272301B2
Non-contact method and apparatus for Drying, Conditioning, Shaping and Manipulating of sheet fed Media. These functions are performed either on one side, or simultaneously or delayed one from the other on both sides, of the Media. For Drying, the energy applied is minimized to that necessary to supply latent heat of vaporization permitting use in, for example, low cost printers. No friction is introduced in the transport path enabling high speed, reliable Media transport. A region is established between Media and Platen wherein heat, support, and chemical or other processing may occur in a controlled way. Relatively few, inexpensive, and small parts are needed lowering the cost, energy, and space requirements for performing the various functions allowing for new applications in many fields. Media is supported a specific distance from a Platen by a balance of Fluid forces. The Media and the Platen bound a region in which forced convection greatly enhances process rates otherwise be limited by diffusion. The method and apparatus described is particularly suitable for high speed, low cost, inkjet printing.
US09272300B2
Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor light-emitting device that emits white light by forming a phosphor layer on an emission surface of the semiconductor light-emitting device at a wafer-level. The method includes: forming a plurality of light-emitting devices on a wafer; thinning the wafer, on which the plurality of light-emitting devices are formed; disposing the thinned wafer on a carrier film; and forming a phosphor layer on an emission surface of the plurality of light-emitting devices on the wafer.
US09272286B2
A wear element system, primarily for rock, stone and gravel handling equipment. includes a plurality of wear elements received in support rails. The support rails being fastened to surfaces of the equipment. Side edges of two adjacent wear elements are received in one of the support rails. The wear elements and support rails are shaped to fasten the wear elements in the support rails by means of wedge elements. The wedge elements are pushed down between the wear elements inside the support rails.
US09272280B2
Provided are devices, systems and methods for evaluation of hemostasis. Also provided are sound focusing assemblies.
US09272271B2
A method of producing a catalyst composition is provided, the method comprising mixing (i) a first component comprising a zeolite, and (ii) a second component comprising a homogeneous solid mixture containing at least one catalytic metal and at least one metal inorganic support, wherein the first component and the second component form an intimate mixture, and wherein the homogeneous solid mixture is produced by mixing a reactive solution comprising a precursor of the metal inorganic support and a templating agent with a precursor of the catalyst metal, and calcining the mixture to form the homogeneous solid mixture. The templating agent affects one or more of pore size, pore distribution, pore spacing, or pore dispersity of the metal inorganic support. The pores of the solid mixture produced after calcination may have an average diameter in a range of about 1 nanometer to about 15 nanometers.
US09272268B2
The invention provides a composite catalyst containing a first component and a second component. The first component contains nanosized gold particles. The second component contains nanosized platinum group metals. The composite catalyst is useful for catalyzing the oxidation of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and other pollutants at low temperatures.
US09272256B2
A process is disclosed for treating a hydrocarbon stream including flowing the hydrocarbon stream through a hydrocarbon treating vessel, heating a portion of the hydrocarbon treating vessel to a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined amount of time and controlling sensitization of the portion of the interior surface of the hydrocarbon treating vessel.
US09272255B2
The combustion device according to the invention produces gases containing CO2 and water vapor and comprises a circulating fluidized bed reaction chamber (1, 2), a separator (10, 20), heat recovery means of which a part is situated in a dense fluidized bed (12, 12a, 22), wherein the part located in the bed of the heat recovery system(s) is composed of catalyst tubes (120, 120a, 220) through which a gas mixture flows. The gas mixture is composed of natural gas and/or naphtha or refinery gas or two or more of these gases. The gas undergoes reformation which converts it into a synthesis gas containing hydrogen. The fact of the catalyst tubes being situated in the dense fluidized bed made up of ashes from the combustion allows the catalyst to be reheated in a homogenous manner and the reforming reaction of the natural gas mixture to be stimulated.
US09272243B2
A method of removing gaseous organic sulfide contaminants from gaseous mixtures is provided where the method includes dissolving the organic sulfide contaminants in a solution of an acid-based catalyst to permit cleavage of the sulfur atom from the organic sulfide molecule, such that the cleaved sulfur atom can be further reduced electrochemically to elemental sulfur or alkali metal polysulfides.
US09272242B2
A high cyclic capacity carbon dioxide scrubbing process contacts a gas stream containing carbon dioxide in a sorption zone with a liquid scrubbing solution of a low molecular weight sterically hindered amine, particularly a secondary alkanolamine or aminoether at a high concentration, typically at least 3.5M and at a temperature of at least 30° C. to sorb the carbon dioxide into the solution and form a rich stream of the sorbed carbon dioxide in the solution in the form of dissolved amine carbamate and/or alkanolamine bicarbonate. The rich stream is then passed from the sorption zone to at least one regeneration zone and the sorbed carbon dioxide is desorbed as gas from the solution to form a lean solution containing a reduced concentration of sorbed carbon dioxide relative to the rich stream; the lean stream is then returned to the sorption zone for a further sorption cycle.
US09272241B2
A combined cleaning system to be used in a wet scrubber process for reducing SOX and NOX in exhaust gases from a combustion engine comprises an Exhaust Gas Cleaning (EGC) scrubber and an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) scrubber. The combined cleaning system further comprises a scrubber water circulation tank arranged to circulate scrubber water in an EGC scrubber process loop between the scrubber water circulation tank and the EGC scrubber and in an EGR scrubber process loop between the scrubber water circulation tank and the EGR scrubber. The EGR scrubber process loop comprises an arrangement for supply of a first alkaline agent to the flow of scrubber water and a first separator unit to separate particulate matter from the circulated scrubber water.
US09272240B2
The invention relates to a regenerative thermal postcombustion plant (24) used for purifying exhaust gas comprising hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, particularly for exhaust gas occurring during cement clinker production, by means of which the carbon compound is oxidized and the nitrogen oxides are thermally reduced while feeding in a nitrogen-hydrogen compound at a temperature of greater than 800° C. in the multistage combustion chamber (35).
US09272239B2
Disclosed is a method relating to hydrocarbon production by gasification of carbonaceous material, for example, a two-stage gas washing method as a part of gas refining. Disclosed is a method for hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide removal from synthesis gas produced by gasification. Disclosed is a use of a combination of two chemical wash approaches. The process can be utilized as a part of biomass to liquid (BTL) process.
US09272229B2
The invention provides systems and methods for the pre-concentration of a target molecule from feed solution comprising a low concentration of the target molecule.
US09272218B2
Provided is an information processing system with which a new function can be added without altering an application program itself. The information processing system includes: a first execution information obtaining unit configured to obtain first execution information which indicates an execution state of a first execution unit configured to execute an application program; an execution information storing unit configured to store the first execution information; and the first execution unit or a second execution unit configured to execute the application program, in which the first execution unit or the second execution unit uses the stored first execution information to execute the application program.
US09272213B2
A deposit managing unit 22 receives a game player's deposit command transmitted from a terminal device 12 and deposits virtual currency in a deposit amount specified by the game player according to the received deposit command. In addition, the deposit managing unit 22 prohibits the game player from using the virtual currency deposited by the game player until a predetermined deposit period expires. When a depositing game player deposits virtual currency, a benefit offering unit 24 offers the depositing game player a benefit that gives a higher advantage to the depositing game player in battle until the deposit period expires in comparison to a case where the depositing game player does not deposit virtual currency.
US09272205B2
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with a game program stored thereon, the game program instructing a computer to perform the following processes: a reception process to receive an operational input from a player; and a battle process in which a battle between the player and an opposing character starts based on the operational input by consuming a consumption parameter set for the player, a hit point parameter indicative of an amount of damage that the opposing character can withstand changes through the battle, an outcome of the battle between the player and the opposing character is determined, and when a single operational input is received from the player in the reception process, a recovery process and an attack process are collectively performed, the recovery process being a process to recover the consumption parameter, the attack process being a process to attack the opposing character.
US09272199B2
A system, method and apparatus for training a swing movement of a club includes storing a desired swing data in a measuring device, capturing a training swing data in the measuring device, comparing the training swing data to the desired swing data to determine a set of differential data, outputting a signal to a user corresponding to the set of differential data.
US09272183B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for a wireless exercise monitoring system for interactively monitoring an aspect of exercise, sports, or fitness utilizing a wearable device, such as a watch, eyewear, or smart apparel. The device is equipped with, or connected to, a digital camera. Sensors integrated with, or wirelessly connected to, the wearable internet device record physiological data during exercise and data measuring the amount of exercise performed. The data and visual images from the camera are transmitted to one or more internet servers, and may be shared with other mobile internet devices.
US09272180B2
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus operated in a seated position where foot operated pedals and arm operated handles follow linear paths. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with motion of the feet. The foot pedals and handles are positioned forward the operator to allow easy ingress and egress. The handles and pedals may be operated in unison for rowing exercise or the left handle and pedal may be operated independent of the right handle and pedal for opposing stepping exercise. Adjustable resistance is provided.
US09272179B2
Machines, apparatuses, systems and methods for providing adjustable tension to a cable system using a pivotally mounted leverage mechanism that employs an adjustably positionable weight. Embodiments are used in exercise and other muscle strengthening devices, and may include an electronic control system for monitoring, recording a user's progress, and for altering or releasing tension to the cable system based on feedback from the user. Embodiments include a user interface for inputting information for particular exercises or workouts, as well as outputting/downloading information following exercises or workouts. Other embodiments allow adjustment to the starting point of the lifting bar so that such machines may be used for bench presses, squats, cleans or curls.
US09272166B2
A movable cable loop descent system comprises a cable for forming into a loop, a receiver for attachment to a structure having a receiver pulley for engaging the cable loop, a brake assembly, having a drive pulley for being rotated by the cable loop, the brake assembly for slowing a rate of travel of the cable loop and a carriage supporting a load for attachment to the cable loop at a point and for movement between the structure and the ground. A rotor and substantially parallel conductive frame is mounted on an axle through the drive pulley. Magnets on a surface of the rotor and/or the frame induce eddy currents, as they are relatively rotated, which create a rotational braking force controlling descent of the carriage and load. The brake assembly may be removably positioned by a drive-on anchor. The cable is removable and the system may form a kit.
US09272160B2
Bracytherapy devices include a respective tether attached to a proximal end portion of the strands. The tether can be color-coded to match a color associated with the corresponding strand.
US09272158B2
Magneto-electric nanoparticles in a subject interact with an external magnetic field to cause stimulation of neural networks in the subject. Electric signals in the neural network are coupled to magnetic dipoles induced in the nanoparticles to cause changes in electric pulse sequences of the subject's brain.
US09272157B2
Stimulation of the facial nerve system (e.g., electrically, electromagnetically, etc.) in ischemic stroke patients will cause dilation of occluded arteries and dilation of surrounding arteries, allowing for blood flow to circumvent the obstruction and reach previously-deprived tissue. The device approaches the facial nerve and its branches in the vicinity of the ear. In use, the device can be inserted into the ear canal and/or placed in proximity to the ear in order to stimulate the facial nerve system non-invasively (e.g., using an electromagnetic field). The device can be used in the emergency treatment of acute stroke or chronically variations for long-term maintenance of blood flow to the brain and stroke prevention. Additional embodiments of the device may be adapted for use on different regions of the body.
US09272154B2
A system and method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient. A virtual multipole configuration is defined relative to the plurality of electrodes. The distance between each of a group of the electrodes and a virtual pole of the virtual multipole configuration is determined. A stimulation amplitude distribution is determined for the electrode group based on the determined distances, thereby emulating the virtual multipole configuration. Electrical energy is conveyed from the electrode group in accordance with the computed stimulation amplitude distribution.
US09272148B2
A system and method select a pacing site for a cardiac pacing therapy. A change from a baseline mechanical activity is extracted from a signal of mechanical heart activity during pacing at each one of multiple pacing sites along a heart chamber. A change from a baseline electrical activity is extracted from a signal of electrical heart activity during pacing at each of the of pacing sites. The pacing sites are sorted in a first order based upon the changes in mechanical heart activity and in a second order based upon the changes in electrical heart activity. A pacing site is selected from the multiple pacing sites as a common pacing site between the first order and the second order.
US09272141B2
A handheld facial massage and microcurrent therapy device. The device includes a massage feature that enables the user to provide motorized agitation to a skin-contacting attachment selected from a group of detachable elements. The detachable skin-contacting element includes bristle brushes, massage sponges, smooth and rough applicators, among others. In addition to the motorized agitation from the attachment, the device also includes the ability to apply rejuvenating micro-current therapy to the skin. Both the motorized agitation and micro-current generation are independently user-adjustable in order to achieve the optimum treatment for each individual. Versions of the device that include galvanic current application as well as ultrasonic skin stimulation are available. The device is compact and easy to use so that the non-professional user can self-treat with professional results.
US09272140B2
Described are implantable devices and methods for treating various disorders of the pelvic floor by means of electrical stimulation of tissue volumes at two or more locations adjacent sacral nerves or portions thereof, and/or pudendal nerves or portions thereof. Two or more electrical stimulation regimes are applied on a continuous, alternating, intermittent or other basis to the respective tissue volumes in an amount and manner effective to treat a number of disorders, including, but not limited to, urinary and/or fecal voiding dysfunctions such as constipation, incontinence disorders such as urge frequency and urinary retention disorders, sexual dysfunctions such as orgasmic and erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, prostatitis, prostatalgia and prostatodynia.
US09272139B2
A universal closed-loop functional electrical stimulation system comprising at least one electrode assembly adapted to deliver an electrical stimulation signal to the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, or muscles of a user, a sensor system adapted to detect a mechanical response to a muscle stimulation signal of at least one muscle associated with a muscle group stimulated through the nervous system or proximate to the electrode assembly. An electrical stimulation device operably coupled to at least one electrode assembly and the sensor system, the electrical stimulation device including a control system to automatically receive feedback from at least one characteristic of the muscle from the detected muscle response and adjust at least one parameter of the muscle stimulation signal in real-time and in response thereto and a programmed microprocessor for controlling said electrical stimulation and receiving input from said sensor system.
US09272137B2
Iontophoretic patches for the delivery of anti-migraine compounds and methods of using the patches are described.
US09272136B2
Implantable medical leads include a shield that is guarded at a termination by having a first portion and a second portion of the shield, where the first portion is between a termination of the shield at the second portion and an inner insulation layer that surrounds the filars. The first portion may reduce the coupling of RF energy from the termination of the shield at the second portion to the filars. The first and second portions may be part of a continuous shield, where the first and second portions are separated by an inversion of the shield. The first and second portions may instead be separate pieces. The first portion may be noninverted and reside between the termination at the second portion and the inner layers, or the first portion may be inverted to create first and second sub-portions. The shield termination at the second portion is between the first and second sub-portions.
US09272134B2
A pacemaker includes an electrode line having a lead and an electrode. The electrode includes a carbon nanotube composite structure having a matrix and a carbon nanotube structure located in the matrix. The matrix comprises a first surface and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The carbon nanotube structure includes a first end electrically connect to the lead. The carbon nanotube structure is substantially parallel to the second surface of the matrix. A distance between the carbon nanotube structure and the second surface of the matrix is less than 10 micrometers.
US09272129B2
A slide clamp for use with an infusion pump and infusion set provides finger grips and support members for supporting the infusion tubing. The finger grips make the slide clamp easier to use while reducing the risk of error. The tubing support members reduce the likelihood of improperly loading the tubing and reduce the risk of kinking the tubing during use. An infusion set is provided wherein the slide clamp may be coded through the use of colors, holes, or the like so as to identify the type of infusion tubing used therewith. The infusion pump can identify the code on the slide clamp and thereby determine the type of infusion tubing, and thereby allow access only to infusion programs for drugs or infusion solutions which are compatible with the particular type of infusion tubing.
US09272108B2
An anatomical shaped oxygen face mask with ports allows medical procedures to take place while the mask remains affixed to patient's face covering both mouth and nose. The mask is specially designed to allow the patient to ventilate spontaneously while at the same time allowing access for instruments by means of ports located at the front of the mask. One port may be used for procedures while another port can be used for suctioning of secretion and blood or for providing oxygen.
US09272107B2
The present invention provides a chamber having at least one operator hand access port; the port comprising a port aperture located within the chamber wall; and at least two flexible non-resilient lightweight sealing gas-tight flaps(SFs), disposed the same plane of the port aperture in an overlapping manner, entirely enclosing the port aperture; each of the SFs is defined by a port aperture edge and chamber edges; the chamber edges are anchored to the chamber wall along more than half of the perimeter of the flap, at a distance from the center of the port greater than the radius of the port and beyond its perimeter; the port aperture edge of each flap is stretched across an entire chord of the port aperture; stretched port apertures edges define an interior access zone, disposed the same plane of the port aperture, characterized solely by the port aperture edges.
US09272106B2
Respiratory assistance is provided to a subject in the form of a pressurized flow of breathable gas. The pressure of the gas is eased during expiration and increased during inspiration. Changes in pressure are triggered and/or cycled based on the monitoring of tidal volume. Volume thresholds that cause triggering and/or cycling are adjusted based on an observed or measured breath rate.
US09272104B2
A delivery device for and method of delivering a dose of substance for systemic uptake to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece unit for insertion into a nasal cavity of a subject and comprising an outlet unit which includes at least one nozzle for delivering substance for systemic uptake substantially only to surfaces in one or both of the anterior region and an anterior section of the posterior region of the nasal cavity of the subject; and a substance supply unit which is operable to deliver a dose of substance to the at least one nozzle.
US09272093B2
Dual drug pen-injection device with micro-reservoirs carrying secondary drug for emergency injection
An injection device to deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a first medicament is delivered in settable doses with a first medicament dose delivery mechanism and a second medicament is delivered from micro-reservoirs upon activation of a second medicament delivery system, whereby activation of the second medicament delivery system locks out the first medicament dose delivery mechanism.
US09272092B2
A machine for the automatic preparation of an intravenous medication is provided. In one implementation the machine has a chamber with a starting products area where at least one receptacle is disposed with a base product from which the intravenous medication is generated, a transfer tools area where at least one transfer tool that is used to prepare the required medication is disposed, a prepared products area where at least one container to house the prepared medication is disposed, and a first robot to handle the transfer tool, the first robot being adapted to transport the transfer tool between the transfer tools area, the starting products area and the prepared products area in order to prepare the intravenous medication.
US09272074B2
A method for closing a wound in tissue is provided which includes providing a surgical fastener having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair attached on a surface of the surgical fastener, and providing tissue with a plurality of complementary reactive members of the specific binding pair, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the surgical fastener with the complimentary reactive members on the tissue, covalent bonds are formed between the reactive members and the complementary reactive members, thus adhering the device to the tissue.
US09272072B1
An osteoinductive bone graft substitute including an osteoinductive calcium phosphate component retained within a collagen scaffold, wherein the collagen scaffold is formulated to maintain the osteoinductivity of the calcium phosphate component while also exhibiting the following characteristics (1) ability to absorb bone marrow and/or other physiologic liquids, (2) compression resistance; (3) moldability; (4) retaining the calcium phosphate component during and after manipulation of the collagen scaffold and (5) fibrous collagen matrix that retains but does not occlude the osteoinductive calcium phosphate component.
US09272071B2
The present invention relates porous osteoinductive nanocomposites and for the methods to prepare osteoinductive nanocomposites. The osteoinductive composites consist of biocompatible polymers and non-heated (or non-sintered), needle-shaped or plate-like calcium phosphate nanocrystals and the methods comprise the steps of: a. adding phosphate to a calcium solution thereby evoking precipitation of calcium phosphate nanocrystals; b. washing the nanocrystals with water and suspending them in an organic solvent or getting dry calcium phosphate nanocrystals after evaporating organic solvent; c. adding polymers (previously dissolved in an organic solvent) to calcium phosphate nanocrystal suspension, rotational mixing of the components using beads, mixing with porogenic agents, moulding the composite material and evaporating of the organic solvent; or mixing polymers (not dissolved in an organic solvent but raw powder), dry calcium phosphate nanocrystals and porogenic agents with melting intrusion and moulding the composites; d. leaching porogenic agents in water.
US09272066B2
The present invention relates to a lens care solution having 0.001 to about 5 weight percent of a low molecular weight amine of the general formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are —H or low molecular weight radicals, and R5 is a low molecular weight radical, or salt thereof; an effective amount of a tonicity agent; and the balance water.
US09272065B2
A delivery device as disclosed herein includes an article, a cradle, and a reservoir. The cradle which supports the article includes a wicking protrusion and is adapted to engage with the article. The reservoir contains a volatile medium and is adapted to engage with the cradle. The volatile medium is in fluid communication with the wicking extension. The delivery device can include a wide variety of articles, including decorative articles, functional articles, and substance-containing articles such as fragrance diffusers, which benefit from their union with the porous emanator.
US09272053B2
The invention in some aspects relates to methods and compositions for assessing the effectiveness of miRNA inhibitors. In other aspects of the invention, methods and compositions for treating cholesterol related disorders are provided. In one aspect of the invention, miRNA inhibitors against miR-122 and rAAV-based compositions comprising the same are provided.
US09272050B2
Described herein are MetAP-2 inhibitors and compositions and formulations thereof, and more particularly compositions and formulations of MetAP-2 inhibitors wherein the MetAP-2 inhibitor is associated with a block copolymer comprising a hydrophilic polymer moiety and a hydrophobic polymer moiety. The present invention also relates to compositions and formulations comprising MetAP-2 inhibitors for oral administration or administration via routes such as topical or ocular administration. The present invention also provides methods to treat conditions associated with or related to the over-expression or over-activity of MetAP-2 by administering the compositions and formulations comprising MetAP-2 inhibitors as disclosed herein.
US09272046B2
The disclosure relates to, among other things, pharmaceutical compositions, such as solid oral dosage forms, comprising itraconazole, methods of making the compositions, and methods of using the same for treating disorders including, but not limited to, fungal infections.
US09272045B2
A composite biocompatible hydrogel material includes a porous polymer matrix, the polymer matrix including a plurality of pores and providing a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa. A calcium comprising salt is disposed in at least some of the pores. The porous polymer matrix can comprise cellulose, including bacterial cellulose. The composite can be used as a bone graft material. A method of tissue repair within the body of animals includes the steps of providing a composite biocompatible hydrogel material including a porous polymer matrix, the polymer matrix including a plurality of pores and providing a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa, and inserting the hydrogel material into cartilage or bone tissue of an animal, wherein the hydrogel material supports cell colonization in vitro for autologous cell seeding.
US09272044B2
The present invention is directed to a buprenorphine sustained release delivery system capable of delivering buprenorphine, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof for a duration of about 14 days to about 3 months. The buprenorphine sustained release delivery system includes a flowable composition and a solid implant for the sustained release of buprenorphine, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof. The implant is produced from the flowable composition. The buprenorphine sustained release delivery system provides in situ 1-month and 3-month release profiles characterized by an exceptionally high bioavailability and minimal risk of permanent tissue damage and typically no risk of muscle necrosis.
US09272041B2
A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation is described which has a high protein concentration, a pH of between about 4 and about 8, and enhanced stability.
US09272037B2
The present invention belongs to the fields of pharmacology, medicine and medicinal chemistry, and provides methods and compositions for treating sexual dysfunction; more particularly, the invention relates to treatment of premature ejaculation in humans.
US09272036B2
Methods for treating ailments in a patient in need thereof includes the step of directing a therapeutic, non-inhaled dosage to at least one nasal cavity of the patient through a flow regulating device while the patient refrains from inhaling. The dosage includes (a) a saline fluid (b) a gas containing carbon dioxide and (c) at least one additional active component, wherein the therapeutic, non-inhaled dosage is delivered at a flow rate from 1 cc/sec to 20 cc/sec for a duration of 2 to 30 seconds.
US09272031B2
The present invention relates to a purified antibody molecule preparation being characterized in that at least one antigen binding site comprises a glycosylated asparagine (Asn) in the variable region of the heavy chain (VH). More specifically, a pharmaceutical and a diagnostic composition comprising said antibody molecule and antibody mixtures are provided which is/are capable of specifically recognizing the β-A4 peptide/Aβ4. The present invention relates in particular to a mixture of antibodies comprising one or two glycosylated antigen binding sites with a glycosylated asparagine (Asn) in the variable region of the heavy chain, i.e. mixtures of isoforms of antibodies which comprise a glycosylated Asn in the variable region of the heavy chain (VH). Also disclosed are compositions or antibody preparations comprising the specifically glycosylated antibody isoforms. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical and diagnostic uses for these antibodies are provided. The antibody isoforms may for example be used in the pharmaceutical intervention of amyloidogenesis or amyloid-plaque formation and/or in the diagnosis of the same.
US09272027B1
The present invention includes live strain of Francisella tularensis wherein a gene selected from the group consisting of priA and purA is inactivated. The present invention further includes a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more live strains of Francisella tularensis according to the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention further includes a method of using one or more live strains of Francisella tularensis according to the present invention to confer immunity against a virulent strain of Francisella tularensis. The method comprises administering an effective amount of one or more live strains of Francisella tularensis according to the present invention or a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more live Francisella tularensis strains to an animal such that an immune response is produced in the animal.
US09272023B2
The invention provides methods for treatment of tissue factor (TF) mediated or associated diseases or processes, such as cancer, by administering at least an active fragment of an Ixolaris polypeptide to a subject. The invention further includes identification of a subject in need of such treatment, and monitoring a subject for amelioration of at least one sign or symptom of the disease. The invention also features kits.
US09272017B2
The present invention is directed to a pharmaceuticalm composition comprising a peptide comprising at least a portion corresponding to the C-terminus of FGF23 and an additive selected from the group consisting of vitamin D and a vitamin D receptor agonist.
US09272010B2
The invention discloses an herbal extract of treating liver cancer, wherein a method of producing the herbal extract comprising the steps of: blending Antrodia cinnamomea, Rhinacanthus nasutus and Phellinus linteus and obtaining a mixture, wherein the weight percentages of Antrodia cinnamomea, Rhinacanthus nasutus and Phellinus linteus are 33.4 to 60%, 20 to 33.4% and 20 to 33.4% by weight of the mixture, respectively; soaking the mixture with a 95% ethanol solution with a weight-volume percentage being 50%, followed by extracting at 50 to 80° C.; and concentrating the extracted product to obtain the herbal extract. The invention also discloses a method of treating liver cancer.
US09272007B2
The present invention relates to a new strain of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, suitable for use in the treatment or prevention of Helicobacter pylori infection.
US09272004B2
Bioimplants and methods of making the bioimplants are provided. The bioimplants comprise biological tissues having conjugated thereto adjunct molecules. The biological tissues are sterilized with a chemical sterilizing agent, such as a water soluble carbodiimide. The processes of making the bioimplants include a process in which an adjunct molecule is conjugated to a biological tissue during the sterilization process.
US09272003B2
Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta. The grafts are composed of at least one layer of amnion tissue where the epithelium layer has been substantially removed in order to expose the basement layer to host cells. By removing the epithelium layer, cells from the host can more readily interact with the cell-adhesion bio-active factors located onto top and within of the basement membrane. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts. The laminin structure of amnion tissue is nearly identical to that of native human tissue such as, for example, oral mucosa tissue. This includes high level of laminin-5, a cell adhesion bio-active factor show to bind gingival epithelia-cells, found throughout upper portions of the basement membrane.
US09271995B2
Provided are effective and highly safe agents, medicaments and the like for ameliorating various disorders caused by brain hypofunction. Also provided is a preventing or ameliorating agent for brain hypofunction containing N-acetyl-D-mannosamine, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing, ameliorating or treating disorders due to brain hypofunction, containing an effective amount of N-acetyl-D-mannosamine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and a food comprising N-acetyl-D-mannosamine added thereto.
US09271991B2
As disclosed herein, novel compositions including steroid hormones, such as trimegestone (TMG) and progesterone (P4), provide treatments for term and preterm labor with significant effects on the delay of delivery. Delay and block of delivery occurs when both P4 and TMG are administered late in gestation in pregnant rat and guinea pig animal models. TMG exhibits remarkable drug efficacy, achieving the same inhibition as P4, but at much lower doses. These hereto unknown effects of TMG on the processes of cervical ripening and uterine contraction provide a novel approach for extending pregnancy term, including reducing a likelihood of preterm and/or term labor, along with improved methods of administration. Other diseases and/or conditions may be treated with TMG, such as dysmenorrhea or luteal insufficiency for sustaining pregnancy.
US09271986B2
The present invention includes crystalline forms of 2-amino-3-methyl-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)-pentanamide and crystalline forms of salts and/or solvates of 2-amino-3-methyl-N-(2-morpholinoethyl)-pentanamide. Furthermore, the present invention provides compositions comprising the crystalline forms and therapeutic use of the crystalline forms.
US09271983B2
A composition including a plurality of active ingredients. A first active ingredient of the active ingredients is pyruvate. For each other active ingredient, an amount of that active ingredient is proportionally less than an amount of the first active ingredient. The composition can affect ATP and Krebs efficiency when ingested by an animal.
US09271974B2
It is possible to effectively treat moderate to severe visceral pain by administering analgesic medications comprising the opioid oxycodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Visceral pain and especially acute (i.e. non-chronic) visceral pain can be effectively treated by administering oxycodone at a dosage which is lower than the corresponding dosage of the other opioids like morphine.
US09271972B2
The present invention is directed to methods, kits, and uses of inhibitors of LCMV mediated NF-κB activation to treat viral infections and inflammatory conditions.
US09271957B2
The invention encompasses pet food compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases or disorders in companion animals, for example, for the treatment or prevention of degenerative joint conditions, osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, and maintaining or increasing bone mineral density, wherein the compositions and methods include feeding a companion animal a composition including lipoic acid or a salt thereof.
US09271954B2
The present invention relates to the use of an oil enriched in docosahexaenoic acid, which is conjugated to triglyceride, for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a tumorous disease, said oil being enriched in a concentration of up to 70% by weight in relation to the total weight of said pharmaceutical composition, and said docosahexaenoic acid being in a percentage of at least 50% in relation to the total fatty acids in said oil.
US09271953B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods for treating certain conditions, the composition comprising a choline compound; a cholinesterase inhibitor; and Acetyl-L-Carnitine, wherein the composition is used to treat at least one of autonomic dysfunctions or vascular diseases.
US09271946B2
A method for treating chemo therapy or radiation therapy side effects in a mammal undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, the method comprising a step of administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a RAR antagonist or RAR inverse agonist which binds to receptors of the RARα, RARβ and RARγ subtypes is disclosed. Such side effects include chemoradiotherapy-induced alopecia, chemoradiotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, chemoradiotherapy-induced leucopenia and chemoradiotherapy-induced neutropenia.
US09271931B2
Compositions which comprise delivery vehicles having stably associated therewith non-antagonistic combinations of two or more agents, such as antineoplastic agents, are useful in achieving non-antagonistic effects when combinations of drugs are administered.
US09271927B2
The invention relates to percutaneous administration of drugs and vaccines in form of solid penetrating needles, “injectable needles”, comprising a polymeric matrix resulting from the polymerization of a polymerizable paste or mixture. The injectable needles are hard enough to penetrate the skin and can be administered percutaneously by simple pusher or injector delivery devices. The manufacturing procedure of the injectable needles allows for the incorporation of the drug as preformulated stable microparticles and incorporation of modifying agents to modulate stiffness, solubility and drug release. Drugs formulated in these injectable needles offer a safe, simple and effective alternative to conventional percutaneous drug delivery systems based on hypodermic needles and syringes that require refrigerated storage and reconstitution prior to administration.
US09271925B2
Methods and apparatus for a biodegradable multi-layer device suitable for medical applications are provided, wherein the device is formed from multiple film-layers configured to have different characteristics from one another such as different release profiles for therapeutic agents, adhesive properties, stiffness properties, and solubility properties. The film-layers may include a solid fibrinogen component. A device having multiple film-layers may take a non-adherent form during delivery to a target location within or on tissue, and thereafter may be exposed to moisture to take an adherent form on the tissue. The device may include a number of additives, including materials to improve the mechanical properties of the device, or one or more therapeutic or contrast agents.
US09271920B2
Epilatory compositions may be formed from: 40 to 80 wt % water; 5 to 30 wt % of a mixture of at least one polyvinyl alcohol and at least one polyvinyl alcohol copolymer; 1 to 15 wt % plasticizer, where the plasticizer is a linear or branched composition having from 3 to 15 wt % OH; and up to 40 wt % of one or more additives. Pore strip, keratonic plug removal, and other cosmetic applications may be formed from a similar composition, where the plasticizer is a linear, cyclic, or branched composition having greater than 25 wt % OH; and up to 40 wt % of one or more additives. The adhesive properties of the formulations may be tailored, where a low OH content may result in increased adhesion relative to plasticizers having a high OH content.
US09271916B2
Disclosed is a composition effective in reducing skin wrinkles. The composition comprises a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, preferably the compound of chemical formula 1, more preferably, mirodenafil as an active ingredient. Further disclosed is a method for reducing skin wrinkles using the composition.
US09271910B2
The present invention relates to a para-aminophenol compound of formula (I) the addition salts thereof with an acid and the solvates thereof, dye composition comprising the latter and a dyeing process.
US09271907B2
The present invention provides novel topically-applied skin and face coating and paint compositions comprising near infrared reflecting pigments and hydrogels swollen with aqueous solution and/or with simulated sweat. The invention further provides methods of making and using the compositions. The novel compositions protect the skin of the wearer from damage due to intense external heat or thermal flux and simultaneously divert thermal energy to a complementary evaporative cooling mechanism. The compositions protect skin from external thermal fluxes, conform to skin chemistry, and are easy to apply and remove.
US09271903B2
Disclosed is a three-phase emulsion comprising an aqueous-gel outer phase comprising water and an emulsifier comprising a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of 10 to 19; and a water-in-oil inner phase comprising water, an oil, and a silicone polyglucoside containing emulsifier, wherein the water phase of the water-in-oil inner phase does not include a salt.
US09271899B2
Compositions and methods of use for desensitizing a subject to an allergen via regions of the oral mucosa are provided.
US09271886B2
A headrest assembly for assisting individuals with hypertonic extension pattern provides a pivoting support that better matches the pivoting motion of the patient's head in backward extension. A restoring spring absorbs and dissipates the energy of the extension and provides adjustable spring restoring force.
US09271885B2
A backrest assembly for a wheelchair includes a support plate pivotally connected to a seat, wherein the support plate is configured to be pivotally adjusted between upright and reclined positions with respect to the seat; a slide plate slidably secured on a front surface of the support plate; and a backrest adjustment assembly operatively connected to the support plate and the slide plate. The backrest adjustment assembly includes a link configured to adjust the support plate. The slide plate slides over the support plate through the link.
US09271881B2
An absorbent layer has a front section lying on the side of a front waist region, a rear section lying on the side of a rear waist region and an intermediate section lying between the front and rear sections. The absorbent layer is formed in the intermediate section with a central depression extending in a longitudinal direction Y and a high density zones having density higher than those of the front and rear sections are formed on both sides of the central depression.
US09271870B2
A system for ophthalmic surgery on an eye includes: a pulsed laser which produces a treatment beam; an OCT imaging assembly capable of creating a continuous depth profile of the eye; an optical scanning system configured to position a focal zone of the treatment beam to a targeted location in three dimensions in one or more floaters in the posterior pole. The system also includes one or more controllers programmed to automatically scan tissues of the patient's eye with the imaging assembly; identify one or more boundaries of the one or more floaters based at least in part on the image data; iii. identify one or more treatment regions based upon the boundaries; and operate the optical scanning system with the pulsed laser to produce a treatment beam directed in a pattern based on the one or more treatment regions.
US09271860B2
An orthopedic device has first and second elongate struts each having a strap coupling member, and a flexible strap securing to the first and second struts by the strap coupling members. A semi-rigid and resiliently bendable expander is connected to and spans a predetermined length between the struts. The expander provides two main configurations for the orthopedic device including maintaining the first and second struts in a generally flat configuration relative to one another and a curved configuration upon application of a load on the first and second struts. The expander reverts to a flat configuration upon removal of a load or from the first and second struts.
US09271859B2
A brace may include a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion may include a first flexible sheet configured to receive at least portions of a user's wrist and hand and may restrict movement of the wrist. The finger portion may include a second flexible sheet attached to the first flexible sheet. The finger portion may be configured to receive at least one of the user's fingers and may restrict movement of the at least one finger relative to the wrist and hand.
US09271858B2
A brace for a part of a body includes a first conductive fiber associated with a first polarity, and a second conductive fiber associated with a second polarity different from the first polarity. The second fiber is woven together with the first fiber and insulated from the first fiber. The brace also includes a selectively electrically activated cross-linking agent between the first and second fibers. The agent is constructed to cross-link in a first active mode when the first and second fibers are electrified and is constructed to not cross-link in a second inactive mode when the first and second fibers are not electrified. The brace surrounds a body part, such as a knee or neck. The agent can include an ER fluid and/or EAP. A brace system includes a selectively electrically activated brace for the part of the body.
US09271842B2
The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant comprising providing a trial assembly. The method may further comprise positioning the trial assembly between vertebrae in a patient. The method may further comprise rotating a drive shaft of the trial assembly to cause upper and lower gear members of the trial assembly to rotate causing expansion of a tip assembly of the trial assembly. The method may further comprise measuring expansion of the trial assembly with a scale at a proximal end of the trial assembly. The method may further comprise removing the trial assembly from the patient. The method may further comprise positioning an implant between the vertebrae in the patient. The method may further comprise expanding the implant based on the measured expansion of the trial assembly.
US09271840B2
A tibial component for use in conjunction with a knee replacement surgery. An inferior surface of the tibial component may be concave to thereby improve bonding between the tibial component and a tibia. The tibial component may produce low stress in the cement mantle during in-vivo loading. A stem extending from the inferior surface of the tibial component may include an anterior curvature to facilitate the use of minimally evasive surgical techniques. The stem may further include medial-lateral wing portions with a posterior curvature to provide improved support.
US09271832B2
A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.
US09271830B2
An accommodating IOL comprises an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of an eye, and a movement assembly coupled to the eye to provide effective accommodating movement, preferably axial movement, of the optic. At least a portion of the movement assembly is made from a material that is less stiff and/or more resilient than the material used to make the optic. Optionally, an outer ring or support portion made at least partially from either a relatively stiff material such as the material used in the optic or a relatively resilient material such as the material used in the movement assembly is also provided.
US09271826B2
The invention relates to a system for controlled loading of a reconstructed human or animal tissue during the healing phase, comprising an anchor element (10) for implanting in a first bone (50), at least one connecting element (20), and one retaining element (30) for the at least one connecting element (20) on a second bone (40). The anchor element (10) and/or the connecting element (20) and/or the retaining element (30) are made of self-dissolving bioresorbable material.
US09271816B2
The present invention generally relates to oral hygiene. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-headed toothbrush and method for brushing teeth.
US09271810B2
The orthodontic archwire bracket comprises a base body (10) having a base element (11) to be fixed to a tooth and a bracket body (20) having a socket element (25) surrounded by a perimetric wall (32) including two opposed slot portions (21a, 21b) forming a slot (21) to receive an archwire. The base and bracket bodies (10, 20) are connected by a ball and socket joint coupling. The perimetric wall (32) has a slit (33) providing a gap. A control element (60) mounted on the bracket body (20) is changeable between locking and unlocking positions to expand or constrict the bracket body (20) by increasing or reducing the gap. The ball and socket joint coupling is locked by friction when the control element (50) is in the locking position and the ball and socket joint coupling is unlocked enabling relative movement in three coordinate axes when the control element (50) is in the unlocking position.
US09271804B2
Systems and methods that utilize optical sensors and non-optical sensors to determine the position and/or orientation of objects. A navigation system includes an optical sensor for receiving optical signals from markers and a non-optical sensor, such as a gyroscope, for generating non-optical data. A navigation computer determines positions and/or orientations of objects based on optical and non-optical data.
US09271797B2
A robotic tool holder, including a housing, configured to be gripped by a human hand, and a wireless transmitter, located within the housing. The holder further includes a plurality of individual controls attached to the housing, the controls being configured, in a first mode of operation of the robotic tool holder, to activate respective motions of a first surgical tool physically attached to the housing in response to manipulation of the controls by the human hand, and in a second mode of operation of the robotic tool holder, to activate via the wireless transmitter respective motions of a second surgical tool remote from and disconnected from the housing in response to the manipulation.
US09271786B2
Some embodiments of a medical instrument can be configured to reduce the formation of coagulum by delivering a negative charge bias to conductive surfaces that interface with blood or bodily tissue during a medical procedure. The application of the negative charge at the instrument-blood interface can reduce the fibrinogen deposition and the formation of coagulum because fibrinogen molecules in general are negatively charged at neutral pH levels. In addition, some embodiments of the instrument may be configured to irrigate the instrument-blood interface with RGD/ClfA peptides, a bicarbonate solution (or other high pH solution), or both to further repel the fibrinogen and thereby inhibit the formation of coagulum. Accordingly, some embodiments of the medical instrument can substantially reduce the risks of thromboembolism during particular medical procedures.
US09271783B2
An end-effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another, at least one of the jaw members moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. First and second conductive plates are disposed on opposing surfaces of corresponding first and second jaw members. First and second compressible membranes are configured to electrically connect corresponding first and second conductive plates to a surgical field when subjected to a compression bias.
US09271776B2
A fracture fixation system serves in repairing comminuted bone portions of a bone. The fracture fixation system includes a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, one of a screw and a post, and at least one aperture for receiving the one of the screw and the post therethrough. The plate is secured to a main portion of the bone, and the one of the screw and the post is inserted through the at least one aperture through the plate. The portion of the comminuted bone portions is attached to the one of the screw and the post using at least one suture. The one of the screw and the post is rotated to wind the at least one suture therearound to reposition the portion of the comminuted bone portions relative to the main portion of the bone.
US09271766B2
An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.
US09271740B2
This document provides orthopedic and dental devices and methods for their use. For example, novel bone drills and dental drills are described. The bone and dental drills have at least some centers of mass that are offset from the drills' axis of rotation. Accordingly, the bone and dental drills may rotate and cut using a precessional pattern of motion. The design facilitates bone cutting, chip formation and hauling capacity, irrigation and bone harvesting. In some embodiments, the bone chips are collected in a removable apparatus fixed to the distal portion of the drill, and the collected bone chips can be used for bone grafting.
US09271737B2
An applier for ligation clip is provided. The applier includes: an outer tube having mounting bosses; a pair of jaws pivotally connected to the mounting bosses, the jaws having actuating projections; a feed tube located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the feed tube having actuating slots in which the actuating projections are located; a clip lock arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube; and a clip advance arm located in the outer tube and configured to move axially within the outer tube, the clip advance arm having flexible pinchers at one end of the clip advance arm. A method of applying a ligation clip is also disclosed.
US09271725B2
A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with a non-circular cross section portion. The fasteners may engage with a splined mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners and rotates the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material.
US09271722B2
Methods for passing multiple sutures through tissue are provided herein. In particular, the methods described herein allow multiple sutures to be passed through tissue without removing a suture passing instrument from a patient's body. In one embodiment, a method for passing a suture through tissue is provided that includes loading first and second suture limbs into a suture passing instrument, positioning the instrument within a patient's body, actuating the instrument to pass a portion of the first suture limb through the tissue, pulling the first suture limb through the tissue, pulling the second suture limb to reload the suture passing instrument without removing the instrument from the patient's body, actuating the instrument a second time to pass a portion of the second suture limb through the tissue, and pulling the second suture limb through the tissue.
US09271721B2
The present invention provides devices for safely closing an opening in tissue using suture. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongated main body constructed to permit visualization longitudinally through the main body from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end defining a support surface to support the suture and protect distal body structures. A flange is connect to the main body adjacent the proximal end and projects laterally therefrom in first and second lateral directions. First and second guide holes extend longitudinally through the flange, and are structured to direct a suturing instrument longitudinally towards the support surface for passing the suture.
US09271720B2
A method for suturing soft tissue in arthroscopic or endoscopic procedures. The method includes inserting a bendable steerable arm in a straightened configuration through an incision, curving the steerable arm, piercing the tissue, deploying a suture holder from a bore of the steerable arm, moving the suture holder relative to the bendable steerable arm, and suturing the tissue.
US09271715B2
Methods and devices are provided for anchoring suture to bone. In one exemplary embodiment, a cannulated suture anchor is provided and it includes a suture-engaging member formed therein and configured to receive a suture therearound such that trailing ends of the suture can extend through the suture anchor. The present invention also provides exemplary sutures and drivers that can be used with the various methods and devices disclosed herein, or with other methods and devices known in the art.
US09271713B2
An apparatus can include a tensioning member having a body defining a first bone engaging surface, a second opposite suture receiving surface, and an outer perimeter. First and second suture attachment members can be positioned relative to the second surface and spaced apart from each other, and can be configured to be coupled to a suture. First and second suture engaging members can extend from the second surface and can be positioned in spaced relation to the first and second suture attachment members. Rotation of the tensioning member in a first direction can selectively engage the first and second suture receiving members with the suture, thereby forming a non-linear path of travel of the suture relative to the first and second suture attachment members and suture engaging members and increasing the tension in the suture.
US09271708B2
A suturing device includes a handle, an elongated body, at least one suture snag, at least one pair of needles, and at least one suture pair. The suture snag is moveable between a deployed position in which two distal arm portions thereof radially extend away from the elongated body and a retracted position in which the two distal arm portions are disposed within the elongated body. The suture pair is slidingly disposed through the needle pair. The suturing device deploys the suture snag within a vessel adjacent to an arteriotomy, extends the needle pair through a vessel wall around the arteriotomy and through the deployed suture snag, extends the suture pair beyond the distal ends of the needle pair, and then utilizes the suture snag to capture the extended suture pair by retracting the suture snag to pull first or distal ends of the sutures back into the suturing device. An inflatable balloon or an expandable suture capture component may be alternatives to the suture snag for capturing the suture ends.
US09271707B2
An apparatus for delivering a closure element can include a splittable carrier tube and a splitter to split the tube. The carrier tube can have an outer surface retaining a closure element in a tubular configuration and can be split into radially-expandable flaps. A closure element can have a shape-memory body having a relaxed configuration with a planar-annular body defining a lumen with tines directed inwardly from the body. The clip can be held in a retaining configuration having a substantially asymmetrically-elongated tubular shape with a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional profile and a proximal end having the tines being longitudinally directed with a first tine being more distally oriented compared to a substantially opposite second tine being more proximal, and retracting to a deploying configuration having a tubular shape with a rectangular longitudinal cross-sectional profile with the first tine being even with the second tine when being delivered.
US09271698B2
A cart for use with an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, comprising: a supporting part, a cart body and a bottom part; said cart body is connected to the supporting part and the bottom part; said supporting part is provided with an interface thereon for supporting and connecting the ultrasonic imaging apparatus; said cart body is an elevator structure provided with a power cable therein for supplying power to the ultrasonic imaging apparatus; the lower portion of the supporting part and the upper portion of the bottom part are both provided with a power socket; said power cable is a coiled cord structure, and its two ends are connected to the two power sockets; a stretchable elastic component having elastic recovery is provided inside the coiled cord structure of the power cable.
US09271692B2
A method of triggering an imaging process includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A computer product having a set of instructions stored in a non-transitory medium, wherein an execution of the instructions causes a method to be performed, the method includes obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity. A system for triggering an imaging process includes a processor that is configured for obtaining breathing signals, analyzing the breathing signals to identify a non-periodicity in a subject's breathing, and generating a signal to cause an imaging process to begin in response to the identified non-periodicity.
US09271690B2
A method and system for estimating the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass or volume of a subject comprises performing a dual-energy X-ray scan of the subject; generating at least one image of the subject from the dual-energy X-ray scan; identifying a region of interest on the at least one image; dividing the region of interest into a plurality of sections; determining an outer transverse extent of a coelom or inner abdominal cavity of the subject; determining a subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) composition for each of the plurality of sections, wherein the SAT composition determination is restricted to an area directly anterior and posterior the coelom or inner abdominal cavity of the subject; and determining a VAT mass and/or volume for the region of interest based on the determined SAT composition for each of the plurality of section.
US09271689B2
A tube for generating x-rays includes a cathode adapted to emit electrons, a target positioned to receive the electrons from the cathode on a surface thereof, an anode adapted with an aperture and positioned between the cathode and the target and configured to accelerate the electrons toward the target, and a rotating system adapted to rotate the target about an axis, the rotating system located in a position facing the surface of the target.
US09271686B2
A dual modality probe is disclosed having both a gamma probe sensor and an ultrasound sensor. A dual imaging system is provided having the probe and at least one external gamma imaging detector and a data acquisition computer system for collecting data simultaneously from the gamma probe sensor, the gamma imaging detector, and the ultrasound sensor of the probe. A method for evaluating a target organ of a patient utilizing the probe and imaging system, and performing a biopsy of the organ is disclosed.
US09271681B2
According to one embodiment, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprises an X-ray generating unit, an X-ray detecting unit, a rotating mechanism configured to rotate the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit, a reconstruction processing unit configured to reconstruct first images respectively corresponding to volumes, a shift detecting unit configured to detect shifts of an object image due to warp of the top within a reconstruction coordinate system of the reconstruction processing unit, which shifts respectively correspond to the first images, and a control unit configured to move an origin of the reconstruction coordinate system for each of the volumes based on each of the detected shifts and control the reconstruction processing unit to reconstruct second images, which shifts respectively correspond to the volumes from the output from the X-ray detecting unit on the reconstruction coordinate system whose origin has been moved.
US09271680B2
Systems and methods can be used to determine activation information for points along a surface or selected region of interest. In one example, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method that includes computing a local activation vector based on relative timing among electrical signals corresponding to neighboring points of a plurality of points on a surface envelope. An activation time can be computed for each of the plurality of points as a function of corresponding local activation vectors.
US09271677B2
Intraocular pressure measuring and/or monitoring device comprising a soft contact lens and a pressure sensor united with the soft contact lens, the pressure sensor being located such that it is applied against an eye of a user for sensing the intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye when the soft contact lens is worn by the user, wherein the soft contact lens is softer than a surface of the eye and is configured to adapt its shape to the shape of the eye under the effect of capillary force maintaining the contact lens on the eye when the user is wearing the contact lens.
US09271674B2
Disclosed herein are systems and methods involving the use of magnetic resonance imaging and optogenetic neural stimulation. Aspects of the disclosure include modifying a target neural cell population in a first region of a brain to express light-responsive molecules. Using a light pulse, the light-responsive molecules in the target neural cell population are stimulated. Multiple regions of the brain are scanned via magnetic resonance imaging. The scans allow for observation of a neural reaction in response to the stimulation in at least one of the multiple regions of the brain.
US09271669B2
A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing.
US09271665B2
A fabric-based pressure sensor array includes: (1) a first layer including M elongated conductive strips coated thereon; (2) a second layer including N elongated conductive strips coated thereon, the M elongated conductive strips extending crosswise relative to the N elongated conductive strips to define M×N intersections; and (3) a unitary textile sheet extending between the first layer and the second layer so as to overlap the M×N intersections, the textile sheet having a variable resistivity in response to applied pressure so as to define M×N pressure sensors at locations corresponding to the M×N intersections.
US09271663B2
A system and method of tracking a flexible elongate instrument within a patient is disclosed herein. The system is configured to obtain remote localization measurement data of the flexible elongate instrument and obtain elongation measurement data of the flexible elongate instrument. This data is combined and transformed to a coordinate reference frame to produce a localization of the flexible elongate instrument that is more accurate than the remote localization measurements or elongation measurement data alone. The combined localization is then provided to a localization consumer.
US09271661B2
A method for free-breathing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using iterative image-based respiratory motion correction is provided. An MRI system is used to acquired k-space data and navigator data from a subject. The k-space data is then sorted into a plurality of data bins using the navigator data. A motion correction parameter is estimated for each data bin and is applied to the respective k-space data in that bin. The corrected k-space data segments are then combined to form a corrected k-space data set, from which an image is reconstructed. The process may be iteratively repeated until an image quality metric is optimized; for example, until an image sharpness measure is sufficiently maximized.
US09271651B2
A system comprising a memory device having a plurality of routines stored therein, a processor configured to execute the plurality of routines stored in the memory device, the plurality of routines comprising: a routine configured to effect, when executed, accessing of patient deviation scores indicative of differences between patient data and reference data representative of a population segment, wherein the patient deviation scores are derived from longitudinal data of the patient data such that the patient deviation scores include a plurality of sets of patient deviation scores, each set indicative of differences between patient data collected at a respective point in time and the reference data; a routine configured to effect, when executed, identifying a trend in the patient deviation scores for at least one clinical parameter; a routine configured to effect, when executed, generating of a report including a visual indication of the trend; and a routine configured to effect, when executed, outputting of the report. The report includes one or more views including Z, T, D, DT, and D feedback on T views, using image and non-image data.
US09271650B2
Provided is an ophthalmologic apparatus capable of performing an alignment operation between an eye to be inspected and an inspection unit, the ophthalmologic apparatus including: an inspection unit configured to obtain inspection information of an eye to be inspected; a base unit including a support member configured to determine a holding position of the eye to be inspected; an operation unit configured to operate movement of the inspection unit with respect to the base unit in accordance with an operation amount; a moving unit configured to move the inspection unit in accordance with the operation amount input from the operation unit; a detection unit configured to detect a position of the inspection unit with respect to the base unit; and a control unit configured to control an amount related to movement of the inspection unit corresponding to the operation amount based on a detection result of the detection unit.
US09271646B2
Embodiments of this invention generally relate to systems and methods for wavefront interactive refraction display and more particularly to systems and methods for capturing and displaying eye wavefront interactive refraction data based on the desired refractive state of the patient's eye.
US09271645B2
There is provided a system, apparatus and methods for enhancing the illumination of structures of the eye using predetermined scan patterns of an illuminating light beam. The systems, apparatus and methods further provide for obtaining enhanced single images of multiple structures of the eye.
US09271629B2
An information processing apparatus for frequency domain optical coherence tomography comprises an image scanning unit that receives measurement data from an optical coherence tomography device, while moving a measurement point to the next adjacent point at each measurement time by controlling the optical coherence tomography device, and generates depth information based on the measurement data to produce a raw tomographic image. The apparatus includes a noise reduction unit that reduces noise from the raw tomographic image to produce a result tomographic image. The noise reduction unit reduces the noise from the raw tomographic image by subtracting the depth information generated by the image scanning unit at each measurement time from the depth information generated at another measurement time adjacent to said each measurement time.
US09271613B2
An electronic soap dispenser includes an upper dispensing head supported above a sink deck, and a liquid soap reservoir and a pump assembly supported below the sink deck. A capacitive sensor is operably coupled to the dispensing head. A controller is in electrical communication with the capacitive sensor and activates the pump assembly in response to input from the capacitive sensor.
US09271605B2
A device for preparing hot beverages which includes an arrangement for circulating a liquid to a beverage supply exit and a combustion heater, such as a burner, for supplying combustion heat to the liquid that is circulated to the supply exit. The combustion heater can be associated with an electric heater for additionally or alternatively supplying electric heat to the liquid that is circulated to the supply exit or with a heat regulator for controlling the amount of heat supplied to the liquid from the combustion heater, the electric heater or both heaters.
US09271604B2
A manifold for a liquid dispensing system has at least two layers. The first layer has multiple through holes along its thickness direction, and one or more fluid channels perpendicular to the thickness direction. The second layer has one or more through holes along its thickness direction, each communicating with one of the through holes of the first layer. The second layer also has one or more fluid channels perpendicular to the thickness direction. The fluid channels each have an inlet at the edge of the respective layer and an outlet at one of the through holes. The second layer also has one or more holes defining valve bores. A valve in each of the valve bores controls flow of a liquid to a respective one of the fluid channels of the second layer. Also provided are a liquid dispensing system and a method of manufacturing a manifold.
US09271601B2
The invention relates to a system, method and capsule for preparing a predetermined quantity of beverage suitable for consumption using an extractable product. The system comprises an exchangeable capsule, and an apparatus comprising a receptacle for holding the exchangeable capsule, and a fluid dispensing device for supplying a fluid to the exchangeable capsule. The capsule comprises an exit area to allow draining from the prepared beverage from the capsule there through, wherein the exit area comprises a filter layer. The filter layer comprises a layer of non-woven and/or woven fibrous material with at least one first region where the non-woven and/or woven material has been sealed to prevent egress of liquid there through and at least one second region where the non-woven and/or woven material has not been sealed to allow egress of liquid there through.
US09271600B2
A device (1) for receiving an ingredient cartridge (2) and extracting the ingredient by passing heated liquid through the cartridge, comprises: a cartridge seat (10) that has an open configuration for receiving and/or removing a cartridge from such device and a closed configuration for extracting the ingredient; and a force generation means (46) for assisting a closure or opening movement of the cartridge seat. The force generation means can be associated with a dampening means (47, 48) for dampening the closure or opening movement of the cartridge seat when assisted by the force generating means. The device can have a user-movable handle (41) that is associated with an end-of-stroke feed-back means (50) for providing a corresponding feed-back to a user actuating the handle.
US09271599B2
An infusion assembly, wherein a piston is positioned facing an open end of a cup, and is movable along a first axis to insert a container of powdered material into the cup; the container having been arrested, in use, by a gripper-type stop device in a position coaxial with the first axis and inside a through channel interposed between the piston and the cup; the gripper-type stop device being movable with and by the piston to perform a work movement towards the cup; and the cup having a second axis, and being mounted to oscillate, about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis, between a normal unloading position, in which the open end of the cup faces downwards, and a work position, in which the second axis is coaxial with the first axis.
US09271597B2
A single serving beverage filter cartridge is formed by placing a single serving portion of brewing material into a reusable coffee holder having a lid and a base. The reusable coffee holder includes a recessed annular region at the bottom of a base of the holder and is insertable into a cartridge housing of a single serving coffee maker having an offset needle reaching up vertically from the base of the housing, the recessed annular region avoiding the offset bottom needle. The coffee holder defines a frustoconical exterior and includes mesh filtering material for retaining brewing material inside the coffee holder. The mesh material may be a metal mesh or plastic mesh. The reusable coffee holder is configured for use in single serving coffee makers having the offset bottom needle and designed for single use cartridges.
US09271592B2
An adjustable rod assembly includes first and second tubes having first and second arcuate portions, third and fourth tubes of generally straight configurations, first and second end supports, and a tension rod mechanism fixedly secured within the third tube. A first end of the first tube is telescopingly received within the third tube and a second end of the first tube is telescopingly received within the second tube. The third tube is rotatable relative to the first tube and is rotatably secured within the fourth tube. The fourth tube is secured to the first end support and the second tube is secured to the second end support. The tension rod mechanism rotates with the third tube and has a threaded portion configured to extend from an interior of the third tube to an interior of the first tube.
US09271587B2
A hanging vessel includes a hanger and a containment vessel shaped as a solid of rotation having a central axis, a closed bottom, an open top, and a lower sidewall with a diameter that increases from the bottom upward. The hanger includes a first hoop located around the lower sidewall, and a second hoop located above the first hoop. The first and second hoops are open hoops having respective first and second gaps, and are connected by an intermediate section aligned with a tensile section extending from the second hoop to an attachment point on the axis above the open end. An alternative hanger has helical turns conforming to the vase. The hanger is preferably formed from a single piece of resilient wire. The vessel may be a vase having a bulbous portion that can be positively retained by the hoops or turns.
US09271580B2
A cover assembly for a body-mounted soft structured baby carrier which provides protection from the elements (such as the sun or other elements) via a hood for the baby being carried which has an outer shell configured in the shape of an animal, fantastical creature, video game character, superhero or princess, and is capable of being removably attached or secured to an existing chest-mounted soft structured baby carrier using upper and lower straps which attach to the upper and lower securing straps on the existing body-mounted soft structured baby carrier.
US09271577B2
A reciprocating ejector mechanism for an electric bed comprising an aperture formed on a bed board. An ejector mechanism is mounted in the aperture. The ejector mechanism includes an ejected part, which is arranged parallel to the bed board. At least one first connecting rod with one end is connected with the ejected part and another end is hinged with a slider. The slider may slide along the guide bar fixed on the bed board. A second connecting rod with one end can be hinged with the middle part of the first connecting rod and another end hinged with the bed board. The ejector mechanism may have a driving device fixed on the bed board and connected with the linkage to drive the first connecting rod to rotate, so that the ejected part is driven to move parallel to the bed board.
US09271571B2
A closet or enclosure 100 (closet) fit into an attic. A panel (110) forms the bottom of the closet. The panel can be lowered to the living space below manually or by using a return spring or electrical means. The panel holds a cabinet, box, or other storage item (105 or 2225). Air space (150) around the cabinet or items insulates it from thermal contact with the walls. Alternatively a cabinet is hung from a restraining member (145), or arm (1105), so it can be raised for storage and lowered for access. In this aspect, the panel is secured to the bottom of the cabinet. Optional vents (155) and fan (160) urge circulation between the air space and the living space, reducing temperature extremes in the air space and hence the cabinet. In other aspects, air treatment units (HVAC, dehumidifier, etc.) condition the air within the closet or enclosure.
US09271565B2
Disclosed are compositions suitable for use with an oral care implement. The compositions provide improved sensory appeal, and comparable reduction in volatile sulfur compounds and antibacterial activity to advanced formula toothpaste formulations. The compositions include a high percentage of antibacterial agent and flavoring, when compared to conventional toothpastes, and some mouth washes formulations, such that only minor amounts of the composition can be delivered to the oral care implement to provide improved reduction in volatile sulfur compounds, antibacterial efficacy, and optionally a cooling sensation.
US09271564B2
An oral care implement is provided having a head frame and a cleaning elements assembly attached thereto with tooth cleaning elements extending from one or more carriers. One or more central carriers can be suspended via a flexible bridge between a pair of support carriers attached to the head frame. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central carriers to move from an initial position toward the head frame during use. The bridge may include rigid supports and flexible elastomeric supports. The carriers and the bridge can be formed as a unitary assembly attached to the head frame, such as via mechanical connections. The mechanical connections could include snap-fit connections.
US09271562B2
The new hairbrush system employs a handle made of curved rods that collapse into the body of the brush via tracks, turning it into a non-electric hair roller for setting and smoothing hair. The barrel of the brush system has curved bristles that grip hair and curved slits that allow for airflow. The carbon fiber (or equivalent) body provides for a lightweight yet sturdy tool that can effectively be used as a brush (without collapsed handle) when not being used as a roller (with collapsed handle).
US09271554B2
An applicator including an applying part of a liquid absorber impregnated with an application liquid. An indicator portion having a jagged configuration that varies in reflectance of light depending on the quantity of the application liquid in the liquid absorber is formed adjacent to the liquid absorber, and the formed area of the indicator portion of an application liquid feeder can be visually observed from the outside so that the quantity of the application liquid can be displayed by the reflected light of indicator portion. The applicator allows a visual check on whether the application liquid is full or less when the applicator is unused or when the application liquid is decreased after use, from the change of the reflectance of light in indicator. The applicator permits easy confirmation of the liquid quantity and can easily avoid liquid blobbing.
US09271551B2
A rib connector is provided that has a first arm, a second arm, and a transverse member. The first arm has an inner wall, a first recess in the inner wall, and an inclined surface that extends toward the first recess. The second arm has an inner wall and a second recess. The second recess is positioned opposite to the first recess. The transverse member is located between the first arm and the second arm. The transverse member connects the first arm and the second arm. The transverse member is disposed adjacent to a space located between the first and second arms. The space is configured to receive an umbrella rib. A varying distance is provided between the inclined surface and the inner wall of the second arm such that the distance is less at a first position along the inclined surface than at a second position along the inclined surface. The first position is between the first recess and the second position.
US09271540B1
A removable cleat includes a plurality of projections, dividing into sets, with each set of projections made of different materials. The cleat includes a coupling element, for attachment to a shoe, and a ground contacting element. The ground contacting element contains a plurality of projections, with the projections divided into at least two sets. The projections may be disposed about the perimeter of the ground contacting element, such that each set of projections does not extend more than half the perimeter. Additionally, some of the plurality of projections may be located interior to the perimeter. Further, each set of projections may be oriented in a particular direction with respect to a plane formed by the perimeter. Each interspersed set of projections may be made of a different material, or each projection may itself be made of a different material.
US09271538B2
A sole, sole insert or sole component for footwear that includes at least one outer bladder, at least one inner bladder located in the outer bladder, an internal sipe, and at least one electronic control system including a microprocessor. The internal sipe is formed by a portion of an inner surface of the outer bladder and a portion of an outer surface of the inner bladder. The surface portions forming the sipe oppose each other and are configured to move relative to each other in a sliding motion. The sipe includes a lubricating media with at least a magnetorheological liquid for use to increase or decrease the sliding resistance between the opposing sipe surfaces by altering an arrangement of metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid. The control system controls a flow resistance of thee magnetorheological liquid by altering the arrangement of the metal particles in the magnetorheological fluid.
US09271537B2
An energy diffusing helmet assembly includes an outer hard shell and an inner fluid filled bladder. The hard shell defines a head cavity into which a head of a wearer is inserted. The fluid filled bladder is positioned within the outer hard shell. There is further provided a fluid filled impact dispersal field mounted on a torso of the wearer. A connective conduit connects the fluid filled bladder and the impact dispersal field. A force of impact exerted upon the fluid filled bladder increases pressure in the impact dispersal field through fluid via the connective conduit.
US09271527B2
This invention discloses an electronic cigarette, which comprises an electronic cigarette main body having a sucking rod and a power rod mutually butted with the sucking rod, and a paper protecting sleeve sleeved around an outer side of the electronic cigarette main body. The sucking rod is provided with an atomizing device for atomizing the liquid smoke to fogged smoke, the sucking rod has one end thereof provided with a sucking nozzle and another end thereof butted with the power rod. The power rod is provided with a battery therein for providing power to the atomizing device. The paper protecting sleeve sleeved and the wooden nozzle cover efficiently enhances touchfeel and mouthfeel of the electronic cigarette; multiple electronic cigarette main bodies or multiple sucking rods enriches electronic cigarette tastes; and the multiple power rods ensures power supply for the electronic cigarette.
US09271524B1
The present document generally relates to methods and materials involved in producing tobacco or smokeless tobacco product comprising chlorate. For example, chlorate can be used to reduce tobacco specific nitrosamine content in tobacco or smokeless tobacco products.
US09271518B2
The present invention relates an improved feed additive or food supplement formulation obtained from more than one strain of Lactic acid bacteria. The feed additive or supplements is used to feed monogastric animals such as avian, fowl. Moreover, the feed provides better growth and feed utilization for monogastric animals. Further, the animal feed can be used for controlling food intake in the animals.
US09271514B2
A frozen dessert improved in shape retention without an adverse effect on the properties of the frozen dessert such as viscosity, texture and flavor is provided.The frozen dessert contains plant-derived microfibrillated cellulose.
US09271511B2
Thermally processed fruits and vegetables are softer in texture than fresh. It is challenging to obtain acceptable texture from thermally processed IQF fruits and vegetables. The soaking method of the invention enhances the texture of high quality IQF fruits and vegetables before thermal processing resulting in a processed, shelf-stable fruit or vegetable product with significantly improved texture. When compared to other traditional firming methods using calcium salts added directly to the pack medium or finished product, or using a food enzyme, such as pectinmethylesterase (PME), the soaking method yields fruit and vegetable products with significantly better post-cook textures. Using this method will also enable manufacturers of shelf-stable fruit and vegetable products to use IQF ingredients in continuous year-round production.
US09271507B2
Apparatus and methods for producing a string of a pasty material, such as sausagemeat. The apparatus includes an extrusion head that includes at least one conveyor conduit for the pasty material to be shaped into a string. The conveyor conduit has an inlet, an outlet, and a receiving chamber for a casing material to be applied to the string. The receiving chamber has an entry for the casing material and an exit for applying the casing material to the string surface. The receiving chamber is also adapted to impart to the casing material, when flowing through the receiving chamber, a movement having at least a rotatory movement component about at least a longitudinal axis of the receiving chamber.
US09271502B2
A pesticide, fungicidal, bactericidal, anti-pathogen or biocidal composition includes at least one biologically inert carrier; and at least one ferrite or at least one doped component including at least one fixed copper compound doped with at least one compound selected from the group consisting of iron compounds, zinc compounds, magnesium compounds, calcium compounds, and combinations and/or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the doped component has a particle size of about 0.5 nm to about 30 microns. A method for the control of pests includes the step of applying to the pests or their growth habitat the aforementioned composition. The method also includes the control of disease in citrus plants caused by vectors such as Psyllid nymphs, by applying the aforementioned composition to their growth habitat in citrus groves.
US09271480B2
A method of substantially permanently providing or enhancing ultra violet reflectance in materials suitable for use in making fishing lures materials and the resulting fishing lures so provided.
US09271477B2
The present invention relates to a device for isolating farm cages for fish against undesirable organisms, which device is arranged enclosing the farm cage, where the device comprises a fine-meshed fluid-permeable net which is open upwardly and downwardly when arranged round the farm cage, where the fluid-permeable net will extend a distance down in the farm cage's depth direction, in order thereby to form a skirt round the farm cage.
US09271470B1
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated XB69F14R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety XB69F14R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety XB69F14R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety XB69F14R2 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09271466B1
A novel maize variety designated PH1W0N and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH1W0N with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH1W0N through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH1W0N or a locus conversion of PH1W0N with another maize variety.
US09271458B2
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety HI1016703-1 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety HI1016703-1 and its progeny, and methods of making HI1016703-1.
US09271453B2
An anchoring device for a self-propelled irrigation system includes a screw pile and drive assembly that drives the screw pile into the ground to anchor a drive tower of the irrigation system to the ground. The screw pile is rotatably driven about a vertical axis and movable vertically relative to the drive tower. The drive assembly can include an electric motor with a suitable gear reduction that causes the screw pile to be rotated slowly with a large amount of torque. The drive assembly can be mounted stationary to the drive tower, or it can be mounted on tracks so as to move vertically together with the screw pile. A low voltage electrical system with one or more batteries can be used to power the electric motor. A solar battery charger or other charging system can be used to maintain an electrical charge in the batteries. A controller is provided to activate the drive assembly when adverse weather conditions are detected, or upon receiving a remote command from the operator.
US09271452B2
A green wall planting support apparatus includes at least one hanging plate, a plurality of containers and a water supply system. The hanging plate includes a channel portion that is elongated in a lengthwise direction of the hanging plate and that has a first channel, and a hanging portion that is made in one piece with the channel portion and that is disposed in the lengthwise direction. The containers are detachably connected to the hanging plate for receiving plant and each includes a hanger portion that is detachably connected to the hanging portion. The water supply system includes at least one water dispensing unit that is mounted on the channel portion for conveying water to the container.
US09271450B2
A debris collector and associated systems and methods are disclosed. The debris collector is configured to receive and process debris, such as lawn debris, by way of a variety of intake systems, such as a basket and vacuum tube. After intake, the debris collector is configured to process the debris by way of an auger and agitators, so as to be passed through a blower fan for disposal.
US09271447B2
An agricultural harvester with a flexible crop residue management system. A pivotal swath door and displaceable windrow chute are coordinated to be displaced between positions in which all of crop residue is spread laterally and another position in which straw in the crop residue is directed in a windrow by a windrow chute and the chaff is directed laterally.
US09271445B2
A tensioning system for maintaining the tension in a chain conveyor extended over at least one drive sprocket and one idler sprocket, and a method for maintaining the tension in a chain conveyor, in particular for example for a stalked crop harvesting header. The tensioning system comprises a first tensioning arm and a second tensioning arm rotatably connected to one another for rotation around a shaft onto which one of the sprockets is mounted, the second tensioning arm rotatably connected to a fixed point of a supporting plate, wherein the tension in the chain conveyor is maintained by rotational movement of at least one of the drive sprocket or the idler sprocket around a fixed point of the supporting plate.
US09271443B2
A harvesting header includes a header frame, a flexible cutterbar assembly, and a draper assembly. The cutterbar assembly is mounted to the header frame and includes a plurality of skids. Each of the skids has a lower margin configured to engage the ground such that the skids cooperatively cause flexing of the cutterbar assembly along the length thereof in response to changes in terrain as the header is advanced. Each skid presents a skid surface extending from the lower skid margin.
US09271439B2
An air seeder includes a combination tank propulsion vehicle with mounted product tanks, and metering devices dispensing product from each product tank. A furrow opener implement is towed by the vehicle and an engine rotates the vehicle wheels and two or more implement wheels. A pneumatic distribution system conveys dispensed products to the furrow openers. The external guidance system sends location signals indicating a location of the implement frame to the operator. Steering, metering, and distribution signals are sent by both the external guidance system and an operator with a remote operator control, and operator signals override signals from the external guidance system.
US09277686B2
A clamping device comprises a driving cylinder, a buffering assembly, a first clamping member, and a second clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member are mounted to the driving cylinder. The buffering assembly comprises a fixing member, a guiding rail, a guiding rod, and an elastic member. The fixing member comprises a first mounting portion and a second mounting portion. The first mounting portion defines a through hole. The guiding rail is mounted to the fixing member and located between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion. The driving cylinder is mounted to the guiding rail. A first end of the guiding rod is movably received through the through hole, and a second end of the guiding rod is fixed to the driving cylinder. Opposite ends of the elastic member resist against the first mounting portion and the driving cylinder, respectively.
US09277684B2
A self-wrapping, textile sleeve for routing and protecting elongate members from electromagnetic interference and a method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve has an elongate wall constructed from interlaced yarns. At least one of the yarns is provided as heat-settable polymeric yarn that is heat-set to bias the wall into a self-wrapping configuration about a longitudinal central axis of the sleeve to bring opposite edges into overlapping relation with one another to provide a generally tubular cavity in which the elongate members are received. Further, at least one of the yarns is provided as a bi-component metallic wire having an aluminum core and an outer layer of copper.
US09277670B1
The present invention relates to a new design for an extensible architecture for a rack-mounted network attached storage. In one embodiment, the design employs a riser card for a rack-mounted network attached storage. The riser card provides multiple, e.g., four, eight, etc., SATA connections from a PCIe bus on the motherboard. In addition, the riser card may provide power connections and a fan controller. In addition, the riser card supports dual-power inputs from multiple power supply sources. In one embodiment, the riser card can share power from AC power from the rack and a DC input to receive power from an external power supply.
US09277669B2
A plastic display panel and a flat panel displaying having the plastic display panel are discussed. The plastic display panel according to an embodiment a display area configured to display an image and including a plurality of panel electrodes, and a non-display area in which a plurality of link lines connected to the panel electrodes and a driving element are provided. The display area and the non-display area are provided in a plastic base substrate. A plurality of link pads, electrically connected to the respective link lines, are provided in a bonding part adhered to the driving element in the non-display area, and at least one via hole is provided in the bonding part for exposing a portion of the plastic base substrate.
US09277667B2
A display which thickness is allowed to be reduced is provided. A display includes: a display panel; and a back-face member having rigidity and provided on a back face of the display panel, the back-face member covering the back face, or the back face and other part of the display panel.
US09277666B2
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display, a circuit substrate, connector terminals, a first cover, a second cover, and a fastening member. The circuit substrate includes a first side and a second side adjacent to the first side, and overlaps a second face of the display. The connector terminals are disposed at a vicinity of each of the first side and the second side. The first cover includes a first opening exposing the connector terminals therethrough, and covers the second face. The second cover includes a linking portion and a noncircular through hole, and covers the first opening across the first side and the second side. The linking portion is positioned in between the first side and the second side. The fastening member is inserted through the through hole so as to fix the second cover, the circuit substrate, and the display.
US09277665B2
A material-saving, cost-efficient and simultaneously safe high-voltage system for energy transfer includes a busbar and at least one high-voltage device connected to the busbar by an electrically conductive connecting device or connector. The connecting device or connector has a predetermined breaking point which is constructed in such a manner that the predetermined breaking point will break if a predetermined force is exerted between the busbar and the high-voltage device.
US09277661B2
Magnetic latch mechanisms are provided. The latch mechanisms may be employed to releasably hold a portable computing device in a closed configuration. The latch mechanism may include first and second magnetic members that may be respectively coupled to the base and lid of the portable computing device. One of the magnetic members may be moveable. Accordingly, when the moveable magnetic member is moved, the position of the magnetic members relative to one another changes, which alters a magnetic interaction therebetween. For example, attractive portions of the magnetic members may be moved away from one another. Additionally, repulsive portions of the magnetic members may be moved into proximity. Thus, opening of the lid of the portable computing device may be facilitated.
US09277657B2
A wiring board includes a core substrate having a number of through-holes, and buildup insulating layers and buildup wiring layers alternately laminated on upper and lower surfaces of the core substrate, in which a first through-hole group is arranged in a first region in the core board at a first arrangement density, the first region being opposed to the semiconductor element connection pad formation region, a second through-hole group is arranged in a second region at a second arrangement density lower than the first arrangement density, the second region being located in an outer peripheral portion of the core substrate and away from the first region, and a third through-hole group is arranged in a third region at a third arrangement density higher than the second arrangement density, the third region being located between the first region and the second region.
US09277650B2
A combined wiring board includes multiple wiring boards, and a connected metal frame having multiple metal frames and one or more connecting portions such that the metal frames are connected each other by the connecting portion or connecting portions and have accommodation opening portions formed to accommodate the wiring boards, respectively.
