US09678087B2
Provided are methods for determining the amount of estrone in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing estrone in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of estrone in the sample.
US09678082B2
The present invention relates to a method of traceless labeling glycoproteins on a surface and an application thereof. A test glycoprotein can be immobilized on a surface using a BA-tosyl probe and the BA-tosyl probe is then released using a releasing agent, so as to expose a glycan residue of the test glycoprotein. The exposed glycan residue of the test glycoprotein can be detected without altering native glycan structures. Moreover, the present invention further provides a detection kit of traceless labeling glycoproteins on a surface in the study of glycoprotein-protein interactions, which is suitable for using the aforementioned method.
US09678069B2
A sample collection device for a fluid sample includes: a body including a capillary channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw the fluid into the channel by capillary action; an air vent located in the vicinity of the second end and in fluid communication with the capillary channel; a barrier positioned within the capillary channel to prevent flow of the fluid by capillary action thereacross; and features on opposing sides of the body to form an axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of the capillary channel from the first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the sample collection device is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation within a cartridge having a sample manipulation device to bring the first end into position with the sample manipulation device.
US09678066B2
The present invention relates to methods of measuring interaction between a first and a second molecule, for example a protein and an antibody, by conjugation of one of these molecules with nanoparticles, and measuring the interaction between the first and second molecule via changes in the optical properties of the nanoparticles. The present invention further relates to methods of coating nanoparticles.
US09678065B2
The present disclosure provides methods and systems for analyzing a liquid sample. A micro-fluidic device to perform an assay of a liquid sample is described that includes a sample application site and a vent outlet in fluid communication with the capillary channel. A cap is provided that is configured to seal both the vent outlet and the sample application site in a shared volume and separate from an outside environment.
US09678062B2
Methods of expanding FCs or stem cells are provided herein, as are methods of screening for compounds that increase expression of DOCK2 or decrease expression of Arhgap18, either of which improves engraftment.
US09678059B2
The present invention provides a method for detecting and grading benign and malignant tumors using at least one sensor of conductive nanoparticles capped with an organic coating in conjunction with a learning and pattern recognition algorithm. The method utilizes a plurality of response induced parameters to obtain improved sensitivity and selectivity for diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring and staging various types of cancers, or for identifying or grading benign or malignant tumors.
US09678053B2
A liquid sensor may comprise a first electrode, a second electrode disposed inside the first electrode, and a partition wall comprising a surface defining a storage space with a first opposing surface of the first electrode and a second opposing surface of the second electrode. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the partition wall may comprise a first communication opening communicating an inside of the storage space and an outside of the storage space and disposed at an upper portion of the storage space. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the partition wall may comprise a second communication opening communicating the inside of the storage space and the outside of the storage space and disposed lower than the first communication opening. An opening direction of the first communication opening may be different from an opening direction of the second communication opening.
US09678037B2
Atomically layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit a significant potential to enable low-cost transistor biosensors that permit single-molecule-level quantification of biomolecules. Two different principles for operating such biosensors are presented. In one arrangement, antibody receptors are functionalized on an insulating layer deposited onto the channel of the transistor. The charge introduced through antigen-antibody binding is capacitively coupled with the channel and shifts the threshold voltage without significantly changing the transconductance. In another arrangement, antibodies are functionalized directly on the channel of the transistor. Antigen-antibody binding events mainly modulate the ON-state transconductance, which is attributed to the disordered potential formed in channel material.
US09678036B2
A graphene sensor and method for selective sensing of vapors, gases and biological agents are disclosed. The graphene sensor can include a substrate; a dielectric substrate on an upper layer of the substrate; a layer of graphene on an upper layer of the dielectric substrate; and a source and drain contact on an upper surface of the layer of graphene. The method for detection of vapors, gases and biological objects with low frequency input as a sensing parameter can include exposing a graphene device to at least one vapor, gas, and/or biological object, the graphene device comprising: a substrate; a dielectric substrate on an upper layer of the substrate, a layer of graphene on an upper layer of the dielectric substrate, and a source and drain contact on an upper surface of the layer of graphene; and measuring a change in a noise spectra of the graphene device.
US09678035B2
Provided is a gas sensor capable of accurately obtaining a hydrocarbon gas concentration even if a measurement gas contains water vapor. A main pumping cell adjusts an oxygen partial pressure of a first internal space such that a hydrocarbon gas in a measurement gas is not substantially burned in the first internal space. An auxiliary pumping cell adjusts an oxygen partial pressure of a second internal space such that inflammable gas components except for hydrocarbon are selectively burned. Then, a measuring pumping cell supplies oxygen to a surface of a measuring electrode. As a result, hydrocarbon existing in the measurement gas being in contact with the measuring electrode is all burned on the surface of the measuring electrode and, based on the magnitude of a current flowing between the measuring electrode and a main pumping electrode at that time, identifies a concentration of a hydrocarbon gas component existing in the measurement gas.
US09678034B2
In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a biological fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base including a top and bottom side, a lid, and an attachment member including one or more retention tabs coupled proximate the top side so that the analyte sensor can be grasped by the sensor's top side. Manufacturing methods and systems adapted to use and dispense the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
US09678033B2
An electrochemical biosensor includes a substrate, a plurality of layered active metal parts, a plurality of layered electrodes, a reaction confinement layer, an electrochemical reactive layer and a cover piece. The substrate is formed with through holes each of which is defined by an interior wall surface and penetrates top and bottom surfaces. Each of the layered active metal parts is formed at least upon a respective one of the interior wall surfaces. The layered electrodes are formed on the layered active metal parts. The reaction confinement layer confines a reactor space over a region where the through holes are formed. The electrochemical reactive layer is disposed in the reactor space and is electrically coupled to the layered electrodes.
US09678031B2
A biochip including a plate-like diaphragm part provided with a through-hole, a wall part provided at an outer periphery of the diaphragm part, and a reinforcing part formed in a portion other than the through-hole in the diaphragm part.
US09678025B1
A test apparatus for thermal energy measurement of disk-shaped test specimens has a cold mass assembly locatable within a sealable chamber with a guard vessel having a guard chamber to receive a liquid fluid and a bottom surface to contact a cold side of a test specimen, and a test vessel having a test chamber to receive a liquid fluid and encompassed on one side by a center portion of the bottom surface shared with the guard vessel. A lateral wall assembly of the test vessel is closed by a vessel top, the lateral wall assembly comprising an outer wall and an inner wall having opposing surfaces that define a thermal break including a condensable vapor pocket to inhibit heat transfer through the lateral wall from the guard vessel to the test vessel. A warm boundary temperature surface is in thermal communication with a lower surface of the test specimen.
US09678024B1
Methods and systems are disclosed wherein neutrons are produced by a photon induced process 2D(γ,n) and the ensuing neutrons are thermalized and captured by hydrogen producing a 2.223 MeV gamma that is used to identify and quantify the presence of hydrogen and which, when combined with NRF signals from certain isotopes, can be used to establish the nature of a hydrogenous compound or a mixture of hydrogenous materials or a mixture of hydrogenous materials with other non-hydrogenous materials. The method is useful to establish, e.g., the presence and quantification of explosives, toxic substances and general contraband as well as the flow of materials in a production line or shipping venue.
US09678016B2
A flow analyzer includes a flow body having a single-piece construction. The flow body includes a flow path extending through the flow body along a flow direction between opposing inlet and outlet ports and an enclosed wiring conduit extending substantially transverse to the flow direction between a first side of the flow body and a second side of the flow body. The enclosed wiring conduit is isolated from the flow path. An illumination unit is disposed on the first side of the flow body and configured to illuminate fluid within the flow path. An observation unit is disposed on the second side of the flow body and configured to visually observe the fluid within the flow path.
US09678013B2
Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a substrate and a sensing member formed on a surface of the substrate. The sensing member includes collapsible signal amplifying structures and an area surrounding the collapsible signal amplifying structures that enables self-positioning of droplets exposed thereto toward the collapsible signal amplifying structures.
US09678009B2
A method for a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing system is disclosed. The LSPR sensing system has an optical detection system and a test specimen with metal nanoparticles arranged in an anisotropic periodic manner that generates a phase signal of the LSPR sensing system. The method includes: emitting an incident light toward the test specimen to excite the metal nanoparticles, thereby generating an emergent light; using the optical detection system to detect phases of a first polarization state and a second polarization state of the emergent light, where the first polarization state is perpendicular to the second polarization state; and obtaining a phase difference spectrum between the phases of the first and second polarization states, thereby determining a half maximum (FWHM) of the phase difference spectrum.
US09678000B1
A concentration of glucose in a blood sample is determined through use of a signal channel output/reference channel ratio obtained by use of an NDIR absorption technique in which scattering noise attributable to the liquid phase is reduced by alternately and successively pulsing infrared radiation from signal and reference sources which are multiplexed and collimated into a pulsed beam directed through the sample space containing the liquid phase and the pulse frequency is sufficiently fast so that a given molecule of glucose will not pass in and out of the sample space within the pulse frequency.
US09677995B2
A sample cell filling device for filling a sample cell to be used remotely from a polarimeter is provided. The filling device includes a liquid-sealed housing, light source and a diffuser viewing screen. The housing has a recess for receiving the sample cell, the sample cell having first and second optical windows at the respective ends. A light source transmits light from one optical window to the other optical window. A diffuser viewing screen receives light exiting from the sample cell such that light from the viewing screen can be observed by a user to determine the quality of the sample fill.
US09677982B2
When mounting a grip 10 on a cross head 73, a pin 62 and an adapter 50 are removed from a joint 40. Then, a boss 13 of the grip 10 is inserted into a hollow part 45 of the joint 40, and the pin 62 is inserted into a through-hole 14 formed in the boss 13 of the grip 10 and a hole part 42 formed in a tubular body 41 of the joint 40. When mounting a platen 30 on the cross head 73, the adapter 50 is mounted on the joint 40. In addition, the platen 30 is mounted on the adapter 50. Further, a set screw is inserted into a hole part 52 of the adapter 50.
US09677981B2
The present disclosure provides an assembly for preparing a sample for analysis. The assembly comprises a hollow body comprising first opening, an outlet with a second opening, and a fluid pathway extending therebetween; a filter element operatively interposed in the fluid pathway; and a closure comprising a third opening and a chamber, the closure being slideably engaged with the outlet. The chamber and the outlet are dimensioned so that the outlet is sealingly engaged with the chamber. A method of using the assembly to detect a microorganism is also provided.
US09677978B2
A fixative solution, suitable for fixation of biological materials such as human or veterinary biological tissues, cells, organs and secretions as well as bacteria, viruses, yeasts, parasites and biotech products such as embalming articles. The fixative solution is not a dangerous product according to European standards, and it contains low concentration of aldehydes or heavy metals, rendering a product that cannot be considered dangerous. Even so, biological samples can be optimally preserved and fixed with this solution.
US09677977B2
The formulations, systems, and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of specimens (e.g., biological specimens) for examination. The disclosed formulations, systems, and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation phases for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining specimens.
US09677964B2
A system and a method detect contamination of a diaphragm in a capacitance diaphragm gauge wherein a contaminated diaphragm deflects less in the presence of pressure than an uncontaminated diaphragm. The system and method measure a base pressure. A DC voltage is applied between the diaphragm and a fixed electrode to cause the diaphragm to deflect to simulate an effective pressure. The system and method measure a combined pressure caused by the base pressure and the effective pressure. The system and method subtract the base pressure to determine the effective pressure caused by the static diaphragm deflection. If the measured effective pressure is less than an acceptable effective pressure, the system and method determine that the diaphragm is contaminated.
US09677963B2
Small profile apparatus for pressure and/or temperature sensing within a wellbore are provided. The apparatus may include optical sensing assemblies designed for inclusion in traditional or coiled production tubing deployments and suitable for use in high pressure, high temperature environments. One example assembly generally includes a housing having a divider for separating a first volume from a second volume inside the housing, a compressible element disposed in the first volume, wherein a first end of the compressible element is coupled to the divider and a second of the compressible element is sealed, and a large diameter optical waveguide disposed in an internal volume of the compressible element. The waveguide typically includes a first portion with a first grating and a second portion with a second grating, wherein the first portion has a greater outer diameter than the second portion.
US09677961B2
A pressure indicator with a pressure-relief function is disclosed, which can release excessive pressure to the environment. The pressure indicator includes a transparent tube defining therein a first bore and a second bore, and a slider which can be forced by the medium supplied from an external pressure source to move along the first and second bores of the transparent tube. In particular, the first bore has a diameter greater than the second bore, and a tapered annular surface is provided between the first bore and the second bore of the transparent tube. When the pressure of the medium exceeds a predetermined pressure, the slider can be forced by the medium to reach the tapered annular surface, at which excessive medium can be released into the environment via an annular gap between the slider and the tapered annular surface.
US09677960B2
A pressure sensing assembly (1), comprising: an elongate, axially extending tube (100), having a flexible tube wall (102) that encloses an inner pressure chamber (106); and at least one sensor unit (200), including: two tube wall fixation devices (210), connected to the tube wall (102) at respective axially spaced apart positions, and configured to fix respective diameters (D, d) of the tube wall at said positions; and a first strain sensing element (220), connected to the tube wall (102) at a first position axially in between said two tube wall devices (210), and configured to provide a first signal indicative of an axial elongation of the tube wall resulting from a change in axial curvature of the tube wall when a pressure differential between the inner pressure chamber (106) and an outside environment (108) of the tube is applied across the tube wall at said first position.
US09677959B2
The present application relates to the technical field of magnetic track brake, and in particular to a testing device for electromagnetic attraction force of a magnetic track brake, comprising a steel rail, a force measuring rail block, a guide groove, an elastic force measuring device and a pull machine, wherein the steel rail consists of segmented steel rails, the groove body of the guide groove is vertically provided between the segmented steel rails, the limiting plate is fixed on an inner wall of the groove body, the force measuring rail block and the elastic force measuring device are both located inside the groove body, and a bottom of the force measuring rail block is connected to the elastic force measuring device and the pull machine through an intermediate connection rod.
US09677944B2
A method of in-situ temperature measurement for a wafer treatment reactor such as a chemical vapor deposition reactor desirably includes the steps of heating the reactor until the reactor reaches a wafer treatment temperature and rotating a wafer support element within the reactor about a rotational axis. The method desirably further includes, while the wafer support element is rotating about the rotational axis, obtaining first operating temperature measurements using a first operating pyrometer that receives radiation from a first portion of the wafer support element, and obtaining first wafer temperature measurements using a wafer temperature measurement device that receives radiation from at least one wafer, the wafer temperature measurement device located at a first position.
US09677943B2
A PV vector measuring apparatus includes: a light source 101configured to output probe light; a polarization switch 102 that can freely set a state of polarization of input light; a polarimeter 104; a PV-vector calculating device 105; and a rectangular wave generator 106. The polarization switch alternately switches between two orthogonal states of polarization in accordance with a rectangular wave modulation signal output from the rectangular wave generator. Output light from the polarization switch is input to a measurement object 103. The polarimeter 104 measures time dependency of an SOP vector of output light output from the measurement object. The PV-vector calculating device calculates a characteristic vector, which expresses a rate of polarization change in the measurement object, from the time dependency of the SOP vector.
US09677942B2
A system and method is provided for measuring and storing the paint color formula of a sample. Paint is sprayed on directional samples. The horizontal standard is measured and stored in a database. A vertical standard is measured at a plurality of locations and orientations and stored in the database.
US09677941B2
Feedback control of an object which moves back and forth in a straight line along a linear guide is performed through PID control. A parameter adjustment unit which determines the control parameters to be used for PID control performs feedback control and determines the optimal value of control parameters by means of an evaluation function based on the error between the measured value of the current velocity and the target velocity, for the control parameters of maximum reverse voltage and at least one from among proportional coefficient (CP), differential coefficient CD), integral coefficient CI), and frictional coefficient (CF).
US09677940B2
An elemental analysis apparatus 101 includes a treatment vessel 108 of which at least a part is optically transparent, a first electrode 104 covered by insulator 103, a second electrode 102, a bubble-generating part which generates a bubble 106, a gas-supplying apparatus 105 which supplies gas to the bubble-generating part in an amount necessary for generating the bubble 106, a power supply 101 which applies voltage between the first electrode 104 and the second electrode 102, and an optical detection device 110 which determines an emission spectrum of plasma that is generated by application of the voltage, and the apparatus conducts qualitatively or quantitatively analysis of a component contained in the liquid 109 based on the emission spectrum determined by the optical detection device 110.
US09677935B2
A system for wide-range spectral measurement includes one or more broadband sources, an adjustable Fabry-Perot etalon, and a detector. The one or more broadband sources is to illuminate a sample, wherein the one or more broadband sources have a short broadband source coherence length. The adjustable Fabry-Perot etalon is to optically process the reflected light to extract spectral information with fine spectral resolution. The detector is to detect reflected light from the sample, wherein the reflected light is comprised of multiple narrow-band subsets of the illumination light having long coherence lengths and is optically processed using a plurality of settings for the adjustable Fabry-Perot etalon, and wherein the plurality of settings includes a separation of the Fabry-Perot etalon plates that is greater than the broadband source coherence length but that is less than the long coherence lengths.
US09677926B2
A liquid-level detection device detects a level of a surface of liquid stored in a container. The liquid-level detection device includes: a float that floats on the surface of liquid; a rotatable body that rotates due to a upward or downward displacement of the float and includes a rotation contact part; a supporting body that rotatably supports the rotatable body and includes a supporting contact part which is located on a rotational track of the rotation contact part to restrict the rotation of the rotatable body in a specified direction by contact between the supporting contact part and the rotation contact part; and an attachment member that is attached to the supporting body and includes an attachment contact part which makes contact with the rotatable body rotating in the specified direction to prevent the contact of the rotation contact part with the supporting contact part.
US09677924B2
A method for measuring the fill level of a liquid additive in a tank using an ultrasonic sensor includes initially carrying out a measurement of a first propagation time of an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor to a liquid level of the liquid additive. This is followed by cleaning of at least one reference surface in the liquid additive with the aid of at least one ultrasonic pulse. Then at least one second propagation time of an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic sensor to the at least one reference surface is measured and the fill level is calculated from the first propagation time and the second propagation time. A delivery unit having at least one ultrasonic sensor for installation in a liquid additive tank is also provided.
US09677923B1
A liquid intake tracking device for removable insertion into a beverage container in order to track an amount of liquid consumed, the rate of liquid consumption over time, and to provide alerts to the user. The device connects wirelessly to an application executing on an external electronic device which provides user with liquid consumption data and reports concerning the user's interaction with the beverage container. Methods for tracking liquid intake include disposing such a device within the container, calibrating the device relative to the container by processing pressure readings while the container is in an empty and full state, detecting changes in pressure within the container after the calibration step, in which the pressure is a function of a proportion of amount of liquid within the container at the time of detection, and wirelessly transmitting the measured pressure information to the external electronic device using a wireless communication module.
US09677920B2
An automation device is provided, which comprises an operating system having a first system clock and a communication system having a second system clock. The first system clock is intended to control a system time cycle of the operating system, and the second system clock is intended to control a system time cycle of the communication system. Furthermore, the first system clock and the second system clock are synchronized in time.
US09677917B2
A housing part for a sensor for a vehicle transmission is able to be connected at the sensor housing to an additional housing part along a joining area by means of a joining process. The housing part has at least one uniform wall thickness or adjusted optical material properties in the joining area.
US09677908B2
An advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system includes a meter data management system, an AMI network, a network communication module and metering devices. The AMI network connects to a reference time clock and the meter data management system. The network communication module connects to the AMI network and is in communication with the reference time clock via the AMI network. Each metering device is connected to the network communication module and has a metrology device and a communication module device. The communication module device provides clock adjustments to the metrology clock and/or its own clock. The metrology device provides clock adjustments to the communications module clock and/or its own clock. Methods for use in an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system provide clock adjustments.
US09677904B2
The generation of travel time data is disclosed in which coordinates are received for a starting location (1901). A maximum travel time is received (1903) and processed graph data is read that includes nodes representing pre-filtered map features and edges representing travel times between nodes. A temporary graph is built (1907) of selected nodes that can be reached via selected edges within the maximum travel time. Candidate destinations are received (1908) and the travel time to these candidate destinations is tested (1909) with reference to the temporary graph.
US09677898B2
Provided herein is control method of an electronic apparatus, comprising: identifying a line region from a driving-related image data of a vehicle; generating a line information corresponding to a lane where the vehicle is located from an image data of the identified line region portion; generating a position information of a lane where the vehicle is located, using at least one of the generated line information and the lane information of a road where the vehicle is located; and performing a driving-related guide of the vehicle using the generated lane position information.
US09677894B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for enacting various driving profiles based on identifying the age and gender of the user. Initially, identifying information is acquired from a user of a vehicle. An identification program determines whether the driver is known, by comparing the identifying information to a set of stored identifying information. If the driver of the vehicle is known, as the identifying information from the user is similar to stored identifying information, then a specific driver profile associated with the specific driver is activated. If the driver is not known, as the identifying information from the user of the vehicle is not similar to the stored identifying information, then the age and gender of the user of the vehicle is determined. Based on the determined age and gender of the driver of the vehicle, various vehicle setting ranges are enacted.
US09677883B2
The invention relates to an optoelectronic distance measuring device, comprising a transmitting unit and comprising a receiving unit of an electronic evaluating unit. The transmitting unit has a circuit board, a semiconductor laser, and a laser diode driver for transmitting high-frequency intensity-modulated optical radiation. In order to receive a component of the optical radiation reflected by a target object by means of a photosensitive electrical component, the receiving unit is equipped with an electrical output signal as a received signal, a conditioning unit for conditioning the received signal, and an analog/digital converter for digitizing the conditioned received signal. The electronic evaluating unit determines a distance from the distance measuring device to the target object on the basis of a signal propagation time using the digitized received signal. The semiconductor laser is attached to the circuit board as a laser substrate that does not have a housing.
US09677880B2
A laser alignment system may comprise a machine, a laser source attached to the machine, a photodiode able to communicate with the laser source, and a receiver including the photodiode, wherein a signal is generated upon communication between the photodiode and the laser source.
US09677867B2
Squaring tape apparatus and kits for converting a conventional measuring tape into a squaring tape apparatus are described herein. The squaring tape apparatus and kits described herein provide a measuring tape that is capable of accurately measuring diagonal distances across a window or door frame from inside corner to inside corner.
US09677864B1
A closed, self-contained ballistic apogee detection module for use in a projectile, such as a rocket, mortar round, or artillery round, fuses data from multiple built-in sensors, such as an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscope, and processes the data using a microprocessor through a custom quaternion extended Kalman filter to provide accurate state and orientation information about the projectile so as to accurately predict apogee. The module outputs a signal indicating apogee detection or prediction which they projectile uses to initiate fuze arming, targeting control, airbody transformation, maneuvering, flow effector deployment or activation, payload exposure or deployment, and/or other mission activity. Because the system and method of the invention does not rely on external environmental data to detect apogee, it need not use a pressure sensor and can be completely sealed in and closed without requiring access to air from outside the projectile for barometric readings.
US09677863B1
A kinetic energy penetrator for use in small caliber ammunition, which penetrator can utilize composite material small sabots. A large shear area in the sabot having a small number of decreasingly sized buttress grooves, mate to the penetrator shaft making use of composite material sabots feasible. Lightening of the penetrator through substitution of composite material sabots results in greater velocity with higher kinetic energy on lethal impact. The fewer grooves aerodynamically lessen drag and likewise tend to boost velocity plus lethal impact.
US09677861B2
A projectile having a leading section and a trailing section coupled together to define a structure for delivering a plurality of flechettes. The trailing section includes aerodynamic control surfaces that are deployable to apply an aerodynamic braking force to the trailing section to separate the trailing section from the leading section. The flechettes surround an explosive charge in the leading section such that initiation of the explosive charge outwardly disperses the flechettes after the leading section and the trailing section have separated. The control surfaces optionally also may impart spin to the projectile to assist in dispersing the flechettes. Thus, aerodynamic force is employed to assist in removing the flechettes from their confining structure in the projectile before dispersing them.
US09677856B2
A method of constructing a concealing volume comprises constructing a plurality of concealing volume elements around a concealable volume. Each concealing volume element has a material parameter arranged to direct a propagating wave around the concealable volume. The material parameter can be refractive index, electrical permittivity and magnetic permittivity. The concealing volume can be a metamaterial. The concealing volume diverts incoming propagating waves such that outgoing propagating waves appear to be unperturbed to an observer.
US09677852B2
A Remote Controlled Weapon Station is provided wherein it comprises a weapon mounting bracket that is remotely adjustable in elevating/lowering and a rotatable turret assembly adapted to be mounted on vehicles, remotely adjustable in rotation, and wherein the weapon mounting bracket is pivotally mounted on it, and the Remote Controlled Weapon Station is converted into a remote controlled Non Lethal weapon station by that at least one non lethal means is installed in it, chosen from a group consisting of—a multi barreled means for firing grenades; multi-barrels launcher means for pyrotechnically firing plurality of charges; acoustic means for producing tones; illuminating means; observation means and means for providing sniper firing capabilities of small caliber kinetic bullet.
US09677848B2
An optic device turret for adjusting the optical element of the optic device with at least two knobs that are each movable between a first position wherein the knob is not rotatable and a second position wherein the knob can be rotated. The access to and rotation of both knobs can be accomplished without the use of tools. The rotation of each knob adjusts the optical element. A spiral cam mechanism is engaged with the turret to define a maximum and minimum adjustment of the optical element. A rotation indicator displays the amount a knob has been rotated.
US09677837B2
Provided is a barrel insert for use with a barrel containing a plurality of axially stacked projectiles. The barrel insert has a proximal and a distal end, the distal end adapted to engage a proximally disposed projectile disposed in the barrel. The barrel insert also defines an expansion volume for propellant gases for launching the proximally disposed projectile at a predetermined velocity.
US09677834B2
An extractor for a firearm and method of using the same are provided. The extractor comprises a bullet casing edge including a substantially straight portion and a tab portion situated below and extending from the substantially straight portion. The substantially straight portion is configured to engage the casing and enable it to travel vertically along the substantially straight portion while maintaining engagement therewith. The tab portion is configured to engage the casing and to inhibit it from traveling downward along the casing engagement edge below the tab portion.
US09677830B2
The present invention relates to a device that conditions high entrance velocity, superheated feed gas, which include some high boiling components, for example, asphaltenes and poly-nuclear aromatics that tend to coke upon condensation and exposure to the superheated feed gas temperature. Also included in superheated feed gas are solid catalyst fines, from a single or multiple feed nozzles to a quiescent flow regime for uniform distribution of the gases, to a contact device within the Main Fractionator (MF) column.
US09677820B2
A liquid cooling heat dissipation structure includes a heat-conducting substrate, a fluid-splitting board, a fluid-conducting board, and a liquid supply module. The heat-conducting substrate has a heat-conducting body contacting a heat generation source and a plurality of heat-dissipating fins disposed on the heat-conducting body. The fluid-splitting board is disposed on the heat-dissipating fins. The fluid-conducting board is disposed on the fluid-splitting board. The liquid supply module includes an external cover body detachably disposed on the heat-conducting body and at least two pumps detachably disposed on the external cover body. The external cover body has at least one liquid inlet and at least one liquid outlet, and cooling liquid flows into the external cover body through the at least one liquid inlet and flows out of the external cover body through the at least one liquid outlet by driving one or all of the at least two pumps.
US09677819B2
An air conditioner and a heat exchanger therefor are provided. The heat exchanger may include a shell; an injection pipe to guide a heat source fluid to an inside of the shell; a first refrigerant tube formed with a first spiral tube; a second refrigerant tube formed with a second spiral tube having a radius larger than a radius of the first spiral tube; and a discharge pipe to which the heat source fluid heat-exchanged with a refrigerant is discharged. The first refrigerant tube and the second refrigerant tube may be connected in parallel, and the second spiral tube may have a larger pitch between turns and a smaller number of turns than the first spiral tube. The heat exchanger may provide a simple structure and a high heat-exchange performance.
US09677805B2
A refrigerator appliance is provided. The refrigerator appliance includes features for increasing humidity of an atmosphere about the refrigerator appliance. A method for operating a refrigerator appliance is also provided. The method includes measuring a relative humidity of air about the refrigerator appliance and operating a humidifier of the refrigerator appliance if the relative humidity of air about the refrigerator appliance is less than a reference value.
US09677800B2
A refrigerator includes an ice bank installed on a refrigerating compartment door, a dispenser provided below the ice bank, and an ice maker provided in a freezing compartment. The refrigerator also includes a transfer element connected to a side of the ice maker and configured to transfer ice made by the ice maker to the ice bank. The refrigerator further includes a first duct connecting an outlet of the transfer element and the ice bank and a second duct connecting the ice bank and the freezing compartment. One of the first duct and the second duct is a cold air supplying duct that supplies cold air to the ice bank and another of the first duct and the second duct is a cold air return duct that returns cold air of the ice bank to the freezing compartment.
US09677797B2
An inverter controller, a method of operating a controller and a field-installable kit. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a thermostat interface configured to receive conventional thermostat signals providing for a ventilation mode, first- and second-stage cooling modes and at least one heating mode and provide relay control signals for an inverter forward start relay, first- and second-stage cooling speed select relays and at least one heating relay and (2) an inverter controller coupled to the thermostat interface and configured to receive the relay control signals and provide an inverter forward start signal, an inverter high speed set, an inverter medium speed set and an inverter ventilation speed set.
US09677794B2
A Vuilleumier heat pump is disclosed in which hot and cold displacers are controlled by first and second electromagnetic actuators, respectively. The first actuator is capable of moving the hot displacer between the first and second ends of travel while the cold displacer remains stationary and the second actuator is capable of moving the cold displacer while the hot displacer remains stationary. Prior art crank arrangements are unable to provide dwell in one displacer while moving the other displacer. Actuation of the displacers according to embodiments of the present disclosure provides a higher coefficient of performance than crank arrangements.
US09677787B2
Liquid-based adjusting device (100) for a solar system comprising at least one holding element (1) for attaching at least one solar element, a swivel device (2), designed and intended for swiveling the holding element (1) around at least one swivel axis (S) and/or along a guiding curve (F) of the holding element (1), wherein one floating body (1A) of the holding element (1) is at least partially arranged below a filling level (30A) of the liquid tank (3A) and only by the buoyancy thereof the holding element (1) is swivel-mounted relative to one longitudinal axis (L) of the liquid tank (3A) around the swivel axis (S) and/or along the guiding curve (F) and mounted above the filling level (30A) directly on the rim (31A) of the liquid tank (3A), wherein the filling level (30A) of the liquid tank (3A) can be varied by means of a piping system (4) of the swivel device (1).
US09677783B2
The present invention is related to a device for controlling an airflow field and a method thereof. The method is included of: supplying a cooling airflow into an air conditioning space, smoothly altering flux of the cooling airflow, retrieving a backflow temperature of the cooling airflow, and comparing variation of the backflow temperature with a flux variation of the cooling airflow. Only part of the air conditioning space is covered in the circulation range of the cooling airflow if the backflow temperature is varying in the same tendency as the flux variation. The device is included of an air conditioning cabinet and a chiller. The air conditioning cabinet is included of a coil pipe, a fan corresponding to the coil pipe and a processing module electrically connected to the fan. The chiller is connected to the coil pipe to supply cooling water in to the coil pipe.
US09677780B2
A controller controls the operations of a humidity control apparatus and an air conditioner. The controller includes a power consumption detector, a target value setting processor, and an operation control unit. The power consumption detector detects the power consumption of the humidity control apparatus and the air conditioner. The target value setting processor performs optimal target value setting processing by performing first or second processing. The first processing lowers a target operating frequency of a humidity controlling compressor and a target evaporation temperature in a utilization-side heat exchanger. The second processing raises the target operating frequency and the target evaporation temperature. The optimal target value setting processing sets the target operating frequency and the target evaporation temperature so as to minimize the power consumption. The operation control unit controls the humidity control apparatus to achieve the target operating frequency and the air conditioner to achieve the target evaporation temperature.
US09677770B2
An oven that effectively cools a door by adjusting a position of a cooling guide includes a casing having at least one inhalation hole and at least one ejection hole; a cooking chamber which has an opening and is placed inside the casing; a door that is rotatably coupled to one portion of the casing so as to open/close the opening; a cooling fan that discharges air introduced into the inhalation hole to the ejection hole placed at a front portion of the casing; and an air guide that is installed adjacent to the ejection hole so as to change a direction of air driven by the cooling fan. The cooling guide is installed not to disturb the flow of air that passes through the door so that the door using minimum sheets of glass can be provided.
US09677766B2
A fuel nozzle for use in a turbine engine is provided. The fuel nozzle includes a fuel injector configured to discharge a flow of fuel therefrom and a premixer tube coupled in flow communication with the fuel injector. The premixer tube is configured to receive the fuel flow and a flow of air at an upstream end of the premixer tube, wherein the fuel and air are progressively mixed as the fuel and air are channeled through the length of the premixer tube.
US09677765B2
A blower device for delivering at least one medium includes a blower having a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a nozzle, which is fluidically connected and arranged on the housing such that at least one medium can flow there through. The nozzle is designed to effect a negative pressure on the at least one medium at least in some sections. At least one sensor is arranged in the effective region of the nozzle and designed to measure at least parameters of the at least one medium which are required to determine the mass of the at least one medium.
US09677760B2
A furnace-heating combustion apparatus that allows adjustment of a ratio between the amount of primary air and the amount of secondary air. A double-tube elongate burner extends through a rear wall portion of an air box disposed away from a furnace wall. The leading end portion of the burner is disposed inside a tube section such that a secondary air conduit is formed between an outer circumferential face of the leading end portion and an inner circumferential face of the tube section. A primary air conduit is provided at the leading end portion of the burner to introduce the air inside the air box from the rear end portion and cause it to flow toward the leading end portion. A burner supporting means is provided for to allow adjustment of the position of the burner in the longitudinal direction relative to the rear wall of the air box.
US09677757B2
An automatic water-adding vaporization including a pot body main body, a heat-generating component installed on the pot body main body, a water pump connected to the pot body main body, a control circuit for controlling the water pump, a temperature acquisition board and a water-depletion-and temperature-sensing element installed on the temperature acquisition board. One end of the temperature acquisition board is either connected to the heat-generating component or to a position of the pot body main body in proximity to the heat-generating component. The remaining parts of the temperature acquisition board are away from the pot body main body. The water-depletion- and temperature-sensing element is installed at a position on the temperature acquisition board away from the pot body main body. The water-depletion- and temperature-sensing element is connected to the control circuit.
US09677755B1
Example methods and systems for controlling three-dimensional lighting arrangements are described. One example method includes a method is provided that involves (1) receiving by a computing system location data indicating a respective location of each of a plurality of light sources within a volume, (2) receiving by the computing system an indication to provide a geometric lighting arrangement, where the geometric lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of points having a pre-determined spatial relationship, (3) determining by the computing system a respective location, within the volume, of each point in the geometric lighting arrangement, where at least one of the light sources corresponds to each point, and (4) for each light source that corresponds to one of the points, controlling by the computing system the light source such that a light beam from the light source illuminates the location of the corresponding point within the volume.
US09677748B1
An artificial tree having a first tree section including a trunk and a trunk electrical connector, the trunk electrical connector including a first pair of electric terminals and a second pair of electrical terminals; and a second tree section including a trunk, a trunk electrical connector, and a light string, the trunk electrical connector in electrical connection with the light string and including a first pair of electric terminals and a second pair of electrical terminals. The first tree section is configured to electrically connect to the second tree section, such that the first pairs of electrical terminals of the first and second tree sections conduct power of a first type and the second pairs of electrical connectors of the first and second tree sections conduct power of a second type.
US09677746B2
A system according to an embodiment of the invention may include a track and a power supply substantially contained within the track. One or more lamps may be electrically connected to the power supply. The lamp may be an HID lamp, an LED lamp, or a fluorescent lamp. The power supply may be a ballast or a transformer, and may comprise a printed circuit board with electrical power handling components on one side. The system may also include a housing which may surround the power supply.
US09677731B2
A method of providing accent ornamental illumination to a lamp of a motor vehicle comprising providing an accent lamp comprising a housing and a light-emitting device disposed within the housing; mounting the housing to an exterior surface of the lens cover of the vehicle lamp; and arranging the light-emitting device such that, when the housing is mounted to the exterior surface of the lens cover of the lamp, light emitted from the light-emitting device passes through the lens cover from outside the lens cover towards a lamp reflector of the vehicle lamp and illuminates the reflector. A motor vehicle lamp combination comprising, in combination, a motor vehicle lamp and an accent lamp also provided wherein, when the accent lamp is mounted on a lens cover of the motor vehicle lamp, light emitted from the light-emitting device is directed towards the reflector.
US09677721B2
The disclosure of the present application includes a light pipe assembly having a light pipe with a proximal end, an opposing distal end, a length between the proximal end and the distal end, and a surface, the surface having an emitting portion and an overlay portion, where the light pipe is a material capable of transmitting light with a first refractive index; and a reflective secondary surface having a second refractive index and a width, the reflective secondary surface positioned adjacent the overlay portion of the light pipe, where the first refractive index is greater than the refractive index of air, and the second refractive index is greater than the first refractive index. In at least one embodiment, the reflective secondary surface is a non-metallic material capable of reflecting light. In at least one embodiment, the width of the reflective secondary surface varies along the length of the light pipe.
US09677720B2
A lighting device comprising a phosphor wheel configured such that it temporarily sequentially not only emits the excitation light in a wavelength-converted fashion as conversion light but additionally reflects said excitation light in an unconverted fashion as reflection light. Conversion light and reflection light are guided spatially separately on a conversion light path and reflection light path, respectively, with the aid of a first dichroic mirror and are finally combined with the aid of a second dichroic mirror. In this way, it is possible to combine the reflection light for example as a blue light channel with the conversion light.
US09677719B2
A light-emitting device may include a substrate, a light source arranged on the substrate, and a cover part spaced a certain distance apart from the light source and transmitting light emitted from the light source to outside. The cover part includes a first part, converting wavelengths of a part of light in light emitted from the light source and having different thicknesses at least in two different light-emitting directions of the light source, and a second part, having different thicknesses in the two different light-emitting directions to compensate the thicknesses of the first part.
US09677710B2
The disclosure relates to a corner structure which is suitable for a sealed and thermally insulating tank for storing a fluid comprising a secondary thermal insulation barrier which is retained on a carrier structure, a secondary sealing membrane, a primary thermal insulation barrier and a primary sealing membrane which is intended to be in contact with the fluid contained in the tank, the corner structure comprising: a first panel and a second panel forming a corner of the secondary thermal insulation barrier, and comprising an external face intended to move opposite the carrier structure and an internal face; a corner arrangement of the secondary sealing membrane, which arrangement is fixed to the first and second panels; a first insulating block and a second insulating block of a primary thermal insulation barrier which are fixed to the first and second panels, respectively, and which rest against the corner arrangement of the secondary sealing membrane; and a corner of a primary sealing barrier comprising a first wing and a second wing which are fixed to the first and second insulating blocks, respectively.
US09677705B2
A wall hanging fixing device includes a decoration cover which is provided with a hanging member in its inner side. The hanging member is fixed on a supporting seat in the inner side of the decoration cover with screws. The hanging member is provided with a hanging connection groove which is fit with a supporting member. The fixing device is also provided with a movable member that can move towards or away from the hanging connection groove. It is easy and quick to install the wall hanging fixing device. After an expansion bolt is fixed, the hanging member of the fixing device is hung on the expansion bolt without any disassembly, so as to protect the bathroom articles, and the hanging member can be fixed. This design effectively prevents loosening.
US09677703B2
A foldable electric fan, including a pressing-down part, a limiting base and a sliding pressing plate for restriction is provided. By pushing one end of the sliding pressing plate for restriction to extend and penetrate through the locking-through channel, the pressing plate for restriction is on top of the movable front supporting base, the fixed supporting base and the movable rear supporting base at the same time. Then when the pressing-down part is exerting pressure on the sliding pressing plate for restriction, the pressing plate for restriction is able to press on the movable front supporting base, the fixed left and right supporting base and the movable rear supporting base at the same time in order to enable the sliding pressing plate for restriction to press tightly on the base, which is easy for operation, simple in structure and not easy to produce scattered components. At the same time, the turnover mechanism further reduces the occupied space of the foldable electric fan.
US09677699B2
A coupling, for a fluid line, having a retainer and a coupling body defining a throughbore extending from an inlet opening at a male member reception end which functionally receives a male member. The retainer has a crossbar, with two spaced retainer legs, and at least one locking arm. The retainer is mounted in a moveable manner to the coupling body in radial direction in relation to the throughbore. In a starting position when the male member is not or not fully inserted into the coupling body, one free end of a retainer leg rests upon a blocking surface on the coupling body blocking the retainer from shifting into a locking position, whereby the crossbar is in the starting position, protruding out of the coupling body. At least one free end of a retainer leg is positioned in a receptacle slot in the coupling body when the male member is functionally received into the coupling body and the retainer is shifted into a locking position, whereby the crossbar is essentially positioned in a crossbar receptacle of the coupling body in order to indicate the mounted state. The locking arm features a locking element, which in the starting position, interacts with a complementary locking element on the coupling body securing the retainer releasably within the coupling body.
US09677695B2
The present invention relates to a hose for collecting rain water or draining water, and a telescopic hose is described. The pipe wall of the telescopic hose is formed by a plurality of wrinkling parts coiled in a stretching direction of the telescopic hose. The telescopic hose has the advantages as follows: the problem that the hose is difficult to be kept in a folded or extended state is solved; the telescopic hose not only can be extended or contracted relatively conveniently, but also can keep the shape in either folded or extended state, so that the underground wiring design can be facilitated. Meanwhile, the telescopic hose is not influenced by the aging of a material, and has a relatively good application value.
US09677688B1
A fairing having a fairing body having a nose dimensioned to partially encircle an underlying tubular and having a fairing body axis; a stand-off region extending radially outward from the nose, wherein the stand-off region comprises a first side wall extending from one side of the nose and a second side wall extending from another side of the nose and toward the first side wall; a tail flange extending radially outward from the stand-off region, the tail flange having a substantially planar member comprising a first portion adjacent the stand-off region and a second portion radially outward to the first portion; and an opening formed within one of the nose or the stand-off region, wherein the opening is parallel to the fairing body axis and the opening is modifiable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
US09677685B2
A valve includes a leakage indicator and a valve housing. The valve housing includes a valve housing upper part, a valve housing lower part, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm divides the valve housing into a fluid-flow area and a fluid-free area. The leakage indicator is an absorbent element that projects into the fluid-free area.
US09677684B2
The invention relates to an automatic cylinder changeover device (1), comprising two gas inlets for mounting gas cylinder banks, namely the left gas inlet and the right gas inlet, a gas outlet through which gas may be discharged and a valve suitable for connecting said left gas inlet or said right gas inlet with the gas outlet and configured for automatically reversible switching between these two connections, characterized in that the device (1) comprises an indicator, suitable for being manually set in one of two distinct positions, one of said positions indicating the left gas inlet and the other of said positions indicating the right gas inlet and comprises means for detecting the position of the indicator, including at least one sensor (5), preferably a pair of sensors (5).The invention also covers a method for monitoring a gas installation equipped with such automatic cylinder changeover device.
US09677682B2
Hydraulic servo valve (1) comprising: a power stage (3) comprising a power distribution member able to move between two extreme positions in order to place one or more service portions (C1, C2) in communication with a feed port (P) supplying hydraulic fluid and with a return port (R); a control stage (4) for controlling the position of the power distribution member, the control stage (4) comprising a torque motor (MC) that can be operated in such a way as to actuate a fluid ejection member secured to an elastically deformable element and designed to cause a control pressure of the power distribution member to vary; characterized in that the fluid ejection member comprises a first and a second fluid injector (60, 63) which are fed by fluid feed means able to feed either just one of the first and second fluid injectors (60, 63) or both injectors simultaneously.
US09677680B2
A sanitary fixture (1), including a flow regulator unit (5) and a movable adjustment element (6) that adjusts a flow rate and has a control connection to a temperature-sensitive control element (8). The invention provides arranging a return spring (13) on a same side of the flow regulator unit (5) as the control element (8), with respect to the flow direction, and/or designing the control element (8) to assume at least one intermediate position.
US09677679B2
Embodiments of a force generating element that can broaden the application of valves and, in particular, pilot-operated valves to include applications that have extreme operating temperatures. These improvements forgo use of o-rings (and like elastomeric devices) in lieu of more durable and robust seals (e.g., metal-to-metal contact). Rather, as discussed more below, the valves incorporate a force generating element that ensures contact between components to form appropriate seals that allow the cylinder to maintain pressure, despite dimensional changes in the structure of the valve.
US09677674B2
The present discussion relates to tubing clamps and systems employing tubing clamps. In one example a tubing clamp can include generally elongate top and bottom clamp bars extending between a hinge end and a clamp end. The clamp bars can apply force to tubing extending there between while being adjusted to a parallel relationship to one another.
US09677672B2
A butterfly valve comprising a housing having an upper side having an upper valve seat member and a lower side having a lower valve seat member, an extension section having an extension shaft member that extends out of an opening formed in a flange, the extension shaft member having a shaft end that fits within a first shaft bearing formed in a movable disc member, the movable disc member having a second shaft bearing formed therein, and a shaft portion for fitting within the second shaft bearing.
US09677667B2
A hybrid transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft configured to receive a power of an engine transferred thereto, an input clutch configured to connect the input shaft to the engine or to intercept connection of the input shaft to the engine, a motor directly connected to the input shaft, a first output shaft and a second output shaft provided with a plurality of driven gears that are tooth-engaged with a plurality of drive gears installed on the input shaft to form a plurality of gear shift stages, and a power control device provided to switch the power of the engine that is transferred to the first output shaft or the second output shaft.
US09677660B2
A gear mechanism component having a holder for mounting a component, a lubricant carrier which is infused with a lubricant being pressed into the holder, a gear mechanism arrangement having the gear mechanism component and the component, an adjusting drive having the gear mechanism arrangement, and a method for assembling the gear mechanism arrangement.
US09677654B2
A torque converter including: a cover arranged to receive torque from an engine; an impeller; a turbine; an output hub arranged to non-rotatably connect to an input shaft for a transmission; a lockup clutch including an axially displaceable piston plate and arranged to directly connect the cover to the output hub; and a seal system including a pilot portion including first and second channels and a secondary hub non-rotatably connected to the output hub and axially displaceable with respect to the output hub to control flow of pressurized fluid through the first and second channels, or non-rotatably connected to the pilot portion and axially displaceable with respect to the pilot portion to control flow of pressurized fluid through the first and second channels.
US09677637B2
A composite coil spring (20) includes a coil body (2) that extends along a coiled axis (24). The coil body includes a core (38) and a plurality of fiber layers (32) impregnated with a polymer material. The plurality of fiber layers are arranged around the core at different radial distances from the coiled axis. Each of the plurality of fiber layers extends around the coiled axis at an oblique fiber angle to the coiled axis. Each of the plurality of fiber layers includes a number of fibers that is a product of a common base number of fibers multiplied by a positive non-zero integer from a set of positive non-zero integers. The positive non-zero integer of at least one of the plurality of fiber layers is different from the positive non-zero integer of at least one other of the plurality of fiber layers.
US09677630B2
A brake disk chamber has an essentially cylindrical brake disk chamber jacket without openings. The brake disk chamber jacket is formed of segments in the shape of curved symmetrical trapezoids, which are lined up in a row in the circumferential direction, are alternately rotated by 180°, and are arranged in a regular fashion with an alternately differing radial distance from the longitudinal center axis of the brake disk chamber jacket.
US09677627B2
A braking system for safely collecting brake dust produced by operation of a braking mechanism. The braking system comprises a collector apparatus coupled with a braking mechanism. The collector apparatus is able to include a shroud that surrounds the braking mechanism and a catch element coupled with the shroud for collecting brake dust exiting the shroud. As a result, when coupled with the braking mechanism, the collector apparatus is able to ensure that most or all brake dust, such as copper or other particles from the braking mechanism that break off from the breaking mechanism during operation of the braking mechanism, are removed from the braking mechanism and collected by the filter/catch of the collector mechanism.
US09677619B2
An anti-friction bearing unit (1), configured at least as a two-row anti-friction bearing with at least one outer ring (4a, 4b) and at least two inner rings (5a, 5b), between which rolling bodies (6a, 6b) are guided on raceways of the bearing rings (4a, 4b; 5a, 5b). A clip ring (14) that engages into annular grooves (12a, 12b) of axially extended sections (8a, 8b) of the adjacent inner rings (5a, 5b) is provided for securing an axial position of the inner rings (5a, 5b). The radially pre-stressed clip ring (14) of U-shaped design is arranged in a non-positive manner on an intermediate step (13) of the inner ring (5a) in a pre-mounting position and can be pushed from there into an end position. In matching positions of the flanks (15a, 15b) of the clip ring (14) and corresponding annular grooves (12a, 12b) of the extended sections (8a, 8b), the clip ring (14) latches in a positively locking manner and brings about an axial connection of both inner rings (5a, 5b).
US09677617B2
A bearing cage for retaining rolling elements of a rolling element bearing, the bearing cage having at least one first ring structure to which at least one first cage bar is connected. The bearing cage also comprises a second ring structure to which at least one second cage bar is connected, whereby the at least one second ring structure is arranged to be located radially inwards of the at least one first ring structure.
US09677612B2
Improved fluid supply grooves in the face of an axial thrust bearing for a crankshaft are disclosed. The grooves have a larger cross-sectional area at the outer radius of the bearing body than at the inner radius of the bearing body.
US09677611B2
A low friction assembly is desired. The present invention relates to a new low-friction lubrication assembly comprising a first member relatively slidable against a second member, the first member having chemical affinity with an OH-group on its sliding surface; and one or more oxygen containing compounds, provided on the sliding surface of the first member and being able to produce a tribofilm attached to the sliding surface of the first member through hydrogen bond interactions. Preferably the second member comprises a similar OH-terminated sliding surface wherein an oxygen containing compound (lubricant)-supported interface between the first and second sliding surfaces results in a H- and/or OH-terminated interface developing repulsive forces thereinbetween.
US09677608B2
An agricultural tillage implement includes a frame member and at least one rolling basket assembly coupled to the frame member. The rolling basket assembly has at least one bearing hanger, at least one rolling basket and at least one bearing assembly rotationally coupling the rolling basket to the bearing hanger. The bearing assembly has a bearing with an inner ring and a spindle holding the inner ring. The spindle is coupled to the bearing hanger. The spindle being configured to accommodate dynamic misalignment of the bearing.
US09677602B1
Single or multi-axis positioning mechanisms are provided that include a caging mechanism that may be actuated without requiring axial displacement of rotational components of the positioning mechanisms. In some multi-axis positioning mechanism implementations, each rotational axis may have an associated caging mechanism that is transitioned between a caged and uncaged state using a common release device. In some implementations, the release device may be a single-use device. In other implementations, the release device may be capable of re-caging the positioning mechanism after uncaging the positioning mechanism.
US09677601B1
A pivoting joint assembly includes a base, a plate, and at least one bolt. The base has one or more semi-spherical sockets with each socket having a centrally-positioned hole extending through the base. The plate has one or more semi-spherical sockets recessed within the plate with aligned semi-spherical protrusions extending from the plate. The plate has a hole extending through a central portion of each of the plate's sockets and a corresponding protrusion aligned therewith. Each protrusion is partially fitted in a corresponding socket in the base. Each bolt has a head and a post extending from the head. The head includes a semi-spherical portion adjacent to the post. The post extends through aligned holes in the plate and base. The post is coupled to the base such that the semi-spherical portion of bolt's head nests within one of the plate's sockets.
US09677600B2
An internal combustion engine includes a piston, a crankshaft having a journal, and a connecting rod. The connecting rod includes a first end coupled to the piston and a second end coupled to the journal of the crankshaft. The second end of the connecting rod includes a bearing surface configured to interface with the journal, and further includes an open portion extending through the second end from the bearing surface to the exterior of the second end.
US09677597B2
Portable, compact hanging systems that enable a person to hang items from a wide variety of different objects and surfaces in order to free their hands for other activities are described. The hanging systems include hook and gated-loops systems composed of a hook connected to a gated loop by way of a rotatable hinge that provides multiple degrees of freedom. Hanging systems also include double hook systems that are connected by flexible joints for convenient storage and expansion into unfolded configurations when in use.
US09677593B2
A bolt tension gauging device is provided. The bolt tension gauging device includes a sensing bolt, a head and a displayer. The sensing bolt is for transmitting a stress signal. The head is for fitting with the sensing bolt. The displayer is connected to the head for displaying the stress signal.
US09677592B2
A fastening device may include a first member configured for forceful engagement with a second member. The first member may include a sensor configured to emit at least a first photo-luminescent signal to a detector when at least a predetermined first torque level is applied to the first member when the first and second members are engaged.
US09677590B2
A female latch member comprising an aperture having a central axis and an inside surface, and first and second portions extending radially from said inside surface. The first and second portions cooperate to form a channel, wherein the channel is configured to receive a pin of a male latch member and cause the female latch member to rotate relative to the male latch member, while the female latch member and the male latch member alternate between latched and unlatched configurations as the female latch member reciprocates along the central axis relative to the male latch member. The female latch member and the male latch member temporarily engage one another when latched.
US09677587B2
Dual directional latch devices or connectors are described wherein a first connector component and a second connector component have a first latched position and a second latched position when moving in a first direction and wherein movement in a second direction is also possible depending on a stop feature. As described, a combination key and key way, a movable sleeve, a stop flange, and a threaded sleeve may be provided to stop movement in the second direction. The dual direction latch devices may be used with articles of manufacture such as with implantable medical devices, door panels, airplane panels, and drilling devices, to name a few.
US09677578B2
A fluid flow control device includes a body having an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a discharge port. A supply path extends between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and a booster module is disposed within the body. The booster module includes a control element and an actuator element and defines an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. A supply port is disposed within the booster module along the supply path between the inlet connection and the outlet connection.
US09677573B2
A system for determining the location of a piston within an accumulator is provided in which a short circuit is created between elements in the accumulator and the piston which is movable within the accumulator. As the piston moves along the longitudinal axis of the accumulator, the circuit's electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, resistance, current) vary in accordance with the length of the circuit. Measurement of these electrical characteristics allows for precise determination of the piston location relative to the accumulator. In a commercial embodiment, the invention can be utilized to determine fluid volumes in an accumulator by monitoring the location of the piston. This invention overcomes prior art systems because, inter alia, it does not require electrical sensory equipment, enables remote monitoring, maintains system integrity and functions irrespective of container wall thickness.
US09677563B2
A blower includes an electric motor case, a housing having a housing inlet and a housing outlet between which is defined a flow path for gas, a first impeller adapted to accelerate gas tangentially and to direct it radially outward, and a stationary portion. The stationary portion includes an annular gas flow path of sufficient width to allow a flow of gas therethrough without introducing excessive pressure drop. The stationary portion includes a first stator vane structure defining a plurality of stator vane leading edges, the first stator vane structure located on the second side of the motor and arranged to smoothly direct gas flow along a curved path. The motor case provides a shielding function for the stator vane leading edges from an impeller blade pressure pulse.
US09677556B2
Systems and methods of the invention relate to diagnosing a compressor. A method may include operating a compressor to compress air from a first stage compressor into an intermediate stage reservoir, to deliver air from the intermediate stage reservoir to a second stage compressor, and to further compress the air in the second stage compressor into a primary reservoir, monitoring an intermediate stage pressure of the intermediate stage reservoir, and identifying a condition of the compressor through recognition of a change in the monitored intermediate stage pressure during a time period in which the compressor is operated. A vehicle system is also provided including an engine, a compressor operatively connected to the engine, and a controller that is operable to identify a condition of the compressor.
US09677553B2
A linear compressor is provided. The linear compressor may include a shell having a refrigerant inlet, a cylinder provided inside the shell, a piston that reciprocates inside the cylinder to compress a refrigerant, a motor assembly that provides a drive force to the piston, and a magnet assembly that delivers the drive force to the piston. The magnet assembly may include a magnet frame having a cylindrical shape. A permanent magnet may be installed in or on the magnet frame. A coupling plate may be coupled to a side of the magnet frame and may include a flange coupled to an end portion of the permanent magnet.
US09677552B2
A double-headed piston type swash plate compressor includes first and second cylinder blocks, a rotation shaft, a double-headed piston, a crank chamber, a drive force transmission member, a swash plate, a movable body, a control pressure chamber, and a support. The control pressure chamber is defined by the movable body in the housing. The control pressure chamber moves the movable body in the axial direction of the rotation shaft. The support is located on the swash plate and supported by the rotation shaft. The drive force transmission member and the movable body are located at a first side of the swash plate in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, and the support is located at a second side of the swash plate. The drive force transmission member, the movable body, and the support set the inclination angle of the swash plate relative to the rotation shaft.
US09677551B2
A compressor system is disclosed with a base structure configured to support a compressor. A removable oil reservoir is connectable with the base structure. An oil drain tube is configured to be in fluid communication with portions of the compressor system and the oil reservoir. The oil reservoir is configured to slidingly move relative to the base structure and engage with the oil drain tube in a fluid sealing arrangement.
US09677550B2
An air operated pump 10 uses a magnet 14 mounted in the valve cup 16 of the air motor 18 and two reed sensors 20 mounted in the valve cover 22 to monitor the speed and position of the valve 16. A solenoid 24 is mounted on the valve cover 22 and can be commanded to extend a plunger 26 into the valve cup 16 to stop valve movement and therefore the pump from running away A magnetoresistive sensor 34 is located in the center of the air motor 18 to precisely monitor the piston 36 position and with air valve sensors 20 provides the input necessary for precise control and diagnostics of the pump 10 and makes it suitable for metering and plural component application.
US09677547B2
An impact drive type actuator (10) is comprised of a wire-shaped shape memory alloy (11) which contracts upon being electrified and heated, a disk-shaped insulating heat conductor (12) which contacts this wire-shaped shape memory alloy (11) and releases the heat which is generated at the wire-shaped shape memory alloy, and a drive circuit (16, 17) which instantaneously electrifies the wire-shaped shape memory alloy and instantaneously makes the wire-shaped shape memory alloy contract. According to this impact drive type actuator, it realizes a heat conduction structure which gives rise to a high heat dispersion action by the heat characteristics of the shape memory alloy, so it becomes possible to utilize the deformation by extension and contraction of a shape memory alloy which has a wire-shaped form, improve the speed and response of the deformation operation characteristics, and improve practicality.
US09677545B2
A locking arrangement includes at least a rotatable part, a stationary part with respect to the first part, and a locking member having locking protrusions. At least one working plane passing through the locking protrusions is defined in a locking position where compression forces are concentrated which are reaction forces to external forces tending to rotate the parts relative to each other. The parts have locking protrusions defining gaps for receiving the locking protrusions in the locking position for preventing the parts from being rotated to each other.
US09677543B2
A structure for a nacelle cover connection portion of a wind turbine generator includes a lengthy first angled member fixed to an inside surface of a nacelle cover and forming an upper end portion of a side wall panel; and a lengthy second angled member fixed to the inside surface and forming a lower end portion of a roof panel. An upper surface of the first angled member and a lower surface of the second angled member are aligned with and fixed to each other. A covering portion covering the upper end portion from the outside of a nacelle is provided at a predetermined interval from the same and integral with the lower end portion so as to protrude to the outside of the nacelle cover farther than the lower end portion. A packing is interposed between the upper and lower surfaces.
US09677538B2
A wind turbine rotor blade assembly and associated method include a rotor blade having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. An edge extension panel is attached along either of the leading edge or trailing edge (or along both edges) in a generally span-wise direction from adjacent the root towards the tip. The edge extension panels include a cured and hardened viscous material continuous core formed onto the leading or trailing edge with a contoured generally aerodynamic outer surface.
US09677530B2
A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine include anticipating vehicle launch in response to vehicle position relative to a traffic stream and controlling automatic restart and shut down in response to an anticipated vehicle launch to prevent an automatic engine shut down or to initiate an automatic engine restart. Embodiments include determining vehicle position and traffic position using GPS coordinates. Automatic restart may be initiated in response to movement of a forward vehicle away from the vehicle or in response to a signal from a traffic control device, for example. Automatic shutdown may be inhibited in response to movement of a forward vehicle in cross traffic, in response to a turn indicator being active, or in response to wheel angle, for example.
US09677528B2
A start control apparatus is provided with: a crank angle sensor configured to output a signal in association with rotation of an output shaft of an internal combustion engine; a resolver configured to detect a rotor angle, which is an angle position of a rotating shaft of a motor; and a controlling device configured to perform start control associated with the internal combustion engine on the basis of a temporary crank angle, from a start of the internal combustion engine until determination of a crank angle in starting of the internal combustion engine, wherein the temporary crank angle is an estimated value calculated by adding a value according to the outputted signal to a stop angle, which is an angle based on the rotor angle detected at a previous stop of the internal combustion engine.
US09677521B2
In a component (1), in particular a housing of a high-pressure fuel pump, in which at least one first high-pressure channel (4) and one second high-pressure channel (5) are present, the longitudinal axis of the first channel (4) is at an acute or right angle to the longitudinal axis of the second channel (5), wherein the second channel (5) leads into the first channel (4), such that an intersection is formed. The first channel (4) is formed by a central bore (10) and at least one secondary bore (11) that enlarges the cross-section of the central bore (10), wherein the longitudinal axis of the secondary bore (11) and the longitudinal axis of the central bore (10) extend parallel to one another. The central bore (10) passes through ugh the component (1) and consists of a first segment (8) extending over the intersection and a second segment (9) connected to the first segment, wherein the at least one secondary bore (11) extends only along the first segment (8) and no secondary bore is provided along the second segment (9).
US09677518B2
An engine (E) of a saddle-riding type vehicle has an engine case that is substantially L-shaped by a cylinder block (42) being protruded upward from an upper face of a front portion of a crank case (40). An air cleaner (55) is disposed rearwardly of the cylinder block (42) and above the crank case (40). An outlet (72) through which blow-by gas (G) in the engine (E) is discharged is formed in the rear portion of the cylinder block (42). A case body (84) of the air cleaner (55) has a blow-by gas introduction port (86) through which the blow-by gas (G) is introduced into the air cleaner (55). The outlet (72) of the cylinder block (42) and the blow-by gas introduction port (86) of the case body (84) are connected by a connecting pipe (90). The blow-by gas introduction port (86) is disposed close to the cylinder block (42).
US09677507B2
A purpose of the present invention is to improve the oil removal rate in an oil separator that separates and removes oil from gas including the oil as an impurity. The oil separator according to the present invention is characterized by including a first filter member (42) in a cylindrical shape made with a cylindrical filter material having an air permeability, and positioned such that the target gas flows in from a hollow part as well as a central axis is in an up-down direction, and a second filter member (43) made with a filter material having air permeability and wrapped around the first filter member (42) along an outer surface thereof with a predetermined spacing from the outer surface of the first filter member (42).
US09677498B2
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an ignition energy provided to an engine cylinder upon reactivation from a VDE mode of operation. Ignition energy is increased by increasing an ignition coil dwell time and/or an ignition coil strike frequency. The increased ignition energy improves combustion stability during the transition out of the VDE mode of operation.
US09677493B2
A system for reducing environmentally harmful emissions from an internal combustion engine. The system may incorporate an exhaust after-treatment device. The exhaust after-treatment device may use selective catalytic reduction to remove certain emissions from the exhaust of the engine. Urea solution may be inserted into the exhaust emissions, which is decomposed to ammonia to become a reduction agent for reduction of NOx in the emissions. The engine may be managed by a controller and the exhaust after-treatment device may be managed by another controller. These controllers may be cascaded, or be managed by a third controller that provides hierarchical or coordinated control of engine performance and emissions reduction. The engine and the exhaust after-treatment device may be modeled to aid in designing and building a system for coordinated control of an actual engine and a selective catalytic reduction after-treatment device. The controllers may be predictive model controllers.
US09677484B2
A fuel reformer includes a reforming-fuel injection valve and a fuel reformer catalyst disposed in an EGR pipe and performs a catalyst recovery control when a preset fuel cut execution condition is satisfied. In the catalyst recovery control, a fuel reforming capacity of the fuel reformer catalyst is recovered by stopping an injection of a main fuel and an injection of a reforming-fuel, while supplying additional air to the catalyst by maintaining both of an EGR valve and a throttle valve in a valve open state. Further, in the catalyst recovery control, temperature and a carbon deposit amount of the fuel reformer catalyst are estimated or detected based on which of an opening of the EGR valve and an opening of the throttle valve are adjusted. As a result, fuel reforming capacity is recovered without decreasing a fuel consumption rate improvement effect and a worsening of exhaust emission or drivability.
US09677483B2
In a method for identifying a fuel type or a fuel mixture for a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having (i) a first intake opening connected to a first intake manifold inside which a first fuel injector is located, and (ii) a second intake opening connected to a second intake manifold inside which a second fuel injector is located, in a first method step, the first fuel injector remains closed, and in a second method step the first fuel injector is opened again and a first test fuel quantity is injected into the combustion chamber in the second method step via the first intake opening, and a second test fuel quantity is injected via the second intake opening, the first test fuel quantity and the second test fuel quantity being made up to form a predefined fuel quantity.
US09677476B2
Presented herein are turbine machines, turbine control systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices for controlling turbines including a compressor, a combustion system, and a turbine section comprising a turbine operating at an initial turbine output while using initial parameter values for the respective control parameters of the turbine. The techniques involve, for respective selected control parameters, selecting an adjustment of the initial parameter value of the selected control parameter, and predicting a predicted turbine output of the turbine operated using the adjustment of the selected control parameter and the initial parameter values for other control parameters; comparing the predicted turbine outputs for the adjustments of the respective control parameters to select, from the control parameters, a target control parameter having a target adjustment that results in the target turbine output; and operating the turbine with the target adjustment of the target control parameter.
US09677473B2
An exhaust gas turbocharger coupling assembly configured to couple an exhaust gas turbocharger to an engine exhaust manifold is provided herein. The coupling assembly includes a first flange, the first flange being coupleable to either the engine exhaust manifold or the exhaust gas turbocharger; and one or more overhanging lips coupled to the first flange, the overhanging lips overhanging the first flange so as to define a slot between the first flange and the overhanging lip, where the slot is configured to receive a second flange associated with the other of the engine exhaust manifold or the exhaust gas turbocharger so as to restrict the first and second flanges moving apart when assembled.
US09677472B2
A disclosed gas turbine engine includes a case for a case for a compressor section including a bleed air slot. The bleed air slot includes an inlet having a first area radially inward of an outlet having a second area with the second area being greater than the first area. The bleed air slot further includes a center portion disposed along a radial line extending from an axis of the engine and an elongated portion extending from the opening at an angle relative to a line normal to the radial line.
US09677462B2
In a valve device for a turbine of an exhaust gas turbocharger having a valve element for adjusting the pressure of the charge air supplied to, and pressurized by, the exhaust gas turbocharger, wherein the valve element is mounted on a shaft which is rotatably supported at a first bearing point on a housing element so that the valve element can be pivoted about an axis of rotation relative to the housing element by an actuating element connected to the shaft adjacent the housing element, the shaft is further supported at a second bearing point which is spaced from the first bearing point and disposed at the side of the actuating element remote from the housing element.
US09677452B2
An object of the invention is to suppress a reduction in accuracy of abnormality diagnosis with an abnormality diagnosis device for an exhaust gas control apparatus that performs the abnormality diagnosis regarding the exhaust gas control apparatus by using the amount of NOx flowing into an SCR catalyst as a parameter. In the abnormality diagnosis device for an exhaust gas control apparatus according to the invention provided with an exhaust gas control apparatus including the SCR catalyst, a supply device supplying ammonia to the exhaust gas control apparatus, an EGR device allowing some of exhaust gas to flow back to an intake passage from an exhaust passage further downstream than the supply device, acquiring means for acquiring a NOx inflow amount as the amount of NOx flowing into the exhaust gas control apparatus, and diagnostic means for diagnosing an abnormality of the exhaust gas control apparatus by using the NOx inflow amount acquired by the acquiring means as a parameter, the abnormality diagnosis regarding the exhaust gas control apparatus by the diagnostic means is prohibited in a case where the amount of the ammonia allowed to flow back along with the exhaust gas by the EGR device exceeds an upper limit value.
US09677448B2
Methods and systems are provided for addressing engine cold-start emissions while an exhaust catalyst is activated. In one example, a method for improving exhaust emissions may include flowing ionized air into an engine exhaust, downstream of an exhaust catalyst, to oxidize exhaust emissions left untreated by the catalyst. The approach reduces the PM load of the exhaust as well as of a downstream particulate matter filter.
US09677444B2
A reductant supply system for an exhaust aftertreatment system is disclosed. The reductant supply system may include a controller configured to receive an engine system operation signal and transmit a reductant delivery signal in response to the engine system operation signal, an injector configured to dispense a reductant fluid into an exhaust gas flow of the exhaust aftertreatment system in response to the reductant delivery signal, and a pump configured to actuate between an off condition and an on condition in response to the reductant delivery signal. Furthermore, the reductant supply system may include a recycle line and a two-way valve positioned in the recycle line configured to actuate between a closed position and an open position in response to the reductant delivery signal.
US09677440B2
An aftertreatment system is disclosed. The aftertreatment system can include a hydrolysis catalyst disposed within a first canister adjacent to a downstream end of the first canister and a nozzle positioned to inject reductant into the first canister upstream of the hydrolysis catalyst. A particulate collection device, which may be catalyzed to promote NOX reduction in the presence of the reductant, can be disposed within a second canister of the aftertreatment system adjacent to an upstream end thereof. An exhaust conduit can extend from the downstream end of the first canister to the upstream end of the second canister. An interior volume within the exhaust conduit can extend from an upstream end adjacent to and in fluid communication with the hydrolysis catalyst to a downstream end adjacent to and in fluid communication with the particulate collection device.
US09677439B2
Systems and methods are provided for managing low temperature NOx and HC emissions, such as during a cold start of an internal combustion engine. The systems and methods include storing NOx and HC emissions at low temperatures and passively releasing and treating these emissions as the temperature of the exhaust system increases.
US09677437B2
A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine comprising a housing wherein the housing comprises one or more coolant passages for receiving a coolant to cool the turbocharger and one or more lubricant passages for receiving a lubricant to lubricate the bearings. The lubricant may be the lubricant for both the turbocharger bearings and the internal combustion engine. The coolant passages and lubricant passages in the turbocharger may be arranged in the housing to transfer heat from the lubricant to the coolant such that the transfer of heat between the coolant passages and lubricant passages is sufficient to cool the lubricant to a temperature that is suitable for subsequent use in the internal combustion engine.
US09677435B2
Cover (25) is mounted on wall surface (12) on the front side of cylinder block (10). Sub gallery (26) through which engine oil flows is formed between cover (25) and wall surface (12). Chain tensioner (17) is mounted on cover (25), and the engine oil in sub gallery (26) is supplied to chain tensioner (17) through oil supply port (31) formed through cover (25).
US09677432B2
A hybrid power generation system using a supercritical CO2 cycle includes a steam power generation unit including a plurality of turbines driven with steam heated using heat generated by a boiler to produce electric power, and a supercritical CO2 power generation unit including an S—CO2 heater for heating a supercritical CO2 fluid, a turbine driven by the supercritical CO2 fluid, a precooler for lowering a temperature of the supercritical CO2 fluid passing through the turbine, and a main compressor for pressurizing the supercritical CO2 fluid, so as to produce electric power. The steam power generation unit and the supercritical CO2 power generation unit share the boiler. The hybrid power generation system may improve both the power generation efficiencies of the steam cycle and the supercritical CO2 cycle by interconnecting the steam cycle and the supercritical CO2 cycle.
US09677431B2
Methods of making a fuel fluid are disclosed. A first working fluid and a second working fluid may be provided. The first working fluid may be exposed to a first high voltage electric field to produce a first fluid plasma, and the second working fluid may be exposed to a second high voltage electric field to produce a second fluid plasma. The first fluid plasma and the second fluid plasma may be contacted to form a fluid plasma mixture, which is transported to a heat exchange device. The fluid plasma mixture may be cooled to form a fuel fluid; and the fuel fluid may be collected.
US09677429B2
A steam power plant is suggested having, parallel to the high-pressure preheater passage (VW4 to VW6), a heat reservoir (A) which is loaded with preheated condensate in weak-load times. This preheated condensate is taken from the heat reservoir (A) for generating peak-load and inserted downstream of the high-pressure preheater passage (VW4 to VW6) into the condensate line (19.2) resp. the feed water container (8). Thus it is possible to quickly control the power generation of the power plant in a wide range without significantly having to change the heating output of the boiler of the steam generator (1). A steam power plant equipped according to the invention can thus be operated with bigger load modifications and also provide more control energy.
US09677422B2
The present invention describes a jet engine with a device for spraying oil into an air-oil volume flow guided inside a flow cross-section limited by a wall area. The air-oil volume flow is guidable through an oil separator in order to separate the oil. In accordance with the invention, the oil can be sprayed into the air-oil volume flow in the area of the device via an outlet area designed movable relative to the wall area.
US09677421B2
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a rotor formed by a drum and a hub. The drum has a generally conically shaped inner surface that defines a flow path along a first cavity. The hub is connected to the drum and has a conically shaped inner surface that defines a flow path along a second cavity.
US09677418B2
A turbine housing for an internal combustion engine, the turbine housing includes a coolant passage and exhaust gas flow path. The exhaust gas flow path is configured to pass exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine, a turbine wheel is arranged in the exhaust gas flow path, the exhaust gas flow path include a first portion, the first portion is disposed further on the exhaust gas downstream side than the turbine wheel in the exhaust gas flow path, and the inner diameter of the first portion gradually increases toward the exhaust gas downstream side.
US09677412B2
A seal segment of a shroud arrangement for bounding a hot gas flow path within a gas turbine engine, including: a plate having an inboard hot gas flow path facing side and an outboard side; a bulkhead extending from the outboard side of the plate which defines a fore portion and an aft portion; a first cooling circuit within the plate for cooling a first portion of the plate; a second cooling circuit within the plate for cooling a second portion of the plate; wherein the first cooling circuit is in fluid communication with the fore portion and the second cooling circuit is in fluid communication with the aft portion and the first and second cooling circuits are fluidically isolated from one another. Also described is a method of cooling a seal segment in a gas turbine engine.
US09677408B2
A control system includes a power actuator coaxial with the axis of rotation of the propeller, and a transmission device connecting the power actuator to pivots, of the blades to be controlled, arranged substantially radially with respect to the axis of rotation. The actuator is a rotary jack whose mobile part rotates about the axis of rotation and is connected to the transmission device by a mobile mechanical connection which transforms the rotation imparted by the mobile part of the jack about the axis of rotation into a rotation of the blades about the axes of the pivots which are perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
US09677405B2
An apparatus includes a composite gas turbine engine multi-airfoil blade that includes first and second circumferentially spaced adjacent composite airfoils coupled together via a common composite attachment. The common attachment does not employ a fastener. The composite multi-airfoil blade may have a unitary construction having a ceramic matrix composition.
US09677399B2
The invention relates to a yieldable rock anchor comprising an anchor element extending along a longitudinal center axis and having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. An anchor plate is attached near the first end of the anchor element, and an anchor head is secured to the first end of the anchor element and adapted to clampingly engage the anchor plate. On its outer surface, the anchor element is provided along at least substantially its entire length with a plurality of ribs. A plurality of sleeves, each sleeve having two opposing ends, for covering some of the plurality of ribs is fixedly arranged on the outer surface of the anchor element such that each of the opposing ends at least substantially sealingly engages the outer surface of the anchor element.
US09677398B2
Utilization of mine methane produced by mining a non-combustible ore, such as trona, as an energy source for heat, steam, and/or power generation. Such utilization is beneficial for a surface appliance which is close to surface outlet(s) of mine methane recovery system(s). A method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated during mining of a non-combustible ore uses the combustion of co-produced mine methane. The mine methane is recovered in a mine ventilation air exhaust with very low methane content, and may be additionally recovered in a drainage gas, such as gob gas, with much higher methane content. The surface appliance may be selected from the group consisting of calciner, dryer, boiler, kiln, furnace, engine, turbine, power generation unit, co-generation unit, and any combinations thereof. Benefits may include reduction in energy purchases, reduction in greenhouse emissions, and/or gain through sale of carbon credits to the carbon market by registering carbon reductions.
US09677388B2
A multilateral sand management system including a multilateral junction device disposed at a multilateral junction area of a primary borehole and a lateral borehole. The multilateral junction device including a lateral leg disposed within an upholemost portion of the lateral borehole. An electric submersible pump disposed within the lateral leg of the multilateral junction device. The pump when operating placing the multilateral junction area under a positive pressure compared to a pressure in the lateral borehole and in the primary borehole downhole of the multilateral junction area. A method of controlling sand at a multilateral junction area of a primary borehole and a lateral borehole.
US09677382B2
A tool control mechanism is configured to activate and deactivate a drill string tool by hydraulic action of drilling fluid. The tool control mechanism is switchable between an activation mode and a deactivation mode. In the activation mode, a hydraulic activator ram is coupled to a tool switch member to drive the switch member in an activation direction in response to above-threshold drilling fluid conditions. In the deactivation mode, a deactivator ram is coupled to the tool switch member to drive the switch member in a deactivation direction opposite to the activation direction, when above-threshold drilling fluid conditions occur. The tool control mechanism is switchable between the activation mode and the deactivation mode by operator-controlled drilling fluid pressure variations.
US09677380B2
A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port.
US09677368B2
A floating, offshore drilling and/or production platform is equipped with a rail-mounted transport system that can be positioned at a plurality of selected positions over the well bay of the vessel. The transport system can move a drilling riser with a drilling riser tensioner system and a blowout preventer from one drilling location to another without removing them from the well bay of the vessel. Using the transport system, the drilling riser is lifted just clear of a first well head and positioned over an adjacent, second well head using guidelines. The transport system may then move the upper end of the drilling riser (together with its attached tensioner and BOP) to a second drilling location. A dummy wellhead may be provided on the seafloor in order to secure the lower end of the drilling riser without removing it from the sea while production risers are being installed.
US09677361B2
The present invention includes drill pipe screens and related methods that provide reliable long-term filtering of drilling fluids used to operate alternator turbines that are used to provide power in measurement while drilling (MWD) systems without allowing debris to pass through the screens to the turbines, and without causing intermittent pressure spikes at times when the screens are not completely clogged while maintaining desired circulation rates of drilling fluids. Embodiments of the invention include cylindrical bodies having alternating sets of elongated slots and peripheral ports located thereon to provide filtering of and relief to drilling fluids under pressure.
US09677355B2
Expandable apparatus include a triggering element comprising an at least partially corrodible composite material. Methods are used to trigger expandable apparatus using such a triggering element and to form such triggering elements for use with expandable apparatus.
US09677353B2
Methods and systems are disclosed employing a shale shaker for processing a mixture of drilling fluid and solids with multiple screen assemblies and conversion apparatus for switching flow to the screen assemblies between series flow and parallel flow; and in one aspect, a screen or screens for screening lost circulation material.
US09677349B2
Entry guides for use on a tubing string comprise one or more dissolvable materials. A profile disposed on the entry guide facilitates aligning the tubing string in a desired orientation within a wellbore. For example, the profile can align the tubing string with a bore of a component disposed within the wellbore so that the tubing string can be inserted into a bore of the downhole component. After proper alignment has been achieved, the one or more dissolvable materials can be activated to disappear leaving behind the tubing string and the downhole component in their desired arrangement. One or more portion of the entry guides, including the profile, can be formed out of the dissolvable material.
US09677339B2
A method of developing oil and gas fields includes creating a well by mechanically displacing rock material via a drilling device, increasing a well diameter by impacting the rock material via laser beams emitted from a central emitter, and reinforcing inner walls of the well by impacting wall material via laser beams emitted from a lateral emitter. A system includes a drilling device with a hollow lumen and a central drilling head, at least one fiber optic cable positioned within the lumen, a laser source coupled to a proximal end of the cable, a central emitter positioned inside the central drilling head and coupled to a distal end of the cable, at least one lateral emitter positioned on a side wall of the drilling device and coupled to the cable, and a controller coupled to the central and lateral emitters for controlling at least one laser beam characteristic.
US09677328B2
A cordless curtain assembly includes a fabric connected to a top rail. The fabric has multiple transverse folding sections and each folding section has a passage defined therein. Multiple magnetic units are respectively received in the passages of the folding sections and each have a carrier, multiple clamping members and multiple magnetic parts. The carrier of each magnetic unit has two reception areas defined in the top thereof. Each clamping member has a press bar and two legs which respectively extend from the underside of the press bar. Each leg has a resilient arm extending outward therefrom. Each clamping member has one of the magnetic parts clamped between the two legs. The combination of the clamping member and the magnetic part are securely inserted into the reception area corresponding thereto. The press bar seals the top opening of the reception area.
US09677322B2
A glass panel (1), comprising: a first glass substrate (101), a second glass substrate (102), a spacer profile (103) at the periphery of the glass panel (1) between the first and the second glass substrate, the spacer being used to maintain an intermediate space (104) between the first and second glass substrates, the panel comprising an intermediate substrate (105) in the intermediate space (104) between the first (101) and the second (102) glass substrates, According to the invention, the panel comprises means to suspend (10711, 10721, 053, 110) the intermediate substrate (105) within the intermediate space (104).
US09677317B2
A movable barrier system allows for varying the linear actuator speed to account for speed variances caused by the physical configuration of the system. An example system includes a processor configured to variably control operation speed of the linear actuator when it moves a movable barrier between a first position of the movable barrier and a second position of the movable barrier as a function of location of the movable barrier pivot connection relative to the linear actuator pivot connection. The function may be a function of a ratio of a distance from the linear actuator pivot connection to a fixed point and a distance from the movable barrier pivot connection to the fixed point. The function may be calculated by the processor or accessed by the processor according to information about the physical configuration of the system.
US09677316B2
A device for opening or closing an aircraft door includes an electric motor; a connector to connect the motor, and a driver. The driver includes a screw and nut system having a screw rotationally driven by the motor. The driver is configured to drive continuously and in sequence the connector with the door in a translational movement along one preset direction and then in rotational movement.
US09677312B2
A window regulator guide rail is provided, including an elongated body having a snap anchor; and a ring rotatably coupled to the rail via engagement with the snap anchor, the ring for guiding a cable.
US09677307B2
A vertically floating hinge includes a pin having a linear configuration, a first leaf, and a second leaf. The first leaf includes a pair of spaced apart first-leaf knuckles rotatably coupled to the pin. The second leaf includes at least one second-leaf knuckle rotatably coupled to the pin, the second-leaf knuckle situated between the pair of spaced apart first-leaf knuckles and configured to slide along the pin between the pair of first-leaf knuckles. The first-leaf knuckles are spaced apart from one another and define a first-leaf space therebetween, each first-leaf knuckle defining a first-leaf knuckle channel configured to receive the pin therethrough. The at least one second-leaf knuckle is smaller than the first-leaf space so as to selectively slide vertically along the pin between the pair of first-leaf knuckles.
US09677306B2
The invention pertains to a lock (10) for locking a mobile structure to and unlocking it from a fixed structure (11) on a vehicle, one of the two structures containing a first keeper (14), the other structure containing a second pin (16) around which the lock can pivot, the lock comprising: A lock strut (19) containing a hook (33) able to latch onto the keeper; A handle (17) with a third pin (28) around which the lock strut can be guided in its rotation, the second pin (16) being located toward the handle (17) in relation to a plane (29) formed between the first keeper (14) and the third pin; and a fourth pin (46), located between the handle and a first side (35) of the lock strut; A first connecting rod (45) linking the third pin (28) to the fourth pin (46); A second connecting rod (48) linking the fourth pin (46) to the second pin (16), and a fifth pin (49) located against a second side (50) of the lock strut opposite the first side (35).
US09677299B2
A ballast weight is provided for a base for supporting tubular fencing poles on spigots. The ballast weight is in the form of a removable slab of molded plastics which in its underside has groove portions to receive frame members of the base. The end of the slab lies over a central transverse member of the frame and has a recess to accommodate the spigots. A pair of identical slabs can be used, one each side of the central transverse member of the frame.
US09677296B2
Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.
US09677293B2
A pool cover system that may include a pool cover; a debris collection unit that is coupled to a front end of the pool cover; and a debris manipulator that is coupled to the debris collection unit and is arranged to move the debris collection unit between a debris collection position and a debris dumping position.
US09677276B2
A system for supporting and holding in place an object (for example and not by way of limitation, anchor bolts, steel plates and the like) to be embedded in concrete. A device having a shaft and a tower can be used to support the object, by inserting the shaft into an opening in the tower and rotatably locking the shaft in place at the desired height, an embed can be supported in the desired position. Concrete can be poured around the support to embed the object at the desired position within the concrete.
US09677274B2
Disclosed herein are support column structures which can be used to support bridges, buildings or other structures. In some cases, a support column structure can be deconstructable and include one or more removable elements. In some cases, a support column structure can include shape memory alloy reinforcing bars. In some cases, a removable element of a support column structure can include an engineered cementitious composite. In some cases, a removable element includes one or more sleeves to separate an engineered cementitious composite from one or more shape memory alloy reinforcing bars. Methods include assembling and disassembling a support column structure.
US09677262B2
An apparatus for increasing the utility of gravity conduits by using their underutilized headspace for pressurized conveyance.
US09677259B2
A dual valve water discharge system is a system through which the user is able to select the volume of water used when flushing liquid waste and/or solid waste. The system features a drain flap with a flow through hole that restricts the flow of water entering a tank drain. The drain flap is covered by a flow rate control flap that is lifted to expose the flow through hole. The drain flap may be lifted as well, in turn lifting the flow rate control flap and allowing unrestricted flow into the tank drain. The flush volume is selected by lifting a flush handle upward or pressing the flush handle downward. The flush handle is connected to a flush lever which is in turn connected to a first cord and a second cord that are able to lift the drain flap and the flow rate control flap.
US09677249B2
A work vehicle includes a vehicle body, a vehicle cover, at least one user support member and a deployment structure. The body supports at least one serviceable component. The cover is movably mounted to the body to move between a closed position and an open position. The vehicle cover at least partially covers the serviceable component(s) in the closed position, and the cover permits access to the serviceable component(s) in the open position. The user support member(s) is movably mounted to the body to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployment structure is operatively coupled to the user support member(s) to move the user support member(s) from the stowed position to the deployed position in response to movement of the cover from the closed position to the open position.
US09677244B2
Void former assembly for casting facing elements for reinforced earth. Anchoring recesses are cast into its rear face so that earth-reinforcing strips can be looped through. The anchoring recesses are each formed as a loop channel having a convex inner surface and a concave outer surface, at least one of which has a radius of curvature which increases from the deepest part of the recess towards the rear face. A removable void former assembly and method for casting such facing elements are also described. Because of the varying radius of curvature of the surfaces of the channel, and the rotational and translational withdrawal path of the void formers, the channel can be cast deeper, and with openings which are closer together, than has hitherto been possible using removable void formers.
US09677243B2
This invention is directed to corrugated retention and filtration systems which are designed and installed to control sediment runoff. The corrugated systems creates a multiple of adjacent retention and filtration wedges with acute angles at their downstream vertexes for increased surface area and an increased number of structural support elements throughout the system. The corrugated retention and filtration system provides structural, hydrodynamic, and filtration features not available from a conventional linear systems used for sedimentation control applications.
US09677242B2
The present invention provides a system and method for anchoring an irrigation system. According to a first preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a preinstalled concrete stage on which a drive tower may be positioned. Preferably, the concrete stage further includes a securing shelf mechanism for providing a restraint over the rear tire. As further disclosed, the present invention preferably further includes a barricade secured in front of the front tire of the drive tower to prevent the drive tower from sliding out of position.
US09677235B2
Plant for melting and cleaning of snow and ice, distinguished in that the plant comprises a means for melting using enthalpy of a water source in order to melt snow and ice, and a means for cleaning for cleaning out the pollution from the water phase that contains the melted snow and ice. Method for melting and cleaning of snow and ice, using the plant according to the invention.
US09677232B2
A retractable speed barrier system includes a winged speed barrier assembly, a lateral pivoting assembly that includes a plurality of trapezoidal hinges, a hollow frame assembly, and an electrically activated linear actuator. The winged speed barrier assembly is attached to the hollow frame assembly by the lateral pivoting assembly. The linear actuator causes the winged speed barrier assembly to laterally pivot on the trapezoidal hinges in a direction perpendicular to the flow of traffic between a retracted position and a deployed position.
US09677231B2
The present invention relates to a device and a method for energy dissipation with a deformable, longitudinally extending material strip which comprises a longitudinal axis and is installed into a cable which can be subjected to tension; and with a deformation device which is also installed into the cable and cooperates with the material strip, characterized in that the material strip, upon application of a tension force to the cable along its longitudinal axis, can be guided in a straight line through the deformation device and in so doing can be deformed.
US09677226B2
Fibrous structures that exhibit a Geometric Mean Elongation of greater than 12.5% as measured according to the Elongation Test Method are provided.
US09677221B2
Methods for impregnating a liquid material into a rope are provided whereby a liquid material is provided in a tank which defines the liquid level in the tank. An impregnation unit containing a chamber at least partially immersed in the liquid material includes a vacuum-device operatively connected to the vacuum-outlet of the chamber so as to lower the pressure in the chamber below atmospheric pressure. The rope may therefore be passed through the liquid material in the tank and then inside and outside the chamber via the rope-inlet and rope-outlet of the chamber, while maintaining the pressure inside the chamber below the atmospheric pressure to thereby force the liquid material to fill at least part of the interstices between the fibers of the rope by penetrating between the fibers.
US09677220B2
Disclosed is a fluorine-containing polymer prepared by polymerizing (I) a polyfluoroalkyl group-containing (meth)acrylate which is substituted at alpha-position, in the presence of (II) a blocked isocyanate compound. A water- and oil-repellent composition containing the fluorine-containing polymer can impart the excellent water- and oil-repellency, and excellent durability thereof to substrates.
US09677214B2
A unitary fluid additive dispenser includes a mixing bowl, an inlet conduit and a plurality of nozzles. The inlet conduit and the plurality of nozzles are mounted to the mixing bowl. Each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and is positioned and oriented for directing a flow of fluid from the inlet conduit into a mixing chamber of the mixing bowl. A related method for forming a unitary fluid additive dispenser is also provided.
US09677200B2
A method for making carbon nanotube composite wire includes providing at least one carbon nanotube film. A graphene film is grown on a top surface of a substrate. The at least one carbon nanotube film is pasted with the graphene film. The substrate is removed to form a carbon nanotube/graphene composite film. The carbon nanotube/graphene composite film is curled and then twisted.
US09677198B2
A hybrid cord of at least two multifilament yarns twisted together is described, where the first yarn is a viscose multifilament yarn and the second yarn is a non-metallic multifilament yarn composed of a material that is not identical to the first multifilament yarn. The viscose multifilament yarn is conditioned in the standard climate in accordance with DIN EN ISO 139-1:2005, and has a yarn linear density <1100 dtex and a breaking tenacity of ≧45 cN/tex. The hybrid cord has a cord linear density of ≦3000 dtex.
US09677197B2
A spinning preparation machine for producing a roving from a fiber bundle includes a vortex chamber having an infeed opening for the fiber bundle and a yarn forming element extending at least partially into the vortex chamber. The spinning station includes spin nozzles, which lead into the vortex chamber in the region of a wall enclosing the vortex chamber and via which air is introduced into the vortex chamber in a specified direction of rotation in order to set the fiber bundle, which is fed in a transport direction, into rotation in the region of an inlet mouth of the yarn forming element. The yarn forming element includes a draw-off channel, which adjoins the inlet mouth and via which the yarn can be drawn out of the vortex chamber. The wall of the vortex chamber has a transition section, which adjoins the infeed opening, and has the shape of the circumferential surface of a truncated cone, and the diameter of which increases in the transport direction. The spin nozzles lead into the vortex chamber in the region of the transition section and each has a direction of flow that is oriented in the direction of an outer surface of the wall enclosing the vortex chamber.
US09677194B2
A method of fabricating a microarray including the steps of: (a) contacting a substrate having wells with a reagent reactive with said substrate to produce a surface modification within said wells and a surface modification surrounding said wells; (b) polishing said substrate to produce a polished surface modification surrounding said wells, wherein said surface modification surrounding said wells is removed and said surface modification within said wells is retained, and (c) depositing a biopolymer onto said substrate, wherein different affinities of said surface modification within said wells and said polished surface facilitate localization of said biopolymer within said wells.
US09677190B2
Certain embodiments disclosed herein pertain to methods and apparatus for electrodepositing material on a substrate. More particularly, a novel membrane for separating the anode from the cathode/substrate, and a method of using such a membrane are presented. The membrane includes at least an ion exchange layer and a charge separation layer. The disclosed embodiments are beneficial for maintaining relatively constant concentrations of species in the electrolyte over time, especially during idle (i.e., non-electroplating) times.
US09677186B2
A bipolar electrochemistry printer and method are disclosed wherein electrolytic deposition onto a conductive substrate is accomplished by inducing ionic current in an electrolytic cell disposed above the substrate to undergo charge transfer at the conductive substrate, such that a portion of the substrate becomes a bipolar electrode. The ohmic current in the substrate undergoes a second charge transfer back to ionic current and returning to the cathode of the electrolytic cell. In an alternative embodiment the printing is similarly accomplished by electrolytic etching.
US09677180B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a unique engine hot section component having a coating system operative to reduce heat transfer to the hot section component. Another embodiment is a unique method for making a gas turbine engine hot section component with a coating system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines, hot section components and coating systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US09677178B2
Alkoxyaminosilane compound having formula I, and processes and compositions for depositing a silicon-containing film, are described herein: (R1R2)NSiR3OR4OR5 Formula (I) wherein R1 is independently selected from a linear or branched C1 to C10 alkyl group; a C2 to C12 alkenyl group; a C2 to C12 alkynyl group; a C4 to C10 cyclic alkyl group; and a C6 to C10 aryl group; R2 and R3 are each independently selected from hydrogen; a linear or branched C1 to C10 alkyl group; a C3 to C12 alkenyl group, a C3 to C12 alkynyl group, a C4 to C10 cyclic alkyl group, and a C6 to C10 aryl group; and R4 and R5 are each independently selected from a linear or branched C1 to C10 alkyl group; a C2 to C12 alkenyl group; a C2 to C12 alkynyl group; a C4 to C10 cyclic alkyl group; and a C6 to C10 aryl group.
US09677173B2
Methods are provided herein for forming transition metal oxide thin films, preferably Group IVB metal oxide thin films, by atomic layer deposition. The metal oxide thin films can be deposited at high temperatures using metalorganic reactants. Metalorganic reactants comprising two ligands, at least one of which is a cycloheptatriene or cycloheptatrienyl (CHT) ligand are used in some embodiments. The metal oxide thin films can be used, for example, as dielectric oxides in transistors, flash devices, capacitors, integrated circuits, and other semiconductor applications.
US09677172B2
Methods for forming a liner layer are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of forming a liner layer on a substrate disposed in a process chamber, the substrate having an opening formed in a first surface of the substrate, the opening having a sidewall and a bottom surface, the method includes exposing the substrate to a cobalt precursor gas and to a ruthenium precursor gas to form a cobalt-ruthenium liner layer on the first surface of the substrate and on the sidewall and bottom surface of the opening.
US09677168B2
A touch panel includes a first substrate; a mask layer formed on the first substrate, and on a marginal region thereof; a first high density conductive layer covering the mask layer and the first substrate. An adaptive method for manufacturing the touch panel incorporating a HiPIMS-assisted-DC sputtering process is provided as well.
US09677162B2
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a titanium alloy having superelastic properties and/or shape memory for biomedical use, which comprises the steps of: preparing an ingot by melting the various metals that form the desired alloy in a vacuum; optionally homogenizing the ingot in a vacuum by high-temperature annealing (higher than 900° C.); first quenching; mechanical shaping (rolling, drawing, machining or the like); heat treatment for redissolution in beta phase beyond the beta transus temperature (until a second temperature and then maintaining same for a certain time); and second quenching; characterized in that said heat treatment phase is carried out in a gaseous atmosphere and also constitutes a surface treatment suitable for forming on the surface a layer of nitride, carbonitride, oxide, oxynitride or the like.
US09677161B2
The invention relates to a method for thermally treating an aluminium workpiece, comprising the steps of providing an aluminium workpiece, which is essentially in the T4 structural state, and exposing a first portion of the workpiece to a first precipitation hardening process by artificial ageing to change the structural state of the first portion of the workpiece, wherein a part of the workpiece is actively cooled during the first precipitation hardening process, so that a second portion of the workpiece essentially remains in the same structural state during the first precipitation hardening process. The invention further relates to an apparatus for thermally treating an aluminium workpiece and to an aluminium workpiece, especially producible with a method according to the invention.
US09677141B2
The present invention provides a method for screening for iPS cells exhibiting differentiation resistance using a marker identified as lincRNA or mRNA that is specifically expressed in an iPS cell line exhibiting differentiation resistance, and such markers.
US09677139B2
The invention relates to the fields of therapeutics and identifying candidates for therapy, in particular to a method of identifying candidates for trastuzumab (Herceptin®) therapy in a patient presenting with breast cancer based on the presence or absence of specific genetic markers in a tumor sample from said patient.
US09677138B2
A novel set of 98 genes expressed in the respiratory tract epithelium that serve as biomarkers for measuring chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) activity are provided. Methods of classifying the (COPD) status of a subject are provided. Systems for expression-based classification of COPD disease status are provided. Methods of treating COPD are also provided, among other things.
US09677127B2
DNA amplification and hybridization are successively carried out in a reaction system containing primers for the DNA amplification and hybridization probes, followed by detecting the hybrid in the reaction solution by affinity chromatography, wherein at least one of the primers to be used in the DNA amplification is labeled with a first labeling agent so that the amplified DNA will be labeled with the first labeling agent, a hybridization probe is labeled with a second labeling agent and contained in a reaction solution for effecting the DNA amplification, the base sequence of the hybridization probe is designed not to inhibit the DNA amplification, and a hybrid is detected by affinity chromatography with the use of the first and second labeling agents.
US09677121B2
A microfluidic processing device includes a substrate defining a microfluidic network. The substrate is in thermal communication with a plurality of N independently controllable components and a plurality of input output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller. Each component has at least two terminals. Each terminal is in electrical communication with at least one contact. The number of contacts required to independently control the N components is substantially less than the total number of terminals. Upon actuation, the components typically heat a portion of the microfluidic network and/or sense a temperature thereof.
US09677118B2
The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
US09677114B1
Disclosed is a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography based method for evaluating degradation pathways for panctreatin active pharmaceutical ingredients.
US09677110B2
The “instant evolution” system was initially developed in E. coli, primarily because of the ease with which this organism can be genetically manipulated. Because many of the functionally important regions of rRNA are conserved among bacteria, drug leads developed against conserved targets in the E. coli system may produce broad-spectrum anti-infectives. In order to develop a system to produce narrow-spectrum anti-infectives, herein we disclose methods for identifying functional mutant P. aeruginosa ribosomes suitable as drug targets and for identifying drug candidates that do not bind to the human 16S rRNA.
US09677106B2
A method for producing γ-Glu-Val-Gly comprising the step of reacting Val-Gly with a γ-glutamyl group donor in the presence of a γ-glutamyltransferase, a microorganism containing the enzyme, or a processed product thereof to generate γ-Glu-Val-Gly, wherein the γ-glutamyltransferase consists of a large subunit and a small subunit, and the small subunit has a specific mutation.
US09677104B2
A process for the production of a target recombinant polypeptide is provided. The process comprises expressing a vector comprising a promoter operatively linked to an expression cassette for the target recombinant polypeptide; and a perfect palindrome operator sequence in a culture medium, wherein the culture medium is substantially free from antibiotic.
US09677099B2
The present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism having enhanced ability of producing putrescine at high yield, which is generated by weakening the activity of NCgl1469 in a microorganism of Corynebacterium genus that is modified to produce putrescine, and a method for producing putrescine using the same.
US09677097B2
An isolated Clostridium cadaveris ITRI04005 and its uses are provided. The isolated Clostridium cadaveris ITRI04005 was deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen and Zellkulturen GmbH, DSMZ) under the accession number DSM 32078.
US09677093B2
A process for the use of peracid compositions to eliminate and/or control the growth of undesirable bacteria, including contaminating bacteria, in the fermentation production of alcohol is disclosed. Beneficially, the peracid compositions and methods of use of the same do not interfere or inhibit the growth or replication of yeast and have low or no adverse environmental impact.
US09677091B2
Provided herein are diterpene synthases (diTPS) and methods for producing diterpenoids. Also provided herein are nucleic acid sequences encoding diTPS, diTPS amino acid sequences, diTPS proteins, vectors, cells, transgenic organisms, uses, compositions, methods, processes, and kits thereof.
US09677080B2
Provided is a method of eliminating the dependence of methanol induced promoter on a single methanol carbon source for expressing foreign polypeptide. The method comprises activating the expression of the promoter requiring methanol induction by increasing the expression quantity of Mit1 polypeptide in cells of methylotrophic yeast, so that the promoter originally depending on methanol induction no longer depends on single methanol and can also express foreign polypeptide.
US09677076B2
Disclosed herein are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing HBV mRNA, DNA and protein expression. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate HBV-related diseases, disorders or conditions.
US09677075B2
Disclosed herein are metal-ligand complexes containing polynucleotides, compounds for making the same, and methods of using the same.
US09677072B2
The invention relates to methods of inhibiting the growth or proliferation of a cell, the method comprising reducing the expression or activity of at least one gene in the cell selected from the group consisting of BLOC1S1, CDC2L1, CNOT1, DDX54, EIF3I, FANCG, FBP1, IER2, KIF1A, LCK, NR2F1, PNRC1, POLR2A, POLR2B, POLR2C, PRPF6, PSMB4, PSMC5, PSMD1, RPS2, SCNN1A, SF3A3, TAF2, TOB1 and TSC22D4.
US09677071B2
The present disclosure refers to a method for a specific, versatile and sensitive detection of IFN-/virus-induced genes, a method for quantifying IFN potency and activity in a pharmaceutical preparation or biological sample, a method for distinguishing between IFN- and viral induction, and/or for distinguishing between different viruses, and a method for the quantification of virus activity. Also, the invention provides the necessary molecular tools like expression active response constructs, suitable cell lines, an array to perform the method and a kit.
US09677070B2
The disclosure relates generally to the targeting of genes to, and their integration into, an immunoglobulin (antibody) heavy chain locus. In particular, the methods described herein contemplate replacing the single rearranged heavy chain V, D, and J genes of a B cell lymphoma such as DT40 with independently rearranged VH-D-JH genes of chicken, in a system for generating immunoglobulin diversity. Also contemplated is replacement of the chicken VH-D-JH with rearranged VH-D-JH genes of other vertebrates including human in a system for generating immunoglobulin diversity, with the exception of any substitution disclosed and claimed in PCT application WO 2009/029315 A2. Also described is construction of a diverse chicken immunoglobulin heavy chain VDJ library in DT40 by homologous gene replacement of the single endogenous rearranged VDJ gene with a chicken VDJ repertoire using the described targeting vectors.
US09677066B2
Compositions and methods for separating double-stranded nucleic acids out of a mixture comprising single-stranded nucleic acids and/or dNTPs and/or enzymes. The method uses spatially inhomogeneously functionalized nanoporous materials. For example, the compositions and methods of the present invention can be used to purify DNA amplification reaction products.
US09677065B2
Methods are provided for the encapsulation of living cells with a silica glass layer. The methods comprise adding a sol solution to cells in buffered media, forming a sol-gel layer on the cells and then diluting the media or removing the cells from the media.
US09677063B2
A use of vivapain-4 (VX-4), which is a cysteine protease of Plasmodium vivax, showing pH-dependent switching of substrate specificity, is provided. More specifically, a method of treating a parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium vivax by inhibiting VX-4; a method of screening a protease inhibitor acting on VX-4, wherein the protease inhibitor is useful as an anti-malarial agent acting on Plasmodium species, for example, Plasmodium vivax; and a method of identifying the activity of VX-4, are provided.
US09677062B2
Provided are soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGP's), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. Sialated and pegylated forms of the sHASEGPs also are provided. Methods of treatment by administering sHASEGPs and modified forms thereof also are provided.
US09677061B2
Provided are soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGP's), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. Sialated and pegylated forms of the sHASEGPs also are provided. Methods of treatment by administering sHASEGPs and modified forms thereof also are provided.
US09677060B2
The present invention relates to methods of increasing the activity of a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, comprising: adding a divalent copper cation to a composition comprising the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, wherein the presence of the divalent copper cation and the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity increases degradation or conversion of a cellulosic material by an enzyme composition compared to the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity without the divalent copper cation. The present invention also relates to compositions, methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material, and methods for producing a fermentation product.
US09677055B2
Pseudomonas exotoxin A or “PE” is a 66 kD, highly potent, cytotoxic protein secreted by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Various forms of PE have been coupled to other proteins, such as antibodies, to generate therapeutically useful cytotoxin conjugates that selectively target cells of a desired phenotype (such as tumor cells). In the present invention, peptides spanning the sequence of an approximately 38 kD form of Pseudomonas exotoxin A protein were analyzed for the presence of immunogenic CD4+ T cell epitopes. Six immunogenic T cell epitopes were identified. Residues were identified within each epitope for introduction of targeted amino acid substitutions to reduce or prevent immunogenic T-cell responses in PE molecules which may be administered to a heterologous host.
US09677053B2
Provided herein are isolated laccase enzymes and nucleic acids encoding them. Also provided are mediators for laccase reactions. Also provided herein are methods for using laccases to oxidize lignins, other phenolic, and aromatic compounds, such as for bio-bleaching and decolorization of wood pulp under high temperature and pH conditions to facilitate a substantial reduction in use of bleaching chemicals, as well as for treatment of fibers.
US09677051B2
This invention provides method and media suitable for inducing and supporting the differentiation of stem cells into erythroid cells.
US09677048B2
The disclosure relates to a cotton variety, designated PX4433-27WRF, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety PX4433-27WRF, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety PX4433-27WRF with itself or with another cotton plant, hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety PX4433-27WRF with another cotton variety or plan, methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes, and the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This disclosure also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX4433-27WRF, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety PX4433-27WRF, and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods.
US09677045B2
The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a 4-hydroxybutyrate pathway and being capable of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, wherein the microbial organism comprises one or more genetic modifications. The invention additionally provides methods of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate or related products using the microbial organisms.
US09677044B2
In a method for picking up cell material from a culture dish a picking tool is displaced towards the cell material. Contact between the tool and the cell material is determined by carrying out capacitive measurements. After contact the tool is removed from the cell material. In an assembly for performing said method a support made of electrically conducting material supports the dish. A measurement device determines the start electrical capacity of the system composed of picking tool and support in a starting position of the tool, and determines the electrical capacity of the system when lowering the tool towards the dish. The measurement device provides signals representing the electrical capacity to a controller, which comprises a comparator for performing a comparison of the electrical capacity during lowering of the tool with the start electrical capacity. The controller controls the positioning of the tool at least based on this comparison.
US09677043B2
Bioreactors are disclosed that include a vessel, a jet mixing system comprising a plurality of jet flow agitators disposed in the vessel, each jet flow agitator comprising a shaft, a shroud surrounding the shaft, the shaft having a bore and a plurality of orifices in communication with the bore, and an impeller mounted on the shaft within the shroud, and a gas delivery system configured to supply a process gas to the vessel through the bore such that the gas exits the orifices. The vessel may include a vent, and the gas delivery system may include a source of oxygen in communication with the vessel, an oxygen monitor configured to monitor the oxygen content of a liquid in the vessel, and a controller configured to adjust the oxygen content of the liquid, using the vent and oxygen source, in response to input from the oxygen monitor.
US09677041B2
A culture apparatus is provided which can suppress condensation on walls of a culture space and the like to suppress adverse effects on a culture material. In the culture apparatus having a culture space formed in a heat insulating box main body, a humidification water reservoir for humidifying the culture space and a heat transfer condensation member penetrating the heat insulating box main body are provided. One end of the heat transfer condensation member is disposed inside the culture space, while the other end is disposed outside the heat insulating box main body. The heat transfer condensation member is positioned such that a condensation portion disposed inside the culture space is inclined downward to the one end, and the one end leads condensed water condensed on the surface of the condensation portion into the humidification water reservoir.
US09677040B2
Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
US09677036B1
An ethanol production facility is provided for processing a plurality of fermentable feedstock materials into an ethanol end product through fermentation and distillation. The facility includes a fermenting stage for converting the plurality of fermentable feedstocks into an alcohol mixture including ethanol and water, and a distillation stage. The distillation stage distills the low concentration alcohol mixture into a high concentration alcohol distillate. A kernel feedstock processing stage is receives and processes a kernel containing feedstock, and includes a receiving station for receiving the kernel containing feedstock. A storage station is provided for storing the kernel based feedstock, and a mill is provided for milling the kernel based feedstock into a flour based feedstock. A conveyor is provided for conveying the milled floor based feedstock to the fermenting stage. A flour feed stock processing stage is operable in parallel with the kernel feedstock processing stage for receiving and processing a flour predominant feedstock. The flour feedstock processing stage includes a storage station for storing the flour for predominant feedstock, and a pneumatic conveyor for conveying the flour to the fermenting stage.
US09677026B1
A lubricant composition, method for reducing a boundary friction coefficient of a lubricant composition, and method for improving fuel economy. The lubricant composition includes a base oil, a) a metal-containing phosphorus antiwear compound in an amount sufficient to provide from about 100 to about 1000 ppm by weight phosphorus based on a total weight of the lubricant composition, and b) an oxygen-polymerized vegetable oil, different from the base oil. The base oil is present in the lubricant composition in an amount from about 50 wt. % to about 99 wt. % based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.
US09677024B2
The present invention relates to an engine oil lubricant composition for use in internal combustion engines comprising one or more molybdenum containing compounds that deliver 1-1000 ppm molybdenum to the finished oil, one or more phosphorus containing compounds that deliver 25-650 ppm phosphorus to the finished oil, and one or more poly(meth)acrylate viscosity index improvers (VI improvers) that may or may not be functionalized, for improved fuel economy and turbocharger related deposits. In addition, the composition comprises an antioxidant system which is carefully balanced to provide improved fuel economy, comprising an aminic antioxidant, a phenolic antioxidant and an ashless dithiocarbamate. Additionally, the formulated oil may contain a dispersant poly(meth)acrylate, in addition to the PAMA VI improver, to reduce the amount of traditional succinimide dispersants.
US09677015B2
Systems and methods are provided for processing a heavy oil feed, such as an atmospheric or vacuum resid, using a combination of solvent assisted hydroprocessing and slurry hydroconversion of a heavy oil feed. The systems and methods allow for conversion and desulfurization/denitrogenation of a feed to form fuels and gas oil (or lubricant base oil) boiling range fractions while reducing the portion of the feed that is exposed to the high severity conditions present in slurry hydroconversion.
US09677014B2
An apparatus and process are provided for processing hydrocarbon feeds. The process enhances the conversion of hydrocarbon feeds into conversion products, such as ethylene and propylene. In particular, the present techniques utilize two high-severity pyrolysis reactors integrated with another reactor type to convert hydrocarbons to other petrochemical products. The pyrolysis reactors recycle a portion of one of the reactor products to at least one of the pyrolysis reactors to further enhance the process.
US09677013B2
A method for producing ILSAC GF5 or higher compatible oils from used oil, comprising separating material having a boiling point less than about 350° F. from recovered oil to produce de-volatized oil fraction and light oil fraction. Separating material with a boiling point greater than about 350° F. and less than about 650° F. from the de-volatized oil fraction to produce fuel oil fraction and heavy oil fraction. Separating material with a boiling point greater than about 1200° F. from the heavy oil fraction to produce partially purified oil fraction and residual fraction. Treating the partially purified oil fraction to separate it into purified oil fraction and contaminant fraction. Hydrogenating the contaminant fraction to remove predetermined compounds, further saturating the fraction and thereby creating a saturated oil fraction. Fractionating the saturated oil stream to produce one or more of naphtha fraction, diesel oil fraction and base oil fraction.
US09677011B2
The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for producing hydrocarbon components in the presence of a hydrodesulphurization catalyst. The components obtained by the process are suitable for use as fuel composition as such or as an additive in fuel compositions, and in cosmetics or pharmaceutical products.
US09677004B2
A method for adjusting the softening point of a pitch material includes heating the pitch material to form molten pitch material, and rising the softening point of the pitch material by moving a plurality of movable members so that the movable members repetitively move at least some of the molten pitch material out of a liquid level of the molten pitch material and back to the molten pitch material.
US09676996B2
A method of synthesizing a hybrid nanomaterial substrate for use in a light emitting structure is provided comprising the steps of: (a) defining one or more light emission characteristics for the light emitting structure; (b) selecting a nanocrystal and a compatible light emitting molecule; and (c) based on the light emission characteristics synthesizing a hybrid nanomaterial substrate by selectively varying the size of the nanocrystals in the substrate, and selectively bonding the light emitting molecules to surfaces of the nanocrystals, thereby synthesizing a nanomaterial structure that is operable to define a single illuminating entity operable upon application of a single excitation energy value to generate light emissions consistent with the light emission characteristics. A novel hybrid nanomaterial is also provided consisting of a nanocrystal-luminescent molecule structure defining a single illuminating entity with light emission affecting structural characteristics that vary across surfaces defined by the nanocrystals based on (a) selective variability of the size of the nanocrystals; and (b) selective variability across the substrate of the concentration of the luminescent molecule bonded to surfaces of the nanocrystals. Upon application to for example a diode comprising the hybrid nanomaterial of a single excitation energy value, the hybrid nanomaterial substrate converts the energy value into light emissions that across the variable substrate generates light emissions in white light range. The hybrid nanomaterial is tunable to achieve desired light emitting characteristics of the light emitting structure.
US09676992B2
Systems and methods of treating a zone of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are described. A composition may include a first solution including at least one amine containing resin; and citraconic anhydride. The composition may also include a second solution mixed with the first solution, where the second solution includes at least one epoxide containing resin. Methods may include providing the treatment fluid to a subterranean formation.
US09676990B1
Dual-function nano-sized particles or nanoparticles may be effective at fixating or reducing fines migration and they may facilitate identification of a particular zone in a well having more than one zone. In some embodiments the dual-function nanoparticles are tagged with a detectable material that is distinguishable from the composition of the primary nanoparticle component. In these embodiments, the taggant material rather than the primary component of the nanoparticles may be used to enable identification of a particular zone. The nanoparticles (with or without taggant) may be added to a treatment fluid containing carrier particles such as proppant. The treatment fluid is pumped downhole to one of the zones; each zone receiving its own unique or uniquely-tagged nanoparticles. Should one of the zones fail, the composition of the nanoparticles (or its taggant) produced on the carrier particles may be correlated to the zone from which it was received, and hence produced.
US09676981B2
A method of forming a shaped abrasive particle including forming a precursor shaped abrasive particle having a body including at least one predetermined stress concentration point and at least one predetermined stress concentration vector and processing the precursor shaped abrasive particle and fracturing the precursor shaped abrasive particle substantially along the predetermined stress concentration vector to form a fractured shaped abrasive particle.
US09676976B2
An oxygen-barrier film and an adhesive used therefor. Provided are an adhesive, which can be used for packaging foodstuffs and contains mainly a polyester having excellent oxygen-barrier properties, and an oxygen-barrier film that uses the adhesive. The oxygen-barrier film is prepared using an adhesive that includes: an amorphous polyester polyol, which is obtained by polycondensation of a polyvalent carboxylic acid component including at least one type of ortho-oriented aromatic dicarboxylic acid or anhydride thereof, and a polyhydric alcohol including at least one compound selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, neopentyl glycol and cyclohexanedimethanol, and a curing agent capable of reacting with the amorphous polyester polyol.
US09676975B2
The present invention provides an adhesive composition excellent in adhesive strength. The adhesive composition of the present invention contains 100 parts by weight of polyalkylene oxide having a hydrolyzable silyl group, 1 to 20 parts by weight of an epoxy resin, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of an epoxysilane coupling agent, 0.5 to 20 parts by weight of a ketimine compound, and 1 to 100 parts by weight of fatty acid-treated calcium oxide.
US09676971B2
A tie layer adhesive composition for multilayer structures, wherein the tie layer is composed of a graft polyolefin and a hybrid polyolefin.
US09676969B2
The invention provides a composition set comprising: a conductor layer-forming composition comprising a dispersing medium and inorganic particles comprising a metallic oxide; and a conductive adhesive composition comprising a binder and conductive particles having a number average particle size of from 1 nm to 3000 nm.
US09676966B2
To provide a polishing slurry composition which effectively reduces the occurrence of scratches, and a method of polishing which reduces the occurrence of scratches while realizing an economical polishing step. The aforementioned object is attained by using a polishing slurry composition for polishing a semiconductor substrate containing a metal oxide particle, at least one water-soluble organic polymer and water, said slurry composition characterized in that, when a test substrate having a metal film, a shallow trench isolation film or dielectric film is polished by varying a rate of a polishing pad equipped in a polishing apparatus under a constant polishing pressure to achieve a maximum polishing rate.
US09676965B2
A composite article includes a substrate and a protective coating on at least a portion of the substrate. The protective coating includes reinforcement particles dispersed within an elastomeric matrix that is modified with a silicon-containing modifier selected from polysilsesquioxane, polyhedral oligomeric silicate, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), and combinations thereof. The reinforcement particles are selected from carbon, nickel metal, and combinations thereof. The protective coating is multi-layered and includes a distinct first layer and a distinct second layer that is contiguous with the distinct first layer such that each of the distinct first layer and the distinct second layer have an exposed outer surface.
US09676961B2
A surfacing film is formed from a curable resin composition containing an epoxy novolac resin, a tri-functional or tetra-functional epoxy resin, ceramic microspheres, an amine-based curing agent, particulate inorganic fillers; and a toughening component. The surfacing film exhibits high Tg and high cross-linked density after curing, as well as high resistance to paint stripper solutions. The surfacing film is suitable for co-curing with fiber-reinforced resin composite materials. The surfacing film may optionally contain electrically conductive additives to provide sufficient conductivity for lightning strike protection (LSP) or electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.
US09676954B2
Formaldehyde-free binder compositions are described that include an aldehyde or ketone, a reaction product between a polyamine and an organic anhydride, and an acidic compound. The acidic compound may be an organic acid, an acidic catalyst, or both. The acidic compound is supplied in quantities that lower the pH of the binder composition to about 5 or less. The binder compositions may be used in methods of binding fiberglass and the resulting fiberglass products have an improved tensile strength due to the addition of the acidic compound.
US09676952B2
A color three-dimensional (3D) printing system includes (1) a solid build ink for each of a plurality of colors, each solid build ink includes (a) a solid acrylate in an amount from about 40 to about 70 percent by weight, (b) a non-curable wax in an amount from about 10 to about 45 percent by weight, (c) a curable wax in an amount from about 1 to about 15 percent by weight, (d) a photoinitiator, and (e) a colorant; each solid build ink has a curing speed adjusted by a ratio of the non-curable wax to curable wax such that the initial curing speed and final hardness of each solid build ink is approximately the same for each of the plurality of colors, and (2) a support material includes the non-curable wax used in each build ink, the support material providing a scaffold for deposition of each build ink.
US09676942B2
A process of formulating a curable thermoset resin formulation is provided that includes reacting a natural cellulosic filler with at least one of: a silsesquioxane, a isocyanate, a base, or an organic acid to form a reduced hydrophilicity filler. By intermixing the resulting reduced hydrophilicity filler with a thermoset cross linkable polymeric resin, a curable thermoset resin formulation is formed that has superior properties to conventional formulations in terms of density and environmental impact. The formulation properties in terms of strength of the cured article are improved relative to untreated natural fillers. The treatment is advantageous relative to plasma treatment. An article is also provided produced upon cure of the formulation.
US09676940B2
Polyamide molding composition: (A) 29-89 wt % of at least one partly crystalline thermoplastic homo- or copolyamide selected from: aliphatic polyamide, cycloaliphatic polyamide, partly aromatic polyamide, or a mixture thereof, having a melting temperature (Tm) of at least 270° C. and a melting enthalpy in the range of 30-70 J/g, in particular in the range of 40-65 J/g, each measured to ISO standard 11357-3 on the granulate at a heating rate of 20° C./min; (B) 1-15 wt % of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; (C) 10-70 wt % of filling and reinforcing materials selected from the following group: fibrous reinforcing materials, particulate fillers and mixtures thereof; (D) 0-20 wt % of impact modifier other than (B) and/or polymers other than (A); (E) 0-20 wt % of flame retardant; and (F) 0-5 wt % of additives, wherein the sum total of components (A)-(F) is 100 weight percent.
US09676932B2
The present invention relates to a composition of a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles comprising structural units of a) vinyl acetate; b) a vinyl ester of a branched carboxylic acid monomer; and c) a phosphorus acid monomer. The composition of the present invention provides vinyl ester/phosphorus acid based polymer particles that improve hiding efficiency in pigmented coatings formulations.
US09676927B2
This invention relates to products of aqueous and other chemical synthetic routes for encapsulation of a core material with an inorganic shell and finished compositions of a core-shell particulate material for application in thermoplastic, thermoset, and coatings resins prior to compounding or application or subsequent thermal processing steps. Disclosed is a composition of particles containing a shell of inorganic oxides or mixed-metal inorganic oxides and a core material of complex inorganic colored pigment, laser direct structuring additives, laser marking, or other beneficial metal oxides, metal compounds, or mixed-metal oxide materials, wherein the shell material is comprised of any single oxide or combination of oxides is taught. Preferred elements of composition for the shell are oxides and silicates of B, Ni, Zn, Al, Zr, Si, Sn, Bi, W, Mo, Cr, Mg, Mn, Ce, Ti, and Ba (or mixtures thereof). Applications may include, but are not limited to, coatings or plastic articles or materials for molded interconnect devices, durable goods, housings, assemblies, devices, and articles that are to be exposed to additional thermal processing. The resulting core-shell materials function in plastic and coatings formulations by minimizing or eliminating detrimental interactions with the resins and metal containing additives resulting in loss of mechanical properties.
US09676926B2
PET nanocomposite materials exhibit improved physical properties in a PET composite as a result of the intercalation of non smectite-type clay materials while maintaining transparency and barrier properties. In some aspects, kaolin particles are modified with potassium acetate (KAc) to increase interlamellar distances and improve particle dispersion. In other aspects, calcined kaolin particles are used and may be chemically treated by an aqueous alcohol solutions method. Any loss in the molecular weight of PET composite can be offset by the further incorporation of surface compatibilizers such as silane coupling agents and other process additives such as molecular chain extenders.
US09676912B2
To provide a technique related to a marking base that allows clear marking by ink and is excellent in thermal resistance and chemical resistance. A marking base composition contains inorganic particles of 27 to 50 mass %, an inorganic binder of 5 to 20 mass %, an organic binder of 3 to 16 mass %, a thermal expansion resin of 1 to 3 mass %, and an organic solvent.
US09676910B2
A composition for preparing a polyimide including an oligomer including at least two termini, wherein the oligomer is selected from a polyimide, a polyamic acid, a poly(imide-amic acid), and a combination thereof, and wherein at least two of the at least two termini of the oligomer include a dicarboxylic acid group; and an inorganic particle having a surface, wherein the surface comprises two or more amino groups.
US09676908B2
A polymer and a method of forming a polymer are provided. The polymer has the general structure (I): wherein M is an organic moiety; X is a main group element selected from S, P, As, Se, Te, and Sb; R1 is a direct bond between M and the ethylene group depicted between M and X or a hydrocarbyl linking moiety having between 1 and about 9 carbon atoms; R2 is a hydrocarbyl moiety; R3 is an organic linking group; Y has a value of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; Z has a value of 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; YY has a value of 0, 1 or 2; and Y, YY, and Z are such that the total number of moieties bonded to M is 3, 4, 5, or 6.
US09676906B1
A polymer of poly(arylene ether)s, a manufacturing method thereof, and a polymer light emitting diode with an organic light emitting layer made from the polymer are provided. The polymer is formed by processing a nucleophilic polycondensation between a fluoro-containing monomer having an electron-withdrawing group and a multi-phenyl monomer. The polymer has a host portion with fluoro- or trifluoromethyl substituents, and a customer portion with multi-phenyl groups.
US09676895B2
The invention relates to novel aqueous coating compositions containing epoxy urethane (glycidyl carbamate) functional resin. An aqueous coating composition comprises a polyfunctional oligomer having at least two epoxy urethane functional groups and a polyalkylene oxide chain, an optional surfactant, and water. The aqueous coating compositions of the invention can be dispersed in water with or without added surfactants to form a dispersion containing no volatile organic solvent. The invention provides a method for making aqueous coating compositions containing epoxy urethane functional resin as well. Water-dispersible epoxy urethane compounds of the aqueous coating compositions are also provided.
US09676889B2
There is described an aqueous urethane acrylate copolymer dispersion comprising a) from 10 to 95 wt-% of a polyurethane copolymer, and b) from 5 to 90 wt-% of a polyvinyl copolymer, where vinyl copolymer (b) comprises from 30 parts to 100 parts by weight of biorenewable monomer(s)—such as itaconic acid, itaconate diesters and/or diamides for example dimethyl itaconate (DMI) or dibutyl itaconate (DBI) and where optionally the composition has a residual monomer level of less than 5000 ppm.
US09676879B2
An object of the invention is to provide a solid polyaluminoxane composition suitably used as a cocatalyst and a catalyst carrier in combination with an olefin oligomerization or polymerization catalyst, without the use of solid inorganic carriers such as silica. The solid polyaluminoxane composition of the invention includes a polyalkylaluminoxane and a trialkylaluminum, and has a solubility in n-hexane at 25° C. of less than 0.50 mol % as measured by a specific method (i), a solubility in toluene at 25° C. of less than 1.0 mol % as measured by a specific method (ii), and a 13 mol % or more molar fraction of alkyl groups derived from the trialkylaluminum moieties relative to the total number of moles of alkyl groups derived from the polyalkylaluminoxane moieties and the alkyl groups derived from the trialkylaluminum moieties as measured with respect to tetrahydrofuran-d8 soluble components by a specific method (iii).
US09676876B2
The present invention provides a process for preparation of a solid titanium catalyst component for use as pro-catalyst for a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system. The solid titanium catalyst component comprises a combination of 15 to 20 wt % of a magnesium moiety, 1.0 to 6.0 wt % of a titanium moiety and 5.0 to 20 wt % of an internal donor, said solid titanium catalyst component has an average particle size in the range of 1 to 100 μm, characterized by a three point particle size distribution of D10 in the range of 1 to 10 μm; D50 in the range of to 25 μm and D90 in the range of 15 to 50 μm. The present invention also provides a 15 Ziegler-Natta catalyst system comprising the solid titanium catalyst component and the method of polymerizing and/or copolymerizing olefins by using the Ziegler-Natta catalyst system.
US09676869B2
Isolated antibodies that bind to human CD38 and cynomolgus CD38 are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the disclosed antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the disclosed antibodies.
US09676861B2
The present invention provides high affinity anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies and related compositions, which may be used in any of a variety of therapeutic methods for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
US09676857B2
Fc domains and CH3 domains are disclosed that bind the neonatal Fc (FcRn) receptor and are at least 99% monomeric. Monomeric Fc domain molecules and CH3 domain molecules are disclosed herein that include a monomeric Fc domain or a monomeric CH3 domain and an effector molecule. In some embodiments, the monomeric Fc or monomeric CH3 domain include amino acid substitutions and/or CDR insertions in the beta strands such that they specifically bind an antigen. Methods for using these monomeric Fc domains, monomeric CH3 domains, monomeric Fc domain molecules and CH3 domain molecules are also provided.
US09676853B2
There is disclosed compositions and methods relating to or derived from anti-PD-1 antibodies. More specifically, there is disclosed fully human antibodies that bind PD-1, PD-1-binding fragments and derivatives of such antibodies, and PD-1-binding polypeptides comprising such fragments. Further still, there is disclosed nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, cells comprising such polynucleotides, methods of making such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, and methods of using such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, including methods of treating or diagnosing subjects having PD-1 related disorders or conditions, including various inflammatory disorders and various cancers.
US09676851B2
Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind to human PAC1 are provided. Nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof, vectors, and cells encoding the same are also provided. The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof can inhibit binding of PAC1 to PACAP, and are useful in a number of PAC1 related disorders, including the treatment and/or prevention of headache disorders, including migraine and cluster headache.
US09676836B2
Methods and compositions are used to identify and characterize new channelrhodopsins derived from algae and several of which are red-shifted. The rhodopsin domain of these red-shifted channelrhodopsins can be cloned and expressed in mammalian systems and used in optogenetic applications and as therapeutic agents. Also provided are methods and compositions for use in red-shifting the absorbance maxima of channelrhodopsins in order to improve their utility for use in vivo.
US09676835B2
The present disclosure describes recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and methods for the production thereof. The recombinant hCG can include α2,3, α2,6, and, optionally, α2,8 sialylation. The recombinant hCG can be produced in a human cell line such as a PER.C6® cell line.
US09676825B2
The invention relates to chimeric vaccine antigens against hepatitis C virus (HCV) comprising selected regions of different antigens of said virus, which are placed in a pre-determined order inside the polypeptide. In addition, said chimeric antigens can include artificially formed specific epitopes for auxiliary T helper lymphocytes. The chimeric antigens and the resulting vaccine compositions are suitable for use in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as being suitable for prophylactic and/or therapeutic use against HCV. The vaccine compositions of the invention generate a powerful, broad-spectrum immune response against different antigens of the virus, with a minimum number of components.
US09676822B2
Disclosed is an oligopeptidic compound capable of interacting with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), wherein the compound comprises a PCNA interacting motif which is: (SEQ ID NO. 28) [K/R]-[F/Y/W]-[L/I/V/A/M]-[L/I/V/A/M]-[K/R]; wherein the oligopeptidic compound has 9-70 subunits and comprises at least one signal sequence, wherein the signal sequence is a nuclear localization signal sequence and/or a cell penetrating signal sequence and wherein in said compound a PCNA interacting motif is N-terminal to a signal sequence. Also disclosed are methods of treatment of a disorder or condition where it is desirable to inhibit the growth of cells, or a method of treatment which involves cytostatic therapy, or a method of treatment of inflammation said method comprising administering the oligopeptidic compound to a subject in need thereof.
US09676819B2
This invention relates to a method for treating or preventing a disease by raising an innate immune response in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition comprising a TLR2 moiety in solution, wherein the TLR2 moiety comprises a TLR2 agonist and wherein the disease is not treated or prevented by a humoral or cellular immune response directed against the TLR2 moiety.
US09676817B2
The author attempted and succeeded in separating and purifying the cysteine protease inhibitors from new gingers. The root and stem of new gingers were extracted with neutral buffer which subsequently underwent heat treatment at 80° C. for 10 minutes. After centrifugal separation, the supernatant was separated with acetone. The fractions that precipitated at an acetone concentration of 55-77% were injected into a chromatographic column of DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-75 gel for purification. The results demonstrated that there were two cysteine protease inhibitors with a molecular weight of 11,000-11,800 and 15,500-16,000, respectively, which strongly inhibit papain. The two cysteine protease inhibitors do not have high heat stability.
US09676814B2
The present invention relates to a new process for the synthesis of compounds of formula (I) (wherein the meaning of R is dimethylamino or acetyl group) using the compound of formula (II) (wherein the meaning of R is dimethylamino or 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl group) as starting material, as well as to the intermediate of the process.
US09676812B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to neuroactive 19-alkoxy-17-substituted steroids as referenced herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for use as, for example, an anesthetic, and/or in the treatment of disorders relating to GABA function and activity. The present disclosure is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.
US09676807B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for multi-component metal-organic materials (MOMs), systems including the MOM, systems for separating components in a gas, methods of separating polarizable gases from a gas mixture, and the like.
US09676791B2
This invention provides quinazoline analogs of Formula I: where A is bonded to at least one of the carbons at the 5, 6, 7 or 8 position of the bicyclic ring, and the ring is substituted by up to two independent R3 groups. The invention also includes methods of using compounds of Formula I as type I receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer.
US09676789B2
The present invention belongs to the field of natural medicine and pharmaceutical chemistry and specifically relates to novel aminated homoharringtonine derivatives of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to a process for the preparation of these compounds, compositions containing such compounds and their use in preparing antineoplastic medicaments.
US09676787B2
Compounds used as labels with properties comparable to known fluorescent compounds. The compounds are conjugated to proteins and nucleic acids for biological imaging and analysis. Synthesis of the compounds, formation and use of the conjugated compounds, and specific non-limiting examples of each are provided.
US09676786B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I shown below: wherein Q is as defined herein. The compounds of formula I act as selective positive allosteric modulators of strychnine-sensitive alpha 1-glycine receptors. The present invention further relates to the use of these compounds as therapeutic agents for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases or conditions in which strychnine-sensitive alpha 1-glycine receptor activity is implicated (such as, for example, chronic pain. The present invention also relates to processes for the preparation of these compounds and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US09676783B2
Compounds useful in the synthesis of compounds for treating pain, cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative disease or Typanosoma cruzi infection in a mammal.
US09676773B2
Provided is a novel compound having a selective JAK3-inhibitory effect and also having excellent oral absorbability. Also provided is a pharmaceutical agent, which is based on a JAK3-inhibitory effect and is useful for preventing and/or treating a disease involving the JAK3, and in particular, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.An azaindole derivative having a cycloalkenyl group, which is represented by the following formula (I), or a salt thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same: where R1 to R4, m and n have the same meanings as those defined in the description.
US09676768B2
The invention relates to bicyclic heterocycle compounds of formula (I): or tautomeric or stereochemically isomeric forms, N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable salts or the solvates thereof; wherein R1, R2a, R2b, R3a, R3b, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, p and E are as defined herein; to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and to the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer.
US09676746B2
The present invention provides crystalline forms of a compound of formula (I): Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions that include the provided crystalline forms and methods of using the provided crystalline forms and pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of cancer.
US09676735B2
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of Efavirenz via an efficient transition metal catalyzed cyclization, to a device suitable to perform such process as well as to novel intermediates.
US09676731B2
The present invention relates to a new synthetic intermediate, namely the compound of formula I-2 or a salt thereof. Said compound of formula I-2 or its salt can be used to prepare the compound of formula I-3 which is an important synthetic intermediate used in the preparation of macitentan.
US09676720B2
The present invention provides a substituted biaryl compound of general formula (I): wherein, R1, W, R2, and Z are as defined in the claims and the description, or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. The compound according to the present invention has an excellent inhibition effect of pulmonary fibroblast proliferation, and is therefore useful as a therapeutic agent and/or a prophylactic agent for interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis.
US09676704B2
This disclosure relates to the field of molecules having pesticidal utility against pests in Phyla Nematoda, Arthropoda, and/or Mollusca, processes to produce such molecules and intermediates used in such processes, compositions containing such molecules, and processes of using such molecules against such pests. These molecules may be used, for example, as nematicides, acaricides, insecticides, miticides, and/or molluscicides. This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”).
US09676703B2
An object is to provide a novel production method suitable for industrial production of a 3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-quinoxalin-2-one derivative and a synthetic intermediate for the method. Provided is a method for producing a compound represented by formula (1): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl group, or an optionally substituted aryl group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, a hydroxy group, or nitrogen atom-protecting group, R3 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, a hydroxy group, or a nitrogen atom-protecting group, and X represents a hydroxy group or a leaving group, or a salt thereof, the method comprising the steps of: reacting a compound represented by formula (2): wherein R1, R2, and X are the same as defined in formula (1), R4represents an optionally substituted alkyl group, an optionally substituted cycloalkyl group, or an optionally substituted aryl group, or a salt thereof with a nitrating agent to obtain a compound represented by formula (3): wherein R1 , R2 , R4, and X are the same as defined in formulae (1) and (2), or a salt thereof, and reducing the compound represented by formula (3) or the salt therof to obtain the compound represented by formula (1) or the salt thereof.
US09676698B2
The present invention relates to methods of producing ingenol-3-angelate (I) from ingenol (II). Furthermore, the invention relates to intermediates useful for the synthesis of ingenol-3-angelate (I) from ingenol (II) and to methods of producing said intermediates.
US09676697B2
The present invention relates to the field of converting carbohydrates into levulinic acid, a platform chemical for many chemical end products. More specifically the invention relates to a method for converting carbohydrates such as mono-, di- or polysaccharides, obtained from for example biomass production into a suitable levulinic acid ester in the presence of a zeolite or zeotype catalyst and a suitable alcohol, and the ester may be further converted into levulinic acid if desired.
US09676695B2
A method is disclosed of coupling and integrating natural gas recovery and separation along with chemical conversion. The method can comprise extracting at least one natural gas component. Non-limiting examples of the extracted component include ethane, propane, butanes, and pentanes. The method can also comprise contacting a natural gas stream with a catalyst under conditions that selectively convert at least one component into at least one product, such as ethylene, acetic acid, polyethylene, vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene oxide, ethylene glycol, and their derivatives, propylene, polypropylene, propylene oxide, propylene glycol, acrylates, acrolein, acrylic acid, butenes, butadiene, methacrolein, methacrylic acid, methacrylates, and their derivatives, which can then be separated from the remaining components. The method can further comprise integrating production of ethylene, acetic acid, and/or vinyl acetate with polymerization of ethylene-based polymers, such as polyethylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, or polyvinyl alcohol.
US09676693B2
This disclosure provides, molecular metal catalysts supported by sterically bulky β-diketonate (acac) ligands. Disclosed herein are bulky β-diketonate ligands, methods of making bulky β-diketonate ligands, and methods of making metal catalysts supported by sterically bulky β-diketonate (acac) ligands.
US09676681B2
An apparatus and method are provided for processing hydrocarbon feeds. The method enhances the conversion of hydrocarbon feeds into conversion products, such as ethylene and propylene. In particular, the present techniques combine a first hydrocarbon feed with a second hydrocarbon feed and a hydrogen (H2) containing stream to manage the hydrogen content of the feed provided to a pyrolysis reactor. The mixture is then exposed to high-severity operating conditions in a pyrolysis reactor and further processing into desired olefins.
US09676680B2
A method for coupling an alkane with an alkene using a hydrogen transfer catalyst and an alkene dimerization catalyst to form one or more higher molecular weight hydrocarbons.
US09676663B2
Chemically strengthened glass articles having at least one deep compressive layer extending from a surface of the article to a depth of at least about 45 μm within the article are provided. In one embodiment, the compressive stress profile includes a single linear segment extending from the surface to the depth of compression DOC. Alternatively, the compressive stress profile includes two linear portions: the first portion extending from the surface to a relatively shallow depth and having a steep slope; and a second portion extending from the shallow depth to the depth of compression. The strengthened glass has a 60% survival rate when dropped from a height of 80 cm in an inverted ball drop test and an equibiaxial flexural strength of at least 10 kgf as determined by abraded ring-on-ring testing. Methods of achieving such stress profiles are also described.
US09676655B2
An electric glass hot shop system is described herein that has at least one electrically powered heating unit (e.g., electric furnace, electric glory hole, electric pipe warmer, electric color box, electric annealer, electric crucible kiln) used in the processing of glass.
US09676653B2
A method for bending a sheet of material into a shaped article includes providing the sheet of material. A reformable area and a non-reformable area of the sheet of material are heated to a first temperature range corresponding to a first viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is subsequently heated to a second temperature range corresponding to a second viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is reformed into a selected shape by at least one of sagging the reformable area of the sheet of material and applying a force to the sheet of material outside of or near a boundary of the reformable area.
US09676649B2
Glass substrates and methods for forming glass substrates are disclosed. The glass substrates include a planar A-side surface having a surface roughness Ra1 of less than 0.5 nm and a planar B-side having a surface roughness Ra2 wherein the ratio Ra2:Ra1 is greater than or equal to about 1.5. A plurality of texturing features are formed in the B-side surface. The plurality of texturing features have a peak-to-valley height H such that 0.05 μm≦H≦3.75 μm. The texturing features are distributed in the B-side surface such that a center-to-center pitch P between adjacent texturing features is at least 1.5 mm in at least one direction. The plurality of texturing features are formed in the B-side surface while the glass substrate is at a temperature T1, wherein 600° C.≦T1≦1200° C. and a viscosity of the glass substrate is from greater than 150,000 Poise and less than 1013 Poise.
US09676647B2
A glassware-forming neck ring system includes a neck ring assembly and a carrier assembly carrying the neck ring assembly. The neck ring assembly includes a neck ring guide having a first forming aperture therethrough around a vertical axis, and a neck ring divided along a longitudinal axis into neck ring sections carried by the neck ring guide and movable toward and away from one another along the neck ring guide along a lateral axis. The carrier assembly includes a carrier having a body with a second forming aperture therethrough, longitudinally opposite ends, laterally opposite sides between the ends, and a channel extending between the sides, restricting movement of the neck ring assembly along the vertical and longitudinal axes, and permitting movement of the neck ring assembly along the lateral axis. A process of forming glassware includes carrying the glassware by a neck ring system through an entire glassware forming process from a blank molding station to a ware handler.
US09676636B1
An ink removal device preferably includes a tube housing, a plurality of glass chunks and an injector tube. The injector tube is retained in the tube housing. A liquid inlet connector is secured to a first end of the tube housing for a supply of ink water. An air inlet connector is secured to a second end of the tube housing for a supply of pressurized air. The tube housing is filled with a plurality of large chunks of glass. Pressurized ink water is pumped into the tube housing passes through the injector tube and back through the plurality of glass chunks. The ink in the ink water adheres to the plurality of glass chunks to produce cleaned water. The pressurized air dries the ink adhering to the plurality of glass chunks. The cleaned water exits the outlet port to be used for printing operations.
US09676630B2
Carbon nanotubes have excellent mechanical properties such as low density, high stiffness, and exceptional strength making them ideal candidates for reinforcement material in a wide range of high-performance composites. Fibers with increased tensile strengths are produced by employing plasma treatment under various conditions. Tensile strength is improved by at least 35%, relative to an untreated fiber. Methods of making such high strength carbon nanotube fibers via plasma processing are disclosed.
US09676613B2
The present embodiments are directed towards the optical control of switching an electrical assembly. For example, in an embodiment, an electrical package is provided. The electrical package generally includes a micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) device configured to interface with an electrical assembly, the MEMS device being operable to vary the electrical assembly between a first electrical state and a second electrical state, a MEMS device driver in communication with the MEMS device and being operable to produce high voltage switching logic from an electrical signal, and an optical detector in communication with the MEMS device driver and configured to produce the electrical signal from an optical signal produced by a light source in response to an applied current-based electrical control signal.
US09676611B2
Sensor device packages and related fabrication methods are provided. An exemplary sensor device package includes a first structure having a sensing arrangement thereon, a second structure having circuitry thereon, and a conductive structure within the first structure and coupled to the circuitry to provide an electrical connection to the circuitry through the first structure. Thus, circuitry on the second structure may be electrically connected to an interface of the sensor device package through the first structure.
US09676610B2
A physical quantity sensor includes a sensor element, an integrated circuit that is electrically connected to the sensor element, and a ceramic package (base body) on which the integrated circuit is mounted. A first conductor pattern (interconnection pattern) for electrical connection with the outside is provided on one surface of the ceramic package. A second conductor pattern is provided to be electrically connected to the interconnection pattern. The second conductor pattern includes an interconnection pattern that passes through the inside of the ceramic package, and a metallized region that is exposed on the other surface of the ceramic package. The interconnection pattern is longer than a distance between the one surface and the other surface of the ceramic package.
US09676604B2
Embodiments of the invention include convertible beverage serving stations and related methods. The convertible beverage serving station can include a housing, a substantially planar serving platform, a connection device, a first columnar serving tower, and a releasable mounting interface. The housing can include an interior, a front wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base. The substantially planar serving platform can include one or more apertures. The connection device can be configured to allow the serving platform to open upward allowing access to the interior of the housing. The first columnar serving tower can include a top and a bottom. The top can include one or more orifices for dispensing a beverage. The releasable mounting interface can include a central channel, a bottom portion, and a top portion. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US09676603B1
A multifunctional hand-operable beverage service tool includes a casing having a cavity defined therein, the casing having a proximal end region and a distal end region. A plurality of tools are pivotally coupled to said casing, the tools each being independently pivotable relative to the casing along an arcuate path defined between retracted and deployed positions; wherein one of said plurality of tools comprises a wine key lever. A first opening is positioned through the distal end region of the casing, the first opening being constructed and arranged to engage and remove a bottle cap. A second opening comprising a finger hole is positioned through the proximal end region of the casing.
US09676599B1
A power lift assembly includes a lift stand. An actuating unit is detachably coupled to the lift stand and includes an actuating unit frame, a hydraulic unit carried by the actuating unit frame, a hydraulic piston extendable and retractable with respect to the hydraulic unit and an actuating unit arm positional between first and second positions on the actuating unit frame. The actuating unit arm operably engages the hydraulic unit to extend and retract the hydraulic piston at the first and second positions, respectively, of the actuating unit arm. A lift arm is pivotally carried by the actuating unit frame and releasably engages the lift stand. The hydraulic piston engages the lift arm.
US09676597B2
The invention relates to a truss construction (2) for a passenger conveyor comprising at least one self-supporting element (4, 16). The self-supporting element, which is a roller molded element (4, 16), extends in a conveying direction of the passenger conveyor and is formed with at least one rail portion (6, 8) for guiding step chain rollers (7a) and/or step rollers (7b).
US09676590B1
A winding device has an axially-adjustable spindle assembly for winding a variety of elongated flexible materials into windings or spiral coils, including without limitation flat-web, garden hose, strand, twined, braided or woven rope or the like, electric cord or even strings of holiday lights and so on. The winding device comprises a pair of side frames, one which is driven in revolutions and the other which is generally stationary. The side frames have inboard surfaces facing each other and outboard surfaces facing away. One side frame has a hollow tubular sleeve extending away from about the center of its inboard surface while the other side frame has a cylindrical spindle stub extending away from about the center of its respective inboard surface. The spindle stub telescopes into the tubular sleeve such that the side frames can revolve/rotate relative each other, close the gap between each other, or pull apart.
US09676589B2
Apparatus and methods usable for introducing tension into a cable. The apparatus comprises a frame adapted for connection to a crane, a holder adapted for retaining a cable spool, and at least one surface adapted to contact the cable and resist its movement. The frame is adapted for disassembly into a plurality of sections. The apparatus comprises at least one bracket for connecting the frame with the crane. The bracket comprises an aperture adapted for connecting to a jib attachment of a boom head. The at least one surface comprises at least two surfaces adapted to compress the cable, thereby resisting its movement. The at least two surfaces comprise a channel extending thereon, wherein the channels are adapted to form a generally circular bore when the surfaces are joined together, wherein the bore is adapted for receiving the cable.
US09676587B1
A reel apparatus and method comprising an inner flange assembly, an outer flange assembly, and a bearing assembly coupled to the inner flange assemblies. The inner flange assembly is capable of freely rotating relative to the outer flange assembly. In another embodiment, wire is spooled from a reel assembly comprising an inner flange assembly and an outer flange assembly.
US09676572B2
A sheet conveying apparatus includes a first rotator pair, a second rotator pair provided downstream, in a sheet conveying direction, of the first rotator pair, and a moving member having an abutment portion. the first rotator pair, the second rotator pair and the moving member are configured such that a rear end of the sheet does not pass on a moving trajectory of the abutment portion when the moving member moves from a passage state in which the sheet is allowed to pass through the abutment portion as the abutment portion is pressed by the sheet conveyed by the first rotator pair to an abutment state in which the abutment portion protrudes into a sheet conveying path.
US09676562B2
The product flow regulator is used for decoupling an incoming flow of piece-goods from a downstream device for further processing. It comprises a stationary intermediate storage with a plurality of store levels, an infeed-side elevator with one or more transport levels for taking products arriving on conveyors to intermediate storage and a discharge-side elevator for removing the temporarily stored products and delivering them to forwarding conveyors. A buffer device is arranged upstream from these elevators on the infeed side and downstream from these elevators on the discharge side.
US09676559B2
A winch drum tension isolation system includes a winch drum including an outwardly extending flange, the flange including a plurality of holes spaced along the flange. The winch drum tension isolation system also includes a locking mechanism positioned proximate the winch drum and including a locking member engageable with the flange. The locking member is movable between a first position, in which the locking member is received in one of the plurality of holes to prevent rotation of the winch drum, and a second position, in which the locking member is spaced apart from the flange to permit rotation of the winch drum.
US09676555B2
A co-formed composite conveyor belt having a flat belt component, a plurality of reinforcing cords, a timing component, and a reinforced netting component, all co-formed together in one integral belt having a single pitch line. The timing component includes first and second adjacent rows of obliquely angled teeth. Additional, optional material layers can be co-formed therewith including for wear resistance and conveying functions. Co-forming apparatus and methods are disclosed.
US09676554B2
A system for conveying proppant includes a conveyor assembly having a conveyor belt that receives proppant from one or more containers having proppant stored therein. The system also includes a conveyor auxiliary unit connected to an end of the conveyor assembly having one or more joints to enable expansion and collapse of the conveyor belt from the conveyor assembly. The system further includes a proppant chute to direct the proppant from the conveyor belt into a blending hopper, the proppant chute being positioned at a higher elevation than an inlet of the blending hopper.
US09676545B2
The application describes fragrant water-soluble packaging which contains a liquid laundry detergent or cleaning composition and a water-soluble envelope. The liquid laundry detergent or cleaning composition comprises at least 10% by weight of glycerol, a second solvent, surfactant and a perfume, where the perfume contains particular amounts of perfume constituents.
US09676542B1
A bag container dispenser includes a bag container. The container is formed of resilient material and has a bottom, a top, first and second sides, a front, a back and a removable access panel. The access panel has a top segment that includes a portion of the top and a connected front segment. The front segment has a height that extends from the bottom to the top. Stacked bags are sized and shaped to fit within the bag container. Each of the bags has a front wall, a back wall, an open top and a closure mechanism. The bags are dispensable from the container through an opening provided by removal of the access panel which may have a removable cover. A dispenser rack has a horizontal platform sized and shaped to support the bag container. Peripheral guards extend upward from the platform and constrain movement of the container during dispensing.
US09676537B2
Flexible film packages having an easily opened package feature incorporated therein and method of producing such packages are provided. The package opening feature may be incorporated into a variety of package formats such as flow wrapped packages having a longitudinal seal (including fin seals or lap seals) or packages with side seals (including two-, three-, or four-side seal pouches). In one illustrative approach, the package opening feature is disposed adjacent or at a package seal, such as, for example, an end seal, a top seal, a bottom seal, a side seal, or a longitudinal seal. The flexible film laminate has at least first and second film layers, and at least one of the film layers defining an interior cavity configured to hold food products. In a number of configurations, the flexible film packages may be reclosable or resealable.
US09676534B2
A carton for packaging one or more articles, includes a series of main panels hinged one to the next to form a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes a top panel, first and second side panels and a bottom panel and at least one display window struck from at least one of the side panels. The at least one window extends from the top panel to the base panel and is interrupted by a retention strap.
US09676530B2
A storage device (10) comprising a receptacle (12) and a movable closure member (22), the closure member comprising a seal (30) about its periphery, for positioning against the inside of the receptacle, and a valve (32) within its periphery, wherein the closure member can be moved within the receptacle such that its periphery is substantially continually in contact with the internal surface of the receptacle, and wherein, when in an open position, the valve allows flow of fluid from within the receptacle through the valve, and when in a closed position, the valve prevents flow of liquid from within the receptacle, wherein the receptacle is substantially closed at its lower end.
US09676524B2
A seal and method of forming a seal for a resealable container includes a removable cap that is selectively received over a pour opening formed in a can body. A seal is adhered to the end wall of the cap and includes a continuous, first axial region extending outwardly from the inner surface of the cap. The seal first region is dimensioned for engagement with the opening in the container and sealing the container along an inner diameter thereof. Reduced on-torque/off-torque are required since the seal is formed on the inner diameter, and a down force is substantially reduced to assemble the cap to the container.
US09676517B2
A server packing assembly includes a server unit, a pallet unit and an anticollision unit. The server unit includes a rack that includes bottom and top walls and a pair of spaced-apart side walls that interconnect the top and bottom walls and that cooperate with the top and bottom walls to define front and rear openings, and at least one server disposed in the rack. The pallet unit includes a main board supporting the server unit thereon and positioned relative to the rack. The anticollision unit includes a front protector that removably covers the front opening and that is removably coupled to the rack and secured to the pallet unit, and a rear protector that removably covers the rear opening and that is removably coupled to the rack and secured to the pallet unit.
US09676504B2
A package includes a container and a lid adapted to mate with a brim of the container. The lid closes a top opening in the container when mounted on the container. In a lid-coupling process, a product is discharged from an interior product-storage region formed in the container. The elastic top wall of the lid is moved along the container brim to establish a radially outwardly moving brim-wiping motion to cause substantially all of any spilled product located on the annular brim to be displaced and wiped off the container brim so that little, if any, spilled product remains on the container brim.
US09676500B2
A method of solar occultation, and in particular solar coronagraphy, employing a spacecraft 200 is disclosed. The spacecraft is controlled to achieve a position within a target zone relative to a celestial body, such as the Moon, such that the celestial body occults the Sun, allowing observations of the Sun or the space around the Sun, and in particular the Sun's corona, to be made from the spacecraft. The spacecraft has an orbit 40 around the Earth in a plane S, which like the Moon's orbit 20 in plane M, is inclined relative to the ecliptic plane E. Once inside the target zone, the spacecraft's orbit is controlled such that it remains in the target zone for longer than it would otherwise. This is achieved through the orbit within the target zone being at least partly non-Keplerian, when the orbit is under the influence of spacecraft translational thrust for example. The invention also extends to a method of controlling a spacecraft, to a spacecraft, and to a solar coronagraph comprising a spacecraft and a celestial body.
US09676498B1
Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into outer space are disclosed. Method include powering a thrust augmentation stage of a launch vehicle during an initial portion of a launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; following the initial portion of the launch trajectory, separating a first stage of the launch vehicle from the thrust augmentation stage; powering the first stage of the launch vehicle during the initial portion and during a second portion of the launch trajectory following the initial portion of the launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; and controlling a controlled descent of the thrust augmentation stage to Earth following separation of the thrust augmentation stage from the first stage.
US09676497B2
A single piece pulsed flow wing assembly method providing for horizontal wing manufacture is accomplished using synchronized automated vehicles guided in a predetermined manner to move and, locate wing structure in a plurality of assembly positions. Multi-axis assembly positioning systems (MAPS) are used at each assembly position to support and index components in the wing structure and determinant assembly techniques are used for indexing of the components. Modular automated manufacturing processes employing magnetic assembly clamping, drilling, fastener insertion, and sealant application are employed.
US09676483B2
A chiller for an aircraft galley that is sized to be disposed in a compartment for housing beverage carts, the chiller comprising a vapor cycle refrigeration system with a liquid cooled condenser located within the housing and a liquid cooling unit located within the housing. Further, the vapor cycle refrigeration system and the liquid cooling unit have a combined footprint that is less than a footprint of a food and beverage cart within the housing, such that the space occupied by the chiller displaces no more than one beverage cart.
US09676482B2
Reconfigurable payload systems (RPS) and methods of configuring and using the same are disclosed that may be employed to enable external aircraft payloads to be rapidly interchanged or swapped out together with associated internal equipment within a given aircraft so as to modify or change payload capability of the aircraft, e.g., to meet a particular mission and/or to enable use of future payload types as they are developed. The RPS and associated methods may be implemented to allow multiple different payload systems to be swapped in and out on a given aircraft as required based on needs for a given mission.
US09676480B2
A flying machine capable of blocking light autonomously includes a machine body with a flight direction control module, a light sensor for detecting a sunshine angle, a position sensor for detecting the position of a moving object, and a flight movement adjuster to control the machine body to autonomously fly to a position linearly aligned with the sunlight and the moving object, so that the flying machine blocks between the sunlight and the moving object.
US09676479B2
A vertical takeoff and landing aircraft includes a pair of ducted lift/thrust fans that are rotatably movable between a first vertical lift position and a second horizontal thrust position. The lift/thrust fans are disposed within curvilinear fan recesses formed within leading edge portions of the aircraft's wings. A downwardly exhausting, ducted lift fan is disposed within the aircraft's fuselage, aft of the aircraft's pitch axis. A power plant, disposed within the fuselage, is coupled with the lift/thrust fans and the lift fan by a transmission system. The lift/thrust fans and lift fan are positioned with respect to one another to be triangulated about the aircraft's center of gravity and the aircraft's center of lift.
US09676474B2
A spring assembly elongate along a longitudinal direction includes a first spring that includes a first spring member and a first elongate member that extends from the first spring member along the longitudinal direction. The spring assembly includes a second spring including a second spring member and a second elongate member that extends from the second spring member along the longitudinal direction. The second elongate member extends through the first spring member, and the first elongate member extends through the second spring member such that the first and second spring members are spaced apart with respect to each other along the longitudinal direction.
US09676471B2
An edge morphing arrangement for an airfoil having upper and lower control surfaces is provided with an elongated edge portion that overlies the edge of the airfoil, the edge portion having a surface element having first and second edges that communicate with, and form extensions of, respective ones of the upper and lower control surfaces of the elongated airfoil. The surface elements are formed of deformable compliant material that extends cross-sectionally from the first surface element edge to an apex of the edge portion, and to the second surface element edge. There is additionally provided a driving link having first and second driving link ends, the first driving link end being coupled to the interior of one of the first and second rib portions. The second end is arranged to receive a morphing force, and the rib element is deformed in response to the morphing force.
US09676470B2
The disclosure herein provides for disbond resistant stringer runouts. Various aspects may be used independently or in combination to mitigate disbonding associated with the stiffener runout under operational loads. Aspects include a stiffener runout having rounded base flange corners. A recessed notch may be incorporated within the base flange to provide a flange termination point that is forward of the web termination point, allowing the web to terminate prior to the base flange. The web may be trimmed from a full height to a reduced height at the web termination point. The base flange may be co-bonded to the underlying composite structure via a scarf joint. Perimeter clamp radius fillers may be used to concentrate a clamping force around the perimeter of the base flange.
US09676455B2
A variable frontal area craft for performing drift measurements. The craft includes a variable frontal area mechanism and a propulsion assembly, and is configured to operate at least partially submerged in a liquid. The variable frontal area mechanism is configured to operate in a first, high frontal area state and in a second, low frontal area state.
US09676454B2
A deflector is configured to be attached to a cable towed by a vessel. The deflector includes a foil configured to provide a lift force; first and second bulbs attached to opposite ends of the foil; and a joint attached to the foil and configured to receive the cable. The first and second bulbs are offset by a predetermined distance from a plane that extends through the foil, and at least one of the first and second bulbs has a longitudinal axis that makes an angle (θ) with a cord of the foil, the cord extending in the plane.
US09676453B2
A hybrid winch system for use with an anchor handling vessel is disclosed that includes but is not limited to an electric winch mountable on the anchor handling vessel, an electric generator for providing generated power to the electric winch, a battery for providing stored power to the electric winch, an anchor cable wound around the electric winch and passing over a roller drum for guiding the anchor cable, an anchor attached to a distal end of the anchor cable and a winch controller for selectively applying the generated power and the stored power to the electric winch. The winch controller is configured to provide the stored power to the electric winch for controlled release of the anchor cable in the case of loss of the generated power.
US09676450B1
Pontoon structure for a boat includes an elongated pontoon with a bottom forming a water entrapment channel between a front end portion and a rear end portion of the pontoon, the bottom configuration causing the pontoon and the supported boat body to quickly rise above the water surface and plane.
US09676448B2
A compact hub-embedded multi-stage transmission is provided which is implemented to achieve multi-stage shifting by using a multi-stage planetary gear set having a one stage or two or more stages and a double one-way clutch in order to impart an overrunning function during inertial travel, and at the same time, to allow rapid shifting to be made even with a small force for manipulating a shift lever by means of use of a forced shift function even in a driven travel state. Accordingly, product marketability can be maximized, and rapid shifting can be made even with a small force for manipulating a shift lever by means of use of a forced shift function even in a driven travel state, thereby considerably improving shifting accuracy.
US09676447B2
A front derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a chain guide, a link mechanism and a cable guiding structure. The base member is fixedly coupled to a bicycle. The chain guide is configured to guide a chain. The link mechanism movably couples the chain guide to the base member between a retracted position and an extended position in response to movement of an operation cable. The link mechanism includes a cable attachment portion that is configured to be attached to the operation cable. The cable guiding structure guides the operation cable from the cable attachment portion. The cable guiding structure is disposed on at least one of the base member and the link mechanism. The cable guiding structure has a cable exit that is arranged such that the operation cable exits forwardly from the cable guiding structure towards the front of the bicycle.
US09676445B2
A bicycle electronic system is described comprising a first manual command management unit having a casing configured for being fixed at a handgrip of a bicycle handlebar, comprising at least one first manually actuatable switch, a first processor and a first wireless communication device, wherein the first manual command management unit further comprises a circuit for supplying power to the first processor and the first wireless communication device, the power supply circuit comprising a battery power supply source and/or being configured for absorbing energy from a radiofrequency electromagnetic field generated within the system.
US09676443B2
A bicycle may include a detachable seat assembly configured to disconnect from a bicycle frame, the detachable seat assembly including a housing, a post extending from the housing and a seat supported by the post, the seat having two flaps extending from and foldable at a joint and configured to fold around the post.
US09676441B2
An automatic control shock absorber system for a bicycle is provided. The system includes one or more sensors. A controller outputs a control signal to a damping adjuster according to the one or more sensors, such that the damping adjuster controls level of damping force based on the sensors.
US09676438B2
A method and kit for converting a two-wheeled motorcycle into a three-wheeled reverse trike. To convert the two wheeled motorcycle to a reverse trike, the front fork tubes, including the front wheel, are removed from the triple-tree of the motorcycle. A frame assembly mounts to a forward end of the motorcycle. Left and right wheels are mounted to the frame assembly with wheel suspension systems. A steering shaft is attached to the triple-tree of the motorcycle. Steering tie rods are linked to the steering shaft and the wheel spindles, whereby turning of the handle bars causes the steering shaft to rotate about its longitudinal axis and causes the left and right steering tie rods to effect corresponding turning of the left and right front wheels.
US09676437B2
A headlight structure for ensuring easy structural designing of a light guide member to enhance the degree of the freedom of shape. Reflectors and left and right lenses are disposed respectively on the left and right sides of the center of a vehicle body. Second light sources are attached respectively to the left and right of a light guide member which is roughly W-shaped. Attachment portions and connection portions are hidden by a light-blocking light cover. The left and right reflectors and left and right including shining portions that are visible through the lenses wherein light evenness can be enhanced within an externally visible region. The headlight can be easily enlarged in size and in diameter. The second light sources make it is easy to design the structure of the light guide member for enhancing the degree of the freedom of shape.
US09676433B2
The invention relates to a two-wheeler stand and also to a method for assembling the same, which two-wheeler stand is configured to support a two-wheeler parked in or on the two-wheeler stand and which comprises a base element provided with a positioning element at the upper side thereof, which positioning element defines a wheel supporting surface, a carrying element which extends upward from the base element, a support element carried by the carrying element above the wheel supporting surface, which support element supports a two-wheeler parked in the two-wheeler stand in use. The invention is characterized in that the base element is made up at least of an upper wall, a lower wall, and a circumferential wall which connects the upper wall and the lower wall, wherein the upper wall, the lower wall and the circumferential wall enclose a chamber, and wherein a filling hole is provided in the base element, so that the chamber can be filled with a medium through the filling hole.
US09676432B2
Provided are a system and method for measuring a vehicle gap or step, where a vehicle body to which a hood, a door, and a trunk lid are assembled is seated on a carrier and moved along transfer lines. The system may be installed over the transfer lines and may include one or more door regulating units attached between the vehicle body and the door, upper rails in both sides above a workplace corresponding to the transfer lines, a moving frame movable below the upper rails, a forward/backward moving unit above the moving frame, a horizontal moving unit to move installation frames, a vertical moving unit in the installation frames to reciprocally move a sliding plate upwardly and downwardly, a measurement module movable and rotatable to measure the gap or the step, and an electronic tag on a roof of the vehicle body.
US09676428B2
A trailer vehicle with a forward storage compartment is provided, which maximizes usable space within the trailer vehicle and offers improved storage for the user. The trailer vehicle comprises a towed vehicle with a front overhang portion extending from the front end thereof. The front overhang supports a fifth wheel kingpin connector, and further comprises an enclosed interior volume above the connector. Along a lower surface of the front overhang, one or more storage doors are provided. The storage doors provide access to the interior of the front overhang. Raising and lowering of the storage doors may be assisted by way of a cable winch or fluid-spring struts. Moreover, the storage doors may support specific items, such as spare tires using a tire saddle disposed thereon. Finally, each of the doors is hinged affixed to the overhang and includes securable latches to maintain the doors in a closed state.
US09676423B2
A rear floor module for a motor vehicle body is disclosed. The rear floor module includes an upwardly-projecting trough having a floor and a back wall in vehicle vertical direction (z) based on the installation position. The rear floor module is also provided with a fastening structure including at least one fastening point for arranging a motor vehicle component in the trough. Motor vehicle configuration-specific or drive-specific motor vehicle components are arranged in a preconfigured manner on the rear floor module with the fastening structure.
US09676417B2
A vehicle body front section structure includes a front side member, an outer side frame member, a linking member, and a reinforcing structure. The outer side frame member is disposed separated from the front side member at a vehicle width direction outer side, has a vehicle front-rear direction rear end connected to an apron section or to a front pillar, and has a vehicle front-rear direction front end side overlapping with a vehicle front-rear direction front end side of the front side member in side view. The linking member links the vehicle front-rear direction front end side of the front side member and the vehicle front-rear direction front end side of the outer side frame member, and is input with a collision load. The reinforcing structure reinforces the outer side frame member at a portion of the outer side frame member overlapping with the front side member in side view.
US09676415B2
A vehicle having a structure is provided. The system includes a cradle mounted to the structure at a first position and a second position, the second position being spaced apart from the first position. A rear drive module is provided having a housing, the housing coupled to the cradle between the first position and the second position, the housing coupled to the cradle in at least two locations. At least one linkage is operably coupled to the housing on a first end and to the structure on a second end.
US09676408B2
Reduction in costs and size of an electric driving device is achieved and reliability of electrical connection thereof is enhanced. The device comprises: an electric motor; a controller that is disposed coaxially with the axis of the electric motor rotation shaft and takes control of driving the electric motor; a motor terminal whose end extends from the electric motor toward the controller; and an output terminal whose end extends from the controller toward the electric motor; wherein a portion of the motor terminal including the end thereof and that of the output terminal including the end thereof each are formed to extend in parallel to an axial direction of the electric motor, and overlappingly connected with each other.
US09676391B2
Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.
US09676386B2
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for provide monitoring a vehicle's surroundings, predicting when a navigation route will pass through a closed road, preemptively modifying the navigation route to avoid the closed road, identifying changes in speed limit, and identifying dangerous debris in the roadway. One embodiment of the camera-based vehicle control system includes a camera configured to obtain image information and a processor configured to: analyze the image information; if a reroute condition is satisfied based on the image information, implement an alternate navigation route; if a threat condition is satisfied based on the image information, cause an output device to output a threat alert; and if a speed condition is satisfied based on the image information, modify a vehicle speed setting.
US09676377B2
A vehicle includes a steering system, a vehicle speed detector, a brake system, and a control system. The control system is coupled with steering system for implementing a backup mode for reversing a trailer including controlling the steering system to maintain the trailer along a path. The control system is further coupled with the speed detector and the brake system and selectively outputs a rate-limited brake torque demand to the brake system to maintain a vehicle speed below a threshold speed.
US09676375B2
A stroke sensor is arranged to be offset downward relative to a pedal rotational axis, and link arms which interlock the stroke sensor with a pedal are provided. The link arm includes an engaged portion (groove), with which an engaging portion provided on the side of the pedal is slidably engaged. Herein, the engaged portion (groove) is configured such that the engaging portion is slid vertically along the engaged portion (groove) by a specified length that is long enough to allow falling-off of the pedal.
US09676372B2
A snow and ice removal system for removing frozen precipitation from an exterior surface of a vehicle, including a base including a device for pressurizing air and a conduit for conveying pressurized air from the device to an upper exterior surface of a vehicle. The system is portable and self-contained.
US09676361B2
Airbag assemblies are disclosed that comprise a frontal inflatable cushion that can deploy from a housing assembly to receive a head and/or a portion of a torso of a vehicle occupant moving from a vehicle occupant position in a forward direction relative to the vehicle during a vehicle impact event. The frontal inflatable cushion can be a curtain airbag. The frontal inflatable cushion can also be coupled to one or more support components within a passenger compartment of the vehicle, such that when the frontal inflatable cushion is in the deployed state the one or more support components support the frontal inflatable cushion in a rearward direction, relative to the vehicle, to enable the frontal inflatable cushion to restrain movement of the vehicle occupant in the forward direction during a vehicle impact event. The support components may include a side inflatable cushion, such as a curtain airbag.
US09676353B2
A vehicle body end section structure comprising: a first support section that is provided with a first shock absorbing section at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion; a second support section that is provided with a second shock absorbing section at a vehicle front-rear direction end portion, disposed at a vehicle up-down direction lower side of the first shock absorbing section; and a coupling member that couples together a portion at a first shock absorbing section side of the first support section, and a portion at a second shock absorbing section side of the second support section.
US09676346B2
A fastener with an dampener is provided. The dampener is integrated with the fastener thus eliminating the need for an additional dampener installation. The fastener includes a shaft, a head connected to the shaft, and a dampener connected to the head. The dampener includes a piston and a compression chamber that is adapted to reduce vibration and noise when installed between two panels. The dampener is mounted to the underside of the head of a bolt, or to a trim piece. In other embodiments, the dampener is connected to the head of a clip. The dampener is adapted to rest between the head of a bolt and an adjacent panel thereby slightly spacing out the bolt head from the panel, such as sheet metal.
US09676345B2
A headliner assembly for a motor vehicle includes a headliner and at least one dual shaft push pin for securing the headliner as well as at least one magnet fastener for securing the headliner to the body of the vehicle that cooperates with the dual shaft push pin.
US09676343B2
A convertible roof rack is provided that is generally comprised of a light bar and a roof rack that is spaced from the roof of a vehicle. The roof rack is also rotatably interconnected to a support structure associated with the rear of the vehicle such that it is capable of moving from a first position of use adjacent to the roof to a second position of use away from the roof where the light bar remains interconnected to the vehicle adjacent to the windshield. As such, electrical connections associated with the light bar remain intact when the roof rack is rotated away from the roof.
US09676332B2
A panorama projection unit is disclosed which concentrates the projected images in a front area of the motor vehicle and temporarily or locally shades the projection beams between projection units and the display surfaces. The panorama projection unit includes a three-dimensional panoramic screen, a plurality of projectors which project images onto a rear side of the panoramic screen, and a central control unit which controls the projectors in such a way that the projected images are mapped without distortion on the three-dimensional panoramic screen.
US09676328B2
In a method for detecting a collision between a vehicle and an object using a mobile user terminal which is able to be coupled to the vehicle, a user terminal signal for detecting the object is read in, which user terminal signal represents a signal which is provided by an image sensor of the user terminal; a driving state signal is read in to detect a driving state of the vehicle, which driving state signal represents a measured variable output by a vehicle sensor via an interface between the user terminal and the vehicle and/or output by an acceleration sensor of the user terminal; and a collision signal is ascertained to indicate an imminent collision between the vehicle and the object, based on the user terminal signal and the driving state signal.
US09676327B2
Disclosed is a method of displaying a rear side obstacle of a vehicle, including: a first measuring step of measuring a first distance between a vehicle and an obstacle using a first sensor; a determining step of determining a position of the obstacle using the first distance, a moving distance of the vehicle, and a steering angle of the vehicle related with the moving distance; and a displaying step of displaying the position of the obstacle. Therefore, the position of the obstacle at the rear side of the vehicle is precisely predicted so that a driver may be notified in advance that the vehicle may hit the obstacle.
US09676326B2
A driving assistance system includes a drive detection component, a presence component, and a notification component. The drive detection component is configured to determine that a vehicle or driver is exiting or preparing to exit a parking location. The presence component is configured to determine, from a drive history database, whether a parking barrier is present in front of or behind the parking location. The notification component is configured to provide an indication that the parking barrier is present to a human driver or an automated driving system of the vehicle.
US09676319B2
A tonneau cover system is provided for a cargo box of a pickup truck. The cargo box including a sidewall having an inboard side, wherein the inboard side extends downward and includes a lower edge. The tonneau cover system comprises a framework assembly positionable over the cargo box of the pickup truck and a bed rail extender having an engagement surface. The bed rail extender is adapted to attach to the inboard side such that the engagement surface is spaced downward from the lower edge of the inboard side. A clamp assembly is operably coupled to the framework system. The clamp assembly has an engaging member selectively positioned between a latched position and an unlatched position. The engaging member is adapted to contact the engagement surface of the bed rail extender in the latched position to retain the framework assembly to the cargo box.
US09676317B1
A system includes a remotely-operated ground vehicle having first and second lift members, a first lift mechanism coupled to the first lift member, and a second lift mechanism coupled to the second lift member, where the first and second lift mechanisms are positioned at different angles with respect to a ground surface. The first and second lift members may be positioned at opposite sides of a front end of the vehicle and may be controlled by a single motor. The lift mechanisms may have a body portion including first and second prongs separated by an opening, with a plurality of magnets embedded within the body portion near the intersection of the first and second prongs. A communication relay may be secured to each lift mechanism via the opening and a magnetic coupling between the magnets embedded within the body portion and magnets embedded within the communication relay.
US09676312B2
A vehicle seat with a modular vehicle seat frame is disclosed. The seat frame includes a first side module and a second side module which is arranged located opposite. A front, rear upper and middle cross brace are seat width-adaptably arranged between the side modules. Between the front and the rear cross brace a spring structure is stretched out, which spring-elastically supports a seat cushion of the vehicle seat.
US09676309B2
A vehicle heating apparatus (10a) to be mounted on or built in a vehicle seat (2) at a location below a sitting portion S of the vehicle seat (2) includes a housing (20), a fan (14), and a heater (15). The housing (20) has an intake port (11), a left nozzle (12l), a right nozzle (12r), an air curtain nozzle (12c), and an internal space (13) serving as air flow paths from the intake port (11) to the left nozzle (12l), to the right nozzle (12r), and to the air curtain nozzle (12c). The air curtain nozzle (12c) is located between the left nozzle (12l) and the right nozzle (12r), and is formed so as to, in the usage state, blow air delivered by the fan (14) in a direction inclined upward at an angle of not more than 90° to a direction in which warm wind is blown out of the left nozzle (12l) and the right nozzle (12r).
US09676301B2
A vehicle seat with integrated child booster device provides an integrated child booster deployable into a use position from a stowed position within a vehicle seat. The device includes a seat back coupled to and extending upwardly from a base frame. A seat bottom is slidably coupled to the base frame selectively covering and exposing an interior space of the base frame. A border section of the seat bottom is slidably coupled to the base frame and a central section of the seat bottom has an upright portion pivotally coupled to a seat portion along a first side of the central section. A second side of the central section is pivotally and slidably coupled to the border section. The upright portion is positionable adjacent to the seat back. A platform is vertically aligned under and supports the central section of the seat bottom.
US09676299B2
Vehicle seat including: a seat back pivoted to a side of floor; a seat cushion pivoted to the seat back; and a front leg element having an upper end pivoted to the seat cushion and a lower end pivotally locked to the side of floor in a releasable manner, thus normally providing a four-pivotal-point linkage in the seat. Maintaining the four-pivotal-point linkage adversely restricts design and actions of the seat. Inequality conditions are therefore set in that four-pivotal-point linkage, such that folding down the seat back by an angle exceeding a predetermined angle results in unlocking of the lower end of the front leg element from the side of floor, thereby destroying the four-pivotal-point linkage. Hence, a freedom of design is increased for the seat and floor. Further, leverage mechanism(s) may be provided to facilitate the ease of unlocking the front leg element from the side of floor.
US09676294B2
A method of managing an operating state of an electrified powertrain includes a controller identifying a plurality of available operating regions defined by at least one available operating state of the powertrain, each operating region representing a distinct range of operating conditions. The available operating regions include an avoidance region defining a plurality of unwanted operating conditions and separating a first allowable operating region from a second allowable operating region such that the first and second allowable operating regions are noncontiguous. The method identifies at least one ideal operating condition in each of the available operating regions, determines a preferability factor and stabilization factor for each of a current and each of the ideal operating conditions, and arbitrates the factors to identify one of the current and ideal operating conditions as an optimized operating condition to produce a required parameter value.
US09676289B2
Systems and methods for operating a battery pack supplying power to propel a vehicle are disclosed. One example method includes, increasing a battery pack state of charge window in response to a negative grade of a section of road a vehicle is traveling. The method also includes decreasing the battery pack state of charge window in response to the vehicle transitioning from traveling down a section of road having a negative grade to traveling down a section of road that has a positive or zero grade.
US09676283B2
Methods and systems for electric vehicles, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), include pre-cooling a traction battery of the vehicle upon an indication that the vehicle is being driven to a charging station. The pre-cooling is done by an on-board battery cooling system. The pre-cooling depends on the distance between the vehicle and the charging station.
US09676277B2
An inverter for an electric machine as well as a method for operating an inverter for an electric machine. In this context, the inverter has at least one output stage unit for producing a connection between the electric machine and a power supply network, a control unit for controlling the at least one output stage unit, a supply unit independent of the power supply network for the power supply of the output stage unit(s), at least one emergency operation control assigned to the output stage unit(s) for controlling the output stage unit(s) in the fault case, as well as at least one emergency operation supply assigned to the output stage unit(s) for generating a power supply for the output stage unit(s) from the power supply network in the fault case.
US09676272B2
A commercial vehicle including a diesel engine, a lower vehicle structure defining a vehicle floor, and, to a side, a running board providing access to a front seat of the vehicle, the lower structure supporting, under the floor, a gas oil tank including a filling pipe leading to the side of the vehicle, in a rear of the running board. The vehicle further includes a urea tank housed in immediate vicinity of the gas oil tank, and includes a filling pipe which leads into a rear front wall of the running board at a housing formed in the front wall of the running board and closable by a trap.
US09676270B2
A work vehicle having a hood for covering an engine room is disclosed. The engine room has a first region and a second region partitioned from each other, the engine room being configured such that air can be introduced from outside of the hood to the first region. A radiator is disposed in the first region, and air flows through the radiator from the first region to the second region. In the second region, the engine and an accessory unit for the engine are provided. The work vehicle includes an adjusting device for adjusting an amount of the air that flows from the first region to the second region.
US09676269B2
An external active air flap apparatus of a vehicle is provided The external active air flap apparatus removes the gap between the air flaps disposed vertically after sealing an air passage of a radiator grill by the air flaps and minimizes the gap between the air flaps and the radiator grill, thereby improving aerodynamic performance of the vehicle. The external active air flap apparatus includes an air flap positioned at a rear of a radiator grill that rotates to open and close an air passage of the radiator grill. Further, a flap fixing mechanism is mounted on the radiator grill and the air flap contracts the air flap with the radiator grill by applying a wind pressure to the air flap operated to seal the air passage.
US09676268B2
The present disclosure provides a vehicle front section structure including: a front side member that extends along a vehicle front-rear direction; a radiator support that is formed in a rectangular frame shape as viewed from a front of the vehicle and is joined to the front side member at a side radiator support configuring a side portion of the radiator support extending along a vehicle up-down direction; and a lower member that extends along the vehicle front-rear direction, that is joined to a vehicle lower side end portion of the radiator support, and that, at a join portion joined with the radiator support, is provided with a deformation origin portion that lets the join portion undergo bending deformation toward a top of the vehicle in a case in which load is input from the front of the vehicle.
US09676267B2
A drive apparatus for a vehicle includes an engine output system that outputs power from an engine and a power transmission system that transmits the power from the engine output system to a driving wheel. A power transmission path including a chain mechanism and a one-way clutch is provided between an oil pump and a turbine shaft that is part of the engine output system. Another power transmission path including a corresponding chain mechanism and a corresponding one-way clutch is provided between the oil pump and a primary shaft that is part of the power transmission system.
US09676263B2
An electrically powered cycle comprising a detachable battery mounted by sliding on two rails of a battery receptacle located on the central portion of the handlebar. The rails are inclined downward and rearward and the battery is inserted into the receptacle by sliding the battery from the upper front end of the rails. The battery is facing the user and visible to the user. The rails also serve to connect the battery electrically.
US09676261B2
The subject invention provides for a weatherstrip assembly for sealing between a frame and a closure member of a vehicle. The assembly includes a trim portion having a body and a flange extending from the body. The flange is capable of moving between an initial position and a final position. A seal extends from the body for abutting and sealing the closure member. An adhesive is disposed on the body for coupling the trim portion to the frame. The adhesive is disposed opposite the seal such that the seal extends away from the adhesive. A retaining member is selectively mounted to the flange and spaced from the adhesive for selectively engaging the frame to selectively hold the flange in the initial position relative to the frame. The retaining member is removed from the flange while concurrently moving the flange toward the final position.
US09676259B2
A cover for a motor vehicle roof has a first sheet of planar extent with a main area, a second sheet of planar extent, which is arranged on the main area of the first sheet and has a main area facing away from the first sheet, the main area of the second sheet being smaller than the main area of the first sheet, so that the first sheet has a region projecting beyond the second sheet, a coupling element, which is coupled to the first sheet at the projecting region and is coupled to the main area of the second sheet, in order to fix the second sheet to the first sheet.
US09676254B2
An eco-humidifier for a vehicle performs a humidifying function by using solar light energy without separate power, and includes: a case having space to accommodate water and in which a light collecting device is installed on a top of the case so as to concentrate solar light; multiple metallic nano particles that sink in the water accommodated in the case to absorb the solar light passing through the light collecting device; and a condenser, an evaporator, and a blower motor connected with one upper side of the case via a connection pipe, where the metallic nano particles are heated by a surface Plasmon resonance phenomenon to vaporize the water to vapor.
US09676245B2
A heating, ventilation and air conditioning system includes a blower unit that has a first interior air intake, a second interior air intake and an exterior air intake. Three doors are moved between open and closed positions to define a recirculation mode, a fresh mode and a partial recirculation mode. As the doors move between their open and closed positions, a variable partial mode and a variable fresh mode are defined.
US09676240B2
An IFS assembly having a single lower control arm having an inboard end pivotally secured to a chassis support structure, an air spring supported by an air spring seat relative to the lower control arm, a strut having an upper end pivotally secured to the chassis support structure and a lower end coupled to the lower control arm outboard end, and a steering knuckle fixed to the strut lower end, the steering knuckle disposed below the lower air spring seat and whose rotative movement about the strut axis is unconfined by proximity between the steering knuckle and the tower air spring seat, whereby available wheel cut is maximized. Also an IFS module including right and left side IFS assemblies and adapted for installation into a vehicle.
US09676227B2
A method for forming a wet-etchable, sacrificial lift-off layer or layers compatible with high temperature processing, a sacrificial layer, defined as consisting of a single film of one material or multiple films of multiple materials, that can tolerate high temperatures, is deposited on a substrate, called the original substrate, by sputtering or another suitable technique (e.g. evaporation, pulsed laser deposition, wet chemistry, etc.). Intermediate steps result in a lift-off layer attached to the lift-off substrate, that allow for separating the product from the original substrate.
US09676219B2
The present invention relates to a heat transfer film and an organic electroluminescent element manufactured using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to: a heat transfer film comprising a base film and an outermost layer formed on the base film, wherein a ratio of an elastic modulus of the outermost layer to an elastic modulus of the base film at 25° C. and relative humidity of 45% is approximately 1 or more; and an organic electroluminescent element manufactured using the same.
US09676216B2
A self-configuring printer includes a print head configured to print on a print media, and a sensor configured to sense indicia on the print media. The indicia includes a top-of-form mark and at least one data segment. The printer includes a processor in operative communication with the sensor and a memory in operative communication with the processor. The memory stores a set of instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute a method of operating the printer. The method includes receiving, from the sensor, signals corresponding to the a top-of-form mark and the at least one data segment; determining, from the signals, a top-of-form location of the print media and at least one printer operational property; moving the top-of-form location of the print media to a predetermined position with respect to the print head; and configuring the printer utilizing the at least one printer operational property.
US09676204B2
A printer includes a casing in which a confronting portion is provided between a platen roller and a thermal line head. The casing has an opening. A guide member provides an inlet passage in the casing and includes a plurality of ribs and a flat surface portion. The ribs are spaced away from each other in a widthwise direction of a sheet. The ribs are in contact with the sheet to guide the sheet. The flat surface portion is positioned at a portion other than the plurality of ribs. An optical sensor is provided to optically detect the sheet. A light shielding member is provided in the casing and protrudes toward the inlet passage at a position closer to the opening than the optical sensor to the opening. The light shielding member has a protruding end in intimate contact with the flat surface portion.
US09676203B2
Image data which defines an ink amount to be ejected from each of a plurality of nozzles is stored in memory, the image data which is stored in the memory is subjected to an interpolation process corresponding to a faulty nozzle of a print head, the image data which is subjected to the interpolation process is subjected to a rotation process and the image data which defines the ink amount to be ejected and corresponds to each of the plurality of nozzles to be stored in the memory so as to be in a read-out order of the memory when the print head is positioned at a certain point in relation to the print medium, and the image data which is subjected to the rotation process is read out and output as the print data.
US09676202B2
An inkjet printer for printing on a continuous web of recording media includes a receiver to receive a beam of collimated light transmitted across the surface of a continuous web of recording media supported by a roller. The intensity of the transmitted beam received by the receiver can be used to determine the presence of a defect in the continuous web or in the roller. A controller is configured to reduce the speed of or stop movement of the web through the printer and to retract one or more printheads from a printing location to prevent the defect from damaging the printhead(s).
US09676198B2
A recording apparatus comprising a container to store a sheet of recording medium; a conveyer configured to convey the recording medium in the container; a main tank receiving portion configured to receive a main tank for storing liquid; a sub tank configured to store liquid supplied from the main tank; and a recording head including an ejection surface where ejection openings for ejecting liquid supplied from the sub tank are formed. Each of three projected areas which are an area of the main tank receiving portion, an area of the sub tank, and an area of the recording head, each projected to a virtual plane parallel to a surface of the recording medium contained in the container from a first direction orthogonal to the virtual plane, at least partially overlaps a container projected area which is an area of the container projected to the virtual plane from the first direction.
US09676196B1
A wiper configuration enables a single wiper to clean a faceplate of a printhead in a printer without requiring solvent to prepare the printhead faceplate. The wiper configuration includes a wiper having a hooked end, a mounting bar, and a reinforcing bar. The wiper has two flanges that form a recess that receives the mounting bar so the wiper can be mounted to the mounting bar without the use of threaded members or other fasteners. A pivot in the mounting member is positioned at a predetermined distance from the hooked end of the wiper that is approximately ten times the radius of the internal curvature of the hooked end.
US09676192B2
A printbar module and method of forming the same are described. In an example, a printbar module includes a printed circuit board (PCB), a plurality of printhead die slivers, and a manifold. The printhead die slivers are embedded in molding and attached to the PCB. The molding has a plurality of slots in fluidic communication with fluid feed holes of the printhead die slivers. The manifold is in direct fluidic communication with the slots to supply fluid thereto.
US09676187B2
A fluid ejection device is described. In an example, a device includes a substrate having a chamber formed thereon to contain a fluid. A metal layer includes a resistor under the chamber having a surface thermally coupled to the chamber. At least one layer is deposited on the metal layer. A polysilicon layer is under the metal layer comprising a polysilicon structure under the resistor to change topography of the resistor such that the surface is uneven.
US09676184B2
A valve jet printer includes a solenoid coil and a plunger rod having a magnetically susceptible shank. A first end of the shank and at least a portion of the shank are received within a bore of the solenoid coil. The printer also includes a nozzle including an orifice extending therethrough and a spring biasing a second end of the shank toward the nozzle. The second end of the plunger rod includes a tip formed of perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). The second end of the shank includes a cup-shaped cavity having a convex bottom and a circular side. The tip includes a concave base and an annular flange. In an assembled state, the concave base of the tip contacts the convex bottom of the cup-shaped cavity, and the end of the circular side opposite the convex bottom is rolled over the annular flange thereby securing the tip in the cup-shaped cavity.
US09676183B1
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure a drop detection device is described. The device includes an emitter member having a number of emitter cavities to relay a number of beams towards a number of detector cavities in a detector member. The device also includes a detector member that is spaced from the emitter member. The detector member includes a number of detector cavities to receive a number of beams from the number of emitter cavities. The device also includes a number of ribs coupled to both the emitter member and the detector member. The number of ribs space and align the emitter member and detector member and align the number of emitter cavities with the corresponding number of detector cavities.
US09676182B2
According to an embodiment the present invention, a printing apparatus detects a distance between a printhead and a print medium using a sensor while using a print medium for sensor calibration and changing a height from a print position to a carriage, stores first distance information indicating a relationship between the height and a signal representing a result of detecting the distance for each of heights in a memory, obtains second distance information indicating a relationship between the height and the signal representing the result of detecting the distance for each of the heights while using a predetermined print medium and changing the height, compares the first and second distance information, and corrects the first distance information stored in the memory, based on a result of the comparison.
US09676178B2
A printer and a method of printing is disclosed. The printer includes a frame having a printing mechanism. The printing mechanism has an exterior surface, an inlet for receiving a leading edge of a film and an advancing mechanism. The printing mechanism also has a print head capable of depositing a plurality of ink droplets onto the advancing film and an outlet for allowing the printed film to exit. A lid is secured to the printing mechanism and is movable between a closed position, where the film is covered, and an open position, where the film is exposed. A first heating element is secured to the lid which heats the incoming air. A first fan is located adjacent to the first heating element and functions to direct the heated air onto the plurality of ink droplets. An inlet aperture is formed in the exterior surface of the printing mechanism which is aligned with the first fan. A cover having at least one opening formed there through is positioned over the inlet aperture. A baffle is positioned below the cover and has a plurality of openings formed there through. The baffle regulates the volume of air passing through the inlet aperture. A pair of second fans is positioned on either side of the print head for regulating the air temperature surrounding the print head. Lastly, a heater control unit is utilized to regulate the temperature of the first heating element.
US09676175B2
A peeling apparatus including a support body supply unit, a support body hold unit, a transfer mechanism, and a first structure body. The first structure body has a convex surface. The support body supply unit has a function of unwinding a first support body and includes one of a pair of tension applying mechanisms. The support body hold unit includes the other of the pair of tension applying mechanisms. The pair of tension applying mechanisms applies tension to the first support body. The transfer mechanism has a function of transferring a process member. The first structure body has a function of bending back the first support body along the convex surface. The first structure body has a function of dividing the process member into a first member and a second member. An angle at which the first structure body bends back the first support body is an obtuse angle.
US09676172B2
The present invention relates to film structure suitable for use in stand up pouches comprising all polyethylene material. The film structure can be a monolayer film or a multilayer film structure having specific requirements for each layer. The combination results in a film structure having adequate stiffness to function as a stand-up pouch while also providing acceptable water vapor transmission rates and good tear resistance. Such films have improved sustainability characteristics as they should permit down-gauging of the films and, can more easily be recycled, at least for the preferred embodiment comprising only polyethylene resins.
US09676169B2
A multi-layer biaxially oriented high density polyethylene (OHDPE) film with a novel formulation which exhibits superior heat seal properties is disclosed. This improved formulation comprises a blend of a single grade of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or several grades of high density polyethylene (HDPE) with a nucleating agent (NA) used in the core layer to achieve a lower sealing initiation temperature, higher heat seal strength and broader sealing temperature range HDPE-based film that still exhibits typical properties of OHDPE films and a lower haze than conventional OHDPE films. The multi-layer BOPP film has additional layers such as a third polyolefin resin-containing layer, a metal layer, or combinations thereof.
US09676168B2
A fire barrier laminate is provided for use in thermal and acoustical insulation systems, such as, but not limited to, those used in commercial aircraft.
US09676166B1
Modular, prefabricated insulating concrete forms and methods for fabricating such forms are presented herein. In one aspect, a reinforced cement based coating is disposed over at least the top, bottom, and outward facing surfaces of insulating foam cores comprising two sidewalls of a modular, prefabricated insulating concrete form (ICF). In a further aspect, a cement based finish coating is disposed over a portion of the reinforced cement based coating located over an outward facing surface of a sidewall of the ICF. In another aspect, at least a portion of the top and bottom surfaces of the sidewalls are disposed at an angle with respect to the outward facing surfaces of the sidewalls such that the sloped portions of the bottom and top surfaces are parallel. In this manner, multiple ICFs interlock when stacked on top of one another.
US09676164B2
As described herein, an extensible sheet material includes a first and a second zone that is separate from the first zone. The first zone exposes a first color or pattern when the extensible sheet material is stretched beyond a first percentage. The second zone exposes a second color or pattern when the extensible sheet material is stretched beyond a second percentage greater than the first percentage. Absorbent articles that include the extensible sheet material are capable of indicating to a wearer when the extensible sheet material has been stretched too little, too much, or just the right amount.
US09676160B2
A holding system holds an elongate member in a desired position as a process operation is carried out on the member. The elongate member is held in a weight neutral position in a holding fixture without the need for clamps.
US09676147B2
A method of manufacturing T-shaped stringers made of composite material, including a second shaping step for shaping laminates into L-shaped preforms, which includes providing a set of tools formed by a fixed tool comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, and a moveable tool comprising a lower element and an upper element. It also includes the segment of the laminate intended for the foot of the preform being located between the lower portion and the upper portion of the fixed tool, and the segment of the laminate intended for the web of the preform being located between the lower element and the upper element of the moveable tool. It further includes vertically moving the moveable tool to progressively bend the web of the preform supporting it on a vertical wall of the fixed tool. The end of its web adopts a rounded shape.
US09676142B2
Systems and kits for decorating walls include a plurality of décor assemblies and a plurality of complementary fastening structures. The décor assemblies include a décor element and a releasable fastening structure providing first fastening elements. The complementary fastening structure includes a base, a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the base, and second fastening elements. The first fastening elements are releasably mateable with the second fastening elements to define a releasable fastening system. During use, a complementary fastening structure is releasably applied to a wall, and is connected to and supports one of the décor assemblies via the releasable fastening system. The releasable fastening system can comprise low profile hooks and loops, exhibiting relatively low holding power.
US09676137B2
A method of forming a blow molded plastic article wherein the article comprises an airflow conduit, comprising: providing a first sheet of insulation material located on a insulation carrier; providing a blow molding mold including two halves and having a molding surface defining a molding cavity to form the article; locating the insulation carrier between the two halves of the blow molding mold; transferring the first sheet of insulation material from the insulation carrier to the blow molding mold; introducing an extrudate of thermoplastic composition between the two halves of the blow molding mold; closing the blow molding mold; forming the extrudate to a shape of the mold cavity of the blow molding mold to form the article; and bonding the extrudate to the first sheet of insulation material as the extrudate is being formed to the shape of the mold cavity.
US09676131B2
A micro-voided film comprising high density polyethylene having a molecular weight of at least about 200,000, and low aspect ratio filler having a mean particle size from about 1 to about 25 microns. The film has a thickness of from about 0.1 to about 20 mils and a void fraction of from about 0.60 to about 0.75. The micro-voided film is made by a process comprising extruding the composition into a film having a thickness of from about 20 to about 200 mils, and orienting the extruded film using a high stalk, blown film process. The process produces a stabilized high stalk for increasing the production rate of blown, high molecular weight polyethylene, while increasing the film's physical and mechanical properties. The high stalk can be stabilized by application of high velocity, low volume flow rate of air over the interior and exterior surfaces of the extruded film.
US09676128B2
A moldable wire thread insert for reinforcing a screw-in opening of a component has the following characteristics: a cylindrical spiral made of a helically, wound wire, the neighboring coils of which are arranged such that a closed cylindrical spiral wall is present, while at least one end of the cylindrical spirals has a fastening flange, which extends radially outwards over the cylindrical spiral wall and with which the wire thread insert is anchorable in the component and/or one end of the cylindrical spiral is designed in a planar manner in order to form an even axial front surface of the cylindrical spiral.
US09676122B2
A method reclaims metalized polymer film or mixtures containing metal and/or metal alloys into a metal-containing, polymeric film. The resulting film structure has better oxygen and moisture barrier properties when metalized than plain metalized polymer films. The polymer to be reclaimed, originates in sheet form, and is densified, as by shredding, pelletizing and/or re-extruding into fine particulate form such as chips or pellets. The reclaimed polymeric film can be used, in a range of concentrations, to produce biaxially oriented polyester film for metalizing.
US09676118B2
A process for the formation of highly durable cementitious board using lightweight aggregate is disclosed. The process comprises pouring a core mix onto a conveyor, wherein the core mix is comprised of one or more lightweight aggregate filler in the amount of 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the core mix, one or more binders in the amount of 35 to 75 weight percent of the core mix, rheological admixture in the amount of about 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the core mix, surfactant in the amount of 0 to 0.1 weight percent of the core mix, one or more normal weight aggregate filler in the amount of 5 to 50 weight percent of the core mix, and water in the amount of 5 to 20 weight percent of the core mix. The process further comprises passing the core mix under a screed roller to flatten the core mix to produce an extruding board with a desired thickness.
US09676116B2
A log dog having an elongate body that has a log dog first end, a log dog second end, a front face, a back face and side faces. A slot on the side faces extends from proximate the log dog first end to proximate the log dog second end. A row of spaced-apart teeth coupled to the body and defining setting notches adapted to enable movement of the log dog in one direction when the log dog is releasably-locked in position during operation. One or more projections can be coupled to the body proximate the log dog first end and protruding from the front face for engaging a log. Also disclosed are a log dog assembly, a log support and clamp assembly, a sawmill and a kit containing the log dog.
US09676115B2
To provide an operation lever including a first lever that has a base end portion swingably supported to a peripheral portion of a nut member for fastening a guide bar in a chain saw, and a second lever that is engaged with the first lever in a manner slidable in an axial direction. The operation lever can be placed in a receiving portion of the nut member with an axial length thereof shortened, and can be manipulated to rotate the nut member by being gripped on an outer end portion of the second lever in a state in which the operation lever is lifted out from the receiving portion and the axial length is lengthened. Thus, a sufficient fastening force for the guide bar can be obtained, and operability can be improved.
US09676107B2
A utility knife includes a handle and a blade carrier mechanically coupled to the handle, the blade carrier being configured to support a blade. The utility knife also includes a blade hood mechanically coupled to the handle facilitating manipulability of the blade hood to an extended position over the blade, a pushrod mechanically coupled to the blade hood, and a blade release member including a button that extends through a slot in the handle, the blade release member being repositionable by moving the button along the slot, a portion of the blade release member within the handle coming into contact with a protrusion of the pushrod when the blade release member is moved along the slot such that the pushrod is repositioned within the handle and the blade hood is retracted from the extended position to allow the blade to be removed from the blade carrier.
US09676097B1
A device is provided that includes a plurality of hardware segments. The device also includes a plurality of actuators to actuate the plurality of hardware segments. The device also includes a controller to cause at least one of the plurality of actuators to adjust positions of at least one of the plurality of hardware segments to correspond to a particular arrangement, to determine physical parameters of the device responsive to the adjustment of the positions, and to generate an identification code for the device based on the physical parameters. The physical parameters may include one or more of electrical parameters of the plurality of actuators or mechanical parameters of the plurality of actuators.
US09676096B2
Herein is disclosed a multifunctional tool with replaceable tool tips. The disclosed multifunctional tool may be used as an end-effector on a robotic arm in space. Each tool tip, when in the tool holder, is driven by a common motor. The same motor can also be used to control the orientation of the tool tip about an axis. The tool tips are replaceable in the tool holder by simple and robust means, resulting in a lighter and cheaper multifunctional tool. The tool tips can be variously adapted to perform a variety of functions, including cutting, grasping, drilling, driving, etc. Since the tool may be driven by only one actuator, and the single actuator may be used to drive both the tool and rotation of the tool, mass can be saved. Use of such a multifunctional tool also reduces overall system power requirements, and system complexity.
US09676094B1
A flexible tubular elastomeric grip for an implement to be manually swung with force and speed, such as a golf club is provided. A flexible tubular member molded of elastomeric material has an open end for receiving the club shaft with a hardness in the range of 38-55 on the Shore “A” scale and has a substantially closed end which has a greater hardness in the range of 65-100 on the Shore “A” scale. The closed end may be integrally molded with the tubular member or as one piece or formed pre-cured and adhesively received in the cavity after molding. An open cavity formed in the closed end has received therein an insert which may be a transducer, RFID tag, tracking device, speed/acceleration sensor or decorative item. In one version, a peripheral rim lip retains and secures the insert in the cavity. In another version, inwardly extending arms are formed integrally with the flexible tubular member to retain and secure the insert. Alternately, the arms may be connect to form a bridge over the cavity to retain and secure the insert.
US09676093B2
A body care tool comprises a body interacting structure for interacting with a surface portion of the body. A handle is connected to the body interacting structure. The handle has a plurality of finger apertures disposed therein. Each finger aperture is designed for accommodating one finger of a user of the body care tool therein such that the user is enabled to handle the body interacting structure using two or more fingers inserted into the finger apertures.
US09676091B2
A multifunctional hand tool is provided, having an adjustable wrench head and an elongated handle extending from the wrench head. The handle is oriented transverse to the wrench head and that defines a plurality of wrench apertures of different sizes. Each wrench aperture defines an axis of rotation for operable use oriented substantially transverse to the first axis of rotation. The wrench head further comprises a hammer and the elongated handle further comprises a nail pull structure. The wrench head can further include a grip texture on an outer surface thereof to facilitate use of the wrench apertures or the nail pull defined by the wrench handle. The outer surface of the handle further includes grip features or textures to facilitate use of the hammer. The adjustable wrench can be changed to a pipe wrench.
US09676086B2
A torque tool includes an electrical machine drive system, an electronic controller and a gear system. The drive system includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a pattern of regions of relatively high magnetic permeability interspersed with regions of relatively low magnetic permeability extending generally parallel to the motor shaft such that there is a plurality of magnetic poles distributed circumferentially around the motor shaft. The stator includes electrical windings dispersed in slots disposed around an inner surface of the stator, the slots extending generally parallel to the motor shaft such that, when current flows in the windings, a stator magnetic field generated by the current has the same number of magnetic poles as the rotor. The electronic controller is configured to control the current flow in the stator windings to cause the stator poles to rotate in synchronism with rotation of the motor.
US09676085B2
A wrench tool comprises a tool rod and an operating rod. The tool rod is 7-shaped, and comprises a tool head part and a connecting rod part. The connecting rod part is provided with a hinge portion. The hinge portion is provided with a first hinge hole. One end of the operating rod is provided with a tool seat capable of accommodating the hinge portion. The tool seat is provided with a second hinge hole. The tool seat and the hinge portion are hinged together by a pin running through the first hinge hole and the second hinge hole. The wrench tool is simple in structure and flexible in use. Flattening and curling measures are applied to the tool rod, so as to reduce the weight of the tool rod and improve the strength of the tool rod.
US09676068B2
Remanufacturing a used cylinder liner includes receiving a used cylinder liner having a fillet relieved of residual compressive stress via service in an engine, and compressing a material substrate of the cylinder liner forming a fatigue sensitive fillet, such that a non-uniform profile of the fillet is reshaped via plastic deformation of the material substrate. Residual compressive stress is restored to the fillet at least in part via the plastic deformation. A mask and used cylinder liner assembly for processing the used cylinder liner during remanufacturing is also disclosed.
US09676067B2
A spot welding apparatus may include a fixed welding machine coupled to a fixing frame having a mounting portion mounted on an arm of a robot, a guide plate mounted on the fixing frame, one or more moving welding machines mounted to be selectively and slidingly movable along a longitudinal direction of the guide plate, and an operating unit configured to selectively move the moving welding machine.
US09676064B2
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for forming three-dimensional structures atop substrates. These structures may be formed and processed so as to braze together two substrates. The structures may be controllably formed in three dimensions so as to accommodate virtually any substrate geometry or configuration. The structures may also be disposed so as to maintain spacing between two surfaces.
US09676062B2
Process for producing a line of weakness in a cover element comprising at least one slit. This slit is produced through a plurality of machining cycles in which a pulsed laser beam is guided in each instance over the cover element along an imaginary line so that the energy of the laser pulses is introduced into the cover element. The slits are produced in two segments. More energy is introduced over the machining cycles in the first, comparatively short segments than in the second, comparatively long segments. The residual wall below the slits decreases with each machining cycle until the first residual wall segment thickness in the first segment is so small that energy portions transmit through the first residual wall segment and are detected by a sensor arrangement arranged downstream. Accordingly, the first residual wall segment thickness is detected, and inferences can be drawn from this about the second residual wall segment thickness.
US09676060B2
A method for treating a Cu thin sheet is provided. The method comprises the steps of: supplying a slurry in which a diffusion bonding aid (DBA), such as Ni powder, and a reinforcing material (RM), such as a carbide base metal compound, are dispersed in a solvent to a predetermined portion on a Cu or Cu base alloy thin sheet, drying the supplied slurry, and applying a laser to induce melting, solidification, and fixation, so as to form a buildup layer. In the method, the weight ratio of DBA to RM is specified to be 80:20 to 50:50, and the median diameters D50 of both DBA and RM employed fall within 0.1 to 100 μm, the median diameter D50 of DBA is larger than the median diameter D50 of RM, and both the distribution ratio D90/D10 of DBA and the distribution ratio D90/D10 of RM are 4.0 or less.
US09676053B2
A welding system includes an inductor on an output of a welding power supply. The power supply may be of the type including an engine and a generator for producing power, with power conversion circuitry conditioning the power to a form suitable for a stick welding application. The inductor has an inductance sufficient for storing energy for maintaining a welding arc with XX10 electrodes, such as on the order of 700 mH. The inductor may have a particular structure, such as one designed around T and L shaped core elements.
US09676049B2
A magnetic field is generated in a workpiece in a direction orthogonal to the joining direction, and as a result of the Lorentz force resulting from the magnetic field and the current between the plasma torch and the workpiece, the front tip side of the arc is bent forward in the direction of advancement of the plasma torch and welding is performed. The magnetic field strength of the welded part is adjusted by changing the relative positions of the plasma torch and a butting portion of the workpiece.
US09676044B2
A cutting tool and cutter body assembly, including a disk-shaped cutter body and a plurality of support pads removably retained therein, the cutter body having an axis of rotation, two opposing end surfaces and a body peripheral surface extending therebetween. Each support pad intersects one of two annular-shaped planes equidistantly offset from opposite sides of a median plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and the cutter body intersects neither of the two annular-shaped planes. Each support pad is configured to make operative contact with a machined surface of a workpiece perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Each support pad has opposing upper and lower surfaces and a pad peripheral surface extending therebetween, the pad peripheral surface having an upper portion intersecting the upper surface, and the upper portion exhibiting N-fold rotational symmetry about a pad axis non-perpendicular to the lower surface.
US09676029B2
A pour tube for casting molten metal is adapted to reduce turbulence and mold disturbances, thereby producing a more stable, uniform outflow. The pour tube has a central longitudinal axis and includes a bore in communication with a port distributor having a greater radius with respect to the longitudinal axis than does the bore. Exit ports provide fluid communication between the port distributor and the exterior of the device. Each of a pair of larger exit ports has a larger cross-sectional area than does either of a pair of smaller exit ports.
US09676022B2
A method for forming a wave form for a stent includes moving a first forming portion of a first forming member across an axis along which a formable material is provided in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the axis to engage and deform the formable material while engaging the formable material with a first forming portion of the second forming member. The method includes moving the first forming portion of the first forming member and the first forming portion of the second forming member across the axis in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction to draw and form the formable material over the first forming portion of the second forming member, disengaging the first forming member from the formable material, and rotating the first forming member to position a second forming portion of the first forming member to face the formable material.
US09676013B2
A sub-aqueous capping material comprising a plurality of compacted particles of a reactive solid material having a dispersion aid homogeneously blended therein, the compacted particles having a specific gravity greater than 1.0, a particle size in the range of about 1/16 inch to about 1 inch, and having a time for disintegration, once in contact with water, of 5 hours or less.
US09676010B2
The plasma reactor comprises a reaction chamber (23) connectable to a source of ionizable gases (25) and to a heating device (80), said reactor (10) being subjected to the phases of heating (A), cleaning (L) and/or surface treatment (S), cooling (R), unloading (D) and loading (C) of metallic pieces (1). The installation comprises: at least two reactors (10), each being selectively and alternately connected to: the same source of ionizable gases (25); the same vacuum source (60); the same electrical energy source (50); and to the same heating device (80), the latter being displaceable between operative positions, in each of which surrounding laterally and superiorly a respective reactor (10), while the latter is in its heating phase (A) and cleaning phase (L) and/or in the surface treatment phase (S) of the metallic pieces (1).
US09676007B1
An apparatus and method for cleaning coils and fins of outdoor condenser units and the like in locations without electrical service wherein the apparatus comprises containers for water and cleaning chemical, a plumbing system for preparing and delivering a cleaning mixture, an electrical system for power, and wherein the method provides for cleaning coils by directing cleaning mixture through the coils in counter-flow to cooling air drawn through the coils by a condenser unit fan.
US09675998B2
Provided herein are formaldehyde-free flame retardant compositions, comprising a flame retardant acid and a fixing agent; and methods of their use for manufacturing durable formaldehyde-free flame retardant cellulosic materials. Also provided herein are durable formaldehyde-free flame retardant cellulosic materials and articles comprising the same.
US09675989B2
An apparatus for activating a chemistry disposed upon a target structure includes a handle; a structure contacting element rotatably attached to the handle and adapted to roll without slipping upon a target structure; and a radiant energy source having an emissive outlet at least partially within the structure contacting element wherein said contacting element is at least partly transparent or translucent to said radiant energy.
US09675986B2
A contents dispensing pump is coupled to a container for accommodating the contents therein and dispenses a fixed quantity of the contents through a pumping operation. A push button that is depressed deforms a deformed pressing member, reducing the volume of a temporary reservoir and increasing pressure therein. A valve plate closes a contents outlet and a valve protrusion wheel is widened by the increased pressure such that the contents contained in the temporary reservoir are dispensed through an outlet.
US09675985B2
A trigger dispenser device (1) for a liquid includes a dispenser head (20) provided with a pressure chamber (24) and a piston (26) sliding in the pressure chamber (24). A valve dispenser is provided to permit the passage of the liquid towards a dispenser duct (30) upon reaching a threshold pressure, and a trigger suitable for mechanically operating on dispenser valve to force the valve towards the open configuration.
US09675979B2
Black powder flowing with hydrocarbons in a hydrocarbon pipeline is converted into a magnetorheological slurry by implementing wet scrubbing in the hydrocarbon pipeline. A flow of the magnetorheological slurry through the hydrocarbon pipeline is controlled.
US09675973B2
A specimen delivery apparatus includes a housing having a backplane. The backplane includes at least one fluid communication port. The housing has an open state and a closed state. A midplane has a cavity for holding a sample. The midplane is sealed within the housing when the housing is in the closed state. A first actuator is disposed to move fluid within the housing when the housing is in a closed state and the first bulb is actuated. Various embodiments provide for caching of the fluid as well as staging to permit further preparation of the specimen prior to delivery. Various features roil the fluid to assist in extraction, mixing, and transport of the sample with the fluid. A destructible seal prevents fluid communication through the fluid communication port while the seal is intact. Communication of fluid through the fluid communication port is enabled only when the destructible seal is not intact.
US09675970B2
Provided is an exhaust cleaning catalyst that exhibits higher NOX-reducing activities at the time of engine restart while maintaining its catalytic activities during normal traveling. This invention provides an exhaust cleaning catalyst including a substrate and a catalyst coating layer including CeO2. Catalyst coating layer is constituted in its thickness direction with multiple coating layers. In a top coating layer located at the outermost surface, the CeO2 content in a top coating layer's upstream portion is less than the CeO2 content in a top coating layer's downstream portion. In a bottom coating layer near substrate, the CeO2 content in a bottom layer's downstream portion is less than the CeO2 content in a bottom coating layer's upstream portion.
US09675962B2
The present invention relates to a perovskite-type strontium titanate, wherein the strontium titanate is Y- and Ni-doped and has the general formula (Sr,Y)(Ti,Ni)O3. A method of preparing the perovskite-type strontium titanate and its use are also provided.
US09675961B2
The present invention relates to a catalyst for the thermochemical generation of hydrogen from water and/or the thermochemical generation of carbon monoxide from carbon dioxide comprising a solid solution of cerium dioxide and uranium dioxide.
US09675960B2
The present invention refers to a method for binding a polycarboxylic acid to a solid phase. Further, the invention refers to a solid phase having a polycarboxylic acid immobilized thereto and methods of using the solid phase, e.g. for purifying His-tagged recombinant polypeptides.
US09675955B2
A photocatalytic reaction system by collecting sunlight, the system including: a light collector, a light conduction device, and a photoreactor. A transparent protective cover is disposed on the top of a housing of the light collector. A light-collecting convex lens group is disposed beneath the protective cover in the transmission direction of the sunlight. The housing of the light collector is provided with a solar radiation measuring device. An azimuthal main shaft and the pitch main shaft are separately provided with the servo motors and are rotatable in relation to each other by tracking the sunlight under the drive of the separate servo motors. The sunlight collected by the light-collecting convex lens group is converged into a convergent light when passing through the light conduction device and the convergent light is directed to the photoreactor. The photoreactor functions to transmit full-spectrum rays of sunlight.
US09675952B2
A quad-centric nozzle and system for hydrocapsule encapsulation is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a quad-centric nozzle is disclosed for encapsulating discrete droplets of liquid by generating a continuous coating or layer of a polymerizable liquid which is substantially immiscible with the core liquid. In at least one embodiment, the quad-centric nozzle includes: a material feed port assembly, a polymer feed port assembly, a first water feed port assembly, a second water feed port assembly and an encapsulated material exit port assembly. In at least one embodiment, the quad-centric nozzle is configured for use in a system for hydrocapsule encapsulation having a pressure control system, a water control system and sparging column, and an ultraviolet exposure chamber system.
US09675946B2
A bowl liner for a mixing bowl of a stand mixer includes a shell and a rim secured an upper end of the shell. The shell is sized to be received in the mixing bowl, and is formed from an elastomeric material. The shell has a mixing chamber defined therein. The rim includes an outer perimeter surface that has a keyed surface section to locate the liner relative to the stand mixer.
US09675941B2
The present invention relates to the synthesis of linear aromatic polyimides and the production of membranes for the separation of gases. Specifically, polyimides featuring in their chemical structure, in the part derived from a diamine, 4-fluoro-4′,4″-diaminotriphenylmethane, and an aromatic dianhydride derived from tetracarboxylic acid. Polyimides are soluble in amidic solvents such as N,N′-dimethylformamide, N,N′-dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, etc., which are processed as dense membranes by controlled evaporation of the solvent. The resulting membranes are capable of separating at least a gaseous mixture constituted by two components such as H2/CH4, He/N2, H2/CO2, O2/N2, CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2.
US09675934B2
In one aspect, catalytic assemblies are described herein. A catalytic assembly, in some embodiments, comprises a plurality of honeycomb catalyst segments bonded to one another by a bonding material, the honeycomb catalyst segments comprising an outer peripheral wall and a plurality of inner partition walls defining flow channels extending longitudinally through the catalyst segments, wherein the outer peripheral wall and inner partition walls have dispersed throughout a chemical composition comprising 50-99.9 weight percent an inorganic oxide composition and at least 0.1 weight percent a catalytically active metal functional group.
US09675933B2
An apparatus for removing contaminants from emissions is provided with a housing shaped as a reverse venturi. The housing includes an entry portion for receiving emissions, an exit portion for expelling emissions, and an enlarged portion disposed therebetween for trapping the contaminants in the emissions. A mass of reactive material is disposed within the enlarged portion and has a reactive outer surface disposed in contact with the emissions. The mass of reactive material contains an amalgam forming metal at the reactive outer surface that chemically binds with the emissions that are passing through the enlarged portion of the housing. Emissions control methods for removing contaminants from gaseous and non-gaseous emissions are also provided. One of the emissions control methods includes passing the gaseous emissions through the reverse venturi apparatus described herein. Another one of the emissions control methods includes treating non-gaseous emissions in a treatment tank containing a sorbent.
US09675932B2
Provided are drain tank storing predetermined amount of drain from cooler; alkaline aqueous solution supply unit with aqueous solution adjustment tank receiving and storing part of drain in drain tank in predetermined amount, solid alkaline agent supplier supplying solid alkaline agent to produce alkaline aqueous solution, alkaline concentration controller controlling solid alkaline agent supplier to regulate alkaline concentration of alkaline aqueous solution, and pump supplying alkaline aqueous solution to exhaust gas entry side of cooler; and alkaline supply control unit with impurity sensor downstream of succeeding cooler, drain pH sensor obtaining detected pH of drain in drain tank, and supply controller controlling alkaline supply amount supplied to exhaust gas entry side of cooler based on detected impurity value to make detected pH to set value.
US09675925B2
Provided are apparatus and systems having a lessened pulsation through the use of a pulse flow control mechanism. In performing a cyclical swing adsorption process, various streams are passed through adsorbent bed units during various steps in the swing adsorption process. The pulse flow control mechanism is utilized within a manifold of one of the streams to lessen pulsation within the manifold that results from performing the various steps.
US09675923B2
Fe2(dobdc) has a metal-organic framework with a high density of coordinatively-unsaturated FeII centers lining the pore surface. It can be effectively used to separate O2 from N2 and in a number of additional separation applications based on selective, reversible electron transfer reactions. In addition to being an effective O2 separation material, it can be used for many other processes, including paraffin/olefin separation, nitric oxide/nitrous oxide separation, acetylene storage, and as an oxidation catalyst.
US09675918B2
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a centrifugal/cyclone separator which separates particles, liquid droplets and or condensing mists (water based and or hydrocarbon based nature) from gases without using a filter element. The design relies on the use of the inlet spiral tube, a first conical fin and the second conical fin, and the step on the cylindrical body and the extension of the vortex finder below second conical fin. With another embodiment, the design differs in that it relies on the insert with threaded or open area forming a flow path like spiral tube, while relying on the same or similar components as with the first embodiment listed above.
US09675910B1
A cartridge filter cleaning device sprays water onto the outside of a cartridge filter as a nozzle array is moved with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filter as the filter is rotated. In an electric version, a DC motor drives a threaded rod to provide nozzle array movement, and a drive belt to rotate the cartridge filter. In a fluid-driven version, a pump provides fluid pressure for the cartridge filter rotation and nozzle array movement. Multiple cartridge filter embodiments use a single motor or pump to rotate the cartridge filters and move the nozzle array. The nozzle array provides a single nozzle or a plurality of spaced-apart nozzles for each filter. Filter orientation may be vertical, horizontal, or angled.
US09675905B2
Defoamer compositions are described and the use of defoamer compositions in paper and pulp mills is described, especially for use at the brown stock washing steps in a pulp mill. The defoamer composition comprises: a) about 20 wt % to about 90 wt % of at least one organophosphorous component (e.g., compound or polymer, n-tributoxyethyl phosphate); b) about 1 wt % to about 10 wt % of at least one silane treated silica; c) about 0.5 wt % to about 10 wt % of at least one surfactant that is anionic or non-ionic; and d) optionally, water or an aqueous liquid.
US09675895B2
Systems and methods for interaction between a user and a plurality of toys is disclosed where an interactive physical toy character senses inputs from a player and from a virtual toy character in a virtual environment. The virtual toy character likewise senses inputs from a player and a physical toy character so that bidirectional, multi-way gameplay involving a player, a physical toy and a virtual toy in a virtual environment is achieved.
US09675894B2
A cable driven elevator system having an elevator platform with an integral motion system is provided using one or multiple actuators. Each actuator includes a support plate attached to the elevator platform, a planetary gearbox engaged with and driven by an electric servo motor, and a drive shaft driven by the servo motor and engaged with a one crank. Connecting rods are connected between the crank and a frame. The frame supports a passenger platform. A control system is operable with each electric servo motor of each actuator for providing a simulated motion to the passenger platform including a heaving (vertical) motion such that the vertical downward acceleration experienced by persons riding the elevator exceeds 1 g, by way of example. The motion system is also capable of directly imparting vibrations to the elevator platform of up to at least 100 Hz without additional vibration generating equipment.
US09675885B2
A game system, a controlling method thereof, and a non-transitory readable storage medium thereof to diversify the game by diversifying the way a player character join are provided. The game system has a communication module (42) sending and receiving data so as to synchronize with a first computer operated by a first user and a second computer operated by a second user joining the game during a predetermined period before both the first user and the second user operating different characters start a first stage.
US09675884B2
A computer-implemented system for providing a virtualized application hosting environment comprising: a plurality of application/game servers each having a memory for storing application program code and data and a processor for executing the application program code and processing the data on behalf of a client; a virtualization service executed on each of the application/game servers, the virtualization service comprising a file redirection module for redirecting file system operations generated by the application program code to one or more virtualized file locations; and a registry redirection module for intercepting registry operations generated by the application program code and executing the registry operations on behalf of the application program code at one or more virtualized registry locations.
US09675883B2
User equipment (UE) includes a short-range transceiver configured for communication with a plurality of wireless access points (APs) distributed throughout a venue. The individual UEs can communicate with the venue via the APs. The UEs can be configured to play interactive games with the venue, some of which may be displayed on the large screen in the venue and others that are displayed on the display of the UE. Data may be sent to the UEs individually or in groups. The data may be in the form of advertising, text messaging, images, video, multimedia, or the like. An array of UEs can receive portions of an overall image and function as individual pixels in a large display.
US09675872B2
The present invention provides a game apparatus that can cast various attacks only by pressing the same operating button without performing any complex operation. In an attack method setting screen, attack method setting panels are displayed arranged. Each attack method setting panel is provided with a positional condition display area that displays a positional condition regarding the positional relationship between a player character and an enemy character, and an attack method display area that displays an attack method performed on the enemy character by the player character. For example, in the case in which the positional condition is “less than 3 m from player character” and the attack method is a “close attack with ax”, when a player provides an attack operation instruction, the player character does an attack with an ax on an enemy character present at a distance of less than 3 m therefrom.
US09675871B1
Methods and systems for providing multiple audio streams, such as a game audio stream and network chat audio stream, to a headset of a user of a gaming device are described. An exemplary system may include a gaming device having a port and that is adapted to transmit game audio and network chat to a transceiver inserted into the port thereof. The transceiver may be configured to receive local user chat. The system may also include a transceiver inserted into the port of the gaming device, the transceiver adapted to receive the game audio and the network chat transmitted from the gaming device, transmit the received game audio and network chat to a wireless headset, receive local user chat from the wireless headset, and transmit the received local user chat to the gaming device. In certain embodiments, the system may include at least one wireless headset wirelessly connected to the transceiver, the headset including a microphone and being adapted to receive the game audio and network chat from the transceiver, receive local user chat from the microphone, and transmit the local user chat wirelessly to the transceiver.
US09675860B2
The subject of the utility model is a multi-purpose sports apparatus particularly for improving footballers' technical skills, comprising a foundation body (10) containing a playing surface (11) and an obstacle element (20). The distinctive feature of the method is that the playing surface (11) of the foundation body (10) looking from the interior of the foundation body (10) has an at least partially convex top surface (15) and the foundation body (10) has a support structure (30) which separates the playing surface (11) from the base (2).
US09675857B2
An apparatus for testing a golf club. The apparatus holds a golf club, and moves that club through a downswing that extends from an initial position that is at the top of the downswing to at least an impact position in which the golf club head would impact a golf ball. The apparatus includes a support frame, motors, an elongate member, a gripping device for holding a golf club, and a controller. The elongate member has an inner section connected to an outer section by a swivel joint. The gripping device is connected to the outer section by a revolute joint. The controller generates motor drive signals to cause the motors to rotate to effect the downswing such that, during the downswing, the outer section rotates relative to the inner section and the golf club face is in an aligned position when the club head is at the impact position.
US09675849B2
A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Some embodiments of the club head have a high moment of inertia and variable thickness face.
US09675847B2
A sports ball comprising an inner core with a plurality of nubs on its exterior surface, and an outer shell comprising two hemispheres that surround the inner core such that the plurality of nubs contact the inner surfaces of the outer shell's inner cavity. The outer core can comprise a cross-linked closed-cell foam such that the sports ball can be more durable and softer than conventional balls normally used for the same sport.
US09675846B2
A golf ball comprising an inner core layer including a thermoplastic material and having a geometric center hardness less than the surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed over the inner core. The outer core includes a thermoset rubber composition and has an inner surface hardness less than an outer surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. A cover layer is formed over the outer core layer. The cover layer includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The thermoplastic material of the core includes an acid copolymer of ethylene and an α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acid, optionally a softening monomer comprising alkyl acrylate or methacrylate; a plasticizer; an organic acid or salt thereof; and a cation source present in an amount sufficient to neutralize from about 70 to about 100% of all acid groups present in the material.
US09675845B2
Golf ball having a core and a cover of one or more layers, the core being formed of a material molded under heat from a rubber composition including a base rubber, an organic peroxide, and water and/or a metal monocarboxylate. Defining the tan δ slope as (tan δ10−tan δ1)/(10%−1%), where tan δ1 and tan δ10 are the loss tangents at dynamic strains of, respectively, 1% and 10% when the loss tangents of the core center and the core surface are measured at −12° C. and 15 Hz, the difference between the tan δ slopes at the core surface and the core center is larger than 0.002. Because a core material which undergoes little decrease in resilience over time and experiences little energy loss can be obtained, the golf ball maintains a good rebound, has a reduced spin rate and thus is able to achieve an increased distance.
US09675838B2
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a platform with an endless belt. The endless belt defines an exercising space above it. A restricting device has a retaining portion, a left restricting portion and a right restricting portion. The two restricting portions are elongated and flexible, such as straps. The left restricting portion is connected to a left end of the retaining portion from a left rear of the exercising space. The right restricting portion is connected to a right end of the retaining portion from a right rear of the exercising space. The restricting device maintains the retaining portion at an appropriate position to make the retaining portion naturally abut against a waist of the user for resisting forward movement of the user toward a front side of the exercising space and allowing the user to sprint or quick run on the platform.
US09675835B1
An exercising apparatus, comprising a pair of elastic straps correspondingly having lengths, and a pair of buckles correspondingly mounted on the pair of the elastic straps, where each of the buckles having a frame with a passage for each of the elastic straps and oppositely directed flanges and an appendage connect and inclined to the frame on which a first longitudinal end of each of the elastic straps is attached thus compelling each of the elastic straps to form S shape over and in each of the buckles, consequently longitudinally partitioning each of the elastic straps by sliding each of the buckles along each of the elastic straps to releasably fasten each of the buckles on each of the elastic straps.
US09675832B2
A handle assembly base has a central tube opening for receiving an elastic resistance tube with an expanded end diameter. A first block and a second block are pivotably mounted to the base on opposite sides of the central tube opening. When pivoted towards each other, the blocks define a reduced area opening through which the expanded end diameter of the resistance tube cannot pass, thereby retaining the resistance tube to the base. The base has two opposed ears which extend upwardly of the central tube opening. A flexible strap is secured to the ears, and extends through a cylindrical tube to which a flexible handle cushion is mounted to provide a grip for the user to engage the handle.
US09675825B2
A new method for extinguishing fire is provided, characterized in that a pyrotechnic agent is used as a heat source (energy) and a power source (driving gas); during use, the pyrotechnic agent is ignited, and the high temperature generated by the combustion of the pyrotechnic agent is utilized to make a fire extinguishing composition produce a large amount of fire extinguishing substance, which is sprayed out together with the pyrotechnic agent, so as to achieve the purpose of extinguishing a fire. As compared with conventional aerosol fire extinguishing systems, gas fire extinguishing systems and water-based fire extinguishing systems, the fire extinguishing method of the present invention is more efficient and safer.
US09675808B2
An implantable medical device includes a housing forming an internal cavity, the housing defining a profile with a height and a width and further defining a thickness perpendicular to its profile. The thickness of the housing is shorter than both the height and the width of the profile of the housing. The implantable medical device further includes at least one battery within the internal cavity, at least one capacitor adjacent the battery within the internal cavity, the capacitor and the battery being located along a common plane within the internal cavity, and circuitry within the internal cavity. The circuitry extends over both the battery and the capacitor within the internal cavity such that the circuitry is in a stacked arrangement relative to the battery and the capacitor.
US09675806B2
An implantable medical device may comprise a therapy module configured to generate pacing therapy for a heart of a patient and a control module configured to control the therapy module. The control module may also be configured to detect a condition indicative of the presence of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device and switch operation from a first pacing therapy program to a second pacing therapy program in response to detecting the condition indicative of the presence of the MRI device. While operating in the second pacing therapy program, control module may control the therapy module to generate a pacing pulse to an atrium of the heart of the patient during a time period between the end of an atrial refractory period of a previous atrial depolarization and the end of a ventricular refractory period of a previous ventricular depolarization corresponding to the previous atrial depolarization.
US09675799B2
The present invention relates, generally, to scientific and medical system methods for diagnosis of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead conductor anomalies, in particular conductor migration and externalization within an ICD implantable cardiac lead. The method uses an “imaginary” component of the high frequency transmission line impedance having certain spectral changes that correspond to movements of the conductor or an “imaginary impedance”. This allows the detection of conductor migration and small insulation failures.
US09675793B2
Various methods can be employed to apply an antimicrobial coating to the outer surface of catheter tubing. The antimicrobial coating minimizes the risk of microbe colonization on the outer surface of the catheter tubing when the catheter tubing is positioned within the vasculature of a patient. A catheter can be manufactured using a pre-treatment process which applies the antimicrobial coating to the catheter tubing prior to applying a lubricant over top of the coating. The lubricant can function to retain the coating on the outer surface and also to limit the diffusion of the antimicrobial agent from the coating. A catheter can include an antimicrobial coating that does not block the visibility of flashback. Because the antimicrobial coating can be minimally transparent, the coating can be applied to the outer surface in a striped pattern or other pattern that leaves a portion of the outer surface uncoated or minimally coated. The flashback will then remain visible through the portions of the catheter tubing where no coating or minimal coating is present.
US09675790B2
Methods for fabricating metallic microneedles are disclosed. One method comprises providing a mold pillar; forming an apertured electrically-conductive layer over the mold pillar; and depositing a metal layer over the electrically-conductive layer to provide an apertured microneedle. Another method comprises providing a mold pillar; depositing a first metal layer over the mold pillar to provide a first microneedle; removing the first microneedle from the mold pillar; and depositing a second metal layer over the mold pillar to provide a second microneedle.
US09675787B2
An applicator assembly includes a head portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior portion defining a fluid chamber, a container slidably coupled to the head portion, a plug sealing an end of the container, an application member attached to the distal end, and one or more orifices formed through a surface of the plug, wherein the plug is mounted in the interior portion of the head portion and an interior of the container is placed in fluid communication with the application member by way of a fluid conduit that is formed through the plug from the container to the fluid chamber when the container is axially translated toward the head portion to bring the one or more orifices into fluid communication with the container.
US09675786B2
The invention provides devices with specialized ends for diverting fluids trapped in an organ. In a first group of embodiments, the invention provides implantable devices that shunt fluid trapped in a patient's organ to its normal physiological destination. In a second group of embodiments, the invention provides devices with specialized ends for connecting the devices to conventional medical tubing to divert fluid trapped in an organ to a destination selected by the practitioner. The invention further provides systems and methods of using the devices.
US09675779B2
A hemodialysis wand holder includes a container having a plurality of side walls configured to form an open top end and a cavity extending downwardly from the open top end. A lid is removably coupled to the open top end wherein the lid has at least one aperture formed therein. At least one hemodialysis wand is removably inserted through the at least one aperture such that the at least one hemodialysis wand is suspended above a bottom one of the side walls. A collection tray is adjustably situated along the bottom side wall. Such a collection tray is removably reciprocated along a linear travel path registered transverse to a front one of the side walls. A fluid-absorbent liner is removably positioned within the collection tray for receiving fluids dripping down from the at least one hemodialysis wand suspended partially within the cavity.
US09675776B2
A system for providing multi-sensory therapy including a computer having an audio output and a screen, wherein the computer is configured to provide audio stimulus and visual stimulus, a motion chair, and an actuator coupled to the motion chair, wherein the actuator is configured to cause movement of the motion chair, wherein the motion of the motion chair is configured to provide tactile stimulus, vestibular stimulus and proprioceptive stimulus to a patient seated in the motion chair, wherein the stimuli provided by the computer is provided concurrently with the stimuli provided by the motion chair.
US09675771B2
The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator. The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing internal leak estimation, total leak estimation, and/or external leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator.
US09675752B2
A drug delivery device, including a body (104, 116) having a reservoir (160) disposed therein for containing a medicament and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of a patient, the needle (152) providing a path for the medicament between the reservoir (160) and the patient. The device also includes a rotor (580) rotatably disposed in the body (104, 116) for activating the device upon rotation of the rotor (580), a needle cover (112) for covering the injection needle, and a needle cover clip (560) disposed on the needle cover (112) to rotate from a first position preventing rotor rotation to a second position permitting rotor rotation.
US09675751B2
A reservoir and straight-line, push-on connector assembly is provided for connecting the reservoir and one of a standard Luer line set and a custom Luer line set to any number of infusion pump configurations using a simple straight-line, push-on motion, wherein the push-on connector assembly is provided and configured to secure the line set and reservoir with the infusion pump. One simple straight-line, push-on motion, preferably performed by gripping an expander sleeve, places and secures the reservoir (i.e., locates the reservoir on the x, y, and z axes) in the pump reservoir cavity, and one simple straight-line, pull-off motion releases and removes the reservoir from the pump reservoir cavity. Rotational orientation is not required for connection, pump engagement, or pump function, and any pulling of the tube set will not release the reservoir as the expansion sleeve through which the tube set is routed is not moved from the securing position by tension on the tube set or Luer fitting.
US09675744B2
A method of operating a disposable pumping unit includes enabling the disposable pumping unit to be loaded into a peritoneal dialysis hardware unit between a door and a housing of the hardware unit; structuring the disposable pumping unit to have a fluid pump receptacle, the fluid pump receptacle constructed and arranged to extend from both surfaces of the unit so as to fit within a first opening provided in the door and a second opening provided in the housing of the hardware unit; and enabling the disposable pumping unit to be guided into the hardware unit such that the fluid pump receptacle becomes aligned with the opposing first and second openings when the door is closed against the housing.
US09675734B2
A coated medical balloon that includes a polymeric material having a surface with a therapeutic agent-containing mixture coated thereon, wherein the mixture includes a therapeutic agent, an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and a salt of the unsaturated carboxylic acid.
US09675730B2
The invention relates to a joint prosthesis having a shaft made from a titanium alloy, in which at least the shaft is investment cast and has a body-centered cubic crystal structure. A titanium alloy having this crystal structure (known as β-titanium alloy) has an advantageously low modulus of elasticity which is well matched to the physiological demands of joint prostheses. Furthermore, implementation as a shaped casting allows a complex shape to be achieved. It is particularly embodied as a femoral prosthesis for an artificial hip joint, which has an elongate shaft with grooves and sawtooth-like projections for bone anchoring.