US09857190B2
In one embodiment a pickup location and a destination location associated with a subscriber to a first transportation service are accessed. A first route from the pickup location to the destination location is identified, the first route comprising a plurality of segments, wherein a first segment of the plurality of segments of the first route is to be serviced by a driver of the first transportation service using a first type of transportation vehicle, and wherein a second segment of the plurality of segments of the first route is to be serviced by a second transportation service using a second type of transportation vehicle. The driver of the first transportation service is directed to service the first segment of the plurality of segments of the first route.
US09857186B2
A computer system for controlling operation of a vehicle travelling from a starting location to a target location includes a memory and a semiconductor-based processor forming one or more logic circuits configured to generate a travel itinerary by selecting different highway segments on a map for the vehicle to drive over at respective speeds from the starting location to the target location subject to an arrival time deadline for arriving at the target location. Each of the highway segments has a distance that can be driven at the respective speed in less than a continuous driving time limit. The computer system sends the travel itinerary to a vehicle operator to drive the vehicle over the different highway segments with instructions to make a stop at the end of each highway segment to stay below the continuous driving time limit.
US09857185B2
An approach for presenting a comparison of progress information associated with transport modes, routes, or a combination thereof is described. A transport comparison platform determines progress information for at least one device associated with at least one mode of transport, at least one route, or a combination thereof. The transport comparison platform determines other progress information associated with at least another mode of transport, at least another route, or a combination thereof. The transport comparison platform causes, at least in part, a presentation of a comparison of the progress information against the other progress information.
US09857183B2
A travel support device includes a planner, an information generator, and a traffic information obtaining unit. To each of a plurality of sections into which a travel route from the current location to the destination is divided, the planner is adapted to assign, based on a road load associated with each section, a travel mode among a first mode, in which a remaining energy charge of the battery of the vehicle is not maintained, and a second mode, in which the remaining energy charge of the battery is maintained. When traffic congestion information is acquired by the traffic information obtaining unit, the information generator is adapted to set a traffic congestion road load, which is a fixed road load, for a section in which the traffic congestion is occurring.
US09857179B2
One example includes an inertial navigation system (INS). The INS includes a navigation controller configured to generate inertial data associated with motion of a vehicle based on at least one navigation sensor configured on the vehicle and based on magnetic anomaly data. The INS also includes a magnetic anomaly INS-aiding system comprising a plurality of magnetometers distributed in a respective plurality of locations on the vehicle. The magnetic anomaly INS-aiding system can be configured to generate the magnetic anomaly data based on magnetic field measurements of a fixed magnetic anomaly at each of the plurality of magnetometers.
US09857172B1
The present invention provides a method for implementing high-precision orientation and evaluating orientation precision of a large-scale dynamic photogrammetry system, including steps: a) selecting a scale bar, arranging code points at two ends of the scale bar, and performing length measurement on the scale bar; b) evenly dividing a measurement space into multiple regions, sequentially placing the scale bar in each region, and photographing the scale bar by using left and right cameras; d) limiting self-calibration bundle adjustment by using multiple length constraints, adjustment parameters including principal point, principal distance, radial distortion, eccentric distortion, in-plane distortion, exterior orientation parameter and spatial point coordinate; and e) performing traceable evaluation of orientation precision of the photogrammetry system. The present invention can effectively reduce the relative error in length measurement.
US09857169B1
An interferometer includes a short-coherence source and an internal path-matching assembly contained within its housing. Because path matching occurs within the housing of the interferometer, it is removed from external environmental factors that affect measurements. Therefore, a single cateye measurement of an exemplary surface can be performed in advance and stored as a calibration for subsequent radius-of-curvature measurements. In one embodiment, a path-matching stage is incorporated into a dynamic interferometer where orthogonally polarized test and reference beams are fed to a dynamic imaging system. In another embodiment, orthogonal linearly polarized test and reference beams are injected into a remote dynamic interferometer by means of one single-mode polarization-maintaining optical fiber.
US09857166B2
An information processing apparatus includes at least one projection unit configured to project a light pattern on a measuring target object, at least one imaging unit configured to capture an image of the measuring target object with the light pattern projected thereon, a measurement unit configured to measure a distance from the at least one projection unit or imaging unit to the measuring target object based on the image captured by the at least one imaging unit, a determination unit configured to determine whether a measured distance is valid, and a control unit configured to reduce luminance of a light pattern, included in a projected light pattern, which is projected on an area with respect to which the measured distance is determined by the determination unit to be valid.
US09857162B1
Disclosed are systems and methods for tracking position of a mobile device within a venue. In an aspect, the mobile device obtains a plurality of light source identifiers and a plurality of location identifiers corresponding to a plurality of light sources within the venue, determines a first position of the mobile device within the venue, the first position having a first position accuracy, determines a subset of the plurality of light source identifiers corresponding to a subset of the plurality of light sources based on a location of each light source in the subset of light sources being within a threshold distance of the first position, demodulates a fragment of a light source identifier, and determines a second position of the mobile device based on one or more location identifiers corresponding to the light source, the second position having a greater position accuracy than the first position accuracy.
US09857158B2
In some aspects, a wireless system is configured for estimating a thickness of a material layer on a surface of an aircraft. The wireless system includes a tag device located beneath a material layer. The tag device is capable of transmitting an electromagnetic signal in response to an electromagnetic signal. In some aspects, a transceiver device is configured to estimate the thickness of a material layer on a surface of an aircraft. The transceiver can be configured to communicate with a tag using electromagnetic signals. The transceiver can include one or more processors configured to measure signal strength and correlate the signal strength to the thickness of a material layer.
US09857152B2
An Auto-Lock Broadhead is disclosed having incorporated a unique, new, fail-safe, self-locking system to eliminate the possibility of blade failure, either upon launching, or upon impact. It is the only current design of its kind in existence.
US09857151B2
An ammunition primer assembly is provided that includes, but is not limited to a cup having a base and a sidewall, a priming composition located in the cup and disposed on the base, an anvil located in the cup an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface abutting the sidewall. The anvil defining a central channel formed therethrough. A portion of the base of the cup forms a striking surface. The striking surface is adjacent to a portion of the primer composition that is adjacent to the lower surface of the anvil. The striking surface is offset from a center of the cup.
US09857137B2
A silencer for a firearm in one embodiment includes an outer tube defining a proximal end configured for mounting on a firearm barrel, a distal end, and an internal passageway extending between the ends. A plurality of first baffles is disposed in horizontally stacked relation in the internal passageway between the proximal and distal ends of the tube. The first baffles each comprises an annular mounting sleeve and a cone projecting axially rearward from the sleeve towards the proximal end of the tube. The cone defines an oblong obliquely angled central opening concentrically aligned the bore of a firearm barrel for receiving a projectile therethrough. Gas expansion chambers are formed between the first baffles. The cone may have an asymmetrically skewed shape for cross-jetting. An anti-rotation feature is provided which prevents the silencer assembly from loosening when the silencer is coupled to the firearm barrel.
US09857119B2
The invention provides a cooling apparatus with vented backrest and an optional air intake and circulation system for dual functioning as (1) a cooler effective to maintain food and beverages below ambient temperatures and (2) a seat with vented backrest that provides cooled air to the individual seated on the apparatus.
US09857107B2
A thermoelectric system which comprises two substrates spaced apart from each other to form a gap and a plurality of electrically-connected semiconductor elements disposed between the substrates in the gap. The thermoelectric system further comprises at least one sensor and a seal which extends between the substrates and encloses the sensor and at least one of the plurality of semiconductor elements. The sensor is disposed between the substrates at an interior location spaced from the peripheral edge of at least one of the substrates. Additionally, at least one of the semiconductor elements is disposed between the sensor and the peripheral edge.
US09857100B2
There is provided a heat collector for solar thermal power generation that suppresses oxidization using a silicon-carbide ceramic sintered body as a base body. The heat collector includes the base body made of a silicon-carbide ceramic sintered body in which channels (cells) for passing through a heat medium are formed, a first glass layer of silicate glass that coats at least a part of surfaces of the base body and contains an alkali metal constituent and/or an alkaline-earth metal constituent, and a second glass layer of silicate glass that coats the first glass layer and has a sum of contents of an alkali metal constituent and an alkaline-earth metal constituent, which is smaller than a sum of contents of the alkali metal constituent and the alkaline-earth metal constituent in the first glass layer.
US09857096B2
A fluid heating system may be installed for residential and commercial use, and may deliver fluid at consistent high temperatures for cooking, sterilizing tools or utensils, hot beverages and the like, without a limit on the number of consecutive discharges of fluid. The fluid heating system is installed with a tankless fluid heating device that includes an inlet port, an outlet port, at least one heat source connected with the inlet port, and a valve connecting the at least one heat source to the outlet port. A temperature sensor is downstream of the at least one heat source and connected to the valve. Another temperature sensor is on the heat source to enable it to be kept at an elevated temperature. The valve is operated so that an entire volume of a fluid discharge from the fluid heating system is delivered at a user-specified temperature on demand, for every demand.
US09857093B2
An air handler and a method for assembling an air handler are provided, in which a case panel may be assembled with a plurality of module frames via a considerably simplified sliding coupling providing excellent hermetic sealing. As such, manufacturing costs may be reduced due to reduction in a number of components, and assembly time may be remarkably reduced due to a reduced number of assembly operations. This advantageously results in reduced labor cost and enhanced air conditioning efficiency.
US09857080B2
A fuel injector for a turbine engine is provided. The fuel injector includes a body including an admissions chamber for admitting fuel under pressure, a stop valve mounted in the body downstream from the admission chamber and designed to open at a first determined fuel pressure and to remain open beyond that first pressure in order to feed a primary fuel circuit, and a metering valve mounted in the body downstream from the stop valve and designed to open above a second determined fuel pressure, greater than the first pressure, and to remain open above the second pressure in order to feed a secondary fuel circuit. The stop valve and the metering valve form a common movable assembly.
US09857078B2
A well test burner system includes a plurality of burner nozzles. At least one of the burner nozzles includes a well product inlet, an air inlet, an air/well product mixture outlet, and an automatic valve. The automatic valve is responsive to a remote signal to cease flow of well product to the air/well product outlet.
US09857077B2
A head assembly for a pulverized coal nozzle includes removeable wear-resistant inserts having vanes. The vanes may be flat or curved to direct a stream of air and pulverized solid fuel particles from the inlet port toward the outlet port. The curved vanes curve in two dimensions to evenly distribute the stream of air and pulverized solid fuel away from the outer surfaces reducing wear and corrosion. The pipe elbow has a removable cover that allows for easy access. The vanes are attached to a wear-resistant replaceable liner thus allowing them to be easily removed and replaced. The wear-resistant liner may be made from several parts for ease of removal and replacement.
US09857057B2
A lighting apparatus which has a light emitter that emits light of a different wavelength from a laser light with which the lighting apparatus is irradiated is provided. The lighting apparatus includes a condenser lens that condenses the laser light, a focusing lens that focuses the laser light that has passed through the condenser lens, and an optical component disposed between the condenser lens and the focusing lens. The optical component includes a plurality of lenses disposed at a plurality of locations on circumferences of virtual concentric circles. The virtual concentric circles include a center which is an origin. Lenses which are adjacent along a radial axis passing through the origin, among the plurality of lenses, have different phases with respect to the radial axis.
US09857053B2
A light-emitting diode (LED) luminaire adopts LED light sources (LEDs) and a corrugated light exit window. Light rays emitting at different angles from the LEDs launch onto the corrugated light exit window with numerous light images of the LEDs. The light images are so heavily overlapped that smooth out hot spots with dark spots, an effect of averaging, creating a uniform illumination output. The LED luminaire is capable of averaging white light emissions from a plurality of LEDs, mixing light emissions from various white LEDs at different correlated color temperatures (CCTs), or mixing light emissions from various white LEDs at a specific CCT with emissions from LEDs having saturated colors, rendering a uniform illumination with a consistent intensity or color hue within viewing angles.
US09857051B2
An optical element is provided. When in a xz cross section, an angle which a ray travelling from the origin at θr forms with the normal to the light receiving surface is designated as φx, an angle which a ray travelling from b in the z axis direction forms, after the surface, with the z axis direction is designated as θib, in a yz cross section, an angle which a ray travelling from the origin at θr forms with the normal to the light receiving surface is designated as φy, angles which a ray travelling from a in the z axis direction forms, after the light receiving and exiting surfaces, with the z axis direction are designated as θia and θea, and an angle which a ray travelling from the origin at arctan(a/ha) forms, after the light exiting surface, with the z axis direction is designated as θeha, φy>φx (0<θr<60°) θeha>45° θea>45° θia>θib are satisfied.
US09857050B2
A lighting device may include a light radiation source board carrying at least one electrically powered light radiation source, e.g. a LED source, and a frame-like housing having a window, the board of the light radiation source being arranged in the housing with the light radiation source facing window.A glass cover covering the window is inserted in the housing by sliding along the housing or by tilting against the housing.
US09857046B2
In a conventional lamp for vehicles, there may be a case in which any shuddering is generated. The present invention comprises a semiconductor-type light source, a lens, a lens holder, and a heat sink member. An attachment hook section is provided in the lens holder. Attachment sections are provided in the heat sink member. The attachment sections of the heat sink member are interposed between the lens holder and the attachment hook section. The present invention is capable of attaching the lens holder to the heat sink member without any shuddering being generated.
US09857045B2
A rear combination lamp is configured to include a door-side lamp portion, which has a first LED, a first housing, and a first lens, and a fender-side lamp portion, which has a second LED, a second housing, and a second lens. The door-side lamp portion and the fender-side lamp portion are disposed adjacent to one another in the vehicle width direction. Moreover, a second lamp-side reflector that reflects toward the second lens the light emitted from the second LED is disposed between the second housing and the second lens. Part of the second lamp-side reflector is configured as an interstitial reflecting portion that reflects the light emitted from the second LED between the first lens and the second lens.
US09857041B2
Provided is a daylighting device (10) including a daylighting member (11) that has a base having light transparency, a plurality of daylighting portions that are provided on one surface of the base and have light transparency, and gap portions provided between the plurality of daylighting portions; and a light diffusion member (12) that is arranged on a light output surface side of the daylighting member (11) and diffuses light output from the daylighting member (11).
US09857040B1
Embodiments described herein may relate to a system comprising a plurality of optical elements, comprising at least a first optical element and one or more secondary optical elements, a heliostat comprising the first optical element, where the heliostat is operable to move the first optical element to continuously reflect light from a non-stationary light source in a beam towards a first of the secondary optical elements, and where the secondary optical elements are arranged to re-direct the reflected beam of light towards an illumination target. The system further includes a controller configured to receive position data indicative of the position of the non-stationary light source over time, and in response to the position data, control at least the heliostat to continuously direct the beam of light towards the first of the secondary optical elements, such that the beam of light is continuously re-directed towards the illumination target.
US09857039B2
A lighting device is disclosed, which comprises a light transmitting element extending along a perimeter such that a hollow is defined by the light transmitting element. The light transmitting element comprises a light in-coupling surface adapted to couple light emitted by at least one light emitting element into the light transmitting element, and a light out-coupling surface adapted to couple light out of the light transmitting element. The lighting device is combined with a light reflecting envelope arranged to enclose the lighting device such that light emitted from the light out-coupling surface is reflected at an inner surface of the envelope. Thereby a reflected image may be produced, having an appearance resembling a candle flame.
US09857035B2
A light emitting device that emits white light includes first and second light emitting elements which have different emission peak wavelengths within a range of 440 nm to 495 nm. The device also includes a wavelength conversion material which converts a wavelength of light emitted by at least one of the first and second light emitting elements. The white light has an emission spectrum peaked at a first peak wavelength and a second peak wavelength. The first peak wavelength corresponds to the emission peak wavelength of the first light emitting element, and the second peak wavelength corresponds to the emission peak wavelength of the second light emitting element. Where a light intensity at one of the first peak wavelength and the second peak wavelength is 1, a light intensity at a bottom of a valley between the first and second peak wavelengths is 0.5 or higher but lower than 1.0.
US09857024B1
An overhead equipment support system for a patient treatment zone, such as an operating room. The support system may comprise an assembly of service hubs interconnected by runway segments to partially or completely circumscribe the treatment zone at the ceiling level while leaving the area immediately above the treatment zone open for other services, such as laminar flow air-handling equipment. An extreme load extension arm may be supported on one or more of the hubs; each such arm is capable of supporting even the heaviest types of medical equipment commonly demanded in surgical suites, especially those supported on booms or articulating arms, thereby greatly increasing the potential operating sphere of each such device. Trolleys are supported on the runway for movement between service hubs. Each trolley can support a medical device in a range of positions around the periphery of the zone as needed by the surgical team.
US09857020B2
A lifting structure with adjustable bearing capacity is provided. The lifting structure comprises a main body, a carrier, a main constant force spring, and at least one auxiliary constant force spring. The main body comprises at least one slide and at least one actuating module. The main constant force spring connects to the carrier. The actuating module is able to be selectively switched between a non-actuating position and an actuating position. When the carrier is driven from the top of the lifting structure along the slide, at least the main constant force spring provides a constant force to the carrier.
US09857009B2
A plug-in coupling for a pipe, especially for water conduits, includes a coupling sleeve receiving the pipe end, includes a sealing ring which is inserted into the coupling sleeve, and includes a locking ring which is mounted upstream of the sealing ring in the plug-in direction of the pipe end and forms retaining claws which protrude with respect to the pipe end and are inclined in the plug-in direction. The plug-in coupling also includes an annular body which is similarly mounted upstream of the sealing ring and is supported axially in the plug-in direction in relation to the coupling sleeve. The annular body includes a protective ring for surrounding the face end of the pipe end from the outside, which protective ring is connected via a predetermined breaking connection.
US09856996B2
An exhaust gas treatment unit includes an exhaust gas treatment device, a bracket and a connecting pipe. The exhaust gas treatment device is mounted on a bracket. The connecting pipe is connected to the exhaust gas treatment device. The connecting pipe directs exhaust gas to the exhaust gas treatment device. The connecting pipe may include a supporting portion and a pipe portion, with the supporting portion supporting the bracket and the pipe portion being integrated with the supporting portion. Alternatively, the exhaust gas treatment unit may further include a supporting member having a supporting portion supporting the bracket and a pipe portion integrated with the supporting portion, with the pipe portion connected to the connecting pipe.
US09856992B2
A solenoid valve includes a housing having a cylindrical shape and having a valve path, a spool adjusting an opening degree of the valve path, a coil producing a magnetic force when a current passes therethrough, a first and a second stator core excited by the magnetic force of the coil, a shaft configured to be movable along axial direction together with the spool, a plunger fixed to the shaft and moving in the axial direction by adsorption force acting between itself and the first stator core by the magnetic force of the coil, and a coil spring biasing the spool against the adsorption force acting on the plunger. A spring constant of the coil spring increases as the adsorption force increases by the movement of the plunger.
US09856991B2
A flush cap for a valve body includes a substantially flat base and annular inlet portion. The substantially flat base has opposite first and second sides. The annular inlet portion extends from the first side. The annular inlet portion is configured to engage a bore in the valve body. The annular inlet portion includes an inlet bore and a tab. The tab extends from an outer surface of the annular inlet portion in a radial direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the annular inlet portion. The tab is configured to selectively engage the valve body to detachably couple the flush cap to the valve body.
US09856987B2
A dispensing valve for fastening to a water faucet disposed over a drain and to a reverse osmosis water filtering unit for controllably dispensing tap water, for providing feed water to the reverse osmosis water filtering unit, for providing squeeze water to the reverse osmosis water filtering unit and dispensing product water received therefrom, and to block all water flow. The dispensing valve may also dispense tap water in a spray, and provide for waste water disposal.
US09856986B2
The valve device has a valve main body defining a valve chest provided with a NO outlet port and a NC outlet port through which a fluid flows, and a valve for opening/closing the NC outlet port and NO outlet port. The valve includes a diaphragm disposed so as to cover the valve chest, and a drive means for pressing the diaphragm to open/close the NC outlet port and NO outlet port. The first valve seat and the second valve seat are formed around the NC outlet port and NO outlet port. The diaphragm is made of an elastic material of which JIS-K6253 durometer A hardness is A50-A85. The pressure of the diaphragm seated on the first valve seat and the second valve seat is 0.5-1.0 N/sq·mm.
US09856984B2
A sealing device seals an annular gap between a shaft and a housing, and includes a first annular member 200 provided with a first cylindrical part 201 that is secured to an outer circumferential surface of the shaft 20, and a first flange 202 extending radially outward from the first cylindrical part 201; a second annular member 300 provided with a second cylindrical part 301 that is secured to an outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical part 201, and a second flange 302 extending radially outward from the second cylindrical part 301; and an endless resin sealing ring 400 disposed between the first flange 202 and the second flange 302, the sealing ring providing a seal between itself and a shaft hole in the housing 30, and between itself and one of the first flange 202 and the second flange 302 on a low pressure side.
US09856977B2
[Object] To provide a shift control device that, in a shift control device of a vehicle equipped with an idling-stop mechanism and a shift-by-wire mechanism, is capable of preventing setting off at a timing that the driver does not expect when returning from an idling-stop state.[Solution] The SBW-CU (40) that constitutes the shift control device (1), in the case of selection information for selecting the R range being output during an idling stop, switches the shift range of the automatic transmission (10) to the R range when the vehicle is braked, and switches the shift range to the N range or the P range when the vehicle is not braked and the shift range of the automatic transmission (10) is the D range. Also, the SBW-CU (40), in the case of selection information for selecting the R range being output during an idling stop, maintains the shift range without switching it when the vehicle is braked and the shift range of the automatic transmission (10) is other than the D range.
US09856973B1
A mechanical creeper mode selection system for a transmission of a work vehicle is provided, in which the transmission includes one or more range modes having one or more range mode shift mechanisms each driven by an electrohydraulic circuit. The system includes a creeper mode selection lever movable by an operator to select a creeper gear range. The system also includes a sensor that observes a position of the creeper mode selection lever and generates sensor signals based thereon. The system includes a controller that processes the sensor data to determine a movement of the creeper mode selection lever and outputs one or more control signals to the electrohydraulic circuit to position the one or more range mode shift mechanisms in a range neutral mode based on the movement of the creeper mode selection lever.
US09856961B2
In a differential apparatus component (ring gear-integrated with differential case 12), a differential case and a ring gear are formed integrally and seamlessly of cast steel. Cast Steel is preferably composed of 0.3 to 1.0% by mass of silicon (Si), 0.5 to 1.2% by mass of manganese (Mn), 0.1 to 0.5% by mass of vanadium (V), 0.01 to 0.05% by mass of tin (Sn), 0.1 to 1.5% by mass of chromium (Cr), 0.2 to 1.0% by mass of copper (Cu), and the rest composed of iron (Fe) and unavoidable impurities.
US09856951B2
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft configured for receiving an engine torque, an output shaft configured for outputting a shifted torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, six control elements for selectively interconnecting rotation elements of the planetary gear sets and a transmission housing, a first connecting member selectively connected to the transmission housing, a second connecting member selectively connected to the transmission housing, a third connecting member directly connected to the input shaft, a fourth connecting member selectively connected to the transmission housing, a fifth connecting member selectively connected to the input shaft, and selectively connected to the transmission housing, a sixth connecting member directly connected to the output shaft, and a seventh connecting member selectively connected to the input shaft.
US09856946B2
A gear transmission is provided with a gear structure and a plurality of motors. The gear structure is provided with a plurality of crank shafts, an eccentric rotation gear, and a rotation gear. Each motor is attached to one of the crank shafts. At least one of the plurality of motors is a first motor, and at least another of the plurality of motors is a second motor. The second motor has a length in an axial direction shorter than that of the first motor.
US09856941B2
A flywheel system including a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft includes an inner passage therethrough, and a dam with a central opening disposed on a first end of the inner passage. An outer passage surrounds the inner passage. The inner passage is open at a second end, and the outer passage is closed on an end surrounding the second end of the inner passage. The outer passage is open on an end surrounding the first end of the inner passage. Fluid flows into the inner passage at the first end, via the central opening of the dam. Rotation of the flywheel rotor causes the fluid to accumulate along a wall of the inner passage, and to propagate to the second end, where the fluid exits into the outer passage. The fluid propagates along the outer passage to the open end of the outer passage, where it is released.
US09856937B2
A friction material for a motor vehicle drive train component is provided. The friction material includes an outer circumference, an inner circumference, an engagement surface configured for engaging with and disengaging from a mating component and a coined section extending between at least one of the outer circumference and the engagement surface and the inner circumference and the engagement surface. A method of forming a friction material for a motor vehicle drive train component is also provided. The method includes attaching a first axial surface of the friction material to a support and coining at least one of an inner circumference and an outer circumference at a second axial surface of a friction material to form a coined section. The second axial surface is on an opposite side as the first axial surface.
US09856933B2
A debris eradicating brake head for use in a side frame mounted braking system in a railway vehicle. The brake head being mounted on an end of a brake beam and including a brake shoe carrier associated with the brake head, a brake shoe secured to a face portion of the brake shoe carrier, and a brake head extension extending from a side portion of the brake shoe carrier for associating the brake head within a unit guide in a side frame of the railway vehicle. The brake head extension including at least one of a first and a second tapered surface configured for breaking up and pushing debris out of the unit guide in the side frame. Eradication of debris within the side frame increases the braking efficiency of the railway vehicle as it reduces the amount of force necessary for applying the brake shoes to the wheels.
US09856930B2
A bi-directional overrunning clutch for transmitting torque to drive axle halves includes a clutch housing that attaches to an input gear, and hubs that attach to the axle halves. A pair of roll cages located within the housing adjacent to the hubs have rollers. The rollers wedge between the hubs and first tapered portions on the clutch housing when the roll cage is rotated forward relative to the housing, and between the hubs and second tapered portions on the clutch housing when the roll cage is rotated in the opposite direction. Springs hold the rollers engaged with recesses in the hubs, but let the rollers lift to permit relative rotation of the hubs and roll cages. Relative rotation between the roll cages is limited: when one roll cage is wedged, the other can move only as far as a free position midway between the first and second tapered portions.
US09856926B2
A transmission assembly for a transmission of a motor vehicle drive train is provided. The transmission assembly includes a transmission case; a rotatable component inside the transmission case; and a wedge one-way clutch including an outer surface drivingly coupled to an inner surface of the transmission case. An outer radial end of the rotatable component is fixed to or forms an inner race for the one-way clutch.
US09856921B2
A damping pulley assembly is disclosed including a pulley with an outer flange and a fixed pulley plate. A floating pulley clutch plate is located within and engaged with the outer flange. Circumferentially spaced apart leaf springs are connected to a pulley hub. Second ends of the leaf springs are connected to a driven hub that includes a fixed hub plate. Floating clutch plates are located between the fixed pulley plate and the fixed hub plate, which are biased toward the fixed pulley plate by the leaf springs so that the clutch plates contact one another and/or the fixed hub or pulley plates.
US09856917B1
A strut bearing has an upper carrier having a first outer rim and a first inner rim, the first inner rim having a first circumferential connector, and a lower carrier having a second outer rim and a second inner rim, the second inner rim having a second circumferential connector. The first inner rim is held to the second inner rim through an overlapping connection of the first circumferential connector to the second circumferential connector. The strut bearing also has a bearing arranged between the upper carrier and the lower carrier, and a first sealing ring positioned between and in contact with the first circumferential connector and the second circumferential connector. The sealing ring is formed from a material that is softer and more elastic than a material from which the first circumferential connector and the second circumferential connector are formed.
US09856913B2
A pressure inside a chamber in which a bearing is arranged is reduced. Thus, a pressure inside an oil tank and the pressure inside the chamber are made lower than atmospheric pressure, and are placed in a minimal or no pressure difference condition. Next, a lubricating oil is supplied from the oil tank into the chamber through power of a liquid transfer pump. The lubricating oil is thus injected into the bearing inside the chamber. Thus, the lubricating oil can be supplied from the oil tank into the chamber while maintaining the pressure at substantially the same level lower than that of the atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, gas can be prevented from dissolving into the lubricating oil which has once been deaerated by a pressure reduction inside the oil tank. In addition, because a driving force of the liquid transfer pump is used for supply of the lubricating oil, it is easy to control the amount of the lubricating oil to be supplied.
US09856912B2
A slide rail assembly includes a first rail, a second rail, a first engagement element, and a second engagement element. The first rail includes a first blocking part. The second rail is movably connected to the first rail. The first and second engagement elements are connected to the second rail. When the second rail moves relative to the first rail toward a first position, the first engagement element abuts against the blocking part of the first rail. When the first engagement element is operatively detached from the blocking part of the first rail, the second rail to is able to move relative to the first rail toward a second position from the first position. When the second rail is located at the second position, at least part of the second engagement element is adjacent to the blocking part of the first rail.
US09856911B2
A center supporting device for a propeller shaft of a vehicle may include an inner bearing device configured to axially movably support a stub shaft, the stub shaft being connected between a front shaft and a rear shaft of the propeller shaft, an outer bearing device mounted outside the inner bearing device to axially rotatably support the stub shaft, and an insulator mounted in an elastically deformable manner between the outside of the outer bearing device and a bracket fixed to a vehicle body.
US09856909B1
A hinge assembly includes a mounting seat and a linkage unit in the mounting seat. A connection member is connected between first and second movable portions of the linkage unit by a linkage spindle. The linkage unit is able to rotate by a resilient unit to a spring-out state from a folded state. When the linkage unit reaches the spring-out state, further rotation of the linkage unit is stopped by a limiting unit. A torque spindle provides torsional resistance only when the linkage unit is rotated further from the spring-out state.
US09856905B2
A shackle with a low-load release mechanism adaptable for remote actuation to releasably connect two entities typically one of which being a rope or a line and the other being an entity controlled or positioned by the rope or line. The shackle consists of a body, a bail, a first pivot arm, a second pivot arm configured to hold the first pivot arm in a closed position, a release cam, and an activation lanyard. The lanyard connects to the release cam such that the release cam moves the second pivot arm when tension is applied to the lanyard thereby releasing the first pivot arm into an open position. The shackle may be configured to allow a tool to open the shackle, a finger release lever, and a release lever shield. The lanyard may pass through the second pivot arm, the release cam, and a pivot boss for attaching the bail.
US09856903B2
A device for attaching an object on a rail of a support is provided. The device includes a base designed to bear on the rail, and a device for tightening the base on the rail. The tightening device includes a threaded rod and a nut. A first end of the tightening device includes a tightening heel designed to be placed below the rail to tighten the rail between the heel and the base. A second end of the tightening device includes an element for maneuvering by an operator to tighten/loosen the device. The device can further include a detachable non-return device to prevent any involuntary loosening of the device.
US09856899B2
A fastening element for fastening lining parts has a fastening section for attachment of a lining part thereto, and a locking section adapted to lock with a carrier for the fastening element. The locking section includes at least one locking tab. The locking tab has a release tab provided thereon for engagement by a tool for shifting the locking lab to a release position.
US09856892B2
An actuator has: a rod having a socket portion at one distal end of the rod; and a swivel cap including: a base portion having an inner surface and an outer surface having an origin of the radius at the center of the plane that defines the outer surface; a raised domed portion disposed on the inner surface of the base portion and mounted in the socket portion of the rod; a raised region located on at least one of the raised domed portion or the socket portion; wherein the swivel cap tilts relative to the rod in response to angular misalignment with a load to a tilt angle; a housing having an interior elongated hole wherein the rod is dimensioned to fit in the elongated hole; a piston dimensioned to fit in and move along the elongated hole while connected to the rod; and mating structure located on at least one of the piston and rod, the mating structure configured to allow the rod to attach to the piston in a manner to create clearance between the rod and the piston to allow the rod and piston to move with respect to each other.
US09856882B2
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) with a housing (2), a shaft (3) mounted in the housing (2), a compressor wheel (5) arranged on the shaft (3) and a turbine wheel (4) arranged on the shaft (3), a control element (7), an actuator (8), and a regulating rod (9) which connects the actuator (8) to the control element (7), including an electromagnetic damping arrangement (10) having a magnetic-field-generating element (14), and a first coil (15) with a closed electrical circuit (17), with either the magnetic-field-generating element (14) or the first coil (15) being fastened on the regulating rod (9).
US09856880B2
A motor includes a metal base plate and a resin holder extending upward from the base plate. The base plate includes a flat plate portion, a through hole passing through the flat plate portion, and a plurality of claw portions extending upward from an edge of the flat plate portion which includes the through hole. A portion of the holder is in the through hole. The holder covers a portion of each claw portion. The holder is thus engaged with each claw portion to prevent the holder from turning around a rotation axis and from coming off in an upward direction. The holder includes a gate mark near a lower surface of the flat plate portion and at a circumferential position between adjacent ones of the claw portions to make it easier for the resin to fill a cavity inside molds during a molding process.
US09856878B2
A positive displacement rotary compressor is designed for near isothermal compression, high pressure ratios, high revolutions per minute, high efficiency, mixed gas/liquid compression, a low temperature increase, a low outlet temperature, and/or a high outlet pressure. Liquid injectors provide cooling liquid that cools the working fluid and improves the efficiency of the compressor. A gate moves within the compression chamber to either make contact with or be proximate to the rotor as it turns.
US09856871B2
A bicycle air pump includes an air cylinder; a joining member on the cylinder and including upper, intermediate and lower chambers, and a passageway communicating the cylinder with the lower chamber and a relief valve; an activation assembly on the joining member and including a hollow spring-loaded stem in both the intermediate chamber and the lower chamber, an end seal, a cap on the upper chamber, a push rod through the cap to urge against the seal and having an axial hole and a lateral hole communicating with the axial hole, a knob secured to the push rod and the cap, and an outlet; a pressure gauge on the joining member and communicating with the passageway; an inlet assembly secured to bottom of the cylinder and including a check valve; and a blocking member secured to bottom of the stem for blocking the passageway when in an inoperative position.
US09856869B2
A pump motor controller for determining the speeds and run times of a pump motor for use in a pool is provided. The controller is adapted to receive data in the form of at least one of water parameters and outdoor parameters. The controller is further adapted to receive to receive data in the form of desired pool or spa set points. The controller is further adapted to determine the speeds and run times of a pump motor for use in a pool based at least in part on data in the form of at least one of water parameters and outdoor parameters and data in the form of desired pool set points.
US09856862B2
A propulsion system for spacecraft is based on an electric engine that expels propellant to achieve thrust. The propellant is first ionized to generate a plasma. Plasma particles are selectively accelerated via a pulsed laser that accelerates predominantly the electrons in the plasma. The electrons are expelled first, forming a space charge that acts as a virtual cathode to accelerate the positive ions. Interactions between the laser beam and plasma electrons are predominantly through the ponderomotive force.
US09856861B2
A method, system and program product comprise applying a source of heat to a heatable object for a first predetermined period of time. The applying is conveyed by a terminal device. The heatable object is positionable within a sensing range of a motion detector. The applying of the heat source is stopped for a second predetermined period of time. The stopping enables the heatable object to cool in which a cycle of the applying and the stopping with motion of said heatable object is detectable by the motion detector.
US09856857B2
A method and system for converting mechanical energy from a generator operated by a turbine into electric energy to be input into an electric network, comprising the following: (A) supplying a power electronic converter connectable to input of the generator and to output of the electric network; (B) supplying an electrical power outputting the generator to the power electronic converter; (C) adapting the electrical power using the power electronic converter to input the electrical power to the electric network by the following substeps: (C1) calculating rotation speed of the turbine; (C2) calculating wind speed moving the turbine; (C3) calculating reference rotation speed, corresponding to the maximum point of power input to the electric network, using a Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm; the method comprising substep (C1) implemented by an algorithm carrying out a virtual encoder, and substep (C2) implemented by training a neural network implementing a virtual anemometer.
US09856842B2
A fuel injection device includes a nozzle needle, an actuator for actuating the nozzle needle, a force sensor for detecting a force applied by the actuator, and a control unit which is connected to the force sensor. The force sensor supplies signals to the control unit and the control unit is designed for determining a position of the nozzle needle and for precisely determining an injected fuel quantity, based on the supplied signal.
US09856835B1
A fuel supply system for a reciprocating-piston engine includes a storage tank; a wall of the storage tank defining a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough; a first fuel injector fluidly coupled with the first aperture of the storage tank via a pressure control module and a first fuel injector supply conduit; a pump fluidly coupled with the second aperture of the storage tank; and a second fuel injector fluidly coupled with an outlet port of the pump via a second fuel injector supply conduit. The pressure control module is configured to maintain a pressure in the first fuel injector supply conduit within a pressure range that includes a pressure value that is less than a pressure inside the storage tank. The pump is configured to maintain a pressure inside the second fuel injector supply conduit that is greater than the pressure inside the first fuel injector supply conduit.
US09856827B2
An anti-adjusting rotary valve type carburetor includes a high speed adjustment oil needle having an eccentric hole and an idle adjustment oil needle having an eccentric hole. Also disclosed is a specialized adjustment tool having an eccentric convex platform for adjusting the high speed adjustment oil needle and the idle adjustment oil needle. Also disclosed is a high speed adjustment oil needle having an eccentric convex platform and an idle speed adjustment oil needle having an eccentric convex platform. Also disclosed is a specialized adjustment tool having an eccentric hole for adjusting the high speed adjustment oil needle and the idle speed adjustment oil needle.
US09856823B2
A head gasket is provided for use in an engine having a cylinder head and a cylinder liner with a side wall defining a combustion chamber, the cylinder liner including a liner flange projecting from the side wall in an outward direction away from the combustion chamber. The head gasket includes a main body layer and a flange layer coupled to the main body layer by a flange wrap portion. The flange wrap portion is sized for axial alignment with the side wall of the cylinder liner, and the flange layer is spaced from the main body layer to define a gap between the main body layer and the flange layer adjacent the flange wrap portion. A core layer is coupled to the main body layer and includes a sealing bead spaced outwardly from the flange wrap portion and sized for axial alignment with the liner flange.
US09856822B2
A small air-cooled internal combustion engine includes an aluminum cylinder block, an aluminum cylinder head welded to the aluminum cylinder block, and a weld securing the aluminum cylinder block to the aluminum cylinder head, wherein a joint having a first length is formed between the aluminum cylinder block and the aluminum cylinder head and wherein the weld extends for a second length that is at least 25% of the first length.
US09856819B2
A two-stroke internal combustion engine includes at least one gaseous communication charge passage between a crankcase chamber and a combustion chamber of the engine and a piston to open and close the top end of the transfer passage. The air inlet port to the transfer passage for stratified scavenging is opened and closed by the piston that has passages and cutouts. The charge inlet to the crankcase chamber is opened and closed by the piston. The air inlet passage is substantially asymmetrical to the layout of the transfer passages and are closer to one transfer passage compared to the other. The internal air passage in the piston is substantially parallel to the piston pin and the single air inlet passage is laterally off-set from the air-fuel inlet passage. The transfer passages are cover by plates to make them closed passages having opening at the transfer port in the cylinder and opening in the crankcase chamber for periodical gaseous communication between the crankcase chamber and the combustion chamber. The cover plate is a single piece covering the transfer passage channel along the cylinder and the crankcase. The air channel in the piston is below the piston crown and at least portion is above the piston pin. A spiraling transfer passage in the cylinder cavity is longer than the length of the transfer passage in a conventional stratified two-stroke engine.
US09856817B2
A cylinder for a V-twin engine including a body with a first end having a surface configured to mate with a cylinder head, and a second end configured to mate with a crankcase. A sleeve is fixedly secured within the body to define a cylinder bore. The sleeve includes a first portion that extends from the first end of the body to the second end of the body. The first portion of the sleeve has a first wall thickness. The sleeve further includes a second portion that extends out of the second end of the body to be received within a crankcase bore. The second portion has a second wall thickness that is thinner than the first wall thickness. The sleeve is constructed from a chromoly steel alloy material, and the second wall thickness is less than 0.060 inch.
US09856813B2
A method for determining the opening for piezo servo-driven injectors may include measuring a voltage and a charge at an end of a charging process of the piezo actuator; determining a provisional scaling factor by calculating Q/U; determining the maximum of CVORL and using the instant at which the maximum occurs as an approximation value of the valve opening instant; measuring the charge and voltage at the approximation of the valve opening instant; solving the equation: 1.25×F2/E×C=(U×C−Q)2 Where F=force acting on the piezo actuator, E=electrical parameter of the piezo actuator; determining a new scaling factor from the solution of the equation; calculating the difference (U×C−Q) and determining a maximum of said value; and using the instant at which said maximum occurs as valve opening instant.
US09856810B2
A fuel cut during deceleration is executed at time point t1. An oxygen storage amount (rOS) which increases with this fuel cut is estimated based on an exhaust air-fuel ratio and an intake air quantity. When the oxygen storage amount (rOS) reaches a threshold value (at time point t2), a target compression ratio (tCR) is corrected to become lower than a basic target compression ratio (tCR). Although a fuel recovery is executed at time point t4, a combustion temperature is lowered because of the lowering of the mechanical compression ratio, so that a production of NOx in a combustion chamber is suppressed. Therefore, worsening of NOx is suppressed even if the oxygen storage amount (rOS) of exhaust-emission purification catalyst (4) is excessive.
US09856809B2
In an internal combustion engine, an exhaust purification catalyst and a hydrocarbon feed valve are arranged in an exhaust passage. When a temperature of the exhaust purification catalyst falls in a first catalyst temperature region (I), a first NOX purification method is performed, while when a temperature of the exhaust purification catalyst falls in a second catalyst temperature region (II), a second NOX purification method is performed. When the temperature of the exhaust purification catalyst falls in a region (IIP) in the second catalyst temperature region close to the first catalyst temperature region, the temperature of the exhaust purification catalyst is made to increase to shift the region in which the temperature of the exhaust purification catalyst falls to the first catalyst temperature region to thereby switch the NOX purification method used from the second NOX purification method to the first NOX purification method.
US09856793B2
A gas turbine engine comprises a main compressor section having a high pressure compressor with a downstream discharge, and more upstream locations. A turbine section has a high pressure turbine. A tap taps air from at least one of the more upstream locations in the compressor section, passes the tapped air through a heat exchanger and then to a cooling compressor. The cooling compressor compresses air downstream of the heat exchanger, and delivers air into the high pressure turbine. The cooling compressor includes a downstream connection that delivers discharge pressure air to an upstream location in the high pressure turbine and a second tap from an intermediate pressure location within the cooling compressor. The second tap is connected to a downstream location within the high pressure turbine. An intercooling system for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.
US09856791B2
A wave disc engine apparatus is provided. A further aspect employs a constricted nozzle in a wave rotor channel. A further aspect provides a sharp bend between an inlet and an outlet in a fluid pathway of a wave rotor, with the bend being spaced away from a peripheral edge of the wave rotor. A radial wave rotor for generating electricity in an automotive vehicle is disclosed in yet another aspect.
US09856790B2
A variable compression ratio apparatus may include a plunger configured to move up and down in response to rotation of a crank shaft, a piston having a chamber formed thereinside, into which the plunger is inserted, and configured to move up and down with the plunger, the chamber including an upper chamber formed above the plunger and a lower chamber formed below the plunger, a spool valve configured to selectively supply oil to the upper chamber or to the lower chamber, and a controller configured to control the spool valve so that the piston moves up and down with respect to the plunger.
US09856788B2
A method of introducing additives to an air intake system of an engine in order to overcome one or more of the various problems created by formulation of additives in fuels. The method controls at least one of the amount, aerosol particle size and timing of introduction of additives based on information relevant to operation of the engine. The introduced additives form an air-additive mixture and are carried by the airflow in the air-intake system to the combustion chamber of the engine. Another aspect of the invention is an additive introduction system that includes one or more containers for additives, a control system for determining at least one of the amount, aerosol particle size and timing of introduction of the additives, and a device to introduce the additives into the air intake system under the control of the control system.
US09856787B2
A valve device of a turbocharger includes: a valve seat disposed on an entrance of a fluid passage divided into at least two branches, and an opening/closing valve coupled to a rotary shaft rotatably disposed adjacent to the valve seat. The valve seat has a contact surface which is flat and a dividing section which extends across the entrance and divides the entrance into two entrance sections. The opening/closing valve closes the entrance of the fluid passage disposed in the valve seat. The bottom surface of the opening/closing valve is in surface contact with the contact surface of the valve seat. The central portion of the opening/closing valve corresponding to the dividing section is spaced apart from the dividing section at a predetermined distance.
US09856785B2
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a compressor (2) which has a compressor housing (3); having a turbine (4) which has a turbine housing (5); and having a charge-pressure regulating device (6). The charge-pressure regulating device (6) has at least two flap arrangements (7, 8) and two bypass duct openings (9, 10) assigned to the flap arrangements (7, 8).
US09856781B2
An assembly for controlling air flow to an engine includes a first supercharger (20) and a second supercharger (22). The superchargers are arranged in parallel with one another and in series with the throttle (70) in the air flow to the engine cylinders, and are configured to be operatively connectable with the engine upstream in the air flow to the cylinders. The assembly includes a load device (38) selectively connectable to the first supercharger (20) and selectively alternately operable to provide energy to or receive energy from the first supercharger. The superchargers are configured to be separately selectively operatively connectable with the throttle and the crankshaft to enable different modes of operation.
US09856777B2
A dual chamber coolant reservoir having a single vent neck. The coolant reservoir is for an internal combustion engine cooling system wherein the reservoir housing includes a first chamber and a second chamber formed integral thereto. A vent neck includes an aperture for accessing the first chamber with either a two or three o-ring cap to maintain pressure within the first chamber. Means for venting the second chamber when coolant exceeds a predetermined pressure level and a means for venting the first and second chamber when said cap is moved from a closed position to an open position. An inline pressure relief valve and check valve providing pressure relief and air displacement.
US09856770B2
A method and device for controlling emissions of VOC's comprises transporting VOC's to an engine and transporting the exhaust from the engine into a manifold. Supplemental air is transporting into the manifold and heat is transferred from the exhaust to the supplemental air within the manifold. The supplemental air is mixed with the exhaust and the mixture is transferred to a pollution abatement device.
US09856769B2
A gas separation process for treating exhaust gases from combustion processes. The invention involves routing a first portion of the exhaust stream to a carbon dioxide capture step, while simultaneously flowing a second portion of the exhaust gas stream across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, then passing the permeate/sweep gas back to the combustor.
US09856768B2
A turbomachine system according to an embodiment includes: a gas turbine system including a compressor component, a combustor component, and a turbine component; a mixing area for receiving an exhaust gas stream produced by the gas turbine system; a fluid injection system for injecting a fluid into the mixing area to reduce a temperature of the exhaust gas stream; and an exhaust processing system for processing the reduced temperature exhaust gas stream.
US09856765B2
An exhaust chamber is disposed in an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas from an engine passes. The exhaust chamber includes: an inner case having a chamber expansion region therein; and an outer case configured to cover a portion of the inner case. The inner case has a first inner case half and a second inner case half which are obtained by division into two parts, and is formed by the first inner case half and the second inner case half being joined to each other at an inner joining portion. The outer case has a first outer case piece and a second outer case piece which are spaced from each other. The first outer case piece and the second outer case piece are each joined to a portion, on an outer surface of the inner case, which portion is different from the inner joining portion.
US09856762B2
The invention relates to a DOHC sliding cam valve train of an internal combustion engine with a four-cylinder in-line arrangement and cylinder shutoff. One of the two camshafts has two shared cam pieces for the respective adjacent engine cylinders.
US09856757B2
An arrangement of a camshaft phaser (1) which has a drive element (2) and at least two driven elements (3, 4), whereby the camshaft phaser (1) has a first control valve (7) arranged concentrically to the camshaft phaser (1), and a second control valve (8) arranged off-centered with respect to the rotational axis (5) of the camshaft phaser (1).
US09856752B2
An exhaust-gas turbocharger (1) having a charger housing (2) which has a compressor housing (3), a turbine housing (4) and a bearing housing (5), and having a control capsule (6) which is fastened to the charger housing (2) and which has a housing lower part (7) and a housing upper part (8). The charger housing (2) has a fastening bracket (9), and the control capsule housing lower part (7) and housing upper part (8) are formed as individual parts which can be preassembled to form the control capsule (6) and which are separate from the charger housing (2) and which, in the mounted state of the control capsule (6), are connected to the fastening bracket (9).
US09856745B2
An exemplary geared turbomachine assembly includes an acoustic treatment that is in an unducted area of a geared turbomachine.
US09856742B2
In various embodiments, a nacelle may comprise a cowl, an inner panel, a VAFN panel and an overhang. The cowl may define a first portion of an outer surface of the nacelle. The inner panel may be disposed radially inward of the cowl. The VAFN panel may be disposed radially inward of the cowl. The overhang may be attached to the inner panel. The overhang may be positioned radially inward of the leading edge of the VAFN panel.
US09856737B2
A blade damper for a gas turbine blade includes a blade damper body with a first damping surface and a second damping surface. The first damping surface is on a first side of the damper body and the second damping surface is on a second side of the damper body opposite the first damping surface for providing full functionality in both flipped and unflipped orientations.
US09856735B2
A method of manufacturing a steam turbine rotor which includes an ultra-high temperature side portion in which ultra-high temperature steam flows and a high temperature side portion in which high temperature steam flows, the manufacturing method including the steps of: preparing a first electrode having a chemical composition corresponding to a chemical composition of a heat resistant alloy making up the ultra-high temperature side portion and a second electrode having a chemical composition corresponding to a chemical composition of the high temperature side portion; tentatively joining together joints of the electrodes, with the joints of the electrodes made smaller in cross sectional area than other electrode portions; subjecting the tentatively joined first and second electrodes to an ESR process to obtain an ESR ingot and forging the ingot into a shape of a rotor to obtain a rotor forging; and heat-treating the rotor forging to obtain a rotor blank and manufacturing the steam turbine rotor from the rotor blank.
US09856730B2
In one embodiment of the invention, an air drilling downhole telemetry and control system is disclosed, comprising a telemetry and control interface, a topside unit, one or more repeater units, a bottom hole unit, and an air filled drill string composed of a drill pipe acting as a circular waveguide, wherein the topside unit is disposed at the surface end of the drill string, the repeater units are disposed along the drill string, and the bottom hole unit is disposed at the terminal end of the drill string, and each unit is a communications node along a communications link existing between the telemetry and control interface and the bottom hole unit. Each unit comprises a communications subsystem, a power subsystem, and optionally a telemetry and control subsystem. The communications subsystem contains a message buffer system capable of temporarily storing communications during a communications link disruption event. Obstructions along the drill string, such as one-way valves, are incorporated into the repeater units disposed along the drill string.
US09856725B2
The invention relates to a heat generator for well stimulation, comprising a tubular fuel vessel (22) with two or more mutually separated, closed segments (23) arranged in longitudinal succession and each at least partly filled with fuel (30), and at least one igniter (40) for ignition of the fuel in at least one of the segments (23), wherein the ends of the segments are connected such that the fuel in a subsequent segment is ignitable owing to the evolution of heat in the course of burnoff of the fuel in a preceding segment. The invention further relates to a process for well stimulation using an inventive heat generator.
US09856724B2
A device for hydrocarbon resource recovery from at least one well in a subterranean formation may include a radio frequency (RF) source, a solvent source, and a double-wall structure coupled to the RF source to define an RF antenna within the at least one well to provide RF heating to the subterranean formation. The double-wall structure may absorb heat from adjacent portions of the subterranean formation. The double-wall structure may also include inner and outer walls defining a solvent passageway therebetween coupled to the solvent source. The outer wall may have a plurality of openings therein to eject solvent into the subterranean formation. The double-wall structure may transfer heat to the solvent so that the ejected solvent is in a vapor state.
US09856722B2
Power systems and methods are disclosed herein. The systems and methods use a switching system coupled with a power source and subterranean pumps for pumping a resource from beneath a surface of earth. A first capacitor is between a first switching device and a first transformer, and stores electric energy received from the first transformer to activate the first switching device. A bias capacitor is between the first capacitor and the first switching device, and receives a bias voltage via a second transformer. The bias capacitor applies the bias voltage to the first switching device to prevent the first switching device from activating unless a combination of the voltage received by the first switching device via the first transformer and the bias voltage is at least as large as the activation voltage of the first switching device.
US09856715B2
A stage tool and a method for stage cementing a wellbore annulus. The method includes: running into a wellbore toward bottom hole with a tubing string to a position in the wellbore; setting the tubing string in the wellbore to create the wellbore annulus between the tubing string and a wall of the wellbore; opening a cementing port through a side pocket structure positioned alongside the tubing string; pumping cement through the cementing port; and closing the cementing port to hold the cement in the annulus.
US09856707B2
A capillary injection system delivers chemical with a capillary string to a targeted area in a wellbore such as adjacent a rod pump of a reciprocating pump system. The capillary string is disposed along the production string and delivers the chemical downhole. A tubing anchor disposed on the production string anchors the production string in tension in the casing. The tubing anchor has a mandrel coupled to the production string and has a housing disposed on the mandrel. The mandrel accommodates the capillary string outside thereof and defines a guide slot for controlling relative movement of the mandrel and the housing engaged with the guide slot. The housing has a slip movable outward from the mandrel. The mandrel is in a set condition is moved axially in the guide slot, and the slip is moved outward from the mandrel against the casing.
US09856701B2
A rolling cone drill bit for drilling in earthen formations. In an embodiment, the drill bit comprises a plurality of rolling cone cutters. Each cone cutter includes a plurality of gage cutting elements, a first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements, and a second plurality of bottomhole cutter elements. Each of the first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements is staggered relative to the gage cutting elements on each cone cutter, and the profiles of the gage cutting elements and the first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements on each cone cutter overlap in rotated profile view. Each of the second plurality of bottomhole cutting elements is staggered relative to the first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements on at least one cone cutter, and the profiles of the first plurality of bottomhole cutting elements and the second plurality of bottomhole cutting elements on at least one cone cutter overlap in rotated profile view.
US09856700B2
A method for forming lateral boreholes from an existing parent wellbore is provided. The wellbore has been completed with a string of production casing. The method generally comprises providing a downhole tool assembly having a whipstock. The method also includes running the assembly down into the parent wellbore. A force is applied to the assembly to cause the whipstock to rotate within the wellbore into an operating position. In this position, a curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius substantially across the inner diameter of the casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore. Upon contact with the curved face of the whipstock, the jetting hose is re-directed through a window in the production casing. Hydraulic fluid is injected under pressure through the hose to provide hydraulic jetting. The hose is directed through the window and into the formation to create a lateral borehole extending many feet outwardly into a subsurface formation. A method of testing a subsurface formation for the presence of hydrocarbon fluids is also provided herein.
US09856696B2
A system includes a window treatment adjacent to a window of a room. At least one motor drive unit is associated with the window treatment, for varying the position of the window treatment. A sensor measures a light level (e.g., an outdoor light level) at the window. A controller provides signals to the motor drive unit to automatically adjust the position of the window treatment so as to control a penetration distance of sunlight into the room when the window treatment is partially opened. The controller is configured to position the window treatment in a bright override position if the measured light level is at least a bright threshold value. The controller is configured to select the bright threshold value from among at least two predetermined values. The selection depends on an angle of incidence between light rays from the sun and a surface normal of the window.
US09856684B2
A sliding door guide system for replacing a traditional floor track for sliding doors includes a first sliding door that is suspended from a support. A second sliding door is suspended from a support. The second sliding door is aligned with the first sliding door. A guide is coupled to the first sliding door. The guide slidably engages the second sliding door. Thus, the second sliding door is retained at a position relative to the first sliding door.
US09856675B2
The present invention is related to a vehicle door handle, comprising an inertial system (17) mobile in rotation around a main rotation axis (A) and configured for activating and preventing the actuation of the door handle (1), the said inertial system (17) comprising a body (23) receiving the main rotation axis (A) and a mobile part (25) comprising an inertial mass (27), the mobile part (25) being mobile in rotation relative to the body (23) around a secondary axis (A,B) sensibly parallel to the main rotation axis (A), the inertial system (17) also comprising means for stopping the rotation of the mobile part (25) in a predetermined direction.
US09856668B2
A device to convert an existing pool skimmer assembly into a pressurizable pool skimmer assembly, thereby allowing the existing pool skimmer assembly to act with this existing pool pump in emergency situations, such as assisting firefighters with pool water for extinguishing local wildfires or house fires. A removable plug cap and o-rings enables the pool pump to draw the pool water from the pool main drain using the existing pool skimmer. This device can also be used to drain the pool for cleaning the pool or for winterizing the pool, without requiring an electrical sump pump.
US09856665B2
A wave pool for producing waves has a first wave-forming portion with an inclined section for causing the waves to begin breaking and a second wave-dampening portion with a raised floor with perforations extended above a bottom chamber floor. The raised floor is preferably adapted with a predetermined porosity such that a boundary layer of energy absorbing vortices and eddies is generated above and below the raised floor, resulting from water passing up and down through the openings, and the boundary layer effects on the raised floor help to dampen the waves.
US09856661B2
This disclosure relates to a truck-mounted concrete pump including a vehicle, a concrete distributor boom disposed on the vehicle and including multiple boom arms that can be stowed, in the form of an arm assembly, on a vehicle-mounted boom resting unit, and a boom hydraulic system configured to stow and unfold the arm assembly and including a hydraulic cylinder that moves the arm assembly against the boom resting unit in a stowing movement. To terminate the boom stowing movement, a protective circuit is coupled to the hydraulic cylinder. The protective circuit includes a switching unit actuable under the load of the arm assembly. The switching unit has a load receiving element arranged on the boom resting unit that is resiliently deformable when stowing the arm assembly, wherein the arm assembly is only supported on the boom resting unit by the load receiving element.
US09856655B2
A modular system for continuously insulating exterior walls of a structure and cladding the structure walls provides thermally isolated MFI-brackets secured to a structural wall supporting thermally isolated vertical or horizontal rails supporting exterior cladding. Thermal insulation is positionally retained against the structure wall interior of the exterior cladding by the MFI-brackets and a pressure equalized moisture controlling rain screen is maintained between the interior surface of the exterior cladding and an exterior facing surface of the insulation.
US09856651B2
A roofing system includes a construction board positioned over a roof deck and a plurality of fastening plates positioned on a top surface of the construction board. At least one connector extends between two of the plurality of fastening plates and is positioned on the top surface of the construction board. The construction boards may be insulation or cover boards, and in certain embodiments may be polyisocyanurate boards. Fasteners are driven through the fastening plates and the construction boards and into an underlying roof deck to secure the construction boards in place.
US09856642B2
Corrugated furring strips are used on the outer side of an exterior insulation layer in an exterior wall construction. The corrugated furring strips support a final cladding layer at an offstanding position from the insulation, thereby providing a rainscreen. The corrugated furring strips are fastened to the framework of the wall through the exterior insulation layer. Optional bridging members shaped to conformingly mate with lands and grooves of the corrugated furring straps cooperate therewith to define a support grid with improved load capacity for heavier cladding materials and more fastening location options. The insulation layer is free of any thermal bridges other than the insulation-penetrating fasteners used to support the furring and optional bridges. Thermally insulative washers isolate the furring and optional bridges from the fasteners to further improve the insulating effect of the wall.
US09856639B2
A wall assembly for forming an external wall on a building structure is disclosed. The wall assembly comprises a cladding and a plurality of vertical formwork members spaced along the wall assembly, and a horizontal formwork member extending along the top of the wall assembly. The formwork members are elongate profiles having a substantially constant cross sectional shape and they are arranged so that with the cladding they form an interconnected formwork defining a formwork space. A cementitious material cast within the formwork space is interconnected and forms a single underlying structural frame within the constructed wall assembly. The assembly includes connectors extending between the vertical and horizontal formwork members and the cladding on which they are mounted. Each connector extends from the cladding through the formwork space to the formwork member and is cast within the cementitious material. A method of building a wall assembly is also disclosed.
US09856638B2
The invention relates to a drain element formed of a hydrophilic coherent man-made vitreous fiber substrate (MMVF substrate), wherein the MMVF substrate comprises man-made vitreous fibers bonded with a cured binder composition, the MMVF substrate having opposed first and second ends and a passage which extends from a first opening in the first end to a second opening in the second end.
US09856636B2
An article for properly disposing of FOG so that it does not enter and clog a pipe of a kitchen sink drain. The article may comprise a top opening for receiving said FOG, said opening defined in one embodiment by a perimeter rim configured for placement along the bottom sink surface surrounding the drain, and a body below the perimeter rim and the top opening, the exterior of the body defined by a membrane having a shape for fitting stably within the drain. In one embodiment, the entire lower interior of the membrane body is filled with absorbent material for absorbing FOG. In one embodiment, the absorbent material may be separable from the article body, for disposal of the absorbent material without the body. In one embodiment, the body volume may be configured for receiving an amount of FOG generated by one session of home cooking.
US09856632B2
The combination of: an underground valve for a supply line and having an underground actuator through which a state of the valve can be changed to control flow within the supply line; and a conduit assembly embedded in ground material and defining an access passage through which above ground access can be obtained to the valve actuator. The conduit assembly has an adaptor assembly with a body made from a non-metal material and having at least a first connector. The valve has at least a second connector. The first and second connectors cooperate to maintain the body operatively connected to the valve. A first conduit part is configured to connect to the body and bound a portion of the access passage accessible through an entry opening remote from the valve.
US09856625B2
A working vehicle includes: a vehicle body; and a boom; a bucket; a boom driving unit including a boom cylinder; a bucket driving unit configured to swing the bucket; a boom-bottom pressure sensor configured to detect a boom-bottom pressure of the boom cylinder; and a working equipment controller configured to control at least one of a lift motion of the boom and a tilt motion of the bucket. The bucket includes an inclined portion. The working equipment controller controls the lift motion or the tilt motion by comparing a threshold set in accordance with an inclination angle of the inclined portion with the boom-bottom pressure.
US09856619B2
A pipe assembly may have one or more pipe segments that are coupled together or coupled to a drive socket by a coupler. The bottom-most segment may have a body with a central axis, an exterior surface an upper end connectable to the pile assembly, a digging end, the digging end facilitating the creation of a borehole, and ports through which fluid is emittable. The bottom-most segment is designed to receive fluid introduced through the pipe assembly so that the fluid can facilitate the creation of a borehole and may be emitted through the ports during the driving of the pipe assembly into soil.
US09856617B1
A lightweight snow groomer designed to be towed behind a snowmobile, ATV, or UTV with an adjustable v-plow. The snow groomer includes multiple links pivotably connected to its drawbar assembly and the plow that allow the plow to swing upwardly and rearwardly under the drawbars. The snow groomer preferably includes a front link adjacent to its coupler for leveling the plow/pan assembly and for vertical adjustment to accommodate different hitch heights. The snow groomer also ideally has a lift assembly with a threaded arm that screws up and down the lift assembly. The linkage may include a slotted link segment that pivotably connects to the plow and allows the plow to float on compacted snow or leave the desired amount of snow, depending on the adjustment, for compacting. The preferred v-plow can swing upwardly and rearwardly when striking obstacles during operation of the snow groomer.
US09856604B2
The cylinder (1; 111) comprises: a shell (3; 113) and two heads (5, 7; 115, 117), defining an inner hollow space (9), inside which a heat-transfer fluid flows. Support and rotation journals (15, 17; 121, 123) are also provided, fixed to said heads; and a thermal insulation system (23, 25; 125, 125) for the heads (5, 7, 117, 119). The thermal insulation system comprises, for each head, a plurality of thermal insulation panels (27; 127), each of which comprises a closed space (10) defined in a shell, inside which there is housed a thermal insulating material (35).
US09856601B2
A method for treating cellulosic biomass feed stock including: feeding the feed stock to an upper inlet of a vertical reactor vessel, wherein the feed stock is deposited on a pile of feed stock within the vertical reactor vessel; adding heat energy to heat the feed stock by injecting steam to an upper region of the vertical reactor vessel; propelling the feed stock through an outlet in a lower region of the vertical reactor vessel by injecting steam into the biomass at, near or after the bottom outlet of the vertical reactor vessel, and moving the propelled feed stock through an expansion device, such as a steam explosion device, to subject the feed stock to a steam explosion process.
US09856599B2
The present invention provides a coated yarn and a method for manufacturing a coated yarn having outstanding physical properties, the method comprising: collecting thermoplastic polyurethane in virgin form, or from scraps remaining after usage, for example, those used for airbag patterns in a shoe manufacturing process, or from scraps remaining after other thermoplastic polyurethane is processed; mixing the various kinds of thermoplastic polyurethane with various additives; compounding the resultant mixture using an extruder to prepare a thermoplastic polyurethane compound for a coated yarn; and coating the surface of a yarn made from polyester, nylon, spandex, etc. with the compound using an extruder.
US09856595B2
Washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A method includes calculating a hot water fill time and a cold water fill time based on an assumed hot water temperature, an assumed cold water temperature, an assumed hot water flow rate, an assumed cold water flow rate, and a desired wash water temperature. The method further includes actuating a hot water valve to flow hot water for the hot water fill time, and actuating a cold water valve to flow cold water for the cold water fill time.
US09856591B2
There is provided a nonwoven fabric excellent in the balance among fuzz resistance, softness and tensile strength. The nonwoven fabric comprises an embossed portion and a non-embossed portion; the embossed portion comprising an emboss pattern that comprises unit patterns each delimited by emboss lines; the emboss lines each comprising a plurality of emboss element parts that are continuously arranged with a predetermined interval; wherein in the direction in which the distance from any arbitrarily-defined point in the non-embossed portion within the unit pattern toward the outside of the emboss lines that delimit the non-embossed portion is shortest, at least one of the plurality of emboss element parts is disposed so as to block the direction in which the distance from the arbitrarily-defined point toward the outside of the emboss lines that delimit the non-embossed portion is shortest.
US09856582B2
A method is disclosed with provides stable growth of SiC single crystals, particularly 4H—SiC single crystals, with an effective crystal growth rate for a prolonged time even at a low temperature range of 2000° C. or lower. A raw material containing Si, Ti and Ni is charged into a crucible made of graphite and heat-melted to obtain a solvent. At the same time, C is dissolved out from the crucible into the solvent to obtain a melt. A SiC seed crystal substrate is then brought into contact with the melt such that SiC is supersaturated in the melt in the vicinity of the surface of the SiC seed crystal substrate, thereby allowing growth and production of an SiC single crystal on the SiC seed crystal substrate.
US09856580B2
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus for processing a semiconductor substrate. The apparatus includes a process chamber having a substrate support for supporting a substrate, a lower dome and an upper dome opposing the lower dome, a plurality of gas injects disposed within a sidewall of the process chamber. The apparatus includes a gas delivery system coupled to the process chamber via the plurality of gas injects, the gas delivery system includes a gas conduit providing one or more chemical species to the plurality of gas injects via a first fluid line, a dopant source providing one or more dopants to the plurality of gas injects via a second fluid line, and a fast switching valve disposed between the second fluid line and the process chamber, wherein the fast switching valve switches flowing of the one or more dopants between the process chamber and an exhaust.
US09856576B2
In a known method for pulling a semiconductor single crystal according to the Czochralski method, a semiconductor melt is produced in a silica glass crucible and the semiconductor single crystal is pulled from said melt. The inner wall of the silica glass crucible and the exposed melt surface are in contact with one another and with a respective melt atmosphere in the region of a contact zone running radially around the crucible inner wall, and primary oscillations of the melt are triggered in said contact zone. On this basis, in order to provide a method characterized by reduced melt vibrations and in particular by a simple, short accretion process, according to the invention primary oscillations are triggered which differ from one another in their frequency.
US09856565B2
A composition including from 35 to 85% by weight based on the weight of the composition of a high-heat amorphous polymeric material, having a glass transition temperature of at least 180 degrees Celsius, from 10 to 50% by weight based on the weight of the composition of a filler selected from glass fiber, glass flake, flat glass fiber, glass bead, and combinations thereof; and from 0 to 10% by weight of composition of at least one additive selected from a flow promoter, a thermal stabilizer, a mold release agent, and combinations thereof. Products including the composition, such as a hard disc drive enclosure.
US09856563B2
The invention is directed to QCM measurements in monitoring ALD processes. Previously, significant barriers remain in the ALD processes and accurate execution. To turn this exclusively dedicated in situ technique into a routine characterization method, an integral QCM fixture was developed. This new design is easily implemented on a variety of ALD tools, allows rapid sample exchange, prevents backside deposition, and minimizes both the footprint and flow disturbance. Unlike previous QCM designs, the fast thermal equilibration enables tasks such as temperature-dependent studies and ex situ sample exchange, further highlighting the feasibility of this QCM design for day-to-day use. Finally, the in situ mapping of thin film growth rates across the ALD reactor was demonstrated in a popular commercial tool operating in both continuous and quasi-static ALD modes.
US09856557B1
A fabrication method that includes cryogenically cooling a multi-layered structure, which includes a barrier layer, in a multi-purpose chamber having a single enclosure around at least one sputtering target and a substrate support. The method also includes depositing a ferromagnetic layer over the barrier layer of the cryogenically cooled multi-layered structure in the single enclosure when the multi-layered structure is supported on the substrate support.
US09856549B2
A cast slab containing C: less than 0.02 mass % and made of an Fe-based metal of an α-γ transforming component is subjected to hot rolling at a temperature of an A3 point or higher and is subjected to α-region rolling at a temperature of 300° C. or higher and lower than the A3 point, and thereby a base metal sheet having a {100} texture in a surface layer portion is fabricated. Then, by performing a heat treatment under predetermined conditions, an Fe-based metal sheet is obtained in which a Z value is not less than 2.0 nor more than 200 when intensity ratios of respective {001}<470>, {116}<6 12 1>, and {223}<692> directions in a sheet plane by X-ray diffraction are set to A, B, and C respectively and Z=(A+0.97B)/0.98C is satisfied.
US09856538B2
The present disclosure provides methods, kits, and primers for analyzing AHASL genes of plants, including wheat. The methods, kits, and primers of the present disclosure can make use of forward AHASL primers designed without use of software or other assay-design technology and can be used in a real-time PCR assay to determine the zygosity of AHASL genes encoding AHAS enzymes providing tolerance to AHAS enzyme inhibitors.
US09856535B2
A system and method for isolating cells, comprising: a substrate having a broad surface; an array comprising a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, each well including: a base surface, an open surface directly opposing the base surface, defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and configured to receive one of a single cell and a single cluster of cells from a direction perpendicular to the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well; wherein the set of wells includes an interior subset and an exterior subset fluidly coupled to and surrounding the interior subset by way of the set of channels; and a fluid delivery module surrounding the array and fluidly coupled to each well in the set of wells.
US09856533B2
Methods and compositions are provided for the identification of expression signatures in ER+ breast cancer cases, where the signatures correlate with responsiveness, or lack thereof, to treatment with tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer The signature profiles are identified based upon sampling of reference breast tissue samples from independent cases of breast cancer and provide a reliable set of molecular criteria for predicting the efficacy of treating a subject with breast cancer with tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer. Additional methods and compositions are provided for predicting responsiveness to tamoxifen or another antiestrogen agent against breast cancer in cases of breast cancer by use of three biomarkers. Two biomarkers display increased expression correlated with tamoxifen response while the third biomarker displays decreased expression correlated with tamoxifen response.
US09856530B2
The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including polynucleotide sequencing.
US09856526B2
A method and assembly for electrochemically identifying target nucleotide sequences. The method includes supplying a biological sample that may contain a predetermined target nucleotide sequence; supplying activatable amplification materials comprising free nucleotides to form replicated target nucleotide sequences; supplying an oxido-reducible compound capable of being inserted during replication between the nucleotides forming the replicated target sequences; and activating the activatable amplification materials before applying an electric field to the sample in order to activate the oxido-reducible compound. The replicated target sequences cause inhibition of electrochemical activity of the inserted oxido-reducible compound, and the presence of the predetermined target nucleotide sequence is determined in instances where the electric current decreases.
US09856525B2
System, including methods, apparatus, and compositions, for performing a digital assay with associated targets. In some embodiments, the assay of associated targets in partitions may lower the limit of detection (LOD) or otherwise increase assay sensitivity, accuracy, and/or specificity. The targets may represent spaced or overlapping regions of the same template and/or each may represent a region from a different complementary strand of the same template. In some embodiments, the associated targets may be provided by a type of biological particle, and the target content of partitions may be used to identify and quantify the type of biological particle in a sample.
US09856523B2
Methods and an apparatus according to the present invention, can be used in capture/enrichment, gene expression profiling and targeted sequencing. Provided are methods for improving accuracy and stringency of microarrays and/or other genomic analysis methods relying on nucleic acid hybridization and melting curve analysis by controlling surface chemistry. This method comprises producing a positively charged surface or surface coating, on the surface of microarray slides or other types of surfaces similarly purposed, such as micro beads, which enhances melting curve analysis to the point of allowing detection or differentiation of small changes in sequences between nucleic acid binding partners. Also provided is an improved microarray reader machine, to collect melting curve data on microarray slides. The accuracy or resolution of melting curve analysis was to be sufficient to distinguish between the melting of perfect matched dsDNA and dsDNA with the smallest possible change in sequence, a one base pair mismatch.
US09856521B2
Ligation assays in liquid phase for detecting nucleic acid sequences.
US09856519B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection and quantification of individual target molecules in biomolecular samples. In particular, the invention relates to improved, stable nanoreporter probes that are capable of binding to and identifying target molecules based on the probes' uniquely detectable signal. Methods for identifying target-specific sequences for inclusion in the probes are also provided, as are methods of making and using such probes. Polynucleotide sequences of certain nanoreporter components are also provided. The probes can be used in diagnostic, prognostic, quality control and screening applications.
US09856517B2
A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.
US09856516B2
The present disclosure relates to improved methods for the isolation of genomic material and detection of disease related single nucleotide polymorphisms. In some aspects, these methods increase the total recovery of genomic DNA from buccal cell samples by improving cell lysis conditions. In other aspects, these methods allow for the reuse of patient buccal swab samples, reducing the likelihood of having to collect additional patient samples for re-testing. Finally, in some aspects, these methods increase the sensitivity of SNP detection using an improved real-time PCR assay protocol.
US09856514B2
The invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid present in a biological sample, comprising combining the biological sample with a lysis buffer to form a lysis mixture comprising nucleic acid released from cells in said biological sample; and subjecting a volume of the lysis mixture to size-exclusion chromatography in a column comprising a volume of size-exclusion medium. In certain embodiments, the lysis buffer separates double-stranded nucleic acid into single-stranded nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the elution can have a flow rate of separation of less than 10 minutes to produce an eluted solution comprising isolated nucleic acid. The invention provides for a method of accurately and rapidly detecting products of nucleic acid amplification.
US09856513B2
The present invention relates to methods and arrays for use in high resolution imaging of individual nucleic acid molecules and chromatin fragments, including native chromatin fragments. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a chromatin array that includes a transfer platform having a support and a transfer surface layered on the support. The chromatin array also includes a plurality of elongated individual native chromatin fragments coupled to the transfer surface in an orderly pattern suitable for high resolution imaging of the plurality of native chromatin fragments. The native chromatin fragments of the chromatin array include both DNA and histones.
US09856501B2
A method for recombinantly expressing a macromolecule in a host cell is disclosed which involves culturing a host cell which contains two nucleic acid sequences, the first encoding a membrane-permeabilizing agent and the second encoding a desired macromolecule under the operative control of an inducible promoter, to a selected cell density that permits accumulation of the agent. Thereafter, the host cell is exposed to environmental conditions that induce the agent to disrupt the integrity of the cell membrane without complete lysis of the cell membrane, which cancels the energized membrane function. The host cell allows transport through the membrane of small molecular weight compounds. These resulting host cells are cultured in the presence of a nutrient cocktail that contains components that can transport through the disrupted cell membrane, e.g., an inducing agent that induces the tightly regulated promoter and metabolic requirements that permit expression of the macromolecule.
US09856499B2
Method of cell culture, comprising adding a redox active compound with a redox potential of between −0.116 to −0.253 to a culture capable of forming hydrogen via a hydrogenase so that the redox potential is diverted from hydrogen to form a longer chain acids, e.g., butryic acid.
US09856495B2
Disclosed herein are methods of controlling insect pests, in particular Leptinotarsa spp. which infest crop plants, and methods of providing plants resistant to such pests. Also disclosed are polynucleotides and recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful in such methods, insecticidal compositions such as topical sprays containing insecticidal double-stranded RNAs, and solanaceous plants with improved resistance to infestation by Leptinotarsa spp. Further disclosed are methods of selecting target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing and control of Leptinotarsa spp.
US09856491B2
The present invention relates to novel hybrid promoters comprising a caulimovirus promoter operably linked to one or more of an EF1α, Act8, Act2 or Act11 promoter. The present invention also relates to novel DNA constructs comprising at least one expression cassette which comprises the hybrid promoter thereof. The present invention further relates to transgenic plants/seeds comprising such DNA constructs.
US09856488B2
According to the present invention, a gene having a novel function that can cause an increase or decrease in seed protein content is searched for. A chimeric protein obtained by fusing a transcription factor consisting of a protein comprising an amino acid sequence shown in any of the even-numbered SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 76 and a functional peptide capable of converting an arbitrary transcription factor into a transcriptional repressor or a transcription factor consisting of a protein comprising an amino acid sequence shown in any of the even-numbered SEQ ID NOS: 77 to 84 is expressed in a plant.
US09856486B2
Trichome specific plant promoters are provided herein. Also provided are transgenic cells and organisms, especially plant cell and plants, comprising such trichome-specific promoter or a chimeric or vector comprising such trichome-specific promoter. The invention further provides methods for expressing nucleic acid sequences in cells and organisms using trichome specific promoters.
US09856482B2
This invention provides a small molecule oligonucleotide aptamer binding to T-2 toxin specifically, and the sequence of the ssDNA aptamer is SEQ ID NO: 1. Through the graphene oxide separation-based Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment, single-stranded oligonucleotide aptamer with high affinity and specific identification of T-2 toxin was obtained in vitro selection. The aptamer has a broad application prospect, which can be used for separation and enrichment of trace T-2 toxin in the sample. It can also be used as a reporter aptamer for the detection of T-2 toxin in food by means of functional groups labeling and other means.
US09856480B2
The invention provides DNAzymes which are capable to silence the expression of EGFR at allele-specific level. These allele-specific DNAzymes against EGFR T790M mutation will knockdown the expression of EGFR T790M mRNA while keeping EGFR wild-type mRNA intact. Hence, these allele-specific DNAzymes against EGFR T790M mutation may overcome T790M-derived TKI resistance accompanied with lower unwanted side effects on normal cells in lung cancer patients.
US09856476B2
The present invention relates, in general, to gene expression and, in particular, to a method of inhibiting the expression of a target gene and to constructs suitable for use in such a method.
US09856474B2
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for blocking the effect of the intronic inhibitory splicing region of intron 7 of the SMN2 gene. The compositions and methods of the instant invention include short oligonucleotide reagents (e.g., oligoribonucleotides) that effectively target sites in the SMN2 pre-mRNA, thereby modulating the splicing of SMN2 pre-mRNA to include exon 7 in the processed transcript. The target regions include a unique RNA structure and a 6-nucleotide long sequence that is essential for initiating a long distance steric inhibitory interaction. The identified region provides a novel target deep within SMN2 intron 7. Intronic targets are highly desirable as annealing of an ASO to an intron does not interfere with translation and transport of mRNA. The invention also provides opportunity to employ a short antisense oligonucleotide or a small compound against the unique RNA structure responsible of SMN2 exon 7 skipping in SMA.
US09856473B2
Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of LMNA in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of target validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders. Further provided are methods of identifying cis splicing regulatory elements of a selected mRNA using the disclosed compounds.
US09856471B2
Disclosed are methods for synthesizing and/or assembling at least one polynucleotide product having a predefined sequence from a plurality of different oligonucleotides. In exemplary embodiments, the methods involve synthesis and/or amplification of different oligonucleotides immobilized on a solid support, release of synthesized/amplified oligonucleotides in solution to form droplets, recognition and removal of error-containing oligonucleotides, moving or combining two droplets to allow hybridization and/or ligation between two different oligonucleotides, and further chain extension reaction following hybridization and/or ligation to hierarchically generate desired length of polynucleotide products.
US09856463B2
Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3′-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.
US09856462B2
The present application describes an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide capable of synchronously binding VEGF polypeptide and placenta growth factor (PIGF) polypeptide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a VEGFR1 component.
US09856458B2
A 3D in vitro bi-phasic cartilage-bone organoid includes a layer of an artificial cartilage tissue, and a layer of an artificial bone tissue comprising a structure-giving scaffold and a bone marrow structure. The layer of the artificial cartilage tissue contacts at least one surface of the layer of the artificial bone tissue.
US09856451B2
Disclosed are: a lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus kunkeei, the bacterium having a higher IgA production inducing activity than that of Lactobacillus strain GG (ATCC53103), and a lower mitogenic activity and a lower IL-2 production inducing activity than those of Listeria strain EGD; and a food composition, a pharmaceutical composition, a cosmetic composition, an immunostimulant for preventing the infection by pathogens or viruses that invade through the respiratory or esophageal mucosa, and an intestinal immunostimulant for preventing or alleviating food poisoning, each of which contains the lactic acid bacterium or treated cells of the lactic acid bacterium.
US09856446B2
The present invention is an apparatus for detecting the presence, quantity and identity of one or more microorganisms in a sample and a method for using the same. The apparatus is composed of one or more chambers and a sensing element for sensing microorganisms. In particular embodiments, the sensing element is an array of chemoresponsive dyes deposited on a substrate in a predetermined pattern combination, wherein the combination of the dyes have a distinct and direct spectroscopic, transmission, or reflectance response to distinct analytes produced by the microorganism which is indicative of the presence, quantity and identity of the microorganism.
US09856444B2
Disclosed herein are methods for producing liquid detergent products using a vessel comprising an inlet, an outlet, an agitation device, and an additive mixing zone disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The method comprises introducing an unstructured liquid detergent precursor into the inlet of the vessel; mixing an additive and the unstructured liquid detergent precursor in an additive mixing zone to form a combined additive detergent; adding a structurant to the combined additive detergent downstream of the additive mixing zone to form a liquid detergent product. The liquid detergent products may be used in a water-soluble pouch, for e.g., a multi-compartment water-soluble pouch.
US09856443B2
A cleaning mixture comprising polymeric resin pellets having a Rockwell R hardness of 85 to 140, water, and a surfactant salt comprising at least one of sulfonate salts, C6 to C36 carboxylic acid salts, or mixtures thereof, is used to purge the mixing device. The cleaning mixture has a pH of 6.0 to 9.0.
US09856439B2
This application relates to thiophene azo dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such thiophene azo dyes, processes for making such thiophene azo dyes, and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The thiophene azo dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. These thiophene azo dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. The thiophene azo dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions.
US09856437B2
The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of polypeptides, in particular Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits an alteration in at least one of the following properties relative to said parent alpha-amylase: substrate specificity, substrate binding, substrate cleavage pattern, thermal stability, pH/activity profile, pH/stability profile, stability towards oxidation, Ca2+ dependency, specific activity, and solubility, in particular under production conditions.
US09856433B2
A composition includes molybdenum disulfide, epoxy binder, and 0.01 to 3 wt % lead. The composition is useful, for example, as dry film lubricant.
US09856426B2
A process and system for producing liquid and gas fuels and other useful chemicals from carbon containing source materials comprises cool plasma gasification and/or pyrolysis of a source material to produce synthesis gas using the produced synthesis gas for the production of a hydrocarbon, methanol, ammonia, urea, and other products. The process and system are capable of sequestering carbon dioxide and reducing NOx and SOx.
US09856423B2
The present invention provides a process for desulfurizing gasoline fraction by solvent extraction: introducing the gasoline fraction into an extraction tower at a lower-middle part thereof, introducing a solvent into the extraction tower at the top thereof, injecting saturated C5 hydrocarbon into a reflux device at the bottom of the extraction tower, wherein the gasoline fraction which is desulfurized flows out from the top of the extraction tower; the solvent that has extracted sulfide, aromatics and C5 hydrocarbon flows out from the bottom of the extraction tower, and is separated into a C5 hydrocarbon-containing light component, a sulfur-rich component, water and the solvent. The present invention also provides a process for deeply desulfurizing catalytic cracking gasoline, which flexibly combines the process described above and an existing desulfurization technology.
US09856416B2
The present invention provides a phosphor, including a constituent having the formula CapSrqMmAaBbOtNn:Zr, in which M selected from the group consisting of magnesium, barium, beryllium and zinc; A selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, indium, scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, gadolinium and lutetium; B selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, tin, titanium, zirconium and hafnium; Z selected from the group consisting of europium and cerium; 0
US09856414B2
Compositions, systems and methods for the prevention or reduction of clumping or sticking of particulate hydraulic fracturing chemical additives. In preferred examples the particulate hydraulic fracturing chemical additives may be coated with, for example, a coating comprising a polymeric component and with or without silica. Inorganic flow agents (IFA) may be applied to the exterior surface of the particulate hydraulic fracturing chemical additives to prevent hardening or clumping of the additives upon storage. Preferably the coating is permeable, but insoluble in an aqueous medium, whereupon the additive components are released into the medium.
US09856410B2
A drilling fluid system using retarded acid systems such as gelled acid (VES or polymer) and/or emulsified acid to drill carbonate formations (calcite and dolomite). Foamed acid may be used in low abnormal pressure carbonate reservoirs. The drilling fluid system permits drilling a target hydrocarbon-producing formation with zero-invasion of the drilling fluid system. A method for using the drilling fluid system for fluid loss control during drilling operations.
US09856403B2
The present application relates to a method of preparing a pressure-sensitive adhesive product and the pressure-sensitive adhesive product. According to the present application, the pressure-sensitive adhesive product having different physical properties on both surfaces, for example, having different peeling strengths on both surfaces, or having a structure in which a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a support are sequentially formed may be efficiently provided.
US09856399B2
The present invention addresses the problem of providing a high-transparency polyimide film in which the thickness-direction phase difference Rth is kept within a predetermined range. The present invention also addresses the problem of providing a polyamic acid and a varnish used to obtain the polyimide film. In order to overcome the aforementioned problem, the present invention is a polyimide film containing a polyimide obtained by bringing about a reaction between a tetracarboxylic dianhydride and a diamine, the polyimide film having (a) a thickness-direction phase difference Rth of −5 to 100 nm per 10 μm of thickness, (b) a transmittance of 80% or more with respect to light having a wavelength of 400 nm, (c) a haze of 3% or less, and (d) a glass transition point of 250° C. or higher.
US09856393B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a copolymer having the characteristic of developing high viscosity, and lowering its viscosity with an increase in rate of shear, particularly a copolymer having the characteristic of developing viscosity, and lowering its viscosity with an increase in rate of shear even in an aqueous coating composition that contains a surfactant. The present invention provides a copolymer obtainable by copolymerization of a monomer component (m) that includes: (m-1), a macromonomer having (i) a backbone that comprises a polymer chain having a number average molecular weight of 1,000 to 10,000 obtainable by polymerizing a monomer component (I) that contains 5 to 100 mass % of a C4-C24 alkyl-containing polymerizable unsaturated monomer (a), and (ii) a polymerizable unsaturated group; and (m-2) a polymerizable unsaturated monomer containing a hydrophilic group.
US09856391B2
A process for preparing a starch dispersion may include combining a feed starch and an aqueous liquid to form a starch slurry. The starch slurry may be subjected to a first degradation treatment to form a first mixture. A temperature of the starch slurry during the first degradation treatment may be less than a gelation temperature. The first mixture may be heated to a temperature between the gelation temperature and a solubilization temperature. The heated first mixture may be subjected to a second degradation treatment to form a second mixture. The second mixture may be sheared to form the starch dispersion.
US09856390B2
A powder for three-dimensional printing including a mixture of soluble adhesive; cement filler including magnesium oxide, and acid additive; and nonreactive ceramic filler. A kit includes a substantially nonaqueous liquid jetting fluid, and a solid powder mixture including soluble adhesive, magnesium oxide, an acid additive, and a nonreactive ceramic filler. A nonaqueous liquid jetting fluid includes up to 50 wt % cosolvents, and an acidic additive. A method for forming a three dimensional article includes providing a layer of a powder mixture including a soluble adhesive, magnesium oxide, an acid additive, and a nonreactive ceramic filler; and applying a substantially nonaqueous liquid jetting fluid including less than 50% water by weight to the powder mixture layer. A solid article formed by three-dimensional printing includes a solidified combination of a powder mixture including soluble adhesive, magnesium oxide, acid additive, and nonreactive ceramic filler; and a substantially nonaqueous liquid jetting fluid.
US09856385B2
The present invention relates to aluminum flakes having a thickness between 7 and 9 nm, coating compositions containing them and the use of the coating compositions for forming (security) products. When the compositions of the present invention are used in coating a hologram the obtained products show an extremely bright OVD image and extremely strong rainbow effect, high purity and contrast.
US09856381B2
A fire-retardant composition includes a first reagent and a second reagent; the first reagent is isolated from the second reagent; and the first reagent and the second reagent are configured to react with each other endothermically.
US09856366B2
Plastic compositions that include one or more plasticizers containing acylated phenolated fatty acid esters and methods for making same are provided. In some examples, the plastic composition can include a polymer and a plasticizer. The polymer can be or include a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinylidene chloride, a cellulose ester, a cellulose ether, a cellulose nitrate, a polyacrylate, a polyurethane, a copolymer thereof, or any mixture thereof. The plasticizer can be or include an acylated phenolated fatty acid monoester, an acylated phenolated fatty acid diester, or a mixture thereof. The plastic composition can include the plasticizer in an amount of about 10 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on a combined weight of the polymer, any acylated phenolated fatty acid monoester, and any acylated phenolated fatty acid diester.
US09856353B2
An optical film including a polymer including a repeating unit A including a repeating unit represented by the following Chemical Formulas 1 to 3, or a combination thereof; and a repeating unit B derived from a monomer having an unsaturated bond copolymerizable with the repeating unit A, wherein the optical film has a short wavelength dispersion of an in-plane phase-difference value (Re) (450 nm/550 nm) ranging from about 0.81 to about 1.20, and a long wavelength dispersion of an in-plane phase-difference value (Re) (650 nm/550 nm) ranging from about 0.90 to about 1.18: wherein, in Chemical Formulas 1 to 3, the variables R1 to R21 are defined herein.
US09856351B2
The invention relates to a method and arrangement of crosslinking or vulcanizing an elongate element, the method including an extrusion step in which a conductor element is coated by a layer of crosslinkable synthetic material and a crosslinking step in which crosslinking reaction is carried out after the extrusion step. The crosslinking reaction is carried out at first in a first heating zone by heating by heating the coated conductor element in a temperature of 550 degrees Celsius or higher. The first heating zone is located downstream of the extrusion step. After the first heating zone the crosslinking reaction is carried further by heating the coated conductor in a temperature of 200-300 degrees Celsius in a second heating zone.
US09856349B2
The present invention provides bimetallic complexes having increased activity in the copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxides. Also provided are methods of using such metal complexes in the synthesis of polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention provides metal complexes comprising an activating species with co-catalytic activity tethered to a multidentate ligand that is coordinated to one or more active metal centers of the complex.
US09856341B2
A polymer including a first repeating unit represented by Formula 1, a second repeating unit represented by Formula 2, and a third repeating unit: wherein R1 to R3, X, and Rf in Formula 1 and R4 to R6, R, and a in Formula 2 are the same as those defined in the detailed description, and wherein the polymer has a glass transition temperature of about 25° C. or less or a Young's modulus of about 10 megaPascals or greater.
US09856327B2
The present invention is directed to novel heterodimeric antibodies.
US09856322B2
The present invention relates to a chimeric receptor capable of signaling both a primary and a co-stimulatory pathway, thus allowing activation of the co-stimulatory pathway without binding to the natural ligand. The cytoplasmic domain of the receptor contains a portion of the 4-1BB signaling domain. Embodiments of the invention relate to polynucleotides that encode the receptor, vectors and host cells encoding a chimeric receptor, particularly including T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and methods of use.
US09856316B2
This disclosure generally relates to antibodies or antibody fragments which specifically bind to M-CSF. In particular antibodies and antibody fragments are disclosed which bind to M-CSF and which inhibit binding of M-CSF to the M-CSF receptor with an IC50 of 10 pM or less. The invention also relates to nucleic acids, vectors and host cells capable of expressing the antibodies or fragments thereof of the invention, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies or fragments thereof and uses of said antibodies or fragments thereof and compositions for treatment of specific diseases.
US09856311B2
Libraries of immunoglobulins which each have one or more amino acid modifications in at least one structural loop region of such immunoglobulins, where the modified loop region specifically binds to an epitope of an antigen to which an unmodified immunoglobulin does not significantly bind.
US09856310B2
The present invention provides UTI fusion proteins, DNA sequences for producing the same, and pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using the same.
US09856303B2
The invention provides peptides and the nucleic acid sequences that encode them. The invention further provides therapeutic, diagnostic and research methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of apoptosis associated disorders.
US09856300B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating Dpy-30 binding activity. The compositions may include peptides or peptidomimetics thereof that are related to radial spoke protein 3 (RSP3) or absent, small, homeotic discs 2-like protein (Ash2L) and that bind to Dumpy-30 protein (Dpy-30).
US09856297B2
The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having improved tolerance to drought, shade, and low nitrogen conditions, as compared to wild-type or reference plants.
US09856296B2
The present invention provides mutant polypeptides useful as hypoallergens. More specifically the present invention provides mutant Bet v 1 proteins and the use of such polypeptides as hypoallergens for desensitizing against birch pollen allergies. Furthermore, the invention provides vaccine formulations comprising such polypeptides; the use of such formulations; and to methods of vaccination against birch pollen allergy.
US09856276B2
In general, the invention features compounds useful for the synthesis of analogs of halichondrin B, such as eribulin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, e.g., eribulin mesylate. Exemplary compounds are of formula (I), (II), or (III):
US09856268B2
Compounds useful as kinase inhibitors are provided herein, as well as salts, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of medical treatment and methods of synthesis thereof.
US09856265B2
Inhibitors of HCV replication of formula (I) and the N-oxides, salts, and stereoisomers, wherein each dashed line represents an optional double bond; X is N, CH and where X bears a double bond it is C; R1 is —OR7, —NH—SO2R8; R2 is hydrogen, and where X is C or CH, R2 may also be C1-6alkyl; R3 is hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxyC1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl; R4 is aryl or Het; n is 3, 4, 5, or 6; R5 is halo, C1-6alkyl, hydroxy, C1-6alkoxy, phenyl, or Het; R6 is C1-6alkoxy, or dimethylamino; R7 is hydrogen; aryl; Het; C3-7cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C1-6alkyl; or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl or with Het; R8 is aryl; Het; C3-7cycloalkyl optionally substituted with C1-6alkyl; or C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl or with Het; aryl is phenyl optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents; Het is a 5 or 6 membered saturated, partially unsaturated or completely unsaturated heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and being optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents; pharmaceutical compositions containing compounds (I) and processes for preparing compounds (I). Bioavailable combinations of the inhibitors of HCV of formula (I) with ritonavir are also provided.
US09856259B2
Heterocyclic compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions containing such a compound and their therapeutic uses.
US09856258B2
A compound of Formula I: wherein, R1 and R2 independently are selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted (6-10C)aryl and (1-5C)heteroaryl groups. The compounds can be used in pharmaceutical compositions, in particular in the treatment of cancer.
US09856244B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): or a stereoisomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all of the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are monoacylglycerol acyltransferase type 2 (MGAT2) inhibitors which may be used as medicaments.
US09856236B2
The invention relates to new quinoxaline derivative compounds of formula (I), to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, to processes for the preparation of said compounds and to the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases, e.g. cancer.
US09856234B2
The present invention relates to a heterocyclic compound of the general formula (I) and their use and preparation, methods of making the compounds, compositions containing at least one of said compounds, and methods of treatment using at least one compound. In particular, compounds of the general formula (I) are useful for inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3).
US09856230B2
The present subject matter relates generally to compounds having the formula (I): wherein each of X, Y, R1, R2, R3, R4, and n are as defined herein. Compounds of formula (I) may act as inhibitors of the thioredoxin reductase enzyme system. The subject matter also relates to use, formulation and preparation of the compounds. The compounds may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory and oxidative diseases and conditions. The compounds may also provide useful anti-proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects.
US09856225B2
The present invention provides novel phenazine derivatives, such as compounds of Formula (I) and (II), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of the invention are expected to be antimicrobial agents and may act by a microbial warfare strategy (e.g., a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-based competition strategy). The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, kits, uses, and methods that involve the compounds of the invention and may be useful in preventing or treating a microbial infection (e.g., a bacterial infection) in a subject, inhibiting the growth and/or reproduction of a microorganism (e.g., a bacterium), killing a microorganism (e.g., a bacterium), inhibiting the formation and/or growth of a biofilm, or reducing or clearing a biofilm.
US09856224B2
A very stable, selective and renally safe sodium channel blocker represented by the formula: The invention also includes a variety of compositions, combinations and methods of treatment using this inventive sodium channel blocker.
US09856220B2
The present invention relates to compounds which are inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 10A and to their use for the manufacture of a medicament and which thus are suitable for treating or controlling of medical disorders selected from neurological disorders and psychiatric disorders, for ameliorating the symptoms associated with such disorders and for reducing the risk of such disorders. wherein X1 is CH or N, X2 is C—R5 or N, Y is O or S, R1 is inter alia C2-C8-alkyl, C2-C8-alkenyl, C1-C4-fluoroalkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, C5-C8-cycloalkyl carrying a fused benzene ring, or a moiety Z1—Ar1; R2 is a radical of the formula CR21R22R23 or phenyl or 5- or 6-membered hetaryl having 1, 2 or 3 heteroatoms as ring members which are selected from O, S and N, where phenyl and monocyclic hetaryl are unsubstituted or may carry 1, 2 or 3 identical or different substituents Ra, R3 is inter alia hydrogen, C1-C8-alkyl, C2-C8-alkenyl, C1-C4-fluoroalkyl, C3-C8-cycloalkyl, etc, or R2 and R3 together with the nitrogen atom, to which they are bound form an optionally substituted saturated 5- to 7-membered heterocyclic ring which, in addition to the nitrogen atom, may have 1 or 2 further heteroatoms or heteroatom containing groups selected from the group of O, N, S, SO and SO2; R4 is inter alia C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-fluoroalkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl-C1-C4-alkyl or Z4—Ar4; R5 is inter alia hydrogen, halogen, C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-fluoroalkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy, C1-C4-fluoroalkoxy, —Z5—Ar5, —O—Z5—Ar5, etc; where Z1 to Z5, Ar1 to Ar5, Ra, R21, R22, and R23 are as defined in the claims.
US09856211B2
This invention pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising certain carbamic acid compounds (e.g., which inhibit HDAC (histone deacetylase) activity) (e.g., PXD-101, N hydroxyl-3-(3-phenylsulfamoyl-phenyl)-acrylamide)) and one or more additional ingredients selected from cyclodextrin, arginine, and meglumine. The present invention also pertains to the use of such compositions, for example, in the inhibition of HDAC, and in the treatment of conditions mediated by HDAC, cancer, proliferative conditions, psoriasis, etc.
US09856207B2
The invention relates to a new process for the production and/or purification of the salt of the compound (S)-2-[4-(2-fluorobenzyloxy) benzylamino]propanamide, i.e. ralfinamide, or the respective R-enantiomer, with methane sulfonic acid in high yields and very high enantiomeric and chemical purity in the form of the crystalline anhydrous polymorph identified as form A, wherein said salt is substantially free from impurities having genotoxic effect, such as (C1-C5)alkanylmethanesulfonates, and residual solvents known as potential precursors thereof, such as (C1-C5)alkanols or esters thereof with lower alkanoic acids.
US09856206B2
The present invention includes bis- and tris-benzamide compounds that block AR signaling and have anticancer activity. Uses for these compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, also are provided.
US09856205B2
The invention “Method for selective synthesis of N-methyl-para-anisidine” relates to chemical technology processes, namely to catalytic alkylation of aromatic amines and nitro compounds.The invention relates to the method for synthesis of N-methyl-para-anisidine (N-methyl-para-methoxyaniline; N-methyl-para-amino anisole) from para-anisidine (para-amino anisole; para-methoxyaniline) or para-nitro anisole (1-methoxy-4-nitrobenzene) and methanol in the presence of hydrogen or without hydrogen on heterogeneous catalyst.Proposed method permits to use existing process plants used for obtaining aniline and 14-methylaniline.The invention purpose is to provide the possibility to produce N-methyl-para-anisidine with purity at least 98% and high output that allows arrangement of highly profitable industry-scale manufacturing process.
US09856203B2
The invention relates to a process for the isolation of levulinic acid from an organic solution, comprising washing said organic solution with an alkaline aqueous stream to yield a washed organic solution; subjecting the washed organic solution to a distillation to yield a distillate and a distillation residue; and recovering levulinic acid from the distillate or the residue. This process may result in high yields of levulinic acid.
US09856201B2
The present disclosure relates, in general, to 5-halo-3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid compounds, 5-halo-3,6-dichlorosalicyaldehyde compounds, processes for preparing 5-halo-3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid compounds, processes for preparing 5-halo-3,6-dichlorosalicyaldehyde compounds, processes for preparing 3,6-dichlorosalicylic acid compounds, and processes that employ such compounds as intermediates in the preparation of the herbicide dicamba.
US09856193B2
The production of 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)cyclobutane (TFMCB). More specifically, the present invention relates to a process for making 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)cyclobutane via a continuous catalytic reaction from commercially available raw materials ethylene and hexafluoropropene.
US09856173B2
Stable emulsions of silicone terminated polyethers and silicone resins are used to prepare one-component grout with very good mechanical properties gained within a short time after the grout cures by adding a proportion of aggregate to the emulsions.
US09856170B2
A plaster-based material, in particular a plasterboard intended for the interior fitting of dwellings, contains a mixture of casein and active charcoal. The plaster-based material is used for reducing the amount of volatile organic compounds present in the atmosphere inside dwellings, offices or public buildings.
US09856168B2
Turning motion of gypsum slurry spouting onto a sheet of paper for a gypsum board liner is restricted for preventing maldistribution, deviation or irregular dispersion from occurring in the density distribution of the slurry on the sheet of paper. A mixing and stirring device for gypsum slurry has a circular casing forming a mixing area, a rotary disc positioned in the casing, and a tubular passage for feeding the slurry onto the sheet of paper for the gypsum board liner. A chute has a fluid passage portion with its cross section being non-axisymmetric with respect to a center axis of the tubular passage, or a fluid passage portion varying a position of the center axis of the tubular passage by a change or lateralization of the cross section of fluid passage.
US09856162B2
A glass melting tank comprising at least one front part for introducing the charge material, and at least one charging device. To reduce atmospheric heat losses and reduce dust transport into the upper furnace of the tank, and nevertheless to intensify the heating of the charge material, the front part has a length “LV” of at least 2,250 mm in the direction of the melting tank, and a length “LG” of at least 1,200 mm is provided with an insulating roof. An end wall near the charging device, together with the roof, encloses a gas chamber open toward the melting tank. A characteristic value “K” of 3.50 tonnes (t) per hour and per square meter of surface is not exceeded. The characteristic value is calculated from P/F, where P is the throughput per hour in tonnes (t) and F is the inner surface of the front part in m.
US09856159B2
Polymer flocculants are described comprising blends of high molecular weight polyethylene oxide and high molecular polyacrylamides. When introduced in desired amounts and with desired molecular weight ranges, excellent flocculation function is found that can be used to reduce polymer consumption to obtain a desired purity of clarified waste water. It has been found that the desirable polymer blends can be effectively added upstream from locations in which polyethylene oxide would generally be added so that the polymer blend can effectively mix with the slime flow to reduce or eliminate the need for excess polymer use to compensate for less effective mixing with the slime flow. Suitable waste treatment systems are described to provide for the delivery of the flocculants in the waste treatment process.
US09856126B2
A water dispenser includes a filter unit filtering raw water supplied from a raw water supply unit to produce purified water, a cold water tank assembly cooling purified water to produce cold water, a refrigerating cycle device maintaining cooling water filled in a cooling water accommodation unit at a low temperature, a cooling water flow channel supplying water to the cooling water accommodation unit, a flow rate sensor measuring a flow rate of water supplied to the cooling water accommodation unit, a stirrer to stir the cooling water filled in the cooling water accommodation unit, and a controller determining whether cooling water has been filled up to a reference water level on the basis of a rotation speed of the stirrer per unit time.
US09856117B2
A lifting arm assembly for lifting an elongate element includes a lifting arm comprising a complementary fastener and at least one fastening element, and a holder for at least one tool which comprises a first complementary fastening device. The holder is configured to be replaceable. The holder comprises a suspension device configured to fasten to the complementary fastener on the lifting arm, and at least one first receiving device configured to cooperate with the first complementary fastening device on the at least one tool.
US09856113B2
An elevator includes a first elevator unit vertically movable in a hoistway; a second elevator unit vertically movable in a hoistway; a suspension roping including one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes interconnecting the first elevator unit and the second elevator unit; a drive wheel for moving said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes; a plurality of cambered diverting wheels; said one or more belt-shaped suspension ropes each passing around the drive wheel and comprising consecutively a first rope section extending between the drive wheel and the first elevator unit; and a second rope section extending between the drive wheel and the second elevator unit wherein both rope sections diverge from the drive wheel towards the same lateral side thereof, the first rope section passing over a first cambered diverting wheel, in particular resting against a cambered circumferential surface area thereof, and therefrom down to the first elevator unit, and the second rope section passing over a second cambered diverting wheel, in particular resting against cambered circumferential surface area thereof, and therefrom down to the second elevator unit.
US09856101B2
A sheet conveying device includes: a skew detection section configured to detect a tilt of a sheet to be conveyed; two skew correction roller sections that are arranged side by side in a sheet width direction and are independently able to be driven; a downstream-side conveying roller section arranged at a downstream side of the skew correction roller sections in a sheet conveying direction; and a control section configured to control conveying operations of the skew correction roller sections based on a detection result of the skew detection section, wherein at least one of the skew correction roller sections is configured to be movable in the sheet width direction, and the control section moves at least one of the skew correction roller sections outward in the sheet width direction at predetermined timing.
US09856100B2
A sheet guiding mechanism includes a pair of first rotators and a pair of second rotators provided in a conveying path for a sheet material, a first sheet guide portion, a second sheet guide portion, a shaft member, and a plurality of guide rollers. The first sheet guide portion and the second sheet guide portion form guide surfaces for the sheet material on both sides of the conveying path. Both end portions of the shaft member extending along a width direction are supported by the second sheet guide portion. The guide rollers are in contact with the sheet material conveyed in the conveying path, and rotate to follow the sheet material. The shaft member is bent by a pressure applied from the sheet material to the guide rollers when a tension is applied to the sheet material between the pair of first rotators and the pair of second rotators.
US09856094B2
An adjustable container handling device for handling containers, such as beverage bottles, comprising at least a turntable, format parts, and a star wheel conveyor comprising pockets.
US09856089B2
An accumulating portal conveyor comprises a conveyor belt, a frame for supporting and guiding the belt, which frame includes a first helical path and a second helical path spaced from the first helical path, a bridging path and a return path. Under operating conditions the belt successively follows the first helical path upwardly, the bridging path, the second helical path downwardly and the return path, and such that in transverse direction of an upright plane through central centerlines of the first and second helical paths. The bridging path includes a static part having a fixed position with respect to the helical paths and a dynamic portion displaceable in transverse direction of the upright plane to change the path length of the belt. At least a portion of the return path is displaceable for compensating the change of the path length of the belt at the bridging path.
US09856088B1
An idler support assembly is configured to support a conveyor belt thereon. The idler support assembly includes a frame having a first end and a second end, and a first idler roller coupled to the frame between the first and second ends. The first idler roller is configured to rotate about a first roller axis. The idler support assembly also includes a second idler roller coupled to the frame between the first and second ends. The second idler roller is configured to rotate about a second roller axis. The idler support assembly further includes a first base pivotably coupled to the first end of the frame about a first pivot axis, and an adjustable support selectively coupled to the second end of the frame in a plurality of positions. Each of the plurality of positions defines an angle in which the frame extends relative to the first base.
US09856066B2
Modular element for storage basin construction, supporting structure, method of construction thereof
The invention relates to modular elements for building a storage basin, to a network obtained by assembling a plurality of modular elements, to a supporting structure, to a storage basin and to a process for obtaining a storage basin. The modular element according to the invention is provided in the interior with a network element constituted by main half joints (10), secondary half joints (11) and tertiary half joints (10), vertical channels (8,15), oblique channels (9), compartments (18), and is provided with joint elements (16,17). The network comprises horizontal annular channels and main, secondary and tertiary joints connected by vertical and oblique channels. The storage basin comprises a supporting structure at the interior of an insulating structure obtained by assembling the modular elements. The process for obtaining a storage basin comprises the assemblage of the modular elements and casting the hardening material in the network obtained by assembling the modular elements, forming the supporting structure.
US09856061B2
A low profile, wrappable spacer and method for maintaining a pair of elongate members in fixed, spaced relation to one another is provided. The wrappable spacer includes a flexible elongate body having oppositely facing inner and outer faces extending along laterally spaced, lengthwise extending edges between opposite ends. The inner face has an adhesive surface. At least one member extends between the edges transversely to the lengthwise extending edges. The member extends outwardly from the adhesive surface, wherein the adhesive surface is configured for adhesion to at least one of the member, the elongate members or the outer face.
US09856059B2
A container includes a sidewall circumscribing a central longitudinal axis and a rim terminating the sidewall. The rim includes a radially outer surface, a radially inner surface, and a sealing lip extending between the radially outer and inner surfaces. The sealing lip has a radially innermost portion, and an axially outermost portion disposed radially outboard with respect to the radially innermost portion. A package includes a foil coupled to the sealing lip.
US09856051B2
A container including a reservoir to store a dispensable material and an elongated neck that extends from the reservoir and that terminates at a distal end. The container also includes a frangible region intermediate the reservoir and the distal end of the elongated neck. The frangible region is fracturable in response to a predetermined force applied to the distal end to create opening in the elongated neck through which the material can be dispensed from the reservoir. The container further includes a guard disposed adjacent the elongated neck to inhibit inadvertent fracture of the frangible region absent the predetermined force.
US09856039B2
A spacecraft system may include a storage portion (e.g., a first portion and a second portion) and a solar array apparatus that may be configurable in at least a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The solar array apparatus may include at least one solar array to collect incident radiation when the solar array apparatus is in the deployed configuration. In one or more embodiments, the at least one solar array may extend away from the storage portion. In one or more embodiments, the at least one solar array may extend between the first portion and the second portion. The solar array apparatus may also include an extendable boom operable to extend the at least one solar array apparatus from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.
US09856033B2
A method of recycling motor power of a movable object is provided to recycle and redistribute power from at least one motor in a decelerating state. The method comprises determining whether an operating state of at least one motor of the movable object is a decelerating state, and recycling power from the at least one motor having a decelerating state. The method also comprises redistributing the recycled power to other power consuming components of the movable object. The method of present invention increases the energy efficiency and a battery life of the movable object. The movable object may be an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
US09856032B2
A method and device for controlling at least one actuator control system of an aircraft, an associated computer program product and aircraft are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes determining a variation in thrust of the aircraft for controlling a variable relating to the aircraft relative to a set point, calculating a first control command signal to be sent to an engine control system in order to obtain the variation in thrust, and transmitting the first control command signal to the engine control system. The controlled variable can be an acceleration along a direction taken by a speed vector among the air speed vector and the ground speed vector and the set point can be an acceleration set point along the direction.
US09856031B2
An aircraft with a turbofan engine including an engine body and a fan, wherein the turbofan engine is supported on an airframe via a pylon, an igniter cable is interposed between an ignition plug of the engine and an ignition control unit that controls power supply to the ignition plug, and at least a part of the igniter cable is passed through an inside of the pylon.
US09856025B2
The present invention generally relates to passenger aircraft seats. The disclosure focuses on a seat unit arrangement (10) for a cabin and seat units that provide different comfort positions. In some embodiments, a side cushion (14) forms part of a bed surface when the seats are converted to a bed position. In some embodiments, a bed extension (30) is deployed from a stowed position to form a part of the bed surface. In some embodiments, a seat backrest (22) does not form part of the bed surface when the seat unit is in the bed position. In some embodiments, a lounge position is provided when the seat backrest rotates toward a side cushion. In such an embodiment, the passenger may be positioned toward the side cushion such that the passenger may comfortably rest their legs on the side cushion without converting the seat to a bed position.
US09856023B1
An apparatus for cleaning a waste line of an aircraft includes: a source of cleaning solution; a hose in fluid communication with the source of cleaning solution; and a nozzle secured to a distal end of the hose and defining one or more holes for expelling the cleaning solution into a waste line. The nozzle may be provided with a protective cover composed of a plastic material that fits over and engages a distal tip of the nozzle and/or a protective ring composed of a plastic material that fits around and engages a central body of the nozzle. The apparatus may further include a connection assembly defining a first port being configured to be connected to the waste line, a second port being configured to receive the hose and the nozzle, and a third port being configured to be connected to a vacuum pump.
US09856022B2
Provided are stowage bin systems for use on aircrafts and other like vehicles. A stowage bin system may include two disjoint supporting panels and a stowage bin bucket disposed between and pivotally supported by these panels after installation. The supporting panels may be attached to vertical frame members and, in some embodiments, to other frame members, such as adjacent vertical frame members or to horizontal frame members. In some embodiments, a supporting panel may include a gusset extending substantially normal to the main surfaces of the panel. The gusset may provide additional rigidity to the panel and, in some embodiments, include one or more open channels for attaching to a horizontal frame member. The supporting panels transfer all loads generated during operation of the aircraft from the stowage bin bucket and to the fuselage or, more specifically, to vertical and other frame members.
US09856020B1
A method, system, and/or computer program product ameliorates mosquito populations. A flying drone is deployed over an area. Sensor readings that identify a presence of water in the area are received, and one or more processors determine a confidence level L that the water in the area is stagnant water. The processor(s) also determine a risk R of mosquito larvae being present in the stagnant water based on the confidence level L. The flying drone is then directed to perform an amelioration action against the mosquito larvae based on the values of L and R.
US09856014B2
A fairing drive assembly couples a flap assembly of a wing of an aircraft to a fairing of the wing. The fairing drive assembly may include a fairing cam including a first joint and a second joint, and a flap link pivotally coupled to the first joint of the fairing cam and the flap assembly. A fairing drive arm is pivotally coupled to the second joint and the fairing. The fairing cam is configured to rotate upon actuation of the flap assembly and deflect the fairing away from the flap assembly.
US09856012B2
A morphing wing for an aircraft includes first and second structural ribs with four active members and four passive members connected therebetween. First and second active members and third and fourth active members attach at first and second positions. The first and third active members and the second and fourth active members attach at third and fourth positions. A first passive member connects between third and fifth positions. A second passive member connects between second and seventh positions. A third passive member connects between fourth and sixth positions. A fourth passive member connects between first and eighth positions. Adjustment of the four active members morphs the wing from a first configuration to a second configuration. The first and second positions are at corners of a first quadrilateral diagonally opposite to one another. The four passive members attach to the first structural rib at the corners of the first quadrilateral.
US09856011B2
Methods of joining a first aerostructure part with a second aerostructure part are disclosed, for example, methods of joining an airplane wing or control surface to an airplane fuselage or joining fins to a rocket body. The method comprises aligning a plurality of connection elements in a linear array within the second aerostructure part, wherein the connection elements comprise a plurality of flexible connection elements and at least one rigid connection element, and attaching the first aerostructure part to the second aerostructure part at a plurality of connection points with the plurality of connection elements. The second aerostructure part expands linearly at a greater rate when exposed to heat than the first aerostructure part resulting in a difference in linear distance between the first aerostructure part and the second aerostructure part and the flexible connection elements are configured to flex to accommodate for this linear distance difference.
US09856010B2
A row formed by a plurality of windshield fasteners, which fasten an outboard retainer, a panel, and an inboard retainer of a windshield of an aircraft, along a peripheral edge part of the windshield panel includes a first fastener, which is disposed at a predetermined position, and a pair of second fasteners, which is disposed in alignment with the row, one on each side of the first fastener. A plate, which is fastened along with the windshield panel by the first fastener and the pair of second fasteners, is disposed on the inboard retainer on the inside of the aircraft. The first fastener can be attached to or detached from a fixing nut, which is fixed on the plate, from the outside of the aircraft, and can be replaced with a suspension fastener on which a wire to be mounted on the windshield can be fitted.
US09856009B2
A manufacturing method of a reinforcing structure includes: preparing a stringer having a fiber exposure surface; arranging an insulation protection material to cover at least a part of the fiber exposure surface; arranging the stringer on a skin having an uncured resin component; and curing the skin after the arranging the stringer. The insulation protection material includes a composite material having a resin component and an insulative fiber component. The curing the skin includes curing the skin and the insulation protection material at the same time. In the manufacturing method of a reinforcing structure, an edge glow discharge can be prevented without increasing a manufacturing process.
US09856006B2
A method of reducing vibration in a rotary system (120, 130, 140) of a watercraft, for example a cargo ship (100), comprising balancing said rotary system (120, 130, 140), characterized by providing a rotational element (300, 302-306) comprising a chamber (310-312) having a fulcrum on a rotational axis (340) of said rotational element (300, 302-306), comprising a circumferential balancing area (320) and being partially filled with an amount of a thixotropic balancing substance (330). A corresponding apparatus and system.
US09856000B1
A universal mounting system for mounting an accessory to a watersport board has at least one mounting plate. The mounting plate has a bottom surface adapted to be mounted to the watersport board, and a top surface. A first track and a second track are integrated with the mounting plate. At least one slider fastener is adapted to cooperate with each of the first and second tracks. The slider fasteners are further adapted to secure the accessory to the mounting plate in a predetermined position.
US09855987B2
A vehicle body frame structure of a straddle-type vehicle comprises a head pipe into which a steering shaft connected to a handle is inserted; and a pair of main frames extending rearward and outward in a vehicle width direction from the head pipe in such a manner that the main frames are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. Each of the main frames includes an upper frame extending rearward from an upper portion of the head pipe, and a lower frame extending rearward from a lower portion of the head pipe. Between the upper frame and the lower frame, a retraction space which is located inward in the vehicle width direction relative to an end portion of the handle in a turn operation state is provided.
US09855981B1
An active side vent system for a vehicle can include a housing disposed in a side vent opening defined by a recessed surface in a rear portion of a front fender of the vehicle, a set of louvers disposed in the housing and configured to pivot such that (i) in an open position, none of the set of louvers extends beyond an outer surface of the front fender and (ii) in a closed position, the set of louvers are substantially flush with the recessed surface of the front fender, and an actuator configured to control the pivoting of the set of louvers.
US09855976B2
A mounting member for an actuator of a machine is disclosed. The actuator has a cylinder defining a longitudinal direction and a motor disposed adjacent to a mounting end of the cylinder. The actuator has a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation about the longitudinal direction with respect to the mounting member. The motor is disposed proximal to the mounting member in the first angular orientation and disposed distal to the mounting member in the second angular orientation. The mounting member includes a base portion to couple to a frame of the machine and a bracket portion extending from the base portion. The bracket portion is coupled to the mounting end of the cylinder. The mounting member further includes a guide portion extending from the base portion to prevent coupling of the actuator to the bracket portion in the first angular orientation.
US09855966B2
The present invention is a sharpening tool and sharpening system for sharpening snowmobile carbide wear rails and studs and a kit of parts that includes the sharpening tool and a steering member having a carbide wear rail. The sharpening tool is attachable to the chuck of a hand held drill and includes a shaft attachable to the chuck of the hand held drill and cylindrical head affixed to the shaft. The cylindrical head includes a rail groove surfaced in an abrasive material for sharpening wear rails.
US09855962B1
A locking floor folding cart has a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a folding frame. The folding frame includes a front frame supported by the pair of front wheels, and a rear frame supported by the pair of rear wheels. A front floor member is hinged to a rear floor member at a middle floor joint. The front floor member is also hinged to the front frame, and the rear floor member is also hinged to the rear frame. A floor crossbar supports the middle floor joint, the front floor member, and the rear floor member. A primary sidewall assembly supports the floor crossbar. The primary sidewall assembly includes a front floor crossbar support and a rear floor crossbar support. The front floor crossbar support is hinged to the rear floor crossbar support at a floor crossbar connector.
US09855961B2
A railroad locomotive monitoring system configuration system for a plurality of trains comprising: a monitoring system, and an on-board computer programmed or configured to: determine or receive railroad locomotive data; determine or receive railroad operation data; determine or receive configuration data; and based at least partially on at least a portion of the railroad locomotive data, at least a portion of the railroad operation data, and at least a portion of the configuration data, automatically configure at least one setting of the at least one component of the monitoring system.
US09855952B2
A control device for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, an accessory, a continuously variable transmission, and a lock-up clutch. The control device includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to: when the load state is less than a predetermined value, control the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission and the rotational speed of the engine such that the rotational speed of the engine during engagement of the lock-up clutch is kept at a first rotational speed; and when the load state is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, control the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission and the rotational speed of the engine such that the rotational speed of the engine during engagement of the lock-up clutch becomes a second rotational speed higher than the first rotational speed.
US09855949B2
A vehicle speed limiter system installed on a vehicle includes a detection unit to detect a speed limit value of a road while the vehicle is traveling; a setting unit to set the speed limit value; a limiter unit to limit the vehicle speed, based on the speed limit value; an obtainment unit to obtain a stepping amount on an accelerator pedal; a calculation unit to calculate a parameter depending on the stepping amount in a state where the vehicle speed is being limited by the limiter unit; and a display unit to display information based on the parameter, in a case where a speed limit value newly detected by the detection unit is greater than the speed limit value previously set by the setting unit, before the setting unit sets the speed limit value newly detected.
US09855948B2
A vehicle control device includes: a lane departure prevention unit configured to control an execution of a traveling control of preventing a vehicle from departing from a lane; a gripping detection unit configured to detect a state where a steering wheel is gripped; and a collision detection unit configured to detect a state where the vehicle collides an object. In a case where the collision detection unit does not detect a collision during the traveling control, the lane departure prevention unit does not interrupt the traveling control at a time the steering wheel is gripped, and interrupts the traveling control at a time the steering wheel is not gripped. In a case where the collision detection unit detects the collision, the lane departure prevention unit does not interrupt the traveling control at the time the steering wheel is gripped or at the time the steering wheel is not gripped.
US09855946B2
A method and a device for avoiding a collision of a motor vehicle with at least one other object which approaches the motor vehicle in such a way that a collision between the motor vehicle and the approaching object is imminent, a friction coefficient variable being ascertained which represents the friction coefficient potential of the motor vehicle, and at least one action for avoiding and/or reducing the consequences of a collision between the motor vehicle and the approaching object being carried out as a function of the friction coefficient variable.
US09855943B2
The present disclosure provides a hybrid electric vehicle, a drive control method and a drive control device of a hybrid electric vehicle. The drive control method includes: obtaining a current gear position and a current operating mode of the hybrid electric vehicle, a current electric charge level of a power battery and a slope of a road on which the hybrid electric vehicle is driving; determining whether the hybrid electric vehicle is within a taxiing start-stop interval according to the current gear position of the hybrid electric vehicle, the current electric charge level of the power battery, and the slope of the road; if the hybrid electric vehicle is within the taxiing start-stop interval, obtaining a current speed of the hybrid electric vehicle; and causing the hybrid electric vehicle to enter a small load stop mode or a small load stall mode according to the current speed.
US09855941B2
A control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a stop-restart unit that stops an engine if an engine stop condition is satisfied and restarts the engine if a restart condition is satisfied; a first braking force control unit and a second braking force control unit that maintain a braking force for stopping the vehicle; and an engine start unit that starts the engine in the case where a vehicle stop state achieved by the first braking force control unit is switched to a vehicle stop state achieved by the second braking force control unit while the engine is stopped by the stop-restart unit.
US09855939B2
An air brake valve designed to remove the air from a vehicle air brake system in order to apply parking brakes in a manner to prevent unauthorized release of said brakes, and to achieve regulatory pre-trip and D.O.T. inspection of system low pressure warning indicator as well as regulatory after trip parking procedures for school busses.
US09855934B2
An electric brake system with a parking function is configured to actuate an electric motor when there exists a request to apply a parking brake. With the motor being actuated, the electric brake system moves a locking pin from an unlocking position to a parking/locking position. The electric brake system is further configured to prohibit the actuation of the electric motor even if the brake pedal is operated while the vehicle is at a stop and when the parking brake operation has stopped.
US09855933B2
A vehicle control system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, the vehicle speed control system being operable to receive an input signal corresponding to a rate of change of an angle of pitch of the vehicle, pitch rate, the system being operable to command a change in an amount of torque applied to at least one of the plurality of wheels in dependence on the pitch rate.
US09855926B2
Methods and systems are provided for cleaning systems of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes: a floor mat; a vacuum system integrated with the floor mat, the vacuum system comprising a port, one or more ducts, and one or more openings integrated with the floor mat; and a control module that selectively activates suction of the vacuum system based on a detection of a level of uncleanliness of the vehicle.
US09855925B2
A system includes a dome, a wiper assembly, a position sensor and a control device. The wiper assembly includes a wiper blade configured to rotate around the dome. The position sensor may be configured to send a signal to a control device when a wiper blade passes the position sensor. The control device may include one or more processors configured to receive the signal from the position sensor and determine a location of the wiper blade relative to the dome based on the received signal.
US09855917B2
A communication apparatus for communicating with both of a vehicle control device, which performs vehicle control preliminary set in a vehicle when authentication with an authentication device carried by a user is successful, and a portable device, which functions as the authentication device, the communication apparatus also functioning as the authentication device, the communication apparatus includes: a to-portable-device communicator that performs wireless communication with the portable device when performing authentication with the vehicle control device; and an authenticator that performs authentication with the vehicle control device when wireless communication with the portable device is established.
US09855913B2
An airbag apparatus includes airbag having a vent hole formed therein, an inflator configured to emit gas for inflating the airbag, and a chamber configured to accommodate the inflator therein inside the airbag, the chamber having at least one discharge aperture for discharging gas emitted from the inflator to an inside of the airbag, and having a wall part configured to guide the emitted gas to the discharge aperture, wherein an external surface of the wall part is configured to partially cover the vent hole upon collapse of the chamber toward the vent hole.
US09855912B2
The present invention provides an airbag module (1) in particular for a front passenger (21, 23) of a vehicle, comprising an inflatable bag (3) having at least a first outer panel (33) and a second outer panel (35) arranged substantially symmetrically to each other with regard to a vertical middle plane (M) of the inflated bag. The airbag is characterised in that the inflatable bag (3) comprises a strap structure (5) substantially located between the first and second outer panels (33, 35), wherein the strap structure (5) is designed such that the bag is extendable from a first state having a first size to a second state having a second size depending on the size of the respective passenger and/or the kind of impact.
US09855910B2
A mounting device (10) for a folded airbag, especially for a folded side airbag, is provided comprising a base plate (12), a clamping portion (14) encompassing the airbag in ring shape and a fixing plate (16) adjacent to the clamping portion (14). The fixing plate (16) and the base plate (12) exhibit a first and, resp., a second contact surface (32, 34) which are directly superimposed in the mounted condition. Furthermore an airbag module comprising a mounting device (10) is suggested.
US09855909B2
An airbag apparatus includes a connection clip disposed between a steering wheel and a mounting plate of an airbag; an airbag fastening part formed on the mounting plate, and having the connection clip mounted thereon; and a steering wheel fastening part formed on the steering wheel, and snap-fit fastened to the connection clip mounted on the airbag fastening part.
US09855904B2
A motor vehicle includes a generator, electric consuming devices, a first electric energy storage device and a second energy storage device connected in parallel with the first energy storage device. The two electric energy storage devices, in a storage range, have at least partially overlapping characteristic open-circuit voltage curves. The first energy storage device has a first state-of-charge-dependent characteristic charging internal-resistance curve. The second energy storage device has a second state-of-charge-dependent characteristic charging internal-resistance curve. The first energy storage device has a first state-of-charge-dependent characteristic discharging internal-resistance curve and the second energy storage device has a second state-of-charge-dependent characteristic discharging internal-resistance curve. The first characteristic charging internal-resistance curve extends over an entire relative state-of-charge range in the direction of higher resistances above the second characteristic charging internal-resistance curve. The first characteristic discharging internal-resistance curve extends over an entire relative state-of-charge range in the direction of higher resistances below the second characteristic discharging internal-resistance curve. The two energy storage devices are interconnected with one another in a voltage-neutral manner.
US09855903B1
An electrical contactor assembly includes an electrical contactor, a post in electrical communication with the electrical contactor, an insulator body, and a heat sink. The insulator body is in intimate mechanical contact with the post. The heat sink is in intimate mechanical contact with the insulator body and is in thermal communication with the electrical contactor through the post and the insulator body such that heat flowing between contactor and the heat sink flows through the post and the insulator body.
US09855900B2
A motor vehicle has at least one side door that is usable for different body variants. At least one passage opening is provided on an underside of a lower longitudinal section of a door body, which underside faces the vehicle interior, in which passage opening either a closure component is arranged or an additional trim component is fastened by way of a fastening device.
US09855899B2
An apparatus for mounting a free-standing display element is disclosed herein. The apparatus is u-shaped, and provides a joint that allows movement in a rotational manner to and from the viewer of the display. The mounting may occur in a motor vehicle. In response to force being applied to the display, the apparatus is configured to either maintain (or lock into a position), or allow movement along the rotational axis.
US09855890B2
Arrangements relate to the interaction between an autonomous vehicle and an external environment of the autonomous vehicle. Such interaction can occur in various ways. For example, a non-verbal human gesture in the external environment can be detected. The non-verbal human gesture can be identified. A future driving maneuver can be determined based on the identified non-verbal human gesture. The autonomous vehicle can be caused to implement the determined future driving maneuver. As another example, the external environment of the autonomous vehicle can be detected to identify a person (e.g. a human pedestrian, a human bicyclist, a human driver or occupant of another vehicle, etc.) therein. The identified person can be located. It can be determined whether the person is potentially related to a future driving maneuver of the autonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle can be caused to send a directional message to the person.
US09855888B1
A vehicle applique is provided that includes a decorative layer and an over-mold positioned over the decorative layer. The over-mold is substantially transparent. A semiconductor layer is positioned on an opposite side of the decorative layer from the over-mold. The semiconductor layer is configured to emit light through the decorative layer.
US09855882B2
A product may include a base that may have a first face and an opposite second face. An anchor may be connected to the first face. A pivot may be provided for the base so that the base may be turned on the pivot. The base may be moveable to a first position where the first face may face in a first direction where the first face may be revealed and the second face may be concealed. The base may be moveable to a second position where the second face may face in the first direction where the first face may be concealed and the second face may be revealed.
US09855881B2
A vehicle gutter spout cover comprising: a receptacle with a generally smooth outside surface; an orifice located on the receptacle and configured to allow the receptacle to slide over and enclose at least a portion of a gutter spout; and an adjustable length connecting means attached to the receptacle. A vehicle gutter spout cover system comprising: a vehicle; at least one gutter located on the vehicle; at least one gutter spout in fluid communication with the gutter; a receptacle with a generally smooth outside surface; an orifice located on the receptacle and configured to allow the receptacle to slide over and enclose at least a portion of the gutter spout; an adjustable length connecting means attached to the receptacle; and a vehicle cover configured to cover a vehicle and the gutter spout, with the receptacle generally enclosing at least a portion of the gutter spout.
US09855869B2
The invention relates to a control valve (16) for an air spring, comprising a housing (41), an exhaust duct that has an exhaust tappet (26) for opening of closing the exhaust duct, which exhaust tappet interacts with a first control means (19), a ventilation duct that has a ventilation tappet (27) for opening or closing the ventilation duct, which ventilation tappet interacts with a second control means (20), and a supplemental duct having a supplemental tappet (28) for opening or closing the supplemental duct, which supplemental tappet interacts with a third control means (21), wherein a first air connection A connects to the exhaust duct and a second air connection P connects to the exhaust duct together with the supplemental duct, wherein a first control means (19) and a second control means (20) are arranged to one another in such a manner that said control means cannot be actuated at the same time by an control element (18), and wherein the second control means (20) and the third control means (21) are arranged to one another in such a manner that the supplemental duct can only be opened when the ventilation duct is opened. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle seat comprising a mechanical swing system and an air spring, which motor vehicle seat has such a control valve.
US09855868B2
A seat adjuster assembly including a handle, a first track assembly and a second track assembly. The first track assembly includes a first track defining an interior and a second track moveably mounted relative to the first track. A first trigger is pivotally mounted on a first trigger housing and connects to the handle. The first trigger is movable between an unlocked position permitting movement between the first and second tracks, and a locked position. The second track assembly includes a third track defining an interior and a fourth track moveably mounted relative to the third track. A second trigger is pivotally mounted on a second trigger housing and connects to the handle. The second trigger is movable between an unlocked position permitting movement between the third and fourth tracks, and a locked position.
US09855866B2
A step garnish for a rail and carrier seat system for motor vehicle is disclosed. The rail and carrier seat system includes two rails fixedly attached to and positioned laterally along a floor of the motor vehicle, a carrier laterally slidable within the rails, a handle attached to a laterally exterior side of the carrier, and a seat attached to the carrier. The step garnish includes an inner step garnish portion, the inner step garnish portion being installed below the handle on the carrier, the inner step garnish having an exposed portion; and an outer step garnish portion, the outer step garnish portion including a cut out clearance shape for being installed from above the handle, the cut out clearance shape having a shape substantially similar to the exposed portion of the inner step garnish.
US09855863B2
A lock device includes: a body having a striker insertion groove into which a striker is inserted; a hook lever shaft mounted to the body; and a hook lever rotatably mounted to the body via the hook lever shaft, and that moves to an engagement position where the hook lever is engaged with the striker inserted into the striker insertion groove, and that moves to a release position where the engagement with the striker is released. The lock device is rotatably supported by a support member so as to change an opening position of the striker insertion groove. The hook lever shaft is rotatably mounted to the body, and has a flange interposed between the body and the support member, and the body is supported by the support member so as to rotate about the hook lever shaft as a rotation shaft.
US09855860B2
Aspects of the disclosure relate to vehicles capable of autonomous driving. These vehicles may include seats for accommodating different numbers of passengers. In some cases, the seats may be reconfigurable. For instance, a vehicle may include a first row of seating having a first, passenger use configuration. The first row may allow a passenger to sit in a seat of the first row of seating and access user input controls for the vehicle. The first row of seating may also have a second, folded configuration where the first row is in a folded configuration and no longer usable for passenger seating. The vehicle may also have a second row of seating. When the first row of seating is in the second, folded configuration, the second row of seating may still be usable for seating and may include additional legroom for the passenger as compared to when the first row of seating is in the first passenger use configuration.
US09855859B2
An electric vehicle accomplishes speed changes through the use of electronically controlled, multiple electric motor configurations that are coupled to an output drive shaft instead of a speed change transmission. A parallel-coupled motor configuration includes at least two motors that are each coupled to the output drive shaft through respective gear arrangements, each gear arrangement having a respective gear ratio. In a serially-coupled motor configuration, the stator of the second motor is coupled to the rotor of the first motor, where the rotor of the second motor is coupled to the output drive shaft. The required torque to reach or maintain a desired vehicle speed can be obtained by selective energization of either one or both of the motors (in both multi-motor configurations). Two motors are also coupled to a differential gear so that the rotational speed contributed by both motors are additive at the output shaft.
US09855857B2
The invention relates to a method (30) for the active damping control for an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle having an electric motor drive element (4), comprising the steps of receiving a current target torque value (tqElmDes) of the electric motor drive element (4), determining a current rotational angle value (φElmAct) of the electric motor drive element (4), and determining a current damping torque value (tqDmp), characterized in that the current damping torque value (tqDmp) is determined using a reduced drive train model (rTSM).
US09855851B2
An electrically powered vehicle has a drive apparatus which includes an electric machine and an electrical energy storage device connected to the electric machine. A charging device is connected to the electrical energy storage device for the wireless transfer of energy by way of an alternating magnetic field. For that purpose, the charging device has an electronic coil which interacts with the alternating magnetic field. The electronic coil is connected to an adjustable compensating circuit.
US09855845B2
A vehicle-mounted display device includes a software switch region in which a first transparent resin layer, a symbol and design printed layer, a smoke printed layer, a first touch sensor sheet, and a diffusion sheet are layered in order from the front side toward the back side, and a liquid crystal touch panel region in which a second transparent resin layer, a second touch sensor sheet, and a liquid crystal sheet are layered in order from the front side toward the back side. Since the software switch region includes the diffusion sheet, not only is it possible to ensure the visibility when sunlight shines, but it is also possible to prevent the internal structure from being seen when the light source is turned off, thus enhancing the quality of the external appearance.
US09855844B2
In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for performing vehicle control. Multiple target rotation rates for a vehicle shaft may be identified. A first actual rotation rate may be determined to exceed a first target rotation rate. In response, a computing system may send a first signal in order to cause a first component of a vehicle to limit the rate of rotation of the vehicle shaft. A second actual rotation rate may be determined to be below a second target rotation rate. In response, the computing system may send a second signal in order to cause the first component of the vehicle or a second component of the vehicle to increase the rate of rotation of the vehicle shaft.
US09855838B2
An engine exhaust system is accommodated in a counterweight portion while minimizing a change in an existing arrangement of an engine, a radiator, a radiator fan, and the counterweight portion. A body has a work device provided at the front and the counterweight portion at the rear. A ventilation path provided in the counterweight portion includes an elevated part formed between a bottom of a front portion and a bottom of a rear portion. An exhaust gas purification device and a muffler, both having a tube-like outer shape, are disposed in the rear portion of the ventilation path so as to be positioned one above the other with the purification device lying above the muffler. Pipes, which extend straight respectively from an end circumferential surface of the purification device and an end circumferential surface of the muffler toward each other, are connected via flanges.
US09855832B2
A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, a first planetary gear set having three rotation elements, a second planetary gear set having three rotation elements, a third planetary gear set, a first rotational shaft, a second rotational shaft, a third rotational shaft, a fourth rotational shaft, a fifth rotational shaft, a sixth rotational shaft, and a seventh rotational shaft such that the power transmission system can suppress conversion to an ENG mode by providing sufficient power performance at the time of wide open throttle (WOT) launching and maximally use power of an engine at the time of conversion to a first HEV mode and a third HEV mode.
US09855830B2
An electric axle drive (1) for a motor vehicle has an electric machine (2) for driving at least one output shaft (15, 16) of the axle (13) of the motor vehicle and has a spur gear unit (5) with two spur gear stages (6, 7). The electric machine (2) can drive the spur gear stages (6, 7), which, in turn, can drive a planetary gear unit (14). The planetary gear unit (14) can be shifted between two gears. In the first gear, a transmission ratio is shifted in the planetary gear unit (14), and, in the second gear, the planetary gear unit (14) is shifted as a block.
US09855829B2
To provide an automobile beltline portion sound insulating structure capable of improving a sound insulation state of an automobile interior at a door glass closed time to a high level and an automobile door glass. An automobile beltline portion sound insulating structure including a door panel having two panel boards facing each other having seal members along the beltline respectively, and a door glass provided between the two panel boards having a main body and a first viscoelastic member having a Young's modulus lower than that of the seal member, in a lower portion of one main surface of the main body, the seal member positioned on the side of the one main surface having two or more lip portions, wherein the first viscoelastic member is positioned between the two lip portions while abutting on at least a part of the seal member at the door glass closed time.
US09855828B1
A tonneau cover generally includes two rails and at least two plates. The two rails are adapted to be fixedly mounted at two lateral sides of a cargo bed of a truck. A first plate is fixed to the two rails. A second plate is pivotally connected to the first plate and other plates are pivotally connected one after another in the same manner. In operation, all the plates except the first plate can be operated to move along the two rails to allow the plates to overlap each other to uncover the cargo bed of the truck, or to allow the plates to be flush with each other to cover the cargo bed of the truck. The tonneau cover occupies less space and can be operated easily and conveniently.
US09855826B2
A method and a corresponding device permit an at least partially computer-controlled and/or autonomous vehicle to communicate with its surroundings, in particular with a road user such as a person in its surroundings. A control unit for a vehicle is configured to receive surroundings data from one or more surroundings sensors of the vehicle and to detect at least one road user in the surroundings of the vehicle on the basis of the surroundings data. The control unit is configured to determine on the basis of the surroundings data whether there is a need for communication between the road user and the vehicle. The control unit is configured, if it has been determined that there is a need for communication between the road user and the vehicle, to actuate an adaptation system of the vehicle and/or one or more visual communication system in order to communicate with the road user.
US09855823B2
In a first aspect, a vehicle HVAC system includes: a housing that defines at least first and second air conduits to a vehicle interior compartment; and at least first and second heat rods that each traverses the first and second air conduits, wherein a first positive temperature coefficient along a length of the first heat rod is greater at the first air conduit than at the second air conduit, and wherein a second positive temperature coefficient along a length of the second heat rod is greater at the second air conduit than at the first air conduit.
US09855822B2
A vehicle air conditioning apparatus is provided that can prevent temperature variations of the air after the heat exchange in a radiator to reliably control the temperature of the air supplied to the vehicle interior. During the heating operation and the heating and dehumidifying operation, target degree of supercooling SCt when target air-blowing temperature TAO is a predetermined temperature or higher is set to SCt1 that is greater than SCt2 when the target air-blowing temperature TAO is lower than the predetermined temperature. When amount of air Ga supplied from indoor fan 12 is lower than a predetermined value, the target degree of supercooling SCt is corrected, which is set such that the degree of supercooling is lower than target degree of supercooling corrected when the amount of air Ga supplied from the indoor fan 12 is a predetermined value or higher.
US09855821B2
A heat pump system for a vehicle having a complex valve device including a three-way valve, an on-off valve, expansion means and connection blocks are formed integrally with one another, the three-way valve part being connected to the refrigerant circulation line of an inlet of the exterior heat exchanger such that the refrigerant selectively bypasses the exterior heat exchanger, the on-off valve part being connected to an inlet of the bypass line to open and close the bypass line. Connection blocks connect the three-way valve part and the on-off valve part with the refrigerant circulation line of an outlet of the exterior heat exchanger to communicate with each other. Expansion means are connected to an inlet of the three-way valve part to selectively expand refrigerant discharged from an interior heat exchanger. All functions of the heat pump system are thus conducted through a refrigerant control of the complex valve device.
US09855812B2
A method and apparatus for a vehicle suspension system gas spring. In one embodiment, a vehicle suspension system gas spring includes a compressible main gas chamber and an additional volume combinable with the main chamber to change a gas spring rate of the system. In one embodiment, a low friction piston seal is created by a flexible seal member.
US09855807B2
In a rolling type vehicle including a pair of left and right front wheels wherein a vehicle body is capable of rolling, the spacing between left and right front wheels is maintained as a small spacing while providing an actuator for controlling the inclination angle (lean angle) of a vehicle body. The rolling type vehicle includes left and right upper arms, and lower arms for supporting the left and right front wheels on the vehicle body with a shock absorber support arm swingably supported by the vehicle body and connected to the left and right lower arms through shock absorber units. An actuator is capable of controlling the swinging of the shock absorber support arm. The actuator forms a front suspension frame body of a closed structure together with a vehicle body side frame.
US09855801B2
A pneumatic tire includes circumferential main grooves extending in a tire circumferential direction and land portions partitioned and formed by the circumferential main grooves. The land portion of a center region and the land portions of left and right shoulder regions each have a plurality of sipes. Not less than 90% of the sipes disposed in the center region are constituted by two-dimensional sipes and not less than 90% of the sipes disposed in the shoulder regions are constituted by three-dimensional sipes. The left and right shoulder land portions each have a plurality of lug grooves arranged in the tire circumferential direction. A pitch number N_ce of the lug grooves in the land portion of the center region and a pitch number N_sh of the lug grooves in the land portions and of the left and right shoulder regions have a relationship such that N_ce>N_sh.
US09855794B1
The bicycle hub assembly includes a hub axle, a hub body, and a rear-sprocket supporting member. A first axial length is defined between a first axial frame abutment surface of the hub axle and an axially rear-sprocket abutment surface of the rear-sprocket supporting member in the axial direction. The first axial length is smaller than or equal to 38.00 mm. A second axial length is defined between a first axially outer part 70b of the hub body and a second axially outer part 71b of a second spoke-mounting portion 71 of the hub body in the axial direction. The second axial length is larger than or equal to 55.00 mm.
US09855793B2
A wheel bearing includes a hub provided with a flange; and an outer ring having an end close to the flange and the other end opposite to the end and relatively rotatable to the hub. A sealing structure for sealing the space between the flange and the end of the outer ring is further included.
US09855791B2
The invention relates to an equipment for a bicycle wheel. The equipment comprises at least one profiled wing-shaped projection adapted to be secured to the inner surface of the rim of the wheel.
US09855784B1
The interactive greeting card of the present invention combines a greeting card with IR sensor to trigger effects upon the greeting card recipient interacting with the IR sensor. The greeting card contains a hole, opening or aperture therethrough, into which a user may insert his or her finger to trigger one or more special effects such as audio replay, motorized movement of one or more mobile objects attached to the greeting card, or other special effects.
US09855782B2
De-collatable bindings and methods of producing the same are disclosed. A disclosed includes a cover defining a spine and signatures disposed within the cover. The disclosed also includes a low tack adhesive disposed between the spine of the cover and the signatures to facilitate removal of the signatures from the cover.
US09855779B2
A tape cassette that includes a housing having a front wall and a tape feed exit located on the front wall, a tape at least partially included within the housing and configured to be fed along a tape feed path extending to the tape feed exit, and tape type indicator apertures formed on the front wall of the housing. A combination of the tape type indicator apertures forms a pattern corresponding to a type of the tape at least partially included within the housing. The tape type indicator apertures include a first tape type indicator aperture and a second tape type indicator aperture, and the tape type indicator apertures are positioned such that the first tape type indicator aperture is not aligned with the second tape type indicator aperture in a direction orthogonal to the tape feed path and parallel to the front wall.
US09855775B1
A printhead protection apparatus moves between printheads in a printer between a position where cross-members in a frame block media irregularities from striking the faces of the printheads and a position where the cross-members are retracted between adjacent printheads to enable the faces of the printheads to be wiped. The frame of the apparatus encompasses the printheads and the cross-members connected to the frame move between adjacent printheads.
US09855768B2
The disclosure discloses a printer including a cartridge holder, a feeder, a printing head, a first sensor, and a second sensor. The cartridge holder is configured to attach and detach a medium cartridge having a print-receiving medium. The first sensor is configured to bring a detector into contact with the medium cartridge and thereby detect first information related to the print-receiving medium, based on a result of the contact. The second sensor is configured to project light to the medium cartridge and thereby detect second information related to the print-receiving medium, based on a result of light reception corresponding to the projected light. The first sensor and the second sensor are integrated as a sensor unit configured to perform an advancing/retreating motion toward/from the medium cartridge.
US09855766B2
Provided is a rod lens array that includes: a plurality of lenses; and a pair of side plate sections interposing side surfaces of the respective lenses in between to hold the lenses, and each including a first side plate provided adjacent to the lenses, and a second side plate provided on outer side of the first side plate, and having machinability lower than machinability of the first side plate, and a linear expansion coefficient smaller than linear expansion coefficient of the first side plate.
US09855761B2
An ink tank includes a tank main body that is able to contain ink, an ink filling unit that is provided in the tank main body and has an opening which enables the tank main body to be filled with the ink, and a plurality of ribs that are provided around the ink filling unit of the tank main body and protrude from the tank main body. A clearance in which the ink is held due to a capillary force between the ribs is provided between two adjacent ribs among the plurality of ribs.
US09855752B2
Methods of manufacturing a volumetric continuous gradient complex dielectric element with drop-on-demand techniques, such as inkjet printing, by calculating spatial placement of nanocomposite-ink droplets are disclosed. The methods comprise determining or having a multi-dimensional gradient profile representing a volumetric gradient complex dielectric element. Providing or having a plurality of nanocomposite-inks, at least one of the nanocomposite-inks having a curable organic-matrix and a concentration of nanoparticles dispersed within to print the volumetric continuous gradient complex dielectric device. A print mask is determined in one-, two-, or three-dimensions that reconstructs the multi-dimensional gradient profile as a discretized pattern based on the material properties of the plurality of nanocomposite-inks and properties of a printing apparatus with a plurality of printheads. A spatial or spatio-temporal print schedule is determined that results in an at least approximate reproduction of the gradient profile when printed with the printing apparatus.
US09855750B2
A liquid ejecting head includes a plurality of liquid ejecting modules each of which includes a plurality of unit heads each configured to eject liquid from a plurality of nozzles, and a first fixing plate having a first surface where the plurality of unit heads are fixed; and a second fixing plate having a base portion fixed to a second surface of the first fixing plate of the plurality of liquid ejecting modules, the second surface located on the side opposite to the first surface, and the base portion overlapping a gap between the adjacent liquid ejecting modules.
US09855747B2
An inkjet head, includes: a pressure chamber communicating with an ink flow channel; a diaphragm linked to the pressure chamber; a piezoelectric element linked to the diaphragm; a nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber; and a vibrating mechanism placed in the ink flow channel and vibrates a supplied ink. Further provided is an inkjet device, including: the above inkjet head; a holding unit that holds a coating object; a moving mechanism that causes relative movement between the inkjet head and the holding unit; and a control unit that controls the inkjet head, the holding unit, and the moving mechanism.
US09855744B2
A liquid ejection head for ejecting a liquid includes a substrate provided with an energy generating element and a liquid supply port; a flow path forming member including an ejection opening for ejecting a liquid; and a pressure chamber communicating with the ejection opening and including the energy generating element therein and a flow path through which the pressure chamber and the liquid supply port communicate with each other, the pressure chamber and the flow path being provided between the substrate and the flow path forming member. A portion of the flow path forming member which extends from an area facing the liquid supply port to an area facing a part of the flow path extending from the liquid supply port to the pressure chamber has a thickness greater than that of a portion of the flow path forming member which faces the pressure chamber.
US09855741B2
In a capacitive load drive circuit, a first driving signal generator generates a first driving signal from a first control signal according to a characteristic of a first capacitive load, and a second driving signal generator generates a second driving signal from a second control signal according to a characteristic of a second capacitive load. A control signal supply portion supplies a common control signal to the first driving signal generator and the second driving signal generator. The first driving signal generator corrects the common control signal to generate the first control signal, and the second driving signal generator corrects the common control signal to generate the second control signal.
US09855731B2
Implementations of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing, decorative architectural resin panels having high-resolution image layers. In particular, at least one implementation includes a laminated resin panel having a decorative image layer formed from layered or cross-linked ink free from cracks, splits, or other deformation. Additional implementations relate to curved or otherwise non-planar decorative architectural resin panels having high-resolution image layers.
US09855724B1
A splice tape is provided. The splice tape includes two internal support layers bonded at interface between opposing inner surfaces of the internal support layers. The support layers are formed utilizing a process and/or materials that ensure that the two internal support layers separate cleanly and consistently along the interface of the two internal support layers.
US09855717B2
Provided is a vacuum thermal insulation material which is capable of maintaining a vacuum for a long period of time in a high temperature range. The present invention relates to a vacuum thermal insulation material which comprises a core material and an envelope in which the core material is sealed. The envelope comprises thermal fusion bonding layers, and the thermal fusion bonding layers that face each other at an end portion of the envelope are thermally fused to each other, thereby forming a sealed portion. The core material has a first main flat surface that is exposed to the relatively high temperature side when in use and a second main flat surface that faces the first main flat surface and is exposed to the relatively low temperature side when in use. At least a part of the sealed portion is arranged on the second main flat surface side.
US09855716B2
Device for cutting and transferring a length of strip let off a continuous strip, comprising a first face and a second face to be laid on a rotary receiving surface and containing a cutting means to separate the said length from the continuous strip along a cutting line, a telescopic conveyor belt, arranged in a longitudinal direction between the cutting means and the receiving surface, to receive the length of strip via the first face, a first half-anvil, upstream of the cutting line, and comprising holding means to grasp the strip via the first face, a transporter, having holding means to grasp the front edge or rear edge of the length of strip via the second face, the transporter able to move in the longitudinal direction. A second half-anvil is intended to collaborate with the first half-anvil during cutting, and positioned downstream of the cutting line and upstream of the telescopic conveyor belt, comprising holding means able to grasp the rear edge of the length of strip via the first face, and able to move in the longitudinal direction.
US09855715B2
A tire building drum is disclosed. A thrust plate is mounted at a tapered end of a central shaft. An actuator is slidable along the shaft between first and second positions. Arcuate segments are arranged in a circumferential relationship about the shaft to define a working surface. First guide rails are slidably secured to the thrust plate, with a first end of each first rail mounted near a first end of one of the segments and a second end extending radially inwardly along the thrust plate. Second guide rails are slidably secured to the actuator, with a first end of each second rail mounted near a second end of one of the segments and a second end extending radially and axially inwardly along the actuator. Each of the guide rail second ends extends radially inward toward the inwardly tapered shaft portion when the actuator is in the first position.
US09855697B2
A wearing body or bushing having an axial twin borehole for receiving a twin screw for extruding meltable material, in particular plastic. In order to avoid cracking and to save material, the wearing body has a radial cross section with an outer contour, which is convexly curved over the entire circumference and is in the form of an oval, and with first and second axes of symmetry, which run perpendicularly to one another and define a point of intersection which lies on the extrusion axis. The width of the oval on the first axis of symmetry is greater than the height of the oval on the second axis of symmetry.
US09855696B2
An overhead conduit includes a duct extending in a longitudinal direction. The duct has an outer wall. A strength member, such as a messenger wire, abuts the outer wall of the duct. An extruded jacket surrounds the duct and the messenger wire. The extruded jacket follows the outer contours of the duct and the messenger wire. Optional first and second sub-ducts, smaller than the duct, may be located to the right and left of the messenger wire.
US09855682B2
Disclosed are methods for utilizing reclaimed synthetic turf materials in the manufacture of various second generation floor coverings and floor covering components. Also disclosed are products manufactured by the methods.
US09855666B2
A mechanical cutting device cuts twisted strips of foods such as potatoes. The device comprises twisted cutting tubes, each having a ring secured at a distance from the cutting end. A plurality of such tubes may be arranged in an array, which may be supported by plates having an array of tube-supporting orifices. The cutting tubes are supported for rotation in such manner that, when force is exerted on the tubes to insert the tubes into the food, the tubes rotate as they cut into the food obtaining as result twisted strips of food.
US09855663B1
A robotic device is provided. The robotic device includes a first detachable digit, including a first connector piece. The robotic device also includes a digit mounting apparatus, including a first pivot joint and a second connector piece coupled to the first pivot joint, where the second connector piece is configured to mate with the first connector piece of the first detachable digit. The robotic device also includes an actuator configured to pivot the first pivot joint about a first axis to cause the second connector piece of the digit mounting apparatus to mate with the first connector piece of the first detachable digit to attach the first detachable digit to the digit mounting apparatus.
US09855660B2
A trajectory generation device includes a storage unit that stores a plurality of trajectories; a trajectory acquisition unit that acquires a trajectory, corresponding to an environment similar to a current environment, from the plurality of trajectories stored in the storage unit; and a trajectory generation unit that calculates a longest trajectory part, which is present in a moving object moving area in the trajectory acquired by the trajectory acquisition unit, and generates a trajectory by connecting both ends of the calculated longest trajectory part to a predetermined start point and a predetermined end point respectively.
US09855658B2
A method, a drone device, and an adaptive robot control system (ARCS) for adaptively controlling a programmable robot are provided. The ARCS receives environmental parameters of a work environment where the drone device operates and geometrical information of a target object to be operated on by the programmable robot. The ARCS dynamically receives a calibrated spatial location of the target object in the work environment based on the environmental parameters and a discernment of the target object from the drone device. The ARCS determines control information including parts geometry of the target object, a task trajectory of a task to be performed on the target object, and a collision-free robotic motion trajectory for the programmable robot, and dynamically transmits the control information to the programmable robot via a communication network to adaptively control the programmable robot while accounting for misalignments of the target object in the work environment.
US09855657B2
A method and system for planning and optimizing the movement of a robotic device comprises establishing a plurality of spatial locations where the device can possibly be positioned and establishing rule sets for constraining movement of the robotic device between the locations. Once a start and end point have been determined, the method of the invention calculates all possible routes for the device to move, via the established locations and following the constraints of the rule sets. The calculated routes are then compared to a criteria, such as minimizing time, and an optimum route, meeting the desired criteria is determined. The calculated routes may also be cached for future access. The invention also provides for an error recovery method for allowing a robotic device to recover should it encounter an error.
US09855656B2
A robot control device includes a first sensor which is used in a first range including the entirety of the operating range of the robot, a second sensor which is used in a second range including at least a part of the operating range of the robot, and a range storing unit for storing a third range included in both the operating range and the second range. The robot control device also includes a ratio setting unit for setting a ratio between a first control input obtained using the first sensor and a second control input obtained using the second sensor with respect to control inputs to the motor based on the comparison of the third range and the position and posture of the robot, and an addition unit for adding the first control input and the second control input together in accordance with the set ratio.
US09855652B2
A ratchet wrench tool set includes a box, tool bits receivable in the box, two side boards mounted to two sides of the box, and a ratcheting device. The ratcheting device includes a rotary connection plate to which a ratcheting head is mounted. The rotary connection plate is rotatably mounted to the two side boards and rotatable between an operation position and a storage position and includes a constraint step section. The slidable constraint cover has a front end that forms a constraint projection section and is slidably mounted between the two side boards. When the slidable constraint cover is moved frontwards, the constraint projection section engages the constraint step section to retain the ratcheting device in the operation position and when the slidable constraint cover is moved rearward, the constraint projection section disengages from the constraint step section to allow the ratcheting device to rotate to the storage position.
US09855647B2
A percussion device for a hydraulic rock drilling machine (1) including, inside a cylinder (4), a to and fro moveable impact piston (3), which is provided with a land portion (12) for cooperation with a braking recess (11) in the cylinder (4) for the establishment of a braking chamber in advanced positions of the impact piston, wherein a throttle slit (17) is arranged to be established between the land portion (12) and the braking recess (11). A pressure channel (14), being connected to a pressure medium source, is arranged to debouch in the cylinder (4) between the piston guiding device (6) and a position of the land portion (12) in a most advanced position of the impact piston (3). The invention also concerns a method and a hydraulic rock drilling machine.
US09855645B2
The invention relates to a fastening tool comprising a handheld housing with a piston element (1), which is received in the housing and which can be moved in a driven manner, for transmitting energy to a fixing element (3). The piston element (1) is guided in a cylinder (2) and can be accelerated towards the fixing element (3) by a drive force, and the piston element (1) can be held in a starting position by a magnetic force of a retaining element (5). The retaining element (5) has a first magnetically conductive stop (7) and a second magnetically conductive stop (8). The magnetic stops (7, 8) are connected by a magnetically conductive counter piece (9) arranged on a piston element when the piston element (1) is being held, and excitation magnet (6) is arranged between the magnetically conductive stops (7, 8).
US09855644B2
A pliers is provided, including a first clamping body and a second clamping body. The first clamping body has two first jaw portions and two first gripping portions, and the two first jaw portions are associated respectively with the two first gripping portions and are capable of being open or closed relative to each other. The second clamping body has a clamping jaw and a second gripping portion, the second clamping body and the first clamping body are pivotally connected to each other at a location between the clamping jaw and the second gripping portion, and the clamping jaw and the two first jaw portions are capable of being open or closed relative to each other.
US09855643B2
A torque-wrench attachment (100) comprises a chassis (140) and a wrench head (110) comprising a second longitudinal central axis (203) and a torque axis (112). The torque axis (112) of the wrench head (110) has an adjustable angle (190) relative to a first longitudinal central axis (202) of a torque-wrench handle (200). The torque-wrench attachment (100) also comprises a link (150) and a translating element (160). The translating element (160) comprises a contact surface (162). The contact surface (162) is movable along the first longitudinal central axis (202), and a moment arm (180) between the click-pivot axis (144) and a centroid (602) varies as a function of the adjustable angle (190).
US09855636B2
A robot-supported grinding method is described. In accordance with one example of the invention, the grinding method includes contacting a surface of a workpiece with a rotating grinding tool, whereby either the grinding tool or the workpiece is mechanically coupled to the tool center point (TCP) of a manipulator. The method further includes controlling an actuator that influences the grinding tool or the workpiece to produce a grinding force between the grinding tool and the workpiece, as well as measuring an actual deflection of the actuator. The rotational velocity of the grinding tool is adjusted depending on the measured actual deflection of the actuator and a reference deflection of the actuator.
US09855634B2
A device (1) for cutting an ophthalmic lens (L1) to be mounted onto a spectacle frame, includes: elements (10) for locking and rotating the ophthalmic lens about a locking axis (A1); a tool holder which supports at least one first tool (60) rotatable about a rotational axis (A2) and a second tool (80) rotatable about a finishing axis (A6) and which has a spacing mobility (ESC) for the spacing apart thereof from the locking axis, a shifting mobility (TRA) for the axial positioning thereof along the locking axis, and a pivoting mobility (PIV) for adjusting the orientation of the rotational axis relative to the locking axis; and elements for controlling the three mobilities of the tool holder. The rotational and finishing axes are separate from one another.
US09855608B2
Disclosed is a hard coating film formed on a hard base material such as cemented carbide. The hard coating film has a nanoscale multilayered structure to have improved oxidation resistance and wear resistance. The hard coating film is a hard coating film formed on the base material. The first layer is composed of a TiAl nitride having a composition of Ti1-aAla (0.3≦a≦0.7), and the second layer has a nanoscale multilayered structure or a structure in which the nanoscale multilayered structure is repeatedly laminated at least two times, the nanoscale multilayered structure including a thin layer A composed of an AlTiSi nitride, a thin layer B, a thin layer C composed of a AlCr nitride, and a thin layer D having thicknesses of 3 nm to 20 nm. The thin film B and the thin film D are composed of a TiAl nitride.
US09855606B2
In the process of cutting the outer circumference 10o of a hollow rotating shaft 10 by using a finishing turning tool 36, the position of the finishing turning tool 36 is adjusted in the direction orthogonal to the virtual reference shaft center VS so that the center position CPo of the outer circumference 10o of the hollow rotating shaft 10 is deviated from the virtual reference shaft center VS in the same direction as the direction of the deviation vector ΔDi by an amount corresponding to the magnitude |ΔDi| of the deviation vector ΔDi. This can reduce the unbalance to zero also in the middle of the shaft and sufficiently reduce runout of the hollow rotating shaft 10 even if the rotation speed of the hollow rotating shaft 10 increases. Accordingly, it is possible to further improve the reliability of the hollow rotating shaft 10 at high rotation speed.
US09855594B2
Embodiments of the invention comprise forming a billet from molten steel and hot rolling the billet to reduce the cross sectional area of the billet. Thereafter, the billet is hot rolled into a lead pass bar having a cross-sectional area comprising a reduced width dimension located adjacent to the center longitudinal axis of the bar. In one embodiment of the invention, the billet can be formed into a lead pass bar having a cross-sectional area in the shape of an hourglass or peanut by feeding the billet through a first set of rolls. After the lead pass bar is formed, it is passed through a second set of rolls in order to form the substantially continuous threaded rebar without longitudinal ribs. The cross-sectional area of the lead pass bar helps to produce a substantially continuous threaded rebar product without longitudinal ribs using standard rebar manufacturing tooling and equipment.
US09855588B2
A method and device for separating at least one catalyst from a mixture of homogeneously shaped catalysts, the catalysts comprising at least one metal selected from the group formed by Ni, Co, Mo, W, the catalyst to be separated comprising a characteristic metal selected from the group formed by Ni, Co, Mo, W and the other catalysts of the mixture not containing said characteristic metal, in which method: the grains of the catalyst of said mixture pass in front of the LIBS detection system, the presence of said characteristic metal in the catalysts is detected by the LIBS technique, the wavelength being selected so as to detect said characteristic metal, the LIBS detection system sends a signal to a means for evacuating grains of catalyst to be separated in a manner such as to separate said grains from the other catalysts of said mixture.
US09855587B2
There is provided a particle sorting apparatus, including: an excited light irradiating unit for irradiating an excited light to particles flowing through a flow path; a light irradiating unit for detecting a speed for irradiating a light for detecting a speed to the particles at a position different from the excited light; a light detecting unit for detecting a light emitted from the particles; a calculating unit of an arrival time for individually calculating an arrival time of each particle at a sorting unit being communicating with the flow path from a detection time difference between the light derived from the excited light and the light derived from the light for detecting a speed; and a sorting control unit for controlling sorting of the particles, and a method thereof.
US09855584B2
Methods of preparing self-decontaminating surfaces using quaternary silanes and titanium anatase sol
A method to prepare a self-decontaminating surface, where that method includes disposing a first coating on a surface, where that first coating comprises an organosilane, and disposing a second coating over the first coating, where the second coating comprises TiO2.
US09855582B2
A variable-width viscous fluid applicator, and related methods, may include an applicator having wall portions adjustable toward and away from each other, an injection port being formed in a bridge portion that spans upper ends of the wall portions. The applicator may be engaged around the edge of a component such as a panel. A bead of viscous fluid may be applied and shaped by injecting the fluid through the injection port and moving the applicator along the panel edge.
US09855579B2
A spin dispenser module and methods for using the same is disclosed. The spin dispenser module includes a cup having a basin with sidewalls and an exhaust, a rotatable platform situated inside the cup adapted for holding and rotating a substrate, a liquid dispenser disposed over the rotatable platform for dispensing a liquid coating material on top of the substrate, one or more ejector inlets disposed over the rotatable platform, the one or more ejectors connected to a negative pressure source, and a motor coupled to the rotatable platform to rate the rotatable platform at different rotational speeds. The one or more ejector inlets may be translatable and/or rotatable with optionally adjustable suction pressure. The ejector inlets operate after a liquid coating material is dispensed to avoid deposition of suspended organic compounds after a coating is formed.
US09855574B2
Disclosed is a supply device for supplying a consumer with a viscous medium, in particular a lubricant supply device, including at least a reservoir for the viscous medium including a follower piston which includes a ring seal at its circumferential edges and is supported on the viscous medium and which separates the reservoir into a space supplied with a viscous medium and an air space, and a feed pump for feeding the viscous medium from the reservoir to a medium outlet, such that further in the reservoir at least one opening is provided which serves to receive a ventilation apparatus via which the reservoir is in air-exchanging contact with the exterior surroundings, such that the opening is arranged in the reservoir such that in a determined filling state of the reservoir the ring seal at least partially overrides the opening so that the space supplied with a viscous medium is in fluidic connection with the opening.
US09855571B2
The disposable assembly has a closed body, for containing a first component and having a lateral surface, a bottom and an upper opening. The bottom has a mounting projection extending within the body for its sealed interlocking engagement in the complementary conformation of the lower end of a hollow inner tubular member intended to contain a second component while its other end is closed by a sealing means. A shutter is tightly mounted on the opening of the body using screws, or by clipping or interlocking. The shutter and the sealing means or the shutter and the hollow tubular element can be a single piece. The presently described embodiments are suitable for producers of paint, varnishes, primers and other products to be sprayed or projected using a gun and other manufacturers of spray or paint guns.
US09855570B1
A mist blower for blowing chemicals, such as pesticides, onto objects. The mist blower includes a powered centrifugal blower having a rectangular-shaped air discharge opening formed in the blower housing thereof. A plurality of air discharge tubes have their lower ends in communication with the air discharge opening. The tubes are preferably radially spaced from one another. Spray nozzles are positioned in each of the air discharge tubes for mixing the chemicals with the air being blown through the discharge tubes. The blower housing may be rotated so that air discharge tubes may direct misted air in different directions from the blower.
US09855565B2
A solid bowl screw centrifuge for processing drilling muds includes a rotatable drum and a rotatable screw. The centrifuge has a drive device for driving the drum and the screw with a drive motor as well as a gear assembly for producing a differential rotational speed between the drum and the screw when the centrifuge is in operation. A gear input shaft of the gear assembly is rotationally fixed by an overload lever arm that can be triggered in the event of a torque overload. The overload lever arm is directly and detachably connected with one end thereof and at a radial distance from the rotation axis of the gear input shaft to the gear input shaft or to a part that is connected thereto in a rotationally fixed manner. A method is provided for monitoring the torque on the gear input shaft.
US09855562B2
A method and system for processing whole hemp stalks is disclosed. The method and system use an entirety of the whole hemp stalks in producing the particulate hemp such that the particulate hemp comprises both bast fiber and shive of the original whole hemp stalks. Additionally, hemp crumbs or crumbles may be processed from whole hemp stalks, or from particulate hemp which is larger than the hemp crumbs such as hemp pellets. The hemp crumbs may be formed by crushing the hemp pellets.
US09855561B1
A granular material stirring apparatus for breaking up clumps of a granular material in an interior of a storage bin comprises a base assembly for resting on a floor of the bin, an agitation rotor rotatably mounted on the base assembly, and a rotation device connected to the rotatable agitation rotor to cause the agitation rotor to rotate with respect to the base assembly. The agitation rotor may include a central member rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and a plurality of stirrer members extending substantially radially outwardly from the central member to rotate about the substantially horizontal axis.
US09855559B2
The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for purifying microorganism nucleic acid from a host sample, such as a whole blood sample from a human. In certain embodiments, devices and systems with multiple filters are employed and provide for the selective removal of blood cells and host nucleic acids from a sample in order to enrich for microorganism nucleic acid.
US09855555B2
The invention relates to a method and system for generating droplets of an aqueous solution on a microfluidic chip with an air continuous phase. Specifically, the droplet generator according to the present invention is integrated into a microfluidic chip to generate and introduce droplets of an aqueous solution into the microfluidic chip. The droplets travelling in a network of chip channels may be captured in on-chip traps in a manner defined by hydrodynamic resistances of chip channels. A biological reaction may be performed on a droplet trapped on the microfluidic chip.
US09855552B2
The present invention relates to a metal modified Y zeolite, its preparation and use. Said zeolite contains 1-15 wt % of IVB group metal as oxide and is characterized in that the ratio of the zeolite surface's IVB group metal content to the zeolite interior's IVB group metal content is not higher than 0.2; and/or the ratio of the distorted tetrahedral-coordinated framework aluminum to the tetrahedral-coordinated framework aluminum in the zeolite lattice structure is (0.1-0.8):1.
US09855551B2
The present invention provides a catalyst precursor and a catalyst suitable for preparing multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The resulting multi-wall carbon nanotubes have a narrow distribution as to the number of walls forming the tubes and a narrow distribution in the range of diameters for the tubes. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for producing multi-wall carbon nanotubes having narrow distributions in the number of walls and diameters. Further, the present invention provides a composition of spent catalyst carrying multi-wall nanotubes having narrow distribution ranges of walls and diameters.
US09855537B2
A fluid mixing system includes a flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An elongated first tubular connector is disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag, the first tubular connector having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the first tubular connector being coupled with the flexible bag. An elongated second tubular connector is disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag, the second tubular connector being more rigid than the first tubular connector and having a first end coupled to the second end of the first tubular connector. A plurality of impeller are disposed on the elongated second tubular connector at spaced apart locations.
US09855535B2
A blending system is shown and described herein. A blending system may include a base including a motor and a first shell that encases the motor. The blending system may also include a container that is removably coupled to the blender base. The blending system may also have a second shell selectively attached to the first shell. The blending system may also have a wall positioned within the base to direct airflow from the fan along a volute-shaped path.
US09855529B2
A method for cleaning a cross-flow filter (20), comprising the steps of: A) providing a cross-flow filter (20), wherein the cross-flow filter (20) comprises a filter membrane (21) and is configured to remove a liquid permeate stream and the filter membrane (21) comprises a first side facing the permeate stream and a second side opposite the first side, the second side facing the feed stream, and wherein at least some of the deposits (1010) to be removed are located on the second side of the filter membrane (21); B) applying a back-flushing liquid stream through the filter membrane (21). Prior to applying the back-flushing liquid stream in Step B), permeate located on the first side of the filter membrane (21) is at least partially displaced from the first side of the filter membrane (21) by a gas, wherein the gas that is in contact with the back-flushing liquid stream has a pressure of >1 bar at least during Step B). The applying of the back-flushing liquid stream in Step B) occurs in such a way that the pressure pulses.
US09855524B2
In the honeycomb rotor recovery concentration apparatus which collects gas, such as carbon dioxide, from stack gas etc., it collects by the highest possible recovery rate, and condenses to the highest possible concentration, and lessens the amount of energy for recovery concentration as much as possible. Adsorption zone 4, preheating zone 12, low concentration gas purge zone 15, desorption zone 5, high concentration gas purge zone 16, pre-cooling zone 13, and cooling zone 7 are provided to the hand of cut of a rotor. Low concentration gas is prevented from mixing in desorption zone 5, and high concentration gas is prevented from being spilt out from desorption zone 5. Pre-heating zone 12 and pre-cooling zone 13 constitute a circulation circuit, and it raises energy-saving nature by pre-cooling and carrying out preheating heat exchange by gas which circulates through a circuit.
US09855520B2
A filtering apparatus has a plurality of filtering elements (9) in a filter housing (1), a filter inlet (45) and a filter outlet (43). During the filtration operation, one of the filtering elements (9) can be back-flushed by a back-flushing device (13, 21). The back-flushing device has a pressure control device (13) including a hydraulic accumulator (13). One accumulator fluid chamber (67) can be filled during the filtration operation with a quantity of filtered fluid and can be connected for a back-flushing operation via a back-flushing guide (21) to the clean side (59) of the filtering clement (9) to be cleaned. Another accumulator fluid chamber (79) can be subjected to a media pressure.
US09855519B2
Pleated filtration media, media packs, filter elements, and methods for filtering fluid are provided which contain three dimensional flutes in the media surface, the flutes configured to improve filter performance. In certain embodiments the flutes have defined peaks that reduce masking between adjacent pleats, the flutes have ridges along their length to modify flute cross sectional geometry, and/or the flutes provide for volume asymmetry across the media.
US09855517B2
A waste liquid solidification system includes a chamber at least partially enclosing a volume, a liquid outlet positioned to spray a liquid into the volume, and a powder outlet adjacent the liquid outlet positioned to discharge a super-absorbent polymer powder into the volume. The liquid outlet and powder outlet are configured such that the liquid and the super-absorbent polymer powder undergo airborne mixing within the volume enclosed by the chamber to create a solid waste.
US09855513B2
After an aqueous solution containing, at a concentration of less than 40% by mass, an organic compound having two or more hydrophilic groups in a molecule is adjusted to contain the organic compound at a concentration of equal to or greater than 40% by mass, the aqueous solution whose organic compound concentration is adjusted to equal to or greater than 40% by mass is irradiated with an ultrasonic wave to atomize water, and is dehydrated and concentrated.
US09855509B1
A toy includes a hollow soft plastic shell deformable by means of squeezing, first modeling piece configured on the hollow soft plastic shell and second modeling piece coupled pivotally to the first modeling piece; the hollow soft plastic shell has a top wall arched downward to form an accommodation concave chamber. The present invention is novel in structure, interesting, energetic and easy to be operated and controlled. In addition the toy of the present invention is easy to be produced and manufactured because of the simple structure thereof, very stable in use, and suitable for the promotion, production and application so as to meet entertainment, teaching, trick or other needs.
US09855502B2
To enable prevention of reading and running of a game program in an illegitimate storage medium, the disclosed slot machine includes: an SSD device including a flash memory configured to store a game program for running a game and an authentication program including an authentication key, which authenticates the game program; and a memory controller SD23 having a reference key corresponding to the authentication key, which is configured to control the storage area, and a CPU core, wherein the CPU core executes the steps of: (A) executing the authentication program in which the reference key is retrieved from the memory controller to determine whether the authentication key matches with the reference key, and if the authentication key matches with the reference key, the game program is authenticated by the authentication program; (B) starting a game by running the game program when the game program is authenticated in the step (A).
US09855501B2
A method of modifying a transparency factor of one or more objects in a computer game. A display of a computer device displays a first object having a transparency factor at a first location, said first object overlying at least one of a plurality of game objects. In response to a trigger event at least one of said transparency factor of the first object, a transparency factor of a game pointer, and a transparency factor of at least one game object are modified and at least one of said first object, said game pointer, and said at least one game object are displayed with said at least one modified transparency factor.
US09855491B2
Systems and methods for monitoring shuffled playing cards. A shuffled card ID is associated with the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards. Each card delivered by a card feeder from the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards is inspected. It is determined whether there is a defect in the arrangement of the one or more shuffled decks of playing cards. Upon a condition that a shuffled deck of playing cards is determined to be defective, at least one of discarding the defective shuffled deck of playing cards or preventing a recurrence of a defect found within the defective shuffled deck of playing cards.
US09855485B1
A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact signal if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. The impact signal identifies an expected location of a print area (118) in the zone and supplemental impact information for the impact. Responsive to the impact signal, a controller (702) determines whether the supplemental impact information meets supplemental impact criteria and, if so, provides an initiation signal. The impact-dependent portion responds to the initiation signal, if provided, by temporarily appearing along the print area as changed color materially different from the principal color. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location.
US09855484B1
An athletic performance measuring unit can measure numerous athletic performance parameters for an athlete either during practice or during competition. The measured parameters may be used by the athlete to evaluate the improvement in their performance as well as compare their level of performance against peers. The athletic performance measuring unit can also be configure to transmit the sensed sensor data to a personal processing unit, such as a smart device, for calculation of one or more athletic performance parameters. The calculated athletic performance parameters can be transmitted by the PPU to other electronic devices of those fans interested in following the athletic performance of a particular athlete, group of athletes, and/or team. Further, the athletic performance measuring unit can be configured to be integrated with the display system of an arena or stadium such that the athletic performance parameters can be displayed on the scoreboard of the arena.
US09855483B2
A golf swing training device comprising has a support base for contacting a support surface, such as the ground. There is a vertical support element extending upward from the support base having a lateral support arm transverse on the vertical support element with a relatively left side and a relatively right side. The lateral support arm has two directional arms extending in a forward direction away from the lateral support arms. The lateral support arm has a rotation-enabling connection to the vertical support element so that the relatively left side can be elevated above the relatively right side, and alternatively the relatively right side may be elevated above the relatively left side to alter the individual respective heights of the two arms.
US09855481B2
A system for illustrating the flight of a sports ball includes a radar, an imager, and a controller. The imager is configured to image a moving sports ball. The controller is configured to (i) receive, from the imager, an image including the moving sports ball, (ii) receive, from the radar, radar data associated with the moving sports ball, (iii) determine, from the radar data, a portion of a trajectory of the moving sports ball, (iv) alter the image to illustrate the portion of the trajectory relative to the moving sports ball, and (v) output the altered image.
US09855479B2
A current generator for a swimming system may include multiple entrainment pumps that discharge a flow of water into a pool. The entrainment pumps may each have a nozzle, a venturi and an entrainment inlet. In use, the flow of water from the nozzle into the venturi causes water at the entrainment inlet to flow into the venturi along with water from the nozzle. Each entrainment pump is arranged such that the fluid that flows out of the venturi passage is directed within a main passage, and the flow from multiple venturis may be combined and may be directed at least partially against the force of gravity before that fluid is directed out of the main passage outlet and into the pool. In at least some implementations, the fluid flows for at least one foot between the venturi and the main passage outlet.
US09855476B2
A golf club head having multiple structural columns is disclosed herein. A body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown or return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the structural columns extends from the crown or return section to the sole section within the hollow interior to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The structural columns are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior.
US09855473B2
Golf club heads include white diffusing top surfaces to aid in club head alignment. Wood type club heads also include a dark diffusing club face so that a crown/face border is emphasized. Scorelines in wood type clubs can be provided with an intermediate contrast surface, and can be displaced from club face center to accommodate player perception when confronted with a white diffusing crown. Putter heads can include dark diffusing alignment lines, and iron-type club heads can include white diffusing surfaces at a sole portion of a club face, at a top line, or a top portion of a club face.
US09855460B2
An exercise bar for use when exercising, such as while walking, running, jogging, stretching, or the like. The exercise bar device includes a U-shaped frame having a pair of handles extending from opposing sides thereof. The user can position his or her body in the opening defined by the U-shaped frame while holding the frame in various positions with the handles located on side of the user. Each handle is further configured to removably receive a weighted plate thereon for providing additional resistance. In some embodiments, the exercise bar includes an audio unit adapted to allow the user to play music or other audio while exercising. The U-shaped frame further includes a storage compartment, one or more lights, a panic alarm, and a pedometer, depending upon the embodiment.
US09855445B2
A radiation therapy system includes an accelerator and beam transport system that generates a beam of particles. The accelerator and beam transport system guides the beam on a path and into a nozzle that can aim the beam toward an object. The nozzle includes a beam energy adjuster that can adjust the beam by, for example, placing different thicknesses of material in the path of the beam to affect the energies of the particles in the beam to deliver a dose to the object with a Spread Out Bragg Peak.
US09855441B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a micro-plasma with biocompatibility. The produced micro-plasma is a low temperature, adjustable micro-plasma with low energy consumption. The method provides a device comprising a first gas storage unit, a second gas storage unit, a unit for producing the micro-plasma, and a power supply unit.
US09855438B2
Battery management circuitry for an implantable medical device such as an implantable neurostimulator is described. The circuitry has a T-shape with respect to the battery terminal, with charging circuitry coupled between rectifier circuitry and the battery terminal on one side of the T, and load isolation circuitry coupled between the load and the battery terminal on the other side. The load isolation circuitry can comprise two switches wired in parallel. An undervoltage fault condition opens both switches to isolate the battery terminal from the load to prevent further dissipation of the battery. Other fault conditions will open only one the switches leaving the other closed to allow for reduced power to the load to continue implant operations albeit at safer low-power levels. The battery management circuitry can be fixed in a particular location on an integrated circuit which also includes for example the stimulation circuitry for the electrodes.
US09855431B2
Various device embodiments may comprise an implantable medical device for implantation in a body and for applying neural stimulation to a neural target in the body. The device may comprise a neural stimulation electrode configured for use in stimulating the neural target, a neural stimulator configured to deliver neural stimulation through the electrode to the neural target, a sensor configured to sense a physiological response to stimulation of motor fibers at the neural target, and a controller operatively connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulation and operatively connected to the sensor to receive a signal indicative of the physiological response. The controller may be configured to detect a potential neural injury and perform an action in response to the detected potential neural injury.
US09855429B2
A system for delivering an electrical stimulation pulse to tissue comprises a controller-transmitter and a receiver-stimulator. The controller-transmitter includes circuitry having an energy storage capacitor. The capacitance of the energy storage capacitor is adjusted to improve the efficiency of energy delivered from the receiver-stimulator to tissue by modifying the geometry of an acoustic drive burst from the controller-transmitter.
US09855419B2
Selective sensing implantable medical leads include pulsing and sensing portions and pulsing and not sensing portion. Leads and electrodes may be used in defibrillation and as integrated bipolar defibrillation electrodes. An entire electrode can pass charge while a valve metal or valve metal oxide portion of the electrode prevents the entire electrode from sensing, effectively rejecting unwanted signals. Differential conduction pathways, due to the valve metal and/or oxides thereof, cause the portions of the electrodes to conduct differently when used anodically and cathodically. Complex intracardiac electrical gradient can be formed along with a number of virtual electrodes within the tissue. Reentrant loops can thereby be pinned following defibrillation shock.
US09855411B2
A connector includes a housing defining a male connector insertion section into which a male connector is inserted from the outside and an elastic valve body having a slit and blocking the male connector insertion section. The elastic valve body includes a top face having the slit and a bottom face located opposite to the top face. The housing includes a holding section having contact with the top face and the bottom face of the elastic valve body to hold the elastic valve body. The holding section surrounds the slit when the valve body is viewed from the top face. The diameter of a bottom face side holding section having contact with the bottom face is smaller than the diameter of a top face side holding section having contact with the top face.
US09855398B2
A respiratory apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator that generates a supply of pressurized gas to be delivered to the patient; a humidifier for vaporizing water and delivering water vapor to humidify the gas; a gas flow path leading from the flow generator to the humidifier and from the humidifier to a patient interface; and a heater in thermal contact with the gas and/or the water, wherein the heater includes an elongate heating filament in the form of a tape. A humidifier for respiratory apparatus includes a first respiratory gas passage for receiving gas from a flow generator, a humidifier chamber, a second respiratory gas passage for delivering humidified gas to a patient interface, and a heater in thermal contact with the gas and/or the water, wherein the heater includes an elongate heating filament extending along at least part of both said first and second respiratory gas passages. A conduit for use in a respiratory apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a tube; a helical rib on an outer surface of the tube; and a plurality of wires supported by the helical rib in contact with the outer surface of the tube.
US09855397B2
A CPAP system includes a PAP device (5) structured to generate a supply of pressurized air, a patient interface (15) adapted to engage with the patient's face to provide a seal, an air delivery conduit (102,104) provided between the PAP device and the patient interface to deliver the supply of pressurized air along a gas delivery path from the PAP device to the patient interface, and a muffler (100) provided along the gas delivery path downstream of the PAP device.
US09855395B2
Gas-pressure-based testing, in some embodiments, features a self-leak-testing module (120) that includes an internal sensor and is configured for measuring, using the sensor, gas leakage (179, 180) from a set of walls that defines respective gas passageways that both exist within the module and are incident to the gas pressure measured. One or more walls of the set may extend outside the module. The module can be configured for deciding, based on a result of the measuring, whether a magnitude of the leakage exceeds a predetermined threshold. A source for applying the pressure may be internal (138) or external (104, 132, 135). Gas pressure based pattern recognition can be used to identify, optionally during treatment and in real time, one or more leak sites responsible for the leakage. The module is implementable as a ventilation monitoring module that measures differential flow of a breathing circuit, the testing serving to prevent cross-contamination of patients.
US09855373B2
The present invention relates to an implantable material having at least one external surface grafted with a film including carboxylate and sulfonate functions wherein the film is simultaneously synthesized and grafted directly on the external surface by radical reaction of a bifunctional adhesion primer of Formula (I) or by radical reaction of an adhesion primer and a bifunctional polymerizable monomer of Formula (II). The invention also relates to a process for directly synthesizing and grafting of a film according to the invention onto at least one external surface of an implantable material. The invention further relates to the use of a grafted implantable material for the manufacture of an antiproliferative and/or antibacterial implantable medical device. The invention also relates to compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II).
US09855362B2
This document describes a high intensity air purifier, a super oxidation purifier, and a controller for controlling operation of any of various purification systems. The air purifier includes an air purifier system coupled within a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet. The air purifier system includes a pre-filter coupled to the air inlet, an axial fan for receiving and forwarding air from the air inlet. The air purifier further includes a UV reaction chamber having a UV-light source for providing UV light to the forwarded air from the air inlet and a reflective lining to reflect the provided UV light, to provide UV purified air from the UV reaction chamber. The air purifier further includes a chemical catalyst cartridge for receiving the UV purified air from the UV reaction chamber, for further purifying the UV purified air, and a post filter coupled to the air outlet.
US09855359B2
Analyte sensors capable of undergoing sterilization with ethylene oxide are provided. The analyte sensors can include one or more polymer membranes having a nucleophilic group.
US09855350B1
A fluid dispersal system with integrated UV lighting includes a reservoir of fluid, a sprayer head connected to the fluid reservoir, a nozzle, and an ultraviolet lighting element. The nozzle is supported by the sprayer head and is in fluid communication with the reservoir to disperse fluid from the reservoir in a spray direction. The ultraviolet lighting element is supported by the sprayer head adjacent the spray nozzle, and directs ultraviolet light in a direction generally parallel to the spray direction. The nozzle and the lighting element may be actuated such that ultraviolet light is directed onto a surface while fluid is simultaneously dispersed onto the surface.
US09855348B2
The application provides polypeptides comprising or essentially consisting of at least one heavy chain variable domain of a heavy chain antibody (VHH) or functional fragments thereof, wherein said VHH or functional fragment thereof specifically binds to a target protein that is present on and/or specific for a solid tumor or cancer cell, e.g., HER2. The application further provides nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; methods for preparing such polypeptides; host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; compositions, and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides, nucleic acids and/or host cells. The application further provides such polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells and/or compositions, for use in methods for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer.
US09855343B2
Novel modulators, including antibodies and derivatives thereof, and methods of using such modulators to treat proliferative disorders are provided.
US09855339B2
Provided is a pharmaceutical preparation composition comprising a polymerized camptothecin derivative which is obtained by bonding a camptothecin derivative to a polymer carrier, and has nanoparticle-forming properties of associating in an aqueous solution, the pharmaceutical preparation composition having enhanced preparation stability. Particularly, a pharmaceutical preparation maintaining nanoparticle-forming properties, which are an important factor, and having an excellent storage stability is provided.Disclosed is a pharmaceutical preparation comprising a block copolymer in which a polyethylene glycol segment is linked to a polyglutamic acid segment containing a glutamic acid unit having a camptothecin derivative bonded thereto, the pharmaceutical preparation capable of forming associates in an aqueous solution. When the pharmaceutical preparation is made into an aqueous solution containing the camptothecin derivative at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the pH of the aqueous solution is 2.4 to 7.0, and the change ratio of the associate-forming ability of the pharmaceutical preparation after storage at 40° C. for one week under light-blocked conditions is 50% or less.
US09855334B2
Topical compositions comprising a corticosteroid and at least one penetration enhancing agent, wherein the composition is substantially free of propylene glycol.
US09855332B2
The present invention is directed to methods for treating diarrhea, both chronic or acute forms, by the administration of a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for CGRP. In particular the methods prevent or reduce diarrhea in conditions or treatments resulting in elevated CGRP levels, e.g., in the GI tract (colon) that are associated with diarrhea and/or improper electrolyte and fluid excretion from the bowel or urinary system. More specifically, this invention relates to treatments using the anti-CGRP antibodies and fragments described herein, and binding fragments thereof.
US09855330B2
Methods of stimulating or enhancing an immune response in a host are disclosed. The methods include contacting a monocyte with 15 kD granulysin thereby producing a monocyte-derived dendritic cell. In one example, the method further includes contacting the monocyte or monocyte-derived dendritic cell with a target antigen, such as a tumor antigen or an autoimmune antigen. In another embodiment, the method includes contacting the monocyte with an additional agent that enhances maturation of dendritic cells or induces immunological tolerance. The methods are of use in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of tumors.
US09855329B2
Disclosed herein are mosaic HIV envelope (Env) polypeptides that can elicit an immune response to HIV (such as cytotoxic T cell (CTL), helper T cell, and/or humoral responses). Also disclosed are sets of the disclosed mosaic Env polypeptides, which include two or more (for example, three) of the polypeptides. Also disclosed herein are methods for treating or inhibiting HIV in a subject including administering one or more of the disclosed immunogenic polypeptides or compositions to a subject infected with HIV or at risk of HIV infection. In some embodiments, the methods include inducing an immune response to HIV in a subject comprising administering to the subject at least one (such as two, three, or more) of the immunogenic polypeptides or at least one (such as two, three, or more) nucleic acids encoding at least one of the immunogenic polypeptides disclosed herein.
US09855327B2
The present invention provides a novel chimeric porcine circovirus infectious DNA clone and live attenuated chimeric virus with the PCV2, preferably of subtype PCV2b, capsid gene integrated into a non-pathogenic PCV1 virus genome. In a particular embodiment, the PCV2 capids gene is of subtype PCV2b, the predominant subtype circulating in pigs worldwide. The attenuated chimeric virus, designated PCV1-2b, effectively protects pigs from PCV2b challenges, and can be used as a live vaccine, as well as an inactivated (killed) vaccine, that provides protection and cross protection against PCV2b and PCV2a subtypes infection. The live attenuated vaccine of the present invention is also effective protecting pigs from porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD).
US09855326B2
Provided are topical delivery systems and methods for treating and/or preventing a disease or disorder in a subject, or for eliciting an immune response in a subject, including applying, to at least a portion of the subject's post-auricular region, a topical delivery system including a therapeutically effective amount of a topical pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or adjuvant. The topical pharmaceutical composition can include a topical immunogenic composition. The topical delivery system can further include a flexible substrate in communication with the topical immunogenic composition. The subject can be a pediatric subject.
US09855318B2
The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising an insulin receptor agonist fused to a human IgG Fc region through the use of a peptide linker, and the use of such fusion proteins in the treatment of diabetes. The fusion protein of the present invention has an extended time action profile and is useful for providing basal glucose control for an extended period of time.
US09855313B2
Provided herein are compositions and methods for use in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration following tissue injury in a subject.
US09855305B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a combination of vitamins, specific salts of calcium, magnesium, and iron, probiotics and prebiotics, which prevents the occurrence of adverse effects associated with long-term use of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs). This effect is achieved by restoring all nutrient deficiencies and rectifying the intestinal flora imbalance caused by this type of drugs, particularly in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
US09855304B2
The invention relates to the use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain CNCM 1-3690 for reducing body fat accumulation and treating disorders resulting therefrom, such as overweight, obesity, and obesity-related disorders.
US09855301B1
A laminated graft fabricated from human birth tissue material comprising at least two amniotic membranes, or at least two chorionic membranes, or at least one amniotic membrane and at least one chorionic membrane, and at least one morselized placental composition to form a human birth tissue laminate graft. Methods of processing human birth tissue material to form a laminated graft are also provided. Additionally, methods for treating a wound or defect and methods of promoting regeneration of diseased or damaged tissue are provided.
US09855296B2
The invention features methods, kits, and compositions for mitochondrial replacement in the treatment of disorders arising from mitochondrial dysfunction. The invention also features methods of diagnosing neuropsychiatric (e.g., bipolar disorder) and neurodegenerative disorders based on mitochondrial structural abnormalities.
US09855292B2
The current invention discloses novel approaches to help individuals defend against headaches and body pains with orally-delivered cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin, adenosylcobalamin, and combinations thereof. Original clinical research conducted by the inventor on almost 2,000 humans yielded surprising and unexpected results showing differences in the frequency and severity of pains in the head and the body favoring cyanocobalamin patients over placebo. In one FDA-approved Phase III study on 1,551 patients, 4.4 percent of headaches and body pains were rated as “Severe” in the cyanocobalamin, group versus 11.5 percent in the placebo group. Once inside the body, cyanocobalamin is converted to methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, but not to hydroxocobalamin. The current invention provides the patient's mitochondria with sufficient concentrations of essential micronutrients to survive, increase in number and manufacture the chemical energy (ATP) that is required to prevent the brief vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation associated with headache and body pain.
US09855288B2
The present invention includes compositions and methods of making and using a dietary supplement manufactured from one or more natural polysaccharides previously incubated with a probiotic bacteria in a bioreactor system, wherein the bacteria process the polysaccharides and the resulting processed polysaccharide are provided in the nutritional supplement.
US09855284B2
This invention relates the use of cortisol blockers (e.g., glucocorticoid receptor [GR] antagonists) for the treating or preventing viral infections, treating or preventing treatment resistant prostate cancer, treating or preventing neoplasia, and treating or preventing infection related to acute or chronic injury or disease.
US09855279B2
Methods and kits for treating oral mucositis are disclosed. The treatment comprises administering to a patient in need thereof a Reactive Oxygen Species scavenger in a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation.
US09855277B2
The use of 5H-dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide derivatives for treating fibromyalgia. Useful 5H-dibenz/b,f/azepine-5-carboxamide derivatives include compounds of the formula (I): where R1 is hydrogen, alkyl, halogenalkyl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, alkoxy, aryl, or pyridyl; the term alkyl means a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms; the term halogen means fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine; the term cycloalkyl means an alicyclic saturated group with 3 to 6 carbon atoms; and the term aryl means an unsubstituted phenyl group or phenyl substituted by alkoxy, halogen or nitro group.
US09855272B2
Provided herein are compounds according to Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and compositions comprising the same, for use in various methods, including treating cancers such as colon, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, liver, prostate and hematologic cancers:
US09855271B2
The present disclosure relates to compounds, which are useful for inhibition of BET protein function by binding to bromodomains, and their use in therapy.
US09855270B2
Described herein are methods and compositions for treating an ER-related disease condition characterized by a mutation in the ESR1 gene by administering an estrogen receptor modulator. Also described herein are methods of treating hormone resistant-estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancers characterized by a mutation in the ESR1 gene by administering an estrogen receptor modulator.
US09855253B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing FK506 derivative for treating a fungal infection caused by the genus Cryptococcus or the genus Candida, and a use thereof. In addition, the present invention relates to a therapeutic agent for fungal infection caused by the genus Cryptococcus or the genus Candida, the therapeutic agent containing FK506 derivative. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is harmless to the human body, and can make a great contribution to providing antifungal drugs with an excellent antifungal effect.
US09855243B2
Provided herein is a zileuton cream type topical anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical composition, and more particularly, a zileuton cream type topical anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical composition capable of retaining stability at room temperature and of being applied topically to maximize medical effects while minimizing absorption to an entirety of body, thereby minimizing toxicity caused by the compound so as to be suitable to topical treatment of skin diseases caused by leukotriene.
US09855242B2
The present invention relates to a composition for the immunomodulation and uses and methods associated therewith.
US09855241B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to the use of a melatonin agonist in the treatment of free running circadian rhythms in patients, including light perception impaired patients, e.g., blind patients, and to methods of measuring circadian rhythm.
US09855237B2
The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, methods of treating mixed dyslipidemia with ethyl eicosapentaenoate.
US09855236B2
The present disclosure provides compositions comprising fatty acids, or derivatives thereof (e.g., C1-C4 esters) including, for example, DGLA, and/or 15-HETrE, used singly or in combination for the prevention and/or treatment of effects associated with UV radiation such as erythema.
US09855227B2
An oral dosage form to deliver diphenhydramine through the sublingual or buccal mucosa. The oral dosage form can contain diphenhydramine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a permeability enhancer, and a buffering agent. The buffering agent can achieve a pH of about 7.0 to about 8.0. The diphenhydramine can completely dissolve within about 2 minutes.
US09855226B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating psychiatric symptoms in a subject having a NMDA receptor and a NE receptor which includes administering d-methadone, d-methadol, d-alpha-acetylmethadol, l-alpha-acetylmethadol, d-alpha-normethadol, l-alpha-normethadol, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, or mixtures thereof, to the subject under conditions effective for the substance to bind to the NMDA receptor and NE receptor of the subject.
US09855224B2
This invention relates to a method for enhancing the bioavailability of a therapeutically active compound of the formula (I) or a geometric isomer, a stereoisomer, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an ester thereof or a metabolite thereof, wherein said compound is administered orally to the individual in connection with the intake of food.
US09855217B2
In one aspect, the invention provides novel monodisperse, colloidally-stable, toroidal mesoporous silica nanoparticles (TMSNPs) which are synthesized from ellipsoid-shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) which are prepared using an ammonia basecatalyzed method under a low surfactant conditions. Significantly, the TMSNPs can be loaded simultaneously with a small molecule active agent, a siRNA, a mRNA, a plasmid and other cargo and can be used in the diagnosis and/or treatment of a variety of disorders, including a cancer, a bacterial infection and/or a viral infection, among others. Related protocells, pharmaceutical compositions and therapeutic and diagnostic methods are also provided.
US09855210B2
Compositions are provided that include date palm pollen or an extract thereof. The compositions may be formulated for topical use in methods of treatment or prophylaxis of various skin conditions or methods to counteract the effects of skin aging.
US09855205B2
The invention relates to zinc coceth sulfate for the use thereof as an antibacterial agent for treating skin disorders associated with Propionibacterium acnes.
US09855203B2
Multi-use personal care compositions and articles can include a surfactant, a water insoluble hygroscopic fine, fiber, or filament, and a preservative, where such compositions and articles can show an improved preservative property versus unpreserved compositions.
US09855201B2
Provided is a volatile oil for cosmetics, which has excellent volatility, hair care properties and skin care properties. The volatile oil for cosmetics according to the present invention comprises a paraffin mixture, wherein the paraffin mixture contains an isoparaffin having 12 to 16 carbon atoms, has a boiling point ranging from 185 to 215° C. and has a 2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane content of less than 10 mass %. The volatile oil for cosmetics according to the present invention can be used for, for example, a hair cosmetic and an external preparation for the skin.
US09855198B2
The present invention relates to a process for dyeing keratin fibers in which a mixture is applied to the fibers, this mixture being obtained from: —a dye composition comprising at least one oxidation dye precursor, and—anoxidizing composition comprising at least one chemical oxidizing agent, —at least one of the compositions being dispensed from a pressurized container, —the mixture of the two compositions comprising at least one nonionic oxyalkylenated saturated or unsaturated C8-C40 fatty acid amide, and also to a device suitable for performing this process.
US09855196B2
The present invention provides a dental curable composition suitable as a flowable composite resin. The dental curable composition, when in the form of a cured product, has excellent mechanical strength, polishability, and gloss retention, and, when in the form of a paste, has consistency appropriate for discharge through a needle attached to the tip of a syringe and exhibits good formability and handling properties after discharge through the needle. The present invention is a dental curable composition including: a polymerizable monomer (A); irregularly-shaped inorganic particles (B) having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 0.3 μm and surface-treated with a silane coupling agent having a particular structure; and inorganic ultrafine particles (C) having an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 nm and surface-treated with a silane coupling agent having a particular structure, the dental curable composition containing 92.5 to 98 weight % of the irregularly-shaped inorganic particles (B) and 2 to 7.5 weight % of the inorganic ultrafine particles (C) relative to the amount of total inorganic particles and having a consistency of 25 to 55.
US09855195B2
The present invention provides a dental curable composition used for dental filling restorative materials, dental crown prosthesis materials such as inlays, crowns, and bridges, materials for constructing anchor teeth, block materials for dental CAD/CAM, etc. More specifically, the present invention provides a dental curable composition comprising a curable resin (A), a porous inorganic filler (B), and a polymerization initiator (C), wherein the porous inorganic filler (B) comprises a silicon dioxide, and an oxide comprising at least one kind of the other metallic elements, and a ratio (I1/I2) of a maximum absorbance (I1) of 3730 to 3750 cm−1 to a maximum absorbance (I2) of 3000 to 3600 cm−1 in infrared absorption spectrum of the porous inorganic filler (B), is not less than 1 and not more than 3.
US09855190B2
A package for containing tablets or like items is provided and has child-resistant and senior-friendly dispensing properties. The package includes an outer sleeve having opposed first and second wall panels. The first wall panel has a series of separate tear-away tabs. A separate card is contained within the sleeve and has a plurality of separate compartments and at least one reinforcement rib. A series of separate push-through chads is provided by the packaging and are directly opposed from and aligned with the tabs. The reinforcement rib provides a column support between the first and second wall panels and is of a height greater than that of the compartments. Each compartment is located directly between and aligned with one of the chads and one of the tabs, and the reinforcement rib provides a pre-determined amount of spacing between the tabs and the compartments.
US09855188B2
An apparatus including a motor assembly having a motor. A jet assembly coupled to the motor assembly having an inlet and outlet aperture. An impeller configured to rotate causing a first fluid to flow into the inlet aperture and out the outlet aperture. A fluid guider that includes at least one wall member defining a first channel configured to guide the first fluid from the inlet aperture into the cavity. Additionally, the fluid guider includes at least one post defining a second channel extending through the post. The second channel configured to guide the first fluid from the cavity towards the outlet aperture and output the first fluid at an oblique angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post. A second fluid channel member configured to provide a second fluid out the outlet aperture. A light source configured to illuminate the first fluid.
US09855186B2
Devices, systems, and methods for promoting female sexual wellness and function. The devices, systems, and methods encourage clitoral engorgement using suction over the clitoris combined with vibratory stimulation. In some embodiments, a device is capable of operation in an automatic attachment (autoattach) mode, in which detecting attachment of the device to user tissue (e.g. through detection of a positive pressure in a tissue-contacting chamber) automatically triggers starting a suction pump to secure the device in place. Suction settings such as a target negative pressure may be determined according to a dynamically-evaluated quality of a seal established between the device and user tissue. The quality of the seal may be determined by identifying drops in the absolute value of negative pressure that are not readily compensated for by the suction pump.
US09855184B2
Aspects of the invention include devices and methods for correcting a torso deformity of a patient. The devices include a suction chamber for placement around the torso deformity and to provide negative pressure to the torso deformity; and a measurement component coupled to the suction chamber. The measurement component is adapted to indicate a relative distance between the torso deformity and a distal surface of the suction chamber. The methods include positioning a torso deformity correcting device around a torso deformity on a torso of a patient. The methods further include withdrawing air from the suction chamber to apply negative pressure within the suction chamber to displace the torso deformity, and setting a negative pressure level by measuring the relative distance of the torso deformity and the distal surface of the suction chamber that is indicated by the measurement component.
US09855182B2
The physiotherapeutic device provides periodic upward pulling to a user's legs by driving a sliding member back and forth within a shaft. The sliding member is joined to a suspension member where the user's legs are suspended in handle rings of the suspension member. As the sliding member moves downward, a cushion member provides safe and smooth relaxation to the user's spine.
US09855173B2
An all terrain wheelchair is provided. The wheelchair includes a frame. The frame includes an upper bracket, a lower bracket, a first side, a second side, a front end and a rear end. At least one motor is mounted to the lower bracket of the frame. A first drive sprocket and a second drive sprocket may be disposed on the first side and the second side respectively. The motor may rotate the first and second drive sprockets. A first track drive wheel is rotatably connected to the first side and a second track drive wheel is rotatably connected to the second side. The first and second track drive wheels each include a wheel sprocket connected to the first and second drive sprockets respectively by a drive chain. A plurality of roller wheels are rotatably connected to each of the first side and the second side. A first track surrounds the plurality of wheels on the first side and a second track surrounds the plurality of wheels on the second side. The first track is driven by the first track drive wheel and the second track is driven by the second track drive wheel. The present invention may further include a seat mounted to the upper bracket and a controller operable to control an output of the at least one motor and a steering of the wheelchair.
US09855169B2
A method for marking coagulation sites on a retina by application of a light source including projecting a serial spot sequence from a sequential, one-dimensional series of spots on the retina, wherein the individual spots indicate the coagulation sites; waiting for confirmation of the sequence of individual spots; after confirming, recalculating an automated sequence of steps having a further serial spot sequence and projecting them on the retina according to the first step; and subsequent repeating of the second and third steps. Also, a system for coagulating the retina, having an imaging diagnostic unit, a therapy beam for coagulating coagulation sites, a pilot beam for marking the coagulation sites by a spot sequence, a beam deflecting unit for generating the spot sequence and for positioning the therapy beam, an electronic control unit for controlling the above devices, a software interface, and an interactive interface.
US09855162B2
A spinal orthosis includes: a pair of waist mounting members (2) fixed to both side surfaces of the waist; and a chest pressing member (3) installed to each waist mounting member. The chest pressing member includes: an arched arm (4) pivotally supported by pivots provided on both side surfaces of the waist mounting members and capable of swinging; a chest pressing body (4a) provided at an upper end portion of the arm; a pressing force giving portion (5, 6) provided at a middle part of the arm and giving a pressing force for pressing the chest pressing body to a chest.
US09855161B1
A device for assisting with plantar flexion includes a calf component that secures to the lower leg, two attachment points located on the calf component, a heel and or forefoot attachment point, and a strap extending from an attachment point on the calf component to the heel and or forefoot attachment point. The strap of the device produces tension between the calf and the heel of the foot to assist with plantar flexion by either pulling the heel upwards or limiting forward tibial progression in stance to provide stance stability for that leg.
US09855156B2
A biodegradable stent prosthesis formed from a degradable material, having a plurality of luminal, abluminal, and side surface regions, wherein a surface portion extending between the abluminal and luminal surface region of at least some structural elements is convex.
US09855152B2
A system and method for use during hip surgery includes a position frame that is removably secured to the patient's femur. The system further includes a tracking unit and navigation engine that establish a pelvic coordinate system and, with the patient's leg placed in a predetermined orientation, capture the location of the femoral position frame within the pelvic coordinate system. The system further includes an image generator configured to display one or more images for directing the surgeon to return the patient's leg to the predetermined orientation following a trial reduction based upon the previously captured position. A leg change determination engine compares the current, post-reconstruction position of the femoral position tracking frame with the previously captured, pre-reconstruction position to derive leg length, offset, and anterior-posterior change values. The change values are then provided to the surgeon for evaluating the suitability of the trial reduction.
US09855148B2
A skeletal replacement system may be utilized to replace bones in a patient. The skeletal replacement system has least one skeletal replacement linkage, each skeletal replacement linkage having a first member, a second member, and a hinge. The first and second members are hingedly coupled by the hinge. Multiple skeletal replacement linkages may be coupled end to end through a shaft on the second member of a first linkage being inserted into a bore in the first member of a second linkage. Each linkage is configured to replace at least a portion of each of two bones and a joint in a patient's body. Multiple linkages may be used to replace more bones and joints as required.
US09855146B2
This disclosure relates to arthroscopic resurfacing techniques for treating diseased bone. The techniques include passing a graft into a joint and fixating the graft against an articulating surface of a bone of the joint. A method for resurfacing a bone according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, sizing a graft based on a replicate of a bone, arthroscopically positioning the graft against an articulating surface of the bone, and securing the graft to the bone using at least one suture anchor.
US09855142B2
A device for the transvascular implantation and fixation of prosthetic heart valves having a self-expanding heart valve stent (10) with a prosthetic heart valve (11) at its proximal end is introducible into a patient's main artery. With the objective of optimizing such a device to the extent that the prosthetic heart valve (11) can be implanted into a patient in a minimally-invasive procedure, to ensure optimal positioning accuracy of the prosthesis (11) in the patient's ventricle, the device includes a self-expanding positioning stent (20) introducible into an aortic valve positioned within a patient. The positioning stent is configured separately from the heart valve stent (10) so that the two stents respectively interact in their expanded states such that the heart valve stent (10) is held by the positioning stent (20) in a position in the patient's aorta relative the heart valve predefinable by the positioning stent (20).
US09855135B2
Generally, an intraocular implant and methods for treating an ocular condition. In particular, an intraocular implant which implanted between an intraocular lens and the surface of the posterior capsule of the eye inhibits migration of residual lens epithelial cells after cataract surgery by providing structural barriers to reduce posterior capsule opacification of the eye.
US09855129B2
The present embodiments provide stent-grafts. In one embodiment, a stent has proximal and distal ends, a plurality of strut segments disposed between the proximal and distal ends that enable expansion of the stent from a compressed state to a deployed state, and a series of distal apices disposed at the distal end of the stent. At least a portion of a first distal apex overlaps with graft material. First and second sutures are each coupled between a portion of the first distal apex and the graft material. The first and second sutures are positioned at different longitudinal zones that lack an axial overlap with one another.
US09855128B2
A stent graft (18) for deployment in a curved lumen such as the aortic or thoracic arch (130) comprises a constraining mechanism at its proximal end. A stent (4′) provided at the proximal end of the stent graft (18) includes loops of material (11) that co-operate with restraining wires (42) that extend between a central guide wire carrier (24) and a restraining wire cannula (8). The constraining mechanism acts to maintain the proximal stent (4′) constrained at three points around its circumference at both the proximal and distal ends of the proximal stent (4′). The proximal stent (4′) is thus allowed to expand after expansion of the remainder of the stent graft (18) during deployment. In an embodiment, the constraining mechanism acts to constrain two adjacent struts of the proximal stent (4′) at three points radially therearound, at the proximal end of the stent (4′) and at the distal end of the stent (4′). The proximal stent (4′) may then overlap with the interior of an adjacent stent at an inner part (31) of a curved vessel.
US09855121B2
Disclosed is a template for forming a veneer on a tooth using a composite resin material that is curable by radiation. The template includes a tooth-contacting portion having a smooth concave surface for contacting the composite, the smooth concave surface having a shape that is complementary to a desired natural tooth shape. The tooth-contacting portion is formed of a material capable of transmitting the radiation such that the composite is curable through the tooth-contacting portion to form a veneer having a surface shape that conforms to the desired natural tooth shape. Also disclosed is a kit including a plurality of such templates and a method of using the templates to form a veneer.
US09855118B2
A modular apparatus for installation of multiple dental prostheses being adapted to connect and join various cylindrical stumps protruding from the maxillary or mandibular bone of a patient.
US09855110B2
Disclosed is a medical device, including: a therapeutic component adapted to provide therapeutic functionality while in therapeutic mode and further adapted to enter a device sleep mode (DSM), an accelerometer configured to identify a movement characterization of the therapeutic component and a movement analysis module (MAM) configured to receive the movement characterization from the accelerometer and determine a malfunction parameter wherein the MAM is operable while the therapeutic component is in the DSM.
US09855107B2
A medical robotic system includes a manipulator having links that form housings which are movable by motor actuated joints. Motors for actuating the joints and sensors for sensing states of the motors are housed in one or more distal housings formed from corresponding links or other structure(s) of the manipulator. A position controller is housed in a proximal housing and provides current commands for the motors to a remote current controller that is housed in an intermediate housing and generates drive signals for the motors by using the provided current commands and sensed states of the motors.
US09855096B2
Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally spiral/helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., spiral/helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function.
US09855093B2
An instrument for cutting body tissue has an instrument shaft, A blade, is adjacent to a distal end of the instrument shaft and can be folded out with respect to a longitudinal axis of the shaft and can be rotated about the longitudinal axis. An operating part is at a proximal end of the instrument shaft. A proximal end of the blade directed toward the operating part can be pivoted laterally out away from the longitudinal axis about an end of the blade that faces away from the proximal end and that is distally articulated at an articulation point. A tissue stop is arranged at the distal end of the instrument shaft. The tissue stop can be brought into an active position in which a stop surface facing the blade in the proximal direction has a specified fixed distance from the articulation point.
US09855091B2
A device is provided that includes an elongate first member and an elongate second member disposed adjacent to the first member and at least movably coupled to the first member. A first electrode or forceps end is coupled to the first member, and a second electrode or forceps end is coupled to the second member. At least a portion of the electrodes or forceps ends are movable with respect to the members to which they are coupled. In one variation, an electrosurgical device kit is provided that includes removable electrode heads.
US09855087B2
Surgical instruments and methods for delivering bone anchor assemblies into bone are disclosed herein. Use of these anchors or instruments can eliminate one or more of the steps in a conventional bone anchor installation procedure, improving surgical efficiency and safety. In general, a surgical instrument can include a handle assembly having an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom. The handle assembly can be configured to axially translate a stylet extending therethrough relative to a bone anchor assembly coupled to the elongate shaft, and it can be configured to move the stylet proximally in response to distal advancement of a bone anchor assembly into bone. The surgical instruments can include various mechanisms for adjusting the position of the stylet.
US09855086B2
A catheter device that includes a double-threaded guidance wire that allows multiple use of a compliant cavity creation device (i.e., treatment of more than one level). The double-threaded guidance wire may be connected with the luer part of the device and a distal part of the balloon using a threaded engagement to avoid lengthening of the inner tube, avoid lengthening of the balloon, and to limit the plastic deformation of the system in axial direction. In other implementations, the double-threaded guidance wire may be reconnected to the distal part of the balloon with a distal thread of the double-threaded guidance wire in order to restore the nominal length.
US09855081B2
In one general aspect, an orthopedic fixation device includes an inner core and shaft formed of a multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite. A sensing element is embedded within the multi-layered, fiber-reinforced composite.
US09855074B2
A medical device includes an elongate member having a first end portion and a second end portion, an extension member movably coupled to the first end portion of the elongate member and an actuation member disposed on the second end portion of the elongate member and operatively coupled to the extension member to move the extension member from a first position with respect to the first end portion of the elongate member to a second position with respect to the elongate member.
US09855071B2
A surgical apparatus includes an elongate outer sheath dimensioned for positioning within a body lumen of a patient, a reference member and a removal device. The reference member is adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the elongate outer sheath between a first position at least partially disposed within a longitudinal lumen of the outer sheath and a second position at least partially exposed from the longitudinal lumen. The reference member is adapted to expand when in the second position to generally conform to an internal dimension of the body lumen. The reference member includes a radiopaque material for visualizing the reference member to assist in determining physical characteristics of the body lumen when in the second position. The removal device is adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the reference member, and is configured for disrupting at least a portion of the occlusion within the body lumen.
US09855070B2
A matter elimination catheter includes a catheter body extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion. The catheter body includes an infusion lumen, an aspiration lumen fluidly isolated from the infusion lumen, and a septum interposed between the infusion and aspiration lumens. A drive shaft is within the infusion lumen and is configured to provide rotation near the catheter distal portion. A guide wire lumen is within the drive shaft, and the infusion lumen, the drive shaft and the guide wire lumen are fluidly separated from the aspiration lumen with the septum. In one example, fluid bearings are formed between one or more of the catheter body and drive shaft or the drive shaft and a guide wire or guide wire liner when supplied with infusion fluid through the infusion lumen.
US09855060B2
Provided herein is an adaptor for modifying the operation of a surgical bone-tool, comprising: a housing having a distal end and a proximal end coupled between a chuck and an operating bit of said tool, such that force generated by a motor of the tool is delivered to the operating bit through the adaptor; a clutch, contained in the housing, having an engaged and a disengaged configurations, respectively interconnecting and disconnecting the chuck to the operating bit; the clutch automatically disengages in response to an electric current, causing a cutoff of the force delivery; wherein the housing comprises a proximal fastener, sized and shaped to connect with the operating bit and a distal fastener, sized and shaped to connect with the chuck.
US09855054B1
A nosebleed arrest element is placed into a human mouth to alleviate bleeding from a nose. An upper portion of the device is placed between an interior portion of an upper lip and the gingiva of a crest of a maxillary bone. Placement of the device provides sufficient pressure upon subjacent arterial passageways to stem a flow of blood. A lower portion of the device protrudes from the mouth of a user. The lower portion is provided with a grasp catch to obviate swallowing of the device as a whole and to assist with maneuvering and removal of the device.
US09855053B2
A surgical ligation clip and method of operation are described and include a top jaw member and bottom jaw member joined at a hinge section for movement about the hinge section. The hinge section can be offset or space laterally from one or both of the jaw members. Teeth arrangements and distributions are also described, as well as closing and jaw ends engagement configurations, for example for more easily engaging/piercing connective or other tissue.
US09855051B2
Devices and methods for treating vascular defects, such as, for example, balloon-type aneurysms, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion portion and an expandable implant. The expandable implant is configured to be deployed in an aneurysm and is coupled to the insertion portion. The expandable implant has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The expandable implant is movable between a first configuration in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially linearly aligned and a second configuration in which the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion.
US09855040B2
An end effector includes first and second jaw members that are pivotable relative to one another between open and clamped configurations about a pivot axis. The first and second jaw members each define a pivot hole which defines the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members also each define an articulation axis that is orthogonal to the pivot axis and position distal of the pivot axis. The first and second jaw members are articulatable about the articulation axis between straight and fully articulated configurations.
US09855038B2
A medical device comprises a control handle and a surgical end effector connected to the control handle through a passive articulating connection. A medical device end effector connection assembly comprises a passive articulation joint for connecting an end effector to a control handle. In a medical device having an end effector connected to a control handle, an end effector connection assembly comprises a passive articulation joint connecting the end effector to the control handle. A medical device comprises a control handle and a surgical end effector passively articulated with respect to the control handle. A medical device comprises a control handle having a first portion of a passive articulation joint and a surgical end effector having a second portion of the passive articulation joint, the first and second portions of the passive articulation joint connecting the end effector to the control handle.
US09855033B2
An apparatus and method is disclosed for securing tissue to a bone comprising a novel screw anchor for insertion into a bone by a novel rotational driver. The screw anchor and rotation driver enables the screw to be completely embedded into the bone while permitting a suture to be threaded through a transverse aperture in the screw. The rotation driver facilitates insertion and engagement of a capture with one of a series of protuberance formed along a length of a suture. In addition, the method is disclosed of forming the series of protuberance.
US09855028B2
A multi-suture knotless anchor and related method for securing soft tissue, such as tendons, to bone are described. The suture anchor includes a body, a sleeve, and an outer deformable bone locking structure. The bone locking structure has a first low profile configuration for insertion into the bone, and a second larger profile configuration for engaging the bone when actuated. The bone anchor and methods permit a suture attachment that lies beneath the cortical bone surface and does not require tying of knots in the suture.
US09855020B2
Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, an intravascular system includes an intravascular device and a computing device in communication with the intravascular device, the computing device operable to: present a set of mode options to a user at a user display device; receive a mode selection from the presented set of mode options; determine a set of operating parameters based on the mode selection; receive a first set of medical sensing data; and process the first set of medical sensing data according to the operating parameters, wherein the computing device is further operable to determine the set of operating parameters based on at least one of a previous mode selection, a user preference, an operative course of a medical procedure, patient information, the first set of medical sensing data, a second set of medical sensing data, a status indicator, or a sensing device identifier.
US09855019B2
A mounting system is provided to allow the attachment of an acoustic collector to a handheld electronic device such that sound is conducted directly to the device's microphone. A fitted case or band encloses part of the device and includes a tube running from the collector to the device's microphone. In certain embodiments, the tube may be embedded in the case, and a detachable mount may be provided to connect the collector to the case. The collector may be a stethoscope chestpiece, or an open air collector, such as a parabolic collector.
US09855017B2
Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed that can provide a modular approach to an accessory shell for a portable DR detector that can accessorize features for various applications.
US09855008B2
One aspect is an implantable medical device including a metal housing configured for implantation in a human and including a biocompatible metal and defining an opening. A feedthrough device is configured within the opening of the metal housing and includes an insulating section and a conducting section, the insulating section electrically isolating the conducting section from the metal housing. An ultrasonic joint is configured between the feedthrough device and metal housing that hermetically and mechanically bonds the feedthrough device and metal housing. The biocompatible metal of the housing is a microstructure primarily having α-phase grains.
US09855002B2
The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.
US09855001B2
The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.
US09855000B2
There is disclosed a transdermal analyte sensor device. The device includes a sensor cartridge having a membrane permeable to a target analyte transdermally received from a subject, a reservoir containing a fluid to receive the target analyte through the membrane and an enzyme to react with the target analyte to form a byproduct, a working electrode to generate an electrical current based on a concentration of a byproduct, and a cartridge electrical contact to transmit the electrical current. The device also includes a device body having a device electrical contact to receive the electrical current from the cartridge electrical contact, a transmitter to transmit a signal based on the electrical current to a monitoring device, and a cartridge receptacle to receive the sensor cartridge and position the membrane to contact skin of the subject.
US09854995B2
A method, system, and process are described to decrease muscle fatigue and improve circulation of an individual resting on a support device, such as an adjustable chair or bed. The body pose and heat distribution of the individual are determined and used to estimate muscle fatigue and circulation. The estimated muscle fatigue and circulation are then used to determine settings for the support device or the temperature of the environment.
US09854993B1
Devices detect and assist in the avoidance of blood vessels during a surgical procedure—to avoid rupturing these blood vessels. Devices may be any penetration sensor device (such as a dilator sensor device, hollow needle sensor device, or trocar sensor device) that penetrates the skin and subcutaneous layers to reach a target location inside the body. The device includes a sensor probe which can make optical measurements to determine various parameters of the tissue at the tip of the sensor probe. These parameters may include an optical signal level returned from tissue contacting the tip of the sensor probe, an oxygen saturation level of the tissue, a total hemoglobin concentration, a blood flow, and a pulse. Based on these parameters, the presence or absence of a blood vessel at the tip of the device can be determined while the device travels towards the target location for surgery.
US09854990B2
The present disclosure relates to a brain disease diagnosis service apparatus including at least: a receiving unit for receiving an image of a subject to be diagnosed; a preprocessing unit for estimating a transformation matrix in order to align a predetermined standard image with the image received by the receiving unit, and for applying the estimated transformation matrix to a predetermined standard brain region map, thereby generating an individual brain region map for the subject to be diagnosed; a feature point extracting unit for calculating a ratio occupied by brain lesions for each brain region in the individual brain region map, generated by the preprocessing unit, of the subject to be diagnosed, thereby extracting feature points; and a disability type determining unit for determining a disability type on the basis of the ratio of the brain lesions, calculated by the feature point extracting unit, for each brain region.
US09854981B2
A sensor delivery device and methods of using the device are provided, wherein the sensor delivery device includes a sensor that is adapted to obtain a measurement that can be used to calculate cross-sectional area of a surrounding anatomical structure. In certain cases, the sensor is an electrode arrangement, wherein the electrode arrangement generates a current and measures voltage resulting from the current. The voltage measurement is then used to calculate conductivity of fluid in the surrounding anatomical structure and thus cross-sectional area.
US09854979B2
An imaging device includes a hollow flexible shaft having a central longitudinal axis and an imaging window therein. An optical fiber extends within the hollow flexible shaft substantially along the central axis. A distal tip of the optical fiber is attached to the hollow flexible shaft and aligned with the imaging window so as to transfer an optical coherence tomography signal through the imaging window. A handle is attached to the hollow flexible shaft configured rotate the hollow flexible shaft at speeds of greater than 1,000 rpm.
US09854969B2
Mechanical support of an indirect contact lens by a surgical microscope during vitreoretinal surgery
An indirect contact lens is mechanically coupled to a surgical microscope during ophthalmic surgery, such as vitreoretinal surgery. The indirect contact lens rests on a cornea of an eye of a patient during the surgery but is supported by a surgical microscope attachment having multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate small movements of the eye while remaining aligned to an optical axis of the surgical microscope.
US09854966B2
A system and method for determining a subject's attentional response to a stimulus. The method includes measuring microsaccadic eye movement dynamics of the subject, detecting whether a microsaccadic signature (a suppression in microsaccadic rate) is present in the measured microsaccadic eye movement relative to a time of the stimulus, and correlating the subject's attentional response to the stimulus based on the detection. The method further includes determining that the stimulus was sensed if the microsaccadic signature is present and determining that the stimulus was not sensed if the microsaccadic signature is absent.
US09854961B2
The present invention relates to a medical needle which comprises an elongate tube and at least one optical fiber, e.g. two fibers, arranged within the elongate tube, for making optical measurements at the distal end of the needle. The optical fibers(s) has a beveled distal end surface, wherein a plane touching the beveled distal end surface and a longitudinal extension axis of the optical fiber forms a bevel angle which is 30°-35°. Such needle is advantageous for providing a medical needle which is reliable and long term stable, can be manufactured in low cost using known optical fiber materials, thus allowing it to form part of disposable medical kits. Still, the bevel angle of 30°-35° provides a needle which is easy to insert and which provides a low tendency to cause tissue sticking. Especially, the elongate tube and the optical fiber end(s) have the same beveled angle within the range 30°-35°, thus allowing a smooth front surface of the needle.
US09854954B2
The robot cleaner includes a main body configured to remove dust from a floor while traveling on the floor, the main body having a lateral rim defining the external appearance of a lateral surface of the robot cleaner, and at least one side brush assembly mounted to the main body to clean the corner of the floor. The side brush assembly includes a side arm pivotably coupled to the main body, the side arm moving between a first position where the side arm is inserted into the main body and a second position where the side arm protrudes outward from the lateral rim of the main body, a brush unit provided at the side arm to sweep the floor, and a rim cover coupled to the side arm to form a part of the lateral rim of the main body when the side arm is inserted into the main body.
US09854952B2
A vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaning head having a suction nozzle adapted to be moved along a surface to be cleaned, and a hair collection assembly provided on the cleaning head and having a hair collection element adapted to collect hair from the surface to be cleaned as the cleaning head moves along the surface to be cleaned.
US09854949B2
A toilet. The toilet comprises an upper bowl defining a first fecal aperture, a lower bowl defining a second fecal aperture, a urine receptacle and a feces receptacle. The upper bowl defines a urine aperture. A raised barrier extends upwardly around a periphery of the second fecal aperture. When a diverter panel is closed urine flows from the upper bowl through the urine aperture into the urine receptacle or urine flows through the first fecal aperture, strikes an upper surface of the diverter panel, and through an opening between a lower surface of the upper bowl and the upper surface of the diverter panel into the urine receptacle. In a third path when the diverter panel is opened urine flows through the urine aperture into the urine receptacle, the raised barrier prevents urine flow into the feces receptacle through the second fecal aperture.
US09854947B2
Foam dispensers having integral air compressors with connectors to connect with a disposable refill unit, disposable refill units and liquid pumps are disclosed herein. A refill unit includes a container and a liquid pump. The liquid pump includes a liquid chamber defined at least in part by a liquid inlet valve and a liquid outlet valve. A piston that reciprocates horizontally in the liquid chamber. A mixing chamber is located downstream of the liquid chamber. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the liquid chamber and has an air inlet. A sanitary seal is located proximate the air inlet to prevent liquid from contaminating the air compressors.
US09854944B2
A coffee beans grinder includes a main body, a dispensing component, a blade unit for grinding coffee beans having a first blade element and a second blade element facing the first blade element, and a dispensing element provided in the dispensing component for feeding coffee beans to a grinding space defined between the first blade element and the second blade element. The first blade element is provided in the main body, and the second blade element is provided in the dispensing component. The dispensing component is removably attached to the main body with a manually-operable engagement element. The second blade element faces the first blade element to define the grinding space therebetween with the dispensing component being attached to the main body with the manually-operable engagement element.
US09854934B2
A brewing structure of a capsule coffee machine includes: a body which comprises a water tank and a capsule chamber, wherein a coffee outlet is provided at the capsule chamber; a capsule holder is provided in the capsule chamber; a pump and a heater is provided in the body; the body is hinged with an upper lid; a top piercing mechanism is provided on the upper lid, wherein the top piercing mechanism includes a top piercing tube; a water returner is formed between the capsule holder and the capsule chamber; the capsule holder has a water passage; a bottom piercing mechanism is mounted inside the water passage; a safety valve is mounted inside the body, which is controlled by movements of the top piercing mechanism, for cutting off the brewing water when the upper lid is opened, so as to prevent splashing hot water.
US09854928B1
A resilient sleeve for a beverage container is made from a continuous web of a fabric extending between distal and proximal ends thereof. A substantially linear base is provided at the proximal end. First and second sides extend outwardly from the opposite ends of the base. Two substantially symmetrical trapezoidal regions are formed at the distal end of the web, wherein each trapezoidal region is formed by an outer side positioned at a first predetermined angle to the first side and an inner side positioned at a second predetermined angle to a longitudinal axis of the web portion. A V-shaped cut out portion is formed at a central area of the web by the inner sides of the first and second trapezoidal regions. Width of the web portion corresponds to a circumference of the sleeve and length of the web portion corresponds to an axial length of the sleeve.
US09854924B2
An outfit hanger and displayer has a head section, a shoulder section, a torso section, a bottom (hip/waist) section, a neck section, an arm section, and a hand section. In some embodiments the head section has a loop, a hanging hook and an earring section. The earring section can be made of, among other things, a polystyrene foam, a magnetic material, a plastic material, or an adhesive material. In some embodiments the torso section is expandable. In some embodiments the hanger has a necklace/scarf guide that can be used to display necklaces or scarves on the hanger. In some embodiments, the outfit hanger has at least one stabilizing foot.
US09854912B2
The reclining chair 100 according to the invention comprises an anchoring structure 200 having, mounted thereon, a support structure or frame 300A which forms a support of a seat 300B connected at the front to a leg rest 600, the frame 300A being connected laterally to two arm rests 500 and at the rear to a backrest 400. The backrest and frame are connected together by means of frame pins 316; the backrest and seat 300B are connected together by means of lever systems 410, 410a connected at one end to seats 407 provided on the framework 401 of the backrest 400 and at the other end to pins arranged in seats 323 on the seat side support structures 311 of the seat 300B; the frame 300A and seat 300B are connected together by means of frame pins 306 and 318 which slide inside corresponding recesses 320 and 321 formed in the seat side support structures 311 of the seat 300B.
US09854910B2
An adjustable wall cupboard holder group (10) for anchoring a cupboard (11) to the wall having a hook (15) situated at the free end of a hooking element (14) extending externally from the wall cupboard holder group. A regulation mechanism of the positions in depth and height of the hook (15) is associated with the hooking element (14). The wall cupboard holder group includes a central section or portion (16) containing the hooking element (14) and mechanism, and two side sections or flanges (18, 18′), at least one element (20, 20′) resistant to shear forces, protruding from at least one of said sections, where at least the other section includes at least one fixing device (19, 19′).
US09854901B2
The badge holder includes a strap member mounted to the back of the badge holder, which allows the badge holder to be securely worn on the hand, wrist or forearm for displaying the badge, while the wearer has full use of both hands.
US09854900B2
An inventive wearable utility carrying strap is provided for improved user access and experience with devices mounted thereon. The wearable utility carrying strap enables a user to configure an arrangement of devices that maintains the user's desired set of device orientations even during user movement. Embodiments of the strap have one or more spring loaded stud securements that hold a device in a user specified position. Embodiments of the strap used in the inventive utility carrying strap may be formed from natural or synthetic materials including but not limited to cotton, leather, suede, polypropylene, nylon, rubber, neoprene, plastic, etc. The strap may be fitted to a user limb by adjusting the strap slack with a buckle.
US09854895B2
A cosmetic applicator for applying a composition, the cosmetic applicator comprising a rod having a central longitudinal axis and a distal end of the rod is connected to an applicator head. The applicator head comprises a molded core and a plurality of tines projecting outwardly from the core. The core is elongated along a central longitudinal axis which does not coincide or intersect with the central longitudinal axis of the rod. The core further includes at least one longitudinal spline running along the central longitudinal axis of the core for entire length of the core, the at least one longitudinal spline is free of tines and wherein an end of the spline of the core contacts an outer edge of a transition portion of the applicator head.
US09854889B2
A bag having two or more compartments for organizing and stowing belongings therein, and the two or more compartments include openings or access points to provide access to storage spaces. The bag may be converted from an unfolded configuration to a folded configuration, such that the individual compartments fit together to form the unitary configuration of the bag. Each compartment includes at least one opening that provides access to the compartment's interior whether the bag is in a folded or a unitary configuration.
US09854886B1
Provided is an inflatable insulation box relating to the technical field of cold insulation equipment for cold chain transportation, comprising a box body and a box lid, wherein the box body has an opening and the box lid is configured to close the opening of the box body; the box body and the box lid include fabrics on outer layers and airbags on inner layers, respectively; an air valve is provided on the box body and/or the box lid to inflate or deflate the airbags; reflective fabrics may also be used on inner surfaces of the box body and the box lid to improve thermal insulation performance. This inflatable insulation box has good thermal insulation effect, and can be conveniently inflated and deflated and conveniently folded up, reducing occupied space.
US09854885B2
In order to provide a roof box system (100) for a motor vehicle (11) which is easy to handle and which can be used in many different ways and which features an aerodynamically advantageous shape, it is proposed that the roof box system (100) shall include a roof (10) of a motor vehicle (11) which includes at least one ceiling element (13) which is installed on at least one roof base element (12) and an insertion element (18) with at least one outer wall. Pursuant to the invention, the at least one ceiling element (13) can be moved from an initial state to a receiving state so that an interspace (15) suitable for receiving the insertion element (18) is formed, and, in the receiving state, the insertion element (18) can be arranged in the interspace (15) so that the at least one outer wall of the insertion element (18) forms an outer surface (26, 27) of the roof box system (100).
US09854883B2
In various embodiments, a carry (or carrying) bag is provided that includes an interior, substantially cut-resistant security panel assembly with a matrix of wires secured between or on one or more flexible material layers. Also in various embodiments, the security panel assembly may be positioned intermediate the bag outside wall and a lining of the bag, and in other embodiments, may also take the form of an expansion panel. Second or secondary locking fasteners are also provided to lock first or primary fasteners to or within the carrying bag, to provide security for compartments and pockets. A strap with one or more security cables, and various locking fasteners, may be attached to the carry bag. Methods for forming such security panel assemblies, expansion panels, and carrying straps are also disclosed.
US09854879B2
This invention is directed toward a flat, washer-like key ring. In some embodiments, the key ring is substantially circular. It is distinct from prior art in that the key ring largely, or entirely, resides in a single plane, as opposed to being concentric circles overlapped one on top of the other. The key ring has a split line running through a portion of its body. The split line creates inner and outer segments along a portion of the plane of the body. The split line can be non-linear, in that it may not be a straight line. As such, the split line has protrusions and slots running along its length. These protrusions and slots interact mechanically to allow the key ring to remain securely closed, and endure greater radial forces, by coupling the inner and outer segments together. The inner and outer segments are also releasably attached so as to facilitate the addition or removal of a key.
US09854876B1
A traction cleat attachment system for footwear that engages with a single click. The system comprises a cleat and a receptacle. The cleat includes a central stud with screw threads spaced about the outside surface of the stud. The receptacle includes a threaded annulus on a base for receiving the central stud of the cleat. The cleat also includes a collar coaxially surrounding the central stud with splines projecting from the interior collar surface. The threaded receptacle annulus is surrounded by two sets of alternating teeth projecting from the outside surface of the annulus. One of the set of alternating teeth have an upper surface at an angle with the base. Thus, the user obtains positive feedback that the cleat and socket have mated correctly.
US09854875B2
Articles of footwear, including athletic footwear, may include: (a) an upper including an opening through which a leg of a wearer extends, wherein the upper includes a foot insertion opening extending rearwardly and downwardly from a front portion of the leg opening at least to a heel area of the upper; (b) a closure system for releasably closing the foot insertion opening and optionally tightening the shoe on the foot; and (c) a sole structure engaged with the upper. The foot insertion opening widely opens the side and/or rear area of the shoe to allow for easy insertion and removal of a foot. Such uppers can be particularly useful for hightop athletic footwear, boots, or other footwear that extends up to or at least partially over a wearer's ankles.
US09854869B2
An article of footwear with a midsole has an auxetic bladder member formed from inflated components surrounding star-shaped apertures. The inflated components form one or more auxetic bladders, and may have a triangular geometry. The inflated components are fluidly connected to adjoining components. Adjoining inflated components are hingedly connected, so that they can rotate with respect to each other in the plane of the midsole.
US09854867B2
A shoe according to the invention comprises an upper assembly comprising an upper portion (10) having an outer material (11) for surrounding a foot and a lower portion (20) having at least a breathable layer (21). The shoe also comprises a sole comprising a ventilating container element (113) having a bottom part (103) and a side wall (102) surrounding said bottom part (103) so as to form an inner space of the ventilating container element (113), the ventilating container element being arranged below and attached to the upper assembly, and a filler structure or material (61; 62; 63; 64; 65; 112) allowing for air flow through it placed in the inner space of the ventilating container element (113).
