US07858532B2
A method for fabricating a dielectric layer structure includes providing a substrate, forming at least a low-k dielectric layer on the substrate, forming a single tensile layer on the low-k dielectric layer, and performing a moisture preventing treatment on the single tensile film. The single tensile layer possesses a stress comparative to a stress of the low-k dielectric layer and a hydrophobic characteristic that prevents itself from absorbing moisture.
US07858519B2
A method is provided for forming a capping layer comprising Cu, N, and also Si and/or Ge onto a copper conductive structure, said method comprising the sequential steps of: forming, at a temperature range between 200° C. up to 400° C., at least one capping layer onto said copper conductive structure by exposing said structure to a GeH4 and/or a SiH4 comprising ambient, performing a NH3 plasma treatment thereby forming an at least partly nitrided capping layer, forming a dielectric barrier layer onto said at least partly nitrided capping layer, wherein prior to said step of forming said at least one capping layer a pre-annealing step of said copper conductive structure is performed at a temperature range between 250° C. up to 450° C.
US07858518B2
A process for the in situ formation of a selective contact and a local interconnect on a semiconductor substrate. The exposed semiconductor substrate regions of a semiconductor device structure may be treated in a plasma to enhance the adhesiveness of a selective contact thereto. The semiconductor device structure is positioned within a reaction chamber, wherein a selective contact is deposited onto the exposed semiconductor substrate regions. Any residual selective contact material may be removed from oxide surfaces either intermediately or after selective contact deposition. While the semiconductor device remains in the reaction chamber, a local interconnect is deposited over the semiconductor device structure. The local interconnect may then be patterned. Subsequent layers may be deposited over the local interconnect. The present invention also includes semiconductor device structures formed by the inventive process.
US07858514B2
In a method of fabricating a semiconductor structure, a carbon containing mask is fabricated over a dielectric layer. The mask exposes the surface of the dielectric layer at least partly in a region between two adjacent conducting lines. A contact hole is etched into the dielectric layer in the region between the two adjacent conducting lines.
US07858513B2
A low-cost and efficient process produces self-aligned vias in dielectric polymer films that provides electrical connection between a top conductor and a bottom conductor. The process is achieved by printing conductive posts on the first patterned conductive layer, followed by the deposition of an unpatterned layer dielectric, followed by the deposition of a second patterned conductive layer. The vias are formed during the flash annealing of the post after the dielectric is deposited, but before the second conductive layer is deposited. In this process, the post material is annealed with a flash of light, resulting in a release of energy which removes the dielectric on the top of the post.
US07858506B2
Some embodiments include methods of forming diodes in which a first electrode is formed to have a pedestal extending upwardly from a base. At least one layer is deposited along an undulating topography that extends across the pedestal and base, and a second electrode is formed over the least one layer. The first electrode, at least one layer, and second electrode together form a structure that conducts current between the first and second electrodes when voltage of one polarity is applied to the structure, and that inhibits current flow between the first and second electrodes when voltage having a polarity opposite to said one polarity is applied to the structure. Some embodiments include diodes having a first electrode that contains two or more projections extending upwardly from a base, having at least one layer over the first electrode, and having a second electrode over the at least one layer.
US07858503B2
In an ion implantation method, a substrate is placed in a process zone and ions are implanted into a region of the substrate to form an ion implanted region. A porous capping layer is deposited on the ion implanted region. The substrate is annealed to volatize at least 80% of the porous capping layer overlying the ion implanted region during the annealing process. An intermediate product comprises a substrate, a plurality of ion implantation regions on the substrate, and a porous capping layer covering the ion implantation regions.
US07858502B2
A fabrication method of a group III nitride crystal substance includes the steps of cleaning the interior of a reaction chamber by introducing HCl gas into the reaction chamber, and vapor deposition of a group III nitride crystal substance in the cleaned reaction chamber. A fabrication apparatus of a group III nitride crystal substance includes a configuration to introduce HCl gas into the reaction chamber, and a configuration to grow a group III nitride crystal substance by HVPE. Thus, a fabrication method of a group III nitride crystal substance including the method of effectively cleaning deposits adhering inside the reaction chamber during crystal growth, and a fabrication apparatus employed in the fabrication method are provided.
US07858493B2
In one example embodiment, a process for cleaving a wafer cell includes several acts. First a wafer cell is affixed to an adhesive film. Next, the adhesive film is stretched substantially uniformly. Then, the adhesive film is further stretched in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to a predetermined reference direction. Next, the wafer cell is scribed to form a notch that is oriented substantially parallel to the predetermined reference direction. Finally, the wafer cell is cleaved at a location substantially along the notch.
US07858481B2
A method of fabricating a MOS transistor having a thinned channel region is described. The channel region is etched following removal of a dummy gate. The source and drain regions have relatively low resistance with the process.
US07858474B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device is provided in such a manner that a semiconductor layer is formed over a substrate, a charge accumulating layer is formed over the semiconductor layer with a first insulating layer interposed therebetween, and a gate electrode is provided over the charge accumulating layer with a second insulating layer interposed therebetween. The semiconductor layer includes a channel formation region provided in a region overlapping with the gate electrode, a first impurity region for forming a source region or drain region, which is provided to be adjacent to the channel formation region, and a second impurity region provided to be adjacent to the channel formation region and the first impurity region. A conductivity type of the first impurity region is different from that of the second impurity region.
US07858471B2
Fabrication methods for gate transistors in integrated circuit devices enable the formation of recessed access device structures or FinFET structures having P-type workfunctions. The fabrication methods also provide for the formation of access transistor gates of an access device following formation of the periphery transistor gates. Access devices and systems including same are also disclosed.
US07858463B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a substrate, a nonvolatile memory device formed in a memory cell region of the substrate, and a semiconductor device formed in a device region of the substrate. The nonvolatile memory device has a multilayer gate electrode structure including a tunnel insulating film and a floating gate electrode formed thereon. The floating gate electrode has sidewall surfaces covered with a protection insulating film. The semiconductor device has a gate insulating film and a gate electrode formed thereon. A bird's beak structure is formed of a thermal oxide film at an interface of the tunnel insulating film and the floating gate electrode, the bird's beak structure penetrating into the floating gate electrode along the interface from the sidewall faces of the floating gate electrode, and the gate insulating film is interposed between the substrate and the gate electrode to have a substantially uniform thickness.
US07858452B2
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device includes forming a gate line and a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulating layer on substantially an entire surface of the substrate, forming an active layer, an ohmic contact layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a data line on the gate insulating layer, forming a black matrix on the first passivation layer, forming a color filter layer on the first passivation layer in the pixel region, forming a second passivation layer on substantially an entire surface of the substrate, forming a photoresist pattern to expose the second passivation layer, removing the exposed second passivation and removing a portion of the first passivation layer contacting the second passivation layer, forming a transparent conductive layer on substantially an entire surface of the substrate, and forming a pixel electrode in the pixel region by removing the photoresist pattern and the transparent conductive layer on the photoresist pattern.
US07858449B2
In a method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device, a thyristor may be formed in a layer of semiconductor material. Carbon may be implanted and annealed in a base-emitter junction region for the thyristor to affect leakage characteristics. The density of the carbon and/or a bombardment energy and/or an anneal therefore may be selected to establish a low-voltage, leakage characteristic for the junction substantially greater than its leakage absent the carbon. In one embodiment, an anneal of the implanted carbon may be performed in common with an activation for other implant regions the semiconductor device.
US07858448B2
Support structures for semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. In some embodiments, the support structures include a plurality of support members that is formed in a substantially annular shape beneath a wire bond region. The central region inside the substantially annular shape of the plurality of support members may be used to route functional conductive lines for making electrical contact to active areas of the semiconductor device. Dummy support structures may optionally be formed between the functional conductive lines. The support structures may be formed in one or more conductive line layers and semiconductive material layers of a semiconductor device. In other embodiments, support members are not formed in an annular shape, and are formed in insulating layers that do not comprise low dielectric constant (k) materials.
US07858446B2
A sensor-type semiconductor package and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The fabrication method of the sensor-type semiconductor package includes steps of: providing a wafer having sensor chips; attaching light-permeable bodies to the sensor chips, wherein each light-permeable body has a covering layer and an adhesive layer; singulating the wafer so as to obtain a plurality of separated sensor chips with the light-permeable bodies attached thereon; attaching and electrically connecting the separated sensor chips to a substrate module having substrates, forming an encapsulant encapsulating the sensor chips and the light-permeable bodies; cutting the encapsulant along edges of the light-permeable bodies to a depth at least corresponding the bottom edges of the covering layers; removing the covering layers with the encapsulant mounted thereon to expose the light-permeable bodies; and cutting between the substrates to obtain a plurality of sensor-type semiconductor packages.
US07858443B2
A leadless integrated circuit (IC) package comprising an IC chip mounted on a die attach pad and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the IC chip. The IC chip, the electrical contacts, and the die attach pad are all covered with a molding material, with portions of the electrical contacts and die attach pad protruding from a bottom surface of the molding material.
US07858437B2
An aspect of the present invention features a method for manufacturing a substrate having a cavity. The method can comprises: (a) forming an upper layer circuit on an upper seed layer; (b) laminating a dry film on a portion of the upper seed layer where a cavity is to be formed; (c) fabricating an upper outer layer by forming an insulation layer on top of the upper seed layer and on top and sides of the upper layer circuit; (d) stacking the upper outer layer on one side of a core layer where an internal circuit is formed; (e) removing the upper seed layer; and (f) forming the cavity by removing the dry film. The method for manufacturing a substrate with a cavity according to the present invention can reduce the total thickness of the substrate while the thickness of an insulation layer remains the same, by forming the insulation layer on sides of an external circuit.
US07858433B2
A solid-state image pickup device comprises: a plurality of photoelectric converting films stacked via an insulating layer, the photoelectric converting films being above a semiconductor substrate in which a signal read circuit is formed, in which each of the photoelectric converting films is sandwiched between a pixel electrode film and an opposing electrode film, wherein the pixel electrode film of an upper one of the photoelectric converting films is connected to the signal read circuit by a longitudinal line passing through a lower one of the photoelectric converting films, and, in the longitudinal line, a passing portion which passes through the lower photoelectric converting film is formed by filling an opening with a conductive material, the opening being formed from a same plane of the pixel electrode film stacked on the lower photoelectric converting film to an upper end face of the insulating layer stacked above the photoelectric converting film.
US07858432B2
A buried contact solar cell which is capable of operating with high efficiency is manufactured by a method which comprises the steps of forming a groove in a surface of a substrate, and forming an electrode by filling a conductive material in the groove using a laser. The step of forming the electrode may include positioning a conductive thin plate above the surface of the substrate, melting the conductive thin plate using a laser in a pattern corresponding to the groove, filling the conductive material in the groove, and removing the conductive thin plate.
US07858418B2
Herein disclosed a method of manufacturing a light emitting device, including the steps of: (A) sequentially forming a first compound semiconductor layer of a first conduction type, an active layer, and a second compound semiconductor layer of a second conduction type different from said first conduction type, over a substrate; and (B) exposing a part of said first compound semiconductor layer, forming a first electrode over said exposed part of said first compound semiconductor layer and forming a second electrode over said second compound semiconductor layer, wherein said method further includes, subsequent to said step (B), the step of: (C) covering at least said exposed part of said first compound semiconductor layer, an exposed part of said active layer, an exposed part of said second compound semiconductor layer, and a part of said second electrode with an SOG layer.
US07858417B2
A vertical cavity surface emitting laser having a dielectric gain guide. The gain guide may provide current confinement, device isolation and possibly optical confinement. The first mirror and an active region may be grown. A pattern may be placed on or near the active region. A dielectric material may be deposited on the pattern and the pattern may be removed resulting in a gain guide. Then a top mirror may be grown on the gain guide. This structure with the dielectric gain guide may have specific characteristics and/or additional features.
US07858415B2
The present invention provides production methods of a pattern thin film, a semiconductor element and a circuit substrate, capable of eliminating the number of photolithography processes needed for patterning; and a semiconductor element, a circuit substrate, and an electron device obtained by the production methods. The production method of the pattern thin film of the present invention is a production method of a pattern thin film, comprising the steps of: forming a first resist pattern film on a thin film formed on a substrate; forming a second resist pattern film; patterning the thin film using at least the second resist pattern film, wherein in the step of forming the second resist pattern film, a fluid resist material or an organic solvent is applied on a groove of a bank pattern formed using the first resist pattern film.
US07858414B2
A method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a groove on a surface of a first substrate by scribing, and forming a nitride semiconductor layer on the surface where the groove is formed. In addition, the method includes the steps of bonding the nitride semiconductor layer and a second substrate together and separating the nitride semiconductor layer and the first substrate from each other. With this manufacturing method, a nitride semiconductor device can be obtained with high yield.
US07858409B2
A backlight for a color LCD includes white light LEDs formed using a blue LED die with a layer of red and green phosphors over it. The attenuation by the LCD layers of the blue light component of the white light is typically greater as the blue wavelength becomes shorter. In order to achieve a uniform blue color component across the surface of an LCD screen and achieve uniform light output from one LCD to another, the blue light leakage of the phosphor layer is tailored to the dominant or peak wavelength of the blue LED die. Therefore, the white points of the various white light LEDs in a backlight should not match when blue LED dies having different dominant or peak wavelengths are used in the backlight. The different leakage amounts through the tailored phosphor layers offset the attenuation vs. wavelength of the LCD layers.
US07858406B2
Semiconductor device test structures and methods are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a test structure includes a feed line disposed in a first conductive material layer, and a stress line disposed in the first conductive material layer proximate the feed line yet spaced apart from the feed line. The stress line is coupled to the feed line by a conductive feature disposed in at least one second conductive material layer proximate the first conductive material layer.
US07858404B2
A method of semiconductor manufacturing including forming an overlay offset measurement target including a first feature on a first layer and a second feature on a second layer. The first feature and the second feature have a first predetermined overlay offset. The target is irradiated. The reflectivity of the irradiated target is determined. An overlay offset for the first layer and the second layer is calculated using the determined reflectivity.
US07858403B2
Broad spectrum light emitting devices and methods and systems for fabricating such devices are provide. Such devices may include a light emitting element, such as a diode or laser, which emits light in a predefined range of frequencies, and luminous material on the light emitting diode. The characteristics of the luminous material, such as the amount, composition and/or doping of the luminous material or materials may be based on measured light output of the light emitting device, such as the measured output frequency and/or power of the light emitting device.
US07858402B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for integrated circuit packages and for enabling electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing of the same. A package includes an integrated circuit chip, a substrate, a first electrically conductive trace, and a second electrically conductive trace. The substrate includes a first electrically conductive region and a second electrically conductive region. The first region is coupled to a first ground signal of the chip, and the second region is coupled to a second ground signal of the chip. The first trace is coupled to the first region and the second trace is coupled to the second region. A portion of the first trace is proximate to a portion of the second trace. An electrically conductive material may be deposited to electrically couple the first and second traces to enable ESD protection testing of the package.
US07858397B2
The present invention relates to a method for making a test device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a sample. This method involves contacting a membrane with a mixture including derivatized, marker-loaded liposomes, and substantially dehydrating the mixture on the membrane under vacuum pressure at a temperature of from about 4° C. to about 80° C., wherein said mixture further includes one or more sugars in an amount sufficient to promote the stability of the liposomes during dehydration and rehydration. The present invention also relates to a test device and method for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a sample. The test device includes a membrane which includes an immobilized liposome zone, wherein the immobilized liposome zone has bound thereto dehydrated, derivatized, marker-loaded liposomes dehydrated under vacuum pressure at a temperature of from about 4° C. to about 80° C. from a mixture which includes one or more sugars in an amount sufficient to promote the stability of the liposomes during dehydration and rehydration.
US07858394B2
The invention relates to methods for the quantitative optical analysis of the intracellular concentration of the cyclic nucleotides cGMP and cAMP, said methods using cell lines which express a combination of certain CNG channels, a calcium-sensitive photoprotein, and different target proteins for which modulators are to be found, in a recombinant manner. The cell lines modified in this way are suitable for high-throughput screening (HTS and uHTS) and can be used to identify medicaments which influence the activity of receptors or enzymes participating in the composition or decomposition of the cyclic nucleotides cGMP and cAMP.
US07858380B2
A light modifying ceramic composition comprises an oxygen permeable sol-gel matrix and a lumophore held on the matrix. In particular, the lumophore of the invention is a hexanuclear molybdenum/tungsten core having 12 anionic ligands and two ligands that are uncharged. Uncharged ligands include organic nitriles, organic phosphines, and organic arsines. In one embodiment, the ceramic composition containing the lumophore and the sol-gel matrix is applied to the end of an optical fiber to provide a remote oxygen sensor. The sensors are useful for in situ biological monitoring of oxygen either in vivo or in vitro, and in time dependent control of combustion processes such as an automobile or power plant.
US07858378B2
A method for determining potential for body odor and a method for determining the effectiveness of a deodorant carried out by detecting a substance represented by the following formula (1) or a derivative thereof: wherein R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 is an alkyl group containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and R3 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.
US07858374B2
A method and device for reducing positron emitter isotope labeled CO2 to positron emitter isotope labeled CO generally includes introducing a volume of positron emitter isotope labeled CO2 into a first heated reaction vessel comprising a metal oxide, such as Iron (II) Oxide such that the CO2 is reduced to CO upon contact with the Iron (II) Oxide. The volume is then transferred to a second reaction vessel to remove any un-reacted CO2, preferably, via a soda-lime trap. The volume is then transferred to a target, e.g., a storage vessel or subject. The CO2 includes one of [11C] or [15O]. The first reaction vessel is, preferably, heated to a temperature of between 900 and 1000° C., and more preferably, to between 925 and 975° C., and even more preferably, to approximately 950° C. Preferably, the Iron (II) Oxide powdered and has a particle size of about −10 mesh.
US07858369B2
Transgenic non-human animals that express the γ3 subunit of PRKAG are described, as well as methods of using the transgenic non-human animals as models for improving treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases related to energy metabolism, including obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance syndrome, and type 2 diabetes.
US07858345B2
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae polypeptides and nucleic acids, as well as nucleic acid expression vectors and host cells containing nucleic acid vectors are provided. In addition, compositions containing M. hyopneumoniae polypeptides and nucleic acids are provided for use in methods of treating swine to prevent enzootic pneumonia. Furthermore, the invention provides diagnostic tests for the detecting of M. hyopneumoniae infection in swine herds.
US07858339B1
Refractile particles containing a heterologous polypeptide as an insoluble aggregate are recovered from bacterial periplasm. The process involves culturing bacterial cells so as to express nucleic acid encoding phage lysozyme and nucleic acid encoding the heterologous polypeptide under separate promoters, disrupting the cells mechanically to release the phage lysozyme so as to release refractile particles from the bacterial cellular matrix, and recovering the released refractile particles from the periplasm. Chloroform is not used in any step and the recovery step minimizes co-recovery of cellular debris with the released refractile particles.
US07858336B1
Processes to produce microorganisms that can be incorporated into a microbial-based product that results in high viable cell yields and shelf-stable products are disclosed. These microbial-based products are useful for inhibiting pathogenic growth and as a food additive. A preferred microorganism is the lactic acid producing bacteria, Lactobacillus amylovorus M35. In one embodiment, the process comprises inoculating a lactobacillus fermentation medium with M35 cells, harvesting the M35 cells at mid to late log phase, concentrating the M35 cells, and preserving the M35 cells at a concentration of at least 5×109 cfu/ml.
US07858334B2
The present invention relates to methods for degrading hydrophobic ester pesticides and toxins. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of insect esterases, and mutants thereof, in the bioremediation of hydrophobic ester pesticides and toxins residues, such as pyrethroid residues, contaminating the environment and horticultural commodities.
US07858322B2
This invention relates to methods of reducing the damaging effect of an injury to mammalian cells by treatment with compounds which reduce cell death or dysfunction, including cellular damage following episodes of tissue ischemia, trauma, epilepsy, and acute or chronic degeneration. The invention discloses methods of treating these disorders by administering inhibitors that disrupt protein-protein interactions involved in these disorders, screening methods to identify such inhibitors and specific compositions useful for treating these disorders.
US07858320B2
A method for labeling biological molecules and synthetic molecules that contain a geminal diol, such as RNA, carbohydrates or glycoproteins, using a periodate sequestering agent is provided. Compositions and kits for use in the labeling method are also provided.
US07858319B2
Methods of assessing the risk of clinical signs of hypersensitivity reaction to nucleoside antiviral compounds, including abacavir, are described. The methods include genotyping subjects for polymorphisms in the TNFα gene, the class 1 HLA genes, or a combination of both the TNFα and HLA genes.
US07858310B2
Primers have been isolated that are diagnostic for the detection of the taura syndrome virus (TSV). The primers are based on a new portion of the TSV genome and may be used in primer directed amplification or nucleic acid hybridization assay methods.
US07858308B2
A genetic means of determining whether a female subject produces “pregnancy competent” oocytes is provided. The means comprises detecting the level of expression of one or more genes that are expressed at characteristic levels (upregulated or downregulated) in cumulus cells derived from pregnancy competent oocytes. This characteristic gene expression level, or pattern referred to herein as the “pregnancy signature”, also can be used to identify subjects with underlying conditions that impair or prevent the development of a viable pregnancy, e.g., pre-menopausal condition, other hormonal dysfunction, ovarian dysfunction, ovarian cyst, cancer or other cell proliferation disorder, autoimmune disease and the like. Microarrays containing “pregnancy signature” genes or corresponding polypeptides provide another preferred aspect of the invention. Still further, the subject invention can be used to derive animal models, e.g., non-human primate animal models, for the evaluation of the efficacy of putative female fertility treatments.
US07858299B2
The invention relates to a method for identifying endotoxins for eliminating said endotoxins from a sample, with the aid of bacteriophage tail proteins.
US07858292B2
Radiation-sensitive compositions and imageable elements include a polymeric or non-polymeric component in an imageable layer, which component includes 1H-tetrazole groups. The non-polymeric components can be radically polymerizable compounds. The polymeric components can have 1H-tetrazole groups that are pendant to the backbone. The use of such components in negative- or positive-working imageable elements provides high photospeed and improved developability for providing imaged and developed elements, such as lithographic printing plates that show improved chemical resistance and run length.
US07858289B2
A positive resist composition for electron beam, X-ray or EUV includes a compound having a proton acceptor functional group and capable of producing an acid radical upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation to reduce or lose the acceptor property or to change the proton acceptor functional group to be acidic, wherein the positive resist composition has a solid content concentration of from 2.5 to 4.5 mass %.
US07858288B2
A fluorine-containing polymeric compound obtained by polymerizing only polymerizable monomers represented by general formula (c1-0) shown below: wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group substituted with fluorine atoms, or a group in which a plurality of aliphatic hydrocarbon groups which may be substituted with fluorine atoms are bonded through a linking group containing a hetero atom, with the proviso that at least one of the plurality of aliphatic hydrocarbon groups which may be substituted with fluorine atoms is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group substituted with fluorine atoms.
US07858275B2
A positive photosensitive resin composition with favorable heat resistance and transparency is provided. The photosensitive resin composition contains a resin component (A1) having a structural unit (a1′) obtained by substituting at least a portion of hydrogen atoms of phenolic hydroxyl groups within a structural unit represented by a general formula (a1) shown below with a naphthoquinone-1,2-diazide-5-(and/or -4-) sulfonyl group. (In the above general formula, R0 represents a hydrogen atom or methyl group, R1 represents a single bond or an alkylene group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R2 represents an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, a represents an integer from 1 to 5, b represents either 0 or an integer from 1 to 4, and a+b is no greater than 5. If two or more R2 groups exist, then these R2 groups may be either the same or mutually different.)
US07858263B2
A solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell comprises: a plurality of electrode structures comprising an anode and a cathode, and polymer electrolyte membrane held between the anode and the cathode, and a plurality of separators for holding the respective electrode structures, with a fuel gas passage for supplying and discharging fuel gas containing hydrogen on a surface opposing the anode; and an oxidant gas passage for supplying and discharging oxidant gas on a surface opposing the cathode. The catalyst layer of the anode comprises a mixture of an ion conductive material, a platinum powder and/or platinum alloy powder and a carbon, the platinum powder and/or platinum alloy powder and carbon substantially exist independently from each other, and the catalyst layer of the cathode comprises a metal support mixture in which the ion conductive material and the electro-conductive material having the supported catalyst material are mixed.
US07858261B2
The invention, in various embodiments, provides planar fuel cell stack of a plurality of fuel cells, comprising an anode layer including a first anode and a second anode, an electrolyte layer, a cathode layer including a first cathode and a second cathode, and at least one interconnect at least partially disposed within the electrolyte layer, and electrically and mechanically coupling the first anode and the second cathode. In various embodiments, structural supports are provided, the fuel cells are sized to be portable, and are manufactured to produce desired power densities and/or voltages.
US07858259B2
A clamping structure for a planar solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising a flexible sheet and a rigid, thermally insulating end block, the flexible sheet being capable of bending into a primarily convex shape, the rigid, thermally insulating end block shaped as a rectangular base with a planar surface and an opposing surface that is primarily convex in shape, the flexible sheet being placed adjacent to the opposing surface of the rigid, thermally insulating end block, the flexible sheet thereby bending to obtain a shape that is primarily convex. The invention also relates to a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a process for the compression of the stack.
US07858235B2
The invention relates to an additive to the active mass of a zinc anode for an alkaline secondary electrochemical generator. Said additive contains conductive ceramic powder, preferably titanium nitride particles which is exposed to an oxidation pre-treatment prior to the incorporation thereof into the active mass of the anode. Said ceramic powder is used as electronic conduction in the anode active mass and as zincates retention which are produced by generator discharge. In order to use said retentive capacity, the powder is exposed to an oxidation pre-treatment, whereby making it possible to form the binding sites on the surface of ceramic grains. The inventive additive makes it possible, starting from the first cycles of the electrode formation, to form uniform zinc deposits, thereby increasing the service life for the cycling of the zinc anode.
US07858234B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a negative electrode containing a titanium-containing oxide, a positive electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes a lithium-transition metal composite oxide and at least one kind of oxide selected from a group consisting of FePO4, Li3Fe2(PO4)3, LiFeP2O7, Fe4(P2O7)3, Fe2(SO4) 3, and V2O5.
US07858233B2
The invention provides an anion-deficient non-stoichiometric lithium iron phosphate as an electrode-active material, which is represented by the formula Li1−xFe(PO4)1−y, wherein 0
US07858226B2
A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.
US07858217B1
A top sealing plate used for a battery includes a filter, a cap, and a valve body. The filter has a valve hole and upper opening; the cap has a convex portion and a flange portion disposed around the convex portion; the opening end of the upper opening of the filter has a bend portion; and the outer periphery end of the flange portion of the cap and the bend portion are caulked and joined to each other. The caulked portion includes both states of contact, that is, a strong contact portion and a weak contact portion, between the surface of the outer periphery end of the flange portion and the bend portion. By this configuration, the electric contact resistance between the cap and the filter will be greatly reduced. In addition, the contact resistance is stabilized at a low level. Further, the internal resistance of the battery is lowered, thereby improving the battery performance.
US07858216B2
A method of recycling a lithium-containing energy storage device including an electrolyte is provided. The method includes placing the storage device in an extraction vessel, sealing the extraction vessel, adding a fluid containing CO2 as a primary component to the extraction vessel under such conditions that the CO2 is in a supercritical phase, dissolving the electrolyte in the fluid, transferring the fluid to a recovery vessel and recovering the electrolyte from the fluid in the recovery vessel. Methods of refurbishing lithium-containing energy storage and conversion devices are also disclosed.
US07858215B2
A method for manufacturing a solid electrolyte membrane made from an electrolyte composition that shows low methanol cross-over and exhibits high proton conductivity. The method includes applying an electrolyte composition including an organic solvent and a perfluorocyclobutane-containing polymer having a specific structure onto a substrate, and then removing the solvent. High proton conductivity is provided by sulfonic acid groups connected to the benzene rings. Reduction of methanol crossover is realized by introduction of a rigid structure with aromatic rings, or a combination of a rigid structure with aromatic rings and a three-dimensional cross-linked structure.
US07858214B2
In an SOFC stack system, wherein a CPOx reformer supplies reformate to the stack, a portion of the anode tail gas is recycled directly into the anode inlet of the stack, such that the fuel reaching the anodes is a mixture of fresh reformate and recycled anode tail gas and is present at a sufficiently high temperature that endothermic reforming of residual hydrocarbons from the CPOx reformer occurs within the stack. Preferably, an amount of secondary non-reformed fuel is also added to optimize the fuel mixture presented for internal reforming. The anode tail gas is hot, at the stack temperature of 750-800° C., which allows for the mixture of anode tail gas and secondary fuel to be mixed and reacted in a clean-up catalyst to react higher hydrocarbons in the secondary fuel, without additional oxygen, prior to being mixed with reformate and sent to the stack.
US07858207B2
A novel class of host materials for organic electroluminescent applications. The materials comprise a general Formula I: wherein R2 may be a substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, and alicyclic alkyl; wherein at least one of the R1 substituents is different from R2 and chosen from Group A where Group A consists of substituted or unsubstituted aryl, heteroaryl, phenyl, tolyl, naphthyl, anthryl, penylanthryl, dipheylanthryl, biphenylyl, phenylvinyl, and diphenylvinyl; and wherein if only one of the R1 substituents is a substitutent chosen from Group A, then the other R1 substituent is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group with, for example, from 1 to about 25 carbon atoms, an alicyclic alkyl group with, for example, from about 3 to about 15 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group with from 1 to about 25 carbon atoms, a dialkylamino group with from about 2 to about 25 carbon atoms, methyl, butyl, cyclohexyl, methoxy, ethoxy, butyloxy, dimethylamino, diethylamino, a cyano group and halogens. This novel class of host materials are carbazole derivatives with an unique structure, which are particularly useful for the design of blue emitting organic EL devices.
US07858202B2
Composite bodies, processes for making them, and their uses are disclosed, the composite bodies comprising a polyacetal portion and a modified thermoplastic vulcanizate portion bonded together, wherein the modified thermoplastic vulcanizate portion comprises a modified thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer having a hardness of 30 to 90 Shore A and wherein the modified thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer comprises: (a) 2 to 75% by weight of an at least partially crosslinked ethylene-propylene-diene rubber in from 1 to 50% by weight of a polyolefinic matrix further comprising 0.05 to 10% by weight of an ingredient selected from the group consisting of stabilizers, crosslinking aids, and mixtures thereof; (b) 1 to 30% by weight of a compatibilizer; and (c) 10 to 70% by weight of a non-olefinic thermoplastic material, all percentages by weight based on a total weight of the modified thermoplastic vulcanizate elastomer.
US07858197B2
A composition and composite article have improved adherence with an addition-curable material. The composition and therefore the composite article, which includes at least one substrate formed from the composition, include a resin and an additive that is incorporated into the resin. The resin is organic and polymeric and free of ethylenically unsaturated and silicon hydride functional groups. The additive is selected from the group of a fluorine-substituted organopolysiloxane, an amino-functional organopolysiloxane, an unsaturated carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid salt, and combinations thereof. Further, the additive includes a hydrosilylation reactive group present at a surface of the substrate for reaction with the addition-curable material. This improves adherence of the substrate with the addition-curable material. The substrate and the addition-curable material bond together to make the composition article.
US07858176B2
The present invention relates to a multilayer article, wherein said multilayer article comprises: (i) a first layer comprising an acrylic resin; (ii) at least one translucent second layer comprising (a) an acrylic resin, optionally further comprising an impact modifier; (b) a rubber modified thermoplastic resin composition; (c) optionally a rheology modifier; and (d) a visual effects additive; (iii) a third layer comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin; and (iv) an optional backing layer comprising either a thermosetting polymer substrate, optionally fiber-reinforced, or glass filled ABS resin.
US07858174B2
A drainage-promoting wrap includes an elongate web of a weather-resistive membrane and a series of separate, laterally spaced-apart, elongate filament spacers bonded to a face of the membrane. The filaments are preferably extruded polymeric filaments and have depressions formed therein providing transverse drainage paths across the filaments. Preferably, the filaments extend substantially parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis of the elongate membrane. In addition, preferably the membrane is made of a polymeric material so that the filaments are thermally bonded to the face of the membrane. Wall and roof assemblies utilizing the wrap and methods of making the wrap are provided.
US07858173B2
A novel flame-retardant thermoplastic polyhydroxy polyether resin obtained by reacting at least one epoxy resin (A) selected from glycidyl esters of divalent aliphatic carboxylic acids having 15 to 64 carbon atoms or glycidyl ethers of divalent aliphatic alcohols having 15 to 64 carbon atoms with a phosphorus atom-containing divalent phenol compound (B) as essential components, wherein the component (A) accounts for 2 to 52 mol % with respect to the whole resin, the weight average molecular weight thereof is 10,000 to 200,000, and the phosphorus content thereof is 1 to 5 wt %.
US07858167B2
A rewritable optical recording medium including: a substrate having a guide groove formed thereon, a phase-change type recording layer, a portion in a crystalline state of the phase-change type recording layer corresponds to an unrecorded or erased state, and a portion in an amorphous state of the phase-change type recording layer corresponds to a recorded state, so that an amorphous mark corresponding to the recorded state is formed upon irradiation with a recording laser beam. The phase-change type recording layer contains Sb as a main component, and further contains Ge and/or Te, a content of Ge is from 1 atomic % to 30 atomic %, and a content of Te is from 10 atomic % to 30 atomic %, and in the phase-change type recording layer, Sb/Te is at least 4.5, and the atomic ratio of Ge to Te is from 1:3 to 1:20.
US07858154B2
A paper coating slip comprising at least one inorganic pigment and, based on 100 parts by weight of the inorganic pigments, less than 40 parts by weight of organic polymers, and less than 25 parts by weight of water or other solvents having a boiling point below 150° C. at 1 bar.
US07858153B2
A powder primer composition comprising as essential components (A) a carboxyl group-containing thermosetting polyester resin, (B1) a bisphenol A-type epoxy resin with an epoxy equivalent of 400-2000 g/eq or (B2) a bisphenol-type epoxy resin with an epoxy equivalent of 400-2000 g/eq and (C1) a bisphenol F-type epoxy resin with an epoxy equivalent of 400-2000 g/eq or (C2) a modified epoxy resin containing phenolic hydroxyl groups, obtained by reacting (a) a bifunctional epoxy resin with (b) an excess of a bifunctional phenol. Coating films obtained using the powder primer composition have excellent finished appearance and corrosion resistance.
US07858146B2
Methods of electroless metallalization are disclosed. The methods include treating through-holes of printed wiring boards to increase catalyst adsorption on the walls of the through-holes. The increased catalyst adsorption improves electroless metallization of the through-hole walls.
US07858144B2
A process of making an organic thin film on a substrate by atomic layer deposition is disclosed, the process comprising simultaneously directing a series of gas flows along substantially parallel elongated channels, and wherein the series of gas flows comprises, in order, at least a first reactive gaseous material, an inert purge gas, and a second reactive gaseous material, optionally repeated a plurality of times, wherein the first reactive gaseous material is capable of reacting with a substrate surface treated with the second reactive gaseous material wherein the first reactive gaseous material, the second reactive gaseous material or both is a volatile organic compound. The process is carried out substantially at or above atmospheric pressure and at a temperature under 250° C., during deposition of the organic thin film.
US07858141B2
A method of imparting sustained antimicrobial properties throughout a material or substrate using an antimicrobial polymerizable silicon-containing quaternary ammonium salt monomer in a solvent to form a quaternary ammonium salt solution; and mixing the silicon-containing quaternary ammonium salt solution with at least a second monomer or a polymer or coating a solid polymer. Depending on the nature of the second monomer or polymer and the reaction conditions; a copolymer with the first monomer or a homopolymer will form, such that a polymeric material, substrate or formed plastic product comprising the copolymer or homopolymer or blended with the coated concentrate will have sustained antimicrobial properties. This method can be used to make formed plastic products, thin layer films and other products having sustained antimicrobial properties.
US07858138B2
The invention relates to a method for decaffeinating tea (Camellia sinensis). The method involves of using, as an extraction agent, a carbon dioxide which is compressed of a pressure greater than 50 and up to 100 MPa.
US07858137B2
The invention is directed to a fermented and clarified nisin-containing whey and a method of making that can be used to produce a stabilized food product by adding, for example, to the pack water of fresh mozzarella cheese. The resulting stabilized food product retards or limits below detection levels the growth of toxins from pathogenic bacterial contaminants when the nisin-containing whey is added in amounts between about 10 to about 30% to the food product. The stabilized food product improves the safety of the food by retarding the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and improves the shelf life of the product by retarding the growth of gas forming bacteria such as bacteria from the Leuconostoc species.
US07858117B2
Amphoteric liposomes are proposed, which comprise positive and negative membrane-based or membrane-forming charge carriers as well as the use of these liposomes.
US07858115B2
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions in the form of a gel for controlled- or sustained-release of a pharmaceutically active agent and to methods for treating or preventing a condition in an animal by administering to an animal in need thereof the pharmaceutical compositions. One particular type of condition for which the pharmaceutical compositions are useful is a microbial infection, e.g., of the skin, ear, or eye, especially for veterinary applications.
US07858108B2
Elutable coatings comprising protein resistant components and bioactive agent on medical devices are disclosed. The elutable coatings comprise labile linkers that can be cleaved under controlled conditions.
US07858103B2
A method for defining, identifying and isolating recombinantly produced protein complex is provided. The protein complex comprises a group of fatty acid and retinol-binding proteins wherein the complex protein structure is entirely alpha-helical. The molecular weight of the recombinant protein is approximately 46 kDa comprised of 26 kDa GST and 20 kDa Hp20 protein. The procedures for extracting, isolating and analyzing the recombinantly in vivo produced protein complex and Hp20 protein of the recombinantly in vivo produced protein complex are provided.
US07858092B2
Immunoconjugates for treating diseases associated with neovascularization such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, the exudative form of macular degeneration, and atherosclerosis are described. The immunoconjugates typically consist of the Fc region of a human IgG1 immunoglobulin including the hinge, or other effector domain or domains that can elicit, when administered to a patient, a cytolytic immune response or cytotoxic effect against a targeted cell. The effector domain is conjugated to a targeting domain which comprises a factor VII mutant that binds with high affinity and specificity to tissue factor but does not initiate blood clotting such as factor VII having a substitution of alanine for lysine-341 or of alanine for serine-344.
US07858090B2
A fibronectin type III (Fn3) polypeptide monobody, a nucleic acid molecule encoding said monobody, and a variegated nucleic acid library encoding said monobody, are provided by the invention. Also provided are methods of preparing a Fn3 polypeptide monobody, and kits to perform said methods. Further provided is a method of identifying the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide molecule capable of binding to a specific binding partner (SBP) so as to form a polypeptide:SSP complex, and a method of identifying the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide molecule capable of catalyzing a chemical reaction with a catalyzed rate constant, kcat, and an uncatalyzed rate constant, kuncat, such that the ratio of kcat/kuncat is greater than 10.
US07858088B2
The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing chimeric immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments. Furthermore, the invention also provides a stabilized anti-EGP-2 scFv fragment.
US07858083B2
Replication-competent adenoviral vectors which selectively replicate in cancer cells are provided. The replication-competent viral vectors comprise an E2F responsive promoter and/or a telomerase promoter operatively linked to an adenoviral coding region. The replication-competent adenoviral vectors effectively replicate in a variety of types of cancer cells and find broad utility in the treatment of cancer.
US07858077B2
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula: R-AR—O—Y—R′ Wherein R represents one or more members selected from H, alkoxy, benzyloxy, aldehyde, halogen, carboxylic acid, —NO2, —NH2, —NHCOCH3, and —NH—Y—R′, which is attached directly to AR or attached through an aliphatic chain. The carboxylic acid moiety in R includes but is not limited to the following carboxylic acids: benzoic acids, cinnamic acids, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, salicylic acid, vanillic acid, phenylacetic acids, phenylpropionic acids, and sinapinic acid. -AR—O— is a biologically active phenolic moiety comprising 1 to 6 substituted or unsubstituted aryl rings that are directly bonded to each other, fused together, or joined through a linking group. Y represents a member selected from: —COCH2O— (glycolic ester moiety) —COCH(CH3)O— (lactic ester moiety) —COCH2OCH2CH2O— (dioxanone ester moiety) —COCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2O— (caprolactone ester moiety) —CO(CH2)mO— where m is an integer between 2-4 and 6-24 inclusive —COCH2O(CH2CH2O)n— where n is an integer between 2 and 24, inclusive; and R′ is either hydrogen or a benzyl or an alkyl group, the alkyl group being either straight-chained or branched. The resultant functionalized phenolic compounds, used singly or in combinations, and their polymers have controllable degradation profiles, releasing the active component over a desired time range. The polymers are useful for biomaterials and biomedical devices, wherein said biologically active phenolic moiety is a residue of a phenolic compound.
US07858055B2
An auxetic fiber and corresponding material that not only responds to an external force, but also responds to moisture. The auxetic fiber is made in part from a moisture activated shrinking filament. Even if no external force is applied to the fiber, a pseudo tensile force is created by wetting the auxetic fiber.
US07858052B2
A catalytic converter includes an inlet. A first sub-section of substrate is located a first distance from the inlet that includes a first catalyst coating having a first density. A second sub-section of substrate is located a second distance from the inlet that includes a second catalyst coating having a second density. The second distance is greater than the first distance and the second density is greater than the first density.
US07858038B2
A biopsy device includes a probe portion and a holster portion that may be coupled together. The probe portion includes a rotatable tissue sample holder that is configured to hold tissue samples. One or more portions of the tissue sample holder may be formed of a transparent or translucent material, e.g., a translucent manifold and shaft, transparent or translucent tissue sample trays, and a transparent cup that is external to the manifold and trays. The holster portion may include one or more sources of light, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be configured to illuminate at least a portion of the tissue sample holder, such as to facilitate viewing of tissue samples in the tissue sample holder. For instance, one LED may be aligned with the shaft of the tissue sample holder, while two additional LEDs may be positioned on both sides of the shaft.
US07858035B2
A cleaning system and method for in-process sensors wherein a scouring jet discharges process fluid as the cleaning agent to remove solids and other contaminants from the surface of the sensor.
US07858032B2
A device including a pre-analytical module provided with at least one tube stirrer for homogenizing blood and preventing clot formation and disposed on a line for single-tube transfer between an area for storing analyzable tubes, and at least one unitary operating whole blood analyzer and automatic tube-loading/unloading device arranged between the tube stirrer and the single-tube transfer line. The device is suitable for blood analyzers.
US07858030B2
An artificial lipid bilayer membrane formation device is disclosed. It includes: an upper solution chamber whose bottom has a small hole; a lower solution chamber having a support layer; and lipid solution exclusion device. Lipid solution is applied to the small hole, and the lipid solution exclusion device excludes surplus lipid solution without changing a hydraulic pressure so that the lipid solution is in contact with the support layer, thereby forming an artificial lipid bilayer membrane on the small hole.
US07858026B2
A method of detecting bacterial kill using a vaporized sterilant includes the steps of generating a sterilant/water vapour and supplying the vapour to a sealed space to be sterilized. The supply of sterilant/water vapour is continued to raise the concentration of the sterilant in the sealed space, and the concentration of the sterilant in the vapour is monitored to determine when the rate of change of the concentration falls to a predetermined minimal level indicating that condensation has occurred resulting in kill of any bacteria present in the space. Supply of sterilant/water vapour to the space is then terminated.
US07858025B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing cubic copper nanoparticles, and in particular, to a method including (a) mixing and agitating a copper precursor and an amine compound; (b) raising the temperature of the mixed solution up to 90-170° C. and reacting it at the same temperature; (c) adding the mixture to nonaqueous solvent to lower the temperature of the solution to 20-50° C. when the incubation completes; and (d) precipitating and obtaining the nanoparticles by adding an alcohol solvent to the mixture. According to the invention, while conductive wiring is formed metal nanoparticles can be manufactured not in sphere but in cubic shape so that void between particles can be efficiently removed and the height of wiring can be raised.
US07858023B2
A method for producing a rare earth sintered magnet uses granules having an excellent fluidity to improve the dimensional accuracy and production of a compact formed of the granules without significant property losses. The granules are formed by adding an organic liquid to primary alloy particles having a predetermined composition to produce granules having the primary alloy particles adhered together by the organic liquid. Preferably, from 1.5 to 15.0% by weight of the organic liquid is added to the primary alloy particles.
US07858017B2
There is provided a method for melting a material rod in a material melting and holding apparatus of a metal molding apparatus where the material melting and holding apparatus provided for the metal molding apparatus includes a furnace body of a melting and holding furnace, and a melting cylinder for a material rod and a material supply cylinder for directly supplying the material rod into the furnace body provided in parallel with each other on the furnace body, upon startup of molding, the material rod is melted using the melting cylinder prior to supplying the molten material from the melting cylinder into the melting and holding furnace, and the material rod subsequently supplied from the material supply cylinder to a bottom portion of the furnace body is submerged and melted by the molten material, thereby maintaining the submersion melting in the melting and holding furnace after the startup of molding.
US07857999B2
The invention relates to a self-doping type electrically conducting polymer comprising an isothianaphthene or thiophene skeleton where the polymer chains are crosslinked preferably through a sulfone bond which is imparted with water resistance and solvent resistance; a production process thereof; an electrically conducting composition film obtained by coating a composition containing the self-doping type electrically conducting polymer on a substrate and heating it; a product coated using the composition; and an electronic device containing the self-doping type electrically conducting polymer.
US07857998B2
Disclosed are thick film silver compositions comprised of silver flake and organic medium useful in radio frequency identification devices (RFID). The invention is further directed to method(s) of antenna formation using RFID circuits or other circuits using polymer thick film (PTF).
US07857991B2
Provided are a dichroic dye composition in which a solubility of the dichroic dye with respect to liquid-crystal is sufficiently high and a wavelength dispersion of absorbance is small in a wide wavelength range, and a black guest-host liquid-crystal composition indicating high order parameters using such a dichroic dye composition and a liquid-crystal element having high contrast. The dichroic dye composition includes at least one dichroic dye selected from Group (I) shown below, at least one dichroic dye selected from Group (II) shown below, and at least one dichroic dye selected from Group (III) shown below.
US07857978B2
Disclosed are novel water membranes comprising lipid bilayers incorporating functional aqua-porins. The lipid bilayers are arranged in sandwich structures including hydrophilic or hydro-phobic support materials. Also disclosed are water purification devices/systems, including reverse osmosis filtering devices that include membranes having functional aquaporins. Methods of water purification and methods of preparing the membranes are also disclosed. Further, the invention provides for a new type of perforated, hydrophobic polymer film and to membranes containing lipid bilayers having other transmembrane proteins than aquaporins introduced.
US07857977B2
A stable packaged bicarbonate solution for use in dialysis treatment and for treating anemia, iron deficiency, or reducing the required dose of recombinant erythropoietin to treat anemia includes a bicarbonate solution into which ferric pyrophosphate is dissolved. The amount of ferric pyrophosphate dissolved in the bicarbonate solution is sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect for the treatment of anemia, iron deficiency or to reduce dose of recombinant erythropoietin needed to treat anemia when the bicarbonate solution is combined with other dialysis components to form a dialysate used for dialyzing a patient. The ferric pyrophosphate is stabilized in the bicarbonate solution by holding the solution in a polyolefin container or container liner, such as a high density polyethylene container or liner.
US07857972B2
The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for treating a liquid by providing a wave energy source and creating a thin film of the liquid whirling around the wave energy source such that one or more wave energies irradiate the liquid. Likewise, the present invention provides a method of treating a liquid by providing three zones of wave energy and passing the liquid through the three zones of wave energy.
US07857970B2
A filter media includes a media pack having a central opening that extends between opposing ends of the media pack. A support member, such as a center tube, extends through the central opening and supports one of the opposing ends. A second support member, such as a filter cartridge assembly guide, is secured to the second support member and supports the other of the opposing ends. In one example, the center tube includes a seat that extends radially outwardly from an axially body of the center tube to support the media pack. The first and second support members are secured by an interlocking connection of any suitable configuration. The disclosed arrangement can be used to reduce the number of components required for providing a large number of filter cartridge assembly. Each of a plurality of media packs provide different heights. A first support member is selected to support one of the opposing ends. A second support member is selected to accommodate the height of the selected media pack. The first and second support members cooperate with one another to support the opposing ends of the media pack.
US07857969B2
A filter module has layers of a filter medium between which are draining elements. The draining layers and the filter layers are stacked on one another, and the draining layers are sealed on alternate sides by sealing elements.
US07857967B2
The sludge treatment system is comprised of a dam passage penetrated through a dam (D); an induction pipe (11) for discharging a sediment retained by the dam (D) and having an inlet (11a) toward the floor of the dam (D) and an outlet connected to an inner end of the dam passage; an induction force action pipe (13) connected to an outer end of the dam passage and extended in a height for utilizing an atmospheric pressure as an induction force of the sediment; a U shape air control pipe (14) connected to the induction force action pipe (13), and preventing for an air from coming into the induction force action pipe (13); a drain pipe (15) connected to the air control pipe (14) for discharging the sediment; and an air vent pipe (16) connected to a horizontal flat portion of the air control pipe (14) for dissipating the induction action of both the air control pipe (14) and the drain pipe (15).
US07857966B2
An apparatus for reducing pollution in wastewater that collects in a catch basin is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hood affixed to an interior wall of a catch basin over an outlet, and a skirted boom adjacent to at least a portion of said hood and fixed relative to the hood. The skirted boom includes an upper portion and a skirt extending down from the upper portion. The skirted boom is installed so that the upper portion of the skirted boom is adjacent to said hood at the static water level in the catch basin and the skirt extends downward, preferably below the bottom of the hood. A tether assembly for installing the apparatus and a method of using the same is further disclosed.
US07857965B2
A process for upgrading hydrocarbonaceous oil containing heteroatom-containing compounds where the hydrocarbonaceous oil is contacted with a solvent system that is a mixture of a major portion of a polar solvent having a dipole moment greater than about 1 debye and a minor portion of water to selectively separate the constituents of the carbonaceous oil into a heteroatom-depleted raffinate fraction and heteroatom-enriched extract fraction. The polar solvent and the water-in-solvent system are formulated at a ratio where the water is an antisolvent in an amount to inhibit solubility of heteroatom-containing compounds and the polar solvent in the raffinate, and to inhibit solubility of non-heteroatom-containing compounds in the extract. The ratio of the hydrocarbonaceous oil to the solvent system is such that a coefficient of separation is at least 50%. The coefficient of separation is the mole percent of heteroatom-containing compounds from the carbonaceous oil that are recovered in the extract fraction minus the mole percent of non-heteroatom-containing compounds from the carbonaceous oil that are recovered in the extract fraction. The solvent-free extract and the raffinate concentrates may be used directly or processed to make valuable petroleum, chemical or industrial products.
US07857964B2
The present invention relates to a method in which grades of oil are refined according to their object from a feed oil. This method has a solvent extraction process that obtains an extracted oil, and a hydrogenation process that subjects the obtained extracted oil to hydrogenation process in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst to obtain a hydrorefined oil. The solvent extraction conditions are selected by using the poly-aromatic concentration as an index for calculating the concentration of heptane insoluble components in the residue of the extracted oil obtained by the solvent extraction process that cannot be fractionally distilled.
US07857960B2
Providing a copper plating method with which to precipitate copper-plated membranes that are uniform and flat, and that have good mirror gloss even when relatively thin copper plated membranes are formed. A copper plating method wherein the object to be plated and a pre-treatment solution in which bromide compound ions are contained are brought into contact and copper is precipitated by means of electrical plating using a copper plating solution.
US07857958B2
A method and apparatus for processing a microfeature workpiece. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member configured to carry a microfeature workpiece at a workpiece plane, and a vessel positioned at least proximate to the support member. The vessel has a vessel surface facing toward the support member and positioned to carry a processing liquid. The vessel surface is shaped to provide an at least approximately uniform current density at the workpiece plane. At least one electrode, such as a thieving electrode, is disposed within the vessel. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the thieving electrode can be easily removable along with conductive material it attracts from the processing liquid. The shape of the vessel surface, the current supplied to the thieving electrode and/or the diameter of an aperture upstream of the workpiece are changed dynamically in other embodiments.
US07857953B2
The present invention provides an oxygen-reduction gas diffusion cathode having: a porous conductive substrate; diamond particle having a hydrophobic surface; and catalyst particle, the diamond particle and the catalyst particle being disposed on the porous conductive substrate, and a method of sodium chloride electrolysis using the cathode.
US07857946B2
A sputtering film forming method. which positions a target 4 and 5 at an incline to a surface of a substrate 10 whereupon a film is to be formed, and forms the film upon the surface of the substrate 10 whereupon the film is to be formed in an incline direction while the substrate 10 is rotated about a normal axis, terminates the forming of the film at a predetermined timing from the commencement of the forming of the film, wherein the forming of the film is terminated, when the substrate has rotated by 360 degrees×n+180 degrees+α, where n is a natural number, including 0, and −10 degrees<α<10 degrees.
US07857945B2
A solar still includes a relatively shallow chamber with a pyramid shaped transparent cover and a transparent base. The still also includes a pair of rollers and an endless heat absorbing belt rotatable about the rollers. The still is positioned to receive solar energy passing through the transparent cover and impinging on an upper surface of the heat absorbing belt in order to vaporize seawater within the chamber. The efficiency of the still is increased by one or more mirrors disposed below the still for reflecting sun light up through the transparent base to impinge on a lower outer surface of the belt to enhance the vaporization of the seawater. One or more fans are also provided for cooling the cover to enhance the condensation of water that will then run down the cover and into a pure water receptacle.
US07857944B2
The method and apparatus for improving the esterification procedure, in particular for improving the esterification procedure to obtain an ester of low carbon number such as the ethyl acetate and the isopropyl acetate, are provided. By applying the provided method and apparatus, the conversion ratio of the esterification procedure is significantly increased and hence an ester product of a relatively high purity, up to the industrial specification, is obtained.
US07857941B2
An embossing system for embossing and perforating at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having embossing elements and at least a second embossing roll having embossing elements, wherein the elements of the first and second embossing rolls define perforate nips for embossing and perforating the web and wherein at least a predominate number of the perforate nips are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. Moreover, substantially all of the nips defined by the embossing elements of the first and second embossing rolls can be substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction. Further, the cross-machine embossing elements are at an angle of about 85° to 95° from the machine direction.
US07857936B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a cake decorating accessory and the decorating accessory, which is used in producing a more dramatic and attractive atmosphere at a celebratory event by displaying a congratulatory message using heat. The method includes a step (S100) of preparing a base paper (77), a step (S200) of preparing a thermo-chromatic film (80), a step (S300) of writing or drawing a desired letter or picture for congratulatory messages on the base paper (77); a step (S400) of attaching the base paper (77), and a step (S500) of attaching the thermo-chromatic film (80) over the base paper (77). The base paper (77) has a raw paper layer (76) and a first bonding agent layer (72). The thermo-chromatic film (80) has a second bonding agent layer (82), a transparent synthetic resin film layer (84) and an oil-based microcapsule ink layer (86).
US07857908B2
A dishwasher is provided. The dishwasher has a wash motor for pumping wash liquid, upper and lower spray arm for spraying the wash liquid pumped by the wash motor, and a control unit. The control unit operates the wash motor to perform a lower wash cycle by the lower spray arm and an upper wash cycle by the upper spray arm. The control unit operates the wash motor at a preset first rpm and operates the wash motor at a second rpm for a predetermined duration during the upper wash cycle.
US07857904B2
A process of producing a roofing shingle coating asphalt from an asphalt feedstock includes the following steps. Wax and blowing catalyst are added to the asphalt feedstock. Then the asphalt feedstock is blown to produce the coating asphalt. The coating asphalt has a softening point within a range of from about 190° F. (88° C.) to about 235° F. (113° C.) and has a penetration of at least about 15 dmm at 77° F. (25° C.).
US07857902B2
In a method of preparing a non-toxic anti-tacky water paint, nitrocellulose is solubilized in n-butyl acetate to form a nitrocellulose solution, which is then mixed with urea-formaldehyde and water to form a first mixture solution, which is then heated for two to three hours via water at a temperature of 65 to 90° C. so that the first mixture solution is separated into an upper layer of liquid and a lower layer of powder. Next, the upper layer is removed, and ethylene glycol monobutyl ether is added to the lower layer to form a second mixture solution. Then, a non-ionic surfactant is added to the second mixture solution to form a third mixture solution. Finally, the third mixture solution is added to a water-soluble paint to obtain the non-toxic anti-tacky water paint, which may be coated on a container object so that the object can be conveniently transported and stored.
US07857899B2
An emulsion composition comprises water, a hydrocarbon distillate having a boiling point of 215 to 325° C., and a surfactant having a hydrophilic lipophilic balance number of 10 or less. A vehicle composition, an ink composition, a lithographic printing process and a method to improve a lithographic printing process comprise the emulsion composition which when used in a lithographic printing ink can reduce emission of volatile organic compounds and reduce the time at start-up to establish print quality.
US07857890B2
An air cleaner including ozone removal is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes an air channel in the air cleaner, an air moving unit located in the air channel and configured to create an airflow, and an ozone decomposing element located in and extending substantially fully across the air channel. The ozone decomposing element causes decomposition of ozone in the airflow.
US07857889B2
The present disclosure relates to a method for purifying exhaust gases from a waste incineration plant by utilizing a sorption method in a circulating fluidized bed. According to the disclosure, the mass flow of the supplied fresh sorbent is regulated as a function of the concentration of fresh sorbent and/or at least one sorbed pollutant in the recirculated solid matter.
US07857888B2
A method for separation and recovery of noble metals which makes it possible to isolate noble metal components efficiently by easy operation, that is, a method which comprises passing a solution of metals in hydrochloric acid prepared by treating a metal material with hydrochloric acid through the first cellulose column, eluting through development the noble metal component adsorbed on the cellulose with a hydrochloric acid/2-propanone mixture to obtain a fraction containing light platinum-group metals and a fraction containing heavy platinum-group metals and gold, separating the former fraction with the above mixture into fractions containing palladium, ruthenium and rhodium respectively, passing the fraction containing heavy platinum-group metals and gold through the second cellulose column to made them adsorbed on the cellulose, eluting them from the cellulose with a hydrochloric acid/1-butanol mixture to obtain fractions containing gold, osmium, iridium and platinum respectively, and recovering the noble metals from the fractions containing them respectively as simple substances.
US07857883B2
An inertial gas-liquid separator has one or more nozzle valves having a sidewall and a downstream exit axial end radially constrictable and expansible to vary axial flow of a gas-liquid stream therethrough to an inertial impactor collector.
US07857870B2
A composition is disclosed that comprises the reaction product of an acidic organic compound and a boron compound. The composition is useful as a detergent additive for lubricants and hydrocarbon fuels.
US07857863B2
Provided are a one-part hair dye composition containing (A) a combination of 5,6-dihydroxyindole and 5,6-dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid, (B) either one of (b1) ascorbic acid or salt thereof or (b2) sulfurous acid or salt thereof, and (C) an alkali agent and having a pH of from 8 to 11; and a method of selecting the kind of Component (B), thereby controlling a hair color upon dyeing the hair.
US07857857B2
Devices, systems and methods are provided for augmenting intervertebral discs. The systems include implantable annulus repair and augmentation devices as well as implantable prosthetic materials for replacing a portion of or augmenting the annulus and/or the nucleus pulposus. The systems further include instruments for implanting the subject devices and materials in a minimally invasive manner. The methods are directed to the minimally invasive implantation of one or more of the subject annulus repair devices and the prosthetic materials to within the intervertebral disc.
US07857853B2
Described are intervertebral spinal implants that include a biocompatible load bearing composite comprised of a particulate mineral material and collagen and having a wet compressive strength of at least about 200 N/cm2. The composite provides a load bearing body sized and shaped for insertion between adjacent vertebrae in a patient. The load bearing body has upper and lower surfaces configured to frictionally engage the adjacent vertebra. Also described are related methods of making and using the spinal implants, and other bone implants comprising the strong composites made available in the present invention.
US07857851B2
Surgical instruments for use in sizing tissue defects and selecting an appropriate implant for the defect include sizing templates. The sizing templates are sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the implants. The sizing templates may be retractable into a tube for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractable sizing templates are resilient to allow them to be retracted into a small diameter tube, and to expand on release from the tube to the desired size and shape. The method of using the instrument set is also described.
US07857848B2
Infinite gradient refractive index ophthalmic devices and methods of making same. The method involves diffusing a monomer which polymerizes to a lower or higher corresponding opposite refractive index polymer into a lower or higher index polymer structure and polymerizing same to create the gradient structure. The resulting polymeric structure is used to manufacture ophthalmic devices, e.g., intraocular lenses.
US07857836B2
Device and method for bone fixation. The device may comprise a bone plate including a plate body and a locking element. The plate body may define a plurality of openings configured to receive fasteners that secure the plate body to bone. The plurality of openings may include an elongate opening. The locking element, in turn, may define a through-hole disposed under the elongate opening for placement closer to bone than the elongate opening. The locking element may be configured to be disposed in threaded engagement with a fastener received by the locking element at the through-hole from the elongate opening. The locking element may be connected slidably to the plate body, in the absence of the fastener, to permit movement of the through-hole along the elongate opening.
US07857835B2
A method of providing spinal stabilization is provided herein. More specifically, the method includes positioning a plurality of fixation assemblies within a plurality of vertebrae in a trans-lamina orientation wherein each fixation assembly includes a proximal portion configured to securely receive a stabilization element (e.g., a stabilization rod). The proximal portions of the various fixation assemblies can be aligned so as to secure at least one stabilization element in a desired position (e.g., along and above a midline of the patient's spine, adjacent and parallel to the midline). A system for providing spinal stabilization is also provided which utilizes trans-lamina delivery and positioning of fixation assemblies within target vertebrae thereby providing stronger fixation and a significant reduction in associated tissue damage.
US07857832B2
A method and apparatus of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device into a pedicle of the inferior vertebrae. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebrae and an inferior vertebrae by contacting a surface of the superior vertebrae.
US07857829B2
A method is provided for performing a procedure to reposition a portion of a breast using a suture including a plurality of barbs. The barbs on a first portion of the suture adjacent a first end of the suture permit movement of the suture through tissue in a direction of movement of the first end and prevent movement of the suture through tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the first end. The barbs on a second portion of the suture adjacent a second end of the suture permit movement of the suture through tissue in a direction of movement of the second end and prevent movement of the suture through tissue in a direction opposite the direction of movement of the second end. The method comprises the steps of inserting the first end of the suture through a first insertion point and causing the first portion of the suture to engage a tissue, inserting the second end of the suture through the first insertion point and advancing the second end of the suture through breast tissue to a first exit point located on the breast caudally of the first insertion point, and manually grouping and advancing the breast tissue relative to the suture towards the first insertion point to reposition a portion of the breast tissue.
US07857817B2
A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where a generic implant can be used. Several improved tools relating to the procedure for using such an implant, as well as methods for using implants consistent with the invention are further described, including: single-axis and biaxial drill guide tools and methods, generic single-axis implant methods and devices, generic biaxial implant methods and devices, tools and methods for holding or delivering an implant, removal or revision tools and methods, digital measuring systems and methods, and set of measuring gauges for determining the appropriate implant dimensions.
US07857813B2
A method and system for guiding at least a portion of a surgical device to a desired position between two tissues in a patient's body involves coupling a guidewire to the device and pulling the distal end of the guidewire to guide at least a portion of the surgical device to a desired position between the two tissues. The surgical device generally includes one or more guidewire coupling members and may comprise a tissue access device. A system may include a guidewire and a surgical device. In some embodiments, a guidewire, a tissue access device, and one or more additional devices to use with the access device may be provided. Methods, devices and systems may be used in open, less-invasive or percutaneous surgical procedures, in various embodiments.
US07857812B2
An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing and a shaft affixed to the housing. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and a pair of jaw members attached to a distal end thereof. The forceps also includes a drive assembly for moving one of the jaw members relative to the other jaw member. A movable handle is included which moves the jaw members from the open and closed positions. The forceps is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A trigger assembly is operatively disposed relative to the movable handle for selectively advancing a knife assembly for cutting tissue along the tissue seal. The trigger assembly includes a safety mechanism which operatively cooperates with the movable handle such that the trigger assembly automatically deploys from a retracted position when the movable handle is moved to the closed position.
US07857806B2
A pump system for applying negative pressure to a wound, including a flow monitor capable of detecting a deviation from a reference airflow rate provided by a controlled leak to determine whether the system is operating normally or abnormally, and a flow status annunciator to indicate a normal operating condition or whether an abnormal condition is a leak or an occluded line in the system. The pump system further includes a pressure controller for regulating operation of a pump to control pressure in the system at a range around a user-selected setpoint. The pump system may also include a waste collector and a level sensor for detecting when the collector is full.
US07857805B2
According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid carrying connector comprising a luer lock connector is provided. At least one projection is defined on, or extending from, a surface of the luer lock connector. A shroud is moveably positioned with respect to the luer lock connector. The shroud comprises at least one projection that is rotatably positionable with the projection of the luer lock connector. In one rotational direction of the shroud, the projection of the shroud rotates the projection of the luer lock connector in the rotational direction. In an opposite rotational direction of the shroud, the projection of the shroud does not rotate the projection of the luer lock connector in the opposite rotational direction.
US07857804B2
The present invention relates to new use of inhibitors of bcl-2/bcl-Xl family of anti-apoptotic compounds for the treatment of post-angioplasty restenosis and in-stent restenosis. Small molecules of Bcl inhibitors are incorporated into a stent, typically by a fine polymeric coating over the metal, which would be placed during angioplasty of occluded blood vessels, to act on fibroproliferative in-growth. Hollow organs such as urethras, Fallopian tubes and vascular access grafts could be treated in a similar manner to prevent their closure due to fibrosis. Other iatrogenic fibrosis such as adhesions after surgery could also be blocked by this therapy.
US07857800B2
A tampon having an absorbent structure and an apertured film cover thermally bonded to the absorbent structure is disclosed. The cover is bonded to the absorbent structure through a plurality of discrete spots arranged about the surface of the absorbent structure to provide a cumulative cover-to-absorbent bond. The cumulative cover-to-absorbent bond has a shear strength of at least about 3 N. The plurality of discrete thermally-bonded spots define a bonded area and the bonded spots and the unbonded portions between the spots define a bond region. Preferably, the bonded area covers about 5% to about 30% of the bond region.In addition, a sealing element for a sealing roller is disclosed. The sealing element is profiled with a sealing pattern defined by sealing knobs arranged at distances to each other that project from a base of the sealing element. Each sealing knob has a perimeter shaped to eliminate aggressive edges.
US07857799B2
A feminine hygiene device. The absorbent core can have a first compressibility in an unaltered state, wherein at least a portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the absorbent core has a second compressibility in an altered state. The second compressibility can be greater than the first compressibility. The portion of the absorbent core having the second compressibility can be a portion of the absorbent core from which absorbent material has not been completely removed. The feminine hygiene device has an elastic member generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis and spanning at least a portion of the absorbent core that has a preferentially weakened zone of compression. A portion of the absorbent core that is generally aligned with the core longitudinal axis can comprise structural features selected from the group consisting of slits, corrugations, nodules, and tufts.
US07857797B2
Disclosed is a sanitary napkin including a liquid absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable topsheet covering a body surface of the liquid absorbent layer. The topsheet is joined to the liquid absorbent layer in a specific pattern. The pattern includes longitudinal join lines which extend longitudinally and are laterally spaced from each other and a connecting join line which connects the longitudinal join lines. The liquid absorbent layer has a low stiffness portion in a region enclosed by the longitudinal join lines and the connecting join line. The liquid absorbent layer has a lower stiffness in the low stiffness portion than in portions outside the longitudinal join lines.
US07857793B2
A luer cleaner (100) including a generally hollow body (112) having an open first end (104), a closed second end (106), and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. The first end (104) is sized to receive therein a luer connector (190) proximal end and includes a plurality of bristles (134) extending generally toward the longitudinal axis sufficiently to engage the outer surfaces of the luer proximal end disposed therein. The second end comprises a compressible reservoir (166) containing a fluid (168), wherein, when the second end is compressed, the fluid is transmitted from the reservoir toward the first end through passageways to wet the luer proximal end. A method for cleaning luer connectors is also disclosed.
US07857788B2
A novel neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of an embodiment of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.
US07857786B2
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for facilitating folding of a balloon before, during or after a medical procedure. In a first embodiment, the apparatus generally comprises at least one catheter shaft member, a balloon disposed on a distal region of the catheter shaft member, and at least one folding member disposed along at least a proximal region of the balloon. The folding member may comprise at least one radially-outward projecting member integrally formed with or attached to the balloon, or an internally-formed groove in the balloon, which is adapted to promote twisting of the balloon to reduce the profile of the balloon in the deflated state. Optionally, biasing members may be disposed between the folding member and an adjacent portion of the balloon to promote folding of the balloon in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
US07857785B2
A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is formed of mesogenic repeat units and the B block is a soft block.
US07857784B2
A medical instrument for suction and irrigation comprises an elongate shaft with a first channel serving as suction channel and with a second channel serving as irrigation channel, the shaft having a first tube which is closed in cross section and in which one of the channels is present. The shaft has a second tube which is open in cross section along its length and is placed with its open lengthwise side on an outside face of the first tube and secured sealingly thereon, the other channel being formed in the space between the outside face of the first tube and an inside face of the second tube. A method for production of the instrument is also described.
US07857779B2
A traction device for use in surgery is disclosed with the traction device being secured to one side of a surgical table. The traction device includes one or more traction lines which include a line-tensioning device at one end thereof and a connector at the other end thereof for attachment to the limb of a patient undergoing surgery. A tension meter is associated with each of the traction or lines with the tension meter being connected to a readout which indicates the tension or traction force being imposed in the traction line. The traction device may be used for patients undergoing shoulder surgery or other types of limb surgery.
US07857777B2
The proposed device includes two segments adapted to enclose a body part in a form-fitting manner. Each segment contains an electroactive-material-based actuator, which is adapted to receive an electrical control signal and in response thereto adjust the actuator's morphology, so as to cause the segment to apply a basic pressure profile to the body part. A pressure transition is adapted to redistribute the basic pressure profiles between the first and second segments. A control signal in respect of the first segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a first adjusted pressure profile to at least part of the second portion of the body part, and vice versa, a control signal in respect of the second segment causes the pressure transition system to apply a second adjusted pressure profile to at least a part of the first portion of the body part.
US07857765B2
The present invention relates to a system and method for performing a protocol-driven ultrasound examination for generating an image of moving cardiac structure and blood of a heart. One embodiment comprises a front-end and at least one processor. The front end is arranged to transmit ultrasound waves into the moving cardiac structure and blood, generating received signals in response to the ultrasound waves backscattered from the moving cardiac structure and blood. The at least one processor, responsive to the received signals, acquires at least one image of the structure in at least one of a predetermined order and a predefined protocol, and selects at least one of the acquired images taken along at least one of a given view and study.
US07857762B2
The invention relates to a method of generating a predetermined objective wave field in a medium using a first network of transducers T1-Tn). The inventive method consists in first using each transducer i of the first network to emit an approximation of the signal ei(t). Subsequently, each transducer of a second network of transducers (T′1-T′m) is used to emit an error signal corresponding to the time reversal of the difference between the signals captured from said first emission and objective signals. Finally, approximation ei(t) is corrected by subtracting the time reversal of the signal captured by each transducer i using the error signal.
US07857759B2
Extraction device for extracting an analyte from living tissue through skin are described that include: (a) a first electrode part having a contact area with the skin of less than about 50 mm2; (b) a through-current electrode part; and (c) a power supply part for supplying electrical energy to the first electrode part and the through-current electrode part, and for extracting an analyte in the first electrode part. Analyzers, extraction methods, and analysis methods are also described.
US07857758B2
A support member and an optical fiber are disposed side by side inside a tubular outer envelope of an optical probe to extend in the longitudinal direction of the outer envelope. A light deflectors which deflects light emitted from the front end of the optical fiber in the circumferential direction of the outer envelope is provided and the light deflector is rotated in response rotation of the support member by a drive means such as a motor, whereby an optical probe which can deflect light emitted from the circumferential surface of the outer envelope in the circumferential direction of the outer envelope and is easy to make thinner and down its cost can be obtained.
US07857754B2
A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an end of an endoscope, is disclosed. The apparatus can exert a pulling force on the endoscope through the endcap while a pushing force is applied to the endcap. The apparatus can be used to press an endcap onto the distal end of an endoscope without grasping by hand a sheath in those applications where the endoscope is disposed in a sheath.
US07857746B2
A novel method and system for performing transcutaneous magnetic stimulation is disclosed herein. In the method, a first magnetic field is generated using a first magnetic stimulation device for transcutaneously stimulating a treatment area, and a second magnetic field for transcutaneously stimulating the treatment area is generated by a second magnetic stimulation device. In addition, a novel method and system for reducing discomfort caused by transcutaneous magnetic stimulation is disclosed herein. In the method, a first magnetic field is created at a first and second location using a first magnetic stimulation device. The first magnetic field causes magnetic stimulation at the first and second locations. A second magnetic field is created at the second location using a second magnetic stimulation device, thereby reducing stimulation at the second location.
US07857731B2
An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium preferably including the Internet that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system. A method for controlling an exercise apparatus includes running a modifiable script on a local computer to control the use and to monitor the operation of an exercise apparatus, and communicating with a remote system, preferably via the Internet, to provide the remote system with data concerning the use of the exercise apparatus. The script is stored in read/write memory of the local computer and remote system data received from the remote system may include at least a portion of a new script to be stored in the read/write memory of the local computer.
US07857728B2
A control apparatus for an automatic transmission including a plurality of frictional elements each arranged to be engaged by receiving supply of an engagement pressure regulated by a solenoid, and being arranged to attain a plurality of gear stages by combination of engagements of the frictional elements, the control apparatus includes a failure occurrence sensing section configured to sense an occurrence of a failure-induced disengagement in one of the frictional elements based on a failure of one of the solenoids, based on an engine racing by a depression of an accelerator pedal in a state in which ranges other than a parking range and a neutral range are selected during a stop of a vehicle; and a command output section configured to output a limp home mode command to attain one of the gear stages to enable the vehicle to start.
US07857726B2
A transmission is provided that utilizes three planetary gear sets and three layshaft gear sets, as well as four rotating-type clutches and one brake that are engagable in different combinations to provide eight forward speed ratios between an input member and an output member of the transmission. By combining features of a layshaft transmission with those of a planetary transmission, the low spin losses and packaging convenience typical of a layshaft transmission are available while still achieving the high torque capacity typical of a planetary transmission.
US07857722B2
A plate-link chain for a motor vehicle drive system. The chain includes a number of link plates hingedly connected with each other by rocker members that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain and are positioned in openings of the link plates. Curved-shaped contact surfaces are located on each of the rocker members and link plates, along which contact surfaces the rocker members and link plates are in contact with each other to transmit power. The rocker members are shaped asymmetrically in the height direction of the rocker members, relative to a cross section extending in the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain. The link plate openings include at least one region that is curved in an inward direction, to prevent incorrect orientation of the rocker members during assembly of the chain.
US07857718B2
The Golf Discney World or GolfDiscney World is the combinatory hot topic on golfdisc, ancient China mystery, SanXingDui heritage and Eastern Olympics, YanYun. The GolfDiscney World has the versatile Golfing activities. The GolfDiscney World goes through the mysterious China history to find out the ancient 5000 years golf history. It has the SanXing Golf which is reconstructed from the heritage of SanXingDui 3500 years ago. GolfDiscney has the GolfDiscney movie going through the 5000 years timing channel of the Oriental Grand Ming, Oriental Dark Ages, Oriental Renaissance and Oriental Olympics, YanYun Sports. The GolfDisney has the parade of the oriental YanYun Torch team and the ancient golf which are discovered from the SanXingDui heritage. The ancient golf are the YuanShi golf, 7-Sun golf and the GaoShang golf. Furthermore, the GolfDiscney has the modem RingDiscBall golf, ball golf, disc golf, golfrisbee, golfishing, and golfrisbee lifesaving, etc.
US07857715B2
A golf ball includes an inner core having a first outer surface and a center formed from a homogenous composition such that the inner core has a hardness of 40 to 80 Shore C; an outer core layer disposed about the inner core having a second outer surface and an inner surface, formed from a homogenous composition such that the outer core layer has a hardness of 60 to 90 Shore C; and a cover layer including at least two layers. The center, first and second outer surfaces, and inner surface each have a hardness, the first outer surface hardness being lower than the center hardness to define a negative hardness gradient, and the second outer surface hardness being greater than the inner surface hardness by 10 to 20 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient.
US07857713B2
A hollow wood-type golf club head 1 having a volume of 420 to 500 cm3 and comprising face portion 3, wherein the face portion 3 comprises a metallic material having a specific gravity of 4.30 to 4.60 and has a thickness of 1.5 to 4.0 mm, and in the standard state of head 1, the X/Y ratio is 0.0070 or less in which X is the depth (mm) of the club head's center of gravity which is a horizontal length between the center of gravity and a sweet spot on face 2 in the front-rear direction of head 1, and Y is the moment of inertia (g·cm2) of head 1 about the vertical axis passing through the center of gravity, and the intersection line of the face 2 with a horizontal plane including the sweet spot is convex toward the front of head 1 and has a radius of curvature of 330.2 to 457.2 mm.
US07857710B2
A golf club having a shaft, a grip, and a head provides improved balance and feel. The shaft has a shaft distal end, a shaft axis defining a vertical plane, and a forward bend section proximate the shaft distal end. The head is secured to the shaft distal end and includes a striking face, a trailing edge, a club head center of gravity, a heel section having a heel section center of gravity, and a toe section having a toe section center of gravity. The heel section center of gravity is forward of the striking face and the club head center of gravity is further from the trailing edge than the striking face. The forward bend section of the shaft projects from the vertical plane at an attachment angle such that the shaft distal end is forward of the heel section center of gravity.
US07857709B2
A connector for releasably securing a shaft and a head having a hosel with a bore of standard size. The connector includes a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, and a compression nut. The shaft adapter has a shaft bore sized to receive the shaft, a first threaded coupling member, and a axial shaft. The hosel adapter has a hosel bore and a main body portion. The hosel bore is sized to receive the axial shaft. The compression nut has a second coupling member. The shaft is secured within the shaft bore and the main body portion is secured within the bore of the hosel using an adhesive and the axial shaft is inserted within the hosel bore. Thereafter, the compression nut is rotated to couple the first and second coupling members together thereby securing the shaft and head together without the shaft being received within the bore of the hosel.
US07857708B2
A computer (16) for capturing a colored moving image photographed by photographing means (14, 15) has an extraction means for extracting images having necessary swing postures as check-point images from a large number of still images constituting the color moving image; a means for obtaining a coordinate of a position of each of attention-focused points, which operate, in each of the check-point images, while a golfer (11) is swinging; a means for diagnosing a golfer's swing form by setting a plurality of diagnosis items for each trajectory pattern obtained by a ball motion measuring apparatus (20) to classify behavior of a golf ball and by comparing numerical data generated from data of the coordinate of the position of each of the attention-focused points with a judgement value set in each of a plurality of diagnosis items; and a means for outputting an advice drill corresponding to a result of a diagnosis.
US07857703B2
A method for coordinate generation to be implemented using an orientation device includes the steps of: providing at least three reference marks on a target; aiming the orientation device at an initial point on the target, and operating the orientation device such that the sensor is able to capture an image of the target that contains at least one of the reference marks; correlating a coordinate space of the orientation device with a coordinate space of the target; aiming the orientation device at a target point on the target, and operating the orientation device such that the sensor is able to capture an image of the target that contains the reference marks; and determining relative coordinates of the target point with reference to the established coordinate space relation and the captured image. An orientation device that performs the method is also disclosed.
US07857699B2
A gaming system where, as players place wagers to play the primary games of the gaming devices, a portion or percentage of the wager placed by each player to initiate the primary game is allocated to an accumulated value pool. A target value is based on the average expected payout of a bonus event. In one embodiment, if the accumulated value pool meets or exceeds the target value, a bidding sequence is triggered. During the bidding sequence, the central controller enables each of the players playing at the gaming devices to place one or more bids for the opportunity to participate in the bonus event. In one embodiment, the player who places the highest bid participates in the bonus event and is provided with a bonus award, wherein the bonus award may be equal to, higher than, or lower than the winning bid.
US07857687B2
A steak product is made by cutting a piece of meat which is initially generally in the shape of a parallelepiped along four generally curved first cut lines extending generally parallel to the grain of the meat to remove four corners of the meat and create a meat portion which is cylindrically shaped. The cylindrically shaped meat portion is cut along each of a plurality of parallel second cut lines each generally perpendicular to the grain of the meat and spaced from each other by a first predetermined distance to create a plurality of disk-like generally cylindrical meat portions each having a thickness corresponding to the first predetermined distance and each having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cylindrically shaped meat portion. At least one of the disk-like meat portions is cut along each of a plurality of third cut lines, each of the third cut lines extending radially inwardly from an outer circumferential edge of the disk-like meat portion toward but not entirely through the axial center of the disk-like meat portion to create an uncut center portion, the third cut lines being circumferentially spaced apart by a second predetermined distance to produce a steak portion having a plurality of generally truncated pie wedge shaped portions held together by the center portion.
US07857680B2
A method for producing a glass substrate for a magnetic disk by polishing a circular glass plate, which comprises a step of polishing the principal plane of the circular glass plate by using a slurry containing a CeO2 crystal powder, the CeO2 crystal powder being obtained in such a manner that a melt containing CeO2 is quenched to obtain an amorphous material, and the amorphous material is subjected to heat treatment to obtain a CeO2 crystals-precipitated amorphous material, which is subjected to acid treatment to separate and extract the CeO2 crystal powder from the CeO2 crystals-precipitated amorphous material.
US07857672B2
A flow control mechanism, for improving pressure resistance and hull vibration, includes a lower fin and an upper fin. The lower fin is disposed between a second station and a fourth station in a length direction of a ship and between 10% and 20% of a design draft from a bottom of the ship in a height direction of the ship, the lower fin being inclined at an angle of 20 to 40 degrees with respect to a design draught (or base) line. The upper fin is disposed between the second station and the fourth station in the length direction of the ship and between 30% and 60% of the design draft from the bottom of the ship in the height direction of the ship, the upper fin being inclined at an angle of 10 to 30 degrees with respect to the design draught (or base) line. Further, an additional fin is disposed between a first station and a third station in the length direction of the ship and between 5% and 20% of the design draft from the bottom of the ship in the height direction of the ship, the additional fin being inclined at an angle of 10 to 40 degrees with respect to the design draught (or base) line.
US07857671B2
Contact for electrical or electronic connections, comprising a contact pin (1, 101) provided with resilient-tensioning means (4) which act in an axial direction on the said pin (1, 101), the said pin being provided with a coaxial stem (201) which extends at the end of said pin (1) opposite to that intended for connection, said stem (201) being inserted inside a contact means (3) in the form of a scored hyperboloid; said pin, being characterized in that said resilient-tensioning means (4) and said scored hyperboloid (3) are enclosed inside a substantially cylindrical and substantially single-piece container body (2; 5), locating means (202; 205) being envisaged for said resilient-tensioning means (4).
US07857670B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a bracket for mounting a vertical cable manager to a rack. The bracket includes a first portion extending in a first direction, a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a third portion extending from the second portion in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction and substantially parallel to the first direction. The first portion of the bracket is adapted to be snap-fitted to the vertical cable manager.
US07857664B2
A quick connect/disconnect cable apparatus is provided having a housing with a first housing component and a second housing component. The first housing component is separable from the second housing component at an interface. The first housing component has first connecting parts at the interface. The second housing component has corresponding mating second connecting parts at the interface. The first housing component further includes a plurality of ports located on at least one first housing component surface. The plurality of ports are adapted to allow a plurality of peripheral computer devices to connect to the plurality of ports. The second housing component further includes means for allowing one or more cables to connect between the second housing component and a computer.
US07857663B2
Connector assemblies, combinations and methods for use in wiring/cabling applications are disclosed. Connector assemblies include openings that facilitate interaction between plugs and cables, particularly foil-shielded twisted pair (FTP) cables. Connector assembly sub-components and connector sub-assemblies are also disclosed. Connector assemblies and sub-assemblies include securely joined sub-components. Sub-components are secured to one another through the use of deflectable latching members of one sub-component engaging corresponding latching slots of another sub-component. Sub-components and sub-assemblies are secured to one another through the use of a cam nut engaged into a slot of a sub-component. Connector assemblies, combinations and methods including a cylindrical contact capable of engaging an FTP cable, drain wire and metal foil or sheath through the application of a cam nut are also disclosed.
US07857658B1
A connector is provided for electrically coupling a battery with a battery-powered device. The connector includes a first dual-contact assembly and a second dual-contact assembly. Each of the dual-contact assemblies includes a positive contact for contacting a positive PP3 terminal of a PP3 battery, and a negative contact for contacting a negative PP3 terminal of the PP3 battery. Each dual-contact assembly is configured so that, when the dual-contact assembly is physically engaged with either of the PP3 battery terminals, one of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly electrically engages the PP3 battery terminal, while the other of the contacts of the dual-contact assembly is electrically insulated from the PP3 battery terminal. Accordingly, the PP3 battery may be installed in either of two valid connection states relative to the connector, in which appropriate electrical connectivity is provided via the connector to a device to be powered by the PP3 battery.
US07857653B2
In the cover opening and dosing device of the present invention, a terminal cover 21 includes a turn regulating portion 24. The turn regulating portion 24 can prevent the terminal cover 21 from turning in a cover dosing direction due to resilience of coupling portions 22 and 23 when the terminal cover 21 is moved to a cover opening position. Thus, when connecting a cable to a terminal, the terminal cover 21 does not hinder the connection, so that the cable can be connected to the terminal with ease. It is possible to achieve a configuration of holding the terminal cover capable of opening and dosing the terminal open with ease and at low cost.
US07857649B2
An electrical connector comprises an insulating housing, a pair of levers and a bracket. The insulating housing includes a receiving slot for receiving a chip. The bracket encircles the insulating housing, which includes several side walls and a empty portion surrounded by the side walls, on the side wall there defines a fasten portion. The lever is set beside two opposite side of the chip, which comprises a pintle portion, an operating portion and a main portion connecting the pintle portion and the operating portion, the pintle portion is received in the fasten portion of the bracket. Protruding towards inner side from the main portion there forms a press portion for retain the chip. The structure of the invention is simply, which economizes the cost of manufacture and is efficient for operating.
US07857643B2
The XLR cable connector comprises a sliding element, by means of whose displacement between a retracted and an advanced end position, the XLR cable connector can be converted between a plug and a socket, and that has a first, a second, a third, and a fourth channel, a first, a second, and a third contact pin that are received by the first, second, and third channel of the sliding element, whereby in the retracted position of the sliding element, these contact pins project from the plug-in-side front face of the sliding element, and in the advanced end position of the sliding element, these contact pins are retracted into the channels of the sliding element.
US07857637B2
A method of forming a printed circuit board having a connector including providing a base portion including through holes into which terminals are inserted; inserting terminals projecting from a bottom surface of the base portion into a terminal hole provided on the printed circuit board; fitting a rib projecting from the bottom surface of the base portion with a through hole provided on the printed circuit board; temporarily fixing the bottom surface of the base portion, the surface contacting a surface of the printed circuit board; then fixing with soldering each of the terminals inserted into the terminal hole of the printed circuit board; fitting a connector housing with the base portion, the connector housing having a fitting hole within which the base portion is fitted; and placing the connector housing on the printed circuit board while the terminals are housed within the connector housing.
US07857632B2
The electrical connector has an insulative housing and a number of contacts embedded in the housing and distributed in rows and columns. Each of the contact has a pair of contacting arms with a contacting portion thereon for electrically connecting with a pad of the electronic package. The contacting portions of the contacts are arranged in a pattern of contact portions of two adjacent contacts in same row can engage with a same pad on the electronic package when the electrical connector is coupled with the electronic package, such that the contacts of the row are coupled with each other in series. By way above mentioned, pitch between two adjacent contacts can be reduced and a high density of the contacts can be achieved.
US07857630B2
Connector for high-speed two-wire link, able to be mounted directly on a printed circuit. The connector comprises two parallel pins, an insulating insert in which the pins are mounted, a metal casing associated with mounting means for the fixing thereof onto a printed circuit and two shielded linking cables, each linked to a pin.
US07857627B2
A connector assembly includes an electric connector, and a cable assembly mated with the electric connector. The electric connector includes a housing, a plurality of contacts received in the housing. The cable assemble includes a base board with a plurality of golden fingers, and a plurality of wires electrically connected to the golden fingers. The base board includes a mating portion and a connecting portion connected to the mating portion. The golden fingers are arranged on the mating portion and the wires are physically connected to the connecting portion. The mating portion is inserted into the housing of the electric connector.
US07857625B2
Medical patient simulator comprising a torso (2) that contains an artificial lung (6), a chest skin (3) and means (8, 9) for pulling the chest skin (3) downward in an area corresponding with an area where such retractions occur on a human being. The simulator also provides for changes in the compliance of the lung (6). The lung (6) is situated between two plates (5, 7), the spacing of which can be adjusted. The torso (2) has one actuator (23, 24) on each side of the back to simulate muscular activity. It includes a system for control of pneumatic functions by measuring a representative pressure for each actuator and stopping the filling when a pre-set pressure is reached. It also includes a head with one or more air cushions in a fontanelle area on the head, which may be filled with air to simulate an increased pressure in the brain.
US07857618B2
Orthodontic brackets include a bracket base, at least one arch wire slot formed in the base adapted to receive an arch wire therein, and a moveable structure for selectively narrowing the width of at least a portion of the arch wire slot so as to allow for engagement of an undersized arch wire having a width less than the slot width. The moveable structure for selectively narrowing the width of the arch wire slot may be defined by one or more spaced apart cuts disposed in at least one side wall defining the arch wire slot so as to define a bendable portion of the sidewall.
US07857613B2
Heat is extracted from compressed gas used in a blow-molding process by expansion cooling the exhausted gas and/or passing the exhausted gas through a vortex tube, which supplies cold gas at an exit thereof. The cold gas is then routed through cooling channels in the mold. This obviates the need for recirculating or externally chilling a coolant and saves energy.
US07857611B2
After a transfer material was hardened in a situation an imprint mold which has a concave part pattern is forced against the liquid transfer material, a replica which has a convex part pattern corresponding to the concave part pattern by releasing the imprint mold. A pressurization mechanism and a vacuum pump are set, regarding depth K of the concave part pattern of the imprint mold, height k of the convex part pattern of the transfer material, effective pressure Mo while the imprint mold is forced, pressure P in the space, with satisfying: Mo/P≧k/(K−k). With this arrangement, even if air comes inside of the concave part pattern of the imprint mold and is stuffed in the inside, it is possible to have transcription with no problem.
US07857606B2
A variable displacement pump includes a pump body defining first and second pools for introducing fuel/lubricant oil, and internal and external rotary members rotatably mounted on the pump body and cooperatively defining a space such that, during counterclockwise revolution, the fuel/lubricant oil is taken up from the first pool by sweeping of the space over the first pool, and is delivered to the second pool. A control slider is sleeved on the external rotary member, and has an actuated tooth moved by an expansion force in the second pool to counteract the external rotary member so as to reduce the volume of the space, thereby reducing delivery of the fuel/lubricant oil into the second pool. A biasing member is disposed to bias the actuated tooth towards the second pool.
US07857602B2
A muffler installation structure for compressors includes an end plate member fitted to an opening end of a cylinder body, a cup-shaped muffler fitted to the end plate member, and a fixing member for fixing the muffler to the end plate member. At places near the fixing member, an inner peripheral surface of a peripheral wall of the muffler and an outer peripheral surface of a body portion of the end plate member are clearance-fitted to each other. At places distant from the fixing member, on the other hand, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall of the muffler and the outer peripheral surface of the body portion of the end plate member are close-fitted.
US07857599B2
A wind turbine includes a nacelle connected to a unitary tube bedplate.
US07857597B2
A wind turbine blade includes a plurality of boundary layer fins, aligned substantially parallel to a direction of flow over the blade, for reducing boundary layer separation from the blade.
US07857595B2
A method of producing a shear web for a wind turbine blade includes providing a mold generally conforming to a shape of at least a portion of a shear web; and filling the mold with a closed cell structural foam.
US07857588B2
A reinforced airfoil includes an airfoil body including opposed walls that define a hollow interior space and a reinforcement member provided on at least one of the walls within the interior space, the reinforcement member increasing the thickness of the at least one wall so as to resist deformation of the at least one wall but not extending from one wall to the other.
US07857583B2
The present invention relates to a base design of cooling structure, which includes a base, and a shaft tube disposed on the base to support a spindle of an impeller to rotate therein. The base has at least a groove and the groove is located beyond an outer diameter; the groove design can be employed to effectively prevent the issue of contraction stress caused by difference of cooling time of temperature and to prevent a slanted shaft tube for supporting a stable operation of the spindle of the impeller, thereby avoiding the resulting run-out and noise, making vibration and noise test values of the product comply with a standard value range, reducing the defective rate of the product and prolonging the product lifespan.
US07857581B2
The invention provides a thermomechanical turbomachine part that is circularly symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, in particular a rotor, the part including at least one annular wiper for a sealing labyrinth. In characteristic manner, the wiper presents height in the radial direction that varies around its circumference by forming a plurality of projecting portions.
US07857580B1
A first stage guide vane used in a gas turbine engine, the guide vane including an airfoil portion extending between an inner shroud and an outer shroud, each shroud having an extension to form a flow transition for the hot gas flow from the combustor to the guide vane, and where the leading edge of the shroud extensions include a plurality of diffusion cooling holes opening onto the surface of the shroud extension to provide film cooling. Each diffusion cooling hole is in fluid communication with a cooling supply channel that runs along the shroud extension to provide convective cooling of the shroud extension; the cooling supply channel includes a metering hole to regulate the flow of cooling air into the channel. In the preferred embodiment, each diffusion cooling hole includes a separate cooling supply channel and a metering hole in order to regulate the individual cooling diffusion hole cooling air flow to provide specific cooling requirements for the specific location of the diffusion hole.
US07857573B2
A cart stop suitable for use with a lift platform is described. The cart stop has a closed position which allows a cart or other wheeled device to move over it. The cart stop also has an open position which prevents the cart or other wheeled device from rolling off of the lift platform.
US07857571B2
An apparatus for manufacturing capable of reducing footprint and a working time for loading substrates as short as possible, and a method using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cassette to accommodate a plurality of substrates, a stocker in which the cassette is loaded, a process progressing unit to receive the respective substrates in the cassette and to perform a process, a loader having at least two hands and disposed between the stocker and the process progressing unit to receive and supply the respective substrates accommodated in the cassette on the stocker to the process progressing unit, and at least one withdrawing unit to withdraw and supply the respective substrates from the cassette to at least one of the hands in the loader.
US07857566B2
Several embodiments of reactive biasing fasteners are described. The fasteners are utilized in place of jam nuts and Belleville washers providing for the storage of a pre-load and effectively providing a locking function to prevent unintended loosening of an associated bolt. The embodiments resiliently deform under load to store pre-load or live load energy. Further, the fasteners provide a means for interfacing with a self-reacting tightening power tool thereby eliminating or minimizing the need for reaction arms. Additionally, several embodiments through the incorporation of a threaded bore effectively act to create a substantially torsionless live load on the portion of a bolt located in the bolt hole of a workpiece when in use. The resilient deformation of the biasing fasteners permits the live load to be stored therein and accordingly lessens the risk of loosening of the bolted joint due to exteriorly applied forces such as but not limited to vibration and thermal expansion and contraction.
US07857565B2
In an exemplary, non-limiting bushing assembly, a first bushing defines a first opening therethrough. The first opening has a first dimension along a first axis that is sized to receive a fastener therethrough. The first opening has a second dimension along a second axis, and the second dimension is larger than the first dimension. A second bushing defines a second opening therethrough that is sized to receive a fastener therein. Means are provided for engaging the first and second bushings.
US07857562B2
A direct tension indicating washer including a first surface having a protuberance formed thereon; a second surface having an indentation formed opposite the protuberance; an indicating material positioned in the indentation; and a channel leading from the indentation to an outer diameter of the direct tension indicating washer; wherein the protuberance has four walls, each of the walls being substantially perpendicular to the first surface.
US07857560B2
A self-tensioning tie down assembly (2) for tightening retaining straps (70) about winches (64) securing cargo (71) on a carrier (73). The assembly (2) has an actuator (15) connected to a pneumatic circuit (61) and providing reciprocating linear motion to a torque linkage (60) connected to the winch (64). The torque linkage (60) has a wrap spring clutch (17) connectable to the ratchet wheel (7) of the winch (64) and a connector arm (11) connected to the actuator (15). The torque linkage (60) transmits the linear motion to the winch (64) as a corresponding rotational motion. The required tension level of the retaining strap (70) is pre-set. Pressure within the circuit (61) drives the actuator (15) thereby actuating the torque linkage (60) which tightens the strap (70) on the winch (64) until the tension level is reached. The flow of pressure to the actuator (15) is controlled by a control valve (18) having a valve lever (19) that is toggled back and forth between an extend position and a retract position by a pair of opposed trip mounts (31, 32) mounted on the connector arm (11).
US07857559B2
The tiedown product comprises a rod having a first end which passes through a first opening at a first side of a load. The rod also has a second end which passes through a second opening at a second side of the load. A first tiedown attaching provision is on the rod first end. A second tiedown attaching provision is on the rod second end. Tiedown lashings can connect between the tiedown attaching provisions and a cargo deck to restrain the load on the cargo deck. The rod carries force from the tiedown lashings thus preventing this force from harming the load.
US07857556B1
A drill press has a bit, a base and a support shaft with a lower end supported by the base and an upper end supporting the housing. A lower plate with a connector coupled between the lower plate and the support shaft varies the angular attitude of lower plate with respect to the bit. An upper plate with threaded apertures, recesses, blocks and bolts secures the upper plate in preselected planar positions with respect to the lower plate. Aligned central apertures in the plates with a pivot pin provide a plurality of preselected rotational orientations of the upper plate with respect to the lower plate.
US07857554B2
The present invention concerns a system for fixing a cutting head to an adapter for a machine tool. The cutting head includes a first linear flange, a second linear flange substantially parallel to the first linear flange and a unit for holding a cutting bit. A holding jaw is provided for being fixed to the adapter and for engagement with at least one of the linear flanges on the cutting head, and a clamping device for clamping the at least one holding jaw between the at least one flange of the cutting head and the adapter. At least one further clamping device is connected to the adapter for engagement with the second or the linear flanges. Furthermore a cutting head and an adapter is defined.
US07857552B2
A tenon joint type space lattice structure having a plurality of lattice units and combining pillar is provided. The lattice unit includes a convex tenon and a concave tenon groove disposed at ends of the lattice to form a tenon-and-groove structure. The tenon of one lattice unit may be embedded within an adjacent tenon groove for connecting the lattice units in series to form a continuously extended layer of lattice units. The continuous structure of lattice units forms a plane layer of a space lattice structure. The combining pillar may be passed perpendicularly through a hollow portion of a lattice unit for connecting plane layers of lattice units stacked one over the other to form a three-dimensional space lattice structure. A heavy filling material may fill the hollow portion of the structure to form a gravity structure.
US07857547B1
A gravelless drainfield and drain panel product for all legal gravity and pressure dosed drain configurations for trenches, beds, mounds and elevated systems and foundation and other drain panel applications. The product allows for appropriate reduction in drainfield sizing. Individual pieces of expanded polymer aggregate with three or more fingers are connected where they touch to form a variety of rigid porous panels and blocks of randomly disposed, interconnected, high-surface-area, high-void space elements of light weight expanded polymer material. For the drainfield product, a main pipe for gravity, low-pressure dosing, or drip irrigation receives a flow of liquid in the form of wastewater effluent, gray water, irrigation water or run-off and is held in place by a positioner. A drain panel may be placed against a structure for structural drainage.
US07857544B2
An extension plate for use in a compactor includes an elongate body extending between a first surface configured to be coupled to the compactor frame and a second surface configured to be coupled to a support of the compactor. The first surface includes a first opening aligning with an opening into an interior of the compactor. A second opening in at least one of the elongate body or the second surface communicates with the first opening to allow passage of a hose through the extension plate and through the opening in the frame into the interior space.
US07857536B2
A printer includes a housing. The housing surrounds a frame and defines a first set of locking formations. A print engine is housed within the housing. The print engine includes a pair of opposed print head assemblies for enabling double-sided printing to be effected upon print media passing there-between. A roller assembly is mounted within the housing. The roller assembly includes a drive roller and a driven roller to transport the print media between the opposed print head assemblies. A second set of locking formations extends from the housing and is configured to engage with the first set of locking formations of another printer so that the printers can be locked together.
US07857530B2
In a developing method for performing developing treatment of a substrate by supplying a developing solution onto a resist film formed on a surface of the substrate, the present invention controls a zeta potential of the surface of the substrate at a predetermined potential in the same polarity as that of a zeta potential of insoluble substances floating in the developing solution, thereby preventing or reducing the adhesion of the insoluble substances to the resist film and the substrate. This remedies the occurrence of development defects. The adhesion of the insoluble substances to the resist film and the substrate can also be prevented or inhibited by supplying an acid liquid to a liquid on the substrate, or controlling a pH value of the liquid on the substrate to control an absolute value of the zeta potential of the insoluble substances.
US07857527B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for supporting and easily adjusting the position of a surveillance camera in an enclosure. Embodiments of the present invention also provide systems, methods and apparatus for keeping the front panel of a camera enclosure clear during cold temperature periods. Finally, embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for the efficient transfer of heat out of a camera enclosure during warm temperatures.
US07857524B2
Plug part (1, 2) for an optical plug connection for connecting optical waveguides (3) with one another, with the plug part (1, 2) having at least one pivotable closure flap (4) and a housing (5) and at least one optical waveguide (3) arranged inside the housing (5); and at least a sliding part (6) fitted on the housing (5), particularly inside the housing (5), displaceable especially linearly relative to the housing (5); with the sliding part (6) having at least one outlet (7) and the Plug part (1, 2) having at least one actuating element (8) to pivot the closure flap (4), with the actuating element (8) pivoting the closure flap (4) during the sliding of the sliding part (6); with the outlet (7) in the sliding part (6) closed, preferably completely, in at least one closed position of the closure flap (4) by the closure flap (4).
US07857519B2
The compact squirrel-cage bearing support comprises a first end portion, a second end portion axially spaced from the first end portion, and a plurality of beams interconnecting the first end portion to the second end portion. The beams have a length that is greater than an axial spacing between the first end portion and the second end portion.
US07857514B2
Resealable closures for use in sealing polymeric packages are provided. The resealable closures include a sealant material that restricts fluid flow into and out of the resealable closure.
US07857511B2
The invention relates to a stand (5) which is especially adapted to support for a digital X-ray detector (4) for an X-ray system (1), and to an X-ray system (1) comprising such a stand (5). The stand (5) comprises a stirrup bolt (6) which is rotatably mounted on a base frame (6) and which comprises a first limb (19) for supporting an X-ray emitter (2) and a second limb (20) for supporting an X-ray detector (4), which is provided on its free end with a detector support (21). The detector support (21) comprises a receiving element (23) which is adapted to captivate the X-ray detector (4) in a predetermined position and which can be swiveled in relation to the stirrup bolt (16) about a swivel axis (24) being parallel or tangential to the horizontal axis (18) and about a rotational axis (25) being perpendicular to the swivel axis (24) and a principal plane (E) of the receiving element (23).
US07857484B2
A lighting panel includes a structural panel, a plurality of inserts containing microminiature light sources, such as LEDs, mounted in openings in the panel or in an appliqué applied thereto, a plurality of electrically conductive traces written on the upper surface of the panel so as to make electrical interconnections with respective leads of the light sources, and a decorative film applied over a bottom surface of the panel and the light sources, the decorative film being translucent or transparent or containing a plurality of apertures therethrough, each corresponding in location to a respective one of the light sources.
US07857474B2
An example vehicle instrument panel includes a control panel having illuminated buttons formed with an illuminatable decorative surface. The disclosed decorative surface includes a translucent layer disposed between a background layer and a graphic layer. Material is removed from the background layer to reveal the underlying translucent and graphic layers. The depth within which material is removed is determined to fall within a thickness of the translucent layer such that any variation in depth is accommodated within the translucent layer.
US07857467B2
A projector comprising a light engine, a detector, and a control unit is disclosed. The light engine comprises a light source and generates a projection beam based on the light from the light source. The space which the projection beam passes through is defined as a projection area, and a security area is defined by the projector to include or overlap the projection area. The detector detects whether a living organism is in the security area or not. When the detector detects a living organism in the security area, the detector generates a warning signal and transmits the warning signal to the control unit. After receiving the warning signal, the control unit directs the projector to enter a security mode to protect the living organism from being hurt.
US07857459B2
A projector includes a light source, an electro-optical device, a projection lens, an outer casing for housing the above components, and a dust suction member. The electro-optical device is configured for forming an optical image using a light beam emitted from the light source. The projection lens is configured for projecting the optical image formed by the electro-optical device. The outer casing is configured for housing the light source, the electro-optical device and the projection lens therein, the outer casing having an inlet and an outlet and defining an airflow channel in communication with the inlet and the outlet. The dust suction member is arranged in the airflow channel, the dust suction member having an adhesive outer surface.
US07857457B2
A projection system contains an illumination system having at least a first source of incoherent light capable of generating light in a first wavelength range. The illumination system also includes a body containing a fluorescent material that emits light in a second wavelength range, different from the first wavelength range, when illuminated by light in the first wavelength range. The system further includes at least a second fluorescent material that absorbs light in at least one of the first and second wavelength ranges, and emits light in a third wavelength range. The body has an extraction area, and at least some of the light in either the second or third wavelength ranges is internally reflected within the body to the extraction area. Light from the extraction area illuminates at least one image-forming device. Image light from the image-forming device is projected by a projection lens unit onto a screen.
US07857455B2
A multiple path stereoscopic projection system is disclosed. The system comprises a polarizing splitting element configured to receive image light energy and split the image light energy received into a primary path and a secondary path, a reflector in the secondary path, and a polarization modulator or polarization modulator arrangement positioned in the primary path and configured to modulate the primary path of light energy. A polarization modulator may be included within the secondary path, a retarder may be used, and optional devices that may be successfully employed in the system include elements to substantially optically superimpose light energy transmission between paths and cleanup polarizers. The projection system can enhance the brightness of stereoscopic images perceived by a viewer. Static polarizer dual projection implementations free of polarization modulators are also provided.
US07857452B2
A method and apparatus are provided for identifying the covert foci of attention of a person when viewing an image or series of images. The method includes the steps of presenting the person with an image having a plurality of visual elements, measuring eye movements of the subject with respect to those images, and based upon the measured eye movements triangulating and determining the level of covert attentional interest that the person has in the various visual elements.
US07857442B2
A folding system includes a media pathway configured to transport a print substrate having phase change ink thereon. The folding system includes a folding apparatus disposed along the media pathway configured to fold the print substrate. A folding heater is configured to heat the phase change ink on the print media to a folding temperature. The folding temperature is above ambient temperature and below a melting temperature for phase change ink.
US07857441B2
There is provided an ink pressure regulator for regulating a hydrostatic pressure of ink supplied to an inkjet printhead. The regulator comprises: an ink chamber having an ink outlet for fluid communication with the printhead via an ink line; an air inlet open to atmosphere; a bubble outlet for bubbling air bubbles into the chamber, each air bubble comprising an air cavity trapped inside a film or a body of ink; and an air channel connecting the air inlet and the bubble outlet. The bubble outlet is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn into the chamber as result of supplying ink to the printhead, thereby regulating a hydrostatic pressure of the ink.
US07857436B2
An ink refill unit for a print cartridge, said unit comprises a housing defining a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet and configured to be operatively engaged with the print cartridge; a fluid reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing; a seal for sealing off one end of the fluid reservoir, the seal being movable within the fluid reservoir; an ejector assembly comprising a spring biased plunger engaged against the seal, the plunger having defined on a side thereof a number of groves; an actuator mechanism comprising a rod to which a pawl and an arm are attached, the pawl adapted to engage with the grooves to negate a biasing force of the plunger against the seal; and an actuator shaft attached to the housing, the actuator shaft being slidable with respect to housing so as to be exposed outside of the housing. The actuator shaft, when exposed outside of the housing, is operable to engage with the arm of the actuator mechanism to disengage the pawl from a groove, whereby the biasing force of the plunger is allowed to act against the seal.
US07857435B2
A method of purging ink from an inkjet printhead is provided. The printhead is in fluid communication with an ink reservoir via an ink conduit. The method comprises compressing part of the ink conduit using a hammer mechanism, thereby purging ink from the printhead and flooding an ink ejection face of the printhead.
US07857433B2
A piezoelectric inkjet printhead includes a fluid path forming substrate having a pressure chamber, a piezoelectric actuator formed on the fluid path forming substrate to provide a drive force to the pressure chamber to eject ink, and a damping layer formed on the piezoelectric actuator to dampen a residual vibration of the piezoelectric actuator.
US07857431B2
A piezoelectric substance element has a piezoelectric substance film and a pair of electrodes connected to the piezoelectric substance film on a substrate, and a main component of the piezoelectric substance film is Pb(Zr, Ti)O3, a composition ratio of Zr/(Zr+Ti) is over 0.4 but less than 0.7, the piezoelectric substance film is a film having at last a tetragonal crystal a-domain and a c-domain within a range of ±10° with respect to the surface of the substrate, and a volume rate of the c-domain to the total of the a-domain and the c-domain is equal to or larger than 20% and equal to or smaller than 60%.
US07857430B2
An ink jet head includes an ejecting unit for ejecting ink droplets toward a recording medium and an ejection port substrate in which ejection ports from which ink droplets are ejected are opened, in which a surface of the ejection port substrate on a side from which the ink droplets are ejected is coated with a diamond like carbon layer. Alternatively, the ink jet head includes a head substrate in which resin-made ink guides are formed, each ink guide for forming a meniscus of the ink and ejection electrodes, each for forming an electric field on a tip end of the ink guide and ejecting the ink as the ink droplets by exerting an electrostatic force onto the ink, in which the ink guide is coated with a protective layer such as the diamond like carbon layer. An ink jet recording apparatus includes the ink jet head and a moving unit for moving the ink jet head and the recording medium relatively.
US07857428B2
An inkjet printhead with an array of elongate ink chambers, each having a nozzle, an actuator for ejecting ink through the nozzle and a sidewall opening allowing ink to refill the chamber; wherein, the opening is in one of the long sides of the ink chamber. Configuring the ink chambers so that they have side inlets reduces the ink refill times. The inlets are wider and therefore refill flow rates are higher.
US07857425B2
A modular printhead includes a chassis. A plurality of printhead modules is mounted on the chassis. Each module is a sealed unit with a number of independent ink chambers for feeding inkjet nozzles in a printhead integrated circuit. Each printhead module is plugged into a reservoir molding. A self sealing elastomeric strip is interposed between the reservoir molding and the printhead modules. The printhead modules are supplied from the reservoir molding through the elastomeric strip.
US07857419B2
An image recording apparatus includes a plurality of liquid ejection heads, and a plurality of wipers. The plurality of liquid ejection heads are divided into a plurality of head groups each including two of the liquid ejection heads. When in a wiper withdrawal position, the wiper associated with one of the liquid ejection heads belonging to each head group is positioned so as to overlap the one liquid ejection head along a direction perpendicular to one direction and in addition overlap the other of the liquid ejection heads along the one direction, while the wiper associated with the other liquid ejection head is positioned so as to overlap the other liquid ejection head along the perpendicular direction and in addition overlap the one liquid ejection head along the one direction.
US07857410B2
Provided is a printer controller for an inkjet printer having a printhead with a plurality of nozzle arrangements, a paper transport mechanism, and an authentication chip. The controller has a data bus and purpose-specific functional units connected to the data bus. The controller is configured to execute software to control a dot size of ink discharged by the respective nozzles by heating the ink in a nozzle by applying at least one firing pulse of a duration less than a duration required to discharge an ink dot, sensing the temperature of the heated ink in the nozzle, and loading and updating a table having sensed values of temperature of ink in the nozzle, resistivity of an actuator heater of the nozzle and width of at least part of the actuator heater. The controller then changes the duration of a firing pulse used to discharge an ink dot in response to the updated table of sensed temperature, resistivity and width values so as to produce a uniform ink dot size.
US07857409B2
An ink jet printing apparatus is provided that can realize a stable ejection volume with the minimum change in a voltage value supplied in a scanning. To realize this, when a detected temperature of a print head is included in a first range, a pulse width control is performed while a voltage being fixed to a first voltage. When a detected temperature is included in a second range, a pulse width control is performed while a voltage being fixed to a second voltage. In the pulse width control based on the two voltages, a temperature partially overlapped region is provided between the first range and the second range. By this, even when a print head has an increased temperature during a print scanning, an ejection volume can be controlled, in the print scanning, while minimizing the switching of a driving voltage.
US07857406B2
An inkjet head driving apparatus which drives an inkjet head for use in gradation printing which is performed to cause a capacity of each of a plurality of pressure chambers filled with ink to be changed by a drive pulse applied to an actuator, an ink drop to be emitted onto a recording medium from a nozzle communicating with the corresponding pressure chamber, and the number of ink drops emitted to be controlled according to the number of drive pulses, the driving apparatus including a drive signal generating section which applies a deboost pulse to decrease pressure in the pressure chamber before the drive pulse for emitting a first drop of ink is applied, wherein the deboost pulse includes a pulse applied to expand or contract the capacity of the pressure chamber for a predetermined length of time, and a quiescent time following the pulse.
US07857400B2
An electrical, decentralized braking system includes at least four sensors for sensing the actuation of a brake actuating device; one braking module for each vehicle wheel, for acquiring sensor data and for controlling braking of the wheel; at least one first communication device with which all braking modules are connected to one another for the exchange of data; an electrical connecting device by which each sensor is connected to at least one braking module; and at least one further communication device for receiving and/or exchanging data between at least two braking modules of different sides of the vehicle.
US07857397B2
A braking system includes first and second electromagnetic opening valves and a bleeding mode setting unit. The first electromagnetic opening and closing valve is provided to a first brake fluid channel to communicate or block a first fluid pressure from a master cylinder to a wheel brake. The second electromagnetic opening and closing valve is provided to a second brake fluid channel to communicate or block a second fluid pressure from a power unit to the wheel brake. The bleeding mode setting unit is provided to set a bleeding mode in which each of the first and second electromagnetic opening and closing valves is opened and closed in order to perform an air-bleeding from each of the first and second brake fluid channels. The determining unit is provided to determine whether or not the bleeding mode setting unit is allowed to set the bleeding mode.
US07857394B2
Wheelchair seat back mounting hardware permits the seat back to be mounted on various wheelchairs. The mounting hardware may be in the form of two-point mounting hardware that connects the seat back to the wheelchair and permits the seat back height to be adjusted independently of the mounting hardware location on the wheelchair.
US07857387B2
A pneumatic lordosis support (1) consists of a cushion (3), which is integrated into the backrest (2) of a seat. Laterally of a vertical center line (7), the cushion encompasses horizontal connections (8) between a front side and a rear side of the cushion (3). The cushion (3) is composed of an air-tight flexible membrane. In the region of the vertical center line (7), the connections (8) encompass breaks. Vertically offset to the connections (8), the cushion (3) encompasses further central horizontal connections (10), which extend substantially across the region of the breaks in the connection (8). In the region where connections (8) and central connections (10) are located close to one another, reduced radii of the membrane lead to the occurrence of less stress than in the remaining cushions (3) and allow the spine of a user to dip into the cushion (3) more softly.
US07857372B2
A tonneau cover apparatus for an automobile including a baggage compartment, a baggage compartment opening, and a gate which covers the baggage compartment opening to be openable is provided. The tonneau cover apparatus includes a cover member extending from a position spaced apart from the baggage compartment opening toward the baggage compartment opening to cover the baggage compartment, and a guide portion which is formed at a portion of the baggage compartment opening to be covered by the gate and guides vertical movement of the cover distal end of the cover member.
US07857370B2
A barrier for a vehicle that includes first and second substantially identical sections. The first and second sections are adapted to reside in a vehicle footwell between first and second vehicle seats. Each of the sections includes opposite first and second main panels, opposite first and second side panels extending between the first and second main panels, and opposite first and second end panels extending between the first and second main panels and between the first and second side panels. A thickness of each section is defined by the distance between the first and second main panels and the thickness is substantially equal to the shortest distance between the first and second seats. One of the first and second side panels includes a mating surface having a fastener for coupling the first and second sections.
US07857368B2
Rain gutter and downspout cleaning tongs. The rain gutter cleaning tongs include a pair of arms, each having a distal portion and a proximal portion that are arranged at obtuse angles relative to each other. A gripping head is located at a distal end of the distal portion of each arm. The proximal arm portions are pivotally attached to each other and are spring loaded to bias their gripping surfaces away from each other. Optionally, a guide is attached to one of the arms for guiding the two arms relative to each other during operation.
US07857367B2
A front fender for an automobile; the fender is provided with an external element; with a supporting trestle, which supports the external element, presents a rigid horizontal supporting bar, and is adapted to be rigidly connected to a frame of the automobile; and with horizontal sword, which on one side is protrudingly mounted on the horizontal supporting bar and on the opposite side is rigidly secured to the external element at an upper portion of the external element itself.
US07857355B2
A liner assembly including a first ring member, a second ring member, a corrosion barrier ring, a first liner and a second liner. The first ring member has a body member with a first end and a second end. The first end has a first flange and a second flange extending therefrom. The first flange and the second flange define a space therebetween. The second ring member has an extended body member having a first end and a second end. The second end has a first flange and a second flange extending therefrom. The first flange and the second flange define a space therebetween. The corrosion barrier ring is disposed between and cooperates with the first end of the first ring member and the second end of the second ring member. The first liner is configured to be secured in the space formed between the first flange and the second flange of the first ring member. The second liner is configured to be secured in the space formed between the first flange and the second flange of the second ring member.
US07857354B2
A component-based utility supply apparatus includes a wall mounting bracket, a utility distribution unit mounted to the wall mounting bracket and an equipment management rail. The wall mounting bracket includes a longitudinally extending wall mounting flange and at least one longitudinally extending supporting flange. The utility distribution unit can comprise a fluid (gas) manifold, or a power distribution assembly, or both the gas manifold and the power distribution assembly may be coupled together with the wall mounting bracket and equipment rail to provide a combined power and gas utility configuration. The utility supply apparatus further comprises integrated lighting devices and light transmissive lens panel for supplying light along at least a portion of the utility supply apparatus.
US07857338B2
A steering damper ensures a wide longitudinal illumination range of a road surface when a light unit is provided and facilitates layout of parts and simplifies structure without degrading appearance. A steering damper mounting structure is provided for a vehicle, which includes a head pipe, a front fork, a fork bridge, and a steering damper. The steering damper is mounted on the fork bridge and the head pipe. The steering damper dampens a movement transmitted from a side of the front wheel to a handlebar. In this steering damper mounting structure, the steering damper is mounted to the head pipe and the top bridge and disposed on the side of the top bridge between the top bridge and the bottom bridge. Additionally, a light unit is disposed on the side of the bottom bridge between the top bridge and the bottom bridge.
US07857334B2
A suspension arm supporting structure supported by a frame-side supporting portion of a vehicle body frame includes a suspension arm. The suspension arm includes first and second arm-side supporting portions and an arm portion which are integrally formed. The first arm-side supporting portion is supported by the frame-side supporting portion in a radial direction and in an axial direction. The second arm-side supporting portion is supported by the frame-side supporting portion only in the radial direction.
US07857324B2
A motorcycle sidecar is provided which includes a wheel positioned a given distance from wheels of a motorcycle, a wheel supporting assembly supporting the wheel in a manner that enables the wheel to be rotated, and absorbing road shocks, a stabilizer assembly connecting the wheel supporting assembly to a body of the motorcycle to enable the wheel supporting assembly to be leaned when the motorcycle is leaned, and a main body installed on the stabilizer assembly, for transporting a passenger or a thing. When the motorcycle is leaned to the right or left during driving, the wheel is leaned to the right or left at the same angle with the ground as the motorcycle. Thus, the motorcycle can be safely driven without reducing the speed to the considerable degree, when it goes around a curve.
US07857322B2
The present invention provides a sealing ring having at least eight sealing edges. Sealing rings, such as O-ring seals, are generally known. These universal sealing rings can be used for statically or dynamically sealing machine elements. They have the advantage of being suited for a wide variety of possible applications, and of being simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
US07857320B1
A bearing isolator seal is used to seal the space between the housing and the rotating shaft to prevent contaminants such as abrasive particles, moisture, and corrosive media from entering the bearing. The preferred embodiment consists of a stationary retainer ring with a groove for an O-ring adjacent to a bearing housing, a rotating mating ring with a groove for a second O-ring adjacent to a rotating shaft, and a floating ring made of a material with a low coefficient of friction and a low elastic modulus. The cross-section of the floating ring can be Z-shaped, U-shaped, or V-shaped. A C-shaped locking ring is used as an aid to assemble the aforementioned seal components into a module and is subsequently removed after the seal is installed. Contaminants are stopped at both ends of the floating ring as well as at the O-rings by their spring action. The seal is also designed to release pressure built up in the bearing lubricating system.
US07857316B2
An arcade game is disclosed wherein a player actuates a projectile delivery system such as an air stream created by depressing a pump or bellows to cause a projectile such as a ball to be propelled over a rotating playing field. In a first preferred embodiment the projectile is a ball, and the ball may preferably be aimed by pointing the nozzle delivering an air stream aimable in varying azimuthal and altitudal directions. A point multiplier system is incorporated wherein said ball may pass through one of several arrayed apertures of varying size and difficulty within a housing that encloses the rotating playing field. A sensor detects the passage of a ball through an aperture and sends a signal to a processor to multiply the player's points by a predetermined amount. Whether the ball passes through an aperture or rebounds off the wall, the ball enters the rotating playing field where holes are disposed about the perimeter like a roulette wheel. The rotation of the playing field causes the ball to move outward via centrifugal force to the holes, where each hole is assigned a point value. When the ball enters a hole, a sensor sends a signal to a processor corresponding to a predetermined point value. The processor receives the signal and determines the point value achieved, augmented by any multiplier accomplished in the first phase, and sends a signal to a ticket distribution mechanism to distribute redemption tickets corresponding to the point value earned by the player.
US07857315B2
A dominos-style mathematical operation game is provided with a plurality of dominos style type game pieces. Each game piece is defined by a polyhedron with a top and bottom face. Each face is divided into a left and right section with a mathematical operation therebetween.
US07857310B2
A gaming machine includes a dice releasing unit, a game section, a player terminal, and a controller. The dice releasing unit sequentially releases a plurality of dice. The game section has a stopping plate that causes the dice released from the dice releasing unit to rest. The player terminal has a display through which a player can place a bet on predicted dots to appear on tops of the plurality of dice. The controller is configured with logic to (i) control the dice releasing unit to release the plurality of dice, (ii) control the player terminal so as to perform a bet operation, and (iii) control a payout of game media in accordance with an award. The controller receives, from the player terminal, a signal indicative of placing the bet on the predicted dots in combination with an order of release of the plurality of dice.
US07857306B2
A medium stacker apparatus comprising a stacking portion for stacking a medium discharged from a delivery section formed at an upper portion of an apparatus housing, has a top cover which can be open and closed with respect to the apparatus housing, and a part of said stacking portion is formed at the top cover. The stacking portion is constituted of a first stacking portion formed as secured to the apparatus housing, and a second stacking portion serving as a part of the top cover and pivoting openably as separately from the first stacking portion. Printing media therefore do not interfere with the delivery section in a case where the top cover as the second stacking portion is made to be pivotally moved as opened while the printing media are stacked on the stacking portion.
US07857305B2
This is a media transport apparatus using gripper segments that are connected to conveyor belts. These segments grip the leading edges of paper media and pull the media on a path toward a paper exit. Above the conveyor belts are baffle panels that have at least two panel separations. It is through these separations that the gripper segments move as the endless conveyor belts rotate. The gripper segments are provided with shifting structures that can laterally align the paper sheets. The leading edges of the paper are held between a gripper bar and elastomeric rollers.
US07857303B2
An over-stack protective portion is provided on a stopper member. When a sheet feeding device is in a standby position, the over-stack protective portion is held in a position in which the over-stack protective portion is in pressure contact with sheets having the maximum stacking height capable of being fed and supported by a sheet supporting portion. Also, when the sheets are to be fed, the pressure contact of the over-stack protective portion with the sheets having the maximum stacking height is released.
US07857301B2
A sheet feed device includes a motor that rotates in a first and second direction, a first transmitting mechanism having an upstream and a downstream portion, that transmits a rotational force in a first transmitting direction, a second transmitting mechanism having an upstream and downstream portion, that transmits the rotational force in a second transmitting direction, a first idling mechanism, and a second idling mechanism. When the motor transitions between rotating in the first direction and rotating in the second direction, the first idling mechanism allows the upstream portion of the first transmitting mechanism to perform an idle rotation with respect to the downstream portion of the first transmitting mechanism, and the second idling mechanism is configured to allow the upstream portion of the second transmitting mechanism to perform an idle rotation with respect to the downstream portion of the second transmitting mechanism.
US07857298B2
A stitcher is provided including a carriage having a center of gravity, the carriage movable between an extended position and a retracted position; at least one bearing for supporting the carriage; and an operating link for driving the carriage, a driving force of the link being applied through the center of gravity or between the center of gravity and the bearing. Another stitcher also is provided including a movable carriage having a center of gravity, the carriage movable between an extended position and a retracted position; and an operating link for driving the carriage, a driving force of the link being applied through the center of gravity when the carriage is in the extended or retracted position. A saddle stitcher is also provided. Methods for stitching are also provided.
US07857296B2
A hinge positioning apparatus includes a base, a first positioning unit, and a second positioning unit. The first positioning unit includes a load-supporting platform, a first locking mechanism, and a plurality of limiting blocks. The load-supporting platform is mounted on the base. The first locking mechanism is movable between a loose position and a locking position. The limiting blocks respectively mounted on the load-supporting platform and the first locking mechanism. The second positioning unit includes two coaxial supports and two second locking mechanism. The supports are mounted on the base adjacent the load-supporting platform, each defines a positioning groove in side surface facing the load-supporting platform. The second locking mechanism are mounted on the supports respectively, configured for maintaining hinges in the positioning grooves. The apparatus is used to position two hinges coaxially on an enclosure of a notebook computer.
US07857295B2
A clamping mechanism includes a fixing table forming a bracket, a first clamping apparatus, and a second clamping apparatus. The first clamping apparatus includes a sliding member slidably installed on an upper portion of the bracket, and a movable member coupled to the sliding member. The sliding member forms a protrusion, and a first clamping device is installed on the movable member for cooperating with the protrusion of the sliding member to sandwich an upper portion of a workpiece therebetween. The second clamping apparatus includes a sliding block slidably installed on a lower portion of the bracket, and a positioning post slidably installed on the fixing table. The sliding block forms a protrusion, and a second clamping device is installed on the positioning post for cooperating with the protrusion of the sliding block to sandwich a lower portion of the workpiece therebetween.
US07857293B2
A fluid filled type vibration damping device includes a fluid chamber divided by a partition member into a pressure-receiving chamber and an equilibrium chamber. The partition member has a first and a second member axially superposed together. A locking projection is formed on one of the first member or the second member and a locking hole is formed on an other, with the locking projection being inserted through the locking hole to effect locking so as to constitute a locking mechanism for holding the first and second member in a superposed state. Outer circumferential faces of the first member and the second member held in the superposed state by the locking mechanism are fastened fitting into a second mounting member via a seal rubber layer, and the first or second member having the locking hole includes a cover portion that covers an opening of the locking hole from a side thereof to which the locking projection projects.
US07857290B2
The present invention relates to an automated jacking system for a motor vehicle that includes: a motorized jack; a rail system, where the rail system provides a means of movement for the motorized jack; and a control means, where the control means controls the movement of the motorized jack about the rail system. In one exemplary embodiment, the control means includes a control panel where the control panel includes at least four control buttons and each button coincides with a position of the motorized jack. During use, the rail system installs to the under carriage of a vehicle and includes a format that enables the motorized jack to position adjacent to a wheel of the vehicle. The present invention also includes a method of installing an automated jacking system to a motor vehicle.
US07857283B2
A solenoid valve assembly for a combustible gas supply device to an endothermic engine is disclosed. The solenoid valve assembly includes a solenoid valve with at least one combustible gas outlet and an armature controlled by an electromagnet, the armature having an armature plate and a shutter. The armature plate rotates about a contact line. The armature plate is engaged by a bar pushed against the plate by a spring so as to normally keep the shutter in closed position. The solenoid valve assembly includes a hollow body that may be connected to an intermediate plate that may be connected to a closing plate module. The closing plate module carries a variable number of outlet conduits. The intermediate plate is provided with a series of grooves adapted to accommodate a series of different gaskets, each gasket corresponding to a closing plate module.
US07857281B2
A method for operating an electrohydraulic valve initially derives a characterization value that denotes how magnetic hysteresis affects valve operation. Upon receiving a command that designates a desired magnitude of electric current to be applied to the electrohydraulic valve, that command is modified based on the characterization value to compensate for the magnetic hysteresis. The modified command then is employed to apply electric current to the electrohydraulic valve.
US07857280B2
An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
US07857270B2
A tilting mechanism comprises a first component intended to mount a flat panel display and a second component intended to be secured to a support. The first component has first and second pivots and the second component has first and second elongated slots into which the first and second pivots respectively are received so that the first component can be moved relative to the second component to adjust, in use, the tilt of the flat panel display. In use, an upper one of the elongated slots extends at an angle upwardly and forwardly of the second component, while the lower one of the elongated slots extends upright or upwardly and rearwardly of the second component.
US07857264B2
A mounting assembly for mounting two generally parallel elongated members (such as pipes) in close proximity to each other and to an adjacent surface. The mounting assembly is so arranged that the elongated members are permitted a limited degree of freedom of movement in an axial direction. Additionally, the mounting assembly is so arranged that the elongated members may be readily secured and released therefrom. The mounting assembly includes a mounting component for securing a respective elongated member to a bracket, each mounting component including a mounting part mounted to the front side of the bracket, a containment part that defines, in conjunction with the front side of the bracket, a loop through which the elongated member extends, and a holding part that extends through an opening in the front side of the bracket to a rear side of the bracket, such that the mounting part and the first holding part extend from different sides of the containment part.
US07857263B2
The invention proposes a landing flap guide for aircraft, in which the translatory landing flap (1) movement is realized with a glide slide (4) that is supported and guided in slideways of the landing flap carrier (3). The slide (4) is connected to the landing flap (1) and, in order to extend and retract the landing flap (1), guided along the flap carrier (3) by means of at least one glide guide (41, 42, 43, 44).
US07857258B2
An aircraft fuselage including at least two sections kept assembled at a circumferential join, each section having at least one panel. The circumferential join includes at least one inner ring, situated on one face, called the inner face, of the fuselage. The inner ring has a width li, partially overlaps each of the two panels and is fixed to the two panels by fasteners. The fuselage also includes an outer ring, situated on one face, called the outer face, of the fuselage, opposite to the inner face. The outer ring has a width le, partially overlaps the two panels, and is fixed to the two panels and to the inner ring by some or all of the fasteners fixing the inner ring to the two panels.
US07857255B2
A helicopter having a rotor, a fuselage connected to the rotor by connecting means, and a control device for controlling vibration of the fuselage; the control device including generating means for generating signals associated with vibration of the fuselage, and actuating means for producing a force on the fuselage associated with the signals to reduce vibration; and the actuating means being carried by the connecting means.
US07857252B2
A hub fairing system (12) for a stopped-rotor aircraft (10) having a fuselage (14) including a hub (16). The hub (16) is mechanically coupled to the fuselage (14) and to multiple blades (40) and is rotated by an engine (22). A retractable fairing (60, 64) covers a portion of the hub (16). An actuator (26) is coupled to the fairing (60, 64). A controller (28) is coupled to the actuator (26) and retracts the fairing (60, 64). A method of reducing drag on the aircraft includes transitioning between a rotary-wing mode and a fixed-wing mode. The fairing (60, 64) is deployed over a portion of the hub (16) upon the completion of the transition between flight modes.
US07857249B2
Used tires are chopped up in a punch press which progressively punches out areas of each tire lying flat in the press. The tire fragments are conveyed from the press to a collection container. An elevator mechanism may receive four tires stacked vertically, each used tire therein successively fed into the press by a feed mechanism receiving each tire from the elevator mechanism. An on-site enclosure houses all of the components and a container of collected fragments which is accessed for removal through a door in the enclosure.
US07857248B2
A crushing apparatus has a gyratory crusher, which has an inner shell, an outer shell and an eccentric. A lubricating system is arranged to conduct a lubricant to at least one movable part, such as the eccentric of the gyratory crusher. The lubricating system has an oil sump, which collects the lubricant after it has been used for lubrication of the movable part, and a valve mechanism, which is arranged to apportion a lubricant flow in the crusher. The valve mechanism is arranged to assume a first position, in which a first sub-volume of the lubricant flow is conducted directly to the movable part for lubrication of the same and a second sub-volume is conducted directly to the oil sump, the second sub-volume constituting from about 30 to about 100% of the lubricant flow, and a second position, in which at least about 90% of the lubricant flow is conducted to the movable part for lubrication of the same.
US07857240B2
A rotary shower head for showering includes an outer case to house a universal joint, an inner case assembly, a driving mechanism and a water discharge disc. Water entering the shower head provides a water discharge force to thrust the driving mechanism to generate automatic turning of the water discharge disc to achieve water-saving effect.
US07857239B2
A self-propelled and self-contained shrouded walking boom unit including a small tank and pump mounted on the unit. The unit also has a small transmission and DC drive which makes the unit self-propelled. The configuration is such that the operator walks in front of the spray applicator system with the spray being applied behind the operator. The operator steers the applicator and controls the spray from a handle attached to a single front steering wheel.
US07857235B2
In the air conditioning system (1), switching is selectively made between a normal operation where air is dehumidified by the humidity controller (10) alone according to operating conditions and a simultaneous dehumidifying operation where air is dehumidified by the humidity controller (10), while at the same time air is dehumidified by the air conditioner (20) by condensing moisture in the air.
US07857226B2
A portable terminal having a handle configured for connection to an enclosure of the portable terminal, such that the portable terminal has one or more scanning functions for interacting with information objects 16 in a logistics environment. The handle has a handle body having a grip portion shaped for grasping by a hand of the user of the portable terminal, a proximal end of the grip portion for coupling to the housing of the portable terminal, and a distal end of the grip portion. An actuator assembly of the handle is configured for affecting the operation of one or more scanning functions and is positioned in an aperture of the handle body for access by one or more fingers of the user's hand. The actuator assembly includes an actuator body connected at a proximal portion to the handle body by a pivot connection, biasing member(s) for biasing the actuator body towards a first position, and a face portion of the actuator body configured for contacting with the one or more fingers such that the face portion has a raised portion for defining the plurality of actuator regions for interaction with the one or more fingers for facilitating rotation of the actuator body about the pivot connection for displacement from the first position to a second position into an interior of the handle body, wherein the displacement of the actuator body affects the operation of the one or more scanning functions (e.g. via activation of a switch by a control arm).
US07857221B2
A system for applying radio frequency identification tags on which are disposed respective barcodes includes a processor and a plurality of representations of the items accessible by the processor. Each representation is associated with at least one of the barcodes and includes an indication of a predetermined position for placement of the radio frequency identification tag on an item corresponding to the barcode. A barcode reader and a display are in communication with the processor. When the barcode reader detects a first barcode on a first item, the barcode reader outputs a first signal to the processor identifying the first barcode. The processor receives the first signal, identifies a first representation that is associated with the first barcode, and outputs to the display a second signal associated with the first representation. The display receives the second signal associated with the first representation and displays the first representation.
US07857218B2
A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has an operating characteristic that can have at least first and second different states, the method for switching between the different states of the operating characteristic, the method comprising the steps of specifying a circumstance set including at least one of reader orientation and a threshold movement level for the reader, monitoring at least one of movement and orientation of the reader determining when the circumstance set occurs and changing the operating characteristic state when the circumstance set occurs, wherein the operating characteristic is one of an illumination mode and a code decoding algorithm.
US07857214B2
The present invention provides an intelligent track system generally mounted in a network, server, or telecom rack/enclosure rack rail that can sense the spaces, such as “U” spaces, used by electronic equipment, shelving, or blanking panels and provide such information to a remote location. Information technology (IT) managers and other decision-makers can remotely view the actual available spaces and determine appropriate locations for installing additional equipment. Criteria can be based on actual available space and for some embodiments in conjunction with predictive or actual sensed temperatures proximate to the spaces, available cooling capacity, power loads, and available power capacity. In at least one embodiment, the intelligent mounting track system can include a plurality of sensors mounted along the rack surfaces that collectively or individually uniquely identify which spaces are occupied. The information can be communicated to an electronic processor with software to interpret the data and indicate space utilization.
US07857203B2
A medium writing apparatus obtains information to be written onto a recording medium, converts the information into a suitable writable format, and then writes the converted information onto the recording medium. An ID obtaining section obtains a medium ID from the recording medium, or through an input by the user. The medium ID and information indicating the place of the written information are sent to a server, and then stored as index information correlating them with each other. When the information written onto the recording medium is to be used at a later timing, the medium ID is identified, and the index information is obtained from the server. Therefore, the original information can be obtained so as to be easily reprocessed or reused.
US07857200B1
An election system that is immune to rigging, costs only 5 to 20 percent of that of prior art e-voting systems, and entirely eliminates wasted voter time spent standing in line. The method used in the new system is to print each separate office or proposition on a separate playing-card size card adapted to be inserted in a separate ballot box while by means of an odometer the official reception of the voter's vote is shown to the voter by the odometer display.
US07857198B2
A device for processing sheet objects comprises a tamper proof housing that contains an opening device operable to receive a container containing sheet objects such as banknotes from outside the housing and to open the container within the housing, and a counter configured to count sheet objects from the opened container within the housing and produce a count signal corresponding to the number of sheet objects counted. The count signal can be checked against reference data received from another location or derived from data carried in the container on a RFID tag.
US07857196B1
A Multimedia Mailer device is provided that (1) is constructed from a single folded paperboard stock having a plurality of fold lines dividing the sheet into a plurality of panels, (2) includes one or two compartments with pockets secured by pocket flaps for concurrently carrying and mailing a combination of a compact disk or disks (CD) and digital versatile disk or disks (DVD), a standard magnetically recorded gift card or cards or similar size item, and paper items such as a photo or coupon, (3) includes interior surfaces for writing a messages, and (4) is formed by a folding arrangement such that graphics printed on only one side of paperboard stock appear on both exterior surfaces and a plurality of interior surfaces.
US07857188B2
Friction stir welding tools made of a hardmetal including hard particles having a first material and a binder matrix having a second, different material.
US07857187B2
A surgical stapling device comprises a tiltable anvil assembly. The anvil assembly includes a center rod and a head assembly which is pivotally secured center rod. The head assembly includes a housing, a post, an anvil plate and a backup member. The backup member is movably positioned about the post from a first position preventing pivotal movement of the head assembly to a second position permitting pivotal movement of the head assembly. A retainer member is positioned between the backup member and the housing to prevent movement of the backup member from its first position to its second position until a predetermined force has been applied to the backup member.
US07857184B2
The present disclosure describes a surgical device with a body portion defining a longitudinal axis, a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly housing a plurality of staples, a dynamic clamping member movable relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples, and an articulation and firing actuator extending at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly. The tool assembly is pivotally attached to the body portion for movement from a position aligned with the longitudinal axis to a position oriented at an angle thereto. The articulation and firing actuator extends at least partially through the body portion and the tool assembly, is operably associated with the dynamic clamping member and the tool assembly, and is movable in relation thereto to selectively pivot the tool assembly relative to the body portion and move the dynamic clamping member relative to the tool assembly to eject the staples.
US07857176B2
A video system includes a display, and a media source operatively coupled to the display, wherein the display and the media source are mounted to a vehicle seat, and at least the display is capable of being fixed to different positions using a mounting mechanism. The mounting mechanism may include at least one of a bracket, a post and a wedge.
US07857166B2
Methods and apparatus for accurately and repeatably depositing edible particulates on edible products. A dual-drum rotary feed system accurately meters an amount of edible particle for each edible product with a first rotary drum while a second rotary drum deposits the edible particulates onto or within the edible product. The dual-drum rotary feeder can comprise replaceable drums wherein drums can be quickly removed and replaced for cleaning, sanitization and to adjust processing conditions such as, for example, changes in production rates and/or product size.
US07857161B2
The present invention provides a random access and random load dispensing unit including a housing, at least one support located in the housing and defining a first axis, a plurality of platforms movable along the support along the first axis, a plurality of bins supported on the platforms, the bins being movable with the platforms, and a shuttle assembly movable along the first axis and further movable along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis between the plurality of platforms to access and retrieve products stored in the bins.
US07857155B2
A closure that can be threadingly screwed onto an associated container includes a body having a thread form for engaging a thread form on the container. The body has a wall with projecting hook-like ribs. By the provision of the hook-like ribs, the closure exhibits an enhanced capability for being gripped by the rollers of an automatic capping machine, to accommodate a relatively high torque installation without slipping in an automatic capping machine.
US07857152B2
A flue spacer for providing a flue space in a storage rack having a transversely extending spacer surface and first and second legs. The first and second legs extend from the spacer surface and are adapted to attach the spacer surface to at least two uprights of the storage rack so that the spacer surface is offset from the uprights to form a vertical flue space within the storage rack. At least one of the legs may be adapted to attach to a lateral surface of an upright. The flue spacer also may be adapted to extend across multiple storage racks. A shelving system using the flue spacer is also provided.
US07857148B2
A jar dispenser includes a housing defining a row that accommodates multiple jars of baby food in single file atop a planar floor. A pushplate is configured for movement along the row. A biasing member is in communication with the pushplate to bias the pushplate from a housing back side toward a housing front side. The device includes a door adjacent the row at the housing front side, the door being pivotal to restrict access to the row when at a closed position and to allow access to the row when at open and load positions. A first biasing member biases the door toward the closed position. A door catch is positioned to interact with the door when the door is at the load position. A second biasing member biases the door to bias the door to interact with the door catch when the door is at the load position.
US07857147B2
A dish rack comprises a tubular hub with a bottom segment and an outwardly flared top segment. An inner ledge supports a funnel and a flat-panel grate. The funnel may be molded together with the hub, eliminating the ledge. The rear of the hub is a vertical splash guard rising above the height of the front of the hub. A removable drainage tray is configured to slide into the bottom segment at the front of the hub. Cutouts on the bottom segment define hand-hold cavities. Handles are located on the exterior of the flared top segment to also serve as dish towel drying bars. The flat-panel grate is preferably configured with a slot to support and cradle a dish edge. An optional utensil holder is preferably configured to be supported by the flat-plate grate at the inner periphery of the flared top segment.
US07857145B2
A mounting bracket (22) is provided for securing to both square-hole racks (12) and round hole racks (16). An inner support pin (24) extends for fitting within round-shaped holes (18) and engaging a side of the round-hole racks (16). An outer support sleeve (26) is slidably moveable over the inner support pin (24) for fitting within square-shaped holes (14) and engaging a side of the square-hole racks (16). A bias spring (40) urges the outer support sleeve (26) to extend over the inner support pin (24). A lock pin assembly (27) has an enlarged diameter portion (30) for fitting within the square holes (14) and a smaller diameter portion (28) for fitting within the round holes (18) to lock the support sleeve (26) and the support in (24) in mounting holes (14 and 18) of respective ones of the square-hole racks (12) and the round-hole racks (16).
US07857134B2
A bottle system includes a bottle having first tabs disposed on exterior sidewalls thereof and a cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a securing member including second tabs for cooperating with the first tabs to selectively secure the cap assembly to the bottle and an indicator member disposed between the securing member and the bottle having a sidewall visible through the securing member.
US07857131B2
A packaging system and method which provides at least one tray or nest, having a number of wells and ribs to position and secure a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device having one or more patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly within the device and upon which a disk, or Belleville spring assembly, applies an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents. The device further provides for the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles into a patient's skin surface to establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents.
US07857130B2
Kits are described wherefrom a single tab film may be adhered to an elongated strip of stretch releasing adhesive tape to form a manually engageable pull tab at a selected location. Such a pull tab may be foldable so as to comprise an unobtrusive visual appearance, and may also be extendable so that the pull tab may be grasped to activate the stretch release.
US07857126B2
The invention relates to a guide for supporting a displaceable object, comprising: a plastic guide profile (1, 7, 16, 30) and a support structure (6, 12, 18, 32) supporting the guide profile, characterized in that the guide profile is engaged at least at two spaced-apart positions by the support structure, at least one engaging position of which consists of a free support (4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 33, 34) of the guide profile on the support structure such that the freely supporting side of the guide profile is displaceable relative to the support structure. The invention also relates to a device (21) for conditioning products displaceable along a guide track (22).
US07857124B2
In the conveying device (1) with pusher elements (2) every one of the pusher elements (2), respectively, comprises at least one roller element (3) and at least one spacer body (4), wherein the at least one spacer body (4) is designed for keeping pusher elements (2), which follow one another in the conveying device, at a distance from one another. In doing so, successive pusher elements (2) in conveying direction extend from a first end to a second end, and the pusher elements (2) in the zone of the first end are movably supported relative to a conveying track (7) by the at least one roller element (3). The pusher elements (2) in the zone of the second end are supported on an adjacent pusher element (2), and successive pusher elements (2) are loadable relative to one another only under compression, but not, however, under tension.
US07857123B2
A parts conveyor apparatus that conveys parts using the vibrations includes an electromagnetic motor that generates the vibrations; a rotary panel which is mounted on an output shaft of the electromagnetic motor and rotates eccentrically by the rotation of the output shaft; and a spring member which vibrates by the rotation of the rotary panel.
US07857120B1
A deflector panel or series of such panels are temporarily attached above the containment plate of a grain sweep auger to redirect potentially avalanching grain forward to the auger blade. A front side hook structure holds a predetermined portion of the deflector panel over the top of the containment plate at a forward angle. A rear side clamp on a sliding junction secures the forward angle and adapts the shield to fit auger assemblies with differing distance relationships between the containment plate and stiffening tube. A longitudinal series of deflector panels with interpanel gaps are attached to a sweep auger assembly along the length of the containment plate. A gap-filling bracket closes the gaps and supports the panels in longitudinal alignment.
US07857106B2
A system for detecting the position of an elevator car includes a belt at which the elevator car is suspended and a detector for detecting the position of the belt, wherein the belt has on a first side a toothing in which a gearwheel of the detector mechanically positively engages.
US07857105B2
The present invention relates to a system for forming information pertaining to a transportation device, such as an elevator. Audio visual information of the contents of an elevator, such as a person using the elevator, is captured and transmitted to a remote computing system. The status of the elevator, such as position between floors, is also captured and transmitted to the computing system. The elevator status and video/audio information are date/time stamped so that they can subsequently be searched to determine the status of the elevator when particular audio/visual information was captured, and vice versa.
US07857102B2
A building construction includes an exterior structure, a secondary floor, and an access structure. The exterior structure includes at least four exterior walls, a primary floor and a roof defining a primary storage space wherein merchandise is stored and displayed. The secondary floor defines a secondary storage and display space within the primary storage space. The secondary floor is spaced above the primary floor a distance sufficient for the display of merchandise between the secondary and primary floors. The secondary floor is also exposed within the primary interior storage space. The access structure provides access between the primary floor and the secondary storage and display space. An excess number of merchandise items stored on the primary floor are stored in the secondary storage space and accessible via the access structure.
US07857100B2
The invention provides a ball screw lubricative sealing device having a simplified lubrication mechanism. It is attachable to an installed standard ball screw nut, capable of retaining larger amount of lubricant and long supply of lubricant to the contacting screw parts, and further includes a sealing function. It includes: generally cylindrical case members having attachment part to be attached to both ends of a screw nut, respectively; plural thin seal plates made of lubricating oil impregnated felt-like fiber material which is a three-dimensionally crosslinked plastic fiber and resilient rubber members, and having a hole each and fitted inside said case member in such a state that they circumferentially overlap with each other, the hole having a shape corresponding to a lateral cross-sectional shape of a screw groove of ball screw shaft; and a plastic wiper fitted with a space from the thin seal plates inside each of the case member.
US07857095B2
This invention relates to a kind of devices with trace emission resulted for treatment of exhaust gas. The device comprises a vessel having only one opening that serves as inlet. At least two gas exchange sections in sequence are provided inside the vessel after inlet of exhaust gas, between two gas exchange sections there is a gas mixture chamber at their connection part. The gas exchange chamber at first gas exchange section has a through opening leading to outside atmosphere area. With this configuration, on entering into the gas exchange section, exhaust gas will be ejected inwards and causes very strong entrainment, which makes the gas chamber become vacuum and sucks air with oxygen from atmosphere into gas chamber via the through opening to atmosphere. Formed high-pressure gas is burned furiously with combustible gas in the gas chamber at next stage, and the remaining exhaust gas is transferred into next gas exchange section with very high-speed revolution occurring on exhaust gas and momentum transfer. The higher negative pressure is, the more gas is consumed. In this way, the exhaust gas will be treated and only trace emission, even no emission, will be resulted.
US07857092B2
An internal gear pump has a first port opening into pumping chambers and provided at one side with respect to a first axis interconnecting a confinement portion of the pumping chambers having a maximum volumetric capacity and a deeply-meshed-engagement portion of the pumping chambers having a minimum volumetric capacity, a second port opening into the pumping chambers and provided at the opposite side with respect to the first axis, a first pressure introduction passage intercommunicating the first port and a first-port side area of a clearance space defined on an outer periphery of an outer rotor, and a second pressure introduction passage intercommunicating the second port and a second-port side area of the clearance space. The clearance space of a direction of a second axis perpendicular to the first axis is dimensioned to be greater than the clearance space of a direction of the first axis.
US07857089B1
The effective length of pump control linkage assembly of a pump-driven vehicle such as a zero-turn lawnmower can be adjusted without directly manipulating a rod or similar member forming the major length of the assembly. The length instead can be adjusted from above with a simple tool such as a screwdriver or wrench using a knob or similar device. In one embodiment, the linkage assembly includes a rod having a top end and a bottom end. The bottom end is attached to the pump. The top end of the rod is received by an internally threaded insert which is housed in a housing. The internally threaded insert includes an engagement structure such as a hex head for mating with the tool. Upon rotation of the insert using the tool, the insert rotates to drive the rod into or out of the insert and, thereby, vary the effective length of the linkage assembly.
US07857086B2
A working vehicle in accordance with the present invention is provided with an engine mounted on a front portion of a vehicle body frame constructing a traveling vehicle body, a backhoe arranged on a rear portion of the vehicle body frame, a mower device arranged below the vehicle frame, a seating detecting means detecting a seating of an operator in a control seat on the traveling vehicle body, an engine stop mechanism stopping the engine, and a shift control means for controlling so as to increase and decrease forward and backward moving speeds of the traveling vehicle body. Further, in consideration for a safety at a time of an excavating work by the backhoe, the structure is made such that the engine stop mechanism is actuated at a time of operating the shift control means in the case that the seating detecting means is in an on state, and the seating detecting means is retained to the on state regardless of the seating of an operator in the case that the control seat is directed backward.
US07857085B2
The invention describes vehicles where the steering effect of the driver-selected wheel angles is made identical to the steering effect of positively and independently driving the driven wheels.Means of delivering most of the power to each of the driven wheels by means of shaft drives is also described. Here speed-correcting differentials are close coupled to each driven wheel where the first input to the said differentials is by means of shaft drives, and the second input to the said differentials is provided by means of speed-correcting hydraulic or electric motors.
US07857084B2
A front fender that increases the cooling effect of an apparatus disposed rearward of a front wheel of a motorcycle. The front fender is disposed above the front wheel and between left and right front suspensions supporting the front wheel. An upper surface part of the front fender extends rearward along an external shape of the front wheel. A transitional part on the upper surface part is formed forward of the front suspensions. An extending direction of the upper surface part changes at the transitional part to direct airflow flowing along the upper surface part away from the upper surface part.
US07857081B2
A control system for a hybrid vehicle in which, even if during traveling of the hybrid vehicle, a battery defect arises in a high-voltage power source, battery-less emergency traveling can be achieved over a sufficiently long distance, and the steering assist force can be effectively prevented from changing rapidly during traveling. The control section includes high-voltage power source defect processing unit. During execution of a mode in which the high-voltage power source, is reduced so that the reduced voltage is supplied to an electric power steering device (EPS), when a defect occurs in the high-voltage power source, the high-voltage power source defect processing unit shifts to a mode in which the low voltage of a low-voltage power source is increased so that the increased voltage is supplied to the EPS. The high-voltage power source defect processing unit then disconnects the high-voltage power source and the driving circuit from each other.
US07857077B2
An improved cuttings system located adjacent a drilling rig's shale shaker system utilizing a vacuum collection/gravity fed processing system, thereby eliminating expensive and complicated cuttings transfer systems. The use of a vacuum cuttings collection system combined within a common fluid-filled open tank and submersible grinding pumps eliminate the need for extensive circulating and holding systems. Cuttings are sized and chemically prepared within the same tank and fed directly to an injection pump for discharge to cuttings transport tanks or injected down hole. Other improvements include non-restrictive cuttings sizing, filtering, and an injection pump cuttings relief system.
US07857076B2
A force balancing system for use with a well bore tool, such as a drilling tool, is provided. The tool may be connected to a drill string, and the force balancing system is adapted to decouple the weight of the drill string from the operation of the tool. The force balancing system utilizes hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to advance the tool into the well bore, while preventing excessive weight from being applied to the tool.
US07857063B2
There is disclosed an improved expandable centraliser (20;120;220;320), which may optionally also be adjustable, and a related downhole assembly and a method of completing a well. Previous art has suffered from a number of problems and essentially attempted to mitigate the effect of pipe expansion, i.e. using tension caused in the centraliser body. The centraliser (20;120;220;320) of the invention uses the expansion of the tubing to cause compressive forces, which are exerted over known distances to energise blades of the centraliser by using relative motion caused by said expansion. The expandable centraliser (20;120;220;320) comprises at least one first member (30;130;230;330), and at least one second member (35;135;235;335), wherein, in use, relative circumferential motion of the at least one first and second members (30,35;130,135;230,235;330,335) causes radial motion of at least one portion (40;140;240;340) of the expandable centraliser (20;120;220;320).
US07857040B1
A heat exchanger for use with exhaust pipes. A shroud inlet communicates with a rear chamber, which communicates with a front chamber via a center plate vent. The front chamber communicates with a shroud outlet. Ambient air entering the rear chamber is routed around at least one J-pipe in the rear chamber, and around a collector in the front chamber, thus being twice heated prior to exiting the heat exchanger through the shroud outlet. The double heating provided by this design increases the efficiency of the heat exchanger. The collector is attached to the center plate by means of a full-penetration fillet weld, and the J-pipes are attached to the center plate, a front plate, and a pipe assembly baffle by stitch welding external to the J-pipes, thus strengthening the integrity of the hermetic seal between exhaust gasses and ambient air passing through the heat exchanger.
US07857030B2
A window covering switchable to manual operation and electrical operation includes at least an upper elongated member, a lower elongated member, a shade lift cord assembly, an electric transmission assembly, a clutch and an automatic retraction means. The electric transmission assembly is coupled with the clutch through an axle of a gear box to drive a driving gear thereon to rotate. The driving gear is engaged with a driven gear pivotally coupled with the automatic retraction means to form a synchronous transmission thereby to control retraction and extension of the electric window covering. When electric power is not available manual operation may be switched through the clutch to extend or retract the window covering.
US07857022B2
This case is made up of a bottom element (1) and of a lid element (4), both comprising a small rectangular plate (2; 5), the two plates being superimposed in such a way as to define a slim space into which the card (C) can be inserted, this space being open along one short side—termed “front side”—and closed along the other short side—termed “rear side”. The case is noteworthy in that the lid element (4) comprises a pair of longitudinal rims (3) exhibiting guide slots for the longitudinal edges of the small plate (5) of the lid element (4), the latter also being provided, on the rear side, with a transverse rim (50) which acts as an end stop for the rear transverse edge of the card so that it is possible to slide the lid element (4) and the card (C) that it covers, with one another, in the longitudinal direction, towards the front side, over a determined length of travel, thus making it easier to extract the card.
US07857015B2
An inflation needle for inflating an object such as a sports ball includes a tubular body having an attachment end configured for engagement with a fluid supply. The body fairs into a tubular probe extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end configured for being inserted into the ball. A concavo-convex base extends radially outward from the body and towards the distal end, terminating at a periphery spaced radially from the probe, the base being configured to engage the object upon insertion of the probe therein. The inflation needle is a unitary component.
US07857014B2
A machine for metering microtablets into capsules has a metering surface subjected to vibration and to rotation about a respective perpendicular axis; and an unloading device, which is fixed with respect to and cooperates with the metering surface, and is substantially defined by a cam member and an air outlet. In the metering surface are formed a number of sloping surfaces, along which the microtablets travel upwards, and a respective number of pockets, each for receiving the microtablets from a respective sloping surface. Each pocket has a bottom wall, which cooperates with the cam member and is movable between a fully-closed position, in which the microtablets are retained inside the respective pocket, and a fully-open position, in which the microtablets are unloaded. A number of holes are formed in a raised edge of the metering surface, and, when the holes are aligned with the air outlet, air is blown through the holes to prevent further microtablets from falling into the pockets.
US07857008B2
Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device includes a slotted tubular member and a coating disposed over the tubular member. The coating may define one or more coating gaps therein.
US07856999B2
An automatic transmission having at least one hydraulic valve with flow force compensation. The hydraulic valve includes a valve body having a valve bore and at least one inlet and at least one outlet adapted to provide fluid communication with a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a return to the source of pressure. A valve member is slidingly disposed within the valve body that includes at least one valve element having an outer diameter and a metering face. The metering face is adapted to control the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid between the inlet and the outlet of the valve body. The metering face includes a flow force compensating annular void disposed adjacent to the outer diameter that is defined by a lead angle α measured between the outer surface and a line intersecting the outer surface and tangential to the annular void.
US07856986B2
In one embodiment of the invention, a transcutaneous transfer system is disclosed. The system comprises: an inductively-coupled coil system comprising an external and an internal coil adapted to be transcutaneously juxtaposed along a coupling axis; an internal magnet fixed relative to the internal coil; an external magnet assembly coupled to the external coil; and an apparatus to securely retain the magnet assembly in a desired one of a plurality of positions along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the coupling axis in response to tool-less manipulation of the apparatus.
US07856977B2
Part of an electrical connecting device, especially for use in medical technology, with a display device to display an effect on the part resulting from a preparatory step for the use of the part, whereby the display device has a visible field whose colored appearance changes at least in sections as a reaction to the effect resulting from the preparatory measure.
US07856971B2
The object of the present patent is an elevator for hot plates or grates of barbecue grills, having gutters (1), (2) and (3) assembled in a “U” shape, the gutter (5), in its ends the plates (6) with rollers (8), the gutters (10), (11) and (12), also assembled the shape of a “U”, constituting the support for the hot plate or grate and with the mortises (13) embracing the gutter (5), which slides vertically through the grooves (4) of gutters (1) and (3), taken by the cable (18), which passes through the groove of the pivot (7) of one of the plates (6) and is fixed there by the fixers (19), being the cable mobile in a circuit between the pulleys (16) and (17), by the action of the crank (14), fixed to the axle (15), the pulley (16) and the pivot (20), after its release from the part (21), but coming back due to the work of the spring (22), when the hot plate or the grater is the desired position and, in order to keep the hot plate or the grate in a horizontal position, there are the cables (24) and (25) departing from the closing plates (9) of the gutters (1) and (3), passing on the double pulleys (26), crossing one another inside gutter (5) and ending in the tensioners (27) and (28).
US07856964B2
A method for controlling the displacement of a stack of a piezoelectric actuator for use in a fuel injector comprises determining a desired amount of charge (ΔQ) to be added or removed from the stack. The method further comprises determining an operating parameter of the fuel system and selecting a drive current level (PO, SO) and a drive time (topen, tclose) in accordance with the desired amount of charge (ΔQ) and the operating parameter, and driving the drive current through the stack for the drive time (topen, tclose) in order to add or remove the desired amount of charge (ΔQ).
US07856962B2
A fuel system for a direct injection internal combustion engine having a fuel rail and at least one annular cup secured to the fuel rail so that fuel from the fuel rail flows into the cup. A direct injection fuel injector has a portion axially insertable into the fuel cup to a connected position. A recessed channel on the fuel injector registers with a slot in the annular cup when in the connected position so that a U-shaped clip insertable into the cup slots and the fuel injector channels secures the fuel injector and cup together against axial movement.
US07856951B2
An invention relating to a control apparatus and a control method for a hydraulically driven cooling fan for reducing the peak pressure produced upon reversing the switch position of a switching valve, without stopping an engine, and without greatly modifying existing hydraulic circuitry or increasing the apparatus cost. In the invention, in the case that a reversing switch has been operated so as to output a reversal processing commencement instruction signal, control is carried out such that, under the condition that the rotational speed of the engine has decreased to not more than a stipulated rotational speed, capacity adjusting means is controlled, so as to reduce the capacity of a hydraulic pump, and thus reduce the fan rotational speed, and then the switch position of the switching valve is reversed.
US07856940B2
A control module for a nozzle arrangement, including at least one two-component nozzle for spraying a gas/liquid mixture on the zones of action between a tool and a workpiece is characterized by a gas supply line for pressurized air and a liquid supply line for pressurized liquid, both leading to the two-component nozzle, a liquid check valve in the liquid supply line, a control device to be actuated by the pressurized gas for opening or closing of the liquid check valve, a packing disposed downstream of the liquid check valve, a branch line in the form of a capillary tube extending from the packing to the or each two-component nozzle.
US07856933B2
An improved pallet that is capable of easy assembly, functionally adequate for some situations and capable of easy disassembly. In one form of the invention, a pallet is provided that is made of all wood. In one embodiment, the pallet may be comprised of a plurality of stringers with bores, a plurality of deck boards with openings, and a plurality of wooden dowels disposed in the bores and openings to connect the stringers and deck boards.
US07856929B2
An electrified projectile, according to various aspects of the present invention, delivers a current through electrodes and through a target. The projectile stows the electrodes with a film and deploys the electrodes in the absence of the film. Deployment is accomplished by a release of torsion. A spur may include two electrodes and a loop. The spur may store the torsion and conduct the current.
US07856919B2
The invention relates to a device for preparing an infused beverage. The device includes an infusion container for containing liquid and comprising an opening to allow liquid to flow out of the container. The device further includes a receptacle comprising a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing infusible matter. The infusion container and the receptacle are operable in relation to each other to be arranged in a position wherein the infusion container and the cavity communicate through the opening. The device further comprises an openable and closable passage communicating with the cavity to allow liquid to flow from the infusion container to the passage through the cavity. The device further includes a cleaning means for introducing a liquid and/or vapor within the infusion container and a removing means for removing the cartridge from the cavity. An operating means is arranged for operating the cleaning means and the removing means successively.
US07856916B2
Recoil artillery systems and isolation systems are provided. An isolation system is provided for mounting an inertial navigation system onto an artillery system having a barrel adapted to move along a longitudinal axis during a firing sequence. The system includes an inner cradle, an outer cradle, first and second elastomeric isolators, and a first single axis damper. The first elastomeric isolator is mounted between the inner and outer cradles. The second elastomeric isolator is mounted between the inner and outer cradles. The first single axis damper is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis and includes a first end and a second end, the first end is mounted to the first inner sidewall, and the second end is mounted to the first outer sidewall.
US07856911B2
A module for automatic scrap wire isolating and removal is used in systems such as wire insulation lines for extricating scrap wires while minimally interfering with the mechanized wire insulation process. One such module includes a knife assembly with a knife, a scrap tray with a tilt plate for catching the scrap wire below the knife assembly, an accumulator with curved hooks oriented for catching and accumulating, one at a time, the wire and the scrap wire and rotatable for letting go, one at a time, of the wire and scrap wire, so as to allow the knife to completely separate the scrap wire from the wire. A lifting linkage in this module is operatively engaged with the tilt plate tilting it at an angle sufficient for the isolated scrap wire to slide off, whereby the scrap wire is removed.
US07856908B2
A prior art sucker rod tong is improved to remove a coupling completely from a sucker rod assembly comprising sucker rods joined end to end by couplings. The prior art sucker rod tong has a rotatable jaw assembly and a lower backup wrench adapted to cooperate to unscrew a coupling joining first and second rods, where the coupling remains screwed to the second rod after it is unscrewed from the first rod. The improvement comprises a coupling extractor for unscrewing the coupling from the second rod so that the coupling can be replaced. The coupling extractor comprises a shaft having an extractor end portion on each end of the shaft and a shield around each extractor end portion, wherein the coupling extractor is designed and sized to fit within and to be rotated by the jaw assembly. The extractor end portion engages the inside wall of the coupling to unscrew the coupling from the second rod. The extractor end portion is preferably a tapered, left-handed spiral fluted easy-out extractor. The improvement preferably further comprises an upper backup wrench movably connected to the sucker rod tong for holding the second sucker rod when the second sucker rod is above the coupling.
US07856907B2
A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprises an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.
US07856902B2
A drive system suitable for use in a variable transmission with a plurality of rotatable and adjustable disk members, gear means adapted for contact with the plurality of disk members, carriage means for mounting the gear means and configured for axial movement along the axis of a rotatable drive shaft and a rotatable cone adapted for contact with the plurality of disk members, the cone and the conical gear means connected for relative rotation by the plurality of disk members, the disk members being adjustable transversely relative to the axis of rotation for maintaining positive contact with said rotatable cone.
US07856899B2
A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining pressure inside a closed chamber equal to the changing outside pressure, detecting leaks in the plumbing (i.e., air handling system) of a trace gas flux measurement system, and estimating the kinetic volume, e.g., of such a system.
US07856893B2
To provide a sensor incorporated wheel support bearing assembly, in which a load sensor can be compactly installed in an automotive vehicle, the load acting on the vehicle wheel can be detected with high sensitivity and the manufacturing cost can be reduced, the bearing assembly having a plurality of rows of rolling elements interposed between an outer member and an inner member includes a sensor unit fitted to one of the outer member and the inner member, which serves as a stationary member. The sensor unit includes a sensor mounting member and a strain sensor fitted thereto. The sensor mounting member has two contact fixing portions fixed to the outer member and a first contact fixing portion is fixed to a flange surface of the outer member and a second contact fixing portion is fixed to a peripheral surface of the outer member.
US07856887B2
A pressure measurement arrangement for measuring a line pressure of a product is described wherein product hold-up inside of disposable parts is minimized, comprising: a reusable pressure sensor comprising a measurement diaphragm, a fitting, the fitting comprising: a tubular opening extending through said fitting, for the reception of a disposable elastomeric tube, an aperture extending through an outside wall of the fitting into the tubular opening; and mounting structure, for mounting the pressure sensor on the aperture, such that the measurement diaphragm is exposed to an inside of the tubular opening; wherein the disposable tube is inserted in the tubular opening of the fitting during measurement; and an outside wall of the disposable tube comprises a thin flexible portion, which conforms to the measurement diaphragm when the disposable tube is pressurized by the line pressure.
US07856883B2
A capacitive ultrasonic device is capable of detecting an object and providing information regarding an orientation of the object. The capacitive ultrasonic device includes a power source configured to generate a voltage signal, an array of sensor elements, each of the sensor elements being configured to generate an ultrasonic wave during a first period of the voltage signal and detect whether a wave is reflected from the object during a second period of the voltage signal when the voltage signal is applied thereto, and a control unit configured to activate a first portion of the array of sensor elements through the power source, and activate a second portion of the array of sensor elements when at least one of the first portion of the sensor elements detects a wave reflected from the object.
US07856881B2
The average strength or Young's modulus of the constituent particles of a sample is determined from the measured speed of sound propagated from a source through the sample to a receiver. Other sample data, such as the porosity, Poisson's ratio and the pressure applied to the sample, are also used in the determination. However, no data pertaining to individual particle sizes is required. The method provides a non-destructive test for the average strengths of materials such as iron ore pellets, alumina powder, silica flour, and coal dust.
US07856880B2
Disclosed is a vehicle sensor (4) for detecting impact sound, including a measured-value sensor (4.1) for detecting an impact sound. The measured-value sensor (4.1) includes several individual, separate measured-value sensing elements (4.1.x), each of which is coupled to a vehicle structure (5) in such a way that impact sound waves are transmitted by the vehicle structure (5) to the measured-value sensing elements (4.1.x).
US07856878B2
A vibratory rotational rate gyroscope has a suspended assembly isolated from external vibrations by an arrangement of helical springs. This isolated assembly includes both the active components of the rotational rate gyroscope and a digital processing circuit. The digital processing circuit includes digital storage for both externally determined and internally determined unit-specific calibration values. These values provide seed values for startup processes, which improves loop startup time, and values for unit-specific electronic calibration. The digital processing circuit further converts all data to digital form. A digital communications protocol is used to transmit the calibration information and the outgoing data to and from the isolated assembly on only two conductors. Two additional conductors used for power. Four of the helical springs used in the suspension arrangement are used for these conductors such that no additional wiring is required.
US07856876B2
The present invention relates to a device (10) for providing a gas composition compensated acoustic measurement of the level of a liquid (16) in a tank (18). The device comprises a transducer (14) arranged outside said liquid for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals, and a waveguide (12) connected to said transducer and extending into the liquid. The device further comprises means for feeding a flow of fluid from said tank into the part of said waveguide which is located above the liquid level. That results in that the gas composition become essentially similar throughout the whole of the waveguide located above the liquid level, whereby the level measurement using the speed of sound in the waveguide, which speed is dependant on gas composition, becomes very accurate.
US07856865B2
The invention comprises a method for controlling quality in a piping system, including a valve and a piping structure coupled to the valve. The method comprises the following: pressurize the piping structure with a gas at greater than sea-level pressure; seal the gas in the piping structure with the valve; determine whether the gas stays within the piping structure; determine that gas leaks from the piping structure; and identify the location of a leak from the piping structure. The invention further comprises a method for identifying a component. The method comprises the following: indicate identification information on a tag regarding the piping structure; and attach the tag to the piping structure.
US07856860B1
The present invention in one embodiment is a device and method for flattening bottle caps from beverage containers. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottle cap flattener includes a bottle cap positioner, a bottle cap holder, a bottle cap flattening tool, a motor and a positioning jig. The bottle cap positioner precisely locates a bottle cap so that the bottle cap flattening tool can interact with the bottle cap to flatten the bottle cap. The bottle cap positioner preferably includes a rotatable disk that is rotated by the motor. The bottle cap flattening tool applies pressure to a bottle cap through a tip to force the outer portion of the bottle cap into a flattened configuration along with the central portion of the bottle cap. The bottle cap holder applies force to a bottle cap located on the bottle cap positioner to hold the bottle cap in a precise relationship with the bottle cap positioner. Where the bottle cap positioner includes a rotating disk, the bottle cap holder applies force to a bottle cap located on the disk to hold the bottle cap on the disk. The positioning jig precisely locates the bottle cap on the friction surface of the disk so that the bottle cap can be acted on by the bottle cap flattening tool.
US07856859B2
The present invention relates to a concealable key ring, including: a carrying plate with two side walls, at least one key ring axle mounted transversely between the two side walls, where the key ring axle has at least one slot made axially on the surface of the axle, a positioning pin having a body and two ends, the body of the positioning pin is partially mounted in the slot with the body partially extruding beyond the slot and the two ends of the positioning pin are fixed on the two side walls, and multiple keys each having a head with a transverse hole in the head where the perimeter of the hole has at least one groove made transversely through the head.
US07856858B2
A steering lock for locking the steering spindle of a motor vehicle steering system including a blocking element that pivots along a longitudinal axis from a locking to an unlocking position using an electromechanical drive and is maintained in the unlocking position by a spring-loaded lever. In order to enable the lever to maintain the blocking element in the unlocking position when a worm drive generates the displacement of the blocking element, a worm gear representing a first control contour is used. A first cam for pivoting the blocking element to the unlocking position and a second cam for actuating the lever are mounted on the worm gear. Prior to the pivoting of the blocking element from the unlocking to the locking position, the lever is pivoted from a rest into a release position and, only afterwards, the worm gear enables the blocking element to pivot to the locking position.
US07856857B2
A door lock of key-driven transmission structure which is comprised of a case, a swing arm, a first link bar and a second link bar, whereof the first and second link bars and a lock-bolt structure on the case can be driven by the swing arm to open or close lock. A first transmission piece is driven when the lock-bolt structure is actuated, and an actuator is driven by the first transmission piece to further drive the two top and bottom pull rods which further drive the two top and bottom lock-bolts to extend outward for locking, thereby to reach a combining action between the lock-bolt structure as well as the top and bottom lock-bolts. The lock-bolt structure is further through linking with a labor saving component installed on the second link bar to achieve the labor saving and easy operation effects.
US07856854B2
An appliance with a hazardous device contains a first controller controlled by a first control element which, in turn, is controlled by a second controller by use of a first switching element. An electrically controllable protection device is provided and is controlled by a second control element, it is possible to deactivate the protection device. A storage capacitor is provided between the first and the second control element and supplies the second control element with energy for a control pulse and is charged by the first control element when the first controller is switched off and is discharged by the first switching element when the first controller is switched on. This circuit generates a safe control circuit. In the event of a possible hazardous state, either the first controller is no longer supplied with energy or the protection device cannot be deactivated, and so danger to a user is precluded.
US07856848B2
The present invention related to a flexible hydrocarbon gas separation process that could dehydrate the water-saturated hydrocarbon gas mixture and recover thereof the required higher hydrocarbons (NGL) therein with a controllable ethane recovery rate (ranging from >95% to <2%) while keeping high recovery rate of all other heavier components. The flexible process comprises the following steps: deep-cooling and dehydrating the raw gas and get the NGL condensate; flowing the deep-dehydrated gas into the flexible absorber to get the rich oil with desirable ethane content; completely demethanizing and partially deethanizing as desired the rich oil and the NGL condensate to get purified rich oil and purified NGL condensate, respectively; separating the NGL vapor from the purified rich oil; cooling and compressing the NGL vapor; mixing the NGL vapor with the purified NGL condensate; and liquefying the mixture to get the final NGL product. The present invention also provides a flexible apparatus with highly efficient components for the flexible process.
US07856845B2
The invention relates to a refrigerating device having a cooling compartment that can be closed by a door. The door has a heat insulated inner lining and a cooling air duct. The cooling air duct in the door conducts air cooled by an evaporator to the cooling compartment and the cooling air duct is recessed in the heat insulation of the door and is not covered by the heat insulation on the side facing the inner lining of the door.
US07856843B2
The invention relates to a universal system for producing cost effective energy particularly for cooling purposes. In one embodiment, wind turbines are used to generate electricity and compressed air energy, wherein the compressed air energy is used to co-generate electricity and chilled air. The chilled air is then used to chill water in either a mixing chamber, or a desalination system, wherein the chilled water is stored in a separation tank, wherein it can later be used to provide cooling for an air conditioning system for a facility. When desalination is used, the system produces chilled fresh drinking water which can be used for air conditioning, and then used as fresh drinking water. Any exhaust chilled air can be used directly for air conditioning.
US07856842B2
The invention relates to a method for cooling slaughtered poultry, including the steps of: positioning the poultry with spread legs, with the abdominal cavity upward and oriented in the transporting direction of the poultry; and transporting the positioned poultry through cooled flowing water, wherein the transporting direction of the poultry is opposed to the flow direction of the water such that water flows around and through the poultry from the abdominal cavity toward the neck cavity. The present invention also relates to an installation including: a positioner for receiving the slaughtered poultry with the abdominal cavity oriented upward in the transporting direction; a transporter for transporting the positioned poultry; and a cooler including a container for cooled and flowing water, wherein the flow direction is opposed to the transporting direction, and to the treated poultry.
US07856833B2
A new apparatus, which may be referred to as a “cool cap,” for use with an outdoor heat exchanger (e.g., a heat pump or an air conditioning condenser) having an air inlet vent and an air outlet vent, the apparatus comprising a top having an exhaust vent complementary to the air outlet vent; and a surrounding wall attached to the top, wherein the surrounding wall is at least about eight inches from the outdoor heat exchanger upon installation, and wherein the surrounding wall has an intake opening having an airflow being equal to or greater than the exhaust vent and forming a substantially unimpeded air pathway through the apparatus through the outdoor heat exchanger and out the exhaust vent; wherein the surrounding wall and top are thermally insulating.
US07856832B2
A refrigerator that allows a user to receive supercooled beverage through a dispenser in the refrigerator door. The refrigerator includes a main body having a compartment and a door opening and closing the compartment, a supercooling compartment in the main body to supercool a beverage, and a dispenser in the door to dispense supercooled liquid from the supercooling compartment without opening the door. A supercooled liquid tank is detachably installed in the supercooling compartment to supercool beverage. The supercooling compartment is installed in the rear side of the door such that a supercooling compartment door may be installed in the front side of the door to open and close the supercooling compartment in front of the door.
US07856828B2
A flameholder arm for an afterburner of a turbomachine, particularly a jet engine, is disclosed. The arm includes a ventilation duct which is centered and immobilized inside the arm independent of the heatshield. The duct also includes a transverse lip which includes an orifice for centering and guiding a fuel injection harness. The transverse lip prevents the harness from being positioned in any way incorrectly in the arm.
US07856821B2
An actuator includes an ignition device having an igniter main body fixed to an igniter collar and a cylinder connected to the igniter collar. The cylinder has a first sliding chamber located in a position facing the ignition device and a second sliding chamber formed in a direction perpendicular to the first sliding chamber. A first piston is disposed inside the first sliding chamber, one end surface of the first piston having a first inclined surface inclined in one direction, and the other end surface opposing the ignition device, and a second piston is disposed inside the second sliding chamber. A circumferential surface of the second piston is provided with a recess formed with a second inclined surface inclining in the central axis direction, and the second piston is provided such that the first inclined surface abuts against the second inclined surface.
US07856820B2
An axle driving apparatus comprises a housing. The housing contains a hydrostatic transmission, a differential unit driven by the hydrostatic transmission, a pair of axles mutually differentially connected through the differential unit, and a restricting mechanism for selectively restricting differential motion of the axles by manual operation. The differential unit comprises a ring gear serving as an input gear and a pair of bevel gears which can be differentially rotated by rotation of the ring gear. The restricting mechanism engages one of the bevel gears with the ring gear. If a pair of differential side gears fixed on the respective axles serve as the bevel gears, the restricting mechanism engages one of the bevel gear to the ring gear through a claw clutch or a friction clutch.
US07856813B2
An exhaust manifold includes first to eighth upstream exhaust pipes extending respectively from first to eighth cylinders ignited in that order; first to fourth midway exhaust pipes extending respectively from a joint of extended ends of the first and fifth upstream exhaust pipes, a joint of extended ends of the second and sixth upstream exhaust pipes, a joint of extended ends of the third and seventh upstream exhaust pipes, and a joint of extended ends of the fourth and eighth upstream exhaust pipes; and first and second downstream exhaust pipes extending respectively from a joint of extended ends of the first and third midway exhaust pipes and a joint of extended ends of the second and fourth midway exhaust pipes for communicating the respective joints to the ambient atmosphere.
US07856808B2
A method for determining a time duration and an amount of fuel to include within exhaust gases to facilitate sintering of ash within a diesel particulate filter to reopen ash filled channels in said diesel particulate filter.
US07856801B2
A removable bat attachment to be applied when required over the tine tubes and fingers of reel of a harvesting machine is formed by an elongate flexible plastic extruded member having a first wall lying against the leading face of the plurality of fingers, a second wall at the inner edge of the first wall wrapping around the tine tube to define a generally cylindrical channel shaped receptacle to receive the tine tube therein and a third wall at the outer edge. In one arrangement the outer edge wraps around an outer end of the fingers and is snap fit onto the outer ends of the fingers and on to the tine tube so as to be held in place thereon by the snap fit. In another arrangement the outer edge has an end wall with a series of holes one for each finger so that the fingers project outwardly from the outer edge.
US07856793B2
An apparatus for automatically assembling a wrapper to a foam cup to form a wrapped foam cup.
US07856790B2
A building product is configured for attachment to a surface of a building. In one example, the building product includes a siding product including a first side and a second side. In one example, the siding product is a pultruded product. A first engagement feature is disposed on or near the first side. A second engagement feature is disposed on or near the second side. The second engagement feature is configured to selectively frictionally engage with the first engagement feature of another similar siding product such that any curvature in the siding product increases frictional engagement between the siding product and the other similar siding product. In one example, the building product includes a spacer clip for attachment of the building product to the surface of the building.
US07856784B2
Flooring panel or wall panel and a use thereof in a wet room. The panel is provided with a locking means in the form of groove (6) and tongue (7) forming a tongue/groove joint for assembling of the panels. The groove (6) and the tongue (7) are preferably made of water tight material and formed with a snap-together joint.
US07856783B2
A method for reconstructing residual stones having at least one spalling wherein an adhesive layer is first applied grid-like on the residual stone in the area of the spalling, but leaving at least many areas free of the adhesive layer; then a leveling layer of mortar is applied; and subsequently a thin anti-abrasion layer is applied on the leveling layer; and where the leveling layer of mortar has drainage channels to convey the moisture out of the residual stone to at least one end of the stone. The invention also relates to a stone, reconstructed according to the method.
US07856782B2
Techniques are provided for mounting simulated muntin bars, preassembled muntin grids and the like between parallel glazing sheets in an integrated multipane window sash. Among the mounting techniques disclosed are clips for holding simulated muntin components to a spacing and mounting structure of an integrated multipane window sash. All or portions of the clips can be desiccated.
US07856780B2
The invention relates to panels having a decorative surface for forming a flooring, to a method for producing the decors and to a flooring made up of said panels. The invention finally relates to a decorative paper. The aim of the invention is to provide panels that allow to produce an inexpensive flooring having a high-quality appearance and to provide a corresponding method for producing them. For this purpose, the décor surfaces of panels on at least one end each are optically adapted to each other to such a degree that, when the panels are laid, they give a continuous image of the décor at the transition from one laid panel to the adjacent laid panel. The wood décor has a continuous image within the meaning of the invention if the grain of the depicted wood is optically uninterrupted at the transition from one laid panel to the adjacent laid panel, i.e. when there is no offset between the respective depicted grains. The same applies for other decors, for example stone decors. In this case, the images of the stone surface are adapted to each other at the transition from one laid panel to the adjacent laid panel in such a manner that one stone extends from the one panel to the next panel without any noticeable offset of the décor at the common joint of the panels.
US07856779B2
A method of manufacturing a hollow core door is disclosed, as well as a corresponding hollow core door. The method includes the steps of providing a solid flat door skin, moisturizing the flat skin, applying a conditioning resin thereto, pre-heating the flat door skin, and thereafter pressing the flat door skin between a pair of heated platens in a press in order to reform the flat skin into a molded skin including a plurality of panels defined therein. The press continuously closes in order to reform the flat skin into the molded skin, with the rate of press closure being a function of the determined hardness of the flat skin to be reformed. The resulting door skins have an improved bond strength, and are efficiently manufactured.
US07856773B2
The invention relates to a modular construction system for full size or toy/model size buildings. The basic structure is made of interconnectable panels, which are grouped into four main types: base panels, wall panels, ceiling panels, and roof panels. Each panel has a plurality of service conduits extending therethrough for passing all of the service requirements for the building, e.g. electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, vacuum etc, without having to cut or drill through the existing structure. Each vertical wall panel has upper and lower connector blocks for mating with the horizontal ceiling and base panels, respectively. The connector blocks also align the service conduits of the wall panel with the service conduits of the ceiling and base panels.
US07856765B1
A seismic damper includes upper and lower brackets, and a link mechanism. The upper bracket is formed with an upper hole. The lower bracket is formed with lower and intermediate holes. The link mechanism includes a support link, and first, second, and third pivot joints. The support link has first and second ends, each of which is formed with a through-hole, and an intermediate portion, which is formed with a through-hole. The first pivot joint extends through the upper hole in the upper bracket and the through-hole in the first end of the support link. The second pivot joint extends through the lower hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the second end of the support link. The third pivot joint extends through the intermediate hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the intermediate portion of the support link.
US07856762B2
The invention relates to a modular shelter system, in particular for transporting persons and/or objects comprising at least one container/capsular enclosure and a reception system arranged in the case for persons and/or objects. The inventive reception system is mounted in such a way that it is isolated in the direction of the enclosure bottom and/or a receptacle is formed in such a way that it ensures a blast wave deflection.
US07856760B2
A kit for installing a door assembly including a plurality of door frame brackets adapted to be attached to a door frame and to a wall having an opening in which the door assembly is to be installed and a lockset bracket adapted to be attached to a lockset hole formed in an edge surface of the door and to the door frame, the lockset bracket being operable to fix the door in relation to the door frame and the door frame brackets being operable to fix the door assembly relative to the opening.
US07856756B1
Systems for the construction of a variety of planting configurations are disclosed. Some of the disclosed embodiments may be equally applicable for products such as shelving systems. The systems may include various shaped troughs and support surfaces and various methods of assembling the same. The various components and resulting configurational possibilities disclosed provides the user with functionality and aesthetic possibilities never before available, and is well suited for both commercial and residential applications.
US07856755B2
Described is a planter system, comprising: at least one water retaining vessel; a bedding material layer disposed above the at least one water retaining vessel; a structure surrounding the at least one water retaining vessel and the bedding material layer; and at least one fill tube extending from above the bedding material layer, through the bedding material layer, and into the at least one water retaining vessel, through which water is supplied to the at least one water retaining vessel to a predetermined level. Also, a method of making such a planter system having an elevated bedding material layer.
US07856751B1
A dual purpose fishing tool which includes an elongated handle portion. One end of the handle portion has attached to it a fishhook-removing portion. The opposite end of the handle has a fish bladder venting needle attached thereto.
US07856750B2
The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges.
US07856747B2
An informational stop sign has an octagonal center portion, a primary traffic symbol in the center of the octagonal center portion wherein the primary traffic symbol is the word STOP displayed within the center portion, a plurality of rectangular portions extending radially outward from and perpendicular to the periphery of the center portion, each of the plurality of rectangular portions corresponding to a location of an inlet of a traffic intersection, and an Arabic numeral displayed within at least one of the plurality of rectangular portions indicating an inlet to the traffic intersection having a stop sign, the Arabic numeral being the number of inlets to the traffic intersection having a stop sign.
US07856744B2
The present invention is a bottle greeting card comprising a card upon which graphics and text may be displayed, a cutout from the card adapted to fit over the neck of a bottle, and at least one of graphics and text printed on the card.
US07856743B2
An ironing board (2) that can easily be stored and converted to a stable position for ironing comprises a base (1) having a variable length, and a body (5) with a work surface (6). A column (7) extends between the body and the base. An adjustment mechanism (9) arranges for the base to be shorter in case the work surface is positioned vertically and the base to be longer in case the work surface is positioned horizontally. A system comprises such an ironing board and an iron for cooperation with the ironing board.
US07856739B2
A protective foot cover for use in dance, exercise, or athletic applications using strategically placed protective pieces in ball and heel areas of the foot in connection with an elastic material in the sole structure to allow the foot to move freely and provide less of a barrier between the foot and floor such that a dancer can better sense the floor upon which they dance. The foot cover incorporates strategically placed protective patches that provide support, protection, and comfort to the ball and heel portions of the foot. The patches are spaced from one another so that the footwear is able to move more naturally with the expansion of the foot as pressure is applied to the foot. An elastic band extends in a figure eight configuration from the front of the cover, beneath the arch of the foot where the band overlaps, and around the heel to provide arch support and to hold the cover on the foot.
US07856738B2
A method for sanitizing a toothbrush using a receptacle having a plurality of openings, a plurality of toothbrushes to be removably retained in the receptacle, where the toothbrushes are arranged for each cycle of use so that a dry toothbrush is always available for use and replaced after use within the receptacle in a different arrangement from the rest and allowed to be dried for a sufficient period to kill and prevent bacterial proliferation prior to its reuse in a subsequent cycle of use.
US07856732B2
A system for mounting an object such as a flat screen television on a surface such as a wall. A mounting template is fastened to the surface and defines multiple sets of openings corresponding to multiple mounting configurations. Wall brackets are removably secured within the openings and are then fastened to the surface. Object spacers are fastened to mounting locations on the object corresponding to the mounting configuration of the wall brackets, and are connected to the wall brackets to secure the object to the wall. A level may be secured within the mounting template. The mounting template may include fold lines to facilitate packaging and storage of the mounting template.
US07856730B2
The internal diameter measurement device is inserted into a cavity to measure its internal diameter. The internal diameter measurement device includes: a tubular sheath inserted into the cavity; a balloon which is provided on a distal end portion of the sheath, and is capable of expanding by supplying a fluid to an inner portion thereof; a linear reference member having a first end portion fixed to the distending portion or the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and a second end portion moving towards the distal end of the insertion portion in conjunction with the expansion of the distending portion; and a measuring portion which is provided in a proximal end portion of the insertion portion and is capable of confirming the position of the second end portion of the reference member. This internal diameter measurement device enables accurate measurement irrespectively of dimensions of a pipeline to be measured.
US07856725B2
A razor assembly has a shaving head and a handle. The handle has a first handle section attached to the shaving head, and a second handle section pivotably coupled to the first handle section, the second handle section having a length that is adjustable. The second handle section is pivoted in a first direction to a first retracted position adjacent the first handle section, and pivoted in a second direction to a second extended position with respect to the first handle section.
US07856722B2
A cutlery set assembly is disclosed and comprises a knife (50) and a spoon (10) and/or a fork (30). The items of cutlery are made of resilient plastics material and each item of cutlery has a cylindrical handle. The handles are shaped such that they can be nested coaxially with each other. When in such a nested condition, the handle of the outermost item extends more than half way around the handle of the second item to hold the items in the nested condition. The resilience of the plastics material keeps the assembly together.
US07856712B2
A method for manufacturing a female electrical terminal includes, according to one embodiment, blanking of strip of conductive material and forming a wire connecting portion to receive an electrical wire. The blank may include a contact arm extending into an area adjacent the wire connecting portion. The contact arm extends into this area from a terminal connecting portion at a predetermined angle. The contact arm may be straightened and folded prior to bending the terminal connecting portion into a tubular member for receiving the tab of a male terminal. The step of straightening the contact arm can be performed using a special coining process that applies pressure to the conductive material around the shoulder causing the conductive material to flow within a confined area allowing the contact arm to be straightened.
US07856711B2
A method of forming structure. A substrate and an interposer are provided. The substrate includes a heat source and N continuous substrate channels on a first side of the substrate (N≧2). N interposer channels are coupled to the N substrate channels so as to form M continuous loops (1≦M≦N). Each loop independently consists of K substrate channels and K interposer channels in an alternating sequence. For each loop, K is at least 1 and is subject to an upper limit consistent with a constraint of the M loops collectively consisting of the N interposer channels and the N substrate channels. Each loop is independently open ended or closed. The first side of the substrate is connected to the interposer. The interposer is adapted to be thermally coupled to a heat sink such that the interposer is interposed between the substrate and the heat sink.
US07856704B2
A monitoring device monitors an apparatus that clinches together sheet metal panels. In particular, a die assembly positioned on one side of the panels has a button forming die cavity defined by an anvil at the bottom of the die cavity and a plurality of radially moveably die blades at the side of the cavity. A plunger is positioned on the other side of the panels and registers with the die assembly so that linear displacement of the plunger plastically deforms the panels axially into the die assembly to engage with the anvil and then further linear displacement of the plunger will then deform the panels radially outward as permitted by the outward radial movement of the moveable die blades. Transducers measure the linear displacement of the plunger, the radial outward displacement of the radially moveable die blades, and the magnitude of the axial force applied against the anvil.
US07856699B2
A tie-down and tensioning device including: a device body; an attachment member connected to the device body, the attachment member including an attachment opening; a cord block comprising a cord block hook connected to the device body, and a cord support surface disposed between the cord block hook and the device body; and a cord gripper attached to the device body, the cord gripper comprising a cord gripper hook connected to the device body, the interior surface of the cord gripper hook and the surface of the device body opposing the interior surface of the cord gripper hook defining a wedge-shaped opening, and a cord gripping surface formed on one of the interior surface of the cord gripper hook and the opposing surface of the device body.
US07856692B2
A taping knife, including a blade having a proximal end and a distal end, a bracket having a first portion arranged generally parallel to the blade and attached to the blade proximal end and a second portion arranged generally perpendicular to the first portion, and a handle configured for rotation-free engagement with the bracket second portion.
US07856689B2
A baby diaper-changing pad cover for covering a traveling baby diaper-changing pad includes a front member, a first side member connected to the front member, a second side member connected to the front member, a top member connected to the front member, a bottom member connected to the front member and a back member connected to the first side member, the second side member, the top member and the bottom member. The traveling baby diaper-changing pad can be removed and inserted into the baby diaper-changing pad cover, and the front member includes a slit to insert and remove the traveling baby diaper-changing pad.
US07856687B2
An adjustable pillow device includes a base adapted to be disposed on a supporting surface, a pillow unit disposed above the base and movable vertically relative to the base, and an adjustable supporting unit mounted on the base, disposed between the base and the pillow unit and operable so as to support the pillow unit in a desired state.
US07856674B2
A pair of swimming/diving goggles includes a main body and two head strap coupling members respectively provided on two sides of the main body. A board is pivotably mounted in a through-hole in each head strap coupling member. A head strap is extended through the through-hole of each head strap coupling member and around the board. A spacing between the board and the outer end wall of the through-hole of each the head strap coupling member is changeable when the board is pivoted, allowing the head strap to move to adjust a tightening length of the head strap. The head strap exerts a clamping force to clamp the head strap between the board and the outer end wall of the through-hole.
US07856667B2
A liquid-tight, pull-over, protective garment, which is adapted to be worn by a wearer, under a helmet worn by the wearer, under gloves worn by the wearer, and over another garment or other garments worn by the wearer, is adapted to cover the head, upper torso, arms, and hands of the wearer even if the protective garment is worn without a helmet and without gloves. In one contemplated embodiment, substantially all of the protective garment, and particularly a portion of the protective garment that covers the eyes of the wearer when the protective garment is worn, is transparent. In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the protective garment, at least where the protective garment when worn covers the eyes of the wearer, comprises a transparent window. A protective ensemble comprises the protective garment, a helmet, which is adapted to be worn over a head-covering portion of the protective garment, and a pair of gloves, each of which is adapted to be worn over a hand-covering portion of the protective garment.
US07861295B2
A method and device for detecting a condition in a communication system, including at least one user equipment, for determining at least one parameter associated with a communication link between an application and a node of said user equipment, and detecting the condition in response to the at least one parameter.
US07861294B2
To access services on a device, such as a computer, a user has a portable device in two parts: a plug adapted to be inserted in a USB port and a transponder that remains about his person. In a preferred embodiment, an access manager verifies that first the plug and then the transponder are identified. If so, the access manager verifies if plug and transponder have to be paired and if they have the proper access rights for the desired service. Only then is access given. In a further embodiment, more than one transponder is needed to access a certain service. It can thus be appreciated that the invention provides a flexible and secure way to secure access to services.
US07861291B2
A method, data processing system, and computer program product are provided for retrieving access rules using a plurality of subtables. An incoming packet that includes fields of data is received from a network. A key is formed from the fields, the key includes a number of subkeys. The subkeys are selected and each of the selected subkeys is used to search a different subtable. If a subtable entry is a pointer, a next level subtable is searched until a failure or data is encountered. If a failure occurs, a default rule is applied. If data is encountered, the key is masked using a stored mask value. The resulting masked key is compared to a stored rule. If they match, the identified rule is applied, otherwise the default rule is applied.
US07861282B2
Provided is a printing system in which the latest policy information is reflected at all times and document-by-document policy information is checked. To accomplish this, the printing system includes an information processing apparatus adapted to output print data, a policy server adapted to manage policy information and at least one printing apparatus. The information processing apparatus outputs print data to which an identification information has been appended. The printing apparatus acquires print data via an information communication medium, accesses the policy server based upon access information and acquires policy information by transmitting authentication information and an identification information to the policy server. Further, in accordance with the acquired policy information, the printing apparatus determines whether or not to execute printing. The policy server issues the policy information based upon authentication information and identification information.
US07861276B2
A video program broadcasting apparatus includes a program table storage unit and a program-URL matching table storage unit. The URL of a video program which is being broadcasted at the present is acquired by a URL generation unit with respect to a plurality of video programs which are sequentially broadcasted depending on the time schedule of a video program table. The URL of the video program which is being broadcasted at the present and the URLs of video programs which were broadcasted are invisibly embedded by steganography. The video program URL is converted into a simple code, and the code is invisibly embedded by steganography in a video program which is being broadcasted.
US07861269B1
In one implementation, a method is described that may include applying at least one of a capitalization rule and a spacing rule to a word obtained from compressed electronic program guide (EPG) data. The compressed EPG data includes a plurality of word encoding values and a plurality of character encoding values. Each of the capitalization and spacing rules may be based on an arrangement, in the compressed EPG data, of one said word encoding value that references the obtained word with respect to one or more character encoding values. The capitalization and spacing rules may also be based on an arrangement, in the compressed EPG data, of one word encoding value that references the obtained word with respect to at least one other word encoding value. An output is made of the obtained word to which there has been applied at least one of the capitalization rule and the spacing rule.
US07861267B2
A method and system for presenting TV channels to a viewer is provided. One or more channel lists are generated based on selection criteria. The channel shuffle scanning is performed by presenting per channel content to a viewer from a channel list, for user viewing within a pre-selected period of time until the viewer picks a channel.
US07861255B2
The disclosure is directed to optical disks with a microstructured surface formed on a surface of the optical disk. The microstructured surface may be created to promote the adhesion and prevent the migration of a print material applied to the surface of the optical disk. The microstructured surface may be in the form of a plurality of wells or a plurality of discontinuous raised features in the surface. By forming a microstructured surface on the surface of the disk, the optical disk may not need an additional coating to receive the print material while also retaining the print material at a precise location on the surface. In addition, a plurality of standoff features may be formed in an outer surface of the optical disk to help prevent damage to the surface of the optical disk.
US07861250B2
Runtime polymorphism may be enabled with metadata that is usable for casting objects to casted objects. In an exemplary media implementation, processor-executable instructions cause operations including: discover at least one type of an object while in a runtime environment; and create a casted object from the object by casting the object to the casted object using metadata. An exemplary computing device implementation includes: one or more processors; and one or more media in operative communication therewith, the one or more media including: an object of a first type; metadata that is capable of being used to cast unknown objects in a runtime environment; and processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform an action including: casting the object of the first type to a casted object of a second type using the metadata in the runtime environment, the first type differing from the second type.
US07861246B2
Systems and methods for scheduling jobs in a networked computing grid having job service components for creating jobs having certain resource requirements are described. One embodiment includes resource manager components communicatively linked with the job service components, each resource manager component being configured to manage a plurality of resources. Such a system further includes information components communicatively linked with the job service components and the resource manager components, the information components being configured to aggregate resource data obtained from the resource manager components. The jobs include a scheduling mechanism for querying the information components for resource data, comparing the resource data against the resource requirements and independently scheduling the job to the resource manager components. A resource reservation is also provided for reserving resources for the jobs.
US07861245B2
In one embodiment, a method includes transitioning control to a virtual machine (VM) upon receiving a request from a virtual machine monitor (VMM), determining that the request to transition control is associated with a request to be informed of an open event window, performing an event window check to determine whether an even window of the VM is open, and transitioning control to the VMM if the event window check indicates that the event window of the VM is open.
US07861244B2
Performance data is received at a Remote Performance Monitor (RPM) Server residing on a target virtual operating system within a virtual data center complex. The performance data is generated, and served at predefined intervals, by a Central Performance Data Server operable for the virtual operating system within the virtual data center complex. At least a portion of the performance data is saved in memory accessible to the RPM Server. Then, responsive to a request form an RPM Client residing on an originating virtual machine within the virtual data center complex, at least a portion of data residing in the memory is extracted by the RPM Server and served to the RPM Client.
US07861243B2
A system and method for assembling and deploying program units to application servers uses cluster deployment flow (CDF) architecture to allow users to automatically deploy to a cluster of application servers. The method in one aspect includes assembling one or more program units for deploying to a cluster of networked servers. The method also includes retrieving information related to the cluster of networked servers, generating deployment descriptors from the information, and deploying the one or more program units to the cluster using at least the deployment descriptor.
US07861242B2
The morphing system and method alters the behavior and/or state of a jumping application according to the needs and/or requirements of the target host. In more detail, the jumping application system gathers information about the computer hosts to which jumping applications can be sent, and uses that information to alter the code (the computer instructions) or the state (the data) of each jumping application as each jumping application is dispatched.
US07861240B2
Task distribution program and task distribution device for a processor device having multiprocessors
A task distribution program which converts a source program for a single processor into a program for a multiprocessor device having a plurality of processors causes a computer to construct task distribution unit for, by referencing a definition file, which is stored in memory, and which associates one of the processors of the multiprocessor device with tasks of the source program, converting the source program into a distributed source program in which the plurality of tasks of the source program are distributed among the plurality of processors, and adding, as an argument, to the distributed tasks a processor ID of a task subject to processing by the distributed task. A task distribution device, in which this task distribution program is installed, is also provided.
US07861237B2
A software transactional memory system is described which utilizes decomposed software transactional memory instructions as well as runtime optimizations to achieve efficient performance. The decomposed instructions allow a compiler with knowledge of the instruction semantics to perform optimizations which would be unavailable on traditional software transactional memory systems. Additionally, high-level software transactional memory optimizations are performed such as code movement around procedure calls, addition of operations to provide strong atomicity, removal of unnecessary read-to-update upgrades, and removal of operations for newly-allocated objects. During execution, multi-use header words for objects are extended to provide for per-object housekeeping, as well as fast snapshots which illustrate changes to objects. Additionally, entries to software transactional memory logs are filtered using an associative table during execution, preventing needless writes to the logs. Finally a garbage collector with knowledge of the software transactional memory system compacts software transactional memory logs during garbage collection.
US07861230B2
A method and system for profiling API shims is described herein. The system includes a profiler, a profiling application program interface (API), and a profiling shim. The profiling shim intercepts communications between the profiler and the profiling API. Calls from and to the profiler are chained through the profiling shim. The profiling shim may further log calls to functions from and to the profiler and/or validate the profiler's usage of the profiling API.
US07861214B2
Computer method and apparatus collapse program metamodels to provide a collapsed, in syntax view of the subject metamodel. The invention method and apparatus obtain multiple programming model packages. Each said package is formed of a respective plurality of model elements from the subject metamodel. Next the invention combines (e.g., collapses) the multiple programming model packages together to form a resultant collapsed package. The resultant collapsed package enables generation of an implementation of a desired software program and avoids the need for package links (representing package merge relationships between packages).
US07861209B2
An optical proximity correction method is provided using a modified merit function based upon yield. Known failure mechanisms related to layout geometries are used to derive yield functions based upon distance values between layout features, such as, edge features. In comparing the edge points on the predicted layout pattern with the corresponding point on the design layout pattern, a yield test is first undertaken before movement of the points on the predicted layout pattern to a position of higher yield. Where yield is acceptable, no further movement is made. Where incremental movement of points results in coming within acceptable proximity before acceptable yield is reached, the point is flagged for further consideration.
US07861197B2
A method of verifying a design of logic circuit of a semiconductor device having a first circuit block to which the power continuously applied and a second circuit block receiving the power which turns on/off in response to the state of operation modes includes replacing a first basic logic cell including a storage element to a first verification logic cell in the blocks, replacing a second basic logic cell having no storage cell to a second verification logic cell in the blocks, and performing a logical simulation of the device.
US07861190B1
An integrated circuit is divided into two or more different regions, each region being a different voltage domain. In each of the regions, a voltage drop and its impact on performance will be quantified. A place and route engine (or another tool of a computer-aided design flow) will then take these timing considerations into account while performing partitioning of the device. A user's logic design is implemented into the logic array blocks taking into a voltage drop seen at those logic array blocks. Faster paths of the logic design are placed into faster logic array blocks, such as those in a core region of the integrated circuit.
US07861178B2
A Cooperative Help Assistance (CHA) system and method provide real-time user assistance for one or more windows-based Graphic User Interface (GUI) applications or a single application's different subsections such as web pages, running concurrently in any operating system. The CHA System enables the development of an informative assistance object independently from the original source code or development environment of the target Host Application. The assistance object can be selected by any number of user interfaces from sophisticated inference driven interactive interface search tools or categorized lists. By intercepting and monitoring user actions on a Host Application, the CHA system performs intelligent assistance in the context of the target host application program. Utilizing a Host Application Model, the CHA System and method dynamically assemble many elements in real-time or just-in-time to produce assistance sequences or elements very efficiently without having to code every interface path permutation. Paths can be dynamically generated from the Host Application Model, which enables a real-time module to offer intelligent, contextual assistance as well as real-time construction of automated, accelerated CHA Sequences or Procedures that require little or no user interaction. All assistance and information are processed and expressed by an extensive multitasking, multimedia subsystem for two dimensional (2D) and real-time three-dimensional (3D) application interfaces, which greatly enhances and extends the effectiveness of any explanation or material expression. The production of Assistant Sequences is facilitated by the Host Application Model and 2D and 3D GUI “drag and drop” interface tools.
US07861171B2
An interactive workspace with multiple users and machines is characterized by an input redirection method whereby user-specific information is associated to the user input device that the user is controlling on one of the machines. The system allows the associated information to follow the user input device as it is redirected to control any of the other machines. Accordingly a point-of-presence is created for the user on the other machines, which includes the associated user-specific information. The associated user-specific information that was bound to the user input device to one of the machines can be transferred to where the user has a point-of-presence due to redirection of the user's input device. The user's input device and transferred user-specific information are independent from the: (i) actions performed and information specific to other users, and (ii) functionality of applications running on the other machines by the other users.
US07861163B2
A computer executable process for simultaneous visual depiction of plural text hierarchies of a visually displayable machine readable text, including provisions for a visual cue as to a location of a user select text within the simultaneous visual depiction of plural text hierarchies is provided. A text hierarchy is extracted for a reader select text of a machine read text accessible by at least a data processing portion of a data processing and display system. Units of a select element of elements of the text hierarchy are formatted for display and displayed upon a display of the data processing and display system. A portion of text of the machine read text present in the select unit of a select element of elements of the text hierarchy is selected such that when said selected portion of text is present in a particular hierarchical representation, units the select element of elements of the text hierarchy are selectively of moved or positioned.
US07861158B2
The system includes a novel software application interactive representation modeling language, a software application (82) operative to use the modeling language to create, read and modify interactive representation models of the proposed applications, a memory (86) to store requirement data and interactive representation model data, a software application (92) operative to read and update the interactive representation model data across a computer network, a software application (76) operative to maintain a record of the requirements and to administer operation of the system, a software application (78) operative to render interactive representations of the proposed applications in browser readable format, a software application (82) operative to allow multiple instances of other applications to access interactive representation data and requirement data residing in the memory and a software application (84) operative to allow an individual user's interactions with the system to be broadcast across a networked system to other users.
US07861157B1
Embodiments include methods and systems for processing XML documents. One embodiment is a system that includes a method of efficiently processing XML documents received concurrently from a plurality of network connections in the form of streams of data. Other embodiments include systems configured to perform such processing of streamed XML documents. Other embodiments include systems and methods of efficiently performing document processing using digests for identifying XML document structure.
US07861156B2
Methods and apparatus for processing a page description language (“PDL”) data stream are provided. The methods and apparatus divide the PDL data stream to provide a plurality of PDL segments, create associated first and second data files for each of the PDL segments, and assign the first data file or the second data file associated with each of the PDL segments to at least one of a plurality of PDL processors.
US07861148B2
The present invention is directed to a method for defining a base line for a sparkline having vertical or horizontal bars representing positive and negative values of a set, with the bars representing negative values extending to one side of the base line and the bars representing positive values extending to the other side of the base line. The diagram is located in a space having two borders.
US07861146B2
In a Viterbi decoding apparatus, deterioration in error correcting capability before and after a terminated code is controlled. A termination timing detection unit (103) detects a termination timing of a Viterbi code, a compulsion generation unit (105) generates a compulsion value so as to pass a specific path at the termination timing and timings before and after the termination timing, and the compulsion value is set on a traceback pointer (106). Therefore, even when the decoding state of a code before termination is degraded, decoding of a next code can be carried out without being affected by the degradation, thereby improving error correcting capability.
US07861138B2
Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for correcting errors in a memory device. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a read command and a read address for the read command and reading data from a first location of the memory device corresponding to the read address. The method also includes reading error correction information corresponding to the read address. If the error correction information indicates an error in the data, the error in the data is corrected to produce corrected data and the corrected data is output from the memory device. The corrected data is also written back to a second location in the memory device corresponding to the read address.
US07861131B1
Systems and methods are provided for encoding a stream of datawords based on a tensor product code to provide a stream of codewords, and detecting and decoding a stream of received data based on a tensor product code to provide a decoded stream of data. In one aspect, the tensor product code is based on two codes including an inner code and an outer parity hiding code, where the outer parity hiding code is an iterative code. In certain embodiments, the outer parity hiding code is a Turbo code or a low density parity check (LDPC) code.
US07861130B2
According to an embodiment of the invention, a system for identifying when a running speed of an integrated circuit is within an applied clock speed is provided. A monotonic circuit is configured to receive input data and transmit output data. A completion detection circuit is configured to generate a completion detection signal for the monotonic circuit. A comparator is configured to compare at least the completion detection signal and a clock signal, and configured to emit an error signal if the clock signal arrives before the completion detection signal. A synchronous circuit element is configured to receive at least a portion of the output data and configured to be clock driven by the clock signal. The error signal represents that the clock speed is faster than an operating speed of the monotonic circuit.
US07861120B2
A method and an apparatus for receiving an error notification associated with a runtime error of a software application to generate a plurality of context attributes from a runtime state of the software application associated with an instant of time of the runtime error are described. One or more potential solutions are searched from a data storage including a solution repository based on the plurality of context attributes at substantially the same instant of time. An acceptable solution for the runtime error is determined based on the one or more potential solutions. The solution repository is updated with a new solution if the acceptable solution cannot be determined.
US07861117B2
A method of automatic recovery from a boot device failure and an initial program load (IPL) failure of an operating system (OS) comprises: receiving and complying with a user selected option of an action upon an event of a boot device failure and an IPL failure. The user selected option may consist of taking the action of attempting an auto reboot of the server with the selected boot device and continuing the reboot attempts using the reduced priority boot devices from the bootlist until detection of a boot success, or taking no action allowing for manual user intervention.
US07861109B2
A method of failure recovery in a network element is disclosed. The method includes indicating to a number of forwarding engines that a forwarding engine has completed a switchover operation and causing at least one of the forwarding engines to acknowledge that the forwarding engine has completed the switchover operation in response to the indication.
US07861107B1
A group of data storage units are serially connected in a sequential data communication path to communicate read and write operations to first and second interfaces of each data storage unit in the group. A data management computer device (“filer”) manages read and write operations of the data storage units of the group through an adapter of the filer. Main and redundant primary communication pathway connectors extend from the filer to the interfaces of the data storage unit, thereby establishing redundancy through multiple pathways to communicate the read and write operations to the data storage units of the group. Main and redundant secondary communication pathway connectors extend from partner filers to the groups of data storage units associated with each partner filer, thereby further enhancing redundancy.
US07861103B2
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for dynamically configuring overcurrent protection in a power supply for components of an electrically powered system, including summing by a master service processor, during powered operation of the system, the present power requirements of components presently installed in the system and setting by the master service processor an overcurrent trip point of the power supply in dependence upon the sum of the present power requirements of the components.
US07861101B2
A reduction in circuit size and in power consumption is provided. A signal processor includes: processor elements 501, which are mapped by circuit reconfiguration; processor elements 502a and 502b, which are not mapped by circuit reconfiguration; a power voltage supply area 503; a power voltage cutoff area 504; a system control CPU 505; a configuration information storage memory 506; a configuration control signal decoder 507; a configuration control circuit 508; a configuration control circuit 509 for a power supply unit; a data memory 510; a global bus (high voltage side) 511; and a global bus switch (high voltage side) 512. The signal processor includes a function for circuit reconfiguration of the individual processor elements 501 in consonance with the contents of a signal process to be performed and a function for changing a voltage to be supplied to the processor elements 501.
US07861098B2
A method and apparatus for user activity-based dynamic power management and policy creation for mobile platforms are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the monitoring of one or more sensor values of a mobile platform device to gather user activity data. Once the user activity data is gathered, the user state may be predicted according to the gathered user activity and an updated user state model. In one embodiment, the user state model is updated according to the user activity data. In one embodiment, a switch occurs from the current power management policy to a new power management policy if the new user state differs from a current user state by a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, at least one time-out parameter of a selected power management policy may be adjusted to comply with a predicted user state. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07861097B2
A tamper-resistant electronic circuit is configured for implementation in a device. The electronic circuit securely implements and utilizes device-specific security data during operation in the device, and is basically provided with a tamper-resistantly stored secret not accessible over an external circuit interface. The electronic circuit is also provided with functionality for performing cryptographic processing at least partly in response to the stored secret to generate an instance of device-specific security data that is internally confined within said electronic circuit during usage of the device. The electronic circuit is further configured for performing one or more security-related operations or algorithms in response to the internally confined device-specific security data. In this way, secure implementation and utilization device-specific security data for security purposes can be effectively accomplished. The security is uncompromised since the stored secret is never available outside the electronic circuit, and the device-specific security data is internally confined within the circuit during usage or operation of the device.
US07861093B2
The management of data access is facilitated. A loop only if changed locking facility is provided, in which reads and updates of the data being managed are permitted, unless an update to the data completes during the execution of the read or update routine. As long as an update to the data has not completed during a processor's execution of the read or update routine, access is permitted.
US07861087B2
A method, system, and software for state signing of Internet resources is presented in which web pages and other Internet resources are signed after the insertion of metadata indicating intended and authorized uses. In one embodiment, the signing is accomplished through use of a cryptographic signature added to any data item passed to a client that is likely to be passed back to the server later, such as a cookie, URL, or data integrity item. Enabling and disabling of state signing for various data items can be controlled through policies tied to URL prefixes.
US07861085B1
The subject invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating automated manufacturing processes in a regulated industrial controller environment, wherein a centralized signature component generates signature events to remote locations and validates signatures required to satisfy such events. A system for distributed signature processing is provided. The system includes a signature component to determine when to generate one or more electronic signature events and to validate electronic signatures that have been received from various local or remote locations. An application layer distributes interface components to the locations in order to facilitate generation of the electronic signature events and validation of the electronic signatures.
US07861079B2
A method and system for ensuring security-compliant creation and signing of endorsement keys of manufactured TPMs. The endorsement keys are generated for the TPM. The TPM vendor selects an N-byte secret and stores the N-byte secret in the TPM along with the endorsement keys. The secret number cannot be read outside of the TPM. The secret number is also provided to the OEM's credential server. During the endorsement key (EK) credential process, the TPM generates an endorsement key, which comprises both the public key and a hash of the secret and the public key. The credential server matches the hash within the endorsement key with a second hash of the received public key (from the endorsement key) and the vendor provided secret. The EK certificate is generated and inserted into the TPM only when a match is confirmed.
US07861077B1
A secure user authentication system, operable over a client-server communications network to authenticate a system user. The system includes an application server which includes a site which is able to be enabled, and an authentication server, which is able to enable the application server site. The authentication server includes a core database, and receives and stores user authentication-enabling data in the core database. The system further includes a client, and a client program which is able to be actuated in the client. The client program includes the user authentication-enabling data. Upon actuation, the client program automatically directly connects to the authentication server, and sends the client authentication-enabling data to the authentication server, for secure user authentication by the authentication server.
US07861076B2
A common security database is maintained by a RADIUS server based on the attributes the RADIUS server receives through accounting packets. When the common security database has conflicting entries, for example a MAC address and/or IP address appearing at two different network devices such as switches or routers, the RADIUS server can notify the associated network access devices to take corrective action.
US07861072B2
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing concurrent exception handling. When one or more exceptions are received from concurrent workers, one or more exception handler functions are supplied. For each respective exception in the exception results, determine if the respective exception is one of a kind of exceptions handled by the one or more exception handler functions. If the respective exception is one of a kind handled by the exception handler functions, then run a particular handler of the exception handler functions and mark the respective exception as handled. Any unhandled exceptions are then processed appropriately. In one implementation, a collection of input data is processed to produce a collection of output results, with the exceptions being interleaved with other output results. In another implementation, a particular exception is selected that represents the multiple exceptions. The selected one particular exception is then thrown.
US07861065B2
A computer processor that includes a plurality of execution pipelines, each execution pipeline including a configuration of one or more execution units of the processor, each execution pipeline characterized by an execution pipeline type, each execution pipeline type determined according to the types of computer program instructions executed in each execution pipeline; a plurality of hardware threads of execution, each hardware thread including computer program instructions characterized by instruction types, each hardware thread including sequences of instructions of a same instruction type, the sequences interspersed with instructions of other types; and an instruction dispatcher capable of dispatching instructions preferentially during a predefined preference period from a preferred hardware thread to a particular execution pipeline in dependence upon whether the preferred hardware thread presents a sequence of instructions, ready for execution from the preferred hardware thread, of a type for execution in the particular execution pipeline.
US07861062B2
The data processing device has a plurality of functional units and issues instructions in successive instruction cycles. Instructions of a first type are each intended for one functional unit at a time. An instruction of a second type causes a combination of functional units to respond in the same instruction execution cycle, a result from one functional unit being used by another as part of the execution of the same instruction. Preferably, the device supports alternative operation at a number of different instruction cycle rates, dependent on whether an executed program segment contains instructions of the second type. The fastest instruction cycle rate does not allow execution of the instruction of the second type, because operation by different functional units does not fit within the instruction execution cycle. When possible, the device saves power by switching to a slower clock rate, in which case instructions of the second type are executed to save additional power, by reducing the number of instructions that have to be issued.
US07861057B2
A memory is provided which simplifies the manufacturing process on the supplier side while satisfying specifications provided from the user side. An address space of a memory core includes an information storage region, a code region, and a no-write region. The information storage region includes a first region where no-write region information is written and a second region where a fixed value is written. Program code is written in the code region. The no-write region information indicates the position of the no-write region, and the fixed value indicates a fixed value that is intended to be written to the no-write region. The ROM selects between the fixed value and original read data that is obtained by a data selecting section directly from the memory core, and outputs the selected one as read data.
US07861052B2
A migration destination storage creates an expansion device for virtualizing a migration source logical unit. A host computer accesses an external volume by way of an access path of a migration destination logical unit, a migration destination storage, a migration source storage, and an external volume. After destaging all dirty data accumulated in the disk cache of the migration source storage to the external volume, an expansion device for virtualizing the external volume is mapped to the migration destination logical unit.
US07861049B2
Method and apparatus are disclosed to enable secure archiving and backup of data with reduced risk of data lost. Additionally, embodiments are provided which enable reduction of costs for CAS backup of archived files by use of low-cost tape storage devices rather than expensive hard drive devices.
US07861047B2
Using a snapshot function, a remote copy is efficiently created. Data for a snapshot is converted into a first bitmap of differential data for a remote copy. The conversion is performed in advance at appropriate chronological intervals. Furthermore, when the snapshot function splits, a second bitmap of cascade differential data, which is new differential data, is created simultaneously with creation of the data for the snapshot. This second bitmap of cascade differential data is created in the same format as the first bitmap of differential data for the remote copy. Then, when the snapshot function shifts from split status to pair status, the second bitmap of cascade differential data is added to the first bitmap of differential data for the remote copy (to produce a logical sum), and a remote copy is created based on this bitmap that was added.
US07861039B1
Circuits, methods, and apparatus for FIFO memories made up of multiple local memory arrays. These embodiments limit the number and length of interconnect lines that are necessary to join two or more local memory arrays into a single, larger functional unit. One exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a FIFO made up of a number of FIFO sub-blocks connected in series. Each FIFO sub-block includes local read and write address counters such that read and write addresses are not bused between the FIFO sub-blocks.
US07861035B2
A method of improving the Input/Output (I/O) performance of a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) system using a Matrix Stripe Cache (MSC). The method includes a first step of generating a rxw matrix, that is, a read and write matrix, present before row combination, through a unit MSC that will perform writing on a disk, a second step of generating a rxw matrix, that is, a final read and write matrix, from the rxw matrix present before row combination, which is generated at the first step, through row combination, and a third step of performing reading based on the row-combined rxw matrix generated at the second step, performing an XOR operation on the row-combined rxw matrix on a row basis, and performing writing on the row-combined rxw matrix on a column basis.
US07861029B2
A memory module having a board and a plurality of memory elements on the board which belong to different memory ranks, each memory rank being addressable via a respective selection signal. The memory module additionally includes a memory buffer having a memory rank interface coupled to the memory elements of each memory rank, and a selection signal output for the selection signal of each memory rank, the memory elements being arranged in rows on the board and the memory elements of a memory rank extending only over half of the rows.
US07861013B2
A method includes reducing power of a first graphics processor by disabling or not using its rendering engine and leaving a display engine of the same first graphics processor capable of outputting display frames from a corresponding first frame buffer to a display. A display frame is rendered by a second graphics processor while the rendering engine of the first graphics processor is in a reduced power state, such as a non-rendering state. The rendered frame is stored in a corresponding second frame buffer of the second graphics processor, such as a local frame buffer and copied from the second frame buffer to the first frame buffer. The copied frame in the first frame buffer is then displayed on a display while the rendering engine of the first graphics processor is in the reduced power state. Accordingly thermal output and power output is reduced with respect to the first graphics processor since it does not do frame generation using its rendering engine, it only uses its display engine to display frames generated by the second graphics processor.
US07861005B2
A method of sharing data accessible by a server, with a portable electronic device of a first entity includes receiving permission at the server to share with the first entity, data associated with a second entity, the data for use with an application. The server retrieves the data associated with the second entity and transmits the data from the server to the portable electronic device of the first entity. The data associated with the second entity is received at the portable electronic device of the first entity and stored in association with a second entity identifier, thereby distinguishing the data from other data for use with the application.
US07861002B2
A network router initially communicates over a primary data path. Upon detection of an error condition associated with the primary data path, the network router initiates a layer 2 switch such that the communication occurring over the primary data path is switched to a backup data path. The layer 2 switch is preferably transparent to a layer 3 portion of the network router.
US07861001B2
Transport independent redirection. If a client computing system were to request a service from a service computing system, the service may determine whether or not the client should request the service from yet another service. If the client should request the service from the other computing system, the original service (or its intermediary) generates and transmits a transport-independent redirect message to the client. The client may then issue the request to the new service specified in the redirect response. The redirect message is not limited to a particular type of transport protocol. In addition, the redirect may be made possible in any number of message exchange patterns, not just request-response.
US07860999B1
The present invention facilitates routing traffic over a network and distributing application level support among multiple routing devices during routing. Routing nodes are configured to process the content of the traffic to provide the requisite application level support. The traffic is routed, in part, based on the resources available for providing the processing. The processing of the traffic may be distributed throughout the network based on processing capacity of the routing nodes at any given time and given the amount of network congestion.
US07860997B2
The invention increases performance of HTTP over long-latency links by pre-fetching objects concurrently via aggregated and flow-controlled channels. An agent and gateway together assist a Web browser in fetching HTTP contents faster from Internet Web sites over long-latency data links. The gateway and the agent coordinate the fetching of selective embedded objects in such a way that an object is ready and available on a host platform before the resident browser requires it. The seemingly instantaneous availability of objects to a browser enables it to complete processing the object to request the next object without much wait. Without this instantaneous availability of an embedded object, a browser waits for its request and the corresponding response to traverse a long delay link.
US07860991B2
A packet classifier for a network and the method thereof are provided. The packet classifier includes at least one content locator and one matching engine. Each of the content locators performs at least one location operation. Each of the location operations outputs the sum of at least one accumulation item as an output offset. Each of the accumulation items is generated according to at least one content locator system parameter and/or the content data of a network packet. One of the accumulation items is a base value, and the base value is an offset defined by system parameters or the output offset of a location operations of one of the content locators. The output offset of the last location operation of one of the content locators is the location of a matching field of the network packet. This location is provided to the matching engine for a data matching operation.
US07860988B2
A congestion control and avoidance method including a method check step of determining whether the request contents is cacheable or uncacheable on the basis of the request inputted from the client terminal, a first Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) check step of, when it is determined that the request contents is cacheable in the method check step, checking a URI included in the request from the client terminal to determine whether the request contents is cacheable or uncacheable, a first URI hash search step of, when it is determined that the request contents is cacheable based on determination of the first URI check step, searching a URI hash to determine to execute any of regular caching, priority caching and access limitationing operation, and a step of executing any of the regular caching, priority caching and access limitationing operation according to determination in the first URI hash search step.
US07860985B2
The present invention discloses a method for synchronizing connection state in data communication, which includes: a node requests connection state information from an opposite node connected with it and the node updates the local connection state according to the connection state information returned by the opposite node. The invention further discloses a communication node using the method. In the invention, by synchronizing the connection state information between a node that may be out of synchronization and its opposite node connected, the problem of connection state synchronization may be solved substantially, and synchronization may be recovered simply by holding the connection. Further, according to the embodiment of the invention, frequent connection state synchronization inside a high-availability system is no longer necessary, so that system bandwidth and processing capability may be saved, and the original connection may be recovered at any moment when an active/standby switching occurs.
US07860980B2
A first information-processing device for communication source performing tunnel communication with a device at communication destination, equipped with: tunnel communication part performing tunnel communication with communication target data encapsulated; identifier acceptor for accepting a communication destination device identifier for identifying a device for communication destination; identifier storage part for storing a communication source device identifier for identifying first information-processing device; and address determination part for determining an address used for communication target data, according to a communication destination device identifier and a communication source device identifier. Such a makeup provides an information-processing device capable of determining an address used for communication target data encapsulated in tunnel communication.
US07860979B2
A process for transmission of data sets between at least one server and a client, a display data set on the server being accessible to the client via a connection to the server. The display data is automatically retrieved from the server, transmitted to the client and diplayed from the client. A request for inputting of response data is sent automatically from the client to the user of the client at least a partially overlapping in time with the display of the display data set which takes place from the client based on a query data set which is different from the display set. Additionally, for example, a modified Internet browser with a backward channel can be implemented, with which any Internet pages can be displayed, questioning can take place simultaneously with these Internet pages and the corresponding response data can be collected and evaluated centrally on the feedback server.
US07860977B2
A transmission control protocol (TCP) is used for data communications, yet in order to provide security against denial of service attacks and the like, a connection negotiation phase is required before the TCP handshake. Without a successful connection negotiation, a TCP handshake is unable to complete thereby preventing connection.
US07860972B2
A method and system for detecting and eliminating duplicate wireless mobile communications device Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) stored in user administration records associated with a server system is disclosed. The PIN of a wireless mobile communications device stored in a user administration record is checked against other existing user administration records, and if a duplicate of the PIN is detected, the PIN in one of the user administration records is reset. Duplicate PIN detection and elimination operations are preferably performed each time a new user administration record is created but may possibly be performed in response to selection of a particular user account, PIN or user administration record.
US07860965B1
A network monitoring architecture and methodology enabling performance detection and diagnostics in storage area networks or other networks. The network monitoring is performed using a three-tiered distributed computing system architecture, including a data source tier, a portal tier and a client tier. The data source tier monitors the physical data on the network medium using multiple data collection sources, or data probes, connected to the network. The probes analyze network data and generate metrics that describe attributes of the network data. The metrics are synchronized in time by virtue of time stamps associated with the data monitored by the data probes. The time-synchronized metrics are used by the data portal tier, which is the second tier of the system. The portal tier encapsulates the metrics into data containers. The data containers may be requested by the client tier, which is the third tier in the network monitoring system. The client tier provides a user interface for displaying various types of network information derived from the contents of data containers.
US07860949B2
A client terminal which uses image data processed based on an image processing request sent to an image processing server is connected via a network. The communication terminal includes a communication state detecting section which detects the communication state with the image processing server, and an image processing section which detects an abnormality of the communication state and executes processing for the image processing request.
US07860942B2
A character having a plurality of attributes is created by a network user while within a character-enabled network site. Each attribute is defined by at least one of either audio data and/or visual image data and is selected by the user from a plurality of attributes presented to the user through a user interface. The combination of attributes define a persona for the character. At least one of either an audio presentation and/or a visual image presentation is provided to the user interface. The presentations presented are selected from a plurality of presentations based on the character's persona. Data related to character attributes are stored in a database. One or more of the presentations presented to the user may be interactive, in that it allows for the user to make choices. In response to a user's interaction with the interactive presentation, additional audio presentation and/or a visual image presentation is provided to the user interface. Data indicative of user interaction with the interactive presentations is also stored in a database.
US07860933B2
The present invention refers to a method and system to determine automatically a user specific relevance score of a message within a messaging system in a client-server environment, the message being provided with message specific meta-information. The disclosed method includes analyzing by means of an analyzing component of the client-server environment the meta-information of the message with respect to correlations of the message with other messages, recording and classifying the correlations of the message with the other messages, deriving from such identified and classified correlations a message model reflecting the correlations of the message with the other messages, the messages being represented by accordingly linked nodes, monitoring by means of a monitoring component of the client-server environment how the message is processed, calculating by means of a calculating component a numerical relevance score for the message, the calculation using a user specific ranking scheme and being based on the message model and on the monitored processing, and assigning the calculated numerical relevance score by means of an assigning component of the client-server environment to the respective node within the message model.
US07860929B2
Methods and systems for assisting individuals (101) arrange meetings such as networking meeting with other individuals (101) at a specified time (or within a specified time range) and/or at a specified place (or within a specified geographic region). More specifically, methods and systems for allowing individuals (110) to post an invitation to for a meeting on an on-line network and for allowing one or more other individuals (101) to accept such invitation.
US07860924B2
Methods and apparatuses for supporting multiple versions of web services standards are provided. A data handler receives a data entry in a version of a web services standard older than a most current version of the web services standard. A converter converts the data entry in the older version received by the data handler to conform to the most current version of the web services standard. The data entry converted by the converter to conform to the most current version of the web services standard is stored as a data object in a repository.
US07860922B2
Ad hoc application-level connections are established between wireless devices. Autonomous selection of files on a provider device facilitates migration of a file from the file provider to a file receiver. Once a file provider and a file receiver are communicatively coupled using an application-level connection, a portion of a determined file is conveyed from the provider node to a receiver node while a connection remains viable. If the connection is severed, a neighbor node and a provider node may again recognize each other. A connection can then be re-established. Once the connection is re-established, a further portion of the file can be conveyed from a provider node to the receiver node.
US07860909B2
The present invention relates a retrieving technology by using an index obtained at a specific time point and a rule obtained at a specific time point. The present invention provides a storage system includes: a first logical unit for storing an index; a second logical unit for storing a rule that defines how to output search results; a third logical unit for storing a snapshot of the index created based on a predetermined time; and a fourth logical unit for storing a snapshot of the rule created based on a predetermined time; a search engine server is configured to: search the index stored in the third logical unit with a keyword included in a search request for an index record; and output storage location information of a data object included in the extracted index record in an order according to the rule stored in the fourth logical unit.
US07860903B2
Techniques are presented for generic data extraction. Metadata defines a data extraction element with reference to an identifier, a data source, and one or more rules. The metadata may be processed to populate the data extraction element when a reference is made within a data template to the identifier. The identifier may be used to import data to a template or to export data to a different template or service.
US07860898B1
Described are techniques for providing a publication notification in a data storage system. An active element manager component is used to perform data storage management operations for the data storage system. A feed aggregator in the data storage system aggregates feed items from one or more feeds. Each of the one or more feed items are associated with one of said feeds and indicates a publication notification for data associated with said one feed.
US07860892B2
An information processing apparatus provides history information by a history file in a designated data format, in which the history file is generated by storing the contents of processing performed by the information processing apparatus, and reading and recomposing the stored history information in accordance with a received data format, if a designation of the data format for the history file is received from the user.
US07860891B2
Techniques of querying an index of first objects comprised of a plurality of index entries and a pool of second objects are provided. The techniques include evaluating the index of the first objects to produce a group of one or more possible candidates based on whether one or more index entries of the first objects satisfy a query, adding second objects from the pool to said group of possible candidates to produce an interim group of possible candidates, filtering the interim group of possible candidates by comparing approximations of the candidates of the interim group with the query to produce filtered candidate objects, and determining if the filtered candidate objects satisfy the query by comparing the first and second objects corresponding to the filtered candidate objects with the query.
US07860880B2
A system and method are disclosed for providing instant access to notices for any notice-triggering event which may occur on a specific construction project. More specifically, the present invention is essentially a system and method for managing problems and risks associated with a wide range of construction projects using a project-specific software, system, method and process, usually accompanied by “hard copy” printouts of the relevant notices, forms and letters and the specific contract provisions that require a specific notice to be given by the construction company. In one embodiment, a customized CD-ROM package of notice documents that fully comply with a particular contract is prepared, which software package is then utilized to bring up appropriate notice document on a computer screen, which notice document is then completed by a user by inserting relevant information in open fields of the draft notice document.
US07860879B2
A method and system is described herein for populating an object tree with data obtained from a relational data store. One query is issued to retrieve data for each object in a given level of the object tree. The data is stored in a table in an order, which corresponds to an order in which the objects of the object tree will be initialized. The data is read from the table in the order, and the corresponding object in the tree is initialized.
US07860872B2
A web-based media analysis system, consisting of automated media analysis and document management tools, which processes news articles by parsing the news contents or documents and assigning, relating, and extracting information from the news contents for media analysis and relationally storing them in at least one database. The system further comprises a toning engine for toning articles accurately, based on words, attributes and categories of the article, and optionally based on the author of the article, if applicable.
US07860858B2
Processing of a request is optimized. The request has one or more predicates. A list of the one or more predicates in the request is created and predicates for which an actual cost has not been stored or for which a cost cannot be estimated are pruned from the list. An access path for the each of the predicates is selected. The request is processed using the selected access paths producing one or more actual predicate costs. The one or more actual predicate costs are stored.
US07860854B2
An image search and retrieval system and method of operation within such a system are disclosed. The image search and retrieval system includes a search engine coupled to an image analyzer, an input system, an output system and an image database. The image search and retrieval system includes one or more feature modules which define particular regions of an image and particular measurements to make on pixels within the define image region as well as the measurements to make on neighboring pixels in neighboring image regions for a given application and communicate this application specific information to the image analyzer thereby allowing rapid comparisons of images.
US07860835B2
A short identifier can be generated for each of a plurality of data objects. Each short identifier can include a first portion characterizing a sort order and a second portion characterizing a composite component identifier associated with the corresponding data object. The sort order can characterize a relationship (e.g., grouping, etc.) among at least a subset of the plurality of data objects. After the short identifiers have been generated, they can be stored in a database to enable queries of the database containing a short identifier to return data contained within the corresponding data objects. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
US07860830B2
Improved techniques to create, browse and/or purchase media asset groups are disclosed. Media assets groups can be created by various persons and published to a digital assets manager. Thereafter, the media assets groups can be finalized and made available for on-line purchase. Once the media asset groups are made available for on-line purchase, users can browse and/or purchase the media asset groups at an on-line media store. One example of a media asset group (group of media items) is known as a playlist, which can pertain to a group of audio tracks.
US07860828B2
Performing a synchronization operation is disclosed. A first processing thread is used to copy a first file from a first data storage to a second data storage using a first connection. A second processing thread is used to copy a second file from the first data storage to the second data storage using a second connection. The first file is copied substantially concurrently with the copying of the second file. The synchronization operation results in first copied file and a second copied file in the second data storage. A real-time replication operation is performed. The first copied file and the second copied file are updated in an order determined at least in part by an order in which changes were made to the first file and the second file, respectively, as stored in the first data storage.
US07860827B1
A data-synchronization computer program allows many personal portable workstations to wirelessly communicate with a server and to provide updates to an applications database. Each personal portable workstation maintains its own copy of the database with opportunistic updates that occur as the network amongst them allows. Data synchronization object data structures are generated as new data is entered at each personal portable workstation, and these are placed in synch queues for transmission when possible. Each personal portable workstation can continue to operate with its own instance of the applications database and does not depend on instant or continuous network access.
US07860824B2
In a DR system, from the viewpoint of device cost, when search is not carried out, a physical application where log recovery is available by inexpensive DB appliance server is adopted. Further, a local mirror operation at a secondary site is not carried out. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of operation, by a log apply function unit, the tendencies of a log application and operations are monitored, and a search process is accepted according to the progress conditions of the log application. When the log application does not catch up sufficiently, the search is not accepted. Moreover, when a consistency guarantee of a secondary DB is made, not transactions in process at the moment of search instruction are undone (rolled back), but only transactions in process at the moment of a search instruction are redone (rolled forward).
US07860817B2
Automated facet analysis of input information selected from a domain of information in accordance with a source data structure is described. Facet analysis may proceed by discovering at least one of facets, facet attributes, and facet attribute hierarchies of the input information using pattern augmentation and statistical analyses to identify patterns of facet attribute relationships in the input information.
US07860815B1
A near natural language format is used to codify knowledge (including information, programs, rules, and procedures). The codified knowledge is stored in knowledge snippet files according to a nomenclature in which each file has a name relating to a particular interrogatory and the type of the interrogatory (e.g., having a file extension of: “.what”, “.how”, “.where”, “.which”, “.when”, “.who”, or “.why”). The content of each of the knowledge snippet files comprises an answer to the interrogatory. Language systems and methods, including a run-time environment to process or execute the knowledge, are provided to use the knowledge so represented. The knowledge may also be presented in many different perspectives or views.
US07860814B1
A method for providing “best” solutions of NP-complete problems. A plurality of algorithms are provided for solving the NP-complete problem, the problem is automatically solved using the provided algorithms and a best solution is selected based on application of predetermined criteria. In one embodiment, scheduling of large or complex projects utilizing limited resources is performed using the method of the invention. Algorithms are provided based on information relating to the constraints of limited resources overlain upon a logic network of restraints between events and activities in a sequence to model the real world. The generated rule sets can be applied to generate multiple schedules from which a particular schedule may be selected. A system for implementation of the method using a computer and a computer program is also provided.
US07860812B2
Methods and systems for identifying and resolving payment integrity issues are provided. Analytic techniques that may include a query component, an artificial intelligence engine, and a text mining component are integrated into a payment integrity system. One or more of the analysis components provide information from a source transaction system to an audit module. The audit module utilizes the outputs from the analysis components to resolve whether or not a claim payment was overpaid or underpaid. The audit module may subsequently instruct one of the analysis components to further analyze information from the source transaction system in accordance with previously provided information from another analysis component.
US07860810B2
A global software development model instrument is described. The instrument utilizes a global system dynamics model, as well as one or more site-specific discrete event simulation and system dynamics models to model interactions within and between software development sites. Parameters, equations, and interactions between the model components are editable to allow for the simulation and comparison of various software development options and to provide for global software development research. Additional product development situations can be modeled as well, including hardware and systems engineering.
US07860804B2
A method of notifying consumers of available content in a content distribution system. The method includes determining the existence of a content event related to content. The content event is associated with a community. A consumer who is a member of the community is notified of the content event by sending a notification to the consumer. Access to content related to the content event is provided upon request by the consumer.
US07860794B2
A method for originating a bank deposit with the use of a computer is suggested, which implies entering the deposit characteristics into a computer. Use of the method makes it possible to achieve a technical result in the form of increase of the effectiveness of the origination of a bank deposit, improvements of the visualization and availability of the data presented to the bank customer, and enhancements of the functional characteristics of the method. The technical result is achieved due to the bank deposit being originated out of two or more currencies, the costs of which are correlated to the independent unit of deposit cost. The proportions of the currency components in the deposit are then calculated, which give such a ratio between the deposit risk and yield that is optimum from the point of view of preserving and/or increasing the deposit value.
US07860792B1
A home asset management account system is provided that includes a first mortgage account and an equity line of credit (LOC), a periodic sweep feature between the first mortgage and equity LOC, a periodic property value review feature of the first mortgage, and a statement feature that provides a customer valuable information on the subject property estimated value and the relationship between the first mortgage and the equity LOC. The first mortgage and equity LOC, results from a proprietary automated decisioning/pricing system, the periodic sweep feature, the periodic property value review feature, and a unique statement feature are bundled into a financial package available for customers.
US07860791B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a financial instrument issued to a customer includes an account and a guarantee of a protected value. The account has an account balance that changes over time, wherein at least part of the account balance is based on an initial deposit into the account. The protected value is fixed at the time of a particular event at a value at least equal to the greatest of the initial deposit, the account balance at the time of the particular event, and the highest value of the account balance on at least one anniversary of a customer specific date between the date of the initial deposit and the time of the particular event. The customer specific date is specific to the customer, determined no later than the time the financial instrument is issued, and independent of any transaction specific date related to the financial instrument.
US07860782B2
A system of the invention comprises a design module, execution engine, and performance management module. A first computer hosts the design module which enables a user to define attributes, queries, and decision rules transmitted to the execution engine hosted on a second computer remote to the first computer. The second computer can be located at a credit bureau, credit reporting agency, or other data provider. The second computer runs the execution engine to query a data repository with the user-defined attributes and queries, and applies the user-defined decision rules to produce result data transmitted to a third computer hosting the performance management module for monitoring performance of a benefit or offering made with the result data and the corresponding attributes, queries, and decision rules that generated the result data.
US07860779B2
The present invention provides a unitary note investment instrument and method of use that has two performance components. An investor invests in the issuer the principal amount of the investment. The first component is a base portfolio. The second component is keyed to a passive commodity index, having long and short positions. The instrument's commodity index exposure is established as the product of a leverage factor of at least 100% and the amount of the base portfolio exposure. The return to the investor comprises the change in value of both the base portfolio exposure and the commodity index exposure over a predetermined period of time multiplied by a payout factor.
US07860773B1
A method for providing a person with a secure retirement program employs a computerized system to allocate assets owned by a person towards purchase of retirement benefits. The system selects at least one desired retirement benefit from a group of available retirement benefits. A user may specify a conversion period for allocating the assets to the selected benefits during this conversion period. The system allocates portions of the assets towards purchasing a fraction of the selected benefits at selected intervals within the conversion period. Thereafter, the system calculates benefit payments corresponding to the selected retirement benefits to the person during and after the conversion period, wherein the benefit payments during the conversion period are from contributions made from the assets and the purchased benefits, and the benefit payments after the conversion period are provided by the purchased benefits.
US07860764B1
A system is provided for leasing motor vehicles to credit challenged consumers or consumers that do not qualify for conventional financing. The system utilizes a short term prepaid lease in combination with a device utilizing microprocessor technology installed in the motor vehicle to encourage payment. The consumer pays in advance to use the motor vehicle for a predetermined lease period. If the consumer does not make the prepayment, the device installed in the vehicle prevents the vehicle from operating. The system is used to make a determination as to the amount of a weekly payment a credit challenged consumer (“Consumer”) can afford. Using the weekly payment amount, the system then extrapolates the value of a vehicle appropriate for the Consumer's payment ability. Once the lease has been executed, a predetermined operating time is loaded into the device, which is connected to the vehicle's ignition system. The device renders the ignition system inoperable upon there being no authorized operating time remaining in the device. Each week the Consumer prepays for the next week, and upon bank clearing of the payment, an additional week of preloaded operating time is authorized by entering data into the device connected to the ignition system.
US07860763B1
An automated system prepares a new tax return for a user based on information associated with the user's return from a previous year. The system uses the tax return from the previous year to obtain taxpayer data and to identify sources of current data. It retrieves current year information from the sources and uses it together with data from the previous year return to prepare a new tax return with minimal user assistance. In an embodiment, the system determines the likely accuracy of a new tax return generated based on the previous year tax return, and prepares the new tax return only if the likely accuracy is above a predetermined threshold.
