US07868053B2
Expandable pelletized styrene polymer materials with at least bi- or multimodal molecular weight distribution, to a process for their preparation, and to use for producing moldable-foam moldings.
US07868047B2
The present invention provides novel methods of treating psoriasis, protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders, inflammation, epidermal hyperproliferation, diabetes, immune and autoimmune diseases, eczema, and inflammatory bowel disease, inhibiting protein kinase, neutrophil activation, cell proliferation, tumour growth, metastasis, and the development of atheromatous plaque and restonosis, controlling angiogenesis, and preventing inflammatory bowel disease, using hydroxystilbenes and novel stilbene derivatives.
US07868045B2
Provided is a method for promoting bicarbonate secretion in the stomach or duodenum in a mammalian subject, which comprises administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula (I): to a subject in need thereof, wherein A, Y, W1, W2, X1, X2 R1 and R2 are herein defined. The compound are also useful for protecting the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal from mucosal damage.
US07868042B2
This invention relates to a method of improving renal function comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising the inventive compounds. Also disclosed is a method of improving renal function where the subject is at risk of or suffering from renal failure.
US07868034B2
This invention is directed to indolone derivatives which are antagonists or the GALR3 receptor. The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition made by combining a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention further provides a process for making a pharmaceutical composition comprising combining a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US07868030B2
Compounds of formula as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof, wherein R1 to R3 have the significance given in the application and which can be used in the form of pharmaceutical compositions.
US07868028B2
Novel guanidine compounds having the formula in which R1, R2 and R4 are as defined, are effective as sodium channel blockers in neuronal mammalian cells and as anesthetics and/or analgesics, particularly local spinal and/or epidural anesthetics, for alleviation of neuropathic pain, for providing a neuroprotective effect, and for producing anti-convulsant effects.
US07868024B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): Wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, Y and W are as described herein. The invention also relates to a preparation method and to a therapeutic application.
US07868023B2
Disclosed are compounds for treating the symptoms of an acute or chronic disorder mediated by the classical pathway of the complement cascade. The compounds are of Formula I or a solvate, hydrate, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or prodrug thereof; wherein Ra, Rb, and Rc are as defined in the specification, as are A Z, Q, R1 and R2.
US07868022B2
The present invention is directed to 2-amino-quinoline derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of β-secretase, also known as β-site cleaving enzyme and BACE, BACE1, Asp2 and memapsin2.
US07868019B2
The present invention is to provide a topical dermatitis treating agent which comprises a pyridine compound represented by the following formula [I]: wherein R1 and R2 each represent a lower alkoxy group, ═X— represents a group represented by the formula: or a group represented by the formula: ═N—, Ring A represents a saturated or unsaturated bicyclic nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group having 1 to 4 substituents selected from hydroxyl group, oxo group, a lower alkoxy group, a di-lower alkylaminophenyl group, a pyperidino-lower alkoxy group, a morpholino-lower alkoxy group, a cyclo-lower alkylamino-lower alkylamino group, pyridyl group and morpholino group, and represents a single bond or a double bond, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient.
US07868017B2
The present invention relates to a 9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivative of formula I, wherein each of the substituents is given the definition as set forth in the specification and claims, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said 9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives and to their use in therapy.
US07868005B2
The present application discloses a compound, or enantiomers, stereoisomers, rotamers, tautomers, racemates or prodrug of said compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or esters of said compound, or of said prodrug, said compound having the general structure shown in Formula 1: and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and esters thereof. Also disclosed is a method of treating chemokine mediated diseases, such as, palliative therapy, curative therapy, prophylactic therapy of certain diseases and conditions such as inflammatory diseases (non-limiting example(s) include, psoriasis), autoimmune diseases (non-limiting example(s) include, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), graft rejection (non-limiting example(s) include, allograft rejection, xenograft rejection), infectious diseases (e.g, tuberculoid leprosy), fixed drug eruptions, cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, ophthalmic inflammation, type I diabetes, viral meningitis and tumors using a compound of Formula 1.
US07868000B2
Disclosed are compounds of the formula I or a stereoisomer, tautomer, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, wherein j, k, U, W, R, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7 and R7a are as described above in the specification. Also disclosed is the method of inhibiting aspartyl protease, and in particular, the methods of treating cardiovascular diseases, cognitive and neurodegenerative diseases. Also disclosed are methods of treating cognitive or neurodegenerative diseases using the compounds of formula I in combination with a cholinesterase inhibitor or a muscarinic m1 agonist or m2 antagonist.
US07867999B1
Methods for using hydroxyamino- and amino-substituted pyridine analogs are disclosed herein to treat rho kinase-mediated diseases or rho kinase-mediated conditions, including controlling intraocular pressure and treating glaucoma, are disclosed. Ophthalmic pharmaceutical compositions useful in the treatment of eye diseases such as glaucoma, and additionally useful for controlling intraocular pressure, the compositions comprising an effective amount of hydroxyamino- and amino-substituted pyridine analogs, are disclosed herein.
US07867984B1
The invention discloses the bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and at least one appetite-suppressing agent characterized with a positive surface charge and a method of treating obesity in a subject in need via their enhanced permeability in oral drug delivery.
US07867978B2
This disclosure relates to methods and compositions useful for the treatment of senile dementia. More particularly the disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the treatment of senile dementia related to diabetes.
US07867966B2
A mixed powder or mixed granule comprising at least 80% by weight of a mixture of (a) from 5 to 95% by weight of at least one glutamic acid-N,N-diacetic acid derivative of the general formula (I) MOOC—(CH2)2C(COOM)-N(CH2COOM)2 (I) where M is hydrogen, ammonium, alkali metal, (b) from 5 to 95% by weight of at least one polyethylene glycol or of at least one nonionic surfactant or of a mixture thereof or of a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinylpyrrolidones (PVP), polyalkylene glycols and derivatives thereof, processes for producing these mixed powders or mixed granules, the use of these mixed powders or mixed granules, and a solid laundry detergent and a solid dishwasher detergent comprising the inventive mixed powder or mixed granule are described.
US07867953B2
Methods of treating a wellbore comprise displacing a drilling fluid comprising an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage into the wellbore. Methods of drilling a wellbore comprise: applying torque to a bit within the wellbore and concurrently applying force to urge the bit to extend through the wellbore; and circulating a drilling fluid past the bit to remove cuttings therefrom, the drilling fluid comprising an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage. Methods of preparing a drilling fluid comprise: forming an organophilic clay treated with a quaternary ammonium surfactant having an amide linkage; and combining the organophilic clay with an oil-based fluid.
US07867951B2
A viscoelastic composition containing an effective amount of at least one cationic carbohydrate ether having one or more cationic fragments and one or more carbohydrate fragments connected through one or more linker fragments for controlling the viscoelasticity of the composition, wherein at least some carbohydrate fragments are connected to the linker fragments through ether bonds. The viscoelastic composition of the present technology may be used to alter fluid rheology and impart both viscous and elastic properties to the treated fluids. Applications of the viscoelastic composition of the present technology include, but are not limited to, oil field fluids such as, for example, well bore treatment fluids.
US07867950B2
The films of this invention are high temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films specifically optimized for microwave and RF applications. In particular, this invention focuses on compositions with a significant deviation from the 1:2:3 stoichiometry in order to create the films optimized for microwave/RF applications. The RF/microwave HTS applications require the HTS thin films to have superior microwave properties, specifically low surface resistance, Rs, and highly linear surface reactance, Xs, i.e. high JIMD. As such, the invention is characterized in terms of its physical composition, surface morphology, superconducting properties, and performance characteristics of microwave circuits made from these films.
US07867944B2
A catalyst supporting honeycomb includes a pillar-shaped honeycomb structure and catalyst particles supported on the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure includes cell walls extending in a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb structure to define a plurality of cells extending in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of cells include large-volume cells having first opening ends and second closing ends opposite to the first opening ends along the longitudinal direction, and small-volume cells having first closed ends and second opening ends opposite to the first closed ends along the longitudinal direction. Total cross sectional areas of the large-volume cells on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are larger than total cross sectional areas of the small-volume cells on the plane. The catalyst particles include an oxide catalyst having an average particle diameter of at least about 0.05 μm and at most about 1.00 μm.
US07867943B2
An exhaust gas purifying catalyst which is made excellent in heat resistance and in S-resistance by keeping the catalytic activity of Pt particles in a satisfactory state. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst is made such that a coating layer containing a compound oxide of cerium and an oxide of a metal for stabilizing the oxide of said cerium and an oxide containing no cerium is formed on a substrate, and such that platinum particles are carried on the catalyst. Said compound oxide has a pore volume of 0.1 cc/g or more, and said platinum particles are selectively adsorbed at the electron accepting points on said compound oxide.
US07867941B2
A sulfur-containing mesoporous carbon that has mesopores with an average diameter of 2 to 10 nm, a method of preparing the same, a catalyst containing the mesoporous carbon as a catalyst support, and a fuel cell using the catalyst in which the sulfur-containing mesoporous carbon has a good affinity for and adhesion to catalyst particles so as to strongly support the catalyst particles due to the sulfur atoms substituting for carbons in an OMC carbon skeleton structure. The growth of metal catalyst particles is prevented when heat-treating the metal catalyst particles. The catalyst using the sulfur-containing mesoporous carbon can be applied to a fuel cell to prevent a reduction in catalytic activity due to increased particle size by an accumulation of catalyst particles. The catalyst containing the sulfur-containing mesoporous carbon as a catalyst support can be used to manufacture a fuel cell having an improved performance.
US07867940B2
A method of preparing a supported catalyst includes dissolving a cation exchange polymer in alcohol to prepare a solution containing cation exchange polymer; mixing the cation exchange polymer containing solution with a catalytic metal precursor or a solution containing catalytic metal precursor; heating the mixture after adjusting its pH to a predetermined range; adding a reducing agent to the resultant and stirring the solution to reduce the catalytic metal precursor; mixing the resultant with a catalyst support; adding a precipitating agent to the resultant to form precipitates; and filtering and drying the precipitates. The method of preparing a supported catalyst can provide a highly dispersed supported catalyst containing catalytic metal particles with a reduced average size regardless of the type of catalyst support, which provides better catalytic activity than conventional catalysts at the same loading amount of catalytic metal.
US07867939B2
The present invention relates to a catalyst for polymerization of ethylene, a process for preparing the same, and a method for controlling kinetic behavior of said catalyst in ethylene polymerization. Said catalyst contains a titanium-containing main catalyst component and a co-catalyst. The titanium-containing main catalyst component is prepared by reacting the following components: (1) a hydrocarbon solution of dialkylmagnesium compound of formula RMgR′.yEt3Al; (2) an alcohol compound of formula R1OH; (3) a silica support thermally activated at 200-800° C.; (4) an alkylaluminum compound of formula R2nAlCl3-n; (5) a linear halogenated alkane of formula R3X; and (6) a titanium compound of formula Ti(OR4)mCl4-m. The co-catalyst is an organoaluminum compound. Three different types of ethylene polymerization kinetic curves can be obtained by adjusting the temperature for thermally activating the silica support and the ratio of titanium to magnesium in the titanium-containing main catalyst component.
US07867938B2
A catalyst precursor composition comprising: a source of chromium, molybdenum or tungsten; a first ligand having the general formula (R1)(R2P—X—P(R3)(R4); and a second ligand having the general formula (R1′)(R2′)P—X′—P(R3′)(R4′). The present invention also relates to a catalyst system comprising the catalyst precursor composition of the present invention and a cocatalyst. The present invention further relates to a process for the trimerization and tetramerization of olefinic monomers, particularly the trimerization and tetramerization of ethylene to 1-hexene and 1-octene, wherein the process comprises contacting at least one olefinic monomer with the catalyst system of the present invention.
US07867934B2
Optical glass containing bismuth oxide having good defoamability. The Optical glass contains, as % by mass, from 10 to less than 90% of a Bi2O3 component and at least 0.1% of a TeO2 and/or SeO2 component. The optical glass is on Grade 4 to Grade 1 in “JOGIS12-1994, Method for Measuring Bubbles in Optical Glass”. By controlling the amount of RO component (R is at least one selected from a group consisting of Zn, Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg) and Rn2O component (Rn═Li, Na, K, Cs), the clarifying time may be shortened.
US07867926B2
A substrate processing apparatus is used for radiating UV rays onto a target film formed on a target surface of a substrate to perform a curing process of the target film. The apparatus includes a hot plate configured to heat the substrate to a predetermined temperature, a plurality of support pins disposed on the hot plate to support the substrate, and a UV radiating device configured to radiate UV rays onto the target surface of the substrate supported on the support pins. The support pins are preset to provide a predetermined thermal conductivity to conduct heat of the substrate to the hot plate. The hot plate is preset to have a predetermined thermal capacity sufficient to absorb heat conducted through the support pins.
US07867919B2
Lanthanum-metal oxide dielectric layers and methods of fabricating such dielectric layers provide an insulating layer in a variety of structures for use in a wide range of electronic devices and systems. In an embodiment, a lanthanum aluminum oxide dielectric layer is formed using a trisethylcyclopentadionatolanthanum precursor and/or a trisdipyvaloylmethanatolanthanum precursor.
US07867918B1
A semiconductor topography is provided which includes a silicon dioxide layer with a thickness equal to or less than approximately 10 angstroms and a silicon nitride layer arranged upon the silicon dioxide layer. In addition, a method is provided which includes growing an oxide film upon a semiconductor topography in the presence of an ozonated substance and depositing a silicon nitride film upon the oxide film. In some embodiments, the method may include growing the oxide film in a first chamber at a first temperature and transferring the semiconductor topography from the first chamber to a second chamber while the semiconductor topography is exposed to a substantially similar temperature as the first temperature. In either embodiment, the method may be used to form a semiconductor device including an oxide-nitride gate dielectric having an electrical equivalent oxide gate dieletric thickness of less than approximately 20 angstroms.
US07867915B2
Provided is a method for controllably activating a surface for stable amine-reactive chemistries. A surface containing nitride is exposed to a plasma having a reactive species containing hydrogen for a period of time sufficient to activate the substrate for amine-reactive chemistries. Amine-reactive chemical processes can then be applied to the activated surface to reliably and controllably bond molecules directly to said surface. The method is designed to create stable primary amines on the nitride substrate, so that any subsequent amine-reactive chemistry may proceed in a controlled manner that is directly proportional to the density of surface amines so created.
US07867908B2
A method of fabricating a substrate includes following steps. First, a metallic panel having a first surface and a second surface is provided. A first half-etching process is carried out to etch the first surface of the metallic panel to a first depth so that a first patterned metallic layer is formed on the first surface. Next, a first insulating material is deposited into gaps in the first patterned metallic layer to form a first insulator. Thereafter, a second half-etching process is carried out to etch the second surface of the metallic panel to a second depth and expose at least a portion of the first insulator so that a second patterned metallic layer is formed on the second surface. The first depth and the second depth together equal the thickness of the metallic panel.
US07867906B2
A trench is formed in an insulation film formed on top of a semiconductor substrate, and a barrier metal film is formed on the surface of the trench. After a copper or copper alloy film is formed on the barrier metal film, an oxygen absorption film in which a standard energy of formation of an oxidation reaction in a range from room temperature to 400° C. is negative, and in which an absolute value of the standard energy of formation is larger than that of the barrier metal film is formed, and the assembly is heated in a temperature range of 200 to 400° C. A semiconductor device can thereby be provided that has highly reliable wiring, in which the adhesion to the barrier metal film in the copper interface is enhanced, copper diffusion in the interface is suppressed, and electromigration and stress migration are prevented.
US07867905B2
Systems and methods are disclosed to perform semiconductor processing with a process chamber; a flash lamp adapted to be repetitively triggered; and a controller coupled to the control input of the flash lamp to trigger the flash lamp. The system can deploy a solid state plasma source in parallel with the flash lamp in wafer processing.
US07867898B2
A method of forming an ohmic contact layer including forming an insulation layer pattern on a substrate, the insulation pattern layer having an opening selectively exposing a silicon bearing layer, forming a metal layer on the exposed silicon bearing layer using an electrode-less plating process, and forming a metal silicide layer from the silicon bearing layer and the metal layer using a silicidation process. Also, a method of forming metal wiring in a semiconductor device using the foregoing method of forming an ohmic contact layer.
US07867897B2
An interconnect structure which includes a metal-containing cap located atop each conductive feature that is present within a dielectric material is provided in which a surface region of the metal-containing cap is oxidized prior to the subsequent deposition of any other dielectric material thereon. Moreover, metal particles that are located on the surface of the dielectric material between the conductive features are also oxidized at the same time as the surface region of the metal-containing cap. This provides a structure having a reduced leakage current. In accordance with the present invention, the oxidation step is performed after electroless plating of the metal-containing cap and prior to the deposition of a dielectric capping layer or an overlying interlayer or intralevel dielectric material.
US07867884B2
A wafer fabrication method includes a first step of forming a plurality of first channel regions in a first region on a surface of a water, a second step of forming a plurality of second channel regions having an impurity concentration different from an impurity concentration of the first channel regions, a third step of forming a plurality of third channel regions in a third region on the surface of the water, and a fourth step of forming a plurality of fourth channel regions having an impurity concentration different from an impurity concentration of the third channel regions in a fourth region, wherein the first region and the second region are divided by a first line segment on the wafer, and the third and fourth regions are divided by a second line segment intersecting with the first line segment on the wafer.
US07867883B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a fin-shaped active region including opposing sidewalls and a surface therebetween protruding from a substrate, forming a gate structure on the surface of the active region, and performing an ion implantation process to form source/drain regions in the active region at opposite sides of the gate structure. The source/drain regions respectively include a first impurity region in the surface of the active region and second impurity regions in the opposing sidewalls of the active region. The first impurity region has a doping concentration that is greater than that of the second impurity regions. Related devices are also discussed.
US07867876B2
A C4 grind tape and a laser-ablative adhesive layer are formed on a front side of a semiconductor substrate. A carrier substrate is thereafter attached to the laser-ablative adhesive layer. The back side of the semiconductor substrate is thinned by polishing or grinding, during which the carrier substrate provides mechanical support to enable thinning of the semiconductor substrate to a thickness of about 25 μm. A film frame tape is attached to the back side of the thinned semiconductor substrate and the laser-ablative adhesive layer is ablated by laser, thereby dissociating the carrier substrate from the back side of the C4 grind tape. The assembly of the film frame tape, the thinned semiconductor substrate, and the C4 grind tape is diced. The C4 grind tape is irradiated by ultraviolet light to become less adhesive, and is subsequently removed.
US07867873B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor substrate is demonstrated, which enables the formation of a single crystal semiconductor layer on a substrate having an insulating surface. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: ion irradiation of a surface of a single-crystal semiconductor substrate to form a damaged region; laser light irradiation of the single-crystal semiconductor substrate; formation of an insulating layer on the surface of the single-crystal semiconductor substrate; bonding the insulating layer with a substrate having an insulating surface; separation of the single-crystal semiconductor substrate at the damaged region, resulting in a thin single-crystal semiconductor layer on the surface of the substrate having the insulating surface; and laser light irradiation of the surface of the single-crystal semiconductor layer which is formed on the substrate having the insulating surface. This method allows the production of a thin layer of a single-crystal semiconductor with uniformed characteristics on an insulating surface.
US07867864B2
The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising a field effect transistor, in which method a semiconductor body of silicon with a substrate is provided at a surface thereof with a source region and a drain region of a first conductivity type which are situated above a buried isolation region and with a channel region, between the source and drain regions, of a second conductivity type, opposite to the first conductivity type, and with a gate region separated from the surface of the semiconductor body by a gate dielectric and situated above the channel region, wherein a mesa is formed in the semiconductor body in which the channel region is formed and wherein the source and drain regions are formed on both sides of the mesa in a semiconductor region that is formed using epitaxial growth, the source and drain regions thereby contacting the channel region.
US07867837B2
A polysilicon layer provided for a polysilicon electrode (8) is patterned by means of a resist mask (5) and an auxiliary layer (4) made of a material that is suitable as an antireflection layer, the auxiliary layer (4) being provided with lateral hollowed-out recesses in such a way that the polysilicon electrode is formed with rounded edges (7) during etching. The auxiliary layer is preferably produced from a soluble material and with a thickness of 70 nm to 80 nm. A base layer (2) may be provided as a gate dielectric of memory cell transistors and additionally as an etching stop layer.
US07867830B2
A manufacturing method for electronic device, includes: preparing a first substrate having a plurality of first regions; preparing a second substrate having a plurality of second regions; facing the first region and the second region each other, and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate while disposing at least a part of a functional element within a space between the first region and the second region; obtaining a plurality of first divisional substrates by cutting the first substrate at each of the first regions, after the connecting of the first substrate and the second substrate; forming a sealing film covering the plurality of the first divisional substrates on the second substrate, after cutting the first substrate; obtaining a plurality of second divisional substrates by cutting the second substrate at each of the second regions, after forming the sealing film; and obtaining a plurality of individual electronic devices.
US07867828B2
A semiconductor device includes a base plate, and a semiconductor constituent body formed on the base plate. The semiconductor constituent body has a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of external connecting electrodes formed on the semiconductor substrate. An insulating layer is formed on the base plate around the semiconductor constituent body. A hard sheet is formed on the insulating layer. An interconnection is connected to the external connecting electrodes of the semiconductor constituent body.
US07867813B2
A method of forming an organic thin film transistor comprising source and drain electrodes with a channel region therebetween, a gate electrode, a dielectric layer disposed between the source and drain electrodes and the gate electrode, and an organic semiconductor disposed in at least the channel region between the source and drain electrodes, said method comprising: seeding a surface in the channel region with crystallization sites prior to deposition of the organic semiconductor; and depositing the organic semiconductor onto the seeded surface whereby the organic semiconductor crystallizes at the crystallization sites forming crystalline domains in the channel region.
US07867804B2
A semiconductor device that includes a phase change material for protecting the device from failure caused by overheating. The semiconductor device is adapted to detect a rapid increase in current due to heat and also adapted to break a circuit in the detected rapid increase in current by depositing a phase change material inside or outside a cell actually operated in the semiconductor device.
US07867802B2
LED devices incorporating diamond materials and methods for making such devices are provided. One such method may include forming epitaxially a substantially single crystal SiC layer on a substantially single crystal Si wafer, forming epitaxially a substantially single crystal diamond layer on the SiC layer, doping the diamond layer to form a conductive diamond layer, removing the Si wafer to expose the SiC layer opposite to the conductive diamond layer, forming epitaxially a plurality of semiconductor layers on the SiC layer such that at least one of the semiconductive layers contacts the SiC layer, and coupling an n-type electrode to at least one of the semiconductor layers such that the plurality of semiconductor layers is functionally located between the conductive diamond layer and the n-type electrode.
US07867801B2
An apparatus for producing a group-III nitride semiconductor layer which forms a group-III nitride semiconductor layer on a substrate by a sputtering method, the apparatus including: a first plasma-generating region where a target containing a group-III element is disposed and the target is sputtered to generate material particles formed of a material contained in the target; and a second plasma generating region where the substrate is disposed and nitrogen-containing plasma is generated. The first plasma-generating region and the second plasma-generating region are provided inside a chamber, and the first plasma-generating region and the second plasma-generating region are separated by a shielding wall which has an opening part from which the material particles are supplied onto the substrate. Also disclosed are a method of producing a group-III nitride semiconductor layer, a method of producing a group-III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device, and a lamp thereof.
US07867799B2
A method of fabricating a continuous wave semiconductor laser diode in the (Al,Ga,In)N materials system comprises: growing, in sequence, a first cladding region (4), a first optical guiding region (5), an active region (6), a second optical guiding region (7) and a second cladding region (8). Each of the first cladding region (4), the first optical guiding region (5), the active region (6), the second optical guiding region (7) and the second cladding region (8) is deposited by molecular beam epitaxy.
US07867798B2
A semiconductor laser using a nitride type Group III-V compound semiconductor includes: an n-side clad layer; an n-side optical waveguide layer over the n-side clad layer; an active layer over the n-side optical waveguide layer; a p-side optical waveguide layer over the active layer; an electron barrier layer over the p-side optical waveguide layer; and a p-side clad layer over the electron barrier layer. A ridge stripe is formed at an upper part of the p-side optical waveguide layer, the electron barrier layer and the p-side clad layer, and the distance between the electron barrier layer and a bottom surface in areas on both sides of the ridge stripe is not less than 10 nm.
US07867794B2
A small and thin surface-mount type optical semiconductor device having high air tightness, which can be manufactured at a reduced cost includes: a base 2 formed of a glass substrate; a recess 5 formed on a first main surface 3 of the base; a through hole 7 extending from a bottom portion 4 of the recess to a second main surface 6 of the base; an inner wall conductive film formed on an inner wall surface of the through hole; a wiring pattern 9 made of a conductive film formed around an opening of the through hole on the bottom portion of the recess so as to be connected electrically to the inner wall conductive film; an optical semiconductor element 8 bonded to the wiring pattern via a conductive bonding material 14; a terminal portion 10 made of a conductive film formed around an opening of the through hole on the second main surface such that it is connected electrically to the inner wall conductive film; and a metal portion 13 bonded to the inner wall conductive film to clog the through hole.
US07867791B2
The invention provides a technique to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device and a display device at high yield. As an exposure mask, an exposure mask provided with a diffraction grating pattern or an auxiliary pattern formed of a semi-transmissive film with a light intensity reducing function is used. With such an exposure mask, various light exposures can be more accurately controlled, which enables a resist to be processed into a more accurate shape. Therefore, when such a mask layer is used, the conductive film and the insulating film can be processed in the same step into different shapes in accordance with desired performances. As a result, thin film transistors with different characteristics, wires in different sizes and shapes, and the like can be manufactured without increasing the number of steps.
US07867785B2
An objective of the invention is to provide a carrier particle latex for an assay reagent capable of assaying a biological sample at a wide range of the concentration in an immunoserological test and capable of being stored stably for a prolonged period, as well as an assay reagent employing the same.The invention is a carrier particle latex for an assay reagent comprising a carrier particle comprising a copolymer of a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a sulfonate, wherein said carrier particle has a surface sulfonic acid group amount of 0.005 to 0.7 μmol/m2 and an average particle size of 0.01 to 1.5 μm.
US07867783B2
An apparatus and method for real time, label-free imaging and quantitation of binding events at an array of positions are provided. Total internal reflection from a planar side wall of a well of a multiwell plate is used to create an evanescent field in the plane of a pattern of ligands immobilized on the wall. Embodiments include imaging and multiple analyte detection and quantitation of a single wall of a single well as well as the simultaneous imaging and multiple analyte detection and quantitation of a number of wells.
US07867779B2
A system and method for measuring and analyzing particles within a gas feed stream. In one aspect, the system includes a particle counter and a particle capture filter that are arranged in parallel. In another aspect, the system includes a purifying device to remove trace molecular impurities from a gas feed stream to reduce the presence of impurities.
US07867778B2
A method for loading a sample for imaging by an optical tomography system. A sample volume including at least one microscopic sample and a viscous fluid is coaxially loaded into a sample delivery tube. The sample volume is impelled through a focus cell into a capillary tube, where the capillary tube has a smaller crossectional area than the sample delivery tube, so that a reduced volume of the at least one microscopic sample and viscous fluid is constrained to a central region within the capillary tube.
US07867773B2
A system for holding a slide. The system includes a housing having a side wall and a top. The top includes a recess surrounded by an outer rim. The system also includes an inlet port in communication with the recess and an elevating mechanism capable of receiving the slide and for raising the slide toward the top of the housing to engage the slide with the outer rim to form an analytical cavity. Together these elements form an analytical cavity in which the assay may be performed.
US07867770B2
The present invention provides a nanostructured substrate for SERS. A substrate of the invention comprises a surface featuring substantially monodisperse-sized metal nanoparticles disposed thereon. Preferably, the substrate surface provides for SERS and spectra therefrom. For example, a nanostructured substrate of the invention can be used to reproducibly and reliably detect or identify pathogens, molecules or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a nanostructured substrate of the invention comprises a surface featuring metal nanoparticles substantially aggregated in clusters thereon. Exemplary metal nanoparticles disposed on the substrate surface can be silver, copper, gold or combinations thereof. Metal nanoparticles disposed on a substrate surface can also be substantially spheroidal comprising diameters in a range from about 40 to 120 nm. The invention also provides methods for syntheses and uses of a nanostructured substrate comprising a surface featuring substantially monodisperse-sized metal nanoparticles.
US07867761B2
A stack of communicating trays for cultivation of cells, whereby the tray stack is equipped with a gas exchanger having at least one processed aperture for fast and substantially uniform distribution of gas to the trays.
US07867756B2
A sample analysis device is provided in which a target component to be analyzed is prevented from being contaminated by a sample itself, which can be formed in an appropriate size, and which has excellent operability. In a sample analysis device 1 in which a sample is to be held in a porous sheet 13, supporting films 11 and 12 are stuck on front and rear faces of the porous sheet 13, respectively, and a sample supply hole 14 is formed in a part of the supporting films.
US07867753B2
A device detects interactions between species in liquid and species on a solid support. It includes a solid support (11), a mechanism (16) for temporarily reducing the amount of a liquid to which the support is exposed, a detector (12) capable of detecting an interaction between species attached to the solid support, and species contained in the liquid. Also described is a method including attaching a first species on a solid support, exposing the first species to a liquid containing a second species, performing a measurement, capable of detecting an interaction between the first and the second species, and a reference measurement. The liquid is temporarily removed during the measurement.
US07867745B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having alpha-glucuronidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US07867743B2
The invention relates to a phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and related phytases. The phytases belong to the acid histidine phosphatase family, are acid-stable, of an excellent performance in animal feed, of a high specificity towards the substrate phytate, and expectedly of a high specific activity. The invention also relates to the corresponding DNA, the recombinant and wild-type production of the phytases, as well as the use thereof.
US07867736B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing a complex of an organic amine and lactic acid in a reactor, characterized in that a water-miscible organic amine is brought into contact with magnesium lactate in an aqueous medium in the reactor to form the complex and precipitated magnesium hydroxide, after which the magnesium hydroxide is separated from the complex.
US07867735B2
A method for producing L-glutamic acid by culturing a coryneform bacterium which has L-glutamic acid producing ability and which has been modified so that expression of the fasR gene is enhanced in a medium to produce and accumulate L-glutamic acid in the medium or cells, and collecting L-glutamic acid from the medium or cells.
US07867727B2
Disclosed are screening methods for determining a human subject's propensity to develop a vascular disorder and/or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), therapeutic or prophylactic compounds for treating disease or inhibiting its development, and methods of treating patients to alleviate symptoms of the disease, prevent or delay its onset, or inhibit its progression. The inventions are based on the discovery that persons with a genome having a deletion of the CFHR-1 and/or CFHR-3 gene, which normally lie on human chromosome 1 between DNA encoding CFH and CFHR-4, are at reduced risk of developing AMD, and elevated risk of developing vascular disease such as aneurysm.
US07867724B2
Hypoxia, a state of lower than normal tissue oxygen tension, has recently been implicated in a host of human diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Novel associations between p97 and other proteins, including UBX-domain-containing proteins (UBX-polypeptides), HIF1α, and a variety of E3 ligases are provided herein. The disclosure provides complexes comprising UBX-domain-containing polypeptides (UBX-polypeptides) and other polypeptides involved in the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins. In addition, the disclosure provides uses for active agents that modulate protein-protein complex formation between an UBX-polypeptide and its complementary-binding substrate. For example, the disclosure provides methods for treating or preventing hypoxia-related disorders or conditions in a patient or a cell by administration of an active agent that modulates the activity of an UBX-polypeptide and/or its complementary binding-substrate. Furthermore, the disclosure provides uses for active agents that modulate HIF1α activity; such agents may be used to modulate processes that are regulated by HIF1α. The disclosure also provides many screening assays to identify test agents that modulate complex formation between an UBX-polypeptide and its complementary-binding substrate or methods for evaluating modes of action and/or effects of active agents that have already been identified as modulators of an UBX-polypeptide and/or its complementary-binding substrate.
US07867720B2
Diagnosing an immunologic food sensitivity or intolerance in companion animals comprises collecting a sample; screening the sample to detect the presence of an antibody to a particular food ingredient or composition. The sample can be serum, saliva or other bodily fluid to detect the presence of an IgA, IgM or IgG antibody or immune complex to a particular food ingredient or composition. The food ingredient for which sensitivity or intolerance is tested is contained in at least one of a preprocessed food composition, balanced diet or recipe. Offending ingredient(s) in a preprocessed food composition, balanced diet or recipe is determined. An assessment is made as to whether it is possible to use a different preprocessed food composition, balanced diet or recipe, or whether a special diet needs to be formulated without the offending ingredient(s).
US07867719B2
The present invention provides β2 microglobulin as a biomarker for qualifying or assessing peripheral artery disease in a subject.
US07867686B2
A method for electroless plating of metal on a laser-patterned substrate. A substrate is provided on which both a thermal imaging layer and catalytic layer are deposited. On exposure to a laser beam, sufficient levels of radiation are converted to heat in the thermal imaging layer to render the exposed regions of the adjacent catalytic layer inactive. The laser-patterned substrate is then exposed to a reaction solution which initiates the growth of a metal film on the unexposed regions of the catalytic layer.
US07867684B2
A liquid developer includes: an aqueous medium; and a magnetic toner which is substantially dispersed in the aqueous medium and includes a polymer compound and a magnetic powder, the amount of the magnetic powder being from about 0.2 volume % to about 5 volume % with respect to the magnetic toner.
US07867681B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides an electrostatic image developing toner including a binder resin containing amorphous polyester resin containing a tin-containing catalyst and crystalline polyester resin containing a titanium-containing catalyst, and a colorant and a releasing agent, an electrostatic image developer using the same, a toner cartridge, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.
US07867677B2
Provided is an imaging member such as photoreceptor comprising a substrate, a charge generation layer, a first charge transport layer, a second charge transport layer, and an optional overcoat layer. The first charge transport layer is formed from a first CTL formulation comprising an aromatic monoamine and a first polymeric film forming binder material. The second charge transport layer is formed from a second CTL formulation comprising aromatic diamine and a second polymeric film forming binder material. The imaging member has gained improved properties such as removal of anti-curl layer, desirable structural flatness, electrical properties, mechanical robustness, flexibility, longevity, and copy image qualities over extended use, among others.
US07867676B2
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a substrate; an undercoat layer thereover wherein the undercoat layer contains a metal oxide, and a copper containing compound; a photogenerating layer; and at least one charge transport layer.
US07867674B2
A pattern forming system 1 includes a checking apparatus 400 and a control section 500. The checking apparatus 400 is configured to measure and check a sidewall angle SWA of a resist pattern formed on a substrate W after a developing process. The control section 500 is configured to use a difference between a target value of the sidewall angle SWA of the resist pattern after the developing process and a check result of the sidewall angle SWA obtained by the checking apparatus 400, to set a process condition for a first heat process 71 to 74 or a second heat process 84 to 89 so as to cause the sidewall angle SWA to approximate the target value thereof after the developing process.
US07867668B2
A fuel cell is produced using a fuel cell electrolyte layer comprising a hydrogen-permeable metal layer 27 serving as the compact substrate through which the gas supplied to the electrochemical reaction passes, a porous layer formed on the hydrogen-permeable metal layer 27, and an inorganic electrolyte supported in the pores of the porous layer.
US07867663B2
Disclosed herein is a heat exchange system for battery packs, which controls the temperature of a medium- or large-sized battery pack including a plurality of unit cells such that the battery pack can be operated under the optimum operating conditions. The heat exchange system includes an air inlet port and an air outlet port formed at one side of a housing surrounding the outer surface of the battery pack so as to form a predetermined flow channel, through which air flows, a driving fan mounted in the flow channel for driving the air to flow through the flow channel, and a Peltier element mounted at the air inlet port for controlling the temperature of air introduced into the air inlet port. In the heat exchange system according to the present invention, the thermoelectric element is mounted inside the air inlet port, through which air for cooling the battery pack is introduced into the heat exchange system. Consequently, the present invention has the effect of easily controlling the optimum operating temperature of the battery pack, reducing influences caused by external conditions, and decreasing noise and vibration.
US07867655B2
A sealed nickel metal-hydride battery shows a high output density and an excellent cycle performance particularly in a cold atmosphere. In a nickel metal-hydride battery having a nickel electrode and a hydrogen absorbing electrode respectively as positive electrode and negative electrode, the hydrogen absorbing electrode is formed by making an conductive support carry hydrogen absorbing alloy powder of rare earth elements and non-rare earth elements including nickel and the saturation mass susceptibility of the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder is 2 to 6 emu/g while the rate at which the hydrogen absorbing electrode carries hydrogen absorbing alloy powder per unit area is 0.06 to 0.15 g/cm2.
US07867653B2
An alkaline storage battery system according to an aspect of the present invention, with which a partial charging-discharging is performed, includes an alkaline storage battery 10 including an electrode group having a nickel positive electrode 11, a hydrogen storage alloy negative electrode 12, a separator 13; an alkaline electrolyte; and an outer can 14 accommodating the electrode group and the alkaline electrolyte, and further includes a partial charge-discharge control unit for controlling charging-discharging of the battery 10. In addition, zinc (Zn) is added to nickel hydroxide that is a main positive electrode active material in the nickel positive electrode 11 with an addition amount of 5% by mass or less with respect to the mass of nickel in the positive electrode active material. The concentration of the alkaline electrolyte is 6.5 mol/L or less and the content of lithium in the alkaline electrolyte is 0.3 mol/L or more.
US07867649B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell which achieves satisfactory low temperature characteristics and high safety against overcharging in combination. The cell includes a lithium-containing cathode, an anode capable of doping and undoping lithium, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a separator. The separator is made up by a plurality of layers of a porous material or materials presenting micro-sized pores. The layers of the porous material or materials is formed of micro-porous separator materials representing different combinations of the porosity, melting point or material/compositions.
US07867630B2
Provided is a white organic electroluminescent (EL) device including multiple polymer light emitting layers. a white organic electroluminescent device includes a first polymer light-emitting layer and a second polymer light-emitting layer, both of which are formed between a first electrode and a second electrode. A highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level of the first polymer light-emitting layer is in the range 5.0 eV through 5.4 eV, and a HOMO energy level of the second polymer light-emitting layer is higher than the HOMO energy level of the first polymer light-emitting layer. Colors emitted from both of the first and second polymer light-emitting layers are combined to produce a white color.
US07867625B2
The present invention relates to a Cu—Sn—O alloy plating having an oxygen content of 0.3 to 50 at %, a copper content of 20 to 80 at %, and a tin content of 10 to 70 at % in the plating. The present invention provides a copper tin alloy plating that has excellent plating adhesion and disengaging force stability and particularly a Cu—Sn—O alloy plating that has a blackish color tone without containing any controlled substances.
US07867615B2
A method of manufacturing a heat-resistant expanded graphite sheet is characterized in that after an acid-treated graphite material obtained by treating a graphite material with a strong acid is compounded with a powder of an organic phosphorus compound and is agitated and mixed uniformly to obtain a mixture, this mixture is subjected to heating treatment for 1 to 10 seconds at temperatures of 950 to 1200° C. to produce cracked gas, that gaps between graphite layers are expanded by its gas pressure to obtain expanded graphite particles having an expansion rate of 200 to 300 times, and that these expanded graphite particles are subjected to pressure molding.
US07867613B2
The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.
US07867612B2
A composite material is described that contains a reinforcing resin and reinforcing fibers, wherein the reinforcing fibers have a coating containing polyphenylene sulfide and the proportion of polyphenylene sulfide relative to the uncoated fibers is 0.001 to <0.01 wt. %. The composite material shows higher apparent interlaminar shear strength and bending strength as compared with similar composite materials having no PPS coating in the above concentration range.
US07867602B2
The invention pertains to an optical film comprising a reflective substrate, characterized in that at least one of the surfaces of the substrate has a scratch-resistant layer which possesses anti-static properties, wherein the scratch-resistant layer has a surface resistivity in the range from 108 to 1012Ω/□, and a pencil hardness of 3H or more as measured according to JIS K5400 standard method.The optical film of the invention has a low volume shrinkage, does not warp, and possesses excellent anti-static properties and high hardness properties.
US07867600B2
A suede-type leather-like sheet having excellent appearance and exhibiting an excellent deodorizing effect and a soft feel in combination without agglomeration of napped fibers or deterioration in the appearance (whitening) due to the deodorant is provided. The deodorant suede-type leather-like sheet comprises a fiber-entangled fabric comprising a microfine fiber and a particulate deodorant, wherein the surface area of the microfine fiber per the unit volume of the fiber-entangled fabric is 3×103 to 9×104 cm2/cm3, and at least a portion of the deodorant having an average diameter of primary particles of 0.1 μm or smaller is present on the surface of the microfine fiber.
US07867597B2
A construction board is formed from a composition comprising one or more of the following ingredients: magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, a binding agent (e.g., perlite), wood shavings, recycled board scraps, and water. The construction board further includes fiberglass and polyester paper sheets on opposite sides of the construction board. A method of fabricating the construction board is also disclosed to include mixing magnesium chloride with water to form a solution, mixing the solution with magnesium oxide, perlite and a binding agent to form a paste, and pouring the paste onto a mold to form a construction board. The paste is poured onto a mold which is then passed through a series of rollers to spread out the paste evenly across the mold and to form the paste into the desired thickness. The resulting construction board is fire and water resistant and much more durable than conventional Sheetrock® brand plaster wallboard.
US07867589B2
A lightweight, high-pressure cryogenic tank construction includes an inner layer comprising a matrix of fiber and resin suitable for cryogenic use. An outer layer in intimate contact with the inner layer provides support of the inner layer, and is made of resin composite. The tank is made by placing a fiber preform on a mandrel and infusing the preform with the resin. The infused preform is then encapsulated within the outer layer.
US07867586B2
Provided is an inkjet recording medium in which hydrated alumina and a sulfinic acid compound or thiosulfonic acid compound coexist in a pigment in an ink receiving layer, and which can prevent white-background yellowing during storage in a resin file holder or the like and ensure printing quality at the same time. The ink receiving layer of the inkjet recording medium contains the sulfinic acid compound or thiosulfonic acid compound, which functions to prevent yellowing, in a salt form or in a free form so as to be diffusible.
US07867582B2
A liquid crystal composition and a liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal composition that includes a first class containing a fluorine-containing liquid crystal compound represented by Formula I (n=1, 2, or 3), and a second class containing at least one neutral liquid crystal compound represented by Formulae III, IV, and V. In Formula I, W1 and W2 are each independently selected from the group consisting of —F, —CF3, —CF2H, —OCF3, and —OCF2H, the liquid crystal compounds represented by Formulae I, III, IV, and V have R1, R2, and R5 to R10 that are any one of a hydrogen atom, and an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, and an alkenyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms as terminal groups, and a first sub-class has a content of 6 wt % or less based on a total content of the first class and the second class, with the proviso that a liquid crystal compound of the first class having n=1 is the first sub-class and a liquid crystal compound of the first class having n=2 or 3 is a second sub-class.
US07867578B2
A method for depositing an amorphous carbon layer on a substrate includes the steps of positioning a substrate in a chamber, introducing a hydrocarbon source into the processing chamber, introducing a heavy noble gas into the processing chamber, and generating a plasma in the processing chamber. The heavy noble gas is selected from the group consisting of argon, krypton, xenon, and combinations thereof and the molar flow rate of the noble gas is greater than the molar flow rate of the hydrocarbon source. A post-deposition termination step may be included, wherein the flow of the hydrocarbon source and the noble gas is stopped and a plasma is maintained in the chamber for a period of time to remove particles therefrom.
US07867576B2
A method for monitoring the quality of a pattern of fluid beads applied to a moving substrate measures time delays between the passage of a reference point on a substrate element and leading and trailing edges of a bead, the quality of which is to be measured. A time delay ratio is generated, and compared to a reference ratio. The result of the comparison is indicative of variations in the quality of the measured bead. The invention has utility in a variety of industries, including industries in which adhesive beads are applied to a substrate, such as the envelope and box industries. An apparatus in accordance with the invention may conveniently utilize non-contact sensors to monitor the passage of the substrate and beads, and further may advantageously monitor the leading edge of the substrate and leading and trailing edges of the beads.
US07867572B2
A method for making a lithographic printing plate precursor includes the steps of coating a composition having a pH≦5 on a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, the composition including hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles stabilized with an anionic dispersant, a hydrophilic binder and colloidal silica, characterized in that the silica carries a negative charge; and drying the coated composition.
US07867565B2
A method for depositing a coating layer on at least a part of a surface of a substrate is described. The method includes supplying a coating substance to at least part of a surface of a substrate. The substrate is subjected to a relative movement with respect to a source of the coating substance. The surface tension of the coating substance is modified, at least locally, at least part of the time while the at least part of the substrate is subjected to the movement. A thickness of the coating layer is influenced by modifying the surface tension of the coating substance.
US07867562B2
One method for controlling edge thickness includes applying a coating to a moving substrate, thereby forming a film having a cross direction and a machine direction and one or more edges. The method also includes modifying a thickness of a first portion of the coating along one of the edges of the film, thereby forming a film having a substantially predetermined profile in the cross direction. A method of making a polymeric sheet includes applying a polymer to a moving substrate, thereby forming a sheet having a cross direction and a machine direction. This method further includes removing a first portion of the polymer from a first edge of the sheet, thereby the sheet having a substantially predetermined profile in the cross direction.
US07867556B2
A method of producing nanoparticles comprising effecting conversion of a nanoparticle precursor composition to the material of the nanoparticles, the precursor composition comprising a first precursor species containing a first ion to be incorporated into the growing nanoparticles and a second precursor species containing a second ion to be incorporated into the growing nanoparticles, said conversion being effected in the presence of a molecular cluster compound under conditions permitting seeding and growth of the nanoparticles.
US07867541B2
A nutritionally complete infant formula containing sialic acid derived from one or a number of nutritionally appropriate sources is described.
US07867537B2
A savory or sweet snack having an expanded, crispy, chip-like textured, substantially uniform, homogeneous, cellular coating is obtained by tumbling an edible core material, such as nuts or dried fruit, and alternately applying an aqueous component and a preblended dry mixture on the tumbling edible core material to form a dough coating on the edible core material. The dough-coated core material may be heated by frying or baking to substantially reduce the moisture content of the dough, and to substantially expand the dough. The thick, expanded coating has a substantial amount of wheat yet it possesses a crispy, crunchy texture of a chip, rather than a leavened, mealy or flaky texture. Use of a pregelatinized waxy starch, which is not chemically modified, provides crispness and a high degree of expansion Use of a pure, raw potato starch which is not chemically modified promotes crunchiness and a chip-like texture and reduces oil pick-up or absorption during frying. The tumbling is preferably performed in a continuous belt coating device to achieve high production rates and uniform coating of individual core material pieces without agglomeration or sticking of pieces to each other.
US07867527B2
A skin lightening composition comprising Goya or an extract thereof, and pine bark extract.
US07867522B2
Composition and methods for alleviating or eliminating wounds and/burns by providing an effective amount of one or more copper, zinc and copper-zinc compositions are disclosed. Treatment is accomplished through the use of topical compositions containing one or more copper or zinc salts and/or copper-zinc compounds or complexes, particularly copper-zinc malonate active ingredient.
US07867512B2
The present invention provides biocompatible vesicles comprising semi-permeable, thin-walled encapsulating membranes which are formed in an aqueous solution, and which comprise one or more synthetic super-amphiphilic molecules. When at least one super-amphiphile molecule is a block copolymer, the resulting synthetic vesicle is termed a “polymersome.” The synthetic, reactive nature of the amphiphilic composition enables extensive, covalent cross-linking of the membrane, while maintaining semi-permeability. Cross-linking of the polymer building-block components provides mechanical control and long-term stability to the vesicle, thereby also providing a means of controlling the encapsulation or release of materials from the vesicle by modifying the composition of the membrane. Thus, the encapsulating membranes of the present invention are particularly suited for the reliable, durable and controlled transport, delivery and storage of materials.
US07867510B2
An article is applied to the body of an animal (including humans) to provide both absorbency and antimicrobial activity. The article may comprise a water absorbent material; and a composition that reacts with water to produce molecular iodine. The composition provides a local concentration (in the water) of at least 10 parts per million iodine in water carried by the material (that is actual water supported by the water absorbent material) when the material has 5% by weight of water present in the water absorbent. The article may be a diaper, sanitary pad, bandage, bandaid or wrap for an animal.
US07867507B2
A pesticide granule is provided that includes a base carrier particle. A liquid pesticide coating is applied to the particle surface. The coating may contain adjuvants. The coating has sufficient tack to adhere a second powdered pesticide to the carrier particle. The usage of tackifying agents to render the particle surface tacky enough to adhere powdered pesticide is reduced or eliminated. The powdered pesticide is sized to a mean diameter of less than 10% of the carrier diameter to promote adhesion. The synergistic rapid acting pesticide delivery associated with the granule results in the usage of less pesticide to control a given pest with reduced environmental impact. Bifenthrin is a representative of the liquid pesticide.
US07867502B1
This invention relates to a polypeptide fragment which comprises an amino acid sequence encoded by a member of the esat-6 gene. A member of the esat-6 gene family is defined as gene encoding a small protein and that two such genes are arranged next to each other on the genome and that at least one of the gene products has an amino acid sequence identity to either Rv3874, Rv3875, or Rv0288 of at least 15%.
US07867492B2
Elevated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activity, including ligand stimulated Hh pathway activity, was detected in hematopoietic malignancy cells, and determined to be associated with growth and proliferation of the malignancy cells. Accordingly, methods are provided for treating a hematopoietic cell malignancy associated with elevated Hh pathway activity by reducing or inhibiting the Hh pathway activity. Also provided are methods of determining the responsiveness of a hematopoietic cell malignancy to treatment with an Hh pathway antagonist.
US07867491B2
Disclosed are fusion proteins comprising a biologically active molecule and an immunoglobulin (Ig) Fc domain which is linked to the biologically active molecule. The Fc domain is a hybrid human Fc domain of (i) IgG1, IgG2 or IgG4 or (ii) IgG4 and IgD. The hybrid Fc is useful as a carrier of biologically active molecules.
US07867487B2
Filamentous bacteriophage which does not display an antibody or a non-filamentous bacteriophage antigen on its surface is used to inhibit or treat brain inflammation associated with amyloid deposits and/or involving activated microglia, to inhibit the formation of amyloid deposits, and to disaggregate pre-formed amyloid deposits.
US07867472B2
An insulating target material for obtaining a conductive complex oxide film represented by a general formula ABO3. The insulating target material includes: an oxide of an element A; an oxide of an element B; an oxide of an element X; and at least one of an Si compound and a Ge compound, the element A being at least one element selected from La, Ca, Sr, Mn, Ba, and Re, the element B being at least one element selected from Ti, V, Sr, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ru, Ir, Pb, and Nd, and the element X being at least one element selected from Nb, Ta, and V.
US07867469B2
Separation of carbon nanotubes or fullerenes according to diameter through non-covalent pi-pi interaction with molecular clips is provided. Molecular clips are prepared by Diels-Alder reaction of polyacenes with a variety of dienophiles. The pi-pi complexes of carbon nanotubes with molecular clips are also used for selective placement of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes on substrates.
US07867468B1
Systems and methods for the preparation of reinforcements for composite materials, whereby single- and/or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may be electrophoretically deposited on fibrous substrates for the production of hybrid CNT/fibers. The fibers may include carbon fibers and woven carbon fabrics. The length, as well as the density and orientation of the deposited nanotubes on the fiber surfaces may also be tailored. The strength of the CNT/fiber-matrix interface formed in composites fabricated from the hybrid CNT/fibers may be adjusted by introduction of functional groups on the CNT/fiber surfaces, such as aminophenyl and carboxyphenyl groups.
US07867463B2
The present invention provides a new method for the production of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanocrystals having various sizes and various shapes via hydrolytic sol-gel reactions or non-hydrolytic sol-gel reactions. More specifically, the method synthesizing cerium oxide nanocrystals comprises; i) preparing a cerium-surfactant complex by reacting a cerium precursor and a surfactant in a organic solvent; and ii) aging said cerium-surfactant complex in an ether at a temperature of 100° C.-360° C.
US07867462B2
A method and system for controlling emissions with ammonia recovery and fly ash beneficiation in accordance with the present invention includes introducing ammonia to react with at least a portion of sulfur trioxides in an exhaust emission and result in at least one or more ammoniated compounds. At a least a portion of fly ash particles and the ammoniated compounds in the exhaust emission are precipitated and at least the precipitated fly ash particles are beneficiated. At least a portion of the beneficiated fly ash particles which are heated are mixed with the precipitated ammoniated compounds to recover at least a portion of the ammonia. The recovered ammonia is reused in introducing ammonia to react with at least a portion of sulfur trioxides.
US07867459B2
A compact, tiered sulfur recovery unit having a burner, a combustion chamber, a reaction chamber, a waste heat boiler and a steam drum. The waste heat boiler is mounted above the reaction chamber, and the steam drum is mounted above the waste heat boiler, resulting in a three-tiered, compact design, requiring only a single platform for space. The reaction chamber comprises a horizontal body and an upright plenum. The reaction chamber includes an inlet for receipt of acid gas (H2S). One end of the horizontal body of the reaction chamber is fluidly attached to the combustion chamber, while the other end of the horizontal body of the reaction chamber is fluidly attached to a lower end of the upright plenum of the reaction chamber. An upper end of the upright plenum of the reaction chamber is fluidly attached to the waste heat boiler. The waste heat boiler includes an outlet for the release of SO2 for downstream sulfur blowdown to produce additional elemental sulfur. The waste heat boiler is fluidly attached to the steam drum.
US07867450B2
A liquid droplet ejecting head includes a nozzle unit having a nozzle capable of ejecting liquid droplets and a pressure generating passage communicating with the nozzle. A driving unit includes a nozzle unit mounting portion and an actuator. The nozzle unit is detachably mounted on the nozzle unit mounting portion, and the actuator changes an inner volume of the pressure generating passage of the nozzle unit in order to eject the liquid droplets from the nozzle of the nozzle unit mounted on the nozzle unit mounting portion.
US07867444B2
A compressible and expandable sample tube holder includes a housing with a plurality of adjacent section members, movable toward and away from each other. Biasing members normally maintain the section members in an expanded condition. In the compressed condition the spacing between section members is reduced. A sample tube breakage detector includes slidable plungers having a protracted position that corresponds to a broken sample tube and a retracted position that corresponds to an unbroken sample tube in the sample tube holder. A detector compares the plunger positions before and after centrifuge spin to detect any broken sample tubes in the sample tube holder. A gripper device for the sample tube holder includes a lifting probe and a stabilizer to stabilize the sample tube holder during lifting. The gripper device and breakage detector are raised and lowered by a raising and lowering device having first and second telescoping members.
US07867441B2
A low to moderate temperature heat source comprising a high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures wherein the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is positioned between two thin pieces to form a close contact sheath. In one embodiment the high temperature energy source modified to output low to moderate temperatures is a nanolaminate multilayer foil of reactive materials that produces a heating level of less than 200° C.
US07867440B2
The invention concerns decontamination of the neck of thermoplastic performs (4) designed for making containers through a blow forming or extrusion blow molding process, when feeding (in A) the performs (4) sequentially into a unit (B) for manufacturing containers, which consists in passing the neck of the performs (4) through a mist (in 9) of a decontaminating product, then in subjecting the neck of the performs (4) wetted by the decontaminating products to the action of an ultraviolet radiation (in 7) for a least a predetermined minimum time interval.
US07867438B2
A method of manufacturing a powdered composition or starting material used in producing a CBN compact which comprises CBN, a secondary hard phase and a binder phase includes two steps of attrition milling. First, the attrition milling of the secondary hard phase and the binder phase. Second, adding CBN particles to the fine particle mixture of the first attrition milling and then attrition milling this mixture.
US07867401B2
The control systems and technique can regulate or control operations of a water treatment system in a primary control mode and, when appropriate, in a secondary or an alternate control mode. The primary control can represent a normal control mode during which the water treatment system is intended to operate. The alternate control mode can represent a second control or mode of operation. The systems can be operated to control or facilitate regulation, monitoring, and performance of one or more operating parameters of one or more water systems between, or to and from, a first mode, a second or alternate mode, and, in some cases, a third or even a fourth control mode. The change in control mode can be triggered by identifying one or more predetermined, pre-selected, and/or programmed conditions.
US07867400B2
A process of separating suspended solids from a fermentation liquor by subjecting the liquor to a solids-liquid separation stage, wherein the fermentation liquor is produced in a fermentation process for the production of a fermentation product, and which liquor comprises lignin, wherein the solids-liquid separation stage is assisted by a treatment system, characterised in that the treatment system comprises an anionic polymer, with the proviso that the treatment system and does not include a cationic polymer having an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of at least 4 dl/g.
US07867394B2
A membrane element sealing material holding member comprising a central opening for insertion of a center tube of spiral membrane element, peripheral orifice for flowing of a raw liquid into a membrane end portion of membrane element and outer circumferential part for holding of circular sealing material, wherein the central opening has inner circumferential surface of cylindrical form with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inserted center tube, and wherein at three or more positions on the inner circumferential surface, there is provided projection that has sloping face on its side of center tube insertion and is deformable at the time of insertion of center tube with an outer diameter larger than that of incircle.
US07867391B2
The present disclosure provides a cucurbituril derivative-bonded solid substrate in which cucurbituril derivatives of Formula 1 are covalently bonded to a modified solid substrate of Formula 2. The cucurbituril derivative provides functional groups which can be used to link biomaterials to the substrate. Protein chips, gene chips, and sensors for biomaterial assays having the cucurbituril derivative-bonded solid substrate are also provided.
US07867386B2
It is proposed to avoid an excessive formation of foam in the collection vessel of a protein separator by throttling the feed of air to a foam generator according to the foam generation rate in the separator. The foam generation rate in the separator can be measured by the amount of phase water that is separated in a second separator, which is located between the foam collection vessel and a first separator, in which second separator the mixture generated by the foam generator is freed from liquid constituents.
US07867381B2
A feedstream to an FCC unit is treated to remove or reduce the content of polynuclear aromatics and nitrogen-containing compounds by contacting the feedstream with an adsorbent compound selected from attapulgus clay, alumina, silica gel and activated carbon in a fixed bed or slurry column and separating the treated feedstream that is lower in the undesired compounds from the adsorbent material. The adsorbent can be mixed with a solvent for the undesired compounds and stripped for re-use.
US07867363B2
In a continuous digester system the digester system is greatly simplified by using a single vertical atmospheric vessel, replacing the conventional chip bin, steaming vessel, chip chute, high pressure pumping or sluice feeders, impregnation vessels and top separator. Chips are simply fed to the top of the atmospheric vessel, and a chip level is established in the vessel. Treatment liquids are added to the vessel such that a total liquid volume (Z1+Z2) with a liquid level (LIQ LEV) is established under the chip level (CH LEV). Impregnation stage and subsequent cooking stages are implemented in the atmospheric vessel at successively increasing temperature and depths into the total liquid volume, thus preventing boiling in the stages and preferably reducing steam blow trough of the chip surface in the top of the vessel.
US07867361B2
A tissue paper product having at least one ply, wherein only one outer surface of said tissue paper product has a polyhydroxy compound applied thereto by slot extrusion, said polyhydroxy compound providing said tissue paper product with a Wet Burst greater than about 90 g, a Dynamic Coefficient of Friction less than about 0.9, and a Bending Flexibility less than about 0.1 gf cm2/cm.
US07867346B2
A junction substrate includes a first substrate, a buffer film formed on one surface of the first substrate, a metal containing film formed on the buffer film and having a lower resistance than the buffer film, and a second substrate bonded to the other surface of the first substrate.
US07867333B2
The invention describes improved mortar compositions that can reach compressive strength values up to six times more than the obtained ones by conventional mortars at the first hours of setting, as well as up to three times more at 28 days of setting. Cementitious materials, such as Portland cement and clinker of Portland cement were refined in a high energy mill until reaching the greater fineness possible (100%<10, um) to obtain a material with greater mechanical resistance by compression that those that are reached with normal cement. The compositions of the invention containing the refined cementitious material as well as refined and suitably distributed sand, develop compressive strengths substantially higher (greater to 100 MPa).
US07867331B2
A sacrificial coating material includes: at least one inorganic compound, and at least one material modification agent, wherein the sacrificial coating material is dissolvable in an alkaline-based chemistry or a fluorine-based chemistry. A method of producing a sacrificial coating material includes: providing at least one inorganic compound, providing at least one material modification agent, combining the at least one inorganic compound with the at least one material modification agent to form the sacrificial coating material, wherein the sacrificial coating material is dissolvable in an alkaline-based chemistry or a fluorine-based chemistry, but not organic casting solvents commonly used in organic BARC materials.
US07867329B2
A dental cement system, including an aqueous hydration liquid and a powdered material that essentially consists of an inorganic cement system, which powdered material has the capacity to form a complex, chemically bonded material with inorganic as well as organic phases with properties suitable for cementation of implant to another implant and/or to tooth or bone tissue.
US07867314B2
Flowability-improving particles containing 50 to 100% by mass of carbon black are adhered to surfaces of iron powder through a binder to provide an iron-based powder for powder metallurgy which has excellent flowability and which is capable of uniformly filling a thin-walled cavity, compaction with high ejection force, and maintaining sufficient strength of a sintered body in subsequent sintering.
US07867312B2
A trap device (18) for removing species from a gas stream drawn from an enclosure by a vacuum pump is described, the device (18) comprising a casing having an inlet (16) for receiving the gas stream, an outlet (20) for exhausting the gas stream from the casing, and first and second chambers (136, 138) each for receiving the gas stream from the inlet and conveying the gas stream to the outlet; means (170, 174) for selectively diverting the gas stream from the inlet to a selected one of the chambers; a first plurality of cartridges (32) each being removably insertable into the casing to provide a plurality of flow passages for gas passing through the first chamber; and a second plurality of cartridges (132) each being removably insertable into the casing to provide a plurality of flow passages for gas passing through the second chamber, each flow passage extending between an inlet and an outlet of a respective cartridge, each cartridge housing means for removing species from the gas passing therethrough as solid material collecting within the cartridge.
US07867311B1
A filter assembly, including an air cleaner, has an auxiliary flow component having a mounting flange extending into a gap between a housing port and a conduit in trapped relation to mount the auxiliary flow component to the port and the conduit at the interface thereof. The port and conduit are mounted to each other with the mounting flange therebetween in permanently captured sandwiched relation, without detachment fasteners.
US07867310B2
Methods and devices for separating oil from a mixture of oil and air are provided. In various embodiments, an air/oil separator includes a cylindrical housing that creates a circular flow path of the air and oil. Further, the air/oil separator may include various flow guides that improve the air/oil separation properties of the separator. Other embodiments include a turbine engine with a lubrication system that includes the improved air/oil separator.
US07867308B2
A cyclonic cleaning stage for a, e.g., surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The cyclonic cleaning stage comprises a plurality of cyclones, which are integrally molded as a single body. Each cyclone has a cyclone body having an upper end, a lower end, a cyclone inlet, and a cyclone outlet. Each cyclone inlet has a top. A separately molded upper cover is mounted to the top of the single body at the upper ends. A separately molded lower cover is mounted on the single body at the lower ends of the cyclones.
US07867298B2
Disclosed is a micro-reactor module including: a high temperature reactor which causes a reaction of a reactant; and a low temperature reactor which causes a reaction of a reactant at a lower temperature than the high temperature reactor, wherein a material of infrared reflecting film is set so that an infrared reflectance of the high temperature reactor is higher than an infrared reflectance of the low temperature reactor. Consequently, heat radiation of a plurality of reactors set to different temperatures is suppressed and the difference in temperatures between the plurality of reactors is maintained.
US07867296B2
A diesel fuel formulation containing a high proportion of ethanol has a corrected flash point. This flash point modification is achieved by feeding into the mixture a liquid of low flash point such as a light fraction consisting of a C5 to C7 paraffin cut. The resultant formulation invention can be directly used in a vehicle.
US07867295B2
Certain branched carboxylic acids may serve as improved lubricity additive compositions in distillate fuels, and in particular for cold weather applications. Suitable branched carboxylic acids may include, but are not necessarily limited to, isostearic acid, neodecanoic acid, isononanoic acid, neononanoic acid, neoundecanoic acid, isovaleric acid, pivalic acid, and the like and mixtures thereof. The branched carboxylic acids may be used alone or together with straight chain carboxylic acids, and optionally with an aromatic solvent.
US07867294B2
A process is provided to produce non-aqueous electrolytic solution for use in batteries having low acid content and low water content. The invention involves removing acids and water from non-aqueous electrolytic solutions typically found in lithium or lithium-ion batteries by using nitrogen-containing compounds such as triazines. After treatment by a triazine such as melamine, the concentrations of acids and water in the electrolytic solutions are substantially decreased. The present invention provides a process to prepare extremely pure electrolytic solutions having low (<20 ppm) concentrations of both water and acids.
US07867284B2
A method and a control system are used for determining a portion of locomotion and a phase of locomotion portion in view of controlling an actuated prosthesis in real time. The method comprises receiving a data signal from a plurality of main artificial proprioceptors, obtaining a first and a second derivative signal for each data signal, obtaining a third derivative signal for at least one of the data signals, using a set of first state machines to select one state among a plurality of possible states for each artificial proprioceptor with the corresponding data and derivative signals, generating the phase of locomotion portion using the states of the main artificial proprioceptors; and using a second state machine to select the portion of locomotion among a plurality of possible portions of locomotion using events associated to the data signals. It is particularly well adapted for an actuated, above-knee leg prosthesis.
US07867283B2
The anti-obesity diverter structure includes a laminate structure having papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied surfaces. The laminate structure is sized to fit longitudinally within a duodenum such that a transverse clearance is provided between the papilla-supplied surface and papilla of Vater. The laminate structure is secured within the duodenum to define papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied lumens therein. The papilla-supplied lumen receives the digestive fluid from the papilla of Vater, and provides a conduit for the digestive fluid therein. The pylorus-supplied lumen receives the chyme from the pylorus and provides a conduit for the chyme therein. The laminate structure is impervious or semi-permeable to the chyme and digestive fluid.
US07867275B2
A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract; at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure; and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive material posited on at least a portion of the coating layer 16, wherein the coating layer 16 provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the coating layer. In addition, at least one porous layer 20 can be posited over the bioactive material layer 18, wherein the porous layer includes a polymer and provides for the controlled release of the bioactive material therethrough. Preferably, the structure 12 is a coronary stent. The porous layer 20 includes a polymer applied preferably by vapor or plasma deposition and provides for a controlled release of the bioactive material. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative, which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, and merely by condensation of a monomer vapor.
US07867269B2
A tubular stent that uniformly scaffolds vessel tissue within a region that significantly changes diameter or transverse dimension. The invention may be practiced in lumens that taper in either retrograde or antegrade directions, and the transverse dimensional change may be relatively linear or flared. A catheter for delivering the stent of the invention may include a balloon having a comparably flared shape and an inverse conical distal end. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
US07867268B2
A delivery device for a catheter-sheath assembly includes an outer shaft having proximal and distal ends, an inner shaft having proximal and distal ends, and a rigid inner member disposed within the inner shaft. A catheter is secured to the rigid inner member and a sheath extends from the outer shaft, covering the catheter and a stent maintained on the distal end of the catheter. The outer shaft is directable from a first position to a second position to retract the distal end of the sheath with respect to the catheter to deploy a stent or other therapeutic or corrective element from within the sheath.
US07867265B2
A bone clamp moving bone segments relative to each other. The clamp comprises a first and second branch and a bridge connecting the first and second branch. The bone clamp may have a first, undeformed state, where the branches may be angled or substantially parallel with respect to each other. The bone clamp may have a second, deformed state, where the branches may be moved from the first state. The bone clamp may be deformed using an instrument such as pliers. When the bone clamp is in the deformed state, the branches may be inserted into bone segments. Thereafter, the instrument may be disengage from the bone clamp and the clamp may return to its undeformed state. While returning to the first, undeformed, state the bone clamp may apply compressive or distraction forces on the bone segments, thereby moving the bone segments relative to each other.
US07867262B2
A surgical fixing device for the fixing of adjacent bone parts is provided. A first engaging element is provided for engaging the underside of the two bone parts and a second engaging element is provided for engaging the upper side of the bone parts. A tensioning device connects the two engaging elements to each other through an interspace between the bone parts and permanently fixes the two engaging elements with respect to each other in a tensioned manner when they engage the underside and the upper side of the bone parts. To make it easier to apply the fixing device, at least one elastic tensioning element is provided which displaces a supporting surface applied to the upper side of the bone parts toward the first engaging element, so that the supporting surface and the first engaging element can be moved away from each other against the force of the elastic tensioning element.
US07867258B2
Orthopedic constructs having parts that are movable with respect to each other and one or more friction members to limit unintended movement are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-axial bone anchor having a receiver member and a screw-type anchor is provided. The receiver member includes one or more internal apertures in which a friction member is placed, and a portion of the anchor contacts or is loosely held by the friction member(s).
US07867256B2
A device for dynamic stabilization of bones or bone fragments comprising at least one anchor member for attachment to vertebrae having an opening configured to receive a longitudinal member; and the longitudinal member being viscoelastically deformable and having a predetermined bending resilience.
US07867255B2
A spinal rod system includes a first rod and a second rod engaged to a connector with the first and second rods extending axially therefrom in opposite directions from one another. The connector is mountable to a mounting anchor and securable thereto with an engaging member. The connector secures the first rod in the mounting anchor and the connector is clampingly engaged between the engaging member and the first rod. The second rod is engageable in a receiving portion of the connector adjacent to the mounting anchor.
US07867252B2
There are disclosed various embodiments of surgical tacks for use in surgical procedures. The tacks generally include a head and a barrel portion extending distally from the head. Preferably the head and the barrel portion define a throughbore for receipt of a drive instrument. A thread on the head is provided to engage threads in the installation tool. A tissue thread is provided on the barrel portion to engage tissue. Distal and proximal surfaces of the tissue thread may be oriented at various angles relative to the barrel portion. There is also disclosed an insertion instrument to insert one or more tacks as well as a method of use. There is further disclosed a model device for use in explaining the operation of the instrument.
US07867243B2
A tissue grasping and clipping/stapling device includes a grasping jaw assembly for grasping tissue, and a fastener delivery and forming assembly adapted for applying a fastener to tissue grasped with the jaw assembly. The jaw assembly has a spring loaded closing mechanism to secure different thicknesses of tissue and the fastener feeding and applying mechanism is adaptable to different extents of closing of the jaw assembly. The device is particularly well suited for miniature clipping/stapling such as anastomosis of coronary blood vessels and the like.
US07867242B2
This documents describes among other things a normalizing stage apparatus, tools and methods. One example includes a base that defines a trajectory. A first stage is moveably coupled to the base and the first stage moves along the trajectory. A second stage is moveably coupled to the first stage and moves an instrument coupled thereto with respect to the base and the first stage. Before movement of the instrument, the first and second stages are in first positions desired (e.g. predetermined) distances from a target area in the body. Another example includes the first stage and a guide tube stop coupled with the first stage. A guide tube is coupled with the guide tube stop and extends through a guide tube stop lumen. The guide tubes outer perimeter is dimensioned and configured to snugly couple with the surface defining the guide tube stop lumen.
US07867230B2
This invention provides bipolar forceps that are used for coagulation, dissection or similar surgical manipulation by the application of a high-frequency current in a surgical operation, which suppresses attachment and sticking of burned protein to arm tip end portions irrespective of the properties of the metal material forming the arms. The bipolar forceps according to the present invention have on each of opposed surfaces 1a of the tip end portions 1 of a pair of arms a composite plating film 3 composed of a noble metal material 3a and nonconductive fine particles 3b, and a laminate plating film 4 of a noble metal material formed on the composite plating film 3.
US07867220B2
A catheter assembly including a catheter handle and a catheter assembly with a catheter element and a container for accommodation of the catheter element. In a first compact configuration, the catheter element and the catheter handle are separated to reduce the length of the catheter assembly. The catheter element is in the container and the catheter handle is attached on the outside of the container assembly. The catheter handle can be detached and interlocked with the catheter element to constitute, in a second configuration, a catheter device.
US07867212B2
A method for manufacturing fastener ears for absorbent articles and other garments includes the step of cutting a wave-shaped pattern along the longitudinal axis of an elongated strip of material. The wave-shaped cutting pattern is substantially centered along the strip and divides the strip into a first web and a second web. Each web has a series of ear shapes, with each ear shape having a wave crest portion. Each wave crest portion has a first edge with a convex curvature. The method also includes the step of cutting each of the ear shapes out of its respective web to form a plurality of fastener ears. A fastener ear formed by such method is also contemplated.
US07867200B2
The invention relates to an inserter for an infusion set for intermittent or continuous administration of a therapeutical substance such as e.g. insulin. The inserter comprises a needle unit comprising a needle hub (2) and a carrier body (4), and a cannula housing (3). The cannula housing and the needle hub are releasably connected and when they are connected, the insertion needle (6) is placed inside the cannula (5). The carrier body guides the movement relative to the set housing between a retracted and an advanced position. When released the needle unit and the cannula housing are forced by a spring unit (13) to an advanced position where the needle and cannula are placed subcutaneously. The object of the invention is to provide a disposable inserter for an infusion set which inserter is easy and safe for the user to handle during use and to dispose of after use.
US07867195B2
Methods are provided for partial aortic obstruction for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially obstruct aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial obstruction of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter and a distally mounted expandable member. The expandable member may comprise one or two balloons. Other medical devices, such as an angioplasty, stent, or atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the expandable member to provide therapeutic intervention.
US07867190B2
A suction device which can protected before and after use. The suction device includes an elongated suction tube having a suction tip at one end. A retractable, protective sheath is connected to the tube and extends over the exposed length of the suction tube. A tip protector extends from the free end of the sheath, and includes an interference structure in the form of a plurality of spaced ribs protruding inwardly to engage and grip the suction tip. A hollow sheath housing is secured to the free end and a sheath inserter is secured to the suction tube proximate the connection end, with the sheath housing and the sheath inserter being shaped to insert the retractable sheath in the hollow sheath housing when the sheath is in a retracted position. The tip protector and the sheath housing can be portions of a unitary structure.
US07867188B2
A disposable warmer cartridge is used to heat fluids to be infused to the patient to prevent hypothermia in the patient. The cartridge has in its chamber a pair of spaced in parallel electrodes that have substantially the same dimension. When RF power is fed to the electrodes, an alternating electric field is generated between the electrodes to directly heat the fluid that is in the chamber. The heating of the fluid is achieved in a substantially instantaneous manner by controlling the energization of the electrodes through the distributed impedance of the electric field between the electrodes. Heat is readily controlled by modulating the RF power fed to the electrodes. Feedback to control the temperature of the fluid in the cartridge may be provided by non-contact and direct contact sensor(s).
US07867182B2
An apparatus and method for providing an orthopaedic support having a flexible inner member and an exoskeleton that is molded directly onto the flexible inner member. One embodiment is a wrist support having a separate, attachable thumb spica, and may include a molded plastic exostructure supplying support for resisting motion of said wrist. An inner fabric support is attached to said molded exostructure for providing cushioning to the wrist area. Other embodiments include to said molded exostructure for providing an attachable stay; a web bridge that extends across and supports the web of the hand; an adjustable wrist support having an adjustable forearm portion that can accommodate various sizes of forearms; a wrist brace having a space to accommodate the web of the hand; and a support having an interior padding member, with the padding member itself having a support structure molded onto the padding.
US07867180B2
The present invention relates to a transparent immobilization device which is able to be molded direct on a patient and which is provided to cover at least a part of a patients' body that needs to be fixed, supported and/or immobilized, which immobilization device is at least partly made of a plastic material. The immobilization device is at least partly made of a sheet of a material comprising at least one thermoplastic elastomer which is a copolymer of ethylene with at least one α-olefin having 3-10 carbon atoms, or a blend of two or more of such copolymers. The present invention also relates to a method for producing such an immobilization device, according to which the plastic material is first heated to a temperature which is 15-20° C. above the melting temperature, then cooled to a temperature which may be supported by the body and molded on the body part of the patient that needs to be immobilized.
US07867178B2
Apparatus for Generating Shock Waves directed at an area of a human or animal body to be treated using piezoelectric fibers, for generating shock waves. The piezofibers integrated in a composite material are controlled for this, and together with a control unit they form the shock-wave generating part.
US07867170B2
An improved method and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more hemodynamic parameters associated with the circulatory system of a living organism. In one aspect, the invention comprises a method of measuring a hemodynamic parameter (e.g., arterial blood pressure) by applanating or compressing portions of tissue proximate to the blood vessel of concern until a desired condition is achieved, and then measuring the hemodynamic parameter. Such applanation effectively mitigates transfer and other losses created by the tissue proximate to the blood vessel, thereby facilitating accurate and robust tonometric measurement. An algorithm adapted to maintain optimal levels of applanation is also described. Methods and apparatus for scaling such hemodynamic parameter measurements based on subject physiology, and providing treatment to the subject based on the measured parameters, are also disclosed.
US07867169B2
An echogenic medical device, such as a needle catheter, which produces an improved ultrasonic image of the device, and a method of performing a medical procedure using a device of the invention. One aspect is directed to a catheter which reduces artifacts in the ultrasound image of the catheter. In one embodiment, the catheter has a spherical distal tip. Another aspect of the invention is directed to an echogenic catheter with echogenic portions arranged in an array to facilitate determination by ultrasonic imaging of the rotational orientation of the catheter relative to a desired location within the patient.
US07867167B2
Disclosed is a system and method for intra-operatively spatially calibrating an ultrasound probe. The method includes determining the relative changes in ultrasound images of a phantom, or high-contrast feature points within a target volume, for three different ultrasound positions. Spatially calibrating the ultrasound probe includes measuring the change in position and orientation of the probe and computing a calibration matrix based on the measured changes in probe position and orientation and the estimated changes in position and orientation of the phantom.
US07867166B2
In estimation of an aberration in propagation of an ultrasonic wave from an aperture through an aberration path, the aperture is modeled as a plurality of sources and receivers. The frequency-domain magnitude of the aberration is estimated by normalizing the scattered signal power spectrum. The frequency-domain phase of the aberration is estimated by a recursion using cross spectra of signals at neighboring receivers.
US07867154B2
A tilting inversion exerciser includes a supporting stand having a plate formed in each of two housings, and a curved channel formed in each plate and formed by two end stops, two arms each having a board formed in a casing and pivotally coupled to the plate with a pivot axle for supporting a user supporting table, the board includes a guide pin slidably engaged in the curved channel of the plate, a panel includes an anchor engageable into the curved channel of the plate for forming a shortened moving path between the anchor of the panel and the end stop of the plate, and for limiting the guide pin of the board to slide along the shortened moving path, and a latch member changeably secures the anchor and the panel to the housing at different angular position.
US07867152B1
A collapsible device includes extendable hydraulic cylinders mounted on a base by swivel joints and which are amenable to use with a plurality of different grips whereby the device is amenable to a wide variety of exercises.
US07867148B2
A heavy bag for boxing, martial arts, or other athletic practice, generally cylindrical in nature having a bottom, a cylindrical vertical side wall, and an open upper end subject with closure, there being positioned within the shell, a disk member adjacent the bottom of the heavy bag, the disk member having an upwardly extending step spindle, the step spindle extending upwardly proximate the open end of the bag, there being slidably receivable on the step spindle a plurality of modular toroidal drums or cells whose central aperture is complimentary with the diameter of the particular step spindle and its outer circumference is complimentary with the internal diameter of the cylindrical shell side wall of the heavy bag, there being positioned between each of the modular toroidal drums or cells on the step spindle, a washer or disk member supported on a respective step of the spindle and providing support to the adjacent upper modular toroidal drum or cell so as to prevent compression of the lower drum and thereby contribute to a heavy bag which maintains its proper density and resilience and resistance over the height of the bag through usage and time, each drum being filled with suitable stuffing or filler.
US07867146B2
A horse-riding simulating physical fitness device includes a bottom rack and a movable frame. The bottom rack includes a base positionable on ground and forms a front support that is rotatably coupled to a movable frame with a connection link and a rear support that is rotatably coupled to two crank arms extending in the same direction. The two crank arms are rotatably coupled to the movable frame with two rocker arms. The movable frame includes a seat bar and a head bar respectively supporting a seat cushion and a handlebar. When a user rides on the movable frame, using feet to tread the crank arms, the movable frame is caused to swing frontward and rearward along a predetermined motion trace to generate a horse riding like motion. Thus, a new style of exercise is provided, which offers versatile effects of training.
US07867136B2
A method is provided for limiting a torque output associated with a power conversion unit. The method may include receiving data related to a pressure associated with an implement system hydraulic cylinder, determining, based on the data, a preferred torque value, wherein the preferred torque value is below a predetermined threshold value associated with one or more drive train components, and modifying a torque output associated with a power conversion unit to approximate the preferred torque value.
US07867132B2
A gear transmission comprises a traveling load detection element including an upstream detection member, a downstream detection member and a biasing member. One of the upstream and downstream detection members is an axially slidable detection member which is axially slidable along an output shaft. One of the upstream and downstream detection members has a first engagement part and a second engagement part. The first engagement part and the second engagement part generate respective forces for sliding the axially slidable detection member opposite to the biasing direction of the biasing member. The forces are changed according to variation of the traveling load.
US07867127B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.
US07867125B2
In one aspect, a real wheel drive apparatus is provided for a four wheel drive hybrid electric vehicle includes: a motor generator for driving rear wheels; a reduction gear set for reducing an output speed of the motor generator and transmitting the reduced output speed; a differential gear set interposed between the reduction gear set and right and left wheel shafts of the rear wheels and a clutch unit interposed between the differential gear set and the wheel shaft to perform a differential limiting.
US07867116B2
A game ball including a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to the laced region of the casing. The lacing has an exposed surface comprised of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile. The outer material has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 100 and 650 kg/cm2. At least a portion of the lacing can have an exposed pebbled surface.
US07867110B2
A putter fitting method and system comprising a laser configured to deflect a laser beam off of a putter at address and strike a scoring map in such a way so as to indicate the any error's in a golfer's aim. The method and system may further comprise determining physical alterations to the golfer's putter in order to correct the aim errors. Such changes may be to the hosels (neck), hosel offset, hosel types, head shape, loft, line combination, length or the like. These changes may be suggested automatically, for example, by a computer program, based on the location of the laser strike, or by a fitting professional.
US07867105B2
A forged iron head for a golf club has a face for hitting a golf ball, a top and a sole extending to upper and lower parts of a rear side of the face, a heel and a toe disposed between the sole and the top, a cavity disposed in the rear side of the face and surrounded by the sole, the top, the heel and the toe and a hosel coupled with a shaft extending from a first side of the face and having a handle part to be gripped by a player. The head comprises a hollow part with an opening formed from the sole toward a first side of the cavity, and a sole cover which closes the opening. The formation of the hollow part lowers the centroid of the iron head, thereby improving flight distances and direction of a golf ball.
US07867102B2
A golf swing training and exercise system includes an optically reflective device, a golf device, a pair of light source devices, and a resistance device. The golf device has a center section that is placed on the back of a user during a golf swing training and exercise routine, two end sections extending outwardly from the center section, and a pair of intermediate sections that are disposed between and interconnect the center section and the respective end sections to one another and on which the user's hands or forearms are placed during the golf swing training and exercise routine. The light source devices are connected to respective distal ends of the end sections for projecting light beams on a reflective surface of the optically reflective device during a golf swing training and exercise routine. The resistance device is removably connected to the golf device to apply a resistance in at least one direction of movement of the golf device during the golf swing training and exercise routine.
US07867099B2
A connecting arrangement between a shaft journal (2), which is mounted so as to be axially fixed with respect to a unit, and a joint part (10) which can be pivotably attached to the shaft journal in a rotationally fixed manner. A shaft nut (5) having an internal thread (6) which can be screwed onto an external thread (4) of the shaft journal, is provided with an additional external thread (8) onto which a further nut (12) can be screwed via a counter-thread (21) to produce an axially acting interlocking connection (13) between the further nut (12) and the joint part (10).
US07867088B2
An interactive game system includes a specially prepared DVD game disk with video images such as of a game show, and game data and instructions encoded within the VBI data on the disk. A game control unit receives all of the video signals recorded on from the DVD including both video images and the VBI data, extracts the VBI data, and uses the VBI data in conjunction with a plurality of handheld player inputs to allow users to select and answer game questions. The game control unit keeps track of whether the player inputs were correct or incorrect, the players' cumulative scores in accordance with their answers, and displays the players cumulative scores as video overlay on top of the recorded video images to be sent to a video display such as a standard television set. The game control unit controls chapter selection on the user's particular DVD player model via a programmable wireless transmitter, and performs other logic, video, and audio generating and processing functions to allow a highly interactive game playing experience for multiple players.
US07867084B2
Hardware, systems, devices, architecture and methods for a wagering game-specific platform features secure storage and verification of game code and/or other data. An external connection securely communicates with a computerized wagering gaming system. Some embodiments of the invention provide the ability to identify game program code as certified or approved. This is provided by use of various electronic devices and elements for encryption, including at least a device that is internally embedded in the gaming device that access digital signatures, encrypted files, encrypted compiled files and hash functions as well as other encryption methods. Such functions are able to be effected, and security and validation is advantageously applied to data loaded into storage media even while the gaming machine is in operation.
US07867079B2
A system for administering promotions in which a player is awarded promotion credit to be consumed in wagering activities includes a credit administration facility that maintains a player credit account, and a display means capable of displaying a composition of the player credit account on a display means. The promotion credit is either one or both of a priori and a posteriori promotion credit. The credit administration facility automatically determines the composition of the player credit account as a function of any credit purchases made by the player, wagers made by the player and their corresponding payouts, and any promotion credit awarded to the player.
US07867078B2
In the application, embodiments for providing an interdependent combination of a primary game and a bonus feature are described. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises the steps of conducting the primary game, conducting the bonus feature upon fulfillment of a triggering criterion, resuming conduct of the primary game upon fulfillment of primary-game ticket criterion with a bonus-feature resuming criterion being established during the conduct of the bonus feature, and resuming conduct of the bonus feature upon fulfillment of the bonus-feature resuming criterion. Between the times the primary game and the bonus feature are resumed, data relative to the bonus feature are maintained to permit resuming of the bonus feature in the state is was left. Embodiments of gaming machines, gaming devices, and game servers involved in providing embodiments of the invention are also described.
US07867063B2
A substrate holding apparatus is for holding a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer in a polishing apparatus for polishing the substrate to a flat finish. The substrate holding apparatus comprises a vertically movable member, and an elastic member for defining a chamber. The elastic member comprises a contact portion which is brought into contact with the substrate, and a circumferential wall extending upwardly from the contact portion and connected to the vertically movable member. The circumferential wall has a stretchable and contractible portion which is stretchable and contractible vertically.
US07867061B2
Methods for applying surface texture to the exterior of bodily implants, as well as implants made by the methods described.
US07867057B2
A bra includes first and second cups for contacting and supporting the breasts of a wearer of the bra, each cup having an inner side, located at a position between the breasts, and an outer side, located at an outer portion of each breast; and at least one bra wing extending from the outer side of each of the first and second cups. The at least one bra wing includes a spacer material having a modulus in at least one direction at 20% stretch and 10 lbs. load of between 1.8 and 3.0 lbs. of force.
US07867056B2
A bra includes first and second cups for contacting and supporting the breasts of a wearer of the bra, each cup having an inner side, located at a position between the breasts, and an outer side, located at an outer portion of each breast; and at least one bra wing extending from the outer side of each of the first and second cups. The at least one bra wing includes a spacer material having a modulus in at least one direction at 20% stretch and 10 lbs. load of between 1.27 and 2.13 lbs. of force.
US07867054B2
A flat panel display and method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The flat panel display includes a first substrate having a pixel region; a light-emitting element located on the pixel region; a second substrate located opposite the first substrate; and a sealant located between the first and second substrates to cover the light-emitting element. At least one of the first and second substrates includes a groove formed around at least a portion of the circumference surrounding the pixel region. When the first and second substrates are pressed together with the sealant between them, the sealant spreads, covering the light-emitting element, and at least partially filling the groove.
US07867051B2
An organic light emitting display device and a method of fabricating the same. A dummy pattern is formed in an emission region to increase the step height of the emission region by an electrode material while a thin film transistor is fabricated, so that a distance between a pixel electrode and a donor film is decreased during fabrication of an organic layer. This reduced distance reduces laser energy for transfer using laser-induced thermal imaging, thus improving life span and efficiency of the device. Further, the pixel electrode can extend into a thin film transistor region and a capacitor region, thus enhancing an aperture ratio.
US07867048B2
An outboard motor includes an engine, and a top cowling and a bottom cowling that are arranged to cover the engine. A flow-joining pipe is connected to each exhaust port of a plurality of cylinders of the engine. A first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe, and a third exhaust pipe are connected to the flow-joining pipe in sequence. The flow-joining pipe and the first exhaust pipe are connected generally at the same height as a bottommost of the cylinders of the engine. The third exhaust pipe is disposed above a topmost of the cylinders of the engine. A catalyst is disposed in a connecting portion between the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe so as to be housed in an upper end portion of the first exhaust pipe and in a lower end portion of the second exhaust pipe. The outboard motor is thus able to prevent water from adhering to a catalyst while avoiding any increase in size.
US07867044B2
Disclosed herein is a multiple ground terminal assembly for vehicles. The multiple ground terminal assembly includes a multiple ground terminal unit 100 and a ground bolt 200, and can be formed by layering multiple ground terminals 110 to be in surface contact with each other.
US07867032B2
A connector assembly includes a housing and contacts. The housing is configured to mate with a mating connector. The contacts are in the housing and configured to electrically connect the connector assembly with the mating connector. The contacts are arranged in a coaxial signal contact pattern. The coaxial signal contact pattern includes a center signal contact surrounded by contacts electrically connected to an electrical ground in a manner to emulate a coaxial connection with the mating connector.
US07867029B2
This invention provides with a connector housing in which a retaining arm for fixing a metal terminal to be inserted into a receiving chamber is formed within the receiving chamber, and extends in a direction of insertion of the metal terminal, and the retaining arm has a convex retaining portion to be engaged with a predetermined retaining hole formed in the metal terminal, wherein the retaining portion has a first slanting surface formed at a central portion of the retaining portion in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the metal terminal, and a pair of second slanting surfaces formed respectively at opposite side portions to the central portion, the second slanting surfaces being gentler in inclination angle than the first slanting surface; and at an arbitrary position in the direction of extending of the retaining arm in a range in which the first slanting surface is disposed above a predetermined height, the second slanting surfaces are disposed lower than the first slanting surface.
US07867026B1
The present invention is directed to an electrical connector having a body, three connector ends and a plurality of electrically conductive elements passing through the body. The electrically conductive elements are spaced-apart from a central axis of one of the connector ends and collinear with one of the two remaining conductor ends. Specifically, the body extends from a first aperture, terminating in two spaced-apart termini, each of which includes an aperture, defining second and third apertures. A first volume extends between the first and second apertures, and a second volume extends between the first and third apertures. A first subset of a plurality of spaced-apart electrically conductive elements extends through the first volume. A second subset of the plurality of spaced-apart electrically conductive elements extends through the second volume.
US07867022B2
A bracket configured to be mounted to a support wall. The bracket includes a panel that has opposing first and second sides that extend along a plane. The first side faces an exterior space and the second side facing an interior space. The bracket also includes a hub that is configured to receive an electronic device. The hub includes a first hub portion that extends from the first side and a second hub portion that extends from the second side toward the interior space. The first and second hub portions define a port through the panel to connect the interior and exterior spaces. The port extends along a central axis and is sized and shaped to receive and receive the device along the central axis. The central axis forms a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the plane of the first and second sides.
US07867021B1
A vehicle power connection device that branches a single pair of connections to a vehicle's battery to provide power to a plurality of accessories. The device having a housing being made of an insulating material and possessing a plurality of pairs of power output sockets, each pair having both a positive member and a negative member in close proximity to each other. Each of the power wires of the accessories are individually secured into the sockets of the housing, in a manner so as to shield the un-insulated portion of the inserted wire from accidental contact with another electrically conducting member of the vehicle. The device also having a circuit protection mechanism to stop electrical communication between the vehicle and the accessory load if a circuit fault condition occurs. Various embodiments of the above are disclosed.
US07867019B1
A thermal imaging device includes a replaceable battery pack, which may include a shock absorbing and/or seal member. A battery portion of the battery pack includes an electrical contact and a sidewall that contains at least one battery cell, which is electrically coupled to the contact. An attachment mechanism of the battery pack is configured to engage a portion of a housing of the device, such that a portion of the battery pack forms a terminal end of the device, the battery portion is held within the portion of the housing, and the electrical contact of the battery portion is operably connected to the imaging assembly of the device. The attachment mechanism is releasable from engagement with the housing, such that an entirety of the battery pack can be completely separated from the thermal imaging device.
US07867006B2
A land grid array (LGA) connector includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts received in the insultive housing, a stiffener disposed around the insulative housing, a metallic clip rotatably mounted to the stiffener, and a lever rotatably mounted to the stiffener to lock the metallic clip to the stiffener. The insulative housing defines a substantially rectangular cavity in a middle thereof adapted for receiving an electronic package therein. The metallic clip is disposed against the housing to press the electronic package upon the contacts. The metallic clip is configured by a single strip with a predetermined arrangement and then formed through bending.
US07867003B2
Electronic assemblies are described. One embodiment includes a circuit board and a socket coupled to the circuit board. The assembly also includes a load mechanism including a first lever arm and a second lever arm. The load mechanism also includes a first axis portion extending from a first longitudinal end of the first lever arm, the first axis portion pivotally coupled to the circuit board, and a second axis portion extending from a first longitudinal end of the second lever arm, the second axis portion pivotally coupled to the circuit board. The load mechanism also includes a first load arm region extending from the first axis portion and the second axis portion and positioned between the first and second lever arms. The load mechanism also includes a first handle region at a second longitudinal end of the first lever arm, and a second handle region at a second longitudinal end of the second lever arm. The load mechanism also includes a second load arm region extending from the first handle region, and a third load arm region extending from the second handle region, the second and third load arm regions positioned between the first and second lever arms. The load mechanism also includes a gap positioned between an end of the second load arm and an end of the third load arm. The load mechanism is coupled to the circuit board. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07867000B1
An electrical connector assembly is disclosed, the assembly having an electrical connector and a plurality of contacts coupled to a plurality of fixed bodies by plurality of fasteners adapted to facilitate relative movement of the electrical connector and the contacts relative to the fixed bodies while maintain an electrical communication.
US07866992B2
A connection system, in particular an electrical connection system, having a male connector and having a female connector has a bayonet-type connection for connecting the male connector and the female connector. The bayonet-type connection has at least one axially extending insertion channel and at least one adjoining latching position, which is offset in the circumferential direction with respect thereto, in the female connector, the end side of the female connector, which end side is provided for connection to the male connector, being covered by a cover, which is arranged adjustably in the female connector such that, when the male connector is positioned on it, the opening is released by this male connector in order to produce the connection.
US07866991B2
An electronic device includes a housing having a sidewall, a socket assembled in the housing, and a protection cover slidably assembled on the sidewall of the housing. The sidewall of the housing defines a sliding slot and a socket hole. The socket is exposed by the socket hole. The protection cover includes a main body, a latching portion and a sliding block connecting the main body and the latching portion. The main body and the latching portion are respectively positioned on opposite sides of the sidewall. The sliding block is slidably engaged in the sliding slot, thus enabling the main body to slide between a first and a second positions to expose or cover the socket.
US07866987B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing (1) defining a pair of guiding recesses (14), a connecting member (2) mounted in the insulative housing for connecting with a chip, a number of resilient members (4) received in the guiding recesses, a pair of latches (3) each having a pivot (34) mounted in the insulative housing and supported by the resilient members, and an actuator (3) mounted on the insulative housing and formed with a number of latching portions (63) in contact with the latch. The actuator is moveable along an up-to-down direction to drive the latch pivotable about the pivot between a locked position and an unlocked position.
US07866980B2
Dental implant drill holes and the shape of a dental implant superstructure are chosen by creating a computer model giving jawbone structural details, gum surface shape information and proposed teeth or dental prosthesis shape information. The computer model shows the bone structure, gum surface and teeth images properly referenced to one another so that implant drill hole positions can be selected taking into consideration proper positioning within the bone as well as proper positioning with respect to the dental prosthesis. Similarly, manufacture of the dental implant superstructures used for fixed dental prosthesis or overdentures can be designed based on knowledge of the actual implant positions referenced to an image of the gum surface and proposed dental prosthesis.
US07866972B2
A replaceable double-plate-injection mold comprises a movable side mold plate having one side formed with a male mold core; a movable side assembly plate being connected to another side of the movable side mold plate; a fixed side mold plate having one side being formed with a female mold core; and a fixed side assembly plate having one side installed with a plurality of track supporting rods for passing through the fixed side mold plate, the movable side mold plate, and the movable side assembly plate. One side of the fixed side assembly plate is recessed for assembling a supporting plate of the male mold core; and another side thereof is corresponding to the fixed side assembly plate. A center of the movable side mold plate is formed with a receiving portion.
US07866967B2
A pump, in particular a vacuum pump for motor vehicles, wherein a rotor with at least one vane is mounted inside a pump housing, the rotor being rotatably driven by the combustion engine of the motor vehicle via a coupling device. An intermediate element is arranged between the rotor and the coupling device so as to captively retain the rotor and coupling device and protect them against wear.
US07866950B1
A turbine blade for use in a gas turbine engine, where the turbine blade is made from a spar and shell construction in which a thin walled shell is held in place between the blade tip and the platform by only a mechanical fastener without using any bonding, welding or brazing. The spar is connected to an attachment by a tie bolt, and a separate platform is secured, over the attachment t in which the shell is held against. This provides for a thermally free platform and shell connection. With this arrangement, the shell is held under compression within the 2% yield stress range such that the turbine blade shell can have an infinite life. Also, the turbine blade is much lighter than prior art blades. As a result, the spar and shell blade produces less stress on the rotor disk during engine operation.
US07866941B2
A fan comprises a ventilation device and a vibration device. The ventilation device comprises a housing, an impeller disposed in the housing and rotating with respect to a rotating center, and a driving mechanism disposed in the housing and connected to the impeller to rotate the impeller. The vibration device is disposed on the impeller and comprises at least one fixed element, at least one movable element, and at least one track. The fixed element is fixed to the track, and the movable element is slidably disposed on the track. When the movable element slides on the track, a vibration notification is generated.
US07866938B2
The instant invention deals with the solution to technical flaws of existing vertical axis windmills in which the wind strikes simultaneously on inward and outward facing sides of rotor blades which reduce efficiency. Hence, this invention, i.e., the vertical axis windmill with wind guiding device, includes vertical plates which are fixed from the bottom of a base structure to the top of a rotor in an annular array. In between any two vertical plates, inclined plates are fixed from the bottom of the base structure to the top of the base structure. These plates are tilted towards the concave side of the rotor blades. The vertical and inclined plates are fixed in angular and radial directions so that whenever the wind blows from any direction, it gets compressed and then is diverted towards the wind receiving blades. Also the vertical plates protect the convex side of the rotor blades from wind while diverting the wind towards the wind receiving blades.
US07866900B2
A camera control apparatus, includes two actuators, each including a piezoelectric body and a stick-shaped shaft provided on the piezoelectric body, the piezoelectric body being configured to be modified based on application of an AC voltage, a rotating part including two circular-shaped members rotatably provided, the circular-shaped members being configured to sandwich two of the shafts; an electric power source part configured to apply the AC voltage to the piezoelectric bodies; and a rotation control part configured to change a shooting direction of a camera apparatus directly connected to the circular-shaped members in rotational directions of the circular-shaped members based on the amount of rotation of the circular-shaped members.
US07866898B2
Disclosed is an optical communication module including a module base in an approximately rectangular shape in which the light path member is introduce from one end surface in a longitudinal direction, a cover member provided at an upper portion of the module base and a plurality of pairs of conductive members in which each of the conductive members constituting a pair are respectively disposed at both outside surfaces of the module base and which are electrically connected to the light path member, and a concave portion is formed at an upper surface of the module base, the cover member is formed so as to cover an opening of the concave portion, and the conductive members are formed so as to extend for equal lengths toward an upper surface side and a lower surface side of the module base from a center line of a height direction of the outside surfaces.
US07866894B2
A mounting system is disclosed for mounting a bearing assembly or other mechanical element to a shaft. The mounting system uses a tapered sleeve mechanism to secure the bearing assembly on the shaft. Specifically, a pressure loaded piston drives the sleeve from a pre-assembled position to an initial position. The initial position is determined by monitoring the pressure applied to the piston. Once the initial position has been reached, a linear indicator is used to measure the axial sleeve movement from the initial position to a final position. The system remains in place after the bearing is installed on the shaft and facilitates removal of the bearing assembly from the shaft.
US07866893B2
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member (10), an inner member (1) and double row rolling elements (6, 6) freely rollably arranged between the outer and inner raceway surfaces (10a, 10a; 2a, 3a), respectively, of the outer and inner members (10 and 1), via cages (7). An annular projection (12) is formed on the outer circumferential surface at an inboard side end of the cylindrical portion (2b) of the wheel hub (2). An annular recess (13) is formed on the inner circumferential surface at the inboard side end of the inner ring (3). The annular recess (13) corresponds to the annular projection (12) and has a difference in height slightly larger than that of the annular projection (12). The inner ring (3) is press fit onto the cylindrical portion (2b) of the wheel hub (2) with the recess (13) engaged by the projection (12).
US07866888B2
A hydrodynamic bearing (300) has a bearing surface adapted for receiving a shaft to rotate thereon. The bearing surface has a plurality of grooves (34) defined therein. The grooves for generating hydrodynamic pressure each has at least one interior surface (3421). The at least one interior surface has a sloping surface along a circumferential direction of the hydrodynamic bearing.
US07866884B2
The present invention comprises a top plate 31 for placing a cylindrical phantom 100, an X-ray tube 22 that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector 23 that detects X-rays transmitted through the phantom 100 placed on a top plate 31, a supporting body drive part 25 that rotates the X-ray tube 22 and X-ray detector 23, a tomographic image data generating part 60 that generates tomographic image data on the phantom 100 based on a results of detecting X-rays by the X-ray detector 23, a calculation processing part 80 that calculates displacement of the cylinder axis J of the phantom 100 relative to the center of rotation (center of scan) by the supporting body drive part 25, based on the tomographic image data, and the angle of gradient of the cylinder axis J relative to the normal direction (direction of slice) of the rotation plane of said rotation, and a monitor 5 that displays the calculated results.
US07866883B2
One describes a radiographic film positioning device, particularly de-signed for use in dentistry, provided with a first assembly for positioning at least one radiographic film that comprises at least one association means for association with a radiographic support, positionable substantially perpendicular to a bone portion of the patient.
US07866879B2
An immersion blender which includes a motor housing and an elongate shaft housing extending from the motor housing to a blender working end. The working end includes a rotatable mixing tool enclosed in part by a blade guard. A resilient spatula ring is attached to the blade guard as an extension thereof. The spatula ring has a spatula edge and sufficient flexibility to conform to inner surface contours of a mixing vessel. A spatula ring may also be provided as an aftermarket product to fit existing immersion blender models.
US07866875B2
A variable capacity hydraulic pump (10) drives a concrete agitating drum (1) via a hydraulic motor (81). A hydraulic actuator (14) regulates a discharge flow rate of the hydraulic pump (10) depending on an actuator driving pressure. A load sensing valve (40) generates the actuator driving pressure by reducing a discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump (10) according to a differential pressure between the discharge pressure and a load pressure acting on the hydraulic motor (81). A shut-off valve (20) shuts off supply of the pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump (10) to the hydraulic motor (81). Due to this action, when the differential pressure increases beyond a predetermined differential pressure, an unload valve (30) drains the discharged oil, thereby preventing the hydraulic pump (10) from generating noise due to an excessive increase in the discharge pressure.
US07866872B2
The light guide plate includes a light exit plane, two light entrance planes, two symmetrical inclined rear planes increasingly distanced from the light exit plane from the two light entrance planes toward a center of the light exit plane, a curved portion joining the two inclined rear planes and scattering particles for scattering light travelling inside the light guide plate. The light guide plate satisfies given ranges set for a length between the two light entrance planes, a thickness of each of the two light entrance planes, a thickness at the center of the curved portion, a radius of curvature thereof, tapers of the inclined rear planes, and a particle diameter and a density of the scattering particles, and conditions that a light use efficiency be 55% or greater and that a middle-high ratio represented by the brightness distribution at the light exit plane be greater than 0% and not greater than 25%.
US07866869B2
Laser lit flat panel displays are disclosed including edge-lit and direct lit backlights. In certain embodiments, laser assemblies are selected to obtain bandwidth distributions to reduce speckle.
US07866866B2
A key system includes a display surface, a light source, and a plurality of optical fibers having first and second ends and a longitudinal sheath. The plurality of optical fibers are connected to the light source at the first ends thereof and configured to transmit light from the light source to the display surface.
US07866849B2
A light-emitting device (100) is provided, comprising four light sources (101, 102, 103, 104) and a collimating element (105) for collimating and mixing the light from the light sources. The light-collimating element comprises three V-shaped profile surfaces (110, 120, 130) arranged with their edges (115, 125, 135) towards the light sources. The V-shaped profile surfaces are provided with dichroic filters that transmits light from the light sources that they are arranged in front of, and reflects light from the remaining light sources. Such a device is capable of collimating and mixing the light from the four light sources, such that essentially the same degree of collimation is achieved for all four light sources.
US07866848B2
An illumination system comprises an illumination assembly, a human body's signal detecting unit, a processing unit and an illumination direction adjustment unit. The illumination assembly projects an illumination light beam along an illumination direction; the human body's signal detecting unit detects at least one human body's signal released from at least one user to accordingly generate an intensity signal; the processing unit receives the intensity signal and transmits an illumination direction adjustment signal according to the intensity signal; and the illumination direction adjustment unit receives the illumination direction adjustment signal to automatically adjust the illumination direction.
US07866847B2
An LED lamp includes a frame having a bottom surface, a plurality of heat sinks, and a plurality of LED modules. Each of the heat sinks has an engaging surface defined at an acute angle with respect to the bottom surface of the frame. Each of the LED modules is attached on the engaging surface of the heat sink. The heat sinks are rotatable relative to the frame to adjust the angle of the engaging surface of the heat sinks with respect to the bottom surface of the frame, providing variable area and intensity of illumination.
US07866845B2
The present invention provides an optical device configured for the creation of an asymmetric illumination beam pattern while additionally mixing the light created by two or more light-emitting elements. The optical device comprises a reflector body which extends between an entrance aperture and an exit aperture, wherein the two or more light emitting elements are positioned relative to the entrance aperture and light is reflected within the reflector body exiting at the exit aperture. The reflector body includes a first pair of walls including symmetric reflective elements and a second pair of walls orthogonal to the first pair of walls, wherein the second pair of walls includes asymmetric reflective elements. The first pair of walls provides a means for mixing the light generated by the two of more light-emitting elements and generating a symmetric beam pattern about a first axis. Along a second axis, orthogonal to the first axis, the second pair of walls provides a means for mixing the light generated by the two or more light-emitting elements and generating an asymmetric beam pattern.
US07866843B2
A corner mounted lighting fixture having alignment features on its fixture base and on its diffuser for maintaining alignment with the corner during assembly and installation. The diffuser is positioned at an incline within the corner for improved light distribution. Attachment is along the axis of the corner for ease of installation.
US07866838B2
An illuminating device (10) includes a light source module (11) and an electronic module (15) detachably connected with the light source module. The light source module includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (112). The electronic module includes a receiver (151), a control circuit (152) electronically coupled to the receiver, and a driver circuit (150) for driving the light emitting diodes. The receiver is used to receive a wireless control signal from a remote controller (19), and the control circuit is used to control the driver circuit according to the received control signal.
US07866832B2
The present invention relates to projection systems where multiple projectors are utilized to create respective complementary portions of a projected image. The present invention also relates to methods of calibrating and operating individual image projectors. According to one embodiment of the present invention, an attenuation map is generated for the projectors and pixel intensity values are established for the projectors by applying one or more intensity transfer functions to the attenuation maps. The intensity transfer functions are configured to at least partially account for the non-linear response of the output intensity of the projectors, as a function of an input intensity control signal applied to the projectors. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US07866822B2
In the video projector of the present invention, a fiber part of a fiber laser is disposed so as to draw a circulating orbit of more than one circulation along the inner wall of the projector housing. Further, an FBG which is part of the fiber laser is fixed so that its shape is not changed. Furthermore, a pump LD part of the fiber laser is disposed apart from the SHG element. As a result, the video projector can be miniaturized, and the portability and installment of the video projector are facilitated. Further, the output stabilization of the fiber laser can be realized by preventing a shape change of the FBG. Furthermore, by disposing the SHG element apart from the pump LD part which forms a heat source, the temperature change of the SHG element is suppressed and the wavelength conversion efficiency by the SHG element is enhanced.
US07866821B2
An apparatus for imaging an eye includes a housing and a system of optical components disposed in the housing. The apparatus is capable of operating in a line scanning laser opthalmoscope (LSLO) mode and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) mode. The system of optical components can include a first source to provide a first beam of light for the OCT mode and a second source to provide a second beam of light for the LSLO mode. In the OCT mode, a first optic is used that (i) scans, using a first surface of the first optic, the first beam of light along a retina of an eye in a first dimension, and (ii) descans, using the first surface, a first light returning from the eye in the first dimension to a detection system in the OCT mode. In the LSLO mode, the first optic is used where the second beam of light passes through a second surface of the first optic.
US07866817B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to enable a person wishing to improve his vision capabilities to carry with him a training device and to be able to train his vision whenever and wherever he wishes. The current invention makes use of widely available and familiar infrastructure of hand held devices such as cellular phone and cellular network. Other mobile digital devices having visual display may be used, for example: Pocket PC, Palm computer electronic notebook, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and even some digital music players such as iPod. Training session comprises of displaying to the trainee sequence of images on the built in display of there hand held device and receiving his response to the displayed images.
US07866812B1
An optical insert is disclosed for use in a pair of goggles, behind a facemask, or behind other eyewear. The insert is held in place by forces from the goggles, facemask, or other eyewear. These forces include forces directed generally inward against the left and right ends of the insert and a force directed backward against a middle portion of the insert.
US07866789B2
In order to stabilize a performance of a pump employed for processing in an inkjet printing apparatus such as sucking ink from a printing head with a low cost configuration and without the need of using any specific detecting unit, the following configuration is employed. Namely, a tube pump having a member with a curved surface aligned with a flexible tube for supporting the tube and a roller which moves while pressing (squeezing) the flexible tube is driven with a DC motor. To keep revolutions always constant, a current PWM control is employed for changing a power applied to the motor according to load fluctuations, and a phase of the roller is determined based on the current PWM value to manage a pressure generated by the pump and a discharge rate.
US07866782B2
A system optically detects and measures release agent on a rotating image member in an ink jet printer. The system includes a collimated light source oriented to direct a collimated beam of light generated by the source towards a rotating image member, an image sensor for generating an image of a portion of the rotating image member from a portion of the collimated beam of light reflected by the rotating image member, an image differentiator for measuring a difference between a first image generated by the image sensor and a second image generated by the image sensor, and a release agent measurement generator that is coupled to the image differentiator to receive the difference between the two images and to generate a measurement of the release agent on the rotating image member.
US07866780B2
A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus, comprising: a plurality of liquid droplet ejecting heads arranged in parallel to each other, and the liquid droplet ejecting heads having the same liquid droplet ejectable width, and at least one of the liquid droplet ejecting heads being shifted in a widthwise direction of the liquid droplet ejectable width with respect to other liquid droplet ejecting heads, the liquid droplet ejecting apparatus having the following relationship: an image quality assured width
US07866775B2
A printing system includes an inkjet head and a decompressor. The inkjet head has nozzles to eject ink to a medium. The decompressor is configured to reduce pressure of at least an area between the medium and said nozzles of said inkjet head to a value lower than an atmospheric pressure of 1 atm. The ink contains as a main component at least one of a monomer and an oligomer, and is curable by polymerization of the main component. A saturated vapor pressure of the main component of said ink is 10 mmHg or less.
US07866772B1
A sliding rail coupling structure includes an outer rail, an intermediate sliding rail slidable in and out of the outer rail and having two longitudinal sliding grooves at two sides, sliding bearing bushes coupled to and movable along the intermediate sliding rail, each sliding bearing bush holding a plurality of roller cylinders that are kept in contact between the top wall of the intermediate sliding rail and the top wall of the outer sliding rail and a plurality of rolling balls that are respectively kept in contact between the longitudinal sliding grooves of the intermediate sliding rail and the sidewalls of the outer sliding rail, a roller holder affixed to the intermediate sliding rail to support two support rollers that are respectively in contact with two bottom flanges of the outer sliding rail.
US07866769B2
A storage system includes a shell having a plurality of walls and a plurality of rails. The plurality of walls are coupled to one another to form a storage chamber therebetween and to define a plurality of intersection edges. Each of the plurality of intersection edges is formed at a corresponding boundary of two adjacent ones of the plurality of walls. The plurality of rails each extend outwardly from a corresponding one of the plurality of intersection edges with an angled orientation relative to each of the two adjacent ones of the plurality of walls. A cross-sectional thickness of each of the plurality of rails increases as each of the plurality of rails extends away from one of the plurality of intersection edges. Related storage and organization systems, pillows, accessories and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
US07866767B2
A traction band substantially made from elastomeric material is disclosed. The traction band comprises a main band body divided into a plurality of sections connected together along laterally extending pitch lines. The band body has an interior wheel-engaging surface, adapted to cooperate with the various wheels of a track system, and an exterior ground-engaging surface adapted to engage the ground. The wheel-engaging surface comprises one or more rows of longitudinally spaced-apart drive lugs and/or guide lugs typically disposed on each of the band sections. The ground-engaging surface comprises traction lugs extending longitudinally across more than one band section, these traction lugs comprising laterally extending bending regions where the traction lugs are thinner. These bending regions are substantially aligned with regions on the interior surface which are devoid of drive lugs and guide lugs.
US07866763B2
An automatic parking brake system is provided in which a parking piston that enables a parking brake state to be obtained by forward movement in response to a parking control fluid pressure acting on a rear face of the parking piston is slidably fitted into a casing, and a lock mechanism is provided within the casing in back of the parking piston to automatically lock in response to forward movement of the parking piston in order to mechanically lock the parking piston at a forward position and unlock in response to a parking release control fluid pressure acting on the lock mechanism, the parking control fluid pressure and the parking release control fluid pressure being obtained by a fluid pressure control mechanism for controlling a fluid pressure generated by a fluid pressure source. This enables an automatic parking brake state to be obtained by a simple structure without consuming power.
US07866759B2
A method for manufacturing a one-piece axle tube housing with localized sections of increased wall thickness includes providing a tube blank, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing the tube through an extrusion die to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further reducing step may be used to form the final desired profile, including reduced inner and outer diameters along sections of the axle tube housing.
US07866749B2
A tilting device for a reclining chair including a support base that can be affixed to at least one pedestal, a mounting body for the back of a seat which is articulated on said support base rotatably around a first axis essentially orthogonal to said pedestal, a mounting plate for the seat of said surface of said seat which has its front end and back end rotatably articulated around a respective hinge axis generally parallel to said first axis respectively to said support base and to said mounting body, elastic means of thrust acting along a direction generally orthogonal to said first axis and having a first end acting on said support base and a second end acting on said mounting body and blocking means of said mounting body in at least two different angles relative to said support base and acting in opposition to said elastic means of thrust, said mounting plate assuming two corresponding different angles.
US07866743B1
A temperature adjustable chair includes a seat portion with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. The seat portion is superimposed on a plurality of support legs that suspend the chair above an underlying surface. Adjacent each of two sides of the seat portion is an armrest. Imbedded within both the backrest portion and the seat portion is a thermoelectric cooler for selectively generating or removing heat. The cooler is regulated with a control panel positioned on one of the armrests.
US07866736B2
The invention relates to a utility vehicle (1) with a hinged cover element (12) which covers a fuel tank (15) and at least part (24) of an ascent region when the cover element is in a covering position. The cover element (12) can be pivoted from the covering position to an open position. A safeguarding element (11) is non-rotatably coupled to the cover element (12), so that the cover element (12) and the safeguarding element (11) have the same pivot axis and are both moved to the open position simultaneously.
US07866723B2
A seat for a vehicle having an interior portion and a rear portion comprising a first position substantially within a vehicle and a second position substantially outside the vehicle. A transfer coupling element is operatively coupled to a structure in the interior portion of the vehicle, wherein said seat has a substantially constant orientation during a motion between first and second positions.
US07866721B2
An oilfield elevator including a locking mechanism operable by axial movement of the elevator's first body segment relative to its second body segment to control pivotal rotation about a hinge between the body segments; and an actuation lever positioned between the first body segment and the second body segment, the actuation lever including a protrusion thereon and being moveable to drive the protrusion against the first body segment to drive the first body segment axially relative to the second body segment.
US07866719B1
An apparatus to aid and simplify collection of substantially non-deformable balls scattered across a field or small area, and to provide a place for easy storage and retrieval. The apparatus utilizes stretchable and resilient members located in a ball intake area to transfer the substantially non-deformable balls from the ground or surface, into the apparatus. This disclosure describes methods, specific devices, and mechanisms embodying the present invention and useful in the collection or storage of baseball-like objects, and which provides easy access to stored baseball-like objects.
US07866715B2
A rear bumper protective device that is fitted atop a bumper of a vehicle. The rear bumper protective device including a base layer of flexible material having a top portion, side portions, and a bottom portion, the base layer having a construction and thickness capable of reducing damage to a rear portion of a vehicle, and being of sufficient dimensions to at least partially cover a rear portion of a vehicle when fitted atop the bumper of the vehicle. The bumper protection device further including one or more stabilizing blocks protruding from the top portion of the base layer, the stabilizing blocks positioned substantially colinearly with a contour edge of the top portion.
US07866712B2
A fast operating, free egress latch system is provided with a cam having three distinct surfaces. One of these surfaces has a concave inner cam region for receiving a window latch pin. Another of these surfaces serves to prevent inadvertent relocking of a window, skylight, door, etc. once it has been opened.
US07866704B2
A seat belt retractor includes at least one frame having a back board and side walls extending from side rims of the back board, a spool supported by the at least one frame configured to wind up a seat belt, a motor configured to rotate the spool, and an electronic control unit mounted to the frame for controlling the driving of the motor. The electronic control unit includes a base, an electronic control unit board fixed to the base, and a cover attached to the base to cover the electronic control unit board. The electronic control unit includes an opening at a lower end that opens an interior of the electronic control unit to an exterior.
US07866702B2
An energy absorbing anchor for securing a child safety seat to a mounting portion of a vehicle and coupling to a tether of the child safety seat is provided. The energy absorbing anchor comprises a bracket including a first end having a tether coupling portion, and a tapered hole having a wide portion adjacent to the first end and a narrow portion opposite to the first end; and a protrusion extending through the tapered hole to secure the bracket to the mounting portion of the vehicle wherein the protrusion is positioned to be adjacent to the wide portion of the tapered hole and wherein the narrow portion of the tapered hole is narrower than a width of the protrusion; wherein, when the bracket is pulled in tension, the protrusion is drawn along a length of the tapered hole towards the narrower portion, thereby deforming a portion of walls of the tapered hole to widen the tapered hole, the walls of tapered hole being configured to increasingly absorb energy as a width of the tapered hole decreases.
US07866696B2
A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a lower seat portion and a seatback portion. The seatback portion is selectively movable to vary the reclination angle of the seatback portion. The seat assembly is configured so that a first part of the lower seat portion rises relative to a second part of the lower seat portion so that the lower seat portion acts as an occupant restraint when a predetermined condition exists. Exemplary predetermined conditions include the reclination angle changing, the reclination angle exceeding a predetermined amount, and conditions indicative of an elevated risk of vehicle impact.
US07866683B2
A gangway bellows for lining an intercommunicating gangway between a front car and a rear car which is connected in an articulated fashion to the front car, has a gangway bellows floor that is releasably attached to a gangway bellows body. Two drill holes extend through a first strip which is connected to the gangway bellows floor and through a second strip which is connected to the gangway bellows body. A first bolt and a second bolt are introduced into the drill holes. A securing element which is rigidly connected to the first bolt is provided for the second bolt and has two securing faces which are configured to bear against the end faces of the second bolt in order to hold the first bolt and the second bolt in the drill holes.
US07866671B2
An automatic leveling vehicle comprising a front frame section and a rear frame section interconnected by a swivel joint which permits pivotable movement of the front frame section relative to the rear frame section about a generally horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the vehicle, a gear train attached to the rear frame section, right and left rear wheel assemblies, right and left rear axle assemblies operatively interconnecting the gear train, a lever arm connected to the gear train for controlling the position of the rear axle assemblies, selective movement of the lever arm causing the right and left rear axle assemblies to move their associated wheel assemblies up or down in opposite directions, a level detector for producing and applying leveling signals for positioning a lever arm control such that the rear frame section is maintained in a relatively level orientation when the rear wheel assemblies encounter an uneven terrain.
US07866670B2
A static gasket has a gasket core with opposite surfaces with at least one fluid conveying opening passing through the surfaces. A layer of elastomeric sealing material is applied to at least one of the opposite surfaces to provide a plurality of walled-off regions each completely bounded by a peripheral wall of at least partially varying height extending outwardly from the respective gasket core surface. The layer includes at least first and second sealing threads of the sealing material extending outwardly from the respective surface of the gasket core with the sealing threads extending continuously about the fluid opening in spaced relation to one another, and a plurality of bridge threads extending continuously between and intersecting the first and second sealing threads.
US07866669B2
When the composite sealing material is press-fitted, the swelled portion of the first sealing portion of a first sealing member is press-fitted to impart sealing ability, the second extended portion of a second sealing member is pressed to the opening portion side of a sealing groove through the first extended portion of the first sealing member, and the upper surface of the second sealing portion is press-fitted to impart sealing ability.
US07866659B2
An object of the present invention is to improve separability with respect to other sheet without damaging sheets in a sheet-feeding mechanism used in an image forming apparatus. For the purpose of accomplishing the object, the sheet-feeding mechanism includes: a feeding roller (10) which rotates in a sheet-conveying direction, at least a contact member (12) is made of material having elasticity; and a retard roller (20) having a plurality of press-contact rollers (21) which comes in contact with the feeding roller (10) at a predetermined pressure to form a plurality of press-contact surfaces (311), and a hardness of the contact member (12) of the feeding roller (10) is different from that of the press-contact roller (21) of the retard roller (20).
US07866658B2
A media pick system includes a media support, a pick roller, disposed above media support, configured to selectively contact and pick sheets of media disposed upon the media support, and clearance means, associated with the media support, for providing contact-free clearance around the pick roller during a media out condition.
US07866656B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus separating a media combination from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a media combination from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack. The image recordable materials removed from the stack are subsequently imaged and optionally additionally processed. The slip-sheets removed from the stack are stored in a slip-sheet holder.
US07866651B2
Provided is a sheet processing apparatus for processing sheets, including: a sheet process tray on which sheets to be processed are stacked; a sheet transport means for transporting processed sheets on the sheet process tray; a pressure member which is provided on an upstream side of the sheet transport means with respect to a sheet transport direction and which moves in the sheet transport direction while pressing the processed sheets, for transporting the processed sheets in cooperation with the sheet transport unit; and a controller for selectively operating the pressure member.
US07866650B2
An aligning unit aligns a front end of a sheet bundle stacked in a tray in a discharging direction. A sheet bundle conveying unit holds a rear end of the sheet bundle and conveys the sheet bundle in the discharging direction. The aligning unit is arranged to be retracted from a conveying path of the sheet bundle after aligning the front end of the sheet bundle and to come out in the conveying path of the sheet bundle behind the sheet bundle conveying unit after a movement of the sheet bundle conveying unit.
US07866639B2
A fluid-filled cylindrical vibration-damping device including a main rubber elastic body elastically connecting an inner shaft member and an outer cylindrical member with each other. A pair of first fluid chambers are formed on diametrically opposite sides of the inner shaft member and a pair of second fluid chambers are formed being diametrically opposed to each other such that an opposing direction of the second fluid chambers is orthogonal to an opposing direction of the first fluid chambers. Each partition wall that partitions the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber extends in a direction in more proximity to the opposing direction of the first fluid chambers than to the opposing direction of the second fluid chambers so that spring rigidity as measured in the opposing direction of the first fluid chambers is set greater than spring rigidity as measured in the opposing direction of the second fluid chambers.
US07866637B2
A humidifying apparatus is disclosed in which gas is provided to a first side of a membrane and liquid to a second side of the same membrane. The membrane is non-porous to the liquid but porous to vapor of the liquid and is liquidphilic to said liquid.
US07866630B2
To provide a winding mechanism and a trawling apparatus capable of eliminating an excessive tension or slack generated in a wire wound around a drum and keeping the tension or wire length of the wire constant.A winding mechanism with tension control function includes a reversibly rotatable liquid-pressure motor rotating a drum having a wire wound therearound, a liquid-pressure pump coupled directly with the liquid-pressure motor and supplying hydraulic oil, and an electric motor rotating to drive the liquid-pressure pump. The winding mechanism further includes a control unit controlling a torque of the electric motor based on a variation in load current of the electric motor and winding off or winding up the wire to keep the tension of the wire at a set value.
US07866629B2
A gate valve comprising a valve body including at least a first seat adjacent to a groove. A gate is slideably carried in the valve body for movement between an open position wherein the gate is spaced from the at least one seat and a closed position wherein a portion of the gate is positioned within the groove and the gate is sealingly engaged with the at least one seat. A bridging member is biasedly positioned within the groove and is configured to substantially bridge the groove when the gate is in the open position.
US07866615B2
A display support device includes a connecting member and a lower tube. The connecting member is adapted to be mounted on a rear surface of a flat display, and includes an upper tube. The lower tube is disposed below the upper tube. One of the upper and lower tubes has an internally threaded portion, and the other of the upper and lower tubes has an externally threaded portion engaging the internally threaded portion to allow for rotation and therefore movement of the lower tube relative to the upper tube, which results in a change to the total length of the upper and lower tubes.
US07866614B2
An apparatus for setting the spacing of a free standing range relative to a floor includes a base component for contacting the floor, a threaded element, and a winding follower. The winding follower extends into the helical recess of the threaded element such that the winding follower travels progressively further along the helical recess of the threaded element. A blocking member engages the winding follower during travel of the winding follower along the helical recess of the threaded element to resist a disengagement movement.
US07866612B2
A clamp (10) has a plate (12) with a harness-mounting part (11) to be fastened to a wire harness. Two spaced-apart stems (14) project from the plate (12). A spanning part (14) connects confronting portions of the stems (15) to form a cavity (18). A vane support (17) projects out from the end of each stem (15) and a vane (16) projects down and out from a tip of each vane support (17). A vehicle body-locking part (16a) formed at a tip of each vane (16). The spanning part (14) twists towards the cavity (18) when the wire harness is pulled in a withdrawal direction from the vehicle body to unlock the vehicle body-locking parts (16a) of the vanes (16) from the locking hole.
US07866611B2
A bracket for mounting a cable to a surface is presented. The bracket restricts lateral and longitudinal movement of a cable while enabling rotational movement. The bracket may be mounted to a first surface so that the cable may be inserted into a second surface. The bracket generally includes a mounting portion, first and second flanges, and an arm. To reduce longitudinal movement of the cable, the cable is inserted through the first flange and fixedly coupled to a ferrule, which is coupled between the second flange and the notch of the arm. To restrict lateral movement of the cable, a first flange includes a tab that when in a raised position, enables the cable to be inserted through the first flange. After which, the tab is lowered to reduce the size of the aperture. The bracket may also include a cap that is fixedly removable from the cable.
US07866610B2
This invention relates generally to a collapsible, nesting wing structure with or without wing warp flight control. The invention also incorporates means to maintain wing extension during flight, methods of wing construction for nesting collapsible wings, and control surfaces for collapsible wings.
US07866606B2
An energy absorber system for aircraft survivability. The energy absorber system includes energy absorbers providing energy absorption in a plurality of occupant weight ranges, said system providing a controlled range of dynamic response index (DRI) and of lumbar load level in one of said occupant weight ranges and greater energy absorption stroke distance in one of said occupant weight ranges as the occupant weight increases toward its maximum value for the weight range.
US07866605B2
An energy absorbing apparatus and system for leading edge structures includes an impact member, such as a “bird-band”, of a plastically deformable material of a predetermined configuration positioned with the structure in an area of the leading edge of the structure to absorb energy of an impact of a projectile with the leading edge of the structure, and to redistribute the energy of the impact to the structure, and can break up the projectile, and can increase the impact area. The structure can have one or more sheet members, such as a single sheet, or an inner face sheet and an outer face sheet with a core positioned between the inner face sheet and the outer face sheet. One or more impact members of the plastically deformable material can be positioned with one or more of the single sheet, the inner face sheet, the outer face sheet or the core.
US07866593B2
A two-roll dispenser is disclosed for a plurality rolls of products, in one embodiment a plurality of toilet paper rolls. The operation of resetting the device to accept replacement rolls of product is achieved by opening and re-closing the casing. The seer mechanism is also disclosed, maintaining a casing door in a reserve position until a primary roll of product is substantially consumed. In one form, rolls of product having a partial or split core are utilized to achieve the objects of this disclosure.
US07866588B2
This invention is a method for manufacturing a spinning reel from an extrusion and in particular the frame or housing of a spinning reel, the method comprises the steps of providing a single long bar single extrusion, the extrusion includes two regions, a first region comprises a hollow, tube-like portion and a second region comprises a filled portion, the filled portion extending exterior of the hollow portion and transverse to the longitudinal axis of the second region, cutting a blank from the end of the extrusion to form a blank and machining the blank to provide a frame or housing of a spinning reel. The invention is also directed to a spinning reel frame formed by an extrusion.
US07866583B2
Various mechanisms for reducing food waste in a food waste disposer are disclosed. In each of the reduction mechanisms, structures are provided for shearing food waste as it passes through or past a rotating shredder plate of the disposer. Each of the reduction mechanism has a rotatable plate having a plurality of lugs positioned for rotation relative to an inner wall of a stationary ring. In one embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes a horizontal toothed ledge positioned above the stationary ring is used to enhance grinding the food waste. In another embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes a vertical rasping surface positioned above the stationary ring. In yet another embodiment, the reduction mechanism includes serrated edges added to the vertical leading edges of the teeth on the stationary ring.
US07866582B2
A method and apparatus for generating fine particles via a jet mill with an integrated dynamic air classifier, wherein the rotational speed of a classifying rotor of the air classifier and the inner amplification ratio V (=Di/DF) are so selected, set or controlled that the circumferential velocity of the operating medium at an immersion pipe or outlet connection assigned to the classifying wheel reaches up to 0.8 times of the velocity of sound of the operating medium. A dynamic air classifier with a classifying wheel is additionally created, wherein a source for an operating medium is a fluid, more preferably a gas or a vapour, which has a higher and more preferably a substantially higher velocity of sound than air.
US07866580B2
A swing arm support system for automated irrigation systems has a support hub and a means to attach and operate two wheels to opposite sides of the support hub. The support hub provides greater ground flotation to prevent the forming of ruts in a field and traction to prevent an automated swing arm from becoming stuck. The swing arm support system provides for the use of common automated irrigation components so that fabrication, repair and operation are most efficient. The support hub in pivotally attached to an existing swing arm support tower. The support hub is carried by two pneumatic tires in one embodiment, four tires in another embodiment, six tires in another embodiment, and movable tracks in another embodiment.
US07866578B2
A film forming apparatus includes an aerosol generating section which generates an aerosol; a jetting nozzle having an internal passage formed therein and through which the aerosol flows, the internal passage having one end serving as a supply port of the aerosol and having other end serving as a jetting port of the aerosol; a narrowed channel which is provided in the internal passage and which has a channel area narrower than a channel area on an upstream of the narrowed channel; and a collision portion which is provided in the internal passage on a downstream of the narrowed channel, and against which a flow of the aerosol passed through the narrowed channel collides. Since the aggregated particles are crushed and supplied from the jetting nozzle in the form of fine particles, a thin and uniform film can be formed on the process-objective material.
US07866573B2
A fluid control spray gun stops, starts and controls flow of fluids through a nozzle. The gun has a fluid entry port; a trigger that controls fluid flow by movement of a pin; a handle that moves the trigger; a fulcrum point on the handle; three floating pins comprising in order a first floating pin, a second floating pin and a third floating pin, the three floating pins being present in an upper region of the handle; a hand grip portion in the handle; the upper region of the handle allowing engagement between the first floating pin and the trigger; and the upper region of the handle having a forward end allowing engagement of the third floating pin with a stabilizing element.
US07866572B2
Using a simple structure, a new function is added to a liquid such as tap water by taking a gas into the liquid. The bubble-generating structure of the present invention includes (1) a water-discharging nozzle, which is provided inside a pipe, (2) a receiving member, which is situated a specified distance from the water-discharging nozzle and which includes a flow path for passing liquid emitted from the water-discharging nozzle, and (3) an air hole provided in such a way as to take air into a space between the water-discharging nozzle and the receiving member. By taking in air due to a suction force that is generated when the liquid passes along the flow path, bubbles are generated in the liquid. When such a structure for generating bubbles in the liquid is included in a showerhead, a person taking a shower using the showerhead can have a healthy and comfortable feeling while showering.
US07866571B2
A portable spraying device has an internal combustion engine and a blower driven by the internal combustion engine. A blower tube is connected to the blower and conveys a blowing air stream generated in the blower. A spraying agent reservoir is provided and a spraying agent line is connect to the reservoir and conveys a spraying agent stream from the reservoir into the blowing air stream. A control valve is arranged in the spraying agent line. A throttle control acts on the internal combustion engine for controlling an engine output. A stop switch acts on the internal combustion engine for interrupting ignition. An actuating element acts on the control valve for actuating the control valve to control the spraying agent stream. A handle with a handle head is provided and the throttle control, the stop switch, and the actuating element are arranged in the handle head.
US07866568B2
A data recording apparatus can be attached thereto with a recording medium having a first communication part and a second communication part. The data recording apparatus comprises a third communication part adapted to communicate with the first communication part, and a fourth communication part adapted to communicate with the second communication part. The data recording apparatus takes control to stop communication of the fourth communication part with the second communication part if the third communication part can communicate with the first communication part in a case where the detection part detects the data recording medium being attached to the data recording apparatus.
US07866567B2
A portable adapter for using a contact smart card with a contactless smart card reader and a contactless smart card with a contact smart card reader. The adaptor is provided with a casing that is configured to engage a contact smart card or a contactless smart card, and is provided with an exterior portion that physically cooperates via a contact pad with a contact smart card reader. The adapter is provided with an interface passing signals between a contactless smart card and a contact smart card reader, and an interface for passing signals between a contact smart card and a contactless smart card reader.
US07866560B2
Within an integrated circuit (2) independently controllable domains (4, 6, 8, 10, 5 12, 14) may be unable to complete pending transactions taking place between domains. Each domain is provided with a state machine (20, 22) which is responsive to the state of the state machine within the other domain and when this indicates that the other domain is not communicating triggers modified behavior. This can provide that the predetermined transaction protocol is not broken and/or complete a partially completed transaction when the domain concerned has recovered from an error or other event which disrupted the communication.
US07866558B2
A laser scanning system and method for scanning symbology targets such as barcodes. The scanning system in one embodiment includes at least one laser source and a pair of wobbling mirrors generally disposed towards opposite ends of a centrally-positioned rotatable mirrored spinner. In one embodiment, the central spinner is double-sided having reflecting surfaces on opposites sides thereof. Laser beams projected onto each wobbling mirrors are in turn redirected onto each reflecting surface of the double-sided rotating spinner which produces a pair of rotating scanning beams for reading a symbology target.
US07866553B2
Apparatus and methods for transaction processing. The apparatus may be a transaction terminal including a keypad, a circuit for interacting with the transaction customer and a link communicatively connecting the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. The cashier may interact with the keypad, while the customer (and not the cashier) may interact with the customer-interaction circuit. The link may communicate a dollar amount for the transaction between the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. Accessories for the keypad may include a check reader, a display or a receipt printer. Accessories for the customer-interaction circuit may include a smart-card reader, a magnetic-strip reader and biometric readers. The customer-interaction circuit may include a port for connection to a remote service provider. That port may be the only remote-access port in the transaction terminal. The customer-interaction circuit may include a virtual keypad, and the circuit itself maybe programmed to capture a personal identifier number by means of that virtual keypad. The customer-interaction circuit may include virtual paper, and the circuit itself may be programmed to capture a signature by means of the virtual paper. A cash register at the POS location with the transaction terminal may not be communicatively coupled to the transaction terminal.
US07866539B2
The invention refers to a container for transporting cooled goods, comprising an inner container for receiving the cooled goods and an outer container surrounding the inner container. The inner container contains a thermally insulating material and has an outer surface on which outer ribs are arranged. The outer ribs generate spaces between the inner container and the outer container. The outer container has a plurality of ventilation holes for ventilating the spaces.
US07866538B2
An apparatus includes container. The container includes a polygonal bottom panel comprising of N sides, N sidewalls and N flaps. Each flap is located between two adjacent sidewalls. The flaps are capable of unfolding to increase the volume of the container. N is a positive integer greater than two.
US07866536B2
The present invention relates to a packaging concept includes a tubular wall member and end caps. The packaging is constructed from a sheet of flexible material wrapped into a continuous wall and fastened at the ends of the sheet material leaving open tube ends. The open ends of the tube are then closed by an end cap. The end caps are each formed from a continuous blank of sheet material. The blank includes at least three aligned cap layers. The first and second cap layers are adjacent to each other and connected by a tab connector. Each of the first and second cap layers also includes a plurality of bendable support tabs and each of the first and second cap layers includes a plurality of spaces between adjacent respective bendable support tabs. The first cap layer is folded relative to the second cap layer such that the support tabs of the first cap layer enter the spaces of the second cap layer and the support tabs of the second cap layer enter the spaces of the first cap layer. The first and second cap layers are smaller than the open tube ends and the third and fourth cap layers are larger than the open tube ends. Therefore, the first and second cap layers enter the open tube ends and the third and fourth cap layers abut the open tube ends to provide cap that can be secured to the tubular wall member by an adhesive product.
US07866532B1
A method of performing friction stir welding is provided herein. More specifically, traditional friction stir welding requires a rotatable head that is forced against a plurality of work pieces to bond the same. The rotational and normal forces generated by the friction stir welding tool are generally reacted by a backing plate, anvil, mandrel or other mechanisms, such hardware are subject to the applied forces and are often supported with additional internal supports. Conversely, a method of performing a friction stir weld is described that omits the need for such a backing member and internal supports as it is performed using a self reacting pin tool.
US07866528B2
A staple drive assembly includes an actuation sled and at least one staple pusher. The staple drive assembly is adapted to fit within a staple cartridge having a plurality of staples and a corresponding number of retention slots. The at least one staple pusher includes at least one pusher plate for releasably engaging a backspan of a staple. The staple pusher may include a plurality of pusher plates that may be laterally and longitudinally spaced apart. An actuation member has at least one angled camming surface for engaging a complimentary angled surface of the at least one staple pusher. Camming engagement between the actuation member and the at least one staple pusher causes vertical movement of the at least one staple pusher. Lateral and longitudinal offset of the actuation member camming surfaces and the corresponding staple pusher following surfaces improves stability and control of the staple pusher during firing.
US07866527B2
A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.
US07866519B2
A fastener-driving tool has a cam-actuated pneumatic switch mechanism system operatively incorporated thereon which is adapted to control the timed driving or discharge of fasteners out from a hand-held fastener-driving tool and into a substrate at predeterminedly spaced positions with respect to each other. The arrangement is particularly adapted for use in connection with the driving of fasteners into corner regions of structural workpieces, although the same may also be used to drive fasteners into flat planar surfaces.
US07866503B2
The invention is a steam-table pan formed of drawn metal sheet, the pan having a pinch-gripping bead including a gripping-skirt which is configured and vertically dimensioned for pinch-gripping of the bead with an adult's fingers to raise the pan from the steam table. The configuration of the steam-table pan provides substantially enhanced deformation resistance without a corresponding increase in thickness of the metal sheet.
US07866492B2
A suspension device includes a holder (3) for fixing to a carrier structure (7) and a plug-in socket (1) for inserting into the holder (3). A carrier (4) includes a plug-in element (400) that can be inserted into the plug-in socket (1) in a lockable manner. A flange (30) on the holder (3) is used to fix the holder to the carrier structure (7). A housing is connected to the flange (30). The holder (3) has a fixing mechanism for the fixed but detachable anchoring of the plug-in socket (1) inserted into the receiving region. A shaft is connected to the flange (10). The socket shaft includes a locking element (17) for the detachable engagement of the plug-in element (400) introduced into the socket shaft. A counter-element (403) on the plug-in element (400) cooperates with the locking element (17).
US07866490B1
A method for storing and protecting a garden trimmer includes mounting the trimmer horizontally on a rack and enclosing the power head of the trimmer in a rigid box enclosure at the forward end of the rack with the shaft and trimmer head projecting rearwardly outside of the box enclosure and being open and accessible from the outside.
US07866487B2
The problem addressed by this invention is to provide an aromatic polyamide porous film excellent in the capability of being thinned and capable of easily exhibiting stable porosity properties even if it is used for a long period of time at high temperature. This invention can be achieved by an aromatic polyamide porous film that contains an aromatic polyamide as a main component and is such that when an atomic force microscope is used to measure a range of S μm2 at least on one surface, the sectional area S(10) μm2 obtained at a depth of 10 nm from the surface and the sectional area S(20) μm2 obtained at a depth of 20 nm from the surface satisfy the following formulae simultaneously. 0.01≦S(10)/S≦0.3 5≦S(20)/S(10)≦20
US07866484B2
The invention relates to a sorting device and method for sorting granulated mass containing varied materials, such as granulated mass containing varied materials, such as granulated electronic scrap. According to the invention, the sorting device comprises a planar, elongated trough conveyor (1) having at least a first elongated and vertical edge (2, 3, 4); a feeding device (5) for feeding the mass into the first end (6) of the trough conveyor; a vibrator (9) provided with a motor (7) and an eccentric (8), whose rotation axis (10) is disposed in a plane deviating from the plane defined by the trough conveyor so that the mass proceeds obliquely forwards in the trough conveyor towards the first edge and second end (11); a first suction device (12) for removing the lightest surface portion of the mass near the edge, a guide (13) which is oblique with respect to the edge for bringing apart the mass flow from the edge; as well as a mechanical separator member (14) for dividing the mass flow into two parts.
US07866483B2
The present invention provides an apparatus for discriminating the kind of a sheet material, comprising: a substrate having a recessed portion; a press member situated so that a sheet material can be deflected using the recessed portion; a support member that is deformed as the sheet material situated to cover the recessed portion is pressed by the press member and thereby deflected; and a sensor for detecting the deformation amount of the support member, wherein the kind of the sheet material is discriminated on the basis of detecting the deformation amount of the support member by the sensor.
US07866478B2
Packaging for use with an article of manufacture, which includes a first member having a first interior cavity for receiving a first portion of the article, a second member having a second interior cavity for receiving a second portion of the article, and a molded hinge connecting the first member and the second member. The first member may be attached to an outer container for holding the article.
US07866477B2
An oral care kit for a defined oral care treatment cycle is provided herein. The oral care kit utilizes a substantially rectangular box having oral care packs positioned therein. The oral care packs contain oral care devices useful for administering oral care treatment during a 24 hour oral care treatment cycle.
US07866474B2
A film container (FIG. 4) comprises two rectangular films (5) joined together at their periphery to form a receiving chamber (6) for a filling (7), particularly a pharmaceutical formulation of an active substance, at least one of said films (5) being provided, for the purpose of tearing it open, with a marking (13) formed within the connecting region, which is exposed after the films (5) have been bent. The marking (13) extends centrally between two opposing outer edges (11) of the film container (1).
US07866472B2
A combined greeting and gift set comprising a greetings scroll (10) carrying printed matter and having a region for the insertion of a personal message by the user, means (14) to maintain the scroll in its rolled/up condition, a container (18) for housing the scroll and at least one gift (22), the container being at least partially transparent to enable the scroll (10) and gift (22) to be seen from the outside of the container (18) and having access means (32d, 32e) enabling the scroll (10) to be selectively removed and returned to the container (18) without disturbing the gift or gifts (22).
US07866471B2
A medical system 10 may include a fluid basin 100, a medical skin applicator, an aspirator instrument, gauze pads 400, sponges 500 and medicinal container 600. Each may be stored within the fluid basin 100 during transport of the medical system 10.
US07866470B2
A carry case is provided for a portable analyte measuring device, the carry case having opposing sides delimiting an interior space that is closed at one end and provided with an opening at the other end. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the carry case is provided with an interior flap that is fastened at a distance from the closed end at one of the opposing sides and that can be swung from a first position in which a first side of the flap faces one of the opposing sides to a second position, in which the flap divides the interior space of the carry case and faces with the first flap side the closed end of the interior space.
US07866469B2
A storage device including a cap, an outer container, an inner container, a storage structure and a theft prevention mechanism associated with the outer and inner containers. The outer container includes an outer sidewall and a top, the inner container includes an inner sidewall and a bottom. The storage structure includes an upper structure, a lower structure and an inner sidewall structure corresponding to said top, bottom and inner sidewall respectively which is generally adapted to receive valuables. Additionally, the present invention includes a method for storing valuables including providing an inner and outer container configured to simulate a vehicle accessory, positioning the theft prevention mechanism between said inner and outer containers, biasing said theft prevention mechanism in an unlatched condition, opening said containers, storing valuables within said inner container, closing said containers and latching said inner and outer containers by operating said theft prevention mechanism.
US07866458B2
A linear, horizontal conveyor device for containers which are equipped with a collar at the base of the neck thereof. The invention includes two conveyors including endless links, which are each equipped with two parallel, mobile lines which face one another and which are driven in the same direction and at the same speed. The aforementioned lines are separated from one another by a distance that is greater than the diameter of the body of the containers and less than the diameter of the collars thereof. At least one conveyor includes a short segment that can be moved transversely outwards, such that the space between the two facing lines becomes greater than the diameter of the collar and the container falls.
US07866450B2
A brake disc guard is provided inside of a rim of a front wheel and mounted on a knuckle. A caliper is located in a cutout portion formed at a front portion of the brake disc guard. The caliper is supported through a caliper bracket to the knuckle. A large-diameter portion is formed at an upper front end portion of the brake disc guard. The large-diameter portion extends so as to cover the upper side of the caliper bracket and the caliper. A scraper is formed at the front end of the large-diameter portion so as to be bent radially outwardly. The spacing a between the rim and the scraper is set to be the smallest. The dirt deposited on the rim is scraped off by the scraper, so that the dirt separated from the rim is prevented from falling onto the caliper.
US07866447B2
An electro mechanical or pneumatically actuated disk brake, in particular for a utility vehicle, includes a brake caliper or saddle and a brake disk. The brake saddle overlaps the brake disk at least in sections of the outer periphery thereof. The disk brake also includes a tensioning device which is entirely or partially inserted into the brake saddle. The tensioning device is used to produce a tensioning movement between the brake linings and the brake disk. The disk brake further includes at least one and preferably several adjusting devices. The brake disk and/or the brake saddle are arranged on a step with elastic pre-tension when the brake is in the release state.
US07866444B2
A bearing lubrication system includes a stationary output shaft carrier housed within a gear housing wherein the output shaft resides partially within the carrier and upper and lower bearings support the shaft. The carrier includes first and second arcuately extending troughs for catching lubricating fluid slung by an oil slinger. The first trough is in fluid communication with the shaft and with the upper bearing which pumps fluid through the bearing and into an upper passageway which terminates in an opening which supplies fluid to a second trough which, in turn, supplies fluid to the second bearing which, in turn, supplies fluid to the annular pool formed on the upper portion of the gear affixed to the output shaft. The annular pool is formed by a cylindrically shaped dike secured to the upper portion of the gear. Overflow from the pool lubricates the gear and returns oil to the reservoir.
US07866441B2
A method results in a system configuration wherein positioning a plurality of spargers reduces noise levels caused by fluid passing through the plurality of spargers. The method includes providing the plurality of spargers, each sparger having a center line access and an outer diameter measurement. Each of the plurality of spargers is positioned in a manner such that a ratio of the distance between the center line access of each sparger to the outer diameter measurement of each sparger is greater than a pre-determined ratio value. A greater ratio results in a reduction of noise emitted.
US07866405B2
Systems and methods for securing lines to well sand control screens. A method of securing at least one line to a tubular string includes connecting together longitudinal ends of longitudinal sections of the tubular string; then wrapping a shroud circumferentially about the connected tubular string sections; and securing the line to the shroud. A well screen assembly includes a generally tubular filter portion, a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the filter portion, and a retainer which connects opposite circumferential ends of the shroud to each other without being welded to at least one of the shroud ends, with the retainer being positioned on an interior of the shroud. Another well screen assembly includes multiple longitudinal sections of a tubular string, at least one of the longitudinal sections comprising a well screen, and a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the tubular string sections and rotationally secured to the tubular string.
US07866398B2
An underwater termination assembly for use with a subsea system such as a well tree, comprises a construction having first and second limbs substantially at a right-angle to each other, which construction may be lowered having an umbilical connected to one of the limbs so that said one of the limbs sits on the bed of a body of water.
US07866396B2
A system for use in a wellbore having a plurality of well zones includes a tubing disposed in the wellbore; and a plurality of valves connected to the tubing, wherein each of the plurality of valves comprises at least one port for communication between the tubing and one of the plurality of well zones, wherein each of the plurality of valves further comprises a sleeve moveable by an actuating device between an open position, wherein the at least one port is open, and a closed position, wherein the at least one port is closed, wherein the actuating device comprises a head part and a tail part, the head part having a disk-like or partial spherical structure having a diameter slightly smaller than an internal diameter of the tubing and the tail part having at least one fin arranged substantially perpendicular to the disk-like or partial spherical structure.
US07866395B2
A method and apparatus for initiating and propagating a vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation plane and propagation of the hydraulic fracture, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A foam fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens the fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the required fracture azimuth plane. Propagation of the fracture is controlled by limiting the fracture fluid form to that of a stable foam fracturing fluid during the fracturing process. The injection casing initiation section remains open after fracturing providing direct hydraulic connection between the production well bore, the permeable proppant filled fracture and the formation.
US07866393B2
Methods are provided that include a method of reducing fluid loss in a subterranean formation comprising placing a lost circulation composition comprising a base fluid and a swellable elastomer in at least a portion of a subterranean formation comprising a lost circulation zone; allowing the swellable elastomer to at least partially swell upon contact with a fluid; and allowing the lost circulation composition to at least partially reduce the loss of fluid to the subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided.
US07866382B2
A top drive apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a top drive structure, a seal body and a plurality of resilient members. The top drive structure is configured for being fixedly attached to an upper end portion of a bearing assembly and having a seal-carrying portion. The seal body has a mounting portion and a wiper portion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting portion is slideably disposed within a groove of the seal-carrying portion of the top drive structure. The plurality of resilient members are disposed within the groove between the mounting portion of the seal body and the top drive structure such that the entire seal body is resiliently displaceable with respect to the top drive structure.
US07866379B2
A heat exchanger with reduced pressure loss, and improved productivity and strength. The heat exchanger is made by laminating first heat conduction plates and second heat conduction plates alternately. A first heat conduction plate and a second heat conduction plate are integrally molded of one sheet. The sheet includes air duct ribs, heat conduction planes, air duct end faces, first protrusions, first outer peripheral ribs, second outer peripheral ribs, air duct end covers, and second protrusions.
US07866378B2
A double-wall pipe includes an outer pipe, and an inner pipe disposed inside the outer pipe. An outer wall of the inner pipe has thereon a ridge portion, which defines a groove portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the inner pipe. The outer pipe and the inner pipe are bent to have a straight portion extending straightly, and a bend portion bent from the straight portion. In the straight portion, the outer pipe has an inside diameter that is larger than an outside diameter of an imaginary cylinder defined by an outer surface of the ridge portion of the inner pipe. Furthermore, the ridge portion of the inner pipe contacts an inside surface of the outer pipe to be readially squeezed and held by the outer pipe, in the bend portion. The double-wall pipe can be suitably used for a refrigerant cycle device.
US07866365B2
A method and apparatus for demounting tires from wheel assemblies with a swiveling dual hook assembly and a prying foot. The tool has two holding hooks that grasp the tool to the wheel and a foot that is attached to the holding hooks, and a bearing pivot point that allows the demounting tool to easily and safely remove the tire from the wheel with no damage to the wheel or tire. The tool can be used for all types of tire and wheel types. One tool is for large truck and trailer tires and a second too is for light truck, trailer and automobile tires. A third tool is designed for low profile, stiff sidewall tires and includes a telescoping structure to raise and lower the dual hooks.
US07866361B2
A device for the manufacture of an absorbent product including a rotatable slitting tool having an extent in a radial direction and an extent in an axial direction perpendicular to the radial direction, the slitting tool being divided in the axial direction into two lateral parts and lying between them a central part. The central part has a circular cross section in the radial direction, and the lateral parts include, in the axial direction, intermittent protuberances projecting from the central part. The protuberances are the same distance from the center of the slitting tool as the circular cross section. The central part between the protuberances, in the direction of curvature of the envelope surface, forms a plurality of cutting edges, each of which has a width which, at a given pressure, permits slitting of a layer of material intended for the absorbent product, and the protuberances form supporting surfaces between the cutting edges.
US07866360B2
A hot air welding nozzle for a hot air welding device for welding overlapping webs of sealing material. The hot air welding nozzle includes a connection for a hot air supply, a top and a bottom heat plate forming an air space, and at least one rear outlet between the top and bottom heat plate on a facing side that is oriented in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the hot air welding device, with at least one front outlet relative to the moving direction of the hot air welding device, and with air guides that extend beyond the facing sides of the heat plates, at least on the inner side.
US07866348B2
The invention describes a flexible tubular article for transport of volatile hydrocarbons comprising: (a) an inner layer of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU); (b) an intermediate polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) polymer or PVDF copolymer layer extruded in tubular form over the inner TPU layer, and (c) a TPU extruded in tubular form over the outside surface of the intermediate layer and being coextensive therewith. Optionally, a fourth outer layer is included and covers layer (c). The tubular articles of the invention have a maximum permeation rating of 15 g/m2/day under SAE J1737 test conditions.
US07866346B1
A plug retainer and receiving flange for a mud pump fluid module pipe comprising a plug retainer and a receiving flange. The threads of the plug retainer are configured into at least two segments that are axially disposed opposite each other upon the periphery of the plug retainer. Each segment of plug retainer threads has at least two columns of threads that are progressively stepped outward from said the periphery of said plug retainer. The receiving flange has at least two segments of flange threads axially disposed upon the periphery of the flange bore that are disposed opposite each other on the flange bore to form gaps between each of the thread segments, each segment of receiving flange threads has at least two columns of threads that are progressively stepped inward and are configured to correspond with the plug retainer thread segments. A means to rotate the plug retainer within the bore of the receiving flange is provided to engage the plug retainer threads with the receiving flange threads. The plug retainer threads and the receiving flange threads may be horizontally disposed and a lock plate may be provided to avoid inadvertent turning of the plug retainer in the receiving flange.
US07866345B2
A flow metering device includes at least two stackable modular bodies including at least one set of adjacent modular bodies, each modular body having an orifice for modulating fluid flow therethrough. The modular bodies arranged such that the orifices between adjacent modular bodies are offset from each other. Adjacent stacked modular bodies define a chamber for trapping particulates entrained in fluid flow without obstructing fluid flow through the orifices.
US07866340B2
A universal pressure reducer is provided for a self-contained breathing apparatus. The universal pressure reducer includes an inlet, a reducer module in fluid communication with the inlet, a pneumatic alarm mechanism, and a pneumatic transfer valve assembly that controls the actuation of the alarm mechanism by controlling the flow of pressurized air thereto. The transfer valve assembly is arranged to actuate the alarm mechanism when the pressure of air entering the reducer through the inlet drops to a predetermined trigger level. The predetermined trigger level is automatically selected based on a rated capacity of a pressure vessel to which the inlet is connected through a cylinder valve.
US07866338B2
A breathing air tank and valve assembly is provided for use in a self-contained breathing apparatus. The breathing air tank and valve assembly includes a pressure vessel and a cylinder valve for connection to the pressure vessel. The cylinder valve includes a valve body having an interior, and a first fitting adapted to connect the valve body directly to the pressure vessel, thereby creating a fluid connection to the interior of the valve body. The cylinder valve includes a second fitting that is an outlet adapted to connect the valve body to a pressure reducer assembly, and a third fitting that is an inlet having a check valve. The third fitting is adapted to connect the valve body to an external source of pressurized air and thereby provide a direct air path from the external source of pressurized air through the interior of the valve body to the pressure vessel.
US07866337B2
A flow controller including a unitary controller body with a chemically inert fluid conduit having an insertable constriction or orifice disposed within the conduit having a reduced cross-sectional area to thereby restrict the flow of fluid within the conduit allowing for reliable flow measurement. An integrated circuit or controller may be coupled to the control valve and also coupled to the pressure sensors by a lead structure including signal conductors surrounded by a Faraday cage, and a chemically inert housing coupled to the unitary controller body enclosing the control valve and the pressure sensors.
US07866335B2
An air valve connecting device includes a mouth attached to one end of a housing and having a compartment for engaging with a U.S. type valve, and having a bore for engaging with a French type valve, a barrel engaged onto the mouth, an actuator engaged in the housing and having a shank for engaging with the barrel for selectively receiving the French type valve, a tube engaged in the actuator for engaging with the French type valve, and the tube is extendible into the mouth for selectively engaging with the U.S. type valve, a handle includes a cam member for forcing the actuator to secure either the French type valve or the tube to the actuator, and for forcing the barrel and the mouth to engage with either the French type valve or the U.S. type valve.
US07866334B2
A sewer pipe gas exhaust filter apparatus includes a sewer vent valve unit connected to a sewer pipe and including a valve member moved into and out of engagement with a valve seat by a float member, a gas filter unit connected to the sewer vent valve unit and including a gas filter medium, and a gas flow valve arrangement to cause gases from the sewer to flow through the filter medium while bypassing air drawn into the sewer pipe past the gas filter unit. The filter medium of the gas filter unit removes chemical components from air and gas exhausted from the sewer pipe, thereby improving the odor of such exhausted gases.
US07866328B2
A cosmetic container has a first casing and a second casing. The first casing has a chamber and at least one bottle. The at least one bottle is mounted in the bottle. The second casing is mounted slidably on the first casing and has a base and a cover. The base is mounted slidably on the first casing and has multiple compartments. The cover is mounted pivotally on the base and selectively covers the compartments. The cosmetic container has the at least one bottle and compartments hold and arrange orderly different cosmetic products so that the user would not need to carries different cosmetic bottles and boxes.
US07866324B2
A cigarette having a multi-component filter wherein an upstream sorbent removes at least one constituent from mainstream tobacco smoke passing through the filter and a downstream flavor segment compensates for taste lost to the sorbent. The flavor component includes cellulosic flavor bearing granules which release volatile flavor constituents into the mainstream smoke under ambient conditions. The cellulosic granules include microcrystalline cellulose or other cellulosic material which can be formed into a paste with the flavor additive, extruded and spheronized to form the flavor granules.
US07866308B2
A volume restrictor can be provided for a pneumatic paintball gun to reduce the volume of compressed gas available within a compressed gas storage area for a firing operation of the paintball gun. In one embodiment, the volume restrictor includes a body having a forward end and a rearward end. A forward sealing member can be arranged on the forward end to seal around a bolt of the paintball gun. A rearward sealing member can be arranged on the rearward end of the body to seal against a rearward endwall of the compressed gas storage area. By placing the volume restrictor within the compressed gas storage area of the paintball gun, the volume of compressed gas available for a firing operation is reduced, thereby requiring an increased operating pressure to achieve the same paintball velocity. The increased chamber pressure can result in a shorter recharge time and less velocity drop off in successive shots. A set of volume restrictors can be provided to permit a user to selectively adjust the available volume of compressed gas in the compressed gas storage chamber. Other configurations of volume restrictors are also contemplated within this invention, for example, such as non-sealing volume restricting rings having various wall thicknesses.
US07866306B2
A control apparatus of an EGR control valve has an EGR control valve has an exhaust gas recirculation passage to circulate exhaust gas of an combustion engine from an exhaust gas passage to an intake air passage. A measurement unit measures a flow rate of EGR gas flowing in the exhaust gas recirculation passage, and a controller receives an input from the measurement unit and closes the EGR control valve if the EGR-gas flow rate is smaller than a predetermined threshold value when the EGR gas is flowing from the exhaust side to the intake side of the internal combustion engine.
US07866305B2
A flow channel for a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first fluid and a second fluid, the flow channel having, perpendicular to a flow channel axis, a cross-section that can be traversed, the flow channel providing for an improved transfer of heat with an acceptable drop of pressure and a reduced risk of blocking. The flow channel has a hydraulic diameter, defined as quadruple the ratio between the surface of the cross-section that is traversed and the perimeter that can be moistened by the fluid, of between 1.5 mm and 6 mm. Also a heat exchanger having a plurality of flow channels of this type, through which the first fluid flows and fluidically connected by a fluid connection. Also a charge-air system and an exhaust gas recycling system having such flow channels.
US07866304B2
An engine assembly may include a crankcase ventilation assembly having a fuel separator assembly. The fuel separator assembly may include a condensing unit and a vaporizing unit. The condensing unit may include a gas region and a liquid retaining region. A gas inlet may be in fluid communication with the gas region and a gas flow from the engine block including fuel vapor. The condensing unit may convert the fuel vapor to liquid fuel. The first gas outlet may be in fluid communication with an engine air inlet and provide a remainder of the gas flow thereto. The fluid region may store and provide the liquid fuel to the vaporizing unit through a liquid inlet. The vaporizing unit may convert the liquid fuel to fuel vapor and a second gas outlet may provide the fuel vapor to the air inlet.
US07866303B2
A method for starting an internal combustion engine having direct fuel injection, comprising of adjusting a number of direct injections per combustion cycle based on a cylinder event number from a first cylinder event.
US07866298B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a butterfly valve device made of resin, the butterfly valve device being little susceptible the secular change in gas flow (in particular, the minimum flow) or random changes.According to the present invention, when a butterfly valve is located at a full-closed position facing a peripheral lower surface of a semicircular portion with respect to a rotating shaft of the butterfly valve made of a resin material, a partial annular projection is adapted to radially inwardly extend towards an inner wall surface of a fluid path, the partial annular projection including a plane that contacts the peripheral lower surface of the valve to form a fluid seal. Preferably, while the valve opens only by the thickness thereof from a mechanically full-closed position, from which the valve cannot mechanically rotate any more in a close direction, a surface on the periphery of the valve is formed in a curved surface shape having the specific curvature so that the specified minimum airflow is achieved at the mechanically full-closed position. In addition, cylindrical elastic sealing members are mounted around the shaft in a bearing hole, and an edge on the fluid path side of the sealing members elastically contacts an annular surface formed at a position facing the bearing hole about the rotating shaft of the valve.
US07866277B1
A method and apparatus is disclosed for remotely and robotically installing an organic, monolithic, structural and non structural, circumferential and partial radius membranes in conduits, pipelines or passageways. The included apparatus has the mechanical function to manually or automatically center the liner dissipation device in any geometrical shape. The included apparatus possesses the remote controlled capability to manipulate centrifugal dissipation of the liner to afford consistent thickness on any shaped profile or flat surface of the pipe wall surface. The apparatus includes a manual or automatic mechanical scissoring device for elevation changes and a manual or automatic rotational table for shaft alignment. The apparatus includes a means of automated self alignment by way of proximity sensors. The pendulum oscillation bracketing incorporates a fluid driven motor assembly communicating with a bored shaft and integrates as many as two offset dissipation devices. The included apparatus has both fluid and electrical rotary unions to transmit fluids and current from fixed ports to a rotating shaft assembly. The included apparatus has a mechanical function facilitating cutting and retrieval of cured spray build up on the spray orifice. This method and apparatus will allow for continuous lining applications of any thickness in one pass, in conduits and passageways employing multi component liquid polymers with rapid mechanical properties formation.
US07866275B2
A movable platform for attachment to a transom of a boat is disclosed. The movable platform includes a planar platform disposed horizontally and a planar frame coupled to an underside of the platform. The movable platform further includes at least one elongated tube coupled to the transom of the boat, wherein at least one element of the planar frame is movably disposed within the at least one elongated tube. The movable platform further includes at least one cylinder disposed horizontally, wherein a barrel of the at least one cylinder is secured to the at least one elongated tube and wherein a piston rod of the at least one cylinder is secured to the planar frame, such that the planar frame is moved horizontally when the piston rod moves within the barrel.
US07866267B2
A well car for carrying shipping containers has a pair of end structures supported by rail car trucks, a pair of first and second spaced apart side beams extending between the end structures and a well defined therebetween. A container support cross member is mounted between the side sills in a position to support an end of a shipping container load carried within the well. The container support cross member may be a monolithic beam member with a attachment fitting formed at an end thereof. The attachment fitting is connectable to a side sill at a moment connection. The remaining end of the cross member is similarly configured and connected to the second side sill. Each end of the cross member has load bearing surface portions which may be used for supporting a corner of a shipping container. The moment connections permit a bending moment to be carried by the cross member between the first and second side sills.
US07866259B2
An apparatus for use with a food processor base and a method for using the same. The food processor base includes a seat, a drive shaft and a motor. The drive shaft is rotated by the motor. The apparatus includes an outer bowl, a cover for the outer bowl, and a perforated inner bowl. The outer bowl may include a connector for being seated on the seat of the food processor base. The inner bowl is positioned within the outer bowl and is connectable to the drive shaft of the food processor base for rotation of the inner perforated bowl within the outer bowl. The inner perforated bowl has a one to one rotation with the drive shaft.
US07866252B2
A gasket includes a damping buffer (1) for a piston (2) that can be charged with a pressure medium and that can be moved back and forth axially in a cylinder pipe (3) and includes at least one static seal (4) for sealing the cylinder pipe (3) vis-à-vis a cover (5) connected to the face of the cylinder pipe (3) and a dynamic seal (6) having at least one dynamically loaded sealing lip (7) that, during the proper use of the gasket, can be laid against the surface (8) to be sealed of a damping journal (9) that is connected to and axially movable back and forth with the piston (2) and that has at least one flow-guiding connection opening (10) that connects the axial faces (11, 12) of the gasket.
US07866248B2
A composite armor including a disrupting layer and a backing layer provides protection against blast and ballistic threats. The disrupting layer includes ceramic particles or tiles that disrupt the incoming projectile, while the backing layer prevents penetration past the armor by the disrupted projectile. The disrupting layer may include a layer of polygonal ceramic tiles with a deflecting front surface, encased by a retaining polymer, and may also include fire-retarding particles.
US07866243B2
A food slicer having a blade is disclosed having a runway for supporting food prior to cutting by the blade and a landing for supporting the blade and the food after being cut. The runway and landing are adjustable for selecting a thickness of a food slice. The runway and landing are simultaneously adjusted, by a single mechanism, so that the blade and runway are maintained generally parallel with respect to each other. The adjusting mechanism includes a plurality of rotatable cam portions that engage with respective portions on the runway and landing so that each of the runway and landing may be oppositely pivoted around an end to maintain the parallel relationship. The food slicer also includes on-board storage for inserts, such as julienning or cubing inserts. The storage is located on a bottom of the runway, which is pivoted upward for storage.
US07866232B2
In a commercial vehicle transmission with a main group and a downstream group including a downstream group countershaft, the downstream group includes means for decoupling the downstream group countershaft in direct through drive so that in direct through-drive the countershaft does not run in an oil sump and no churning losses occur thereby increasing vehicle transmission efficiency.
US07866224B2
Apparatus is provided for determining presence of contamination on a lithography mask, including: a fluid trap having a base and at least one wall member extending substantially perpendicularly to the base for trapping fluid on a portion of the base when fluid introduced during a cleaning process of the mask is removed.
US07866220B2
The present invention of collecting a gaseous sample employs a sealable container, an inlet mounted at a part of the container, an outlet mounted at another part of the container, an atomizing electrode mounted in the container, a primary refrigerator mounted adjacent to the atomizing electrode, an opposite electrode mounted in the container, an acicular capture electrode mounted adjacent to the opposite electrode, and a secondary refrigerator mounted adjacent to the capture electrode. Charged microparticles are prepared by chilling the gaseous sample and producing condensate of the same. Such charged microparticles are collected by the capture electrode with static electricity, and they are condensed by chilling them. This method prevents the capture electrode from spreading solution thereon.
US07866204B2
A method for monitoring water in a distribution system is disclosed where the sensor sampling schedule is changed in real time in response to a contaminant or other chemical passing through the sampling location. This results in finer determination of where the contaminant is located in the water distribution and identification of the contaminant with a lower false rate than random or scheduled sampling.
US07866190B2
A washing machine having a broadcasting receiver for providing various multimedia contents on the washing machine is disclosed. A broadcast signal reception module is provided in the washing machine, such as a washer or dryer, which is frequently used in the user's living space. Therefore, the washing machine can not only perform a washing operation, but also output a broadcast signal. In particular, the provision of the broadcast signal reception module in the washing machine enables reception of a mobile broadcast signal, as well as a fixed broadcast signal, thereby making it possible to provide more various multimedia contents through the washing machine. Therefore, it is possible to increase customer satisfaction with a multifunction-alization of the washing machine and thus use the washing machine more universally, resulting in an increase in the competitiveness of a product.
US07866185B2
Systems, methods and apparatus relate to handling and processing glass, such as glass for use in liquid crystal displays, involving a measurement device, such as a distortion gauge, residing in an environmentally controlled measurement room, and a cassette loading device for storage and conveyance of glass between the measurement device and other components of a glass handling and processing system residing with the cassette loading device in a preparation room. A mail-slot opening may be present in a wall separating the measurement room from the preparation room. A gauge conveyor may convey glass between the cassette loading device and the measurement device. A distortion gauge may measure a reference value of the product glass with respect to reference marks on a glass reference plate of the distortion gauge. Other examples of a measurement device include a warp gauge, a stress gauge, a thickness gauge, and a compaction gauge.
US07866173B2
Disclosed herein is a server system having a plurality of computer systems and a liquid cooling system. The computer systems are capable of operating in a first mode of operation at a first operating speed and a first temperature. The computer systems are further capable of operating in a second mode of operation at a second operating speed and a second temperature. The server system switches from the second mode and the first mode in response to a request for processing services rising above a first threshold. The server system further uses a cold battery to store coolant during times of low demand and releases coolant from said cold battery when the system switches to the first mode.
US07866171B2
A food keeping refrigerator is provided. The food keeping refrigerator keeps food in refrigerating and freezing chambers and refrigerates and freezes the food through a cooling device. The food keeping refrigerator preserves the freshness and nutrition of food for an extended period of time by emitting appropriate light to the food stored in the refrigerating and freezing chambers of the food keeping refrigerator. The food keeping refrigerator includes a storing device that stores food keeping information, a light generating device mounted inside the refrigerating and freezing chambers that generates light and emits the light to the food, and a controller that reads the food keeping information corresponding to the food from the storing device and controls the light generating device to emit the light according to the food keeping information.
US07866170B2
A method for cooling a bottle in a freezer compartment of a refrigerator includes sensing the temperature of a zone of the freezer in which the bottle is placed, estimating the temperature of the bottle on the basis of the compressor status and of the sensed temperature of the zone, and informing the user when the estimated temperature of the bottle has reached a set value. The method can also be used for an automatically adjusted “shock freezing” process for any kind of food.
US07866166B2
An method for converting tensile residual stress on an inner surface of a welded part of a pipe to compressive residual stress with use of ice plugs formed by cooling the pipe from the outer surface, comprises the steps of: placing refrigerant containers for forming the ice plugs in the upstream and downstream of a butt-welded part; cooling the outer surface of the pipe to form the ice plugs; and then cooling the outer surface of the pipe with use of at least one refrigerant container for expanding the pipe arranged between the refrigerant containers for forming the ice plugs. When the method is applied to a pipe with a large inside diameter, the method comprises forming the ice plugs at a curved pipe, an elbow or a branch pipe in the upstream and downstream of the butt-welded part.
US07866165B2
A refrigerator dispenser includes an ice dispensing actuator, an ice dispensing chute oriented closer to a front surface of a refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator, a liquid dispensing actuator oriented closer to the front surface of the refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator and the ice dispensing chute, and a liquid dispensing chute oriented closer to the front surface of the refrigerator door than the ice dispensing actuator, the ice dispensing chute, and the liquid dispensing actuator.The ice dispensing actuator, the ice dispensing chute, the liquid dispensing actuator, and the liquid dispensing chute are arranged in a serial order, along a vertical plane that extends substantially perpendicular to the front surface of the refrigerator door within which the cavity exists, from a relatively deep position within the cavity to a relatively shallow position within the cavity or the front of the cavity.
US07866158B2
A turbine engine exhaust nozzle is disclosed that includes an exhaust liner having a first attachment structure. A liner support member includes a second attachment structure. A pin cooperates with the first and second attachment structures and is configured to secure the exhaust liner relative to the liner support member. The pin includes first and second dimensions that are different than one another. The pin is inserted into apertures provided by the attachment structures, in one example. The pin is oriented to position the first and second dimensions in a manner providing increased clearance within the apertures. The pin is rotated to load the components and firmly secure the liner to the liner support member.
US07866156B2
A device for fresh-gas supply for a turbocharged, compression-ignition, reciprocating-piston internal-combustion engine is provided. The engine has fresh-gas supply pipe and exhaust gas manifold pipe, between which an EGR device is installed. A tubular inside space section of the fresh-gas supply pipe located downstream of a turbocharger has a compressed-air connection with a volume control device, and a butterfly valve for controlling throughflow. Operation of the butterfly valve is controlled by an electronic control unit of the engine which processes sensor signals. A control valve of the EGR device, which is electronically controlled and controls the exhaust gas throughflow volume, is connected to the electronic control unit for synchronized operation of the butterfly valve with the volume control device.
US07866149B2
A fluid system for use with a machine that employs an actuator, that provides for rapid shaking of an implement. The fluid system includes a source for providing fluid flow to the actuator and an operator input device for enabling an operator to control the movement of the implement by inputting a plurality of commands that specify movement of the implement. A controller is provided for monitoring the commands received from the operator input device and entering a mode for controlling the displacement of the source when the controller detects a pattern of commands that indicates an operator-request for rapid movement of the implement.
US07866143B2
An exhaust gas treatment system for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine includes a basic housing and an add-on housing mounted thereon so it is at least partially detachable. The basic housing contains at least one inlet pipe which can be connected to the exhaust system and leads into the basic housing, at least one outlet pipe which can be connected to the exhaust system and leads out of the basic housing, at least one SCR catalyst and at least one oxidizing catalytic converter. The add-on housing contains at least one particle separation device and at least one reducing agent feed mechanism.
US07866139B2
The invention provides a fiber-reinforced polymer composite comprising fibers derived from mammalian hair and/or feathers, wherein the fibers have been prepared by means of a process comprising the steps of: (a) subjecting mammalian hair and/or feathers to an oxidation treatment in which the hair and/or feathers (is) are contacted with a solution, which comprises a bleaching agent; (b) separating the oxidized hair and/or feathers from the solution; and (c) drying the separated hair and/or feathers. The invention further provides processes to prepare said composite, a process to prepare said fibers, and shaped polymer products comprising said composite.
US07866137B2
A recyclable chenille yarn has a core yarn or core yarns, and effect yarns, of natural fiber materials. The core yarn or yarns hold the effect yarns by twisting the yarns together, so that no binder is necessary or used. Accordingly, the chenille yarn is biodegradable and readily recyclable. Preferred natural fibers for the yarns include bamboo, kudzu, potato, alpaca, banana, coconut, kenaf and soybean.
US07866136B1
A crop gathering device is provided for use with a harvesting header including a frame carrying a belt to deliver a crop to the header, the frame having opposed ends and connected to the header. The frame includes a first support member and a second support member each extending unsupported between the opposed ends of the frame. A driven roller assembly has at least two axially aligned rollers extending between the opposed ends of the frame, regions of the rollers of the driven roller assembly being rotatably secured to the first support member. An idler roller assembly has at least two axially aligned rollers extending between the opposed ends of the frame, regions of the rollers of the idler roller assembly being rotatably secured to the second support member. The roller assemblies move the belt for delivering a crop to the header.
US07866135B2
A flow control baffle for a turf mower having a plurality of mower blades carried within a mower deck. The flow control baffle includes a foot wall section which extends from near a side discharge opening into the cutting chamber. The foot wall may be curved and may be movable to define a volute section of variable width. In one embodiment, the flow control baffle includes a panel wall and a foot wall, which are connected together and movable relative to other portions of the mower deck. In one embodiment, the flow control baffle is movable and selectively positioned within the cutting deck in order to optimize mower performance in view of location operating conditions. In one embodiment, the air flow control baffle defines sacrificial wear surfaces within the mower deck at locations of otherwise high wear.
US07866130B2
A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices. Thereafter, the stacks are received at the insertion station where they are transferred to their packages, on an automated basis without the need for manual handling thereof. This is enabled due to the well-formed stacks generated by the harping station which allows the stacks to be dropped into the packages aligned therebelow.
US07866129B2
Described herein is a shuttle device for producing wrappers of sheet material (F) containing a product (P) with at least one fantail-twisted end obtained by twisting said sheet material (F). The shuttle (10) comprises a first part (112a, 112b) for receiving the product (P) located in the precursor of wrapper and at least one second part (212a, 212b; 312a, 312b) that grips on a respective part of precursor of wrapper (F). The first part (112a, 112b) and the second part (212a, 212b; 312a, 312b) of the shuttle (10) are able to turn with respect to one another about a given axis (X10) so as to produce at least one fantail-twisted end as a result of the twisting action imparted on the precursor of wrapper (F) following upon the relative movement of rotation about the aforesaid given axis (X10).
US07866127B2
Cigarettes are stored in one or more reservoirs at a customer location. A computer receives customer orders and transmits them to a dispenser. Upon receipt of a customer order, a pre-selected number of cigarettes is automatically removed from the reservoir(s) by the dispenser and then automatically packed in a container by a packer comprising a collation mandrel which is movable relative to the dispenser. A preferred type of substantially air-tight, self-sealing container has a lid portion, a body portion and a collar, which is mounted within the body portion. The body portion is provided with one or more upwardly extending protrusions on the upper surface of the base thereof. An air and moisture impermeable membrane is sealed about the upper periphery of the collar.
US07866125B2
A packaging system for automatically producing dunnage pads and inserting one or more of the pads into a container for packaging an article in the container. The invention includes a pad discharge assembly and/or pad insertion assembly. The discharge assembly includes a gating device for effecting passage of the pad out of a holding zone in a direction transverse to the pad length and onto a working surface, preferably a conveyor. The conveyor conveys the pad into a pad insertion zone in a first direction, and a pusher assembly is operative to push the pad from the pad insertion zone in a direction transverse to the first direction. A plunger is provided for pushing a pad located at the pad insertion zone through an opening over which the pad is conveyed for insertion into a container.
US07866124B2
An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a compression mechanism and an input hopper that receives agricultural feed. The hopper has a sloping wall and a lower end exit chute located to transfer the feed into the primary compression mechanism (e.g., a rotating toothed cylinder). The tapered hopper causes the feed to bridge, stopping the feed from falling through the chute. A new distribution mechanism in the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. By preventing the feed from clogging, there is less reason to risk one=s safety by foolishly inserting their limb into the hopper. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of the tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above the primary compression mechanism. This increases the compaction on the top portion of the tunnel without unduly juicing the feed.
US07866122B2
Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.
US07866117B1
The invention forms a composite building by using beams made from plastic foam coated with fiber reinforced concrete.
US07866116B2
A connecting device includes an axial core and a plurality of helical projections that extend radially from the core. The core has a cross section comprising two-fifths or less of the circumscribed cross sectional area of the device and the accuracy of the pitch of the helical projections varies by no more than 0.5% from any given probate pitch along the axis of the device. Another connecting device includes an axial core and two or three helical fins projecting radially from the core, wherein the core has a cross section comprising two-fifths or less of the circumscribed cross sectional area of the device, the accuracy of the pitch of the helical fins varies by no more than 0.5% from any given probate pitch along the axis of the device and wherein the root of the fin material includes a radiused surface. A further connecting device includes a twisted wire portion having an axial core and a plurality of projecting fins that extend radially from the core in a constant helical configuration, wherein the core has a cross section comprising two-fifths or less of the circumscribed cross sectional area of the wire, wherein the device has a pointed leading end and a rear end having a retaining head or clip.
US07866112B2
A slotted channel with a supplemental flange as a building member has at least one supplemental flange extending from at least one slot in the member web or primary flanges yielding a building member with increased strength, both compressive (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted member presents a reduced area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer.
US07866100B2
The invention comprises a wall sheathing barrier system having moisture permeability and simple improved installation method. The system comprises adjoined structural panels. Each panel has an overlay paper bonded permanently to the structural panel, which provides a moisture permeable barrier and a textured skid-resistant surface. The skid resistant surface may include indicia for aligning strips of tape or for aligning fasteners. Further, the seams of adjoining panels are sealed with a sealing means to complete the moisture barrier.
US07866095B2
An apparatus attached to the roof perimeter to mitigate wind-generated vortices and uplift loads on the roof perimeter area of a building, applicable for both new constructions and retrofits of existing buildings. The apparatus comprises at least one face portion having face perforation and/or edge serration for increasing small-scale turbulence entrainment, equalizing pressure and disorganizing edge shear layer vorticity, and thus disrupting vortex formation. A roof edge vortex suppressor is preferably mounted along the entire circumference of a roof perimeter.
US07866092B2
The present invention relates to a device for the renovation of a flat roof of a building, while at least partially maintaining the old roof structure, with at least three attachment devices for attaching a second roof disposed over the flat roof being renovated, the second roof being made of a flexible, tensible surface material which is disposed by means of the at least three attachment devices over the flat roof such that it covers the area of the flat roof.
US07866090B2
A method for cultivating plants, wherein use is made of a multitude of cells, each comprising a container having a cylindrical or frustoconical inner side wall, which container is open at the upper side, wherein the containers are filled with a growth substrate containing a seed, and wherein a layer of powder is applied to the inner side walls of the containers before the growth substrates are placed in the containers.
US07866089B2
An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.
US07866086B2
A repeating animal trap is described that humanely captures animals and allows for their safe release. In one embodiment, the animal trap includes a wire body that forms a cage. The cage includes one or more animal entrances. The one or more animal entrances are each configured such that an animal enters from outside the cage and traverses a passageway that ends about the middle of the cage. The natural instincts of the animal causes the animal to go toward the perimeter and corners of the cage to escape. The natural instinct assists in keeping the animals from finding their way back into the passageway to leave the cage. To further keep animals from leaving the cage via the passageway, a passageway door is provided for each passageway. Each door is configured with a bias and a shape that precludes the animal from opening the passageway door once inside the cage.
US07866085B1
A bottom bouncer preferably includes a flexible line, a float and at least one weight. A loop is formed on one end of the flexible line for attachment of a swivel loop or the like. The float includes a lengthwise through hole for receiving the flexible line. The float is preferably retained on the one end of the flexible line. The weight preferably includes a lengthwise through hole for receiving the flexible line. A set screw or the like may be threaded into the weight against the flexible line to secure the weight thereto, such that the loop or swivel loop will be a set distance off the bottom of a body of water. A set screw in a clamp collar may also be tightened on the flexible line to retain the at least one weight on the flexible line. However, other types of fastenable weights may be used.
US07866076B2
A pushpin comprising a pin suitable for penetrating a pin permeable object for frictional engagement with the pin permeable object; a gripping handle on the pin, the gripping handle having a magnet attractive surface so that a magnet can be attached to the gripping handle thereby to allow an object to be displayed to be secured to the gripping handle between the handle and the magnet.
US07866070B2
An apparatus for holding a calendar comprises: a back plate 4; a hinged bracket 5 being hingedly connected to the back plate; a receiving plate 15 being fixedly attached to the hinged bracket and having a horizontally oriented slot 16; means for releasably closing the back plate and hinged bracket assembly; and means for attaching the back plate to a vertical surface.
US07866065B2
An attachment system for securing footwear to a wearer's foot that includes an integrated buckle strap receiver, which may be disposed on a portion of a footwear upper, comprising an overstrap and securing plate having a unitary construction; a buckle strap having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the buckle strap is capable of engaging the integrated buckle strap receiver; and a buckle operably coupled to the second end of the buckle strap for engaging an anchor on an opposing portion of the footwear upper.
US07866049B2
A hand tool for removing individual items contained in a blister package having an upper surface with raised protrusions with a given individual width containing each item and a lower sheet that holds the items within the protrusions. The hand tool includes a cutting blade having a piercing tip and slicing arms that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the piercing tip. Also included is a handle that is usable for urging the piercing tip through a protrusion and beneath a product item such that the blade will slice into the protrusion between the item and the package lower sheet. The configuration of the blade's piercing tip and slicing arms generate tactile force feedback to the user. The tactile force feedback guides the user to apply appropriate force to open the raised protrusion enough to empty its contents without damaging or losing the contents.
US07866043B2
A method of flatting evaporating section of a heat pipe embedded in a heat dissipation device includes the following steps: (a) providing at least a heat pipe and a base of the heat dissipation device to be thermally connected with the heat pipe, the base defining at least a groove for embedding the heat pipe therein; (b) positioning an evaporating section of the heat pipe on the groove of the base; (c) pressing the evaporating section of the heat pipe to embed the evaporating section into the groove of the base with a partial uneven surface of the evaporating section protruding out of the base; (d) flatting the protruded uneven surface of the evaporating section by polishing.
US07866037B2
A metallization forming method comprises the steps of: patterning a silver halide emulsion on a surface of at least one side of a substrate in accordance with a desired metallization pattern to form a patterned emulsion layer; exposing the patterned emulsion layer; and thereafter developing the exposed patterned emulsion layer to form a patterned conductive silver layer having the metallization pattern.
US07866034B2
A triaxial connector release tool comprising an outer housing and an inner appliance. The shape and size of appliance is adapted to fit concentrically within the housing of the tool. The appliance is pivotally mounted to the housing of the tool about a tab. In use, the tool is placed over the female and male triaxial connectors whereby a first end of the housing rests against an annular shoulder of a connector to provide resistance when the tool is in use. A user grasps the tool about the housing and exerts an inward squeezing force so that a pair of flanges of the appliance depress the protrusions of the locking mechanism of the male connector until they are disengaged from the apertures of the female connector and allowing the male connector to easily slide back out of the female connector.
US07866033B2
An apparatus for automatic removal of scrap elongated window component stock from a conveyor includes a path of travel altering mechanism, a translating mechanism, and a controller. The path of travel altering mechanism is positioned along the path of travel that selectively facilitates movement of scrap elongated window component stock off the path of travel. The translating mechanism is in communication with the path of travel altering mechanism for moving the scrap elongated window component stock off of the path of travel.
US07866030B2
A process for forming a lamination stack of superposed metallic laminations, comprising the steps of: providing a locking lamination having locking openings adjacent to respective projecting tabs; providing a passage lamination with passage openings, each having a deformed edge portion; axially aligning and fitting each tab of the locking lamination through a passage opening of the passage lamination; and pressing each tab against an adjacent face of the passage lamination, until each tab is contained in a respective passage opening of the passage lamination and partially seated on an edge portion of the passage opening, deformed to the inside of the locking opening of the locking lamination, axially locking the latter to the passage lamination.
US07866021B2
A machine assembly for manufacturing a component includes a frame, a first guide member mounted on the frame, and at least one component support configured to support the component. The at least one component support is coupled to the first guide member such that the component is supported below the first guide member when the component is supported by the at least one component support. The at least one component support is configured for movement along said first guide member. The assembly also includes a second guide member mounted on the frame, and at least one tool support coupled to the second guide member and configured to support a tool for one of inspecting and machining the component.
US07866012B2
A slider for a double-sided slide fastener includes: a body, having a first body, a second body opposed to the first body, an operating member, having a first member parallel to the first body and formed with a first groove and a second member parallel to the second body and formed with a second groove, and adapted to slide on the first and second bodies in a direction; a pawl member having a locking pawl configured to retractably project to a space of the body in accordance with a sliding operation of the operating member; and first and second pull-tabs, attached to the first and second grooves, respectively. A shaft portion of the first pull-tab can abut against an end portion of the first groove in the direction, and a shaft portion of the second pull-tab can abut against an end portion of the second groove in the direction.
US07866003B2
A buffer which can achieve a buffering effect corresponding to the speed of a sliding door is provided. Corresponding to the abutment force of an engagement pin 3 which is on a sliding door 2 with respect to a retaining recessed portion 67 of a hook body 61 which is slidably provided in a case body, an engagement stepped portion 71 of the hook body 61 presses a pressing member 44, and a brake pad 47 of the pressing member 44 and a brake pad 39 of a slider 31 come into sliding contact with a brake plate 28.
US07865994B2
A vibrating hair brush for enhanced detangling of hair, comprising a head portion including a motor assembly for operating a vibrating actuator and a plurality of bristles depending from a bristle pad of the head portion, wherein the actuator is disposed for generating a vibrating movement of the bristles in a curvilinear direction generally within a plane parallel to the bristle pad.
US07865987B2
A head positioning apparatus and method comprises a support member, at least one strap, and a ring. Said support member can be adjustably located proximate to a users head, neck, or other body parts, in order to limit movement of those body parts during activity. Said apparatus and the disclosed methods may comprise additional elements, for example additional straps; means of fastening said straps to an attachment point; one or more cushions slidably affixed to said straps; one or more buckles; and means to adjust tension.
US07865979B2
A toilet tank flush valve structure includes a valve base for installation in the outlet hole formed in the floor of a toilet tank and defining a water outflow passage and including a first valve member at the upper end of the water outflow passage. A float assembly is movable relative to the valve base between a sealing position in which a second valve member at a lower end of the float assembly engages the first valve member in sealing relationship and a flushing position in which the second valve member is spaced upwardly from the first valve member. The float assembly includes an outer shell that is open downwards and has a lower edge at which the shell is provided with the second valve member, and a closure member within the outer shell and cooperating with the outer shell to define a float chamber. The closure member is adjustable in position relative to the outer shell, whereby the float chamber is adjustable in volume.
US07870615B2
In one aspect of this invention, upon playing back contents, a content to be played back is selected from a plurality of contents stored in a storage unit, and it is checked for this selected content if a first playback mode that requires a prior playback confirmation operation or a second playback mode that does not require any prior playback confirmation operation is suitable as the playback mode of the content of interest. If it is determined that the first playback mode is suitable as the playback mode of the selected content, the content is skipped without being played back. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second playback mode is suitable as the playback mode of the selected content, that content is played back.
US07870613B2
Security components of managed computers are configured using inoculation data. Inoculation data can be retrieved from an inoculation data provider. The inoculation data provider analyzes unauthorized software applications to develop inoculation data. The inoculation data configures the security component to block execution of unauthorized software applications. Inoculation data can be embedded into a script, which is distributed via a management protocol to one or more managed computers from a management computer. Unauthorized software applications can be identified by filenames, storage paths, registry keys, digital signatures, download locations, residuals, and ActiveX controls or classes.
US07870608B2
Various embodiments of the invention provide solutions (including inter alia, systems, methods and software) for dealing with online fraud. In particular, various embodiments of the invention can provide early warning of an online fraud, for instance by finding suspicious domains and/or monitoring those domains for activity. If a suspicious domain shows activity (for example, if a web site associated with the domain becomes active), one or more actions may be taken with respect to the domain.
US07870605B2
Systems and methods automatically scan content, such as advertisements, for a list of terms and/or phrases that may not be allowed in the content. In one implementation, the terms and/or phrases include trademarks. In this implementation, incoming advertisements may be automatically scanned for the presence of trademarks.
US07870596B2
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for accessing network resources outside a security boundary. The present invention can provide a modules running within a security boundary (e.g., sandboxed client-side scripts) access to network resources at computer systems other than the computer system where the module originated. When network access is permitted, the properties of network request can be adjusted so that security information of the client system and the originating computer system for the module are not divulged. Thus, a module can obtain content for inclusion in a Web page from third party servers in a more secure meaner. Network e access decisions can be made based on ambient data already accessible to a host environment such that network access decisions can be made in a more automated manner.
US07870595B2
The present disclosure describes apparatus, methods, and system for secure access control of an intelligent electronic device (“IED”) by multiple personnel. Within the IED a set of basic permissions is defined. A software program allows a security administrator create specific roles from the basic permissions. The software program can then be used to assign to a user a specific role for one or more specific IEDs. This action creates a set of unique security keys for the user and a unique security file for each IED. When a user accesses an IED the system identifies the user from the security key and determines his/her permissions using the security file. The security key may take the form of a password inputted into the IED, an access device incorporated within the IED, and/or a remote access device positioned proximate the IED or removably positioned in the IED.
US07870592B2
The present invention is directed to a system and method for interacting with video by displaying one or more interface links associated with video content being displayed, pausing the video content when an interface link is interacted with, allowing the user to view ancillary content the interface link is linked to over a network, and un-pausing the video content after the user elects to continue viewing the video content. In one or more embodiments, the ancillary content may permit e-commerce, display additional video or other images, and/or include links to additional ancillary content. The present invention also includes a method for creating an interactive video.
US07870581B1
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US07870574B2
A method and system for the automatic identification of audio, video, multimedia, and/or data recordings based on immutable characteristics of these works. The invention does not require the insertion of identifying codes or signals into the recording. This allows the system to be used to identify existing recordings that have not been through a coding process at the time that they were generated. Instead, each work to be recognized is “played” into the system where it is subjected to an automatic signal analysis process that locates salient features and computes a statistical representation of these properties. These features are then stored as patterns for later recognition of live input signal streams. A different set of features is derived for each audio or video work to be identified and stored. During real-time monitoring of a signal stream, a similar automatic signal analysis process is carried out, and many features are computed for comparison with the patterns stored in a large feature database. For each particular pattern stored in the database, only the relevant characteristics are compared with the real-time feature set. Preferably, during analysis and generation of reference patterns, data are extracted from all time intervals of a recording. This allows a work to be recognized from a single sample taken from any part of the recording.
US07870569B2
In a Java-based environment, a dynamic proxy runtime provides a client with the ability to asynchronously invoke an interface method, thereby unblocking the client and allowing it to perform other tasks while waiting for results to be returned from the runtime. The original interface is not redefined nor is the real target object implementation modified. Rather, the runtime defines rules which the client employs to define an additional asynchronous interface to supplement the original interface.
US07870568B2
An adaptive system for dynamically provisioning a shared computing infrastructure among a plurality of software applications and a plurality of types of software application servers providing run-time environments for the software applications. The system includes computing engines assigned to execute instances of the software applications, clients accessing the computing engines to request and receive services from the software applications, and a broker device that dynamically allocates engines domains for executing the software applications. The broker device includes an optimization module for allocating the computing engines to the domains, and a configuration manager for configuring the engines. The configuration manager reconfigures a computing engine by halting a current instance of a first software application, and by loading and starting an instance of a second software application. The system is capable of reconfiguring software applications running in environments provided by different types of software application servers.
US07870557B2
An apparatus, system, and method for autonomously maintaining a single system image in a parallel systems complex. A computer program product causes the relevant systems in a parallel systems complex to receive requests with a global scope from a user. The request is sent to each IMS system in the sysplex, and each IMS system applies the resource information and logs the resource information for recovery. The request is written to a shared medium which IMS sysplex members can access. When an IMS member is brought online, the IMS member restores status information first from local recovery logs. The IMS member then checks the information against the global medium to determine if requests were issued while the IMS was offline. If so, the IMS inherits the information in the global medium before processing work. An IMS added into the sysplex applies the information from the global medium before processing work.
US07870545B2
For a variable accessed at least once in a software-based transactional memory system (STM) defined (STM-defined) critical region of a program, modifying an access to the variable that occurs outside any STM-defined critical region system by starting a hardware based transactional memory based transaction, within the hardware based transactional memory based transaction, checking if the variable is currently owned by a STM transaction, checking if the variable is currently owned by a STM transaction; if the variable is not currently owned by a STM transaction, performing the access and then committing the hardware based transactional memory transaction; and if the variable is currently owned by a STM transaction, performing a responsive action.
US07870542B1
A calling system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, at least one argument is pushed on a stack. In addition, a size of the at least one argument is pushed on the stack. Further, the size of the at least one argument is popped off the stack, and the stack is cleaned.
US07870538B2
Methods and apparatuses provide configuration inheritance. One configuration can be derived from another (target) configuration, and properties and all content of the target configuration are inherited by the derived configuration. The derived properties and all content may exist virtually at the derived configuration, and local settings can exist locally at the configuration. The configuration architecture may allow for overwriting the derived configuration with local content to allow for modifications of the derived content to adapt to the circumstance/environment of the derived configuration.
US07870535B2
A system and a method for developing Internet-hosted business applications composed of web services and software for use in such environments where applications and application components interoperate to perform requested business functions. The system and method of the present invention utilize a software development application services provider module (DASP), an Instantiatior module, a Builder module, an Applications Service Provider (ASP) Infrastructure Platform (AIP) module, and a hosted production environment module. The system and method of the present invention seeks to maximize the use of prior work to eliminate repetition and reduce development cost and development time. With each new project the library and experience increases. The system and method of the present invention can use developers and testers situated in diverse locations so that a larger pool of skilled people can be employed, the work can be done around the clock by using people all over the globe, and the costs can be reduced by directing work to people in countries with lower labor rates. The system and method of the present invention increases efficiencies and reduces costs to all parties by partnering the developers with third parties who are brought in at the beginning of development.
US07870527B2
A method for designing stacked pattern of PCB utilizing genetic algorithm and the system thereof are disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: First of all, information data of stacked pattern is inputted into operational interface of the software; Next, initial solution sets of stacked pattern are generated; Then, duplications of the initial solution sets of stacked pattern are generated according to a fitness function; Afterward, crossover of the duplications of stacked pattern are performed at random; Then, mutations are executed by a probability at random; Finally, identification is performed to check if the solution approaches the standard of demand and the result of stacked pattern is shown; otherwise, operational step jumps to duplicate step and repeats above steps until satisfying solution is obtained. The most suitable way for package can be arranged out through making especially mathematical calculations by the system efficiently.
US07870524B1
A method and system for automating unit performance testing in integrated circuit design is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which includes the steps of generating a first performance data for the unit to operate on a workload, embedding the first performance data in the workload for a register transfer level (RTL) implementation of the unit to operate on, and determining whether the expected performance of the unit is achieved based on the comparison between the first performance data and a second performance data, wherein the second performance data is generated after the RTL implementation of the unit operates on the workload.
US07870523B1
The present invention provides a system and method for resolving a test generation problem involving constraint resolution problems where a verification environment includes constraints that are suitable for resolution using one type of solver for a first domain and other constraints that are suitable for resolution using a different solver in a second domain. The invention further comprises variables and, in instances where at least one variable is in each of the first and second domains, using these solvers to restrict the set of permissible values of variables to be consistent in multiple domains, preferably in all relevant domains.A constraint resolution problem is divided into clusters of constraints connected within a domain, and connected clusters of clusters that are connected through shared variables that are subject to constraints in more than one cluster.A preferred solver is applied to constraints in each of various domains such that constraints in multiple clusters and domains in a connected cluster are consistent for connected constraints in a domain, and preferably all constraints in all clusters in all domains within the connected cluster are consistent.
US07870515B2
A method for hierarchical analysis of electronic circuits comprises selecting a first one of a plurality of abstraction levels of a general design model (GDM). The GDM comprises a first design description of electronic circuits at a plurality of abstraction levels and a plurality of foci, organized into sub-blocks. The method selects a first focus of the plurality of foci to select a first sub-block. The method identifies incomplete electronic circuits in the selected first sub-block. The method generates a second design description of the first sub-block to exclude identified incomplete electronic circuits, wherein the second design description is suitable for electronic design analysis (EDA). The method stores the generated second design description for subsequent use. Subsequent iterations thereby include all components of circuits that were incomplete in prior iterations.
US07870512B2
A method of organizing user interface information in a computer system includes receiving a user's definition of at least a user interface (UI) layout and a UI principle, and creating a UI taxonomy that is an abstraction of a class of UIs being consistent with the UI layout and the UI principle. A computer system includes an application development software for a developer to create an application having a user interface (UI), and a UI taxonomy including a UI layout and a UI principle, the UI taxonomy being an abstraction of a class of UIs. The computer system provides a UI prototype to the developer in creating the UI for the application, the UI prototype being created using the UI taxonomy.
US07870511B2
An apparatus and method, which make it possible to easily set and execute various animation representations according to the state of a cursor, are provided. In association with each of a state of a cursor or of a component located where the cursor is set, different read image data are set in association with a graphics representation program file. Such different animation displays according to the state of the cursor as animation for a focused state where the cursor is set on a component, image data for when the cursor moves between components and the like become possible, and in GUI-equipped devices, a GUI with which users will not lose sight of the cursor and which is highly visually effective can be realized.
US07870510B2
An information output device, an information display device, and an information management system for the efficient management of the parts of an industrial product. Information about the parts constituting the product is included in a table at the engineering stage. In the subsequent production stage or service stage, information may be added or altered when some of the parts are aggregated as an assembly or a set. A section is provided in the tables for each of the parts constituting the product according to a plurality of display modes, so that part configuration information such as part configuration diagrams needed in engineering, production, and service may be displayed as trees.
US07870493B2
Techniques for providing a shared clipboard to participants in a conversation are provided. The shared clipboard is specific to the conversation to which it is associated in that the shared clipboard does not “spill over” from one conversation to another. When a conversation between two or more participants is established, a shared clipboard becomes available to the participants of the conversation. The shared clipboard facilitates the sharing of data between the participants in the conversation. During the conversation, each participant in the conversation is provided access to the shared clipboard, including its contents. When a participant joins or is added to the conversation, the added participant is also provided access to the shared clipboard and its contents.
US07870487B2
Inserting into a document at least one screen image of a computer software application including inserting a macro at a location in the document for the screen image, the macro including instructions for navigating the computer software application to the screen image and for capturing the screen image and executing the macro. In typical embodiments, inserting a macro at a location in the document for the screen image also includes navigating the computer software application to the screen image by a user's operations of user interface controls and capturing the user's operations of user interface controls as instructions for navigating the computer software application to the screen image. Typical embodiments also include executing the macro by navigating the computer software application to the screen image and storing the screen image in computer memory. Executing the macro may include executing the macro for a language in dependence upon regional configuration settings.
US07870480B1
Methods and apparatus for storing and retrieving annotations accessible by a plurality of reports are disclosed. When an annotation including comments entered by an author is received in association with a data element or field of one of the plurality of reports, the annotation is stored such that it is retrievable using a key. Specifically, the key is composed of both a scope of the annotation and a period end date of the annotation. The scope indicates a subject matter with which the annotation is associated. When annotations associated with a particular data element or field of a report are viewed, the scope of the annotation and the period end date of the data element or field are ascertained. A key composed of the scope and period end date is then used to retrieve the annotation(s) that are pertinent to the data element or field of the report. Specifically, since the reports are related in a hierarchical manner, the scope and period end date of the annotations that are retrieved are those within the scope and period end date of the data element or field of the report.
US07870477B2
A system for portable data aggregation may include a communications module to receive an electronic form, an extractor to extract field data from the electronic form, an aggregator to associate the field data with an aggregate package. The system may further include a characterization module. The characterization module may be configured to preserve visual presentation of the electronic form. The field data may be presented in the aggregate package in an aggregated format.
US07870460B2
According to one embodiment, the controller controls a data refresh operation. The data refresh operation comprises a refresh-data read operation of reading L blocks of data by a head from a track to be refreshed on a disk, a data backup-write operation of writing the read data by the head to a backup-track on the disk, and a refresh-write operation of writing the read data by the head to the track to be refreshed after the backup-write operation. The controller sets the number L of blocks to a value that satisfies conditions for completing the backup-write operation and the refresh-write operation within a time corresponding to N revolutions of the disk from completion of the refresh-data read operation.
US07870458B2
A decoding system (100) is provided. The decoding system is comprised of two or more serial concatenated convolutional code (SCCC) decoders (1021-102N) operating in parallel. The SCCC decoders are configured to concurrently decode codeblocks which have been encoded using a convolutational code. The decoding system is also comprised of a single common address generator (108) and data store (114). The address generator is responsive to requests for data needed by two or more of the SCCC decoders for permutation and depermutation. The data store is comprised of two or more memory blocks (1161-116K). The SCCC decoders concurrently generate requests for two or more different data types. Selected ones of the different data types are exclusively stored in different ones of the memory blocks. Selected ones of the different data types are comprised of data which is requested at the same time by a particular one of the SCCC decoders.
US07870449B2
A testing circuit has a shift register circuit (76) for storing instruction data for the testing of an integrated circuit core. Each stage of the shift register circuit comprises a first shift register storage element (32) for storing a signal received from a serial input (wsi) and providing it to a serial output (wso) in a scan chain mode of operation, and a second parallel register storage element (38) for storing a signal from the first shift register storage element and providing it to a parallel output in an update mode of operation. The testing circuit further comprises a multiplexer (70) for routing either a serial test input to the serial input (wsi) of the shift register circuit or an additional input (wpi[n]) into the serial input of the shift register circuit (76). In a preferred example, the testing circuit further comprises a control circuit (78) which responds to a specific value of data stored in at least one stage of the shift register to generate an update signal for setting the other shift register stages into the update mode of operation.
US07870443B2
The present disclosure relates in general to embedded information handling systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for isolating a crash of an embedded multi-threaded application to a shared library call in embedded information handling systems.
US07870435B2
A block repair device is used in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) having a primary array with a defective cell and a redundant array with a redundant row. The block repair device stores a block repair configuration that determines the dimensions (e.g., the number of rows and columns spanned) of a repair block. Routing circuitry is configured by the stored block repair configuration to output some row and column address bits from received row and column addresses in a selected ratio. Comparison circuitry compares the row and column address bits output by the routing circuitry with the address of the defective cell that defines the repair block. When a match occurs, the comparison circuitry implements a block repair by activating the redundant row and by causing data to be written to or read from the activated redundant row instead of the primary array.
US07870428B2
In a circuit board on which a plurality of CPUs are mounted, the CPUs comprises: monitor units for outputting task statuses of the respective CPUs; and a diagnosis circuit connected to the plurality of CPUs, comparing and judging combinations of the task statuses of the plurality of CPUs based on information on task statuses outputted from the monitor units, and detecting false operations and failures of the circuit board.
US07870419B2
An apparatus utilizes distributed coordinating members to distribute member-specific state data to subscribing members in a distributed computing system. Member-specific state data is associated with different subjects, and coordinating members are configured to manage state data associated with particular subjects such that a reporting member that needs to report member-specific state data associated with a particular subject forwards that state data to a coordinating member associated with that subject. Once received, the coordinating member then distributes the member-specific state data to any members that have subscribed to receive state data associated with that subject.
US07870415B2
Clock processors are provided to economically control system and data clocks in high-speed signal converters. The processors generally include at least one of a delay-locked loop, phase-locked loop or a duty cycle stabilizer which generates an error signal in its operation. In the example of a stabilizer, it is configured to respond to an input clock to initiate a first portion of each cycle of the system clock and to include a control loop to provide an error signal that controls a second portion of the cycle to thereby maintain a selected duty cycle. The processors also include a data clock aligner configured to share the error signal and provide a data clock that is delayed by a selected delay from a selected one of the input and system clocks. In addition to providing effective control that is independent of disturbing effects (e.g., temperature and clock rate), the shared use reduces processor costs.
US07870414B2
A semiconductor memory device, which includes a clock tree circuit for correcting the duty cycle of a clock. The device sets a beta ratio to cause a constant duty cycle by using a reference clock having a constant duty cycle in a test mode, and then applies the set beta ratio to a DLL clock outputted from a delay-locked loop. Then, when the duty cycle of the DLL clock, to which the beta ratio has been applied, is not constant, the duty cycle of the DLL clock is corrected in the delay-locked loop.
US07870411B2
An operating system in a virtual environment can obtain the current time of the processor that the OS is utilizing through a method for synchronizing timers on multiple processors with a standard reference time, such as the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). A hypervisor controlling the processors obtains a number of synchronization values that, together with a local timer counter value, are utilized by the guest operating system to determine the physical processor time.
US07870407B2
A processor can operate in different power modes. In an active power mode, the processor executes software. In response to receiving a halt indication from the software, hardware at the processor evaluates bus transactions for the processor. If the bus transactions meet a heuristic, hardware places a processor core in a lower power mode, such as a retention mode. Because the bus transactions are evaluated by hardware, rather than by software, and the software is not required to perform handshakes and other protocols to place the processor in the lower power mode, the processor is able to place the processor core into the lower power mode more quickly, thereby conserving power.
US07870404B2
A method for reducing power utilized by a processor including determining that a processor is transitioning from a computer mode to a mode in which system clock to the processor is disabled, and reducing core voltage to the processor to a value sufficient to maintain state during the mode in which system clock is disabled.
US07870398B2
A method, system and computer program product for confirming the validity of data returned from a data store. A data store contains a primary data set encrypted using a first encryption and a secondary data set using a second encryption. The secondary data set is a subset of the primary data set. A client issues a substantive query against the data store to retrieve a primary data result belonging to the primary data set. A query interface issues at least one validating query against the data store. Each validating query returns a secondary data result belonging to the secondary data set. The query interface receives the secondary data result and provides a data invalid notification if data satisfying the substantive query included in an unencrypted form of the secondary data result is not contained in an unencrypted form of the primary data result.
US07870397B2
A method and apparatus for managing digital rights of a portable storage device are provided. The method comprises a device performing authentication together with the portable storage device and sharing an encryption key with the portable storage device as a result of the authentication, requesting a rights object list from the portable storage device, receiving the rights object list from the portable storage device, and processing and displaying the rights object list.
US07870390B2
Input signals are electronically watermarked using an uneven or non-uniform sampling rate. The uneven or non-uniform sampling may be pseudo-random. The uneven or non-uniform sampling meets the Nyquist criterion so that aliasing and loss of content are avoided. The resulting sampling pattern in the sampled data is detectable by a comparison with the original source data.
US07870387B1
Techniques which allow definition and enforcement of program-based action authorization policies. On a computer, an action or execution attempt is intercepted in real-time. The subject process, the program file of the subject process, the attempted action and the object of the attempted action are determined. An authorization policy considering the program file indicates whether the attempted action is authorized or not. In a tracking mode, the attempted action and its authorization are logged and the attempted action is allowed to proceed. In an enforcement mode, unauthorized attempts are blocked and logged, thereby enforcing the authorization policy.
US07870378B2
A boot up method makes an electronic system boot up by a processor according to a boot code in a NAND flash memory and includes the following steps. First, the flash memory storing a boot code or boot codes is provided. Next, a first boot code is copied to an XIP memory in response to a hardware reset signal. Then, the processor executes the first boot code in the XIP memory and thus makes the system boot up. Next, whether the system boots up successfully is judged after a time delay. When the system fails to boot up, the system is reset and a second boot code is copied to the XIP memory. Thereafter, the processor executes the second boot code in the XIP memory and thus boots up the system. If the system still fails to boot up, the above-mentioned steps are repeated until the system boots up successfully.
US07870356B1
A snapshot copy facility responds to a request for writing new data to a block of a production dataset by saving original data of the block, and writing the new data to the block of the production dataset and keeping a record of the blocks of the production dataset have been changed since the point in time when the snapshot copy was created. For detection of corruption of the snapshot metadata and for portability of the snapshot copy software, a sparse file is used for keeping a record of the blocks of the production dataset that have been changed since the snapshot. For “copy on first write” snapshots, the sparse file is a “write once read many” (WORM) file to store old data of blocks. For “remap on write” snapshots, the sparse file is a “read-write” (RW) file to which writes to the production file are stored.
US07870355B2
Performing data management operations on replicated data in a computer network. Log entries are generated for data management operations of an application executing on a source system. Consistency point entries are used to indicate a time of a known good, or recoverable, state of the application. A destination system is configured to process a copy of the log and consistency point entries to replicate data in a replication volume, the replicated data being a copy of the application data on the source system. When the replicated data represents a known good state of the application, as determined by the consistency point entries, the destination system(s) may perform a storage operation (e.g., snapshot, backup) to copy the replicated data and to logically associate the copied data with a time information (e.g., time stamp) indicative of the source system time when the application was in the known good state.
US07870352B2
A system is described for managing memory, the system including, among other things, a memory with logic and a processor configured with the logic to receive an indication of an application state from a plurality of applications in memory and determine which of the plurality of applications to effect removal from the memory based on the received indication.
US07870350B1
A write buffer for read-write interlocks improves memory access performance by minimizing the latency needed to avoid a read-after-write hazard when a read follows a write to the same memory location. Rather than waiting until a write has been stored in the memory location, the write buffer provides an acknowledgement signal before the data has been stored in memory in order for a subsequent read of the memory location to proceed. The write buffer merges the data to be written with any data that is stored in memory for the read request to return the current data for the read request.
US07870348B2
A processing device disclosed herein comprises: a memory access circuit which accesses a memory and sequentially reads data from the memory based on a predetermined access pattern; storage in which the data read by the memory access circuit is stored, wherein the memory access circuit sequentially reads the data from the memory and stores the data in storage until storage is full; and a processor which acquires the data from storage.
US07870338B2
An I/O processor determines whether or not the amount of dirty data on a cache memory exceeds a threshold value and, if the determination is that this threshold value has been exceeded, writes a portion of the dirty data of the cache memory to a storage device. If a power source monitoring and control unit detects a voltage abnormality of the supplied power, the power monitoring and control unit maintains supply of power using power from a battery, so that a processor receives supply of power from the battery and saves the dirty data stored on the cache memory to a non-volatile memory.
US07870337B2
A snoop coherency method, system and program are provided for intervening a requested cache line from a plurality of candidate memory sources in a multiprocessor system on the basis of the sensed temperature or power dissipation value at each memory source. By providing temperature or power dissipation sensors in each of the candidate memory sources (e.g., at cores, cache memories, memory controller, etc.) that share a requested cache line, control logic may be used to determine which memory source should source the cache line by using the power sensor signals to signal only the memory source with acceptable power dissipation to provide the cache line to the requester.
US07870321B2
An extended computing unit includes a connection module, memory, and hardware. The memory is operable to store one or more computer-level user applications, one or more exclusive extended computing unit user applications, an exclusive extended computing unit operating system, and an operating system extension of a computer-level operating system. When the connection module is not coupled to a handheld computing unit, the hardware is operable to execute the extended computing unit exclusive operating system, detect a request for activation of an extended computing unit exclusive user application of the one or more extended computing unit exclusive user applications, and execute a least a portion of the extended computing unit exclusive user application.
US07870309B2
A mechanism programming a direct memory access engine operating as a multithreaded processor is provided. A plurality of programs is received from a host processor in a local memory associated with the direct memory access engine. A request is received in the direct memory access engine from the host processor indicating that the plurality of programs located in the local memory is to be executed. The direct memory access engine executes two or more of the plurality of programs without intervention by a host processor. As each of the two or more of the plurality of programs completes execution, the direct memory access engine sends a completion notification to the host processor that indicates that the program has completed execution.
US07870308B2
A mechanism for programming a direct memory access engine operating as a single thread processor is provided. A program is received from a host processor in a local memory associated with the direct memory access engine. A request is received in the direct memory access engine from the host processor indicating that the program located in the local memory is to be executed. The direct memory access engine executes the program without intervention by a host processor. Responsive to the program completing execution, the direct memory access engine sends a completion notification to the host processor that indicates that the program has completed execution.
US07870304B2
A device is connectable to a computer through USB interface. The device includes a mode switching section configured to switch the device to one of a first mode and a second mode in which an access from the computer to a USB storage device is permitted and prohibited, respectively. When a standard data string is received and the device is in the first mode, the device accesses the physical storage area of the data storage section. When the standard data string is received and the device is in the second mode, the device transmits a pseudo response to the computer, the pseudo response indicating that no storage medium is mounted to the data storage section. When a particular data string is received, the device accesses a file through a file system provided in the device.
US07870298B2
Two logical partitions within a single computer communicate with each other internally. The protocol stack of a first logical partition generates a frame in a memory space provided in a driver and referred to by the first logical partition. The driver transfers the frame generated in the memory space of the first logical partition to a communication port of a Layer 2 switch using DMA. The communication port of the Layer 2 switch loops back the frame input from the driver. An interrupt is signaled to the driver and the frame is transferred from communication port of the Layer 2 switch to the driver using DMA. The frame is received in a memory space referred to by a second logical partition.
US07870296B2
A high availability system includes a first server computer for a first virtual computer and a first hypervisor and a second server computer for a second virtual computer and a second hypervisor. The first virtual computer executes a processing and the second virtual computer executes the processing behind from the first virtual computer. Information associated with an event is transmitted. The event provides an input to the first virtual computer. In the second hypervisor, a control unit performs, control based on the information to match the execution state of the second virtual computer and that of the first virtual computer, and control associated with the information, when the event associated with the information is predetermined one of an I/O completion interrupt from the first virtual storage and an interrupt handler call corresponding to the interrupt, after the interrupt from the second virtual storage corresponding to the interrupt is caught.
US07870293B2
A method and apparatus for communicating with entities outside of a secure network by intercepting and modifying messages is provided. Techniques for accomplishing the communication include inserting, retrieving, and deleting information from messages. The entities involved in the communication include, but are not limited to, users, content providers, and access providers. Furthermore, the types of information used in modifying messages include billing, location, demographic information, profile data, multimedia data, and code.
US07870292B2
The network topology generation method can reduce a network delay fairly and minimally, upon generating a new network topology, by considering a network condition in a physical layer. The network topology generation method includes establishing a virtual connection between the new node and each of the plurality of nodes; calculating an average metric value of routes from the new node to the plurality of nodes via each of the virtual connections; and establishing a connection between the new node and the node to which the virtual connection having the smallest average metric value is established, so that the new node joins the network.
US07870290B2
A computer system that attempts to establish an alternative network link upon failing to establish a requested network link is described. The computer system may encounter conditions where access to numerous networks, in particular wireless networks, is not available. Rather than only providing an error message to the user upon a failed attempt to establish the requested network link, the computer system determines whether the user has designated an alternative network link in case the requested network link cannot be established, whereas the alternative network link is selected from the plurality of network links that the computer system is configured to support. If an alternative network link has been designated, the computer system attempts to establish the alternative network link. Hence, the user experience is made smooth and uneventful when the requested network link cannot be established.
US07870289B2
In an interdomain network path control, by making path information with a network resource in a destination domain accessible in addition to path information with transmission domain and interdomain network resources, path selection taking network resources into consideration end to end is enabled and optimum path selection not only in a transmission direction but also in a reception direction is also enabled. Moreover, by making not only network resources but also processing load information of a service node accessible, selection of an optimum server and optimum path selection for the server are enabled using both the service node processing load information and the network resources.
US07870287B2
The technique of the present invention intermediates between an arbitrary client and an arbitrary printer connecting with a network to actualize practical printing works.A print portal system utilizing a server connected to the network intermediates between the client and the printer to execute a printing operation. The client outputs a printing requirement, which specifies print data of interest and a printer as an output resource, to the print portal system. The print portal system converts the input print data into data of a general purpose format, which does not depend upon the type of the printer, and transfers the converted print data to the specified printer.
US07870283B2
Disclosed is a system that optimizes transmission bandwidth of a broadband transmission system such as a cable television, satellite system, or wireless information service. Requests for content items from users are employed to add or delete content items from a list. Content items in the list are ranked relative to the number of requests received or by rate of request. Package groups are created with most requested content items being broadcast more frequently than less requested content items. Transmit groups are produced from package groups and placed in a broadcast queue. A transmit process transmits groups retrieved from the queue.
US07870281B2
A content playback device has a processor, a memory, a data acquisition portion that acquires streaming data for content from a data transmission device, and a storage portion that stores the acquired streaming data in a storage medium. The content playback device also has a playback portion that plays back the content based on the stored streaming data, a playback control portion that causes the playback portion to halt playback of the content in response to a halt playback request, and an acquisition control portion. The acquisition control portion causes the data acquisition portion to stop acquisition of the streaming data in response to the halt playback request, and causes the data acquisition portion to restart acquisition of the streaming data in response to a resume playback request. The storage portion stores, in the storage medium, the streaming data acquired in response to the resume playback request, starting from a position at which acquisition of the streaming data was stopped.
US07870277B2
Systems and methods for using object oriented expressions to configure application security policies
Systems and methods for configuring and evaluating policies that direct processing of one or more data streams are described. A configuration interface is described for allowing users to specify object oriented policies. These object oriented policies may allow any data structures to be applied with respect to a payload of a received packet stream, including any portions of HTTP traffic. A configuration interface may also allow the user to control the order in which policies and policy groups are executed, in addition to specifying actions to be taken if one or more policies are undefined. Systems and methods for processing the policies may allow efficient processing of object-oriented policies by applying potentially complex data structures to unstructured data streams. A device may also interpret and process a number of flow control commands and policy group invocation statements to determine an order of execution among a number of policies and policy groups. These policy configurations and processing may allow configuration and processing of complex network behaviors relating to load balancing, VPNs, SSL offloading, content switching, application security, acceleration, and caching.
US07870272B2
A content management system stores location information indicating a location within a content item where a user exited from or last-accessed the content item. This location information is synchronized or otherwise shared between or among a plurality of devices associated with the user. With this information stored on or accessible to these multiple devices, the system enables the user to start from that location when subsequently accessing the content item on any of these devices. The user's experience with the content item is thus preserved over time and independently of the device on which the content item is accessed.
US07870262B2
A service control element stores a user filter criterion. When it receives a session request identifying the user, it checks whether the session request matches the user filter criterion, and outputs the session request to a defined service platform when the session request matches the user filter criterion. The element is arranged to retrieve, before forwarding the request to the service platform, a capability information element that indicates the dynamic capability of a user to utilize the service provided by the service platform. If the information element indicates that the user is not capable to utilize the service provided by the service platform, the session is terminated. Incoming messages can be appropriately managed already in the network element responsible for service control, and thus additional load and unnecessary charging considerations can be avoided.
US07870261B2
The present invention provides a device and a method enabling a client connected to an external network to efficiently obtain information about servers connected to an internal network. An information processing device serving as an application gateway connected at an interface between the external network and the internal network performs a server information obtaining process about connected servers through the internal network in response to a request for obtaining information about the servers connected to the internal network transmitted from the client connected to the external network, generates a device list based on the obtained server information, and transmits the device list to the client through the external network. With this configuration, the client connected to the external network can efficiently obtain information about the servers connected to the internal network.
US07870248B2
Detecting the failure of file transfers via a network copy service from a source computer to a destination computer via a network monitoring service. If the network monitoring service determines that the source computer is no longer available, the destination computer initiates a second file transfer request via the network copy service from a second source of the file.
US07870244B2
A method for management of performance of computer systems and applications includes prompting the user to select information for monitoring, monitoring the performance of applications running on servers, displaying data, and prompting users to input performance adjustments. A user is prompted to select a server or server group, a resource, and a threshold or condition for notification, and in response a system compares the value or quality of the parameter to the threshold or condition, and provides a notification to the user in the event that the parameter reaches the threshold or condition. A method includes the steps of providing the user with performance information, receiving from the user a request for more specific performance information, and providing more detailed performance information. A method according to the invention includes the steps of receiving from the user an identification of a server as an authoritative server, another server as a comparison server, comparing runtime environment data in the form of one or more of CPU data, server data and Java data between the selected servers, and displaying differences to a user. A method of the invention includes the steps of receiving from the user an identification of a server as an authoritative server, and another server as a comparison server, and providing a list of matching and differing file names. The method may further include the step of receiving from the user a selection of a file, conducting a comparison of the files, and providing a result to the user. A method of the invention includes the steps of assigning a role to each user, and mapping between access to functions and each user role by an access control list, whereby access to functions is limited depending on the assigned role of the user.
US07870243B1
A service level agreement between a network service provider and a network user may require that specified service metrics or parameters be maintained within predetermined limits. To reduce the chance those limits (and the service level agreement) will be violated, the service metric is sampled periodically over successive sampling intervals. The mean value and the standard deviation of the set of samples obtained during the most recent sampling interval are used to screen out unreliable data. If the set of samples satisfies the reliability screening, the set is used in combination with past acceptable sets to determine the trend in the sampled service metric. If the trend is toward a violation, the time of the violation is predicted based on the assumption the current trend will continue. If the predicted time of violation is sufficiently near the current time, an alert is sent to the service provider to permit the service provider to initiate anticipatory corrective action.
US07870242B2
A flexible compliance system is described herein that provides a deployable meta-agent and automated remediation of computer system compliance failures based on configurable compliance rules. An administrator defines one or more rules that represent compliance elements that the flexible compliance system will enforce. The flexible compliance system reads the rules defined by the administrator like a flexible set of conditions to check, and correlates the outcome of the conditions to the rules. The flexible compliance system may take various actions with respect to a computer system in violation of a rule, including attempting to resolve the violation or quarantining the computer system to avoid interaction with other computer systems. Administrators can use the flexible compliance system to define these and many other types of actions to automatically remediate non-compliant computer systems and protect the health of the organization's resources.
US07870232B2
An automation network includes automation network devices connected to the network and a system layer interface that interfaces with a transport layer and an application layer of the automation network. The system layer interface includes messaging command libraries configured to implement human-readable messages for the automation network devices, where the automation network devices include at least one message output device. The system layer interface may provide commands and functions to establish messaging in the network, the length of supported messages, and scrolling of messages on output display devices.
US07870229B2
A network adapted to target an individual operating a microcomputer that is linked to an Internet to offer this individual goods or services appropriate to his needs that are available at a place within reach of the individual's present location. The microcomputer is provided with a GPS receiver that indicates the present location of the individual, this location and the identity of the individual being transmitted from the microcomputer to a web site on the highway. At the web site, a computer associated with a data bank storing the profiles of a multitude of consumers is programmed to find out whether the identified individual is included in the data bank, and to determine from his profile whether there are available at a place reachable from his present location appropriate goods or services. If a match is found, an offer to supply such goods or services is conveyed from the web site to the microcomputer.
US07870228B2
A system for remotely controlling mobile communication devices includes a redirection system, a remote control system and a mobile data communication device. The redirection system detects a triggering event at a host system and in response to the triggering event continuously redirects data items from the host system to a wireless network. The mobile data communication device receives data items from the wireless network and executes a plurality of device operations. The remote control system receives control information from a user interface and transmits the control information through the redirection system to the wireless network. The control information is received and executed by the mobile data communication device to remotely control one or more of the device operations. Methods of controlling the operation of mobile data communication devices are also disclosed.
US07870223B2
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that facilitates providing a service to an industrial environment. A selection component can identify a portion of data hosted by a remote server. A build component can construct at least one of a portion of a customized application or a portion of a customized service based at least in part upon the portion of data, wherein at least one of the portion of customized application or the portion of customized service is utilized within the industrial environment.
US07870216B2
An instant message enabled device and method are provided. The method may include accessing at least one control policy for usage of an instant messaging (IM) service using an IM enabled client device. The method may also include installing data related to the at least one control policy at the IM enabled client device to modify functionality of the IM enabled client device to comply with the at least one control policy.
US07870210B2
An apparatus and system are disclosed for regulating emails in an enterprise email system by marking, demarcating and referencing a content-context field in the header of the email. The content-context field designates the email as business or non-business in nature. Non-business emails are rejected, relayed elsewhere, or destroyed in response to positively identifying the email as non-business. The claimed invention prevents intermingling of non-business emails with business emails in business environments, and helps avoid potential liabilities that may result from associating business matters with personnel non-business matters.
US07870208B2
A method of regulating electronic message traffic is proposed. The method comprises sending an electronic message as part of a thread, receiving a response to the message, and tabulating said response in a counter. A data processing system compares the counter to a threshold and, in response to the comparing step, designates the thread as off-topic.
US07870201B2
A method for effecting the execution of an application function on an application server from a client device via a proxy server, including transmitting a first text message pertaining to a request to execute the application function to the proxy server. The method additionally includes authenticating a user associated with the first text message by authenticating the user via a confirmation address that is different from the text message origination address. After authentication, the method also includes executing the application function at the application server as specified by the first text message, whereby the first application function is ascertained based at least on the text message destination address.
US07870191B2
A computing system includes: first and second I/O interfaces that are associated with a server; and an I/O management unit that connects the server with the first and second I/O interfaces. The I/O management unit includes: an I/O buffer; an I/O mapping unit that stores an access request of the server to the first I/O interface in the I/O buffer in response to a change start request of the first I/O interface associated with the server to the second I/O interface; an I/O changing unit that associates the second I/O interface with the server; and an I/O synchronizing unit that converts the access request stored in the I/O buffer into an access request to the second I/O interface, in response to the completion of the association by the I/O changing unit, and executes the converted access request.
US07870174B2
Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with supporting reference partitioned tables in a relational database are described. One example method includes identifying a partitioning strategy (e.g., range, list, hash) associated with a parent table that is related to a child table by a referential constraint. The example method may also include creating the child table to be a reference-partitioned table partitioned according to the partitioning strategy associated with the parent table. The example method may also include creating the child table to be equi-partitioned with respect to the parent table. The child table is not to replicate a partition key of the parent table but rather is to inherit a partitioning key associated with the parent table through a foreign key relationship.
US07870171B2
A method for garbage collection involves allocating multiple objects in a young generation, where the objects are specific to a task, and where the young generation is specific to the task, performing a minor garbage collection, where an object of the multiple objects is promoted to a promotion area in a shared older generation, and where the promotion area is specific to the task, and freeing the promotion area when the task terminates to obtain a free promotion area without performing a major garbage collection.
US07870170B2
An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for identifying a memory leak in a heap. Prior to the start of the observation period, all live objects in the heap are identified to form a set of live objects by altering an indicator in the live objects. After running the system for the required amount of time or until completion of the event being monitored, the system is used to obtain the list of live objects without the altered indicator. Live objects without the altered indicators form the most likely objects associated with a memory leak.
US07870165B2
An electronic apparatus having a data playback function may include a display; a connection unit through which the electronic apparatus is connected to an external medium storing data that can be played back; a database creation unit that extracts retrieval information used for retrieving the data stored in the external medium from the external medium in response to the connection of the external medium to create a temporary database on the basis of the extracted retrieval information; and a display unit that displays the content of the temporary database in the display.
US07870162B2
A method for generating properly formed expressions used as validation expressions and search filters for computer system database applications. One or more embodiments of the invention for example comprise an interface that assists users through the use of automatic tokenizing and/or pick lists of field names and fields values, including a measurement builder for entering legal tokenized measurement values with applicable units of measure. Embodiments of the invention allow knowledgeable users to rapidly create expressions to ensure that the legal syntax and semantics of an expression are not violated while providing the user with pick lists and measurement values within legal ranges and with applicable units of measure. Validations rules are generated and performed on desired records in a computer system database without requiring programs, scripts or queries to be written. A validation expression returns a Boolean result that signifies a success or failure result and may be performed manually or automatically.
US07870146B2
A system, method and program product that maps between an application program interface of a data source and a persistent multidimensional object, and vice versa. The system, method and program product map in a single step that reduces computational requirements. In one embodiment, the invention is JAVA-based to provide an easy to understand framework for Java developers to utilize when supporting integration with non-relational back end systems. The system, method and program product are instance based and, hence, are scalable vertically and horizontally.
US07870144B2
A method of updating a file attached to an electronic document can include attaching a file to an electronic document and storing a reference to the attached file. The reference can specify a location from which the attached file was obtained. Responsive to a user input, the attached file can be replaced with a file specified by the reference. The attached file also can be updated from newly specified locations.
US07870142B2
A control system in a vehicle for extracting meta data from a digital media storage device over a communication link. The system includes a communication module for establishing a communication link with the digital media storage device. The system also includes a processing module coupled to the communication module. The processing module is configured to retrieve, via the communication module, meta data associated with a media file from the digital media storage device. The meta data includes a plurality of entries, wherein at least one of the plurality of entries includes text data. The processing module is also configured to compare the text data of the entries with a set of data files stored in a database. The system also includes a memory module configured to store the plurality of entries retrieved from the digital media storage device.
US07870136B1
A method for clustering data using pairwise constraints that includes receiving a set of data for clustering, the set of data includes a plurality of data units; identifying soft pairwise constraints, each indicating a relationship between two of the plurality of data units in the set of data and having an associated confidence level indicating a probability that each pairwise constraint is present; and clustering the plurality of data units in the set of data into a plurality of data partitions based at least on a chunklet modeling technique that employs the soft pairwise constraints.
US07870129B2
Provided are techniques for handling error documents. One or more entries for error documents are stored in a text index. A document with a document identifier is received. It is determined whether the document has an entry in the text index.
US07870125B1
A system and method for the customization of media content metadata that is transmitted to any one of a plurality of end user devices of differing types. The system is adapted to modify individual records or even individual fields from the entire gamut of available metadata into a metadata feed which is optimally suited for display upon the type of end user device. Additionally, the system is also able to modify the records or individual fields from a list of all metadata instances according to pre-recorded user preferences. The result is a system that optimally utilizes the current connection path in order to reduce congestion thereon, or to alleviate any user potential frustration caused by sporadic performance of the overloaded interconnection path.
US07870119B2
Disclosed are a method, a system and a computer program for scrolling to an arbitrary position in a set of unfetched rows of data in a relational database. Each of the rows has a plurality of columns and a class value in each of the columns. Also, each column of the set of rows of data has class values for a specified data class, and the rows ore ordered in the set according to a given sequence of these classes. The method of this invention, preferably, comprises the steps of identifying one of the rows in the database, and finding that one of the rows by identifying the given sequence of data classes by which the rows are ordered in the database, and for each of the data classes in the given sequence, determining the class value for the data class in the identified one of the rows. These rows may be ordered for purposes of a query in the database. Preferably, values of the data classes in the identified one of the rows are themselves determined, one data class at a time, and in the order in which the data classes occur in the given sequence.
US07870113B2
A system and method for organizing and retrieving data is provided. The present invention replicates existing data in a format that is representative of naturally occurring relationships associated with the elements in the data. The data is organized into groups which represent a collection of information including one or more data fields. These groups are organized into a hierarchy based on relationships in the underlying data referred to as mappings. The hierarchy provides an organizational structure that is flexible in terms of traversing, organizing, searching, and presenting data. This organization structure is also conducive for extracting a portion of the database relevant to a particular purpose and replicating that portion elsewhere, such as on a palmtop computer, personal data apparatus (“PDA”), etc. Data is extracted from the database in a context that includes all information relevant to an item of data at a top, or parent, level of the hierarchy. The context provides a useful way for a user to analyze data within each of the various contexts in which that item of data exists.
US07870106B1
Client node caching in a global file service. A client node receives a leaf image from a remote storage node storing a base image that is read-only accessible to the client node. The leaf image has a portion of the base image modified by the client node. The client node stores the leaf image in a cache on the client node. Unmodified portions of the base image are accessed from the remote storage node. Modified portions of the base image are accessed from the cache. The leaf images may comprise a branch modification log having portions of the base image modified by the client node and a metadata structure. The metadata structure has pointers to the modified data in the branch modification log and pointers to data unmodified by the client node in the base image. Alternatively, the leaf images may comprise a change volume for changes made to the base image by the client node.
US07870105B2
In one implementation, a storage system comprises host computers, a management terminal and a storage system having block interface to communicate with the host computers/clients. The storage system also incorporates a deduplication capability using chunks (divided storage area). The storage system maintains a threshold (upper limit) with respect to the degree of deduplication (i.e. number of virtual data for one real data) specified by users or the management software. The storage system counts the number of links for each chunk and does not perform deduplication when the number of reduced data for a chunk exceeds the threshold, even if duplication is detected. In another implementation, the storage system additionally incorporates a data migration capability and migrates physical data to high reliability area such as area protected with double parity (i.e. RAID6) when the deduplication level for a chunk exceeds the threshold.
US07870097B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for synchronizing data stored in remote stores. Data stored in locations such as computer applications, consumer electronic devices and Internet websites is synchronized with a central database within a computer device. The computer device may also store constraints that limit the type of data that may be synchronized with individual stores. A graphical user interface may use different formats or icons to distinguish between data stored in a store and data included within the central database.
US07870095B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for replication of data management information. A base replication module replicates a base table on an active server to a first and second standby server. The base table comprises configuration parameters for storage devices, logical volumes, physical interconnections, logical interconnections, and logical subsystems of a storage system, and the like. A session replication module replicates first sessions from a session table stored on the active server to the first standby server and second sessions to the second standby server. The session table stores a plurality of sessions. Each session comprises a plurality of copy sets. The active server manages the sessions using the base table and the session table, and the first and second standby servers do not manage the sessions. A transfer module transfers management of the first sessions to the first standby server.
US07870093B2
The data up to a point of time whereat failure has occurred will be restored at high speed at a remote site without imposing any burden on a host. The first storage system on the master side processes an I/O request from the host, and as a result of I/O processing to the second storage system on the remote side, transmits the update data. The second storage system retains data received from the first storage system as update log data. The host transmits a command for settling a state of an application to the first storage system as data, and the first storage system transmits the data to the second storage system. The host and the second storage system both retain an identifier corresponding to the command, and relate the identifier to the log data. Thereby, the host designates the identifier at any given time, whereby the second storage system restores the data at any given time.
US07870090B2
A building automation system (BAS). In one embodiment, the BAS comprises a database and a relational directory. The database is adapted to store data definitions. The relational directory includes data definitions for the BAS, stored in the database, and includes a site level, a system level, a device level, and an extension level organized in a hierarchical relationship in the database. In another embodiment, the BAS comprises a database, a relational directory of data definitions for the BAS, and a server engine.
US07870083B2
Systems and methods are disclosed to predict one or more missing elements from a partially-observed matrix by receiving one or more user item ratings; generating a model parameterized by matrices U, S, V; applying the model to display an item based on one or more predicted missing elements; and applying the model at run-time and determining UiTSVj.
US07870068B2
A system and method for purchasing a money order via the internet including the steps of providing an internet based money order system capable of generating money orders upon the receipt of a purchase request by a prospective buyer via the internet for a predetermined amount of funds. The prospective buyer transmits information to the money order system. via the internet, which information is required to purchase the money order. The money order is then remotely generated by the money order system and is delivered to an intended recipient of the money order.
US07870054B2
The present invention provides a method for advancing a first bidder to a selected rank in an electronic auction. This method includes calculating, in response to actuation of a bid rank advancement function, a new bid for the first bidder, and displaying the new bid to the first bidder. The new bid is calculated by applying a predetermined minimum differential value to a current bid of a second bidder that holds the rank selected by the first bidder. In one embodiment, the rank selected by the first bidder is a rank other than first. The present invention also provides a system and apparatus for advancing a first bidder to a selected rank in an electronic auction.
