US07887859B2
The present invention is related to a method for treating epiphora, the method comprising administering to a nasal area of a subject in need thereof a composition comprising camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, wherein the composition is substantially free of lipids other than the eucalyptus oil.
US07887853B1
This patent discloses a hand and body skincare cream composition. The composition may include organic cocoa butter, organic sweet almond oil, and organic olive oil in volumes that substantially may be equal to each other. The composition also may include organic rosemary essential oil in a volume that substantially may be equal to a volume combination of an organic peppermint essential oil and an organic rosemary essential oil. The composition additional may include extracts that may be drawn from equal parts by weight of wild harvested Irish moss, wild harvested bladder wrack, organic dulse flakes, and organic green rooibos tea.
US07887851B2
Drugs and cosmetics which are highly safe, and which are effective in preventing, improving, or treating various pathological conditions caused by estrogen depletion are provided. Provided are aromatase activators containing at least one member selected from plants such as Labiatae sps. including Isodon, Scutellaria (huangcen), Schizonepeta (jingjie), sage, lavender, Lamium album, and thyme, an extract thereof; yeast extract; silk protein extract; milk protein; trehalose; natto extract; royal jelly; oryza oil; hydrolyzated wheat extract; shea butter; and rice fermentation extract.
US07887849B2
The invention relates to a pigment mixture consisting of at least two constituents, constituent A being uncoated, monocoated or multicoated glass lamellae, and constituent B being nacreous pigments based on phyllosilicates, SiO2 lamellae, Fe2O3 lamellae or Al2O3 lamellae. The invention also relates to the use of said pigment mixture, inter alia, in paints, dyes, especially printing inks, plastics, powder paints, pastes and cosmetic formulations.
US07887843B2
The invention relates to a remarkably simple method for the in vitro production of three-dimensional, vital and mechanically stable cartilage or bone tissue and to the use thereof as a transplantation material for treating cartilage or bone defects and degenerative diseases such as rheumatism or arthrosis, and to the use thereof in testing active substances and physical factors. The invention is also directed to the cartilage or bone tissue and therapeutical formulations produced thereby, e.g. injection solutions comprising such tissue.
US07887840B2
A solubility-improved drug form is combined with a concentration-enhancing polymer in a sufficient amount so that the combination provides substantially enhanced drug concentration in a use environment relative to a control comprising the same amount of the same drug form without the concentration-enhancing polymer.
US07887834B2
Aqueous dispersions of (AB)n silicone polyether block copolymers, methods for preparing the dispersion compositions, and personal, household, and healthcare formulations containing the compositions are disclosed. The aqueous dispersions can be either vesicle or emulsion compositions depending on the (AB)n silicone polyether block copolymers structure and method of preparing the dispersion.
US07887833B2
An amphiphilic compound is provided capable of forming vesicles or liposomes, said amphiphilic compound having at least one headgroup containing a selectively cleavable group or moiety such as a residue of a choline or phenylalanine derivative, and at least one hydrogen-bonding group located either within said headgroup and/or in close proximity thereto. The cleavable group or moiety is cleaved under selective conditions including change of chemical, physical or biological environment and is preferably cleaved enzymatically in a biological environment such as the brain or the blood. Vesicles or liposomes made from said amphiphilic compounds are suitable for delivery of a therapeutic substance or a diagnostic agent specifically to a target organ or tissue, or for delivery of a nucleic acid for gene therapy.
US07887831B2
A bone-enhancing composite material comprising synthetic apatite and at least one supplementary bioactive agent selected from a biocompatible polymer and an anti-resorptive agent added ab initio, methods of preparing said composite and uses thereof are provided. The physical and biological properties of the composite are controlled by the addition of specific supplementary bioactive agents as well as optional therapeutic agents. The composite may be used as a powder, a paste or an implant.
US07887829B1
The present invention discloses a composite made of a layer of epithelial cells cultured together with a dermal matrix in a culture medium, which is free of BPE. The dermal matrix is a substantially non-immunogenic human dermis. Also disclosed is an enhanced composite where a biological agent has been introduced into the epithelial cells. The invention also comprises methods of making and implanting both the composite and the enhanced composite in an animal. A method of treating disease or injury through the use of the disclosed composites is also part of the present invention.
US07887828B2
The present invention discloses systems and methods for controlling arthropod populations. The systems include a polymeric substrate, a semiochemical that is reactive upon an adult-stage arthropod, and an insecticide that is toxic to an immature-stage arthropod. The semiochemical may be a sex pheromone that disrupts mating behavior of the adult-stage arthropod. The insecticide may be a per os insecticide that only affects the immature-stage arthropod. The arthropod to be controlled may be gypsy moths, in which case the semiochemical may be disparlure and the insecticide may be spinosad. Further disclosed are methods for preparing systems for use in controlling arthropod populations.
US07887827B2
The present invention is related to the use of malonomicin compounds and derivatives in fungicidal applications and to new derivatives of malonomicin.
US07887826B2
An insect repellent fabric. The fabric comprises a fabric base and an active insect repellent ingredient. The active ingredient is contained within microcapsules and the fabric base is impregnated with the microcapsules. The preferred active ingredient is a Citronella extract or DEET.
US07887824B2
The present invention relates to cosmetic compositions comprising a compound of formula (I) cosmetically acceptable salts thereof, solvates thereof and isomers thereof, that may be used in non-therapeutic skincare.
US07887819B2
The present invention provides a polypeptide SE36 derived from the N-terminal domain (47 kd) of SERA (serine-repeat antigen) produced by malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, at the erythrocyte stage, a process for purifying said polypeptide, and a malaria vaccine and diagnostic agent using as an active component said purified antigen obtained therefrom. SE36 can be produced in Escherichia coli on a large scale by deleting all or part of polymerized serines of the 47 kd serine-repeat region, whereby high purification is permitted. The human IgG3 antibodies specifically binding to SE36 prevents highly effectively growth of the protozoa in the red blood cells to inhibit fever and cerebral malaria, and further prevent the death.
US07887817B2
A process for preventing a protozoal disease by the administration of an alkyl phosphocholine to a human being.
US07887806B2
Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described.
US07887802B2
Provided is an IL-18 receptor antibody usable for immunohistochemistry, which functions as an IL-18 receptor antagonist. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition and method for preventing and/or treating an IL-18-dependent disorder, particularly skin thickening caused by ultraviolet, using the antibody. An antibody against the IL-18 receptor α subunit, which is characterized by binding specifically to a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence shown by SEQ ID NO:1, or an antibody against the IL-18 receptor β subunit, which is characterized by binding specifically to a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence shown by SEQ ID NO:2, is prepared.
US07887800B2
Methods for activating endothelial growth factors VEGF-C or VEGF-D with plasmin, and methods of treatment comprising administering a pharmaceutical compositions comprising plasmin. Also disclosed are methods of screening for inhibitors of activation of the growth factors by plasmin, and method of treatment by blocking activation of VEGF-C/D activation by plasmin. Further disclosed are methods for screening for other proteases that activate VEGF-CD, and for inhibitors of such activation. The invention further includes inhibitors of plasmin activity and methods of treating patients in need thereof with said inhibitors.
US07887796B2
This invention provides a method of treating a disorder of a subject's heart involving loss of cardiomyocytes which comprises administering to the subject an amount of an agent effective to cause cardiomyocyte proliferation within the subject's heart so as to thereby treat the disorder. This invention further provides the instant method wherein the agent is human endothelial progenitor cells, G-CSF, GM-CSF, SDF-1, and IL-8. This invention also provides methods of determining the susceptibility of a cardiomyocyte in a subject to apoptosis.
US07887795B2
Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Compositions that are administered to a patient include a mixture of adipose tissue and stem cells so that the composition has a higher concentration of stem cells than when the adipose tissue was removed from the patient.
US07887793B2
The invention relates to methods and materials for enhancing muscle mass or for the treatment of muscle disease in a subject, comprising introducing a cell which has a lower than normal level of myostatin signalling, into the subject.
US07887783B2
With only 19 amino acids, Duramycin is the smallest known polypeptide that has a defined 3-dimensional binding structure. Duramycin binds Phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdE) at a 1:1 ratio with high affinity and exclusive specificity. As an abundant binding target, PtdE is a major phospholipid and accounts for about 20% of the phospholipid content in mammalian cellular membranes. PtdE is externalized to the surface of apoptotic cells, and also becomes accessible in necrotic cells due to compromised plasma membrane integrity. Given the unique physicochemical properties of Duramycin and the availability of PtdE in acute cell death, the goal of this study is to develop and evaluate 99mTc-HYNIC-Duramycin as a novel molecular probe for imaging PtdE.99mTc-HYNIC-Duramycin is a low-molecular weight, fast-clearing radiopharmaceutical that detects apoptosis/necrosis by binding to PtdE. The goal was to quantify the uptake of 99mTc-HYNIC-Duramycin in the area-at-risk after myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, and to determine the window of detection.
US07887776B2
A method is disclosed for production of a sulfate-containing chlorine free salt and anhydrous gaseous HCl from a metal chloride (MClx), oleum and water. MClx and oleum are mixed together with a water-containing liquid, forming gaseous HCl and a solution of a sulfate-containing salt. The salt is precipitated from the solution, and in a preferred embodiment, the supernatant liquid from the precipitation is recycled to the reaction mixture as the water-containing liquid in subsequent reaction cycles. The exothermicity of the reaction between the water-containing liquid and the oleum is sufficient to remove chlorine in the form of substantially pure useful HCl and enables the process to proceed without additional heating of the reaction mixture. When the metal is potassium, this method produces high-purity novel sulfate salts with high potassium content K3(NH4)(SO4)2, 3K2SO4.MgSO4 and 3K2SO4.CanMg1-nSO4.
US07887768B2
An air pollution control apparatus according to the present invention reduces nitrogen oxides and oxidizes mercury in flue gas 16 discharged from a boiler by an ammonia denitrating catalyst. The air pollution control apparatus includes an economizer bypassing unit 15a that diverts high-temperature combustion gas 11 to a downstream side while bypassing an economizer 15 provided in a gas flue 10a for combustion gas 11 from the boiler, provided with an ammonium-chloride supply unit 101 that supplies powdery ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) to the economizer bypassing unit 15a. The air pollution control apparatus sublimates the ammonium chloride in an atmosphere at a high temperature of the combustion gas 11, and supplies hydrogen chloride and ammonium into the flue gas flue 102.
US07887767B2
The invention relates to a process for reprocessing a spent nuclear fuel and for preparing a mixed uranium-plutonium oxide, which process comprises: a) the separation of the uranium and plutonium from the fission products, the americium and the curium that are present in an aqueous nitric solution resulting from the dissolution of the fuel in nitric acid, this step including at least one operation of coextracting the uranium and plutonium from said solution by a solvent phase; b) the partition of the coextracted uranium and plutonium to a first aqueous phase containing plutonium and uranium, and a second aqueous phase containing uranium but no plutonium; c) the purification of the plutonium and uranium that are present in the first aqueous phase; and d) a step of coconverting the plutonium and uranium to a mixed uranium/plutonium oxide. Applications: reprocessing of nuclear fuels based on uranium oxide or on mixed uranium-plutonium oxide.
US07887766B2
A well plate and its supporting devices provide capabilities found in larger fermenters, such as controlling the oxygen level, the pH level, and temperature of the contents of the well. The well plate includes a plurality of wells, each of which can be independently controlled. Apertures in the wells, for example, provide access for a gas supply and sensors within each well provide data relating to, e.g., oxygen and/or pH level in the well. A control system controls the gas supply for each well based on the information provided by the sensor within the well. Similarly, temperature control elements, such as a heater or cooler, is placed in thermal contact with the interior of the well, as is a temperature measurement element. A control system can independently control the temperature of the contents of the well based on information provided by the temperature measurement element for that well.
US07887763B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in conducting chemical or biological reactions requiring the input of at least one fluid reagent and/or the output of at least one fluid product, the apparatus comprising a reaction chamber having an inlet for the supply of at least one reactant and an outlet for the recovery of at least one product, the reaction chamber being provided with a regulator comprising a propeller mounted in the reaction chamber in the region of the inlet for dispersing the at least one reactant in the reaction chamber.
US07887758B2
A sample vial is disclosed for use in conjunction with an automated cytological specimen preparation system.
US07887750B2
Described here are systems, devices, cartridges, methods, and kits for detecting or quantifying at least two different analytes using at least two different techniques, in a single sample. The cartridges typically comprise at least two test sites and the location of at least one test site is not dependent on a corresponding measurement device. The systems generally comprise a device, memory, and a processing module. The device comprises a light source, an array detector, and a port configured to accept at least a portion of a cartridge. The processing module is configured to perform an image analysis of the cartridge. The methods comprise the steps of acquiring calibration information, acquiring an image of the cartridge, performing an image analysis, and cycling through specific detection or quantification techniques corresponding to the techniques required by the test sites. Computer readable media are also described.
US07887748B2
The invention relates to a method for repairing components that consist of superalloys, in particular for repairing components that consist of a superalloy with an aligned microstructure in such a way that the repaired site likewise has an aligned microstructure. The method comprises the following steps: a solder material is applied to the repair site; the repair site with the applied solder material is heated until the latter melts; and the melted solder material is left to solidify. The solder material is an alloy with the same alloy components as the component alloy. At least the fraction of one alloy component in the solder material composition is modified in relation to the fraction of that alloy component in the component alloy composition, in such a way that the melting temperature of the solder material is reduced in relation to the melting temperature of the component alloy.
US07887743B2
The method and the apparatus serve for blow-molding containers. After thermal conditioning, a parison is formed into the container within a blowing mold of a blow-molding machine (41) by the action of blow-molding pressure. The required blow-molding gas is provided by a compressor (42). A compressor controller (44) is connected to a controller of the blow-molding machine in such a way that the controller of the blow-molding machine generates a setpoint value (49) for the initial pressure which is provided by the compressor.
US07887735B2
A void former or dowel sleeve adapted to be encapsulated in a hardened mass of concrete, which is collapsible upon the application of a tensile force longitudinally thereof to remove the void former from the concrete and provide a void for a load transferring dowel.
US07887731B2
A method of molding a container closure providing selective fluid communication between an interior of a fluid container and an exterior environment, the method comprising: (i) configuring and closing a mold having a first cavity negatively defining a base of a container closure that includes a spout and a container mount, where the spout and container mount cooperate to define a conduit therethrough in fluid communication with an outlet orifice of the spout; (ii) injecting a first material into the first cavity to mold the base; (iii) cooling the first material in the mold to impart at least minimal rigidity to the base; (iv) reconfiguring at least a portion of the mold to define a second cavity adjacent to the first material, the second cavity negatively defining a cap covering the outlet orifice of the spout; (v) injecting a second material into the second cavity to mold the cap over the outlet orifice; (vi) cooling the second material in the mold to impart at least minimal rigidity to the cap; and (vii) removing the base and integrally formed cap from the mold.
US07887730B2
Composite structures with internal cavities are constructed with relatively stiff walls that can support additional composite laminate layers, creating a self-tooling structure. The structure is subsequently simulcured, preferably in combination with elevated temperatures or pressures. Preferred structures are long and slender, and are constructed with one or more internal cells. Rotor blades are especially suited to the preferred construction methods. The walls can be advantageously constructed using composite sandwich panels, having an exterior laminate layer. In preferred embodiments, additional composite layers can be added before or after the simulcuring process.
US07887725B2
Dope is discharged onto the peripheral surface of a rotating casting drum to form a casting bead. A decompression chamber decompresses an upstream side from the casting bead in a moving direction of the casting drum. The decompression chamber includes a sensor unit for detecting a width of the casting bead. A control section shifts outer side seal plates in the width direction based on the width data, such that the outer side seal plates are located in an upstream side from side ends of the casting bead. Upon formation of a casting bead having a new width, the control section shifts the outer side seal plates based on the new width such that the outer side seal plates are located in the upstream side from the side ends of the casting bead having the new width.
US07887724B2
There are provided a foaming filler member which allows, even when the inner space of a hollow member has a protruding space, easy filling of the protruding space without using an extra member, a heat-foamable sheet used for the foaming filler member, a method for manufacturing the heat-foamable sheet, and a method for filling the inner space of the hollow member. A heat-foamable sheet which extends in one direction when heated at 100 to 130° C. for 20 minutes and has an extension ratio of 5 to 50% in the extension direction is manufactured by stretch-forming a heat-foamable material. Even when the inner space has the protruding space, the protruding space can be easily filled at low cost without using an extra member by using the heat-foamable sheet as the foaming filler member, disposing the foaming filler member in the main space of the inner space, and foaming it such that the extending direction of the heat-foamable sheet is oriented toward the protruding space.
US07887712B2
A substrate (16) is machined to form, for example, a via. The substrate is in a chamber (15) within which the gaseous environment is controlled. The machining laser beam (13) is delivered with control of parameters such as pulsing parameters to achieve desired effects. The gaseous environment may be controlled to control integral development of an insulating lining for a via, thereby avoiding the need for downstream etching and oxide growth steps. Also, machining may be performed in multiple passes in order to minimize thermal damage and to achieve other desired effects such as a particular via geometry.
US07887707B2
In a method and apparatus for operating and regenerating ion exchange material a wash fluid or elution solution for rinsing the ion exchange material (1) is prepared, there is collected as a by-product of said preparation a first waste stream including cationic species to be eliminated, the ion exchange material (1) is subjected to a wash step in which there is eluted from the ion exchange material by the wash fluid or solution an anionic species to be eliminated and a second waste stream including the anionic species to be eliminated is obtained, the first waste stream (12) and the second waste stream (14) are combined to form a precipitate SW comprising a reaction product of said cationic species and said anionic species, and the precipitate is removed. The method provides an efficient means of eliminating undesired species from a circuit containing an ion exchange material to be regenerated.
US07887703B2
The invention relates to a dialysis apparatus, comprising: a body with two planar sides, wells contained in the body, the wells being accessible from one planar side, a plurality of membranes for separating the wells into compartments, wherein each of said membranes is isolated one from another.
US07887693B2
An aqueous acidic copper electroplating composition containing an improved additive system for use at elevated temperatures. The improved additive system comprises (a) a suppressor comprising at least one high molecular weight polymer; (b) a brightener comprising at least one divalent sulfur compound; and (c) a leveler comprising a heterocyclic nitrogen compound. The improved electroplating composition is usable for plating through holes in printed circuit boards.
US07887687B2
A system and method for coating a desired portion of the workpiece with a layer of paint comprises an upper reservoir for storing paint. A female shell has at least two sections joined together to generally surround the workpiece with a gap. An energy source applies a first voltage of a first polarity to at least one of the shell, a conductive layer of the shell, or conductive inlet associated with the shell. The energy source provides a ground or a second voltage of a second polarity, which is different in polarity to the first polarity, to the workpiece. A lower reservoir receives excess paint that flows off the workpiece. A foam reduction module receives the excess paint positioned between the workpiece and the lower reservoir.
US07887684B2
A gas sensor element having an element body, the element body including: a ceramic heater having ceramic layers and a heater element embedded in the ceramic layers; and a solid electrolyte layer including a detection section covered by a pair of electrodes, the solid electrolyte layer being laminated together with the ceramic heater. Furthermore, the element body has a width at a front portion including the detection section smaller than at a rear portion, and at least both side edge faces of the front portion of the element body are covered with a porous layer.
US07887673B2
Paper machine for manufacturing a fiber web of paper without through air drying (TAD) or pressing, comprising: a wet end, having a wire section with at least one forming wire, a clothing, being air and water permeable, and a dewatering unit for dewatering the fiber web; and a drying section, comprising a drying surface for the fiber web; and also a transfer roll for transferring the fiber web to the drying section, wherein the fiber web is supported by said clothing from the wire section all the way to and over the transfer roll. The clothing has a three dimensional structure for structuring the fiber web.
US07887661B2
Embodiments include an infusion-occlusion system having a delivery catheter, a guide catheter adapted to receive the delivery catheter, and a guidewire with an occlusion device adapted to be received within the guide catheter. The guide catheter of the catheter kit may be provided with an occlusion device at the distal end of the guide catheter. The delivery catheter may have an accessory lumen, coaxial or co-linear lumen, a supporting mandrel, or an occlusion device at its distal end. Moreover, according to some embodiments, occlusion devices may be a single material or a composite balloon having an inner liner and an outer layer of different materials, a high compliance low pressure balloon, or a filter device that restricts particles from passing through but does not restrict fluid, such as blood. An inflation device with a large volume and low volume syringe can be used to inflate the balloon.
US07887660B2
Reinforced composite pipes and methods for making the same, generally employ at least one polymeric reinforcement phase, typically provided as an intermediate form 214. The intermediate form is typically applied over a core pipe 216, and may be consolidated. An optional jacket may be employed.
US07887656B2
In the present invention, ultrasonic vibration is outputted to predetermined regions of a first web and a second web from an output surface of an ultrasonic horn so that the predetermined regions may be bonded. The output surface includes a central output portion in a center region of three equal regions into which each predetermined region is divided, and both-ends output portions in both-ends regions at sides of the center region. A central maximum amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration outputted from the central output portion is smaller than an end maximum amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration outputted from each of the both-ends output portions. A central bonding strength of the center region is smaller than an end bonding strength of each of the both-ends regions.
US07887648B2
The invention relates to an ultrahigh-strength thin steel sheet excellent in the hydrogen embrittlement resistance, the steel sheet including, by weight %, 0.10 to 0.60% of C, 1.0 to 3.0% of Si, 1.0 to 3.5% of Mn, 0.15% or less of P, 0.02% or less of S, 1.5% or less of Al, 0.003 to 2.0% of Cr, and a balance including iron and inevitable impurities; in which grains of residual austenite have an average axis ratio (major axis/minor axis) of 5 or more, the grains of the residual austenite have an average minor axis length of 1 μm or less, and the grains of the residual austenite have a nearest-neighbor distance between the grains of 1 μm or less.
US07887636B2
A substrate dryer includes, among other things, means for generating isopropyl alcohol bubbles, and a vibrator to atomize stored isopropyl alcohol. A heater may be provided to heat pumped isopropyl alcohol, as wells as a spray nozzle to spray the heated IPA to the vibrator. It is possible to increase the concentration of the isopropyl alcohol supplied for the purpose of drying the substrate. Improved substrate drying is achieved.
US07887633B2
Techniques for the formation of silicon ingots and crystals using silicon feedstock of various grades are described. Common feature is adding a predetermined amount of germanium to the melt and performing a crystallization to incorporate germanium into the silicon lattice of respective crystalline silicon materials. Such incorporated germanium results in improvements of respective silicon material characteristics, mainly increased material strength. This leads to positive effects at applying such materials in solar cell manufacturing and at making modules from those solar cells. A silicon material with a germanium concentration in the range (50-200) ppmw demonstrates an increased material strength, where best practical ranges depend on the material quality generated.
US07887632B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a monocrystalline film and a device formed by the above method, and according to the method mentioned above, lift-off of the monocrystalline silicon film is preferably performed and a high-purity monocrystalline silicon film can be obtained. A monocrystalline silicon substrate (template Si substrate) 201 is prepared, and on this monocrystalline silicon substrate 201, an epitaxial sacrificial layer 202 is formed. Subsequently, on this sacrificial layer 202, a monocrystalline silicon thin film 203 is rapidly epitaxially-grown using a RVD method, followed by etching of the sacrificial layer 202, whereby a monocrystalline silicon thin film 204 used as a photovoltaic layer of solar cells is formed.
US07887630B2
Methods and compositions for grinding materials are provided. In an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of grinding solid materials. For example, the method can comprise mixing the solid material with the grinding aid, and using a grinding media such as steel balls to grind the solids. The grinding aid composition can comprise one or more glycerin by-products derived from a biodiesel manufacturing process. The grinding aid composition can also comprise one or more glycerin by-products of transesterification reactions involving triglycerides. The grinding aid can be added to the grinding process as a solution.
US07887613B2
A vacuum cleaner includes a body having a nozzle assembly with a suction inlet and a control assembly including a control stalk. A dirt collection vessel is carried on the body. The dirt collection vessel includes a toroidal cyclone. The toroidal cyclone has an inlet port, a clean air outlet port and a particle outlet provided in a wall of the toroidal cyclone between the inlet and outlet port. A cork screw baffle is received in the toroidal cyclone. The cork screw baffle defines a spiraling air path through the toroidal cyclone. A suction generator, carried on the body, draws the air stream through the dirt collection vessel.
US07887608B2
An abrasive agglomerate includes a plurality of abrasive grains bonded together in a three-dimensional structure by a substantially continuous, non-porous inorganic binder, wherein the abrasive grains have an average size of between about 0.5 microns and about 1500 microns, the inorganic binder is less than about 75 percent, by weight, of the abrasive agglomerate, and the bulk density of the abrasive agglomerate is less than about 90 percent of the bulk density of the abrasive grains.
US07887594B2
A vertebral replacement body device for supporting adjacent vertebrae includes a connecting member having an upper member and a lower member engaged thereto at opposite ends thereof. The vertebral replacement body device can have a chamber extending therethrough for fusion of the supported vertebrae.
US07887593B2
Materials and methods for repairing or replacing an intervertebral disc or disc nucleus using natural biological tissue. The tissue may be used alone without an additional core material, or it may be used to encapsulate an elastomeric or hydrogel core. When used alone the tissue may be rolled, folded, braided, or layered to provide a solid plug of natural biological material. When used to encapsulate an elastomeric or hydrogel core the tissue acts as a constraining jacket to support the core. The natural tissue implants may further include a drawstring to assist in folding the implant when the device is implanted in an intervertebral disc space. Multiple units of the natural tissue implants may be used together.
US07887591B2
An intervertebral implant (1), specifically an artificial intervertebral disk, with a central axis (2), an upper section (10), suitable for laying onto the base plate of a vertebral body lying on top and a lower section (20), suitable for laying onto the cover plate of a vertebral body lying below, wherein A) the upper section (10) is provided with a ventral side area (11), a dorsal side area (12), two lateral side areas (13,14), a top apposition surface (15) and a bottom surface (16); B) the lower section (20) is provided with a ventral side area (21), a dorsal side area (22), two lateral side areas (23,24), a bottom apposition surface (25) and a top surface (26); C) the two sections (10,20) are moveable in relation to each other by means of one joint (30) arranged between the two sections (10;20), wherein D) the joint (30) is a universal joint with two swivel axles (3;4) standing perpendicular to each other.
US07887585B2
Systems and devices for minimally invasively treating an air leak in a lung comprise the steps of detecting an air leak in a lung; locating an airway in fluid communication with the air leak, introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and occluding an airway upstream of the air leak for a period of time. The airway occlusion device is preferably removed after the air leak has substantially permanently healed. The occluding device may be a one-way valve. The occluding device may also comprise strut members and anchors that penetrate an airway wall.
US07887584B2
This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys.Specifically, this invention provides an artificial heart component, such as an artificial heart valve or a pacemaker, wherein the artificial heart component includes an amorphous metal alloy component. The artificial heart valve may be a ball valve comprising an amorphous metal alloy cage. Alternatively, the artificial heart valve can include leaves made of amorphous metal alloy. The amorphous metal alloy component may also be a sheath or a strut. The pacemaker containing the amorphous metal alloy may house an energy source which is shielded from the body by the amorphous metal alloy.
US07887579B2
The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to radial forces. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of stents with obstruction clearance and/or radiation therapy capabilities.
US07887576B2
An endoluminal device comprises a stent and a tubular graft supported by the stent. The graft has a proximal and a distal opening and comprises a synthetic material and a bioremodelable material. The bioremodelable material is disposed on an exterior surface in at least one band adjacent at least one of the proximal and distal openings.
US07887570B2
A bone fixation system includes a fixation plate including at least one fixation hole and at least one fastener. The fastener includes a coupler and a shank for engaging a bone. The coupler is threadably engaged with the fixation hole and includes an aperture receiving a proximal portion of the shank. The proximal portion of the shank can move relative to the coupler. The proximal portion of the shank includes a driver engagement recess for rotating the shank and the coupler together relative to the fixation plate without rotating the shank relative to the coupler and for threading the coupler to the fixation hole.
US07887566B2
An intervertebral support device may include upper and lower vertebral mounting fixtures to be respectively connected to an upper and a lower vertebra in a patient's spine. The device may further include a bias member for urging the upper and lower vertebral mounting fixtures together, and a bias adjuster connected to the bias member maintained in tension for adjusting the tension thereof. The bias adjuster advantageously allows a spinal surgeon installing the intervertebral support device to adjust the tension of the bias member during installation, as well as to re-adjust the tension post-operatively during follow-up visits to modify a patient's intervertebral mobility as needed.
US07887565B2
Apparatus and a method of inserting spinal implants is disclosed in which an intervertebral space is first distracted, a hollow sleeve having teeth at one end is then driven into the vertebrae adjacent that disc space. A drill is then passed through the hollow sleeve removing disc and bone in preparation for receiving the spinal implant which is then inserted through the sleeve.
US07887564B2
A method for treating a wound with sutures is disclosed. One method includes placing the body and shaft of the device within a cavity of the wound; attaching a first end of at least one suture to a first side of the wound; passing a second end of the at least one suture through the body and coupling it to the shaft; attaching a second end of the at least one suture to the second side of the wound; and rotating the shaft with respect to the body to pull the first side of the wound and the second side of the wound toward one another.
US07887560B2
A device, method, and system of deploying an embolic protection device at a location distal to a treatment site in a vessel of a patient. A delivery catheter is encircled by a sealing member which is expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The device creates a seal to prevent the flow of blood during the treatment of vascular disease. A distal protection element is delivered by the delivery catheter and deployed to filter or remove embolic debris.
US07887557B2
An angioplasty balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft and a balloon coupled to the shaft. The balloon may include one or more cutting edges or member and may include a plurality of chambers defined therein.
US07887554B2
A surgical suturing apparatus includes a suture housing, a needle having a proximal end and a distal end, the needle being mounted within the suture housing for movement about an arcuate path, a drive assembly operably associated with the needle for controlling movement of the needle with a suture secured thereto about the arcuate path in a manner facilitating application of the suture to tissue, and mechanism for determining the position of at least one of the distal end of the needle and the proximal end of the needle at all points along the arcuate path about which the needle moves.
US07887553B2
A right angle clip applier apparatus including a distal clip applying mechanism and a proximal advancing mechanism positioned in a handle assembly. The clip applying mechanism includes a feed rod interfacing with a cartridge for the advancing and applying of clips on tissue portions. A plurality of clips are enclosed in the apparatus. The advancing mechanism is actuated by a lever in the handle assembly which creates a drive force that repositions the feed rod and clips. Each actuation of the lever applies a first clip and advances clips to a new position in a distal direction. The clip applying mechanism can be utilized at any angle and can be rotated through 360 degrees while holding the handle in a fixed position. An empty clip indicator is provided.
US07887550B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a base structure adapted to be inserted within the burr hole; a lead securing member for securing the lead, the lead securing member comprising a first arm structure and a second arm structure, at least one spring loaded structure adapted to exert a force to bring the first arm structure and the second arm structure together; and a positioning tool having a distal end adapted to be inserted within the lead securing member. When the positioning tool is positioned within the lead securing member, the distal end holds the first and second arm structures a sufficient distance apart to receive a lead between the first and second arm structures; wherein the positioning tool comprises a control structure at a proximal end that, when engaged, causes the distal end of the positioning tool to be released from between the first and second arm structures.
US07887545B2
A novel coplanar X-ray guided method and device for insertion of distal locking screws in intramedullary bone nails. The device has coplanar holes, which allow insertion of protective sleeves. A drill and bone screws can be inserted through the protective sleeves. Radiopaque target markers in the aiming arm enable the easy positioning of an X-ray source such that an X-ray beam is coplanar with the aiming arm transverse holes. After the X-ray source is accurately oriented, a single X-ray snapshot is enough to assess the exact distortion of the implanted intramedullary nail. The X-ray beam need not be coaxial with the intramedullary nail holes. The aiming arm has a mobile portion and a fixed portion fastened to the nail, wherein said aiming arm can be adjusted, displacing the mobile portion over the fixed portion, to compensate for the distortion of the intramedullary nail after implantation. Once the aiming arm is precisely positioned, the aiming arm transverse holes and intramedullary nail holes are accurately aligned, protective sleeves are inserted through aiming arm holes, bone drills are drilled through the intramedullary nail holes and surrounding bone material, and bone screws are inserted, locking the intramedullary nail to the bone.
US07887541B2
Methods and devices are provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element. In one exemplary embodiment, a spinal rod reduction device is provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element. The spinal rod reduction device can include a fastener engaging member for engaging at least a portion a spinal implant element, a reduction member for engaging at least a portion of a spinal fixation element, and a handle assembly mated to the reduction member. The handle assembly can be designed in such a way that actuation of the handle assembly causes movement of the reduction member relative to the fastener engaging member and the movement of the reduction member reduces the spinal fixation element into the spinal implant element. Two different styles of spinal rod reduction devices are discussed in detail. Various techniques are also provided for reducing a spinal fixation element into a spinal implant element.
US07887538B2
A method for modifying tissue in a patient may involve one or more of the following steps: advancing at least a distal portion of at least one elongate, at least partially flexible tissue modification device into a patient and between one or more target tissues and one or more non-target tissues; positioning at least one tissue modifying member of the tissue modification device adjacent the target tissue such that the tissue modifying member(s) face the target tissue and do not face the non-target tissue; applying an anchoring force to the tissue modification device at or near the distal portion or a proximal portion of the device; applying a tensioning force to the tissue modification device at or near an opposite end of the device relative to the end to which anchoring force is applied, while maintaining the anchoring force, to urge the tissue modifying member(s) against the target tissue; and modifying the target tissue, using the tissue modifying member(s), while preventing the tissue modifying member(s) from extending significantly beyond the target tissue toward the proximal or distal portion of the tissue modification device during tissue modification.
US07887536B2
A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.
US07887525B2
The present invention provides coating composition according to the present invention. The coating composition is a low extractables composition that imparts properties, such as, for example, low friction, high gloss, color and/or pearlescence to a substrate coated with the composition of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, a tampon applicator includes the coating composition of the present invention.
US07887521B2
An ophthalmic injection system has a tip segment attachable to and removable from a limited reuse assembly. The tip segment has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, a needle, a temperature control device, a thermal sensor, and a first housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the temperature control device and the plunger. The limited reuse assembly has an actuator with a shaft, a power source for providing power to the actuator, a controller for controlling the actuator, a mechanical linkage interface, and a second housing at least partially enclosing the power source, the controller, and the actuator. The mechanical linkage interface is coupled to the actuator shaft and has a mating surface on one end. The substance is injected after the temperature of the substance is altered.
US07887512B2
Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.
US07887509B2
Medical device for the delivery and/or the extraction of fluid to and/or from a patient, said medical device comprising a pumping unit (1) for pumping a fluid, a warming chamber (2) with an inlet (3) and an outlet (4) and containing a heating element (5) for warming said fluid, fluid volume measuring means (13-18) and a fluid line crossing said pumping and warming units (1, 2), characterized by the fact that said heating element (5) is adapted to be fully immersed in the fluid which is crossing said warming chamber (2) and by the fact that said fluid measuring means comprise temperature sensing means adapted to measure the fluid temperature on at least two separate points and electrical parameter measuring means for determining at least one electrical parameter such as current, power or frequency applied to said heating element (5). The invention also includes a method for using this device.
US07887500B2
A method for applying pressure to a person's body includes the steps of: (a) positioning a collar such that, (i) the appendage axially extends into and out of the collar on opposite axial ends of the collar, and (ii) a first collar portion surrounds at least a first side of a person's body and a second collar portion surrounds at least a second, opposite side of the person's body; and (b) drawing together the first collar portion and the second collar portion using a tensioning system such that a portion of the person's body is compressed between the first collar portion and the second collar portion. The tensioning system includes a rotary closure device operable to selectively draw together the first collar portion and the second collar portion.
US07887498B2
An external fixator assembly structured for placement and use substantially adjacent the ankle area of the body and including a support assembly comprising at least one base segment and one or two contoured segments disposed substantially on opposite sides of the ankle area. Each of the contoured segments includes a contoured portion having a either different or substantially equivalent angular and/or convergent configurations disposed along a length or height of the ankle area. At least one transfixion member may be connected along the length of the contoured portion(s) as well as a remainder of the contoured segment(s) so as to extend transversely inward there from into operative engagement with tissue associated with the ankle area patient's body.
US07887480B2
A balloon control apparatus includes a balloon, a flow rate adjustment section, a setting section and a control section. The balloon is attached to an insertion section of an endoscope and/or an insertion aid instrument for guiding insertion of the insertion section of the endoscope. The flow rate adjustment section adjusts an air supply flow rate to the balloon and/or an exhaust flow rate from the balloon. The setting section sets the air supply flow rate and/or the exhaust flow rate. The control section controls the flow rate adjustment section so that the air supply flow rate to the balloon and/or the exhaust flow rate from the balloon become the air supply flow rate and/or the exhaust flow rate set by the setting section.
US07887477B2
A porous membrane is inserted into a ventricle of a heart. The porous membrane creates a relatively hemostatic volume in which a thrombus can grow. Blood can still pass through fenestrations of the membrane into and out of the hemostatic volume. The fenestrations reduce pressures that act on the membrane, and so reduce stresses within the membrane. The flow characteristics through the hemostatic volume promote growth of the thrombus from a base of the hemostatic volume. The thrombus grows to slightly larger than the original size of the hemostatic volume so as to provide support for the membrane. Any remaining stresses within the membrane are thereby substantially eliminated. The thrombus shrinks over an ensuing period of time, with the membrane merely acting as a barrier to which an outer wall of the myocardium retracts. The function of the membrane is then complete, and may be absorbed.
US07887476B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for delivering brachytherapy into a target tissue region, e.g., a breast. In some embodiments, a flexible brachytherapy device is implanted that includes a therapy delivery portion having one or more radioactive sources securely retained thereto, and a tail portion extending from the therapy delivery portion. The brachytherapy device may be implanted in a helical configuration within the target tissue region. To assist in placement and removal of the brachytherapy device, a tubular sheath may be implanted by attaching (e.g., sliding over) a helically coiled needle that is advanced into the body by screw-like rotation. Once implanted, the sheath and the brachytherapy device may extend outside the body, where they may be folded and secured flat against the skin. The device and sheath may be removed at therapy completion.
US07887475B1
A pictorially searchable anatomical database with computer assisted mapping is presented. The pictorial portion of the database and the textual portion of the database are fully unified, i.e., all elements are “live” and visually navigating through one will instantaneously display the corresponding element of the other. A “standard reference” and unique visual keys are presented; selection of a structure of interest may be displayed both in the form of a conventional two-dimensional scan and a three-dimensional view of the structure of interest; all structures in both the 2-D and 3-D views may be interrogated. In addition, structures connected to the structure of interest may likewise be displayed in both the two- and the three-dimensional views. While the inclusive database will be of utility to a variety of physicians, including first responders, clinicians, surgeons and diagnosticians, it will be of particular utility to radiation treatment planners: a patient's images may be imported onto the display screen of the present invention and superimposed upon or merged with the standard reference images of the present invention for more accurate and more rapid delineation of structures to be treated or avoided.
US07887469B1
An adjustable barbell or dumbbell or exercise device includes a handle, two carriers each having a tubular member attached to the end portion of the handle and each having a number of slots, a number of weight members attachable onto the tubular member of the carrier, and two latch members each having a shank engaged into the tubular member and each having a number of latch tongues extendible out through the slots of the carrier for engaging with the weight members and for anchoring the weight members on the carrier and the handle, and the latch tongues are selectively engageable into the tubular member of the carrier for allowing the weight members to be attached to and disengaged from the carrier and the end portion of the handle.
US07887468B2
A resistance system for fitness equipment includes a frame, a resistance source such as an elastic cord, coil or any other type of spring, weight, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. The resistance source is mounted to a resistance block with a load support. A support disk is provided that is movably mounted to the frame and adapted to enable selective engagement with the load support. A transmission member, including a pliable member such as a cable, belt or other member, is coupled to the resistance source. Movement of the support disk enables selective engagement of the resistance source. In this way one or more individual resistance sources can be selectively engaged or disengaged to vary the resistance to the user by actuation of a dial or other actuator as directed by the user.
US07887461B2
A facial muscle strengthening and lip strengthening device comprises a primary hinge attached to two articulating arms and biased to a predetermined position. Lip-engaging members are attached to the articulating arms opposite the primary hinge and are also attached to the articulating arms in a hinged manner. The lip-engaging members comprise saddle-shaped units to be disposed in front, back, and atop the lips of a user. To employ the device, a user places the device between the lips in a vertical, horizontal or slanted orientation and compresses the device, bringing the lip-engaging members proximally together and causing the primary hinge to depend laterally away from the mouth of the user.
US07887448B2
A power transmission belt having a body with an inside, an outside, and laterally oppositely facing side surfaces. The body has at least one surface that engages a pulley to frictionally transmit forces between the power transmission belt and pulley. The body includes rubber defining at least a part of the at least one surface. The rubber is a composition made up of a blend of at least: a) 100 parts by weight of an ethylene/α-olefin elastomer; b) 10 to 25 parts by weight of a plasticizer having a solubility parameter of from 8.3 to 10.7 (cal/cm3)1/2; and c) 60 to 110 parts by weight of an inorganic filler.
US07887444B1
A sports racquet including a frame, at least one grommet assembly. The frame includes a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. At least a first set of concave recesses and channels are formed into the outer peripheral wall. The hoop includes first, second and third groups of string openings. The second and third groups of string openings are aligned with the first set of concave recesses. The second group of string openings extends through the outer peripheral wall at the first set of concave recesses. The grommet assembly engages the outer peripheral wall. The grommet assembly includes at least three pivotable elements interconnected by torque transmitting arms, each pivotable element including a string passage. The pivotable elements and the torque transmitting arms are pivotable about an axis parallel to a string bed plane.
US07887442B2
A facility for playing a ball game includes a playing surface, as well as a net which divides the playing surface into two halves. The halves are each at least partly formed by a water basin filled with water. The halves each include a vertical rear wall, which is in each case provided on the side of that half which is remote from the net.
US07887431B2
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In another embodiment, the club head has an adjustable sole that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the strike face of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head.
US07887424B2
There is provided a tool for repair of damaged threads of screws, including a body (2) having a projecting portion (4) for accommodating a screw to be repaired and having two recessed major surfaces; a cutting blade (6), having a rear end hingedly articulated to the body (2), and a front end in the shape of a cutting face (46) substantially fitting the type of thread to be repaired; a guide blade (7) having a rear end hingedly articulated to the body (2), and a front end substantially fitting the type of thread to be repaired, the guide blade projecting beyond the cutting face of the cutting blade, and; means (10, 12, 14) to alter the distance between the front ends and the projecting body portion (4) to accommodate screws of different diameters.
US07887422B2
A universal joint may include a spider, a yoke, a bearing cup, and a retaining member. The spider may include a plurality of trunnions and the yoke may include first and second arms. The first arm may include a first aperture therethrough receiving a first trunnion therein. The first arm may additionally include a first anti-rotation feature. The bearing cup may be disposed in the first aperture and may include a second anti-rotation feature. The retaining member may be located in the first aperture and may be engaged with the first and second anti-rotation features to prevent relative rotation between the bearing cup and the yoke.
US07887421B2
When support appeal reception information is received from a player terminal, a support appeal information transmitter transmits support appeal information for support appeal to other player terminals than the player terminal. In this case, the other player terminals are positioned within a predetermined range from the current position of the player terminal. In the case where support contents information indicating support contents is received from any of the other player terminals in accordance with the support appeal indicated by the support appeal information, a support appeal reply execution information transmitter transmits support appeal reply instruction execution information for instructing the player terminal to execute the support contents indicated by the received support contents information to the player terminal. The player terminal then executes support from the other player terminals in the executing event on the basis of the received support appeal reply instruction execution information.
US07887417B2
A gaming system for playing a game and processing currency includes a plurality of player interaction terminals adaptable for determining a winning outcome of the game and receiving and processing the currency and discharging the currency in response to the winning outcome of the game. Each player interaction terminal generates various sounds as the game is played and as the winning outcome is determined. A controller operably communicates with each of the player interaction terminals. A tracking device communicates with each of the player interaction terminals and the controller and is held by a casino attendant who moves the tracking device relative each of the player interaction terminals for selectively adjusting the sounds of each of the player interaction terminals and to synch and/or mute or dial down the volume so that a general message, such as, for example an emergency message, may be broadcast.
US07887408B2
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a slot machine comprises at least one display device operable to display at least one indicium. The indicium defines an outcome for a game. The display device is further operable to update the indicia displayed on the one or more display devices based on a signal of a processor. The slot machine further comprises a means for moving the at least one display device. For example, the one or more display devices may be moved about an axis in a circular or curvilinear path, relative to a viewing perspective. In other embodiments, a slot machine comprises at least one display device operable to display at lease on indicium defining an outcome for a game, wherein a left edge of the display device defines at least a portion of perimeter of a left base of a cylindrical shape and a right edge of the display device defines at least a portion of a perimeter of a right base of the cylindrical shape.
US07887407B1
The present invention extends a slot machine game by providing an initial opportunity to form winning symbol combinations and then, if any winning combinations appear in the symbol matrix, providing one or more subsequent opportunities by removing and replacing the symbols comprising the winning combinations.
US07887406B2
A method for lottery wagering on actual events. The method according to the present invention includes selecting a subset of wagering data DW from a set of pre-qualifying data DPQ prior to, conclusion of a pre-qualifying event of a phased competition consisting of a pre-qualifying event and a final event. The method further includes assembling pre-qualifying data DPQ for preliminary participants after conclusion of a pre-qualifying event and assembling concluding data DC for final participants after conclusion of the final event. Winners are selected from the final participants after the final event based on the concluding data. Winning lottery data DL is determined from a correlation between the winners' and their respective pre-qualifying data.
US07887402B2
To provide a game device for presenting to a player inputting the amount of operation while utilizing a gauge, the length of a gauge which corresponds to a desired amount of operation. In a game device in which an object placed in a virtual three dimensional space is moved by a distance according to the displayed length of the gauge when the player carries out a predetermined operation, a target position to which the object is going to be moved is obtained (S102), a distance between the target movement position and the present position of the object is calculated (S103), and the length of the gauge corresponding to the calculated distance L is calculated based on the distance L (S104). Then, the target length of the gauge is presented based on the calculated length of the gauge (S105).
US07887389B1
The present invention is directed to a support pad for an undergarment. The support pad may be formed by placing a layer of support material between an outer layer and an inner layer. Both the outer layer and the inner layer may include a foam portion and a cover lining portion. In one embodiment, an area of the foam in either the outer layer or the inner layer, or both, may have a reduced thickness formed by shaving or compressing. The support pad according to the present invention incorporates support material into the support pad so there is no need for the attachment of elastic to the outside of the pad. As such, the support pad is sleeker and lighter than previous support pads, and does not result in unsightly seams which may be visible through clothing worn over a garment having the pad.
US07887385B2
An organic EL light emitting element is provided with a conductive transparent electrode 3, a counter electrode 8 opposing the conductive transparent electrode 3, an organic EL light emitting layer 6 provided between the conductive transparent electrode 3 and the counter electrode 8, an insulating protection layer 9 provided to cover at least the organic EL light emitting layer 6, and a heat dissipating layer 11 which is brought into contact with the insulating protection layer 9. The conductive transparent electrode has an ITO film including at least one of Hf, V and Zr at least on the surface part on the side of the organic EL light emitting layer 6, and the insulating protection layer 9 includes a nitride film having a thickness of 100 nm or less.
US07887381B2
Improvements to electrically powered watercraft including kayaks are disclosed. The watercraft comprises a hull defining a cavity and a battery powered retractable propulsion unit. The retractable propulsion unit can be retracted into the cavity with powered or unpowered means. Various retractable propulsion units are disclosed, including propulsion units that are steerable wherein the thrust can be selectively directed. Specific embodiments to improve the steerability of electrically powered watercraft are disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging the steering controls from the retractable propulsion units are also disclosed. Locking mechanisms for locking the retractable propulsion unit in an extended or fully retracted position are also disclosed.
US07887366B2
A connector for attaching a cable to a terminal includes a connector body with a hex head fastener rotatably attached at one end of the body. A compressible gasket or clamp sleeve is positioned along the connector body for engaging and sealing about a portion of the jacket of the cable received within the connector.
US07887363B1
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring system that includes a plug device having a plurality of wires configured to be connected to an electrical distribution circuit. An electrical wiring device includes an input receptacle and at least one electrical element. The input receptacle is configured to receive the plug device to thereby establish electrically a continuous path between the at least one electrical element and the plurality of wires when the plug device is inserted into the input receptacle, the electrical wiring device including no external terminal connection elements.
US07887361B2
A fixture is provided for installing a guide pin to a substrate. The fixture includes an elongate body extending a length along a longitudinal axis between a mounting end portion and a receiving end portion. The mounting end portion is configured to be mounted on a support member. An opening extends into the body through the receiving end portion of the body and along the longitudinal axis. The opening is configured to receive at least a portion of the guide pin therein.
US07887356B1
A socket connector includes a socket body, a plurality of contact terminals received in the socket body. The socket body includes an upper surface, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the upper surface. The upper surface and the sidewalls jointly define a cavity for receiving an IC package therein. A plurality of protrusions extend upwardly from the upper surface and formed separately from the sidewall. The protrusions being discretely distributed at periphery of the IC package and thereby positioning the IC package.
US07887347B2
To enable a male connector and a female connector to be opposed to each other in parallel, at least when female terminals and male terminals of the respective connectors start to be connected, so that engagement of the male terminals with the female terminals can be smoothly and coaxially performed, without applying excessive stress to each other, a thick wall part 40 protruding toward an upper face of a male connector 2 is formed in a part of a lower face of a lever 1 opposed to the upper face of the male connector 2.
US07887344B2
An electronic device with an external connector having a body having a 1st engaged portion, a connector provided on said body, a connector cap mounted on said connector having a 1st cap engagement portion, a cover attached to said body, and having a 2nd engaged portion which engaging with said 1st engaged portion, and having a 2nd cap engagement portion catching by said 1st cap engagement portion when said connector cap is mounted on said connector.
US07887343B2
A control apparatus for controlling a plurality of electrical devices is provided. The control apparatus includes a first body member, a second body member hingedly attached to the first body member, a power outlet strip, a power key lock, and an electronic timer. The control apparatus is capable of assuming one of a plurality of positions between an open position and a closed position. The power outlet strip includes a plurality of electrical receptacles and each of the plurality of electrical receptacles is capable of receiving an electric socket of an electrical device of the plurality of electrical devices. The power key lock and the electronic timer are disposed on the first body member. The electronic timer is capable of activating the power key lock for controlling power supply to the plurality of electrical devices connected to the plurality of electrical receptacles of the power outlet strip.
US07887341B2
A socket assembly includes a socket body, a connecting wire, and an electrical connector. The socket body has at least one socket unit and a connector receiving groove. One end of the connecting wire extends to the inside of the socket body and the other end of the connecting wire connects the electrical connector. The connecting wire can be routed around the fringe of the socket body, and the electrical connector can be stored in the connector receiving groove. Thereby, the connecting wire and the electrical connector can be stored inside the socket body when they are not used. Thus, the connecting wire and the electrical connector are convenient to use.
US07887335B2
An electronic system is disclosed for RF signals, and comprises coaxial interconnection systems for interconnection with a printed circuit board and which provides an interface with the printed circuit boards.
US07887325B2
Disclosed are an implant-driver assembly and an associated method. Generally, the implant-driver assembly includes a driver, an implant and a coupler that affixes the implant to the driver during transport and during insertion of the implant into the jaw of a patient. As shipped, the assembly may take the form of a superassembly with a vial insert that impedes axial movement of the driver, coupler, and implant. Via manual action or assisted with a suitable tool, the coupler may be disengaged to thereby decouple the implant and driver once the implant has been properly positioned. Also disclosed is a method for inserting an implant, the method comprising applying torque to the driver of an implant-driver assembly as disclosed herein.
US07887319B2
An apparatus for cooling preformed articles, which is capable of very effectively cooling the preformed articles and is, further, capable of sufficiently suppressing or preventing the preformed articles from being locally damaged as a result of coming in contact with each other as they are conveyed neighboring one another in a state of not yet fully cooled. A spray is blown onto the preformed articles 34 conveyed passing through a predetermined conveyer passage 42, a cooling liquid is blown next thereto, and a gas stream is further blown thereto.
US07887315B2
A blow mold shell assembly includes a mold cavity insert defining a mold profile on an inner surface. A manifold insert is separately formed from the mold cavity insert and disposed outboard of the mold cavity insert. The manifold insert includes at least one coolant channel formed therein. The mold cavity insert is substantially solid throughout its cross-section and precluded from passing coolant. In one example, the coolant channels may be formed longitudinally through the manifold insert. A fluid inlet fitting and a fluid outlet fitting are both in fluid communication with the manifold insert.
US07887313B2
To provide a mold apparatus for resin encapsulation, which is small in number of components, has a simple driving mechanism, is easy in assembly or disassembly work, requires no labor for maintenance and has good workability; and a resin encapsulation method. Therefore, of a lower cavity bar 51 and an upper cavity bar 26, a plurality of groove-shaped pots 52 are provided in parallel at a predetermined pitch in a region where a substrate board is disposed, and each groove-shaped pot 52 is individually provided with a plurality of cavities 54 in parallel through runners. Then, a plunger plate 60 inserted in the grooved-shaped pot 52 in a manner so as to be able to move up and down is driven by a plunger 76, whereby a resin for encapsulation inserted into the pot 52 is melted with the plunger plate 60, and the melted resin is filled in the cavities 54 through the runners.
US07887309B2
The invention relates to a pump, in particular an oil pump, for internal combustion engines, comprising a pump case, with the pump case comprising a pump lid and a pump flange, with at least one toothed wheelset being arranged between the pump lid and the pump flange and the pump lid and the pump flange being connected via at least one distance element.
US07887293B2
A fan assembly includes an elongate support member having an end portion that has a first fastener opening defined therein. The fan assembly further includes a motor assembly including (i) a motor having an output shaft, and (ii) a support assembly that supports the motor, the support assembly having a receptacle configured to receive the end portion of the elongate support member therein, and the receptacle having a second fastener opening defined therein. In addition, the fan assembly includes at least one fan blade coupled to the output shaft of the motor so that rotation of the output shaft causes rotation of the at least one fan blade. The fan assembly also includes a resilient interface member having a third fastener opening defined therein, the resilient interface member being (i) positioned within the receptacle, and (ii) interposed between the end portion of the elongate support member and receptacle. Further, the fan assembly includes a fastener extending through the first fastener opening, the second fastener opening, and the third fastener opening.
US07887292B2
A method for condition monitoring a rotor of a wind energy plant includes the steps of measuring activity signals of the blades in the rotor and establishing one or more differential values between the activity signals of different blades. The one or more differential values are used for monitoring the condition of the rotor in the wind energy plant. A wind energy plant, a cluster of wind energy plants and use hereof is also contemplated.
US07887276B2
A mount base is adapted to be fixed to a partition wall which is disposed between a stockyard for temporarily storing a wafer carrier which houses a wafer and a wafer processing device for processing the wafer. A wafer transfer window is provided on the mount base. A carrier stage has a table horizontally extended from a lower edge of the wafer transfer window and a carrier plate disposed on the table so as to support the wafer carrier and movable so as to transfer the wafer carrier to the processing device. A buffer stage has a buffer plate horizontally disposed below the table so as to temporarily store the wafer carrier.
US07887275B2
A bale handling vehicle includes a wheeled chassis having a cab, a frame, a plurality of wheels, and a bale handling system attached to the frame. The bale handling system includes a base frame, a bale gripper structure at the front of the vehicle for picking up bales, a first platform above the vehicle cab for receiving bales from the bale gripper structure, and a second platform positioned behind the first platform. The second platform includes a movable portion that can be raised to a vertical position for stacking the bales. The first platform is movable between a lowered position for receiving the bales from the bale gripper structure, and a raised position for causing the bales to slide rearwardly onto the second platform. Intermediate stop members are movable to selectively block the bales from sliding onto the movable portion of the second platform.
US07887271B2
A trans-axial cutting apparatus used for cutting an inner surface of an opening formed within an object and accessible from outside the object. The apparatus comprises an elongate portable frame. The frame supports a cutting member on the first side and a stabilizing member on the second side. The stabilizing member is adapted to secure the apparatus during operation of the cutting member. The apparatus may be used to cut a counter bore, a longitudinal slot or groove at a desired depth, a helical slot or groove at a desired depth, or a slot or groove at a desired depth and along a desired path within the opening. Additionally, the apparatus is adapted to make any of the preceding cuts in a tapered or stepped manner within the opening of the object.
US07887267B2
A cutting insert for chip removing machining is provided, the cutting insert including an elongate center part, cutting edges being arranged at the opposite ends of the center part, the cutting insert being provided with engagement members along two longitudinal, opposite sides, the cutting edges forming, in an end view of the cutting insert, a mutual angle (α). A tool is also provided and includes such a cutting insert. The cutting insert includes rake faces associated with the respective cutting edge that are facing the opposite direction in the vertical direction (H) of the cutting insert, and the mutual angle (α) is in the interval of 10°<α<20°, and a distance (H1) is measured between the intersection of the cutting edge with a center line (C1-C1) of the cutting insert and the outermost portion of the lower engagement member and in that in an end view of the cutting insert, the ratio between the distance (H1) and the height (H) of the cutting insert is the following: 0.5H≦H1≦0.7H, the distance (H1) and the height being measured along a center line (C1-C1) of the cutting insert.
US07887262B2
The present embodiments relate to various attachments for attaching together a first body and a second body of a marine structure, which marine structure is adapted to be located at least partially immersed in water, wherein at least a portion of each one of the first and second bodies is adapted to, during use, be in contact with the water. The attachment comprises at least a portion of the second body and comprises a wall, which delimits the second body. The attachment can further comprise at least a portion of the first body, wherein the first body is fixedly attached to, and extends from, the second body. The can attachment further comprise a sealing member, attached to the wall and the first body, which sealing member extends from the wall to the first body such that an enclosed volume is formed between the sealing member, the first body and the second body.
US07887261B2
The invention provides a method for the transport of a civil engineering structure in an aquatic medium. According to this method: at least one float is associated with the civil engineering structure in such a way as to ensure that the said civil engineering structure floats stably in an aquatic medium, the said float surrounding the civil engineering structure and a bottom portion of the civil engineering structure extending below the said float, and the civil engineering structure and the associated float are caused to move in the aquatic medium to a desired position.
US07887258B2
A dam bypass apparatus including a floating inlet and a flexible conduit having a discharge opening adjacent to a dam water intake. The inlet can be laterally offset from the discharge opening, and can include screens to exclude debris from the conduit.
US07887252B1
A semi-automatic manhole assembly assisted by a hydraulic device consists essentially of a circular frame (1), a cover (2) provided on the top, a hydraulic device (3) and a supporting unit (5) provide therebetween and jointed with both the frame (1) and cover (2) respectively, and a locking mechanism (4) disposed on an opposite end of the hydraulic device (3) and supporting unit (5) for sealing the cover (2) and frame (1) tightly. The supporting unit (5) is partially concealed within a trough (2), disposed at the bottom of the frame (1), and the hydraulic device (3) is prestored with pressure to lift the cover (2) when the locking mechanism (4) is released.
US07887251B1
A manhole assembly which is designed to be opened with less strength consists of a circular frame (1) with a cup (11) provided on an end, and a cover (2) with an arm (21) which joints said cup (11) provided on an end thereof, characterized in that a first bracket (12) is disposed in an inner wall of the frame (1) where the cup (11) is provided, and a second bracket (22) is provided on a bottom of the cover (2). A hydraulic device (3) is provide therebetween and pin joints with both first and second brackets (12, 22) respectively, and a locking mechanism (4) is disposed on an opposite end of the arm (21) for sealing the cover (2) and frame (1) tightly.
US07887250B1
A joint structure for aluminum windows which includes a first vertical frame having a first side provided with two joint members, and a sliding guide arranged at a center of the first side and between the first joint members, a second vertical frame having a first side provided with two second joint members, and a sliding guide arranged at a center of the first side and between the two second joint members, and a joint plate having two sides each provided with two joint members and a sliding rail between the two joint members, the joint members of the joint plate being adapted to engage with the joint members of the vertical frames, the sliding rail being adapted to engage with the sliding guide, the joint plate having two ends each provided with an accommodating groove, and a leak proof rubber fitted in the accommodating groove.
US07887246B2
A liquid supply device has a main body having a hollow portion; a partition that divides the hollow portion into a liquid storage chamber; a reservoir chamber communicated with the atmosphere; and a through hole formed in the partition. An application material is provided in the main body and applies the liquid in the liquid storage chamber. A porous relay core supplies the liquid in the storage chamber to the application material and is inserted in the through hole to form a gap with an inner wall of same, the gap holding the liquid by capillary force. A partition extending portion extends from the partition and protrudes to the liquid storage chamber side along the relay core. The relay core is inserted to form a gap holding the liquid by capillary force.
US07887245B1
A typewriting system that includes a scanning component for scanning a document that is inserted into the typewriting system; a computing component for translating information relating to the scanned document to a displayable format; a display for displaying at least the translated information relating to the scanned document; an input device that allows a user to enter and or edit information relating to the scanned document; and a printing component for printing at least be interred or edited information onto the document that is inserted into the typewriting system. In various exemplary embodiments, the scanning component, the printing component, a computing component, the display, and the input device are contained within a single housing.
US07887241B2
An adapter for receiving an optical fiber connector, such as an SC connector, and methods of manufacturing and using the adapter. In one embodiment, the adapter includes: (1) a fiber socket having cantilevered retaining arms, (2) a shell radially surrounding the fiber socket and (3) a release mechanism extending from without the shell to within the shell, coupled to the cantilevered retaining arms and configured to translate to change a separation of the cantilevered retaining arms.
US07887240B2
A thrust washer for a torque converter, including a front surface and at least one first channel. The at least one channel is at least partially enclosed by the front surface and is in fluid communication with an inner circumference and an outer circumference for the thrust washer. The front surface is arranged to engage a cover for the torque converter. In some aspects, the at least one channel is fully enclosed by the front surface. The thrust washer also includes a back surface, oppositely disposed from the front surface. The at least one channel is at least partially enclosed by the back surface. In some aspects, the thrust washer includes a front piece and a back piece matingly engaged and configured to form the at least one channel. The front and back pieces are fixedly secured or removably secured.
US07887238B2
A pouch includes first and second opposing pouch walls and a plurality of flow channel protuberances that defines a flow channel between the first and second pouch walls and is disposed on an inner surface of at least one of the first or second pouch walls. At least one of the plurality of protuberances includes a first component extending from the at least one of the first or second pouch walls and a second component extending at a non-zero angle from the first component. The flow channel extends between an opening of the pouch and a portion of an interior of the pouch that is spaced from the opening.
US07887237B2
A computed tomography apparatus has a gantry for mounting components of an acquisition system that are arranged such that they can rotate around a system axis, and a stationary part in which the gantry is supported such that it can tilt. A device for cooling the components by airflow is arranged on the gantry. The cooling device has at least one feed channel and at least one air discharge channel that are arranged between the stationary part and the gantry so that the air current introduced into the gantry via the stationary part is conducted out from the gantry into the stationary part in a directed manner after cooling the components. The direction of the air current directed from the computed tomography apparatus thus does not depend on the tilt of the gantry. Moreover, the computed tomography apparatus is designed such that cooling is achieved with low noise emission since the direct sound propagation path between the exit opening and the gantry is interrupted.
US07887232B1
A game timer, especially suited in one embodiment as a chess clock, including means for direct input of minimum average playing speed in moves per unit time as well as input of the required number of moves in one or more time control sequences. Direct input means that minimum average speed is not inferred from the number of moves to be completed over an initially allotted period of time, as in conventional chess clocks, but is instead input as number of moves per hour or per minute. The units of time are established by a separate input. The separate inputs of minimum average speed and number of moves per time control sequence generate an initial allotted time automatically, which provides a ready means of enforcing the input minimum average speed. With the number of moves in a time control sequence set to one, the timer emulates a Fischer Clock.
US07887226B2
An LED lamp tube is disclosed to include a tube that admits light, circuit boards respectively mounted inside the tube, each circuit board carrying an array of LEDs, two end caps respectively capped on the ends of the tube to hold the circuit boards inside the tube and connectable to connectors of a conventional fluorescent bulb holder to secure the tube to the conventional fluorescent bulb holder, and a power cord extending from the circuit boards out of the tube for connection to power supply to obtain the necessary working voltage for the LEDs.
US07887212B2
A lamp pen comprises a lower body, an upper body attachable to the lower body, a refill and a lamp disposed in the lower body, a conductive spring disposed about the pen refill, a rotating body assembly disposed in the upper body and having a battery, conductive terminals, and a rotating wheel, a conductive guiding sleeve, a conductive element, and a push button assembly.Repeatedly depressing the push button assembly causes the rotating body assembly to rotate such that the assembly moves between a first position wherein the refill is retracted into the lower body, a second position wherein the refill is extended, the conductive terminals of the body assembly engage the conductive guiding sleeve causing the lamp to illuminate, a third position wherein the refill is retracted, and a fourth position wherein the refill is extended and the lamp is not illuminated.
US07887210B2
In a display apparatus and a method of assembling the display apparatus according to one or more embodiments, a printed circuit board is electrically connected to a lower end of a display panel and disposed in a rear surface of a container. A flexible printed circuit board is contained in the container, and light sources are mounted on the flexible printed circuit board. A connection film electrically connecting the printed circuit board and the flexible printed circuit board is disposed on a bottom portion of the container, and one end of the connection film passes through a fixing hole formed through the bottom portion. The one end of the connection film is electrically connected to the printed circuit board disposed in the rear surface. Thus, movement of the connection film may be limited by an inner wall defining the fixing hole.
US07887201B2
A low-glare motor-vehicle includes a color reproduction index Ra of at least 70 and a reduced reflection for each of the illuminants A and C in scotopic vision (at night) as compared with photopic vision (in the daylight) by at least 3%. In one embodiment, the mirror consists of a transparent substrate, a thin transparent metallic layer, an adapted dielectric layer and the reflector properly speaking.
US07887189B2
Disclosed herein is a projection type display apparatus, including: a color separation optical system configured to separate light from a light source into a plurality of light fluxes of different colors; a plurality of reflection type light valve devices provided individually for the color light fluxes; a plurality of polarization beam splitters each configured to polarize and separate a predetermined one of the color light fluxes separated by said color separation optical system and then polarize and separate the light coming in from the reflection type light valve device; and a light reception device provided for one or more of said polarization beam splitters and configured to detect light emitted from a second face from among faces of the predetermined polarization beam splitter which is opposite to a first face to which the predetermined color light flux from said color separation optical system is introduced.
US07887177B2
A recording apparatus comprises: an intermediate transfer body; a releasing agent supply device that supplies a releasing agent onto the intermediate transfer body; a particle supply device that supplies hydrophilic ink-recipient particles that receive an ink, onto the releasing agent supplied onto the intermediate transfer body; an ink ejection device that ejects the ink onto the ink-recipient particles supplied onto the intermediate transfer body; and a transfer device that transfers the ink-recipient particles that received the ink, onto a recording medium from the intermediate transfer body, the releasing agent comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of a silicone oil, a fluorinated oil and an organic compound having a solubility parameter (SP value) of about 11 or less.
US07887169B2
An ink refill unit for a print cartridge is provided. The unit includes a housing which defines a fluid path in fluid communication with an outlet. The unit also includes an ink reservoir having an ejection port arranged in fluid communication with the fluid path inside the housing, and an ejector assembly configured to incrementally eject ink from the reservoir when the assembly is actuated by the print cartridge. The housing defines an aperture via which the print cartridge actuates the ejector assembly.
US07887165B2
A sealing structure includes a first and a second passage-forming member, and an elastic member interposed between the surfaces and including: a plate-like body which has an inlet-side and an outlet-side surface and through which through-holes are perpendicularly formed, a first protruding portion protruding from one of the inlet-side and outlet-side surfaces in an axial direction of the through-holes to contact the first passage-forming member and a second protruding portion axially protruding from the other surfaces toward the second passage-forming member. The inner circumferential surface of one of the first protruding portion and those of the corresponding second protruding portion and through-hole are continuous to form a smooth surface.
US07887164B2
A piezoelectric layer is formed of a plurality of ferroelectric films containing lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti) above a first electrode. A boundary portion between a first ferroelectric film closest to the first electrode and a second ferroelectric film formed above the first ferroelectric film has an area where the maximum value of a concentration of titanium with respect to zirconium is 80% or more.
US07887163B2
The piezoelectric actuator has: a diaphragm made of silicon; an insulating layer formed on a front surface of the diaphragm; a plurality of individual electrodes formed on a surface of the insulating layer; a plurality of piezoelectric bodies formed respectively on surfaces of the plurality of individual electrodes; and a plurality of common electrodes which are respectively arranged across the plurality of piezoelectric bodies from the plurality of individual electrodes, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric bodies are polarized in a direction from the individual electrodes toward the plurality of common electrodes.
US07887162B2
An epoxy resin composition, including: an epoxy resin (A) represented by Formula (1); an epoxy resin (B) having an epoxy equivalent of 220 or less and having twice or more epoxy groups in a molecule than epoxy groups of the epoxy resin (A); and a photocationic polymerization initiator (C), in which: the epoxy resins (A) and (B) constitute main components; and a weight of the epoxy resin (A) is 40% or more and a weight of the epoxy resin (B) is 30% or more with respect to a total weight of the epoxy resins (A) and (B): where: R represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group, a propyl group, or a t-butyl group; n represents an integer of 0 or more and 4 or less; and m represents an integer of 1 or more and 3 or less.
US07887156B2
The present invention relates to an integral printhead assembly for use in association with an industrial printing apparatus. The integral printhead assembly is a self-contained unit which can be quickly removed and replaced with another assembly with minimum downtime to the printing apparatus.
US07887145B2
In a vehicle brake control device, a target W/C pressure depending on an amount of operation performed to a brake operating member, exhibits hysteresis due to a forward mapping dataset and a backward mapping dataset. The vehicle brake control device selects the forward mapping dataset or the backward mapping dataset based on the amount of operation performed to the brake operating member, and determines a current value of a current to be supplied to one of first to fourth linear valves. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a wheel cylinder pressure from changing too sensitively to the operation to the brake operating member and from changing even when the driver is not intentionally operating the brake operating member. This makes the driver experience an improved brake feeling.
US07887136B2
A device (1) for supporting a human body comprising at least one support element (10) defining a cross-sectional area (50) and at least one longitudinal bar (13), whereby the support element (10) is positionable in height and depth. A support bar (11) for each of the at least one support elements (10) is directly connected to the at least one longitudinal bar (13). The support bar (11) extends at least partly along a first longitudinal axis (12) of the at least one support element (10) through the at least one support element (10). The support bar (11) is eccentrically arranged in the cross-sectional area (50) of the at least one support element (10). The invention furthermore discloses an application of the device (1) for supporting a human body in a working system (35).
US07887135B2
A headrest device of a chair in which a headrest can be stably supported by a headrest frame and the operation for mounting a vertically moving member of the headrest is easily performed. Guide grooves are formed in the side faces of guide rails at the front faces of the right and left side-rods of the headrest frame. The right and left guide rails are so held by a pair of right and left lifting brackets, which are provided on the rear surface of the headrest and are formed in rearward U-shape when viewed from above, as to be capable of sliding vertically from the front. Projected guide pieces formed to be projected on the inner surfaces of both vertically moving brackets and facing in the vertical direction are slidably fitted into the guide grooves of the right and left guide rails.
US07887133B2
The invention relates to a stand-up wheelchair comprising a frame (29) to which two drive wheels (30) and at least one steerable wheel (31) are fixed. A stand-up unit (33) provided with a height-adjustable seat (3), a back rest (7), and at least one foot rest (32), is pivotably arranged on said wheelchair. The inventive wheelchair is characterized in that the seat (3) is mounted, on both sides, on an articulation parallelogram structure consisting of an upper longitudinal rail (1) which is connected to the seat (3) in a fixed manner and comprises a front articulation point (10) and a rear articulation point (11), a lower longitudinal rail (2) comprising a front articulation point (12) and a rear articulation point (13), and two guides (4, 19) connecting the front articulation points (10, 12) and the rear articulation points (11, 13). The inventive wheelchair is also characterized in that the parallelogram structure can be displaced by a lifting device (36) in order to adjust the height of the seal (3).
US07887126B2
A seal assembly includes a vehicle frame, a moveable panel connected with and moveable with respect to the vehicle frame, and a seal connected with the vehicle frame. The moveable panel is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The seal includes a seal body having an external surface including an ambient-contacting section that is in contact with ambient when the moveable panel is in the closed position. The external surface of the seal body also includes a moveable-panel-contacting section that is in contact with the moveable panel when the moveable panel is in the closed position. The ambient-contacting section can move from a first orientation when the moveable panel is in the closed position toward a second orientation as the moveable panel contacts the moveable-panel-contacting section and moves toward the closed position. A seal for a vehicle and a roof assembly are also described.
US07887118B2
A simultaneous movement system for a vehicle door includes a vehicle door having a door inner panel, first and second outboard members, first and second inboard members, first and second guide tracks, a third curved guide track, first and second points on the second outboard member, and first and second slide members. The first and second guide tracks are operatively mounted to the vehicle door. The third curved guide track may be operatively mounted to the vehicle door and is configured to receive a second point on the second outboard hinge arm. The first point on the second outboard hinge arm may be pivotally mounted on a second slide member.
US07887113B2
A patient support includes a base, a patient support surface supported by the base, an electrically powered device, and a rechargeable power storage device for powering the electrically powered device. Further, the patient support includes a receiving coil that is electrically coupled to the rechargeable power supply for inductive coupling with a transmitting coil, the receiving coil for recharging the rechargeable power supply when the receiving coil is inductively coupled to the transmitting coil.
US07887112B1
A clip-like device applicable to foods which are generally eaten by hand while grasping an extension therefrom is presented. The food clip includes first and second arms and a hinge. The first and second arms are generally planar and elongated elements forming a handle region and a grasping region. The hinge is disposed between and attached to the first and second arms. The hinge is comprised of a compressible and/or deformable yet resilient block-shaped element. The sides of the hinge are shaped so that the grasping region is normally closed and open when a force is applied to the handle region so as to deform the hinge. The grasping region presses against, nearly surrounds, and supports the extension from a food item when the first and second arms are closed. Food items could include, but are not limited to, meats, fish, foul, vegetables, prepared items, such as french fries and hotdogs, and other consumables eaten using a hand or a utensil.
US07887109B2
A stepwise powerful suction device includes suction holders, suction elements, resilient elements, a support frame, and rotary knobs. The support frame and the three suction holders are integrally formed together. A portion of the support frame forms a handle. Each suction element forms an upright post extending through the respective resilient element and suction holder. Each suction holder forms a multi-step stepwise recess, and each rotary knob has a handgrip that forms a multi-step stepwise projection overlappingly engaging the multi-step stepwise recess and including a safety button, a spacer ring, and a bolt extending through the handgrip of the rotary knob to engage an inner-threaded hole defined in the respective suction element. Each suction holder forms a stop, and the handgrip of the respective rotary knob forms a counterpart raised portion.
US07887108B1
Systems and methods which provide an adjustable tine clamp configuration are shown. Embodiments provide an adjustable support member configuration which is adapted to maintain a desired geometry of tines throughout an adjustable range. The adjustable support members are preferably adjustable to provide selectable clamping widths, such as to accommodate manipulation of goods of different sizes and shapes. Embodiments utilize parallel links coupled to pivoting tine supports to maintain proper tine geometry throughout the full range of adjustment. Such parallel links are further preferably utilized to actuate associated tines in operation of the adjustable tine clamp. Embodiments further implement a short stroke actuator configuration to facilitate very rapid production cycles.
US07887106B2
A locking device for a swinging/sliding door for vehicles. The swinging/sliding door includes a door leaf having a guide rail along a bottom horizontal edge in a floor region. The swinging/sliding door is configured to be actuated by a door drive.
US07887102B2
The coupling comprises a male plug (3) and a female element (2). A retaining latch (20) for retaining the plug (5) in the female element (7) is movable between a first position in which said latch (20) is capable of retaining the plug (5) engaged to a first depth in the female element (7) in which it is connected in leaktight manner to said female element, and a second position in which said latch (20) is suitable for retaining the male plug (5) engaged to a second depth that is smaller than the first depth. The latch (20) is configured in such a manner as to be returned (F3) towards the second position at least in part by positive pressure in a passage (4, 17, 26, 34) for purging the downstream pipe when the plug is at the second depth. In a variant embodiment, the coupling includes an adapter that the latch is suitable for retaining.
US07887100B1
An apparatus and method of coupling standard exhaust tubing of a circular cross-section with irregular or non-circular exhaust ports of an internal combustion engine in an efficient, economic, and robust manner. The nature of the connection allows for irregular or non-circular exhaust ports to be mated to round tubing with minimal air flow impact and a high strength welded connection, with reduced manufacturing scrap and increased CNC manufacturing capability.
US07887094B2
A tensioner mechanism that winds a webbing to restrain a passenger seated in a seat when a vehicle crash is detected is provided near the seat. A headrest body is provided to protect the passenger at the vehicle rear crash. A drive mechanism is coupled to the tensioner mechanism via a connection member, and configured to drive the headrest body in accordance with a webbing-winding operation of the tensioner mechanism. Accordingly, the seat structure can be simple.
US07887093B2
Described herein are several embodiments of a vehicle chassis with frame rails having a dropped center section. According to one embodiment, a motor vehicle chassis includes a forward frame rail section and a rear frame rail section that is spaced apart from the forward frame rail section. The chassis also includes a center frame rail section that is parallel to both the forward and rear frame rail sections and extends at least partially between the forward and rear frame rail sections. A forward portion of the center frame rail section can be positioned below a rear section of the forward frame rail section to form a forward overlapping section. The forward overlapping section can define a first open space between the two sections. Similarly, a rear portion of the center frame rail section is positioned below a front section of the rear frame rail section to form a rear overlapping section. The rear overlapping section can define a second open space between the two sections.
US07887088B2
An actuator for a horn of a vehicle, comprising: an emblem; a bezel fixedly secured to a first side of a deployable portion of a cover of an airbag module, the bezel movably securing the emblem to the cover and the emblem being capable of movement between a first position and a second position with respect to the bezel, the second position causing activation of the horn; a backing plate secured to the bezel at a second side opposite the first side of the deployable portion; and a tether secured to the bezel, the tether retaining the actuator with the cover after deployment of the airbag module.
US07887079B2
A gliding board having a front end and a rear end, the front end and the rear end being spaced from one another along a longitudinal axis, the board being made by superimposing the following elements: a gliding sole; at least one lower reinforcement; at least one upper reinforcement; an intermediate structure, positioned between at least one lower reinforcement and the at least one upper reinforcement; wherein, at least on of the ends of the gliding board, at least one lower reinforcement and/or the at least one upper reinforcement respectively include/each include a longitudinal slit so that in a zone of at least one of the ends there is a reduced reinforcement thickness above and/or below the intermediate structure.
US07887074B2
A rocker arm for a model vehicle is provided, comprising a first portion and second portion each having an input and an output arm and each having an opening for receiving a pivot member about which the portions rotate. The first and second portions are secured for rotation together about a rotational axis through the respective openings and are spaced apart generally along the rotational axis. The rocker arm further comprises a suspension input coupling member that extends between the input arms of the first and second portions, where the input arms are spaced along the input coupling member, and a suspension output coupling member that extends between the outputs arms of the first and second portions, where the output arms are spaced along the output coupling member.
US07887068B2
A shopping cart having knobs, ridges or other protrusions upon which plastic store bags can be hung by their handles. It may also be thought of as the method of providing such a cart to a shopper or shoppers, and may include the further step, performed by a shopper, of hanging store bags from the protrusions. The invention may also encompass a shopping cart having bag hangers that are positioned and adapted to retain a tray, and the method of positioning a tray on a shopping cart.
US07887065B2
A height control valve for a suspension leveling system includes a control unit and a valve assembly. The control unit can include a servo powered by a servo current, the servo being coupled to the valve assembly with a linkage. The control unit also can include a controller in communication with the servo and adapted to sense a change in the servo current when the linkage fully engages the valve assembly to reconfigure the valve assembly to a desired supply, exhaust and/or closed position. Based on the change in servo current, the controller can determine a selected distance to move or reconfigure the valve assembly, with distance being independent of any wear or tolerance in the linkage or elsewhere. The control unit can also include an actuator, the movement of which is sensed by a non-contact sensor that is in communication with the controller.
US07887064B2
In a system in which an actuator force to be generated by an actuator is controlled based on a component sum that is a sum of a vibration damping component as the actuator force to be generated in a vibration damping control and a posture control component that is the actuator force to be generated in a body-posture control, a control in which the posture control component is limited so as to be not larger than a limit value is executable. The system ensures the actuator force that should be generated in the vibration damping control by limiting the posture control component, in a situation in which there is a limit in the actuator force that can be generated. Accordingly, a sufficient amount of a damping force can be generated, so that riding comfort of the vehicle and the like is prevented from being deteriorated.
US07887063B2
The subject invention provides a gasket for sealing multiple fluids and a method of forming the gasket. The gasket includes a carrier, a first elastomeric material, and a second elastomeric material different than the first elastomeric material. The first and second elastomeric materials are disposed in contact with the carrier in a flowable state such that the first and the second materials flow together to form a third elastomeric material comprising a mixture of the first and second elastomeric materials. The first and second elastomeric materials include cure systems that are compatible to ensure sufficient bonding within the third elastomeric material. Adhesive materials that are compatible with each of the first, second, and third elastomeric materials and the carrier are used to bond the elastomeric materials to the carrier.
US07887059B2
A bag toss game target has an angled landing surface with a target opening that rotates on a base of the game target whereby rotation of the landing surface changes direction of the slope of the landing surface and the target opening location relative to the base. The landing surface is provided by a platform that is raised relative to the target base. The platform is temporarily fixed in rotation to define various set positions and slope directions of the landing surface relative to the target base. The configuration of the present game target provides a bag toss game and game target that emulates the game of golf wherein the platform and target opening represents a golf green and golf hole (collectively, golf green), with the target base representing at least a portion of a golf hole fairway or approach leading to the golf green. The golf green may be temporarily fixed in eighteen different rotational positions relative to the fairway to represent eighteen holes of golf, with each rotational position providing a different golf green layout (i.e. slope direction and hole placement). The target base or fairway may include one or more openings for representing water and sand traps. A manner of scoring bag toss golf is also provided.
US07887047B2
A low-profile document feeding machine includes a feeder, a hopper, at least one processing device, and an output pocket. The feeder feeds documents one at a time from a document stack in the hopper for processing by the at least one processing device and reception by the output pocket. The hopper includes a floor-wall construction for holding the document stack. The floor-wall construction is configured to column-form documents in the document stack. The column-forming provides increased stiffness in the vertical direction and prevents documents from falling/folding over due to top-heaviness.
US07887042B2
A separation roller includes a body, a shaft assembly and two friction roller assemblies. The shaft assembly is connected to the body. The friction roller assembly is mounted on two ends of the shaft assembly and located on two sides of the body. The friction roller assembly contacts a sheet, and the body is separated from the sheet. The body provides a limiting torque to the friction roller assemblies through the shaft assembly to limit movement of the sheet. A sheet separating mechanism using the separation roller is also disclosed.
US07887033B2
A suspension system for a seat of a vehicle comprises a base, a linkage, and a seat attached to the base via the linkage. A pneumatic shock absorber provides a respective resistance level against movement of the seat with respect to the base based on a corresponding pressure level of air or gas within the pneumatic shock absorber. An output member of a linear motor is connected to the seat via a bracket. A first sensor is arranged to detect first sensor data associated with an instantaneous position of the seat versus time. A controller generates at least one of a first control signal for the linear motor to change a height of the seat in opposition to a change in the instantaneous position of the seat and a second control signal to change the pressure level.
US07887032B2
Embodiments include a self-centering control rod device having two independently operating springs, a bushing, and a control rod. The two springs utilize preload compression to maintain the control rod centered. One spring operates directly against the control rod while the other operates against the bushing. Each spring may have different spring strength or established preload in order to balance out the application force required to control a particular object. Spring compression force adjustments on one spring do not affect the center point or the spring compression force adjustment of the other spring.
US07887029B2
A safety barrier for an inside of a house for partitioning off a portion of the house. The safety barrier includes a number of individual barrier sections where two adjacent barrier sections are engaged via a connector. The connector has an upper connection, a lower connection, and an elongate central member interconnecting the upper and lower connections. Each of the connections has a pair of relatively swingable arms. Each of the arms engages a barrier section. A threaded member draws the upper and lower connections closed simultaneously to fix the arms relative to each other and to thus fix the barrier sections relative to each other. The arms, prior to being fixed, are swingable relative to each other from about zero degrees to about 270 degrees such that a zig-zag, linear, or circular barriers can be made. A gate or door that can be opened and closed for access to the partitioned section of the house is engaged in one of the barrier sections.
US07887026B2
In some embodiments, a shrub removing apparatus may include one or more of the following features: (a) a chain segment having a chain link, (b) a barb coupled to the chain link, (c) a first circular ring coupled to the chain segment at a proximal end, and (d) a second circular ring coupled to the chain segment at a distal end.
US07887025B2
A valve comprises a housing, an annular housing seat, and a gate. The housing comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing seat is fixed in position relative to the housing via epoxy. The gate comprises a gate seat and a fluid passageway that extends through the gate. The gate is movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. The gate is also configured to allow fluid to flow from the fluid inlet through the fluid passageway to the fluid outlet when the gate is in the open position, and configured such that the gate seat engages the housing seat in a manner preventing fluid from flowing from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the gate is in the closed position.
US07887022B2
The invention relates to a formwork system with a formwork support preferably for supporting at least one formwork piece, and a magnet device, movably coupled to the formwork support, for fixing the position of the formwork support on a formwork base, wherein the magnet device has a magnet member, which can be transferred between a raised position, in which the formwork support can be moved together with the magnet device relative to the formwork base, and a lowered position in which the formwork system is magnetically fixed relative to the formwork base. Advantageously, with the present invention the magnet device for transferring the magnet member between the raised position and the lowered position is movable relative to the formwork support.
US07887021B2
A laptop holder for an exercise apparatus is provided which includes a base having a generally planar front surface for receiving a laptop computer and a rear surface configured for engaging a generally planar surface of the exercise apparatus. At least one strap extends from the base and is configured to wrap around a portion of the exercise apparatus to form a loop with the base. Disposed on the base is a pocket defining a pocket opening for receiving a laptop computer.
US07887019B2
A support mechanism is adapted to support an upper body of an electronic element, and the upper body can be turned pivotally relative to a lower body of the electronic device. The support mechanism includes a base, a plate, a transmission shaft and a torsional force generating device, in which the base is fixed on the lower body and the plate is fixed on the upper body. Furthermore, the transmission shaft is passed through and installed on the base and the torsional force generating device is wound around the transmission shaft. One end of the torsional force generating device is extended outward and fixed on the plate so as to couple the base to the plate and process a pivotal turn.
US07887012B2
A retaining bracket for holding conduits may employ a first half or stationary portion defining a semi-circular first conduit holding portion and a semi-circular second conduit holding portion. A second half or movable portion may be foldable onto the stationary portion such that a first arcuate groove and a second arcuate groove of the movable portion match the first and second conduit holding portions, respectively, to accommodate the cylindrical conduits. A first rigid binder piece may contact a long side of the stationary portion and attach to a first compressible insert and a second compressible insert. The first compressible insert may reside within the first conduit holding portion and the second compressible insert may reside within the second conduit holding portion and compress against the conduits, respectively. The binder and inserts may install into the retain bracket before or after the movable portion is closed onto the stationary portion.
US07887007B2
A high-altitude long-endurance airship with a top surface that is highly emissive of infrared radiation and a bottom surface that is highly absorptive of infrared radiation. Movable displacer blankets inside the airship separate the upper and lower portions of the airship. Lifting gas in the airship is warmed by radiation from the earth when the displacer blankets are in their upper position. Lifting gas is cooled by radiation to space when the displacer blankets are in their lower position. The whole airship is a heat engine. By expanding the volume of lifting gas when it is relatively warm and compressing the lifting gas when it is relatively cold, net power output can be recovered in the form of electric power. The overall configuration of the preferred airship is a variable-thickness flying wing. If the whole airship is alternately expanded and compressed, imbalance between its weight and buoyancy allow gliding flight.
US07887005B2
There is provided a towel dispenser that includes a housing for containing toweling. The toweling includes a first towel and a second towel that are connected together and separable at a perforation formed between the first and second towel. The housing is configured to define a path P for the toweling. A motor and a perforation sensor are provided for dispensing the toweling and are electrically connected together. The perforation sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the presence of the perforation and the motor is configured to deactivate in response to the signal.
US07887001B2
An elastomeric fiber can be easily unwound from a package by way of using an OETO unwinding device which comprises a fiber package, a standby package and a static guide such that the distance from the inlet orifice of the static guide to the center of the static guide-facing side of the fiber package is in the range of 25 to 38 cm, and the distance (R) between the centers of the static guide-facing sides of the fiber package and standby package is in the range of 25 to 50 cm.
US07886994B2
The nozzle for introducing and for metered addition of a treatment medium into the exhaust gas stream in combustion processes comprises a nozzle tube (2) and an inner displacement body (1) having a round cross section to form a nozzle ring gap (14). The displacement body (1) borders a mixing chamber (18) inside the nozzle tube (2) and on this end has a tapered area (3) with which it is held exclusively on a feed tube (5) for the treatment medium. The feed tube (5) crosses through a pressure chamber (6.1), which has two axial bordering walls (4, 7). The feed tube is held in these bordering walls, with a holder (12) being provided in the bordering wall (4), allowing the carrier medium from the pressure chamber (6.1) to flow through to the nozzle gap (14).
US07886991B2
An injection nozzle having a main body portion with an outer peripheral wall is disclosed. The nozzle includes a plurality of fuel/air mixing tubes disposed within the main body portion and a fuel flow passage fluidly connected to the plurality of fuel/air mixing tubes. Fuel and air are partially premixed inside the plurality of the tubes. A second body portion, having an outer peripheral wall extending between a first end and an opposite second end, is connected to the main body portion. The partially premixed fuel and air mixture from the first body portion gets further mixed inside the second body portion. The second body portion converges from the first end toward said second end. The second body portion also includes cooling passages that extend along all the walls around the second body to provide thermal damage resistance for occasional flame flash back into the second body.
US07886987B2
A thermostatic valve incorporated within a plumbing system for regulating the flow of fluid. The thermostatic valve includes two valve assemblies operatively cooperating to preclude the flow of scalding water. The first valve assembly and second valve assembly respond to different fluid temperatures, as well as, over separate periods of time. The thermostatic valve can be incorporated in an “end-line” device such as a showerhead or faucet assemblies to create an “anti-scaled” plumbing fixture. The invention includes a valve housing having a first compartment and a second compartment, a fluid passageway, a first valve assembly, a second valve assembly, a first spring, a first stopper, a first flange, a first thermostatic cylinder, a second spring, a second stopper, a second flange, a second thermostatic cylinder, and a third spring.
US07886982B2
An automatic temperature control for a washing machine or the like may adopt in a first embodiment a single triac switched between a hot-water valve and cold-water valve by mechanical switch elements to provide for a range of temperature control via a microprocessor receiving a temperature command input. In a second embodiment two triacs may be used to permit a range of temperature controls to be effected by voltage signals generated by low-voltage low current switches implemented on an integrated circuit board.
US07886980B2
A presentation system can effectively present an exhibit as an exhibition content to a viewer. According to the present invention, in order to perform an effective presentation in a presentation space, an icon 2 that symbolically represents a presentation subject and has identification information thereof stored in a non-contact IC tag, a presentation table 3, a display apparatus 4 and a content display control apparatus 5 are basically provided, and when the icon is placed on the presentation table, the identification information stored in the tag of the icon is read, and the control apparatus 5 displays a content associated with that information on the display apparatus 4.
US07886978B2
Techniques for enhancing the reliable and efficient decoding of images of computer-readable symbols, which represent information encoded using a one- or two-dimensional visual symbology, are discussed. In accordance with one technique, prior to attempting to decode a particular image, a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology from the image is determined based on a success metric. The success metric is calculated based on the blurriness of the image, or the tilt of the camera that captured the image, or both. Levels of blurriness or tilt, and the likelihood of decoding success, are ascertained with respect to predetermined reference values associated with generally decodable images. In accordance with another technique, image-sharpening algorithms are applied at select locations within the image. Such locations generally correspond to centers of modules within the visual symbology of the computer-readable symbol, which are assigned values based on grayscale values of proximate pixels in the image.
US07886974B2
A smartcard interface system is described. The interface system supports a plurality of different smartcard types. By providing a plurality interface modules and selecting an appropriate one of the available modules for effecting communication with a presented smart card, the system provides for interaction with the presented smart card in a manner specific to that smart card.
US07886971B2
An automated, self-service dry cleaning delivery system accepts and records items dropped off through a kiosk for cleaning, and returns cleaned items to the same kiosk for customer pick-up. A computer software program operates the conveyors, the loading doors, and material transporting equipment. To facilitate maximum customer satisfaction, numerous customer feedback choices are displayed to maximize system dexterity.
US07886967B2
An authorization code is entered into a chip card terminal from a chip card. The authorization code is first entered into a chip card and stored in a secret memory location. A state on the chip card is temporarily changed from a first state to a second state. When the chip card is inserted into a chip card terminal within a pre-defined period of time, the authorization code is transmitted to the chip card terminal and the state is reset from the second state to the first state.
US07886957B2
In a method of manufacturing bonding probes, bump layer patterns are formed on terminals of a multi-layered substrate. A first wetting layer pattern having a wettability with respect to a solder paste, and a non-wetting layer pattern having a non-wettability with respect to the solder paste are formed on the bump layer patterns. The solder paste is formed on the first wetting layer and the non-wetting layer pattern. The probes, which make contact with an object, are bonded to the solder paste. The solder paste on the non-wetting layer pattern reflows along a surface of the first wetting layer pattern to form an adhesive layer on the first wetting layer pattern. Thus, a sufficient amount of the solder paste, which is required for bonding the probes, may be provided to firmly bond the probes.
US07886954B2
A solder handling temperature controller comprises a body (10) of the solder handling temperature controller, a rotating shaft (77) housed in the body (10) and adapted to be rotatable about its axis, a set temperature changing means (75) adapted to change a set temperature according to a rotation angle of the rotating shaft (77), a rotary knob (20) supported by the body (10) in a rotatable manner relative to the rotating shaft (77), and a temperature lock key (40) adapted to be selectively insertable into and withdrawable from the body (10) in a position coaxial with the rotating shaft (77) and the knob (20), and, in an inserted state thereof, to mechanically couple the rotating shaft (77) and the knob (20) together to allow them to be interlockingly rotated, wherein, when the temperature lock key (40) is withdrawn from the body (10), the coupling between the rotating shaft (77) and the knob (20) is released to prohibit the change of the set temperature by the rotation of the knob (20).
US07886951B2
An anvil assembly for a circular stapling device includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon, a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a rod member of the circular stapling device, an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, wherein the anvil plate includes an inner diametral edge, and wherein the anvil plate defines a plurality of staple forming pockets therein at a location radially outward of the inner diametral edge, a recess formed in the anvil head, wherein the recess is defined by the inner diametral edge of the anvil plate and a rear surface of the anvil head, and a wound treatment material disposed substantially within the recess.
US07886944B2
The invention relates to an inflating body, for the drying and/or pressing of pieces of clothing, whereby said inflating body is made from sections with at least three different air permeabilities.
US07886943B1
A portable drywall joint compound pump workstation has a joint compound supply reservoir with an open top and closed bottom removably attached to a wheeled framework. The workstation further has a pump assembly including a pump control removably connected to the framework for pumping joint compound from the supply reservoir to a workstation outlet extending from the pump control. The pump assembly includes a high pressure cylinder connected to a valve and quick coupling arrangement which, in turn, is in communication with the supply reservoir through the bottom end thereof. A discharge line extends between the high pressure cylinder and the pump control for feeding joint compound from the supply reservoir to the pump control. A first discharge port is provided on the pump control for continuously feeding a variety of drywall finishing tools. A second discharge port is provided on the pump control for supplying wash down water to clean tools or act as a source of high pressure fluid. A purge line runs between the pump control and the supply reservoir for priming, recirculating and mixing drywall compound in the reservoir.
US07886941B2
A spout valve assembly, for a pump dispenser including a discharge head, is located within an opening in the discharge head for permitting outletting of liquid product and includes a spout valve retained within the discharge head opening by a retainer. The spout valve includes a slit at a first end thereof and an orifice at a second opposite end thereof. The slit includes slit lips directly engageable with and disengageable from each other to respectively define slit closed and opened configurations. The spout valve is made of a material for permitting opening of the slit under pressure from the liquid product for thereby allowing the liquid product to be discharged out through the slit when in the slit opened configuration, and for otherwise permitting closing of the slit to prevent the liquid product from being discharged through the slit when in the slit closed configuration.
US07886940B2
The present invention relates to a system and method for improving the efficiency of fuel cells. The storage system includes an outer shell and at least one bladder positioned inside the outer shell. A primary chamber is defined between the outer shell and the bladder, and a secondary chamber is defined interior to the bladder.
US07886936B2
A insulated cooler includes a thermally insulated storage compartment and a water storage chamber mounted thereon and preferably formed integrally therewith. A water spout communicates with the water storage chamber to permit water to flow from the storage chamber for washing hands and the like when in areas without running water. A soap dispenser is mounted on the cooler to facilitate the washing process. An external carrier may also be mounted on the cooler for carrying various items which do not need to be stored within the insulated storage compartment.
US07886934B2
A dispenser includes a dispenser housing, an indicating device connected to the dispenser housing and a container removably engaged with the dispenser housing. A connector maintains a connection between the container and the dispenser housing as the container is moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the dispenser housing.
US07886918B1
The present invention is a multi-purpose recreational vehicle garment bar that incorporates important convenience features for a user. It includes convenient methods of suspending the support base from a recreational vehicle, and optionally, from other fixed structures typically found at a recreational vehicle parking area. Also included in the design are screwdriver holders and an end flag holder which provide important convenience and decorative features for the end user.
US07886917B1
Object storage trays provide a tray for storing pots, pans, and their lids. First and second top members and first and second end members form a generally rectangular frame attached to a first center member, a first cross member, and a second cross member. Generally sinusoidal longitudinal members are attached to the first cross member, first center member, and second cross member. Glider brackets are attached beneath the longitudinal members to connect gliders to the object storage tray. Dividers mounted on sliding pivots are attached to the first center member and have lid handle notches in their middles. A telescoping embodiment of the invention is also disclosed that permits adjustments to the width of the object storage tray.
US07886911B1
A corrugated container with integral dunnage for securing a cargo element with respect to the interior of the corrugated container, including at least one wall panel having a substantially planar surface, an aperture defined in the substantially planar surface, and a flap portion connected to the substantially planar surface adjacent to the aperture. The flap portion is subdivided into a plurality of sections that cooperate to define a dunnage element.
US07886902B1
A magnetically fastened storage pocket for a storage container such as a golf bag. A fabric pocket provides overlapping pocket panels that are arranged to accommodate one-handed opening/closing operations. A fastener assembly includes mating magnetic pieces. Resilient stay member(s) having shape retaining properties and fittings and/or elastic members define and resiliently maintain the pocket shape and align the pocket and magnet pieces.
US07886901B1
A packaging device preferably including a clam shell, wherein the clam shell is adapted to at least partially encase a single wheel of a device with wheels.
US07886896B2
A method of monitoring the tension of a continuous endless drive elongate member mounted to be moved over a closed-loop path and having a slack run along which it forms undulations, said method consisting in placing a sensor along said slack run for detecting undulations going past in the slack run, and in counting the number of undulations detected, said number serving as a magnitude for measuring the tension of the drive member.
US07886891B2
An assembly comprising a plurality of pistons, each of the pistons comprising of a cylinder and a piston rod, a first collar for supporting the cylinders at a first end and a second collar for supporting the cylinders at a second end, for each of the cylinders, a first air inlet through the first collar into the first cylinder end and a second air inlet through the second collar into the second cylinder end, a plurality of valves, each of the valves connected to a source of compressed air, and a plurality of air hoses interconnecting each of the valves with one of the air inlets. Also, a method comprising the steps of providing a sensor for sensing when the piston is in a first position, placing the piston in the first position, calculating a first time interval between commanding the piston to move from the first position to a second position and when the piston is no longer in the first position, calculating a second time interval between commanding the piston to move from the second position to the first position and when the piston is in the first position. The reaction time interval comprises the first time interval and the travel time interval comprises the second time interval less the first time interval.
US07886886B2
A viscous friction clutch for driving a cooling fan in a motor vehicle is disclosed, wherein the viscous friction clutch comprises a driving disk and a housing, a supply chamber and a working chamber, a device for supplying shear fluid from the supply chamber to the working chamber and a device for returning the shear fluid from the working chamber to the supply chamber.
US07886884B2
Luggage cases that are sized and shaped to be carried on to the passenger compartment of a commercial airplane are called carry-on luggage cases. Cases small enough to fit below the passenger seat 28 immediately in front of the traveler must be very small and compact and generally interfere with comfortable placement of the passenger's feet during travel. The disclosed luggage case 2 includes a tapering reinforced portion 22 of the main packing door 18 on which a passenger may wish to place or rest his or her feet during travel. This main packing door 18 is constructed to bend and open to give access to a specially designed slanting shelf area 12 where a bottled drink 16 or cosmetics can be easily accessed without removing the case 2 from its stowed position beneath the front passenger seat 28.
US07886875B2
Systems and methods for monitoring gas turbine engines are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: monitoring lubrication oil at multiple locations of the gas turbine engine to detect a presence of debris in the oil; determining a characteristic of the debris in the oil; and correlating the characteristic of the debris with the location of detection to determine, while the gas turbine engine is operating, whether the engine is operating within predetermined limits.
US07886873B2
A panel-type construction element comprises a substantially rectangular base panel (1), which is particularly suited, for example, for use as a covering for facade scaffolding. Numerous dimples (2) can preferably be configured on the upper face of the base panel parallel to the longer side of the panel and continuous transversal areas (3) that are devoid of dimples and that respectively run at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the base panel are configured over the entire width of the latter. In the areas (3), transversal ribs (7), which project downwards and are connected to the underside and the respective abutting areas of flange surfaces (4) provided on the underside of the base panel to project downwards from the two longer sides of the base panel. The combination of longitudinal and transversal elements permits a simple, rigid and light-weight construction element, which if configured in plastic exhibits excellent weather and corrosion-proof properties and is extremely stable.
US07886867B2
A flexible multiple speaker support apparatus is provided for supporting a plurality of speakers therein and includes a flexible, hollow speaker support unit which includes a plurality of open, sound emission channels. The speakers are housed within the flexible, hollow speaker support unit, and the speakers are placed in registration with the open, sound emission channels. With one embodiment of the invention, the flexible, hollow speaker support unit includes a flexible, tubular speaker support member, and the flexible, tubular speaker support member includes a plurality of the open, sound emission channels. The speakers are placed in registration with the open, sound emission channels. With another embodiment of the invention, a suspension bracket assembly is connected to the flexible, hollow speaker support unit for supporting the flexible, hollow speaker support unit in a desired orientation from a ceiling, wall or other surface.
US07886862B2
A prime mover control device of a construction machine includes a hydraulic pump (24) driven by a prime mover (10), an actuator (5) driven with pressure oil discharged from the hydraulic pump (24), and a control valve (25) that controls a flow of the pressure oil from the hydraulic pump (24) to the actuator (5) in response to an operation of a first operating member (22a). The prime mover control device includes a first set means (41) that sets a first set rotation speed Nt of the prime mover (10) according to the operation of the first operating member (22a), a second set means (43) that sets a second set rotation speed Nx of the prime mover (10) according to an operation of a second operating member (34), a selection member (35) that selects one of a first mode and a second mode, and a rotation speed control means (30, 13) that controls a prime mover rotation speed to match with a maximum value of the first set rotation speed Nt and the second set rotation speed Nx when the selection member (35) selects the first mode, and controls the prime mover rotation speed to match with the second set rotation speed Nx when the selection member (35) selects the second mode.
US07886861B2
An electric vehicle has a first bracket (23) that supports a battery unit (10)-side end of a power unit (16) and extends in a width direction of the vehicle. The first bracket (23) is coupled to a vehicle body through a first coupling section (26) formed in one end of the first bracket (23) and a second coupling section (26) formed in the other end, and the power unit (16) is coupled to the first bracket (23) through at least two inner coupling sections (24) that are located more inside than the first and second coupling sections (26) as considered in the width direction of the vehicle. A first fragile portion (48) is formed between the first coupling section (26) and the inner coupling section (24) closest to the first coupling section (26), and between the second coupling section (26) and the inner coupling section (24) closest to the second coupling section (26). The first fragile portion (48) is broken by a smaller impact load at the time of collision with the side where the power unit (16) is installed than at the time of collision with the side where the power unit (16) is not installed.
US07886860B2
A front-end module for supporting heat exchangers in a vehicle includes a U-shaped assembly support having a horizontally extending base and two downward extending sidepieces, and a connecting support having a horizontal web which supports the heat exchangers. The assembly support is fitted over the heat exchangers, and the horizontal web is attached to the ends of the sidepieces so that the heat exchangers are surrounded and held in place.
US07886854B2
The present invention provides a wheelchair structure, which is available with a handle, seat and wheel body. The handle is provided with an integrated control seat, and the wheel body is provided with auxiliary drive unit and combined positioning member. The integrated control seat can be assembled securely onto the wheelchair handles of different diameters and curvatures, and the swinging angle can be adjusted flexibly. Thus, it is possible to guarantee outstanding adaptability of assembly, efficient and convenient operation with improved applicability.
US07886850B2
A system for treating a mixture of drilling fluid and solid material, including a container with an inlet for the introduction of the mixture into the container. The system having a rotatable screen assembly mounted within the container and has at least one screen for screening the mixture and also interior structure for receiving separated drilling fluid from the at least one screen. The system has an interior structure for receiving separated drilling fluid and transmitting the separated drilling fluid to the fluid outlet of the container.
US07886847B2
A bottom hole assembly in a casing-while-drilling operation is retrieved by reducing the density of the fluid in the casing string above the bottom hole assembly, creating an upward force on the bottom hole assembly. As the bottom hole assembly moves upward in the casing string, fluid is pumped into the upper end of the annulus and displaced fluid flows out of the upper end of the casing string. The flow rate of the fluid flowing into the upper end of the annulus and the flow rate of the displaced fluid flowing out of the casing string are monitored and compared.
US07886846B2
A method and apparatus for carousel drilling, which includes a drill tower having a rotatable drive motor at the top, and a carousel pivotably attached with respect to the drill tower and capable of supporting four elongated drilling devices, at least certain of which are drill extenders capable of attachment to, and detachment from, a drilling tool. A retainer plate is located at the upper end portion of the carousel to receive and retain the drilling devices in a generally vertical orientation when the drill tower and the carousel are raised to a generally vertical orientation for operative drilling. A primary breaker plate is provided for individually receiving and engaging each drilling device at the lower end portion of the carousel. A secondary breaker plate is located above the primary breaker plate for individually receiving the four drilling devices.
US07886836B2
Fires may be detected and suppressed by placing fire detectors proximate natural flow paths from inlets to outlets of a fire zone. The fire detectors may be placed adjacent, and preferably downstream, of regions, along the flow paths, likely to become flame holding regions during fire in the fire zone. The fire may be suppressed, when detected, by catalytic reaction with species released by a reactive fire suppression agent which may be injected into the fire zone, preferably upstream of the potential flame holding regions.
US07886832B2
A connector connects auxiliary flow lines—and, in some configurations, electrical lines—that extend through and terminate at or near opposing ends of two respective components of a downhole tool string. The connector comprises a body assembly for fluidly-connecting the auxiliary flow lines and electrically-connecting the electrical lines of the respective two components, and an assembly for adjusting the length of the body assembly. In particular embodiments, the two components are discrete modules of a unitary tool, or alternatively, are distinct tools. Additionally, the connector may include a mechanism for closing the auxiliary flow lines of one or both components upon disconnection of the fluid connection between the two components.
US07886829B2
A subsea and modular tanker-based hydrocarbon production system comprising a plurality of interlinked individual tank units which is wholly submersible, is wholly detachable from, and wholly re-attachable to, its associated subsea wellhead infrastructure. Modularity of the interlinked tank unit system allows for the processing, measurement, and storage of hydrocarbons from a wide variety of offshore hazard and water-depth related conditions and situations. In addition to being both detachable and re-attachable, the modularity of the system provides for a number of unit systems to be conjoined at surface and towed to market.
US07886826B2
A method for treating a subterranean wellbore. More specifically, a method for removing wellbore solids. A first, polymer containing fluid is placed in the solids bed. A second, viscosifying fluid is then placed into the solids bed thereby agitating the solids in the bed and causing the formation of a gel capsules when mixed with the biopolymer fluid. These gel capsules are capable of trapping or entraining the agitated solids. The gel capsules typically have a relatively high volume and a relatively low density, thereby making their removal from the wellbore easier.
US07886825B2
A formation fluid sampling tool is provided with reactants which are carried downhole and which are combined in order to generate heat energy which is applied to the formation adjacent the borehole. By applying heat energy to the formation, the formation fluids are heated, thereby increasing mobility, and fluid sampling is expedited.
US07886822B2
A method for treating a subterranean formation includes forming a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid, a solid acid-precursor, and a solid scale inhibitor. The solid acid-precursor includes a material that forms an acid at downhole conditions in the subterranean formation. The method further includes adding a solid acid-responsive material into the treatment fluid, where the solid acid-responsive material enhances formation of acid from the solid acid-precursor in acidic conditions. The method includes performing an acid fracture treatment and inhibiting scale formation within the subterranean formation. The solid scale inhibitor allows for long-term scale inhibition after the treatment.
US07886820B2
A method and system for monitoring any incursion of particulate matter from a gas hydrate formation into a well casing used for the production of the gas hydrate and determining the degree of incursion of particulate material within the distal end of the well casing.
US07886818B1
The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. The retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the expansion of the expandable casing against the two retainer rings such that the sealing element protrudes outwardly beyond the retainer rings and engages the wall of a wellbore in three locations. The retainer rings can also include flares that extend outwardly from the body of the expandable casing to which they are attached. As the expandable casing is expanded, the flares are forced inward to compress the sealing element which is then extruded radially outward through a gap between the two retainer rings to engage and seal off the wellbore.
US07886811B2
An evaporator includes a refrigerant inlet header and a refrigerant outlet header arranged side by side in a front-rear direction, and a refrigerant circulating passage holding the headers in communication. The inlet and outlet headers are provided with caps forming refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet, the caps are joined to a pipe joint member having refrigerant inlet and outlet portions in communication with the refrigerant inlet and outlet, the caps or the pipe joint member is provided with a positioning lug which is projecting from its side edge toward the other one and which is fitted with a positioning recess formed in the other one, and the caps and the pipe joint member have flat surfaces to be contact with each other and are brazed such that the lug is engaged with the recess and that the flat surfaces are in contact with each other.
US07886805B2
A spring tensioning unit for a roll-up closure, the closure having a pair of end plates and an axle rotatably mounted on the endplates. A drum for carrying a closure is rotatably mounted on the axle, and a tensioning coil spring is mounted on the axle and connected between the axle and the drum. The tensioning unit has a ratchet wheel fixedly mounted on the axle adjacent one end plate, the wheel having spaced apart teeth. A stop member is slidably mounted on the one end plate with a stop tab cooperating with the teeth on the wheel to stop rotation of the wheel in a direction reducing tension on the spring. A lever is mounted between the wheel and the end plate, the lever having a lever tab for cooperating with the wheel, the lever movable on the axle to position the lever tab against a tooth and to then rotate the tooth, and the axle, in a direction to increase tension on the spring.
US07886791B2
A pneumatic radial tire for a passenger car having a pair of bead portions and a carcass having at least one carcass ply toroidally extending between a pair of bead cores embedded in the respective bead portions and containing organic fiber cords. The organic fiber cord is a polyketone fiber cord satisfying the following equation: σ≧−0.01E+1.2 and σ≧0.02, where σ is a thermal shrinkage stress at 177° C. (cN/dtex) and E is an elastic modulus at 25° C. under a load of 49N (cN/dtex). The cord has a ply-twisting coefficient N1 of 0.35-0.70 and a cable-twisting coefficient N2 of 0.50-0.95, where N1=n1×(0.125×D1/ρ)1/2×10−3, N2=n2×(0.125×D2/ρ)1/2×10−3, n1 is a ply twisting number (turns/10 cm), n2 is a cable twisting number (turns/10 cm), D1 is dtext of ply-twisted yarn, D2 is a total dtex, and ρ is a specific gravity of the cord (g/cm3).
US07886781B2
A system, for preventing overflow in a tank, fillable via a nozzle, includes a lower passage and an upper passage. An upper end of the lower passage receives a portion of fuel flow from the nozzle, and a lower end is in communication with the tank. The upper passage has a lower end in communication with an interior of the lower passage and an upper end in communication with a hole in the nozzle. A valve connects to the lower passage and has a fill position and a stop position. When a level of liquid in the tank is below a predetermined level, the valve is in the fill position and fuel is permitted to flow out the lower end of the lower passage. When the level of liquid in the tank is at or above the predetermined level, the valve is in the stop position and blocks the flow of fuel out of the lower end of the lower passage.
US07886779B2
An improved liquid handling needle device for use with the reconstitution of toxic drugs such as those used in chemotherapy and other applications. When diluent, in this example, is added through a septum into a sealed container, a positive pressure builds up. Aerosols containing the reconstituted drugs can be release through the punctured opening exposing personnel to potential contamination. This improved needle device provides a low-cost aerosol resistant vent channel between the outside diameter of the needle and the inside diameter of the tubular member holding it allowing gas diffusion from inside of the sealed container through the vent channel to the outside of the container when said needle device is inserted into the sealed container. This specifically engineered aerosol resistant vent channel prohibits the flow of the aerosol particles from flowing due to the frictional contact of the aerosol particles with either of the opposing walls forming the vent channel causing any aerosol particles to condense and be redirected back into the liquid receiving sealed container, thus providing sterile air venting for both the injecting and withdrawal of fluids.
US07886771B2
A frequency suppressor for a hydraulic system is shown and described. The frequency suppressor comprises a housing that contains a substantially fixed mass of a compressible substance. The volume of the compressible substance is varied to dampen frequency disturbances in the hydraulic system.
US07886760B2
An electromagnetic adjustment unit of a directional control valve is provided. The individual components of the adjustment unit are to be embodied, arranged, and joined such that the assembly expenditure and the costs during the production are reduced to a minimum.
US07886757B2
A portable temporary aircraft hanger that includes a lightweight frame covered with a durable, main outer cover. The frame includes a plurality of transverse frame members attached to a rigid base frame. Each frame member includes two opposite straight lower sections, two curved eave sections, two straight roof sections and a curved, central peak section. Adjacent frame members are interconnected by a plurality of purlins. Disposed over one end opening is a flexible end cover. Formed on one end panel of the shelter is wide rectangular door opening designed to allow wide equipment, such as a winged aircraft to easily enter and exit the shelter. In the first embodiment, the door opening is covered by two hinged door panels including a longitudinally aligned sliding door section. Disposed above the wide opening is an optional upper opening which is selectively closed and opened by a retractable door panel. In another embodiment, the lower door opening and upper opening are replaced by a single, large opening covered completely by a large retractable door.
US07886749B2
Skin disorders such as, for example, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrosis, eczema, lichen planus, psoriasis, and vitiligo, are treated by applying high doses of ultraviolet light to diseased regions of a patients skin. The dosage employed exceeds 1 MED, an MED being determined for the particular patient being treated, and may range from about 1 MED to about 20 MED or higher. The ultraviolet light has a wavelength within the range of between about 295 nanometers to about 320 nanometers and preferably is between about 300 nanometers and about 310 nanometers. High doses of ultraviolet light are restricted to diseased tissue areas so as to avoid risk of detrimental side affects in healthy skin, which is more susceptible to damage from UV light. Cooling the skin prior to and/or while exposing the skin to the UV light can be used to minimize tissue damage resulting from exposure to the UV light. Higher doses of TV light can therefore be employed without injurious affects.
US07886747B2
Apparatus for ophthalmic surgery, especially non-penetrating filtration surgery, comprising a laser source that ablates sclera tissue at steps of intermediate thickness. Optionally, the beam is scanned using a scanner and its results viewed using an ophthalmic microscope.
US07886746B2
A wound therapy combination comprising a suction head and a surgical drape. The suction head comprises a planar flange portion and a tubular connector piece on a first face that communicates with an aperture extending to a second face. The second face is formed with projections that define flow channels for facilitating flow of liquids to the aperture.
US07886745B2
A self-fitting device for location in an ear canal. The device includes a body having a body ear end, an opposite body user end, and a shaft extending from the ear end to the user end. A resilient bladder is joined with the body ear end and a chamber is defined inside the resilient bladder where the chamber is in communication with the shaft and the resilient bladder has a wall portion and is deformable from an at-rest position to an in-ear position. The resilient bladder has a variable strength profile in the wall portion of the bladder.
US07886744B2
An earplug and a method of manufacturing the earplug are provided, the earplug including a sound attenuating element and a stem where the sound attenuating element includes a flange which extends rearwardly over a portion of the stem, and where the sound attenuating element and the stem are integrally formed of a resilient compressible material.
US07886740B2
Minimal concentrations of CO2 are mixed with pressurized air to provide a gas mix effective for stabilizing breathing of target patients or users. CO2 concentrations below about 2% and preferably between about 0.5% and 1.25% are employed. A gas modulator includes a gas mixing module, a sensor and a control processor. The gas mixing module mixes plural gases, including CO2, into a gas mix, for delivery to a substantially leak-proof patient face mask. The sensor, located substantially at the face mask, measures CO2 concentration in the face mask. The control processor, based on a signal from the sensor, controls the CO2 concentration in the gas mix.
US07886739B2
A circuit compliance compensated volume control system in a patient respiratory ventilation system and method, including: a circuit compliance estimator, to provide a relationship between a circuit volume and a differential pressure between a circuit pressure and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of the respiratory circuit, a circuit volume estimator, operative to provide an estimated circuit volume based on the relationship between the circuit volume and the differential pressure, a patient volume observer, operative to provide an estimated patient volume by subtracting the estimated circuit volume from a measured machine delivered net volume, and a volume delivery controller, operative to update the machine delivered net volume based on the estimated patient volume and a set tidal volume.
US07886733B2
A method of mounting an autonomous electronic device onto a crossbow including the steps of attaching a scope mount ring to a scope on the crossbow; attaching a device mount to the scope mount ring; and securing an autonomous electronic device selected from a video camera and a range finder to the device mount.
US07886722B2
The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one venting device which is connected to a fuel vapor filter, wherein the venting device includes at least one collecting container for receiving liquid fuel. The fuel tank is distinguished in that disposed within the collecting container is a delivery pump for emptying it into the delivery volume of the fuel tank.
US07886716B1
A carburetor control system includes: a governor device that is coupled to a throttle lever, opens a throttle valve when an operation of an engine is stopped, and opens or closes the throttle valve in accordance with a rotational number of the engine when the engine is in operation; a choke return spring urging a choke lever in a direction to close a choke valve; and an automatic choke device opening the choke valve in accordance with an increase in temperature of the engine. In the carburetor control system, the throttle lever is provided with a drive arm pivoting the choke lever, during a cold operation of the engine, to a position where the choke valve is at an intermediate degree of opening in operative connection with the throttle lever being pivoted by the governor device to a position where the throttle valve is at a degree of opening for idling or a position in a vicinity thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to mechanically open the choke valve to a predetermined intermediate degree of opening, when the engine is in a cold idling state, in operative connection with the throttle valve, so as to be capable of ensuring a fuel-efficient and stable idling state.
US07886712B2
A method and a device for operating an internal combustion engine make it possible to shift the combustion limit. In this context, a predefined output variable of the internal combustion engine such as the torque, for example, is realized in at least one operating state of the internal combustion engine by at least a retardation of an ignition angle. It is checked whether, due to the retardation of the ignition angle, a variable like, for example, a misfiring, characteristic for the combustibility of the air/fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, exceeds a predefined limiting value in terms of a deterioration of the combustibility, and in this case, at least one actuator of the internal combustion engine, different from an actuator for setting the ignition angle, such as the exhaust-gas recirculation valve or EGR valve, for instance, is controlled along the lines of improving the combustibility of the air/fuel mixture.
US07886710B2
An oil filter unit that forms oil passages regardless of the attachment position of an oil filter. An adaptor for attaching the oil filter to a crank case has a first attachment surface on the crank case side and a second attachment surface on the oil filter side. The first attachment surface has first and second closed areas separated from each other by a partitioning wall. The second attachment surface has oil inlet and outlet ports. The oil inlet and outlet ports communicate with the first and second closed areas, respectively, via their own communication paths. The adaptor is attached to the crank case such that an oil supply port formed on the crank case is positioned within the first closed area and an oil return port formed on the crank case is positioned within the second closed area.
US07886707B2
A decompressor for an internal combustion engine that is capable of preventing the dropping-off of the decompression shaft during maintenance work includes a falling-off prevention pin inserted into a pin insertion hole having an opening to the outer circumferential surface of a camshaft and intersecting, at least partially, an insertion hole. A decompression shaft is inserted and fitted into the insertion hole. The falling-off prevention pin engages with the decompression shaft while the decompression shaft is allowed to rotate. The decompression shaft is prevented from moving in the axial direction of the decompression shaft. The opening of the pin insertion hole of the camshaft into which the falling-off prevention pin is inserted is blocked by a bearing. A swing portion includes a bearing-restriction portion formed so as to protrude towards the bearing. The bearing-restrict portion restricts the movement of the bearing in the axial direction of the camshaft.
US07886702B2
A method and apparatus for distributing control of multiple engines amongst the engines in a power generation system that has a central controller, comprises the steps of: receiving aboard each engine from the central controller a control signal representative of a desired fuel flow; metering fuel at a fuel metering point aboard each engine; sensing at least one parameter aboard each engine proximate the fuel metering point that is representative of fuel flow; adjusting the fuel metering aboard each engine to cause the sensed parameter to correlate to the desired fuel flow; and transmitting a monitoring signal from each engine to the central controller that is representative of the adjusted fuel metering.
US07886698B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a non-powered calming device for use on an animal's fur, and a method of using the same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a non-powered animal calming device comprises an anti-static material disposed on a sheet, held on a dispensing structure, wherein the anti-static material is suitable to neutralize a sustained separation of positive and negative charges in the animal's fur without the use of a power source. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of calming an animal comprises providing a non-powered animal calming device comprising an anti-static material disposed on a sheet, held in connection with a dispensing structure, contacting the animal's fur with the animal calming device, and neutralizing a sustained separation of positive and negative charges in the animal's fur without the use of a power source.
US07886692B2
The present invention relates to a vacuum source for providing vacuum to at least a first vacuum drain through conduits, comprising at least a first and a second vacuum pump. The vacuum source comprises a control system adapted to detect the consumed airflow, and to control the operation of each of the first and second vacuum pump based on the detected airflow.
US07886688B2
To provide a plasma processing apparatus capable of enhancing insulation between an electrode and a casing and adjusting the temperature of the electrode from outside.An electrode 30 is provided at its discharge space forming surface with a solid dielectric 50. The electrode 30 is received in a casing 20 such that the solid dielectric 50 on the discharge space forming surface is exposed. An in-casing space 29 between the casing 20 and the electrode 30 disposed in the casing 20 is filled with substantially pure nitrogen gas. This nitrogen gas pressure is more increased than the pressure in the discharge space. Preferably, nitrogen gas is allowed to flow.
US07886685B2
A substrate holding apparatus can meet the request for a smaller-sized compact apparatus while ensuring a sufficient immersion depth of a substrate in a processing liquid. The substrate holding apparatus includes: a substrate holder for supporting a substrate (W) by bringing a peripheral portion of a surface of the substrate (W) into contact with a first sealing member; and a substrate pressing section for lowering relative to the substrate holder so as to press the substrate (W) held by the substrate holder downward, thereby bringing a first sealing member into pressure contact with the substrate (W). The substrate pressing section is provided with a second ring-shaped sealing member which makes pressure contact with an upper surface of a ring-shaped holding section of the substrate holder, thereby sealing the peripheral region of the substrate pressing section.
US07886681B2
A method, system and device for facilitating the retrieval of a marine anchor from an underwater obstruction, the device being configured to actuate when subjected to a force load of a predetermined peak force threshold to effect a change in the point of retrieval that an anchor rode makes with the anchor. The obstructed anchor may be retrieved from another direction, such as a direction opposite from which the anchor was set.
US07886679B2
A system for mooring a vessel at an offshore site comprises at least one floating mooring element with two opposite mooring bodies for receiving therebetween and engaging the hull of the vessel. Each mooring element is movable between an upper position for engaging the hull of the vessel and a lower position in which at least one of its mooring bodies is lowered below the upper position for disengaging the hull of the vessel. Further means are provided for maintaining a substantially stationary position of the mooring element relative to the seabed. Preferably the system comprises at least two mooring elements spaced in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.
US07886666B2
A method and apparatus for incorporating nanophase elemental materials and metastable interstitial composite materials into projectiles, projectile fragments, ordnance casings, warheads and structural components. The projectile, fragments and casings include an elemental material capable of oxidizing. A coating material that is capable of preventing oxidation of the elemental material and an oxidizing agent may be present and be capable of reacting with the elemental material so that a self-propagating high temperature synthesis reaction from a stabilized solid material is yielded for the purpose of rendering terminal effects or thermal impact to a target at impact.
US07886652B2
An electromagnetic operation-type automatic pressure-adjusting valve outputting an air pressure corresponding to an amount of electric power is connected in an air flow path connecting a pressure chamber of a single-acting main cylinder and an air source. A controller is configured to obtain a relationship between a position of a piston and an air pressure from a relationship between the position of the piston of the main cylinder and a spring force of a return spring, and a relationship between the air pressure supplied to the pressure chamber and an acting force applied to the piston by the air pressure. When a target position of a movement of the piston is inputted to the controller, the controller is operated to move the piston toward the target position and to stop the piston at the position by means of controlling the amount of electric power for the automatic pressure-adjusting valve so that an air pressure corresponding to the target position is outputted.
US07886650B1
A projectile firing gun or weapon barrel is adapted with a gas porting system having conduits and outlets specifically configured, positioned and adapted for maximizing reductions in muzzle jump and/or recoil in accordance with principles of reverse thrust. The conduits or flow tubes are contemplated to be configured to function as nozzles whereby varying the shape and size of the conduit walls can maximize the outlet velocity of gases flowing at subsonic as well as supersonic velocities and the stream of redirected gas flow can be concentrated. The system incorporates porting holes located further rearward than at the barrel muzzle, but at a proven safe distance from the barrel chamber, which porting holes are in fluid communication with gas conduits/nozzles. Such conduit/nozzle openings redirect in a specific upwardly direction and concentrate a vented stream of high velocity expanding gas generated upon firing of the gun or weapon so as to maximize the generation of downward thrust forces to overcome muzzle jump. Similarly, such conduit/nozzle openings redirect rearward and concentrate a vented stream of high velocity expanding gas generated upon firing of the gun or weapon so as to maximize the generation of forward thrust forces to overcome felt recoil. Venting the explosion gases further rearward than at the barrel muzzle maximizes the duration of thrust forces as gases are vented well prior to the projectile exiting the barrel and utilizes gas forces greater than that available after the projectile has exited the barrel.
US07886649B2
A modular weapon system of a preloaded recoilless gun including a barrel provided with a shell, a propellant charge and a countermass. The weapon system is configured in two parts including a first part of the barrel and a second part of the barrel. The first part of the barrel includes the shell and the second part of the barrel includes the propellant charge and countermass. A releasable locking device interconnects the second part of the barrel with the first part of the barrel.
US07886634B2
A powertrain for a motorcycle includes a torque converter having an input and an output with a fluid coupling between the input and output, a gear train between the torque converter output and the rear wheel of the motorcycle, and an intermediate gear assembly that reverses the rotational direction of the motorcycle engine output shaft to the torque converter input. The intermediate gear assembly allows the motorcycle engine output shaft to be arranged in parallel with the torque converter input shaft wherein the motorcycle engine output shaft and the torque converter input shaft are on the same side of the motorcycle. The intermediate gear assembly includes a ring gear in meshing engagement with a plurality of planet gears, and a sun gear in meshing engagement with the planet gears. The ring gear is fixed for rotation with the intermediate input and the sun gear is fixed for rotation with the intermediate output.
US07886633B2
A swing type working vehicle, wherein a space at the foot portion of an operator can be increased when pedal operation is not required. A step is installed on the front part of a swing table frame, and pedals for operating hydraulic actuators are disposed on the step. The base parts of the pedals are supported so that these pedals can be swung forward and backward. When the pedals are swung backward, they are brought into contact with the operating members of the hydraulic actuators to disable the operation, and when the pedals are swung forward, they are held in the state of being brought into contact with the step.
US07886624B1
An assembly for insertion and retraction of probe or probe-like device which does not require a seal or packing gland, instead utilizing pressure equalization between pressurized process fluids and the housing containing a probe, so as to negate the use of a dynamic seal. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates an inserting/retraction mechanism for raising and lowering the probe into and from the pressurized fluid, respectively. A housing having a valve is configured to allow fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source, and the interior of the housing assembly. A conduit engages the housing assembly, and is formed to slidingly receive the outer diameter of the probe therethrough, such that a sliding seal maintains a fluid seal between the outer wall of the probe and the inner wall of the conduit, as the probe is telescoped therethrough during insertion and retraction of the probe into/from the pressurized process.
US07886618B2
A computerized prosthesis alignment system includes a transducer that can measure socket reactions in the anterior/posterior plane and the right/left planes, while canceling or reducing the transverse forces on the measurements of these socket reactions. In addition, the transducer is also capable of determining the axial load or weight experienced by the prosthesis. The computerized prosthesis alignment system is in communication with a host computer. The moment data from the transducer is interpreted by the user via a computer interface. The host computer includes memory for storing one or more applications. These applications receive data from the transducer, interpret the data with discrete algebraic or fuzzy logic algorithms, and display the output numerically and graphically. Applications may also interpret the data to provide analyses to the user for aligning the prosthesis.
US07886616B1
An in-line flow meter assembly for insertion into a pipe section, including a body comprising an elongate tubular section having a cavity; a turbine assembly support extending a determined distance from the body; a turbine shaft attached or coupled to the turbine shaft connection portion; a turbine element having a plurality of rotor blades extending radially from a central hub of the turbine element; a bearing positioned on the shaft and press fit into a hub of the turbine element; a pickup coil that is able to sense rotational motion of the turbine element and convert the rotational motion into a pulsing electrical signal; a riser having a height such that when the riser is attached or coupled to the pipe section, a rotational axis of the turbine element is located in a cross sectional center of the pipe section, regardless of a diameter of the pipe section.
US07886615B2
A method for system- and/or process-monitoring in the case of an ultrasound flow measuring device having a plurality of measuring channels, wherein a medium flows though a pipeline or measuring tube in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the pipeline or measuring tube. Ultrasonic measuring signals are coupled into the pipeline or measuring tube and coupled out of the pipeline or measuring tube in such a way that they travel through the medium along different sound paths. Following passage through the pipeline or measuring tube, the ultrasonic measuring signals are detected in the individual measuring channels, wherein at least one actual quantity describing the ultrasonic measuring signal of each measuring channel is ascertained. The actual quantity is compared with a desired quantity captured under predetermined system- or process-conditions, and a report is output in the case of a difference between the ascertained, actual quantity and the captured, desired quantity.
US07886607B2
The invention relates to a package for a strain sensor. The package includes a base part (10) from a strain hardened material, a central part (20) from an annealed material which carries glass fritted leadthroughs, and a lid part (30), wherein the base part, the central part and the lid part are made from austenitic stainless steel AISI 304L as well as a method for producing such a package.
US07886586B2
An abnormality detection device of a fuel pump reduces costs and prevents detection error or breakdown by making the fuel pressure sensor unnecessary. The abnormality detection device includes an abnormality detection circuit, a fuel pump driving voltage detection unit to detect the voltage value of an abnormality detection circuit, and a meter. The abnormality detection circuit is constituted by the circuit including a resistance disposed between a battery side of the fuel pump motor to drive the fuel pump and a ground side. If the voltage value detected by the fuel pump driving voltage detection unit is larger than the upper limit or lower than the lower limit of the normal range, the warning lamp of the meter flashes and a buzzer makes an alarm sound. The abnormality detection circuit is housed in the fuel pump module disposed in the fuel tank.
US07886580B2
A method for detecting the presence of a leak between two fluid paths of an assembled plate heat exchanger by evacuating one or both fluid paths to a low pressure, introducing a test gas to one of the fluid paths to create a pressure differential between the fluid paths, and testing for the presence of test gas in the second fluid path.
US07886572B2
The calibration of a backlash impulse device in a sport implement (20) is effected by firstly measuring the natural frequency of the striking surface (26) of the implement; determining from the measured natural frequency, a time of occurrence *T* and a duration of a period of elastic recovery *R′ of the striking surface (26) in a first vibration cycle *P* following an impact on the striking surface (26). The method also comprises the step of adjusting a distance of travel ‘D’ of the movable mass (32) inside the backlash impulse device during a strike of a ball with the sport implement (20), such that an impulse (62) is generated on the striking surface (26) by this movable mass (32) during the strike, at the same time as the occurrence of the period of elastic recovery ‘R’ of the striking surface, in the first vibration cycle ‘P’ following the strike.
US07886571B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for measuring adhesive and frictional properties of a polymer hemisphere relative to a contact plate provided in the apparatus. The apparatus comprise a body having a movable table installed to move along an X-axis and Y-axis and a vertical column positioned at a rear side of the movable table, a sample mount provided on the movable table and having a mirror to reflect surface images of a horizontal contact plate, a head assembly located at a front side of the column and having a polymer hemisphere used to press a surface of the contact plate to implement an adhesive force test, a camera device located at a front side of the mirror to capture the surface images of the contact plate during the adhesive force test, and a control device for analyzing various data inputted thereto during the adhesive force test.
US07886559B2
A modular refrigerator, having a first planar thermally-insulated element, a second planar thermally-insulated element and further planar thermally-insulated elements, connected together and which can be subsequently detached, forming a housing of the refrigerator when assembled, a refrigerant circuit, with an evaporator, a condenser and a compressor, a first electrical line, arranged in the first planar element, a second electrical line, arranged in the second planar thermally-insulated element and an electrical contact/counter-contact device, by means of which both electrical lines may be electrically connected. The contact device is integrated in the first planar thermally-insulated element and the counter-contact device is integrated in the second planar thermally-insulated element such that contact device is automatically electrically connected to the electrical counter-contact during the mechanical connection of the first and second planar element.
US07886558B2
A non-stick coating, which inhibits frozen moisture accumulation, is applied to exterior exposed portions of heating and cooling systems where ice or other frozen moisture can accumulate and impair system design operational efficiencies; where heat exchange tubing and fins are downwardly sloped or angled; where an optional capillary tube/plate means/design, which plate has an exterior surface that is comprised of at least one of raised dots, ridges, trenches, and a flat surface is utilized; with an optional protective shell encasement which can be shaped to provide a vena contracta effect; with an optional electric fan to enhance airflow for heat exchange; with an optional electric vibrator to enhance inhibition of frozen moisture accumulation; with a downwardly sloped base to direct falling frozen moisture away from the heat exchange equipment; for use in conjunction with an air source heat pump system, an evaporative cooling system or a chiller, or as a supplement to a water-source heat pump system or to a direct expansion heat pump system; and for use with any other refrigerant-based heating system or cooling system.
US07886550B2
A refrigerating machine includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, a radiator for radiating heat from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor, an expander for expanding the refrigerant discharged from the radiator, and an evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant discharged from the expander, all connected in series. The refrigerating machine also includes a refrigerant flow regulator for regulating the amount of refrigerant flowing into the expander and a controller for controlling the compressor and the refrigerant flow regulator. When the compressor is stopped, the controller controls the refrigerant flow regulator to reduce the amount of refrigerant flowing into the expander.
US07886543B2
A device for attenuating acoustic noise from an exhaust nozzle of a turbojet is disclosed. The turbojet exhaust nozzle includes a central body spaced apart from an external casing, defining a gas exhaust channel therebetween. The central body includes a flexible sleeve within an external wall, defining at least one resonator cavity therebetween. The at least one resonator cavity is in fluid communication with the gas exhaust channel via a plurality of orifices through at least one upstream portion of the external wall. The at least one resonator cavity and plurality of orifices compose at least one Helmholtz resonator.
US07886533B2
The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive (1) comprising at least one first hydraulic pump (4), a second hydraulic pump (5), and first, a second, a third, and a forth hydraulic motor (7, 8, 9, 10). A first connection (12) of the first hydraulic pump (4) is connected to a first connection (19) of the first hydraulic motor (7) and a first connection (20) of the third hydraulic motor (9). A first connection (16) of the second hydraulic pump (5) is connected to a first connection (26) of the second hydraulic motor (8) and a first connection (27) of the fourth hydraulic motor (10). A second connection (22) of the first hydraulic motor (7) and a second connection (29) of the fourth hydraulic motor (10) are connected to a second connection (18) of the second hydraulic pump (5). A second connection (28) of the second hydraulic motor (8) and a second connection (23) of the third hydraulic motor (9) are connected to a second connection (14) of the first hydraulic pump (4).
US07886530B2
An internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger having a turbine, a first set of combustion cylinders, and a second set of combustion cylinders. A first particulate trap is in fluid communication between the first set of combustion cylinders and the turbine. A second particulate trap is in fluid communication between the second set of combustion cylinders and the turbine.
US07886527B2
A base dose module generates a base dose signal that corresponds to a mass flow rate of a dosing agent. A dose adjustment module receives an ammonia (NH3) signal and determines a first dose adjustment based upon the NH3 signal. The NH3 signal indicates NH3 measured downstream of a catalyst. The dose determination module generates a dosing signal based upon the base dose signal and the first dose adjustment.
US07886524B2
A method for improving engine control during a regeneration of an exhaust gas after treatment device is described. According to one aspect of the description, engine air amount and engine fuel amount may be adjusted based on data from a previously executed regeneration of an exhaust gas after treatment device.
US07886519B2
Systems and methods of controlling solid propellant burn rate, propellant gas pressure, propellant gas pressure pulse shape, and propellant gas flow rate, rely on pulse width modulation of a control valve duty cycle. A control valve that is movable between a closed position and a full-open position is disposed downstream of, and in fluid communication with, a solid propellant gas generator. The solid propellant in the solid propellant gas generator is ignited, to thereby generate propellant gas. The control valve is moved between the closed position and the full-open position at an operating frequency and with a valve duty cycle. The valve duty cycle is the ratio of a time the control valve is in the full-open position to a time it takes the valve to complete one movement cycle at the operating frequency. The valve duty cycle is controlled to attain a desired solid propellant burn rate, propellant gas pressure, propellant gas pressure pulse shape, and/or propellant gas flow rate.
US07886513B2
A method of manufacturing composite yarn by doubling and twisting paper tape and back warp yarn in one process without doubling paper yarn and back warp yarn after fabricating the paper yarn using the paper tape, includes: passing paper tape unwound from a bobbin by external force through the bobbin in an axial direction of the bobbin, and rotating the paper tape together with additionally-supplied back warp yarn about the axis of the bobbin to twist the paper tape and the back warp yarn together.
US07886508B2
A distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section of a medicine packaging apparatus is shortened without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. A unfolding guide included in a packaging unit for unfolding and opening a package sheet has a main ridge extending along with the fold of the package sheet, and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces, which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge and which are symmetrical to each other with respect to the main ridge.
US07886505B1
A method of dispensing food from a multiple-chamber container. In one embodiment, a method comprises moving a first seal to expose a first opening to a first chamber at a top of the container, moving a second seal to expose a second opening to a second chamber proximate a bottom of the container, extracting a first portion of a first food product from the first chamber through the first opening, and extracting a second portion of a second food product from the second chamber through the second opening.
US07886504B2
A container with a corresponding bottle neck having a capsule inside of which a substance is placed that is to be released into the bottle contents. This invention avoids having to sterilize the contents again after the container has been aseptically filled, even though the substance in the capsule often does not endure these temperatures. Thus, this invention provides a method with the following steps: a) aseptic filling of the plastic bottle; b) welding a first membrane onto the container neck; c) placing the substance, which is to be released into the plastic bottle, on the first membrane that is already welded on; d) covering the substance, which is to be released, by a second membrane and welding the second membrane to the first membrane. Lastly, a closure with a secured tamper-evident layer is placed over the capsule and onto the bottle neck.
US07886502B2
A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.
US07886496B1
An extruded aluminum bottom-load ceiling used in conjunction with cleanrooms comprises main tees and cross tees with removable flanges. The tees are connected via cam-lock devices or splice bars and may be hung on a 4′×4′ or 8′×8′ configuration. The tees also include hammerhead-nut slots used to suspend the tees from the building structure above and hang AMHS hangers from the tees. Grid stiffeners are included to increase the carrying capacity of the tees.
US07886494B1
The multiple bracket decking apparatus provides multiple brackets for installing deck boards to adjoining structures. The brackets ideally provide for about ⅛- 3/16 inch space between boards. While the apparatus is especially ideal for use with deck boards which are made of composites, the apparatus is also excellent for use with deck boards made of other materials. The brackets are especially suited to deck boards with grooves into which the tangs of the brackets fit. The brackets of the apparatus uniquely provide for the use of nails and nail guns for fastening the brackets. This advantage provides greatly reduced labor costs and well as reduced fastener costs. A further advantage provided by the apparatus is the fourth bracket, which provides for angled deck boards, in relation to supporting joists.
US07886490B2
There is provided a strand that can reduce the trouble in constructing an object to which compression force is applied by the strand and that can keep the construction cost down.A strand 1 is placed in a bore hole provided in a wall or roof surface, and is gripped by a wedge in a tensioned state so as to apply a tensile force to the wall or roof surface. The strand 1 of the present invention includes a pipe-shaped member (corrugated tube 11) made of metal, and a plurality of metal wires 12 arranged on the outer periphery of the corrugated tube 11. The metal wires 12 are arranged to surround the corrugated tube 11 on the cross section of the corrugated tube 11.
US07886486B2
An adjustable pet door having decorative and customizable aesthetic features. The pet door includes subframe assemblies that are connected to each other with fasteners that extend through an aperture defined by a door. The pet door can be adjusted to fit doors of various sizes by varying the number of module core frames disposed between the subframe assemblies. The core frames extend laterally between the subframe assemblies and define a passageway through the door. Decorative frames are releasably attached to the subframe assemblies and can be removed or replaced without having to remove the subframe assemblies from the door. A security panel can be secured to one of the subframe assemblies to prevent animals and intruders from entering a residence through the pet door.
US07886482B2
A kit for a mobile gardening cart that includes the following: a base structure, form, storage areas, and a plurality of wheels to allow it to pivot in any directions, coupled to a base and an upright frame structure with reasonable braced support, linage/connection to a main vertical frame, and multiple stackable container forms to be placed parallel to each other in an ascending upward fashion.
US07886477B2
A method for aiming a firearm by a person is disclosed. A collimator of static cling vinyl is attached to a lens of eyeglasses worn by the person. The collimator has an aperture formed in opaque material. A sight line is generated from an eye of the person through the aperture of the collimator, through a rear sight of the firearm, across a front sight of the firearm, and to the target. The aperture of the collimator optically clears the vision of the eye of the person to aid in the person's simultaneous visualization of the rear sight, the front sight, and the target.
US07886476B1
A mounting assembly for mounting accessories to a dovetail rail on a firearm is provided. The mounting assembly includes a main body having a lower portion with a first engagement member extending downwardly along one side thereof and a clamping assembly installed into the main body opposite the engagement member such that the clamping assembly can be engaged and disengaged with the dovetail rail to hold the mounting assembly on the dovetail rail. In addition, a buffer pad is provided between the clamping assembly and the interface point on the dovetail rail to protect the rail from wear. The clamping assembly includes a means for retracting the buffer pad when the clamping assembly is in the disengaged position, the retraction means preferably being magnetic. Such that the buffer pad is held out of the way when mounting or dismounting the mounting assembly.
US07886472B2
Methods for disabling firearms and firearm safety devices designed to reduce the risk of accidental discharge are provided. Safety devices according to the present invention comprise a chamber-disabling component constructed of a flexible material. The chamber-disabling component is adapted to be inserted through an opening in the firearm into the firing chamber with partial retraction of the bolt.
US07886458B2
A modular lint collection system for a fabric dryer, comprising a lint collection frame having a plurality of lint screen retaining members associated therewith, and a plurality of lint collection screens connected to respective lint screen retaining members and arranged in a zigzag pattern. The lint collection screens are oriented in respective vertical planes with adjacent screens lying in intersecting relation to one another, such that the air flow being drawn through the dryer generally impinges the screens at an oblique angle.
US07886456B2
The invention concerns a measuring device for the simultaneous examination (testing) of lengths of at least essentially equal length sections (20) of a rod shaped profile material, whereby two opposite measuring sides (30, 40) can be positioned between at least two sections (20) in longitudinal direction (L) next to each other and can be positioned on an acceptance (10) in a specified bundle and a travel device (90) for at least one of the two measuring sides (30, 40) by which the distance between the two measuring sides can be reduced and is characterized by that at least one of the two measuring sides (30, 40) at a minimum shows one in longitudinal direction (L) aligned relative to a measuring side (30, 40) moveable measuring plunger (60) is shown and one section (20) after the reduction of the distance between the two measuring sides (30, 40) touches with one end exactly one of the measuring plungers (60) and with the other end touches the other measuring side (40).
US07886454B2
A template for accurately positioning structural components of elevator(s) in a elevator hoistway(s), or of elevator hoistway walls or partitions in a building, includes a thin, flexible sheet of material adapted to be placed on a floor of elevator hoistway(s), has indicia on the flexible sheet of material to show locations, and points of attachment, of elevator structural components which are to be installed in the elevator hoistway(s). Tensioning elements attachable to the flexible sheet of material may be used to square up the flexible sheet of material. The template may be made by forming a thin, flexible sheet of material, providing indicia on the flexible sheet of material, and by providing tensioning elements to square up the flexible sheet of material. The flexible template may be placed on the floor of the elevator hoistway(s), squared, and the squared up template used as a guide to install the major elevator structural components. The template may, alternatively, be made of a substantially rigid, e.g., corrugated, sheet material and employ interconnected sections.
US07886451B2
Fabrication methods are provided for an electrolytic tilt sensor which includes a containment envelope defining an interior space; at least first and second electrodes disposed along, and in contact with, a first interior surface portion of the containment envelope, said first and second electrodes being spaced apart from each other to define a gap between respective opposing edges of the first and second electrodes; at least a third electrode disposed along and in contact with a second interior surface portion of the containment envelope opposite said first interior surface portion; an electrolyte solution at least partially filling the interior space of the containment envelope to provide a bubble; and means for hermetically sealing the containment envelope.
US07886443B2
A cutting apparatus has a unidirectionally-locking blade cover that automatically snaps back over the exposed blade after each cut, and a dependent, index finger operated unlocking trigger.
US07886442B2
A pocket knife having at least one pull-out cutting tool or blade, provided on at least one side with a lateral covering covering said knife, and at least three blockable assembly axes which hold together the knife or the cutting tool in a pull-out or retracted position. A weighing element is arranged inside the pocket knife. Said element can be extracted about at least one of the axes or at least one other axis and/or is displaceably mounted during weighing. The weighing element is actively connected to a transmitting device in order to transmit the weight that is to be measured to a measuring sensor.
US07886437B2
A method of forming an isolated electrically conductive contact through a metal substrate by creating at least one via through the substrate. The at least one sidewall of the via is cleaned and coated with a non-conductive layer. In one example, the non-conductive layer is formed by anodizing the sidewall(s) of the via. In another example, the non-conductive layer may be formed by thin film deposition of a dielectric on the sidewall(s). An electrically conductive filler is then placed into the via. In the examples disclosed, the filler may be a conductive ink or a conductive epoxy.
US07886435B2
A multilayer chip carrier with increased space for power distribution PTHs and reduced power-related noise. In a multilayer chip carrier with two signal redistribution fanout layers, in addition to signal escape from near-edge signal pads at the first fanout layer, remaining signal pads are moved closer to the edge of the chip footprint. At the voltage layer below the first fanout layer, the remaining signal pads are moved again, closer to the edge of the chip footprint. In the second fanout layer, below the voltage layer, the remaining signal pads escape. The region where signal pads are moved provides increased space for power PTHs.
US07886426B2
A stator manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a stator efficiently includes a base plate, a plurality of radially inward displacing jigs disposed radially in an annular pattern on the base plate and which are radially displaceable toward and away from each other, a plurality of core holding jigs disposed radially inward of the radially inward displacing jigs and which are radially displaceable toward and away from each other, a movable plate disposed vertically upward of the base plate and which is vertically movable toward and away from the base plate, a cam disposed on the movable plate for displacing the radially inward displacing jigs radially toward each other when the movable plate is lowered, and a spacer holding jig for holding spacers that are inserted between adjacent separate cores.
US07886423B2
A method for forming micro-texture on ABS of a slider, includes steps of: positioning sliders arranged in arrays on a tray, each slider having a pole tip facing upward; loading the tray into a processing chamber, and evacuating the processing chamber to a preset pressure; introducing a mixture gas of inert gas and hydrocarbon gas into the processing chamber, and ionizing the mixture gas to produce ion beams; exposing the sliders to the ion beam for etching so as to form micro-texture with two-step structure on the ABS of the slider. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing a slider having micro-texture.
US07886402B2
Waste material that is introduced into waste inlet units (10) is managed by connecting the inlet units to a temporary storage volume (3) for charging the storage volume with the waste and by controlled, intermittent opening of the storage volume for the removal of accumulated waste therefrom. Specifically, waste is introduced into each inlet unit during an inlet charging phase; shaft charging vacuum (CV) is applied to the storage volume and is maintained continuously therein except when waste is removed from the storage volume; and the charging vacuum and atmospheric air (AA) is intermittently communicated to the inlet unit to charge the storage volume with the introduced waste.
US07886400B2
In a motor, a gear housing of a speed reducer is connected to a motor unit. A worm is received in the gear housing and is rotated by rotation of a rotatable shaft of the motor unit. A worm wheel is received in the gear housing and is meshed with the worm. An output shaft is fixed to a center part of the worm wheel. The worm wheel includes a receiving recess, which is axially recessed in a center part of the worm wheel. An axially inner part of a bearing, which rotatably supports the output shaft, is received in the receiving recess.
US07886398B2
An oral cavity cleaning tool for the purpose of sterilization of the inside of oral cavity is provided that carries out efficient sterilization by using effective chlorine that is obtained through electrolysis. The oral cavity cleaning tool comprises a block handle, a head section extending from the block handle, a pair of electrodes provided on the head section and a power source that supplies electric current to the pair of electrodes, wherein the electrodes are put into contact with an oral fluid that contains chloride ions thereby to cause electric current to flow between the electrodes, so that the chloride ions are transformed into effective chlorine.
US07886395B2
A pencil sharpener case has a rotatable cover which covers a mechanical pencil sharpener. In one position, the cover may be rotatably retracted to provide access to the pencil sharpener. The case also mounts an eraser which may be used when the pencil sharpener is covered.
US07886394B2
A bath utility includes a frame and several bath balls. The frame has a configuration of a wider top end and a narrower bottom end. The bath balls are respectively bound on the frame by means of several binding members. The adjacent bath balls are leant on each other to hide the frame in the bath balls. Accordingly, the bath utility has a specific pattern.
US07886392B2
A fabric treatment appliance, such as a washing machine, comprises at least one of a tub and drum configured to hold a fabric load. A method of operating the fabric treatment appliance comprises heating the fabric load and, after heating the fabric load, sanitizing the fabric load by heating the fabric load with steam.
US07886389B1
The invention is a tape dispenser having a ribbon tool accessory that can be removed from and stored within the tape dispenser. The ribbon tool has both a cutting blade and a ribbon splitter integrated into the tool.
US07886373B2
Provided is a method of controlling temperature of warm water of a bidet. The method includes: a first step of detecting a current temperature of warm water stored in a storage tank; a second step of gradually adjusting intensity of power supplied to a heating means depending on a difference when the current temperature of the warm water is lower than a target temperature; and a third step of cutting the power supplied to the heating means when the current temperature of the warm water is equal to the target temperature after the second step. Therefore, the warm water can be precisely maintained at a set temperature by checking a temperature of cleaning water in a storage tank using a sensor in real time, and gradually controlling intensity of power supplied to a heating means on the basis of the checked water temperature.
US07886371B2
Swimming goggles are provided including an outer frame and an inner frame integrally formed together, lenses respectively received in the outer frame, and a strap device with a head strap. The outer frame includes a first frame unitarily formed with hard material. The first frame defines receiving slots respectively for receiving the lenses. Each receiving slot has an inner edge with a first positioning portion formed thereon. The inner frame includes a second frame formed by soft material enveloping along the first frame, and defines openings respectively corresponding to the receiving slots. The lenses form second positioning portions along rims thereof for engaging with the first positioning portions. The strap device includes base portions respectively assembled on opposite sides of the first frame for supporting and adjusting the head strap. The strap device is only assembled to the first frame of the outer frame when being assembled.
US07891008B2
Tampering with pieces of software is inhibited. Profiles are stored in a central hierarchical database and such profiles are protected from tampering. The obfuscation of a software image so as to becloud the comprehension of hackers in reverse engineering pieces of software comprising the software image is provided. A process of verifying whether the pieces of software together constitute a software package that requires protection from tampering is also provided.
US07891004B1
Vehicle internetworks provide for communications among diverse electronic devices within a vehicle, and for communications among these devices and networks external to the vehicle. The vehicle internetwork comprises specific devices, software, and protocols, and provides for security for essential vehicle functions and data communications, ease of integration of new devices and services to the vehicle internetwork, and ease of addition of services linking the vehicle to external networks such as the Internet.
US07891001B1
An in-network security provider applies security event identification, analysis and processing to a customer's data communications traffic in the form of a “security in the cloud” solution. This method of network defense is achieved when customers pass all of their outbound data communications traffic through the security provider before that data communications traffic reaches the public Internet. Additionally, all inbound data communications traffic is passed through the security provider before it is delivered to the customer. The security provider receives the inbound and outbound sequence of data packets and segregates the sequence of data packets into respective packet flows based on data packet types (HTML, SMTP, FTP, etc.). For individual respective packet flows, the system applies security processing that is appropriate to those packet flows based on that packet flow's data packet type.
US07891000B1
A security management system provides rules for monitoring network activity of applications to groups of host, computers, specifically activity indicating that communications mechanisms have been established (i.e. open TCP ports) but are receiving little or no use (i.e., few connection acceptances). Agents on the hosts utilize monitoring software inserted between the applications and the network protocol stacks. The agents store network activity data gathered during the monitoring in local storage, and periodically upload the data to a centralized server in a compressed and optionally encrypted fashion. The server uses the uploaded data from all hosts to update a security management database reflecting the network activity of all the hosts. Reports may be generated to identify activity that may present security risks, such as open but inactive ports, to enable a network administrator to take remedial action such as de-activating or de-installing applications.
US07890997B2
A system for providing a user with authorization to perform one or more functions using or otherwise involving a computational component is provided. The system includes an authentication file system 100 operable to (a) receive a request from a user for a second set of authentication information permitting a second set of operations to be performed on a computational component, wherein the computational component is operable to be installed by the user on the computational system, wherein the computational component contains a first set of authentication information permitting a first set of operations to be performed on the computational component; and wherein the first and second sets of operations are different; (b) generate an authentication file containing the second set of authentication information; and (c) transmit the authentication file to the computational system.
US07890991B2
An apparatus is described that provides security and monitoring in a networking architecture. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a physical layer interface that includes a physical layer receiver and a decoder for converting physical layer data from the physical layer receiver to data link layer information, wherein the decoder processes input data corresponding to the physical layer data based on rules conditioned on higher layer information to generate output data corresponding to the data link layer information; and a controller for provisioning the physical layer interface. Advantageously, the apparatus provides an architectural framework well suited to a low cost, high speed, robust implementation of flexible, advanced network security and monitoring features, traffic management, and network traffic analysis.
US07890987B2
A method for acquiring and storing schedule event information from a cyclical broadcast in an interactive television system comprising a Head end (20), transmission media (32) and a client device such as a set top box (28) and display TV (26). An request queue for particular Event Information Table (EIT) schedule sections (42) is created and serviced in optimal fashion by selecting a section from the EIT request queue with the least acquisition latency based on the current position in the EIT broadcast cycle, the set top box (28) processing speed and the sequence of EIT sections (42) requested.
US07890982B2
This invention is intended to allow user to easily and quickly set the preset recording of television programs on recording devices. When setting the preset recording of a television program on a VCR, the user of a personal computer first accesses an EPG server on the Internet to download the preset recording data of that program. The personal computer converts the downloaded preset recording data into a G-code and transmits the G-code from a video mouse to the VCR as an infrared signal. The VCR decodes the received G-code, recognizes the program to be preset for recording, and sets the preset recording of the recognized program.
US07890980B2
A method for receiving a broadcasting signal and a broadcasting signal receiver are disclosed. Even when a cell is changed while an emergency alert is output, the emergency alert can be continuously output using emergency alert table information included in the broadcasting signal and channel information of the cell. The emergency alert table information may include a cell identifier and the channel information of the cell may include virtual channel information of the cell.
US07890971B2
In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.
US07890968B2
An optical disc device has a first optomechanical mechanism, a second optomechanical mechanism, and a sled mechanism. The first optomechanical mechanism is located under an optical disc insertable into the optical disc device to optically access a bottom surface of the optical disc. The second optomechanical mechanism is located over the optical disc insertable into the optical disc device to optically access a top surface of the optical disc. The first and the second optomechanical mechanism are disposed on the sled mechanism. Movement of the sled mechanism results in both the first and the second optomechanical mechanism moving radially in relation to the optical disc.
US07890960B2
A system for controlling the delivery of notifications. The system brokers and serializes the delivery of notifications from multiple sources. In addition, a shared notion of user context is provided, for determining the appropriate handling for each of the notifications. In one embodiment, a user context consists of a condition that may be true or false, and an instruction that is to be followed if the condition is true. For example, if a user is listening to music, the instruction may be to show the notification on the screen but not play any sound for the notification. A user's contexts are declared by the operating system and arbitrary programs. The user's contexts may be presented to the user for modification in accordance with the user's preferences. The user may also define rules, which dictate how notifications that contain specified elements should be handled, and may provide exceptions to the instructions of the user's contexts.
US07890956B2
A method and system for implementing Web service built-in endpoints is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a built-in endpoint manager interface and a built-in endpoint implementation container.
US07890955B2
Messages generated by an originating application are aggregated into batches based on a configuration policy. The configuration policy contains business logic used to aggregate messages into a batch. Once a batch is complete, it is formatted into a single stream output and sent to a destination application designed to receive the messages. Messages may also be aggregated into batches that are controlled by the originating application. The messages include an indicator set by the originating application to signal when a batch is complete. Once the batch is complete, it is formatted into a single stream output and sent to a destination application designed to receive the messages.
US07890953B2
A digital data processing apparatus of the type that manages a SAN includes a first queue with entries representing tasks and a second queue with entries representing data that correspond to those tasks. Data in the second queue is grouped in accord with the task to which they correspond. A manager service updates the internal representation of the SAN (e.g., the representation of the SAN topology) by executing the tasks in the first queue one at a time, for example, atomically using a single-threaded process.
US07890952B2
Methods, systems, and products are provided for peer-to-peer computer software installation. Embodiments include receiving, by an observing install agent running on an observing host from a test install agent running on a test host, performance information describing the performance of software installed on the test host; determining, by the observing install agent, whether the performance information meets performance criteria for the observing host; and if the performance information meets the performance criteria for the observing host, installing the software on the observing host. In some embodiments, determining, by the observing install agent, whether the performance information meets performance criteria for the observing host is carried out by determining, whether the performance information meets performance criteria for the observing host in dependence upon a rule.
US07890950B1
A method, an apparatus and a system perform software uninstallation that integrates transfer activation. In some embodiments, a method includes uninstalling software from a machine that is activated on the machine. The software has a limited number of activations. The uninstalling operation comprises deactivating the software on the machine.
US07890948B2
Techniques for altering application user-interface controls are provided. More particularly the customization of a new or existing user-interface control in an application user-interface is provided. In one aspect of the invention, a method for customizing user-interface controls of an existing application comprises the recording of a procedure description performed by a user in the application user-interface. A new or modified application user-interface control relating to the procedure description is then installed in the existing application.
US07890944B2
A method for sharing static link codes by software components in a dynamic link library (DLL) and a main program. First, the main program links to a static link library (SLL) and creates function pointers and variable pointers in the DLLs corresponding to the SLL. Next, the functions of a DLL program code associated with calling the SLL are changed into corresponding function pointers. Next, the variables of the DLL program code associated with calling the SLL are changed into corresponding variable pointers. Finally, the main program and the DLLs are compiled into the respective program codes, wherein the functions and variables associated with a DLL are obtained via the pointers. When the DLL is loaded in the main program, the memory addresses of the functions and variables for calling and corresponding to the SLL are passed to the DLL to share the static link codes with the main program.
US07890943B2
Instructions that have no dependence constraint between them and other instructions in a loop of a critical section may be moved out of the critical section so that the size of the critical section may be reduced. A flow graph of a program including the critical section may be generated, which includes loops. The flow graph may be transformed based on which any unnecessary instructions in loops may be moved out of the critical section. Subsequently, the original flow graph of the critical section may be recovered from the transformed flow graph.
US07890942B2
A method and system for substituting array values (i.e., expressions) in a program at compile time. An initialization of an array is identified in a loop. The initialization is an assignment of an expression (i.e., a constant or a function of an induction variable to elements of the array). The expression is stored in a table that associates the expression with the array and indices of the array. An assignment statement is detected that is to assign at least one element of the initialized elements. The expression is retrieved from the table based on the expression being associated with the array and corresponding indices. The expression is substituted for the at least one element so that the expression is to be assigned by the assignment statement. The process of substituting array values is extended to interprocedural analysis.
US07890933B2
The disclosure presents systems and methods to identify program workings sets, detect working set changes and estimate working set sizes. The system generates a highly compressed representation of the working set, called a working set signature, by hashing working set elements into a data structure and setting the entries touched. The working set signature identifies, or is a representation of, the working set. The system can detect a working set change by comparing the signatures of consecutive working sets using a metric called a relative signature distance. The working set size is estimated by counting the number of bits set in the signature. The system can be used to compactly represent various types of working sets such as instruction, data and branch working sets. The system can detect program working set changes (or phase changes) independent of any micro-architectural specification.
US07890929B1
A Toolbox and Instrument software design and runtime system which simulates real-world Tools by providing Instruments for the Tools' configuration, control, and state monitoring before, during, and after runtime. A Tool is a software function which may be used to modify an existing object or to create a new object. Tools with related functionality are grouped by their containment within appropriately named, static classes, or object references, their grouping which represents a Toolbox. Each Tool accepts one or more input (operand) objects to be changed or zero operands if a new object will be created, and each Tool also a Configuration Instrument, a State monitoring instrument, and optional Control Instrument. Alternatively, the Control and State Instrument's functionality can be consolidated into a single Instrument, or the Control and Configuration Instrument's functionality can be consolidated into a single Instrument.
US07890928B2
This invention utilizes a concept called color, which implies a variation, and applies it to natural language attributes like verbs and nouns. The verb color is defined as a role or operation in which the field participates. The noun color is defined as a form of the field. The auxiliary verb color is defined as a path to the field from a known object reference. The noun color may be defined by the user or may be determined, based on the object state in which the field resides. Rules are defined by adorning the fields with one or more colors. Several types of rules are invented based on transformational properties of colors. Methods can be equated to rules, and invoked as rules. Thus, complex processes may be reduced to a set of rules, using the above mechanisms.
US07890924B2
A generalized software process simulation model is utilized to simulate software engineering processes and support project management and control. The simulation model takes advantage of generic software modeling blocks which represent differing stages or activities in a software development process and are represented in modeling environment. The generic software modeling blocks are also used to represent sub-processes and activities within higher-level processes. The blocks also provide dialog boxes which allow entering and adjustment of data and equations. Through manipulation of blocks and comparisons of simulations, a project manager can simulate and observe the outcome of different process decisions. Additional simulation capabilities are possible, as software engineering is one example of the technology. Similar techniques are also applied to simulation of hardware and systems development, and other product or technology development which follows design and development characteristics similar to software engineering.
US07890921B2
A coherent interactive project management system has a dashboard including a graphic user interface (“GUI”) in communication with a GUI engine, where the dashboard provides links to a plurality of differing interactive hierarchical display screens. A data engine is connected to transmit information to and receive information from the dashboard. Each user has access to a user-specific version of the dashboard, where the user-specific version controls displays of and access to information to information applying to each specific user, and the specific user employs the user-specific version of the dashboard for requesting, modifying and sharing information through the data engine. The GUI engine includes a module for dynamically generating customized enterable forms used for interactively adding or modifying data available through the data engine.
US07890920B2
A product purchase system using a network comprises a server 2 connected to a network 1, a database 5 included in the server 2 for storing order sheet data for each user, means connected to the network 1 for updating the order sheet data via the network 1, means for inhibiting the updating of the order sheet data after a predetermined date, means for aggregating the order sheet data of all users by summing up the quantities of ordered products for each type of the ordered products to obtain aggregated data after the predetermined date, and means for fixing, as order data, the order sheet data for each user and the aggregated data after the predetermined date.
US07890917B1
Method and apparatus for providing secure intellectual property (IP) cores for a programmable logic device (PLD) are described. An aspect of the invention relates to a method of securely distributing an IP core for PLDs. A circuit design is generated for the IP core, the circuit design being re-locatable in a programmable fabric for PLDs. The circuit design is encoded to produce at least one partial configuration bitstream. Implementation data is generated for utilizing the IP core as a reconfigurable module in top-level circuit designs. The at least one partial configuration bitstream and the implementation data are delivered to users of the PLDs.
US07890914B2
A system and method which stores a three dimensional physical representation of an electrical circuit such as an integrated circuit design uses a database having a plurality of files to store active trace data and inactive feature data (layout data). The data from each file can be cross mapped with schematic data. A netlist or some other correlation method can be used to correlate the data from each of the individual files such that the leads of the layout data are correlated to leads from a schematic to maintain compatibility between the netlist and the layout data. Segmenting data into individual files decreases load times while correlating data with the netlist ensures electrical data is valid and suitable for characterization and optimization of the layout data. Various other embodiments are also described.
US07890910B1
A programmable logic device architecture having logic elements with dedicated hardware to configure the look up tables of the logic element to either perform logic functions or to operate as a register for pipelining or other purposes. The programmable logic device includes a general interconnect and a plurality of logic array blocks interconnected by the general interconnect. Each of the plurality of logic blocks further includes one or more logic elements. The logic elements each include a first look up table, a second look up table, and dedicated hardware within the logic element to configure the first look table and the second look up table as a register without having to use the general interconnect. In one embodiment, the dedicated hardware includes a plurality of dedicated interconnects within the logic element to configure the two look up tables as a pair of cross coupled muxes or latches when configured as a register.
US07890908B2
A method for verifying mask pattern data includes preparing design circuit data on a design circuit which realizes a desired electrical operation. Data on a design circuit pattern having a structure which realizes the design circuit on a semiconductor substrate is prepared. Mask pattern data on a pattern of a mask used in order to produce the design circuit pattern is prepared. A circuit pattern which is to be obtained by processing a film using the pattern of the mask indicated by the mask pattern data is acquired. Circuit data on a circuit realized by at least a first part of the circuit pattern is produced. A circuit mismatch part where the circuit data and a part of the design circuit data which corresponds to the first part of the circuit pattern do not match up is detected.
US07890905B2
A buffer insertion technique addresses slew constraints while minimizing buffer cost. The method builds initial solutions for the sinks, each having an associated cost, slew and capacitance. As a solution propagates toward a source, wire capacitance and wire slew are added to the solution. When a buffer is selected for possible insertion, the slew of the solution is set to zero while the cost of the solution is incremented based on the selected buffer and the capacitance is set to an intrinsic capacitance of the buffer. The solutions of two intersecting wire branches are merged by adding branch capacitances and costs, and selecting the highest branch slew. The solution sets are updated by disregarding solutions which have a slew component greater than a slew constraint, and any solution that is dominated by another solution is eliminated. The solution having the smallest cost is selected as the final solution.
US07890902B1
A method and apparatus for producing a verification of digital circuits are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, design and verification checksums are calculated for instances of a desired module. The design and verification checksums may be used to further derive hierarchical design and functional checksums. In another embodiment, these checksums are used to merge multiple databases produced by verification runs. In a further embodiment a computing apparatus is provided. The computing apparatus is configured to merge multiple verification databases.
US07890901B2
The automatic verification of designs of digital circuits for their equivalence, wherein logic designs implemented in different hardware description languages (HDLs) and different design methodologies are compared. The designs (Code A, Code B) are modified by adding special wrappers (Wrapper A, Wrapper B), and used to equalize the timing of pairs of selected input signals and selected output signals of the logic designs. The wrappers drive certain signals of the designs that are not relevant for actual comparison, such signals including clock signals, clock control signals, scan-path signals, scan-path control signals, and reset signals. In a preferred embodiment, HDL descriptions of logic designs are analyzed. Based on this analysis, the wrappers are implemented as changes to the HDL descriptions. In another embodiment, RTL and/or gate-level netlists are analyzed and modified.
US07890899B2
Addition of specific test logic may improve the level of test vector compression achieved from existing variable scan test logic. Methods for determining the compressed vectors' states, given the desired uncompressed vectors' values may be used, and techniques for selectively enabling test or other features on a chip by inserting the proper code or codes into the chip may further be used. Techniques may be used to incorporate and apply various types of reset operations to multiple strings of variable scan test logic, as may methods to minimize the test vector compression computation time.
US07890888B2
Systems and Methods for configuration of a menu for display via a user interface are described. In an implementation, a method includes monitoring text input by a user via a user interface. A menu is configured, based on the monitoring, to display actions to be performed using the text. In another implementation, a method includes examining a plurality of inputs received from a user. The inputs specify text and selection of an action from a menu to be performed on the text. An alternative technique is displayed that may be utilized to enter the text and perform the action.
US07890887B1
A system that allows a technician to remotely control interactive equipment, such as medical diagnostic and screening equipment, by executing, through a proxy program, those portions of the software that directly interact with the equipment at the local computer for the equipment. The software components that do not interact with the equipment are run on the local computer. This communication linkage is established through a library module, which can detect when a program must communicate through the proxy. Thus, the same software modules can operate locally as well as remotely. This design distributes the processing so that a user interface is provided to the remote operator that is the same as the user interface that would be provided to the local operator. In addition to the user interface, the functionality of the equipment enabled at the remote space is the same as that available locally at the equipment.
US07890886B2
An operating system program launch menu, such as a Start menu, provides various mechanisms for a user to quickly and efficiently locate and launch desired data items such as programs, data files, storage locations, and the like. A search box within the program launch menu may be used to quickly locate programs, documents, communications, and other data items. An auto-complete feature may be used, e.g., when the user restricts the locations searched for the user-entered search text. A most commonly used program list may include programs based on various criteria including both frequency of use and recent use, thereby always including a most recently used item. An all programs view may display programs and documents in a hosted-tree view within the original confines of the program launch menu, thereby negating the need to open sub-menus on top of a large portion of the desktop displayed on the display device.
US07890878B2
A system and method for identifying objects possessing minute but significant details is described. At its core, the system includes a user interface, means for comparatively identifying the object and means for displaying results. Notably, because the system does not rely upon highly specialized or complex equipment, the invention is expected to have particular applicability in a wide variety of every-day situations. Moreover, the system is explicitly designed for user friendliness, so as to eliminate that need for extensive training for any prospective user of the system. The system should have particular applicability in key blank identification and key duplication processes.
US07890863B2
A method of generating haptic effects on a device includes detecting the presence of an object near an input area of the device and generating a haptic effect on the device in response to the presence detection.
US07890859B2
In a method for identifying a table of contents in a document (8), an initial indexing text fragment at about the middle of an ordered sequence of indexing text fragments (14) is associated with an initial set of one or more candidate linked body text fragments selected from an ordered sequence of body text fragments (16). A lower-ordered indexing text fragment at lower order than the initial indexing text fragment is associated with a set of one or more candidate linked body text fragments at lower order than the highest order member of the initial set of one or more candidate linked body text fragments. A higher-ordered indexing text fragment at higher order than the initial indexing text fragment is associated with a set of one or more candidate linked body text fragments at higher order than the lowest order member of the initial set of one or more candidate linked body text fragments.
US07890846B2
One embodiment of the present includes a electronic data storage card having a Reed Solomon (RS) decoder having a syndrome calculator block responsive to a page of information, the page being organized into a plurality of data sections and the overhead being organized into a plurality of overhead sections. The syndrome calculator generates a syndrome for each of the data sections. The decoder further includes a root finder block responsive to the calculated syndrome and for generating at least two roots, a polynomial calculator block responsive to the at least two roots and operative to generate at least one error address, identifying a location in the data wherein the error lies, and an error symbol values calculator block coupled to the root finder and the polynomial calculator block and for generating a second error address, identifying a second location in the data wherein the error(s) lie.
US07890845B2
A MPE-FEC memory chip and method for use in a DVB-H receiver, wherein the memory chip comprises a TS demux; a RS decoder; a system bus; and a RAM unit adapted to simultaneously interface to the TS demux, the RS decoder, and the system bus through time-multiplexing, wherein the RAM unit is adapted to (i) access multiple-words per clock cycle, and (ii) cache write and read accesses to reduce memory access from the TS demux and the system bus, and wherein the RAM unit is adapted to be clocked at a speed higher than an interfacing data-path to increase an effective throughput of the RAM unit. The RAM unit may comprise multiple RAM sub units, wherein while a first RAM sub unit is clock gated, the remaining multiple RAM sub units are accessible.
US07890843B2
A memory device includes an error detection and correction system with an error correcting code over Galois field GF(2n), which has an operation circuit configured to execute addition/subtraction with modulo 2n−1, wherein the operation circuit includes first and second operation parts for performing addition/subtraction with modulo M and modulo N (where, M and N are integers, which are prime with each other as being obtained by factorizing 2n−1), the first and second operation parts being for performing addition/subtraction simultaneously in parallel with each other to output an operation result of the addition/subtraction with modulo 2n−1, and wherein the first and second operation parts each includes an adder circuit.
US07890839B2
An RSSI detection unit detects a level of a received signal. An error detection unit performs error detection of the received signal. An error correction control unit causes an error correction unit to perform error correction of the received signal only when the error detection unit detects an error and the level of the received signal detected by the RSSI detection unit is not lower than a predetermined value.
US07890836B2
A memory and a method of correcting and detecting an error in a codeword of a memory are presented. The method includes detection and correction of an error in a bit of the codeword by an error deception and correction engine, storing error correction information of the error in a cache. In the second detection of the same error in the same bit the correction of the error is done based on the stored error correction information.
US07890827B2
The present disclosure describes embodiments of a compactor for compressing test results in an integrated circuit and methods for using and designing such embodiments. The disclosed compactors can be utilized, for example, as part of any scan-based design. Moreover, any of the disclosed compactors can be designed, simulated, and/or verified in a computer-executed application, such as an electronic-design-automation (“EDA”) software tool. Embodiments of a method for diagnosing faults in the disclosed compactor embodiments are also described.
US07890823B2
According to one embodiment, an electrical package includes: an external input portion; an external output portion; a plurality of integrated circuits that is compatible with a compressed deterministic pattern test, each of the integrated circuits including: an input portion; a decompressor that is connected to the input portion; scan chains that are connected to the decompressor; a compactor that is connected to the scan chains; a selector that is connected to the compactor and the input portion to selectively output an output of the compactor or an output of the input portion; and an output portion that is connected to the selector.
US07890822B2
In one implementation, a method of testing multiple DUTs using a single tester channel is provided which includes providing an input signal with the single tester channel simultaneously to each of the DUTs. The method further includes providing a clock signal to each of the DUTs. The clock signal provided to each of the DUTs may be successively delayed clock signals, which are provided to successive DUTs. The method includes using the clock signal to cause a next DUTs to provide an output transition before an output of a prior DUT is returned to a pre-transition state. The method further includes detecting with the single tester channel the output transition of each of the DUTs in response to the input signal and the clock signal.
US07890820B2
A semiconductor test system with self-inspection of memory repair analysis is disclosed, comprising a memory repair analysis device, an analysis fail memory and a self-inspection controller. The self-inspection controller controls storing a set of simulated fail bit addresses and a set of simulated repair line addresses, provided from outside, into the analysis fail memory in advance, controls the memory repair analysis device to execute a particular repair analysis operation with respect to the set of simulated fail bit addresses to produce repair line address information, and compares the repair line address information, obtained after calculation, directly with the set of simulated repair line addresses in the analysis fail memory. Thus, before physically proceeding with the operation of testing, the invention is capable of self-inspecting if there is an abnormal condition of the memory repair analysis device and the analysis fail memory contained therein.
US07890817B2
The invention relates to a protective system for an installation, in particular for a gas-turbine installation, in which all the fail-safe protective circuits with reaction time requirements of greater than 50 milliseconds are routed via a more fail-safe programmable logic automation system. For all the other protective circuits with reaction time requirements of less than 50 milliseconds, fail-safe control relays are connected in a configuration which is tolerant to single faults, in which the automation system can check the operation of the control relay circuit cyclically during operation of the installation.
US07890813B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that identifies a failure mechanism for a component. The system first constructs a library of failure signatures from a set of components, wherein each failure signature in the library characterizes a known failure mechanism associated with a component in the set of components. Next, the system receives a telemetry signal which is measured from a component under surveillance. The system then determines if there is an anomaly in the telemetry signal. If so, the system performs pattern-matching operations between the telemetry signal and failure signatures in the library. Next, if a match is found, the system identifies the failure mechanism for the component under surveillance based on the matching failure signature.
US07890808B2
A solution is proposed for testing a software application. The test includes the execution of a series of test cases, each one involving the application of a predefined test input to the software application. The software application generates a corresponding output in response to this test input. A result of the test case is determined by comparing the actual output provided by the software application with an expected output thereof. The expected output of the test case is determined automatically. For this purpose, multiple auxiliary sources are exploited, such as other software applications different from the one under test. Each auxiliary source receives a corresponding input, derived from the test input, which is intended to cause the auxiliary source to provide the same expected output as the software application. The expected output is then estimated according to the actual outputs provided by the different auxiliary sources.
US07890802B2
A computer implemented method for assisted and automated resolving of Information Technology (IT) incidents is provided. The method facilitates one or more users to define repair workflows to resolve the IT incidents. The defined repair workflows are stored in a flow repository. The stored repair workflows are accessed and invoked by the one or more users. The invoked repair workflows are interactively executed for a user assisted resolution of the IT incident. The invoked repair workflows are executed automatically for the automated resolution of the IT incident.
US07890801B2
A method and computer-readable medium are provided for saving the contents of a memory structure stored in a volatile memory. According to the method, corrupted portions of the memory structure are identified and an attempt is made to repair these portions. If the corrupted portions cannot be repaired, the saving of these portions is skipped. The uncorrupted and repaired portions of the memory structure are then saved to a data file stored on a mass storage device. If portions of the memory structure cannot be repaired or skipped, an attempt is made to save only the user data contained in the memory structure to the data file. In this manner, the user data contained in the memory structure may be saved to a data file even in cases of severe corruption.
US07890799B2
The fault-tolerant or self-correcting computer system is disclosed. The computer system that is provided with various sets of protections against failures that may be caused by space radiation, for example. Improved reliability of the system is achieved by scrubbing of the components on a regular schedule, rather than waiting for an error to be detected. Thus, errors that may go undetected for an extended period are not allowed to propagate and further damage the system. Three or more processors are provided to operate in parallel, and a controller is provided to receive signals from the processors and, using a voting logic, determines a majority signal value. In this manner, the controller can detect an error when a signal from one of the processors differs from the majority signal. The system is also provided with a scrubbing module for resynchronizing the processors after a predetermined milestone has been reached. The milestone may be a predetermined time interval or any other event that may be defined by a user.
US07890793B1
Techniques for restoring file system resources are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for restoring file system resources comprising determining source configuration information of one or more file system resources, modeling a source configuration based at least in part on the source configuration information, determining target configuration information, modeling a target configuration based at least in part on the target configuration information, generating restoration instructions to map the source configuration to the target configuration, and executing the restoration instructions to restore the one or more file system resources of the source configuration to the target configuration.
US07890790B2
According to some embodiments, a first bus may be monitored, the first bus being to exchange data between a first processing system and a second processing system. A second bus may also be monitored, the second bus being to exchange data between the second processing system and a third processing system. Responsive to the monitoring of at least one of the first or second buses, execution of applications, executing on at least two of the processing units, may be interrupted.
US07890789B2
A disclosed embodiment is a circuit for producing a core clock from a system clock so that a core clock cycle is independent of a duty cycle of the system clock. The circuit comprises a system clock receiving sub-circuit for generating a first rising edge of the core clock, a core clock falling edge generation sub-circuit responsive to every rising edge of the core clock, and a self-triggering sub-circuit to trigger a second rising edge of the core clock so as to cause the core clock cycle to be independent of the system clock duty cycle. In one embodiment, the first core clock rising edge may be triggered in response to an initial system clock rising edge. In another embodiment, the first core clock rising edge may be triggered in response to an initial system clock falling edge. The core clock frequency may be twice the frequency of the system clock.
US07890783B2
Improved techniques to recognize a power source on a peripheral bus and/or determine power available from the power source via the peripheral bus are disclosed. Typically, the peripheral bus is supported by a cable connected between a host device and an electronic device. In this case, the host device is a power source (e.g., power adapter or battery pack) and the cable is used to provide power from the power source to the electronic device. Hence, by understanding the power available from the power source, the electronic device can manage its power utilization so as to operate in a stable and reliable manner. The electronic device is, for example, a portable computing device. Examples of portable computing devices include a Portable Digital Assistant (PDA) and a portable media player.
US07890780B2
An information handling system may include a processor, a tape drive coupled to the processor, and a cache control module. The cache control module may be configured to receive a request from the processor for the tape drive; determine whether the tape drive is powered off; determine whether the tape drive needs to be powered on to process the request; and respond to the request on behalf of the tape drive if it is determined that (a) the tape drive is powered off and (b) the tape drive does not need to be powered on to process the request.
US07890779B2
A method of providing updated information using power control in a portable terminal device. The method includes connecting to a server periodically by supplying power at predetermined time intervals; determining whether or not updated information exists in the connected server; and according to a result of determining, selectively outputting the updated information on a predetermined basis when the updated information is determined to exist in the connected server.
US07890772B2
A document processing device configured to communicate with a first device and a user input device. The document processing device includes a controller having memory. The controller is operable to receive a first communication from the first device. The first communication includes a job to be processed by the printing device and a first shortcut access code associated with the job. The first shortcut access code is stored in the memory of the controller. The controller is also operable to receive a second communication from the user input device. The second communication includes a second shortcut access code. The controller holds the job to be processed until the controller receives the second communication and verifies the second shortcut access code matches the first shortcut access code.
US07890767B2
A public key authentication system and method for use in a computer system having a plurality of users. The system includes a virtual smart card server, storage connected to the virtual smart card server, and a virtual smart card agent connected to the virtual smart card server. The storage includes a plurality of virtual smart cards, wherein each virtual smart card is associated with a user and wherein each smart card includes a private key. The virtual smart card agent authenticates the user and accesses the authenticated user's virtual smart card to obtain the user's private key.
US07890755B2
A secure network server having an embedded Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) server that is not within its trusted security functionality and that is used to configure the SNS security and networking features.
US07890740B2
A processor comprises a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. A state of the processor in the first mode of operation comprises a first plurality of variables. The first plurality of variables comprises a return address. A state of the processor in the second mode of operation comprises a second plurality of variables in addition to the first plurality of variables. The processor is configured to perform, in case of an interrupt or exception occurring during the second mode of operation, the steps of saving the second plurality of variables and the return address to a buffer memory, replacing the return address with an address of a trampoline instruction, and switching into the first mode of operation. These steps are performed independently of an operating system. The trampoline instruction is adapted to switch the processor from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation, to read the second plurality of variables and the return address from the buffer memory and to jump to the return address.
US07890737B2
A microcomputer for functioning according to operation modes includes; a mode counter that counts the number of times of level change in a signal applied to a mode setting terminal; a mode decoder that decodes output data of the mode counter to output a mode signal, which represents one operation mode; a clock input terminal; a data terminal through which serial data is inputted synchronously with a serial clock signal applied to the clock input terminal; a serial-to-parallel conversion unit that converts the serial data into parallel data and stores the parallel data in an input data buffer; and a switching means that switches to a state that a CPU can access to the input data buffer in a test mode. In the test mode, test instruction data is capable of being inputted from an external circuit.
US07890730B2
Embodiments described herein disclose methods and devices for expanding the storage capacity in a storage device, including the steps of: creating at least one partition in a storage memory of the storage device; designating a reserved-storage area and an enabled-storage area in at least one partition; storing a partition size in a FAT of the storage memory; and upon authorization, increasing the partition size to include sectors in the reserved-storage area, thereby expanding the storage capacity in a storage device. Preferably, the reserved-storage area is not accessible by a host system. Preferably, the partition size is determined from a partition range stored in a master boot record in the storage memory. Most preferably, the partition range is determined from an enabled capacity stored in a memory-management area in the storage memory, and wherein the memory-management area is not accessible by a host system.
US07890726B1
An apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus allows dynamic setting of access permissions to contents of a shared memory in a memory device controlled by an embedded controller and allows updating and recovery of the contents. A computerized system comprising at least one Host linked to the memory device provides access paths to the shared memory, to the Host, and to the embedded controller. The memory device is partitioned into separate blocks, each of which is used to store different types of data. A location is designated in the shared memory for storing protection information that includes data related to access operations allowed by at least one access path to a part of the shared memory. Access, via an arbitration device, to separate parts of the shared memory is permitted by using an access control unit that enables/disables access to predetermined portions of the shared memory.
US07890723B2
Method for executing a software application is provided. The method includes detecting a host operating system; executing a virtual operating system in a virtual environment, wherein the virtual operating system is stored in a non-volatile memory device; and executing a software application in the virtual environment, wherein the software application is stored in the non-volatile memory device; and the virtual operating system and the software application are executed independently of the host operating system execution.
US07890721B2
A protection register array in which the lock status of the protection register is stored outside of the array. An initial verify function is used to read lock status.
US07890719B2
A system and method are provided for creating a non-standard calendar that may have customized attributes, such as number of days in a month, first day of a month, number of months in a year, first month of a year, number of years, or other customized attributes. Such non-standard calendars may be similar to non-standard calendars used by companies, enterprises or other organizations, such as a fiscal calendar, academic calendar, or other calendar. A storage management system manager may have a database of storage policies that include preferences and frequencies for performing storage operations, and associations with a non-standard calendar. The storage manager can initiate storage operations based on the storage policy using data that may be identified according to selection criteria, and determine a time to perform the storage operation according to a non-standard calendar.
US07890714B1
One method of redirecting an in-process backup operation to a new storage device involves receiving a request to perform a backup from a backup application. In response to reception of the request, the method causes backup information generated by the backup application to be stored on a first storage device. The first storage device is monitored in order to detect how much free space is available. If the amount of space available on the first storage device drops below a threshold amount prior to completion of the backup, the backup is redirected by causing any subsequent backup information generated by the backup application to be stored on a second storage device. Metadata associated with the backup identifies that information associated with the backup is stored on both the first storage device and the second storage device.
US07890706B2
In a system including multiple-slice processors and memories, a synchronization unit with race avoidance capability includes a delegated write engine that receives data and memory address information from the processors and writes data to the memory as a delegate for the processors.
US07890702B2
A computer system and method. In one embodiment, a computer system comprises a processor and a cache memory. The processor executes a prefetch instruction to prefetch a block of data words into the cache memory. In one embodiment, the cache memory comprises a plurality of cache levels. The processor selects one of the cache levels based on a value of a prefetch instruction parameter indicating the temporal locality of data to be prefetched. In a further embodiment, individual words are prefetched from non-contiguous memory addresses. A single execution of the prefetch instruction allows the processor to prefetch multiple blocks into the cache memory. The number of data words in each block, the number of blocks, an address interval between each data word of each block, and an address interval between each block to be prefetched are indicated by parameters of the prefetch instruction.
US07890697B2
Provided are a method, system, and program for destaging a track from cache to a storage device. The destaged track is retained in the cache. Verification is made of whether the storage device successfully completed writing data. Indication is made of destaged tracks eligible for removal from the cache that were destaged before the storage device is verified in response to verifying that the storage device is successfully completing the writing of data.
US07890696B2
A data storage system is provided having identical information stored on two different domains, actuators independently moveable in a data transfer relationship with each domain, and a command queue controller configured for short-stroking the actuators in accessing the information from one of the domains. A method is provided for virtualizing a storage space to store user data in a first domain and redundant data in a second domain; pushing access commands from a command queue with a first head adjacent the first domain and a second head adjacent the second domain, the heads being independently moveable in relation to each other; and satisfying a retrieve command from one of the first and second domains, depending on which head is nearest an LBA associated with the retrieve command.
US07890693B2
A flash translation layer apparatus is disclosed. The flash translation layer apparatus coupled to a flash memory and a reading and writing controller, respectively. The flash translation layer apparatus includes an instruction register, a logical address register, a data register, a first auxiliary controller, a microprocessor, an address converting unit, a second auxiliary controller, a flash address register and an adjustable translation layer unit. Furthermore, the adjustable translation layer unit regards the block as a unit for a coarse-grained address translation table and regards the pages as a unit for a fine-grained address translation table, respectively. Therefore, the present invention can provide capabilities of reducing the spaces and the times of a null data collection procedure and increasing the efficiency when a logical address corresponds to a physical address.
US07890688B2
A docking station is provided with a SerDes component, one or more peripheral device I/O ports, and at least one high-speed serial I/O port for interfacing the docking station with a high-speed serial communications link. A portable device that can be docked on the docking station is also provided with a high-speed serial I/O port. A high-speed serial communications link is provided between the high-speed serial I/O port of the docking station and the high-speed serial I/O port of the portable device to enable serial data to be communicated between the portable device and the docking station. Providing the serial communications link obviates the need for a large connector with a high pin count for interfacing the portable device with the docking station. In addition, the inclusion of the SerDes component in the docking station eliminates the need for a southbridge IC on the motherboard of the portable device, or at least enables a southbridge IC having less complexity to be used on the motherboard of the portable device.
US07890679B2
A data generator provides faster data than before. A parallel data generator 18 provides first data having four or five effective data width according to a divided clock DCLK. A bit width adjuster 20 having a FIFO memory receives the first parallel data to provide second parallel data of constant four bit width despite of the bit width of the first parallel data. A parallel to serial converter 12 converts the second parallel data into serial data according to a reference clock RCLK that is faster than divided clock DCLK. The frequency of the divided clock DCLK can be constant, which makes it possible to use DLL to fasten the operation of the logic circuits.
US07890675B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for dynamically allocating buffers during the execution of a job. A plan module sets a buffer allocation plan for the job using data access history that contains information about the number and nature of data access events in past executions of the same job. A buffer module allocates buffers during the execution of the job, and alters the buffer allocation to improve performance for direct access events for those portions of the job that the buffer allocation plan indicates have historically included predominantly direct access events. The buffer module alters the buffer allocation to improve performance for sequential access events for those portions of the job that the buffer allocation plan indicates have historically included predominantly sequential access events. A history module then collects data access information about the current execution and adds that information to the data access history.
US07890664B1
Methods and apparatus for non-disruptive upgrade by redirecting I/O operations. With this arrangement, a driver upgrade does not require restarting an application. In one embodiment, a method includes installing on a computer a legacy upgrade module in a kernel having a legacy driver with first and second loadable extensions for handling input/output operations for applications to and from devices, retrieving and storing static configuration data from the legacy driver, transferring the stored static configuration data to a new driver, obtaining runtime device configuration data from the devices and transferring the runtime device configuration data to the new driver, and filtering device input/output operations such that prior to cutover input/output operations are directed by the LUM through device stacks for the legacy driver and after cutover input/output operations are directed to the new driver.
US07890658B2
Systems and methods of managing security on a computer network are disclosed. The computer network includes a restricted subnet and a less-restricted subnet. Access to the restricted subnet is controlled by a network filter, optionally inserted as a software shim on a DHCP server. In some embodiments, the network filter is configured to manipulate relay IP addresses to control whether the DHCP server provides, in a DHCPOFFER packet, an IP address that can be used to access the restricted subset. In some embodiments, configuration information is communicated between the DHCP server and the network filter via DHCPOFFER packets.
US07890656B2
A transmission system, having a plurality of delivery server side routers which communicate with a plurality of delivery servers for delivering a content; and a client side router which communicates with a client device for receiving the content, is configured to include: a database for storing server load states of the plurality of delivery servers, and respective individual link load states for a plurality of delivery paths between the plurality of delivery server side routers and the client side router; and a path control unit for determining a minimum load state delivery path having a minimum load state among the plurality of delivery paths, based on sums of the server load states and the respective individual link load states stored in the database.
US07890654B1
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for discovering topology in a storage area network having a plurality of VSANs in a network fabric is disclosed. The VSANs include a first VSAN having a plurality of network devices. The method includes the following operations: (a) defining a first one of the network devices of the first VSAN as a Topology Update (TU) Owner, wherein the other network devices of the first VSAN are not defined as TU Owners, (b) at the first network device, receiving data that indicates a topology change in the first VSAN, (c) at the first network device, generating or updating one or more TU database(s) for the plurality of VSANs of the network fabric based on the received topology change, and (d) the first network device causing the topology change to be propagated in the form of a Topology Update across the network fabric to network devices in the plurality of VSANs of such network fabric.
US07890641B2
A method and apparatus for controlling a device of a HAVi network system through a non-IEEE1394 network are provided. The method for controlling through the non-IEEE1394 network a device which is connected to a Home Audio Video interoperability (HAVi) network system, includes: (a) installing a non-IEEE1394 communications module and a proxy manager in a control device connected to the HAVi network system; (b) installing a havlet and a client proxy in the controller having a non-IEEE1394 communications module; (c) converting a user control command input through the havlet into a HAVi message; (d) packaging the HAVi message into a non-IEEE1394 network message through the client proxy and transmitting the non-IEEE1394 message to the proxy manager through the non-IEEE1394 communication module; and (e) extracting the HAVi message from the received non-IEEE1394 message through the proxy manager and sending the HAVi message to a messaging system installed in the control device. According to the method and apparatus, a device connected to a HAVi network system can be controlled by executing the havlet on the non-IEEE1394 network.
US07890622B2
Real-time notification is provided of an event which has occurred in a computer-related device. Upon the occurrence of an event, a record of the event is stored in a buffer, such as a Really Simple Syndication buffer, associated with the device. The buffer is updated based on indications and other events noted by a CIM agent in the device. One of a series of regular requests is received from an open browser window on a user computer, the request inquiring about any record of the event stored in the buffer. In response to the request, the record of the event is transmitted to an HTML event element in a page of the browser window whereby the record of the event is inserted into the HTML element and displayed in the browser window.
US07890616B2
An information processing system containing middleware and backend server software components is augmented with the ability to validate the behavior of the middleware system when one or more backend servers are unavailable, based on dynamic reconfiguration of the network layer protocol software component in the operating system underlying the middleware software component.
US07890609B2
A method, performed using one or more servers under the control of an ISP, comprises: (a) receiving an electronic transmission from a requesting server of an IP address and a time and date; (b) automatically determining to which subscriber of the ISP the received IP address was allocated at the received time and date; and (c) automatically transmitting an electronic communication that causes delivery to the requesting server of offline data originating from an offline data provider. The delivered offline data concern the subscriber determined to have been allocated the received IP address at the received time and date. The communication does not convey to the offline data provider the subscriber's history of online activity, and the delivery does not convey to the requesting server a personal identity of the subscriber.
US07890596B2
A method for processing electronic mail messages (emails), including receiving a first batch of the emails, and displaying a first listing of the first batch to a recipient of the emails for selection by the recipient for viewing. The method further includes recording an order of the selection by the recipient of the emails from the first listing, and receiving a second batch of the emails subsequent to the first batch. The method also includes formulating and displaying to the recipient a second listing of the second batch responsively to the order of the selection from the first listing.
US07890586B1
A method and system of mass multimedia messaging in a system having a service provider and a plurality of subscriber communication terminal types supported by the service provider, wherein at least some of the subscriber terminal types have differing messaging capabilities and differing message format requirements. The method includes adaptation and handling of a mass multimedia message, and mass multimedia message notification. The system may use a retrieval platform and a processing platform. The retrieval platform may pre-adapt the message into adapted content messages for the terminal types supported by the service provider, and generate unique message identifiers for each adapted content message. The processing platform may format message notifications for the subscriber terminal addresses based on each terminal's messaging capabilities, with each notification containing one of the unique message identifiers selected by reference to the subscriber terminal type.
US07890585B2
An email review tool gives users a simple, quick, and safe method of initiating review of an email document. The email review tool may provide a window to a user which allows the user to select another person to review the email or skip the review process and send the email directly to the recipients. Transmission of the email is thus deferred until the email has been reviewed.
US07890584B2
A system for information capture for use in an environment is provided. Each node in a knowledge network associated with a first piece of expertise information that communicates with at least one other node associated with the first piece of expertise information is aggregated to form a first expertise network. Each node in the first expertise network associated with a second piece of expertise information that communicates with at least one other node associated with the second piece of expertise information is aggregated to form a second expertise network. Visual representations of the knowledge network, the first expertise network, and the second expertise network are generated. Trends and patterns are determined using the visualization of the knowledge network, the visualization of the first expertise network, and the visualization of the second expertise network.
US07890580B2
To further correctly obtain related information about contents being received from a server. A communication apparatus 1 successively transmits request information that requests related information about contents being received via a network 30, at specified intervals (S1), receives related information corresponding to that request information (S2), temporarily stores (S3), displays it (S4), and performs contents updating processing. Here, if a direction to store the related information about the contents is entered, the communication apparatus 1 requests again request information for related information about contents, separately from the contents updating processing (S10). Then, the communication apparatus 1 receives related information corresponding to that request information (S11), and stores it (S13). This enables the latest related information to be further correctly obtained out of related information concerning contents, and obtaining related information before updating is reduced.
US07890577B2
A method and apparatus for improved context transfer in heterogeneous networks is presented. Context information is collected from source entities in a first access network by a context transfer manager and transmitted to a context transfer manager of a second access network which forwards the context information to target entities therein, in one of the context transfer managers at least a part of the context information is translated from a format supported in the first access network to another format supported in the second access network. The method may be carried out proactively preceding a handover or reactively following a handover. In one embodiment, context transfer within one access domain is performed directly between access routers, whereas context transfer between different access domains is performed via the context managers. In another embodiment, beacons from access points are counted in order to determine candidates for a pending handover.
US07890576B2
Described is a technology by which by which information (an electronic note from a producer) that is available for delivery to a client consumer is only selectively delivered. The selective delivery may be based on metadata associated with the information, client identity data and other criteria, including a location of a client device. The information to selectively deliver may be obtained from an external information source, or generated by a service, such as when the user is near a location of interest. The client may report location changes, such as a rate corresponding to a rate of location change of the client. An information service scale to any practical number of clients via client state servers and location (of interest) servers, with each client state server associated with a set of one or more clients, and each location server associated with a set of one or more regions.
US07890575B1
A delegated environment manager for identifying and inventorying characteristics associated with user's delegated environments. The inventory of the characteristics associated with a particular delegated environment is stored for later retrieval. Upon receiving a request to recreate a previously stored delegated environment, the delegated environment manager retrieves the inventory of the characteristics associated with the requested delegated environment and compares that inventory of characteristics with an inventory of characteristics associated with a user's current delegated environment. Differences between the two inventories are identified and the delegated environment manager alters characteristics as necessary to recreate the previously stored delegated environment.
US07890567B2
A method is disclosed for determining deviations of a modular end-system message, generated in a hierarchically structured end-system of a telecommunications device, from a reference message. A reference message is read, and an end-system message generated in the end-system is read. A message-structure analysis is performed for the reference message and the end-system message. Any deviations of the end-system message from the reference message are determined from the message structure and structural units of the end-system message that deviate from the reference message are output.
US07890566B1
A functional unit in a digital system is provided with a rounding DOT product instruction, wherein a product of first pair of elements is combined with a product of second pair of elements, the combined product is rounded, and the final result is stored in a destination. Rounding is performed by adding a rounding value to form an intermediate result, and then shifting the intermediate result right. A combined result is rounded to a fixed length shorter than the combined product. The products are combined by either addition or subtraction. An overflow resulting from the combination or from rounding is not reported.
US07890561B2
A random number generator, a method, and a computer program product are provided for producing a random number seed. Each oscillator within an array of oscillators operates at a different frequency. The operating frequencies of each oscillator are not harmonically related, such that no integer multiple exists between the frequencies of any two oscillators. In one embodiment, the outputs of the array of oscillators connect to a multiple input latch. The multiple input latch also receives a sample signal, which is a clock signal. The clock signal samples the outputs of the array of oscillators, and the multiple input latch in conjunction with the random number determination logic (“RNDL”) produces a digital output (0 or 1) for each oscillator within the array. The RNDL uses these digital outputs to create a random number seed.
US07890560B2
A random number generating circuit receives as input a first digital random number signal generated at a first generating rate and produces as output a second digital random number signal having a second generating rate that is twice as high as the first generating rate. A semiconductor integrated circuit, an IC card and an information terminal device comprising the random number circuit is provided.
US07890553B2
An information recording apparatus recording contents on a recording medium and managing the contents by using a content management file includes a control unit that checks a recording state of the recording medium loaded in the information recording apparatus to determine how to set up the content management file to be recorded on the recording medium and recording means for recording the content management file on the recording medium. The control unit determines the file setup of the content management file on the basis of the recording capacity of an area where the contents can be recorded on the recording medium. The recording means records the content management file in accordance with the file setup on the recording medium.
US07890549B2
The present invention, known as The Collaboration Portal (COPO), relates generally to the field of automated entity, data processing, system control, and data communications, and more specifically to an integrated method, system, and apparatus for providing computer-accessible benefits for communities of users. It provides a framework for provisioning computer-accessible benefits for communities of users, and can efficiently and robustly distribute the processing in behalf of those users over a decentralized network of computers. The field of the invention generally encompasses enabling appropriate and desired communication among communities of users and organizations, and providing information, goods, services, a works, opportunities, and connections among users and organizations.
US07890547B2
A method and arrangement for implementing a content delivery server is disclosed. The arrangement contains at least one content delivery server and plurality of content terminals. The first computer has means to identify at least one set of content data items from plurality of content data items, means to identify at least one set of second computers from said plurality of second computers and means to link at least one identified set of content data with at least one identified set of second computers. The content delivery server assigns at least one content data item of said identified set of content data items to at least one second computer of said identified group of second computers based on said link.
US07890541B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for managing a table space for a database. The table space is searched to find available free space in a set of partitions in the table space in response to receiving a request to insert a record into a database table in the database. A new partition is created for the table space based on a size for the new partition in response to determining free space is unavailable for the record in the set of partitions. The record is inserted into the new partition.
US07890539B2
The invention relates to topic classification systems in which text intervals are represented as proposition trees. Free-text queries and candidate responses are transformed into proposition trees, and a particular candidate response can be matched to a free-text query by transforming the proposition trees of the free-text query into the proposition trees of the candidate responses. Because proposition trees are able to capture semantic information of text intervals, the topic classification system accounts for the relative importance of topic words, for paraphrases and re-wordings, and for omissions and additions. Redundancy of two text intervals can also be identified.
US07890535B2
An apparatus for managing one or more processes includes a reference relation information managing unit configured to manage information about reference relations between the one or more processes, one or more activities constituting the one or more processes, and one or more documents relating to at least one of the one or more processes and the one or more activities, or about reference relations between the one or more processes, the one or more activities, and one or more participants relating to at least one of the one or more processes and the one or more activities.
US07890527B1
Various methods and systems for implementing agents that facilitate end user searches of a backup catalog via a desktop search tool are disclosed. One method involves: receiving a search request from a desktop search tool, which is configured for use by an end user of a backup system; searching a backup catalog, maintained by the backup system, in response to the search request; and providing a result of searching the backup catalog to the desktop search tool.
US07890525B2
A system for automatically providing foreign language abbreviation translation in an instant messaging system that identifies a foreign language abbreviation translation database based on a user indicated source culture. The foreign abbreviation translation database stores abbreviation translations for foreign language abbreviations frequently used by people from the user indicated source culture. The system locates a candidate term in an instant message and compares the candidate term to the foreign language abbreviations in the foreign language abbreviation translation database. In the event that the candidate term matches one of the foreign language abbreviations in the identified foreign language abbreviation translation database, the corresponding translation is retrieved and displayed. The comparison of the candidate term with the foreign language abbreviations may include automatically obtaining a transliteration of the candidate term. The disclosed system advantageously enables translation of foreign language abbreviations to be performed in real-time.
US07890517B2
The invention provides apparatus, platforms and methods according to the invention provide a surveillance, monitoring and real-time events platform to (i) enable the integration and communication of information between government agencies and organizations specifically tasked with ensuring the security and safety of our nation and its communities, (ii) to integrate information systems from federal, state and/or local agencies (from disparate data sources if necessary) in order to obtain a single, real-time view of the entire organization, and (iii) to extract more complete, actionable information from their existing systems, thereby dramatically improving decision making speed and accuracy.
US07890509B1
In some embodiments, scripts may be used to perform parcel data acquisition, conversion, and clean-up/repair in an automated manner and/or through graphical user interfaces. The scripts may be used, for example, to repair geometries of new parcel data, convert multi-part parcel geometries to single part parcel geometries (explode), eliminate duplicate parcel geometries, append columns, create feature classes, and append feature classes. These scripts may be executed in a predetermined manner to increase efficiency. In some embodiments, different combinations of attributes may be appended to stored parcel data. In some embodiments, a tracking application may be used to track information about sources of data. In some embodiments, a tracking application may be used to track which system users are assigned to specific tasks (e.g., in a data acquisition project).
US07890508B2
Mechanisms and techniques for database fragment cloning and management are provided. A database object, such as a table, rowset or index, is divided into fragments. Each fragment is cloned to create cloned fragments, which operationally are substantially identical to one another. One or more of the cloned fragments may be designated as a primary cloned fragment for performing database operations or as a secondary cloned fragment for serving as backup. Updates to each fragment are implemented on the primary cloned fragment and are then propagated from the primary cloned fragment to the corresponding secondary cloned fragments. A cloned fragment can go offline, becoming unavailable to be updated. When the cloned fragment returns online, the cloned fragment is refreshed with data included in the primary cloned fragment. While being refreshed, the cloned fragment may continue to be updated. The cloned fragment is eligible to be designated as a primary cloned fragment when the refreshing process has been completed.
US07890507B2
Described are a system and method for accepting a string-based search expression, parsing the search expression into an expression tree, distributing the tree (or portion thereof) across heterogeneous repositories, and merging the results. The system is data-location transparent, encapsulates a federation model within query nodes and query trees. A client application produces and issues the search expression to the system. One type of expression tree node is an attribute node corresponding to an attribute included in the search expression. Metadata is associated with the attribute node for identifying each repository that supports the attribute represented by that attribute node. A call passes to the expression tree to perform the search, which occurs in a recursive-descent traversal of the tree. The search completes in a single tree traversal. Sub-trees receive a relevant portion of the search expression to translate into a query expression specific for each type of searched repository.
US07890497B2
In an embodiment, estimated costs are used to pick the best refresh technique (e.g., method) for a given MV. In another embodiment, estimated costs are used to schedule the refresh of a set MVs in an order such that overall time to refresh is reduced, or in an order that uses the smallest overall time, for refreshing when compared to other alternative refresh schedules. In another embodiment, the estimated cost of refreshing each of a set of MVs is used to select the set of CPU resources to allocate to refreshing each MV. Based on the estimated costs, the allocation of CPU resources is chosen to be more optimal (e.g., use less CPU time) than other available sets of CPU resources. In an embodiment, when refreshing an MV, delayed index maintenance is chosen if a significant portion of the base table and/or the partitions of the table has changed.
US07890486B2
A document creation and citation system designed to maintain a database of reference documents. The content of a selected document may be automatically scanned and indexed by the system. The selected documents may also be manually indexed by a user prior to the upload. The indexed documents may be uploaded and stored within a database for later use. The system allows a user to generate new documents by selecting content within the reference documents stored within the database and inserting the selected content into a new document. The system allows the user to customize and augment the content of the new document. The system also generates citations to the selected content retrieved from the reference documents. The citations may be inserted into the new document in the appropriate location and format, as directed by the user. The new document may be uploaded into the database and included with the other reference documents. The system also maintains the database of reference documents so that when changes are made to a reference document, the author of a document referencing the changed document will be alerted to make appropriate changes to his document. The system also allows visual comparison of documents so that the user may see differences in the text of the documents.
US07890482B2
A system for controlling concurrency of access to data in a database system is provided. The system includes receiving a lock request for access to data in the database system, in which the lock request is a request for a page lock or a row lock for a corresponding row or page in the database system containing the data. The method further includes identifying a partition in the database system that contains the row or the page in the database system containing the data; associating the lock request with a partition lock on the partition that contains the row or the page in the database system containing the data; and accessing the data using the partition lock.
US07890481B2
The invention regards a system (10) and method for managing BLOBs. The system combines a file subsystem (20) and a database subsystem (30), wherein the database subsystem (30) comprises relations between file names of files (40) comprising a BLOB (50) and BLOB names. In the event of modification of a file (40) containing a BLOB (50), a new file, having a new file name, is created, where a relation between the new file name and the BLOB name is created within a database transaction in the database subsystem (30). By thus extending the ACID-properties of database transactions to files, it is ensured that operations on BLOBs in the system (10) meet the ACID-requirements while keeping the efficiency of operations on files.
US07890477B2
Systems, methods, and apparatus store and play licensed digital content in a plurality of files on a computer-readable medium. In addition, a plurality of dummy files are also stored on the computer-readable medium. The file names for the licensed digital content files and the dummy files are generated in a manner such that the licensed digital content files cannot be distinguished from the dummy files. The file names may comprise randomly generated characters, or sequential file names where the sequential file names are randomly assigned to the digital content files and the dummy files.
US07890475B2
Software and content used by the software are developed on a first computer system for use on a second computer system. Transferable forms of the developed software and content that may be used by the second computer system are created. The transferable form of the developed software is made available for transfer to the second computer system. The transferable form of the developed content is transferred to a content server that makes a transferable form of content used by software running on the second computer system available for receipt by the second computer system. The transferable form of the developed software from the first computer system and the transferable form of the content from the content server are received at the second computer system. The received software and content are translated into usable forms of the software and content that may be used by the second computer system.
US07890474B1
A system, method and computer readable medium for presence driven communication contacts of presentities in a presence server in a presence system comprises searching a relational directory for a sought individual, scanning the relational directory for at least one individual associated with the sought individual, determining a presence state of the sought individual, and discovering a presence state of the associated individual if the sought individual is unavailable.
US07890468B2
A rollback support method for transactions a node among nodes in a distributed system, including modifying a disposable cache copy of data as part of transaction, propagating a version state and/or a data state of the modified cache to any of the nodes, verifying non-violation of a transaction semantic and/or a replication policy relating to the transaction, committing the transaction to any nodes if successful, revising a version state of other reliable replicas and disposable cache copies in the system based on the version state of the modified disposable cache copy, the disposable cache copies being members of a membership-based view, and updating a data state of other reliable replicas in the system based on the data state of the modified copy, and aborting the transaction if it fails, including restoring the disposable cache copy based on any reliable replicas and/or disposable cache copies in the system.
US07890466B2
Techniques for making light-weight checkpoints in logs of streams of transactions and for extending the logs from the checkpoints. The state saved in the light weight checkpoint need only include the state of all transactions that are active at a prior point in the log and are still active at the checkpoint. A log is extended from the checkpoint by processing new transactions in the transaction stream beginning at the prior point to produce the extending log. When the checkpoint is reached, the state saved at the checkpoint is used to continue to produce the extending log. Techniques are further disclosed for selecting points in the stream of transactions at which the checkpoints may be made and for determining the distance between checkpoints. As disclosed, the log in which the checkpoints are used is a logical log made from a physical log produced by a relational database system. The logical log may be used for replication and for data mining.
US07890464B2
Systems and methods are provided for pre-processing and post-processing original and new versions of files as part of difference file generation between the original and new file versions, for example byte-level file differencing. Software/executable changes between file versions include primary changes/logical changes, which are defined to be the source code changes, and secondary changes. The secondary changes generally result from the primary changes and are generated by the software compiler/linker utilities. The secondary changes include address changes, pointer target address changes, and changes in address offsets. The pre-processing and/or post-processing systems and methods provided use approximation rules between file versions to remove/reduce the secondary changes and encode information relating to the removal of these changes in information of the corresponding difference file.
US07890461B2
A disaster recovery system and a method therefor, having: a function for receiving write requests from a host computer to write log information indicating the contents of a database process executed for a database buffer on a main site, database data updated on the database buffer and status information indicating the position of log information used for disaster recovery; a function for transferring the received write request for log information to a recovery site by a synchronous remote copy process; and a function for transferring the received write request for database data to the recovery site by an asynchronous remote copy process. While remote copy can be executed at a long distance without data loss, the deterioration of the performance of a database process on a main site can be suppressed.
US07890451B2
Clickstream data collected from a panel of internet users is used to generate and present internet activity metrics. Data collected from a community of internet users may be augmented by clickstream data store content, third party content, search results, and other sources to form estimates of internet activity, such as traffic, that is structured and analyzed to produce metrics of nearly any internet web site or domain. The estimate of the panel's Internet activity may be refined by applying a domain-specific bias adjustment to the estimate. Applying the domain-specific bias adjustment to the estimate may include applying a weight to a subset of the data that connotes a specific domain from the panel of Internet users.
US07890436B2
The present invention teaches a variety of systems and methods enabling renewable energy consumer premises equipment (CPE) such as dual metering techniques. The present invention contemplates, among other things, supporting, by increasing a likelihood of meeting financing obligations, a consumer purchasing, leasing, installing and/or maintaining renewable energy CPE for power generation at a consumer premises. The renewable energy CPE may be attached to a structure on the consumer premises, disposed free standing on the consumer premises, or utilized through any other suitable means on the consumer premises.
US07890433B2
With the payment system 02 of the present invention, a customer 06 may conduct a private and secure payment transaction (i) with a merchant 08 using a wireless device 12, (ii) with a merchant using a payment card 100, (iii) with a merchant using a bank card 130 (iv), with a merchant using any one of the wireless device 12, a payment card 100 or a bankcard 130 (v) with a private party using a wireless device 12 and (vi) withdraw cash from an ATM machine using a wireless device 12. In all of these embodiments, a customer does not share his identity, personal sensitive data and purchasing habits with the merchants, the banks or the private party. In many of these embodiments, a customer need not carry his bankcards and or personal checks bearing personal and sensitive data with him/her avoiding the risks of theft or loss.
US07890431B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for sharing media files. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system includes a file sharing application configured to initiate a communication session with a file server, where the file server manages download requests for media files listed on a dynamic list. Use of the media files is subject to a trial period that corresponds to a period that the media files remain on the dynamic list. The system further includes trial period checking logic configured to retrieve a new dynamic list and check whether a trial period for a media file has expired by determining whether the media file is listed on the new dynamic list and offer presentation logic configured to offer a user a license for continued use of a media file that has an expired trial period. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US07890425B2
Systems (and corresponding methodologies) that facilitate card-less financial transactions are provided. The innovation enables card-less ATM (automated teller machine) transactions such as cash withdrawals, transfers, balance inquiries, etc. In aspects, customers can set up an ‘electronic wallet’ account based upon a pre-set range or otherwise. Accordingly, access to the ‘electronic wallet’ is granted or denied based upon responses to challenges presented.
US07890417B2
A system and method are described and disclosed that are used for effecting large block trades of securities in an automated and anonymous matter in which fair pricing is carried out using features of the NBBO. The automated trading the system and method also will carry out negotiations to effect a trade in certain circumstances, though the preferred method of effecting trades is by automated trading. However, regardless of the trading method, anonymity of the trading counterparties is preserved. The system and method also tests the NBBO for each of the traded securities to ensure it is valid before an automated trade may take place.
US07890413B2
A transaction structure for issuing a debt instrument. The transaction structure includes a first entity and a second entity. The first entity transfers an asset in exchange for receiving a beneficial interest in the asset, then issues the debt instrument. The debt instrument is backed by a market value of the asset. The second entity issues the beneficial interest in the asset in exchange for receiving the asset. The market value of the asset is determined by a clearing price of a Dutch auction.
US07890408B2
Systems and methods for attributing return, risk, and risk-adjusted performance for an investment portfolio. Residual factors for the investment portfolio may be determined based on a matrix of custom factors. The residual factors may correspond to a matrix of factor exposures for the portfolio that may be obtained by orthogonalizing true factors for the portfolio to the matrix of custom factors. The return of the portfolio may be attributed to the custom factors, the residual factors, and idiosyncratic effects. The risk of the portfolio may be attributed to the custom factors, the residual factors, and the idiosyncratic effects. The risk-adjusted performance may be attributed to the custom factors, the residual factors, and idiosyncratic effects based on the return attributions and the risk attributions. The return attribution, risk attribution and risk-adjusted performance attribution for each of the custom factors, the residual factors, and the idiosyncratic effects may be stored.
US07890406B2
Described is a system including a memory arrangement and a processor for graphically representing in a space data representing at least one portfolio. The memory arrangement stores a Multi-Criteria Financial Optimization (“MCFO”). The processor solves the MCFO to generate data corresponding to a set of portfolios. The processor selects vertex points corresponding to a set of components of the portfolios. The processor defines coordinates of the vertices on a chart and plots the vertices as points on the chart. The processor defining a projection vector-function using coordinates of the vertices and selecting a subset of the portfolios on the chart. The processor computing coordinates for the portfolios in the subset using the projection vector-function and a weighting corresponding to the portfolios. The processor plotting points corresponding to the portfolios in the subset on the chart using the computed coordinates.
US07890402B2
A computer implemented data processing system and method administers a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase for a relevant life. The annuity contract has a payment base value, a contract value, and a lifetime benefit payment amount available for withdrawal without reduction in the payment base. The lifetime benefit payment amount is based in part on a withdrawal percent and in part on an adjustment factor based on a number of years deferred before taking a first lifetime benefit payment.
US07890396B2
A system and method are provided for managing financial market information. According to certain embodiments, the system includes a computer having a memory, processor, and display. The processor is capable of generating a graphical depiction of the financial market information on the display. The graphical depiction includes a multidimensional representation of a broad range of market information for at least two financial instruments. The graphical depiction resides in a single window on the display. The financial instruments may include multiple different classes of financial instruments, such as treasuries and futures. Different instruments may be selected and information, including basis information, relevant to the selected instruments may be displayed in a second window.
US07890385B1
A whole product gap analysis tool assists a user in a business enterprise in identifying deliverables, functional responsibilities and owners, that are required in providing a whole product to a customer. The tool implements a method that includes indicating to a user items that are potentially required for providing a whole product associated with a generic product. The method further includes enabling the user to provide input specifying whether each of the items is required for providing the whole product, and in response to that input, for each item specified as required for providing the whole product, automatically identifying and indicating to the user a deliverable for the item and a person responsible for delivering the deliverable.
US07890382B2
A web based menu system that allows the users such as buyers and sellers to locate, purchase, and sell goods, items and services easily without any search queries. The knowledge base of the system increases with user interaction at variable levels. The database contains an orderly classification of goods and services throughout. Point-and-click technology can be used to navigate through a series of menus. The system can also respond to voice activation and recognition commands. At the web site, the user first selects a category followed by a selection of makes, items, or services called a Sub-Category that relate to the category. The system responds by displaying a uniform series of menus referred to as a “Fluidity of Taxonomy”. This process repeats until the user reaches the finite end of the menu series. Next, the system completes the interaction based upon if the user is a buyer or a seller. For buyers, the database is accessed resulting in a list of ads based upon the user's accumulated menu selections. The user can filter and sort the presentation of ads based on various criteria and place requests for instant notification of subsequent new ad placements. Banner ads that are applicable to the buyers' area of interest are also presented by the system. For sellers, an input form for ad placement is presented based upon the user's accumulated menu selections. Sellers can also grow the database based on their menu selections and form input. The system can be used for retrieving any orderly classification of information.
US07890380B2
A method, system, and computer program product for implementing sales of products featured in a program is provided. The method includes associating an object featured in the program with the program and a product. The product corresponds to the object in the program. The method includes receiving a request relating to the object featured in the program and presenting product information associated with the product corresponding to the object in response to the request relating to the object. The method further includes generating an order for the product in response to a request to purchase the product.
US07890374B1
The present invention provides a computer-implemented method and system for providing user requested music. The method comprises of receiving user input that defines a plurality of music search parameters. Some of the music search parameters may describe music content attributes. Thereafter, the process searches for music samples based upon the user provided search parameters. The process then presents music samples to the user.The method also determines if the user wants to buy any of the presented music samples, a set of music samples similar to the music purchased and/or a set of music samples different than the music bought.
US07890373B2
The present invention relates to a computer-based system that provides a method for real time data storage and retrieval for the purpose of verifying and validating sales transactions and product return/warranty repair eligibility. An electronic product registration system is provided which stores information on purchased products and which enables a retail store or the like to verify compliance with return policies prior to accepting a product for return or replacement, thereby reducing improper or fraudulent product returns under warranty, while also providing related functionality to third parties such as law enforcement agencies and the like.
US07890369B2
Systems and methods of the present invention allow for providing suggested domain names on webpages. A webpage is placed on a website associated with an original domain name. A domain name module generates suggested domain names based on the properties of the webpage (e.g. webpage content and keywords), and/or based on the properties of the original domain name (e.g. domain name itself), and/or based on the properties of a network connection to the webpage (e.g. search terms and user's geographical location). Suggested domain names are displayed on the webpage. A user visiting the webpage may notice an appealing domain name among the suggested domain names. Then the user may register, purchase, or backorder it. The invention may be used as a marketing technique for registration, sale, or resale of the domain names.
US07890368B2
The present invention discloses a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for providing targeted information. In one embodiment of the present invention, an encrypted request for targeted information is received from a user. The encrypted request has a logon authorization element and a parameter requirement element. When the logon authorization element is satisfied, an encrypted list of data items is transmitted to the user. Each data item satisfies the parameter requirement element. In one embodiment, the data item is an advertisement. The above-described invention has utility for providing the user with advertisement options that satisfy the user's parameter requirements.
US07890364B2
Preferred embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a system, method and apparatus for providing an efficient means for qualifying a petition, referendum or initiative on a ballot on a network. Users on the network access the petition qualifying system via a user interface and requests petitions or initiatives in the user's relevant voting area. After the user has reviewed the petition, the user can endorse the petition by providing the petition qualifying system endorsement indicia. The petition qualifying system verifies the eligibility of the user. The petition qualifying system compiles the received endorsement indicia, and presents such indicia to the relevant agency to secure placement of the initiative on the appropriate ballot.
US07890363B2
A system and method for determining and identifying trendsetters within a member population, such as an online community. The trendsetters can then be used for a number of useful purposes, such as predicting future product/service trends, evaluating advertising techniques, identifying collectible items in an electronic auction, influencing search engines and recommender systems, etc. In a similar fashion, the counterparts to trendsetters, namely, trend rejecters and trend laggards can also be identified and compiled.
US07890362B2
The invention provides improved methods for selecting items most likely to be the best items in a population of items. In accordance with certain preferred embodiments the probability that an item is among the best items in the population is determined by calculating the misclassification probability of each item and designating as the best items those with a misclassification index above a first threshold value from among the values thus determined and as the not best items those with a misclassification index below a second threshold value from among the values thus determined. In further preferred methods of the invention, the misclassification probabilities are determined by rankings of the items by respondents. In certain preferred embodiments the selection methodology of the invention is used to involve consumers in the screening stage of the idea generation process. The methodology is faster and more accurate in selecting the best items in a population than other methods.
US07890357B2
A system, method, and processor-readable medium are provided for quantitatively evaluating risk associated with nanotechnology. An insurance company computing system obtains nanomaterial-related data from a variety of sources, including nanomaterial sensors such as differential mobility analyzers located on-site at an insured facility. The insurance computing system uses the obtained data and a computerized model to compute a risk score that is used in evaluating the insurability of the facility or the operating entity. An insurance policy or modifications to an existing insurance premium are subsequently produced based on the computed risk score.
US07890351B2
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request from a consumer of medical services to engage with a provider of medical services in real time over the Internet using a computer-based brokerage system, accessing stored information related to past engagements of the consumer using the computer-based brokerage system, and determining allocation of a fee between the consumer and a third party for an engagement between the consumer and the provider based at least in part on the information related to the past engagements of the consumer.
US07890344B2
Disclosed herein is a method for creating an individual supplement recommendation for the targeted administration of certain micro nutrients in the human and animal organism determines the efficiency of the body's own antioxidative system is established by determining the effectiveness of at least one of three different body-own indicator groups, whereby, after the comparison of the actual value of the found indicators with the target value, it is determined whether or not the actual value still lies within a tolerable range of the target value and, in the case of the identification of an indicator that requires treatment, a database generates a corresponding supplement recommendation for the improvement of the indicator value via the allocation paths determined by the database.
US07890336B2
A system and method in accordance with the present invention include means for providing interactive assistance for the performance of a set of predefined steps, including selecting the set of predefined steps and automatically generating a step-sensitive grammar for each step. Generating the step-sensitive grammar includes generating a set of navigation commands related to each step and generating a set of rules to recognize potential queries related to each step. A recognizer is configured for determining if a received utterance forms one of the navigation commands or one of the potential queries, within a context of the current step. Form this determination, provided are navigation to a different step if the utterance was a navigation command or a response if the utterance was a query.
US07890335B2
A system for sharing wavelet domain components among encoded signals receives a set of signals decomposed and encoded according to a wavelet transform. The decomposed and encoded signals each include a set of wavelet coefficients at each level of the decomposition of the encoded signal. Using a vector quantization technique, the system identifies one or more sets of wavelet coefficients that are sharable among two or more of the decomposed and encoded signals at a particular level of decomposition. The system then stores the sets of wavelet coefficients of the decomposed and encoded signals. Each identified sharable set of wavelet coefficients at a particular level of decomposition is stored only once and shared by two or more of the decomposed and encoded signals.
US07890333B2
The present invention discloses a system and a method for creating and editing speech-enabled WIKIs. A WIKI editor can be served to client-side Web browsers so that end-users can utilize WIKI editor functions, which include functions to create and edit speech-enabled WIKI applications. A WIKI server can serve speech-enabled WIKI applications created via the WIKI editor. Each of the speech-enabled WIKI applications can include a link to at least one speech processing engine located in a speech processing system remote from the WIKI server. The speech processing engine can provide a speech processing capability for the speech-enabled WIKI application when served by the WIKI server. In one embodiment, the speech-enabled applications can include an introspection document, an entry collection of documents, and a resource collection of documents in accordance with standards specified by an ATOM PUBLISHING PROTOCOL (APP).
US07890332B2
An information processing apparatus can set one of a plurality of setting values for a setting item. A guidance holding unit holds guidance information for voice output for each of the plurality of setting values. A document information acquisition unit acquires document information as limiting information which limits a range of a settable setting value. A guidance selection unit and a guidance change unit acquire pieces of guidance information to be output by voice on the basis of the pieces of guidance information corresponding to the plurality of setting values held in the guidance holding unit and the limiting information acquired by the document information acquisition unit. A voice information output unit outputs, by voice, the acquired pieces of guidance information to be output by voice.
US07890314B2
A method allocating firmware objects between different types of memory in a product model based on a frequency of access of each firmware object in trace data. The allocated firmware objects and trace data are used to simulate the performance of the product model. Memory access statistics obtained during the simulation may be used to analyze product model performance in the frequency and time domains.
US07890313B2
A method and apparatus for analysis of molecular combinations featuring two or more molecular subsets is described. The method computes the shape complementarity of the system utilizing a basis expansion representing molecular shapes of the first and second molecular subsets in a coordinate system. The precomputed sets of translated expansion coefficients for the first molecular subset are first constructed via application of a translation operator to a reference set of expansion coefficients and then stored on a computer recordable medium for later retrieval. Then, a shape complementarity score, representing a correlation of the first and second molecular subsets, is computed via suitable application of rotation operators to both the stored translated expansion coefficients of the first molecular subset and the reference expansion coefficients for the second molecular subset over the sequence of different sampled configurations for the molecular combination.
US07890310B2
The present invention provides a framework to let users systematically analyze, and design controllers for, complex non-linear dynamic systems modeled in a block diagram environment. By extracting linearized models from non-linear plant models (block diagrams), users can use one or more control design and tuning methodologies available for linear systems. Complex side effects, such as cross-coupling and exogenous disturbances, are viewable and can be dealt with in real-time during a design. The results of a design are automatically implemented in a block diagram.
US07890308B2
A system, method, and program product for re-parameterizing one or more three-dimensional Catmull-Clark models is disclosed. Each of the models has one or more surfaces and one or more extraordinary vertices. One or more adjacent iso-parameter lines of the model have a spacing between them that increases as the iso-parameter lines approach the extraordinary vertex. A re-parameterization process that re-parameterizes the model so that one or more of the extraordinary vertices have adjacent iso-parameter lines with spacing that does not increase as the lines approach the extraordinary vertex.
US07890306B2
A system and method of implementing a top-down flow down of at least one system requirement to allocate variability to system components such that overall system response meets the at least one system requirement, includes specifying a target value for the system response, and using a non-linear model to relate response variable values to targeted variable values and targeted mean values of the response variable values.
US07890304B2
A method and system for designing a smooth surface for a vehicle part, such as the hull of an aircraft, covering an area of the body of the vehicle part organized around an axis X. The method includes providing data indicating a profile, area, and position of a plurality of sectors perpendicular to axis X of the smooth surface, generating a first surface from the data by using a NURBS mathematical methodology, modifying N1 equidistant profiles (Py) of the surface until their area (APy) is consistent with the area determined by the area curve resulting from the data of the first step, and generating a second surface from the profiles (Py) and validating that the second surface adjusts to the area curve by using N2 equidistant profiles of the surface, where N2>N1.
US07890295B2
A method of calibrating glucose monitor data includes collecting the glucose monitor data over a period of time at predetermined intervals. It also includes obtaining at least two reference glucose values from a reference source that temporally correspond with the glucose monitor data obtained at the predetermined intervals. Also included is calculating the calibration characteristics using the reference glucose values and corresponding glucose monitor data to regress the obtained glucose monitor data. And, calibrating the obtained glucose monitor data using the calibration characteristics is included. In preferred embodiments, the reference source is a blood glucose meter, and the at least two reference glucose values are obtained from blood tests. In additional embodiments, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes linear regression and, in particular embodiments, least squares linear regression. Alternatively, calculation of the calibration characteristics includes non-linear regression. Data integrity may be verified and the data may be filtered.
US07890294B2
Arrangements are provided for performing structural clustering between different time series. Time series data relating to a plurality of time series is accepted, structural features relating to the time series data are ascertained, and at least one distance between different time series via employing the structural features is determined. The different time series may be partitioned into clusters based on the at least one distance, and/or the k closest matches to a given time series query based on the at least one distance may be returned.
US07890293B2
A device for determining distance between a rotor blade and a wall of a gas turbine surrounding the rotor blade is provided. A waveguide guides and emits electromagnetic waves in the direction of the rotor blade through a waveguide opening facing the rotor blade. The electromagnetic waves are injected into the waveguide and reflected portions of the electromagnetic waves are received. An evaluation unit compares the phase of the electromagnetic waves to be injected with the phase of the reflected portions of the electromagnetic waves and determines phase comparison values for every frequency and the distance is determined based on the phase comparison values. The waveguide includes two waveguide segments made from different materials having temperature stability and damping capacity increasing in the direction from the segment connected to the unit for injecting the waves to the segment having the waveguide opening.
US07890287B2
To allow for reference current settings per multi-bit link (or alternatively, per apparatus), approaches for implementing closed-loop Tx swing control based on monitoring of a dummy circuit is provided herein. In accordance with some embodiments, provided is a dummy bit-link circuit to model operable bit-links in a multi-bit link, where each bit link has a transmitter with an adjustable swing level. Also provided is a reference generator circuit to control the transmitter swing levels based on test data driven through the dummy bit-link.
US07890285B2
Methods, tools, systems and computer readable media for compliance testing instrumentation and/or software. Data from one or more analytical instruments and/or software is inputted, and calculations are performed on the data to produce one or more outputs. At least one of the outputs may be compared to first and second test limits, and compliance status of the at least one output relative to the first and second test limits is reported.
US07890275B2
Planar elongational viscosity measuring method and planar elongational viscosity measuring apparatus
A planar elongational viscosity measuring method and apparatus which can advance analysis of planar elongational viscosities for high-viscosity and low-viscosity fluids. As a bomb-shell like bob 2 is pushed into a container 6, a non-Newtonian fluid 9 reaches a planar elongation state in a side space G, counterforce F applied to the bomb-shell like bob 2 at this time is measured, planar elongation stress σ is calculated using the counterforce F and conditions input by a user based on push-up force, the counterforce F, and the horizontal cross-sectional area of the side space G, and the planar elongation stress is divided by a planar elongation speed ε′, thereby acquiring a planar elongational viscosity ηPE. Accordingly, it becomes possible to acquire planar elongational viscosities of not only a high-viscosity non-Newtonian fluid, but also a low-viscosity non-Newtonian fluid which is not likely to be solidified, resulting in an advancement of analysis of planar elongational viscosities for high-viscosity and low-viscosity fluids.
US07890272B2
To provide a torque measurement device capable of more accurately specifying positions of reflectors which are attached to a rotating body, and more accurately obtaining a torque of the rotating body.A pair of reflectors (14a, 14b) is provided on the surface of the rotating body (13) and has a spacing in the axial direction, reflected light data obtained by reflection of reflection patterns in the pair of reflectors (14a, 14b) is input and stored, a point of minimizing AIC is determined for a model of the reflected light data from the rotating body (13), and existence regions of the pair of reflectors (14a, 14b) are detected. Then, a twist amount of the rotating body (13) is calculated from the reflector positions specified by the detected existence regions of the pair of reflectors (14a, 14b), and the torque is calculated from the calculated twist amount of the rotating body.
US07890271B2
The object of the invention is providing a revolution indicator and a program for the indicator, which can detect a varying number of revolutions precisely. The indicator includes: a detecting portion detecting a physical phenomenon resulting from the revolution movement of a measuring object; a FFT computation portion performing a fast Fourier transform of the data detected by the detecting portion under a specific data length, and computing and outputting the analytical data; and a revolution computing portion computing the number of revolutions of the measuring object based on the analytical data output from the FFT computation portion. A variation determination portion is equipped, which makes the FFT computation portion compute the first analytical data continuously, based on the data successively detected by the detecting portion under the first data length and determines whether there is any variation or not in the first analytical data computed continuously.
US07890268B2
The present invention is directed to an improved analysis procedure for the comparative sequencing of nucleic acids using multistage mass spectrometry. More precisely, the invention is directed to a method enabling the de-novo sequencing of nucleic acid molecules using multistage mass spectrometry.
US07890267B2
The present invention provides novel methods and kits for diagnosing the presence of cancer within a patient, and for determining whether a subject who has cancer is susceptible to different types of treatment regimens. The cancers to be tested include, but are not limited to, prostate, breast, lung, gastric, ovarian, bladder, lymphoma, mesothelioma, medulloblastoma, glioma, and AML. Identification of therapy-resistant patients early in their treatment regimen can lead to a change in therapy in order to achieve a more successful outcome. One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method for diagnosing cancer or predicting cancer-therapy outcome by detecting the expression levels of multiple markers in the same cell at the same time, and scoring their expression as being above a certain threshold, wherein the markers are from a particular pathway related to cancer, with the score being indicative or a cancer diagnosis or a prognosis for cancer-therapy failure. This method can be used to diagnose cancer or predict cancer-therapy outcomes for a variety of cancers. The markers can come from any pathway involved in the regulation of cancer, including specifically the PcG pathway and the “stemness” pathway. The markers can be mRNA, microRNA, DNA, or protein.
US07890266B2
The present invention introduces an innovative data mining technique to identify precursory signals associated with earthquakes. It involves a multistrategy approach that employs one-dimensional wavelet transformations to identify singularities in data, and analyzes the continuity of wavelet maxima in time and space to determine the singularities that could be precursory signals. Surface Latent Heat Flux (SLHF) data may be used. A single prominent SLHF anomaly may be found to be associated some days prior to a main earthquake event.
US07890265B2
A method of filtering at least two series of seismic data representative of the same zone, the method including the step of determining an estimate of the component that is common to the data series, and the step of deducing from this estimate a resolution of the data series. The method is applicable to 4D seismic surveying.
US07890263B2
A system and method of controlling deployment of a safety device for a vehicle. The system may include a pre-impact collision assessment system, an impact detection system, and an inflatable safety device. The safety device may be partially inflated when a collision threat is detected based on a signal from the pre-impact collision assessment system. The inflatable device may be subsequently either more fully inflated or deflated.
US07890262B2
A method of providing position estimation with a navigation device comprises periodically recording magnetic field strength of an area substantially surrounding a navigation device as a user of the navigation device traverses a select pathway. The method combines the recorded magnetic field strength with measurements from at least a dead reckoning portion of the navigation device to provide position estimates along the select pathway. The method further corrects each of the position estimates from a starting position on the select pathway, where each of the corrected position estimates have an error value below one or more previous position estimates and any intervening positions between each of the one or more previous position estimates and the starting position, with the error value corresponding to an error threshold based on the previous position estimates.
US07890252B2
A map-data-generation device and a map-generation method used therefor, and a navigation device and a route-search method used therefor are provided. The map-data-generation device generates hierarchical guide-route-search-map data by using information about a road link of level 2 (reference level), the road link generating a guide-object road. A first upper-level-link-determination unit determines a level-3 link by performing level-raising processing by using level-2-link information. A second-upper-level-link-determination unit acquires a plurality of links of levels (levels 4 to 8) higher than level 3 by performing the level-raising processing by using information about the level-3 link, and specifies an upper level map to which the link belongs on the basis of the range of a distance between a departure-point link and a destination-point link.
US07890245B2
A device and a method for controlling an internal combustion engine, in which an actual value is determined based on a lambda value and compared with a setpoint value. Based on the comparison, a correction value for a controlled variable is determined and stored. An error is detected if the correction value changes abruptly.
US07890238B2
A method for diagnosing damage in the shift control actuator of an automated manual transmission, involving at least one of the following steps: (a) determining a shift control actuator is damaged if an actual period needed for synchronizing a gear differs from a nominal time period for synchronizing the gear; (b) moving a shift-control actuator to a limit stop after selection of a gear, and determining a shift-control actuator is damaged if the limit stop that has been reached is an internal limit stop of the shift-control actuator and not a gear transmission limit stop; (c) determining the shift-control actuator is damaged if an actual speed during the overlap phase is not within a speed range within which the engine speed is expected to lie during the overlap phase.
US07890234B1
A vehicle seat pressure sensor includes a light source, a non-fiber optical polymer sheet, a boundary layer and a detection unit. The non-fiber optical polymer sheet is composed of non-woven flexible optical polymer material and has a first surface with a peripheral edge surrounding the first surface. The peripheral edge of the optical polymer sheet is aligned with the light source such that light emitted from the light source projects into the optical polymer sheet through the peripheral edge. The boundary layer is disposed along the first surface of the optical polymer sheet. The detection unit is disposed relative to the optical polymer sheet to detect changes in attenuation of light emitted from the peripheral edge of the optical polymer sheet in response to elastic deformation of the boundary layer and the optical polymer sheet.
US07890233B2
Two data processing units having the same function, one of which is used for a master and the other for comparison, are provided, control of a circuit unit is performed by the master, the master data processing unit and the circuit unit are operated in synchronization with a first clock signal, the second data processing unit is operated in synchronization with a second clock signal having the same cycle and different phase from the first clock signal, and processing results of both the data processing units are compared in a comparison circuit. Flip flops are disposed on a signal path from the circuit unit to the comparison data processing unit and on a signal path from the master data processing unit to the comparator, and both the first and second clock signals are used for latch clocks of the flip flops in accordance with input signals thereof.
US07890225B2
A steering correction signal generator module (MC) for generating steering correction signals (SC) for an automatic pilot for automatically steering a sailboat comprises: an inlet (EM) for a signal (SM) indicating movement of the sailboat that is caused by waves; a processing unit (UE) for generating a steering correction signal (SC) on the basis of the signal (SM) indicating movement of the sailboat; and an outlet (SSC) for the steering correction signal (SC); in which module the steering correction signal (SC) is determined in a manner such as to cause the course of the sailboat to be corrected towards the direction from which the waves are coming in correspondence with their crests (CI, CII) and away from the direction in correspondence with their troughs (CR). The invention also relates to an automatic pilot system for automatically steering a sailboat, which system includes such a module (MC).
US07890217B2
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for controlling power in renewable solar energy sources. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling a renewable energy solar farm, where the farm may include one or more renewable energy sources. The method may include measuring aggregate energy output of the renewable energy solar farm and measuring individual source energy output of the one or more renewable energy sources. The method may also include controlling energy production from the one or more renewable energy sources via a controller based at least in part on the measured aggregate energy output and the measured individual source energy output, where the controller facilitates communications with the one or more renewable energy sources.
US07890213B2
A mixing machine for mixing a fluid product contained in a container, comprising one or more mixing devices, each able to mix the product according to a determinate mixing cycle chosen from a plurality of elementary mixing cycles. A command and control unit has a first memory in which the operating sequences of the plurality of elementary mixing cycles are memorized, and is connected to a data introduction device associated with a second memory in which the characteristics of the container or of the product to be mixed are memorized. Each operating sequence of the determinate mixing cycle is pre-defined according to the characteristics memorized in the second memory.
US07890207B2
A method of transferring storage devices within a storage device testing system includes actuating an automated transporter to substantially simultaneously retrieve multiple storage devices presented for testing, and actuating the automated transporter to substantially simultaneously deliver each retrieved storage device to a respective test slot of the storage device testing system and substantially simultaneously insert each storage device in the respective test slot.
US07890202B2
A method of batching substrates in an automated processing tool, the automated process tool and a system for batching substrates in the automated process tool. The method includes selecting a first container containing a first group of substrates; simultaneously transferring each substrate of the first group of substrates into a batching station of the automated processing tool; selecting a second container containing a second group of substrates; selecting less than all substrates of the second group of substrates; and transferring each substrate of the less than all substrates of the second group of substrates to the batching station to form a third group of substrates.
US07890192B1
A method for inserting a lead electrode into body tissue using a rotatable lead introducer is described. The introducer can include a distal element for releasably engaging a lead head controllable from a proximal control located outside of the body. An inner stem can extend between a proximal portion and a distal portion, and be pivotally and rotatably coupled to the distal lead engagement mechanism. An outer tube can be rotatably disposed over the inner stem and be flexibly coupled over the pivot to rotationally drive the distal element. A helical epicardial-myocardial lead electrode can be secured and oriented straight ahead and introduced through a port or small incision with the introducer in a straight configuration. The introducer can then be bent and rotated to screw the helical electrode into the heart.
US07890183B2
Cells that are in the process division are vulnerable to damage by AC electric fields that have specific frequency and field strength characteristics. The selective disruption of rapidly dividing cells can therefore be accomplished by imposing an AC electric field in a target region for extended periods of time. Some of the cells that divide while the field is applied will be damaged, but the cells that do not divide will not be harmed. This selectively damages or disrupts rapidly dividing cells like parasites, but does not harm normal cells that are not dividing.
US07890182B2
A method for configuring stimulation pulses in an implantable stimulator device having a plurality of electrodes is disclosed, which method is particularly useful in adjusting the electrodes by current steering during initialization of the device. In one aspect, a set of ideal pulses for patient therapy is determined, in which at least two of the ideal pulses are of the same polarity and are intended to be simultaneous applied to corresponding electrodes on the implantable stimulator device during an initial duration. These pulses are reconstructed into fractionalized pulses, each comprised of pulse portions. The fractionalized pulses are applied to the corresponding electrodes on the device during a final duration, but the pulse portions of the fractionalized pulses are not simultaneously applied during the final duration.
US07890181B2
Data is communicated from a transmitter of an external unit to a receiver of an implantable medical device. The receiver of the implantable medical device operates in a wide band receiver mode to detect the transmission from the external unit and operates in a narrow band receiver mode to receive the data.
US07890180B2
This document discloses, among other things, a telemetry system that controls access to assets of an implantable device as a function of the manner of initiating the communication session or an access code. A tiered hierarchy of assets are associated with corresponding levels of access. A tiered array of security mechanisms are associated with the hierarchy of assets.
