US07892879B2
This invention relates to the manufacture of Cadmium Mercury Telluride (CMT) on patterned silicon, especially to growth of CMT on silicon substrates bearing integrated circuitry. The method of the invention involves growing CMT in selected growth windows on the silicon substrate by first growing one or more buffer layers by MBE and then growing the CMT by MOVPE. The growth windows may be defined by masking the area outside of the growth windows. Growth within the growth windows is crystalline whereas any growth outside the growth windows is polycrystalline and can be removed by etching. The invention offers a method of growing CMT structures directly on integrated circuits removing the need for hybridisation.
US07892876B2
Disclosed are MEMS accelerometers and methods for fabricating same. An exemplary accelerometer comprises a substrate, and a proof mass that is a portion of the substrate and which is separated from the substrate surrounding it by a gap. An electrically-conductive anchor is coupled to the proof mass, and a plurality of electrically-conductive suspension anus that are separated from the proof mass extend from the anchor and are coupled to the substrate surrounding the proof mass. A plurality of sense and actuation electrodes are separated from the proof mass by gaps and are coupled to processing electronics. Capacitive sensing is used to derive electrical signals caused by forces exerted on the proof mass, and the electrical signals are processed by the processing electronics to produce x-, y- and z-direction acceleration data. Electrostatic actuation is used to induce movements of the mass for force balance operation, or self-test and self-calibration. The fabrication methods use deep reactive ion etch bulk micromachining and surface micromachining to form the proof mass, suspension arms and electrodes. The anchor, suspension arms and electrodes are made in the same process steps from the same electrically conductive material, which is different from the substrate material.
US07892871B2
The method of manufacturing the semiconductor device comprises the step of forming quantum dots 16 on a base layer 10 by self-assembled growth; the step of irradiating Sb or GaSb to the surface of the base layer 10 before or in the step of forming quantum dots 16; the step of etching the surfaces of the quantum dots 16 with an As raw material gas to thereby remove an InSb layer 18 containing Sb deposited on the surfaces of the quantum dots 16; and growing a capping layer 22 on the quantum dots 16 with the InSb layer 18 removed.
US07892870B2
A method and system for removing heat from an LED facilitates the fabrication of LEDs having enhanced brightness. A thermally conductive interposer can be attached to the top of the LED. Heat can flow through the top of the LED and into the interposer. The interposer can carry the heat away from the LED. Light can exit the LED though an at least partially transparent substrate of the LED. By removing heat from an LED, the use of more current through the LED is facilitated, thus resulting in a brighter LED.
US07892854B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the application of a particle array in bioassay format to perform qualitative and/or quantitative molecular interaction analysis between two classes of molecules (an analyte and a binding agent). The methods and apparatus disclosed herein permit the determination of the presence or absence of association, the strength of association, and/or the rate of association and dissociation governing the binding interactions between the binding agents and the analyte molecules. The present invention is especially useful for performing multiplexed (parallel) assays for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of binding interactions of a number of analyte molecules in a sample.
US07892849B2
A test strip having a small sample-receiving chamber on the order of less than 1 microliter. The inventive test strip includes a reagent layer that extends across the width of the test strip and also extends to the sample-receiving end, such that the edges of the reagent layer are aligned with the side and dose receiving edges of the test strip. The hydrophilic reagent extending to the dosing edge of the strip promotes wicking of the sample into the test strip. The end and side edges of the reagent layer are preferably formed as part of a cutting process that forms individual test strips from a larger web, which results in a smooth and thin reagent layer with a uniform thickness, substantially covering the entire floor of the sample-receiving chamber. The inventive mass production process helps improve the reproducibility of the quantity, location, thickness and other properties of the reagent layer, which in turn improves the accuracy of the test result.
US07892846B2
According to the present invention, a matrix reagent prepared by adding methylenediphosphonic acid (MDPNA) having two phosphonic acid groups as an additive to a matrix of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) is used for the preparation of a sample. By using the sample according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve a higher peak intensity of phosphopeptide as compared with a sample in which DHBA is solely used as a matrix without using an additive, or a sample in which phosphoric acid (PA) is used as an additive in addition to DHBA. Further, use of the sample according to the present invention enables the detection of peptides that cannot be detected in a case of the phosphoric acid-added sample.
US07892845B2
The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and assessing treatment effects for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, early in the course of clinical disease or prior to the onset of brain damage and clinical symptoms. Methods of measuring the in vivo metabolism of biomolecules produced in the CNS in a subject are provided.
US07892842B2
The present application relates to procedures for the determination of the activity of the protease which activates factor VII, also known as factor VII activating protease or FSAP. The application also relates to a method of detecting whether an individual has increased or lowered activity in the protease which activates factor VII compared to at least one standard sample, wherein the increased or lowered activity indicates an increased risk for disease or cardiovascular complications.
US07892840B2
Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads.
US07892838B2
The invention relates to a method for altering a protein X such as to modify the characteristics thereof by a) obtaining the mutants X* of the sequence coding for protein X, by means of aleatory mutagenesis, b) transformation of cells with a phenotype [P-] with vectors comprising the mutated nucleic acids obtained in step (a) which code for proteins X*, where P-signifies that said cells are auxotrophic for substance P, P begin the product of the action of X on the natural substrate thereof S, c) culturing said cells in a medium comprising a substrate S*, S* being an analogue of the natural substrate S of the protein X, d) selection of the cells [P-:: X*] which have survived step c) in which the proteins X* can biosynthesise the product P from the substrate S*. The invention further relates to mutated proteins X, nucleic acids, expression vectors, host cells comprising a vector, use of N-dideoxyribosyl transferases for the transfer of a dideoxyribose (ddR) from a dideoxyribonucleoside to another nucleoside, a method for production of compounds comprising a step using a mutated protein and a strain of E. coli.
US07892834B2
A gene complex-forming material which comprises a water-soluble polymer having a peptide containing an amino acid sequence serving as the substrate of an intracellular signal-responsive enzyme and basic amino acids imparting cationic nature; a gene complex composed of this gene complex-forming material with a gene; and a gene transfer method and a gene transfer agent with the use of the same. Namely, a novel material and a method wherein the cationic moiety of the peptide and the gene form a rigid ion complex to give a stable gene complex, and, upon a cellular signal response, the positive charge of the cationic moiety of the peptide is neutralized or disappears and the gene complex is broken in the cell to thereby release the gene, thus activating the gene transferred into specific cells. The neutralization or disappearance of the positive charge can be achieved by, for example, phosphorylation with protein kinase A or cleavage by caspase.
US07892822B1
Recombinant vectors containing infectious viral genomic sequences as well as sequences of a cloning vehicle, a cell comprising the vector, a method for producing the vectors, a method of mutagenizing an infectious viral genomic sequence in the vector, and a vector obtained by the method.
US07892817B2
A method and a device are provided for distinguishing a specific binding from a less specific binding between at least one magnetic nanoparticle and a surface of another entity by applying a magnetic field and detecting a physical parameter relating to magnetic nanoparticle rotational or motional freedom while the magnetic nanoparticle is attached to the surface. The method and device may be applied to in-vivo and in-vitro biomolecular diagnostics. The sensor combines in one sensor the detection of magnetic particles or labels and determination of the binding quality and the properties of magnetic particles or labels which are bound to the surface of another entity.
US07892812B2
A computer-based method and apparatus for the analysis specification and support of work processes. The system is designed to support multiple interdependent decisions, at least some of which require collaboration among multiple participants (116). Work processes are modeled using an application framework (99) used to develop abstract, decision (100) process models. The decision (100) process models are used as a pattern to instantiate concrete process models that incorporate the work defined by the abstract process. The process model is then used to instantiate project models that incorporate the required work from the process. The project models are used to direct and guide the behavior of the participants (116) in the work process.
US07892807B2
The present invention provides a novel cellulase nucleic acid sequence, designated BagCel, and the corresponding BagCel amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BagCel, recombinant BagCel proteins and methods for producing the same.
US07892800B2
The present invention relates to a composite material made of non-metallic inorganic grains and plastics particles. The composite material is particularly suitable as a carrier material for bacteria for use in sewage treatment plants. It is characterized by a large surface suitable for the colonization of bacteria and also by a density which allows the composite material to be suspended in the medium present in the sewage treatment plant. A further advantage of the composite material according to the invention is the property that due to the surface structure of the composite material adhering sludge and saturated bacteria can fall off its surface, and this thus allows regeneration of the material.
US07892799B2
A method for in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro regeneration of cartilage, collagen and bone remodeling by intermittently applied hydrostatic pressure consisting of repeated periods of applied hydrostatic pressure followed and interrupted by periods of recovery. The intermittent hydrostatic pressure is applied at physiological levels 5-10 MPA for an interval of 4 hours followed by a recovery period up to about 20 hours. The interval loading results in the selective inhibition of matrix degrading enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that attract inflammatory cells into the joint cavity and in selective decrease of gene expression of growth factors that are inhibitory to type II collagen expression.
US07892798B2
Isolated nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel metabolic regulatory proteins from Corynebacterium glutamicum are described. These nucleic acid molecules are involved in the biosynthesis of a fine chemical, e.g., methionine biosynthesis. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing metabolic regulatory nucleic acid molecules, and host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced. The invention still further provides methods of producing methionine from microorganisms, e.g., C. glutamicum, which involve culturing recombinant microorganisms which overexpress or underexpress at least one metabolic regulatory molecule of the invention under conditions such that methionine is produced. Also featured are methods of producing a fine chemical, e.g., methionine, which involve culturing recombinant microorganisms having selected metabolic regulatory genes deleted or mutated under conditions such that the fine chemical, e.g., methionine, is produced.
US07892794B2
The present invention relates to a method, a chip, a device, and a system for detection of biological particles. The method of the invention typically comprises collecting the biological particles from a gaseous sample, contacting the biological particles with a first liquid reagent, extracting biological material from the collected biological particles, and analyzing the biological material for the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence.
US07892792B2
Described herein are recombinant yeast cells that express a cytochrome C gene the expression of which causes the recombinant yeast cells to (i) grow faster than wild type yeast cells of the same species when cultured on glucose medium, and (ii) accumulate high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid precursor molecules or target gene expression products when grown on oleic acid.
US07892789B2
There are provided trehalose transporter gene and a method of introducing trehalose into cells by using the gene. Candidates for the trehalose transporter genes were searched in P. vanderplanki EST, resulting in being obtained cDNA designated as Tret1. Tret1 encodes a 504 amino acid protein with 12 trans-membrane structures. Tret1 expression was induced by desiccation stress and predominant in the fat body. Functional expression of TRET1 in Xenopus oocytes showed that transport activity was specific for trehalose and independent of extracellular pH and electrochemical membrane potential. The direction of transport of TRET1 was reversible depending on the concentration gradient of trehalose. Apparent Km and Vmax of TRET1 for trehalose were extraordinarily high values. These results indicate that TRET1 is a facilitated, high-capacity trehalose-specific transporter. Tret1 is widespread in insects. Furthermore, TRET1 conferred trehalose permeability upon cells including those of vertebrates as well as insects.
US07892783B2
The present invention relates to a reaction medium for cholerae-group Vibrio (cholerae/vulnificus and mimicus) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, comprising a substrate for detecting a β-galactosidase enzymatic activity, a sugar, a coloured indicator. The invention also relates to the use of this medium for isolating and identifying cholerae-group Vibrio (cholerae/vulnificus and mimicus) and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Finally, the invention relates to a method for identifying Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, according to which beta-galactosidase activity is detected for identifying Vibrio cholerae and the acidification of a sugar is detected for revealing Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
US07892776B2
Methods for screening compounds for their activity as a protein kinase A modulators are provided. The methods are based on fluorescence polarization of peptide probes to identify drug candidates that act by activating or inhibiting the catalytic function of PKA. In certain embodiments, the methods are adapted for high throughput screening.
US07892773B2
The present invention relates to a novel member of the NK family of homeobox genes. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human NK-3 prostate specific gene 1 (NKX3.1) protein. NKX3.1 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying agonists and antagonists of NKX3.1 activity. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting prostate cancer and other cancers and therapeutic methods for prostate cancer and other cancers.
US07892767B2
The present invention provides chemokine receptor antibodies that selectively bind to an activated form of the receptor but not to a non activated form of the receptor. In particular, the current invention provides phosphospecific chemokine receptor antibodies. The antibodies can be used in several diagnostic, screening and purification methods.
US07892765B2
Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors which function as hetero-oligomeric complexes in the sweet taste transduction pathway, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in sweet taste signaling as hetero-oligomeric complexes, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for identifying putative taste modulating compounds using such hetero-oligomeric complexes also described, as is a novel surface expression facilitating peptide useful for targeting integral plasma membrane proteins to the surface of a cell.
US07892757B2
An immunochemical method for the accurate measurement of the quantity of cytochrome c in a body fluid, in particular, blood, and a kit for the measurement. The quantity of cytochrome c can be measured accurately without being affected by any interfering substrate by reacting an antibody with cytochrome c in a buffer solution in an acidic range.
US07892726B2
The invention provides a method for the sterilization of a biological preparation comprising desired viable biological entities. The method comprises irradiating a dried (e.g. freeze-dried) biological preparation with ionizing or UV radiation at an intensity and for a duration sufficient to reduce the amount or activity of living-matter contaminants in the biological preparation, the intensity and duration selected such that at least part of the desired biological entities in the sample remains viable. The method of the invention is particularly suitable for the reduction of the amount or activity of contaminants such as bacteria or viruses from biological preparations comprising red blood cells or platelets.
US07892719B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide EUV (extreme ultraviolet) photoresists comprising photonic crystals, as well as other components. Photonic crystals in general provide the ability not only to block light transmission, but also to create resonant pockets in which light can propagate. The photonic crystals are based on bio-related polymers that are capable of self-assembly into crystalline form.
US07892716B2
A method of preparing a toner, includes: preparing a core by mixing a polyester resin and a colorant with at least one material selected from the group consisting of a macromonomer having hydrophilic group, hydrophobic group, and at least one reactive functional group and a reactive emulsifying agent. A shell is formed on the core by polymerizing the exterior surface of the core with one or more polymerizable monomers and an initiator, wherein at least one material selected from the group consisting of the macromonomer and the reactive emulsifying agent participate in the polymerization reaction. Also, provided are a toner prepared using the method, an image forming method using the toner, and an image forming apparatus employing the toner. According to the method, a polyester resin, having superior fixability at low temperature and image properties, is used as a core composition and styrene, having superior maintenance and charging properties, is used as a shell composition in the process of manufacturing a core/shell structure to prepare the toner for the image forming apparatus having fast speed and fixability of high quality images at low temperature. In addition, by not using the reactive emulsifying agent, the cleaning process is minimized, and the amounts of polluted water and waste water are decreased, which is very advantageous environmentally.
US07892713B2
The present invention is an electrophotographic photoconductor having a photosensitive layer on a conductive substrate. The photosensitive layer contains terephthalate esters additives.
US07892707B2
A method of forming a mask having optical proximity correction features, which includes the steps of obtaining a target pattern of features to be imaged, expanding—the width of the features to be imaged, modifying the mask to include assist features which are placed adjacent the edges of the features to be imaged, where the assist features have a length corresponding to the expanded width of the features to be imaged, and returning the features to be imaged from the expanded width to a width corresponding to the target pattern.
US07892704B2
Mask for silicon crystallization, method for crystallizing silicon using the same and display device
A mask for silicon crystallization capable of minimizing the number of grain boundaries in crystallized silicon, a method for crystallizing silicon using the mask, and a display device are presented. The mask includes a group of slits that are inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a scan direction and a group of slits including slits inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the former group of slits. The groups of slits are separated by an interval along the scan direction, and the substrate and/or mask is moved by the interval between irradiation by laser through the slits. Further, there are provided a method for crystallizing silicon using the mask and a display device. By reducing the number of grain boundaries that extend horizontally or vertically on the substrate, the invention obviates a design limitation associated with the directional anisotropy in sequential lateral solidification (SLS) technique.
US07892701B2
According to one embodiment, fuel cell includes an anode, into which an aqueous methanol solution is introduced as fuel, includes a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, a cathode, into which an oxidizing agent is introduced, includes a current collector and a catalyst layer formed on the current collector, and an electrolyte membrane interposed between the catalyst layer of the anode and the catalyst layer of the cathode. The catalyst layer of at least one of the anode and the cathode contains carbon particles having pores on the surface thereof, catalyst microparticles which are supported by these carbon particles and are finer than the carbon particles, a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid polymer and a high-molecular compound having a repeating unit of a high-molecular chain fixed to the surface of the carbon particles.
US07892700B2
An electrode catalyst including two or more metal components used in an anode and/or a cathode of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) or a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC), a method of preparing the same, and a fuel cell including the electrode catalyst. The electrode catalyst includes an active Pt-based metal and an inactive La-based metal. By including the inactive metal component in the electrode catalyst, in addition to the active Pt-based metal component, higher catalyst activity can be obtained, and the amount of the expensive Pt-based metal can be decreased so that the fuel cell can be produced at relatively low costs. In addition, the active Pt-based metal and the inactive La-based metal are uniformly distributed so that agglomeration of the active Pt-based metal can be blocked (or prevented) and thus the catalyst activity can be maintained constant for a relatively long period of time.
US07892699B2
This invention provides a type of cathode flow field plate for fuel cells. The cathode flow field plate comprises a cooling flow field and a reacting flow field, gas entrances, gas exits and plate ribs. Here, an end of said flow field is connected to the gas entrances. The other end is connected to the gas exits. Said cooling flow field comprises of a distributing rib. Said distributing rib is located between the gas entrances and the gas exits. There are connecting pores between said gas entrances and the distributing rib. The cathode flow field plate for fuel cells provided in this invention uses the distributing rib and the connecting pores to divide the gas into cooling gas and reacting gas. Since a single gas source is used, the only parameter subject to adjustment is the total amount of gas flow. Thus the control of the gases is relatively simple. The devices controlling the sources of the cooling gas and the reacting gas can be minimized. Therefore, the fuel cells using the flow field plate provided in this invention can be low in cost.
US07892693B2
A fuel cell is entirely fabricated on a single monocrystalline silicon substrate, and substantially overcomes leak proofing and wafer bonding difficulties and criticalities while ensuring an intrinsic sturdiness of the planarly integrated functional structure of the fuel cell. The integrated fuel cell is formed in an oxidized porous silicon region on a monocrystalline silicon substrate that is pervious to fluid flow and is electrically nonconductive with the monocrystalline silicon substrate.
US07892690B2
Micro fuel cell systems whose performance is enhanced by an accurate fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system improves reactant fluid provision to meet electrical output, while maintaining correct stoichiometries for chemical processing in a downstream reactor. The fluid delivery system includes a pressure source and a differential flow meter. The differential flow meter uses a flow restrictor and a sensor. The pressure source moves a fluid through the flow restrictor; the sensor detects differential pressure in the flow restrictor and outputs a signal that permits dynamic control of fluid flow, e.g., by controlling a pump.
US07892676B2
A cathode material composition includes a composite compound having a formula of A3xM12y(PO4)3, and a conductive metal oxide having a formula of M2aOb, wherein A represents a metal element selected from Groups IA, IIA and IIIA; each of M1 and M2 independently represents a metal element selected from Groups IIA and IIIA, and transition elements; and 0≦x≦1.2, 1.2≦y≦1.8, 0
US07892668B2
An electronic device includes a main body, and a battery locking apparatus. The battery locking apparatus includes a locking unit, provided between a battery cover and the main body, which locks the battery cover to the main body; and an unlocking unit, provided between the locking unit and a battery, which provides a pushing force against the battery to unlock it from the main body.
US07892665B2
A direct methanol fuel cell liquid fuel including methanol and water to be supplied to an anode of a direct methanol fuel cell, in which an electrical resistance of the liquid fuel is 5×105 Ω·cm or more and 1×107 Ω·cm or less at 25° C. A direct methanol fuel cell cartridge storing the direct methanol fuel cell liquid fuel, and a direct methanol fuel cell system. Such structures can provide a direct methanol fuel cell liquid fuel, a direct methanol fuel cell cartridge, and a direct methanol fuel cell system all appropriately used for stable electricity generation over a long period of time.
US07892663B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a perpendicular magnetic recording media having excellent resolution, signal to noise ratio (S/N), and a small adjacent track erasure. According to one embodiment, underlayers for controlling the orientation and segregation of a magnetic layer, a magnetic layer including an oxide and an alloy of magnetic materials mainly composed of Co, Cr, and Pt, and a ferromagnetic-metal layer which does not contain oxygen, are formed over a substrate. The magnetic layer has at least two layers including ferromagnetic grains and oxides, a first magnetic layer, which is the part of the magnetic layer closer to the substrate, has grain boundaries mainly composed of Cr oxide and at least one oxide selected from Si, Ti, Nb, and Ta, and grain boundaries of a second magnetic layer at the ferromagnetic-metal layer side includes at least one oxide selected from Si, Ti, Nb, and Ta in which Cr oxide is less than the first magnetic layer.
US07892656B2
A sliding device 1 is constituted of a swash plate 3 including a first sliding surface 3A and a semispherical shoe 4 sliding with the swash plate 3. The swash plate 3 is constituted of a base material 3B of high strength brass containing Mn and Si, and very small granular Mn—Si compounds 6 are exposed on an inside of the base material 3B and on the first sliding surface 3A (surface of the base material 3B). The above described swash plate 3 increases in exposure amount of the Mn—Si compounds 6 exposed on the first sliding surface 3A by applying etching to the base material 3B after cutting the base material 3B. The sliding device 1 is favorable in seizure resistance and has a low manufacturing cost as compared with conventional sliding devices.
US07892644B2
The present invention relates to a microcapsular powder having a latent heat storage material as a capsule core and a capsule wall constructed of from 10% to 100% by weight of one or more C1-C24-alkyl esters of acrylic and/or methacrylic acid (monomers I), from 0% to 80% by weight of a water-insoluble or substantially water-insoluble bi- or polyfunctional monomer (monomers II), and from 0% to 90% by weight of other monomers (monomer III) all based on the total weight of the monomers, having an average particle size in the range of 150-400 μm and having 80% by weight of particles ≧90 μm in diameter, to a process for its production and to its use in bindered building materials, textiles and dumped beds.
US07892639B2
Multi-layer, edge ingress, tamper- and solvent-indicating labels comprise a top film layer coated over a solvent, e.g., water, hydrocarbon, etc., and dye absorbing layer. The solvent and dye absorbing layer can be on top of a porous layer comprising a binder, pigment and particles of a solvent-soluble dye. The porous layer can be on top of an edge-wicking layer which itself is on top of a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer. The edge-wicking layer both absorbs and transports solvent thus serving as a means for transporting solvent to the solvent-soluble dye.
US07892627B2
A system for measuring 3D deformation and strain on the skin of a living person. A non contact optical 3D deformation measuring system is provided having a plurality of high resolution digital cameras for measuring 3D coordinates and 3D deformations operatively connected to a computer. A removable tattoo is also provided including a substrate and a pattern having a plurality of indicia distributed to form a pattern density of between about 40% and about 60%. The removable tattoo provides a reference marking for the non contact optical 3D deformation measuring system.
US07892625B2
A method of manufacturing an electrical connecting element with a predetermined breaking point is provided, the method comprising the steps of providing a core which comprises fiber reinforced material, of cutting the core at a cutting location where the predetermined breaking point is to be, and thereby creating a cut in the core, of adding at least one layer of material including a dielectric in a non-hardened state, the at least one layer at least partially covering the cut, and thereby at least partially filling the cut with dielectric material, of hardening the dielectric material, and of cutting through the layer of material at the cutting location.
US07892620B2
There is provided a dielectric material containing no sulfur (S), and there is provided an information recording medium that affords high signal quality and excellent recording sensitivity and repeated rewrite characteristics, even though no interface layer is provided between a reflective layer and a dielectric layer. To this end, the present invention is an information recording medium that is equipped with at least a recording layer and undergoes phase change when the recording layer is irradiated with a laser beam or when current is applied, comprising an oxide-fluoride dielectric layer that includes indium (In), an element M1 (where M1 is at least one element selected from among Zr, Hf, Y, Ti, Nb, Ta, Cr, Ga, and Si), oxygen (O), an element M2 (where M2 is at least one element selected from among La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Mg, Ca, and Sr), and fluorine (F).
US07892615B2
The present invention provides a coating material composition with a gas-barrier property which comprises, as essential components, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (A) obtained by saponifying an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, an inorganic layered compound (B) and a solvent, wherein the total amount of (A) and (B) is 1 to 30% by mass and the mass ratio (A)/(B) is (30/70) to (50/50). The coating material provides gas-barrier properties to packaging materials.
US07892604B2
In certain example embodiments, a coated article includes respective layers including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and zirconium nitride before heat treatment (HT). During HT, the hydrogenated DLC acts as a fuel which upon combustion with oxygen produces carbon dioxide and/or water. The high temperature developed during this combustion heats the zirconium nitride to a temperature(s) well above the heat treating temperature, thereby causing the zirconium nitride to be transformed into a new post-HT layer including zirconium oxide that is scratch resistant and durable.
US07892600B2
The present invention relates to (a) the rotolining of the interior surface of a hollow article with tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether copolymer in a multicoat system, in which the undercoat also contains a powder additive, and the overcoat is preferably stabilized copolymer to form a bubble-free coating thicker than the undercoat, (b) embodiments in which the undercoat is stabilized or unstabilized copolymer, (c) use of the undercoat as a single coat system, (d) the composition for forming a bubble-free coating that adheres to the surface, arising from the presence of adhesion-promoting, non-bubble promoting metal powder being present in the composition.
US07892598B1
A multi-use labeling support structure having a support structure that includes an embossed resin film made without using a coated release substance (e.g., release coatings such as silicone coatings, added waxes or release agents). The embossed resin film thereof has a sufficiently high Ra factor and reduced contact surface area so that it will allow release of an adhesive affixed element without leaving any substantial adhesive residue on the embossed surface when removed.
US07892593B2
A method to coat a substrate for the formation of coatings having a desired surface morphology is provided, wherein the roughness and the total surface area of the coating can be varied during the coating process. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of generating droplets from a coating composition, transporting the droplets to the substrate and depositing a majority of the droplets on the substrate.
US07892590B2
Carbon dioxide is dissolved in perishable liquids loaded into pressure vessels that are provided with low carbon dioxide head pressure so as to improve product shelf life, thereby providing options for more economical shipment, as by rail and ocean vessels and for extended transport by truck and to facilitate extended storage of perishable products and to avoid the necessity of multiple treatments for pathogen reduction.
US07892589B2
Described are dough products that contain a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating contains a hydrophilic colloid, oil, plasticizer, and water, and functions as a moisture barrier.
US07892576B2
Tablet comprising at least one biologically active substance and an excipient, in which the excipient contains calcium carbonate and at least one additive selected from fatty acids, their salts, their esters, lipid materials, polysaccharides, polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyvinylpyrrolidone derivatives, acrylic compounds, mono-, di- or triglyceride esters, animal proteins, and mixtures of at least two of these. Method for producing these tablets. Use of calcium carbonate in tablets containing at least one biologically active substance, for the prolonged release of this substance.
US07892573B2
A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.
US07892569B2
It is disclosed herein that agents that affect the activity and/or expression of CXCL16 can be used to alter the uptake of D-type CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (D ODNs). Methods of inducing an immune response are disclosed that include administering agents that increase the activity and/or expression of CXCL16 and a D ODN. Methods of decreasing an immune response to a CpG ODN are also disclosed. These methods include administering an agent that decreases the activity and/or expression of CXCL16. Compositions including one or more D-type ODNs and an agent that modulates that activity and/or expression of CXCL16 are provided.
US07892568B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for the detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis.
US07892561B2
The invention provides new, specific antigenic peptides from the protein GDF8. The invention also provides fusion proteins comprising the new peptides, immunogens and vaccines based on the new peptides and/or fusion proteins, antibodies that specifically bind to the new peptides of GDF8, and methods of treating animals in order to modulate the activity of GDF8, employing vaccines or antibodies according to the invention.
US07892560B2
This invention describes a novel agent for the targeted control of a mammalian cell activity, in particular the agent is used to control the interaction of particular cell types with their external environment. The agent has applications as a pharmaceutical for the treatment of a variety of disorders. An agent according to the invention comprises three Domains B, T and E linked together in the following manner: Domain B-Domain T-Domain E where Domain B is the Binding Domain which binds the agent to a Binding Site on the cell which undergoes endocytosis to produce an endosome, Domain T is the Translocation Domain which translocates the agent (with or without the Binding Site) from within the endosome across the endosomal membrane into the cytosol of the cell, Domain E is the Effector Domain which inhibits the ability of the Recyclable Membrane Vesicles to transport the Integral Membrane Proteins to the surface of the cell.
US07892546B2
The present invention provides antibodies that bind human CXCR4 and are characterized as having high affinity and strong neutralizing properties. The antibodies of the invention are useful in the treatment of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, or metastasis.
US07892545B2
A method to treat conditions characterized by formation of amyloid plaques both prophylactically and therapeutically is described. The method employs humanized antibodies which sequester soluble Aβ peptide from human biological fluids or which preferably specifically bind an epitope contained within position 13-28 of the amyloid beta peptide Aβ.
US07892533B2
The invention relates inter alia to a method for inducing a long-term protection in an animal against foreign antigens and tumor antigens comprising the step of administering to the animal at least one factor selected from type I interferons and Flt-3, and to a method for inducing a long-term increase of the number of dendritic cells in an animal comprising the step of administering to the animal a factor selected from type I interferon and Flt-3 and to a method of inducing or enhancing the maturation and/or for the activation of the immune system of an animal comprising the step of administering to the animal a factor selected from type I interferon and Flt-3.
US07892530B2
Tumor metastases in cancer patients are inhibited by administration of a combination therapy including effective amounts of Interleukin-2 and a methylol transfer agent such as taurolidine, taurultam or mixtures thereof.
US07892529B2
Peptide of a size comprised between 5 and 40 amino acids, originating from a cytokine, in which at least one of its amino acids comprises at least one of its atoms separated by a distance d of less than 5 angströms from an atom of the receptor corresponding to said cytokine, the spacing d being evaluated on the basis of structural data, derivatives, immunogenic compounds comprising them, use of a peptide or peptide derivative or immunogenic compound for the preparation of a curative or preventative medicament intended for the treatment or prevention of diseases linked to an excess or to the presence of cytokines or for the treatment of an auto-immune disease and pharmaceutical compositions which contain at least one abovementioned peptide or peptide derivative or immunogenic compound as active ingredient.
US07892524B2
Composite particles for providing UV photo protection in cosmetic compositions are reported which include an organic sunscreen agent dispersed within a condensation polymerized resin having carboxylic acid groups and a dielectric constant ranging from 6.5 to 18.
US07892519B2
CuInS2 nanoparticles have been prepared from single source precursors via microwave irradiation. Also, CuInGaS2 alloy nanoparticles have been prepared. Microwave irradiation methods have allowed an increase in the efficiency of preparation of these materials by providing increased uniformity of heating and shorter reaction times. Nanoparticle growth has been controlled in the about 1 to 5 nm size range by variation of thiolated capping ligand concentrations as well as reaction temperatures and times. Investigation of the photophysical properties of the colloidal nanoparticles has been performed using electronic absorption and luminescence emission spectroscopy. Qualitative nanoparticles sizes have been determined from the photoluminescence (PL) data and compared to TEM images.
US07892518B2
A method of fluorination comprising reacting monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, composite saccharides formed by bonding of these saccharides with proteins and lipids and saccharides having polyalcohols, aldehydes, ketones and acids of the polyalcohols, and derivatives and condensates of these compounds with a fluorinating agent represented by general formula (I) thermally or under irradiation with microwave or an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength around the microwave region. In accordance with the method, the fluorination at a selected position can be conducted safely at a temperature in the range of 150 to 200° C. where the reaction is difficult in accordance with conventional methods. The above method comprising the irradiation with microwave or an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength around the microwave region can be applied to substrates other than saccharides. When a complex compound comprising HF and a base is reacted under irradiation with microwave, fluorination at a specific position which is difficult in accordance with conventional methods proceeds highly selectively, efficiently in a short time and safely.
US07892511B2
Systems and processes for producing one or more products from syngas are provided. A feedstock can be gasified in the presence of an oxidant to provide a syngas comprising carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. At least a portion of the syngas can be combusted to provide an exhaust gas. At least a portion of the exhaust gas can be introduced to a channel having one or more reaction zones at least partially disposed therein, wherein the one or more reaction zones are in indirect heat exchange with the exhaust gas, wherein the one or more reaction zones comprises one or more catalyst-containing tubes. A reactant can be reacted in at least one of the one or more reaction zones to provide one or more reactor products.
US07892502B2
An improved system and method for controlling ozone concentration in connection with a multi-chamber tool. The system and method involve a first and a second concentration controller in combination with an ozone generator. The first concentration controller detects an EVENT (i.e., one of the chambers in the multi-chamber tool coming on-line or off-line) and in response provides a power instruction to the ozone generator in accordance with a predictive control algorithm. The first concentration controller has a fast (i.e, about 1 second) response time. The second concentration controller is masked from the ozone generator during the EVENT, but otherwise controls the generator after an interval of time has lapsed after the EVENT. The second concentration controller has a slower response time than the first concentration controller, however the second concentration controller provides the system with long-term stability and can be used to provide updated data to the predictive control algorithm.
US07892500B2
A system and method for recycling plastics. The system and method recover materials such as hydrocarbon gases, liquid hydrocarbon distillates, various polymers and/or monomers used to produce the original plastics. The system and method allow about one unit of input of energy input to the plastic recycler to be used to create one or more gaseous components and one or more liquid distillate components from a plastic that is being recycled. The one or more gaseous components and one or more liquid distillate components produce about one corresponding unit of useable output energy recovered from the recycling of the plastic.
US07892486B2
A harmless sterilization method and sterilization apparatus which provide adequate sterilization effects without residual gas. The method includes a sterilization step in which a chamber containing an object to be sterilized is depressurized; a hydrogen peroxide supply step in which hydrogen peroxide is supplied into the chamber; an ozone supply step in which ozone is supplied into the chamber; a sterilization step in which the hydrogen peroxide and ozone supplied inside the chamber are dispersed to sterilize the object to be sterilized; an exhaust step in which gas inside the chamber is exhausted; and a plasma generation step in which plasma is generated inside the chamber to break down hydrogen peroxide and ozone remaining near the object to be sterilized, and radicals which promote sterilization are generated.
US07892485B1
A device for cleaning and deodorizing a sponge and a method of using the device. The device includes a carrier assembly that travels along a guide-track system and is lowered into a base unit large enough to hold a bath of cleaning solution that would engulf the sponge. The carrier assembly is used to compress, decompress, and recompress the sponge, which in turn absorbs a cleaning solution and expels the cleaning solution along with foreign matter.
US07892478B2
An immersion mold for a medical device balloon. The mold has a cavity adapted to receive a hollow parison expandable therein to form the balloon. The cavity has a length, a first end, a second end, and a cavity wall with inner and outer surfaces. The mold form cavity wall is provided with one or a plurality of through-holes along the length thereof to facilitate entrance and egress of a heated fluid.
US07892477B2
A process and a device for the manufacture of a hollow body, particularly of a heat-resistant hollow body, which is molded out of a heated preform of thermoplastic plastic in a contoured blow mold through the introduction of a first medium into the preform, which medium is stored in a first medium storage unit and is under a pressure (p1) (preblowing phase), and the more or less simultaneous stretching of the hollow body through a stretching rod and the introduction of a second medium in the hollow body, which medium is stored in a second medium storage unit and the pressure of which (p2) is higher than the pressure of the first medium (p1) (final blowing phase), and which is cooled by a third medium, which is medium stored in a third medium storage unit (rinsing phase), whereby the preblowing medium is under a pressure of approximately 2-20 bar, the final blowing medium is under a pressure of approximately 15-45 bar, and the cooling medium is under a pressure of approximately 30-45 bar.
US07892466B2
Methods of tailoring polyethylenes are contemplated utilizing 0.5 to 70 volume percent oxygen containing gases. The tailoring occurs in a melt-conveying zone of a mixer/extruder, and not in the feed or melting zones of a mixer/extruder. The effect of tailoring is to decrease the haze and/or increase the gloss of blown films made from the tailored polyethylenes compared to similar polyethylenes that are extruded/mixed in the substantial absence of oxygen or oxygen containing gases.
US07892462B2
Method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of polymer material in a sequential injection molding process. In one embodiment, the method provides: delivering a first shot of a first material simultaneously to a plurality of mold cavities; independently sensing for each cavity a property that is indicative of a volume or flow of material that is delivered to the corresponding cavity during the step of delivering the first shot; independently stopping the step of delivering the first shot to one or more cavities according to a program that uses as a variable a signal indicative of the property sensed for the corresponding cavity during delivery of the first shot; and delivering a second shot of a second material simultaneously to the cavities subsequent to the step of stopping the step of delivering the first shot.
US07892459B2
Photochromic matrix compositions and tie layer compositions useful for the preparation of photochromic polycarbonate lenses are disclosed. The tie layer compositions facilitate adhesion of the photochromic matrix composition to the polycarbonate lens. The photochromic matrix compositions can contain a flexible hydrophilic dimethacrylate monomer, one or more hydrophobic monomers, a flexible hydrophobic multi(meth)acrylate monomer, one or more urethane methacrylate oligomers, and one or more photochromic dyes. The tie layer compositions can contain one or more methacrylate monomers, a (meth)acrylated oligomer with a polycarbonate backbone, one or more urethane methacrylate oligomers, and a solvent or solvent mixture. Methods of preparing photochromic polycarbonate lenses are also disclosed, involving the serial application of the tie layer composition, then the photochromic matrix composition to the lens.
US07892455B2
The invention relates to a composition based on a polyamide matrix comprising electrically-conductive charges. Said composition can be prepared in order to produce plastic articles such as, for example, body parts in the automobile industry, having a good capacity for being painted using an electrostatic paint application method.
US07892453B2
A light-emitting device is produced using a phosphor composition containing a phosphor host having as a main component a composition represented by a composition formula: aM3N2.bAlN.cSi3N4, where “M” is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn, and “a”, “b”, and “c” are numerical values satisfying 0.2≦a/(a+b)≦0.95, 0.05≦b/(b+c)≦0.8, and 0.4≦c/(c+a)≦0.95. This enables a light-emitting device emitting white light and satisfying both a high color rendering property and a high luminous flux to be provided.
US07892452B2
Provided is a nanocrystalline phosphor having a core/shell structure formed by a core of a group 13 nitride semiconductor and a shell layer, covering the core, including a shell film of a group 13 nitride mixed crystal semiconductor. This nanocrystalline phosphor has high luminous efficiency, and is excellent in reliability. Also provided is a coated nanocrystalline phosphor prepared by bonding modified organic molecules to the nanocrystalline phosphor and/or coating the nanocrystalline phosphor with the modified organic molecules. This coated nanocrystalline phosphor has high dispersibility. Further provided is a method of preparing a coated nanocrystalline phosphor by heating a mixed solution containing a core of a group 13 nitride semiconductor, a nitrogen-containing compound, a group 13 element-containing compound and modified organic molecules.
US07892442B2
A method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head works a part to be worked to a target length by carrying out an etching process on an object to be worked using an etching apparatus. The method carries out a measuring process that measures a length before working of a part to be worked using a measuring apparatus and a calculation process that calculates the processing time of the etching process required to work the part to be worked from the length before working to the target length based on a first calculation result correcting parameter obtained in advance corresponding to the measuring apparatus, a second calculation result correcting parameter obtained in advance corresponding to a position of the part to be worked, a third calculation result correcting parameter obtained in advance corresponding to a value of a current supplied to an electrode of the etching apparatus during the etching process, a fourth calculation result correcting parameter obtained in advance corresponding to a total usage time of the electrode, the length before working, and the target length. The etching process is carried out on the object to be worked for the calculated processing time.
US07892435B2
Systems and methods are disclosed that promote the remediation of contaminated materials that are produced during industrial processes. These systems and methods include heating a material, transferring heat from the material to an industrial process. During this transfer, contaminants may be introduced into the material. These methods may remove the contaminant by treating the material with a surface modified nanoceramic through nanofiltration and/or active sites adsorption/reaction. The surface modified nanoceramic may remove at least part of the contaminant in the material. No cooling required prior to removing the contaminant from the material, which can lead to great energy saving and pollution reduction.
US07892426B2
A reducing water purification material having a reducing iron-based precipitate selected from green rust, iron ferrite, reducing iron hydroxide, and a mixture thereof. A wastewater treatment process having steps of adding a reducing iron compound to wastewater, leading the wastewater to which the reducing iron compound is added to a reaction tank and forming a precipitate, separating the formed precipitate by a solid-liquid separation to obtain a sludge, and alkalinizing all or a portion of the separated sludge to form an alkaline sludge followed by returning to the reaction tank, wherein in the precipitation step, the wastewater to which the reducing iron compound is added and the alkaline sludge are mixed and are allowed to react in a non-oxidizing atmosphere under alkaline condition to form a reducing iron compound precipitate as the precipitate, thereby incorporating contaminants in the precipitate to remove the contaminants from the wastewater.
US07892418B2
The present invention relates to a process for reducing sulfur content in petroleum fuel, such as diesel fuel, and raising the Cetane Number to a value above 50.
US07892416B2
The present invention provides a thermodynamic cracking process wherein the cracking takes place in a cyclone reactor and in a riser of varying areas under the influence of a rotating and turbulent fluidised energy carrier which is put in motion in a fluidised regenerator by injection of combustion gases or air. A cracking unit is also described.
US07892413B2
Electroplating methods and chemistries for deposition of copper-indium-gallium containing thin films
Described is an electrodeposition solution for deposition of a Group IB-IIIA thin film on a conductive surface. In a preferred embodiment, the electrodeposition solution comprises a solvent; a Group IB material source that dissolves in the solvent and provides a Group IB material; a Group IIIA material source that dissolves in the solvent and provides a Group IIIA material; and a blend of at least two complexing agents, one of the at least two complexing agent forming a complex with the Group IB material and the other one of the at least two complexing agent forming a complex with the Group IIIA material; wherein the pH of the solution is at least 7.
US07892412B2
A manufacturing process of an embedded type flexible or rigid printed circuit board includes multiple steps. First, a layer of dry film is applied to a layer of copper foil. Then a circuit pattern is formed on the copper foil through photolithography processes. An etching stop layer is electroplated on the copper foil according to the circuit pattern. The etching stop layer is then electroplated with copper. The copper foil is softened by a high temperature process after removing the dry film. Then the layer of the copper foil is etched after coating with an organic layer and the organic layer is solidified.
US07892410B2
To form a thick coating by a discharge surface treatment, a voltage between an electrode and a workpiece during a discharge is detected, and it is determined that a discharge surface treatment state is abnormal if it is detected that the voltage is reduced. With this arrangement, it is possible to accurately detect an unstable phenomenon in the discharge surface treatment, and take appropriate measures before a state of the coating and a state of the electrode are worsened due to the unstable phenomenon. By discriminating a stability of the discharge surface treatment, the coating and the electrode are prevented from being damaged.
US07892401B2
A fabric for use in a papermaking machine, the fabric including a first end portion of the fabric having a first flexibility, and a second end portion of the fabric having a second flexibility. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion is treated with an agent to reduce the flexibility associated therewith. The first end portion and the second end portion are coupled together. The agent is substantially removed from the first end portion and the second end portion. The reduced flexibility of the first end portion and/or the said second end portion define a stiffness that is substantially unaffected by a humid environment.
US07892400B2
A chip pretreatment process which comprises conveying the feed material through a compression screw device having an atmosphere of saturated steam at a pressure above about 5 psig, decompressing and discharging the compressed material from the screw device into a decompression region, feeding the decompressed material from the decompression region into a fiberizing device, such as a low intensity disc refiner, where at least about 30 percent of the fiber bundles and fibers are axially separated, without substantial fibrillation of the fibers. In a more specific form the invention is directed to a process for producing mechanical pulp, including the steps of fiberizing wood chip feed material in a low intensity disc refiner until at least about 30 percent of the fibers are axially separated with less than about 5 percent fibrillation, and subsequently refining the fiberized material in a high intensity disc refiner until at least about 90 percent of the fibers are fibrillated. In another form the invention combines chip fiberizing with chemical treatments, for improving the pulp property versus energy relationships.
US07892397B2
A process for producing dissolving pulp includes a degumming step using a degumming liquor which includes hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.
US07892390B2
A multilayered flexible laminate comprising: a first lamina having a inlet channel; a second lamina having a outlet channel; the first and second laminas joined to one another about an unbonded valve region having open and closed orientations; wherein the first and outlet channels are in gaseous communication when the valve region is in the open orientation.
US07892386B2
The invention provides fluorescing compositions which cure by exposure to ultraviolet radiation and contain a europium compound which fluoresces at visible wavelengths. More particularly, the invention pertains to liquid, radiation-curable compositions comprising a substantially homogeneous fluid comprising, a fluorescing europium compound in an admixture of a polymerizable component and a polymerization initiator. Such find use as adhesives, coatings, and the like.
US07892385B2
An adhesive member for a display device is provided. The adhesive member includes first and second adhesive layers, and coating layers. The first and second adhesive layers have different adherence characteristics. Each of the coating layers covers the first and second adhesive layer, respectively. The adherence of the second adhesive layer is stronger than that of the first adhesive layer.
US07892381B2
A fiber optic faceplate fabricated using a series of stacked ribbon structures. Each ribbon structure comprises optical fiber segments that run from an input edge to an output edge with fixed input and output fiber-to-fiber spacing. Input and output edge spacers may be used to provide spacing between stacked ribbon structures. Ribbon structures may be provided individually or as one or more sheets of ribbon structures.
US07892354B2
A process for the detection of polymorphic or pseudopolymorphic forms of solid, molecular and crystallizing compounds, or of molecular, cocrystalline compounds or of solid solutions which consist of at least two solid, molecular and crystallizing compounds, in a series investigation using an apparatus for parallel investigations in vessels of an array under different conditions in each vessel, in which substantially only the amorphous form of the crystallizing compound, a solvate of the crystallizing compound or substantially only the amorphous form or a solvate of a compound in a mixture of at least two compounds is used as a suspension or solution, the solutions of amorphous compound having, at the same temperature, a higher content of crystallizable compounds than is achievable with a corresponding crystalline compound.
US07892350B2
A method of producing cementitious mixtures containing fly ash as one of the cementitious components, under air entrainment conditions. The method involves forming a mixture comprising water, cement, fly ash, optionally other cementitious materials, aggregate, conventional chemical admixtures, and an air entrainment agent and agitating the mixture to entrain air therein. Additionally, at least one sacrificial agent is also included in the mixture. The sacrificial agent is a material or mixture of materials that is not required to act as an air entrainment agent but interacts preferentially with components of the fly ash that otherwise neutralize, repress or depress the activity of the air entrainment agent. The invention includes cementitious mixtures and hardened concretes resulting from the method and fly ash treated with sacrificial agent, or air entrainment agent/sacrificial agent combinations, and processes for selecting suitable sacrificial agents.
US07892348B2
The present invention relates to a formulation of a high-performance foamed cement material, comprising: at least one hydraulic binder, microparticles whose grain size ranges between 0.1 and 30 μm, whose proportion ranges between 15% and 50% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, mineral particles whose grain size ranges between 1 and 500 μm, whose proportion ranges between 10% and 35% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, the proportion of particles being lower than the proportion of microparticles, a hydrosoluble polymer thinning agent whose proportion ranges between 0.1% and 8% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, water whose proportion is at most 40% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder, a foaming agent whose proportion ranges between 0.1% and 10% by mass in relation to the mass of hydraulic binder.
US07892343B2
A manufacturing method for a slurry for the production of a precision casting mold that includes a zirconia sol and a refractory powder, and a manufacturing method for a precision casting mold that uses the slurry is provided. The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a slurry for the production of a precision casting mold for a metal that includes a step in which an alkaline zirconia sol (A1) and a refractory powder (D) are mixed, the alkaline zirconia sol (A1) being obtained by a manufacturing method that includes a step (i), in which a zirconium salt (B1) is heated at 60 to 110° C. in an aqueous medium that includes a carbonate of quaternary ammonium, and a step (ii), in which a hydrothermal treatment is carried out at 100 to 250° C. In addition, the present invention relates to a manufacturing method for a slurry for the production of a precision casting mold for a metal that includes a step in which an acidic zirconia sol (C3) and a refractory powder (D) are mixed, the acidic zirconia sol (C3) being obtained by a manufacturing method that includes a step (I), in which an alkaline zirconia sol (A3) and a zirconium salt (B3) are mixed, and a step II, in which the obtained liquid mixture is caused to react at 80 to 250° C.
US07892340B2
An ink-jet recording ink including water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a pigment (P1) as a colorant (B), and at least one fluorochemical surfactant selected from compounds represented by Structural Formula (1) below, where R1 denotes any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and a fluorine-containing group, Rf denotes a fluorine-containing group, and each of x, y and z denotes an integer of 1 or greater.
US07892332B2
A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining first and second valve chambers, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the first and second valve chambers, the air separation chamber including a baffle and structured such that when the cassette is placed in a dialysis instrument, (i) the baffle extends upwardly from a bottom of the air separation chamber and (ii) first and second openings to the air separation chamber, communicating fluidly and respectively with the first and second valve chambers, are located near the bottom of the air separation chamber, such that the dialysis fluid is forced up one side of the baffle and down the other side of the baffle when flowing through the air separation chamber.
US07892331B2
A dialysis fluid cassette includes a rigid portion defining at least one valve chamber, the rigid portion further defining an air separation chamber, the air separation chamber when in an operating position including a first sidewall and a second sidewall, a first fluid opening, a second fluid opening, and a separation wall extending from the first sidewall to the second sidewall, the separation wall having a free edge residing within the air separation chamber, the separation wall forcing the dialysis fluid to flow from one of the fluid openings around the free edge of the separation wall to the other of the openings.
US07892312B2
A nitrification inhibitor and a soil improver and a fertilizer containing the same are offered which can be utilized in a wide area from a tropical to a temperate zone, and can be easily obtained from natural origin materials. It is a nitrification inhibitor to inhibit soil nitrification, containing as a main component either one of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, and methyl linoleate, or their mixture of two or more. By incorporating this nitrification inhibitor into a soil improver or a fertilizer, nitrification of soil can be effectively inhibited.
US07892302B2
A process and system is provided for briquetting particulate matter such as moisture-containing bituminous and sub-bituminous coal. This process includes partially drying the particulate matter and feeding, the partially dried particulate matter to a briquetting apparatus under conditions such that water vapor is released from the particulate matter during feeding. The particulate matter is passed through briquette forming rollers to form briquettes. The released water vapor substantially displaces or prevents the ingress of a large proportion of other gaseous components from the atmosphere surrounding and/or intermixed with the particulate matter. The particulate matter that is fed to the briquetting apparatus is surrounded by and intermixed with a gaseous component containing 70 to 100% by volume of water vapor at the point where it enters the briquette-forming part of the briquetting apparatus.
US07892300B2
A process for upgrading a diesel fuel, includes the steps of providing a diesel fuel feedstock; hydrogenating the feedstock at a pressure of less than about 600 psig so as to provide a hydrogenated product wherein a portion of the feedstock is converted to alkyl-naphthene-aromatic compounds; and selectively oxidizing the hydrogenated product in the presence of a catalyst so as to convert the alkyl-naphthene-aromatic compounds to alkyl ketones. A catalyst and oxygen-containing Diesel fuel are also provided.
US07892294B2
Provided herein is a method for dyeing keratin fibers, comprising applying to the keratin fibers, at least one composition comprising at least one compound chosen from compounds of leuco type of formula (I), dyes of azomethine type containing a pyrazolopyridine unit of formula (II) corresponding to the compounds of formula (I), mesomeric forms, isomers and tautomers thereof, and also acid-addition salts thereof and solvates thereof:
US07892288B2
A femoral augment, or set of augments, for use with a knee joint prosthesis, where the femoral augment includes a main body portion, an aperture formed within the main body portion and extending in a generally distal/proximal direction, and a pair of legs extending outwardly from said main body portion in a generally posterior direction. In the preferred embodiment, the aperture is configured to receive a stem extension implant, and to allow it to pass through. Additionally, the legs of the femoral augment are preferably configured to be seated proximal of a proximal side of a pair of condylar portions of a femoral component of a knee joint prosthesis. The present invention is intended for situations in which the distal portion of the femur is defective, and it provides a method and devices that allow for preservation of healthy peripheral bone, while still providing the necessary augmentation to the distal portion of the femur.
US07892282B2
Apparatus and methodology for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye. The apparatus includes a cartridge for holding an IOL and a handpiece with a body member for receiving the cartridge, an injector rod that is receivable by the body member, and a drive mechanism that longitudinally oscillates the injector rod in the body member when a rotational force is applied about a longitudinal axis in a single direction. In other words, a constant rotation in a single direction of the drive mechanism causes the injector rod to move distally and proximally in discrete increments, with the distal increments being larger than the proximal increments. Accordingly, the injector rod urges an IOL out of the handpiece in a two-steps-forward, one-step-back manner, thereby minimizing or eliminating the chance of the injector rod engaging with the IOL.
US07892281B2
A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchor may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. The anchor engages the lumen wall when expanded and prevents substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart. When the outer sheath is retracted, the prosthetic valve assembly expands to an expanded position such that the valve and valve support expand within the deficient native valve, and the anchor engages the lumen wall.
US07892280B2
An implantable medical device including an expandable stent with an amorphous fluoropolymer coating, and methods of coating the stent. The amorphous fluoropolymer coating may be optically transparent and resistant to chemical corrosion.
US07892279B2
The present invention concerns novel stent apparatuses for use in treating lesions at or near the bifurcation point in bifurcated cardiac, coronary, renal, peripheral vascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, urinary and neurovascular vessels and brain vessels. More particularly, the invention concerns a stent apparatus with at least one side opening which may further comprise an extendable stent portion laterally extending from the side opening and at least partly in registry with the wall of the side opening. Devices constructed in accordance with the invention include, singularly or in combination, a main expandable stent comprising at least one substantially circular side opening located between its proximal and distal end openings, which side opening may further comprise an expandable portion extending radially outward from the edges of the side opening; and a branch stent comprising proximal and distal end openings and which may further comprise a contacting portion at its proximal end, and which may optionally be constructed to form either a perpendicular branch or a non-perpendicular branch when inserted through a side opening of the main stent. The stents of the invention are marked with, or at least partially constructed of, a material which is imagable during intraluminal catheterization techniques, most preferably but not limited to ultrasound and x-ray.
US07892278B2
As described herein, vascular anchoring systems are used to position an implant in a vascular area such as a bifurcated vasculature with relatively high fluid flow, for instance, in an area of a pulmonary artery with associated left and right pulmonary arteries. Implementations include an anchoring trunk member having a first anchoring trunk section and a second anchoring trunk section. Further implementations include a first anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member. Still further implementations include a second anchoring branch member extending from the anchoring trunk member.
US07892270B2
Intravascular closed loop heat exchange catheters are used to manage temperature in burn patients.
US07892268B2
An apparatus for directing light to an eye for exciting a photosensitizer includes a high output or super bright LED and an optic that receives light from the LED and concentrates the light so that it is nearly collimated. The LED is a single light source that is used for both therapy and for diagnostics or aiming.
US07892264B2
A fixation device for reduction and fixation of fractures of the talus bone of the foot includes a thin titanium alloy plate having a lower wing configured for attachment to the lateral aspect of the talus and an upper wing configured for attachment to the dorsal aspect of the talus. The plate includes a substantially perpendicular or right angle bend between the lower and upper wings. In one embodiment, each wing includes three screw holes arranged in a generally triangular pattern. Two holes on each plate are situated in tabs and the center of the plate has a reduced width so that the plate presents a minimal profile. One of the tabs on the upper wing is bent away from the lower wing at a pre-determined angle so that the wing conforms to the shape of the talus. In an alternative embodiment, the upper wing includes a step portion between the lower wing and the bent tab and carrying one screw hole. In this embodiment, the bent tab is generally elongated with one or two screw holes disposed along its length.
US07892253B2
A tourniquet for restricting a flow of blood in a body part comprises a first elongated member, and a second elongated member in slidable engagement with the first elongated member. In addition, the tourniquet includes a tensioning mechanism connected to the second elongated member, wherein a compressive force is applied to the body part upon applying a tensile force to the second elongated member using the tensioning mechanism. At least one embodiment of the present invention comprises a buckle having one or more of a raised intermediate bar and one or more teeth for contacting a portion of the first elongated member. The tourniquet is suited for emergency use, and may be applied by using only one hand. Thus, the tourniquet may be applied, manipulated and tightened by the wearer, even if the wearer is limited to the use of a single hand.
US07892251B1
A locking component delivers and locks an attached medical device along a pre-deployed guide wire. The locking component can lock onto a flexible body member disposed on the guide wire, such as the distal helical tip coil of a conventional guide or a specially-designed guide wire. The locking component includes a tapered opening which temporarily compresses a portion of the helical coil and a locking recess in communication with the tapered opening for receiving the compressed coil. Compressed coils which enter the locking recess will spring back to their original shape (diameter) within the locking recess, locking the component to the coil.
US07892243B2
The present invention provides a surgical manipulator which is capable of manipulating a surgical or medical tool in up to six degrees of freedom. The manipulator has a haptic interface and an associated position sensing system. A controller is provided that can be used to adjust movement information from the haptic interface based on the relative orientations of the manipulator and the haptic interface.
US07892231B2
A system for treating tissue includes a probe assembly having a cannula, a shaft, and one or more needle electrodes. The shaft has a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal and proximal ends of the shaft, and is slidable within the lumen of the cannula. Each needle electrode has a lumen that may be placed in communication with a port at a proximal end of the probe assembly, and is configured to deliver an occlusive element to a site. The system may further include an embolization actuator for delivering the occlusive element. A method of treating tissue includes placing an electrode at a site of a treatment region, occluding at least a part of a vessel located adjacent the site by delivering an occlusion element from an electrode, and delivering ablation energy to the site while the vessel is at least partially occluded.
US07892230B2
Electrosurgical methods and apparatus for the controlled ablation of tissue from a target site of a patient. The instrument includes a shaft having proximal and distal end portion and a planar active electrode on the distal end portion; a return electrode arranged on the shaft spaced from the active electrode; at least one electrical connector extending through the shaft that connects the active electrode with a high frequency power supply; and an aspiration lumen within the shaft having a distal opening. The active electrode is arranged vertically or perpendicular to the tissue treatment surface. The planar electrode may include one or more apertures.
US07892226B2
A method of corneal laser surgery is disclosed. A first periphery is defined at an anterior surface of the cornea. This first periphery bounds a first planar area. A second periphery is defined within stromal tissue of the cornea. This second periphery bounds a second planar area. The second planar area is sized differently than the first planar area. A layer of stromal tissue which is bounded by the second periphery is subsequently incised. Stromal tissue between substantial portions of the first periphery and the second periphery is also incised, such that at least some corneal tissue disposed between the first and second peripheries remains connected to corneal tissue outside of the first and second peripheries.
US07892223B2
A surgical instrument has a gas-delivery device to supply a noble gas or other inert gas to a tissue-treatment region and a rinsing device for rinsing a target region, in particular a tissue-treatment region. In the instrument the rinsing pressure is generated by the inert gas supplied by the gas-delivery device.
US07892219B2
A disposable wearing article has a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is provided with a tape fastener attached thereto. The tape fastener may be folded so as to be unfoldable in a longitudinal direction and includes a first tape strip and a second tape strip underlying the first tape strip. The first tape strip has a free end zone and a first end zone and is adhesively attached to the second tape strip. The second tape strip has a fixed end zone secured to the second surface and a second end zone. The first end zone of the first tape strip has an extension that extends beyond the second end zone of the second tape strip and is adhesively attached to the second surface either directly or via a third tape strip of the tape fastener.
US07892217B2
A liquid measurement device having a containment structure, a sensor, and an interface device, having particular applicability to the collection and administration of electrically conductive fluids. The device is configured to house and monitor the height of a fluid. The containment structure has at least one variable cross-section portion. The sensor has two cooperating variable resistance sections that account for the variable cross-section of the containment structure. The electrical resistance of the sensor changes as the fluid height changes and shorts out a portion of the sensor. The sensor may include an electrically conductive ink that is printed on the interior of the containment structure. The sensor receives an electrical measurement signal and modifies the signal in a predetermined manner to reflect the amount of fluid within the containment structure. The device is useful in measuring the amount of fluid in urine collection bags and intravenous bags.
US07892213B2
A fluid flow rate control system and method comprises a capillary tube having a proximal end that projects into a chamber with a cross-sectional area that is larger than or equal to the fluid supply tube's cross-sectional area. The inner cross-sectional area of the capillary tube is configured less than the inner cross-sectional area of the chamber. The chamber has a volume large enough to slow the fluid conducted to it by the upstream fluid line to permit contaminants to fall out of solution. In another aspect, a sleeve is used to mount the capillary tube into the chamber. The sleeve provides a mounting surface for tube segments from the pump and downstream of the capillary restrictor.
US07892205B2
The present invention provides a catheter and catheter assembly for delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body and, in particular, to a target site in the heart. The micronized therapeutic agents are delivered in aerosol form or dry powder form. The present invention also provides a method of delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body by placing the therapeutic agents in a catheter, positioning the catheter in the target site, and exposing the therapeutic agents to an energizing mechanism sufficient to create supersonic flow to carry the therapeutic agents from a stationary state in the catheter to a mobile state towards the target site.
US07892199B2
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an occlusion sensor that can be used to detect when an occlusion exists in the fluid path between the medicine reservoir and the infusion site on the user's skin. Such an occlusion may occur, for example, when the fluid flow line (e.g., a cannula, infusion set tubing, or the like) is kinked. If the medicine dispensation path to the user is occluded, the user may receive no dosage or a lower dosage of the medicine. As such, the occlusion sensor can be used to indicate when the fluid is flowing or not flowing, thereby permitting the infusion pump system to communicate an alarm to the user if an occlusion exists.
US07892189B2
A movement analysis display apparatus includes a analyzing unit for analyzing waveform data of a time series which is acquired from a movement sensor, and a display unit for displaying an analysis result that is analyzed by the analyzing unit. The analyzing unit includes a movement waveform generating section for generating a movement waveform from the waveform data, an energy balance value calculating means for calculating a movement energy ratio in opposed movement directions in a velocity waveform, an envelope curve generating section for generating an envelope curve at a given time width in a distance waveform, and a time integration curve analyzing section for integrating a movement waveform with respect to time.
US07892187B2
A method of making a guide wire involves butting a connection end face at a proximal end of a first wire against a connection end face at a distal end of a second wire while applying voltage and a pressing force to weld together the first and second wires at a welded portion. The welded portion forms a projection that projects outwardly in an outer peripheral direction relative to portions of the first and second wire adjacent the projection. The outer dimension of the projection at the welded portion is adjusted so that upon completing adjusting the outer dimension of the projection the projection still projects outwardly in the outer peripheral direction relative to the portions of the first and second wire adjacent the projection.
US07892186B2
The invention includes an assembly having a handle for articulating an articulator in an ergonomically improved manner. The handle can be adapted to articulate a distal portion of the articulator when squeezed. The handle can have at least one accessible attachment mechanism useful for reattachably attaching the articulator and the handle during a medical procedure. The invention also includes methods of making and using such a handle.
US07892176B2
An ultrasonic monitoring system is formed with a probe unit. In one example an array of transducer cells is arranged in rows and columns formed along a first plane with a first pitch along a first direction. An integrated circuit including an array of circuit cells is formed along a second plane parallel to the first plane. The circuit cells are spaced apart along the first direction at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch. A first of the transducer cells is vertically aligned, along a direction normal to one of the planes, with a first of the circuit cells and having a connection thereto. A second of the transducer cells is offset from vertical alignment with respect to the position of a second circuit cell so as to not overlie the second circuit cell. A connection subsystem is positioned between the array of transducer cells and the array of circuit cells, configured to form connection of the first transducer cell to the first circuit cell and connection of the second transducer cell with the second circuit cell.
US07892148B1
A treadmill assembly comprising a substantially horizontal tread assembly including oppositely extending front and rear ends, a tread and a controller for controlling movement of the tread, a support structure extending proximate the rear end of the tread assembly to a distal top end substantially above the rear end of the tread assembly, a table top member mounted to the distal top end of the support structure, the top member including a substantially flat work surface and a front edge, the work surface having dimensions suitable to support a computer keyboard and a control assembly including at least one input button for providing command signals for controlling the controller, the control assembly supported by the table top member adjacent the front edge of the table top member.
US07892136B2
The present invention provides gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle having a first planetary gear set being a double pinion planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set being a single pinion planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set being a Ravigneaux planetary gear set, with five clutches and two brakes, which realizes ten forward speeds and three reverse speeds.
US07892123B2
The present invention relates to a mounting structure for mounting firmly onto a rotating shaft a rotational force transmission member such as a chain sprocket, a gear, a belt pulley and the like. A drive sprocket as a rotational force transmission member is fitted into an end of the rotating shaft in a splined manner. A coned disc spring and a washer are positioned in sequence onto an outer face of the rotational force transmission member. The coned disc spring and the washer are supported and sandwiched by the screw fastening member to be screwed to an end of the rotating shaft and the rotational force transmission member.
US07892116B2
A baseball training aid is provided which includes an audio or visual pitch indicator for simulating a baseball pitcher's pitch. The training aid further includes an impact sensor, preferably in the form of a microphone, for detecting whether a practicing batter's swing is timely, premature or late. The audio signals produced by the microphone are processed by a processor to determine the timeliness of the batter's swing. The results are then communicated to the batter using an audio or visual feedback indicator.
US07892115B2
A method of practicing athletic skills is disclosed along with systems associated therewith. The method may include providing a ball drop system and an athlete in a first position. The ball drop system may drop a ball and may prompt the athlete to leave the first position and move their entire body at least one step length to a second position. The second position may be in contact with or proximate to the ball drop system or dropped ball.
US07892103B2
A method for golf swing training. In one embodiment, the method comprises a weighted club with directional mountings attached to a resistance means. The resistance means applies force from behind forcing the squaring up of the club face. The disclosed technology comprises a pulley system that allows for the variable resistance associated with the various exercises. By not using a traditional golf head and using directional mountings, the device is no longer dependent on the club face orientation but rather, the golf plane.
US07892102B1
A club shaft that can be installed in a club head permanently or can be installed in clubs with interchangeable shaft features is disclosed herein. The invention is a measurement system that enables the capturing of the speed and motion of the golfer's swing. The invention uses magnetic material positioned on a face of a golf club head and an array of magnetic sensors.
US07892098B2
Apparatuses and systems including a gaming machine having one or more major components that are removable and interchangeable with other similar major components for a gaming machine are disclosed. Such a gaming machine has at least a master gaming controller, one or more major components, and a universal gaming engine. At least one major component, such as a top box or main cabinet, contains a plurality of peripheral devices and a universal communication interface, is adapted to be removable from the gaming machine, and is interchangeable with other similar major components. The universal gaming engine contains at least one dedicated processing unit, such as a CPU, at least one associated storage device, and its own universal communication interface. This universal gaming engine is also adapted to control a substantial portion of the plurality of peripheral devices on the removable and interchangeable major component of the gaming machine.
US07892093B2
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards, wherein at least one gaming machine may be provided a plurality of bonus awards.
US07892089B2
A entrance-exchange structure and method of execution thereof, comprising a house and an activity of uncertain outcome (e.g., game of chance, game of skill, etc.) that is entered by a participant (e.g., a participant such as a player). The house pays the participant a takehome in relevant scrip, or cash and relevant scrip, for an activity entered into by the participant, based on betting by the participant. An existing outside vendor may exchange the participant's scrip at a scrip-to-items exchange rate for at least one item provided by the outside vendor. The outside vendor may exchange the relevant scrip with the house for cash at an outside-vendor scrip-to-cash exchange rate. The house may also function as a vendor with whom the participant may exchange relevant scrip for cash at a house-vendor scrip-to-cash exchange rate. The relevant scrip is a virtual currency that may be generated by the entrance-exchange structure.
US07892088B2
A gaming system wherein a second game is triggered once a specific event occurs in a first game.
US07892085B2
An electronic bingo game and method for playing the same is disclosed. A bingo card having a plurality of numbered spaces is presented to a player, in which at least one of the numbered spaces is hidden to the player's view, thereby forming covered and uncovered portions of the bingo card. A random number generator draws bingo numbers until the occurrence of a game ending event, which numbers are compared to the numbered spaces on both the covered and uncovered portions of the bingo card. If the pattern of numbers formed on the uncovered portion of the bingo card forms one or more of a set of designated winning bingo patterns, a first award is paid to the player. The player is then presented with the opportunity to reveal one or more of the covered spaces on the bingo card whereupon a second prize is paid if the pattern of numbers formed on the uncovered spaces forms one or more of a set of designated winning bingo patterns.
US07892064B2
A portable backpack which doubles as a play activity center is disclosed. It is a portable entertainment center with numerous features for engaging young children in imaginative play. The front of the backpack is hinged to open an interior area where play toys and accessories can be located to simulate a dollhouse, space vehicle, barn or like play themes. The backpack is made of shape retaining materials that are nevertheless soft to the touch but crushable, and collapsible to minimize injury to the user and wear-and-tear during playful use by children. Various features such as a swing, ladder, escape hatch, windows, operable doors, promote imaginative play. Some embodiments of the backpack include colorful replicas of butterflies, beetles, etc. on the front to attract attention of peers to the backpack and its owner.
US07892059B2
A manufacturing method of a display device the method comprising a step of etching a surface of a partitioning wall formed on a substrate around region where a display pixel is formed.
US07892050B2
A female terminal receptor for an automotive fuse or a terminal includes three or more pairs of opposing beams and at least one U-shaped clamping member. The U-shaped clamping member has a first base portion laterally disposed between two pairs of opposing beams and at least one pair of first end portions disposed over at least one pair of opposing beams for applying a predetermined compression force. The opposing beams have a first metallic composition and the U-shaped clamping member has a second metallic composition, wherein the first metallic composition has a higher conductivity than the second metallic composition, and wherein the second metallic composition has a higher relaxation temperature than the first metallic composition.
US07892044B2
A terminal module includes at least two terminals (2, 3) for transmitting electrical power, each terminal having a retention portion (21) defining two positioning cavities therein, a mating portion (25) extending forward from the retention portion and a tail portion (23) extending rearward from the retention portion; and an insulative main portion (1) including a base portion (11) and two retaining portions (12) laterally extending outward from the base portion, each retaining portion having two locking arm portions (121) spaced apart from one another and locked into the two positioning cavities of the retention portion of the corresponding terminal.
US07892041B2
A constraint mechanism for receiving an audio plug in an electronic device is provided. The constraint mechanism may include a conductive tube operative to receive the audio plug. In addition, the constraint mechanism may include several features operative to engage corresponding features of the electronic device to prevent the constraint mechanism from moving in any direction (e.g., which could cause damage in the electronic device if the audio jack was forced to move by an impact on the audio plug). For example, the constraint mechanism may include a center wall to prevent yawing, and rear tabs to prevent pitching. As another example, the constraint mechanism may include a side plate operative to be coupled to the electronic device to prevent rolling. In some embodiments, the constraint mechanism may include an asymmetrical tube entrance for ensuring the proper alignment of the constraint mechanism with an electronic device opening. The tube may include a conductive dimple extending through an aperture of the tube, where the aperture is substantially the same size and shape as the conductive dimple.
US07892038B1
A connector has a first connector portion having a first housing with first connecting terminals aligned and accommodated therein, and a second connector portion having a second housing with second connecting terminals aligned and accommodated therein. When the first connector portion and the second connector portion are mated with each other, one side of the first connecting terminals and one side of the second connecting terminals faces each other to form pairs, respectively, so that a stacked structure of the pairs of the first connecting terminals and the second connecting terminals are alternately interleaved. Isolating members are aligned and accommodated in the first housing of the first connector portion and fixed to other side of the first connecting terminals, respectively. A connecting member presses the adjacent isolating member to collectively fix the first connecting terminals and the second connecting terminals at the contacts therebetween.
US07892035B2
An electrical card connector includes a first insulative housing (1), a number of first contacts (2) mounted in the first housing and having a first soldering portion (22), a second insulative housing (4) located behind the first housing, a number of second contacts (5) mounted in the second housing and having a second soldering portion (51), and a shell (6) covering the first housing and the second housing. The first housing and the second housing is separated each other. A gap (9) is formed between the shell and the second housing. The second housing with the second contacts moves around the gap, corresponding to the first housing, and then the second soldering portion is adjusted, the first soldering portion and the second soldering portion are in coplanar, and soldered on the PCB without missing.
US07892029B2
An electrical connector includes: an insulating housing defining a mounting face for being mounted on a PCB and a pair of engaging portions at two opposite ends of the insulating housing; a number of contacts retained in the insulating housing; a metal shell assembled on the insulating housing along an assembly direction slanting to the mounting face, the metal shell having a locking portion with a gap through which the engaging portion is inserted in the locking portion and a stopper portion. The stopper portion exceeds the mounting face when the metal shell assembled on the insulating housing along the assembly direction before the electrical connector is mounted on the PCB, while the stopper portion is pressed by the PCB to offset the assembly direction when the electrical connector is mounted on the PCB so as to prevent the engaging portion from deflecting from the locking portion through the gap.
US07892028B2
A cable connector (100) includes an insulative housing (30), at least one terminal (70) received in the insulative housing, a metal cover (10) shielding the insulative housing and at least one cable (50) connecting with the at least one terminal. The cable includes a central conductor (507) and a braiding layer (503) coaxially surrounding the central conductor. The braiding layer of the cable and the metal cover are connected with each other by conductive adhesive (90).
US07892016B1
An electrical wire connector. In a housing is disposed metal bushings in which wires are inserted. The bushings are embedded in the insulation cap for permanent placement. The bushings are connected via a bridge to carry current from bushing to bushing. The insulation cap top openings are shaped with bell mouths for easy insertion of electrical wires. Each metal bushing has cutting lances to strip the wires as they are inserted into the connector. Pressure lances secure each wire in position. A spring loaded tab is provided for additional contact.
US07892012B1
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a connector locking device for network cables and methods of utilizing the same. In one embodiment of the present invention, a self-releasing connector locking device comprises a locking tongue support for supporting a locking tongue of a connector, a first retaining mechanism for engaging a portion of a body of a terminal, and a first release arm for releasing the retaining mechanism from the portion of the body of the terminal.
US07892010B2
An electric device has a plug connection provided with a plug that has at least one contact pin and further provided with a mating plug receptacle that has at least one contact tube. A closure device is arranged on the plug receptacle and has a closed position for protecting the at least one contact tube. The closure device is moved by the plug into an open position when the plug is inserted into the plug receptacle, wherein in the open position the at least one contact tube is released.
US07892000B1
A connector locking base structure of an LED lamp includes a connector locking base having a conventional lamp connector and a locking base coupled together such that a threaded end of a cap of the LED lamp can be screwed to the locking base of the connector locking base. The conventional lamp connector of the connector locking base can be inserted into a socket for use with a conventional lamp, thereby allowing power to be supplied to the LED lamp for emission of light. Grooves formed in a casing of the conventional lamp connector are engaged with hooks of the locking base. A screw hole is centrally formed in the locking base. The hooks are provided on the inner side of the locking base and engaged with the grooves of the conventional lamp connector, respectively, to thereby form the connector locking base.
US07891997B2
A card connector (1) includes an insulative housing and a plurality of conductive terminals mounted on the housing. A card guiding mechanism has a slide member for guiding the electronic card as it moves within the card connector. The slide member is moveable along a path between an initial card insertion position and a fully inserted position. An urging member urges the slide member in a direction opposite to the card insertion direction to thereby ejecting a card by moving the slide member. A shell is mounted on the housing and covers at least the slide member and a part of the electronic card upon insertion of the card into the card connector. One of the housing and the shell has a guide surface with a bulge projecting into the path of the slide member and upon movement of the slide member from the fully inserted position to the initial card insertion position, the slide member engages the bulge (62; 11j) to slow the movement of the slide member.
US07891988B2
System and method for connecting flat flex cable with an integrated circuit, such as a camera module
A Flat Flex Connector (FFC) has connector flanges embedded in its insulated electrical traces. The flanges engage electrical circuits in a camera module such as a CMOS or CCD and are clamped into electrical engagement. The opposite end of the FFC makes electrical contact with another electrical device such as a semiconductor circuit. The assembly allows electrical connection of two or more devices in a confined space in which the electrical device are not easily aligned for electrical contact.
US07891987B2
The electric junction box includes a box body, cassette block, relay, terminal fitting and rib. The box body includes a mounting hole. A groove is formed hollow from a surface of the cassette block. The relay is mounted on the surface of the cassette block. The terminal fitting is received in the cassette block. The rib extends from one inner wall surface to an opposite inner wall surface of the mounting hole. The cassette block is received in the mounting hole of the box body. The rib enters into the groove.
US07891979B2
A RF coaxial connector has an insulative housing, an internal terminal and an external terminal. The insulative housing has a cavity. The internal terminal is mounted in the cavity and has a mounting section, two resilient arms protruding from the mounting section, a free section formed between the resilient arms and a contacting section protruding from the free section. The external terminal is mounted on the insulative housing. The internal terminal provides sufficient resistance force against a pin conductor of a corresponding connector engaged with the RF coaxial connector for stable signal transmission.
US07891973B2
An appliance for providing air and gas to a gas burner includes a gas tube and an air tube. The gas tube comprises an aperture for providing gas inwards to the air tube. The air tube comprises a first aperture for receiving a back tube of the gas burner. The gas tube is provided with a first part of a detachable connection device, for receiving a second part of the detachable connection device provided on the back tube for allowing gas from the gas tube to enter the back tube. The back tube has an orifice for allowing air from the air tube to enter inside the back tube.
US07891969B2
A nozzle for an injection molding apparatus is provided. The injection molding apparatus has a mold component that defines a mold cavity and a gate into the mold cavity. The nozzle includes a nozzle body, a heater, a tip, a tip surrounding piece and a mold component contacting piece. The nozzle body defines a nozzle body melt passage therethrough, that is adapted to receive melt from a melt source. The heater is thermally connected to the nozzle body for heating melt in the nozzle body. The tip defines a tip melt passage therethrough, that is downstream from the nozzle body melt passage, and that is adapted to be upstream from the gate. The tip surrounding piece is removably connected with respect to said nozzle body. The mold component contacting piece is connected with respect to the nozzle body. The material of the mold component contacting piece has a thermal conductivity that is less than at least one of the thermal conductivity of the material of the tip and the thermal conductivity of the material of the tip surrounding piece.
US07891967B2
A lifting apparatus includes at least one carrying means that is mounted on a compensation bearing unit and that is for receiving and/or delivering a polymer melt, and in particular a tacky polymer melt.
US07891953B2
An apparatus and method for mounting underwater turbines that includes a mechanism for correcting tilt error, including both the amount and direction of error, associated with the installation of underwater turbines onto anchoring or mounting structures so that the yaw axis of the mounted turbines will be as close as possible to a desired angle, preferably vertical.
US07891951B2
A fan includes a rotatable center member that is centered relative to an axis of rotation of the fan. The fan includes a number of blades radially extending from the rotatable center member. Each blade may have one or more ribs extending therefrom non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the fan. Each blade may be may be flat in shape, except for the ribs extending therefrom, or it may have a cycloidal curvature that curves away from the direction in which the rotatable center member rotates. In addition to or in lieu of the ribs, each blade may have a side profile that is non-linear. The side profile may be a zigzag or a curvy shape. The side profile may have one or more notches pointed in a direction opposite that in which the rotatable center member rotates, or may have one or more holes extending through the blade.
US07891950B2
A lightweight wind turbine blade formed with a truss support structure assembly of composite truss joints including composite spar and cross members attached to and supporting in spaced relation a spine of lightweight rib panels. The rib panels are oriented in parallel spaced relation from one another and individually molded with perimeters defining individual areas of curvature for the finished blade assembly. The truss support structure is covered with a lightweight fiberglass or hardened fabric skin attached to and fitted on respective rib panel edges forming an airfoil structure.
US07891949B2
A lightweight wind turbine blade formed with a truss support structure assembly of composite truss joints including composite spar and cross members attached to and supporting in spaced relation a spine of lightweight rib panels. The rib panels are oriented in parallel spaced relation from one another and individually molded with perimeters defining individual areas of curvature for the finished blade assembly. The truss support structure is covered with a lightweight fiberglass or hardened fabric skin attached to and fitted on respective rib panel edges forming an airfoil structure.
US07891944B2
A method of controlling at least one wind turbine blade during the stopping process of the rotor in a wind turbine system is disclosed. The method optimizes the control velocity of the process in response to one or more feedback values of the system and/or one or more feedback values from the surroundings of the system by altering the angular pitch velocity from 10°/sec during the initial stage of the stopping process to 5°/sec at the final stage of the stopping process. A control system and a wind turbine as well as use hereof are also disclosed.
US07891943B2
In the invention, stator blades are arranged in such a manner that respective intervals between the adjacent stator blades (SV) become unequal at least partly. If the stator blades are arranged as mentioned above, there are formed wave fronts having different moving directions and phases, and these wave fronts are interfered with each other so as to be attenuated. Accordingly, an interference noise is reduced. Therefore, in accordance with the invention, it is possible to reduce an interference noise without enlarging a rotor stator blade interval as well as reducing a used amount of a sound absorption material.
US07891942B2
A centrifugal blower includes a casing, a motor fixed in the casing, a fan structure, and an anti-leakage element. The casing has a top portion having an inlet, a bottom portion, and a side wall respectively connecting the top and bottom portions and having an outlet. The fan structure disposed in the casing and driven by the motor has a body connected to the motor and blades surrounding the body and being connected to the body, and rotates about an axis in a first rotation direction. The anti-leakage element extends from at least part of an edge of the inlet to an interior of the casing, partially covers parts of the blades, and extends from neighborhood of the outlet in a second rotation direction against the first rotation direction. A range of the anti-leakage element extending to the interior of the casing is gradually reduced along the second rotation direction.
US07891940B2
A system for generating energy using water waves includes a unit having two rotors connected by a ramp. The unit is positioned at or near the surface of a body of water and oriented so that the waves break on the ramp and travel along the length of the ramp. Each rotor is provided with a plurality of buckets having an open top and a bottom having a opening. The opening is sealed by a flap when water enters through the top of the bucket, but is open when water enters or attempts to enter the bucket through the opening. As the water travels along the ramp, the water is fed into the buckets on the rotors to turn the rotors and drive generators positioned at both ends of the rotors. The energy is transmitted to an external collection point for use or distribution.
US07891935B2
A dual arm robot assembly has two arms each having a set of joint/link pairs that, in conjunction with an actuator assembly, define at least three degrees of freedom to provide independent horizontal translation and rotation of a distalmost link. A vertical motion mechanism is also provided.
US07891934B2
Disclosed is a robot which is compact in structure and may be movable in a large working range, wherein move members 1, 1 may be moved by drive devices 4, 4 respectively along a straight line and in parallel with each other, the drive devices 4, 4 including motors 40, 40 respectively which are individually controlled by a control device 9, so that the move members 1, 1 may be moved at a different speed and may be stopped at different relative positions. The move members 1, 1 are connected to a work holder 3 by means of arms 2, 2, the arms having one end pivotally connected to the move members 1, 1 at the pivots 10, 10 thereof respectively, the arms 2, 2 having the opposite end pivotally connected to the work holder 3 at the pivots 30, 30 thereof respectively. The work holder 3 may hold an optional jig and may be moved in a horizontal plane and in a vertical plane enabling the jig to work in the working plane.
US07891916B2
An insert for a drill in which one of the cutting edges respectively formed at four side ridge portions of a rake face of a square flat plate-shaped insert body is made to protrude toward the tip of the drill body of the indexable insert drill while being detachably attached is provided. Each of the cutting edges has a corner cutting edge located at a corner of the rake face, and a major cutting edge and a wiper edge which extend substantially toward one peripheral direction of the rake face from a corner cutting edge. The major cutting edge has a first major cutting edge portion which has a convexly curved shape and extends from the corner cutting edge, and a second major cutting edge portion which smoothly touches the first major cutting edge portion and extends linearly, as seen from a direction facing the rake face. The wiper edge has a straight shape intersecting the second major cutting edge portion at an obtuse angle.
US07891915B2
A rasp hub for use in tire retreading machines includes two side plates with mounting pins extending between the plates. Rasp blades arranged in stacks are mounted on the mounting pins. The stacks extend end-to-end circumferentially about the hub. The center portion of the mounting pins is curved so that the cut profile of the blades is convex. The blades are inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation to define a cut angle. The center planes of the mounting pins intersect, preferably close to the axis of rotation of the hub, to reduce deviation of the blades from the concentricity.
US07891912B2
A system for securing a facing comprising a wire grid that is positionally fixed relative to an earthen formation in a substantially vertical position, a formation anchor that is positionally fixed between the wire grid and the earthen formation, a facing that is laterally offset a distance from the wire grid and having a facing anchor, and a turnbuckle that is rotatably coupled between a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector is coupled to the facing anchor and the second connector is coupled to the formation anchor, such that rotation of the turnbuckle relative to the first and second connectors adjusts the distance between the wire grid and the facing.
US07891911B2
A friction tube anchor has a tube (1) which can be expanded under the action of a pressurized medium and which is attached to a casing (6). The casing (6) is screwed into a section (13) of a casing-like sleeve (7) which is provided with a thread and is sealed by ring packing (11) relative to the inside of the section (13). The casing-like sleeve (7) has another section (14) which is provided with a thread and in which selectively either another expandable tube (1), or an adapter for feeding the pressurized medium for expanding the tube (1), or a fastening bolt, for example an eye bolt, can be screwed.
US07891908B2
A pipe extracting tool for use with first and second pipes mated together and having a gasket disposed therebetween includes an arcuate blade and a driving member portion extending radially outwardly from the arcuate blade. The arcuate blade is sized and shaped to surround an outer circumference of the first pipe and slide between the outer circumference of the first pipe and an inner circumference of the second pipe to disengage the gasket from one of the first and second pipes.
US07891907B2
Drainage device having an inlet having at least three substantially straight sides with rounded corners linking the at least three substantially straight sides. The sides and corners taper to form a circular outlet. The rounded corners are upper edges of channels of the device, and the channels are depressions in the sides.
US07891886B2
The invention relates to a device for a motor vehicle, comprising a rotatably mounted camera unit (10) which can be brought into an inactive position and into an active position by means of a motor, and a protective element (20) that can be rotatably guided about a first axis (21) into a closed position and into an open position, the camera unit (10), in the closed position, being in its inactive position behind the protective element (20) and inaccessible from the exterior, and, in the open position of the protective element (20), the camera unit (10) assuming the active position for recording images. The invention is characterized in that the camera unit (10) can be displaced from the inactive position into the active position about a second axis (11), arranged at a distance to the first axis (21), the protective element (20) is connected to the first axis (21) via a swivel arm (22), and the motor drives a mechanism (30), mounted on the motor vehicle, which is mechanically connected both to the protective element (20) and to the camera unit (10). The mechanism (30) is configured in such a manner that the camera unit (10) is decoupled from the mechanism when it is in the operating state and that the protective element (20) can be displaced from the closed position to the open position, the camera unit (10) remaining in the inactive position.
US07891885B2
An optical module 10 has a laser light source 20, optical branching means 24 for receiving laser light from the laser light source 20, making a part of the laser light pass through the optical branching means and branching a remaining part of the laser light; a photodetecting portion 30P receiving the remaining part of the laser light branched from the optical branching means 24 and a package 11 holding therein the laser light source 20, the optical branching means 24 and the photodetecting portion 30P, the package 11 having stray light reducing means 200, 201 and 202 provided therein to reduce stray light generated inside the package.
US07891884B2
An optical receptacle including a cylindrical sleeve formed using a material having higher elasticity than that of the optical receptacle main body. The sleeve is held within the sleeve holding section by being press-fitted and a sum of a press-fitted sleeve thickness and a press-fitted holding sleeve thickness in a radial direction is a predetermined value.
US07891875B1
A container is configured to store and dispense a material. More specifically, the container includes a top portion that is configured to be partially torn from a body portion of the container to dispense the material. The container includes a reinforced side portion that resists tearing. The tear-resistive portion may incorporate a strand (or thread) that is significantly more difficult to tear, as compared to the container, itself. In an implementation, the container may includes two hollow portions—a first portion for storing material and a second portion for securing the resistive thread. The two hollow portions may be separated by a crimped portion of the container. In other implementations, front and rear portions of the container may be glued together to create the two hollow portions. Alternately, the lateral edges of the front and rear surfaces of the container may be fused to create the tear-resistive portion.
US07891868B2
A temperature sensor comprises a pulse signal generating unit for generating a first pulse signal having an enable section, a width of which is adjusted according to a reference voltage having a temperature characteristic, an oscillator for generating a second pulse signal of a predetermined period in the enable section of the first pulse signal, and a counter for performing a counting operation in response to the second pulse signal and generating at least one temperature signal.
US07891867B2
A method is provided for measuring a parameter of a molten metal bath by an optical fiber surrounded by a cover. The optical fiber is immersed in the molten bath, and the radiation absorbed by the optical fiber in the molten bath is fed to a detector, wherein the optical fiber is heated when immersed in the molten bath. The heating curve of the optical fiber has at least one point P(t0, T0), wherein the increase ΔT1 in the temperature T of the optical fiber over the time Δt in a first time interval t0−Δt up to the temperature T0 is smaller than the increase ΔT2 in the temperature of the optical fiber over the time Δt in an immediately following second time interval t0+Δt.
US07891866B2
A system and method for determining the temperature of an object without physically contacting the object. The method involves reading a spectral radiation of the object over a plurality of wavelengths to obtain a set of radiation data related to a temperature of the object. A known characteristic of a black body is determined at a plurality of predetermined, different test temperatures. The spectral data and the characteristic of the black body at the various test temperatures are used to calculate a temperature of the object.
US07891862B2
The electromechanical escapement device is associated with an electronic circuit having a quartz oscillator and calculation means suitable for calculating the difference between the period of the quartz oscillator and the period of a mechanical oscillator and releasing an escape wheel, normally controlled by said mechanical oscillator, when the difference between said periods is greater than a threshold value.
US07891853B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling an operation of an LED in a light unit. The apparatus includes: a micom for sequentially outputting red, green and blue signals delayed by a predetermined interval through n (n>1) number of channels for each color; a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) drivers for outputting PWM dimming pulses according to the red, green and blue signals inputted through the n number of the channels; a plurality of switching elements for outputting driving currents according to the PWM dimming pulses; and n number of light subunits including a plurality of red, green and blue LED chips sequentially driven by the driving currents outputted from the switching elements.
US07891851B2
A headlamp, developed especially for motor vehicle illumination, wherein the light source and reflector surfaces are fully concealed from the oncoming traffic users, having a light plane with fully adjusted height, operating according to the half-lens illumination principle, providing a long-distance illumination without glaring effect by preventing the all of the light rays generated at the light source from reaching to the eye level (EE) of oncoming traffic users. The preferred embodiment of the system (40, 50) consists of three independent reflector units (2, 3), (12, 13), (22, 23) with triple light pathway, designed similar to clover leaf, having a standard light source (1) located at their common first focal point (f1) mounted in a headlamp enclosure (20). The system consists of a lighting assembly that can be used not only in motor vehicle headlamp system but also in general lighting systems and in all optical devices. The system may be applied as an in-bulb structure.
US07891841B2
A lighting device is disclosed. The lighting device can be compact and can have a major surface configured to be attached to a substantially flat mounting surface. Within the lighting device, a light bar frame can be rotatable relative to a mounting plate around an axis substantially perpendicular to the major surface. Three or more rotatable light bars can be positioned within the light bar frame. The light bars can include lighting elements (e.g., light-emitting diodes) and can be positioned within the light bar frame such that their rotational axes are coplanar. The rotational axes of the light bars also can be substantially perpendicular to the axis around which the light bar frame rotates relative to the mounting plate. Furthermore, the rotational axes of the light bars can form three or more sides of a polygon (e.g. a triangle).
US07891840B1
A polygonal radiation module having radiating members without a light guiding board for a backlight module or a lighting device includes a polygonal optical plate with a rising area having a rising surface defined at a center thereof, a plurality of radiating members, and a diffusion plate. The radiating members surrounding a periphery of the optical plate possess radiant half-intensity angles of the radiation below 15 degrees for respectively forming optic axial directions thereof. Whereby, the optic axial directions of the radiating members face to the rising surface, and radiation fields are individually generated as pivoted by the optic axial directions to cast at the rising surface. Thus, an even radiating surface caused by a diffusion of light source from the diffusion plate could be preferably obtained even if no light guiding board is applied.
US07891838B2
Embodiments of the current invention seek to increase heat dissipation by affixing a separate or integrated heat sink to the solid state light, thus accomplishing increased heat dissipation via a device different from the light, alleviating need for altering the solid state light itself. In this manner, embodiments of the invention increase the amount of heat dissipated from solid state lights without requiring any redesign of the solid state lights themselves.
US07891832B2
A solar powered lighting system provides a lighting element assembly having a lighting element and a diffuser that secures near the upper end of a support. A collector unit contains a solar cell and a coupler such as a clip-on clamp which allows the collector unit to be selectively attached to a desired support. The lighting system includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar cell of the collector unit and to the lighting element assembly using a wire such that the portion of the wire that extends from the collector unit to the lighting element assembly is of sufficient length to allow the collector unit to be selectively positioned on or remotely from the support.
US07891829B2
A keyboard apparatus. The apparatus has a housing including a plurality of key pads, including at least twenty six key pads spatially disposed within the housing. Each of the key pads is depressible upon touch by a user. An optically transparent circuit board is coupled to a backside of each of the key pads. The apparatus has a light guide characterized by a planar optically transparent material having a surface region, a width, a length, and a backside region, and a thickness provided between the surface region and the backside region. The apparatus has a plurality of patterns disposed on the surface region and optically coupled respectively to each of the twenty six key members. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus has a light emitting diode provided within a center region of the surface region to emit electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation propagates from the light emitting diode through a portion of the thickness of the light guide to one or more of the plurality of patterns to direct one or more portions of the electromagnetic radiation to respective key pads for lighting the respective key pads.
US07891823B2
There is provided a light source device which emits a bundle of rays with less diffused light and which is suitable for a projector, the light source device including a reflector whose inner surface is made to constitute a reflection surface, a lamp made up of a spherical light emitting portion and a sealing portion which is formed in such a manner as to pass through a center of the light emitting portion to project from the light emitting portion, and a conical mirror whose outer surface is made to constitute a reflection surface, which is formed into a cone shape and which covers a front sealing portion of the sealing portion of the lamp, wherein the light emitting portion of the lamp is disposed in a position where a focal point of the reflector resides.
US07891820B2
The invention discloses a method for igniting a lamp of a projector. The method includes steps of: (a) sensing a first temperature difference in response to power-off of the projector; (b) in response to power-on of the projector, detecting an aftercooling time and judging whether it is smaller than a predetermined cooling time, if YES, perform step (c); otherwise, perform step (g); (c) sensing a second temperature difference; (d) judging whether a ratio of the second temperature difference to the first temperature difference is larger than a threshold, if YES, perform step (e); otherwise, perform step (g); (e) calculating a re-cooling time; (f) controlling a fan to operate for the re-cooling time to cool the lamp down; and (g) igniting the lamp.
US07891813B2
Tools and techniques for vision testing alter refractive characteristics of rendered digital imagery and use feedback from a test subject to calculate information about errors in the subject's vision. Some embodiments produce a rendered digital image with vision-realistic rendering, present the test subject with the rendered digital image, accept input from the test subject and change the refractive sharpness of the rendered digital image in response to the input. Then they calculate refractive errors or other information about the test subject's vision based at least on: input from the test subject leading to a refractive sharpness change made during the changing step, and a refraction model which relates visual acuity to changes in the refractive sharpness of rendered digital imagery.
US07891809B2
An optical component comprises a transparent network of cells juxtaposed and separated by walls parallel to a surface of the component, each cell being hermetically sealed and comprising at least one substance with an optical property, and all or part of the surface of said component comprises walls less than 100 nm thick. The optical component is thus pixelized by a cell network, the cells being separated by walls which may themselves be pixelized. Such an optical component is particularly useful for making optical elements such as ophthalmic lenses.
US07891808B2
A loupe mounting assembly includes: a bridge swivel including a base coupling for attaching the assembly to a base device, the swivel also including a loupe bar coupled to a loupe bar coupling proximate the base coupling; wherein each of the base coupling and the loupe bar coupling provide for rotation of the assembly about a first axis (S1) and a second axis (S2) respectively; wherein the loupe bar includes horizontally outward extensions in a location that is inferior to a line of sight when worn by a user; and a loupe adjustment mechanism mounted on each of the extensions of the loupe bar. Embodiments of a magnification viewer are also provided.
US07891807B2
Eyeglasses having temples with detachable decorative pieces. The decorative pieces generally comprise an inner piece and outer piece which connect to one another through and/or around the eyeglass temples. When attached together, the outer decorative piece and the inner decorative piece are supported by and attached to the eyeglass temples.
US07891806B2
Eyeglasses configured in such a way that parameter (h) is 20 mm or greater and (l/h) is 6 or smaller, the parameters (h) and (l) being defined as follows: the length of a straight line (L) connecting portions (C) to which left and right temples are attached is (l) mm, and the length of a normal (H) to the straight line (L) drawing from the forefront surface (E) of a front portion (B) located on the central line (D) of the eyeglasses is (h) mm.
US07891804B2
A recording apparatus includes a recording portion for recording an image on a recording sheet; feeding means for feeding the recording sheet through the recording portion, wherein in a both-side recording operation, a sheet inclination rectifying operation in a recording sheet feeding direction is carried out when the recording is effected on a first side of the recording sheet, and the sheet inclination rectifying operation is not carried out when the recording is effected on a second side of the recording sheet.
US07891802B2
An ink pinning assembly comprises a source of UV radiation suitable for pinning ink on a record medium. A radiation guide device has an inlet facing the source and an outlet through which radiation is emitted towards a record medium, in use, the length of the inlet being greater that the length of the radiation source. The radiation guide device has a substantially rectangular or square wall in plan surrounding a cavity extending between the inlet and outlet, the internal surface of the wall being reflective to the pinning radiation so that pinning radiation with a substantial uniform intensity is emitted from the outlet.
US07891793B2
A machine, such as a phase change or solid ink printing apparatus, includes at least one ink stick and a coupler external to the ink stick. The ink stick has an electronically-readable memory device attached thereto, with the memory device having stored therein electronic data associated with the ink stick. The coupler is configured to read the electronic data from the memory device. The data in the memory device may include identification data, anti-arbitrage variables, usage data, maximum use values, and performance data related to the ink stick, and the coupler and memory device may employ various means for communicating this data. Also, communication between the coupler and memory device facilitates a method for determining a quantity of marking material in the machine.
US07891774B2
A printhead is provided having a plurality of chambers on a substrate which each have a nozzle, a heater arranged in each chamber so as to heat fluid within the chamber to form a gas bubble therein and thereby cause ejection of a drop from the corresponding nozzle, and a plurality of passages formed in the substrate so that each passage supplies the fluid to an associated one of the chambers. Each chamber is configured so that the transient rise in pressure therein when the gas bubble is formed is less than 20 MPa.
US07891771B2
A connector holder unit that is formed separately from a carriage capable of housing an ink cartridge and can be attached to the inside of the carriage includes a connector holder, a connector having a plurality of contact arms that is installed to the connector holder, and a circuit substrate having a plurality of conductive connection portions that is installed to the connector holder, wherein contact terminals of the plurality of contact arms of the connector are configured to elastically contact the conductive connection portions of the circuit substrate and conductive connection portions of the ink cartridge so as to electrically conduct between the circuit substrate and the ink cartridge when the connector holder unit is attached to the carriage.
US07891758B2
A printhead tile is provided having a printhead integrated circuit and adjacent channel, upper, middle and lower layers. Each integrated circuit incorporates ink ejection nozzles which each have an ink chamber and a thermal bend actuator beam which thermally expands to cause ejection of ink from the chamber. The channel layer is adjacent the integrated circuit and has channel layer slots. The upper layer has upper layer holes on one side in communication with the channel layer slots and upper layer channels on an opposite side. The middle layer has middle layer holes in communication with the upper layer channels. The lower layer has lower layer channels on one side in communication with the middle layer holes and inlet holes on an opposite side. The inlet holes receive ink for supply to the chambers via the layers.
US07891751B2
A liquid discharge apparatus that is capable of setting a proper deflection amount for deflecting an ink discharge direction even when the distance between the ink discharge surface and the ink landing surface of print paper varies and method of using same. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a head in which a plurality of nozzle-incorporated ink discharge sections are arrayed, discharge direction deflection means for deflecting the discharge direction of an ink discharged from a nozzle of each ink discharge section in the direction of ink discharge section arrangement, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the ink discharge surface of the head and the ink landing surface of print paper, and discharge deflection amount determination means for determining the ink discharge deflection amount (discharge angle) to be provided by the discharge direction deflection means in accordance with the results of detection by the distance detection means.
US07891749B2
A printhead IC for receiving print data from a print engine controller (PEC) which may be one of a plurality of different types of PEC. The printhead IC has an array of nozzles for ejecting drops of printing fluid onto a media substrate and drive circuitry for driving the array of nozzles. The drive circuitry is configured for connection to a power source in the printer. The drive circuitry is configured to reset itself to a known initial state in response to receiving power from the power source after a period of not receiving power from the power source.
US07891745B2
A wheel includes a hub, a rim, and spokes. The hub includes inner attachment portions and is configured to support the wheel about a rotational axis. The spokes are attached to the hub and the rim and are together configured to radially support the rim with respect to the hub. In one embodiment, the spokes are attached to the hub with fasteners extending into threaded apertures in the hub, and the spokes are attached to the rim with fasteners extending in a direction parallel with the rotational axis. In another embodiment, respective ones of the spokes, which are attached to a common inner attachment portion of the hub, are not attached to adjacent outer attachment portions of the rim. Vehicles and methods of manufacturing a wheel are also provided.
US07891744B2
A method for producing a vehicle wheel comprises the steps of: (a) providing a wheel including an outboard face; (b) providing a wheel cover including an inner surface; (c) providing an external surface feature on at least one of the outboard face of the wheel and the inner surface of the cover; (d) positioning the wheel and the cover relative to one another to form a first gap between at least selected portions of the wheel outboard face of the cover inner surface and to form at least a second gap in the area of the external surface feature between adjacent surfaces of the wheel and the wheel cover, the first gap to the second gap defining an indirect flow path; and (e) securing the cover to the wheel by using an expandable foam adhesive material, wherein the adhesive material initially fills selected portions of the first gap and then follows the indirect flow path to then flow into the second gap whereby the adhesive material cures and stops expanding before completely filling the second gap.
US07891743B2
The present disclosure provides a locking hub cap having at least one locking feature that engages at least one locking feature on a vehicle hub assembly to prevent a spin-on nut from being removed while the locking hub cap is in place.
US07891736B2
An infant seat rocker includes a base member, a motor, the motor being positioned on the base member and a tray member, the tray member being positioned on the base member. Means for attaching the motor to the tray member are also included as well as at least one spring secured to the base member, the spring having a first end proximate a front wall of the tray member and a second end proximate a rear wall of the tray member; and a shaft, the shaft positioned to secure the tray member to the base member. An infant seat is positioned in the tray and the motor is engaged to produce and maintain a rocking motion in the infant seat.
US07891735B2
A hook member is provided and includes a pinching portion that pinches a plate body of a seat frame, a fixing portion that can fix an upholstery material, and an introduction portion defining an opening into the fixing portion, wherein the fixing portion faces an outer side of the plate body and is pinched by the pinching portion, and includes the introduction portion having a curved shape and defining an opening for the upholstery material to enter and be fixed therein.
US07891731B2
A debris collection system includes a collection device configured to be coupled to legs of a chair. The collection device has an open top end and a bottom end and a plurality segments coupled to one another. Each segment includes a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanisms of adjacent segments are coupled to one another such that one of the legs of the chair extends between the fastening mechanisms of the adjacent segments. Optionally, the collection device may have a frusto-conical shape. The bottom end may be open and debris collected by the collection device may be channeled by the collection device through the open bottom end. Optionally, a container may be positioned below the open bottom end to collect debris directed through the open bottom end. The collection device may have a funnel shape with walls that taper inward from the top end to the bottom end. Each of the segments may be substantially identically formed to define the collection device.
US07891725B2
A passenger service vehicle having a driver's area including a driver's seat and driving controls and a passenger area including at least one passenger entrance and a plurality of passenger seats, the driver's area being defined by the front of the vehicle, and the foremost portion of each side of the vehicle, and a partitions extending partially, substantially or wholly across a front portion of the passenger service vehicle to separate the driver's area from the passenger area.
US07891720B2
A double folding seat for a vehicle may include a stationary bracket, coupled to the seatback frame and to the cushion frame, wherein the recliner bracket is coupled to the one end of the stationary bracket, a link unit elastically installed on the stationary bracket and configured to be selectively coupled to the recliner bracket and transmit a rotating force of the recliner bracket to a latch cam installed to the cushion frame, a stopper fixedly installed on the leg assembly which is connected to a vehicle body, a hinge member rotatably mounted on the cushion frame and rotated by the stopper, and an actuating wire connecting the hinge member and the link unit and displacing the link unit by a rotation force of the hinge member to a position where the link unit cooperates with the recliner bracket when the cushion frame moves backwards to the final position thereof.
US07891718B2
Provided as a hoist system for installing a plurality of panels of a panel set onto a building structure at a jobsite. The hoist system comprises a beam assembly configured to hoist the panels and sequentially offload the panels from the beam assembly onto the building structure. The beam assembly comprises an elongate hoist beam, a lifting lug, a plurality of trolleys mounted on one of the opposing ends of hoist beam, and a drive mechanism operative to reposition the lifting lug along the hoist beam such that the hoist beams maintain a substantially horizontal or level orientation.
US07891716B2
An installation tool may include an extension member, a body portion disposed on the extension member, and a plurality of fingers flexibly protruding from the body portion. The plurality of fingers are adapted to releasably engage a cover assembly. The plurality of fingers and the body portion cooperate to retain the cover assembly in a first direction and allow disengagement of the cover assembly in a second direction.
US07891714B2
An object of the invention is to provide a structure of a rear bumper cover capable of improving appearance and rigidity of the rear bumper cover. A rear bumper cover made from a resin disposed in the backward part of the vehicle forms an opening portion at the position of attachment of a tow hook. In the opening portion, a cover attaching member made from a resin which has a member opening hole capable of leaving the tow hook open is disposed with the state of covering whole the outer edge of the opening portion. On the cover attaching member, a hook cover capable of covering whole a member opening hole is detachably attached.
US07891712B2
The sealing connector ensures sealing between a gas cartridge having an outlet fitting and a transmission member for filling a combustion chamber of a gas fastening device having an inlet fitting with gas and includes two internal sealing sleeves for receiving the two fittings, at least one of which is made of flexible material, with, at the bottom of this sleeve, a flexible transverse annular partition for dimensional adjustment, and an external slide. A rigid transverse annular partition is provided at the bottom of the other of the two sleeves to serve as a support for a fitting.
US07891711B2
A rotary compensating device used in a pipe under high pressure comprises an inner pipe (1), a sealing gland (3), a sealing seat (5) and a connecting pipe (7). One end of the inner pipe (1) is inserted into the connecting pipe (7), and the connecting pipe (7) is fixedly connected with one end of the sealing seat (5) and is installed on the outer surface of the inner pipe (1). The inner pipe (1) is provided with an annular outer flange (8), and the sealing seat (5) is provided with an annular inner flange (9). The sealing gland (3) is installed on the outer surface of the inner pipe (1) and inserted into the other end of the sealing seat (5) to abut against a torus sealing member (4). The sealing gland (3) connects with the sealing seat (5) via a connecting member (2). A sealing cavity is formed between the sealing seat (5) and the inner pipe (1), and an end face sealing member (6) is installed in the sealing cavity.
US07891710B2
A connector for use in a system for flowing fluid, having at least one cup-shaped female part, in which an adapted male part on another connector is intended to be sealingly and securely mounted, wherein the female part has integral longitudinal locking tangs which have their free ends pointing in the direction of insertion of a male part into the female part, the free ends of the locking tangs projecting into the space in the female part for engaging with a male part, and wherein the locking tangs have at least one recess which can be used by a tool to urge the locking tangs apart so that the male part and the female part can be disengaged from one another.
US07891704B2
A side airbag device provided at a seat back of a seat, comprises an airbag including a chest-abdomen protection portion to protect a chest and abdomen of an occupant seated and a waist protection portion to protect a waist of the occupant, and an inflator to supply gas to the airbag for an inflation at a vehicle side crash or a vehicle turnover, wherein the portions are partitioned by a partition portion that at least extends substantially rearward from an front edge of the airbag, and a recess is provided at an upper portion of the chest-abdomen protection portion. Accordingly, a whole part of side body including the chest, abdomen and waist can be properly protected regardless of the body size of the occupant, even for the occupant having the relatively small body size.
US07891693B2
A hitch apparatus includes a hitch member defining a substantially vertical drawpin hole. A spacer member is movably mounted to the hitch member such that the spacer member is movable laterally from a working position, where the spacer extends forward to block a rear portion of the drawpin hole, to an idle position where the spacer is removed from the drawpin hole and the front end of the spacer is located lateral to the drawpin. A lock mechanism is operative to selectively maintain the spacer member in the working position and the idle position.
US07891690B2
A trailer hitch for a vehicle includes an attachment bar and post for attaching the hitch to a vehicle and a base suspended from the attachment post to allow limited lateral movement of the base with respect to the attachment. A universal pivot connector, such as a hitch ball, is mounted on the base to move with the base for mating connection to a tongue of a trailer to be connected to the vehicle. The trailer tongue is biased against rotational movement with respect to the pivot connector whereby the allowed lateral movement of the suspended base and the pivot connector and the resistance to rotational movement of the trailer tongue with respect to the pivot connector combine to move the effective pivot point of the tongue on the universal pivot connector approximately to the center of the rear axle of the towing vehicle to simulate the towing movement of a fifth wheel trailer hitch.
US07891688B2
A bicycle frame assembly includes an articulating linkage mounting arrangement that fixedly couples one or more lever arms to a rotatable axle. A preferred embodiment includes at least one lever arm, and preferably a pair of lever arms. The lever arm or arms are fixedly coupled to an axle by a fastener having a fastener axis that is eccentric to, or offset from, the axis of rotation of the axle. Accordingly, relative rotation of the lever arm and axle is prevented such that the axle and lever arm rotate together as a unit.
US07891685B2
A scooter driving structure includes a step member pivotally coupled to a scooter platform and swingable up and down, a first driving module installed at a position corresponding to the step member and comprising a driving rod, a guide wheel, a first driving wheel, a first driving belt and a position restoring element, and at least one second driving module installed between a pivotal axle of the first driving wheel and an axle center of a rear wheel and comprising a second driving wheel, a second driven wheel and a second driving belt. The step member is pedaled to move the driving rod of the first driving module and drive the first driving belt to rotate the first driving wheel, and the coaxial second driving wheel of the second driving module drives the second driven wheel and the rear wheel to rotate through the second driving belt, so as to achieve a dual drive effect of driving a scooter to move.
US07891679B2
An adjustment arrangement in a suspension hanger assembly that can be used to square the orientation of an axle with the travel direction of the incorporating vehicle. The adjustment arrangement includes a hanger bracket that has a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart hanger legs projecting generally away from the vehicle and each of the hanger legs has an elongate aperture or slot that is mutually aligned, one with the other. A bushing pin is inserted through both elongate apertures with opposite end portions of the pin being similarly positioned in each of the apertures. A substantially squared orientation is established between the hanger bracket and the bushing pin. A pair of adjustment devices are provided, one each, in association with a respective end portion of the bushing pin. The devices are configured to synchronously move both end portions of the bushing pin to similar positions in the elongate apertures thereby maintaining the substantially squared orientation between the hanger bracket and the bushing pin. Each of the adjustment devices are arranged to be rotated about a floating axis relative to the hanger bracket and to have a tool-receiving aperture eccentrically located relative to that floating axis. The tool-receiving apertures are configured to simultaneously receive a common actuating tool for affecting synchronous rotation of the adjustment devices.
US07891669B2
The invention relates to a piston ring for internal combustion engines, the piston ring comprises a steel or cast iron base material with a coating of chromium nitride deposited by a physical vapor deposition process on a sliding surface of the piston ring, wherein the coating is composed of a columnar crystal structure of CrN with the following features: (a) an oxygen content in solid solution of 0.5 to 2.5 wt %; (b) a content of uniformly dispersed micro-pores of less than 10% in volume of the coating; and (c) an X-ray diffraction intensity ratio of (111) planes to (200) planes parallel to the surface in the range of 0.80 to 1.20.
US07891668B2
An archery target configured to absorb an impact of an associated arrow. The target having a stand having a top side and a bottom side and the bottom side including a support structure for supporting the archery target on an associated surface. The top side including a target rest shaped to receive a portion of an outer perimeter of a cylindrical target portion in shaped engagement. The target portion having a front side and a back side which extend between the outer perimeter and define a target depth and including a central core extending between front and back sides of the target. The core defining a target axis coaxial with the outer perimeter and the target portion further including at least one general planar sheet having side edges defining a sheet width that is generally equal to the target depth and a sheet surface between the side edges.
US07891652B2
A compiling unit includes a collection tray and a variable-speed compiling system adapted to operate at at least two speeds to thereby receive a sheet of media at a higher speed and register the sheet of media within the collection tray at a lower speed. A control system is adapted to selectively operate the variable-speed compiling system at the at least two speeds. A printing system having a sheet media source, at least one marking engine, such a compiling unit and such a control system is included. A method of compiling sheet media is also included.
US07891649B2
A sheet feeder for supplying a conveying device with folded signatures from a stack of folded signatures, the sheet feeder including a gripper drum. The gripper drum includes at least one gripper to individually remove respective signatures and a stopping device. The stopping device including a stop element to stop and align the signatures with the fold of the signatures in a forward direction. The sheet feeder includes an opening device to open the individual signatures, to deposit the signatures on the conveying device, and to reverse the forward direction of the signatures. The sheet feeder includes a delay element moving in the same direction as the gripper drum and at a conveying speed less than the gripper drum speed. A press-on device to press the signatures released by the gripper against the delay element and to slow down the individual signatures prior to the signatures hitting the stop element.
US07891644B2
A air spring 10 is provided, where flex deformation of a shoulder portion in a dustcover due to the restorative force of a bellows portion during compression thereof is prevented, whereby deterioration of the life of the dustcover due to such deformation is prevented. With the air spring 10, a stopper 82 of a deformation-preventing cap 70 is arranged at the outer peripheral side of a shoulder portion 54 in a dustcover 50. At the time of compression deformation of a bellows portion 56, the stopper 82 comes into contact with the shoulder portion 54, and flex deformation of the shoulder portion 54 towards a linking tube 52 side is restricted. Due to this, the restorative force from the compression deformed bellows portion 56 via the shoulder portion 54 can be supported by the stopper 82 of the deformation-preventing cap 70. Even in a case where the rigidity of the shoulder portion 54 relative to the restorative force of the compression deformed bellows portion 56 cannot be sufficiently increased, the amount of flex deformation towards the linking tube side of the shoulder portion 54 that received the restorative force of the bellows portion 56 can be decreased.
US07891643B2
A gas compression spring is mounted with an exterior element configured to allow a user to adjust the extension of the spring by rotating or sliding the exterior element. The user can line up an internal mechanism which is configured to limit the extension of the gas spring, and therefore stop the extension of the gas spring at a predetermined height. Additionally, an override mechanism is included where a user requires full extension of the gas spring. For example, the user can override the internal mechanism by applying a force in the direction of the extension, which disengages the mechanism allowing full extension. When the spring is compressed again, the mechanism resets and opens to the predetermined height. The gas spring can be utilized in a vehicle liftgate system, allowing the liftgate to open at one or more heights based upon the internal mechanism settings of the gas spring.
US07891638B2
The present invention provides a water control valve core with a segmented locking function. The invention includes a valve casing, a brake unit, and a water control element. A bottom plate under the tube portion of the seat of the brake unit is placed within the hold tank of the valve casing. A driven portion penetrates the bottom plate. The fixed valve, free valve and driving seat of the water control element are arranged within the hold tank of the valve casing. An upper locking portion is assembled under the bottom plate of the seat of the brake unit; and a collapsible lower locking unit is individually manufactured and then assembled onto the locating portion at top of the driving seat of the water control element. The lower locking unit could be interlocked with the upper locking portion.
US07891633B2
An adjustable rotation base includes a base housing and a transportation arrangement. The base housing has a bottom side, an upper side for coupling with the supporting post to support the outer umbrella in an upright manner, and a receiving cavity indently formed on the bottom side of the base housing, wherein the base housing includes a stationary unit provided at the bottom side for sitting on the ground surface in a stationary manner, and a plurality of transferring wheels rotatably supported at the bottom side of the base housing. The transportation arrangement is provided at the base housing to operate the base housing between an idle mode and a transportation mode in which the stationary unit is upwardly lifted to allow the transferring wheels being sitting on the ground surface, such that the base housing is adapted to be transported on the ground surface via the transferring wheels.
US07891632B2
A book holder stand has two shallow box like parts hinged together along one side to be openable to extend the parts from each other in opposite directions and define a generally planar support. A pivoted shelf is mounted at the bottom of each part able to be flipped down to provide a support for an opened book placed on edge thereon. An elongated retainer element is pivoted to each shelf by having a first segment received in a hole in an outer face of the associated shelf, with an angled down segment extending from the end of the first segment and able to be swept over an opened book with the shelf flipped down. A locking rod is slidable across the hinged sides to lock the parts in their spaced apart position. A prop rod is pivotally mounted to the hinged side of one part which can be pivoted out to extend at an angle thereto to support the book holder stand at an inclined position for convenient reading of an opened book resting on the shelves.
US07891630B2
An electronic equipment console for a vehicle includes an equipment shelf supported by a bracket and defining a plane. A laptop rack is supported by the equipment shelf and is oriented relative to the defined plane thereof to be elevated, pitched upwardly and rearwardly, rotated, and tilted.
US07891616B2
An assembly for securing an article with a support member affixed or integral thereto to a mounting surface. The assembly includes first and second members having means for detachably coupling together the first and second members through magnetic field interaction therebetween. The ffirst member includes means for detachably coupling to the support member of the article. The second member includes means for securing to the mounting surface, and a hook portion that receives the support member of the article. During use, the first member is coupled to the support member of the article, and the second member is secured to the mounting surface at a desired position. The first and second members are guided and coupled together by magnetic field interaction therebetween. The support member is then decoupled from the first member and moved such that it engages and is supported by the hook portion of the second member.
US07891608B2
An aircraft for carrying cargo in one or more containers. The aircraft includes a fuselage structure having a plurality of nodes and a plurality of elements connecting the nodes to form a space frame in which to carry cargo. At least some of the nodes are positioned in the space frame based on dimensions of the one or more containers. The fuselage structure is more compact, lighter and less expensive compared to conventional semi-monocoque fuselages.
US07891602B2
A retractable hose guide includes a shell assembly that is structured to be embedded into the ground. The shell assembly defines an enclosed space that is open at the top. A guide rod assembly is movably disposed within the shell assembly and structured to move between a first, retracted position, wherein the guide rod assembly is substantially disposed within the shell assembly enclosed space, and a second, extended position, wherein the guide rod assembly extends substantially above the shell assembly enclosed space. A pop-up device includes components on both the shell assembly and the guide rod assembly that act in concert to lock the guide rod assembly in either the first or second position. The pop-up device preferably includes a biasing device structured to bias the guide rod assembly toward the second, extended position. The pop-up device is structured to be actuated by a generally linear movement of the guide rod assembly.
US07891601B2
The tape reel of the present invention includes: a cylindrical hub for winding recording tape; and a pair of upper and lower flanges respectively projecting circumferentially from upper and lower portions of the hub. The tape reel further comprises: a lower piece including the lower flange and a first cylinder wall formed integrally with the lower flange; and an upper piece including the upper flange and a second cylinder wall formed integrally with the upper flange. The hub is formed in a double cylinder form by a fit engagement between the first cylinder wall of the lower piece and the second cylinder wall of the upper piece.
US07891600B1
A toilet paper holder removal system includes a toilet paper holder configured for holding a toilet paper roll and dispensing toilet paper from the toilet paper roll. The toilet paper holder includes a pair of brackets each having a well extending therein. A cylinder has a first end and a second end and includes a first portion slidably extendable into a second portion. The first end is biased away from the second end. Each of a pair of nubs is attached to and extends outwardly away from one of the first and second ends. Each of the nubs is removably extended into one of the wells. A grip is provided and is configured to be removably positioned on one of the nubs. The grip may be used to provide leverage when the first end of the cylinder is urged toward the second end of the cylinder.
US07891598B2
The rewinding machine includes a path for insertion of tubular cores; a winding cradle; a first moving member designed to be in contact with the web material to be wound; a rolling surface forming, with the first moving member, a channel for passage of the tubular cores; and an insertion device to insert the cores in the channel. At the inlet of the insertion channel there is a second moving member, opposed to the first moving member, the core insertion path passing between the first and the second moving members. The two moving members are arranged at a distance such that a core inserted between them is in contact with the second moving member and with the web material entrained around the first moving member.
US07891596B2
A belt retractor for a safety belt system has a belt spool and a belt webbing withdrawal measurement arrangement, which has a control disk, a magnetic sensor element and a magnetic cogwheel driven by the control disk and constructed as a separate part. In addition, a method is described to determine the belt webbing withdrawal in a belt retractor.
US07891595B2
A cone crusher includes a stationary main shaft and an eccentric that rotates about the main shaft to cause gyrational movement of a head assembly to crush rock within a crushing gap. The cone crusher includes a lower head bushing in contact with an outer surface of the eccentric. The eccentric is formed with a contact pad to enhance the contact between the eccentric and the lower head bushing during a no-load condition. The contact pad includes a contact surface that is recessed from the outer surface of the eccentric to enhance contact during no-load conditions while maintaining full contact between the lower head bushing and the eccentric outer surface during full load, crushing conditions.
US07891591B1
An apparatus that crushes and crumbles crackers or similar foodstuffs in preparation for use with various food recipes, is herein disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a plastic tower approximately two and one-half (2½) inches on a side by eight (8) inches in height. A top cover is removable to load whole crackers thereinto. When the cover is replaced, a switch is activated that energizes a variable speed motor that rotates a plurality of crumbling blades. The blades have serrated or straight edges which crush the crackers. As the crackers are crumbled, the pieces fall into a drawer-like lower compartment. Once the motor is turned off, the base compartment is slid out manually and the cracker pieces are then dispensed into the food dish. Crumbling crackers with such a method allows for cracker crumb consistency for recipes and reduced mess.
US07891589B2
An electrical separating unit is disclosed for a fluid conveying line, in particular a paint conveying line, which has an elongated separating pipe that can be freed or closed at its ends by separating valves. The interior of the separating pipe can be brought by a compressor to a pressure that is significantly above atmospheric pressure or can be evacuated by a suction pump to a pressure that is significantly below atmospheric pressure. In both cases the electrical resistance of the separating unit has a significantly higher value than if a pipeline over a corresponding length was only freed from paint, solvent, or cleaning agent, and was filled with air.
US07891587B2
The invention relates to an intermediate plate for a fuel injector, comprising a high-pressure through-hole which connects a high-pressure passage in a valve body and is connected to a high-pressure fuel reservoir, to a high-pressure space in a nozzle body, wherein the intermediate plate is arranged between the valve body and the nozzle body. In order to improve the injection behaviour of a fuel injector provided with the intermediate plate, in particular during multiple injection of small injection quantities, the high-pressure through-hole has a cross-sectional profile which improves the flow through the high-pressure through-hole from the valve body towards the nozzle body and impairs the flow in the opposite direction from the nozzle body towards the valve body.
US07891567B2
Disclosed is an object (200) such as a credit card, bank note, document, label, etc which carries an identification layer (103) which contains readable information. The identification layer can include randomly distributed conductive/magnetizable particles (303), semiconductive particle, optically active particles and the like. The identification layer is sandwiched between an upper layer (105) and lower layer (104) to form the object. At least some of the particles are exposed along one edge (102) of the object and can be read by a read head (201) which moves along the edge.
US07891564B2
A roll sheet type stored in an apparatus/medium type table, the roll sheet wound on a roll sheet holder of each of label creating apparatuses, and a medium type selected by the user are compared to each other. If both values are equal, one of the label creating apparatuses which accommodates the roll sheet holder holding the roll sheet of the medium type is set to be the label creating apparatus to which a PC sends a print request. As a result, the label creating apparatus can be automatically selected by the PC on the basis of label data created by the PC.
US07891562B1
Techniques are described for facilitating transactions involving items and users in various ways. In some situations, item transactions are coordinated by an automated Item Transaction (or “IT”) system provided via one or more computing systems, such that users of the IT system who have available items are matched with other users of the IT system who desire those items. The types of items being involved in transactions via the IT system may vary, and in some situations may include items such as music CDs, video DVDs, computer games, computer software, etc. The operation of the IT system may be enhanced in various ways via interactions with one or more external item marketplaces, such as by automatically obtaining and using information related to users of the IT system from those marketplaces, and/or by acquiring additional items from those marketplaces for use by the IT system.
US07891559B2
A function for processing electronic money is installed in a mobile phone 7 provided with a contactless IC chip. At this time, an electronic money member number is written to the contactless IC chip. The user accesses a point site on a point server 10 through a user terminal, and logs in thereto. The user enters the electronic money member number in the point site. The point server 10 transmits a combination of the electronic money member number and the user's point member number to an electronic money server 2. The electronic money server 2 receives the electronic money member number and the point member number from the point server 10, and memorizes them after establishing a linkage therebetween.
US07891555B2
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with a server address, where a document is located. The document includes machine instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular banking institution where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed to the user when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks.
US07891552B2
An automated banking machine (10) includes a lockable first fascia portion (20) which when unlocked enables access to a chest lock input device (104), inputs to which enable opening a chest door (18) of the machine. Opening the first fascia portion also enables access to an actuator (116) which enables moving a second fascia portion (22) for conducting service activities. A controller (72) in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices (118, 126) for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices (128) adjacent a card reader slot (28) on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article (98) which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data.
US07891543B2
A reclosable carton having a tuck flap that slides between a first gable panel and side gussets is provided. The tuck flap is coupled to a second gable panel along a line that is in alignment with a non-continuous free edge. The tuck flap includes a tuck flap width that is less than widths of the first and second gable panels. The tuck flap also includes a tuck flap score that is spaced apart from the line. The side gussets forming the gable angle include two perforated score lines intersecting a top of the carton at the non-continuous free edge. The perforated scores are connected to a first intersecting score by two die cuts, which are angled substantially 45 degrees from the first intersecting score.
US07891541B2
Featured is a storage container having a rectangular base with a front wall folded upwardly along a front edge of the rectangular base, a back wall folded upwardly along a back edge of the rectangular base, a outer cover panel extension to the front wall having a pair of widths and having a cover tuck flap, wherein each edge along the pair of widths in the outer cover panel extension has cutouts in a smooth shape, an inner cover panel extension to the back wall having a pair of widths folded along a top edge of the back wall, each edge along the pair of widths of the inner cover panel extension has cutouts in a smooth shape and a pair of end walls extending upwardly along a side edge of the rectangular base with a pair of grab areas allowing fingers extending towards outer cover panel passing over cutouts having the smooth shape.
US07891535B2
A method of making a tailored blank comprising the following steps: (a) friction welding first and second structural members together at a substantially right angle with respect to each other to form an intersection comprising a first joining surface formed by adjoining bottom faces of the first and second structural members, and a second joining surface formed by an angled face of the first structural member that is disposed at a first oblique angle relative to the bottom face of the first structural member; (b) friction welding the first joining surface of the intersection to a first portion of a surface of a base member; and (c) concurrently linear friction welding first and second joining surfaces of a third structural member to the second joining surface of the intersection and to a second portion of the surface of the base member respectively.
US07891533B2
An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.
US07891531B1
A sub-miniature surgical staple cartridge includes an elongated housing having longitudinally extending strips forming walls with a wall thickness preferably less than 0.015 inch. The walls define a plurality of longitudinally spaced pockets which receive a corresponding plurality of U-shaped surgical staples above generally flat corresponding drivers. The thin walls are formed of sheet metal or extruded plastics material or heat-formed sheet plastics material with the outer side walls having opposite end walls welded together or integrally connected. The outer side walls may be sheet metal enclosing sheet metal or plastic extruded internal walls, or the entire cartridge may be extruded of a plastics material or formed of sheet plastics material and have a plastic bottom wall.
US07891522B2
An airless dispenser pump assembly includes a pump mechanism with an inlet valve that is configured to efficiently pump viscous fluids and that is able to be pre-primed when the pump mechanism is attached to a container. In one form, the inlet valve includes a seal member that seals an inlet port of the pump and an outer support member that secures the inlet valve to the rest of the pump mechanism. Two or more legs generally extend in a circumferential direction between the support member and the seal member in order to create a large flow opening for fluid flow through the inlet valve when opened and to rapidly close the inlet valve. The pump mechanism further includes an outlet valve that is configured to draw fluid back from a nozzle of the pump after dispensing in order to minimize build up around the nozzle.
US07891521B2
A container for gifts or the like, of the type that is used for association with a food package, in particular, to be inserted in a chocolate egg, comprises two half-shells which can be coupled mouth to mouth and with which are associated connection means that can be mutually engaged in order to keep the two half-shells connected to one another; the connection means are preferably of the buckle type with a male element integral with one half-shell and a female element integral with the other half-shell, the male and female elements being mutually engageable.
US07891520B2
A vessel comprises a basin component and a base component, the base component having at least three support elements of substantially equal size and joined together by at least three connector elements of substantially equal length; at one end, each connector element is attached to one of the support elements, and the connector elements are joined to one another at their respective opposite ends. When the support elements of the base component are placed on a table or counter or other flat surface, and are positioned at equidistant points about the periphery of an imaginary circle having a radius that is substantially the same as the length of each connector element, and a basin component having a radius of curvature that is within certain limits is positioned on the base component, thereby placing the base component in tension, the formation of a stable support for the basin component is enabled.
US07891515B2
A water-soluble container comprising a first compartment containing a first composition, a second compartment containing a second composition and a rigid spacer located in the first compartment and/or the second compartment, such that a wall or wall section of the first and/or second compartment is prevented from contacting a wall or wall section of the other compartment.
US07891512B2
A linerless closure mounted on a container, the closure comprising a closure top having a depending sidewall which terminates at a bottom end, the sidewall having an exterior face from which depends a circumferential skirt which extends outwardly from the sidewall having an interior skirt sidewall and an interior top surface which defines a junction space between the exterior face and the skirt, the junction space includes a tapered circumferential sidewall, wherein said closure excludes any flexible or elastomeric intermediate element which is not an integrally molded or formed as a part of the closure, said closure top mounted on a container, the container having a neck, the neck having an outer surface, a top surface and an edge defined by the intersection of the outer surface and the top surface, wherein the neck is in a direct, seal-tight contact with the tapered circumferential sidewall of the cap.
US07891511B2
The present invention is directed to a closure for a container. In one of the embodiments provided herein, the closure is provided with a roof portion, a shoulder portion that merges with the roof portion, and a skirt portion depending from the shoulder portion. Provided on the shoulder portion are recessed regions and full-depth regions. The recessed regions and full-depth regions alternate around the shoulder portion and are provided for improving a number of manufacturing, costs, and structural factors. In another embodiment provided herein, the closure is provided with a cylindrical skirt depending substantially from a roof portion, the cylindrical skirt having an inner wall with a plurality of narrow, elongated, vertical stand-off ribs thereon, the ribs having an upper edge below a tension ring and a lower edge below the upper edge and an elongated length causing the lower edge to be positioned about 50% to 25% above a bottom edge defined by the cylindrical skirt and measured against the entire length of the cylindrical skirt.
US07891506B2
A jewelry holder and display includes an upstanding elongated stem or post the lower end of which is secured to a circular base which, in turn, is rotatably supported on a larger diameter primary base such that the upstanding stem can readily rotate about its longitudinal axis. The stem supports radially located extending pegs and also supports at its upper end a generally cylindrical cup-shaped receptacle member having a plurality of radially located extending pegs selectively secured to its outer circumference for supporting jewelry items such as necklaces, bracelets, watches and the like. The receptacle member has an internal chamber to receive small items of jewelry, such as rings and cuff links. A cover is provided to releasably cover an upper opening in the receptacle chamber which may be lined with a soft felt and can receive a ring support cushion.
US07891504B2
A cradle unit for supporting metal coils, and other cylindrical objects, consists of two, parallel and separate saddles preferably made of polyurethane having an approximate range of between 50 Shore A and 90 Shore D, which saddles are connected together via a pair of parallel steel angle-brackets that provide inherent structural integrity to the cradle unit itself, while still allowing the unit to conform to the shape or level of the underlying support structure. The single cradle unit may be as a mobile support-device, or may be bolted or otherwise attached to a surface for a specific location of the stored product. The cradle unit of the invention may, also, be attached to the bed of a transportation vehicle, such as a truck trailer or rail car, in order to provide secure, protective storage and location of the items. In this case, the nature of the resilient or soft material from which the cradle unit is made provides shock-absorption qualities for the transported coil. The cradle unit is generally concave-shaped and has a first main or central lower concave curvature of a first radius, and a middle or secondary transitional curvature that connects the first main lower curvature to an upper, tertiary concave curvature of a second radius greater than the first radius, so that coils or rolls of different diameter may be safely and firmly supported.
US07891495B2
A battery bag assembly including an elongated watertight bag (WTB), a sealable access port (SAP), a battery tray (BT), a power feed-through (PFT), and an electric power conduit (EPC). SAP (402) has an elongated configuration extending along an elongated length of the WTB. BT (600) is disposed within the WTB so that its elongated configuration is aligned with the elongated length of the WTB. BT has electrical connector sockets (EPSs) mounted thereon for mating with oppositely sexed connectors provided on batteries. PFT (352) is disposed on a wall of the watertight bag. PFT is configured to provide a watertight seal for an electrical conductor passing from an interior of the watertight bag to an exterior of the watertight bag. EPC (360) is electrically connected for coupling electric power from the EPSs on the BT to a remote device.
US07891490B2
A system for providing a shipping label and a packing list on a container is provided which enables rapid and automated sequential application of a packing list and a shipping label to the container. The shipping label is configured complemental to the packing list whereby the packing list may first be adhered directly to the container and then the shipping label may be placed thereover. The shipping label may be applied over the packing list while the container moves continuously down a conveyor. The invention further includes an apparatus for sequentially applying the packing list and then the shipping label, and a method for applying the packing list and shipping label in registry.
US07891483B2
A device for treating foodstuffs, in which the foodstuffs are conveyed by a conveyor belt through a treatment zone, such as tunnel freezers for freezing foodstuffs. The conveyor belt is supported by a frame on which sliding rails are mounted to reduce friction. The conveyor belt is guided over these sliding rails. To prevent hygiene problems such as those occurring due to gaps formed when the sliding rails are mounted on the carrier, the sliding rails are designed as self-supporting elements. The sliding rails here are preferably simply placed on the transverse bars of the supporting frame.
US07891476B2
Each of first and second multi-plate clutches comprises a clutch outer cylinder portion provided to be coaxial with the input shaft and connected with a first or second rotational element, a clutch inner cylinder portion provided to be coaxial with an input shaft, plural clutch plates provided between these cylinder portions to slide in an axial direction of the input shaft within the clutch outer or inner cylinder portion, and a clutch piston provided to slide in the axial direction and press the clutch plates for connecting the clutch outer cylinder portion with the clutch inner cylinder portion. The clutch outer and inner cylinder portions of each of the first and second multi-plate clutches are provided in the axial direction, and there is provided a support wall portion that is connected with the input shaft and supports the clutch inner cylinder portion of each of the multi-plate clutches.
US07891471B2
The present invention adds a stabilizing force member to prior art Railway brake systems and greatly improves the control of the spatial orientation of a modified brake beam within a Railway vehicle and provides lateral support to a truck lever connection and levers, which in turn, properly locate actuating bars of the brake system. As a result, service life of brake beam support components and brake shoes are extended, brake lever friction is reduced and brake system efficiency is increased.
US07891458B2
A priority valve 7 is disposed between a hydraulic pump 2 and a steering valve 4 and is used to supply priority steering cylinders 103a and 103b with pressurized oil discharged from the hydraulic pump 2 by controlling the differential pressure across a meter-in hydraulic line of the steering valve 4 such that the differential pressure is kept at a target value. A pressure sensor 31 for detecting the load pressures of the steering cylinders 103a and 103b is provided. On the basis of the detected load pressures, the target value set for the priority valve 7 is modified by devices including a controller 32, a solenoid valve 33, a pilot hydraulic line 29, and a pressure receiving unit 24c of the priority valve 7. The above configuration enables suppression of a shock occurring at the start of turning of the steering wheel.
US07891454B2
A snowmobile rear suspension is shown comprised of a linear force element (LFE) positioned outside the envelope of the snowmobile endless track. The snowmobile frame includes a chassis mounted to a tunnel, where the chassis includes a central mounting bracket. The LFE is attached at one end to the bracket and at the other end to a bell crank. The bell crank is operatively connected to the slide rails. When the slide rails collapse in normal operation, the bell crank strokes the LFE, and the suspension is progressive throughout the range.
US07891453B2
In one aspect of the present invention, an energy storage system has an elastic hydraulic fluid vessel with an internal variable volume and being coupled to a hydraulic rotary mechanism. The elastic hydraulic fluid vessel has an elastic material adapted to store a potential energy within its fibers when the internal volume is increased by a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic rotary mechanism is adapted to be accelerated by the release of the potential energy of the fibers of the elastic vessel by ejecting the hydraulic fluid from the internal variable volume into the rotary mechanism.
US07891448B2
Control circuits for a riding lawn mower providing an override condition for selectively allowing the cutting blades of the lawn mower to operate when the vehicle is traveling in reverse. The circuits incorporate a multi-position ignition switch, an override switch, a vehicle reverse switch, a PTO switch and a park brake switch. In one aspect of the invention, the control circuits disable the engine when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. In another aspect of the invention, an electric PTO clutch is disabled when the vehicle is placed in reverse with the PTO engaged and without the override condition having been established. The override condition is terminated when the ignition switch is moved away from the override position, or when the operator activates the park brake switch.
US07891441B2
An expandable downhole tool such as an under-reamer or a stabiliser includes a mandrel mounted for linear slidable movement relative to a main body. The mandrel, together with one or more travel blocks, cause movement of a working component in an axial direction. One or more outwardly extending guide paths slidably interact with the working component to cause the working component to move between a withdrawn inoperative position and an outwardly deployed operative position. Upon increase of hydraulic pressure from below the tool, the mandrel is urged against a spring biasing the deactivated position to move axially and cause the working component to take its operative position. Upon decrease of hydraulic pressure, the spring moves the mandrel axially to cause the working component to take its withdrawn inoperative position.
US07891440B2
There is provided a method for drilling a cased hole and installing a geothermal transfer apparatus. A sonic drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The sonic drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus for rotating and vibrating a drill string into the ground. A retrievable drill bit is operatively connected to the drill string. The cased hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the drill string into the ground. The retrievable drill bit is retrieved from the cased hole following the drilling of the cased hole to the desired depth. A geothermal transfer apparatus is lowered into the cased hole following the retrieval of the retrievable drill bit. Grouting material may be discharged into the cased hole before or after the drill string is removed from the ground.
US07891426B2
A bearing cooling system comprises a bearing assembly, a heat exchanger, a coolant flow circuit apparatus and a lubricant flow circuit apparatus. The bearing assembly is configured for being removably seated within a well drilling head housing and for having a stripper rubber assembly attached thereto. The bearing assembly includes bearings and a lubricant flow path configured for allowing lubricant to be circulated through the bearings. The heat exchanger has a lubricant core portion and a coolant core portion, which are jointly configured for allowing heat transfer between respective fluids of the core portions. The coolant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the coolant core portion and is configured for circulating coolant through the coolant core portion. The lubricant flow circuit apparatus is coupled to the lubricant core portion and lubricant flow path, and is configured for circulating lubricant through the coolant core portion and the lubricant flow path.
US07891418B2
Method and apparatus to make-up or break-out a threaded tubular connection using an integrated power tong and back-up tong (10). The power tong (20) may be disabled upon sensing a predetermined threshold amount of displacement of at least a portion of a back-up tong (14). The sensed displacement indicates that the back-up tong (14) is slipping, and power tong (20) rotation may be disabled to prevent damage to the pipe string (16) or surrounding equipment. A slippage sensor (40) may be disposed to sense displacement of at least a portion of the back-up tong (14) relative to a supporting frame (12). In one embodiment, the slippage sensor (40) may be operatively coupled to a valve (50) disposed in communication with a fluid line (46) supplying power fluid to the power tong (20). The power tong (20) may be disabled by impairing flow to the power tong (20) upon sensing a predetermined displacement of the back-up tong (14).
US07891409B2
Noise occurring in an upright air-conditioning unit is greatly reduced. An upright air-conditioning unit 1 is disposed under a steering member support part 23, a vent opening 15 and a vent outlet port 20 are made to communicate with each other via a vent duct 25, a defrost opening 16 and a defrost outlet port 21 are made to communicate with each other via a defrost duct 26. The vent opening 15 assumes a position further frontward than the steering member support part 23 along the frontward/rearward direction relative to the vehicle body whereas the defrost opening 16 assumes a position further rearward than the steering member support part 23 along the frontward/rearward direction relative to the vehicle body.
US07891402B2
A mold assembly device and method for assembling a semi-permanent mold assembly is disclosed, the mold assembly device includes a base die and a transfer frame, wherein the transfer frame is capable of transferring a core package to the base die and facilitates assembly of the transfer frame and the core package with the base die.
US07891399B2
Two neighboring roller blinds on the same drive shaft may be adjusted with respect to each other by letting one end plug comprise an un-coupling device. This un-coupling device may advantageously be made by means of an unwrap spring that is actuated by means of a ring that surrounds one end plug.
US07891389B2
An improved portable work bench includes a beam, legs for supporting the beam, and at least one bracket having first and second surfaces for contacting respective first and second sides of the beam, wherein the second surface is movable between a first position contacting the second side of the beam, and a second position not contacting the second side of the beam. A spring biases the second surface towards the first position.
US07891387B2
A robot system includes a supply station. The system further includes: a robot, a robot tank adapted to store a liquid and disposed at the robot; and a supply station configured to supply additional liquid to the tank.
US07891385B2
To reliably supply a predetermined amount of sealing agent into a pneumatic tire even if the device is inclined and after the predetermined amount of sealing agent is supplied, to automatically start feeding compressed air into the pneumatic tire. In pumping device 30, when compressed air is supplied to air chamber 54, internal pressure of air chamber 54 increases, and as the internal pressure of air chamber 54 rises, a contained volume of air chamber 54 increases while a contained volume of liquid container 52 decreases. Thus, sealing agent 100 in an amount corresponding to the amount corresponding to the reduction in the contained volume of liquid container 52, is forcibly discharged from discharge outlet 64 and the discharged sealing agent 100 is injected into tire 90. In pumping device 30, when the air chamber 54 expands enough to have a predetermined amount of sealing agent to be discharged from the liquid container 52, the air discharge opening 92 opens toward the air chamber 54 to allow the air chamber 54 to communicate with the inside of tire 90. Thus, compressed air in the air chamber 54 can be supplied into tire 90 via the air discharge outlet 92, bypass hose 96 and joint hose 68.
US07891380B2
A fluid coupling assembly is disclosed comprising a connector body defining a bore extending axially forward from an entrance opening, a tubular male member with an upset, a seal member, and a retainer. The retainer is received within the bore and includes locking members to releaseably retain the tube. The retainer includes a forward extension to support the seal against fluid pressure. The retainer and seal are configured to be applied to the male member before insertion of the male member into the bore of the connector body. Two of the locking members include ramps extending radially outwardly to contact the body portion defining the entrance opening sequentially prior to contact by the locking arms of the other locking members. A removable protective cap attaches the retainer and seal onto a tube end and covers these components prior to assembly. The retainer, seal member and protective cap cannot be assembled onto the tube end unless the seal is present within the protective cap.
US07891379B2
A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together.
US07891374B2
A suction valve seat and guide assembly has an outer ring and a peripheral flange projecting outwardly from the bottom of the outer ring, and an inner surface with a top part sloping downwardly and inwardly toward the center of the outer ring. The outer ring has an outer surface that slopes upwardly and inwardly from the flange. The guide has an inner ring positioned within the outer ring and a number of spaced-apart fins connecting the inner ring to the outer ring. A retainer has an internal passageway, an externally threaded, upper segment within the top of which is fitted the peripheral flange of the seat; a middle segment that is affixed to the bottom of the upper segment and has a polygonal cross section for easy gripping by a wrench; and, a bottom segment that is affixed to the bottom of the middle segment.
US07891360B2
An earplug that includes a piezoelectric element that converts electrical signals into oscillations; and a deformable material of which at least one segment is insertable into an external auditory canal of a person to ensure an acoustic seal by deformation, the piezoelectric element being disposed inside the deformable material and in fixed contact therewith, the deformable material being able to transmit the oscillations at a periphery and ensure conduction of the oscillations through cartilage and soft tissue of the auditory canal.
US07891352B2
The invention describes an aerosol generator for inhalation therapy devices, in which an oscillatable assembly, consisting of at least a membrane and an oscillation generator, is mounted in an encapsulating means such that at least the membrane is exposed for the supply of liquid and the generation of an aerosol, whereas the remaining parts of the oscillatable assembly are protected. Mounting occurs by means of a flexible passage such that the oscillatory motions of the oscillatable assembly are not negatively affected.
US07891348B2
A “cross-over” compound crossbow includes a stock and barrel assembly attached to a horizontally mounted compound bow. The compound bow component is similar to that of U.S. Pat. No. 7,047,958 and includes an alternative arrow support system to achieve higher arrow velocity at a reduced draw weight. The crossover compound bow also provides draw weight adjustability and positive cam synchronization.
US07891332B2
A method of generating a crankshaft synchronized sine wave signal for an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes the steps of: A) sensing an observed crankshaft angle of the crankshaft; B) using a dynamic observer to generate an estimated crankshaft angle from said observed crankshaft angle; and C) generating the crankshaft synchronized sine wave signal as a function of the estimated crankshaft angle. The crankshaft synchronized sine wave signal is preferable output to at least one of an active vibration control system and an active noise control system. An apparatus for generating a crankshaft synchronized sine wave for an internal combustion engine according to the method of the present invention is also disclosed.
US07891325B2
A cleaning apparatus for a smelt spout of a recovery boiler, which apparatus comprises a motorized cleaning member (7) for cleaning the smelt spout (1). The cleaning apparatus further comprises a path (5) and a cleaning unit, which comprises motorized transfer means for transferring the cleaning unit to the location of the smelt spout (1) along the path.
US07891321B2
An animal muzzle has a retention strap, an interlock member attached to a first end portion of the retention strap, and a muzzle body attached to a second end portion of the retention strap. The muzzle body includes two longitudinally extending edge portions and an interlock structure adjacent each of the edge portions. The interlock structures are configured for having the interlock member simultaneously engaged therewith. The interlock structures are longitudinally offset from each other such that they are longitudinally adjacent to each other in a manner allowing the interlock member to be slideable engaged therewith when the muzzle body is in a snout-encompassing configuration. The muzzle body is maintained in the snout-encompassing configuration when the interlock member is engaged with the interlock structures. The muzzle body automatically transitions to a non-constraining configuration when the interlock member is disengaged from the interlock structures.
US07891316B1
A rear milking cluster hose support arm for supporting a milking cluster hose in an existing milking system where milking is done from a rear of a cow includes a rubber bumper for supporting an existing cluster hose and a rectilinear rod. The apparatus further includes a rod holder and a selectively adjusting mechanism with a coupling nut, an air hose, a tee union adapter, and a flattened lever. A predetermined oscillating air pressure level is introduced into the cylinder from the existing air supply source to thereby raise and lower the coupling nut and articulate the lever about the rod to thereby adjust the position of the rod and the rubber bumper respectively during non-operating conditions.
US07891308B2
A prefabricated panel assembly for use in constructing a marine vessel comprises a plurality of elongated, roll-formed metal panels fixed sided to side by longitudinal weld seams. The panels include a plate portion and an angle portion adjoining the plate portion along a longitudinal primary bend, the plate portion having a generally flat panel segment, the angle portion having a web generally orthogonal to the panel segment and a flange generally parallel to the panel segment and adjoining the web along a secondary bend. The panel assembly provides a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to using individual structural steel angles welded to individual steel plate in constructing a marine vessel.
US07891304B2
A railcar with discharge control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a railway car includes an underframe and at least one hopper for transporting lading. The railway car further including the underframe including a center sill which defines in part a longitudinal axis of the railway car. A discharge opening formed proximate to a lower portion of the hopper. A respective door assembly pivotally mounted adjacent to the discharge opening to control the flow of lading from the hopper. The door assembly operable for movement between a first, closed position and a second, open position relative to the discharge opening. A discharge control system operable to move the door assembly between the first position and the second position. The discharge control system operably moves generally longitudinally along the axis of the railway car to move the door assemblies between the first, closed position and the second, open position.
US07891291B2
A wine making apparatus includes an engaging mechanism for engaging a fermentation tank, and a press mechanism for pressing the wine making ingredients in the tank against an inner surface of the tank. In a described embodiment a tank has a pair of forklift attachment points and a movable platform on a wine press mechanism is adapted for receiving the forklift attachment points. A lifting apparatus raises the platform and tank such that the contents of the tank are crushed by a relatively fixed plate above the tank. A pair of hydraulic rams are connected in series such that fluid output from one raises the other, thereby assuring that the platform and tank are evenly raised.
US07891285B2
In a swash plate hydraulic pump or motor structured so that a convex arc surface on the back surface of a swash plate is supported on a concave arc surface of a swash plate support via a bearing in a manner enabling the arc surface to swing in the circumferential direction that follows the arc path. A restricting pin is included for restricting movements of the bearing. The assembly structure prevents the restricting pin from coming out of the swash plate and the swash plate support. One end of the restricting pin is supported rotatably on a side surface of the swash plate. An intermediate portion of the restricting pin is engaged in an engagement hole formed in a holder of the bearing in a loosely fitting manner. Finally, the other end of the restricting pin is inserted into a support rod supported rotatably around its axis on the swash plate support to permit movement of the restricting pin in a pin axial direction.
US07891279B2
A saw chain rivet is provided including a flange, and a hub extending from a side of the flange. A shoulder defined by a junction between the hub and the flange has properties optimized to resist shear forces. The hub may be optimized for ease of rivet head formation.
US07891278B2
An eye-protection cover quick-release structure includes a spreader, which has a notch and a locating hole at the top side and a contracted passage connected between the notch and the locating hole, a bracket, which has a locating groove for accommodating a part of the spreader and an axle hole, an axle pin, which is insertable through the axle hole of the bracket and the locating hole of the spreader and has a shank and a shoulder, and a handle fastened to the shank of the axle pin and biasable between a pressed position where the shoulder of the axle pin is forced into the locating hole of the spreader to lock the bracket to the spreader and a lifted position where the shank of the axle pin is forced into the locating hole of the spreader and movable through the contracted passage for allowing the bracket to be separated from the spreader.
US07891276B2
In a system and method for controlling the length of a discrete segment of an elastic web, a wound off tension of the web is determined during unwinding from a wound roll. The unwound web is delivered to a processing station while being maintained in tension. A discrete segment of the web is transported away from the processing station for at least a time t wherein the discrete segment decreases in length to a recovered length. The recovered length is predicted based at least in part on the wound off tension and in response to the predicted recovered length, at least one of the following is controlled: 1) the speed at which the web is delivered to the processing station, 2) the tension in the continuous web as it is delivered to the processing station, and 3) the length of the discrete segment at the processing station.
US07891269B2
A vehicle includes a handlebar and a handlebar cover. The handlebar cover includes a front cover for covering a front side of the handlebar and a rear cover for covering a rear side of the handlebar. The front and rear covers are fastened to each other by a fastener member. The fastener member is covered by a cover attached to the handlebar cover.
US07891262B2
A shift position changing drive member for a transmission includes an arm member capable of turning around the axis of a shift spindle for drivingly turning a shift drum in response to the turning of the shift spindle wherein the shift drum is prevented from coming into a neutral position even if the shifting speed is stopped in midstream. A lost motion spring includes gripping portions gripping a pressing portion from both sides of a coil portion surrounding the shift spindle. An arm member of shift position changing drive member is provided with a pressure-receiving member which is gripped by both gripping portions in such a manner that when the turning member is turned, if, in response to the turning direction, the pressing portion abuts against one of the gripping portions for turning, the other of the gripping portions abuts against the pressure-receiving member.
US07891261B2
A clutch actuation system for engaging and disengaging a clutch includes a hydraulically-actuated piston movable in response to hydraulic pressure to an apply position in which the piston is operable to engage the clutch. An electro mechanical actuator is movable in response to electric power to contact the piston at the apply position such that the clutch is maintained in an engaged state by the actuator, thereby permitting hydraulic pressure to be released. A method of controlling engagement of the clutch is also provided.
US07891260B2
An occupant presence sensor apparatus disposed in a seat includes first and second substantially non-compliant force translation plates generally parallel to the seating surface of the seat, an elastomeric mat disposed between the first and second force translation plates, and a switch mechanism disposed between the first and second force translation plates within an opening formed in the elastomeric mat. The elastomeric mat includes a distributed array of hollow protuberances that extend toward and contact the force translation plates, and the mat has a stiffness that normally provides a clearance between the switch mechanism and one of the force translation plates. When an occupant of specified or higher weight sits on the seating surface, the protuberances collapse and the force translation plates activate the switch mechanism.
US07891257B2
A monitoring device including first detector means of a flow rate of operative fluid in an electric household appliance towards a tank of the electric household appliance and second detector means of the level of such a fluid in the tank; wherein the first and second detector means are operatively and reciprocally associated to issue a single signal (S) characterised by at least two different parameters, a first parameter (F) correlated to the flow rate of the fluid and a second parameter (A) correlated to the level of fluid in the tank. Typically, the first and the second detector means consist of a turbine mounted so as to be crossed in use by the flow of operative fluid and thereby turned at a speed proportional to the flow rate of fluid; in a membrane mounted within a casing to fluid-tightly divide the same into a first and second chamber connected respectively to atmospheric pressure and to siphon means arranged within the tank; in sensor means mounted on the membrane integral with the same and in interaction means with the sensor means, angularly and integrally mounted on the turbine and in a position so as to periodically transit in use in front of the sensor means in consequence of the rotation of the turbine.
US07891252B2
A method includes forming multiple trenches in a first wafer, forming a sensor structure on a first surface of a second wafer, and bonding the first wafer and the second wafer. The method also includes etching a second surface of the second wafer to form a sensor diaphragm in the second wafer. The method further includes removing a portion of the first wafer by cutting the first wafer in multiple areas of the first wafer associated with the trenches. A sensor includes a substrate and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator on a first surface of the substrate. The sensor also includes a bonding pad electrically coupled to the SAW resonator and a notch formed in a second surface of the substrate. The sensor further includes a cover separated from the first surface of the substrate by a spacer. The SAW resonator is located between the cover and the substrate.
US07891250B2
This invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an analogue signal from a mechanical gauge. In particular, this invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an analogue signal from a mechanical pressure gauge. More particularly, this invention uses a flexible gauge to digitize an a analogue signal from a mechanical pressure gauge that uses a Bourdon tube.
US07891247B2
A method for detecting an anomaly and measuring its size may include generating a wave signal into a structure being evaluated and collecting at least one of any front and back scattered wave data and any side scattered wave data caused by the wave signal impacting an anomaly. The method may also include processing the at least one front and back scattered wave data and side scattered wave data to measure a size, location, and shape of the anomaly.
US07891241B2
An apparatus for remote inspection of fire extinguishers at one or a system of fire extinguisher stations includes, e.g., at each fire extinguisher station: a detector for lack of presence of a fire extinguisher in its installed position at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for out-of-range pressure of contents of the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; a detector for an obstruction to viewing of or access to the fire extinguisher at the fire extinguisher station; and a device for transmission of inspection report information from the fire extinguisher station to a remote central station.
US07891239B2
To provide a flow meter, and a flow volume controlling device equipped therewith, capable of reducing pressure loss while obtaining a flow rectifying effect in a measurement fluid. A flow meter for measuring the flow volume of a measurement fluid, equipped with a flow path wherein the measuring fluid flows, and a flow rectifier that is disposed within the flow path, where the flow rectifier has holes for rectifying the flow of a measurement fluid, and has an area that is wider than the flow path cross-sectional area in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction in which the flow path extends. The flow volume controlling device is provided with the flow meter, a controlling valve, and controlling means for adjusting the flow volume of a fluid that flows through the flow path of the flow meter through controlling the controlling valves based on information regarding the flow volume detected by the flow meter.
US07891236B2
A pressure differential valve apparatus that includes a valve, the valve having a valve head and a valve stem connected perpendicular to the valve head, the valve head having a valve face with an opening that continues inside an interior of the valve head to an intersection with the valve stem and along a length of the valve stem to a top of the valve stem, wherein the apparatus allows unobstructed pressure readings when the valve face is rotated in a radial direction within an area of flow of a cylinder head.
US07891234B2
A multi-sensing device is provided which includes a first sensor for sensing a temperature of the fluid flowing through the filter element, a second sensor for sensing a pressure generated by the fluid flowing through the filter element; and an indicator for indicating a condition of the filter system, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the first and second sensors. The microcontroller executes instructions for receiving temperature data from the first sensor and pressure data from the second sensor; if the temperature data does not exceed a first temperature threshold, monitoring subsequent temperature data received from the first sensor until it exceeds the first temperature threshold; and if the temperature data exceeds the first temperature threshold: determining whether the temperature data exceeds a second temperature threshold and whether the pressure data exceeds a pressure threshold; if the temperature data exceeds the second temperature threshold, activating the indicator to indicate that the fluid is in an abnormal condition; and if the pressure data exceeds the pressure threshold, activating the indicator to indicate that the filter element is in a condemned condition.
US07891233B2
A blast movement monitor for measuring the movement of material within a body of material as a result of a blasting operation, the monitor including: a housing having an interior chamber defining an inner surface; and an internal communication device that is received immediately within the interior chamber of the housing, the internal communication device including: a body portion; an electric coil wound around the body portion; a circuit board electrically connected to the coil; a battery electrically connected to the circuit board; an end portion associated with one end of the body portion; and a cap associated with an opposing end of the body portion that encapsulates the body portion and sealingly houses the body portion; wherein the internal communication device is biased to facilitate self-righting of the internal communication device to a desired orientation within the interior chamber independent of the orientation of the monitor.
US07891232B2
A sensor to detect particulate matter. The sensor includes a first rigid tube, a second rigid tube, a detection surface electrode, and a bias surface electrode. The second rigid tube is mounted substantially parallel to the first rigid tube. The detection surface electrode is disposed on an outer surface of the first rigid tube. The detection surface electrode is disposed to face the second rigid tube. The bias surface electrode is disposed on an outer surface of the second rigid tube. The bias surface electrode is disposed to face the detection surface electrode on the first rigid tube. An air gap exists between the detection surface electrode and the bias surface electrode to allow particulate matter within an exhaust stream to flow between the detection and bias surface electrodes.
US07891227B2
Gripping apparatus for gripping and holding elongated workpieces, in particular for bending machines
A gripping apparatus for gripping elongated workpieces comprises a housing, carrying two pivotable gripping jaws which are movable between opened and closed positions, as well as a guiding body, in which the housing is displaceably supported.A rod having a control element which is located between both gripping jaws and is displaceable between a position retracted into the gripping jaws and so as to spread them apart, and an opposite position, where the gripping jaws are converged.The control element engages the housing and, during a further movement in the retraction direction moves the housing.
US07891220B2
A lockable container comprising a lock portion and a container is provided. The lock portion has a first part and a second part, wherein the first part has an opening component and at least a lock mechanism, the second part has at least a latch driven by the opening component. The container fits the second part. The container has at least an inner space and a wedge corresponding to the latch. The lock mechanism restricts a displacement of the opening component when the lock mechanism is locked. The lock mechanism releases the opening component when the lock mechanism is unlocked.
US07891211B2
A cold storage tank unit for a refrigeration cycle apparatus includes a cold storage heat exchanger having plural tubes and a pair of first and second tanks connected to longitudinal ends of the tubes, a cold storage material tank which accommodates at least the tubes of the cold storage heat exchanger, and a cold storage material filled in the cold storage material tank. The cold storage material is cold-stored by the refrigerant or is cold-released to cool gas refrigerant evaporated in the evaporator. Furthermore, the second tank has a lower end portion that is positioned lower than a lower end portion of the first tank, and the second tank has a tank capacity capable of storing a predetermined liquid refrigerant condensed by cold storage heat of the cold storage material. The cold storage tank unit can be located between an evaporator and a compressor in the refrigeration cycle apparatus.
US07891199B2
Self-cooling food and beverage containers and processes for manufacturing such containers with cryogenic high-pressure refrigerant cooling apparatus are disclosed. A self-cooling beverage container apparatus containing a beverage or other food product, a method of storing cryogenic gases which then cool said food products, and to methods of assembling and operating the apparatus. A self-cooling beverage container includes a container body having an openable portion, a pressure vessel substantially housed within said container body, the pressure vessel having a first chamber for containing a refrigerant, an actuation valve configurable from a closed configuration wherein the refrigerant is maintained within the pressure vessel to an open configuration wherein said refrigerant is allowed to expand and exit the pressure vessel upon opening of said container whereby refrigerant expansion and flow through said outlet conduit cools the contents of said container.
US07891195B2
A device for attenuating acoustical noise from an exhaust nozzle of a turbojet is disclosed. The turbojet exhaust nozzle includes a central body defining the inner surface of the primary gas flow path. The central body includes an outer wall defining one, and only one, resonator cavity. The single resonator cavity is in fluid communication with the primary gas flow path via orifices through at least one upstream portion of the outer wall. The single resonator cavity and plurality of orifices compose a Helmholtz resonator.
US07891192B2
A combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor endcover having at least one fuel circuit and mounted thereto a plurality of pre-mixers and at least one control valve. The at least one control valve is fluidly connected to the at least one fuel circuit and operatively connected to a controller. The controller selectively operates the at least one control valve to deliver fuel through the at least one fuel circuit to the plurality of pre-mixers in order to achieve an enhanced level of operational flexibility by providing individual combustion chamber control.
US07891190B2
A combustion chamber of a turbomachine is disclosed. The combustion chamber includes at least one bowl with a substantially frustoconical wall that is formed with an annular row of air injection orifices and a fuel injector arranged upstream of the bowl. The annular row of air injection orifices includes smaller-diameter orifices and larger-diameter orifices which are arranged in alternating fashion and with a uniform distribution around the axis of the bowl to produce two annular air/fuel mixture layers.
US07891188B2
The present inventive subject matter is drawn to an apparatus for producing power using geothermal liquid comprising: a geothermal power plant for producing power using heat contained in geothermal liquid supplied thereto; and heating means apparatus for heating a solution and producing a heated solution for use in an electrolysis unit with heat from heat depleted geothermal liquid exiting a vaporizer of the geothermal power plant, wherein the electrolysis unit produces hydrogen for use in producing power.
US07891186B1
A waste heat recovery system is provided for an internal combustion engine having a piston, a cylinder and an intake manifold, significantly improving gas mileage efficiency without reliance on alternative fuels. The system includes a heat loop having a heat transfer fluid, a compressor in fluid communication with the intake manifold to supply compressed air thereto, a Stirling engine operated and optimized via thermal communication with the heat loop, and operatively coupled to the compressor. The system includes a chiller in thermal communication with the heat loop, and with the intake manifold to cool the compressed air communicate to the cylinder. The system may include additional Stirling engines operating other devices, or being operated by a device, such as a propeller. A vehicle can incorporate the system and route fluid to and from a radiator. The system can be used in both portable and stationary applications.
US07891182B2
A method for controlling an engine in a work machine includes determining a base engine operating limit; determining a hydraulic system load on the engine; calculating a modification value for the base engine operating limit; generating a modified engine operating limit based on the modification value and the base engine operating limit; generating an engine control signal based on the modified engine operating limit; and transmitting the engine control signal to operate the engine at the modified engine operating limit to thereby supply additional power from the engine to the drive train to at least partially compensate for the hydraulic system load.
US07891174B2
Described herein is a method for managing regeneration of a diesel-particulate filter for a gas-exhaust system of the internal-combustion engine of a vehicle, comprising a first step of regeneration of the diesel-particulate filter during which the diesel-particulate filter is regenerated at a first regeneration rate, and a second step of regeneration of the diesel-particulate filter, during which the diesel-particulate filter is regenerated at a second regeneration rate higher than the first regeneration rate.
US07891173B2
An exhaust gas cleaning apparatus is provided that has a main exhaust passage, a main catalytic converter disposed in the main exhaust passage, a bypass exhaust passage, a bypass catalytic converter disposed in the bypass exhaust passage, a selector valve and a controller. The controller controls the internal combustion engine to a rich combustion state with a rich air fuel ratio while the controller controls the selector valve to block the flow of the exhaust gas through the main exhaust passage, and then, afterwards, controls the selector valve to direct the flow of the exhaust gas through the main exhaust passage such that residual air remaining in the main exhaust passage mixes with rich exhaust gas from the bypass exhaust passage.
US07891172B2
When a fuel as a reducing agent is supplied to a NOx catalyst on which a NOx or a SOx is reduced, a flow rate of exhaust gas that flows through an exhaust passage is changed, and the fuel is supplied to the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust passage at a plurality of timings (ΔT1, ΔT2) when the exhaust gas flows at different flow rates.
US07891169B2
A procedure is introduced to diagnose a catalytic converter system with at least two catalytic converters, through which separate exhaust gas flows flow, with the steps: test if oxygen storage capacities of the catalytic converters, which are at least two in number, exceed a predetermined threshold value. The procedure characterizes itself, in that the oxygen storage capacity of the first of two catalytic converters is compared with at least one first threshold value, in that an additional threshold value is ascertained as a function of a result of the comparison and in that the oxygen storage capacity of the second of two catalytic converters is compared with the additional threshold value. Additionally a control device is introduced, which executes the procedure.
US07891168B2
A monitoring system for a catalytic converter is provided. The system includes: a fuel determination module that determines a fuel composition based on a sensed composition of fuel in a fuel system; a fuel/air (F/A) determination module that selectively determines a stoichiometric F/A ratio based on the fuel composition; and an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) diagnostic module that computes a target OSC based on the stoichiometric F/A ratio, that compares the target OSC to a reference value and diagnosis the catalytic converter based on the comparison.
US07891166B2
The water rocket engine with a two-phase nozzle includes a water rocket propulsion system having a reservoir, and a nozzle assembly disposed along a central longitudinal axis therein, the nozzle assembly comprising an inverted cup shaped fluid capture vessel having a substantially concave sidewall and extending away from an elongated tube. Open lower portion of the fluid capture vessel forms a fluid inlet. The elongated tube has a concave shaped side wall that forms a nozzle gas inlet at an upper portion of the tube, a nozzle outlet at a lower portion of the tube, and a passageway disposed between the tube upper portion and the tube lower portion. Within the confines of the capture vessel, fluid injection holes are disposed in the tube sidewall to provide fluid intake into the nozzle passageway where fluid and gas combine to form a two phase propellant.
US07891162B2
A quick connect tool assembly including a tool head having a socket therein, and an elongated pole for insertion into the socket tool head to lock the tool head and the pole together. The assembly includes a detent fixed to an end of the pole and teeth projecting into the interior of the socket on the tool head, such that the teeth engage the tool head detent to lock the pole to the tool head.
US07891151B2
Two-clip tubular fasteners are used to clamp a sheet-like member between flanges of the clips. An apparatus and method for attaching an undercover to the underside of a vehicle floor panel having a plurality of studs comprises a plurality of the tubular fasteners that are inserted into respective mounting holes of the undercover and that are engaged with the studs. At least some of the mounting holes provide diametral clearance with respect to corresponding tubular fasteners. The flanges of those fasteners exert a predetermined clamping force on the undercover while permitting planar movement of the undercover. One of the flanges has a configuration that engages a cooperable configuration on the undercover to prevent undesired turning of a first clip relative to a second clip.
US07891148B2
A partition system for office spaces generally includes a framework and a plurality of different types of decorative and/or functional tiles mountable to the framework. The framework includes I- and C-shaped vertical frame members which are adjustably joined by upper and lower horizontal spanners such that the distance between the vertical frame members is adjustable. Also, the framework may include other types of vertical frame members for forming L-, T-, or X-junctions within the partition system framework. A variety of decorative and functional tiles are mountable to the framework, including retractable workspace tiles, several types of storage tiles, display tiles, window tiles, and electrical and data services tiles.
US07891146B1
Devices, apparatus, systems and methods of attaching storm panels over window and door openings with end fastenable H tracks. Each of the tracks can have H cross-sectional shapes with elongated opposite facing C shaped channels back to back along the elongated tracks. At the upper and lower ends of the tracks can be outwardly protruding tabs having through-holes for allowing the tracks to mounted into frame edges about the window and door openings. Rectangular shutter panels such as plywood, metal and plastic sheeting can have side edges that slidably fit into the C channel openings of the H tracks so that the only fasteners to attach the panels over the building openings are through the track tabs. Stop flanges can prevent the panels from sliding out of the channels. The track, brackets can be mounted horizontal and parallel to one another as well as be mounted vertically and parallel to one another.
US07891139B2
In controlling, with recognition of their installation positions, the opening/closing driving of plural doors that are driven by respective linear motors, each door is driven closed by switching the door opening/closing drive torque to high torque if the drive speed of the door has become less than or equal to a prescribed speed. In doing so, operation instruction computing sections set high torque application periods for respective doors so that the periods of high-torque closure driving of respective doors or predetermined door groups do not overlap with each other, and issue instructions to drive the doors closed with high torque only during the high torque application periods.
US07891125B1
Therapeutic methods and apparatuses for processing emotions and cognitions relating to an event of substantial significance to a person, including but not limited to: death of another person or animal; loss of another person, an animal, or an object; separation from another person, an animal, or an object; relocation, graduation, adoption, incarceration, retirement, transitioning between employers, caregivers, etc., and other significant events. Some of the methods and apparatuses allow a person who experiences an emotion triggering event to impart a personalized message to a token, to transfer the token to another person, an animal, or an object, and to affix a memento to a frame, thereby assisting the person to let go or to hold on. Other methods and apparatuses allow a person—such as a professional therapist, friend, relative, caregiver, neighbor, co-worker, pastor, or acquaintance—to provide therapy to another person by assisting the other person to let go or to hold on. The methods and apparatuses may include assistance in selecting the personalized message or the memento, display or preservation of the memento, instructions for use of the methods or apparatus, terms suggesting a personalized message, identifiers, decorations including common cultural images and symbolic connections, inscriptions, symbolic shapes, means to display, means to attach, means to affix, means to preserve, means to protect, mounts, and other features.
US07891121B2
A blade assembly for an earthworking implement has a set of teeth that are independently slideable within guides. The teeth slide to conform to an undulating surface and permit scraping of the surface.
US07891111B2
A goniometer including an arcuate rotor plate rotatable about an axis of motion spaced apart from the rotor plate for supporting a device and a base having an arcuate base plate The rotor is rotationally coupled to the base by shaft and a resilient shaft bearing mounting exerting a resilient force on the shaft to maintain a positive engagement between the roller and rotor body.
US07891103B2
A parameter related to the Earth's magnetic field can be used to determine accuracy of a magnetometer of a mobile device. In one aspect, a first instance of a parameter related to Earth's magnetic field is determined using data generated by the magnetometer. The magnetometer data can be based in part on a position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. A second instance of the parameter can be determined using data generated by a model of Earth's magnetic field. The model data can also be based in part on the position of the mobile device with respect to the Earth. The first instance of the parameter can be compared with the second instance of the parameter. An accuracy metric for the magnetometer can be determined based on a result of the comparison. An indication of the accuracy metric can be presented by the mobile device.
US07891102B2
A nanowire magnetic sensor and position sensor for determining the position of a magnetic object and direction of magnetic field is disclosed herein. The magnetic compass includes a number of magnetic nanosensor printed on a flexible substrate, which covers 360-degree angle at equal intervals. Each magnetic nanosensor generally includes magneto-resistive nanowires with high magnetic sensitivity printed in sets e.g. of ten on the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate can also be bent to form a circular configuration to detect the azimuth direction of the magnetic field. The individual nanosensors can be connected into resistive Wheatstone bridge configurations by metalization. The magnetic nanosensors can be utilized as a position sensor of a magnetic object for position determination. Additional electronics can also be mounted or printed on the flexible substrate from other type of nanowires.
US07891097B2
A cutting tool for cutting the armor includes a cutter body having first and bottom entry walls defining a channel for receiving an armored cable. There is a slot in the first wall that affords reciprocating entry into the channel of a movable cutting blade from the outside of the wall. The direction of translation into the channel defines a blade insertion direction. The slot defines a slot segment of the first wall which in turn defines a base line. A stopper is mounted on the cutter body opposite the slot on the inside of the first wall. The stopper moves toward and away from the first wall to engage an armored cable placed in the channel and releasably press the armored cable against the slot segment of the first wall. The distance in the blade insertion direction of the bottom entry wall from the base line increases as the longitudinal distance from the slot segment increases to impart a curved configuration to the channel.
US07891091B2
A method of enabling selective area plating on a substrate (201) includes forming a first electrically conductive layer (310) on the substrate, covering the electrically conductive layer with an anti-electroless plating layer (410), patterning the substrate in order to form therein a feature (510, 520) extending through the anti-electroless plating layer and the first electrically conductive layer, forming a second electrically conductive layer (610) adjoining and electrically connected to the first electrically conductive layer, forming a third electrically conductive layer (710) over the second electrically conductive layer, and removing the anti-electroless plating layer and the first electrically conductive layer.
US07891090B2
A method for manufacturing an interposer including a body and a plurality of probes connected to said body is disclosed. The method includes a step of manufacturing said body including the sub-steps of preparing a first substrate having one surface side and the other surface side and being capable of being processed by dry etching, forming a plurality of through holes in said first substrate by dry etching, and making said through holes into conductive holes capable of conducting electricity through a bottom-up fill process. The method also includes a step of manufacturing said plurality of probes and connecting the ends of said plurality of conductive holes on one surface side of said first substrate and a plurality of first probes on said second substrate.
US07891088B2
Embodiments provide a method of running cables from an already-installed cable duct to devices. According to the method, a portion of a duct from which it is desirable for cable to be dropped is selected upon consideration of a first location of a first device to which a connection is desired. The method also includes punching a first aperture in the duct proximate the first portion, snaking a first cable from the duct through the first aperture, and connecting the first cable to the first device.
US07891086B2
A method for stringing a first elongate element through a second elongate element is provided by placing the first elongate element in a channel and injecting compressed gas into the channel to propel the first elongate element therethrough. The channel has a first open end, and the second elongate element is sealed around the first open end. Compressed gas is injected into the channel towards the second elongate element, propelling the first elongate element through the second elongate element. Also disclosed is a system for performing such a method, including a source of compressed gas and a housing having a channel with a first end and a second open end. The first end is in fluid communication with the source of compressed gas. The channel has a tapered portion adjacent the open end of the channel, and the channel defines a straight longitudinal axis between the first end and the second open end.
US07891084B1
A device for extracting a tool holder from a base block mounting has a front plate and a pair of rearwardly extending arms contacting the base block mounting. An extraction nut has at least two parallel threaded holes therein. A threaded stud is threaded into one of the threaded holes and the length extends through a hole in the front plate and through the tool holder and is retained by a nut. An extraction bolt is threaded through the second threaded hole of the extraction nut with the distal end engaging the front plate.
US07891082B2
A method of manufacturing a coil assembly unit comprises steps of coil forming, weaving, compressing steps. In the forming step, each coil wire is formed which provides linear portions and turn portions each connecting linear portions, during which bent portions are formed at both ends of each linear portion, the bent portions being bent so that mutually adjacent linear portions are deviated from each other. In the weaving step, the coil wires are mutually woven in turn, in which the turn portions intersect in turn. All the coil wires are subjected to the weaving step in turn to produce a woven coil assembly. In the compressing step, the woven coil assembly is compressed by compressing the woven coil so that each bent portion is deformed to be linear to allow the mutually adjacent linear portions to come closer to each other, thus producing the coil assembly unit.
US07891081B2
A process is described for the fabrication of a magnetic read head in which contact between the pinned layer and the AFM is limited to their edges. The principal steps are to deposit an antiferromagnetic layer and to then pattern it into a pair of antiferromagnetic layers separated by no more than about 2 microns. A layer of magnetic material that lies between, and is in contact with, said antiferromagnetic layers is then deposited, following which the layer of magnetic material is magnetized.
US07891052B2
A carriage which serves to hold a panel, has at least one running element such as a magnet, a wheel and/or a sliding element which is held by at least one corresponding magnetic element or supported on a running surface of an at least approximately U-profile or L-profile-shaped rail. The carriage comprises one or two carriage parts which can be anchored to the panel by mounting elements, such that the two carriage parts can be anchored on the opposing sides (4a, 4b) of the panel. One carriage part is further contemplated, which can be introduced into a groove arranged on the upper side of the panel between the sides and anchored there by the mounting elements. Further provided is a carriage and a mounting device which can be coupled to the carriage and to the glass panel with two assembly parts which are each formed or mounted on one side on the upper side or within a groove of the panel.
US07891051B2
A wheel assembly has a housing, a wheel, a rotating device and a controlling device. The housing has a sleeve, an extending portion extending laterally from the sleeve, and brackets extending from opposite sides of the housing. The wheel is rotatablely mounted between the brackets of the housing via a shaft. A rotating device includes a lower pole for engaging with the sleeve of the housing, and a fixing element at bottom of the lower pole for fixing the lower pole on the sleeve in assembly. The controlling device includes a limiting element and a pressing element cooperating with each other to limit direction of the housing and rotation of the wheel simultaneously. The limiting element is mounted in the extending portion and adjacent to the wheel in assembly. The pressing element is mounted on an end of the extending portion for driving the limiting element.
US07891048B2
A scraper truck includes a main scraper mounted to a wheeled vehicle and side scrapers pivoted to the main scraper at its ends. The side scrapers are pivotally movable between extended lateral positions where the side scrapers extend outboard of the opposite ends for collecting debris located outboard of the vehicle's width, and a retracted position where the side scrapers are in overlapped juxtaposed storage positions close to and in front of the main scraper. The main scraper has a front face that is concavely shaped. The scraper mount defines a vertical pivot axis and the scraper assembly is rotatable about the vertical pivot axis upon striking an object toward an end of the scraper. A biasing mechanism is provided for biasing the scraper toward a centered forwardly-facing position, and a shear pin is configured to break prior to damage to the scraper or vehicle frame.
US07891042B2
An automatic debris removal apparatus for a wiper system that removes soluble and insoluble debris trapped between the wiper blade and the glass surface by lifting the wiper blade off the glass surface and then causing the wiper blade to drop onto the glass surface as a shake under urge of the biasing spring of the wiper arm, so as to thereby provide a shaking action which frees any trapped debris. An actuator selectively interacts with the pivotal portion of the wiper arm to effect shaking of the wiper arm to thereby free the wiper blade of the debris.
US07891041B2
A device that can be used to spread a thin, even coating of liquid material on a surface is provided. In one embodiment the device is adapted to be used to apply floor coating on a floor surface. The device is configured such that the applicator portion of the device applies a generally constant contact force on the surface, even when the force applied by the user on the tool varies.
US07891039B2
A cleaning apparatus comprises a main rod, a wringing tube, a bearing, a lock, and a cleaning rag assembly. The wringing tube is coaxially put over the main rod and is glidingly movable along the main rod. The fastening device is mounted on the lower end of the main rod. The cleaning rag assembly surrounds a periphery of the main rod at a lower end thereof, having an upper end held by a connecting ring, which is mounted on the wringing tube, and a lower end mounted on the fastening device, allowing easily to replace the cleaning rag assembly.
US07891033B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a seat cushion assembly is provided that includes a base cushion and a plurality of inserts. A recess is defined within the base cushion which is adapted to house the inserts. Each of the inserts can be selectively removed from the recess to provide for obliquity adjustment of the cushion assembly. In addition, the inserts may be selectively located on one side of the base cushion or the other to further adjust the inclined orientation of the base cushion. According to another embodiment, a seat cushion assembly is provided that includes a base cushion and a pair of inserts. A recess is defined within the base cushion which is adapted to house the inserts that includes a projection that has a plurality of surfaces that abut a surface of each of the inserts when the inserts are housed within the recess.
US07891031B2
A deck construction includes a movable, rigid, unitary platform with wheels mounted to its bottom and supporting tracks arranged on opposite sides of an open space below the platform. The wheels roll along the tracks, allowing horizontal movement of the platform. At least one drive mechanism is mounted on a side of the open space to engage a rack on the platform. One or more stationary sources of rotary power, such as electric motors, operate the drive mechanism to cause the platform to move horizontally in either direction along the tracks. The deck construction is particularly useful as a swimming pool cover or an extensible balcony or canopy.
US07891027B2
A seal assembly for a drain vent is provided to direct the pressure exerted by a plunger to the face of a drain clog rather than escaping through the drain vent. The seal assembly of the invention comprises a tubular body having a first closed end and a second open end to define a substantially rigid a cup-like structure or cavity. A sealing member concentric with a longitudinal axis of the tubular body is attached to the second open end of the tubular body to form a seal against a surface containing the drain vent. A handle is attached to the closed end of the cup-like structure and extends away from the closed first end of the tubular body to provide a mechanism for the user to hold the sealing member against the surface containing the drain vent during the plunging process.
US07891023B1
A suspender set and peace officer's shirt are described wherein the suspenders for the duty belt are located beneath the officer's shirt with only a portion of the suspender set extending outwardly through the front and rear of the shirt for connection to the duty belt worn by the officer.
US07891018B2
A knee protective device for garments comprising of at least one pocket in the vicinity of the knees having an opening for receiving an insert for protecting the wearer's knees.
US07895666B1
A method for creating an embedding node. The method includes creating a first hash-based directed acyclic graph (“HDAG”) having a first node, which includes data, and creating a second HDAG having a second node that includes one or more data fields that store the first node.
US07895665B2
The detection of devices with duplicate media access controller (MAC) addresses in a cable network. A cable network device (CND) having a MAC address is connected by the cable network to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) having a gateway interface address. A centralized storage of historical cable modem MAC address/giaddr tuple data is used to identify CNDs that report duplicate MAC addresses. The cable network tracks the CND MAC address/giaddr tuple data of all CND requests that it receives and stores the MAC address/giaddr tuple data into a datastore (such as a database). When a CND seeks to access the network, the cable network looks into the datastore to determine whether the CND MAC address of the CND has previously been stored with a different associated giaddr, which would imply that there are multiple CNDs attached to different CMTSs where the CNDs share the same MAC address. If such duplication is detected, an appropriate remedial response is taken.
US07895662B1
Disclosed herein is a method for the secure deletion of data stored within a data processing system. The method includes the steps of executing a flag routine, wherein data is flagged for possible future deletion; executing an authorization routine to authorize the deletion of the flagged data; and receiving a deletion trigger, the deletion trigger initiating the execution of a data deletion routine to delete the flagged data. An exemplary data processing system configured to delete the flagged data is also provided.
US07895661B2
A method and system for network-based distribution of content are disclosed. The distribution of content is not only secure but also controlled. The security restricts access to content within media files during downloads as well as while stored at a server or client. In one embodiment, each media file is encrypted with a different, randomly generated key. The control over the distribution of the media file can serve to limit the subsequent distribution of media files from clients to other clients. In another embodiment, the control can permit media files to be shared on a limited number of different clients affiliated with the same user. The clients can vary with application but generally are computing devices that have memory storage. Often, the clients are personal computers or other computing devices that are capable of storing and presenting content to their users.
US07895658B2
An image forming apparatus includes a storage device capable of storing image data, a task processing unit that accesses the storage device and executes a predetermined service task, and an anti-virus protection unit. The anti-virus protection unit applies a search for a computer virus at predetermined timing to the storage device, suspends the virus search when a request for service task processing involving access to the storage device is received during the virus search, and resumes the virus search after the service task processing requested is finished.
US07895657B2
In a digital communication infrastructure, intermediate network nodes compare packets from end-point devices with pluralities of virus templates. Upon detecting matches, virus service functions are invoked which interrupt the packet flow. Network wide template and service functionality updating is provided to service pluralities of virus service software vendors. Non-repetitive detection processing minimizes network load. Virus service functions may execute locally and/or remotely. Servicing may include dropping packets containing virus codes or, processing and routing the packets. Pop-up messages revealing underlying template matches are delivered with human challenge mechanism. The network nodes may be routers, packet switching exchanges, switches, access points, Internet service provider equipment, etc. External vendor servers and server clusters may assist network nodes in detecting and processing packets for virus codes.
US07895654B1
A scanning optimization manager efficiently scans files for malicious code. The scanning optimization manager maintains a non-tamperable record of modifications to files on a volume. The scanning optimization manager receives at least one malicious code signature. Responsive to the receipt of the at least one malicious code signature, the scanning optimization manager scans at least some files on the volume for the at least one malicious code signature at a priority corresponding to an associated modification status.
US07895646B2
A self-adjusting Internet Key Exchange (IKE) daemon negotiation throttle minimizes retransmission processing during Security Association (SA) negotiation requests. The self-adjusting IKE daemon receives a request for a new negotiation to be performed by a negotiation system; determines if the negotiation system is in congestion; and if the negotiation system is determined to be in congestion: determines if a token is available in a token bucket; and if a token is available in the token bucket, removes the token from the token bucket; and performs the new negotiation.
US07895644B1
A method and apparatus for single sign-out from one or more application servers in a distributed computing environment. A user accesses at least one second application server via a first application server. The user is able to sign-out from all the application servers to which he is connected via the first application server by signing out of any one of the signed in application servers. The single sign out procedure ensures the user does not inadvertently remain signed into the application servers when the user does not explicitly sign out of each signed in application server.
US07895643B2
This invention discloses a method and system for processing logic modules, each having a separate functionality, into a unique functionality that is to be executed in an interlocked mode as a unique functionality. The method is based on taking logic modules (programs and data) with known functionality and transforming them into a hidden program by integrating modules to execute together into a logic which is partially obfuscated and/or encrypted and/or physically hidden. The hidden program is being updated dynamically to strengthen it against reverse engineering efforts. The program includes the functionality for generating security signals, which are unpredictable by observers, such as a pseudo random sequence of security signals. Only elements that share the means for producing the security signals can check their validity. The modules include operational tasks and performance parameters for this operation. The operation can be transmission of data packets with given parameters of performance that the hidden program contains. The generated security signals thus assure that the correct operation was taken place and can be used to signal various cryptographic parameters as well.
US07895634B2
An editing apparatus captures material data of audio and/or image data, edits the material data and generates main data. When an instruction to limit reproduction operation of the main data is made, the associated information including limitation information for limiting the reproduction operation of the main data so as to get a desired quality of content-representation is generated. The associated information is combined with the edited main data so that they are transmitted as the content data. Content-sending apparatus generates sending-data based on the data to transmit it. When the associated information including limitation information for limiting the reproduction operation of the main data is combined with the main data, content-reproducing apparatus performs reproduction operation based on the limitation information and controls reproduction speed, display size and the like. Content-representation apparatus represents audio and image at desired quality.
US07895627B2
Program data for use in electronic program guides is fragmented in advance of delivery to a low resource client. In the described implementation, the program data is fragmented into equal size fragments. The size of each fragment is selected to guarantee that the data fragments will fit in pre-allocated memory segments at the client. When the program data is delivered to the client, the client stores the data packets in the memory segments without making system calls to the memory.
US07895626B2
A cost function is stochastically optimized using, e.g., simulated annealing to render a neighborhood of entities based on which content recommendations can be provided to a user of a home entertainment system. The cost function represents a normalized sum of rating similarity scores from entities of the neighborhood that are related to content items viewed by the user.
US07895624B1
Systems and methods for providing guidance to users for finding media are described. Such systems and methods may be provided in interactive media guides such as program guides, web browsers, or other suitable interactive media guides.
US07895599B2
Methods and apparatuses enable providing asynchronous data loading from a remote or separate interface. A data loader provides a synchronous interface for receiving and queuing requests to execute functions on a distributed object tree. The data loader dequeues and executes the functions asynchronously with respect to the requests for execution. A user interface is asynchronously updated as the execution is performed in a background process.
US07895594B2
Embodiments of the systems and methods utilize application contexts for extending virtual machines in a resource-constrained device to allow virtual machines to at least exercise scheduling control over platform independent applications and platform dependent native applications. Application contexts can be assigned to each application in the system. An application is represented by one or more data structures and functions. In one embodiment, an “application context” includes an interface to a virtual machine and a container for an execution environment of the application. The interface represents a mapping of services to an execution environment. The application context can isolate control over the execution of the application from the execution environment, thus, allowing the virtual machine to control execution of the application and allowing the application to be executed in a native environment, a virtual machine environment, or any other execution environment.
US07895592B2
Methods and apparatus for efficiently scheduling downtimes associated with installing updates to software applications are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for accessing an impact of a portion of code, e.g., and update, on an application, includes obtaining metadata associated with the portion of code and comparing the metadata against a plurality of data structures associated with the application. Comparing the metadata against the data structures includes determining whether a first data structure is identified in the metadata. The method also includes creating a first list when the first data structure is identified in the metadata. The first list identifies the first data structure as being arranged to be substantially directly affected by the portion of code.
US07895589B2
Systems and methods of application integration, including constructing an application integration adapter in dependence upon a profile including data describing the adapter, receiving instructions to alter the adapter, and altering the adapter in dependence upon the instructions. Exemplary embodiments of the invention include communicating integration messages among applications through the adapter as altered. In typical embodiments, receiving instructions to alter the adapter includes detecting changes in the adapter profile. In such embodiments, detecting changes in the adapter profile includes creating a copy of the profile, and periodically comparing the profile and the copy. In other exemplary embodiments, receiving instructions to alter the adapter includes receiving from an application an administrative integration message bearing the instructions to alter the adapter. In such embodiments, altering the adapter in dependence upon the instructions includes updating the profile.
US07895579B2
A method to measure the performance of an Application Programming Interface (API) includes selecting a target API and tracking memory allocation for the functional calls of the selected API to generate a list of functions called by the API. The individual functions are then called within the API in isolation and timing and memory allocation data for each are collected and recorded. The recorded results are then bucketized according to a log base 2 method and made accessible by API users to indicate the performance of specific APIs.
US07895568B1
A method for generating source code objects based on a unified system model designed using a standard unified modeling tool, data in the form of a data model constructed using a logical modeling tool and unified model translator with said data being retrieved from legacy databases and translated into the data model for operation by the system, and a system search query generated by a system user.
US07895556B2
A method and a system is described to predict effects of coupling on timing by estimating the delta delay and delta slack that can occur due to coupling on any net, for optimization to minimize the sensitivity of slack to potential coupling violations. The invention protects against other unexpected increases in effective load capacitance, such as those due to unexpectedly long wire routes. It also estimates the delay impact of a single ‘fault’ or ‘event’, such as a coupling event or unexpectedly long wires routes, including the impact of slew propagation.
US07895553B2
A verification support apparatus that verifies operation of a circuit includes a receiving unit, a detecting unit, and a determining unit. The receiving unit receives implementation description data of the circuit. Based on the implementation description data, the detecting unit detects a functional block that is in the circuit and includes an external input terminal that receives an external input signal. Based on a detection result of the detecting unit, the determining unit determines the functional block to verify an abnormal-event operation. The abnormal-event operation is an operation that differs from an operation implementing a function of the circuit.
US07895540B2
Disclosed are exemplary finite difference methods for electromagnetically simulating planar multilayer structures. The exemplary finite difference methods simulate multilayer planes by combining the admittance matrices of single plane pairs and equivalent circuit models for such single plane pairs based on multilayer finite difference approximation. Based on the methods, coupling between different layers through electrically large apertures can be modeled very accurately and efficiently.
US07895533B2
A computer-implemented method displaying, within a user interface, a view pane having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, displaying, within the view pane, a first frame represented by a bounded region, wherein the first frame represents a container that comprises one or more objects, upon detecting a positioning of a cursor at a position in the poster frame, displaying an object of the one or more objects in the frame, the displayed object varying based on the position of the cursor, upon detecting a selection of the first frame, displaying a second frame, represented by a second bounded region, adjacent to the second frame, and displaying the displayed object in the second frame.
US07895532B2
A hand-held electronic device having a remote control application user interface that functions to displays operational mode information to a user. The graphical user interface may be used, for example, to setup the remote control application to control appliances for one or more users in one or more rooms, to perform activities, and to access favorites. The remote control application is also adapted to be upgradeable. Furthermore, the remote control application provides for the sharing of operational mode information.
US07895528B2
A system and method for reversing a windows close action is provided. The system retains data corresponding to a window after the window is closed for some period of time. The parameters by which the closed window data is retained is user-configurable. When a window is closed, data corresponding to the closed window is not reclaimed by the operating system. Instead, the operating system notes that the window is no longer being managed by the operating system so that no new messages, or signals, are sent to or from the closed window. In addition, the visual aspects of the closed window are removed from the user's display so that, from the user's perspective, the closed window appears to have been closed as in a traditional GUI operating system. The system further reclaims memory from inactive windows according to user-configurable parameters.
US07895518B2
A system, method and computer-readable medium that previews words and commands recognized by a continuous stroke recognizer based on input into a virtual keyboard layout is presented. The system and method allows a user to see the word that will be recognized or output before the user commits the continuous stroke input to the system. Further, after recognition and output, the system presents the recognized output word and the closest word candidates in a correction display integrated with the virtual keyboard layout. Among other things, the user is provided with options to change the current output word by selecting another word candidate on the correction display, and to delete the current output word by selecting the representation of the current output word on the correction display.
US07895516B2
A document assembly or document automation system includes an assembler for generating an instance document on the basis of a source document and one or more logic source documents referenced by the source document. The source document and logic source documents are XML documents including at least one XML processing instruction. The source document and logic source documents are valid with respect to XML schema. The system generates an instance document in HTML, PDF or RTF format by resolving variables in the source document and/or logic sources using one or more data sources. This may involve performing one or more interview rounds with a user of the system, access to a database, and/or evaluation of a function defined in one of the documents. The system includes an editor for creating and maintaining source documents and logic source documents whilst maintaining their validity with respect to the appropriate XML schema.
US07895515B1
A method for detecting indicators of misleading content in a markup language coded document is provided. The method includes extracting a set of tags from the markup language coded document. The method also includes combining tags to create a tag structure signature. The tag structure signature is configured to include a set of n-grams. Each of the set of n-grams includes at least two tags from the set of tags. The method further includes comparing the tag structure signature against a set of known bad tag structure signatures to determine similarity.
US07895514B1
Identification and correction of rendering problems that occur when a document (e.g., a web page) is displayed by a document viewer (e.g., web browser) are described. In one exemplary embodiment, a web page has a first element written in a markup language and a second element written in a style sheet language. A method includes receiving a command at a development environment, analyzing a structure of an electronic document responsive to the command, the electronic document having a first element written in a first computer language and a second element written in a second computer language, identifying a relationship between the first and second elements, wherein the relationship causes a rendering problem associated with a document viewer, and presenting information to the user about the rendering problem via the development environment.
US07895509B1
Method and apparatus for error checking information is described. Configuration data includes data bits and parity bits. Notably, parity bits may be relocated for determining a syndrome value. Syndrome bits are determined by computing a partial syndrome value for each word serially transmitted of the configuration data, where the configuration data includes one or more data vectors. Location of each word of the configuration data is identified. It is determined whether a partial syndrome value is an initial partial syndrome value or other partial syndrome value responsive to word location. An initial partial syndrome value is stored, and subsequent partial syndrome values are cumulatively added for each word of a data vector to arrive at a syndrome value for the data vector.
US07895507B1
An Add-Compare-Select circuit for use with a trellis decoder can include a first module and a second module. The first module can provide a difference signal specifying an indication of a difference between a second path cost and a first path cost of a trellis. The second path cost can be a sum of a second state cost and a second branch metric and the first path cost can be a sum of a first state cost and a first branch metric. The second module can select the first path cost or the second path cost as a new cost according to the difference signal of the first module.
US07895500B2
Systems and methods for generating check node updates in the decoding of low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes use new approximations in order to reduce the complexity of implementing a LDPC decoder, while maintaining accuracy. The new approximations approximate the standard sum-product algorithm (SPA), and can reduce the approximation error of min-sum algorithm (MSA) and have almost the same performance as sum-product algorithm (SPA) under both floating precision operation and fixed-point operation.
US07895498B2
An error correction coding apparatus includes a first coding unit for coding a sequence data to be coded which includes information source data for each frame to generate an error correcting code word sequence including a parity sequences, and a first rearranging unit for rearranging elements of the error correcting code word sequences of a plurality of frames generated by the first coding unit. The first rearranging unit rearranges elements of the parity sequences included in the error correcting code word sequences. The first rearranging unit also rearranges elements of the error correcting code word sequences other than the parity sequences, within the error correcting code word sequences other than the parity sequences.
US07895496B2
A transmitter for transmitting information data present in a plurality of data sets comprises an assigner for assigning offset information to one or more data sets of the plurality of data sets, the offset information indicating where the data set is to be written in a memory of a receiver. Furthermore, the transmitter comprises a transmitting unit for transmitting a plurality of data sets and the offset information associated with the data set. Hereby, it is possible to effect improved error correction as opposed to the prior art.
US07895495B2
A station for a communications network. In one embodiment, the station includes a decoder, a check processor, and a transmitter. The decoder is adapted to decode a received encoded data unit. The check processor is adapted to determine whether the encoded data unit has been correctly received. The transmitter is adapted to initiate, prior to the check processor completing the determination whether the encoded data unit has been correctly received, the transmission of an acknowledgment message comprising a frame having a plurality of different fields of data. The transmitter is adapted to modify the transmission of the acknowledgment message if the check processor determines that the data unit has not been correctly received.
US07895493B2
A method, apparatus and program product improve computer reliability by, in part, identifying a plurality of error occurrences from Error Correction Codes. It may then be determined if the plurality of error occurrences are associated with a single bit of a bus. The determined, single bit may correspond to a faulty component of the bus. This level of identification efficiently addresses problems. For instance, a corrective algorithm may be applied if the plurality of error occurrences are associated with the single bit. Alternatively, the bus may be disabled if the plurality of error occurrences are not associated with the single bit of the bus. In this manner, implementations may detect, identify and act in response to multiple failure modes.
US07895492B2
In a linear feedback shift register (LFSR), a four-bit shift register mainly using F/Fs is formed and an XOR circuit that feeds back an exclusive OR of a first bit and a last bit to the first bit is also provided, thereby outputting a test pattern having a maximum cycle of 15. A phase change circuit that can perform arbitrary phase change of a test pattern based on input of a control signal having a maximum clock number 4 and an average clock number log24 is also formed in the LFSR. As a result, a smaller clock count is required for the LFSR to output a test pattern that matches a test pattern automatically generated by an ATPG.
US07895491B2
An integrated circuit with low-power built-in self-test logic (“IC-LPBIST”) is disclosed. The IC-LPBIST may include combinational logic and a loading circuit enabled to load a shift test pattern of data into the loading circuit without powering the combinational logic of the IC-LPBIST, wherein the shift test pattern of data is configured to test the combinational logic for logical faults.
US07895486B2
A semiconductor device test system has an interface for use with a semiconductor device test method, and a semiconductor device test method. In a first mode of an interface, in reaction to test signals corresponding to a test standard, for example, a JTAG test standard, and received by the interface from a test device, the interface outputs signals corresponding to the test standard to a semiconductor device to be tested. In a second mode of the interface, in reaction to test signals corresponding to the test standard and received by the interface from a test device, the interface outputs signals that do not correspond to the test standard to a semiconductor device to be tested.
US07895485B2
Integrated circuits, load boards and methods are disclosed, such as those associated with a memory testing system that includes an algorithmic pattern generator generating a pattern of command, address or write data digits according to an algorithm. In one such embodiment, the pattern of digits are applied to a frame generator that arranges the pattern of digits into a packet. The packet is then applied to a plurality of parallel-to-serial converters that convert the packet into a plurality of serial digits of a command/address packet or a write data packet, which are output through a plurality of bit lanes. The system might also include a plurality of serial-to-parallel converters receiving respective sets of digits of a read data packet through respective bit lanes. The read data packet is applied to a frame decomposer that extracts a pattern of read data digits from the packet. An error detecting circuit then determines if any of the received read data digits are erroneous.
US07895478B2
A method for monitoring a process execution of a plurality of sequentially executed processes starts one of a plurality of timers in cyclic permutation when one of the processes is started, and outputs a first error signal when a period of time recorded by one of the timers exceeds a predefined maximum period of time.
US07895471B2
A mechanism for isolating failures in a digital system is provided. In one embodiment, a fault table is defined for each unit in the system. Related faults are ordered within the table to reflect the time-order in which the faults would be activated during operation of the associated unit. When multiple related faults are reported for a given unit in the system, the fault that is first located when a linear search of the corresponding fault table is conducted is considered the source of the failure within the unit. If faults are reported for multiple units, the source of the failure for the system is identified using at least one of primary and second priority values assigned to the faults, timestamps obtained when the faults are reported, and an order in which the faults are logged.
US07895470B2
Problem determination knowledge is provided by an extraction tool that extracts tag information recorded in identified problem tracking tools, where the tags relate to problem knowledge. The extracted tag information is examined to produce a catalog of symptom definitions that can be utilized by tools such as problem submission, logging and/or analysis tools.
US07895468B2
For realizing an optimum failover in NAS, this invention provides a computer system including: a first computer; a second computer; a third computer; and a storage device coupled to the plurality of computers via a network, in which: the first computer executes, upon reception of an access request to the storage device from a client computer coupled to the plurality of computers, the requested access; and transmits to the client computer a response to the access request; the second computer judges whether a failure has occurred in the first computer; obtains load information of the second computer; obtains load information of the third computer from the third computer; and transmits a change request to the third computer when the obtained load information satisfies a predetermined condition; and the third computer judges whether a failure has occurred in the first computer when the change request is received from the second computer.
US07895461B2
A clock shifting and prioritization method comprising adjusting a frequency for a plurality of clocks corresponding to a plurality of respective components of an electronic device based on a desired user configuration setting for operating the electronic device.
US07895453B2
Provided is a multiprocessor system and a compiler used in the system for automatically extracting tasks having parallelism from an input program to be processed, performing scheduling to efficiently operate processor units by arranging the tasks according to characteristics of the processor units, and generating codes for optimizing a system frequency and a power supply voltage by estimating a processing amount of the processor units.
US07895451B2
An information recording medium for use in a recording/reproducing apparatus and a recording/reproducing method includes a first area having a write-protection information for preventing writing of data to the information recording medium, and a second area having a status information field including status information of the first area, wherein recording the status information field for updating status information of the first area in the second area is permitted even when information for preventing the writing of data to the whole information recording medium is set in the write-protection information.
US07895439B2
A material (e.g. video, audio or data) processing system (648) processes material including a watermark. The system comprises a remover (640) for removing the watermark, a processor (646) for processing the material from which the watermark has been removed, and an inserter (642) for inserting a watermark into the processed material.
US07895437B2
To establish credentials, a user network station transmits a first value. An authenticating entity network station generates a first key portion based on the transmitted first value and a second value unknown to the user, splits one of a private key and a public key of a user asymmetric crypto-key into the first key portion and a second key portion, stores the second key portion of the one key so as to be accessible only to the authenticating entity network device, generates a cookie including the second value, transmits the generated cookie to the user network station, and destroys the transmitted first value, the second value, the one key, and the first key portion of the one key. The first value represents a first and the second value included in the transmitted cookie represents a second user credential useable to authenticate the user.
US07895436B2
An authentication system for mutual authentication between a terminal and a server characterized by the fact that the terminal comprises a memory means that pre-stores an authentication information P′ for terminal storage; a concatenation means that yields a value P using a specific calculation formula with the input of the authentication information P′ read from the memory means and a password entered for authentication; a mask operation means that yields a value Y1 using a specific calculation formula with the input of value P and an internally generated random number, and then sends Y1 to the server; and a master key generation means that yields a value MK using a specific calculation formula with the input of value P, an internally generated random number and a value Y2 received from the server, and the server comprises a memory means that pre-stores a password verification data H for server registration; a mask operation means that yields a value Y2 using a specific calculation formula with the input of the password verification data H read from the memory means and an internally generated random number, and then sends Y2 to the terminal; and a master key generation means that yields a value MK using a specific calculation formula with the input of the password verification data H, an internally generated random number and a value Y1 received from the terminal.
US07895432B2
A method and apparatus for a third party authentication server is described. The method includes receiving a record ID for a user, and a one-time key generated by the server and encrypted with a user's public key by the server. The method further includes receiving the user's authentication data from the client, and determining if the user's authentication data matches the record ID. If the authentication data matches the record ID, decrypting the one-time key with the user's private key, and returning the decrypted one-time key to the client.
US07895430B2
One embodiment disclosed relates to an integrated circuit including on-chip logic analyzer circuitry. The on-chip logic analyzer circuitry includes a triggering circuit configured to receive a source data signal and start/stop timing signals. The on-chip logic analyzer circuitry further includes a compression circuit configured to receive an uncompressed data signal from the triggering circuit and to perform compression so as to form a compressed data signal. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US07895428B2
Applying firmware updates to servers in a data center, the servers including one or more active servers and a standby server, each server mapped to separate remote computer boot storage, including applying the firmware updates to the standby server; selecting an active server for firmware updating; powering off the selected active server by the system management server; remapping the standby server to the remote computer boot storage for the selected active server; rebooting the standby server from the remote computer boot storage for the selected active server, designating the standby server as an active server; remapping the selected active server to the remote computer boot storage formerly mapped to the standby server; and rebooting the selected active server from the remote boot storage formerly mapped to the standby server, designating the selected active server as a standby server.
US07895426B2
A secure Power-on Reset (POR) engine is provided, inside a processor chip, which guarantees a secure initialization of the chip to enable secure code execution. External access to chip resources is limited to a very few targeted settings that do not compromise the chip security. The POR engine comprises a small state machine that runs through a predefined sequence coded in persistent memory contained in the processor chip. The state machine initializes the chip and allows external access from an external processor to only some scan chains of the processor chip in order to configure interfaces, and the like, without compromising the chip security. The state machine also manages the encryption keys that are used to verify that the code, fetched by the processor to complete the initialization in software, is not modified by a third party.
US07895424B1
A system allowing a target machine to be booted up from a disk image stored in memory. Instead of reading the boot-up information from a disk drive or other physical device the data is read from memory. No modification is necessary to native operating system, input/output subsystem, bootstrap code, etc., since the invention modifies characteristics, such as vectors used by the operating system, to make the disk image in memory appear to be the same as a standard external device.
US07895419B2
A rotate then operate instruction having a T bit is fetched and executed wherein a first operand in a first register is rotated by an amount and a Boolean operation is performed on a selected portion of the rotated first operand and a second operand in of a second register. If the T bit is ‘0’ the selected portion of the result of the Boolean operation is inserted into corresponding bits of a second operand of a second register. If the T bit is ‘1’, in addition to the inserted bits, the bits other than the selected portion of the rotated first operand are saved in the second register.
US07895417B2
A data processing system 2 is provided including an instruction decoder 34 responsive to program instructions within an instruction register 32 to generate control signals for controlling data processing circuitry 36. The instructions supported include an address calculation instruction which splits an input address value at a position dependent upon a size value into a first portion and second portion, adds a non-zero offset value to the first portion, sets the second portion to a value and then concatenates the result of the processing on the first portion and the second portion to form the output address value. Another type of instruction supported is a select-and-insert instruction. This instruction takes a first input value and shifts it by N bit positions to form a shifted value, selects N bits from within a second input value in dependence upon the first input value and then concatenates the shifted value with the N bits to form an output value. The address calculation instruction and the select-and-insert instruction described above are useful when manipulating two-dimensional data arrays, and particularly so when these are two-dimensional data arrays are formed of Viterbi trellis data through which traceback operations are to be performed.
US07895410B1
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system and a method for performing a page-table lookup in a manner that supports adaptive page sizes. During operation, the system receives a virtual address. Next, the system looks up this virtual address in a page table. Since each entry in the page table maintains a page size, the lookup process involves using the page size to determine the number of bits that must be compared to find a matching page table entry. A page table entry matches the virtual address if the determined number of bits in the virtual address match the virtual address in the page table entry. If a matching page table entry is found, the system returns the physical page address from the matching page table entry.
US07895402B2
A deinterleaving device includes a memory space, the memory space being divided into a plurality of N segments with different lengths respectively. A method of accessing data in a deinterleaving device, the method including performing the following steps during a first time cycle: reading first read data from a first address of a first segment; reading second read data from a first address of a second segment, and writing first write data into the first address of the second segment; reading third read data from a first address of a third segment, and writing second write data into the first address of the third segment; repeating the above reading and writing steps until reading Nth read data from a first address of an Nth segment, and writing N−1th write data into the first address of the Nth segment; writing Nth write data into the first address of the first segment.
US07895400B2
Multiprocessor systems conducting operations utilizing global shared memory must ensure that the memory is coherent. A hybrid system that combines hardware memory transactions with that of direct messaging provides memory coherence with minimal overhead requirement or bandwidth demands. Memory access transactions are intercepted and converted to direct messages which are then communicated to a target and/or remote node. Thereafter the message invokes a software handler which implements the cache coherence protocol. The handler uses additional messages to invalidate or fetch data in other caches, as well as to return data to the requesting processor. These additional messages are converted to appropriate hardware transactions by the destination system interface hardware.
US07895394B2
A processor of a storage controller receives an erasure process request relating to data stored in a storage unit, from a host computer, via a data I/O interface, detects a logical storage extent which is different to the logical storage extent allocated to the storage unit and which can be allocated, allocates the logical storage extent thus detected to the storage unit, sends a notification indicating that access to the storage unit is possible, to the host computer which is the source of the request, and then executes erasure of the data in the logical storage extent that is associated with the storage unit forming the erasure object, and sends a data erasure notification to the management computer when the data has been erased.
US07895388B2
A bus control device includes a multiplexer which connects a ROM controller to a common bus when a ROM mode is set and which connects a PCI controller to the common bus when a PCI mode is set. The bus control unit further includes a bus switch which disconnects a PCI bus from the common bus when the ROM mode is set and which connects the PCI bus to the common bus when the PCI mode is set.
US07895387B1
A controller circuit provides communication paths between multiple host devices and a target device. The controller circuit includes a first host idle detection circuit that determines when a first host interface (I/F) is in an idle state, an idle state being when the first host I/F is not communicating with the controller circuit. A switch circuit can selectively enables a controllable communication path between a second host I/F and a target device I/F. A first response circuit can be coupled to the first host I/F and output predetermined responses from the first host I/F in response to communications received on the first host I/F. The first response circuit outputting a predetermined response when at least the controller circuit has enabled the controllable communication path between a second host I/F and the target device I/F and disabled the controllable communication path between the first host I/F and the target device I/F.
US07895385B2
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a slave device enters a state suitable for establishing communication with a host device only if additional information is received on a serial bus after receiving a reset signal on the same bus. Such a feature may avoid or reduce disruption to applications executing on a slave device when false reset signals are received, for example, when the slave device is connected to a dumb charger on a USB interface for charging.
US07895363B2
Memory allocation in a Broker system for managing the communication between a plurality of clients and a plurality of servers. The method may include allocating memory for a plurality of memory pools; and dividing each memory pool into memory blocks of a size which is specific to the type of a resource. The resource may be related to the communication managed by the Broker.
US07895356B2
A server monitoring function unit recognizes a running/stopping state of each server, throughput and the like by performing a health check based on obtained positioning information of an original server and mirror servers, informs an optimum server selecting function unit of the information, and updates a server URL list based on the positioning information. When the server monitoring function unit detects a change in the network topology from a change in an IP routing table, the optimum server selecting function unit alters the selection criteria of the optimum server and informs a QoS controlling unit of a traffic change. The QoS controlling unit alters a band setting for each service class according to the traffic change informed.
US07895330B2
A method and system for routing or directing calls in a call center, service center, or help desk environment includes a versatile queuing mechanism that supports instant messaging or electronic communications or mail in support of received calls taken by the help desk. The queuing mechanism provides predefined categories of different areas of expertise, automatic distribution to different skills levels of escalating expertise based on each request, multiple experts for each category monitoring the queues for new requests, and, as the requests come in, the experts can manually pull the new requests or be given the requests automatically. For each request, there is automated control of the number of instant messages any one expert is allowed to handle. The expert resolution can be used as feedback in the entire support process for evaluation.
US07895327B2
Device, system, and method of power trace obfuscation. In some embodiments an integrated circuit may include a signal modifier to introduce a pseudo-randomly selected modification to a state-transition pattern of at least one signal, which is related to internal processing of data within the integrated circuit. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07895317B2
In general, this disclosure describes techniques of managing resources in a service-oriented distributed computing system. As described in this disclosure, one or more control nodes provide for the efficient and automated allocation and management of resources within the distributed computing system. In order to provide automated allocation and management of computing functions and resources, a control node uses a set of governors. This set of governors includes a set of service governors to govern services used in the distributed computing system. The set of governors also includes a set of resource governors that govern individual resources of the services in the distributed computing system. The service governors and the resource governors may be implemented using finite state machines.
US07895313B2
Systems and methods are provided for receiving and storing a message addressed to an intended recipient and for delivering the message to a client computer that has a graphical user interface. The received message is stored in a restricted-access message storage area associated with the intended recipient. A hyper-text transfer protocol daemon receives requests to access the storage area and the message, and transmits at least part of the message to the client computer.
US07895312B1
An IP subnet sharing technique is described which allows multiple network devices of an access network to share an IP subnet without the need for each network device to run complex routing protocols, or bridging protocols. Further, the multiple network devices are able to share an IP subnet without the need to subdivide the IP subnet into smaller groups.
US07895311B1
The present invention relates to a means and method for allowing numerous clients with handheld portable computing devices, set top boxes, or any other computer device to actively participate in games and other programs which normally require larger computers in a fixed location having relatively large bandwidth capacity; the invention can be interfaced with a custom client console, more specifically a gaming console, which extends into multimedia application delivery and. in particular, discloses a software codec which: (1) Controls multimedia content flow to and from a centralized server network, as well as other console peers: (2) Comprises an integrated peer to peer Server/Client Daemon with Integrated compression and decompression; 3) Uses a cloud store and forward transport encapsulated over the international standard TCP/IP protocol; (4) Includes a Best Source Seeking Algorithm; and (5) Provides a Local Cluster Multi-Cast Daemon, Real Time Performance Reporter and Reviewer.
US07895310B2
Provided is a network management system including a management message storage for registering a key of a management message for network management and a value of the key according to a map configuration; a network management message processing unit for transmitting the management message including the key mapped to the key value of the management message storage for the network management, and a network element receives a management message from the network management processing unit, it extracts a key value corresponding to a key included in the management message from the management message storage, accesses an information value based on the key value from a Management Information Base (MIB), and transmits the information value to the network management processing unit According to the provided network management system, it is not only possible to support a variety of network management protocols, but an existing message configuration is unaffected even when a new protocol is supported.
US07895309B2
Embodiments include a main host system of the client computer, and a network event notification system, including a networking subsystem that communicates with a network server to act as a proxy for the client computer when the main host system of the client computer is in a sleep state. The networking subsystem awaits a synchronization packet initiated by the network server, or polls the network server to determine whether data is available. The computing device operates an associated network subsystem while the main host system of the computing device is in a sleep state, and receives data via the network subsystem indicating that content is available to the computing device. Policy is then invoked to determine whether to wake at least part of the main host system to handle the content. A target duty cycle mechanism is also provided to control the average power consumption during wake and sleep cycling.
US07895304B1
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a request from a computing device for an address. The request is to include a unique value associated with the computing device. The method also comprises generating a username based on the unique value. The username is associated with the computing device. Additionally, the username is bound to a context within a network element. The method also comprises assigning an address to the computing device within the context. A circuit is generated between the computing device and the network element based on the address.
US07895300B1
Method and system for configuring a switch element having a plurality of ports to operate as a test tool is provided. The method includes initiating a user interface with a plurality of selectable options, where a user selects one or more of the selectable options for configuring test parameters for a port to operate as a test port; obtaining a license key for configuring the port to operate as the test port; selecting a port from among the plurality of ports to operate as the test port; selecting a frame type for transmitting frames from the test port; specifying characteristics for the frames transmitted by the test port; determining whether the test port is online or offline; enabling a transmitter of the test port; starting a link state machine of the test port; the test port receiving an active signal or an active primitive to thereby activate the test port; the test port logging into the network; and the test port logging into a target device of the network.
US07895299B2
In a method of managing a content-based network including a plurality of content routers, such as XML routers, dynamic links are established between the content routers which are not direct neighbors.
US07895297B2
The computerized inventive system enables both the wireless internet service providers and conventional wired internet service providers to redirect users to partner websites through appropriate affiliate links and to enable the aforesaid service providers to participate in revenue sharing with internet content providers. Using the inventive methodology and the inventive system, the wireless internet service providers and conventional wired internet service providers are able to offer free internet services to general public and receive a share of the revenue earned by the content providers.
US07895292B2
When a first period in which communication is performed by a first interactive communication unit and a second period in which utilization data is utilized have a period overlapping with each other, the utilization data are correlated with interactive communication content data, which are contents interactively delivered in the first period, by a correlation giving unit. When interactive communication is performed by the first interactive communication unit, the previous interactive communication content data are searched out using information on an interactive communication partner of the interactive communication as a search condition, thereby outputting the interactive communication content data and the utilization data correlated with the interactive communication content data by the correlation giving unit.
US07895290B2
A system for transmitting and remotely managing data of a machine selected in a group comprising a packaging machine, a wrapping machine, a wood working machine tool, comprises a processing and exchanging data device communicating with a remote processing arrangement through a first communication network, wherein an intermediate processing device is interposed between said processing and exchanging data device and said remote processing arrangement so that transfer of said data between said processing and exchanging data device and said remote processing arrangement is achieved.
US07895288B2
A method and apparatus for personalized time-shifted programming. Digital content is retrieved, for example, from a digital library. Once retrieved, the content is stored locally, for example, on a personal computer. The locally stored content is transferred, in whole or in part, to a playback device that allows a user to listen to the content of the playback device. In one embodiment, the user may designate portions of a playback time provided by the playback device to various selections. For example, with a playback device that provides two hours of content, a user may wish to listen to one half hour of news, one half hour of a series and one hour of an book. Thus, the user may partition one quarter of playback time to each of news and the series and one half of the playback time to the book. In one embodiment, the present invention provides different automatic update techniques for the playback device that may be selected by the user based on how the content is to be used. For example, the news portion may be one half hour of the most recent news available from a particular source. The series may be the most recent episode in the series, whether or not the user has listened to other stored episodes. The book portion may provide one hour of the book from the most recent stopping place each time the playback device is coupled to the library retrieval device.
US07895287B2
A data storage system comprises a first platform storage system including a first network interface to communicate with a host computer, a first storage unit to provide storage volumes, a first storage controller to control the first storage unit, and a first memory to store a first control program to process an input/output (I/O) request received by the first platform storage system. A second platform storage system includes a second network to communicate with the host computer, a second storage unit to provide storage volumes, a second storage controller to control the second storage unit, and a second memory to store a second control program to process an I/O request received by the second platform storage system. An external storage system is coupled to the first and second platform storage systems, the external storage system including a third storage unit to provide storage volumes and a third storage controller to control the third storage unit. The first and second platform storage systems are configured to present the storage volumes of the external storage system to the host computer, so that the host computer can access the storage volumes of the external storage system via one of the first and second platform storage systems if the host computer is unable to access the storage volumes of the external storage system via the other platform storage system.
US07895286B1
A network storage system includes a non-volatile memory to store data including a log of received data access requests, and a cluster interconnect adapter through which to send data to a cluster partner. The nonvolatile memory and the cluster interconnect adapter are implemented in a single device connected to an expansion bus in the network storage system. Communication with the nonvolatile memory is carried out using LDMA, and communication with the cluster partner is carried out using RDMA via the cluster interconnect adapter. LDMA and RDMA functionality are merged in a common software stack.
US07895283B1
This application is for an audio message-driven customer interaction queuing system for retail, help desk or any public web page in a support context, allowing web page visitors to utter questions into a browser-resident recorder application similar to a Walkie-Talkie. These questions then queue along with originating web page information and are distributed to customer service agents. These agents can then research the question, using the web page as reference, and respond with an audio message, played upon the recorder application by the user after some brief service interval. The invention includes client, server and agent elements. The Client resides in a standard browser on a PC. The Client as initially instantiated consists of a Macromedia Flash interface driving an ActiveX control and JavaScript using audio encoding/decoding codecs. The Server consists of Java Servlets, Enterprise Java Beans, a web and application server and generic database technology. The Agent consists of a browser partitioned into areas to accommodate customer URL viewing, Connection Management (to service multiple customers concurrently), and a Client for message playback/record/send functions.
US07895275B1
A digital content review and distribution system and method are provided. In general, a number of authors of digital content register with a content review and distribution agent, which may be hosted by a central server. The authors agree to review digital content submitted by other authors in exchange for review and distribution of their own content. In operation, an author submits metadata associated with digital content to be reviewed and optionally the digital content to the content review and distribution agent. In response to the submission, the content review and distribution agent effects a review of the digital content by one or more groups of reviewers, where the groups of reviewers are selected from the other authors registered with the content review and distribution agent based on the metadata for the digital content and reviewer credentials of the other authors.
US07895273B1
An instant message delivery system includes a network interface for sending and receiving instant messages and a message queue. The system sorts instant messages by determining a priority weight for received messages. The priority weight of a message is determined by considering such characteristics as the size of the message, whether the sender is in a “buddy list” of the recipient, whether the recipient is in a “buddy list” of the sender, and/or whether the message has been marked as “urgent” by the sender. The received messages are then inserted into the queue at a position determined by their respective priority weights and are sent by the system in the order determined by their positions in the queue.
US07895272B2
A data communication system includes a video camera and a mail server. The video camera, which is provided with at least an e-mail sending/receiving function, attaches obtained original still image data to e-mail, adds a tag (editing tag), and sends the e-mail to a communication network. The mail server receives the e-mail sent from the video camera on the communication network, edits the original still image data attached to the e-mail based on the added tag, attaches the edited still image data to the e-mail, and sends the e-mail to a receiving personal computer.
US07895266B2
Provided are a distributed file system and a method of replacing cache data in a distributed file system capable of replacing cache data based on the degree of network instability between a server and a client. The method includes monitoring network instability between the first apparatus and the second apparatus, determining whether an empty space exists in a storage space of the second apparatus if the second apparatus needs data of the first apparatus, if an empty space does not exist in the storage space, deleting at least one cache data item already stored in the second apparatus according to the monitored network instability, and storing data obtained from the first apparatus in the empty space generated by deleting the cache data.
US07895264B2
A clustered server network for receiving, storing and retrieving usenet articles. The clustered server network includes various sets of clustered servers. One set of clustered servers receives articles from peer usenet networks, while another set of clustered servers stores only header information for each unique article. A third set of clustered servers may be dedicated to storing, in a redundant fashion, each unique article. The articles are stored based on a deterministic calculation so that each unique article stored is found in at least one particular server(s). The redundant storage of each unique article eliminates a need for a backend server cluster for storing one copy of every article. A usenet system provides for continuous operation even if any server in any cluster becomes non-operational. A server rebuild function is provided in the usenet system.
US07895258B2
Methods and systems are provided herein for the analysis of clickstream data of online users. The analysis methods and systems allow for the creation of new offline business methods based on online consumer behavior. In embodiments, the output file enables a third party to match a sales medium to a variety of financial service offerings.
US07895255B2
A multiplication or division operation X·K or X·1/K is performed in an electronic circuit. A software circuit area of the circuit calculates a digit shift sv such that psv is an approximate value for K. In a hardware circuit area, the value X is shifted sv digits to the left in the case of multiplication or sv digits to the right in the case of division. The software circuit area calculates a suitable correction factor Kf. The value X is multiplied by the correction factor Kf.
US07895251B2
A mask circuit (2) masks a bit sequence of K bits by a predetermined bit pattern. An EXOR circuit (3) EXORs the masked bit sequence. An inverter (9) controls inversion/non-inversion of values of bits of a bit sequence which includes a bit value indicating the EXOR result in a result obtained by shifting the bit sequence of K bits held in a shift register (1), in accordance with a designated bit value in a pattern table (14). A bit sequence as the control result is output as a random number expressed by K bits.
US07895250B2
The disclosure describes a method for performing a fixed point calculation of a floating point operation (A // B) in a coding device, wherein A // B represents integer division of A divided by B rounded to a nearest integer. The method may comprise selecting an entry from a lookup table (LUT) having entries generated as an inverse function of an index B, wherein B defines a range of values that includes every DC scalar value and every quantization parameter associated with a coding standard, and calculating A // B for coding according to the coding standard based on values A, B1 and B2, wherein B1 and B2 comprise high and low portions of the selected entry of the LUT. The techniques may simplify digital signal processor (DSP) implementations of video coders, and are specifically useful for MPEG-4 coders and possibly others.
US07895244B1
A system is provided to improve performance of a storage system. The system comprises a multi-tier buffer cache. The buffer cache may include a global cache to store resources for servicing requests issued from one or more processes at the same time, a free cache to receive resources from the global cache and to store the received resources as free resources, and a local cache to receive free resources from the free cache, the received free resources to store resources that can be accessed by a single process at one time. The system may further include a buffer cache manager to manage transferring resources from the global cache to the free cache and from the free cache to the local cache.
US07895232B2
A computer-implemented method for searching a corpus of documents includes defining a query as a twig including a root annotation operator having an associated tag specifying a span and having an associated expression indicative of one or more terms whose occurrence within the span will satisfy the query. An object is recursively selected from a group of objects that consists of the tag and the expression, and is used in advancing through the corpus until a candidate document is found that contains the tag and satisfies the expression. The candidate document is evaluated to determine whether the one or more terms indicated by the expression occur within the span in the candidate document so as to satisfy the annotation operator.
US07895228B2
The availability of one or more databases targeted by a federated query may be determined prior to running the federated query against the targeted databases. In response to determining one or more of the targeted databases are unavailable, a user may be notified. The user may also be presented with options for running the federated query. The options may include being notified when all of the targeted databases are available, automatically running the federated query (in the background) when all of the targeted databases are available, and modifying the query to run against currently available databases.
US07895216B2
A database is created from a set of data by identifying the patterns in the data set, storing the patterns in a memory device, and generating a representation of the database structure using pointers to the stored patterns. The use of pointers to store the patterns can greatly reduce the amount of memory or other space required to store the data set by replacing duplicate patterns with additional pointers, which are normally considerably smaller in size. In addition, the use of pointers may allow for more rapid searching, sorting, and other operations on the database. The representation of the database may use pointers in a tree structure to identify nodes and reduce searching and other operations. A tree structure representation of a table may use a pointer to a pattern for the base leaf node (e.g., nodes that do not branch) while using pointer pairs to represent branching nodes.
US07895212B2
A method and an apparatus for estimating a prestige of an entity, as for example a firm, company or name, is disclosed wherein a score value is assigned to an entity as a function of an occurrence of terms associated with said entity in search results. The search results are obtained by searching an information space such as the internet. This enables, for example, companies or divisions, to infer their public standing from an analysis of search results obtained through internet search engines. It is possible to compare a plurality of entities with respect to each other in an automated fashion.
US07895203B2
A method for deleting entries from a directory in which directory information is stored in a set of database tables begins upon a request to delete a directory entry. In response, the directory entry is tagged, preferably by setting the entry's creation time to a null value. If a search query is received thereafter, the routine excludes tagged entries from search results that would otherwise satisfy the search query. Periodically, the routine searches for tagged entries, and references to the tagged entries are then deleted throughout the set of database tables. Thus, the inventive method defers entry deletions to enable directory queries to be processed even if deleted entries have not yet been fully expunged from the directory.
US07895201B2
The present invention is intended to provide a quick search of a plurality of sets. A common representative point setting block sets a common representative point common to sets on the basis of a feature vector stored in a vector information storage block and stores the set point into a common representative point information storage block. A neighborhood table group creation block creates a neighborhood table for each set on the basis of the vector information and common representative point information and stores the created table in a neighborhood table group storage block. A nearest neighborhood vector group search block, upon acquisition of an input vector, searches each set for a nearest neighborhood vector of the input vector on the basis of the vector information, the common representative point information, and the neighborhood table group and outputs the retrieved nearest neighborhood vector as a comparison result. The present invention is applicable to image processing apparatuses.
US07895199B2
A system for modifying an order without requiring changes in the manufacturing processes associated with that order, or while minimizing such changes, may include a storage system having a database. The system may include a processor configured to load the database with orders that dealers want to modify, and to search the database to find one or more matches between the orders that dealers want to modify. The processor may be further configured to direct that the recipients of the matched orders be switched.
US07895193B2
The claimed subject matter provides systems and methods that facilitate providing specialized content associated with web results in response to a user query to provide queried information directly to a user without requiring the user to select a link and/or scroll through information on a web page associated therewith. Reference language models can be generated from multiple queries and can be compared to a query language model generated from web results returned in response to a user query. Based on such comparison, a determination can be made regarding whether a particular portion of specialized content corresponding to some particular query keywords is relevant enough to warrant direct presentation to the user.
US07895186B2
A method and system for updating both partition change track tables and non-partition track tables in a materialized view. A log-based incremental refresh is performed on the materialized view and a partition change tracking based refresh is performed on the materialized view. The dependency of the materialized view log for the partition change track base table is removed.
US07895163B2
Provided is a method for managing messages in an archiving system for E-Discovery. The method includes capturing a message by classifying the message using at least one of a port number, a packet content and a packet pattern at the time of messaging a message transmitted by all communication devices officially recognized in a company, storing the message at an on-line storage through an indexing and a compression after removing a duplicate content of the message for a large capacity retrieval, and backing up the data at a unalterable permanent recording media in accordance with a priority selectively designated according to the attribute.
US07895159B2
A method of enabling a user to obtain a printed copy of a document previously printed by the user is provided. A history list of documents previously printed by the user is maintained. A list document is printed at a printer. The list document includes history items from the history list and a user interface element associated with each history item. The user interface element allows the user to indicate a request for a copy of a previously printed document associated with the history item by sensing the interface element in the printed list document using a sensing device. When request data is received from the sensing device, the copy is retrieved and printed.
US07895156B2
Disclosed are a method, a system, and a computer program products for implementing model exchange in a system design. In various embodiments, the method or system receives a model exchange request from a client where model exchange request comprises a first synchronization record which comprises a delta of both a program aspect and a data aspect between a system design on the client and a system design on the server, implements the first model exchange request by processing the first model exchange, generates a second synchronization record in response to the first model exchange, transmitting the second synchronization record to the first client by using a fusion technology, and displaying a result of implementing the first model exchange request or storing the result in a tangible computer readable medium.
US07895144B2
A risk assessment method and system. The method includes receiving by an inference engine, first sensor cohort data associated with a first cohort located within a pre/post security area within an airport. The inference engine receives first group technology inferences associated with the first cohort. The inference engine generates first risk cohort inferences based on the first group technology inferences and the first sensor cohort data. The inference engine receives inference data comprising inferences associated with the first cohort. The inference engine generates second inference data comprising a second plurality of inferences associated with the first cohort. The second inference data is based on the inference data and the first risk cohort inferences. The inference engine generates a first associated risk level score for the first cohort. The computing system stores the second inference data and the first associated risk level score.
US07895141B2
The invention relates to methods for acquiring shapes from images with representations of HEp-2 cell sections in the form of objects and for learning abstract shape models from representations of HEp-2 cell sections for a case database for a case-based recognition of HEp-2 cells in digital images. The invention also relates to methods for acquiring shapes from images with representations of HEp-2 cell sections in the form of cases and for the case-based recognition of HEp-2 cells in the form of objects in digital images, to computer program products having a program code for carrying out these methods, to computer program products on machine-readable carriers for carrying out these methods, and to digital storage media that can interact with a programmable computer system whereby carrying out these methods. The methods are characterized in that individual shapes of HEp-2 cell sections are semiautomatically collected as objects in the form of representations in images and in that abstract shape models in different abstraction levels can be automatically obtained from these individual shapes. The learned abstract shape models are either averaged shapes from groups of groups of objects or medians in the form of individual groups of HEp-2 cells.
US07895126B1
A method, a communications system and a receiving device are for billing of access-controlled programs and/or data which are broadcast by a broadcast transmitter unidirectionally and encrypted, and are received by at least one receiving device. A monetary value is stored in a data memory of the receiving device. The costs for access to the access-controlled programs and/or data are determined in the receiving device based on received cost data, and decryption of the access-controlled programs and/or data in the receiving device is prevented if the determined costs are greater than the stored monetary value. Billing records are generated in the receiving device for the allocation of credit items to the vendors of the access-controlled programs and/or data, and are transmitted to a billing center via various data channels.
US07895124B2
A method for protecting sensitive data during execution time. The sensitive data are normally stored on permanent storage devices (e.g. a hard disk). The method, according to the present invention is based on the creation at system boot of a runtime process and a corresponding runtime memory space. The sensitive data are then moved to the runtime memory space and the copy on the storage device is deleted or made unusable by users. At shutdown time the sensitive data are copied back to the storage device according to the uptodate version on the runtime memory. In particular the present invention is applied to a license management system which allows nodelocked licenses on client system even if the client is disconnected from the network. License information are considered sensitive data which should be protected during execution. A device driver is created at system boot time and a kernel cache memory is allocated to the driver. Sensitive data are then transferred to the kernel cache memory and deleted (or made non-accessible) on the permanent storage. Queries to the license information are made by means of driver I/O control codes. Sensitive data are then saved back to the permanent storage at shutdown time.
US07895121B2
A system and method for tracking conversions. Specifically, the method includes collecting user information about a user and generating a user profile based on the user information. The user profile is stored such that the user profile is used to achieve delivery of data that is targeted to the user based on the user profile without requiring a release of user information in the user profile. The method determines that the user has performed an action. A unique payment option is associated with the action, wherein the unique payment option is generated in response to the action. Notification is received that the user has made a payment to an online merchant using the unique payment option. The payment is associated with a conversion of the action without cooperation of the online merchant.
US07895107B2
A method of interacting with a printed form. The method includes the steps of: maintaining a page description corresponding to a printed form; receiving, indicating data from an optically imaging pen operated by the user, the indicating data being indicative of the identity of the form and of a position of a nib of the pen relative to the form; retrieving the page description using the identity of the form; and identifying an interaction with the form using the position of the nib and the retrieved page description. The position of the nib is determined by inferring a perspective transform from perspective-distorted corners of a tag of known size when sensing the coded data and using the perspective transform together with a known geometry of pen optics to compute the position of the nib.
US07895106B2
A compensation contract supporting system that supports a compensation contract which provides a customer compensation for a profit risk created by a plurality of risk factors that influence a profit of the customer, comprising: a database for storing statistical data of the plurality of risk factors; a first probability calculation unit for calculating a probability, in which a part of the plurality of the risk factors satisfy a predetermined first condition and remaining plurality of the risk factors satisfying a predetermined second condition using the database, and at least one of the first condition and the second condition being a non-financial condition that is not related to a financial product; and a ratio calculation unit for calculating a ratio between a first compensation amount to be paid or received by the customer when the part of the risk factors satisfy the first condition and a second compensation amount to be paid or received by the customer when the remaining risk factors satisfy the second condition using the probability calculated by the first probability calculation unit.
US07895105B1
A computer-implemented method for creating report templates from a report in a financial software application executing on a processor includes receiving the report having a layout and a content field containing financial data, and that the report is received from a first user of the financial software application. The method also includes determining a structure of the report including the layout of the report and the content field of the report, and storing the structure as a report template. The report template is stored independently of the financial data, and is accessible by a second user of the financial software application.
US07895103B1
A system and method and method for generating substantial net positive cash flows to fund organizations by initiating life insurance policies through asset-backed security transactions with no out-of-pocket expense to either the organizations or to the insureds, requiring no use of policies' cash value or transfer of ownership or beneficiary of the life insurance policies, and providing guaranteed funding to the organizations regardless of when deaths occur while keeping the original insurable interest intact, thereby creating a marketable, tradable uncorrelated security.
US07895102B1
A comprehensive set of data pertaining to a user is gathered from various sources and analyzed. A financial plan is generated and provided to the user. The user may set financial goals and monitor progress towards achieving the goals, and may set and monitor probabilities of success of achieving the goals. The financial plan may take into account the financial goals and probabilities of success, and may be revised to reflect changes in the financial goals and probabilities of success. In an implementation, a user may be provided with information pertaining to how their finances, financial plan, goals, and probabilities of success compare to a selected population group.
US07895092B2
Disclosed is an integrated global shipment system that provides end-to-end visibility of the movement of a package. The integrated global shipment system employs a shipment consolidating application for integrating one or more freight tracking systems with one or more end-delivery systems. As a result, shippers are provided with complete visibility of the movement of their shipments of goods from an origin country to a destination country and till the final consignees. In addition, the integrated shipment system significantly decreases the cost of managing inventories by providing a virtual inventory solution. Under this virtual inventory solution, suppliers are able to bypass distribution centers and delay allocation of goods until after the importation of goods into a destination country.
US07895085B2
According to the invention, a method for creating an electronic greeting card that references a gift is disclosed. In one step, a selection of the electronic greeting card is received from a sender of that greeting card. Identification of the gift is received. A code indicative of the gift is created, whereby the code facilitates retrieving information about the gift. The code is embedded in the electronic greeting card.
US07895083B2
System and method for receiving purchase information for a client system, e.g., a measurement system. A configuration diagram visually representing a current configuration of the client system is displayed. Multiple product icons are displayed representing products (hardware and/or programs) available for use in the client system. User input is received graphically associating at least one first product icon with the configuration diagram, where the first product icon represents a first product, and the user input indicates a desire to purchase the first product. An updated configuration diagram is displayed representing the configuration of the client system after receiving the user input, including the first product icon. Pricing information for the first product is displayed in response to receiving the user input. User input initiating purchase of the first product may be received in response to displaying the pricing information, and the product may be provided to the user.
US07895078B2
A system is disclosed for messaging over a data network, such as the Internet and interactive TV, which allows every registered user to generate and update one or more user portfolio(s) containing information relative to Providers and/or individuals of which the user is willing to view their messages. The messages are displayed inside the space of the webpage where usually banners are shown. The system may provided benefits to the user upon displaying messages with commercial value to him. The disclosed messaging system allows an easy and effective communication path between providers and users any time publicly or privately in the banner area of a web site, which does not occupy additional space on the user's browser, and does not require the user to load another application besides his browser.
US07895073B2
A system which allows identification of a consumer as belonging to a designated category and makes special offers available to consumers who are members of the designated category is described. The system comprises a database of offers accessible through connection by consumer operated computers upon authentication of consumer registration, an offer presentation module for controlling access to the database of offers and a consumer registration module allowing registration of a consumer for access to the database of offers. The consumer registration module allows registration of a consumer upon submission of identifying information provided to the consumer by a party who has identified the consumer as belonging to a designated category and used to identify the consumer as belonging to the designated category.
US07895066B2
A system and method for assigning and managing patron reservations to one or more of a plurality of attractions receive reservation requests at personal communication devices (PCDs). Reservation requests are transmitted to a computer associated with the selected attraction, which determines a proposed reservation time based on information describing the attraction, the patron, previously-made reservations maintained in a virtual queue, and the current state of a physical queue associated with the attraction. Proposed reservation time is transmitted to the PCD for confirmation or rejection by the patron. Confirmed reservations are entered in the virtual queue. Patrons are alerted by the PCD when their reservation time is approaching.
US07895058B2
A computer-implemented method, including storing or processing information regarding a benefit provided to an employee pursuant to an employee benefit relationship between the employee and a benefit provider established prior to, pursuant to, or during, a first employment relationship between the employee and a first employer, storing or processing information for providing or maintaining the benefit pursuant to or during a second employment relationship between the employee and a second employer, receiving a request for information regarding the benefit, processing the request for information regarding the benefit with a processing device, generating a message in response to the processing of the request for information regarding the benefit, and transmitting the message to a communication device associated with the employee, a benefit beneficiary, a second employer, or a benefit administrator, via, on, or over, the Internet and/or the World Wide Web.
US07895047B2
A computerized system for performing predictive maintenance on an item of equipment includes a desired configuration database, an actual configuration database and a data processor. The data processor determines if an actual configuration complies with a desired configuration. The data processor determines an upgrade requirement for upgrading the actual configuration to the desired configuration if the actual configuration is noncompliant. The data processor further defines an interim solution that eliminates delay in the execution of the upgrade requirement on the item of equipment.
US07895046B2
The present invention relates to improvements of predictive encoding/decoding operations performed on a signal which is transmitted over a packet switched network. The signal is encoded on a block by block basis in such way that a block A-B is predictive encoded independently of any preceding blocks. A start state (715) located somewhere between the end boundaries A and B of the block is encoded using any applicable coding method. Both block parts surrounding the start state is then predictive encoded based on the start state and in opposite directions with respect to each other, thereby resulting in a full encoded representation (745) of the block A-B. At the decoding end, corresponding decoding operations are performed.
US07895039B2
A method for efficient use of resources of a speech recognition system includes determining a recognition rate, corresponding to either recognition of instances of a word or recognition of instances of various words among a set of words, and determining an accuracy range of the recognition rate. The method may further include adjusting adaptation of a model for the word or various models for the various words, based on a comparison of at least one value in the accuracy range with a recognition rate threshold. An apparatus for efficient use of resources of a speech recognition system includes a processor adapted to determine a recognition rate corresponding to either recognition of instances of a one word or recognition of instances of various words among a set of words, and an accuracy range of the recognition rate. The apparatus may further include a controller adapted to adjust adaptation of a model for the word or various models for the various words, based on a comparison of at least one value in the accuracy range with a recognition rate threshold.
US07895038B2
Speech enhancement techniques for extemporaneous noise without a noise interval and unknown extemporaneous noise are provided with a method of signal enhancement including subtracting a given reference signal from an input signal containing a target signal and a noise signal by spectral subtraction; applying an adaptive filter to the reference signal; and controlling a filter coefficient of the adaptive filter in order to reduce components of the noise signal in the input signal. In signal enhancement, a database of a signal model concerning the target signal expressing a given feature by a given statistical model is provided, and the filter coefficient is controlled based on the likelihood of the signal model with respect to an output signal from the spectral subtraction means.
US07895035B2
There is provided a scalable decoding device capable of improving resistance against a transmission error. In the device, a narrow band LSP decoding unit (108) decodes narrow band LSP encoded information corresponding to a core layer of the current encoded information. A storage unit (126) stores a wide band quantized LSP corresponding to an extended layer of the past encoded information as a stored wide band LSP. When the wide band LSP encoded information is lost from the current encoded information, a compensation unit formed by a combination of a frame loss compensation unit (124) and a switching unit (128) generates a compensated wide band LSP by weighted addition of the band conversion LSP of the narrow band quantized LSP and the stored wide band LSP, thereby compensating the decoding signal of the lost wide band LSP encoded information by the compensated wide band LSP.
US07895034B2
Provided are, among other things, systems, methods and techniques for encoding an audio signal, in which is obtained a sampled audio signal which has been divided into frames. The location of a transient within one of the frames is identified, and transform data samples are generated by performing multi-resolution filter bank analysis on the frame data, including filtering at different resolutions for different portions of the frame that includes the transient. Quantization data are generated by quantizing the transform data samples using variable numbers of bits based on a psychoacoustical model, and the quantization data are grouped into variable-length segments based on magnitudes of the quantization data. A code book is assigned to each of the variable-length segments, and the quantization data in each of the variable-length segments are encoded using the code book assigned to such variable-length segment.
US07895022B1
Building options are managed. An indication of at least one available option for constructing a building or modifying an existing building is obtained by a first user. The at least one available option is made electronically accessible to a second user. The second user electronically provides an indication of at least one choice from among the at least one available option, and the indication of at least one choice is provided to the first user.
US07895011B2
A method and apparatus for remotely verifying the calibration status of a diagnostic instrument, for example, following remote installation of a software upgrade on the instrument. In one example, a method of verifying the calibration status of the instrument, includes retrieving stored raw calibration test data generated during a previously-performed calibration of the instrument, processing the raw calibration test data to generate a diagnostic reading, comparing the diagnostic reading to a known nominal reading, and based on the comparison, generating an output indicative of the calibration status of the instrument. In one example, the method is performed without contemporaneously measuring a calibration object with the instrument and therefore, without activating the measurement head or measurement optics of the instrument.
US07895008B2
A method of performing measurement sampling in a production process includes passing a lot through a manufacturing process, employing a set of combinational logistics to determine if sampling is indicated and, if sampling is indicated, establishing a sampling decision. The method further requires querying a set of lot sampling rules to evaluate the sampling decision, evaluating a statistical quality of the process if no lot sampling rules exist, and automatically determining whether the lot passing through the production process requires sampling based on the combinational logistics, statistical quality and lot sampling rules.
