US07897196B2
A pumping system that accurately dispenses fluid using a pump, including reducing the error in the amount of a fluid a pump dispenses by correcting for the compliance of a dispense system.
US07897187B2
The invention relates to a material consisting of a powder selected from a thickening means and lecithin powder, and syrup. Said material is especially suitable for producing food and fodder. The invention also relates to a method for producing said material, to the use of said material, and to products consisting of the same.
US07897186B2
Methods for improving the foaming properties of whey protein preparations by contacting an aqueous solution containing whey protein with a phospholipase are disclosed. Treatment of a whey protein preparation with a phospholipase results in a whey protein preparation having improved foam overrun and foam stability when whipped, as compared to a whey protein preparation that is not treated with a phospholipase.
US07897184B1
A topical cosmetic composition for increasing skin whitening or lightening is described. The composition includes a pomegranate extract in an amount effective to reduce melanin composition. The pomegranate extract may be standardized to about 20% punicalagin. The composition may also include an extract from the genus larix, such as Larix sibirica. The larix sibirica may be standardized to 80% taxifolin. A method for using the compositions is described.
US07897183B2
The present invention comprises mixtures of herb extracts which exert synergistic antioxidant effect and comprise the herb licorice and at least one other herb selected from the group consisting of ginger, kudzu, sophora, and thyme. Skin care preparations incorporating such herb extract mixtures, and their methods of preparation and use, are also claimed.
US07897176B2
Provided are a dispersion comprising organic-inorganic hybrid type particles carried thereon with a biologically active substance, wherein the above particles can be obtained by allowing a block copolymer represented by Formula (I): PEG-block-poly(carbo) (I) (wherein PEG represents a polyethylene glycol segment, and carbo represents a repetitive unit having a carboxylate ion on a side chain) and an aqueous medium system capable of forming hydroxyapatite to coexist with the biologically active substance, and a preparing method for the same.
US07897172B2
A compressible extended release tablet or tablet layer having a drug release profile that is not strongly dependent on tablet hardness may be prepared by dry blending a pharmaceutically active ingredient with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, wherein the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has a bimodal or multimodal number average molecular weight distribution that includes at least one mode over 20,000 Daltons and at least one mode under 10,000 Daltons. An additional advantage of the invention is that the tablet formulations may be prepared without resort to wet granulation.
US07897170B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided that contain at least one covalently crosslinked polymeric region, which contains at least one block copolymer comprising at least one low Tg block and at least one high Tg block.
US07897169B2
To provide a food which suitably supply ubiquinol, a substance indispensable to the living body but is liable to be decreased and fall short of the requirements, through ingestion in the same ways as the ordinary foods in daily living. A ubiquinol-enriched oil/fat-containing food.
US07897158B2
A single polypeptide is provided which comprises first and second domains. The first domain enables the polypeptide to cleave one or more vesicle or plasma-membrane associated proteins essential to exocytosis, and the second domain enables the polypeptide to be translocated into a target cell or increases the solubility of the polypeptide, or both. The polypeptide thus combines useful properties of a clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum or tetanus toxin, without the toxicity associated with the natural molecule. The polypeptide can also contain a third domain that targets it to a specific cell, rendering the polypeptide useful in inhibition of exocytosis in target cells. Fusion proteins comprising the polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding the polypeptide and methods of making the polypeptide are also provided. Controlled activation of the polypeptide is possible and the polypeptide can be incorporated into vaccines and toxin assays.
US07897152B2
The present invention relates to a vaccine for increasing the immunogenicity of a tumor antigen thus allowing treatment of cancer, as well as a vaccine that increases the immunogenicity of a viral antigen, thus allowing treatment of viral infection, including immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a viral chemokine fused to either a tumor antigen or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing viral infection.
US07897145B2
The present invention relates to methods for treating renal failure. Particularly, the present invention relates to methods for treating renal failure by administering to a subject complexes that include a member of the IL-6 family linked to a soluble receptor of the member of the IL-6 family, or isolated polynucleotides encoding same, the complexes capable of activating a gp130 mediated signaling pathway, thereby treating acute or chronic renal failure.
US07897141B2
Methods for producing echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive compounds as well as targeted imaging and delivery to selected tissues and cells are provided. Compositions containing these echogenic polymer microcapsules and nanocapsules for use in diagnostic imaging and delivery of bioactive agents are also provided.
US07897137B2
A method for producing high-active titanium dioxide anatase hydrosol by using metatitanate as precursor, is characterized in comprising the following steps in order: (1) Wash process: adding alkali to wash so as to remove sulfate ion; (2) Dispersion process: adding acid to disperse the filter cake and obtaining a uniform suspension; (3) Peptization process: peptizing the suspension obtained in dispersion process according to the method of (a), (b) or (c). When producing transition metal or rare earth doped anatase hydrosol, transition metal or rare earth salt solution with a predetermined concentration is first prepared, and then added into the metatitanate suspension which has not been washed by alkali. Subsequently, the resulting suspension is filtered and washed until no sulfate ion is present. When producing precious metal deposited anatase hydrosol, precious metal solution is added into prepared pure anatase hydrosol, and then, the resulting solution is irradiated with ultraviolet light for 0.5-10 hours under stirring continuously. The advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: (1) the raw material has low price and little pollution as well as abundant source; (2) the hydrosol has excellent degree of dispersibility and higher anatase crystallization; (3) the hydrosol has higher activity under visible light irradiation owing to doping/depositing technique; (4) the properties and activity of the hydrosol can be further enhanced by using post disposal, such as microwave and ultrasonic technique; and (5) the hydrosol is a kind of nano-material with about 10 nm particle size. The anatase hydrosol can be applied for indoor air purification, crop disease control, odor control and so on.
US07897128B2
The present invention provides a process for making a complex metal oxide comprising the formula AxByOz. The process comprises the steps of: (a) reacting in solution at a temperature of between about 75° C. to about 100° C. at least one water-soluble salt of A, at least one water-soluble salt of B and a stoichiometric amount of a carbonate salt or a bicarbonate salt required to form a mole of a carbonate precipitate represented by the formula AxBy(CO3)n, wherein the reacting is conducted in a substantial absence of carbon dioxide to form the carbonate precipitate and wherein the molar amount of carbonate salt or bicarbonate salt is at least three times the stoichiometric amount of carbonate or bicarbonate salt required to form a mole of the carbonate precipitate; and (b) reacting the carbonate precipitate with an oxygen containing fluid under conditions to form the complex metal oxide.
US07897126B2
Processes are described for the extraction and recovery of alkali metal from the char that results from catalytic gasification of a carbonaceous material. Among other steps, the processes of the invention include a hydrothermal leaching step in which a slurry of insoluble particulate comprising insoluble alkali metal compounds is treated with carbon dioxide and steam at elevated temperatures and pressures to effect the conversion of insoluble alkali metal compounds to soluble alkali metal compounds. Further, processes are described for the catalytic gasification of a carbonaceous material where a substantial portion of alkali metal is extracted and recovered from the char that results from the catalytic gasification process.
US07897124B2
Biogases such as natural gas and other gases capable of being biologically derived by digestion of organic matter are converted to a clean-burning hydrocarbon liquid fuel in a continuous process wherein a biogas is fed to a reaction vessel where the biogas contacts a liquid petroleum fraction and a transition metal catalyst immersed in the liquid, vaporized product gas is drawn from a vapor space above the liquid level, condensed, and fed to a product vessel where condensate is separated from uncondensed gas and drawn off as the liquid product fuel as uncondensed gas is recycled to the reaction vessel.
US07897116B2
The present invention relates to a composite internal in a circulating fluidized bed reactor, comprising guide plates, disturbing plates and 2 to 30 round tubes, wherein the guide plate (3) is secured with its one side to the round tube (1), and the disturbing plate (4) is secured with its one side to the round tube (1) and with its another side to another side of said guide plate (3), with an angle of 50 to 90° included between the guide plate (3) and disturbing plate (4). The round tubes (1) each provided with respective guide plate and disturbing plate are fixed together at one end, and said 2 to 30 round tubes (1) are arranged in one and the same plane. The other end of each round tube (1) is arranged in a radiate manner with respect to the fixed point as a center, and an angle included between each round tube (1) is different from or equal to each other, in a range of 100 to 180°. With said composite internal, replacement of particle groups and exchange between gas phase and solid phase flowing fast in a center area will be effectively improved, thereby improving the effect of gas-solid mass transfer and the work efficiency of the circulating fluidized bed, because the effective disturbance on upward and downward particle groups and the gas flow field are adjusted.
US07897114B2
A microreactor assembly comprising a fluidic interconnect backbone and plurality of fluidic microstructures is provided. The fluidic microstructures are supported by respective portions of the fluidic interconnect backbone, The microreactor assembly comprises a plurality of non-polymeric interconnect seals associated with the interconnect input and output ports. The interconnect input port of the fluidic interconnect backbone is interfaced with the microchannel output port of a first fluidic microstructure at one of the non-polymeric interconnect seals. The interconnect output port of the fluidic interconnect backbone is interfaced with the microchannel input port of a second fluidic microstructure at another of the non-polymeric interconnect seals. The interconnect microchannel is defined entirely by the fluidic interconnect backbone and is configured such that it extends from the non-polymeric interconnect seal at the microchannel output port of the first fluidic microstructure to the non-polymeric interconnect seal at the microchannel input port of the second fluidic microstructure without interruption by additional sealed interfaces.
US07897113B2
A fluidic device for performing assays can include control components such as vacuum pumps, gas pumps, “broken open valves,” and “self-close valves” for controlling the flow of fluids in the fluidic device. The vacuum pump can be used to pull a fluid in a specific direction in a channel, and the gas pump can be used to push a fluid in a specific direction in a channel. The broken open valve can be used to connect two separate regions at the control of a user, and the self-close valve can be used to automatically seal off a channel after passage of a fluid. The vacuum pumps, gas pumps, broken open valves, and self close valves can be made small in volume so that the fluidic device can be made as a small and portable device.
US07897110B2
A system for detecting at least one contamination species in an interior space of a lithographic apparatus, including: at least one monitoring surface configured to be in contact with the interior space, a thermal controller configured to control the temperature of the monitoring surface to at least one detection temperature, and at least one detector configured to detect condensation of the at least one contamination species onto the monitoring surface.
US07897108B1
A sensor has a sensor substance, an electromagnetic energy source, and a detector. The sensor substance may be able to emit electromagnetic energy different than that provided by the energy source when an analyte of interest is in contact with the sensor substance and electromagnetic energy is received by the sensor substance. The energy source and the detector may be provided on the same side of the sensor substance.In a method according to the invention, a determination may be made as to whether an analyte is present in a sample. Such a method may provide a sensor, such as that described above. Electromagnetic energy may be provided to the sensor substance using the energy source, and the sensor substance may be contacted with a sample. Electromagnetic energy may be emitted from the sensor substance and received at the detector. The detector may provide a signal indicating the type of electromagnetic energy emitted from the sensor substance. The signal from the detector may be analyzed to determine whether the analyte was detected.
US07897107B2
Analyte meter protectors, meters that include the same, and methods.
US07897104B2
Provided is a sterilizing control method for a dishwasher. The method includes inputting a command for a sterilizing cycle, and turning a sterilizer disposed within a tub on and off at regular, predetermined intervals, according to the inputted command.
US07897103B2
An elongated rod assembly is made by preparing a plurality of rods. Each rod is prepared by the steps of furnishing at least one nonmetallic precursor compound, thereafter chemically reducing the precursor compounds to produce the metallic material, and thereafter consolidating the metallic material to form the rod, wherein the rod has a rod length equal to the assembly length. The rods are bundled together to form a bundled rod assembly. The rod assembly may be used as a consumable feedstock in a melting-and-casting operation.
US07897097B2
A method of making a fenestration framing member includes providing a core of size and shape corresponding to the desired size and shape of the fenestration framing members. A fiberglass mat is placed on the core to form a fiberglass-engaged core, and resin is vacuum infused into the mat to form a fenestration framing member that includes fiberglass-reinforced resin engaging the core. The starting core and the final fenestration framing member preferably are of curved geometry lengthwise of the core and member. The step of vacuum infusing resin into the mat surrounding the core preferably is carried out by placing the fiberglass-engaged core into a vacuum enclosure, preferably a vacuum bag, and connecting the vacuum enclosure to a vacuum source and a resin source. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the mat surrounds the core so that the core is part of the fenestration framing member. In another embodiment, the mat is engaged with at least one contoured face of the core and is removed from the core following resin infusion, so that the core is not part of the fenestration framing member in this embodiment.
US07897094B2
A mold and a method for producing two-color injection-molded parts involves simultaneous injection of two kinds of molding material, in which a pressure difference between two kinds of molding materials is induced so that one of the molding materials is infiltrated into and bonded to the other molding material during solidification. The method for producing two-color injection-molded parts may include simultaneously injecting a first material and a second material to a first gate and a second gate to be filled in a first cavity and a second cavity, and closing the second gate such that the first molding material, which is not solidified, pushes a slide mold provided between a first mold block and a second mold block using a holing pressure of the first gate and is infiltrated into an unsolidified layer of the second molding material and solidified.
US07897089B2
A laminated rotor core (36) wherein permanent magnets (47) are inserted in respective magnet insertion holes (46) is disposed between and pressed by an upper die (37) and a lower die (29). The upper die (37) has resin reservoir pots (50) provided above the laminated rotor core (36) and at positions corresponding to the respective magnet insertion holes (46). Raw resin material put in the resin reservoir pots (50) is heated by the upper die (37). Subsequently, the resin material in a liquefied state is ejected from the resin reservoir pots (50) by plungers (52) that are inserted and moves vertically in the resin reservoir pots (50) and is directly filled in the magnet insertion holes (46). Consequently, the respective magnet insertion holes (46) are filled with the resin material more evenly and highly reliable products can be supplied at low cost.
US07897086B2
This invention is directed to a partitioning device for separating a chamber of a patient's heart into a productive portion and a non-productive portion. The device is particularly suitable for treating patients with congestive heart failure. The partitioning device has a frame-reinforced, expandable membrane which separates the productive and non-productive portions of the heart chamber. Elements of the frame include ribs that are secured to the expandable membrane, to form an integrated structure that may be unilaminar or bilaminar in form. The proximal ends of the ribs of the frame have tissue-penetrating elements about the periphery thereof which are configured to penetrate tissue lining the heart wall at an angle approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the partitioning device. The partitioning device has a hub with a non-traumatic distal end to engage the ventricular wall.
US07897083B2
The object is to provide a method for manufacturing liquid crystalline resin composition having a hollow filler and a fibrous filler using a common melting-kneading extruder to maintain well-balanced relation between the residual percentages of hollow filler and the fiber length, which balance could not be attained in the prior art. A liquid crystalline resin composition having 5 to 30% by weight of hollow filler and 5 to 30% by weight of fibrous filler is manufactured using a melting-kneading extruder provided with a screw. (1) The liquid crystalline resin is fed from a main feed port located at upstream side in the extruding direction, while a hollow filler and a fibrous filler are fed from a side feed port located at downstream side in the extruding direction. The manufacture is conducted under the specific conditions between (2) L1 as the ratio L/D in which D is the screw diameter and L is the distance between the position of the side feed port and the position where the internal pressure of the extruder reaches 0.1 MPa; (3) L2 as the ratio L/D in which D is the screw diameter and L is the length of maintaining the internal pressure of the extruder at or above 0.1 MPa after feeding the hollow filler and the fibrous filler; and(4) La as the ratio L/D in which D is the screw diameter and L is the length of the resin plasticizing zone.
US07897073B2
Displacers are used in production of concrete surfaces. The displacers are embodied, for example, as plastic balls or plastic shells and are locked in lattices that are open on one side, preferably downwardly. The modules can then be pressed into a first or second concrete layer that can already contain a first reinforcement mesh. The thus produced semi-finished product can then be covered with a concrete mass during the subsequent finishing process.
US07897071B2
Systems and methods for producing silicone hydrogel contact lenses are described. Certain of the present systems include a contact lens mold forming station, a station for filling a contact lens mold section with a lens precursor composition and for placing a second mold section on the filled mold section to form a contact lens mold assembly, a curing station for forming a contact lens, a mold assembly separation station, and an extraction/hydration station. Certain of the present methods include forming a plurality of mold sections, placing a lens precursor composition on a surface of a first mold section, placing a second mold section on the first mold section, polymerizing the lens precursor composition, separating the first and second mold sections, removing the silicone hydrogel contact lens from one of the mold sections, extracting extractable components from the contact lens, and hydrating the contact lens.
US07897063B1
A composition and method for breaking down and denaturing friction-reducing compound introduced into the ground during the drilling of gas and oil wells and for destroying other contaminants and biohazards naturally present within and artificially introduced into hydrocarbon wells, which are formed as a result of the drilling and pumping processes. The composition includes several species of oxidizing agent compounds that are effective in breaking down hydrogen sulfide produced by bacteria as well as the friction-reducing polymer used during drilling and several other organic compounds.
US07897058B2
A method of forming features, e.g. contact holes, at a higher density than is possible with conventional lithographic techniques involves forming an array of sacrificial positive features, conformally depositing a sacrificial layer so that negative features are formed interleaved with the positive features, directionally etching the sacrificial layer and removing the sacrificial features. The result is an array of holes at a higher density than the original sacrificial features. These may then be transferred into the underlying substrate using a desired process. Also, the method may be repeated to create arrays at even higher densities.
US07897057B1
A gas sensor system and its method of fabrication is disclosed. The sensor system comprises an optrode, light source, and a light detector. In a sensor for hydrogen gas, the optrode is comprised of a porous substrate into which an intimate mixture of reagent and catalyst is incorporated. The mixture reacts with the hydrogen to produce a color/intensity change in relation to the concentration of gas. The optrode further includes a reversing agent, boron, to restore the benchmark conditions of the sensor system in real-time. The method of fabricating the optrode includes the steps of cleaning; etching to achieve the proper porosity; incorporating the reagent, catalyst, and reversing agent using capillary action; and removing excess reagent and catalyst.
US07897053B2
A method and apparatus for treating a fluid using a wave energy uses a gas-sparged pipe configured to create a flow of the fluid in a thin film along a vortex path from a first end to a second end of the gas-sparged pipe, a first electrode and a second electrode that are at least partially disposed within the gas-sparged pipe, spaced apart from one another, and axially aligned with one another along a central axis of the gas-sparged pipe from the first end to the second end. The electrodes are used to create an open electrical arc to provide the wave energy directly exposing the fluid as the fluid flows along the vortex path in close proximity to and surrounding the electrical arc such that only a gas separates the fluid from the open electrical arc.
US07897051B2
The invention relates to a method for separating proteins from liquid media, comprising providing a liquid medium containing proteins, providing a clay material which has: a specific surface greater than 150 m2/g, a pore volume greater than 0.35 ml/g, an ion exchange capacity greater than 40 meq/100 g, and a sediment volume in water of less than 15 ml/2 g, equilibrating said clay material to a pH of from 3.5 to 9.0, treating said liquid medium with the equilibrated clay material, and separating the purified, protein-depleted liquid medium from the clay material.
US07897047B2
Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a goetextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events. The green roof system includes recycling runoff stormwater by irrigating the green roof with the stored stormwater.
US07897039B2
An apparatus for collecting condensed water of an air conditioner evaporator in heavy construction equipment is disclosed, which is able to receive condensed water into a receiver from an evaporator and treats the same which comprises a body which is installed at one side of the evaporator and includes a plurality of support frames provided in the interior of the same, with its upper and lower sides being fixed with a vibration resistant member; a water collection pipe which allows the condensed water produced from the evaporator to be supplied to a water inlet valve; a storing tank which is connected with the water inlet valve and stores condensed water inputted via the water inlet valve; a water purification filter which filters dirt, heavy metallic substances and organic chemicals contained in the condensed water supplied from the storing tank; and a water purification tank which stores the filtered condensed water and has a pipe extended to the outside of the body.
US07897035B2
Systems and methods for hydroprocessing a heavy oil feedstock, the system employs a plurality of contacting zones and separation zones with at least some of the heavy oil feedstock being supplied to at least a contacting zone other than the first contacting zone. The contacting zones operate under hydrocracking conditions, employing a slurry catalyst for upgrading the heavy oil feedstock, forming upgraded products of lower boiling boiling hydrocarbons. In the separation zones, upgraded products are removed overhead and optionally, further treated in an in-line hydrotreater. At least a portion of the non-volatile fractions recovered from at least one of the separation zones is recycled back to the first contacting zone in the system.
US07897026B2
A fluid particle-separating device includes a sorting, first and second diverting channels, a detector, a microprocessor, first and second actuators, and first and second sieving valves. The sorting channel receives fluid containing first and second particles. The first and second diverting channels guide the first and second particles. The detector recognizes the sizes and numbers of the first and second particles and outputs first and second recognition signals. The microprocessor receives the first and second recognition signals and outputs first and second control signals. The first and second sieving valves respectively inside the first and second diverting channels allow the particles to pass through or not. The first actuator receives the first control signal and controls the deformation of the second sieving valve to block the first particle. The second actuator receives the second control signal and controls the deformation of the first sieving valve to block the second particle.
US07897023B2
The invention relates to chemical engineering, in particular to devices for electrolyzing aqueous solutions of alkali or alkali-earth metal chlorides and for obtaining gaseous electrolytic products such as chlorine and oxygen. It can be used for water purifying and disinfecting processes and for electrochemically producing some chemical products. The inventive device includes at least one electrochemical reactor (1) comprising from 2 to 16 electrochemical cells. Lines for supplying and discharging cathode and anode chambers are embodied in the form of pipelines having an inner diameter equal to or less than 0.5 of the interelectrode distance and lengths which are equal to or greater than 2 Ld, wherein the interelectrode distance is an anode-to-cathode distance and Ld is the cathode length. A manifold for supplying an initial solution (10), a lower manifold of the cathode circulation circuit (15), a heat exchanger (18), an upper manifold of the cathode circulation circuit (14) and a manifold for collecting gaseous products of the anodic chamber cells (13) are arranged along the same vertical axis. The upper manifold of the cathode circulating circuit (14) is mounted at a height not less than then the distance equal to Ld from the cathode chamber output. The number of the inputs and outputs of the manifolds corresponds to the number of cells in the reactor, and said inputs and outputs are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical axis of symmetry of the manifold.
US07897010B2
The present invention provides methods for deinking printed waste paper—particularly methods that use a deinking composition that includes a hydrophobically-modified inorganic particle (“MIP”) to improve ink collection efficiency under traditional alkaline, reduced alkali, and true neutral deinking conditions. Deinking compositions are provided that include a hydrophobically-MIP substrate, a nonionic surfactant, and a fatty acid, or mixtures thereof. The improved ink collection of the present invention can result in deinked pulp of high quality and/or yields that has excellent brightness and effective residual ink concentrations (“ERIC”) values.
US07897005B2
A method of connecting structural components having a relatively low thickness, the method including pre-applying, at an off-site location, one of an adhesive and a substance which activates an adhesive to at least one of at least one of the sides of the groove of one of the structural components and at least one of the sides of the tongue of another of the structural components, and connecting, at a site different from the off-site location, the structural components together by causing the tongue to be inserted into the groove.
US07897004B2
A method for fabricating stringers is provided. The co-cured composite stringer includes a stringer and a mandrel positioned within a channel defined in the stringer. A plurality of strips are positioned within an opening of the mandrel, and a substrate layer, such as aircraft skin, is positioned adjacent to the stringer. During application of the substrate layer to the stringer, the mandrel and plurality of strips support the stringer.
US07896991B2
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of sheet molding compounds (SMC) in which the required glass fiber nonwovens are manufactured in-line and have an inhomogeneity of 10% or less, a weight per unit area of 400 g/m2 or higher and a strength of less than 10 N. Furthermore, the present invention describes resin mats that comprise the glass fiber nonwovens in accordance with the invention that represent valuable intermediate products.
US07896987B2
The present invention is a bi-propellant system comprising a gelled liquid propane (GLP) fuel and a gelled MON-30 (70% N2O4+30% NO) oxidizer. The bi-propellant system is particularly well-suited for outer planet missions greater than 3 AU from the sun and also functions in earth and near earth environments. Additives such as powders of boron, carbon, lithium, and/or aluminum can be added to the fuel component to improve performance or enhance hypergolicity. The gelling agent can be silicon dioxide, clay, carbon, or organic or inorganic polymers. The bi-propellant system may be, but need not be, hypergolic.
US07896982B2
Bulk solidifying amorphous alloys exhibiting improved processing and mechanical properties and methods of forming these alloys are provided. The bulk solidifying amorphous alloys are composed to have high Poisson's ratio values. Exemplary Pt-based bulk solidifying amorphous alloys having such high Poisson's ratio values are also described. The Pt-based alloys are based on Pt—Ni—Co—Cu—P alloys, and the mechanical properties of one exemplary alloy having a composition of substantially Pt57.5Cu14.7Ni5.3P22.5 are also described.
US07896975B2
The present invention is to provide a sump assembly which enables leaked washing water therein to be circulated smoothly without remaining therein, and a dishwasher using the same cleanly and sanitarily. For this, the present invention includes a sump housing for holding washing water; an impeller housing secured to the sump housing for placing an impeller pumping the washing water therein; a filter housing provided on an upper portion of the impeller housing for placing a filter filtering the washing water therein; and a connection device for making a lower portion of the filter housing in communication with the sump housing. Owing to the above configuration, the dishwasher may be used cleanly and sanitarily, resulting in enhancing washing efficiency and endurance of a product.
US07896968B2
The object of this invention is to provide a winding type plasma CVD apparatus in which quality of a layer can be made uniform by supplying a reaction gas uniformly to a deposition area of a film, and can perform a self-cleaning process of a deposition portion in the path of deposition onto the film.A film (22) is supported between a pair of movable rollers (33, 34) arranged on the upstream side and downstream side of the deposition portion (25) with regard to the traveling direction of the film, and then the film (22) is made to travel substantially linearly at the deposition position. Consequently, the distance between a shower plate (37) and the film (22) is kept constant, and the quality of the layer is made homogeneous. The film is heated by means of a metal belt (40) traveling simultaneously on the back side of the film. The moveable rollers (33, 34) ascend from the deposition position to the self-cleaning position, and the film (22) can be separated from the shower plate (37). Self-cleaning can be carried out in the path of the deposition onto the film by closing the aperture of a mask (51) with a shutter (65), thereby preventing leakage of cleaning gas.
US07896966B2
An applying amount to an applying medium is controlled in a liquid applying apparatus. Specifically, before driving a pump, a circulation speed decision processing (S3) is carried out. According to this decided speed, a speed of the circulation flow generated in a liquid holding space is controlled in a pump operating process (S4). This controls a pressure in the liquid holding space. As a result, a state of flow of the applying liquid at a contact member of a liquid holding member in contact with the applying roller is changed, and an amount of the applying liquid adhering to an applying roller and going out of the contact portion is controlled. This can control the amount of the applying liquid to be applied to the applying medium.
US07896953B1
A process and device to capture of CO2 at its originating source, such as a power plant, is disclosed. Absorbent material is recharged by desorbing CO2, so that it may be sequestered or used in another application. Continual recharging results in loss of absorbent surface area, due to pore plugging and sintering of particles. Calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide was immobilized to a fibrous ceramic-based fabric substrate as a thin film and sintered, creating an absorbent material. The samples were characterized, showing continuous cyclic carbonation conversions between about 62% and 75% under mild calcination conditions at 750° C. and no CO2 in N2. Under the more severe calcination condition at 850° C. and 20 wt % CO2 in N2, yttria fabric was superior to alumina as a substrate for carbon dioxide capture and the reactivity of the calcium oxide absorbent immobilized to yttria was maintained at the same level in the 12 cycles.
US07896951B2
A system for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from gasses generated in burning fossil fuel, includes a vessel, separator and reheater. The upper portion of the vessel receives downward flowing, first type solid particles capable of absorbing heat from upward flowing gasses and second type solid particles capable of capturing carbon dioxide from the gasses. The separator separates the second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide from the gasses discharged from the first vessel discharge, and directs the separated second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide to a separator discharge. The reheater directs the first type solid particles and the second type solid particles with the captured carbon dioxide in a downwardly flow to a first reheater discharge, such that heat from the first type solid particles causes the captured carbon dioxide to be released from the second type solid particles.
US07896942B2
A plate-shaped filter insert for, in particular, a gas filter with a seal which projects outward on a first of two opposite plate surfaces should be simple and inexpensive to produce with good durability. For this purpose, such a filter insert has the following features: —the filter material (1) is designed as a web material folded in a zigzag shape, each of whose folds on the top side are sealed by a first sealant strip (2), —the first sealant strips (2) each project bent outward at one of the two opposite upper plate sides formed by the backs of the folds, —at the end folds lying in longitudinal direction of the web material, a second sealant strip (3) running transverse to this longitudinal direction is attached, —the second sealant strips (3) are each bonded tightly to the first sealant strips (2), —a circumferential sealant material (4) is applied to the first and second sealant strips (2, 3) bonded tightly to one another.
US07896933B2
A hydrogen supplying apparatus equipped with a hydrogen separation membrane and a catalyst plate, which is made by forming a catalyst layer on a metal plate, wherein the metal material of the membrane is different in hardness from that of the catalyst plate.A method of producing the hydrogen supplying apparatus, which comprises: bonding a catalyst plate and a hydrogen separation membrane to each other, by friction-stir welding, wherein a welding tool is pressed towards only one of the membrane and catalyst plate, forming a reaction layer between the membrane and the catalyst plate by the frictional heat, and forming ripples in the welded interface.
US07896930B2
The present invention relates to a process for bleaching hair wherein a water free bleaching composition, preferably in form of a dust free powder or a granulate comprising at least one compound with bleaching and/or highlighting effect is mixed with an liquid oxidizing composition wherein water free bleaching powder is passed through a sieve.
US07896919B2
Embodiments disclosed herein provide a method of implanting an intervertebral disk prosthesis that can be assembled and disassembled in a minimally invasive fashion. The prosthesis comprises a first fixing element having an anchoring first face and a co-operation second face; a second fixing element having an anchoring first face and a co-operation second face; a first prosthesis element having an active first face and a co-operation second face, the co-operation faces of the first fixing element and the first prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; a second prosthesis element having an active first face and a co-operation second face, the co-operation faces of the second fixing element and the second prosthesis element serving to fasten the two elements together; and each of the active faces of the prosthesis elements defining at least a portion of a spherical cap that is respectively concave or convex.
US07896918B2
The present invention concerns a space holder, especially for vertebrae or intervertebral discs for implantation into human or animal organisms, having a cylinder-like body (1) and, at the ends of the cylinder-like body, means (2) provided for connecting to adjacent body parts, said cylinder-like body (1) essentially being formed as a solid cylinder from at least one material that is elastically deformable under the conditions of use, such that the space holder is compressible and extensible in the axial direction and, with reference to means (2) provided at the ends for connecting the space holder to adjacent body parts, can bend about a radial axis of rotation (13).
US07896909B2
A method of treating an annular fissure in an intervertebral disc includes providing a catheter having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis, the distal end having an intradiscal section with at least one functional element, applying a force longitudinally to the proximal end of the catheter which is sufficient to advance the intradiscal section through the nucleus pulposus and around an inner wall of an annulus fibrosus, but which force is insufficient for the intradiscal section to puncture the annulus fibrosus, positioning the functional element at the selected location of the disc by advancing or retracting the catheter and optionally twisting the proximal end of the catheter, and using the functional element to treat the annular fissure.
US07896897B2
The present disclosure relates to a sheath system for enabling access through an opening in the body of a patient is provided. The sheath system includes a dilation assembly having a radially expandable tubular sheath defining a lumen having a first cross-sectional area when in a non-expanded condition, and a handle assembly operatively coupled to a proximal end of tubular sheath, the handle assembly defining an aperture formed therein, and a first thread defined on the handle in the aperture thereof. The sheath system further includes an expansion assembly including a tubular member defining a lumen having a second cross-sectional area which is larger than the first cross-sectional area of the tubular sheath of the dilation assembly and having an outer surface defining a second thread, the second thread being arranged for engaging the first thread.
US07896894B2
A gastric reduction apparatus that facilitates the creation of a transoral linear passageway through the stomach includes an elongated body including a proximal end and a distal end. The elongated body is generally sinusoidal shaped with at least one tissue engaging surface oriented such that a needle will pass therethrough. The elongated body also includes at least one needle passing channel respectively formed adjacent the at least one tissue engaging surface. The at least one needle passing channel generally passes through the center of the sinusoidal waveforms defined by the at least one tissue engaging surface such that a needle will pass entirely through stomach tissue contacting the tissue engaging surface of the elongated body. The elongated body further includes a suture passing channel.
US07896886B2
A humeral fracture fixation system is provided and includes a nail-plate fixation device having a plate-like head portion, an intramedullary nail portion, and a bent neck portion therebetween which creates an angle between the plate and nail portions. The upper surface of the nail portion is substantially straight for contact with the endosteum and the nail portion includes threaded holes for machine screws. The head portion includes locking holes for receiving fixed-angle bone support elements, and K-wire alignment holes. The front of the head portion includes suture holes while presenting a smooth profile. A specific implantation jig and screw guide cannula are also provided.
US07896881B2
An acetabular reamer is provided. The acetabular reamer includes a body having a peripheral surface. The peripheral surface is defined by a radius extending from an origin. The body defines an axis of rotation of the body. The body defines an end surface operably connected to peripheral surface of the body. The body further defines a relief surface spaced from the axis of rotation and operably connected to peripheral surface. The acetabular reamer also includes a cutter operably associated with the body for reaming a portion of the acetabulum and a support structure secured to the relief surface.
US07896872B2
An apparatus and method for treating an intervertebral disc having an inner nucleus pulposus and an outer annulus fibrosus includes a thermal probe defining proximal and distal ends and having a guidable region adjacent the distal end thereof. The guidable region is characterized by having sufficient rigidity to advance within the annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc in response to an axial force exerted on the proximal end of the thermal probe while having sufficient flexibility to substantially follow and conform to an azimuthal course defined by the natural striata of the annulus fibrosus. The thermal probe is adapted for connection to a thermal energy source to provide thermal energy to the annulus fibrosus to alleviate pain associated with the intervertebral disc.
US07896867B2
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for controllably adjusting a fluid delivery device. The device includes an electrochemical pump capable of transporting a fluid. A displaceable member is positioned between a pump product chamber and a reservoir, wherein the pump product chamber is capable of retaining water generated from the pump. The displaceable member is controllably displaced upon generation of water from the electrochemical pump and the reservoir contains the fluid that is delivered upon displacement of the displaceable member.
US07896864B2
A vacuum and irrigation wound bandage system is provided for use with a wound. The system includes a vacuum source, an irrigation source, and a bandage positioned adjacent the wound to create a sealed environment around the wound. The vacuum source of the system is in communication with the bandage to create negative pressure between the bandage and the wound.
US07896858B2
A pull-on disposable absorbent article may comprise multiple components creating multiple seams. The components may comprise multiple graphic objects that cooperate to form an appearance of a waistband around a viewable outer circumference of the pull-on disposable absorbent article. The components may further comprise multiple patterns of graphics in the form of multiple objects disposed immediately adjacent to one or more of the seams. Each of the graphic objects and patterns of graphics may be disposed on a viewable outer surface.
US07896851B2
Disclosed is a catheter to be percutaneously inserted into a living body lumen, which includes a sheath portion having a lumen extending therein, an insertion member slidably disposed in the lumen of the sheath portion and having a distal end portion capable of protruding from a distal end portion of the sheath portion, an injection needle disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion member for injecting a therapeutic composition into a target tissue, and an electrode disposed at a distal end portion of the catheter for measuring a cardiac action potential.
US07896849B2
A syringe (12) having: a syringe body (18) in which a passage (28) for the circulation of fluid is defined, the circulatory passage (28) being extended by a main element (20) for fluidic connection to a complementary volume (13); and a movable piston (36) inside the syringe body (18), defining, with the syringe body (18), a chamber for the containment of fluid, opening out through the circulatory passage (28). The syringe body (18) defines a closed space in which the piston (36) is movably mounted. The piston (36) also defines in the closed space an auxiliary return chamber. The syringe body (18) defines a return passage (48) opening out into the auxiliary return chamber (46). The return passage (48) is extended by an auxiliary element (50) for connection to the complementary volume (13).
US07896846B2
A seal assembly for reception of an elongated surgical instrument is provided which includes a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. A coating may be applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein. The coating is preferably a hydrocyclosiloxane membrane prepared by plasma polymerization process.
US07896840B2
A balloon catheter that comprises an inner shaft, a balloon and a sleeve that defines a lumen. A portion of the inner shaft is positioned within the lumen and the balloon is engaged to the sleeve at least two engagement points.
US07896833B2
Apparatus administers dental anesthetic to intraligamentary tissue with a drive unit and handpiece with injection needle connected by flexible tube to the unit. The drug is passes to the tissue at an instantaneous pressure at the needle tip that varies due to placement. A minimum threshold pressure is desired for administering the drug to the tissue. A practitioner moves the handpiece to insert the needle tip near the intraligamentary tissue and the instantaneous pressure is sensing or calculating. An auditory ascending signal indicates when the instantaneous pressure is rising, and when the instantaneous pressure reaches the threshold pressure a perceptible auditory specific signal indicates the practitioner has moved the tip into intraligamentary tissue. The tip is then maintained for supplying a selected dosage of the drug. Another auditory signal notifies the practitioner that the instantaneous pressure is declining or fluctuating before reaching the minimum threshold pressure.
US07896832B2
A system for assisting flow of blood by a patient's heart. The system includes a transseptal cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the jugular vein and extend through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium. The system includes a blood pump mechanism having a blood pump for pumping blood received from the transseptal cannula that has been oxygenated at specified flow rates over a range of physiological pressures. The blood pump is connected to the transseptal cannula. The system includes a perfusion cannula adapted to be inserted percutaneously in the axillary artery for returning oxygenated blood to the atrial system of the patient. The perfusion cannula is connected to the blood pump. A method for assisting blood flow by a patient's heart. The method includes the steps of inserting percutaneously in the jugular vein of the patient and extending through the atrial septum from the right atrium to the left atrium a transseptal cannula. Next there is the step of inserting percutaneously in the axillary artery a perfusion cannula for returning oxygenated blood to the arterial system of the patient. Then there is the step of pumping blood with a blood pump connected to the transseptal cannula and the perfusion cannula at specified flow rates over a range of physiological pressures.
US07896830B2
An ultrafiltration device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient includes a blood inlet tube leading from a first blood vessel, a blood pump, an anticoagulant reservoir for infusing anticoagulants into the blood, a blood filter including a substrate through which the blood is circulated and filtered, a fluid bag for storing the excess fluid and a blood outlet tube leading to a second blood vessel.
US07896829B2
A continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient. The CRRT device is worn by the patient and operates on rechargeable batteries for more than 5 hours. Dialysate is used to remove impurities from the blood. The dialysate is recycled and refreshed by a filter section. Less than one liter of dialysate is required to circulate through the wearable CRRT device.
US07896828B1
An ankle support that is adapted to securely hold the lower leg, ankle and foot of a wearer so as to provide reparative support thereof and an associated method of fabrication thereof. The ankle support includes an outer shell formed of a rigid material that conforms substantially to the configuration of the wearer and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot; an inner liner formed of a flexible and conformable material and including an upper portion for at least partially surrounding the lower leg, an intermediate portion about the ankle and a lower portion that at least partially supports the foot and an interlocking mechanism including cooperating and interlocking members of the respective outer shell and inner liner that assist in retaining the inner liner within the outer shell.
US07896823B2
Devices that employ external compression stocking-type garments in the treatment of edema, chronic wounds, deep venous thrombosis prevention or claudication all share a number of significant limitations. These include the frequent need for custom fitting to assure an appropriate fit, vigilant maintenance to assure a continued “good fit,” limited compliance with proper use by patients and difficulty of application. There is a large body of evidence demonstrating that patients often decline to wear the compressive stockings as prescribed or in the form that would be most beneficial because they find these devices to be difficult to put on and take off.Building on the limitations of existing therapies, and distilled lessons learned from the field of prosthetics and wound healing, the present invention employs vacuum-assisted negative pressure to provide compression and help pump fluid from the tissues of affected limbs. The device is embodied in the form of a flexible stocking-like garment that will utilize a pumping mechanism to generate negative pressure around the limb and thus create vacuum compression that will mobilize fluid in a limb and increase venous return to the heart. Through the use of a circumferential wrap, the present invention provides a major advance in both the distribution of vacuum and the securing of the device over the limb.
US07896822B2
A universal spark gap electrode with inner conductor formed as an elongate rod, an insulative sheath fit over the inner conductor, and an inner electrode tip soldered or brazed into the inner conductor. The inner conductor passes through an adapter and into an annular base with a spark gap cage and second electrode tip mounted thereon. The adapter is equipped with a molded annular jacket-type adapter mounted exteriorly thereon for engagement with the connecting receptacle of a lithotripsy machine. The annular base has a double-threaded collar that couples over the insulative sheath, and the adapter body screw-couples over the threaded collar of the annular base. This, the annular base, adapter body and insulative sheath are screw-coupled together in a coaxial configuration. Once the electrode is connected, the electrode tips generate a spark at the spark gap that vaporizes a small quantity of water, which creates an acoustic shock wave, which can be focused into the tissue of the patient and at a focal point corresponding to the position of a kidney stone or the like. A main advantage of the foregoing design is that the adapter can easily be substituted and replaced by an alternately-configured adapter to mate with other brands of lithotripters.
US07896818B2
A sampler cap includes a sampler connector, an analyzer connector and a liquid impermeable closure member, which may be a membrane or a filter. The sampler cap may be used to transfer a test sample to an analyzer without removing the sampler cap from the sampler.
US07896817B2
A biopsy device and method may be used to obtain a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that is rotated by an integral motor and manually translated past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. A sample capturing structure (e.g., sample barrel) has a plurality of sample cavities (e.g., radially symmetric, revolver handgun orientation) that are manually aligned one at a time to capture one or more samples.
US07896816B2
Skin test device has a film backing. The film backing is made of silicone, and is marked off into divisions by grooves. The divisions each have a different sample containing a suspected allergen. The film backing has a see-through feature and the condition of the skin can visually be checked when the film backing is staying on the skin. The divisions are easily separable from each other. When certain samples cause significant allergic reactions, the divisions corresponding to those samples can be removed immediately.
US07896814B2
An electro-impedance tomography (EIT) system (2), with a computing unit (4) and a respirator (1) is described for gentle mechanical lung ventilation especially in case of atelectases. The presence, the extent and/or the spatial distribution of atelectases is detected by the EIT system (2) and sent to the respirator (1) so that the respiration pressure is increased step by step by the respirator (1) until the current image of the lung status corresponds to a first status image of healthy lungs or comes close to it with minimal deviations. The respiration pressure is subsequently reduced again step by step by the respirator (1) until the computing unit (4) detects a reduction of the ventilated lung areas and the respiration pressure is subsequently increased again by means of the respirator (1) to the last value at which no change occurred in the ventilated lung areas.
US07896807B2
A physiologic data acquisition system includes an analog input, a sigma-delta front end signal conditioning circuit adapted to subtract out DC and low frequency interfering signals from and amplify the analog input before analog to digital conversion. The system can be programmed to acquire a selected physiologic signal, e.g., a physiologic signal characteristic of or originating from a particular biological tissue. The physiologic data acquisition system may include a network interface modulating a plurality of subcarriers with respective portions of an acquired physiologic signal. A receiver coupled to the network interface can receive physiologic data from, and send control signals and provide power to the physiologic data acquisition system over a single pair of wires. The network interface can modulate an RF carrier with the plurality of modulated subcarriers and transmit the resulting signal to the receiver across a wireless network. An integrated circuit may include the physiologic data acquisition system. Also included are methods for acquiring physiologic data comprising the step of selectively controlling an acquisition circuit to acquire the physiologic signal.
US07896806B2
A speculum cover that is adapted to sheath the blades of a speculum, and to support lateral vaginal walls to facilitate vaginal/cervical examination during gynecological exams and surgery. The speculum cover includes top and bottom pockets for the respective blades of the speculum, and side portions having openings therein for sampling of tissue at the vaginal locus. In a specific implementation, the speculum cover is of a four-ply construction, formed by impulse welding or other polymeric film joining technique, and the two inner plies of the cover include rearwardly extending flaps to which are adhesively secured donning guide members for facilitating installation of the cover on the speculum.
US07896802B2
An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes an outer surface formed between a plurality of observation windows oriented in a spouting direction of the air/water feeding portion, the outer surface being in the same plane as surfaces of the plurality of observation windows.
US07896796B2
Outserts having printed information thereon are disclosed and are formed in accordance with a method in which a plurality of parallel folds are made in a sheet of paper in a first fold direction using a plurality of pairs of folding rollers and stop members to form an intermediate folded item and in which a plurality of cross-folds are made in the intermediate folded item to form the outsert. The cross-folds may be made to divide the length of the intermediate folded item into ten panels, fourteen panels, or eighteen panels.
US07896795B2
A folder has a jaw cylinder and a folding cylinder including a gripper for gripping an edge of a first signature and a tucking blade for tucking the first signature into the jaw cylinder. The folding cylinder includes a signature support supporting a second signature against the jaw cylinder, the signature support and the gripper being movable automatically together with respect to the tucking blade. A transfer cylinder, method and signature support are also provided.
US07896791B2
To provide a conductive roller which does not cause defective images with, for example, black lines, which would otherwise be caused by current leakage due to aggregation of carbon black particles or a similar phenomenon, and a method for inspecting the roller.The conductive roller having a metallic core and at least one rubber elastic layer provided on the outer peripheral surface of the core, the rubber elastic layer being formed from a conductive rubber which has ion conductivity and which contains carbon black micropowder, characterized in that said rubber elastic layer satisfies the relationship represented by the following formula: |θmax/θmin|≦5, [F1] wherein θmax represents the maximum value of phase difference θ as measured upon application of an AC voltage of 1.0 V within a frequency range of 100 mHz to 10 kHz, and θmin represents the minimum value of phase difference θ as measured under the same conditions.
US07896781B2
A training apparatus configured for skating-type sports whereon a user can perform training, exercising, strengthening and conditioning while wearing footgear designed for use in skating-type sports. The training apparatus comprises a pair of interconnected opposed matching elongate platforms extending backward and away from each other preferably at an angle equal to or less than 90°. Each platform is provided with an abrasion-resistant exercise surface assembly configured to slidingly communicate with and to controllably engage and disengage a user's footgear. Each platform is provided with a controllably pivotable and lockable foot stop assembly. The training apparatus is provided with an electronic device configured to measure, monitor, record and report at least one of a user's vital signs and a physical performance criterion associated with skating-type motions and activities. The training apparatus is optionally provided with a vertically adjustable knee brace apparatus.
US07896776B2
Riding comfort of a vehicle is improved by reducing deceleration and acceleration exceeding the expectation of a rider due to gear changes. A gear change control device calculates current torque being transmitted from a drive-side member of a clutch to a driven-side member of the clutch, and calculates post-completion torque estimated to be transmitted from the drive-side member to the driven-side member after the completion of engagement of the clutch. The gear change control device then controls the degree of engagement of the clutch according to the difference between the current torque and the post-completion torque, and receives a next gear change command according to the difference between the current torque and the post-completion torque.
US07896774B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices are clutches and brakes. The transmission provides a plurality of speed ratios.
US07896771B2
A differential lock mechanism is provided for use in an axle assembly having a differential, an input member and first and second axles. A lock sleeve is co-axially disposed about the first axle, with the lock sleeve being rotatable with the first axle and laterally movable relative to the first axle. A lock collar is co-axially disposed about the lock sleeve and is laterally movable between outboard and inboard positions. A biasing member biases the lock sleeve toward the rotatable carrier and a lock fork is engaged with the lock collar. The lock fork is operable for moving the lock collar between the outboard and inboard positions. The lock collar is disengaged with the rotatable carrier when the lock collar is in the outboard position and is engaged with both the rotatable carrier and the lock sleeve when the lock collar is in the inboard position.
US07896770B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
US07896769B2
A manual valve control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. Electronic and hydraulic components are provided, including trim valve systems that are multiplexed by a shift valve and a manual valve. The trim valves and shift valve are self-diagnosing via a plurality of multiplexed pressure switches. The control enables single and double range shifts among the multiple forward speed ratios, including shifts to and from sixth and higher forward ratios, reverse and neutral. The control also includes a reduced engine load at stop feature. In addition, a power off/limp home feature provides a plurality of failure modes, including a failure mode for sixth and higher forward speed ratios.
US07896767B2
Short fibers 6a protruded from side faces 5a of rubber ribs 5 are thermal contracted by frictional heat by belt slip of the rubber rib side faces 5 on a V groove face of a pulley. This allows the short fibers 6a to be buried in rubber ribs 5.
US07896766B2
The present invention relates to a side bow conveyor chain whose respective chain links are interconnected by a chain hinge which is adapted to be pivoted about a first and a second axis, said chain hinge comprising a pivot bolt which is arranged along said first axis, a pivot pin which is arranged along said second axis and through which the pivot bolt extends, and a reception sleeve, which extends along the second axis and in which the pivot pin is pivotable relative to the reception sleeve about said second axis. The reception sleeve is provided with lateral pivot openings which allow the pivot bolt to pass through. The stability of such a chain is improved by the features that inner and outer chain links are provided in alternating succession, that an inner chain link comprises a reception sleeve on either end thereof and at least one inner link plate interconnecting said reception sleeves, that an outer chain link comprises a pivot bolt and a pivot pin on either end thereof and at least two outer link plates interconnecting the same, and that each of the end faces of the at least two outer link plates laterally encompasses a reception sleeve of a neighbouring inner chain link. The inner and outer link plates, which are arranged such that they are set up on edge, extend vertically to the first axis when the chain moves straight ahead.
US07896764B2
A transmission noise attenuation device for a bearing assembly of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission having a chain that serves as an endless torque-transmitting device. A shaft is rotatably supported in a bearing that includes a bearing outer ring with a cylindrical outer surface, wherein the bearing is supported in a bearing housing. At least one cam ring is positioned between the bearing housing inner surface and the bearing outer ring outer surface. The cam ring is elastically deformable to allow limited radial movement between the bearing housing inner surface and the bearing outer ring outer surface.
US07896761B2
A lacrosse head having at least one of a flexible stringing member and a recessed scoop is provided. In one embodiment, a slot is formed in a head along a stop member, a sidewall, and/or a scoop to provide the flexible stringing member. In another embodiment, the flexible stringing member is a flexible stringing bar that extends from a stop member to a scoop. In another embodiment, the flexible stringing member is more flexible in one direction than another. Through these embodiments, a flexible stringing member can dampen and dynamically narrow the pocket, enhance ball retention, increase pass/shot accuracy, and satisfy pocket-forming preferences. In another embodiment, a scoop has a recess that curves toward a stop member to increase the amount of surface area that contacts a ball when scooping.
US07896760B2
A tennis ball delivery device for use in practicing one's tennis stroke. The device includes an adjustable frame, at least one declining ball delivery conduit carried by the frame in an upper portion thereof, a declining ball discharge shoot carried by and communicating with the delivery conduit and a ball release mechanism carried by the discharge conduit. The release mechanism allows a single ball to fall from the shoot in response to the activation thereof. A depending handle that can be easily struck by the player's racket in initiating their tennis stroke is operatively connected to the release mechanism so as to effect the release of the ball.
US07896756B2
A golf swing training apparatus allows a user to learn a stable swing motion by acquiring a correct swing posture in performing a swing motion and to train turning motion of the user's shoulder and a rotating motion of the user's waist in a natural manner. The golf swing training apparatus includes: a body, which is arranged between both arms when a user takes an address posture, and has a reverse trapezoid-shape corresponding to a shape formed by the arms. The golf swing training apparatus controls changes in shapes of both arms, such as the interval between the arms becomes widened, bending of elbows, etc. when a golfer performs a swing motion in a swing training so as to guide his/her shoulder and waist to be smoothly turned. As a result, the golfer can learn a stable swing motion.
US07896751B2
An encapsulated fastener includes a nut having a face with a concave gap adapted to receive a bolt. The nut is encapsulated by an encapsulation including an extension, which includes a tube adapted for receiving a portion of the bolt and a flange adapted for engaging a face of the nut. The encapsulation extension is placed on the nut in an overmolding tool, wherein an encapsulation base is injection molded over a portion of the encapsulation extension. The encapsulation base encapsulates the nut and extends into the nut concave gap forming a base foot and washer protrusion. The nut is encapsulated except for its bore which is sealed off during the overmolding process by a spring-mounted mandrel. Alternative embodiments of the invention include tubes with different configurations for contacting the bolt whereby the tube or cylinder is reinforced. A method and tooling for manufacturing the encapsulated fastener are also provided.
US07896745B2
An online GOSTOP game providing method and system which can support a GOSTOP game using a plurality of decks of cards and improve a user's interests through various types of records is provided. Namely, a GOSTOP game service using a plurality of decks of cards is provided. Through this, point calculation and modified game method by various combinations of cards are applied in the GOSTOP game service. Accordingly, it is possible to construct an online GOSTOP game providing system which can increase interests of a user playing a GOSTOP game.
US07896741B2
A method and system for configuring a progressive system that insures enhanced operative control and security of the progressive system. The progressive controller provides one or more security keys to access and verify modifications to the progressive configuration. The allocated number of gaming devices connected to the progressive system is authenticated by a dedicated security key. Gaming devices in excess of the allocation are disabled from the progressive system. The security keys are configured with an expiration parameter that requires gaming establishments to remain current with respect to progressive system agreements.
US07896739B2
A gaming system includes multiple gaming machines. The gaming machines are configured to issue value tickets, such upon cash-out. The tickets may be presented at the same gaming machine that issued the ticket or at other of the gaming machines. In particular, each gaming machine generates its own tickets, including associated ticket records. The ticket records generated at each gaming machine, however, are transmitted to other gaming machines so that when a ticket is presented at any of the gaming machines, any of the gaming machines can directly validate the ticket and credit the associated value.
US07896738B2
When the number of bets is determined and a game is started, reels start spinning. After a lapse of a predetermined time, fifteen symbols are repositioned in symbol display regions. Particularly, in case a “RED7” symbol or a “BLUE7” symbol is included in the repositioned symbols, an animation effect to represent a volcanic eruption of a volcano, a performance character, and a sound effect corresponding to a volcanic eruption sound of the volcano are outputted by dragging and dropping the “RED7” symbol or “BLUE7” symbol to a crater of the volcano.
US07896733B2
A power or life meter is displayed in a video game. Firing a weapon depletes the indicated power. Meanwhile, the power is recharged at a predetermined rate. If the indicated power exceeds capacity, the game character is adversely impacted. If the indicated power is completely depleted, the game character loses a benefit.
US07896732B2
A system for chopping and spreading crop residue produced by an agricultural combine wherein the spreader is advantageously disposed directly rearwardly of a cleaning system of the combine for receiving chaff and other crop residue directly therefrom, without aid of a mechanism to convey the chaff to the spreader, and wherein the chopper is disposed just above and/or rearwardly of the spreader and is configured for discharging crop residue from the threshing system of the combine into the spreader for spreading thereby with the chaff.
US07896730B2
A separation chamber particularly suited for meat processing is configurable to have various feed and discharge end diameters and/or chamber length. The separation chamber may also have configurable cutting perforations.
US07896728B2
A tool for use in an abrasive machining process has a body extending along a central longitudinal axis from a first end to a tip end. An abrasive material is located on the tip end. The body has a tip end protuberance. An abrasive material is located on the protuberance. A body lateral surface has, over a radial span of at least 20% of a radius of the protuberance, a continuously concave longitudinal profile diverging tipward.
US07896725B2
A radio controlled two wheeled vehicle incorporates a disposition of two motors, a gear system and electronics to provide a balancing and mobility during operation. There is a low center of gravity provided by relatively heavy wheels. The two-wheeled vehicle provides increased balancing at slower speeds between the drive system motors. In the motorbike, and a figurine having movable joints is attachable to the bike and provides for tilting of the bike and steering effects during the bike operation.
US07896715B2
A crimping terminal includes a pair of core wire crimping pieces raised up from a bottom plate. A contact strip is provided with gaps formed between the core wire crimping pieces and the contact strip for inserting core wires of an aluminum electric wire. The contact strip has a sloped wall or a curved wall for guiding the core wires from the gaps toward the bottom plate. The contact strip is formed in a flat plate shape, and has sloped walls at both left and right sides thereof. The contact strip is formed in an arc sectional shape, and has curved walls at both left and right sides thereof. The contact strip is formed in an inverted V sectional shape, and has sloped walls at both left and right sides thereof. The contact strips are arranged two-tiered. A serration is formed on the contact strip.
US07896706B1
An audio jack connector has an insulating housing. The insulating housing has a passageway extended from a front surface towards a rear surface thereof for receiving an audio plug connector, a first groove communicated with the passageway and a second groove communicated with the first groove. A first switch terminal received in the first groove has a base plate, an elastic arm extended from one end of the base plate and bent towards the passageway, and a first contacting portion formed at a free end of the elastic arm. A first convexity is formed at a substantially root portion of the elastic arm. A second switch terminal received in the second groove has a second contacting portion. The first contacting portion is driven to move outwards to contact with the second contacting portion when the audio plug connector is inserted in the passageway and resists against the first convexity outwards.
US07896700B2
A socket connector is disclosed that includes a housing, multiple contact modules fixed to the housing, and multiple shield members coupled and fixed to the corresponding contact modules. The contact modules and the shield members are alternately arranged in alignment in a longitudinal direction of the housing. The shield members are fixed to the housing.
US07896691B2
An electronic device and an airproof connector module thereof are provided. The electronic device is connected to a peripheral device by the connector module. The connector module includes a casing, an adapting board, a first connector, a second connector, a first elastic sealing element, and a second elastic sealing element. The adapting board is disposed in a containing space in the casing. The casing has a connection hole and an opening. The first connector is disposed at the connection hole, and the second connector is disposed at the opening. The first connector and the second connector are coupled to the adapting board. The first elastic sealing element fills space between the first connector and the connection hole. The second elastic sealing element fills space between the second connector and the opening.
US07896690B1
Disclosed herein is an electrical connector, which includes a first base, a second base and a cover. The first base includes a first recess and a first conductor. The first recess is positioned on an upper surface of the first base. The first conductor extends into the first recess through a lateral surface of the first base. The second base, has a structure similar to the first base, and includes a second recess and a second conductor. The cover includes a body, a first convex ring, a second convex ring and a metallic connector. When the cover engages with both the first and second bases, the first and second convex rings respectively engages with the first and second recesses, and thus forming two enclosed space.
US07896688B2
A contact pin is accommodated in the housing body such that a first end portion of which is adapted to be subjected to soldering and is projected from an outer face of the housing body. A cover body including upper cover (17) and lower cover (18) is coupled to the housing body so as to cover the first end portion of the contact pin.
US07896685B2
An installation switching device comprises a housing having a front and a rear face, a mounting side, at least one front and rear narrow side, two wide sides and having an opening at least on the rear face. The installation switching device further comprises a screwless terminal connection including a clamping spring disposed in a terminal connection space and configured to connect a plurality of connecting conductors and a terminal cover part swivelably connected to the housing and configured to cover the opening, the terminal cover part having a terminal face with a plurality of terminal openings, each corresponding to one of the plurality of connecting conductors to be connected and a guide device molded onto each of the at least one terminal openings and configured to guide the connecting conductors.
US07896680B2
A socket connector includes an insulative housing (13), a number of contacts (12) received in the insulative housing and a cover (10) moveable with respect to the insulative housing. The cover has a mating surface (104) facing the insulative housing, a coupling surface (103) opposite to the mating surface, rows of slots (102) extending through the mating surface and the coupling surface, and at least one block (101) on the mating surface. The at least one block is located between two adjacent slots.
US07896676B2
A retractable connector device having an inner housing, a cover belt, and two sidewalls. The device may comprise electronic components for electronic devices including computer peripheral devices such as serial bus devices, Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices, or IEEE 1394 devices. The belt surrounds a portion of the inner housing. The belt is for moving the device between at least two positions, a deployed position where the connector extends through a hole in the inner housing to connect to a receiving device, and a stored position where the connector is within the housing, separated and protected from external elements by, at least in part, the belt.
US07896673B2
A lamp socket includes a lamp connection unit which is electrically connected to a lamp, a power connection unit which is disposed below and adjacent to the lamp connection unit along a longitudinal axis and is electrically connected to an electric source which supplies power to the lamp, and a fastening member which is disposed on the power connection unit, wherein the power connection unit comprises at least one sub-component which has a surface area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis which is larger than the largest surface area of the lamp connection unit perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and wherein the sub-component of the power connection unit with the largest surface area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is located proximate to the lamp connection unit.
US07896666B2
A socket structure includes: an insulating shell; a connecting base mounted on the bottom of the insulating shell, the connecting base comprising a pillar and a lower groove, the pillar extending upwardly from the top of the connection base, and a hole disposed in the pillar, the lower groove arranged on the top of the connecting base; a conducting strip arranged in the hole; an inner conducting ring disposed around the surface of the pillar; and an outer conducting ring inserted in the lower groove. The outer conducting ring does not shake in the insulating shell, ensuring a stable connection between the plug connecting terminals and the outer electric ring.
US07896656B2
The present application provides a modular interconnect apparatus. In one embodiment, the interconnect apparatus includes a frame; and a plurality of coaxial modules connected to the frame, wherein each of the plurality of coaxial modules comprises: a signal contact having a middle portion, a first end and a second end; a first ring shaped ground contact surrounding the first end of the signal contact, wherein the first end of the signal contact is coaxial with the first ring shaped ground contact; a second ring shaped ground contact surrounding the second end of the signal contact, wherein the second end of the signal contact is coaxial with the second ring shaped ground contact; and a housing that houses at least a portion of signal contact and ground contacts.
US07896650B2
Hardenable and hardened dental compositions that include radiation-to-heat converters, and articles including such hardenable and hardened compositions, are provided. Upon irradiating, the hardened compositions increase in temperature, which can be useful for reducing the bond strengths of orthodontic appliances adhered to tooth structures with the hardened compositions.
US07896645B2
A system when installed in-line with a pollution source provides reduction and/or complete combustion of harmful emissions generated there from. Such emissions including (but not limited to) compounds such as oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, odors, organic and inorganic particulates. The pollution source can be of any type, such as smoke from a smokestack, engine exhaust, etc. The re-burner system is of very simple construction, is extremely energy efficient and does not require any moving parts or maintenance, respectively.
US07896641B2
An apparatus for simultaneously activating two or more portions of a web in different directions. The apparatus includes a pair of intermeshing activation rolls with three-dimensional surface features disposed thereon. The three dimensional surface features are arranged in discrete regions on the rolls such that at least two of the regions provide different directions of activation. The rolls include one or more buffer regions positioned between the discrete regions on the roll that provide different directions of activation.
US07896635B2
A movable mold and a slide mold are employed. There is also employed a deposition apparatus which is equipped with a deposition element such as a target electrode in the inside of a depositing chamber. A body portion and a cover member are primarily molded by the movable mold and the slide mold. The molds are opened while the body portion being left in the movable mold and while cover member being left in slide mold. The body portion left in the movable mold is deposited in the molds with its inner surface being covered with the depositing chamber. Next, the slide mold is driven so that the cover member may be registered with the deposited body portion. Then, a secondary molding resin is injected to integrate the body portion and the cover member.
US07896632B2
Apparatus and method for disassembling a toroidally shaped core is provided. The core is configured to carry a cured tire and includes multiple core segments extending generally radially from a central axis. The apparatus includes a base; one or more segment positioning devices connected for movement relative to the base and operative to move one or more core segments from an assembled core position next to an adjacent core segment around the central axis to a radially inward position; and one or more segment removal devices operatively connected for engaging the one core segment at the radially inward position and removing the one segment from the radially inward position to a remote position external to the core. The segment removal device operatively moves in three axes of motion to relocate the one segment from the remote position to a storage position and deposit the core segment at the storage station in a retrieval-ready orientation. All of the core segments may be moved sequentially in like manner by the segment removal device in order to disassemble the core.
US07896625B2
A vacuum pumping system comprises a vacuum pumping arrangement comprising: a drive shaft; a motor for driving said drive shaft; a molecular pumping mechanism comprising a turbomolecular pumping mechanism; and a backing pumping mechanism. The drive shaft drives said molecular pumping mechanism and said backing pumping mechanism. The system also comprises an evacuation mechanism, such as a load lock pump, for evacuating at least, said turbomolecular pumping mechanism.
US07896624B2
A method of running a down hole rotary pump using a top drive, sucker rod or any drive shaft from surface. A first step involves providing a gear box having an input end and an output end. The gear box is being capable of receiving an input of a first speed at the input end and producing an output of a second speed which is one of either faster or slower than of the first speed at the output end. A second step involves positioning the gear box down hole with the input end coupled to a remote lower end of a sucker rod and the output end coupled to a rotary activated pump. A third step involves applying a driving force to the sucker rod to rotate the sucker rod at the first speed, with the rotational force being transmitted to the rotary activated pump through the gear box which rotates the rotary activated pump at the second speed.
US07896619B2
Compressor fan blades have an isotropic core and composite fiber layers in an epoxy matrix. The fibers on opposite broad surfaces of the blade extend at an angle of between 25° and 35° to the blade length. The fibers on opposites sides of the blade are inclined in opposite senses such that extension force applied to the blade as it rotates produces opposing forces in the composite layers that resist untwisting of the blade. The thickness of the fiber layers varies from the leading edge to the trailing edge, being thicker towards the leading edge.
US07896614B2
A wind turbine includes an electrical stall sensor configured on a pressure surface of at least one turbine blade at a location to detect backflow in a stall condition. The stall sensor includes a flap pivotally configured on the respective pressure surface so as to be moved from a first position towards a second position by backflow over the pressure surface during a stall condition. A sensor circuit responds to movement of the flap between the first and second positions and generates a corresponding electrical signal that indicates the stall condition.
US07896610B2
A three-dimensionally vibration-preventing buffering mechanism is proposed, which is designed for use in conjunction with a dynamic module for the purpose of buffering the three dimensional vibrations of the dynamic module during operation, and which is characterized by the use of a group of specially-designed chained elastic members, each being composed of at least three integrally-linked flexure hinges whose axes of concavity are oriented respectively in parallel with the three axes of a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system, so that the vibrations of the dynamic module in all three dimensional directions can be respectively buffered by these flexure hinges to provide a three-dimensional vibration-preventing buffering effect.
US07896609B2
The present invention is a vertical wind turbine having a turbine with a plurality of blades or wind vanes. The blades are constructed and attached to the shaft of the turbine so as to allow them to twist open to present more surface area to wind currents when a threshold rotational velocity is reached. Also presented are a novel outer shell that is placed over at least part of the shaft and a novel turbine blade.
US07896605B2
An extension plate assembly for dumping debris into a dump box from a storage tank mounted on a trunk. The storage tank is fitted with a pusher plate that both compacts and pushes debris out of the back of the storage tank. The extension plate apparatus includes extension arms that are rotatably attached on one end to the pusher plate and rotatably attached on the other end to an extension plate. When the pusher plate is in its rearward most position, the extension arms extend beyond the edge of the storage tank. The extension plate assembly allows debris to be pushed out of the storage tank and distributed more evenly into a dump box.
US07896603B2
A trailer (10) or container (11) includes a frame (12) having a central axis (14) spaced between rear wheels. A plurality of storage supports (20) are supported on the trailer frame, with each storage support supporting a plurality of objects thereon. A carriage assembly (24) rotates the plurality of storage supports. A powered drive (110) rotates the carriage assembly. A powered restrictor (120) limits rotational movement of a respective carriage support during transit. Flexible members 142 and 144 interconnect the drive member and driven members each mounted with respect to a storage support. The container may be transported on a motorized vehicle. A preferred tire support mechanism is provided for use when transporting tires.
US07896598B2
A swage-type fastener to secure a plurality of workpieces together, which includes a pin member, having an elongated pin shank to be located in aligned openings in the workpieces. An enlarged head at one end of the pin engages one side of the workpieces. A grooved pin portion extends past an opposite side of the workpieces. A collar includes a shank portion adapted to be swaged into the pin lock grooves in response to a relative axial swage load applied by an installation tool. The collar is as-headed and does not require thermal processing yet provides an optimum balance of reduced collar shank wall thickness and increased hardness, whereby the swage load is minimized. A low swage load thread form for the lock grooves of the pin member is also provided, a reduced diameter, and a relatively short pull portion pin extension.
US07896595B2
An engagement fitting attaches to a rotational fastener, and is anchored to a point stationary relative to the fastener. A rotational coupling attaches the engagement fitting to an anchor member, allowing uni-directional rotation of said engagement fitting on the rotational fastener, relative to the anchor member, about the fastener axis, in a loosening direction of said rotational fastener, to prevent self-loosening of the fastener.
US07896587B1
A locator for a drilling tool includes a main body having at least one locating hole, an inlet connector mounted on the main body and connected to the locating hole, and an inlet pipe having a first end connected to the inlet connector and a second end connected to a container. Thus, the cooling agent of the container is injected outwardly to pass through the inlet pipe and the inlet connector into the locating hole to provide a cooling effect to the drilling tool. In addition, the locator performs the cooling work automatically, so that the operator needs not to perform the drilling work by his one hand and to perform the cooling work by his other hand, thereby facilitating the operator operating the locator and protecting the operator's safety.
US07896568B2
A light on a self-supporting collapsible arm having a plurality of frictionally restrained articulating joints, where the frictional joint has a male half joint with a first plate and an annular shaft with an inner wider diameter. In the surface of the first plate is a first O-ring seated in a first groove. A matching female half joint has a second plate and coaxial to the bearing in the surface of the second plate is a second O-ring seated in a second groove. The opposing side of the second plate of the female half joint has a third O-ring in a third groove. The third O-ring tensions a snap pin that couples the male and female half joints. The snap pin has a head with a compressible ridge which expands when the snap pin is pushed in far enough to engage the inner wider diameter of shaft.
US07896567B2
An electrically driven dispensing device, particularly a toothbrush, utilizing replaceable pressurized cartridges, of the bag-in-can type. The toothbrush has a ‘top-loading’ structure in which the cartridge is housed in a recess at the brush end of the toothbrush handle, the recess being accessible by removing the brush head. Other features include an elastomeric valve outlet located on the brush head which can also function as a tooth wiping or polishing blade, and a non-linear drive shaft which enables the brush head to be driven from a motor located at the base end of the handle whilst keeping the handle slim in design.
US07896556B2
A needle roller bearing comprises an outer ring having a plurality of outer ring members split by split lines extending in an axial direction of the bearing, a plurality of needle rollers arranged on an orbit surface of said outer ring so that they can roll thereon, and a cage holding the needle rollers at intervals. The outer ring member has a projection serving as a positioning engaging part which engages with a housing for positioning, and an engaging click protruding from an axial end of the outer ring member inward along a diameter to prevent the cage from moving in an axial direction, in positions shifted from its circumferential center.
US07896552B2
A rotary encoder includes a rotary shaft that may be manufactured easily and efficiently includes a rotating magnet with a mounting precision in which variance may not occur readily. A rotary shaft includes a rotary shaft main unit with a rotating magnet mounting part for mounting a rotating magnet and a ring-shaped rotating magnet that is formed integrally with this rotating magnet mounting part of the rotary shaft. In a method of manufacturing the rotary shaft, a ring-shaped rotating magnet is formed integrally with the rotary shaft mounting part of the rotary shaft main unit.
US07896551B2
Hydrodynamic bearing assemblies and apparatuses are disclosed. Such hydrodynamic bearing assemblies may be employed in bearing apparatuses for use in downhole motors of a subterranean drilling system or other mechanical systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing segments distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each bearing segment includes a superhard bearing surface. The plurality of bearing segments define a plurality of seams. Each seam is formed between circumferentially-adjacent bearing segments of the plurality of bearing segments. Further embodiments of the present invention include hydrodynamic bearing apparatuses and downhole motors that may utilize any of the disclosed hydrodynamic bearing assemblies.
US07896549B2
A parallel spacer for a linear guideway comprises a plurality of parting portions, connecting portions and a retaining portion. Each of the parting portions is a thin member disposed between each pair of neighboring rollers. The connecting portions are employed to connect the parting portions and the retaining portion, and the retaining portion is arranged at a side of the respective rollers and located in an axial direction thereof, the retaining portion is an integral structure for connection with the respective connecting portions.
US07896548B2
The present disclosure relates to a reclosable package or bag with a slider zipper, and further including a first gusset with a perforated line or similar line of weakness formed between the slider zipper profiles in order to provide tamper evidence and a second gusset formed below one zipper profile in order to allow the filled packaged to stand up for display purposes. This package or bag is typically bottom filled, but then displayed to the customer in the orientation with the bottom in the upper position and the zipper in the lower position. One alternative embodiment substitutes a press-to-close-zipper for the slider zipper. A further alternative embodiment omits the perforated line and provides for a separation in the web between the zipper profiles to form a mouth for the package or bag.
US07896547B2
A radiation image capturing system detects the position of a radiation detecting cassette disposed below a patient and the position of a radiation source for emitting a radiation, based on the differences between the propagation times of radio waves emitted from an antenna device to an image capturing apparatus and the radiation detecting cassette. Based on the detected positions, the relative positions of the image capturing apparatus and the radiation detecting cassette are calculated, and then compared with each other by a position determining unit to judge how the image capturing apparatus is positioned with respect to the radiation detecting cassette. If the image capturing apparatus is not positioned in head-on facing relation to the radiation detecting cassette, then a warning is issued, and an actuating mechanism moves the image capturing apparatus to an appropriate position.
US07896545B2
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a first switch, a second switch, and a circuit coupled to the first and second switches. The first switch may be configured to switch between an on-state and an off-state based on a value of a first current flowing through a number of resistors and a diode coupled in series with the resistors. The second switch may be configured to switch between the on-state and the off-state based on a value of a second current on a circuit path. The second current is a function of a voltage at a node between two of the resistors and a resistance of the circuit path. The circuit may be configured to provide a temperature reading based on the number of times the first switch or the second switch switches between the on-state and the off-state during a time interval.
US07896538B2
A power take-off unit is connected to a power take-off gear/port on a concrete mixing truck transmission, the power take-off unit being driven by the engine so it is always providing power as long as the engine is running. A hydraulic pump is connected to and driven by the power take-off unit. Hydraulic lines connect the pump to a planetary drive assembly for the concrete mixing drum; the drum itself is capable of receiving only a small/light load of concrete, in the range of two to five cubic yards.
US07896526B2
A light source for endoscopy or microscopy comprises a lamp, a heat sink, the heat sink being thermally connected to the lamp and at least one heat pipe, which is thermally connected to the heat sink and which dissipates the heat that is generated by the lamp and transferred to the heat sink.
US07896521B2
A lighting assembly having a plurality of light sources and a lens matrix having a plurality of lenses. The lens matrix may be positioned relative to the light sources so that each light source resides in a first orientation within one of the lenses and emits a light distribution. Relative translation between the light sources and the lens matrix alters the orientation of the light sources within the lenses, creating a different light distribution. A light source's orientation may change within the same lens, or the light source may translate to a different lens to alter the distribution of its emitted light.
US07896512B2
The vehicle headlamp is provided with a main lamp unit fixed and arranged inside a lamp chamber and sub-lamp units as an auxiliary lamp capable of changing and forming light distribution patterns by using semiconductor light emitting elements as light sources. The sub-lamp units are respectively equipped with a vertically changing mechanism for changing the illuminating direction in a vertical direction, a laterally changing mechanism for changing the illuminating direction in a lateral direction and a pattern changing mechanism for changing a light distribution pattern.
US07896502B2
A projection apparatus includes an outer casing, a light source disposed within the casing for generating light beams, and an optical engine connected to the light source for receiving the light beams in order to project an image. A heat sink includes an air tunnel mounted within the casing, and having air inlet disposed above the light source, and an exhaust fan mounted within an opening unit in the casing such that the fan unit is disposed in alignment with an air outlet of the air tunnel to transmit the intensive heat generated from the light source.
US07896492B2
Eyewear holder plus conference/meeting identification dual strap or item(s) holder for securing eyewear, such as, but not limited to, prescription or non-prescription eyewear, as well as a lanyard attachment, such as, but not limited to (plastic/rubber ring, clip, swivel, J-hook, Bulldog or other) for holding identification or item(s) to neck with a double to single strap design (with or without printing/sewing on strap) and (in various strap colors and/or materials—such as, but not limited to polyester, chain, cotton, neoprene, precious stone, nylon, elastic, alloy, leather, composite, laminate or some combination) and an adjustment block to aid in fastening around one's neck for easy adjustment.
US07896488B2
Herein includes an offset printing apparatus for transferring and optionally fixing a phase change ink onto a print medium including a) a phase change ink application component for applying a phase change ink in a phase change ink image to an imaging member; b) an imaging member for accepting, transferring and optionally fixing the phase change ink image to the print medium, the imaging member having i) an imaging substrate, and thereover ii) an intermediate layer including a polyurethane, and iii) outer coating including a nitrile butadiene and a conductive filler; and c) a release agent management system for supplying a release agent to the imaging member, wherein an amount of release agent needed for transfer and optionally fixing the phase change ink image is reduced.
US07896477B2
A liquid transport apparatus includes a base member having a surface in which a pressure chamber and a liquid flow passage are formed, the liquid flow passage being communicated with the pressure chamber and having a flow passage cross-sectional area smaller than that of the pressure chamber and a piezoelectric actuator having a pressure-applying portion which applies a pressure to a liquid in the pressure chamber and an opening/closing portion which opens and closes the liquid flow passage. The pressure-applying portion faces the pressure chamber, the opening/closing portion faces the liquid flow passage, and the pressure-applying portion and the opening/closing portion are arranged along the surface of the base member.
US07896474B2
A liquid ejection head includes a plurality of ejection outlets for ejecting a liquid droplet; a plurality of flow paths communicating with the ejection outlets; an ink supply port for supplying liquid to the flow paths; and a plurality of heat generating elements provided correspondingly to the ejection outlets, for generating thermal energy for ejecting liquid present inside the flow paths. The plurality of heat generating elements is arranged in a staggered fashion with predetermined intervals with respect to a direction of a long side of the ink supply port. Adjacent staggered heat generating elements are connected to a common wiring line and are connected to individual wiring lines.
US07896473B2
A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes an inkjet nozzle having an actuator for ejecting an ink droplet from the inkjet nozzle when a resistive element of the actuator is heated by an electrical current. A drive transistor provides an energy pulse to the resistive element of the actuator, and control logic controls the drive transistor. The actuator develops a pressure of less than 100 kPa within the inkjet nozzle.
US07896463B2
The present invention provides an ink jet printing apparatus that can inexpensively print desired colors without causing ink color mixture. In a print head, a plurality of nozzle rows for respective ink colors are arranged in parallel with one another. Arrangements and driving control are provided so that few mists resulting from an ink ejecting operation move so as not to reach the print head or fall.
US07896456B2
A method for driving a liquid drop ejector (1) equipped with a piezoelectric actuator (7) including a piezoelectric ceramic layer (6) having a size covering a plurality of pressurizing chambers (2). An arbitrary piezoelectric deformation region (8) of the liquid drop ejector (1) is deflected in one thickness direction and the opposite direction, respectively, by applying a driving voltage waveform including a first voltage (−VL) and an equivalent second voltage (+VL) of the opposite polarity in order to vary the volume of the pressurizing chambers (2) of a corresponding liquid drop ejecting portion (4), and a liquid drop is ejected through a communicating nozzle (3). Since gradual creep deformation of the inactive region (16) of the piezoelectric ceramic layer (6) is prevented, the ink drop ejection performance is maintained at a good level over a long term.
US07896455B2
Element substrate, and printhead, head cartridge, and printing apparatus using the element substrate
An element substrate has a plurality of printing elements, and a block selection unit which divides the plurality of printing elements into a plurality of blocks and time-divisionally drives the blocks. The element substrate includes a plurality of input terminals which divide the plurality of printing elements included in each block into a plurality of groups and supply a driving voltage to the printing elements belonging to each group, a delay circuit which externally receives an enable signal for enabling energization to the printing elements and generates a plurality of delayed enable signals having different delay times with respect to the enable signal, and a wiring which supplies the enable signal and the plurality of delayed enable signals output from the delay circuit to different groups in the order of the different delay times.
US07896448B2
A method for pre-filling a low-pressure storage device of a motor vehicle braking system, having a changeover valve, a hydraulic pump, an outlet valve, and a low-pressure storage device situated in a suction line of the hydraulic pump. The low-pressure storage device can be pre-filled in a particularly simple and low-noise manner if the actuation of the foot brake pedal is monitored using a sensor mechanism and, when there is an actuation, the changeover valve is closed in order to lock in the braking pressure acting on the wheel brake, and at least one of the outlet valves is opened in order to release the braking pressure into the low-pressure storage device.
US07896444B2
A conveyor pan for use with a shearer with a skid-type shoe in a longwall mining operation, the conveyor pan including a side member having a surface adapted to be engaged by the shearer skid-type shoe, the surface being formed by a piece of the side member that extends horizontally for the length of the side member. The piece has a first end and a second end, each piece end having a top, a rear, a front and an edge. The first end edge and the second end edge are each formed by each edge being between 45 degrees removed from a vertical plane extending at 90 degrees to the horizontal plane formed by the side member surface.
US07896442B2
A method to facilitate moving from a seated position to an upright position utilizes a chair including a seat with articulating sections and associated foot rests.
US07896439B2
A chair has a seat 1 and a backrest 2 and the backrest 2 is allowed to be tilted backward by elastic deformation of right and left back frame devices 4. The right and left back frame devices 4 each are composed of two unit frames 43 and 44. The back frame device 4 has a main portion 4a which are disposed outside the right and left sides of the seat 1, upper inward portions 43a and 44a which are connected to an upper rear end of the main portion 4a, lower inward portions 43b and 44b which go under the seat 1 from a lower end portion of the main portion 4a, and forward end portions 43c and 44c which are integrally connected to the lower inward portions 43b and 44b. The forward end portions 43c and 44c are fixed to the base 7. The back frame device 4 can be largely elastically deformed with the combination of a characteristic in which the back frame device is long, a characteristic in which the back frame device has the lower inward portions 43b and 44b, and a characteristic in which the back frame device has the forward end portions 43c and 44c. Accordingly, the backrest 2 can be tilted backward at a large angle.
US07896436B2
Office components are described that include a base, a seat supported by the base, a microprocessor, and a load sensor electrically coupled with the microprocessor and mechanically coupled with the seat and, based on movement thereof, operative to detect occupancy of the seat and provide a signal to the microprocessor indicative thereof. The load sensor may be a strain gauge, a piezo device or combination thereof.
US07896432B2
A vehicle furniture system for use proximate to a vehicle driver's seat, the system comprising: a first post having a first post first end, a first post body, and a first post second end mountable to the floor of the vehicle; a primary support having a primary support longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to a primary support lateral axis, a primary support top surface, a primary support bottom surface, a primary support first longitudinal side rotatably and slidably engageable to the first post, a primary support second longitudinal side, a primary support first lateral side, and a primary support second lateral side, the primary support disposable in a first position, a second position, a third position, and a fourth position; a primary support rod; and a second support adjacent to the primary support with the primary support in the second position and the third position.
US07896428B2
A vehicle body structure that may be installed in a front part or in a rear part of a vehicle, includes a flexural portion disposed in respective side members extending in an anteroposterior direction of the vehicle and having a vertical bending strength smaller than that of other portions of the members. The vehicle body structure also includes a pendent portion hung on a lower part of the side member on an outer end side with respect to the flexural portion and having an anteroposterior bending strength larger than a bending strength of the flexural portion. The vehicle body structure enables the side members to absorb an impact with a simple configuration even in the event of a collision between vehicles with different bumper heights.
US07896424B2
A folding top for a cabriolet vehicle is provided, that includes a first roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, a second roof part which is embodied as a rigid shell element, and a forced control unit. The first roof part and the second roof part are pivotable relative to a body of the vehicle, are driven by a common force-introducing unit, and are movable by the forced control unit. The forced control unit includes a mechanical control device, by which movement of the second roof part can be delayed from movement of the first roof part.
US07896407B2
Auxiliary safety module for doors provided with an anti-panic opening device, comprising, a rotating locking member movable between an extracted position and a recessed position, a first elastic element tending to maintain the locking member in its extracted position, a cursor movable between a first position and a second position, a transmission mechanism operatively associated to the cursor and to the locking member and arranged to establish a univocal correlation between the positions of the cursor and of the locking member, so that when the cursor is in its first position, the locking member is in the extracted position and when the cursor is in the second position, the locking member is in the recessed position, a movable feeler having a projecting portion and a retaining portion which co-operates with the cursor, the feeler being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, a second elastic element associated to the feeler and tending to maintain the feeler in said engaged position, wherein, when the feeler is in its disengaged position, the cursor is free to move between the first and the second position and vice versa and wherein when the feeler is in the engaged position, the cursor is locked in its second position.
US07896404B2
A tubular reducer fitting for transitioning from an existing electrical nonmetallic tubing socket of one size to an electrical nonmetallic tubing socket of a smaller size. The male end portion has a cylindrical outer surface with a pair of axially-spaced projections extending outwardly therefrom and is receivable in an existing electrical nonmetallic tubing socket. The female end portion has an electrical nonmetallic tubing socket therein. The male end portion is configured for locking reception in a first trade size electrical nonmetallic tubing socket and the opposite female connector end portion has a smaller trade size electrical nonmetallic tubing socket herein.
US07896402B2
The present invention relates to spacers and pipelines. The spacers are mounted between two pipes—an internal line and an external line—and hold them at a defined distance. A closure is necessary for fixing the spacer on the pipes. Space, weight, and mounting time may advantageously be saved by integrating the closure into the spacer.
US07896400B2
A system for pre-positioning a hose clamp (2) on a hose end (24) includes: a) a fixing part (1′) which is connected non-releasably to an annular segment of the hose clamp (2) and is fastened to the hose end (24), and b) one or more fixing parts (1, 1″) which each have a U-shaped element which, fastened to the hose end (24), is directed with its open side (3) to the hose surface. The web (6) connects the two U-legs (4, 5) and extends axially and parallel to the hose surface. The U-leg (4), which lies closest to the hose end (24), has a connecting element (7) for attaching the U-shaped element to the end face of the hose end (24). The U-shaped element is configured in such a way that the hose clamp (2), which is pulled on to the hose end (24), is fixed releasably in the intermediate space (8) of the U-shaped element by way of an annular segment of the hose clamp in such a way that the hose clamp (2) is released from the fixing when tightened. The fixing part (1) remains without function on the hose end (24) after the hose clamp (2) has been tightened.
US07896399B1
A exhaust system repair apparatus provides a basic u-bolt member and saddle clamp design which can be positioned behind an existing damaged flange, one which cannot be tightened against an opposing flange in order to create an exhaust seal. The apparatus features ears which are attached to and positioned proximal to the u-bolt base. Each ear further comprises a slot to align with an opposing, existing flanges'holes. Slots are available which are exactly positioned for a given application, or the elongated slots are provided in other embodiments which provide a more universal fit. The apparatus thereby provides for tightening the damaged flange against an undamaged opposing flange, without having to replace a damaged flange.
US07896396B2
An automotive vehicle includes a support arrangement for supporting the steering column, an air-conditioning unit, a head-up display (HUD) and/or pedals. The automotive vehicle has a window arch which extends below the windscreen in the region between the two A-columns of the automotive vehicle. In order to facilitate assembly, the window arch has, on the engine compartment-side, recesses in order to be able to fix the support arrangement or a corresponding instrument panel module from the engine compartment.
US07896388B2
To provide a seat that enhances the stability and expansion speed with respect to the inflation expansion performance of airbag unit disposed thereinside. In one form, a seat is provided comprising a backrest part covered at its entirety with top fabric material and, at a given region of the top fabric material, it is furnished with tear line; an airbag constituted of a bag consisting of two basis fabrics joined together and disposed within the backrest part so as to at the time of inflation, cleave the tear line and expand over the head of driver or passenger; and reinforcing fabric disposed on the top fabric material so as to inhibit any cleavage of the top fabric material at regions other than the tear line.
US07896387B2
An air bag device for automobile comprising a side air bag member arranged at a vehicle body side portion or a vehicle seat in a folded state, expanded by being supplied with a gas upon a vehicle being impacted from the side or rolling over, and which deploys between a passenger seated on the vehicle seat and the vehicle body side portion, and a head portion protection air bag member which deploys in a curtain shape in a downward direction inside of a vehicle compartment up to a position of overlapping a deploying region of the side air bag member in a vehicle width direction, and which has a shape that fits with the deployed side air bag member.
US07896370B2
The present invention relates to a trailing arm mounting device for a vehicle with a small-sized frame, in which mounting assembly that connects small-sized frame and the trailing arm and has a limit on the weight and cross-section by reducing the size of frame expands the fixing portion for small-sized frame, such that the fastening force to the mounting assembly is increased and the dynamic stiffness of the trailing arm used for small-sized frame is also increased.
US07896358B2
A lift truck includes a magneto-rheological damper coupled between the base frame and a frame holding a vertically sprung suspended wheel. The damper is electrically connected to a vehicle control system, which increases and decreases the damping force as a function of at least one of a weight of a load on the forks of the lift truck, a height of the mast of the lift truck, and a speed of the lift truck. As the weight of the load, height of the mast and speed of the vehicle increase, the damping force is increased. As the weight of the load, height of the mast, and speed of the vehicle decrease, the damping force is decreased. When the damper is activated to increase the damping force, the truck can maintain a four point stance, providing a larger footprint for the center of gravity, thereby limiting truck sway or oscillation. When the damper is not active, or the damping force is increased, as, for example, during unloaded operation, the suspension of the truck is relatively soft, providing a smoother ride, thereby increasing operator comfort and productivity.
US07896355B2
A tool-bit holder (10) for varying tool-bit shank profiles comprising a hub (12) having a longitudinal bore (28) adapted for receiving a tool-bit shank (66, 70, 80). The hub (12) has a plurality of radial slots (38) communicating with the first section (30) of the longitudinal bore (28). The tool-bit holder (10) has a collar (14) fixedly attached to the hub (12) adjacent the open (29) and disposed annularly about the hub (12). A sleeve (16) is axially slideably mounted and disposed annularly about the hub (12). The sleeve (16) has a plurality of radial bores (48), each being in communication with a respective radial slot (38) of the hub (12) with a detent ball (18) disposed within each. A spring (20) is provided for biasing the sleeve (16) towards the open end (29) wherein the detent ball (18) engages an inner ramp face (46) of the collar (14).
US07896343B2
Feeding systems for documents or other sheet materials include: (a) an inlet; (b) an outlet; (c) a feed path extending between the inlet and outlet; and (d) a feed system that moves materials along the feed path. The systems further may include: (e) a bidirectional feed path extending from the feed path; (f) a supply system that moves materials to the feed path; (g) a bidirectional drive system that moves materials along the bidirectional feed path; and/or (h) a bidirectional feed path access control system. Drive systems may be provided for driving the feed system and at least one of the supply system, the bidirectional drive system, and/or the access control system such that operation of the feed system is independent of operation of the other systems and/or such that a single motor may be used to drive any or all of the systems.
US07896333B2
In a sheet processing apparatus that, for example, sorts or staples sheets after image formation, when preceding finishing is not completed on a processing tray, a third sheet fed anew into a waiting tray of a sheet placing member configuring a sheet waiting unit, which temporarily puts a sheet conveyed thereto on standby, is stacked to be shifted such that leading ends of second and third sheets are located further on a conveying direction upstream side than a leading end of a first sheet. Consequently, longitudinal alignment in the processing tray after that is surely performed.
US07896326B2
An article, method, and kit for holding an object in place on a wall that include a jig with a support member and a platform member that is coupled to, and extends perpendicularly from, the support member. The support member has a top end including a portion adapted to be positioned behind a wall-facing surface of an object placed upon the platform member and an opening that is adapted to removably engage a coupling device on or in a wall such that the support member is disposed in a substantially vertical hanging position upon the wall. The jig may further include a brace member that forms a triangle by connecting a lower side of the platform member to the support member.
US07896325B2
A holding apparatus for securing an object is disclosed. The holding apparatus secures the object allowing access to the object from different angles and positions. The holding apparatus can be rotated while the object is attached providing access to different areas of the object. The holding apparatus can easily and quickly secure the object.
US07896319B2
A sauna apparatus includes a heating section for heating air to generate heated air, a heated-air-blowing section for sending the heated air, a humidifying section for humidifying air to generate humidified air, a humidified-air-blowing section for sending the humidified air, a merging chamber for mixing the sent heated air and the sent humidified air to generate heated and humidified air, and an outlet for blowing the heated and humidified air generated. This sauna apparatus provides air having uniform temperature distribution and uniform humidity distribution, and allows temperature and humidity to be controlled easily.
US07896316B2
The present invention relates to a truck crane with a winch, in particular a hoisting winch, which is mounted on the uppercarriage, wherein the truck crane includes means for raising and/or lowering the winch.
US07896311B2
The present invention relates to a solenoid valve configured to be mounted to a shock absorber of a vehicle to adjust damping force. solenoid valve of a shock absorber in which a damping force is adjusted through adjustment of back pressure against a disc valve. The solenoid valve includes a back pressure chamber for generating back pressure against the disc valve by a fluid introduced through a back pressure adjusting flow passage, and a spool moved in a spool guide by operation of a solenoid to control opening/closing or opening rate of the back pressure adjusting flow passage. The back pressure adjusting flow passage includes a variable orifice with an opening rate of the variable orifice being adjusted by the spool and the spool guide, the back pressure chamber, and a fixed orifice formed on the disc valve.
US07896300B2
A supporting mount mounts a device to a post and is removably fixed to the post without being fastened thereto by any penetrating fastener. A front panel is at the front post face and has the device fixed thereto. A pair of opposing side panels are at respective side post faces. Each side panel has a lower lateral edge connecting to the front panel, an upper lateral portion distal from the front panel, and a hook at about the upper lateral portion. A connecting element at the back post face engages the hooks at the upper lateral portions of the side panels. The mount pivots into frictional contact with the back post face at the top portion of the connecting element and with the front post face at a bottom portion of the front panel.
US07896295B2
Elements, couplers, systems, and methods for joining two or more trough members. A locking element for a coupler of a cable trough system can include a main body with an aperture, a shaft extending through the aperture of the main body, the shaft being rotatable with respect to the main body, and a handle member coupled to a first end of the shaft. The locking element also includes a member coupled to a second end of the shaft, and a spring coupled to the main body, the spring rotating the shaft and the member into a locked position.
US07896266B1
Method and apparatus for a wheeled attachment for use with a conventional pressure washer wherein the attachment comprises a wheeled platform having an inlet to receive fluid, i.e., water or cleaning fluid, from the pressure washer along with a plurality of outlets for spraying water directly onto a relatively wide area of the surface to be cleaned. The attachment is expected to be most effective for cleaning horizontal surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, decks, docks and other horizontal surfaces. The attachment further comprises first and second height-adjustable wheels for attachment to the sides of the platform along with a splash guard disposed on the rear of the platform for protecting the user from overspray. A manifold connects the single inlet to the plurality of outlets in order to transfer fluid from the inlet to the outlets so that fluid is uniformly applied to the surface to be cleaned.
US07896262B2
A fuel injection valve has a valve guide, a valve member movable in a center opening of the valve guide along an axial direction of the valve guide, and a covering layer disposed on a surface of the valve guide. The valve guide has a valve seat placed on an inner surface thereof and a nozzle hole from which fuel is injected. The valve member is seated on the valve seat to close the nozzle hole and leaves the valve seat to open the nozzle hole. The covering layer is placed around an outlet opening of the nozzle hole. The covering layer is made of boron nitride in a hexagonal crystal system so as to have a hydrophilic property higher than that of the surface of the valve guide.
US07896261B2
A Y-shaped plumbing fitting comprises three generally radially extending tubes connected together for transmission of fluid therebetween. The radially outward end of each tube is terminated by a pipe connector. The axes of the three tubes extend radially in a common plane and intersect at a single point, subtending angles of 120° with each other. A further connector is provided extending substantially perpendicularly to the common plane of the three tubes to connect a fitting to the three tubes. An irrigation system, using the Y-shaped plumbing fitting comprises a network of pipes connected by the “Y” shaped fittings. Each pipe in the network is connected at each end to a leg of a respective Y-shaped fitting such that the pipes each form one side in a hexagonal shaped pipe network formation. Alternate “Y” shaped plumbing fittings are fitted with watering outlets.
US07896260B2
This injector with two valves (7, 10) which open at different fuel pressures so as to establish a primary flow regime and then a secondary flow regime is characterized in that the primary regime is enriched with fuel via an orifice (21) which adds a branch to the primary flow path of the fuel, but which is closed when the secondary valve is displaced so as to prevent enrichment of the fuel in the secondary regime. This invention applies in particular to certain aircraft engines.
US07896256B2
A disposable fragrance chamber (10) for dispensing a fragrance from an aromatic liquid. The disposable fragrance chamber (10) consists of an outer casing body (20) having pad exposure openings (24), a detachable lid (34) and an absorbent pad (30) disposed between the body (20) and the lid (34). The chamber (10) permits an aromatic liquid to be applied into the absorbent pad (30) through the pad exposure openings (24). The aromatic liquid emits a fragrance into the surrounding environment when the chamber (10) is installed on an earring post (40) that extends beyond a person's ear lobe (48) held in place with an earring clasp (50).
US07896249B2
A flexible optic or optical system is deformed using a non-overlapping iris or any of several deformable ring or polygon shapes. In some examples, the deformation of the flexible optic is controlled by one or more actuators comprising a shape memory material. The flexible optic may be used in, e.g. a bar code reader or imager.
US07896245B2
In a cart terminal device, a goods-layout-information storage unit stores goods layout information, having information indicating a layout region within a shop related to a goods classification indicating goods laid out in the layout region, and a contents-position-information storage unit stores contents position information, having a transmitter number related to the goods classification. When a user assigns an optional position and an optional transmitter within the shop, a transmitter-position-information creating unit obtains a goods classification corresponding to the position by referencing the goods layout information, and obtains a goods classification corresponding to the transmitter by referencing the contents position information. When the obtained goods classifications coincide with each other, the transmitter-position-information creating unit creates transmitter position information, having position information related to a transmitter number for identifying the transmitter.
US07896243B2
A solution for consumer self-service merchandise order placement, payment, and pick up, integrated with a merchant's Internet e-commerce site and with an effective merchant point-of-sale management system. The solution includes a system and apparatus and of a set of specific business methods. A self-service merchandising machine for un-attended, autonomous, and automatic dispensing of retail products includes an input/output subsystem; a control subsystem having and being based upon a computer; a specially configured storage subsystem; a unique pick-and-place robotic-based product retrieval subsystem with an adaptive material handling system; and a product extraction subsystem. A related method of using the machine includes the steps of enabling self-service retail sale; permitting Internet sale with local merchandise pick-up; managing the business operations of the system; replenishing inventory using Kanban methods; restocking inventory; operating and monitoring a security camera; handling Category I error; and handling Category II error.
US07896241B2
A card vending machine includes a storage area, wherein each of a plurality of memory cards to be issued by a respective one of at least two different issuers are stored. A security mechanism conditions access of each issuer to only a respective portion of the storage area upon authorization of this issuer. An interface mechanism is operated by a user to define a purchasing transaction and a controller is operative, in accordance with the interface mechanism, to customize a memory card at least in part according to the purchasing transaction.
US07896238B2
A method and system provides coded access to a transactional or other type of system by acquiring account identification data corresponding to a combination of a plurality of colors. The account identification data is transmitted to, for example, a remote server to correlate the account identification data against an account database to evaluate corresponding account information. Based on the account information, access to the transactional or other type of system may be controlled.
US07896228B1
An automated banking machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transactions and includes a user interface (15). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad (404, 438, 458) through which users input confidential data. Covers (400, 422, 430) prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Alternatively, movable panels (462, 464) are movable to prevent unauthorized viewing of confidential inputs. Alternatively a keypad cover is selectively collapsible to prevent digit access. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted. Disinfecting techniques may be used to disinfect manual contact surfaces of the machine.
US07896222B2
This invention discloses a method, using pure niobium as a transient liquid reactive braze material, for fabrication of cellular or honeycomb structures, wire space-frames or other sparse builtup structures or discrete articles using Nitinol (near equiatomic titanium-nickel alloy) and related shape-memory and superelastic alloys. Nitinol shape memory alloys (SMAs), acquired in a form such as corrugated sheet, discrete tubes or wires, may be joined together using the newly discovered technique. Pure niobium when brought into contact with Nitinol at elevated temperature, liquefies at temperatures below the melting point and flows readily into capillary spaces between the elements to be joined, thus forming a strong joint. A series of diagrams of the interface at various stages of brazing is illustrated by FIG. 10.
US07896219B2
A method and apparatus for welding of battery terminals to an interconnect includes: juxtaposing two or more battery cell terminals to each other to create a terminal stack including an innermost terminal and an outermost terminal; juxtaposing a battery cell interconnect with the innermost terminal of the stack; positioning an anvil in contact with the interconnect; directing an air stream against the outermost terminal so that the air stream compresses the terminal stack and urges the innermost terminal into contact with the interconnect; positioning a sonotrode horn in contact with the outermost terminal; and energizing the sonotrode horn to vibrate the terminal stack and thereby make an ultrasonic weld between the stacked terminals of the terminal stack and the interconnect. The air stream is directed at the terminal below the sonotrode horn to capture any debris and a suction removes the debris.
US07896202B2
A disposable pump for a collapsible reservoir has an upper chamber, a lower chamber and a seal base in between. The upper and lower chambers have flexible sections or bellows that expand or contract the chambers, and the seal base has a rigid rod that selectively forms a seal on an opening in the seal base between the upper and lower chambers. One of the two chambers has a nozzle and the other chamber has a top cap that leads in many embodiments to a collapsible bag reservoir. In at least one embodiment a solenoid overcomes the biasing force of a compression spring and lifts the seal base off the rigid rod. This opens the seal and assisting pushing out potentially very viscous liquids into the chamber that includes the nozzle and the liquid ultimately dispenses from the pump through the nozzle.
US07896194B2
A small-diameter front-end portion of a feed rod is allowed to enter into the screw hole of a nut delivered by a nut chute, and the nut is fed to an intended position by the forward movement of the feed rod. When an abnormal nut having a screw hole into which the small-diameter front-end portion cannot be inserted is delivered, the abnormal nut is prevented from being flicked by the feed rod. In order to achieve this, in a standby state, the small-diameter front-end portion of the feed rod enters a nut receiving chamber and is then stopped. On condition that the abnormal nut is received in the nut receiving chamber, if the feed rod moves forward to enter into the standby state, the abnormal nut is slightly pushed out forward from the nut receiving chamber.
US07896184B2
A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. The front wall includes an upper section pivotable relative to a lower section. At least one of the adjacent edges of the upper section and the lower section is contoured away from the other when the upper section is in the closed position. The contoured edge provides improved access to the interior of the container when the upper section is in the retracted position.
US07896183B2
A refuse container comprising a lower member having lower side walls, upper wall sections, a hinge for pivotally mounting the upper wall sections one to the other such that the upper wall sections may be opened and closed, at least one section fastener for securing the upper wall sections together in a closed position, and a wall securing device that provides support for coupling the upper wall sections to the lower side walls. The present invention allows both of the upper walls sections to be releasably attached to the lower side walls using a combination of annular protrusions and recesses, and at least one section fastener that couples the upper wall sections to each other, thereby allowing easy access to the contents of the container such that a trash liner may be easily removed and the refuse container may be easily cleaned.
US07896182B1
A container for facilitating bulk storage and transport of goods, which includes a top portion, a base portion, and a sidewall portion which define an interior cavity, and a polyurea layer of sufficient thickness adhering to and coating at least the exterior areas of the top, base and sidewall portions. The top, base, and sidewall portions are preferably composed of polystyrene. The sidewall portion further includes a plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of panels includes end portions configured for interlocking engagement with one another to form a rigid joint exhibiting tensile strength.
US07896181B1
The present invention is directed to a multi-functional bottle including a threaded cap, a protector seal, a tube member, a snap-off cap member, and a bottle to allow a person to have a multi-functional bottle that contains an optional cartridge for storing powdered products, e.g., baby formula, and/or solid objects such as lottery tickets or novelty items.
US07896180B2
An improved drinking container for soft drinks, flavored drinks as well as other similar nutritional and energy supplement drink products which allow the end user to control the amount of flavor, mix, nutritional or energy supplement or any other additive added to the liquid drink product. The drinking container and method associated therewith permits an end user of the drinking container to controllably inject an additive into the liquid drink product to attain a desired ratio of additive in the drink product via a dispenser having measurement units marked or formed thereon to provide controlled amounts of the additive to the main liquid drink product such as water or carbonated water for flavoring, calorie control and/or nutritional supplements.
US07896174B2
An accessory tray for a pressure washer. The accessory tray of some embodiments has an accessory supporting portion for supporting and/or storing accessories of the pressure washer. The accessory supporting portion has a concave surface, which allows the accessories to be supported substantially normal to the ground regardless of the relative angle between the accessory tray and the ground. Some embodiments also have a flexible cantilevered member positioned above a portion of the accessory tray to trap an accessory against the accessory tray. Some embodiments can have a hose hook that supports and stores a hose of the pressure washer. The hose hook has a concave shape to allow the hose to be supported substantially normal to the ground.
US07896169B2
A variety of improved hydroclone based fluid filtering systems are described. The hydroclones generally include a tank having an internal chamber and a filter (preferably a surface filter) that is positioned within the internal chamber. The filter defines a filtered fluid chamber within the internal chamber of the tank. The hydroclone may be operated such that a vortex of flowing fluid is formed between the chamber wall and the filter with the filter being located in the center of the vortex. With this arrangement, the filter acts as a cross-flow filter. In one aspect of the invention, the filter is a stepped filter. In another aspect of the invention, the filter is an surface filter, as for example, an electroformed metal surface filter. In some preferred embodiments, the openings in the filter are arranged as slots that extend substantially vertically so that they are oriented substantially perpendicular to the flow path of fluid flowing in the adjacent portion of the vortex. In another aspect of the invention, a circulating cleaning assembly is provided in the hydroclone region. The cleaning assembly is arranged to help clean the filter and is driven by the vortex of flowing fluid formed in the hydroclone region of the internal chamber. In yet another aspect of the invention, improved hydroclone intake structures are described. The described hydroclones may be used to filter water and other fluids in a wide variety of applications.
US07896165B2
A materials classifying cyclone with at least one vibrator for transmitting generated vibrations into the downwardly swirling slurry of materials to interrupt the flow pattern thereof so that some of the smaller particles trapped in the outer portions of the slurry are freed for movement into the vortex of the cyclone to increase the operating efficiency of the cyclone. In a first embodiment, the cyclone has a solid metallic conical housing with the vibrator attached to the periphery of the housing. In a second embodiment, a plurality of longitudinal struts in spaced apart relationship provide the conical housing with open sides with the vibrator mounted on one of the struts which transmit the vibrations to abrasion resistant liners mounted in the housing. In still another embodiment, the vibrator is coupled to an abrasion resistant liner which is exposed in one of the open spaces of the conical housing.
US07896148B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for receiving and distributing currency. In particular, the present invention provides a novel apparatus for the inflow and outflow of a variety of currency. The systems of the present invention are capable of recycling a variety of currency from multiple countries and multiple denominations. The systems of the present invention have the added advantage of compact size.
US07896138B2
The invention concerns an arrangement and a method for controlling the power supply of the load of an elevator system. The arrangement has at least a monitoring unit and at least one controllable power source. The controllable power source is connected between the load of an elevator system and the monitoring unit such that the power supply of the load of the elevator system can be controlled by means of a control signal transmitted to the controllable power source by the monitoring unit. The monitoring unit according to the invention contains at least one input for determining the status of at least one safety switch of the elevator system. On the basis of the status of the safety switch a control signal either having pulses or being in a static state is sent with the monitoring unit to at least one controllable power source.
US07896106B2
A rotary drag bit exhibiting enhanced cutting efficiency and extended life is provided. The rotary drag bit comprises a bit body having a face surface, and a plurality of cutters coupled to the face surface of the bit body. The plurality of cutters comprises at least one pilot cutter and a rotationally trailing larger, primary cutter at substantially the same radius and, optionally of slightly less exposure. The pilot cutter is sized and positioned to pre-fracture the formation and perform an initial cut, while the primary cutter removes weakened, remaining formation material along the same rotational path. A method to pre-fracture subterranean formations using a rotary drag bit having a pilot cutter configuration is also provided.
US07896098B2
Power tools are taught that may include, for example, means for detecting impact sounds generated, e.g. by a hammer strikes an anvil or by oil pulse from an oil unit. The detecting means may include a receiver (30) adapted to selectively convert sound within a narrow frequency range into electric signals. Preferably, the impact sounds fall within the narrow frequency range of the receiver (30). A processor 38 may be utilized to control the motor (22) in order to stop the rotation of the hammer when a pre-determined number of impact sounds has been detected by the detecting means. In addition or in the alternative, various means for setting various operating conditions are taught, including dials 34, sound sensors 30, keypads and remote control devices 250. Further, means for performing maintenance condition status checks are taught.
US07896097B2
An electric power tool includes a planetary gear reduction mechanism, a switch mechanism, an impact mechanism, a hammer mechanism, a torque fixing mechanism, and a torque adjusting mechanism. The switch mechanism includes a driving member, a first driven member, and a second driven member. A switching member is provided on the electric power tool and connected to the driving member to move it, and the driving member may drive the first driven member and the second driven member respectively to start or shut the impact mechanism and the hammer mechanism.
US07896095B2
A soil aeration apparatus may include aeration tines that are actuated by a relatively compact gear system that reduces the size and weight of the apparatus. In addition, a soil aeration apparatus may operate without a centrally disposed support shaft, thus enabling the tine-holder shafts to be positioned closer to one another and reducing the size of the apparatus.
US07896092B2
Device to extinguish a fire produced in a building, characterized by having a bomb comprising a hollow body whose inner part carries a load of a fire-retarding component and an actuator that, when it hits the surface of the building, activates a detonator that makes the charge explode, scattering the fire-retarding component over the whole surface area of the radius of action, the detonator and explosive charge contained inside a receptacle and the detonator being connected by means of an electrical wire to one or various actuators installed on the surface of the body of the bomb.
US07896084B2
Apparatus and methods are provided to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.
US07896079B2
A technique facilitates a water flood, e.g. dump flood, operation. A standard electric submersible pumping system is deployed in a wellbore to draw water from an aquifer or water source zone along the wellbore. A shroud and a crossover port are used in combination with the submersible pumping system to redirect pumped water downwardly along an isolated flow path. The downward flow of pumped water is directed along the wellbore and injected into a desired, injection zone to facilitate recovery of oil or to perform other types of water flood operations.
US07896078B2
A method of enhancing the productivity of a subterranean formation penetrated by a gas, oil or geothermal well consists of introducing into the formation and/or well a pumpable polymerizable fluid comprising a crosslinkable, monofunctional alkene, multi-functional alkene (such as a difunctional alkene), a heat inducible free radical initiator and brine. The fluid may be used in the thermal insulation of production tubing or transfer pipes and hydraulic fracturing.
US07896061B2
The objective of the present invention is to provide a product that is superior in barrier properties (for example, zinc erosion resistance and anti-adhesive property), abrasion resistant property, surface hardening property, thermal stability and life-time prolonging property. The product, which is made in direct contact with molten metal containing zinc in a molten state, is characterized by including an iron-tungsten alloy coating that is applied to a part or the whole of the surface of the product that comes directly in contact with the molten metal.
US07896052B2
The present invention is a bonding apparatus which bonds a first object to be bonded and a second object to be bonded by bringing a bonding member into contact with an upper surface of the second object to be bonded placed on an upper surface of the first object to be bonded and ultrasonically vibrating the second object to be bonded by the bonding member, and the bonding member includes: a contact portion brought into contact with the second object to be bonded; and a holding portion holding the second object to bonded. With this structure, it is possible to prevent the object to bonded from sliding sideways to thereby properly bond the objects to be bonded to each other, even with a low pressing force.
US07896030B2
The present invention provides a joint member which suppresses the increase of the number of members and enables the provision of a further compactified integrated fluid control apparatus.A sensor-equipped joint member 10 includes a channel block 41 including a V-shaped channel 41a formed therein for communicating adjacent fluid control devices 16 and 20 to each other at their lower-end openings, and a pressure sensor 42 provided on a side surface of the channel block 41. The channel block 41 is provided with a branched channel 41b which is branched from the V-shaped channel 41a and is communicated to the pressure sensor 42.
US07896028B2
A control device includes a valve body, a seat ring, and an actuator. The valve body defines a flow-path for a fluid. The seat ring is disposed within the flow-path. The actuator is coupled to the valve body and includes a control member. The control member is adapted for displacement relative to the seat ring for regulating a flow of the fluid through the flow-path. The control member includes a scaling disk adapted to sealingly engage the seat ring and close the flow-path. The seat ring includes an orifice disposed within the flow-path such that the seat ring prevents at least a portion of the flow of the fluid from substantially perpendicularly impacting the sealing disk.
US07896025B2
A valve assembly for controlling water flow to a water delivery device. The valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve cartridge sealingly received within the valve body.
US07896014B1
A bike multi-functional rainproof assembly comprises a foldable frame having a foldable tube; a front end of the foldable tube being installed with a joint for connecting with a quick connecting rotary seat; a box having a front end combed with a rear retaining frame; the rear retaining frame for connecting to a rear side of a bike seat; the box having a lock and a ring; releasing the ring, a box bottom can be opened; the box bottom being installed with a telescopic rod set; and the telescopic rod set including a main frame, a movable rotary seat, a quick connecting rotary seat, a telescopic frame, and a sub-telescopic frame; the sub-telescopic frame being installed with a waterproof cloth; after the interior components of the telescopic rod set is expanded and fixed, the waterproof cloth having the effect of waterproof.
US07896003B2
A patient interface device that includes a body portion comprising a pair of arms and a chin support. A first end portion of each arm in the pair of arms is coupled to an opposite end of the chin support. The chin support is adapted to be disposed under the mandible responsive to the patient interface device being donned by a user. At least one headgear attachment element is provided on each arm in the pair of arms. A circuit portion is provided at a second end portion of each arm in the pair of arm. A patient interface portion is coupled to the circuit portion.
US07896001B2
There is provided a pressure-responsive device (40) suitable for use in an inhaler, the pressure-responsive device (40) comprising a closed frame (42) over which is fixed a membrane (44), a tongue (46) being supported on the membrane (44). Two upstanding wings (50) are integrally moulded with the tongue (46) and incorporate square apertures (52). A method of manufacturing the pressure-responsive device (40) is also provided.
US07896000B2
An integrated, modular solar collector comprising an array of solar collection devices, wherein the array of solar collection devices is mounted in a frame providing for air flow, piping and/or electrical connections between the devices.
US07895977B2
A device for the safe handling of nonhuman primates includes a transparent elongated body having a top end and a bottom end. A ventilated lid is attached to the top end of the body by means of a hinge and includes a positive locking arrangement. The bottom end of the body is removably connected to a base which has first and second springs attached thereto. The body includes a plurality of apertures into which are positioned a plurality of inserts. Inserts proximate the bottom of the body include projections which are positioned under the first and second springs to maintain the body on the base.
US07895966B2
A tank handle or cap is designed for the convenience of the consumer. One aspect of the invention cap allows the end user to determine at a glace and from a distance if the tank is full or empty based on color distinction and/or word imprints on different sides (halves) of the invention cap. The cap is removably securable to the tank in different orientations to effectively expose the telling side of the invention cap. This allows the user the ability not to have to go over to the tank and lift the tank to gauge if the tank is full or not. This will reduce the risk of possible back injury. Other design features include an easy-to-use grip and open and close directional indicators to allow clear and concise understanding and operation of tank valves.
US07895964B2
A retractable boat top device is disclosed having an arched canopy assembly operatively deployed in mounted attachment upon a conventional radar arch or like elevated structure on the deck of a boat. The arched canopy assembly includes a stationery roof section formed having a curved planar surface transversely mounted within the radar arch, a pair of telescoping extension arms mounted on opposite sides of the roof section, and an arched roller assembled to hold a flexible canopy material thereon and operatively connected between the outer ends of the extension arms so that the flexible canopy material may be extended and retracted relative to the stationery roof section in an arched configuration substantially in the same plane as the roof section. The arched roller includes a curved roller bar supported coaxially within the bore of a flexible hose member that supports the canopy material in a rolled-up state and further includes torsion spring members mounted along opposite sides of the roller bar to maintain tension upon the canopy material during roll-out and retraction.
US07895953B2
A structural support for supporting a food guard shield includes first and second spaced apart sheet-like arms and at least one spacer positioned between the sheet-like arms. The first and second sheet-like arms can be securely connected to each other or to the at least one spacer to form a substantially rigid structure for supporting the food guard shield. The support can have a variety of shapes, including shapes resembling alphanumeric character and logos.
US07895946B2
A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead including destructive elements and a guidance section with a target sensor configured to guide the weapon to a target. The target sensor includes a front lens configured to provide a cover to protect the target sensor from an environment and a fast fresnel lens behind the front lens to provide a multi-lens focusing system for the target sensor. In a related embodiment, the weapon includes an aft section including a tail fin having a modifiable control surface area thereby changing an aspect ratio thereof.
US07895944B2
Bailing systems and methods for bailing a material into bales. The bailing systems may include a movement mechanism, a compactor disposed downstream of the movement mechanism and a controller in wired or wireless communication with the movement mechanism and the compactor. In some examples, the movement mechanism includes an arm, a first sensor configured to collect dynamic arm position data, and a second sensor configured to collect dynamic movement parameter data. In some examples, the controller includes instructions for determining the length of the material by comparing dynamic arm position data and dynamic movement parameter data. In some examples, the compactor includes a ram, a block, and an actuator configured to move the block between a passageway position and a ram position.
US07895943B2
A system for extracting liquid from a mass comprising a portable platform having an upper surface, a system mass input, a polymer feeding and blending system on the upper surface, a liquid extraction assembly on the upper surface, and piping having a first section between the system mass input and the polymer feeding and blending system, and a second section between the polymer feeding and blending system and the liquid extraction assembly. The system is configured to have mass inputted into the system mass input, transport the mass to the polymer feeding and blending system through the first section of the piping, inject polymer into the mass in the polymer feeding and blending system, and transport the mass from the polymer feeding and blending system to the liquid extraction assembly. Pressure from mass forced into the liquid extraction assembly forces liquid in the mass to exit the mass.
US07895936B2
The invention relates to a piston of an internal combustion engine comprising an upper part (1) and a lower part (3) that consist of a respective light metal alloy (15) and to an associated method for increasing the thermal load-bearing capacity of a multi-part piston that is subjected to high thermal stress in an internal combustion engine. The piston is provided with at least one insulating element, in particular a gap (7) between the lower part (3) and the upper part (1), at least one piston ring carrier (6), which consists of a different material from that of the upper part (1) and the lower part (3), in particular of steel or grey cast iron, being located next to said gap as a component. A thermal current that is introduced into the piston base (2) is prevented from dissipating via the piston ring carrier (6) by means of the insulating element.
US07895927B2
Woodworking machines and safety methods for use with those machines are disclosed. The machines include a detection system adapted to detect one or more dangerous conditions and a reaction system associated with the detection system. The reaction system can include an explosive to trigger the system, and also can be configured to retract a cutting tool at least partially away from a cutting region upon detection of a dangerous condition by the detection system.
US07895924B2
A socket connection device including a main body; a slide rod installed in the main body and slidable along the main body, a shallow depression and a deep depression being formed on a front end of the slide rod; and a ball body inlaid in a through hole of the main body. In normal state, a bottom edge of the ball body falls on the shallow depression and a top edge of the ball body protrudes out of the main body. When the slide rod moves to a position where the deep depression is aligned with the through hole, the ball body moves into the deep depression without protruding out of the main body. In the invention, a center of the ball body is positioned outside a bottom wall of the shallow depression. When fitting a socket on the connection device, the socket presses the ball body to drive the slide rod slide, whereby the ball body drops into the deep depression. Therefore, the socket can be directly connected with the device without performing any additional operation.
US07895921B2
A ratchet tool includes a head and a handle, a ratchet is received in the space and two pawl sets are respectively received in two recesses defined in the inner periphery of the space. Each pawl set has a pawl and a spring which biases the pawl to be engaged with the teeth of the ratchet. Each pawl has a flat surface defined in the end having the engaging teeth. An operation member has a flange which is rotatably engaged with a groove defined in the inner periphery of the space and the flange includes a pressing surface which presses one of the flat surfaces of the two pawls by operating the operation member. By choosing one of the pawls to be engaged with the ratchet, the ratchet tool can output torque in desired direction.
US07895909B2
A movement conversion device (4) for a motor-driven, hand-held, power tool (2) for converting a rotational movement into a linear reciprocating movement includes an axially reciprocating spindle (10), a motor-driven driving gear (20), an eccentric member (16) displaceably supported on the driving gear (20) and extending into the connecting link guide (14) provided at a spindle end for converting the rotational movement of the driving gear (20) into the reciprocating movement of the reciprocating spindle (10), the eccentric member (16) having a first position with respect to a rotational axis (D) of the driving gear (20) in which a distance (a) between the eccentric member (16) and the rotational axis (D) is greater than in at least one second position of the eccentric member (16), and a load-controlled spacing device associated with the eccentric member (16) for automatically adjusting the distance (a) between the eccentric member (16) and the rotational axis (D) of the driving gear (20).
US07895898B2
A negative pressure gauge includes a body and a multi-stage positioning means. The body is provided with an airflow passage. The multi-stage positioning means includes a rotary piece and a cover plate. The rotary piece is pivotally connected to the body and is provided with positioning recesses and venting troughs. The cover plate covers the rotary piece and is fixedly connected to the body. The cover plate extends to form a positioning protrusion corresponding to the positioning recesses. When the rotary piece rotates with respect to the cover plate, the positioning recesses allow the positioning protrusion to be selectively positioned therein and control the communication or obstruction between the venting troughs and the airflow passage.
US07895896B2
A pressure sensor includes a housing, a pressure input orifice opened on a pipe sleeve formed on the housing, a diaphragm that seals the pressure input orifice and has one face as a pressure receiving face, a force transmitting unit connected to a central area of the other face of the diaphragm in the housing, and a pressure sensitive element whose detection direction of a force is a detection axis. A displacement direction and the detection axis of the force transmitting unit are roughly orthogonal to the pressure receiving face. One end and the other end of the pressure sensitive element are respectively fixed to the housing and the force transmitting unit with an adhesive therebetween, and the adhesive is an inorganic adhesive.
US07895893B2
A method for operating a vibrating gyroscope and to a sensor arrangement comprising such a vibrating gyroscope, wherein the vibrating gyroscope is used as a resonator and is part of at least one control circuit that excites the vibration gyroscope by feeding an excitation signal with its natural frequency. An output signal can be tapped from the vibrating gyroscope from which the excitation signal can be derived by filtering and amplification. In accordance with the invention, once a sensor arrangement comprising the vibrating gyroscope is switched on, an initial value for the natural frequency is calculated from a previously measured value of the natural frequency stored in a memory and parameters that effect a modification of the natural frequency since start of the measurement, and the excitation signal is fed to the vibrating gyroscope with the calculated initial value of the frequency.
US07895892B2
A rotation sensor has a substrate with a first surface and a second surface. A shear-wave transparent mirror is arranged on the first surface of the substrate, and a shear-wave isolator is arranged above the shear-wave transparent mirror, the shear-wave transparent mirror and the shear-wave isolator being arranged separated from each other to define a Coriolis zone there between. A bulk-acoustic-wave resonator is arranged above the shear-wave isolator, and a shear-wave detector is arranged on the substrate in a direction, in which a shear-wave generated by the bulk-acoustic-wave resonator upon rotation propagates.
US07895887B2
The present invention aims to coaxially aligning a tire with support rims with high accuracy by eliminating an effect of a tread outer surface.A radial inner end position of the bead portion of the tire his detected by a photoelectric sensor at circumferentially separated four points, and a deviation between the central axis of the tire and the central axis of a pair of support rims. The bead portion of the tire, which is an subject of the detection of the inner end position, is a portion where its dimension and shape are hardly changed even if the tire runs (i.e., is used) for a long time, so that the above-mentioned deviation can be determined at a high accuracy to, thereby, conduct a center alignment of the tire with the support rims at a high accuracy.
US07895886B2
An evaluation method for pneumatic tires and a system thereof, is provided, capable of appropriately evaluating an adverse effect, such as deterioration, of tire temperature by expressing severity of a temperature imposed on a member of tire made of rubber or the like in quantitative and convenient manners. Detection counts are calculated for each detected temperature according to a detection counts calculating unit 102 based on information of temperatures of pneumatic tires detected by a temperature sensor of a temperature detector 101. Temperature severity numbers of the pneumatic tires are calculated from a computing equation by a severity calculating unit 104 based on the detection counts and contribution coefficients of deterioration of tire rubber with temperatures stored in a contribution coefficient storage 103 as parameters. Using the calculated temperature severity number, a determination unit 105 determines thermal deterioration of the tire.
US07895882B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed for using an acceleration of a flow control system to determine the density of a fluid relative to the density of an in-line flow object.
US07895871B2
The invention relates to a rolling device (1) comprising at least two working rolls (2, 3) which are respectively mounted in a roll stand (6) by means of working roll assembly pieces (4, 5). At least one of the working rolls (2, 3) is adjustable relative to the other working roll (2, 3) within the roll stand (6), especially in a vertical direction, so as to adjust a desired rolling gap. At east one working roll (2, 3) is effectively connected to bending means (7), with the aid of which said working roll (2, 3) can be impinged upon by a bending moment. The working roll assembly piece (4, 5) is provided with arms (9, 10) that laterally protrude relative to the axis (8) of the working roll (2, 3) to absorb the force generated by the bending means (7). In order to improve the adjustability of the rolling device to a large ascent, a pressure-transmitting element (12) which can be displaced relative to the roll stand (6), particularly in a vertical direction, is disposed between a pressure-generating element (11) of the bending means (7), especially a piston, and the protruding arm (9, 10) of the working roll assembly piece (4, 5).
US07895868B2
A cylinder lock includes a sleeve having a plurality of locking holes, a key plug housed in the sleeve and having an output portion to output an interrupted motion of a clutch device by moving in an insertion and extraction direction by an insertion and extraction of a matching key, and a plurality of key matching members movably supported to the key plug, arranged to be insertable and removable in the plurality of locking holes respectively, and withdrawn from the plurality of locking holes respectively by an insertion of the matching key into the key plug. A portion of key matching members among the plurality of key matching members has a hook protruding toward a key insertion direction, and the sleeve has an engaging portion engaging with the hook by a movement in a key insertion direction of the key plug in locking holes among the plurality of locking holes which correspond to the portion of key matching members in the state that the plurality of key matching members are inserted into the plurality of locking holes.
US07895866B2
A cylinder lock assembly includes a cylinder body and a plug assembly which is manufactured in a multiple of pieces to facilitate casting of each plug piece in a single operation. The plug assembly includes a plug body with a plug insert opening to receive a plug insert. The plug insert opening is generally L-shaped in cross-section to receive the plug insert which is correspondingly shaped. The plug insert includes a plug outer portion which defines an arcuate outer surface which corresponds with the outer circumference of the plug body when the plug insert is mounted therein. A plug pin chamber portion extends generally transverse to the plug outer portion to define a multiple of tumbler pin chambers which extend through the plug outer portion.
US07895865B2
The present application relates to lock assemblies that provide a secondary coupling point, utilizing an anti-rotation pin or extended tailpiece leg or other method, which rotationally couples the tailpiece to the cylinder plug, thereby preventing rotation of the tailpiece independently of the cylinder plug. Therefore, a tailpiece within a bolt cam or other actuator used to withdraw a bolt or unlock a lockset cannot be rotated after the tailpiece connector connecting the tailpiece to the cylinder plug has been forcibly removed, severed, or destroyed.
US07895864B2
An additive dispenser includes a fluid-retaining chamber. A siphoning post extends upward from a lower surface of the fluid-retaining chamber and cooperates with a cap or other structure so as to form a siphon chamber. When water is added to the chamber and a liquid level rises above an inlet to the siphoning element, a siphoning effect draws fluid from the chamber. When the siphoning effect is interrupted, any unsiphoned fluid remaining in the chamber exits by permeation through one or more porous elements located in a base of the chamber.
US07895861B2
A conformable nosing device is described herein which conforms to have a bowed shape that substantially matches a bowed shape of a glass sheet and which engages the glass sheet to help minimize the motion of the glass sheet and to help reduce the stress within the glass sheet while the glass sheet is being scored and separated into individual glass sheets. In addition, the conformable nosing device can include a passive nosing device which can be controlled to further help minimize the motion of the glass sheet while the glass sheet is being scored and separated into individual glass sheets.
US07895854B2
A refrigeration system for controlling airflow around an air-cooled heat generating device having a plurality of components includes a refrigerant line split into second refrigerant lines, which are arranged in a parallel configuration with respect to each other. Evaporators are positioned along the second refrigerant lines and in the path of airflow supplied into the components or airflow exhausted from the components. The refrigeration system further includes a variable speed compressor and a controller for controlling the speed of the variable speed compressor. Furthermore, the refrigeration system includes a temperature sensor configured to transmit signals related to a detected temperature to the controller, and the controller is configured to vary the speed of the variable speed compressor based upon the detected temperature.
US07895845B2
An adaptive defrost control for a frozen product machine implements an algorithm that utilizes various operating parameters of the machine to adaptively adjust the time interval between successive defrost cycles in a manner such that defrost cycles occur only on an as-needed basis. The adaptive defrost control minimizes the time during which the machine is in a defrost cycle, thereby maximizing the uptime of the machine during which frozen product can be prepared.
US07895839B2
A combined circulation condenser for a steam cycle apparatus is disclosed. The steam cycle apparatus includes a steam generator with a port for receiving a fluid. The steam generator presents heat to the fluid to generate steam that is directed out another port, which presents the steam to a turbine to generate electrical power. The turbine has an outlet that directs an exhaust steam into a condenser. A fluid flow system is inside the condenser, which directs cooling water along a pathway through the condenser so that the cooling water cools the exhaust steam, forming condensate. A condensate pump collects and pumps the condensate along another pathway through the condenser so that the condensate can additionally cool the exhaust steam. Simultaneously, the exhaust steam warms the condensate. This pathway directs the condensate to a feed pump, which pumps the condensate back to the steam generator through the generator's input port.
US07895837B2
A differential hydraulic master cylinder (10) has a cylinder body (12) in which is provided a larger diameter first chamber (18) and a smaller diameter second chamber (20). A first fluid passageway (60, 74, 78, 80) connects the first chamber (18) with a source of ambient pressure and contains a pressure relief valve (70) for connecting the first chamber with said source of ambient pressure when the pressure in the first chamber reaches a threshold value. A second fluid passageway (76, 78, 80, 82) connects the first chamber (18) with an outlet (11) and the second chamber (20). A non-return valve (72) is located in the second passageway to prevent hydraulic fluid from flowing from the second chamber (20) to the first chamber (18) at least when the pressure relief valve (70) is open. The non-return valve (72) and the pressure relief valve (70) each have a movable valve member (100, 102, 88; 122) which are mechanically interconnected.
US07895831B2
An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine with a filter provided in the exhaust system of the engine, for collecting particulates from exhaust gases. An ECU carries out the post injection for additionally injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of the engine after a combustion stroke of the engine to thereby perform a regeneration operation for regenerating the filter. A vehicle speed sensor detects a travel distance of a vehicle on which the engine is installed, and the ECU calculates a post injection allowable amount such that the post injection allowable amount increases in accordance with increase in the detected travel distance. During execution of the post injection, the amount of fuel injected through the post injection is subtracted from the post injection allowable amount, and when the post injection allowable amount becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined first threshold value, the post injection is inhibited.
US07895829B2
A DPF and a SCR catalyst are provided in an exhaust pipe, and a urea solution addition valve is provided between the DPF and the SCR catalyst for performing addition supply of urea solution into the exhaust pipe. In a urea solution supply system, the urea solution of prescribed concentration is stored in a urea solution tank, and a urea solution pump is provided in the tank. A urea solution supply pipe is connected to the urea solution pump. A part of the urea solution supply pipe is structured as a compound pipe structure defining two passages. One of the two passages serves as a urea solution passage, and the other one serves as an engine coolant passage.
US07895828B2
The present invention relates to a structure of a liquid reducing agent injection nozzle in an exhaust emission purifying system arranged to inject and supply a liquid reducing agent into an exhaust flow passage so as to reduce and purify NOx in exhaust gas. A nozzle tip end portion of the liquid reducing agent injection nozzle which protrudes from a wall surface of an exhaust flow passage into the passage, is bent obliquely with respect to an exhaust flow direction, or nozzle holes of the nozzle tip end portion are formed so as to tilt in the exhaust flow direction with respect to a radial direction perpendicular to a center axis of the nozzle tip end portion or are unevenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the nozzle tip end portion.
US07895819B2
A system for driving a fuel pump in a turbine engine is disclosed. The system includes an electric motor and a fluid flow assistance unit controlled by a control valve. In the system, the control valve is a regulator valve the opening of which is controlled as a function of information representative of the speed of the pump, and/or the speed of the turbine engine, and/or the flow rate of fuel delivered to the turbine engine. As a result, operating safety of the turbine engine can be increased in the event of the electric motor failing or of its electricity generator failing, and the weight/size/cost ratios of the drive system are improved.
US07895809B2
A support beam and attachment clevis assembly having a pair of “J” beams, each “J” beam having a stem and a tail, each “J” beam's tail having a distal end and a longitudinal extension, each “J” beam's stem having an upper end and a longitudinal extension, the longitudinal extension of each “J” beam's stem being greater than that of said each “J” beam's tail; and incorporating a plurality of blind rivets interconnecting the pair of “J” beams so that the distal end of each “J” beam's tail contacts the upper end of the other “J” beam's stem.
US07895806B2
Interlocking insulated wall sections (20-24), each of which contains a shell (30) having an outer panel (33) and a pair of end walls (35-36). A cover (31) is having an inner panel (38) and two end walls (39-40) is fitted over the shell. A first end wall (39) of the cover is mounted in contact with an end wall (35) of the shell and a second end wall (40) of the cover passes into the shell between the two end walls of the shell. An L-shaped flange (43) is connected to the second end wall of the cover and has a first leg of the flange (44) that rests in contact with the inner panel and a second leg of the flange (45) rests in contact with the other end wall of the shell. A space (50) is thus provided between the two panels of the wall section and is filled with an insulation (55). Each wall section is dimensioned so that it can be received in the opening between the second end wall of the cover and the end flange so that two wall sections can be interlocked together in assembly.
US07895799B2
The present application includes disclosure of various embodiments of composite construction beams and beam systems. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a composite construction beam of the present disclosure, the beam comprises an elongated shell having a length and an interior volume, wherein the elongated shell defines a first aperture. An exemplary construction beam further comprises a first conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the first conduit having a curved profile extending along a longitudinal direction of the beam, and a second conduit within the interior volume of the elongated shell, the second conduit extending along at least a portion of the length of the elongated shell, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are in communication with one another. In at least one embodiment, a construction beam of the present disclosure comprises a first flange positioned upon the elongated shell relative to the first aperture.
US07895797B2
A vehicular drive-thru food ordering and delivering system and method are provided. The system includes a lot, a drive-thru lane and a building for receiving and filling drive-thru orders. The building has a primary food delivery window for passing ready orders to drive-thru customers, and a downstream in-line parking area for drive-thru vehicles having a delayed order. Proximate to and downstream from the primary food delivery window is a doorway for attendant access from the primary food delivery window to the downstream in-line parking area. An attendant runway is proximate and downstream of the doorway and proximate to the in-line vehicle waiting area. A customer with a delayed order can be directed to wait in the downstream in-line waiting area. When the delayed order is ready for delivery, an attendant can deliver the ready order via the proximate doorway and proximate attendant runway to a vehicle waiting in the in-line vehicle waiting area.
US07895795B1
An elastic space-deployable boom of carbon fiber reinforced plastic or other resilient material having an open substantially triangular cross-section when deployed and stowed with a flattened cross-section about a circular hub.
US07895790B2
An algae cultivation apparatus includes a light guide plate, at least one transparent circulating channel, at least one light emission module, an algae guide-in module, an algae collection module, a gas guide-in module, a gas collection module, a culture medium guide-in module, a temperature control module and a pH value control module. With the installation of the light guide plate and at least one light emission module, a 24-hour light source can be introduced to improve the production efficiency of an algae.
US07895789B2
Soft or pliable spinning appendages can be attached to any fishing lure, hard or soft, using a swivel mechanism that provides unrestricted 360° rotation. The appendages increase attractiveness, flash, vibration, color, or scent. Due to their slow spinning speed and neutral buoyancy in water, the appendages provide unique properties to slow-moving lures not possible with prior art hard blades. A weedless swivel mechanism is also provided.
US07895782B2
A light box display configured for frontal access to change out graphics and to perform maintenance tasks. This is accomplished in the present invention while assuring that the graphics is held in a state of moderate tension to retain the graphics in a flat and properly oriented configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the light box comprises a moveable interior frame to which the graphics sheet and diffuser are both secured. The moveable interior frame rests on a plurality of upper and lower slides which facilitate movement of the inner frame. Such movement is controlled, in part, by at least one pneumatic piston which biases the frame toward the front of the light box and provides a mechanical lock that holds the frame in its rearward position to facilitate frontal access. The graphics sheet is held in place along the top and bottom front peripheral edges of the moveable frame by a plurality of spring-biased wire connection members within roller guides. One end of each wire member is attached to the rear peripheral surface of the moveable inner frame and the other end is threaded through a grommeted hole along the outer edge of the graphics sheet. Side spring-biased wire connection members are also provided.
US07895777B2
A display mounted on a shopping cart handle allows shoppers to find information, to obtain coupons, to refer to in-store audio or video programs, and the like.
US07895775B2
The present invention relates to a draghead (1) for a trailing suction hopper, comprising a visor (2), revolvable around a first axis (6) for removing soil, and a suction line (31) connected to the visor (2) for the removal of the loosened soil, characterised in that the draghead (1) is provided with a pressure plate (21), which comprises a number of mainly disc-shaped penetrating bodies (22) on the soil-facing side of the pressure plate (21), in such a way that their circumferential edge (23) is capable of transferring forces to the soil.
US07895768B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide a moisture absorbent hand-covering device that is in the form and shape of a glove for drying. In some embodiments, the drying glove of this invention has a first outer layer and a second inner layer. The outer layer comprises at least one layer of material with propensity to absorb at least one type of liquid. In some embodiments, the second inner layer comprises at least one layer of material with propensity to repel at least one type of liquid. The outer layer absorbs the liquid for the purpose of removing it. The inner layer resists passage of the liquid, and thus protects the hand of the user during operation. In some embodiments, the liquid absorbed is water, and the liquid repelled is water.
US07895762B2
A digital depth gauge is provided for measuring a depth of a hole in an object. In one embodiment the gauge includes: a user interface with a display and at least one actuator; a reader shaft with a distal end and a proximal end connected to the user interface; a probe that extends from the distal end of the reader shaft and which includes a tip configured to locate a distal surface of the hole; a sleeve member with a distal end configured to abut a proximal surface of the hole, the sleeve member being coupled with the reader shaft for relative translational and rotational movement; and a sensor interposed between the reader shaft and the sleeve member for measuring relative translational movement between the reader shaft and the sleeve member. In some embodiments, the gauge may include a means for aligning elements of the sensor.
US07895760B1
A sheet material holder assembly comprising a top body having a top surface, a handle projecting generally upward from the top surface, and a first magnetic piece affixed to the top body opposite the top surface and a base having a second magnetic piece, at least a portion of the first magnetic piece aligned atop at least a portion of the second magnetic piece. The base may also include a cradle for receiving a tab of the top body which may be a straightedge having markings. A sheet material may be placed between the top body and the base for use in cutting or other use.
US07895753B2
A shaving cutter assembly for an electric hair cutting appliance the shaving cutter assembly including a shaving cutter and a carrier to which the shaving cutter is fixedly connected via at least one metallic weld.
US07895745B2
The present invention includes a method for fabricating elongated wind turbine blades and wind turbine blades formed by the method. The method includes providing a first shell reinforcing fiber structure. At least one shear web reinforcing fiber structure is positioned adjacent to the first shell reinforcing fiber structure. The method includes infusing the first shell reinforcing fiber structure and shear web reinforcing fiber structure with a matrix material and curing the matrix material to form a unitary composite first shell component. Thereafter a composite second shell component is attached to the composite first shell component to form an elongated composite airfoil suitable for use as a wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blades formed include unitary components providing reduced number of adhesive joints.
US07895740B2
Methods of making analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry are provided. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and may include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. The methods provide a sensor that is calibration-adjusted, eliminating the need for a user to enter a calibration code or for the meter to read a calibration code.
US07895732B2
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording having a main pole, return pole and trailing side shield disposed on the trailing side and the cross track direction side of said main pole. A process is described where the main pole has an etching layer in the upper part. The top and sides of the main pole having the etching signal layer in the upper part are covered with a nonmagnetic gap layer while leaving open a region forming the side shield. The nonmagnetic gap layer is then etched until a signal from the etching signal layer is detected by an etching signal detector. The trailing side shield on the top and sides of the nonmagnetic gap layer are then formed after the etching is halted.
US07895726B2
There is disclosed a connector for tubing, in particular, expandable tubing sections. There is also disclosed a method of sealing a connection between tubing sections, in particular, expandable tubing sections.In one embodiment of the invention, a connector (10) is disclosed which is suitable for coupling expandable tubing sections (11,13) together. The connector (10) comprises first and second portions (12,14) adapted to be provided on respective expandable tubing sections (11, 13), at least one of the portions (12,14) including a seal profile (16) which is adapted to be urged into sealing engagement with the other portion (12,14) on expansion thereof.
US07895725B2
An improved process for manufacturing a biopsy needle assembly is provided. The process may comprise the steps of forming an aperture for receiving tissue to be sampled in an exterior surface of an elongated tube for receiving a cutter, wherein the elongated tube comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion; forming a hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube; and applying a coating of material over the elongated tube to form a lumen for receiving vacuum on the exterior surface of the elongated tube, wherein the hole in the exterior surface of the elongated tube provides communication between an interior of the elongated tube and an interior of the lumen. In one version, the elongated tube may be placed in a mold configured to form the vacuum lumen when material is injected into the mold. A proximal hub may advantageously be formed by overmolding.
US07895724B1
A method for identifying tools using the steps of providing a tool, wherein the tool is chosen from the group including a wrench, a socket, a nut, and a bolt; applying an indicator being a color-coded indicia onto the tool, wherein the indicia is visible to a user, wherein the indicia aids in identifying the tool, wherein the colors are chosen from the group including blue, red, orange, yellow, green, brown, violet and light gray; wherein the indicia is a band, the band being substantially flat, the band being raised an effective distance above the surface of the tool, wherein the band can be felt by a user, wherein the band aids in identifying the tool; and, wherein the band has a single portion, wherein the single portion can be felt by a user to identify English size tools. The method uses a band having two interconnected portions, wherein the two interconnected portions can be felt by a user to aid in identifying metric size tools. Also, the indicator may be a protrusion shaped like a tear-drop, an “X” or “O” shaped indicator, or an o-ring shaped indicator.
US07895719B2
The security buckle includes a first body member having one or more walls defining a receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a second body member adapted to engage the receiving cavity, the second body member including one or more latching tabs for engaging the one or more mating slots wherein the second body member is inhibited from disengagement while the one or more latching tabs engage the one or more mating slots, and wherein the first body member includes a portion of the one or more walls defining a security slot adapted for receiving an interfering object that includes an engagement mode for insertion and removal from the slot and an interfering mode for inhibiting the one or more latching tabs from disengaging from the one or more mating tabs until the interfering object is transitioned to the engagement mode.
US07895718B2
A mechanical fastening system having an engaging component and a receiving component. The receiving component has a first bond line, a second bond line, a bond zone, and a plurality of consecutive sweep regions. The second bond line is disposed adjacent to the first bond line such that a portion of the second bond line overlaps a portion of the first bond line. The bond zone circumscribes the first bond line and the second bond line. The plurality of consecutive sweep regions are disposed within the bond zone. At least one sweep region includes a portion of both the first bond line and the second bond line, and the remaining sweep regions include at least a portion of the first or the second bond lines. The receiving component has a bond ratio greater than or equal to about 1 and less than or equal to about 20.
US07895715B2
A fleece-laying device for laying a fleece from a card web having a laying carriage movable above and transversely to an output conveyor belt, an upper carriage also movable transversely to the output conveyor belt, and a first card web conveyor belt and a second card web conveyor belt for guiding the card web via the upper carriage and the laying carriage into a laying nip formed in the laying carriage. The fleece-laying device includes a card web guiding area between the upper carriage and the laying carriage with two sections of the first and second card web conveyor belts holding the card web between them and being guided over at least one support roll mounted in a support carriage which is also movable transversely to the output conveyor belt.
US07895708B2
A hose assembly for a suction cleaner, comprising a suction hose portion which is able to be extended lengthwise when subject to lengthwise tension and to return to a lengthwise-contracted configuration when relieved of the lengthwise tension, and a support means extending lengthwise of the hose portion and co-operable therewith to constrain at least part of it in its contracted configuration. There may also be a hose portion which is substantially non-extendible in normal use.
US07895700B2
Disclosed is a cleaning device having a cleaning head to which a cleaning sheet is to be attached. The cleaning head has a pad whose bottom face functions as a cleaning part. The cleaning part has a recess, side contact parts on both sides of the recess and a rear contact part behind the recess. When a front portion of the cleaning head is pressed against a floor surface by a pushing force acting on the shaft, the recess prevents excessive frictional resistance. In addition, the cleaning sheet can be efficiently exploited because dirt can be collected also in the center of the cleaning part.
US07895696B2
A convertible implement is provided having a first implement with a first operable head connected to a first handle. The first implement is removably connected to a second implement having a second operable head connected to a second handle.
US07895692B1
The portable collapsible baby mattress apparatus provides multiple caregiving functions for an infant. The inflatable mattresses pads are selectively fastened to provide a horizontal mattress assembly, and selectively disassembled for portability and compact state. Functions include simulation of a caregivers heartbeat and breathing, entertainment and education for an infant via the view screen and speaker/mic, infant monitoring with alarm, and height and swivel adjustment of the view screen.
US07895691B2
An individual crib rail bumper providing protective padding in and around a child's crib to increase bodily protection and to provide additional comfort, support, and aesthetic design. An individual crib rail bumper is a long, cushioned, 2-sided, rectangular shaped soft protective material that securely wraps 360 degrees around each individual crib rail by use of strategically placed fasteners. A set of individual crib bumpers offers different fabric choices on each side and is designed to accommodate any size crib rail. They can easily be applied and are simple to remove for washing. The individual vertical crib bumpers also provide critical safety features that resolve long outstanding safety hazards of the standard and widely used conventional crib bumper.
US07895681B2
A protective structure for protecting a body from impact includes an inner layer of relatively flexible material, and which has a plurality of spaced-apart openings extending between opposite faces thereof and a corresponding plurality of protective units. Each protective unit includes a thin-wall, collapsible, fluid-tight enclosure with a volume of fluid filling the enclosure and at least one orifice in an enclosure wall that resistively vents fluid from the enclosure at a selected rate in response to an impact on the structure. The plurality of protective units are received in the plurality of openings so that corresponding first segments of the enclosures projecting form one face of the first layer together form a middle layer. Cooperating surfaces on the inner layer and each protective unit retain each protective unit in the corresponding opening in the inner layer. A method of making the protective units is also disclosed.
US07895679B2
Goggles include a lens frame and connection arms for a wearing belt. The connection arms are provided respectively at right and left parts on a side of a front surface of the lens frame. Each of the connection arms is selectively kept in a state that the arm overlaps and rests on the front surface of the lens frame, or in a state that the arm stays at a position with a space from the front surface of the lens frame after having moved rotationally on its inner end from the front surface of the lens frame outwardly. The goggles provide a preferable fitted comfortability to a wearer's face regardless of whether he uses a helmet or not and regardless of the thickness of the inner liner of the helmet.
US07900262B2
According to the present invention, a security management program which is recorded in a computer readable recording medium and is used to control access to target data in accordance with a security level of a device and an access right of a user, comprises a code of a user authentication step of setting the access right of the user with reference to a saved user authentication history when access to an authentication server cannot be made; and a code of a security level setting step of determining a security level of the device in accordance with a state of the device, and saving the determined security level.
US07900261B2
In an information processing apparatus which divides a memory area into a plurality of boxes and manages data stored in each box, security information containing at least an editing condition and an output condition set for each box is stored. In transmitting data stored in a box to an external device, security information for the transmission target data is set based on the security information set in the box. When the security information set in the box is changed, security information set for the data corresponding to the box is also changed.
US07900260B2
A method of storing and tracking digitally-encoded material includes associating a unique identifier with the digitally-encoded material, associating one or more built-in functions with the digitally-encoded material so that the unique identifier and the built-in functions are coupled to the digitally-encoded material. The built-in functions can govern transforms and rendering of the digitally-encoded material. The tracking is performed by associating a history of the digitally-encoded material with the digitally-encoded material. The history can be associated with the digitally-encoded material or kept in a database that communicates with the digitally-encoded material via the identifier. The built-in functions enable the digitally-encoded material to be stored in RAM in an encrypted form. A method for tracking can include encrypting a combination including the digitally-encoded material and the unique identifier and appending built-in function source code and the encrypted combination to form an executable entity executable independent of any particular operating system.
US07900259B2
In certain implementations, systems and methods for predicting technology vulnerabilities in a network of computer devices are based on software characteristics of processes executing at the computer devices. In one preferred implementation, the system identifies processes at various computing devices within an organization, identifies software characteristics associated with the processes, applies technology controls to the software characteristics, determines risk indexes based on the modified technology control, applies administrative controls to the risk indexes, aggregates the indexes to create risk model, determines alternative risk models, and presents the risk models for consideration and analysis by a user.
US07900252B2
A method for managing shared passwords on a multi-user computer system is disclosed. A set of shared passwords and an administrator internal key are initially generated. After the receipt of an administrator external key, the administrator internal key is encrypted with the administrator external key. For each user level within the computer system, an internal key is generated by hashing the administrator internal key. For each user level within the computer system, each of the shared passwords encrypted with a respective one of the internal keys. The internal keys and the encrypted shared passwords are then stored in a non-volatile storage device.
US07900249B2
A system, method and apparatus for securing communications between a trusted network and an untrusted network are disclosed. A perimeter client is deployed within the trusted network and communicates over a session multiplexing enabled protocol with a perimeter server deployed within a demilitarized zone network. The perimeter client presents requests to make available and communication initiation requests to the perimeter server which presents corresponding sockets to the entrusted network. The session multiplexing capabilities of the protocol used between the perimeter server and perimeter client permit a single communication session therebetween to support a plurality of communication sessions between the perimeter server and untrusted network. In the event data flows across the communication sessions are encrypted, decryption of the data flows is left to the components at the end points of the communication session, thereby restricting exposure of privileged information to areas within trusted networks.
US07900245B1
A method and system operative to preclude content providers from tracking users, while still allowing content providers to communicate to users. An intermediary, such as an access channel provider for instance, gives content providers non-repeating user-identification-tokens, each of which a content provider can use as a key to access an intermediary resource that facilitates a communication to the user, without revealing the user's identity to the content provider.
US07900244B2
A login system is adapted to be connected to a network for logging in a plurality of servers connected to the network. A reception processor is operable to receive a designation of at least two of the servers and a password from a user. A login processor is operable to automatically execute a login processing with respect to at least one of the designated servers for which the received password is valid.
US07900241B1
A system renders at least one content library in an organization region. The content library represents content that is accessible via a policy. The system receives a selection to obtain the content represented by the content library, and renders content information that represents a listing of the content contained within the content library. The content information is displayed within a listing region wherein the content may be accessible via the policy. The system downloads the content for which access has been granted via the policy. The content is downloaded from a content source provider.
US07900239B2
A computer system has a resource, a verification unit and an execution engine for running a body of program code having an associated signature. A cryptographic key is associated with the resource and when the code is to be loaded into the execution engine a verification operation is run on the signature using the cryptographic key associated with the resource. The execution engine is separate from the resource and when access to the resource is required by the code in the execution engine a further verification operation is conducted on the signature using the cryptographic key associated with the resource. Access to the resource by the code depends upon the result of the verification operation.
US07900238B2
A communication system includes at least one High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port. A content provider forwards a request to a receiver. The receiver includes a controller configured to receive the request and collects HDMI status information associated with the HDMI port in response to the request.
US07900235B1
Digital television system overlays subscriber two-way communication during broadcast program delivery to create virtual audience community. Individual or group billing and advertisement is personalized per DTV receiver program viewing and/or conferencing activity. Subscriber receiver includes camera and other media I/O device for multi-way video conferencing. Participants may be added or removed dynamically during programming or conferencing.
US07900227B2
In accordance with the present invention, a media content management application that allows a user to customize, assemble, distribute, and track one or more versions of media content based on semantic criteria is provided.
US07900217B2
Deterministically resolving cycles in a library tree is disclosed. Resolving cycles supports certain processes such as safe library initialization. Cycles in the library tree are identified; at least one soft link in each identified cycle is identified; and the at least one soft link in each identified cycle is broken. If a cycle has no soft links, notification is provided indicating that the cycle cannot be broken. Identifying at least one soft link in each identified cycle comprises, for each link in the cycle, determining the dependent and supporting libraries; and determining if one or more functions in the supporting library are required for initializing the dependent library.
US07900215B2
Methods and apparatuses for providing inter-application accessibility. Embodiments of the present invention provide a framework independent, introspective, extensible technique for describing and interacting with interfaces across application processes, in which an accessibility client dynamically discovers aspects of an element (e.g., a User Interface (UI) element) by asking for its lists of actions and attributes. For example, an accessibility client application can have framework independent access to accessibility server applications written in different frameworks, such as Cocoa, Carbon, Java, or others. Since the lists of attributes and actions are introspected at run time, an accessibility client can be dynamically extensible to handle new attributes and actions that are added to the accessibility server after the accessibility client is made. The accessibility servers have the flexibility to describe any aspect of an interface without limitation; and, the accessibility clients can interact with the accessibility servers (e.g., to perform actions) without a priori information about the interface element.
US07900209B2
The invention relates to data processing apparatus and methods for method oriented invocation (MOI) of data processing service modules. MOI Adapters and methods interface compound messages with service modules that process them, advantageously reducing memory and processing time utilization. Compound messages may be progressively parsed and processed, identifying the constituent information items needed by a service module and invoking the service module when all needed information items are available, without using resources to maintain and process superfluous message data. Multiple service modules may be addressed by a single MOI Adapter.
US07900207B2
A multi-streaming processor has a plurality of streams for streaming one or more instruction threads, a set of functional resources for processing instructions from streams, and interrupt handler logic. The logic detects and maps interrupts and exceptions to one or more specific streams. In some embodiments, one interrupt or exception may be mapped to two or more streams, and in others two or more interrupts or exceptions may be mapped to one stream. Mapping may be static and determined at processor design, programmable, with data stored and amendable, or conditional and dynamic, the interrupt logic executing an algorithm sensitive to variables to determine the mapping. Interrupts may be external interrupts generated by devices external to the processor software (internal) interrupts generated by active streams, or conditional, based on variables. After interrupts are acknowledged, streams to which interrupts or exceptions are mapped are vectored to appropriate service routines. In a synchronous method, no vectoring occurs until all streams to which an interrupt is mapped acknowledge the interrupt.
US07900200B1
A persistence management system facilitates porting servlet-based applications, such as Web applications, to an extremely mobile/nomadic system such as a resource-constrained device platform, e.g., a smart card, where sessions on a card acceptance device are intermittent by nature. Persistence management system (i) minimizes the startup time, and (ii) restores applications in a consistent state. The persistent management system supports: a) selective persistence of servlet model objects: both container-managed objects and application-managed objects; b) optional persistence of threads; and c) optional persistence of connection objects.
US07900195B2
Disclosed herein is a data processing system-implemented method, a data processing system, and an article of manufacture for investigating computer software. The data processing system-implemented method includes capturing tracing information at one or more boundary points of the computer software, and reproducing a behavior of the computer software at the boundary points based on the captured tracing information.
US07900192B2
A topological best match naming convention apparatus and method for graphical user interface (GUI) testing are provided. With the apparatus and method, properties of the GUI object are recorded and stored in a GUI object database. During execution of test scripts, if a lookup of an GUI object's name to its runtime control fails, the present invention attempts to perform a match with the currently known objects. The matching mechanism is based on a comparison of the properties of the GUI object to properties of known GUI objects. With this mechanism, a predetermined set of properties is collected from the GUI object that is subject to the test script and for which the lookup of the runtime control failed. Each property of the known GUI objects in the GUI object database is assigned a weight based on the probability that a GUI object having a matching property is the same GUI object. Each property is checked for a match and if a match is identified, the corresponding weight is added to a total count kept for each correspondence. A correspondence between a GUI object and a known GUI object having a highest total weight is selected as a best candidate for use in determining the runtime control for the GUI object.
US07900184B2
A method for developing a circuit is disclosed. The method generally comprises the steps of (A) generating a solution space having a dimension for each of a plurality of parameters for the circuit, (B) evaluating a plurality of instances of the circuit in the solution space through a software simulation, (C) evaluating the instances through a hardware simulation, and (D) updating the instances in response to the software simulation and the hardware simulation to approach an optimum instance of the instances for the circuit.
US07900178B2
A method of integrated circuit (IC) design, an IC design system and computer program product therefore, e.g., for L3GO designs. Special case cells are cells that represent specialized, process dependent components and are provided as dual representation cells with an internal view and external view. The external view is high level abstract representation that includes access pins, boundary and possible blocking shapes/layers and optionally, parameterizations. Each external view includes cell to cell spacing rules and connecting and blocking/keepout rules for placement and routing. The internal representation or, internal view includes regular shapes forming cell components and defining cell construction details and are ground rule clean by construction or verified by simulation or hardware.
US07900175B2
A single verification tool provides both static timing analysis and timing simulation capabilities targeted at both full-custom and ASIC designs in a unified environment. In various embodiments the verification tool includes the following features: (a) Integrating both static timing analysis and dynamic simulation tools into a single tool, (b) Efficient path search for multi-phase, multi-frequency and multi-cycle circuit in the presence of level sensitive latch, (c) Automatically identifying circuit structure, e.g. complex gate, for timing characterization, (d) Circuit structures at transistor level solved by incorporating function check, (e) Carrying out functional check to filter out false path and identifying gate with simultaneously changing inputs, (f) Finding maximum operating frequency in the presence of level sensitive latches after filtering out false paths, (g) Crosstalk solver by utilizing the admittance matrix and voltage transfer of RLC part in frequency domain coupled with the non-linear driver in time domain implemented in spice-like simulator, (h) Making use of the correlation between inputs of aggressors and victim to determine switching time at victim's output iteratively.
US07900172B2
Disclosed is a power consumption analysis method capable of reducing an analysis time of power consumption. The method is performed on a design circuit having a characteristic signal for specifying an operating mode of a circuit block and the method comprises the steps of: measuring an operating rate of the characteristic signal in each unit analysis interval for analyzing the power consumption; determining, based on measurement results of the operating rate of the characteristic signal, whether to measure the operating rate of the circuit block whose operating mode is specified by the characteristic signal; and measuring the operating rate of the circuit block only when determined to measure the operating rate of the circuit block.
US07900168B2
An apparatus, method and/or computer readable media automatically generate hardware description language (HDL) code. A design environment is configured to receive a hardware design, the hardware design including a plurality of numerical parameters. A user interface (UI) accepts a designation of a first numerical parameter as a tunable numerical parameter. An HDL code generator detects the designation and instantiates a memory structure to store the first numerical parameter. The HDL code generator also configures an interface of a module of the hardware design to receive a value of the first numerical parameter, and instantiates one or more structures internal to the module to utilize the first numerical parameter. The HDL code generator also determines a second numerical parameter has not been designated as a tunable numerical parameter, in response, instantiates one or more structures to maintain the second numerical parameter as a hard-coded numerical parameter.
US07900159B2
Techniques are described for representing commands of a user interface of an application. One or more command descriptions for one or more commands are received. Each of the command descriptions has one or more properties and represents an instance of one of the commands. One or more command group descriptions for one or more command groups are received. Each of the command group descriptions has one or more properties, represents an instance of one of the command groups at a level in a group hierarchy, and specifies one or more group members. Each of the group members represents a derived instance of one of the commands or a derived instance of one of the command groups. Properties of each derived instance of a command and each derived instance of a command group inherit properties from one or more ancestor instances.
US07900157B2
A scroll position estimation apparatus includes a unit acquiring a complex document including main data and sub-data items, the main data being for determining a layout of presentation of the complex document, a unit visualizing the main data, a unit presenting the visualized main data, a unit acquiring scroll positions indicating display areas of the presented main data, a unit storing pairs of the scroll positions and times of acquiring the scroll positions, a unit estimating a future scroll position based on the scroll positions and the times, a unit computing priority levels of the sub-data items based on the estimated scroll position, the priority levels being used to determine order of visualization, a unit sequentially visualizing the sub-data items in accordance with the computed priority levels of the sub-data items, and a unit presenting the visualized sub-data items.
US07900151B2
A tool and graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided for a customer relationship management (CRM) system that enables a user to create, maintain, display and use individual object (iObject) data that relates to a unique asset in a family of assets. A tool or GUI for maintaining information that relates to individual objects may be referred to herein as an “individual object workbench” (workbench). In general, a workbench may include a selection area for selecting an individual object to be defined, and a definition area in which a user may define information to be associated with the selected individual object. Each individual object may be associated with a unique identifier (e.g., a particular car is associated with a vehicle identification number) as a consistent identifier of an individual asset throughout that asset's lifecycle, which may span multiple owners, for example.
US07900137B2
The object of the present invention is to render markup documents within the limits of resolutions smaller than the resolutions for which the markup documents were originally designed, in most cases without introducing horizontal scrolling, while keeping the original fonts, colors, design, and style. The object is achieved by finding and selecting elements whose content takes up too much space horizontally, determining appropriate widths for rendering such elements, and shrinking or horizontally squeezing such elements individually to fit within their respective determined widths. Further, the invention determines the widths for rendering table cells in such manner as to preserve the layout of the corresponding table.
US07900134B2
Methods and systems of authoring XML using DHTML views and XSLT are described. Various user interfaces can be automatically or semi-automatically provided in a DHTML view that enable a user to interact with the DHTML view. The interfaces, some of which are termed “in document” interfaces, permit a user to interact with a DHTML view and have those interactions automatically made to a corresponding XML document that describes data that is associated with the DHTML view.
US07900130B1
A method performed by a computer system. The method includes storing a version of a mass-produced printed paper, identifying at least a subset of characters within the version, and in response to the identified subset, forming at least one hyperlink within the version, the version being displayable on a display device as a likeness of the paper including an indicator of the hyperlink.
US07900126B2
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 float-point sum-product algorithm (SPA), and can reduce the approximation error of min-sum algorithm (MSA) and have almost the same performance under 5 bits fix-point realization as the float-point sum-product algorithm (SPA).
US07900121B2
A determination of indexes allocated to error correcting symbols is provided. Encoded code symbols are generated by means of a generator matrix of a block code from number of source symbols and the encoded transmission errors occur in the received code symbols, the indexes of the error correcting symbols are determined by unambiguously identifying the area of the encoded code symbols by means of first and second parameters, which can be requested in the form of at least one error correcting symbol by the receiving device from the transmitting device for reconstructing the source symbols in an error-free manner.
US07900111B1
Capabilities are added to a Hardware Verification Language that facilitates the generation of test data. Random number sources, called random variables, can be produced by adding a randomness attribute to a variable declaration of a class definition. A “randomize” method call to a class instance produces a random value for each random variable. Constraint blocks, of a class definition, control random variables with constraint expressions. Dependency, of random variable value assignment, as determined by constraint expressions, can be expressed by a DAG. A constraint expression is converted into ranges of permissible values, from which a value is randomly chosen by a randomize method. A “boundary” method call sequentially selects a combination of boundary values, for each random variable, from each random variable's set of ranges. Coordinated selection of a boundary values permits all combinations of boundary values to be produced through successive boundary calls.
US07900108B2
A multi-clock system-on-chip (D) comprises i) a core (CE) comprising asynchronous clock domains provided for exchanging test data therebetween, ii) a clock generator unit (CGU) arranged for delivering primary clock signals (clk1-clko) for at least some of the clock domains, and iii) clock control modules (CCl-CCo), arranged respectively for defining the functional clock signals from the primary clock signals and from control signals (intended for setting the clock control modules (CCl) in a normal mode allowing test data transmission from the corresponding emitter clock domain to at least one receiver clock domain or a shift mode forbidding such a test data transmission). Each clock control module (CCl) is connected to a synchronization means (SM) arranged for switching it from the shift mode to the normal mode, and to a delay means (DM) arranged for putting back the emitter launch edge of a functional clock signal intended for the emitter clock domain when this clock control module (CCl) is set into the normal mode, in order this emitter launch edge be temporally located before each corresponding receiver capture edge of the clock signals intended for the receiver clock domains to which the emitter clock domain must transmit test data.
US07900103B2
A scan chain architecture includes a cascade of flip-flop cells each having at least one input and output or an inverted output. The output or inverted output of a flip-flop is connected to the input of the subsequent flip-flop. The connection between two consecutive flip-flops of the scan chain is selected according to the status of a given flip-flop cell, the status of a previous cell, and the status of the connection between these cells.
US07900093B2
A method for monitoring of the functionality of an EDP system that is monitored in portions thereof by respectively associated agents that are designed to evaluate errors and to send error messages should increase the operating security in an EDP system. Each agent is monitored by a simulated error being sent to the agent and the reaction of the agent being evaluated.
US07900092B2
A method of identifying problems in applications is provided. The method in one embodiment comprises monitoring at a kernel level system resource usage of one or more running applications without modifying run-time environments of the running applications and identifying from the monitored system usage, an application whose system usage pattern meets a predetermined criteria associated with one or more problems.
US07900087B2
Techniques for identifying UPS-sub-system interconnections using manual data, UPS identification signals, and variations in UPS voltage variations that produce error signals. Once interconnections have been identified an operating system can check the UPS/sub-system topology to isolate potential errors and/or to enable controlled shut-down of sub-systems in case of potential power failure.
US07900085B2
A primary coordinator generates a prepare message for a two-phase commit distributed transaction, the prepare message including an address of a backup coordinator. The primary coordinator maintains a transaction log of the distributed transaction, wherein the transaction log is accessible to both the primary coordinator and the backup coordinator. The prepare message is sent to a plurality of participants. The primary coordinator fails over to the backup coordinator without interrupting the distributed transaction.
US07900083B2
An error table stores information indicating the occurrence of an error. A statistical score addition table stores the number of scores for disk or path according to the error. A control unit adds the first number of scores to the error disk. Also, when the information indicating the occurrence of the error is not stored in the error table, the control unit adds the second number of scores smaller than the first number of scores to the path to the error disk, while when the information is stored, the control unit adds the third number of scores larger than the first number of scores to the path. The control unit separates the path or disk of which the number of scores exceeds a threshold from the disk array apparatus.
US07900079B2
A self test function in the Memory Controller is utilized to generate unique and continuous data patterns for each of the words which are stored into two consecutive DRAM addresses in two spaced store operations. The self test function then generates fetch commands to read back the unique data patterns from the two DRAM addresses. In the fetch operations, the data transmission for each operation and between both operations is contiguous (no gaps). A self test data comparison function is then used to compare these fetched data words to data patterns which are generated from the self test data generator. Bit error counters from the memory controller keeps track of any miscompares. By reading out a unique signature from these bit counters, it can be determined whether the store path data are misaligned early or late or correct and/or the fetch path data are misaligned early or late or correct. In addition, the exact number of cycles the data are early or late is known. Based on the last results, either or both the store and/or fetch data path capture window parameters are adjusted to correct or early or late bit position.
US07900075B2
A pipelined computer system with power management control in accordance with one or both of a power management signal and a power management instruction.
US07900072B2
Various embodiments are directed to a tri-layered power scheme for architectures which contain a microcontroller. In one embodiment, a power management system may comprise a microcontroller in a chipset, a low consumption power well to control a power supply to the microcontroller, and a power controller to control a power supply to the low consumption power well. The power management system may be arranged to switch among multiple power consumption states. In a maximum power consumption state, the microcontroller is on, the power controller is on, and the low consumption power well is on. In an intermediate power consumption state, the microcontroller is off, the power controller is on, and the low consumption power well is required to be on. In a minimum power consumption state, the microcontroller is off, the power controller is on, and the low consumption power well is optionally on or off at the discretion of the power controller. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07900071B2
A method to manage power in a computing device comprising a controller assembly and a storage assembly comprising a plurality of data storage devices, by selecting a processor parameter, establishing a threshold processor parameter value, establishing a threshold over-parameter time interval, selecting a data storage device parameter, and establishing a nominal data storage device parameter value. The method determines an actual processor parameter value. If the actual processor parameter value is less than or equal to the threshold processor parameter value, the method operates each of the plurality of data storage devices using the nominal data storage device parameter value. If the actual processor parameter value is greater than the threshold processor parameter value, then the method determines an actual over-parameter time interval. If the actual processor parameter value is greater than the threshold processor parameter value, and if the actual over-parameter time interval is greater than the threshold over-parameter time interval, then the method operates each of the plurality of data storage devices using a data storage device parameter value less than the nominal data storage device parameter value.
US07900063B2
A portable storage device including a microprocessor and a secure user data area, the microprocessor operable to perform on-the-fly encryption/decryption of secure data stored on the storage device under a user password, the microprocessor also operable to exclude access to the secure user data area unless the user password is provided.
US07900059B2
A method, system and computer program product for implementing general purpose PCRs with extended semantics (referred to herein as “ePCRs”) in a trusted, measured software module. The module is designed to run in one of a hypervisor context, an isolated partition, or under other isolated configurations. Because the software module is provided using trusted (measured) code, the software implementing the PCRs is able to run as a simple software process in the operating system (OS), as long as the software is first measured and logged. The software-implemented ePCRs are generated as needed to record specific measurements of the software and hardware elements on which an application depends, and the ePCRs are able to ignore other non-dependencies.
US07900055B2
Microprocessor apparatus and method for employing configurable block cipher cryptographic algorithms
An apparatus for performing cryptographic operations. The apparatus includes an x86-compatible microprocessor that has fetch logic, algorithm logic, and execution logic. The fetch logic is configured to receive a single, atomic cryptographic instruction as one of the instructions in an application program executing on the x86-compatible microprocessor. The single, atomic cryptographic instruction prescribes an encryption operation and one of a plurality of cryptographic algorithms. The algorithm logic is operatively coupled to the single, atomic cryptographic instruction. The algorithm logic directs the x86-compatible microprocessor to execute the encryption operation according to the one of a plurality of cryptographic algorithms. The execution logic is operatively coupled to the algorithm logic. The execution logic executes the encryption operation. The execution logic includes a cryptography unit for executing a plurality of cryptographic rounds required to complete the encryption operation.
US07900049B2
A method of recognizing an audio and/or visual format in a digital transmission network such as the Internet wherein formats include a quasi-continuous or divided in packets sequence of data, at least part of the sequence of data is analyzed for the presence of one or more bit patterns, and a notice is given in response to recognition of a predetermined format in an analyzed bit pattern.
US07900047B2
A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link (for example, a TMDS-like link) in which video data (or other data) are encrypted, the encrypted data are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver, and the transmitted data are decrypted in the receiver, a transmitter and a receiver for use in such systems, a cipher engine for use in such a transmitter or receiver, a method for operating such a transmitter or receiver to encrypt or decrypt data, and a method for authenticating a receiver prior to transmission of encrypted data to the receiver over a serial link. Each transmitter, receiver, and cipher engine is configured to implement a content protection protocol in a manner that implements at least one and preferably more than one of a class of attack prevention features disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments the invention is employed to encrypt data in accordance with the High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (“HDCP”) protocol, or a modified version of the HDCP protocol.
US07900046B2
A system, method, and computer program product for establishing mutual trust on a per-deployment basis between two software modules. For example, the first software module may be a Websphere (WS) Information Integrator (II) deployment instance, and the second software module may be a plugin instance. By executing for this deployment an initial handshake between the software modules, both modules identify themselves and exchange digital certificates received from a trusted certification authority and respective public keys. Subsequent communications for this deployment between the software modules proceed with each module encrypting its communications with the public key of the other module; thereby establishing mutual trust between the software modules for each deployment.
US07900043B2
This invention presented a hard disk security method in a computer system, which provides a hard disk security mechanism combining with the power-on password function for the storage data in a hard disk by restoring the partition table into the BIOS ROM in advance, and deleting the partition table of the hard disk to secure the hard disk.
US07900036B2
A system and method for implementing a boot recovery on a data processing system. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one processor compares contents of a first read-only memory (ROM) image and a second ROM image outputted from a memory. The first ROM image is initially selected to boot a data processing system utilizing a first basic input output system (BIOS) program. In response to determining that contents of the first ROM image and the second ROM image are different, the second ROM image is selected. The data processing system boots utilizing the second BIOS program stored by the second ROM image.
US07900024B2
Mechanisms for handling data cache misses out-of-order for asynchronous pipelines are provided. The mechanisms associate load tag (LTAG) identifiers with the load instructions and uses them to track the load instruction across multiple pipelines as an index into a load table data structure of a load target buffer. The load table is used to manage cache “hits” and “misses” and to aid in the recycling of data from the L2 cache. With cache misses, the LTAG indexed load table permits load data to recycle from the L2 cache in any order. When the load instruction issues and sees its corresponding entry in the load table marked as a “miss,” the effects of issuance of the load instruction are canceled and the load instruction is stored in the load table for future reissuing to the instruction pipeline when the required data is recycled.
US07900020B2
The application describes a data processor operable to process data, and comprising: a cache in which a storage location of a data item within said cache is identified by an address, said cache comprising a plurality of storage locations and said data processor comprising a cache directory operable to store a physical address indicator for each storage location comprising stored data; a hash value generator operable to generate a generated hash value from at least some of said bits of said address said generated hash value having fewer bits than said address; a buffer operable to store a plurality of hash values relating to said plurality of storage locations within said cache; wherein in response to a request to access said data item said data processor is operable to compare said generated hash value with at least some of said plurality of hash values stored within said buffer and in response to a match to indicate a indicated storage location of said data item; and said data processor is operable to access one of said physical address indicators stored within said cache directory corresponding to said indicated storage location and in response to said accessed physical address indicator not indicating said address said data processor is operable to invalidate said indicated storage location within said cache.
US07900016B2
An addressing model is provided where all resources, including memory and devices, are addressed with internet protocol (IP) addresses. A task, such as an application, may be assigned a range of IP addresses rather than an effective address range. Thus, a processing element, such as an I/O adapter or even a printer, for example, may also be addressed using IP addresses without the need for library calls, device drivers, pinning memory, and so forth. This addressing model also provides full virtualization of resources across an IP interconnect, allowing a process to access an I/O device across a network.
US07900012B2
The present invention discloses a storage apparatus in communication with one or more external systems, including at least one storage region, at least one logical partition formed by using a first part of the storage region for storing data, and a logic controller, provided with an authentication module for setting one access mode for controlling access to the logical partition according to the access mode when a vendor command from the external system requesting access to the logical partition is received.
US07900007B2
A host device transmits a command from a command transmission unit (101a) along a predetermined command sequence. A storage device (2) receives the command in a command reception unit (202a). An access determination unit (202c) determines the sequence of the command transmitted from the host device (1) and determines that reception of the access to the host device (1) is enabled only when the sequence is identical with a predetermined sequence. Thus, with simple control, it is possible to prevent data destruction by a host device of an old version.
US07900006B2
Techniques introduced here support block level transmission of a logical container from a network storage controller to a backup system. In accordance with the techniques, transmission can be restarted using checkpoints created at the block level by allowing restarts from various points within a logical container, for example a point at which 10%, 50%, or 75% of the logical container had been transmitted. The transmission can be restarted while maintaining data consistency of the logical container data and included meta-data. Advantageously, changes made prior to a checkpoint restart to, for example, meta-data, do not lead to inconsistent logical container backups.
US07900003B2
A method for storing an information block that includes determining to store a current version of an information block stored in a memory unit. The checking if a current version of the information is already stored in a storage unit. The current version of the information block is sent from the memory unit to the storage unit if the answer is negative. Generating storage unit location information indicative of a location, at the storage unit, of the current version of the information block if the answer is positive.
US07899995B1
An array of streaming multiprocessors shares data via a shared memory. A flushing mechanism is used to guarantee that data required for dependent computations is available in the shared memory.
US07899987B2
A method for storing data in a computer having a magnetic hard disk drive (HDD) and an electronic solid-state drive (SSD). The method includes configuring the computer so that the HDD and the SSD are each independently accessible by an operating system of the computer. A plurality of files is received for storage by the computer. A predicted use profile of the computer is defined. A respective one of the HDD and the SDD is selected for the storage of each of the files responsively to the predicted use profile.
US07899984B2
A memory module system, a memory module, a buffer device, a memory module printed circuit board, and to a method for operating a memory module is disclosed. In one embodiment, the memory module system includes at least a first, a second, and a third memory module. The first memory module is connected with the second memory module via a first connection and with the third memory module via a second connection, and is designed and equipped such that data, address, and/or control signals received by the first memory module are transmitted to the second memory module via the first connection and to the third memory module via the second connection.
US07899976B2
Memory architecture provides capabilities for high performance content search. The architecture creates an innovative memory that can be programmed with content search rules which are used by the memory to evaluate presented content for matching with the programmed rules. When the content being searched matches any of the rules programmed in the Programmable Intelligent Search Memory (PRISM) action(s) associated with the matched rule(s) are taken. Content search rules comprise of regular expressions which are converted to finite state automata (FSA) and then programmed in PRISM for evaluating content with the search rules. PRISM architecture comprises of a plurality of programmable PRISM Search Engines (PSE), each capable of supporting a predetermined size FSAs. FSA extension architecture is created to extend the predetermined size limit of an FSA supported by PSE, by coupling multiple PSEs together to behave as a composite PSE to support larger FSAs.
US07899974B2
A nonvolatile memory and a mapping control apparatus and method of the same are disclosed, whereby block state information is changed depending on an operation performed by the nonvolatile memory to efficiently access a flash memory. The mapping control apparatus comprises a nonvolatile memory that has an area divided into blocks and stores block state information representing the state of written data, and a control unit that determines a block for a data operation through the block state information when the data operation is performed in the nonvolatile memory, and that updates the block state information depending on the result of the performed data operation.
US07899973B2
The present invention provides an information processing device for estimating usage of contents and properly limiting functions realized through use of the contents in accordance with the estimation. Usage of contents is estimated by determining in which of cache memory means and content storage means the contents are stored. When the contents are processed or executed, it is determined whether to limit functions realized through processing or execution of the contents, on the basis of the estimated usage of the contents and function limit information showing a rule regarding limits on functions realized through processing or execution. On the basis of the determination, the functions realized through processing or execution of the contents are limited.
US07899969B2
A system memory includes a memory hub controller, a memory module accessible by the memory hub controller, and an expansion module having a processor circuit coupled to the memory module and also having access to the memory module. The memory hub controller is coupled to the memory hub through a first portion of a memory bus on which the memory requests from the memory hub controller and memory responses from the memory hub are coupled. A second portion of the memory bus couples the memory hub to the processor circuit and is used to couple memory requests from the processor circuit and memory responses provided by the memory hub to the processor circuit.
US07899963B2
A method and an apparatus for allocating configuration inputs of a microcontroller, the apparatus being embodied in such a way that at each configuration input, one signal state of at least two possible signal states is to be set, wherein there is connected to each configuration input one respective energy source that can assume at least two states, in order to set the at least two signal states at each configuration input, a setting arrangement being provided with which the states of each energy source are controlled in such a way that the predefined signal state exists for each configuration input.
US07899958B2
A mechanism is disclosed for performing I/O operations using queue banks within a data processing system that supports multiple processing partitions. A queue bank is a re-useable area of memory allocated for performing I/O operations. All memory locking and address-translation functions are generally performed only once for a queue bank to reduce system overhead. After a queue bank has been used to perform an I/O operation, some processing is performed to make it available for re-use. This processing determines whether the queue bank contains memory that is being removed from a current processing partition. If so, a delay is imposed so that the queue bank is not made available for immediate re-use. This creates a window of time wherein all queue banks that contain the affected memory are inactive, thereby allowing the affected memory to be removed from the partition without halting on-going I/O activity.
US07899957B1
A memory controller, such as a SDRAM controller, controls the way in which data is retrieved, in order to make more efficient use of the bandwidth of the memory data bus. More specifically, when a memory access request requires multiple data bursts on the memory bus, the SDRAM controller stores the data from the multiple data bursts in respective buffers. Data is then retrieved from the buffers such that data is read from a part of the first buffer, then from the other buffers, and finally from the remaining part of the first buffer. Storing the required data in the remaining part of the first buffer avoids the need to occupy the memory bus with a new data burst.
US07899943B2
A method and apparatus for enhancing/extending a serial point-to-point interconnect architecture, such as Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) is herein described. Temporal and locality caching hints and prefetching hints are provided to improve system wide caching and prefetching. Message codes for atomic operations to arbitrate ownership between system devices/resources are included to allow efficient access/ownership of shared data. Loose transaction ordering provided for while maintaining corresponding transaction priority to memory locations to ensure data integrity and efficient memory access. Active power sub-states and setting thereof is included to allow for more efficient power management. And, caching of device local memory in a host address space, as well as caching of system memory in a device local memory address space is provided for to improve bandwidth and latency for memory accesses.
US07899941B2
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that allow a DisplayPort compatible host device to control data transactions over an I2C bus when communicating with a legacy monitor. One example includes an adapter having a compatibility register that may have a number of locations, where at least some of the locations correspond to I2C bus speeds. Values stored at these locations can indicate whether the adapter is compatible or incompatible with the corresponding I2C bus speed. Another example includes an adapter having a speed register that may have a number of locations, where at least some of the locations correspond to I2C bus speeds. A defined value written to one of these locations dictates the corresponding I2C bus speed.
US07899933B1
Method and apparatus are disclosed which provide users with access to logical volumes stored on one or more of a plurality of storage elements in a computer storage system. A logical volume identifier which is unique for the accessed logical volume is used for providing access. The logical volume identifier can be used both for translation to a host configuration address and for translation to a physical storage location address.
US07899931B2
A message routing system that allows applications at either end of the system to run as-is without modification. The system functions in a multithreaded environment and is capable of handling complex routing rules and message transformation. It is also capable of learning and executing new routing rules and message transformations in formats previously unrecognized by the system. The system enables precise and reliable logging of messages throughout processing and supports publication of enterprise-wide broadcast messages. The system further preferably employs cooperating inbound and outbound transport processes for consuming, routing, processing, safely storing and publishing messages in batches of logical units of work to ensure that the logical units of work are not lost in system transactions. The system also preferably utilizes a replay server for preserving and replaying messages that might otherwise fail to reach their intended destinations.
US07899920B2
A network apparatus is provided that is capable of requiring a reservation for an access right to a peripheral device that is not yet connected to the network apparatus from one of the terminals on a network. A server (network apparatus) may receive a reservation command and a sender identifier (ID) from one of the terminals on the network that requests to reserve an access right for a peripheral device that is not yet connected to the server. In a case where a new connection of a peripheral device is detected, the server allows the terminal identified by the sender ID that accompanied the reservation command to access the peripheral device. While the reservation is established, access to the detected peripheral device from senders other than the identified terminal is rejected.
US07899918B1
A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving service accounting in a network. After a client is authorized and authenticated, an accounting record is sent with the authorization accept message, and the account record is logged.
US07899913B2
A system and method are provided for establishing network connections. Initially, an attempt to establish a connection on a network is identified. A portion of memory is then allocated for storing data associated with the connection.
US07899911B2
An improved method and apparatus to retrieve information over a network is described.
US07899888B2
An information processing system includes a runtime versioning facility which allows for managing its configuration so that modifications made during runtime are propagated and take affect without restarting the system or a portion thereof. This allows the potential for 100% uptime while upgrading such systems. This also provides a system capability to process multiple configuration versions, and to be able to process such versions even while such versions are changing during operation of the information processing systems. For example, a system such as a registry server capable of transactional configuration changes is provided which manages its configuration so that modifications made during runtime are propagated and take affect without restarting the server.
US07899886B2
Apparatus and methods for information transfer using a cache server are disclosed. A user requests a file via a file requesting device, over a network, from a host. The host transfers the file to a cache server over a connection at a first scheduled time. The cache server then transfers the file, over a second network, to a file receiving device at a second scheduled time.
US07899880B2
This invention is to ensure synchronization between images in an information apparatus with those in an external device without bothering a user while reflecting the user's intension of whether to make an image open to the public. Only images in groups with the same group ID are synchronized without synchronizing albums in the information apparatus with albums in the external device. In addition synchronization processing is controlled by switching a flag indicating a flag to inhibit upload to the Web server.
US07899879B2
A method of optimizing the delivery of a set of data elements from a first device to a second device. The method includes retrieving from a data source the set of data elements, including a first subset of the set of data elements, a second subset of the set of data elements, and a third subset of the set of data elements. The method also includes transferring the first subset of the set of data elements to the second device. The method further includes selecting a forth subset of the set of data elements, wherein the forth subset can be comprised of data elements from the first subset and the second subset; or wherein the forth subset can be comprised of data elements from the second subset and the third subset. The method also includes transferring a forth subset of the set of data elements to the second device.
US07899874B2
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for transmitting an email message to multiple groups of recipients is disclosed herein. In selected embodiments, a method may include composing an email message including digitally encoded content and email addresses associated with a first group of intended recipients. The method may further include adding, in response to a user request, email addresses associated with a second group of intended recipients. The email message may then be sent to the first and second groups of intended recipients. The method may further include preventing the first group of intended recipients from determining the identities of the second group of intended recipients, and preventing the second group of intended recipients from determining the identities of the first group of intended recipients.
US07899866B1
Email spam filtering is performed based on a sender reputation and message features. When an email message is received, a preliminary spam determination is made based, at least in part, on a combination of a reputation associated with the sender of the email message and one or more features of the email message. If the preliminary spam determination indicates that the message is spam, then a secondary spam determination is made based on one or more features of the received email message. If both the preliminary and secondary spam determinations indicate that the received email message is likely spam, then the message is treated as spam.
US07899862B2
Informing a user of a large scale network dynamically of other network users includes determining dynamically an online context of the user. Other users presently within the online context of the user are identified and trait information is stored that is related essentially only to the user or to the other users in a users store associated with the online context. The user is informed dynamically of the other users based on the stored trait information, such as, for example, an age or other demographic identifier, or information indicative of an expertise, interest, preference, user type and/or other quality of the user or of the other individual.
US07899860B2
A circuit for estimating propagated carries in an adder starting from operands that include actual addition inputs or at least one earlier carry, the circuit performs statistical circuit operations with independent binary traffic for the operands. Preferably, this binary traffic is independent and equiprobable or quasi-equiprobable binary traffic, and the adder is a leading zero anticipatory logic integer adder producing a number having the same number of leading zeroes as the result of the integer addition performed. The carry value may be produced from a logic function (e.g., Karnaugh Map, Quine-McClusky) of the operands, as a logic combination of the operands covering all the 1s in the logic function.
US07899859B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that performs both error-check and exact-check operations for a Newton-Raphson divide or square-root computation. During operation, the system performs Newton-Raphson iterations followed by a multiply for a divide or a square-root operation to produce a result, which includes one or more additional bits of accuracy beyond a desired accuracy for the result. Next, the system rounds the result to the desired accuracy to produce a rounded result t. The system then analyzes the additional bits of accuracy to determine whether t is correct and whether t is exact.
US07899856B2
A computer implemented method for determining when to change a representation type of at least one number stored in a memory of a data processing system. An operation is received in a processor of the data processing system. The operation references a number stored as a class of an object-oriented programming language. The number is stored as a first representation type. Responsive to the operation being biased towards the first representation type, a first counter is incremented. Responsive to the operation being biased towards a second representation type, a second counter is incremented. A counter reference is equal to a first value of the first counter subtracted from a second value of the second counter. Responsive to the counter reference exceeding a threshold number, representation of a subsequent number is changed from the first representation type to the second representation type.
US07899855B2
Method, apparatus, and program means for performing a conversion. In one embodiment, a disclosed apparatus includes a destination storage location corresponding to a first architectural register. A functional unit operates responsive to a control signal, to convert a first packed first format value selected from a set of packed first format values into a plurality of second format values. Each of the first format values has a plurality of sub elements having a first number of bits. The second format values have a greater number of bits. The functional unit stores the plurality of second format values into an architectural register.
US07899854B1
In one aspect, the invention provides computational device that comprises a processor for performing mathematical computations, and a user interface. The user interface comprises a display and a plurality of functional buttons each associated one of a plurality of variables in a mathematical equation defining a relationship among those variables. In response to the selection of any of the buttons by a user, the processor effects presentation of one or more prompts in the display to invite the user to enter values for variables associated with buttons other than that selected by the user, and upon entry of the last variable value, the processor calculates a value for the variable selected by the user and presents said calculated value in the display.
US07899843B2
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for creating and sharing an annotation associated with a data object other than the particular data object described by the annotation are provided. The annotation may be associated with an entity, even though the annotation may describe only a particular data object encompassed by the entity. By associating the annotation with the entity, the annotation may be made available to other users viewing information related to the entity, even if the particular data object described by the annotation is not displayed in the information being viewed.
US07899841B2
An InfoSet API calls a query, the call defining selections for data retrieval. These selections are passed by the query to a report, which obtains data responsive to the selections via a data source. The obtained data is persisted in a global memory which allows such data to be accessed in multiple sessions. The persisted data is retrieved from the global memory by the query which in turns provides such data in response to the InfoSet API call. Techniques for automatically creating aspects of Infosets are also described as well as other related techniques, apparatus, systems, and articles.
US07899839B2
A query statement, issued to a local database server, is re-written. The query references at least one of a first or a second object. The first object is remote with respect to the local database server, for accessing a first materialized view that is local or remote with respect to the local database server. The second object is local with respect to the local database server, to access a second materialized view that is remote with respect to the local database server. Rewriting the query can include dynamically tracking a staleness state associated with one or more of the materialized views.
US07899838B1
A method and system reducing tier-to-tier movement of data in a multi-tiered architecture is disclosed. Rules from a first tier of the architecture are converted to SQL and transferred to a second tier that stores data.
US07899836B2
An apparatus and method for providing a user interface through which a user may generate a conditional expression are provided. The user interface provides guidance to a user as to the proper parts of the conditional expression to include in the conditional expression as the user constructs the conditional expression. Thus, as the user completes parts of the conditional expression, the guidance that is offered is updated based on the current context of the conditional expression. This guidance may include listings of variables, attributes and/or functions that are most appropriate to be entered next in the conditional expression, help text, and the like.
US07899820B2
A computer readable medium includes executable instructions to create a first export file that defines attributes and relationships associated with a first business intelligence object. A second export file that characterizes a second business intelligence object associated with the first business intelligence object is formed. The first export file and the second export file are combined into a composite export entity. The composite export entity is distributed.
US07899817B2
Embodiments herein prevent or mitigate attacks on inverse query engines by providing safe mode routines that allow for the acceptance of third party messages and/or query expressions, as well as prevent trusted sources from accidental attacks. The mitigations fall into two categories: compile-time and runtime. Compile-time mitigations prevent query expressions from being accepted and compiled that are susceptible to known attacks. For example, the complexity of query expressions may be limited to functions with linear runtimes; constant memory usage; or ones that do not create large strings. Further, language constructs for the criteria in the query expression may not allow for nested predicates complexities. Runtime mitigations, on the other hand, monitor the data size and processing lengths of messages against the various query expressions. If these runtime quotas are exceeded, an exception or other violation indication may be thrown (e.g., abort), deeming the evaluation as under attack.
US07899802B2
Methods and systems for a moveable search engine interface that remains visible on the desktop are provided. In one embodiment, a search engine interface is created by displaying a graphical image of a window on a screen of the computer. The window may receive search terms for searching information available to a search engine. The search engine interface is also created by associating a two dimensional graphical image that has a specified shape and color with the window. The search engine interface is designed to remain available on the screen of the computer regardless of whether a browser associated with the computer is open or closed. Further the search engine interface is designed to be moved anywhere on the screen.
US07899801B1
A method and system for allowing a resource associated with a target document usable for ad rendering by a first entity to be used for rendering of content by a second entity. Depending on one or more conditions, the first entity either uses the resource to render at least one ad or allows a second entity to use at least a portion of the resource to render content.
US07899800B2
In one embodiment, systems and methods are provided for nonlinear journaling. In one embodiment, groups of data designated for storage in a data storage unit are journaled into persistent storage. In one embodiment, the journal data is recorded nonlinearly. In one embodiment, a linked data structure records data and data descriptors in persistent storage.
US07899799B2
Instead of executing a plurality of submitted transactions separately, each data item to be processed by the plurality of submitted transactions is retrieved only once, update operations of the plurality of transactions are executed consecutively on the retrieved data item in main memory, and only the last updated result is written in a database once.Two-phase locking technique and timestamp technique are used for multi-operation processing providing concurrency control of transactions in order to execute multiple synthetic transactions concurrently.
US07899789B2
The Networked Data Shadowing System comprises a memory module that is connected to a plurality of monitored computer systems via an existing communication medium to store the shadowed data. The memory module includes one or more memory devices for data storage as well as software, including a control software component that is automatically installed on the monitored computer systems when the monitored computer system is first connected to the memory module, as well as associated module software for maintaining a record of the data stored on the memory devices and controlling the operation of the memory devices. The Networked Data Shadowing System operates autonomously and achieves a significant amount of data storage efficiency by implementing a “data de-duplication” process to avoid storing multiple copies of the same files.
US07899785B2
Splitting and merging database object information sharing streams. Streams are also referred to herein as “propagations”. Splitting and merging information sharing streams can be used to improve performance in a information sharing environment when a failed or slow DBS impacts the performance. In one embodiment, an auto split process monitors the progress of applying changes at each node and detects the presence of a failed or a slow node. Once the failed or slow node is identified, the auto split process splits the propagation such that the offending node is sent through a separate propagation. Furthermore, an auto merge process can be started to monitor the newly created separate propagation. At a later point, the new propagation can be merged back into the original stream. For example, if the offending node catches up with other nodes, the auto merge process merges the newly created propagation back to the original propagation.
US07899777B2
A visualization system that generates visual mash-ups for industrial automation includes a mash-up component that combines output from a subset of disparate sources into a common interface. The disparate sources include at least one of equipment, computers, or devices within an industrial automation environment. A visualization component generates and displays a mash-up visualization that includes information associated with the common interface.
US07899764B2
A medical ontology may be used for computer assisted clinical decision support. Multi-level and/or semantically grouped medical ontology is incorporated into a machine learning algorithm. The resulting machine-learnt algorithm outputs information to assist in clinical decisions. For example, a patient record is input to the algorithm. Based on the incorporated medical ontology, similarities are aggregated in different groups. An aggregate similarity of at least one group is a function of an aggregate similarity of at least another group. One or more similar patients and/or outcomes are identified based on similarity. Probability based outputs may be provided.
US07899757B1
The invention relates to a method for managing trust level of a collection of information having a first input data and a derived data. The method involves obtaining the first input data from a data source, generating the derived data from at least the first input data, determining a derived trust level of the derived data from at least a first input trust level based on the data source, and indicating validity of the derived data based on the derived trust level.
US07899756B2
A critical parameter/requirements management process model for managing a development program for a product and an associated product structure-driven critical parameter/requirements management tool and environment is provided. In one embodiment, the process includes a product structure classification scheme, a parameter/requirements classification scheme, a parameter/requirements process and maturity model, and in-process and requirements conformance views. In one embodiment, the tool includes a user interface layer, a business layer, a data layer, and a database. The user interface layer may include a product structure feature group, an add/edit/link feature group, a manage maturity feature group, and a manage conformance feature group. The tool may be implemented as a web server accessible to user workstations operating as thin clients. The tool may be integrated with one or more other product development tools, such as a document-driven requirements management, configuration management, manufacturing/production control system, problem management, and phased product delivery process tools.
US07899754B2
A feature key is provided to enable a specific feature in a target system, such as an IBM® Enterprise Storage Server®. The key includes fields identifying at least a portion of a serial number of the target system, identifying the feature on the target system to be enabled, and identifying a quantity associated with the feature to be enabled. Including the serial number ensures that the feature key will enable the feature on only the designated system and including the quantity ensures that only the quantity (of storage space, for example) paid for by the customer will be enabled. Additional fields may also be included identifying a storage architecture on which the feature is to be enabled, identifying a machine on which the feature is to be enabled, and identifying a sequence of prior feature keys generated for the feature on the target system. Preferably, the key is encrypted with an algorithm which uses at least a portion of the serial number of the target system, thereby ensuring that the feature key may be decrypted only by the target system.
US07899745B1
An automated method is provided for processing large deposits that exceed an established deposit insurance limit so that the large deposits are fully insured. The large deposits are received from a plurality of unaffiliated banks from their respective depositors. The method is operated by an entity that processes the large deposits using a processor. The processor receives orders sent from the plurality of banks to process large deposits. Each of the large deposits are partitioned using the processor into a plurality of deposit portions, each deposit portion not exceeding the established deposit insurance limit. The processor assigns at least some of the deposit portions for each of the large deposits to at least some of the unaffiliated banks other than the bank that received the large deposit for deposit therein. The processor receives a fee from each of the banks that sent an order and credits the fee to the entity that processes the large deposits.
US07899742B2
The present invention provides a system and method for providing a flexible limit subsidiary account that may be issued by a Foreign Financial Institution. In particular, the present provides a system and method for allowing a parent to provide funds to a subsidiary and to control the spending of subsidiary or spending capacity. The card account may be issued at the request of the parent who may retain the ability to define, modify, and/or terminate the spending and/or debt accumulation limits for the subsidiary card account as well as other features as described in the attached disclosure. The system may be configured to provide the ability for parent to eliminate risks associated with fluctuations in currency exchange rates by committing to fixed automatic long-term charges at a fixed foreign exchange rate for a fixed term.
US07899736B1
A data feed from an electronic exchange carries certain pieces of market information. Software at the trading station receives the data feed and computes an effective bid price and/or an effective ask price based on a particular quantity to trade. Then, the effective bid price and/or effective ask price are indicated to the user. An effective bid price is an average price at which a certain quantity could be sold based on current market conditions. An effective ask price is an average price at which a certain quantity could be bought based on current market conditions. Depending on the available quantities in the market, the effective prices may represent spreads different from the actual spread of the inside market. Additionally, a derivative of price, such as yield, may be used to compute other types of effective bid and/or ask information.
US07899729B2
Methods and systems are provided which enable options broker-dealers to guarantee execution of an option trade order within a specified time window. By providing means to quantify and mitigate the effects of several factors which contribute to options market inefficiency (e.g., market structure, regulatory constraints, and “market misbehavior”), these methods and systems eliminate or at least reduce the level of broker-dealer risk inherent in offering an execution speed guarantee, while optionally simultaneously providing better execution quality for investors.
US07899721B2
A system, method and computer program product are provided for e-commerce. In use, a plurality of suppliers are registered. In addition, goods-related information from customers is received, where the goods-related information is associated with goods. Access to the goods-related information by the suppliers is allowed utilizing a network. Further, offers relating to the goods from the suppliers are received utilizing the network, and the customers are informed of the offers. Still yet, a guarantee is provided to the customers regarding a qualification of at least one supplier with respect to a provision or fulfillment of the offer received therefrom. Such guarantee is provided as a function the at least one supplier or at least one action thereof.
US07899712B2
A method and a system to transfer payment to a seller associated with a transaction facility. In one aspect, a risk level involved in a payment transaction using a scoring algorithm is evaluated based on seller-specific criteria; and a payment is processed based on the evaluation.
US07899707B1
A system and method facilitating the management of current and prospective customers and customer information is provided. The invention includes an aggregation system adapted to provide management and generation of current and prospective customers. The invention further provides management of current and prospective customer information. Additionally, the aggregation system provides for generating advertisements based at least in part upon market information. Finally, the present invention also includes a printstream aggregation method facilitating the printing of print orders.
US07899705B2
VISUAL IMAGE MARKETING (VIM) is a system whereby the visual image on a film or television program is utilized to market that specific product. In VIM, film\television is combined with computer technology to provide real-time or delayed access to product data. Viewers identify a product or object displayed in a video, television show or movie and by merely pointing and clicking on the object to obtain marketing and other data.
US07899703B2
A method and apparatus for providing advertising service in a computer network is provided. This method and apparatus further comprises receiving a request from a user via this computer network to view a Web page, providing conditions to the user for viewing this Web page, delivering this Web page to the user, determining if the user has met the conditions required for viewing this Web page, and terminating access of the user to this Web page if these conditions are not met.
US07899702B2
A system and method for facilitating on-line generation and assignment of evaluations for entities of a particular organization comprising: a web-based server device for generating web-based communications for delivery to web-enabled devices over a communications network, and receiving web-based communications via the network; an evaluation build module for initiating a web-based communication via the server device for receipt by a user device, the communication comprising a first interface for receiving user input to generate a customized evaluation for a particular organization including input for specifying a target audience (evaluator) for the evaluation, specifying a subject (evaluatee) of the evaluation, specifying associated evaluation questions for the target audience, and specifying potential answer choice types to be entered by evaluators when completing the evaluation; and, evaluation assignment module for generating an evaluations assignment interface via a web-based communication for receiving user input to selectively assign and schedule by date and date range the generated evaluations to one or more evaluators for receipt at web-enabled devices, wherein the assigned evaluations are capable of being viewed and completed on-line by the evaluators.
US07899701B1
Disclosed are methods for competitive pricing implemented in software for commerce in an electronic marketplace. A vendor may identify rivals: competitors against which the vendor most directly competes by dint of having similar reputation and market positioning. Using specified pricing models applied to filtered price data periodically gathered by spider-crawling competitors on the Internet, a vendor may adjust product prices to match rivals while accounting for overall marketplace price trends.
US07899697B2
This application describes an application of resource unit brokering algorithms, chip management methods for automated brokering, chip management methods for live brokering, and chip allocation methods to the brokering of security characteristics of service level management within an enterprise. Typically, the security characteristics are derived from known capacity values that are provided by configuration managers. Calculations are made on the capacity values and maximum quantities of the availability resource units are provided to resource brokers for spot or periodic sale and auction to one or more buyer's agents.
US07899696B2
This application describes an application of resource unit brokering algorithms, chip management methods for automated brokering, chip management methods for live brokering, and chip allocation methods to the brokering of recoverability characteristics of service level management within an enterprise. Typically, the recoverability characteristics are derived from known capacity values that are provided by configuration managers. Calculations are made on the capacity values and maximum quantities of the availability resource units are provided to resource brokers for spot or periodic sale and auction to one or more buyer's agents.
US07899692B2
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system that includes a user interface to receive an electronic status change for an airline flight and an airline reservation system to determine whether at least one ancillary travel service associated with the airline flight should be modified based on the received electronic status change. The system includes a messaging interface to electronically transmit a request to modify the at least one ancillary travel service based on the electronic status change if the determination is made to modify the at least one ancillary travel service. The messaging interface further electronically transmits payment information to the travel service provider for use in crediting or debiting a payment associated with the at least one modified ancillary travel service. The payment information is associated with a customer that reserved the at least one ancillary travel service.
US07899691B1
A method for creating a sales model for a plurality of products is provided. Generally a plurality demand groups are created, where each demand group is a set of at least one product and wherein at least one of the demand groups is a set of at least two products. A sales model is created for each demand group. A market share model is created for each product in each demand group.In addition, an econometric engine for modeling sales as a function of price is provided. An imputed variable generator and a coefficient estimator coupled to the imputed variable generator form the econometric engine, where imputed variables generated by the variable generator are used by the coefficient estimator to create a sales model.
US07899676B2
A signal encoding device for encoding an input time-series signal includes: partitioning means; low-frequency encoding means; high-frequency gain information generating means; low-frequency reference value information generating means; high-frequency gain difference information generating means; high-frequency gain difference information encoding means; and multiplexing means.
US07899674B1
A graphical user interface for a semantic normalizer of natural language comprising: a link to a preference menu, in which a user may set the semantic normalizer to operate in a predictive or learning mode; an input textbox disposed to display user-typed text in a first font color and user-spoken text in a second font color; a semantic echo textbox disposed to display semantically normalized text in a third font color, wherein the first, second, and third font colors are different from each other; graphical buttons that are only enabled when the semantic normalizer is in learning mode, wherein the graphical buttons may be selected by the user after the user has been prompted by the semantic normalizer to verify the accuracy of the semantically normalized text, the graphical buttons comprising a “Yes” button, a “No” button, and an “Enter Correction” button.
US07899668B2
An embodiment of the present invention is a method for testing an audience member's comprehension rate and presenting material in a media work at a rate determined from the comprehension rate, the method including: (a) determining a comprehension rate for materials to be presented in a media work; (b) storing information representing the comprehension rate; (c) determining a presentation rate for intervals of the media work utilizing the comprehension rate information to alter effort required for comprehension; and (d) presenting portions of the media work at the presentation rates determined.
US07899665B2
Embodiments of the present invention can gather data from native language sources to produce a valid collation sequence that is appropriate for a particular language and application. Sequences of characters in this data are tested to determine strength levels used by the given language. The data is also recursively probed with other sequences to test for contractions and identify expansions. Sequences in the data may then be compared against a known or predetermined sequence to generate a set of sorting rules that is specific to the language and application. The rules are formatted to replicate the sorting order found in the data.
US07899659B2
A method for generating a compressed representation of a simulated waveform is disclosed. The method may have the steps of: (a) processing circuit model information, (b) identifying a segment of stable repetition; and (c) generating the compressed representation. Step (a) may generate waveform information representing a simulated waveform occurring in the circuit model. Step (b) may identify the segment in the waveform information. In step (c), the compressed waveform information may define the segment by (i) cycle information representing the waveform cycle and (ii) repetition information representing the stable repetitions of the waveform cycle to form the segment.
US07899654B2
A computer implemented method for simulating a final pattern of a droplet of a fluid having a plurality of fluid properties is disclosed. The method includes representing a position of a moving fluid boundary at a first point in time with a plurality of fluid markers, wherein the moving fluid boundary provides a boundary for a single-phase fluid. The moving fluid boundary separates a simulation space into a fluid space and a vacuum space, and the single-phase fluid inhabits the fluid space. The method further includes evaluating a plurality of indicator function defined on a quadrilateral grid for a velocity field, a pressure, and the plurality of fluid markers. The quadrilateral grid is formed by a plurality of points inside the fluid space and the vacuum space. The method also includes calculating surface tension at the moving fluid boundary through a level set method, solving a plurality of flow equations through a projection method for a surface location on the boundary, and representing the position of the moving fluid boundary at a second point in time by updating the positions of the fluid markers based on the plurality of velocity values. The fluid properties and the shape of the final pattern is then stored on a computer readable media.
US07899651B2
In a method for estimating an entrance angle of a V-ribbed belt from a flat pulley to a V-ribbed pulley, the entrance angle is estimated easily at a stage of pulley layout design.The V-ribbed belt 10 forms a track which enters at an entrance angle of approximately zero degree (substantially perpendicular to a plane that includes an axis 3a of rotation) into the flat pulley 3, is wound along the outer peripheral face of the flat pulley 3 without deviating in the axial direction thereof, and extends substantially linearly from a winding end point c at the flat pulley 3 to a winding start point d at a drive pulley 1. The entrance angle α of the V-ribbed belt 10 from the flat pulley 3 to the drive pulley 1 is obtained on the basis of the track of the V-ribbed belt by, for example, a three-dimensional CAD or the like.
US07899649B1
Signal detection circuitry for a serial interface oversamples the input—i.e., samples the input multiple times per clock cycle—so that the likelihood of missing a signal is reduced. Sampling may be done with a regenerative latch which has a large bandwidth and can latch a signal at high speed. The amplitude threshold for detection may be programmable, particularly in a programmable device. Thus, between the use of a regenerative latch which is likely to catch any signal that might be present, and the use of oversampling to avoid the problem of sampling at the wrong time, the likelihood of failing to detect a signal is greatly diminished. Logic, such as a state machine, may be used to determine whether the samples captured s do or do not represent a signal. That logic may be programmable, allowing a user to set various parameters for signal detection.
US07899646B2
A method for deciding the relationship between a physical property and a threshold, comprising measuring a physical property to obtain a measured value, calculating the distribution of actual values for the physical property, calculating the error distribution of the obtained measured value, calculating the penalty associated with an erroneous decision, and calculating a margin based on the expected loss from selecting at least one possible actual value as a function of the calculated distribution of actual values, the calculated error distribution of the measured value, and the calculated penalty associated with an erroneous decision. Embodiments including a system and apparatus are also disclosed.
US07899645B2
Methods are provided for analyzing characteristics of fluids in the context of an acoustic ejection system. Such a system has a controller, an acoustic radiation generator, and a coupling medium coupling the radiation to a reservoir holding fluid. The methods can use acoustic radiation to both perturb a surface of the fluid in the reservoir and analyze the effect of the perturbation. The methods may use information about prior fluids. The methods of the invention can determine physical characteristics such as speed of sound and viscosity. The methods also include ways to determine a level of acoustic energy suitable to eject a droplet. Preferably the methods are executed automatically under control of programming of a controller of an acoustic ejection system.
US07899637B2
The invention can provide a method of processing a substrate using Gate-Optimization processing sequences and evaluation libraries that can include gate-etch procedures, COR-etch procedures, and evaluation procedures.
US07899632B2
A method and apparatus for anti-islanding of distributed power generation systems having an inverter comprising a phase locked loop (PLL), a phase shift generator for injecting a phase shift into the PLL during at least one sample period, and a phase error signature monitor for monitoring at least one phase error response of the PLL during the at least one sample period.
US07899631B2
In the method for estimating battery residual capacity of the present invention, the voltage measurement values are obtained (step S2). And once it is finished, using the initial values of the coefficients set at the step S3 as starting, the optimization is progressed with renewing each value of the coefficients on the following iterating calculations (step S4). Once the optimum value of each coefficient in the approximation is determined at the step S4, the stable open circuit voltage is calculated by the optimized reciprocal function using thereof at the step S5. And then based thereon, the battery residual capacity is calculated by the predetermined conversion method (step S6).
US07899629B2
A method for determining the total leak rate of a system impinged upon by pressure and connected to a control apparatus comprising a valve battery with a test side and a reference side, the valve battery being controllable via a measuring unit, encompasses the following steps: filling the system and the control apparatus with a test medium; closing the connection between the system and the control apparatus; opening a reference leak is on the valve battery; determining the reference leak rate; opening the connection between the system and the control apparatus; and determining the influence of the system on the reference leak rate. A control apparatus comprises a valve battery that is controlled by a measuring unit and is provided with a test side and a reference side which are separated with the aid of a differential pressure sensor and a test and check valve which is connected thereto.
US07899621B2
Accident avoidance system onboard a host vehicle includes a position determining system for determining position information for the host vehicle based on signals received from a plurality of satellites, a transmitter for broadcasting the position information for the host vehicle to locations remote from the host vehicle, a receiver for receiving a traffic information broadcast from an infrastructure system including vehicle position information received from position-reporting vehicles and vehicle position information received from an active position determining system that acquires position information for non-position-reporting vehicles, and an accident risk warning system. The risk warning system alerts an operator of the host vehicle of a risk of an accident involving the host vehicle based on the vehicle position information for the host vehicle and map data representing a roadway that the host vehicle is approaching or traveling on including edges or lane boundaries of the roadway.
US07899618B2
A method of guiding a vehicle comprises sensing a position of a laser beam using a laser sensor and receiving a signal from the laser sensor wherein the signal is representative of the position of the laser beam. The method further includes interpreting the signal, generating a control signal in response to the laser beam being greater than a predetermined distance from a predetermined reference position and wherein the control signal is configured to control the vehicle to track the position of the laser beam. The method additionally comprises sending the control signal to a drive actuator.
US07899608B1
A method of identifying misfires in an engine including: running the engine; measuring the pressure pulses from the exhaust; generating a waveform from the measured pulses; dividing the waveform into segments; associating each waveform segment with the cylinder which generated the pulse; and examining each segment for features which indicate a misfire. Also disclosed is methodology for checking the performance of an engine including cam timing and identifying the probable cause(s) of misfires. This includes generating a cylinder pressure waveform from the measured pressure changes in a cylinder and analyzing the magnitude and timing of at least one of the pressure changes in such cylinder. Further disclosed is methodology for analyzing the pressure changes in the engine's intake manifold and in the crankcase. Finally, additional diagnostic procedures are disclosed for: checking the ignition timing of an engine; and using the apparatus and methods with additional instrumentation including gas analyzers.
US07899607B2
An open-loop control system that provides control signals to active engine mounts to reduce or eliminate the transfer of engine vibration to a vehicle body structure, where the system uses only a crank signal from the engine as an input. The control system includes an instant crank speed variation sensing processor that receives the crank signal from the engine, where the crank signal is a pulsed signal including missing pulses as a result of teeth missing on the vehicle crank wheel. The crank speed variation sensing processor provides a measurement of the instant crank speed variation of the crank signal and minimizes an error in the measurement as a result of the missing pulses. The crank speed variation sensing processor outputs a crank speed sensing variation signal as a sine wave that identifies order content in the crank pulse signal.
US07899587B2
A front and rear wheel drive vehicle having a front wheel pair and a rear wheel pair, one of which is driven with an engine and the other one of which is driven with a motor. The vehicle includes an engine driving force setting section which sets a target driving force of the engine based on driving conditions of the vehicle, a motor driving force setting section which sets a target driving force of the motor based on driving conditions of the vehicle and a control section of the motor in accordance with changes of the target engine driving force and the target motor driving force.
US07899584B2
A method of controlling a vehicle includes determining an operation assigned to the vehicle along at least one segment of a route assigned to the vehicle and determining at least one control parameter of the vehicle based on at least one operation characteristic. The at least one operation characteristic relates to the operation assigned to the vehicle. The at least one control parameter is determined before operating the vehicle on the assigned route.
US07899570B2
The present disclosure relates to automatic deposition profile targeting with a combined deposition/polishing apparatus which obtains matching deposition and subsequent polishing profiles by use of feedback data from an advanced polish endpoint system in an advanced process control system.
US07899567B2
An inspection-required product selection method and program for minimizing the number of investigation steps at the time of a defect occurrence for a product placed on the market are disclosed. A combination of product lots to be inspected is assumed based on the information on the material lots used for a product lot scheduled for production for a predetermined future period and the number of the product lots inspected during the same period. The number of the material lots not included in the product lots to be inspected is totalized for each product lot, and the statistical values are calculated for all the conceivable combinations of the product lots. The combination of the product lots optimizing the statistical values is selected for inspection.
US07899563B2
A system control device includes a protective control section for providing protective control while allowing a first control command value computation section to perform computations during a period during which a first feedback control section exercises control; a control command value decrease section; a termination time acquisition section for acquiring the information about the termination time for the protective control; and a termination control section which uses a control command value decreased by the control command value decrease section as the initial control command value after the termination time.
US07899555B2
The intrapericardial lead includes a lead body having a proximal portion and a flexible, pre-curved distal end portion. The distal end portion carries at least one electrode assembly containing an electrode adapted to engage pericardial tissue. The distal end portion further carries a pre-curved flexible wire member having ends attached to spaced apart points along the distal end portion of the lead body, the flexible wire member having a normally expanded state wherein an intermediate portion of the wire member is spaced apart from the distal end portion, and a generally straightened state wherein the wire member and the distal end portion are disposed in a more parallel, adjacent relationship so as to present a small frontal area to facilitate delivery into the pericardial space. The wire member re-expands to its normal state after delivery into the percaridal space to anchor the distal end portion of the lead body relative to the pericardial tissue.
US07899546B2
A watchdog unit receives stay-alive signals from a programming device during programming of an implantable medical device. The watchdog unit maintains a watchdog timer, and resets the timer upon receipt of each stay-alive signal. If the watchdog timer expires, the watchdog unit changes a mode of operation of the implantable device, e.g., places the implantable medical device into a known, safe state. For example, the watchdog unit may cause the implantable medical device to suspend delivery of therapy, perform a power-on reset, and/or recall a known, safe, therapy delivery program.
US07899544B2
The invention is directed to an implantable pump. The implantable pump has a port with light emitters indicating the location of the port. The port can be useful in providing bolus injections or the refilling of reservoirs. The light emitters can be arranged in various forms about the port including linear, triangular, square, or circular, among others. If more than one port is located on a device, these ports can be differentiated by differing colors and arrangements of emitters. In addition, various circuitries can be used to activate the emitters. These circuitries can include a coil and capacitor arrangement that provide a separate power source from that of the pump.
US07899537B1
An implantable pericardial device provides therapy to a heart of a patient. In one embodiment electronics, electrodes and other components are provided in a unitary assembly. These components may be implemented such that the unitary assembly has a sufficient degree of flexibility. The implantable pericardial device may be implanted into the pericardial space using a relatively low-invasive technique such as a sub-xiphoid approach.
US07899536B1
An exemplary method includes delivering a pacing pulse to a heart, acquiring a cardiac electrogram, comparing the cardiac electrogram to a template and, based on the comparing, deciding if the pacing pulse caused an evoked response. In such a method, the comparing may compare morphology of the cardiac electrogram to the template. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
US07899530B2
Methods and apparatus for treating fibrillation utilize biphasic waveforms. A cardiac stimulator includes a defibrillation circuit that uses a pulse width modulated capacitive discharge to generate various biphasic waveforms, one or more of which may be delivered to the heart to treat the fibrillation.
US07899529B2
An electronic device includes a housing (20) having a first interior region (26) and a second interior region (28). The second interior region (28) is sized to receive an electronic interface (18). The device also includes a wound capacitor core (14) adapted for electrical communication with the second interior region (28), and a capacitor potting material (38) disposed in contact with the first interior region (26) and the wound capacitor core (14).
US07899523B2
The RR series, comprising a number of samples respectively defining the time interval between two successive heartbeats, is filtered by means of a digital band-pass filter (Fk), having a given band-pass [fc; f′c] and preferably by means of a recursive elective filter (RII). A variability index (Ik), is calculated which is a function of the instantaneous amplitude [vs(n)] of the discrete signal (Sk) coming from said band-pass filter. The variability index (Ik) is preferably a function of and particularly equal to the effective value of the discrete signal (Sk) from the band-pass filter.
US07899520B2
A medical device having a sensor for sampling a biological signal, the biological signal representing a signal waveform and forming a waveform vector composed of the biological signal samples, and a memory for storing a least two threshold vectors composed of boundary samples representing at least two boundaries related to the biological signal defining subspaces for the biological signal samples. One threshold vector is an upper threshold vector composed of upper boundary samples and the other threshold vector is a lower threshold vector composed of lower boundary samples. An evaluation unit connected to the sensor determines a similarity index (ASCI) by comparing each of the biological signal samples of the waveform vector to corresponding boundary samples of the threshold vectors, thus determining to which subspace each biological signal sample belongs to and creating a trichotomized signal vector, and calculating the signed correlation product of two trichotomized signal vectors.
US07899517B2
A real time radiation treatment planning system for use in effecting radiation therapy of a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body. A processor is provided with a three-dimensional imaging algorithm and a three-dimensional image segmentation algorithm for at least the specific organs within the anatomical portion and the needles. The processor converts the image data into a three-dimensional image of the anatomical portion using at least one single or multi-objective anatomy based genetic optimization algorithm. The processor determines in real time the optimal number and position of the hollow needles, the position of the energy emitting source within each hollow needle and the dwell times of the energy emitting source at each position. For post planning purposes, the processor determines, based on three-dimensional image information in real time, the real needle positions and the dwell times of the energy emitting source for each position.
US07899512B2
A system for selectively disabling a surgical instrument operating in a surgical site of a region of interest of a living subject. In one embodiment, the system includes means for noninvasively placing a number of fiducial markers in an anatomic space of the region of interest of the living subject, means for pre-operatively measuring a location of each fiducial marker in the anatomic space, an imaging acquisition device for pre-operatively acquiring an image volume from the region of interest of the living subject, a probe for intra-operatively monitoring a location of the surgical instrument in the anatomic space, and a controller configured to perform the steps of identifying a centroid of each fiducial marker in the image volume, registering the identified centroid of each fiducial marker in the image volume to the measured location of the corresponding fiducial marker in the anatomic space to determine a registration transformation, mapping the monitored location of the surgical instrument in the anatomic space onto a corresponding location in the image volume by an inverse of the registration transformation, and generating a signal to disable the surgical instrument when the mapped location of the surgical instrument is substantially close to a boundary of the surgical site of the region of interest in the image volume.
US07899511B2
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous and subcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US07899505B2
A portable telephone (1) comprises a first structure (2) including a display portion (2a) such as a liquid crystal screen and a second structure (3) including an operation portion (3a). A projection (4) to engage with a guide groove (5) formed in the side surface of the first structure (2) is formed on the side surface of the second structure (3). Thus, by sliding the second structure (3) to one end side of guide groove (5), pivoting the second structure (3) at the end to the rear surface of the first structure (2), and sliding the second structure (3) to the other end side of the guide groove (5), the second structure (3) is set, from a closed state in which the major surface of the first structure (2) opposes the major surface of the second structure (3), to an open state in which the display portion (2a) and operation portion (3a) are exposed to the outside. In this manner, in the closed state, the second structure (3) covers the display portion (2a) of the first structure (2). This prevents the display portion 2a from causing inconveniences, thereby enhancing the durability.
US07899504B2
A mobile communication unit having a housing with at least one longitudinal side and a display area, and, a pivotably movable cover assembly longitudinally connected to the longitudinal side of the housing, the cover assembly being pivotably or slidably movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the housing and the display area, wherein pivotal or sliding movement of the cover assembly from the closed position to the open position provides widened access to the display area of the housing.
US07899498B2
A system and method for recognition of incoming call to a voicemail system is disclosed. A radio frequency identification (RFID) authenticates a user of a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device enables a one-button dialing of a voicemail system based on the RFID signal. The voicemail system recognizes the incoming call as the owner of the voicemail system and presents a plurality of options for accessing the voicemail system without playing the outgoing message.
US07899472B1
Accurate position capability can be quickly provided using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). When associated with a WLAN, a wireless device can quickly determine its relative and/or coordinate position based on information provided by an access point in the WLAN. Before a wireless device disassociates with the access point, the WLAN can periodically provide time, location, and decoded GPS data to the wireless device. In this manner, the wireless device can significantly reduce the time to acquire the necessary GPS satellite data (i.e. on the order of seconds instead of minutes) to determine its coordinate position.
US07899469B2
A communication system is described, including a mobile communications device, a mobile communications base station, and a server computer system. The location of the device may be correlated with certain user preferences stored on the server computer system. The components of the larger system are also described. In some cases, various location related mapping functions for a device are discussed. In other cases, systems and methods which provide for activities to be undertaken based on the location of a device are described. The disclosure also addresses systems and methods of efficiently determining the location of a mobile device. In some cases, different notification schemes based on the location of a device and specified preferences are described. The disclosure also addresses systems and methods for keyword monitoring based on the location of a device.
US07899468B2
Methods including computer program products for receiving a request from a first device, the request incorporating a message. One or more users from a first set of one or more users are selected where each of the selected one or more users is associated with a second device that is in a proximity to a current location of the first device. The message and the current location of the first device are sent to each of the second devices associated with the selected one or more users.
US07899465B1
The present invention discloses a system and a method for performing routing using location information of an IP terminal in a mobile IP telephony network. When a call is originated from an IP terminal to another subscriber it is checked whether location information of the IP terminal is required for the call. In case location information is required, the location information is added to the call setup data. Then, a destination address is determined on the basis of the call setup data and the location information. Finally, the call is routed to the determined destination address.
US07899460B2
There is provided a wireless communication method, the method including selecting first and second channels that apply different data transmission capabilities, respectively, and transmitting and receiving data using the selected first and second channels.
US07899455B2
Improved search capabilities are disclosed for mobile communications devices such as cell phones, as well as improved techniques for delivering sponsored content in a mobile communication environment.
US07899448B2
This invention relates to a method for use in a communications system comprising the steps of determining if user equipment is capable of supporting a first technology and obtaining from said user equipment information about said user equipment only if said user equipment is capable of supporting said first technology.
US07899447B2
In a telephone having a presence function, it is possible to easily register a presence state. The telephone includes: presence detection means for detecting a presence state of a user; a presence state storage unit for storing the presence state detected by the presence detection means; and control means having a presence modification function for modifying the presence information stored in the presence state storage unit according to the user presence state detected by the presence detection means. When the presence detection means has detected a presence of a user, the control means modifies the presence information stored in the presence state storage unit to presence information indicating a presence. When the presence detection means has detected an absence of the user, the control means modifies the presence information stored in the presence state storage unit to presence information indicating an absence. The control means registers the presence information stored in the presence state storage unit in a presence server.
US07899437B2
Emergency call system which enables an individual to summon assistance includes an emergency call unit connectable to a telephone line, at least one remote speakerphone unit having a speakerphone and connectable to the same telephone line as the emergency call unit, and at least one pendant adapted to be worn by the individual and including a button. The emergency call unit is arranged to determine whether any remote speakerphone units are off-hook when the button on the pendant is actuated and if so, send a signal to each remote speakerphone unit to disconnect from the telephone line. If one of the remote speakerphone units is off-hook, it will not interfere with the functioning of the emergency call unit. The emergency call unit is also arranged to dial a predetermined emergency telephone number when the button on the pendant is actuated and the telephone line is available for an outbound call.
US07899430B2
In the mobile radio communication system where the UMTS and an another system coexist an idle slot for observing the frequency component of another system is inserted in one superframe of UMTS. The duration of this idle slot is at most half of the duration of one frame that form the superframe and it is inserted at an interval of a specified number of frames. Therefore, the frequency component of the another system can be observed securely from the UMTS. Further, deterioration of interleaving performance of the compressed mode frames during such observation can be suppressed.
US07899426B2
In a SAW-less receiver involving a passive mixer, novel degenerative impedance elements having substantial impedances are disposed in incoming signal paths between the differential signal output leads of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and the differential signal input leads of the passive mixer. The passive mixer outputs signals to a transimpedance amplifier and baseband filter (TIA). Providing the novel degenerative impedance elements decreases noise in the overall receiver as output from the TIA, with only minimal degradation of other receiver performance characteristics. In some examples, the passive mixer receives local oscillator signals having duty cycles of substantially less than fifty percent. In some examples, the degenerative impedance elements can have one of several impedances.
US07899425B2
The present invention relates to a wireless communication device, such as a transponder, that has a plurality of antennas for multi-frequency usage. The wireless communication device comprises a control system, communication electronics, memory, and the aforementioned antennas. A wireless communication device having a pole antenna may be used with one or more loop conductor antennas to achieve the desired operating frequencies. A wireless communication device having a dipole antenna may be coupled across a loop conductor antenna to provide different loop conductor configurations depending on the frequency.
US07899421B2
A method and system for a double search algorithm of user group selection for multiuser MIMO downlink transmission are provided. The use of optimal brute-force user group selection may require high computational expense. A first search operation may be based on a first user having a channel gain greater than that of other users, while a second search operation may be based on a second user having a channel gain greater than that of the remaining users. A maximized system capacity may be determined based on the maximized system capacities determined in the first and second search loop. A receiver pair associated with the maximized system capacity may be selected as the user group. The double search algorithm may reduce the computational complexity while achieving performances that may exceed the TDMA scheme and be similar to that of systems with ideal CSI at the transmitter.
US07899417B2
The present invention is directed to a method for reducing the current consumption and increasing the efficiency of an RF power amplifier (PA), while maintaining the output power. The desired output power of the PA is determined and for each level of the desired output power, the load that is connected to the output stage of the PA is tuned to essentially match the output impedance of the output stage to provide maximal gain. By doing so, the dynamic RF load line has a slope that causes it to intersect with the drain-source (or emitter-collector, in case of a bipolar transistor) voltage, across the output stage, at a value that corresponds to the voltage swing required to provide the desired output power.
US07899413B2
A control unit, in cooperation with an interface (IF) unit, a modulation unit and a baseband processing unit, produces a packet signal composed of a plurality of streams. While using as a reference a first known signal assigned to one of the plurality of streams and performing a cyclic timing shift within the first known signal on a first known signal assigned to another stream, the control unit performs a timing shift also on an extensional known signal assigned to a stream where no data is assigned. The amounts of timing shift are given degrees of priority beforehand and for the stream where data signals are assigned the control unit uses the amounts of timing shift in descending degree of priority. For the stream where no data signal is assigned, the control unit uses the amounts of timing shift also in descending degree of priority.
US07899410B2
An adjustable antenna interface includes a single-ended to differential conversion circuit, an adjustable impedance matching circuit, an RF differential switch, and an input. The single-ended to differential conversion circuit converts inbound RF signals from single-ended signals to differential signals and converts outbound RF signals from differential signals to single-ended signals. The adjustable impedance matching circuit provides an impedance based on an impedance control signal. The RF differential switch provides the differential outbound RF signals from the IC to the single-ended to differential conversion circuit in accordance with a first antenna control signal and provides the differential inbound RF signals from the single-ended to differential conversion circuit to the IC in accordance with a second antenna control signal. The input receives the first antenna control signal, the second antenna control signal, and the impedance control signal from the IC.
US07899408B1
A circuit for transmitting a RFID signal while conserving the battery power for a circuit in continuous operation is disclosed herein. The circuit includes a RFID component, a microprocessor, an accelerometer and a battery. The battery preferably has no more than 225 milliamp hours of power. The accelerometer is preferably a multiple axis accelerometer. The circuit is preferably utilized with a device for shot tracking.
US07899398B2
The present invention discloses a portable Karaoke system. The portable Karaoke system has a separate radio auxiliary microphone receiving module and a separate FM transmission module, which can be inserted/separated into/from the portable Karaoke system, such that a user can select and purchase only a required function module and easily carry and keep the portable Karaoke system. The portable system has hooks, which are provided at both sides of a battery case to prevent a battery from being easily separated from the battery case, and semicircular recesses, which are formed at the top edges of both sidewalls of the battery case to allow a user to easily remove the battery from the battery case. Furthermore, the portable Karaoke system has first and second gears formed at stepped portions of the end of a microphone body such that the first gear is combined with a general microphone and the second gear is combined with a ball-type microphone net.
US07899397B2
Mobile computing systems are provided having an ultra-mobile PC and a detachable wireless communications module operable as phone and a short range and long range wireless data link. In one embodiment, the wireless communications module is capable of synchronizing data with the ultra-mobile PC. Another embodiment provides parasitic charging of the wireless communications module from the ultra-mobile PC battery for extended battery life. Another embodiment provides ability to synchronize data to and from the ultra-mobile PC even when it is powered off. Another embodiment provides drag and drop capability between the wireless module screen and the UMPC screen, which may provide application or operating system data transfers.
US07899388B2
A drive unit for changing the driving rate of paper ejection rollers for ejecting sheets of paper after fixing is installed, and an image forming apparatus has an option, and when ejecting the sheets of paper to an intra-body paper ejection unit, after the sheets of paper pass a fixing device, the paper ejection rate of paper ejection rollers 24 is increased, and the ejection force of the sheets of paper P is increased, and paper jamming at the time of paper ejection to the intra-body paper ejection unit is prevented.
US07899385B2
An image forming apparatus including a medium storage portion, a supply roller, a conveyance roller, a drive device and a transmission device is provided. The supply roller is rotary driven in a forward direction as a rotating direction to convey the recording mediums to a position for image formation, thereby to supply the abutting uppermost recording medium to a conveyance path. The conveyance roller is rotary driven in a forward direction as a rotating direction to convey the recording mediums to a position for image formation, thereby to allow passage of the uppermost recording medium conveyed by the supply roller. In the image forming apparatus, a conveyance speed of the recording medium by the conveyance roller is adapted to be faster than a conveyance speed of the recording medium by the supply roller.
US07899383B2
A lubricating device operable to lubricate a moving imaging surface subsequent to removal of residual toner by a cleaning device includes a lubricant applicator, a metering blade, and a priming agent. The lubricant applicator is located downstream of the cleaning device in a direction of movement of the imaging surface, and applies lubricant to the imaging surface. The metering blade is located downstream of the lubricant applicator in the direction of movement of the imaging surface, and spreads the applied lubricant into a thin layer by directly contacting the imaging surface. The priming agent is prepared by mixing a lubricant and a powder, and provided, prior to initial operation, on the lubricant applicator for application to the imaging surface upon startup.
US07899382B2
A lubricant supplier, installable in a process cartridge or an image forming apparatus, includes a ridge line extending crosswise to a longitudinal axis of the image forming member and contacting the surface of the image forming member at a non-perpendicular angle to the longitudinal axis of the image forming member, a first face opposed to the image forming member and located upstream from a contact portion of the ridge line and the surface of the image forming member in a direction of movement of the surface of the image forming member, and a second face opposed to the image forming member and located downstream from the contact portion in the direction of movement of the surface of the image forming member. The first face and the second face intersect at the ridge line and form an obtuse angle therebetween.
US07899380B2
An image forming apparatus which forms an image on a sheet, includes a controller which executes a cleaning mode in which the controller conveys the sheet from a sheet feed tray to a fixing device without forming a toner image on the sheet, removes toner that has been adhered to a fixing member to clean. In case the cleaning mode is executed, the controller controls a releasing section to release pressure contact of a pressing member before a leading edge of the sheet in a sheet conveyance direction reaches a nip portion between the fixing member and the pressing member, and to bring the pressing member into pressure contact with the fixing member after the leading edge of the sheet has passed through the nip portion.
US07899375B2
A developer carrier has concave portions regularly arranged on the surface thereof and being rotatable with a developer thereon. A contact member is made of an elastic rubber material, is in contact with the surface of the developer carrier, and vibrates with the rotation of the developer carrier. A value obtained by dividing a movement speed of the surface at the time of rotation of the developer carrier by a pitch of the concave portions in a peripheral direction of the developer carrier is smaller than a peak vibrational frequency of the contact member when a loss tangent obtained by dividing a loss elastic modulus of the contact member by a storage elastic modulus is the greatest.
US07899372B2
A developing device for an image forming apparatus includes both a layer height restricting blade for controlling a thickness of the developer layer on a developer supply roller, and a spike-height restricting blade. The spike-height restricting blade is located downstream from the layer height restricting blade, and upstream from the position at which an electrostatic latent image bearing member and the developer supply roller are closest to each other. Preferably, the tip of the spike-height restricting blade is located downstream from a radial line along which a main magnetic pole of the device projects half of its maximum magnetic field strength.
US07899371B2
This invention provides a buffering block with a Mylar bonded on the upper surface of an urethane rubber made base material on the bottom surface of the inserting port of an inserting side frame to support a toner bottle. When a toner bottle is slid and taken out from a copying machine, its inclined portion and cap portion run against the buffering block. Thus, a shock given to the toner bottle when taken out from the copying machine is eased and toner adhered around the cap portion is prevented from dropping to and contaminating the periphery of the inserting side frame.
US07899368B2
A development device includes a developer carrying member, developer supply, developer collection and developer agitation conveyance paths, transfer and communication openings, and partition. The developer carrying member bears a two-component developer. The developer supply and developer collection conveyance paths respectively convey the two-component and collected developers in the first direction. The developer agitation conveyance path conveys excess and collected developers in a second direction while agitating to supply the agitated developers to the developer supply conveyance path. The partition separates the developer collection, developer supply, and developer agitation conveyance paths. The transfer opening transfers the collected developer from the first to the second direction. The communication opening, disposed at a further upstream side of the developer collection conveyance path than the transfer opening in the first direction and at a higher position than the developer collection conveyance path, communicates the developer collection conveyance path with the developer agitation conveyance path.
US07899366B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member on which an electrostatic image is formed by imagewise exposure; a rotatable member; a developing device carried on said rotatable member and movable, by rotation of said rotatable member, to a developing position where said developing device is opposed to said image bearing member; a driven gear which is provided in said developing device and which receives a driving force for operating said developing device; and a driving gear, provided in a main assembly of the apparatus, for driving engagement with said driven gear of said developing device which is located at the developing position, wherein said driving gear, when said developing device is moving toward the developing position, is driven such that moving direction thereof is the same as a moving direction of said driven gear at an engagement portion with said driven gear, wherein upon driving engagement between said driven gear and said driving gear, a peripheral speed VA of said driven gear which is being moved by said rotatable member on an addendum circle thereof at said engagement portion and a peripheral speed VB of said driving gear on an addendum circle thereof satisfy 0.9≦VA/VB≦1.0.
US07899363B2
An image forming apparatus is constituted by a rotatable image bearing member; a charging member for electrically charging the image bearing member in contact with the image bearing member; developing member, containing polishing particles, for collecting toner from the image bearing member and effecting development on the basis of an electrostatic latent image formed on the image bearing member; a transfer member for transferring a toner image formed on the image bearing member onto a transfer material; an auxiliary charging member, located downstream from a transfer portion and upstream from the charging member with respect to a movement direction of the image bearing member, for electrically charging toner remaining on the image bearing member after the transfer by contact with the image bearing member; and control means for performing a discharging mode, for discharging polishing particles from the auxiliary charging member onto the image bearing member on the basis of an image ratio of an image to be formed, during non-image formation by applying a voltage to the auxiliary charging member under a condition different from a condition for applying a voltage to the auxiliary charging member during image formation.
US07899361B2
A photosensitive medium supporting apparatus includes a supporting shaft to rotatably support a photosensitive medium and to have a fixing groove or a fixing projection formed at one portion of the supporting shaft that projects from one end of the photosensitive medium, a first shaft supporting member to support the one portion of the supporting shaft that projects from one end of the photosensitive medium and to have a fixing projection or a fixing groove that is inserted into the fixing groove or the fixing projection of the supporting shaft, and a second shaft supporting member to support an other portion of the supporting shaft that projects from the other end of the photosensitive medium.
US07899358B2
A developing cartridge is attachable to and detachable from an image forming apparatus and is received by a developing cartridge receiving member. The developing cartridge includes: a developer carrier including a rotational shaft; a case that rotatably supports the developer carrier, the case being capable of being supported by the developing cartridge receiving member; and a conductive member electrically connected to the rotational shaft of the developer carrier, at least a part of the conductive member is positioned at an opposite side of the case to the developing cartridge receiving member in a substantially vertical direction.
US07899352B2
An aspect of the invention provides a charging control device of a color image forming apparatus, and the charging control device can properly control a charging potential of an image bearing body such that fog and uneven density are not generated even in a low-temperature environment. The image forming apparatus includes a high-voltage generation circuit 91 which applies an oscillating voltage to the charging member 42 disposed in contact with an image bearing body 41, a direct-current voltage and an alternating-current voltage being superimposed to form the oscillating voltage; a current detection unit 92 which detects a direct current value passed from the charging member 42 to the image bearing body 41; and a voltage control unit 96 which controls the alternating-current voltage such that the detected direct-current value is maintained in a target current range. The image forming apparatus also includes an aging control unit 95 to perform running-in. The aging control unit 95 rotates and drives the image bearing body 41 while retaining the alternating-current voltage and the direct-current voltage at previously-set predetermined voltages.
US07899349B2
In an image forming apparatus, temporary constant voltages are corrected by using three voltage-current data obtained by applying voltages at three levels to a primary transfer roller to detect currents corresponding to the voltages, respectively. A surface potential of a photosensitive drum is detected by a potential sensor by changing an exposure intensity of an exposure device at three levels in a state in which the temporary constant voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller. A constant voltage during image formation is determined by correcting the temporary constant voltage by using three voltage-current data obtained by detecting currents when surfaces different in potential by light exposure pass through a primary transfer portion.
US07899336B2
In an optical communications device that generates picture optical signals and optical signals for data communication by wavelength division multiplexing, it is carried out to alter a signal pattern inserted between packet signals of the optical signals for data communication so that a frequency component of a modulation waveform of the signal pattern disperses. The signal pattern is generated by inputting outputs of a counter for counting up a sign bit into a coder adopting a designated coding method.
US07899333B2
In order to solve the problem of determining a barrier layer temperature in a semiconductor communication component (1) and thus to guarantee normal operation of the same, for example in a communication system (10) in the form of an xDSL connection card, according to the present invention temperature sensing means (20) for gauging the barrier layer temperature of a circuit arrangement on the communication semiconductor component (1) are integrated in the same. In accordance with the invention the communication system (10) comprises at least one communication semiconductor component (1) according to the invention and a control unit (12), that utilizes the values of the barrier layer temperature made available by the temperature sensing means, which are integrated in the communication semiconductor component (1), and this can be used for regulating cooling devices (18, 19) or for switching the communication semiconductor component (1) to an energy saving mode for example.
US07899326B2
A system for communicating cross-connection information within an optical network by use of wavelength information is provided. Cross-connection information in Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) devices is abstracted, to produce wavelength reachability information and wavelength occupation status information for each node within the optical network. Cross-connection information is distributed from one node to all other nodes or a Path Calculation Equipment (PCE), through extended routing protocols, providing a base for calculating service paths.
US07899323B2
A device may include a first network module to capture network data at a first location in a network and a second network module to capture network data at a second location in the network different from the first location in the network. The device may include a control module to receive control commands relating to the first network module and the second network module. The control module may forwarded the control commands to the first network module and the second network module. The control module may receive the captured network data from the first network module and the second network module.
US07899319B2
A camera capable of displaying a live view is disclosed, which has a movable reflecting mirror movable between a viewing position for reflecting a light beam from a photographing lens to guide the light beam to a finder optical system, and a position retracted from an area through which the light beam from the photographing lens passes, and which is configured such that, upon focusing the photographing lens from the state of the live view display, the movable reflecting mirror is driven without charging a shutter.
US07899314B2
A photographing system includes a lens apparatus having an image blur correcting device configured to correct and/or reduce image blur caused by vibration, a vibration sensor for detecting vibration applied to the lens apparatus, a position detecting device configured to detect a position change of the lens apparatus, and a controlling device configured to control the image blur correcting device using a detection signal of the position detecting device. The photographing system reduces the influence of low frequency noise of a vibration sensor, while maintaining the quality of a vibration isolation function of the lens apparatus.
US07899306B2
A media data security system for rendering a secure media data file, having associated authentication data, for output comprises a data preparation unit operable with respect to a version of the media data file, having user controls for generating a list of desired render operations to be applied to the media data file; and a secure data reproducer arranged to receive the list of desired render operations from the data preparation unit and to render the secure media data file for output on the basis of the list of render operations, the secure data reproducer comprising: a data authenticator for detecting the authenticity of the secure media data file using the authentication data; and a data reproducer operable, if the data authenticator detects that the input data is authentic, to perform the list of desired render operations with respect to the secure media data file.
US07899302B2
A storage device 500 includes an input 405 for receiving a digital video stream complying with a predetermined video encoding standard via a digital video communication system. The stream includes a sequence of digital video frames, a sequence of program clock reference stamps (PCR) and a sequence of video presentation time stamps (PTS). A time-base modifier 510 replaces the PTS's by respective modified video presentation time stamps (M-PTS) based on a constant predetermined frame time between successive presentation time stamps and replaces the PCR's by respective modified program clock reference stamps (M-PCR) by scaling the PCR's using a scaling factor that depends on a ratio of an expected time between a video presentation time stamp j and a preceding video presentation time stamp j−n and an actual time between the video presentation time stamp j and the preceding video presentation time stamp j−n, where j≧n>0. The expected time is n times the predetermined frame time.
US07899298B2
There is provided fiber drop terminal (“FDT”) assemblies for providing selective connections between optical fibers of distribution cables and optical fibers of drop cables, such as in multiple dwelling units. The FDT assemblies include a mounting plate that enables the FDT to be conveniently and securely mounted to a generally vertical surface, such as a wall. The mounting plate is structured such that the base of the FDT must be removed before the mounting plate can be removed, and the cover of the FDT is structured that neither the base nor the mounting plate can be removed without first removing the cover. The cover may be selectively locked to the base and/or mounting plate with a locking fastener; therefore, only technicians able to remove the locking fastener may remove the cover, base, and/or mounting plate of the FDT assembly.
US07899294B2
A double-clad optical fiber includes a core, an inner cladding and an outer cladding of silica-based glass. The core may have a radius of less than about 5 μm, a first index of refraction n1 and does not contain any active rare-earth dopants. The inner cladding may surround the core and includes a radial thickness of at least about 25 μm, a numerical aperture of at least about 0.25, and a second index of refraction n2 such that n2
US07899290B2
The present invention enables putting much more optic fibers per cable, such as for example even 1,000 or 10,000 times more than the prior art, with an increase in cost that is orders of magnitude smaller. One of the most important variations is using multi-fiber flexible flat jackets that can move freely within the cable's pipe, preferably only in one direction. Preferably at certain intervals (for example every few dozen centimeters or more or 1 or 2 meters or more) the flat jackets are preferably stitched together to each other and/or for example glued and/or otherwise coupled to each other in a way that preferably does not apply pressure to the optic fibers, and preferably are also coupled, preferably at the stitch position, also to the cable, in order to prevent undesired sliding movement of the jackets against each other and/or against the pipe and/or rotating out of orientation.
US07899289B2
An optical fiber structure includes a first fiber array and a second fiber array, which are placed one on the other. For example, the first fiber array includes a substrate having four V-shaped grooves and four first optical fibers, the output ends of which are linearly arranged and fixed to the substrate, and the second fiber array includes a substrate having four V-shaped grooves and four second optical fibers, the output ends of which are linearly arranged and fixed to the substrate. The first optical fiber is a multimode fiber having a core and a cladding, and the core diameter is 60 μm and the outer diameter of the fiber is 80 μm. The second optical fiber is a multimode fiber having a core and a cladding, and the core diameter is 105 μm and the outer diameter of the fiber is 125 μm.
