US07914880B2

Composite elements containing polyisocyanate polyaddition products

The invention relates to composite elements comprising the following laminar structure: (i) 2 to 20 mm metal; (ii) 10 to 100 mm polyisocyanate polyaddition products having a density ranging from 350 to 1050 kg/m3 that can be obtained by reacting (a) isocyanates with (b) compounds, which are reactive to isocyanates, in the presence of (f) expanding agents, and; (iii) 2 to 20 mm metal.

US07914870B2

Limited life medium

A limited-life storage medium comprises a flowable agent. In one example, the storage medium is an optical disc. In a ready-to-read condition, the center of mass of the disc does not coincide with the center of rotation. When the disc is read, the unbalanced rotation of the disc causes vibration that migrates the flowable agent into contact with a metal data-carrying layer, where the flowable agent interferes with the readability of the data so as to limit the useful life of the disc. The movement of the flowable agent improves the balance of the disc, and reduces the vibration.

US07914868B2

Thermoplastic single ply protective covering

Improved single ply, water proof roof coverings having an extruded pressure sensitive rubber-based adhesive backing for attachment to a substrate such as the roof of a building or a transport vehicle, the adhesive consisting of polyisobutylene and at least one polymer comprising conjugated diene monomers.

US07914865B2

Frosted articles, frosting liquids, and frosting methods

A solid frosted article including a substrate, a film formed on the substrate, the film comprising a frosting coating, the frosting coating comprising thermoset acrylic resin, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate copolymer, and methylated melamine-formaldehyde resin, and wherein the one of a solid frosted article is glass block, glass panel and glass bottle. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

US07914862B2

Liquid crystal compound having negative dielectric anisotropy, liquid crystal composition, and liquid crystal display device

A liquid crystal compound is provided that has excellent characteristics, such as a negatively large dielectric anisotropy. A liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device containing the composition are also provided. A compound having the three factors, i.e., (1) a tetrahydropyran ring, (2) —CH2O— or —OCH2— and (3) exhibits excellent characteristics including a negatively large dielectric anisotropy. The use of the compound having the characteristics provides an excellent liquid crystal composition and an excellent liquid crystal display device.

US07914858B1

Process to seal housing components to contain low density gas

A method and apparatus for sealing disk drive housing castings and the resulting housings. A housing component of a data storage device is placed in an environment of decreased pressure where a first tank that is an autoclave is pressurized at a selected pressure and the environment is a first tank that encloses the housing component. A second tank that is an autoclave is pressurized at substantially the same pressure as the first tank while the second tank is fluidically coupled to the first tank and encloses a sealant. The sealant is applied to a surface of the component when it is under decreased pressure by transferring the sealant from the first tank to the second tank. A pressure of at least one atmosphere is further applied so that a portion of the sealant contactingly permeates voids in the housing component before the sealant is subsequently cured.

US07914854B2

Film-forming composition

An SiO2-based film-forming composition giving a protective film which, after impurity diffusion, can be easily stripped off and which has a higher protective effect. The film-forming composition is one for forming a protective film which in the diffusion of an impurity into a silicon wafer, serves to partly prevent the impurity diffusion. This film-forming composition comprises a high-molecular silicon compound and a compound having a protective element which undergoes covalent bonding to the element to be diffused in the impurity diffusion and thereby comes to have eight valence electrons. The protective element is preferably gallium or aluminum when phosphorus is used as the element to be diffused, and is preferably tantalum, niobium, arsenic, or antimony when boron is used as the diffusion element.

US07914853B2

Process for forming filled bearings from fluoropolymer dispersions stabilized with anionic polyelectrolyte dispering agents

The present invention provides a process for making a filled fluoropolymer bearing comprising providing an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and anionic polyelectrolyte dispersing agent in an amount sufficient for stabilization. The dispersion contains less than about 300 ppm fluorosurfactant based on the weight of the dispersion. The dispersion is coagulated to make a mush and a bearing filler is added to the dispersion prior to or after making the mush. The mush containing bearing filler is applied onto a bearing substrate to produce a coated substrate which is sintered and formed into a bearing.

US07914851B2

Method of manufacturing hot-dipped galvanized steel sheet

A spangle-free, hot-dip galvanized steel sheet, and a method and device for manufacturing the same. The hot-dip galvanized steel sheet is characterized in that a solidified zinc crystal of hot-dip galvanized layer has an average crystalline texture particle diameter of 10 to 88 μm and there is no solidification traces of dendrites upon observing under a microscope at a magnification of 100×. The method comprises dipping a steel sheet in a bath of a zinc-coating solution containing 0.13 to 0.3% by weight of aluminum; air-wiping the steel sheet to remove an excess of the coating solution; spraying water or an aqueous solution on the air-wiped steel sheet, using a steel sheet temperature in the range of a hot-dip galvanization temperature to 419 ° C. as a spray initiation temperature and using a steel sheet temperature in the range of 417 ° C. to 415 ° C. as a spray completion temperature; passing sprayed liquid droplets of water or aqueous solution through a mesh-like high-voltage charged electrode which is electrically charged with a high voltage of −1 to −50 kV; and allowing the electrode-passed liquid droplets to be bound to the surface of the steel sheet and hereby being served as solidification nuclei of molten zinc.

US07914845B2

Data zone lube removal

A method of manufacturing for providing closer head-to-media spacing, and the resulting disk, includes evenly lubricating a magnetic media disk, increasing the viscosity of a selected non-data zone region of the disk, and removing at least a portion of the lower viscosity region of the lubrication layer in a data zone region of the disk, thereby decreasing the thickness of the lubrication layer in the data zone portion of the lower viscosity region, producing a magnetic media disk capable of closer head-to-media spacing in the data zone portion of the lower viscosity region of the lubrication layer than in the non-data zone portion.

US07914843B2

Slit coater having pre-applying unit and coating method using the same

A slit coater having a pre-applying unit and a coating method using the same that minimizes the amount of washing solution used and improves the washing effectiveness of a roller by separating the coating solution attached to a pre-applying roller from the washing solution using a coating solution separating apparatus. The slit coater includes: a table on which an object to be processed is mounted; a slit nozzle applying coating solution onto a surface of the object; a pre-applying unit to which the slit nozzle pre-applies the coating solution; and a coating solution separating unit that separates the coating solution spread when the coating solution is pre-applied to the slit nozzle and discharges the separated coating solution.

US07914841B2

Inline application of coatings

A method of forming a coated medical device is described. A coating may be applied inline to a continuous tubing formed by extrusion, prior to cutting and secondary operations. Thus, inefficient and labor-intensive steps associated with preparing individual tubes for coating may be avoided. The method may include forcing a flowable material through an exit port of an extruder, depositing a coating onto at least a portion of the continuous length of extruded tubing after the tubing is forced through the exit port, cutting the coated tubing to a desired length after depositing the coating, and performing one or more secondary operations on the coated tube at a temperature in the range of from about 15° C. to about 375° C.

US07914829B2

Oral composition a first composition (a) and a second composition (b) as a combination product for separate or consecutive administration in the cosmetic treatment of the human body

The present invention relates to a composition suitable for oral delivery and including a first composition (a) containing a green tea extract and vitamin C, and optionally at least one metal compound selected from zinc, chromium and mixtures thereof, and a second composition (b) containing at least one metal compound selected from iron, copper, zinc, chromium and mixtures thereof, with the proviso that zinc and iron are not simultaneously present in the same composition, said composition being suitable for separate or consecutive use as a mixture in the cosmetic treatment of the human body.

US07914827B2

Use of extracts or extractants of the guajacum types, said extracts or extractants bringing about phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition and method for producing the same

The present invention relates to the use of extracts or extractants of the guajacum types, said extracts or extractants bringing about phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition, and to a method for producing the same.

US07914826B2

Method for promoting sleep

Supplemental compositions, and methods for administering same to a user, are provided for promoting a restful night's sleep by speedily inducing a person to fall asleep and to maintain sleep, as well as alleviating minor aches and pains so as to further improve the quality of a person sleep. The supplemental composition may include at least an extract of Valerian Root, an extract of Willow Bark and Melatonin or a derivative thereof. The supplemental composition may be provided for consumption at least one time daily, e.g., prior to sleep.

US07914824B2

Herbal extract for renal disorders

The present invention relates to the use of standardized extract of Tinospora cordifolia as an immunoadjuvant in the treatment of renal disorders such as nephrotic syndrome and chronic recurrent urinary tract infections, both complicated and uncomplicated.The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the standardized extract of Tinospora cordifolia. The present invention further relates to a method of treatment of renal disorders such as recurrent urinary tract infection particularly occurring due to relapsing E. coli, Klebsiella and other gram negative infections and to a method of treatment of nephrotic syndrome using standardized extract of Tinospora cordifolia as an immunoadjuvant in conjunction with conventional therapy.

US07914818B2

Opioid agonist formulations with releasable and sequestered antagonist

Disclosed are oral dosage forms, comprising (i) a therapeutically effective amount of an opioid agonist; (ii) an opioid antagonist in releasable form; and (iii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is not released when the dosage form is administered intact, and methods thereof.

US07914817B2

Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis are treated either orally or intravenously with methylol transfer agents, such as taurolidine and/or taurultam. These agents can be used in combination with other drugs thereby allowing the use of smaller amounts of the other drugs and limiting unwanted side effects.

US07914797B2

Influenza vaccine

The present invention relates to influenza vaccines for human and veterinary use. In particular, the present invention provides a vaccine able to effect long term and cross-strain protection by including at least two influenza virus epitopes expressed as a chimeric polypeptide wherein at least one epitope is influenza A virus matrix protein epitope and the second epitope is a haemagglutinin peptide epitope.

US07914796B2

Engineered cleavage half-domains

Disclosed herein are engineered cleavage half-domains; fusion polypeptides comprising these engineered cleavage half-domains; polynucleotides encoding the engineered cleavage half-domains and fusion proteins; and cells comprising these polynucleotides and/or fusion proteins. Also described are methods of using these polypeptides and polynucleotides, for example for targeted cleavage of a genomic sequence.

US07914791B1

Vaccine

A method for stimulating the immune response to a vaccine applied to a mammalian subject includes the step of administering to the subject an effective amount of EtxB or a molecule having substantially equivalent activity, free from whole toxin and not linked to an antigen.

US07914784B2

Anti-IGF-IR antibodies and uses thereof

The present invention relates to novel antibodies capable of binding specifically to the human insulin-like growth factor I receptor IGF-IR and/or capable of specifically inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of said IGF-IR receptor, especially monoclonal antibodies of murine, chimeric and humanized origin, as well as the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences coding for these antibodies. The invention likewise comprises the use of these antibodies as a medicament for the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of cancers overexpressing IGF-IR or any pathology connected with the overexpression of said receptor as well as in processes or kits for diagnosis of illnesses connected with the overexpression of the IGF-IR receptor. The invention finally comprises products and/or compositions comprising such antibodies in combination with anti-EGFR antibodies and/or compounds and/or anti-cancer agents or agents conjugated with toxins and their use for the prevention and/or the treatment of certain cancers.

US07914778B2

Methods of treatment using IL-16 antagonist peptides

The present invention has found that a series of peptides having sequences that substantially correspond to specific regions of the C-terminus of IL-16 can inhibit the activity of IL-16. The present invention has demonstrated that such IL-16-inhibiting peptides can be as short as 4 amino acids in length. Based on these discoveries, the present invention provides IL-16 antagonist peptides and the use thereof for the treatment of IL-16 mediated disorders such as certain inflammatory diseases.

US07914761B2

Hydrogen fluoride compositions

The present invention provides compositions that are intimate mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and a polyacrylate-polyacrylamide cross-linked copolymer. The compositions of the invention are less hazardous and, therefore, more conveniently stored, transported, and handled in comparison to pure hydrogen fluoride. Further, the hydrogen fluoride may be readily recovered from the compositions of the invention for use.

US07914758B2

Captured CO2 from atmospheric, industrial and vehicle combustion waste

A CO2 control device and method for capturing CO2 from fluid flow, including: a flow-through apparatus and an CO2 absorbing filter treated with an alkaline material which is housed within the flow-through apparatus. The flow-through apparatus receives fluid flow and the CO2 from the fluid flow is absorbed by the CO2 absorbing filter. The absorbed CO2 is converted into CaCO3 which is combined with volcanic ash to form a useful cement material.

US07914757B1

Process and device for immobilizing mercury by producing crystalline mercury sulfide for subsequent disposal of mercury sulfide

A process for immobilizing mercury by producing crystalline mercury sulfide for subsequent disposal of the mercury sulfide, the mercury sulfide being formed by the reaction of elemental mercury and an additive material of elemental sulfur or a sulfur compound. The reaction of the mercury and of the additive material takes place at least during one time interval at a temperature above the melting point of the additive material.

US07914748B2

Exhaust purification apparatus of internal combustion engine

An exhaust purification apparatus of an internal combustion engine purifying exhaust gas by removing SOx from the exhaust gas is provided. In the exhaust purification apparatus provided with sulfur oxide trapping material for trapping sulfur oxides exhausted from an internal combustion engine, aggregates of the sulfur oxide trapping material (41) are arranged able to contact the exhaust gas in spaces (44) separated by partitions comprised of a porous material (42) having permeability.

US07914745B2

Method of hydrogenating aldehydes and ketones

Methods and systems for the hydrogenation of aldehydes and/or ketones are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of the hydrogen-containing gas (e.g. H2 gas) in the aldehydes and/or ketones. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce hydrogenation time with existing catalysts.

US07914742B2

Analyte meter protectors and methods

Analyte meter protectors, meters that include the same, and methods.

US07914738B2

Cell block cassette and filter assembly

A system for making cell blocks includes a cell block cassette and processing station, the cassette including a main body having a having a collection aperture formed therein and a filter assembly removably attached to the main body, the filter assembly defining a collection well in communication with the collection aperture, and having a filter positioned across a bottom surface of the collection well, the filter configured to retain cellular matter carried in a fluid that is dispensed into the collection well and flows across the filter. The cell block processor has a cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette, and a sensor positioned or positionable to detect and monitor a fluid level in the collection well. The processing station includes an automated fluid delivery system operable to dispense a fluid into the collection well, and a controller operatively coupled to the fluid delivery system, wherein the controller causes the fluid delivery system to selectively dispense fluids into the collection well based at least in part on a flow rate across the filter determined at least in part based on changes in the monitored fluid level in the collection well.

US07914735B2

Use of physical barriers to minimize evaporative heat losses

A detection system includes a detection device and an anti-evaporation device. The detection device comprises a region configured to merge at least two small drops and to detect a potential transient signal generated by the merger of the drops. The an anti-evaporation is configured to enclose the region and limit evaporation from the region. A method for detecting a signal includes the following steps: depositing drops of potentially reactive chemical solutions on a detection device within a drop-merging region; placing an anti-evaporation device over the drop-merging region to form a seal around the drop-merging region; merging the drops of potentially reactive chemical solutions; and measuring a signal occurring within the merged solution drops.

US07914730B2

Equipment and method for hardening treatment of metallic parts

Equipment for metallic part hardening treatment comprising a support (10) and at least one working unit (50). The support is adapted to rotate the metallic part (20) during a hardening treatment. The working unit (50) comprises an inductor winding (51) to be positioned in front of a portion of said metallic part for heating said surface. According to the invention, the support (10) comprises one fixed spindle (11) to secure a first end (21) of the metallic part and one mobile tail stock (12) to contact a second end (22) of the metallic part. Therefore, only one end of the metallic part is secured whereas the other end is free to expand. The mechanical stresses applied to the metallic part during the hardening treatment are reduced and the distortion of the metallic part is prevented. Such equipment is well suited to crankshaft hardening treatment.

US07914726B2

Liquid or hydraulic blow molding

An apparatus and method for simultaneously forming and filling a plastic container is provided. A mold cavity defines an internal surface and is adapted to accept a preform. A pressure source includes an inlet and a piston-like device. The piston-like device is moveable in a first direction wherein liquid is drawn into the pressure source through the inlet and in a second direction wherein the liquid is urged toward the preform. A blow nozzle may be adapted to receive the liquid from the pressure source and transfer the liquid at high pressure into the preform thereby urging the preform to expand toward the internal surface of the mold cavity and create a resultant container. The liquid remains within the container as an end product.

US07914723B2

Nonwoven bonding patterns producing fabrics with improved abrasion resistance and softness

A thermal bonding pattern for nonwoven fabric possessing improved abrasion resistance while retaining softness, comprising a basket-weave pattern or other pattern having a transition area (2) equal to at least 10% of bonding spot area (1) in FIG. 3, more preferably a transition area (2) equal to at least 50% of bonding spot area (1), and most preferably a transition area (2) equal to at least 100% of bonding spot area.

US07914712B2

Cellulose acylate film, polarizing plate, optical compensation film, and liquid crystal display device using the same

A cellulose acylate film characterized in that it has a shear rate dependency of melt viscosity of 0.1 to 2 and/or a temperature dependency of melt viscosity of 0.1 to 3. The cellulose acylate film is capable of suppressing generation of cutting wastage at the time of cutting.

US07914705B2

Flowable electrical conductive liquid

A liquid borne emulsion of varying formulations comprising a powdered metal in a base liquid incorporating a thickening agent component is adapted to a specific metal and type of electrical connection in a specific environment to enhance the electrical conductivity at the electrical connection, reducing the effect of the environment over time of the metals within the electrical connection, increasing the surface area of the electrical connection, reducing the effect of vibration upon the electrical connection to prevent separation and loss of contact to the electrical connection and reducing the signal noise generated by metal to metal movement resulting from an imperfect contact in an electrical connection.

US07914699B2

Liquid crystal resin, method for making the same, liquid crystal resin composition, and molded article

A liquid crystal resin comprises structural units derived from at least two types of aromatic diols. The liquid crystal resin generates 100 ppm or less of acetic acid gas, less than 20 ppm of phenol gas, and less than 100 ppm of carbon dioxide gas when the liquid crystal resin is retained at a melting point +10° C. (or at 335° C. when the melting point is less than 325° C.) for 30 minutes in a helium gas atmosphere. The present invention provides a liquid crystal resin or a composition containing this resin by which metal corrosion, clouding of glass, bulging of molded articles, and the like are reduced.

US07914697B2

Refrigerating machine oil composition

The refrigerating machine oil composition of the invention is characterized by containing a mixed base oil which has a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 0.11 to 8 mm2/s and which is composed of a low-viscosity base oil (A) having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 5 mm2/s or lower, and a high-viscosity base oil (B) having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 20 to 400 mm2/s, each of the base oil (A) and (B) being composed of at least one species selected from among a mineral oil, a synthetic hydrocarbon compound, an oxygen-containing compound, and a sulfur-containing compound. The refrigerating machine oil composition exhibits enhanced energy saving performance by virtue of its low viscosity, has excellent sealing performance and load resistance, and can be employed in various refrigeration means, particularly suitably in a closed-type refrigerator.

US07914693B2

Stamp for micro/nano imprint lithography using diamond-like carbon and method of fabricating the same

The present invention relates to a micro/nano imprint lithography technique and in particular, to a stamp that is used in an UV-micro/nano imprint lithography process or thermal micro/nano imprint lithography process and a method for fabricating the stamp.The method for fabricating a stamp for micro/nano imprint lithography of the present invention includes i) depositing a thin film of diamond-like carbon on a substrate, ii) applying resist on the diamond-like carbon thin film, iii) patterning the resist, iv) etching the diamond-like carbon thin film by using the resist as a protective layer, and v) removing the resist.

US07914690B2

Method for manufacturing metallic panel having ripple luster

A method for manufacturing a metallic keypad panel having a ripple luster. First, a metallic thin plate is prepared. The metallic thin plate is subjected to an etching process, thereby forming a plurality of hollowed portions on the metallic thin plate. The hollowed portions are used to define a pressing region for the keypad and icons for the surface of the pressing region. The metallic thin plate is cut to form a metallic keypad panel having a predetermined shape. An electroplated layer is coated on the surface of the metallic keypad panel. Then, a layer of protective film is adhered on one side surface of the metallic keypad panel. The metallic keypad panel is disposed into a transparent mold. After an ultraviolet curable resin is injected into the mold, a light source illuminates the transparent mold to cure the ultraviolet curable resin in the mold to form a pattern layer. Finally, after the protective film on the other surface of the metallic keypad panel is peeled off, an adhesive layer is applied on the other surface of the metallic keypad panel. An elastic layer having a plurality of protrusions is adhered on the surface of the adhesive layer. Via the above steps, the metallic keypad panel is manufactured completely.

US07914687B2

Fluid filtration method, fluid filtered thereby, lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method

A method for filtering a fluid to obtain a fluid having a known purity is described. The fluid is filtered with a filtration system, and upstream of a final filtration stage of the filtration system, a purity of the fluid is measured. A purity of the fluid filtered by the filtration system is determined by correcting the measured purity with a filtration behavior of the final filtration stage. In an embodiment, the fluid comprises an ultra pure water for use as an immersion liquid in a lithographic apparatus.

US07914682B2

Method for removing impurities from a urea solution

A method of removing impurities from a urea solution comprising contacting the aqueous solution with an ion exchange resin and adsorbing the impurities from the urea solution, and the system therefore.

US07914680B2

Systems and methods for purification of liquids

The present disclosure provides methods and systems for purifying liquids. In a particular implementation, the system includes a forward-osmosis unit for diluting a water source for a downstream desalination unit. A pretreatment unit may be located hydraulically upstream of the desalination unit, such as upstream or downstream of the forward-osmosis unit. In certain embodiments, the system includes an extraction unit for extracting a relatively easily extractable osmotic agent from an osmotic draw solution. The system may include one or more forward-osmosis units downstream of the desalination unit for diluting a concentrated brine stream produced by the desalination unit. In particular embodiments, a downstream forward-osmosis unit uses the concentrated brine stream as an osmotic agent, such as to extract water from seawater or brackish water. Another downstream forward-osmosis unit may use impaired water as a feed stream.

US07914672B2

Environmentally-neutral processing with condensed phase cryogenic fluids

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well.

US07914666B1

Low NOx FCC catalyst regeneration process

An FCC process producing lower NOx emissions during regeneration by using excess oxygen levels at less than or equal to about 0.5 mol-% and a plenum temperature above about 730° C. (about 1350° F.). The process may further include limiting the Pt content in the catalyst to less than or equal to about 0.5 ppm. NOx emissions, NO to NO2, produced through this process may be equal to or less than 25 ppmv. The process may also include adjusting the metal content of the feedstock for such metals as antimony, nickel, or vanadium. Additional variables for reducing NOx emissions that may be used in conjunction with this process may include increasing the flue gas residence time, injecting NH3 into the flue gas, adding or using NOx-reducing catalysts, increasing stripping of the catalyst, and increasing the catalyst zeolite to matrix ratio.

US07914665B2

Method for making a lubricating oil with improved low temperature properties

The invention relates to a process for preparing lube oil basestocks from lube oil boiling range feeds. More particularly, the present invention is directed toward a process wherein a wax containing feed is solvent dewaxed to produce at least a partially dewaxed lube oil boiling range stream, which is hydrodewaxed to produce a first lube basestock. The first lube basestock is added to an independently selected second lube basestock and additives to make a lubricating oil.

US07914662B2

Water treatment apparatus

A portable apparatus for treating polluted water by electrocoagulation. The apparatus comprising at least two electrodes (1,2). The apparatus also includes a housing (4), electrically isolated from the at least two electrodes (1,2), to which the at least two electrodes (1,2) are fixed spaced apart from one another. When the at least two second electrodes (1,2) are at least partly submerged in the polluted water and provided with an electrical potential, one of the at least two electrodes (2) is sacrificial so as to provide ions to the polluted water.

US07914658B2

Electroplating apparatus

An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.

US07914657B2

Controlling the thickness of wafers during the electroplating process

Embodiments of the present invention pertain to controlling thickness of wafers during electroplating process. Information pertaining to an old current used during an electroplating process of a previous wafer is received. Information pertaining to the thickness of the previous wafer is received. A new current is automatically determined. The new current is to be used during an electroplating process for a new wafer. The new current is determined based on the information pertaining to the old current and the information pertaining to the thickness of the previous wafer.

US07914653B2

Anode for electrochemical reaction

Disclosed is an anode for electrochemical reactions, such as electrolysis and electrodeposition, comprising a titanium substrate covered with metal oxide, in which the amount of platinum group element(s) is decreased in comparison with the ordinary anode of platinum group element oxides so as to decrease the cost and to mitigate the problem of natural resources, and further, durability of the anode is improved. The electrocatalyst of the anode is multiple oxide of platinum group element(s), and Sn and Sb. The cationic ratio of Sn to Sb is 1-40 and the sum of Sn and Sb is 1-90 cationic %. The electrocatalyst is prepared by coating mixed solutions of the soluble salts on the substrate and baking, so as to convert the metal salts to metal oxides.

US07914649B2

Papermaking belt for making multi-elevation paper structures

A papermaking belt for making a fibrous structure having: a framework having: a first layer and a second layer, each of the first and second layers having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and the first layer having a plurality of deflection conduits extending in the Z-direction between the top and bottom surfaces of the first layer and structured to receive therein fibers of the fibrous structure; the first layer comprising a substantially continuous, substantially discontinous or substantially semicontinuous patterned network; wherein the second layer comprises a plurality of discrete protuberances; and the top surface of the second layer forming the web-side of the framework; and a reinforcing element having: a paper facing side and a machine facing side opposite to the paper facing side; wherein the second layer at least partially penetrates the reinforcing element or the bottom surface of the second layer is coplanar with the bottom surface of the first layer.

US07914647B2

Paper manufacturing using agglomerated hollow particle latex

Agglomerated hollow particle latex is employed as a filler in the wet end of the paper-making process to provide paper with improved properties.

US07914645B2

Silicone adhesive for adhesion to wet surfaces

A silicone adhesive composition used for adhering a device or a substance to a wet surface contains (i) a silicone resin that is cohydrolysis product of a trialkyl hydrolyzable silane and an alkyl silicate in which the cohydrolysis product contains a plurality of silicon-bonded hydroxy groups; (ii) a linear organopolysiloxane fluid containing terminal silicon-bonded hydroxy groups having a viscosity above 200,000 mm2/s at 25° C.; (iii) a trialkylsiloxy terminated polyorganosiloxane fluid having a viscosity of 100,000-600,000 mm2/s at 25° C.; (iv) a water soluble muco-adhesive polymer selected from the group consisting of a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer having a molecular weight of 100,000 to 8,000,000, an acrylic acid polymer having a molecular weight of 500,000 to 4,500,000,000, and a hydroxyethylcellulose polymer having a molecular weight of 90,000 to 1,300,000,000; and optionally, (v) a solvent selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, volatile linear and cyclic silicone compounds. Other components such as a silicone polyether, a silicone wax, a drug, an excipient, and/or an active ingredient can also be included.

US07914644B2

Method for mounting protective film onto glass

A method for mounting a protective film (11) on a screen (13) comprises these steps: providing a protective film and a screen having shape and area approximately equal to that of the protective film; holding the screen; aligning the protective film with the screen; and mounting the protective film on the screen.

US07914642B2

Method for connecting the ends of profiled sealing elements, and device for carrying out said method

The invention relates to a method for process automation, for connecting the edge of two correspondingly profiled ends of at least one profiled sealing element, said profiled sealing element being already applied to a surface of a vehicle or a vehicle component. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.

US07914637B2

Method for manufacturing a particularly soft and three-dimensional nonwoven and nonwoven thus obtained

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nonwoven and nonwoven obtainable by said method. Particularly, the invention relates to a nonwoven provided with improved tactile and absorbent characteristics, which make it suitable for use in the field of surface cleaning, personal hygiene, or formation of garments.

US07914630B2

Method for producing mat-surfaced austenitic stainless steel strips

The subject of the invention is a process for the continuous manufacture of an austenitic stainless steel strip having a dull surface appearance, consisting in subjecting an austenitic stainless steel strip to a heat treatment in a bright annealing furnace inside which an inert or reducing flushing gas circulates, which gas has a dew point above −15° C., and then in pickling the strip using a suitable acid pickling solution.

US07914624B2

Systems and methods for charging a cleaning solution used for cleaning integrated circuit substrates

Inventive methods, systems and compositions of cleaning integrated circuit (“IC”) substrates are described. The cleaning methods of the present invention include: charging a solution, which contains at least a solute selected to promote cleaning of the IC substrate, to produce a charged solution, such that at least a portion of the solute is present as clusters in the charged solution; and conveying the charged solution for cleaning the IC substrate.The cleaning systems of the present invention include: a charging chamber for holding a solution, which contains at least a solute selected to promote cleaning of the integrated circuit substrate; and a first acoustic energy source capable of vibrating the solution in the charging chamber to produce a charged solution such that at least a portion of the solute is present as clusters in the charged solution.The cleaning compositions of the present invention include: a solvent; and a solute selected to promote cleaning of the IC substrate, wherein at least a portion of the solute is present in cluster form in the solution and the solute and solvent are present in a volumetric ratio that is between about 3×10−5:1 and about 1×10−24:1.

US07914617B2

Nano-engineered inks, methods for their manufacture and their applications

Nanoparticle dispersions, inks, pastes, lotions and methods of their manufacture are disclosed. Multifunctional, nanocomposite, hollow nanoparticles, and coated nanoparticle dispersions are also discussed.

US07914615B2

Continuous process for preparing pigment flush

A process for continuous flush of a pigment press cake involves applying a dispersant to the press cake to produce a fluidized press cake, continuously feeding the fluidized press cake into a twin screw extruder and mixing it with a neutralizing agent in the extruder, mixing the neutralized press cake with a liquid organic medium in the extruder to produce an organic flush phase and a water phase, and removing at least part of the water phase from the extruder through one or more parts of the extruder.

US07914600B2

Continuous production of titanium by the metallothermic reduction of TiCl4

A method for production of titanium particles or other metal of interest by a metallothermic reduction reaction of TiCl4 or other metal chloride in a reaction zone which comprises conducting the reaction in a fluidized bed reaction zone, and recycling particles to the reaction zone to build up particle size.

US07914596B2

Air purifier

Behind a front panel of an air purifier are formed guide paths on the right and left sides thereof. A space between the front panel and a filter unit is partitioned by a partition plate into a front panel rear space and a filter unit front space. Part of an airflow that has entered the guide path through an air intake enters the filter unit front space, and the other part thereof enters the front panel rear space. When entering the front panel rear space, the airflow takes a sharp turn at a sharp turn corner. As a result, coarse dust is separated from the airflow, and the separated coarse dust falls into a dust box.

US07914592B2

Method for manufacturing cotton towels

The present invention relates to the production of textiles and more particularly pertains to a method for manufacturing cotton towels comprising the steps of: combining a yarn of 120S combed long staple cotton and a yarn of 10S combed long staple cotton by means of a double winder and winding onto a bobbin or bobbins after combining; feeding the bobbin or bobbins of the combined yarn into a double twister for plying; winding the plied yarn onto a bobbin and weaving into greige; impregnating the greige in the solution of a combined desizing, scouring and bleaching machine to be soaked and steamed for removing the sizes and the impurities in the cotton yarn; treating the greige by means of deoxidization, dyeing, enzymatic desizing, softening, relaxation drying and sewing into towels. The present invention adopts the 120S combed long staple cotton for plying which achieves a definitive binding effect on the loosened fibers on the surfaces of the yarn, thereby forming fewer fluffs on the surfaces of the towel. The present invention eliminates the step of removing the water-soluble filaments, reduces the labor intensiveness of the workers, relieves the pressure on the sewage treatment and alleviates the problems of the environmental pollution.

US07914578B2

Method and apparatus for expanding tissue

An implantable tissue expander for supporting a body tissue including a support member positioned with respect to the body tissue and adapted to expand to a support configuration, in the support configuration, the support member shaping the body tissue.

US07914571B2

Stent with radiopaque material

A stent is configured having a tubular, flexible body. The body of the stent has a wall which is formed by a web structure. The stent further contains a portion with radiopaque material. This radiopaque material is integrated in the material of the body of the stent.

US07914560B2

Spinal facet implant with spherical implant apposition surface and bone bed and methods of use

Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.

US07914554B2

Spinal implant containing multiple bone growth promoting materials

An interbody spinal fusion implant for surgical implantation within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a segment of a human spine includes multiple bone growth promoting materials. The implant includes upper and lower portions for contacting each of the adjacent vertebral bodies when positioned therein. Each of the upper and lower portions have at least one opening adapted to communicate with one of the adjacent vertebral bodies. The openings are in communication with one another and adapted for permitting for the growth of bone from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through the implant. The implant includes a hollow interior for holding bone growth promoting material. In one embodiment, the bone growth promoting material includes a liquid fusion promoting material and a solid fusion promoting material other than bone provided in at least a portion of the hollow interior to promote bone growth from adjacent vertebral body to adjacent vertebral body through the implant.

US07914551B2

Electroactive polymer-based articulation mechanism for multi-fire surgical fastening instrument

Methods and devices are provided for effecting movement of one or more components of a multifire device, such as a clip applier, hernia tacker, or skin stapler. In one exemplary embodiment, a surgical fastening instrument is provided having an elongate shaft with an end effector coupled thereto and adapted to apply one or more surgical fasteners to tissue. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to drive a fastener advancing or forming assembly through the elongate shaft, thereby driving a surgical fastener into tissue. In another embodiment, an electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to effect movement of an articulation joint formed between the elongate shaft and the end effector.

US07914543B2

Single fold device for tissue fixation

A system for tissue approximation and fixation is described herein. A device is advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create one or several divisions or plications within a hollow body organ. The system comprises a stapler assembly having a tissue acquisition member and a tissue fixation member. The stapler assembly approximates tissue from within the hollow body organ with the acquisition member and then affixes the approximated tissue with the fixation member. In one method, the system can be used as a secondary procedure to reduce the size of a stoma within the hollow body organ.

US07914539B2

Tissue fixation device

A fixation device for securing tissue to a bone. The fixation device includes an anchor having a hollow body defining a longitudinal passage, and a plug configured to be received in at least a portion of the passage. The body comprises a cylindrical portion and a tapered tip portion. The cylindrical portion comprises a plurality of thin-walled window covers such that after implantation the window covers are resorbed first relative to other portions of the cylindrical portion for defining a plurality of apertures on the cylindrical portion.

US07914525B2

Bioimpedance measurement system and method

Methods and systems for detecting fluid egress, assessing lesion quality, determining tissue composition or structure, determining ice coverage of catheter tip and providing tissue contact assessment, by providing a catheter having a shaft with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the proximal end portion and the distal end portion define at least one fluid pathway therebetween with the shaft having a plurality of electrodes, positioning the catheter at a tissue treatment site, applying an electrical current between at least two of the plurality of electrodes, measuring impedance voltage between the at least two of the plurality of electrodes and, processing the measured impedance voltage caused by the applied electrical current to determine if fluid egress is present, to assess lesion quality, to determine tissue composition, ice cover of catheter tip, and to provide contact assessment. The system may have a control unit, a microprocessor, an impedance measuring device or the like to perform processing of impedance data.

US07914524B2

Surgical clamp having trasmurality assessment capabilities

A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation mechanism is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.

US07914521B2

Method and apparatus for performing minimally invasive cardiac procedures

A minimally invasive surgical system includes a pair of surgical instruments having end effectors to hold and suture tissue, a pair of robotic arms coupled to the surgical instruments, a controller, and a pair of master handles coupled through the controller to the robotic arms, so that surgeon manipulation of the handles produces corresponding movement of the end effectors in an adjustably scaled fashion. An input button allows the surgeon to adjust the position of the handles without moving the end effectors, so that the handles may be moved to a more comfortable position. An optionally included robotically controlled endoscope allows the surgeon to remotely view the surgical site. Using the system, a cardiac procedure can be performed by making small incisions in the patient's skin, inserting the instruments and endoscope through the incisions, and manipulating the handles to move the end effectors to perform the cardiac procedure.

US07914512B2

Methods, systems, and kits for implanting articles

Methods, systems, and kits for subcutaneously implanting articles, such as drug inserts and reservoirs. The methods rely on percutaneously forming a tissue tract and radially dilating the tract to a diameter which permits introduction of the article. By fully expanding the lumenal diameter of the tissue tract prior to introduction of the article, damage to the article resulting from passage through a partially expanded tissue tract can be avoided. In the exemplary embodiment, a radially expandable sleeve is first percutaneously introduced to the subcutaneous target site. An assembly of a cannula and dilator is then passed through the sleeve, effecting radial expansion. The dilator is removed and the article is then introduced through a lumen of the cannula.

US07914509B2

Ultrasound catheter

The invention relates to a catheter system. The system comprises a catheter body having a chamber containing a low acoustic impedance medium. The catheter body includes an elongated body with an external surface and an ultrasound transducer having an external side between a first end and a second end. The ultrasound transducer is positioned over the external surface of the elongated body such that the first end is adjacent to the chamber.

US07914506B2

Spraying type nose rinsing apparatus

A nose rinsing apparatus includes a main container provided with a receiving space to receive a nose rinsing liquid, a spraying device mounted on the main container to spray the atomized nose rinsing liquid, and a recycle container mounted on the main container and having an inside provided with an opening and a periphery provided with at least one three-dimensional concave portion. Thus, the three-dimensional concave portion of the recycle container has an ergonomically designed shape to fit that of the user's upper jaw so that the three-dimensional concave portion of the recycle container abuts the user's upper jaw closely and entirely to prevent the wasted rinsing liquid and the dirt in the user's nose from leaking outwardly from the opening of the recycle container.

US07914503B2

Method and apparatus for selective material delivery via an intra-renal catheter

Two renal delivery members have two distal ports that are adapted to be positioned within two renal arteries via their corresponding renal ostia at unique locations along an abdominal aortic wall. A proximal coupler assembly is outside the body and is coupled to deliver material to the two distal ports for bi-lateral renal therapy. One or both of the delivery members may be self-cannulating into the corresponding renal ostium, or may be controllably steered into the respective ostium. Non-occlusive anchors may be coupled with one or both of the delivery members at anchoring positions in the renal artery or abdominal aorta to secure the renal delivery member within the renal artery. Renal-active fluid agents are coupled to the bi-lateral delivery system. Another renal therapy system cannulates a renal vein from the vena cava and controls a retrograde delivery of agents to the respective kidney.

US07914497B2

Catheter

A catheter includes a catheter tube, internal and external retention bolsters and a retractable catheter tip. The retractable tip is in the form of a bolus which is extended to axial alignment with the tube for insertion. After insertion with a stylet or the like, removal of the stylet permits the tip to retract automatically and assume a position perpendicular to the axis with minimal protrusion into the corporeal space involved.

US07914490B2

Ambulatory infusion pump assembly and housing therefor

An ambulatory infusion pump assembly and housing therefore has a cover and a base providing an enclosed cavity. The system includes a liquid pump in fluid communication with a supply source of a liquid drug. The pump and supply source are received in the housing cavity. Further, the system includes a seal providing a liquid tight seal between the cover and the base. A through passage extends from the enclosed cavity external to the housing and an infusion tube extends through the through passage. A fluid tight seal is formed about the infusion tube. A vent is provided in the housing that maintains a balanced pressure state between the enclosed cavity and the atmosphere, while at the same time, the vent prevents the ingress and egress of contaminants into and fluid out of the enclosed cavity.

US07914485B2

Medical device employing liquid crystal block copolymers and method of making the same

A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is a liquid crystal polymer block formed of repeating units comprising mesogenic groups and the B block is a non-liquid crystal polymer block.

US07914481B1

Epidural needle for electrode epidural catheter and method of manufacture

An epidural needle for placement of a pain management electrode includes an elongated bevel having a heel segment defined by a proximal rounded inner edge in which the heel has an electropolished radius of at least about 0.002 inch extending substantially continuously along the inner edge that defines the heel; a method for fabricating the needle.

US07914476B2

Pediatric digital wrap

A pediatric digital wrap comprising a flexible T-shaped base member having a first end adapted to fold over and substantially cover a finger tip of a patient's injured digit. A removable insert comprising a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive with a non-adhesive center pad provides protection and padding for the injured digit. The removable insert is secured to the first side of the base member so that the insert is placed directly over the wound of the patient's digit when the first end is folded over the patient's finger tip. A finger strap wraps around the periphery of the patient's injured digit below the patient's finger tip and serves to secure the first end of the base member over the finger tip of the injured digit. A wrist strap is disposed perpendicular to the first end of the base member and adapted to wrap around a patient's wrist.

US07914469B2

Cellulite ultrasound treatment

A treatment system and method for reducing body perimeter, primarily aimed at reducing cellulite and/or fat at a region of treatment. Ultrasound waves and pressure exertion are applied to the region of treatment, preferably simultaneously. The pressure exersion may include manual or mechanical massage, and/or electrical muscle stimulation. An optional ultrasonic transducer head is utilized to apply also pressure and massage. Preferable frequencies and intensities of the ultrasound and the stimulation are also provided.

US07914455B2

Multi stage beamforming

Beamforming for N elements in performed in log(N) steps of complexity O(N). The signals measured at each element are treated as a receive beam formed by that element with a beam width equal to the element pattern or the width of the transmit illumination. In each of multiple stages, the number of elements is halved by effectively doubling the pitch. The number of beams formed by each element is doubled by narrowing the beam width by a factor of 2 in sin(θ). Since steering and focusing are separated, a single set of delays are applied to each element signal individually prior to the multi-stage beam forming for each finite depth. The data is in a sector format, but by using two beamforming steps, data in a Vector® format is provided.

US07914453B2

Visual imaging system for ultrasonic probe

A non-invasive visual imaging system is provided, wherein the imaging system procures an image of a transducer position during diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. In addition, the system suitably provides for the transducer to capture patient information, such as acoustic, temperature, or ultrasonic images. For example, an ultrasonic image captured by the transducer can be correlated, fused or otherwise combined with the corresponding positional transducer image, such that the corresponding images represent not only the location of the transducer with respect to the patient, but also the ultrasonic image of the region of interest being scanned. Further, a system is provided wherein the information relating to the transducer position on a single patient may be used to capture similar imaging planes on the same patient, or with subsequent patients. Moreover, the imaging information can be effectively utilized as a training tool for medical practitioners.

US07914450B2

System and methods for processing analyte sensor data

Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor.

US07914447B2

Confocal scanning endoscope system and image display area adjustment method thereof

There is provided a confocal scanning endoscope system, which is provided with a light source that emits light, a scanning unit that deflects the light emitted by the light source so that the light scans on a subject in two dimensions, an objective optical system that directs the light deflected by the scanning unit to the subject, an extraction unit that extracts only part of the light returning from a convergence point at which the light is converged by the objective optical system on an object side, an image formation unit configured to form an image based on the part of the light extracted by the extraction unit, and a display area adjustment unit configured to measure Encircled Energy of the part of the light extracted by the extraction unit and to adjust a display area of the image based on the measured Encircled Energy.

US07914442B1

Endoscopic smart probe and method

An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescence data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, an improved endoscopic device useful for implanting the aforementioned endoscopic smart probe is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species within the intestine is disclosed. Methods for inspecting and/or treating the interior regions of the intestinal tract using the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.

US07914440B2

Endoscope

An endoscope according includes a treatment instrument riser which guides a distal end of a treatment instrument projected from a distal end opening provided in a channel for inserting the treatment instrument in an insertion portion to a desired position; a driving mechanism which is rotatably fitted onto an axis provided in an operation portion covered with an outer packaging member, and drives the treatment instrument riser; a guide-wire securing unit which secures a position of a guide wire projected from the distal end opening provided in the channel in the insertion portion; a guide-wire securing operation member which operates the guide-wire securing unit; and a securing unit which secures a position of the guide-wire securing operation member in a state where the position of the guide-wire is secured.

US07914431B2

Self-cleaning mower ground roller assembly mounting system

A self-cleaning mounting system for a ground roller assembly to be used on a mower such as a flail mower including a stationary sleeve bearing positioned on mounting shafts extending from either end of the ground roller. The stationary sleeve bearing is positioned in a housing which is vertically positionably with respect to the mower housing. The housing includes a stationary helical flight and a seal guard which fits within the ground roller. The stationary sleeve bearing is protected on either end from dirt and debris getting between the inside surface of the stationary sleeve bearing and the outside surface of the mounting shafts on either end of the ground roller.

US07914425B2

Hydraulic exercise machine system and methods thereof

A hydraulic exercise machine system comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders, a mechanism coupled to at least one of the hydraulic cylinders, and a sensor assembly. Displacement of the mechanism by a person exercising on the hydraulic exercise machine displaces pistons of the hydraulic cylinders relative to the cylinders. The sensor assembly is to sense displacement of a piston relative to its cylinder over time.

US07914423B1

Athletic striking apparatus

An athletic striking apparatus that includes at least an impact member supported by a base. The preferred embodiment further includes a plurality of predetermined angular settings provided by the base. The impact member preferably oscillates in one of at least two distinct predetermined frequencies.In accordance with the preferred embodiments, a method of using an athletic striking apparatus that includes at least the steps of providing an impact member supported by a base. A step of striking the impact member supported by the base preferably follows the providing step. The base further preferably provides a plurality of predetermined angular settings for the impact member. Also in an alternative preferred embodiment, the impact member oscillates in at least two distinct predetermined frequencies in response to an impact.

US07914417B2

Shift control apparatus of automatic transmission

A shift control method and apparatus of an automatic transmission for controlling a shift from one speed, achieved by engagement of a first and a second frictional element, to another speed, achieved by engagement of a third and a fourth frictional element. The method includes detecting a rotation speed of a turbine, detecting a rotation speed of at least one operating member of at least one planetary gear set of the automatic transmission, and controlling the shift according to the rotation speeds of the turbine and the operating member. The control includes overlapping a first shift, from the one speed to an additional speed, with a second shift, from the additional speed to the other speed. The additional speed has a gear ratio that is near a gear ratio of the one speed.

US07914408B2

Multiple-cushion ring sprocket assembly

A cushion ring sprocket assembly includes a sprocket body with a plurality of teeth arranged in a row. The sprocket body includes first and second opposite axial tooth faces and first and second hubs that extend axially outward relative to the first and second tooth faces. First and second sets of cushion rings are captured on said first and second hubs, respectively. The first set of cushion rings includes at least a first inner cushion ring eccentrically located on the first hub and a first outer cushion ring eccentrically located on the first inner cushion ring. The second set of cushion rings includes at least a second inner cushion ring eccentrically located on the second hub and a second outer cushion ring eccentrically located on the second inner cushion ring. The first and second outer cushion rings are adapted to be contacted and deflected by link plates of an associated chain, so that the first and second outer cushion rings contact and deflect the respective first and second inner cushion rings. First and second retaining devices are connected to the first and second hubs to capture the first and second ring sets on the first and second hubs, respectively.

US07914403B2

Hockey stick

A composite hockey stick having a tubular hollow shaft and a blade is disclosed. The shaft includes a region of focused weight in the form of an overlay coating that is applied on top if the internal surfaces of the cured shaft using a coating plug. The blade includes a focused weight region that is inserted into a cavity within the cured composite blade. Methods and suitable materials for constructions of the various components of the blade and shaft are also disclosed.

US07914400B2

Baseball practice systems

Baseball practice systems are provided. In this regard, a representative baseball practice system includes: a backstop; a ball; a suspension assembly operative to suspend the ball in a strike zone, the suspension assembly having a first cantilevered arm and a damping assembly, the damping assembly being operative to damp motions of the ball as the ball returns to a rest position after having been struck, the cantilevered arm supporting a portion of the damping assembly; and a tether assembly comprising at least one line operative to assist in establishing the rest position of the ball.

US07914396B2

Golf club head

A hollow golf club head includes a head main body having a face opening portion on a face side, and a face member that closes the face opening portion. A part or all of an upper edge of the face opening portion and an upper edge of the face member extends to a crown portion.

US07914394B2

Club heads with contoured back faces and methods of manufacturing the same

Embodiments of club heads with contoured back faces and methods of manufacturing the same are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.

US07914389B2

Golf putter training device

A golf putter training device is described. The training device includes a bracket having a first end configured to be attached to the putter shaft and a second end connected to a support shaft, a first visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on a first side of the plane, and a second visual guide connected to the support shaft and extending in a direction away from the bracket first end and at an angle to the plane formed by the putter shaft and the putter head and on the second side of the plane. In another embodiment, the training device includes a third and fourth visual guide. In yet another embodiment, the training device includes visual indicators.

US07914388B2

Golf swing training apparatus

A golf swing training apparatus consisting of positioning, indicating and guidance means cooperable with a golf club for learning, practicing and performing essential components of a swing method based on a concept of a lower swing phase related predominantly to a vertical virtual axis around which the body rotates, an upper swing phase related predominantly to a horizontal virtual axis tied to the vertical virtual axis and around which the arms swing and a “wrist cocking plane” maintained in a fixed relationship to the forearms, said essential components being: appropriate gripping formation; configuration of the forearms wrists hands and club when the wrists are fully cocked within the “wrist cocking plane”, appropriate relationships of arms, wrists, hands and club to the lower body in the lower swing phase; and relationship of the club and ‘wrist cocking plane” to the shoulders at the end of the backswing.

US07914379B2

Video game controller

A video game includes a controller, a processor and display. The controller includes a special quick look button 28 that, when activated, allows a player to causes a looking movement of a character that simulates the lateral rotation of the head or upper body of a person looking sideways while walking forward.

US07914374B2

Budget-defined flat rate play contract parameters

According to some embodiments, systems, methods, and/or articles of manufacture are associated with operating a gaming device having a flat rate play session or contract costing a flat rate price. The flat rate play session or contract spans multiple plays on the gaming device over a pre-established duration. In some embodiments, an expected cost of the flat rate play session or contract may be determined. In some embodiments, a flat rate play session or contract and/or one or more parameters thereof may be determined based upon a price (or other parameter) that a player is willing to pay for flat rate play at a gaming device.

US07914358B2

Method for manufacturing field emission electron source having carbon nanotubes

A method for manufacturing a field emission electron source includes: (a) Providing a carbon nanotube (CNT) film, the CNT film has a plurality of CNTs, the CNTs are aligned along a same direction; a first electrode and a second electrode. (b) Fixing the two opposite sides of the CNT film on the first electrode and the second electrode, the CNTs in the CNT film extending from the first electrode to the second electrode. (c) Treating the CNT film with an organic solvent to form at least one CNT string. (d) Applying a voltage between two opposite ends of the CNT string until the CNT string snaps, thereby at least one CNT needle, the CNT needle has an end portion and a broken end portion. (e) Securing the CNT needle to a conductive base by attaching the end portion of the CNT needle to the conductive base.

US07914353B2

Spark plug and method for manufacturing the same

A method for manufacturing a spark plug and a spark plug manufactured by the method in which a gasket used for securing the air-tightness when mounting the spark plug on an internal-combustion engine is prevented from falling out from the metal shell with a simple step.

US07914346B2

Communications jacks having contact wire configurations that provide crosstalk compensation

Communications jacks include a housing having a plug aperture that is configured to receive a mating plug that is inserted along a horizontal plug axis and a vertically-oriented wiring board that is mounted substantially normal to the horizontal plug axis. First through fourth contact wires are mounted in the vertically-oriented wiring board, with the first and second contact wires forming a first differential pair of contact wires and the third and fourth contact wires forming a second differential pair of contact wires. At least a portion of the first differential pair of contact wires is positioned between the contact wires of the second differential pair of contact wires, and deflectable portions of the third and fourth contact wires include a crossover. Additionally, the fixed portions of the third and fourth contacts are spaced further apart vertically than are the fixed portions of the first and second contacts.

US07914339B2

Audio signal switcher

An audio signal switcher includes a jack switcher and a plug switcher. The jack switcher includes at least two audio jacks and a first USB port. The first USB port includes a first data pin, a second data pin, a power pin, and a ground pin. Each of the audio jacks includes a left track segment, a right track segment, and a ground segment, which are electrically isolated coupled to at least three pins of the first USB port. The plug switcher includes an audio plug and a second USB port. The second USB port also includes a data pin, a second data pin, a power pin, and a ground pin. The audio plug also includes a left track segment, a right track segment, and a ground segment, which are electrically isolated coupled to at least three pins of the second USB port.

US07914338B2

HDMI connection system and method for use

The current invention is a method and apparatus to secure and HDMI cable to an electronic system.

US07914337B1

Electrical connector with adjacent terminals bent outward

An electrical connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of first terminals, a plurality of second terminals and a shielding shell. A base on the insulating body includes a first solder portion, a second solder portion and a connection portion. The first solder portion and the second solder portion are located on the one end of the base, and the connection portion is located on the other end of the base. The first terminals run through the base, and are arranged parallel to each other and located on two sides of the first soldering portion and the connection portion. The second terminals run through the base, and are separately located on two sides of the second soldering portion and the connection portion. At least two of the second terminals are bent outwardly at a predetermined angle, so that the cross talk between two adjacent second terminals can be reduced. The shielding shell sleeves on the connection portion. Additionally, the thicknesses of the first solder portion and the second solder portion both are 1.20 mm so that the cross talk of the second terminals located at the two sides of the second solder portion can be reduced.

US07914329B2

Card connector

A card connector comprises a plurality of contacts, a frame, a shell and a locator. Each of the plurality of contacts comprises a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each contact has substantially an L-like shape. The frame has a front end portion and a rear end portion. The rear end portion holds, in part, the first portions of the contacts. The first portions extend into a space defined by the frame toward the front end portion in the first direction. The second portions extend away from the frame in the second direction. The shell is attached to the frame. The shell shields, in part, the second portions of the contacts. The locator is supported by the shell. The locator is distinct from the shell. The locator holds, in part, the second portions of the contacts so that the second portions penetrate the locator.

US07914327B2

Electrical connector

An electrical connector sub-assembly including a housing having at least one electrical contact receiving area configured to receive an electrical contact; and a terminal position assurance (TPA) member located on a front section of the housing. The TPA member is laterally movable on the front section between an unlocked position and a locked position. The TPA member comprises two spaced sections configured to lock the electrical contact in the electrical contact receiving area at two spaced locations when the TPA member is moved to the locked position. This prevents unintentional withdrawal of the electrical contact from the electrical contact receiving area.

US07914324B2

Cassette for use within a connectivity management system

A cassette includes a housing having a plurality of plug cavities configure to receive plugs therein, and a contact subassembly received in the housing. The contact subassembly has a circuit board and a plurality of contacts coupled to the circuit board, with the contacts being arranged in contact sets that are received in different plug cavities to mate with different ones of the plugs. The cassette also includes a connectivity sensor coupled to the housing. The connectivity sensor is electrically connected to the circuit board of the contact subassembly, and the connectivity sensor has a plurality of sensor pads configured to interface with sensor probes of the plugs when the plugs are loaded into the plug cavities.

US07914323B2

Connector apparatus

A connector apparatus includes a main body and a cover. The main body includes a fixed member and a receiving member. A plurality of connectors is fixed in the fixed member. The receiving member is configured for receiving another connector. The cover is detachably mounted to the receiving member to cover the another connector in response to the another connector being installed in the receiving member.

US07914319B2

Interconnector system engagement sensor

An electrical connector assembly includes a housing supporting a plurality of terminals for a primary circuit and at least two terminals for a sensor circuit. A mating header includes terminals corresponding to the primary circuit and to the sensor circuit. A conductive link is disposed in either the housing or the header to short the sensor terminals disposed therein. Once the mating components of the connector are attached, the sensor circuit is completed through the conductive link and an indication of a proper connection can be verified.

US07914317B2

Reverse cam release mechanism

A releasable locking mechanism is provided that includes a carrier, at least one projection and an actuator. The projection extends from the carrier and is rotatable along a rotational axis between a locked state and an unlocked state. The actuator is operably coupled to the projection and is movable along a first axis between a first position and a second position whereby in the first position the projection is rotated to the locked state and in the second position the projection is rotated to the unlocked state, the first axis being substantially perpendicular with the rotational axis.

US07914316B2

Lock attachment for audio-visual connector

The combination of an electronic connector plug and an attached locking clip, wherein the connector comprises a cable, a plug housing surrounding one end of the cable, and a plug supported in the housing, such that the plug extends from the front of the housing and is electrically connected through the housing to the cable. The clip surrounds the housing and can be locked onto an electrical component by a lock screw such that the advancing screw also urges a clamp against the housing thereby securing the plug into the jack of the component. The electrical component is preferably an audio-visual (AV) device having an HDMI socket.

US07914314B2

Electrical contact with multiple contacting points

An electrical contact comprises a contacting end having a slot tapered toward a free end of the contacting end, the slot defining opposite inner walls, a first, second contacting points being formed on the opposite inner walls respectively at a narrow part of the slot. A third contacting point extends from one of the opposite inner walls at the narrow part of the slot. A pin of a CPU can synchronously engage with the three contacting points. Thus, improved engagement between the pin and the contact will be provided.

US07914313B1

Clamping mechanism for an IC socket

A clamping mechanism (18) for an IC socket (14) is disclosed having two moveable arms (36) which are spaced apart on opposite sides of the IC socket (14), with first ends pivotally secured to a fixed shaft (34) at moveable arm pivot points for moving from a lifted position to a lowered position, extending across the IC socket (14). Two clamp arms (38) are spaced apart on opposite sides of the IC socket (14), and have formed ends (40) pivotally secured to the second ends (166) of the moveable arms (36) at latch pivot points. The clamp arms (38) are configured such that, when the moveable arms (36) are disposed in the lowered positions and the clamp arms (38) are disposed in the clamping positions, a hooking shaft (32) is disposed in the self-locking positions in openings (156) in the clamp arms (38) such that upward forces applied to the moveable arms (36) will engage the hooking shaft (32) against the clamp arms (38) and urge the clamp arms (38) into the latched position.

US07914310B2

Universal serial bus connector with antenna capabilities

An electrical connector (male and female) that support conventional Universal Serial Bus (USB) signals and includes one or more additional compact coaxial connectors to enable advanced communications and/or functionality between electronic devices and/or accessory devices. In one embodiment, an electrical connector includes a contact support member housed at least partially within a housing. A plurality of first contacts are mounted on a contact support member, wherein each of the plurality of first contacts is configured to electrically connect with the associated connector along a first plane parallel to a plane of insertion for the associated connector into the port. At least one compact coaxial connector is located adjacent the housing to receive one or external antennas. The male connector includes an elastic member coupled to the one or more compact coaxial connectors, so that the male connector can be secured to a compliant female adapter and a conventional USB connector (e.g., a female USB connector not having one or more coaxial connectors positioned adjacent the housing.

US07914304B2

Electrical connector with conductors having diverging portions

An electrical connector that includes a dielectric housing and at least one pair of signal conductors adapted to mate with a printed circuit board. The pair of signal conductors include first and second conductors. The first conductor includes a first mating portion, a first contact portion remote from the first mating portion, and a the intermediate portion therebetween. The second conductor includes a second mating portion, a second contact portion remote from the second mating portion, and a second intermediate portion therebetween. Each of the first and second mating portions define a mating portion axis and each of the first and second contact portions define a contact portion axis. The contact portion axes are offset from the mating portion axis.

US07914301B2

Electrical connector and manufacturing method thereof

An electrical connector includes a fixing member having a support seat; a plurality of terminals, each having an embed section embedded within the fixing member along an extension direction via an insert-molding process and a contact section exposing from the support seat of the fixing member; and an insulated body for seating on the support seat of the fixing member. The insulated body has an insert face formed with a plurality of terminal holes. The insert face is dented inwardly so as to form a plug reception chamber in spatial communication with the terminal holes. When the insulated body is seated on the support seat of the fixing member, the contact sections of the terminals pass through the terminal holes in the insulated body and are retained within the plug reception chamber.

US07914300B2

Terminal mounting structure in electrical junction box

A structure for screw-tightening and connecting a terminal to an electrical junction box is provided. The terminal mounting structure in the electrical junction box ensures mounting operation with an insertion direction of the terminal obliquely oriented, and prevents heating of the terminal due to power supply. The terminal is secured and connected to a busbar of the junction box by a bolt, with a head and a shaft of the bolt inserted into a vertical opening and a horizontal notched hole of the terminal, respectively. A pair of opposed guiding walls are provided on a junction box body at both sides of the bolt. The guiding wall includes an entrance's side sloping surface obliquely extending from top to bottom, and a straight horizontal surface continuing to the sloping surface. The terminal includes a pair of outward projecting pieces at an upper portion to be slid on the sloping surface and the horizontal surface. A heat release portion extends integrally at an upper portion of a vertical plate portion of the terminal having the vertical opening. Linear indentations are provided on front and back surfaces of the heat release portion to be exposed outside.

US07914295B2

Electrical connecting device

An electrical connecting device for electrically connecting between two contacted articles, comprising a push member, a lock member, which holds one of the contacted articles in a predetermined mount position through the push member, a base member, to which the two contacted articles are mounted, an elastic member held on the base member, and a plurality of contacts held on the elastic member, and wherein the base member includes an upper base member and a lower base member, each including an accommodating recess, which accommodates the elastic member, the elastic member includes slits, respectively, holding the plurality of contacts, the plurality of contacts, respectively, include at least an upper contact arm having an upper contact portion and a lower contact arm having a lower contact portion, and the upper and lower contact portions of each of the plurality of contacts are structured to enable abutting against the elastic member.

US07914288B2

On demand learning

Learning activities in an organization are allocated for work apart, work embedded, and work enabled learning types. In work apart learning, employees leave the work itself and learn through traditional classroom or technology enhanced methods. Work embedded learning occurs on the job without interrupting the flow of work. Work embedded learning uses the power of experience and execution with small responsive training modules embedded in the work process. Work enabled learning provides knowledge transfer and comprehension through experiences and interactions within the context of the work place. A business process permits an organization to rework existing learning programs and allocate resources for new programs to optimally address employee learning needs.

US07914274B2

Molding apparatus

A molding apparatus includes a first mold half, a first mold core received in the first mold half, a second mold half opposite to the first mold half, a second mold core and a plurality of spacers. The second mold core includes a sleeve and a core insert. The sleeve is received in the second mold core. The sleeve includes a receiving hole defined therein, and a plurality of parallel grooves defined in an inner surface in the receiving hole. The grooves are angularly equidistantly spaced from each other. The core insert is received in the receiving hole of the sleeve. The plurality of spacers is configured for being selectively disposed in the corresponding grooves. Each of the spacers is configured for being sandwiched between the sleeve and the core insert.

US07914263B2

Ejector-type rotary device

A centrifugal-type ejector machine of the invention comprises a sealed housing with a rotating rotor. The interior of the housing is filled with a liquid. The rotor has a central axial opening and is provided with a plurality of radial channels leading to the outer periphery of the rotor in a substantially tangential direction to the rotor periphery. The device operates as a compressor or a vacuum chamber based on the principle that difference of speeds between the periphery of the rotating rotor and stationary liquid created a negative pressure at the exit of radial channels of the rotor connected to the source of gas, which is extracted from the channels of the rotor into liquid and is removed through the outlet port of the compression chamber. In case the device works as a vacuum chamber, evacuation occurs through the aforementioned radial channels and the hollow shaft of the rotor.

US07914251B2

Liner panel

A liner panel for a fan casing of a gas turbine engine includes a honeycomb layer, a septum layer and an abradable layer. The fan casing is provided with a containment system in case of fan blade failure. In use, ice may be released from a fan blade in a first direction, and (in the case of a blade-off event) a fan blade or part of a fan blade may be released in a second direction. The panel has a compressive strength greater in the first direction than in the second direction such that the released ice will be deflected by the panel but the released fan blade or part of a fan blade will pass through the panel.

US07914250B2

Method and system for estimating life of a gearbox

A gearbox life estimation system includes a single sensor or multiple sensors configured for obtaining field operational data related to loading of a gearbox from a single gearbox component or different gearbox components. The system further includes a processor configured for receiving signals representative of the field operational data from the sensors, for providing calculated operational load data for the gearbox components based on the field operational data, and for providing an estimate of remaining life of gearbox using the calculated operational load data.

US07914245B2

Screw

The present invention pertains to a screw with a first thread section comprised of a trailing and a leading thread segments respectively spiraled on a shank and a tip section. Distinctly, the leading thread segment defines a plane surface thereon to convergently engage with an adjacently thread peak on the trailing thread segment and further constructs a thread width greater than that of the trailing thread segment while aligning the two thread segments with a correspondent profile thread height. Such configuration of the plane surface accompanies its larger thread width to enlarge a drilling channel and accordingly renders an easy entry of the trailing thread segment into an object with less friction and higher screwing speed. Additionally, the debris is partially removed through the void between the enlarged channel and the trailing thread segment to avoid cracking the object, decrease drilling torque, and enhance the fastening capability.

US07914242B2

Aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure

An apparatus for aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure. A machine plate positionable on the structure has a plate bushing providing a hole through the plate. The apparatus also includes a nosepiece for guiding a distal end of the tool through the plate bushing to the target location. The nosepiece has a collet configured to be moved at least partly through and sideward in the plate bushing to center the nosepiece on an element projecting from the structure at the target location. The nosepiece can be attached to the plate bushing to establish normality of the tool relative to the projecting element.

US07914236B2

Screw pile substructure support system

A screw pile substructure support system is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a screw pile substructure support system including a tubular pile having a centerline, wherein the tubular pile includes a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section attached by a weld, a pile tip including a first pile tip end attached to the tubular pile, an end plate having a substantially flat surface disposed perpendicular to the centerline of the tubular pile, a tapered portion disposed between the first pile tip end and the end plate, and a helical flight attached to an exterior surface of the tapered portion, wherein the helical flight extends along the exterior surface for a distance of at least one quarter of a circumference of the tapered portion, wherein the end plate is fixedly attached to the pile tip.

US07914234B2

Method and apparatus for restraining a tendon top connector in reverse loading conditions

A tendon top connector for a moored, floating structure such as a tension leg platform, a tension leg buoy or the like has a bowl-shaped extension on the member which transfers the tension of the tendon to the flex connector. A dome-shaped structure at least partially surrounds the bowl-shaped extension but is spaced apart from it to permit at least some rotational movement of the connector. The dome-shaped structure may be attached by clamps or other mounting means to a flange member affixed to the tendon porch. This arrangement provides a load path when the tendon top connector is reverse loaded that extends from the tendon length adjustment joint, through slips, through the bowl-shaped extension, through the dome-shaped structure, through the segmented clamps, and finally into a flange attached to the tendon porch. In this way, detachment of the tendon top connector is prevented if a reverse load is applied such as may occur during extreme metocean conditions.

US07914233B2

Method and apparatus for installing an underground pipe

A method for installing an underground pipe using a ground piercing tool comprises the steps of: fitting an expander onto a front nose of the tool, securing the pipe to the expander so that the ground piercing tool is disposed inside of the pipe, operating the tool in forward mode over a run to pull the pipe into the ground, removing the ground piercing tool from the expander and pipe by moving it in a rearward direction through the newly installed pipe, and leaving the expander in the ground, preferably to form the front end of the newly installed pipe. It is not required that each of the foregoing steps be conducted in the order recited. For example, the expander could be secured to the pipe after which the expander and pipe could be fitted over the tool.

US07914223B2

Determinant assembly features for vehicle structures

A determinant assembly feature for a joint assembly and a method of assembly therefor. The joint assembly includes a structure and a web connected thereto. The structure includes a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel, and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg. The web includes a thickness control element and one or more location control elements correspondingly matched to the location control receiving elements. The method includes providing a structure comprising a base, a pair of legs extending from the base to define a channel and one or more location control receiving elements in either leg; providing a web comprising one or more location control elements and a thickness control element; and inserting the web into the structure, wherein the one or more location control elements is correspondingly matched to the one or more location control receiving elements.

US07914218B2

Thermal printer and printing device

According to an aspect of the present invention, a thermal printer includes a housing in which a space is formed, printing means disposed in the housing, a cover disposed in the housing and which comes into contact with and separates from the housing when rotated, thereby opening and closing the space, urging means for urging the cover in a direction away from the housing, an engaging part which is disposed in the housing and which prevents the movement of the cover in a direction away from the housing when engaged with the cover, a pressed part which is disposed rotatably in the cover and which moves the engaging part when pressed, thereby releasing engagement between the cover and the engaging part, and elastic means arranged to urge the pressed part in a direction away from the engaging part.

US07914214B2

System and method for determining the status of a label in a roll of label stock

A method and system for determining whether a first one of a plurality of labels on a roll of label stock is a full label. The method includes sensing a leading edge of the roll of label stock, sensing a location of a first one of a plurality of indicator marks that are printed on the back side of the roll of label stock, sensing a location of a second one of the plurality of indicator marks, sensing a location of one of a plurality of top of form marks that are printed on the back side of the roll of label stock. The method further includes determining whether the first one of the plurality of labels is a full label based on the leading edge of the roll of label stock, the location of the first one of the plurality of indicator marks, the location of the second one of the plurality of indicator marks, and the location of the one of the plurality of top of form marks.

US07914209B2

Bearing seal and swing device

A bearing seal includes an outer seal easily displaceable in the radial direction, an inner ring as a ring-shaped rigid portion not extendable in the radial direction, an inner seal having a seal lip, and an outer ring arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the outer seal, in which the spring constant of the inner seal is set to be larger than the spring constant of the outer seal. The sealing performance between the inner seal and the pin is ensured by using the ring-shaped rigid portion as a boundary. When the pin is displaced in the radial direction, the ring-shaped rigid portion is integrally displaced with the pin via the inner seal, and the displacement of the ring-shaped rigid portion can be absorbed by the outer seal.

US07914208B2

Reclosable fastener strip

A reclosable fastener strip for securing to a film web comprises first and second elongated profile strips having interlocking hooks, recesses and protuberances. Each hook, as extruded, has a half arrowhead-shaped tip, a concave or partial-concave tail, and a generally upstanding neck connecting the tip and tail. Each recess has a base with a pair of generally upstanding neck elements disposed on opposite ends of the base. The base does not extend laterally beyond the neck elements. Each protuberance, as extruded, has a rounded tip, a concave or partial-concave tail, and a generally upstanding neck portion connecting the tip and tail. The profile strips are readily secured to the web without entrapping air between the profile strips and the film web and form an vacuum tight seal. The interlocking hooks, recesses and protuberances are sized, constructed and arranged to provide a vacuum tight seal upon interconnection thereof.

US07914202B2

First detecting sheet and first thermometric system for detecting and measuring temperature of an object under test, second detecting sheet and second thermometric system for detecting and measuring temperature of a dummy substrate, and heat treatment apparatus using same

A first thermometry system for measuring a temperature of an object under test includes a first detecting sheet having crystal oscillators arranged on a first sheet-like object formed of resin, and a first measuring device for measuring the temperature based on frequencies acquired from the crystal oscillators and corresponding to natural frequencies of the crystal oscillators. In this system, the first detecting sheet is placed in contact with the object under test, whereupon the crystal oscillators provide the natural frequencies corresponding to the temperature of the object under test. The first measuring device measures the temperature of the object under test accurately based on the frequencies corresponding to the natural frequencies.

US07914201B2

Low cost multimode calorimeter

A structure of calorimeter provides a calorimetric head (1) comprising a calorimetric cell (10) suitable for receiving a sample holding container (20) containing a sample (25) to examine. The cell (10) is arranged according to a first shield (3), or active shield. Outside the active shield (3) a second shield (4), or dynamical shield is present, which comprises a cylindrical hollow body arranged around the active shield (3) for all its length in order to provide a space (5) of determined size. Outside the active shield a thermal bath is present (not shown) at a temperature lower than the first and the second shield (3,4). The dynamic shield (4) allows an effective adjustment of the heat flux through the active shield (3) during calorimetric measures by limiting the heat flux same. In fact, in operative conditions the dynamic shield acts as thermal flywheel and keeps constant the heat flux coming from the active shield (3). More in detail, the presence of the dynamic shield (4) ensures the reduction of the temperature gradient on the active shield (3) and then on the cell (10) containing the sample (20). Furthermore, by keeping the dynamic shield (4) at a suitable temperature difference from the active shield (3), the temperature can be controlled with much less electric power than it would be necessary if the active shield (3) exchanged heat directly with the thermal bath.

US07914197B2

Light guide member, flat light source device, and display device

A light guide member, a flat light source device and a display device using the light guide member. A plurality of luminescent devices that emit light of violet to blue color are arrayed on a substrate, and a light guide member is disposed upward thereof that includes a first area that consists of a transparent resin and composed of the resin independently, a second area in which there is dissolved in the resin a luminescent substance that generates a second color having a radiation peak wavelength at a wavelength different from a radiation peak wavelength of a luminescent device of the first color, and a third area in which there is dissolved in the resin a luminescent substance that generates a third color having a radiation peak wavelength at a wavelength different from the radiation peak wavelengths of luminescent devices of the first and second colors.

US07914194B2

Backlight unit having light emititng diodes and method of manufacturing the same

There is provided a backlight unit including: a chassis having an insulating layer formed on a top thereof; a circuit pattern formed on the insulating layer; a plurality of light emitting diodes formed on the insulating layer to electrically connect to the circuit pattern.

US07914188B2

Interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle

A rearview minor system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror mount for attaching the mirror assembly to an attachment element at an interior of a vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a base portion disposed generally at a windshield of the equipped vehicle when the mirror mount is attached to the attachment element at the interior of the equipped vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a video camera disposed at the base portion, and the video camera has, when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, a field of view towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle. The base portion of the interior rearview mirror assembly encompasses a rain sensor when the mirror mount of the mirror assembly is attached to the attachment element.

US07914187B2

Automatic lighting system with adaptive alignment function

An automatic lighting system for a vehicle includes a detection device, an illumination source and a control. The illumination source is directed generally forwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the vehicle, and has an adjustable principal axis of illumination. The detection device may be operable to determine a gaze direction of a driver or driving instructor of a vehicle or may detect a sign or other object of interest, such as a deer or pedestrian or the like, generally forwardly and sidewardly of the vehicle. The control is operable to adjust the principal axis of illumination of the illumination source in response to an output of the detection device so as to provide enhanced illumination at areas sideward and forward of the vehicle.

US07914183B2

LED lamp having elastic members for securing LED module to heat sink thereof

An LED lamp includes an LED module, a heat sink having a base abutting an upside of the LED module, a plurality of posts extending through the LED module and into the base of the heat sink, and a plurality of elastic members engaging the plurality of posts respectively and elastically abutting an underside of the LED module to secure the LED module to the base of the heat sink. The LED module is sandwiched between the base and the elastic members, and is thereby secured to the base of the heat sink.

US07914177B2

Prophylaxic/therapeutic vehicle filter component for healthy eyes, pseudoaphakic eyes or eyes suffering neurodegeneration

A component with a yellow pigment that absorbs light wavelengths in the range 500 to 380 nm is provided for transparent or translucent components of a vehicle in order to protect healthy eyes, pseudophakic eyes, and eyes with macular and retinal degeneration from harmful ultraviolet rays. The component may be in the form of a filter that is applied on or within these transparent or translucent components of the vehicle.

US07914175B2

Enclosure for a laser scanner for use in a sawmill

The enclosure assembly includes an enclosure body which is adapted to accommodate a laser scanner therein for use in a sawmill environment. The enclosure body includes a lid portion which is hinged to permit access to the interior of the enclosure for convenient removal and cleaning of the laser scanner. A front end assembly extends from a forward end of the enclosure body and includes an air knife member mounted therein which in operation produces an air curtain which extends from the air knife towards the workpiece, tending to maintain the debris away from the laser.

US07914174B2

Method to optimize micro-optic lens in LED flashlight application

A micro-optic lens is disclosed. The micro-optic lens includes a substrate; and a lens element on the substrate, wherein the lens element includes a flat surface and an annularly grooved surface including first facets and second facets, and wherein the first facets collimate a light effectively and the second facets are parallel to a light. The micro-optic lens can decrease the draft loss and collimate the emitted light beams to increase the light efficiency. Further, the present invention also provides a method for designing angles of micro-optic lenses.

US07914170B2

Interior light

Disclosed is a flatly designed interior light which is essentially characterized by a centrally arranged hollow profiled support (1) that is disposed between two final parts (15) and is provided with an interior receiving space (17) and exterior reflective surfaces (18,19,20,21) for two fluorescent lamps (2, 3) which adjoin the profiled support (1) and run parallel thereto, and light guiding chambers (6, 7) that are placed on both sides of the profiled support (1), extend to the lateral border of the light, and are closed by the light emission surface (13) facing the room. Preferably, the height of the light, which reaches a maximum in the region of the central profiled support (1), decreases continuously in the direction of the edges (11) of the light until reaching approximately the thickness of the components (8, 9, 10) that form the light emission surface (13) facing the room.

US07914166B2

Ice sculpture display platform with integrated water collection and self-powered illumination

An ice sculpture display platform is disclosed that includes integrated water collection and self-powered illumination, thereby enabling display of arbitrarily shaped ice sculptures without requiring a water collection tray or connection to a power outlet. A display surface with drainage holes is supported on or above a water collection bowl, preferably forming a water-tight seal therewith. Battery-powered lights, such as incandescent or LED lights, are attached to the display surface and/or the water collection bowl, and illuminate the ice sculpture from the rim of the bowl, the rim of the platform, and/or from beneath the platform. Lights that illuminate from beneath can be impervious to water and/or sealed within a water-tight enclosure. A portion of the display platform can be transparent, allowing penetration of light originating from below. Batteries can be in water-tight enclosures, and can be in the bowl, under the rim, or under the platform.

US07914163B2

Ventilation fan and light

A ventilation fan and light (10) is disclosed having a housing (12) and a light kit (13). The housing includes a housing box (15) with a conventional fan scroll (17) having an electric fan (16) mounted therein. The housing also includes a ceiling plate (21) configured to cover the housing box from view. The ceiling plate includes a decorative features (22) and an array of air intake ports (23) extend through the ceiling plate and positioned within a decorative feature to camouflage the air intake port from view. The light kit includes a plurality of light arms (26) which terminate with a light housing (27) and diffusor (28). The spacial relationship between the ceiling plate and the majority of the light kit structure further obscures the air intake ports from view, prevents the build up of heat within the housing, and creates a better airflow pattern within the room in which the light is mounted.

US07914160B2

Projection television

A projection television includes: a mirror holder made up of a metal bracket fixed with its one end attached to a cabinet and a mirror holder cover made of synthetic resin having a square-cornered U shape part into which the other end of the bracket is fitted; and a mirror having an edge supported by the mirror holder and changing the optical path of projected light.

US07914154B2

Image projection device, image projection screen and image display system

An image projector according to the present invention includes a first light source that emits visible light and a second light source that emits invisible light and projects the visible light and the invisible light onto a screen. The screen includes a material, at least one of the visible light reflectance, transmittance and absorbance of which changes when irradiated with the invisible light projected. The image projector further includes a modulating section for modulating the intensities of the visible light and invisible light based on an image signal and a control section for controlling the modulating section.

US07914146B2

Ophthalmological photographic apparatus

An ophthalmological photographic apparatus includes an observation moving-image photographic unit configured to photograph an observation moving image of a subject's eye, a still-image photographic unit configured to photograph a still image of the subject's eye, an image display unit configured to display at least one of the observation moving image and the still image, and a display content control unit configured to cause the image display unit to display one of the observation moving image and the still image when the still-image photographic unit photographs a still image.

US07914138B2

Ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge, and ink-jet recording apparatus

An ink for ink-jet recording may contain a coloring agent and a marker. The coloring agent may contain a dye. The marker may contain at least one of a dye and a pigment, and has a detector absorption peak for detecting the marker at a wavelength that is different from a wavelength of the maximum absorption peak of the coloring agent. The coloring agent and the marker are contained in the ink in amounts that satisfy the following conditions (I) to (III): (I) about 1.2≦A2/ A3; (II) color difference (ΔE)≦about 3; and (III) about 0.001≦A2≦about 5 in terms of a measurement optical path length of 1 mm, where A2 denotes an absorbance at the wavelength of the detector absorption peak of the marker, A3 denotes a baseline absorbance at the wavelength of the detector absorption peak of the marker.

US07914125B2

Fluid ejection device with deflective flexible membrane

A fluid ejection device includes a substrate having a fluid channel including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a flexible membrane supported by the substrate and extended a length of the fluid channel, an actuator provided on the flexible membrane, and a constriction provided within the fluid channel between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, such that the actuator is adapted to deflect the flexible membrane relative to the fluid channel, and the constriction supports the flexible membrane between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet.

US07914113B2

Print head having nozzles with varied spacing and inkjet printer including the same

A print head includes a first nozzle group which includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged linearly, and a second nozzle group and a third nozzle group which include a plurality of second nozzles and a plurality of third nozzles arranged linearly, and are disposed in parallel with each other and spaced from the first nozzle group by a first interval and a second interval at opposite sides of the first nozzle group, respectively.

US07914096B2

Image forming apparatus, landing position shift correction method, and landing position shift correction sheet member

A disclosed image forming apparatus includes a recording head configured to jet liquid droplets; a pattern forming unit configured to form, on a water-repellent surface of a water-repellent sheet member, an adjustment pattern used for correcting shifts in landing positions of the liquid droplets, wherein the adjustment pattern includes plural liquid droplets that are separated from each other, and the water-repellent surface having a water-repellent property is formed on at least a part of a surface of the water-repellent sheet member; a reading unit including a light emitting unit configured to irradiate light onto the adjustment pattern and a light receiving unit configured to receive specular reflection light from the adjustment pattern; and a landing position correction unit configured to correct, based on a reading result obtained by the reading unit, the shifts in the landing positions of the liquid droplets that are jetted from the recording head.

US07914091B1

Furniture systems

Asymmetrical joint systems, structures having interlocking joints, methods of fabricating asymmetric joint systems and methods for fabricating structures having interlocking joints. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a structure that incorporates a rotational diamond-shaped bracing system. In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method of assembling such a structure.

US07914087B2

Automatic track tensioning system

An automatic track tensioning system is provided for use with a track-type work vehicle for automatically tensioning an endless track chain of the work vehicle.

US07914079B2

Head and/or neck support

A head and/or neck support for a chair, in particular for an office chair, includes a device for adjusting the swivel and height, with which the support may be moved relative to a back rest of the chair, a first receptacle for a head and/or neck cushion, and a second receptacle for fastening the support to the back rest, the support being rotatably held at one end on the second receptacle via two first swivel arms and on the other end, the first swivel arms being connected in a rotatable and swivelable manner to two second swivel arms which hold the first receptacle at the end which is opposite the swivel arms which are hingedly connected to one another.

US07914075B2

Infant car seat cover

A washable infant car seat cover adapted to removably fit over and onto an infant car seat which includes a safety belt, the cover including a central part with a central opening for passage of the safety belt and an elastic peripheral edge.

US07914074B2

Rear seat hidden storage

A rear seat assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a support frame having a pair of spaced frame rails extending along the length of the vehicle and a body mounted on the support frame. The rear seat assembly comprises a rear seat including a rear seat cushion. The rear seat defines a left seat sections a center seat section and a right seat section. The rear seat has a first end section supported on one of the frame rails and a second end section supported on the other frame rail. A frame member is mounted to the body. The frame member is positioned generally beneath the center seat section of the rear seat. The frame member is configured to provide additional support to the center seat section. The frame member at least partially displaces the rear seat cushion to raise an occupant of the center seat section and balances a thickness of the rear seat cushion under an occupant of one of the left and right seat sections.

US07914070B2

Method for fitting a bumper shell around light units stay for a bumper shell and headlight unit for motor vehicles

The present invention relates to a shaping method of shaping a bumper skin of plastics material around at least two light units of a motor vehicle, with the help of reinforcement comprising a certain number of portions, the skin having zones for covering the various portions of the reinforcement, each portion of the reinforcement including means for fastening it to one of the light units in a predetermined position. The portions of the reinforcement are initially fastened to the corresponding zones of the bumper skin, and then the portions of the reinforcement are assembled to the light units. The present invention also provides reinforcement and a front unit for a vehicle.

US07914065B2

Opening and closing device

An opening and closing device opens and closes a shielding body that partitions space by the operation of an operating unit in a range between a fully opened position and a fully closed position. The opening and closing device includes a limit setting unit, a control unit, and an operating element. The limit setting unit can perform an operation for setting an operational limit position of the shielding body. The control unit sets a range, where the shielding body can be opened and closed by the operation of the operating unit, as a predetermined range between the set operational limit position and a fully closed position or between the set operational limit position and a fully opened position. The operating element operates the control unit so that the range where the shielding body is opened and closed is set to the predetermined range.

US07914057B2

Vacuum anchor

In one aspect of the invention, a vacuum anchor assembly for anchoring a fall protection system to a surface of an anchorage structure comprises an anchor member having an air input connector, a venturi, and a seal member incorporated into the anchor member. The air input connector is configured and arranged to receive air from a pressurized air source. The venturi is in fluid communication with the air input connector and is configured and arranged to receive air and create a vacuum therefrom. The seal member is in fluid communication with the venturi and is configured and arranged to receive the vacuum and resulting suction and create a seal between the anchor member and the surface of the anchorage structure sufficient to operatively connect the anchor member to the surface of the anchorage structure with the vacuum and resulting suction created within the anchor member.

US07914053B2

Flange connection

A flange connection has two pipe ends (1′, 2′, 51′, 52′) on each of which one flange (1, 2, 51, 52) is disposed and which have flange faces (11, 11′, 61, 61′) and a centering ring (33, 34) with an elastomer sealing ring (14) in contact with the ring. Both flanges include a mechanism for the detachable clamping against one another such that the flange faces (11, 11′, 61, 61′) are in contact on the centering ring and thereby are held at a predetermined flange distance (10, 60, D). The elastomer sealing ring (14) is pressed on the flange faces (11, 11′, 61, 61′) in the direction of the pipe axes (15) forming a seal, wherein the centering ring (33, 34) is positioned such that it is at least partially in contact on the periphery of the flanges (1, 2, 51, 52). A bearing mechanism (18) is disposed thereon, annularly directed inwardly, about which the elastomer sealing ring (14), which is U-shaped in cross section, is disposed such that on the side flanks of the U-shape, on both sides, an annular areal flange contact zone (6, 6′, 56, 56′, B) is formed.

US07914049B2

Hydraulic connector and a hydraulic circuit incorporating the connector

A hydraulic connector made entirely of an elastomeric material connects tubes or other hydraulic circuit components used in machines for extracorporeal blood treatment. The hydraulic connector comprises a main body (2), which defines a conduit (3), and a predetermined number of protuberances (6) fashioned to enable a stable engagement of the connector to an end of a tubular port (7) of tubing or other hydraulic component. The conduit (3) exhibits a first longitudinal portion (3a) directed along a first development axis (9) and a second longitudinal portion (3a) directed along a second development axis (10); the axes (9, 10) do not coincide.

US07914047B2

Support for flexible duct bend

A support assembly for supporting a flexible duct includes a radius strap for maintaining the desired angle of bend for the flexible duct. The radius strap retains its shape through ribs along the back side of the strap. The assembly is secured at both ends to the flexible duct via arms branching off of cross pieces which branch off from the radius strap. The arms contain slots which allow varying connection devices to pass through and secure the flexible duct to the assembly itself and to varying pieces of HVAC equipment.

US07914046B2

Vehicle mud flap with wheel liner attachment tab

A mud flap is provided with an integrally molded upstanding tab which captures a free edge of a wheel liner or similar wheel well-forming vehicle body element. The upstanding tab may be combined with OEM screw holes or clamping members to affix the mud flap to the vehicle wheel well.

US07914044B2

Collision energy absorbable steering column for vehicle

Disclosed is a vehicular collision energy absorbable steering column coupled to a steering shaft. The steering column comprises shaped wires deformable to absorb a collision load in a vehicle collision, a cylindrical hollow outer tube, a cylindrical hollow inner tube having on its interior circumferential surface mounting grooves to secure the wires, and a distance bracket that is formed of a hollow tubular member having an outer tube joint at one end and an inner tube joint at the opposite end and has a pair of fastening flanges shaped into two spaced opposing plates formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the tubular member for receiving the wires so that the distance bracket may collapse in the axial direction in the event of a vehicle collision through deforming the wires.

US07914033B2

Method and apparatus for stabilizing a motorcycle

A method and apparatus suitable for stabilizing a two-wheeled motorcycle during operation. The apparatus is securable to a location near the front of the motorcycle engine. At least one arm assembly extends in a rearward direction relative to the motorcycle and outboard of the motorcycle's engine and operator's seat. A wheel assembly is mounted at an rearward end of the arm assembly and includes a wheel engageable with a surface supporting the motorcycle. A biasing assembly biases the arm assembly to rotate upward an adjustable limited distance at which the wheel is not engaged with the support surface. The biasing assembly applies a biasing resistance to downward rotation of the arm assembly over the limited distance for engaging the wheel with the support surface, yet allows the arm assembly to rotate upward farther than the limited distance to a raised position.

US07914030B2

Convertible stroller-cycle

A braking and steering assembly in a vehicle having a pushing section and a riding section. The assembly includes an upper connection post containing braking and steering components for the riding section. The upper connection post has an upper end and a lower threaded end. The assembly further includes a lower connection post containing braking and steering components for the pushing section. The lower connection post has an aperture for threadedly receiving the lower threaded end of the upper connection post. The assembly also includes a rotatable front knob fixed to the upper end of the upper connection post. Rotatably tightening the front knob connects the lower end of the upper connection post with the upper end of the lower connection post. Braking and steering in the riding section controls braking and steering in the pushing section.

US07914027B2

Rocker propelled scooter

A scooter having a rockable platform upon which the rider stands with both feet. The platform is attached by a chain to one-way sprocket wheels mounted to the scooter rear wheel rotating the rear wheel to propel the scooter in a forward direction as the front end of the platform moves and as the rear end portion of the platform moves down. The scooter has a position to allow the user to place one foot on the ground and one foot on the platform to propel the same.

US07914026B2

Suspension system having a composite beam

A suspension system having a composite beam. In a described embodiment, a suspension system for a vehicle having a frame is provided. The suspension system includes an axle and a beam interconnected between the vehicle frame and the axle. The beam has opposite ends, an elongated body extending between the opposite ends, and a metal end connection at one of the opposite ends. The body is made of a composite material.

US07914013B2

Snowboard for rails

A snowboard for use on rails and installations found in snowboard parks is disclosed. The snowboard has a combination of features specially adapted for rails, and other known per se features from boards with three running surfaces, selected and employed on snowboards so as to achieve greater stability on rails, with a substantially reduced risk of catching the steel edge in irregularities, while retaining many of the good running characteristics of boards with 3 running surfaces. Some of the features of the snowboard are that more than 70% of the snowboard's base is composed of a flat central portion, and that there are secondary running surfaces from the steel edges and inwards, either along the entire length of the board or at any rate in the front and rear portions of the snowboard.

US07914011B1

Dorsiflexion skate brake

A brake for a skate is actuated by dorsiflexion (the medical term for a foot motion that raises the toes when a person is standing) and not by plantar flexion (the opposite motion). The braking motions of the toes are thus the natural motions used to maintain balance. The actuating motion (A) moves a lifter (110) and rotates a brake shoe (150) about a pivot (130). The brake shoe preferably includes fiber-reinforced elastomer.

US07914003B2

Gaming devices and methods of playing card games with indicator of cards played from previous hands

Gaming devices and methods of playing games wherein an indication of the cards which have already been discarded or dealt is displayed for a player to view prior to making a decision. One embodiment is directed to a gaming device comprising a video display which is designed for the play of Blackjack. Other embodiments are directed to table versions of the present invention wherein physical playing cards are actually dealt to one or more players. At the conclusion of each hand, an indication of the cards dealt is displayed for viewing by all of the players.

US07913998B2

Recording material guiding device and recording apparatus

In a recording material guiding device, a second guide member is comprised of a hopper swinging surface, an edge guide member including a second side end guide member, and a liftup preventing guide. The hopper swinging surface is engaged in an opening provided in a side surface of a reference end guide serving as a first guide member. The second guide member can be slid in a main scanning direction with respect to the reference end guide (first guide member). During recording, a gap can be formed between the second side end guide member and a side end of the recording paper by sliding the second side end guide member from a first position to a second position, so that frictional contact can be prevented at the side end of the recording paper on the second side end guide member side.

US07913997B2

Sheet feeding device, sheet feeding cassette used for the same, and image forming apparatus

A sheet feeding device comprises a pick roller; a push-up board; a first friction member located in a position on the push-up board opposed to the pick roller with the sheet bundle interposed therebetween; and a second friction member located in a position on the push-up board upstream in a sheet transferring direction and not opposed to the pick roller. In the sheet feeding device, the second friction member has a most protruding part which protrudes to the sheet bundle more than a sheet bundle side surface of the first friction member, and a dynamic friction coefficient of the second friction member to the sheet is larger than that of the first friction member and smaller than that of the pick roller. Accordingly, double-paper feeding can be prevented and even the last one sheet can be fed regardless types of sheets.

US07913981B2

Cable release lever

A system and method for a device for releasing a cable of a safety system is disclosed. The system and method disclose various features of the cable system as it applies to a roadway barrier system and other applications in the event that the cables are impacted generally longitudinally proximate the region they are secured to a surface.

US07913979B2

Sailboat winch with self-storage of working line

A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, operating in conjunction with a level wind mechanism. A special, manually operated line release clutch allows controlled release of line independently of the power or manual drive mechanisms of the winch, providing for quick release under emergency conditions as well as for a convenient, manually controlled release for sail control purposes. During line release by power or manual rotation of the winding drum, the line is tensioned by the level wind mechanism and thus positively drawn from the unwinding winch drum The arrangement enables lines to be automatically released from one winch and retrieved on a second winch, under a common control, as when tacking or resetting sails, without any physical line handling by crew members, with resulting improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew.

US07913978B1

Portable powered winch

A portable powered winch is provided suitable for coupling to a vehicle. The winch is comprised of a frame which mounts the winch and a housing. The housing houses a battery and mounts a control panel thereto. The frame has a mount for receiving a mounting tube of a vehicle, and is disconnectable when not desired for mounting and for use portably. A dolly may be included for transporting the winch.

US07913964B1

Painting pail system

A painting pail system includes a bucket, a bucket support, and a brace for the support. The bucket has an open top. The open top has a rod mounted thereacross. The support may be a U-shaped support having a pair of arms extending from a base, where the base is mounted to the substantially vertical brace so as to extend the arms substantially horizontally from the brace. The rod is mounted at its ends to distal ends of the arms, that is, distal from the base. The upper end of the brace includes a pair of mounting hooks spaced apart laterally so as to hook over an upper rung. The brace is elongate and its lower end is adapted to engage against a lower rung. A selectively engageable third hook latches the pair of mounting hooks onto the upper rung. The bucket may be removed from the support by releasing a latch arm mounted on the support.

US07913961B2

Hand grip for palm-held devices

A hand grip with a rigid sheet base surfaced on top and bottom sides with slip-resistant, resiliently deformable material combining with contoured lateral edges for firmness of grasp. Housed in one lateral side is a spring tension device through which a pliable wire passes, adjustably loops above grip's top surface on which palm-held devices seat; wire then secures to opposed side of grip. A demountable bracket assembly connects a weight bearing rod to grip's rigid sheet. The rod has an end-cap connecting it to an open ended cylinder attachment. Lenses seat against a sill at one of the cylinder's ends; their central visual axis intersecting the grip's midline longitudinal axis. Demountable concentric ring laminations attach above cylinder's opposite opened end. These ring laminations hold additional items congruent with cylinder's alignment.

US07913956B2

Mechanism for operating switch points

The subject of the present invention is a mechanism for operating sets of switch points, comprising an actuator control assembly (1) actuating two points operating half-bars (2), each connected to one point blade (switch rail), by a point-setting device (3) and by a manual control (4) connected in the actuator control assembly (1). The mechanism is one wherein actuation of the two points-operating half bars (2) by the actuator control assembly (1) is performed by way of rotary cam-drive devices (5), each one assigned to one operating half-bar (2) and wherein the points-setting device (3) is a device independent of the points-operating half-bar (2) and controlled by the actuator control assembly (1). The invention applies more particularly to the field of railway (railroad) infrastructure, particularly the operating of switch points.

US07913952B2

Method and a device for de-icing an aircraft wall

A device for de-icing an aircraft wall that comprises a composite structure (47) and layer (41) of electrically conductive material, which device comprises a plurality of thin inductor elements (33 to 35) designed to extend substantially parallel to the layer of conductive material at a distance therefrom that is small enough to ensure that when the inductor is powered by an AC source of appropriate frequency, the layer or skin heats rapidly and uniformly, without significantly heating the composite structure.

US07913951B2

Linking assembly between a mechanical system and an adjustment actuator comprising engagement/disengagement members

The invention relates to a linking assembly between a mechanical system, such as an aircraft seat, and an adjustment actuator, comprising an input shaft connected to an output of the actuator and an output shaft connected to an input of the mechanical system, and engagement/disengagement members placed between the input shaft and the output shaft, the members being mobile between a locked position, wherein the input shaft and the output shaft cooperate in rotation, and an unlocked position, position-copying means being mounted solidly attached to the actuator, the copying means having an input shaft, a position-copying rod being fixed between the output shaft and the input shaft of the copying means.

US07913930B2

Spray boom with dampening device

A spray linkage (10) for a crop sprayer includes a support (16) and a central frame (18) pivotally connected to the support (16), the central frame (18) being pivotable about an axis (32) from a neutral position. At least one hydraulic cylinder (34, 36) is fastened at one end to the support (16) and at the other end to the central frame (18). To damp the spray linkage (10) during oscillating movements, at least a first hydraulic cylinder (34, 36) has a first and a second hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50), a first hydraulic line (52, 54) is provided which discharges into the first hydraulic chamber (44, 46) and a second hydraulic line (54, 52) is provided which discharges into the second hydraulic chamber (48, 50). Restrictor structure (58, 60, 62, 64) throttles hydraulic flow from a hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50) while hydraulic flow into a hydraulic chamber (44, 46, 48, 50) is relatively unthrottled.

US07913926B2

Thermostatic mixing valve

A thermostatic mixing valve (TMV) having a mixing chamber with a plurality of pockets defined therein. The mixing chamber receives cold water flow and hot water flow that has been passed through respective flow inlets and mechanically forced into the pockets defined within the chamber due to axial movement of the plunger. As the hot and cold flow moves into and out of the pockets, the flow streams disperse rather than being maintained in separate flow streams toward the thermostatic element. Because of the increased agitation, the thermostatic element is therefore able to sense a more accurate mixed flow temperature even at low flow rates.

US07913923B2

Method of imaging a coding pattern with data elements encoding by pulse-position modulation

A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method includes the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; and (b) low-pass filtering the captured image so as to obscure data elements in the image and preserve target elements in the image. The data elements encode data values by pulse position modulation, which facilitates the low-pass filtering.

US07913909B2

Point of sale datacode reading apparatus and real-time display

Moving image data output from an image sensing device is input. An image display output unit processes the moving image data and displays it on the display screen of a display as a real-time moving image. A decode processing notification unit displays the moving image data output from the image sensing device on the display screen of the display as a still image for a predetermined time from decoding of the datacode by a decoding unit.

US07913906B2

Reader/writer and manufacturing method thereof

A reader/writer comprises a circuit board, a communication control portion mounted on the circuit board and configured to perform communication with IC tags, sealing resin for sealing the communication control portion; and an antenna electrically connected to the communication control portion, in which a resin layer is disposed on the sealing resin, the resin layer having a higher adhesiveness to a conductive film used as the antenna than that of the sealing resin, and the antenna is disposed on the resin layer.

US07913904B2

Medium evaluation method

A medium evaluation method for evaluating a commodity information provision medium that commodity consumers expect to use as an acquisition unit of commodity information provided by a commodity provider at each step of a purchase process wherein: expectation information is associated with kinds of commodity information provision media that commodity consumers expect to use at each step of the purchase process, and access information is used to access the consumers from whom the expectation information is acquired, the method includes: in response to specifying a certain commodity information provision medium at a certain step of the purchase process in the expectation information, specifying access information of a consumer who expects to use the specified commodity information provision medium at the specified step of the purchase process from the access information.

US07913903B1

System and method for granting access to a restricted access area using an approved list

A method for granting access to a restricted access area using an approved list is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method may include the steps of (1) receiving a card number for the access card; (2) comparing the card number to an approved list of approved card numbers; (3) granting access to the area if the card number is on the approved list; (4) comparing the card number to a card presented list of presented card numbers; (5) adding the card to the card presented list and the approved list and granting access to the area if the card number is not on the approved list and the card number is not on the card presented list; and (6) denying access to the area if the card number is not on the approved list but is on the card presented list.

US07913899B2

Supplying object code defined information to users

Object codes such as for example bar codes and other codes from objects such as for example tagged retail goods and other products define first, non-individualized information such as for example audio and/or video commercials etc. to be supplied to destinations (24). To increase a number of possibilities, in response to the object codes, second, individualized information such as for example personal pictures and/or movies etc. is supplied to the destinations (24) in case of being authorized to receive this second, individualized information and otherwise the first, non-individualized information is supplied. Authorized destinations (24) receive the individualized information possibly mixed with some or all non-individualized information, where non-authorized destinations (24) will only receive the non-individualized information.

US07913898B2

Collecting container, in particular for collecting packages

There is provided a collecting container. An exemplary collecting container comprises an insertion opening on the front of the collecting container that is adapted to receive objects. The exemplary collecting container additionally comprises a receiving device arranged to receive the objects and to convey them to a storage space in the collecting container, the storage space containing a filling-level measuring means that is connected to a blocking device preventing the receiving device from being opened when a defined filling level has been reached in the storage space, the receiving device comprising a roller shutter box whose receiving area is formed by at least two side walls and a bottom. The exemplary collecting container further comprises a roller shutter that is adapted to be moved in rails on the side walls, the blocking device being configured so that it can block the movement of the roller shutter.

US07913885B2

Stowable apparatus for securing an extension ladder to a pickup truck

An apparatus for securing and carrying an extension ladder on a pickup truck is designed so that the ladder rests on both the rear edge of the cab and the upper edge of the tailgate and on the ladder. The apparatus includes resilient pads which are secured to lower edges of the rails with straps to prevent damage to the cab and tailgate. A ladder retention bracket, which mounts on the ladder, has a generally L-shaped frame to which is attached a padded stop plate and at least one ladder indexing arm. The stop plate contacts the inner vertical surface of the tailgate and prevents the secured ladder from sliding rearward, while the ladder indexing arms prevent the ladder from shifting with respect to the ladder retention bracket. With the ladder properly positioned on the vehicle, it is tied or strapped to prevent forward, lateral and vertical movement.

US07913884B2

Methods and apparatus for processing molten materials

Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein relate to nozzle assemblies for conveying molten material, the nozzle assemblies comprising a body, which may be formed from a material having a melting temperature greater than the melting temperature of the molten material to be conveyed, and having a molten material passageway extending therethrough. The molten material passageway comprises an interior surface and a protective layer is adjacent at least a portion of the interior surface of the passageway. The protective layer may comprise a material that is essentially non-reactive with the molten material to be conveyed. Further, the nozzle assemblies according to various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein may be heated, and may be self-inspecting. Methods and apparatus for conveying molten materials and/or atomizing molten materials using the nozzle assemblies disclosed herein are also provided.

US07913872B2

Baffle unit

A baffle unit is secured in a fuel tank with an inward protrusion. The baffle unit includes a first band plate and a second band plate attached to the first band plate. The band plates contact opposite surfaces of the protrusion. A support may be provided between the two band plates. A hole may be provided in at least one of the band plates. The second band plate may include a flexible member, elastically secured to the protrusion. The shape of at least one edge of at least one of the band plates may correspond to the shape of a surface of the fuel tank.

US07913862B2

Display tray with movable dividers

A combination display tray and divider member are disclosed. The display tray includes a rear wall, a support portion depending outwardly therefrom, and a forward lip for retaining items placed on the display tray. The rear wall includes a channel therein for receiving a base portion of the divider member. A divider portion extends outwardly from the base portion member and generally perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the channel of the display tray when the base portion of the divider member is slidably received in the channel.

US07913861B2

Shelving system

A product pusher device includes an elongate track having a front end, a rear end, and a rail and a paddle movably connected to the track for movement along the rail. The paddle has a front face for engagement with a rearmost one of a set of associated products located on the track. A foot protrudes from the paddle. The foot extends away from the front face and is slidably engaged with the rail. A biasing element is operatively connected to the paddle for urging the paddle toward the track front end.

US07913853B2

RF shielding gasket for vibratory separator

A gasket for a shaker screen in a vibratory separator includes an outer peripheral section including an end section from which a upper lip segment and a lower lip segment project inward to generally define a U-shaped channel, wherein the outer peripheral section is formed from an electrically conductive elastomeric material, a partial upper lip projecting inward from the upper lip segment, wherein the partial upper lip is formed from a white elastomeric material, and a partial lower lip projecting inward from the lower lip segment, wherein the partial lower lip is formed from a white elastomeric material.

US07913851B2

Separator for grinding mill

A separator is used in conjunction with a grinding mill which has a suction assembly, a grinding device, regulating devices and a driving device. The separator is mounted in a main body of the grinding mill on a rotating vertical separator shaft, comprising two support rings of equal sizes and shapes, mounted on the separator shaft with parallel orientations, having radial bridges with openings in between, which are surrounded by a plurality of mounting holes; and a plurality of blades, hingedly mounted on the mounting holes by vertical rods, for separating ground particles according to size.

US07913847B2

Packaging system for an object and method of packaging an object

A packaging system in which an object can be maintained for shipping. The packaging system has a shell defining a space for reception of an object in a shipping state and an object engaging surface assembly that bounds at least a part of the space. The packaging system further has a fluid chamber assembly and a fluid within the fluid chamber assembly that has a variable pressure that is increased, thereby to cause the object engaging surface assembly to resiliently bear with increasing force against an object in the shipping state. The fluid within the fluid chamber assembly remains in a flowable state with the packaging system in a final state for shipping.

US07913844B2

Article carrier with retention features

A carton for carrying a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a top panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel at a first line of weakening, and a top retainer foldably connected to the top panel and the at least one side panel. The top retainer comprises a top retention panel foldably connected to the top panel at a second line of weakening, a side retention panel foldably connected to the top retention panel at a portion of the first line of weakening, and a tuck-in panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel at a third line of weakening, the second line of weakening and the third line of weakening each comprising a cut/crease line having at least one cut portion and at least one score line portion.

US07913842B2

Loosefill package for blowing wool machine

Packages of compressed blowing wool are provided. The packages include at least two partial packages of compressed blowing wool. The partial packages have a body of compressed blowing wool encapsulated by a bag. The partial packages include an open end and a closed end. The open ends of the partial packages are configured to expose the body of compressed blowing wool. A joining mechanism is configured to join the partial packages into the package. The partial packages are joined such that the exposed bodies of compressed blowing wool in the open ends are substantially in contact with each other. The package is configured for separation into the partial packages and the partial packages are configured for loading into a blowing wool machine.

US07913840B2

Ball carrier device

A ball carrier for transporting a plurality of balls. The ball carrier includes a sleeve having a diameter adapted to receive a golf ball. The ball carrier has a first open end and second frusticonical shaped end adapted to support one or more golf balls in the sleeve. A slotted opening is disposed in the second frusticonical shaped end and is adapted to secure various balls disposed within the carrier.

US07913837B2

Carrier and method

One embodiment of the carrier has a central vertical support panel structure with two foldable receptacles extending outwardly from the vertical support panel structure. The outside wall of each receptacle is extended upwardly and bent over to cover the receptacle, and the top portions of those walls are joined together to form a carrying handle structure, either with or without the upper portion of the vertical support panel structure. The portions of the outside walls forming the covers can have openings to receive the necks of bottles such as wine and beer bottles to give added lateral support for the bottles. A simplified embodiment uses only one of the foldable receptacles and has two lateral side walls which extend upwardly and join together to form a handle structure.

US07913835B2

Conveyor roll and process for its assembly

Conveyor rolls used in high temperature applications, and an end cap assembly for such rolls. The conveyor roll comprises a ceramic spool, an end cap and a tolerance ring. The end cap contains a metal ferrule and has an internal circumference adapted to fit over an end of the ceramic spool. A tolerance ring is interposed between each end of the ceramic spool and the end cap. The tolerance ring is composed of resilient metal having a plurality of circumferentially arranged corrugations. The conveyor roll can resist temporary overheating or blockage without damage.

US07913831B2

Intelligent cash box system and method for transmitting code information

An intelligent cash box system is provided which comprises: a validator 2 attached in a bill handling apparatus 1; a detection sensor 45 mounted in validator 2; a control circuit 47 connected to detection sensor 45; a card 3 bearing at least a code recorded on card 3 for identifying bill handling apparatus 1; a stacker 4 attached to validator 2 for accumulating bills 44 considered as genuine by validator 2; and an intelligent storage 5 provided in stacker 4. The card 3 can be inserted into validator 2 so that detection sensor 45 detects the code on card 3 and bill information on bill 44, and forwards the code and bill information to control circuit 47 which then transmits the code and bill information to intelligent storage 5 for storage therein. The code information identifies bill handling apparatus 1 from which stacker 4 is removed, and the bill information enables to collate an amount of collected bills in a plurality of stackers 4 with an amount of bills considered genuine and stored in stackers 4 without connection of validator 2 to any control host computer.

US07913828B2

Clutch with dual area piston and independent pressure control

The present invention provides a clutch having two pistons, a first piston defining a first, smaller area and a second piston, defining a second, larger area. The separate pistons are independently provided with flows of pressurized hydraulic fluid from first and second independent modulatable control valves. Engagement of the clutch may be rapid by providing hydraulic fluid to the smaller area piston, provide greater engagement force by providing hydraulic fluid to the larger area piston or a combination of speed and force by utilizing modulated or unmodulated flows of hydraulic fluid to both pistons.

US07913817B2

Oil pump unit for internal combustion engine

An oil pump unit for an internal combustion engine can reduce the number of component parts to configure a simplified pump case, reducing the size and weight thereof. In an oil pump unit has a case cover put on the outside of a crankcase via a spacer and an oil tank chamber formed by the inside surface of the case cover and the spacer. The spacer is formed inside an outer circumferential wall thereof with a division wall which partitions the oil tank chamber from a crank chamber and with one pump case half-body portion forming a half-body of a pump case of an oil pump. Another pump case half-body is joined to the pump case half-body portion to form the pump case. The pump case half-body portion is formed in a lower portion thereof with an oil suction port communicating with a bottom portion of the oil tank chamber.

US07913816B2

Transaxle with brake

A transaxle has an axle, an input shaft drivingly connected to a prime mover and a brake disposed around the input shaft so as to brake the input shaft. A reduction drive train is drivingly interposed between the input shaft and the axle. The transaxle also has a reduction casing incorporating the reduction drive train and a lube sump provided in the reduction casing. A delivery opening is located at an outer peripheral side surface of the input shaft so as to deliver lube to the brake. The transaxle also has a brake lube passage provided in the input shaft so as to be connected to the delivery opening and lube introduction means for supplying lube from the lube sump to the brake lube passage.

US07913809B2

Flapper configuration for marine exhaust system

Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for reducing noise and wear in a flapper configured exhaust tip for a marine exhaust system. A flapper, normally located within an exhaust tip of a marine exhaust system, is relocated upstream of the point in the exhaust system where cooling water normally contacts the exhaust pipe. An exhaust tip is coupled to the upstream portion of the exhaust system by way of an elastomeric coupling device. The flapper is positioned such that a tip thereof contacts the elastomeric coupling rather than the metallic exhaust pipe. Such contact with an elastomeric coupling device reduces noise previously produced by flapper contact with the hot exhaust pipe occasioned by destruction and/or heat degeneration of elastomeric material generally associated with the flapper device.

US07913804B2

Electric power steering system

In an electric power steering system for a vehicle that controls a force that urges a steering wheel toward a neutral position thereof, a control unit (21) for the system is configured such that an electric motor (9) for providing an assisting force produces a relatively large returning force when a rotational direction of a steering wheel (2) agrees with a direction of the steering torque applied to the road wheel (7), and a relatively small returning force when a rotational direction of the steering wheel disagrees from a direction of the steering torque applied to the road wheel. Thereby, the effort required for a vehicle operator to steer the vehicle is reduced and the steering feel can be thereby and otherwise improved while providing a favorable returning force that urges a steering wheel toward a neutral position.

US07913802B2

Gear assemblies

In a gearbox for use in an electric power assisted steering system comprises a housing, an input shaft located at least partially within the housing which carries a worm gear and includes means for coupling to a motor rotor at one end, an output shaft located at least partially within the housing which carries a wheel gear, and a first bearing means which supports the input shaft at a side of the worm distal from the end of the shaft which connects to the motor rotor and second bearing means which supports the input shaft at the other side of the worm, the invention comprises further providing a first biasing means adapted to apply an axial load to the input shaft to bias the axial clearance in the second bearing, the second biasing means acting upon a part of the first bearing means; and a second biasing means adapted to apply a radial load to the input shaft to bias the worm into engagement with the wheel gear, the second biasing means also acting upon a part of the first bearing means.

US07913797B1

Bi-directional utility vehicle

A utility vehicle comprising a frame having a first end and a second end, at least one wheel mounted on the frame toward the first end, a pair of drive wheels being mounted on the frame toward the second end, and a drive assembly configured to rotate the drive wheels. An operator support assembly is mounted on the frame and configured to support the body of a user. The operator support assembly has at least two orientations, with a first orientation positioning an operator facing the first end and a second orientation positioning the operator on the support assembly facing the second end. A control is configured to control an aspect of operation of the vehicle. The control is mounted on the frame in a location such that the control is operable by a user seated on the operator support assembly in each of the at least two orientations.

US07913795B2

Mechanical absorption systems for an active bonnet hinge

The invention relates to a safety device for raising the bonnet of a motor vehicle in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. The safety device includes a pyrotechnic actuator provided with a thrust piston secured to a mechanism for raising the bonnet and able to deploy the said mechanism which is itself secured to the said bonnet, and a blocking device intended to block the said actuator in a given position. The main characteristic of this device is that it is made up of a shock-absorbing device employed when a pedestrian hits the bonnet which has been raised, so that the assembly consisting of the bonnet, the raising mechanism and the piston can move under the effect of the impact while at the same time being retarded.

US07913794B2

Hood airbag device for use in a vehicle

In a hood airbag device (10) for use in a vehicle, an airbag module (14) is installed in a hood (12) of the vehicle from below an inner hood panel (12) and a door (18) for covering an opening (22A) in an outer panel (24) is mounted thereto independently of the airbag module (14). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the outer hood panel (12) from being damaged when the airbag module (14) is installed, and also readily performed a fine adjustment of a dimensional deviation when the door (18) is mounted, so that the installability of the airbag module (14) and the door (18) can be significantly enhanced.

US07913790B2

Structure of instrument panel area of vehicle

A structure of a vehicle instrument panel area, which is capable of sufficiently ensuring a frontward displacement of a steering column adapted to be displaced frontwardly in response to an impact load applied thereto frontwardly, even under a condition that a column cover is disposed to overlap with a meter unit when viewed in an axial direction of the steering column. A meter unit 3 is attached to an instrument panel 1 through brittles portions 31g, 31g, 33g, 33g, in such a manner as to allow the attachment therebetween to be released when a column cover 5 is brought into contact with the meter unit 3.

US07913785B2

Snowmobile cooling system

A snowmobile is disclosed having a frame. A tunnel is formed in a rearward portion of the frame. An engine disposed on the frame. A drive track is disposed at least in part in the tunnel and is operatively connected to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile. At least one ski is operatively connected to the frame at least in part forwardly of the drive track. A straddle seat is disposed on the frame at least in part above the drive track. A steering device is operatively connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile. A radiator is disposed between the tunnel and the track. The radiator has a first side facing the track and a second side facing the tunnel. The second side is generally opposite the first side. At least a portion of the second side is spaced apart from the tunnel.

US07913776B2

Method and system to recover usable oil-based drilling muds from used and unacceptable oil-based drilling muds

A system for treating spent/used Oil Based Drilling Muds (OBM's) to recover High Gravity Solids (HGS) for further reuse and to separate the invert emulsion from the Light Gravity Solids (LGS) with good characteristics also for further reuse. Separated LGS is processed to extract the remaining oil in order to render an environmentally safe solid fraction. The overflow of a screening or centrifugation of spent OBM enters a reactor where reagents are added and mixed to control the oil/water ratio of the recovered emulsion and to reduce the LGS concentration. A catalyst is added before adding a final reagent that initiates the reaction. Upon centrifuging the reacted mix, the recovered emulsion is the overflow and a thin layer of LGS forms slightly below the emulsion. The underflow of this separation is further sedimented by gravity and the phase dispersant layer is decanted and sent for reuse.

US07913763B2

Washing a cylindrical cavity

A tool (2) for washing a wellbore or hollow tubular has a longitudinal axis and comprises one or more elongate nozzles (7) for ejecting fluid generally radially from the tool. The or each nozzle extends circumferentially around the tool so as to provide a continuous stationary jet of fluid. Preferably the nozzles collectively provide 360° around the tool.

US07913761B2

System and method for enhanced wellbore perforations

A method for perforating a subterranean formation includes positioning a shaped charge and a reactant composite material in a carrier; positioning the carrier in the wellbore; detonating the shaped charge; and disintegrating the reactant composite material using a shock generated by the detonated shaped charge. The method may also include initiating a first deflagration by using carbon and heat resulting from the detonation of the shaped charge and an oxygen component of the disintegrated reactant composite material. A system for performing the method may include a carrier, a shaped charge positioned in the carrier; and a reactant composite material positioned in the carrier. The reactant composite material may be configured to disintegrate upon detonation of the shaped charge.

US07913750B2

Louvered air center with vortex generating extensions for compact heat exchanger

A heat exchanger assembly includes an upper and lower manifold. A plurality of tubes have flat sides and extend between the upper and lower manifold. A plurality of fins extend back and forth between and along the flat sides of adjacent ones of the tubes forming a continuous serpentine path. Each of the fins include a plurality of legs that extend between the adjacent ones of the tubes. A plurality of end portions extend along the tube sides so that adjacent legs are connected by one of the end portions to define a tube space between said adjacent legs. Each of the tubes include a plurality of spaced protrusions extending outwardly from both of the flat sides of said tubes into the tube space between the legs. A plurality of spaced projections extend inwardly from said end portions of said fins between said legs for interrupting air flow.

US07913747B2

Miniature liquid cooling device with two sets of electrodes crossed over one another to drive a fluid

A miniaturized liquid cooling device (200) includes at least a heat absorber (20), at least a heat dissipater (30), a droplet generator (40) driving a working fluid circulating between the at least a heat absorber and the at least a heat dissipater, and a plurality of tubes (50) connecting the at least a heat absorber, the at least a heat dissipater and the droplet generator together to form a loop. The droplet generator includes an array of control electrodes (422) and an array of reference electrodes (442) crossed over the array of control electrodes. A plurality of superposed areas (45) are formed between the control electrodes and the reference electrodes. Voltages are regularly applied on the superposed areas for dividing the working fluid into fluid droplets when the working fluid flows through the droplet generator.

US07913746B2

Air conditioning arrangement for work vehicle

An air conditioning arrangement for a work vehicle having a cabin includes: a hood disposed forwardly of the cabin; an air conditioning unit housed in the hood forwardly of the cabin; and a dashboard provided in a front portion in the cabin. The air conditioning unit includes a rear duct for delivering conditioned air rearward and a front duct having a portion for delivering conditioned air frontward. The front duct further has a portion extending rearward under the air conditioning unit. The dashboard includes an upper outlet, a defrost outlet and a lower outlet. Each of the upper outlet, the defrost outlet and the lower outlet is communicated with either one of the front duct and the rear duct.

US07913733B2

Composite tire assembly

A tire for a vehicle comprises, an inner wheel (12) adapted to mount to a vehicle having a radially outer surface (34). A first ring (16) is annular and concentric with the inner wheel (12) and has a radially outer (40) and a radially inner (38) surface. An annular inner-tube (14) is securedly positioned between the inner wheel (12) and the first ring (16). A second ring (18) has a radially outer surface (46) and a radially inner surface (44) adapted to mate with first ring (16). A tread (20) is secured to radially outer surface (46) of said second ring (18).

US07913731B2

Pencil sharpener

A pencil sharpener that facilitates the sharpening of pencils by any one or more of the following: preventing injury; automatically sharpening pencils without manual manipulation; providing status indicators during sharpening; and/or allowing varying degrees of sharpness to be selected.

US07913728B2

Planer and thicknesser

A planer and thicknesser comprising a frame having a passageway that substantially extends through the frame. The planer and thicknesser further comprises an upper table having front and rear sections mounted on the frame, wherein a slot is located between the front and rear sections of the upper table, and a lower table moveably mounted within the passageway. The planer and thicknesser also comprises a cutting drum rotatably mounted within the frame such that a portion of the cutting drum projects upwardly through the slot and a portion of the cutting drum projects downwardly into the passage way. The planer and thicknesser also comprises a cover mounted above the upper table capable of being moved from a first position where it covers a portion of the cutting drum to a second position where it does not cover a portion of the cutting drum.

US07913722B2

Watercraft fueling apparatus and methods

A fuel fill port that helps prevent spillage of fuel during watercraft fueling includes a housing having an opening for installation on a surface of the watercraft and a cap for sealing the opening. A fill tube has one end sized to accept a fuel dispensing nozzle and another end for connection to a fuel tank. A catch basin defined by a bottom portion of the housing is positioned such that backflow of fuel from the fill tube collects within the catch basin. A fill vent has one end positioned relative the fill tube to allow excess fuel from the fuel tank to flow into the catch basin and another end adapted for connection to the fuel tank. One or more passages from the catch basin to the fuel tank guides fuel from the catch basin to the fuel tank.

US07913714B2

Check valve and shut-off reset device for liquid delivery systems

A check valve assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly including a moving sealing member which engages a seal to prevent liquid flow in a second opposite direction. The sealing member may be moved into engagement with the seal by rotation of a stem with an eccentric to block flow in both directions. A check valve and shut-off device assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly until gas or foam is mixed with the liquid. The shut-off device includes a sealing member which engages a seal to block flow through the assembly when foam or gas is present in the liquid. The check valve includes a sealing member which can reset the shut-off device. The check valve sealing member also engages the same sealing member to prevent any flow through the assembly in a closed position. In an open position, the check valve sealing member may engage the seal to prevent reverse flow of liquid through the assembly.

US07913712B2

Fuel accessory for fuel tank and method for internally attaching same

A fuel tank made of a plastic material and fitted with at least one fuel accessory attached to an inside surface of a wall thereof, wherein the fuel accessory is attached to a predetermined site at the inside surface by fusion welding. Further there is disclosed a fuel accessory for attaching to a site at an inside wall portion of a plastic material fuel tank, comprising a housing formed with an engaging surface attachable to the site. The engaging surface is fitted with a fusion melting element for fusion welding the fuel accessory to the fuel tank.

US07913707B2

Umbrella having an angle adjustable function

An umbrella includes an upright post, a swing mechanism mounted on the upright post and a frame mounted on the swing mechanism. The swing mechanism includes a mounting seat mounted on the upright post, a pivot seat pivotally mounted on the mounting seat and having a lower end provided with a worm wheel, a worm rotatably mounted on the mounting seat and meshing with the worm wheel, a driven gear secured on the worm, a propeller shaft rotatably mounted on the upright post, a drive gear secured on the propeller shaft and meshing with the driven gear, and a rocker arm secured on the propeller shaft. Thus, when the swing mechanism is operated, the frame is rolled and tilted relative to the upright post leftward or rightward to adjust the inclined angle the frame to provide a better shading effect.

US07913706B2

Rinsing methodologies for barrier plate and venturi containment systems in tools used to process microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment fluids, and related apparatuses

Tool for treating microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment materials, including liquids, gases, fluidized solids, dispersions, combinations of these, and the like. The invention provides an approach for rapid, efficient rinsing of wetted surface(s), and is particularly advantageous when used to rinse the lower surface of moveable barrier structures such as a barrier plate that overlies a workpiece being treated in such a manner to define a tapering flow channel over the workpiece. Rather than spray rinsing liquid onto the surface in a manner that generates undue splashing, droplet, or mist generation, the liquid is flowingly dispensed, preferably under laminar flow conditions, onto a surface that is in fluid communication with the surface to be rinsed. A smooth, uniform wetting and sheeting action results to accomplish rinsing with a significantly reduced risk of generating particle contamination.

US07913697B2

Wound retractor

An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (100), having a first ring (102) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A second ring (104), having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision. A flexible sleeve (106), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (102, 104), the second ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.

US07913690B2

Method for continuous measurement of flux of gases in the lungs during breathing

A method of calculating the flux of any gas (x) in a CBC circuit for a ventilated or a spontaneous breathing subject, for example said gas(x) being; a) an anesthetic such as but limited to; i)N2O; ii) sevoflurane; iii) isoflurane; iv) halothane; v) desflurame; or the like b) Oxygen; c) Carbon dioxide; or the like utilizing the following relationships; Flux of gas(x)=SGF (FSX−FEX) wherein SGF=Source of gas flow into the breathing circuit (CBC circuit) in liters/minute as read from the gas flow meter as set by the anesthesiologist; FSX=Fractional concentration of gas X in the source gas (which is set by the anesthesiologist); FEX=Fractional concentration of gas X in the end expired gas as determined by a portable gas analyzer, or the like.

US07913684B2

Solar heat transfer system (HTPL), high temperature pressurized loop

Delivering heat from modem high temperature solar collectors to hot water storage tanks is more effectively done using unpressurized when cold, self-pressurized on heat up, automatic air eliminating, higher temperature fluid loops. A pressurizing valve, an overflow reservoir and a vacuum relief valve are used. Non-toxic water/antifreeze mixtures are pressurized up to about two atmospheres resulting in a 265° Fahrenheit boiling point. Loss of circulation under full sun results in solar collector boiling under pressure. The steam generated in the solar collector is condensed in the pressurized liquid-to-air radiator, a steam heat pipe, and water is returned to the solar collector to keep it completely full of fluid and steam. A set of pressure-actuated air dampers on the solar collector can also be used to shed the excess solar collector heat.

US07913673B2

Method and apparatus for controlling liquid fuel delivery during transition between modes in a multimode engine

A method of transitioning between operating modes in a multimode engine including a diesel-only mode and a diesel pilot, gas mode includes first terminating or initiating the supply of a gaseous fuel, depending on whether the system is transitioning to or from the pilot mode, and thereafter decreasing or increasing the diesel fuel supply quantity. Liquid fuel supply quantity is preferably altered in steps rather than discretely in order to avoid exceeding the lean limit of gas lambda. The number of steps and the percentage decrease or increase in each step preferably varies based at least in part on prevailing speed and load conditions.

US07913670B2

Venturi jet structure for fuel delivery module of a fuel tank

A fuel delivery system includes a fuel tank having at least a main chamber. A reservoir is disposed in the main chamber. A fuel pump and venturi jet structure are provided in the reservoir. The venturi jet structure includes a jet inlet having a nozzle for receiving fuel from the fuel pump. A fuel inlet tube structure has a first end associated with the nozzle and a second end extending into a portion of the fuel tank. A mixing tube is in communication with, and downstream of, the jet inlet and the fuel inlet tube structure. An outlet is in communication with, and downstream of, the mixing tube. A length of the fuel inlet tube structure is greater than a length of the outlet, and the mixing tube is mounted so that an axis thereof is generally horizontal ±39.90 degrees with respect to the bottom surface of the reservoir.

US07913664B2

Alternate fuel blending system and associated method

A fuel control system for controlling the use of primary fuel and alternate fuel in an internal combustion engine without cross-contamination of fuel types. Cross-contamination of fuel types may eliminate the ability to receive certain benefits or financial incentives associated with use of alternate fuel, including but not limited to RINs, credits, and subsidies. In one embodiment, primary and/or alternate fuel are controllably delivered from sources to a flow cell. If blending is desired, both primary and alternate fuels are delivered to the flow cell. The engine is fed with the resulting primary fuel, alternate fuel, or blended mixture of fuel from the flow cell. The flow cell contains a bypass inlet port adapted to receive excess fuel not consumed by the engine in lieu of the excess fuel being returned to the primary and/or alternate fuel sources. In this manner, cross-contamination of the fuel sources can be avoided.

US07913657B2

Variable valve timing mechanism

In a variable valve timing mechanism, a valve-lifting cam member is fitted, slidably in the circumferential direction, onto a camshaft that is driven to rotate in synchronization with a crankshaft of a four-stroke cycle internal combustion engine. An eccentric collar is set between a driving collar fixed on the camshaft and the valve-lifting cam member. A driving projection is formed in the driving collar and engages with one of sandwiching portions of the eccentric collar. A driven protrusion is formed in the valve-lifting cam member and engages with another one of the sandwiching portions of the eccentric collar. A linkage mechanism includes the eccentric collar, the drive, and the driven protrusions. The variable valve timing mechanism adjusts the timing of opening and closing of the valve while the rotational phase of the valve-lifting cam member is cyclically varied relative to the camshaft by the eccentricity of the eccentric collar.

US07913655B2

Electromagnetically-driven valve

An electromagnetically-driven valve includes intake valves that are provided in a gasoline engine and that are arranged side by side; a valve plate that connects the intake valves to each other, wherein driving force that is generated by electromagnetic force is transferred to the valve plate; and a changing mechanism that is fitted to the valve plate. The changing mechanism changes the valve drive state between the two-valve drive state, in which both of the intake valves are driven, and the one-valve drive state, in which one of the intake valves is driven and the other intake valve is stopped.

US07913642B2

Film coating medical devices

The present invention relates to a coating assembly and methods that employ the coating assembly to control the thickness of therapeutic or other coatings delivered to a medical device during a coating process. In one embodiment the coating assembly may include a coating plate having a coating transfer surface and a shoulder having a first height, a mandrel moveable over the coating transfer surface, and a coating dispenser positioned in fluid communication with the coating transfer surface. The invention also includes a method of coating a medical device. This method may include placing a medical device on a mandrel, dispensing coating onto a coating transfer surface of a coating plate, moving the mandrel and the medical device over the coating transfer surface of the coating plate so that coating resident on the coating transfer surface transfers to an exposed surface of the medical device, and removing the medical device from the mandrel.

US07913639B2

Display for indicating the depletion of cleaning agents or auxiliary cleaning agents

The invention relates to a device for indicating the depletion of a cleaning agent or auxiliary cleaning agent introduced into a dishwasher machine for a plurality of washing programs. According to the invention, a display appliance is arranged on or in the dishwasher machine, indicating to the user the depletion of the cleaning agent or auxiliary cleaning agent.

US07913636B2

High speed watercraft suitable for rough water conditions

A watercraft suitable for operation in rough water conditions is disclosed. The watercraft comprises a central platform (13) and two pairs of hull units (60), a forward pair and an aft pair. The hull units are located on opposite sides of tie platform and extend below the platform, with each hull unit comprising a mount (54) attached to the platform and a trailing hull connected to the mount via a movable hull support. The components of the hull units are connected by joints (58,62) arranged to constrain lateral and axial movement of: the hull relative to the platform (12) but to permit pivoting thereof about the mount (54). Each hull unit has a suspension assembly arranged to support the respective hull units, and comprises a suspension member (66) extending from the platform (12) to a mounting point (20) on the hull aft of the respective mount, and being arranged to accommodate movement of the hull relative t) the platform and to apply damping to movement of the hull.

US07913630B2

Combination knockdown pallet structure and article container

A combination knockdown pallet structure and article container is disclosed wherein the knockdown pallet structure comprises a base panel and a pair of pockets which are secured upon undersurface portions of the base panel so as to accommodate rigid support members for accommodating the fork tines of a forklift truck. A pair of cross-brace members are pivotally secured at first end portions upon the bas member so as to be movable between first operative position and a second inoperative position in order to permit the entire pallet structure to be rolled up, folded, or otherwise knocked-down. The article container is pivotally or removably secured upon the base panel so as to provide access to the cross-brace members.

US07913624B2

Explosive matrix assembly

An explosive matrix assembly is provided in which a single detonating cord is configured into a first set of at least five parallel sets of paired portions lying in the same plane, with adjacent parallel pairs being spaced about two inches apart. The detonating cord is further configured so that there is a second set of at least five more parallel portions that are substantially orthogonal to the first set and that lie on top of the first set. Finally, the detonating cord is further configured so that there is a pair of portions that operably secure the matrix to an appropriate explosive initiator.

US07913623B1

MEMS fuze assembly

A MEMS fuze having a moveable slider with a microdetonator at an end for positioning adjacent an initiator. A setback activated lock and a spin activated lock prevent movement of the slider until respective axial and centrifugal acceleration levels have been achieved. Once these acceleration levels are achieved, the slider is moved by a V-beam shaped actuator arrangement to position the microdetonator relative to a secondary lead to start an explosive train in a munitions round.

US07913621B2

Plate feeding apparatus and plate feeding method

A plate feeding method includes a suction-holding step for causing suction pads to suck and hold an upper surface adjacent an end edge, remote from nip rollers, of each plate, a moving step, while swinging the suction pads about a moving unit, for moving the moving unit toward the nip rollers, thereby inverting a portion adjacent the end edge of each plate P, and subsequently moving the end edge of the plate inverted to a position to be pinched by the nip rollers, a pinching step for causing the nip rollers to pinch the end edge of the plate having been inverted, a releasing step for canceling suction-holding of the plate by the suction pads, a pressing step for pressing the plate with a support roller, and a transporting step for rotating the nip rollers to transport the plate P.

US07913616B2

Ram position detection method, ram drive method, ram drive device, and press machine having the ram drive device

A ram driving method including the steps of fixing one end of a large-diameter piston rod integral with a large-diameter piston reciprocably included in a large-diameter cylinder attached integrally to a ram to a fixing unit, connecting one end of a small-diameter piston rod integral with a small-diameter piston reciprocably included in a small-diameter cylinder integral with the large-diameter cylinder to a moving member moved by a motor driving, integrally moving the small-diameter cylinder and the small-diameter piston and communicating a first compartment and a second compartment of the large-diameter cylinder divided by the large-diameter piston with each other, moving the ram integrally with the small-diameter piston rod moved by the moving member, and communicating the small-diameter cylinder with the large-diameter cylinder, thereby moving the large-diameter cylinder with a strong force by a working fluid supplied from the small-diameter cylinder.

US07913606B2

Inductive power transfer

The present invention generally concerns inductive power transfer systems and their components. More particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, devices and methods for transferring modulated current between a launcher and at least one guided missile.

US07913600B2

Tourne cutting method and device

A cutting device holds an article to be cut stationary while a blade is traversed along a curved guide to peel or slice away material from the article. The article may be rotated using an indexing mechanism to realign the article with respect to the blade. The cutting device is especially configured to cut complex shapes, such as a seven-sided tourné. Portions of the cutting device may be separated for storage or travel, and a storage container may be provided to protect the device as well as to keep the separated pieces together.

US07913593B2

Installation tool for a threaded object

A tool for installing a threaded object includes a bit or inner implement that has a tip for engaging a head of the threaded object, and a sleeve surrounding the inner implement for securing the threaded object to the tool during the installation process. The sleeve includes plural arms at least some of which have inner lips that engage the head of the threaded object to hold the head against the tip. The inner lips are chamfered to facilitate engagement and disengagement between the sleeve and the head of the threaded object. The sleeve is able to translate to a limited extent relative to the inner implement, in order to pull back and disengage from the threaded object head as the threaded object is received into a threaded opening.

US07913589B2

Adjustable wrench that clamps a workpiece exactly and tightly

A wrench includes a handle, and a driving unit pivotally mounted on the handle. The handle has an end portion provided with a support surface. The driving unit includes a first jaw having a first end pivotally mounted on the end portion of the handle, and a second jaw having a first end pivotally connected with a second end of the first jaw and a second end that is movable to abut the support surface of the handle and the first end of the first jaw. Thus, the second end of the second jaw abuts the support surface of the handle tightly and closely so that the force applied by a user is transmitted to the wrench directly so as to drive the wrench to operate the workpiece in an energy-saving manner.

US07913588B2

Insulation stripping tool with striker means

An insulation stripping tool of the pliers-type includes an adjustable pull rod stop device for limiting the extent of travel of the longitudinally displaceable pull rod and the cutting and stripping blades connected thereto, thereby to produce only partial removal of a length of severed insulation layer from an insulated conductor. An adjustable conductor stop device is mounted on at least one of the cutting and stripping blade holders for limiting the extent to which the end of the insulated conductor is inserted into the open mouth of the stripping tool. A stationary scale is mounted on one of the handles adjacent the adjustable conductor stop device.

US07913583B2

Transmission shift control mechanism and method of installation

A transmission gear selector including a pivotal shift lever with a grip portion and an attachment structure that is operably coupled to an automatic transmission for shifting the transmission. A locking member pivots with the shift lever and is moveably engageable with an engagement surface that defines a park position detent. When the locking member is engaged with the park position detent, the shift lever cannot be moved out of the park position. The mechanical linkage includes a driver-operated member which, when actuated, causes the mechanical linkage assembly to bias the locking member out of engagement with the park position detent. A solenoid disposed within the grip portion is coupled with the mechanical linkage assembly and includes a plunger that can prevent the mechanical linkage from biasing the locking member out of the park position detent. An installation method for a gear selector is also disclosed.

US07913578B2

Vehicle seat and passenger's weight measurement device for vehicle seat

The submarine phenomenon can be prevented and the accuracy of a passenger's weight measurement is improved. A vehicle seat includes a pair of fixed lower rails fixed on the floor of a passenger compartment, a pair of movable upper rails that are engaged with the fixed lower rails so as to be slidable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to each of the fixed lower rails, a sub frame which is disposed at an upper side of the movable upper rails, load sensors and that lie between the sub frame and the movable upper rails, brackets and which are disposed so as to erect them on each of the movable upper rails, and a submarine pipe 11 which is crossed between the brackets. The submarine pipe is disposed to be slidable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right bracket.

US07913561B2

Ultrasonic wave vibrating apparatus

An ultrasonic wave vibrating apparatus includes a passive element converting electric energy to ultrasonic vibration, electrodes, a horn body arranged in a forward side of the element and amplifying the vibration, a backing arranged in the base side of the element and backing the element, and a horn connecting portion having one end connected to the body and the other end connected to the backing to connect the body and the backing to each other with the element sandwiched between the body and the backing. At least one of the body, the connecting portion and the backing is formed of metallic glass. The body and the connecting portion can be formed of the metallic glass integrally with each other. A cover covering the element may be included, and the cover, the body and the connecting portion can be formed of the metallic glass integrally with each other.

US07913559B2

Casing assembly of a monitor

The present invention relates to a casing assembly of a monitor. The monitor includes a casing, a cover and a connecting arm. The casing has a first end and a second end. The second end has a plurality of fixing portions. The cover is provided with a plurality of fixing elements that correspond to the fixing portions and are fixed to each other. These fixing elements can be operated manually. One end of the connecting arm is rotationally connected with the second end of the casing; and the another end of the connecting arm is fixed to the cover thereon so that the cover can be opened or closed manually without any tools at the second end of the casing, and prevent the cover from falling off or being lost easily.

US07913556B2

Methods and apparatus to determine the compressibility of a fluid

Example methods and apparatus to determine the compressibility of a fluid are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes capturing a fluid in a chamber, pressurizing the captured fluid to first and second pressures, measuring first and second values representative of first and second densities of the fluid while pressurized at respective ones of the first and second pressures, and computing a third value representative of a compressibility of the fluid using the first and second values.

US07913550B2

Method to diagnose an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine and device to implement the method

A method to diagnose an exhaust gas sensor disposed in the exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine, wherein provision is made for a comparison of a measurement for at least one exhaust gas component with a measurement of the exhaust gas component, which is ascertained on the basis of an exhaust gas sensor signal, and a device to implement the method are proposed. The diagnosis is only implemented if a change in at least one operating parameter of the internal combustion engine and/or at least one parameter of the exhaust gas is detected during the running operation of the internal combustion engine. Provision is made in the diagnosis for an averaging of the measurement for at least the one exhaust gas component as well as of the measurement for the exhaust gas component, which is provided by the exhaust gas sensor. Provision is additionally made for a subsequent comparison of the two averages and for an error signal to be provided if the difference of the two averages exceeds a difference threshold value. The procedural approach allows for the diagnosis to occur without a diagnostic intervention into the operation of the internal combustion engine and without an intervention into an open-loop control, which if need be is present, for the metering of a reagent substance, which is introduced into the exhaust gas region of the internal combustion engine to convert at least one exhaust gas component.

US07913547B2

Engine rotating meter

A level adjusting circuit which adjusts input pulses from an antenna to a level suitable for determining the number of engine revolutions, is connected in a circuit that connects the antenna with a determining circuit. An optimum adjustment of the determination level by manual operation allows the pulses inputted to the determining circuit to be precisely determined at all times.

US07913544B1

Scanning probe devices and methods for fabricating same

The present invention is directed to scanning probes in which a cantilever contacts a stylus via an integrated stylus base pad, and methods for fabricating such probes. The probe offer many advantages over other types of scanning probes with respect to eliminating the need for a soft, reflective coating in some applications and providing for the simple fabrication of sharp stylus tips, flexibility with respect to functionalizing the tip, and minimal thermal drift due to reduced bimorph effect. The advantage of these features facilitates the acquisition of high resolution images of samples in general, and particularly in liquids.

US07913543B2

Method of using a device for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes

A device and method for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.

US07913537B2

Adjustment device for a measuring head

An adjustment arrangement for a measuring head, in particular an adjustment arrangement in order to simplify the calibration of a measurement probe (3) supported by a measuring head in a coordinate measuring machine, where the adjustment arrangement includes an element for the determination of the measured position of the probe ball (7), and where an element is arranged to turn or displace, or both, the probe ball in order to determine a newly measured position of the probe ball, whereby the offset of the probe ball (7) can be determined.

US07913536B2

Compensation arrangement and method for operation thereof

An arrangement and method for providing compensation to a cyclical input signal is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a first detection unit (20) for detecting a first event in a cyclical output signal; a compensation signal generation unit (14) for generating a compensation signal; and a signal combination unit (8) for combining the compensation signal and the cyclical input signal to obtain the cyclical output signal. The compensation signal generation unit (14) is arranged to adjust the compensation signal at an instant which has a determined relationship with the detection of the first event. By adjusting the compensation signal at the right instant in a cycle of the cyclical output signal, the adjustment will not influence the further processing of the cyclical output signal. The method can be used to compensate the offset and sensitivity characteristics of a sensor.

US07913530B2

Closing method and closing machine

A closing machine (1) for closing a work piece (9) by pressing a rotating die (4) against the rotating work piece (9) comprises a die support shaft (41) that supports the die (4), which is disposed coaxially with the work piece (9), rotatably, a power transmission mechanism (401) which transmits the torque of a motor 46 to the die support shaft (41) and a one-way clutch (410) which blocks torque that is input into the power transmission mechanism (401) from the die support shaft (41). During a closing operation, the die (4) is pressed against the work piece (9) so as to contact the work piece (9) slidingly such that the die (4) rotates in accordance with the work piece (9), which rotates at a higher speed than the die (4).

US07913529B2

Centralized TCP termination with multi-service chaining

A network element having centralized TCP termination with multi-service chaining is described herein. According to one embodiment, a network element includes a switch fabric, a first service module coupled to the switch fabric, and a second and a third service modules coupled to the first service module over the switch fabric. In response to packets of a network transaction received from a client over a first network for access a server of a data center having multiple servers over a second network, the first service module is configured to terminate a TCP connection of the packets. The TCP terminated packets are transmitted to the second and third service modules over the switch fabric. The second and third service modules are configured to perform different application network services on the TCP terminated packets without having to perform a TCP process again. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

US07913526B2

Multiple function lock

A multiple function lock comprising a body, an engaging element having a first end and a second end, a locking mechanism for securing the first end and the second end of the engaging element to the body, and a gate mechanism for selectively concealing or revealing a passage in the body through which the second end may move to unlock the lock. In certain embodiments, a multiple function lock may comprise a body, a U-shaped shackle having toe and heel portions, the heel portion rotatably secured within the body, a locking mechanism for locking the heel and the toe portions within the body, a passage through the body adjacent to the toe portion, the toe portion adapted to move through the passage to unlock the lock, and either a retaining cup, an adjustable gate, or an outer housing, each being adapted to selectively block or reveal the passage.

US07913523B2

Heater coupling apparatus of washing machine

Provided is a heater coupling apparatus of a washing machine and a coupling method for the heater coupling apparatus. The heater coupling apparatus includes a tub, a heater coupling portion, a heater, and a bracket. The heater coupling portion is formed on the tub. The heater is coupled to the heater coupling portion. The bracket forms a closed loop portion in a shape of a closed loop, to dispose the heater within the closed loop portion.

US07913515B2

Combination refrigerating appliance and evaporators for same

Refrigerating appliance comprises at least one first, second and third refrigerating area for a low, medium or high storage temperature, whereby each refrigerating area has an evaporator. The refrigerating appliance also comprises a compressor, a refrigerant circuit for supplying compressed refrigerant to the evaporators and for returning expanded refrigerant to the compressor, and comprises at least one switching element for directing, as desired, the refrigerant through one of two branches of the refrigerant circuit. In the first branch, the evaporators of the first and the third refrigerating areas are connected in series. In the second branch, the evaporators of all three refrigerating areas are connected in series.

US07913513B1

Retail banana storage unit

A storage apparatus for boxes containing fruit includes a cabinet having side walls, a rear wall, front wall portions, and a cover portion. The front wall portions together define an access opening for insertion of a stack of the boxes. Each of the side walls include an outer wall and an inner wall separated from the outer wall by a space, and a plurality of vertically oriented partitions disposed between the inner and outer walls. Each of the inner walls include a plurality of apertures, with each of the apertures being associated with a unique one of the air flow channels to allow the air in that channel to impact boxes of fruit located adjacent that aperture. Damper means close off one or more apertures as boxes are removed to enhance airflow through the remaining apertures.

US07913510B2

Water spillage management for in the door ice maker

A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.

US07913504B2

Variable refrigerant expansion device with pressure relief

A refrigerant expansion assembly, and method of operation, for use in a vehicle air conditioning system is disclosed. An orifice channel connects an orifice inlet port to an orifice outlet port and includes a valve seat. A variable orifice assembly is mounted in the orifice channel and includes a fixed orifice passage extending axially through a variable orifice body having a sealing flange that can seal against a valve seat via an orifice spring. An orifice bypass valve includes a check ball biased against a ball seat by a bypass spring and selectively allows some of the refrigerant to bypass the variable orifice assembly. The refrigerant expansion assembly may also include a burst disk downstream of the variable orifice assembly.

US07913501B2

Water-cooled air conditioning system using condenser water regeneration for precise air reheat in dehumidifying mode

A water-cooled air conditioning system using a regenerative condenser water circuit to reheat the supply air during a dehumidification mode. The air conditioning system may be any type of water-cooled system, including a water source heat pump or water-cooled air conditioner. The reheat circuit circulates water leaving the condenser through the reheat heat exchanger and then returns the water to the condenser inlet. Thus, the reheat circuit ensures that water leaving the condenser is warm enough to provide sufficient reheating for the supply air, regardless of the water source temperature. In addition, a modulation assembly controls the amount of water flowing through the reheat circuit, and thereby its temperature, so that the temperature of the reheated supply air can be maintained within a narrow range.

US07913498B2

Electrical submersible pumping systems having stirling coolers

A submersible pumping system includes a submersible pump; a gauge disposed proximate the submersible pump; a Stirling cooler disposed proximate the gauge, wherein the Stirling cooler has a cold end configured to remove heat from the gauge and a hot end configured to dissipate heat; and an energy source configured to power the submersible pumping system.

US07913491B2

Hydraulic flow control system and method

Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling a double-acting hydraulic cylinder during a load-induced rod-extending operation. The apparatus includes a activation circuit and valve for providing a flow path from a pump to the cylinder head end; a flow regeneration circuit and valve fluidly connecting the cylinder rod end and the cylinder head end and configured for providing flow from the rod end to the head end during rod extension; and a controller responsive to rod-extending rate demands and rod-position sensor signals, and operatively connected to the regeneration flow valve and the activation valve. The activation valve also includes a return valve part to control flow from the rod end to the fluid reservoir during rod extension. Both the activation valve and the return valve part are controllable by the controller independently from the regeneration flow valve.

US07913481B2

Adjustable cutterbar travel range for a flexible cutterbar header

A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain.

US07913480B2

Row unit for an agricultural harvester

A row unit for an agricultural harvester includes left and right row unit arms that are fixed together with the shaped support. The shaped support is bent to extend across the top of the row unit arms and down the outside vertical surfaces of the row unit arms. The shaped support is welded to the outside vertical surfaces of the row unit arms.

US07913479B2

Two-pulley belt tensioning mechanism

A pulley/belt drive system attached to a mower deck has a belt tensioning mechanism for maintaining tension in an endless belt. The belt tensioning mechanism includes an idler arm pivotally mounted with respect to the mower deck such that the idler arm pivots about an idler arm pivot. A back-side idler pulley engaging a back-side portion of the belt and an inside idler pulley engaging an inside portion of the primary belt are rotatably mounted onto the idler arm. A belt tensioning device is attached to the idler arm to pivot the idler arm, wherein the back-side idler pulley and the inside idler pulley remain in a fixed orientation with respect to each other when the idler arm is pivoted.

US07913461B2

Structural systems

A structural system for use in areas in which space is valuable. The structural system is a self-contained meeting center capable of transforming from a closed storage position into an open position for conducting a meeting. The structural system may be used for interior and exterior applications. The structural system may also include a mobile, micro-climate controlled chair system.

US07913453B2

Potato quality

Potato quality is improved by applying to the plant or to the locus of the plant a composition comprising (a) a compound capable of forming a chelate with iron or (b) a chelate of iron with a chelate-forming compound. Specific quality improvements include increasing the dry matter content, increasing the starch content and reducing the reducing sugar content. A preferred iron chelate is that of EDDHA, available commercially as SEQUESTRENE 138 Fe 100.

US07913450B2

Administering substances to plants by injection into the substrate

The invention relates to a method and device for administering at least one substance to a plant or plant material, comprising of: (i) providing at least one substrate with a surface and at least one plant location therein; (ii) providing injecting means; (iii) moving the substrate and the injection means relative to each other; (iv) controlling an alignment of the injecting means relative to the plant location; and (v) injecting the substance at the position of the plant location using the injecting means.

US07913442B2

Line guides for fishing rods

The present disclosure generally relates to a line guide for a fishing rod and that employs a system of roller assemblies within a frame, the roller assemblies configured to form a passageway for the fishing line to pass through. As an angler reels in a fish and the fishing line is in contact with one of the roller assemblies, the tension of the fishing line will cause a component of the roller assembly to rotate, thus greatly reducing any sliding friction between the fishing line and the line guide. The line guides can be a variety of sizes and the frames of the line guides can vary in shape and their mounting orientation relative to the fishing rod.

US07913435B1

Vehicle display bracket system

A vehicle display bracket system for mounting and displaying three-dimensional ornamental objects on the back or front of a comprising at least one and preferably a plurality of three-dimensional ornamental designs having an exterior threaded post for facilitating mounting to a bracket system comprising a bottom support plate, top plate rotatably mounted to the bottom support plate, rod, mounting aperture defined by the top plate for mounting any of the various ornamental attachments a plurality of gear teeth and grooves for fixing the top plate at a desired angle relative to the support plate.

US07913434B1

Reusable calendar system

A calendar system comprising multiple (i.e., twelve) magnetic “month” sheets for each calendar month of the year, a magnetic “To Do List” sheet and a magnetic “Six Weeks at a Glance” sheet. Each sheet includes a header section that can variably depict the current month, year and/or day. The system further includes a plurality of magnetic “week” strips for securing to one of the sheets. Each “week” strip includes seven columns each having a day of the week imprinted adjacent thereto. Adjacent each day of the week indicia is a date space to which one of the numbered tabs is secured to appropriately label each day with the corresponding date for the particular week. A plurality of color-coded event tabs are also included for magnetically securing to one of the “week” strips positioned on a “Month” sheet or the “Six Weeks at a Glance” sheet, or directly to the “To Do List” sheet. Each time a week elapses, a “week” strip is moved from the current “Month” sheet to the “Six Weeks at a Glance Sheet.” The week strip associated with the elapsed week is moved to a final “Month” sheet and re-labeled accordingly whereby next year's calendar is continuously configured and updated.

US07913433B2

Measures for keeping a degree of contamination of a steam generator including its contents below a predetermined maximum

A steam ironing device includes a steam iron, a steam generator for generating steam and supplying steam to the steam iron, and a supply device for supplying water to the steam generator. During operation of the steam ironing device, scale is formed in the steam generator, and the water in the steam generator gradually gets contaminated with ions. In order to clean the steam generator and replace the water with fresh water, the steam generator is regularly subjected to an auto-rinsing process. A moment at which this process needs to take place is a moment at which an amount of scale and/or a concentration of ions have exceeded a predetermined maximum. The amount of scale and/or the concentration of ions are indirectly monitored by keeping account of a total quantity of water that has been supplied to the steam generator since a set starting point.

US07913432B2

Cutting tooth assembly with reversible tooth

A cutting tooth assembly for a rotary cutting machine is described. The assembly includes a tooth holder adapted for mounting about the periphery of a rotating element of the rotary cutting machine, and a reversible cutting tooth, removably mounted to said tooth holder. The cutting tooth has opposed first and second cutting faces which are spaced apart along a central tooth axis extending therebetween. Each of the first and second cutting faces at least partially defines more than two cutting edges, and the cutting tooth is reversible by 180 degrees about a transverse tooth axis to dispose a selected one of the first and second cutting faces in an operable cutting position when mounted to the tooth holder.

US07913424B1

Footwear

A shoe structure having an exterior upper, an interior upper, an insole and an outsole. The interior upper has an upper opening with a peripheral edge at the upper end of the interior upper and a lower opening with a peripheral edge at the lower sole-side end of the interior upper, with the interior upper also having a rear or heel area, two side areas and a front area with a seam running between the upper and lower openings. The seam runs from the upper opening on the one side over the front area to the lower opening on the other side.

US07913421B2

Footwear sole with ventilation induced by the Venturi effect

Sole for footwear with ventilation induced by the Venturi effect is the present invention. An insole is superimposed that includes a plurality of holes for the passage of air from the sole towards the interior of the shoe. The sole includes at least one inlet opening placed on the lateral frontal surface and at least one outlet opening placed on the back lateral surface. The inlet opening and outlet opening of an airflow channel are each provided respectively with a sliding shutter that reduces the incoming airflow and a sliding shutter that reduces the outgoing airflow and a plurality of air inlet holes made on the insole to make the air enter and exit in correspondence with the foot.

US07913419B2

Non-tumble clothes dryer

A non-tumble dryer comprises a cabinet and a drawer configured to support an article to be dried and slidably mounted to the cabinet. An air supply system provides air to a drying chamber formed at least partially by one of the cabinet and the drawer for drying the article supported by the drawer. The non-tumble dryer can function as a pedestal whereby the top of the cabinet can be configured to support a laundry appliance in an elevated position. Alternatively, the cabinet can overlie one or more laundry appliances.

US07913416B1

Portable hair dryer optimally having a dual heating source

A portable hair dryer optimally having a dual heating source. In a first embodiment, the heating source is gas utilizing a gas cartridge. In a second embodiment, the heating source is electricity utilizing a battery. In a third embodiment, the heating source is either gas, electricity, or both utilizing both a gas cartridge and a battery.

US07913409B2

Chalk line marking system

A chalk line is marked by attaching two hooks to a nail, and then extending a string a length from the nail. The hooks are attached to an apparatus that has multiple springs, such that there is a string attached to the rear of the apparatus while the hooks are attached to the front of the apparatus. When the string has been extended the desired length, the user then snaps the line to make a chalk line. Then, the pull on the string is released by the user, causing the two hooks to separate. When the two hooks separate, their connection to the nail is broken. The hooks and the apparatus associated with the hooks then is free to be reeled back to the user. The user does not have to return to the nail to remove the hooks and the associated apparatus.

US07913407B1

Inclinometer

Embodiments of the invention provide an inclinometer that is compact, can be easily read with a vertical or horizontal line of sight, and/or readily convey a preferred range of incline angles for an operational sluice box.

US07913398B2

Folding knife with an unlocking mechanism

A folding knife has a handle, a blade, a locking rod and an unlocking lever. The handle has a dorsal portion. The blade is pivotally mounted and selectively folded in the handle and has a notch. The notch is formed on a spine of the blade. The locking rod is mounted on the dorsal portion of the handle and has a locking end and a protrusion. The protrusion is formed on the locking end and engages the notch of the blade. The unlocking lever is pivotally mounted on the handle and has a pushing end and at least one propping block. The propping block protrudes from the unlocking lever and abuts the locking rod. Therefore, the folding knife allows users to release the blade by either directly pressing the locking rod or pushing the pushing end of the unlocking lever.

US07913396B2

Adjustable cake cutter

An adjustable cake cutter includes an one-piece cutter body that allows adjustment of the cut size, and a bearing bar pivoted to the cutter body and turnable to the bottom side of the space defined within the cutter body to bear the cut piece of cake for enabling the user to carry the cut piece of cake to a dish directly with the adjustable cake cutter.

US07913390B2

Transport tool

A transportation tool for transporting, for example, a single composite aircraft fuselage section, including a first spindle weldment mounted on a first tower, and a second spindle weldment mounted on a second tower and configured to couple the single composite aircraft fuselage section to the towers. A first gimbal assembly configured to allow the first spindle weldment to move independent of the first tower, and a second gimbal assembly configured to allow the second spindle weldment to move independent of the second tower.

US07913389B2

Method of making a flapper valve assembly

A flapper valve assembly and a method of making the same. The flapper valve assembly is mountable to a manifold as a unit. The flapper valve assembly can include bearings that do not require assembly on a shaft of the flapper valve. More particularly, the flapper valve can include a shaft having one or more flap portions and one or more bearing portions molded in place on the shaft as a unitary structure. The bearing portions are separated from adjacent flap portions and/or the shaft thereby forming a bearing that rotates independently of flap portions on the shaft. The flapper valve is mounted to a flapper valve carrier that can include sealing members for facilitating a tight seal between the flapper valve and the carrier and/or the carrier and a manifold.

US07913387B2

Method of fabricating a thermal spreader having thermal conduits

A thermal spreading device disposable between electronic circuitry and a heat sink includes a substrate having parallel first and second faces and conduits extending through the substrate between the faces. The substrate material has a first thermal conductivity value in a direction parallel to the faces and a second thermal conductivity value in a direction normal to the faces, with the second thermal conductivity value being less than the first thermal conductivity value. The conduit material has a thermal conductivity value associated with it, with the thermal conductivity value being greater than the second thermal conductivity value of the substrate. One method of fabricating the thermal spreading device includes disposing a molding material radially about the rods and hardening the material. Other methods include press fitting and shrink fitting the rods into a substrate material.

US07913379B2

Tool assembly for extracting and installing dual in-line memory module cardlets

A tool assembly for engaging and disengaging a cardlet housing electronic components from a computer environment. The cardlet, in a preferred embodiment is a dual in-line memory module (DIMM) cardlet. The tool comprises a carrier having a handle on one end and a plurality of retention features and engaging members on an opposing side. The carrier release mechanism is secured to the carrier and the engaging members such that activating the carrier release mechanism moves the engaging members from a first to a second position such that engagement and disengagement of the carrier and said cardlet housing electronic components can be achieved. In addition, a removable latch release member is also secured to the carrier, the release member having a durable tip for engaging and disengaging latches on the computer cardlet without damaging the cardlet or its surrounding sensitive components.

US07913378B2

Wire stitcher having a stitching head for processing annular-eyelet staples

A stitching method and a wire stitcher having a stitching head for stitching sheet-like materials using annular-eyelet staples, includes a staple support with a supporting body in the stitching head. The staple support supports a region of the annular eyelet during a driving-in operation and is moved out of the annular eyelet only when legs of the staple passing through the sheet-like material, have been largely bent over.

US07913377B2

Method for producing a ceramic filter element

A method of producing a ceramic filter element suitable for use in an exhaust filter for an internal combustion engine, during which a combustible, non-ceramic support web is impregnated with a ceramic slip and formed into a desired geometric shape in either order, and then the impregnated and formed web is fired until the support web is burned out and a rigid ceramic filter body is formed.

US07913372B2

Insulated cooking vessel

A dual wall cooking vessel has an inner cooking portion or shell with a thermally conductive outer cladding that terminates prior to the interior of the rim of the cooking vessel. The construction provides uniform temperature during the cooking process, yet minimizes heat loss after cooking.

US07913370B2

Method and apparatus for assembling exterior automotive vehicle body components onto an automotive vehicle body

The present invention generally relates to a method and programmable apparatus for the assembly of body components to an automotive body that has undergone a progressive series of framing and welding steps so as to produce a structurally rigid body frame, termed a body-in-white. More specifically, this invention relates to creating a new net locating scheme (X, Y and Z Cartesian coordinate system) for a body-in-white to direct associated tooling to create net attachment features on a rigid body frame with respect to a new net locating scheme so that components may be attached to a automotive body at a net location eliminating the need for any slip plane attachment techniques.

US07913369B2

Ceramic center pin for compaction tooling and method for making same

A method and apparatus for the production of compacted powder elements. More specifically, the improvement of tooling for powder compaction equipment, and the processes for making such tooling. The improvement comprises the use of a ceramic tip or similar component in high wear areas of the tooling, particularly center pins. Moreover, the use of such ceramic components enables reworking and replacement of the worn tool components.

US07913365B2

Method of forming barbs on a suture and apparatus for performing same

A method of making a barbed suture by varying the blade geometry and/or the movement of the blade when cutting a suture is disclosed. The method can also be accomplished with a cutting device to create a plurality of barbs on the exterior of surgical suture. The barbs produced using the method with the cutting device can be the same or random configurations.

US07913363B2

Adjustable lever load binder

Apparatuses are disclosed where in a lever binder may include an adjuster that when manipulated adjusts the binding length of the lever binder. In various embodiments, a lever binder is disclosed including an automatic latching mechanism to help resist undesired movement of a lever from a binding position.

US07913359B2

Automatically opening hinge assembly for portable electronic devices

A hinge assembly (100) includes a shaft (13), a cam (14), a follower (15), a first spring (12), a control member (17), a second spring (16), and a fixing seat (18). The shaft defines a thread (1311). The cam has a cam surface (146), a cam hole (141) and an inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface includes a protrusion (142) configured engaged the thread of the shaft. The control member has at least one reverse slot (173). The circumferential surface includes at least one block (184). The at least one block is received in the at least one reverse slot of the control member so as to lock the control member into the fixing seat. The hinge assembly allows for the automatic opening and closing of the device to which the hinge assembly is incorporated.

US07913358B2

Hinge assembly for foldable electronic device

A hinge assembly (100) for a foldable electronic device (200) includes a shaft (40), a first follower (33) attached on one end of the shaft, a first cam (34) rotatably attached on the shaft, a resilient member (50) having one end abutting the first cam, a second cam (63) rotatably attached on the shaft and abutting the other end of the resilient member, a second follower (62) attached on the shaft, and a button (70) attached on the other end of the shaft and abutting the second follower. The first follower is rotating with the shaft and has a first follower surface (332). The first cam has a first cam surface (342) engaging with the first follower surface. The second cam has a second cam surface (632). The second follower has a second follower surface (624) engaging with the second cam surface.

US07913357B2

Hinge positioning structure and unit

An exemplary hinge positioning structure (20) includes a pair of first leaves (22), a pivot shaft (262) rotatably engaged in the pair of first leaves, and a pair of pivot shaft grippers (24) sleeved on the pivot shaft. An end of each pivot shaft gripper engaged with each of the first leaves respectively so that the end of each pivot shaft gripper is fixed relative to each of the first leaves. The hinge positioning structure further includes a resilient member (266), two ends of the resilient member connected to the pair of pivot shaft grippers respectively, and applying a force on the pair of pivot shaft grippers so that the pair of pivot shaft grippers tightly grip the pivot shaft, such that the pivot shaft is prevented from rotating relative to the first leaves.

US07913351B2

Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method

A cleaning apparatus which can efficiently and satisfactorily clean component parts facing narrow spaces. A mixture of a substance in gaseous form and the same substance in liquid form or solid form as the former is jetted out from a jet pipe toward deposits attached to a structural object. The jetted mixture and the deposits to which the mixture has been jetted are sucked into a suction pipe.

US07913343B1

Counterbalance mechanism for fold out ramp

A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. A counterbalance comprises a shaft and a crank fixedly coupled to the shaft. A rod is rotatably coupled to the crank with an end fitting, and an end stop is slidably coupled to the rod. A compression spring is disposed between the end fitting and the end stop, wherein the compression spring provides a force to bias the ramp portion toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position.

US07913332B1

Drawn air bed ventilator

A ventilator system for a bed that withdraws air from under the bedding covers to provide fresh airflow along a sleeper's body is disclosed. The bed ventilator system includes an air removal extraction device at one end of a single bed, or along the lower-half sides of a shared bed, between the bottom sheet and the bed covers at the mattress top surface. A conduit directs withdrawn air from the extraction device to a vacuum generating system that provides negative air pressure as a motive force to withdraw air. The system provides air flow in the natural hair follicle direction, relieving bed occupants from both temperature and bodily odor distractions.

US07913328B2

Toilet tank connector assembly

“Two piece” toilets have a toilet tank outlet valve that links the tank water with a bowl. A nut and gasket structure are provided to provide an essentially ball and socket type joint between the tank and bowl to permit correction for out of plumb conditions without significantly compromising seal integrity. The gasket has an outward lower curvature and is supported from the inside by the nut. Preferably the lower end of the nut is cut away or curved such that in some configurations the gasket can flex inwardly, while being otherwise supported by the nut.

US07913322B2

Garment with padding

A garment including an outer shell configured to be worn on at least part of a body of a wearer and a pad directly or indirectly coupled to a selected location of the outer shell to provide padding at the selected location. The pad includes an open cell foam padding material which resists melting, dripping or igniting when exposed to a temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. The padding material has a sealant located thereon to reduce the absorption of moisture therein. The pad further includes an abrasion resistant material coupled to the padding material by the sealant.

US07917963B2

System for providing mobile data security

A system transfers applications and datasets (files) from a server to a client device and assigns to each file a lease key that will expire at a specified time. A file cannot be accessed unless its lease key is validated. Upon expiration of a lease key, the client device will connect to the server to determine if the lease key may be renewed. If the lease key may be renewed, a new lease key is created and access to the associated application or dataset is restored. If the lease key may not be renewed, the file may be deleted or rendered inaccessible. If rendered inaccessible, the file may be restored in the future without having to re-transmit it from the server to the client device. The server may also revoke a lease key before it expires.

US07917961B2

System and method for controlling access to an electronic message recipient

A system and method for selectively allowing or denying access to a user coupled to an electronic communications network includes a receiver that receives an inbound message over the electronic communications network from a sender. The inbound message includes an identifier that is associated with a sender and an identifier that is associated with a recipient. The system also includes a processor that determines if the identifier associated with the recipient was previously generated by the user and is absent from a plurality of proxy identifiers associated with the recipient. The processor is further determines one of at least three security states associated with the inbound message. A first security state is indicative of allowing delivery of the inbound message to the user. A second security state is indicative of denying delivery of the inbound message to the user. A third security state is indicative of conditionally allowing delivery of the message to the user. Each of the three security states are associated with the sender identifier and the recipient identifier included in the inbound message.

US07917960B2

Transmitter, signal transfer method, data distribution system and method of same, data receiver, data provider and method of same, and data transferer

To enable usage of content at a receiver which does not have a copying function even if copyright protection is provided. Model names of receivers not having a function enabling copying of content are held in an authentication processing circuit (151) of a transmitter (10). When a model name obtained from a connected receiver (40) is held, regardless of whether the content is copyright protected, a signal selection circuit (122) selects a terminal a side, a switch (123) is turned on, and an unencrypted signal is transmitted. When a change of the receiver (40) is detected by a hot plug detection function or a plug and play function at a processing circuit (152) during the transfer of a signal of copyright protected content without providing copyright protection, the selection circuit (122) is made to select a terminal b side or the switch (123) is turned off to suspend the transfer of the non-copyright protected signal. The information indicating the receiver is held in a tamper-proof updateable manner.

US07917954B1

Systems and methods for policy-based program configuration

Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for adaptive polity-based configuration of programs. An example method comprises collecting from a computer system configuration and performance information, rating system performance based on the collected information and classifying the computer system based on its performance rating. The method further includes selecting based on the system classification an operational policy for a computer program. Each policy specifies different program settings and different limits of system resource utilization by the program for each class of computer systems. The method further includes monitoring system resource utilization during program execution to determine whether system resource utilization exceeds the limit specified in the selected operational policy. If the system resource utilization exceeds the specified limit, the method selects another policy specifying different program settings and a different limit of system resource utilization.

US07917953B2

Methods and systems for reducing the spread of files on a network

Methods and systems can reduce the spread of computer files or data on a network by obtaining and tracking times of arrival for chunks of data transmitted on the network. The times of arrival for a node can be transformed into time-series and periodograms computed from the time-series. Successive periodograms can be compared to determine changes in the strongest peaks of the periodograms. If a new peak is identified, a search for the occurrence of the peak in previous periodograms can be conducted. If no peak having a matching frequency is found, a search for the peak in the periodograms for neighboring nodes can be performed. If matching peaks are found, the associated data stream can be classified. Predictions of the timing and length of associated data packets can be used to randomly interrupt transmission of associated data packets resulting in reducing the spread of the classified data stream.

US07917952B1

Replace malicious driver at boot time

A malicious driver replacement application is installed on a host computer system and registered as a boot execute application. On notification of a malicious driver detection, the malicious driver replacement application reboots the host computer system and locks the volume of a storage disk containing the malicious driver. The malicious driver is replaced directly on the storage disk with a dummy driver having innocuous code. The malicious driver replacement application reboots the host computer system, and on reboot of the host computer system, the dummy driver is loaded rather than the malicious driver thus preventing the malicious driver from interfering with the standard operating system routines and allowing the malicious driver to be remediated.

US07917950B2

Protocol-generic eavesdropping network device

According to one embodiment, a method comprises capturing, by an eavesdropping device, a packet communicated over a communication network. The eavesdropping device scans the packet's payload, and determines if an identifier is included in the packet's payload that identifies the packet as containing content of interest to the eavesdropping device. Based at least in part on determining that the packet's payload includes such identifier, the eavesdropping device uses the content of interest contained in the packet's payload. In one embodiment, a method comprises forming a packet containing content intended for an eavesdropping device, wherein the packet includes a header portion and a payload portion. The payload portion comprises a) a predefined identifier that identifies the packet as containing the content intended for the eavesdropping device, b) the content intended for the eavesdropping device, and c) an authentication token. The packet is directed via a communication network to a destination.

US07917949B2

Voice controlled portable memory storage device

A portable memory storage device (“device”) is provided. The device includes a microphone for receiving a user voice input; a controller that receives the voice input and creates a template; and a plurality of non-volatile memory cells for storing the template, wherein the template is used to authenticate the user for any subsequent user request for accessing the device and an application is launched when the device interfaces with a host system to enroll the user as an authorized user to access device functionality and/or access host system functionality.

US07917948B2

Method and apparatus for dynamically securing voice and other delay-sensitive network traffic

A method comprises receiving a request for secure network traffic from a device having a private network address at a source node, obtaining the private network address of a requested destination device at a destination node from a route server based on signaling information associated with the request, obtaining the public network address of the destination node associated with the private network address, creating in response to the request a virtual circuit between the source node and the destination node based on the public network address of the destination node, and encrypting network traffic for transporting at least from the source node to the destination node through the virtual circuit. The process is dynamic in that the virtual circuit is created in response to the request. Hence, the process operates as if a fully meshed network exists but requires less provisioning and maintenance than a fully meshed network architecture. Furthermore, the process is readily scalable as if a hub and spoke network exists but is more suitable for delay-sensitive traffic, such as voice and video, than a hub and spoke network architecture.

US07917947B2

Secured communication channel between IT administrators using network management software as the basis to manage networks

A network management system is used to secure a communications channel between at least two clients. The network management system includes a network management server which includes network management software. The network management server is coupled to the clients for managing the communication between the clients. The network management system further includes at least two secured communication channels established by the network management server between the network management server and each of the clients, respectively, such that the at least two clients can securely communicate with each other.

US07917941B2

System and method for providing physical web security using IP addresses

A system and method for providing security for an Internet server. The system comprises: a logical security system for processing login and password data received from a client device during a server session in order to authenticate a user; and a physical security system for processing Internet protocol (IP) address information of the client device in order to authenticate the client device for the duration of the server session.

US07917935B2

Mechanical pan, tilt and zoom in a webcam

A system and method for mechanically panning, tilting, and/or zooming a webcam to track a user's face. In one embodiment, such movement is controlled by kernel software in a host to which the webcam sends video data. In this way, a driver in the host kernel handles the face tracking, transparent to the application programs that would access the video. In an alternate embodiment, such movement is controlled by firmware in the webcam itself. The video and control signals are sent over the same standard cable, such as a USB bus. In one embodiment, the video is supplied to an instant messaging application. The use of a standard bus (e.g., USB) and the offloading of the face tracking to the webcam and driver allows easy use by the instant messaging application.

US07917934B2

Method and apparatus for providing subscription-on-demand services for an interactive information distribution system

A method and apparatus for providing subscription-on-demand (SOD) services for a interactive information distribution system, where a consumer may subscribe to packages of on-demand programs for a single price and view the programs in the subscribed package at any time for no additional cost. The apparatus and method are embodied in a combination of software, which provides a so called navigator, and hardware, including a subscriber terminal that provides certain functionality for the navigator and service provider equipment that supports the functionality of the terminal. As such, graphical user interface functionality is distributed between the service provider equipment and subscriber equipment (subscriber terminal). Such distribution provides an enjoyable, real time interactive process for accessing SOD services that allows the subscriber to rapidly identify and access a subscription service. In addition, a non-subscriber of a particular service is quickly identified and provided the opportunity to, through the use of a graphical user interface, subscribe to the programming provided by the system.

US07917933B2

Systems and methods for relocating media

A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.

US07917927B1

Method for selecting a program displayed in an advertisement in an application software program

A video processing apparatus may be controlled in response to selecting an advertisement displayed in connection with a productivity or communication application software program being operated on a video processing apparatus. The advertisement includes control information, which is used by the video processing apparatus to control an operating mode thereof. The control information may include both time and channel data as well as a recording data for programming a timer. Alternately, the control information may only include program data, which is passed to the electronic program guide to determine the time and channel information associated with the program data.

US07917923B2

Metadata mapping to support targeted advertising

A television server generates a metadata map that represents relationships among media content description data based on viewing patterns of multiple viewers. The television server sends the metadata map to a client device. The client device targets advertisements to a viewer based on the metadata map and a recent viewing history of the viewer.

US07917922B1

Video input switching and signal processing apparatus

An apparatus integrates a plurality of television signal sources into a cohesive audio/video environment. Internal provisions include a standard broadcast-frequency tuner, cable tuner as well as other optional inputs such as for a direct-broadcast satellite, previously recorded video material, etc. In the preferred embodiment, means are provided whereby a main or primary program channel may be linked to additional channels providing supplementary information to enhance resolution, sound quality, or to facilitate special effects.

US07917911B2

Automated grouping of messages provided to an application using execution path similarity analysis

An application is monitored to identify different execution paths, e.g., sequences of invoked components, which occur due to the receipt of messages by the application. Similarities between the execution paths are determined based on a distance algorithm, in one approach, and execution paths which are similar are assigned to a common group. Additionally, application runtime data such as response times is obtained for the execution paths and aggregated for the group. The messages can also be grouped based on the grouping of the execution paths. Further, a representative execution path can be determined for each execution path group for comparison to subsequent execution paths. A representative message can similarly be determined for each message group. Results can be reported which include a group identifier, representative message, representative execution path, count, and aggregated runtime data.

US07917908B2

Flow lookahead in an ordered semaphore management subsystem

In an ordered semaphore management system a pending state allows threads not competing for a locked semaphore to bypass one or more threads waiting for the same locked semaphore. The number of pending levels determines the number of consecutive threads vying for the same locked semaphore which can be bypassed. When more than one level is provided the pending levels are prioritized in the queued order.

US07917902B2

Archive stream based install

Files to be installed on a computer system are streamed from an archive as the archive is being extracted directly to one or more final destination locations on the computer system.

US07917897B2

Defect resolution methodology and target assessment process with a software system

Embodiments of the invention are generally related to computer systems, and more specifically to the analysis of defects in computer software products. Defects uncovered during software testing may be stored in a data structure as data defects, code defects, or environment defects, along with further data describing a particular nature of the defects. The defects may be analyzed to determine a particular problem area causing the defects. If a particular class of defects is determined to be the dominant class of defects encountered during testing, an analysis path of that class of defects may be followed to determine a cause for the defects in the respective class. Therefore, corrective measures tailored to resolving the defects associated with the determined cause may be taken.

US07917893B2

Using a system of annotations to generate views and adapters

Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for using annotations in contracts to generate views and adapters. A framework is provided that supports annotations that can be used in a contract to allow a user to express how one or more members of the contract should be represented in at least one view, and to express how to adapt the members in at least one adapter. Annotations can also be used to indicate which of the components should be programmatically generated. The contract is accessed and at least a portion of the at least one view and the at least one adapter are generated based on the annotations and other information contained in the contract. For example, source code can programmatically be generated for a host side view, an add-in side view, a host side adapter, and an add-in side adapter using the various contract details and the annotations.

US07917887B2

DDEX (data designer extensibility) default object implementations for software development processes

A system and method for providing DDEX (data designer extensibility) default object implementations by bundling information associated with a support entity and information required to instantiate a new default instance is provided. Metadata associated with the definition of the support entity indicates if a default implementation exists and includes information associated with the creation of the default implementation. The metadata of the support entity is analyzed to automatically create and return a default implementation if the provider does not supply a specific implementation.

US07917884B2

Enhanced verification by closely coupling a structural overapproximation algorithm and a structural satisfiability solver

A method, system and computer program product for performing verification are disclosed. A first abstraction of an initial design netlist containing a first target is created and designated as a current abstraction, and the current abstraction is unfolded by a selectable depth. A composite target is verified using a satisfiability solver, and in response to determining that the verifying step has hit the composite target, a counterexample to is examined to identify one or more reasons for the first target to be asserted. One or more refinement pairs are built by examining the counterexample, and a second abstraction is built by composing the refinement pairs. One or more learned clauses and one or more invariants to the second abstraction and the second abstraction is chosen as the current abstraction. The current abstraction is verified with the satisfiability solver.

US07917877B2

System and method for circuit schematic generation

The present invention provides a system and method for generating circuit schematic that includes extracting connectivity data of a plurality of devices from a netlist, categorizing the plurality of devices into groups, placing Schematic Analog Placement Constraints on all the instances by identifying instances among the groups that match with a circuit template (in-built as well as user-specified), creating a BFS instance tree of tree instances, creating a two terminal device clusters and creating instance attachments. Using the constraints during grid based placement and eventually generated schematic which look like analog schematic.

US07917861B2

User interface elements cloning and transitions

Systems and methods of displaying a user interface in a portable electronic device are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes creating a first clone and a second clone of a user interface element. The method also includes displaying the first clone of the user interface element on a display of the portable electronic device, modifying the second clone of the user interface element, and transitioning between the first clone of the user interface element and the second clone of the user interface element. In another embodiment, a method includes displaying an initial user interface element and displaying a transition between the initial user interface element and a final user interface element, wherein the transition is selected based on a classification of the initial user interface element and a classification of the final user interface element.

US07917858B2

Engine for rendering widgets using platform-specific attributes

A widget engine renders widgets using operating system platform-specific attributes. A widget application written at least partly in platform non-specific code is rendered by the widget engine through a series of system calls and callbacks. Upon interpreting particular code, the widget engine issues a system call to a module for performing a particular type of action. The module, based on the operating system platform, calls a platform-specific library that specifies how to carry out the action according to the operating system platform. Thereafter, using the returned platform-specific data, the widget engine renders the widget.

US07917857B2

Direct subscription to intelligent I/O module

Systems and methods that supply direct access (e.g., bypassing the controller) to embedded historian via a subscription and notification component. By modeling the notification related information (e.g., subscription queries, subscriber information, event information . . . ) as data and leveraging the power of database systems to perform set-oriented manipulations on this data efficiently, the subject innovation enables for a highly scalable and efficient subscription and notification system for direct access to the historians.

US07917853B2

System and method of presenting media content

A method of presenting media content is disclosed that includes providing a first view including multiple image cells to a destination device of a first user, where at least one cell of the multiple image cells includes an image. The method further includes automatically collecting a second image from a third party website associated with a second user and providing a second view to the destination device. The second view includes the multiple image cells having the image and includes the second image.

US07917852B2

System and method for visually analyzing geographic data

A system and method for analyzing, searching and viewing demographic data within different geographic regions. A system is provided that includes: a mapping system for displaying a map having a plurality of geographic regions, wherein each geographic region is selectable; a demographic system for displaying demographic statistics for a selected geographic region; a matching system for calculating and displaying a set of similar geographic regions that have demographic statistics that most closely match the selected geographic region; and an adjustment system that allows a user to adjust a target value for the demographic statistics being display, wherein an adjustment to the target causes the matching system to recalculate the set of similar geographic regions.

US07917851B1

Viewing point for a composition with multiple layers

A position of a viewing point within a plurality of layers of a composition is received. Of the plurality of layers, at least a layer that is immediately adjacent to the viewing point is displayed. Those layers, if any, that are on the opposite side of the viewing point as the displayed layer(s) are not displayed.

US07917848B2

Online publishing tools

Online publishing tools, which provide browser-based publishing services available through the Internet for preparing content for publication, include a preview interface which generates and displays an accurate representation of the client's work, with proportionately correct size, font, format and positioning, as well as an edit interface which generates a less precise but editable version of the client's work. Preview files used for displaying previews on the preview interface, and which can incorporate edits made on the edit interface, include typesetting information, positioning information, hot zones information, images of text and links to omitted content. Some preview files provide preview information for less than the client's entire document that is being worked on. Interfaces are also used to move and modify sections of content contained in the body of the client's work, of any size, through simple drag and drop processes implemented on elements of a corresponding table of contents.

US07917840B2

Dynamic aggregation and display of contextually relevant content

A web-based system scans content for specific terms, and transforms occurrences of the terms into hypertext links. Each hypertext link provides access to a dynamically generated web page which contains aggregated content related to the respective term. The aggregated content may be gathered through a distributed keyword search of various content sources, including web sites and other sources on a wide area network. The results of the keyword search are aggregated into a single page or document, preferably with filtering to remove page elements not well suited for display on a mobile device. Occurrences of specific terms on this dynamically generated page may similarly be transformed into links, such that the user can browse content from various sources within a confined environment.

US07917825B2

Method and apparatus for selectively utilizing information within a semiconductor device

Embodiments of the present invention include an apparatus to selectively provide information within a device to enable the device to perform a function. The apparatus comprises a generator unit to generate information for the device to perform the function, a receiver unit to receive information from a source and provide the received information for the device, and a storage unit. The storage unit selectively stores the information from the generator unit and the receiver unit for use by the device in accordance with an information selection signal and a mode signal indicating entry of the device into a particular device mode. Information from the receiver unit is stored in the storage unit in response to availability of information from the receiver unit and the mode signal indicating entry of the device into the particular device mode.

US07917814B2

System and method of reporting error codes in an electronically controlled device

A method of reporting errors in an electronically controlled device, comprises generating a first bit field representative of a severity of an internal error, generating a second bit field representative of a location of the internal error; and generating a third bit field representative of a cause of the internal error. The method also comprises structuring an internal error code, wherein the internal error code includes the first, second, and third bit fields.

US07917806B2

System and method for indicating status of an on-chip power supply system

The status of multiple on-chip power supply systems is indicated for use in modifying chip test flow and diagnosing chip failure. Digital compliance signals are received, each compliance signal associated with one of multiple on-chip power supplies. Each power supply has an associated compliance level, and each compliance signal indicates whether its associated power supply is operating at the associated compliance level. The compliance signals are converted into a power supply status signal indicating status of the compliance signals associated with the power supply. The power supply status signal is output. If a power supply is operating at its associated compliance level, the output power supply status signal indicates that the power supply is passing. If the power supply is not operating at its associated compliance level, the output power supply status signal indicates that the power supply is failing. If a power supply is failing, a memory test may be aborted, simplifying chip failure diagnosis.

US07917804B2

Systems and methods for CPU repair

Systems and methods for repairing a processor are provided. In one embodiment, a method for repairing a processor is provided that includes, for example, the steps of initializing and executing an operating system, determining that a cache element is faulty, and swapping in a spare cache element for said faulty cache element while the operating system is executing.

US07917802B2

Write omission detector, write omission detecting method, and computer product

A device adaptor that controls a disk, wherein a storage area is divided into a plurality of blocks, detects a block that includes a read error. Next, the device adaptor detects a write omission in blocks that are within a predetermined range from the block that includes the read error. To be specific, the device adaptor reads data from the blocks that are in the vicinity of the block that includes the unrecovered read error in a suspect disk. Next, the device adaptor reads from a redundant disk, data of a block that corresponds to the block that includes the unrecovered read error (data of block “B” in an example shown in FIG. 1) and compares the read data to the data read from the suspect disk to detect the write omission.

US07917798B2

Superconducting digital phase rotator

An important component in digital circuits is a phase rotator, which permits precise time-shifting (or equivalently, phase rotation) of a clock signal within a clock period. A digital phase rotator can access multiple discrete values of phase under digital control. Such a device can have application in digital clock synchronization circuits, and can also be used for a digital phase modulator that encodes a digital signal. A digital phase rotator has been implemented in superconducting integrated circuit technology, using rapid single-flux-quantum logic (RSFQ). This circuit can exhibit positive or negative phase shifts of a multi-phase clock. Arbitrary precision can be obtained by cascading a plurality of phase rotator stages. Such a circuit forms a phase-modulator that is the core of a direct digital synthesizer that can operate at multi-gigahertz radio frequencies.

US07917787B2

Method, apparatus and system to dynamically choose an aoptimum power state

Some embodiments of the invention include an apparatus and method for dynamically choosing an optimum power state. In some embodiments, the optimum power state may be determined from historical information about the various power states that any of the embodiments of the apparatus or a system equipped with embodiments of the apparatus or operating embodiments of the method may encounter. Some embodiments may generate registers to maintain information regarding the various power states. In some embodiments, power management logic may determine the optimum power state based upon this information. Other embodiments are described.

US07917784B2

Methods and systems for power management in a data processing system

Methods and systems for managing power consumption in data processing systems are described. In one embodiment, a data processing system includes a general purpose processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), at least one peripheral interface controller, at least one bus coupled to the general purpose processing unit, and a power controller coupled to at least the general purpose processing unit and the GPU. The power controller is configured to turn power off for the general purpose processing unit in response to a first state of an instruction queue of the general purpose processing unit and is configured to turn power off for the GPU in response to a second state of an instruction queue of the GPU. The first state and the second state represent an instruction queue having either no instructions or instructions for only future events or actions.

US07917779B2

Power control apparatus for motherboard

A power control apparatus for automatically turning on and off a motherboard, the power control apparatus includes a power supply supplying electric power to the motherboard periodically, a control circuit including a first switch element, a second switch element, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a first resistor, and a second resistor. When the power supply is powered up, the second capacitor is charged, the second switch element is turned on, a second terminal of the second switch element outputs a low level signal to power up the motherboard. When the motherboard is powered up, the first capacitor is charged, the first switch element is turned on, the second switch element is turned off, the second terminal of the second switch element outputs a high level signal. The motherboard is powered off when the power supply is powered off.

US07917774B2

Electrocardiograph and blood pressure signals simulator

System, methods, and apparatuses produce simulated human physiological waveforms such as electrocardiograph (ECG) and blood pressure signals where the microcontroller and/or digital-to-analog converters may be switched to a lower power-consuming state by programmable instructions and switched on in response to a programmable sleep timer.

US07917771B2

Method for selective encryption within documents

The present invention allows the user (author or creator) of a document to specify that certain portions of a document be selected for encryption while other portions of the document remain displayed as created. In addition, each encrypted section could have multiple encryption keys such that some viewers can review certain parts of the document while other viewers will not have that same access. The user could employ a standard word processing editor technique to highlight (or swipe) portions of a document that the user desires to be encrypted. The highlighted portion would then be ‘tagged’ with a surrounding attribute indicating to the word processor that this highlighted portion of the document is to be encrypted. The highlighted sections would also have encryption keys associated with the highlighted and encrypted section. Any one of the encryption keys for that section would decrypt that section. With proper authorization, any encrypted portion of a document would be displayed as part of the document. Without proper authorization, the display of the document would only contain the unencrypted portions of the document.

US07917767B2

Method and apparatus for adding signature information to electronic documents

In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for adding signature information to electronic documents. One embodiment of the inventive method involves adding the signature information into a signature data field template corresponding to the electronic document, converting the signature data field template, including the added signature information, to an image file, and superimposing the image file over the electronic document to produce a signed electronic document. The inventive method substantially eliminates the potential for human error and security breaches in the signing of electronic documents.

US07917763B2

Device and method for detecting a manipulation of an information signal

The present invention relates to a device for detecting a manipulation of an information signal, having an extractor for extracting an information signal component characteristic for the information signal from the information signal, an encryptor for encrypting the information signal component to obtain an encrypted signal, and a comparator for comparing the encrypted signal to a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is an encrypted representation of a non-manipulated reference signal component of a reference information signal to detect the manipulation.

US07917757B2

Method and system for authentication of electronic communications

A method and system to authenticate electronic communications, such as email. A trusted third party records information of each of sender's communications, such as date, time and recipients. Recipients are allowed to verify if their incoming messages match the data of their senders' outgoing communications. Mismatches can be used to filter out fake messages assuming stolen identities.

US07917755B1

Identification of localized web page element

Some embodiments may provide a method comprising accessing a first electronic content, the first electronic content including a first actuatable element specification associated with first executable instructions, accessing a second electronic content, the second electronic content including a second actuatable element specification associated with second executable instructions, and determining whether a correspondence exists between the first actuatable element specification and the second actuatable element specification, the determining of whether the correspondence exists including determining whether the first executable instructions are substantially equivalent to the second executable instructions.

US07917753B2

Transferring control between programs of different security levels

Systems and methods for transferring control between programs of different security levels are described herein. Some embodiments include a processor capable of operating at one or more security levels including a first and a second security level, a memory system coupled to the processor (the memory system stores a first program that executes on the processor at the first security level, and a second program that executes on the processor at the second security level), and a register configured to store an entry point address to the first program (wherein an instruction that executes on the processor at the second security level is blocked from writing values to the register). A transfer of control from the second program to the first program is executed if the register provides the entry point address. The transfer of control is blocked if the entry point address is not provided by the register.

US07917745B2

Network communications security agent

One embodiment of an inventive networking environment includes clients called sending clients because they send network content through a network, and clients called receiving clients because they receive the network content from the sending clients through the network. Both sending clients and receiving clients are “clients” in that they rely on a management server to orchestrate the secure transfer of information from sending clients to receiving clients.

US07917740B1

Virtualization assist for legacy x86 floating point exception handling

In one embodiment, a processor comprises an execution core configured to detect a freeze event responsive to an error indication, an ignore error indication, and an instruction in a guest. The instruction belongs to a predefined subset of instructions associated with the error indication and the ignore error indication. The execution core is configured to exit the guest in response to detecting the freeze event. In some embodiments, the error indication and the ignore indication may be stored in one or more registers in the processor. In some embodiments, the instruction is a floating point instruction, the error indication is a floating pointer error indication, and the ignore error indication is an ignore floating point error indication. In some embodiments, the error indication may correspond to an error signal output by the processor, and the ignore error indication may correspond to an ignore error signal input to the processor.

US07917739B2

Storage medium storing calculation processing visualization program, calculation processing visualization apparatus, and calculation processing visualization method

The execution status of pipeline processing is highly visualized by appropriately displaying processes forming loops in a simplified manner. A loop-information storage unit stores loop-defining information specifying the address of an instruction that causes a pipeline process forming a loop. An operation-information storage unit stores operation information that includes the address of an instruction input into a pipeline and information indicating the execution status of a pipeline process caused by the instruction. A loop determination unit determines whether each pipeline process indicated by the operation information forms a loop by referring to the loop-defining information. An output unit outputs visualization information indicating, in a visually comprehensible manner, the execution status of a pipeline process that has been determined to form a loop for a predetermined number of executions of the loop and the execution status of a pipeline process that has been determined to form no loop.

US07917738B2

Method and base chip for monitoring the operation of a microcontroller unit

To enable a method and a base chip (200) for monitoring, by means of at least one base chip (200), the operation of at least one microcontroller unit (300) that is intended for at least one application and is associated with a system (100) to be further developed in such a way a reset of the microcontroller unit (300) only takes place under defined conditions, it is proposed that a reset (R) of the microcontroller unit (300) is caused if at least one special sequence, and particularly at least one drive or access sequence assigned to the reset operation (R), is applied to the base chip (200).

US07917729B2

System on chip IC with subsystem of multiple processing cores switch coupled to network protocol device and bus bridge to local system bus

A System-on-Chip (SoC) component comprising a single independent multiprocessor subsystem core including a plurality of multiple processors, each multiple processor having a local memory associated therewith forming a processor cluster; and a switch fabric means connecting each processor cluster within an SoC integrated circuit (IC). The single SoC independent multiprocessor subsystem core is capable of performing multi-threading operation processing for SoC devices when configured as a DSP, coprocessor, Hybrid ASIC, or network processing arrangements. The switch fabric means additionally interconnects a SoC local system bus device with SoC processor components with the independent multiprocessor subsystem core.

US07917727B2

Data processing architectures for packet handling using a SIMD array

An input/output system transfers data packets to and from a SIMD array of processing elements (PEs) such that different sizes of data packets are transferred to respective ones of the PEs. The packets are transferred in batches to respective different addresses in the array under the control of the PEs. Transfer to or from the array may be carried out when either a batch or part of a batch is ready for transfer. The decision to transfer either full or part batches is made in dependence upon the speed of the PEs and the speed and intermittency of the data packets.

US07917726B2

Using an IOMMU to create memory archetypes

In one embodiment, an input/output (I/O) memory management unit (IOMMU) comprises at least one memory and control logic coupled to the memory. The memory is configured to store translation data corresponding to one or more I/O translation tables stored in a memory system of a computer system that includes the IOMMU. The control logic is configured to translate an I/O device-generated memory request using the translation data. The translation data includes a type field indicating one or more attributes of the translation, and the control logic is configured to control the translation responsive to the type field.

US07917723B2

Address translation table synchronization

A system, method and computer-readable medium for updating an address translation table. In the method, a message indicating a physical memory location that corresponds to a virtual address is received from a processor. An I/O Memory Management Unit (IOMMU) is used to update an entry within the address translation table corresponding to the virtual address according to the indicated physical memory location.

US07917722B2

Storage area dynamic assignment method

A storage system allocates a data storage area in response to an access request from a first computer if the capacity of a first physical storage device configuring a first logical storage area, provided to the first computer, is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold. The storage system associates the first logical storage area with another physical storage device, which is different from the first physical storage device associated with a second logical storage area provided to the first computer and a second computer, and allocates a data storage area from the another physical storage device if the capacity of the first physical storage device associated with the first logical storage area exceeds the predetermined threshold.

US07917721B2

Method and apparatus for increasing an amount of memory on demand when monitoring remote mirroring performance

A method and storage system for increasing an amount of memory in a queuing area on. The storage system includes first and second storage subsystems connected to each other via a path. A primary volume in the first storage subsystem and a remote secondary volume in the second storage subsystem are mirrored and operated in the asynchronous mode. A queuing area having memory is provided in the second storage subsystem for temporarily storing data transferred to the second storage subsystem from the first storage subsystem in response to a write input/output (I/O) issued by a host to write data in the primary volume. Data temporarily stored in the memory is retrieved and stored in the remote secondary volume. An unused area of the queuing area is monitored and the memory increased if the unused area becomes less than a predetermined amount.

US07917718B2

Arrangements having security protection

An external bus interface method including: receiving, via an access control unit, an access request conveyed through an external bus, and judging, via an access judging unit connected to the access control unit, whether the access request is to be honored or rejected, wherein upon receiving the access request, the access control unit sends to the access judging unit an access judging check request signal asking whether the requested address falls within one of access-permitted areas registered in the access judging unit, the access judging unit checks whether the requested address falls within one of the access-permitted areas registered in it and returns to the access control unit, an access judging check result signal indicating whether the access request is to be honored or rejected, and if the access judging check result signal indicates that the access request is to be rejected, the access control unit nullifies the access request.

US07917712B2

Method and system for governing access to storage device on SAN

The present invention in at least some embodiments relates to improved methods and systems for governing access to SAN data storage devices (or simply “SAN devices”) employed in SAN systems. In some embodiments, the method involves storing a list at a SAN device. The list can be an exclusion list identifying devices that are not allowed to access the SAN device. During normal operation, the SAN device automatically contacts the SAN (or a component of the SAN, such as a SAN switch) to determine the identities of new devices that have entered into communication with the SAN. The SAN device then automatically updates the exclusion list to include those new devices such that, without further instructions, the SAN device is not accessible by those new devices. The method further can relate to the setup and failure recovery of SAN devices employed in SAN systems.

US07917707B2

Semiconductor device

A semiconductor device includes a plurality of operating units, a controller that controls the plurality of operating units according to predetermined state transition, a first storage that stores data to be processed, a second storage that stores circuit information specifying an operation process performed in the plurality of operating units, a third storage that stores data access information for the first storage and a pointer for the second storage in association with a state of the controller. The controller reads an address and the pointer stored in the third storage according to the state, and transmits the circuit information stored in a region of the second storage specified by the read pointer to the plurality of operating units.

US07917703B2

Network on chip that maintains cache coherency with invalidate commands

A network on chip (‘NOC’) comprising integrated processor (‘IP’) blocks, routers, memory communications controllers, and network interface controller, each IP block coupled to a router through a memory communications controller and a network interface controller, the NOC also including a port on a router of the network through which is received an invalidate command, the invalidate command including an identification of a cache line, the invalidate command representing an instruction to invalidate the cache line, the router configured to send the invalidate command to an IP block served by the router; the router further configured to send the invalidate command horizontally and vertically to neighboring routers if the port is a vertical port; and the router further configured to send the invalidate command only horizontally to neighboring routers if the port is a horizontal port.

US07917697B2

Auto start configuration with portable mass storage device

A portable flash memory storage device such as a memory card can configure a host device upon insertion. The configuration may specify applications or other sequences of operations to be executed by the host upon insertion of the card. Files on the card may be associated with an appropriate application and then automatically opened with the appropriate application. A secure configuration may override a more freely modifiable configuration in certain embodiments.

US07917686B2

Host system with direct data file interface configurability

Data files are assigned addresses within one or more logical blocks of a continuous logical address space interface (LBA interface) of a usual type of flash memory system with physical memory cell blocks. This assignment may be done by the host device which typically, but not necessarily, generates the data files. The number of logical blocks containing data of any one file is controlled in a manner that reduces the amount of fragmentation of file data within the physical memory blocks, thereby to maintain good memory performance. The host may configure the logical blocks of the address space in response to learning the physical characteristics of a memory to which it is connected.

US07917678B2

Method and apparatus for frame buffer management

Methods and apparatuses for dynamic virtual frame buffer management. At least one embodiment of the present invention dynamically enables or disables the use of a virtual frame buffer, which is not under control of graphics hardware of a data processing system, without restarting the graphical user interface system (e.g., the window system) of the data processing system. For example, in response to the addition or removing of a frame buffer that is under control of a graphics controller (e.g., due to the activation or deactivation of the graphics controller, or the hot plug-in or hot disconnection of the graphics controller), the virtual frame buffer is disabled or enabled respectively.

US07917676B2

Efficient execution of memory barrier bus commands with order constrained memory accesses

The disclosure is directed to a weakly-ordered processing system and method of executing memory barriers in weakly-ordered processing system. The processing system includes memory and a master device configured to issue memory access requests, including memory barriers, to the memory. The processing system also includes a slave device configured to provide the master device access to the memory, the slave device being further configured to produce a signal indicating that an ordering constraint imposed by a memory barrier issued by the master device will be enforced, the signal being produced before the execution of all memory access requests issued by the master device to the memory before the memory barrier.

US07917672B2

Path maintenance mechanism

In the computer system including a host computer and a storage system, the storage system includes a physical disk and a disk controller, and provides a storage area of the physical disk as at least one logical unit. The processor obtains, at a first time point and a second time point different from the first time point, a relation between a logical path and a component through which the logical path passes, stores, as logical path connection information, the relations obtained at the first time point and the second time point, refers to the logical path connection information to compare the logical paths existing at the first time point and the logical paths existing at the second time point with each other, and specifies the logical path which does not exist at the second time point among the logical paths existing at the first time point.A1

US07917665B1

Method and system for minimizing unnecessary topology discovery operations by managing physical layer state change notifcations in storage systems

Method and system is provided where PHY state change (PHY CHANGE) notifications from one or more PHYs in a storage infrastructure are monitored as a potential error condition. The rate of PHY CHANGE notifications is monitored to determine if the rate of PHY CHANGE notifications may cause a loss of service or degrade I/O performance. An excessive rate of PHY CHANGE notification that may cause a loss of service is detected by comparing a current PHY CHANGE count with burst threshold value. The current PHY CHANGE count is also compared to an operational threshold value to detect if the rate of PHY CHANGE notification may result in degradation of overall I/O performance. If the PHY CHANGE count for a PHY equals or exceeds the burst threshold value or the operational threshold value, then the PHY is disabled.

US07917661B2

Wireless home and office appliance management and integration

The present invention provides systems and methods for managing and controlling networked devices. A system comprises a host application executing on, for example, a personal computer, and one or more networked devices executing a client application. A networked device includes a consumer appliance equipped with network capability, a digital device such as MP3 players and DVRs, an electronically-controlled device such as a light circuit or other type of circuit, and the like. The host application automatically establishes communication with the networked device. The networked device configures a user interface for user control of the networked device. The host application provides a graphical layout of the networked device.

US07917655B1

Method and system for employing phone number analysis to detect and prevent spam and e-mail scams

A method and apparatus for identifying scam e-mails using phone number analysis whereby a set of potential scam e-mail identification rules is created and data representing the potential scam e-mail identification rules is stored in a data storage device. Incoming e-mails are then scanned under the direction of one or more processors by an e-mail security system to detect phone numbers present in the incoming e-mails using one or more phone number detection parameters. Any potential phone numbers detected using the one or more phone number detection parameters are then normalized. In one embodiment, the normalized potential phone numbers are then analyzed using the potential scam e-mail identification rules to identify potential scam phone numbers. The e-mails including the identified potential scam phone numbers then have their status transformed to that of potential scam e-mails.

US07917651B2

Apparatus, system, and method for asynchronous complex inbound transactions from SAP applications using service oriented architecture

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing inbound transactions from an SAP application. A transaction ID module is included that receives a transaction identifier (“TID”) associated with an event from an SAP application by way of an ALE interface for an asynchronous transaction. A recording module is included to record an event record in an event tracking repository by way of an XA transaction, the event record comprising the TID and an associated transaction status. An intermediate document module is included to receive an intermediate document (“IDoc”) containing transaction data from a transaction associated with the event and the associated TID from the SAP application by way of the ALE interface using a Transaction Remote Function Call protocol. A conversion module is included to convert the IDoc to a service data object (“SDO”) and an SDO transmit module is included to transmit the SDO to an endpoint using the XA transaction.

US07917642B2

Isochronous audio network software interface

A computer system includes a network interface that transmits and/or receives packets over a network. The packets may include isochronous audio packets and data packets. The computer system may have an operating system in which isochronous audio software is executable to extract audio data from the isochronous audio packets, or format audio data into isochronous audio packets. The system may also include other software executable within the operating system substantially in parallel with the isochronous audio software. The other software may extract data from the data packets.

US07917639B2

Multimedia application interface

An improved application programming interface (API) as described can control media resources in numerous Internet multimedia applications. The API may be independent of the application itself and the media resources underneath. The API may be referred to as a multimedia subsystem (MSS) interface.

US07917630B2

Portable computerized device adapted for ad hoc security associations

A portable communications device adapted to provide communication security in, for example, an ad hoc or temporary networked environment. In one embodiment, the network comprises an untrusted medium, and the device includes network security apparatus adapted to create security associations between devices on the network, including mutual authentication. Traffic between the associated devices may be encrypted for e.g., data confidentiality and integrity protection. In one variant, the network security apparatus comprises a software entity disposed at least partly within the software stack of the device. The device may be untrusted (e.g., have an untrusted operating system). User identification or validation may also be provided, for example via inputs received via a user interface.

US07917620B2

Communication system

A security server for use in a telecommunications network is arranged to receive a message; determine whether the message is from a known source or an unknown source and, depending on the result of the determination, modify the message; and forward the message within the telecommunications network. A network processing element for use in a telecommunications network is arranged to receive a message from another network element; determine whether the message has been modified and, depending on the result of the determination, perform one or more security checks in respect of the message.

US07917615B2

Apparatus and method for real-time monitoring and controlling of networked appliances using an intermediate server

A method and an apparatus for real-time monitoring and controlling of networked appliances over both a wide-area network (WAN) and a local-area network (LAN) using a Device State and Location Server (DSLS) as an intermediate server are disclosed. The DSLS is configured to either receive beacons from networked appliances periodically or poll networked appliances to update current activity status of each networked appliance. A unified user interface on a commanding device is configured to monitor the current activity status of each networked appliance by simply receiving updated data from the DSLS, thereby offloading a cumbersome task of tracking all networked appliances over the WAN and the LAN on its own. A color coding scheme and different icon shapes are used for ease of monitoring of the networked appliances. An orbital user interface software further helps to visualize location and current activity status of each networked appliance.

US07917608B2

Wireless communication apparatus selectively connecting to peripheral apparatuses

There is provided a wireless communication apparatus where a searching condition according to connection schemes for to-be-searched peripheral apparatuses is set, and a connection request transmitting source apparatus transmits a service searching request to the peripheral apparatuses to wait for detection of the peripheral apparatuses, when a peripheral apparatus is detected, it is determined whether or not the peripheral apparatus matches with the set searching condition, if the peripheral apparatus matches with the searching condition, the peripheral apparatus is registered in a system, so that one peripheral apparatus is determined, after that the service searching request is transmitted again through the searching communication, the detection of the peripheral apparatuses is waited for, and a connection establishment process is performed on the extracted peripheral apparatuses.

US07917605B1

Automated registration and licensing tool

Methods and systems are disclosed for managing registrations of computers. The methods and systems provide a registration tool that may be used to automatically register the computers. For each computer to be registered, information uniquely identifying the computer is collected and sent to a remote registration server. The information is then used by the remote registration server to perform the registration on behalf of the computer. The registration may be with a software vendor, a third-party database, or with the remote registration server itself in some cases. The registration server thereafter returns a registration code or other information to the computer to complete the registration. Such an arrangement allows the registration process to be controlled from a central location.

US07917604B1

Techniques for operating a data storage assembly via a series of web pages and a commit-at-the-end, wizard-style behavior

A technique of operating a data storage assembly involves providing a series of web pages to a web browser and buffering a set of potential configuration settings from the web browser. The web browser is controlled by a user. The series of web pages details operational aspects of the data storage assembly. The set of potential configuration settings is arranged to direct future operation of the data storage assembly. The technique further includes receiving a commit command from the web browser after the set of potential configuration settings has been buffered. The technique further includes committing, in response to the commit command, a set of configuration changes on the data storage assembly based on the set of potential configuration settings to provide the user with a commit-at-the-end, wizard-style configuration behavior through the web browser.

US07917603B2

Method for setting an internet protocol address using a vehicle identification number

A method for setting an IP (Internet Protocol) address for accessing a specified network is disclosed. The method includes detecting values that indicate inherent information of a vehicle from a vehicle identification number that includes specified vehicle information, setting a specified bit value for reporting that the IP address is a unique address, and creating the IP address by combining the specified bit value with the values that indicate the inherent information of the vehicle. According to the present method, the inherent IP address can be set for each vehicle by setting an interface identifier (ID) of the IP address using the vehicle identification number. Also, diverse vehicle information can be obtained through the interface ID of the IP address set using the vehicle identification number. Because, the IP address is set by the invention composed of the interface ID of 64 bits, it is compatible with the existing Extended Unique Identifier EUI-64 format.

US07917591B2

System and method for streaming videos inline with an e-mail

A method of facilitating the organization and presentation of video e-mails containing embedded video provides a repository for distinguishing video e-mails from regular e-mails, displays the contents of the repository (e.g., as a list of thumbnails, etc.), and, in response to their selection, streams embedded videos from within the e-mail client where the body of an e-mail is usually displayed.