US07951582B2
A system for qualifying cells of a cell sample labeled with a magnetic or magnetizable moiety is provided. The system includes a cell sample holder for holding a cell of the cells and a first cell analyzer which includes a magnetic field source for applying a magnetic field to the cell and a sensor for qualifying and/or quantifying an effect of the magnetic field on the cell.
US07951581B2
The present invention is generally directed towards a reagent system for detecting an analyte in a sample. The reagent system has a detection reagent comprising an enzyme-coenzyme complex in a form such that no regeneration of the coenzyme takes place, whereby the enzyme-coenzyme complex is employed in an at least stoichiometric amount relative to the analyte present in the sample, and a support to receive the detection reagent.
US07951569B2
The present invention provides a thermostable duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) and a method for digesting a nucleic acid using said DSN, namely, a protein having a Brachyura-derived duplex-specific nuclease activity, a gene encoding for said protein, a recombinant vector comprising said gene and a transformed cell or transduced cell comprising said vector and a method for producing a protein having a duplex-specific nuclease activity, which comprises culturing said transformed cell or transduced cell using a medium and collecting the protein having a duplex-specific nuclease activity from the cultured mixture, a method for digesting a nucleic acid using said protein having duplex-specific nuclease activity, a method for detecting RNA using said DSN and a reagent kit to be used in the aforementioned methods.
US07951568B2
The present invention discloses a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 3, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO 6, a polypeptide having an amino acid that is substantially homologous to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 3 and a polypeptide having an amino acid that is substantially homologous to the sequence of SEQ ID NO 6, the polypeptide displaying acetamidase activity and providing a reverse selection on fluoroacetamide with an efficiency of at least 95%, preferably at least 96%, more preferably at least 97%, more preferably at least 98%, more preferably at least 99%, most preferably 100%. The gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention is used as an efficient bi-directional selection marker in the construction of selection marker free strains, in particular for processes for the production of a compound of interest.
US07951563B2
Aspects of the invention provide methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among liver cell proliferative disorders or for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders. Particular aspects disclose and provide genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have substantial utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.
US07951561B2
Halophilic marine gram negative bacteria, isolated from decayed algae, hydrolyzed κ-carrageenan. To maximize κ-carrageenase production in the cost effective manner, a novel medium was defined having minimum components and their optimum concentration by statistical optimization method. Hence there evolved a novel medium composition for enhanced κ-carrageenase production by a new halotolerant marine bacterium, Pseudomonas spp.
US07951558B2
The present invention relates to a method for secreting and producing a target protein into cell culture broth. More particularly, the invention relates to a microorganism co-transformed with a recombinant expression vector containing E. coli outer membrane protein F (OmpF) and a recombinant expression vector containing a target protein to be secreted into cell culture broth, as well as a method of secreting and producing the target protein into cell culture broth by culturing the microorganism. According to the invention, the target protein can be secreted into cell culture broth in a pure form without fusion with other proteins so that the efficient isolation and purification of the target protein is possible.
US07951555B2
The invention provides a membrane comprising a gel reinforced by a support. The membrane has opposing surfaces and a thickness between said surfaces. The gel communicates between the opposing surfaces and allows diffusion of a nutrient solution through the membrane. A bioreactor is also provided, comprising a membrane-supporting structure, and a membrane according to the invention supported on the membrane-supporting structure.
US07951553B2
The present invention provides a convenient, efficient method for assaying glycated protein, fructosyl peptide, or fructosyl amino acid which can be performed with reduced effect of fructosyl lysine compounds. The invention also provides a reagent for the assay.The invention is directed to a method for reducing the effect of a fructosyl lysine compound in an assay of fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid contained in a sample, characterized by including causing an enzyme for assaying fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid to act specifically on fructosyl peptide or fructosyl amino acid at a pH of 4.0 to 7.0 and measuring the product at a pH of 4.0 to 7.0; and a method for assaying glycated protein through the above method.
US07951547B2
Methods, devices, kits and compositions for detecting the presence or absence of one or more helminthic coproantigens in a sample are disclosed herein. The methods, devices, kits and compositions of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm, whipworm and/or hookworm in a fecal sample from a mammal and may also be able to distinguish between one or more helminth infections. Confirmation of the presence or absence of roundworm, whipworm and/or hookworm in the mammal may be made, for example, for the purpose of selecting an optimal course of treating the mammal and/or for the purpose of determining whether the mammal has been rid of the infection after treatment has been initiated.
US07951537B2
A mutation in the gene encoding the P34 protein in soybean which affects allergenicity is characterized. Soybean homozygous for a mutant allele comprising a four base pair insertion at the start codon of the gene encoding the P34 protein, exhibit significantly reduced P34 protein accumulation. Nucleic acid samples of soybean may be assayed for the presence of this insertion to detect the mutant allele, and soybean containing the allele may be selected for breeding to generate reduced P34 soybean lines. Molecular markers have been developed for detecting the presence or absence of the four base pair insertion.
US07951533B2
Novel technologies are provided to determine the structure of and produce a functional substance that has a high affinity to a target. Candidates for a substance having an affinity to a target (functional substance) are synthesized; a functional substance that has an affinity to the target is selected from among the functional substance candidates; a specific substituent group is eliminated from the selected functional substance; the functional substance from which the specific substituent group has been eliminated is amplified; the structure of the amplified functional substance is determined; and the functional substance is produced, based on the structure.
US07951531B2
GB virus C (GBV-C or hepatitis G virus) is a flavivirus that frequently leads to chronic viremia in humans. The invention provides compositions and methods involving a-GBV-C NS5A peptide or polypeptide for inhibiting and treating HIV infections.
US07951523B2
In the liquid immersion lithography process, by simultaneously preventing deterioration of a resist film and deterioration of an immersion liquid employed during liquid immersion lithography which uses various immersion liquids, including water, resistance to post exposure delay of the resist film can be improved without increasing the number of processes, thereby making it possible to form a high resolution resist pattern using liquid immersion lithography. Using an alkaline soluble polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a solvent capable of dissolving them as at least constituent component, a composition is prepared and a protective film is formed on the surface of the resist film to be used, using the composition.
US07951521B2
A transfer substrate including a transfer material layer on a support substrate with a light absorbing layer. Antireflection patterns for preventing light reflection on an interface of the support substrate and the light absorbing layer are provided between the support substrate and the light absorbing layer. Thickness of the antireflection patterns is set to a value with which an absorptance of light having a predetermined wavelength absorbed in the light absorbing layer is maximized.
US07951518B2
Disclosed is a heat-fusible electrostatic image developing toner which has an excellent balance between fixability at low temperatures and grindability and is excellent in glossiness after fixing. Also disclosed is a resin for toners.A polyester resin for toners which is obtained by polycondensing a polyol component and a polycarboxylic acid component is characterized by containing 20-100 weight % of one or more polyester resins (A1) having a storage elastic modulus from 2.5×103 Pa to 5×106 Pa at 150° C. wherein the molar average cohesive energy of the polyol component is between 7.0×104 and 1.4×105 J.
US07951514B2
A photoconductor that includes a first layer, a supporting substrate thereover, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the first layer is in contact with the supporting substrate on the reverse side thereof, and which first layer is comprised of a polysiloxane/polyetherimide copolymer.
US07951512B2
In order to provide a reticle capable of increasing the number of chips per wafer and of enabling highly accurate alignment, and an exposure method using the reticle, a first alignment mark arrangement region (8) and a second alignment mark arrangement region (9) are provided on both sides of a multi-chip region (2) so that a sum of a size of the first alignment mark arrangement region and a size of the second alignment mark arrangement region is made the same as a size of a chip region (1).
US07951507B2
A stamped bipolar plate of a fuel cell stack includes a first stamped plate half having a first reactant flow field formed therein, a portion of which defines a first reactant header region. A second stamped plate half has a first coolant flow field formed therein, a portion of which defines a first set of coolant feed channels that extend at least partially across the first reactant header region.
US07951504B2
Provided is a fuel cartridge in which a follower is prevented from being deformed and from separating even when heavy vibration is exerted onto the fuel cartridge. The fuel cartridge is detachably connected with a fuel cell main body and assumes a construction in which the fuel cartridge is equipped with a fuel-storing vessel for storing a liquid fuel, a fuel discharge part, and a follower which seals the liquid fuel and moves as the liquid fuel is consumed at a rear end part of the liquid fuel. The follower is provided with a follower auxiliary member and a cap member both of which have no fluidity and are insoluble in the liquid fuel.
US07951502B2
Provided is a fuel cell comprising a cell laminate having a plurality of laminated cells, an end plate arranged on the outer side of the laminating direction of the cell laminate, and a spring module interposed between the cell laminate and the end plate for adjusting a compression load on the cell laminate. The spring module includes a coil spring arranged between an upper plate and a lower plate for separating the upper plate and the lower plate from each other by an elastic force. The end plate includes a plurality of load adjusting screws. The spring module is given a load at a plurality of load inputting portions by the load adjusting screws.
US07951494B2
The present invention provides a solid electrolyte with high ion-conductivity which is cheap and exhibits high conductivity in an alkaline form, and stably keeps high conductivity because of a small amount of the leak of a compound bearing conductivity even in a wet state. The invention is useful in an electrochemical system using the solid electrolyte, such as a fuel cell.The solid electrolyte with high ion-conductivity comprises a hybrid compound which contains at least polyvinyl alcohol and a zirconic acid compound, and also a nitrogen-containing organic compound having a structure of amine, quaternary ammonium compound and/or imine, obtained by hydrolyzing a zirconium salt or an oxyzirconium salt in a solution including water, polyvinyl alcohol, a zirconium salt or an oxyzirconium salt and a nitrogen-containing organic compound having a structure of amine, quaternary ammonium compound and/or imine coexist, removing a solvent and contacting with alkali.
US07951492B2
A secondary battery includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a separator interposed therebetween, and at least one insulation member. The first electrode plate has a first electrode collector having at least one surface on which a first electrode active material is coated to form a coating portion, a first electrode uncoated portion formed on at least one end of the first electrode collector, and a first protrusion formed on at least one end of the electrode coating portion. The second electrode plate includes a similar second electrode collector, a second electrode coating portion, a second electrode uncoated portion, and a second protrusion. The separator insulates the first electrode plate from the second electrode plate. The at least one insulation member is formed on and covers the first protrusion, the second protrusion, or both such that an electrolyte is flowable through the at least one insulation member.
US07951491B2
A positive electrode includes a collector and a positive electrode mixture layer formed on the collector and containing a polyacrylonitrile based resin-containing binder and a positive electrode active material. The polyacrylonitrile in the positive electrode mixture layer is crosslinked and carbonized.
US07951489B2
An anode active material including a metal core and a coating layer formed on a surface of the metal core is provided. The coating layer includes a conductive metal material. The coating layer covering the metal core is carbon-based and includes a conductive metal material. The anode active material has good electron conductivity and elasticity, thereby enhancing charge/discharge capacity and reducing the stress caused by expansion of the carbon-based coating layer and the metal core during charge/discharge cycles. Direct contact between the metal core and the electrolyte solution is remarkably reduced. In addition, anodes and lithium batteries including the anode active material exhibit excellent charge/discharge characteristics, such as discharge capacity and initial charge/discharge efficiency.
US07951485B2
A lithium rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly arranged in a can and an insulating case positioned at an upper portion of the electrode assembly. The insulating case includes at least one protrusion protruding toward an inner wall of the can.
US07951484B2
The method for producing a battery can according to this invention includes the steps of: (1) producing a battery can having a cylindrical side wall, a bottom, and an opening from a steel plate by a can-making process; (2) washing the battery can with tap water or industrial water; (3) washing the battery can with water having a conductivity of 80 μS/cm or less after the step (2); and (4) drying the battery can after the step (3).
US07951483B2
The present invention provides an assembled battery with reduced weight and high reliability that can achieve improvement of assembling easiness at low cost. An assembled battery is provided with a frame holding a plurality of unit cells 14 having positive polarity at one end and negative polarity at the other end. The frame is composed of two outer frames 2 having the same shape and an inner frame 3. The unit cells 14 constituting an assembled battery 1 are disposed on both sides of the inner frame 3, and one outer frame 2 and the other outer frame 2 are disposed such that the unit cells are sandwiched between the former outer frame 2 and the inner frame 3 and between the latter outer frame 2 and the inner frame 3. The two outer frames 2 are joined to the inner frame 3 through side face coupling portions 23 and vertical coupling portions 24. The inner frame 3 is fixed with positive electrode bus bars 5, negative electrode bus bars 6, and inter-unit cell bus bars 7 for electrically connecting the unit cells 14 in series, and lead wires for voltage detection with a connector 4 for detecting voltages of the unit cells 14.
US07951481B2
A separator for use in a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, including a membrane/electrode assembly including a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode disposed on either side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; a first separator superposed against a surface of the oxidant electrode forming an oxidant gas flow passage; and a second separator superposed against a surface of the fuel electrode forming a fuel gas flow passage. The first separator and the second separator are composed of rectangular thin metal plates, with outer peripheral edges of the first separator and the second separator each bending inclined towards a secondary face thereof on an opposite side of a primary face thereof that is superposed against the membrane/electrode assembly, thereby integrally forming a reinforcing rib.
US07951474B2
A gas release valve to be mounted in an access port of a battery cell includes a housing, the upper side of which is closed by a lid. The lower side of the lid has an opening leading into the battery cell and is in communication, via degassing passageways closed by an elastic sealing element, with at least one vent provided in the lid. The elastic sealing element is a preloaded non-return element, the inner surface of which is urged into sealing contact with a seat provided in the housing by it s own elasticity and, in addition, by a pressure differential with the outer pressure that acts through the vent against the outer surface of the sealing element.
US07951465B2
To provide a steel-aluminum welded material and a spot welding method therefor having high weld strength.The steel-aluminum welded material 3 includes a steel material 1 and an aluminum material 2 having predetermined widths. The area of a nugget 5 of a spot-welded part is determined as a function of the thickness of the aluminum material 2, and the area of a part of the nugget 5 corresponding to a part having a thickness in a range between 0.5 and 10 μm of an interface reaction layer 6 is defined as a function of the thickness of the aluminum material 2.
US07951458B2
A coating solution for forming a flat-surface insulating film, which is a coating solution obtained by dissolving a poly(diorgano)siloxane A having a mass average molecular weight of 900 to 10,000 and a metal alkoxide B in an organic solvent C and further adding water, wherein the molar ratio A/B of the poly(diorgano)siloxane A to 1 mol of the metal alkoxide B is from 0.05 to 1.5, the organic solvent C has a hydroxyl group, the solubility of water in 100 g of the organic solvent C is from 3 to 20 g, and the molar ratio C/A of the organic solvent C to 1 mol of the poly(diorgano)siloxane A is from 0.05 to 100. This coating solution for forming a flat-surface insulating film ensures that an organic modified silicate composed of a poly(diorgano)siloxane and a metal alkoxide can be formed as a thick film having 1 μm or more and can be an organic modified silicate insulating film causing no irregularities due to phase separation and having a low Young's modulus and flexibility high enough to follow the deformation of a substrate board, as well as high film surface flatness allowing for mounting of microcomponents of an electronic device or the like.
US07951450B2
A red color filter having a red filter layer comprising a pigment having a maximum absorption at a wavelength within the range of from 450 to 575 nm, wherein the red filter layer has chromaticity coordinates (x, y) in the 1931 CIE XYZ calorimetric system, calculated using CIE Standard illuminant D65, that satisfy the expressions 0.665≦x≦0.68 and 0.30≦y≦0.34.
US07951449B2
High-strength, chemically and thermally stable, closed-cell foams, useful as structural core materials in sandwich composites. The core materials of the invention display anisotropic properties. The core materials of the invention are amenable to vacuum-mediated resin bonding to composite skins to provide lightweight, high-strength structural sandwiches suitable for use in a variety of applications, such as marine applications, construction, aviation, rapid transit, and recreational vehicles.
US07951441B2
The present invention relates to a compound flooring material. The compound flooring such as thermoplastic/wood compound flooring is produced by adhering two layers through adhesive cementing. According to an embodiment, a first sheet is a high quality wood veneer and the second sheet is a low foaming, environment friendly, UPVC board. The sheets are bonded by incorporating a high quality polyvinyl acetate polymer adhesive that contains no formaldehyde, thus providing a strong, safe, odorless product. The UPVC/wood compound flooring has a very low shrinking and swelling rate and is convenient and accurate to install.
US07951431B2
A process for the producing a coating fluid of the present invention comprises a step of adjusting a pH of the coating fluid by mixing ammonium hydroxide into an acid solution containing a lyotropic liquid crystal compound and a solvent. Further, a process for the producing an optically anisotropic film of the present invention comprises a step of obtaining an optically anisotropic film by casting the coating fluid produced by the aforementioned process for production of the coating fluid in a thin film state, followed by drying.
US07951430B2
A cellulose acylate film comprising a retardation developing agent consisting of a rod-shaped compound, wherein Re is 50 to 100 nm, Rth is 130 to 250 nm, and the thickness is 40 to 90 μm. A liquid crystal display device comprising the film shows reduced the corner irregularity.
US07951429B2
A radiation curable coating composition comprising: (i) a thermoplastic polymer; (ii) at least one ethylenically unsaturated adhesion-promoting monomer or oligomer; (iii) at least one other ethylenically unsaturated radiation polymerizable reactant; and (iv) at least one initiator for initiating cure.
US07951428B2
Electrospray methods and systems for coating of objects (e.g., medical devices such as a stent structure) with an open matrix coating. The open matrix coating is formed by electrospray using one or more nozzle structures each having at least an inner and outer opening. A first flow of a liquid spray composition is provided to the inner opening and a second flow of a liquid diluent composition is provided to the outer opening (e.g., the liquid diluent composition including at least one solvent, such as a composition having a dielectric constant equal to or greater than 10).
US07951416B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a polyamide powder, which includes polyamide particles having a median grain size d 50 of from 20 to 90 μm, a content of fines <5 μm of below 1% by weight, and at least 75% by weight of spherical particles in which all three spatial axes x, y and z of the individual particles have the same dimensions to within ±10%. Other embodiments of the invention provide a process for making and using the powder, and articles coated articles obtained thereby.
US07951408B2
Methods and compositions for improved ruminant diets are disclosed. The invention relates to the use of metal ion/metal ion salts in ruminant feed, at levels from about 0.25 to about 1 g/kg dry matter, in any ruminant diet, for improvement of bypass protein content, as well as to influence the rate of rumen starch digestion and the flow of starch to the duodenum.
US07951404B2
A storage-stable aqueous concentrate for the preparation of a disinfectant and a disinfectant obtainable from such a concentrate by dilution are disclosed. The concentrate comprises hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silver, a biopolymeric stabilizer such as gum arabic, and phosphoric acid. In order to improve long-term stability and to reduce initial decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide in the first few days after preparing the concentrate, the concentrate further comprises sodium nitrate or sodium sulfate. The concentrate is free of any synthetic organic complexing agents, thus rendering the concentrate suitable for food- and drinking water applications. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using the concentrate.
US07951389B2
The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect attractants and/or pathogens. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination.
US07951386B2
This invention provides the sequence of 5,299 nucleotides from the E. canis genome. There are four proteins, ProA, ProB, MmpA, and a cytochrome oxidase homolog, as well as a partial lipoprotein signal peptidase homolog at the carboxy terminus, coded for in this cloned fragment. The antigenic properties of these proteins allow them to be used to create a vaccine. An embodiment of this invention includes the creation of a DNA vaccine, a recombinant vaccine, and a T cell epitope vaccine. Another embodiment of this invention includes the use of serological diagnosis techniques.
US07951381B2
The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising gastrointestinal proliferative factor (GIPF) polynucleotides and polypeptides. The invention further relates to the therapeutic use of GIPF to prevent or treat conditions or disorders associated with the degeneration of the epithelial mucosa.
US07951378B2
The immunoadhesions of the present invention are useful in treating rhinovirus infections. The immunoadhesions contain a chimeric ICAM molecule and may optionally also contain J chain and secretory compounds. The chimeric ICAM molecule is a fusion protein that has a rhinovirus receptor protein linked to an immunoglobulin protein. This invention also includes the greatly increased and improved method of producing immunoadhesions in plants. Each of the components of an immunoadhesin is produced in a plant cell and thereby assembles within the plant cell. This method of producing the immunoadhesions of the present invention results in the efficient and economic production of these molecules. The present invention also contemplates the production of immunoadhesions in a variety of eukaryotic cells including plants and mammalian cells. The immunoadhesions of the present invention are useful as a therapeutic against the common cold in humans which is caused by rhinoviruses.
US07951372B1
Inhibitors of IL-22 are disclosed as well as pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using same. The inhibitors include IL-22 antibodies and are useful for treating inflammatory disorders.
US07951357B2
A protein is provided, including a glucose binding site, cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). The protein is configured such that binding of glucose to the glucose binding site causes a reduction in a distance between the CFP and the YFP. Substance monitoring apparatus (210) is also provided, including a semi-permeable barrier (212), adapted to be implanted in a body of a subject and to allow passage therethrough of a substance, while inhibiting passage therethrough of immune cells; and microorganisms (214), disposed within the semi-permeable barrier (212) so as to produce a measurable response to a level of the substance. A sensor (220) is adapted to measure the measurable response and not to measure a response of any mammalian cells that may be disposed within the semi-permeable barrier (212).
US07951356B1
The invention embodies the surprising discovery that Tissue Factor (TF) compositions and variants thereof specifically localize to the blood vessels within a vascularized tumor following systemic administration. The invention therefore provides methods and compositions comprising coagulant-deficient Tissue Factor for use in effecting specific coagulation and for use in tumor treatment. The TF compositions and methods of present invention may be used alone, as TF conjugates with improved half-life, or in combination with other agents, such as conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, targeted immunotoxins, targeted coaguligands, and/or in combination with Factor VIIa (FVIIa) or FVIIa activators.
US07951354B2
Ozonated manganese dioxide is prepared by an ozonation process and utilized as a cathode active material. An ozone containing gas stream contacts manganese dioxide and produces ozonated manganese dioxide with high efficiency. After preparation, ozonated manganese dioxide is stored for a limited time at a low temperature and incorporated into a cathode active material for alkaline batteries.
US07951353B1
An apparatus and method of contacting a liquid with different gases sequentially in separate mass transfer zones within a single vessel, the mass transfer zones operatively in fluid communication with each other, including intimately contacting the liquid with a process gas in co-current flow in a downstream mass transfer zone to effect mass transfer between the liquid and the process gas, and introducing the liquid into an upstream mass transfer zone with a second gas, different from the process gas, thereby effecting mass transfer between the liquid and the second gas. The rate of flow of the liquid from the upstream mass transfer zone to downstream mass transfer zone is controlled by the controlled addition of a third gas into one or more downcomers separating each mass transfer zone such that the specific density of the liquid in the downcomers provides a driving force that controls flow.
US07951352B2
Disclosed is a method for producing alpha-calcium sulfate hemihydrate from calcium dihydrate. Said method has the following features: a) calcium dihydrate is fed to an agitated autoclave (1); b) the agitated autoclave (1) is indirectly heated; c) water is added and incorporated in a controlled manner; d) the feedstock is prevented from adhering to surfaces of the reaction chamber by means of moved chains (3) that are mounted on the paddles and/or the drive shaft (16) of the agitated autoclave (1); e) the pressure in the reaction chamber is regulated at intervals or in a continuous manner by discharging vapor when a certain pressure has been reached in the interior, the vapor being conducted via a centrifugal separator (17) and a control valve (18); f) cold air is delivered for residual drying purposes; g) the process material is removed. Also disclosed is a corresponding apparatus for carrying out said method.
US07951349B2
A method and system for storing and generating hydrogen. The method comprises generating hydrogen and heat from the reaction of a metal or metal compound with water. The heat generated from this reaction may then be converted to other forms of energy such as by passing the heat through a thermal electric device to recover electrical energy for storage in a battery. In an alternative and preferred embodiment, the heat is used to drive additional reactions for generating more hydrogen and is preferably used to drive an endothermic dehydrogenation reaction resulting in increased hydrogen generation and consumption of the heat.
US07951345B2
Useful specimen transport apparatus with integral capability to allow three dimensional x-ray images
The present invention provides new and useful features and mechanisms for the localization and transport of biopsy specimens. The invention having a specimen board, an absorbent material in operative engagement and in coplanar alignment with the specimen board, a compression sheet, radio opaque indicia located within the specimen board, and a flexible connection between the compression sheet and the specimen board, and an attachment device which provides for removable engagement of the specimen board and compression sheet. The apparatus further provides for a clear visualization window and operating instructions. The absorbent material is capable of adjustable movement between a first and second position, providing orthogonal positioning relative to the specimen board. As a result, the apparatus may be used to create three dimensional radiographic images allowing tissue analysis resulting in orthogonal views while maintaining original positional reference points.
US07951331B2
The invention relates to embodiments of an analysis system and to a method for analyzing a sample on an analytical test element, with the analysis system comprising a test element receptacle for receiving and positioning a test element in an analysis position. In an exemplary embodiment, the test element receptacle contains a guide part and a lock part, the guide part having means for guiding a test element into and out of the analysis position, the lock part comprising a frame and a bolt element, which frame and bolt element are connected to one another by a hinge. The bolt element can be pivoted about the hinge between a first position and a second position with respect to the frame. The bolt element comprises a latching lug for engaging in a recess in test element when the bolt element is in the first position and when the test element is positioned in the analysis position.
US07951330B2
The clinical specimen processing apparatus is provided with a discharge pipette and supply pipette for staining in conjunction a blood smear sample preparation operation, a top sensor for detecting whether or not the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are performed normally, and a controller for re-executing the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette based on the top sensor detecting that the operations of raising the discharge pipette and supply pipette are not performed normally.
US07951324B2
The method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes preparing a material composition containing at least a silicon carbide powder, a binder and an additive; molding the material composition to form a pillar-shaped honeycomb molded body in which a number of cells are placed in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween; carrying out a degreasing treatment on the honeycomb molded body; and carrying out a firing treatment on the honeycomb degreased body to manufacture a honeycomb fired body. The additive contains at least one kind selected from the group consisting of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia, magnesia, and a chemical composite containing any of alumina, silica, titania, zirconia and magnesia.
US07951321B2
Apparatus and method whereby coinjection molding shooting pot actuation structure is configured to be installed in a coinjection hot runner with a coinjection nozzle, the coinjection nozzle having at least two melt channels ending at the same gate. The shooting pot is preferably disposed in one of a mold cavity half and a mold core half. A shooting pot piston is configured to discharge a melt from the shooting pot. A transmission structure is configured to (i) extend through one of the mold cavity half and the mold core half, and (ii) to transmit a force to the shooting pot piston. Actuation structure is disposed on the opposite side of the mold cavity half from the coinjection hot runner, and is configured to provide the force to the transmission structure. This configuration conserves space in the mold.
US07951313B2
A spinning apparatus comprising one or more exits for extruding liquid, and an exit for ejecting gas, located upstream of the exits for extruding liquid, wherein the apparatus comprises a columnar hollow for liquid, in which the exit for extruding liquid forms one end of the columnar hollow; the apparatus comprises a columnar hollow for gas having the exit for ejecting gas; a virtual column for liquid, extended from the columnar hollow for liquid, is adjacent to a virtual column for gas, extended from the columnar hollow for gas; the central axis of the columnar hollow for liquid is parallel to the central axis of the columnar hollow for gas; and there exists only one straight line having the shortest distance between an outer boundary of the cross-section of the columnar hollow for gas and an outer boundary of the cross-section of the columnar hollow for liquid, is disclosed.
US07951311B2
A non-lead composition for use as a thick-film resistor paste in electronic applications. The composition comprises particles of Li2RuO3 of diameter between 0.5 and 5 microns and a lead-free frit. The particles have had the lithium at or near primarily the surface of the particle at least partially exchanged for atoms of other metals.
US07951309B2
A process for the preparation of amorphous aluminum phosphate or polyphosphate-based pigment by reacting aluminum phosphate and sodium aluminate is provided. The amorphous aluminum phosphate or polyphosphate is characterized by a skeletal density of less than 2.50 grams per cubic centimeter and a phosphorus to aluminum mole ratio of greater than 0.8. In one embodiment, the composition is useful in paints as a substitute for titanium dioxide.
US07951305B2
A liquid crystal compound is to be obtained that has stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. A liquid crystal composition containing the compound is also to be obtained that has a low viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a suitable negative dielectric anisotropy, a low threshold voltage, a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase (phase transition temperature from a nematic phase to an isotropic phase), and a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase. A compound having a hydrocoumarin skeleton is synthesized, and a liquid crystal composition containing the compound is produced.
US07951296B2
One embodiment of an apparatus and method for treating agricultural animal wastewater that costs less to build, is easy to operate, and requires little energy input. The method employs natural systems for wastewater treatment; an initial anaerobic digestion treatment followed by batch floating aquatic plant treatment. The batch floating aquatic plant treatment of effluent and subsequent batch discharge provides increased control of the treatment process. Opportunistic collection and use of biogas and floating aquatic biomass results in additional benefits. The apparatus reduces the cost and land area required for the system by subdividing a lagoon into an anaerobic digestion treatment zone below the apparatus and a floating aquatic plant treatment zone above the apparatus. In addition, the apparatus is disposed in the lagoon in such a way that it facilitates the collection of biogas evolving from anaerobic digestion treatment beneath the apparatus by diverting it to areas to be collected.
US07951292B1
A sink filter device for placing inside a sink bowl of a sink or a shower or tub comprising a first sheet; a second sheet atop the first sheet; and a plurality of pores disposed throughout the first sheet and throughout the second sheet. In some embodiments, the pores are between about 50 μm to 5 mm in diameter. The second sheet is oriented atop the first sheet such that the pores in the second sheet are slightly aligned with the pores in the first sheet.
US07951280B2
An electrochemical deposition method and electrolyte to plate uniform, defect free and smooth gallium films are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the electrolyte may include a solvent that comprises water and at least one monohydroxyl alcohol, a gallium salt, and an acid to control the solution pH and conductivity. The method electrodeposits a gallium film possessing sub-micron thickness on a conductive surface. Such gallium layers are used in fabrication of semiconductor and electronic devices such as thin film solar cells.
US07951278B2
The present invention provides a method of indirectly detecting at least one directly undetectable analyte of interest. According to the method, a leading electrolyte and a trailing electrolyte are provided. In addition, a mixture of the at least one directly undetectable analyte and at least two directly detectable spacer molecules is provided. The directly detectable spacer molecules and the directly undetectable analyte are then concentrated and separated into zones using isotachophoresis. A displacement between the zones of directly detectable spacer molecules is then used to determine the presence of the directly undetectable analyte.
US07951277B2
A prismatic multilayer gas sensor element and method of making the same, the prismatic multilayer gas sensor element (1) having a substantially rectangular cross section, and including a gas-sensing cell portion (2) formed at a distal end portion of the prismatic gas sensor element (1); and a posterior lead portion (3) adjoining the gas-sensing cell portion (2). The longitudinal lateral surfaces of the posterior lead portion (3) are coated with a non-porous alumina layer (11), the non-porous alumina layer (11) having a multilayered structure including at least a joining layer (11a) and a surface layer (11b). The longitudinal lateral surface of the gas-sensing portion (2) is not coated with a non-porous alumina layer.
US07951275B2
Provided is a hollow cathode sputtering target comprising an inner bottom face having a surface roughness of Ra≦1.0 μm, and preferably Ra≦0.5 μm. This hollow cathode sputtering target has superior sputter film evenness (uniformity), generates few arcing and particles, is capable of suppressing the peeling of the redeposited film on the bottom face, and has superior deposition characteristics.
US07951274B2
A diamond electrode includes a conductive silicon substrate having a plurality of pores. The diamond electrode also includes a conductive diamond covering the conductive silicon substrate. The inner wall surfaces of the plurality of pores are at an angle of 60° to 85° with respect to a substrate of the conductive silicon substrate.
US07951267B2
The invention relates to the use of certain lipolytic enzymes such as cutinases and lipases in the manufacture of paper and paper products from recycled paper. Examples of such enzymes are derived from strains of Humicola, Candida, Fusarium and Pseudomonas. By use of these enzymes, the problems relating to the so-called “stickies” derived from waste paper are reduced.
US07951262B2
An apparatus includes an upper electrode and a lower electrode for supporting a wafer disposed opposite each other within a process chamber. A first RF power supply configured to apply a first RF power having a relatively higher frequency, and a second RF power supply configured to apply a second RF power having a relatively lower frequency is connected to the lower electrode. A variable DC power supply is connected to the upper electrode. A process gas is supplied into the process chamber to generate plasma of the process gas so as to perform plasma etching.
US07951251B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an adhesive film which is used for producing, by a laminating method, a flexible metal-clad laminate in which the change in dimensions is suppressed, a flexible metal-clad laminate including the adhesive film, and a production method therefor. The present invention relates to an adhesive film including a polyimide film and an adhesive layer containing a thermoplastic polyimide, the adhesive layer being disposed on at least one surface of the polyimide film, a flexible metal-clad laminate produced by laminating a metal foil to the adhesive film with a thermal roll laminator, and a production method therefor, wherein the polyimide film is formed by a process including step (A) of mixing a polyamic acid solution, a dehydrating agent, and an imidization catalyst, and casting and applying the mixture onto a support to form a gel film; step (B) of stripping off the gel film and fixing both ends of the gel film; and step (C) of heating and transporting the film with both ends being fixed in a state loosened in the TD direction.
US07951248B1
An electrostatic charge dissipation composition having at least one energetic particle component and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic component. In another embodiment, the electrostatic charge dissipation composition includes at least one energetic particle component, at least one non-conducting polymer binder, and at least one oxidized electrically active polymer deposited on the energetic/binder composition.
US07951247B2
Sol-gel chemistry is used to prepare igniters comprising energetic multilayer structures coated with energetic booster materials. These igniters can be tailored to be stable to environmental aging, i.e., where the igniters are exposed to extremes of both hot and cold temperatures (−30 C to 150 C) and both low (0%) and high relative humidity (100%).
US07951237B2
The invention relates to a polymer composition comprising a biologically degradable polymer and a material from sea plants and/or shells of sea animals or at least two components selected from the group consisting of saccharides and the derivatives thereof, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and metal ions. The invention additionally relates to a molded article comprising said polymer composition. Said molded article may be used packaging material or fibrous material, in the form of fibrous material as mixing component for the production of yarns, and in the form of fibrous material for the production of nonwoven fabrics or woven fabrics.
US07951232B2
The invention provides surface coating compositions comprising a preservative comprising 9-decenoic acid, salts of 9-decenoic acid, esters of 9-decenoic acid, or combinations thereof. The surface coating compositions may be water-based coatings (e.g., a latex paint) or solvent-based coatings (e.g., a solvent-based paint). The surface coating compositions may be paints, stains, varnishes, concrete coatings, anti-graffiti coatings, and the like. Methods for protecting a surface coating composition from in-can spoilage and protecting a coating of the surface coating composition from deterioration by the action of microorganisms are also described.
US07951230B2
A vacuum cleaner filter assembly having a filter frame with a frame sidewall defining an enclosed perimeter. A filter is mounted in the filter frame and has a surface through which air can pass. A deodorizer chamber has a first sidewall connected to a first portion of the frame sidewall, and a second sidewall connected a second portion of the frame sidewall. The deodorizer chamber has a filter-facing portion facing a first portion of the filter, and defines a passage from there to a portion of the chamber not facing the filter. A number of deodorizer pellets are contained in the chamber. The filter assembly has parallel first and second air paths. The first path extends through the first portion of the filter and the chamber. The second path extends through a second portion of the filter that is not covered by the pellet chamber and not through the chamber.
US07951222B2
The invention relates in particular to a method for the recovery of at least one non-ferrous metal (11) contained in scrap (9), by melting the scrap (9) in a furnace (1), the method comprising: a step of charging the furnace (1) with scrap (9), a step of melting the scrap (9) in order to separate the at least one non-ferrous metal (11) from other components (13) which the scrap (9) comprises. The method is noteworthy in that it comprises a step of adding a silica-comprising product (15) in an amount which is sufficient to form an airtight layer on the surface of the scrap (9).
US07951218B2
A dust separating apparatus of a vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The dust separating apparatus includes a body unit to separate dust from air and to store the dust separated from the air, a cover unit detachably coupled with the body unit and having an air discharging part with an inlet projected into the body unit, and a horizontal movement-permitting part formed in the body unit to prevent the body unit from colliding with the air discharging part when one of the body unit and the cover unit is moved in a horizontal direction with respect to the other.
US07951217B2
Impact type gas-particle separation is applied to ultra-fine particles by judiciously altering the aerodynamic drag on the particles with respect to their inertia by operation at sub-atmospheric pressures. An impact separator has a housing having a channel in which particles flow in a fluid such as air, a purified gas or mixtures thereof. A plurality of blades are placed in the channel for affecting the motion of the particles and the fluid with respect to each other. A second channel branches from the first channel to receive particles diverted and separated from the flow of the fluid in the first channel. A flow mechanism creates a sub-atmospheric pressure in the channel.
US07951215B2
A filtering plant for removing dusts from gases, with a plurality of filter units, which are parallel connected to a line for crude gas and the outlets thereof are parallel connected to a line for purified gas, wherein an extraction blowing engine is connected to the line for purified gas, further with an apparatus for cleaning the filter units, which has a lower collecting space for the filter cake with a discharge opening with flap on the lower end of the collecting space, characterized in that the dust discharge openings of all the filter units except one are connected to a common collecting main and the collecting main is connected to the crude gas region of the one filter unit.
US07951211B2
A quaternary ammonium salt detergent made from the reaction product of the reaction of: (a) a hydrocarbyl substituted acylating agent and a compound having an oxygen or nitrogen atom capable of condensing with said acylating agent and further having a tertiary amino group; and (b) a quaternizing agent suitable for converting the tertiary amino group to a quaternary nitrogen and the use of such quaternary ammonium salt detergents in a fuel composition to reduce intake valve deposits.
US07951202B2
An intervertebral spacer has curvate upper and lower rough surfaces that stimulate bone growth and is formed from a porous material that facilitates bone growth thereinto. The spacer has a plurality of smooth linear grooves to facilitate insertion of the spacer into an intervertebral space using a spacer insertion tool that has a scissor-style body. Each of the insertion tool's arm's heads has an inner surface having a pair of smoothed linear protrusions that fit within the linear grooves of the spacer when the heads are closed about the spacer. When the spacer is held, spaces are present between the spacer's rough surfaces and the heads' inner surfaces so that when the protrusions are longitudinally slid from the grooves to leave the spacer in the intervertebral spacer, the rough surfaces are not disturbed.
US07951200B2
A vertebral implant for insertion into a patient includes an insert formed from an osteoconductive material and further including a biocompatible polymer body that is formed into the insert. The insert may extend over part or substantially the entire bone contact surface of the implant. The insert includes a bone contact surface and a substrate interface. The implant may include fibers that extend across the substrate interface from the insert to the body. The insert may be thin relative to the overall thickness of the implant. The insert may be preformed. The insert may be formed using a molding process. The body may be molded onto the insert.
US07951196B2
A mitral annuloplasty ring that has an outward and an upward posterior bow. The ring defines a closed, modified oval shape with a minor-major axis dimension ratio of between about 3.3:4 to 4:4. The ring is made of a material that will substantially resist distortion when subjected to the stress imparted thereon after implantation in the mitral valve annulus of an operating human heart. The outward and upward posterior bow of the annuloplasty ring corrects for pathologies associated with mitral valve prolapse, as seen with Barlow's syndrome for instance, in which the leaflets tend to be elongated or floppy. Desirably, the outward bow includes a more pronounced outward bulge having an angular extent that approximately equals the angular extent of the upward bow. Sections adjacent the outward bulge may be relatively straight.
US07951191B2
A stent has a main body, which has a circumference that defines a primary lumen and longitudinal axis, which extends therethrough. A first region of the main body comprises at least one band disposed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. A second region of the main body comprises a plurality of interconnected rings concentrically disposed about a side branch opening. An outermost ring extends fully about the circumference of the main body. Each of the rings consist of two longitudinally oriented elements and two circumferentially extending elements.
US07951189B2
A venous valve with a frame and valve leaflets that provide a sinus pocket. The venous valve provides for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.
US07951184B2
A method of performing cardiac surgery on a patient's heart, including covering a patient with an inflatable blanket for a forced air convection system, the inflatable blanket having at least one separable seal line within the blanket. The separable seal line may be separated to form a slit. A patient's femoral artery is accessed through the slit, and an elongate medical instrument is passed through the slit, and through the femoral artery toward the patient's heart. Cardiac surgery is performed with the elongate medical instrument, and the elongate medical instrument is withdrawn from the femoral artery through the slit.
US07951181B2
The present invention, in one aspect, relates to a system for stimulating neural tissue of a living subject. The system comprises an energy source capable of generating optical energy, a connector having a first end and a second end capable of transmitting optical energy, and a probe operably coupled to the second end of the connector and having an end portion for delivering optical energy to a target neural tissue. In one embodiment, the energy source comprises a tunable laser.
US07951171B2
Provided is a surgical rod fixation assembly having a pedicle screw for insertion into spinal bone of a subject, the pedicle screw having a polyaxial mounted coupling member for driving the pedicle screw into bone on or off axis and coupling the pedicle screw to an orthopaedic device such as a spinal rod by means of a slidable coupling action.
US07951166B2
Reinforcing lumen rings are configured and adapted for use in conjunction with a circular endoscopic stapling instrument having a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil assembly. The reinforcing lumen rings maintain anastomotic lumen, e.g. as formed by the circular endoscopic stapling apparatus, in an open condition. The reinforcing lumen rings can include an annular ring having an outer terminal edge and an inner terminal edge, the outer terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the staple cartridge assembly and the inner terminal edge having a diameter which is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the staple cartridge assembly.
US07951160B2
Surgical fasteners are disclosed for terminating flow of fluid through a body lumen, including an outer barrel having an annular side wall having at least a pair of radial slots formed therein, and an inner barrel rotatably and concentrically coupled within the outer barrel. The inner barrel has an annular side wall including a radial slot formed therein corresponding to each radial slot formed in the outer barrel. The surgical fastener has an open position in which the radial slots of the inner of the outer barrel are radially aligned with the corresponding radial slots of the inner barrel and a closed position in which the radial slots of the outer barrel are out of radial alignment with the corresponding radial slots of the inner barrel and constrict the body lumen at two locations along the length thereof. An applier is provided for applying the surgical fasteners.
US07951154B2
Instruments for inserting an implant in a space between adjacent bony portions include a pair of parallel guide members extending distally from a proximal frame portion. Tamps and impaction instruments facilitate advancement of the implant between the guide members to the space between the adjacent bony portions.
US07951152B2
Apparatus and methods for distracting or compressing distance between a first and second boney structure and for engaging a connecting element.
US07951151B2
An orthopedic implant structure is provided for joining and retaining components of a multi-part orthopedic device. The orthopedic implant joining and retaining structure may be embodied in two or more components of the multi-part orthopedic device. In one form, the multi-part orthopedic implant structure is a resilient snap structure such as a resilient flange in one part and a channel structure formed in another part of an orthopedic implant. A channel of the channel structure may have a cavity formed at a rear of the channel that accepts a configured lip formed on an end of the resilient flange. According to another embodiment, the retaining structure includes resilient snap flanges formed on an interconnection component of the multi-part orthopedic implant. A corresponding bore in another part of the multi-part orthopedic implant receives the interconnection component.
US07951146B2
An electrosurgical instrument for spinal procedures comprises an elongated tubular member configured to fit within and be extended down a standard sized cannula. The instrument comprises a proximal end including a handle for the surgeon and supplied with fittings for connection to a source of irrigation fluid and a source of suction. The distal end of the instrument has an active end comprising a slightly-flexible curved wire electrode that extends in the plane of the tubular member. Beyond the wire electrode is an exit port for irrigation fluid, and in front of the electrode is a receiving port for suction. The wire electrode is thus flanked in front by the exiting irrigation fluid and behind by the suction, with the result that fluid flow is drawn by the suction across the wire electrode creating pressure forces that direct removed tissue to the suction entrance and its removal from the surgical site.
US07951142B2
An electrosurgical instrument for ablating cartilage while limiting collateral damage includes a non-conducting head with a small electrically conductive surface. The head of the instrument is coupled to a shaft by a flexible portion. The flexible portion biases the electrically conductive surface towards a tissue surface. The head is pivotably coupled to the shaft such that the electrically conductive surface is oriented substantially parallel to the tissue surface as the head slides across the tissue surface. A method of performing electrosurgery includes positioning the electrically conductive surface adjacent to the tissue surface, and sliding the shaft across the tissue surface with the head pivoting such that the electrically conductive surface is oriented substantially parallel to the tissue surface.
US07951135B2
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
US07951129B2
During diastolic coronary perfusion, blood perfuses through the heart via the coronary arteries. Delivery of a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent to the heart during diastolic coronary perfusion allows the therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent to efficiently perfuse through the heart. A medical device according to the invention detects closure of the aortic valve of a heart, and initiates delivery of a therapeutic and/or diagnostic agent upon detection of aortic valve closure. The medical device detects aortic valve closure by processing a signal. Exemplary signals used by the medical device to detect aortic valve closure include left or right ventricular accelerometer signals, left or right ventricular flow signals, left or right ventricular pressure signals, aortic pressure signals, pulse pressure signals, systemic arterial pressure signals, electrogram signals, and phonocardiogram signals
US07951120B2
A syringe has a syringe barrel into which a plunger stopper is inserted during a manufacturing process. A plunger rod is connected to the plunger stopper, and a backstop for preventing inadvertent removal of the plunger stopper from the syringe barrel is arranged at the proximal end of the syringe barrel. The backstop and the plunger rod are configured to form a combined assembly component which is adapted to be mounted to the syringe barrel in a combined manufacturing step. After mounting the combined assembly component to the syringe barrel, the backstop and the plunger rod are separated to allow conventional use of the syringe.
US07951118B2
A seal assembly for use with an access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a longitudinal opening to permit passage of instrumentation through the seal housing. A gimbal mount is at least partially accommodated within a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the seal housing. The gimbal mount includes a seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical instrument.
US07951107B2
A method and apparatus are provided for quickly connecting a handpiece to a pressurized fluid source. A hollow tube on the handpiece is inserted through an aperture in an annular gasket which is held in a chamber in a body. On application of pressurized fluid to the body, the gasket is pressed against the walls of the chamber, and against the tube, thereby channeling the pressurized fluid through the hollow tube. The handpiece is retained in connection with the body by a releasable connector, such as a latch. The handpiece can be removed and replaced by releasing and remaking the connection.
US07951100B2
An abdominal wound dressing and methods of use are described that enable the application of negative pressure to the wound site in a healing manner while also limiting the formation of adhesions that would prevent the removal of the dressing. The dressing comprises a layer of porous foam material enclosed by sheets of elastomeric material punctuated by a number of appropriately placed holes. Multiple layers of porous foam may also be used. A suction tube connector is provided on an upper surface of a layer of foam for connection to a negative pressure source. At least one layer of foam is enclosed in elastomeric material and is placed in direct contact with the tissue within the open wound. Fluids are drawn by negative pressure through the holes positioned in the elastomeric envelope and through the foam.
US07951099B2
A massage device. The massage device includes a pair of therapeutic elements and a bottom therapeutic member. The therapeutic elements are rotated by a driving shaft, driven by a driving mechanism, for supporting and massaging feet. The bottom therapeutic member is disposed between two therapeutic elements, supporting the instep of a foot. The therapeutic elements are formed along the instep.
US07951097B2
An automated therapy table is disclosed. The automated therapy table may have various support portions capable of independent automatic actuation of a person's lower extremities through passive exercise. The automated therapy table allows a patient to perform leg elevation, approximation/decompression of the leg, internal/external rotation of the leg, ankle plantar flexion/dorsiflexion, and foot inversion/eversion movements. During each movement, the patient may be instructed to think in the direction of the movement. It has been found that doing so helps increase the healing effects. The disclosed table and method may be beneficial for patients after certain operations as well as for those suffering from various forms of debilitating illnesses, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth, and Muscular Dystrophy.
US07951095B2
An ultrasound medical system includes an ultrasound end effector and at least one non-ultrasound tissue-property-measuring sensor. The ultrasound end effector includes a medical ultrasound transducer assembly having at least one medical-treatment ultrasound transducer. The at-least-one non-ultrasound tissue-property-measuring sensor is supported by the ultrasound end effector and is positionable in contact with patient tissue.
US07951090B2
The invention relates to a cannula, preferably equipped with a cannula holder for, in particular a blood sampling device, which comprises a pivotable protective housing (102) for a free end of the cannula. Said protective housing (102) is closed on the periphery except for a cannula insertion opening (8) provided between opposing side walls. Said insertion opening is produced by at least one pair of lamella (8a, 8b), formed on the side walls, the lamella tapering towards one another in the manner of a funnel and forming an expandable funnel slot. The protective housing (102) comprises two housing parts which can be inserted into each other. The inner housing (2a) comprises the pair of lamella (8a, 8b) and an outer housing (11), which surrounds the inner housing (2a), is embodied as a sleeve that is less elastic than the inner housing (2a).
US07951087B2
A system to monitor heart sounds. The system comprises an implantable heart sound sensor configured to produce an electrical signal representative of at least one heart sound, an implantable posture sensor operable to produce an electrical signal representative of a patient's posture, and a controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to determine a patient posture, measure at least one heart sound in correspondence with at least one corresponding patient posture, adjust the heart sound measurement by using the corresponding determined patient posture to reduce or remove variation in the heart sound measurement due to patient posture, detect a change in the adjusted heart sound measurement, and provide an indication of congestive heart failure to a user or an automated process in response to the detected change.
US07951083B2
The phase or associated amplitude analysis of a sequence of images is improved by, first, providing quantifications in response to the phase or amplitude information. For example, a value or values representing asynchrony between different locations through a sequence of images may provide useful diagnostic information. Second, since heart motion or other motion within a body may become complex, multiple harmonics may be used in addition to the first harmonic or fundamental information for parametrically imaging a motion. Third, where different portions of a cycle have different characteristics, such as the systolic phase and diastolic phase of a heart cycle, images associated with each of the portions may be separated from other portions. A phase or amplitude analysis of the sequence of images for each portion is handled separately.
US07951082B2
A two-dimensional drawing module (25) (i) periodically reads acoustic line data (S401), (ii) checks a scanning method of a physical structure of a probe and acoustic line data, and (iii) selects the optimum coordinate conversion algorithm (S402). After that, the two-dimensional drawing module (25) (i) selects an interpolation algorithm, based on a display rate (S403), (ii) generates display data by performing a two-dimensional DSC process using the selected coordinate conversion algorithm and the like (S404a, 404b or 404c), (iii) performs a persistence process for the display data (S405), a frame interpolating process for a “B mode” image data (S406) and a display color conversion process (S407), and (iv) transmits the display data after such processes as described above to the display unit (14) (S408).
US07951076B2
A surgical access device adapted for disposition relative to an incision in a patient comprising a valve including a plurality of overlapping sheets defining an access channel, and a ring having an inner diameter for holding the valve by fixing each of the overlapping sheets along a portion of the perimeter is described. The access channel extends into communication with the incision in the patient. Each of the overlapping sheets includes a portion of the perimeter that is not fixed to the inner diameter of the ring, which provide open edges defining the access channel. The open edges slightly overlap at the center of the ring.
US07951074B2
An endoscope device is proposed for dealing with an erroneous operation of a surgeon. An endoscope device has an endoscope and a processor, wherein the endoscope has a switch unit and the processor has a CPU and an operating panel. In the event that the CPU of the processor detects that, of a first instruction signal transmitted from the switch unit and a second instruction signal transmitted from the operating panel, the instructions for performing the predetermined operation are not performed normally with one of the instruction signals, and instructions for performing an operation other than the predetermined operation is performed normally with the other instruction signal, the CPU stops the transmission of one of the instruction signals, and validates the operation content instructed by the other instruction signal.
US07951052B1
An exercise wheel includes a base having a receiving space therein and at least one fan-shaped recession formed at a front bottom side thereof and facing downward; at least one hold bar connected with the base and exposed outside the base; a main wheel rotatably mounted to the base and located in the receiving space; an elastic member mounted between the main wheel and the base for keeping the main wheel restoring after the main wheel is rotated; an auxiliary wheel set rotatably mounted to the base, exposed beneath the base, and engaged with the main wheel to drive the main wheel for rotation; and a steering caster set having a caster frame and a caster, the caster frame being rotatably connected with the base for rotation confined within the fan-shaped recession, the caster being rotatably mounted to the caster frame and partially exposed outside the fan-shaped recession.
US07951046B1
An exercise regimen tracking and monitoring device includes an electronic data recording device that allows users to manage their exercise regimens in a hands free manner. The device has a hand-held body provided with a display screen having graphical illustrating capabilities. An alpha numeric keypad is included for allowing a user to input and retrieve data. A clip is attached on the casing rear surface, facilitating attachment of the device to the user. A processor and a memory are included and is programmed to allow users to input and instantly recall a workout regimen. A timer is included to track and monitor progress reports on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. A playback device is also included to encourage users with motivational phrases.
US07951039B2
An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
US07951038B2
A power transmitting apparatus for performing switching between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive modes and locking and unlocking of a differential by an operational shaft can comprise a reversible motor, a driving shaft rotationally driven by the motor and adapted to be engaged by the operational shaft for transmitting a rotational force therebetween, a sub case for containing the motor and the driving shaft therein and mounted on the main case, an opening formed in the sub case and having a size permitting the operational shaft to be inserted and an end face of the driving shaft for engaging an end face of the operational shaft to be exposed, and a first sealing arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the opening at a position away from the driving shaft for sealing off the inside of the sub case with forming a seal between the inner circumferential surface of the opening and the outer circumferential surface of the operational shaft when the operational shaft is engaged with the driving shaft.
US07951033B2
A power unit enabling reduction of the size and manufacturing costs thereof and making unnecessary complicated control of power from a prime mover, for changing the speed of power from the prime mover. A first sun gear, a first carrier and a first ring gear of a first planetary gear unit are mechanically connected to drive wheels, the engine, and a pump impeller of a torque converter, respectively. A second sun gear, a second carrier and a second ring gear of a second planetary gear unit are mechanically connected to the engine, the drive wheels, and a turbine runner of the torque converter, respectively. A rotating machine is mechanically connected to one of the first and second ring gears, and the operation of the rotating machine is controlled by a PDU and an ECU. A battery is electrically connected to the rotating machine.
US07951032B2
A belt type non-stage transmission is constituted so that a V belt obtained by connecting a plurality of elements using a belt is wound around a pair of pulleys which have a groove with V-shaped cross section and which groove width can be changed. A diffusion layer where at least one of Zn and Sn diffuses on a surface layer of a metallic material of the pulleys and the elements is provided to at least one of contacting surfaces between the pulleys and the elements. The diffusion layer contains S and P. As a result, high frictional coefficient and wear resistance can be maintained for a long time, so that the device can cope with heightening of output.
US07951030B2
A tensioner comprising a base, an arm pivotally engaged with the base, a pulley journalled to the arm, a torsion spring engaged between the arm and the base, the base comprising a cantilever leaf spring, a first friction disk operationally disposed between the cantilever leaf spring and the arm, the cantilever leaf spring biasing the first friction disk into frictional contact with the arm, the first friction disk rotationally fixed with respect to the base, a second friction disk rotationally fixed with respect to the base, a separator member disposed between the first friction disk and the second friction disk, the first friction disk and the second friction disk each having a wet coefficient of friction of approximately 0.12, and the separator member rotationally fixed with respect to the arm.
US07951024B2
A blade-opening arrowhead or broadhead that has one or more blades each pivotally or otherwise movably mounted with respect to a body or a ferrule. Each blade is moveable between a closed position and an open position, for example to increase a cutting diameter of the arrowhead. An actuator or an activation arm can be used to operate a cam surface. The blade can move as a follower element in response to movement of the cam surface. In the open position, the cam surface can contact the blade.
US07951023B2
A broadhead comprising a ferrule configured to be mounted on an arrow shaft, and at least two cutting blades, configured to be mounted on the ferrule, each having a penetration limiter formed therein. The at least two cutting blades each have a cutting edge and a cutting tip, and wherein the penetration limiter comprises a cut-out formed in the cutting edge to limit penetration of the broadhead upon impact.
US07951011B2
The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided.
US07951007B2
A method and apparatus that identifies and safely couples an insertably-removable auxiliary device (IRAD) to a processor so that games can be played over a communications link without damaging the IRAD or the processor. An auxiliary connector, into which the IRAD is inserted, is not connected to the processor until after the identity of the IRAD is determined. The processor resides in a communications device, such as a wireless telephone, walkie-talkie, toy, or the like. Upon the activation of an auxiliary mode, a user is prompted to insert an IRAD into the auxiliary connector. An IRAD used to play a game can be an auxiliary keypad, an auxiliary processor, an auxiliary display, a supplemental program module that stores computer-readable code, an electronic board game, an auxiliary graphical user interface (GUI) (e.g., auxiliary steering wheel, auxiliary joystick, virtual reality viewer), or a headset including a microphone and speaker.
US07951000B2
A video game system and method is described in which interactive portions of a display screen are displayed with non-interactive portions having cutscenes. The cutscenes may be related to, or developed from, the events transpiring in the interactive portion of the display screen. The non-interactive cutscenes may be converted into interactive areas, and may be enlarged to take the place of the original interactive portion of the display screen. Animation effects may be used for the various transitions.
US07950994B2
Apparatuses and methods for facilitating participation in a gaming activity. A reel configuration of a plurality of reels is presented, where each of the reels includes one or more associated gaming symbols. The presentation of the gaming symbols is modified on the plurality of reels, such as by spinning the reels or otherwise changing which symbols are presented on the reels. A replacement reel is presented, to supersede or otherwise supplant at least one of the gaming symbols of the reel configuration. Results of the gaming activity are established using the gaming symbols of the plurality of reels and the replacement reel. The result is thereby based on a resulting presentation of symbols that includes both the symbols of the primary reel configuration and the symbol(s) of the replacement reel(s).
US07950993B2
A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines or devices. The gaming machines include an interactive game and a wager triggering event. Upon the occurrence of the wager triggering event during play of the interactive game, the gaming machine causes the placement of a wager component and randomly determines a wagering outcome. Upon completion of the interactive game, the gaming machine provides the player with an interactive game outcome and provides the player with any awards based on any determined wagering outcomes. The players are ranked in the interactive game. Upon a triggering event, the gaming system provides one or more ranked players of the interactive game an award from funds derived from a marketing or advertising account.
US07950986B2
An apparatus for processing carcasses of gallinaceous animals, including a conveyor line 3 from which, in operation, carcasses are suspended by their legs, a heating cabinet 1 through which the carcasses are transported on the conveyor line 3, the heating cabinet 1 including hot air means 10, 11, 15 to project a flow of hot air onto the carcasses to warm the outer surface on the carcasses to thereby loosen the feather.
US07950981B2
A precision machining apparatus is structured such that a feed-screw mechanism and an actuator are mounted on a second mount which supports a rotating device that rotates a wheel, and grinding is performed while appropriately adjusting the amount of movement of the second mount in a rough grinding stage through an ultra-precision grinding stage. A posture control device is interposed between a first mount and a rotating device that rotates a grinding target body. The thickness and evenness of the grinding target body are measured by an optical probe and the measurement results are sent to a computer. A feedback command is then sent to the posture control device to reduce the difference between target values and the measurement values and posture control is performed accordingly.
US07950978B2
A system, apparatus, and method for providing a soft-start for a toy vehicle configured to be operated by a person. The method includes receiving a throttle signal operable to induce motion via a motor operating as a drive mechanism of the toy vehicle. A transition signal may be generated based on the throttle signal. The transition signal may be applied to effect operation of the motor. The transition signal may be a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle between 20 and 100 percent to provide for an acceleration that avoids the problems of conventional control systems. The transition signal may be ramped in a linear or non-linear fashion. The system may couple the soft-start control circuit between a ground terminal of a battery of the toy vehicle and motor(s), thereby allowing the soft-start control circuit to operate on a low voltage (i.e., not the high voltage of the battery).
US07950967B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods for assembling a plug with a low profile for use with an electronic device are provided. In some embodiments, a 4-pin plug may include a diameter similar to the diameter of a 3-pin plug. In some embodiments, the fourth pin may be coupled to the plug such that a portion of the fourth pin may be coupled to any suitable device on an internal surface of the plug. In some embodiments, the fourth pin may dive into the plug at the same depth as one of the other three pins of the plug. The pins within the plug may be coupled (e.g., soldered) at the ends that may emerge underneath an overmold to any other suitable device to form electrical connections. The plug may be used to transmit audio or transfer data to a user of the electronic device.
US07950965B2
An electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (20) defining a plurality of passageways (20a) with an inserted opening (215), a plurality of forniciform terminals (30) inserted into the passageways (20a) from the inserted openings (215) and disposed therein, each defining a soldering portion (34) extending towards outside of the insulative housing (20) and a connecting portion (33) folding and extending from one end of soldering portion (34). Each of the connecting portions (33) covers the inserted opening (215), both cut sides (331) of which are pressed against by a pair of protecting protrusions (216) which integrally protrudes outwards from both sides of inserted opening (215) of the insulative housing (20).
US07950948B2
A releasably engaging high definition multimedia plug comprises a plug body and an actuator operable with the plug body to move a locking tab of the plug and facilitate releasable engagement of the plug with a standard high definition multimedia receptacle. A corresponding method of releasably securing a high definition multimedia interface plug into standard high definition multimedia interface receptacle is also provided.
US07950945B2
A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card connecting device for a portable electronic device which is adapted to further reduce a thickness of the portable electronic device by limiting the height of the SIM card connecting device. The device includes: a printed circuit board (PCB); one or more patterned contacts provided on the PCB and being coupled with one or more contacts formed on the SIM card; and a housing mounted on the PCB for allowing the SIM card to be inserted into/extracted from the housing. The housing presses the inserted SIM card so that the contacts of the SIM card and the patterned contacts come into substantial pressurized contact and/or pressurized contact with each other, depending on a shape of the patterns. According to the present invention, the SIM card mounting space can be reduced, and the portable electronic device can have a further reduction in thickness.
US07950936B2
An electrical connector adapted for being mounted on a printed circuit board includes a base member loaded with a plurality of contacts therein and defining a mounting face confronting with the printed circuit board on which the base member is mounted, a cover member pivotally supported at a rear end of the base member and rotating between a closed position and an opened position. The cover member covers on the base member in a closed position and rotates to the opened position to define a mating cavity adapted for receiving a counter connector. The mating cavity includes a first mating face defined on the base member and parallel to the mounting face and a second mating face defined on the cover member defined on the cover member and parallel to the mounting face.
US07950925B2
Educating a consumer about a personal care product. A request for information regarding a personal care product is received from a consumer. A description of one or more physical characteristics associated with the consumer and related to the personal care product is also received from the consumer. In response to the received request and description, a visual representation of a three-dimensional model is provided to the consumer. The three-dimensional model is a function of the received physical characteristics and the personal care product.
US07950918B2
According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for controlling melt flow through a portion of the melt distribution network. A flow control device is provided. The flow control device comprises a body defining: a mixer configured to be positioned in a conduit for providing a path of flow for melt such that the mixer traverses substantially the whole cross-section of the path of flow; a temperature control portion associated with the mixer for actively controlling temperature of the mixer.
US07950917B2
The object of the invention is a process for molding an optical element such as a lens (2). According to the invention, the element is obtained by a reaction injection molding process comprising the steps of mixing at least two polymerizing reactants and forcing the obtained reacting mixture by an injection duct (5) for filling under pressure a scaled mold cavity (4) having an entry side (43) provided with a casting opening (42) and an evacuation side (44) and providing a laminated flow of mixture in a spout (6) having a progressive enlarging transversal section between the outlet opening (52) of the injection duct (5) and the casting opening (42) of the mold cavity (4), for avoiding any turbulent area in said laminated flow, said evacuation side (44) being provided with means (45) for evacuating air contained in the mixture during mold filling. The invention also covers the molding installation adapted for using such a process.
US07950916B2
An improved apparatus for producing a rolled snack piece using an extruder having typically a plurality of orifices through which an extrudate exits the extruder. Each of these orifices is spiral shaped. When a desired length of extrudate stream or rope protrudes from an orifice, it is cut at its base, thus producing individual snack pieces that appear to have been rolled after being sheeted.
US07950911B2
A single stage root type vacuum pump has a pair of outside air introduction holes formed in the vicinity of a phantom line in an inner wall surface within a range between intersecting points, where the intermediate position that is located between the center of a driving side rotor shaft and the center of a driven side rotor shaft of three-lobe rotors intersects with the intersecting points at which internal circles located on the extended circumferences of the inner wall surface of the casing. The pair of outside air introduction holes formed in symmetrical positions into horizontally long slit shapes parallel to a width direction of the casing. Check valves are fitted to tip end portions of outside air introduction pipes which are respectively connected to outside air communication holes for preventing air from escaping at the time of reverse rotation of the three-lobe rotors.
US07950908B2
A fluid transporting device is of a writhing type for transporting a fluid continuously. The fluid transporting device comprises a plurality of push pins arranged along a tube and radially on a concentric arc for squeezing a portion of the tube through which the fluid is fed and having elasticity substantially at right angles, and rollers 50 to 53 for pushing those push pins sequentially from the inlet side to the outlet side of the fluid. With this structure, it is possible to provide a thin, small fluid transporting device for continuing a stable flow rate, and a fluid transporter having the fluid transporting device.
US07950907B2
A fluid fuel pump and its electrically driven brushless motor are located at opposite ends of a common housing.
US07950902B2
A wall in which there is formed at least one cooling channel, said wall being cooled by cool air flowing in the channel, the channel comprising a hole and a diffusion portion, the hole opening out at one end into the inside surface of the wall, and at its other end into the diffusion portion where it forms an orifice, the diffusion portion flaring around said orifice and opening out into the outside surface of the wall, the diffusion portion having a bottom whose front end is substantially plane, sloping, and extending in front of the orifice, and also having a margin extending behind, round the sides, and in front of the orifice, said margin joining the sides of the front end. A method and an electrode for making such a cooling channel. A turbomachine blade presenting such a wall.
US07950897B2
A gas turbine includes a nozzle vane and a sealing unit engaged with the nozzle vane inside a turbine supplied with combustion gases produced by mixing and burning air for combustion and fuel. The nozzle vane and the sealing unit are disposed in a channel of the downward flowing combustion gases on the outlet side of a gas path. A plurality of engagement portions between the sealing unit and the nozzle vane are provided successively from the upstream side toward the downstream side in a direction of flow of the combustion gases, and a downstream one of the plurality of engagement portions has a contact interface formed in a direction across a turbine rotary shaft. A reduction in the thermal efficiency of the gas turbine can be suppressed.
US07950895B2
A bucket bale spear bolts together upon a frame, that slips upon the cutting edge of a bucket, and then one bolt secures the frame to the bucket. The frame receives a spear and two balance spikes upon a bracket. A centered tube accepts the spear and secures it with a transverse bolt. The tube provides additional bending resistance for the spear at less weight than a proportional length of spear. The balance spikes also bolt to the frame. The frame, spear, and balance spikes can be shipped and merchandised compactly. At the farm or the ranch, the bucket bale spear assembles readily with hand tools.
US07950888B2
A screw includes a shaft, a trumpet-shaped head provided to a base end of the shaft, and a narrow-tip portion formed at a tip end of the shaft. The shaft has different diameters at a small-diameter portion contiguous to the narrow-tip portion and at a large-diameter portion contiguous to the head. Two screw threads are formed on the small-diameter portion and one screw thread is formed on the large-diameter portion. Therefore, a thread portion can be divided into a double-thread portion and a single-thread portion. It is preferable that the screw threads forming the double-thread portion have different heights. The screw is mainly used for fastening a plasterboard to a frame member.
US07950882B2
A router has a housing, from the underside of which a tool fitting for a milling tool connected with a drive motor extends and the housing is displaceably accommodated on guide columns for adjusting the milling depth, a device for adjusting the milling depth, which includes a depth adjusting element that is displaceable in the direction of a vertical axis of the router using an adjusting element and that interacts with a stop element, and a device for locking the depth adjusting element. The device for locking the depth adjusting element is integrated in the device for adjusting the milling depth.
US07950876B2
A socket wrench attachment (SRA) is connected by a circular array of bolts (28) connecting the mounting flange (30) to the rotary output member (22) on a rotary output shaft (20). The shaft (20) is a part of a rotary drive mechanism (12) which is mounted for longitudinal travel along a tower (14).
US07950874B2
A concrete paving machine which has a main frame and two hydraulic jacking columns at each end of the frame for raising and lowering the machine frame. Crawlers attached to the jacking columns move the paving machine in the travel direction. A paving kit is secured to the main frame and has a rigid center portion. Each terminal kit has an end frame secured to the center portion, an adjustable length support structure between the end frame and the slipform, and a hydraulic actuator. Spacers are interposed between the end frame and the slipform. A finishing pan is provided to finish the concrete surface. All replaceable components of the terminal are constructed and arranged so that they can be manually exchanged be one or two persons without removing the paving kit from the main frame and without needing the help of lifting equipment.
US07950870B1
A non-lethal energy absorbing vehicle barrier for decelerating an impacting vehicle includes a first gate member and a second gate member disposed downstream of the first gate member. The first and second gate members are movable from a retracted position in which the first and second gate members are disposed so as not to impede vehicular traffic on a vehicle pathway, to a deployed position in which the first and second gate members are disposed to impede vehicular traffic on the vehicle pathway. The first gate has a height that is lower than a height of the second gate in the deployed position. Both the first and second gate members include at least a pair of deformable energy absorbing members that are deformed in a substantially inboard direction by a deforming member when the first and second gates are deformed from a pre-impact configuration to an impact configuration.
US07950864B2
A stretchable device is provided including a base layer; a wipe layer attached to the base layer at a seam and defining an interior space between the wipe and base layers, the interior space having an internal surface; and a pouch positioned within the interior space and attached to one of the seam and the internal surface, the pouch having a top layer, a bottom layer attached to the top layer to form a cavity therebetween, an opening in one of the top and bottom layers, and a pull tab coupled to the pouch and to one of the seam and the internal surface.
US07950855B2
A bearing assembly for radial and axial support of a shaft part relative to a housing includes two radial antifriction bearings located at an axial distance to one another on the shaft part and two axial antifriction bearings located at an axial distance to one another on the shaft part. To create better support, the bearing assembly has an outer bearing ring which is inserted into a hole of the housing and which, made as a one-piece component, has tracks for the two radial antifriction bearings and for the two axial antifriction bearings.
US07950854B2
A hydrodynamic bearing type rotary device includes radial hydrodynamic grooves and thrust hydrodynamic grooves forming communicating channels, communicating holes designed to communicate the groove end of the radial hydrodynamic groove on the side opposite the thrust hydrodynamic grooves with the groove end of the thrust hydrodynamic groove on the side opposite the radial hydrodynamic grooves, and a circulation route composed by the communicating hole, the radial hydrodynamic groove, and the thrust hydrodynamic groove. Lubricating oil is circulated by means of a pump force of the hydrodynamic groove. The hydrodynamic bearing device prevents the formation of low-pressure parts from the bearing portion, preventing the accumulation of air bubbles, and thereby preventing the occurrence of oil film breakage at the radial hydrodynamic groove and the thrust hydrodynamic groove.
US07950853B2
A linear roller bearing element with an endless rolling element channel is composed of a carrier raceway for the load-bearing rolling elements on a carrier body, a return channel for rolling elements that are returning, and turnaround channels that connect the carrier raceway and the return channel at both ends with each other in an endless manner, the turnaround channels being bounded by end covers. The roller bearing element has two rolling element channels with two longitudinally extending carrier raceways located next to each other within a common plane and with clearance between them, on the carrier body for load-bearing rolling elements, and two assigned return channels for rolling elements that are returning, and respective turnaround channels. With a linear roller bearing guide, these roller bearing elements are located between a guide rail and a guide carriage—which is supported such that it is displaceable relative to the guide rail—in order to provide support.
US07950843B2
A mixing machine includes a head including a rotatable output member for receiving a mixer tool. A mixer body includes a bowl receiving assembly below the head. The bowl receiving assembly includes a pair of bowl support arms extending outwardly from the mixer body to respective ends located at opposite sides of a bowl receiving location. Each bowl support arm includes a mount protrusion extending upwardly therefrom. The mount protrusions include a notch located at bases of the mount protrusions. The bowl receiving assembly is mounted for movement between a lowered position away from the head and a raised position toward the head. The bowl includes a keyway extending through a mount support, the keyway having an enlarged portion that receives the mount protrusion of one of the support arms and a necked-down portion that slides within the notch of the respective mount protrusion when the bowl is rotated.
US07950842B2
A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.
US07950837B2
A vehicle lamp can include a plurality of light source modules each having an LED as a light source, and optical systems for distributing light from each of the light source modules frontward toward predetermined areas or predetermined patterns that are different from each other and which make up a light distribution pattern. Each of the optical systems can be optimized to emit light to a predetermined area, and each of the light source modules' LEDs can be optimally arranged for each of the corresponding optical systems.
US07950834B2
A brake assembly for an adjustable downlight fixture comprises a fixture having a rotational collar assembly, the rotational collar assembly having a first race rotating relative to a second race, a brake assembly connected to one of the first race and the second race, the brake assembly frictionally engaging the other of the first race and the second race.
US07950833B1
A fluorescent luminaire has a luminaire housing, a lens frame positioned within the luminaire housing, the lens frame having a first side frame member and a second side frame member connected to a first end frame member and a second end frame member, a flexible plastic lens having a length, wherein a distance between the first and second side frames is less than the length of the plastic lens and, wherein the lens curves from the flat orientation to a curved orientation when seated between the first and second side frames corresponding to curvature of the first and second end frames.
US07950826B2
A circle type LED lighting flood lamp using a nano spreader is provided, which can provide a double heat dissipation structure formed by mounting an extended nano spreader having high heat diffusion on the inside of a circular type upper cover and making the extension parts of the nano spreader in contact with a heat dissipation portion in both directions, and prevent a heat dissipation plate from exposing to an outside by fixedly putting the upper cover on the outside of a heat dissipation member to improve the heat dissipation efficiency and the life span of the lamp. The circle type LED lighting flood lamp using a nano spreader includes LEDs, an LED mounting substrate on which the LEDs are mounted, a nano spreader having one side that is in contact with the LED mounting substrate and the other side that is extended for a specified length to form extension parts, an upper cover having inner heat dissipation pins that are in contact with the extension parts of the nano spreader, an upper cap fixed to an upper end of the upper cover, a lower heat dissipation member inserted into the inside of the upper cover and having an inner surface that is in contact with the extension parts of the nano spreader and an outer surface that is in contact with an inner surface of the upper cover, and a lower lens fixed to a lower part of the lower heat dissipation member.
US07950818B2
LED lamp has LEDs aimed rearwards with either a concave mirror to the rear of each LED, or one concave mirror to the rear of two or more LEDs, collecting the light from the LEDs to form a forward projecting beam. LEDs may be high power types that require heatsinking. LED lamp may have a lens forward of each LED to collimate the radiation produced by the LEDs into a beam, where at least one lens has at least one aspheric curved surface. LED lamp may have a transparent reflective optic to collimate the radiation produced by each LED into a beam. For an inspection lamp, the LEDs typically have a peak wavelength of 395 to 415 nanometers for seeing the area being irradiated but not so visible as to overwhelm fluorescence of fluorescent materials to be detected. Other wavelengths may be used. LED inspection lamp has a combination of LEDs of different wavelengths or a combination of at least one LED and at least one other light source such that the lamp produces radiation suitable for detection of materials to be detected and adequately illuminates the area being irradiated. LED lamp has LEDs that produce a beam of suitable radiation with a width of 10 degrees or less without additional optics. LED inspection lamp has head attached to a flexible member, with head serving as heatsink for one or more high power LEDs. Current regulator circuits are also disclosed.
US07950812B2
A modulating corner-cube retroreflector for remote communications is disclosed. The modulating corner-cube retroreflector includes a solid retroreflector with a front surface and three mutually perpendicular surfaces: a first surface, a second surface and a third surface. A first thin membrane is disposed relative to at least one of the three mutually perpendicular surfaces and covers at least a portion of the surface. A modulator is included that is adapted to cause the thin membrane to vibrate. The corner-cube retroreflector is configured to receive an incident beam of light from a source along a first path and is configured to return a reflected beam of light back towards the source along a second path that is substantially parallel to the first path. The first thin membrane is configured to substantially frustrate total internal reflection of the incident beam of light when the first thin membrane is moved relative to at least one surface of the retroreflector.
US07950801B2
The invention relates to a device, for measuring the contrast of fringes in a Michelson interferometer at full field, comprising a Wollaston prism for diverting two perpendicular incident polarizations into two different emergent directions, said diverting means being arranged within the interferometer as substitute for a single polarizer. The device is of application to a Michelson interferometer used in an OCT tomographical system and comprising means for obtaining interferometric contrast without use of a modulation technique or synchronous detection methods.
US07950794B2
A solvent based ink formulation for inkjet printing, particularly on plastics and non-porous surfaces, including 1-40% by weight of a ketone solvent, 10-90% by weight of a mixture of cosolvents, 0.1-10% by weight of a (co)polymer binder, 0.1-10% by weight of dispersants/wetting agents, and 0.1-10% of plasticizers to give a formulation having flash point higher than 60.degree. C.
US07950793B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a recording ink having excellent color developing properties and high delivery stability, by which not only the color saturation of the obtained image can be remarkably improved, but also the image having a high quality can be formed. For this object, the present invention provides a recording ink used for an inkjet recording using a dye ink and a pigment ink properly alternately through one inkjet head, wherein the dye ink and the pigment ink have respectively a viscosity at 25° C. of 5 mPa·s or more and the difference between the viscosity of the dye ink and the viscosity of the pigment ink is 3 mPa·s or less.
US07950780B2
A liquid jet head includes a plurality of individual flow paths where nozzles configured to jet liquid are in communication; wherein a layer of an adhesive is formed on a side wall surface of the individual flow path; and the layer of the adhesive contains a material capable of having a photocalytic reaction obtaining hydrophilicity by light irradiation.
US07950779B2
An inkjet printhead that has a pair of electrodes, a heater having contacts abutting the pair of electrodes, a heater element for generating a vapor bubble in a quantity of ink and sloped side portions extending between the heater element and the contacts and, a nozzle spaced from the heater such that ink is ejected through the nozzle in response to the generation of a vapor bubble. The heater element has higher electrical resistance than the contacts and the sloped side portions.
US07950778B2
A printer is provided having a slot for removably receiving a printhead having a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles, and protrusions arranged in the slot to cooperate with a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the printhead upon mounting of the printhead to the printer, the cooperation providing information on the location of the nozzles.
US07950773B2
An inkjet drop ejection apparatus includes a chamber defined by a plunger spaced from an ejection nozzle; and an actuator for moving the plunger towards the nozzle, the actuator including a magnetic plate and a solenoid coil provided circumferentially between the magnetic plate and the plunger, the solenoid coil for inducing a magnetic field in at least one of the magnetic plate and the plunger. The plunger has defined therethrough a series of apertures arranged around a circumference of the plunger, the apertures substantially mapping a locus of the solenoid coil.
US07950772B2
A printhead assembly includes a support beam formed of two types of material having different coefficients of thermal expansion, the two materials being repeatedly alternated in segments over the length of the support beam to form the support beam; and a plurality of spaced apart printhead modules supported by the support beam. A first one of the materials has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of silicon, and a second one of the materials has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of silicon.
US07950769B2
In an ink jet head using a thermal energy for ejecting ink, this invention aims to reliably and uniformly remove kogations deposited on a heat application portion in contact with the ink. To realize this objective, the upper protective layer is arranged in an area including the heat application portion so that it can be electrically connected to serve as an electrode which causes an electrochemical reaction with the ink. The upper protective layer is formed of a material containing a metal which is dissolved by the electrochemical reaction and which does not form, on heating, an oxide film which hinders the dissolution. With this arrangement, a reliable electrochemical reaction can be produced to dissolve a surface layer of the upper protective layer, thereby removing kogations on the heat application portion reliably and uniformly.
US07950763B2
A method for recording an image based on image data in a recording region of a recording medium being transported in a predetermined transportation direction includes forming a first reference mark in a recordable region, including the recording region, of the recording medium using a first colored liquid containing a colorant; supplying an uncolored liquid containing no colorant uniformly over the entire recordable region of the recording medium; forming a second reference mark in the recordable region of the recording medium using a second colored liquid containing a colorant; detecting the amount of misalignment between the first reference mark and the second reference mark; calculating the total amount, excluding the content of the colorant, of first colored liquid to be used to record the image based on the image data on the recording medium for each unit area of the recording region of the recording medium.
US07950760B2
A liquid droplet ejecting apparatus having: a liquid droplet ejecting head; and a drive pulse generating unit, wherein the head includes: a nozzle; a pressure chamber which communicates with the nozzle; and a pressure applying section which changes a pressure in the pressure chamber, wherein the generated drive pulse is applied to the pressure applying section so as to change the pressure in the pressure chamber to cause the liquid in the pressure chamber to be ejected from the nozzle, and wherein the drive pulse includes a rectangular expansion pulse which causes expansion and then contraction of the volume of the pressure chamber and in which the pulse width PW of the expanding pulse is set so as to satisfy the following conditional equation, PW = π - ( tan - 1 1 2 π f τ ) 2 π f ( 1 ) where f represents an acoustic resonance frequency of a pressure wave in the pressure chamber and τ represents a damping time constant of the pressure wave.
US07950758B2
A liquid discharge apparatus is disclosed that includes a liquid discharge head that discharges plural types of liquid droplets; a drive waveform generating unit that generates and outputs a drive waveform including a first drive signal group made up of one or more drive signals and a second drive signal group made up of one or more drive signals within one drive period; a control signal output unit that outputs first control signals for controlling selection of the drive signals of the first drive signal group and second control signals for controlling selection of the drive signals of the second drive signal group; and a drive unit that inputs the drive waveform, the first control signals, and the second control signals, selects one or more drive signals from the drive signals of the first drive signal group and the second drive signal group using the first control signals and the second control signals, and supplies the selected drive signals to the liquid discharge head.
US07950757B2
In an image recording apparatus, there are oppositely arranged an image recording section capable of recording an image all over the recording width of a recording medium, and a platen section which holds the recording medium and which conveys the recording medium perpendicularly to a width direction of the recording medium. A platen driving unit can vary a space between the image recording section and the platen section. Positioning pins of a carriage are engaged with slide hooks to set a space between the platen driving unit and the image recording section.
US07950752B2
A case including a holding portion and a rotary part is used to fix a drawer device. A first sidewall of the drawer device has a first hole. The holding portion has a second sidewall and the drawer device is disposed in the holding portion. A second hole is located in the second sidewall. The position of the second hole is corresponding to the first hole. The rotary part is pivoted on an outer side of the holding portion through a first hinge portion and the first hinge portion is located between a first protrusion portion and a second protrusion portion. When the drawer device comes into the holding portion, the drawer device is in contact with the first protrusion portion, which makes the rotary part turn in a first rotating direction and the second protrusion portion pass through the second hole to be fixed in the first hole.
US07950751B2
A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, determining a vehicle velocity, determining a steering wheel angle, and determining a rear axle side slip angle. When the rear axle side slip angle is above a predetermined value, the vehicle velocity is above a velocity threshold, and the steering wheel is about zero, brake-steer is applied to the vehicle.
US07950734B2
A recliner includes a folding frame including two arm rests, a chair frame coupling with the folding frame, and a locking mechanism. The chair frame includes a seat frame, a back frame, and a leg frame, wherein the chair frame is adapted to be selectively adjusted an inclination angle thereof to adjust the corresponding position of each of the seat frame, the back frame, and the leg frame in responsive to the sliding movement of the arm rest. The locking mechanism is provided at a bottom side of each of the arm rests to lock up the chair frame at the inclination angle.
US07950733B2
The invention relates to a mechanism for generating pivot motions and displacement motions of a chassis component (30), having a displaceable carriage (40) engaging with at least one first guide element (361) disposed on the chassis component by means of at least one second guide element (42, 44, 46). In order to simplify the mechanism according to the invention, the displaceable carriage (40) has at least two second guide elements (42, 44, 46) acting together with the first guide element (361) in the closed position and during the pivot motion of the chassis component (30), and acting together with a further first guide element (362) associated with the chassis component (30) during a displacement motion of the chassis component (30). The invention is in particular suitable for the panel of a sliding tilting sunroof of a vehicle.
US07950732B2
A roof assembly comprises a closure moveable at least between a closed position closing the roof opening in the fixed roof of the vehicle and an open position in which the closure is slid under the fixed roof and at least partially opening the roof opening. A drain channel is positionable under the rear edge of the roof opening at least in a closed position of the closure. A drain channel operating mechanism is adapted to cause a vertical movement of the drain channel on the one hand and adapted to move said drain channel in the opening direction of the closure on the other hand. The drain channel operating mechanism is adapted to allow a relative movement between the drain channel and the closure during at least a part of the sliding movement of the closure. The drain channel operating mechanism includes a spring member acting upon the drain channel to keep the drain channel in engagement with a rear part of the closure in a vertical direction at least when the closure is in the open position. The drain channel and the closure are adapted to be in sliding engagement during relative movement between the drain channel and the closure.
US07950729B2
A method for making machines includes selecting one of a plurality of types of suspension elements for coupling between a body component and a frame component of a machine. If the suspension elements are of a first type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the body component having a configuration corresponding therewith. If the suspension elements are of a second type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the frame component which have a configuration corresponding therewith. Adapter mechanisms having a first connecting interface corresponding to mounting elements on one of the body component and frame component, and a second connecting interface corresponding with the selected suspension elements, are used to couple the body component with the frame component. A group of machines includes a first set using the first type of suspension elements coupled between the body component and frame component, and a second machine set which includes the second type of suspension elements coupled between a body component and frame component.
US07950724B2
A vehicle body rear structure, which includes a rear frame disposed on each side of a vehicle body; and a tank lower frame disposed beneath the rear frame and on the each side of the vehicle body. The rear frame has a load-displacement characteristic having a ratio F/S of load F to displacement S larger than the ratio F/S of the tank lower frame. A cross sectional deformation of the tank lower frame is suppressed so that the load does not rapidly decrease after reaching a maximum of a bending strength.
US07950718B2
A convertible soft top for a motor vehicle is provided. The convertible soft top has a front portion and a rear portion, the top also having and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The top includes a fabric cover that extends across the front portion and the rear portion, the fabric cover forming a pair of spaced apart fins that extend from the front portion in a rearwardly direction when the top is in the extended position. The convertible soft top is dimensioned such that a motor vehicle with a conventional opening for heretofor convertible tops can be used with the soft top of the instant invention.
US07950715B2
A rear seat passenger detection device comprising: a first switch which closes a contact thereof when a front seat door is opened; a second switch which closes a contact thereof when a seatback of a front seat corresponding to the front seat door is inclined and lowered to an angle with respect to a seat face equal to or less than a predetermined angle, and is connected in series with the first switch; and a control device which detects a passenger boarding in a rear seat when the first switch and the second switch are closed.
US07950714B2
A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion and a seatback. The seat cushion includes a seating part, a front leg which is rotatably attached to and supports the seating part at a front side, and a pair of left and right rear legs which support a rear side of the seating part. The seatback is provided to the rear side of the seat cushion so as to be capable of falling rearward. The front leg is rotatably attached to a vehicle floor. The rear legs are detachably attached to the vehicle floor. The vehicle seat is adapted to be arranged from a seating mode into at least three of a plurality of modes including a table mode, a rear seat enter/exit mode, a storage mode, a foot rest mode, a flat luggage compartment mode, a rearward facing child safety seat mode.
US07950712B2
A deck board includes a board body arranged in a luggage area of a vehicle so as to be capable of being moved between an upper position and a lower position. The board body in the upper position separates the luggage area into upper and lower areas. The deck board further includes a front support portion that is rotatably connected to the front end portion of the board body via a hinge portion so as to guide the board body being moved between the upper and lower positions. The end portion of the front support portion on the opposite side of the hinge portion is pivotally supported by the sidewalls of the luggage area via a support pin. Further included is a spring unit arranged to bias the board body and the front support portion to be drawn to each other across the hinge portion.
US07950696B2
A roll-over protection system (1) for a vehicle (2), such as a quad bike. The system (1) comprises a telescopic hairpin-shaped roll-over guard (3), a lower mount (4) and an upper mount (5) for mounting the guard (3) to regions of the vehicle (2) that may move relative to each other. In use, the guard (3) extends upwardly from the vehicle (2) so as to prevent the vehicle (2) from remaining upside down after having turned over, and the mounts (4, 5) are moveable relative to the guard (3) when the two spaced apart regions move relative to each other during normal use of the vehicle (2).
US07950695B2
The safety guard mechanism for a lifting device is a mechanism that can automatically deploy a safety guard pivotally mounted to the lower surface of the frame of a portable aerial lift device when the lift is raised. By lowering the guard member, the distance between the lower surface of the base and the ground is decreased. The helical screw-based mechanical device includes a mechanical translator coupled with a rotator, the entire assembly interconnecting the guard member and a scissors-type lift so that raising the lift drives the lowering of the guard member. In the lowered position, the guard prevents tipping of the lift should one or more wheels enter a pothole or other depression. A helical screw latch is included to provide a self-locking feature.
US07950683B1
The present disclosure provides a kit and method for modifying a bicycle comprising attaching a platform to both sides of the bottom bracket crank spindle in place of a crank set and chain. The platforms include internal spindle slots adapted to crank spindle shape through which a screw or other fastener may be used to temporarily attach the platform to the bottom bracket crank spindle.
US07950681B2
A bicycle steerer assembly that includes a stub tube, a steerer tube that extends upward from the stub tube, a pair of forks, and a fork crown or crown cap. A key and keyway are formed between the stub tube and a crown portion of each fork. The crown cap overlies the crown portion of each fork thereby preventing dissociation of the key and keyway between each of the pair of forks and the stub tube when the crown cap is positioned thereabout.
US07950678B1
A trailer leveling system for adjusting a height of a frame of a trailer above a ground surface is disclosed. The trailer leveling system comprises at least one trailer leveling apparatus configured to adjust a distance between an axle of the trailer and the frame of the trailer. The at least one trailer leveling apparatus acts on a suspension of the trailer. The at least one trailer leveling apparatus moving the suspension between a traveling position and a leveling position, with the traveling position being characterized by the suspension being capable of supporting the frame during movement of the trailer along a road and the leveling position being characterized by a portion of the suspension being moved away from the frame with respect to the travel position.
US07950676B2
An article of footwear comprising a pliable upper component and a molded unitary support structure formed of a plurality of wall stuctures and methods of manufacturing are disclosed. Some embodiments include a sole and first and second side wall structures extending therefrom and partitioned from one another. The sole and the first and second side wall structures may be in part or entirely constructed of multiple layers of fibers having different orientations from one another and disposed in a hardened resin matrix. The pliable upper component comprises outer and inner panels that overlap the inner and outer surfaces of one or more of the side wall structures and are conjoined thereto.
US07950671B2
A brush seal assembly including a pair of annular plates (11,12) defining an annular slot (14) between them and a radially outer chamber (15) opening into the slot (14); and an annular brush seal (13) having bristles (16) and an enlarged portion (17) at its outer periphery formed by welding the bristles (16) together, the brush seal (13) extending through the slot (14) with its enlarged portion (17) retained in the chamber (15) wherein at least a portion of one of the plates (11, 12) has an extension thereof which is deformed over the other plate (11, 12) to hold the plates (11, 12) together to form the assembly characterised in that one of the plates (12) has a flat face in the region of the slot (14).
US07950665B2
A method for playing a game, involving the steps of determining a combination number; dealing to at least one player at least three cards from a deck to make a hand, the deck having at least one group of cards sequentially numbered from one to thirteen; and providing a reward to the player for each combination the player makes of the cards equaling the combination number. A typical combination number is 10, or multiples of 10.
US07950663B2
A method of controlling the game of baccarat is disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a card delivery shoe equipped with a sensor capable of reading at least a rank of each card; a first processor capable of controlling operation of the card delivery shoe; and a second processor capable of receiving signals from the sensor and programmed to display information related to the game of baccarat.
US07950662B2
A system for playing a game of chance includes a plurality of playing cards, each of the playing cards displaying game symbols thereon. At least some of the plurality of playing cards display an eligible game symbol for participation in bonus levels of play. A master game card is provided for use in conjunction with the playing cards. The master game card includes a plurality of playing areas, each playing area representing a playing level. In each playing area, one or more of the eligible game symbols are included as a bonus level game symbol for the respective level of play. In each successive level of play, more of the eligible game symbols are identified as bonus level game symbols. Cover members conceal the bonus level game symbols prior to play. By opening one of the cover members at each level in turn, a winning one of the eligible game symbols is revealed. By including all of the eligible game symbols from the previous level, players are not aware of being eliminated until the final level of play is reached, thereby maintaining interest in the game.
US07950657B2
A printing apparatus includes: a printing mechanism forming an image on a sheet transferred in a sheet transfer route; a sheet feeding mechanism feeding sheets to the sheet transfer route; a register provided between the sheet feeding mechanism and the printing mechanism on the sheet transfer route so as to position a sheet fed from the sheet feeding mechanism and adjust an obliqueness of the sheet; an edge part detector provided on the sheet transfer route having a detecting section configured between the register and the printing mechanism so as to detect edge parts of a sheet transferred to the printing mechanism by the register, wherein the edge part detector is configured to serve as a multi-feed detector to detect multi-feeding of sheets.
US07950639B2
The invention relates to a device (10) which is used to place an object (1). The object (1) is placed on brushes (5,6), whereby a first part of the brushes (5) are in contact with the surface (4) of the object (1) and alternatively with a second part of the brushes (6). The invention also relates to a device (10) which is used to place an object (1) placed on brushes (5,6) enabling the object to (1) be positioned in a precise manner.
US07950638B2
A fly tying vise to be used for holding a fishing hook and to provide rotation of the fishing hook on two axes, one axis along the center of the hook shank, the other axis perpendicular to the hook shank and the two axes cross each other. The fly tying vise has a multi-part base assembly and a bearing mechanism which will provide a lateral rotation of the jaws. While the hook holding mechanism is connected to the rotatable part of the base,a series of elongated designed parts connected to the stationary part of the base and extended over the cylindrical center of the base assembly for holding parachute post to aid tying parachute patterns and like. The vise base can be locked in different positions laterally for using the vise as a regular rotary vise or working on a fly from different directions, such as fight handed or left handed.
US07950635B2
An adjustable holding apparatus comprises a main frame section with at least two pneumatic wheels disposed at a bottom bifurcated portion therein, and another bifurcated portion having a pair of distally disposed stabilizing feet. A maneuvering portion is attached at right angles to an upper portion of the frame to aid in maneuvering the adjustable holding apparatus into position. A horizontal support arm and a vertical support arm distally attached from the handle portion to support a vertical adjustable arm and a horizontal adjustable arm. The support arms have adjustable sliding attachment ends that are positioned as needed. The horizontal and vertical support arms are moveably supported by a tilt adjustment plate that allows the arms to be positioned from 0 to 90 degrees. Clamping knobs provide adjustability.
US07950632B2
A damping device, which is provided between a handle and pole tube of a sport pole such as a ski pole, combines the action of a helical compression spring (17) with that of a gas compression spring, whereby a rod-shaped body (5) can be displaced inside a tube (3). An elastic insert (13), which is subjected to the action of the helical compression spring (17), is provided at the end of the rod-shaped body (5). The rod-shaped body (5) is pressed into the tube (3), e.g. when the pole is placed against the ground, and the insert (13) deforms and tightly abuts against the tube (3) from the inside whereby forming a gas compression spring. The damping action is progressively increased inside the tube (3) by the friction of the deformable insert (13).
US07950628B2
An extendable railcar work platform includes one or more work platform sections each including a set of wheels, a locking mechanism associated with each wheel and a guide system. The system enables workers to safely work above an electrified third rail such as in a subway or railway tunnel. The platform may be in a first retracted position for transit or in a laterally extended or vertically extended position to enable a worker to access and work on a tunnel wall. The platform may be extended to both sides of the railcar and, if the platform includes more than one section, the individual sections may be simultaneously extended to opposite sides of the railcar. Each work platform section includes a floor or base and safety rails around all four sides of the section.
US07950625B2
A shut-off instrument for a flow medium, in particular a slide valve instrument designed for pressurization on both sides with an instrument housing forming a flow channel and a slide valve chamber and with a soft-sealing shut-off element closing off the flow channel and with a slide valve stem which penetrates a seal arrangement and/or bearing arrangement in a housing neck extension delimiting the slide valve chamber and which is rotationally connected to a stem nut coupled to the shut-off element by a screw contact. The shut-off element is designed to include more than one part and at least one external dimension of the main body is slightly smaller than a nominal width of the flow channel and seal elements are arranged on opposite support surfaces of the main body via an engaged connection projecting over the external dimension with a peripheral edge collar.
US07950619B2
A fluid device mounting structure is provided for installing a plurality of fluid devices on a support assembly. The support assembly includes a support member for supporting connecting portions of the fluid devices by the support assembly, so that the fluid devices are freely disposed in three dimensions.
US07950618B1
A shock-absorbing platform includes a bottom plate and a top plate joined to one another along at least two sides by elongate rigid links that enable the plates to remain in parallel relation to one another as the plates are displaced responsive to externally-imparted forces. An air spring resists relative vertical motion between the bottom and top plates as external forces are applied to the platform. A shock-absorbing damper damps the natural oscillation of the air spring. The resistance presented by the air spring is adjustable through an inlet and outlet port in fluid communication with a remote source of air under pressure. In a second embodiment, a seat bottom includes arched leaf springs that supplant the air spring to increase the range of relative movement between the top and bottom plates and to lower the profile of the seat bottom.
US07950612B2
A container device having a paint receptacle allows a user to easily access paint with a brush while working on a ladder. The container device includes one or more fixed brackets for attachment to a desired ladder rung and a pivotable bracket to stabilize the container device on a lower ladder rung. The paint receptacle maintains the paint in a convenient manner during use and includes an interior wipe board for removing excess paint from a paint brush and a brush clamp for storing a paint brush when not in use. A lid and handle are also included for tightly sealing any remaining paint therein during transportation and storage. A fabric cover having a series of pockets can be placed on the lower portion of the container device for carrying various painting tools and accessories.
US07950610B2
A display base including a torque limiter capable of inhibiting the number of components from increase and the torque limiter are obtained. This display base includes a driving source turning a display screen portion and a transmission gear portion for transmitting driving force of the driving source to a turning portion. The transmission gear portion includes a torque limiter having a driven gear member integrally provided with a plurality of support sections formed concentrically with rotational axis, a drive gear member fitted onto an outer peripheral surface of each of the support sections of the driven gear member, and a spring member pressing the support sections against the drive gear member by being press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of each of the support sections of the driven gear member.
US07950608B2
A railroad crossing gate flasher assembly has a sealed, rodent-proof connection for electrical cables that pass from the foundation to a junction box. A clearance between the bottom of the junction box and the top of the foundation is sealed with a plate to prevent rodents from accessing the cables. The seal plate is mounted to the bolts that extend from the foundation and is leveled after it is inserted onto the bolts. The junction box is lowered onto the seal plate and attached to the same bolts so that the junction box also is level. The seal plate has an opening, coupling and conduit for protecting the cables.
US07950605B2
A torsionally de-coupled engine mount system for use in tilt rotor aircraft applications is disclosed, in which an engine is mounted at its forward end to a prop rotor gear box by means of a forward mount that is a simple adapter fitting, and at its aft end to a pylon assembly by an aft mount that is a simple bi-pod fitting. The forward mount counteracts forces and moments in six degrees of freedom, but the aft mount only counteracts lateral and vertical loads. The contribution from the engine to the overall dynamic response of the aircraft is tuned by selectively tailoring the size, shape, weight, and material of the forward mount. The engine mount system torsionally de-couples the engines from the prop rotors, thereby preventing rotor torque from being induced into the engines. In addition, the contribution from the engines to the overall dynamic response of the aircraft can be tuned by selectively tailoring the size, shape, weight, and material of the forward mounts between the engines and the transmissions.
US07950601B2
A grinder includes a generally vertical, rotatable shaft having at least one set of cutter blades driven thereby and a fan assembly mounted on the shaft below the cutter blades in position to receive output therefrom. The fan assembly includes a fan disc secured to the shaft and rotatable therewith. A plurality of fan blades are secured to the fan disc in a generally radial orientation. Each fan blade includes a bottom flange secured to a top surface of the fan disc, a web extending upwardly from the bottom flange and a top flange extending outwardly from the web in a direction of rotation of the fan disc. The fan blades are preferably moveably mounted to the fan disc such that the angle of the fan blades relative to a true radial orientation can be adjusted.
US07950600B2
Polysilicon is crushed with a minimum of manual and machine crushing steps by utilizing a large diameter roll crusher, the circumferential crushing surface of which is formed of a plurality of reversibly mounted, close fitting hard metal plates. Reproducible crushing along with such low metal contamination that subsequent cleaning of the crushed polysilicon is not necessary are both obtained.
US07950596B2
A fuel injector includes a fuel injector body defining a fuel inlet and at least one fuel outlet, a valve having a first valve state and a second valve state and an actuator for the valve. The fuel injector includes a biasing spring including a cylindrical rolled sheet having a first spring end, a second spring end and defining a longitudinal center axis. The cylindrical rolled sheet is configured to change in length to bias the actuator toward the first actuator position and includes a helical seam located between the first spring end and a second spring end which has a shape adapted to reduce non-uniformity in a spring constant via distributing stiffness about the longitudinal center axis.
US07950593B2
A mechanically actuated electronically controlled fuel injector (MEUI) includes a first electrical actuator that controls the position of a spill valve, and a second electrical actuator to control pressure on a closing hydraulic surface associated with a directly operated nozzle check valve. The fuel injector is actuated via rotation of a cam to move a plunger to displace fuel from a fuel pumping chamber either to a spill passage, or at high pressure out of a nozzle outlet of the fuel injector for an injection event. The minimum controllable fuel injection quantity, especially as it relates to small closely coupled post injections following a large main injection, is accomplished by the inclusion of a Z orifice passage that maintains a fluid connection between a needle control chamber and the nozzle supply passage. The inclusion of the Z orifice passage slows the rate at which pressure drops in the needle control chamber to commence an injection event, but also hastens the rate at which pressure builds in the needle control chamber to end an injection event. The result is a smaller post injection quantity and, if desired, a longer, shorter or same dwell time between injection events.
US07950587B2
Data-storage devices and methods are disclosed. An exemplary data-storage device includes a medium having at least two dimensions and having a surface. Multiple data-containing loci are arranged on the surface. Each locus has a respective amount of magnetically responsive particles. The respective amounts are different in at least some of the loci. The respective amount at a particular locus corresponds, at least in part, to a respective unit of data contained by the locus. The loci can be substantially two-dimensional or three-dimensional, the latter being configured as respective holes, containing respective amounts of magnetically responsive particles, extending depth-wise into the medium. The loci typically range in size from the micrometer range to the nanometer range. The medium can be any of various configurations such as cards, sheets, films, etc.
US07950549B1
An electric or battery powered hand tool, which dispenses a wide variety of semi-soft materials. It is held in one hand and dispenses the material by pressing a pressure sensitive flow-control button. The power of the motor is adjustable, depending upon the consistency of the product to be dispensed. The dispenser features a quick-change cartridge system, which allows the user to quickly and easily change cartridges, which are pre-filled with the material of the user's choice, without having to clean out the barrel. The dispenser can be used in many applications such as cake decorating, craft applications, woodworking and construction.
US07950535B1
A skateboard deck display system for efficiently displaying one or more skateboard decks. The skateboard deck display system generally includes a support base, a plurality of support members extending from the support base and aligned with the deck holes of a skateboard deck, and a plurality of T-nuts connected to the distal portion of the support members with an elongated portion of the T-nuts extending through the deck holes of the skateboard deck.
US07950529B2
A membrane for fluid separation made of a blend of at least a polyimide polymer and a polyimidazole polymer.
US07950523B2
A retainer for a welding wire coil has a plurality of fingers (38) and a base element (32) with an upper surface (34) and a lower surface (36), the fingers (38) extending downwardly beyond the lower surface (36) of the retainer (12).
US07950519B2
A belt scraper assembly having a blade holder and a scraper blade disposed therein, wherein a stiffener extending in a longitudinal direction with respect to the belt is provided in the blade body to resist bending of the blade. A scraper blade having a body with a rigid plate member connected thereto and a stiffener disposed in the body of resilient material above a base portion and below a tip portion of the plate member and extending generally transversely with respect to the length of the scraper body. A scraping assembly for a conveyor belt including a non-linearly contoured blade holder and a scraper blade with a stiffener disposed on the plate members between base and tip portions extending generally transversely with respect to the length of the plate including a force-transmitting interface between the stiffener and an inner surface of the rear wall of the blade holder such that the inner surface of the wall offers support to the stiffener to oppose bending of the scraper blade caused by scraping the belt.
US07950518B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for aligning at least one voucher (12 to 18). The apparatus has first and second transport elements (24 to 52, 224 to 252) for transporting the voucher (12 to 18) on a transport plane (10) of a transport path. At least one first rotating transport element (38 to 52, 238 to 252) generates a driving force acting on the voucher (12 to 18) obliquely to the center axis (20) lying on the transport plane (10) of the transport path. At least one second rotating transport element (24 to 36, 224 to 296) generates a driving force acting on the voucher (12 to 18) parallel to the center axis (20). At least one first drive unit (304, 306, 313 to 322b) moves the first rotating transport element (38 to 52, 238 to 252) at least to the transport plane (10). At least one second drive unit (304, 306, 313 to 322) moves the second rotating transport element (24 to 36) at least to the transport plane (10). Further, the apparatus comprises a pressure unit (278a, 278b) that applies a pressure force when in a pressure position to the voucher (12 to 18).
US07950515B2
The invention relates to a moving walkway formed by a series of pallets (1) with a rectangular contour having a passable surface and connected with drive means. The pallets are consecutively connected to one another along the end sections of their adjacent parallel edges, by means of connection devices defining hinges with a pin perpendicular to the direction of movement of the pallets, and have between said sections means defining, in the forward movement path of the walkway, mutual supports between coplanar consecutive pallets.
US07950511B2
The invention relates to a device for a seat height adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat, comprising a drive element which can be driven in opposite directions of rotation, and a driven element which can be driven by means of this drive element, and also comprising two unilaterally acting freewheels which are arranged between this drive element and this driven element and are connected to run in opposite directions, and of which in each case one can be brought out of engagement by means of an unlocking device, and further comprising a restoring device, by means of which the drive element can automatically be brought back into the neutral position when it is deflected out of its neutral position, wherein, in order to allow a fine adjustability of the driven element driven by the drive element, the pivotability of the drive element is limited by means of two stops.
US07950509B2
A dual compartment, dual open mouth tool bag is fabricated from flexible material forming the side and top panels of the bag and the dual access openings. Each of the separate open mouth openings provides separate access to an individual compartment within the bag. The compartments may, in an alternative embodiment, be connected one to the other or may be separated by an intermediate open top storage compartment.
US07950499B2
A control apparatus for an elevator has a support device mounted on a car, a detection device for detecting the position of the car, and a control unit for controlling operation of the elevator based on information from the detection device. The support device has a rail holding member, which is displaceable with respect to the car and is guided by a guide rail located in a hoistway in which the car moves. The detection device is located on the rail holding member.
US07950497B2
The invention relates to a device 10 for stabilising ladders 60 that bridge a floor 70 and an elevated structure, such as an elevated floor 70 in a multi-storey construction. The device 70 includes a body that is fixable to the elevated structure and an arm 50 extending from the body. The arm 50 has a tab 52 which engages a beam 64 of the ladder 60 when the ladder 60 is abutting an edge 40 of the body. In this arrangement, outward sliding movement of a heel of the ladder is prevented and thus the ladder 60 is stabilised.
US07950492B2
An operator's station for a machine having at least two stations comprises a seat mounted to swivel between at least a first position and a second position, at least first and second windshield portions disposed generally opposed or at an angle to one another and generally corresponding to the first and second positions, and at least first and second windshield wipers movably mounted to selectively sweep the first and second windshield portions, respectively. At least one control device selectively renders the first windshield wiper selectively operable when the seat is disposed in the first position and inoperable when the seat is disposed in the second position.
US07950487B2
An exhaust system for a motorcycle includes a bracket which includes a joint portion, an engine support portion, and a swing-arm support portion. The joint portion is configured to be connected to a vehicle-body frame. The engine support portion is configured to support an engine. The swing-arm support portion is provided separately from the joint portion and configured to support a swing arm which is swingable with respect to the vehicle-body frame and at a rear end of which a rear wheel is provided. An exhaust pipe extends rearwards from the engine. A muffler is connected to a rear end of the exhaust pipe and disposed along the swing arm. A muffler is connected to a rear end of the muffler support stay and a front end of which is connected to the bracket separately from the joint portion.
US07950474B2
A method to detect leaks in a rotating control device includes positioning a leak detection device in communication with a chamber located between an upper sealing element and a lower sealing element of the rotating control device, and signaling with the leak detection device when a pressure of the chamber exceeds a selected critical pressure.
US07950469B2
A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function.
US07950460B2
A process is described for replacing at least a portion of the liquid within the annular volume of a casing system within a wellbore with a second liquid. The second liquid is preselected to provide a measure of control of the pressure within the annular volume as the fluid within the volume is being heated.
US07950449B2
A stress and torque reducing tool has a plunger that reciprocates inside of a body. The tool is connected between the pump and the sucker rod string and reduces stress transmitted therebetween. The body and plunger have longitudinally extending surfaces located at the plunger upper end portion, which surfaces cooperate and limit rotation of the body with respect to the plunger. An upper fluid port is located in an upper end of the body, while one or more lower fluid ports are located in a lower end of the body.
US07950445B2
A combined assembly of a fixing base and heat pipes includes a fixing base and at least one heat pipe. The fixing base has a plate body. The bottom surface of the plate body is formed with a transverse opening trough. The opening trough is provided with a through-hole penetrating the plate body. A longitudinal groove is provided in the opening trough at a position corresponding to that of the through-hole. One end of the longitudinal groove does not penetrate the plate body and is formed into a loose-proof section on the bottom section of the opening trough. The heat pipe has a heat-absorbing section and a heat-releasing section. The heat-releasing section penetrates to the outside of the through-hole, and the heat-absorbing section is accommodated in the opening trough. A portion of the heat-absorbing section is inserted into the longitudinal groove and stopped by the loose-proof section, and the other portion thereof is formed with a plane that is in flush with the bottom surface of the plate body. Via the above arrangement, the fixing base can be combined with the heat pipes firmly and tightly.
US07950434B2
An adhering apparatus having a pressurizing tool including a plurality of pressurizing surfaces and rotatably mounted on a base member, a supply reel which supplies a release tape adhered to an adhesive tape along the pressurizing surfaces of a periphery of the pressurizing tool, a cutter which is disposed to face one of the pressurizing surfaces and cuts only the adhesive tape into a predetermined length, and a backup tool supporting a lower surface of the substrate and disposed to face a pressurizing surface located downstream from the pressurizing surface facing the cutter. When the base member is driven downward in the vertical direction, the pressurizing surface facing the backup tool adheres the adhesive tape to the upper surface of the substrate.
US07950432B2
A graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The graphic transfer assembly includes an inflatable member that is capable of expanding to fill the interior of an article of footwear. The graphic transfer assembly can include a fluid pump for filling the inflatable member.
US07950430B2
Pneumatic tires for aircraft service having a belt package with shoulder reinforcement. The tire includes a belt reinforcing structure or belt package having multiple cut belts, multiple spiral wound belt layers positioned radially between the cut belts and the tread, and multiple spiral wound shoulder layers proximate the shoulder. The spiral wound belt layers and the spiral wound shoulder layers are formed by a continuous cord-reinforced strip having a strip width. The spiral wound belt layers are characterized by a first winding pitch of approximately one strip width per revolution and the spiral wound shoulder layers are characterized by a second winding pitch of less than one strip width per revolution. Alternatively, the spiral wound shoulder layers may be formed with a tiered arrangement by shifting the starting location for successive spiral wound belt layers laterally so that the side edges are not coincident.
US07950422B2
A vacuum device for a material handling system includes a vacuum device body and a sealing element. The vacuum device body has a vacuum passageway in which a vacuum is generated in response to activation of a pressurized air supply that forces pressurized air through a venturi device. The sealing element moves to a sealing position to substantially seal the vacuum passageway when the air supply is activated, and is urged toward the sealing position via pressurized air that is diverted from an inlet of the vacuum device to the sealing element. The sealing element moves to substantially vent the vacuum passageway when the air supply is deactivated. The vacuum passageway may be in fluid communication with a vacuum cup, which seals against the object when the sealing element is at the sealing position and the vacuum generating device generates at least a partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway.
US07950417B2
A surge tank is sized to retain a volume of fluid. A fluid inlet/outlet port is attached to the tank, and an elastomeric bladder is disposed within the tank and separates the fluid from a volume of gas. A nozzle system is disposed within the tank and has a nozzle member comprising a first plurality of axially elongate perforations, and a second plurality of perforations. The nozzle member can extend a partial or complete distance with tank. The tank body includes a throat that extends outwardly from a portion of the tank adjacent the port, and a portion of the nozzle member comprising the first plurality of perforations is disposed within the throat. An annular space exists adjacent the nozzle member in the neck to facilitate the flow of solid constituent within the fluid from the tank and into the nozzle member.
US07950414B2
A valve chamber is defined in a valve body of the regulating check valve. A first communicating hole and a second communicating hole communicate the valve chamber with a first flow passage and with a the second flow passage, respectively. A valve element is slidably installed in the valve chamber to seat on or lift away from a valve seat to close or open the first communicating hole. A pressure in the first flow passage urges the valve element away from the valve seat, and a pressure in the second flow passage urges the valve element toward the valve seat. The spring is interposed between the valve element and the valve body to urge the valve element away from the valve seat.
US07950412B2
A toilet refill restrictor apparatus includes an adapter interposed between a fill valve and a refill hose. The adapter is non-removably coupled to the fill valve and is configured with a larger proximal pathway, and a smaller distal metering pathway for restricting the refill flow rate. The adapter may be coupled to a shortened horizontal outlet formed at a top portion of the fill valve. The horizontal outlet is shortened to a length such that the refill hose cannot be connected directly to the outlet. The adapter may also be coupled to a fill valve without a horizontal outlet where an exit port is defined in the vertical conduit of the fill valve. The adapter includes a securing mechanism to prevent removal from the fill valve without excessive force or breaking the adapter.
US07950411B2
A pipe branching arrangement, in particular for a tank farm system, comprises an at least approximately vertically extending hollow body which has at least one lateral connector, further comprising at least one mixproof valve which sits on the connector and produces a closable connection between the hollow body and at least one pipeline. The valve has two closing members, between which there is a leakage space which has a leakage outlet opening, the leakage space having a circumferential wall which extends from an inlet on the connector side to the leakage outlet opening on the outlet side, which is at a distance from the inlet. The circumferential wall has a decline on the gravitational force side of the leakage space in direction to the leakage outlet opening.
US07950407B2
A method and apparatus for supplying greater fluid flow and/or fluid volume from a fluid provided from a facility source to a substrate processing chamber is provided. The apparatus couples to an existing facility fluid source and accumulates the fluid, and the flow characteristics of the accumulated fluid are enhanced for delivery to the processing chamber. The apparatus includes a tank in fluid communication with the facility source and one or more processing chambers, and a valve disposed between the tank and the processing chambers adapted to receive a signal from a controller to facilitate filling or draining of the tank. The apparatus and method affects cost of ownership by altering the pressure and/or volume of the existing facility source without the need to alter the facility source.
US07950403B2
A method of clearing a pipe of contents with an air system. The method may include providing air by the air system at high pressure and low velocity until the contents begin to move within the pipe, providing air by the air system air at low pressure and high velocity until a majority of the contents are removed from the pipe, and continuing to provide air at low pressure and high velocity until substantially all remaining contents are removed from the pipe.
US07950402B1
An applicator system for applying eye shadow is provided that includes flexible body, which may be a bundle of bristles, having a proximal end secured to a handle, and a distal end having a concave shape that is substantially complementary to a portion of a closed eye lid. The concave shape is asymmetrical so that one end of the bristle bundle extends farther out than the other end to facilitate the application of make-up under the brow region and in the corners of the eye area. Eye make-up is preferably applied to the concave brush by a convex-shaped pad of eye shadow in the shape of a cylindrical section having a convex profile that is complementary in shape to the concave profile of the distal end of the bristle bundle.
US07950397B2
A cardiac ablation method including the following steps: inserting a treatment catheter into an atrium of a heart, the treatment catheter including an ultrasound emitter; positioning the ultrasound emitter to face heart tissue within the left atrium outside of a pulmonary vein; emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitter while rotating the ultrasound emitter about a rotation axis; and ablating heart tissue with the ultrasound energy to form a lesion outside of a pulmonary vein.
US07950394B2
A self-customizable dental appliance adapted to lie within the mouth of a person with a connecting arch or a u-shaped style base with upstanding labial and lingual walls. The appliance is formed of a semi-crystalline polypropylene alpha-olefin copolymer containing stereoregular polymerized units of identical tacticity. In one embodiment, the appliance is formed of elastomeric propylene-ethylene copolymers.
US07950393B2
An inflatable balloon cuff associated with a tracheal tube may be adapted to filter microbial secretions and reduce their passage into the lungs. A cuff as provided may include a cross-linked polymeric structure that may serve to exclude certain secretions on the basis of size. The polymeric structure may be incorporated onto all or part of the surface of the inflatable balloon cuff.
US07950389B2
An inhaler (1) is disclosed. It comprises a housing (2) to receive a strip (6) of blisters (6a) each having a puncturable lid (6c) and containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, a mouthpiece through which a dose of medicament is inhaled by a user and, an actuator (3) operable to sequentially move each blister into alignment with a blister piercing member (7, 9). The actuator is also operable to cause the blister piercing element to puncture the lid of a blister such that, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, an airflow through the blister is generated to entrain the dose contained therein and carry it but of the blister and via the mouthpiece into the user's airway.
US07950384B2
Cooking appliance having an external and control panel equipped with one or more regulating valves, where the rotary regulator organ is equipped with various peripheral openings for supplying a flow Q. According to two embodiments of the cooking appliance, for the supply of one or another type of gas, NG or LPG, either the control knob or a bezel disk in the external panel are interchangeable on the appliance, being chosen between two different available units, one and the other permitting two different angular position limits A2, A3 of the regulator organ for the supply of a constant flow Qmin through one or another opening with calibrated sections, respectively for NG or LP gas. An appendix in the control knob guided in a slide groove on the control panel of the appliance, or a tongue on the bezel disk stopping the rotation of the control knob, determines the travel limit A2 for the supply of Qmin of NG.
US07950383B2
A kitchen range subframe includes air channels for passively directing air to and/or from an element enclosure within the kitchen range, and a range component shelf that is configured to mount one or more range components to the kitchen range subframe. The kitchen range subframe provides improved ventilation for the kitchen range, and mounting locations for range components such as gas lines and kitchen range controls.
US07950373B2
A check valve for use with a pump is disclosed. The check valve may have a body at least partially defining a central bore with an open end and a closed end, and a spring guide separate from the body and disposed within the closed end of the central bore. The check valve may also have a spring located within the central bore and having a first end operatively engaged with the spring guide, and a valve element operatively engaged with a second end of the spring and being movable by a pressure differential to compress the spring. The spring guide may be moveable relative to the body.
US07950370B2
A high pressure common rail fuel system is provided including a fuel supply, a high pressure pump assembly fluidly connected to receive fuel from the fuel supply, and a gas supply system fluidly connected to provide gas to the high pressure pump assembly to create a high pressure gas fuel mixture. A common rail fuel system is fluidly connected to the high pressure pump assembly to receive the high pressure gas fuel mixture.
US07950368B2
A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method comprises: during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to before a peak torque timing, and retarding spark timing from the advanced timing toward the peak torque timing in response to decreased engine speed to maintain idling speed.
US07950365B2
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an oil pressure regulating valve having a solenoid, a variable cam phase mechanism for changing a cam phase, and an ECU for controlling the oil pressure regulating valve. The ECU includes an actual cam phase detecting unit, a target cam phase setting unit, a feedback control unit, a coil temperature detecting unit, a circuit resistance calculating unit, and an integral term initial value calculating unit. When an integral term is initialized, the feedback control unit sets the holding output duty as the integral term.
US07950362B2
A variable valve lift apparatus includes an input cam disposed to a input shaft, a valve opening unit, a control shaft parallel to the input shaft, an input link rotatably coupled to the control shaft and contacting the input cam, a control link connected with the input link and eccentrically connected to the control shaft, a connecting link connected with the control link, and a lift arm that is rotatably coupled to the control shaft, is connected with the connecting link, and drives the valve opening unit.
US07950356B2
In an embodiment, an internal combustion engine includes a first cylinder having a first piston and a second piston slidably disposed therein, an intake port arranged to admit a reactant into the first cylinder between the first and second pistons, and an exhaust port axially spaced from the intake port and arranged to exhaust a reaction product from the first cylinder. First and second converters are provided, which are operable with the corresponding first and second pistons, to convert mechanical energy of the first and second pistons to electrical energy and electrical energy to mechanical energy. A control system is provided that is coupled to the first and second converters. The control system is configured to control the application of electrical energy to the first and second converters to selectively position the first and second pistons during specific strokes of the engine cycle.
US07950355B2
An air-cooled engine is provided, in which a cooling fan assembly for inducing a stream of cooling air and a screen member for covering an axial end face of the cooling fan on a suction side are drivingly mounted on a rotary drive shaft of the engine. A fan casing covering the cooling fan assembly and defining an air flow path for the flow of the stream of cooling air is formed with an air intake opening through which the cooling air is introduced towards the cooling fan assembly and the screen member. A cutter is formed in an outer peripheral portion of the screen member or its neighbor so as to protrude axially close to an inner surface of the fan casing at a position downstream of the cooling air from the air intake opening.
US07950351B2
A combined applicator and feeder for livestock includes an applicator for livestock treatment compositions, such as insecticide, and a feeder assembly. An optional liquid applicator assembly includes a cover with a weather-impervious upper layer and a liquid-permeable, absorbent lower layer. An optional liquid reservoir communicates with the cover lower layer for saturating same with liquid, such as pesticide. The feeder assembly provides a support for the cover.
US07950346B2
A liquid dispensing module and nozzle or die tip for discharging at least one liquid filament. The nozzle includes a strand guide for guiding a substrate past the nozzle and a frustoconical protrusion disposed on a surface of the nozzle adjacent the notch. A liquid discharge passage extends along an axis through the frustoconical protrusion and forms an acute angle with a machine direction corresponding to movement of the strand past the nozzle. Four air discharge passages are positioned at the base of the frustoconical protrusion. Each of the air discharge passages is angled in a compound manner generally toward the liquid discharge passage and offset from the axis of the liquid discharge passage to create the controlled pattern of liquid material on the strand.
US07950335B1
A removable tray assembly is disclosed for use with a tripod or easel. The tray assembly includes a shelf having a back edge, a front edge, and two side edges. The tray assembly also includes a pair of support tabs spaced from the back edge of the shelf by respective slots. The removable tray is attached to two legs of the tripod, with one leg passing through each slot. The support tabs contact the side of the tripod legs opposite the shelf and thereby support the shelf in a cantilever fashion.
US07950334B2
A ground coil device for a magnetic levitation railway that can be manufactured with a high productivity and exhibit less fluctuation in strength, reduced weight, and good recyclability, and a process for manufacturing the device. The ground coil device includes a coil conductor covered with a thermoplastic resin molding material containing 100 parts by mass of a thermoplastic resin, from 20 to 200 parts by mass of an inorganic filler, and from 0 to 25 parts by mass of an elastomer. A process for producing the ground coil device for magnetic levitation railway includes filling the thermoplastic resin molding material into a cavity of a metal mold into which the coil conductor is previously inserted, by an injection molding method, to obtain an integrally molded product.
US07950333B2
A track and vehicle assembly for amusement park ride. The assembly includes a track with an arcuate contact surface and banked corners. A levitation circuit is placed along a length of the track with passive electric coils. The assembly includes a vehicle with a body for receiving passengers. The vehicle body includes a bottom surface that is adjacent to the contact surface of the track when the vehicle is positioned on the track. To utilize passive magnetic levitation, the vehicle includes arrays of permanent magnets positioned proximate to the bottom surface of the body. The magnet arrays are arranged, such as Halbach arrays, to produce a substantially one-sided magnetic flux distribution directed outward from the vehicle body. The vehicle is levitated above the track contact surface and allowed to move side-to-side by interaction of the permanent magnets and the coils when the vehicle travels above a minimum velocity.
US07950332B2
An apparatus and method of generating motion including a track having at least one incline portion and at least one decline portion, a cart movably coupled to the track, and one or more magnets arranged along the track such that cart moves along the track by a combination of gravitational and magnetic forces. The motion generator may be used as a power source for a motor or electric generator.
US07950321B2
A hydraulic system includes a master cylinder having a housing, a piston axially movably disposed in the housing, and a piston rod, the piston bounding a pressure chamber filled with a hydraulic fluid, the piston upon actuation of the master cylinder being axially moved by the piston rod to pressurize the hydraulic fluid; an actuating device for moving the piston rod; a slave cylinder; a pressure-medium line connecting the master cylinder and slave cylinder; and at least one damping element arranged between the actuating device and the slave cylinder.
US07950310B2
A magnetic structure for a socket includes a containing body made of a soft material. The containing body has an embedding hole defined therein. A magnetic element is received in the embedding hole. The containing body has a plurality of ribs disposed around an outer periphery of the containing body. When the containing body is embedded into the socket, the rib abuts an inner wall of the socket for appropriately adjusting a compression level of the containing body with respect to the inner wall of the socket to securely couple the containing body with the socket.
US07950303B2
As one example, a propulsion system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a propulsion device configured to provide mechanical work via a crankshaft; a transmission having an input shaft coupled with the crankshaft and an output shaft, wherein said transmission includes a plurality of selectable gear ratios between the input and output shaft; at least one drive wheel coupled with the output shaft; an actuation device configured to adjust the selected gear ratio of the transmission; and a control system configured to adjust an electrical signal provided to the actuation device to obtain an indication of a temperature dependent electrical parameter of the actuation device and to adjust the selected gear ratio of transmission by varying the signal provided to the actuation device in response to said indication.
US07950295B2
A handheld torque measuring meter adapted to measure the downward thrust and torsional force required to apply or remove a screw type closure from the threaded neck or finish of an associated container is disclosed, the handheld meter having a first portion graspable a user, a member adapted to receive a portion of a closure of a container, means connecting said main body to said member including a load cell, and a means for displaying a measurement adapted to receive the output signal from the load cell and indicate one of the torsional force and the linear force required to effect a movement of the closure relative to the associated container.
US07950277B2
An apparatus for actuating a pressure delivery system of a fluid sampler. The apparatus includes a housing (302) having a longitudinal passageway and defining first and second chambers (338, 348). A piston (346) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway between the first and second chambers (338, 348). A valving assembly (356) is disposed within the longitudinal passageway. The valving assembly (356) is operable to selectively prevent communication of pressure from a pressure source of the fluid sampler to the second chamber (348). The valving assembly (356) is actuated responsive to an increase in pressure in the first chamber (338) which longitudinally displaces the piston (346) toward the valving assembly (356) until at least a portion of the piston (346) contacts the valving assembly (356), thereby releasing pressure from the pressure source into the second chamber (348) and longitudinally displacing the piston (346) away from the valving assembly (356).
US07950273B2
An engine misfire system comprises a rough road detection module and a misfire detection module. The rough road detection module selectively generates a rough road indicator based upon a transmission output speed of a vehicle. The misfire detection module selectively diagnoses engine misfire and selectively generates a misfire indicator based on diagnosed engine misfire and the rough road indicator.
US07950270B2
The invention relates to a method and a device (16) for detecting volatile analytes in air samples, where a masssensitive sensor (20) with at least one sensor area (21) which is equipped with a surface layer with selective sensitivity for the analyte(s) to be detected is brought into contact with the air sample to be analyzed, the mass change of the surface layer is detected in the form of electrical signals and the electrical signals are evaluated. It is provided in accordance with the invention that the sensor signal is already evaluated at a point in time at which the maximum sensor signal for the analyte concentration in question is not yet obtained.
US07950267B2
Methods and systems for determining an LPG fuel output characteristic of an LPG injector. The output characteristic of the LPG can be determined by calculating a total mass of LPG injected into a canister of known volume by the injector during a plurality of open/closed cycles of the injector. The pressure differential and temperature in the canister can be used in the calculation of total LPG mass along with a gas constant of the LPG and the volume of the canister. The total LPG mass can then be used to determine the mass of LPG injected by the injector during each open/closed cycle.
US07950266B2
A method and apparatus for testing the functionality of automatic air valves positioned at high points of a pipeline system are provided. The invention generally provides a testing flange and a process for performing various fluid pressure tests to determine whether automatic air valves are properly releasing and/or stabilizing air within a pipeline system.
US07950258B2
A drum type washing machine including a tub, the tub having a wall for mounting a driving unit thereto, a drum mounted inside the tub, a shaft passed through the tub and coupled to the drum, for trans mission of driving force from a motor to the drum, at least one bearing, a bearing housing, a stator to form the motor with a rotor, wherein the stator includes an annular helical type core, an insulator insert molded with the helical type core to cover an outside surface of the helical type core, and fastening portions formed as a unit with the insulator projected from an inside circumferential surface of the helical type core toward a center of the stator, for fastening the stator to the tub supporter, wherein the fastening portion has a fastening hole at a center fastening the stator to the wall of the tub.
US07950248B2
A refrigerator includes a main body cabinet which includes an external cabinet, and an internal cabinet disposed inside the external cabinet and including a partition wall forming first and second storage compartments partitioned right and left, one of the first and second storage compartments being provided thereunder with a component compartment accommodating a compressor between the external cabinet and the internal cabinet but the other one being not provided thereunder with the component compartment; a bottom cabinet which is coupled to a bottom of the main body cabinet and accommodates a condenser for condensing a refrigerant received from the compressor accommodated in the component compartment. Thus, the capacity of the storage compartment increases, so that the inner space of the storage compartment can be efficiently used.
US07950244B2
An apparatus for facilitating cooling of an electronics rack is provided. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger and system coolant inlet and outlet plenums mounted to a door of an electronics rack. The inlet and outlet plenums are in fluid communication with the heat exchanger and respectively include a coolant inlet and coolant outlet in the top portions thereof. System coolant supply and return hoses are disposed above the electronics rack and respectively couple in fluid communication the inlet plenum to a system coolant supply header and the outlet plenum to a system coolant return header. The hoses are each flexible, partially looped and of sufficient length to allow for opening and closing of the door. Stress-relief structures are coupled to at least one end of the hoses to relieve stress on the ends of the hoses during opening or closing of the door.
US07950235B1
A jet engine is constructed of a fanjet; a plurality of ramjets provided around said fanjet; a plurality of air flow spaces between said fanjet and said plurality of ramjets; and a cooling jacket provided around said plurality of ramjets.
US07950226B2
In an exhaust aftertreatment system, two LNTs having differing compositions are configured in series downstream from an inline fuel reformer. The downstream LNT is adapted for desulfation at higher temperatures than the upstream LNT. During desulfation, the system develops temperature gradients with the temperatures increasing in the direction of exhaust flow. The ordering of the LNTs is designed utilize these gradients. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes two SCR catalysts having different compositions. The SCR catalyst with a composition adapted to tolerate higher temperatures is located nearer the downstream end of the system.
US07950220B2
A counter-rotating blade stage in lieu of a stator stage may compensate for relatively low rotational speed of a gas turbine engine spool. A first spool may have at least two compressor blade stage and at least two turbine blade stage. A combustor is located between the at least two compressor blade stage and the at least two turbine blade stage along a core flowpath. The at least two counter-rotating compressor blade stage is interspersed with the first spool at least two compressor blade stage. A transmission couples the at least two additional compressor blade stage to the first spool for counter-rotation about the engine axis.
US07950219B2
A dual mode combustor of a gas turbine engine contains at least one dual mode combustor device having a combustion chamber, a fuel air mixing element, a high frequency solenoid valve and a fuel injector. During a first mode of operation the dual mode combustor device operates in a steady, constant pressure deflagration mode, receiving its fuel from the fuel injector. In a second mode of operation the dual mode combustor device operates in a pulse detonation mode, receiving its fuel from the high frequency solenoid valve.
US07950217B2
Systems and methods for exhaust gas recirculation in which at least a desired effective oxygen concentration is maintained for stable combustion at increased recirculation rates. Oxygen-enriched gas is injected into the recirculated exhaust gas to achieve the desired effective oxygen concentration.
US07950214B2
The present invention is directed to auxiliary apparatus for augmenting the pressure head of a gas flowing in a pipeline that may be provided by at least one gas turbine running a first pressure augmenting means, said auxiliary apparatus comprising: a vapor turbine operatively connected to a second pressure augmenting means; first connection means for providing fluid communication between said pipeline and said second pressure augmenting means; second connection means for providing fluid communication between said first pressure augmenting means and said second pressure augmenting means; and heating means for vaporizing a working fluid of said vapor turbine. In one embodiment, a bypass means for said pipeline having a bypass conduit and shut-off valve system are provided for connecting said first pressure augmenting means to the downstream portion of said pipeline via a bypass conduit. In a further embodiment, the vaporizer of the working fluid utilizes the heat of an intermediate fluid. Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for augmenting the pressure head of a gas flowing in a pipeline for transporting natural gas in a natural gas pipeline transmission system.
US07950211B1
A power tool for facilitating an operator's cutting of foliage over and along the ground, the tool including a case; a tubular shaft fixedly attached to and extending forwardly from the case; a flexible line trimmer head mounted at the tubular shaft's distal end; a motor housed within the case; an axle linking the flexible line trimmer head with the motor, the axle extending through the tubular shaft; and a handle and wheeled carriage combination connected operatively to case, the handle and wheeled carriage combination being adapted for alternatively facilitating manual movement of the case, tubular shaft, trimmer head, motor, and axle during the operator's over the ground foliage cutting, and facilitating rolling movement of the case, tubular shaft, trimmer head, motor, and axle during the operator's along the ground foliage cutting.
US07950210B2
A cutter bar drive system for a draper header has a cutter bar disposed at a leading edge of the header to cut crop. A cutter bar gear box in operative engagement with the cutter bar is mounted on a forward portion of the header with a drive train mounted on the header to drive the gear box and cutter bar. An external flywheel is mounted along the drive train remote from the gear box and is engaged with the drive train to reduce vibration in the cutter bar and gear box from a remote, external position.
US07950207B2
A packaging machine for producing packs from packagings filled with items, by means of which the shelf life of items that need to breathe can be improved is proposed. This is achieved according to the invention by means for influencing the atmosphere in the space inside the packs (26) in a way dependent on the breathing rate of the item (4).
US07950197B1
An apparatus for fixing the sheathing of an end of a tendon within an anchor body of a post-tension anchor system has an anchor body that has a cavity formed in an interior thereof, a tendon extending into the cavity that has a sheathing extending at least partially thereover and has a sheathed portion and an unsheathed portion, a pair of wedges in engagement with the unsheathed portion of the tendon in the cavity of the anchor body, and at least one wedge member engaged with the sheathed portion. The wedge member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is of a generally constant thickness and has an end adjacent the pair of wedges. The second portion has a first end and a second end, the second portion being of a decreasing thickness from the first end to the second end.
US07950196B1
An anchorage for post-tension system has an anchor body with an interior passageway, a polymeric encapsulation extending over the anchor body so as to define a trumpet extending outwardly on one side of the anchor body, and an annular seal formed so as to extend inwardly relative to a wall of the trumpet. The annular seal is in liquid-tight sealing relation with an outer surface of a tendon extending through the interior passageway. A fixing element is formed within the interior passageway so as to fix a position of the sheathing on the tendon.
US07950192B2
A framed panel and related method of manufacture are disclosed. A framed panel unit includes a panel along the edge of which thermoplastic frame members are disposed. The frame members have first and second opposed side walls which define a channel for receiving the edge of the panel. The channel of each frame member has spacers between the panel and each side wall for spacing the panel from the side walls. Prior to welding together the ends of the frame members, the spacers retain the frame members on the panel. The panel may include multiple opposed sheet members with a spacer between the sheet members spacing them apart, and a reactive thermoplastic sealant material bonding the sheets to the frame members. An associated method of forming a named panel, frame members for a panel, and a spacer component for use in mounting a panel within a channel of a frame member are also disclosed.
US07950190B2
A concrete panel lifting insert assembly that includes an X-shaped foot and an insert, which is generally pear-shaped or triangular-shaped, having a bottom side which is elongated. The insert's bottom side is secured to a cross-member of the X-shaped foot such that the insert stands in a vertical orientation. The other cross-member of the X-shaped foot is in a transverse tangential orientation to that of an opening formed by the pear-shaped or triangular-shaped insert. This other cross-member optionally includes elevated C-shaped clips for engaging rebar material to provide additional strength.
US07950188B1
A gutter protector formed of a flexible open cell porous foam has at least one undulated bottom surface. The undulations of the bottom surface may be ridges defining generally parallel channels to direct water through the gutter passageway. Optionally, undulations may be provided on one side surface. Such undulations on the side surface may be ridges or other convolute cut projections that are compressible and help to secure the gutter protector under compression within the gutter passageway.
US07950186B2
A vehicle seal assembly incorporates an integrated attachment feature to secure a flexible seal to closely spaced inner and outer body panels joined along a flange region. First and second spaced openings are aligned in a direction extending from the flange region. The seal assembly includes a generally planar portion having a finger secured at one end and extending outwardly in a generally parallel direction to the planar portion. The finger extends through the first opening and directs the seal assembly as the seal assembly is advanced toward the second opening where a retaining member snap fits therethrough for retaining the weatherstrip to the body panel.
US07950169B2
A fluid-filled chamber may be incorporated into footwear and other products. The chamber is formed from a polymer material that defines a first surface, a second surface located opposite the first surface, and a sidewall surface extending around a periphery of the chamber and between the first surface and the second surface. A plurality of bonds are spaced inward from the sidewall surface and join the first surface and the second surface, and the bonds are distributed to form a regularly-spaced array, such as a hexagonal array. In some configurations, the first surface and the second surface may define elliptically-shaped structures between the bonds. In addition, the bonds may be formed to have a slope that is an average of slopes of the first surface and the second surface in areas proximal the bonds.
US07950168B2
A sole construction includes a cushion insert that is installable in the sole at different orientations to vary the support/cushioning characteristics of the sole. The sole construction may include a midsole defining a receptacle configured to receive the cushion insert in different orientations. The sole may be inserted into low-profile footwear having an outsole with a receptacle for retaining a corresponding differentiated heel portion of the sole. The sole may be included in a shoe construction having an outsole portion capable of bending or pivoting to provide access to the cushion insert for adjustment thereof. The sole may be included in a shoe construction having an outsole that defines an opening, through which the cushion insert may be accessed and manipulated. The cushion insert may include at least one channel that varies in depth about the insert so that different regions of the insert provide different support/cushioning characteristics.
US07950167B2
A sole construction having a cushion insert that is installable in the sole at different orientations to vary the support/cushioning characteristics of the sole. The sole construction may include a midsole defining a receptacle configured to receive the cushion insert in a plurality of different orientations. The cushion insert and the receptacle may include a plurality of lobes that are interfitted when the cushion insert is installed in the receptacle. The size, shape and configuration of the lobes may be varied between different regions of the cushion insert so that different regions of the cushion insert provide different support/cushioning characteristics. The cushion insert and the receptacle may be generally disc-shaped so that the sole is adjusted simply by rotating the cushion insert with respect to the receptacle. The lobes may be configured so that rotation of the cushion insert adjusts the sole between supination, pronation, soft and firm settings.
US07950165B2
An alignment apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of first members (12) and a plurality of second members (14). First and second co-operating formations (16, 22) are provided on the first and second members. The co-operating formations can co-operate with one another to secure the first members to the second members. The first members include spaced alignment formations arranged to align the placement of articles on the surface. The first co-operating formations may constitute the alignment formations.
US07950164B2
A roundness measuring apparatus includes: a stylus having a contact part; a holding member that holds the stylus while allowing displacement of the contact part; an elastic member that presses the contact part against a measurement target object; a detector holder that supports the holding member rotatably; a motor; an elastic force adjustment member that is rotatable and concentric with the holding member; a joining section that joins the elastic force adjustment member with the holding member to maintain relative rotational positions; and a restricting section that restricts rotation of the elastic force adjustment member at a predetermined rotational position. The displacement direction of the contact part is adjusted in a first rotation range. The rotational position of the holding member relative to the rotational position of the elastic force adjustment member changes with the rotation of the elastic force adjustment member being restricted in a second rotation range.
US07950158B2
A device and method for measuring the interior dimensions of a glove is provided. The internal glove sizing device disclosed may be used for quickly and automatically measuring the interior dimensions of a glove during and/or after manufacturing so that quality control personnel and customers can verify glove compliance with certain specifications and to ensure quality control.
US07950148B2
A holding sealer for an exhaust gas purifying device includes a sheet member including inorganic fibers and having a first surface and a second surface substantially facing each other and perpendicular to a direction of thickness of the sheet member. At least one of the first and second surfaces has a profile including projecting portions and depressed portions. The projecting and depressed portions of the profile have a maximum difference, h. The h satisfies about 0.4 mm≦h≦9 mm.
US07950147B2
A method for producing gas turbine components, in particular blades, blade sections or rotors with integral blades for a jet engine is provided. The method comprises at least the following steps: preparation of at least one metallic powder and at least one expanding agent; mixing of the metallic powder or each metallic powder with the expanding agent or each expanding agent; compression of the resultant mixture to form at least one semi-finished product; expansion of the semi-finished product or each semi-finished product by heating to achieve a defined degree of expansion; termination of the expansion process by cooling, once the defined degree of expansion has been reached.
US07950146B2
A method of forming a rotor for a turbine engine such that the rotor is formed of two materials including: an outer ring formed from a first steel material, and a disk formed from a second material, such as a low alloy steel, having a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the first material forming the inner disk. The ring may include an inner aperture having a conical shape, and the disk may have an outer surface with a conical shape and a diameter with a portion that is larger than a portion of the ring. The ring may be heated such that the aperture expands to a size greater than the largest diameter of the inner disk. The ring may be positioned over the disk and allowed to cool to allow the ring to be attached to the disk. The ring and disk may then be co-forged.
US07950145B2
For determining the types of component holding members equipped to a plurality of holding-member equipping sections, a detection sensor having a detection optical axis in a direction intersecting with the arrayed direction of the respective holding-member equipping sections is used, and the respective holding-member equipping sections have a first detection position where interrupting of the detection optical axis is detectable only when a second component holding member is equipped and a second detection position where interrupting of the detection optical axis is detectable when the component holding member of any type is equipped. Consequently, by sequentially positioning the detection optical axis at the respective detection positions and detecting the presence of interrupting, the type of the equipped component holding member is determined only by the detection sensor.
US07950136B2
A process to manufacturing a TMR read head with improved voltage breakdown is performed by laying down the AP1 layer as two or more layers. Each AP1 sub-layer is exposed to a low energy plasma for a short time before the next layer is deposited. This results in a smooth surface, onto which to deposit the tunneling barrier layer, with no disruption of the surface crystal structure of the completed AP1 layer.
US07950129B2
A first and a second object (1 and 2) are joined with the aid of a joining element (8) including at least in the region of its distal and proximal ends (8.1 and 8.2) a thermoplastic material. Two blind holes (5 and 6) facing each other are provided in the two objects (1 and 2) and the joining element (8) is positioned in the blind holes such that its distal and proximal ends (8.1) are in contact with the bottom faces of the blind holes and such that there is a gap (9) between the two objects (1 and 2). This assembly is then positioned between a support (3) and a sonotrode (4). The sonotrode (4) and the support (3) are forced towards each other, while the sonotrode (4) is vibrated, thereby liquefying at least part of the material having thermoplastic properties, there, where the joining element ends (8.1 and 8.2) are pressed against the bottom faces of the holes (5 and 6) and allowing the liquefied material to infiltrate into pores of the hole surfaces or unevennesses or openings provided in the hole surfaces.
US07950128B2
A device (100) for assembling a pneumatic booster (200) wherein a cover (203) of the booster is housed in a support (101) and a cylindrical cap (104) whose internal volume (107) is greater than a volume of a cylinder (206) of the booster, covers the cylinder placed on the cover. A gearing element (110) of the device rotates two sets of rollers (109A and 109B) about the booster and an eccentric (118) controlled by the gearing element allows an oscillating movement of the rollers against a wall of the booster. The swaging is achieved by alternately applying the rollers (109A) and (109B) and an angle of attack (114A) of the first rollers is greater than an angle of attack (114B) of the second rollers.
US07950121B2
A method for rounding edges of parts, in particular of turbo engines, is disclosed. An edge to the surfaces is rounded, the edge being created by at least two adjacent surfaces of the part. A blasting jet consisting mostly of abrasive particles is directed at its center approximately tangentially to the angle bisecting line between the surfaces at the edge and is moved at a defined rate of advance in relation to the part along the edge such that there is a defined removal of material of the part with rounding toward the surfaces.
US07950114B2
A self-adhering device connects two portions in a surface-to-surface interfaced juxtaposition by resiliently interspersing undercut nodules within corresponding receptors. At least one portion is generally flexible. The device may be configured in diverse configurations including alternative geometries, double-sided embodiments, and embodiments with no greater thickness when attached than when unattached. The method of use includes application of a relative compressive force to the portions which may be optionally provided by a sliding mechanism.
US07950110B2
In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection of a fiber bundle comprising textile fibers, especially for combing, which is supplied by means of a supply device to a fiber-sorting device, especially a combing device, for removal of the combed fiber material at least one take-off device with a sliver-forming element is present, downstream of which is a drafting system. To increase productivity and obtain an improved combed sliver, downstream of the supply device there are at least two rotatably mounted rollers rotating rapidly without interruption, which are provided with the clamping devices for the fiber bundle, and between the sliver-forming element and the drafting system at least one conveyor element for a formed combed sliver is present.
US07950103B2
A portable vacuum cleaning system includes a portable vacuum unit for cleaning debris. The vacuum unit is powered by a self-contained first battery and may be carried with a strap in backpack-fashion. The system also includes a cart defining a receptacle for receiving the vacuum unit. The vacuum unit may be used when supported by the cart or when carried by an operator. A second battery is supported by the cart and electrically connectable to the vacuum unit for charging the first battery when the vacuum unit is supported by the cart. Further, when disposed in the cart, the vacuum unit is disposed at an angle of about 45 degrees allowing for ease of movement of the cart.
US07950102B2
An upright vacuum cleaner having a steering unit is provided. The upright vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body having a suction motor and a dust separating and collecting unit, a suction port assembly rotatably connected to a lower portion of the cleaner body, a handle mounted to the cleaner body, and a steering unit to elastically support the cleaner body so that the center of gravity of the cleaner body shifts to the direction where the cleaner body is rotated, according to the rotation of the cleaner body to the left or right.
US07950100B2
An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a tissue cleanser. The tissue cleanser may be a pad composed of an elastomeric material. The pad is disposed on the head on a surface opposite the tooth cleaning elements. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of nubs extending for cleaning between the papillae of the tongue. The tissue cleanser may include a plurality of conically shaped nubs. A tissue cleanser can be used to reduce oral malodor problems and remove oral epithelial cells.
US07950096B2
A method for transferring fluids and personnel between a work vessel and an offshore marine platform includes the placement of an elongated self-supporting frame between the work vessel and the marine platform. A walkway is provided on the frame. Pipe racks are provided on the frame, one pipe rack on each side of the frame so that a pair of pipe racks are on opposing sides of the frame. Hand rails are mounted in between the walkway and each pipe rack. A fluid holding pan extends under the walkway and the flowlines. In this fashion, fluid that falls from either a pipe rack or a walkway to the pan can travel through a common drain or collection area.
US07950088B2
A user interface of a cleaning appliance and the method of operation for a cleaning appliance having a single dose treating chemistry dispenser and a bulk dispensing system.
US07950087B2
A commercial laundry system is disclosed. The commercial laundry system includes a plurality of laundry machines that independently perform washing and/or drying, a plurality of receiving devices provided at the respective laundry machines for receiving a signal, and a single payment device for transmitting a signal for use permission to the receiving device of any one of the laundry machines and separately controlling authorities to use the laundry machines.
US07950085B2
A system addressing the problem of storing and supporting outdoor items used while camping without transporting any additional equipment. The system provides a plurality of camp tools that are integral to a shovel, so as to provide the intended function without interfering with the normal usage of the shovel.
US07950068B2
A headwear assembly, comprising a crown, a bill attached to said crown, and extending outwardly therefrom. The bill comprises an upper bill portion comprising a first periphery and a first closure means disposed along that first periphery, a lower bill portion comprising a second periphery and a second closure means disposed along that second periphery, wherein the first periphery can be releaseably attached to the second periphery by releaseably attaching the first closure means to the second closure means to define an enclosed space between the upper bill portion and the lower bill portion.
US07950067B2
A kneepad includes connectors (32 and 34) at its lower side edges (30 and 31) below the position of articulation of the joint. The connectors are biased toward a plurality of ribs (40) integrally formed in the external side surface of the outer hard shell (22) for trapping the side seams of the pant leg against the ribs and holding the kneepad firmly in place.
US07954165B2
A scanning probe microscope is provided, which can be stably used for a long time even if excitation efficiency varies during scan. A cantilever (5) is excited, and the cantilever (5) and a sample are subjected to relative scanning. A second-harmonic component detection circuit (31) detects second-harmonic component amplitude of oscillation of the cantilever (5) as integral-multiple component amplitude. The second-harmonic component amplitude is amplitude of a second-harmonic component having a frequency twice as high as excitation frequency. An excitation intensity adjustment circuit (33) controls excitation intensity based on the detected second-harmonic component amplitude such that the second-harmonic component amplitude is kept constant.
US07954158B2
The present invention provides a system, method, and program product for characterizing computer attackers by obtaining attack pattern information about computer attacks performed over time and generating an attacker signature for each attacker based on the attack pattern information.
US07954142B2
A system, computer-implementable method, and computer-usable medium for resolving discrepancies between diverse firewall designs. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a firewall design manager receives at least two designs for a rule-based system and computing at least one functional discrepancy between the at least two designs utilizing decision diagrams.
US07954136B2
The invention provides a method and system for locally tracking network usage and enforcing usage plans at a client device. In an embodiment of the invention, a unique physical key, or token, is installed at a client device of one or more networks. The key comprises a usage application and one or more access parameters designated the conditions and/or limits of a particular network usage plan. Upon initial connection to the network, the usage application grants or denies access to the network based on an analysis of the current values of the access parameters. Therefore, network usage tracking and enforcement is made simple and automatic without requiring any back-end servers on the network while still providing ultimate flexibility in changing billing plans for any number of users at any time.
US07954133B2
Digital living network alliance (DLNA) enabled portable electronic devices are provided that include a DLNA device circuit and a DLNA management console circuit. The DLNA device circuit is configured to attach the portable electronic device to an existing DLNA network having at least one existing DLNA management console so as to allow the portable electronic device to be a source for data on the existing DLNA network. The DLNA management console circuit is configured to enable the portable electronic device to operate as a portable management console for the existing and/or a new DLNA network. Related management consoles and methods of operating DLNA enabled portable electronic devices are also provided.
US07954123B2
A method, computer readable medium, and system for advertisement and content distribution are provided. Supplementary content is synchronized with advertisement slots, or commercial intervals, of a program stream and distributed via separate multicast group addresses. The program content is distributed via an alternative multicast group address during commercial intervals. Ports associated with respective users are mapped or otherwise associated with multiple multicast group addresses in a forwarding table thereby allowing distribution of supplementary content, or alternatively the program content, during commercial intervals.
US07954119B2
In one arrangement, apparatus for attaching a disk to a spindle of a spinstand has a spindle adapter. The spindle adapter has a drawbar movably disposed within. The drawbar has a connector end that is reversibly connectable to the cap and has a piston that is connectable to a source of fluid pressure. The drawbar is movable in response to fluid pressure so as to urge together the cap and the spindle adapter when connected. The cap and the spindle adapter are capable of holding a disk therebetween. In another arrangement, a movable stage movable over a deck of a spinstand has a lift stage arranged to hold a cap with a disk positioned thereon. The lift stage has at least one actuator for raising the lift stage so that the cap can be connected with a spindle adapter of an inverted spindle of a spinstand.
US07954109B1
Systems, device and methods are provided for displaying time sorted data events captured in a multi-protocol communications system. Initially, data events are captured in connection with detection of one or more trigger conditions, and each captured data event includes a clock timestamp. The captured data events are then sorted and displayed by a graphical user interface according to their respective clock timestamp. Once the data events have been sorted and displayed, then the temporal relationships and causal relationships, if any, between and among the captured data events can be determined.
US07954098B1
A bulk install which evaluates prerequisites and performs installations of agents for multiple remote host computers performs a prerequisite check to identify prerequisite files, resources, or other objects expected by each agent on the hosts, and identifies potential shortcomings or failures before installation. A GUI identifies agents for installation on a plurality of host computers, which allows agent specification on an agent type, operating system, or individual host basis. Install files for each agent are identified and retrieved from a common media repository for transport to the target host. The prerequisite checks are also performed in bulk prior to the bulk install, such that the checks prevent a failed prerequisite check from disrupting an entire install. Such bulk install operations mitigate the time-consuming, repetitive nature of the conventional single agent install by iteratively installing each of the agents on the proper host.
US07954085B2
Multiple interface versions including a current interface version and at least one earlier interface version are supported. A call is received at an interface version. A data structure from the current interface version data structures is retrieved. An event comprising a reference to the call is fired. Listeners for events are provided. A listener initiates the processing of a side effect of the current interface version, if appropriate to the call, wherein a side effect is a process in addition to the main purpose of the interface.
US07954075B2
One set of illegal vector sequences is manually generated for a circuit design and a symbolic simulator is used to automatically generate another set of illegal vector sequences for the circuit design. For verification purposes, the relationship between the manually generated set and the automatically generated set is determined. Prior to determining this relationship, one or both of the sets are simplified. One simplification technique includes replacing pairs of illegal vector sequences that are the same except at one bit position with a more general illegal vector sequence representative of both illegal vector sequences of the pair. Another simplification technique includes sorting the illegal vector sequences in a list having a sort order from most general to most specific and then identifying illegal vector sequences that are redundant in view of one or more other illegal vector sequences prior in the sort order based on a binary decision diagram (BDD)-based analysis that sequences through the sorted list in its sort order.
US07954074B2
A logic design support system which supports logic design using an HDL includes: RTL analysis means for receiving, as input, an RTL including a dedicated comment as a comment statement specifying expansion of a generate statement, detecting the dedicated comment from the input RTL, and retrieving a generate statement to be expanded; logic expansion means for expanding the generate statement retrieved by the RTL analysis means; and RTL output means for merging a portion not retrieved by the RTL analysis means from the input RTL with a portion expanded by the logic expansion means, and generating and outputting output RTL.
US07954068B2
A method, computer system and computer readable medium regarding an extensible master-slave user interface with distinct interaction models is presented. A slave region is displayed in a Graphical User Interface (GUI), the slave region displaying a current state. A master region is displayed in the GUI, the master region displaying a previous state. When a user selects content in the slave region then the master region is removed from the GUI, a new master region is displayed in the GUI, the new master region containing a view of contents of the slave region, the slave region is removed from the GUI and the content selected by the user is displayed in a new slave region in the GUI.
US07954065B2
A computer-implemented method includes displaying, within a user interface in a digital media system, a media pane having a vertical direction and horizontal direction, displaying, within the media pane, a plurality of thumbnail groups, each thumbnail group comprising one or more thumbnails collectively representing a corresponding media item, a first thumbnail group being displayed as arranged in a first row extending across the media pane in the horizontal direction such that the first thumbnail group is displayed substantially adjacent to a first vertical edge of the media pane and subsequent thumbnail groups are displayed substantially adjacent to one another in the first row until a thumbnail group in the first row is displayed substantially adjacent to a second vertical edge of the media pane, and displaying a next thumbnail group in a second row vertically displaced from the first row.
US07954055B2
A system which analyzes, organizes and stores electronic documents in a document object model using a common markup language. The document object model is stored on a server the content is delivered to the wireless devices in a universal content system format. By utilizing the document object model and the universal content stream with a corresponding reader on the wireless device, the electronic document is reduced to only the essential content and the necessary format information for transmission.
US07954053B2
An extraction-rule generation and training system uses information obtained from multiple markup language documents (e.g. web pages) of similar structure to generate an extraction rule for extracting datapoints from markup language documents. Where the structures of two or more documents are not sufficiently similar, the system maintains separate extraction rules for the same datapoint, and applies these separate extraction rules in combination to particular markup language documents to extract the datapoint.
US07954050B2
Systems and methods for rendering document-based user interface software objects are disclosed. User interface software objects may be represented in a document object model on a first computer system. These objects may then be communicated to a second computer system on which they are similarly rendered through use of a document object model on a second computer system. A document on a first computer system may also be updated to reflect either user input through a user interface software object included in the document, or changes induced by server side logic. The updates may be incrementally communicated to and rendered in a second computer system. Location-neutral user interface software objects may be developed without regard to whether the software object will ultimately reside on a client or server computer system, wherein the user interface software object is equally capable of being supported on either one of a client or server computer system.
US07954049B2
A facility for annotating media files is described. In various embodiments, the facility displays a timeline indicating a duration of the media file, determines that an annotation is associated with the media file, and displays in an area near the timeline an indication of the associated annotation. In various embodiments, the facility displays a timeline indicative of a duration of the media file, receives an indication to add an annotation at an annotation time relative to the duration of the timeline, receives and stores an annotation, associates the annotation with the annotation time, and displays an indication of the stored annotation at an area near the timeline.
US07954033B2
A decoding method in a communication system using a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code. The method includes determining whether an LDPC codeword to be decoded is a general LDPC codeword to which a puncturing scheme is not applied or a punctured LDPC codeword to which the puncturing scheme is applied; if the LDPC codeword to be decoded is the punctured LDPC codeword, generating a child parity check matrix according to a mother parity check matrix indicative of a parity check matrix of the general LDPC codeword, and a puncturing pattern applied to the punctured LDPC codeword; and decoding the punctured LDPC codeword according to the child parity check matrix.
US07954029B2
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for performing Built-In Self Tests (BIST) on memories. One such BIST includes loading microcode instructions into a main microcode sequencer and loading subroutine instructions into a subroutine microcode sequencer on the memory. The microcode instructions generate subroutine calls to the subroutine microcode sequencer. The subroutine instructions generate memory operation codes, address codes, and data codes for testing a memory device. BIST addresses are generated in response to the memory operation codes and the address codes. BIST data are generated in response to the memory operation codes and the data codes. Conventional memory commands are created by generating command signals, address signals, and data signals for the memory in response to the memory operation codes, the BIST data, and the BIST addresses. Test results output data may be stored in a data checker in the form of information stored in data registers or checksum registers.
US07954026B2
A device test architecture and interface is provided to enable efficient testing embedded cores within devices. The test architecture interfaces to standard IEEE 1500 core test wrappers and provides high test data bandwidth to the wrappers from an external tester. The test architecture includes compare circuits that allow for comparison of test response data to be performed within the device. The test architecture further includes a memory for storing the results of the test response comparisons. The test architecture includes a programmable test controller to allow for various test control operations by simply inputting an instruction to the programmable test controller from the external tester. The test architecture includes a selector circuit for selecting a core for testing. Additional features and embodiments of the device test architectures are also disclosed.
US07954024B2
A process of selecting alternative test circuitry within an integrated circuit enables a test access port. Scan test instruction data is loaded into an instruction register of a test access port TAP, the instruction data including information for selecting the alternative test circuitry. An Update-IR instruction update operation is performed at the end of the loading to output scan test control signals from the instruction register. A lockout signal is changed to an active state to disable the test access port and enable scan test circuits.
US07954019B2
A flash storage device and a testing method and a testing system for the flash storage device are provided. The testing system includes a testing apparatus and the flash storage device. The flash storage device includes a controller, a flash memory module, a plurality of peripheral pins and at least one test pin. The flash storage device receives an enable signal transmitted from the testing apparatus through the test pin. Subsequently, the controller outputs a signal to the testing apparatus through each peripheral pin based to the enable signal. Finally, the testing apparatus verifies the signal outputted by each peripheral pin.
US07954018B2
A system and method for defect analysis of multi-level memory cell devices and embedded multi-level memory in system-on-chip integrated circuits are disclosed wherein a defect data set is input into the system. When a defect data set is received, an automated test engineering system running a memory test program analyzes the defect data set to generate one or more fail bit locations and one or more fail states of the memory. The multi-level memory defect analysis system and method then classify failed bits or patterns comprising a vertical fail pattern, whereby after being classified, each memory cell failure vertical fail pattern has three data attributes comprising fail type, a number of fail bits/states, and a sequence of the fail states. The vertical fail pattern may comprise a single fail state or multi-state fail. The multi-state fail may be a continuous-states fail, discontinuous-states fail, or all-state fail. The multi-level memory defect analysis system and method may additionally enable classification of failed bits or patterns comprising a lateral fail pattern. The lateral fail pattern may be a gradual fail pattern, periodic fail pattern, or random fail pattern.
US07954015B1
An apparatus for producing a word of a de-interleaved sequence of bits from a sequence of bits stored in a memory is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a read circuit for selecting bits of the stored sequence and forming the selected bits into a word, and a logic network arranged to produce the word of the de-interleaved sequence by concatenating sections of a plurality of words produced by the read circuit. The technique can also be used to achieve interleaving, rather than de-interleaving, of a data sequence.
US07954012B2
Embodiments of the invention are generally related to retrieving debug data from a plurality of nodes of a parallel computer system. To retrieve debug data, a message may be broadcast from a service node of the system to each of the plurality of nodes via a first network, the message indicating a debug operation that is to be performed. A node of the plurality of nodes may transfer an interrupt signal to the rest of the plurality of nodes via a second network. Upon receiving the interrupt signal, the plurality of nodes may perform the debug operation comprising transferring the debug data to the service node via a third network.
US07954008B2
A computerized method for collecting error data and providing error reports relating to occurrences of errors of software applications installed on one or more computing devices is disclosed. Data for describing software applications and identifying software application errors is collected from the computing devices and stored in a catalog. Data associated with error occurrences is obtained and combined with related data being stored in the catalog. A report is generated based on the error occurrences and related catalog data.
US07954007B2
The present invention is directed to the detection of faulty CPU heat sink coupling during system power-up. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: monitoring a slope of a CPU temperature rise from initial system power-up; determining if the slope of the CPU temperature rise exceeds an expected value; and in the case that the slope of the CPU temperature rise exceeds the expected value, indicating an existence of a possible fault (PFA) related to a heat sink coupled to the CPU.
US07954004B2
Apparatus and methods, such as those that read data from non-volatile integrated circuit memory devices, such as NAND flash. For example, disclosed techniques can be embodied in a device driver of an operating system. Errors are tracked during read operations. If sufficient errors are observed during read operations, the block is then retired when it is requested to be erased or a page of the block is to be written. One embodiment is a technique to recover data from uncorrectable errors. For example, a read mode can be changed to a more reliable read mode to attempt to recover data. One embodiment further returns data from the memory device regardless of whether the data was correctable by decoding of error correction code data or not.
US07954003B2
A data storing system including: a first, second and third storage systems providing first, second and third logical volumes; wherein the first logical volume and the second logical volume forms a first replication pair which indicates the first logical volume is a replication source and the second logical volume is a replication destination, and the second logical volume and the third logical volume forms a second copy pair which indicates the second logical volume is the replication source and the third logical volume is the replication destination. The replication pairs may adopt differing possible pair statuses, which may affect consistency between such pairs.
US07953999B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device is provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a central processing unit (CPU) configured to output first control signals in response to a first clock signal, a first bus connected to the CPU, a bridge circuit connected to the first bus, a second bus connected to the bridge circuit, a plurality of peripheral circuits connected to the second bus, and a clock monitor connected to the first bus or the second bus and configured to output a register value corresponding to a second clock signal to the bridge circuit. The bridge circuit receives the first control signals, generates second control signals based on the register value, and outputs the second control signals to one of the peripheral circuits via the second bus.
US07953998B2
A clock generation circuit for a semiconductor memory apparatus includes an internal clock generation unit that receives a clock and generates an internal clock, and a clock selection unit that selectively outputs the clock or the internal clock in response to a selection signal.
US07953996B2
In one embodiment a computer system comprises a processor, a basic input/output system (BIOS) including logic instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to create a virtual AML device data structure, the data structure comprising a plurality of fields to hold arguments to a native firmware function, store at least one argument for the native firmware function in a register of the AML device data structure, store an entry point and a pointer value in a register of the virtual AML device data structure, and initiate an access request to a firmware access register in the AML device data structure.
US07953991B2
A processing system includes a processing module and a memory module for storing plurality of data. A controllable power source supplies a source voltage to the memory module in response to a target voltage. A controller module receives a temperature signal and adjusts the target voltage in response to the temperature signal.
US07953990B2
A method and system of adaptive power control based on post package characterization of integrated circuits. Characteristics of a specific integrated circuit are used to adaptively control power of the integrated circuit.
US07953985B2
A memory card receives an encrypted application program from a host apparatus. The memory card includes an Integrated Circuit (IC) card unit having a tamper resistant function, and a flash memory unit. The IC card unit also includes a tamper resistant storage unit, a program acquisition unit that acquires the encrypted application program from the host apparatus, a storage control unit which stores the acquired encrypted application program in the tamper resistant storage unit or the flash memory unit, and a move control unit. The memory control unit, when the application program stored in the tamper resistant storage unit is to be executed and the size of the application program to be executed in the decrypted form exceeds the size of free space of the tamper resistant storage unit, moves an arbitrary encrypted application program stored in the tamper resistant storage unit to the flash memory unit.
US07953982B2
A method of authenticating a digital signature is provided. The method includes sending a request from a first entity to a second entity, at least some of the request being digitally signed with a base key by the first entity, receiving, at the first entity, a digital signature and a bit-pattern from the second entity, the digital signature having been generated by the second entity using a variant key to digitally sign at least part of data indicative of a value stored in the second entity which is to be authenticated, the variant key being based on the result of applying a one way function to the base key and the bit-pattern, receiving the data at the first entity, generating, at the first entity, the variant key from the bit-pattern and the base key, and authenticating, at the first entity, the digital signature using the generated variant key. Only the first entity includes the base key and the second entity includes the variant key and the bit-pattern.
US07953981B2
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for encoding digital watermarks into content signals. Also disclosed are systems and methods for detecting and/or verifying digital watermarks in content signals. According to one embodiment, a system for encoding of digital watermark information includes: a window identifier for identifying a sample window in the signal; an interval calculator for determining a quantization interval of the sample window; and a sampler for normalizing the sample window to provide normalized samples. According to another embodiment, a system for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding at least one digital watermark using a digital filter is disclosed. According to another embodiment, a method for pre-analyzing a digital signal for encoding digital watermarks comprises: (1) providing a digital signal; (2) providing a digital filter to be applied to the digital signal; and (3) identifying an area of the digital signal that will be affected by the digital filter based on at least one measurable difference between the digital signal and a counterpart of the digital signal selected from the group consisting of the digital signal as transmitted, the digital signal as stored in a medium, and the digital signal as played backed. According to another embodiment, a method for encoding a watermark in a content signal includes the steps of (1) splitting a watermark bit stream; and (2) encoding at least half of the watermark bit stream in the content signal using inverted instances of the watermark bit stream. Other methods and systems for encoding/decoding digital watermarks are also disclosed.
US07953977B2
A security device of this invention includes a nonvolatile storage unit 22 for storing a validity check unit including a counter updated every time signature function means 30 is called up, a volatile storage unit 24 for reading and storing a counter array out of an external nonvolatile storage unit storing the counter array, in which the counter array is obtained by coupling a hash value generated for each signature key with a signature number counter for counting the number of signatures performed by use of the signature key, and a hash function unit 28 for reading the counter array out of the volatile storage unit 24, generating the hash value, and transferring the hash value to the validity check unit for a validity check.
US07953967B2
An information processing apparatus including: a first recording medium which stores a first program; a connection section which is capable of connecting with a second recording medium from outside; and a controller which determines, during BIOS boot-up operation, whether or not the connection section is connected with the second recording medium which stores predetermined authentication information, and if connected, boots a second program stored in the second recording medium, while if not connected, boots the first program stored in the first recording medium.
US07953965B2
A power tool system component has a microprocessor, a one wire communication terminal connecting the microprocessor to an external device, and a flash memory storing: (a) an application program governing operation of an application mode during which the power tool system component is operated; and (b) a boot loader program governing operation of a boot loader mode during which at least part of the application program can be updated. The microprocessor accesses the flash memory and implements the boot loader program and the application program by setting up and observing a temporal window during which one or more predetermined conditions must be met for the boot loader mode to be entered. The predetermined conditions include successful completion of a calibration process that includes sending a calibration byte to the external device according to a format predetermined to allow the external device to adjust its baud rate for sending and receiving information. Upon successful completion of the conditions within the temporal window, the microprocessor sends a confirmation to the device that the conditions have been satisfied and enters the boot loader mode.
US07953959B2
A processor includes: an instruction buffer which holds a group of instructions that can be executed in parallel; an instruction decoding unit which decodes part or all of the group of instructions; and an instruction issuance control unit which detects whether or not a factor obstructing simultaneous execution of the group of instructions exists in the group of instructions and supplies the group of instructions to the instruction decoding unit by controlling the instruction buffer so that the instructions of the group of instructions are sequentially supplied when the factor exists and all the instructions of the group of instructions are simultaneously supplied when the factor does not exist.
US07953956B2
A reconfigurable circuit of reduced circuit scale. The reconfigurable circuit of the present invention comprises a plurality of ALUs capable of changing functions. The plurality of ALUs are arranged in a matrix. At least one connection unit capable of establishing connection between the ALUs selectively is provided between the stages of the ALUs. This connection unit is not intended to allow connection between all the logic circuits in adjoining stages, but is configured so that the logic circuits are each connectable with only some of the logic circuits pertaining to the other stages. The connection limitation allows a reduction in circuit scale.
US07953954B2
Methods and apparatus may operate to receive allocation requests from a processor configured to manage memory comprising a non-volatile memory device configurable as a plurality of blocks comprising a plurality of sectors, assign partial page blocks from the plurality of blocks for memory storage, fill some of the sectors by storing data bits associated with the allocation request in the at least one of the plurality of sectors, determine that the sectors are full, assigning a full page block from the plurality of blocks, and transfer the data bits associated with the allocation request from the partial page blocks to the full page block. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.
US07953949B2
The present invention provides techniques, including a method and system, for relocating data between storage systems. In one embodiment of the present invention a host collects usage information from a plurality of storage systems, and determines the relocation destination LU for data stored in the LU to be relocated. The host alters an LU logical position name table that determines matching between the logical position names of data and LUs. It also carries out data relocation between storage subsystems by shifting data stored in an origin LU to be relocated to a destination LU. In another embodiment relocation of files is provided.
US07953947B2
A storage system and snapshot method wherein after a first processor transfers data stored in a first data area to a second storage system, the first processor transfers a first marker stored in a first marker area to a second storage system so that the first marker is stored in a second marker area of a second volume, wherein a second processor checks whether the first marker stored in the second storage area of the second volume corresponds to a second marker designated, and wherein, if the first marker stored in the second storage are of the second volume is a second marker designated, the second processor creates a snapshot of the data that is stored in the second data area, in a third storage volume.
US07953946B2
Controlling data retention of a collection of data in a data store. An instruction is received to store a shadow collection of data to the data store. The data store has a previous version of the shadow collection of data. An available amount of data storage space on the data store is identified. An amount of data storage space needed is estimated for storing the shadow collection of data to the data store based on the received instruction. It is determined whether the identified available amount of data storage space is sufficient for storing the estimated amount of data storage space. The shadow collection of data is stored to the data store when said determine indicates that the identified available amount of data storage space is sufficient and the previous version is permitted to be deleted or to be overwritten.
US07953945B2
A method for performing backup of a stub object located on a file system managed by a hierarchical storage manager configured to migrate data objects from the file system 10 a migration storage pool includes determining whether a backup copy of the migrated data object is stored in a backup storage pool if the backup is performed in an incremental backup operation. The storage manager recalls the migrated data object to the file system if the backup copy of the migrated data object is not stored in the backup storage pool or if the backup is performed in a selective backup operation. If the migrated data object is recalled, the backup copy of the migrated data object is created and stored in the backup storage pool. If the migrated data object is not recalled, a backup copy of the stub object is created and stored in the backup storage pool.
US07953940B2
The plurality of host systems or the plurality of applications include an insertion unit for sending the identifier. The storage controller includes an analysis unit for identifying a host system or an application based on the identifier contained in the access information and analyzing an access pattern of access information sent from the identified host system or application, a management unit for managing the identifier, the analysis result of the access pattern analyzed with the analysis unit, and a control method for controlling the processing of data to be sent from a host system based on the analysis result or data to be stored in a logical volume, and a data processing controller for controlling the processing of data to be sent from a host system or data to be stored in a logical volume according to the control method managed by the management unit.
US07953939B2
A storage system includes a plurality of disk drives, and a disk controller for controlling the plurality of disk drives. The plurality of disk drives are configured from a plurality of virtual devices, to which logical devices are allocated. The disk controller apparatus comprises a channel adapter connected to the host computer, a disk adapter for accessing predetermined storage regions of the logical devices, cache memory arranged between the channel adapter and the disk adapter, a compression unit for carrying out compression processing on the data, and a power controller for controlling supplying of power to the plurality of disk drives. The disk controller forms logical devices after compression based on data compressed by the compression processing, and the logical devices after compression are allocated to the virtual devices.
US07953935B2
A cache memory system which readily accepts software control for processing includes: a cache memory provided between a processor and memory; and a TAC (Transfer and Attribute Controller) for controlling the cache memory. The TAC receives a command which indicates a transfer and an attribute operation of cache data and a target for the operation, resulting from the execution of a predetermined instruction by the processor, so as to request the operation indicated by the command against the address to the cache memory.
US07953926B2
A SCSI-to-IP cache storage system interconnects a host computing device or a storage unit to a switched packet network. The cache storage system includes a SCSI interface (40) that facilitates system communications with a host computing device or the storage unit, and a Ethernet interface (42) that allows the system to receive data from and send data to the Internet. The cache storage system further comprises a processing unit (44) that includes a processor (46), a memory (48) and a log disk (52) configured as a sequential access device. The log disk (52) caches data along with the memory (48) resident in the processing unit (44), wherein the log disk (52) and the memory (48) are configured as a two-level hierarchical cache.
US07953922B2
The number of content addressable memory (CAM) lookups is reduced from two to one. Each side (left and right sides) of a CAM is programmed with network addresses, such as IP addresses, based on certain bits of the network addresses. These bits of the network addresses (which represent packet routes) are examined and used to determine whether the particular network address is to be placed on the left or right sides of the CAM. The grouping of certain network addresses either on the left or right sides of the CAM can be performed by examining an individual bit of each network address, by performing an exclusive OR (XOR) operation on a plurality of bits of each network address, and/or by searching for bit patterns of the network address in a decision table. Network addresses that cannot be readily assigned to a particular side of the CAM using these grouping techniques are programmed into both sides of the CAM. During packet routing, techniques similar to the grouping techniques that populated the CAM are used to determine which of the two sides of the CAM is to be searched.
US07953917B2
An expander device is configurable to identify itself as an end device and not an edge expander device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US07953916B2
In some embodiments, the invention involves a dynamic interrupt route discovery method with local APIC (Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller) retriggering to accommodate architectures that are not PC/AT compatible. In a mobile Internet device (MID) General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins are dynamically allocated and IRQs are retriggered by a GPIO driver to multiplex the requests to an appropriate device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07953915B2
Disclosed is an interrupt dispatching system and method in a multi-core processor environment. The processor includes an interrupt dispatcher and N cores capable of interrupt handling which are divided into a plurality of groups of cores, where N is a positive integer greater than one. The method generates a token in response to an arriving interrupt; determines a group of cores to be preferentially used to handle the interrupt as a hot group in accordance with the interrupt; and sends the token to the hot group, determines sequentially from the first core in the hot group whether an interrupt dispatch termination condition is satisfied, and determines the current core as a response core to be used to handle the interrupt upon determining satisfaction of the interrupt dispatch termination condition. With the invention, delay in responding to an interrupt by the processor is reduced providing optimized performance of the processor.
US07953913B2
A computing system having a host device and at least one client device having a lock used to prevent modification of data in the client device. A lock clear signal from the host device causes the client device to clear a lock used to prevent modification of data stored in at least a protected portion of the client device where the client device remains fully operational.
US07953912B2
A method of guided attachment of hardware accelerators to slots of a computing system includes dividing a first group of hardware accelerators into a plurality of priority classes, dividing a first group of slots of the computing system into a plurality of hierarchical tiers, and attaching each hardware accelerator of the first group of hardware accelerators to a slot matched to the hardware accelerators based on comparison of a priority class of the hardware accelerator and a hierarchical tier of the slot.
US07953908B2
Methods and apparatus to provide a high throughput pipelined data path are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus may include three stages to process inbound data packets, e.g., to align one or more bits of data. Other embodiments are also described.
US07953905B1
Configurations herein present a multi-segment perspective of the SAN that models the SAN as an interconnection of protocol independent segments, each operable according to a particular transport mechanism and connected to other segments by an intersegment device such as a network bridge. Each segment is operable to include a fabric of manageable entities, such as storage arrays, switches, and hosts, that operate according to particular protocols and transport mechanisms employed by the fabric. Groups of manageable entities operable according to a particular protocol or transport mechanism are enumerated as a separate segment, and managed as a separate entity from the management application. The intersegment connections occur via an inter segment device operable to perform the mapping or translation from the respective address space of the segments. Therefore, a path from an initiator to a receiver manageable entity may be enumerated and managed by the management application as a multi-segment connection.
US07953904B2
A storage control apparatus capable of reducing a power consumption in network port units, including a host communication control unit 10 which includes a plurality of network ports 18 and which controls communications with a host computer 2 that is connectable through the network ports, a storage-device communication control unit 16 which controls communications with a plurality of storage devices, a plurality of DMA portions 111 by which data to be transmitted/received between the host computer and the storage devices are transferred between the host communication control unit 10 and the storage-device communication control unit 16, a plurality of cache memories 12 in which the data to be transferred by the DMA portions 111 are temporarily stored, and a power saving control portion 110 which stops the DMA portion 111 and the cache memory 12 that are previously associated with one network port, on the basis of a connection situation of the pertinent network port with the host computer and a data rate to be inputted/outputted to/from the pertinent port.
US07953894B2
In an embodiment, circuitry residing, at least in part, at a first network node may initiate, at least in part, replicating, at least in part, at the first node of a file space at a second network node, may detect, at least in part, modification at the second node of the file space, and may initiate, at least in part, corresponding modification at the first node of a replication of the file space. The circuitry also may generate, at least in part, an aggregated directory structure including, at least in part, the file space and another file space resident, at least in part, remotely from the second node. The directory structure may be provided, at least in part, to the second node prior, at least in part, to completion of the replicating, at least in part, at the first node of the file space.
US07953893B1
Disclosed herein is a method and system, in which a network entity determines that an HTTP response destined to a client station contains a markup document that references at least one object but that the HTTP response does not contain the object. In response, in addition to sending the HTTP response to the client station, the network entity will send to the client station a supplemental HTTP response that contains the object, without the client station sending a request for the object. By avoiding the need for the client station to send a request for the object, the extent of HTTP communication by the client station is reduced. In the situation where the client station is a wireless handset or other wireless communication device, the method is particularly advantageous, as the method can reduce the number of air interface communications and can thus help to conserve valuable air interface resources.
US07953892B2
Screen data is generated by a screen generating processor (74) of a control host computer (7) and transmitted to a programmable display apparatus (5). In accordance with the screen data, the programmable display apparatus (5) inquires a PLC (3) or the like about a state of a device (21), so as to update the display or transmit a control instruction depending on an input result. On the other hand, a control host computer (7) has a public server section (77) to transmit to a client apparatus (9) via the Internet an applet, which is generated by a compiler (76) compiling the screen data. The client apparatus (9) executes the applet to transmit to the public server section (77) an or the control instruction inquiry similar to those the programmable display apparatus (5) makes. In this way, the display is updated in accordance with a response. This realizes a control system, which allows a display content of the programmable display apparatus (5) to be remotely checked from a remote area remote from the programmable display apparatus (5), without newly generating a display screen.
US07953887B2
A system and method of automatically routing a user to an optimal data center of a host. A method includes transmitting a web page having measurement code and modification code from one of a plurality of data centers to a computing device. The measurement code determines an optimal data center of the plurality of data centers for the computing device, and the modification code alters at least one link in the web page to point to the optimal data center.
US07953886B2
A method and system of receiving and translating data using an internetwork operating system (IOS) command line interface (CLI) parser subsystem of a routing system are shown. Input is received at the IOS CLI parser subsystem. The input is traversed. Where the input originates from outside of the router, the input is translated into a corresponding CLI statement. Where the input originates from within the router, the input is translated into a prescribed output format. The translated input is output.
US07953883B2
Techniques are provided herein for failover streaming mechanisms. At a first device (e.g., a content router device) that is configured to interface with a plurality of streaming servers for real-time protocol packet streams, communications are configured with a client device and a first of the plurality of streaming servers associated with a streaming session from the first streaming server to the client device so that the first device receives client session control and session feedback messages associated with the streaming session and so that a packet stream associated with the streaming session transmitted by the first streaming server to the client device does not pass through the first device. The first device stores session state information comprising an address of the client device, streaming session identification information and data representing a current state of the streaming session at the client device derived from the client session control and session feedback messages. Upon detecting a failure of the first streaming server, the first device selects a second of the plurality of streaming servers for serving the streaming session previously served by the first streaming server, and then initiates a streaming session from the second streaming server to the client device in order to continue from a state of the streaming session previously served by the first streaming server prior to the failure without any indication at the client device of the switching from the first streaming server to the second streaming server.
US07953879B1
Various embodiments of methods and systems for assigning symbolic names to data streams within a file are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method involves receiving a request to access a file that includes multiple data streams and then selecting one of the data streams to be accessed, based on the symbolic name. In response to identifying that one of the data streams is associated with the symbolic name, that data stream is accessed.
US07953878B1
Embodiments herein provide a computer system having an operating system that implements a multi-threaded iSCSI socket software layer. The multi-threaded iSCSI socket software layer may operate in conjunction with a single-threaded iSCSI protocol software layer to process network data according to the iSCSI protocol standard. Provided are protections against operational incompatibilities between the multi-threaded iSCSI socket layer and the single-threaded iSCSI protocol layer. A unique identifier may be assigned to each iSCSI socket thread to ensure proper delivery of thread messages to the appropriate iSCSI socket thread. A separate freed list may be allocated for each iSCSI socket thread, wherein the iSCSI protocol thread adds data structures to the freed list and a single iSCSI socket thread removes and uses data structures from the freed list. The multi-threaded iSCSI socket software layer reduces processor idle time, thus increasing data processing efficiency and overall network data throughput.
US07953876B1
A method and system comprising a host system and a host bus adapter (HBA). The HBA is configured to handle a Virtual Interface and Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP) processing for applications running on the host system.
US07953873B1
In various embodiments, a menu item identification service may provide a system user with information on acceptable restaurant menu items based on ingredients the system user prefers or is trying to avoid. The menu item identification service may receive information on ingredients the system user prefers or wants to avoid and information on a restaurant of interest to the system user. The menu item identification service may use a database to identify menu items of the restaurant and their associated ingredients. The menu item identification service may present the system user with menu items the restaurant offers that have preferred ingredients and/or do not have ingredients to avoid or that have limited quantities of the ingredient. Menu items with the ingredients to avoid may be shown along with avoidance indicators. The system user may then use this information to select a menu item and/or restaurant.
US07953870B1
Media and system are provided for monitoring and adjusting timeout parameters in devices to prevent or reduce timeout scenarios for the devices. A dynamic timeout management server (DTMS) monitors wait times and behaviors of devices to implement an optimum timeout parameter that will prevent the occurrence of a timeout. When timeouts occur for a particular device, the DTMS changes the amount of time in the timeout parameter and communicates this new timeout parameter to relevant devices to prevent a timeout. The timeout parameter or new timeout parameter is stored in a global centralized timeout database as well as a local or regional timeout database.
US07953868B2
A method and system for preventing a detection of web crawling. A randomizing HTTP proxy server receives a first request from a web crawler to scan a website and forwards the first request to a randomly selected first proxy computer. The first proxy computer utilizes a first network address translation (NAT)-enabled router to forward the first request to the website. A NAT algorithm associates a first source Internet Protocol (IP) address with the first request. The randomizing HTTP proxy server receives a second web crawler-initiated request to scan the website and forwards the second request to a randomly selected second proxy computer. The second proxy computer utilizes a second NAT-enabled router to forward the second request to the website. The NAT algorithm associates a second source IP address with the second request. The web server identifies the first and second source IP addresses as being different.
US07953866B2
Implementations are disclosed that provide protocols for connecting an intelligent service module within a storage area network (SAN). The protocols support physical connections between the intelligent service module and a director-level switch of the SAN. In some variations, the intelligent service module may comprise a director service module (DSM), a domain-sharing leaf switch service module (LSSM), or a non-domain-sharing LSSM. The protocols provide for establishing link parameters and negotiating responsibilities between the intelligent service module and the director-level switch. In one configuration, for example, ELP and ELP_ACCEPT frames may be used to establish the link parameters. In another configuration, ESC and ESC_ACCEPT frames may be used to negotiate responsibilities between the intelligent service module and the director-level switch. Other configurations also provide an ownership status of the intelligent service module that is used to determine whether the switch can initiate management of the intelligent service module.
US07953860B2
Techniques for fast recovery and/or balancing of connections to a clustered computing system provide management of such connections by determining a number of connections to load balance across nodes and by triggering creation of such connections. In one aspect, a notification of an event regarding the clustered computing system is received by a connection pool manager, a pool of connections to the system is identified based on the notification, and one or more connections from the pool are processed in response to the event. According to an embodiment, the notification comprises the identities of the service, database, server instance and machine that correspond to the event.
US07953855B2
In an IP network during a DDoS attack on a website or other internet entity having an IP address, selective black-holing of attack traffic is performed such that some of the traffic destined for the IP address under attack continues to go to the IP address under attack while other traffic, destined for the same IP address is, rerouted via BGP sessions to a black-hole router. Such a selective black-holing scheme can be used to allow some traffic to continue in route to the IP address under attack, while other traffic is diverted.
US07953849B2
A software product and method of monitoring a field device in an enterprise having an industrial process. A subscription to the OPC DA server for diagnostic data from the field device is made and a subscription to an OPC AE server for event notifications from the OPC AE server is made. The subscription to the OPC AE server is activated, but the subscription to the OPC DA server is not activated. When an event notification is received from the OPC AE server, the subscription to the OPC DA server is activated. Diagnostic data from the field device is received and device health information from the diagnostic data is generated. The device health information is displayed on a viewing monitor. The subscription to the OPC DA server is then deactivated.
US07953845B2
Network node discovery is implemented using parameters reflecting network-specific characteristics. Estimates of the number of active nodes in a network are computed based on the presence of dead time (e.g., due to clock latency, device driver delays, etc.), network topology, packet size, network capacity, a tolerable network overload threshold, and other characteristics. A network node enumeration process is therefore parameterized to incorporate consideration of such characteristics. A damping factor that incorporates dead time to set a lower bound for an estimate of remaining active nodes in a network is one example of a network-specific parameter.
US07953844B2
Systems and methods for implementing an instant messaging remote control service are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a control point discovers a device. The control point retrieves a device description associated with the device from the device. The device description includes a pointer to a description of a instant messaging remote control service. The control point also retrieves the instant messaging remote control service description from the device. The description of the instant messaging remote control service may define one or more actions for remotely controlling an instant messaging client that is running on the device. The description of the instant messaging remote control service may also define one or more evented state variables that model a state of the instant messaging client. The device may include an instant messaging client which can be remotely controlled using the instant messaging remote control service.
US07953833B2
Techniques are provided for desktop delivery in a distributed enterprise. In one embodiment, a system comprises multiple computing devices that are communicatively connected to a data center. The data center comprises a separate virtual disk for each separate computing device. A virtual disk for a computing device comprises an image that includes: an Operating system (OS) for the computing device; one or more applications for a user of the computing device; a machine profile associated with the computing device; and user data and settings that are specific for the user of the computing device. The data center also comprises logic which is stored in a storage medium and which, when executed at the data center, is operable at least to: send the image to the computing device; receive, from the computing device, changes made by the user at the computing device to each of the OS, the one or more applications, and the user data; and update the image for the computing device by applying the changes to each of the OS, the one or more applications, and the user data.
US07953819B2
A storage object such as a virtual disk drive or a raw logical volume is contained in a UNIX compatible file so that the file containing the storage object can be exported using the NFS or CIFS protocol and shared among UNIX and MS Windows clients or servers. The storage object can be replicated and backed up using conventional file replication and backup facilities without disruption of client access to the storage object. For client access to data of the storage object, a software driver accesses the file containing the storage object. For example, a software driver called a virtual SCSI termination is used to access a file containing a virtual SCSI disk drive. Standard storage services use the SCSI over IP protocol to access the virtual SCSI termination. An IP replication or snapshot copy facility may access the file containing the virtual SCSI disk drive using a higher-level protocol.
US07953818B2
An output system for rendering digital content received over a network that includes the Internet. The output system may include a television and an audio output device among others. The output system may provide security or authentication information and payment or subscription information to one or more servers over the Internet, the security or authentication information for enabling access of digital content to the output system. The output system further may provide one or more output content objects that may include a reference or a pointer to the digital content to the one or more servers over the Internet and the output system thereafter may receive the referenced digital content over the Internet. The output system may include an output controller for decoding the digital content and for applying at least a digital imaging operation on the digital content, and may include a rendering engine for rendering the processed digital content.
US07953810B2
A system and method for effectively performing a streamlined photo distribution procedure may include a photo data source that provides photo data to a source device in an electronic network. A source photo manager of the source device may be utilized to designate one or more message targets for receiving the photo data from the source device. A source mail program may access the photo data to automatically create a photo message that includes the photo data and photo identifier means to request special handling of the photo data. The source mail program may then automatically transmit the photo message over the electronic network to be downloaded by a target mail program of a target device corresponding to the foregoing designated message target. The target mail program may automatically detect the photo identifier means in the photo message, and may responsively provide the photo data to a target photo manager of the target device for automatic storage into a target photo album of the target device.
US07953802B2
A system and method of pushing user-selected data items from a host system to a user's mobile data communication device upon detecting the occurrence of one or more user-defined event triggers is provided. The user may then move (or file) the data items to a particular folder within a folder hierarchy stored in the mobile data communication device, or may execute some other system operation on the data item. Software operating at the mobile device and the host system then synchronizes the folder hierarchy of the mobile device with a folder hierarchy of the host system, and any actions executed on the data items at the mobile device are then automatically replicated on the same data items stored at the host system, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually replicate actions at the host system that have been executed at the mobile data communication device.
US07953793B2
A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for distributed Preboot execution Environment (PXE) server booting. The method may include receiving a PXE boot image request from a plurality of target machines and sending one or more target machines a temporary PXE server RAM image and a subset of target machines. The temporary PXE server RAM image assigns a recipient target machine as a temporary PXE server and each temporary PXE server is delegated the subset of target machines to PXE boot. The method may also include receiving a subset boot confirmation from each temporary PXE server that indicates that the subset of target machines delegated to each temporary PXE server booted successfully. Finally, the method may include sending the one or more temporary PXE servers an agent boot image in response to the subset boot confirmation from each temporary PXE server.
US07953789B2
Disclosed is an Information Supply Facility. The Information Supply Facility utilizes a personal/hand held device that transparently interacts (via various access points) with a centralized server. The server collects identification and location information about the personal device and makes a determination as to whether the person associated with the device should be notified regarding the proximity of other individuals and/or regarding one or more topics of interest to the particular person. The collected information along with certain profile information is stored in a database where it can be made available to third parties (e.g., governmental entities) for tracking and notification purposes.
US07953785B2
Content synchronization in a file sharing environment is described. A node in a circle share maintains a version vector that represents that node's knowledge of file synchronization events. Version vector data may be transmitted between nodes of the circle share via a presence service in the form of short notification messages. The version vector data is compared to identify one or more nodes to be synchronized. A resource-aware overlay representing the circle share is computed, and is used to initiate communication to determine which of the available nodes with which to synchronize will provide the most synchronization value to other nodes in the circle share.
US07953782B2
An opportunity is apparent to develop alternative circuitry. Simplified circuitry without artifacts tied to the clock that drives a digital frequency generator (DFG) is useful in a variety of tunable electronic devices. The present invention relates to digital frequency generation. In particular, it relates to a method and apparatus for the digital generation of a pulse stream having a desired frequency relative to a reference clock signal and the ratio of two integers. The method applies generally to integers whose ratio is not an integer. The DFG as a device can be integrated onto a simple chip, without need for an off-chip filter.
US07953773B2
In a virtual machine, Java Virtual Machine, or other runtime environment, a system and a method for improving the garbage collection times of the virtual machine memory. The JVM, or a garbage collector operating therein, can estimate, for an area of the memory space, the sum of the pause times for garbage collection of the software objects within the area, and control the garbage collection process so that the sum of the pause times for garbage collection will be lower than a target pause time limit, with a high degree of probability. A preselected compaction area can be pre-compacted to keep the compaction time within the target limit. The garbage collector can also predict the time required for final marking and repeat precleaning until the predicted final marking time is within the limits for pause times, and can improve pause times by redirecting application worker threads to do garbage collector work when entering or leaving the memory subsystem.
US07953772B2
A system method is provided to inspect memory leaks and analyze contents of garbage collection files. In one embodiment, a garbage collection file is selected from a plurality of garbage collection files at a file system. The garbage collection file includes histograms. Each histogram is compared with other histograms in the garbage collection file to identify objects associated with memory leaks The results of such comparison are provided.
US07953770B2
Multiple files in a versioned file system are grouped to form a fusion unit on a server. The fusion unit is exposed to a client as a browsable folder having separate files. When the server receives an indication of a change to file belonging to the fusion unit, the server determines whether the change to the file causes a conflict on the fusion unit. If the change does cause a conflict, then the conflict is reported; otherwise the fusion unit is updated to incorporate the change.
US07953767B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products, implementing techniques for developing applications using configurable patterns. The techniques include determining the functionality of a pre-existing application; selecting one or more patterns based on the functionality of the pre-existing application, and configuring the patterns so that the patterns execute similar functionality as the pre-existing application. The patterns comprise multiple pattern elements including prearranged user interface elements. The patterns specify predefined actions that can be performed using the user interface elements. The predefined actions match actions performed by the pre-existing application. Configuring the patterns includes importing database structure from a database used by the pre-existing application, generating a visual model of a query performed on the database by the pre-existing application, converting the visual model of a query into a query statement, and configuring the patterns to use the query statement.
US07953764B2
Techniques for provisioning databases for users on a wide area network such as the Internet include a first party managing one or more database systems. Second parties subscribe to database services supported by the database systems managed by the first party. The first party provides, over a network, to database applications controlled by the second parties, access to the database services to which the second parties are subscribed. The database systems may use database appliances hosting both database process(es), and non-database process(es) tailored to the needs of the database process(es). A user is therefore able to obtain database resources from an Internet Database Service Provider (IDSP) without the user incurring the full costs of database administrator(s), dedicated database equipment facilit(ies), or even dedicated database device(s), depending on usage. Meanwhile, the IDSP incurs minimum staffing loads because of various self-service tools Costing model and automatic billing features are also described.
US07953763B2
Methods for facilitating the identification of link spamming in a linked database include calculating a spam likelihood value for nodes in a directed graph of linked nodes are disclosed. The spam likelihood value is computed from an importance of the node and a derivative value of the importance function with respect to a coupling factor. The likelihood that the node's importance is inflated by link spam is estimated by calculating the ratio of the magnitude of the derivative value for the node to the rank for the node. Alternatively, the spam likelihood may be computed directly from a component of the principal eigenvector of A evaluated at two values of the parameter c. The normalized derivative value can also be used to provide an order of importance in a list of nodes.
US07953759B2
The present invention is directed to utilizing contact data controls to simplify access to schematized contact data. Contact data controls abstract the formatting of schematized contact data from applications. In some embodiments, applications that lack the configuration to natively access schematized contact data (e.g., lack the functionality to convert between schematized and non-schematized data or are not authorized) forward requests to access schematized contact data to an external contact data control. In other embodiments, applications that lack the configuration to natively access schematized contact data forward non-schematized data, which is to be used to update schematized contact data, to an external contact data control. External contact data controls appropriately interact with the schematized data and can provide user-interface such that an application designer need not have extensive knowledge of contact schemas associated with the schematized contact data.
US07953756B1
The present invention utilizes a comprehensive object oriented software architecture that is flexibly extendible to accommodate numerous features and activities associated database connectivity including opening a database session, tracking information associated with the database session and closing the database session. An automated unified database connectivity method controls and automatically manages database connectivity information. Database credentials are prepared. A database connectivity session manager object is created. A database session connection is opened automatically based upon the database connectivity session manager object. A database service action is performed. When finished the database session connectivity is automatically closed.
US07953754B2
A method and apparatus for identifying the focus of a document, in a natural language processing application, the natural language processing application comprising a hierarchical concept tree having a plurality of nodes, each node being associated with a term, the method comprising the steps of: mapping an input document to nodes in a concept tree to determine a number of occurrences of a term in the input document which also occur at a node in the concept tree; weighting each node in the concept tree, depending on the determined number of occurrences of the term in the input document and a determined value assigned to each node in the concept tree; traversing the concept tree to identify a heaviest weighted path, in dependence on the weighting of each node in the concept tree; and determining the focus of the input document by identifying a node having the heaviest weight along the most heavily-weighted path.
US07953749B2
Processing a database statement received from a database client, which requests information about the timing of a last committed change to a row in a database table, comprises retrieving a logical time value that represents a commit time associated with the row and providing the value to the client. In one embodiment, providing the logical time value to the client is enabled by database infrastructure in which a virtual column is used to temporarily “store” the value so that the value can be manipulated as if the value resided in a column of the row. Performance of operations that involve the virtual column are processed similar to real columns, as if data was actually logically stored in the virtual column. For example, the virtual column can be used in condition clauses of database statements for concurrency control.
US07953747B2
A centralized method for defining and enforcing strong-typing among domains in RDBMS or ORDBMS is provided to allow flexible, easy, and quick domain creation, as well as facilitating easy implementation and change control on domains. When an application requests data from the database, one or more domains are first identified in the SQL query. A determination is then made as to whether operators for each domain pair in the SQL query are authorized. A determination is also made as to whether functions in the SQL authorized. If the operators and functions in the SQL are authorized, the initial SQL request is rewritten to include a casting formula for each domain pair operation. The rewritten SQL request is then executed.
US07953744B2
A method and system for automatically verifying a change to a database. An input file including a test query for the database and an expected output from executing the test query is received. The test query is automatically executed on the database. An actual output resulting from executing the test query is retrieved. Based on a comparison between the actual output and the expected output, a match or mismatch between the actual output and the expected output is automatically identified. If a mismatch is identified, a failure indication is stored that indicates that the database change is invalid and that the database change may initiate a defect in an application coupled to the database. In one embodiment, the change to the database is a change in a services engagement. In one embodiment, the test query is automatically generated in the method and system described above.
US07953733B2
This invention improves convenience in processing such as data search in a recording/playback apparatus such as a digital camera. This apparatus includes a recording unit which generates a plurality of directories DCIM and SNDR having the same directory structure on a layer of hierarchy immediately below a root directory at the uppermost level in the hierarchical structure of a recording medium, and respectively records image data and audio data in the plurality of directories.
US07953732B2
A computer-implemented method for searching a corpus of documents for documents that are responsive to a query specifying one or more search words and spatial information, the method involving: storing in memory a spatial document index for the corpus of documents, wherein the spatial document index indexes documents in the corpus according to spatial references found within the documents; storing in a storage medium a plurality of spatial keyword document indexes for the corpus of documents, wherein each of the spatial keyword document indexes is for a different keyword and indexes those documents among the corpus that are responsive to that keyword; and intersecting a portion of the spatial document index and selected indexes among the plurality of spatial keyword document indexes to identify a result set of those documents from among the corpus of documents that are responsive to the query.
US07953728B2
Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with supporting queries with soft time constraints are described. One exemplary system embodiment includes logic for accepting a query having a soft time constraint. The example system may also include logic for rewriting the query having the soft time constraint into a query having a row limitation or a sample percentage limitation. In one example, the row limitation or sample percentage limitation are computed by repetitively comparing an estimated query execution time to the soft time constraint.
US07953723B1
A search engine can be configured to improve search times by implementing a parallel computing architecture. The index is split across a plurality of independent search nodes. A query is communicated to each of the parallel nodes and the query is searched in each independent node. The results from each node are routed to a federator that is configured to aggregate the results to a result set. The federator is configured to determine a subset of intermediate results to retrieve and aggregate from each of the independent nodes. The federator determines a number of results to retrieve from each of the nodes based at least in part on the number of nodes and the number of search results desired in the results set.
US07953718B2
A UMID extracting/embedding unit 10 extracts UMID data embedded in material data. A CPU 11 updates a generation indicated by generation data in the extracted UMID data to generate new generation data when processing accompanied by a deterioration of quality is applied to the material data such as recording to a database 8. The UMID extracting/embedding unit 10 embeds the new generation data in the material data.
US07953711B2
In general, the invention relates to a method for garbage collection. The method includes examining old regions to obtain a mark bitmap, a connectivity matrix, and fragmentation information, where the mark bitmap describes marked words and unmarked words for the old regions. The method further includes identifying a fragmented region in the old regions based on the fragmentation information, where the fragmented region includes at least one of the marked words. The method further includes copying the at least one of the marked words to a new region allocated from a pool of free regions, designating each of the unmarked words not in the fragmented region as free, adjusting a cross-region reference to the fragmented region in the marked words to point to the new region based on the connectivity matrix, and adding the fragmented region to the pool of free regions.
US07953709B2
In general, embodiments of the invention relate to reading data from and writing data to a storage system. Specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to a read only mode for a portion of a storage system. In one embodiment, a selective read-only mode for a portion of a storage system is implemented by monitoring a condition that affects a subset of persistent storage in a storage system, by detecting the condition, by entering a read-only mode for the subset, and by enforcing a policy of processing write requests and read requests to the storage system, which includes processing the write requests without modifying user data stored on the subset and processing the read requests, including requests for user data stored on the subset.
US07953702B2
A document administration apparatus, includes a sharing request receiving portion configured to receive a request of sharing a document stored in a first box among boxes which are divided storing areas, a box information receiving portion configured to receive box information on one or more second boxes each correlated with each user sharing the document to which the sharing request is made, a shortcut creating portion configured to create a shortcut to all of the second boxes represented by the box information received by the box information receiving portion, the shortcut including link information to the document stored in the first box, and a link portion configured to process an access to the shortcut created by the shortcut creating portion by replacing the access with an access to the document which is a linked destination written in the shortcut.
US07953690B2
A method of categorizing the relationship of individuals from a collection of photos taken in multiple sets of events includes: searching the photo collection to identify individuals in the photo collection, determining the gender and age range of the identified individuals; and using the identified individuals, their occurrences and co-occurrences, their gender, and their ages to infer social relationships between the individuals based on a set of rules.
US07953688B2
In an embodiment of the invention, a method related to conducting a compliance audit, including accessing a database, the database including a rule set formulated from at least one requirement, wherein the database includes a knowledge base, accepting input regarding circumstance data, the circumstance data regarding a subject of the at least one requirement, applying the rule set to the input regarding circumstance data, and generating a compliance audit report based on applying the rule set to the input regarding circumstance data. In addition, other method, system, program product, and apparatus aspects are described in the claims, drawings, or text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US07953686B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer-usable program product for validating expected cohort behavior. In one embodiment, sensory data gathered by a set of multimodal sensor devices is processed to form a set of actual cohort behavior data. The sensory data comprises information associated with a cohort group. Each member of the cohort group shares at least one common attribute. The set of actual cohort behavior data is compared to a set of predicted cohort behavior models. The set of actual cohort behavior data comprises information describing actual behavior by members of the cohort group. The set of predicted cohort behavior models comprises information describing an expected behavior of members of the cohort group. A comparison result is generated. The comparison result indicates an accuracy of the set of predicted cohort behavior models.
US07953685B2
Machine readable media, methods, and computing devices are disclosed that mine a dataset using a frequent pattern array. One method of includes building a frequent pattern tree comprising a plurality of nodes to represent frequent transactions of a dataset that comprises one or more items. The method also includes transforming the frequent pattern tree to a frequent pattern array that comprises an item array and a plurality of node arrays, the item array comprising frequent transactions of the dataset and each node array to associate an item of the dataset with one or more frequent transactions of the item array. The method further includes identifying frequent transactions of the dataset based upon the frequent pattern array.
US07953679B2
A computer-based method and a system for indexing, querying, and ranking documents based on layout are provided. The method includes providing a plurality of documents to computer memory, extracting layout blocks from the provided documents, clustering the layout blocks into a plurality of layout block clusters, computing a representative block for each of the layout block clusters, generating a document index for each provided document based on the layout blocks of the document and the computed representatives blocks, clustering the created document indexes into a plurality of document index clusters, and generating a representative cluster index for each of the document index clusters. The indexes generated, together with the representative blocks and document index clusters, can be stored and used for retrieval of documents responsive to a layout query.
US07953675B2
A tensor voting scheme which can be used in an arbitrary number N of dimensions, up to several hundreds. The voting scheme can operate on unorganized point inputs, which can be oriented or unoriented, and estimate the intrinsic dimensionality at each point. Moreover it can estimate the tangent and normal space of a manifold passing through each point based solely on local operations.
US07953667B1
This invention improves upon existing pay-per-click arrangements periodically generating a code associated with the search-engine users. This code, preferably in the form of a serial number, is compared to the user of the website, such that by observing a metric like the number of clicks for a given period of time, be it a short time or a longer period, such as a day or a week, the system can automatically determine if certain clicks are illegitimate. This allows the pay-per-click company to more fairly invoice the merchants, thereby preventing fraudulent over use.
US07953665B2
A method for delivering content to be locked in a user device is provided. The method includes receiving a content selection. A device identifier that is operable to identify a specified user device is received. A lock message is generated based on the content selection. The lock message is sent to the user device identified by the device identifier.
US07953644B2
A networking system for referrals that connects businesses (vendor) with their customers (member) and potential customers (prospective member) across a network. Once a vendor has joined the network, the vendor may invite other members to join. A member can then refer a prospective member to the vendor. If the prospective member purchases goods or services from the vendor, the vendor will confirm the sale by paying a referral fee to the network. The network distributes said referral fee according to the connection relationship of the members of the network.
US07953641B2
A method for using a telephone to list a seller's good for sale on a website including the steps of receiving good-identifying information from a seller via a telephone and presenting the good for sale on a website. The good-identifying information may be received as a series of tones generated by depression of keys of a telephone. The tones may optionally be used to navigate through a voice prompt system or to provide information about the good, such as the good's UPC code, ISBN number and/or characteristics of the good. The seller's provision of a standard identification code allows the marketeer to retrieve information relating to the good from a database and to use such information to present the good for sale. Such information, and/or the characteristics provided by the seller that are specific to the good may optionally be used to set or recommend a price for the good.
US07953637B2
A computer-implemented method for graphically displaying media buying options (4) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a cost attribute and an exposure attribute for each media buying option and displaying a plot (1) of available media buying options (4), wherein the media buying options (4) are plotted against a first axis (1B) corresponding to said cost attribute and a second axis (1A) corresponding to said exposure attribute. In another embodiment the method includes calculating or retrieving from memory two or three attributes of each media buying option (4) to be displayed and graphically plotting in a plot (1) each media buying option (4) against said two or three attributes, wherein at least one of said attributes is an exposure attribute and updating the plot when a variable affecting the value of the exposure attribute of one or more media buying options (4) is changed.
US07953619B2
System and method for displaying information regarding a business process. A diagram of the business process may be displayed on a display. The diagram may include a plurality of icons connected by lines, where each of the icons represents a respective step in the business process and the lines indicate flow paths between the steps. Historical data regarding the business process may be received. The historical data may be analyzed to determine information regarding steps and/or flow paths in the business process. Graphical indications associated with one or more icons and/or lines in the diagram may be displayed. The graphical indications may visually indicate characteristics of corresponding steps and/or flow paths in the business process. For example, the graphical indications may indicate lengths of time, costs, or other characteristics associated with various ones of the steps. The graphical indications may indicate path traversals of ones of the flow paths.
US07953613B2
Disclosed is a health maintenance system for comprehensive health assessment, abnormality detection, health monitoring, health pattern and trend detection, health strategy development, and health history archiving. The health maintenance system comprises a subscriber segment and a system segment, communicatively coupled. The subscriber segment acquires subscriber personal and health data from at least one subscriber, analyzing the data; identifies specific health abnormalities; prescribes at least one customized subscriber health product, instructs the subscriber on the implementation of the prescribed health product, compiles and preserves the subscriber's health history data—including abnormalities and prescribed health products, and performs monitoring of subscriber health conditions. The subscriber segment acquires subscriber data from the subscriber segment, stores and maintains the data, facilitates retrieval of data by the subscriber and emergency medical personnel analyzes subscriber patterns and trends, develops new health products and modifies existing health products, and monitors the effectiveness of health products.
US07953608B2
A system and associated methods for orchestrating a collaboration session are disclosed. One method involves orchestrating a collaboration session between a requesting clinician and another clinician where information is exchanged electronically. According to the method, requests for collaboration sessions are received by a computer system from the requesting clinician, with a given request related to a piece of patient-focused clinical data. Each request is analyzed to build a roster of potentially available clinicians for collaboration. A collaboration session is then facilitated between the requesting clinician and one or more of the potentially available clinicians on the roster.
US07953591B2
A method, system and computer program product for automatically identifying unique language independent keys. A “key search” is performed which searches for various language independent keys in a properties file associated with a value or text string entered in a first locale. A second locale is suggested to narrow the number of language independent keys displayed in connection with the value entered in the first locale. Upon receiving the value for the second locale, another key search is performed, where this key search is performed on the language independent keys displayed in connection with the first value entered in association with the first locale. A unique language independent key may be identified based on this subsequent key search. By performing key searches and suggesting a second locale to narrow the number of language independent keys, the time in identifying a unique language independent key is reduced and efficiency is improved.
US07953590B2
A system and method for speech-to-speech translation using a translation system includes designating separate input channels for each of a plurality of speakers. In response to speech from a first channel in a first language, the speech from the first channel is translated to a second language, and in response to speech from the second channel in a second language, the speech from the second channel is translated to the first language. Translating the speech from the first channel and translating the speech from the second channel are performed concurrently.
US07953583B2
Disclosed is a method for determining the behavior of jointly movable shafts of a multi-shaft machine. According to said method, a simulation model is created individually for each shaft. The shafts are then impinged upon individually by a movement pattern, and measurable variables are detected in order to be able to make a statement about the transformation of the movement pattern by the shaft. Especially the setpoint position and the actual position of the shafts are recorded (cf. figure). Simulation model parameters, e.g. the inert mass of the shaft, the friction or elasticity of the shaft, can be defined based upon an analysis of the detected measurable variables, whereupon a coordinated movement of at least two shafts can be simulated, the behavior of the individual shafts being considered independent from the behavior of the other shaft. A simulated trajectory is generated. A characteristic variable, e.g. the circularity deviation or the circular hysteresis, can be defined for the coordinated movement of the shafts.
US07953582B2
A method and system for lithography simulation is disclosed. The method and system specify a subject region of a lithography image with a CD marker, specify a threshold intensity over the lithography image, specify a gradient to a threshold value of the threshold intensity, and calculate a sensitivity or ratio of change of an image boundary of the lithography image to lithography process variation.
US07953572B2
A measurement system for obtaining a predetermined estimated value, including a measuring section for acquiring measurement data with respect to a measurement object, a display section for displaying indication concerning a measurement, a display controller, a measurement controller, a storing section for storing the measurement data, a computing section for obtaining the estimated value based on the measurement data, and a checking section for checking whether a required number of measurement data has been acquired. The display controller causes the display section to display first information relating to measurement elements required for acquiring the measurement data, and second information, for allowing an operator to recognize whether the measurement has been completed. The measurement controller causes the selection information to function as a site for accepting a command indicating start of the measurement of the measurement element relating to the individual selection information.
US07953568B2
A method for detecting a cable fault in a cabling of a flow meter is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The method includes testing one or more first pickoff wires and one or more second pickoff wires of the cabling for pickoff open wire faults. The method further includes testing the first pickoff wires and the second pickoff wires for pickoff connection orientation faults if no pickoff open wire faults are determined in the first pickoff wires and the second pickoff wires. The method further includes testing one or more driver wires of the cabling for driver open wire faults. The method further includes testing the driver wires for a driver connection orientation fault if no driver open wire faults are determined in the driver wires.
US07953567B2
A defect inspection apparatus includes: stages each mounting an inspecting object on which a circuit pattern having a group of parallel lines is formed, and each running perpendicular or parallel to the group of lines; an illumination optical system which illuminating a surface of the inspecting object with a slit beam being slit light so that a longitudinal direction of the slit beam is substantially perpendicular to the running directions of the stages, and which has a first inclined angle formed by the direction of the group of lines and a projection line, of an optical axis of the slit beam, to the inspecting object; a spatial filter that shields or transmits reflected and scattered light of the inspecting object according to a difference in distribution of orientation; and a detection optical system that detects the reflected and scattered light transmitted through the spatial filter by image sensors. Moreover, the illumination optical system illuminates the inspecting object with another slit beam from a direction opposite to an incident direction of the slit beam on a plane.
US07953565B2
A system and method for providing an additional option function to existing functionality of a meter device configured for measuring parameters of energy is provided. The meter device is coupled with an option device for exchanging data between the meter and the option devices along at least one data path, including exchanging initialization data provided by the option device between the meter device and the option device, wherein the initialization data is useable by the meter device for configuring the meter device to be in condition to operate with the option device. The data exchanged between the meter device and the option devices are processed by at least one processor. Upon the coupling of the devices and the exchanging of the initialization data, the meter device is operated with the option device for adding the option function to existing functionality of the meter device.
US07953563B2
Disclosed is a technique for simulating wind interaction with wind turbines. A turbine blade is divided into radial sections. The effect that each of these radial sections has on the velocities in Eulerian computational cells they overlap is determined. The effect is determined using Lagrangian techniques such that the calculations need not include wind components in the radial direction. A force on each radial section of turbine blade is determined. This force depends on the axial and azimuthal components of the fluid flow in the computational cell and the geometric properties of the turbine blade. The force on the turbine blade is fed back to effect the fluid flow in the computational cell for the next time step.
US07953562B2
A method and apparatus for measuring stress or strain in a portion of a ferromagnetic member is disclosed in which advantage is taken of the fact that the magnetic properties of a ferromagnetic member change with applied tensile or compressive stress. A magnetic hysteresis loop is measured in a portion of a ferromagnetic member and a model of a magnetic hysteresis loop is fitted to the measured magnetic hysteresis loop by varying at least one stress or strain dependent model variable and the fitted at least one variable is used to determine the stress or strain of the portion. The particular model disclosed is a predator/prey pursuit model wherein the prey is the applied field and the predator is the flux density.
US07953556B2
Methods and apparatus for processing dual sensor (e.g., hydrophone and vertical geophone) data that includes intrinsic removal of noise as well as enhancing the wavefield separation are provided. The methods disclosed herein are based on a decomposition of data simultaneously into dip and frequency while retaining temporal locality. The noise removed may be mainly coherent geophone noise from the vertical geophone, also known as V(z) noise.
US07953555B2
A system for determining positions of fixed-position satellite signal receivers that have restricted views of the sky includes a data recording control center, and one or more base satellite signal receivers with associated antennas that together have substantially unrestricted views of the sky. The system batch processes range information provided by the fixed-position receivers over an extended period of time, determining the three dimensional position of a given fixed-position receiver using range data from at least three relatively short time intervals associated with different sky positions in which the receiver is tracking any two or more satellite signals simultaneously.
US07953535B2
A method of controlling a machine drive having a driveline PTO establishes a driveline torque perturbation via conversion of internal inertia through two transmission neutral conditions. In an example, when a request is received, e.g., from an operator, to shift the driveline PTO from a first mode to a second mode, the transmission is automatically modulated between its first neutral condition and its second neutral condition while the driveline PTO is shifted from the first mode to the second mode, thus minimizing torque lock and facilitating mode changes.
US07953526B2
A control system is provided for automatically moving a machine along a desired path. The machine uses a “learn and follow” system in which the machine is first operated in a manual mode along a desired path. The control system learns the desired path and then operates the machine in a robotic mode to follow the desired path without operator control. If the machine moves away from the desired path when in the robotic mode, the location of the machine is corrected using GPS location signals.
US07953524B1
A method of navigating a mobile platform. A reflectable electronic signal is transmitted. A reflection of the reflectable signal is received. A position of the mobile platform is determined based upon the reflection of the reflectable signal. A platform position signal is transmitted to the mobile platform. The platform position signal provides the mobile platform the determined position of the mobile platform. The mobile platform is navigated based upon the platform position signal.
US07953522B2
A vehicle seat has a seat cushion having a seating region. A first seating sensor is disposed at a central portion of the seating region and can detect a first seating position of an occupant. A second seating sensor is disposed at a peripheral portion of the seating region and can detect a second seating position of the occupant.
US07953518B2
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates managing energy consumption with an energy sink device in order to reduce energy costs. An energy sink device can consume a portion of energy. An interface component can receive a portion of data related to at least one of a real time energy rate or a user presence. An energy manager can dynamically control the energy sink device for efficient consumption of the portion of energy for reduced energy costs based at least in part upon the evaluation of the portion of received data. The energy manager can leverage the real time energy rate and the user presence in order to employ at least one of a power on the energy sink device, a power off the energy sink device, or an adjust a setting for the energy sink device.
US07953511B1
A system and method is disclosed for reducing processing errors during the fabrication of integrated circuit wafers. A 2D dot matrix wafer scribe that contains coded information is placed on a wafer. The coded information contains wafer information such as the wafer lot number. The wafer is then placed in an ion implantation system. A camera in the ion implantation system is then used to photograph the dot matrix wafer scribe on the wafer. The information about the wafer is then decoded from the photograph of the dot matrix wafer scribe. A station controller that operates the ion implantation system then uses the information from the dot matrix wafer scribe to determine whether the wafer is suitable for ion implantation. The wafer is implanted only when the information from the dot matrix wafer scribe matches information about the wafer that has been previously stored in the station controller.
US07953510B2
A system and method for semiconductor identification chip read out is presented. A user uses a stand-alone handheld device to extract product data, which includes manufacturing process attributes, from a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device couples to the hand held device through a subset of pins, such as a power pin, a ground pin, a clock in pin, and a data out pin. When coupled, the handheld device provides a clock signal to the semiconductor device. In turn, on chip logic within the semiconductor device detects the clock signal and gathers internal product data. Once gathered, the on chip logic provides the product data to the hand held device through the data out pin for a user to view. As a result, the user may track semiconductor devices more efficiently.
US07953500B2
An RF diathermy coil assembly, including a generally elastically deformable patient conforming garment and a conductive coil secured to the garment. The conductive coil having a woven wire construction such that the coil can deform as the garment elastically deforms. The RF diathermy coil assembly can be used for wound healing in conjunction with muscle stimulation.
US07953498B1
An implantable device includes a device body and at least one anchoring unit configured and arranged for anchoring the device body in a patient upon implantation. The anchoring unit includes a resorbable material that resorbs into the patient over a period of time after implantation.
US07953496B2
An implantable lead for a medical device with an isolated contact connection for connecting a conductor to a contact reduces the opportunity for conductor material to migrate to a contact or into a patient. The implantable lead comprises a lead body having a proximal end and a distal end, at least one conductor, at least one contact carried on the proximal end, at least one contact carried on the distal end, at least one coupling. The lead has an exterior surface. The conductor is contained in the lead body and extends from the lead proximal end to the distal end. The conductor is electrically insulated. The contact carried on the proximal end is electrically connected to the conductor. The coupling has a conductor coupling and a contact coupling. The conductor coupling is placed over the conductor and attached to the conductor. The contact coupling exits the lead body and has a weld to connect the contact coupling to the contact. There is an isolation space created between the conductor and the contact to prevent the weld from containing conductor material.
US07953494B2
Implantable medical leads, lead assemblies, and methods for implanting the leads into the human body, for example, for use within the epidural spaces of the spinal column to manage pain. A stylet lumen extends within the lead between a side-wall stylet entrance port and a lead distal region. In use, exemplary stylets may be inserted through the lead stylet port to stiffen only the distal portion of the lead, and the distal portion of the lead inserted through an introducer needle into the human body. The stiffened distal portion of the lead may be short and easily controllable.
US07953489B2
The implantable cardiac treatment system of the present invention is capable of choosing the most appropriate electrode vector to sense within a particular patient. In certain embodiments, the implantable cardiac treatment system determines the most appropriate electrode vector for continuous sensing based on which electrode vector results in the greatest signal amplitude, or some other useful metric such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The electrode vector possessing the highest quality as measured using the metric is then set as the default electrode vector for sensing. Additionally, in certain embodiments of the present invention, a next alternative electrode vector is selected based on being generally orthogonal to the default electrode vector. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the next alternative electrode vector is selected based on possessing the next highest quality metric after the default electrode vector. In some embodiments, if analysis of the default vector is ambiguous, the next alternative electrode vector is analyzed to reduce ambiguity.
US07953482B2
In some embodiments, a method for operating a cardiac rhythm management device may include one or more of the following steps: (a) sensing atrial depolarizations through an implanted atrial electrode, (b) administering a sequential CRT pacing therapy in a sequential CRT pacing mode to a left and right ventricle of a heart of a patient via implanted ventricular electrodes in a sequential bi-ventricular fashion, (c) switching from the sequential CRT pacing mode to a simultaneous CRT pacing mode, (d) administering a simultaneous CRT pacing therapy in the simultaneous CRT pacing mode to the left and right ventricle in a simultaneous bi-ventricular fashion, (e) analyzing the sensed atrial depolarizations to detect the presence of an atrial arrhythmia, (f) analyzing the sensed atrial depolarizations while in the sequential CRT pacing mode to detect the presence of atrial arrhythmia, and (g) sensing ventricular depolarizations of the left and the right ventricle.
US07953468B2
A magnetic resonance imaging system is provided for obtaining MR images by scanning a region of the object previously located on an object's positioning image. The system comprises a displaying unit, inputting unit, approximating unit, and locating unit. The displaying unit displays a plurality of tomographic images of the object as the positioning image, each of the tomographic images including an indication of a target of interest thereon. The inputting unit enables information about a running state of the target in a direction along the target to be supplied toward each of the tomographic images. The approximating unit calculates three-dimensionally an approximated curve indicating the running state of the target in the direction on the basis of the supplied information about the running state. The locating unit locates the region substantially perpendicular to the approximated curve.
US07953458B2
A method for controlling a sleep mode operation by a mobile station (MS) in a communication system. In the sleep mode operation control method, after entering a sleep mode, the MS transitions to an awake state in a listening interval. When there is data to transmit or receive to/from a base station (BS) in the awake state, the MS causes a neutral interval following the listening interval to transition to the awake state, and transmits or receives the data. The neutral interval is an interval where transition to the awake state and sleep state is available according to the data transmission/reception of the MS operating in the sleep mode.
US07953457B2
Methods and apparatus for use in reducing power consumption in battery-powered mobile communication devices in wireless local area networks (WLANs) are described. In one illustrative example, a mobile device in a WLAN is configured to normally refrain from receiving broadcast messages so that it may remain in a low power mode of operation. A network server is configured to convert broadcast messages into unicast messages for receipt by the mobile device only if the message or protocol type of the broadcast message is one in which the mobile device needs to process. As the mobile device is still configured to receive unicast messages, it will receive and decode such a unicast message and process the broadcast information within it accordingly. Advantageously, battery power is conserved at the mobile device.
US07953448B2
A keyboard for a mobile device 400 having a processor 618 for interpreting signals comprises a plurality of keys 410-424 and corresponding indicia including keys associated with alphabetic characters corresponding to an array of letters A-Z. The keys 410-419 that are associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than twenty-six and correspond to one of a QWERTY, QWERTZ, AZERTY, or DVORAK key arrangement. Each of the plurality of keys 410-424 have multiple input surfaces and are arranged in an array of rows and columns that include a first outer column, at least one middle column, and a last outer column. The first and last columns of keys are operable to input at least three different signals to a processor 618 of a mobile device 400 depending upon what input surface of the key 410-424 is pressed. A middle column of keys is operable to input at least five different signals to a processor 618 depending on what input surface of the key 410-424 is pressed.
US07953447B2
A communication system has a control computer, one or more concentrators and one or more access device each having a badge application that communicates wirelessly with the one or more concentrators. The access device with the badge application provides the user with a communications device that permits the user to initiate telephone calls and conferences, receive telephone calls, receive pages and be located within a particular environment.
US07953439B2
A Voice-Data-RF IC includes a baseband processing module and an RF section to process voice and data separately, depending on which mode, voice or data, the IC is currently in. An interface disposed between the baseband processing module and the RF section controls which of the voice or data signals are conveyed, depending on the voice or data mode of operation. In one instance, a baseband processing module and a RF section are utilized for voice mode of operation and separate baseband processing module and RF section are utilized for data mode of operation.
US07953434B2
The present invention relates to a communications apparatus and method, a storage medium and a program that make it possible for the user to select a device to be made a communications partner more quickly and reliably. The searcher device 21 performs a search so as to detect only one device. If the response message from the searchee device 32 is obtained by the searcher device 21, on the display section of the searcher device 21 is displayed a selection screen for selecting whether or not to make the searchee device 32 a communications partner. If the searchee device 32 is not selected as a communications partner, the searcher device 21 performs another search so as to detect two devices. If the searchee device 31 and the searchee device 32 are detected in the second search, the searcher device 21 excludes the searchee device 32, which was not selected as a communications partner in the previous search, and displays a selection screen for selecting whether or not to perform communications with the searchee device 31. The present invention is applicable to various kinds of communications apparatuses, such as personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones and the like.
US07953433B2
A data storage device tracing system includes at least one container configured to maintain at least one electronic data storage device, a two-way radio coupled to each of the container(s), and a network including a network coordinator configured to transmit to and receive data from the two-way radio. In this regard, the two-way radio communicates real-time container location data to the network coordinator to enable real-time tracing of the container(s) and the electronic data storage device(s).
US07953426B2
A mobile terminal and method for sending and/or receiving contents, are provided. According to an embodiment, the mobile terminal for sending/receiving contents includes: a transceiver for sending/receiving one or more contents; a display unit for displaying the one or more received contents; and, a controller for controlling the transceiver and the display unit, so that the received contents are reproduced in an overlapping manner over a text message to be sent/received together with the contents.
US07953420B2
A method for enabling a subscriber terminal to remotely access terminal equipment, the terminal equipment storing identification data of the subscriber terminal, and the subscriber terminal being subscribed to a communication network and to a remote access service, wherein the method includes: receiving a request for authentication from the terminal equipment, the request for authentication including identification data of the subscriber terminal; receiving a request for access to the terminal equipment from the subscriber terminal; authenticating the subscriber terminal based on information from the communications network; forwarding the request for authentication from the terminal equipment to the subscriber terminal upon authenticating the subscriber terminal, the subscriber terminal processing the request for authentication to authenticate the terminal equipment; receiving an authentication notification from the subscriber terminal; forwarding the authentication notification from the subscriber terminal to the terminal equipment, the terminal equipment processing the authentication notification to authenticate said subscriber terminal; receiving an authentication notification from the terminal equipment; and enabling the subscriber terminal to remotely access the terminal equipment upon receiving the authentication notification from the terminal equipment.
US07953413B2
In a cellular wireless system, power thresholds used for determining whether or not to add or drop servers held in a set of servers, such as an active set, for serving a user equipment are determined on the basis of the motion of the respective user equipment. A lower threshold may be used with respect to the adding or dropping of a given server to or from a set of servers for serving a fast moving user equipment than would be used for the same server with respect to its adding or dropping to or from a set of servers for serving a slow moving user equipment, while maintaining a given quality of service. As a result, the average number of servers held in sets is reduced in a typical network that comprises a plurality of user equipments moving at different speeds, compared to a situation in which the threshold is set irrespective of the motion of a user equipment. A reduction in the average number of servers held in sets of servers for serving the user equipment has the benefit of reducing data traffic loading in a backhaul network, since the need to send duplicated data to each member of sets of servers is reduced and/or increasing network capacity, since the radio resource is used more efficiently because the proportion of servers sending duplicate data is reduced.
US07953412B2
A system and method for performing handover in a wireless mobile communication system are provided. In a Mobile Station (MS)-initiated scanning method of an (MS) in a wireless mobile communication system having at least two frequency bands with different central frequencies, the MS receives from a serving Base Station (BS) a mobile neighbor advertisement message including information about available radio resources of the neighbor BSs, transmits a new scanning request message to the serving BS, if the MS determines to measure Carrier-to-Interference and Noise Ratios (CINRs) of pilot signals from the serving BS and the neighbor BS, receives from the serving BS a response message for the scanning request message, including information about a BS which has reserved radio resources for a predetermined one of the at least two frequency bands, and measures the CINRs of the pilot signals in the predetermined frequency band.
US07953400B2
An automatic pairing method for a Bluetooth®-enabled mobile includes checking whether automatic authentication information has been received from a Bluetooth®-enabled appliance in response to an automatic pairing command, receiving pairing information from the Bluetooth®-enabled appliance and registering the Bluetooth®-enabled appliance as a slave if automatic authentication information is received, and establishing a Bluetooth® connection to the Bluetooth®-enabled appliance registered as a slave.
US07953399B2
A method, apparatus and system for initiating a service change in a wireless system, the wireless system including an originating side and a terminating side. The invention includes initiating a modification request in a wireless system, wherein the modification request is a service change from a first mode to a second mode. The invention further includes modifying a terminal from a first mode to a second mode if the modification request is accepted by the terminal, and completing a radio bearer assignment after the modification request is accepted.
US07953396B2
A method of processing user speech data for transmission to a participant or participants in a Push to talk Over Cellular (PoC) session over a cellular telephone network. The method comprises, detecting an initial period of silence in the initial talk burst of the session, and removing that period of silence from the speech data prior to replaying of the speech data to the or each other participant. These signal processing steps may be carried out at one of the initiating terminal, the receiving terminal, or the IMS core.
US07953395B1
Enhanced message notification is provided by an enhanced notification function element and a subscriber preference profile database. The enhanced notification function element queries the subscriber preference profile database to obtain subscriber communication terminal capabilities information, which it uses to select a message notification technology. The enhanced notification function element may then format an enhanced notification that is delivered to a communication terminal through a delivery system architecture appropriate for the selected message notification technology. The enhanced notification may contain: a message type indicator; an identifier of the party leaving the message; a date and time that the message was deposited; multimedia objects; and other enhanced information. The enhanced notification function element may also query a terminal roaming status database in order to determine if the enhanced message should be sent when the terminal is roaming. The enhanced notification function element may also provide content adaptation for the enhanced notification.
US07953391B2
Disclosed are a method and a system for mutual inclusive authentication between a service provider, a terminal and a user identity module. The authentication system is configured in a structure that can interact with a public key infrastructure of the current network security environment and can be independently used in a specific network system. The inclusive authentication method is divided into public key authentication and symmetric key authentication. Mutual authentication can be made between a service provider, a terminal and a user identity module using any of the two authentication schemes. Then a user can access content on any terminal device using the content license based on the user's identity.
US07953387B2
A method of retrieving a program using a print medium, comprising the steps of: determining a print media identifier from the print medium using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device, the print media identifier having been linked to the program; and, retrieving, using the mobile telecommunications device and the print media identifier, the program.
US07953385B2
A method and system to determine when a wireless terminal has been paged by a servicing base station. An encoded paging burst is received on a paging channel and then decoded to produce a decoded paging burst. The decoded paging burst is processed to determine if it is a null page. When the encoded paging burst is a null page, subsequent processing operations scheduled to follow a later null page are rescheduled and immediately processed, allowing the wireless terminal to re-enter the sleep mode more quickly following the receipt of a subsequent paging burst.
US07953383B2
There is provided a dual band receiver receiving frequency signals in different bands, the receiver including: a first down converter converting a first band signal into a first intermediate frequency signal; a second down converter converting a second band signal into a second intermediate frequency signal; a first voltage control oscillator supplying a first oscillation frequency to the first down converter; a second voltage control oscillator supplying a second oscillation frequency to the second down converter; a first filter passing the first intermediate frequency signal within a desired bandwidth; a second filter passing the second intermediate frequency signal within a desired bandwidth; and a clock generator converting the first oscillation frequency of the first voltage control oscillator into sampling frequencies corresponding to integer multiples of first and second oscillation frequencies and supplying the sampling frequencies to first and second AD converters, respectively.
US07953375B2
A communication module with dual systems for processing a first RF signal and a second RF signal that belong to different communication systems is provided. The communication module includes a first connection port and a signal distribution circuit. The first connection port is coupled to an external circuit, and the signal distribution circuit is coupled to the first connection port and between a first system path and a second system path inside the communication module. Regardless whether the external circuit is composed by an dual-band antenna or two uni-band antenna, the signal distribution circuit controls the first RF signal transmitting along the path between the first connection port and the first system path and controls the second RF signal transmitting along the path between the path between the first connection port and the second system path.
US07953374B2
A scheduling method for a wireless multi-hop relay communication system, wherein the communication system includes a base station dominating a plurality of relay stations, the scheduling method including separating the plurality of relay stations into N groups, N being a natural number, dividing a period for providing a service by the base station into N phases, wherein N is the number of the groups of the relay stations, serving the relay stations in a jth group during an ith phase by the base station, wherein 1≦i, j≦N, and serving a user or a subordinate relay station within service areas of the relay stations not in the jth group during the ith phase by the relay stations not in the jth group.
US07953372B2
Methods and systems for packet-by-packet directional mobile wireless transmission utilizing plurality of directional antenna sectors, such that, the transmission of each packet is performed by at least one selected antenna sector. The direction of transmission is selected responsive to the direction in which the best electromagnetic signal reception was received. For each plurality of data packets, the transmission direction is selected again. Switching logic is coupling the out going transmission signal to selected ones from the plurality of the antennas responsive to the motion of the mobile user. The antenna design in this invention is aimed at increasing the gain and minimizing the interfering signals with respect large number of mobile users who are concurrently and continuously tracking and communicating with their access points, and consequently, increasing the bit rate of each transmission and the aggregate capacity of the wireless system.
US07953370B2
An RFID transceiver device is proposed capable of carrier sensing even when the difference with respect to the carrier frequency employed by the other system is close to “0”. The device includes a control and signal processing circuit; a local oscillation circuit that generates a local oscillation signal of frequency that is specified by said control and signal processing circuit; and a reception circuit that demodulates the reception signal using the local oscillation signal frequency that is output from said local oscillation circuit; wherein the control and signal processing circuit performs control so as to output, to the local oscillation circuit, a local oscillation signal of a reference frequency in the case of ordinary communication, and output, to the local oscillation circuit, a local oscillation signal shifted by a prescribed frequency with respect to said reference frequency in the case of carrier sensing, as a local oscillation signal for demodulating the reception signal in the reception circuit.
US07953364B2
A device for displaying a broadcasting channel set individually by users and a method thereof are disclosed. The method includes entering a broadcasting reception mode, extracting a facial image from an image input through a camera, searching for an image corresponding to the extracted facial image from at least one image stored in a memory unit, and displaying a broadcasting channel corresponding to the extracted facial image.
US07953363B2
A lubricant applicator includes a solid mold lubricant, a lubricant application roller, and a flicker member. The lubricant application roller scrapes and applies the lubricant to an image bearing member. The flicker member removes a powder substance adhered to the surface of the lubricant application roller and is disposed upstream of the solid mold lubricant in a direction of rotation of the lubricant application roller. The lubricant application roller, the flicker member, and the solid mold lubricant define a sealed space therebetween. A lubricant applicator includes the solid mold lubricant, the lubricant application roller, the flicker member, and an adherence prevention member that prevents the substance removed by the flicker member from adhering again to the lubricant application roller. A lubricant applicator includes the solid mold lubricant, the lubricant application roller, and a lubricant receiver that receives the scraped lubricant from the lubricant application roller.
US07953346B2
An image forming apparatus having a developing cartridge includes a lower main body, and a developing cartridge installed in the lower main body and including a photosensitive medium. An upper main body may be separably installed on an upper side of the lower main body and includes an upper pressing member to press the developing cartridge downward. A lower pressing member, installed in the lower main body, is positioned to press the developing cartridge upward. In the case where a rotation axis of the photosensitive medium of the developing cartridge is set as a rotation center, a moment of force is applied to the developing cartridge by the upper pressing member and an opposing moment of force being is applied to the developing cartridge by the lower pressing member in the opposite direction.
US07953333B2
In a xerographic printer, a transfer station is controlled to apply a constant current to the photoreceptor. A print sheet having a high moisture content will cause the control system to make a high voltage drain to maintain the constant current. A signal related to the voltage drain is used to control a decurler. The system enables the decurler to be controlled on a sheet-by-sheet basis.
US07953332B2
In a method or system for regulation of optical density in an electrographic printing method, a toner layer thickness of a toner image developed with a developer station is scanned with a sensor. The resulting toner layer thickness signal is used for regulation of inking in the developer station. A humidity is measured with a moisture sensor and the resulting humidity signal is used for at least one of compensation of moisture-dependent deviations of the toner layer thickness signal and regulation of the inking in the developer station.
US07953329B2
An apparatus comprising an optical modulator modulating a light in accordance with a modulation signal and an operating point of the optical modulator, to thereby output a modulated optical signal; and a controller controlling the operating point in accordance with a branched portion of the modulated optical signal and a detected intensity of the modulation signal so that the operating point is kept stable when the detected intensity falls below a predetermined value.
US07953327B2
A commissioning tool includes a laser pointer structured to reflect light from a wireless lighting ballast, a directive antenna, a ranging module structured to determine distance to the ballast, and a housing. The pointer, antenna and ranging module are each mounted in the same common orientation with respect to the housing. A 3D gyroscope determines azimuth angle and elevation angle of the same common orientation. A GPS and dead reckoning system determines the global position of the tool. A wireless transceiver cooperates with the antenna. A processor cooperates with the transceiver to receive a unique device identifier from the ballast. The processor receives the distance, the azimuth and elevation angles, and the global position of the tool, and controls the light source. The processor may output the distance, the azimuth and elevation angles, the global position of the tool and the unique device identifier to another processor.
US07953320B2
A first signal shaper generates a first signal having a first asymmetry. A second signal shaper generates a second signal having a second asymmetry different from the first asymmetry. The first and second signals have approximately the same peak-to-peak amplitude. An AC measurement element acquires a first scaled representation of the shape of the first signal and a second scaled representation of the shape of the second signal. A DC measurement element receives the first signal and the second signal and generates a first value responsive to the first signal and a second value responsive to the second signal. A processor calculates a first factor responsive to the shape of the first signal and a second factor responsive to the shape of the second signal. The processor applies the first and second factors and the first and second values in a function that generates the AC/DC cross-calibration coefficient.
US07953318B2
Unless a release button is pressed halfway to input a command to prepare for capturing a still image, a focus lens is moved at predetermined intervals to focus roughly on a subject. When the release button is pressed halfway, the present position of the focus lens is detected. If the position of the focus lens is closer to a lens terminal on a short shooting distance side, the focus lens is moved from the lens terminal on the short shooting distance side toward a lens terminal on a long shooting distance side. If the position of the focus lens is closer to the lens terminal on the long shooting distance side, the focus lens is moved from the lens terminal on the long shooting distance side toward the opposite lens terminal. When an in-focus position is detected while the focus lens is being moved, the focus lens is immediately set at the in-focus position.
US07953314B2
There are provided an information storage medium capable of real-time recording/playback of digital moving picture information, and a digital information recording/playback system using this medium. In a medium that records/plays back data including video data and control information, the control information (DA21 in FIG. 4; RTR_VMG in FIG. 30) includes information (VOBU entry in FIG. 31) for accessing a specific portion (VOBU) of the video data.
US07953310B2
The present invention provides a beam homogenizer being able to form a rectangular beam spot having homogeneous energy distribution in a direction of its major axis without using the optical lens requiring to be manufactured with high accuracy. In addition, the present invention provides a laser irradiation apparatus being able to irradiate the laser beam having homogeneous energy distribution in a direction of its major axis. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device being able to enhance crystallinity in the surface of the substrate and to manufacture TFT with a high operating characteristic.The beam homogenizer, one of the present invention, is to shape the beam spot on the surface to be irradiated into a rectangular spot having an aspect ratio of 10 or more, preferably 100 or more, and comprises an optical waveguide for homogenizing the energy distribution of the rectangular beam spot in the direction of its major axis.
US07953308B2
A system and method for fiber optic bundle-based illumination for an imaging system is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a fiber optic bundle that comprising a plurality of optical fibers. Each optical fiber receives light from a light source. The system also includes a beam forming element that selects a mode of operation for the imaging system. The system further includes a beam deflecting device that deflects the light on a sample. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of (1) selecting a mode of operation for the imaging system; (2) transmitting light from at least one light source through a fiber optic bundle, the fiber optic bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers; (3) providing a beam forming element based on the selected mode of operation; and (4) deflecting the focused light on a sample.
US07953298B2
A high-definition magnified image is obtained by simple computation. A magnified image is obtained by obtaining a deteriorated image on the basis of an input original image, determining enhancement filters used for individual small areas of the original image using the deteriorated image at least, performing a filtering process by applying the filters thus determined to the individual small areas to achieve enhancement, and interpolating the image for magnification.
US07953293B2
A field sequence detector determines the field sequence of a series of fields of video by assessing the vertical frequency content of hypothetical de-interlaced images. Hypothetical images are formed from a currently processed field and an adjacent (e.g. previous or next) field. If the vertical frequency content is relatively high (e.g. above ½ the Nyquist frequency for the image), the hypothetical image is assessed to be formed of improperly interlaced fields, belonging to different frames. If the frequency content is relatively low, the hypothetical image is assessed to be properly assembled from fields of the same frame. The field sequence in the series of fields may be detected from the assessed frequency content for several of said series of fields. Known field sequence, such as 3:2 pull-down, 2:2 pull down, and more generally m:n:l:k pull-down sequences.
US07953292B2
An image captured from a camera is subjected to distortion correction processing performed in real time with high accuracy at low cost and is rendered as a smooth image. The image captured from the camera via a capture circuit is stored in a frame memory of a rendering memory unit, and is then subjected to image correction processing by a rendering processing unit. The rendering processing unit adds control points to the image based on distortion information stored in a correction information storing unit, and performs processing so that a shape of a mesh region formed when the control points of the image are connected to one another becomes square by moving the control points. This processing is corrected using, for example, a bilinear filter and the like.
US07953290B2
The present invention provides a system and methods for automatic parameter determination in machine vision in general, and in object recognition in particular. Many machine vision systems use algorithms that demand the user to specify one or more parameters in order to adapt the behavior of the algorithm in dependence of the current application. This is not desirable because the complexity of the algorithm should be hidden from the user and a manual parameter determination is contrary to a desirable high degree of automation. The present invention provides a method to automatically determine the most frequently used parameters in machine vision solely based on the input image itself. The method is explained in detail using an object recognition system as an example. In particular, the model generation process based on a model image of the object is explained. However, also other systems that use edge extraction algorithms, for example, can benefit from the present invention.
