US07976920B2
The present invention relates to a flexible unbonded pipe comprising an inner liner capable of forming a barrier against outflow of a fluid which is conveyed through the pipe, and one or more armouring layers on the outer side of the inner line. The flexible unbonded pipe comprises at least one polymer layer and one film layer, said polymer layer being bonded to said film layer. The film layer may preferably be a metal film layer, such as aluminum film, stainless steel film or duplex film. The polymer layer may preferably be cross-linked polyethylene. The interfacial bonding between the polymer layer and the film layer should preferably be sufficiently strong to prevent creation of gas pockets between the layers when subjected to an increased pressure of aggressive fluids (hydrogen, sulphides, methane and carbon dioxide) on the film side of the pipe. Thereby, it is possible to protect armour layer(s) from aggressive fluids.
US07976914B2
A resin film has a photoelastic coefficient of from 0 to 30×10−8 cm2/N; and Re satisfying the following formulae (1) to (4): 20 nm
US07976907B2
This invention relates to a process for the functionalization of a transparent or translucent substrate by formation of a layer, characterized in that it comprises the stages consisting in evaporating over the substrate at least one type of organic or organometallic functionalization molecule, simultaneously with the formation, by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition, of an inorganic glass matrix forming part of the layer; a substrate made according to this process; a device for the implementation of this process; and the applications of this substrate.
US07976890B2
An herb liquid is sprayed into peeled garlic, after which the garlic is subjected to a predetermined processing. The herb liquid is produced from at least one type of herb selected from each of the following groups A, B, C, and D: Group A: sweet basil; bush basil; lemon basil; licorice basil; cinnamon basil; dark opal and catmint, Group B: spearmint; apple mint; peppermint; catmint; orange mint; curry mint; north mint; ginger mint; bergamot mint; pennyroyal; summer savory and winter savory, Group C: parsley; sage; red sage; clary sage; and pineapple sage, and Group D: fennel; Florence fennel; true fennel and dill.
US07976883B2
The invention relates to a method for delivering a flavored and/or nutritionally enhanced non-carbonated beverage on premise. The method comprises a step of providing at least one packaged source of a liquid premix base comprising at least one microbiologically, physically, enzymatically and/or chemically sensitive beverage component which is not solely carbohydrate, a water activity lowering component. The liquid premix based is formulated with a water activity and/or solid content effective to render it shelf stable at room temperature. The method comprises a step of separately providing a plurality of flowable additive packaged sources adapted to tailor the flavor, aroma, body and/or nutritional value of the beverage. The method comprises a step in which liquid premix base is mixed to hot or cold non-carbonated water to provide a beverage base which is dispensed to the cup and wherein at least one additive is delivered and mixed with the beverage base into the cup.
US07976881B2
Combinations of vasoactive substances which act at venous or arterial level with phosphodiesterase inhibitors including phosphodiesterase V, in particular: visnadin or esculoside; at least one compound selected from icarin or derivatives thereof or extracts containing it, Gingko biloba dimeric flavones either in the free form or complexed with phospholipids, amentoflavone; at least one compound selected from escin, escin beta-sitosterol complexed with phospholipids, sericoside, sericoside complexed with phospholipids or Centella asiatica extract in the free form or complexed with phospholipids. The formulations are useful in reducing parmiculopathy and problems associated with venous insufficiency of the lower limbs.
US07976877B2
The use of i) finely divided knotwood, or ii) an extract, obtained by extracting knotwood with a polar solvent and recovering the extract, as an antioxidative agent. A fraction of the extract may also be used as an antioxidative agent.
US07976874B2
A calcium phosphate cement suitable for use in dental and bone prosthesis is disclosed, which include calcium phosphate particles having a diameter of 0.05 to 100 microns, wherein said calcium phosphate particles on their surfaces have whiskers or fine crystals having a width ranging from 1 to 100 nm and a length ranging from 1 to 1000 nm.
US07976870B2
Controlled release oral dosage forms are provided for the continuous, sustained administration of a pharmacologically active agent to the upper gastrointestinal tract of a patient in whom the fed mode as been induced. The majority of the agent is delivered, on an extended release basis, to the stomach, duodenum and upper regions of the small intestine, with drug delivery in the lower gastrointestinal tract and colon substantially restricted. The dosage form comprises a matrix of a biocompatible, hydrophilic, erodible polymer with an active agent incorporated therein, wherein the polymer is one that both swells in the presence of water and gradually erodes over a time period of hours, with swelling and erosion commencing upon contact with gastric fluid, and drug release rate primarily controlled by erosion rate.
US07976869B2
The present invention relates to a novel galenic formulation of fenofibrate for oral administration and to the process for its preparation. According to the invention, the formulation is a tablet obtained by compressing a mixture comprising: a) granules containing: 1 to 5% of a surfactant; micronized fenofibrate; and at least one solid excipient selected from starch, cellulose and derivatives thereof, with the exception of C12 disaccharides, said granules being obtained by granulating the mixture with the aid of an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone; b) crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone; and c) optionally flow aids or lubricants, the amount of fenofibrate being greater than 50% by weight, expressed relative to the weight of the tablet.
US07976855B2
This invention relates to modified high surface area materials, such as nanoparticles that are coated with metal ions, and articles treated with the modified high surface area materials. The modified nanoparticles have active sites that bind various gases and/or odorous compounds, thereby removing these compounds from a medium such as air or water. Metal ions are adsorbed onto the surface of the nanoparticle and bound strongly to the surface. By selection of the metal ion, specific gaseous compounds and/or odorous compounds can be targeted and removed efficiently and effectively from both aqueous phase and from the air. The modified nanoparticles are applied to nonwoven webs to provide odor removing articles for industrial and consumer use in refrigerators and trash containers.
US07976848B2
Synthetic DNA molecules encoding the HPV58 L1 protein are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides polynucleotides encoding HPV58 L1 protein, wherein said polynucleotides are codon-optimized for high level expression in a yeast cell. The synthetic molecules may be used to produce HPV58 virus-like particles (VLPs), and to produce vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HPV58 VLPs. The vaccines of the present invention provide effective immunoprophylaxis against papillomavirus infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity and are also useful for treatment of existing HPV infections.
US07976847B2
The present invention provides methods of treating heart failure and improving renal function, and/or preventing the advancement of heart failure into advanced stages, and methods of counteracting ischemia due to a myocardial infarction by providing improved methods of administering a therapeutically effective amount CGRP as a controlled release formulation. The therapies can be administered on an outpatient or inpatient basis and can further be used as maintenance therapies.
US07976846B2
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a stress protein complex and related molecules encoding or cells presenting such a complex are provided. The stress protein complex comprises an hsp110 or grp170 polypeptide complexed with an immunogenic polypeptide. The immunogenic polypeptide of the stress protein complex can be associated with a cancer or an infectious disease. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be administered to a subject, thereby providing methods for inhibiting M. tuberculosis-infection, for inhibiting tumor growth, for inhibiting the development of a cancer, and for the treatment or prevention of infectious disease. The invention further provides a method for producing T cells directed against a tumor cell or a M. tuberculosis-infected cell, wherein a T cell is contacted with an APC that is modified to present an hsp110 or grp170 polypeptide and an immunogenic polypeptide associated with a tumor or with the M. tuberculosis-infected cell. Included in the invention are T cells produced by this method and a pharmaceutical composition comprising such T cells. The T cells can be contacted with a M. tuberculosis-infected cell in a method for killing a M. tuberculosis-infected cell, or with a tumor cell in a method for killing a tumor cell.
US07976835B2
Compositions and methods of preventing or treating a breast cancer are disclosed. The composition and method can utilize an endothelin B agonist and a chemotherapeutic agent as active ingredients to treat a solid tumor in mammals, including humans. Alternatively, the composition and method can utilize an endothelin B antagonist and an optional angiogenesis inhibitor to treat a solid tumor in mammals, including humans.
US07976818B2
A method for continuously recovering titanium tetrachloride TiCl4 from a waste liquid comprising TiCl4 and by-products, wherein said waste liquid is subjected, as a flowing liquid film, to an evaporation step for a residence time of less than 15 minutes at a temperature higher than 90° C.
US07976810B2
In a method for preparing cerium carbonate powder by mixing a cerium precursor solution with a carbonate precursor solution and carrying out a precipitation reaction, wherein cerium carbonate is controlled to have an orthorhombic crystal structure, a hexagonal crystal structure or an orthorhombic/hexagonal mixed crystal structure, by using at least one type of organic solvent comprising at least two hydroxyl groups (OH) in molecular formula as a solvent for either or both the cerium precursor solution and the carbonate precursor solution, and varying a number of carbons or hydroxyl groups (OH) included in the molecular formula of the organic solvent. The method can easily and inexpensively obtain cerium carbonate powder with a desired crystal structure without the danger by high-temperature high-pressure and the need for an expensive system in hydrothermal synthesis.
US07976809B2
A method and an equipment for reducing sulphur dioxide emissions of a marine engine, wherein flue gases are scrubbed with a scrubbing solution in a scrubber. Fresh water with added sulphur removal reagent is used as the scrubbing solution.
US07976807B2
Hexachlorodisilane is decomposed into hydrochloric acid, silicon dioxide and water by introducing hexachlorodisilane-containing flue gas into a reaction region without moistening the flue gas and by supplying oxygen-containing gas that also contains a small amount of moisture to the reaction region maintained at a temperature at which hexachlorodisilane decomposes.
US07976806B2
A granular material having a high strength and a large BET specific surface area composed of porous particles comprising calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide wherein the calcium oxide is contained in an amount of 30 to 80 weight % based on a total amount of the calcium oxide and calcium hydroxide and the porous particles have a BET specific surface area of 40 m2/g or more, or composed of porous particles comprising calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium hydroxide, and magnesium hydroxide wherein a ratio of an amount of magnesium to a total of an amount of calcium and an amount of magnesium is in the range of 0.05 to 0.80, a total hydroxide content in the whole particles is in the range of 1 to 20 weight % and the porous particles have a BET specific surface area of 50 m2/g or more.
US07976805B2
A process for the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a gas stream (29) in the presence of H2 is provided. The process comprises contacting the gas stream with a catalyst system (38) comprising zirconia-silica washcoat particles (41), a pre-sulfated zirconia binder (44), and a catalyst combination (40) comprising palladium and at least one of rhodium, ruthenium, or a mixture of ruthenium and rhodium.
US07976804B2
A catalyst for the decomposition of N2O under the conditions of the Ostwald process, comprising a carrier and a coating made of rhodium, rhodium/palladium or rhodium oxide applied thereto, ensures to yield NO with a particularly low content of laughing gas as the first process product.
US07976803B2
The present invention is based on the realization that the carbon dioxide component of industrial gas streams also containing steam can be processed so to utilize either as latent and/or sensible heat the heat available from the steam component to assist in separating carbon dioxide from the remainder of the gas stream. For example, flue gases produced by power stations burning brown coal, black coal or natural gas inherently contain a useful amount of energy that can be harnessed according to the present invention. According to particular preferred forms of the invention, nitrogen and sulphur constituent such as SOx and NOx, H2S and other nitrogen containing compounds may also be removed from the gas stream through direct contact with the absorbing medium and used to produce by-products such as fertilizer material.
US07976786B2
A device for generating gas by placing a liquid reactant in contact with a solid element, including: a liquid reactant tank, a reaction chamber configured to contain the solid element, an injector configured to inject the liquid reactant onto the solid element, and an outlet port configured to collect the gas generated in the reaction chamber, wherein the tank and the reaction chamber are separated in a sealed manner by a mobile wall, the mobile wall including an outlet port for collecting the gas generated in the reaction chamber, and wherein the injector passes through the mobile wall and configured to move into the solid element.
US07976779B2
A microfluidic system with on-chip pumping which can be used for liquid chromatography and also electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and which provides improved efficiency, better integration with sensors, improved portability, reduced power consumption, and reduced cost. The system can include (A) a main chip comprising: a substrate having a front face and a back face; a chromatography column on the front face of said substrate, wherein said column has an inlet and an outlet; an electrospray ionization (ESI) nozzle on the front face of said substrate, wherein said nozzle has an inlet and an outlet, and wherein the inlet of the nozzle is microfluidically coupled to the outlet of the column; one or more pump systems on the front face of said substrate comprising a pump chamber, one or more electrodes, and an outlet microfluidically coupled to the inlet of said column; and (B) a reservoir chip comprising a front surface and a back surface, wherein the reservoir chip has one or more cavities in the back surface which when disposed next to the front surface of the main chip extends the volume of the pump chamber of one of the pump system. Microfabrication can be used to prepare the chips, which can be assembled with a cover and inserted into a testing jig for electronic control and mass spectral analysis. Peptide separations are demonstrated which compete with present commercial systems.
US07976777B2
A method, a sensor device (204), and a package storage system (200), are used to monitor the inside of a storage volume in a package container (202) containing at least one product and/or object (201). The sensor device is inside of the storage volume in the package container (202) and senses the presence of at least one of a sanitizing agent comprising ozone (316) and ultraviolet radiation energy inside of the storage volume. The sensor device (204) wirelessly transmits the sensed information from inside the at least one storage volume to a wireless receiver (222) outside of the storage volume to provide the sensed information to a processor (220) that monitors the presence of the at least one of the sanitizing agent comprising ozone (316) and ultraviolet radiation energy inside of the storage volume in the package container (202). The sensor device (204) can communicate using an RF ID device communication protocol.
US07976775B2
Disclosed is a binary aluminum alloy powder sintered material which comprises aluminum and iron, which has a completely crystalline microstructure comprising an aluminum matrix and an α-Al phase and at least any one phase of an Al6Fe phase or an Al13Fe4 phase mixed in the aluminum matrix as nanocrystalline phases, and which has an extremely high strength and a well-balanced high ductility, though being free from any rare earth element.
US07976770B1
Diagnostic methods and systems are used to determine operating condition and performance of a cooling element in a metallurgical reactor during operation of the reactor. A system can include sensing means, processing means and display means. The sensing means is located in or approximate the cooling element for sensing operating conditions of the cooling element. The processing means is in communication with the sensing means for receiving data corresponding to the sensed operating conditions and for processing the data to determine a relative condition indicator of the cooling element. The display means is in communication with the processing means and displays the relative condition indicator to a user of the diagnostic system. The display means can display a first, second or third state representative of the relative health indicator.
US07976764B2
A method for the introduction of at least one locally limited weakening into a decorative composite, in particular for use in an automotive vehicle, by way of a plurality of laser beams, is disclosed. The decorative composite includes at least one decorative substrate, at least one decorative material and at least one upholstered layer arranged between the decorative substrate and the decorative material. The weakening is formed after the joining of the decorative composite as a sequence of first blind holes or perforations, which penetrate the decorative substrate completely, and unweakened webs between these blind holes or perforations. At least one second blind hole, which does not penetrate the decorative substrate, is introduced into at least one web. The first blind holes or perforations are formed in at least two operations, wherein in a first operation, a preliminary weakening which does not penetrate the decorative substrate completely is introduced into the decorative substrate and, in at least one further operation, at least one subsequent weakening of the decorative composition is introduced through the region of the preliminary weakening. Each subsequent weakening has a smaller cross-sectional area perpendicular to the depth of the decorative composite than the preliminary weakening. A trim element for an automotive vehicle, including a decorative composite produced according to the method is also disclosed.
US07976761B2
A process for producing a patterned structure comprises imprinting a first pattern by pressing a stamper having a projection-depression configuration on the surface against an imprint-work layer, and imprinting a second pattern by displacing relatively the stamper from the position of the first pattern to another position on the imprint-work layer and then pressing the stamper against the imprint-work layer.
US07976754B2
Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, device and equipment for the implementation thereof
Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.
US07976753B2
A piece of corrugated pipe cut from a longer length of pipe is provided with a pipe coupling part by subjecting one or more of the corrugation crests on the pipe to heat and pressure. This reshapes the one or more corrugations to form a seal receiving recessed spigot on the piece of pipe.
US07976745B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a composite polymeric material containing nanometric inorganic inclusions comprising the steps of: mixing a polymer with a thermolytic precursor to provide a homogeneous dispersion of said at least one precursor and of said at least one polymer; subjecting said homogeneous dispersion to heating to provide a molten polymer and thermolytic fission of the precursor, generating the inclusions dispersed in the molten polymer.
US07976743B2
The present invention provides gas-containing liposomes. In particular, the present invention provide methods of generating gas-containing liposomes where the gas is introduced under pressure, as well as gas-containing liposomes which contain a large volume of gas (e.g., 10 ul of gas per 5 mg of gas-containing liposomes). In certain embodiments, the gas-containing liposomes contain nitric oxide gas. In some embodiments, such nitric oxide containing liposomes are used to treat a medical condition that is treatable by nitric oxide gas (e.g., intimal hyperplasia).
US07976740B2
Embodiments related to the fabrication of a light guide are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises extruding a thermoplastic polymer through a die to form an extrusion, machining the extrusion to one or more fixed dimensions, and maintaining a face of the extrusion in contact with a heated mold surface to soften or melt the face of the extrusion while applying pressure to the extrusion.
US07976737B2
The present invention relates to solution type silver organo-sol ink for forming electrically conductive patterns. The present invention provides silver organo-sol ink of solution type for forming electrically conductive pattern comprising effective amount of silver aromatic carboxylate and a reactive organic solvents, which can form chelate or complex with silver, are, for example, organic solvents having keton, mercapto, carboxyl, aniline or sulfurous functional group, substituted or unsubstituted. By the present invention, silver organo-sol ink of solution type basically having higher content of silver is obtained. The solution type ink of the present invention can be used for forming conductive patterns in flat panel display such as plasma display panel(PDP) to reduce the numbers of steps for pattern forming drastically.
US07976736B2
Process for preparing A silver-containing, disperse, water-containing formulation useful for producing electrically conductive and/or optically reflective coatings, which comprises (i) reacting a silver salt solution with a solution containing hydroxide ions, wherein at least one of said solutions comprises a polymeric dispersant, to produce an Ag2O sol, (ii) reacting the Ag2O sol obtained from step i) with a reduction agent, and (iii) purifying the solution obtained from step ii).
US07976721B2
To provide a safe, nontoxic, and high-performance mixed refrigerant for hot water supply/heating system which is prepared by mixing dimethyl ether with carbon dioxide and which does not deplete the ozone layer, has a low global warming potential, and permits low-pressure operation.A refrigerant composition for hot water supply/heating comprising 1 to 10% by mole of dimethyl ether and 99 to 90% by mole of carbon dioxide on the basis of the total number of moles of dimethyl ether and carbon dioxide.
US07976720B2
The present invention provides a composite magnetic sheet having a high magnetic permeability, to be produced easily at a low cost. The composite magnetic sheet includes magnetic substance powders and polytetrafluoroethylene powders.
US07976713B2
Treating wastewater by receiving wastewater having a reduced concentration of waste solids into a secondary containment space and allowing the waste solids to distribute into a lower horizontal sludge layer, an upper horizontal scum layer, and a relatively clear horizontal layer of liquid therebetween; flowing the liquid from the relatively clear layer through at least one filter element enclosed in a housing the top of which is submerged below the wastewater level of the secondary containment space; and thereafter flowing the filtered effluent out of the housing. In some embodiments, the filtered effluent may be discharged from the secondary containment space using an effluent pump configured with a conventional flow inducer or, alternatively, using an effluent pump sealably configured with a shortened flow inducer thereby allowing discharge of the filtered effluent to a wastewater level below that of the pump's intake.
US07976711B2
A method and device for blood treatments that use fluids such as dialysate and replacement fluid for renal replacement therapy. In an embodiment, fluid is passed either by pump or passively by gravity feed, through a microporous sterilization filter from a fluid source to a replacement fluid container. The latter forms a batch that may be used during treatment. The advantage of forming the batch before treatment is that the rate of filtering needn't match the rate of consumption during treatment. As a result, the sterilization filter can have a small capacity. In another embodiment, a filter is placed immediately prior to the point at which the sterile fluid is consumed by the treatment process. The latter may be used in combination with the former embodiment as a last-chance guarantee of sterility and/or that the fluid is free of air bubbles. It may also be used as the primary means of sterile-filtration.
US07976707B2
In treating organic-containing wastewater by a biological treatment in a stage prior to a advanced treatment such as membrane separation or the like, the amount of the biological metabolites produced in the biological treatment step is reduced to reduce the amount of the organic substances flowing into the advanced treatment step in a latter stage, thereby making the advanced treatment stable and efficient and efficiently recovering treated water of high quality. Water anaerobically biologically treated in an anaerobic reaction tank 11 including an acid production tank 11A and a UASB reaction tank 11B is subjected to a coagulation treatment and then to solid-liquid separation in a No. 1 sedimentation tank 14. The resultant separated water is aerobically biologically treated water is subjected to a coagulation treatment and then to solid-liquid separation in a No. 2 sedimentation tank 24. Then, the resultant water is subjected to a membrane separation treatment in a RO membrane separator 40 as advanced treatment means. By performing anaerobic biological treatment, aerobic biological treatment, and solid-liquid separation prior to the advanced treatment means, organic substances can be sufficiently removed, and treatment by the advanced treatment means can be made stable and efficient.
US07976705B2
This invention relates to filtration assemblies and methods of installing filtration units in filtration assemblies. Filtration assemblies may include first and second end pieces, at least one filtration unit between the first and second end pieces, and at least one alignment rod arrangement. The alignment rod arrangement may extend between the end pieces and align the filtration units and the end pieces.
US07976704B2
A filtration device is provided with a filter tank, filter media unit, and magnet. The filter media unit includes a filter media accommodation case and a large number of magnetic granular filter media. The magnet is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic granular filter media, so that the magnetic granular filter media magnetically attract one another. In the second position, magnetic attraction between the magnetic granular filter media is canceled. The filter media accommodation case includes a nonmagnetic mesh member of a nonmagnetic material and magnetism intensification plate of a magnetic material. When the magnet is in the first position, the magnetic granular filter media and nonmagnetic mesh member are located between the magnetism intensification plate and the magnet.
US07976701B2
To provide a drain trap which makes it possible to easily clean the interior of a main body and accurately seal a junction between storage space and discharge space partitioned by a partition. The drain trap includes the main body which has a tubular shape with a closed end and includes inner space communicated with a receiving unit and a discharge unit; a lid; and the partition which partitions the inner space of the main body into the storage space and discharge space, in which the partition can be inserted into the inner space, sealing units are installed on the partition and a side wall of the main body to bring part of the partition into intimate contact with part of the side all by exerting a vertical force component under a vertical pressing force, and the partition is equipped with a valve disc which floats up to allow liquid to flow from the storage space to the discharge space when the liquid in the storage space reaches or exceeds a set amount as well as with a valve seat which catches and supports the valve disc.
US07976691B2
A microfluidic device and method is disclosed having one or more membranes for the control of electrolysis. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is disclosed that includes body with first channel and second channels separated by a gel layer. A first electrode positioned in the first channel and a second electrode positioned in the second channel wherein a potential applied to the first and second electrodes passes electrons from the first channel to the second channel through the gel layer. In another embodiment, a microfluidic device includes a body having a surface with a channel separating two first reservoirs. One or more membranes are positioned on the surface covering a portion of the channel and a blank is positioned covering the channel and the one or more membranes. A second reservoir through the blank is in contact with the membrane, each second reservoir in communication with the channel via the membrane. A first electrode is positioned in the first reservoir and a second electrode is positioned in the second reservoir wherein a potential applied to the first and second electrodes passes electrons from the first channel to the second channel through the membranes.
US07976687B2
Provided is a roll unit to be dipped in a surface treatment liquid of a copper foil, wherein a bearing box for housing a roil shaft is configured from two bearing boxes that are divisible, one of the bearing boxes is configured from a roll-side bearing box arranged on a roll main body-side and the other bearing box is configured from a shaft end-side bearing box arranged on the shaft end-side of the roll, a shaft sleeve covering an outer periphery of the roll shaft is provided in the roll-side bearing box and an oil seal is provided along an outer periphery of the shaft sleeve, and a bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft is disposed in the shaft end-side bearing box. Specifically, the present invention provides a roll unit to be used in electrochemical surface treatments such as roughening treatment, rust prevention treatment, and oxidized surface treatment (blackening treatment) to be continuously performed on a surface of a rolled copper foil or an electrolytic copper foil, and which is capable of inhibiting the abrasion and corrosion of the roll shaft of such roll unit by controlling the corrosion caused by the infiltration of the treatment liquid, and which enables the simple replacement of the bearing box, bearing, and other components.
US07976686B2
An electrolyzer cell is disclosed which includes a cathode to reduce an oxygen-containing molecule, such as H2O, CO2, or a combination thereof, to produce an oxygen ion and a fuel molecule, such as H2, CO, or a combination thereof. An electrolyte is coupled to the cathode to transport the oxygen ion to an anode. The anode is coupled to the electrolyte to receive the oxygen ion and produce oxygen gas therewith. In one embodiment, the anode may be fabricated to include an electron-conducting phase having a perovskite crystalline structure or structure similar thereto. This perovskite may have a chemical formula of substantially (Pr(1-x)Lax)(z-y)A′yBO(3-∂), wherein 0≦x≦0.5, 0≦y≦0.5, and 0.8≦z≦1.1. In another embodiment, the cathode includes an electron-conducting phase that contains nickel oxide intermixed with magnesium oxide.
US07976685B2
Pot tending module (7) for a series of electrolytic cells for production by igneous electrolysis, including a chassis (8) that can be fixed to a trolley (6) moving along a travelling crane (4) and provided with a set of tools, particularly including at least one anode handling device (11), which is also provided with at least two display means (41 and 42) capable of taking views and transmitting them in the form of electromagnetic signals, typically two video cameras, the display means disposed at a distance from each other and from the working area, to be able to aim at the working area (23) of the anode handling device(s) along two non-parallel directions (D1) and (D2), forming an angle preferably close to 90°. This pot tending module may also include a third camera (43) that presents an overview of the tools and working areas for these tools, and a fourth camera (44) fixed onto the base of the anode grab actuators.
US07976684B2
An ultrasound system is disclosed that includes a tub, a reaction chamber, an ultrasound probe positioned within the reaction chamber, and a cooling jacket surrounding the tub for exchanging heat with the tub.
US07976669B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive and retardation layer-attached polarizing plate (4) comprises a retardation layer-attached polarizing plate (3) comprising a polarizing plate (2) that comprises an iodine-based polarizer (1) and a transparent protective film laminated on both sides of the polarizer and a method for manufacturing the pressure-sensitive adhesive and retardation layer attached polarizing plate (4).
US07976665B2
One embodiment of the invention includes a method of joining two substrates with multilayer thermo-reversible dry adhesives and separating the two bonded substrates by completely thermally reversing the adhesion via heating.
US07976654B1
High explosives suitable for filling very small volume loading holes in micro-electric initiators for micro-electro-mechanical mechanisms, used as safe and arm devices, are prepared from slurries of crystalline energetic materials including organic liquid and applied using various methods. These methods include swipe loading, pressure loading and syringe loading. The organic liquid serves as a volatile mobile phase in the slurry so as to partially dissolve the energetic material so that, upon evaporation of the mobile phase, the energetic material precipitates and adheres to the loading hole.
US07976633B2
A film forming device includes a mask member that is made of silicon and has first openings of predetermined patterns; a magnetic member that is made of a magnetic material and has a second opening, and that is aligned with the mask member so that the first openings are arranged in the second opening in plan view of the second opening; and a substrate holding member that generates magnetic force between the magnetic member and itself in order to adhere the mask member and a substrate to each other. The mask member and the substrate are interposed between the magnetic member and the substrate holding member in this order from the magnetic member.
US07976631B2
A method and apparatus that may be utilized for chemical vapor deposition and/or hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition are provided. In one embodiment, a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process is used to deposit a Group III-nitride film on a plurality of substrates. A Group III precursor, such as trimethyl gallium, trimethyl aluminum or trimethyl indium and a nitrogen-containing precursor, such as ammonia, are delivered to a plurality of straight channels which isolate the precursor gases. The precursor gases are injected into mixing channels where the gases are mixed before entering a processing volume containing the substrates. Heat exchanging channels are provided for temperature control of the mixing channels to prevent undesirable condensation and reaction of the precursors.
US07976630B2
A high-quality, large-area seed crystal for ammonothermal GaN growth and method for fabricating. The seed crystal comprises double-side GaN growth on a large-area substrate. The seed crystal is of relatively low defect density and has flat surfaces free of bowing. The seed crystal is useful for producing large-volume, high-quality bulk GaN crystals by ammonothermal growth methods for eventual wafering into large-area GaN substrates for device fabrication.
US07976621B2
A power plant may include a combustion apparatus (11) producing an exhaust gas (12), an absorber (20) receiving the exhaust gas (12), the absorber (20) including a desiccant and producing a first stream of desiccant solution containing water and a first concentration of desiccant, and an apparatus (29, 70, 94) for dehydrating the first stream of desiccant solution while maintaining the water in a liquid phase. The apparatus (29, 70, 94) may include a heat exchanger (71, 110), a crystallizing heat exchanger (74, 96), a separator (78, 98) and a flash tank (112) for dehydrating the desiccant solution while maintaining water in a liquid phase and subsequently recovering water from the solution.
US07976620B2
A hydrogen storage system for storing hydrogen gas at elevated pressures and cryogenic temperatures is disclosed. The hydrogen gas is fed to a storage container which contains a physisorption type material and a volatile liquid container for liquid nitrogen. Cryogenic conditions are maintained within the storage container during the periods of storage and the periods where the hydrogen gas is removed from the storage system.
US07976614B2
The invention relates to a method for cleaning the filters of a vacuum cleaner. A dirt collecting container of the vacuum cleaner has a suction inlet and is in flow connection with at least one suction unit via at least one filter and at least one suction extraction line. At least one external air inlet is provided which opens into the suction extraction line downstream of the filter and can be closed by a closing valve. The closing valve has a movable valve body which is acted upon by a closing spring with a closing force. In order to clean the filter, the closing valve is opened and the side of the filter that is oriented away from the dirt collecting container is impinged upon by external air. The valve body is acted upon, irrespective of its position, by the closing force of the closing spring and, in a position at a distance from the valve seat, additionally acted upon by a repulsion force of a resilient stop element.
US07976610B2
A direct smelting process for producing molten metal from a metalliferous feed material in a direct smelting vessel is disclosed. The process includes using a stream of off-gas from the vessel as a fuel gas in (i) stoves for generating a hot blast of air or oxygen-enriched air for the process and (ii) a waste heat recovery apparatus for generating steam for the process. The process also includes controlling pressure in the vessel by controlling pressure in the off-gas stream while the process is producing molten metal.
US07976609B2
A method for manufacturing metal nanorods includes: a step of adding a reducing agent to a metallic salt solution; a step of radiating light into the metallic salt solution containing the reducing agent; and a step of leaving the light-radiated metallic salt solution containing the reducing agent stationary in a dark place so as to grow metal nanorods. Metal nanorods can be also grown by forming a mixed solution by fractionating the above light-radiated metallic salt solution and mixing the fractionated metallic salt solution into a non-radiated metallic salt solution containing the reducing agent, or mixing a non-radiated metallic salt solution and the reducing agent into the above light-radiated metallic salt solution; and leaving the mixed solution stationary in a dark place so as to grow metal nanorods.
US07976608B2
In a solder paste which is a mixture of a flux and low melting point metal particles, low melting point metal fine particles manufactured by a conventional method or apparatus therefor include particles having widely varying particle diameters. Accordingly, the solder paste could not completely fill the minute holes in a mask for application to minute solder portions by printing, or mask removability was poor. According to the present invention, a mixture of a heat resistant continuous phase liquid and coarse metal particles in molten state is passed through a porous membrane to form the coarse low melting point metal particles into fine particles with a predetermined diameter. An apparatus according to the present invention comprise a porous membrane between a heating and dispersing mechanism and a cooling mechanism, and a pressure vessel connected to the heating and dispersing mechanism for applying a high pressure to the heating and dispersing mechanism.
US07976607B2
The present invention relates to a WC—Co cemented carbide alloy. By adding an extremely small amount of Ti, V, Zr, Ta or Nb or a combination of these, a grain refined cemented carbide structure with less abnormal WC-grains has been obtained.
US07976604B2
Disclosed is a filter housing having two abutting filter housing portions with a filter element sized and configured to be installed the housing. At least one quick release retention clip is pivotally secured to the filter housing and operable between an engaged and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the retention clip retentively closes the housing. In the disengaged position the retention clip is operable to apply a separating force urge the filter housing portions to separate and release the filter element.
US07976603B2
The invention concerns a filter housing (1), in particular of an air filter for motor vehicles, that extends axially along a longitudinal axis (2) and comprises two detachably connected housing parts (3, 4). A locking connection (5) acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis (2) is provided between the two housing parts (3, 4), wherein the locking connection (5) in at least one rotational direction (6) of the first housing part (3) about the longitudinal axis (2) relative to the second housing part (4) can be brought into a position in which the housing parts (3, 4) are detachable in the axial direction.
US07976600B1
A device for detection, collection, containment, neutralization, and elimination of aerosolized contaminants has a lid that fully covers an edge of a toilet bowl for containment of exiting aerosolized contaminants. The lid including a main lid section and a single piece lid cap, with the single piece lid cap having a housing for accommodating an article. The single piece lid cap having a first vent located normal to a natural vertical upward move of the aerosolized contaminants, and a second vent at a back end of the single piece lid cap, oriented substantially parallel to the vertical upward movement of the aerosolized contaminants. The aerosolized contaminants are detected, collected, contained, neutralized, and eliminated by the article within the housing, allowing only uncontaminated air out of the second vent through a natural upward movement of the aerosolized contaminants.
US07976598B2
Disclosed is multi-flow filter cartridge assembly that includes an elongated housing that has axially opposed proximal and distal ends and defines an interior cavity and first, second and third flow paths which extend from the proximal end of the housing to the distal end. The cartridge assembly also includes first, second and third filter elements. The first filter element is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the first flow path from a first inlet port to a first outlet port. The second filter element is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the second flow path from a second inlet port to a second outlet port. Lastly, the third filter element is also disposed within the interior cavity of the housing and conditions fluid that traverses the third flow path from a third inlet port to a third outlet port. The first flow path is isolated from the second and third flow paths and the second flow path is isolated from the third flow path.
US07976588B2
A storage battery is provided in which an expand grid is improved with respect to the widths of grid wires 1b, the sectional areas of nodes 1e, and the shapes of meshes 1c, whereby the productivity of the expand grid can be enhanced and the life performance can be improved. As means for attaining the object, a storage battery in which an expand grid is used as a battery plate, the expand grid being a grid member which is formed by expanding a side portion of a collector frame portion 1a of a metal sheet 1 to connect a large number of grid wires 1b to one another in a net-like shape, is configured so that widths of grid wires 1b of a row which is directly connected to the collector frame portion 1a of the expand grid, and a lateral end row are larger than widths of grid wires 1b of at least one of intermediate rows.
US07976586B2
The invention relates to an aqueous dye solution comprising a) 5 to 30% by weight of an anionic or cationic direct dye, b) 0.1 to 10% by weight of 1-phenoxy-2-propanol, c) 0 to 20% by weight of an inorganic or an organic acid, d) 0 to 20% by weight of further additives and e) water to complete to 100%, a process for the preparation of the solution and the use thereof for dyeing paper.
US07976575B2
A stent graft delivery arrangement for a stent graft (50) has a proximal end to be deployed into a patient in use and a distal end to remain outside the patient. The stent graft (50) is a tubular body of a biocompatible graft material with a plurality of self expanding stents (54). The stent graft is releasably retained onto the delivery device (132) towards the proximal end thereof. A curve forming arrangement (56) on the stent graft is arranged to curve a portion of the stent graft towards its proximal end. A pulling arrangement (58) extends along the delivery device. The pulling arrangement releasably engages the curve forming arrangement such that pulling on the pulling arrangement causes the a curve forming arrangement on the stent graft to form a curve in a portion of the stent graft towards the proximal end. The pulling arrangement can be subsequently released leaving the curve forming apparatus in place on the stent graft and the portion of the stent graft towards the proximal end thereof being laterally curved. The curve forming arrangement can comprise a suture thread. A gripping arrangement engages the suture thread between the second position and the third position to prevent re-extension of the suture thread after retraction thereof. The gripping arrangement can be a slip knot (107).
US07976571B2
A device and method is described for photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat hyperproliferative tissue growth in an underskin area within a few centimeters of the skin surface that is not accessible by conventional topical irradiation. The device comprises a plate having an array of openings with hollow micro-needles mounted therein that extend to a specified length on each side. Optical fibers are individually threaded through the micro-needles from the side opposite the treatment area and may be kept together as a bundle for attachment to a laser radiation source. The optical fibers have output ends made to provide a uniform radiation pattern to the underlying tissue. A photosensitizer is administered either systemically or locally and allowed a sufficient time to diffuse into the area of treatment. The laser of selected wavelength is coupled to the fiber bundle which then directs the radiation through the optical fibers to the treatment site.
US07976569B2
Instruments and methods include a guide instrument mountable to at least one anchor extension to guide the positioning of an anchor in a bony segment. The guide instrument facilitates aligning the anchor with one or more other anchors already engaged to the bony segment. The anchors can then be engaged with a connecting element extending therebetween. The guide instrument facilitates multi-level fixation of bony segments with bone anchors and one or more connecting elements in a minimally invasive surgical approach.
US07976568B2
The present invention relates generally to a device of and a method for correcting spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis. The invention employs the superelasticity or pseudoelasticity, such as found in a nickel-titanium alloy, to provide a continuous, predictable, and controllable correction force and to achieve a gradual and full correction. The correction force can be exerted on the deformed spine either at the time of the spine surgery or after the surgery or both, to afford a full or substantially full correction. The continuous and controllable correction force of the present invention is safer than an instantaneous and large correction force applied only at the time of surgery. Additionally, the continuous and controllable correction force is capable of gradually and fully correcting the spinal deformities without any post-operative manipulation of the correction device or re-operation.
US07976567B2
A connector apparatus for use in orthopedic procedures includes a base portion and an extending leg portion that forms a channel. Part of the base portion can be placed atop or adjacent implanted fixation members (e.g. bone screws), and a locking member can be inserted through the base and into the fixation member to anchor the connector to the fixation member. A rod can be inserted into the channel and fixed to the connector by a set screw. The apparatus is useful in connecting a rod to a fixation member, particularly in situations in which a rod is already connected to the fixation member, as by a previous implantation procedure, for example.
US07976559B2
A surgical probe includes an articulated digit located at a distal end of a positioning shaft having a longitudinal axis. An actuator is located at a proximal end of the positioning shaft that is operatively connected to the articulated digit so as to move it between a continuous range of positions from an extended position to a substantially curved position while maintaining a kinesthetic relationship between a surgeon's finger engaging the actuator and the articulated digit. Preferably, the surgeons finger position and shape directly correspond to the position and shape of the articulated digit. A method is provided for probing, dissecting, and retracting anatomical structures.
US07976556B2
A system for anastomosing a first tubular structure to a second tubular structure having an opening formed therein comprises a support device having a plurality of arms forming spaces therebetween. The support device is adapted to support the first tubular structure within an opening in the second tubular structure to facilitate anastomosing the tubular structures together. The arms can be configured to urge the first tubular structure against the portion of the second tubular structure surrounding the opening to form a seal therebetween. According to one embodiment, a plurality of discrete fasteners are provided to pass through the support device spaces and the first and second tubular structures.
US07976542B1
A method and apparatus for application of an electrical signal to neural and other target tissue in the living body.
US07976538B2
A method of treating fibroadenomas with optimized freezing periods at a single freezing temperature and minimal thawing time between freezing periods, and a system for accomplishing the method.
US07976536B2
A catheter introduces electrodes in a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of venous insufficiency by the application of energy to cause selective heating of the vein. The catheter is positioned within the vein to be treated, and the electrodes on the catheter are moved toward one side of the vein. RF energy is applied in a directional manner from the electrodes at the working end of the catheter to cause localized heating and corresponding shrinkage of the adjacent venous tissue, which may include commissures, leaflets and ostia. Fluoroscopy or ultrasound may be used to detect shrinkage of the vein. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter can be repositioned to place the electrodes to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.
US07976534B2
Implantable medical devices include a sensor module capable of detecting an indicator of infection in proximity to the device. The sensor module is activated following a detection of an event associated with the device, such as, for example, refill of an implantable infusion device or implantation. The sensor module is deactivated two or more hours following activation. Methods include detecting a first event associated with an implanted medical device; activating a sensor module of the implanted medical device at or after the detection of the first event; deactivating the sensor module two hours or more after the sensor module is activated; and determining whether information regarding the indicator of infection is indicative of an infection.
US07976533B2
An apparatus for removing body fluids from a body cavity by suction, such as a thorax, gastric or any other human body cavity or a wound, comprises means (9) to increase the pressure difference between a pressure in a drainage lumen (3) and a pressure in the atmosphere when an auxiliary lumen (5) is open. The apparatus enables removal of clots or other plugs of the catheter and drainage tube in an efficient and not patient disturbing way.
US07976504B1
A needle catheter with an axially elongating and contracting needle and methods of using for delivering therapeutic materials to the heart are disclosed.
US07976495B2
A feeding tube and method for introducing a feeding tube within the gastrointestinal tract of a patient, whereby the feeding tube is introduced by using a variation of the Ponsky “pull” method of feeding tube placement. The feeding tube comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and proximal end. The feeding tube also comprises a coupling structure for coupling the feeding tube to a pull wire, the coupling structure be proximal of the distal end of the feeding tube shaft. The feeding tube further comprises a guiding structure for aligning the pull wire with the distal end of the shaft. The feeding tube is introduced within the patient by attaching the previously placed pull wire to the coupling and guiding structures of the feeding tube, and then pulling the pull wire so as to pull the feeding tube into and through the gastrointestinal tract of the patient.
US07976491B2
The invention includes an actuator for actuating a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the actuator including a handle case having a proximal portion for gripping and a distal portion including means for attaching the actuator to a cartridge for containing medicament, and means for creating a proximal to distal linear motion with respect to the handle case, wherein the cartridge includes a retractable chamber for containing the medicament disposed therein, a substantially stationary member and means for retracting the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member while maintaining the substantially stationary member in a substantially stationary position.
US07976481B2
A vaginal probe includes a metal detection sensor for detecting the presence of ferrous-laden endometriotic tissues. The probe is electrically connected to external electronic circuitry for interpreting the readings taken by the sensor and for providing a qualitative or quantitative measurement of the amount of endometriotic tissues present. The probe is inserted in either the vagina or peritoneal cavity of a patient to detect the location and the relative amounts of iron or ferrous-laden tissues in the pelvic area of the patient. Using the probe and monitoring the readings over time as part of pelvic exams assists in determining the early onset or progression of endometriosis and/or the response to one or more therapies being provided to the patient to treat the disease.
US07976476B2
A method of penetrating tissue is provided. The method uses a lancet driver to advance a lancet into the tissue; advancing the lancet at a first desired velocity in a first layer of tissue; advancing the lancet at a second desired velocity in a second layer of tissue; and advancing the lancet at a third desired velocity in a third layer of tissue. In one embodiment, the method may including using a processor having logic for controlling velocity of the lancet in each layer of tissue.
US07976464B2
A device for retracting tissue provides access to a spinal location within a patient. The device includes an elongate body and a passage. The elongate body has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The elongate body defines a length between the proximal and distal portions along a longitudinal axis such that the distal portion can be positioned inside the patient adjacent the spinal location while the proximal portion is accessible. A transverse cross-section of the elongate body in the proximal portion has a first dimension that is longer than a second dimension. The first dimension is perpendicular to the second dimension. The passage extends through the elongate body between the proximal and distal portions. The elongate body is configured such that the proximal portion may be tilted with respect to the distal portion in a first direction generally aligned with the first dimension and in a second direction generally aligned with the second dimension.
US07976463B2
Methods and devices retract tissue for minimally invasive surgery in a patient. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from a first configuration for insertion that minimizes trauma to skin and tissue to an enlarged configuration after insertion to further retract skin and tissue in a minimally invasive manner. An optional intermediate retractor assembly is positionable between the first and second retractor portions to provide further tissue retraction capabilities.
US07976460B2
A catheter system is provided that permits easy cannulation and radiological examination of the biliary and pancreatic ducts during an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatograhy (ERCP) procedure. The system of biliary catheters provides for a method of gaining access to the biliary tree, particularly when the contralateral wall or septum of the biliary tree interferes with access to the biliary tree. This anatomical interference is remedied using a pulling biliary catheter that withdraws the papilla of Vater away from the contralateral wall or septum by pulling proximally upon a chute expanded within the papilla of Vater. The enlarged opening then permits additional medical devices to be advanced through the pulling biliary catheter into the desired duct requiring the ERCP procedure.
US07976457B2
An adapter is provided for holding a rear tip extender onto the cylinder of a penile prosthesis or onto another rear tip extender.
US07976442B2
An exercise apparatus for exercising multiple body parts includes a frame and a front user bearer assembly which is angularly and height adjustable relative to the frame. The front bearer assembly is mounted to a guide for guiding upward and downward movement of the front bearer assembly. A compensator to ensure that the front assembly travels in a substantially vertical plane during exercise includes a number of support elements, which are pivotally mounted.
US07976439B2
An exercise device for simulation of the action familiar to “tire flipping” is provided, having a base frame with a rail, a carriage including a pair of supports and a guide arm coupled to the base frame and the carriage. The guide arm allows guided rotational displacement of the carriage relative to the base frame with the carriage also being supported by at least one support received by the rail of the base frame at all time. One or more weight horns may be used to add additional mass to the carriage. A brake may be used to control the downward movement of the carriage after the carriage is actuated over vertical by a user or a lift that is “missed” causing the carriage to be safely lowered to a starting position.
US07976423B2
A differential assembly for a vehicle includes a differential casing rotatable about an axis. The differential casing defines a cavity. A pair of side gears is disposed within the differential casing cavity. First and second pairs of pinion gears are rotatably positioned in the cavity in driving engagement with the side gears. A thrust block has circumferentially spaced apart recesses. Rotation of the thrust block is restricted by the first and second pairs of pinion gears being in communication with the recesses. A spring biases the thrust block into engagement with one of the side gears.
US07976422B2
A differential assembly includes a retainer for a cross pin having a bore aligned with a bore formed in a differential housing. The cross pin retainer is positionable at partially-inserted and fully-inserted positions within the cross pin and differential bores. At a first rotational orientation, the cross pin retainer is positionable in its partially-inserted position to temporarily retain the cross pin within the differential housing. At a second rotational orientation, the cross pin retainer is positionable in its fully-inserted position to retain the cross pin within the differential housing. Features of the cross pin retainer cooperate with surfaces formed in the differential housing to allow the cross pin retainer to be fixedly positioned and secured within the differential housing.
US07976421B2
A differential gear 1 for a vehicle comprises a differential case 2 having a pair of holes 9R, 9L for drive shafts, a pair of pinion gears 3, 4 supported by pinion gear supporters 10, 11 and a pair of side gears 5R, 5L engaging with the pinion gears 3, 4. A pair of thrust washers 6R, 6L is interposed between the backs of the side gears 5R, 5L and the inner peripheries of the holes 9R, 9L without radial movement.
US07976409B2
The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The core is made of a material obtained by molding under applied heat a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber containing polybutadiene having a stress relaxation time (T80) of 3.5 or less, (b) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (c) an organic peroxide. The inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of from 50 to 80, the outer cover layer has a Shore D hardness of from 35 to 60 which is lower than the Shore D hardness of the inner cover layer, and the inner cover layer is formed primarily of a specific, highly neutralized resin mixture. The golf ball as a whole has an excellent rebound, a good, soft feel on impact, and an outstanding spin performance, and is capable of achieving an increased distance.
US07976406B2
The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra. The face may be selectively textured to enhance certain shots that the golfer may perform. This may include providing a plurality of distinct sets of texturing to accommodate a plurality of different shots. The grooves may contain a plurality of portions, including a radiused or angled portion, a portion having substantially parallel walls, a portion having a v-shape, and a curved portion. The grooves may also be characterized by various dimensions, including draft angle, inclusive side wall angle, width, depth, cross-sectional area, spacing, and pitch ratio.
US07976403B2
Disclosed herein are muscle-back iron golf clubs that have improved mass qualities to provide higher rotational moments of inertia and lower center of gravity while retaining the workability of muscle-back irons and the size, shape and dimensions preferred by tour players and low handicap players.
US07976399B1
A golf club alignment system, including: (a) a golf club shaft; (b) a golf club head connected to the golf club shaft, the golf club head including: (i) a hosel received onto an end of the golf club shaft; (ii) a ball-hitting face extending from the hosel; and (iii) an alignment system on the hosel, wherein the alignment system comprises a longitudinally extending marker positioned in a plane passing through a center axis of the golf club, and wherein the longitudinally extending marker terminates in an arrow point at the upper end of the hosel.
US07976397B2
A rotary game table includes a combination game table, two side support members, and at least one cross member. The combination game table includes a pool table surface formed on one side and an air powered hockey table surface formed on the opposite side. The at least one cross member is terminated on each end by a single side support member. The combination game table is pivotally retained by a side support member on each end thereof. To pivotally constrain the combination game table, at least one locking pin device is used; in a second embodiment at least two pivotal support arms; and in a fourth embodiment a pair of support latches. A third embodiment includes at least one side support member configured to retain a plurality of game accessories. A gaming table may be substituted for the air hockey table.
US07976395B2
A portable puppet theater, stage or playhouse comprises hanging wall structure for hanging the puppet theater or playhouse from a door or other vertical surface, enclosure structure for suspending from the hanging wall structure, the enclosure structure being shaped to form an enclosure, and shaping means associated with the enclosure structure for extending the enclosure structure away from a door or other vertical surface. The shaping structure within the enclosure structure may be disposed to be pivotable between a first position extending the enclosure structure away from the door or other vertical surface, and a second position maintaining the enclosure structure substantially flush against the door or other vertical surface.A method of using a portable puppet theater or playhouse, comprises hanging the puppet theater or playhouse on a surface of a door so that an enclosure member in the puppet theater or playhouse is disposed in a first position extending outward from the surface of the door to provide an enclosure between the surface of the door and the enclosure member, and pivoting the enclosure member towards the surface of the door so that the enclosure member is flush with the surface of the door in a second position.
US07976393B2
A gaming machine cabinet has a cabinet door is pivotaliy connected thereto and movable between a closed and open positions. A cabinet door button panel includes a panel support surface opposite the door's inner side, a capture structure at a first boundary of a button panel opening, and a blocking structure at a button panel second boundary opposite the first boundary. A button panel base has a first edge received in a button panel frame capture structure, and second edge received on the panel support surface. A locking flange with a locking projection extends from the button panel base lower side, the locking projection moveable between extended and retracted positions. With the button panel base in an operating position, a locking projection may he placed in the extended position to contact the blocking structure and thereby retain the button panel base in the operating position.
US07976392B2
An advantageous set of external interfaces for home video game platform provide modularity and expandability while maintaining and preserving the proprietary nature of the platform. A disk drive interface provides flexible communications with an internal disk drive. Various serial bus interfaces provide expandability and interconnectability with a variety of internal and external devices including, for example, flash memory, broadband adapters, modems, and various other devices. A 4-port game controller interface provides serial interconnectability with handheld game controllers and various other input/output device. Power supply, digital and analog audio/video connections, and parallel memory expansion connections are also provided.
US07976390B2
By awarding bonuses during predetermined bonus periods, gaming establishments can exercise greater control over bonus wins and, in doing so, can create player excitement and increase play during historically off-peak times, realizing greater revenue for the casino. The time based bonus begins when a maximum time for the bonus period is selected and divided into time increments, with each time increment having its own weight. A winning increment is randomly selected and a bonus is awarded when the time increment has been reached.
US07976388B2
An oral care gaming system and methods are provided for promoting and rewarding proper oral care techniques and behaviors and for controlling an electronic and/or video game. The system and methods enable a user to play an electronic and/or video game while performing certain oral care activities. The efficacy of a user's oral care techniques enables the user to improve their game play and to achieve the goals of the game. The system includes an oral care tool configured as a game enabler/controller and a base unit configured as an electronic gaming apparatus. Using the oral care tool, a user performs oral care and interacts with an electronic and/or video game the base unit implements and runs. The base unit includes a video display that displays video outputs of an electronic and/or video game. The oral care tool is actuated to enable an electronic and/or video game, and includes sensors for detecting characteristics of a user's oral care techniques and behaviors that serve as inputs to an electronic and/or video game.
US07976382B2
A casino gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of generating video images, a value input device, a user input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to cause a video image to be generated on the display unit, to cause a bonus image to be generated on the display unit for a time period in response to a trigger event, to award a bonus in response to the person making an input via the user input device in response to generation of the bonus image on the display unit, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game.
US07976370B2
The invention relates to a method for carrying out a game of the type comprising the steps of noting written information on a writing surface with the aid of a writing means. The writing surface is provided with a position-coding pattern and the writing means is a combined writing and reading unit, which continually reads its movement across the writing surface. The information is converted into digital signals and is sent via a communication system to a recipient which returns feedback on the received information. Examples of games that can be performed by means of such a method are pools, lotto, betting and various other games comprising the use of pen and paper to be carried out.
US07976361B2
A polishing apparatus is suitable for use in polishing a periphery of a substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer. The polishing apparatus includes a holding section configured to hold a workpiece and a polishing head configured to bring a polishing tape into contact with the workpiece. The polishing apparatus also includes a supply reel configured to supply the polishing tape to the polishing head, a rewind reel configured to rewind the polishing tape that has contacted the workpiece, and a swinging mechanism configured to cause the polishing head to perform a swinging motion with its pivot at a predetermined point.
US07976352B2
An audio connector includes: a body; a terminal plug fixed in position to the body and having a guide plate penetrating the body for supporting and being electrically connected to the conductive ends of a multi-core wire; a wire collecting member disposed inside the body, wherein the wire collecting member and the guide plate collectively define a receiving space for receiving and collecting the conductive ends of the multi-core wire; and a pressing member disposed inside the wire collecting member for pressing the conductive ends of the multi-core wire in conjunction with the guide plate and the wire collecting member, wherein a maximum width of the receiving space is smaller than or equal to that of the pressing surface of the pressing member.
US07976348B2
Compensation schemes for a modular jack are provided according to the present disclosure. The compensation schemes advantageously include a first coupling of compensating crosstalk between a first pair of conductors and a second pair of conductors and a second coupling of compensating crosstalk between only a first conductor of the first pair of conductors and only a first conductor of the second pair of conductors, wherein the first and second couplings of compensating crosstalk are of opposite polarities. In exemplary embodiments, the first coupling of compensating crosstalk may be provided by a circuit board, such as a flexible circuit board including a plurality of interconnection elements, e.g., capacitors, for providing the first coupling of compensating crosstalk. Alternatively, the first coupling of compensating crosstalk may be provided by a plurality of plug interface contacts associated with the first and second pairs of conductors. Similarly, the second coupling of compensating crosstalk may be provided either by a circuit board associated with the first and second pairs of conductors or by a plurality of rear wire connection terminals associated with the first and second pairs of conductors.
US07976343B2
A lamp-connection socket for a lamp for a display device, and a backlight unit and LCD device using the same are disclosed. The lamp-connection socket includes a body that includes a lamp receiving portion that supports an end portion of a lamp; a first terminal that extends from within the body to the outside of the body to receive a potential for driving the lamp; a balance device arranged within the body and electrically connected to the first terminal; and a clip arranged in the body that releasably clamps a lamp electrode at the end of the lamp, the clip electrically connected to the balance device.
US07976341B2
The invention relates to a screened connector comprising a cable, which has at least one conductor and a screen braid, a contact support, which is provided with at least one contact element which holds a stripped end of the at least one conductor of the cable, and screening for the at least one conductor, the screening having a fastening region to which the screen braid of the cable is fastened, the screen braid being fastened to the outside of the screening.
US07976337B1
A method and system for coupling to a palmtop computer that supports both mobile computing and desktop use. A palmtop computer docking system is disclosed that includes a cable assembly and a base. The cable assembly includes a palmtop computer connection mechanism that is connected to a USB connector and that is connected to a power connection mechanism via an electrical cable. Power is provided via the power connection mechanism. The cable assembly is adapted to engage the base so as to produce a fully functional docking cradle. In operation, once the cable assembly is engaged with the base, the USB connector is then coupled to the desired computing device (typically either a portable computer or a full-size computer). The resulting docking cradle facilitates desktop use such as, for example, communication with a full size computer. The cable assembly can be removed from the base and can be used independently of the base for mobile computing.
US07976333B2
A laminar electrical connector is provided that is formed from multiple superimposed strips of conductive material that form a stack having at least two ends. A second conductive material is used to join adjacent superimposed strips. The resultant connector has ends that are adapted to engage electrical terminals and provide an electrical communication therebetween. The resultant connector lacks a sheath on the ends or a grommet extending through the stack. Such a sheath or grommet limits the operative lifetime of the resulting connector and also creates current focusing that diminishes overall connector efficiency. A connector having a continuous layer of the second conductive material joining adjacent strips along the entire interface between the adjacent strips is also provided and improves connector performance in ways that are especially beneficial to applications associated with an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.
US07976332B2
A connector comprising a first connector provided with a first projection and a second projection on an outer surface thereof; and a frame including a wall portion defining an opening, the wall portion provided with a first guide running in a direction and a second guide on an inner surface thereof, wherein the first connector is inserted into the frame through the opening along the direction while the first projection is guided by the first guide and the second projection is guided by the second guide, and at least a part of a distance between the first guide and the second guide shortens along the direction.
US07976324B2
A device, method and computer program product for effecting vibrations in a device. In accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for effecting vibrations in a mobile electronic device having a first body and a second body movably mounted together, a drive motor for moving one body relative to the other body between a closed position and an open position in a first mode of operation, a controller for controlling the drive motor, and a biasing mechanism for applying a biasing force biasing the first and second bodies in the closed position when the first and second bodies are in the closed position and for applying a biasing force biasing the first and second bodies in the open position when the first and second bodies are in the open position, the method including: in a second mode of operation, driving the motor to repeatedly move one of the first body and the second body relative to the other of first body and the second body and against the biasing mechanism to cause the mobile electronic device to vibrate.
US07976322B2
A lever fitting type connector includes a male connector, a lever which is rotatably attached to the male connector, and a female connector which has a fitting space into which the male connector is inserted. The lever has a fulcrum protrusion provided on one end portion of the lever. An inner wall forming the fitting space of the female connector has a guiding groove portion and a receiving groove portion for receiving the fulcrum protrusion. The guiding groove portion extends in a fitting direction of the male connector with respect to the female connector from an upper end portion of the inner wall toward the inside of the fitting space. The receiving groove portion which is communicated with the guiding groove portion and extends in a direction intersecting the fitting direction from one end of the guiding groove portion which is away from the upper portion of the inner wall. The fulcrum protrusion is positioned to the inside of the receiving groove portion at a time when an unrotatable state of the lever is released.
US07976319B2
An electrical connector includes a housing having a mating end and a board end. The housing has a plurality of contact cavities extending along a longitudinal axis between the mating and board ends. A plurality of contacts are received within the contact cavities. The contacts have a mating end and a mounting end, and the contacts have a flexible tail at the mounting end. The tail has a first portion extending along the longitudinal axis and a second portion angled with respect to the first portion with the second portion having a board mounting surface configured to mount to a circuit board. The tail includes a slot open along the board mounting surface.
US07976317B2
Power connector modules are provided that can be plug connectors, receptacle connectors, or a system of plug and receptacle connector modules and optionally other modules, that mate together. Each connector has an uncoupled contact feature. The uncoupled contacts have exposed surfaces to dissipate heat resulting from Joule effects. The uncoupled contacts for the plug connector converge to form a blade structure at one side. The uncoupled contacts for the receptacle connector form a receiving section that engages the blade structure of the plug connector when the plug connector and receptacle connector are used together.
US07976316B2
An electrical connector for connecting a circuit board includes a plurality of blades; a plurality of terminals disposed on each of the blades and extending in parallel to each other; and a holding member for holding the blades next to each other to be situated on a same plane. Further, each of the blades includes a base member, and the terminals are integrated with the base member.
US07976309B1
According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for simulating damage inside a chamber in response to receiving a detection signal from one or more sensors outside the chamber. The method includes receiving the detection signal from the one or more sensors located outside the chamber in response to the one or more sensors detecting a simulated hit to outside the chamber. In response, emitting light from one or more light sources to simulate damage inside the chamber.
US07976305B2
A cigarette lighter includes a reservoir for storing fuel and a head formed on the reservoir. Moreover, the cigarette lighter includes a valve for releasing the fuel from the reservoir, a nozzle put in the head for spraying the fuel from the valve, an ignition device for igniting the fuel sprayed from the nozzle, a cover for covering the head and an alarm for providing only one round of a message every time the cover is lifted.
US07976304B2
The present invention relates to a method for mixing at least two separate fluid flows (2, 3), in particular for a burner of a power plant.To improve the mixing, a plurality of swirl flows (7, 8), which are annular and concentric with respect to a longitudinal center line (6), are generated from the fluid flows (2, 3), in such a manner that radially adjacent swirl flows (7, 8) have opposite directions of rotation.
US07976299B2
Provided are a bisected mold for tire molding that enables manufacturing of high-performance tires and that at a mold clamping, avoids a tire from being pinched to thereby attain a yield enhancement; and a process for manufacturing a tire. Inside a container bisected into upper and lower parts in the state of mold opening, there are disposed a mold for tire molding and, along upper and lower side plates, an unvulcanized tire. After performing vulcanization molding of the unvulcanized tire while changing from this state to a state of mold clamping of sectors and segments split into a plurality of pieces in a circumferential direction of the unvulcanized tire through a driving device and a slide unit means, only the sectors are subjected to mold opening by use of a driving means while maintaining the state of mold clamping of the mold for tire molding and the segments by the driving device and the slide unit means, and subsequently taking the vulcanization-molded tire.
US07976297B2
An intended purpose of this invention is to realize a gear pump suitable for delivery of high-pressure and high-viscosity fluids by using helical gears meshing with each other. For this purpose, the gear pump includes introduction paths for introducing the fluid from a discharge side toward shaft end sides of gear shafts to apply shaft ends of the gear shafts with fluid pressures counterbalancing axial thrusts produced by the helical gears.
US07976294B2
A scroll fluid machine has a stationary scroll having a stationary scroll lap and an orbiting scroll having an orbiting scroll lap that orbits relative to the stationary scroll lap. The orbiting scroll lap engages with the stationary scroll lap to form a closed compression chamber. An intermediate ring is positioned to surround the orbiting scroll lap. A plurality of first plate springs connect the intermediate ring and the orbiting scroll, while supporting the intermediate ring to enable the intermediate ring to move in a first direction orthogonal to a rotation axis of the machine. A plurality of second plate springs connect the intermediate ring and the stationary scroll, while supporting the intermediate ring to enable the intermediate ring to move in a second direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the machine as well as orthogonal to the first direction.
US07976293B2
A centrifugal fan includes an impeller having a plurality of blades around a predetermined central axis, a motor that rotatably drives the impeller, a control circuit that controls the rotation of the motor, and a casing that houses the impeller, the motor, and at least a portion of the control circuit. A plurality of electronic components of the control circuit are disposed in an electronic component mounting portion provided between a circumferential wall of the casing and a virtually extending plane of an opening end surface of an exhaust port along a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis. In the centrifugal fan, the electronic components are disposed radially outside an air passage, and thus the centrifugal fan can be reduced in its axial size, so that downsizing of the fan can be achieved.
US07976291B2
A cooling fan includes an outer housing. A motor support is fixed to the outer housing and a motor is mounted to the motor support. A hub is coupled to the motor and, with the motor support, forms a motor enclosure that substantially surrounds the motor. Multiple blades extend radially from the hub and are arranged so as to generate a flow of air around the motor enclosure when the blades are rotated. The cooling fan also includes a motor cooler including a flow path through the motor enclosure, wherein the flow path has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the second opening is disposed within an area of lowered downstream pressure so as to develop a differential pressure between the first and second openings and generate a flow of air through the motor enclosure as the motor operates.
US07976281B2
A rotor blade assembly includes a shank, an airfoil that is formed integrally with the shank, and a removable platform coupled between said shank and said airfoil via a friction fit. A method of assembling a gas turbine engine rotor blade assembly that includes a removable platform, and a gas turbine engine rotor assembly including the removable platform are also described herein.
US07976271B2
A rotary blood pump includes a casing defining a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber has a blood inlet and a tangential blood outlet. One or more motor stators are provided outside of the pumping chamber. A rotatable impeller is within the pumping chamber and is adapted to cause blood entering the pumping chamber to move to the blood outlet. The impeller has one or more magnetic regions. The impeller is radially constrained in rotation by magnetic coupling to one or more motor stators and is axially constrained in rotation by one or more hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces on the impeller.
US07976264B1
The truck bed apparatus is provided as replacement or original equipment. An access below the platform selectively houses the individually rollingly removable ramps. Bi-directional hinges which fasten each ramp second section to each first section are lockable, giving the ramps infinite incline and decline capabilities. Bi-directional lockable hinges affix each third section to each second section for the same reason. Varied lengths of the hinged legs also provide selective angle and support for each ramp. The second and third sections can be pivotally fitted within the width of the first section and subsection, thereby providing a collapsed ramp height less than would otherwise be provided, which provides for the platform to be only marginally higher than a standard truck bed platform would otherwise be. The ramps can be collapsed and housed within the access, then removed and extended to a far greater length than the platform of the bed.
US07976257B2
A profile rail has a face and is formed with a longitudinally extending channel open at the face and with longitudinally extending stabilizing formations on the face flanking the channel. The channel has confronting ribbed flanks. A stabilizing element has a face engageable with the face of the rail and formed with a pair of stabilizing formations fittable with the stabilizing formations of the rail and with a throughgoing hole between the respective stabilizing formations and aligned with the channel when the element stabilizing formations are fitted with the rail stabilizing formations. A screw fittable through the hole has a screwthread engageable with the flanks of the channel so that the screw can clamp the element to the face of the rail.
US07976251B2
An indexable insert has a rake face on which a first ridge (2) and a second ridge (3) are provided. The first ridge (2) protrudes from a boss surface (1) towards a nose, and the second ridge (3) extends continuously from the first ridge (2) to a slope (8) connected to a cutting-edge land (7) of a linear cutting edge (6). The second ridge (3) has a height lower than that of the first ridge (2) and is convex-curved towards a bisecting line (CL) of an apex angle of the nose in plan view, thereby achieving both enhanced chip processability and reduction of load received when raking a chip.
US07976245B2
A mooring (10) for connecting an ocean energy capturing device (51) to a seabed (16) is disclosed. The mooring (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for connection to the ocean energy capturing device (51). A plurality of anchor bolts (18) are each connected at a first end to the base (12) and have a second end adapted to be embedded in the seabed (16) for attaching the base (12) to the seabed (16). A method of securing the ocean energy capturing device (51) to the seabed (16) is also disclosed. The method involves passing a tensile transmission line (46) through a guide opening (44) in the base (12) and drawing the tensile transmission line (46) through the guide opening (44) to drag the ocean energy capturing device (51) toward the base (51).
US07976233B2
A winding apparatus for use in a copier, a printer, and other devices for ejecting a printed sheet in a rolled form of a cylinder without having a core includes a gripping mechanism for gripping the leading end of a sheet when the sheet is rolled into cylindrical form. The gripping mechanism is disposed on a cylindrical member provided to each of both ends of the sheet in a direction orthogonal to a conveyance direction of the sheet and moving with the conveyance of the sheet. The on and off states of gripping to the leading end of the sheet can be controlled. The gripping mechanism is turned to the off state, and the cylindrical member is retracted from the sheet.
US07976226B2
Disclosed are various embodiments of an optical wavelength division demultiplexer or multiplexer sub-assembly configured to receive or transmit optical signals conveyed thereto or therefrom by a fiber optic cable. Selected portions of external surfaces of the sub-assembly are coated with an electrically conductive paint, polymer or adhesive to provide an EMI, EMP or ESD shield. Typically, the sub-assembly comprises an integrally molded plastic optical block and a separate integrally molded coupling module with a ferrule and fiber optic cable receptacle. In one embodiment, selected external surfaces of the optical block and coupling module are coated with a coating having a predetermined electrical conductivity to provide a desired degree of EMI, EMP or ESD shielding.
US07976213B2
In an air mixing arrangement wherein a primary fluid is introduced through an opening in a wall to be mixed with a secondary fluid flowing along the wall surface, the opening is airfoil shaped with its leading edge being orientated at an attack angle with respect to the secondary fluid flow stream to enhance penetration and dispersion of the primary fluid stream into the secondary fluid stream. The airfoil shaped opening is selectively positioned such that its angle of attack provides the desired lift to optimize the mixing of the two streams for the particular application. Embodiments of the arrangement can comprise a collar around the openings, multiple openings that comprise a larger opening and a smaller opening positioned downstream, pairs of openings and associated collars symmetric relationship, and nozzles on the inner side of the wall.
US07976210B2
The backlight system is provided with: a plurality of LED-substrates (12) equipped with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (21), a circuit that supplies driving current to the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (21), and metallic film islands that conduct heat generated by the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) (21); a backlight frame (11) that loads the plurality of LED-substrates (12); and bolts (17) that fix the plurality of LED-substrates (12) on the backlight frame (11) and that conduct heat through the metallic film islands to the backlight frame (11).
US07976209B2
The planar lighting device includes, in addition to light sources, a light exit plane, a pair of light entrance planes formed on a pair of sides of the light exit plane, and a rear plane composed of a pair of inclined planes formed on a side opposite from the light exit plane such that the light guide plate grows thicker with an increasing distance from the light entrance planes toward the center. The light guide plate contains light scattering particles satisfying Npi>Np, where Npi is the particle density in a region of space within a given range of the light guide plate and Np the density in the other region of space. The planar lighting device with minimized brightness unevenness liable to develop near the light entrance planes when the light exit plane has great dimensions.
US07976207B2
Provided are a backlight assembly and a display device having the same. The backlight assembly includes a light source unit which generates light; and a light guide plate which comprises an incident light surface through which the light from the light source unit enters the light guide plate, an upper surface joined to the incident light surface and that includes a prism pattern, and a lower surface opposing the upper surface and formed with a plurality of concave portions. A diffusing pattern is formed on one of the upper surface and the lower surface.
US07976202B2
Techniques for light emitting diode (LED) lighting with heat spreading in illumination gaps. Inexpensive structural aluminum may be suitably employed to form a passive heat spreading mount for plural LEDs whose illumination collectively combines to provide the light needed by a particular lighting fixture, such as a pendant chandelier, by way of example, by angling fins of the passive heat spreading mount to correspond to illumination gaps of the LEDs.
US07976197B2
The invention provides a LED illuminating equipment with high power and high heat-dissipating efficiency. The LED illuminating equipment of the invention includes a plurality of diode light-emitting apparatuses. Particularly, the heat generated by the diode light-emitting apparatuses in operation is conducted to a heat-dissipating plate device and the heat-dissipating fins. Besides, the heat is uniformly distributed over the heat-dissipating plate device and further dissipated by the heat-dissipating plate device and the heat-dissipating fins extending thereon.
US07976190B2
A custom assembly light-emitting module using plugs and jacks for obtaining vertical electrical connections, includes a light-emitting unit, a lens unit, a plug unit and a jack unit. The lens unit is detachably combined with the light-emitting unit. The plug unit is disposed beside one side of the lens unit and electrically connected with the light-emitting unit. The jack unit is disposed on a bottom side of the plug unit and electrically connected with the plug unit. In addition, the light-emitting unit has two first retaining structures being formed on two opposite lateral sides thereof, the lens unit has a hollow transparent structure and a lens integratedly with the hollow transparent structure, two second retaining structures are disposed in the hollow transparent structure, and the light-emitting unit is detachably disposed in the hollow transparent structure.
US07976185B2
A light emitting diode (LED) lamp tube includes a lamp device including a circuit board, and a plurality of LEDs mounted on the circuit board. The circuit board is disposed in a tubular enclosure such that an inner peripheral surface of the enclosure is divided into a non-illuminated portion and a light-receiving portion. The tubular enclosure has a plurality of tapered protrusions extending from the light-receiving portion toward the LEDs. Each of the tapered protrusions converges from the light-receiving portion toward the LEDs. Each of the tapered protrusions further has a maximum width at an outer end thereof, which increases gradually from a middle portion of the light-receiving portion toward junctions of the light-receiving portion and the non-illuminated portion.
US07976181B2
An illuminator comprises an elongate body; and engagement means for engaging a display cabinet shelf at a front edge. Light emitting diodes are mounted on inner surfaces of the body for product illumination. The diodes are mounted for mutually divergent and at least partially inwardly-directed fields of illumination. The diodes include a top set of diodes arranged for illumination above a shelf and a bottom set of diodes for illumination below a shelf. The illuminator may further comprise a light guide for direction of light from behind the diodes to an outer surface of the body, and the diodes being mounted on a transparent substrate. The body may comprise a label holder for supporting a label across an outer surface of the body.
US07976178B2
A stocking is illuminated with flashing lights in response to movement by a wearer and is protected against water damage.
US07976174B2
In a method for projecting at least one optical projection onto at least one projection surface a monitoring zone that contains and/or surrounds a first projection surface is scanned with the aid of a working laser beam, which is not hazardous for the human eye, by the positioning the working laser beam on various scanning positions located in the monitoring zone, and a measured signal for light from the working laser beam that is reflected from the scanning positions is acquired. The measured signal is compared with the reference signal. Depending on the result of this comparison, the optical projection is projected onto the first projection surface by means of a projection laser beam, which has a greater radiant power than the working laser beam. With the aid of the working laser beam, a second optical projection is projected onto a second projection surface that is located outside of the monitoring zone.
US07976168B2
Disclosed are a system and method for microprojection that uses multiple imagers to produce a high resolution output image. Each of a set of imagers produces a portion of the final image. Relay lenses then tile the individual image portions together into a combined image. Because the height of the individual imagers is smaller than the height of a monolithic imager, they can fit into a very thin device. The combined image has a resolution equal to the sum of the resolutions of the individual imagers. The individual images are tiled together within the microprojector itself rather than on a projection screen. This allows the tiling to be adjusted once at the factory and set forever. In some embodiments, the light created for use by the microprojector is split by a polarizing beamsplitter. Each resultant polarized beam is then sent to an imager. Another polarizing beamsplitter combines the individual images.
US07976167B2
A light engine has a light source front surface that emits non-collimated light. A collection lens collects the non-collimated light and provides incompletely collimated light. A collimating lens receives the incompletely collimated light and provides a collimated image. A non-orthogonal polarizing filter receives the collimated image and passes a polarized portion of the collimated image as a direct component of the polarized light engine image. The non-orthogonal polarizing filter reflects a recycled image back to the front surface. The non-orthogonal shape of the polarizing filter is selected according to the pattern of light on the light source front surface.
US07976163B2
A system measures a corneal topography of an eye. The system includes a group of first light sources arranged around a central axis, the group being separated from the axis by a radial distance defining an aperture in the group; a plurality of second light sources; a detector array; and an optical system adapted to provide light from the second light sources through the aperture to a cornea of an eye, and to provide images of the first light sources and images of the second light sources from the cornea, through the aperture, to the detector array. The optical system includes an optical element having a focal length, f. The second light sources are disposed to be in an optical path approximately one focal length, f, away from the optical element.
US07976159B2
Continuous Adjustable Pulfrich Filter Spectacles are provided with lenses with continuously changeable optical densities, so that viewing of 2D movies is optimized for visualization in natural 3D. Method and means are disclosed for the continuous Adjustable Pulfrich Filter Spectacles to perform two independent optimizations to achieve optimized 3Deeps visual effects on 2D movies. First they compute the optical density setting of the lenses for optimal viewing of 2D movies as 3D. Then they continuously render the lenses of the spectacles to these optical densities optimized for characteristics of the electro-optical material from which the lenses of the spectacles are fabricated. The invention works for both 3DTV and 3D Cinema theater viewing.
US07976154B2
The invention pertains to the protection of spectacles arms and relates to a protection member for a spectacles arm comprising an elongated tubular envelope (54) sealed against chemical agents, having an open end and having an essentially flat shape in the plane of a hook-shaped spectacles arms. The envelope (54) includes, at a location corresponding to the position of the bend of a hook-shaped spectacles arm, a device (62) preferably for folding about a transverses axis and for reducing at said location the distance between the inner edge of the bend of the spectacles arm and the edge of the member provided on the side of the bend interior. Application in hairdressing facilities.
US07976149B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink set that has a wide color reproduction range, has high saturation, produces a glossy recorded image with no pronounced granularity caused by dot expression, greatly suppresses granularity caused by dot expression particularly when applied to a medium having a coating layer, and allows a recorded image with outstanding coloration to be obtained when applied to plain paper. The present invention provides an ink set comprising at least yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), cyan ink (C), and red ink (R), wherein the L* values in the Lab colorimetric system specified by CIE for aqueous solutions of each ink diluted 1000 times are within the following ranges. (Y): at least 89 and no more than 94, (M): at least 76 and no more than 93, (C): at least 74 and no more than 87, (R): at least 55 and no more than 74.
US07976138B2
The present invention pertains to a data-providing component securing mechanism for a printing apparatus reservoir. According to embodiments of the present invention, a securing mechanism is provided with an image-formation-material reservoir. The securing mechanism includes a drawer-style support feature having two guiding regions that interact with sides of the data-providing component when it is inserted therein. Upon complete or substantially complete insertion of the data-providing component into the drawer-style support feature, a retention feature is engaged at an opening end of the drawer-style support feature in order to retain the data-providing component in its engaged position. Consequently, the data-providing component can be secured without the use of external bonding agents, and can be removed from the drawer-style support feature intact, thereby allowing such data-providing component to be reused.
US07976136B2
To prevent an adhesive from flowing into nozzles, there is provided a head chip includes: a plate having a plurality of grooves; a cover plate having an introduction aperture; a nozzle plate fixed to an end surface of the plate, and has nozzles formed at the same intervals; and escape holes formed between the nozzle plate and the plate, each have a contour which surrounds a periphery of each of the nozzles with the contour being spaced apart from a contour of each of the nozzles by at least a given distance, accumulate the adhesive remaining at a time of fixing the nozzle plate therein, and allow the nozzles and the grooves to communicate with each other. The nozzles and the escape holes are so arranged as to be displaced from adjacent nozzles and adjacent escape holes by a given distance in a vertical direction of the nozzle plate.
US07976115B2
A method for determining the pulse width for driving printhead nozzles in a thermal inkjet printer. The printhead is preheated to a desired temperature during a maintenance mode. The printhead nozzle heaters are successively driven in respective heating intervals, where each successive heating interval is characterized by shorter drive pulse width pulses occurring at a higher pulse frequency. The printhead temperature data received during each heating interval is processed to determine a respective temperature slope. The temperature slopes are compared to a desired threshold temperature slope, and when a match is found, the pulse width associated with the matched temperature slope is used to drive the nozzle heaters during subsequent printer operations to print characters on a print medium.
US07976109B2
A hybrid brake apparatus for a vehicle includes a front hydraulically actuated brake circuit, a rear electrically actuated brake circuit, and a controller. The front hydraulically actuated brake circuit includes a master cylinder for providing pressurized fluid to the front brake circuit in response to an input applied to the master cylinder for applying a frictional front braking force. The rear electrically actuated brake circuit is controllable in response to the input for providing a frictional rear braking force. The rear brake circuit is controlled in accordance with a first predetermined relationship between the input and rear braking force during normal operation of the front brake circuit. If the controller detects a degradation of front braking force, the rear brake circuit is controlled in accordance with a second predetermined relationship between the input and the rear braking force, to thereby compensate for the degradation of front braking force.
US07976107B2
A wheel rim with a circumferential area on a inner surface of the wheel rim. The circumferential area coinciding with the intersection of the inner surface with the lateral balance plane of the wheel rim, the circumferential area being visibly distinguishable from the rest of the inner surface and where the circumferential area is made visibly distinguishable from the rest of the inner surface during the manufacturing of the wheel rim.
US07976104B2
A seat includes a seat main body; first and second adjustable portions, each of which is provided on the seat main body and is placed in an adjustable state by operating force; an operating member which is displaced in a predetermined range; a first operating force transmitting portion for transmitting the operating force of the operating member to the first adjustable portion when the operating member is displaced in a first range; a second operating force transmitting portion for transmitting the operating force of the operating member to the second adjustable portion when the operating member is displaced in a second range; and an operation reaction force avoiding portion for keeping the first adjustable portion in the state that it is in when the operating member is displaced in the first range, when the operating member is displaced in the second range, by the input operating force.
US07976099B2
A tray liner of flexible construction relies on the rigid airline or railroad car seat tray underneath it to create a horizontal clean and sanitary surface useful for supporting food and drink utensils. While it is especially useful for handling food items for toddlers or small children during travel, the tray liner may also be used on a high chair in a restaurant. It may also be used by older children to provide a play area for toys with multiple parts that may easily fall off a tray. Adult use by the general public or by handicapped people also offers a more secure dining platform with spill protection during travel. It has soft semi-rigid edges which function to keep objects or fluids from falling off the supporting tray. It has a sturdy outer covering with an impervious interior surface which is impermeable to liquids and waterproof.
US07976098B2
A pillar reinforcement of a center pillar comprises an upper part and a lower part with a boundary line of these parts being positioned below the middle level of the pillar reinforcement. The upper and lower parts respectively include side wall portions which extend along a vehicle side face and pairs of vertical wall portions which extend inwardly from front and rear end portions of the side wall portions. The pair of vertical wall portions of the lower part is slant relative to the vehicle width direction so that the distance between the vertical wall portions becomes wider toward the inward direction, and a slant angle of the pair of vertical wall portions of the lower part is greater than that of the vertical portions of the upper part.
US07976090B2
A fire truck equipped with a moveable side mounted fire truck hose bed, including: a fire truck chassis; a fire hose bed mounted onto a side of the fire truck chassis; and a mechanism for moving the hose bed between a lowered deployed position and an upper storage position.
US07976089B2
A tailgate topper for a pickup truck tailgate has a transverse horizontally extending cross-bar supported by a pair of vertically movable support members which allow positioning of the cross-bar at a desired height above the tailgate. A plurality of upwardly biased popup blocks are disposed below said cross-bar within the tailgate so exert pressure upwardly against cargo extending between the cross-bar and the popup block.
US07976082B2
A bumper-stay structure for a vehicle, provided between a bumper back beam and a side member, for absorbing collision impact, may include a buffer member fixed to a front end of the side member and having a first impact absorbing member slidably absorbing the collision impact while the collision impact is applied to the bumper back beam, a support member, a front end of which is coupled to the bumper back beam and a rear end of which is telescopically mounted to a front end of the buffer member, wherein the rear end of the support member is pressingly coupled by the first impact absorbing member to the buffer member so that the first impact absorbing member maintains pressing contact with the support member while the collision impact is applied to the bumper back beam.
US07976078B2
A device (10) for the detachable connection of structural parts (80, 84) in an aircraft, comprising a clamping lever arrangement (12) associated with a first structural part (80) and a clamping pin (14) associated with a second structural part (84), wherein the clamping lever arrangement (12) comprises an eccentric shaft (20) rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (A) on the first structural part (80), a clamping lever (16) mounted eccentrically and swivellably with respect to the eccentric shaft (20) and a driving bushing (18) rotatably mounted relative to the eccentric shaft (20) about the rotation axis (A) and coupled in a geared manner to the clamping lever (16), wherein the clamping lever arrangement (12) can furthermore be displaced between a release position, a readiness position and a locking position.
US07976077B2
An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly is mounted in a sash window having a top rail, a base, and two stiles connected together at their extremities. The integrated assembly contains a sash lock mechanism, a tilt latch mechanism, and a connector. The sash lock mechanism includes an actuator movable to adjust the assembly among a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable position, and a rotor coupled to the actuator. The tilt latch mechanism includes a tilt latch housing supported by the top rail and a latch bolt slidably supported by the tilt latch housing and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of the tilt latch housing has a generally circular cross-section. The connector has a first end of operably coupled to the latch bolt and a second end operably coupled to the sash lock mechanism.
US07976075B2
A crown-type probe seal for a female hydraulic coupling member has one or more circumferential, spring-energized seals. One particular preferred seal comprises a closely-wound helical spring which imparts an inwardly-directed radial force to the crown seal. In certain embodiments, the helical spring is substantially encased in a polymer jacket. In yet other embodiments, a liner is interposed between the outer surface of the helical spring and the polymer jacket. An optional, axial extension on at least one end of the crown seal provides a bore liner for a female hydraulic coupling member in which the crown seal is installed.
US07976073B2
A coupling device for hydraulically and mechanically coupling a fuel injector to a combustion engine fuel rail has a fuel injector cup with a central longitudinal axis. The fuel injector cup is hydraulically coupled to the rail and engages an injector fuel inlet portion. A first ring element coupled to the cup prevents movement relative to the cup in a central axis direction. The first ring element has a first screw thread. A second ring element is coupled to the injector preventing movement of the second ring element relative to the injector in a central axis direction. The second ring element has a second screw thread in engagement with the first screw thread retaining the fuel injector in the fuel injector cup in central axis direction. One of the ring elements is designed to be rotatable around the central longitudinal axis relative to the injector and/or the cup.
US07976068B2
A compound security feature is formed by printing latent images together with visually integrated settings using an invisible ink. Even if illuminated by a wavelength capable of rendering the inks visible, the latent images remain visually indistinguishable from their visually integrated settings. However, the latent images and visually integrated settings differ in one or more less obvious ways so that the latent images can be distinguished by using a visual aid.
US07976059B2
An air bag device includes a retainer to which an inflator and a folded air bag are attached. The retainer is fixed to a steering wheel armature and has a plurality of hooks formed in a side wall portion thereof. A module cover covers the air bag and each hook of the plurality of hooks is engaged with an opening of a leg piece portion projected from a rear side. The module cover can be vertically moved with respect to the retainer. A horn plate has a plurality of contacts attached along a circumferential edge of the module cover and moved integrally with the module cover at a horn operating time. A contact plate is attached to the retainer. A horn spring is arranged between the horn plate and the retainer. The contact plate includes a clip portion fastened to the retainer and a leaf spring portion abutting against one of the contacts of the horn plate at the horn operating time.
US07976053B2
Disclosed is a trailer hitch system that is configured to rotate to a stowing position and an operating position. When in the operational position, a coupler arm of the trailer is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupler arm contributes to the length of the trailer. When in the stowing position, the coupler arm of the trailer is bent at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer so that the coupling arm does not contribute to the overall length of the trailer.
US07976041B2
A front bicycle mudguard is detachably coupled with a clamping assembly. The mudguard has a main body, and a head portion is defined on an end of the main body, with a fixed end provided on an extremity of the head portion. The clamping assembly includes one first clamping device and two second clamping devices. The first clamping device includes a tightening member and a clamping member. The tightening member is inserted into an orifice of a front fork of the bicycle, with an end of the clamping member engaged with the tightening member. Another end of the clamping member is detachably installed to the fixed end. Each second clamping device includes a belt adapted to quickly attach to/detach from the front fork.
US07976035B2
A foldable scooter includes a footboard, a steering column and a connecting member in between. The connecting member includes a stopper for engaging the connecting member with the notches disposed at a front portion of the footboard in the open condition. The connecting member also includes a rotatable locking member having a first biasing device for biasing the locking member against the connecting member in the open and folded conditions, an actuating end, a first locking end and a second locking end rotatable to a first and second locked position correspondingly for locking the connecting member to the footboard in the open and folded conditions. The locking member can be easily and conveniently released from the first and second locked positions by pressing the actuating end.
US07976028B2
By improving a metal gasket having a corrugated portion which is advantageous in sealing property, a non-asbestos gasket in which the sealing property is further improved is provided. A non-asbestos gasket has a three-layer structured sealing portion S configured by: a core layer 1A which is made of a plate of a metal, and which is formed into a concentric circle-like corrugated shape; and surface layers 2, 3 which are made of expanded graphite, and which are stacked on the front and back faces of the core layer, respectively. In an outer circumferential end of the sealing portion S, the core layer 1A is protruded from the front and back surface layers 2, 3 toward an outer diameter side. In an inner circumferential end of the sealing portion S, the front and back surface layers 2, 3 are protruded from the core layer 1A toward an inner diameter side, thereby covering the core layer 1A.
US07976020B2
There is provided a recording apparatus capable of bringing a delivery tray to an open state automatically when a sheet material is conveyed without the need for a solenoid to open the delivery tray, and preventing the delivery tray from opening inadvertently except during recording. The recording apparatus includes a delay mechanism having plural ring members rotatable with some delay in sync with a delivery roller, and a control mechanism having plural link members, and plural elastic members. Plural cam portions rotatable together with the plural ring members, and a phase control unit for controlling the phases of the plural cam portions are provided in the delay mechanism. One link member of the control mechanism is connected to a delivery tray. When the phases of the plural cam portions match, the delivery tray is opened through the control mechanism by a drive of the delivery roller.
US07976016B2
A medium transferring mechanism that includes a medium inserting portion into which a sheet medium is inserted, the medium inserting portion defined by a bottom face and by a first side face and a second side face which extend from the bottom face and are opposed to each other; wherein a first guide face extending toward the first side face is formed at a forward end portion of the second side face; a second guide face extending from the second side face so as to gradually get close to a medium transferring path towards a medium transferring direction is formed above the first guide face; and a third guide face inclined downward from a lower edge of the second guide face toward an upper edge of the first guide face, is formed between the first guide face and the second guide face.
US07975997B2
A supporting pin which can cancel thermal expansion of a mounting table (hot plate) includes an upper supporting pin and a lower supporting pin, wherein the upper supporting pin and the lower supporting pin are independent of each other, the upper supporting pin is retained by the penetrating hole of the mounting table, and the lower supporting pin is attached to an elevator mechanism. Since the lower end of the upper supporting pin and the upper end of the lower supporting pin are in contact with each other, the operation of the supporting pin can be normally performed even when thermal expansion of the hot plate occurs.
US07975987B2
A lifting reel with a four-line wire structure includes a fixed body fixed to a ceiling of a structure, first and second drums installed to the body at a predetermined interval and rotated by a driving motor, wires respectively connected to the first and second drums, and first, second, third and fourth guide rollers arranged on a top of a lifting body at regular intervals and suspended on the wires to form a four-line wire. A wire-twisting prevention device is installed between an end of the wire connected to the first drum and an end of the wire connected to the second drum so as to connect both wires with each other. The wire-twisting prevention device includes bearings installed to the ends of the wires to be rotatable, respectively. The bearings prevent the wires from being twisted while the wires are wound around or unwound from the drums.
US07975983B2
A split gate is movably mounted within a valve body along a valve axis between valve seats. The split gate has gates, each extending between one of the valve seats and the other gate. In an open position, gate holes register with a fluid aperture and the valve seats to permit fluid flow. In the closed position, the holes do not register with the fluid aperture to prevent fluid flow. The split gate valve also has a gate guide located in the body for moving the gates with respect to the valve seats along the fluid axis. The gate guide forces the pair of gates apart along the fluid axis and into contact with the valve seats in both the open and closed positions. The gates have axial play along the fluid axis when the split gate is between the open and closed positions.
US07975982B2
In an electromagnetic valve, a stator assembly includes an electrically energizable coil and a thin-walled core which receives and reciprocally supports an armature. The thin-walled core has a closed end and an open end, the open end being in fluid communication with a fluid flow passage within a valve member. The valve member reciprocates with the armature to control flow rate in the flow passage. A flange integral with the thin-walled core extends about the open end. A washer receives the thin-walled core and abuts the flange. The flange and the washer are received in a recess in the valve body and are permanently and sealingly fixed therein by a swaged joint in the valve body.
US07975976B2
A recessed in-wall interface box assembly that is relatively easy to install in a finished wall, including accommodations for video and electrical wiring in the box, having an attractive appearance, and that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
US07975974B2
An adjustable lamp holder has a mounting structure arrayed about a longitudinal axis. A pair of hollow pivot pillars extends from the mounting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis and a receptacle is positioned on the mounting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially opposite the pivot pillars. A body with a body axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis has a pair of pivots formed thereon for engaging the pivot pillars. A projection is formed on the body substantially opposite the pivots and an angle adjuster, having a proximal end and a distal end, has the proximal end positioned in the projection and the distal end positioned in the receptacle. Movement of the angle adjuster tips the angle of the lamp.
US07975973B1
A camera tree mount apparatus includes a boring member that includes a coupler, a central body attached to the coupler and a drill head is attached the central body opposite of the coupler. The drill head is threaded and has a pointed free end to threadably bore the drill head into a tree trunk. The coupler has an outer end positioned distal to the central body. A shaft has a pair of threaded shaft ends one of which is attached to the coupler. A mounting panel has a peripheral edge having a threaded aperture therein. One of the shaft ends is extended into the threaded aperture and threadably coupled to the mounting panel. The mounting panel has at least one hole extending therethrough. A camera is mountable on the mounting panel after the drill head is extended into a tree to couple the camera to the tree.
US07975962B2
A passenger accommodation assembly for a transportation vehicle, comprising a plurality of accommodation units placed along an aisle with each accommodation unit being convertible between an upright seat position and a reclined position. A first accommodation unit of the assembly is elevated relative to a second unit whereby the legs of a passenger reclining in the second unit can extend under a seat portion of the first unit and the backrest of the passenger in the first unit can extend over the legs of the passenger in the second unit. Other embodiments of the invention comprise multiple accommodation units and combinations of accommodation unit assemblies.
US07975960B2
An apparatus for driving a taxiing aircraft is disclosed, comprising, in an aircraft, two self-propelled nosewheels, each having an electric motor; equipment for flight; dual-function controlling means for controlling said equipment for flight and said nosewheels, said dual-function controlling means being disposed in the cockpit of said aircraft; sensing means; and switching means, —wherein said switching means are operable to switch the function of said dual-function controlling means between controlling said equipment for flight and controlling said nosewheels. Said dual function controlling means may control speed and/or steering of the aircraft. Second controlling means may be provided, and may be disposed externally to the aircraft.
US07975948B2
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for processing system foodstuff are shown and described. Food processing systems can hold and prepare food for consumption. The disclosed embodiments can be quickly and conveniently used to dry, grind, mill, dispense, or otherwise process foodstuff.
US07975947B2
A food chopper has a two-part housing, with an upper housing section and a lower housing section, with a receiving chamber in which the goods to be cut can be positioned. At least one knife element is arranged to move axially within the housing with at least one knife edge moved into the receiving chamber. The housing is closed at its lower housing section with a receiving chamber. The knife element is connected to an inertia mass element.
US07975935B2
A paint system includes at least one modular paint delivery system module, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped and operated within the shipping container. A method for deploying a system includes building at least one modular paint delivery system module at a building site, each module having a shipping container configured for transport via a transport infrastructure, and at least one paint delivery system preassembled into an operational paint circulation unit and configured to be shipped to and operated within the shipping container at an installation site, transporting the module to the installation site location from the building site via the transport infrastructure, and connecting at least one resource connection and at least one distribution piping to the module at the installation site location.
US07975930B1
System and methods are described for irreversibly destroying optical signatures that utilize optical signature defining material, for example discrete objects or fluids, disposed in optical signature chambers to create individual optical signatures that together form an optical signature for the system. By irreversibly destroying the individual optical signatures, unauthorized replication of the system optical signature is prevented ensuring the security of the optical signature and any technology relying upon or tied to the optical signature.
US07975929B1
A system and method for creating a unique optical signature that use an unstructured, random arrangement of objects, such as optical beads. Disturbance of the arrangement of the objects irreversibly changes the unique optical signature that is created, effectively preventing replication of the unique optical signature if the arrangement of the objects is disturbed. The disturbance and resulting destruction of the optical signature can occur without the application or presence of electrical power.
US07975927B1
An electronic transaction card such as a gift card includes a card member having a front surface and a rear surface. Sandwiched between the front and rear surfaces is a microprocessor that is activated by a solar cell array positioned on the front surface of the card. The microprocessor is in communication with a multi-digit display and a text message display on the front surface of the card member. Whenever the card member is exposed to ambient light, the recipient's name, a prerecorded message and the remaining available balance of the card as previously recorded on the microprocessor automatically appear on the respective displays.
US07975926B2
Although a product having such the IC chip has been diffused, information on the product may be capable of being perceived, abstracted, falsified, or the like by a third person with his external device during distribution of the product or after purchase of the product. Further, privacy may be seriously infringed. Paper money, various products, and the like are disclosed according to the present invention with an integrated circuit device having a switching memory for controlling reading and writing of information (lock/unlock of information) in order to protect the information recorded and stored in the integrated circuit such as an IC chip installed to the product or the like.
US07975925B2
A cartridge reader device includes an RFID unit that reads cartridge memory (CM) data from an RFID tag of a data cartridge, a bar code unit that reads a bar code of the data cartridge, and a housing that encloses the RFID unit and the bar code unit. The housing defines a first receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge when the data cartridge is enclosed in a case, which enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is enclosed in the case, and a second receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge when the data cartridge is not enclosed in the case, which enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is not enclosed in the case.
US07975922B2
The present invention relates to management of information relating to medical fluids, containers therefor, and medical fluid administration devices for administering such medical fluids to patients. Data tags (e.g., RFID tags) are generally associated with containers of the invention and may be electromagnetically read from and/or written to using an electromagnetic device, for example, that may be associated with a medical fluid administration device of the invention.
US07975921B2
An inductive coupling reader includes a passive interface circuit for modulating the impedance of an antenna circuit and extracting from the antenna circuit a data signal and a RF clock signal, and circuitry for coupling the reader to a removable security module. The reader includes an emulation circuit for opening a RF transmission channel with another reader, a non-removable electrical link linking the emulation circuit to the passive interface circuit, by which the data signal and the RF clock signal are supplied to the emulation circuit, and a data bus clocked by a bus clock signal having a frequency inferior to the frequency of the RF clock signal, for linking the emulation circuit to the removable security module. The reader has low electrical consumption.
US07975920B2
A method for reading a sheet or a paper ballot enclosed in a ballot envelope comprises decoding a machine readable envelope identifier from each ballot envelope, displaying at least the decoded envelope identifier and a signature from each ballot envelope for determining from the envelope identifier, the signature, or both, whether a valid sheet or ballot is presented. If the sheet or ballot is valid, then the sheet or ballot is removed from its envelope and the selections marked on the sheet or ballot may then be determined and processed.
US07975916B2
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or arrangement that can limit access to sensitive information by means of encryption. In particular, data obtained from a payment instrument at, e.g., a Point-Of-Sale (POS) location can be encrypted at an early stage such that a POS (or another) application does not have access to the data in an unencrypted form and/or does not have access to a means for decrypting the data. For example, a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) arrangement can be employed such that a back-end payment processor can define encryption algorithms, associate itself with a public key, and maintain a private key for decryption. The public key can be delivered to the POS location and employed for data encryption, and, moreover, the PKI can be regulated by the more trusted parties.
US07975914B2
The present invention is directed to an apparatus, system and method for storing passport information on a reusable immigration customs visa card for use as valid identification and proof of authorized entry within a country's borders. The immigration customs visa card is configured for being accessed by a passport card application program executable on a computer, where the card is configured for receiving a selection of passport information from a passport holder's passport via a passport reader or computer, when issued by an authorized institution. Once the immigration customs visa card has been issued, the card may be used as valid proof of authorized entry into the issuing country's borders.
US07975909B2
Disclosed are an automatic transaction machine and method of rejecting a paper medium in the automatic transaction machine. The automatic transaction machine includes a medium storage portion; a first medium transfer module transferring a paper medium in a sheet unit from the medium storage portion; a temporary stack portion provided adjacent to an outlet of the first medium transfer module, stacking the paper medium, and having a vertically movable supporter; a second medium transfer module for transferring, to a medium outlet, the paper medium transmitted from the supporter having been upwardly moved; and a rejection portion positioned below the supporter, and including a rejection inlet vertically movable together with the supporter.
US07975903B2
An envelope that allows a mailer to partly seal an envelop such that the primary content is sealed within the envelope while still allowing a third party to insert secondary material into the envelope is provided. An envelope includes a first sheet and a second sheet that forms a first pouch between the second sheet and the first sheet. The first pouch has a top opening and a side opening. The envelope also includes a third sheet that forms a second pouch between the third sheet and the second sheet. The second pouch has a top opening. The envelope also has a first flap for closing both the top opening of the first pouch and the top opening of the second pouch. The envelope also includes a second flap for closing the side opening of the first pouch.
US07975902B2
A method is provided for connecting components particularly in the field of aerospace wherein a first component is connected to a second component, comprising the following steps: arranging at least one nano- or microstructured material between the first and the second component, initiating an exothermic reaction of the nano- or microstructured material for connecting both components with each other.
US07975901B2
A bonding apparatus including a chamber for maintaining an inert gas atmosphere; a first plasma torch for performing a surface treatment on pads and electrodes, the first plasma torch being attached in the chamber, to apply gas plasma to a substrate and a semiconductor chip that is placed inside the chamber; a second plasma torch for performing a surface treatment on an initial ball and/or wire at a tip end of a capillary that is positioned inside the chamber, the second plasma torch being attached in the chamber, to apply gas plasma to the initial ball and/or wire; and a bonding unit for bonding the surface-treated initial ball and/or wire to the surface-treated pads and electrodes in the chamber, thereby cleaning of the surface of the electrodes and pads as well as the wire can be effectively performed.
US07975900B2
An ignition source system for an exothermic reaction mold device for welding conductors. The system includes a crucible in a block with an open top so that the crucible receives an exothermic weld material. The conductors to be welded exothermically are placed in the weld cavity of the mold. A lid covers the open top wherein the lid has an opening therethrough. An electronic thermal igniter assembly has an ignition component receivable through the opening in the lid so that the exothermic weld material may be ignited by the electronic thermal igniter assembly. The igniter plug rests on top of the lid and the ignition body is retained in a recess within the igniter plug.
US07975895B2
A surgical stapling device having an approximation mechanism for treating hollow tissue organs is provided. The stapling device includes a handle, a body portion extending distally from the handle, a distal head portion at a distal end of the body portion, and an approximation mechanism. The head portion includes an anvil assembly having an anvil head and an anvil shaft. The approximation mechanism includes a rotatable approximation knob, a first member, and a second member. The rotatable approximation knob is operably connected to the first member to effect movement the first member over a first distance. The second member is rotatably coupled to a proximal end of the anvil shaft of the anvil assembly to operably connect the anvil shaft to the first member such that movement of the first member over the first distance effects movement of the anvil shaft in relation to the first member over a second distance.
US07975889B2
A disposable ampoule opener, in combination with ampoule, is disclosed, which may include a first housing section having a substantially convex outer surface and a substantially concave inner surface shaped to receive at least a portion of the ampoule and a second housing section having a substantially convex outer surface shaped to receive at least a portion of the ampoule, wherein the ampoule has a lower liquid portion capable of containing liquid and an upper tip portion that is narrower in diameter than the lower liquid portion, the ampoule further having a neck portion disposed between the lower liquid portion and the upper tip portion, and wherein the second housing section is coupled to the first housing section, and which may also include ribs along one of the inner concave surfaces and ridges alone one of the outer convex surfaces.
US07975858B2
A product display shelf comprising a bottom surface, a rear surface and at least one compliant member is disclosed. The bottom surface is configured to support at least one product thereon. The rear surface extends upwardly from the bottom surface. The at least one compliant member is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the rear surface and is configured to substantially prevent the product supported by the bottom surface from movement relative to the bottom surface upon movement of the product display shelf.
US07975856B2
An accessory tray for a pressure washer. The accessory tray of some embodiments has an accessory supporting portion for supporting and/or storing accessories of the pressure washer. The accessory supporting portion has a concave surface, which allows the accessories to be supported substantially normal to the ground regardless of the relative angle between the accessory tray and the ground. Some embodiments also have a flexible cantilevered member positioned above a portion of the accessory tray to trap an accessory against the accessory tray. Some embodiments can have a hose hook that supports and stores a hose of the pressure washer. The hose hook has a concave shape to allow the hose to be supported substantially normal to the ground.
US07975853B2
The invention relates to the high speed non-destructive sorting of small food items for softness. The food item is conveyed on a series of belts designed to accurately drop the food item onto a flexible surface at an oblique angle. Accelerometers mounted under the flexible surface generate impact waveforms, which are computer analysed to both detect the item landing position and enable comparison with an operator-selected softness threshold level. Within a few milliseconds of the food item contacting the flexible surface it continues to drop past a rejection point. If determined by analysis to be soft, it is ejected to a waste conveyor.
US07975846B2
A sharps holding device according to the present invention may include a body providing a housing having a contact surface and at least one needle securement aperture. A needle securement aperture may be configured to allow insertion of at least a portion of a needle or other sharp into the housing. The device may also have one or more needle cushions positioned adjacent to the contact surface. A needle cushion may be configured such that a needle or other sharp inserted through a securement aperture can be inserted into the needle cushion. A lid may be included in the device and configured to secure the one or more needle cushions within the body of the housing. One or more needle cushions may be cooperatively engaged by the contact surface of the body and the lid, and one of the needle cushions may be located between the lid and the contact surface.
US07975845B2
A sturdy container to store, transport and securely maintain a measuring device, for example, a spirit level or electronic equivalents thereof. The container comprises an elongated conduit constructed from for example, an organic polymeric material (PVC), carbon fiber, fiberglass or metal. The elongated conduit includes an interior cavity dimensioned to fully encompass one or more measuring device(s) to be securely maintained therein. A head cap assembly is generally provided at a first longitudinal end of the elongated conduit, the head cap including an aperture in communication with the interior cavity, and the aperture dimensioned to receive at least one of the measuring devices therethrough. A door is provided on the head cap and is dimensioned to lateral span the aperture when disposed in a closed position. A lockable latch is provided to maintain the door in the closed position. An end cap is provided on a second longitudinal end of the elongated conduit. A counterforce element may be disposed within the elongated conduit in proximity to or incorporated into the end cap. The counterforce element is aligned to generate a longitudinal counterforce on the measuring devices when an end of the measuring device(s) compressively engages the counterforce element.
US07975840B2
A flat wire conveyor belt system includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods and a plurality of rows of pickets transversely disposed with respect to a direction of travel and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, each of the rows of pickets including a plurality of first links and a plurality of second links, the plurality of first links have a first spacing and the plurality of second links have a second spacing, the first spacing being less than the second spacing. The system further includes a sprocket, wherein the plurality of first links are configured to engage the sprocket teeth thereof.
US07975837B2
A conveyor (10) includes an elongate tray (12) for supporting goods thereon, and a powered drive (16) to move goods along the tray. In one embodiment, a gate (24) is supported on this tray for closing an opening in the tray or for opening to allow goods to drop through the tray opening. The gate has a first magnet (34) supported thereon. A gate drive (22) moves the gate between the open and closed positions, and has a second magnet (32) which cooperates with the first magnet such that the magnets separate if the gate encounters an obstruction when closing.
US07975835B2
Scrap metal pieces are conveyed from a mechanical press by a shaker conveyor having horizontal and parallel spaced elongated trays supported for reciprocating linear movement above a compact drive unit attached to and supported by the press. The drive unit includes an electric motor having a shaft connected to rotate an elliptical input gear on an eccentric axis and in continuous mesh with an elliptical output gear eccentrically connected to an output shaft. A rocker arm and link assembly is eccentrically connected to the output shaft and oscillates in response to rotation of the output shaft. The assembly is pivotally connected to a support carriage for the trays for reciprocating the trays with rapid acceleration and rapid deceleration at one end of the linear stroke of the carriage and trays. The elliptical input and output gears are identical in size and have the same odd number of teeth.
US07975832B2
A transfer assembly for transferring glass articles from a supporting surface onto an unloading conveyor, wherein a pickup member, for engaging the articles for transfer, is hinged to one end of a first powered actuating rod, and is connected to one end of a second powered actuating rod movable independently of the first powered actuating rod to adjust the angular position of the pickup member about a movable hinge axis as the pickup member rotates between a pickup position and a release position in which the articles are released onto the unloading conveyor.
US07975831B2
A conveying apparatus is capable of changing the forward motion direction (V1) of sheet articles (10) by means of a first rotating diverting member (4) situated above a lower active run (2h) of a second conveyor (2). The second conveyor is disposed at an angle (H1) with respect to the first conveyor (1) and the first rotating diverting member (4) is shaped like a cam with an active portion (4h) for moving the sheet article to the second conveyor without changing orientation of the sheet article. A third conveyor (3) can be added, at an angle (H2) with respect to the second conveyor, with a second rotating diverting member (5) for moving the sheet articles from the second conveyor to the third conveyor (3) without changing orientation of the sheet articles.
US07975827B2
A method for processing portable objects and a machine for processing portable objects including a device (1) for transferring portable objects (C), incorporating an integrated circuit and processing means consisting of at least two processing lifts (2, 2′) separated by a space of a size of a portable object (C), translatory moved perpendicularly to the plane of the main surface of the portable objects (C) and sequentially on a guiding support (25) by driving and positioning means, each lift (2, 2′) being formed with a parallelepipedal plate (22) provided with at least two processing devices, both lifts having determined different roles. The method consists of successively placing each portable object to be processed in contact with a processing station of the first lift and of the second lift.
US07975824B1
A system and method for changing a flow direction of dry bulk material which comprises constructing a steel clad ceramic elbow or pipe or planar flip gate and placing the same in a location where a flow direction change is desired and where abrasion will occur. The inside of the pipe has a steel surface, as does the exterior of the pipe. The ceramic material is disposed in the gap between the steel exterior and interior. The interior steel pipe wears away in portions but the remaining non-worn away portion still provides valuable support for the uncovered ceramic portions.
US07975822B2
Three external tooth wet friction materials are each composed of an external tooth plate and a lining adhered to one surface thereof along an entire circumference. Three internal tooth wet friction materials are each composed of an internal tooth plate and a lining adhered to one surface thereof along an entire circumference. Then, the three external tooth wet friction materials and the three internal tooth wet friction materials are disposed side by side so as to constitute a multi-plate frictional engagement apparatus. A thickness of the internal tooth plate is made thinner in view of its good heat discharge capability, and the thickness of the external tooth plate is made thicker by that much.
US07975821B2
A decoupler assembly is provided for allowing an alternator to be rotatably driven by a serpentine belt in an engine of an automotive vehicle and for allowing the speed of the belt to oscillate relative to the alternator. A hub is fixedly carried by a drive shaft from the alternator for rotation therewith. A pulley is rotatably journaled to the hub by a ball bearing assembly. A bare, helical clutch spring is operatively coupled between the hub and pulley for transferring rotational movement from the pulley to the hub during acceleration of the pulley relative to the hub by the serpentine belt and for allowing the hub to overrun the pulley during deceleration of the pulley relative to the hub. A torque limiter, preferably a spring or sleeve, is wrapped about the torsion spring limiting outward expansion of the torsion spring and isolating the torsion spring from torques above a predetermined limit.
US07975819B2
A bushing-type roller overrunning dutch comprising an inner and/or outer ring (4), clamping ramps (2) adapted to the needles or rollers (5), a cage (6), pressure springs (7) for the needles or rollers (5), a bushing (1) with integrally formed clamping ramps (2), and a solid inner or outer ring (4) in or on which the bushing (1) is fixed.
US07975812B2
A wheel hub includes a hub flange that extends about the wheel hub. The hub flange includes a removed section that is aligned with a camshaft assembly. An insert is used to fill the removed section. The insert is selectively removable from the hub flange to provide access to the removed section such that the camshaft assembly can be removed from a brake assembly via the removed section without having to remove the wheel hub from an axle assembly.
US07975802B2
An intake air sound generation device 40 for an internal combustion engine 2, comprises an introduction tube 41 which is connected to an intake passage 30 of the internal combustion engine 2 to introduce an intake pulse of an intake system, a vibrating body 50 which has a vibration surface 52 that is vibrated by the intake pulse and an accordion portion 53 that promotes vibration of the vibration surface 52, and is provided to cover one end of the introduction tube 41, and a resonance tube 42 which is connected to the introduction tube 41 via the vibrating body 50 and increases a sound pressure in a predetermined frequency band of an intake air sound generated by the vibration of the vibration surface 52. Thus, the sound pressure of the intake air sound at the predetermined frequency can be increased, and the durability of the vibrating body 50 can be improved.
US07975794B2
A suspension system for a tracked vehicle providing a wide range of performance characteristics via a user-adjustable overload spring assembly which engages a rear suspension element. An optimum spring force can depend on the both operator characteristics and local operating conditions. A user is afforded the ability to adjust a rear suspension system to provide desired ride characteristics. A suspension system including a movable stop to define a mechanical relation between a rear suspension arm and a front suspension arm is also disclosed.
US07975793B1
A foot pod for use with the operator cab of a construction vehicle is designed to pivot separately from the operator cab. The operator cab may be pivoted toward the rear of the construction vehicle and the foot pod may be pivoted toward the front of the construction vehicle. Pivoting the foot pod toward the front of the vehicle permits ground access to the foot pod and any controls carried thereby. Separately pivoting the foot pod forward is particularly advantageous for cleaning the foot pod or servicing any controls carried by the foot pod. Isolation mounts may be used to dampen vibrations from the chassis to the foot pod and the operator cab.
US07975792B2
A straddle-type vehicle provided with a transmission air intake passage for sending air into a transmission case housing a continuously variable transmission prevents an increase in vehicle width and prevents sand or the like from entering the air intake passage by covering the front side of the air intake passage. The transmission air intake passage extends upward from the transmission case on an outer side in a vehicle width direction of a main frame. A rearward cover covers the main frame and extends outward in the vehicle width direction to cover the rear side of the transmission air intake passage. A forward cover is curved forward from an edge outside in the vehicle width direction of a right leg shield part constructing the rearward cover and covers the transmission air intake passage from a front side.
US07975791B2
A hybrid vehicle drive control system has a first clutch interposed between an engine and a motor/generator, a transmission including several gear position clutches arranged between the motor/generator and a drive wheel, and a controller. The controller selectively starts the engine using torque from the first clutch during a drive mode change from an electric drive mode to a hybrid drive mode. When an engine start command and a gear shifting operation occur during a drive mode change, the controller selects the gear position clutch that is a common engaged clutch from among the engaged gear position clutches constituting the vehicle running gears occurring from immediately before starting the engine until immediately after starting the engine as a second clutch to be controlled. Then, the controller executes a slip control of the second clutch when the first clutch is being connected to start the engine during the drive mode change.
US07975788B2
Water contained in exhaust gas discharged from a fuel cell stack 22 is separated by a gas-liquid separator 48 and is accumulated in a recovery tank 54. The procedure of the invention sets a release amount of water and selects one or multiple positions for water release, based on the driving conditions including the vehicle speed and the acceleration, the turning state, activation or non-activation of skid reduction control, the distance from any object detected by clearance sonars 94a through 94d, a distance from a subsequent vehicle measured by an extremely high frequency radar 92, and the presence of raindrops detected by a raindrop detection sensor, and releases the water accumulated in the recovery tank 54 from water outlets at the selected one or multiple positions among water outlets 58a through 58f at multiple different locations. This arrangement ensures adequate release of the water produced by the fuel cell stack 22 to the atmosphere.
US07975785B2
Diamond-impregnated cutting tools including fibers and drilling systems incorporating such tools are described. The cutting tools contain a diamond-impregnated cutting portion that contains fibers made from carbon, glass, ceramic, polymer, and the like. The fibers may be used to both control the tensile strength and the erosion rate of the matrix to optimize the cutting performance of the tools. Additionally, the fibers may also weaken the structure and allow higher modulus binders to be used for the cutting tools at a lower cost, allowing the amount of fibers to be tailored to retain the diamonds in the cutting portion for the desired amount. As the cutting portion erodes, the fibers may also increase the lubricity at the face of the cutting portion. Using the fibers allows the cutting tools to last longer and make them safer and more economical because they need to be replaced less often.
US07975779B2
An apparatus for retaining a roller cone on a bearing pin of a drill bit body that includes a drill bit body; a bearing pin coupled to the drill bit body; a retention member coupled to the bearing pin; a roller cone coupled to the retention member; and a torque transfer member coupled to the retention member and the roller cone adapted to selectively transfer torque between the retention member and the roller cone.
US07975775B2
An apparatus assists in clearing furrows in a plowed field. A plurality of furrow assist members line up with a plurality of plowshares on a furrow roller which is towed around a field. The furrow roller may have one or more cylindrical rollers that may include extension rollers that are foldable for storage. Plowshares are moveably attached to rigid beams and positioned to engage the ground and dig irrigation furrows. The cylindrical rollers smooth and compact seed beds in a uniform manner. Furrow assist members, in accordance with embodiments, are selectively deployed and positioned to be substantially in line with the plowshares to clear and distribute any soil or other materials that may be in the furrows following the passage of the cylindrical rollers.
US07975770B2
The disclosure is drawn to methods of drilling wells utilizing blow out prevention components of differing pressure ratings. In the initial drilling phase, a lower pressure rated blow out prevention component is used. In a subsequent drilling phase where a reservoir of a natural resource is penetrated, a higher pressure rated blow out prevention component is used.
US07975765B2
An enclosed circulation tool for a well including a tubular body having a top end, a bottom end and an interior cavity. A progressive cavity pump positioned at the bottom end of the body, the pump having a rotor mounted within a stator. The rotor has an upper end and a lower end, with the upper end extending into the interior cavity. A drive is coupled to and adapted to rotate the rotor in order to draw sand into the interior cavity. A first fluid passage is provided along which fluids from pumped from surface pass to fluidize solids within the interior cavity. A second fluid passage is provided along which fluidized solids from within the interior cavity pass to surface.
US07975761B2
Methods and devices with biasing force for sealing a well. Such a device is a blowout preventer has a body including a cavity having first and second recesses, a ram block configured to move inside the cavity, a top seat provided in the first recess and configured to seal the well when the ram block is closed, a wear plate provided in the second recess and configured to contact the ram block when the ram block moves inside the cavity over the wear plate, and a biasing element provided inside the cavity and configured to apply a biasing force on at least one of the top seat, the ram block or the wear plate to increase the sealing of the well.
US07975757B2
A HVAC and RESS thermal management system and a method of operation for a vehicle having a passenger compartment, a power plant and a battery pack is disclosed. The system comprises a RESS coolant circuit and a power plant coolant circuit. The RESS coolant circuit directs a coolant through the battery pack and includes a pump, a coolant heating branch has a coolant-to-coolant heat exchanger, and a coolant routing valve that will selectively direct the coolant through the coolant heating branch. The power plant coolant circuit includes a heater core branch having a HVAC pump, a coolant heater, a heater core located in a HVAC module to provide heat to the passenger compartment, and the coolant-to-coolant heat exchanger, with the coolant-to-coolant heat exchanger providing heat transfer between the coolant in the coolant heating branch and the coolant in the heater core branch.
US07975749B2
A set of dies are composed in order to remove excess metal from a casting with a press. A method of removing the excess metal from the casting includes the steps of attaching a cutter to one of the stationary die side or the movable die side; setting a work on the other side; and punching excess metal of the work into a recess shape by one punching motion of the movable die with a plurality of blades from the first blade, which is smaller, to the final blade, which is larger and protruded, when the excess metal of the work is removed by a punching motion of the movable die conducted on the stationary die. A cutter includes a row of blades in which a plurality of blades are arranged step-wise having a change in the form from the first blade, which is smaller than the final shape of the excess metal to be punched, to the final blade, the shape of which is the same as the final shape. The row of blades from the first blade to the final blade are arranged so that the first small blade can be used ahead of other blades and the other blades can be used in the order of punching motions.
US07975748B2
A suspension system for a window covering that eliminates the use of pull cords is provided. The suspension system includes a control module having a winding drum and a spring disposed about an axle. A friction member or reaction member is also provided to offset difference in the force exerted by the spring on a suspension cord versus the weight of the window covering member.
US07975747B2
A Roman shade includes a top box and a shade including a first layer and a second layer is connected to the top box. The first layer includes multiple pocket portions formed thereon and the pocket portions each are defined by folding a part upward to define a passage which extends transversely through the first layer. Multiple first holes and second holes are defined through the first layer. The pocket portion is located between the first and second holes. The second layer is located on a first side of the first layer and two control ropes each have a top end connected to the top box and a lower end of each control rope extends through the first hole from the first side of the first layer and passes over a second side of the first layer and then extends through the second hole in sequence.
US07975746B2
A container or array of containers that is are sealed with a peelable seal is transported via a conveyor along a processing path toward a desealing station at which an adhesive surface having a width substantially the same as or greater than the width of the seal is pressed against the upper surface of the peelable seal. A collection rod applies a downward pressure on the adhesive surface, pressing it against the seal and keeping the container or container array in position on the conveyor as the plate moves with the conveyor. As the leading edge of the seal passes the collection rod, the adhesive surface is rolled upward, away from the plane of the seal, pulling up on the leading edge of the seal to separate it from the container or container array while the container or container array is held down by the roller. The removed seal is then discarded.
US07975742B2
A tire (2) according to the present invention includes a tread (4), a pair of beads (8), and a carcass (10) having a radial structure. The carcass (10) has a first ply (32) and a second ply (34). The first ply (32) has a first cord. The first cord is formed by twisting three yarns. The yarn is constituted by an aramid fiber. A fineness of the yarn is equal to or higher than 800 dtex and is equal to or lower than 1100 dtex. The second ply (34) has a second cord. The second cord is formed by twisting three yarns. The yarn is constituted by the aramid fiber. A fineness of the yarn is equal to or higher than 800 dtex and is equal to or lower than 1100 dtex.
US07975737B2
The present invention is directed to a mechanism and method for providing above the table securing/unsecuring of a router motor housing. The mechanism of the present invention employs a mechanical connection included on a pivot member to couple with a wrench device extended through the tabletop. The mechanism permits a user to adjust or release the motor housing without having to reach under the table surface.
US07975732B2
A device (1) for holding sacks open, with a frame (2), wherein the frame (2) forms the opening (5) of the device (1) for holding sacks open, and the opening (5) can be closed by means of a cover element (3), which is mounted in a pivotable manner on the frame (2), the frame (2) having at least one guide element (2a), by means of which the cover element (3) can be moved from a first position into a second position, wherein the cover element (3) in the first position can be pivoted and optionally closes or exposes the opening (5) of the frame (2), and in the second position the cover element (3) serves as a ramp over the side web (2j) of the frame (2), lying on the ground, and is held on the frame (2) in a manner secure against rotation.
US07975721B2
An apparatus includes a first valve having an inlet capable of being in fluid communication with a first fluid source, an outlet capable of being in fluid communication with the inlet, and two unidirectional valves. The first valve is capable of being in a first mode in which the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet through a first flow path, and a second mode in which the inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet through a second flow path isolated from the first flow path. The two unidirectional valves are along the second flow path.
US07975719B2
A hose connection (51) includes mounting structure (32) and suction structure (46) having an axis (B). The suction structure is mounted to the mounting structure such that the suction structure can rotate with respect to the mounting structure about the axis. The hose connection includes a hose (26′) coupled to the suction structure.
US07975713B2
An assembly for maintaining flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit. The assembly may include a first plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit, and a second plate having an inlet notch sized to engage the inlet conduit and an outlet notch sized to engage the outlet conduit. The assembly may also include a bag connectable to the first and second plates and having at least one glove port. The assembly may also include a collar configured to connect the bag to the first and second plates at a perimeter formed by the first and second plates when positioned in engagement with the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit.
US07975712B2
A hunting blind is comprised of a frame and a fabric shell supported by and releasably attached to the frame. The frame is comprised of a pair of A-frame structures of similar configuration and each includes telescopic members forming legs and a cross-member that spans between the legs. Coupling assemblies pivotally attach the legs to the cross-member so that the legs can be selectively folded against or extended from the cross-member.
US07975711B2
A portable accessory device includes a housing having a mounting slot, an accessory unit supported in the housing, and two adjustable retainers for adjusting the size of the mounting slot for a shaft of a shading device. Each of the adjustable retainer includes a retention arm, having a pusher surface facing towards the mounting slot, slidably mounted at the housing, wherein the pusher surfaces of the retention arms are facing with each other and are arranged for biasing against an outer surface of the shaft of the shading device until the shaft thereof being fitted at the mounting slot so as to substantially mount the housing at the shaft of the shading device. Therefore, the portable accessory device is adapted to detachably mount at the shading device to provide an additional function via the accessory unit for users to have high quality shading device.
US07975707B1
This invention is dental floss or dental tape whose cross-sectional size can be adjusted after it is inserted into the proximal space. This is accomplished by making floss or tape with two or more members, wherein longitudinally pulling a subset of those members relative to the other members increases the cross-sectional size of the floss or tape. The size of the floss can be optimally adjusted to match the size of the interproximal space and clean the space most efficiently.
US07975703B2
Methods and apparatus for delivering precise amounts of fluid under pressure into cardiac tissue for the purpose of facilitating ablation of the tissue along a desired lesion line. One method injects fluid under pressure through a discharge orifice in a needle-less injection device. The injected fluid can be a cytotoxic fluid and/or a highly conductive fluid injected in conjunction with radio frequency ablation to create an ablative virtual electrode. The injected fluid can provide deeper and narrower conduction paths and resulting lesions. Radio frequency ablation can be performed at the same time as the fluid injection, using the injection device as an electrode, or subsequent to the fluid injection, using a separate device. In some methods, the injected fluid is a protective fluid, injected to protect tissue adjacent to the desired lesion line. Fluid delivery can be endocardial, epicardial, and epicardial on a beating heart. The present methods find one use in performing maze procedures to treat atrial fibrillation.
US07975681B2
A reloading system for dispensing spherical projectiles is disclosed. The reloading system has a removable cartridge that removes from a base unit attached to a spherical projectile device. Upon insertion of the cartridge, a sliding gate on the removable cartridge permits direct feed of the projectiles to the projectile device. An ejection mechanism releases the cartridge for insertion of another cartridge.
US07975679B2
A other-type fuel contamination determination apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas sensor. The exhaust gas sensor is configured for obtaining one of (a) an air-fuel ratio and (b) a combustion state for the internal combustion engine based on exhaust gas. The other-type fuel contamination determination apparatus determines whether other-type fuel contaminates fuel that is supplied to the internal combustion engine based on an output by the exhaust gas sensor.
US07975675B2
A hybrid vehicle is optionally driven by an electrical machine which can be supplied with power from a galvanic cell or which, during a generating operation, supplies the galvanic cell with power, and by an internal-combustion engine which can be supplied with a combustible liquid from a tank. An activated carbon canister is assigned to the tank for collecting vapors of the combustible liquid, the activated carbon canister being connectible, as required, with the intake system of the internal-combustion engine for carrying out a scavenging, wherein the activated carbon canister is positioned in the area of the galvanic cell.
US07975670B2
An ECU executes a program including: detecting the engine speed NE and the current KL (S1010, S1020) when the ISC learning control is started (“YES” in S1000); changing the ignition efficiency so that the NE and the output torque are kept unchanged even when the throttle valve opening amount changes (S1030); calculating the target torque by multiplying the ISC target torque by the ignition efficiency (S1040); calculating the target KL based on the target torque, the NE and the MBT (S1050); calculating the throttle valve opening amount based on the target KL (S1060); calculating the target ignition timing based on the NE, the current KL and the target torque (S1070); and controlling an engine using the calculated throttle valve opening amount, ignition timing and fuel injection amount (S1080).
US07975664B2
The valve drive has a cam follower (10) which is arranged between a cam (3) of a camshaft (4) and the gas exchange valve (5) and is mounted on a support element (8). Support element (8) is stationary in cylinder head (2), with a rigid installation height (feature YP), for the adjustment of the valve play (21) with respect to the cam (3) and/or the gas exchange valve (5). A module (6) which has the cam, follower (10) and the support element (8), defines total installation dimension of the module (6).
US07975662B2
An internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable valve controlling system, in which the single actuator is disposed in a cylinder head on one side where one ends of the rocker-arm shafts are disposed, while enabling the single actuator to activate the rocker arms irrespective of the arrangement of the rocker-arm shafts. In the internal combustion engine, a hydraulic cylinder of a hydraulic actuator is disposed so as to transverse a timing chamber. Operation elements extend respectively from sidewalls of a plunger in the hydraulic cylinder, and activate respective rocker-arm shafts. In a motorcycle on which the engine is mounted, a frame member of a vehicle frame is disposed outside the hydraulic actuator.
US07975651B2
The present invention provides a method of sequestering carbon dioxide in aqueous environments. In a first step, an area is assessed to determine whether the area is capable of supporting the addition of organisms of higher trophic level (OHTL). Next, OHTL are added to the area in order to produce enough rapidly sinking and refractory particulate matter (PM) to sequester carbon dioxide above the level of carbon dioxide sequestration that exists before the addition of OHTL. Preferably, the PM produced by the OHTL sinks at rates significantly greater than and/or is significantly less biodegradable than that produced by other components of the biological carbon pump. Finally, this increase in the level of carbon dioxide sequestration is quantified. The method of the present invention may also include the step of reporting the quantified increase in the level of carbon dioxide sequestration.
US07975649B2
A livestock waterer for use in frigid climates includes a lid which floats on the surface of the water in each basin of the waterer. The lid is hollow with a convex upper surface and with baffle walls depending from the underside of the lid. The baffle walls interrupt wave action on the surface of the water created by depression of the lid into the water when an animal presses down on the lid to gain access to the water. The floor of each basin is provided with an integrally formed mounting post to support a heater within the basin. The baffles walls prevent exhaustion of water within the basin thereby preserving submersion of the heater at all times.
US07975628B2
The combustion system for implementing the process has a combustion grate, hoppers below the combustion grate for supplying primary combustion gas through the grate and nozzles that lead into the furnace above the combustion grate to supply secondary combustion gas. At least one extraction duct for flue gas is provided at the rear end of the furnace above the combustion grate. This duct is connected to the suction side of a fan. The pressure side is connected to nozzles arranged in the upper area of the flue gas pass. The nozzle height allows the flue gases a residence time of at least 1 second after secondary gas is supplied.
US07975624B2
A multi-purpose table including a channel that either forms a portion of, or is attached to, a horizontal support structure of the work surface of the table. The channel includes at least one trough for managing cables and cords associated with electrical and communication outlet modules. The electrical and communication outlet modules may be installed within the channel with the outlets accessible to a user of the table when the work surface is positioned in each of a horizontal use position and a vertical storage position. In one embodiment, individual outlet modules are installed within the channel by a snap-fit engagement. In another embodiment, the outlet modules are provided as part of a harness or bus assembly that is slidably installed and retained within the channel.
US07975610B2
The invention relates to a printing unit (16; 17) comprising several printing groups (03; 04; 21; 22; 28; 29; 31; 32), each of which is provided with at least one plate cylinder (07) and at least one transfer cylinder (06) that is arranged so as to cooperate directly with the plate cylinder (07). The printing unit (16; 17), which is embodied as a nine-cylinder satellite printing unit (16; 17), is equipped with four plate cylinders (07) and a counterpressure cylinder (18) that is configured as a satellite cylinder (18). At least one inking roller of an inking group (09) is disposed so as to cooperate directly with the plate cylinder (07). One respective plate replacing mechanism (11; 11a; 11b), which encompasses a front section facing the associated plate cylinder (07), is assigned to at least two plate cylinders (07) that are placed next to each other in a horizontal direction.
US07975608B2
Device and a method for feeding a material web to a printing unit of a web-fed rotary printing press
A device is usable for feeding a material web to a press unit of a web-fed rotary press having a reel carrier which carries a material reel and which is mounted next to the machine line. At least one deflection rod is arranged in the web transport path between the reel carrier and the press unit. The deflection rod is angled at 45° with respect to the transport direction of the web which wraps onto it. In at least a wraparound angular region of the material web, the deflection rod has outlet openings which are configured as micro-openings for the passage of a pressurized fluid. The mean diameter of these micro openings is, at most 500 μm. When the material web is moving about the deflection rod, the micro openings are provided with pressurized fluid on a length which is greater than the width of the region which is covered by the material web which wraps around it.
US07975606B2
An auxiliary device for harvesting pasture prevents clogging at a roll baler to increase speed of harvesting pasture and decrease occurrence of troubles and enhance density of roll package. The auxiliary device for harvesting pasture includes tires having a predetermined width and weight as a rolling body, a holding portion to rotatably hold the tires, and an attaching portion to attach the holding portion to the front of a tractor which tows a roll baler. In the constitution of the auxiliary device for harvesting pasture, the attaching portion is attached to the front portion of the tractor and a line of collected grass is subject to rolling pressure by rolling of tires in accordance with movement of the tractor. Instead of the tires, a cylindrical body or a columnar body, or either one which is made in the form of metal cylindrical body or columnar body can be mounted.
US07975604B2
A dough proofing cabinet includes a chamber having one or more air ducts with a plurality of air duct openings distributed both vertically and horizontally thereon, and an outlet opening in an upper part of the chamber. Operation of a blower causes air flow from the chamber, through the outlet opening, past the heating element to the air duct or ducts and out through the air duct openings. In one example, the chamber includes air ducts extending downward on opposite side of the chamber.
US07975603B1
A food processing system includes sweep belt transfer of food product from a conveyor to a food processor such as a cooker or chiller. The conveyor may include upstream conveyance around a turn having a moving fence. The system may include an upstream conveyor to conveyor transfer from a widening gap upper conveyor to a lower conveyor.
US07975601B2
An engine cylinder liner is provided. The engine cylinder liner includes a first liner end, a second liner end, and an inner surface extending between the first liner end and the second liner end. The engine cylinder liner also includes a first outer surface between the first liner end and a first outer surface end portion, and a second outer surface between the second liner end and a second outer surface end portion. The second outer surface end portion is closer to the first liner end, than the first outer surface end portion is to the first liner end. The engine cylinder liner further includes an inclined shoulder surface portion between the first and second outer surface end portions.
US07975599B2
A regulating device for a hydrostatic piston engine is provided. The regulating device (30) has an electronic control unit (17) for generating adjusting signals. An adjusting position of the hydrostatic piston engine scanned by a feedback element (36, 61) is detected by a sensor element (42) of the electronic control unit (17) without contact.
US07975593B2
Embodiments of an inductive power transfer method are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a method of transferring data and power to a plurality of guided projectiles located in launcher tubes on a helicopter is described herein. In some embodiments, power and data are inductively transferred across the launcher windings to the projectile windings to configure the control systems of the guided projectiles to provide a lock-on-before-launch capability.
US07975577B2
The invention relates to a self-opening hand tool (1) with two tool halves (2, 3) that cross over each other at a joint (4), in particular in the form of a pair of pliers, scissors or the like, with one half of the tool (2, 3) forming a jaw (5) on one side of the joint (4) and a handle (6) on the other side of the joint (4), with a spring element (8) of elastically deformable rubber or plastic material also associated with a handle (6), which has an opening (9) through which the handle (6) passes, and that can be moved into at least one operating position at will by turning it from a non-operating position, in which operating position the spring element (8) contacts the opposite handle (6) depending on the spread angle of the handle (6) and the generation of the appropriate restoring force. To further improve the initially described hand tool for more advantageous use, it is recommended that the handle (6) be contained in a handle case and that the spring element (8) be supported by a form fit to maintain the operating position or the non-operating position.
US07975572B2
A gripping apparatus and a method apparatus for making up and breaking out tubular connections. In one embodiment, the gripping apparatus comprises an outer gear, a plurality of rollers coupled to the outer gear, an inner ring, a passive jaw, and a pair of active jaws pivotably coupled to the inner ring. The active jaws include camming surfaces for positioning, securing, actuating, and retracting the active jaws upon rotation of the outer gear. The gripping apparatus may further include a control switch operable to maintain the gripping apparatus in a make up mode or a break out mode regardless of rotation of the outer gear.
US07975568B2
A robotic arm assembly is provided comprising a driving mechanism including a rotor which is rotatable relative to a stator. The rotor is coaxially rotatable about a columnar shaft having a substantially hollow central longitudinal axis. A first arm having proximal and distal pivotal ends is rigidly mounted on the rotor such that the first arm is drivable to rotate by the driving mechanism. A proximal pivotal end of a second arm having proximal and distal pivotal ends is pivotally connected to the proximal pivotal end of the first arm. A first timing pulley is mounted coaxially onto the columnar shaft, and a second timing pulley which is spaced from the first pulley is drivable to rotate together with rotation of the first arm. A timing belt connects the first and second timing pulleys and is operative to rotate the second arm relative to the first arm as the first arm is driven to rotate by the driving mechanism, such that the distal pivotal ends of the first and second arms are configured to always lie along a substantially straight line.
US07975567B2
A device for controlling a gearbox, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising fixed permanent magnets, mounted on a gearbox casing and cooperating by magnetic attraction or repulsion with a mobile permanent magnet mounted on a transmitter member driving into rotation or translation a shaft for selecting and/or changing gears, in order to define stable gear selecting or changing positions.
US07975563B2
A servo position/stress detection control system has a servomotor, a servo driver and a controller. The servo driver has a control unit, an absolute angle reading unit and a register. The control unit selectively drives or stops the servomotor and converts torque value of the servomotor to a force value. The absolute angle reading unit reads an absolute angle value of rotation in response to a spindle of the servomotor. The controller respectively converts the absolute angle value and the force value to a linear displacement and a load stress value with a calculating program, establishes a load line in response to different force values and corresponding linear displacements wherein the load line provides corresponding correction basis for the servo driver to automatically detect height variances caused by reacting force and accordingly adjust working status of the servomotor.
US07975551B2
A piezoelectric vibrator including a pair of first piezoelectric elements having the same rectangular parallelepiped shape and polarized in opposite directions; and a pair of second piezoelectric elements, having the same rectangular parallelepiped shape and respectively attached to a face of the first piezoelectric element, and polarized in the same direction. In the piezoelectric vibrator the first piezoelectric elements are longer than the second piezoelectric elements, and the first piezoelectric elements vibrate in a longitudinal direction and the second piezoelectric elements vibrate in a bending direction when electrical signals are inputted.
US07975543B2
A method for isometric exercise safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The method utilizes an apparatus that provides resistance to force and maximizes user/patient comfort. The handle or grip of the apparatus may be squeezed with a force less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby restricting blood flow through contracting muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through use of the method. The restricted blood flow reduces localized necrosis due to obstruction of blood supply. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and inducing the user to apply the fractional force, a lesser fractional force or no force for a time.
US07975538B2
An aging device of a catalytic converter of a vehicle simulates wear-and-tear of a catalytic converter under conditions that simulate to those of a real vehicle by injecting an oil additive or an engine oil mixture containing phosphor (P), zinc (Zn), and etc., into an engine.
US07975523B2
A split ring alignment ring for holding a punch has a split ring by which the alignment ring can be tightened onto the punch shaft. The alignment ring has a pair of radially aligned cut outs, on its inner circumference and are on its out circumference. A pin on the tool shaft engages the inner cut out to fix the tool against rotational movement relative to the ring. A second pin projects axially from the top of a punch point of the tool to engage the outer cut out, also to prevent rotational movement relative to the ring.
US07975519B1
A wind turbine installation comprises anchor bolts having a sheath or sleeve which extends above the cement foundation and the overlying grout layer. If desired, the sleeve may partially extend inside the base flange of the wind turbine tower. The sleeve may be manufactured from polypropylene, polyethylene or other materials having satisfactory mechanical properties, primarily that the material be capable of withstanding sufficient plastic deformation to cause the material to conform to the shape of the threads of the anchor bolts without the material failing. This swaging operation results in a crimped end which forms an interference fit with the threads of the anchor bolt thereby preventing or limiting the intrusion of water or other liquids into the bolt-sleeve annulus during the installation of the turbine foundation.
US07975517B2
A multistage lock apparatus has a base, a disk holder, two selecting devices, two disk sets and at least one interfering element. The base has a mounting panel and a central tube. The disk holder is connected to the base and has a mounting beam, two extending beams, a middle beam, a connecting beam and two mounting spaces. The selecting devices are rotatably connected to the base. The disk sets are respectively mounted on the selecting devices in the mounting specs of the disk holder and each disk set has a driving disk and at least one driven disk. The at least one interfering element is mounted securely on the disk holder and each of the at least one interfering element has a mounting tab and two elastic panels.
US07975511B2
A machine for producing a knitted product by at least partly using untwisted fiber material (4) includes at least one stitch forming system, on which stitch-forming elements (3) can be brought into a fibre pick-up position. A thread guide (27) is associated with the stitch-forming system and has a passage (30) for the fibre material (4). A drafting assembly (9) is associated with the stitch-forming system for attenuation of the fibre material and a spinning device (15), which is arranged between the drafting assembly (9) and the thread guide (27) and contains at least one spinning element (16) working with a blast air flow and a transport tube (17) connected thereto. The transport tube (17) contains an outlet end (17d) for the fibre material opening into the thread guide (27). The outlet end (17d) has an inner cross-section (D2), which is exactly the same size as or smaller than an inner cross-section (D1) at an outlet end of the passage (30). The intensity of the blast air flow is selected such that this is sufficient at least to securely transport the fibre material (4) as far as the stitch forming elements (3) without further auxiliary means.
US07975506B2
A coaxial economizer for use in a chiller system comprising an inner housing and an outer housing having a common longitudinal axis. The outer housing has an inlet for receiving a fluid from a upstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor and an outlet for conveying a fluid to a downstream compressor stage of a multistage compressor. A flow chamber forms a fluid flow path about the inner housing. A flash chamber is coterminous with the flow chamber and flashes fluid in a liquid state to a gas state. A flow passage between said flash chamber and the flow chamber for conveying a flashed gas from the flash chamber to the flow chamber; wherein the flashed gas conveyed from the flash chamber and the fluid received from the inlet of the outer housing mix along the fluid flow path toward the outlet of the outer housing.
US07975503B2
A refrigerator includes a main body which forms an external appearance and has a storage chamber to be opened at a front side, and an ice making device which is disposed in the storage chamber to make ice. The ice making device includes an ice making tray which has ice making grooves for making ice, an ejector which rotates and separates the ice made in the ice making grooves, blocking members which are disposed at an upper portion of one side of the ice making grooves to prevent the ice separated from the ice making grooves through the other side of the ice making grooves from returning to the ice making grooves, and a guide member which is disposed above the other side of the ice making tray to guide the ice separated from the other side of the ice making grooves by the ejector toward the blocking members.
US07975502B2
In a heat pump apparatus of the invention, a refrigerant is circulated through a compressor 31, a radiator 32, a first throttle apparatus 33, a heat exchanger 34, a second throttle apparatus 35 and an evaporator 36 in this order. The heat exchanger 34 can be utilized as both a radiator and an evaporator by operating the first throttle apparatus 33 and the second throttle apparatus 35. Therefore, even if the outside air temperature is high, discharge pressure and suction pressure of the compressor do not rise, the heat pump apparatus can be operated in a stable refrigeration cycle, and energy can be saved.
US07975501B2
An auxiliary air conditioning system (7) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a first heat exchanger (17) adapted to be installed inside a passenger compartment (4) of the motor vehicle and an external unit (43) comprising an auxiliary engine (8), an auxiliary compressor (12) driven by the auxiliary engine (8) and a second exchanger (17). The system comprises a switching valve (20) for selectively setting a first refrigerating cycle operating mode in which the first heat exchanger (17) serves as an evaporator and the second heat exchanger (14) serves as a condenser, and a second heat pump operating mode, in which the first heat exchanger (17) serves as a condenser and the fluid of the second heat exchanger (14) is cut off and the operative fluid is allowed to flow through a heating device (30) to receive thermal power independently from the outside environment temperature.
US07975498B2
An intelligent controller (68), adapted for regulating operation of either a refrigeration system or an air conditioning system (20), receives an output electrical signal produced by a pressure sensor (72, 74, 76, 78) included in the system (20). Responsive to the received electrical signal, the intelligent controller (68) energizes operation of a motor (24) that drives a compressor (22) included in the system (20). The programmable electronic circuit (68) performs a calibration operation in which the circuit (68) measures the output electrical signal received from the pressure sensor (72, 74, 76, 78) and stores as an offset the value so measured. The programmable electronic circuit (68) subsequently applies the stored offset for adjusting a value of the output electrical signal received from the pressure sensor (72, 74, 76, 78) during normal operation of the system (20).
US07975494B2
A user interface for a control system for an air conditioning apparatus includes a visual display and keys for scrolling menu items and entering commands to the control system. The interface is mounted in the apparatus cabinet and on a rotatable bracket to orient the interface for ease of reading the display and actuating the respective keys.
US07975487B2
A combustor liner assembly includes a liner assembly, including a hot dome, a hot wall, and an impingement shield. The liner assembly further includes a convector assembly. The combustor liner assembly further includes an impingement dome assembly, including a ring-shaped portion defining a plurality of apertures configured to receive a plurality of fuel injectors, and a face. The ring-shaped portion and the face define an annular passage, and the face defines a plurality of apertures and a plurality of orifices. The convector assembly and the impingement dome assembly are operably coupled to one another, and the plurality of orifices of the face are configured such that the hot dome is exposed to air flowing in the annular passage of the impingement dome assembly. The combustor liner assembly is configured to provide flow communication between the annular passage of the impingement dome assembly and the plurality of fuel injectors.
US07975485B2
The present invention is a High Efficient Integrated Heat Engine, or HEIHE for short. HEIHE is a reciprocal combustion engine integrated with both compound cycle and combined cycle. HEIHE comprises twin compound cylinder structure, with the first cylinder being the primary combustion and/or expansion cylinder; the second cylinder being the secondary combustion and/or expansion cylinder. Power strokes driven by expansions of different working fluids such as air-fuel combustion products, steam and compressed air, are integrated into one engine block. Twin cylinder structure provides compound expansions of three (3) different fluids as to recover the energies that would be lost with the exhaust fluids or during braking. All of these make HEIHE work around six (6) periods with twelve (12) operation strokes. Among six (6) working periods involved, four (4) periods contain four (4) different power strokes but only one of the power strokes consumes the fuel. Thus the fuel conversion efficiency could be greatly increased, or even be doubled comparing with the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE).
US07975475B2
A universal control scheme for mobile hydraulic equipment has switches to activate and/or control any number of different tools or accessories that may be used to configure the equipment. Additionally, a single controller command may be reassigned from one set to another set of hydraulic line pairs. Furthermore, at different times, two separate controller commands may be used to control the same hydraulic line pair. The subject invention is also directed to a method for achieving the same.
US07975452B2
A cellular building block including a middle beam and two legs. The cellular building block having the first leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and a second leg coupled to the middle beam such that the leg is perpendicular to the middle beam and spaced apart from the first leg, the first leg and the second leg having an inside edge and an outside edge. Having at least one barb located on the inside edge of the first leg and on the inside edge of the second leg and further configured to lock into a recess. The cellular building blocks connect in a two dimensional or three dimensional pattern and a produce a structured material that holds itself together and exhibits beneficial characteristics.
US07975451B2
The invention relates to panels (1, 2) that can be interlinked without using glue. In the interlinked state of the panels, a cord (3) runs along the upper side of and between the panels. Said cord widens downwards and rests on the upper side of a spring (5) that forms the coupling element of a panel. The widening is preferably asymmetric. The inventive panels especially allow to provide a wall covering or a ceiling covering in an especially simple manner. The cord consists of a compressible material and prevents water from entering the gap between the panels. The design also compensates for effects related to expansion and shrinkage.
US07975446B2
A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.
US07975428B2
Described herein is an indoor greenhouse that includes a rack unit, an outer layer that surrounds the rack unit and defines a greenhouse interior, at least one light surrounded by a light enclosure, a cooling system, and a ventilation system all disposed in the greenhouse interior. The ventilation system includes a fan, a filter and at least one duct that cooperate to exhaust air out of the exhaust vent opening. The rack unit includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. The outer layer includes a top, a bottom, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween that correspond to the similar portions of the rack unit. The outer layer also has intake and exhaust vent and light cooling openings defined therein. The cooling system includes at least one duct that cooperates with the light enclosure to define an air path between the intake and exhaust light cooling openings.
US07975427B2
A method and system for disinfecting and disinfesting a commodity, such as a perishable agricultural commodity, by treatment with an environment of low oxygen/high ballast gas with cycled pressure changes that overwhelm and damage the respiratory system of the insect without damaging the host commodity. The system and method may also include the introduction of disinfectants, antiseptics and other toxic chemicals or the exposure to radio frequencies with intense electric fields that may increase the metabolic activity of the pest or decrease the fitness of the pest within the low oxygen environment. Treatments according to the methods can also increase the shelf life of agricultural commodities by eradicating or delaying the growth of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and other microbial pests.
US07975426B2
A fishing rod holder with automatic pull that operates unattended and automatically pulls when a force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the line. The holder includes a housing where an assembly for removably holding a fishing rod is pivotally mounted and movable between two extreme positions. The housing includes a stopper member cooperatively mounted outwardly to coact with the locking mechanism. A spring assembly biases the holder assembly towards the rearmost extreme position and a locking assembly for releasably holding the rod holder keeps the latter at the foremost extreme position. A trigger sensing the tension of the fishing line is automatically actuated by exceeding a predetermined tension magnitude causing it to pivot and transmit a rotational movement to an elongated member. The other end of the elongated member includes a spring biased retractable chamfered pin. The pin has a slanted termination and a flat termination. The slanted termination cammingly coacts with the stopper on the outside of the housing to overcome the spring biasing the pin. An anchorage assembly mounted to the housing permits the mounting of the device to a fixed object.
US07975417B2
An improved action for a bolt action rifle. The action includes a receiver containing a bolt; the bolt having two to three locking lugs surrounding a bolt face; and a threaded insert that joins the rifle barrel to the receiver. The insert also includes a series of locking lugs that mate with the locking lugs on the bolt. The position of the insert lugs relative to the barrel will position the bolt face relative to the barrel's chamber when the bolt is closed. Thus, the insert and barrel can properly set the rifle's headspace. The insert and receiver are preferably each provided with a locking lug, that serve to align the axes of the insert and receiver. The threads of the insert and the barrel are co-axial which serves to align the axes of the insert and barrel. Thus, assembled, the receiver, insert and barrel will be substantially co-axial.
US07975413B1
Signage member can be installed for display in sign support member mounted on a wall. Multiple sign support members can be abutted with one or more fastener(s). Such fastener(s) can have a tall nut and tall screw about one end and a threaded hole and short screw about another. One or more signage member(s) may be stored behind the displayed signage member.
US07975409B2
A snow plow assembly with a longitudinally extending plow body has a blade mounting structure that supports a longitudinally extending plow blade. The blade mounting structure has a series of hinges that receive a longitudinally extending pivot rod to couple the plow body to the snow blade and set of springs to bias the snow plow blade into an operative position and to resiliently restore the snow plow blade to the operative position after encountering an obstacle. The hinge portions fixed to the snow plow body each have a receiving slot to slidingly receive a hinge key and the hinge keys define a bearing surface for abutting one end of the coil spring. A locating notch is provided in the hinge keys to limit relative movement between a hinge key an associated hinge portion. A hinge lock to capture the pivot rod is also provided.
US07975400B2
A device for determining the conductance of laundry in a drier. The device comprises at least two electrodes (2) and means for dissipating heat from at least one part of at least one of said electrodes (2). The invention further relates to a drier comprising at least one area (5) for receiving laundry and at least two electrodes (2) for measuring the conductance of the laundry, at least one of the electrodes (2) at least partly bordering said receiving area (5). Means for cooling at least one part of at least one of the electrodes (2) are also provided inside the drier. Also disclosed is a method for preventing the formation of layers on electrodes (2) used for measuring conductance in a drier.
US07975392B1
Tools and methods for subsurface operations. Circuit arrangements providing a damping effect against undesired vibration effects on inertial data signals derived from inertial sensors disposed in a downhole tool.
US07975387B2
To provide a hair cutting device permitting the user to really know the remaining hair length without having to do trial cuts, a hair cutting device (1) with hair length indicator means (4) is proposed, wherein the hair length indicator means (4) comprises a fixed delimiter (5) and at least one movable delimiter (6) being movable with respect to the fixed delimiter (5), such that the hair length is indicated by the distance (D) between the fixed (5) and the at least one movable delimiter (6). Preferably, the hair length indicator means (4) comprises more than one movable delimiter (6, 7), all movable delimiters (6, 7) being movable in circumferential direction and functionally couplable with a comb unit (19, 20) such that a change between movable delimiters (6, 7) is caused by attachment of the comb unit (19, 20) to the hair cutting device (1).
US07975385B2
A hair-cutting apparatus (1) includes a cutting arrangement (9) for cutting hair. There is provided an arrangement that prevents cut hair from flying off the hair-cutting apparatus and that includes a boundary wall (22). The boundary wall (22) extends close to the cutting arrangement (9) and includes a stationary portion (34) and a movable portion (35), the movable portion (35) being intended and arranged to cooperate with hair to be cut.
US07975381B2
A camshaft system includes a number of cam lobes locked upon a cylindrical shaft. Bearings configured with one-piece bores and are engaged with the cylindrical shaft. The bearings are captured upon the shaft by the locked-on cam lobes.
US07975372B2
An apparatus for producing electrical wiring constituted by at least one wire inserted in a corresponding receptacle of a connector provided with at least one corresponding electrical terminal, that comprises: a region for loading wires in corresponding preset seats, selected among a plurality of seats formed on a holder comb; a device for moving the holder comb from the loading region to a region for the insertion of the wires in preset receptacles of one or more preset connectors; a device for the guided translational motion of the ends of the wires within the preset receptacles of the preset connectors; and a programmable electronic device adapted to match, in the insertion region, a preset seat of the holder comb with a preset receptacle of a preset connector.
US07975366B2
A process to reduce the bevel angle in a mold used to form a write head is disclosed. First, tantalum is used instead of alumina for the yoke area. Then both the tantalum and the alumina areas are simultaneously subjected to reactive ion etching, leading to sloping sidewalls in the alumina area (write pole) while providing near vertical sidewalls in the tantalum (yoke) area. Consequently, the neck height is the same at the cavity floor as it is at the cavity top.
US07975362B2
The invention relates to a processing device for covers (20), wherein processing stations are embodied as individual processing stations (47) provided with, respectively, one tool for one cover. Several of said stations work in parallel for the simultaneous processing of several covers. If need be, stations can also be used wherein several tools form groups which are functionally separate from each other. As a result, the processing precision and production speed of the objects can be increased.
US07975357B1
Preferably, a motorcycle valve spring removal tool includes a motorcycle engine operatively mounted and secured to a frame of a motorcycle, and a valve spring compression tool secured to the motorcycle engine for use in removing a valve spring of the motorcycle engine while the cylinder head remains torqued to the cylinder, and the motorcycle engine remains mounted and secured within the motorcycle frame. In a preferred embodiment, the valve spring compression tool includes a base plate supporting a stud reception member that provides a threaded stud attachment aperture, in which a corresponding threaded stud is secured. Also included in the preferred embodiment is a compression plate interacting with the threaded stud and a force transfer component, preferably a threaded nut, also interacting with the stud to impart a compression force on the valve spring to achieve a predetermined level of compression of the valve spring.
US07975355B2
A device includes pivoting elements enabling the drilling axis (A6) of the drilling tool (35) to be pivoted (PIV) about the axis of orientation, and elements for adjusting the angular position of the drilling tool (35) about the axis of orientation. It also includes first mobility members enabling relative mobility of the drilling tool (35) in relation to the lens to be drilled (L), or vice-versa, according to a first degree of mobility (ESC) which is distinct from the pivoting of the drilling axis of the drilling tool (35) about the axis of orientation. The elements for adjustment are configured so as to control the pivoting of the drilling axis (A6) of the drilling tool (35) about the axis of orientation, in favor of the first degree of relative mobility of the drilling tool (35) in relation to the lens (L) that is to be drilled.
US07975353B2
A device for needling a nonwoven web includes several needle looms arranged in series, each with at least one needle bar, a pair of infeed rollers, and a pair of outfeed rollers. The needle looms can move along a guide in the transport direction of the nonwoven web and can be locked in place at any desired distance from each other.
US07975343B2
A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a loop arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice, a central cleaning element disposed within the loop, two opposing arcuate cleaning elements disposed on opposite sides of the loop, peripheral cleaning element with a stepped and tapered construction, elongate distal cleaning elements, and proximal cleaning elements.
US07975340B2
Separate covers for protruding portions of discs of automatic swimming pool cleaners are addressed. The covers may be placed onto protrusions, such as fins, and removed from the fins as needed. Version of the covers are made of material more rigid and having lower coefficient of friction than the fins to discourage lateral bending of the fins and decrease frictional contact of the fins with pool surfaces.
US07975337B2
A person-support apparatus comprises a frame, a container, a gas permeable cover, a rigid diffuser, a fluidizable medium, and a cushion. The container is supported on a frame and includes a base and a plurality of sides coupled to the base. The base cooperates with the sides to define an opening opposite the base. The gas permeable cover is removably coupled to the container and covers the opening to define a chamber. The rigid diffuser is positioned within the chamber proximate the base. The fluidizable medium is positioned between the rigid diffuser and the gas permeable cover. The cushion is coupled to the diffuser and positioned between the gas permeable cover and the rigid diffuser. The cushion is configured to provide cushioning support between a person supported on the gas permeable cover and the rigid diffuser.
US07975328B2
An upward discharge waste device for a shower tray, comprises a hollow housing having a waste water inlet, a waste water outlet and a flow-channel for waste water between the waste water inlet and the waste water outlet; and a mounting element for mounting the waste device over a waste outlet of the shower tray. The flow-channel has a non-uniform transverse cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal extent from the waste water inlet and towards the waste water outlet, but has a uniform or substantially uniform transverse cross-sectional area along the longitudinal extent. A shower tray having the waste device is also provided.
US07975327B2
A submersible table and seat assembly suitable for use in a swimming pool. The submersible assembly includes a base, a table, and seats. The base has a hollow interior capable of being filled with a flowable material in an amount sufficient to enable the submersible assembly to rest on the bottom of the swimming pool. The table and the seats are supported on the base and adjustably connected to the base to enable the table and seats to be raised and lowered relative to the base, so that the table and the seats are adjustable to accommodate varying depths of the swimming pool. Fluid passages are present within the base and/or the seats, jets are fluidically coupled to the fluid passages, and a conduit is connected to the fluid passages for flowing a pressurized fluid through the jets.
US07975326B1
A disposable liner for a child's potty chair includes a generally flexible sheet material, a pouch portion formed near the center of the sheet material to extend downwardly into the opening of the potty chair, an absorbent material disposed in the pouch, a plurality of outwardly extending portions extending laterally from the sheet material, and an adhesive material disposed on an underside surface of the outwardly extending portions to adhere the disposable liner to the seat portion of the potty chair. A pull string may be disposed around the pouch, such that the pull string may be pulled after the disposable liner is used to close the pouch portion.
US07975323B2
A filter for preventing hair from becoming clogged in a drain which comprises a flat annular strainer and a magnetic rim on the periphery of said flat annular strainer.
US07975322B1
The present invention is directed to a foot pedal toilet flush device, which comprises a first bar member, a second bar member, a set of hinge members, and a bias system to allow a person to flush a toilet using a foot pedal connected to the toilet's flushing system.
US07979916B2
Aspects of the invention are directed to piezoresponse force analysis of a material. A stimulus signal including a first frequency component is applied to a contact point on the material such that the stimulus signal actuates a portion of the material to experience a motion as a result of a piezoelectric effect. A resonant device is coupled to the contact point such that the resonant device experiences a resonant motion at the first frequency component in response to the motion of the material, the resonant motion having a greater displacement than a displacement of the motion of the material, and is substantially unaffected by mechanical properties of the material at the contact point. The resonant motion of the resonant device is detected and processed to produce a measurement representing the piezoresponse of the material at the contact point.
US07979908B2
A method and system of verifying and authenticating the accuracy of public or private background reports. These reports contain information about consumers, such as aggregated data about criminal history, security clearance qualifications, security access authorization, credit, insurance and medical claims, and other public and private information wherein applicants, employees, individuals, credit reporting agencies, background screening entities, and consumers self-authenticate the accuracy of the records. The consumer report and a self-authentication questionnaire is delivered to the consumer by hand, email, facsimile, securely online, mail, overnight express, courier, or other delivery means, which is returned by similar methods with the completed questionnaire.
US07979906B2
A method and system for multifaceted scanning, the method having the steps of receiving a data source; processing the data source for a plurality of scanning aspects, the processing step utilizing rules and policies for the plurality of scanning aspects to provide transformed, modified or adapted content; and outputting the transformed, modified or adapted content.
US07979905B2
In order to provide a storage system, virus infection spreading prevention method, and virus removal support method capable of performing an operation to prevent spreading of a virus infection and an operation to remove a virus straightforward, at an operation host, a virus check is executed for volumes, infection state information is sent to a management host according to detection results when a virus infection is detected, and at a management host, predetermined processing is executed in order to put the state of the path with the volume infected with a virus offline based on the infected state information. Further, at the operation host, a virus check is executed for the volumes, and when a virus infection is detected, infection state information is sent to the management host according to the results of the detection. At the management host, the range of influence of the virus infection is specified, the state after removal of the virus from the necessary volumes existing within the range of influence is predicted, and results of the prediction are displayed on a screen.
US07979903B2
A system and method that provides for using source IP addresses and MAC addresses in a network to provide security against attempts by users of the network to use false source IP addresses in data packets. The system and method provide for analyzing MAC addresses and source IP addresses at the datalink (layer 2) level, and to use the information derived from such analysis to block access through a port where a host device is using a false, or spoofed, source IP address in transmitted data packets.
US07979901B2
The invention provides a system and method for controlling the number of Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) security associations per Internet Key Exchange (IKE) security association for a single user. The limit on the number of security association (SA) tunnels per key management protocol SA may be stored in a server. A user equipment sends a request, to the server, to set up a new SA. The server, upon receiving the request, checks whether the limit on the number of SA tunnels per key management protocol has been reached. The request is accepted when the limit has not yet been reached.
US07979897B2
Provided are a system and article of manufacture for bidirectional data transfer. In certain embodiments a link layer login is sent from a first port to a second port. Subsequently, an application layer login is sent from the first port to the second port to establish a first data path, wherein the first data path is from the first port to the second port. Subsequently, another application layer login is sent from the second port to the first port to establish a second data path, wherein the second data path is from the second port to the first port. In certain other embodiments, a first data path is established from a first port to a second port. A determination is made at the first port, whether the second port has a second data path established from the second port to the first port. An application layer logout is sent from the first port to the second port, in response to determining that the second port has the second data path established from the second port to the first port. The first data path is terminated from the first port to the second port in response to receiving the application layer logout at the second port.
US07979890B2
An architecture for handling per subscriber application and bearer authorization in a network environment is provided that includes an application element operable to indicate that signaling responses have been authorized at a per-subscriber application level, whereby an end user has previously established an IP session and requested an application service.
US07979884B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for allowing an operating system to automatically configure and operate multiple types of the same component. According to various embodiments, characteristic information associated with a particular component, such as a tuner, can be written to a nonvolatile memory. An operating system can be configured to read characteristic information from the nonvolatile memory associated with the component. In one example, the characteristic information includes power characteristics associated with the component. By providing characteristic information in a nonvolatile memory, a single version of an operating system can configure and operate many different versions and types of the same component.
US07979883B2
A digital broadcasting system and data processing method are disclosed, which are highly resistant to channel changes and noise. The present invention includes receiving a broadcast signal having mobile service data and main service data multiplexed with each other from at least one parade, demodulating the broadcast signal, acquiring program table information describing at least one service included in at least one ensemble from the demodulated broadcast signal and decoding the mobile service data associated with a first service using a program table information transport unit in the acquired program table information.
US07979882B2
A method for providing a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) service to a terminal communicable with different communication networks. The DMB service method includes receiving a broadcasting program over a DMB network; receiving the broadcasting program over a Wireless Broadband (WiBro) network upon failure to receive the broadcasting program signal from the DMB network; and upon receipt of the broadcasting program signal back from the DMB network, interrupting the broadcasting program received from the WiBro network and receiving the broadcasting program over the DMB network.
US07979881B1
A token schema is provided for identifying a broadcast audio and/or visual program to facilitate recording of the identified program. The token schema includes program criteria for identifying a corresponding audio/or visual program, which is sufficient to enable a recording system that receives the token to record the identified program based on the token. A token also represents an audio and/or visual program in a form that may be sent to one or more recipients, such as part of an email message or by other data transport mechanisms.
US07979879B2
A video contents display system has a contents information display section that allows pieces of contents information on a plurality of recorded video contents to be displayed along a time axis on a screen, and a video contents display section that displays the plurality of video contents at a specified time on the time axis as motion pictures or still images.
US07979875B2
An optical disk having a recording layer on a substrate, a bonding layer which is made of an ultraviolet cured resin bonding the recording layer, a transparent layer which is bonded to the bonding layer, and an overcoating layer which is formed on the transparent sheet and is made of the ultraviolet cured resin further has a mixed layer which is formed by mixing the ultraviolet cured resins of the bonding layer and the overcoating layer. Consequently, the bonding layer, the overcoating layer, and the mixed layer are integrally cured, so that the substrate is entirely covered with the ultraviolet cured resin having transparency, which allows a light transmitting layer A to be protected with sufficient strength.
US07979870B1
Method and system for locating objects in a computing grid. Requests for one or more objects are received from a client or other requesting entity. A persistent object locator is distributed across the grid and searches the grid for a reference to or handle on the requested object. The persistent object locator includes an internal object locator element (IOL) that resides locally, e.g., on the client, and an external object locator element (EOL) that resides on one or more other servers that are external relative to the client. The EOL is initiated if the IOL cannot locate the requested object locally. The EOL searches the grid for the requested object and if the object is available, delivers the reference to or handle on the requested object to the requesting entity. Objects can also be registered to the POL for future use. References to objects can also be deleted from the POL in the event of a communication failure or if a server or process terminates as expected.
US07979867B2
Systems and methods for managing a device in a distributed file system are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises instantiating a physical device object, in response to a file system driver detecting a device remotely connected to a computing system via a distributed network. An operating system running on the computing device loads a disk function driver for managing access to the device. A plug and play manager of the operating system enumerates the device. The disk function driver instantiates and registers a functional device object with a mount manager of the operating system. A file system instantiates a volume device object for a logical drive volume mapped to the device and the mount manager mounts the volume device object on the functional device object.
US07979865B2
A computer-readable medium bearing computer-executable instructions which, when executed on a computer, carry out a method for handling a request for an operating system service is presented. The method comprises receiving a request for execution of an operating system service. The corresponding operating system service is then identified. A unique service identifier that corresponds to the requested operating system service is obtained. A service thread is generated, the thread being associated with an executing process. Storage associated with the service thread is initialized with the unique service identifier. Thereafter, the execution of the service thread is initiated.
US07979854B1
The invention relates to upgrading software or firmware in a network. The invention simplify the process of upgrading the software or firmware by using a drag and drop mechanism. Accordingly, with the help of a user-friendly GUI, a user initiates the process of upgrading by dragging and dropping a software icon onto a device icon. The software icon may represent the software to be used for upgrading and the device icon may represent a network device including the software or firmware that is to be upgraded. A set of checks is performed during the process of upgrading. The set of checks includes checking the compatibility of the software used for upgrading with the network device.
US07979853B2
Compiler device optimizes a program by changing an order of executing instructions. The device includes: a replaceability determination unit which determines whether a first instruction included in a first instruction sequence and a second instruction included in a second instruction sequence executed after the first instruction sequence can be replaced with a common processing instruction group including a common processing instruction for processing at least respective parts of processings by the first and second instructions together; a common processing instruction group generation unit which generates a common processing instruction group in the first instruction sequence, in place of the first instruction, when the replaceability determination unit determines the first and second instructions to be replaceable; and an instruction insertion unit which inserts the second instruction into a third instruction sequence that is an instruction sequence other than the first instruction sequence and is executed before the second instruction sequence.
US07979851B2
A system and program product for facilitating computing-environment control of a resource to be accessed by existing program code is provided which includes transparently replacing an uncontrolled resource referenced by existing program code with a resource controlled by a computing environment. The protocol also includes transparently interposing at least one resource management service of the computing environment between the existing program code and the resource controlled by the computing environment, wherein the at least one resource management service provides computing-environment control of the resource to be accessed by the existing program code. The replacing of the uncontrolled resource prevents the existing program code from directly accessing the resource.
US07979845B2
A system and method provide for determining optimal input combinations useable in testing program code that includes user interface intensive workflows. Various embodiments provides for determining an input set corresponding to the target program code, determining mutually exclusive feature groups corresponding to the input set and determining a set of optimal input combinations corresponding to the feature groups. A more specific embodiment provides for determining the set of optimal input combinations in accordance with a linked or unlinked gear approach.
US07979840B2
Techniques are provided for service-oriented (SOA) process decomposition and service modeling. In one aspect of the invention, the techniques include identifying meta-data entities, attributes of the meta-data entities and relationships between stereotypes of the meta-data model, managing the meta-data model for creating, modifying and removing modeling artifacts, and creating modeling templates from the meta-data model to facilitate addressing at least one need of industry-specific applications. In another aspect the invention, the techniques include packaging the method for SOA process decomposition and service modeling, facilitating lifecycle management of modeling assets, and facilitating maintenance of the modeling assets.
US07979837B1
Methods for analyzing circuit distortion based on contributions from separate circuit elements are presented. Local approximations that do not require high-order derivatives of device models are developed near an operating point for calculating distortion summaries including compression summaries and second-order intermodulation (IM2) distortion summaries.
US07979835B1
A method of estimating resource requirements for a circuit design is disclosed. The method comprises identifying intermediate circuit modules of a netlist associated with the circuit design; accessing a library of resource requirements for intermediate circuit modules of netlists for circuit designs; selecting intermediate circuit modules of the library according to predetermined parameters for the circuit design; and generating an estimate of resource requirements for the circuit design based upon resource requirements of the selected intermediate circuit modules.
US07979826B1
Computer-readable storage media comprising data streams having mixed mode data correction capability
Methods of providing error correction in configuration bitstreams for programmable logic devices (PLDs). While any error correction method can be used, in one embodiment a Hamming code is applied to instructions in the configuration bitstream, while a product code is applied to configuration data. Thus, the higher overhead required for a Hamming code applies to only a few words in the bitstream. The instructions are corrected on receipt of the word that includes the Hamming code, so the instructions are executed correctly even if a transmission error has occurred. However, configuration data can be stored in the configuration memory without correction. With a product code, the exact location of an erroneous bit is not known until the end of the transmission, when a parity word is received. At this time, the PLD can go back and correct erroneous bits in the configuration data prior to enabling the newly loaded design.
US07979809B2
The use of gestures to organize displayed objects on an interactive display. The gesture is used to move the displayed object to the edge of the interactive display so that the displayed object is only partially displayed after being moved. The size of the displayed object may be reduced and/or the displayed object may be rotated such that an identified portion of the displayed object remains in the display after moving. A gesture may also be used to move multiple displayed objects to the edge of the display.
US07979808B2
This disclosure describes, generally, tools for navigation of tree structures. For example, a software application comprising a user interface for allowing a user to navigate a tree structure is described. The user interface comprises a graphical element including the tree structure. The tree structure comprises multiple nodes which represent a hierarchical view of data within the structure. One of the nodes is set as the active node. The computer software application also includes a storage element to store a list of previous active nodes. The graphical element is in conjunction with a first navigational element configured to step backward through the list of previous active nodes, and to set the stepped to node as the active node. The graphical element is further in conjunction with a second navigational element configured to step forward through the list of previous active nodes, and to set the stepped to node as the active node.
US07979804B1
An editing environment is disclosed having both a design and code views, each with its own undo/redo stacks. The editing environment includes logic to form an object that encapsulates the edits and changes made during a code view editing session. The object is associated or pointed to an element in the design view undo/redo stack. When the editing environment receives an undo/redo command in which a code view edit block is to be undone, the design view takes the specific object, which is then translated back into the proper format for code view execution. The code view then executes the undo/redo entries and returns any remaining code view edits that were not undone or redone, to the design view to place back into a code view edit block in either of the design view undo/redo stacks, along with the new related object.
US07979799B2
A computer connectable image display apparatus for presentation is provided. The image display apparatus has a candidate information obtaining unit, a selection screen display unit, a presentation execution instruction unit, and a drawing screen display unit. The candidate information obtaining unit obtains selection candidate information generated by the computer relating selection candidates for a presentation subject file. The selection screen display unit generates and displays a selection screen for selecting the presentation subject file based on the selection candidate information. The presentation execution instruction unit makes the computer to execute the selected presentation subject file by sending selection results with the selection screen. The drawing screen display unit captures and displays a computer drawing screen drawn by the computer. The image display apparatus displays the selection screen without displaying the computer drawing screen when a connection with the computer is established, and displays the computer drawing screen when drawing by the computer executing the selected presentation subject file is started.
US07979794B2
A mixed translation of content is created in one document based on a new use of the lang’ attribute on standard HTML tags. The HTML 4.0 specification defines the ‘lang’ attribute as being used for an element's attribute value and content. Browsers use this information to assist in proper rendering of content associated with treatment of ligatures, hyphenations and quotations. Search engines and other applications may use this field for spell checking or creating indices. The implication of this common usage is that the content is in the language indicated by the ‘lang’ attribute and language specific rules for its rendering apply.
US07979793B2
The template creation system enables a graphical selection of one or more fields from within a database system. The template creation system identifies a source format of the received fields that can be exported from the database system. The template creation system identifies a target format readable by a document editing system. For example, the document editing system may be a word processing application that stores files in an application-specific format. The template creation system creates one or more template rules based on the identified source and target formats for converting the data from the source format to the target format. The template rules may then be stored in an XSLT style sheet.
US07979778B2
The ability to accurately and efficiently calculate and report communication errors is becoming more important than ever in today's communications environment. More specifically calculating and reporting CRC anomalies in a consistent manner across a plurality of communications connections in a network is crucial to accurate error reporting. Through a normalization technique applied to a CRC computation period (e.g., the PERp value), accurate error identification and reporting for each individual connection can be achieved.
US07979776B2
An error correction block having an extended format compatible with a standardized format of a conventional error correction block, a method and apparatus for generating the error correction block, and a method of correcting an error using the error correction block. The method of generating an error correction block includes adding extra parity information for error correction to input data which is of a smaller size than main data of a standardized reference format, thereby generating an extra error correction block which is the same size as the main data, and generating an error correction block complying with the reference format using the extra error correction block as the main data.
US07979773B2
A system and method are provided for efficiently initializing a redundant array of independent disks (RAID). The method monitors host write operations and uses that information to select the optimal method to perform a parity reconstruction operation. The bins to which data access write operations have not occurred can be initialized using a zeroing process. In one aspect, the method identifies drives in the RAID array capable of receiving a ‘WriteRepeatedly’ command and leverages that capability to eliminate the need for the RAID disk array controller to provide initialization data for all disk array initialization transfers. This reduces the RAID array controller processor and I/O bandwidth required to initialize the array and further reduces the time to initialize a RAID array. In a different aspect, a method is provided for efficiently selecting a host write process for optimal data redundancy and performance in a RAID array.
US07979768B2
A receiver sends hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) feedback for a current packet and at least one previous packet, whereby an error is detected based on the H-ARQ feedback. The receiver sends H-ARQ feedback with an identification of the packet or a sequence number of a packet that the receiver expects to receive next. The receiver stores a packet in a memory before combining the packet with a previously received packet, and decodes the stored packet after failing to decode a combined packet to avoid a corruption error. The receiver may set a timer when sending a NACK. If the receiver fails to receive a packet until expiration of the timer, the receiver initiates a process for recovering the packet. Each H-ARQ feedback may be associated with other attributes. Some H-ARQ processes may operate in an asynchronous mode while others in a synchronous mode in the same direction.
US07979766B2
An aspect of the present invention reduces the additional number of signal lines of a bus for control signals by using a set of signal lines to transfer data bits in some durations and to transfer control signals in some other durations. In one embodiment, the same signal lines are used to transfer data in a data transfer phase, and for bus arbitration in a bus arbitration phase. As a result, the total number of signal lines of a bus (bus width) is reduced. According to another aspect of the present invention, an arbitrator block allocates the bus to one of the requesting modules according to an assigned priority and least recently used (LRU) policy.
US07979765B2
Provided are a generation device and the like for generating a test vector which can reduce capture power efficiently. The generation device 100 generates a test vector for a logic circuit by assigning logic values to each of a plurality of unspecified bits (X-bits) included in a test cube. The generation device 100 includes a selection unit 101 for selecting, among the plurality of X-bits, a target X-bit, which is a target of assigning a logic value, a capture transition metric calculation unit 103 for calculating capture transition metric caused by a test cube including an X-bit, and a logic value assignment unit 105 for assigning, to the selected target X-bit, a logic value which causes the smaller capture transition metric, by applying the capture transition metric calculation means to a first test cube obtained by assigning a logic value 0 to the selected target X-bit and to a second test cube obtained by assigning a logic value 1 to the selected target X-bit, and by comparing a capture transition metric caused by a first test cube and a capture transition metric caused by a second test cube.
US07979763B2
Scan testing and scan compression are key to realizing cost reduction and shipped quality. New defect types in ever more complex designs require increased compression. However, increased density of unknown (X) values reduces effective compression. A scan compression method can achieve very high compression and full coverage for any density of unknown values. The described techniques can be fully integrated in the design-for-test (DFT) and automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) flows. Results from using these techniques on industrial designs demonstrate consistent and predictable advantages over other methods.
US07979756B2
An apparatus, system and method for a go/no go tester that uses various data patterns to assure that equipments, systems and networks using data links, receivers and transmitters are working within the range of predetermined requirements of standards, specifications and protocols. The apparatus, system and methods can be used in at least one of SAS/SATA and Fiber Channel systems based on integrated circuit devices used within the apparatus of the invention.
US07979755B2
The present invention is directed to repair a defective bit included in a memory in a semiconductor integrated circuit device for a display controller. The semiconductor integrated circuit device has a display memory capable of storing display data in a storage area, and a repair circuit capable of repairing a defect by replacing an area including a defect in the display memory with a spare storage area provided on the outside of a regular storage area for storing the display data. The device further includes a selector circuit provided on a transmission path of output data from the display memory and selectively replacing output data from the regular storage area with output data from the spare storage area in accordance with a control signal from the repair circuit. By selectively replacing the output data from the regular storage area with output data from the spare storage area in accordance with a control signal from the repair circuit, a defective bit is repaired.
US07979748B2
A plurality of heap dump requests associated with an operating virtual machine (VM) program is received from a VM profiler interface module at a heap dump request processing module. In response to receipt of each heap dump request at the heap dump request processing module, a dynamic modifiable library identified within a dynamic modifiable configuration file is loaded into a memory, where the dynamic modifiable library comprises instructions associated with processing a current heap dump request. The instructions associated with processing the current heap dump request are executed. The dynamic modifiable library is unloaded from the memory. A plurality of heap dump files and a plurality of object movement event files generated by execution of the instructions are analyzed. A memory leak associated with the operating VM program is automatically identified based upon the analyzed plurality of heap dump files and the plurality of object movement event files.
US07979741B2
A storage system maintains a journal and a snapshot of one or more data volumes. Two journal entry types are maintained, an AFTER journal entry and a BEFORE journal entry. Two modes of data recovery are provided: “fast” recovery and “undo-able” recovery. A combination of both recovery modes allows the user to quickly recover a targeted data state.
US07979736B2
A memory block having a plurality of parameter data including parameter data to be updated is read to a working area from a nonvolatile memory and, whether the plurality of parameter data is correct or not is checked on a basis of error detection data. When an error is detected, temporary updating data are generated in a working area by updating the parameter data to be updated to a specified parameter data and by updating data except the parameter data to be updated to an unspecified data that have no meaning, and then the temporary updating data are written into the nonvolatile memory.
US07979733B2
A health check monitoring process embedded in a client system provides automation of monitoring processes of system and application components and creates and pushes incidents and/or administration tasks to a user or user interface if a critical situation or event, such as a monitored status of a component exceeds a predetermined threshold value or state, is detected. The creation of an incident includes automatically collecting context data associated with the event, generating a incident report associated with the collected diagnostic data and generating an incident service request based on the incident report. The context data may include technical and application information that is usually required to resolve the incident. The user interface includes various views depicting different levels of information related to the service request, such as an incident work list, details of a particular incident and details of the context data associated with an incident.
US07979729B2
A performance measure (e.g., processor speed) for computing components such as servers is optimized by creating models of power consumption versus the performance measure for each server, adding the power models to derive an overall power model, and calculating an optimum set point for the performance measure which corresponds to a power limit on the servers using the overall power model. The set point is then used to set power budgets for the servers based on their power models, and the servers maintain power levels no greater than their respective power budgets. The server power models are preferably created in real time by monitoring power consumption and the performance measure to derive sets of data points for the servers, and performing regression on the sets of data points to yield power models for the servers. Multiple server power models may be created for different program applications.
US07979728B2
A system which enables battery powered devices such as notebook computers to efficiently charge smaller mobile devices such as music players, cell phones and PDAs using the power signals provided over their data connections is made more efficient by ensuring that the power to the small mobile device is not interrupted should the notebook computer otherwise go into a standby or low-power state. The presence of the small mobile device is known and any power-down capabilities of the notebook computer are limited, at least for the period where the small mobile device is being recharged. This detection can be done at any of the levels of software present in the notebook computer. This charging and not powering down can be further optimized by determining the particular device and its charging requirements or by having the device provide feedback as to its charge state.
US07979724B2
An integrated circuit (IC) chip containing a plurality of voltage islands containing corresponding functional blocks that can be selectively fenced, i.e., powered down, while saving the states of the corresponding inputs, and unfenced in order to manage power consumption of the chip. Each fencable functional block includes a power switch and state-saving circuitry for saving the state of the inputs to that functional block. A power modulation unit (PMU) generates fencing signals that control the power switches and state-saving circuitries so as to selectively fence the corresponding functional blocks. The PMU generates the fencing signals as a function of one or more operating arguments.
US07979723B2
A motion sensor arrangement is presented for dispenser capable point-of-purchase devices. The invention includes one or more motion sensors and a power management circuit facilitating activation of visual and motion display elements and/or a dispensing mechanism. Motion sensors are attached to a shelf-mountable display unit and capable of determining the presence of a person within the vicinity of the device. Power management circuit communicates with the motion sensors and display elements, examples including light emitting diodes and motorized drive devices. The power management circuit activates one or more display elements to communicate queues to a person within visual range of the point-of-purchase device. The dispensing mechanism ejects a coupon or product information sheet when a person is sensed within the vicinity of the point-of-purchase device. The power management circuit causes display elements and dispensing mechanism to operate in different power modes based at least in part on the determination of the presence of a person by one or more motion sensors.
US07979719B2
A storage means which can be accessed by an authentication apparatus stores content data, a first digest table including primary digest values corresponding to a plurality of data portions constituting the content data, a second digest table including secondary digest values corresponding to a plurality of data portions of the first digest table, and a digital signature generated from the second digest table. In a first reading step, the second digest table and the digital signature are read out from the storage means into a memory of the authentication apparatus. In a first authentication step, the authenticity of the content data is verified using the digital signature read out into the memory and the second digest table read out into the memory.
US07979716B2
In an embodiment, a secure module is provided that provides access keys to an unsecured system. In an embodiment, the secure module may generate passcodes and supply the passcodes to the unsecured system. In an embodiment, the access keys are sent to the unsecured system after receiving the passcode from the unsecured system. In an embodiment, after authenticating the passcode, the secure module does not store the passcode in its memory. In an embodiment, the unsecured module requires the access key to execute a set of instructions or another entity. In an embodiment, the unsecured system does not store access keys. In an embodiment, the unsecured system erases the access key once the unsecured system no longer requires the access key. In an embodiment, the unsecured system receives a new passcode to replace the stored passcode after using the stored passcode. Each of these embodiments may be used separately.
US07979714B2
Authentication and access control device (104) includes a first security key sub-system (110, 112, 114, 116, 118). The first security key sub-system is responsive to an input signal for providing a first key code required for permitting a user access to a controlled resource. The device advantageously also includes a second security key sub-system (110, 112, 114, 116, 118) for providing a second key code different from the first key code. The second key code is useful for authenticating the user or facilitating secure use of a particular controlled resource (102).
US07979706B1
The subject invention relates to a system and methodology facilitating automated manufacturing processes in a regulated industrial controller environment, wherein operator commands are tied to one or more signature requirements before the requested commands take effect in a batch system. In one aspect, a system is provided for signature processing in an industrial control environment. The system includes a queuing component to hold a pending request for an action. A signature component then determines when an electronic signature is completed for the action, wherein a batch processor executes the action from the queuing component after the electronic signature is completed. A policy component can be provided to define one or more conditions for completing the electronic signature.
US07979705B2
The present invention relates to a method and system for comfortably operating chipcard applications in a chipcard application system. It is proposed to define at least one trusted terminal device (12) in a trusted environment for a Chipcard (10) in use with which the card holder verification (CHV) dialogue is suppressed and the CHV operation is performed in the system hidden from the user. Either, the trusted terminal ID is stored on the chip of the chipcard, or, the Chipcard ID (22) is stored on a trusted terminal together with the PIN (Personal Identification Number) of the card holder. Such an association can help to suppress the CHV dialogue in a trusted environment.
US07979695B2
A program generating device connected with at least one first device and at least one second device on a network comprises an authority information acquiring system that acquires authority information representing a process that the at least one second device is authorized to utilize among processes that can be executed by the at least one first device, an electronic certificate generating system that generates an electronic certificate that causes the at least one first device to certify the at least one second device, an application program selecting system that selects an application program for causing the at least one first device to execute the process that the at least one second device is authorized to utilize based on the authority information, and an installation program generating system that generates an installation program for installing the generated electronic certificate and the selected application program into the at least one second device.
US07979691B2
A network is protected from e-mail viruses through the use of a sacrificial server. Any executable program or other suspicious parts of incoming e-mail messages are forwarded to a sacrificial server, where they are converted to non-executable format such as Adobe Acrobat PDF and sent to the recipient. The sacrificial server is then checked for virus activity. After the execution is completed, the sacrificial server is rebooted.
US07979687B2
A quick start method for starting up a system easily and quickly is disclosed. A memory control unit reads the start-up data prestored in a storage unit, using auxiliary power supplied from an auxiliary power supply unit. Also, the memory control unit writes the read start-up data into RAM. As well, the memory control unit reads and outputs the start-up data written in RAM when the main power is turned on.
US07979681B2
In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes identifying a first block of bits within a result to be written to a destination register by an execution unit. The result includes a plurality of bits having the first block of bits and a second block of bits. The first block of bits has a value of zero. The method further includes providing an encoded bit value representing the first block of bits to a control register and selectively writing the second block of bits, but not the first block of bits, to the destination register. The destination register is sized to receive the first and second blocks of bits.
US07979671B2
A method, system and program are disclosed for accelerating data storage in a cache appliance that transparently monitors NFS and CIFS traffic between clients and NAS subsystems and caches files in a cache memory by using a dual hash technique to rapidly store and/or retrieve connection state information for cached connections in a plurality of index tables that are indexed by hashing network protocol address information with a pair of irreducible CRC hash algorithms to obtain an index to the memory location of the connection state information.
US07979667B2
Systems and/or methods that facilitate a search of a memory component(s) to locate a desired logical block address (LBA) associated with a memory location in a memory component are presented. Searches to locate a desired LBA(s) in a memory component(s) associated with a processor component are offloaded and controlled by the memory component(s). A search component searches pages in the memory array to facilitate locating a page of data associated with an LBA stored in the memory component. The search component can retrieve a portion of a page of data in a block in the memory component to facilitate determining whether the page contains an LBA associated with a command based in part on command information. The search component can search pages in the memory component until a desired page is located or a predetermined number of searches is performed without locating the desired page.
US07979665B1
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to providing a software layer that provides a Content Addressable Storage (CAS) capability in a computer system in which the content units are ultimately stored on a block I/O storage system. An application program may issue access requests to content units referring to them via a content address, and the software layer can convert such access requests to block I/O commands to be processed by the block I/O storage system. Thus, a CAS capability can be provided despite the absence of a storage system that provides such a capability natively.
US07979663B2
A physical extent assurance unit manages correspondence of a logical disk accessed from a host computer with physical extents. A data pattern generation response unit generates a predetermined data pattern, and returns this data pattern in response to a data request from the host computer. A pattern matching unit checks the data pattern of a storage area every access to storage media or periodically. When the entire area of the assured physical extent defines the predetermined data pattern, the pattern matching unit deleted the logical disk allocation of the assured physical extent.
US07979659B2
Memory management by garbage collection involves a memory area that is allocated in a computer. Data is created in the memory area in accordance with a program executed by a processor of the computer, and it is checked whether or not data necessary to execute the program exists in the memory area to be released, in response to an explicit instruction to release the memory area. As a result of the check, if data necessary to execute the program does not exist in the memory area, the memory area is released. As a result of the check, if data necessary to execute the program exists in the memory area, the data is moved to a memory area different from the memory area to be released.
US07979656B2
A method, system, and apparatus of minimizing configuration of changes in a fabric-based data protection solution. In one embodiment, a method includes configuring a switch such that a write request to a primary storage device is transferred through a virtual initiator in the switch to the primary storage device and to a secondary storage device, and configuring the switch such that a read request from the secondary initiator of a data in the primary storage device appears as though the read request is coming from a physical initiator rather than the secondary initiator (e.g., such that system protocol may be bypassed because the switch intercepts a response having the data from the primary storage device through a virtual target which uses the virtual initiator of the switch to communicate the data to the secondary initiator rather than the physical initiator).
US07979654B2
A system for synchronizing a secondary volume with a primary volume in a continuous data protection system includes scanning means for scanning a region of the primary volume; comparing means for comparing the scanned region with a corresponding region of the secondary volume; storing means for storing an identification of the scanned region in a compare delta map when the comparing means returns a discrepancy between the scanned region and the corresponding region; copying means for copying data from the primary volume to the secondary volume, using the compare delta map as a guide to locate the data to copy; and revising means for revising the compare delta map by removing any changes made to the primary volume during a scan interval, which is a period of time required to scan the primary volume.
US07979650B2
A method for enhancing computer data backup is disclosed. The method includes storing identifications and corresponding functionalities for a plurality of storage devices in a database. A storage device that is in data communication with a computer that is to be backed up is selected. An identification of the storage device selected for use in the backup is determined. If functionalities for the selected storage device are contained in the database, then at least one of the functionalities for the selected storage device is used to enhance a data backup to the selected storage device if functionalities for the selected storage device are stored in the database. If functionalities for the selected storage device are not contained in the database, then the selected storage device can be queried in an attempt to match it to one of the storage devices contained in the database, so that functionalities for the storage device contained within the database can be used to enhance data backup.
US07979648B2
Methods and apparatus provide for a Dynamic Interleaver to modify the interleaving distribution spanning physical memory modules. Specifically, dynamic interleaving provides the ability to increase the number of interleaved physical memory modules when a current interleaved group of memory locations is experiencing heavy use. By increasing the number of interleaved memory locations, a system can make optimal use of memory by allowing more parallel accesses to physical memory during the period of heavy utilization. However, if the current interleaved group of memory locations experience low use, the Dynamic Interleaver can choose to interleave across fewer physical memory modules and apply power management techniques to those memory locations that are no longer being accessed. Prior to “re-interleaving” interleaved memory locations, the Dynamic Interleaver migrates data out of the current interleaved memory locations. After re-interleaving, the Dynamic Interleaver maps the data back into the re-interleaved memory locations.
US07979645B2
A memory mapping unit requests allocation of a remote memory to memory mapping units of other processor nodes via a second communication unit, and requests creation of a mapping connection to a memory-mapping managing unit of a first processor node via the second communication unit. The memory-mapping managing unit creates the mapping connection between a processor node and other processor nodes according to a connection creation request from the memory mapping unit, and then transmits a memory mapping instruction for instructing execution of a memory mapping to the memory mapping unit via a first communication unit of the first processor node.
US07979644B2
A multiprocessor system comprises a plurality of system controllers, each of which performs a snoop processing regarding a cache device in its charge. The system controllers adjust the number of steps of a snoop pipeline for the snoop processing according to communication time with the other system controllers. The number-of-steps adjustment absorbs the difference of the communication time in the results of the snoop for each scale of the multiprocessor system. When a retrial is determined by an address conflict or the like in the snoop processing, each of the system controllers resubmits the access to be retried to the snoop pipeline after waiting until no other access which may cause an address conflict precedes. The resubmission timing prevents infinite repetition of the retrial of the snoop processing in the system controllers.
US07979639B2
Optimizing cache-resident area where cache residence control in units of LUs is employed to a storage apparatus that virtualizes the capacity by acquiring only a cache area of a size that is the same as the physical capacity assigned to the LU. An LU is a logical space resident in cache memory is configured by a set of pages acquired by dividing a pool volume as a physical space created by using a plurality of storage devices in a predetermined size. When the LU to be resident in the cache memory is created, a capacity corresponding to the size of the LU is not initially acquired in the cache memory, a cache capacity that is the same as the physical capacity allocated to a new page is acquired in the cache memory each time when the page is newly allocated, and the new page is resident in the cache memory.
US07979637B2
A memory transfer routine detection unit detects a combination of instructions indicating a data transfer process in a data cache by checking instruction codes and operand codes of a sequence of instructions stored in an instruction buffer. A combination of instructions representing a data transfer process in a data cache detected by the memory transfer routine detection unit are allocated to a memory transfer unit for execution.
US07979636B2
A method of controlling a semiconductor memory card system including a host device incorporating a semiconductor memory card and communicating information with a user of the host device to warn the imminent end of the life of the memory card in the system is provided. According to one aspect, there is provided a method of controlling a semiconductor memory card, the method comprising creating end-of-life index data of the semiconductor memory card, reading the end-of-life index data in response to a command from a host device to the semiconductor memory card, creating an end-of-life warning status of the semiconductor memory card from the end-of-life index data based on a life control limit value, and sending a response containing the end-of-life warning status to the host device as a response to the command through the same communication line as that for the command.
US07979634B2
An allocation apparatus of the present invention provides the mechanism that another logical volume of temporary number is automatically made in the storage system shared with plural servers, when it is recognized that the targeted logical volume is doubly allocated. By the present invention, the data destruction can be prevented by making the target server accessing another logical volume allocated automatically when the double allocation is detected. And the processing of a temporary allocation is continued until the alert message to the effect that the logical volume required from the target server is overlapped in the logical storage area is transmitted to the operator, the allocated another logical volume is approved by the operator, and the cancellation of overlapping allocation is confirmed.
US07979630B2
Receiving a request for canceling setting, a control circuit erases data stored in a corresponding block, changes a value of a protection flag, and cancels protection setting. When an overall protection is set for any block, the control circuit prohibits access to all blocks, except when it is an operation mode for activating a memory program contained in the microcomputer. Further, control circuit permits an access to a block M only when partial protection is set, CPU is in the mode for activating a memory program contained in the microcomputer and the access is for reading an instruction code in accordance with an instruction fetch.
US07979629B2
A serial peripheral interface memory module using address cache comprises a flash memory array for storing data, a serial/parallel convertor for receiving serial signals and generating a control command, an address and data, an address register, an address accumulator for accumulating the address in the address register and storing the accumulated address back to the address register, and a flash memory controller for controlling the access to the flash memory array. When the control command is a standard command, the serial/parallel controller first stores the address following the control command into the address register and then the flash memory controller accesses data according to the address in the address register. When the control command is a specific command, the flash memory controller directly accesses data according to the address in the address register without waiting for an address update.
US07979618B2
An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof. The image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image processors which process an image to be formed on a printing medium corresponding to a plurality of colors, a processor which executes an interrupt routine with respect to the plurality of image processors, and a controller which generates an interrupt signal and transmits the interrupt signal to the processor if at least two of the plurality of image processors generate interrupt requests so that the processor executes the interrupt routine.
US07979605B2
A latency control circuit includes a FIFO controller and a register unit. The FIFO controller may generate an increase signal according to an external command, and generate a decrease signal according to an internal command. The FIFO controller may also enable a depth point signal responsive to the increase signal and the decrease signal. The register unit may include n registers. The value n (rounded off) may be obtained by dividing a larger value of a maximum number of additive latencies and a maximum number of write latencies by a column cycle delay time (tCCD). The registers may store an address received with the external command responsive to the increase signal and a clock signal, and may shift either the address or a previous address to a neighboring register. The latency control circuit transmits an address stored in a register as a column address corresponding to the enabled depth point signal.
US07979598B1
A method may include detecting an event, determining whether the event correlates to a hard disk access, requesting a wake-ahead of a hard disk drive if it is determined that the event correlates to a hard disk access, weighing a performance improvement of the hard disk drive if the wake ahead request is granted against a life of the hard disk drive if the wake ahead request is not granted, and waking ahead the hard disk drive if the performance improvement outweighs the life of the hard disk drive.
US07979584B1
Selecting a segment boundary within block b is disclosed. A first anchor location j|j+1 is identified wherein a value of f(b[j−A+1 . . . j+B]) satisfies a constraint and wherein A and B are non-negative integers. A segment boundary location k|k+1 is determined wherein k is greater than minimum distance from j.
US07979583B2
An information processing apparatus includes a server function configured to provide one or more services to a client apparatus via a communication network. The information processing apparatus includes a service ID generation unit configured to generate service IDs for each of the services and to associate the service IDs with the services for identifying the services, a service ID transmission unit configured to transmit the service ID to at least one of the client apparatus and a discovery proxy server connected to the communication network via the communication network, and a service connection unit configured to connect a service to be specified by the service ID included a service connection inquiry with one of the client apparatus and the discovery proxy server that is an inquiry origin when the service connection inquiry has been made from the one of the client apparatus and the discovery proxy server.
US07979582B2
A communication device includes: an address administration unit that manages data link layer addresses; and an ARP processing unit that processes an ARP protocol. The ARP processing unit includes an ARP receiving unit, an ARP transmitting unit, a duplication detecting unit, a duplication notification generating unit and an update GARP generating unit. The update GARP generating unit transmits a GARP and thereby updates the ARP tables of the communication devices on the same network, in order to solve a problem in which communication is interrupted.
US07979572B1
A data storage system having protocol controller for converting packets between PCIE format used by a storage processor and Rapid IO format used by a packet switching network. The controller includes a PCIE end point for transferring atomic operation (DSA) requests, a data pipe section having a plurality of data pipes for passing user data; and a message engine section for passing messages among the plurality of storage processors. An acceleration path controller bypasses a DSA buffer in the absence of congestion on the network. Packets fed to the PCIE end point include an address portion having code indicating an atomic operation. An encoder converts the code from a PCIE format into the same atomic operation in SRIO format. Each one of a plurality of CPUs is adapted to perform a second DSA request during execution of a first DSA request.
US07979567B2
A method for sharing subscriptions to the content of a resource list includes creating a first subscription to the content of the resource list upon receipt of a first subscription request for the presence state of the list from a first user; receiving a second presence subscription request for the resource list from a second user; sending a one-time request with the identity of the second subscribing user to an XCAP server; receiving an authorization response related to the one-time request; and creating a super user subscription to the content of the resource list, the super user subscription used to provide presence state information about the list members to the first user and the second user.
US07979566B2
Bookmarking of tokens in a set of streaming tokens, each representing an instantiation instruction or instantiation context. A navigator receives a set of streaming tokens, and provides the tokens to the instantiation manager. However, if the navigator receives an instruction to bookmark a particular token, the navigator buffers the set of streaming instructions at least beginning at the bookmarked token (and possible even earlier if there were prior bookmarks). The navigator replays the set of streaming tokens beginning at a bookmark in response to an instruction from an instantiation manager. The instantiation manager receives the set of streaming tokens. If the instantiation manager is not presently capable of handling the instruction of a particular token, the instantiation manager instructs the navigator to bookmark the particular token. When the instantiation manager later receives a token that permits the instantiation manager to return to the bookmark, the instantiation manager returns to the bookmark to replay the instantiation instructions beginning at the bookmark.
US07979553B2
An electronic device connected to a network at a first network address set by AutoIP or the like detects the existence of an address server such as a DHCP server on such network. If the address server is detected, then it is determined whether or not the electronic device is transferring data to another device. If it is determined that the electronic device is transferring data, the device changes the first network address to a second network address acquired from the address server after the transfer of the data is finished.
US07979550B2
In one embodiment, the systems and methods determine an initial bandwidth at a client device; allocate an allocated bandwidth to the client device between a first server and a second server; monitor the allocated bandwidth; and adjust the allocated bandwidth based on a target bandwidth from the first server to the client.
US07979548B2
A method and system are disclosed for logically partitioning resources of a single channel adapter for use in a system area network. Each resource includes a partition identifier register within which is stored a partition identifier. A first one of the resources is assigned to a first partition by storing a first partition identifier in the partition identifier register within the first one of the resources. A second one of the resources is assigned to a second partition by storing a second partition identifier in the partition identifier register within the second one of the resources. Partitioning of the resources is enforced by permitting access to the first resource by only the first partition and permitting access to the second resource by only the second partition by checking the partition identifiers of each resource.
US07979544B2
Taking a size and demographic composition of a target population; identifying a group of participants; determining demographic information for each member of the group; receiving clickstream data that connotes Internet activity of individual members of the group; producing an estimate of the target population's Internet activity by scaling the data for each member of the group to the relative size and demographic composition of the target population and the group by applying a weight to the clickstream data in view of the demographic information; and refining the estimate of the population's Internet activity by applying a weight to a subset of the data from the group of participants, wherein the bias adjustment is at least one of a domain-specific, page-specific, segment-specific, and user-specific adjustment.
US07979543B2
A method for categorizing network traffic content includes determining a first characterization of the network traffic content determining a first probability of accuracy associated with the first characterization, and categorizing the network traffic content based at least in part on the first characterization and the first probability of accuracy. A method for use in a process to categorize network traffic content includes obtaining a plurality of data, each of the plurality of data representing a probability of accuracy of a characterization of network traffic content, and associating each of the plurality of data with a technique for characterizing network traffic content. A method for categorizing network traffic content includes determining a characterization of the network traffic content, determining a weight value associated with the characterization, and categorizing network traffic content based at least in part on the characterization of the network traffic content and the weight value.
US07979533B2
A system, method and computer program product for auditing a message in a message stream are disclosed. Messages in a message stream are captured including at least one message in an extensible markup language (XML) format. Each message in the XML format is then extracted from the captured messages and has a timestamp applied thereto. Each timestamped message in the XML format is then stored in a memory.
US07979526B2
A system and method are provided for establishing network connections. Initially, an attempt to establish a connection on a network is identified. A portion of memory is then allocated for storing data associated with the connection.
US07979523B2
In one embodiment, a network device determines one or more conditions for invoking one or more real applications to the network device for a session. This determination may be made at the initiation of the session, such as when a SIP INVITE message is received. The one or more conditions allow real applications to be invoked when a future event satisfies the condition. When it is determined that a condition is satisfied, a real application associated with the condition is then invoked. Accordingly, conditions may be set for real applications that may be tested against future events that have not yet occurred. This allows deferred invocation of real applications. Accordingly, if real applications are not needed for a session, then they are not invoked. But, when a real application is needed, it can be invoked.
US07979522B2
A system and method for detecting and monitoring confidential and DICOM image traffic on a computing device in a PACS network, protecting patient confidentiality by preventing the simultaneous display of confidential images and patient identification information when measuring and displaying the image data. The system detects and measures the transfer of confidential images and stores and displays information included in only the non-confidential headers of the images. The system monitors and warns (such as via email and/or pagers) PACS administrators of system slowdowns as a result of the data gathered.
US07979516B2
A system and method of non-interactive communication with wireless networks for a mobile wireless device such as a telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop, or other device configured for performing data transfers with an unreliable network, and the playing back of multimedia received over said network. The invention allows a user to send and receive email, web and other data updates in physical areas and locations of limited signal coverage without the user periodically activating the device for updating data. Furthermore, the invention allows non-interactive receipt of multimedia content for viewing when a network communication outage arises. In one embodiment a second (or subsequent) multimedia stream is received and stored in a data repository for playback when an outage arises. The programming of the device is configured to retrieve the content within the second multimedia stream in response to device programming, user set parameters, learned behaviors and/or non-user based selections.
US07979505B2
A contents reproduction system comprises: a server apparatus for storing contents obtained from external and a client apparatus by which the contents stored in the server apparatus is reproducible, wherein the server apparatus includes: a list preparing section for preparing a list of the contents stored in a contents storage section; and a list transmitting section for transmitting the contents list prepared by the list preparing section to the client apparatus, and the client apparatus includes: a list comparing section for comparing a first list stored in a list storage section and a second list newly obtained by a list obtaining section; an additional contents presentation section for presenting newly added content by a recognizable form based on a comparison result obtained by the list comparing section; a contents reproduction section for reproducing the content presented by the additional contents presentation section based on a control signal indicating reproduction.
US07979502B2
An apparatus and a method for providing remote supervisory override of a lockout at a workstation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first workstation an override response module which is configured to receive an override request message. The override response module provides an override response message that includes an indicator of an action authorized by the user of the apparatus.
US07979501B1
Informational items are displayed in a scrollable area of a message display. The informational items may be any number of type of items (e.g., RSS feeds, new items, images, application tips, and so on). A user is provided the ability to scroll forward and backward through the informational items. A user may choose the informational item (e.g., by clicking) and more detailed information about the informational item is presented to the user. Depending on the display view of the message application (e.g., InBox, conversation), different informational item types will have different probabilities of display. A user may customize the types of informational items to be displayed.
US07979497B2
A method and system for message delivery in a messaging network are provided for enabling scaling. A messaging network includes a group of a plurality of queue managers, each of which includes means for carrying out a method comprising: receiving a message at a queue manager, removing at least some of the original message data to form a link message, adding a reference to the link message referring to the queue manager, sending the link message to a link message queue, and putting the original message to a local queue on the first queue manager. A link message queue may provided on each of the queue managers in the group, or single link message queue may be provided on one queue manager and accessible by the other queue managers in the group.
US07979492B2
Various embodiments of a method, system and computer program product provide e-mail from a user with a primary e-mail address. A temporary e-mail address is generated. The temporary e-mail address is associated with a time decay attribute and the primary e-mail address. The e-mail is sent using the temporary e-mail address as a sender e-mail address.
US07979488B2
A system for process control comprises a server digital data processor and a client digital data processor that are coupled by a network, such as the Internet or an Intranet. The server digital data processor, which is additionally coupled to a control/sensing device and any associated interface equipment (collectively, referred to as “process control apparatus”), includes a command processor that transfers information between the network and the process control apparatus. The client digital data processor includes an information client (e.g., a so-called Internet web browser) capable of requesting and receiving an applet from the server digital data processor. The information client, further, defines a hardware-independent and operating system-independent virtual machine environment within the client digital data processor. The client digital data processor executes, within that virtual machine environment, an applet for configuring the client digital data processor as a “process controller” that establishes communications over the network with the command processor and that monitors and/or controls the process control apparatus via those communications.
US07979481B2
Provided is a random number generating circuit having a simple circuit structure, for generating a physical random number based on a noise. The random number generating circuit includes a reference voltage section, an inverting amplifier section having a threshold voltage equal to a reference voltage level, and a semiconductor switch provided between an output terminal of the reference voltage section and an input terminal of the inverting amplifier section. A thermal noise produced from the reference voltage section is held by the semiconductor switch and a capacitor and amplified by the inverting amplifier section to generate the physical random number.
US07979478B2
A data storage or management method is provided which allows both a content object-based access and a file-based access. A first request for storing a content object in accordance with the processing of an application program executed in a host is sent to an object archive control functionality executed in the host, an intermediate server, or a storage apparatus. The object archive control functionality generates an object identifier corresponding to the content object received in response to the first request, a directory name corresponding to the object identifier, and a plurality of file names corresponding to a plurality of fields contained in the content object. The storage apparatus stores a directory having the directory name and the plurality of files having the plurality of file names in accordance with the second request.
US07979473B2
An association rule is extracted by processing a database partitioned into record units in which the same attribute is missing, from a database including missing values. The association rule is extracted from the database including the missing by means for partitioning a database so that a database including a missing analysis object becomes record blocks in which the same attribute is missing, and means for estimating an upper threshold of a support value in the entire database from local support counts in partitioned databases and thereby limiting records for which the support count is counted.
US07979457B1
A method and apparatus are provided for a dynamic information connection search engine. User actions may be detected on at least one client system. In response, a determination may be made whether the user is searching for supported information. When the user is searching for supported information, information may be extracted electronically from, for example, third party websites, direct supplier connections, and/or intermediate databases. Potential suppliers may be automatically selected in response to the detected user search. Queries may be formulated from the user search and transferred to one or more selected suppliers over a network coupling (e.g., the Internet and/or an intranet). The queries may include one or more requests for information. One or more responses may be received from the suppliers, and the responses may be used to generate a result list for the user. The result list may include information and/or query status information. Further, an electronic link may be provided to a website of one or more of the supplies from which the information was derived.
US07979453B2
A method/algorithm allows database queries to be saved and an efficient mechanism that matches records whenever they are added or modified to all of the saved queries and returns the list of those queries that match a given record as soon as the record is added or modified. If used in an online search portal example (e.g. a job search site), this invention would allow the searcher to submit and save his search criteria once and the application would return the listings that match the search criteria at that point in time and will also automatically match any new listings that get added after the query gets saved and if a match occurs would notify the user of the listing as soon as the listing is added. This matching on new listings to the saved search will happen continuously until the search is removed. According to an aspect of the invention, by matching a record that is added or changed to the database to all saved queries, it provides convenience to the users and it also reduces the computational cost to achieve the same result relative to other existing techniques to address the same scenario.
US07979441B2
A data management system or “DMS” provides data services to data sources associated with a set of application host servers. The data management system typically comprises one or more regions, with each region having one or more clusters. A given cluster has one or more nodes that share storage. When providing continuous data protection and data distribution, the DMS nodes create distributed object storage to provide the necessary real-time data management services. The objects created by the DMS nodes are so-called active objects. The distributed object store can be built above raw storage devices, a traditional file system, a special purpose file system, a clustered file system, a database, and so on. According to the present invention, the DMS active object store provides an indexing service to the active objects. In an illustrative embodiment, any object property that has a given attribute is indexed and, as a result, the attribute becomes searchable. The DMS provides hierarchical distributed indexing using index trees to facilitate searching in a highly efficient manner.
US07979434B2
A system and method for retrieving and storing digital documents with physical file storage systems are provided. The disclosed system and methods allow a user to retrieve digital documents from a conventional file storage system and to seamlessly categorize and store the digital documents within the conventional file storage system. The system and method provide for receiving an identifier associated with the physical file folder; and accessing the digital documents of the physical file folder using the received identifier. The system and method further provide for storing digital content in a file folder over a network including uploading and storing the digital content; entering an identification code associated with at least one file folder; and assigning digital content to the at least one selected file folder.
US07979433B2
A method and apparatus for implementing a corporate directory and service center is described. The method includes and the apparatus performs querying for common characteristics, displaying information in a varied manner of displays and switching between the manners of displaying, maintaining data integrity and changing data, and defining types of data with forms of display or treatments for handling the data. The method may be embodied in various media as instructions which a machine may execute to perform the method.
US07979414B2
One embodiment of the present method and apparatus for processing a search request message received over a network includes computing a threshold value in accordance with the search request message and returning at least one search result to a user in response to the search request message, if a rank of the at least one search result at least meets the threshold value.
US07979412B2
A method, apparatus and program product is provided for querying an object database. In response to performing a first query, a first set of query results is generated from an object database. Metadata associated with and describing the first set of query results is generated. The first query results and the associated metadata are mapped to a results entity. A second set of query results is generated by querying the results entity using query terms from the metadata in response to performing a second query.
US07979407B2
Systems and methods for publishing information to a plurality of software applications are provided. The methods may comprise identifying a plurality of records based on a last sequential identification code in a high watermark table of a persistent store. The plurality of records may be generated subsequent to a previous record corresponding to the last sequential identification code. A plurality of corresponding messages each corresponding to a record of the plurality of records may be prepared. Each of those messages may then be transmit to at least one software application and may include a most recent message corresponding to a most recent record. In the high water mark table of the persistent store, an updated last sequential identification code may be stored as a pointer for subsequent reference. The updated last sequential identification code may correspond to the most recent message transmitted in the plurality of corresponding messages.
US07979401B2
Tokens corresponding to data units written to a rewritable file system are stored, where an ordering relationship is maintained among the tokens, where the ordering relationship is such that a first token corresponding to a first data unit is of a lesser numerical value in comparison to a second token corresponding to a second data unit, and where the first data unit is written at an earlier point in time in comparison to the second data unit. The rewritable file system is reverted to an indicated point in time based on the ordering relationship that is maintained among the stored tokens.
US07979376B2
A method and system for adding processes to print production workflows utilizing asset metadata and automated reasoning system is disclosed. The asset metadata can be extracted from the resources associated with a print product description such as PDF files and image and artwork files. The asset metadata can be processed through an automated reasoning system in order to infer additional metadata. The inferred metadata can be utilized to add and parameterize a process node in order to build a more effective and useful process network. The reasoning system can be a rule based reasoning system and/or ontology based reasoning system.
US07979375B2
The invention includes a tradeoff module having a range of values, a criteria behavior module that analyzes attributes including values of the criteria for a set of alternatives, generating a set of scores reflecting the desirability of the attributes using logic diagrams, and a scoring and ranking module that utilizes assigned values from the tradeoff module and the set of scores from the criteria behavior module to generate a ranked list of alternatives. The invention is used to facilitate a reverse auction, where suppliers submit bids to a purchaser desiring specific goods or services. The invention discloses a system for generating a ranked list of alternatives, including means for generating a homogeneous matrix of scores based on a heterogeneous matrix of attributes and alternatives, means for receiving a tradeoff value, and means for generating a ranked list of alternatives based on the homogeneous matrix of scores and the tradeoff value.
US07979371B2
Computer resources in a computer network can be predictively monitored where those resources are conventionally monitored using a monitoring rule. For predictive monitoring, the current values of the parameters of the monitoring rule are tracked at regular intervals. The current values are used in an “inverted” or predictive form of the conventional monitoring rule to derive a predictive value that is indicative of the imminence of a defined event. The monitoring system may be instructed to report a predictive value that exceeds a predetermined percentage of the final value at which the resource event will be deemed to have occurred. The earlier report increases the chances the network manager will have sufficient time to take appropriate preemptive action to prevent actual occurrence of the event.
US07979364B2
A learning control apparatus for an autonomous agent including a functional module having a function of multiple inputs and multiple outputs, the function receiving at least one variable and outputting at least one value, includes an estimating unit for estimating a causal relationship of at least one variable, a grouping unit for grouping at least one variable into a variable group in accordance with the estimated causal relationship, a determining for determining a behavior variable corresponding to each of the variable groups, and a layering unit for layering, in accordance with the variable group and the behavior variable, the function corresponding to each variable group, the function receiving the variable grouped into the variable group and outputting the behavior variable.
US07979360B2
The result of a first calculation may be determined by one of two alternative calculations. Each of the alternative calculations has an error associated therewith (due to factors such as measurement imprecision, rounding, etc.), and these errors propagate to the first calculation. However, there may also be error in the first calculation due to uncertainty about which of the alternative calculations applies. Such error can be taken into account based on the respective probabilities that the first and second calculations will apply, as well as the difference in the results produced by the two calculations.
US07979351B1
The present subject matter relates to reloadable or non-reloadable prepaid transaction card activation systems. More specifically, the system provides a platform for activation of prepaid or stored value transaction cards and capture of customer demographic information, and verification of that information, after the customer has obtained or has been issued a prepaid transaction card. The data capture is performed at activation rather than at point of sale.
US07979347B1
The present invention contemplates a risk management system for facilitating an e-commerce transaction wherein the participants to the transaction engage in commerce using different currencies. An automated sales risk management system facilitates a transaction by providing a price of a transaction which incorporates aggregated costs related to the transaction into a price made available to the participants. A currency risk management system can receive an amount relating to a deliverable involved in a transaction and determines an aggregated cost of the transaction. Aggregated cost can include a cost of credit, a cost for exchange of currency, a cost of insurance, processing fees, or other associated costs. Insurance can be monitored and a determination can be made regarding whether a participant has adequate insurance to cover a proposed transaction. The present invention also provides for risk associated with online transactions to be categorized and transferred.
US07979340B2
Electronic commerce over a computer network is facilitated by a computer system that forms a community of computers that enable the users to buy and sell items in an online marketplace. To list the item on an online marketplace website, for example, the selling user posts an item with a seller marketplace item management website by completing an online-item marketplace item creation form. The form requires input related to the item, such as a description, sale price or minimum bid, shipping instructions, and the like, and an image file or image file location illustrating the marketplace item. The seller marketplace item management server provides a marketplace administrator server the marketplace item data including original image file or image file location. The server contains a random image size generator that generates at least two additional images of the marketplace item for display in a seller marketplace item web page to advertise the marketplace item.
US07979339B2
A system for processing trading orders comprises an optimizer module operable to receive a first trading order and a second trading order. The optimizer module is further operable to receive market data associated with at least one market center. The optimizer module is further operable to determine whether to transmit the second trading order to the at least one market center prior to transmitting the first trading order to the at least one market center, the determination based at least in part on the market data.
US07979331B2
Verifying whether a software package designed to calculate EFC (Expected Family Contribution) is implemented in compliance with a specification provided by the US Federal Government for a specific year. In one embodiment, a set of sample ISIRs (Institutional Student Information Records) provided by the US Federal Government is received, with each sample ISIR containing the details of a student and a corresponding expected set of EFC values pre-calculated based on the specification for that specific year. The digital processing system then sends the details of the student contained in a sample ISIR to the software package and in response, receives the corresponding values of the EFC calculated by the software package based on the details of the student. The calculated values of the EFC and the expected values of the EFC are then compared to determine if the software package is implemented in compliance with the specification.
US07979329B2
A method and system for generating bill payment schedule utilizes a composite pricing module to generate payment schedule over a predetermined period of time. In one aspect, a fraction of each pricing model attributing to the composite pricing model is determined. A charge fee associated with said each pricing model based on said fraction and said total price to charge is determined. Price to charge during each time unit of the time period is allocated, based on budget over the time period, discount rate, target profit margin and risk affordance. Bill schedule is generated using the allocated price.
US07979326B2
Even in the case of a material producing company that uses common main starting materials and has in-house organizations corresponding to manufacturing processes, appropriate profit-and-loss management by each commercial product type can be realized. A solving method includes: a profit-and-loss storing step of linking at least product type information and profit information to each other by each order of products with order record to be stored in an order record profit-and-loss database; an information search step of accepting specific information on the virtual inter-organ organization and search condition information at least including product type condition, and reading from the order record profit-and-loss database, at least product type information and profit information on an order matching the search condition information and on an order belonging to the virtual inter-organ organization matching the specific information on the virtual inter-organ organization; a profit information aggregating step of sorting the product type information by each product type of a product type classification scale indicated in the product type condition and aggregating profit information corresponding to respective product information sorted by each product type; and a profit-and-loss management information presentation step of presenting the aggregated profit information by each product type as the profit-and-loss management information.
US07979323B2
The present disclosure includes a method for providing pricing information. In some implementations, a method for providing pricing information includes receiving, from a first subscriber, a request for pricing information of one or more retailers. The request is associated with a unit provided by a retailer different from the one or more retailers. Pricing information associated with the unit is identified based on mapping information. The pricing information is provided by the one or more retailers. The mapping information maps the unit to one or more units sold by the one or more retailers.
US07979315B2
Displaying information about a physical object. Input is received at an interactive surface. The input includes a first physical object being placed on the interactive surface. The first physical object is detected. This includes detecting identifying information about the first physical object. Information is displayed about the first physical object on the interactive surface.
US07979312B2
A system and method for facilitating transactions in a distribution network. An analysis tool may be accessed through a computer network by consumers, producers and/or distribution intermediaries. In response to an inquiry, the analysis tool may present a solution sets may to a consumer, producer, and/or distribution intermediary for optimizing interaction with the network, e.g. minimizing cost or maximizing revenue in business transactions over the network.
US07979310B2
A method is provided for electronically ordering items. The method includes receiving consolidation information at a server computer. The consolidation information includes at least one consolidation criterion for determining how to consolidate purchase requests. The method further includes receiving a plurality of requests to purchase one or more items at the server computer and evaluating the requests, using the consolidation criterion. A purchase order, containing the items meeting the consolidation criteria, is transmitted from the server computer to a supplier a purchase order containing the items meeting the consolidation criterion.
US07979309B1
A method and system for automating the management of an inventory of consumer items at a consumer location uses a programmed device that accepts input data and executes control logic for automating inventory management. At least one shopping list is received, a shopping list trend is established, and a smart list is generated with the control logic, in accordance with the shopping list trend, such that the smart list predictive of a next shopping list.
US07979307B2
A descriptive-profile mercantile method, for use at a juncture in a data-communications topology having associated therewith a maintained databank of partial profiles, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: from a user, receiving a transaction having therein a first partial profile; using the first partial profile, searching a databank having a plurality of second partial profiles, wherein is included in said databank at least one null profile so that said searching will always yield at least one proximate second partial profile to the first partial profile; and between the user and the databank, contracting: (I) for the databank to own or represent a right to a first mutually agreed portion of the first partial profile, and substantially thereafter said databank incorporating the agreed portion of the first profile into at least one second partial profile; or (II) for the user to own or represent a right to a second mutually agreed portion of at least one said proximate second partial profile, and substantially thereafter the databank transmitting to the user the second mutually agreed portion of the second profile. The present invention operates best on a brokerage representation model; and thereby provides a means for making viable the economic commerce in information attributes.
US07979299B1
The invention provides methods and apparatus for optimizing markdown scheduling that group multiple retail sites into bins (or buckets) for purposes of scheduling markdown pricing on an item (or group of related items) sold by those sites. The groupings can be based, for example, on a metric that is a function of the current inventory of the item (or items) and its expected sales at each site. A markdown schedule is generated for the combined grouping of stores in each bucket, rather than for the individual stores that make up that bucket, thereby speeding price optimization determination. A report of those schedules can be used, for example, by pricing managers or other personnel to set prices at the sites. Alternatively, or in an addition, the schedules can be used in conjunction with an inventory control system to set prices for the items and/or on RFID or other electronic shelf displays.
US07979297B1
A computerized workflow analysis tool, which allows a user to navigate through many levels of increasingly detailed order-related information. The order tracking and reporting tool of the preferred embodiments further allow a user to create customized, ad-hoc reports. In addition, the preferred embodiments allows a user to search information obtained from a plurality of databases by selected parameters, and to download the results obtained for further mathematical manipulation, graphing or trend analysis.
US07979290B2
A computer-implemented method for profiling medical claims to assist health care managers in determining the cost-efficiency and service quality of health care providers. The method allows an objective means for measuring and quantifying health care services. An episode treatment group (ETG) is a patient classification unit, which defines groups that are clinically homogenous (similar cause of illness and treatment) and statistically stable. The ETG grouper methodology uses service or segment-level claim data as input data and assigns each service to the appropriate episode. The program identifies concurrent and recurrent episodes, flags records, creates new groupings, shifts groupings for changed conditions, selects the most recent claims, resets windows, makes a determination if the provider is an independent lab and continues to collect information until an absence of treatment is detected.
US07979287B2
The console selects one radiographing order information item from the radiographing order information list stored in the storing section. A step is taken to determine whether or not the one selected radiographing order information item has a predetermined relationship with the other radiographing order information, and the permission of additional selection is granted only to the radiographing order information having a predetermined relationship.
US07979286B2
A patient-interactive health care management system provides means for healthcare services rendered by a physician to a patient to be confirmed by the patient immediately after the healthcare services are rendered. The patient is provided the ability to verify the accuracy of an invoice for the rendered services/goods and provide an assessment of the rendered services/goods. In an example embodiment, the patient provides this information via an information station located at the healthcare facility in which the healthcare services/goods are rendered. The information gathered from the patient is provided to the party responsible for paying for the rendered healthcare services/goods. In an example embodiment, the paying party compares the patient provided information with the invoice received from the healthcare provider to assess the accuracy of the invoice.
US07979283B2
The present invention is directed to a system and method which allows a prospective insured to make an informed decision on healthcare insurance or a specific health care management decision by using a current medical profile to assist in their selection. Based on past medical care, as obtained from payor data, a number of different plans, each having different providers, different deductibles, different maximums, different reimbursement policies, etc., a person can make an informed decision. When a family has different payors for different family members, a proper blend of payors can be more easily selected since the payors (or a single payor) has a medical profile of each family member and also has information on providers in the network, prescription policies, deductibles, maximums, etc.
US07979280B2
An input linguistic description is converted into a speech waveform by deriving at least one target unit sequence corresponding to the linguistic description, selecting from a waveform unit database for the target unit sequences a plurality of alternative unit sequences approximating the target unit sequences, concatenating the alternative unit sequences to alternative speech waveforms and presenting the alternative speech waveforms to an operating person and enabling the choice of one of the presented alternative speech waveforms. There are no iterative cycles of manual modification and automatic selection, which enables a fast way of working. The operator does not need knowledge of units, targets, and costs, but chooses from a set of given alternatives. The fine-tuning of TTS prompts therefore becomes accessible to non-experts.
US07979268B2
A string matching method, system, and a computer-readable medium storing instructions for determining and obtaining a representative string for a plurality of strings that are written in various manners but share the same meaning. The string matching method includes: converting the input string into one or more second-language strings with reference to a language mapping table, which stores a plurality of pieces of mapping information for mapping a first-language string to a second-language string, and generating a conversion list; searching a representative list database, which storing a plurality of records each with a representative string and a corresponding second-language representative string, for records including the same second-language representative strings as the respective second-language strings in the conversion list and generating a candidate list; and determining a representative string from the candidate list to be an output representative string. Therefore, the string matching can provide string-based multimedia data classification scenarios.
US07979267B2
A natural language tool is provided for specifying a subset of data. The data may be dynamic and have elements which are inter-related. The inter-related data is specified using a natural language expression. The natural language tool enables a user to construct a natural language expression using embedded fields. A user may configure, add and remove fields within the expression. A natural language expression contains at least two configurable fields. The fields of an expression have a tiered relationship. When a higher tiered field is changed, one or more lower tiered fields may be changed in response to the higher field change.
US07979260B1
The operating system agnostic PXE network booting environment is simulated, such that the VMs boot “virtually” from a network boot image, which is actually provided by the hypervisor. More specifically, the network traffic of VMs is filtered, and PXE requests are detected. Responsive to a detected PXE request, the hypervisor simulates the PXE server, and returns an invalid IP address to the VM for PXE communication. This invalid IP address is configured for only internal communication on a virtual network. The hypervisor intercepts PXE related communication sent by the VM to the invalid address, and returns expected PXE responses to the VM, including a boot image. This allows the hypervisor to provide, inspect and/or modify the boot time environment of VMs.
US07979249B2
A fabric model generation program, apparatus and method generate a napped fabric model that reproduces the realistic structure of each napped part. A placement portion (130) calculates an initial shape of three-dimensional napped models of the napped parts based on a degree of defiberation, minimum radius and height information, and places the napped models having the calculated initial shape on the base texture model. A flexure energy calculation portion (141) calculates a flexure energy representing the energy of the napped models attempting to flex, on the basis of a yarn stiffness coefficient. A repulsion energy calculation portion (142) calculates repulsion energy between the napped models attempting to repel each other, on the basis of a repulsion coefficient. A final shape calculation portion (143) calculates the final shape of the napped models so that a sum energy obtained by adding the flexure energy and the repulsion energy becomes minimum.
US07979248B2
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to event driven simulation and provide a method, data processing system and computer program product for mapping a process model for use in a generic simulation engine. In an embodiment of the invention, a generic model simulation method can include mapping a specifically formatted process representation into a generic process model, and providing the generic process model to a simulation engine. The method further can include executing a simulation on the generic process model in lieu of executing the simulation on the specifically formatted process representation.
US07979244B2
A method identifying apertures of ear impressions is disclosed. A plurality of contour lines associated with an ear impression are determined and a difference value between a value of a characteristic, such as the diameter, of each contour line and that characteristic of an adjacent contour line is determined. The aperture is identified as being that contour line having the greatest difference value. The contour lines are determined by identifying where a plane intersects the surface of the graphical representations. In another embodiment, the contour lines are assigned a weight. A contour index is then calculated for each contour line as a function of the difference value and these weights. According to this embodiment, the aperture is identified as being a contour line that is adjacent to that contour line having the greatest contour index.
US07979238B2
A method for checking an alternative system test, the method includes: determining a relationship between (i) utilization of resources during an execution of a group of programs by a first system when operating in a non-testing mode and (ii) utilization of resources during an executive of an alternative system test by the alternative system; wherein the alternative system test comprises at least on program of the group of programs.
US07979237B2
A method for predicting failures in crystalline microstructures is described. Fracture stress distribution data obtained from test samples prepared according to the same manufacturing process as a contemplated device is used to characterize the strength of surfaces in a numerical stress analysis of the device. The reliability is then calculated for surface nodes on the device. The product of all such reliabilities yields the overall reliability (or 1—the overall failure probability) of the device.
US07979236B2
A method for analyzing tolerances for features for an object. A framework may be created from the plurality of features for the object. The framework may be fitted to a plurality of manufactured features for the object based on the plurality of features to form a fit framework. A remaining clearance may be identified between each of a plurality of manufactured sizes associated with the plurality of features and each of plurality of virtual conditions for the plurality of features to form a plurality of remaining clearances. A plurality of remaining clearance geometric shapes may be formed from the plurality of remaining clearances. The plurality of remaining clearance features may be positioned around a single true position. A common region may be identified from between the plurality of remaining clearances. A minimum remaining float may be identified from the common region. A resulting pattern transformation may be determined.
US07979234B2
A scheme to facilitate deterministic thermal management by having either device connected via a link to generate a thermal management request based on one device's thermal capability and the present conditions. The request is transmitted over the link to the other device with a specific sleep period. Consequently, the receiving device responds with an acknowledgement within a pre-configured or pre-agreed response time.
US07979230B2
Descriptions are provided for implementing flowmeter zero checking techniques. In operating a flowmeter, it may be the case that, even if previously calibrated, the flowmeter will produce erroneous measurements, that is, the flowmeter will indicate a non-zero flow during a period of zero flow. Therefore, zero checking features are provided that allow for fast and accurate determinations of the zero-flow values, for use in adjusting later measurements. The zero-checking features include a button attached to an exterior of a flowmeter, so that it is easily accessible to an operator of the flowmeter. The button, in conjunction with an internal zero checking system, allows for a display of a zero value in response to a request from the operator of the flowmeter.
US07979220B2
A system and method for monitoring the power damping compliance of a power generation unit comprises a measurement unit that is configured to be coupled to a power generation unit to identify the voltage, current, and frequency values associated with power output therefrom. A processing system maintaining a model-based filter processes the voltage, current, and, frequency values to estimate the total amount of damping provided by the power generation unit. The estimated total damping is compared to prior historical values maintained in a database using various statistical techniques to determine if a power system stabilizer (PSS) provided by the power generation unit is being operated in a manner complying with predetermined guidelines.
US07979205B2
The present invention provides a novel apparatus and method for mapping of urban regions. An apparatus includes the remote sensing equipment that is connected to a computer processor. The remote sensing equipment gathers imaging data about an urban region. The computer processor interprets the imaging data to generate a map of the urban region comprising representations that identify a first set of indicia representing physiographic characteristics, a second set of indicia representing different types of built forms, and a third set of indicia representing patterns of human activity associated with both the physiographic characteristics and the built forms. The map can also include a fourth set of indicia representing an intensity level that at least one of the other types of indicia occurs.
US07979204B2
Tour guide contents stored in a tour guide apparatus carried by a user at a tour destination are provided with points of interest information and map data. This information includes latitude and longitude information for the site of each point of interest, and information on the providers of the information and the categories of information. The latitude and longitude information is provided for each site in relation to map data. By matching these pieces of latitude and longitude information to the map data, points of interest information can be laid out on the map and displayed. This makes it possible to select interesting site information to be displayed on the map based on the information provider, for example, points of interest information provided by provider A for restaurants and another set of information provided by provider B for hotels.
US07979203B2
A method for operating a navigation device including a processor, a signal receiver for receiving position signals, a road network database that also contains position data on tunnels (tunnel attributes), a position finding unit that determines the current position of the vehicle, a display unit and a display control for controlling the adjustments of the display unit, particularly for regulating the brightness and/or a color scheme of the display unit. The display control is able to change the adjustment of the display unit while driving through a tunnel (tunnel mode). The method can include determining the vehicle position with consideration of the received position signals and automatically activating the tunnel mode of the display unit by means of the display control immediately or with a certain time delay if the determined vehicle position features a tunnel attribute and the received position signals fall short of a predetermined signal quality.
US07979200B2
Systems and methods that coordinate assignments of aircraft operating within a controlled airspace to ground radios are provided. In one embodiment, such a system includes an air traffic control (ATC) facility (12), a plurality of ground radios (16A-16C), and a network manager (20) communicatively coupled to the air traffic control facility (12) and the ground radios (16A-16C). The air traffic control facility is responsible for controlling aircraft (14A-14I) operating within the airspace (10) and providing ATC information to the network manager (20). The ground radios (16A-16C) are operable to provide communications between the air traffic control facility (12) and the aircraft (14A-14I). The network manager (20) is operable to assign each aircraft (14A-14I) to one of the ground radios (16A-16C) based on network management considerations using the ATC information.
US07979197B2
Airport ground traffic management methods, program products and systems provided for a plurality of tags or tag readers distributed throughout an airport each spaced greater than a tag reader scanning distance. A traveling apparatus brings a tag proximate to a tag reader and a traffic manager in communication with the tag reader receives tag data and determines an apparatus location characteristic and formats the characteristic into a presentation provided to an apparatus operator or an airport ground traffic controller. Campus regions are identified in response to an airport campus function characteristic, and an apparatus location is plotted within a region on a graphic representation. In response to location, speed, historic data, data from other read tag and the location of another apparatus, a determined course of action is determined including entering a movement directive into an auto-pilot component.
US07979196B2
A power system including an exhaust producing engine, an exhaust system and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided. The EGR system may include an EGR flowpath and an air intake system. The EGR system may also include an EGR valve configured to regulate the flow of exhaust gases through the EGR flowpath. The power system may also include a monitoring system configured to monitor operating parameters of at least two components of the EGR system. The power system may also include a controller configured to determine, based on the monitored operating parameters, a maximum flowrate value for each of the components. Each of the maximum flowrate values may represent the maximum EGR flowrate for that component. The controller may be configured to control the EGR valve, based on the maximum flowrate values, to result in an EGR flowrate no greater than the lowest of the maximum flowrate values.
US07979192B2
Methods and systems for aircraft engine trend monitoring include periodically recording the outputs of engine-condition sensors and analyzing the results to examine piston-engine performance trends and predict the need for engine maintenance. Various analyses can be performed, separately or in parallel, including comparing the current parameter values with values recorded for that parameter in previous instances of similar operating conditions; comparing parameter values to predetermined nominal ranges; and detecting parameter values that exhibit trends over time that if followed would result in out-of-bound readings. Sensed parameter values can also be used to detect when recommended engine operating conditions are being exceeded. By using the results of the analyses to inform engine maintenance scheduling and provide alerts to the pilot and maintenance staff regarding recommended engine performance trends and/or operating condition exceedances, the methods and systems contribute to enhancing the level of safety that can be achieved despite significant maintenance-budget reductions.
US07979181B2
A method and machine with an automated digging cycle is provided. The method includes moving an implement system of the machine through a work cycle, including interacting with a material. The method further includes sensing values associated with a bucket velocity parameter, such as bucket tip velocity, during interacting with the material, and controlling the velocity parameter via commands which control a sequence of bucket orientations whereby an implement system of the machine interacts with the material, responsive to the sensed values. The machine includes an electronic controller configured via a control algorithm to execute the automated digging cycle. A velocity based control system for an excavating machine includes an electronic controller configured to receive velocity signals from at least one sensor, determine a bucket tip velocity, and output control commands to move a bucket of the excavating machine through a material via a sequence of bucket orientations that is based on the determined bucket tip velocity.
US07979171B2
A method of controlling a vehicle including a permanent magnet (PM) synchronous motor is provided. The motor is controlled based on direct-axis (d-axis) and quadrature-axis (q-axis) current commands. The method includes estimating permanent magnet flux linkage based on q-axis voltage and electrical angular speed, and estimating permanent magnet temperature based on permanent magnet flux linkage and the temperature coefficient of the permanent magnet. The vehicle is controlled based on the estimated permanent magnet temperature.
US07979168B2
In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a powered device (PD) detection signal at a PD from a powered network and applying the PD detection signal to an external resistor to provide a detection signature to the powered network. Further, the method includes receiving a PD classification mark signal at the PD, applying the received PD classification mark signal to the external resistor, and selectively activating a classification mark current path in parallel with the external resistor to produce a classification mark signature.
US07979167B2
A system, a method, and an article of manufacture for controlling operation of an electrical power generation system are provided. The electrical power generation system has a plurality of electrical generators electrically coupled to an electrical grid. The method includes obtaining a first output parameter value associated with the electrical power generation system. The method further includes determining an error value indicative of a difference between the first output parameter value and a desired output parameter value. The method further includes determining a first gain value based on at least one of the first output parameter value and a time-varying operational parameter of the electrical power generation system. The method further includes determining a first power value based on the error value and the first gain value. The method further includes determining a second gain value based on at least one of the first output parameter value, the time-varying operational parameter, and a reference value. The method further includes determining a second power value based on the error value and the second gain value. The method further includes generating a desired power command for the electrical power generation system based on the first and second power values.
US07979163B2
A controller equipped with a controller interface configured to accept one or more input parameters is disclosed, including methods for programming such devices. An illustrative controller interface may include a number of knobs, slides, buttons, or other input means for setting various set-points within the controller that can be used to control one or more HVAC system components of a building or structure. The input parameters may correspond directly to physical parameters of the building or structure being regulated, allowing the user to program the controller without having an extensive knowledge of HVAC systems or their operation.
US07979147B1
An apparatus for replicating an engine and/or exhaust sound of a predetermined vehicle includes files stored in computer-readable form in a memory library of the engine and/or exhaust sound of the predetermined vehicle. A microcomputer operated controller receives engine data such as the RPM of the engine of the personal vehicle and continually selects which files to obtain and use. The controller adjusts the sound pattern to optimally correspond in a preferred way with the RPM of the engine of the personal vehicle and the controller provides an output signal that is amplified and fed to a speaker for audio playback of a replicated sound of the engine and/or exhaust sound of the predetermined vehicle in the personal vehicle. A speaker disposed outside the vehicle includes a conical or cylindrical shape. A diagnostic capability is also disclosed. Connection to an OBD II connector provides the desired engine data.
US07979142B2
An implantable lead includes a distal portion carrying a tissue stimulating electrode, at least a portion of its outer surface being adapted to stimulate cardiac tissue, wherein the electrode is covered by a pliable, electrically conductive sheath. The sheath is made of an electrically conductive material that does not rely on porosity for electrical charge transfer. The sheath is constructed and arranged to minimize or eliminate tissue ingrowth while passing sufficient electrical energy to stimulate the tissue.
US07979128B2
A device and method is provided for controlling breathing of a subject by electrically stimulating tissue associated with the diaphragm or phrenic nerve of the subject.
US07979124B2
A method and device provide for determining capture in multiple chambers of a patient's heart using an electrode inserted into a coronary vein of the patient's heart. The coronary vein electrode is positioned adjacent to multiple heart chambers and is responsive to cardiac signals originating in the multiple chambers. The coronary vein electrode may be coupled to a single sense amplifier to detect the cardiac signals. Pace pulses may be applied to multiple heart chambers simultaneously or according to a phased timing sequence. Cardiac signals responsive to the pace pulses sensed using the coronary vein electrode may be used to verify capture in the multiple chambers of the heart.
US07979121B2
An electromagnetic device and method of operation thereof are disclosed. The electromagnetic device contains an electromagnetic field generator, a microcurrent generator and a photonic accumulator. The electromagnetic field generator generates broadband electromagnetic fields to substantially envelope a subject placed in proximity thereto. The subject is placed in contact with microcurrent electrodes so as to permit a broadband microcurrent to flow through the subject or along the surface of the subject. A photonic accumulator is positioned proximate the subject to receive biophotons emitted therefrom and to activate the biophotons with a light source.
US07979110B1
The currently claimed invention is for a method of placement of certain medical devices, and in particular, to the placement of electrodes in the field biopotential or electrophysiological monitoring. More particularly, it provides a new method for marking the skin of a subject where medical electrodes are to be placed including the placement of an electrode harness containing these electrodes. The method for accurate placement of electrodes of the currently claimed invention provides a quick, efficient method of electrode placement and replacement. This method further allows homecare providers or even the patient themself to accurately place and replace electrodes for home health care or outpatient monitoring.
US07979105B2
In some preferred embodiments, without limitation, the present invention comprises an implantable, intracranial neural interface node which is an integrated and minimally invasive platform system and supports cross-modal neural interfaces to the cerebrum and other associated structures in the central nervous system. The neural interfaces comprise electrical and chemical interfaces for neural recording, electrical stimulation, chemical delivery, chemical sensing, chemical sampling, cell delivery, genetic material delivery and/or other functions of interest.
US07979101B2
It is possible to improve the negative resistance characteristic that can be expected when an SNS (superconductor-normal conductor-superconductor) structure is used as a structure unit for series connection. On the top of a first superconducting electrode, a second superconducting electrode is superimposed so as to sandwich an insulation film between the first and second superconducting electrodes, with parts of cross sections of the second superconducting electrode and insulation film placed on the top. A normal superconducting line electrically connects the first and second superconducting electrodes passing along the cross section of the insulation film, thereby constituting a structure unit having a single weak link. A plurality of such structure units connected in series are prepared. At the both ends of the series the first or second superconducting electrode is an element connected to a leading line. The structure units are arranged so that the cross sections of the insulation films along which the normal conducting line passes are arranged in the sale direction.
US07979100B2
A sliding mechanism for a cellular phone includes a low-profile base provided on one surface with a central recess and a pair of parallel elongated sliding slots located at two lateral sides of the recess; a supporting bracket slidably connected to the surface of the base with the recess; and a plurality of flat elastic members each having a first and a second telescopic element respectively pivotally connected to the base and the supporting bracket. The base is enclosed in a plastic material through insert molding to have a slim body that enables a reduced overall thickness of the cellular phone. And, the flat elastic members allow the supporting bracket to smoothly slide relative to the base in a balanced manner.
US07979098B1
A wireless network (100) includes a communications node (120) configured to periodically generate and transmit at least one reception definition. Each reception definition indicates a time and manner in which the node will operate to receive information messages.
US07979093B2
A portable terminal and a method for displaying a preference item in the portable terminal that provides a distinguishing view of the preferential item(s). The method includes: displaying, upon receipt of a request to display an item list, the item list; checking, while searching the item list, whether a preference is set for an item to be displayed; and applying, if a preference is set for an item to be displayed, an event to the preference item and displaying the preference item. Applying an event to the preference item and displaying the preference item may include: determining the event that is set for the preference item, and applying the event to the preference item and displaying the preference item.
US07979083B2
A wireless device may include two or more wireless interfaces capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals over separate wireless networks. To reduce the likelihood of interference, a processing unit may determine whether to permit a transmission under one wireless network when a reception under another wireless network is already in progress.
US07979077B2
It is an object to provide a sequence allocating method that, while maintaining the number of Zadoff-Chu sequences to compose a sequence group, is configured to make it possible to reduce correlations between different sequential groups. This method comprises the steps of setting a standard sequence with a standard sequence length (Nb) and a standard sequence number (rb) in a step (ST101), setting a threshold value (Xth(m)) in accordance with an RB number (m) in a step (ST103), setting a sequence length (N) corresponding to RB number (m) in a step (ST104), judging whether |r/N−rb/Nb|=Xth(m) is satisfied in a step (ST106), including a plurality of Zadoff-Chu sequences with a sequence number (r) and a sequence length (N) in a sequence group (rb) in a step (ST107) if the judgment is positive, and allocating the sequence group (rb) to the same cell in a step (ST112).
US07979071B2
A disclosed user apparatus includes a random access channel generating unit configured to generate a random access channel; a control channel generating unit configured to generate a control channel in accordance with scheduling information received from a base station; and an uplink transmission signal generating unit configure to generate an uplink transmission signal including the random access channel or the control channel. Further, the purpose ID indicating at least whether there is a user ID uniquely allocated by the base station is included in the random access channel or the control channel.
US07979064B2
Methods and apparatus for determining and maintaining user presence information include capturing user presence data with an application presence server. The application presence server can be configured to update user presence data as a user initiates or exits an application. Applications associated with user presence data are configured to query an application proxy client concerning user presence data of a selected user and, based on a returned user status, deliver, discard, or redirect a message intended for the user. User presence data is stored in a user presence repository and can be provided via Internet-based or other connections to applications executed on external networks. User activity status can be used to select or update user presence data. In some examples, an application server of an external network is configured to receive user presence data from the presence server.
US07979058B2
A system and method are provided for transmitting data that has not been explicitly requested in a mobile radio system which includes an application computer, a transmission network, and a mobile radio receiver. The mobile radio receiver indicates to the transmission network how much storage space is available in the mobile radio receiver for storing data.
US07979057B2
Methods and systems for processing negotiable economic credits through, or at the request of, a hand held device in association with a third-party provider communicative with the hand held device and/or a point of sale. At least one negotiable economic credit can be transferred from a third-party provider communicative with the hand held device to the hand held device and/or point of sale. The negotiable economic credit can be stored within a memory of the hand held device and/or point of sale for retrieval and processing at a point of sale associated with a retail establishment and/or by a hand held device. The negotiable economic credit can be associated with a security module for protecting the privacy of the negotiable economic credit. A user profile can be compiled for utilization during the retrieval of the negotiable economic credit.
US07979054B2
A system and method for providing secure authentication for website access or other secure transaction. In one embodiment, when a user accesses a website, the web server identifies the user, and sends an authentication request to the user's mobile device. The mobile device receives the authentication requests and sends back authentication key to the web server. Upon verifying the authentication key, the web server grants the access to the user.
US07979048B2
Image rejection factors are calibrated for a receiver circuit (106) during an initialization period. The image rejection factors are stored in a quasi non-volatile memory (124) associated with the receiver circuit (106). The quasi non-volatile memory (124) is powered from a first source (VDD A) during a first receiver mode and from a second source (VIO) during a second receiver mode.
US07979035B2
A wireless communication device has a docking cavity, a short-range transceiver, and a long-range transceiver for long-range wireless communication with a wireless network. A wireless communication module includes a speaker and a microphone, and a short-range transceiver for short-range wireless communication with the device's short-range transceiver. The module is configured to operate in first and second modes. In the first mode, the module is separated from the communication device. In the second mode, the module is mounted in the cavity. In both modes, communication between a user and the network is conducted through the module's microphone and speaker, both short-range transceivers and the long-range transceiver.
US07979033B2
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a package substrate, a die, and a plurality of antenna structures. The die includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver and a control module, wherein the RF transceiver processes inbound and outbound RF signals. The control module enables the RF transceiver to receive the inbound RF signal from one or more of the plurality of antenna structures in a frequency band of approximately 55 GHz to 64 GHz and enables the RF transceiver to provide the outbound RF signal to one or more of the plurality of antennas structures for transmission in a frequency band of approximately 55 GHz to 64 GHz.
US07979032B2
Methods, systems and apparatus for estimating statistical properties of noise in modulated data carrier signals represented by modulated data symbols are disclosed. The method comprises generating an instantaneous estimate of the statistical property of noise from the received modulated data symbols on a sample by sample basis and applying a compensation function to the instantaneous estimate. The method further comprises averaging an output of the compensation function to determine the estimated statistical property of noise.
US07979026B2
A system and method for using a single antenna for active and passive radio functions. A wireless communication device includes a passive component that can be read using an antenna when the wireless communication device is in a low power sleep mode. When it is determined that a higher capacity is needed, the wireless communication device activates an active component. Activation of the active component includes a switching of a connection of the antenna from the passive component to the active component.
US07979021B2
An image forming apparatus, a sheet discharging device and method of controlling the sheet discharging device are disclosed. They require no instructions from users and no recording materials for initial setting of a staple when the users exchange a staple cartridge.
