US07981545B2

A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a lithium vanadium composite oxide represented by LixMyVzO2+d, where: 0.1≦x≦2.5, 0≦y≦0.5, 0.5≦z≦1.5, 0≦d≦0.5, and M is selected from the group consisting of Al, Cr, Mo, Ti, W, Zr, and combinations thereof) and a compound attached to the surface of the vanadium composite oxide. The compound includes an element selected from the group consisting of Groups 2 to 15 elements and combinations thereof. The negative active material can provide good energy density per volume and high-capacity, to provide a battery having good cycle-life and safety.
US07981544B2

A positive electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery using a positive electrode active material mixture according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positive electrode active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating a lithium ion, a conductive agent and a binder, in which the positive electrode active material is produced by coating cobalt-based lithium composite oxide represented by a general formula: LiaCo1-sM1sO2 with lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide represented by a general formula: LibNitCouMnvO2, the ratio r1/r2 of the average particle diameter r1 of the cobalt-based lithium composite oxide and the average particle diameter r2 of the lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide is 2≦r1/r2≦50, and the average particle diameter r2 of the lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide is 0.5 μm≦r2≦20 μm. By containing such a constitution, a positive electrode for a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which even when the charging discharging is repeated at a high potential of 4.5 V based on lithium, not only is the retention characteristics in a charged state excellent, but also the enhancing the capacity and the energy density of the battery can be achieved; and a production method thereof, can be provided.
US07981532B2

In an Mn-containing perovskite oxide which is a conventional phase-change substance (A1−xBx)MnO3, when the mixing amount x is increased, the transition temperature (Tc) is shifted to higher temperature side, but the slope of a change in the emittance become gentle and Δε (ε at higher temperature−ε at lower temperature) also become small. In the present invention, the compositional formula of the phase-change substance is the Mn-containing perovskite oxide represented by (A1−xBx)Mn1+yO3 with 0
US07981527B2

The invention provides a light-emission material comprising a compound having Formula (I): wherein each of A independently is: each of Rm independently is H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, CN, CF3, alkylamino, amino, alkoxy, halo, aryl, or heteroaryl.
US07981518B2

A thermoplastic resin composition comprising 100 parts by mass of a polyamide resin composition (A) and 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of a carbodiimide compound (B) having two or more carbodiimide groups. The polyamide resin composition (A) contains a polyamide resin (a-1) and nylon 11 and/or nylon 12 (a-2) in an amount of 5 to 95% by mass of the component (a-1) and 95 to 5% by mass of the component (a-2) each based on a total amount of the components (a-1) and (a-2). The polyamide resin (a-1) is constituted by diamine units 70 mol % or more of which are derived from m-xylylenediamine and dicarboxylic acid units 70 mol % or more of which are derived from a C4 to C20 α,ω-linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid. The thermoplastic resin composition is excellent in barrier property, strength and impact resistance, in particular, barrier property to alcohol-containing fuels, and suitably used as various shaped articles such as fuel containers, tubes and parts.
US07981517B2

This invention relates to bituminous compositions comprising an interpolymer and a bituminous material and methods of making and using same. The interpolymer may comprise ethylene, at least one alpha-olefin, and, optionally, at least one diene and the interpolymer is derived from polymer particles having a surface coating comprising a partitioning agent. Methods of making and using the bituminous compositions are also described.
US07981516B2

The invention relates to a transparent substrate provided with a thin-film multilayer comprising at least one functional metal layer, especially a silver-based layer, having reflection properties in the infrared and/or in the solar radiation range, at least one metal barrier layer in contact with the functional layer and at least one upper dielectric layer, characterized in that at least one barrier layer is based on zirconium and in that the upper dielectric layer comprises at least one ZnO-based layer in contact with the functional layer or with the barrier layer.
US07981515B2

Polyesters comprising the reaction product of a polyol and a bis-epoxy reacted with a mono- and/or di-phenolic carboxylic acid and/or ester are disclosed. Food cans coated at least in part on the interior with a composition comprising these polyesters are also disclosed. The composition used on the food cans is substantially free of BPA and BPF and substantially free of BADGE and BFDGE. Food cans coated at least in part on the interior with a composition comprising a polyester having a loss of molecular weight of less than 50% in an acidic medium are also disclosed.
US07981506B2

The plastic lens has the hard coat layer on a plastic lens base material containing at least sulfur atom and the organic anti-reflection film on the hard coat layer and further has a primer layer between the plastic lens base material and the hard coat layer. The hard coat layer comprises metal oxide particulates at least containing titanium oxide with rutile-type crystal structure and an organic silicon compound expressed by general Formula: R1SiX13. The organic anti-reflection film comprises a coating composition at least containing an organic silicon compound expressed by general Formula: R2nR3 mSiX24-n-m and silica system particulates of 1 to 150 nm mean particle diameter and has a refractive index which is lower than that of that of the hard coat layer by 0.10 or more.
US07981503B2

Disclosed is a stretched resin film having a liquid absorption coefficient of at least 5 ml/(m2·ms1/2). The stretched resin film has good liquid absorbability with good seepage resistance. When stuck to objects with a water-base adhesive, it dries within a short period of time and attains good adhesiveness.
US07981493B2

A packing buffer member of the present invention is a packing buffer member 200 or 300 that is to be placed inside a pack 400 with an object to be packed 100, and includes first hollow convex parts 210, 220, 230 and 240 (third hollow convex parts 310, 320, 330 and 340) that are formed in a first direction relative to a forming base surface 201 or 301 and that contact with the object to be packed 100 to hold the object to be packed 100 and second hollow convex parts 250, 260, 270 and 280 (the fourth hollow convex parts 350, 360, 370 and 380) that are formed in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the forming base surface 201 or 301 and that contact inside the pack. The packing buffer member 200 or 300 is formed by a plastic sheet.
US07981492B2

Multilayer laminates useful in packaging of respiring food products and packages made therefrom. The laminates have a CO2 permeability rate of at least about 10 cm3/100 in2/24 hours and an O2 permeability rate of less than about 5.3 cm3/100 in2/24 hours.
US07981487B2

Disclosed are a liquid-crystalline medium of negative dielectric anisotropy based on a mixture of polar compounds, which contains at least one compound of formula IA and at least one compound of formulae IB, IC and/or ID and the use thereof for an active-matrix display, in particular based on the ECB, PALC, FFS or IPS effect.
US07981481B2

The present invention provides a method of controlling the distribution of a fluid on a body that features compensating for varying distribution of constituent components of a composition that moved over a surface of a substrate. To that end, the method includes generating a sequence of patterns of liquid upon a substrate, each of which includes a plurality of spaced-apart liquid regions, with voids being defined between adjacent liquid regions. A second of the patterns of liquid of the sequence is arranged so that the liquid regions associated therewith are in superimposition with the voids of a first of the patterns of liquid of the sequence.
US07981475B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing method of a honeycomb structural body which makes the profile of a cross section perpendicular to the length direction thereof less likely to generate dispersion, and also makes the thickness of its sealing material layer thinner, and a sealing material that is suitably used in the manufacturing method of the honeycomb structural body. According to the present invention, the manufacturing method of a honeycomb structural body with a sealing material layer formed on the peripheral portion of a pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member includes a sealing material applying step of applying a paste-like sealing material, which is a raw material of the sealing material layer, onto a circumferential face of the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member, and a scraping step of fitting a ring-shaped scraper, which can be brought into contact with the circumferential face of the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member so as to slide thereon, to the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member and moving said ring-shaped scraper in the length direction, thereby expanding the paste-like sealing material applied onto the circumferential face of the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member so as to spread over the entire circumferential face of the pillar-shaped porous honeycomb member.
US07981473B2

A process in which a wafer is exposed to a first chemically reactive precursor dose insufficient to result in a maximum saturated ALD deposition rate on the wafer, and then to a second chemically reactive precursor dose, the precursors being distributed in a manner so as to provide substantially uniform film deposition. The second chemically reactive precursor dose may likewise be insufficient to result in a maximum saturated ALD deposition rate on the wafer or, alternatively, sufficient to result in a starved saturating deposition on the wafer. The process may or may not include purges between the precursor exposures, or between one set of exposures and not another.
US07981464B2

Electronic devices prepared from nanoscale powders are described. Methods for utilizing nanoscale powders and related nanotechnology to prepare capacitors, inductors, resistors, thermistors, varistors, filters, arrays, interconnects, optical components, batteries, fuel cells, sensors and other products are discussed.
US07981446B2

The present invention relates to methods of delivering nucleic acids into cells using a nucleic acid binding molecule containing a multimeric or spacer-incorporated protein transduction domain (PTD). The invention also relates to novel compositions that contain a nucleic acid complexed or conjugated with a nucleic acid binding molecule. The nucleic acid binding molecule may contain a multimeric or spacer-incorporated PTD, and may further contain a nucleic acid binding region. The nucleic acid complexes or conjugations of the present invention may be employed to inhibit expression of a target gene, and/or determine the function of a target gene.
US07981444B2

Poly(ester-acrylate) and poly(ester/epoxide) dendrimers. These materials can be synthesized by utilizing the so-called “sterically induced stoichiometric” principles. The preparation of the dendrimers is carried out by reacting precursor amino/polyamino-functional core materials with various branch cell reagents. The branch cell reagents are dimensionally large, relative to the amino/polyamino-initiator core and when reacted, produce generation=1 dendrimers directly in one step. There is also a method by which the dendrimers can be stabilized and that method is the reaction of the dendrimers with surface reactive molecules to pacify the reactive groups on the dendrimers.
US07981432B2

The invention features a polypeptide complex synthesized by bacteria of the genus Clostridia that contains the serotype E botulinum neurotoxin and five neurotoxin associated polypeptides having molecular weights of about 118, 80, 65, 40, and 18 kDa, respectively. The complex is useful in the treatment of diseases or conditions that are caused by excessive release of acetylcholine from presynaptic nerve terminals.
US07981430B2

The present invention provides artificial fusion proteins (AFPs) designed to elicit an anti-HIV immune response, as well as nucleic acid molecules and expression vectors encoding those proteins. The AFPs of the invention may comprise domains from various HIV proteins, such as Gag, Pol, Vif, and Env proteins, which are partial sequences. HIVCON is an AFP in which the HIV domains are from several HIV clade consensus sequences and which optionally contains additional domains which may be useful, for example, in monitoring expression levels or laboratory animal immune responses. Other aspects of the invention may include compositions and methods for inducing an anti-HIV immune response in a subject, preferably with a DNA prime-MVA boost strategy, and to induce a cell-mediated immune response.
US07981428B2

This disclosure is directed, inter alia, to polynucleotides, polypeptides, vectors, cells and compositions comprising the same, and their use in affecting viral pathogenesis, in particular for influenza viral infection.
US07981427B2

A canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCV) that is present in the respiratory tract of dogs with canine infectious respiratory disease and which has a low level of homology to the enteric canine coronavirus, but which has a high level of homology to all bovine coronavirus strains (e.g., Quebec and LY138) and human coronavirus strain OC43.
US07981421B2

An antibody of the invention interacts with human DR5 or with human DR4 to produce agonistic or antagonistic effects downstream of the receptor including inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Methods and uses for the antibodies, optionally in combination with various therapeutic agents, are detailed, including treatment of apoptosis-related disease and treatment of dysregulated cell growth.
US07981420B2

The present invention relates to the use of a modulator of a polypeptide having or comprising an amino acid sequence as disclosed herein or of a functional fragment or derivative thereof or of a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide or fragment or derivative for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing, alleviating or treating diseases or conditions associated with the degeneration or injury of vertebrate nervous tissue, associated with seizures or associated with angiogenic disorders or disorders of the cardio-vascular system. Furthermore, the invention provides for the use of a modulator of a polypeptide having or comprising said amino acid sequence of a functional fragment or derivative thereof or of a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide or fragment or derivative for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing, alleviating or treating diseases or conditions associated with the degeneration or injury of vertebrate nervous tissue, associated with angiogenic disorders or disorders of the cardio-vascular system. In addition the invention provides for the use of said polypeptide or said functional fragment or derivative thereof for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating tumor growth or formation of tumor metastases or as a marker of stem cells.
US07981419B2

A method for treating a hypophosphatemic bone disease, such as X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). The method entails administering to a subject a pharmaceutical composition, which contains an antibody that binds to an FGF-23 polypeptide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US07981418B2

The present application describes the use of low HER3 as a selection criterion for treating patients with a HER inhibitor, such as pertuzumab.It also describes the use of high HER2:HER3 ratio as a selection criterion for treating cancer patients, such as ovarian cancer patients, with a HER inhibitor, such as pertuzumab.In addition, the application describes the use of high HER3 as a selection criterion for treating cancer patients with a chemotherapeutic agent, for instance gemcitabine.
US07981411B2

The present invention relates to the use of F4+ non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains to promote growth in an animal. The present invention also relates to the use of such strains to homogenize growth among a herd of animals. More specifically, the animal(s) of interest in the present invention are those wherein growth promotion or growth homogenization are desired goals, such as animals reared for meat production. The present invention further relates to a method for promoting growth of an animal as well as a method for homogenizing growth among a herd of animals.
US07981410B2

The invention provides for inhibition of viral disease by the provision to a mammalian host of antibodies directed against an escort protein likeTsg 101. These proteins appear on the surface of a cell, and thus can be bound by circulating antibodies thereto. By binding escort proteins on the cell surface, budding of viral particles is inhibited. The virus infects the initial cells, but cannot escape that cell to infect the body en masse.
US07981408B2

The present invention relates to an anti-microbial packaging polymer and its method of use, and more particularly to a contact anti-microbial such as quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts covalently bound to a polymeric material that may be suitable in a variety of applications such as film and container packaging of foodstuffs, cosmetics, medical equipment and devices, environmental, hygienic and sanitary applications, as well as other consumer and commercial use. This anti-microbial polymer has the benefit of being bactericidal, fungicidal, and/or viricidal. For example, this anti-microbial feature may result in additional shelf life of the foodstuff contained in the anti-microbial packaging polymer of the present invention.
US07981391B2

An aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing i) less than 50 wppm alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or combinations thereof in total, irrespective whether the alkali or alkaline earth metals are present in cationic or complex form; ii) less than 50 wppm of amines having a pkB of less than 4.5 or the corresponding protonated compounds in total; and iii) at least 100 wppm anions or compounds that can dissociate to form anions in total, where the wppm are based on the weight of hydrogen peroxide and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is more than 50% by weight based on the total weight of the hydrogen peroxide solution. A process for preparation of said hydrogen peroxide solution and the use of said solution in a process for epoxidation of olefins is also disclosed.
US07981390B2

Catalyst articles comprising substantially only a palladium precious metal component and related methods of preparation and use are disclosed. Disclosed is a catalyst article comprising a first layer formed on a carrier substrate, wherein the first layer comprises a refractory metal oxide and has a surface that is substantially uniform; and a second layer formed on the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises i) an oxygen storage component that is about 50-90% by weight of the second layer and ii) a palladium component in an amount of about 10-150 g/ft3 of palladium, wherein the palladium component is substantially the only platinum group metal component. One or more improved properties are exhibited by the catalyst article.
US07981388B2

The present invention relates to lithium secondary batteries comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator and a lithium-based electrolyte carried in an aprotic solvent, and to the electrolyte compositions, and to methods for purifying battery active materials. The electrolyte comprises at least one solvent and a lithium salt of the formula: Li2B12FxH12-x-yZy where x+y is from 3 to 12, and x and y are independently from 0 to 12, and Z comprises at least one of Cl and Br.
US07981384B2

Liquid aspirators are described that include an aspirating pipette; a drive source for descending the aspirating pipette; and a controller for controlling the drive source; the aspirating pipette being stopped from being descended by loss of synchronism of the drive source caused by upward force to be exerted on the aspirating pipette.Analyzers are also described.
US07981383B2

A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers is provided. The cap piercing station utilizes a piercing blade having a generally Z-shape cross-section, a carriage assembly for moving the blade to pierce a cap on a container, an alignment block assembly for preventing the container from being lifted up by friction with the blade when the blade is being withdrawn from a pierced cap, and a latch assembly for latching the alignment block assembly when the blade is being withdrawn.
US07981380B2

A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, including a sample cell having a generally cylindrical wall longitudinally extending between a first end and a second end thereof and a sleeve having a generally cylindrical wall longitudinally extending between a first end and a second end thereof, and a plurality of projections longitudinally extending from the first end of the sleeve wall. When a substantially planar film is interposed between the sample cell and the sleeve, and the first end of the sample cell is inserted into the first end of the sleeve, the film is retained between the sample cell and the annular sleeve; and the longitudinal projections are positioned to perforate the film when the film is pulled against the longitudinal projections.
US07981367B2

Methods and devices for emitting volatile materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods and devices for emitting two or more fragrance compositions are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment of a device, the device has a housing, and the housing is supported on an electrical outlet by a plug at least indirectly joined to the housing. The device contains a first volatile composition and a second volatile composition. The first volatile composition is emitted in an alternating period relative to said second volatile composition. In one embodiment of the method, the volatile compositions are alternately emitted during periods that are greater than 15 minutes and less than 2 hours.
US07981361B2

The present invention provides an apparatus for circulating a carrier gas containing a chemical deactivating vapor or gas in a chamber. The apparatus includes a housing defining a flow path therethrough. The housing has an inlet end and an outlet end. A blower is provided for conveying a carrier gas containing a chemical deactivating vapor or gas along the flow path. A filter that includes a filter element is provided. The filter is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the filter element is fluidly isolated from the flow path when the filter is in the first position, and the filter element is disposed in the flow path when the filter is in the second position. An actuator is provided for moving the filter between the first position and the second position.
US07981359B2

A rotor comprising bonded magnet portions mainly composed of magnet powder and a binder, which are embedded in a soft magnetic portion mainly composed of soft magnetic powder and a binder, the rotor being produced by a compression-molding method, and the magnetic pole surfaces of the bonded magnet portions being embedded in the soft magnetic portion.
US07981353B2

An electrospinning apparatus and methodology is described that produces medical devices, such as scaffolds that induce the formation of a natural fibrous structure (primarily collagen and elastin) in a tissue-engineered medical device. The apparatus uses collection surfaces designed to manipulate or change the electrostatic field so that the electrospun fibers are arranged in desirable patterns that are similar to or mimic the fibrillar structure of an animal tissue. The manipulation results in fibers that are preferentially oriented in a predefined pattern. In addition, the interfiber space between the fibers and the fiber diameter are consistently within a predefined range. Using these techniques in conjunction with controlling polymer properties enables the production of a scaffold that has the structural and mechanical characteristics similar to the native tissue.
US07981346B2

Method of hollow micro-projections having side walls and at least one opening in a side wall, by a molding technique. The hollow micro-projections are defined by a first, negative mold defining the exterior shape of the micro-projections and a second, positive mold defining the hollow interior shape of the micro-projections. The method includes injecting a moldable material into the space between the two molds, in a state where they have been brought together. The positive and negative molds each have an essentially cylindrical geometry. In the process of bringing the molds together, the mold halves are laterally off-set with respect to each other, such that the distance between an inner wall of the negative mold and the positive mold in the area, ranges from zero to a finite distance. Micro-projections and arrays of micro-projections are also disclosed.
US07981345B2

Disclosed is a fabrication method of products with closed channels by injection molding, which includes: a channel substrate mounting step of mounting a channel substrate comprising a plurality of opened micro-channels thereon to a mold; and a substrate cover molding step of molding a substrate cover by the injection molding on an upper surface of the channel substrate mounted to the mold, the substrate cover being coupled to the channel substrate while being molded. With this, the products with the closed channels can be fabricated without any additional coupling process between the channel substrate having the opened channels and the substrate cover, thereby simplifying a fabrication process and enhancing work efficiency.
US07981344B2

A method and a molding plant for manufacturing a storage container for storage of nuclear radiation material, the container having an inner container part of a first thermoplastic material, an intermediate container part of radiation inhibiting material on the outside of the inner container part, and an outer container part of a second thermoplastic material molded onto the outside of intermediate container part. First, second, third and fourth locations are present along a circular path. First, second and third sets of outer mould means are provided at said second, third and fourth locations, respectively, for enabling injection molding of said inner container part, said intermediate container part and said outer container part, respectively, thereat and at least one mould core or a plurality of mutually spaced mould cores being movable by means of a rotary turntable to successively move from the first location to the second location, then from the second location to the third location, then from the third location to the fourth location, and then from the fourth location back to the first location.
US07981341B2

Producing a scaled multiple parallax compound lens is accomplished by providing an insect eye having multiple ommitidia and creating a polymer mold of the insect eye. A casting is then created from the polymer mold with an expandable polymer mold. A second casting is then created from the second polymer mold. Duplication of the process can be accomplished for further scaling up of the compound lens with the final casting created using a durable polymer having appropriate optical properties for the lens.
US07981339B2

A method and apparatus are provided for continuously producing a polymer pellet efficiently in which, in storing, transporting or feeding to a processing apparatus, the obtained pellets containing the adhesive polymer do not easily mutually adhere, and handling thereof is excellent. The method comprises a step of deforming at temperatures of about 30 to 150° C. under pressure an adhesive polymer coated with a thermoplastic polymer, and a step of cutting the deformed portion of the coated polymer.
US07981338B2

Biodegradable starch-based extruded products and methods of manufacturing those products are provided. In particular, extruded starch products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials.
US07981334B2

An injection molding machine and a method for mold-adjusting are provided. The injection molding machine comprises a mold-adjusting mechanism mounted to one side of the fixed platen and being coaxial with the tie bars. Each of the mold-adjusting mechanisms is constructed the same comprising a support frame (11), a motor (12), a mold-adjusting driving wheel (13), a mold-adjusting driven wheel (14), a hydraulic cylinder for positioning (15), a sensor and a control system.
US07981332B2

In a method for producing a composite, a carrier component is placed into an opened cavity of a mold. The mold is then closed to a predetermined position, thereby creating a cavity of a first expanded size. To improve venting, a vacuum is generated in the expanded cavity before filling the expanded cavity with a flooding material. A compression step is then executed either at the same time as flooding material is introduced or following the introduction of the flooding material.
US07981329B2

A method of manufacturing an optical component is provided. The method comprises steps of providing a first liquid; providing a fluid, disposed above the first liquid, wherein an interface exists between the first liquid and the fluid; providing a polymer precursor at the interface; and solidifying the polymer precursor so as to form the optical component made by a polymer.
US07981326B2

A silver fine powder comprising silver particles with an average particle diameter of 20 nm or less and having an organic protective material on the surface thereof, wherein the proportion of the organic protective material present is 0.05 to 25% by mass based on the total mass of the silver particles and the organic protective material. An amine compound having a molecular weight of 100 to 1,000 is preferably used as the organic protective material, and that having one or more unsaturated bond in one molecule is particularly preferred. This silver fine powder has, for example, a crystallite diameter in (111) crystal plane of silver particle of 20 nm or less. The present invention further provides an ink comprising particles of the silver fine powder dispersed in an organic solvent in the silver concentration of 10% by mass or more, the ink having a viscosity of 50 mPa·s or less.
US07981309B2

The spectral reflectance spectrum of an object of polishing that has reached the polishing endpoint is found ahead of time, the spectral reflectance spectrum of the object of polishing is found during polishing, and the correlation coefficient of these is seen as parameter 1. Meanwhile, the sum of the absolute values of the difference between the first order differentials of these is seen as parameter 2. Then, when parameter 1 is in a range exceeding a specific value, and parameter 2 is at its minimum, it is concluded that the polishing endpoint has been reached. Thus, it is possible to provide a method for detecting the polishing endpoint in a highly reliable CMP polishing apparatus.
US07981301B2

An apparatus includes integrated ultra-filtration and clarification, and an optional electrocoagulation capability. The apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters. Optionally, and upstream electrocoagulation unit and a downstream reverse osmosis unit are provided. Alternatively, the electrocoagulation function is provided by a plurality of reaction plates mounted to the interior sidewall of the tank.
US07981299B2

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for thickening liquids carrying suspended particles, such as a slurry containing minerals. The thickening apparatus comprises a tank (2), a feedwell (4), which includes a chamber having an inlet for receiving feed slurry (9) and an outlet in fluid communication with the tank and means for distributing the material in the tank, at least one conduit (5) for feed slurry to deliver a feed slurry (9) into the feedwell, means for diluting the feed slurry, when at least one separate dilute liquid conduit (16, 19) is directed tangentially with respect to the feedwell (4) and at least one inflow aperture (15) is arranged tangentially with respect to the feedwell for recirculating the dilute liquid from the tank inside the feedwell in order to dilute the feed slurry.
US07981294B2

The present invention relates to a process for extracting constituents from organic material, comprising the step of extracting with a monophasic mixture of 50% by volume to 90% by volume of methanol and 50 to 10% by volume of water and optionally 0% by volume to 40% by volume of a further solvent or solvent mixture.
US07981289B2

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a modular fluid treatment assembly and method in which modules of the system each have a head that can be connected to one or more heads (of one or more other modules) in different configurations. In some embodiments, the relationship between a cartridge of the module and its corresponding head prevents fluid from entering between the cartridge and an external shell of the module. Also, some embodiments provide a module having a head with substantially concentric inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with a cartridge coupled to the head.
US07981286B2

A liquid within a processing tank is caused to overflow, and the overflowing liquid is circulated by a circulation system. In this process, bubbles are discharged into the liquid within the processing tank. Thus, particles within the processing tank are not only carried along by a flow of the liquid but also attach to the bubbles to be carried with the bubbles outwardly of the processing tank. A dip-type substrate processing apparatus removes the particles within the processing tank in a short time with efficiency.
US07981284B2

Disclosed herein is a suppressor using one ion-exchange tube which has an inner diameter close to that of a tube connected to a separation column and which is constituted by an ion-exchange membrane. The ion-exchange tube is folded or wound more than once in a plane into a sheet form to provide an ion-exchange tube sheet through which an eluate from a separation column flows. The ion-exchange tube sheet is accommodated in a container. The container provides a regenerant flow channel so that a regenerant is allowed to flow on both sides of the ion-exchange tube sheet.
US07981277B2

A method for dewatering and deasphalting a hydrocarbon feed is provided. A hydrocarbon feed containing one or more hydrocarbons, asphaltenes and water can be mixed or otherwise combined with one or more solvents. The addition of the solvent sufficiently decreases the density of the hydrocarbon feed to enable gravity settling of the water phase, providing an oil phase containing one or more hydrocarbons, asphaltenes and solvents. The asphaltenes can be separated from the oil phase to provide an asphaltene mixture containing asphaltenes and a portion of the solvents and a deasphalted oil containing one or more hydrocarbons and the balance of the solvents. The solvents can be separated from the asphaltenes and deasphalted oil, and recycled to the initial mixing step wherein the solvent is mixed or otherwise combined with one or more solvents.
US07981269B2

An electroplating method that includes: a) contacting a first substrate with a first article, which includes a substrate and a conformable mask disposed in a pattern on the substrate; b) electroplating a first metal from a source of metal ions onto the first substrate in a first pattern, the first pattern corresponding to the complement of the conformable mask pattern; and c) removing the first article from the first substrate, is disclosed. Electroplating articles and electroplating apparatus are also disclosed.
US07981263B2

A sputtering apparatus includes a susceptor having a substrate and a plurality of target devices facing the substrate and substantially parallel to each other, each target device being rotatable.
US07981261B2

The invention provides a system for separating oppositely-charged charge carriers, the substrate comprising a semiconductor; a ligand in electrical communication with said semiconductor; an ion-exchange resin attached to the semiconductor; an ion-exchange membrane; and an electrical conduit attaching said resin to said membrane. Also provided is a method for producing hydrogen gas, comprising: inducing charge separation in semiconductor particles so as to produce electrons and holes; oxidizing water with the holes to produce oxygen ions and protons, wherein the protons are sequestered from the oxygen ions as the protons are produced; and directing the sequestered protons to a cathode. The invention also provides a method to produce electricity comprising, inducing charge separation in semiconductor particles so as to produce electrons and holes, and completing the circuit with an electron hole transporter.
US07981254B2

In a heat pump system including a water purifier and an evaporator for evaporating feed-water to produce steam, water used for spray cooling is effectively used and productivity of purified water used for the spray cooling is increased. Discharged water from the water purifier is supplied to the evaporator when water used for spray cooling is produced by use of the water purifier. Otherwise, drain of the evaporator having higher temperature is supplied to the water purifier by using such a fact that in a reverse osmosis membrane type water purifier, the higher the temperature of feed-water is, the higher the purified water productivity becomes.
US07981251B2

An apparatus for feeding one or more chemicals into a process stream of a papermaking process is disclosed, as well as a method of utilizing the apparatus for feeding one or more chemicals into a process stream is disclosed.
US07981242B2

A three-ply product includes a particle board core assembled with a patterned vulcanized fiber sheet or layer on each surface. One of the vulcanized fiber sheets may have a preprinted decorative pattern provided thereon. The other vulcanized fiber sheet may also be decorative, or merely a plain sheet of vulcanized fiber. The product is useful for woodworking applications, and may be processed (i.e., stained, sanded, lacquered, etc.) like a natural wood product. Unlike prior vulcanized fiber processes, the process of making the vulcanized fiber sheets preprints a pattern, in a preprinting process, on the top sheets of cellulose paper plies.
US07981240B2

Under a vacuum atmosphere, while keeping two members in contact with each other with a bonding material therebetween, one of the members is moved relative to the bonding surface in the horizontal direction, and the bonding material between the members is pressed. The surface oxide film of the bonding material, which is a low melting point metal, is thereby broken effectively, and highly hermetic bonding is performed.
US07981235B2

A cellular structure is formed on a wheel from an elongated tubular structure. At least one longitudinal line of a slow cure adhesive is applied to the exterior surface of the elongated tubular material. Then the material is wrapped around a collector in a manner to cause the adhesive to be positioned between overlying surfaces of the elongated tubular material and to form a cellular structure on the collector. The cellular structure is cut from the collector before the adhesive has fully cured and is placed on a flat surface where the adhesive has fully cured.
US07981233B2

A method of forming a board suitable for use as container flooring uses bamboo and fast-growth low-density wood. The method includes the step of overlaying thin layers of high-density bamboo composites on surfaces of a core layer which can be the composite of wood veneer and wood strand-based composite, or wood veneer and bamboo stripe sheet composite. The benefits of bamboo and wood materials are combined to produce a bamboo-wood composite board having sufficient mechanical and physical strength and durability for use as container flooring.
US07981232B2

Method for winding textile threads to filter bobbins for filtration purposes of petrochemicals, by, in a first operation, winding 4 layers laid at 30 degrees both ways, in a second operation winding 5 layers laid at 40 degrees both ways, in a third operation winding 9 layers laid at 35 degrees both ways, in a fourth and last operation winding 12 layers laid at 15 degrees one way and just with 50 degree transfer back for each layer, and repeating the first, second, third and fourth operations, the threads used thereby comprising 58% cotton, 16% acryl, 11.5% flax, 11.5% polyester, 2% polyamide, 0.6% acetate and 0.4 % viscose.
US07981229B2

Patches consisting of transparent or translucent shape memory material can be manufactured so as to affect repair of transparent or translucent parts that have been damaged. These patches can be used to cover cracks and holes or provide additional structural support for the damaged parts. The patches can vary greatly in size and properties depending on the desired application.
US07981226B2

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to fabrics composed of micro-denier fibers wherein said fibers are formed as bicomponent fibrillated fiber. The energy is sufficient for fibrillating as well as entangling (bonding) the fibers. These fabrics can be woven or knitted and made from made from bicomponent islands in the sea fibers and filaments or can be nonwovens and formed by either spunbonding or through the use of bicomponent staple fibers formed into a web by any one of several means and bonded similarly to those used for the spunbonded filament webs.
US07981225B1

A lead-free primer energetic composition including Cyanuric Triazide (60%), Tetracene (5%), Barium Nitrate (20%) and Antimony Trisulfide (15%) is produced. The lead-free primer energetic composition is used to construct a primary detonator including a transfer charge of Cyanuric Triazide, which produces a further initiation train that may subsequently detonate a secondary explosive, i.e., HDX, RDX, or a pyrotechnic device.
US07981222B2

Embodiments of dishwashers with sound attenuating properties are provided. The dishwashers include one or more laminated structures for attenuating sound. The structure may include a layer of an acoustic tape having a plurality of bi-direction fibers configured to redirect and convert sound generated by the dishwasher into heat such that the sound perceivable outside the dishwasher is reduced. The structure may further include one or more layers of foam for absorbing sound and one or more layers of vinyl for converting sound into heat. Panels of the laminated structure may be positioned in, around, and along the toe plate assembly, the door assembly, the base and tub of the dishwasher, and framing elements of the dishwasher.
US07981221B2

Methods and apparatus for cleaning a substrate (e.g., wafer) in the fabrication of semiconductor devices utilizing electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids to remove contaminant residual particles from the substrate surface are provided.
US07981217B2

Disclosed herein is a vertical heat treatment apparatus which includes a thermal reactor having a reactor opening, a cover that hermetically closes the reactor opening, a holder that holds a large number of to-be-processed substrates via a ring-shaped support plate in such a manner as to arrange the substrates vertically at predetermined intervals, and an elevator mechanism that loads the holder into and unloads the holder from the thermal reactor. A transfer mechanism has a plurality of transfer plates that are arranged at predetermined intervals to carry to-be-processed substrates, and transfers the to-be-processed substrates between the storage container and the holder. The support plate is divided into an outer support plate and an inner support plate. The outer support plate has a cutout section through which the transfer plates can vertically pass to transfer the to-be-processed substrates. The inner support plate is placed at the inner periphery of the outer support plate and provided with a block section for blocking up the cutout section. Therefore, a plurality of to-be-processed substrates can be transferred at a time to the holder having the ring-shaped support plate. This makes it possible to reduce the transfer time, increase the processing volume, and provide increased throughput.
US07981216B2

A vacuum processing apparatus, including a reactor and a partitioning plate having a plurality of through-holes through which radicals are allowed to pass and separating the reactor into a plasma generating space and a substrate process space, the process, such as a film deposition process, being carried out on a substrate placed in the substrate process space by delivering a gas into the plasma generating space for generating a plasma, producing radicals with the plasma thus generated, and delivering the radicals through the plurality of through-holes on the partitioning plate into the substrate process space. The partitioning plate includes a partitioning body having a plurality of through-holes and a control plate disposed on the plasma generating space side of the partitioning body and having radical passage holes in the positions corresponding to the plurality of through-holes on the partitioning plate.
US07981215B2

Single crystal MoO3 nanowires were produced using an electrospinning technique. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that the 1-D nanostructures are from 10-20 nm in diameter, on the order of 1-2 μm in length, and have the orthorhombic MoO3 structure. The structure, crystallinity, and sensoric character of these electrostatically processed nanowires are discussed. It has been demonstrated that the non-woven-network of MoO3 nanowires exhibits higher sensitivity and an n-type response to NH3 as compared to the response of a sol-gel based sensor.
US07981212B2

A flash lamp annealing device comprises a heater plate, a loader, a lamp set and a control circuit. The heater plate heats a wafer to a predetermined temperature. The wafer is loaded on the loader disposed on the heater plate. The lamp set has one or a plurality of lamps to provide the wafer with a power. The control circuit is coupled to the lamp set to control the flash time of the lamp set.
US07981208B2

The present invention relates to phthalocyanine compound of poly cross-linking type which is represented with the below formula 1 and is useful for preventing forgery and alternation due to a rapid velocity being responded to a gamma ray of Neutron, and an ink composition comprising it. wherein, M1 and M2 are any one selected from a group consisted of a metal, a metal oxide or a metal halide respectively and may be same or different, R is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, a hydroxysulfonyl group, an aminosulfonyl group, or an alky group having a substituent group having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of 0˜3.
US07981200B2

A flare stack that preferably comprises a burner assembly, an exhaust stack, an housing, and a fuel line. The burner assembly burns a fuel to generate thermal energy and combustion byproducts. The exhaust stack is cooperatively associated with the burner assembly to direct the thermal energy and combustion byproducts away from the burner assembly. The housing at least partially defines a fluid-receiving chamber in thermal communication with the exhaust stack. The fluid-receiving chamber has a heat-transfer fluid disposed therein. The fuel line is in fluid communication with the burner assembly to deliver fuel to the burner assembly. At least a portion of the fuel line is in thermal communication with at least one of the exhaust stack, housing, or heat-transfer fluid to permit fuel in the fuel line to absorb thermal energy before reaching the burner assembly. In one embodiment, the burner assembly includes a pressure-variable burner to increase the rate of fuel consumption of the burner in relation to the pressure in the fuel line. In the preferred embodiment, the housing has an inlet and an outlet formed therethrough in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving chamber. The inlet permits heat-transfer fluid to flow into the fluid-receiving chamber to absorb thermal energy from the exhaust stack, and the outlet permits heat-transfer fluid to flow out of the fluid-receiving chamber.
US07981189B2

The invention has a captive tooless fastener for securing the engine intake air filter. The tooless fastener comprises shaft and associated bodies. The body has two arms oriented about 180 degrees apart. The shaft is threaded through a sealing washer and an aperture in a closed end cap of the air filter. The shaft is expanded so it cannot be removed from the end cap. The body's threaded inner diameter mates with a threaded portion of a central shaft in an air filter housing. The body's arms are rotated to screw the fastener and the shaft of the housing together. When tightened, the sealing washer closes the aperture. To remove the air filter, the fastener is unscrewed from the shaft of the housing and in the shaft floats in the aperture. A person in the field can remove the air filter by inserting fingers under the arms and pulling.
US07981183B2

An air cleaner includes a housing and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing can be reached through an opening in a side wall of the housing. A filter element having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner. The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element into sealing engagement with the housing. The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes pushing the filter element against a pivot region in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing.
US07981179B2

An air cleaner includes an air intake port and an exhaust port on a side opposite to the intake port. A filter extends to the exhaust port side from the intake port side and divides the air cleaner into suction side and exhaust side air chambers. A distance between a side wall part of the suction side air chamber and the filter gradually decreases to the back of the suction side air chamber from the intake port. A distance between a side wall part of the exhaust side air chamber and the filter gradually increases to the exhaust port.
US07981175B2

A self-cleaning blow-off for a rotary air screen, includes a blow-off channel including an inlet disposed for receiving a flow of air from a pressurized air source, and a movable blow-off channel section configured and supported to be movable between an operational position disposed adjacent to a portion of the air screen for directing the flow of air for blowing debris and dirt from the screen, and a cleaning position disposed away from the screen such that accumulated debris and dirt in the blow-off section will be released. And, an actuator is connected to and controllably operable for moving the movable blow-off section between the operating position and the cleaning position. The actuator can be controlled to move the movable blow-off section to the cleaning position periodically, as desired, or responsive to an input.
US07981171B2

Reactors and methods that generate hydrogen from fuel, such as naturally-occurring or synthesized hydrocarbon fuel. One embodiment of the reactor comprises a CO2/H2 active membrane piston disposed inside a cylinder that provides for highly efficient and scalable hydrogen generation from hydrocarbon fuels. This embodiment may function in a two or four stroke modes. Another embodiment of the reactor comprises a dual piston configuration having CO2 and H2 active membrane pistons inside a single cylinder. Other embodiments of the reactor comprise flexible membranes or diaphragms that operate in a manner similar to pistons with or without regeneration of residual reaction products. Exemplary methods introduce fuel into a controllable volume, selectively control pressure, temperature and residence time of the fuel within the controllable volume, chemically react the fuel within the controllable volume with one or more catalysts to produce one or more chemical species, selectively remove via a membrane one or more of the chemical species from the controllable volume, and exhaust residual products from the controllable volume.
US07981168B2

Ceramic materials that are highly resistant to strong acids such as concentrated sulfuric acid and halides such as hydrogen iodide are employed to make block elements through which a large number of circular ingress channels extend in perpendicular directions and which are joined and piled in the heat exchanging medium section to provide a compact heat exchanger that excels not only in corrosion resistance but also in high-temperature strength.
US07981163B2

A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.
US07981162B2

A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis positionable at the gastro-esophageal junction region, preferably below the z-line. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed such that an opening at its proximal end receives masticated food from the esophagus, and such that the masticated food passes through the pouch and into the stomach via an opening in its distal end.
US07981161B2

The system to implant a prosthetic device in a long bone such as a femur or a humerus includes a stem implant having a recess. The system of present invention also includes a broach to prepare the long bone that may receive the stem implant. The broach also has a recess that is similar to the recess in the stem implant. An adapter of a generally rectangular shape similar to the recess fits snugly in the recess in the stem implant. A trial neck that fits snugly in the recess formed in the adapter is also provided. A trial head may be assembled on the trial neck. A neck similar to the trial neck can be inserted in place of trial neck. A head may be assembled on the proximal end of the neck. A system for implantation of a prosthetic device in a long bone may be made available as a kit that includes at least two stems having the adapter inserted in each of the stem, at least two trial necks, at least two trial heads, at least two necks and at least two heads.
US07981157B2

Embodiments of the invention include expandable, implantable devices and methods having internally contained expansion mechanisms. Devices expand linearly to provide secure fixation between or among anatomical structures. In some embodiments, an implant replaces one or more vertebral bodies of the spine.
US07981155B2

An accommodating intraocular lens comprising an optic made from solid silicone and liquid silicone. The optic has a central anterior area or membrane that can vary in radius and thus change power.
US07981140B2

A chain of loops of braided high strength suture for soft tissue to bone fixation. The suture chain is advantageous for use in knotless fixation of soft tissue to bone, and can be used for knotless side-to-side suturing of U-shaped defects, such as rotator cuff tears. The soft tissue to bone fixation includes: (i) providing a first medial row constructed with a first plurality of fixation devices, at least one of the first plurality of fixation devices being an anchor; (ii) providing a second lateral row constructed with a second plurality of fixation devices, at least one of the second plurality of fixation devices being a knotless fixation device; (iii) providing a suture loop construct that includes at least two loops formed of and connected by suture; and (iv) fixating the suture loop construct so that it extends over the soft tissue and is secured in place by at least one of the fixation devices or anchors.
US07981136B2

The present development includes an elongated flexible base strip having its bottom surface coated with an adhesive material suitable for adherence to skin and constructed with bridging links spaced along the inner edge of the base strip and extending outwardly therefrom. The inner edge of the base strip is intended to be aligned adjacent to a lip of the wound being treated. Each of the bridging links has an adhesive coated section displaced from the inner edge. In the packaged or stored position, prior to engagement, the bridging links are folded over the upper surface of the adhesive strip about a hinge that is at the joint of the bridging link to the base strip.
US07981135B2

The invention provides an article of clothing having a tourniquet affixed to the clothing at one end of the tourniquet, the tourniquet comprising a band comprised of an elastic and flexible material, the band having a width and a length, a first end and a second end, and a first face and second face, where at least a portion of the first face comprises hook-type fastener means, and where the second face comprises loop-type fastener means.
US07981129B2

A system for opening a lumen in an occluded blood vessel, e.g.., a coronary bypass graft, of a living being. The method entails using an instrument to deploy the stent at occlusive material within the blood vessel to open the lumen, whereupon some debris may be produced. Operating a debris extraction system for removing debris during deployment of the stent.
US07981125B1

A solution is provided to push a knot and/or cut a suture using a housing having a tip, a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side having a recessed center. The housing further has at least one slit positioned at the tip, and a blade moveable between retracted and extended positions, and positioned within the housing such that the blade passes through the slit as it is moved from the retracted position to the extended position within the slit. A notch may be positioned at the tip to push the knot to a desired position.
US07981123B2

The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, said rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during said tension.
US07981122B2

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a surgical instrument for providing an access to a target of interest of a living subject. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument has a bearing member, a shaft member and a probe. The bearing member has a first end portion, an opposite, second end portion, a body portion defined therebetween having a longitudinal axis, and a shoulder portion extending from the second end portion. The body portion defines a bore therein along the longitudinal axis. The shoulder portion defines a passage substantially coaxial with and in communication with the bore. The shaft member has an first end portion and an opposite, second end portion, and is slidably received in the bore of the bearing member. The shaft member defines a space extending from the first end portion to the second end portion. The probe has a working end portion and is received in the space of the shaft member such that the working end portion is extendable through the passage of the shoulder portion of the bearing member to reach a target of interest of a living subject so as to provide an access thereto.
US07981118B2

The present invention provides an improved orthopaedic system for the modification of the distance between the contralateral maxillary segments or halves. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes two metal bone plates fixed on the bony palatal shelves, with slotted extensions which opposite internal walls have concave indents into which disk-shaped wings of interchangeable distraction modules fit. The in the palatal plane concave female indent and the convex male wing prevent distraction module dislocation in case of oblique placement in the axial plane. In the frontal plane, the male wings are straight.The extension on the abutment plate has a slit like opening at the caudal side, to be fitted by a suture or a wire of any kind material, passing also in an opening in the male wing of the distraction module, to allow for assembling the units before fixation in the bony palatal shelve.The abutment plate is made partly malleable for an improved accommodation to the local alveolar bony anatomy.The opposing ends of the abutment plate have a shape allowing the anterior side to slip under the mucoperiosteum similar to a dissecting instrument, and the posterior end rounded and blunt in a way to protect the palatal arterioles.The abutment plates are provided by a slotted hole or slotted holes to accommodate the osteosynthesis screws or tacks in a preferred position related to the adjacent dental roots.
US07981117B2

A screw placement guide tool for use in minimally invasive surgery has a proximal handle portion, an extension member extending distally from the handle portion, and an alignment element connected transversely to a distal portion of the extension member and having a screw placement guide located thereon. In this aspect of the invention, the tool is configured so that a surgeon may operate the tool using the handle portion external to a patient's body to align the alignment element with implanted screws so that the screw placement guide indicates a desired position for implantation of an additional screw. Systems and methods for placing a rod receiving screw are also provided.
US07981110B2

A medical device is provided having a means for actuating a pair of opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position, wherein the jaw members are disposed in a spaced apart relation relative to one another, to a second position, wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. An ablation mechanism is connected to at least one of the jaws members, such that the jaw members are capable of conducting ablation energy through the tissue grasped therebetween.
US07981102B2

Some embodiments of an infusion pump system includes a controller device that is configured to removably attach to a pump device in a manner that provides a secure fitting, an overall compact size, and a reliable electrical connection. In particular embodiments, the controller device can be secured to the pump device in a generally side-by-side arrangement. The compact size can enhance the discreteness and portability of the infusion pump system.
US07981093B2

A method of making a multilumen catheter assembly to include a unitary portion and at least two distal end tubes extending distally from the unitary portion. The unitary portion includes an exterior having a generally circular or oval shape in cross section and includes at least two distal end tubes of generally semi-circular (or other) cross sectional shape extending longitudinally therethrough. The catheter assembly may be made by extruding a unitary tube having internal longitudinally extending lumens (of semi-circular or other shape), then splitting the tube on its distal end portion to form distal end tubes. The tubes are then ground and polished, the finished tubes retaining in combination the cross sectional shape of the unitary extrusion, or the finished tubes can each be finished to another cross sectional shape, or the finished tubes could include a combination of cross sectional shapes over their longitudinal lengths.
US07981092B2

Devices and methods are provided for removing fluid from a trocar or from surgical instruments passed therethrough, and for preventing such fluid from accumulating. For example, an exemplary method for removing fluid from a trocar can include positioning a trocar to extend into a body cavity and vibrating the trocar to prevent fluid in the trocar from being deposited on surgical instruments passed therethrough. In one embodiment, the trocar can be selectively vibrated by activating a foot pedal or remote control, or according to an output of a sensor.
US07981089B2

A needle assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle hub, a metal cannula and a plastic tip. The needle hub defines a fluid flow path therethrough. The metal cannula is supported on a distal end of the needle hub, where the metal cannula defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the needle hub. The plastic tip member is connected to a distal end of the metal cannula, where the plastic tip member defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the metal cannula. Plastic tip further includes a channel groove that runs along the length of the plastic tip to allow fluid to flow into a distal end of the metal cannula. Additionally, the plastic tip member is configured to pierce a septum of a vial.
US07981086B2

A surgical access apparatus includes a housing, an access member extending from the housing and having a longitudinal passageway for passage of an object and defining trailing and leading ends and an elongated seal mechanism mounted relative to the housing. The elongated seal mechanism includes a trailing hub and a leading hub longitudinally spaced from the trailing hub, and being adapted for relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of spokes extending between and connected to the trailing hub and the leading hub, and an elongated seal member disposed within the spokes and adapted to establish a sealing relation about the object. The spokes define a first minimum internal dimension in a first condition thereof in the absence of an object and defining a second minimum internal dimension in a second condition thereof upon insertion of the object and relative rotation of the trailing hub and the leading hub. The second minimum internal dimension is greater than the first minimum internal dimension. The at least two of the spokes are generally obliquely arranged at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis when in the first condition thereof and are adapted to be generally arranged at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis when in the second condition thereof, the second angle being less than the first angle.
US07981082B2

A method and pump that accurately senses air in a fluid delivery line pulses or activates and deactivates the air sensor(s) multiple times during the pumping phase of the fluid delivery cycle and can generate alarms based upon a single indication or a cumulative indication of air in the line. The pump can include multiple air sensors spaced along the delivery line so that the method can use the multiple signals therefrom to distinguish real moving air bubbles from false positives and/or air bubbles adhered to the inner wall of the line.
US07981076B2

A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained multi-component substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. The device can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact and a pressurization system provides a pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. Improvements to dry powdered formulations for reconstitution for preferred use in the device are also disclosed.
US07981054B2

A device for collecting, shipping and analyzing a pathological specimen comprises a collector stick projecting from the inside of the stopper of a first tubular vessel containing a solution. The bottom of the vessel has a hole sealed by a frangible barrier. When the first vessel is inserted into a second vessel containing a signaling element and having a pintle projecting inwardly from its bottom, the frangible barrier is broken by the pintle and part of the solution flows into the second vessel where it contacts the signaling element. A pin projecting from the inside of a cover for the second vessel punctures the stopper of the first vessel facilitating the flow of solution from the first to the second vessel. The analytical process can be performed in the absence of any contacting or manipulating of the first vessel and specimen collector by simply screwing the cap to its farthest position.
US07981051B2

The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.
US07981047B2

An automated method for treating tinnitus by habituation through use of neurological feedback, comprising the steps of connecting a subject through a set of attached headphones to an electronic sound player that is connected to a PC workstation presenting sound examples by software to the subject who can refine them by manipulating a series of controllers on the player, making an electronic recording of the sound in a digital music format, storing the recording in the computer, transferring a copy of the electronic sound file to the subject's electronic music player, generating an EEC signature of the subject's brain activity in response to the presented sound, sound using the customized sound to stimulate the auditory system while the brain activity is recorded, wherein the computer continuously monitors for the feedback signatures and drives the sound stimuli appropriately.
US07981040B2

A method of ultrasonic detection and localization of contrast agent microbubbles wherein the decision as to whether or not the received ultrasonic signals indicate the presence of a single microbubble or a small microbubble population is made by analyzing the projections of the spectra of said received ultrasonic signals in multidimensional spaces, and by comparing such projections with the projections in said multidimensional spaces of sample control signals corresponding to known conditions of presence and/or absence of single microbubbles and/or small microbubble populations.
US07981033B2

The invention relates to a tonometric device (20) for examination of respiratory insufficiency and regional tissue perfusion failure in patients, comprising a distal end (22), a section (24) to be introduced into the body, and a fixing part (3). The section (24) to be introduced comprises a first tube (1) to which an additional tubing (4) is connected. A second tube (2) is arranged substantially parallel with the first tube (1). At least the section (24) of the first tube (1) is made of a material permeable for gases, especially for carbon' dioxide, but substantially impermeable for body fluids, preferably of silicone rubber. The device does not comprise any balloon, it can be introduced into the patient stomach without preliminary preparation, and is useful for examination of premature babies.
US07981032B2

Some embodiments of the invention provide a system to monitor a patient. In some aspects, a signal representing a value of a physiological parameter is received from a monitoring device. The received value is a value that caused the monitoring device to trigger an alarm associated with the psychological parameter. A notification is determined based on the received signal and on a second signal that represents a value of a second physiological parameter. The notification is then presented to an operator.
US07981030B2

Methods and devices for performing percutaneous surgery in a patient are provided. A retractor includes a working channel formed by a first portion coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions are movable relative to one another from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration to increase the size of the working channel along the length of the working channel while minimizing trauma to skin and tissue.
US07981029B2

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. Instruments are engageable to the first and second portions and operable to move the first and second portions relative to one another.
US07981028B2

A curving control device to which an electrically-controlled endoscope is connected has a main CPU for primarily performing curving driving control, and a monitoring CPU for monitoring whether the operating state relating to curving actions is normal or abnormal. IN the event of detecting an abnormality from the monitoring CPU, the curving control device also performs processing for handling the occurrence of the abnormality, such as outputting an emergency stop through an interlock via the main CPU, turning the main power and the like of a servo driver OFF.
US07981019B2

An apparatus for separating a volume of composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprising a centrifuge having a rotor with a turntable for supporting a separation bag; a central compartment for containing satellite bags, and fitted with a support member for supporting at least one satellite bag so that a liquid contained in the supported satellite bag drains from the supported satellite bag into the separation bag under centrifugation forces when the rotor is set in rotation.
US07981014B2

A resistance system for an exercise device includes a frame, a resistance element such as elastic bands, coil springs, weight plates, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. An interference element such as a plate, chain or one or more links is supported by a support plate mounted on the frame. Selective engagement with the resistance element is provided by actuation of a dial, other actuator or controller or directly by the user. Thereby the resistance element can be selectively engaged or disengaged to vary the resistance to the user.
US07981008B1

An industrial stilt generally includes a floor-engaging member having a heel portion and a toe portion, a load-bearing riser pivotally coupled with the heel portion of the floor-engaging member, a biasing assembly pivotally coupled with and between the toe portion of the floor-engaging member and the load-bearing riser, a foot-engaging member, a leg support assembly, and a leg cuff assembly. The biasing assembly assists in preventing excessive forward or backward leans and maintains the load-bearing riser and the user in a substantially vertical, upright position. The position of the leg cuff assembly on the user's leg and the user's elevation may be easily and safely adjusted using bracket and load-bearing riser adjustment and locking assemblies. Foot-engaging member is provided with multiple securing straps and ratchet buckle assemblies to permit secure and adjustable attachment of the stilt to the user's foot, and leg cuff assembly is provided with a strap, ratchet assembly, and cuff pad to enhance adjustment and user comfort.
US07981004B2

An elevated adventure course, having an entrance-exit platform connected to a support member; a tracking member secured to a top portion of the support member; an element secured to said support member; and a path defined by a plurality of the elements that leads to a second entrance-exit platform.
US07981003B1

The present invention combines an articulated stilt with a rear-mounted leg support or brace behind the leg of the user. The articulating stilt has a foot operative to contact a surface to be traversed, a boot rest operative to support a human foot thereon extending in a longitudinal direction between a heel region and toe region and thereby defining a longitudinal axis, and at least two risers extending between the foot and boot rest coupled thereto through pivotal joints. The rear leg brace has an upper leg binding, and an extension coupling the upper leg binding to articulating stilt. According to further manifestations, the rear leg brace may be fixed or pivotal relative to the risers, and when pivotal, may be adjusted to user preferred angular orientations. The use of a rear-mounted brace eliminates undesirable torque during movement, enabling a more anatomically and bio-mechanically correct movement. This bio-mechanically correct movement results in less stress on muscles and joints and in turn allows a user to work more comfortably for extended periods of time.
US07981002B2

A computer-implemented method and/or computer program product for developing a physical fitness regimen, including establishing individualized physical fitness parameters based upon individualized information; obtaining physical fitness data from one or more computer database sources; developing a physical fitness regimen based upon the individualized information and the physical fitness data.
US07980989B2

A double clutch of a double clutch transmission is described and illustrated, and can include an inner clutch which is connected to an inner shaft and has an inner disk carrier for inner disks; an outer clutch which is connected to a hollow shaft arranged co-axially with respect to the inner shaft and has an outer disk carrier for outer disks; and a drive member arranged on a drive shaft and having inner and outer drive disks which can be operatively connected to the inner or outer disks and which form an inner clutch pack or an outer clutch pack together with the disks; wherein a common disk carrier for both clutch packs is attached to the drive member; the disk carrier includes two hubs associated with the clutch packs and engaged within one another; and each hub comprises a plurality of teeth.
US07980984B2

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake.
US07980979B2

A junction for a conveyor belt that includes first and second half-junctions attachable to one end of the conveyor belt. Each of the half-junctions having substantially matching shapes that allow the half-junctions to be interlinked. The half-junctions include a flexible core, and being respectively equipped with cup inserts and bush inserts allowing the passage of an assembly mechanism. Each of the cores extend towards the inside of each half-junction forming a fold at a free edge of each of the half-junctions. The top level of the first half-junction contains the fold and in which a front edge of the bottom level has substantially the same shape as a front edge of the top level, but is shifted towards the rear at least by the distance that separates the front edge of the top level from the cup inserts that are the furthest from the front edge of the top level. The second half-junction has a top level in which the shape of a front edge of the top level matches that of the front edge of the matching first half-junction, and a bottom level containing the fold and the bush inserts. The front edge of the bottom level is shifted towards the front in relation to the front edge of the top level, and its shape matches that of the front edge of the bottom level of the first half-junction. The attachment of the first and second half-junctions with each other is provided by fasteners.
US07980975B2

A drive configuration for driving one or more rotating sprockets (e.g., of an engine drive train), including a flexible force transmitting member forming a closed curve enclosing an area; a drive sprocket situated outside the area and driving the force transmitting member; first and second pulleys situated at least partially within the area and on opposing sides of the drive sprocket so as to urge the force transmitting member against the drive sprocket; and one or more driven sprockets each coupled to the force transmitting member. The drive configuration may include a cartridge including a base, one or more secondary pulleys being situated on opposing sides of the first pulley such that a timing belt is urged into contact with a drive sprocket and each of the pulleys. Accordingly, a timing belt may be rapidly installed or removed by inserting or removing the cartridge according to the present invention.
US07980973B1

An electrically actuated continuously variable transmission (CVT) with an electric motor coaxially mounted on one of the pulleys of the CVT and having its rotor and stator both rotating with the pulley. One of two portions of the pulley is fixed-mounted on an engine shaft or other power source shaft, and the second is relatively axially movable with respect to the first. The rotor is rotatably fixed to the second pulley portion in certain embodiments, and is rotatably connected to it in other embodiments.
US07980971B2

Disclosed is a self-propelled football with an internally ducted fan and electric motor. An exemplary embodiment has an oblate spheroidal body. The body has a front section, a center section, a back section, and a longitudinal axis. The ducted fan is located within the body substantially within the center section and substantially along the longitudinal axis. The electric motor is located within the body and mechanically coupled to the ducted fan. At least one electrical power source is located within the body and electrically coupled to the electric motor. At least one air-inlet is located within the front section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. At least one air-outlet is located within the back section of the body in airflow communication with the ducted fan. A means for automatic activation and deactivation of the electrical motor is located within the body.
US07980970B2

A bat for baseball or softball of the present invention includes a first tube having an impact part, a step part and a stopper part, a cylindrical second tube, a fixing component being inserted between the first tube and second tube, the step part having an exterior diameter larger than that of the impact part and smaller than an interior diameter of the second tube, the stopper part having an exterior diameter larger than that of the step part and larger than the interior diameter of the second tube, the second tube is arranged on an exterior periphery of the impact part, one end of the second tube is fixed between the stopper part and the step part by an adhesive and the other end is fixed by an adhesive on the fixing component, and a crevice is formed between the first tube and the second tube.
US07980967B2

The present invention includes programs, devices and methods for a programmable ball throwing machine that is able to eject balls to preset, programmed or manually-selected positions with programmable projection and travel characteristics. The present invention includes a computer implemented method for controlling the parameters of a ball flight and trajectory in three dimensions including one or more parameters to identify a flight and trajectory of a ball in three dimensions for one or more player positions and a processor to control one or more motors in response to the one or more parameters.
US07980960B2

An iron-type golf club includes a conventional-weight section, a lightweight section and a heavyweight section. The conventional-weight section includes the hitting face and at least a portion of the hosel. The heavyweight section, made of a denser material than the conventional-weight section, includes the sole and an optional back flange. The lightweight section, made of a material less dense than either of the other sections, includes a core to which the other two sections are secured, such as by co-molding the core to the other two sections. The heavyweight section includes anchoring structures to which the lightweight section can securely attach. This arrangement maintains the overall weight of the club head compared to a similarly proportioned conventional club head while shifting the center of gravity low and aft. As such, the club head provides benefits such as forgiveness for thin shots, heel/toe shots, and provides longer drives with less roll.
US07980957B2

The combination of a truly realistic three dimensional real image in color and a second device to produce a repetitive passage of a solid object through the real image creates the illusion of one solid body passing through another. A simple method of accomplishing this is to mount a clockworks with a pendulum over or under the image and allow a pendulum end to pass periodically through the real image. Other means such as a device running on a circular track could accomplish the same illusory effect. The pendulum end or the device can take various forms as can the real image. In principle the designs are not limited in size. Further, an amusement ride is contemplated by directing a track with a vehicle and a rider in the vehicle at the proper angle toward the real image creating an exciting visual moment passing through the apparently solid object.
US07980956B2

A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth.
US07980950B2

A game control program includes a coordinates receiving step for receiving coordinates in a virtual apace, coordinates being input by a player, a course generating step for generating a course according to the coordinates input by the player, along which course a character moves in the virtual space, a course segment setting step for dividing said course into a plurality of segments, a geographical feature setting step for setting geographical features of each of the segments according to geographical position of each of the segments in the virtual space, an event setting step for setting events occurring on each of the segments according to a predetermined random factor, and a character moving step for moving the character in a direction substantially along the segment. A game control machine includes corresponding means.
US07980943B2

The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game, such as a Bingo game, in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game-winning pattern of game indicia on one or more game arrays having unique combinations of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game arrays to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. Once a player matches a game-winning pattern to win the occurrence of the wagering game, the gaming unit may display a plurality of selection symbols, at least one of which may correspond to a game-winning award or a further game array. In the embodiment with the further game array, the indicia on the game array may be compared to the randomly selected game indicia to determine the amount of game-winning award for the player.
US07980942B2

A method and apparatus for playing a variation of keno in which the game player pays to play through any number of methods, reveals whether the player has a winning number of matches by playing a solitaire game, and then receives the appropriate winnings if any. The solitaire game may be played, for example, over the Internet or other network using a computer system. The computer system may be, for instance, a cell phone, a personal computer, a set-top box, kiosk, or other computing system.
US07980937B2

In an instant lottery ticket system having a lottery administration host computer that includes a ticket validation file, security of the validation file is provided by an audit system that allows periodic audits of the validation file. Audit data, based on ticket data that is used to print the instant lottery tickets, can be compared to the information in the validation file to confirm the integrity of the validation file. The audit data can include all or a portion of the records that should be in the validation file or selected portions of data in the records such as ticket redemption values. Alternatively, the audit data can be computed from the ticket data into a data string for comparison with a data string computed from the validation file. Security can be further enhanced by incorporating time or other variable data in the data strings. The audit data can be transmitted to the host computer or placed on a read only memory for use by the host computer in the audit process.
US07980932B2

Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases such as long shot bias and favorite bias. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may be formulated to exploit biases relating to the Monty Hall paradox. Games related to the provision of information are described. Games may include wagering on hands of cards, e.g., poker wagering games.
US07980931B1

Methods are implemented in a computer system with one or more processors configured to execute one or more computer program modules in which one or more computer program modules configured to communicate with electronic storage media that stores a set of at least six colors and questions having multiple answers, one of which is a predicted answer, individual questions and their predicted answers being based at least in part on unique color pair personality profiles determined from a color pair and its selection ordering, wherein the set of colors is displayed to a first user and a set of color selections is received from the first user which establish three color pairs (the first being a most liked and second most liked color pair, the second being a third and a fourth most liked color pair, the third being the most liked and the least liked color pair), receiving an answering player's selection of a chosen answer to each question and displaying an answering player's score, wherein the questions asked include at least one question based at least in part on each of the first and second color pairs, and the answering player's score is calculated based upon a comparison of each answer to the predicted answer and awarding a point total based upon a preselected criterion, and then calculating a total score for the answering player and a fortune is provided based upon a color pair personality profile.
US07980930B2

A game session of the invention comprises, contained within a very short time lapse, the following successive stages: a) selecting a headword that is communicated to the player; b) for each of the N players, determining a first candidate word presenting semantic proximity with the headword, and transmitting said first candidate word to the gaming site, which submits it to a search engine in combination with the headword in order to receive a numerical score; c) presenting the N first candidate words submitted to the site by the various players and then, for each player, selecting from amongst these N words a second candidate word that, on reflection, the player believes represents that one of the first candidate words that corresponds to the highest score obtained during the first game stage. The final stage comprises calculating, for each player, a performance grade as a function at least of the pertinence of the second candidate word submitted during the second game stage, and classifying the players depending on said performance grades.
US07980929B2

An instrument panel is provided for use in a vehicle interior. The instrument panel includes an outer surface, a vent and a step. The vent is arranged along the outer surface to direct forced air toward a specific area of a window in the vehicle. The step is formed along the outer surface of the instrument panel to promote formation of a turbulent buffer that reduces adhesion between air exiting the vent and the outer surface.
US07980922B2

A system and a method of operating a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) system comprises a slurry delivering unit configured for locally varying the supply of slurry while polishing the substrate. To this end, the slurry delivering unit may comprise at least one slurry outlet over a polishing pad of the CMP system, wherein the at least one slurry outlet is controllably movable to distribute slurry over the polishing pad.
US07980913B1

A an interactive play city is disclosed. The play city can act as an educational play or be played as a game. In either case, the play city is formed of connectable members used to form streets and building foundations. Buildings are then connectable to the certain connectable members to form the city. A control unit (e.g., processor) controls city activities including stop lights and building lights, emergency alarms, fires with smoke, day and night, city sound effects, storm sounds, etc. The control unit may control the city activities wirelessly or in a wired configuration and may be housed in one of the city buildings or may be remotely located. Card readers on certain buildings (e.g., bank) provide a mechanism for players to purchase goods and services within the city. The play city provides a realistic forum for children to become associated with everyday life and its ups and downs. A play city game further provides valuable lessons for the players.
US07980912B2

A toy construction set includes jaw pieces having jaws that interconnect with the body portions of other jaw pieces as well as interconnecting with other jaws. Ratchet wheel components are embodied in some jaw pieces and connector pieces, and are engageable by the jaws. The connector pieces include pins that interconnect with sockets in the body portions of the jaw pieces. A swivel piece has pivoting arms that each include a socket to interconnect with the connector pieces. A wheel assembly has an axle piece with sockets that also connect to the pins. Also, struts that comprise a series of space apart ratchet wheels, or regular tubular octagonal polyhedrons, have sockets in their ends to engage connector pieces.
US07980911B2

A light emitting apparatus having light emitting devices having a stack of a light-transmitting anode, a functional layer including at least a light emitting layer, and a cathode for a plurality of pixels corresponding to red, green, and blue colors on a substrate, wherein an optical resonator having a lower-layer-side reflecting layer at a lower-layer side of the anode is formed in the light emitting device, wherein a plurality of the pixels include pixels which correspond to different thicknesses of a anode, and wherein a light-transmitting insulating protective film is formed between the anode and the lower-layer-side reflecting layer to cover the lower-layer-side reflecting layer.
US07980895B2

A method for manufacturing an electrical contact module is provided. First, a lead-frame of electrical conductors is formed, wherein at least one supporting strip is formed in the lead-frame of electrical conductors in such a way as to maintain the electrical conductors in a predetermined position with respect to each other. Then, the lead-frame of electrical conductors is over-molded with a first dielectric material, thereby obtaining a first over-molded lead-frame. At least one aperture is formed in the first over-molded lead-frame so that the at least one supporting strip is accessible. The at least one supporting strip in the first over-molded lead-frame is removed after completion of the over-molding step. A second dielectric material is then over-molded with the first over-molded lead-frame in such manner as to fill the at least one aperture and a space left between the electrical conductors after removal of the at least one supporting strip.
US07980891B2

An electronics module includes a base including a recess adapted to receive an associated mounting rail such as a DIN rail. At least one rail constraining tab is located adjacent a first side of the recess and is adapted to capture a first flange of the associated mounting rail in the recess. First and second flexible resilient latch arms are located adjacent a second side of the recess. The first and second flexible latch arms include respective first and second locking tabs connected thereto, wherein the first and second locking tabs project into the recess and are located to capture a second flange of the associated mounting rail in the recess when the first and second latch arms are in respective latched positions, and wherein the first and second locking tabs are withdrawn from the recess when the first and second latch arms are in respective unlatched positions.
US07980886B2

The invention provides a conducting device having identification function, which includes a device body, a socket part disposed on the device body, a first identification unit and a second identification unit disposed on the device body. Compared with the prior art, the conducting device having identification function of the invention has the first identification unit and the second identification unit. Therefore, it could notice a user that the connecting part provides at least two connecting components having different functions for being identified to be selectively engaged so that the engagement could be more convenient and exacter.
US07980885B2

A plug assembly with strain relief includes a housing and a clamping basket which has radially movable clamping fingers. The clamping basket defines an axis and is constructed to allow insertion of a cable into the housing in a direction of the axis. A rotary sleeve is supported on the housing for rotation but substantially fixed in an axial position with respect to the housing. The rotary sleeve is hereby configured to move an element (e.g. the clamping basket itself, or a pinch ring) in the axial direction, when rotated, to thereby modify a radial position of the clamping fingers.
US07980880B2

The present invention prevents two connector housings of a connector from being in a half-fitted condition by increasing restoring force which separates the two housing. A connector includes: a first connector housing including a lock projection; a second connector housing to be fitted to the first connector housing and integrally including a lock arm which is elastically deformed by the lock projection and is engaged with the lock projection; a lock ensuring member including a body which is attached to the second connector housing and movable between an allowing position and a preventing position, and an interference arm which is integrally provided on the body and includes a pressing projection. The pressing projection presses the lock arm while the lock projection deforms the lock arm at the allowing position, and the interference arm abuts the lock arm so as to prohibit the lock arm from deforming in the preventing position.
US07980869B1

A safety socket for receiving terminals of a plug includes a socket housing where at least two electrodes are mounted, a socket cover coupled with the socket housing and defining at least two inserting apertures corresponding to the electrodes, and an insulating baffle rotatably located above the electrodes by a torsional spring and having at least two gaps opened at intervals along a circle of which a center is at the rotation axis of the insulating baffle, and at least two driven slopes arranged alternately with the gaps along the circle. The driven slopes movably block between the inserting apertures and the corresponding electrodes. The terminals pass through the inserting apertures and act on the driven slopes to drive the insulating baffle to rotate so as to make the gaps exposed in alignment with the corresponding electrodes. Then the terminals pass through the gaps to be inserted in the electrodes.
US07980867B2

An apparatus for use within an electrical devices is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a casing having an upper body and a lower body, the casing including a tab disposed on a surface thereof and an adjustable base having a plurality of tab cavities adjacent to the tab. The tab engagingly couples to one of the plurality of tab cavities to secure the adjustable base. The apparatus also includes a connector system coupled to the adjustable base.
US07980865B2

A separable electrical connection may be provided with a landside pad on one of two electrical components to be joined. The landside pad may be made up of two parts, including a flat portion and a raised edge formed on the flat portion. In some embodiments, the raised edge may have a closed geometric shape. Then, a socket contact engaging the junction between the flat portion and the raised edge is prevented from sliding off of the landside pad by the raised edge. In addition, dual areas of electrical connection can be established between both the flat portion and raised edge of the landside pad and the correspondingly shaped pair of portions on the socket. This increases the electrical efficiency of the connection and its security.
US07980855B1

The present invention relates to, among other things, the interactive reporting of student progress using learning maps.
US07980854B2

A method treating a root canal in a tooth by introducing into the pulp chamber of a tooth and pulsing a laser light into the fluid reservoir so as to disintegrate pulp within the root canal without generation of any significant heat in said liquid fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.
US07980853B2

The apical third of a root canal is cleaned and/or shaped during a root canal procedure with an endodontic file made from a titanium-based alloy either by reciprocating manual use or by using a reciprocating powered hand piece. The titanium-based endodontic file has super-elastic properties that allow it to be very flexible and strong. The endodontic file is rotated in the apex of a root canal in degrees of rotation less than 120 degrees. By restricting the degree of rotation, excessive cutting by the endodontic file is kept to a minimum. The use of elastic alloys of titanium help prevent ledging or other damage to the root canal wall that may be caused using rigid apical files made of stainless steel.
US07980848B2

A mold for molding a lens includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part includes a substantially frustoconical guiding chamber defined therein, and a first molding surface in the substantially frustoconical guiding chamber. The second mold part includes a main body having a substantially frustoconical protrusion with a substantially cylindrical recess defined therein. The substantially frustoconical protrusion has a second molding surface in the substantially cylindrical recess. The substantially frustoconical protrusion is configured for inserting into and matingly engaged in the substantially frustoconical guiding chamber of the first mold part, thus aligning the first molding surface with the second molding surface.
US07980844B2

Torques and resin pressures applied to a screw are detected during the forward movement of the screw and coefficients of correlation between the detected torques and resin pressures are calculated. When the check ring is open, the flight of the screw receives resin pressure, and the screw torque increases proportionally to the resin pressure due to resin backflow, so the coefficients of correlation between the screw torques and the resin pressures are higher than a reference value. When the check ring closes, the flight of the screw no longer receive resin pressure, so the screw torque decreases and the coefficients of correlation become lower than the reference value. The check ring is determined to be closed when the coefficients of correlation become lower than the reference value.
US07980842B2

A mold assembly for an automated dry-cast block machine including a mold cavity formed by a plurality of frame elements, and a moveable liner plate positioned within the mold cavity and having a first major surface facing an interior of the mold cavity and a second major surface opposite the first major surface and facing away from the interior of the mold cavity, the liner plate configured to be moved toward and away from an interior of the mold cavity. At least one heater element is coupled to the second major surface of the moveable liner plate, the heater element configured to move with the moveable liner plate and to maintain the first major surface at a desired temperature.
US07980840B2

A mold and method for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding of a fiber reinforced laminated structure are provided. The mold includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part defines a negative impression of the laminated structure, being structurally stable and forming a support for fiber reinforcement layers of the laminated structure. The second mold part connectable to the first mold part for closing the mold and defines together with the first mold part an enclosed space which can be evacuated. The mold further includes a flow duct for guiding a liquid polymer which is formed as a recess in the first mold part and/or a recess in the second mold part that is open towards the enclosed space and extends along a section of the periphery of the first mold part and/or the second mold part.
US07980838B2

The present invention relates to an electrospinning apparatus for mass-production of nanofibers, particularly to an electrospinning apparatus with an electric stability and an improved nozzle blocks. The bottom-up electrospinning apparatus for the mass-production of nanofiber comprises at least one nozzle block having a plurality of spinning nozzles arranged in the horizontal and vertical direction; a collector installed over the nozzle blocks in order to correspond to the nozzle blocks and maintain a certain distance in between; a power source to apply voltage difference between the nozzle block and the collector; and a spinning solution container to supply the spinning solution to the nozzle block, wherein the nozzle block and the collector are connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal, respectively and among a plurality of spinning nozzles arranged along the horizontal line, a spinning nozzle in the middle and a spinning nozzle in the end have different height.
US07980827B2

Method and connecting piece for assembling a first and a second arm section in extension of one another in order thus to form at least a part of an arm, preferably a windmill arm, where two arm sections are connected to at least one connecting piece for mounting between the two arm sections. The connecting piece is provided with a first flange for attachment to the end of the first arm section and a second flange for attachment to the end of the second arm section, the first and the second flange being firmly interconnected. The first and the second flange are each provided with at least one hole for a bolt which extends through the hole from the connecting piece and into the adjacent arm section, this bolt or these bolts securing each arm section to the adjacent flange.
US07980826B2

A strengthening structure for a wind turbine blade includes at least one first reinforcement part adapted to be connected to a first blade part of the wind turbine blade, and at least one second reinforcement part adapted to be connected to a second blade part of the wind turbine blade. The strengthening structure is characterized in that the at least one first reinforcement part and/or the at least one second reinforcement part includes an adjusting mechanism enabling that the first reinforcement part and the second reinforcement part are displaceable in relation to each other, at least during the assembly of the wind turbine blade and wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a force mechanism capable of forcing the first reinforcement part and the second reinforcement part away from each other. A wind turbine blade, a method for assembling a wind turbine blade and a use thereof are also contemplated .
US07980825B2

A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor, that is effective yet relatively easy to manufacture, includes spokes, vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke has a hub having a central opening, three arcuate ribs extending radially outwardly from the hub with inner (concave) and outer (convex) surfaces, and channels defined in at least one of the inner and outer surfaces. The vanes of sheet material generally conform to an inner or outer surface of a rib and have openings aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings and cooperate with second fasteners in the channels. Two of the spoke pieces may be joined by a bridging piece, and two spoke pieces by a clamp. A Savonius or helical rotor includes a generator, and a drive connecting the generator and rotor. The drive automatically increases the effective gear ratio between the generator and rotor as the speed of rotation increases.
US07980822B2

A cooling arrangement for a pressure side of an airfoil portion of a turbine engine component is provided. The cooling arrangement comprises a pair of cooling circuits embedded within a wall forming the pressure side. The pair of cooling circuits includes a first serpentine cooling circuit and a second circuit offset from the first serpentine cooling circuit.
US07980820B2

A blade is provided for a turbine engine that includes an exterior surface. The exterior surface includes a portion having a thermal barrier coating and an uncoated shelf adjacent to the thermal barrier coating without the thermal barrier coating. A cooling hole extends from an internal passageway through the exterior surface to an exit. A scarfed channel is recessed in the exterior surface and interconnected to the cooling hole at the exit. The scarfed channel extends to a blade tip end surface. The scarfed channel protects the cooling fluid exiting the cooling hole from secondary flows surrounding the blade that would otherwise mix with and disperse the cooling fluid. The scarfed channels also increase the surface area exposed to the cooling fluid to increase the heat transfer rate.
US07980817B2

A gas turbine engine vane has first and second members. The first member has a first surface section forming a suction side of an airfoil of the vane. The second surface section forms leading and trailing portions of a pressure side of the airfoil. The third surface section forms a recess between the leading and trailing portions. The second member is secured to the first member and has a first surface section forming an intermediate portion of the pressure side a leading protrusion of the second member may be captured by a recess below a lip of the first member.
US07980814B2

A wind turbine comprising a wind turbine rotor with at least one wind turbine blade, a wind turbine tower, such as a standard tubular steel tower, positioned on a foundation and connected to the wind turbine rotor through a wind turbine nacelle, and a control for establishing oscillation control values of the wind turbine. The wind turbine being capable of altering the load for optimizing the tower eigenfrequency in response to acquired values from the controls. The invention also relates to a control system and method for altering the eigenfrequency of a tower of a wind turbine.
US07980808B2

A method and system for automatically loading and unloading a transport is disclosed. A guidance system follows a travel path to a position near the transport and then a sensor profiles a transport so that a transport path is determined for an AGV to follow into the transport to place a load and for exiting the transport upon placement of the load.
US07980798B1

An organization and storage assembly movably coupled with a track having a partially enclosed polygonal channelway, and a base, a mounting lug, a lock actuator, and a first organization and storage accessory. The base is at least partially enclosable in, and slidably translatable along, a polygonal channelway. The mounting lug is mounted to the base to extend exteriorly of the channelway when the base is within the channelway. The lock actuator is movably coupled with the base, for engagement and disengagement of the lock actuator under the influence of a biasing element. A first organization and storage accessory is resiliently coupled with the mounting lug, and can be selectively uncoupled from the mounting lug when the base is at least partially enclosed in a polygonal channelway to enable coupling of a second organization and storage accessory with the mounting lug without uncoupling the organization and storage assembly from a track.
US07980785B2

A locking arrangement for selectively preventing displacement of a tubular article/load support structure (2) circumscribing the upstanding elongate support (1) and adapted for lengthways displacement along upstanding elongated support, wherein the tubular support structure (2) incorporates means (13) for releasably locking the tubular support structure against said lengthways displacement in such manner as to be able to maintain the article/load at any required position relative to the elongate support.
US07980784B2

A flow limiting inlet structure is designed to collect water or other fluids in a pool above grade, and to provide improved capture of sediments and surface pollutants such as oils and greases in the pool, while regulating the flow of water or other fluids during discharge into an outlet pipe. In a conventional storm water detention basin a vertical cylindrical discharge structure can be used to regulate the basin water depth and discharge flow rate of storm water out of the detention basin, in conjunction with the use of a specially designed baffle system that prevents the release of any greases or oils floating on the water surface while capturing any floating trash or debris.
US07980777B2

A pump dispenser has a large ergonomic actuator designed to ergonomically deliver a composition to a substrate in the consumer's hand without the consumer having to pick up the pump dispenser. The ergonomic design allows the composition to be delivered in a proper aspect ratio to the substrate. The composition can be delivered in such a way that the composition is not aerosolized into the air or delivered to an unintended surface. The method of delivery can be made intuitive to the consumer by providing an actuator skirt that suggests the pumping mechanism or by providing a depiction of a hand or substrate over the pump dispenser. The pump dispenser is also useful for compositions or substrates that are not stable together. The pump dispenser may have a dispensing pad that acts as the pump actuator or alternatively, may have a pump actuator that is separate from the dispensing pad.
US07980770B2

A camera manipulation device comprising a plate having a top surface, a mounting element for securing a camera to the top surface of the plate, a handle for a user to hold the camera manipulation device and two or more connector elements for connecting the handle to the mounting plate, wherein each of said connector elements comprises at least one of a first and second pivot element.
US07980764B2

An apparatus and method are described for a fluid dynamic bearing motor as may be utilized in a disc drive memory system. A fluid seal is situated at a first axial end of a bearing, and a grooved pumping seal is situated at a second axial end of the bearing. In an aspect, a fluid recirculation passageway is defined through a shaft and a thrustplate, to recirculate fluid from axially above the grooved pumping seal at the second axial end of the bearing to the first axial end of the bearing. Any air ingested at the grooved pumping seal, or which came out of solution from the fluid, is purged into a fluid reservoir and out the fluid seal. In an aspect, fluid is recirculated from the center of the journal bearing and the bearing pressure grooves to the fluid recirculation passageway and toward an air purging fluid seal.
US07980763B2

A motion guide device having a novel scoop section structure whose scoop section is not likely to break even if a movement member is moved at high speed. A scoop section (22) of a movement block (12) scoops balls (13) that roll in a ball rolling groove (11a) of a raceway rail (11) and introduces them into no-load ball return paths (17, 20). The scoop section (22) is formed in a Gothic arch groove shape in which the scoop section (22) is in two-point contact with a ball (13). In a cross-section orthogonal to the advance direction of the balls (13), an angle (contact angle α) formed by a line L1 that connects a point P at which the scoop section (22) and a ball (13) are in contact and the center C of the ball (13) and a line L2 that connects the center of the ball (13) and a bottom (22a) of the Gothic arch groove-shaped scoop section (22) exceeds 30 degrees and is not more than an angle γ formed by a line L3 that connects the center C of the ball (13) rolling in the ball rolling groove (11a) of the raceway rail (11) and an edge (35) of the ball rolling groove (11a) of the raceway rail (11) and the line L2 that connects the center C of the ball (13) and the bottom of the ball rolling groove (11a).
US07980756B2

This timepiece is provided with a device for the adjustment of functions and time indications comprising a selection control (L) for each time indication which has to be adjusted and a control (T) for adjustment of the said selected time indications. At least the selection control (L) or the indication which has to be adjusted is kinematically linked with a selection cam (C1) comprising a profile corresponding to two states 0, 1, corresponding to a non-selection state and a selection state respectively, the control device comprising means (L1, L2, L3) for connecting the adjustment control (T) to each of the selected time indications.
US07980744B2

An improved formed lighting fixture having a frame, a light source, a cover layer coupled to the frame, and a fibrous layer coupled to the cover layer, in which the frame is formed by gathering a plurality of rods and profiled in a specific contour, the light source is configured to provide light from inside the frame and out through the cover layer onto the fibrous layer. The fibrous layer is configured to provide decorative and functional aspects to the lighting fixture, including, in some embodiments, a contoured or fur-like appearance, or where the fibrous layer has light-diffusive properties, a dazzling glow effect when light from the light source is diffused.
US07980743B2

A display system including a display panel having a first major surface and a second major surface and a lighting system adapted to provide uniform luminance proximal to the display panel is disclosed. The lighting system includes an illuminating substrate having a first major surface with reflective coating and a second major surface. The illuminating substrate defines an array of mounting holes, each hole occupied by an LED module. An array of light emitting diode (LED) modules are affixed to the illuminating substrate, each module including at least one light emitting diode adapted to emit light. The lighting system can also include a diffusant layer which can be optically coupled to the illuminating substrate by soft optical gel and is placed close to or made to contact the display panel. The optical gel may contain phosphors or other optical substance for added optical performance to the lighting system. The diffusant layer has beveled edges at critical angle of refraction or coated with reflective material to minimize light loss at its edges. Each of the LED modules includes at least one LED chip, conductive traces connected to the LED chip and a heat sink.
US07980738B2

A multi-source shadowless operating lamp is disclosed, which includes a central base, a link element received in the central base, and a plurality of spotlights mounted on a peripheral of the central base and spaced a distance apart from each other. A light field is defined below the central base and extends perpendicular to the central base. Each spotlight defines a light focus spot through the light field. The focus spots exactly pass the same height in the light field. Each spotlight includes a lamp shell connecting with the central base, a dissipation substrate accommodated in the lamp shell, and a plurality of LED sets. The LED sets at different positions respectively cast light to the focus spot of the spotlight. An angle between the dissipation substrate and the light shell is adjustable to change position of the focus spot of the spotlight relative to the light field.
US07980736B2

A light fixture assembly including an illumination assembly in the form of one or more light emitting diodes is interconnected to an electrical energy source by control circuitry. A mounting assembly supports the illumination assembly and a cover structure is disposed in heat transferring relation to the mounting assembly, wherein both the mounting assembly and the cover structure are formed of conductive material, thereby effectively dissipating the heat generated by the LED illumination assembly. The illumination assembly is connected to a source and electric energy by a conductor assembly comprising one or more conductive material connectors mechanically interconnecting components of the light fixture into an assembled orientation. A non-conductive insulation assembly isolates each of the one or more conductive connectors from the mounting assembly to avoid electrical contact there between.
US07980732B2

An projector type lamp includes a casing formed with a front open end and configured by connecting an upper casing member and a lower casing member to each other; a concave mirror formed on an inside face of the casing; a light source provided at the first focal point of the concave mirror; a convex lens configured to be held between the upper casing member and the lower casing member at the front open end of the casing and adapted to refract a reflected light that is emitted from the light source and reflected on the concave mirror so as to project a substantially parallel pencil beam forward from the project type lamp; provisional fixers provided on the upper casing member and the lower casing member respectively and configured to latch one another so as to provisionally fix the casing members to one another in place; and a fastener configured to fasten the provisionally-fixed casing members together.
US07980728B2

An exemplary general lighting fixture includes an assembly forming an optical integrating volume for receiving and optically integrating light from one or more solid state light emitters and for emitting integrated light. The assembly includes a reflector having a diffusely reflective interior surface defining a substantial portion of a perimeter of the integrating volume. A light transmissive solid fills at least a substantial portion of the optical integrating volume. A light emitter interface region of the solid, for each solid state light emitter, closely conforms to the light emitting region of the respective emitter. A surface of the transmissive solid conforms closely to and is in proximity with the interior surface of the reflector. The transmissive solid also provides a light emission surface, at least a portion of which forms a transmissive optical passage for emission of integrated light, from the volume, in a direction facilitating a general lighting application.
US07980721B2

An under cabinet light fixture has a housing with outer surface portions thereof adapted to be positioned closely adjacent, spaced-apart from, and substantially parallel to a substantially planar support surface. The housing has a bottom access panel pivotally connected to it, with first and second panel portions so that the bottom access panel pivots between a closed operating condition and an open access condition. A reflector and lamp sockets are connected to the housing and the reflector is positioned to reflect and radiate light toward and through the second panel portion of the bottom access panel to provide enhanced visibility of light radiating from the support surface when the light fixture is in the operating position.
US07980714B2

A display device including a display panel which displays an image and a backlight unit which illuminates a light to the display panel, include the backlight unit with a fixing member fixed on a device casing; a flexible printed circuit substrate which is fixed on the fixing member; and a spacer which is fixed on the flexible printed circuit substrate, wherein the flexible printed circuit substrate in an end part of the display panel is sandwiched between the fixing member and the spacer.
US07980703B2

A projector is provided which includes a distance measuring unit which can accurately measure distances to a plurality of points on a surface of a screen using light rays. The projector of the invention has the distance measuring unit for measuring distances to the plurality of points on the surface of the screen, which includes a plurality of light ray units for irradiating light rays onto the screen and one light receiving element for receiving the light rays which are reflected on the surface of the screen, and a tilt angle calculation unit for calculating a tilt angle of the screen relative to the projector based on the distances to the plurality of points on the surface of the screen which are measured by the distance measuring unit.
US07980701B2

A color combining optical system includes a first polarization splitting surface for light in a first wavelength range, and a second polarization splitting surface for light in a second and third wavelength range. The first polarization splitting surface guides illumination light in the first wavelength range to a first liquid crystal display (LCD) element and guides image light reflected from the first LCD element to a direction different from the illumination light. The second polarization splitting surface separates illumination light in the second and third wavelength range from each other, guides them to a second and third LCD element, respectively, and combines image light reflected from the second LCD element with image light reflected from the LCD element to guide combined light to the first polarization splitting surface which combines the image light reflected from the first LCD element with the combined light.
US07980684B2

A printer is provided with a body having a slot for removably receiving a printing cartridge, a mesa feature arranged in the slot to cooperate with a complementary slot in the fluid distribution support of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer, and protrusions arranged in the slot to cooperate with a flat surface of a plurality of corners of the printing cartridge upon mounting of the printing cartridge to the printer The printing cartridge has at least one printhead integrated circuit with a plurality of fluid ejection nozzles and a fluid distribution support mounting the printhead integrated circuit. The cooperation of the mesa feature and complementary slot and the protrusions and corners provides information on the location of the nozzles.
US07980682B2

A piezoelectric actuator includes first active portion which correspond to a central portion of each of pressure chambers and a second active portion which correspond to a portion, of each of the pressure chambers, located on outer circumferential sides with respect to the central portion of the pressure chamber. The first active portion and the second active portion are deformed by applying the voltage to each of the first and second active portions. The first active portion is polarized in a direction parallel to the electric field generated in the first active portion, and the second active portion is polarized in a direction opposite to the electric field generated in the second active portion, thereby making it possible to suppress the crosstalk even when a high density arrangement of the pressure chambers is realized.
US07980681B2

Disclosed are an ink-jet head and a manufacturing method thereof. The ink-jet head, which has a reservoir storing ink, a chamber being supplied with the ink from the reservoir, a restrictor connecting the reservoir to the chamber, and a nozzle discharging the ink, includes: a chamber plate, in which the chamber is formed; a vibration plate, which is laminated on an upper surface of the chamber plate to cover the chamber and in which a first coil is placed; a first middle plate, which is laminated on a lower surface of the chamber plate and in which the restrictor is formed, and a second coil is placed; and a lower plate part, which is laminated on a lower surface of the first middle plate and in which the reservoir and the nozzle are formed.
US07980677B2

An ink jet recording head includes recording element substrates each including at least one nozzle array and heat generating resistors, a common liquid chamber having introducing and discharging ports, and a supporting member mounting the recording element substrates and in which a plurality of individual liquid chambers for supplying the ink to respective recording element substrates and a plurality of ink inlet ports for supplying the ink from the common liquid chamber to respective individual liquid chambers are formed. The individual liquid chambers are arranged in a direction of flow of the ink from the ink introducing port toward the discharging port. At least in a most upstream individual liquid chamber with respect to the direction, a center line of an associated inlet port with respect to the direction is located downstream of a center line of the upstream individual liquid chamber with respect to the direction.
US07980674B2

An inkjet printer includes a printhead having a plurality of ink chambers fed be an ink inlet, each ink chamber having a heater element for ejecting drops of ink from a nozzle aperture of each chamber; a plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structure positioned between the plurality of ink chambers fed by the ink inlet, the plurality of pressure pulse diffusing structures for retarding a propagation of pressure waves generated by each ink chamber to adjacent ink chambers; and a controller for receiving print data and generating drive pulses to energize the heater elements in accordance with the print data. The controller increases the drive pulse energy during the printhead lifetime such that the drive pulse energy is never less than that of a preceding drive pulse.
US07980671B2

The present application is directed to electrostatic actuators, and methods of making electrostatic actuators. In one embodiment, an electrostatic actuator of the present application comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is positioned in proximity to the first electrode so as to provide a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode is capable of being deflected toward the second electrode. A dielectric structure comprising a dielectric landing post is positioned in the gap between the first electrode and the second electrode, the dielectric structure extending over a greater surface of the gap than the landing post. The landing post protrudes out into the gap so as to limit the minimum contact spacing between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US07980669B2

An inkjet printhead is disclosed. The printhead has an array of ink chambers. Each ink chamber has a nozzle and a thermal actuator for generating vapor bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle. The thermal actuator has a pair of contacts and at least two parallel current paths between the contacts. Each of the current paths has a plurality of heater elements for nucleating a vapor bubble.
US07980666B2

A method of forming a thermal bend actuator in an inkjet nozzle assembly. The method includes: depositing sidewalls and a roof layer to define a nozzle chamber; defining first and second vias in one sidewall to reveal first and second electrodes; filling the vias with a conductive material using electroless plating to provide first and second connector posts; depositing an active beam material onto the roof layer; etching the active beam material to define a planar active beam member comprising a bent or serpentine beam element; and etching the roof layer to define the thermal bend actuator.
US07980665B2

Provided is a printhead assembly for a pagewidth printer. The assembly includes a substrate channel, and a plurality of printhead modules positioned in the channel to form a pagewidth printhead module assembly. Also included are an extrusion for housing bus bars operatively providing electrical power to the printhead modules, and a cover plate securing a flex printed circuit board (PCB) in the assembly, the PCB forming a data bus to the printhead modules. The assembly further includes compressible conductive strips between the busbars abutting contacts on an upper side of parts of the flex PCB, wherein the substrate channel defines a series of groups of holes through which the printhead modules are supplied with differently colored inks.
US07980655B2

A medium is carried to a predetermined position in a carrying direction. A first pattern is formed on the medium with nozzles on the carrying direction upstream side of a nozzle row constituted by a plurality of nozzles lined up at predetermined intervals. After forming the first pattern, the medium is carried in the carrying direction by a target carry amount that is shorter than the length in the carrying direction of the nozzle row. Along with forming on the medium a second pattern that forms a boundary with the first pattern with nozzles on the carrying direction downstream side of the nozzle row, a third pattern is formed on the medium with the nozzles on the carrying direction upstream side of the nozzle row. After forming the second pattern, the medium is carried in the carrying direction by a target carry amount that is shorter than the length in the carrying direction of the nozzle row so that a carry amount of the medium after forming the first pattern is longer than the length in the carrying direction of the nozzle row. A fourth pattern that forms a boundary with the third pattern is formed on the medium with the nozzles on the carrying direction downstream side of the nozzle row.
US07980654B2

Systems and methods are provided for calibrating a sensory array to ensure a robust cross-process registration measurement. The calibration is implemented using a calibration step that determines the signature error amount of a given image reading sensor. The signature error amount for the sensor is stored in a signature error look-up table. When the sensors are used to sense print head alignment, the correction may be implemented by accessing the signature error look-up table for the given sensor when calibrating the print heads. The signature error look-up table provides an amount of offset for each sensor that is used in determining the appropriate head position of a given print head to calibrate the print heads for the signature error associated with the given sensor.
US07980653B2

An ejection inspecting device which inspects an ejection state of an ejection head, including nozzles ejecting fluid, includes fluid receiving areas corresponding to the ejection head so as to receive the fluid ejected from the nozzles. A potential difference generating unit generates predetermined potential differences between the ejection head and the fluid receiving areas. Electrical variation detecting units detect electrical variations of the fluid receiving areas. A control unit drives the ejection head to eject the fluid to the fluid receiving areas from the nozzles in a state in which the predetermined potential differences are generated between the ejection head and the fluid receiving areas by the potential difference generating unit. The ejection inspecting device also inspects the nozzles to determine whether the fluid is ejected from the nozzles on the basis of the detection results of the electrical variation detecting units in the fluid receiving areas.
US07980650B2

A system removes a light sensor artifact from a light sensor in a printer that is used to obtain reflectance measurements from test patterns printed on an image substrate. The system includes a print head for ejecting a plurality of pixels having a first single color in a test pattern onto an image substrate, a light source for illuminating the test pattern on the image substrate with a light, a light sensor for measuring reflectance of the first portion of the test pattern with reference to a light having a color that is non-complementary to the first single color of the test pattern, measuring reflectance of the first portion of the test pattern with reference to a light that is complementary to the first single color of the test pattern, and measuring reflectance of the second portion of the test pattern with reference to the complementary light, the second portion including an area that overlaps the first portion of the test pattern, and a sensor controller configured to scale the reflectance of the first portion measured with reference to the non-complementary light to minimize a difference between the reflectance of the first portion measured with reference to the complementary light and the reflectance of the second portion measured with reference to the complementary light in the overlapped area.
US07980646B2

A recording apparatus that performs a recording on a recording medium comprising: the recording operation a transport unit, a recording unit, a feed starting unit that starts feeding of the recording medium by the recording unit that has moved to a position on a moving path of the recording unit outside a recordable area, a determination unit that determines whether the moving direction of the recording unit for the last line of the first copy is toward the position where a recording operation for a plurality of copies of the same data is performed, the moving unit is controlled such that the moving direction of the recording unit for a first line of the second copy is opposite to the moving direction for a first line of the first copy when the moving direction for the last line of the first copy is determined not to be toward the predetermined position.
US07980645B2

A droplet applying apparatus includes a base 11 having a mounting surface 11a on which a substrate 10 is to be mounted, beam members 41, 42 which are fitted to the base 11 so as to be movable relative to the base 11 in the arrow A direction, a plurality of droplet ejecting sections 6 which are fitted to the beam members 41, 42 so as to be movable in the arrow B direction and which eject droplets to the substrate 10 mounted on the mounting surface 11a, reference members each of which is provided at a site of the beam members 41, 42 proximate to the ejecting surface of each droplet ejecting section 6 and whose distance to the mounting surface 11a is known, a distance measuring section 14 for measuring a distance to the ejecting surface of each droplet ejecting section 6 and a distance to each reference member, and a calculation section 15 for, based on a distance between the ejecting surface of the one droplet ejecting section 6 and the distance measuring section 14 as well as a distance between the one reference member and the distance measuring section 14, both measured by the distance measuring section 14, plus a known distance between the one reference member and the mounting surface 11a, calculating a gap between the ejecting surface of the one droplet ejecting section 6 and the mounting surface 11a.
US07980641B2

A slide rail assembly includes an outer slide rail having a protrusion, an intermediate slide rail having a slot, an inner slide rail having a stop portion, a latch member slidably attached to the slot of the intermediate slide rail, and a resilient member connected to the latch member for returning the latch member to an original position. The latch member includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion located at opposite sides of the intermediate slide rail. The stop portion engages with the first engaging portion of the latch member such that the inner slide rail is capable of driving the intermediate slide rail to simultaneously slide out from the outer slide rail. The protrusion engages with the second engaging portion of the latch member to bias the latch member to slide along the slot to release the stop portion from the first engaging portion.
US07980634B2

A rotational vehicle restraint system includes an anchoring component configured to be attached to a vehicle seat assembly; a rotatable component attached to the anchoring component and configured to rotate relative to the anchoring component about an axis of rotation; and a harness connected to the rotatable component and configured to fit about a passenger. When installed in a vehicle, the rotational vehicle restraint system is configured to restrain a passenger fitted with the harness in both an upright sitting position and a lying down position. When installed in a vehicle, the rotational vehicle restraint system is also optionally configured to enable the passenger fitted with the harness to change from a first lying down position facing forward in the vehicle seat assembly to a second lying down position facing backward in the vehicle seat assembly.
US07980632B2

An armrest for a chair includes a lower bushing, an upper bushing, and a resilient ring shaped part received in the lower bushing. An engaging portion is formed on an end of the lower bushing, and a side surface of the lower bushing defines a toothed rack hole, a plurality of teeth are formed at two opposite sides of the toothed rack hole. The upper bushing nests the lower bushing therein and defines a through hole corresponding to the toothed rack hole. A supporting is formed on an end of the upper bushing differing from the end of the upper bushing adjacent to the engaging portion. A button opposite to the through hole in the upper bushing is formed on the resilient ring shaped part and protrudes to an outer of the upper bushing from the toothed rack hole and the through hole. An H shaped latching portion is formed on the button and engages with the teeth of the lower bushing.
US07980628B2

A folding seat combination is configured for use with and installation on a vehicle such as a golf cart type recreational vehicle. The folding seat combination provides selective positioning of seat, footrest, and backrest components, respectively each between upright and downward positions thereof, to alternately accommodate easy transport of either of additional passengers or materials. With the seat and footrest features in their upright positions and the backrest in its upward position, optional golf bag securing straps may be used to secure golf bags in the cart, as so configured for the transportation of materials rather than passengers in such location. With the footrest in an upright position, relatively loose items stored in an otherwise relatively open storage area of the cart may be contained and prevented from bouncing out during operation the cart.
US07980626B1

A picnic table includes at least two leg units, a crossbar, a table top and two benches. Each leg unit includes two J-shaped legs. Each J-shaped leg includes a table top support portion formed thereon, a bench support portion formed thereon, and a recess defined in the table top support portion. The crossbar is located between the leg units. The table top includes planks and tubes for supporting the planks. The table top is supported on the table top support portions while the tubes are received in the recesses. Screws are used to secure the crossbar to the legs, secure the table top to the table top support portions, and secure the benches to the bench support portions.
US07980608B2

An apparatus for moving an object has a contact plate, a first member connected to the contact plate and extending radially away therefrom, and a second member connected to the first member and slidable relative thereto along an axis defined therewith. The contact plate is sized and shaped for abuttingly extending against a portion of the object and a ground surface when the members are disposed between the ground surface and the object. The second member is slidable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to facilitate sliding and storage of the members underneath the object and for subsequent pulling on the members in a desired direction to cause the contact plate in abutment to cause the object to move in the desired direction.
US07980607B2

An impact absorbing member comprises a first main body and a second main body. The first main body comprises a first partial tube wall and first flange members. The second main body comprises a second partial tube wall and second flange members. The first flange members are joined with the respective second flange members in a discontinuous manner along the axial direction of the tube. In at least one segment where the first flange members and the second flange members are not joined in the axial direction of the tube, spaces are formed between ends part of a first partial tube wall side of the first flange members and end parts of a second partial tube wall side of the second flange members.
US07980602B2

A pipe fitting facilitates joining of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. The fitting has a HDPE body. A ring-shaped PVC insert is positioned within an inner surface of the body at one opening of the body. An inner surface of the PVC insert is threaded so that a PVC pipe that has a threaded outer surface can be screwed into the PVC insert. A compression ring is installed over the outer surface of a portion of the body that surrounds the PVC insert. Prior to installation, the inner diameter of the compression ring is smaller than the outer diameter of the portion of the body that surrounds the PVC insert. For this reason, when the compression ring is installed, the compression ring compresses the portion of the body that surrounds the PVC insert, holding the PVC insert within the body.
US07980598B2

A pipe joint locking device which prevents accidental loosening of a pipe joint after tightening and with which a sealing property of a seal portion of the pipe joint is not impaired even if a force for rotating a pipe member acts on the pipe member. The device is formed of: a first component member 11 including a mounting portion 21 to be mounted to a joint member 2 having an external thread while prevented from relative rotation, a cover portion 22 to be brought into contact with an outer peripheral face of a cap nut 5 from a lower side, and a coupling portion 23 to be brought into contact with a pipe member 3 from the lower side; and a second component member 12 including a cover portion 31 to be brought into contact with the outer peripheral face of the cap nut 5 from an upper side and a coupling portion 32 to be brought into contact with the pipe member 3 from the upper side. The coupling portion 23 of the first component member 11 and the coupling portion 32 of the second component member 12 are coupled to be fixed to a portion 3a of the pipe member 3 protruding from the cap nut 5.
US07980594B2

A chassis frame includes a first chassis subsection having a first width w and at least a second chassis subsection adjacent to the first chassis subsection having a width W greater than the width w of the first chassis subsection. Each chassis subsection includes a right and a left parallel C shaped frame rail inwardly open towards each other and extending longitudinally; the chassis further includes a right—respectively left—interface bracket connecting two consecutive right—respectively left—frame rails belonging to two adjacent chassis subsections; the interface bracket maintains a transversal distance D between the said two consecutive right—respectively left—frame rails belonging to two adjacent subsections and further includes at least one mounting unit on which at least one vehicular operational part is attached.
US07980588B2

A skin material (5) including an impregnable fiber layer is overlapped and bonded onto a top surface of a base material (3) including a base material cleavage groove (13) having a predetermined depth from a rear surface of the base material (5) toward the top surface thereof. A skin cleavage groove (11) having a predetermined depth and corresponding to the base material cleavage groove (11) of the base material (3) is provided on a rear surface side of the skin material (5), the rear surface side being a bonding surface side to be overlapped and bonded onto the base material (3). Meanwhile, to facilitate cleavage, the skin cleavage groove (11) is provided inside a region of a hardened layer subjected to a hardening process by using a hardening agent.
US07980587B2

The present invention relates to an airbag door for instrument panel and its manufacturing method. A passenger side airbag door for instrument panel includes a substrate with airbag opening, skin layer and foam layer, a PAB door reinforcement board which covers the airbag opening is connected to the instrument panel substrate. This PAB door reinforcement board is a cellulosic composite material board which is soaked by thermoplastic plastic or thermoplastic elastomer, formed through thermoforming. In present invention, the turnover and movable portion of the airbag door is lighten greatly. The airbag door with the light composite material can prevent the windshields from being broken effectively when the airbag deploys sufficiently and impacts against the windshields.
US07980582B2

A front tow extended saddle is disclosed. The saddle allows a first towing truck to mount a second truck, facing forward, behind the first truck, in order to tow the second truck to a distant location. The saddle allows the towed truck to face forward during transport, thus allowing for the normal loads and stresses of movement on the towed truck. This configuration is preferable to movement with the towed truck facing-rearward, in which the typical aerodynamic surfaces of a large truck act as a drag during transport, imposing high wind loads and unusual stresses. The front tow extended saddle is also designed to minimize the required vertical rise on the towed truck, which also avoids additional stresses during loading and unloading onto the towing truck.
US07980580B2

The present application discloses several embodiments of clamping devices and quick connect attachment devices. In one embodiment, a clamping device includes two wedge members that are forced together to engage a frame component. In another embodiment, a quick connect attachment or latching assembly includes components that slide together and are then fixed, by moving a protrusion into a recess.
US07980566B2

Disclosed is a ride level control system for a motor vehicle composed of a pneumatic spring (1), a connecting line (3) which connects the pneumatic spring (1) to an atmospheric port (5), and a first valve (2) which, in a first switched state, disconnects the connecting line (3) and, in a second switched state, clears it, wherein a vessel (4) is arranged in the connecting line (3) between the first valve (2) and the atmospheric port (5).
US07980555B2

A sheet guide apparatus including a sheet tray in which a sheet is placed and a side guide having an abutting portion that abuts the sheet placed in the sheet tray. The sheet tray includes a groove formed along a direction perpendicular to an abutting surface of the abutting portion against the sheet. The side guide includes a sliding portion having slidable portions slidable on side walls of the groove, and is capable of moving along a groove direction when the sliding portion is slid on the side walls. The groove includes at least one first groove area and at least one second groove area. The second groove area has a groove width smaller than a groove width of the first groove area and allows the slidable portions of the sliding portion to be slid in the second groove area.
US07980549B2

A document feeder configured to feed a document in a first direction includes a tray configured to load a document or a set of documents on a loading surface thereof, first and second contact portions disposed to contact the document on the loading surface, and a detecting unit configured detect whether a document is loaded on the loading surface, the detecting unit including an actuator provided between the first contact portion and the second contact portion, the actuator projecting upward from the loading surface and being configured to be moved down due to contact with the document on the loading surface.
US07980543B2

A folder for a web printing press includes a cut cylinder cutting a web into signatures; a first transport belt having a first raised section; a second transport belt having a second raised section, the signatures being received from the cut cylinder so as to be located between the first and second raised sections; and at least one variable speed motor driving the first and second transport belts. A method is also provided.
US07980530B2

A packing nut assembly for a control valve having a valve body and a valve stem includes a packing box arranged for operative coupling to the valve body and having a primary bore sized to receive the valve stem and first and second counterbores. The first counterbore is sized to receive valve packing and the second counterbore includes internal threads. A packing nut having a central bore is sized to receive the valve stem and includes a threaded outer surface positioned to engage the second counterbore of the packing box. The packing nut includes an adjustment surface positioned to face the first counterbore, and includes an adjustment head having a plurality of tool-receiving apertures sized to receive an adjustment tool.
US07980529B2

A vacuum gate valve includes a closure disk for gas-tight closing of an opening. A connecting rod with which the closure disk is coupled is linearly adjustable by means of a linear drive unit and the closure disk is thus displaceable between a position uncovering the opening and an intermediate position pushed over the opening. At least two limbs are pivotably mounted at one limb end on the back of the closure disk via a first joint and at the other limb end on a support via a second joint to press the closure disk into the closed position. The limbs, the back and the support form an articulated parallelogram. Each of the limbs forms, with the respective first and second joints, a common integral part which includes a resilient material, the first joint and the second joint being formed by a flexible section on the limb.
US07980528B2

A flush valve diaphragm is provided. The diaphragm includes at least two by-passes orifices. Each by-pass orifice in the diaphragm has a by-pass associated therewith. Each by-pass having a passage therethrough, allows communication with the control chamber above the diaphragm with an inlet chamber below the diaphragm. The diaphragm also integrates the function of locating and providing sealing means to the flush valve system's aux valve mechanism.
US07980515B2

A transferable modified leading edge for a wing is detachably mountable to a parent wing. The parent wing may use a NACA 23000-series airfoil. A modified wing tip may be used in conjunction with the modified leading edge. The modified leading edge can be mounted to a parent wing in a way that does not damage the parent wing. The modified leading edge and wing tip can provide increased lift.
US07980514B2

One embodiment of the invention includes a spacecraft. The spacecraft comprises at least one solar array panel comprising an array of solar cell sections. Each of the solar cell sections can be configured to generate electrical power from received solar radiation. The spacecraft also comprises a solar array selection controller configured to selectively deactivate a portion of the array of solar cell sections to generate a torque on the spacecraft based on a difference in at least one of solar and thermal radiation pressure between an activated portion of the array of solar cell sections and the deactivated portion of the array of solar cell sections.
US07980510B2

A small unmanned airplane includes; a main wing having a camber airfoil whose under surface is approximately flat, narrowing in the shape of taper to a blade tip, leading edge of which holds sweepback angle, of flying wing type which has an aerodynamic surface of tailless wing type and is low aspect ratio; movable flaps extending approximately extreme breadth in trailing edge part of both left and right sides of the main wing, having a dihedral angle at least in level flight; vertical stabilizers placed at blade tips of left and right of the main wing; and two propellers installed on the top surface of the main wing. This can materialize miniaturization and weight saving of a small unmanned airplane for individual carrying capability and for suitability for such as lift-off by hand throw.
US07980507B2

The insert for roll paper products is pliable, preferably scent-impregnated, foam material that can be wrapped around a dispensing bar of a rolled paper dispenser, and resiliently grips the bar while adding friction to the total dispensing system. The dispensing bar and insert combination is then slid through the hollow core of a rolled paper product. The sleeve has dentate ends that extend beyond the ends of the paper roll. When the product core is rotated while paper is being dispensed, the passage of air through the dentate ends helps to dispense and distribute the scent through the environment proximate the paper dispenser. Moreover, the resilient foam insert provides friction between the paper roll and the foam structure, while also adding friction between the foam structure and the dispensing bar. This feature acts as a brake to prevent excess rollout of the rolled product when being dispensed.
US07980504B2

A splice is made, between a tail end of first web and a lead end of a second web coiled about an unwind axis, by winding a portion of the first web adjacent the tail end of the first web about a splicing roll mounted for rotation about a splice roll axis oriented substantially parallel to the unwind axis, and then joining the tail end to the lead end by compressing an adhesive between an inside surface of the tail end and an outer surface of the second web. Compression of the adhesive is accomplished by urging the splice roll against the coiled second web while the coiled second web is rotating about the unwind axis in an unwind direction and the splicing roll is rolling about the splice roll axis in a direction opposite to the unwind direction.
US07980502B2

The invention refers to a cutting tool for comminution devices, comprising a knife (2) or knife edge which can be fastened to a comminution cylinder or a toothed body (1).The invention is characterized in that the knife (2) can be arranged non-positive and positive interlocking at the comminution cylinder or the toothed body (1).
US07980501B2

A bucket type jaw crusher comprises a hydraulic motor connected to one end of an eccentric main shaft, a flywheel connected to the other end of the eccentric main shaft, and a counterweight for balance adjustment fitted at an intermediate section of the eccentric main shaft between the hydraulic motor and the flywheel. A movable jaw teeth side load receiving section of a toggle plate is placed at an upper position than a bucket side load receiving section of the toggle plate, and while movable jaw teeth are reciprocated by rotation of the eccentric shaft, an object to be crushed is pressed against stationary jaw teeth by the movable jaw teeth via rocking motion of the toggle plate.
US07980497B2

A pulper is used to comminute and suspend paper stock. The pulper includes a container that is open at the top and has a cylindrical side wall and a driven rotor, which is arranged eccentrically with respect to the center of the container. The bottom of the container can be provided with one or more truncated cones.
US07980495B2

Fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials, and uses of the fibrous materials and compositions are disclosed. For example, the fibrous materials can be operated on by a microorganism to produce ethanol or a by-product, such as a protein or lignin.
US07980492B2

A fuel injector provided with: an injection valve comprising an injection nozzle; a mobile needle for regulating the fuel flow through the injection valve and ending with a shutting head, which engages a valve seat of the injection valve, is arranged externally with respect to injection valve and presents a predetermined sealing diameter; an actuator for displacing the needle between a closing position and an opening position of the injection valve; a closing spring which tends to maintain the needle in the closing position of the injection valve pushing the shutting head against the valve seat itself in a sense contrary to the feeding sense of the fuel; and a supporting body having a tubular shape and presenting a feeding channel within which a needle is arranged; the needle, at an opposite end of the shutting head, is coupled to a balancing channel, which is at ambient pressure.
US07980491B2

An improved atomization system for aerosolizing liquids including a vortexing nozzle and a flat or protruding face on the nozzle exit orifice. The system can also include a diverging mouthpiece insert. The present invention can produce a high fine particle fraction and modest throat deposition in conjunction with reduced aerosol plume velocity and impact force.
US07980490B2

Embodiments of the invention provide a nozzle body including a main body, a turret, a valve assembly, and a feed spigot. The feed spigot can be in fluid communication with a valve chamber via a first feed point and a second feed point. The use of multiple feed points between the feed spigot and the valve chamber can result in increased flow capacity.
US07980483B2

An injector for an injection system is provided, including a first opening, a second opening, an open position and a closed position. The first opening is for spraying the fluid out of the injector, and the second opening is for allowing the fluid to exit the injector. When the injector is in the open position, the injector sprays the fluid from the first opening and the flow of the fluid to the second opening is substantially blocked. When the injector is in the closed position the injector allows the fluid to exit the injector from the second opening. The injector substantially blocks the spray of the fluid from the first opening when the injector is in the closed position.
US07980478B2

A document reading apparatus includes an integral display portion integrally provided with an area sensor portion and a wireless IC tag reader, and a main CPU for detecting by the area sensor portion reflection light from an object placed on a screen of the integral display portion and detecting by the wireless IC tag reader that a wireless IC tag comes close to the screen. When it is determined that the object is a document based on an area of reflection light from the object, the main CPU switches to a document reading mode for reading the document on the screen by the area sensor portion, and when it is detected that a wireless IC tag comes close to the screen, the main CPU switches to a wireless IC tag reading mode for reading electronic money information of the wireless IC tag by the wireless IC tag reader.
US07980477B2

A dual interface inlay having a bottom sheet; an antenna wire mounted to the top surface of the bottom sheet; end portions of the antenna wire formed with squiggles or meanders forming contact areas of increased surface area for subsequent attachment of a chip or chip module to the antenna wire; conductive material applied to the end portions of the antenna wire; a top sheet disposed over the bottom sheet for lamination thereto; and recesses formed in a bottom surface of the top sheet, at positions corresponding to the contact area. The antenna wire may be insulated wire, and insulation may be removed from the end portions of the antenna wire. Silicon cushions may be disposed in the bottom sheet under the contact areas.
US07980475B2

A transaction product for use as a cake topper includes a body portion, an auxiliary portion and a machine readable account identifier. The body portion defines a support member and a flange extending from the support member. The flange is configured for placement into a frosting layer on a cake. The body portion defines a first part of a character. The auxiliary portion is formed separately from the body portion and defines a second part of the character. The auxiliary portion defines a lip configured for placement into the frosting layer on the cake. The account identifier is coupled to at least one of the body portion and the auxiliary portion and links the transaction product to an account or record for tracking a value associated with the transaction product. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of encouraging use of such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.
US07980471B2

A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and an area-type image detection array having a snap-shot mode of operation for forming and detecting a 2D digital image of the object during each image acquisition cycle of the image detection array. The system includes a manual trigger switch integrated with the hand-supportable housing, for generating a trigger event, indicative that a code symbol on the detected object is aligned with the visible targeting illumination beam and is ready for illumination and imaging. The system includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the trigger event signal. The system further includes an LED-based illumination subsystem which is responsive to the second triggering event, for generating and projecting a field of illumination through the imaging window and within the FOV so that light transmitted through the imaging window towards the object is reflected off the object and detected by the area-type image detection array within the hand-supportable housing. An automatic illumination control subsystem controls the operation of the LED-based illumination subsystem during object illumination and imaging operations, so that the targeting illumination beam is momentarily ceased when the LED-based illumination subsystem produces the field of illumination within the FOV.
US07980467B2

A method for authenticating a pharmaceutical product, the pharmaceutical product being associated with packaging having disposed thereon or therein coded data including a number of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the pharmaceutical product and at least part of a digital signature of at least part of the identity. The method includes, using a sensing device to sense at least one coded data portion. A processor then determines the identity at least one determined signature part, and uses these to authenticate the pharmaceutical product. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a n-fold rotationally symmetric layout. The layout encodes data comprising a sequence of an integer multiple m of n-symbols. Each encoded symbol is distributed at n-locations about a center of rotational symmetry such that decoding the symbols produces n-representations of the data each comprising a different cyclic shift of the data.
US07980455B2

An urban waste container that has a foldable/collapsible body, similar to a caterpillar with a tubular form, that comprises a main body consisting of 3 areas called first module, second module and third module; a top lid; a supporting bracket; and a curved axis/shaft.
US07980448B2

A method of forming a bonded body comprised of a first base member, a second base member, and a first bonding film and a second bonding film provided between the first base member and the second base member is provided. The first bonding film and the second bonding film are constituted of copper and an organic component, and an amount of copper contained in each of the first bonding film and the second bonding film is 80 atom % or higher but lower than 90 atom % at an atomic ratio. The method is comprised of: forming the first bonding film on the first base member by using a chemical vapor-film formation method; forming the second bonding film on the second base member by using a chemical vapor-film formation method; bringing the first bonding film formed on the first base member into contact with the second bonding film formed on the second base member so that the first bonding film faces the second bonding film; and applying a compressive force to the first base member and the second base member so that the first bonding film and the second bonding film are bonded together to thereby obtain the bonded body. Two base members can be firmly and efficiently bonded together with high dimensional accuracy at a low temperature, and the two base members can be efficiently separated (peeled off) to each other after use of the bonded body. Further, a bonded body is also provided.
US07980438B2

A latch assembly for a staple gun has a front cover, a locking element, a pushing element and a staple driver. The front cover has a connecting bolt. The locking element is mounted on the front cover and has two cams, a torsion spring and a locking block. The cams and the torsion spring are mounted around the connecting bolt. The pushing element is mounted in the front cover and has a pushing lever and a pressing pin. The pushing lever abuts the cams. The pressing pin extends out of the front cover. The staple driver is mounted in the front cover and has a locking hole, a through hole and an elastic panel. The locking hole is formed through the staple driver and engages the locking block. The latch assembly can hold a handle of the staple gun conveniently and safely when the staple gun is not being used.
US07980434B2

The present invention relates generally to molded plastic garment hangers. Garment hangers of this type may be simply constructed as molded plastic structures incorporating a hook adapted to be suspended from a suitable support, such as a garment display rack or the like. The garment hanger has a plurality of elongated body members extending in opposite directions from the hook so as to facilitate a garment to be suspended therefrom. The opposite or distal ends of the elongated body members typically have vertical members attached thereto, and a first set of garment clips formed on the vertical members to enable the attachment of various kinds of garments thereto. The vertical members also have a second set of garment clips formed on the opposite side of the vertical member to permit the garment straps to be secured.
US07980431B1

An extendable pour cap includes a base adapted for attaching to a neck of a container. A flexible spout extends from the base, and is adapted for communicating with an open mouth of the container. The flexible spout has integrally-formed bellows designed for converting the spout between a compressed condition and an extended condition. A first closure element is designed for removably securing a first closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed. A second closure element is designed for removably securing a second closure cap over the flexible spout when compressed.
US07980429B2

The present invention discloses a container having a cavity for dispensing a paste and a cavity for another material. In one aspect, a first cavity for a comestible paste resides in an area between a hollow piston and a top section having a dispenser. The top section and piston optionally have corresponding male and female threads in their respective cylindrical sections. The paste can be dispensed by slidably advancing the piston towards the dispenser. In an optional embodiment, the threads can then be engaged to rotatably advance the piston towards the dispenser to dispense additional paste. A comestible seasoning or other material can be disposed in the hollow piston.
US07980411B2

An apparatus for securing a trash bag in a container is disclosed, where the apparatus has a removable and replaceable scented bag retaining element which extends outwardly from the main body of the apparatus. The main body has a pair of spaced channel arms that receive, guide and support the retaining element in proper position against the main body, and the replaceable scented retaining element has a releasable locking tab which is received by and locks within a slot in the main body of the apparatus. A central membrane of the retaining element has a number of slits that form a number of flexible flaps which deform when pressed to received and retain the trash bag. The main body is adhesively mountable to the outer surface of the container.
US07980408B2

A kit for medical waste disposal comprising a plurality of containers; a hood assembly configured to substantially cover an open end of a respective one said containers, the hood assembly defining a passage through which medical waste can be passed to the open end of said container; and a plurality of lids, separate from the hood assembly, each configured to be placed over an open end of a respective container and to substantially close the open end of said container when said container is at least partially filled with medical waste; each of said containers being configured for separation from the hood assembly for disposal.
US07980404B2

A container can have a body with an integrally formed base attached to the body. The base includes a concave annular wall extending from the container sidewall to a standing surface, and an inner wall extending from the standing surface to a substantially flat inner annular wall. The inner annular wall is recessed in the base and is substantially perpendicular to the container sidewall. The inner annular wall includes a centrally located dimple. The dimple includes a plurality of spaced apart and radially extending indented ribs. One or more of the ribs extend radially into a brace that tapers to meet the inner annular wall.
US07980403B2

A plug-type closure for use with internally threaded containers. The container includes a container body and a neck defining an internal thread. The closure includes a cap body having an annular wall extending outwardly from the cap body, configured to shroud the neck of the container. The closure further includes a generally cylindrical plug body operatively attached to and extending outwardly from the cap body. The plug body includes a thread that engages with the corresponding internal thread of the container neck to provide a leak-resistant seal.
US07980392B2

A screen for a vibratory separator, the screen including at least two layers of screening material, including a first layer and a second layer, the first layer made of a plurality of intersecting first wires, the second layer made of a plurality of intersecting second wires, the first wires including first shute wires and first warp wires, the second wires including second shute wires and second warp wires, certain of the first warp wires aligned with a second warp wire, and/or certain of the first shute wires aligned with a second shute wire. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).
US07980388B2

A gun barrel cleaner comprising: a flexible cable, with a cable diameter; a tip attached to a first end of the flexible cable, the tip having a tip diameter; a connector attached to a second end of the flexible cable, the connector having a connector diameter; a generally spherical member in slideable communication with the flexible cable, the generally spherical member having an outer diameter, a bore, with a bore diameter; where the bore diameter is greater than the cable diameter, is less than the tip diameter, and is less than the connector diameter. A gun barrel cleaning kit comprising: a flexible cable, with a cable diameter; a cleaning tip attached to a first end of the flexible cable, the cleaning tip having a tip diameter, and a cleaning patch receiving slot; a connector attached to a second end of the flexible cable, the connector having a connector diameter; a cleaning brush removeably attached to the connector via a threaded engagement; a generally spherical member in slideable communication with the flexible cable, the generally spherical member having an outer diameter, a bore, with a bore diameter; at least one cleaning patch removeably attachable to the cleaning patch receiving slot; an openable and closeable gun barrel cleaning container configured to hold all of the above listed components; and where the bore diameter is greater than the cable diameter, is less than the tip diameter, and is less than the connector diameter.
US07980387B2

An expandable storage case is disclosed for storing various writing utensils. The storage case includes a base, an inner carousel, a top carousel, and a lid. The base, the inner carousel, and the top carousel are connected in a telescoping manner such that the storage case may be expanded from a collapsed position to an expanded, in-use position. The storage case includes a locking mechanism to selectively secure the storage case in the expanded position.
US07980386B2

The lifting system includes a lifting portion and a hinging portion for lifting a conveyor The lifting portion is fixed to a structure and extends from the structure to mate with the conveyor at a lifting point. The lifting portion moves the conveyor vertically upward and downward at the lifting point with no horizontal movement at the lifting point. The hinging portion is pivotally connected to the conveyor at a conveyor pivot and extends from the conveyor to engage the structure. The hinging portion is further pivotally connected to the structure to allow for controlled movement in an arced path at the conveyor pivot of the conveyor. The controlled movement of the conveyor along the arced path at the conveyor pivot varies the angular position of the conveyor and maintains the position of the conveyor over the transportable container as the lifting portion moves the conveyor vertically at the lifting point.
US07980378B2

A coin processing and redemption system includes a coin processing machine configured to receive a batch of coins in an input region and process the batch of coins to determine a value thereof. A dispensing device is provided and is configured to output a redemption ticket bearing a code. The coin processing machine is configured to associate the redemption ticket code with a coin processing transaction prior to the determination of a value of a batch of coins.
US07980377B2

A mounting arrangement, for securing a protective component to a chute or conveyor structure, having a hook-shaped formation which engages with the protective component, a first beaded section located in a first undercut slot in a supporting base, and a retaining mechanism which abuts a side of the first beaded section and which has a second beaded section located in a second undercut slot in the base.
US07980362B2

Safety equipment for an elevator installation with an upper elevator car and a lower elevator car, which cars are both movable substantially independently along a vertical direction in a common elevator shaft of the elevator installation includes a first electro-optical detection system with a first light source in a lower region of the upper elevator car and with a first detector which comprises a light-sensitive first sensor region in an upper region of the lower elevator car. The first light source issues a focused first light beam at a first angle with respect to the vertical direction. The first angle is predetermined such that on approach of the upper and the lower elevator cars the first light beam is incident on the first sensor region and thus is detectable by the first detector. In this case, the first detector triggers a reaction.
US07980358B2

The invention relates to a lightweight sound insulating lining (1) for a body component of a motor vehicle, in particular in the form of a lightweight front wall lining, comprising a sound absorbing layer, a sound insulating layer which is directly connected to the sound absorbing layer and substantially air tight, as well as an adjoining foam layer (1.3), wherein the sound absorbing layer (1.1) is made of a porous absorber, preferably a fiber fleece or a foam, which has an air permeability in the range of 150 to 2000 liters/m2s at a test pressure of 100 Pa. The sound insulating layer (1.2) is formed by an integral skin layer of the foam layer (1.3) with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm, and is integrally joined to the porous absorber by back-foaming the porous absorber substantially without foam penetration therethrough. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a lining is disclosed.
US07980355B2

There is provided an acoustic diaphragm used for a loudspeaker, having an injection-molded edge molded using a thermoplastic elastomer, in which the edge is formed using a workable polyolefinic elastomer, as a material, containing a soft segment having rubber particles of 1 μm to 10 μm in diameter uniformly dispersed therein, and a hard segment composed of an olefinic resin, and the edge is formed into a shape allowing the resin to be aligned as being not causative of anisotropy in the physical characteristics of the edge, as a result of thin-wall molding by the injection molding.
US07980351B2

A transaxle (1), having a hydraulic drive unit (20) and a pair of left and right wheel support units (2L and 2R), is suspended from a vehicle frame so as to be turnable around a turning-center axis oriented in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle. The hydraulic drive unit (20) comprises: a pair of left and right hydraulic motors (23L and 23R) having respective left and right horizontal motor shafts (23b); a center section (22) formed therein with an oil passage for hydraulically connecting at least one of the hydraulic motors to a hydraulic pump, the center section having motor attachment surfaces onto which the hydraulic motors are attached; and a pair of left and right axle casings (2L and 2R) containing the respective hydraulic motors and supporting the respective motor shafts. The pair of wheel support units (30L and 30R), supporting respective left and right travel wheels (1L and 1R), are joined to respective outer ends of the left and right axle casings, and drivingly connected to the respective motor shafts (23b).
US07980348B2

A motorcycle including a belt type continuously variable transmission (CVT) and having a reduced width. An engine unit includes an engine having a crank shaft, the belt type CVT, a clutch, an output shaft and a generator. The CVT has a primary sheave, a secondary sheave shaft and a secondary sheave. The primary sheave is on one side of the crank shaft and the clutch is on another side with respect to the secondary sheave on the secondary sheave shaft. The output shaft is on a side opposite to the clutch on the secondary sheave shaft. The generator is on the other side of the crank shaft. A center axis of rotation of the secondary sheave shaft is higher than a center axis of rotation of the crank shaft. Right and left footsteps are located behind a rear end of the rotation motor and under a lower end of the secondary sheave.
US07980346B2

An electronic control device reduces, after a time at which constant speed traveling control is terminated (specific control termination time) not by an accelerating operation or braking operation but by, for example, an operation of a control switch, the vehicle driving force to a force corresponding to the amount of accelerating operation at the specific control termination time. Also, the electronic control device changes the vehicle braking force to a force corresponding to the amount of braking operation at the specific control termination time by controlling the braking hydraulic pressures with a hydraulic pressure circuit so that the value of a vehicle propulsive force, which takes a positive value when acting in the same direction as the driving force (and takes a negative value when acting in the opposite direction of the driving force) and which has a magnitude equal to a value resulting from subtracting the magnitude of the braking force from the magnitude of the driving force, is equal to or smaller than the value of the vehicle propulsive force at the specific control termination time.
US07980337B2

The present invention provides a device for safely and conveniently conveying an object on a slope. The safety feature includes a fail-safe one-way brake comprising a ratchet wheel, a pawl and a biasing means. In one embodiment, the device is foldable; in another embodiment, the device is integrated with a suitcase; in yet another embodiment, the device is motorized.
US07980327B2

The invention provides for systems and methods of enhancing crude oil recovery providing an array of electromagnetic receiver antennae arranged and operated in conjunction with an array of far field electromagnetic transmitter antennae for mapping subsurface features of a reservoir. Mapping is performed according to the relative intensities, frequencies, phase shifts, and/or other reflected signal parameters of the reflections received by the receiver antennae (relative to the transmit signals) associated with a given location or target area within a reservoir. Such mapping aids in determining an optimal location of a production well or the location of an auxiliary well relative to the production well.
US07980320B2

An electric power tool includes a motor, a reduction mechanism, a driving unit, a bearing unit, a housing, a speed changing unit, a power switch, and an operation detecting unit which detects a reduction ratio changing operation performed by the speed changing unit to control electric power supplied to the motor. The reduction mechanism transfers the rotating power of the motor, and the driving unit transfers the rotating power of the reduction mechanism to a tip end tool. The bearing unit rotatably supports the driving unit, and the housing accommodates the motor, the reduction mechanism, the driving unit and the bearing unit. The speed changing unit changes a reduction ratio of the reduction mechanism, a power switch for turning on and off a power source of the motor.
US07980316B2

A valve includes a housing, a valve element that is located in the housing, an operator, a locking device and an interference device. The housing includes an interior surface that has a profile. The operator may be configured to transition the valve element between open and closed states. The locking device is adapted to be selectively extended into the profile. The interference device may be adapted to be selectively extended radially inside the locking device to retain the locking device in the profile, thereby locking the valve element in the open or closed state.
US07980310B2

A backoff sub includes a housing and a backoff facilitator at least partially within the housing. The backoff sub is a part of the string that is stuck and is capable of adding energy to the string within which the sub is disposed to facilitate backing off of a portion of that sting close to a stuck point of that string. A method is included.
US07980309B2

A system (100) for selective activation of explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) includes a surface controller (102), a downhole controller (106) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the surface controller over a first communication link (108) and a plurality of downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the downhole controller (106) over a second communication link (112). One or more sensors (162) are operably associated with the downhole controller (106) and one of the explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) is operably associated with each of the downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) such that, responsive to a detonation event, the sensors (162) detect the intensity level of the detonation which is communicated from the downhole controller (106) to the surface control (102) over the first communication link (108).
US07980300B2

A drillable bridge plug comprising a mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, a plurality of backup rings adjacent the sealing element, a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, an upper slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone adjacent the upper slip assembly and engaged with the mandrel with at least one axial locking apparatus and at least one rotational locking apparatus, and a lower cone adjacent the lower slip assembly and engaged with the mandrel with at least one axial locking apparatus and at least one rotational locking apparatus. A drillable bridge plug comprising a mandrel and at least one slip assembly at least partially made of a material having less than 10% elongation.
US07980297B2

A protective device (10) for protecting thermal interface material (30) spread on a central surface (512) of a bottom of a base (51) of a heat sink (50). The device includes a case (12) and a tab (18) extending from an edge of the case. The heat sink (50) has air channels (552) extending vertically therethrough and around the base. The case comprises an annular frame (120) and a cap (15) protruding downwardly from inside edges of the frame. The cap covers the thermal interface material. The frame is attached to the heat sink around the thermal interface material. The frame blocks portions of the air channels adjacent to the base, thereby to prevent dust or foreign particles from contaminating the thermal interface material through the air channels.
US07980291B2

An arrangement for maintaining the warmth of slabs which exit from a continuous casting installation and which can be transported on a roller table for further processing. In order to optimize the thermal balance between the continuous casting installation and the hot rolling mill, a supporting part is provided for receiving a slab, which supporting part can be placed on the roller table and transported thereon, and an insulating box which can be placed upon the supporting part and which substantially encloses the latter.
US07980290B2

A mold device produces cast parts, in particular cast parts of complex shape, such as engine blocks, for example with 2 to 8 cylinders arranged in a row, wherein the mold device can be used, in particular, in die casting machines. The mold device has both a movable clamping plate and a permanently fixed clamping plate with movable or permanently fixed mold halves arranged thereon, wherein a water jacket insert or contour insert is placed in the movable mold halves, and the contour insert (11) is movable linearly.
US07980288B2

A window covering has a transparent front face and optional transparent back face, either or both of which are formed from a series of spaced apart parallel threads, and a series of vanes attached to the faces. The parallel threads which form the front face and optional back face are spaced apart an amount which allows light to readily pass while providing a soft fabric like appearance. The vanes have a light filtering or light impeding property and may be opaque. The front and back longitudinal edges of each slat are respectively attached to the front face and any back face that is present. The resulting structure, when combined with a hardware system, is a light control blind. Movement of the vanes from a position perpendicular to the front face and any back face to a position generally parallel to the front controls the amount of light which is admitted through the window covering. An additional layer of fabric may be provided opposite the front face or the back face.
US07980281B2

A groove bottom of a circumferential groove formed in a tread surface is provided with a protruding stripe extending along an extending direction of the circumferential groove. The protruding stripe is provided with a top head portion protruding toward a tire outer circumferential side, and a base portion which is narrower than the top head portion and connects the top head portion and the groove bottom. If a small stone is pinched, the top head portion is inclined around the base portion, and the protruding stripe is deflected as a whole, thereby generating a reaction force on the basis of a deformation restoring force.
US07980278B2

A brush cutting head having internally housed drive and bearing assemblies which can be easily attached/detached from the brush cutter housing without having to dismantle the drive assembly for improved productivity. The brush cutting head includes a hollow support body, a drive and bearing assembly housed at least partially within the hollow of the support body, a drive block mounted to extend within the hollow of the support body, and a motor provided with a torque transmitting driveshaft.
US07980275B2

A papermaker's press felt includes: a base fabric, comprising: a set of top machine direction (MD) yarns; a set of bottom MD yarns; and a set of cross machine direction (CMD) yarns interwoven with the top MD yarns and the bottom MD yarns. The top MD yarns, bottom MD yarns, and CMD yarns are interwoven in a series of repeat units in which each top MD yarn forms a long MD paper side float above certain consecutive ones of the set of CMD yarns. The press felt further comprises at least one batt layer attached to the base fabric. In this configuration, the long paper side floats of the base fabric can provide a desirable balance of properties.
US07980247B2

A therapeutic aerosol device in which an aerosol generated by a nebulising device is supplied through a nosepiece to a patient's nostril so that the main aerosol flow supplied is able to emerge from the other nostril. The main aerosol flow is superimposed by pressure fluctuations. In order to guarantee that, due to the pressure fluctuation, aerosol is transported to the paranasal sinuses, a low resistance device is provided in the other nostril.
US07980242B1

A hot/cold pack product including two sheet structures, one of which includes compartments holding dehydrated gel powder and the other of which is an insulating and water-proof sheet structure attached to the first sheet structure. The powder remains dehydrated until water is added by a user.
US07980239B1

A bow and arrow holder combination includes a bow that includes a grip, an upper limb, a lower limb and a bowstring extending between the upper and lower limbs. The upper and lower limbs each have a first side and a second side. An upper coupler is mounted to the upper limb and extends outwardly from the first side of the upper limb. The upper coupler releasably engages an arrow. A lower coupler is mounted to the lower limb and extends outwardly from the first side of the lower limb. The lower coupler releasably engages the arrow.
US07980221B2

An engine control system includes a spark bound module that determines a bounded spark value based on a desired spark value, a torque bound module that determines a bounded torque value based on the bounded spark value and a desired torque value, and an inverse torque calculation module that determines a desired engine air value based on the bounded torque value and the square of the bounded spark value. The engine air value may be one of a desired air-per-cylinder value and a desired manifold air pressure value. The bounded spark value and the bounded torque value are determined based on one or more of a plurality of engine actuator positions. Related methods for determining the bounded spark value, the bounded torque value, and the engine air value are also provided.
US07980219B2

An intake controller includes a casing defining an intake passage that communicates with a combustion chamber of an engine, a valve received in the casing to open/close the passage, a rotational shaft that changes an opening degree of the valve, an actuator having a gear that drives the valve through the shaft, a gear retaining member retaining the gear, a sensor including a magnet that rotates according to rotation of the shaft and a magnetic detection element that detects magnetic flux generated from the magnet, and a sensor retaining member retaining the sensor. The sensor detects the opening degree of the valve based on a change of density of the magnetic flux passing through the element. One of the gear and the gear retaining member, and one of the sensor and the sensor retaining member are separately fixed on the shaft.
US07980211B2

The cam follower has a roller, which is movable, between a first axial position and a second axial position and which alternately transmits elevations, which are different from one another. The cam has a cylinder-piston unit, which has a pressure medium space for moving the roller from the first axial position into the second axial position, and a spring means for moving the roller from the second axial position into the first axial position. The piston of the cylinder-piston unit is the roller and the roller has an end wall, which delimits the pressure medium space, and an annular collar which extends from said end wall and whose outer lateral surface serves as a cam pick-off surface. The inner lateral surface of the annular collar surrounds an outer section of the cylinder of the cylinder-piston unit.
US07980197B2

A dispenser for dispensing a volume of viscous material on a substrate includes a frame, a gantry system coupled to the frame, and a dispenser unit coupled to the gantry system. The dispenser unit includes a housing having a chamber and a piston disposed in the chamber. The piston is configured to move between a pre-dispense position and a dispense position within the chamber. The dispenser unit further includes a dispensing bore configured to receive the piston therein and a nozzle coupled to the housing. A controller is coupled to the piston to control the operation of the piston. The dispenser is constructed such that a volume of viscous material dispensed from the dispensing bore is substantially equal to the volume of the piston entering the dispensing bore when moving the piston to the dispense position. Other embodiments and methods of dispensing viscous material are further disclosed.
US07980195B2

A transistor is formed by applying modifier coatings to source and drain contacts and/or to the channel region between those contacts. The modifier coatings are selected to adjust the surface energy pattern in the source/drain/channel region such that semiconductor printing fluid is not drawn away from the channel region. For example, the modifier coatings for the contacts can be selected to have substantially the same surface energy as the modifier coating for the channel region. Semiconductor printing fluid deposited on the channel region therefore settles in place (due to the lack of a surface energy differential) and forms a relatively thick active semiconductor region between the contacts. Alternatively, the modifier coatings can be selected to have lower surface energies than the modifier coating in the channel region, which actually causes semiconductor printing fluid to be drawn towards the channel region.
US07980191B2

A towable water sports device having a hydrofoil assembly including a strut, fuselage and front and rear blades carried by the fuselage wherein said parts are extruded aluminum or aluminum alloy.
US07980190B2

The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and system of a deep-draft semi-submersible hydrocarbon, such as for liquefied natural gas (LNG), floating production and storage vessel that can include a pontoon containing hydrocarbon tanks, fixed ballast at the bottom in a double-bottom portion, and segregated ballasted tanks with variable ballast located generally above the fixed ballast portion that can assist in keeping the pontoon submerged during various storage levels. Multiple vertical columnar supports can penetrate the pontoon from top to bottom and extend above the water surface to support a deck, including various topside structures. An intermediate double-deck on the top of the pontoon can provide access to the tanks, for example, through the vertical columnar supports. The double bottom structure, deck, and vertical columnar supports can provide overall structural integrity.
US07980183B2

A railroad locomotive includes a naturally-aspirated reciprocating internal combustion engine, and a traction generator driven by the engine. A throttle position sensor produces a signal corresponding to the throttle position selected by the locomotive's operator. A load regulator receives a speed signal derived from the throttle position signal and outputs an excitation signal for the traction generator which is modified by a controller in response to air availability so that engine speed and load are controlled independently of the selected throttle position, so as to limit the exhaust smoke output of the engine.
US07980177B2

A hat pallet for use in a printer which prints an image onto a hat of the type having a cap and a bill attached thereto includes a bottom plate and a top plate mountable in a closed position over the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a printing plate and a bill support fixedly mounted thereon. The top plate has an opening exposing at least a portion of the printing plate when the top plate is in the closed position. The bill support is positioned relative to the printing plate such that when the hat is mounted in the pallet with the top plate in the closed position, a portion of the cap on which the image is to be printed is supported on the printing plate and exposed through the opening of the top plate and the underside of the bill of the hat is supported by the bill support.
US07980176B2

A printing machine, in particular a label printing machine or a sheet-fed offset printing press, includes printing units accommodated in a machine support structure that is made at least partially, and preferably entirely, of rock. The rock may be a natural rock, in particular granite, or an artificial rock, in particular concrete.
US07980175B2

An apparatus for measuring zonal inking on a printed product having a plurality of inking zones includes a plurality of optical sensors, each of the optical sensors picking up signals from at least one zonal measurement region assigned to a respective one of the plurality of inking zones of the printed product. The apparatus also includes at least one optical switch connected for receiving the picked up signals from the plurality of optical sensors and at least one measurement device connected to the at least one optical switch for receiving the picked up signals and evaluating the picked up signals.
US07980174B2

A page of a printed product having a plurality of information fields arranged in different printed columns is provided. At least one perforated line, extending parallel to the height of the page, is generated in the page between at least two printed columns. The at least one perforated line is formed over the entire height of the page. At least one printed column, along with its at least one information field, can be completely separated from the remaining part of the page via a separation process to be performed along a single such perforated line. The perforated line to be used to execute the separation process extends through a pictogram that is situated along both sides of this perforated line. The pictogram visualizes the position of this perforated line. A longitudinal perforation device for a web-fed rotary printing press can be used to produce this page and has at least one perforating blade for generating the perforated line. The longitudinal perforation device is configured as an autonomous module. That module can be used in different places in the same web-fed rotary printing press or at different times in different web-fed rotary printing presses.
US07980171B2

A cooking or food warming appliance having a heated heat sink plate situated in a vacuum environment within an outer shell. A food vessel intimately engages the heat sink plate along a food contacting surface thereof by virtue of the vacuum. The vacuum eliminates air gaps between the food contacting surface of the food vessel and the heat sink plate so as to provide instantaneous and uniform heating of the food vessel. The vacuum environment also provides thermal insulation for the heat sink plate whereby heat loss by convection is virtually eliminated.
US07980167B2

Axial piston compressor, especially for motor vehicle air-conditioning systems, having a tilt plate (2), especially a ring-shaped tilt plate, which is variable in terms of its inclination with respect to a drive shaft (1) and which is driven in rotation by the drive shaft (1) and is connected to—especially in articulated connection with—at least one supporting element (5) arranged at a spacing from the drive shaft (1) and rotating together therewith, the pistons in each case having an articulated arrangement with which the tilt plate (2) is in sliding engagement, and the supporting element (5) being arranged at the radially outer end of a force transmission element (6) which rotates together with the drive shaft (1) and is fixed in the latter in an approximately radial direction, wherein the force transmission element (6) is in rotatable and/or radially displaceable articulated connection with the supporting element (5).
US07980158B1

A press punch for pressing a powder includes a generally cylindrical metallic body and a polyurethane layer disposed around the metallic body. The metallic body has a nominal outside diameter and a generally flat bottom face. The polyurethane layer is disposed around the metallic body such that a bottom of the polyurethane layer is flush with the generally flat bottom face of the metallic body and an outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is substantially the same as the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body. In another embodiment, the outside diameter of the polyurethane layer is greater than the nominal outside diameter of the metallic body.
US07980157B2

A differential assembly includes a differential carrier (5) with a first carrier part (6) with a free first annular face (13) and a second carrier part (7) connectable to the first carrier part (6) and having a free second annular face (15), and a plurality of circumferentially distributed recesses (9) formed between the two carrier parts (6, 7); per carrier part (6, 7), a sideshaft gear (22, 23) is rotatably supported therein; and a supporting element (10) with journals (12) is held in the differential carrier (5). Each of the journals engages one of the recesses (9) of the differential carrier (5) and carries a differential gear (19) for driving the sideshaft gears (22, 23). The first and the second carrier part (7) are welded along a joining region formed between the two annular faces (13, 15) which is interrupted by the recesses (9) in the circumferential direction.
US07980155B2

An operating element for a vehicle steerable with a handlebar, in particular a motorcycle, having an operating ring in the area of a handle of the handlebar. The operating ring can be adjusted in multiple degrees of freedom, i.e., it can be rotated, shifted and depressed. Therefore, it can be used multifunctionally for triggering various functions in the vehicle.
US07980148B2

A device for collecting plant samples includes a punch and die mechanism for taking leaf plugs from plants. The punch itself includes a punch rod coaxially mounted inside a punch tube. In use, the punch tube has a distal end with two, diametrically opposed projections that interact with the formed aperture to cut a plug from a plant leaf. The punch rod then follows to remove a cut leaf plug from the formed aperture. Also included is a hydraulic subsystem for periodically delivering liquid on the punch and die mechanism to prevent plant debris from clogging the device.
US07980142B2

The present invention is directed to an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device capable of improving the measurement accuracy. Such an ultrasonic flow rate measuring device comprises first to third ultrasonic flow rate sensors in the measurement passage which are equipped with first ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers and second ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers. First to third ultrasonic wave propagation paths connecting the first ultrasonic wave transmitter-receiver and the second ultrasonic wave transmitter-receivers, respectively, intersect at different angles with the flow direction of fluid flowing through the measurement passages. The ultrasonic flow rate measuring device of the present invention obtains a flow rate measurement selectively from one of the first to third ultrasonic flow rate sensors in response to a flow rate Q.
US07980135B2

A microelectromechanical gyroscope having a microstructure that includes a first mass and a second mass, wherein the first mass is oscillatable according to a first axis and the second mass is constrained to the first mass so as to be drawn along by the first mass according to the first axis and to oscillate according to a second axis, in response to a rotation of the microstructure, a driving device coupled to the microstructure to maintain the first mass in oscillation at the driving frequency, and a reading device that detects displacements of the second mass according to the second axis. The gyroscope is provided with a self-test actuation system coupled to the second mass for applying an electrostatic force at the driving frequency so as to move the second mass according to the second axis.
US07980134B2

A measuring device for determining a measured quantity having an oscillatory structure where an oscillation signal is detectable. The measuring device further includes a device for exciting the oscillatory structure by an excitation frequency to result in an oscillation of an oscillation frequency. The measuring device further has a device for processing the oscillation signal by a frequency depending on the oscillation frequency and the excitation frequency. Furthermore, the measuring device includes an evaluator for determining the measured quantity based on the oscillation signal processed.
US07980125B2

A sensor system for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction has at least one sensor situated in the fluid medium, for determining the parameter of the fluid medium, and at least one grating situated transversely to the main flow direction and having at least one crosstie, the crosstie having a crosstie depth directed essentially in the main flow direction. The crosstie has at least one recess, the crosstie depth being reduced in the recess.
US07980124B2

The invention relates to a meter including a counter provided with an electronic display member and covered by a cap (2) presenting at least one window (2A) enabling an electronic screen (3) that is centered on the vertical central axis (X) of the meter to be viewed, said cap (2) carrying official information on its outside face (4). According to the invention, said cap (2) is pivotable about said axis (X) and the meter includes at least one static sensor (5, 6) responsive to pivoting of said cap (2), said sensor controlling the display of said screen (3) in such a manner that the data displayed by the screen has the same reading direction (S1, S2) as said official information (4).
US07980123B2

A jointed flexible drive shaft assembly is provided. The drive shaft has at least one flexible joint comprising a yoke connecting two drive shaft components together in a flexible manner which permits angular offsetting of the axis of rotation of one shaft component relative to the axis of rotation of another shaft component while a pilot and pilot bore cooperate to maintain the axes of rotation fixed against relative lateral offset a predetermined amount. The drive shaft assembly may be used on a test stand to couple a driving element with a driven element thereby reducing the need for a precision alignment between the driving and driven elements.
US07980117B2

A sniffer leak detector comprising a detector with a quartz window, the window being selectively permeable to a tracer gas. The quartz window is located in a suction chamber that is connected to a vacuum pump. To reduce the response time, a gas guidance plate is situated in the suction chamber, the guidance plate and quartz window together delimiting a narrow gas guidance chamber.
US07980116B2

The hydrogen gas sensor is a catalytic combustion hydrogen gas sensor with a detection element 1, and is characterized by comprising a measuring circuit configured to selectively provide a normal voltage mode for applying a normal voltage to the detection element 1 and a high voltage mode for applying a high voltage higher than said normal voltage to said detection element 1. Thereby, upon energization of the hydrogen gas sensor, the detection element 1 can be first applied the high voltage to be rapidly heated to raise a temperature of the detection element 1 immediately. And then, the detection element 1 can be applied the normal voltage to be heated to be kept at a predetermined temperature at which the hydrogen gas is detected.
US07980114B2

An electronic balance is provided, in which a tolerance resulting from temperature variation is variable and a frequency for sensitivity calibration corresponds to the tolerance. A load detecting portion 1 detects a load of an object to be weighed 12, a processing portion 2 converts a detecting signal from the load detecting portion 1 into a mass value, transmits the mass data to a display portion 3, and controls a sensitivity calibrating mechanism 6a to perform a sensitivity calibration by increasing or reducing internal weights 13 on the load detecting portion 1. An operation control program of the processing portion 2 is built with a tolerance input function 21, a sensitivity calibration execution condition calculating function 22, and a sensitivity calibration execution determining function 24. Whenever the temperature variation reaches or exceeds an allowable temperature variation ΔT, a sensitivity calibration is performed.
US07980108B2

A bending device for a tubular member includes a bending tool which is rotatable about an axis. The bending tool includes a circumferential recess and is split transversely to the axis to form a first tool member and a second tool member. Extending tangentially to the recess and partly embracing the tubular member is a plate-shaped wiper die which has a receiving channel. A non-rotatable disc-shaped support tab is securely fixed to the wiper die and projects between the first and second tool members. The support tab has a circumferential cradle which is configured to match a contour of the tubular member and to merge into the receiving channel of the wiper die in a tangential and smooth manner. An outer clamping jaw is jointly pivotable with the bending tool, and a trough-shaped resistance member is placed in opposition to the wiper die and movable longitudinally along the receiving channel.
US07980104B1

A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body and at least one adjusting member. The cylinder body has an inside wall, the plug assembly comprises a plug body having a plurality of pin holes and an opening, a plurality of assembled pins disposed within the pin holes of the plug body and a position block disposed in the plug body. Each of the assembled pins comprises a first rack component having an aligning cavity and a second rack component engaged with the first rack component. The position block has a plurality of pin runners served for disposing the first rack components and a tool-receiving hole corresponding to the opening. The adjusting member is movably disposed within one of the pin holes of the plug body and contacts against at least one first rack component and the inside wall of the cylinder body thereby forming a position difference between the tool-receiving hole and the aligning cavity.
US07980085B2

A system is provided and may include logic circuitry in communication with an intelligent device. The logic circuitry may process a refrigeration system operating parameter as a function of time and at least one of the logic circuitry and the intelligent device may diagnose a refrigeration system status based on the processing. The intelligent device may output the diagnosis.
US07980084B2

A temperature control apparatus is provided which controls temperature of a control target disposed on the side of an A-side of a Peltier device. The apparatus includes a temperature regulator which performs regulating operation on temperature of a B-side of the Peltier device opposite to the A-side on the basis of a drive voltage for the Peltier device.
US07980075B2

A reservoir capable of shortening a time period required to fill a brake system and a clutch system with a fluid with vacuuming in a case where the reservoir has a brake reservoir chamber to be connected to a brake master cylinder of the brake system and a clutch reservoir chamber to be connected to a clutch master cylinder of the clutch system. The reservoir (12) includes a brake reservoir chamber (28) and an inlet port for injecting the brake reservoir chamber (28) with a fluid from outside. The reservoir further includes a clutch reservoir chamber (29) separated from the brake reservoir chamber (28), and a communication passage (37) providing communication between the inlet port and the brake reservoir chamber (28). The communication passage is branched so as to communicate with the clutch reservoir chamber (29).
US07980074B2

Active material actuator assemblies are provided that enable simplified control systems and faster actuator cycle times. A movable member is provided that has multiple active material components operatively connected to it. The active material components are separately selectively activatable for moving the movable member. Movement of the movable member via activation of a first of the active material components triggers activation of the second active material component to further move the movable member. Alternatively or in addition, previously activated active material components are protected from undesired stretching during activation of another active material component or, when desired, an active material component may be reset via activation of another of the active material components in order to prepare it for subsequent activation.
US07980066B2

A method to operate an electronically controlled internal combustion engine that recognizes when thermal management mode of operation is being applied to an engine but is not attaining desired exhaust temperature for aftertreatment. When the Engine Control System (ECS) recognizes that the engine in operating in thermal management mode in a futile effort, the ECS aborts thermal management mode and returns to normal operating mode.
US07980063B2

A dosing device is provided that is suitable for administering a reagent into an exhaust chamber of an internal combustion engine. The device comprises a nozzle body and an insulating jacket wherein the jacket is mounted to the nozzle body at one or more mounting points, and wherein the dosing device is adapted to engage with a port located in the wall of an exhaust chamber. The insulating jacket defines a compartment, which can comprise an insulating material or can be substantially evacuated. The dosing device of the invention is advantageously insulated from the elevated temperatures in the surrounding environment, thereby allowing for the reagent to be maintained at an optimal working temperature range.
US07980062B2

A method for cold start white smoke protection of a hydrocarbon after treatment device, and method of engine operation to effect the same. The method comprises a) determining the temperature of the hydrocarbon after-treatment device during cold start conditions; b) determining hydrocarbon emissions in the hydrocarbon after-treatment device; and c) modifying engine operating conditions to raise the hydrocarbon after-treatment temperature at a pre-determined rate to a temperature sufficient to permit controlled oxidation of the hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon after treatment device.
US07980035B1

A venting device and system for subterranean basement structure walls to provide interior wall flow-through ventilation. Multiple venting devices are positioned strategically in the wall at intervals there along in an inter-dependent pattern allowing for convection intake and outflow of ambient interior air through the walls. The venting devices define a continuous insertable conduit with size specific restriction exposed end access fixtures. The strategic placement of the venting devices facilitates thermal exchange and creates a homeostatic static temperature and dew point between communicating spaces by means of pressure differential, air density and temperatures.
US07980031B2

A building includes a tile roof including a plurality of courses of tiles and a roof-cover above which the tiles are positioned, a ceiling below the roof, and a skylight apparatus. Each tile engages adjacent tiles according to a repeating engagement structure. The skylight apparatus includes a main body in place of one or more of the tiles of the tile roof and engages adjacent tiles substantially according to the repeating engagement structure, at least one window, a tubular body below the main body and extending through an aperture in the roof-cover, a light conduit extending downward from below the tubular body and defining an inner passage, and a bottom translucent member at an opening in the ceiling and below a bottom end of the light conduit. Light is able to shine through the window, the inner passage, and the bottom translucent member into a room below the ceiling.
US07980029B2

An extendible shelter connectable to a building has an extendible frame and a plurality of covers, connected to an outermost frame end, for covering the frame. Adjacent covers are connected to one another at outermost edge ends of their adjacent edges, which are threaded through a fastener. As the frame is extended outwardly away from the building, the adjacent edges are drawn through the fastener, which fastens the edges together to automatically fasten the adjacent covers. When the frame is retracted, the fastener unfastens the edges and covers. Anchor for locking wheels for the frame in fixed position on a ground surface over which the shelter extends are also disclosed.
US07980028B1

A counterbalance system for a side load window assembly having a window sash and side frame jambs. A spring carriage is provided. The spring carriage has a first section that fits into a gap space between the window frame and the window sash. The spring carriage also includes a second section that passes under the window sash, therein supporting the window sash. At least one coil spring is provided. Each coil spring has a wound body that is held within the spring carriage. Each coil spring also has a first end that extends out of a housing and is anchored to one of the side frame jambs. The coil springs bias the spring housing upwardly. Since the window sash rests upon the housing, the window sash is counterbalanced.
US07980022B1

The present invention is an improved fishing line with sliding means comprising a curved slider and clip. The invention is designed to be used with a single down rigging and a single fishing line. The invention connects to the single fishing line via the curved slider and clip. The invention is capable of moving up and down the fishing line, and has a separate fishing leader and fishing lure attached via the clip.
US07980018B2

The present invention concerns a fishing rod for fly fishing, comprising an oblong, thin and elastic body, equipped with a reel for a fishing line, seated on the rod at the lower part of this, along with a gripping device consisting of a fore handle and/or a butt handle fastened to the fishing rod on the lower end of the rod on a level below the reel.The handle is fastened on an angular lever in relation to the longitudinal axis of the rod, since the handle is situated on the extension of an imagined line, which stretches between the upper tip of the rod and the spin axis of the reel.The gripping device may furthermore comprise a fore handle, fastened to the fishing rod at the rear end of the rod, preferably in the area where a reel seat is fastened to the rod. The handle is configured in such a manner that it allows the thin and elastic body to move relative to the handle.
US07980017B2

A gun vise for adjustably holding a gun on a mounting surface includes a coupling component, a mounting component, a horizontal adjustment mechanism, and a vertical adjustment mechanism. The coupling component is configured to couple a gun to the gun vise. The mounting component is configured to secure the gun vise to a mounting surface. The horizontal adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a position of the coupling component in a first direction. The vertical adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a position of the coupling component in a second direction.
US07980015B2

One embodiment of a bobblehead sign display contains a body portion (12) and a head portion made up of head substrates (10 and 11). Head substrates (10 and 11) are joined together by head spacers (14 and 15) using an adhesive or reusable fastener. An elastic cord (16) spans a distance between head spacers (15). A support rod (13) is rigidly attached to the body substrate (12). The weight of the assembled head portion is supported by the support rod (13) via a connection to the elastic cord (16). Graphics may be affixed to the outer surfaces of 10, 11 and 12, which will be viewable to spectators around the device.
US07980014B2

A system for a 3-D tab for a folder, a retrofit for existing folders to have a 3-D tab and a method of making same is disclosed. The 3-D tab is created by an extension or attachable element which can be folded onto itself so that one edge surface is at an angle relative to the panels of the file folder allowing it to be read from the side. This also aids in allowing the tab to be fed through a printer.
US07980009B2

The invention relates to a shoe with a sole unit, where the sole unit includes a recess for removably receiving a housing of an electronic assembly, for example, an electronic pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor. Further, the invention relates to a housing for receiving an electronic assembly, for example, a pedometer, an accelerometer, or a speed sensor, where the housing has an outer shape corresponding to the shape of a recess formed in a shoe sole.
US07980000B2

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and methods for rinsing and drying substrates. One embodiment provides an end effector comprising a body having a contact tip for contacting an edge area of a substrate, wherein the end effector is configured to support the substrate while the substrate is in a rinsing bath and while the substrate is being dried from the rinsing bath, and the contact tip comprises a hydrophilic material.
US07979999B2

A bottle assembly has a bottle for storing a fluid, such as a cosmetic fluid. An applicator for applying the fluid is configured to be insertable and removable from the bottle along a path. A sealing body is configured to seal the bottle. The sealing body has a channel width movable between a first width and a second width. The first width is large enough to accommodate the applicator and the second width is smaller than the first width. The channel is resiliently biased toward the second width.
US07979996B2

A breast implant selector system including a breast width selector for selecting breast width input information, a breast tissue type selector for selecting breast tissue type input information in response to breast width input information selected with the breast width selector, and an implant size selector for selecting implant size input information in response to the breast tissue type input information selected with the breast tissue type selector. A result indicator provides a result characterizing at least one suggested breast implant as a function of the input breast width, breast tissue type, and implant size input information.
US07979992B2

What is new in this invention, it is the complete automation of the remote marking process. It is completely computer controlled and made possible by laser printer type marking/pointer equipment.Also, completely new is the concept of embedding digital information into a laser beam or other coherent information vector and attaching this way data/information to any object or place.New is the idea of using a discrete information vector not only as a beacon but also as a selector for the marking of more than one target objects.New is the idea of completely software controlled computerized digital marking of places or objects for closing motion control loops. No on-site human operators/soldiers needed. No position sensors needed anymore, nothing is bolted down, easy to reconfigure any environment.The invention is a major step in robotics and controls, improving considerably the eye-hand coordination of robots, making fully possible the action of the digital world on the real/physical world.
US07979990B2

A safety lock mechanism for a folding knife includes a lock plate movably coupled to a handle of the knife for movement along a first direction from an engaged position to a disengaged position, the lock plate biased towards the engaged position. A rocker element is coupled to the lock plate for movement from a locked position to an unlocked position and is configured to prevent translational movement of the lock plate to the disengaged position when the rocker element is in the locked position. A control button coupled to the rocker element allows a user to move the rocker element from the locked position to the unlocked position and to move the lock plate towards the disengaged position to thereby release a blade of the knife.
US07979984B2

An improved LED lamp manufacturing method is described. An LED lamp bulb and a pair of electrical cables are provided. The LED lamp bulb is electrically coupled with the pair of electrical cables. A main body is provided to enclose the LED lamp bulb, wherein the main body consists of a first plastic member and a second plastic member. The first plastic member is coupled with the second plastic member.
US07979979B2

The invention provides for a clamp assembly for an assembler for assembling printhead integrated circuits on a carrier. The assembler has an enclosure with a support assembly for operatively supporting a wafer with dies thereon, a die picking assembly for picking dice from said wafer, a die placement assembly for placing the dies onto the carrier, a die conveyance mechanism operatively conveying the dies from the die picking and placement assemblies, and a control system controlling the assembler. The clamp assembly includes an elongate clamp body, the body shaped and configured to be received by the die placement assembly, and a pair of elongate retaining plates mounted on top of the body. The clamp also includes an insert shaped and dimensioned to be received in the body below the plates, the insert operatively receiving said carrier, as well as a diaphragm positioned in the body, the diaphragm pneumatically displaceable to operatively urge the insert against the retaining plates.
US07979974B2

A system for feeding a fuel cell stack including fuel cells having separating plates and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). The system includes a separating plate supply unit for feeding the separating plates; an MEA supply unit for feeding the MEAs; a feeding unit on which the separating plates and the MEAs are fed, the feeding unit being configured to move upward and downward; and a transfer unit for receiving the separating plates and the MEAs from the separating plate supply unit and the MEA supply unit, respectively, and for loading the separating plates and the MEAs onto the feeding unit. A method for feeding a fuel cell stack includes feeding one of the separating plates, moving a magazine a predetermined amount, lowering a plate of a feeding unit, feeding one of the MEAs, and determining if the separating plates and the MEAs have been fed as much as a required number.
US07979970B2

Apparatus for repairing out-of-round cores, upon which strapping material has been coiled, when the core and coiled strapping material assembly has been deformed and is therefore no longer capable of being mounted upon strapping unwinding and dispensing apparatus. The repair apparatus comprises a pair of diametrically opposed, substantially semi-circular shoes which are mounted upon a pair of diametrically aligned rod members that are operatively connected together by means of a diametrically oriented expansion member. The apparatus is adapted to be disposed internally within the deformed core and coiled strapping material assembly, and when the expansion member is diametrically extended, the pair of semi-circular shoes will be forced into contact with the inner periphery of the deformed core and coiled strapping material assembly thereby returning the same to a truly round configuration.
US07979969B2

The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a high efficiency solar cell. In one embodiment, in a solar cell having a grid pattern that channels current, a defect causes an undesired current flow is removed by mechanically removing a portion of the grid pattern, thereby passivating the defect by removing a segment of the solar cell adjacent the defect. The segment also includes the front and back portions of the solar cell at the location of the defect without including the defect.
US07979958B2

A work apparatus such as a blower apparatus (1) or a spray apparatus (31) has a drive motor (5), a blower wheel (11) and a blower tube (12). The blower wheel (11) is driven by the drive motor (5) and moves a flow of air through the blower tube (12). The work apparatus (1, 31) has a back carrier (2) on which the drive motor (5) is mounted. In order to avoid electrostatic charges during operation, the back carrier (2) has an arrangement which establishes an electrically conductive connection between the work apparatus (1, 31) and the operator (18) of the work apparatus (1, 31) during operation thereof.
US07979946B2

A polish having improved properties is generally disclosed. In one embodiment, the polish can include a preservative that resists the growth of organisms, such as mold, fungus, bacteria, and the like, even after extended periods of nonuse. Additionally, the polish can be incorporated or impregnated into a mitt to form an all in one treating device. For example, the all in one treating device can be impregnated with a polish in at least one surface. In one embodiment, the polish can resist wicking or other migration from its application area to other parts of the all in one treatment device.
US07979940B1

A tool powered by pressurized liquid, typically water, for treatment of a variety of surfaces ranging from natural to manufactured, has a scrubber wheel powered by the pressurized liquid. A treatment liquid is contained in a single-use, throw-away cartridge mounted in the tool. The cartridge is mounted in the tool for rotation therein when desired. A nozzle in the tool for discharging the pressurized liquid onto the scrubber wheel to rotate the scrubber wheel, is movable by the tool operator during a treatment operation to change the direction of discharge to the extent desired to drive the scrubber forward or backward and to rotate the cartridge to dispense the treatment liquid if, and when, dispensing of the treatment liquid is desired.
US07979938B2

The drive system drives a brushhead at a driving frequency. The drive system includes a frequency modulation system which changes. the driving frequency about a center frequency in such a manner, with selected frequency deviation and modulation frequency, which interacts with the resonance of the brushhead to produce a change of amplitude in the movement of the brushhead within a range of 5-30%.
US07979935B2

An innerspring assembly includes a plurality of first springs arranged side-by-side in axis-parallel relationship and wound in the form of a helix. Several first springs which are arranged behind one another in a row define a spring strand. An edge reinforcement is formed by second springs placed on at least two opposite borders of the innerspring assembly, with each second spring being connected with two first springs of an adjacent spring strand.
US07979933B2

A headrest assembly (212) for supporting a face of a user (16) of a massage device (10) includes a support frame (226) that is coupled to the massage device (10), and a resilient assembly (220) that supports the face of the user (15) and that is coupled to the support frame (226). The resilient assembly (220) includes an interior resilient region (472) and an outer covering (474) that surrounds and protects the interior resilient region (472). The interior resilient region (472) includes a first layer (472A) and a second layer (472B), with the first layer (472A) being stacked on top of the second layer (472B). The first layer (472A) can have a first stiffness that is different than a second stiffness of the second layer (472B). Further, the first layer (472A) can have a first thickness (472C) that is different than a second thickness (472D) of the second layer (472B). Additionally, the second layer (472B) can include a plurality of cut-outs (472BC) that decrease the lateral stiffness of the second layer (472B).
US07979926B1

A collapsible outdoor shower enclosure that folds up nearly flat to a wall surface when not in use is herein disclosed. The shower enclosure is intended for use in outdoor locations where a general floor drain or similar means exists for removal of waste water. The enclosure comprises a right wall assembly and a left wall assembly that have hinged connections allowing for the shower enclosure to fold up against the wall surface. The wall surface would also be the one containing a shower head and shower controls as well. When in a retracted orientation, the enclosure protrudes approximately thirteen (13) inches from the stationary wall surface. During use, each of the wall assemblies fold out ninety degrees (90°) from the wall surface and include a right door and a left door that form an entrance side for a user to enter the shower enclosure. The wall assemblies are provided with corner supports which pin to a ground surface, vertical anchor members which secure the enclosure to the wall surface, and horizontal anchor members which secure the enclosure to the ground surface. When in an extended orientation, the shower enclosure forms a chamber approximately thirty-six (36) inches square thereby allowing the user an area to shower privately therein. When the user is finished using the shower enclosure, it is simply rinsed off and stowed back against the wall surface until the next usage.
US07979923B2

A urinal deodorizer set includes a support frame member, which has an upright board, a sloping flow guide board disposed at the top side of the upright board, and first diversion boards perpendicularly extended from the upright board and the sloping flow guide board, a holder frame member, which has an outer upright board, an arched bottom board, two sideboards, and second diversion boards perpendicularly extended from the outer upright boards and respectively abutted against the first diversion boards and defining with the first diversion boards an accommodation space, a deodorizer block accommodated in the accommodation space, and an anchoring member provided at the support frame member for securing the urinal deodorizer set to the vertical wall of a urinal to let flushing water run through the urinal deodorizer in mixing with the deodorizer block to achieve effective cleaning of the vertical and bottom walls of the urinal.
US07979922B2

A protective device, in particular of a type suitable for use during sports activities to protect in case of knocks, falls and impacts in general, comprises at least one substantially rigid main protective element, apt to be applied at a region to be protected, at least one substantially rigid ancillary protective element, apt to be applied in a position next to the main protective element and connecting means for connecting the ancillary protective element to the main protective element apt to allow the mutual rotation working as hinge about a main axis. The connecting means comprises deformable connections between the protective elements so that the connecting means allow, besides said rotation, also rotations along axes different from said main axis and/or limited translation motions nearing thereto and/or away therefrom.
US07984515B1

A storage area network (SAN) license validator manages data collection policies (DCPs) in deployed SAN agents by identifying data collection policies corresponding to unlicensed features, and disabling the DCPs for the unlicensed features. Thus, the agents need not expend computational and memory resources to gather data for unlicensed features that will not be queried. Agents receive a set of data collection policies (DCPs) for licensed features for which the corresponding data will be gathered and reported to the MODB. DCPs for unlicensed features are disabled in the agents that would have executed them, either by removing or canceling from an active DCP list or by omitting the unlicensed DCPs from the startup sequence of the agent. In this manner, agents operate with only the DCPs for licensed products and corresponding features, and need not gather extraneous data. Users do not observe a designated unavailable screen icon or selection, as unavailable data selections are simply omitted from the GUI display.
US07984512B2

Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to providing and restricting access to content. In aspects, information (e.g., a URL) that identifies content and a user is provided to a user. In conjunction with providing the information to a user, a data structure (e.g., an access control list) is updated to indicate that the user has access to the content. The user may use the information to access the content and/or may send this information to other users. The other users may use the information (e.g., by pasting it into a browser) to access the content and may be added to the data structure so that they may subsequently access the content without the use of the information. Access to the content via using the information may be subsequently revoked.
US07984509B2

The present invention provides systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection. Electronic appliances such as computers equipped in accordance with the present invention help to ensure that information is accessed and used only in authorized ways, and maintain the integrity, availability, and/or confidentiality of the information. Such electronic appliances provide a distributed virtual distribution environment (VDE) that may enforce a secure chain of handling and control, for example, to control and/or meter or otherwise monitor use of electronically stored or disseminated information. Such a virtual distribution environment may be used to protect rights of various participants in electronic commerce and other electronic or electronic-facilitated transactions. Distributed and other operating systems, environments and architectures, such as, for example, those using tamper-resistant hardware-based processors, may establish security at each node. These techniques may be used to support an all-electronic information distribution, for example, utilizing the “electronic highway.”
US07984507B2

This disclosure provides a document access method and system. The document access method and system are based on a social network model which interconnects members of the social network as a function of trust. This framework provides a basis for documents to be accessed by members which are not directly specified by a document's owner, while providing a certain degree of document security.
US07984506B2

A digital rights management system (1) includes a content server (30) that stores contents created by content creators, a mobile device (21, 22) that acquires and uses a desired content from the content server, and a data preservation server (40) that preserves the content used by the mobile device so as to enable the content to be uploaded and downloaded. The content server is configured to create rights information for the content, the rights information containing availability of backup saving of the content in the data preservation server, and to deliver the content and the rights information to the mobile device in response to a request from the mobile device. The mobile device is configured to create backup data when using the content based on the availability of backup saving and transmit the backup data to the data preservation server for preservation of the backup data.
US07984505B2

An arrangement for managing a media file having an associated DRM license is provided by enabling the copying of the media file stored on a source medium to a target medium only when both the source medium and the target medium are held in custody by a media server. The media server writes a copy of a media file and a copy of the associated DRM license from the source medium to the target medium. Upon confirmation that the copy of the DRM license was successfully written to the target medium, the DRM license and media file on the source medium are overwritten. The result is that the target medium contains both the media files and the DRM licenses which are locked to the target medium.
US07984503B2

A system, method and computer program product are provided for scanning files. A plurality of file names in a registry of a computer is identified. By this identification, files associated with the file names are scanned. Another system, method and computer program product are further provided. In particular, a change in a registry of a computer is first identified. Then, a scan is conditionally performed based on whether the change in the registry is identified.
US07984501B2

A method and system analyzes the state of security of a web application based on the structure of its components and its behavior against a well determined set of fingerprints. The system searches for components while parsing the web application, applying the well determined procedures to identify the server side technologies involved. Based on information stored in memory, the system elaborates a set of security checks to determine any vulnerabilities.
US07984498B2

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses select a primary group name; identify a first device associated with the primary group name wherein the first device is a member of the primary group name; specify a privilege associated with the member of the primary group name; and store the primary group name, the first device, and the privilege within a profile.
US07984496B2

A method of secure communication between a wireless device and a target network is presented, comprising receiving a communication addressed to a target network, the communication comprising a data payload and originating from a wireless device on a trusted wireless network, establishing a secure channel with the target network and sending the communication to the target network over the secure channel. The method can further comprise negotiating secure channel parameters with the target network, encrypting the data payload, adding data integrity protection to the communication, encapsulating the communication according to a VPN protocol, authenticating the wireless device as an authorized user of the private network and granting access to a target network resource.
US07984492B2

An apparatus and associated method is provided for facilitating policy decision in a communication system, wherein the apparatus receiving a message, the message comprising a first destination device identification of a first destination device, determining a second destination device identification of a second destination device by accessing a location information of a wireless terminal, and replacing the first destination device identification with second destination device identification.
US07984485B1

Aspects of the present invention may be seen in a method and system for the ingestion of update package containers (or other types of containers, in general) into a distribution network. In an embodiment of the present invention, update package containers (UPC) from several different sources may be transferred into a distribution network such as a carrier network via a standardized SOAP interface. A logical repository may be assumed to exist in the distribution network. A standardized interface to such a logical repository may facilitate the integration of ingestion methods from several software originators into such a distribution network.
US07984478B2

A method and apparatus relating to a receiver/decoder in a digital television environment, including logical devices (including logical demultiplexer devices) for representing physical and other devices in the receiver/decoder. The method includes the instantiation of devices by the receiver/decoder as required to support functionality thereof. The method further includes the use of multiple demultiplexers/remultiplexers, for example in the recording of more than one service simultaneously; and a control word device for the management of control word operations; the use of two or more tuners. Various elements of a digital television system (such as a receiver/decoder and a set top box) are also disclosed.
US07984476B2

The invention is an efficient computerized method for generating generic scenes for interactive satellite television applications, comprising the steps of maintaining a database of individual scene resources of different types, and obtaining a list of scenes comprising the scene resources via at least one loop for each scene resource. The invention only updates those scene resources that have been updated since the last compilation of scene resources. The scene resources include one or more of the following list: button, text box, static display, animation, photograph, visual element, audio clip and other computer gadget. The invention alleviates the need for writing new source code for each television application.
US07984473B1

A system and method allowing a broadcaster to deliver short-term cyclic data along with the main content of the broadcast stream, synchronized with that main content, and for allowing users to have access to that information for longer periods than a typical data broadcast system would allow. Additional data content is added to the main content stream and is broadcast along with it. The additional data content is initially broadcast shortly prior to the time of its relevance to the main content and is buffered upon reception. In addition, it is rebroadcast cyclically over a short period, allowing viewers who tune in late to take advantage by acquiring the material during and briefly after the time of its initial relevance. If a viewer tunes in after the cyclic broadcast period has elapsed or if there was an error in the receiving or buffering of the additional data content, a return channel can be used to request that the material be retransmitted. If an insufficient number of viewers request a particular piece of material, it may be narrowcast to those viewers over their telephone lines. For a larger number of requests, a rebroadcast will be scheduled.
US07984460B2

A disk drive according to the present invention includes: a mechanical chassis; a pickup for reading and/or writing information from/on a disk storage medium; a rotation drive section with a turntable to mount and rotate the storage medium thereon; a pickup supporting member having a bottom portion for supporting the pickup and the rotation drive section and a standup wall that stands upright from the bottom portion toward the turntable, the pickup supporting member being supported on the mechanical chassis so as to turn around an axis of rotation that is defined through the standup wall; and a pickup raising/lowering portion, which is provided for the mechanical chassis in order to drive the pickup supporting member to either a first position in which the pickup is ready to perform a read or write operation on the storage medium that is mounted on the turntable or a second position in which the turntable has been retracted so as to avoid contact with the storage medium being inserted or ejected.
US07984442B2

System and method for interpreting ASCII code fetched from a code space of a task partition that is part of memory shared by a host processor and a multitask controller (MTC). The MTC includes a scheduler unit, a data flow unit, an executive unit, and a resource manager unit. The shared memory also includes a system partition containing a code space. The fetched code is monitored for adjacent ASCII alphabetic characters and if at least two are found and the fetched code is terminated by an ASCII space character, the code table in the code space of the system partition is scanned to find a command that matches the fetched code. The byte in the table immediately following the matched fetched code and having a bit set indicating that it is interpreted is obtained and written over the ASCII space character in the code space of the task partition.
US07984434B1

Techniques and mechanisms are provided for patching software, such as software for implementing parameterizable processor cores and peripherals on a programmable chip. Software components constructed using various shared modules can be updated without affecting other components using the same shared modules. In one example, a software component includes a manifest for identifying the implementations that should be associated with the various modules. When a patched implementation is provided for a particular module, the component manifest is changed to associate the patched implementation with the component. The pre-patch implementation is preserved so that other components using the pre-patch implementation may be kept unchanged.
US07984431B2

According to one example embodiment, there is disclosed herein uses partial recurrence relaxation for parallelizing DOACROSS loops on multi-core computer architectures. By one example definition, a DOACROSS may be a loop that allows successive iterations executing by overlapping; that is, all iterations must impose a partial execution order. According to one embodiment, the inventive subject matter may be used to transform the dependence structure of a given loop with recurrences for maximal degree of thread-level parallelism (TLP), where the threads can be mapped on to either different logical processors (in a hyperthreaded processor) or can be mapped onto different physical cores (or processors) in a multi-core processor.
US07984423B2

A system and method for creating and using configuration diagrams for configuring distributed systems. The methods described herein may be used for various types of operations in configuring distributed systems, including creating programs, managing programs in the distributed system, deploying programs to various distributed devices, configuring remote execution or inter-operation of distributed programs, and executing distributed applications. Embodiments of the invention utilize graphical iconic-based techniques for performing the above operations. The configuration diagram may include device icons which represent devices and program icons which represent programs. Device icons and program icons may be associated with each other to accomplish various program creation and deployment operations. Device icons and program icons may also interact with graphical program nodes or icons. Context sensitive device connections and/or program connections are displayed. An asynchronous data flow node may be used to facilitate asynchronous data flow between two graphical programs. The distributed system may also support distributed graphical debugging.
US07984421B2

A user accessing a first web application can request to clone that application to form a second web application, where the first web application may be owned by another user. The cloning operation involves copying at least part of a directory for the first web application to a new directory for the second web application. For example, non-private content types, queries, and/or hard-coded images and strings can be copied from the parent directory to the clone directory. The clone web application is then rendered in accordance with the content in its directory.
US07984412B1

A method (100) of estimating a performance characteristic of an integrated circuit (IC) design having an intellectual property (“IP”) core pre-characterizes an element type of the IC design to provide an estimation result of the element type (102-108). Mid-level elements of the IP are acquired (116). A user selects a value of a parameter of the IP core and the IC design is run on a design tool using the estimation result to model the mid-level elements of the IP core (118) to return a performance value of the IC design (120).
US07984411B2

An iterative technique is used to automatically route nets and alter spacing of an integrated circuit design to achieve a fully routed and compact result. After identifying cells rows and channel, which are gaps between the rows, the technique determines which nets should be routed in which areas. Spine routing is used for nets than span more than one row or channel. Alter the space between rows, larger or smaller, which will allow routing of the nets.
US07984409B2

Design structure embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing a design. The design structure comprises an insulating layer of a dielectric material, an opening having sidewalls extending from a top surface of the insulating layer toward a bottom surface of the insulating layer, and a conductive feature disposed in the opening. The design structure includes a top capping layer disposed on at least a top surface of the conductive feature and a conductive liner layer disposed between the insulating layer and the conductive feature along at least the sidewalls of the opening. The conductive liner layer of the design structure has sidewall portions that project above the top surface of the insulating layer adjacent to the sidewalls of the opening.
US07984402B1

A multi-pass method of implementing a testbench can include, during a pre-processing pass, randomly selecting a configuration of the testbench and generating configuration data specifying the randomly selected configuration of the testbench. During a subsequent processing pass, the method can include compiling the testbench in accordance with the configuration data. Simulation can be performed using the testbench.
US07984392B2

The present invention relates to a matching method of pattern layouts from inverse lithography, which makes the pattern cells in the same groups identical to avoid a repeated verification and to improve the yield. The method comprises the step of: analyzing a target designed layout by hierarchy; categorizing the pattern cells with the same shape into a group; inversing the target designed layout by inverse lithography; inspecting the inversed pattern cells in the group with each other and replacing the variant ones to make all the inversed pattern cells identical.
US07984389B2

A Web browsing and visualization system and method wherein: (i) Web data is retrieved and displayed in real-time (i.e., Web data is not pre-recorded), (ii) browsing and visualization are synchronized together in the same interface, (iii) a tree-based, rings-type visualization engine, (iv) space-efficient display of visualization, and (v) the amount of resources needed from the host computer is comparatively modest. In addition, the tree-based rings engine used to create the visualization displays the information in a smaller area than previous systems. Thus, the system requires less screen space to display the same amount of information as comparable systems. Alternatively, it can display more information to the user in the same amount of screen space as comparable systems. Moreover, although the present invention is disclosed herein in connection with visualizing Web data, it can be applied to portray any information hierarchy.
US07984388B2

A partially collapsing hierarchical display system aids information navigation by providing a dynamic mechanism for labeling items with one or more states. In one embodiment, states comprise “hidden”, “visible” and “unmarked”. An expanded list of items displays all items. A partially expanded list of items displays all visible and unmarked items, removing hidden items from the display. A further collapsed list of items displays all visible items. A completely collapsed list of items hides all items. Users customize the amount of detail displayed in a sub-tree, reducing the display size of the sub-tree. Expansion of a hierarchical structure is combined with filtering, allowing users to partially collapse or partially expand a sub-tree structure. Partially collapsed lists comprise one or more focus points, allowing users to view several relevant sections of a hierarchical structure concurrently. Displayed sizes or other visual characteristics of items within the hierarchical structure are automatically adjusted to reflect the states designated by the user.
US07984387B2

A widget is incorporated into a user interface associated with a processing system to provide the user with a display of the entered data, together with any added text or other data modifications that result from application of a default format. The display thus enables the user to determine whether or not the default format can be used with the entered data, before the data is processed. The widget also provides a toggle capability, to allow the user to override the default behavior of the processing system and select a different valid format for use with the entered data, from a format priority list contained in the widget. The display and toggle capabilities cause the entered data to be processed by the system as intended by the user.
US07984386B1

Print page user interface is described, including receiving a request to open a printing interface, the printing interface being substantially transparent such that content positioned underneath the printing interface is visible, determining a print area, the print area comprising a portion of the content visible in a print zone, the print zone being an area of the printing interface used to identify the portion and to configure the portion to print on no more than one sheet of paper, and sending a request to print the print area on the no more than one sheet of paper.
US07984382B2

A system for processing user interface actions generated from a user interface device, including generating a freshness status for the user interface action. The freshness status indicates a freshness state associated with the user interface action. The freshness status is associated wit the user interface action.
US07984380B2

Book definitions can be dynamically created based on content provided by a user. Such dynamic creation can include organization of user-supplied content into appropriate form, adjustment of book cover properties to match the user-supplied content, and verification that the user supplied content is appropriate for presentation in book form. Various interfaces can also be provided which allow users to generate a book definition based on a minimum of information.
US07984377B2

Systems and methods for presenting media items in a display environment. A plurality of media items are selected. Instances of each of the selected media items are generated. The instances of the selected media items can be scaled and concurrently transitioned through a display environment along one or more paths.
US07984375B1

Automatic detection and implementation of modifications to an application are described. A new base model of the application is generated using the edited version of the application. This base model is simulated to a selected state, resulting in a new presentation model that includes a tree of multiple objects described by the new base model at the selected state, and a pointer for each node of the tree that points back to the associated node in the new base model. The pointers of each node of the new presentation model are compared to the nodes of the previous presentation model of the application and then replaced with those corresponding nodes in the previous presentation model when the nodes are equivalent. Otherwise, the nodes of the new presentation model are maintained.
US07984371B2

A method and system for the graphical modeling of calculations in a spreadsheet that provides a graphical representation of formulas and data contained in a spreadsheet. The graphical representation consists of nodes and edges connected in a tree or graph structure. The nodes represent operators and operands of a formula and are arranged in an expression hierarchy based on operational precedence. Formulas containing cell references are represented through a compound expression hierarchy consisting of an expression hierarchy that includes a descendant expression hierarchy representing the contents of each referenced cell. Expression hierarchies that share similar nodes can be represented through a shared graphical representation to reduce the number of items displayed concurrently within a view and to simplify multiple formula edits. The expression hierarchies and the formulas they represent are kept consistent so that changes made to either can be reflected in both the spreadsheet and graphical representation.
US07984370B2

A meeting data conversion application executed in a PC successively obtains the first and last images and an image immediately before reduction of display content, among a plurality of images arranged in chronological order. Among the obtained images, an image immediately before reduction of display content by a prescribed amount or more and the last image are registered as delimiting images. Among the obtained images, the images from the image immediately after the delimiting image to the next delimiting image are processed as one image group.
US07984365B2

An iterative decoding device for a communication receiver includes a decoder for decoding received encoded data blocks by a next iteration initialization, a controller to choose one of the first and second hard decision bits in order for the validity of a CRC field, associated to this received data block, to be checked, and a first memory. The controller, when the CRC field of a block is invalid, orders the decoder to store the final stakes associated to the block in the first memory to require the transmission of a redundant version of the block, and when the redundant version is received, to initialize the decoder with the stored final stakes before it applies the next iteration initialization mechanism to the received redundant version.
US07984361B2

Disclosed is an apparatus for recovering data in the case of single or double failures of N partial data blocks generated by dividing the data where N is a natural number greater than 1. The apparatus recovers the data on the basis of a Galois field product computation table including first and second search key data, and products of the first and second search key data. The first search key data includes possible symbol values. The second search key data includes a weighting value set and an inversed weighting value set. The weighting value set includes weighting values each assigned to one of the N partial data blocks and different from each other, and is closed under addition in the Galois field. The inversed weighting value set includes multiplicative inverses of the weighting values included in the weighting value set.
US07984358B1

A system includes a first circuit generating error-correction (EC) bits based on test data. Memory comprises a plurality of memory lines each including a data portion storing the test data and an error-correction (EC) portion storing corresponding ones of the EC bits. An input receives the test data. A switching device selectively outputs one of the test data from the input and the EC bits and the test data from the first circuit to the memory. The test data comprise T pairs of test vectors. A first test vector of each of the T pairs of test vectors is an inverse of a second test vector of each of the T pairs of test vectors. Each of the first test vectors in the T pairs of test vectors is unique and each of the second test vectors in the T pairs of test vectors is unique. T is an integer greater than one.
US07984356B2

Various example embodiments are discloses. According to one example embodiment, a method may include sending a packet to both a relay station and a destination station in a wireless network, receiving a relay station acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK) from the relay station during an ACK/NACK frame, and receiving a destination station ACK or NACK from the destination station during the ACK/NACK frame. The relay station ACK or NACK may either acknowledge or negatively acknowledge successful receipt of the packet by the relay station. The destination station ACK or NACK may either acknowledge or negatively acknowledge successful receipt of the packet by the destination station.
US07984354B2

Improved responses can be generated to scan patterns (e.g., test patterns) for an electronic circuit designs having timing exception paths by more accurately determining the unknown values that propagate to observation points in the circuit, where the response is captured. For instance, the responses are determined more accurately by analyzing the effect of sensitizing a timing exception path during each time frame associated with a scan pattern. Path sensitization can be determined based on observing whether values injected at starting points of the timing exception paths due to signal transitions and glitches propagate to their end points. The response can be updated by masking the affected end points and propagating unknown values further in the circuit to determine whether they are captured at observation points of the circuit. For instance, the methods and systems described herein may result in reduced unknowns, improved test coverage and test compression.
US07984347B2

A system and method for sharing a communications link between multiple protocols is described that comprises a system comprising a communications interface configured to exchange information with other systems using at least one of a plurality of protocols; a protocol select register that stores a value that selects a protocol from among the plurality of protocols to become an active protocol; and a state machine accessible to the communications interface, the state machine used to control the exchange of information through the communications interface according to the active protocol. The active protocol is used by the communications interface to exchange information while the remaining protocols of the plurality of protocols remain inactive. The state machine sequences through a series of states that cause the communications interface to operate according to the active protocol, and that are designated as inert sequences under the remaining protocols.
US07984343B2

A test circuit can use a simple test pattern data without customization for each substrate and considerably reduce a test preparation process. A connection test circuit is generated by receiving the input of the data of the connection relation indicating the devices mutually line-connected among a plurality of devices, the number of connection lines corresponding to the respective connection relations, and the device outputting a test result, sequentially searching for a connection destination device from the output terminal of an output device, and embedding a test circuit module in a test route.
US07984342B2

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for detecting and identifying network faults. The method includes recording cyclic redundancy check (CRC) errors gathered by a data stream analyzer, if the number of CRC errors exceeds a threshold, sending a notification to an automated fault manager which (1) analyzes the number of CRC errors, (2) determines a cause of the CRC errors, and (3) takes appropriate corrective action based on the analysis. The method can further include storing CRC error measurements in a log organized by date and time, analyzing stored CRC error measurements to anticipate future CRC errors, and taking preventive action in advance of anticipated future CRC errors. The automated fault manager can be a rule-based fault/performance management system. The notification can be a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) trap. The data stream analyzer can be an MPEG transport stream analyzer. The automated fault manager can be a video provider or a part of a network management system. The threshold can be either dynamic or static and can be based on video stream priority.
US07984334B2

A method of diagnosing a fault condition within software can include, responsive to a fault condition within a computing system belonging to an organization, automatically sending call-stack information for the fault condition to a first server within the organization. Within the first server, the call-stack information for the fault condition can be compared with call-stack information from prior fault conditions that occurred within the organization to determine whether the call-stack information for the fault condition matches call-stack information from one of the prior fault conditions. The method further can include sending the call-stack information to a second server for comparison with call-stack information from prior fault conditions that occurred within at least one different organization if the call-stack information for the fault condition does not match.
US07984333B2

A method, and system employing the method, initiates proactive maintenance of computer systems and/or devices in a computer network. The method determines the subsystems of the computers and network devices and analyzes their configuration data including their respective subsystems. The method generates maintenance characteristics for the devices, and determines a maintenance event for devices using the maintenance characteristics and the configuration data of the devices. The method initiates a maintenance solution of a device determined to have a problematic configuration.
US07984330B2

Systems, methods, and computer program products are described that are capable of recovering an asynchronous process after an error occurs with respect to the process. For example, the process may be re-initiated upon detection of the error. The re-initiated process is capable of not repeating tasks of the process that were completed prior to the occurrence of the error.
US07984319B2

The invention reduces the pin terminal number of a controller that in parallel or simultaneously accesses a synchronous memory and an asynchronous memory. When a column address is latched to an SDRAM, immediately after that, access to FLASH is started, and a shared bus controller outputs the write/read address with respect to FLASH on the address bus. Then, after the end of data transfer on the data bus, either the shared bus controller outputs the write data, or FLASH can output the read data on the data bus by means of a strobe signal. Then, the input of address is established by FLASH, and, as the shared bus controller asserts a strobe signal, either FLASH fetches the write data on the data bus, or the shared bus controller fetches the read data on the data bus.
US07984313B2

The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for reducing power consumption involving data storage devices. One embodiment involves a process for storing data in a first memory, and in response to the first memory exceeding a first threshold, migrating the data from the first memory to a second memory. In response to the second memory exceeding a second threshold, the process then involves migrating the data from the second memory to the third memory, wherein the second memory is sized and configured to store data targeted for the third memory to intelligently maintain a portion of the third memory in an inactive state.
US07984302B2

An apparatus includes a digital signature verification data embedding unit and a signing unit. The digital signature verification data embedding unit is configured to embed digital signature verification data for use in verification of a digital signature for an electronic document into the electronic document. The signing unit is configured to sign the electronic document with a digital signature whose validity can be verified using digital signature verification data embedded in the electronic document.
US07984300B2

A system and method of authenticating a digital still image captured using a digital image capture device. To process the digital still image for later authentication, a signature data is transmitted from a remote location to the digital image capture device. Upon capturing the digital still image, an image identification is associated with the digital still image. The signature data is then applied to the captured digital still image to produce an authentication signature representative of the captured digital still image. The authentication signature is associated with the image identification and transmitted from the digital still image to the remote location for storage at the remote location. To verify the authenticity of the digital still image, the digital still image is transmitted to the remote location. The signature data for the transmitted digital still image is accessed and applied to the transmitted digital still image to produce a verification signature. The authentication signature and the verification signature are compared to determine the authentication of the transmitted digital still image. In an alternate embodiment, the signature data and image identification are sent to the image capture device to generate the verification signature, which is transmitted to the remote location for comparison with the authentication signature.
US07984285B2

A port securing module includes a power gate that is operable to be coupled in series to a power source and to a load. A resistor is coupled in parallel to the power gate. An operational amplifier includes an inverting input and a non-inverting input that couple the operational amplifier in parallel to each of the power gate and the resistor. The operational amplifier also includes an output that is operable to indicate whether a load is coupled to the power gate and, if a load is coupled to the power gate, supply a voltage to activate the power gate such that power is supplied to the load.
US07984275B2

In a logically partitioned host computer system comprising host processors (host CPUs), a facility and instruction for discovering topology of one or more guest processors (guest CPUs) of a guest configuration comprises a guest processor of the guest configuration fetching and executing a STORE SYSTEM INFORMATION instruction that obtains topology information of the computer configuration. The topology information comprising nesting information of processors of the configuration and the degree of dedication a host processor provides to a corresponding guest processor. The information is preferably stored in a single table in memory.
US07984273B2

A system and method for assigning values to elements in a first register, where each data field in a first register corresponds to a data element to be written into a second register, and where for each data field in the first register, a first value may indicate that the corresponding data element has not been written into the second register and a second value indicates that the corresponding data element has been written into the second register, reading the values of each of the data fields in the first register, and for each data field in the first register having the first value, gathering the corresponding data element and writing the corresponding data element into the second register, and changing the value of the data field in the first register from the first value to the second value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07984272B2

A design structure embodied in a machine readable storage medium for designing, manufacturing, and/or testing a design for forwarding data in a processor is provided. The design structure includes a processor. The processor includes at least one cascaded delayed execution pipeline unit having a first and second pipeline, wherein the second pipeline is configured to execute instructions in a common issue group in a delayed manner relative to the first pipeline, and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to determine if a first instruction being executed in the first pipeline modifies data in a data register which is accessed by a second instruction being executed in the second pipeline, and if the first instruction being executed in the first pipeline modifies data in the data register which is accessed by the second instruction being executed in the second pipeline, forward the modified data from the first pipeline to the second pipeline.
US07984266B2

A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12) for accomplishing a larger task that is divided into smaller tasks, each of the smaller tasks being assigned to one or more of the computers (12). Each of the computers (12) may be configured for specific functions and individual input/output circuits (26) associated with exterior computers (12) are specifically adapted for particular input/output functions. An example of 25 computers (12) arranged in the computer array (10) has a centralized computational core (34) with the computers (12) nearer the edge of the die (14) being configured for input and/or output.
US07984250B2

In some embodiments, a memory control device includes a sensor positioned remotely from a memory device, a register to store an offset value, the offset value corresponding to a difference between a temperature reading of the sensor and an estimated actual temperature of the memory device, and a controller to control an operation of the memory device, wherein the controller is configured to read the offset value from the register and control the operation of the memory device in accordance with the offset value. The controller may be configured to dynamically update the offset value during an operation of the memory device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US07984246B1

A multiprocessing system includes, in part, a multitude of processing units each in direct communication with a bus, a multitude of memory units in direct communication with the bus, and at least one shared memory not in direct communication with the bus but directly accessible to the plurality of processing units. The shared memory may be a cache memory that stores instructions and/or data. The shared memory includes a multitude of banks, a first subset of which may store data and a second subset of which may store instructions. A conflict detection block resolves access conflicts to each of the of the banks in accordance with a number of address bits and a predefined arbitration scheme. The conflict detection block provides each of the processing units with sequential access to the banks during consecutive cycles of a clock signal.
US07984237B2

A method according to one embodiment may include retrieving selected data from one or more mass storage devices, based at least in part on historical device access information of at least one requester of data. A method according to another embodiment may include retrieving, by an integrated circuit, device data layout information from one or more mass storage devices, and storing, by the integrated circuit, the device data layout information in cache memory. Of course, many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US07984229B2

A cache design is described in which corresponding accesses to tag and information arrays are phased in time, and in which tags are retrieved (typically speculatively) from a tag array without benefit of an effective address calculation subsequently used for a corresponding retrieval from an information array. In some exploitations, such a design may allow cycle times (and throughput) of a memory subsystem to more closely match demands of some processor and computation system architectures. Our techniques seek to allow early (indeed speculative) retrieval from the tag array without delays that would otherwise be associated with calculation of an effective address eventually employed for a corresponding retrieval from the information array. Speculation can be resolved using the eventually calculated effective address or using separate functionality. In some embodiments, we use calculated effective addresses for way selection based on tags retrieved from the tag array.
US07984226B2

Routing circuitry for automatically routing either a first set of USB signals derived from an Ethernet local area network (LAN) at an Ethernet connector or a second set of USB signals derived from a USB host at a USB connector to an output connector which can interface with a data processing device.
US07984224B2

A storage router and method for providing virtual local storage on remote storage devices to devices are provided. Devices are connected to a first transport medium, and a plurality of storage devices are connected to a second transport medium. In one embodiment, the storage router maintains a map to allocate storage space of the discovered storage devices to devices connected to the first transport medium by associating representations of the devices connected to the first transport medium with representations of the storage space and controls access from the devices connected to the first transport medium to the discovered storage devices in accordance with the map and using native low level block protocols.
US07984218B2

A processor 1 provided with a plurality of cores, an interrupt operation dedicated core 20 which is used only for an interrupt operation; a normal core 11 to 1n which outputs an interrupt request when an interrupt source is generated; and an interrupt control part 30 which, upon receipt of the interrupt request, assigns an operation by an interrupt vector to the interrupt operation dedicated core 20.
US07984216B2

Methods and systems for a RFIC master are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include configuring an on-chip programmable device that may function as a master on a bus that has at least one device interface, for example, RFIC interface, coupled to the bus. The on-chip programmable device may generate at least one signal to control at least one device coupled to at least one device interface. The on-chip programmable device may communicate the generated signal via the bus upon receiving an input timer signal and may be configured by writing at least one event data and an index-sample data to the on-chip programmable device. The index-sample data may comprise at least a count value and an event data index. When the count value equals a value of the timer signal, event data may be fetched and executed starting with the one specified by the event data index.
US07984212B2

A system and method for sharing peripheral first-in-first-out (FIFO) resources is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for utilizing peripheral FIFO resources includes a processor, a first peripheral FIFO controller and a second peripheral FIFO controller coupled to the processor for controlling buffering of first data and second data associated with the processor respectively. Further, the system includes a merge module coupled to the first peripheral FIFO controller and the second peripheral FIFO controller for merging a first FIFO channel associated with the first peripheral FIFO controller and a second FIFO channel associated with the second peripheral FIFO controller based on an operational state of the first FIFO channel and an operational state of the second FIFO channel respectively. Also, the system includes a first FIFO and a second FIFO coupled to the merge module via the first FIFO channel and the second FIFO channel respectively.
US07984209B1

Interface circuitry that is used to interface data between two different clock regimes that may have somewhat different speeds includes the ability to determine which of the clock regimes is faster. Depending on which clock regime is found to be faster, the baseline (nominal difference between data write and data read addresses of a FIFO memory in the interface circuitry) is shifted (i.e., toward the full or empty condition of the FIFO, as is appropriate for which of the clock regimes has been found to be faster). Adjustments may also be made to the threshold(s) used for such purposes as character insertion/deletion and overflow/underflow indication. This technique may allow use of a smaller FIFO and reduce latency of the interface circuitry.
US07984208B2

According to one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a port having a plurality of lanes, a plurality of protocol engines. Each protocol engine is associated with one of the plurality of lanes, and processes tasks to be forwarded to a plurality of remote nodes. The apparatus also includes a first port task scheduler (PTS) to manage the tasks to be forwarded to the one or more of the plurality of protocol engines. The first PTS includes a register to indicate which of the plurality of protocol engines the first PTS is to support.
US07984197B2

A CEC on the fly modification function, operated by a manipulating switch including at least three HDMI-CEC ports, enables the manipulating switch to receive a CEC block comprising a CEC address according to the initiator's HDMI-CEC network; modify on the fly the CEC address in the received CEC block to match the follower's HDMI-CEC network view; and supply the modified CEC block to one or more devices.
US07984196B2

A wireless communication apparatus recognizes whether an information input apparatus is in a wirelessly communicable state at periods shorter than a disconnection waiting time in an information transfer protocol which transfers information between the information input apparatus and an information output apparatus. If the wireless communication apparatus recognizes that the information input apparatus is not in the wireless communicable state, it permits and expedites processing of a request for connection with the information output apparatus sent from another information input apparatus over a wireless network.
US07984195B2

A Point-of-Sale networked computing system includes a workstation with a first Personal Computer (PC)-based controller, a workstation with a second industrial PC-based controller having different performance characteristics than the first controller, and an Ethernet network coupling the workstations. The Ethernet network may include home-run or star Ethernet topology, and the controllers may be TCP/IP addressable. The computing system may be used in a restaurant, kitchen, shop, or department store. The computing system may also include a bump bar keyboard or keypad and a monitor coupled to the controllers Another Point-of-Sale networked computing system includes at least two workstations, each of which includes an industrial non-PC-based controller, and an Ethernet network coupling the workstations. Yet Another Point-of-Sale networked computing system includes a workstation with an industrial PC-based controller, a workstation with an industrial non-PC-based controller, and an Ethernet network coupling the workstations.
US07984194B2

A switch is provided which is dynamically configurable via a network port thereon. One switch is employed to establish point-to-point electrical connections between devices under test (DUTs) and host devices coupled to upstream ports and downstream ports on the switch respectively. Two switches coupled to a network are employed to facilitate a distributed test lab. DUTs are coupled to upstream ports on a first switch which, based on communication with a test controller over the network, establishes a logical connection between the upstream port coupled to a particular DUT and the network. Host devices are coupled to downstream ports on a second switch which, based on communication with the test controller over the network, establishes a logical connection between the downstream port coupled to a particular host device and the network. A logical connection is also established across the network between the particular DUT and host device.
US07984180B2

Roughly described, a network interface device is assigned a maximum extent-of-search. A hash function is applied to the header information of each incoming packet, to generate a hash code for the packet. The hash code designates a particular subset of the table within which the particular header information should be found, and an iterative search is made within that subset. If the search locates a matching entry before the search limit is exceeded, then the incoming data packet is delivered to the receive queue identified in the matching entry. But if the search reaches the search limit before a matching entry is located, then device delivers the packet to a default queue, such as a kernel queue, in the host computer system. The kernel is then responsible for delivering the packet to the correct endpoint.
US07984177B2

A circuit for use in a multimedia server module includes an encoder module that encodes a multimedia signal to produce an encoded signal that includes a sequence of packets having a packet size. An RF server transceiver module, coupled to the encoder module, that produces a channel signal that includes the encoded signal, and that wirelessly transmits the channel signal at a link data rate over a wireless communication path to at least one client module The RF server transceiver module includes a quality of service module that adjusts the packet size based on first RF performance signals determined by the RF transceiver, based on second performance signals received from a client module and/or based on adjustments made to the link data rate.
US07984174B2

In one embodiment, the invention is a method of transferring data. The method includes receiving a first video data stream at a first machine. The method also includes multicasting the first video data stream in uncompressed and raw form through a network. The method further includes receiving the first video data stream at a second machine. The method also includes playing the first video data stream on the second machine.
US07984165B2

A data transmission device includes: a sending unit that sends data according to one of a plurality of communication protocols; a data obtaining unit that obtains data; a communication address obtaining unit that obtains plural communication addresses assigned to a destination to which the obtained data is to be sent; a determining unit that determines a communication protocol to be used for sending the obtained data to the destination from among one or more communication protocols that are included in the plural communication protocols to which the sending unit is adapted, and that correspond to one of the obtained plural communication addresses; and a transmission control unit that causes the sending unit to send the obtained data according to the determined communication protocol to a communication address corresponding to the determined communication protocol, the communication address being included in the obtained plural communication addresses.
US07984156B2

An exemplary data stream includes value information for use by consumers of global computing resources in making requests for global computing resources. An exemplary method includes receiving information about data center resources from one or more data centers, based at least in part on the information estimating value information for consumption of computing resources of the one or more data centers and streaming the value information via a network. An exemplary medium or media includes instructions to instruct a computing device to receive, from a data stream, value information for computing resources of one or more data centers, to format the value information for display and to issue requests for consumption of at least some of the computing resources. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed.
US07984132B2

Wireless communications devices, e.g., peer to peer mobile wireless terminals in and ad-hoc peer to peer communications network, support multiple modes of peer discovery operation. In different peer discovery transmit modes peer discovery information is transmitted at different rates. In different peer discovery receive modes peer discovery information is monitored at different rates. Performing peer discovery operations at a higher rate has the benefit of reducing discovery latency at the cost of utilizing more communications resources and expending more power. A communications device dynamically changes its mode in response to changing conditions and/or needs. Transitions between modes are in response to a determined change condition trigger occurrence. Various change condition triggers include, e.g., a user event, an application event, information received over the air interface, information derived from information received over the air interface and/or temporal information.
US07984129B2

A system and method for high-performance profiling of web-enabled application events are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes registering a profiler as a provider to an event tracer. Information associated with an event is captured using the profiler, the event is associated with a web-enabled application. A function token is associated with the captured information, which is communicated to the event tracer.
US07984128B2

A system for managing an information technology (IT) resource comprises a managed object that represents the resource. At least one management interface is associated with the managed object. The management interface is configured with at least one component that represents a management feature for the resource. An attribute associated with the at least one component in the management interface indicates the presence of the management feature to a manager. The system provides a common, consistent facility for accessing management features of resources represented by a managed object configured with one or more management interfaces. The management interfaces allow manager to access information to monitor, audit, and control various aspects of the resources. Managers can also use information in the management interfaces to determine management attributes and relationships among related managed objects.
US07984124B2

In order to prevent unnecessary APIPA process from being executed in a LAN environment which does not adopt APIPA, an ICMP echo request for a predetermined IP address is broadcast. Whether there are more than N apparatuses using APIPA is checked based on the replies, and if there are, IP address setting by APIPA is executed. In a LAN environment which adopts APIPA, whether the IP address to be assigned to an apparatus is already being used by another apparatus is checked. If the date and time when the another apparatus was assigned the IP address is earlier than the date and time when the apparatus was assigned the IP address, APIPA is executed to decide the IP address of the apparatus.
US07984107B2

A proxy service for simulating real assembly features on a remote device is described. A data stream including reflection data of a real assembly is generated. The reflection data stream may include data associated with proxy types without including the code from the real assembly. A client obtains the reflection data stream. The reflection data stream facilitates the generation of a proxy assembly on the client and allows the client to instantiate features of the real assembly on the client without the code for the real assembly.
US07984102B1

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for selective presence notification are provided. In one general aspect, a plurality of presence notification messages are monitored. Each presence notification message may include address information identifying at least one of a recipient or a sender of the presence notification message. Based on the address information a determination is made as to whether a presence notification message is allowable. If it is determined that the presence notification message is allowable, the transmission of the presence notification message is allowed.
US07984098B2

Systems and techniques for transferring electronic data between users of a communications system by receiving, at an instant messaging host, a video file from a sender and intended for a recipient; authenticating the video file; and sending the video file to the intended recipient.
US07984097B2

In one implementation a method of transmitting a file having an advertising portion and a requested portion different from the advertising portion is provided. The method includes receiving a request to transmit the file, via a streaming protocol allowing non-sequential access, transmitting the advertising portion of the file, receiving a request to transmit a portion of the requested portion of the file prior to completing transmitting the advertising portion of the file, completing the transmission of the advertising portion of the file, and transmitting the requested portion of the file. In another implementation a method of transmitting streaming data from a server to the data storage medium of a device having a multimedia player is provided. The streaming data having at least one advertising-sponsored content portion and at least one associated obligatory advertising portion. Upon the server determining that the playing of all or part of the obligatory advertising portion is attempting to be avoided by the multimedia player, the server sends to the multimedia player or device a message with data storage medium control information for the purpose of inhibiting the advertising-sponsored content portion stored in the data storage medium from being played by multimedia player.
US07984091B1

Interpolators for quadratic approximation for sinusoids are described. A sample source providing first order derivatives of sub-sampled sets of phase factor samples is used. A differentiator is coupled to receive the first order derivatives and configured to provide second order derivatives of the first order derivatives. A first scaling device is coupled to receive each of the first order derivatives. A second differentiator is coupled to receive each of the first order derivatives and configured to respectively provide second order derivatives of the first order derivatives. A second scaling device is coupled to receive the second order derivatives. A first integrator is coupled to receive output from the first scaling device for preloading, and to receive output from the second scaling device for integration. A third scaling device is coupled to receive output from the first integrator. A second integrator is coupled to receive output from the third scaling device.
US07984083B2

A garbage collection system that needs to meet real-time requirements uses an eager read barrier that performs a forwarding operation as soon as a quantity is loaded. The barrier maintains a to-space invariant by including a forwarding pointer in the header of objects to be moved or accessed that normally points to the object itself. However, if the object has been moved, the forwarding pointer points to the new object location. The eager read barrier maintains the registers and stack cells such that the registers and stack cells always point into to-space. Barrier-sinking and common sub-expression elimination are used to minimize the overhead associated with the read barrier.
US07984068B2

In some implementations, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a search query, at an information provider, from a mobile device; generating a plurality of search results that are responsive to the search query and directed to corresponding content providers that are external to the information provider; identifying one or more search results from the plurality of search results that are directed to partners of the information provider; and providing, to the mobile device, the plurality of search results, wherein the one or more search results directed to partners of the information provider include location information that is stored in a profile maintained by the information provider and associated with the mobile device, wherein the location information is passed to the corresponding partners upon selection of the one or more search results.
US07984067B2

A system and method for a network operating system includes a complex data medium that enables the continuous reconciliation of the collaborative information process and product. The system and related methods generally increases productivity by enabling a network dynamic among knowledge workers. In another aspect, system and related method may unify e-mail and shared filed management, synchronous and asynchronous collaboration, serial and parallel work flow, top-down and bottom-up collaboration, and information lifecycle management, for examples. Moreover, a managed exclusion may be applied and/or released to control access sharing.
US07984066B1

Restricting access to managed content to users that are both (1) members of one or more required groups identified in an ACL associated a content item to which access is requested and (2) otherwise granted access under the ACL, e.g., by virtue of their individual identity, role, or group membership is disclosed. In some embodiments, an ACL is configured to identify one or more groups as being a “required” group, membership in which is required for a user to be granted access to a content item with which the ACL is associated. If a user is not a member of a required group, the user is denied access (or denied access above a certain level), even if the user is otherwise delegated access rights in the ACL.
US07984043B1

A system and method for distributed query processing may compile and optimize query plans for incoming query requests independent of hardware configurations and/or physical locations of data partitions in a distributed storage system (e.g., a data grid). The query plan may be divided into segments, and each segment may be instantiated on a remote query processing node of the distributed system by a query coordinator node according to metadata accessed at runtime by remote sub-query operators in the query plan. The metadata may include an indication of the physical locations of data partitions in the system and may be stored on one or more of the query processing nodes. The remote query processing nodes may execute the query plan segments and return results to the requestor. Cached query plans may be re-executed without recompilation, according to current metadata, even in the event of a node failure or data partition move.
US07984038B2

Novel data structures, methods and apparatus for finding the longest prefix match search when searching tables with variable length patterns or prefixes. To find the exact match or the best matching prefix, patterns have to be compared a bit at a time until the exact or first match is found. This requires “n” number of comparisons or memory accesses to identify the closest matching pattern. The trees are built in such a way that the matching result is guaranteed to be a best match, whether it is an exact match or a longest prefix match. Using the trail of all the birds and associated prefix lengths enables determination of the correct prefix result from the trail. By construction, the search tree provides the best matching prefix at or after the first compare during walking of the trail or tree.
US07984037B2

A method of retrieving a plurality of resource fragments from a audio-visual resource that is encoded using a hierarchical addressing model for the class of resources of which the audio-visual resource is a member is disclosed. The method comprises inputting a URI reference (1407) comprising a Universal Resource Identifier (1401) and a complex fragment identifier (1402) comprising a plurality of audio-visual resource specific location steps. Thereafter the method comprises a step of locating the audio-visual resource using the Universal Resource Name, and establishing (2023) a logical representation (2040) of the structure of the audio-visual resource. Then the method iteratively evaluates the fragment identifier location steps (1110) against the logical representation (2040) to resolve the complex fragment identifier (1402) into a set of explicit fragment references (1406) configured to explicitly address each of the plurality of resource fragments.
US07984036B2

System and computer program product for processing a text search query in a collection of documents. A full posting index is generated that has first index terms and a full posting list for each first index term, enumerating occurrences of the first index terms in the documents of the collection. A text search query includes search conditions search terms. The search conditions are translated into conditions on the first index terms to provide translated conditions. At least one short posting index is generated, which includes second index terms and a short posting list for each second index term, enumerating documents in which the second index terms occur. Filter conditions and complementary conditions are generated to represent the translated conditions. The filter conditions approximate the translated conditions, and are processed using the short posting index. The complementary conditions are processed using the full posting index to provide a query result.
US07984031B2

Query testing is enabled across one or more query languages utilizing an abstract representation of a query. From this abstract representation, queries associated with one or more specific query languages are generated. Further, a verification scheme can be implemented for a specific store and/or query language to facilitate generation of an expected result for comparison with an actual result of test query evaluation. Further yet, data driving and/or modeling can be leveraged to further aid query testing.
US07984024B2

Disclosed is a technique for maintaining statistics. A query is received. Column group generation is performed to form one or more column groups. Column group refinement is performed based on statistics data generated for a previously received query. A statistics check is automatically performed. A statistics collection command is generated to obtain statistics.
US07984022B2

Provided are techniques for space recovery with storage management coupled with a deduplicating storage system. A notification is received that one or more data objects have been logically deleted by deleting metadata about the one or more data objects, wherein the notification provides storage locations within one or more logical storage volumes corresponding to the deleted one or more data objects, wherein each of the one or more data objects are divided into one or more extents. In response to determining that a sparse file represents the one or more logical storage volumes, physical space is deallocated by nulling out space in the sparse file corresponding to each of the one or more extents.
US07984019B2

Date-warehouse systems are populated using an enhanced Extraction-Load-Transform (ETL) process and system by employing three ideas: Out-of-order-fill ETL, relative-ordering index (ROI), and dependent queries. Out-of-order-fill ETL allows a data warehouse to accept the loading of data files in any order, and does not require the loading of any previous backup data files in order to provide some functionality to end users under the view that some functionality or data access is better than none at all. Dependent queries are processes that use defined data structures for use in constructing, extracting, and validating each record to be written in said data-warehouse system in order to ensure that referential integrity is maintained and that no orphaned data is pushed into the data warehouse. Finally, ROI is a process wherein a value is determined, based on the constraints of the source data, which indicates the relative newness of the data.
US07984010B2

In one embodiment of the present invention, an action agenda determining apparatus for determining an agenda of action to be taken with reference to surrounding situation is provided. An action agenda determining apparatus includes a matching model storage unit for storing an action agenda determining model that has learned in advance relation between time-sequence of prescribed feature information related to human motion extracted from surrounding images and action agenda to be taken, and a model reference unit for forming the time-sequence of prescribed feature information from the surrounding motion images and referring to the action agenda determining model stored in the matching model storage unit, for determining the action agenda to be taken. Sound may be included as part of the feature information.
US07984007B2

A proactive problem resolution system, method of proactive problem resolution and program product therefor. User sensors extract data from user interaction with a computer terminal and pass extracted data to a sniffer agent. The sniffer agent checks for an indication of a user problem by comparing user behavior data against behavior data from previously encountered problems. When the sniffer finds a match, the computer terminal user may be asked if assistance is needed or the user may be automatically referred to the help desk. If a solution already exists for a problem that corresponds to the user behavior, that solution(s) is(are) presented at the computer terminal. Computer terminal users automatically receive problem support, even before it would otherwise be requested.
US07984004B2

Described herein is a system that facilitates assigning indications of usefulness to query suggestions. The system includes a query suggestion generator component that receives a query and generates a query suggestion based at least in part upon the received query. A model component outputs an indication of usefulness with respect to the query suggestion, wherein the model component is a machine-learned model of user behavior with respect to query suggestions.
US07984003B2

A method and system for automated learning through repetition. The method and system may improve automated learning of information studied for religious, academic purposes or pleasure by presenting pre-determined patterns selected specifically based on a belief system for a learner for an optimal learning for of N-pieces of electronic information (e.g., audio tracks, etc.).
US07983996B2

A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for simulating human behavior. Source code for predicting human behavior is located on a storage system in a network data processing system. An interpreter executing on hardware in the network data processing system includes a language interpreter and a communications module. The language interpreter executes a simulation with the source code using artificial intelligence to generate a new definition and interpreted source code. A graphical user interface processor receives the interpreted source code from the language interpreter and generates device dependent output. Devices display the device dependent output, receive user input, and send received user input to the graphical user interface processor. The communications module receives user input from the graphical user interface processor and the new definition from the language interpreter and modifies the source code to form modified source code, executed by the language interpreter.
US07983994B2

A server is operable to receive a media device identifying number (ID) and establish an association between a media device and a payment account and, in one embodiment, supports at least one of payment authorization and payment clearing based at least in part on the media device ID and the payment account. A network and system includes a payment card processor server that is operable to receive a payment authorization request and to determine if an authorized media device generated a purchase selection message and to determine to approve a received payment authorization request based, in part, if the media device was authorized for the purchase selection based upon a received media device ID. The system is further operable to perform a key rotation to protect payment account information.
US07983992B2

An online card-present transaction system facilitates card-present type transactions with a merchant over a public network. A host system is configured to accept authentication data from a user via an authentication device. The host system, after authenticating a user is configured to retrieve the user's account information from a user database system and translate a user account number into a temporary transaction number. The temporary transaction number is then transmitted directly from the host system to the merchant, thereby eliminating the need for the user to send to the merchant over the internet, the user's transaction account number.
US07983988B2

The invention relates to a system (1), a method, and a standard framework (11) for usage-dependent licensing. When use is made of additional functionality, further instances, or specific adapters (131 . . . n), the system (1) will detect whether such use has been authorized by means of a license. If authorization has not yet taken place, a time-limited license will be generated automatically and the manufacturer (21) of the standard framework (11) or, as the case may be, a user (22p) who has implemented additional functionality on the basis of the framework will be informed and can generate a license key. The system (1) will disable the functionality after a specific period of time if a license fee is not paid by a user (22p, 22s).
US07983983B2

A financial product is based on a first fund that is traded on a trading marketplace in a first country. The financial product is registered in the first country. The first fund has the characteristics of being based on an index of securities that are traded in a second, different country. The first fund is arbitragable with a second fund that is based on the index and which is registered in a second different country. The first fund has a creation unit basis that is substantially the same basis as a creation unit basis for the second fund. The calculation of the net asset value of the first fund occurs at essentially or exactly the same time that second country fund has its NAV calculated.
US07983973B2

A method for assessing the performance of a company is provided. The method may include receiving financial data about the company and determining a future value of the company. Next, the future value is decomposed into a plurality of future value components, where the plurality of future value components includes an economy component that defines an implied amount of growth of the company attributable to the growth of the economy in general. Finally, the method may include displaying at least one of the future value components to advise a user of the performance of the company relative to the economy in general.
US07983972B2

A system and method for managing a construction payment process. One graphical user interface embodying the invention can include a project schedule progress bar and a funds disbursed progress bar. The project schedule progress bar indicates progress with respect to calendar dates of a construction project, and the funds disbursed progress bar indicates progress with respect to a budget dollar amount of a construction project. Another graphical user embodying the invention can include an organization form, a project form, a budget form, a draw initiated notification, an enter request for payment form, a sign lien waiver notification, and a payment disbursed notification for notifying the plurality of participants that a payment has been disbursed for the pending draw to each of the plurality of participants based on the payment information received from each of the plurality of participants.
US07983971B1

A computerized accounting system is described herein. At least a portion of the accounting system may have a service oriented architecture. The accounting system may include an accounting service that is capable of storing versioned accounting policies. The various accounting policies may be used to process accounting data to determine the effect of the various accounting policies on the financial results. Also, the accounting system may include an event processing framework which, in one embodiment, may be used to amortize loans, securities and/or guaranty fee items.
US07983969B2

A money market trading platform provides institutional investors with comprehensive on-line analysis, account management, and on-line money market trading capabilities. An institutional investor's computer is connected via a communication network to a bank or broker's computer. The bank or broker's computer is connected via a communication network to a money market trading system or to a financial services, and stores information about the institutional investor and the accounts held in that investor's name. The trading platform allows institutional investors to log on, check account balances, transfer funds within accounts and from outside accounts, research money market investments, and purchase, redeem and exchange shares of money market funds.
US07983963B2

Systems, program product, and methods of electronic communication network guided navigation which allow users to obtain more relevant product search results much more quickly, are provided. An example of a system can allow a user to enter or start a product search request for a relatively broad term in a search engine and quickly start looking for relevant information by assisting the user in narrowing the product search results in a more efficient guided search. The results can be displayed to a user in a row of boxes, which focus the user on categories of potential intentions or meanings behind the product search request term or terms so that the user's intent can be quickly ascertained and the user directed to results more closely aligned with or coinciding with the user's intent behind the product search request.
US07983955B2

A method of selling products and/or services using an interactive entertainment system. The method includes steps of: providing access to interactive content to a user at a first level of access over a computer network; selling a product and/or service to the user; responsive to the selling, providing access to the content at a second level of access over the network; receiving consent from the user to display advertisements along with the content; and responsive to the selling and the receiving, providing access to the content at a third level of access over the network. The first level of access provides first access privileges, the second level of access provides second access privileges that are excluded from the first level of access, and the third level of access provides the second access privileges and third access privileges that are excluded from the second level of access.
US07983954B2

Disclosed herein is a real-time auction method that is based on an auction server for performing a process of an auction and wired and wireless terminals of participants. The method includes the auction screen providing step of providing an auction screen, on which auction information is displayed, to wired and wireless terminals of participants participating in the auction, the ranking displaying step of displaying bidding prices on the auction screen in order of ranking in the case where the participants present the bidding prices, the bidding extending step of extending a bidding time if a highest bidding price is lower than a predetermined desired bidding price or a difference between a highest bidding price and a next highest bidding price is less than a predetermined difference when a first set bidding time ends, and allowing only bidders presenting the highest bidding price and the next highest bidding price to participate in the extended auction, and the successful bid determining step of displaying a successful bidding price and a successful bidder when a finally set bidding time ends.
US07983952B1

A data processing system generates recommendations for on-line shopping by scoring recommendations matching the customer's cart contents using by assessing and ranking each candidate recommendation by the expected incremental margin associated with the recommendation being issued (as compared to the expected margin associated with the recommendation not being issued) by taking into consideration historical associations, knowledge of the layout of the site, the complexity of the product being sold, the user's session behavior, the quality of the selling point messages, product life cycle, substitutability, demographics and/or other considerations relating to the customer purchase environment. In an illustrative implementation, scoring inputs for each candidate recommendation (such as relevance, exposure, clarity and/or pitch strength) are included in a probabilistic framework (such as a Bayesian network) to score the effectiveness of the candidate recommendation and/or associated selling point messages by comparing a recommendation outcome (e.g., purchase likelihood or expected margin resulting from a given recommendation) against a non-recommendation outcome (e.g., the purchase likelihood or expected margin if no recommendation is issued). In addition, a probabilistic framework may also be used to select a selling point message for inclusion with a selected candidate recommendation by assessing the relative strength of the selling point messages by factoring in a user profile match factor (e.g., the relative likelihood that the customer matches the various user case profiles).
US07983951B2

A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to implement a lending system for use with electronic commerce web sites such as auction sites. A seller may receive a cash loan for items placed for sale but not yet purchased by a buyer. The seller can be required to pay back the loan after a predetermined amount of time or as soon as the item for sale is sold and payment is received from the buyer. The lender would charge interest or commission for the loan. In this manner, sellers can receive cash for items listed on auction sites before those items are actually sold, generating additional cash flow for the seller.
US07983946B1

Computer implemented methods and systems are provided for identifying high to high complexity projects. Some method embodiments include defining proposed project data for identified factors, calculating a planning team index for a project associated with the proposed project data, and identifying the project as complex when the planning team indicator falls on one side of a breaking point. The factors are those identified as determinative of project complexity.
US07983943B2

In a method of managing workflow, a selected node is modified. The modifications to the selected node are saved in a save event. At least one related node is determined for the selected node in response to a save event. The modifications are propagated to the at least one related node.
US07983930B1

A system and method for efficiently providing high-quality medical diagnostic service is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a computer-controlled diagnostic device is placed in a location, such as a primary care clinic, where the device can be the most timely used. The device is linked by a computer network to a computer accessible by an expert diagnostician, who is qualified to express diagnostic opinions based on his or her review of the test data from the test device. The linkage can be either direct, moderated by an intermediate computer, which distributes diagnostic tasks to a team of diagnosticians, facilitates remote control and troubleshooting of the test devices by qualified personnel and remote training of the end-users of the test device, and manages billing by the clinics, diagnosticians and the provider of the diagnostic service system. Timely testing of patients in an economical manner is thus achieved.
US07983924B2

Apparatus (method implemented with a machine, the machine, and the method for making the machine, and products produced thereby). The computer system can, for example, be structured (e.g., including programmed) to carry a method including: controlling, with at least one application computer program, a server system to create, and to maintain, multiple sites on a wide area network, each said site providing electronic greeting cards, each said site corresponding to an independent party.
US07983919B2

Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer readable media for performing speech synthesis. The method embodiment comprises applying a first part of a speech synthesizer to a text corpus to obtain a plurality of phoneme sequences, the first part of the speech synthesizer only identifying possible phoneme sequences, for each of the obtained plurality of phoneme sequences, identifying joins that would be calculated to synthesize each of the plurality of respective phoneme sequences, and adding the identified joins to a cache for use in speech synthesis.
US07983913B2

In one embodiment, the present system recognizes a user's speech input using an automatically generated probabilistic context free grammar for street names that maps all pronunciation variations of a street name to a single canonical representation during recognition. A tokenizer expands the representation using position-dependent phonetic tokens and an intersection classifier classifies an intersection, despite the presence of recognition errors and incomplete street names.
US07983911B2

The invention relates to a speech recognition process implemented in at least one terminal (114), the speech recognition process using a language model (311), comprising the following steps: detection (502) of at least one unrecognized expression in one of the terminals; recording (503) in the terminal of data representative of the unrecognized expression (309); transmission (603) by the terminal of the recorded data to a remote server (116); analysis, (803) at the level of the remote server, of the data and generation (805) of information for correcting the said language model taking account of at least one part of the unrecognized expression; and transmission (806) from the server to at least one terminal (114, 117, 118) of the correcting information, so as to allow future recognition of at least certain of the unrecognized expressions. The invention also relates to corresponding modules, devices (102) and a remote server (116).
US07983909B2

A method for processing audio data includes determining a first common scalefactor value for representing quantized audio data in a frame. A second common scalefactor value is determined for representing the quantized audio data in the frame. A line equation common scalefactor value is determined from the first and second common scalefactor values.
US07983904B2

A scalable decoding apparatus capable of providing decoded audio signals of high quality having less degradation of a high frequency spectrum even when decoding audio signals by generating the high frequency spectrum by use of a low frequency spectrum. In the apparatus, an amplitude adjusting part uses different adjustment coefficients in accordance with the characteristic of first layer spectrum information to adjust the amplitude of a first layer decoded signal spectrum, and then outputs the amplitude-adjusted first layer decoded signal spectrum to a pseudo-spectrum generating part. Using amplitude-adjusted first layer decoded signal spectrum received from the amplitude adjusting part, the pseudo-spectrum generating part generates and outputs a pseudo-spectrum of high frequencies to a scaling part. The scaling part scales the spectrum received from the pseudo-spectrum generating part and then outputs it to an adder.
US07983899B2

An apparatus for analyzing Chinese according to one aspect of the present invention includes a dependency structure analyzer analyzing a dependency relationship between words by extracting a parent word being a dependency destination of each of the words and a child word being a dependent from each of the words. The words are obtained by dividing a Chinese sentence. The apparatus also includes a lihe-word processor referring to lihe-word information that includes a first word and capable of being a part of a lihe-word and a second word forming the lihe-word with the first word. The lihe-word processor detects the first word and the second word from the words analyzed, and then changes a dependency destination of a word depending on both the first word and the second word to the lihe-word formed by combining the first word with the second word.
US07983896B2

Methods, systems and program product are disclosed for determining a matching level of a text lookup segment with a plurality of source texts in a translation memory in terms of context. In particular, the invention determines any exact matches for the lookup segment in the plurality of source texts, and determines, in the case that at least one exact match is determined, that a respective exact match is an in-context exact (ICE) match for the lookup segment in the case that a context of the lookup segment matches that of the respective exact match. The degree of context matching required can be predetermined, and results prioritized. The invention also includes methods, systems and program products for storing a translation pair of source text and target text in a translation memory including context, and the translation memory so formed. The invention ensures that content is translated the same as previously translated content and reduces translator intervention.
US07983892B2

A system includes a server configured to generate a request for status information and/or diagnostic information associated with a field device in a process control system. The system also includes an interface component having (i) an emulator configured to emulate a device manager associated with the field device and (ii) a communication manager configured to communicate with the field device over a communication link using a specified protocol. The server is configured to provide the request to the communication manager through the emulator, receive the status information and/or the diagnostic information from the field device through the communication manager and the emulator, and generate a user interface based on the status information and/or the diagnostic information. The communication manager could represent a communication Device Type Manager (DTM), and the emulator could emulate at least some functions of a device DTM.
US07983883B2

Methods and systems to reduce or eliminate numerical oscillations in solutions that occur when using conventional MPFA when modeling flow in a reservoir are provided. The technique may be referred to as enriched multi-point flux approximation (EMPFA) and may be used to improve the consistency and accuracy in constructing pressure interpolations in cells for the purpose of determining flux equations used in predicting flow in a reservoir.
US07983879B1

A mechanism for configuring an inspection component in a real-time model is disclosed. The inspection component includes user-configurable parameters that control the acquisition of data for the real-time model. The data acquisition and logging logic is set up using graphical blocks that are part of the larger real-time application model. When code generation is done for the model, the data acquisition logic is also automatically generated, and runs as part of the execution of a real-time task.
US07983878B1

Tracks of sensed targets are associated into groups and updated over time while tending to maintain their relationships. A two-pass clustering or grouping method includes a first pass groups targets into convoy or swarm groups. In the second pass, groups of targets converging at a common time at high-value-asset(s) are identified as coacting. The association of targets with groups over time is formulated as a constraint optimization problem and solved using a forward-reverse auction to tend to reduce the number of extraneous groups. In one version, countermeasures may be taken against the coacting groups.
US07983867B2

Systems and methods of processing data generated using multi-gain detectors are disclosed. These systems and methods include separate gain images and separate offset images associated with each dynamic range of a multi-gain detector. These images are applied to multi-gain raw data to generate multi-gain corrected data. Some embodiments of the invention further include systems and methods of generating and using a multi-gain look-up table configured for generating viewable data from multi-gain corrected data. Some embodiments of the invention further include systems and methods of generating a global gain ratio for converting multi-gain data to non-multi-gain data.
US07983863B2

In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for battery capacity estimation. A profile table may be used that relates a plurality of battery profile values with a plurality of operating parameter values. The profile table may be accessed to translate one or more measured operating parameters into one or more corresponding battery profile values. One or more of the battery profile values may be adjusted by a correction factor to generate a corrected battery profile value. The available capacity of the battery may be calculated using the corrected battery profile value. The correction factor may then be automatically calibrated by using an estimated battery profile value calculated from the one or more measured operating parameter.
US07983855B2

A meter electronics (20) for generating a drive signal for a vibratory flowmeter (5) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The meter electronics includes an interface (201) and a processing system (203). The processing system is configured to receive the sensor signal (201) through the interface, phase-shift the sensor signal (210) substantially 90 degrees to create a phase-shifted sensor signal, determine a phase shift value from a frequency response of the vibratory flowmeter, and combine the phase shift value with the sensor signal (201) and the phase-shifted sensor signal in order to generate a drive signal phase (213). The processing system is further configured to determine a sensor signal amplitude (214) from the sensor signal (210) and the phase-shifted sensor signal, and generate a drive signal amplitude (215) based on the sensor signal amplitude (214), wherein the drive signal phase (213) is substantially identical to a sensor signal phase (212).
US07983853B2

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) data processing system, for acquiring and processing data from two-phase flows, comprising a dual-plane sensor, a plurality of digital signal processing modules configured in a data pipeline processing arrangement and a plurality of data acquisition subsystems in communication with a first one of said digital signal processing modules.
US07983850B2

Provided herein is a method for gene expression profiling multiple myeloma patients into distinct subgroups via DNA hybridization and hierarchical clustering analysis of the hybridization data where the results may further be used to identify therapeutic gene targets. Also provided is a method for controlling bone loss in an individual via pharmacological inhibitors of DKK1 protein. In addition provided herein is a method for diagnosing multiple myeloma using a 15-gene model that classifies myeloma into groups 1-7.
US07983839B2

A vehicle comprises memory for storing map data and a global positioning system (GPS) module that transmits vector and location data and that receives traffic reports from a remote traffic monitoring system. An adaptive map building module includes a path determining module that determines a travel path of the vehicle based on the vector and location data, a comparing module that compares the travel path to roads defined by the map data, and an identifying module that selectively identifies new roads based on the comparison.
US07983831B2

A fuel feed chamber and a residual fuel chamber that are connectable to each other via a shutoff valve are provided in a fuel tank. When the fuel tank is refueled, the fuel feed chamber and the residual fuel chamber, which have been connected to each other so far, are disconnected and then fuel is fed only into the fuel feed chamber to refuel the fuel tank. When the engine is restarted after the refueling, only the fuel in the residual fuel chamber is supplied to the engine while the fuel feed chamber and the residual fuel chamber remain disconnected from each other, and the engine is controlled in accordance with the property of the fuel in the residual fuel chamber, which has been determined in advance.
US07983825B2

The invention concerns a method and a transmission arrangement for changing gears in a transmission with a hydrostatic transmission and a manual gearbox (4) connected downstream from it. First the output torque of a hydrostatic motor (9) is reduced. After the reduction of the output torque of the hydrostatic motor (9), an engaged gear (12, 13) of the manual gearbox (4) which is connected downstream is disengaged. An output rotational speed of the hydrostatic motor (9) corresponding to the gear (13, 12) to be engaged is determined. The gear ratio of the hydrostatic transmission is then adjusted, so that the output rotational speed of the hydrostatic motor (9) is higher than the determined corresponding output rotational speed. After this increased output rotational speed is reached, the gear (13, 12) to be engaged is engaged.
US07983822B2

A range selection system for a vehicle including an automatic transmission and an internal mode switch (IMS) assembly. The range selection system includes a housing that is rotatable around a core, a first set of switches that induce a first current based on a rotational position of the housing and a second set of switches that induce a second current based on a rotational position of the housing. A control module determines first and second voltages based on the first and second currents, respectively and determines a range of the automatic transmission based on the first and second voltages.
US07983821B2

The systems and methods of the present invention employ either a sensor in communication with the auger or a sensor in the form of a switch operated by the user of the auger. When the sensor detects that the auger is operating or the switch is operated by the auger operator, an indication of auger operation is published to a remote location. The indication may be in the form of an aural or visual indication or in the form of a wireless transmission.
US07983809B2

An aircraft integrated support system (ISS) downloads Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS) data from an aircraft, processes the downloaded data to infer a status of aircraft systems and displays maintenance information via an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM). The ISS integrates a maintenance and support environment to bind the information flow among the various aircraft and logistics networks for a fully integrated systemic approach which optimizes aircraft operation, maintenance, and support through data collection and analysis to maximize aircraft readiness.
US07983804B2

A system for minimizing damage on collision to a vehicle having at least one self-propelled wheel is disclosed. The system comprises a motor in a wheel of said vehicle which drives the vehicle, means for measuring the speed of said wheel, means for measuring the torque of said motor, means for monitoring the ratio of the torque of the motor to the speed of the wheel, and means for stopping said motor when torque:speed ratio exceeds an acceptable value.
US07983803B2

Methods and an apparatus are provided for controlling a wiper system of a type that can operate in an automatic mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated automatically and in a manual mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated by a user, the wiper system including at least one wiper configured to move across a surface of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a motor coupled to the at least one wiper for moving the at least one wiper across the surface and a processor in operable communication with the motor. The processor is configured to detect when the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and return the at least one wiper to a predetermined position, and deactivate the wiper system, if the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and the vehicle is turned off.
US07983800B2

An apparatus for controlling a fan motor of an air conditioner comprises: a hybrid induction motor (HIM) for discharging warm air outwardly by a control signal; a temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of an evaporator; and a controlling unit for comparing the temperature of the evaporator with a preset temperature, and outputting a control signal to control the HIM based on a result of the comparison.
US07983794B2

A robot recording a message on a wireless tag which includes: a voice recognition unit recognizing a voice input by a voice input unit which inputs a voice of a person; a message extraction unit extracting the message from the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit based on a fixed phrase provided for obtaining a message; a recording unit recording the message extracted by the message extraction unit on the wireless tag provided on an object.
US07983788B2

A method allows analyzing and describing the reflective properties of a three-dimensionally structured original surface. The topology of the original surface is determined and the topological data are stored in the form of a depth map in a first data record and evaluated with respect to the influence of the data on the reflective properties. Each surface element is assigned a reflective value in accordance with the evaluation and the value is stored in a second data record and made available to other machining or inspection systems. There, the reflection values of the second data record are divided into classes and the depth values of the first data record, assigned to the classified reflection values, are varied in accordance with the classification. Finally, the changed depth values are employed as parameters for electronically controlling a tool in order to machine the artificially produced surface.
US07983787B2

A method for creating a sculpture includes obtaining a profile of a person or thing, using the profile to create a three dimensional object in which the profile is revolved about an axis. The resulting sculpture shows the profile in positive space over its entire surface. Exemplary apparatus for carrying out the method include 3D printers and CNC lathes.
US07983783B2

An embroidery data creation apparatus and program acquires closed region data of a target unit pattern with a sewing order specified by a unit pattern counter and position data of a sewing endpoint of a preceding unit pattern to be sewn immediately prior to this target unit pattern. Based on the closed region data and the position data of the sewing endpoint, it is determined whether a sewing endpoint of the preceding unit pattern is present in a sewing region of the target unit pattern. If it is determined that the sewing endpoint is present in the sewing region of the target unit pattern, thread-cutting operation at this sewing endpoint is set not to be performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sewing endpoint is not present in the sewing region of the target unit pattern, thread-cutting operation at this sewing endpoint is set to be performed or withheld.
US07983782B2

A sewing machine includes a spool pin stand having spool pins to which thread spools are attachable and seats corresponding to the spool pins, respectively, thread passage defining members located on a thread passage, a sewing data storage unit storing sewing data including at least thread color information about colors of the needle threads, thread supply display units which are located on the spool pin stand so as to correspond to the spool pins respectively, the thread supply display units being configured to produce light which transmits through at least ones of the spool pins and the seats and displaying the thread colors in a color-variable manner, respectively, and a thread color information control unit controlling the thread supply display units based on the thread color information so that thread colors corresponding to the spool pins are displayed by the thread supply display units, respectively.
US07983776B2

The present invention is one or more implementations is a method of fabricating a semiconductor for improved oxide thickness control, defining a process tool, determining and evaluating performance variables, determining a performance impact factor and thereafter modifying control of the process tool in the fabrication process to operate in direct relation to the determined results of the present invention. The present invention sets forth definitive advantages in reducing engineering time, improving process controls and improving cycle-times.
US07983770B2

An arrangement for controlling a system generated noise level such that the same is adapted to an actual ambient noise level of the system environment. Internal noise generators will thus not run at a needlessly lowered rate than actually needed. For instance, by permitting a fan to run at a generally higher speed, the system will not needlessly undergo significant internal temperature increases. By the same token, CPU performance, to the extent that it represents a noise generator, will not be needlessly throttled.
US07983762B2

Systems and methods for enhancing or affecting neural stimulation efficiency and/or efficacy are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system and/or method may apply electromagnetic stimulation to a patient's nervous system over a first time domain according to a first set of stimulation parameters, and over a second time domain according to a second set of stimulation parameters. The first and second time domains may be sequential, simultaneous, or nested. Stimulation parameters may vary in accordance with one or more types of duty cycle, amplitude, pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, spatiotemporal, and/or polarity variations. Stimulation may be applied at subthreshold, threshold, and/or suprathreshold levels in one or more periodic, aperiodic (e.g., chaotic), and/or pseudo-random manners. In some embodiments stimulation may comprise a burst pattern having an interburst frequency corresponding to an intrinsic brainwave frequency, and regular and/or varying intraburst stimulation parameters. Stimulation signals providing reduced power consumption with at least adequate symptomatic relief may be applied prior to moderate or significant power source depletion.
US07983756B2

A high-density multichannel microwire electrode array is disclosed. The array can comprise a variable number of electrodes. A method of assembling the array is further disclosed. Additionally, a plurality of devices employing the array are disclosed, including an intelligent brain pacemaker and a closed loop brain machine interface.
US07983754B2

An implantable medical device system that includes a housing containing an electrical circuit and a connector header mounted on the housing. A first inner surface of the connector header forms a connector bore adapted for receiving a lead connector assembly for electrically coupling a medical lead to the circuitry contained in the housing, and one of the connector header and the lead connector includes a visibly modified surface for facilitating visual verification of full insertion of the medical lead connector assembly in the connector bore.
US07983749B2

A cardiac rhythm management system includes a time-dependent frequency response for sensed heart signals. A change in the frequency response of a sensing circuit is triggered by a sensed or evoked event to make it less sensitive to the detection of a subsequent event for a period of time. For example, a passband bandwidth is reduced, then increased during the time period triggered by the event. For even more event-triggered selectivity, a gain is reduced, then increased during the time period triggered by the event. This provides better discrimination between particular events included in a heart signal so that appropriate therapy can be delivered to the patient based such events.
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