US08022164B1
A two-component solvent-free polyurethane laminating adhesive for flexible packaging, including a First Component and a Second Component is provided. The First Component, which acts as a resin, includes a first vegetable oil based Polyol A in an amount from 20 to 40 weight percent, a second vegetable oil based Polyol B in an amount from 0.5 to 5 weight percent, and a Polyisocyanate C in an amount from 60 to 74 weight percent. The Second Component, which acts as a hardener, includes a first vegetable oil based Polyol A in an amount from 87 to 99 weight percent, and a Polyol E in an amount from 0.5 to 5 weight percent. The first vegetable oil based Polyol A is preferably a hydroxylated castor oil, and the second vegetable oil based Polyol B is preferably hydroxylated linseed oil.
US08022154B2
This invention relates to an ethylene polymer comprising ethylene and up to 5 mole % of at least one comonomer, wherein the ethylene polymer has an Mw, of 10,000 to 50,000, an Mw/Mn of between 1.5 to 4.5, a density of at least 0.925 g/cc, an unsaturation level of less than 1 per 1000 carbons, a melting point of at least 120° C., a Tc of greater than Z° C., where Z=0.501×(density in kg/m3)−367, and a Brookfield viscosity o at 140° C. of 100,000 mPas or more.
US08022144B2
The present invention includes a polyolefin elastomeric composition comprising a propylene-based elastomer having at least seventy five weight percent units derived from propylene, the propylene-based elastomer exhibiting a heat of fusion of from 1 to 35 Joules/gram, a weight average molecular weight of from 5400 to 875000 g/mol, and a permanent set of less than 40%; and a homogeneous ethylene-alpha olefin interpolymer having a molecular weight distribution of less than 3.5, a density from 0.885 to 0.915 g/ml, and a heat of fusion of from 65 to 125 Joules/gram, wherein the ratio of the propylene-based elastomer to the homogeneous ethylene-alpha olefin interpolymer is from 97:3 to 80:20, and wherein the composition exhibits a heat of fusion from 2 to 55 Joules/gram, and a 2% secant flexural modulus of less than 69 MPa.
US08022142B2
An in-reactor polymer blend including (a) a propylene-containing first polymer; and (b) propylene-containing second polymer having a different crystallinity from the first polymer. The polymer blend has a melting temperature, Tm, of at least 135° C., a melt flow rate of at least 70 dg/min, a tensile strength of at least 8 MPa, an elongation at break of at least 300%.
US08022137B2
The present invention provides a silicone resin composition for an optical semiconductor device, comprising (A) 100 parts by mass of an organopolysiloxane having a weight average molecular weight of from 500 to 20000, reduced to polystyrene, and represented by the following average compositional formula (1), (CH3)aSi(OR1)b(OH)cO(4-a-b-c)/2 (1) wherein R1 is an organic group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a, b, and c are numbers satisfying the equations: 0.8≦a≦1.5, 0≦b≦0.3, 0.001≦c≦0.5, and 0.801≦a+b+c<2, (B) 3 to 200 parts by mass of a white pigment, (C) 400 to 1000 parts by mass of an inorganic filler other than said white pigment, (D) 0.01 to 10 parts by mass of a condensation catalyst, and (E) 2 to 50 parts by mass of an organopolysiloxane comprising a linear diorganopolysiloxane moiety represented by the following formula (2), wherein R2 and R3 are, independently of each other, a group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, a cyclohexyl group, a vinyl group, a phenyl group and an allyl group, and wherein m is an integer of from 5 to 50.
US08022136B2
By using a vulcanized rubber composition containing a rubber component composed of at least any one of a natural rubber, a modified natural rubber and a synthetic rubber, and chemically modified microfibril cellulose, it is possible to provide a vulcanized rubber composition that is environmentally conscious and that exhibits excellent rupture characteristics and a low energy loss, and a pneumatic tire that is excellent in rolling resistance property, steering stability and durability.
US08022135B2
An embedment casting composition and a process of embedding a specimen in an acrylic polymer matrix is described. The composition comprises an acrylic copolymer and a suitable solvent. The acrylic copolymer is derived from 80-99% w/w methyl methacrylate, 0.1-10% w/w of a C3-C10 olefinically unsaturated acid co-monomer selected from carboxylic, phophonic, sulphonic or phosphinic acids and 0-10% w/w other suitable monomers and/or additives. A process of embedding a specimen in an acrylic polymer matrix, a cast of an embedded metal specimen, the use of an embedment composition for coating a specimen prior to an embedment coating process and use of an embedment composition as the copolymer resin component of an embedment slurry are also described.
US08022133B2
It is possible to improve significantly the optical performance of diacetal or DBS-based nucleating or clarifying agents using a co-additive. Haze is a measure of the lack of clarity in a thermoplastic or plastic material. A low level of haze is usually quite desirable, and nucleating/clarifying agents are designed to reduce the degree of haze in a plastic or thermoplastic material. A co-additive may be used in connection with a nucleating/clarifying agents in a polymer or copolymer to achieve even greater results in terms of improved clarity (reduced haze), or in terms of a higher crystallization temperature (Tc) of the polymer. A method for reducing haze in polymer articles using a co-additive composition in addition to nucleating and clarifying agents is disclosed.
US08022131B2
The present invention relates to a water-based ink for ink-jet printing which not only satisfies a high optical density but also exhibits excellent high lighter-fastness and gloss; and a water dispersion used for the water-based ink. There are provided a water dispersion for ink-jet printing containing (A) a self-dispersible pigment, (B) self-emulsifiable polymer particles containing a constitutional unit derived from a salt-forming group-containing monomer, and (C) emulsion polymer particles; and a water-based ink containing the water dispersion.
US08022122B2
The present invention pertains to a composition comprising an organic polymer, a derivative of a pyrimidine and a further flame retardant. The present invention also pertains to a process for flame retarding an organic polymer by applying thereto or incorporating therein a derivative of a pyrimidine, optionally in combination with a further flame retardant.
US08022120B2
The present invention relates to novel comb polymers which bear poly-C2-C4-alkylene ether side chains A and functional groups B which at a pH of >12 are present in the form of anionic groups on a carbon backbone and also the salts of such comb polymers. The invention also relates to the use of these comb polymers as additives in preparations comprising a mineral binder. The polyalkylene ether side chains A have the following formula: *—U—(C(O))k—X-(Alk-O)n—Y—Z A.
US08022117B2
A non-aqueous pigment dispersion includes a color pigment, a polymeric dispersant, and a dispersion synergist wherein the molecular weight of the anionic part of the dispersion synergist containing at least one carboxylate anion is smaller than 98% of the molecular weight of the color pigment and that the anionic part of the dispersion synergist has a similarity coefficient SIM of at least 0.5 with the similarity coefficient defined by: SIM = t · C S + P - C wherein, S represents the number of atoms in the anionic part of the dispersion synergist; P represents the number of atoms in the color pigment; C represents the largest number of atoms in common between the anionic part of the dispersion synergist and the color pigment as one continuous structure; and t is an integer representing the number of times that the largest number of atoms in common C fits into the organic color pigment, without using atoms of the color pigment twice. Also, methods of preparing the non-aqueous pigment dispersions.
US08022113B2
The invention relates to a composition comprising a prepolymer as component (A), wherein the prepolymer comprises aziridino groups and is characterized by an equivalent weight EW1, a crosslinker as component (B), wherein the crosslinker has a structure being different from the structure of the prepolymer and comprises aziridino groups and is characterized by an equivalent weight EW2, an initiator as component (C) being able to start curing of the composition, optionally filler(s) as component (D) and optionally additive(s) as component (E), wherein equivalent weight is defined as (molecular mass of the molecule)/(number of aziridino groups present in the molecule) and wherein EW1>EW2. The invention also relates to the use of the composition for coating, sealing, moulding, adhering, making impressions, producing a dental material.
US08022111B2
Compounds of formula (I) [in which: A and B are terminal groups; R1 represents a group of formula (II) or (III); R2 is alkyl or aryl; Z is a group —(CHR3)n, where R3 is hydrogen, hydroxy or alkyl, and n is a number from 0 to 6; Y is carbonyl or a group —CH2—; Q represents a residue of a dihydroxy compound; and x is a number from 1 to 100] are useful sensitisers for use with Type II photoinitiators in the formulation of printing inks and other energy curable coatings.
US08022107B2
A fluorinated polyoxyalkylene glycol diester surfactant of formula 1 B—X—COCH2O—[—CpH2pO—]n—CH2CO—X—Ra (1) wherein B is M or Ra, M is an ionizable hydrogen, ammonium, alkali metal, or alkaline earth metal, p is from about 2 to about 4, n is from about 5 to about 43, X is O, S, or SCH2CH2O, Ra is Rf(CH2CF2)d—(CgH2g)—; Rf[OCF2CF2]r(CgH2g)—; Rf(CH2)h[(CF2CF2)i(CH2CH2)j]k-; or RfOY—; Y is CFHCF2O(CH2CH2O)v-(CgH2g)—; CFHCF2O(CwH2w)—; or CF(CF3)CONH—(CgH2g)—; each Rf is independently CcF(2c+1) wherein c is 1 to about 6; d is 1 to about 3; g is 1 to about 4; or 1; r is 1 to about 4; h is 1 to about 6; i, j, and k are each independently 1, 2, or 3, or a mixture thereof; provided that the total number of carbon atoms in Rf(CH2)h[(CF2CF2)i(CH2CH2)j]k— is from about 8 to about 22; v is 1 to about 4; and w is from about 2 to about 12.
US08022106B2
Disclosed are modified release oral tranexamic acid formulations and methods of treatment therewith.
US08022102B2
This invention concerns novel substituted unsaturated tetracyclic tetrahydrofuran derivatives with binding affinities towards serotonine receptors, in particular 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors, and towards dopamine receptors, in particular dopamine D2 receptors and with norepinephrine reuptake inhibition properties, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds according to the invention, the use thereof as a medicine, in particular for the prevention and/or treatment of a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders, in particular certain psychotic, cardiovascular and gastrokinetic disorders and processes for their production.The compounds according to the invention can be represented by general Formula (I) and comprises also the pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base addition salts thereof, the stereochemically isomeric forms thereof, the N-oxide form thereof and prodrugs thereof, wherein all substitutents are defined as in Claim 1.
US08022096B2
Pyrrolidine compounds described herein and methods for using them to inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase IV and treat Type II diabetes.
US08022094B2
The invention encompasses novel amorphous and crystalline forms of carvedilol phosphate, carvedilol hydrogen phosphate, and carvedilol dihydrogen phosphate as well as methods of making the novel amorphous and crystalline forms. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel amorphous and crystalline forms and uses thereof.
US08022093B2
New polymorphs of Eltrombopag and Eltrombopag ethanolamine salt have been obtained and characterized. These polymorphs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are useful, for example, in treating conditions leading to thrombocytopenia.
US08022092B2
The invention provides compounds of the formula (I) wherein the variables are as defined in the specification. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of metalloproteinase MMP-12 and are among other things useful for the treatment of obstructive airway diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
US08022088B2
Substituted bicyclic and tricyclic modified himbacine derivative of the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate of said compound wherein represents an optional double bond and wherein En, Fn, Gn, Zn, Jn, X, R3, R9, R10, R11, R32, R33, B and Het are herein defined are disclosed, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing them and a method of treating diseases associated with thrombosis, atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart failure, and cancer by administering said compounds. Combination therapy with other agents is also claimed.
US08022083B2
The invention is related to phosphorus substituted compounds with antiviral activity, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08022082B2
An inhalation kit comprising: (a) an inhaler displaying a flow resistance of about 0.01 to 0.1 √{square root over (kPa)} min/L; and (b) an inhalable powder comprising tiotropium in admixture with a physiologically acceptable excipient with an average particle size of between 10 to 500 μm, and a method of administering an inhalable powder containing tiotropium in admixture with a physiologically acceptable excipient with an average particle size of between 10 μm to 500 μm, the method comprising actuating an inhaler a flow resistance of about 0.01 to 0.1 √{square root over (kPa)} min/L containing the inhalable powder.
US08022081B2
This invention relates to novel naphthyl substituted azabicyclo derivatives useful as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors.In other aspects the invention relates to the use of these compounds in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention.
US08022080B2
The present invention provides new chemical compositions with desirable biological activity and toxicity profiles for the enhanced treatment of malaria.
US08022079B2
Novel compounds having the general formula (I) below: are useful in a wide variety of applications in human or veterinary medicine (in dermatology, and also in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, immune diseases and/or diseases associated with lipid metabolism), or, alternatively are formulated into cosmetic compositions.
US08022077B2
The present invention relates to the use of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines of formula (I) wherein L, R1, R2 and R3 have specific meaning. The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds of formula (I) as inhibitors of HCV replication as well as their use in pharmaceutical compositions aimed to treat or combat HCV infections. In addition, the present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) per se and their use as medicines. The present invention also concerns processes for the preparation of such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and combinations of said compounds with other anti-HCV agents.
US08022069B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) and the salts thereof, preferably the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; in which R has the meaning explained in the description, a process for their preparation and the use of these compounds as medicines, especially as renin inhibitors.
US08022062B2
The present invention provides 6-substituted 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[d]azepines of Formula I as selective 5-HT2C receptor agonists for the treatment of 5-HT2C associated disorders including obesity, obsessive/compulsive disorder, depression, and anxiety: where: R6 is —C≡C—R10, —O—R12, —S—R14, or —NR24R25; and other substituents are as defined in the specification.
US08022053B2
The present invention relates to oral solid dosage forms containing a very low dose of estradiol. The dosage forms are formulated in a manner so as to avoid degradation of the estradiol and to minimise the content of polyvinylpyrrolidone, while still achieving similar fast dissolution of the estradiol. The dosage forms are useful in preventing or treating a physical condition in a woman caused by insufficient endogenous levels of estradiol.
US08022047B2
A cancer therapeutic agent comprising a combination of compound A described below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and compound B described below, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: Compound A represented by the formula of claim 1 and Compound B represented by: at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of a platinum-type anticancer compound, selected from the group consisting of cisplatin carboplatin, oxaliplatin and nedaplatin; a gemcitabine-type compound, selected from the group consisting of gemcitabine and Ara-C; a 5-FU-type compound, selected from the group consisting of 5-FU, doxifluridine, UFT, carmofur, S-1, and capecitabine; a texane-type compound, selected from the group consisting of Taxol, Taxotere, IDN 5109, BMS 188797 BMS 184476 paclitaxel and docetaxel; a vinca alkaloid-type compound, selected from the group consisting of vinorelbine, vincristine, vinblastine, and videsine; an anticancer tyrosine kinase inhibitor compound, and an anticancer monoclonal antibody.
US08022045B1
The present invention relates to the use of oligonucleotides for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention or treatment of a disease, wherein neurogenesis and/or neuroregeneration has a beneficial effect, in particular a disease like Morbus Alzheimer, Morbus Parkinson, Lewy Body Dementia, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Spinocerebellar Atrophies, Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease, Frontemporal Dementia, Morbus Pick, AIDS Dementia Complex, Vascular Dementia, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Corticobasal Degeneration, Multisystem-Atrophy, Hallervorden Spatz Disease, Huntington's disease, Stroke, Traumatic Brain and spinal cord Injury, Retinitis Pigmentosa, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Cochlea Degeneration, Depression, Schizophrenia, Multiple Sclerosis, and developmental neurodegeneration.
US08022040B2
Hydroxyapatite (HA)-binding peptides are selected using combinatorial phage library display. Pseudo-repetitive consensus amino acid sequences possessing periodic hydroxyl side chains in every two or three amino acid sequences are obtained. These sequences resemble the (Gly-Pro-Hyp)x repeat of human type I collagen, a major component of extracellular matrices of natural bone. A consistent presence of basic amino acid residues is also observed. The peptides are synthesized by the solid-phase synthetic method and then used for template-driven HA-mineralization. Microscopy reveal that the peptides template the growth of polycrystalline HA crystals ˜40 nm in size.
US08022039B2
The present invention provides for a novel method for purification of EGFR family proteins obtained from cultures of insect cells. The process comprises subsequent steps of a) diafiltration and exchange of culture medium with buffer, b) immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC), C) size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and d) anion exchange chromatography (AIE). The method also provides for an immunogenic variant of HER-2 protein which for which the purification process has been especially adapted, as well as means for the preparation of the variant.
US08022028B2
The invention encompasses liquid cleaning compositions, for example, dish washing liquids, and methods of their manufacture and use, which possess enhanced cleaning ability. The cleaning compositions of the invention include acidic light duty liquid cleaning compositions with low toxicity and antibacterial efficacy on surfaces, for example, hard surfaces.
US08022014B2
A method of solubilizing/removing cellulose or chemically-modified cellulosic polymers utilized in subterranean drilling operations such as fracturing. The method involves introducing a deep eutectic solvent (DES) into a subterranean region. Deep eutectic solvents useful as cellulose solvents include quaternary ammonium compounds, including choline chloride and chlorcholine chloride, reacted with a compound selected from amides, amines, carboxylic acids alcohols, and metal halides. The DES material can be pumped downhole after fracturing operations to remove cellulosic material used, for example, to thicken fracturing fluid which is left behind in the created fractures, on the face of the formation, along the wellbore, or elsewhere within the subterranean region. The DES can be used alone or in a sequential treatment protocol, whereby the DES is introduced into the subterranean region, followed by post-treatment introduction of water, caustic, acid or anhydride into the subterranean as a flush.
US08022011B2
A photocatalyst according to the invention comprises a photocatalytic film of a compound of titanium and oxygen and is characterized in that the photocatalytic film is made porous and has 0.02 or higher value as a value calculated by dividing the arithmetical mean deviation of profile Ra with the film thickness. The photocatalytic film can also be specified by the intensity ratio between x-ray diffraction peaks of the anatase structure of titanium oxide. Such a porous photocatalytic material can be obtained by a reactive sputtering method in conditions of adjusting film formation parameters such as the film formation rate, the sputtering pressure, the substrate temperature, the oxygen partial pressure and the like in proper ranges, respectively, and the photocatalyst material is provided with excellent decomposition and hydrophilization capability.
US08022008B2
A method is provided for making a catalyst support, and includes the steps of providing an aqueous suspension of refractory inorganic oxide and refractory inorganic carbide; forming the suspension into droplets; exposing the droplets to a gelling agent whereby the droplets are at least partially solidified so as to provide substantially sphere-shaped portions of refractory inorganic oxide and refractory inorganic carbide; and drying and calcining the sphere-shaped portions so as to provide substantially spherical particles of catalyst support containing refractory inorganic oxide and refractory inorganic carbide. Catalytically active metal phases and hydrogenation processes using the catalyst are also described.
US08022006B2
A catalyst nanoparticle covalently bonded to a surface ligand wherein the surface ligand has a peripheral functional group having a property suitable to ensure solubility in a fluid such as a hydroxylic solvent, water, lower molecular weight alcohol, methanol, ethanol, iso-propanol, or and mixtures thereof. The peripheral functional group can have an ability to couple the catalyst nanoparticle to a second catalyst nanoparticle or to a bridging material. The peripheral functional group can be capable of interacting with a surface functional group on a conductive electrode substrate. The covalently-bound ligand bearing a peripheral functional group can have a charge opposite to or chemical reactivity amenable with that of the surface functional group. A method of making a catalyst nanoparticle comprising bonding a surface ligand to a catalyst nanoparticle wherein the bonding is via a covalent bond and the surface ligand has a peripheral functional group.
US08021993B2
An apparatus for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device is disclosed. A first robot arm at a loading side of the thru-conveyor receives a substrate coated with photoresist and conveys the substrate to a thru-conveyor. A softbake hot plate (SHP) at the unloading side of the thru-conveyor removes solvent from the substrate. A cool plate lowers the substrate temperature from which the solvent is removed. A buffer temporarily stores the substrate having the lowered temperature. A second robot arm between the thru-conveyor, the SHP, the cool plate and a loading side of the buffer, loads/unloads the substrate. A temperature control unit adjusts the substrate temperature unloaded from the buffer. A third robot arm between the unloading side of the buffer, the temperature control unit and an exposure unit that exposes the substrate, loads/unloads the substrate.
US08021992B2
A high density plasma chemical vapor deposition process including exciting gas mixture to create a plasma including ions, and directing the plasma into a dense region above the upper surface of the semiconductor wafer, heating the wafer using an additional heat source, and allowing a material from the plasma to deposit onto the semiconductor wafer.
US08021978B2
Flash memory devices include a pair of elongated, closely spaced-apart main active regions in a substrate. A sub active region is also provided in the substrate, extending between the pair of elongated, closely spaced-apart main active regions. A bit line contact plug is provided on, and electrically contacting, the sub active region and being at least as wide as the sub active region. An elongated bit line is provided on, and electrically contacting, the bit line contact plug remote from the sub active region.
US08021975B2
A plasma processing method for forming a film on a substrate using a gas processed by a plasma. The plasma processing method for forming a film includes the steps of forming a CF film on the substrate by using a CaFb gas (here, a is a counting number, and b is a counting number which satisfies an equation of “b=2×a−2”), processing the CF film with the gas processed by the plasma, and forming an insulating film on the CF film processed by using an insulating material processed with the plasma.
US08021964B2
To provide a method of producing segmented chips preventing the chips from being damaged by the chip jumping or by the contact of the neighboring chips while the back surfaces thereof are being ground. A method of producing segmented chips by grinding the back surface of a material to be ground which includes a plurality of chips segmented into individual chips by at least partly cutting the chips in the direction of thickness thereof along the boundaries of the chips, wherein the gaps among the individual chips are filled with a liquid adhesive, the material to be ground is laminated on a rigid support material in a manner that the back surface thereof is exposed, and the adhesive is cured or solidified to form a laminate of the material to be ground having the plurality of chips, the adhesive solid material and the rigid support material arranged in this order; the laminate is ground from the back surface side of the material to be ground, the rigid support member is removed from the laminate, a flexible adhesive sheet is adhered onto the adhesive solid material, and the individual chips are picked up and recovered.
US08021962B2
A method of manufacturing a functional film by which a functional film formed on a film formation substrate can be easily peeled from the film formation substrate. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a separation layer on a substrate by using an inorganic material which is decomposed to generate a gas by being applied with an electromagnetic wave; (b) forming a layer to be peeled containing a functional film, which is formed by using a functional material, on the separation layer; and (c) applying the electromagnetic wave toward the separation layer so as to peel the layer to be peeled from the substrate or reduce bonding strength between the layer to be peeled and the substrate.
US08021952B2
Integrated transistor and method for the production is disclosed. An explanation is given of, inter alia, a transistor having an electrically insulating isolating trench extending from a main area in the direction of a connection region remote from the main area. Moreover, the transistor contains an auxiliary trench extending from the main area as far as the connection region remote from the main area. The transistor requires a small chip area and has outstanding electrical properties.
US08021941B2
A novel and useful apparatus for and method of providing noise isolation between integrated circuit devices on a semiconductor chip. The invention addresses the problem of noise generated by digital switching devices in an integrated circuit chip that may couple through the silicon substrate into sensitive analog circuits (e.g., PLLs, transceivers, ADCs, etc.) causing a significant degradation in performance of the sensitive analog circuits. The invention utilizes a deep trench capacitor (DTCAP) device connected to ground to isolate victim circuits from aggressor noise sources on the same integrated circuit chip. The deep penetration of the capacitor creates a grounded shield deep in the substrate as compared with other prior art shielding techniques.
US08021938B2
A semiconductor device includes: a first gate insulating film on a first region of a semiconductor substrate; a first gate electrode on the first gate insulating film; a second gate insulating film on a second region of the semiconductor substrate; and a second gate electrode on the second gate insulating film. The first gate insulating film includes a first insulating film composed of a first material containing a first metal, and the second gate insulating film includes a second insulating film composed of the first material and a second material containing a second metal.
US08021935B2
A fabrication process for a device such as a backplane for a flat panel display includes depositing thin film layers on a substrate, forming a 3D template overlying the thin film layers, and etching the 3D template and the thin film layers to form gate lines and transistors from the thin film layers. An insulating or passivation layer can then be deposited on the gate lines and the transistors, so that column or data lines can be formed on the insulating layer.
US08021931B2
A method for electrically connecting an integrated circuit to a via in a substrate is disclosed. The method can include deforming a ball over the via to form a bump and attaching a bond wire to the bump. The method also can include attaching the bond wire to the integrated circuit, such as by forming an end of the bond wire into a second ball and deforming the second ball over the integrated circuit. Alternatively, the method can include forming an end of the bond wire into a ball and deforming the ball over the via. Embodiments of a disclosed integrated circuit and substrate assembly can include, for example, a bump aligned with at least a portion of a via in a substrate and a bond wire attached to the integrated circuit and the bump. Other embodiments can include a via with a top metal cap and an upper plating.
US08021925B2
A semiconductor module structure and a method of forming the semiconductor module structure are disclosed. The structure incorporates a die mounted on a substrate and covered by a lid. A thermal compound is disposed within a thermal gap between the die and the lid. A barrier around the periphery of the die extends between the lid and the substrate, contains the thermal compound, and flexes in response to expansion and contraction of both the substrate and the lid during cycling of the semiconductor module. More particularly, either the barrier is formed of a flexible material or has a flexible connection to the substrate and/or to the lid. The barrier effectively contains the thermal compound between the die and the lid and, thereby, provides acceptable and controlled coverage of the thermal compound over the die for heat removal.
US08021914B2
A method of manufacture of cadmium mercury telluride (CMT) is disclosed. The method involves growing one or more buffer layers on a substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Subsequently at least one layer of cadmium mercury telluride, Hg1-xCdxTe where x is between 0 and 1 inclusive, is grown by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE). The use of MBE to grow buffer layers allows a range of substrates to be used for CMT growth. The MBE buffer layers provide the correct orientation for later MOVPE growth of CMT and also prevent chemical contamination of the CMT and attack of the substrate during MOVPE. The method also allows for device processing of the CMT layers to be performed with further MOVPE growth of crystalline CMT layers and/or passivation layers. The invention also relates to new devices formed by the method.
US08021909B2
Disclosed is a method for making a silicon quantum dot planar concentrating solar cell. At first, silicon nitride or silicon oxide mixed with silicon quantum dots is provided on a transparent substrate. By piling, there is formed a planar optical waveguide for concentrating sunlit into a small dot cast on a small solar cell.
US08021904B2
Contacting materials and methods for forming ohmic contact to the N-face polarity surfaces of Group-III nitride based semiconductor materials, and devices fabricated using the methods. One embodiment of a light emitting diode (LED) a Group-III nitride active epitaxial region between two Group-III nitride oppositely doped epitaxial layers. The oppositely doped layers have alternating face polarities from the Group III and nitrogen (N) materials, and at least one of the oppositely doped layers has an exposed surface with an N-face polarity. A first contact layer is included on and forms an ohmic contact with the exposed N-face polarity surface. In one embodiment, the first contact layer comprises indium nitride.
US08021897B2
Some embodiments include cross-point memory structures. The structures may include a line of first electrode material extending along a first horizontal direction, a multi-sided container of access device materials over the first electrode material, a memory element material within the multi-sided container, and a line of second electrode material over the memory element material and extending along a second horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the first horizontal direction. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory arrays. The methods may include forming a memory cell stack over a first electrode material, and then patterning the first electrode material and the memory cell stack into a first set of spaced lines extending along a first horizontal direction. Spaced lines of second electrode material may be formed over the first set of spaced lines, and may extend along a second horizontal direction that is orthogonal to the first horizontal direction.
US08021895B2
The present invention relates to methods of detecting renal transplant rejection and other forms of renal damage. Protein markers or renal damage are provided, along with assays for detecting said markers. Also provided are methods for identifying markers of renal damage.
US08021893B2
A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which is produced by applying the molecular imprinting method is disclosed. A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which has a molecule interacting with the target molecule in the polymer and in which the recognition field for a target molecule has been constructed and the above-described molecule interacting with the target molecule is detachable and replaceable. This molecular recognition polymer can be produced by synthesizing a complex of the target molecule with a molecule capable of specifically and reversibly binding to the target molecule, copolymerizing this complex with a molecule interacting with the target molecule and a crosslinking agent to give a polymer, and then detaching the target molecule and the molecule interacting with the target molecule from the polymer thus obtained.
US08021889B2
Ion exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatographic materials are constructed by tethering a terminal binding functionality to a solid support via a hydrophobic linker. The backbone of the linker typically comprises sulfur-containing moieties. Suitable terminal binding functionalities are tertiary amines, quaternary ammonium salts, or hydrophobic groups. These chromatographic materials possess both hydrophobic and ionic character under the conditions prescribed for their use. The separation of proteins from crude mixtures at physiological ionic strength can be accomplished with a chromatographic material of this type by applying pH or ionic strength gradients, thereby effecting protein adsorption and desorption.
US08021882B2
A method for producing stem cell conditioned media for treatment of neurological insults is provided herein. By providing for the culture of adipose stem cells, and collecting the supernatants thereof, the supernatants have been shown to effect biological activity in preventing neural death when the supernatants are administered to a patient that has or is about to be subjected to a neural insult.
US08021877B2
This invention provides devices comprising substrates with wells for the patterning of particles or cells. Such devices are loaded with a suspension of particles or cell, and the entrapped particles or cells are transferred to a second substrate, where patterning of individual particles or cells occurs. Methods of cellular analysis, cell growth studies, surface modification, optical display fabrication and curved surface patterning using devices of this invention are described.
US08021872B2
The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.
US08021863B2
Polypeptides comprising a catalytic starch debranching domain and a starch binding domain are disclosed. The polypeptides comprising the starch binding domain have an improved functionality in raw starch degradation compared with same catalytic unit in same amount but without the starch binding domain.
US08021859B2
The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin enzymatic domain, a Clostridial toxin translocation domain and an enhanced Clostridial toxin binding domain; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins; and method of producing such modified Clostridial toxins.
US08021852B2
The present invention concerns compositions and methods for evaluating fertility in humans and animals. The invention may also be used to identify reproductive cancers such as testicular cancer. In various embodiments of the invention, an Sptrx-3 enzyme is used as a fertility marker. Sptrx-3 may be detected in accordance with the invention in vitro or in vivo.
US08021849B2
Methods and kits for determining sirolimus in a sample known or suspected to contain sirolimus are provided. The methods and kits according to the invention use one or more antibodies generated using a fragment of sirolimus, such as the northern fragment of sirolimus.
US08021848B2
The invention provides efficient methods for rapidly and sensitively identifying cellular and viral targets in medical, industrial, and environmental samples. The invention labels targets and then detects them using large area imaging. Diagnostic tests based on the invention can be rapid, ultrasensitive, quantitative, multiplexed, and automated. The tests minimize sample preparation and do not require nucleic acid amplification or cell culture. A broad range of cells and viruses can be detected by the tests. Tests based on the invention can deliver the high level sensitivity of nucleic acid amplification tests, the user-friendliness, and speed of immunoassays, as well as the cost effectiveness and quantification offered by microbiological tests. The invention embodies the best attributes of the current diagnostic technologies, while addressing gaps in the diagnostic repertoire.
US08021838B2
The present invention describes a method of identifying inducible genetic regulatory sequences that can control the transcription of specific gene transcripts. Methods of using inducible genetic regulatory sequences are also discussed. In particular, the genetic regulatory sequences of the present invention can modulate the transcription of a nucleic acid transcript in vivo.
US08021836B2
The present invention concerns a method of diagnosing disease of bacterial or fungal origin in a subject, which method comprises the step of measuring the level of Strem-1 in a biological sample obtained from said subject.
US08021823B2
There is provided a positive resist composition, including a base component (A) which exhibits increased solubility in an alkali developing solution under action of an acid, and an acid generator component (B) which generates an acid upon exposure, wherein the base component (A) includes a polymeric compound (A1) containing a structural unit (a0) represented by the general formula (a0-1) shown below: (wherein, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; A represents a bivalent linking group; B represents a bivalent linking group; and R2 represents an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group).
US08021822B2
A positive resist composition comprises (A) a resin component which becomes soluble in an alkaline developer under the action of an acid and (B) an acid generator. The resin (A) is a polymer comprising specific recurring units, represented by formula (1). The acid generator (B) is a specific sulfonium salt compound. When processed by lithography, the composition is improved in resolution and forms a pattern with a satisfactory mask fidelity and a minimal LER. Herein R1 is H or methyl, m is 1 or 2, and n is 1 or 2.
US08021815B2
A liquid developer includes a toner particle mainly composed of a resin material, and a nonvolatile insulating liquid, the resin material including an ethylene copolymer, and the insulating liquid including fatty acid triglyceride.
US08021805B2
A mask includes mask patterns formed over a frontside of a substrate and a phase grating formed over a backside of the substrate. The mask patterns correspond to a layout of diagonal patterns extending in a direction rotated toward a predetermined direction from an axis of a rectangular coordinate system. The phase grating extends in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the mask patterns. The phase grating includes first and second phase regions alternately arranged over the backside of the substrate with a phase difference of 180° therebetween. The first and second phase regions induce a phase interference that blocks a zero-order light of an exposure light incident to the substrate and allows a primary light to be incident to the mask patterns.
US08021803B2
A multi-chip reticle, methods of designing and fabricating multi-chip reticles, a system for designing a multi-chip reticle, and a method of fabricating integrated circuit chips using the multi-chip reticle. The multi-chip reticle includes a transparent substrate having two or more separate chip images arranged in an array, each chip image of said two or more chip images having only one type of reticle image, wherein at least two of said two more chip images have different types of reticle images.
US08021797B2
The invention relates to a bipolar plate, for fuel cells, characterized in comprising a layer of a hydrophobic material which is soluble in a solvent, on the surfaces thereof. Water forms small droplets on the surfaces of the bipolar plate due to said layer, which are loosely held on the surface of the bipolar plate and which can be reliably removed from the fuel cell even with low flow speeds for the operating gases. The thickness of the layer and thus the hydrophobicity thereof and the electrical contact resistance between the bipolar plate and a contacting electrode may be adjusted in a simple manner, by varying the concentration of the hydrophobic material in the solvent.
US08021796B2
The present invention relates to the field of electrochemical cells and fuel cells, and more specifically to polymer-electrolyte-membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). It is directed to catalyst-coated ionomer membranes (“CCMs”) and membrane-electrode-assemblies (“MEAs”) that contain one or more protective film layers for protection, sealing and better handling purposes. The one or more protective film layers are attached to the surface of said catalyst-coated membranes in such a way that they overlap with a region of the passive non-coated ionomer area, and with a region of the active area that is coated with a catalyst layer. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for manufacture of CCMs and MEAs that contain protective film layers. The materials may be used as components for the manufacture of low temperature fuel cell stacks.
US08021795B2
A method for manufacturing a solid oxide electrochemical device comprising disposing electrolyte between a first electrode and a second electrode, applying a bonding agent between the first electrode and a first interconnect, applying a sealing agent between the first electrode and the first interconnect, disposing a second interconnect adjacent to the second electrode, heating the first interconnect, the first electrode, the electrolyte, the second electrode, the second interconnect, the bonding agent, and the sealing agent to at least one intermediate temperature for at least one intermediate length of time, and then to a curing temperature, for a curing time, effective to bond and seal the first electrode to the first interconnect, wherein the at least one intermediate temperature is less than the curing temperature.
US08021794B2
A fuel cell has a high heat recovery efficiency for effectively collecting heat discharged from a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell includes a power generating cell and a separator which are alternately laminated to constitute a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stacks are disposed in the central area of a power generating reaction chamber to form two columns-by-two rows array in a plan view. A cross-shaped fuel reformer is arranged between the opposing sides of the fuel cell stacks.
US08021787B2
The preservation performance of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell charged to high potential is improved while the initial capacity and the cycle property of the cell are also improved. The nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell includes: a positive electrode having lithium phosphate and a positive electrode active material containing lithium cobalt compound oxide and lithium manganese nickel compound oxide having a layer structure, the lithium cobalt compound oxide having at least zirconium and magnesium added in LiCoO2; a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material; and a nonaqueous electrolyte having a nonaqueous solvent and an electrolytic salt. The potential of the positive electrode is more than 4.3 V and 5.1 V or less based on lithium. The nonaqueous electrolyte contains vinylene carbonate as the nonaqueous solvent and, as the electrolytic salt, at least one of lithium bis(pentafluoroethane sulfonyl)imide and lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide at 0.1 M or more and 0.5 M or less. The nonaqueous electrolyte contains 1,3-dioxane.
US08021781B2
A jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a negative electrode plate having a negative electrode coated portion coated with a negative electrode active material layer, and a negative electrode uncoated portion disposed at an end of the negative electrode plate that is near a center of the electrode assembly, a positive electrode plate having a positive electrode coated portion coated with a negative electrode active material layer, and a positive electrode uncoated portion disposed at an end of the positive electrode plate that is near the center of the electrode assembly, a separator between the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode tab and a positive electrode tab electrically connected to the negative electrode uncoated portion and the positive electrode uncoated portion, respectively, wherein a width of the negative electrode uncoated portion is approximately 2 to 3 times that of the negative electrode tab.
US08021778B2
The present invention relates to apparatus, compositions and methods of fabricating high performance thin-film batteries on metallic substrates, polymeric substrates, or doped or undoped silicon substrates by fabricating an appropriate barrier layer composed, for example, of barrier sublayers between the substrate and the battery part of the present invention thereby separating these two parts chemically during the entire battery fabrication process as well as during any operation and storage of the electrochemical apparatus during its entire lifetime. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention thin-film batteries fabricated onto a thin, flexible stainless steel foil substrate using an appropriate barrier layer that is composed of barrier sublayers have uncompromised electrochemical performance compared to thin-film batteries fabricated onto ceramic substrates when using a 700° C. post-deposition anneal process for a LiCoO2 positive cathode.
US08021769B2
A patterned perpendicular magnetic recording medium has discrete magnetic islands, each of which has a recording layer (RL) structure that comprises two exchange-coupled ferromagnetic layers. The RL structure may be an “exchange-spring” RL structure with an upper ferromagnetic layer (MAG2), sometimes called the exchange-spring layer (ESL), ferromagnetically coupled to a lower ferromagnetic layer (MAG1), sometimes called the media layer (ML). The RL structure may also include a coupling layer (CL) between MAG1 and MAG2 that permits ferromagnetic coupling. The interlayer exchange coupling between MAG1 and MAG2 may be optimized, in part, by adjusting the materials and thickness of the CL. The RL structure may also include a ferromagnetic lateral coupling layer (LCL) that is in contact with at least one of MAG1 and MAG2 for mediating intergranular exchange coupling in the ferromagnetic layer or layers with which it is in contact (MAG2 or MAG1). The ferromagnetic alloy in the LCL has significantly greater intergranular exchange coupling than the ferromagnetic alloy with which it is in contact (MAG2 or MAG1).
US08021768B2
Soft and porous material is coated with a multilayer ceramic coating by physical vapor deposition. The coated material is suitable for use as foodware, particularly, a copper foodware article including a plain copper substrate, a base coating, and a ceramic coating. The base coating is deposited by sputtering and cathodic arc in combination, providing the good corrosion resistance and adhesion to the substrate. The ceramic coating includes a PVD nitride or carbonitride layer, providing a tarnish-free surface, good durability, and thermal stability. The coated copper foodware article has the same heat conductivity as pure copper, good corrosion resistance, high durability, excellent cooking, and ease of cleaning. A metal article having a multilayer coating and a method of making a metal article are also described.
US08021763B2
The present invention relates to phosphorescent stacked OLEDs having an interlayer.
US08021761B2
A plating member comprising a lead-free plating material is obtained by the present invention in a manner such that whisker formation on a plating layer 16 of the plating member can be suppressed and thus the plating member has good solderability. In the case of such plating member having, on the surface of a base material 15, a plating layer 16 comprising a lead-free material (Sn—Cu alloy, etc.), the plating layer 16 has a layer structure of two or more layers (a1 to a3), the average particle diameter of plating particles (P1 to P3) constituting each layer varies from layer to layer, and the plating particle volume fraction of the plating layer 16 is 80% to 90% when the proportion of plating particles occupying a unit volume is defined as a plating particle volume fraction of 100% on the assumption that a unit volume 20 is filled with plating particles P3 each having the maximum average particle diameter.
US08021759B1
The present invention is directed to a heat-shrinkable, thermoplastic film or bag which contains at least one homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of at least 0.90 g/cc. Oriented films made in accordance with the present invention exhibit improved optics and improved impact resistance. A homogeneous ethylene alpha-olefin may be present in a monolayer film either alone or in a blend or may be included in one or more layers of a multilayer film in accordance with the present invention.
US08021750B2
A structural insulated panel for use in a mine safe room, which includes a carbon foam core having a high ratio of compressive strength to density, desirable fire retardant properties, and resistance to environmental stress. The carbon foam structural insulated panel also includes a first layer and a second layer bound to a first surface and second surface of the carbon foam core.
US08021741B2
A thermoplastic laminate plank is described wherein the thermoplastic laminate plank comprises a core, a print layer, and optionally an overlay. The core comprises at least one thermoplastic material and has a top surface and bottom surface wherein a print layer is affixed to the top surface of the core and an overlay layer is affixed to the top surface of the print layer. Optionally, an underlay layer can be located and affixed between the bottom surface of the print layer and the top surface of the core. In addition, a method of making the thermoplastic laminate plank is further described which involves extruding at least one thermoplastic material into the shape of the core and affixing a laminate on the core, wherein the laminate comprises an overlay affixed to the top surface of the print layer and optionally an underlay layer affixed to the bottom surface of the print layer.
US08021740B2
The invention provides a coated metal substrate comprising a metal substrate having an outer surface, a maskant film adhered to at least a portion of the outer surface of the metal substrate, the maskant film having a pattern of scribed lines therein, and a line sealant composition applied to the scribed lines in a maskant film. Both the maskant film and the line sealant composition are preferably radiation cured and substantially solvent-free. The invention also provides a method of protecting a metal substrate from chemical exposure by utilizing the radiation-cured maskant film and line sealant composition.
US08021733B2
Disclosed is a disposable bath mat for use in bath facilities, such as bathtubs and shower stalls. The disposable bath mat comprises a top layer and a bottom layer coupled to a bottom surface of the top layer. The top layer is composed of a biodegradable material and the bottom layer is composed of a slip-resistant material.
US08021722B2
The present invention relates to a method of making an industrial fabric including the steps of applying a radiation-curable powder onto the surface of a fabric, melting the radiation-curable powder such that the powder forms a layer on the fabric surface and directing radiation at this surface layer so as to cure the constituent material of the surface layer.
US08021721B2
A method of modifying a bottomhole assembly that includes metal plating at least a portion of a bottomhole assembly, wherein the metal-plating comprises superabrasive nanoparticles is disclosed.
US08021718B2
A silicon resin is applied to the outer wall of the transition piece of a gas turbine subjected to the thermal barrier coating by caulking the cooling holes provided in the inner wall by a resin. Then, the transition piece is heated in an atmosphere furnace in order to burn or decompose the resin. A part of the silicon resin applied to the outer wall of the transition piece is decomposed or evaporated by the heating to be discharged to the atmosphere in the furnace, but a part of the silicon resin remains and protects the outer wall.
US08021706B2
A frozen aerated product having an overrun of between about 10% and about 250% and a pH, when melted, in the range about 3.5 to about 5.2, comprises water, 0 to about 20 w/w % fat, about 0.25 to about 20 w/w % milk solids not fat, about 0.05 to about 1.5 w/w % soluble dietary fibre and about 0.1 to about 5 w/w % of insoluble dietary fibre, about 0.1 to about 35 w/w % sweetener but no additional stabilisers or emulsifiers as herein defined. The soluble and insoluble dietary fibre may be derived from fruits or vegetables for example from one or more fruit purees, one or more vegetable purees or mixtures thereof.
US08021698B2
A nutritional supplement including β-cryptoxanthin is found to be effective at lowering blood pressure in mammals. β-cryptoxanthin therefore may be used to maintain cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, preventing high, elevated blood pressure and/or maintaining healthy blood pressure. Administration of β-cryptoxanthin in combination with safflower oil is particularly effective.
US08021697B2
There is provided a method for altering the distribution of body mass by altering the distribution of body mass by decreasing overall percentage fat and/or increasing the proportion of lean mass to fat mass comprising administering to a subject one or more compounds having the ability to alter body mass composition and/or ACE inhibiting activity or a physiologically acceptable derivative or prodrug thereof.
US08021693B2
The invention features methods for increasing or maintaining the number of functional cells of a predetermined type in a mammal (e.g., a human patient), for example, the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, liver cells, spleen cells, or bone cells, that has injured or damaged cells of the predetermined type or is deficient in cells of the predetermined type.
US08021689B2
Nanoparticles that activate complement in the absence of biological molecules are described. The nanoparticles are shown to specifically target antigen presenting cells in specifically in lymph nodes, without the use of a biological molecule for targeting. These particles are useful vehicles for delivering immunotherapeutics.
US08021687B2
A milnacipran formulation that provides delayed and extended release of milnacipran has been developed. The formulation comprises milnacipran or a salt thereof; an extended release excipient, and a delayed release excipient. The formulation provides, upon administration to a human subject, a Tmax of 4-10 hours.
US08021682B2
The invention relates to a liquid vehicle that can be used to create suspensions and/or solutions of liquid or powdered medications. The vehicle is thixotropic and has improved stability and rheologic characteristics. Vehicles of the invention include an aqueous medium and a suspending agent comprising a polysaccharide having at least 50% glucose repeating saccharide units and at least 90% alpha linkages. The polysaccharide can be a starch, modified starch, or glycogen. The aqueous medium and individual components of the vehicle provide a palatable and easily ingested drug preparation. The invention also provides a vehicle containing an aqueous medium, suspending agent comprising a polysaccharide having at least 50% glucose repeating saccharide units and at least 90% alpha linkages, buffer, and artificial sweetener, the combined suspending vehicle having a pH of about 3 to about 10 and an osmolality of 300 mOmsol or less.
US08021669B2
The invention relates to novel insertion sites useful for the integration of HIV DNA sequences into the MVA genome, and to the resulting recombinant MVA derivatives.
US08021657B2
The present invention relates to phage isolates having a strong lytic activity against pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli and/or Salmonella strains and their use in various human or pet food products for the treatment or prevention of bacterial diseases caused by pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae such as Escherichia coli, in particular for phage therapy of pediatric gastroenteritis, or Salmonella infection. It also relates to human or pet food products prepared thereof.
US08021646B2
The present application provides for compositions and methods of creating and applying contrast agents that find use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In particular, contrast agents that comprise monodisperse, protein polymer backbones capable of chelating multiple paramagnetic ions resulting in high relaxivity for use in enhancing MRI signal intensity.
US08021645B2
A composition for treating a subject is provided. The composition includes antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric IgM therapeutic. A process for manufacturing a medicament for the treatment of C. difficile associated disease in a human is also provided that the modification of antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric IgM with secretory component to form a antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic. The antigen specific dimeric secretory IgA and the pentameric secretory IgM therapeutic is then mixed with formulating agents to create a capsule, tablet, liquid or suppository dosing form. The therapeutic is amenable to enrobement directly through microencapsulation or the dosing form is coated with an enteric coating. A method of C. difficile treatment with the therapeutic is also provided that is amenable to supplementation with concurrent or prior antibiotic administration.
US08021644B2
The present invention relates to biochemical methods for determining reverse cholesterol transport. Specifically, the rates of the two arms of reverse cholesterol transport (HDL or first arm and post-HDL or second arm) are obtained by measuring the flow of unlabeled cholesterol from tissues into plasma HDL and from plasma HDL to bile acids.
US08021642B2
A porous crystalline composition having a molar composition as follows: YO2:m X2O3:n ZO, wherein Y is a tetravalent element selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, tin, titanium and combinations thereof, X is a trivalent element selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, boron, iron and combinations thereof, Z is a divalent element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, zinc, cobalt, manganese, nickel and combinations thereof, m is between about 0 and about 0.5, n is between about 0 and about 0.5; and the composition has an x-ray diffraction pattern which distinguishes it from the materials. A process for making the composition, and a process using the composition to treat an organic compound are also provided.
US08021641B2
Precursor compositions containing copper and selenium suitable for deposition on a substrate to form thin films suitable for semi-conductor applications. Methods of forming the precursor compositions using primary amine solvents and methods of forming the thin films wherein the selection of temperature and duration of heating controls the formation of a targeted species of copper selenide.
US08021640B2
Techniques and apparatuses for making carbon nanotube (CNT) papers are provided. In one embodiment, a method for making a CNT paper may include disposing a structure having an edge portion including a relatively sharp edge into a CNT colloidal solution and withdrawing the structure from the CNT colloidal solution.
US08021639B1
A method for rapidly synthesizing polycrystalline diamond, includes the steps of machining a large monolithic graphite piece, placing the starting graphite piece in direct contact with an activator piece composed of a nickel-base alloy, and subjecting the contacting pieces to high static pressure and high temperature for a time sufficient to cause the starting monolithic graphite piece to undergo complete transformation into diamond to yield monolithic polycrystalline diamond.
US08021625B2
A device and method for enhancing rapid confirmatory immunological testing (“RCIT”) in chromatography strip-type rapid IVD devices useful in, for example, clinical, point-of-care, laboratory or over-the-counter settings. The device drives a flow fluid, primarily under the force of gravity alone, through a first chamber having a porous dam structure to enhance and substantially complete the first affinity binding reaction between a source of mobilizable labeled binding members and an analyte in the fluid. Flow through the dam causes a delay, mixing and trapping of the typically chemically disuniform initial fluid front so that fluid exiting the dam exhibits a more uniformly high degree of first affinity binding and decreased non-affinity binding. Afterward, and without further human interaction, the fluid then flows under the combined, turbulence creating forces of gravity, siphoning, and capillarity, through a second chamber containing a chromatographic strip which captures the labeled analytes in a second affinity binding reaction. By separating the two affinity binding reactions, competition for analytes during each reaction is reduced, and thus accuracy improved.
US08021622B2
Disclosed is a heat insulating container, including a heat source, a housing that houses the heat source therein and a temperature detection unit that is formed on a surface of the housing and reflects radiation.
US08021613B2
A system and method are described herein for self-referencing a sensor that is used to detect a biomolecular binding event and/or kinetics which occur in a sample solution flowing along side a reference solution in a micron-sized deep flow channel.
US08021612B2
A system and method for calculating a value indicative of the amount of an undesirable constituent of a volatile gas stream that is removed from the atmosphere. Data received at a higher sampling rate is subjected to a plurality of validation processes and data that is determined to be faulty is then quarantined. Quarantined data can be replaced, however, an audit trail is generated to indicate what data has been replaced and the underlying rationale for the replacement data.
US08021606B2
A hydrogen storage alloy containing a phase of a chemical composition defined by a general formula A5·xB1+xC24: wherein in the general formula A5·xB1+xC24, A denotes one or more element(s) selected from rare earth elements; B denotes one or more element(s) selected from a group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba; C denotes one or more element(s) selected from a group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Al, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Si, Sn, V, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, and Hf; and x denotes a numeral in a range from −0.1 to 0.8: and the phase has a crystal structure belonging to a space group of R-3m and having a length ratio of the c-axis to the a-axis of the lattice constant in a range of 11.5 to 12.5.
US08021602B2
A rotary furnace hearth wherein a hearth carriage carrying a hearth comprises a plurality of hearth carriages respectively having propulsion systems, wherein adjoining hearth carriages are coupled by coupling bolts and nuts via spacers interspaced in a single row in a horizontal plane, whereby even if the hearth carriages deform due to heat at the time of operation, they are structured to be able to freely deform without mutual constraint in the event of curved deformation, so the hearth carriages are maintained in individually stable states at all times.
US08021589B2
A composite article (10) comprises a channel-shaped metal reinforcing element (12) and molded plastic shell (14) including a portion formed as a wall (18) mechanically closing the open side of the channel shape. The reinforcing element may include a plurality of open channels (46) each of them being closed by a portion of the plastic coating. Constructive elements (50) comprising at least two such composite articles may be manufactured, for example a flat panel made of parallel elongated beams. A method for manufacturing the composite article in an assembly mold (70) includes inserting a mold core (20) in the metal reinforcing element (12) via the open side of the channel transversely to the channel axis, assembling all parts of the mold, molding of the plastic coating (14), disassembling the mold; and removing the mold core from the composite article in direction parallel to the channel axis.
US08021582B2
A continuous phase liquid and a dispersed phase liquid are permitted to flow together through a co-flow channel. Preferably, the dispersed phase liquid is arranged to flow within the flowing body of the continuous phase liquid in the co-flow channel so that the dispersed phase liquid is sheathed by the continuous phase liquid. The continuous phase and dispersed phase liquids are comminuted into microparticles in the co-flow channel by intermittently blocking the co-flow channel.
US08021580B2
The present invention provides a conductive metal paste, available for fabrication of a metal fine particle sintered product layer, which has excellent adhesion to a surface of an underlying substrate such as a glass substrate and also has good conductivity. The conductive metal paste according to the present invention contains, per 100 parts by mass of the metal fine particles whose average particle size is 1 to 100 nm, 10 to 60 parts by mass in total of one or more compounds which are used in a coating molecular layer on a surface of a metal fine particle and which have a group capable of coordinate bonding to a metal element contained in the metal fine particles via a lone pair held by a nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atom, and also contains one or more metal compounds which are reduced by heating up to 250° C. or higher to be able to precipitate a metal atom such that a total amount of metals contained in the metal compound is within a range from 0.3 to 7 parts by mass, and further, 100 to 500 parts by mass of an amine-based solvent capable of dissolving the metal compounds blended per 10 parts by mass in total of metals in the metal compounds, wherein all of these components are uniformly dissolved and dispersed in an organic solvent used as a dispersion solvent for the metal fine particles.
US08021575B2
Disclosed herein are a metal hydroxy carbonate nanoparticle-coated phosphor and a preparation method thereof. The phosphor coated with metal hydroxy carbonate nanoparticles exhibit improved thermal stability and an increased luminance lifespan, when applied to display devices, e.g., PDPs and lamps.
US08021572B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a thin optical laminate a refractive index of which is three-dimensionally controlled.The optical laminate of the present invention comprises a retardation layer containing a polycyclic compound having at least one of a —SO3M group and a —COOM group, and having an index ellipsoid satisfying a relationship of nx≦nz>ny; and a retardation layer having an index ellipsoid satisfying a relationship of nx≧ny>nz.As the polycyclic compound, for example, a quinoxaline derivative represented by the following formula (I) is used.
US08021569B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising flammable refrigerant, fire hazard-reducing agent, and optionally a lubricant suitable for use in a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus. Further, the present invention relates to compositions comprising lubricant and fire hazard-reducing agent and methods for reducing flammability of flammable refrigerant, for delivering a fire hazard-reducing agent to a refrigeration or air conditioning apparatus, and for replacing a non-flammable refrigerant with a flammable refrigerant.
US08021568B2
A piezoceramic composition of a calculated empirical formula Pb1-aREbAEc[ZrxTiy(NinMom)z]O3, wherein RE represents a rare earth metal having a rare earth metal content b, AE represents an alkaline earth metal having an alkaline earth metal content c, nickel is provided with a nickel content n.z, and molybdenum is provided with a molybdenum content m.z. Furthermore, the following correlations apply: a<1; 0=b=0.15; 0=c=0.5; n>0; m>0; 0.1=n/m=5; x>0; y>0; z>0, and x+y+z=1. In a method for producing a piezoceramic component a) a green ceramic member containing the piezoceramic composition is supplied; and b) the green member is subjected to a thermal treatment such that the piezoceramic material of the component is produced from the piezoceramic composition. The thermal treatment encompasses calcining and/or sintering of the piezoceramic composition. The piezoceramic composition is compressed below 1000° C., thus allowing metals melting at a lower temperature to be sintered along with the piezoceramic composition.
US08021563B2
A method for determining the depth etch, a method of forming a shielded gate trench (SGT) structure and a semiconductor device wafer are disclosed. A material layer is formed over part of a substrate having a trench. The material fills the trench. A resist mask is placed over a test portion of the layer of material. The resist mask does not cover the trench. The layer of material is isotropically etched. An etch depth may be determined from a characteristic of etching of the material underneath the mask. Such a method may be used for forming SGT structures. The wafer may comprise a layer of material disposed on at least a portion of a surface of semiconductor wafer; a resist mask comprising an angle-shaped test portion disposed over a portion of the layer of material; and a ruler marking on the surface of the substrate proximate the test portion.
US08021554B2
A Liquid-Liquid Extraction apparatus for extracting at least one species from a donor liquid solution (6) into at least one recipient liquid (8) is disclosed The apparatus comprises one or more cells comprising a cartridge (3) with an open macro-porous solid matrix made o a micro-porous material having affinity to an extractant material, so that a thin layer of liquid extractant may attach to the matrix.
US08021552B2
The invention is directed to a process for the anaerobic purification of waste water using a sludge bed system, which process comprises feeding waste water and recycle water to the lower part of an upflow reactor containing mainly granular biomass thus producing biogas in the treatment passing the resulting gas/liquid/solid mixture upward and separating the gas and solid from the liquid in a three phase separator and thereby generating an anaerobic effluent that is withdrawn from the top of the separator, the improvement comprising withdrawing the recycle water separately from the effluent, after the separation of the gas from the liquid, either from the three phase separator or from the top of the reactor outside the three phase separator, and to an upflow reactor suitable for this process.
US08021551B2
A system and method of treating wastewater from an animal confinement operation. The system including at least a first lagoon receiving water from the confinement operation. The system further including a free surface water wetland, a subsurface flow wetland and a vertical flow recirculating media filter. The first artificial wetland including a pipe such that water from the lagoon flows into the first artificial wetland through an inlet of the pipe and is contained within the wetland. The first wetland further including a plurality of wetland plants. A second subsurface flow wetland and a vertical flow recirculating media filter on top of the subsurface flow wetland and wetland plants contained within a first pea gravel bed on top of a coarse gravel bed of the subsurface flow media filter such that water from the lagoon is received by the first wetland. A recirculation pump receiving water from the horizontal coarse gravel bed and the pump recirculating water to the wetland plants of the vertical flow recirculation media filter such that ammonia in the water is converted to nitrate and water as it falls vertically through roots of the wetland plants and the nitrate is converted to nitrogen and water as the water flows horizontally through the subsurface flow wetland.
US08021549B2
A method and apparatus for desalinating seawater which uses an ammonia bicarbonate forward osmosis desalination process. Seawater is pumped through one side of a membrane assembly. A draw solution is pumped through the other side of the membrane assembly. The draw solution withdraws water molecules from the seawater through the membrane into the draw solution. A draw solution separator receives a heated draw solution which then decomposes into ammonia, carbon dioxide and water. Potable water is separated from ammonia has and carbon dioxide gas. The ammonia gas and carbon dioxide gas are recombined with a portion of the potable water stream to reform the ammonium bicarbonate draw solution.
US08021548B2
A lattice structure for the passage of a first medium against a second medium with transverse webs and longitudinal webs, lattice openings with a clear width of ≦300 μm being arranged between the transverse webs and the longitudinal webs. On at least one side of the lattice structure, the transverse webs and/or the longitudinal webs have a rib arrangement of ribs projecting vertically to the lattice plane, at least one first group and a second group of ribs being arranged which differ from one another at least by their heights H1, H2 with H1>H2. A vessel with at least one water inlet window and an air outlet window, both windows being provided with the lattice structures.
US08021543B2
A wastewater treatment system for treating excess wastewater from a sewer system includes a container having first and second portions adapted to receive excess wastewater from the sewer system, and a generally horizontally oriented screen arrangement disposed in the second portion of the container. The system further includes a treating agent dispenser for introducing a treating agent into the wastewater, and an effluent passage in fluid communication with the second portion of the container. During a sufficient rain event, the wastewater flows from the sewer system into the container, through the screen arrangement, and then into the effluent passage, such that the wastewater flows generally in a first direction through the first portion of the container, then generally in a second direction different than the first direction through the second portion of the container. The treating agent dispenser is operative to introduce the treating agent to thereby sufficiently disinfect at least a portion of the wastewater.
US08021530B2
Electric fields are applied parallel to and/or vertical to the interfaces on adjacent microfluid lamellae made of nonmiscible media containing said biomolecules and bioparticles to which they have different physico-chemical affinities in order to separate biomolecules and bioparticles and the biomolecules and bioparticles are electrophoretically separated.
US08021528B2
A biosensor that is capable of measuring a material contained in a sample is provided. The biosensor is configured to be inserted into a display device, and measures a material contained in the sample. The biosensor includes i) first and second substrates that are opposed to each other; ii) a sample guiding layer that has two sample injection openings and is located on the first substrate; iii) a first electrode that is located between the first substrate and the sample guiding layer; iv) a second electrode that is located between the second substrate and the sample guiding layer; v) a third electrode that is located between the sample guiding layer and the second substrate; and vi) a penetrated opening that penetrates the first substrate, the sample guiding layer, and the second substrate. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode. The biosensor further includes i) a long edge, and ii) a short edge that shares a corner of the biosensor and neighbors the long edge. Each of the two sample injection openings is formed to correspond to the long edge and the short edge, respectively.
US08021527B2
A magnetron actuator for moving a magnetron in a nearly arbitrary radial and azimuthal path in the back of a target in a plasma sputter reactor. The magnetron includes two coaxial rotary shafts extending along the chamber central axis and coupled to two independently controllable rotary actuators. An epicyclic gear mechanism or a frog-leg structure mechanically couple the shafts to the magnetron to control its radial and azimuthal position. A vertical actuator moves the shafts vertically in tandem to vary the magnetron's separation from the target's back surface and compensate for erosion of the front surface. The rotary actuators may be separately coupled to the shafts or a rotatable ring gear may be coupled to the shafts through respectively fixed and orbiting idler gears. Two radially spaced sensors detect reflectors attached to the inner and outer arms of the epicyclic gear mechanism for homing of the controller.
US08021507B2
The present invention provides a tire building, and a building system, process setup method and manufacturing method for a tire built by this tire building drum, which can suppress investment cost of the drum core of the tire building drum used in a tire building system for building tires in different sizes, and to shrink an inventory of reserve drum cores. Plural distance pieces having the same thickness and end pieces forming the both end portions in the width direction are aligned in the width direction of the drum core to configure plural rigid segment which constitute the tire building drum. The distance pieces which are detachably configured are so arranged that their thickness direction face in the width direction of the drum core.
US08021500B2
Provided are an aluminum alloy for die casting that has excellent die-castability, a molding with high hardness, and a molded article with excellent sheen. The aluminum alloy for die casting includes 0.5 to 2.5 wt. % Mn, 0.2 to 1.0 wt. % Cr, 0.1 to 0.5 wt. % Ti, 0.1 to less than 0.5 wt. % Mg, and Al. The molding is obtained by die-casting the aluminum alloy for die casting. The molding obtained by die-casting the aluminum alloy has excellent die-castability and high hardness. By performing the alumite treatment on the surface of the molding, a molded article having excellent sheen is obtained.
US08021489B2
A method of forming a plasma to physicochemically modify properties of a fluid spray in a substrate treatment processes includes providing an applicator in proximity to the substrate. The applicator comprises an electrically insulated main body portion containing a cavity, a tube axially positioned within the cavity for transporting a first fluid, an annular electric-field generator positioned within the cavity between the main body portion and the tube, a region between the tube and the generator for transporting a second fluid, and a nozzle connected to the main body portion for mixing the first fluid with the second fluid to form the fluid spray. The tube, the nozzle or the substrate are selectively grounded. Upon activating the electric-field generator, plasma is formed within the tube or about the region between the tube and the generator when the tube is grounded, within the nozzle when the nozzle is grounded or between the nozzle and the substrate when the substrate is grounded.
US08021487B2
A wafer carrier for a rotating disc CVD reactor includes a unitary plate of a ceramic such as silicon carbide defining wafer-holding features such as pockets on its upstream surface and also includes a hub removably mounted to the plate in a central region of the plate. The hub provides a secure connection to the spindle of the reactor without imposing concentrated stresses on the ceramic plate. The hub can be removed during cleaning of the plate.
US08021480B2
A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays.
US08021477B2
Methods of reducing hydroxyl ions in concrete pore solutions are provided. Such methods are useful in providing resistance to gels which form in concrete due to the alkali-silica (ASR) reaction. The methods comprise adding a salt or mixture thereof to the concrete, in aqueous or solid form, the salt or salt mixture having cations higher in valence than the anions. The methods also comprise adding an acidic phosphate or a silicon-containing alkoxide to the concrete. The methods further comprise resisting and/or inhibiting ASR in airfield runway concrete pore solutions by applying a soluble salt or a mixture of soluble salts in solution or a deicing salt mixture in situ to the runway concrete. All of the above methods are useful in reducing hydroxyl ions in concrete. Such methods can be used to resist ASR in fresh concrete, in concrete that is setting, or in hardened concrete.
US08021471B2
Modified colorants which can be pigments or dyes are described wherein the colorant has attached at least one aliphatic poly-acid group. Ink and inkjet ink compositions, formulations, and systems are further described, as well as methods of generating a printed image.
US08021460B2
A method for producing metallic iron nodules by assembling a shielding entry system to introduce coarse carbonaceous material greater than 6 mesh in to the furnace atmosphere at location(s) where the temperature of the furnace atmosphere adjacent at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material is between about 2200 and 2650° F. (1200 and 1450° C.), the shielding entry system adapted to inhibit emission of infrared radiation from the furnace atmosphere and seal the furnace atmosphere from exterior atmosphere while introducing coarse carbonaceous material greater than 6 mesh into the furnace to be distributed over the at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material, and heating the covered at least partially reduced reducible iron bearing material in a fusion atmosphere to assist in fusion and inhibit reoxidation of the reduced material during fusion to assist in fusion and inhibit reoxidation of the reduced material in forming metallic iron nodules.
US08021456B2
A filter element for removing particles from a particulate laden fluid stream includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a filtration media formed into a tubular configuration and that a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pleats. The filter element also includes at least one melt-extruded retention strap extending circumferentially around the filtration media to limit radial movement of the filtration media at operating temperatures up to about 500° F. Each melt-extruded retention strap is formed from a melt extrudable amorphous thermoplastic polyimide.
US08021454B2
A disposable air filter sub-assembly that includes: (a) air filtration media; (b) a substantially planar air filter frame providing three-dimensional support for the air filtration media; and (c) an air filter frame-connecting means integrated into the air filter frame. The integrated air filter frame-connecting means are adapted to connect a plurality of identical air filter sub-assemblies into an air filter assembly with sufficient structural strength in at least one direction such that the air filter sub-assemblies resists separation when the air filter assembly is extracted from the filter track of a filter bank.
US08021438B2
Agent for dyeing keratin fibers while simultaneously bleaching the keratin fibers. The agent contains, in a cosmetic carrier, at least one oxidation dye precursor and at least one cationic acylpyridinium derivative.
US08021436B2
This invention relates to compositions comprising a xyloglucan conjugate and processes for making and using such compositions including the use of such compositions to clean and/or treat a situs.
US08021435B2
A functional prosthesis for a hand comprises an opening and closing mechanism for articulated fingers. A worm gear coupled to a DC actuator-motor provides linear movement to a displacement mobile which is coupled to articulated fingers of the artificial hand. When the actuator rotates in one direction, the displacement mobile moves in one direction, causing the fingers to open or close, depending upon the direction of rotation. Rotation of the actuator in the opposite direction will cause the fingers to move in the opposite direction.
US08021427B2
Described herein is an intervertebral disk prosthesis with an angled leading edge for insertion into the Intervertebral space. The disk prosthesis may provide for both rotation and compression.
US08021417B2
A prosthetic valve for regulating fluid flow through a body vessel is provided. The valve includes an expandable support frame and a valve leaflet, and includes at least one opening that permits a controlled amount of retrograde flow through the valve when the valve is in a closed configuration. A flap disposed adjacent the opening is able to temporarily and substantially close the opening to contribute to the regulation of retrograde flow proceeding through the valve.
US08021415B2
There is disclosed an insert (2) for a conduit (4) adapted to effect helical flow in the conduit (4) comprising a longitudinally extending member having a helical formation.
US08021413B2
The disclosure relates to an intraluminal medical device. The medical device comprises a main graft, a first extension graft, and a second extension graft. The main graft comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a body extending between the proximal end and distal end. The distal end of the main graft comprises a first branch and a second branch, the branches extending distally from the body. The first and second extension grafts comprise at least one stent and have a body reinforcing portion and a branch reinforcing portion. The body reinforcing portions have a larger expanded dimension than the expanded dimension of the respective branch reinforcing portion. The body reinforcing portions, together, have an expanded dimension that is generally equal to the expanded dimension of the outer graft body.
US08021408B2
An artificial blood stent insertion device which includes a blood stent having a front end portion, a middle portion and a rear end portion compressed by a fixing wire having ring-shaped loops disposed at the sides thereof, and a core passing through the loops and extending through the moving tube so that one end thereof is accessible, whereby the artificial blood stent can be easily inserted and fixed to a desired position in a blood vessel without affecting blood pressure, and then the artificial blood stent is expanded by disengaging the core from the loops of the fixing wire.
US08021404B1
Fibrosis, in at least one layer of a vessel wall, can be used to strengthen a vessel wall. Fibrosis can be induced by irradiating a vessel wall with an energy source, or by inducing injury to the vessel wall. In addition to an energy source, photoactivatable agents can also be used such that the energy activates the photoactivatable agent to cause a thickening of the vessel wall. For example, ultra-violet radiation can be used alone or in conjunction with a photoactivatable agent, such as a psoralen compound, to increase the adventitial volume of a blood vessel. Upon exposure to radiation, preferably ultra-violet A radiation, the photoactivatable agent becomes activated and causes compositional and/or structural changes in the adventitia. The invention provides a method of treating aneurysms by thickening the adventitial layer of the vessel wall at the site of the aneurysm.
US08021402B2
A distal radius plate having a head with a complex palm shaped profile which flares from the sides of the plate to a leading edge that includes a central oblique linking area that helps to mark the placement of the plate relative to the radius. Further, the plate includes an oblique depression that extends from the rounded pinky side of the head and gradually morphs into the elevated styloid prominence in one diagonal direction, and rises less gradually upward into the lunate prominence on the other side of the head. A proximal plate portion mimics the spiral of the radial bone as it spirals along the longitudinal axis, and includes a tighter radial bend. The head includes holes or bores for pegs which extend into the distal portion of the radius to lock fragments into position. In the first embodiment, the angles of the pegs are fixed. In a second embodiment, one or more of the peg holes are provided with a variable axis locking mechanism assembly and the remaining holes are fixed.
US08021398B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a spinal fixation system includes a bone screw having a longitudinal access and a fixation rod configured to connect the bone screw to at least one additional bone screw. The fixation rod is lateral to the longitudinal axis. A coupling mechanism includes a bone screw securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the bone screw and a fixation rod securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation rod. The spinal fixation system further includes a fastening mechanism. Rotation of the fastening mechanism secures the bone screw securing device to the bone screw and the fixation rod securing device to the fixation rod.
US08021396B2
A configurable dynamic spinal rod for connecting levels of a dynamic stabilization system to support the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. Embodiments of the dynamic stabilization system have an anchor system, a deflection system, a vertical rod system and a connection system. The deflection system provides dynamic stabilization and load-sharing. The dynamic spinal rod connects different levels of the construct in a multilevel construct. The dynamic spinal rod cooperates with the deflection system to further reduce stress exerted upon the bone anchors and spinal anatomy. A configurable lock is provided which can selectably lock an angle between the dynamic spinal rod and a dynamic bone anchor.
US08021394B2
A spinal implant is configured to be received between bony spinal protrusions of adjacent vertebrae particularly, but not necessarily, in the lumbar region of the spine and hold them apart. The spinal implant may be used interlaminar, interbody or interbony protrusion. The present bony spinal protrusion spacer is not fixed to any bony structures of the vertebrae and, as such, use of the present bony spinal protrusion spacer does not result in fusion. It may therefore be removed if necessary. Attachment structures formed as part of the bony spinal protrusion spacer receive and engage portions of adjacent bony protrusions. The attachment structures provide one or more ridges, bumps, protrusions, projections, lips, flanges, overhangs, overhangs that are threadably engaged, extensions and/or the like that form one or more pockets or cavities into which portions of adjacent bony spinal protrusions are separately lodged and held. In this manner (via retention of the bony spinal protrusions), appropriate and/or desired spacing between adjacent vertebrae is maintained. As such, the present bony spinal protrusion spacer is designed to remain safely and permanently in place without attaching to the bone or ligaments of the back.
US08021390B2
A suture anchor having a conical surface and a bore in which an end of an insertion tool is inserted. The insertion end of the insertion tool is made of material having elastic properties. The bore and base of the suture anchor are angled with respect to the central axis of the suture anchor and preferably are parallel to each other. During insertion, the suture anchor is reoriented to fit into the hole, thereby bending the elastic end of the insertion tool. When the suture anchor is within cancellous bone tissue, the elastic properties of the insertion tool deploys the suture anchor to an orientation in which the suture anchor cannot fit through the bone hole, thereby firmly anchoring the suture anchor in the human bone.
US08021387B2
A device useful for accessing the left atrium is provided. The device comprises an elongated tubular body and a dilating tip. The tubular body has an axis, a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen longitudinally extending therethrough. The dilating tip is slidably mounted on the distal end of the tubular body. The dilating tip comprises a segmented surface that is generally transverse to the axis of the tubular body, and a generally rigid tube extending distally from the segmented surface and having a sharp distal end. Distal movement of the tubular body relative to the dilating tip exerts a force on the segmented surface to thereby open the segmented surface.
US08021384B2
A medical device includes a device body for insertion into an organ of a patient and one or more arms, which are attached to the device body and are arranged to extend outward from the device body within the organ so as to contact respective points-of-contact on an inner surface of the organ, and to apply a repetitive motion at one or more of the points-of-contact.
US08021380B2
An obstruction removal system for percutaneous removal of clots or obstructions within the vascular system is disclosed. The obstruction removal system includes a multi-lumen catheter with a plurality of circulating capture devices attached to or integral with a drive belt. The circulating capture or interference devices affect removal of the clot or obstruction bit-by-bit through a series of passes. The obstruction removal system may include one or more drive mechanisms, such as a pulley system and/or a vacuum source and/or a pressurization source, on its proximal end for driving the drive belt and capture devices through the catheter in a circulating manner. The obstruction removal system may also include one or more cleaning mechanisms, such as a vacuum chamber and/or a fluid rinse chamber, for removing the captured clot pieces from the capture devices.
US08021379B2
An obstruction removal system for percutaneous removal of clots or obstructions within the vascular system is disclosed. The obstruction removal system includes a multi-lumen catheter with a plurality of circulating capture devices occurring along a drive belt. The plurality of capture devices may be basket-like devices attached to the drive belt, or may be formed by integral coiled or protuberant sections of the drive belt. The circulating capture or interference devices affect removal of the clot or obstruction bit-by-bit through a series of passes.
US08021377B2
The present invention is directed to novel apparatus for use in medical procedures relating to tubular body fluid conduits. According to a first aspect of the invention, a connector apparatus is provided for use in making an anastomotic connection between first and second tubular fluid conduits in a patient. The connector apparatus comprises: (a) a locking member, which further comprises one or more electroactive polymer actuators that switch the locking member between a locking state and a release state; and (b) a connector body that is configured to permit flow of bodily fluid between the first and second tubular fluid conduits. The connector body has a first portion configured for insertion into an axial end of the first tubular fluid conduit and a second portion configured for insertion through a sidewall of the second tubular fluid conduit.
US08021372B2
A medical retrieval device used to remove objects such as urinary and biliary calculi from the body comprising a handle assembly with an independent rotational means, a sheath, and an object entrapping assembly. In preferred embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a longitudinally stationary base portion and a thumb slide actuation means. The longitudinally stationary portion comprises a handle base and a rotating means. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the thumb slide actuation means is located between the distal and proximal ends of the handle base portion during the complete actuation cycle. Actuation of the thumb slide relative to the handle base causes the object entrapping assembly to be actuated between the open and closed positions. Rotation of the rotating means relative to the handle base causes precise rotation of the object entrapping assembly. The thumb slide actuation means and rotating means are separate and independent of each other, preventing inadvertent adjustment of the degree of actuation during rotation and preventing inadvertent adjustment of rotational position during actuation.
US08021370B2
An instrument for positioning a cup component of an orthopaedic joint prosthesis includes a shaft, and a flange located near an end of the shaft on which the cup component can be fixed. The flange extends from the shaft transversely, and can be retracted from an in-use position wherein the flange is received in a groove in the internal surface of the cup component when positioned over the said end of the instrument, and a retracted position in which the flange is withdrawn toward the axis of the shaft from the in-use position, allowing the cup component to be released from the instrument.
US08021368B2
A cutting tool is provided with an arcuate cutting blade that preferably engages a guide tool to create a curved resected surface during an arthorplasty procedure. In one embodiment, a depth of the cutting blade is sufficient to permit the simultaneous creation of resected surfaces on two bones that articulate, such as both the femor and the tibia for a given condyle, without the need to reposition the guide or the leg. In another embodiment, a cutting member has a generally rectangular cross-section along a longitudinal axis with a first and second surface having cutting teeth defined thereon and a third and fourth surface adapted to interface with a cutting guide positioned proximate the bone. In this embodiment, the cutting tool can resect the bone in two different directions without reorienting the cutting member.
US08021363B2
Disclosed herein are devices and methods for forming multidirectional cuts in tissue. The tissue cutting devices disclosed herein generally include a flexible elongate member with at least first and second wires that are at least partially constrained within or along a portion of the member. A distal portion of the wires is anchored on or within a portion of the elongate member. When tension is applied to one of the wires, such as by an actuator at a proximal end of the device, the elongate member bows while an unconstrained portion of the wire becomes exposed relative to the adjacent portion of the elongate member, assuming a tissue-cutting configuration.
US08021361B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing electrode-tissue contact for tissue ablation. An exemplary electrode contact sensing system comprises an electrode housed within a distal portion of a catheter shaft. At least one electro-mechanical sensor is operatively associated with the electrode within the catheter shaft. The at least one electro-mechanical sensor is responsive to movement of the electrode by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of movement. The system may also include an output device electrically connected to the at least one electro-mechanical sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing a level of contact between the electrode and a tissue.
US08021359B2
The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect of the invention, various methods, devices, and systems for the penetration of the interatrial septum enabling left atrial access are also provided.
US08021358B2
A tool kit for interchanging tools within an at least partially closed area is provided. The tool kit includes at least one tool, each tool being preferably provided within a tubular housing, and adapted to pivot out from the tool kit so that they can be attached to a receiving tool. The tool is designed to be returned to the tool kit after use, and if desired, switched with a different tool. In one embodiment, a surgical system permitting surgical tools to be interchanged within a patient's body is provided. A method of interchanging surgical tools within a patient's body is also provided.
US08021356B2
This capsule medication administration system includes: a capsule type medical device which includes a drug retention section, a drug release section which releases a drug which is retained in the drug retention section, and a communication section which sends and receives signal between the outside; an external device which includes an external communication section which sends and receives signal between the capsule type medical device; a condition input section which inputs conditions for operating the drug release section to the external device; an information acquisition section which acquires information for comparison with conditions which have been inputted by the condition input section; and a comparison section which compares together the information which has been acquired by the information acquisition section and the conditions which have been inputted with the condition input section; and the drug release section is controlled based upon the result of comparison.
US08021351B2
In general, aspiration catheters have a suction device, a proximal portion and a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end. Improvements in the aspiration catheter design provide for improved tracking and/or reduced chance of snagging during delivery of the aspiration catheter. In some embodiments, the tip of the shaft has a curve relative to the neutral orientation of the remaining portions of the shaft. In other embodiments, the aspiration catheter further comprises a tracking portion that has a guide lumen. A guide structure can extend through the guide lumen to limit the motion of the tip of the catheter relative to the guide structure during delivery of the aspiration catheter within a patient's vessel. In further embodiments, the aspiration catheter comprises a deflection structure having a tether and a bumper. Improved methods for using the aspiration catheter to recover an embolism protection device are described.
US08021347B2
A composite wound dressing and delivery apparatus includes a substantially transparent dressing layer having a lower surface that is coated with a pressure sensitive for applying the dressing layer over a wound to define a reservoir in which a negative pressure may be maintained. A substantially transparent backing layer adhered to the lower surface of the dressing layer in a releasable manner, and a vacuum port is centrally located on the dressing layer. The vacuum port is adapted to provide fluid communication between a vacuum source and the reservoir through the dressing layer. A targeting grid associated with either the dressing layer or the backing layer includes regularly spaced reference marks along at least two axes extending from the vacuum port.
US08021346B2
A device for wound irrigation which has a compressible reservoir housing with a sterile wound irrigation solution and a plurality of ports to facilitate producing a pressurized dispersed stream of wound irrigation solution.
US08021339B2
A surgical portal apparatus is provided. The surgical portal apparatus includes a portal member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough for receiving a surgical object, a seal member positioned along the longitudinal opening for receiving a surgical object in a sealing manner, and a centering mechanism maintained within the portal member, wherein the centering mechanism including a pair of rollers arranged in general diametrical opposed relation, the rollers movable relative to the longitudinal axis from a radial inward position to a radial outward position to permit passage of the surgical object, the rollers being biased toward the radial inward direction to correspondingly bias the surgical object in general alignment with the longitudinal axis.
US08021335B2
A jet injector that includes a prefilled syringe. The syringe includes a fluid chamber that contains a medicament. The syringe also has an injection-assisting needle, and a plunger is movable within the fluid chamber. A housing is configured for allowing insertion of the needle to a penetration depth. An energy source is configured for biasing the plunger to produce an injecting pressure in the medicament in the fluid chamber of between about 80 and 1000 p.s.i. to jet inject the medicament from the fluid chamber through the needle to an injection site.
US08021327B2
A bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection defines a puller wire travel path having a U-turn a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In particular, the control handle of the catheter which includes a steering assembly having a lever arm carrying a pair of pulleys for drawing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter. The pulleys are rotatably mounted on opposing portions of the lever arm such that one pulley is moved distally as the other pulley is moved proximally when the lever arm is rotated. Because each puller wire is trained on a respective pulley, rotation of the lever arm causes the pulley that is moved proximally to draw its puller wire to deflect the tip section in the direction of the off-axis lumen in which that puller wire extends.
US08021325B2
The present invention relates to liquid drug medical devices for enabling the administration of liquid drugs, and also a needle shield removal device for safely removing needle shields.
US08021324B2
A venous access port assembly (10) having a housing base (28) with a discharge port (16), a septum (14) and a cap (48), with an interior reservoir (22). The housing base (28) is provided with X-ray discernable indicia (100,200) to identify an attribute of the assembly (10) after its implantation and clearly appear on an X-ray of the patient in a manner informing the radiologist or technologist and the medical practitioner of that particular attribute. Such indicia can be depicted as cutouts (102) through a disc of radiopaque material (100) where the cutouts are in the form of alphabetical letters such as “CT”, or can be a set (200) of discrete elements (202) of radiopaque material, that are affixed along the bottom surface of the housing base or embedded within the thickness of the bottom housing wall.
US08021322B1
Embodiments of the present invention include a enteral feeding apparatus and/or system in which an enteral feeding pump can be configured to deliver enteral formula to a patient in accordance with a delivery parameter determined using patient information associated with a patient to be treated and formula information associated with an enteral formula to be delivered to the patient. Exemplary embodiments can determine an estimated daily caloric intake for a patient and can configure the enteral feeding pump to satisfy the caloric requirements of the patient. Exemplary embodiments are also able to monitor the delivery of the enteral formula to ensure that the patient is being properly treated.
US08021315B1
A fingertip protecting device for preventing the contact and the spread of germs includes a housing having a container and a cover. A quantity of molten wax is stored within the container and a heater for heating the wax is stored within the housing. A person's fingertip may contact the molten wax through an opening formed in the cover. The housing also includes a scraper for removing the hardened wax from the person's fingertip and a waste container into which the wax scraping may be deposited.
US08021311B2
Medical devices and methods for manufacturing medical devices. An example manufacturing method includes providing a metallic tubular member having a inner surface with a metal oxide layer disposed thereon, mechanically scoring and/or removing a portion of the metal oxide layer to create a bonding zone along the inner surface, and soldering an additional metallic structural element to the bonding zone.
US08021310B2
A breathing support system is provided. The system may include a breathing support device configured to deliver gas to a patient and a display device associated with the breathing support device. The display device may be configured to display a work of breathing graphic indicating one or more work of breathing measures regarding the patient's breathing.
US08021308B2
An improved apparatus and method for capturing and analyzing the end-tidal portion of an exhalation. The CO2 level of air drawn into the system (10) is monitored to distinguish inhalation and exhalation of breath. Upon detection of a decrease in the CO2 level in the air drawn into the system (10), indicating a transition between exhalation and inhalation a pair of flow selector valves (26, 28) are operated to capture the end-tidal volume of air drawn into the system (10) immediately prior to the detection of the decrease in the CO2 level. Incoming air is diverted around the captured volume of air, and the CO2 levels are continually monitored to ensure that the captured volume of air corresponds to the end-tidal portion of an exhalation. Once the captured volume of air is positively identified as the end-tidal portion of an exhalation, the captured volume is routed through a gas analyzer (44) for analysis of one or more predetermined gas levels.
US08021307B2
A delivery system for fixation of an implant assembly having an intracorporeal device at a deployment site using an anchoring structure. This invention provides an implant assembly having a an anchor for fixation within a vessel. The anchoring structure adapted to be delivered via a catheter.
US08021305B2
A non-invasive (having sufficiently small diameter so as not to give much pain to a subject) ultrasonic ultrasound probe of high spatial resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio, an ultrasonograph using the probe, and an ultrasonography are provided. The ultrasound probe is inserted into the tissue under examination and transmits an ultrasonic wave. The probe is characterized by comprising a hollow outer frame having one of needle shape, a puncture needle portion having the one end and inserted into the tissue of the subject, and an extended portion having the other end, an ultrasonic wave generating source positioned in the hollow part of the extended portion and generating an ultrasonic wave, an acoustic waveguide disposed along the length direction in the hollow part of the outer frame, capable of ultrasonic vibration, and adapted to transmit an ultrasonic wave, and direction changing means for changing the direction of the ultrasonic wave beam transmitted by the acoustic waveguide to the direction toward the position of the tissue under examination.
US08021303B2
A perfusion assessment system is proposed. The system includes means for providing an echo-power signal indicative of a reperfusion of a contrast agent in a body-part of a living subject following destruction of a significant portion of the contrast agent in the body-part, means for associating the echo-power signal to a perfusion function with an S-shape based on a plurality of elementary perfusion functions with said S-shape each one for a corresponding value of at least one perfusion parameter, the elementary perfusion functions being weighted according to a probability density distribution of the at least one perfusion parameter, wherein the S-shape includes an initial portion with substantially zero first derivatives, a final portion with substantially zero first derivatives, and a central portion between the initial portion and the final portion changing monotonically from a value of the initial portion to a value of the final portion, means for determining at least one shape indicator of the probability density distribution, and means for comparing the at least one shape indicator with at least one predetermined further shape indicator to identify morphological characteristics of the body-part according to a result of the comparison.
US08021301B2
An ultrasonic image processing apparatus in which image quality of ultrasonic images can be improved by performing image processing that utilizes image characteristics of the original image. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus processes image data generated based on a signal obtained by scanning an object to be inspected by using an ultrasonic beam and respectively representing pixel values of the plurality of pixels within the ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic image processing apparatus includes a morphology processing unit for processing the image data to reduce speckles appearing in the ultrasonic image, and a DSC for converting a scan format of the image data processed by the morphology processing unit.
US08021282B2
An improved exercise device in the nature of a kettlebell. The device has a frame covered by a shroud that is configured to lessen the impact of the device on the user. There are a plurality of weights that can be easily attached and detached from the frame to increase or lessen the load to the user. The weights are designed so that they can be added or taken away without altering the center of gravity of the device or the external physical shape of the device. There is also a base that holds the device while the weights are being changed and which also interacts with the device to assist in that exchange. The attaching and detaching system includes a pin that is used to affix the weights to the frame. A dual locking system assures that the pin does not inadvertently come loose during use of the device.
US08021274B2
In an elliptical step exercise apparatus a dynamic link mechanism can be used to vary the stride length of the machine. A control system can also be used to vary stride length as a function of various exercise and operating parameters such as speed and direction as well as varying stride length as a part of a preprogrammed exercise routine such as a hill or interval training program. In addition the control system can use measurements of stride length to optimize operation of the apparatus.
US08021265B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, an intermediate member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include four clutches and at least one brake. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the first, second, and third members of the planetary gear sets with at least one of another of the first members, the second members, the third members of the planetary gear sets, the intermediate member and the stationary member in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08021262B2
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is selectively connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, the input member and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US08021257B2
A transmission includes two blocking valves that control fluid pressure to a plurality of clutches. The blocking valves are characterized by a plurality of states that result in at least three transmission operating conditions. Each of the three operating conditions is characterized by fluid pressure being unavailable to at least one of the clutches.
US08021254B2
A variable leakdown chain drive tensioner system includes a chain drive tensioner in operable communication with a chain. The chain drive tensioner includes a tensioner body with at least one leakage hole defining a first leakdown path and a tensioner piston assembly in operable engagement with the tensioner body. As the chain wears, the tensioner piston assembly is moveable from a first position, allowing flow through the first leakdown path, to at least a second position, substantially blocking flow through the first leakdown path. The tensioner body may also include a second leakage hole defining a second leakdown path and the tensioner piston may also have a third position. The first position would allow flow through the first and second leakdown paths, the second position would allow flow through only the second leakdown path, and the third position would substantially block flow through both the first and second leakdown paths.
US08021247B2
The invention relates to a device for a golf club providing an excellent orientation of the club head in the target direction. The disclosed golf club comprises a head having a striking surface, a grip having a butt end, and a shaft connecting the head at its upper end, and the grip at its lower end; wherein the butt end comprises an aiming notch oriented perpendicular to the plane of zero loft of the striking surface, and wherein the head comprises stabilizing profiles on its lower face.
US08021242B1
The golf swing training device is used by golfers to gauge golf ball targeting and total body alignment. The golf swing training device comprises a device for teaching golfers seven golf swing fundamentals, including correct body alignment and ball targeting towards their desired target. The trainer has two tracks for alignment. These two tracks have graphical markings to assist the user in gauging the appropriate width of stance, ball position and shoulder alignment at address. The two tracks also form parallel targeting lines extending from the base of the trainer out to the desired target. First and second side pieces wrap around the user to form a trapezoidal frame. The side pieces are graphically marked to assist the user with hip, waist and leg alignment.
US08021238B2
The mirror image display method is used to suspend the main subject of a decorative or presentation display in mid air. This is accomplished by affixing the flat side of a symmetrically divided main subject flush onto a true first-surface mirror, which makes up one wall of the display body and eliminates the subjects visible seam line.
US08021230B2
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines, gaming tables, hand held gaming devices and/or community gaming displays. The central server monitors wagers placed on any games played. Based at least in part on the wagers placed, the central server determines when one or more bonus events will occur and which players to provide any bonus awards.
US08021228B2
A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display, a display arrangement, and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The display arrangement displays a video image and overlays the game display. The video image includes a paytable having paytable regions indicating respective winning combinations. The controller is in communication with the display arrangement, wherein in response to the randomly selected outcome including symbols of a winning symbol combination, the controller causes one or more aspects of the paytable region associated with the winning combinations to be distinguished from the other paytable regions.
US08021214B2
A hand-held power tool has a drive spindle (2) rotatable about a rotational axis (A) and provided at its free end with a clamping flange (3) and a locking thread (4), a locking nut (7) tightenable on the locking thread (4) for securing a disc-shaped tool (5) between the clamping flange (3) of the drive spindle (2) and its clamping surface (6), and a safety spring (9) located between the disc-shaped tool (5) and an inner recess (8) formed in the clamping surface (6) of the locking nut (7), radially preloaded against the locking thread, and having at least one radial, outwardly projecting nose (10), with the disc-shaped tool (5) having at least one, opening radially inwardly and axially extending groove (11) associated with the at least one nose (10).
US08021208B2
A magazine for a toy gun includes a housing, at least one projectile disposed within the housing, and a constant-force spring disposed within the housing for providing a biasing force against the at least one projectile. The at least one projectile is made of elastomer or polymer foam material having a density between about 0.020 g/cm3 (1.25 lbs/ft3) and about 0.833 g/cm3 (52 lbs/ft3), and a 25% compression resistance (compression deflection) between about 0.6 psi and about 20 psi. The magazine is capable of holding and dispensing the projectiles such that the biasing force of the constant-force spring does not excessively deform the projectiles.
US08021205B2
An organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) device includes an organic light-emitting substrate part and a protective cover part. The organic light-emitting substrate part includes a base substrate and an OLED display portion formed on the base substrate to display an image. The protective cover part includes a first frit glass disposed on the OLED display portion to cover the OLED display portion, and a second frit glass formed around a periphery of the first frit glass. The second frit glass is connected to the first frit glass.
US08021203B2
A method for producing an EL element for realizing high luminous efficiency, high light takeout efficiency, simplicity of the production process, and the formation of highly fine patterns. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the method for producing an EL element uses at least one organic EL layer constituting the EL element patterned by the use of a photolithography method.
US08021199B2
An electric connector capable of fixing a small connection terminal by a large locking force. Two housings having a plurality of connection terminals are placed vertically symmetrically with their open surfaces facing each other, and a holder having a lock is interposed between the open surfaces of the housings. An assembly of the housings and the holder is accommodated in an outer cover, and a bottom cover is fixed to the bottom of the outer cover. The connection terminals are rigidly prevented from moving backward and vertically by the housings and the holder, and from moving forward by a front wall of the outer cover.
US08021190B2
A battery cable circuit protection device and circuit for preventing fluctuations in voltage from a supply battery is provided. The device includes a terminal base having a battery cable lug member adapted for mounting to and making an electrical connection with a battery post of the battery. A battery cable mounting structure is fixedly connected to the terminal base for detachably connecting the terminal base to a battery cable. The battery cable supplies a vehicle starter motor with electrical energy. A first fuse mount supported by the terminal base provides electrical interconnection to the battery post. A second fuse mount supported by the terminal base provides electrical energy to vehicle electrical systems other than the vehicle starter motor. The first and second fuse mounts are adapted for detachable a connection to a fuse which provides electrical interconnection between the first and second fuse mounts.
US08021189B2
A lamp base is provided having terminal pins mounted on and extending outwardly along a longitudinal axis of the lamp base. At least one of the pins may be a female pin connector. The female pin connector may be provided within a sheath that extends from an end of the lamp base along a longitudinal axis of the lamp base.
US08021184B1
A system for joining a lug with a conductor includes a lug, compression nut, and conductor. The lug has material removed to allow for compression, an internal hole sized slightly larger than the conductor, and a tapered end. The compression nut has an internal thread and tapered end to match the lug. When assembled, the conductor is compressed against the lug creating a strong mechanical and electrical contact. The tighter the lug is screwed, the greater the compression between the lug and conductor.
US08021183B2
This is directed to a power adapter plug arm manufactured from a single piece of material. The plug arm can include a plug operative to extend into a wall socket, an elongated plate coupled to an end of the plug such that the plug extends from a first surface of one end of the plate, and a pin coupled to the opposite end of the plate and extending from the opposite surface of the plate. The pin can be operative to engage a circuit board of the power adapter to provide power received from the wall socket to an electronic device coupled to the power adapter. To enhance the strength of the plug arm, the plate can be manufactured by creating a co-axial plug and a stem from a single piece of material, bending the stem, and cold heading the bent portion of the stem to form a plate. Because the cold heading process involves cold working the material, the arm and in particular the bridge member at the interface between the plate and the stem can become stronger as a result of the manufacturing process.
US08021182B2
An electrical connector assembly has a socket, a plug, a sliding slot, and a fastener. The socket includes having a slot and a first latch disposed at one side of the slot. The plug is insertable into the slot of the socket, and is provided with a second latch corresponding to the first latch of the socket. The sliding slot is disposed on the second latch corresponding to the first latch of the socket. The fastener is positioned on the second latch of the plug. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the fastener can be moved to connect the first and second latches to fasten together the plug and socket. Furthermore, the fastener can be moved along the sliding slot in a direction away from the first latch to unfasten the plug and the socket.
US08021180B2
The present invention discloses an electrical connecting device adapted to receive a chip unit. The electrical connecting device includes an insulation base, a terminal set, a circuit board, a cover and a driving mechanism. The insulation base is formed with a terminal area and a first pierced hole. The terminal set is disposed correspondingly in the terminal area. The circuit board is disposed under the insulation base. The circuit board is formed with a pad area, which is disposed correspondingly to and under the terminal area for the terminal set to be soldered on. The circuit board is formed with a through hole corresponding to the first pierced hole. The cover is horizontally and slidably covering the insulation base. The driving mechanism at least has a metal bushing covered into the first pierced hole and the through hole. The driving mechanism further has a cam, which has a driven portion extending to form a first cylinder into the first pierced hole. The first cylinder is jointed into the metal bushing correspondingly. A second cylinder which is off-centered with respect to the first cylinder is formed between the driven portion and the first cylinder and entering the second pierced hole.
US08021174B1
An outlet cover for an electrical outlet which prevents unintentional disconnection of an electrical plug of an electrical cord from the electrical outlet. The outlet cover includes a plate having at least one opening sized and positioned to receive the electrical plug and a lid hingedly attached to the plate so that the lid can be moved between an open position that allows access to the electrical outlet and a closed position wherein the electrical outlet is covered by the lid. The lid includes a base having an outward facing surface, a prong having a proximal portion connected to, and extending outwardly from, the base, and a distal portion that is spaced from the base by the proximal portion, and at least one bump extending outwardly from the outward facing surface of the base. The electrical cord is positioned between the prong and the base, and also between the prong and the at least one bump such that the electrical cord engages the prong and the at least one bump. Accordingly, the prong and the at least one bump cooperate together to secure the electrical cord such that the electrical plug is not unintentionally disconnected from an electrical outlet when tension forces are applied to the electrical cord.
US08021170B2
An electrical connector has an insulative housing (10) having a front face (14) and a rear face (12), a number of terminal modules (20) mounted to the insulative housing in a back-to-front direction. The terminal module has a base (20), a number of terminals (23) and grounding contacts (25) exposed from the base and located adjacent to one another. Each terminal has a mounting end (233) and a mating end (231). The grounding contact has a tail (253) and a contacting portion (251). The mounting ends of the terminals are positioned along a back-to-front mounting face. The mating ends of the terminals are located in a second plane parallel to said back-to-front mounting face. The contacting portions of the grounding contacts are lied in a third plane parallel to the second plane.
US08021163B2
Provided are, inter alia, systems, methods and techniques for facilitating identification of a skilled resource's skill set. Initially, a master set of previously identified skills is filtered in order to identify a subset of skills that appear to be potentially applicable to a skilled resource. Then, based on the identified subset, a query regarding skills actually possessed by the skilled resource is created and presented. A response that designates skills possessed by the skilled resource is received and incorporated into a user skills database. The above-referenced filtering is performed by utilizing an automated tool to analyze content from a set of computer files.
US08021162B2
Disclosed is a navigation-training model comprises a base, a holding device for securing a surgical practice model bone to the base in a predetermined position, and a support for fixing a patient tracker onto the base at a predetermined orientation. With the fixed relative positions of the support and the holding device, constant orientation of the patient tracker and the surgical practice model bone is achieved each time they are placed on the navigation-training model. A navigation-training apparatus having the navigation-training model is also disclosed, which includes a navigation system and a surgical tool with a tool tracker. Fluoroscopic images of the surgical practice model bone are captured once and uploaded into a computer of the navigation system. The practice of the fluoroscopic images-guided orthopedic surgery can thus be carried out with the fluoroscopic images loaded onto the navigation system without the need for further fluoroscopy. This eliminates X-ray exposure and standardizes the procedures of navigation-training.
US08021160B2
Disclosed is a learning assessment method and device using a virtual tutor. The device comprises at least one action acquisition module, a virtual tutor synthesis module, and a learning assessment module. The method captures and analyzes a first and a second action-feature for a first and a second targets respectively, and constructs an intrinsic model of the second target based on a reference data of the second target. A virtual tutor is synthesized by applying the first action-feature to the intrinsic model such that the virtual tutor exhibits the intrinsic characteristics of the second target but performs a synthesized action-feature similar to the first action-feature. The method then assesses the difference between the synthesized action-feature and the second action-feature.
US08021148B2
The present invention relates to methods, systems, kits and devices that emit light to the oral cavity. The device includes a light source; a power source in electrical communication with the light source; and a bite actuated switch in electrical communication with the power source and the light source. The device is a size or shape that fits within an oral cavity of an individual. Since the device along with the light and power source are self contained, the user have their hands-free and can perform other activities while using the device. The device, methods, systems, and kits, further include the use of an agent (e.g., antibacterial agents, tooth whitening agents, cleaning agents) that assists or enhances the efficacy of the light therapy.
US08021147B2
A method and system for orthodontic treatment planning, evaluation and quality measurement is provided comprising a workstation having computing platform, a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient. The digitized records include image and other types of data. The computer storage medium further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools for providing a user with access to the digitized records for planning orthodontic treatment of a patient. Also provided are reference databases for aiding in the decision process during treatment selection, treatment planning and treatment delivery and progress monitoring and evaluation. Also provided are parameter or criteria measurement techniques and generally acceptable thresholds, which can be updated through learning process and through acquisition of patient data. Once the treatment is planned, the virtual dentition model of the patient in the proposed treatment set-up or the target state is evaluated using several virtual model evaluation features and criteria.
US08021145B2
A gas burner comprising a gas supply element having an outlet, and a gas deflector disposed adjacent the outlet, the position of the deflector, relative to the outlet, being adjustable so as to allow the extent of deflector-induced aeration to be altered.
US08021135B2
Various mold apparatuses and methods for forming a polymer with induction heat energy are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mold apparatus for forming polymer includes a mold having a top mold portion and a top mold surface that is magnetic. The bottom mold portion of the mold includes an induction heating unit that is at least partially embedded in the bottom mold portion that provides induction heat energy to the mold. The mold apparatus is constructed and arranged to dissipate greater than about 50% of the induction heat energy in the top mold portion. The induction heating unit of the bottom portion of the mold provides rapid heating to the top mold surface to provide high surface quality polymer parts and a shorter molding cycle time while utilizing less energy.
US08021132B2
An electrical submersible well pump assembly having a pump, a pump motor, a seal section, and an intake in the head of the seal section for drawing well bore fluid into the pump assembly. A shaft extends from the motor for driving the pump, a shaft coupling is included within the intake for connecting the shaft to the pump.
US08021128B2
A pump powered partly by a mechanical drive and partly by a pressurized fluid flow and comprised of one or more piston-in-cylinder assemblies in which one face of each piston provides a pumping action while a pressurized driving fluid flow is applied to the opposite piston face, thus supplementing the drive force applied to each piston via a piston rod. Input and output of the pumped flow is controlled by pump valves of a non-return poppet type operated by the pumped flow. Input and output of the driving fluid is controlled by poppet-type valves controlled by connection to the pump valves. Piston movement relative to both the cylinder and the piston rod is controlled, and a two-part pump valve is provided to simplify connection to the motor valves.
US08021127B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for cooling motors used to drive gas and air compressors. In particular, the cooling of hermetic and semi-hermetic motors is accomplished by a gas sweep using a gas source located in the low-pressure side of a gas compression circuit. The gas sweep is provided by the creation of a pressure reduction at the compressor inlet sufficient to draw uncompressed gas through a motor housing, across the motor, and out of the housing for return to the suction assembly. The pressure reduction is created by structure in the suction assembly, such as a nozzle and gap assembly, or alternatively a venturi, located upstream of the compressor inlet. Additional motor cooling can be provided by circulating liquid or another cooling fluid through a cooling jacket in the motor housing portion adjacent the motor.
US08021122B2
Apparatus for maintaining differential internal fluid pressure in a dual fluid chamber object where it is desired for one chamber to have greater internal pressure than the other includes a sensor for generating a differential signal indicating the difference in pressure between the chambers, a pressure sensor for generating a pressure signal indicating the pressure inside the chamber desired to have less pressure, a comparator for generating a first output when the differential signal is less than a predetermined minimum differential value, a second comparator for generating a second output when the pressure signal is less than a predetermined minimum pressure value, where the predetermined minimum pressure value biased by the first output, and blowers coupled to the respective chambers and responsive to said first and second outputs respectively.
US08021117B2
An impeller for a supercharger cast in molds to provide excellent aerodynamic performance by eliminating parting-line corresponding parts from a hub surface and vane surfaces in each space formed of a pair of long vanes adjacent to each other an a method of manufacturing the impeller. The method comprises a step for casting the impeller in the molds. Molten metal is poured in spaces formed by radially arranging, toward a center axis, the plurality of slide molds each having a short vane-shaped bottomed groove part and a shape for the space between the pair of long vanes adjacent to each other to mold the impeller. Then, the slide molds are moved in the radial direction of the center axis while rotating for mold-releasing. Thus, the impeller for the supercharger having no parting-line corresponding parts on both the hub surface and the vane surfaces in each space formed of the pair of long vanes adjacent to each other can be provided.
US08021116B2
A rotor system for a rotorcraft includes a rotor having a plurality of pitch control links and a pair of rotor blades mechanically coupled with each of the plurality of pitch control links. A rotorcraft includes a power train, a mast extending from the power train, a rotor having a plurality of pitch control links, the rotor mechanically coupled with the mast, and a pair of rotor blades mechanically coupled with each of the plurality of pitch control links.
US08021114B2
A self-adjusting blade for wind turbine generator or windmill will change width of blades according to wind speed to optimize efficiency. The windmill comprises a brace, rib tubes, cylinders, cylinder holders, hose holders, non-movable shells, and movable shells. The movable shells and rib tubes are organized like extendable antennas of portable radios. The movable shells are moved and held by cylinders. There are sets of hose holder for hoses and wires for cylinders. A micro-controller controls cylinders to move the movable shells according wind speed.
US08021113B2
The invention relates to a blade possessing a leading edge and a trailing edge, the blade comprising a first airfoil possessing an inner face and an outer face extending between said leading edge and said trailing edge, a second airfoil possessing an inner face and an outer face extending between said leading edge and said trailing edge, and at least one spacer strip interconnecting said inner face of the first airfoil and said inner face of the second airfoil, said at least one strip extending to said trailing edge, the distance between the inner face of the first airfoil and the inner face of the second airfoil being of the same order of magnitude as the maximum thickness of the first or the second airfoil.
US08021104B2
There is provided a compressor (10) and associated method for providing a flow of recirculated air to control surging in the compressor. The compressor includes a housing (12) with a compressor wheel (16) rotably mounted therein. The housing defines at least one injection port (36) configured to receive compressed air from the compressor wheel and recirculate the compressed air to an inlet passage (20) of the compressor. In particular, each injection port defines an outlet (38) proximate to the leading edges (32) of the blades (18) of the compressor wheel such that the compressed air is delivered to the leading edges and reduces the occurence of surging.
US08021103B2
A pressure activated flow path seal for a steam turbine is disclosed. In one embodiment a gap closure component is located about a rotary component and the stationary component of the steam turbine. A pressure differential activates the gap closure component to seal or reduce the radial clearance of a steam leakage path between the rotary component and the stationary component.
US08021098B2
A portable raise climbing system is provided that comprises a starter box for interfacing with an existing raise climb track, a raise climber that is deployed by the system onto the existing track for normal raise excavation operations, and a transporter. The transporter is configured to carry the raise climber from site to site by interfacing with moving equipment. The moving equipment preferably includes a front hydraulic quick connect/disconnect lift system, e.g. front-end loader, forklift, plough, scooptram, etc.
US08021089B2
Method and system for producing holes of various dimensions and configurations in a workpiece (42) using a portable orbital drilling machine (44), wherein said workpiece has attached thereto a template (10) with preformed guide holes (12-40) located in a pattern corresponding to the positions of the holes to be formed in the workpiece. Each guide hole (12-40) is provided with a readable information carrier (12i-40i) containing an identification of the respective guide hole. When fixating the drilling machine (44) in a guide hole, the latter is identified by a hole database (48) by sensing the respective information carrier. A control unit (50) associated with the hole database (48) controls the drilling machine (44) to perform a relevant hole-cutting process in the workpiece.
US08021076B2
The cover layer is applied as an asphalt cover layer (5, 5′, 5″) to avoid significant restrictions of the running traffic and for shortening the construction time. Also, this asphalt cover layer is arranged above the upper face (OK) of the runway or roadway in need of renewal and an asphalt base coarse layer (4, 4′, 4″, 4′″, 4″″, 4′″″) is disposed between the base layer (2, 2′) and the asphalt cover layer (5, 5′, 5″). A method subdivides the roadway or runway in the direction of travel into a primary lane (7) and at least one secondary lane (8, 9). First, the work subzones (10) to (14) of the primary lane (7) are processed and then the work effort is transferred to subzones (15) to (20) of the secondary lanes (8, 9) for processing. At least the frost-protective layer (1) remains in the earth and at least an asphalt base layer (4, 4′, 4″, 4′″, 4″″, 4′″″) and an asphalt cover layer (5, 5′, 5″) are applied thereon. The asphalt base layer (4, 4′) is applied to the level of the upper face (OK) for the old way and the asphalt cover layer (5, 5′, 5″) is applied above the level of the upper face (OK) of the old way.
US08021074B2
Aircraft arresting beds at ends of runways may be subject to damaging effects of jet blast phenomena. Arresting units for that and other applications and which are resistant to such effects are described, with related methods.
US08021066B2
A device for packaging and applying a product. According to an advantageous example, the device includes a container for storing the product, a product applicator including a rotating component capable of being inserted into the container in order to be loaded with product and capable of applying the product removed onto an application surface. The device further includes a member for capping the container that bears the applicator and an applicator wiping member. The wiping member can include, for example, a flat surface against which the rotating component rolls along. The invention can be particularly advantageous, for example, in packaging and applying a cosmetic or care product.
US08021051B2
A sleeve bearing assembly and method of construction therefore has an inner portion constructed from a plurality of yarns to provide a journal bearing surface for receipt of a journal for relative movement therein and an elastic outer portion injection molded at least partially about the inner portion. The plurality of yarns are woven together with at least some of the yarns being woven in a warp direction corresponding to a length of the journal bearing surface and in a weft direction corresponding to a circumferential direction of the journal bearing surface to form a backing of the inner portion. At least one of the plurality of yarns is provided as a self-lubricating yarn woven with the backing in a weft direction to substantially form the bearing surface radially inwardly of the backing.
US08021045B2
A mobile digital radiography system of a type including a mobile x-ray source; a mobile computer, the computer having a display for radiographic images and related information; a digital radiography detector, the detector and x-ray source in communication with and under control of the computer, means operatively associated with the computer for sending and receiving data concerning a patient, such data including diagnostic results, diagnostic images and requests for additional services, to and from separate image archiving and information systems; means operatively associated with the computer for comparing data from separate hospital image archiving and radiology information systems from a prior examination of a patient with data from a current examination of a patient using the mobile digital radiography system; and means operatively associated with the computer for aiding bedside interpretation of a patient's condition in view of the comparing of data from prior and current examinations.
US08021041B2
An image forming apparatus that can accurately detect whether any one or multiple of a thermochromic member, an optical sensor, and a cooling fan are operating normally or abnormally, and accordingly can run the cooling fan without any failure. The image forming apparatus includes: first and second controlling unit; a thermochromic member that changes color according to the temperature of the first controlling unit; an optical sensor that optically detects a change in the color of the thermochromic member; and a failure detecting unit that is included in the second controlling unit and detects a failure occurring in the thermochromic member and/or the optical sensor based on whether a utilization of the first controller is high or low and a signal from the optical sensor.
US08021036B1
The invention provides an apparatus and method for improved mixing of yeast-raised and yeast-raised type dough. The device and method keep the dough cool by an improved structure and method for circulating coolant around a jacketed bowl, and by circulating cooled air through the spinning agitator roller bars. Better aeration of the dough and faster mixing time are achieved along with full water and flour absorption, and reduced operating temperatures by controlling placing of the agitator driveshaft in a carefully defined region. Finally, the invention provides a wiper for wiping the lip of the bowl to keep it clean of dough and to insure a proper seal along the bowl lip when a resilient, expandable bowl seal is used, and it provides a pneumatic seal for securely sealing the mix ingredients in the bowl during mixing.
US08021035B2
A surface-mountable light fixture (100) can comprise a base (101) that is configured and arranged to be mounted in an installed position juxtaposed against a mounting surface (102). At least one light source interface (109, 110) that requires mains electricity is contained within this base. This base further comprises an access port (111) formed therein which, when opened while the base is mounted in an installed position on the mounting surface, provides end user access to electrical conductors for the light source interface(s) as well as the mains electricity (104, 105). This base then also further comprises a lockable cover (112) that is configured and arranged to selectively and reversibly seal the access port to deny end user access to the electrical conductors.
US08021034B2
In a backlight assembly of a display device, a supporting frame receives a light-guide plate while exposing a light-exiting surface of the light-guide plate. A first receiving member covers an opposite surface of the light-guide plate facing the light-exiting surface, and a side first portion of the light-guide plate adjacent to a first side surface is inserted into a first sidewall portion of the first receiving member. A first light source is disposed between the first side surface and the first sidewall portion. A first reflective sheet is extended along an inner surface of the first receiving member and surrounds the first light source. The backlight assembly may further comprise a second receiving member, a second light source, and a second reflective sheet. A lamp reflector may be omitted, assemblability of the backlight assembly and the display device, and protection against heat, may be improved.
US08021031B2
A head lamp for a motor vehicle is disclosed with a reflector for reflecting light. A light bulb is oriented within the head lamp and spaced apart from the reflector for providing illumination that is reflected from the reflector and out of the head lamp. A bulb shield is provided with a peripheral region displaced about the light bulb for preventing glare light from exiting the head lamp. In one embodiment, the peripheral region is a polygon that is not radially symmetrical. In another embodiment, the bulb shield has a rear opening and a front opening for minimizing heat within the bulb shield. In yet another embodiment, the bulb shield has a front opening and the light bulb front portion is coated with an opaque material for blocking glare light.
US08021030B2
A lighted exterior mirror assembly configured for attachment to a side of a vehicle includes a reflectance element that is movably positionable by the driver of the vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view when the lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle, and a unitary light module having at least one light source. When the mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle and when the light source is electrically powered, light emitted by the light source illuminates a ground area adjacent the vehicle of at least approximately 2 feet by 4 feet. When the mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle and when the light source is electrically powered, light emitted by the light source provides a ground surface illumination intensity at the illuminated ground area of at least approximately 5 lux.
US08021026B2
A lamp includes a lamp pole, a lamp head and an adjustable component. The adjustable component comprises an engaging portion and an adjustable portion pivotably connecting with the engaging portion via a pivot shaft. The adjustable portion mounted on the lamp head defines a plurality of adjustable holes therein. The engaging portion receiving a front end of the lamp pole therein and secured to the lamp pole, defines a plurality of engaging holes located corresponding to the adjustable holes. The adjustable portion is rotatable about the pivot shaft relative to the engaging portion. Two screws extend through the adjustable portion and screw into the engaging portion to connect the adjustable portion and the engaging portion together. When the adjustable portion is rotated from a first position to a second position, an elevation angle of the adjustable portion and accordingly the lamp head relative to the lamp pole is varied.
US08021013B2
A lighting assembly includes a lamp alignment assembly for positioning the lamps after the lighting assembly is installed. The lighting assembly includes a ceiling pan for mounting to the ceiling support and a lamp assembly attached to the ceiling pan. The lamp assembly is adjustable in a transverse and rotational direction with respect to the ceiling pan. The lamp assembly is provided with alignment springs to align the lamp assembly at predetermined settings. A sight window is formed in the ceiling to visually set the lamp assembly in a selected position. A locking member on the lamp assembly locks the lamp assembly in a fixed position on the ceiling pan.
US08021008B2
A lighting apparatus includes a source of light of a first spectral characteristic, a reflector or a diffusely reflective chamber or cavity having a transmissive optical passage, and a liquid containing quantum dots. The quantum dots provide a wavelength shift of at least some light emitted by the source of light to produce a desired second spectral characteristic in the light output.
US08021007B2
A concealed emergency lighting system that includes a lamp assembly box and a power source box and a method for installing the emergency lighting system is disclosed. The lamp assembly box has a face plate and a front door pivotably moveable between an open and a closed position and a lamp assembly. The power source box includes a battery and other electrical components that are connected to the lamp assembly. The emergency lighting system can also include a mounting bracket with screws, a flexible support and a flexible armored cable. The method of installing the concealed emergency lighting system includes the steps of: forming an opening in a wall; attaching the mounting bracket to a stud through the opening; connecting the power source; inserting the power source box and the lamp assembly box through the opening; and securing the lamp assembly box to the mounting bracket.
US08021004B2
A mirrored element (101) includes a first section (201) that is translucent when a backlight (301) is on and mirrored when the backlight is off (301). A second section (203) provides a mirrored surface when the backlight (301) is on and when the backlight (301) is off. The mirrored element (101) may optionally be provided with an enclosure (103). A baking process may be utilized to provide the second section (203) of the mirrored element (101).
US08021003B2
A projector 100 includes an image projection unit 6 that projects an image using light from a discharge lamp 1, a ballast 2 that controls a supply voltage supplied to the discharge lamp 1, a system controller 3 that controls a command signal outputted to the ballast 2, a volatile memory 31, a nonvolatile memory 32 that stores data stored in the volatile memory 31, and a power supply unit 4 that includes a capacitor 48 used for generating a supply voltage supplied from an external power supply to the ballast 2. The system controller 3 stores the data of the volatile memory 31 in the nonvolatile memory 32 using a voltage generated by accumulated charges of the capacitor 48 when the external power supply is cut off.
US08020988B2
An earstem for an eyeglass is provided that can exhibit a dampening effect as the earstem is over-rotated or deflected from a deployed position to a deflected position. In some embodiments, the earstem can comprise a suspension component and a rigid elongate body. The suspension component can be attached to the rigid elongate body along a posterior portion of the suspension component. The rigid elongate body can pivot relative to the frame to a deployed position and further, beyond the deployed position. However, pivoting of the rigid elongate body beyond the deployed position causes deflection of the suspension component, which dampens further pivoting of the rigid elongate body.
US08020987B2
A sunglasses structure includes a glasses frame, having a position limit slot disposed at an internal edge of the glasses frame and a plurality of assembling portions disposed on an outward side of the position limit slot at the internal edge of the glasses frame; two glasses legs, pivotally coupled to either side of the glasses frame; at least one first lens, installed in the position limit slot of the glasses frame; and at least one second lens, installed outside the first lens, and having a plurality of connecting portions disposed at the periphery of the second lens and coupled to the assembling portions. The sunglasses structure uses the assembling portions at the internal edge of the glasses frame together with the connecting portions at the periphery of the second lens to achieve the effects of shading sunlight, preventing image distortion, and providing a secured mount and an easy dismount.
US08020977B2
An ink jet recording apparatus includes a slide member slidably supported at a cartridge holder and a lock claw member rotatably supported at the cartridge holder. The slide member slides along an insertion direction of an ink cartridge with respect to the cartridge holder between a first slide position and a second slide position. When the slide member is located at the second slide position, the lock claw member is located at a first rotation position. At this time, the ink cartridge is incapable of being removed from the cartridge holder. When the slide member moves to the first slide position from the second slide position, the lock claw member is located at the second rotation position. At this time, the ink cartridge is removable from the cartridge holder.
US08020974B2
One objective of the invention is to provide a highly-efficient and reliable piezoelectric thin film device by improving the piezoelectric function of a piezoelectric thin film and obtaining a crystal structure wherein the dependency of a piezoelectric constant, relative to a voltage, is superior, and to also provide a method for manufacturing this piezoelectric thin film device. Another objective of the invention is to provide an inkjet head that satisfactorily exhibits the piezoelectric performance of the piezoelectric thin film device and that has a superior withstand voltage function and driving reliability, and to provide a high quality inkjet recording apparatus on which this inkjet head can be mounted. A piezoelectric thin film device includes: crystal grains that form piezoelectric thin film and grain boundaries that encircle the crystal grains, wherein the same crystal orientation is established for the grain boundaries and the crystal grains.
US08020966B2
An extrusion module for delivering ink to an array of printhead modules defining a pagewidth printhead. The modules are substantially coextensive with the extrusion module. The extrusion module includes a plurality of discrete ink channels each for conveying ink; and a pattern of holes defined in a surface of the extrusion module via which ink from each of said discrete ink channels is fed from the extrusion module to a printhead module. The pattern of holes is repeated longitudinally along the extrusion module. one repetition of the pattern corresponds to one printhead module.
US08020964B2
A liquid drop ejecting device includes a housing supporting a plurality of head units that are arranged in two rows to be partially overlapping along a main scanning direction in a staggered configuration. The head unit includes a flow path unit having an ink flow path, a piezoelectric actuator ejecting ink from nozzles in the flow path unit, and a reinforcement plate for reinforcing the flow path unit. In the reinforcement plate, a smaller-width portion and a larger-width portion are disposed along the main scanning direction, such that an end face of the smaller-width portion of the reinforcement member in one row contacts an end face of a reinforcement member in the adjacent row.
US08020962B2
A printer is provided which has two pagewidth printheads arranged to eject ink from ink ejection nozzles disposed along the respective pagewidth onto opposite surfaces of print media being transported therepast, and a capping/purging mechanism. The capping/purging mechanism has two rotatable turrets arranged so that each turret is associated with a respective one of the printheads and an actuating mechanism for selectively rotating and moving each turret. Each turret has located on respective faces thereof, a capping member, platen and purging chamber connected in fluid passage communication with a suction device. The actuating mechanism selectively rotates each turret to align the respective capping member, platen and purging chamber with the respective printhead and selectively moves each turret to engage the respectively aligned capping member or purging chamber with the respective printhead.
US08020961B2
An ink-jet recording apparatus includes an ink-jet head formed with an ejection face, and an ejection control board fixed to the ink-jet head. A head cover forms a container space that contains therein the ejection control board. The container space has an air inflow port and an air outflow port. An airflow generator generates an airflow that goes into the container space through the inflow port and out of the container space through the outflow port. Through the outflow port, an airflow filtered by the filter goes out of the container space across a plane including the ejection face.
US08020953B2
An imaging apparatus includes a print engine for printing on a print medium. A device is communicatively coupled with the print engine. The device is programmed to set a throughput rate for the print engine. A controller reads the device, and operates the print engine at the throughput rate designated by the device.
US08020949B2
A kitchen appliance includes a door having an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion, with a plurality of mounting members being spaced about the outer panel portion of the door. A glass panel assembly, including a glass panel and a plurality of mounting elements, is detachably mounted to the door through the interengagement of the plurality of mounting elements with the plurality of mounting members. The mounting elements are adhesively secured to the glass panel. Neither the plurality of mounting members nor the plurality of mounting elements are readily visible normally when viewing the kitchen appliance such that the glass panel appears to float relative to the door.
US08020946B2
A base body has flow path configuring portions, has inlet and outlet ports, a central mounting hole 31, a central flow path 51 penetrating the central mounting hole 31, first inner and outer mounting holes 32, 33 disposed upstream side of the central mounting hole 31, second inner and outer mounting holes 34, 35 disposed downstream side of the central mounting hole 31, a third mounting hole 36 disposed below the second outer mounting hole 35, a wheel side sensor mounting hole 46 disposed on an extension of the outlet port 22L between the first inner mounting hole 32 and the second inner mounting hole 34, and a hydraulic pressure source side sensor mounting hole 45 disposed on a center line X of the base body so as to straddle to extend to the flow path configuring portions across the center line X.
US08020944B2
A wheel comprising means for providing one or more protrusions in a ground-engaging surface of the wheel. In some embodiments, the wheel comprises a first hub, a tire mounted on the first hub, a second hub rotatable with respect to the first hub, and means for deforming the tire in a generally radial direction in response to relative rotation between the first and second hubs. The invention also provides a wheel cover comprising an outer surface having one or more protrusions and, when the cover is fitted to a wheel, the outer surface of the cover provides the ground-engaging surface of the wheel. The wheel and wheel cover of the invention are particularly suited for use with prams and similar vehicles in order to impart a rocking motion to the pram during use.
US08020941B2
A system and method to remove quickly an insert, especially an insert with a damaged gripping portion, from a base portion of a mining and/or milling drum. The insert can have a threaded portion engageable with the base portion opening. The insert can define an interior bore configured to receive a cutter bit, and an opening configured to receive an apparatus engageable with the insert opening to facilitate the removal of the insert from the base portion. The insert opening may be polygonal or may include at least one planar surface and/or a rounded corner. An apparatus can engage with the polygonal opening and/or a fastener can engage with the shafted fastener. In both cases, the apparatus and/or fastener is rotated with a force to disengage the threaded portion of the insert from the opening of the base portion.
US08020936B2
An aircraft seat which can receive the load of a sitting person with only a back plate member, using no seat back frame, thus eliminating the need for sacrificing the sitting space, which results from the existence of the seat back frame, and at the same time, allowing the weight of the seat to be reduced, is provided. The aircraft seat (1) on which an aircraft passenger is to sit comprises a seat back (10) made up of a back plate member (11) that a cushion (12) is installed onto a front face (11a) thereof for receiving the back of a sitting person, and a reinforcing member (13) which is disposed on the rear face (11b) of the back plate member (11) for reinforcing the back plate member (11), and said back plate member (11) is formed in the shape of a curved surface which enhances the surface rigidity.
US08020934B2
A chair backrest elevating device includes a slide base having a slide way provided with a recessed hole and a positioning rod. An adjusting unit is combined with the positioning rod, composed of a sustaining member, a movable block, a spring, a positioning block and an elastic retainer. A fixing plate unit received in the slide way of the slide base contains a fitting block and a fixing plate. A slide cover is coupled with the slide base for covering the adjusting unit and the fixing plate unit. The slide base and the slide cover are assembled on a chair backrest while the fixing plate unit is combined with a seat. When the backrest is pulled up or down, the slide base and the slide cover is also shifted to have the sustaining member engaged in different-level engage grooves of the fitting block, thus adjusting the backrest upward or downward.
US08020930B2
A vehicle seat of the invention has an upper movable member (10) supporting a headrest (3), a lower movable member (30) provided inside a backrest, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the upper movable member and the lower movable member. The coupling mechanism includes an upper link mechanism (15) positioned in an upper part of a side frame (40) and coupled to the upper movable member, a lower link mechanism (32) positioned in a lower part of the side frame and coupled to the lower movable member, and a rod (27) extending along the side frame and coupling the upper link mechanism and the lower link mechanism. The upper link mechanism amplifies a backward moving amount of the lower movable member, and moves the headrest forward.
US08020920B2
A wire harness for a door is spanned between a door inner panel of a motor vehicle and a vehicle body and is arranged near an indoor side over a weather strip. An outer protective assembly includes a flange outward fitting portion that is mounted on an outer surface of a flange projecting from a door facing surface of the vehicle body and that defines a wire harness threading space for passing the wire harness. The wire harness that passes through the wire harness threading space in the flange outward fitting portion can be arranged in a vehicle body inner panel. The outer protective assembly includes an inner cover and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers are coupled to each other to define a flat space for juxtaposing electrical wires of the wire harness. The inner and outer covers are bent in a U-shaped configuration around the flange to define the flange outward fitting portion.
US08020918B2
An assembly to pivotally connect an external vehicle closure panel to a vehicle body includes a first hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to one of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a second hinge member that is constructed to be mounted to the other of the external vehicle closure panel and the vehicle body, a shaft that is constructed to pivotally connect the first hinge member to the second hinge member, and a viscous rotary damper. The damper includes a cover, a rotor, and a viscous material. The shaft connects to the rotor such that rotation of the external vehicle closure panel between a closing position and an opening position causes relative motion between the rotor and the cover of the viscous damper to provide a resistance for controlling the velocity of the external vehicle closure member.
US08020915B2
The openable roof system (R) comprises: a covering element or roof (3) which in the vicinity of its rear end (3b) is mounted rotatably about a horizontal axis (4) between two parallel side uprights (5) of the bodywork of the motor car (1), close to the rear of the passenger compartment (2), and; an essentially vertical stowage compartment (6) open towards the top, formed in the motor car (1) between and below said uprights (5). The arrangement is such that the covering element or roof (3) can be pivoted about the axis (4) between a closed position, where it is arranged so as to lie at least approximately horizontally, and a midway open position, where it is arranged so as to lie substantially vertically. The covering element or roof (3) is then displaceable downwards from said midway open position into a final concealed position where it is contained so as to lie substantially vertically inside the stowage compartment (6).
US08020910B2
An handle for carrying grocery bags and the like comprising a rod round cross section with a central portion adapted to be gripped by a human hand. On either side of the gripping portion are knobs with deep annular slots adapted to receive the handles of a grocery bag. Each bag loop handle is secured by one of the slots. The handle is attached to the bag transversely to the bag opening. The handle supports the bag in a balanced configuration without a tendency to rotate in the hand. Alternatively, one or more bags may be mounted in each slot and carried by the handle between them.
US08020909B1
A pincer (e.g., a tweezer) has tips which are at least substantially transparent, such that a user can at least partially view an object being grasped through the tips, and/or such that the tips collect and channel incident light onto the grasped item. The tips preferably have an exterior which is convex in one or more dimensions, and are configured and/or coated such that light falling on the tip exteriors is focused onto a spot or band on the item. Since the tips can enhance illumination of an item being grasped, they can particularly enhance the viewing of translucent materials such as gemstones or selected biological materials.
US08020908B2
An apparatus for handling layers of palletised goods, including a vertically displaceable lift head (2) with a mainly horizontal suction face which is substantially adjusted in size for a pallet, and which comprises downwardly open suction chambers (8) which via individual ball valves and an air distribution chamber are connected to a centrifugal blower (4), which is the vacuum source of the apparatus. The suction face moves downwards against the upper side of an upper layer of goods on a pallet. The ball valves are light, thin-walled spherical valve bodies (10) which are closed if the associated suction chamber (8) is not blocked downwardly by contacting the upper side of the goods on the uppermost pallet layer. The lift head (2) comprises a vertically adjustable skirt with inflatable squeezing pads for exerting an inwardly directed pressure on the outer sides of the goods of the upper pallet layer.
US08020904B2
An integrated sash lock and tilt latch assembly is mounted in a sash window having a top rail, a base, and two stiles connected together at their extremities. The integrated assembly contains a sash lock mechanism, a tilt latch mechanism, and a connector. The sash lock mechanism includes an actuator movable to adjust the assembly among a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tiltable position, and a rotor coupled to the actuator. The tilt latch mechanism includes a tilt latch housing supported by the top rail and a latch bolt slidably supported by the tilt latch housing and moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of the tilt latch housing has a generally circular cross-section. The connector has a first end of operably coupled to the latch bolt and a second end operably coupled to the sash lock mechanism.
US08020893B2
A machine includes a steering column assembly and a mechanical strut pivotably attached to the steering column assembly. The mechanical strut, free of pressurized gas, is positioned to tilt at least a portion of the steering column assembly about an axis. A tilt adjustment mechanism is movable to release a friction lock mechanism within the mechanical strut. The mechanical strut is telescopically movable through a continuous range of positions when the friction lock mechanism is released.
US08020891B2
A vehicular airbag device includes an airbag and an opening degree change portion. The airbag is folded and accommodated in an accommodation portion provided in front of a vehicle seat. The airbag is deployed toward an occupant seated in the vehicular seat by being supplied with a gas when a head-on collision occurs, and has a vent hole that allows the gas to be discharged in restraining the occupant. The opening degree change portion changes an opening area of the vent hole in accordance with a direction of impact of an upper body of the occupant with the airbag during deployment of the airbag.
US08020884B1
A bicycle including a main frame, a front fork rotationally coupled to the main frame, a rear wheel rotationally coupled to the main frame, a front wheel rotationally coupled to the front fork, a handlebar, and a stem assembly coupling the handlebar to the front fork. The stem assembly includes a stem base coupled to the front fork, a face plate coupled to the stem base with the handlebar sandwiched between the face plate and the stem base, and an auxiliary retention system that holds the face plate engaged with the stem base.
US08020875B2
The invention comprises an abradable material containing up to 30 weight percent of fumed silica having a maximum particle from about 5 nanometers to about 20 nanometers and about 1.5 to about 5 weight percent of an abradable organic microballoon filler within an abradable silicone polymer matrix having an elasticity of less than X percent.
US08020873B2
The game is a trading card game involving 2D attack graphic arts displayed in one or a plurality of cards which incorporate with a particular illustrated character. Attack graphic arts can be selected by the player, and used to “attack” the other player's character.
US08020872B2
A gaming method is disclosed and comprises the following steps, which need not necessarily be performed in the exact order: allowing a player to play a first poker game using at least two card representations; allowing the player to play a blackjack game using card representations from the first poker game; and allowing the player to play a second poker game using the card representations used in the first poker game and the blackjack game.
US08020861B2
A sheet conveyance device according to an aspect of the invention includes a conveyance roller pair which is rotated to convey a sheet by receiving a driving force from a motor conveying a sheet; a conveyance guide which guides the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller pair; and sheet detection unit for detecting the sheet guided by the conveyance guide. In the sheet conveyance device, a sheet conveyance speed of the conveyance roller pair is controlled based on information from the sheet detection unit. The sheet detection unit is a sheet scanner having an optical sensor layer in which photoelectric conversion devices formed by combinations of organic transistors and organic photodiodes are continuously arranged in a matrix shape, and the sheet scanner is provided in an area of the conveyance guide in order to continuously detect the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller pair in a predetermined area.
US08020857B2
A post-processing apparatus has a standby tray to receive a paper sheet to be supplied from a digital copier, a processing tray to receive a paper sheet dropped from a standby tray, and a stapler to staple the rear end aligned on the processing tray. When a first paper sheet is supplied to the standby tray, the standby tray roller is brought into contact with the paper sheet and rotated reversely, the paper sheet is returned a little, and the rear end of the paper sheet is placed at the holding position on the tab. Then, the press member presses the rear end of the paper sheet, to receive a second paper sheet.
US08020853B2
An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a sheet housing unit which houses a recording sheet and which includes an opening portion formed on an upper end side thereof; a cover member configured to open and close the opening portion; a feed roller which feeds the recording sheet housed in the sheet housing unit; a push member provided in the sheet housing unit configured to push the recording sheet housed in the sheet housing unit toward the feed roller while moving between a distal position spaced apart from the feed roller and a proximal position closer to the feed roller than the distal position; a force application mechanism which provides a push force to the push member; and a cooperation mechanism which displaces the push member from the proximal position to the distal position cooperatively with the cover member being opened.
US08020844B2
A setting acceptor is operable to accept printing settings for a current printing job, including a setting of a first printing condition involving a confirmation print to print a copy set of sorted pages before a temporary pause waiting for a continuation instruction to print a designated number of copy sets, and a setting of a second printing condition involving a sorting print to print the designated number of copy sets of sorted pages, and a controller stores a last stack position in a previous printing job, as a first stack position, and is operable, as the printing settings accepted includes the setting of the first printing condition and the setting of the second printing condition, to discharge sheets in the confirmation print to a second stack position offset from the first stack position, and after the continuation instruction, discharge sheets of the designated number of copy sets in the sorting print to an alternating stack position alternating every copy set between the first and second stack positions, starting from the second stack position.
US08020840B2
A versatile clamp which consists, at least in part, of at least one extendable arm, one fixed-length arm, pivotable clamping legs on the distal ends of the fixed-length arm and extendable arm, and locking means; wherein clamp adjustments, by the user, to the extendable arm and pivotable legs are retained by a locking action, which, prevents an inadvertent change of the extendable arm's effective length and the clamping legs' angular orientation from their set positions. The combination of a variable-length extendable arm and variable angular positioning of the legs enable a single versatile clamp to be used in a variety of clamping configurations. The versatile clamp may be easily made, without the use of any tools, to clamp onto thick and thin materials, alike, and to perform in applications which require an offset clamping operation. The versatile clamp may also feature one or more interchangeable clamping arm extensions and legs.
US08020839B2
Modular systems and methods for fluid dispersion are provided. A base module includes a modular frame structure and fluid distribution conduits secured within the frame structure. Diffuser assemblies or other equipment may be coupled to the fluid distribution conduits via a mating tube. The mating tube is inserted into an aperture in the wall of the fluid distribution conduit, and provides a fluid tight joining method.
US08020830B2
A mounting assembly secures an electronic control unit upon a vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a bracket which can be attached to the vehicle's frame. The electronic control unit can be supported by the bracket. In one embodiment, a sleeve can be secured to the bracket and the electronic control unit can be at least partially disposed within a receptacle in the sleeve. In another embodiment, a guard can be secured to the sleeve.
US08020810B2
A clamping assembly for holding at an object, in particular, a cable, is provided and includes a first part and a second part movable relative to one another between an open position and a closed position. The clamping assembly also includes an elastic element secured to the first part and having a generally arc-shaped deformable portion. The second part has a counter portion with a curvature that generally parallels the curvature of the generally arc-shaped deformable portion of the elastic element. The first part and the second part are securable in the closed position with an object to be held being retained and the generally arc-shaped deformable portion of the elastic element exerting a retaining on the object that is produced by a deformation of the generally arc-shaped deformable portion of the elastic element caused by the object.
US08020806B2
An aeronautical high-lift system comprising a drive unit, elements for the transmission of the drive energy to drive stations of individual segments of landing flap/slat flap systems as well as comprising an overload safety device, with the overload safety device having at least one electrical overload sensor which is arranged in the drive chain between the drive unit and an output drive station.
US08020800B2
A mobile rig for processing mineral material, comprising a feeder including a feed device for receiving mineral and a feeder conveyor arranged to convey mineral. The mobile rig includes a main chassis supporting a mineral breaker; and a discharge conveyor. The mineral breaker has an infeed region via which it receives mineral and a discharge region via which it discharges mineral after processing in the mineral breaker. The feeder conveyor is such as to convey mineral from the feed device to the infeed region of the mineral breaker and the discharge conveyor is such as to convey mineral from the discharge region of the mineral breaker. The rig includes a primary transport carriage on which the main chassis is supported.
US08020789B2
A fuel injector for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines includes a solenoid coil; an armature acted upon in a closing direction by a restoring spring; and a valve needle, which is connected to the armature in force-locking manner and on which a valve-closure member is formed, which forms a sealing seat together with a valve seat surface. The armature strikes against a stop face of an inner pole of the solenoid coil by way of a stop face, and the armature stop face is provided with a coating. The coating has a surface structure.
US08020781B2
An operation unit includes: a plurality of operation members provided in an air conditioning system for conditioning air inside a passenger compartment of a vehicle in such a manner as to be operated to control the air conditioning system; a first rear-side member provided on a rear side of one of the plurality of operation members; at least one second rear-side member provided on a rear side of the operation members on which the first rear-side member is not provided; and an electrical functioning portion which is provided on the first rear-side member and has electrical functions for the operation member on which the rear-side member is provided and the operation members on which the second rear-side member is provided.
US08020780B2
A thermostatic control system having a configurable lock mechanism. The mechanism may be for preventing unauthorized or unintended operation of the thermostatic control system. The system may have a manual or an automatic lock out. If the manual or automatic lock out is not effected, the system may be configured to automatically effect a lock out after a certain period of time. To remove the lock out may require a coded entry. The lock out may be full or partial with respect to the functionality of the system. The lock out mechanism may be applicable to a wireless remote control of a thermostatic system; however, it may also be applicable, for instance, to a wall module thermostat.
US08020778B2
An environmental apparatus control system for a comfortable residential environment based upon demands from the residents. The system includes a project composer which relies upon a first reference (R1) and a second reference (R2) to determine a control project based upon the demands. The references are each determined by a first proportion of the count of the temperature lowering demands in the total number of the residents, and a second proportion of the count of the temperature raising demands in the total number of the resident. A first proportion of the count of the first demands in the number of the residents, and a second proportion of the count of the second demands in the number of the residents are obtained to give a current demand ratio which is compared with first and second references for determination of the control project. The first and second references and are defined respectively as different ratios of the first proportion to the second proportion.
US08020775B2
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Such a magnetic emulator may comprise non-magnetostrictive material such that the magnetic emulator may be fabricated in a wide variety of fabrication processes. Additionally, magnets may be added to amplify the signal of a magnetic emulator. In doing so, a magnetic emulator may provide a large amount of signal while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy when compared to a magnetic emulator that does not include the presence of one or more magnets.
US08020770B2
A display method and display apparatus. Shooting a physical medium generates a captured image from the physical medium. An image pattern on the physical medium, which includes an identification code and binary indicators, is scanned. The identification code identifies a location on a storage medium of at least one image object. Each binary indicator is associated with a corresponding status parameter and has a positive value or a null value. At least one status parameter value is acquired and has a status parameter value for each status parameter whose binary indicator has the positive value. A display object is generated in dependence on the location appearing in the identification code and the acquired at least one status parameter value. The display object and the captured image are displayed, on a display unit of the display apparatus, in an overlapping relationship in which the display object overlaps the captured image.
US08020757B2
An apparatus, system and method for providing to a network of ATMs (10) the ability to transact business in connection with several financial institutions (30, 40) using each financial institution's display interfaces (34, 44), and optionally provides for advertising and promotional materials (32, 42)) associated with each financial institution targeted to a specific user. The ATM platform is capable of delivering the same look, feel and functionality of each participating financial institutions through a single ATM, which allows for a financial institution to increase brand recognition, maintain customer loyalty and prevent market share loss.
US08020756B2
A system including a device having a screen and a memory to hold card data necessary to complete POS/ATM transactions. The device has an authorization, signature, PIN button and scroll wheel. Branding areas allow distributors to leverage space on the device. When the merchandise has been processed and ready to be paid for, the device holder either places their device in a docking station or holds it in front of a contact less reader. When the merchant is ready for authorization, the holder presses transmits the data to a register so the merchant can send the data through the card network for authorization. Once the transaction is authorized, the merchant requests the signature, fingerprint, and/or photo of the holder, which can be displayed, on the register to authenticate the holder. Upon completion, the transaction information is transmitted back to the device for storage and retrieval at a later date.
US08020755B2
A method for enhancing credit of a cardholder of a pre-paid card may include issuing a pre-paid card to a cardholder. The cardholder may be charged a fee to establish a credit instrument associated with an account and the pre-paid card. The cardholder may be billed a portion of the credit instrument that includes the fee on a periodic basis, where the billing may be independent of billing for purchases of goods and services with the pre-paid card. A determination as to whether the cardholder timely paid the bill. If the cardholder timely paid the bill, then the payment may be recorded as being timely paid. Otherwise, a recording may be made that the bill was not timely paid. A reporting as to the timeliness of the payment may be made to affect a credit rating of the cardholder.
US08020724B2
A singulating disc, carried by a housing, has a plurality of openings around its periphery. The disc rotates vertically through a pickup chamber of a hopper carried by the housing. A vacuum is pulled through the openings by a pump which is connected to the disc. Items are placed in the hopper and, via gravity, fall to the bottom of the hopper where they contact the periphery of the rotating disc. The vacuum at the openings attaches an item and holds it while the disc rotates. At the top of the disc's rotation, a diverter directs the item into a path depending on the results of a fragment detection and/or counting mechanism. Items that are allowed to pass by the diverter are scraped off the disc into another path by a scraper. Negative pressure is used to singulate and count a multitude of sizes and shapes of items with no calibration. Retractable paddles, a vacuum management system, and RFID tags may be incorporated. The paddles aid in the pickup and agitation of the items while the vacuum management system conserves the vacuum capacity necessary to pickup and singulate items. The RFID tags may contain information such as the number of items left in the hopper, a par level for that item, an expiration date, among others. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
US08020723B2
A container lid for use with a container with a neck. The lid includes a top and bottom, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, and a circumferential flange extending radially outward from the lid. The skirt preferably includes at least one integral bead shaped to engage the neck or rim of the container. The lid preferably includes a convex center section including at least one vent. The at least one vent is preferably integral with the lid, and is opened by the steam pressure buildup inside the container when the contents are heated. When the cover is locked on the container, the skirt provides a seal against the outside of the container neck.
US08020718B2
A filler tube assembly for vehicles is disclosed. The filler tube assembly includes a fuel supply tube made of aluminum for injecting a fuel into a fuel tank of the vehicle, a gas circulation tube having one end coupled to a front end of the fuel supply tube and the other end coupled to the fuel tank, so as to circulate a gas when the fuel is supplied, a tube cap made of aluminum and fixed to the front end of the fuel supply tube, and a shutter fixed to an inner portion of the front end of the fuel supply tube to prevent reverse current of the fuel supplied in the fuel tank.
US08020715B2
A standalone open frame of an apparatus in one example is configured to support a rack-mount electronic component of a predetermined size selected from any of a plurality of predetermined sizes. The standalone open frame is configured to securely engage the rack-mount electronic component through employment of at least one set of rack-mount adapters that is configured for the predetermined size of the rack-mount electronic component.
US08020714B2
A product merchandising unit having a plurality of shelf members adjustably positionable within a framework structure, each shelf member including a plurality of retractable pin members selectively movable for engagement with openings associated with the framework structure, and a plurality of removably attachable divider members engageable with the underneath portion of each shelf member anywhere along substantially their entire width, the divider members extending downwardly from the shelf member located thereabove into the product display space of the shelf member located therebelow forming product channels for guiding products therebetween, each divider member being selectively adjustable relative to another divider member to control and adjust the width of each product channel.
US08020712B2
A device and associated methods for storing, displaying, and shaping apparel items, linens, and the like. The device includes a plurality of suspended bands, each suspended band being suspended vertically and having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion and the rear portion being attached one to another at a plurality of predetermined connection points, thereby providing a plurality of loops in each suspended band, wherein the plurality of loops is configured to store, display, and shape a plurality of articles, each of the plurality of articles placed in one of the plurality of loops.
US08020707B2
A cyclone used in a separator apparatus includes a body and a vortex finder. The body includes an inlet passageway, a cylindrical passageway connected to the inlet passageway, and a conical passageway connected to the cylindrical passageway. The cylindrical passageway has an upper end through which first particles in a fluid are exhausted, and a lower end. The conical passageway has an upper end connected to the lower end of the cylindrical passageway, and an opened lower end through which second particles having a specific gravity greater than that of the first particle are exhausted. The vortex finder is connected to the upper end of the cylindrical passageway. A first exhaust passageway is vertically formed in the vortex finder so that the first particles spirally ascend through the first exhaust passageway from the cylindrical passageway.
US08020702B2
The invention relates to a pack for pharmaceutical and/or medical products and/or food supplements, comprising a substrate which is fitted with one or more prefabricated, sealed product carriers which each contain one or more isolated products, for a given length of time, and is provided with instructions for application or administration time for the patient, wherein each product carrier exclusively contains products of a special active ingredient or a special combination of active ingredients in a special dosage, which is distinguished by the fact that each product carrier forms part of a single-strip blister pack that can be rolled up, and the product carriers each containing one or more isolated products are assembled on the substrate individually to the patient. Furthermore the invention concerns a method as well as an apparatus for the manufacture of such packs.
US08020701B2
A device for emptying a mail item container that is open at the top and serves for transporting mail items. The mail item container has sidewalls and a container underside. The device has a lifting device for moving the mail items relative to the sidewalls. In order to enable postal articles, such as, for example, letter mail items, to be emptied from a mail item container in an ergonomically favorable and efficient manner without adversely affecting its mechanical stability to too great an extent, it is proposed that the lifting device is provided for passing through the underside of the container.
US08020700B2
Described herein are packaging systems for nasal devices, and methods of packaging and/or dispensing nasal devices. A packaging system may include one or a plurality of nasal devices removably secured to a support backing, and a dispenser. In some variations an applicator may also be included. Methods of using and methods of assembling packaging systems and dispensers are also described.
US08020697B2
A hinge-lid container includes a box portion and a lid portion hinged to the box portion. The box portion includes an integral first panel connected to the remainder of the container along a first hinge line and an integral second panel. The first panel in an initial position forms at least part of a wall of the box portion and the second panel in an initial position underlies the first panel. The first panel is defined in the wall of the box portion by at least one line of weakness in the initial position and is foldable about the first hinge line from the initial position to a second position in which it is hinged outwardly from the remainder of the container. The second panel is connected to the remainder of the container along a second hinge line. The box portion can include an integral third panel.
US08020696B2
In one embodiment, a storing and mixing apparatus is provided and includes a container having a reservoir, a neck, and a seal protrusion extending toward the longitudinal center of the container. The apparatus further includes a cap having a compartment with an off-center funnel part that extends toward an inner surface of the neck and ends in a dispenser opening that engages or disengages with the seal protrusion upon actuation of the cap between a first position and a second position of the dispenser opening relative to the seal protrusion. A method of using such an apparatus is also disclosed.
US08020692B2
An apparatus for transferring an upright tray at high speeds that can sense an entrance and discharge of the tray. The apparatus includes a transferring unit with pulleys driven by a driving source to form a transferring path. The pulleys contact a fixing member, which is attached to a lower edge of a substrate and mask fixed to the tray. The apparatus also includes a sensing unit with a sensor installed beneath the transferring path to detect the entrance and discharge of the tray. The apparatus may also include rollers disposed to contact both sides of the upper portion of the tray, and the rollers may be coupled with moveable members encased within rails along the transferring path so that the rollers can translate when a tray passes between two rollers. The rollers along both sides of the tray can be arranged symmetrically or alternately in a zigzag pattern.
US08020690B2
The present invention is related to a singling equipment for a device for packaging articles, comprising a singling plate which rotates around an axis and a removing wheel which rotates around an axis and which comprises a plurality of removing units with two grippers for receiving and clamping the articles, whereas both grippers are pivotable around a respective gripper lever axis, each removing unit is ratable around an own pivot axis and each gripper has a gripper jab, whereas the distance between the gripper lever axis and the gripping jaw is equal at each gripper-pair and the gripper jaws are designed to grip the stick of a lollipop.
US08020688B2
A mechanical system is provided for processing workpieces, especially metal sheets. The system has a storage side with a workpiece store, a processing side with a plurality of mechanical processing units, and a mechanical feeding device which is provided between the storage side and the processing side. The feeding device comprises a plurality of feeding units, with different feeding units of the feeding devices being associated with different processing units. The feeding units are configured to pick up work pieces at the storage side and deliver them at the processing side to the respectively associated processing unit(s). In addition or as an alternative, the feeding units may pick up workpieces at the processing side from the respectively associated processing unit(s) and deliver the workpieces at the storage side.
US08020684B2
A shift apparatus of an inboard-outboard drive in which shift operation can be carried out by electrical means without using known cables such as wires is provided.Solenoid valves 35 and 36 which carry out shifting operation in an oil-hydraulic circuit for operating an hydraulic clutch is attached to an oil-hydraulic control unit 31 in an upper casing 14 of an outer drive apparatus 4, and a waterproof cover 40 which covers the oil-hydraulic control unit 31 and the solenoid valves 35 and 36 are fixed on the upper casing 14. A connector 45 is interposed between electric wires 41, and arranged on a joint portion between a bell housing 18 and an upper casing 14.
US08020683B2
A novel magnetic friction clutch is disclosed which is capable of relatively high torque transfer for friction discs of a given diameter, compared to prior art magnetic clutches. A friction coating with good magnetic permeability, such as Ferrous Aluminide or the like, is applied to inner and outer annular regions of the three friction discs and increases the frictional coefficient of the discs with little reduction in the clamping force developed through the clutch.
US08020682B2
A synchronizer device includes a first rotating member provided at a shaft, a second rotating member rotatably provided at the shaft and including a conical body on which an outer conical surface is formed, a synchronizer ring having an inner conical surface contacting the outer conical surface, and arranged between the first and the second rotating members, the synchronizer ring being movable in an axial direction of the first rotating member and integrally rotated with the first rotating member, a sleeve provided at an outer circumference of the first rotating member, and the sleeve being slidable in the axial direction of the first rotating member, a lever provided at an inner circumference of the sleeve and arranged between the first rotating member and the synchronizer ring, and a retracting member including an outwardly biasing portion and a retracting biasing portion for biasing the lever away from the synchronizer ring.
US08020681B2
The present invention broadly comprises a one-way clutch, including inner and outer races and a clutch element. The outer race is arranged for rotational connection to a torque transmitting element and rotates independently of the inner race for relative rotation in a first direction. The clutch element is connected to the outer race and includes at least one engagement element radially disposed between the races. The element is biased radially inward and arranged to rotationally lock the races in response to rotation in a second direction. The present invention also broadly comprises a one-way clutch with inner and outer races, at least one engagement element, and at least one elastically deformable element. One of the races is arranged for connection to a torque transmitting element. The engagement element is radially disposed between the races and is radially asymmetrical. The deformable element biases the engagement element in a rotational direction.
US08020676B2
An ABS tone ring is made of a thermo-set plastic material transparent to electro-magnetic radiation. A plurality of discrete, spaced magnets or ferro-magnetic buttons is arrayed in a circle, embedded in the tone ring. The thermo-set plastic is heat tolerant and resistant to road salt and oxidation and protects the magnets or buttons from oxidation and corrosion.
US08020675B2
The invention relates to an electromechanical disk brake which has a switchable freewheel in order to be configured as a parking brake. The switchable freewheel includes a clamping roller freewheel having rollers for locking a motor shaft of an electric motor of the brake. A locating bearing of the motor shaft of an electric motor, and the freewheel are accommodated on a cover of a housing of the electric motor, and all the electric connections of the disc brake are routed via the cover. The number of components used can be reduced considerably by the integrated design. Moreover, the positional tolerances of the freewheel in relation to the motor shaft can be reduced with the aid of the invention.
US08020664B2
The present invention relates to a turbomachine comprising an air compressor (3) and a lubrication circuit with an oil tank (1), said oil tank (1) being possibly isolated from the rest of the lubrication circuit (4,4A; 6,6A) by means of an isolation valve (7), wherein the isolation valve (7) is configured so as to: operate, i.e. to close and open respectively as the engine (2) stops and starts; remain open when the engine (2) is running; remain closed when the engine (2) is stopped.
US08020659B2
A hydrostatically driven vehicle has an engine operating a variable displacement propel pump, a displacement of which can vary based on an angle of a rotating swashplate, such that a fluid flow impelled by the pump transfers power to at least one propel motor rotating a wheel of the vehicle. An electronic controller of the vehicle senses an operating parameter of the system, for example, the angle of the rotating swashplate or the direction and speed of rotation of the propel motor with a sensor to yield an actual signal, and relays the actual signal to an electronic controller. The controller determines a desired angle for the rotating swashplate based on the control signal, and compares it to the actual signal from the sensor. Motion of the vehicle is stalled when the angle signal differs from the desired angle by a predetermined extent and for a predetermined period.
US08020657B2
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for obstacle avoidance. In some embodiments, a robotically controlled vehicle capable of operating in one or more modes may be provided. Examples of such modes include teleoperation, waypoint navigation, follow, and manual mode. The vehicle may include an obstacle detection and avoidance system capable of being implemented with one or more of the vehicle modes. A control system may be provided to operate and control the vehicle in the one or more modes. The control system may include a robotic control unit and a vehicle control unit.
US08020635B2
An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.
US08020634B2
An apparatus for supporting a retrievable downhole component within a drill collar includes a sleeve that is positionable about the downhole component and is mounted within the drill collar. The sleeve is adapted to limit the lateral movement of the downhole component. The sleeve includes a series of fins or is lined with an energy absorbing material which protects the component from shock and vibration while at the same time enables the component to be retrieved should the drill string become stuck in the borehole.
US08020617B2
A method of treating a formation with a well treatment fluid comprising a clay stabilizer comprising a polyamine ether before or during a well treatment such as cleanup, gravel packing, fracturing, or the like. The stabilizer can continue to inhibit fines migration in the treatment zone even after an aqueous fluid without the stabilizer, e.g. a production fluid or injection fluid, displaces the original treatment fluid. When the stabilizer is used in a viscoelastic system (VES) with an acid blend component, the viscosity of the VES is essentially unchanged relative to the VES alone without the stabilizer.
US08020612B2
The invention relates to a stacked-plate heat exchanger for cooling charge air, having at least one first flow duct (21) for at least a first medium LL to flow through, and at least a second flow duct (22) for at least a second medium (KM) to flow through in order to cool the first medium (LL), wherein the at least one first flow duct (21) and the at least one second flow duct (22) are formed between adjacent plates (8, 9), and at least one plate (8, 9) has at least a first opening (12) for the first medium (LL) to flow through and at least two second openings (13) for the second medium (KM) to flow through into the at least one second flow duct (22), the at least one first opening (12) being arranged at least in certain sections between the two second openings (13), wherein the first opening (12) is at a smaller distance, at least in certain sections, from a central section (MA) of the stacked-plate heat exchanger (1) than one of the second openings (13).
US08020602B2
A control system for a top down/bottom up covering for an architectural opening includes a common drive shaft for raising and lowering a middle rail and a bottom rail between which a flexible shade material extends. A control element operates a spool lift system and a roller lift system, with the spool lift system being associated with the middle rail and the roller lift system being associated with the bottom rail. The lift systems are sequentially operated when the drive shaft is driven in either direction by the control element.
US08020601B2
A machine for equipping articles with labels, such as vessels or similar items, including at least one carousel which transports the articles, at least one exchangeable labeling aggregate which is arranged on the periphery of the carousel for equipping the articles, where, on the periphery of the carousel, at least one stationary floor-supported aggregate reception for a labeling aggregate is arranged.
US08020598B2
A label affixing apparatus enables an RFID tag to be affixed to a product at a distance from the product. The apparatus comprises: a folding/affixing device which conveys a label, a label holder holds a front surface side of the label, a folding device causes a part of the label including a tag attachment site to project by folding the part from a rear surface side to the front surface side into an angular shape. Either traction is suppressed when the label is affixed to the product. A reader/writer has an antenna in a position facing the part of the label when the part of the label is folded, for reading and writing information from and to the RFID tag. A fold detector detects if the label is folded. The label holding device moves between a label suction position and a label affixing position. Folding is assisted from a rear surface side of the part of the label.
US08020594B2
The invention relates to a debarking mechanism (1) for the decortication or pretreatment of logs (2) for separately performed final debarking and for the discharge of at least some of the bark removed from a wood stream passing through the debarking mechanism, the said debarking mechanism comprising a number of rotatable debarking shafts (3, 3′) extending parallel to an advancing direction (A) of the logs (2) to be fed therethrough, which are provided with a number of teeth (4) extending beyond the circumferential surface of the shaft (3, 3′).
US08020584B2
A variable valve for impact dispersal of a force, such as a force caused by an impact or explosion. The apparatus includes a valve with a spring biased piston that engages an outlet bore as the piston moves in response to the pressure of a fluid at an inlet port. The valve is in fluid communication with a cylinder that receives an impulse force. The fluid flow from the cylinder is controlled by the variable valve, which disperses the force accordingly at a controlled rate. In one embodiment, a pressurized reservoir is connected to an extension valve and a check valve that allows the cylinder to be filled with fluid from the reservoir when the extension valve is actuated. Applications for such a system include connection to aircraft seats and to aircraft landing gear.
US08020580B2
The present invention is directed to a no-leak drain pipe connector for a fluid filter which helps prevent the splashing of hot fluid on individuals performing filter element and oil changes.
US08020560B2
Systems and methods are provided for resisting posterior movement of the tongue during sleep, thereby keeping an airway open. The systems and methods employ a first structure that can be placed either in or on a tongue within an oral cavity and/or in a region of hyoid muscle. The first structure includes a ferromagnetic material. The systems and methods employ a second structure that can be placed either in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity and/or in or on external tissue outside the oral cavity in a desired relationship with the first structure. The second structure includes a magnetic material that magnetically interacts with the ferromagnetic material by attracting the ferromagnetic material, thereby resisting posterior movement of the tongue.
US08020557B2
The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for the administration of positive airway pressure therapies. The apparatus can include a housing, a blower and a mask. The housing is configured to be stably secured on the head of a patient. The blower is secured relative to the housing. A mask in fluid communication with the blower is configured to communicate pressurized air produced at least in part by the blower to the airways of a user.
US08020552B2
The present invention is directed to a helmet suitable for use in an operating room setting, an emergency room setting, a hospital setting, or a lab. The helmet of the present invention provides one or more of the following features: (i) superior barrier protection to a surgeon (or other operating room personnel) during a surgical procedure, (ii) a desired degree of air flow through the helmet so as to minimize the potential for carbon dioxide buildup within the helmet, and (iii) an integrated battery pack positioned within the helmet.
US08020551B2
A respiratory treatment device comprising a flow generator and a humidifier adapted to receive a supply of air at positive pressure from the flow generator and deliver it to an air delivery tube, wherein the humidifier includes a base, a humidifier lid, and a water tank, and the water tank includes a water tank lid, the water tank is removably receivable in the base to define a first air flow path from the flow generator to an interior of the water tank, and the humidifier lid is connectable to the air delivery tube, and is adapted to form a seal with the water tank lid to define a second air flow path from the interior of the water tank to the air delivery tube.
US08020547B2
A pellet stove is disclosed comprising a reverse flow heated air pathway defined by stove sections. In an illustrated embodiment, the space between upper and lower stove sections is open to provide a heating or oven area. The stove can be readily disassembled in part for easy portability.
US08020546B1
An outdoor grill of a teppanyaki style provides a grilling surface fueled with a propane/butane canister and burner arrangement. The grilling surface is surrounded by cool zones, one of which is in the form of easily removable tiles or plates. The pedestal and top are uniquely configured to provide multiple sitting areas with knee areas in between the pedestal and top periphery.
US08020545B2
A method and apparatus for scribing tile is disclosed. The disclosed scribing tool preferably comprises a scribe member, a tile engagement member, and an extension member. The scribe member is preferably connected to the tile engagement member via the extension member. The extension member is preferably pivotally connected to the scribe member and both pivotally and slideably connected to the tile engagement member.
US08020539B2
The invention relates to a device for distributing the incoming gases in an internal combustion air supply system. This system comprises a fresh air intake pipe (1) and an exhaust gas recirculation intake pipe (2) and the internal combustion engine comprises, for each cylinder, a cylinder head that forms a lid over it, at least one inlet gas intake valve (3, 4) and at least one exhaust valve (5) which are mounted in the cylinder head and, in the case of a multi-cylinder engine, a distributor (7) connecting at least the fresh air intake pipe (1) to the cylinders. In this device, the fresh air intake pipe (1) and the exhaust gas recirculation intake pipe (2) are connected to each of the cylinders independently of one another, each of them (1, 2) via an intake valve (3, 4) dedicated to it (1, 2).
US08020537B2
A fuel vaporizer system for an internal combustion engine including a first closed chamber defining a first volume, the first closed chamber having a heat transfer surface; a second closed chamber at least partially surrounding the first closed chamber and defining a second volume; and a third closed chamber at least partially surrounding the second closed chamber and defining a third volume. A liquid fuel supply system including a liquid fuel supply line emits fuel into the first volume in an expanding pattern of liquid fuel spray from at least one orifice. A thermal fluid system from said engine is configured to circulate fluid, which may be engine coolant, through the second volume and transfer heat from the fluid through the first closed chamber and vaporize said liquid fuel. An exhaust system from said engine is configured to circulate exhaust through the third volume and transfer heat from the exhaust through the second closed chamber and heat said fluid. A vaporized fuel outlet is configured to direct vaporized fuel from the first closed chamber to supply fuel to at least one combustion region of the internal combustion engine via a combustion fuel supply line.
US08020536B2
A cooler device for a motor vehicle includes a charge air cooler with a first cooler element, an EGR cooler with a second cooler element, the first and second cooler elements are arranged beside and substantially in plane with one another. The cooler elements each comprise pipelines for the respective medium to be cooled. Air passages for a cooling air flow are arranged between the pipelines. A screening device is arranged in front of or behind the cooler elements to regulate the air flow through elements. A control mechanism switches the screening device to and from between an open position in which the screening device does not, or at least does not appreciably, limit air flow through the air passages of the cooler elements, and a closed position in which the screening device limits the air flow through the air passages between all of the pipelines of the second cooler element and the air flow through the air passages between only some of said pipelines of the first cooler.
US08020534B2
A four-pass carbon canister includes a cover sealingly coupled to an injection-molded housing having a first chamber, a second chamber fluidly coupled to the first chamber, a baffle fluidly coupled to the second chamber, and a third chamber fluidly coupled to the baffle. The three chambers are filled with carbon pellets to absorb carbon pellets provided to the carbon canister from the fuel tank. The carbon canister is periodically purged by drawing fresh air into the carbon canister, with the fresh air desorbing the hydrocarbons and then provided to and consumed in an internal combustion engine.
US08020531B2
An electronic throttle control device in a internal combustion engine for a vehicle can be improved in maintainability and can be reduced in size. An electronic throttle control device in a V-type internal combustion engine for a vehicle has a fuel injection valve and throttle valves in an intake passage. A throttle driving motor controls the opening angle of each throttle valve according to the amount of operation of a throttle grip performed by an operator of the vehicle. The throttle driving motor is located outside a region surrounded by the throttle bodies that are respectively connected to all of intake ports as viewed in plan.
US08020522B2
A remote receiving circuit for providing and controlling an electric stimulus applied to an animal including an electronic switch powered by a battery in series on a primary of a high-voltage transformer and whose on/off state can be modified by control pulses to create a source of alternating current to supply the primary of the transformer. The circuit further includes a first electrode and a second electrode configured to be in contact with the animal and connected to the respective ends of a secondary of the transformer, and a device for measuring the peak intensity of a stimulus current applied by the electrodes to the animal's body.
US08020501B2
A controller of a sewing machine configured to execute a pre-positioning operation including controlling a needle bar driving mechanism, based on a thickness of a workpiece cloth detected by a thickness detection mechanism and a vertical position of a needle bar detected by a needle bar position detection mechanism, to stop a needle bar at a preset position immediately before a tip of a sewing needle pierces the workpiece cloth, controlling a pressure adjustment mechanism to adjust a pressure of a presser foot at a predetermined pressure that allows movement of the workpiece cloth, and controlling a feed dog switching mechanism to switch a feed dog to an inoperative state.
US08020498B2
The teachings of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for enhanced incineration. A method for improving the performance of an incinerator may comprise separating one or more substances from a process fluid using a classifying centrifuge, ejecting a first substance from the classifying centrifuge, the first substance having characteristics optimized for incineration, incinerating the first substance, and using heat generated from the incineration of the first substance to enhance the combustion efficiency of an additional substance separated from the process fluid.
US08020490B1
The present invention provides a novel technique for the fabrication of MEMS igniters and detonators. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the device is built based on two-plates. Plate one contains the resistive heating element and plate two contains the explosive cavity. With the present invention, micro igniters and detonators are batch fabricated utilizing a glue-less assembly technique and self-aligning capability.
US08020485B2
Disclosed is a lifting gear valve arrangement for controlling a double-action lifting gear or an add-on unit with a continuously adjustable directional control valve and with an individual pressure compensator via which a pressure medium volume flow to and from a lifting cylinder of the lifting gear can be controlled. A proportionally adjustable pressure limiting valve is provided in the pressure medium flow path between an outlet connection of the directional control valve and a working connection of the lifting gear valve arrangement, via which the pressure inside this area can be limited to a maximum value. The adjustment of the pressure limiting valve is preferably performed as a function of the operating states of the lifting gear or of the type of add-on unit.
US08020484B2
A towed howitzer interchangeable between a travelling mode and a firing mode, the towed howitzer being suitable for deployment on a ground plane, the towed howitzer includes: a barrel for firing a projectile, the barrel defining a barrel axis, a cradle for holding the barrel at an azimuth and an elevation, a mechanism for varying the elevation and the azimuth of the barrel and a front leg for supporting an aiming mechanism. The front leg includes a wheel intended for contacting the ground at a foremost ground contact point; a suspension mechanism for resiliently mounting the wheel and a restraining mechanism for selectively enabling the suspension. The howitzer includes a back leg for contacting the ground at a backmost ground contact point. The back leg includes a hinging for swinging the back leg out of contact with the round.
US08020483B2
A reactive armor module for protecting a target from an incoming projectile, and comprising at least one armor cassette formed of a front base plate and a rear base plate sandwiching between them at least one layer of energetic material, the front base plate and the rear base plate being adapted, upon impact of the projectile with the energetic material, to be propelled in opposite directions; the armor module further comprising at least one non-energetic auxiliary plate spaced from the armor cassette and positioned essentially along the expected trajectory of either the front or the rear base plate, such that when propelled, the velocity of a base plate facing the auxiliary plate is reduced upon collision with the auxiliary plate.
US08020478B2
A window shade cutting apparatus includes a hollow frame which has a base, a front wall, a rear wall and a plurality of side walls to hold a shade guiding assembly, a cutter assembly located above the shade guiding assembly and coupled therewith, a clipping assembly located at one side of the base and a shade measuring assembly located at another side of the base. The cutter assembly has a transmission screw bar to drive a first toggle lever set and a second toggle lever set at two opposite sides to move a cutter vertically up and down to cut off a window shade easily with less effort.
US08020470B2
A harmonic gear drive includes a flexspline and a rigid spline which are meshed with each other, and a wave generator which deforms the flexspline to displace meshing points between the flexspline and the rigid spline. The length of each contact part between the flexspline and the wave generator always becomes shorter as viewed in a sectional plane containing a rotation axis of the wave generator than the width of the wave generator.
US08020467B2
The present invention is an industrial robot with a cable spanned between and end effector and an upper arm. The cable does not twine around the upper arm or interfere with a peripheral device. A passage opening, through which the cable for supplying power, signals, or materials to an end effector attached to a rotating element is drawn out of a body, is opened at a position where the body intersects the center of a first rotational axis.
US08020458B2
In a sample introducing system that can be easily adapted to a variety of analytical conditions without being affected by a flow rate of gas introduced into an analytical device, can introduce an analytical sample into the analytical device without loss, and can contribute to a simple and highly accurate high-sensitivity analysis, a pretreatment device removes unnecessary components from an untreated sample gas containing the analytical sample. A treated sample gas that has been pretreated by the pretreatment device is introduced into the analytical device via a connection gas flow channel. A gas addition device that adds a carrier gas to the treated sample gas flowing toward the analytical device in the connection gas flow channel has a means for changing the addition flow rate of the carrier gas. Pressure fluctuations of the gas containing the analytical sample are restricted by a pressure adjusting device upstream of the gas addition device.
US08020453B2
A system to measure the displacement of relatively moveable bodies along an axis comprising: a resonant electrical intermediate device further comprising an inductor, whose width varies along the displacement axis, and a capacitor in electrical series which co-operates with an antenna comprising transmit and receive windings whose mutual inductance varies according to the position of the electrical intermediate device relative to the antenna.
US08020452B2
A device for measuring the volume flow rate of the controlled medium in a pipeline comprises first and second transmitting-receiving radiators installed and spaced on the pipeline and alternately fed with ultrasonic signals. Received after they have passed in and counter the direction of the flow, the signals are digitized and stored. Times of signal transmission in and counter the direction of the flow of the medium and the difference of the times are calculated. Providing an additional unit for the time difference calculation, applying a correlation measuring method and increasing the sampling rate enhance the accuracy in measuring the volume.
US08020443B2
A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) transducer (90) is adapted to sense acceleration in mutually orthogonal directions (92, 94, 96). The MEMS transducer (90) includes a proof mass (100) suspended above a substrate (98) by an anchor system (116). The anchor system (116) pivotally couples the proof mass (100) to the substrate (98) at a rotational axis (132) to enable the proof mass (100) to rotate about the rotational axis (132) in response to acceleration in a direction (96). The proof mass (100) has an opening (112) extending through it. Another proof mass (148) resides in the opening (112), and another anchor system (152) suspends the proof mass (148) above the surface (104) of the substrate (98). The anchor system (152) enables the proof mass (148) to move substantially parallel to the surface (104) of the substrate (98) in response to acceleration in at least another direction (92, 94).
US08020439B2
A food measuring tool comprising of a plurality of hollow right cylinders. A set of free standing measuring cylinders each one comprising of a single piece of solid, flexible or non flexible material. A set of measuring cylinders each one to be used for measuring a multitude of food products. A set of measuring cylinders to be used as an accurate measuring tool to determine the correct portion sizes for food according to the recommendations of the United States Food and Drug Administration and the American Diabetes Association.
US08020430B2
A passive leak detection device may include a pressure switch, a check valve and a balance valve. The pressure switch may include an electric input lead, an electric output lead, a balance chamber and an inlet chamber. A pressure differential between the balance chamber and the inlet chamber may be operable to couple the electric input lead to the electric output lead. The inlet chamber may be fluidly coupled to a fluid port. The balance chamber may be fluidly coupled to the fluid port with a check valve disposed there between. The balance chamber may be fluidly coupled to a balance valve. When the balance valve is closed and fluid is flowing out of the fluid port, the pressure differential from the inlet chamber to the balance chamber is operable to couple the electric output lead to the electric input lead thereby indicating of a leak.
US08020420B2
Apparatus (10) for continuously performing localized and/or extended deformations on metallic containers constituted by extruded or drawn and solid-drawn tubular bodies including: —A) interface module (1); —B) at least one work module (2, 2′, 2″) and —C) possibly one inversion module (3), wherein said modules are arranged so that they form a closed path and said interface module (1) includes a feeding station or drum (12), an unload drum (16) and at least one selective dispatch element for re-feeding the containers to the work modules (2, 2′, 2″) or the unload drum (16), depending on the number of predetermined operations.
US08020418B2
Press-forming device, press-forming method, computer program/software arrangement and storage medium
Exemplary embodiments of a press-forming device, press-forming method, computer program/software arrangement and storage medium can be provided. The exemplary press-forming device can include a material characteristic input configured to input material characteristics. A state variable detector can be configured to measure a state variable comprising a metal mold distortion amount. A processing condition computer arrangement can be configured to determine from a first moment to a second moment at least one particular processing condition. Further, a processing condition controller can be configured to control the at least one processing condition from processing conditions.
US08020417B2
A method and device for controlling the final thickness of a rolled product at a tandem rolling mill exit which make it possible to remove the cyclic defects of the product thickness variation. The method includes using at least one rolling stand provided with hydraulic adjustment devices located on the tandem rolling mill exit and in compensating the cyclic defects of the product thickness variation generated upstream through the entire rolling mill on the stand with the aid of an adjuster (R) coordinated with the frequency of defects. The method and device are suitable for tandem cold rolling mills producing metal strips. The thickness defects are detectable by a thickness sensor.
US08020415B2
A tamper-resistant pill bottle for securely storing a quantity of medication. The pill bottle includes a receptacle, a cap for fitting over the receptacle, and a combination lock integral with the cap for releasably locking the cap to the receptacle. The combination lock includes a series of combination wheels that partially protrude through a sidewall of the cap and can be rotatably manipulated by a user. The combination for the combination lock can be set by a user upon receipt of the pill bottle. The pill bottle further includes an inconspicuous defeat mechanism integral with the cap for allowing the pill bottle to be opened, preferably by a pharmacist, if a user forgets the combination of the combination lock.
US08020414B2
The Container-Locking Device with respect to this particular invention has been designed to fasten the locking upright bar of one door of a container to another. It has been invented to include two virtually symmetrical segments of a pair of locking bar fasteners, where the flat end of each segment, opposite to the end fastened to the container door locking bar, will be fixed to one of the two virtually symmetrical segments of a padlock shroud. There is also a separation-prevention unit which prevents the shroud from being separated and eliminates the gap between the two segments when they are joined, in order to prevent a bolt cutter from being able to be inserted into the padlock shackle.
US08020408B2
Separation method and apparatus for separating a gaseous mixture, for example, air, in a cryogenic rectification plant in which a compressed stream is divided into subsidiary streams that are extracted from a main heat exchanger of the plant at higher and lower temperatures. The two streams are then combined and expanded in a turboexpander to generate refrigeration for the plant. The flow rates of the two streams are adjusted to control inlet temperature of a turboexpander supplying plant refrigeration and to minimize potential deviation of the turboexpander exhaust from a saturated vapor state. Control of the expansion ratio can advantageously be applied to allow variable liquid production from the rectification plant.
US08020407B2
A temperature-controlled vehicle including a cascade refrigeration system having a booster cooling line configured to supplement the cooling capacity of the cascade refrigeration system by expanding and venting a portion of a cryogenic refrigerant to the atmosphere during peak demands while the cascade refrigeration system continues to operate.
US08020404B2
System and method for storing and releasing energy comprising directing air into a vertical cold flue assembly. The assembly has an air inlet at or near the top and an air exit at or near the bottom. The air is cooled and a portion of moisture is removed from the air.
US08020388B2
The invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of a combined gas/steam power station (10) with integrated gasification combined cycle. Said power station comprises a gas turbine compressor (14) and an air-separation unit (18) having a defined working pressure. Compressed air is removed from the gas turbine compressor (14) at a pressure level that is adapted to the working pressure of the air-separation unit (18). The removed air is then supplied to the air-separation unit (18) where the air is broken down into its individual constituents, especially oxygen and nitrogen. The nitrogen produced in the air-separation unit (18) is removed from the air-separation unit and at least a part of the removed nitrogen quantity is used as a coolant in the gas/steam power station in order to improve its efficiency.
US08020380B2
An external combustion engine alternately repeating a first stroke of making a working fluid evaporate at a plurality of heating portions and making a liquid phase part of the working fluid displace toward an output part side and a second stroke of making the working fluid evaporated at the first stroke condense at the plurality of cooling portions and making the liquid phase part of the working fluid displace toward the side of the plurality of the heating portions and provided with inflow adjusting means for reducing differences in inflows among the plurality of the heating portions, wherein the inflow is defined as the amount of a liquid phase part of the working fluid flowing into the heating portions when the liquid phase part of the working fluid displaces from the output part side to the side of the plurality of the heating portions in the second stroke.
US08020378B2
An exhaust manifold includes an exhaust conduit having an inner surface, and an aluminide layer disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the manifold. The exhaust manifold is made by applying aluminum on an inner surface of the manifold and oxidizing to form the aluminide layer.
US08020377B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for producing hot gas with a first combustion chamber (2) to burn fuel (17). The first combustion chamber features an open (5) and a closed end (36), and the first combustion chamber has a fuel inlet (13) arranged at its closed end. A second combustion chamber (35) encloses the first combustion chamber, with the second combustion chamber featuring a discharge outlet (37) for the hot gas, and the second combustion chamber featuring a closed end at which an inlet for combustion air (39) is arranged.
US08020372B2
A method controls an exhaust gas temperature from a vehicle engine during regeneration of particulate filter (PF) in a vehicle having an oxidation catalyst (OC) and a selective catalytic reduction catalyst (SCR). The method ensures that a final OC temperature does not exceed a maximum of the target OC outlet temperature and a calibrated maximum OC outlet temperature. An apparatus for controlling a temperature of the exhaust gas includes sensors for measuring a temperature within the exhaust system and a controller having an algorithm, an OC temperature lookup table, and a PF temperature lookup table. The algorithm calculates a target OC outlet temperature using the lookup tables and a delayed error value that compensates for a thermal mass of the SCR. Actual OC outlet temperature is limited during regeneration of the PF to the lesser of the target OC outlet temperature and a calibrated maximum OC outlet temperature.
US08020358B2
An apparatus for forming inflated containers from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies includes: a. a mechanism that conveys the film web along a path of travel; b. a first sealing device for producing one or more seals that bond the film plies together to form a container having at least one opening; c. an inflation assembly for inflating the container by directing a stream of gas into the opening thereof; and d. a second sealing device for sealing closed the opening of the inflated container.
US08020346B2
A sliding door or window supporting system has a stationary frame with a bottom track and a sliding portion that slides from a closed position to an open position. The bottom portion of the sliding portion and the upper surface of stationary frame track are provided with one or more magnets having identical magnetic polarity, thereby creating repulsion between the bottom of the sliding portion and the stationary track. Forces produced by magnetic repulsion lift the weight of the sliding portion, creating an air gap. A smooth, low friction sliding and door gliding movement results, which is immune to dirt and debris. The front to back movement of the sliding portion is supported by low friction polymeric knobs attached to a stationary frame and contacting sliding portion.
US08020345B2
A door module of a vehicle includes: a panel of door glass including an upper peripheral edge and a lower peripheral edge; a lift plate coupled to the lower peripheral edge of the door glass such that a regulator may move the door glass between a full-up position and a full-down position within the door module via the lift plate; and a position block movable within the door module to: (i) a first position below the lift plate such that the lift plate rests on the position block and the door glass is at a position above the full-down position when the door glass is inserted into the lift plate during manufacture, and (ii) after such insertion, a second position that permits the lift plate to move further downward such that the door glass is at the full-down position.
US08020340B2
An animal deterring device has a carrier with first and second conductive traces that are separated by an arc suppressor. Most typically, the arc suppressor is configured to eliminate short circuiting of the device when exposed to fog, dew, rain, or animal excrements while at the same time to allow an animal to contact both conductive traces at the same time.
US08020335B2
A mount for mounting an accessory (19) on a weapon comprises a base plate (12) with an upper surface and a lower surface, to be connected with the accessory. The base plate (12) is clamped to a rail (10) on the weapon with the lower surface engaging the rail. Two aligned first grooves (23) in the upper surface extend in the longitudinal direction of the rail and a third groove (24) in the upper surface of the base plate, extends transversely of the first grooves. First protrusions (25) on the lower surface of the accessory guidingly engage the first grooves, and a third protrusion (26) on the lower surface of the accessory located between the first protrusions engages the third groove (24) to prevent displacement of the accessory along the first grooves.
US08020328B2
New and unique connecting elements are engage in a versatile manner to construct modular constructions such as construction for exhibition, furniture, platforms, toys, displays etc. The modular construction is mobile and easy to handle.
US08020315B2
A substrate processing method which can reduce the number of particles to be left on each substrate is provided. In the substrate processing method, substrates W to be processed are dried, by using a fluid heated by a heating apparatus having one or more heating mechanisms. The substrate processing method comprises a first step of supplying a mixed fluid containing a gas and a processing liquid and heated by the heating apparatus, into a processing chamber in which the substrates to be processed are placed, and a second step of supplying the heated gas into the processing chamber. The output of at least one of the heating mechanisms is kept at a preset constant value for a period of time during which a predetermined time passes after the start of the first step. In the second step, the output of the heating mechanism is determined under a feed back control.
US08020309B2
A circularity measuring apparatus includes: a rotary table on which a measured object is loaded; a contact-type stylus configured to contact a substantially circular measured surface of the measured object with an inclination; a holder configured to hold the stylus within a predetermined stroke range so that an inclination angle of the stylus is changeable; a displacement detector configured to detect a displacement of the inclination angle of the stylus, which is caused due to a contact between the stylus and the measured surface; and a controller configured to: estimate a position of a top end of the stylus based on an output of the displacement detector; and instruct the holder in an optimal stroke range in the position.
US08020306B2
The invention is an tool for measuring and marking wall sheathing materials such as drywall, veneer, paneling, and various other wall sheathing materials. The tool provides rolling contact to protect finished surfaces and also maintains parallel positioning to maximize accuracy.
US08020304B2
A powered apparatus having an elongate pole, a drive at a proximal region of the elongate pole and operable to rotate a first component on the drive, a tool at a distal region of the elongate pole with a second component that is rotatable to operate the tool, and a power transmission assembly for transmitting a drive force generated by rotation of the first component to the second component to thereby operate the tool. The power transmission assembly has a flexible drive link with a flexible length located between the drive and at least one other substantially inflexible drive part that is downstream of the drive link. The flexible length of the flexible drive link is greater than four (4) inches.
US08020289B2
A method of producing an electronic device includes a molding of a first casing to seal a first face of a circuit board and electronic parts mounted on the first face. The producing method further includes a mounting of electronic parts on a second face of the circuit board opposite from the first face, after the molding of the first casing is finished. The producing method further includes a molding of a second casing to seal the second face of the circuit board and the electronic parts mounted on the second face. The molding of the second casing integrates the first casing and the second casing with each other.
US08020283B2
A high-speed process includes removing chips or interposers from a carrier web having a first pitch and transferring the chips or interposers to electrical components, such as RFID antenna structures, on a moving web having a second pitch. According to one method, a transfer drum transfers chips or interposers to a moving web of electrical components by picking a chip when the transfer drum is stationary, and transferring the chip to the moving web when the transfer drum is rotating such that a tangential velocity of the transfer drum is substantially equal to the linear velocity of the moving web. According to another method, a primary drum removes chips or interposers from a carrier web having a first pitch, and transfers the chips or interposers to a variably rotating secondary drum which then places the chips or interposers onto an electrical component on a moving web having a second pitch.
US08020278B2
An assembly includes a piece to be held in a bore and a device in which the piece is inserted for holding the piece in the bore. The device comprises a cylindrical sleeve having a series of fins extending longitudinally of an inner surface of the sleeve and projecting inwardly from the inner surface. The fins are skewed in a same circumferential direction relative to radial planes of the sleeve. The sleeve and the fins are integrally formed of resilient flexible plastic. The flexibility of the fins is such that the fins can be readily deflected when engaged by an inserted piece. The device can be used as part of a combination that includes a body having a bore therein, and can be used in a method of holding a piece in a bore of a body.
US08020277B2
Various systems for compressing and loading an expandable medical device into a sheath are disclosed. One system comprises an array of moveable blades radially disposed about a central axis and forming a radially contractible aperture. The blade array includes at least a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. The first plurality of blades is independently moveable with respect to the second plurality of blades. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of using the various compressor systems to compress and load an expandable medical device into a sheath.
US08020273B2
A method of producing a stent-balloon assembly is disclosed which includes providing a stent having a polymeric component; exposing the stent to a relative humidity of 20% to 100%; and crimping the stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly. The polymeric component could be at least part of the material from which the stent is made or could be a constituent of a coating for the stent, such as a drug delivery coating. In lieu of or in addition to the application of humidity, a plasticizing agent can be applied to the polymeric component. A crimping device is also disclosed which allows the stent to be exposed to humidity during the crimping process.
US08020270B2
The apparatus requires a replacement board capable of replacing the existing bulb.
US08020258B2
A fiber accumulating apparatus capable of suppressing the deviation of the weight of an absorbent body by stabilizing the profile of the absorbent body and a manufacturing method for the fiber accumulating apparatus. The fiber accumulating apparatus including a fiber accumulating drum having a perforated body that accumulates an absorbent body raw material on its surface by suction from the internal side. The perforated body has a large number of sucking pores formed therein and comprises a perforated plate making up the surface and a flow-adjuster that is disposed on the internal side of the perforated plate and flow-adjusts an air flow. The perforated plate and flow-adjuster are integrally constructed.
US08020251B2
A vacuum cleaner having a base adapted to be moved on a surface to be cleaned, an inlet nozzle disposed on a lower surface of the base, a vacuum source, and a dirt receptacle. A lower handle is pivotally attached to the base at a lower pivot, and an upper handle is pivotally attached to the lower handle at an upper pivot. In one aspect, the vacuum cleaner includes an automatically-operated lower pivot lock that can restrict relative rotation between the lower handle and the base, and a manually-operated upper pivot lock that can restrict relative rotation between the upper handle and the lower handle. In another aspect, the vacuum cleaner includes a telescoping upper handle with electrical controls attached to the upper telescopic section of the upper handle. In still another aspect, the vacuum cleaner includes an exhaust vent located on an upwardly-facing surface of the base.
US08020249B2
A wiper apparatus includes an arm shank pivotably supported at its proximal end portion on a vehicle and an arm piece mounted at its proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the arm shank and having a wiper blade attached to the other end portion remote from the distal end portion of the arm shank. The wiper apparatus also includes an arm piece cover covering the arm piece having an outer peripheral surface flush with an outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the arm shank.
US08020244B2
A toothbrush having a compact toothbrush head, which contributes to the economy, cost reduction, and saving of resources, includes a brush base which is provided with consumable brush bundles and which is attachable to and detachable from the toothbrush head. The brush base of the toothbrush is an elastic member in order to absorb excessive pressure added to the brush bundles and secure stable elasticity and a substantial elastic amount for those brush bundles in contact with recessed and projected portions of teeth or those brush bundles entered into space between teeth to enable user to gently clean the teeth and gum. Even when excessive pressure is added to brush bundles, the inventive toothbrush effectively functions for the teeth brushing process. A hole penetrates perpendicularly the toothbrush head, and a slit is formed therein. Further, the inner surface of the slit is formed with recesses and projections.
US08020243B2
In a preferred embodiment, this invention provides an easy-to-use, adjustable-head toothbrush that provides two or more locking angles for brushing.
US08020242B2
A human torso scrubbing apparatus including an elongated handle having a grasping portion toward one end thereof. A scrubbing element is secured to a second end of the handle. The grasping portion of the handle is offset at an angle ranging between about 75° and about 115° relative to a portion of the handle extending from the scrubbing element so as to facilitate scrubbing of a human's back while the angular offset of said grasping portion allows said apparatus to freely hang when not in use.
US08020238B2
A powered toothbrush refill head combines a typical round oscillating or primary tuft block which oscillates in a rotational manner with a secondary tuft block. The secondary tuft block may be oscillated in a rotational manner or may oscillate linearly back and forth in the same direction as the handle of the toothbrush. The secondary tuft block could be in the form of a pair of side by side plates mounted on the head adjacent to the round oscillating block. The invention could also be practice where the secondary tuft block is in the form of a plurality of sets of rows of bristles mounted for back and forth movement in a direction perpendicular to the handle.
US08020232B2
A system for controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine during operation thereof. The system comprising a washing machine having an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity of a water. An ozone generator is connected to the washing machine and the ozone generator produces and supplies the produced ozone to the washing machine for ozonating the water. At least one sensor is provided for sensing a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine during operation thereof, and the at least sensor being coupled to the ozone generator for interrupting production of ozone when a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a safe level.
US08020229B2
A pillow for enabling a patient with whiplash syndrome to sleep peacefully including a deformable pillow body having an upper surface cloth and a lower surface cloth with an edge cloth as a boundary, a depression part including a bottom surface at a position depressed from the upper surface cloth to the lower surface cloth of the pillow body and a grooved part extending from the depression part to the edge cloth of the pillow body and being formed by joining the upper surface cloth to the lower surface cloth.
US08024815B2
In an embodiment of isolation environment-based information access, programs—including operating systems and applications—running on a computing-based device can be isolated in an environment such as a virtual machine. Information including commands and/or data transmitted between the computing-based device and the program(s) being run, as well as information associated with the program(s) and the computing-based device, is accessed without being detected by the program(s). In one implementation, the information includes state information as well as commands and/or data—including sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords. In another implementation, the information can be used to secretly access the program(s).
US08024807B2
A mechanism for determining a probabilistic security score for a software package is provided. The mechanism calculates a raw numerical score that is probabilistically linked to how many security vulnerabilities are present in the source code. The score may then be used to assign a security rating that can be used in either absolute form or comparative form. The mechanism uses a source code analysis tool to determine a number of critical vulnerabilities, a number of serious vulnerabilities, and a number of inconsequential vulnerabilities. The mechanism may then determine a score based on the numbers of vulnerabilities and the number of lines of code.
US08024806B2
A method, apparatus and system enable a secure location-aware platform. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may utilize a secure processing partition on the platform to determine a location of the platform and dynamically apply and/or change security controls accordingly.
US08024803B1
A computer-implemented method for filtering electronic messages. The method may include identifying a first time period during which a user accesses electronic messages less than during a second time period. The method may also include associating a first filtering level with the first time period and associating a second filtering level with a second time period. The method may further include, during the first time period, setting a spam filter to the first filtering level. The first filtering level may cause the spam filter to perform stronger filtering than the second filtering level. The method may include, during the second time period, setting the spam filter to the second filtering level. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08024802B1
Methods and systems are provided for using state ranges for processing regular expressions in intrusion-prevention systems. In an embodiment, in an intrusion-prevention system for examining network traffic and identifying therein the presence of signature data patterns, a state-transition table is provided. The state-transition table is representative of a predetermined data pattern, and includes states each having one or more egress events defining transitions to other states. A subject is received for evaluation for the presence of the predetermined data pattern. While using the state-transition table for said evaluation, the presence of a first egress event of a first state is detected in the subject, resulting in a transition from the first state to a second state. A second-state range in the subject is calculated, and the second-state range is searched for the presence of at least one of the second state's egress events.
US08024800B2
A file attachment processing method and system. The method comprises generating by a first computing system, a configurable list comprising valid computer file types for computer files. The valid computer file types for the computer files comprising a low risk for comprising computer viruses. The first computing system comprises a memory device. The first computing system stores the configurable list in the memory device. The first computing system receives a computer file comprising a first file type. The first computing system compares the first file type to the list to determine if the first file type comprises a valid file type from the first list.
US08024797B2
Method, apparatus and system for performing access control and intrusion detection on encrypted data
A method, apparatus and system enable access control and intrusion detection on encrypted data. Specifically, application data on a node may be routed to a partition on the computing platform. The partition may utilize Direct Memory Access (“DMA”) to access session key stored in system memory of a host operating system on the platform. The partition may thereafter utilize the session key to perform intrusion detection on encrypted data from the application running under the host operating system. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08024796B2
Storing events to enhance intrusion detection in networks is described. In one exemplary implementation, an event is received. The event includes a data section containing a set of strings each having an event field. A definition table is referenced to determine locations of event fields in the data section of the event. The event fields are stored in a database record corresponding to event field locations referenced from the definition table.
US08024790B2
A portable secured computing environment for performing online confidential transactions in an untrusted host computer. The secured computing environment may be loaded from a portable storage device, such as a USB stick, plugged into a peripheral port of the host computer. The secured computing environment may include a virtual machine running under a host operating system of the host computer. A secured operating system may be running in the virtual machine. An online application, such as a web browser in communication with an online service, may be run under the secured operating system. Operation of the online application may be restricted by a security profile. For example, the online application may only access network addresses specifically indicated in a whitelist of the security profile.
US08024789B2
A communication apparatus comprises a storage unit for storing a first network list indicating plural networks; a receiving unit for receiving a second network list indicating plural networks from an outside by using a first authentication protocol; an operation unit for executing an AND operation by using the first network list and the second network list to create a transmission-use network list; and transmission unit for transmitting the transmission-use network list to the outside.
US08024783B2
An agent architecture may be provided with base functionality that allows it to run without executing any applications. The base application need not have any modules. When functionality is desired, modules may be added. The agent may receive policies and procedures from a controller, and executes the modules based on the policies and procedures. It may then return and report information. This allows a system to be designed that doesn't have to be recompiled upon changes to individual tasks or applications, which greatly eases development of new tasks and applications.
US08024778B2
A system of the invention comprises a design module, execution engine, and performance management module. A first computer hosts the design module which enables a user to define attributes, queries, and decision rules transmitted to the execution engine hosted on a second computer remote to the first computer. The second computer can be located at a credit bureau, credit reporting agency, or other data provider. The second computer runs the execution engine to query a data repository with the user-defined attributes and queries, and applies the user-defined decision rules to produce result data transmitted to a third computer hosting the performance management module for monitoring performance of a benefit or offering made with the result data and the corresponding attributes, queries, and decision rules that generated the result data.
US08024775B2
A graphical password authentication method is based on sketches drawn by user. The method extracts a template edge orientation pattern from an initial sketch of the user and an input edge orientation pattern from an input sketch of the user, compares the similarity between the two edge orientation patterns, and makes an authentication decision based on the similarity. The edge orientations are quantized, and each edge orientation pattern includes a set of quantized orientation patterns each corresponding to one of the quantized edge orientations. The number of quantized edge orientations, as well as other parameters such as the dimension of the final orientation patterns and acceptance threshold, can be optimized either globally or user-specifically.
US08024772B1
In a large network, it can be difficult to pinpoint and track down the causes of breaches of established policies. A compliance policy server allows traversal of notifications according to breaches, organizes the breaches (vulnerabilities and violations) according to severity and recurrence, and identifies related rules and application services and network entities which may be related to the breach. An integrated graphical user interface (GUI) provides efficient, timely traversal and analysis of rule breaches across the network to allow quick, efficient identification of the underlying cause or condition of the rule breach, as well as identify impact on application services and network entities. A discoverer gathers configuration data including notifications of changes, alerts, and conditions in the network that are pertinent to the rule breaches. A compliance engine evaluates the configuration and topological data against the rules to identify breaches. Collective breaches pertaining to a common application or service or dependency indicate a common underlying condition causing the breach, therefore providing efficient correction of the underlying condition.
US08024768B2
Frames of broadcast video received at a device are cropped to produce rendered frames on a display of the device, the cropping being based on both (a) a predetermined value indicating a location within each of at least some of the frames with respect to which the cropping is to be done and (b) a characteristic of the display.
US08024765B2
A method for communicating media program information is provided. The method includes receiving a content-augmented broadcast signal at a conventional broadcast receiver, the content-augmented broadcast signal having a program content and a program cookie relating to the program content, demodulating the content-augmented broadcast signal, rendering the program content, recovering the program cookie from the demodulated content-augmented broadcast signal at substantially the same time the program content is rendered, determining whether the program cookie comprises information relating to a current media program a user is currently watching or listening to, or to an advertisement of a future media program, and sending the program cookie to an electronic device.
US08024762B2
Methods and apparatus for selecting, purchasing and delivering content to users of a network so that the user has “virtual” ownership of and access to the content, thereby obviating the need for physical media (e.g., DVDs or CDs). In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network, and on-demand (OD) sessions or broadcast modes are used to deliver the virtual content stored at the head-end (or hub site) to the requesting owner. The purchased content is associated with one or more users when stored, thereby providing the owner(s) unlimited access thereto, without the costs and effort associated with renting/purchasing and maintaining DVDs. The content may also comprise new release content, which would otherwise not be available over the network at that time but for the purchase and delivery mechanisms of the invention. Various other complementary features for enhancing the user's virtual ownership experience are also disclosed.
US08024756B2
Intuitive user interfaces are disclosed for a TV showing a favorites channel pane that can transition to a channel history pane, etc. in response to remote control commands.
US08024752B2
A method for managing access to a signal representative of an event of a service provider by permitting a subscriber of the service provider to view an event for which the subscriber is not authorized for a specified time period; and transmitting at least one authorization code for the event to the subscriber during the specified time period.
US08024749B2
A base of an optical pickup includes a first bearing portion through which one of two guide shafts disposed in parallel to each other is inserted and a second bearing portion through which the other guide shaft is inserted, and is slidable along the two guide shafts. Under the first guide shaft that is inserted through the first bearing portion, a nut hold portion for holding a nut that connects a member of a drive mechanism for driving the base and the base to each other is disposed on the base. The nut hold portion includes an insertion opening that allows the nut to be inserted along a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the first guide shaft.
US08024747B2
An optical disc apparatus including first to fourth disc guides. At the end of disc loading, the first one, in a fixed position, contacts a peripheral side face of the optical disc at a first point thereon to support the disc; the second one has a plane opposite to the peripheral side face which contacts the peripheral side face of the optical disc at a second point to support the disc while restrained from moving away from the side face; the third one contacts the peripheral side face of the optical disc at a third point to support the disc while biased by a spring; and the fourth one contacts the side face at a fourth point while biased by a spring to support the disc, and is restrained from moving against the resilience of the spring. The disc, supported by those disc guides, is chucked by a clamper.
US08024742B2
A method of enabling multiple different operating systems to run concurrently on the same computer, which is an Intel or similar Complex Instruction Set Computer architecture, comprising selecting a first operating system to have a relatively high priority (the realtime operating system, such as C5); selecting at least one secondary operating system to have a relatively lower priority (the general purpose operating system, such as Linux); providing a common program (a hardware resource dispatcher similar to a nanokernel) arranged to switch between said operating systems under predetermined conditions; and providing modifications to said first and second operating systems to allow them to be controlled by said common program.
US08024741B2
A computer system dynamically scales back latch requests for system resources. Tasks seeking access to system resources each dynamically determine the probability that the task will gain access to the latch relating to a given system resource. Where the task estimates that its probability is below a defined threshold, the task will suspend itself for a defined sleep time. The task dynamically adjusts the length of the sleep time based on the number of times the task enters the suspended state and on the relative changes in the estimated probability that the task will gain access to the resource.
US08024740B2
In a resource acquisition system, computing resources are located in different domains, and a resource manager is located in each domain. A scheduler receives a resource acquisition request from a client via a network, and determines at least one administrative domain and transmits to the network a verification request specifying a computing resource and an operation. The resource manager is responsive to the verification request for performing reconfiguration of the specified resource according to the specified operation and verifying that the resource is legitimately reconfigurable, and transmitting back to the scheduler a verification report containing the identifier of the reconfigurable resource. The scheduler is responsive to the verification report for transmitting a reconfiguration request to the resource manager to perform reconfiguration on the verified resource. The scheduler and the resource manager may repeatedly exchange verification requests and verification reports for successively reconfiguring each successive resource according to dependent relationships between computing resources.
US08024739B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein an execution unit requests additional execution time from a kernel to prevent the execution unit from being swapped out during an execution of a critical section. The kernel determines whether the execution unit has previously avoided yielding execution to other execution units within a predetermined period of time after being allocated the additional execution time in response to at least one previous request for the additional execution time. The kernel allocates the additional execution time to the execution unit, in response to determining that the execution unit has not previously avoided yielding execution to the other execution units within the predetermined period of time after being allocated the additional execution time in response to the at least one previous request for the additional execution time.
US08024731B1
Systems and processes may be implemented to receive threads of execution and assign priorities to the threads of execution. Threads of execution may include nonvolatile memory input/output threads, other input/output threads, and/or other non-input/output threads. A lower priority may be assigned to nonvolatile memory input/output threads than other input/output threads. An algorithm may determine an order of execution of the threads of execution. An order of execution may be at least partially based on assigned priorities.
US08024721B2
This disclosure provides various embodiments of software for implementing a safe framework for application development. In one aspect, the software initializes an application using a runtime framework, identifies a customized class residing in a library associated with and decoupled from the runtime framework, identifies a path to the customized class residing in the library, and automatically loads the class to run the application. In some implementations, the customized class may comprise a distinct version of a standard class from the standard library. In still other implementations, the software may selectively identify a customized class or a standard class, identify a path to the selectively identified class, and automatically load the selectively identified class.
US08024716B2
A system comprising a compiler that compiles source-level code to generate an intermediate-level instruction comprising a predetermined component. The intermediate-level instruction is an at least partially optimized version of the source-level code. Execution of the predetermined component triggers the execution of a series of instructions that, when executed, generates previously-unavailable data that is used to re-generate the intermediate-level instruction. The re-generated intermediate-level instruction has a length less than or equal to that of the intermediate-level instruction.
US08024708B2
A runtime system implemented in accordance with the present invention provides an application platform for parallel-processing computer systems. Such a runtime system enables users to leverage the computational power of parallel-processing computer systems to accelerate/optimize numeric and array-intensive computations in their application programs. This enables greatly increased performance of high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
US08024705B2
A system, method, and computer program product for distributed software code testing. When a data processing system is not being actively used, it will download and execute test code, and return the results to a server. This process increases the efficiency of code testing while exploiting otherwise-wasted processing power.
US08024701B2
Visual controls such as drag and drop are utilized to create object-oriented constructs from corresponding relational constructs, for instance. Similarly, an object-relational map can be generated between the relational constructs and the created object-oriented constructs to facilitate interaction across disparate programmatic models.
US08024690B2
A system, method and computer program product are provided for determining routing of data paths in interconnect circuitry for an integrated circuit. The method includes the steps of defining a plurality of cells to be provided along the wide interface of the circuitry, further devices being associated with at least one of the cells, and defining the circuitry as an array of blocks formed in rows and columns, with each cell abutting one of the columns. The method includes the steps of: providing a predetermined set of tiles, each tile providing a predetermined wiring layout, and for each block, applying predetermined rules to determine one of the tiles to be used to implement that block, where the rules take into account the location of the block in the array and any association between the further devices and the cells.
US08024675B1
A method and system for designing an optimized specification of an integrated circuit (IC) is provided. The IC comprises a plurality of cells, and each of the cells comprises a plurality of transistors. The method includes preparing a linewidth map of at least one device of the plurality of devices, performing a topography-aware analysis of the at least one device based on the linewidth map, and designing the optimized specification of the IC based on the topography-aware analysis. In another embodiment, a method for estimating a leakage power of at least one device in an IC is provided. The method includes determining a defocus and a pitch value, determining a linewidth value based on the defocus and pitch value, and estimating the leakage current and/or leakage power based on the linewidth value.
US08024673B2
An apparatus that evaluates a layout of a semiconductor integrated circuit by estimating a result of planarization in manufacturing the circuit includes a unit that divides the layout into partial areas, a unit that calculates, for each partial area, at least one of a wiring density in the partial area, a total perimeter length of wirings in the partial area, and a maximum value of differences of wiring densities in adjacent partial areas adjacent to the partial area from the wiring density in the partial area as partial area data, a unit that sets ranges of the wiring density, the total perimeter length, and the maximum value from which a height variation larger than an upper limit value is expected as critical regions based on an equation corresponding to a type of the layout, and a unit that plots the critical regions and the partial area data on a same map.
US08024666B2
A computer implemented method includes selecting a portion of a data set in a first visualization. A list of visualizations relevant to the context inferred from the selection of the portion of the data set in the first visualization is generated. A second visualization from the list of visualizations is rendered.
US08024659B2
In a terminal with a display screen that is too small to accept a required input in its entirety, a user is enabled to perform the input without intricate operation. The terminal displays input pages downloaded from a server via a network, and transmits input information entered into the pages by the user. The terminal comprises a page display section, which displays a plurality of input pages using a browser executed on the terminal, an input information storage section, which stores a plurality of input parameters entered into more than one of the input pages, and an input information transmission section, which combines the input parameters and transmits the combination to the server in response to an instruction.
US08024656B2
A method, computer program product, and system for analyzing data using a data warehouse application are provided. The method, computer program product, and system provide for displaying a facet in a user interface of the data warehouse application, the facet classifying a plurality of documents, and displaying a facet attribute of the facet in the user interface of the data warehouse application, the facet attribute corresponding to a characteristic associated with each of the plurality of documents classified by the facet.
US08024655B2
A method (100) is disclosed for generating a page description from a list of items (201 to 204) to be rendered to the page. At least one of the items in the list belongs to a class of key items (201). Such key items may for example be text items. The method (100) traverses (601) the list, and classifies items (202, 203) not designated as key items that would when rendered overlie at least one key item (201). At least one other non-key item is then rendered to image data (104, 105), and the page description is generated (107) from page description commands which describe the key items (201), page description commands describing the classified items (202, 203), and rendered image data of the remaining items (200). Including certain items (201, 202 and 203) in the page description using page description commands ensures that the quality of such items is retained. Also, including the remainder of the items (200) using image data provides for high compression.
US08024653B2
Text is extracted from and information resource such as documents, emails, relational database tables and other digitized information sources. The extracted text is processed using a decomposition function to create. Nodes are a particular data structure that stores elemental units of information. The nodes can convey meaning because they relate a subject term or phrase to an attribute term or phrase. Removed from the node data structure, the node contents are or can become a text fragment which conveys meaning, i.e., a note. The notes generated from each digital resource are associated with the digital resource from which they are captured. The notes are then stored, organized and presented in several ways which facilitate knowledge acquisition and utilization by a user.
US08024640B2
A write channel includes a pre-encoding module that encodes write data to produce pre-encoded data. An error correcting code (ECC) module generates ECC data based on the pre-encoded data. A post-encoding module encodes the ECC data to produce post-encoded data. A combining module combines the pre-encoded data and the post-encoded data for writing to the storage medium.
US08024633B2
In a wireless communication network using point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communications, this disclosure teaches the use of combined packets for retransmission and corresponding soft value processing at a receiver, wherein combined packets are formed as the logical combination of two or more previously transmitted packets and allow the receiver to use a single combined packet to correct one or more failed packets. For example, with the combined packet retransmission and corresponding soft value receiver processing as taught herein, a given receiver can use a given combined packet to correct bit errors in all (failed) packets comprising the combined packet as long as the bit errors in a failed packet do not overlap (or align) with bit errors in the other failed packets comprising the combined packet.
US08024627B2
A semiconductor memory device including a plurality of banks, each including a plurality of memory cells, a pattern signal generator configured to generate pattern signals having combinations in response to an input signal applied through an arbitrary pad in a compression test mode. Input paths are configured to transfer the plurality of pattern signals to the corresponding banks.
US08024622B2
The invention provides an information processing apparatus including: a plurality of abnormality detection sections provided in each of a plurality of detection target portions, that detect an abnormality caused by high temperature at a predetermined first frequency; an indication detecting section that detects an indication that the abnormality will occur; and a controller that controls to set the detection frequency of the plurality of abnormality detection sections to a second frequency which is higher than the first frequency, when the number of times that the indication is detected within a predetermined period is more than a predetermined number of times.
US08024607B2
Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
US08024599B2
A system and method for digital communication wherein a host provides a host clock and a clockless device transmits to the host a bit stream synchronized according to the clock at a data rate that is an integer multiple of the clock rate. A training mechanism using training data detects time skew between host clock and bit stream, and a digital skew compensation mechanism compensates, substantially in real time, for the skew and for variations in the skew that may occur with the passage of time, in accordance with a vote among at least three samples of a bit of the bit stream, subsequent sampling being retarded or advanced if, respectively, an early or late sample is in disagreement with the vote. Preferably, the compensation value is selected from at least four possible compensation values, and can be stored in a memory to hasten subsequent restarts of the system.
US08024597B2
The present invention implements a mechanism which enables zero-delay verification tools to detect clock domain crossing violations in device under test designs comprising two different clock domains where the fast clock rate is an integer multiple of the slow clock rate by inserting undefined (i.e., invalid) values on slow clock domain signals during the clock periods when the signals are not supposed to be captured. The undefined values are contained in the logic cone and emulate timing uncertainty of the path. Propagation of the undefined values through the capturing latch indicates improper clock domains crossing handling.
US08024594B2
Disclosed is a method, apparatus and computer program product for reducing memory power consumption in a server system. The server system includes a memory controller and a plurality of Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). The method for reducing the memory power consumption includes determining a status of a channel of a plurality of channels of the memory controller. The plurality of channels is associated with the plurality of DIMMs of the server system. The status of the channel represents a presence of at least one scheduled transaction in the channel. The method further includes monitoring the status of the channel by checking whether the status of the channel is in an idle mode for a period of at least equal to a first threshold time. Thereafter, the method includes driving the channel into a power down state based on the monitoring of the status of the channel.
US08024592B2
A multifunctional device shifts the states of plural reception units from a state that the device operates in a power saving state to a state that the device operates in an operating state, according to which of the plural reception units a reception request of data is input to. The multifunctional device can shorten a time from the reception of the reception request of the data to the reception unit to a start of a data process of the data.
US08024572B2
A system and method for data storage and removal includes providing databases and providing encryption keys. Each database is associated with a database time period and each encryption key is associated with an encryption time period. Data items are received and each data item is encrypted using the encryption key associated with the encryption time period that corresponds to a time associated with the data item. Each encrypted data item is stored in the database associated with the database time period that corresponds to the time associated with the data item. Each encryption key is deactivated at a predetermined time after the associated encryption time period ends. Each database is made irretrievable upon a determination that all of the encryption keys associated with the data items stored in that database have been deactivated.
US08024570B2
A method and apparatus for communication via a computer network (102) including registering a plurality of users (206, 222, 224) with a trusted body (110, 210). The trusted body (110, 210) verifies the identity of each user (206, 222, 224) and generates a random identifier (216) for each user (206, 222, 224). A plurality of users (206, 222, 224) can enter into a dialogue with the other users by means of messages sent over the computer network (102) via the trusted body (110, 210). A user (206, 222, 224) remains anonymous through use of its random identifier (216) until such time as the user (206, 222, 224) reveals its true identity. Due to the registration of the users (206, 222, 224) with the trusted body (110, 210) a means of non-repudiation of the dialogue by the users (206, 222, 224) is provided.
US08024560B1
In one embodiment, the systems and methods utilizes an enciphered permit identification number, called a session certificate, to reference the policy attribute values and session key that are stored in a secured, online reference monitor (SRM). The session key is used to encipher confidential communications, such as voice and audio communications over the Internet (VoIP), between computers. Each computer uses a unique key with a cryptographic transaction protocol for authentication and key agreement (PAKE) to securely communicate with the SRM. A sender computer uses PAKE to get a session certificate and a session key from the SRM. It sends the session certificate to a receiver computer. The receiver computer sends the session certificate to the SRM and gets back the session key. The sender computer encrypts its VoIP message with the session key and transmits it to the receiver computer. The receiver computer decrypts the VoIP message.
US08024553B2
A method of operation within an integrated-circuit processing device having a plurality of execution lanes. Upon receiving an instruction to exchange data between the execution lanes, respective requests from the execution lanes are examined to determine a set of the execution lanes that may send data to one or more others of the execution lanes during a first interval. Each execution lane within the set of the execution lanes is signaled to indicate that the execution lane may send data to the one or others of the execution lanes.
US08024544B2
System, method, and computer program product for monitoring resources capable of being assigned to different partitions of a data processing system from a free resources pool of the data processing system. A free resources event log is associated with the free resources pool for maintaining a log of events for each resource that is in the free resources pool. When a resource is assigned to a partition from the free resources pool, a log of events for the assigned resource is transferred from the free resources event log to an event log associated with the partition.
US08024542B1
Technologies are described for implementing a system that schedules background workflows in a storage system. The background workflows may be automated maintenance tasks that require data movement, or any other tasks that would otherwise compete with normal input/output operations. Historical load statistics can be analyzed to estimate the preferred times in the future during which to schedule background workflows. After collecting data access statistics and usage patterns for several days or weeks, a number of averages can be calculated from the statistics at various natural periods of system utilization. For example, daily, weekly, or other periods. A weighted average can be established where weighting can place more emphasis on recent data. Such averages can serve as predictors of future loads having similar periodic relationships to the historical load data. Predicting future loads can improve the scheduling of background operations by avoiding conflicts with normal system operations.
US08024536B2
A management computer collects a usage condition of a volume from a host computer and a storage apparatus at each site, consolidates management thereof, and prevents a volume from duplicating among applications as a copy source. This makes it possible to select a used volume in an application as a copy source without excess or deficiency and to create a copy pair configuration definition without duplication or incompatibility. If a replication environment is constructed in a large-scale storage system, the consolidated management of a usage condition of a volume collected from the host computer and the storage apparatus at each site makes it possible to create a copy pair configuration definition by a task constituted by a plurality of applications.
US08024534B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for a replication engine communicating with a splitter to split writes between a storage controller and replication engine. Communication is initiated with the splitter implemented in a storage controller managing access to primary volumes. A command is sent to the splitter to copy writes to one primary volume to the replication engine. Write data is received from the splitter to one of the primary volumes following the splitter receiving the command to copy the writes to the replication engine. A determination is made of a copy services function to use for the received data. The determined copy services function is invoked to transfer the received data to a secondary storage volume.
US08024532B2
There is provided a computer system comprising a first storage system and a second storage system coupled to the first storage system. The first storage system provides a first storage area. The second storage system provides a second storage area. The second storage system reads and writes the requested data from and to the first storage area associated with the second storage area; specifies the first storage area associated with the second storage area from which the data is to be erased upon reception of a request for erasing the data stored in the second storage area; and transmits the request for erasing the data to the first storage system providing the specified first storage area. The first storage system erases the data stored in the specified first storage area, based on a data erasure condition included in the request for erasing the data.
US08024531B2
An ascending ordered list without duplication is generated based on a value list divided and held by multiple memory modules. An information processing system has multiple PMMs (Processor Memory Modules), and the PMMs are interconnected via a data transmission path. The memory in the PMM has a list of values, which are ordered in ascending or descending order without duplication. The PMM determines, for a storage value in the value list (LOCAL_LIST) held by the PMM, whether or not the memory module is a representative module representing one or more memory modules holding the storage value based on rankings determined for the individual PMMs and the value lists received from the other PMMs, and if the memory module is determined to be the representative module (RV-0 . . . RV-7), associates to the storage value and stores information indicating that the memory module is the representative module.
US08024512B2
A memory controller and data processor have their operation mode switched from the page-on mode for high-speed access to a same page to the page-off mode in response to consecutive events of access to different pages, so that the memory access is performed at a high speed and low power consumption.
US08024511B2
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise, via a state machine implemented as an application specific integrated circuit, responsive to an automatically detected asynchronous RAM interface signal, automatically transmitting a corresponding synchronous RAM interface signal. The state machine can be communicatively coupled to a programmable logic controller.
US08024501B2
A system and method performs speed and connection handshaking between Beta signal ports and/or Bilingual ports in a serial data interface system. A tone pattern generator (e.g., a flip-flop) can be used to generate a tone pattern signal representing approximately 49 MHz to approximately 62 MHz. A selecting system (e.g., a multiplexer, a digital multiplexer, or the like) selectively transmits either the tone pattern signal or a data input signal. These signals include a driver control signal. A serializer serializes either the tone pattern signal or the data input signal. A clock device (e.g., a clock divider) drives the tone pattern generator and the serializer. A driver receives and differentially transmits, along a twister-wire pair, either the serialized tone pattern signal or the serialized data input signal.
US08024500B2
A universal peripheral connector apparatus for a mobile device and in communication with the mobile device. The universal peripheral connector apparatus including: at least one universal serial bus (USB) connector providing at least one connection; at least one USB host controller configured to control the at least one USB connection; a microprocessor configured to control the at least one USB host controller, the microprocessor having an operating system; a USB device control interface on the mobile device configured to communicate and control the universal connector apparatus; and a USB driver configured to operate within the operating system of the universal peripheral connector to enable the mobile device to connect to one or more peripherals via the at least one USB connector.
US08024497B2
The Distributed Virtual I/O Tool replaces dedicated VIO server LPARs by distributing the virtual I/O functions across several application LPARs connected by a high-speed communication channel. The physical I/O devices are distributed across available LPARs. The Distributed Virtual I/O Tool assigns each I/O request to an appropriate I/O device. The Distributed Virtual I/O Tool monitors each I/O request and reassigns I/O devices when performance drops on a specific device or when a device is no longer available.
US08024496B2
An enhanced migration descriptor migrates a plurality of source sub-pages in a large source page accessible by direct memory access devices. A splitter and selector are integrated into a configuration of a computer. Responsive to a request to migrate a large page containing the plurality of source sub-pages in the source page, the splitter divides a plurality of high order page numbers from a plurality of low order page numbers. The selector selects the high order page number of the large page and creates an enhanced migration descriptor comprising the high order page number and a size of the large page. The selector, by the enhanced migration descriptor, combines the low order page number for a sub-page with the destination address and size of the enhanced migration descriptor to migrate the large page and each of the plurality of sub-pages.
US08024495B2
A communication data controller is provided which is capable of correctly retransmitting transmission data even if a block of the transmission data exceeding a FIFO (First-In First-Out) memory is written in an overwriting manner to the FIFO memory. The memory stores transmission data to be transmitted to a communication device. Transmission data stored in the memory is written and read to and from the FIFO memory by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). A DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) driver, when a request for retransmission of a block is made in the case where the block of transmission data exceeding a capacity of the FIFO memory is written to the FIFO memory, drives the DMAC and transfers the block being stored in the memory to the communication data controller.
US08024493B2
A system configured to transfer an electronic file includes a non-volatile storage memory; an autonomous power supply; a transfer system comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a file to be transmitted, the transmitter comprising a first contact connection port configured to enable mechanical fitting to a contact connection port of a second system, a receiver configured to receive a file, the receiver comprising a second contact connection port configured to enable mechanical fitting to another contact connection port of the second system, and a transmission control system configured to authorize or prohibit a transmission of an electronic file to the second system, the transmission control system including a system configured to recognize mechanical fitting to the second system. The non volatile storage memory is compartmentalized into a transmission memory zone configured to store a file to be transmitted, and a reception zone configured only for the reception or the storage of files; the receiver is configured to perform the reception into the reception memory zone; the transmitter of a file is configured to transmit a file contained in the transmission memory zone; and the transmission control system is configured to automatically start, at the recognition of mechanical fitting to the second system, the transmission of a copy of the file stored in the transmission memory zone, to a reception memory zone of the second system, a file stored in the reception zone of the second system being unable to be transmitted via the transmission system, thereby effecting a security function.
US08024492B2
A method of managing a power monitoring and control informational system that encompasses multiple intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) of varying types comprises creating different device types, including tags associated with each of the device types; creating at least one profile for each of the device types; and generating a user interface display that enables a user to create a new profile, the display including options to create a new profile or to create a profile by modifying a copy of data representing an existing profile.
US08024491B1
A method and apparatus for detecting a connection between a peripheral device and a host device is described.
US08024489B2
A system for communicating command parameters between a processor and a memory flow controller is provided. The system makes use of a channel interface as the primary mechanism for communicating between the processor and a memory flow controller. The channel interface provides channels for communicating with processor facilities, memory flow control facilities, machine state registers, and external processor interrupt facilities, for example. These channels may be designated as blocking or non-blocking. With blocking channels, when no data is available to be read from the corresponding registers, or there is no space available to write to the corresponding registers, the processor is placed in a low power “stall” state. The processor is automatically awakened, via communication across the blocking channel, when data becomes available or space is freed. Thus, the channels of the present invention permit the processor to stay in a low power state.
US08024485B2
The invention relates to systems and or methodologies for enabling cooperative coexistence of multiple time synchronization applications in handheld devices. More particularly, a time component that maintains a time value for a computing device, and a time synchronization component that interfaces with one or more communication entities, and selects one of the communication entities to set the time value in the computing device based on a set of criteria.
US08024478B2
A method and system for identifying a network path between a source node and a destination node are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a proxy trace message at the source node, transmitting the proxy trace message over the network path towards the destination node, and receiving the proxy trace message at the source node. The proxy trace message follows a path taken by application messages transmitted by the source node and the received proxy trace message includes addresses of the destination node and proxies in the network path.
US08024466B2
Methods and systems of providing security backup services to a home network are described. In one embodiment, the gateway for a home network is registered with a service provider. A network device is enrolled with the home network, and periodically reenrolls. The device detects whether the gateway has been replaced between enrolling and reenrolling, and if it has been replaced, determines whether the new network gateway has been endorsed by the service provider.
US08024465B2
Techniques are provided to integrate applications having different data structures. Data from the application having a less restrictive data structure is provided to the application with a more restrictive data structure as the application is capable of storing the data. Data from the application having a less restrictive data structure may be stored.
US08024463B2
Systems and methods of tracking activity over networks and, in particular, tracking web activity over the Internet are described. Exemplary systems and methods may include a receiver for receiving a request from a visitor for a data object, a processor for providing a cookie to track the visitor's web activity, and a transmitter for transmitting the cookie to the visitor in response to the request. The cookie may comprise tracking information for a plurality of web sites visited by the visitor.
US08024462B1
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for preventing communication of unwanted network traffic by holding only a last portion of the network traffic. In use, network traffic associated with a file transfer is received. Additionally, only a last portion of the network traffic associated with the file transfer is held for determining whether the file is unwanted. Further, the last portion of the network traffic associated with the file transfer is conditionally forwarded to a destination device, based on the determination.
US08024458B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for tracking a frequency distribution of streamed values. A stream of monitoring values is generally received in a host from a plurality of external hosts. A frequency distribution is stored in the host, the frequency distribution comprising a plurality of ranges that vary exponentially, and a plurality of frequency values, each of the frequency values being associated with a corresponding one of the ranges. A frequency at which the monitoring values fall within respective ones of the ranges is tracked in the frequency distribution.
US08024450B1
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for remote administration of a computer network. The system comprises an administration server for remotely managing a computer network. The server deploys administration agents on the computers in the network for performing various administrative tasks. In addition, the server selects a computer with the highest performance rating as a local administration proxy for the network. The server then transmits to the local administration proxy a control signal for performing one or more administrative tasks by administration agents deployed on the computers in the network. The server then establishes, through the local administration proxy, a connection with the administration agents for performing administrative tasks of the computers.
US08024443B1
Methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for applying a user defined operation on collected network data include defining a user defined operation (UDO). A network device is monitored for data relating to the UDO and data relating to the UDO is collected from the network device. The UDO is applied to the collected network data and a result is produced.
US08024438B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing bandwidth management services are provided. The method includes associating a service session of a connection with at least one of a device and a user of the device for an account. The method also includes evaluating the service session for an event. The evaluation factors in capabilities associated with the device and/or service session. The method further includes notifying the account upon an occurrence of the event.
US08024436B2
A DSL customer premises equipment modem (DCPE) avoids the requirement of a flash or other static memory for storing an application image or configuration on the modem. The modem instead stores microcode used to boot its chipset and obtain the application image and/or configuration from a remote site, such as the central office (CO). In one possible startup procedure, this microcode initializes the modem's chipset, starts the DSL driver, establishes a data link with the service provider's CO equipment, and downloads the application image and/or the configuration from the CO. Other types of communications devices, such as cellular phones or other portable devices, can perform a similar procedure to obtain an application image from a remote source, such as a base station.
US08024434B2
The present invention is directed to a system and method for managing state information related to an interactive application to accommodate one or more users participating in an interactive application session, wherein the state information comprises local state information specific to each of the one or more user's unique view of the interactive application and global state information. The system of the present invention may comprise a telecommunications network; an application server in communication with the telecommunications network for managing the global state information relative to all of the users participating in the interactive application session; and at least one mobile client device in communication with the application server over the telecommunications network for managing the local state information for each of the one or more users. The method of the present invention may comprise the steps of structuring the state information for optimized delivery over the telecommunications network.
US08024428B2
A Registering Entity or another entity may provide a framework for collecting WHOIS Business Information from a Non-Controlling Party of a domain name and entering it into WHOIS. The framework may include a website, webpage, web service, web resource, software, API, or another technological solution suitable for collecting WHOIS Business Information from Non-Controlling Party. The website, webpage, web service, or the web resource may be located at URL associated with a Controlling Party's domain name, e.g. an active or a parked page for the domain name. WHOIS Business Information will be typically available for viewing to everyone along with the traditional WHOIS information.
US08024424B2
The increasing number of Internet users and innovative new services such as e-commerce are placing new demands on Web servers. It is becoming essential for Web servers to provide performance isolation, have fast recovery times, and provide continuous service during overload at least to preferred customers. The invention describes a kernel-based architecture for content-aware service differentiation that protects Web servers against overload by controlling the amount and rate of work entering the system. We have invented a mechanism that provides admission control and service differentiation based on connection and application level information. The application header-based connection control uses application-level information (such as URIs and cookies for HTTP) to define different service differentiation actions. The present invention provides the kernel mechanisms that are more efficient and scalable than application level controls implemented in current Web servers.
US08024422B2
The present invention is a system and method for creating and implementing transactional speech applications (SAs) using Web technologies, without reliance on server-side standard or custom services. A transactional speech application may be any application that requires interpretation of speech in conjunction with a speech recognition (SR) system, such as, for example, consumer survey systems. A speech application in accordance with the present invention is represented within a Web page, as an application script that interprets semantic objects according to a context. Any commonly known scripting language can be used to write the application script, such as JavaScript (or ECMAScript), PerlScript, and VBscript. The present invention is “Web-based” to the extent that it implements Web technologies, but it need not include or access the World Wide Web.
US08024411B2
Web based e-mail classification is disclosed. A toolbar adds the ability to classify message such as web e-mail, calendar items and meeting appointments based on specific properties such as security classification, information type, document type, document retention, document caveats, and the like associated with the message. The toolbar through dropdown selections allows users to select the appropriate classification and properties based upon the content of the message. Administrators can predefine all the classification selections that are available to the user. E-mail classification properties are generated that are associated with the message by metadata insertion and by inserting visual markings that allow users to quickly identify the security, sensitivity, intended distribution or retention of the e-mail or calendar item. By utilizing the classification toolbar a user can classify an e-mail by one or more classification levels and be ensured that the message is delivered and processed in the appropriate manner.
US08024407B2
In a method for providing access to resources, a virtual world application executing on a first server transmits, to a client, data representative of at least one virtual world object. The virtual world application receives, from the client, a request to access a resource executed on a second server. The virtual world application requests access to the requested resource and, in response, receives output data generated by the resource. The virtual world application transmits, to the client, the received output data and data representative of a second virtual world object. In some aspects, the virtual world application receives a request to render, on a virtual world object, output data generated by a resource executed on the client. An agent intercepts the output data generated by the resource executed on the client. A virtual world client applies the intercepted output data as a texture to a virtual world object.
US08024404B2
In a peer-to-peer collaborative system in which collaborators communicate via a shared telespace and exchange data change requests, a unique number is assigned to each endpoint (a unique pairing of a device and a person) of each of the telespace members. Each endpoint number indicates the order in which the member joined the telespace, and, for each member invited to join (or otherwise sponsored) by another telespace member (the “inviting member”), it also indicates the inviting member. As more and more members are invited to join by those new members, the designations add additional orders of digits to indicate the family tree or chain of inviting members. The designations are used to resolve collisions between two data change requests that are both dependent on the same data change request.
US08024400B2
A web page architecture is provided for enabling a user browse the web within an inline frame embedded in a web page and drag and drop content rendered in the inline frame into a receiving panel in the web page for transmission to the user's mobile device. The delivery mechanism to receive such content on the user's mobile device may be either through SMS messaging or through communicating with a client application on the user's mobile device.
US08024392B2
A method, system, and apparatus for performing computations.In a method, arguments X and K are loaded into session memory, and X mod P and X mod Q are computed to give, respectively, XP and XQ. XP and XQ are exponentiated to compute, respectively, CP and CQ. CP and CQ are merged to compute C, which is then retrieved from the session memory.A system includes a computing device and at least one computational apparatus, wherein the computing device is configured to use the computational apparatus to perform accelerated computations.An apparatus includes a chaining controller and a plurality of computational devices. A first chaining subset of the plurality of computational devices includes at least two of the plurality of computational devices, and the chaining controller is configured to instruct the first chaining subset to operate as a first computational chain.
US08024391B2
A modular multiplication method implemented in an electronic digital processing system takes advantage of the case where one of the operands W is known in advance or used multiple times with different second operands V to speed calculation. The operands V and W and the modulus M may be integers or polynomials over a variable X. A possible choice for the type of polynomials can be polynomials of the binary finite field GF(2N). Once operand W is loaded into a data storage location, a value P=└W·Xn+δ/M┘ is pre-computed by the processing system. Then when a second operand V is loaded, the quotient q^ for the product V·W being reduced modulo M is quickly estimated, q^=└V·P/Xn+δ┘, optionally randomized, q′=q^−E, and can be used to obtain the remainder r′=V·W−q′·M, which is congruent to (V·M) mod M. A final reduction can be carried out, and the later steps repeated with other second operands V.
US08024388B2
An embodiment includes encoding parallel digital data into encoded and parallel digital data in an encoder and generating parallel test data in a pseudo-random binary sequence generator circuit. The encoded and parallel digital data is coupled through a multiplexer to be serialized in a serializer in a normal mode of operation and the parallel test data is coupled through the multiplexer to be serialized in the serializer in a test mode of operation. Encoded and serial digital data are transmitted to a transmission medium in the normal mode, and serial test data are transmitted to the transmission medium in the test mode. The encoder, the serializer, the sequence generator circuit, and the multiplexer may be fabricated in a single integrated circuit chip. The parallel test data may be parallel pseudo-random binary sequence data. The parallel digital data may include data to generate colors in a visual image.
US08024386B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a random number generating apparatus, including a first level sampling module and a second level sampling module. The first level sampling module includes a first oscillator, a second oscillator and a first sampler capable of sampling the first oscillating signal with the second oscillating signal to generate a first output signal. The second level sampling module includes a voltage-controlled oscillator capable of generating a voltage-controlled oscillating signal by using the first output signal as a control voltage, a third oscillator capable of generating a third oscillating signal, and a second sampler, capable of sampling the third oscillating signal with the voltage-controlled oscillating signal and generating random numbers. The first level oscillator sampling provides a random control voltage for the second level oscillator sampling, therefore improving the randomicity of the second level oscillator sampling as well as the random number generating rate.
US08024385B2
A programmable calculator includes: a display unit; a calculation processing section configured to perform calculation processing; a calculation screen display control section configured to control the display unit to display a calculation screen; a base state setting section configured to set, as a base state, a calculation state; a base state storing section configured to store the base state that is set together with the calculation screen corresponding to the base state; an operation pattern storing section configured to store an operation pattern of a series of user operations that are input after the base state was set by the base state setting section; and a guide display control section configured to control the display unit to display a calculation screen corresponding to the arbitrary base state stored in the base state storing section, and to display, as guide indications, the stored operation pattern.
US08024383B2
Directories in a file system are defined with a dummy cluster in a file allocation table as the initial entry. Subsequent clusters in a directory's definition may define any data for the directory that can be changed in a transaction-safe mode. A directory may be modified in a transaction-safe mode by modifying any of the subsequent clusters while tracking changes in a second file allocation table. When the changes have been made to the directory, a pointer to the second file allocation table may be switched to indicate that the second file allocation table is now last known good. The first file allocation table may then be synchronized with the second.
US08024372B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that learns a generative model for textual documents. During operation, the system receives a current model, which contains terminal nodes representing random variables for words and cluster nodes representing clusters of conceptually related words. Within the current model, nodes are coupled together by weighted links, so that if a cluster node in the probabilistic model fires, a weighted link from the cluster node to another node causes the other node to fire with a probability proportionate to the link weight. The system also receives a set of training documents, wherein each training document contains a set of words. Next, the system applies the set of training documents to the current model to produce a new model.
US08024359B2
The present invention provides a system and method for accessing electronic data through entry of images as queries in search engine. The system uses various image capturing devices and communication devices to capture images and enter them into image database. Image recognition techniques encode images in a computer readable format. The processed image is then entered for comparison into at least one database populated with images and associated information. Once the newly captured image is matched with an image in the database, the information linked with that image is returned to the user.
US08024357B2
A medium and system for managing an external routine in a computer implemented database management system includes creating a first table for storing external routines in a data store coupled to the database management system. An external routine is stored in the first table so that the database management system is allowed to automatically manage any modification related to the external routine and to control access to the external routine such that administrative support is minimized.
US08024354B2
A system and associated method for managing data. Each pointer of at least one pointer is stored in a metadata object. The pointer resides in a first repository, each unique file resides in a second repository, and the metadata object resides in third repository. Each pointer is deleted from the first repository. Upon receipt from the first repository of an event indicating both a unique file and a pointer no longer resides in the first repository, the pointer is searched for in each metadata object residing in the third repository pertaining to a hierarchical metadata management system (HMMS). After searching and locating the pointer in a metadata object in the third repository, the pointer is restored to the first repository. A hierarchical storage management system (HSM) is notified that the pointer currently resides in the first repository thus allowing the HSM to retrieve the unique file from the second repository.
US08024347B2
A method and system for differentiating types of data stored in a data collection. In one implementation, the method includes receiving a search request on a first type of data stored in the data collection; automatically differentiating data of the first type stored in the data collection from data of other types stored in the data collection; and completing the search request using data determined to be of the first type. Automatically differentiating data of the first type includes determining a type of each data entry in the data collection based only on tokens associated with the data entry.
US08024341B1
An expanded queries data structure is described. The data structure is produced on the basis of a set of seed queries, and consists of entries each specifying an expanded query submitted by a user that has been determined to have a high degree of relatedness to at least a plurality of the seed queries of the set. The expanded queries specified by the entries of the expanded queries data structure can be used to define a segment of users expected to have interests characterized by the seed queries.
US08024335B2
A system and related techniques accept user-inputted search terms, for example to perform a search for files or other data or objects. Corresponding matches to those terms may be presented to the user in a “word-wheel”-type breakout list generated on the fly for groupings of hits by attributes or other criteria, as the system searches through the file system at the current level or point in the file system hierarchy. According to embodiments, when the search logic fails to locate a hit on the inputted search term at the current level or point in the file system hierarchy, an extension of the search to different levels or points in the file system hierarchy may be automatically generated, and for instance presented to the user as a selectable search box. That box may for example be highlighted to the user for easy selection. When the user does select the selectable search box, the user's search, for instance for files of type or extension “.doc” or “.memo”, may be seamlessly extended to other files, folders, trees or other points or levels in the file system hierarchy. Search results may be continuously or dynamically updated as the user, for example, enters more characters or other data.
US08024334B2
A system for automatically creating and maintaining a database of information utilizing user opinions about subjects, particularly exceptional experiences. Described is an Internet system assisting/motivating a population of users interested in information about certain categories of subjects to automatically maintain the database content and to improve the usefulness and quality of the database information without any substantial management by the website owner-manager. The user opinions are primarily in the form of both comments and ratings about which natural-language terms best describe a particular subject, enabling user searches of the subject database to be by way of preferred such descriptive natural-language terms, which terms are further preferred to be evaluative and approving.
US08024327B2
Systems and methods are described that calculate the interestingness of a set of one or more records in a database, either absolutely (i.e., compared to an overall collection of records) or relative to some other set of records. In one embodiment, the measure is a relative entropy value that has been normalized. Various applications of the measure are described in the context of an information retrieval system. These applications include, for example, guiding query interpretation, guiding view selection and summarization, intelligent ranges, event detection, concept triggers and interpreting user actions, hierarchy discovery, and adaptive data mining.
US08024324B2
A method for information retrieval with unified search between heterogeneous objects includes indexing a first object as a document in a search index; referencing a second object related to the first object in a facet of the document; and storing a relationship strength between the first and second objects in the facet of the document in the search index. Multiple heterogeneous objects can be related to the first object and referenced in multiple facets of the document, each with its relationship strength to the first object. Scoring an indirect object by indirect relation to a query object can be carried out by aggregating the relationship strengths between the indirect object and the retrieved objects multiplied by the retrieved objects' direct scores of relationship strength to the query object.
US08024320B1
Novel methods for expressing paths contained in queries are provided. The path expressions are composed from tokens selected from the group consisting of object identifiers, attribute identifiers, a relationship operator, and path qualifiers. Path expressions can be more easily created than by creating the path expressions directly in SQL. The path expressions can easily be incorporated into queries for querying data structured according to an object model. Examples of such queries include queries for implementing rules for checking data corresponding to IT infrastructures to see if the IT infrastructure is compliant with policies created for the IT infrastructure.
US08024311B2
Contextual information is received, and a chosen event is identified based at least upon an analysis of the contextual information. A set of media assets is then identified based at least upon an analysis of the identified event. At least some of the contextual information is associated in a processor-accessible memory system with the chosen event, at least one asset in the set of media assets, or both the chosen event and at least one asset in the set of media assets. By using an event to identify media assets to which contextual information is associated, fewer and more relevant media assets may be retrieved and annotated as compared to conventional techniques.
