US08026883B2
A liquid crystal display (400) includes a liquid crystal panel (430), a scanning driver (410), a data driver (420), and a compensator (440). The liquid crystal panel includes gate lines (401) parallel to each other, data lines (402) intersecting the gate lines, and TFTs (403) arranged at each intersection. The scanning driver is configured for providing scanning signals. The compensator is configured for compensating the scanning signals. The compensator comprises switching elements (450) connected to tail ends of the gate lines respectively. When one gate line is scanned, a high compensating voltage is applied to the tail end through a corresponding switching element to accelerate to turn on the TFTs adjacent to the tail end. And at an end of the scanning time, a low compensating voltage is applied to the tail end through the corresponding switching element to accelerate to turn off the TFTs adjacent to the tail end.
US08026880B2
A microlouver includes a periodic structure in which a transparent layer and a light absorption layer are alternately disposed with a constant, repetitive period. The range of the exit direction of a light beam passing through the transparent layer is restricted by the light absorption layer. The periodic structure includes a periodic structure portion divided in the direction that intersects the direction in which the transparent layer and the light absorption layer are repeatedly disposed. In the periodic structure portion, between the periodic structures adjacent to each other, there is a difference of 180 degree in the phase of spatial frequency of each periodic structure.
US08026877B2
A potential of a gate of a driving transistor is fixed, and the driving transistor is operated in a saturation region, so that a current is supplied thereto anytime. A current control transistor operating in a linear region is disposed serially with the driving transistor, and a video signal for transmitting a signal of emission or non-emission of the pixel is input to a gate of the current control transistor via a switching transistor.
US08026876B2
A system and method are disclosed for determining a pixel capacitance. The pixel capacitance is correlated to a pixel age to determine a current correction factor used for compensating the pixel drive current to account for luminance degradation of the pixel that results from the pixel aging.
US08026871B2
This invention generally relates to display driver circuits for electro-optic displays, and more particularly relates to circuits and methods for reducing the re-emission of absorbed light, for example to increase the color gamut of organic light emitting diode displays. A driver for a display comprising a plurality of light emitting diode display elements, the driver comprising addressing circuitry to address said display elements, a first driver to cooperate with said address circuitry to provide a forward drive to at least one of said display elements to illuminate the display element, and a second driver to provide a reverse bias drive to others of said display elements at the same time as said at least one display element is illuminated to reduce a level of photoluminescence from said others of said display elements.
US08026862B2
Apparatus, methods, and systems provide electromagnetic compression. In some approaches the electromagnetic compression is achieved with metamaterials. In some approaches the electromagnetic compression defines an electromagnetic distance between first and second locations substantially greater than a physical distance between the first and second locations, and the first and second locations may be occupied by first and second structures (such as antennas) having an inter-structure coupling (such as a near-field coupling) that is a function of the electromagnetic distance. In some approaches the electromagnetic compression reduces the spatial extent of an antenna near field.
US08026847B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for acquiring signal received from space vehicles (SVs) in a satellite navigation system. In one example, although claimed subject matter is not so limited, information processed in acquiring a signal from a first SV may be used in acquiring a signal from a second SV.
US08026842B2
A land-based smart sensor system and several system architectures for detection, tracking, and classification of people and vehicles automatically and in real time for border, property, and facility security surveillance is described. The preferred embodiment of the proposed smart sensor system is comprised of (1) a low-cost, non-coherent radar, whose function is to detect and track people, singly or in groups, and various means of transportation, which may include vehicles, animals, or aircraft, singly or in groups, and cue (2) an optical sensor such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, whose function is to classify the identified targets and produce movie clips for operator validation and use, and (3) a supercomputer to process the collected data in real-time. The smart sensor system can be implemented in a tower-based or a mobile-based, or combination system architecture. The radar can also be operated as a stand-alone system.
US08026841B2
Disclosed is a method, means for and computer program for enhancing range and azimuth resolution in a two-dimensional (2D) image generated by a frequency modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar for providing enhanced situational awareness in autonomous approach and landing guidance (AALG) system by forming and displaying a two-dimensional (2D) model of landing conditions from received range and azimuth real beam radar (RBR) signals by rendering one or more target locations and amplitudes in both range and azimuth, selecting a region of interest from the displayed 2D model to enhance the one or more target locations in the selected region of interest, selectively applying range and azimuth resolution enhancement using a first and second beamforming approach or applying azimuth only resolution enhancement by using just the second beamforming approach to obtain an one or more accurate target location estimations and combining the enhanced one or more target locations to render an enhanced 2D image.
US08026838B2
A current-mode analog-to-digital converter includes: a current input node; a current-mode sample and hold circuit configured to output a steady source of electrical current having an analog value proportional to a sampled analog value of an electrical current at the current input node; and at least one current comparator that compares the electrical current output by the current-mode sample and hold circuit to at least one reference current to produce a digital representation of the sampled analog value of the electrical current at the current input node.
US08026829B2
A method and apparatus for providing a strobe alarm unit employing at least one light emitting diode.
US08026822B2
A pest control device system includes a plurality of pest control devices and a data collector. The system may further include the data collector in the form of a gateway that is connected to a data management server via a computer network along with other gateways in corresponding pest control device groups. Each pest control device includes a pest sensor and a wireless communication circuit to transmit information from the corresponding sensor. The devices also configure to define a local wireless communication network that can relay the information from one to the next and ultimately to the data collector.
US08026821B2
A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.
US08026820B2
The movement of persons is indicated at least at two predefined locations in a building with motion detectors intended for monitoring each location and fastened to the building. By means of the detections, the movement of each person is detected from a predefined initial location to a predefined destination location in a predefined time without raising an alarm if the detected locations of the person form a line of predefined consecutive locations. Otherwise, an alarm is raised.
US08026817B2
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for radio frequency identification (RFID) tag positional addressing. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: activating a plurality of first RFID tags, wherein each first RFID tag emits an identification (ID) and a position; capturing the IDs and positions emitted by the first RFID tags using a plurality of second RFID tags, wherein each second RFID tag captures the IDs and positions emitted by the first RFID tags located in a vicinity of the second RFID tag, and wherein each second RFID tag determines its physical location based on the captured IDs and positions; and sending a read command including a position of a targeted one of the second RFID tags that is to be read, wherein only the targeted second RFID tag located at the position in the read command responds to the read command.
US08026811B2
A security system includes a system control panel for arming and disarming a security system. A door sensing unit is mounted proximate to a door to be monitored. The door sensing unit includes a door contact, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, and a low frequency (LF) transmitter. The door contact is configured to detect open and closed states of the door. The RF transceiver is interconnected with the system control panel over a network and the LF transmitter transmits an LF data packet when the door contact detects the open state of the door. A disarm device having an LF detection circuit detects the LF data packet. The disarm device transmits an RF disarm data packet based on the LF data packet. The RF transceiver transmits a disarm message to the system control panel over the network to disarm the security system based on the RF disarm data packet.
US08026801B2
A disclosed accelerator level display device 1 includes an accelerator level detection unit 12 configured to detect an accelerator level; a target accelerator level determining unit 14b configured to determine a target accelerator level for the accelerator level; and a display unit 15a, 20 configured to display a target accelerator level indicator corresponding to the target accelerator level and an accelerator level indicator corresponding to the detected accelerator level. The display unit is configured to display the target accelerator level indicator as a fixed value regardless of the target accelerator level determined by the target accelerator level determining unit.
US08026796B2
The present invention relates to a system which reminds the user of the time at which they must take their medication through the use of an alarm using light and sound which, thanks to an apparatus that is activated at the initial opening of the cap (2) of the medicine bottle (10) and which is positioned on the medicine bottle's (10) cap (2) allows the user to administer drugs which can only be effective when taken at the right time. The system can be set in advance in accordance with the time intervals, drug types and the amount of drugs associated with the drugs in the medicine bottle (10). The system provides alerts for patients who may be blind or deaf by using a warning which utilizes both light and sound.
US08026795B2
An RFID device having sensor arrays incorporated in its tags. Each tag generates an ID code together with sensing pulses the width of which changes with sensing values. Conflicts between tags in communication are avoided by adding a sleep section to the code sequence. The interrogator reads the ID code and digitizes the width of sensing pulses during the communication with tags, and then calculates sensing values based on the information obtained. Since only discrete signals exist in data acquisition, and the digitization process is in parallel with data communication, the system needs neither ADC circuits nor an extra process for signal digitization.
US08026794B1
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media deliver a variety of personalized information to a member of an association. In embodiments, information intended for delivery to a member, with or without request by the member, may be delivered via a television transmission, a telematic transmission to a vehicle, or a read-only memory. A password or biometric may be used to authenticate the intended viewer of the delivered information prior to displaying it.
US08026793B2
Vehicle information (e.g., status information, calibratable parameters, or diagnostic data) is transmitted from a base station mounted in a vehicle to a portable RKE fob via a radio-frequency signal within a specified average field strength limit. A multi-byte vehicle message is formed and then coded into a multi-bit coded message. The multi-bit coded message is framed into a plurality of packets. The radio-frequency signal is wirelessly transmitted from the base station with a plurality of spaced packet windows having a predetermined duty cycle, each packet window including a respective one of the plurality of packets. The radio-frequency signal within each of the packet windows has a predetermined field strength greater than the average field strength limit and a substantially zero field strength between the packet windows. The predetermined duty cycle results in an actual average field strength for transmitting all of the packets not exceeding the average field strength limit.
US08026791B2
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for implementing remote control processes is provided. The method includes receiving a request to execute an operation on a target device via selection of a function key on a remote control device. The function key is associated with the operation and the target device that performs the operation for remotely controlling operation of the target device via a signal transmitted from the remote control device to the target device when the function key is selected. The method also includes approving the request to execute the operation when authorization has been secured, and transmitting the signal from the remote control device to the target device in response to the approval.
US08026790B2
A device (1) for safe data transmission to railway beacons has a first and a second circuit section (1a, 1b) independent of and galvanically separate from each other, and each having: a microprocessor (6a, 6b) selection stage (2a, 2b) receiving information signals relative to the status of a portion of a railway line, and generating at least one telegram for transmission to a beacon; and a control stage (3a, 3b) comparing the telegrams generated by the first and second circuit section (1a, 1b) for enabling/disabling data transmission to the beacon. The first circuit section (1a) also has a transmission enabling stage (4, 5, 17), which allows transmission to the beacon of the telegram generated by the first circuit section (1a), in the event the comparison performed by the control stage (3a, 3b) is successful.
US08026784B2
This current invention is about a switching implement enabled to perform the remote-controlled switching of electric consumers, consisting of multiple electro-mechanical bistable switches, plus at least one actuating element allocated to the bistable switches such that it can selectively change the state of any of the bistable switches from one of its two states to the other and vice versa.
US08026779B2
An object is to provide a resonator and a vibrator with a high Q value in which dissipation of vibration energy in vibration of the vibrator is small, and a thickness of a support part of the vibrator of a beam structure is made thicker than a thickness of the vibrator and the support part is formed in axisymmetry with respect to a length direction of a beam. By this configuration, brittleness of the support part is improved and loss of vibration energy from the support part is reduced and also loss of vibration energy resulting from surface roughness of a surface of the vibrator can be reduced, so that a resonator having a high Q value can be provided.
US08026773B2
The present disclosure relates generally to digitally tunable impedance matching networks. In one example, a digitally tunable impedance matching network is configured to produce an overall reactance value of approximately X, and includes multiple reactive components that are configured to produce a reactance value in the range of approximately zero to X with a minimum resolution of approximately X/2n.
US08026772B2
A microwave generator includes a resonator which has two mutually opposite resonator electrodes formed with a spark gap device that breaks down when an ignition voltage is applied. In order to provide the microwave generator with increased power, in which the resonator can be operated at relatively high ignition voltages or field strengths, the spark gap device has at least two spark gaps connected in series.
US08026766B2
A power circuit for a power amplifier which operates in an inactive period and an active period is provided and includes a power supply unit, a current limiting unit, a storage unit, and a converting unit. The power supply unit provides a first current. The current limiting unit is arranged to process the first current to generate a second current. The storage unit is arranged to provide a storage voltage. The storage unit is charged by the second current during the inactive period and discharged by a third current during the active period. The converting unit provides an active power to the power amplifier according to the storage voltage, the second current, and the third current during the active period.
US08026762B2
The present invention provides an amplifier for a wireless transmitter. In one embodiment, the amplifier includes a signal separator for decomposing an input signal into constant envelope signals and amplifier circuits for amplifying the constant envelope signals. The amplifier also includes a combiner for combining the amplified constant envelope signals to form an output signal that is an amplified representation of the input signal. Linear correction circuits are used to apply gain, phase, and/or delay correction to the constant envelope signals. The corrections are determined based upon a feedback portion of the output signal. Pre-distortion circuits are used to apply a non-linear pre-distortion to the constant envelope signals. The non-linear pre-distortion is determined based upon the feedback portion of the output signal.
US08026760B1
A switched capacitor circuit utilizes a pair of serially connected differential amplifiers that have plus inputs, minus inputs, plus outputs, and minus outputs. Feedback to the plus/minus inputs is in a first configuration relative to the output of the pair of differential amplifiers in a sampling mode and a second configuration in a hold mode. Similarly, the plus/minus inputs relative to the plus/minus outputs of the serially connected differential amplifiers is reversed between the sampling and hold modes.
US08026748B2
A delay locked loop (DLL) circuit includes a delay line configured to generate a delay clock signal by delaying a reference clock signal in response to a delay control signal, the delay line having two or more initial activation points, wherein the initial activation points are selected according to an initial value of the delay control signal; a delay compensating unit configured to generate a feedback clock signal by delaying the delay clock signal for a predetermined time; a phase detecting unit configured to generate a phase detection signal by comparing a phase of the reference clock signal to a phase of the feedback clock signal; and a delay control unit configured to generate the delay control signal in response to the phase detection signal.
US08026742B1
In one embodiment, a phase detector is provided comprising a first input, a second input, and first circuitry in communication with the first and second inputs, the first circuitry operative to provide an indication of a phase difference between a first signal supplied by the first input and a second signal supplied by the second input, wherein an aberration in one of the first and second signals results in an incorrect indication of phase difference. The phase detector also comprises second circuitry in communication with the first circuitry, the second circuitry operative to provide a correct indication of phase difference despite the aberration in the at least one of the first and second signals. In another embodiment, a differential phase detector is provided.
US08026740B2
Apparatus are disclosed, such as those involving a transmitter circuit that is configured to generate multi-level signals based on a plurality of data digits. One such transmitter circuit includes a signal output and an encoder configured to provide control signals based at least partially on the plurality of data digits. The transmitter circuit also includes a first set of switches configured to receive one or more of the control signals, and to selectively conduct a first or second voltage reference to the signal output. The transmitter circuit further includes first and second voltage drop circuits that provide third and fourth voltage references, respectively. The third and fourth voltage references have voltage levels between those of the first and second voltage references. The transmitter circuit also includes a second set of switches configured to receive one or more of the control signals, and selectively conduct the third or fourth voltage reference to the signal output.
US08026739B2
Different functional elements are all located on a same integrated circuit wherein at least one of the functional elements comprises a micro-controller. Configuration registers or configuration memory in the integrated circuit store configuration values loaded by the micro-controller. Connectors are configured to connect the integrated circuit to external signals. A system level interconnect also located in the integrated circuit programmably connects together the different functional elements and different connectors according to the configuration values loaded into the configuration registers.
US08026735B2
A test handler is disclosed in the present invention. The test handler may include a test tray on which a plurality of inserts are arrayed for loading at least one semiconductor device, at least one opening unit for simultaneously opening one part of the plurality of inserts which are arrayed on one part of the test tray, and a test tray transfer apparatus for allowing the opening unit to simultaneously open other parts of the plurality of inserts which are arrayed on another part of the test tray as the test tray is transferred. Therefore, although semiconductor devices to be tested change their sizes, the replaced parts of the test handler are reduced in number, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and replacement work time. The inventive test handler reduces semiconductor devices loading time, reduces jamming, increases teaching efficiency and improves space utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the test handler can be applied to various types of testers.
US08026732B2
A probe system that has a probe body comprising at least three arms extending from a central region and a probe tip centrally located on the probe body in the central region. A substrate is proximate the probe body opposite the probe tip. A first electrode is positioned to provide a centrally positioned voltage across the probe body and the substrate and a second electrode set is positioned radially outward from the first electrode, to provide an outer voltage across at least one of the at least three arms and the substrate. The probe structure may have, for example, four arms. Methods of actuating the probe tip are provided.
US08026724B2
A projector lamp electronic test circuit is provided. The test circuit includes an electrical connector configured to be operatively coupled to a lamp of a projection unit under test, a converter configured to receive a test charge to be sent to the lamp from an alternating current power source, the converter configured to convert the test charge from alternating current to direct current, and an autotransformer operatively coupled to the converter, the autotransformer configured to regulate a voltage of the test charge, the voltage being suitably high enough to cause failure of the lamp.
US08026722B2
A method for magnetizing a wellbore tubular includes magnetizing the tubular at three or more discrete locations on the tubular. In exemplary embodiments the magnetized wellbore tubular includes at least one pair of opposing magnetic poles located between longitudinally opposed ends of the tubular. Wellbore tubulars magnetized in accordance with this invention may be coupled to one another to provide a magnetic profile about a section of a casing string. Passive ranging measurements of the magnetic field about the casing string may be utilized to survey and guide drilling of a twin well. Such an approach advantageously obviates the need for simultaneous access to both wells.
US08026721B2
In a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method, radio frequency signals are radiated into an examination subject and/or received from the examination subject by an array of radio frequency coils that completely encircles the examination subject, and that is located at a distance from the examination subject out of contact with the examination subject.
US08026720B1
In a rapid auto-calibrated partially parallel reconstruction method, the unaliasing process is approached by convolution. The image combination is performed on a low-resolution image matrix before unaliasing, and the unaliasing process is effectively performed once for a single synthetic target coil instead of for each individual coil.
US08026719B2
A topography sensor and method include a probe configured to traverse a surface to determine a topography. A stray magnetic field is disposed in proximity to the probe. A magneto-resistive sensor is configured so that the stray magnetic field passing through it changes in accordance with positional changes of the probe as the probe tip traverses the surface.
US08026714B2
An accelerometer with improved immunity to sensitivity drift is disclosed. In some embodiments, the accelerometer comprises an actuator that induces a known acceleration on a reference frame. A signal based on this known acceleration is used to calibrate the accelerometer to mitigate the effects due to at least one of sensitivity drift, D.C. bias drift, sense laser wavelength drift, and resonant frequency drift.
US08026713B2
An operating state detection technique is provided which makes it possible to accurately detect an abnormality of a high-frequency heating apparatus. An anode current detected by the anode current detection resistor 40 of a magnetron is inputted into the A/D converter terminal of a microcomputer 27 on a control panel circuit board side. The current is subjected to an analog-to-digital conversion to thereby obtain an anode voltage IaDC value. The microcomputer 27 determines an operating state based on a plurality of the anode voltage IaDC values thus read. Further, the microcomputer 27 obtains a summed value of the IaDC values corresponding to one period of the revolution of rotary antennas 68, 69 to thereby determines the operating state of the high-frequency heating apparatus 100 based on the summed value. According to the aforesaid IaDC value reading method, it makes it possible to accurately detect an abnormality without an erroneous operation also in correspondence to the change of the feeding distribution. Further, the microcomputer 27 changes, in accordance with the set output of the high-frequency heating apparatus, a threshold value used for determining the abnormality and a changing value (increasing amount) from the start of the operation with respect to the change of the output of the apparatus and the operating state of a heated subject etc., whereby it makes it possible to accurately detect an abnormality without an erroneous operation.
US08026711B2
The invention relates to a measuring device, in particular a hand-held measuring device for locating objects enclosed in a medium, using high-frequency electromagnetic signals. Said device comprises a housing (82) and at least one high-frequency sensor, which is located in the housing and has a first antenna assembly (10) containing at least one first antenna element (12), the latter preferably emitting and/or receiving signals on a first polarization plane. According to the invention, the antenna assembly (10) has at least one additional antenna element (14), whose polarization plane is rotated in relation to the polarization plane of the first antenna element (12). The invention also relates to a method for locating objects enclosed in a medium, using high-frequency electromagnetic signals, in particular a method for operating a hand-held locating device comprising a plurality of antenna elements (12, 14; 11, 13), in which the measuring signal can be transmitted and/or received on different polarization planes.
US08026705B2
A bootstrap circuit is utilized in a bulk circuit using an NMOS transistor as a power switch. The bootstrap circuit includes a first PMOS transistor coupled between an internal power source and an offset capacitor, and a second PMOS transistor coupled between the gate of the first PMOS transistor and the offset capacitor, and an NMOS transistor coupled between the gate of the first PMOS transistor and ground. When the power switch is turned on, the second PMOS transistor is turned on for turning off the first PMOS transistor. When the power switch is turned off, the NMOS transistor is turned on for turning on the first PMOS transistor.
US08026702B2
The present disclosure includes circuits, systems and methods for regulating voltage. One voltage regulator system embodiment includes a voltage regulator having an output and a number of stages coupled in parallel to the output of the voltage regulator. Each stage includes a source follower circuit, and a sample and hold circuit coupled in series between the output of the voltage regulator and an input of the source follower circuit.
US08026697B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a multi-mode power management unit (PMU) includes a number of switchable conductive paths, where each of the switchable conductive paths corresponds to at least one of a number of power modes. The multi-mode PMU further includes a shared inductor residing in each of the switchable conductive paths. A current can flow through the shared inductor in a same direction in each of the power modes. The multi-mode PMU further includes a controller configured to set one of the power modes using one of the switchable conductive paths. The power modes can include a battery-to-electronic system power mode and a charge-battery power mode. The power modes can further include a battery-to-electronic system/camera flash power mode, a power port-to-electronic system/battery power mode, and a battery-to-electronic system/backlight LED power mode.
US08026693B2
A charging apparatus for a portable battery-powered device, including one or more of the following: a receiver that inserts into a charging jack of the portable battery-powered device, an outer casing that removably receives the portable battery-powered device and the receiver, and a battery cell contained within the outer casing that inductively charges the portable battery-powered device through the receiver. In various exemplary embodiments, the charging apparatus includes a charging base that inductively charges the battery cell when the outer casing is placed upon the charging base.
US08026691B2
A double ended inverter system for an AC traction motor of a vehicle includes a fuel cell configured to provide a DC voltage, an impedance source inverter subsystem coupled to the fuel cell, a DC voltage source, and an inverter subsystem coupled to the DC voltage source. The impedance source inverter subsystem, which includes an ultracapacitor, is configured to drive the AC traction motor. The inverter subsystem is configured to drive the AC electric traction motor. The ultracapacitor is implemented in a crossed LC network coupled to the fuel cell.
US08026686B2
A method for configuration of a device for controlling the movement of a plurality of movable furniture parts which can be moved in a driven manner relative to a stationary furniture part by means of a drive unit and a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the movable furniture parts. In order to match the movement of the movable furniture parts, at least an inner furniture part is associated with an outer furniture part such that, when a configuration mode is activated, the association of the at least one inner furniture part with the outer furniture part is created by a sequence of opening and/or closing movements of the movable furniture parts that are associated with one another.
US08026685B2
The invention relates to a device for controlling the movement of a plurality of moveable furniture parts which can be moved in a driven manner relative to a stationary furniture part by means of a drive unit via a monitoring unit for monitoring the movement of the moveable furniture parts. According to the invention, the monitoring unit is designed such that, as long as one moveable furniture part is being moved in a driven manner on a predetermined movement section, none of the other furniture parts which can be moved in a driven manner are moveable in a driven manner. The invention also relates to a piece of furniture and to a method for configuration of a device for controlling the movement of moveable furniture parts.
US08026684B2
The invention relates to an electronic control system for controlling a voltage across a load, in particular across a fan motor of a motor vehicle, as a function of a control signal, comprising: a setting transistor, a transistor, which activates the control channel of the setting transistor, as well as two resistors, which form a voltage divider via which the voltage across the load is fed to the emitter of the transistor, wherein the control system is designed, in the absence of the control signal, to block the control channels of all the transistors of the control system for limiting the current through all the resistors of the control system, such that, in the absence of the control signal, the control system has a quiescent current consumption in the off-state current range of the transistors.
US08026679B2
A hybrid vehicle includes: first and second rotary electric machines; a matrix converter connecting the first and second rotary electric machines to each other to provide AC to AC power conversion between both the rotary electric machines; a battery connected to an electrical path branched off between the matrix converter and the second rotary electric motor; an inverter interposed among the battery, the matrix converter and the second rotary electric machine to convert AC power to DC power and vice versa; and a controller. The controller activates the first rotary electric machine with power fed from the battery and restrains the change in torque output of the second rotary electric machine at the activation of the first rotary electric machine.
US08026678B2
A motor control device includes at least one operating unit that is provided corresponding to at least one motor to operate the at least one motor, and a control unit that, each time at least one control cycle arrives in which the at least one motor is operated, sets a manipulated variable of the at least one motor to the at least one operating unit that operates the at least one motor of which the at least one control cycle arrives.
US08026676B2
The present invention discloses a dimming control circuit, comprising: an input terminal for receiving an input signal; an analog and digital dimming circuit receiving the input signal, wherein the analog and digital dimming circuit provides an analog dimming function when a voltage level of the input signal is between a predetermined lower limit and a predetermined upper limit, and a digital dimming function when the voltage level of the input signal switches above and below the predetermined lower limit, and wherein the analog and digital dimming circuit generates an analog signal when the voltage level of the input signal is above the predetermined lower limit; and a power circuit for supplying an output current in correspondence to the analog signal generated by the analog and digital dimming circuit.
US08026675B2
There is provided an LED driving circuit including: at least one ladder network circuit including: (n+1) number of first branches connected in parallel with one another by n number of first middle junction points between a first junction point and a second junction point, where n denotes an integer satisfying n≧2, (n+1) number of second branches connected in parallel with one another by n number of second middle junction points between the first junction point and the second junction point, the (n+1) number of second branches connected in parallel with the first branches; and n number of middle branches connecting the first and second middle junction points of an identical m sequence to each other, respectively, wherein each of the first and second, and middle branches comprises at least one LED device.
US08026672B2
A light emitting device is disclosed herein. An embodiment of the light emitting device comprises a first plurality of light emitters comprising a first group and a second group, wherein the first group is connectable in series to the second group. A first driver is connected to the first group. A second driver is connectable to the second group. A first voltage comparator is coupled to the first driver, wherein the voltage comparator compares the voltage of the first driver to a predetermined voltage. The light emitting device is in a first state when the voltage of the first driver is below the predetermined voltage. The light emitting device is in a second state when the voltage of the first driver is greater than the predetermined voltage. The light emitting device is in the first state, the first group is connected in series with the second group to form a series circuit between the first driver and a reference voltage. When the light emitting device is in the second state, the first group is connected between the first driver and the reference voltage and the second group is connected between the second driver and the reference voltage.
US08026671B2
An LED device comprises an LED assembly and a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit includes an AC circuit connecting to the power source, a DC circuit coupling with the AC circuit, a driving circuit and a snubber circuit connected with each other and located between the DC circuit and the LED assembly. The locations of the driving circuit and the snubber circuit in the power supply circuit are exchangeable, i.e., the driving circuit being connected to the DC circuit and the snubber circuit being connected to the LED assembly, or the driving circuit being connected to the LED assembly and the snubber circuit being connected to the DC circuit. The snubber circuit is used for extending a time period for a voltage value of a DC initially applied to the LED assembly to increase from zero to a predetermined value.
US08026670B2
An electroluminescent circuit for driving an electroluminescent display having a plurality of segment electrodes and a common electrode. The circuit comprises a DC power supply, an output terminal for each of the segments and common electrodes and at least one supply half H-bridge for connecting at least one of each of the segment electrodes and the common electrode selectively to one of the DC supply and a reference voltage. Each supply half H-bridge comprises a top switch and a bottom switch in series having a junction between them. The top switch is connected to the DC supply and the bottom switch is connected to a reference voltage. A discharge circuit is provided for selectively discharging the electroluminescent display, the discharge circuit comprising a discharge half H-bridge in which a top switch is connected to the DC supply and to a discharge path.
US08026666B2
An organic EL element array is provided which can more easily be produced with a high aperture ratio and a high definition and in which light-emitting layers of organic EL elements adjacent to each other in an interpixel region mutually overlap in the interpixel region.
US08026662B2
It is an object to provide an organic light-emitting element having two or more light-emitting layers, wherein degradation of each constituent material for the light-emitting layer is reduced to improve reliability of the element. The present invention provides an organic light-emitting element having a laminated structure with a first mixed light-emitting layer 4 composed of a hole transport material, an electron transport material and a dopant which determines a color of an emitted light, and a second mixed light-emitting layer 5 composed of a hole transport material, an electron transport material and a dopant which determines a color of an emitted light, and also provides an image display device which uses the organic light-emitting element.
US08026656B2
A method of producing a film containing an oxide having a plurality of tubular structures and a plurality of conjugated polymer chains includes preparing a solution by dissolving a precursor substance having a first site containing a precursor of the oxide and a second site containing a precursor of a component constituting the conjugated polymer chains; forming a film containing the oxide having the tubular structures on a substrate, the surface of which exhibits anisotropy, by applying the solution onto the substrate so that the tubular structures and the conjugated polymer chains are oriented; and forming the conjugated polymer chains in pores of the tubular structures by polymerizing the second site in the film formed on the substrate, wherein an inorganic component of the first site is connected to carbon of the second site through a covalent bond.
US08026652B2
A quartz crystal resonator element includes an AT-cut quartz crystal substrate, the substrate having edges parallel to each of a Z″ axis obtained by rotating a Z′ axis in a range of −120° to +60° about a Y′ axis and an X′ axis perpendicular to the Z″ axis when an angle formed by rotating a +Z′ axis in a direction of a +X axis about the Y′ axis is a positive rotation angle; a thin section that forms a resonating section; and a thick section adjacent to the resonating section, the thin section and the thick section being formed on the quartz crystal substrate by wet etching. The thin section is formed either on a main surface of the substrate corresponding to a +Y′-axis side or on a main surface of the substrate corresponding to a −Y′-axis side. When the thin section is formed by the etching on the main surface of the +Y′-axis side, the thick section is provided at at least a +Z″-axis-side end of the thin section, whereas when the thin section is formed by the etching on the main surface of the −Y′-axis side, the thick section is provided at at least a −Z″-axis-side end of the thin section.
US08026651B2
An ultrasound transducer includes a substrate, an ultrasound transducer cell placed on one surface of the substrate and having a lower electrode, a first gap portion placed on the lower electrode and an upper electrode placed on the first gap portion, a first conductive layer placed on the other surface of the substrate and electrically connected to one of the lower electrode and the upper electrode, an electret film placed on the first conductive layer, an insulating layer placed on the electret film, and a second conductive layer placed on the insulating layer and electrically connected to the one of the lower electrode and the upper electrode not electrically connected to the first conductive layer.
US08026648B2
An electric machine, especially a brushless DC motor. Said electric machine comprises a rotor and a stator which is provided with current-carrying coils. Said rotor, in the circumferential direction, is provided with a plurality of permanent magnets that are embedded in respective magnet retainers between the peripheral surface and the shaft of the rotor in such a manner that the permanent magnets, in the radial direction, are completely encircled by the peripheral surface of the rotor. In the area of the magnet retainer, recesses extend laterally in the circumferential direction of the rotor and axially within the rotor.
US08026645B2
The invention relates to an electric drive, particularly a windshield wiper drive for vehicles, comprising an electric motor (10) in a crucible-shaped, preferably metal, motor housing (14), a gearbox housing (16) that is attached to the motor housing (14), and an arrangement for the interference suppression of the motor (10). According to the invention, at least one choke coil (46, 48) for the interference suppression of the motor (10) is disposed in the transition region from the motor housing (14) to the gearbox housing (16), wherein in this transition region means (36, 56) are provided in order to shield the filtered coil end (47, 49) projecting into the gearbox housing (16) from the interfering radiation produced by the motor (10).
US08026641B2
Disclosed is a step actuator apparatus. The step actuator includes a step actuator including a housing, a stator installed in the housing, a rotor rotating by a reaction with the stator and a screw member coupled to the rotor and moving linearly according to rotation of the rotor; and a circuit board module including a circuit board electrically connected to the step actuator and a case for supporting the circuit board. The housing has a first opening. The case includes a plurality of hooks inserted into the first opening.
US08026639B1
A step wave power converter includes a plurality of transformers each configured to receive a Direct Current (DC) voltage from one or more independently generated power sources. Each transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding. A plurality of bridge circuits control different DC voltage inputs from one of the multiple independently generated power sources into the primary windings. One or more processors are configured to use a Phase-Shifted Carrier Pulse Width Modulation (PSCPWM) scheme to operate the bridge circuits in order to produce steps for a step wave Alternating Current (AC) output from the secondary windings.
US08026638B2
A propulsion system comprising an electric drive, a DC link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first energy storage system electrically coupled to the electric drive, the first energy storage system comprising at least a high specific-power energy storage device is shown. The propulsion system further includes a second energy storage system, wherein a first terminal of the second energy storage system is electrically coupled to the electric drive through the DC link and a second terminal of the second energy storage system is coupled in series with a terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device. A multi-channel bi-directional boost converter is coupled to the first energy storage system and to the second energy storage system, wherein the connection between the terminal of the high specific-power energy storage device and the second terminal of the second energy storage system bypasses the multi-channel bi-directional boost converter.
US08026634B2
A system and method for providing direct-current power is described. In one embodiment a direct current voltage is converted into at least two regulated DC voltages, and a first of the at least two regulated DC voltages is applied across a first and second outputs and a second of the at least two regulated DC voltages is applied across the second output and a third output. And when a first impedance across the first and second outputs is less than a second impedance across the second and third outputs, current is received via the second output while delivering power to the first and second impedances.
US08026632B2
A method for enabling a truck having an electrical system that can accept shore power to be supplied with shore power is provided. While the truck is stationary, an electric cable is connected between the truck's electrical system and an APU of a second truck that not only can deliver AC electricity to electrical loads in the second truck and also can export AC electricity as shore power. A condition precedent to enabling the APU to export AC electricity to the truck that can accept shore power is confirmed via a communication link between the two trucks. Upon confirmation of the condition, the APU is enabled to export AC electricity to the truck that can accept shore power.
US08026631B2
A vehicle such as an aircraft (400) is provided (101) with a source of power having a power output such as a source of light (401). This power output can then be combined with an identifier (103, 416) that is substantially unique to the aircraft. An optical conduit (405) can then be used (104) to couple this source of light to a light-to-electricity conversion apparatus (406). So configured, the optical conduit delivers light from this source of light to the light-to-electricity conversion apparatus such that the light source then serves as a source of electricity in the vehicle and as a source of a substantially unique identifier as corresponds to the vehicle is available for such use as may be appropriate.
US08026600B2
An interconnection structure suitable for use as an IC package, probe head or other electrical termination of high density where uninterrupted controlled impedance is desired is described.
US08026599B2
The present application relates to the manufacture of Wafer Level Chip Scale Packages (WLCSPs), which are a type of CSP in which the traditional wire bonding arrangements are dispensed with in favor of making direct contact by means of conductive bumps (typically solder balls) to the integrated circuitry. WLCSPs differ from fine pitch Ball Grid Array (BGA) and leadframe based Chip Scale Packages (CSPs) in that most of the packaging process steps are performed at wafer level. A package and method of manufacture are provided which prevent the ingress of light to the internal circuitry of WLCSP packages by providing a substantially opaque coating on the inactive side of the WLCSP packages and at least partially on the sides of WLCSP packages.
US08026589B1
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a reduced profile stackable semiconductor package. The semiconductor package comprises a substrate having at least one semiconductor die attached thereto. The semiconductor die is also electrically connected to the substrate by a plurality of conductive wires. A package body defining opposed top and bottom surfaces and a side surface at least partially encapsulates the substrate, the conductive wires and the semiconductor die. The package body is formed such that at least portions of the conductive wires are exposed in the top surface thereof. The package body may include a groove formed in the top surface thereof, with at least portions of the conductive wires being exposed in the groove. In this instance, conductive material layers may be disposed within the groove and electrically connected to the exposed portions of respective ones of the conductive wires, with solder pads further bring electrically connected to respective ones of the conductive material layers and at least partially residing within the groove.
US08026584B2
A semiconductor package structure having a solder ball coupled to a chip pad and a manufacturing method thereof, a semiconductor package module, and a system. A circuit board includes a through hole therein, and a conductor is formed on a sidewall of the through hole. A first semiconductor chip including a first chip pad is mounted on the circuit board. A solder ball is disposed in the through hole and is bonded to the conductor and the first chip pad. Therefore, an underfill can be removed from a semiconductor package, and thus, the semiconductor package can be reduced in thickness.
US08026572B2
A semiconductor device having plural active and passive elements on one semiconductor substrate is manufactured in the following cost effective manner even when the active and passive elements include double sided electrode elements. When the semiconductor substrate is divided into plural field areas, an insulation separation trench that penetrates the semiconductor substrate surrounds each of the field areas, and each of the either of the plural active elements or the plural passive elements. Further, each of the plural elements has a pair of power electrodes for power supply respectively disposed on each of both sides of the semiconductor substrate to serve as the double sided electrode elements.
US08026565B2
A thin film semiconductor in the form of a metal semiconductor field effect transistor, includes a substrate 10 of paper sheet material and a number of thin film active inorganic layers that are deposited in layers on the substrate. The active layers are printed using an offset lithography printing process. A first active layer comprises source 12.1 and drain 12.2 conductors of colloidal silver ink, that are printed directly onto the paper substrate. A second active layer is an intrinsic semiconductor layer 14 of colloidal nanocrystalline silicon ink which is printed onto the first layer. A third active layer comprises a metallic conductor 16 of colloidal silver which is printed onto the second layer to form a gate electrode. This invention extends to other thin film semiconductors such as photovoltaic cells and to a method of manufacturing semiconductors.
US08026561B2
A spin MOSFET includes: a first ferromagnetic layer provided on an upper face of a semiconductor substrate, and having a fixed magnetization direction perpendicular to a film plane; a semiconductor layer provided on an upper face of the first ferromagnetic layer, including a lower face opposed to the upper face of the first ferromagnetic layer, an upper face opposed to the lower face, and side faces different from the lower face and the upper face; a second ferromagnetic layer provided on the upper face of the semiconductor layer, and having a variable magnetization direction perpendicular to a film plane; a first tunnel barrier provided on an upper face of the second ferromagnetic layer; a third ferromagnetic layer provided on an upper face of the first tunnel barrier; a gate insulating film provided on the side faces of the semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode provided on the side faces of the semiconductor layer with the gate insulating film being interposed therebetween.
US08026557B2
A semiconductor device with an increased channel length and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes: a substrate with an active region including a planar active region and a prominence active region formed on the planar active region; a gate insulation layer formed over the active region; and a gate structure including at least one gate lining layer encompassing the prominence active region on the gate insulation layer.
US08026552B2
The protection element of the present invention is constructed of a MOS capacitor composed of a semiconductor substrate, an insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate and a word line formed on the insulating film. A well region having a conductivity type opposite to that of the semiconductor substrate is formed in a portion of the semiconductor substrate constituting the MOS capacitor. If charge exceeding the breakdown voltage of the insulating film constituting the MOS capacitor is induced in the word line, the induced charge is released into either the semiconductor substrate or the well region depending on whether the induced charge is positive or negative.
US08026550B2
An integrated circuit includes N plane-like metal layers. A first plane-like metal layer includes M contact portions that communicate with respective ones of the N plane-like metal layers, where M is an integer greater than one, wherein the first plane-like metal layer and the N plane-like metal layers are located in separate planes. A first drain region has a generally rectangular shape. First, second, third and fourth source regions have a generally rectangular shape and that are arranged adjacent to sides of the first drain region. The first drain region and the first, second, third and fourth source regions communicate with at least two of the N plane-like metal layers. A first gate region is arranged between the first, second, third and fourth source regions and the first drain region. First, second, third and fourth substrate contact regions are arranged adjacent to corners of the first drain region.
US08026545B2
An EEPROM according to the present invention includes: a semiconductor layer of a first conductive type; and a first insulating film formed on the semiconductor layer. A first impurity region, a second impurity region, a third impurity region, a fourth impurity region, and a fifth impurity region of a second conductive type are formed in top layer portions of the semiconductor layer. On the first insulating film, a select gate, a first floating gate, and a second floating gate are respectively disposed opposite a region between the first impurity region and the second impurity region, a region between the second impurity region and the third impurity region, and a region between the third impurity region and the fourth impurity region. In the first insulating film, a first tunnel window and a second tunnel window are respectively formed at portions in contact with the first floating gate and the second floating gate. A sixth impurity region of the second conductive type, which is connected to the second impurity region, is formed in a portion of the top layer portion of the semiconductor layer that opposes the second tunnel window.
US08026536B2
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of MOS transistors, wherein each of the MOS transistors has a drain region, a pair of source regions sandwiching therebetween the drain region, and a pair of normal gates each overlying a space between the drain region and a corresponding one of the source regions. A plurality of dummy gates are provided each between adjacent two of the MOS transistors. The dummy gate electrodes are maintained at an equi-potential with the adjacent drain regions. MOS transistors include a row of pMOS transistors and nMOS transistors, wherein each of pMOS transistors and a corresponding nMOS transistor configure a CMOS gate, and a plurality of CMOS gates configure a ring oscillator.
US08026534B2
The benefits of strained semiconductors are combined with silicon-on-insulator approaches to substrate and device fabrication.
US08026528B2
Phototherapy devices for phototherapy treatment of a patient include a light emitter for emitting light received from a light source. Means may be provided for increasing the amount of power to the light source in response to a decrease in light output to maintain a substantially constant light output. The light source may be inside a housing and bonded to a heat sink attached to the back side of the housing to dissipate excess heat generated by the light source. Also the light source may comprise at least one LED that generates blue light output bands and at least one other LED that generates other color light output bands that are selectively mixed with the blue light output bands.
US08026523B2
A nitride semiconductor free-standing substrate includes a surface inclined in a range of 0.03° to 1.0° from a C-plane, and an off-orientation that an angle defined between a C-axis and a tangent at each point on a whole surface of the substrate becomes maximum is displaced in a range of 0.5° to 16° from a particular M-axis orientation of six-fold symmetry M-axis orientations. The substrate does not include a region of −0.5°<φ<+0.5° on the surface, where φ represents a displacement angle of the off-orientation on a surface of the substrate from the particular M-axis orientation.
US08026521B1
A device comprising semiconductor memories, the device comprising: a first layer and a second layer of layer-transferred mono-crystallized silicon, wherein the first layer comprises a first plurality of horizontally-oriented transistors; wherein the second layer comprises a second plurality of horizontally-oriented transistors; and wherein the second plurality of horizontally-oriented transistors overlays the first plurality of horizontally-oriented transistors.
US08026519B1
Systems and methods for forming a time-averaged line image having a relatively high amount of intensity uniformity along its length is disclosed. The method includes forming at an image plane a line image having a first amount of intensity non-uniformity in a long-axis direction and forming a secondary image that at least partially overlaps the primary image. The method also includes scanning the secondary image over at least a portion of the primary image and in the long-axis direction according to a scan profile to form a time-average modified line image having a second amount of intensity non-uniformity in the long-axis direction that is less than the first amount. For laser annealing a semiconductor wafer, the amount of line-image overlap for adjacent scans of a wafer scan path is substantially reduced, thereby increasing wafer throughput.
US08026512B2
An electroluminescent (EL) device, including a semiconductor structure, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The semiconductor structure includes: a first higher mobility semiconductor layer having a first mobility; a second higher mobility semiconductor layer having a second mobility; and a lower mobility semiconductor layer formed between the first higher mobility semiconductor layer and the higher mobility second semiconductor layer. The lower mobility semiconductor layer has a third mobility that is less than the first mobility and the second mobility. The semiconductor structure includes EL semiconducting material in the first higher mobility semiconductor layer, the second higher mobility semiconductor layer, and/or the lower mobility semiconductor layer. The first electrode is coupled to the first higher mobility semiconductor layer of the semiconductor structure. The second electrode is coupled to the second higher mobility semiconductor layer of the semiconductor structure.
US08026511B2
An organic light emitting device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first substrate defining a pixel region and a non-pixel region; an array of organic light emitting pixels formed in the pixel region of the first substrate; a second substrate placed over the first substrate, the array being interposed between the first and second substrates; a frit seal interposed between and interconnecting the first and second substrates, wherein the frit seal comprises a plurality of elongated segments, which in combination surrounds the array; and at least one conductive line formed in the non-pixel region and elongated substantially parallel to one of the plurality of elongated segments of the frit seal, wherein no conductive line in the non-pixel region is elongated substantially parallel to one of the elongated segments and overlaps the elongated segment substantially parallel thereto when viewed from the first or second substrate.
US08026501B2
A method that may be applied to imaging and identifying defects and contamination on the surface of an integrated circuit is described. An energetic beam, such as an electron beam, may be directed at a selected IC location having a layer of a solid, fluid, or gaseous reactive material formed over the surface. The energetic beam disassociates the reactive material in the region into chemical radicals that either chemically etch the surface preferentially, or deposit a thin layer of a conductive material over the local area around the energetic beam. The surface may be examined as various layers are selectively etched to decorate defects and/or as various layers are locally deposited in the area around the energetic beam. SEM imaging and other analytic methods may be used to identify the problem more easily.
US08026490B2
Wiring substrates 11 and 12 are positioned on a fixed base 10 in a manner such that there is a step between the wiring substrates, and radiation imaging elements 2 and 3, respectively having scintillators 25 and 35 deposited on photosensitive portions 21 and 31, are respectively mounted on the wiring substrates 11 and 12. The radiation imaging element 2 is positioned so that its setting surface protrudes beyond a radiation incident surface of the radiation imaging element 3, and the photosensitive portion 21 of the radiation imaging element 2 and the photosensitive portion 31 of the radiation imaging element 3 are juxtaposed to a degree to which the portions do not overlap. The photosensitive portion 21 of the radiation imaging element 2 extends close to an edge at the radiation imaging element 3 side and the scintillator 25 of substantially uniform thickness is formed up to this position.
US08026487B2
A system includes a solid state source of THz radiation and a detector. The source of THz radiation may be based on a superconducting material, such as materials containing one or more Josephson junctions (e.g. BSCCO). The source may include a crystal of superconducting material on which a mesa of superconducting material is formed. The resonant coupling between the Josephson oscillations and the fundamental cavity mode of the mesa may lead to synchronization of the Josephson junctions and emission of powerful THz radiation. The mesa may be formed and/or handled such that THz radiation can be emitted by the material without requiring application of an external magnetic field (e.g. the mesa may include a non-uniform compositional gradient, a non-uniform shape, may have radiation non-uniformly applied to the mesa, etc.).
US08026484B2
Optical device comprising: a spatial filter means for eliminating, from the light rays emanating from an observed scene those coming from a direction or restricted range of directions in space, while letting through most of the light rays coming from said scene; means for varying the direction or the restricted range of directions in space in correspondence with which the spatial filter means eliminates said light rays; a spectral dispersion means for imparting to the light rays coming from said spatial filter means a deviation that is dependent on their wavelength; and an image detector for recording the light rays dispersed by said spectral dispersion means, each point on said image detector receiving light rays coming from said scene and having a different wavelength depending on the direction in space from which they come.
US08026451B2
The present invention provides an electronic device having a ejector for an external device. The ejector includes a body, a first elastic member, a plate, a block, a rotating unit, and a second elastic member. The ejector of the present invention is able to eject the external device engaged therewith. Thus, the apparatus can be applied to an electronic device required for detaching the external device.
US08026446B2
A vehicle battery cable has a plurality of subsidiary or daughter cables where the subsidiary cables have the same length and gauge and exhibit closely matched resistance. The vehicle battery cable connects a plurality of batteries in parallel to a load in a way that each battery carries the same proportion of the load as every other battery.
US08026441B2
Coaxial cable shielding. In one example embodiment, a coaxial cable includes a center conductor, a dielectric, a tape, and a jacket. The tape defines first and second edge portions that each borders an interior portion. The thickness of the first edge portion is less than the thickness of the interior portion. The dielectric surrounds the center conductor. The tape is wrapped around the dielectric such that the first edge portion overlaps with the second edge portion. The jacket surrounds the tape.
US08026438B2
A front transparent conductor assembly and, in one embodiment, a photovoltaic cell, includes at least three transparent conductor layers. In one embodiment, first and second transparent conductors comprised of SnO2 are positioned above and below a third transparent conductor comprised of ZnO2. In one embodiment, the second transparent conductor layer is significantly thicker than either the first or third transparent conductor layers. In one embodiment of a photovoltaic cell incorporating such an assembly, a sealing layer of SiO2 is interposed between a superstrate and the first transparent conductor. In another embodiment, first and second intermediate layers of ZnSnO3 are incorporated into the assembly, with the first intermediate layer interposed between the first and second transparent conductors and with the second intermediate layer interposed between the second and third transparent conductors.
US08026431B1
A novel maize variety designated X7K497 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety X7K497 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7K497 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7K497, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7K497. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7K497.
US08026426B1
A novel maize variety designated PHTFE and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHTFE with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHTFE through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHTFE or a trait conversion of PHTFE with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHTFE, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHTFE and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US08026417B2
An improved Brassica hybrid plant and seed thereof designated 46P50 are provided. The Brassica hybrid produces seed having an average weight of oil per gram of mature dried seed that is between about 2.7 to 3.3 percentage points higher than that produced by current commercial hybrids when grown under the same environmental conditions. Also provided are methods for producing the hybrid plant, methods of oil and meal production, and methods of breeding with the hybrid plant.
US08026416B2
The present invention includes broccoli plants with curds having detached florets and methods for obtained such broccoli plants. The present invention also provides reagents that can be used in methods for obtaining such broccoli plants.
US08026411B2
The invention discloses a transgenic method for enhancing sink strength in female reproductive organs. It involves the temporal and spatial expression of genes affecting the starch and sucrose metabolic pathways in a plant organ or plant tissue. The invention also includes expression constructs, and methods for the production of crop plants with heritable phenotypes which are useful in breeding programs designed to increase yield potential over a range of environmental conditions.
US08026410B2
Disclosed are specific mutants of L3 and transgenic plants that produce them. The plants exhibit increased resistance to fungal toxins that target ribosomal L3 protein. Also disclosed are transgenic plants that co-produce L3 mutant and an RIP protein, and exhibit increased resistance to various fungal toxins and viruses, while reducing toxicity normally associated with production of the RIP. Uses of the L3 mutants in animals are further disclosed.
US08026405B2
A dressing mechanism comprising a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section and the third section each may each include one side having an adhesive layer. An overlaying, non-adhesive barrier layer may be located between a portion of the adhesive layer and a first or third section. At least one of the first or third sections may further include a plurality of hook or loop members which are arranged to be fastened to corresponding hook or loop members of a hook and loop fastener.
US08026404B2
The present invention relates to a harmful material remediating agent comprising a metal oxide and a reducing material, and it can remediate environmental pollutants such as harmful organic compounds and nitrate or nitrite nitrogen-containing compounds efficiently and at low cost.
US08026403B2
A method for producing a product comprising at least one selected from C2+ hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and combinations thereof from light gas comprising one or more of carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and methanol by forming a dispersion of light gas in a liquid feed, wherein the dispersion is formed at least in part with high shear forces and wherein at least one of the liquid feed and the light gas is a hydrogen source. A system for carrying out the method is also presented.
US08026402B2
A high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process and system for the production of cyclohexane is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the cyclohexane production process. A system for the production of cyclohexane from benzene and hydrogen, the system comprising a reactor, solid catalyst, and a high shear device, the outlet of which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the reactor; the high shear device capable of providing an emulsion of hydrogen gas bubbles within a liquid comprising benzene, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 μm.
US08026391B2
This method for producing a potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate includes an electrochemical fluorination step in which an alkanesulfonyl halide compound is subjected to electrochemical fluorination in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride, thereby to generate a production gas containing perfluoroalkanesulfonyl fluoride as the main component. In addition, for example, the methods may include a gas absorption step in which the production gas is reacted with an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, thereby to generate a gas absorbed solution containing potassium perfluoroalkanesulfonate, a purification step in which impurities such as potassium fluoride, potassium hydroxide, and potassium sulfate, are removed, and a concentration and collection step in which the aqueous solution from which the impurities are removed is concentrated and dried. In the electrochemical fluorination, for example, it is possible that the proton concentration in the reaction solution is maintained in the range of 150 to 1,500 ppm to suppress the formation of byproducts.
US08026387B2
The present invention relates to a multiple-stage process for the continuous preparation of organic, distillable polyisocyanates, preferably diisocyanates, more preferably aliphatic or cycloaliphatic diisocyanates, by reaction of the corresponding organic poly-amines with ureas to form low-molecular monomeric polyureas, and the thermal decomposition thereof.
US08026385B2
Creatine oral supplementation using creatine hydrochloride salt, that may be added to a liquid or other beverage, or may be also used as an additive to solid oral dosages, or as a supplement, and which may be consumed by the athlete, or other party looking for immediate supplementation of strength, and may be added as a supplement within feed to livestock, in the veterinary area.
US08026380B2
A method of producing volatilized fatty acids by heating a feedstock comprising at least one fat or oil in a reactor under inert vacuum to volatilize fatty acids, and removing volatilized fatty acids from bottoms residue comprising cross-linked oil. A system for stripping fatty acids from triglycerides, the system comprising a reactor, heating apparatus and a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum in the range of from 1 kPa to 50 kPa on the reactor. A system for producing a hydrogenated product including a reactor comprising an inlet for a stream comprising triglycerides, an outlet for volatilized fatty acids, and an outlet for a cross-linked product, heating apparatus, a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum in the range of from 1 kPa to 50 kPa on the reactor, and a hydrogenation reactor, wherein an inlet of the hydrogenation reactor is fluidly connected to the outlet for cross-linked product.
US08026373B1
A 1,2,3-triazole coordinated borane such as where the B and the R3 groups can be on any of the three N positions and R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 can be one or more of H, any alkyl, aryl, or substituted alkyl or aryl groups and the position of the final products are the combination of any N position; i.e. N1—R3—N3—BH etc. The triazole-borane compounds can be synthesized in a single-step from simple organic molecules under mild reactions. The 1,2,3-triazole coordinated borane can be synthesized by use of about a 1 to 1 equivalent of the benzole-triazole and the BR3 can be added together without solution or dissolved in an organic solvent (between about 5 M to about 0.001 M for each reactant). The solution can be stirred for about 1 to about 5 hours at an effective temperature to yield the triazole-borane. These compounds can be used as an effective reductant in a reduction reaction for one or more of the groups aldehyde, ketone, imine, and reductive coupling between aldehyde/ketone with amine (both primary and secondary) in a wide range of media.
US08026360B2
Methods of treating an SCD-mediated disease or condition in a mammal, preferably a human, are disclosed, wherein the methods comprise administering to a mammal in need thereof a compound of formula (I): where x, y, G, J, K, L, M, W, R2, R3, R5, R5a, R6, R6a, R7, R7a, R8 and R8a are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed.
US08026351B2
Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte-derived proteins and related compositions, including purified proteins and specific antibodies are described. Methods of using such composition are also provided.
US08026349B2
Methods and compositions for making nucleoside phosphoramidites and nucleic acids, including mono-, di-, and polynucleotides, comprising a linker covalently attached to a levulinyl moiety are provided. A levulinyl-protected linking moiety affords an orthogonal approach to modifying a polynucleotide during or after solid phase synthesis with a molecule of interest, for example, a conjugate or a dye.
US08026341B2
The invention provides a peptide having at least 3 amino acids comprising an amino acid sequence selected from a) X1SM[SEQ.ID.NO.: 1] b) LX2HK[SEQ.ID.NO.: 2] c) PSGX3ARA[SEQ.ID.NO.: 9] d) SX4RSMNF[SEQ.ID.NO.: 16] e) LX5HKSMP[SEQ.ID.NO.: 18] in which X1 is a basic amino acid residue, X2 is Q or P, X3 is A or T, X4 is an acidic amino acid residue and X5 is P or Q. The invention further provides non-viral cell-targeting vector complexes and methods associated therewith.
US08026340B2
In this disclosure, a system is described, comprising a shear device with at least one inlet and at least one outlet and a mixing vessel with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein an inlet of the shear device is in fluid communication with an outlet of the mixing vessel. In certain embodiments, the shear device and the mixing vessel form a loop for fluid communication. Also disclosed herein is a method of high shear oxidation, comprising mixing an oxidant with a substrate to form a substrate-oxidant mixture and applying shear to the substrate-oxidant mixture to form a product. The product includes ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, terephthalic acid, phenol, acrylonitrile, maleic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, nitric acid, caprolactam, oxidized polyethylene, oxidized polypropylene, oxidized polyethylene copolymers, and oxidized polypropylene copolymers. Suitable oxidant includes air, oxygen, ozone, peroxide, organic peroxide, halogen, oxygen-containing gas, and halogen-containing gas.
US08026336B2
The present invention relates to a polycarbonate resin composition which comprises a polycarbonate resin having the repeating unit that is represented by the following general formula (1) and a hydroxyl group at terminal thereof and has the concentration of the terminal hydroxyl group of 1000 ppm or more.
US08026334B2
Golf equipment having improved cut and shear resistance that includes a polyurea composition, preferably saturated and/or water resistant, formed of a polyurea prepolymer and a curing agent, wherein the polyurea prepolymer includes an isocyanate and an amine-terminated compound, and wherein the curing agent includes a hydroxy-terminated curing agent, amine-terminated curing agent, or a mixture thereof.
US08026319B2
Dispersible surface-modified carbon black that is surface-modified by causing a functional group on the surface of the carbon black to be bonded to a diol-modified end-containing polymer through a triisocyanate compound exhibits excellent dispersibility in a non-polar solvent, a low-polar solvent, and a resin. The dispersible surface-modified carbon black is characterized in that a surface functional group of the carbon black is bonded to one isocyanate end group of a triisocyanate compound having three isocyanate end groups, and the remaining two isocyanate end groups are respectively bonded to hydroxyl groups of a diol-modified end-containing polymer.
US08026317B2
(Salph or methoxy salph) Co (initiating ligand) catalyze homopolymerizing rac-PO to produce pure highly isotactic PPO and rac-1-butylene oxide to produce pure isotactic poly(butylene oxide). A product is unfractionated isotactic PPO of m-dyad content >81%, normally at least 99%.
US08026314B2
The present invention relates to plasticizer preparations based on triacetin with short gel time, and to their use, and to polyvinyl chloride preparations.
US08026308B2
A process for producing a solid dispersion comprising a resin and a functional compound dispersed therein, which comprises: kneading a powdery functional compound together with deionized water while gradually introducing the deionized water; adding a resin and, according to need, an additive to the mixture; subsequently heating and kneading the resultant mixture in a vessel which has an atmosphere causing the resin to soften at a temperature not higher than the boiling point of the deionized water and which has been tightly closed according to need so as to function like a pressure cooker to thereby disperse the functional compound into the softened resin; and kneading the resultant dispersion with heating at ordinary pressure or a reduced pressure to remove the water by vaporization.
US08026306B2
Described are compositions and methods effective to improve the security obtainable for red phosphorescent inks printed, such as by ink jet printing. Specially designed polymeric chelating agents are water soluble and have a high chelating efficiency for lanthanide cations and are themselves strongly adsorbed on polymeric substrates, especially paper. The polymeric chelating agents comprise a polymer chain of either general formulae (1) or (2) containing pyridine-N-oxide, quinoline-N-oxide or isoquinoline-N oxide pendent ligand groups A, where m and n are independent integers in the range of from 1 to 10, and the number average molecular weight of the polymers lies in the range from 1×103 to 5×105: In one aspect a polymeric chelate as described is produced in situ in an aqueous ink formulation and is subsequently printed onto a substrate and dried. In another, a substrate is pre-treated with a chelate as described and dried, and then subsequently printed with an aqueous solution of a fluorescent rare earth salt. In both cases, the result is a wet-fast, intensely luminescent print.
US08026298B2
A method for the preparation of an engineered stone slab having coated lumps of composite stone material, the method comprising: scooping a first inorganic particulate material and a polymer material to produce lumps of composite stone material; mixing a second inorganic particulate material with the lumps to produce coated lumps; and adding one or more colorants to the first inorganic particulate material, to the second inorganic particulate material, or to both the first and second inorganic particulate materials.
US08026297B2
The present application relates to a polymerizable dental primer/adhesive system comprising a primer component having a relatively hydrophilic monomer component in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophilic before polymerization of the system and capable of penetrating a prepared dental surface such as etched tooth dentin or enamel, and a multi-functional cross-linking agent in an amount that renders the system relatively hydrophobic after polymerization. A polymerizable hydrophobic monomer component is also included in the primer. The inclusion of said hydrophobic polymerizable monomer and said multi-functional cross-linking agent improves the long term stability or durability of the polymerized primer system to the dental restoration and to the tooth, dentin, enamel and other dental surfaces. An additional hydrophobic resin can also be employed with the primer adhesive system. The dental primer adhesive system exhibits greater stability and durability over time when compared to other dental adhesive systems.
US08026295B2
Dental composition having an improved light and thermal stability, including a mixture of at least a polymerizable resin, at least a polymerizable monomer, at least a polymerization initiator and/or a sensitizer and stabilizer, and at least an organic and/or inorganic filler and pigments in a content of 0 to 90 percent and at least one of the stable radicals.
US08026286B2
A drug in a solubility-improved form is combined with a concentration-enhancing polymer in a sufficient amount so that the combination provides substantially enhanced drug concentration in a use environment relative to a control comprising the same amount of the same solubility-improved form of drug without the concentration-enhancing polymer.
US08026284B2
The disclosure provides oral cysteamine and cystamine formulations useful for treating cystinosis and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders. The formulations provide controlled release compositions that improve quality of life and reduced side-effects.
US08026278B2
The present invention relates to compounds for the inhibition of pyruvate kinase and ATP production which are capable of inhibiting cancer cells proliferation.
US08026277B2
Disclosed is a 2-methyl-2-pentenyl ester represented by the general formula (1) [wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms which may have a substituent]. The compound has a new-type, unprecedented aroma and/or flavor, particularly a fruity, greenish or floral aroma and/or flavor. The compound can be added to a flavor or fragrance composition in an amount of 0.001 to 30 wt %. The flavor or fragrance composition can be added to a cosmetic product, a toiletry product, a bath agent, a food, a beverage or a pharmaceutical product in an amount of 0.0001 to 30 wt %. All of the compounds of the general formula (1) are novel, except for those compounds of the general formula (1) wherein R represents a methyl group, an isopropyl group, a phenyl group or a mesityl group.
US08026276B2
Parenteral formulations of rapamycin 42-ester with 3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl) -2-methylpropionic acid (CCI-779) are provided. One parenteral formulation contains CCI-779, an alcoholic co-solvent, and an antioxidant. Another parenteral formulation contains CCI-779, an alcoholic solvent, an antioxidant, a diluent solvent, and a surfactant. Processes for preparing parenteral CCI-779 formulations using a co-solvent concentrate are also provided.
US08026264B2
Triazole derivatives of structural formula I are selective inhibitors of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1. The compounds are useful for the treatment of diabetes, such as noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), hyperglycemia, obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, and other symptoms associated with NIDDM.
US08026260B2
The present invention relates to a novel class of histone deacetylase inhibitors with aryl-pyrazolyl motifs. The compounds of this invention can be used to treat cancer. The compounds of this invention are suitable for use in selectively inducing terminal differentiation, and arresting cell growth and/or apoptosis of neoplastic cells, thereby inhibiting proliferation of such cells. Thus, the compounds of the present invention are useful in treating a patient having a tumor characterized by proliferation of neoplastic cells. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of this invention and safe dosing regimens of these pharmaceutical compositions, which are easy to follow, and which result in a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds of this invention in vivo.
US08026257B2
The invention encompasses compounds of Formula I, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, their pharmaceutical compositions, and their use in treating CNS disorders.
US08026253B2
Compounds having the formula I wherein wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, X1, X2, X3 and X4 and as defined herein are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating an HCV infection and inhibiting HCV replication.
US08026250B2
The present invention provides compositions for delivering highly water-soluble drugs (such as vinca alkaloids) and methods of using such compositions.
US08026240B2
The invention relates to octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole N-oxides as prodrugs of CNS-active compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, methods for making the compounds, salts, and polymorphs, and methods of treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions. Octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole N-oxides of formula (I) are prodrugs of histamine-3 antagonists, and are useful in treating conditions or disorders prevented by or ameliorated by histamine-3 receptor ligands. Octahydro-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrrole N-oxide compounds, methods for using such compounds, compositions for making them, and processes for preparing such compounds are disclosed herein.
US08026238B2
A topical, foamable composition is provided that includes at least one antifungal agent that is able to penetrate the upper layers of skin and is retained in or on an area to be treated for a prolonged period of time, and that has a residual non-volatile component content of less than 25%. In addition, a method of treating fungal diseases including jock itch, tinea, dandruff and sebborheic dermatitis is provided, and includes applying to the affected area of a patient requiring such treatment an antifungal composition.
US08026236B2
The present invention relates to 6-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-4-carbonitrile derivatives having the general Formula I to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same as well as to the use of these derivatives for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of cathepsin S related diseases such as atherosclerosis, obesity, inflammation and immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, cancer, and chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain.
US08026230B2
The present invention relates to therapeutic compositions for treating cancer or preventing the growth of cancer cells, e.g., tumor growth, in a subject. The present invention also relates to methods for treating cancer, e.g., inhibiting tumor growth, in a subject who has become resistant to treatment, by administering to a subject an effective amount of a proteasome inhibitor and an effective amount of a therapeutic agent, e.g., a chemotherapeutic agent. The present invention further relates to methods for purging bone marrow, i.e., removing cancer cells from bone marrow, by exposing the bone marrow cells to a proteasome inhibitor and a therapeutic agent, e.g., a chemotherapeutic agent.
US08026228B2
One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of hormone replacement in mammals, which method comprises the oral administration of an estrogenic component and a progestogenic component to a mammal in an effective amount to prevent or treat symptoms of hypoestrogenism, wherein the estrogenic component is selected from the group consisting of substances represented by the above formula in which formula R1, R2, R3, R4 independently are a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an alkoxy group with 1-5 carbon atoms; each of R5, R6, R7 is a hydroxyl group; and no more than 3 of R1, R2, R3, R4 are hydrogen atoms; precursors capable of liberating a substance according to the aforementioned formula when used in the present method; and mixtures of one or more of the aforementioned substances and/or precursors. Another aspect of the invention concerns a pharmaceutical kit comprising oral dosage units that contain the aforementioned estrogenic component and a progestogenic component as well as an androgenic component.
US08026224B2
Tumor cells modified to express a T cell costimulatory molecule are disclosed. In one embodiment, the costimulatory molecule is a CD28/CTLA4 ligand, preferably a B lymphocyte antigen B7. The tumor cells of the invention can be modified by transfection with nucleic acid encoding a T cell costimulatory molecule, by using an agent which induces or increases expression of a T cell costimulatory molecule on the tumor cell surface or by coupling a T cell costimulatory molecule to the tumor cell surface. Tumor cells further modified to express MHC class I and/or class II molecules or in which expression of an MHC associated protein, the invariant chain, is inhibited are also disclosed. The modified tumor cells of the invention can be used in methods for treating-a patient with a tumor, preventing or inhibiting metastatic spread of a tumor or preventing or inhibiting recurrence of a tumor. A method for specifically inducing a CD4+ T cell response against a tumor and a method for treating a tumor by modification of tumor cells in vivo are disclosed.
US08026220B2
Compounds of the formula: are described, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods of using the compounds to prevent and to treat cancer in mammals, including humans.
US08026216B2
Methods and compositions for contributing to the treatment of cancers, especially ovarian tumors, are disclosed. The methods and compositions utilize an endothelin B agonist (ETB) to enhance the delivery and resulting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agent(s) (e.g., cisplatin and/or cyclophosphamide).
US08026213B2
The invention relates to methods of treating diseases and disorders of the muscle tissues in a vertebrate by the administration of compounds which bind the p185erbB2 receptor. These compounds are found to cause increased differentiation and survival of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle.
US08026209B2
The present invention relates to nucleic acids and polypeptides encoded thereby, whose expression is modulated in brain microvascular endothelial cells undergoing early dynamic inflammation-induced changes in blood-brain barrier functionality. Such polypeptides are referred to as lipopolysaccharide-sensitive (LPSS) polypeptides herein. These nucleic acids and polypeptides may be useful in methods for controlling blood-brain barrier properties in mammals in need of such biological effects. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of disturbances in the blood-brain/retina barrier, brain (including the eye) disorders, as well as peripheral vascular disorders. Additionally, the invention relates to the use of anti-LPSS polypeptide antibodies or ligands as diagnostic probes, as blood-brain barrier targeting agents or as therapeutic agents as well as the use of ligands or modulators of expression, activation or bioactivity of LPSS polypeptides as diagnostic probes, therapeutic agents or drug delivery enhancers.
US08026205B2
Fabric softening compositions comprising polymeric materials capable of retaining volatile perfume ingredients are disclosed, as well as methods of softening fabrics.
US08026194B2
A catalyst for selective hydrogenation of hydrocarbons is presented. The catalyst selectively hydrogenates acetylenes and diolefins to increase the monoolefins in a product stream. The catalyst includes a layered structure with an inert inner core and an outer layer bonded to the inner core, where the outer layer is a metal oxide and has at least two metals deposited on the outer layer.
US08026190B2
Insulating element from mineral fibers for shipbuilding with an insulating element in form of a plate or roll felt for shipbuilding the composition of the mineral fibers of the insulating element points an alkali/alkaline-earth mass ratio of the fiber structure of the insulating element is determined by an average geometrical fiber diameter of ≦4 μm and a surface weight of 0.8 through 4.3 kg/m2 and a binding agent portion above 0.5 until 4 weight %.
US08026177B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer (2) having therein a cavity (4). A dielectric layer (3) is formed on the semiconductor layer. A plurality of etchant openings (24) extend through the dielectric layer for passage of etchant for etching the cavity. An SiO2 pillar (25) extends from a bottom of the cavity to engage and support a portion of the dielectric layer extending over the cavity. In one embodiment, a cap layer (34) on the dielectric layer covers the etchant openings.
US08026176B2
A technique for embedding metal in a microscopic recess provided in the surface of a process object, such as a semiconductor wafer, by plasma sputtering. A film forming step and a diffusion step are alternately performed a plurality of times. The film forming step deposits a small amount of metal film in the recess. The diffusion step moves the deposited metal film towards the bottom portion of the recess. In the film forming step, bias power to be applied to a stage for supporting the wafer is set to a value ensuring that, on the surface of the wafer, the rate of metal deposition due to the drawing-in of metal particles is substantially equal to the rate of the sputter etching by plasma. In the diffusion step, the wafer is maintained at a temperature which permits occurrence of surface diffusion of the metal film deposited in the recess.
US08026175B2
After a liquid chemical treatment is finished, in parallel with a washing away treatment and/or a drying treatment, by spraying from a nozzle for a cleaning liquid supplied by a cleaning line to an outer surface of a nozzle for a liquid chemical, crystals and the like of components of the liquid chemical adhered on the outer surface of the nozzle are removed. In the cleaning treatment, a spraying time of the cleaning liquid is five seconds to ten seconds. In addition, the components of the cleaning liquid is not specifically limited, however, since ammonium phosphate tends to be solved in purified water, if a liquid chemical containing ammonium phosphate is used, it is preferable to use purified water as the cleaning liquid. Depending on the components and the like of the liquid chemical, a solution that can solve the crystals and the like may be used in stead.
US08026174B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for processing semiconductor wafers sequentially. Sequential processes employ multi-station processing modules, where particular encompassing wafer processes are divided into sub-processes, each optimized for increasing wafer to wafer uniformity, result quality, and overall wafer throughput. In one example, a copper electroplating module includes separate stations for wetting, initiation, seed layer repair, fill, overburden, reclaim, and rinse.
US08026157B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of forming a microcrystalline silicon layer on a substrate in a deposition chamber. In, one embodiment, the method includes flowing a processing gas into a diffuser region between a backing plate and a showerhead of the deposition chamber, flowing the processing gas through a plurality of holes in the showerhead and into a process volume between the showerhead and a substrate support in the deposition chamber, igniting a plasma in the process volume, back-flowing gas ions formed in the plasma through the plurality of holes in the showerhead and into the diffuser region, mixing the gas ions and the processing gas in the diffuser region, re-flowing the gas ions and processing gas through the plurality of holes in the showerhead and into the process volume, and depositing a microcrystalline silicon layer on the substrate.
US08026154B2
An object to be processed is restrained from warping at the time of laser processing. A modified region M2 is formed within a wafer 11, and fractures a2, b2 extending in directions parallel to the thickness direction of the wafer 11 and tilted with respect to a plane including lines 5 are generated from the modified region M2. A modified region M3 is formed within the wafer 11, and a fracture a3 extending in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the wafer 11 and tilted with respect to the plane including the lines 5 is generated from the modified region M3 so as to connect with the fracture b2. That is, the fractures a2, a3, b2 are generated so as to be connected together. Therefore, at the time of laser processing, the fractures cause both side parts holding the lines to cut 5 therebetween in the wafer 11 to mesh with each other, whereby internal stresses occurring in a direction parallel to the thickness direction of the wafer 11 and perpendicular to the surface including the lines 5 when the modified regions are formed can be reduced.
US08026153B2
A wafer processing method of dividing a wafer into individual devices, the wafer having on a front surface a device area and an external circumferential redundant area surrounding the device area, the method including: a wafer grinding step in which, in the state where the wafer is held on the side of a protection tape stuck to the front surface of the wafer, a rear side of the device area in a rear surface of the wafer is ground to form a recessed portion to form a ringlike reinforcing portion on an outer circumferential side of the recessed portion; a metal film coating step for coating, with a metal film, a rear surface of the wafer stuck with the protection tape on the front surface; and a wafer dividing step for cutting the predetermined dividing lines from a rear surface side of the wafer stuck with the protection tape on the front surface, thereby dividing the wafer into the individual devices.
US08026146B2
The invention provides for an alternative and less complex method of manufacturing a bipolar transistor comprising a field plate (17) in a trench (7) adjacent to a collector region (21), which field plate (17) employs a reduced surface field (Resurf) effect. The Resurf effect reshapes the electric field distribution in the collector region (21) such that for the same collector-base breakdown voltage the doping concentration of the collector region (21) can effectively be increased resulting in a reduced collector resistance and hence an increased bipolar transistor speed. The method comprises a step of forming a base window (6) in a first base layer (4) thereby exposing a top surface of the collector region (21) and a part of an isolation region (3). The trench (7) is formed by removing the exposed part of the isolation region (3), after which isolation layers (9,10) are formed on the surface of the trench (7). A second base layer (13) is formed on the isolation layer (10), thereby forming the field plate (17), on the top surface of the collector region (21), thereby forming a base region (31), and on a sidewall of the first base layer (4), thereby forming an electrical connection between the first base layer (4), the base region (31) and the field plate (17). An emitter region (41) is formed on a top part of the base region (31), thereby forming the Resurf bipolar transistor.
US08026144B2
In a semiconductor device having a raised source and drain structure, in forming a raised region by etching, etching of an island-like semiconductor film which is an active layer is inhibited. In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, an insulating film is formed by oxidizing or nitriding the surface of an island-like semiconductor film, a semiconductor film is formed on a region which is a part of the insulating film, a gate electrode is formed over the insulating film, an impurity element imparting one conductivity type is added to the island-like semiconductor film and the semiconductor film using the gate electrode as a mask, the impurity element is activated by heating the island-like semiconductor film and the semiconductor film, and the part of the insulating film between the island-like semiconductor film and the semiconductor film disappears by heating the island-like semiconductor film and the semiconductor film.
US08026140B2
The present invention relates to a method of forming a flash memory device, which is capable of forming floating gates. According to a method of forming a flash memory device in accordance with the present invention, isolation mask patterns are first formed over a semiconductor substrate. Trenches are formed by performing an etching process using the isolation mask patterns. Isolation layers are formed between the isolation mask patterns, including the insides of the respective trenches. The isolation mask patterns are removed. Tunnel dielectric layers and crystallized first conductive layers are sequentially formed over the exposed semiconductor substrate. A dielectric layer and a second conductive layer are formed over the isolation layers and the first conductive layers.
US08026139B2
In a method of fabricating a non-volatile memory device, a semiconductor substrate includes an isolation layer formed in an isolation region, a tunnel insulating layer and a first conductive layer for a floating gate formed in an active region, and a dielectric layer, a second conductive layer for a control gate, and a gate hard mask formed over the first conductive layer including the isolation layer. The second conductive layer is patterned using the gate hard mask as an etch mask. The dielectric layer is patterned so that the first conductive layer, which is exposed as the dielectric layer is etched, is also etched. The first conductive layer is patterned along a pattern of the gate hard mask. Accordingly, at the time of gate patterning, micro bridges between the floating gates can be prevented and a 2-bit failure between neighboring cells is less likely.
US08026137B2
A method for producing a capacitor having a good capacitance appearance factor and a low ESR comprising, as one electrode (anode), an electric conductor having pores and having formed on the surface thereof a dielectric layer and, as the other electrode (cathode), a semiconductor layer formed on the electric conductor by energization in an electrolytic solution, the method comprising impregnating pores with a semiconductor layer-forming precursor before energization to render the concentration of semiconductor layer-forming precursor in pores higher than that of semiconductor layer-forming precursor in the electrolytic solution; a capacitor produced by the method; and an electronic circuit and an electronic device using the capacitor.
US08026130B2
A method is provided for manufacturing a QFN type semiconductor integrated circuit device using a multi-device lead frame having a tie bar for tying external end portions of plural leads, wherein sealing resin filled between an outer periphery of a mold cavity and the tie bar is removed by a laser and thereafter a surface treatment such as solder plating is performed.
US08026129B2
A stacked integrated circuit package system is provided forming a first stack layer having a first integrated circuit die on a first substrate, forming a second stack layer having a second integrated circuit die on a second substrate, and mechanically and electrically connecting a spacer layer having a first passive component between the second stack layer and the first stack layer.
US08026126B2
The invention provides an apparatus and method for thin die detachment involving the use of a collet for holding and detaching a die mounted on an adhesive surface of an adhesive film. An ejector device comprising a plurality of ejector pins is employed to partially delaminate said die from the adhesive surface for detachment by the collet. Each ejector pin is operative to contact and raise a second surface of the film opposite the adhesive surface at a position substantially at a corner of the die to be detached within a predetermined distance from the edges of said die.
US08026122B1
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate including a surface region. A first electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A copper layer is formed overlying the first electrode layer and an indium layer overlying the copper layer to form a multi-layered structure. The method subjects at least the multi-layered structure to a thermal treatment process in an environment containing a sulfur bearing species and form a copper indium disulfide material. The copper indium disulfide material includes a thickness of substantially copper sulfide material. The thickness of the copper sulfide material is removed to expose a surface region having a copper poor surface characterized by a copper to indium atomic ratio of less than about 0.95:1. The method subjects the copper poor surface to a metal cation species to convert the copper poor surface from an n-type semiconductor characteristic to a p-type semiconductor characteristic. A window layer is formed overlying the copper indium disulfide material.
US08026118B2
The present invention provides a gallium nitride based compound semiconductor light-emitting device having high light emission efficiency and a method of manufacturing the same. The gallium nitride based compound semiconductor light-emitting device includes: a substrate 11; an n-type semiconductor layer 13, a light-emitting layer 14, and a p-type semiconductor layer 15 that are composed of gallium nitride based compound semiconductors and formed on the substrate 11 in this order; a transparent positive electrode 16 that is formed on the p-type semiconductor layer 15; a positive electrode bonding pad 17 that is formed on the transparent positive electrode 16; a negative electrode bonding pad 18 that is formed on the n-type semiconductor layer 13; and an uneven surface that has random convex portions formed thereon and is provided on at least a portion of the surface 16a of the transparent positive electrode 16.
US08026116B2
Disclosed herein is a display device, including a display element, a first scanning line, a second scanning line, a data signal line, a switching element having a first terminal and a second terminal of a first conduction type, the first terminal being connected to the data signal line, for being held in a conducting state or a non-conducting state according to a voltage applied to the first scanning line, and a storage capacitance having a first electrode and a second electrode that shares the second scanning line, wherein the second terminal of the switching element is connected to the display element and connected to the first electrode of the storage capacitance including a semiconductor film of a second conduction type different from the second terminal.
US08026109B2
Novel hapten-carrier conjugates are capable of inducing the production of antibodies, in vivo, that specifically bind to nicotine. These conjugates comprise a nicotine hapten conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein. The novel conjugates preserve the chirality of nicotine in its native (S)-(−) state, and have good stability properties. The conjugates are useful in formulating vaccines for active immunization, that are used to prevent and treat nicotine addiction. The antibodies raised in response to the nicotine hapten-carrier conjugate are used for passive immunization. These antibodies are administered for prevention and treatment of nicotine addiction.
US08026106B1
Mercuric chloride precipitates are removed from biological cell samples fixed with mercuric chloride and held in an embedding media, by contacting the biological cell samples with an aqueous solution containing a surfactant, and incubating at a temperature in excess of about 50° C. for a period of time.
US08026098B2
The invention relates to a process for the removal of selectable marker gene sequences, in particular antibiotic gene sequences, from nucleic acid molecules. The invention further relates to the application of this process in the unlabelled integration and deletion of chromosomal genes and in controlling gene expression.
US08026088B2
The present invention provides an isolated tyrosyl tRNA synthetase (TyrRS) polypeptide variant which comprises (a) a Rossmann fold region or a portion thereof, preferably including an 5 coil; and (b) an anticodon recognition domain or portion thereof, preferably including an 14 coil. Preferably, the 5 coil and the 14 coil have a greater spatial separation in the tertiary structure of the variant compared to the corresponding spatial separation in native human TyrRS. The variant preferably comprises an amino acid residue sequence identity of at least about 50% compared to the amino acid residue sequence of human TyrRS (SEQ ID NO: 3), includes at least one non-conservative amino acid residue sequence of human TyrRS, and preferably presents an exposed ELR motif in the 5 coil on an external portion of the tertiary structure of the polypeptide. A preferred TyrRS protein variant comprises the amino acid residue sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 or a portion thereof. The proteins and protein fragments of the invention are angiogenic and are useful for stimulating angiogenesis in mammalian tissues.
US08026082B2
The present invention provides a synthetic gene control region which comprises a gene regulatory sequence comprising a binding site for a gene regulatory protein of a yeast strain, and a promoter from filamentous fungal strain located downstream of the gene regulatory sequence; wherein the promoter can be recognized by the general transcription factors and RNA polymerase of the yeast strain; wherein the gene regulatory sequence is capable of regulating transcription initiated by the filamentous fungal promoter in the yeast strain.
US08026081B2
Provided is a method capable of industrially producing optically active (S)-7-hydroxy-6-methylheptan-2-one and its precursor simply and efficiently. The production method, allows a R-body preferentially hydrolyzable Aspergillus microorganism-derived esterase to act on a 2-methyl-6-oxoheptanoate (II), to produce an optically active (S)-2-methyl-6-oxoheptanoate (III).
US08026057B2
Nucleic acid labeling compounds are disclosed. The compounds are synthesized by condensing a heterocyclic derivative with a cyclic group (e.g. a ribofuranose derivative). The labeling compounds are suitable for enzymatic attachment to a nucleic acid, either terminally or internally, to provide a mechanism of nucleic acid detection.
US08026047B2
A fine and high-accuracy pattern, which is also excellent in either or both of high sensitivity and etching resistance can be provided. Disclosed is a resist pattern forming method in which a single- or multi-layered film 2 is formed on a substrate 1 and a resist pattern is formed on the film 2 through a lithography technique including exposure and development, the method comprising performing supercritical processing in which the film 2 is brought into contact with a supercritical processing solution 5′ in which an organic matter 4 is dissolved before the exposure or development.
US08026043B2
A method of making a lithographic printing plate includes the steps of: a) providing a lithographic printing plate precursor including (i) a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, (ii) a coating on the support including a photopolymerizable layer, a top layer and, optionally, an intermediate layer between the photopolymerizable layer and the support, wherein the photopolymerizable layer includes a polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and a binder, b) image-wise exposing the coating in a plate setter, c) optionally, heating the precursor in a pre-heating unit, and d) treating the precursor in a gumming station, the gumming station including a first and at least a second gumming unit, wherein the precursor is washed in the first gumming unit by applying a gum solution to the coating thereby removing at least a portion of the top layer, and wherein, subsequently, the precursor is developed in the second gumming unit with a gum solution thereby removing non-exposed areas of the photopolymerizable layer from the support and gumming the plate in a single step.
US08026025B2
A method includes a preparation step of preparing a transparent substrate having a precision-polished main surface, a surface shape information obtaining step of obtaining, as surface shape information, height information at a plurality of measurement points on the main surface of the transparent substrate that contacts a mask stage of an exposure apparatus, a simulation step of obtaining, based on the surface shape information and shape information of the mask stage, height information at the plurality of measurement points by simulating the state where the transparent substrate is set in the exposure apparatus, a flatness calculation step of calculating, based on the height information obtained through the simulation, a flatness of the transparent substrate when it is set in the exposure apparatus, a judging step of judging whether or not the calculated flatness satisfies a specification, and a thin film forming step of forming a thin film as serving as a mask pattern, on the main surface of the transparent substrate whose flatness satisfies the specification.
US08026012B2
A voltage detecting connecting structure and fuel cell has connectors which are in contact with terminals connected to the fuel cell. An embodiment of the fuel cell includes first cells which have the terminals at an anode and a cathode respectively, and second cells which have terminals in neither an anode plate nor a cathode, stacked alternately. Another embodiment of the fuel cell includes first cells with terminals provided only to anode sides thereof, and second cells with terminals provided only to cathode sides thereof, the first cells being stacked from one end of the fuel cell and the second cells being stacked from the other end of the fuel cell.
US08025993B2
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprises a layer stack formed over a surface of a non-magnetic substrate, and comprising, in overlying sequence from the surface: a magnetically soft underlayer; an interlayer structure for crystallographically orienting a layer of a perpendicular magnetic recording material formed thereon; and at least one crystallographically oriented, magnetically hard, perpendicular magnetic recording layer on the interlayer structure; wherein the interlayer structure is a triple-layer stacked structure comprising: a first interlayer of a first non-magnetic material proximal the magnetically soft underlayer and containing Ru; a second interlayer of a second non-magnetic material in overlying contact with the first interlayer and not containing Ru; and a third interlayer of a third non-magnetic material in overlying contact with the second interlayer and containing Ru.
US08025986B2
The present invention provides an organic electroluminescent element which is superior in luminance, reliability, and thermal stability and is capable of selectively emitting light with comparative long wavelengths such as red and good color purity and a light-emitting device or display device incorporated therewith. The organic electroluminescent element consists of a glass substrate (1), an anode (2), a hole transporting layer (10), an emitting layer (11), an electron transporting layer (12), and a cathode (3), which are sequentially laminated on top of the other. The emitting layer (11) is formed from a mixture composed of at least one species of the styryl compound represented by the general formula [I] below and a material with charge transporting capability. Y—CH═CH—X General formula [I] (where X denotes an aryl group (such as phenyl group) which has a substituent group (such as cyano group and methyl group), and Y denotes a group having a skeleton of aminophenyl group or the like.)
US08025975B2
Pastes for use in producing sintered frit patterns (14) on glass sheets (12), such as the glass sheets used as covers for OLED (18) display devices (10), are provided. The pastes include glass particles, filler particles, and a vehicle. The sizes of the filler and/or glass particles are reduced compared to prior art pastes. Reductions in porosity and surface roughness of sintered frits produced using the pastes, as well as improvements in the available process window for producing OLED packages and the hermeticity and strength of those packages, are reported.
US08025973B2
The invention relates to the papermaking art and, in particular, to the manufacture of paper substrates, paper-containing articles such as multilayered paper or paperboard packaging, containing a fluorine-containing compound and having enhanced glueability and/or grease resistance.
US08025970B2
A fishing line is produced by forming a monofilament by subjecting a resin composition (C) containing 90 to 99.3% by weight of a polyamide resin (A) and 0.7 to 10% by weight of a silicone compound (B) having a number average molecular weight of 100,000 to 2,000,000 to melt-spinning and then drawing. This method can provide a fishing line which is excellent in abrasion resistance and also excellent in visibility. In this method, it is preferable to conduct melt-kneading of a part of the polyamide resin (A) with the silicone compound (B) in advance, adding of the residual polyamide resin (A) and further melt-kneading, subsequent melt-spinning, and drawing at a draw ratio of from 4 to 7.
US08025958B2
A hard-coated material having a substrate coated with a wear resistant and easily removed film is provided. The film comprises laminated alternately in succession, a lower layer-A having a composition of formula TivM1-v(CxNyOz) and an upper layer-B having a composition of formula TivCrwM1-v-w(CxNyOz). At least two lamination units are provided and the ratio in thickness of a singularity of the layer-B to a singularity of the layer-A is at least 2. The thickness of a singularity of the layer-A is within the range of 0.1 to 3μm both inclusive, the thickness of a singularity of the layer-B is within the range of 1 to 10μm both inclusive, and the total thickness of a plurality of the layers-B is at least 5 μm.
US08025950B2
According to one embodiment, a sensor-securing apparatus has a frame having a sensor-mount region to hold an image sensor that generates heat while operating. The frame has a first adhesive-applying hole and a plurality of second adhesive-applying holes. The first adhesive-applying hole opens in the sensor-mount region and faces the center part of the image sensor. The second adhesive-applying holes are smaller than the first adhesive-applying hole, open in the sensor-mount region and are arranged around the first adhesive-applying hole. Adhesive is filled in the first adhesive-applying hole and the second adhesive-applying holes. The adhesive secures the image sensor to the frame.
US08025942B2
The invention relates to the stiffening of inflatably deployable structures, in particular for space use.More specifically, the invention relates to a flexible membrane for inflatably deployable structures, that comprises one layer of a composite and at least one polymer film that is permeable to visible radiation covering one of the faces of this layer, said composite being formed from a fibrous material impregnated with a composition incorporating an epoxide or epoxy/acrylate resin and a photoinitiator, and which is characterized in that the photoinitiator is an iron-arene complex salt of general formula (I): where A is an arene group, while X is a non-nucleophilic anion. Applications: manufacture of devices of the following types: radars, solar panels, reflectors, solar shields, antennas, solar mirrors or sails, intended to equip orbital vehicles or vehicles for space or planetary exploration.
US08025940B2
There is provided a laminate comprising a hard coat layer having the outermost surface to which slipperiness has been imparted.The laminate comprises a transparent substrate and a hard coat layer provided on said transparent substrate. The hard coat layer is formed of a cured product of a composition comprising a fluorine-modified urethane acrylate and/or a polydimethylsiloxane having a polyether-modified acryl or polyether group.
US08025939B2
A liquid crystal display is provided which is capable of reducing the occurrence of defective display due to variations in the initial alignment direction of a liquid crystal alignment control film in a liquid crystal display of an IPS scheme, realizing the stable liquid crystal alignment, providing excellent mass productivity, and having high image quality with a higher contrast ratio.The liquid crystal display has a liquid crystal layer disposed between a pair of substrates, at least one of the substrates being transparent, and an alignment control film formed between the liquid crystal layer and the substrate. At least one of the alignment control films 109 comprises photoreactive polyimide and/or polyamic acid provided with an alignment control ability by irradiation of substantially linearly polarized light.
US08025933B2
A retardation plate comprising at least one optically anisotropic layer, wherein at least one of said optically anisotropic layers is formed from a composition containing a liquid crystalline compound represented by the following formula: wherein Y11, Y12 and Y13 are methine or N; L1, L2 and L3 are single bond or divalent group; H1, H2 and H3 are formula (DI-A) or (DI-B); YA1, YA2, YB1 and YB2 are methine or N; XA and XB are O, S, etc.; R1, R2 and R3 are -(-L21-Q2)n1-L22-L23-Q1; L21 is single bond or divalent group; Q2 is cyclic divalent group; n1 is 0-4; L22 is —O—, —O—CO—, etc; L23 is —O—, —S—, etc.; Q1 is polymerizable group or H.
US08025932B2
Ta2O5 and Al2O3 thin films were fabricated by pulsed plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with simultaneous delivery of O2 and the metal precursor. By appropriately controlling the gas-phase environment self-limiting deposition at controllable rates (˜1 Å/pulse) was obtained. The process was insensitive to substrate temperature, with a constant deposition rate observed from 90-350° C. As-deposited Ta2O5 films under these conditions displayed good dielectric properties. Performance improvements correlate strongly with film density and composition as measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Pulsed PECVD eliminates the need for gas actuation and inert purge steps required by atomic layer deposition.
US08025928B2
A process for forming a multilayer film includes coating a polymeric substrate film with a liquid fluoropolymer coating. The liquid fluoropolymer coating includes a fluoropolymer, solvent, a compatible cross-linkable adhesive polymer, and a cross-linking agent. The process further includes cross-linking the compatible cross-linkable adhesive polymer to form a cross-linked polymer network in the fluoropolymer coating, removing the solvent from the fluoropolymer coating, and adhering the fluoropolymer coating to the polymeric substrate film.
US08025927B2
A method of forming an antireflective coating on an electronic device comprising (A) applying to an electronic device an ARC composition comprising (i) a silsesquioxane resin having the formula (PhSiO(3-X)/2(OH)x)mHSiO(3-x)/2(OH)x)N(MeSiO(3-x)/2(OH)x)p where Ph is a phenyl group, Me is a methyl group, x has a value of 0, 1 or 2; m has a value of 0.05 to 0.95, n has a value of 0.05 to 0.95, p has a value of 0.05 to 0.95, and m+n+p≈1; and (ii) a solvent; and (B) removing the solvent and curing the silsesquioxane resin to form an antireflective coating on the electronic device.
US08025925B2
A heating apparatus is configured to include a hot plate at which a substrate is placed, a top plate opposed to the substrate, a gas discharging part provided on one end side of the hot plate for discharging gas between the hot plate and the top plate, an exhaust part provided to be opposed to the gas discharging part with the hot plate interposed therebetween, and a heating part independently heating a first region and a second region of the substrate. A heating process is performed with good within-wafer uniformity by forming an unidirectional flow to heat the first region and the second region at different temperatures.
US08025921B2
There is provided a film forming method capable of enhancing adhesion efficiency of a metal powder by use of a low-pressure compressed gas even in the case of spraying the metal powder remaining in a solid-phase state to a substrate, to form a film, the method being a film forming method of spraying a metal powder p in a solid-phase state to a surface 11a of a substrate 11 along with a compressed gas, to form a film 12 of the metal powder p on the surface 11a of the substrate 11, wherein a powder, which at least contains a powder for film formation having an apparent density of 1.4 to 2.0 g/cm3 and an average grain size of not larger than 25 μm, is used as the metal powder p.
US08025919B2
A catalyst filling method in a micro channel and a reformer manufactured by the method. The catalyst is filled in the micro channel using water, and unidirectional pressure is applied to the catalyst in the micro channel to fill the micro channel with high density. The catalyst in the micro channel is dried. The method according to the present invention allows uniformly filling the catalyst particles in the micro channel of the reformer with high density, increasing the reactive surface area of the catalyst particles with the fuel, thereby allowing highly efficient reforming effect.
US08025918B2
Compositions comprising a silyl-containing copolymer of a monomer system comprising: (A) a silyl-containing monomer having a structural formula (A) Wherein n=1-20, o=1-5 R=O or NH R′=H or CH3 R″=C1-C12 alkyl wherein m=1-20; (B) a neutral, hydrophilic, ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and (C) a cationic ethylenically unsaturated monomer are disclosed. Aqueous solutions of the silyl-containing copolymer form transparent coatings on substrates which have very high contact angles with aqueous solutions and receive aqueous ink with very low bleeding. Substrates coated with the copolymer, methods for printing images, and methods of forming a portion or all of an electronic feature, are also disclosed.
US08025892B2
Gel particles or beads can be prepared by forming a hot aqueous solution of a gelling agent, and discharging the hot gelling agent solution through a discharge orifice into a cold moving stream of hydrophobic liquid so that the gelling agent solution cools rapidly and good quality gel particles coalesce in the cold hydrophobic liquid stream. The cold hydrophobic liquid stream can be contained in a conduit so that the cold hydrophobic liquid stream moves past the discharge orifice and exerts a force on hot solution in the discharge orifice, the force acting to withdraw the hot solution from the discharge orifice. Optionally, the gel particles can be crushable gel beads 10 formed of an agar complex providing cosmetic, pharmaceutical, etc. delivery vehicles for topical delivery of biologically or cosmetically active agents. Preferred agar beads 10 are complexes of a continuous phase of agar gel 12 in a self-supporting solid or semi-solid form with a restraining polymer 14. Various active agents 16 may be bound to restraining polymer 14, for, example ascorbic acid, lactic acid or papain.
US08025881B2
When an anti-human BMP antibody was added to cells of an immortalized human mesangial cell line cultured in the presence of human BMP, the anti-human BMP antibody significantly suppressed the production of type IV collagen in mesangial cells. A number of signaling pathways are involved in abnormal proliferation of type IV collagen. It was therefore completely unpredictable whether merely blocking the BMP signal would indeed suppress the abnormal proliferation of type IV collagen. However, for the first time, the present inventors demonstrated that anti-BMP antibodies are very effective in suppressing the abnormal proliferation of type IV collagen. Thus, anti-BMP antibodies can be used as novel therapeutic agents for kidney diseases associated with abnormal proliferation of the mesangial matrix.
US08025880B2
The present invention relates to materials and methods for prevention, treatment and diagnosing of infections caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). More specifically the present invention relates to new specific variable antibody regions, derivatives thereof and the fully human immunoglobulin, Abba3, which exhibit specific activity to the BabA antigen, expressed by H. pylori, methods for the production of said immunoglobulins, their isolation and use, for example in detection of disease causing H. pylori. The present invention also relates to immunization therapies, i.e. passive vaccination for the treatment and prevention of pathologic infections caused by H. pylori strains.
US08025876B2
The present invention relates to antibodies raised against fragments of apolipoprotein B, in particular defined peptides thereof, for immunization or therapeutic treatment of mammals, including humans, against ischemic cardiovascular diseases, using one or more of the antibodies.
US08025872B2
Disclosed herein is an osteogenic synthetic peptide, derived from bone morphogenetic protein-7, consisting of a sequence of 15 amino acid residues. Provided are also a pharmaceutical composition and a medium composition comprising the same. Having remarkable activity related to promoting osteoblast differentiation, the osteogenic synthetic peptide is very useful in the treatment of osteoporosis, bone defects and/or osteoarthritis.
US08025870B2
The present invention is directed to a series of vinyl ether based silicone polymers and their use in personal care applications. They are prepared by the hydrosilylation reaction of a vinyl ether and a silanic hydrogen compound. The compounds find use in personal care applications.
US08025866B2
Fasciolosis is an anthropozoonotic disease caused by the Trematoda Fasciola hepatica. This worm is a common parasite of ruminants namely sheep, goats and cattle. Adult worms are usually found in the bile ducts of the final host liver, causing significant economic losses in the animal husbandry industry. The diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica infection, in definitive hosts, is usually done by microscopic identification of parasite eggs in the stools, observation of adult worms in liver ducts, or by serology. However, no diagnostic tool as been described for utilization directly in the animals in the farm. The disclosed subject matter describes a cDNA clone codifying for a 69 amino acids polypeptide and 8 kDa molecular weight, and identified as Fh8 or “fasciolin” (Genbank number AF213970). Results show that the polypeptide FH8 act as an allergen. The disclosed subject matter is directed to the detection of Fasciola hepatica-infected definitive hosts using a skin application of “fasciolina” or related molecules obtained by mutation and chemical modification. The application system and the reading of the results can be specially executed for sheep and bovines, and it can be used in any kind of definitive host for this Trematoda. The test is easy to be used in field conditions and good results can be obtained faster.
US08025865B2
Therapeutic methods for inhibiting the growth of preneoplastic/neoplastic vertebrate cells that abnormally express MN protein are disclosed. Screening assays are provided for identifying compounds, preferably organic compounds, preferably aromatic and heterocylic sulfonamides, which inhibit the enzymatic activity of MN/CA IX and that are useful for treating patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic disease. Further, the CA IX-specific inhibitors when labeled can also be used diagnostically/prognostically for preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and for imaging use, for example, to detect hypoxic precancerous cells, tumors and/or metastases, by selectively binding to activated CA IX, preferably CA IX activated under hypoxic conditions, and not to inactive CA IX. Such detection of hypoxic conditions can be helpful in determining effective treatment options, and in predicting treatment outcome and the prognosis of disease development.
US08025862B2
The invention concerns a process for producing synthesis gas, SG, from hydrocarbons and/or recycled compounds. In the process: a stream comprising a first feed F1 supplemented with steam undergoes steam reforming in a multi-tube reactor-exchanger R having a shell and reaction tubes containing a steam reforming catalyst within the shell; the reaction tubes are heated by convection by circulating in the shell, in overall counter-current mode, a heating fluid HF external to the tubes, which fluid comprises a first combustion gas stream of a second feed F2, then fluid HF is mixed, in 1 to 4 complementary combustion zones internal to the shell, with a third feed F3 and a gas comprising oxygen, to increase the temperature of the HF, and then the mixture obtained circulates in R to heat the reaction tubes in a complementary manner; and SG is produced from the steam reforming effluent from F1 and optionally part or all of the HF.
US08025859B2
A process for the extraction of a precious metal, such as gold or silver, from a sulphide ore or concentrate or other source material comprises subjecting the source material to pressure oxidation to produce a pressure oxidation slurry. The pressure oxidation slurry is flashed down to a lower temperature and pressure and is then subjected to a liquid/solid separation to obtain a pressure oxidation solution and a solid residue containing the precious metal. The solid residue is then subjected to cyanidation to extract the precious metal. The formation of thiocyanide during cyanidation is minimized or counteracted by effecting the cyanidation at an elevated oxygen pressure and a reduced retention time, such as 30 to 90 minutes. A method for the reduction of copper cyanide formation during cyanidation leaching is also provided.
US08025857B2
An apparatus is described for the preferential conversion to 2-butene of a stream containing C4 compounds including 1-butene and 2-butene involving mixing the C4 stream with a first hydrogen stream to form a feed stream, hydroisomerizing the feed stream in the presence of a first hydroisomerization catalyst in order to convert at least a portion of the 1-butene to 2-butene, thereby producing a hydroisomerization effluent, passing the hydroisomerization effluent through a fractionation column to form a top stream comprising isobutane and isobutylene and a bottoms stream comprising 2-butene, withdrawing a recycle stream from said fractionation column at a location above the feed point at which the weight ratio of 1-butene to 2-butene is high, and combining the recycle stream with at least one of the C4 stream and the feed stream upstream from the hydroisomerization catalyst.
US08025835B2
A heat treatment or heat soak furnace for use in both galvannealing and galvanizing processes including a heating apparatus configured to supply heat and remove heat. The heating apparatus may draw hot air from the exhaust of a direct fire strip annealing furnace, gas burners or electric heat exchangers as necessary. The furnace also may include a plurality of cooling mechanisms in order to ensure heat is removed and the temperature within the furnace regulated. In addition, the furnace may include baffles configured to allow portions of the interior of the furnace to be separated into different temperature zones. The furnace under this invention is capable of providing a suitable thermal environment for a desired time, duration, for steel sheet substrates with different chemistries, different coating thicknesses and different process speeds to achieve an optimum phase microstructure of the galvannealed, zinc-iron alloy coating; or to promptly solidify the galvanizing unalloyed zinc coating so that it has a high quality surface morphology.
US08025834B2
A process and apparatus for multi-shot, liquid-resin-molding of continuous-fiber composite articles is disclosed. The process involves the step-wise fabrication of an article wherein continuity of the fibers is maintained between the multiple workpieces of the finished composite article.
US08025827B2
A method of connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece and a device for carrying out the method are shown and described. The object of providing a method with which a positive-locking connection between a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece can be produced in a short time and without considerable outlay in terms of apparatus is achieved by a method comprising the following steps: providing a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece, placing the further workpiece against the plastic workpiece, providing a connecting element on a surface of the plastic workpiece, this surface being opposite the surface against which the further workpiece bears, producing a recess in the further workpiece, this recess being provided on the surface bearing against the plastic workpiece, heating the connecting element, so that the material of the connecting element is plasticized, and pressing plasticized material into the recess.
US08025822B2
A method of manufacturing a microlens substrate 10 is provided. The microlens substrate 10 is provided with a plurality of microlenses 8. The method includes the steps of: preparing a substrate 101 with concave portions having two major surfaces, each of the plurality of concave portions 3 having a shape corresponding to that of each of the plurality of microlenses 8 being formed on one of the two major surfaces of the substrate 101 with concave portions; preparing a base material substrate 102′ mainly formed of a resin material, the base material substrate 102′ having two major surfaces; and pressure-joining the substrate 101 with concave portions to the base material substrate 102′ in a heating state. In this case, in the pressure-joining step, the substrate 101 with concave portions is joined to the base material substrate 102′ so that the plurality of concave portions 3 are filled with the resin material of the base material substrate 102′ which has been melted by the heat.
US08025804B2
A method for continuous closed-circuit consecutive sequential desalination of a salt water solution by reverse osmosis without using containers. The closed circuit includes one desalination module or more than one desalination modules connected in parallel. The method provides for desalination to proceed in concentrate recycling mode with brief intervals of concentrate discharge mode, in which pressurized concentrate in the closed circuit is replaced by pressurized fresh feed of salt water solution without stopping desalination.
US08025802B2
The invention describes an apparatus for the filtration of liquids and an associated filter cartridge 100, the correct seating of which is ensured and can be established by the user. The apparatus is characterized in that the inlet funnel 10 has at least one first fixing means 30 below the receiving opening 13, and in that the filter cartridge 100 has at least one second fixing means 130 below and at a distance from the sealing rim 160, which second fixing means, when the filter cartridge 100 is being fitted into the receiving opening 13, interacts with the first fixing means 30.
US08025797B2
An integrating system of a pressurized fluid generator and vortex separator comprises a pressurized fluid generator and a vortex separator. The pressurized fluid generator includes a high pressure tank which connects to a fluid storage tank and a pressure indicator through a pressure booster pump. A heating element and a temperature indicating controller are installed in the high pressure tank. The vortex separator is connected to the pressurized fluid generator through transfer pipes. The vortex separator includes a vortex separating tank. The vortex separating tank has an outlet at a bottom side thereof; the outlet is connected to a plurality of collection bottles. A spindle is located in the vortex separating tank and is driven by a driving device. The spindle is installed with a penetrating fluid channel which is connected to a plurality of transfer pipes; each of the transfer pipes is installed with a plurality of electric controlled switches.
US08025796B2
The disclosed process and system are used for the denitrification of wastewater. The system comprises: an influent concentration analyzer for measuring an influent dissolved oxygen concentration, an influent nitrate concentration, and an influent nitrite concentration; and a feed chemical controller for providing a feed chemical at a controlled rate. The feed chemical controller is responsive to one or more output signals provided by an automated control loop that accepts input signals from the influent concentration analyzer, which input signals relate to at least two of the influent nitrate concentration, the influent nitrite concentration, and the influent dissolved oxygen concentration.
US08025786B2
A method is provided, which includes generating a cleaning liquid by a combination of a sparging process and an electrochemical process that produces an anolyte and a catholye.
US08025780B2
A biosensor is disclosed comprising a support; a conductive layer composed of an electrical conductive material such as noble metal, for example gold or palladium, and carbon; slits parallel to and perpendicular to the side of the support; working, counter, and detecting electrodes; a spacer which covers the working, counter, and detecting electrodes on the support; a rectangular cutout in the spacer forming a specimen supply path; an inlet to the specimen supply path; a reagent layer formed by applying a reagent containing an enzyme to the working, counter, and detecting electrodes, which are exposed through the cutout in the spacer; and a cover over the spacer. The biosensor can be formed by a simple method, and provides a uniform reagent layer on the electrodes regardless of the reagent composition.
US08025778B2
In combination, a storage tank having a metal bottom, compacted electrolytic backfill below the tank bottom and a cathodic protection anode within the backfill below the tank bottom. The anode is in the form of a generally continuous ribbon that is shaped to follow a serpentine path corresponding generally in shape to the tank bottom. A feeding cable network is connected directly to the anode.
US08025771B2
Papermaking felts include a base material and a batt layer provided on one or both sides of the base material. The batt layer includes a water-absorbing resin, and the water-absorbing resin has a coefficient of water absorption of from 1.05 and 10.
US08025770B2
A used paper processing apparatus to be place in small shop or general household, capable of holding high secrecy, friendly to the environment, and low in running cost. In a furniture size apparatus case, a pulp manufacturing section for manufacturing used paper pulp by macerating and beating the used paper, a paper making section for manufacturing recycled paper by making the used paper pulp manufactured in the pulp manufacturing section, and a control section for driving and controlling by interlocking the pulp manufacturing section and paper making section are provided, being place in a room producing used paper, and by macerating and processing the used paper by the pulp manufacturing section, leak or disclosure of confidential information or private information written or printed on used paper can be prevented effectively, and further used paper pulp is processed by the paper making section, and recycled paper is manufactured.
US08025768B2
A continuous fiIter treatment process in which anionic polymer dispersions (latex) are added to common papermaking filler slurries ai ambient temperature and then mixed with water of temperature higher than the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the latex used. To efficiently fix the latex the temperature of the filler/latex mixture must be 30-60° C. higher than ihe Tg of the latex used. The chemical composition of the resin and the type of surfactant used during the emulsion polymerization process of the polymer latex dispersions are important factors for efficiently fixing the latex onto the filler by adding hot water and improving the properties of paper made with the treated filler. Enhanced fixation of anionic latex onto filler using hot water is done in mixing vessels that can control shear and mixing time. The anionic latexes are totally and irreversibly fixed or bound onto the filler particles and the aggregated filler slurry is stable over time. The latex-treated filler slurry can be added to papermaking furnishes at any point prior to the headbox of the paper machine or stored for later use. It can be added to wood-free or wood-containing furnishes commonly used for making fine papers, mechanical pulp papers, and multi-ply paperboards. Filler retention with only slightly reduce sheot strength and sizing performance are improved. Treated calcium carbonate filler is more acid-resistant and, when used in manufacturing mechanical pulp paper under neutral conditions, less acid is needed to control the pH.
US08025765B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a multi-layer nonwoven fiber material, and related methods of manufacturing the material. In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber material includes a first layer of directionally aligned fibers together with a second layer of randomly dispersed fibers dispersed over the first layer. Consistent with one exemplary method for manufacturing a nonwoven fiber material, the method includes dispersing a first plurality of fibers horizontally in one or more predetermined directions, as well as dispersing a second plurality of fibers horizontally in random directions. In such an embodiment, the second plurality of fibers is dispersed over the first plurality of fibers. Moreover, an exemplary embodiment of a roofing shingle employing a nonwoven fiber material as described herein is as disclosed.
US08025762B2
The present invention relates to a wood cooking aid which comprises a mixture of fatty acids and rosin acids and/or salts thereof in a ratio which is effective in removing the extractives in pulp production. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a wood cooking aid wherein fatty acids and rosin acids are provided in a mixture in a ration which is effective in removing the extractives in pulp production. If desired salts of said acids are prepared by reacting said fatty acid rosin acid mixture containing the desired fatty acid and rosin acid distribution with water and sodium hydroxide. The wood cooking aid of the invention is used in cooking of hardwood.
US08025760B2
A fluid transfer apparatus for bulk material is disclosed. The transfer apparatus includes a rotor mounted on a rotatable shaft and including axially extending flow channels extending through the rotor parallel to the shaft, flow connectors for connecting a low-pressure flow of fluid and a high-pressure flow of fluid into and out of the axially extending flow channels, a casing enclosing the rotor, a pair of axially sealing plates disposed between the ends of the rotor and the casing, a pressurizing fluid fed into the chamber defined by the casing to pressurize the rotor, the flow connectors, and the axially movable sealing plates.
US08025747B2
A titanium alloy containing carbon with and without addition of silicon exhibiting improved corrosion resistance and mechanical strength as compared to commercially pure ASTM grade 2 titanium or PGM-alloyed ASTM grade 7 titanium.
US08025737B2
A substrate cleaning apparatus for cleaning a front-side clean target surface 1a and a back-side clean target surface 1b of a edge portion of a substrate 1 by wiping surfaces 12a, 12b of a cleaning tape 12. The substrate cleaning apparatus includes a presser member 11a for pressing the cleaning tape 12 against the clean target surface 1a, a presser member 11b for pressing the cleaning tape 12 against the clean target surface 1b, a tape path passing through between the presser member 11a and the clean target surface 1a and between the presser member 11b and the clean target surface 1b, a moving device for moving the cleaning tape 12 and the substrate 1 relative to each other in a longitudinal direction of the edge portion.
US08025721B2
A gas supply and extraction device is arranged preferably on a tank lid or a tank wall in a tank for storing a pressurized driving gas and a liquid such as fuel or oxidizer for operation of a spacecraft. A device housing defines an interior reservoir space. Upper trumpet-shaped passage bodies and a lower trumpet-shaped passage body communicate from the interior reservoir space into the interior space of the tank. By capillary effects, baffle plates, deflector plates, capillary plates, a separation chamber and other components separate liquid from gas entering the device, so that the gas can be extracted while the liquid is stored in the reservoir space of the device until it is drained back into the tank during an accelerated operation phase of the spacecraft.
US08025719B2
A regenerated sulfur recovery apparatus positioned in a sulfur recovery plant, which apparatus contains a sulfur purifier that cools gaseous sulfur and condensates it, forming liquid sulfur while removing impurities contained therein; the apparatus containing a steam supplying means for melting solid sulfur deposited on an inner wall of the sulfur purifier, a molten sulfur reservoir that recovers and stores the melted sulfur, a reservoir heating means that heats the reservoir, an exhaust gas line that directs to the outside an exhaust gas formed in the reservoir when the reservoir is heated by the reservoir heating means, and an inert gas supply means that supplies an inert gas to the reservoir, such that the inert gas supplied into the reservoir flows to the outside through the exhaust gas line when molten sulfur stored in the reservoir is discharged from the reservoir.
US08025716B2
A medical fluid delivery system includes a fluid disposable configured to hold and transport a medical fluid and an air separation chamber in fluid communication with the fluid disposable. The air separation chamber includes at least one fluid baffle floating within the air separation chamber and configured to separate air from medical fluid traveling through the chamber.
US08025705B2
A method for gasification of fuel in an entrained flow of a gasification reactor. The method includes jointly gasifying a mixture of at least two different fuels having different degrees of coalification, including those of differing coal qualities such as brown coals and stone coals. The method also includes pulverizing the coals forming the mixture in specific grain bands and drying the coals forming the mixture to a specific residual water content.
US08025696B2
An artificial meniscus, a base material of which is a hydrogel having a semi-interpenetrating network structure or an interpenetrating network structure (e.g., a linear polymer or a network structure composing the hydrogel is a polymer of an electrically charged unsaturated monomer and/or an electrically neutral unsaturated monomer or a crosslinked product thereof or/and a naturally occurring macromolecule or a crosslinked product thereof.), which can maintain moderate mechanical properties even in the case of application for an extended period of time between the joints where the severest mechanical environment is found in an organism, and which has no fear of causing osteoarthritis.
US08025693B2
A stent-graft or prosthesis (10) with enhanced flexibility, in particular enhanced bending flexibility, includes a radially distensible stent (24) and at least one continuously uninterrupted ePTFE tubular graft or covering (18) having a node and fibril structure. The tubular stent (24) includes opposed open ends (12′, 14′) and a stent wall structure (26) having opposed exterior (28) and luminal surfaces (30). The ePTFE covering (18) is securably disposed to at least one of the stent surfaces (28, 30). The ePTFE graft or covering (18) includes a tubular wall (16) that is continuously uninterrupted and desirably substantially free of slits, apertures and folds. The ePTFE graft (18) further includes a first region (20) and a second region (22), where the first region (20) has a different bending flexibility from the second region (22).
US08025691B2
A stent introducer apparatus includes a handle having a housing and a rotatable reel. An inner stent carrier having a proximal end and a distal end is provided, with the proximal end being connected to the housing of the handle. An outer sheath movably disposed about the inner stent carrier and having a proximal end and a distal end is provided, with the proximal end being connected to the reel of the handle. Rotation of the reel relative to the housing peels the outer sheath away from the inner stent carrier so as to move the outer sheath proximally relative to the inner stent carrier, thereby exposing the distal end of the inner stent carrier. The inner stent carrier has a stent carrying portion at its distal end to carry a stent that is deployed when the distal end of the inner stent carrier is exposed.
US08025689B2
A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.
US08025674B2
Devices and methods for filtering blood. The devices generally comprise a mesh for filtering blood flowing within a blood vessel, particularly within an artery such as the aorta, a structure adapted to open and close the mesh within the blood vessel, and a means to actuate the structure. The methods generally include the steps of introducing a mesh into a blood vessel to entrap embolic material, and removing the mesh and the entrapped foreign matter from the blood vessel.
US08025667B2
A measurement apparatus has a body that includes a reference surface that defines a reference line. The body further includes a first elongate window defining a first measurement line and a first measurement indicia positioned in association with the first elongate window. The first measurement line and the reference line define a first angle having a first magnitude. The first measurement indicia corresponds to the first magnitude.
US08025665B2
A device to space vertebral members that may include a deploying device with a first member with an elongated first shaft and a first body at an end of the first shaft, a second member with an elongated second shaft that extends around the first shaft and a second body at an end of the second shaft, and a third member with an elongated third shaft that extends around the second shaft and a third body at an end of the second shaft. The device may include a first plate positioned on a first side of the deploying device, and a second plate positioned on a second side of the deploying device. First, second, and third jointed linkages may be spaced apart along the deploying device and each having a pair of links and each having a first end attached to the first plate, a second end attached to the second plate, and an intermediate joint connecting the pair of links together and being attached to the deploying device.
US08025663B2
A system for establishing a prosthetic gap between first and second bones at a joint comprises an instrument for positioning within the gap between the first and second bones, and an augment for filling the gap when coupled to the instrument. In one embodiment, a resilient coupling member is provided to resiliently and removably couple the augment to the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument and augment are configured so that the augment can be coupled to the instrument on either one of opposite surfaces of the augment facing the first and second bones.
US08025655B2
Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion, inserting the device into the vascular lumen, positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall to at least partially surround the occlusion, and removing at least a portion of the surrounded occlusion from the lumen.
US08025652B2
An incontinence article comprising front and back belly sections connected at side seams forming belly and back bands, continuous in the hip direction having a hip opening closed in the hip direction, and a crotch section comprising an absorbent body, extending longitudinally between and permanently attached to the belly and back sections, wherein the crotch, belly, and back sections define leg openings, the belly and back sections have an edge contour extending towards a transverse center axis, wherein first elastification means in the belly and back sections extend parallel to each other in the hip direction and wherein, in the belly and back sections, second elastification means extend from two side seam areas towards a longitudinal center axis of the article in a curved shape, thereby fanning out with increasing separation from each other, where the second elastification means fan out, the restoring force from extensive stretching of this area is smaller than that from extensive stretching of an area on the hip side, having only the first elastification means.
US08025650B2
A negative pressure (i.e., vacuum or suction) wound healing device and system incorporating the device. The device of the present disclosure is smaller, lighter, portable, and overall more manageable by both the user and the medical personnel than the conventional systems. The device could be readily worn by the user.
US08025638B2
A balloon catheter including a connecting member, a catheter shaft, a balloon and a heat-generating member. The heat-generating member is in contact with a fluid in a distal portion of the catheter shaft. A method for treating a patient including introducing a low temperature fluid which flows through the balloon, introducing energy into a catheter shaft, and converting the energy into heat by a heat-generating member to heat the fluid, whereby an organ of the patient is heated and cooled. In the method, a portion of a diseased tissue of the organ is (i) heated from 35 to 40° C. to 60 to 80° C. within 30 seconds, (ii) expanded by applying a pressure of 500 kPa or smaller to the balloon, and (iii) cooled to 45° C. or lower within 40 seconds.
US08025636B2
A method of using a balloon catheter, comprising the steps of providing a balloon catheter, the balloon catheter comprising a balloon and a plurality of fins, the plurality of fins engaged to the balloon; inserting the balloon catheter into the vasculature; advancing the balloon catheter through the vasculature to a desired location; inflating the balloon when the balloon catheter is at the desired location; deflating the balloon; and directing the blood flow along the balloon thereby aiding rewrap.
US08025633B2
Arrangement for extracorporeal circulation of blood having a generally uniform flow diameter where the risk for stagnation of blood is avoided or reduced. The arrangement comprises a generally circular cylindrical means for temporary expanding the flow diameter, a means for flow expansion (9). The means for flow expansion (9) is arranged connecting the bloodline (5) and a component (6, 8) for circulation of the blood. The means for flow expansion (9) comprises a first part with a first flow diameter, d1 and a second part downstream the first part with a second flow diameter d2 where d2/d1≧1.5. The first part has a length extension L1 and the second part has a length extension L2 where L2/L1≧0.5.
US08025630B2
A treating device according to the present invention comprises: a transmitting member for transmitting energy, for treating living body tissue, to the living body tissue; an outer sheath through which the transmitting member is passed; and a grasping section supported at the tip end portion of the outer sheath so as to be capable of turning with respect to the transmitting member, which allows the living body tissue to be grasped against the transmitting member. With such an arrangement, curved portions are formed on each of the transmitting member and the grasping section such that the transmitting member and the grasping section are in close contact. Furthermore, an edge portion is provided to a tip end portion of the transmitting member, at the side of the transmitting member in the direction toward which the grasping section heads, at the time of the grasping section turning on the turning axis toward the transmitting member so as to close.
US08025623B1
The present invention relates to a pressure sensor module for use in catheters having a pressure sensor operable to provide a signal representative of pressure. The pressure sensor includes a sensing side and a pressure reference side. At least one signal transmission media is coupled to the sensor for transmitting the signal representative of pressure. A convex-shaped carrier is provided having a slot formed to expose the sensing side of the sensor. The convex-shaped carrier is adapted for receiving the sensor such that the sensing side of the sensor is adjacent the slot. A bonding material is provided for mounting the sensor to the carrier. The pressure sensing module provides ease of installation and manufacture because the module may easily be bonded to and installed within a catheter.
US08025613B1
An adjustable dumbbell includes a handle, a shaft rotatably engaged through the handle, a carrier attached to each end portion of the shaft and having an inner housing and an outer housing and one or more middle housings spaced from each other for forming two or more gaps between the housings and for engaging with weight members, and the inner housing and the middle housing each include a spring-biased projection extendible into the gaps for selectively latching the weight members to the handle and the shaft and the carrier, and a control device is rotatably engaged onto the shaft and coupled to the handle for actuating the spring-biased projections to latch the selected weight members to the handle and the shaft and the carrier.
US08025612B1
Several embodiments of martial arts practice assemblies are described involving variations spanning from apparatus permitting movement along a single translational axis and about a single rotational axis to an embodiment mounted on a robotic arm enabling translation in all three axial directions and about all three rotational axes. A dual-lockout circuit requiring simultaneous activation by an operator and a user is used to activate the pneumatic system powering the assembly.
US08025609B2
Apparatus and method for simulating a back and forth leg or foot movement, the apparatus comprising: a pair of pivotable support mechanisms supported on a frame, a pair of foot pedals mounted on the support mechanisms for back and forth movement along an arcuate path of translation movement, the foot pedals being adjustable to a selected segment of an overall arcuate path of translation movement. The apparatus includes handles or arms interconnected or interlinked to the foot pedals for upper body pushing or pulling energy input. The handles or arms pivot together with and in the same back or forth direction as the pedals to which they are interlinked.
US08025606B2
A physical exercise method and apparatus comprises a mat/cushion device and accessories designed for fitness interactivity using an array of variations of graphics specifically placed on the mat. The locations of the graphics are provided as an aid to guide proper body positions or postures, placement and alignment in yoga and physical exercise, and for the use of creative sequencing of movement, proper technique, and body mechanics. The apparatus is a foundation and map for physical exercise programs, games, interactive play, physical therapies and methods. The apparatus contains graphics with anthropometric measurements that may be synchronized with instruction, audio and/or video displays, and/or video games containing and delivering corresponding graphics for body placement and timing. The method through instruction and gaming can be delivered auditorially and/or visually, through interactive multimedia systems, on a timed and/or touch sensitive system, as well as an array of different technologies such as the internet.
US08025602B2
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08025598B2
A bicycle rear derailleur comprises a base member; a movable member that supports a chain guide including a pulley that rotates around a pulley axis, wherein the pulley has a pulley plane; and a linking member coupled between the base member and the movable member so that the chain guide moves laterally relative to the base member between a first lateral position and a second lateral position. The base member has a chain receiving space therein.
US08025591B2
A golf club is provided having a hollow body golf club head comprising discrete concentrations of weight or mass located away from the center of gravity or the geometric center of the club head to optimize the moment of inertia of the club head about both the vertical axis running through the center of gravity or geometric center of the club head, hereinafter referred to as the “y-axis,” and the axis running through the center of the shaft of the golf club, hereinafter referred to as the “hosel axis.” The ratio of moment of inertia of the club head about the y-axis to moment of inertia of the club head about the hosel axis is preferably 0.55. More preferably, this ratio is 0.75.
US08025587B2
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In another embodiment, the club head has an adjustable sole that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the strike face of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head.
US08025584B2
Disclosed is a golf ball ejector device for placement within a conventional practice green putting golf cup. The device includes a cylindrical housing constructed and adapted to fit within a conventional golf cup employing a catapult ejector arm recessed into an angular top surface made operational by an actuating switch which is coupled to a drive motor for operation of a timing cam and release of a spring for operation of the catapult ejector arm. The device allows horizontal ejecting of a golf ball when placed beneath the rim of a golf cup.
US08025582B1
A system and method for changing a theme associated with a given space (e.g., restaurant). A wall system includes a wall panel having multiple themes depicted thereon or multiple wall panels each having a theme depicted thereon. Using a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys or the like, the wall panels are moved to change the theme of the space. A ceiling system includes two ceiling panels movable via a series of winches, chain drives, cables and pulleys. Once separated the ceiling panels expose a theme different than that depicted while closed. Audio and/or visual cues may be provided to alert patrons to a theme change.
US08025581B2
A ride vehicle for use in amusement park rides with interactive game or show equipment. A vehicle body is included with a passenger seat and an interactive device operable by a passenger to interact with the interactive game. A mounting assembly is provided in or on vehicle body and is configured for pivotally mounting the interactive device on the vehicle body. The mounting assembly may be adapted such as with a cam or guide plate to rotate or otherwise position the interactive device through a range of positions at varying distances from the seat. Further, A passenger restraint assembly is provided and is used to determine a size of the passenger in the seat. The passenger restraint is linked to the mounting assembly to drive the mounting assembly so as to place the interactive device at a passenger-use position that is selected based on the defined size of the passenger.
US08025579B2
A hub shaft of a hub wheel for the mounting of a wheel thereon and an outer ring of a constant velocity joint are connected together. A first side surface spline is formed on an end surface of the hub shaft, and a second side surface spline is formed on an end surface of a side wall portion of the outer ring abutting against the end surface of the hub shaft, and the first and second side surface splines are meshed with each other to connect the hub shaft of the hub wheel and the outer ring of the constant velocity joint together in a torque-transmitting manner, each of the two side surface splines having a number of spline teeth. At least one of the spline teeth of at least one of the two side surface splines is removed to form a removal portion which forms a drain passage.
US08025571B2
The present invention relates to a system and method for interactive gaming comprising: a central broadcast center (10) transmitting signals over a first communications network; a gaming system (25) residing within the central broadcast center (10); a plurality of users who access the gaming system (25) via the first communication network. The gaming system (25) provides a plurality of games that incorporate a scoring protocol that provides real time scoring data transmitting from the plurality of users back to the gaming system via a second communication network. The plurality of users may review the real time scoring data via the first communications network.
US08025569B2
Techniques for simulating real (or live) gaming environments are disclosed. A virtual gaming environment effectively connects a number of people together by connecting a number of computing devices (e.g., personal computers, gaming machines). The virtual gaming environment provides a view of a virtual gaming area (e.g., a virtual gaming table) where a number of individuals (or players) and a person acting as the host are effectively represented. In this virtual gaming area, the players and host can interact with each other via audio and/or video input/output devices. As a result, a live gaming environment where players can see, hear, and converse with each other, as well as a live host (e.g., a dealer) is effectively simulated.
US08025566B2
In a first aspect, a method (e.g., of operating a gaming device) is provided. The method includes the steps of (i) receiving audio/video content; (ii) associating a plurality of sets of outcome values with the audio/video content; (iii) determining a play session; (iv) determining which of the plurality of sets of outcome values to associate with the audio/video content for a duration of the play session, thereby determining an active set of outcome values; (v) determining a result of a game play during the session; (vi) selecting, based on the result, a value from the active set of outcome values; and (vii) outputting, as an indication of the result, the audio/video content and an indication of the selected value.
US08025563B2
With regard to a slot machine, in a case that a predetermined amount of credits has been inserted, the game mode is switched from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode according to the player's input operation via a touch panel. The number of games is counted in the insurance mode. When the counted number of games has reached a predetermined number, a predetermined amount of credits is paid out. In the insurance mode, determination of whether or not the game stage is to be switched to the bonus game stage is made based upon a value determined at random. When the game stage has been switched to the bonus game stage, the counted number of games is reset.
US08025559B2
The invention concerns a device for connecting first and second air ducts using a connecting element for transferring an air stream between the air ducts, wherein the connecting element can assume various snap-in positions relative to the first air duct.
US08025555B1
A method and apparatus for conditioning polishing pads that utilizes an apertured conditioning disk for introducing operation-specific slurries, without the need for additional tooling, platens, and materials handling. The method and apparatus utilizes a vacuum capability to pull waste material out of the polishing pad and through the apertured conditioning disk to evacuate the apparatus through an outlet port. The apparatus also includes a force adjustment system for providing measurement and control of the force applied by the conditioning disk to the polishing pad.
US08025543B2
A plasma display panel and the manufacturing method thereof. Forming partition wall structures on the back substrate of the paste display panel and forming the column-shaped protrusions at the positions corresponding to the cuts on the rib on the front substrate of the plasma display panel. The manufacturing process is simple and the alignment of the front and back substrate is easy. In addition, the size of the opening of the rib and the size of the cut can be easily adjusted according to the needs of the application during the manufacturing process.
US08025540B2
An amphibian with a planing hull having three wheel stations, two at the front of the vehicle and one centrally located at the rear of the vehicle. The amphibian is propelled on land by at least one wheel and in water by at least one impeller or propeller.
US08025534B2
A method, system and apparatus for efficiency coupling a LTO HH tape drive device having a Serial Attached SCSI connector to a SAS-Cable. The method for coupling a LTO HH tape drive device having a Serial Attached SCSI connector to a SAS-Cable includes employing an adapter having a structure featuring an offset between the centerlines of the LTO side and the SAS-Cable side. The method also includes reducing the overmold structure of the adapter on the SAS Cable Side of the adapter to prevent interference from excess structure contained on the connector during the insertion of the SAS Cable as well as enhancing the overmold structure of the adapter on the LTO drive side of the adapter to facilitate a secure grip on the adapter. The method further includes offsetting the centerlines of the LTO side and the SAS-Cable side to enhance the applicability of the adapter to a wide range of SAS-Cables and guiding the insertion of the adapter into a LTO drive via insertion guide pins to prevent the damage to the adapter pins on the LTO drive side of the adapter.
US08025533B2
Parts exchange or the like is not easy with an LED illumination apparatus that uses an LED attached to a socket of a conventional fluorescent light fixture. Other problems also exist such as unfavorable operability and reliability, and necessitating additional parts. Provided herewith is an LED illumination apparatus including a cap having a terminal electrically coupled to a socket of a fluorescent light fixture and a main body having an end coupled with the cap, where the main body includes an LED and a coupler to electrically couple the terminal to the LED, the terminal being fitted in the coupler.
US08025529B2
A coaxial panel comprising a frame with a plurality of openings and a mounting frame for holding a plurality of coaxial jacks that is mounted to the frame is disclosed. Each mounting frame includes an exterior surface that includes an intermating structure for slidably coupling a first mounting frame to a second identical mounting frame in a sliding direction either in a vertical orientation or a horizontal orientation. The intermating structure configured such that two coupled mounting frames cannot be pulled apart in a direction generally perpendicular to the sliding direction. The coaxial jacks mounted to the mounting frame and the mounting frame include slidably intermating alignment structures for aligning front coaxial cable connection locations of the coaxial jacks with the plurality of openings in the frame.
US08025521B2
An electrical connector including a first connection section adapted to connect to a first electrical conductor; and a second connection section adapted to connect to a second electrical conductor. The first and second connection sections include a first member, a second member and a compression member for compressing the second member towards the first member. The second member is pivotably connected to the first member at a rotating pivot which is spaced from the compression member and the second connection section.
US08025516B2
A plate-like connection target is inserted into a connector along a first direction. The connector has a first metal member having a first metal abutment portion, a second metal member having a second metal abutment portion, and an actuator operable to push the second metal abutment portion toward the first metal abutment portion for holding the plate-like connection target between the first metal abutment portion and the second metal abutment portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction in a state in which the plate-like connection target has been inserted in the connector.
US08025512B2
An object fitting/removing drive unit capable of fitting objects to each other, even if there is not enough working space in a fitting/removing direction of one object. Operation members holding cable connectors are accommodated in an inner frame in a manner movable in the fitting/removing direction. The inner frame is movably supported by outer frames along a direction orthogonal to the fitting/removing direction between initial and fitting-completed positions. A coupling member engaged with header connectors is movably supported by the outer frames along a direction orthogonal to the fitting/removing direction. When the inner frame is moved from the initial position to the fitting-completed position by being pressed by the coupling member, the outer frames guide the operation members toward the header connectors to fit the cable connectors and the header connectors to each other. A drive force transferring unit transfers driving force in the orthogonal direction.
US08025506B2
A rotary joint connector has a plug having a plug contact module and a mating receptacle having a receptacle contact module designed for mating engagement with the plug contact module when the connector is fully mated. One of the units has front and rear shells which are rotatably coupled together and contain the contact module which is held in the rear shell so that the rear shell and contact module are free to rotate in the front shell. The mating contact arrangement is such that the plug and receptacle contact modules do not have to be rotationally aligned to maintain electrical contact, so that relative rotation of the electrical contacts of the two contact modules about the mating axis as a result of rotation of the rear shell does not degrade the quality of the connected circuits.
US08025505B2
An interactive, handheld apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a display screen on the housing, an electronic position location system, a stylus for selecting images on the display screen, a directional control pad on the housing and a memory device. The electronic position location system includes a processor that is capable of determining a location of a selected region of the display screen. The memory device includes computer code for an educational game and is operatively coupled to the processor.
US08025501B2
A gas burner for use in a furnace and a method of burning gas in a furnace, especially but not exclusively a process furnace used in an oil cracking or refining process. The gas burner comprises two passageways with adjacent outlets. The first passage way is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fuel gas and has an aperture through which recirculated flue gas can enter the first passageway and the second passageway is in fluid communication with a source of air. In operation, fuel gas is injected into the first passageway and recirculated flue gas is thereby drawn into the first passageway so that it mixes with the fuel gas. Fuel gas is partially combusted and a mixture of partially combusted fuel gas and recirculated flue gas flows up the first passageway and comes into contact with air from the second passageway and combusts. The use of recirculated flue gas keeps down the level of NOx emissions and as the recirculated flue gas is sucked into the first passageway by the pressurised fuel gas flow it is not necessary to provide complex pumping mechanisms.
US08025495B2
An apparatus and method for making an occlusion device for occluding a body vessel. The apparatus and method include providing a frame and a mandrel. The frame has a hub extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A plurality of arcuate legs are attached to the hub and extend distally. The arcuate legs are flexible and have inner surfaces defining an inner profile in an unconstrained state. The mandrel has an outer surface corresponding to the inner profile of the occlusion device. A base layer of a biocompatible material is disposed on the outer surface of the mandrel. The frame is placed on the outer surface with the base layer between the frame and the mandrel. The frame is attached to the base layer such that the biocompatible material forms a membrane extending along and between the arcuate legs.
US08025488B2
Transfer pump for high-pressure petrol injection of the type including a piston (1) which delivers oil into a deformable element such as a bellows (8), the deformations of the bellows (8) in a cylindrical chamber (6) filled with fuel causing a pumping effect whereby the fuel is pumped towards a rail (40) supplying high-pressure injectors, wherein elements are arranged for diverting some or all of the oil pumped by the piston (1) towards a chamber (15) without pressuring it so as to determine at will the useful stroke of the piston (1) and hence the quantity of fuel pumped at high pressure towards the rail (40).
US08025482B1
A turbine rotor blade with a low cooling flow serpentine circuit to provides cooling for the airfoil. The circuit includes a three pass aft flowing serpentine circuit that begins at the airfoil mid-chord region and connects to a series of multiple impingement cooling holes formed within the trailing edge region. A double pass forward flowing serpentine circuit then connects with the triple pass aft flowing serpentine circuit to provide cooling for the leading edge region and is connected to a showerhead arrangement for discharging film cooling air. A blade tip cooling channel connects with the last leg of the double pass forward flowing serpentine to form a 6-pass serpentine flow cooling circuit for the entire blade. Since only the leading edge serpentine channel discharges film cooling air, the serpentine circuit can make use of low cooling flow to provide cooling for the entire blade.
US08025477B2
An aero acoustic fan assembly is provided and generally includes a fan wheel, a frame, and first and second air outlet diffusing structures. The fan wheel generally, and typically includes an axial air inlet delimited by an air inlet cone, an annular air outlet, a back plate, and front plate opposite the back plate. The frame within supports the fan wheel for rotation about a central axis thereof. The first air outlet diffusing structure is supported by a portion of the frame, adjacent the back plate of the fan wheel and includes a peripheral region. The second air outlet diffusing structure is similarly supported by a portion of the frame, adjacent the front plate of the fan wheel, and also includes a peripheral region, air exiting the annular air outlet of the fan wheel passing between the peripheral regions of the diffusing structures.
US08025465B2
A cutting tool comprises: a first cutting insert having a first side surface for interconnecting a first upper surface and a first lower surface, a first cutting edge located at the intersection between the first upper surface and the first side surface, and a first groove section located in the first side surface and extending to the first upper surface so as to divide the first cutting edge; a second cutting insert having a second upper surface, a second side surface, a second cutting edge located at the intersection between the second upper surface and the second side surface, and a cutting edge reinforcing section located on the second upper surface at an end thereof which is positioned on the second cutting edge side; and a holder for mounting thereto the first cutting insert and the second cutting insert. The first cutting insert and the second cutting insert are mounted to the holder in such a manner that the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge are located on the outer peripheral side of the holder, that the first lower surface and the second upper surface are in proximity to each other, and that the rotation trajectories of the cutting edge reinforcing section and the first groove section are partially superposed on each other.
US08025459B2
The present invention describes a road finisher for laying a paving material, comprising a material bunker for paving material and a spray jet module. In order to increase the spray carrying capacity in a structurally simple manner, it is suggested that a reservoir unit comprising a spray reservoir and a paving material reservoir should be arranged in the material bunker.
US08025456B2
A water-pervious pavement structure comprising wearing course comprising a water-pervious combination of recycled glass and aggregate bound together with a flexible adhesive binder and held within a plurality of connected, open grid pockets; and a layer of unbound recycled glass disposed under the wearing course capable of adsorbing contacting hydrocarbons carried with water through the wearing course. In a preferred embodiment, the wearing course comprises about 30 wt. % to about 80 wt. % recycled glass and about 20 wt. % to about 70 wt. % aggregate bound together by a cured resin binder within the grid pockets.
US08025448B2
Provided are a focal plane shutter, which can offer a live view function, and improve a control velocity of a shutter speed to reduce a time interval between shootings, a photographing apparatus including the focal plane shutter, and a photographing method for the photographing apparatus. The focal plane shutter includes: a front curtain; a rear curtain; a support part coupled to one side of the front curtain and the rear curtain; and a movable part movably contacting one side of the support part, wherein either the front curtain or the rear curtain is independently moved by the motion of the movable part.
US08025443B2
A bearing device in which an inner ring is sealed from an outer ring by seals and together with the outer ring forms a closed bearing unit with a built-in circulation circuit for a lubricating oil mist. Rolling elements and rolling tracks disposed in the circulation circuit and lubricated by the oil mist. Means are adapted to forming an oil mist of lubricating oil from a reservoir, and means are adapted to causing the oil mist to flow in the circulation circuit. The invention also relates to an application of the bearing device for rotatably supporting a rotor in a centrifugal separator and to a method for supporting a centrifugal separator rotor for rotation about an axis of rotation.
US08025441B2
A movement system for a C-arm. The movement system comprises at least one first guide element arranged in a plane, a movement device arranged to allow movement along the first guide element as well as a first motion link rotatable around a first axis of rotation standing at right angles to the plane. The movement device is connected rotatably to the first motion link to a second axis of rotation standing at right angles to the plane such that a movement of the movement device along the first guide element causes the second axis of rotation to be moved on a circular track around the first axis of rotation. The advantage of this is that the arm is prevented from jamming as a result of leverages during movement of a C-arm.
US08025437B2
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is configured to be coupled to a power source at an input node and to a load at an output node. The UPS is synthetically loaded (e.g., to a maximum rated load) by transferring current from the output node to the input node. Concurrent with synthetically loading the UPS, a temperature of an electrical conductor of the UPS is monitored. The monitoring of the temperature of the electrical conductor may include receiving a temperature sensor signal representative of the temperature of the electrical conductor from a temperature sensor (e.g., a self-powered wireless temperature sensor) mounted on the electrical conductor. The invention may be embodied as methods, apparatus and computer-readable media.
US08025425B2
An improved beaconless adaptive optics system and process. A target is illuminated with a high energy laser beam of a directed energy laser. Wave front measurements are made of high energy laser beam reflections from the target. These wave front measurements are analyzed by a high speed processor to determine both high frequency phase components and low frequency phase components in the wave front data. (Applicants' experiments have shown that there is a direct correlation between beam spot size on the target and the phase variance of the reflected laser beam. The correlation is: the greater the phase variance the smaller the beam spot size.) Applicants have developed a technique for providing special control algorithms that provide very high speed control of the elements of a deformable mirror using this phase variance as a feedback parameter. Applicants have also developed algorithms to correct a limited number of Zernike modes associated with the wave front control.
US08025423B2
A system and method are provided for retrofitting a fluorescent lighting system, for example a passenger cabin fluorescent lighting system on a vehicle such as an aircraft. The present system may include at least one LED lighting unit for replacing, in situ, at least one fluorescent light of the fluorescent lighting system, and a control module for replacing, in situ, at least one ballast-type unit of the fluorescent lighting system that illuminates the at least one fluorescent light. The present system may further include a master control module, which may replace, in situ, an inverter of the fluorescent lighting system. The present method may include steps of: replacing at least one fluorescent light, in situ, with at least one LED lighting unit; and replacing at least one ballast-type unit, in situ, with at least one control module configured to control illumination of the LED lighting unit.
US08025417B2
A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. A self-contained battery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. The light panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving power from a source other than the self-contained battery unit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a stand through adapters. Diffusion lenses or color gels can be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. The lighting apparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit, with one or more of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compact stand, connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on, provided in a single package.
US08025401B2
An opthalmological measuring device for determining geometric structures in an eye includes an optical, triangulating measurement system for determining at least one geometric reference in the eye by triangulation, and an optical, interferometric measurement system for determining geometric detailed structures in the eye by optical interferometry. The measuring device is designed to position the geometric detailed structures determined by the interferometric measurement system on the basis of the at least one geometric reference in the eye determined by the triangulating measurement system. This firstly allows the interferometric measurement system to register geometric detailed structures in the eye with a high optical resolution and at places that are not visible to the triangulating measurement system, and secondly allows the positioning of said geometric detailed structures in the eye on the basis of geometric references that are determined by the triangulating measurement system without significant movement artifacts.
US08025399B2
An iris imaging system used for biometric identification provides a combined iris imager and wavefront sensor. The detector array allows for independent readout of different regions, such that a wavefront sensor region can be read out fast while allowing signal to integrate on the iris imaging region. Alternatively, the entire array may be used for wavefront sensing during an acquisition phase, and then at least a portion of the array may be switched to be used for iris imaging during a subsequent imaging phase. An optical periscope optionally allows various optics to be inserted in front of the combined iris imager and wavefront sensor. In another embodiment, the glint image of an on-axis or near on-axis illumination source is picked off at the image plane and directed to the wavefront sensor optics, while allowing all of the light from the iris field to pass through to the iris imaging camera.
US08025397B2
Safety equipment includes both a securing apparatus for glasses or eyewear and having incorporated therein hearing protection devices. In particular, the hearing protection devices and the way in which they are connected may vary in numerous ways to provide flexible, simple, and convenient safety equipment.
US08025395B2
The invention relates to industrial safety goggles provided with permanent ophthalmic micas having a full impact protection mica positioned thereon, wherein said impact protection mica is made from polycarbonate, provides protection against ultraviolet rays and can be removed, thereby enabling the frames to be used as ophthalmic glasses. Said goggles include a ventilation area and the ophthalmic micas have an improved visual field owing to the design of the frame to which they are mounted and fixed using angular incisions in the frame. The frame is provided with an open space at both eyes between the mica and the end of the rim, which provides ventilation and prevents the fogging of the graduated micas. The sidepieces of the goggles are designed to curve at the ends thereof, so that the goggles can be put in place without the user having to remove his/her industrial safety helmet. In addition, said sidepieces are provided with removable pad which are press-fitted and which are joined by a cord that enables the goggles to be hung around the neck when not in use. Said cord takes the form of a resistance cord that can break should the goggles be impeded by any object that could cause an accident.
US08025393B2
An ink and print media cartridge for a printer device includes a print media housing assembly having a top molding coupled to a bottom molding, the top and bottom moldings defining a region therebetween in which print media is stored; an ink housing assembly attached to an underside of the bottom molding, the ink housing assembly defining with the underside of the bottom molding an ink chamber in which ink is received, the ink housing assembly further including an ink outlet in fluid communication with the ink chamber; and a spring provided between the top molding and the bottom molding, the spring positioned to bear against the top molding to bias the print media towards the bottom molding. A portion of the bottom molding extends beyond a peripheral edge of the top molding to define an ink supply connection manifold with the ink housing assembly. The ink outlet is provided on the ink supply connection manifold, spaced clear of the print media housing assembly.
US08025385B2
A solid ink stick having an ink stick body formed of a phase change ink material. The ink stick body is configured for inclusion in a first set of ink sticks and has substantially a same size and shape as other ink sticks in the first set of ink sticks and ink sticks in a second set of ink sticks. The first set of ink sticks is of a different series than the second set of ink sticks. An identification pattern is formed on the ink stick body. The identification pattern is one identification pattern in a set of identification patterns. The identification pattern formed on the pattern area of the ink stick body is visually discernible from the other identification patterns in the set.
US08025375B2
An uninterrupted ink supply system is provided, including a main cartridge connected to a printer, a connection device having an automatic airflow control structure and installed on said main cartridge, and a replenishment cartridge for connecting to the connection device. The replenishment cartridge is connected to the connection device, and is able to refill the ink into the main cartridge, and automatically stop refilling when the ink level reaching a specific height and start refilling again when ink level below a specific height. When the replenishment cartridge is removed for refilling when the ink is used up, the main cartridge still contains ink so that the printing will not be suspended.
US08025374B2
An ink manifold defining multiple fluid flow paths has openings arranged for detachable connection with conduits in an interface. Shut off valves at each of the openings respectively, are biased open. An actuator biased to a closed position by a resilient element, where it holds all the shut off valves closed. The actuator engages the interface such that moving the interface into connection with the openings simultaneously moves the actuator to an open position where the shut off valves are able to open. The resilient element generates a bias greater than a combined bias exerted by the shut off valves on the actuator.
US08025366B2
An inkjet printhead for an inkjet printer includes a wafer substrate defining an ink supply channel therethrough; side wall portions extending away from a surface of the wafer substrate; a nozzle layer supported on the side wall portions and extending parallel to the surface of the wafer substrate, the nozzle layer and the side wall portions defining an array of nozzle chambers, the nozzle layer defining ink ejection ports and etchant holes, the etchant holes being of sufficient diameter to retain ink in the nozzle chamber by surface tension; and a plurality of thermal actuators cantilevered on the wafer substrate, each thermal actuator being respectively positioned in a nozzle chambers to partition the nozzle chamber. A portion of each thermal actuator facing away from a respective ink ejection port is hydrophobic to facilitate the forming of an air bubble between the thermal actuator and the wafer substrate.
US08025364B2
A system for interconnecting a printhead cartridge and a cradle unit for supporting the printhead cartridge is provided. The system has a first printed circuit having print control circuitry of the cradle unit, and a second printed circuit board having connections for connecting the printhead cartridge with a power supply which is remote from the second printhead circuit board and the print control circuitry of the first printed circuit board. The first and second printed circuit boards have complementary connectors which cooperate to provide the connection of the printhead cartridge to the print control circuitry. The complementary connectors being arranged so that the first printed circuit board is able to pivot with respect to the second printed circuit board.
US08025362B2
A liquid discharge head is arranged in a manner that in the cross-section of a discharge port in a liquid discharge direction, the discharge port includes at least one projection that is convex inside the discharge port; a first area, for holding a liquid surface connecting a pillar-shaped liquid that is elongated outside the discharge port; and second areas where a fluid resistance is lower than that in the first area so as to pull the liquid in the discharge port in a direction opposite to the liquid discharge direction. The first area is formed in the direction in which the projection is convex, and the second areas are formed on both sides of the projection.
US08025351B2
A recording apparatus includes guide rails that each control the posture of a carriage at an arbitrary recording position by being in contact with the carriage. The guide rails are disposed on respective sides of a guide shaft in a direction in which a recording medium is conveyed. The length of a gap between the recording medium and the carriage is selectable between a case where the carriage is in contact with one of the guide rails and a case where the carriage is in contact with the other guide rail. Such a configuration provides a compact and low-cost recording apparatus capable of performing recording on recording media having various thicknesses by appropriately adjusting the gap between the carriage and any of the recording medium while maintaining the parallelism therebetween.
US08025344B1
A spoke fastening device includes a spoke fastening hole drilled through a spoke bed of a wheel rim for receiving a head and a stem of a nipple and a collar of a ferrule, the collar includes an inner peripheral wall and an outer peripheral wall each having a lower portion for engaging into the spoke fastening hole of the spoke bed, the inner peripheral wall includes an outwardly curved rim for engaging with the spoke bed of the wheel rim, and the outer peripheral wall of the collar includes another outwardly curved rim for engaging with the curved rim of the inner peripheral wall, the head of the nipple flares and deforms the lower portions of the peripheral walls to engage with the spoke bed of the wheel rim.
US08025340B2
A bed leveling system for a dump truck to prevent an imbalance of the truck bed during unloading of material. The system controls the side to side tilt of the truck bed and returns that bed to a generally level orientation when the bed tilt exceeds a predetermined angle. The truck bed is pivotally affixed to the truck chassis through a hinge pin. Thus, the tilting of the dump bed is carried out by a hydraulic system that changes the tilt of the hinge pin. The leveling system includes a cylindrical tube that supports the hinge pin and which is rotatable with respect to the chassis. A roll cylinder rotates the cylindrical tube to change the tilt angle of the hinge pin. A tilt sensor senses the out of level orientation of the truck bed and activates the leveling system to bring the bed back to a generally level orientation.
US08025339B2
A safety belt webbing presenter including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause a webbing engaging mechanism to translate between deployed and stowed conditions, wherein the deployed condition, the mechanism engages a safety belt webbing causing it to translate to a more readily fastened position.
US08025337B2
A system for moving a furniture member headrest includes an armrest fixedly connected to a base. A back support is connected to the armrest. A headrest is movably connected to the back support. A first adjustment member operates to rotate the headrest. The first adjustment member is positioned in a cavity between interior and exterior armrest frame elements and is manually movable. A second adjustment member moves the headrest upwardly or downwardly with respect to the backrest. The second adjustment member is also positioned in the cavity and manually movable by the occupant.
US08025334B2
A body support structure, such as a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture for sitting on or a piece of furniture for lying on, such as, for example, chair, armchair, stool, bed or sofa, a seat of the piece of furniture being supported by a spring mechanism, and the spring mechanism being capable of being set to a weight force with which a person acts on the seat.
US08025328B2
A soft-top convertible roof can extend and retract in a two-phase process. The first phase can correspond to a front portion of the top stack mechanism moving from a first raised position to a second retracted position and can be driven by an actuator which can be disposed in a roof rail forward of a rearmost roof rail. The second phase can correspond to the rear portion of the top stack mechanism moving from a raised position to a stowed position along with the front portion. The rearmost roof rail can remain stationary during the first phase. A connecting link can be connected to at least three roof rails that extend along a side of the vehicle and can be part of two four-bar linkage assemblies. A buggy link mechanism can drive retraction and extension of a backlite frame due to movement of the top stack mechanism.
US08025327B1
A theft and tamper resistant vehicle interior is disclosed. The front compartment of the vehicle interior has a concealed mode and an operating mode. During the concealed mode, multiple components, including a display region, a gear shifter, a center armrest, a side armrest, and a central control module may be completely or partially hidden from view. During the operating mode, each of these components may be revealed.
US08025323B2
A ratcheting end-of-arm (EOM) tool having a spring-loaded level compensator, a distally mounted gripper, and a ratcheting mechanism. In operation, upon a selectively adequate contact between the gripper and a payload, the ratcheting mechanism is engaged which holds the position of the gripper with respect to the robot arm at a fixed position, independent of spring biasing. Upon conclusion of robotic movement of the payload, the gripper is deactivated, the ratcheting mechanism is disengaged, and the spring returns the ratcheting EOA tool to its nominal configuration.
US08025322B2
Embodiments of methods for attaching and upper bumper cover and a lower bumper cover to a vehicle comprise providing a vehicle body and a bumper fascia coupled to the vehicle body, attaching the upper bumper cover to the vehicle body at a position at least partially covering the bumper fascia, at a position above the bumper fascia, or combinations thereof, and attaching the lower bumper cover to the vehicle body at least partially cover the bumper fascia, wherein the lower bumper cover is coupled to and disposed underneath the upper bumper cover.
US08025320B2
A latch is disposed turnably on a side door and becomes in a state of engaging with a striker disposed on a vehicle body. A ratchet engages with the latch by an engaging operation, and releases the engaging state by a disengaging operation. An open lever performs a door opening operation by the opening operation of an operating handle. A lever member is in contact with the latch in the engaging state, and excessively oscillates the latch in the direction of a closing operation, by which the engaging state between the latch and the ratchet is released during the time from the opening operation of the operating handle to the disengaging operation of the ratchet.
US08025311B2
An air-bag comprising: a circumferential wall including facing wall portions which define a free inflation portion in which a distance between the facing wall portions is not controlled and a distance controlled portion in which a distance between the facing wall portions is controlled; and a tether including two edges on each of which a seam margin is provided, both seam margins has a linear stitch which joins the seam margin with the corresponding facing wall portion and controls a distance between the facing wall portions of the distance controlled portion, and at least one of the seam margins has a curved stitch which is continued from an end of the liner stitch and provided at least at one end of the seam margin. The curved stitch forms a gradually expanding portion between the free inflation portion and the distance controlled portion, which gradually expands in an outward direction perpendicular to the facing wall portions.
US08025290B2
An image forming device including a pair of fixing rollers, a sheet guide unit displaceable to one of first and second positions, a position detector detecting a position of the sheet guide unit, first and second sheet sensors respectively detecting the sheet at a first fixed position upstream of the fixing rollers and at a second fixed position downstream of the fixing rollers, and a control unit including a determination unit and a determination part. The determination unit includes a retrieving part that retrieves first and second threshold time periods when the position detector detects the first and second positions, respectively. The determination part determines whether a first or second time period starting from detecting by the first sheet sensor and ending when detecting by the second sheet sensor are within the first and second threshold time periods, respectively, when the position detector detects the first and second positions, respectively.
US08025270B2
A decorative humidifier which has mainly a base seat, a water receptacle device for transforming water into vapor, a fan installed under the base seat, a water opening on the bottom of the water receptacle, a power source, a shaft connected with the power source for connecting to a decoration.
US08025267B2
This invention concerns a concrete side form system suitable for factory casting or site casting concrete. The side form (10) comprises a substantially rigid longitudinally extending wall. The wall has a first face to define the edge profile of a concrete panel poured onto a casting bed (16) bounded by the wall and a second face opposite the first face having formation to enable the wall to be secured to the casting bed. The wall comprises a longitudinally extending frame having formation along at least one of its edges to removably receive a removable longitudinal insert (13) to provide a shape along an edge of the concrete panel. The removable inserts (12, 13) provide the system with the ability to simply, easily and cost effectively change the edge profile of concrete poured against the side form. Architects can use the invention to specify standard or non standard edge profiles and achieve a much more diverse range of aesthetic finishes to the concrete edges without the cost being prohibitive.
US08025266B2
A mold and a process for preparing a customized hot pour product formed of a hot pour material. The process comprises the steps of providing a mold having a top part with a pour space and a base part, applying hot pour material into the mold through the pour space and allowing the hot pour material to cool, removing the top part of the mold to provide a first exposed surface, and releasing the base part to provide a second exposed surface. The mold may be customized to include inserts, removable members, projections, recesses, and combinations thereof in the base part and/or top part, thereby providing for a hot pour product with one or more exposed surfaces that are embossed, debossed, or both.
US08025263B2
An bi-directional mounting bracket assembly is utilized in conjunction with exterior siding that covers sheathing of an exterior wall. A base member of the assembly has a mounting flange secured to the sheathing and a wall arrangement that projects outward with respect to the sheathing and from the mounting flange. Preferably, the wall arrangement supports a raised central panel used for mounting of fixtures. The wall arrangement preferably has four walls extending laterally between the mounting flange and the central panel. Spaced radially outward from the two adjacent walls are respective first and second drip ledges, and spaced radially outward from the other two adjacent walls are respective first and second baffle sets. When the assembly is mounted to the sheathing, a selective one of the two drip ledges is disposed substantially horizontally and beneath the wall arrangement for shedding of water. The baffle set adjacent to the horizontal drip ledge cascades water downward and generally toward the respective wall to channel water upon the horizontal drip ledge.
US08025262B2
A collet portion including a cup-shaped collet is fixed to an upper end of a vertically movable body vertically movable relative to a connecting portion to which upper ends of the legs of a tripod assembly are pivotally coupled. The collet is flexible and is formed with plural slits extending radially. The collet receives a semispherical bowl leveler as making contact with a semispherical surface of the bowl leveler at a cup-shaped inside surface thereof. The bowl leveler is combined with the collet portion by means of a bolt and is free to tilt back/forth and sideways as guided by the collet. An upper end portion of the vertically movable body is provided with a collar at place outside the collet, the collar vertically movable relative to the vertically movable body. The collar includes an abutment portion on an inside surface thereof, the abutment portion capable of being abutted against an outside surface of the collet.
US08025260B2
A sample device to be inserted inside an external tube, having a substantially circular cross-section, may carry a substantially circular plate as part of a turntable to be rotated within the external tube around two substantially orthogonal axes. An embodiment of the sample device may include two substantially coaxial tubes, with the turntable being supported by the outer tube, and two meshing gears, with the first gear being connected to the inner tube and the second gear being connected to the turntable. Another embodiment may include a special cable guide being connected with its first end with the turntable and its second end, being substantially perpendicular to the first end, with the supporting means, with the inner tube, the outer tube and/or the cable guide being connected with a driving unit. Preferably, the surface of the plate to be rotated within the external tube is maximized.
US08025241B2
In the case of a hollow sleeper (1) for adjusting devices of switch blades of railway points, movable common crossings or cable crossings in any desired sections of track and points, formed as an upwardly open hollow sleeper profile with a planar sleeper underside (2), for fitting in a track skeleton, wherein the cross-sectional width and height are made to match a normal concrete, wooden or steel sleeper, the positional stability on ballast can be improved if the sleeper underside (2) of the hollow sleeper (1) is formed with at least one sunken, downwardly open chamber (5).
US08025240B2
A flooring system for radiant heating includes a top floor portion and a subfloor portion. The top portion is releasably connectable to the subfloor portion in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to a walking surface of the top portion. The top portion includes a bottom side and top channel portion downwardly depending from the bottom side. The subfloor portion includes a top side and a bottom channel portion extending upwardly from the top side. The top channel portion and the bottom channel portion bound a channel for receiving a heating conduit. The channel extends longitudinally relative to the top floor portion and the subfloor portion.
US08025231B2
A hand held electronic detector is provided for detecting the presence/absence and/or nature of a mark on an article (not shown) such as a security mark. The article may comprise a product, such as for example a pack of cigarettes. The detector comprises a case or body of strong rigid plastics material. The case comprises front and rear parts and which are connected together by concealed hinges, at their lower edges, so that the parts and can move hingedly between a closed configuration and a fully open configuration, in which the front and rear parts are angularly spaced by approximately 180°. There is a further defined intermediate open configuration in which the front and rear parts and are angularly spaced by approximately 90° . . . . When opening the case from the closed position the hinges ‘lock’ when the front and rear parts reach this intermediate position. The hinges will only ‘unlock’, so that the case can be opened further or closed, if sufficient force is applied. Relative movement of the case parts and to the fully open configuration shown in FIG. 2 is limited by hinges. In an open configuration the detector presents an article-locating station comprising a mounting surface for receiving an article, and alignment means, located on the mounting surface, which in this case is a marked line on the mounting surface with which the security mark should be aligned.
US08025204B2
A method for profiling a bead of encapsulant extending along an edge of a die mounted to a supporting structure, by depositing a bead of encapsulant onto wire bonds along the edge of the die, positioning a profiling surface over the die at a predetermined spacing from the die, moving the profiling surface across the bead before the bead of encapsulant has cured to reshape the bead profile and, curing the bead of encapsulant. The invention has found that the encapsulant can be effectively shaped by a profiling surface without stripping the encapsulant from the wire bonds. The normally convex-shaped upper surface of the encapsulant bead can be pushed to one side of the bead with the profiling surface. With a lower encapsulant bead, the active surface can be brought into closer proximity with another surface without making contact. For example, the nozzle array on a printhead IC can be 300 microns to 400 microns from the paper path. By collapsing or flattening the wire bond arcs before applying and profiling a bead of encapsulant, the nozzle array on the printhead IC can be less than 100 microns from the paper path.
US08025184B2
A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.
US08025181B1
A dispensing device for beverage cup lid which prevents excessive human contact with the lid prior to insertion upon the beverage cup, the device providing an externally threaded central rotary rod attached to a direct drive bidirectional electrical motor and suspended within a lid cabinet with a stacked plurality of lids retained upon the rotary rod through a central bore in each lid, the lids urged downward by a traveling press plate having a central threaded hole engaging the external threads of the rotary rod, the rotation of the rotary rod causing the press plate to move up and down the rotary rod, pressing against the uppermost lid on the rotary rod against the stacked plurality of lids in increments programmed to release only the lowermost lid from the end of the rotary rod in a receiving area below the retaining rod. The device is operated by the activation of a presence sensor, either a beverage cup or a clean hand, which causes the incremental dispensing of a single lid.
US08025179B2
One aspect of the present invention discloses a circumferential sleeve made from a single pre-cut blank with no additional material (other than adhesive) added to the blank. The circumferential sleeve has a strip that protrudes from the sleeve and one end of the strip is contiguous to a first portion sleeve such as the bottom edge and the other end of the strip is attached to a portion of the sleeve, such as the rear panel. The strip can be arcuate or L-shaped and permits a food container to stand upright.
US08025164B2
Modular system of closet inside part or dressing room complement of combinable and adjustable design, mass manufactured with adjustable sizes, with combinable module systems to optimize the available space, standardized according to modern standards for popular or residential housing developments, characterized because it is easy to assemble, highly resistant to impacts or items overload, and makes optimum use of wardrobe and other items spaces, with or without lateral edge reinforcements.
US08025163B2
A wall mounted shelving unit comprises a pair of shelf supporting wall mounting brackets, each including an upright rear segment and an upright front segment with horizontal crosspieces extending between and connected to the rear and front segments of each bracket. Each crosspiece includes a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending loops or a pair of spaced apart downward extending troughs, and a rear segment of each bracket includes loops for attachment to a wall. Wire shelves rest on the crosspieces, and the upwardly extending loops engage wires on the shelves to prevent relative movement between the shelves and the brackets. Alternatively, the shelf includes downwardly extending shelf trusses that rest in the troughs of the crosspieces.
US08025159B2
An agent for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises an ionic macromolecule having a weight-average molecular weight of 100,000 or greater; a process for increasing the rejection with a permeable membrane which comprises treating a permeable membrane with the agent; a permeable membrane which is treated in accordance with the process; and a process for water treatment which comprises using the permeable membrane are disclosed. By using the above agent, an increased rejection of inorganic electrolytes and organic compounds soluble in water can be maintained for a long time easily and safely at the location of the use of the membrane without extreme decrease in the flux of permeation in the membrane separation using a selective permeable membrane such as a nano filtration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane.
US08025155B2
A mail cart for use in manual sorting of mail pieces according to the inventions includes a generally rectangular frame and wheels mounted on the frame for rolling support of the cart on a floor. A bottom, substantially horizontal shelf is secured to the frame along with a first inclined shelf secured to the frame above the bottom shelf and spaced from the bottom shelf in a vertical direction, which first inclined shelf extends forwardly and upwardly at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane. A second inclined shelf is secured to the frame above the first inclined shelf and spaced from the first inclined shelf in a vertical direction. The second inclined shelf extends forwardly and upwardly at an acute angle relative to a horizontal plane, which angle is preferably the same as the angle of first shelf.
US08025153B2
A screening panel 10 comprises a peripheral frame 12 consisting of a pair of mutually laterally spaced side members 14, 16, which are integral with a pair of mutually axially spaced end members 18, 20. The side members 14, 16 and end members 18, 20 define corners of the panel 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 and the peripheral frame 12 where they meet. A plurality of mutually spaced ribs 15 extend across the periphery of the panel 10 to define a screening surface. The side members and end members are rectangular in cross-section, thereby defining substantially flat upper peripheral surfaces 12.1, outer peripheral surface 12.2 and lower peripheral surface 12.3 of the peripheral frame 12 and thus also the panel 10. The panel 10 includes locating recesses 24 provided at or near to the corners 22.1, 22.2, 22.3 and 22.4 of the panel 10. The panel 10 also has separate securing recesses in the form of semi-circular grooves 30 formed in the lower surface 12.3 of the panel 10, around the locating recess 24 and concentrically therewith.
US08025148B2
A stackable roll container, in particular, for transporting foods, cosmetic articles, or other articles in large bundles. The stackable roll container includes a preferably rectangular bottom component, with transport rollers mounted on the underside. The stackable roll container also includes two attachment walls located opposite each other on opposite lateral sides of the bottom component. Each attachment wall extends upwardly from an upper side of the bottom component and has a respective rear vertical end brace which is offset from a vertical base plane of the respective attachment wall. Each attachment wall also includes a lower horizontal base brace adjoining the respective rear vertical end brace for that attachment wall.
US08025144B2
A conveyor belt device wherein a detectable coating, such as in the form of a thin film, overlies selected portions of a conveyor belt substrate surface. Suitable detectable coatings include materials that are inductive, conductive, magnetic, reflective, fluorescent and color-indicating or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are associated or corresponding conveyor belt assemblies and methods of making.
US08025135B1
A hydraulic damping device for drawer includes a cylinder holding a hydraulic fluid, a piston rod moving in and out of the cylinder and having a pin at one end inside the cylinder, a rigid valve block affixed to the inner end of the pin of the piston rod and having equiangularly spaced through holes, a retainer affixed to the outer end of the pin of the piston rod, a piston coupled to the pin of the piston rod and movable along the pin between the rigid valve block and the retainer and having a plurality of axially extending through holes, a number of the through holes of the piston being respectively aimed at the through holes of the rigid valve block for allowing the hydraulic fluid to pass through the piston in one direction at a high speed during outward stroke of the piston rod and to pass through the piston in the other direction at a low speed during inward stroke of the piston and a plurality of spring strips for stopping against the rigid valve block, and a shock absorbing device that buffers the impact of the rigid valve block when the piston rod is extended out of the cylinder.
US08025134B2
The invention describes a friction lining (4) comprising a binding agent matrix (5) and friction particles (6), which binding agent matrix (5) forms a coating with a pre-definable coating thickness. A proportion of the friction particles (6) selected from a range with a lower limit of 20% and an upper limit of 100%, by reference to the total quantity of the friction particles (6), has a diameter which is bigger than the coating thickness of the binding agent matrix (5).
US08025133B2
A railroad freight car brake beam strut assembly including an elongated strut having first and second joined walls. Each wall of the strut defines a bore opening to a hollow center portion and to an exterior of the strut. The bores defined by the walls on the strut accommodate a brake lever pivot pin extending through strut thereby connecting the brake lever to the strut and so as to allow pivoting of the brake lever. Each bore defined by the walls of the strut has a closed marginal edge. One brake pin bushing is accommodated in each bore defined by the strut so as to journal a lengthwise portion of the brake lever pivot pin. The closed marginal edge of each strut bore arranged in juxtaposed relation relative to the end of the brake pin bushing disposed a farthest distance from the axis of the strut defines a plurality of radially spaced stops formed as an integral part of the strut for inhibiting inadvertent axial displacement of the bushings away from the longitudinal axis of and relative to the strut thereby fixing the pivot axis of said brake lever relative to the strut. A method of manufacturing a railroad freight car brake beam strut assembly is also disclosed.
US08025125B2
An anchor assembly includes a base to which at least one connector and three legs are operatively connected. The connector provides an anchorage point for connection to a lifeline. The legs are secured to a support structure. The legs are reinforced proximate the base and when a force is exerted on the at least one connector by the lifeline, the legs bend proximate the support structure thus placing a shear load on the legs proximate the support structure.
US08025118B2
A scalable intelligent power-supply system and method capable of powering a defined load for a specified period of time is disclosed and claimed. Multiple external AC and DC inputs supply power to the system if available and required. An internal DC input from a back-up energy source is on board. The back-up energy source is scalable by adding additional energy cartridges such as batteries in racks mounted within frames of the system. The AC and DC inputs (including the internal DC input) are controlled, measured, sensed, and converted by circuitry controlled by the microprocessor into multiple AC and/or DC outputs. A microprocessor manages power input to, within, and output from the system. The performance of a Lithium-ion batteries used to power an automobile can be determined on the basis individual battery packs or individual battery cells within the packs. This enables the clusters or groups of Lithium ion batteries to be used in a vehicle such that these clusters operate and function as a “gas” tank or more appropriately as an “energy” tank.
US08025116B2
A wheel hub drive with drive motor and drive gear system for industrial trucks, with the following features: driving and output axis of the drive gear system, rotation axis of the wheel and driving axis of the drive motor are disposed coaxially; the drive gear system is a single step or multi step planetary stepping gear system or a two or more step planetary coupler mechanism gear system, two horizontally spaced wheel bearings are located inside the drive gear system, wherein, a first wheel bearing is disposed between a first bearing portion, connected with the wheel hub, and a frame-fixed planet carrier, and a second wheel bearing is disposed between the first bearing portion and a frame-fixed second bearing portion or the frame-fixed planet carrier.
US08025114B2
A differential steering control system and method for a machine includes a motor for steering the machine in a leftwards or a rightwards direction, a continuously variable transmission for moving the machine in a forwards or a backwards direction, and a control unit connected to the motor and the continuously variable transmission. The control unit determines the speed of the continuously variable transmission and based upon the determined speed, modifies a speed of the motor in order to achieve/maintain a desired turn radius for the machine.
US08025113B2
Rock detritus created by a drag bit cutter shearing subterranean formation material may flow under a cutter and attach itself to a side surface of a cutter barrel by differential pressure-induced sticking, and dilate. This attached material, confined by hydrostatic pressure, can create and strengthen a barrier between the cutter and virgin rock being cut. The detritus barrier absorbs bit weight and reduces cutter efficiency by impairing contact of the cutter with the virgin rock formation. Increasing friction between the rock detritus and the side surface of the cutter barrel inhibits detritus flow, reduces build up, and allows hydrostatic pressure to contribute to, rather than inhibit, the cutting process. Similar beneficial results may be obtained when hydrostatic pressure drilling fluid is permitted to communicate through holes in the side surface of the cutter, or through an otherwise permeable side surface alleviating detritus sticking due to differential pressure effects.
US08025112B2
An article of manufacture includes a cemented carbide piece and a joining phase that binds the cemented carbide piece into the article. The joining phase includes inorganic particles and a matrix material. The matrix material is a metal and a metallic alloy. The melting temperature of the inorganic particles is higher than the melting temperature of the matrix material. A method includes infiltrating the space between the inorganic particles and the cemented carbide piece with a molten metal or metal alloy followed by solidification of the metal or metal alloy to form an article of manufacture.
US08025108B2
A subterranean method of processing a hydrocarbon fluid-containing deposit includes, from a subterranean room, providing a borehole into a deposit containing formation fluid comprising fluid hydrocarbon. The borehole has a first end at a wall of the subterranean room, and a second end remote from the subterranean room and received within the deposit. The first end is elevationally lower than the second end. A string of pipe is provided within the borehole from the subterranean room. A cuttings removal fluid is injected from the string of pipe into the borehole and against a wall of the borehole in underbalanced pressure conditions. One of drilling, reaming, or jetting is conducted within the borehole during said injecting of the cuttings removal fluid. Formation fluid comprising fluid hydrocarbon is flowed from the deposit into the borehole during said injecting of the cuttings removal fluid. The injected cuttings removal fluid and the formation fluid within the borehole are flowed at least in part by gravity downhole externally of the string of pipe in underbalanced pressure conditions within the borehole and into the subterranean room. Other implementations and aspects are contemplated.
US08025102B2
An apparatus for delivering a material into a wellbore comprises a body adapted to be translated along a conduit within a wellbore, with a cavity formed in the body for containing a material to be delivered. The body defines an outlet adapted to be selectively opened to permit the material to be released from the cavity at the required location within the wellbore. In one arrangement the material includes swellable particles which expand upon contact with an activator.
US08025101B2
A cyclic steam soak (CSS) stimulation method for producing heated hydrocarbons from a viscous hydrocarbon-containing formation comprises the steps of: a) drilling a well (1) having a substantially horizontal or inclined lower section (3) into the viscous hydrocarbon-containing formation (4) substantially along the trajectory of the minimum compressive horizontal stress Sh; b) cutting at selected intervals along the length of the lower well section (3) substantially disk-shaped cavities (5A-5D) into the viscous hydrocarbon-containing formation (4) by a rotating hydraulic jet cutting device (6); c) completing the well (1); d) injecting steam into the well (1) and disk-shaped cavities (5A-5D) at such an elevated pressure that the hydraulic pressure in at least one disk-shaped cavity 5A is above the formation fracturing pressure, thereby fracturing the formation (4) and permitting the steam to invade the formation surrounding the fracture and to heat hydrocarbons in the steam invaded zone; e) interrupting steam injection and producing heated hydrocarbons via the well (1); and f) repeating steps (d) and (e) a number of times.
US08025091B2
A temporary protection for an opening in a frame of a building component includes flexible sheet material spanning the opening between opposite sides thereof. Each end portion of the sheet material is connected to a frame member at a respective side of the opening, the flexible sheet material being of an open structure and the connection with the frame member being by adhesive which permeates the material from one side to the other. The connection of the sheet material to the frame members is such as to resist loading applied by an adult person acting against the sheet material. The sheet material can be cut by a sharp blade for subsequent removal of the temporary protection from the opening when no longer required.
US08025090B2
The present invention provides for apparatus and methods for operating a garage door. An embodiment of an operating assembly for a door includes a shaft, a graduated drum, and an energy storing member. The shaft is coupled to the door such that the shaft rotates in a first direction as the door is opened and rotates in a second direction as the door is closed. The coupling of the shaft to the door is typically accomplished by a cable. The graduated drum is coupled to the shaft and the energy storing member is coupled to the graduated drum by another cable. The energy storing member is arranged such that the energy storing member stores energy as the door is closed and releases stored energy as the door is opened to assist in the raising and lowering of the door.
US08025083B2
The invention relates to a support carrier for supporting a container to receive cooled goods from a cooled goods dispensing machines delivering cooled liquids and water ice cubes. Cooled goods dispensing machines are often integrated into refrigerators in such a way that a refrigerator door is provided with a recess into which a drink container is set. For the recess to be useable with containers of different sizes, and at the same time to ensure a secure support for the containers, a support carrier is provided having at least one joint and which can be, for example, folded out of the recess to permit a relatively larger container to be supported relative to the recess.
US08025076B2
A valve assembly (10) able to be mounted with a liquid container, the valve assembly comprising: a housing (20) having a passageway (60) that extends through the housing; a breather float valve (80) mounted within the housing, the breather float valve movable between an open position to allow gas to pass through the passageway and a closed position that prevents liquid from passing through the passageway; a liquid inlet (30), forming part of the housing, the liquid inlet allowing fluid to pass into the housing; and an inlet float valve (41) mounted within the housing, the inlet float valve movable between an open position that permits the flow of liquid through the liquid inlet and a closed position that prevents the flow of fluid through the liquid inlet.
US08025072B2
To develop a flow control system for use in a well, a multi-level approach is used, where the multi-level approach includes setting goals for the flow control system. According to the goals set, an overall design of the flow control system is specified, and based on the specified overall design for the flow control system, operation of the flow control system is simulated.
US08025062B2
A condom is disclosed herein that may include a body having an open end, a closed end and at least a first region and a second region. The first region may have a first diameter and the second region may have a second diameter that is larger than the first diameter. Accordingly, during use, the second region may operate to repeatably slip or telescope over the first region.
US08025060B2
A system for securing an endo-tracheal or other tube in position upon a patient includes a head pad and securing members which can be adjustably attached to the head pad. The head pad is configured to support the head of a patient in a supine position. The head pad includes a number of slits formed in each lateral side of the head pad, such that a securing member can be threaded through any one of the slits. The securing member is configured to be releasably and adjustably attachable to the lateral sides of the head pad by being secured to itself via hook and loop fastener portions disposed upon the member. The opposite end of the securement member can include an adhesive layer or other mechanism for attachment of the end of the member to the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.
US08025056B2
A portable hyperbaric chamber system includes a soft-sided, foldable hyperbaric chamber and a substantially rigid, removable, external support structure. The chamber generally includes a wall of a substantially non-breathable, soft-sided, and foldable material and an accessway sealable with a non-breathable closure so as to maintain a hyperbaric pressure within the chamber. The chamber also includes at least one fastener, such as a bolt or threaded stud, extending from the wall that permits the chamber to be removably attached to the support structure, thereby to maintain the chamber in an uncollapsed state when the chamber interior is not maintained at a hyperbaric pressure. The support structure includes structures complementary to the fasteners (e.g., apertures to pass bolts and locking knobs to secure bolts).
US08025051B2
A delivery device for administering particulate medicaments, such as dry powder. The delivery device comprises a body and a flow path comprising a chamber with an inlet and an outlet for the stream of air. The chamber is rotatable in relation to the body. Dislodging means are arranged in contact with the inner surface of the chamber. The dislodging means and the chamber are relatively rotatable in relation to one another, such that the inside of the chamber is cleaned by the dislodging means when the dislodging means and the chamber are rotated in relation to one another.
US08025038B2
A cam follower for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, which has a lifting body cold formed from sheet metal and that forms, on a valve-sided lifting section which has two lateral walls and a first base section connecting the walls, a cross-sectional profile which is open towards the gas exchange valve in a U-shaped manner, and on a joint-sided lifting section that has lateral walls and a second base section connecting the walls, a modifiable cross-sectional profile which is initially open towards the gas exchange valve in a U-shaped manner the U-shape adopting a trough shape that has a protruding annular cavity. The trough shape adjacent to an annular cavity on the side of the valve-sided lifting section is M-shaped and has two free recesses open towards the gas exchange valve and extend respectively between one of the lateral walls and the second base section.
US08025035B2
A device for selectively changing phase relationship between first and second rotating shafts in an internal combustion engine where the first shaft is secured for rotation with a worm carrier assembly and the second shaft is secured for rotation with a worm gear includes first and second worms disposed for rotation within the worm carrier assembly and having torsional preloads with opposite hands of rotation and meshing with the worm gear. An actuator turns the first and second worms in a first direction to advance rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft and turns the first and second worms in a second direction to retard rotation of the second shaft relative to the first shaft.
US08025028B2
A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.
US08025018B2
Method of adhesively bonding second insulating blocks to a ship's inner hull using beads of mastic for the production of a sealed, thermally insulating tank for the transportation of liquefied gases, the tank having two successive sealing barriers alternated with two insulating barriers of first and second insulating blocks produced from plywood panels and containing or carrying thermally insulating materials, the second insulating blocks of the secondary insulating barrier being fastened directly against the inner hull, the method including applying beads of mastic to the lower face of the panels of the second insulating blocks along mutually parallel lines, positioning the second insulating blocks against the inner hull, and pressing thereof against the inner hull until polymerization of the mastic, wherein at least two of the beads on the lower face of at least one panel of the second insulating blocks are arranged along wavy parallel lines.
US08025013B2
A rail vehicle having a single frame assembly and a movable platform coupled thereto is provided. The rail vehicle indexes, i.e. advances intermittently, along railroad rails. The movable platform advances in a single direction at a generally steady speed as the rail vehicle indexes along a railroad. The platform is the floor of, or a base for, a cabin preferably having a seat, roof support, and controls for the operator. The platform rides longitudinally with the machine on rollers or slides, thus separating the operator and controls from the rest of the machine. Thus, while the rail vehicle moves in an abrupt stop-and-go manner, the platform and the operator move generally consistently in a single direction.
US08025010B1
A quaternary salt is added at low concentrations to a solid propellant, thereby increasing the conductivity of the polymeric binder to provide for safe discharge of static electricity at relatively low potentials.
US08025006B2
A hydraulic cylinder unit comprises a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, and piston rod connected to the piston. The piston rod is reciprocatingly received within the cylinder, and the piston rod being movable between a first position in which the piston rod is substantially disposed within the cylinder and a second position in which the piston rod is fully extended outside the cylinder. A first hydraulic port and a second hydraulic port hydraulically connecting the cylinder unit to a reservoir. Hydraulic fluid is received by the first hydraulic port and hydraulic fluid is discharged by the second port when the piston rod is actuated to move towards the first position. Hydraulic fluid is received by the second hydraulic port and hydraulic fluid is discharged by the first hydraulic port when the piston rod is actuated to move towards the second position. A bore connects the tilt cylinder to a down gallery allowing hydraulic fluid within the cylinder to re-circulate to the reservoir when the piston rod is fully extended outside the cylinder.
US08025003B1
A firearm barrel having barrel flutes on the outer surface of the barrel where the barrel flutes are undercut relative to an outward radial vector from the center of the barrel at an arcuate radial distance that exceeds the arcuate radial distance of an undercut produced by a straight walled flute cutter such that the barrel flutes are hyper-undercut.
US08024996B2
The invention relates to a hydraulic power wrench comprising a ratchet lever (16) driven by a hydraulic cylinder. According to the invention, said power wrench is provided with a friction brake (20) which operates continuously between the housing (10) and the output shaft (14). In this way, reversed rotations of the output shaft following the individual working strokes are avoided.
US08024995B2
In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system of a power tool system may comprise mounting a functional module to a mounting plate of a power head, the power head configured to mount various functional modules, attaching the power head to a power base for powering the functional module, powering the functional module by directing power from the power base through a direct rotational drive of the power head, and controlling the multi-functional power tool system using a control disposed in the power base.
US08024989B2
Provided are a gear and a gear drive unit which allow oil film formation to a sufficient degree between tooth surfaces of gears rotating at high-speed and which help to prevent generation of pitting, abrasion, and prevent scoring, temperature rise, and wear to thereby achieve an improvement in terms of durability. A tooth surface is provided with a multitude of minute recesses arranged at random, in which an axial surface roughness parameter Ryni of the surface thus provided with the recesses is set to a range: 0.8 μm≦Ryni≦2.3 μm. As a result, the tooth surface is endowed with a high oil film formation performance, and it is possible to attain a long service life even under a low-viscosity/thin-lubrication condition in which the oil film is extremely thin.
US08024985B2
Disclosed are systems and methods for evaluating the properties of material used in the manufacture of pulling rolls. In one embodiment, a method is provided for aligning plates comprising the material along an axis and compressing the plates to form a cartridge. The plates can be compressed by a piston. The cartridge can be rotated by a motor. In one embodiment, the cartridge, while rotating, is contacted with a cutting surface to produce a surface finish on the cartridge. Properties such as compressibility, recovery and resiliency, and hardness can be measured.
US08024979B2
An amplified indication of the elongation of a fastener is provided for determining instantaneous loading conditions of a fastener. A load indicator is couplable to a fastener for instantaneous load measurement and includes a housing defining a fastener interface configured to removably couple the housing to a fastener. A moveable datum probe extends from the housing in contact with a datum rod anchored within an internal bore of the fastener. A first lever is pivotally mounted within the housing and is moveable in response to displacement of the datum probe. A load display indicates a degree of loading of a fastener as a function of displacement of the datum probe. A second lever can be used to further amplify the reading from the displacement of the datum probe. An inclined visual scale and a multi-faceted lens allows for viewing of loading values from multiple directions or angles.
US08024973B2
A semiconductor acceleration sensor includes an acceleration sensor chip that includes a weight portion, a base portion provided around the weight portion with a gap therebetween, and beam portions flexibly connecting the weight portion and the base portion; and a stopper plate that is provided above the acceleration sensor chip. The stopper plate includes: a plurality of fixing portions that are protrudingly provided at positions opposite to the base portion and are fixed to the base portion; first concave portions that are formed around the fixing portions at positions opposite to the weight portion and define the displacement of the weight portion; and a second concave portion that is formed at a position opposite to the beam portions and is deeper than the first concave portion.
US08024969B2
A liquid level detection device includes a sensor provided in a container which stores a liquid therein and having a variable resistance which changes a resistance value in association with a change of liquid level to output a voltage signal according to the resistance value of the variable resistance when a voltage is applied thereto, and a power supply circuit applying the voltage to the sensor intermittently on a predetermined cycle. A conducting time during which the power supply circuit applies the voltage to the sensor is equal to or less than 40 ms per cycle.
US08024968B2
A method detects the level of ink in a printhead reservoir by monitoring the power drawn by a thermistor positioned within the printhead reservoir. The method includes dissipating power in a thermistor in an ink reservoir, controlling the power dissipated in the thermistor to maintain the thermistor at a temperature that is a fixed differential above a reservoir temperature, measuring a parameter that corresponds to the power dissipated in the thermistor, and comparing the measured parameter to a predetermined value to detect ink in the reservoir contacting the thermistor.
US08024965B2
A method for analyzing tire vibration characteristics and an apparatus for carrying out the method, wherein the apparatus includes a stiff frame including a wheel support for supporting a wheel with a tire to be analyzed. A base part is flexibly connected with the frame by elastic means. The elastic means is embodied such that the frame is flexibly supported in one predefined functional direction. An actuator is provided for exciting vibrations into the wheel. The method and apparatus allow separate analysis of the natural vibrations in all four functional directions.
US08024952B2
In a multi-station forging machine having a stationary die breast and a reciprocating slide moveable in a direction towards and away from the die breast, the slide carrying a tool holder at a workstation, a tool case moveable back and forth on the tool holder in the direction of slide movement, tool segments carried in the tool case and moveable between open and closed positions, a pivotal lever carried on the slide having one portion engaging a rearwardly facing surface adjacent a rear of the tool case, a pivot surface around which said lever pivots, and another portion on a part of the lever extending from the pivot surface remote from the one portion, a high force spring mounted on the die breast, the spring being arranged to apply a high biasing force to said other lever portion when the slide is near or at front dead center, the lever transferring said biasing force to said tool case to bias said tool case forwardly.
US08024950B2
A hemming apparatus is provided for use with a robot in performing a hemming operation. The hemming apparatus comprises a support housing which mounts to a machine and has a pressurizable interior chamber having forward and rearward portions. A slide member includes a piston which is disposed in the chamber, and a plunger extends outwardly from the piston. Means are provided for attaching the housing to a nose having a central passageway. A bearing shaft is disposed within the central passageway, and means are provided for connecting the bearing shaft to the plunger. A hem roller is attached at the end of the bearing shaft. The rearward and forward portions of the chamber are connectible to a source of fluid pressure such that adjusting the chamber pressures moves the piston, thereby causing the bearing shaft to drive the hem roller into engagement with a work piece.
US08024938B2
A method of providing a field test protocol for determining evaporator airflow verification for existing vapor compression cycle equipment.
US08024936B2
Apparatus and systems, as well as methods and articles, may operate to actively cool an electronic device using a first heat removing cooling element, and to induce a thermal gradient in a heat pipe by conducting heat from a hot side of the first heat removing cooling element to a cold side of a second heat removing cooling element using the heat pipe. The heat pipe may comprise a variable conductance heat pipe. The apparatus and system may operate in a downhole environment, including logging and drilling operations.
US08024933B2
The invention relates to a wall element for a wall structure of a gas turbine engine combustor. The wall element has an inner, in use, hot surface, and an outer, in use, cooler surface. A plurality of projections is provided on the outer surface to facilitate heat transfer to a coolant flow. The wall element comprises a means to direct more coolant flow at a hot-spot on an adjacent tile than the remainder of the adjacent tile and thereby reducing the thermal gradient across the adjacent tile.
US08024932B1
A nozzle includes a center body and a shroud circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the center body to define an annular passage between the center body and the shroud. The nozzle further includes a bimetallic guide between the center body and the shroud. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor includes flowing a working fluid through a nozzle, injecting the fuel into the nozzle, and mixing the fuel with the working fluid to create a fuel and working fluid mixture. The method further includes swirling the fuel and working fluid mixture, sensing flame holding in the nozzle, and reducing the swirl in the fuel and working fluid mixture.
US08024931B2
A turbine engine includes an annular combustor having a combustion chamber defined between an annular outer wall and an annular inner wall. A diffuser case substantially encloses the annular outer and inner walls. A fuel nozzle extends through the diffuser case to an outlet that provides fuel to an interior chamber of the combustor. In one embodiment, front portions of the inner and outer walls curve toward one another and overlap to form an annular gap or manifold through which fuel is distributed to the combustion chamber.
US08024930B2
A combined Gasification, methanation and power island steam turbine system. The system includes a gasification portion, the methanation portion and a steam turbine portion. The Gasification portion includes the new heat recovery design and associated controls for obtaining a desired steam to dry gas ration of 1.1-2.2. The methanation portion includes first, second and third methanation reactors and associated heat recovery integrated with a high-pressure, low-pressure superheater, and HP economizers. The power Island steam turbine includes a High pressure, Intermediate pressure, low-pressure steam turbine having an input coupled to an output of the superheaters in Methanation process.
US08024929B2
An apparatus and method for converting a differential in thermal energy between a first thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid and a second thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid is provided. The apparatus employs a first vessel and a second vessel. Each of the vessels contain a gas under pressure The vessels contain heat exchanging coils that are connected to the thermal sources by fluid lines. A plurality of cooperating valves regulate the flow of the thermal conducting fluid from the first and second thermal sources to the first and second vessels. The valves alternate between first and second operating positions. In the first position, the valves permit a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the first vessel and from the second thermal source to the second vessel and prevent a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the second vessel and from the second thermal source to the first vessel. In the second position, the valves permit a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the second vessel and from the second thermal source to the first vessel and prevent a flow of thermal energy from the first thermal source to the first vessel and from the second thermal source to the second vessel. A pressure driven actuator in fluid communication with the first and second vessels is driven into reciprocating motion between a first position and a second position by alternating positive pressure and negative pressure from the first and second vessels.
US08024921B2
A method for operating an internal combustion engine in whose exhaust gas region at least one SCR catalytic converter is arranged, a reagent which contributes to NOx conversion in the SCR catalytic converter being applied to said SCR catalytic converter, and a device for carrying out the method are proposed. A measure for the NOx current which occurs downstream of the SCR catalytic converter is both calculated and measured with an NOx sensor which has lateral sensitivity to the reagent. The difference between the calculated measure and the measured measure of the NOx current is determined. A reagent signal which defines the metering of the reagent is influenced as a function of the difference. Plausibility checking is provided, during which the reagent quantity which is metered in a predefined time period and the reagent quantity which is converted in the SCR catalytic converter and/or the converted NOx quantity are compared with one another. When a deviation is detected, a correction signal which also influences the reagent signal is made available.
US08024918B2
Methods and systems are provided for propelling a vehicle. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a method includes flowing a decomposed hydroxylammonium nitrite (HAN)-based propellant into a chamber, introducing an aspirated non-polar fuel into the chamber, and combusting the decomposed HAN-based propellant and the aspirated non-polar fuel to produce an exhaust gas.
US08024915B2
A harvesting machine includes a harvesting header with a header frame, a cutterbar assembly attached to the header frame along the length thereof and configured to cut a crop, and a draper assembly positioned behind the cutterbar assembly and operable to receive severed crop material from the cutterbar assembly. The draper assembly includes a center draper that delivers crop material to a feeder house of the harvesting machine and oppositely spaced side drapers that deliver crop material to the center draper. The harvesting header is operable to flex and thereby follow an uneven terrain. The draper assembly includes a draper belt carried by pivotable support arms. The cutterbar drive includes a forward gearbox drivingly connected to the cutterbar assembly and supported on an outer support arm.
US08024913B2
An apparatus for sealing prepared medications in enclosures includes a tubular sleeve having an open first end, an open second end, and an outer surface. The first end includes at least one first locking member for securely attaching the tubular sleeve to another member. The apparatus also includes a length of a flexible packaging sleeve that is open at one end and has an open interior space. The packaging sleeve is disposed about the outer surface of the tubular sleeve in a compressed form. The open end of the sleeve is sealingly attached to the first end of the tubular sleeve. A tensioner device is disposed about an outer surface of the packaging sleeve and includes a first section that couples the first end of the packaging sleeve to the tubular sleeve and at least two elongated tensioner arms that extend along a length of the tubular sleeve. The compressed packaging sleeve is disposed underneath the tensioner arms such that the tensioner arms apply tension to the packaging sleeve and control the unfurling thereof from the tubular sleeve. The open first end of the tubular sleeve is in communication with the open interior space of the packaging sleeve.
US08024911B2
The invention relates to a method for blister packing products (9), comprising the step of packaging said products (9) in a blister web (1) or a blister sheet (2) and storing said blister web or blister sheet intermediately (12). Following said intermediate storing (12) several blister packs (4) are formed from said blister web (1) or blister sheet (2).
US08024909B2
A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a receiving table for the container handling machines therein.
US08024908B2
A pultruded utility structure is presented. The pultruded utility structure are pultruded or extruded in a pre-determined shape, in plural colors, is environmentally safe, aesthetic pleasing and resistant to damage from weather, animals, insects and resistant to corrosion. The pultruded utility structure includes utility pole, a lighting pole, a structural support, an architectural design element (interior or exterior), a marine dock element or a fencing element, etc.
US08024902B2
A one-piece or multiple-piece shaped profile assembly that is used for bridging a construction element joint (2), namely expansion joints or displacement joints between two construction elements (3.1; 3.2). This assembly is shaped as a stiff joint bridge with two vertical mirror-image shaped profiles (5, 6) facing each other at both joint edges that are connected together by means of a shaped bridging profile (7) extending across the construction element joint (2). At least one of the vertical profile pieces (5, 6) is adjustable with respect to the opposing construction element to compensate for the relative displacement between the construction elements (3.1; 3.2). The vertical profile pieces (5, 6) and shaped bridging profile (7) comprise a hard polymer foam that is coated with an armoring mortar layer as an adhesive base for an additional coating layer (11).
US08024900B2
Herein are disclosed are apparatus and methods for forming firestopped through-penetrations in poured concrete partitions. The apparatus and methods use an intumescent firestop ring that can be used in combination with a removable sleeve. The firestop ring is detachably mounted on the outer surface of the sleeve form, near one end of the sleeve. The sleeve is positioned and concrete poured around it. After solidification of the concrete the sleeve can be removed to provide a through-penetration containing the firestop ring, secured to the solidified concrete. The firestop ring may optionally comprise one or more retainers and/or one or more insulating spacers.
US08024898B2
In an exemplary embodiment, a window sill comprises a structural base having a first side and a second side, a fenestration cap attached to the structural base, a window frame mounted on the fenestration cap and finish elements applied to the structural base and adjacent to the fenestration cap. The window frame may be removed from the fenestration cap without disturbing the finish elements. Alternatively, a method of installing a window in a window opening comprises providing a window opening and preparing the window opening for receiving a fenestration cap, installing a fenestration cap by placement within and attachment to the window opening in a primary step, and installing a window within the window opening by placement within and attachment to the fenestration cap in a secondary step.
US08024883B1
A firearm support for a firearm having an elongate sling extending along the firearm with two opposite ends attached in spaced relationship to the firearm between a stock end and a barrel end. The firearm support includes a support attachment in the form of clamp which may be secured to the sling at a desired position therealong. At least one support leg is pivotally secured to the support attachment and depends from the attachment whereby the leg may be pivoted from a storage position with the at least one leg extending along in alignment with the sling, to a deployed position at an angle relative to the sling for engaging a ground surface with a distal end of the at least one leg. The attachment for the shooting support is also provided with a forearm rest surface positioned on the side of the sling that faces the firearm for supporting the firearm thereon when the leg or legs are deployed. The attachment is rigidly secured at substantially a right angle relative to the leg or legs in the direction of the pivotal axis to prevent the support for the firearm from wobbling or canting left and right relative to the support leg or legs. The leg supports may be provided in replaceable and substitutable sets whereby the interchangeable leg sets may include one leg, a pair of legs or more.
US08024879B2
A display device includes at least one wall with transparent areas and a reflecting object arranged inside the display device and oriented so as to receive an incident external light and to redirect a reflected light onto the transparent areas. The transparent areas are provided in different planes and the reflecting object includes several reflecting surfaces or a non-planar reflecting surface to reflect incident light rays on each of the transparent areas along different reflection axes. The display device can advantageously be integrated into a bottle or a bottle cap.
US08024872B2
A multi-layered protector is adapted to attach to and cover the entire sole of a shoe to protect the sole from being marred or otherwise damaged when the shoe is worn by a user. The protector includes a ground engaging layer, a wear indicating layer and an adhesive layer. The wear indicating layer is rigid in character and provides immediate feedback to a user of its exposure. A removable peel layer adjacent the adhesive layer may be removed in order to attach the sole protector to the sole of the shoe. Preferably, the ground engaging layer includes an upwardly extending, peripheral rim portion adapted to protect the outer edge portions of the sole. A deformable conforming layer is optionally provided between the wear indicating layer and the adhesive layer. The protector may be adapted for customization or may be produced specifically for use with a particular shoe.
US08024870B1
A drying system for drying a personal hydration system having a fill opening and a supply tube includes a dryer assembly providing a flow of forced air to be introduced into the fill opening of the personal hydration device. The dryer assembly includes seal-forming structure engageable with the fill opening to form a seal between the dryer assembly and the fill opening to enhance the pressurization and inflation of the personal hydration system. The dryer assembly also includes a channel defining a relief valve for permitting exhaust of air flow from the fill opening upon pressurization and inflation of the personal hydration system. The dryer assembly further includes a resilient cam arm for enabling the dryer assembly to sealingly fit variously sized fill openings.
US08024869B2
A digital sizing tool for obtaining tooling measurements and requirements comprising: a pair of fingers, where said fingers are adjoined at one adjoined end and create an opening at the opposite end; a flexible resilient means, where the flexible resilient means adjoins the pair of fingers; and a digital readout, where said digital readout provides a means to display a measured distance between the pair of fingers at the opening end and the digital readout attached to a measurement rod, where said measurement rod extends between the pair of fingers. In one exemplary embodiment, each finger may include at least one gripping surface. In another particular embodiment, the flexible resilient means includes a piston and spring assembly.
US08024860B2
A method for manufacturing an ink cartridge includes the step of connecting a film or a pair of films to a frame. The films and the frame define an ink chamber therein, and the ink cartridge includes the films and the frame. The method also includes the step of positioning a patterned member adjacent to the films. The patterned member includes a first pattern, and the first pattern includes a first portion and a second portion which is raised with respect to the first portion. Moreover, the method includes the step of forming a second pattern corresponding to the first pattern on the films by generating a pressure differential between a pressure inside the ink chamber and a pressure outside the ink chamber, in which the pressure differential draws the films into contact with the first pattern.
US08024857B2
A substrate for a semiconductor package having a reinforcing member that prevents or minimizes distortions is presented. The substrate for the semiconductor package includes a substrate body, an insulation layer, and a reinforcing member. The substrate body has a first region having a plurality of chip mount regions, a second region disposed along a periphery of the first region, a circuit pattern disposed in each chip mount region and a dummy pattern disposed along the second region. The insulation layer covers the first and second regions and has an opening exposing some portion of each circuit pattern. The reinforcing member is disposed in the second region and prevents deflection of the substrate body.
US08024850B2
A tool for drawing duct sections together is formed of a U-shaped steel section. The center pane of the U has a V-shaped notch that is slipped behind the flanges of duct sections. The V draws the duct sections together as the tool is moved into place. When the tool is in place, a cleat can be inserted over the flanges from the same direction as the tool was installed. Because of the gauge of material used to make the tool, the cleat and the tool both fit behind the flanges of the of the ducts, allowing the cleat and tool to be installed from the same side of the duct. After the cleat is in place, the tool can be removed.
US08024848B2
Double-action clinching includes establishing a first layer on a second layer, and securing the layers between a tool's punch and clinching punch. First layer has less ductility than second layer, and clinching punch diameter is smaller than punch diameter. Layers are secured so: a tool support receives a portion of a second layer surface; clinching punch, slidably positioned in the support, is adjacent another portion of the second layer surface; and punch, positioned opposed to clinching punch, is adjacent a portion of a first layer surface. Pressing the punch into the first layer surface portion forms an aperture through the first layer. Pressing the clinching punch, in a direction opposite to the punch pressing, into the other portion of the second layer surface forces portion(s) of the second layer into the aperture, and forms a micro-interlocking flush-back joint between an aperture side wall and the second layer portion(s).
US08024845B2
Buckle of a seat belt for a motor vehicle comprising a male part and a female part characterized in that it comprises electric contacts carried by two tongues (30, 35), a first tongue (30) comprising a V-shaped section with two branches (31, 32), one of which constitutes an electric contact and a cambered end (34), the convex sections of these two sections facing opposite the second tongue (35) which has a V-shaped section with branches (36, 37), one of which constitutes an electric contact and is designed to bear against the electric contact of the first tongue (30), the cambered section (34) being designed to cooperate with a bar (10) to control the opening of the electric contacts moved by the introduction of the male part of the buckle.
US08024844B2
A clip is easily usable even by a visually handicapped person and a presbyope. The clip has bend sections, rectilinear sections, and a connection section. The bend sections can be located at positions close to each other with a spacing equal to or less than the diameter of the wire material of the clip held between them. The rectilinear sections are bent upward and some are in contact with each other.
US08024842B2
A hinge includes a shaft sleeve, a shaft, and a spring. The shaft sleeve includes a shaft tube, and the shaft includes a fixing rod rotationally received in the shaft tube. The spring is received between the shaft and the shaft tube for guiding lubricant to lubricate the shaft and the shaft tube. The fixing rod is rotatably passed through the spring, and capable of rotating relative to the shaft tube.
US08024838B2
A vertically opening vehicle door hinge has a base member secured to a chassis at bolt slots disposed as elongated openings on the base member. A primary swivel member is swivel mounted to the base member so that the primary swivel member swivels on the plane defined by the base member. The primary swivel member has a primary swivel axis normal to the point defined by the base member. The arm is swivel mounted to the primary swivel member at a secondary swivel. The secondary swivel has an secondary swivel axis of rotation normal to the primary swivel axis. The arm is mounted to a door of the vehicle. The arm has an extended position corresponding to an open vehicle door and a retracted position corresponding to a closed vehicle door.
US08024835B2
A method and tools operative for treatment of a substance in association with a surface of an object or body have a first treatment tool and a second backing tool. The treatment tool has a rigid retention portion and a treatment portion, and is manufactured as a single integrated tool. A backbone extends in cantilever out of the retention portion to support a resilient and flexible blade, retained at a twist angle relative to the handle. The blade is configured for controlled deflection about the backbone when vertical forces in excess of a predetermined force are met, to prevent damage to the surface or to the object. The retention portion and the treatment portion are disposed in mutual angular spatial relationship for ease of use of the tool. The backing tool supports the object during treatment.
US08024833B2
A transversely elongated mounting bar curved rearwardly from a centerline and mounting longitudinally projecting bristles on the front side thereof to terminate in free ends deposed in a working plane.
US08024831B2
A cleaning method using a cleaning apparatus having an adhesive sheet, a conductive sheet in contact with a base material of the adhesive sheet, and a pressing member for pressing the conductive sheet onto the adhesive sheet. The pressing member includes a voltage applier, and a pressing force controller which presses the adhesive sheet onto a curved surface of a portion to be cleaned of a vacuum processing apparatus from above the conductive sheet. The method includes pressing the pressing member by a pressing force controlled via the pressing force controller to press the conductive sheet and the adhesive sheet to adhere an adhesive surface of the adhesive sheet to the curved surface of the portion to be cleaned, and applying a voltage to the conductive sheet or applying a voltage having a temporally changed polarity.
US08024827B2
Provided is a method for using a patient rescue bag, particularly for extreme wet weather use. A substantially rectangular upper portion is sized wider than a substantially rectangular lower portion such that longitudinal edges of the upper portion are folded downwardly and inwardly so that an inner layer of the upper portion is releasably attached to an outer layer of the lower portion. A patient is placed within the patient rescue bag such that the patient rests upon the lower portion and the upper portion is above the patient. The longitudinal edges of the upper portion are folded downwardly and inwardly to extend under the longitudinal edges of the lower portion. In this manner, the exposed edges of the connection between upper and lower portions are not subject to accumulated rain or snow seeping into the patient chamber or being forced in by helicopter downdraft.
US08024825B2
The present invention relates to collapsible cribs. The cribs have one or more of the following characteristics: adjustable length and/or, width and/or height, lightweight, easily collapsed, very compact when collapsed and easily carried, stored and transported. Embodiments disclosed relate to pens, cribs, and play yards with and without wheels.
US08024821B2
A detachable connective device for toilet seat includes a base portion, a main body, a seat portion and a cover. The base portion is fitted under the main body, and the former may be detached from the latter. Therefore, the main body may be fitted to a toilet through the base portion. The seat portion is connected to the front end of the main body. A user may sit on the seat portion when using the toilet. The rear end of the cover is pivotally and coaxially connected with the main body so that the cover may rest on top of the seat portion. The base portion has two through apertures to allow fasteners to fixedly attach the base portion to the toilet. Therefore, the goal of easy installation may be achieved.
US08028340B2
A method for providing solidified software in a computing environment includes creating a new reference for a function in a function table; copying an address of the function and associating the address with the new reference; replacing the address associated with an old reference of the function with a dummy address; and substituting each old reference in normal code with the new reference, where injected code is not able to execute in the computing environment. The function table entries can be further randomized by reordering the entries, introducing intermediate mappings, or providing non-operative entries. Alternatively, all or part of the code of the function can be copied and moved to a different storage location and associated with the new reference. The copied code can be further randomized by the insertion of dummy code, utilizing reverse peephole techniques, varying the size of the copied portion, or interleaving non-operative code.
US08028334B2
A firewall rule generation method, a load balancing rule generation method, and a wrapper generation method, for an Information Technology (IT) system, associated computer program products, and an associated processes for integrating computing infrastructure. The firewall rule generation method generates firewall rules allowing data transmission between a computer and a client, and subsequently assigns the firewall rules to firewalls of the IT system. The load balancing rule generation method assigns a load balancing mechanism to a load balanced group to which execution of an application is assigned, wherein the load balanced group has servers therein. For a client and computer having a communication protocol therebetween that is not allowed by a security policy, the wrapper generation method generates a communication protocol wrapper that opens a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection between the client and the computer such that the TCP connection is allowed by the security policy.
US08028332B2
Example embodiments are directed to a revocation lists management method, namely a verification method of a target device connected to a master device, the master device having means to receive a content transmitted by a broadcast centre via a data stream, the master device and the target device authenticating themselves by the exchange of a certificate having at least one certificate identifier. The method includes transmitting by broadcast a target device verification table containing a certificate identifier list, storing certificate identifier list in the master device, extracting a verification data associated to the content, the verification data including the activation or the deactivation of the verification of the target device. If the verification data includes the activation of the verification, the method includes verifying the certificate of the target device by the master device using at least one list stored to authorize or prohibit the exchanges of data with the target device.
US08028331B2
A method for authenticating an entity at a first data resource, the method comprising the steps of: sending a first request token from the entity (100) to a token distribution unit (20) to request a first one-way authentication token, the first request token being a function of authentication information provided by the entity (100); sending the first one-way authentication token from the token distribution unit (20) to the entity (100); sending the first one-way authentication token from the entity (100) to the first data resource (200) to authenticate the entity (100) at the first data resource (200); sending the first one-way authentication token from the first data resource (200) to the token distribution unit (20) to validate the first one-way token; and invalidating the first one-way token.
US08028324B2
A method for transmitting policy information between network equipment, extending protocol types of messages in layer-2, layer-3 or a higher application layer between an IP-uplink broadband user access equipment and a BRAS so as to construct a PITP to bear policy information; a PITP message includes a policy information transmission type field, an operation type field and a policy information content field, and different types of policy information are distinguished by the policy information transmission type field; transmission of the policy information is implemented through a point-to-point means or a broadcast means in layer-2, a unicast or a multicast in layer-3 or a higher application layer. The present invention implements policy information transmission, prevents account intrusions and hacker attacks, makes it convenient for the broadband user access equipment to implement dynamic QoS policy adjustment in terms of different users and makes it easy for integrated managing the online equipment.
US08028320B1
Systems and methods for delivering media to media playback devices are provided. When a media playback device requests suspension of a media stream, the media is stored in a storage area associated with the media playback device. A media playback device can then request resumption of the media stream. The media playback device requesting resumption of the media stream can be the same or different from the device requesting suspension of the media stream.
US08028314B1
A system, may include, at least one of audio, image, and a video comprising a plurality of frames. A preferences description, describing preferences of a user with respect to the use of at least one of the audio, image, and video, where the description normally includes multiple preferences.
US08028313B2
In one of many possible embodiments, a system includes a media content processing subsystem configured to provide at least a portion of a linear program guide to a display for presentation to a user. The linear program guide includes a list of media content carriers and associated media content instances, and an endpoint located at one end of the list. The media content carriers and the endpoint are navigable by the user, and the endpoint is associated with at least one selectable navigation tool for navigating within the linear program guide. In certain embodiments, the selectable navigation tool includes a selectable shortcut to a predefined location within the linear program guide.
US08028312B2
The present invention registers a content so that its composition can be easily recognized, and promotes the reduction of a load in playing processing on the registered content, and improves convenience of users. Also, it evaluates the value of production of a content more properly. An information processing apparatus includes: a generator for generating meta information including content composition information representing a composition of a content to be registered, and mashed-up-or-not information representing whether a content to be registered is a unitary content or a mashed-up content in which a plurality of contents are combined; and a register for registering the generated meta information as content information.
US08028310B2
An optical pickup includes a moving base moved in a radial direction of a disk-like recording medium mounted on a disk table, and an objective lens drive device disposed on the base and including an objective lens. The drive device includes a fixed block fixed to the base, a movable block including the lens and a lens holder and moved in focusing and tracking directions, supporting springs connecting the fixed and movable blocks, focusing magnets moving the movable block in the focusing direction, tracking magnets moving the movable block in the tracking direction and each having two magnetized poles, focusing coils facing the focusing magnets, and tracking coils facing the tracking magnets and spaced apart in the tracking direction. The north and south poles of the tracking magnet are adjacent in the tracking direction. The boundary between the poles is formed by a line segment not being one straight line.
US08028309B2
According to one aspect, an optical read/write device for reading and/or writing an optical disk includes a rack disposed between the worm gear and the optical pickup head for transferring motion from the worm gear to the optical pickup head. The rack includes a fastening portion for fixing the rack to the optical pickup head, an engaging portion, a spring placed between the fastening portion and the engaging portion for pressing the engaging portion to engage with the worm gear, and a connecting portion. The connecting portion is configured for connecting the fastening portion and the engaging portion and preventing the engaging portion from disengaging from the worm gear.
US08028305B2
A disk storage medium processing apparatus includes an apparatus body having a disk loading/unloading slot, a traverse unit which is disposed in the apparatus body to conduct at least one of recording, deletion, and reproduction of information onto or from a disk, and a clamper supporting device for supporting a clamper which clamps the disk to the traverse unit. A disk conveying device conveys the disk into the apparatus body when a part of the disk is inserted through the disk loading/unloading slot and which ejects a part of the disk through the disk loading/unloading slot from a state that the disk is housed in the apparatus body. The disk conveying device includes a pair of first and second disk conveying arms which are pivotably attached to the apparatus body and holding a periphery of the disk to convey the disk.
US08028295B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of creating, based on an operating-system-scheduled thread running on an operating-system-visible sequencer and using an instruction set extension, a persistent user-level thread to run on an operating-system-sequestered sequencer independently of context switch activities on the operating-system-scheduled thread. The operating-system-scheduled thread and the persistent user-level thread may share a common virtual address space. Embodiments of the invention may also provide a method of causing a service thread running on an additional operating-system-visible sequencer to provide operating system services to the persistent user-level thread. Embodiments of the invention may further provide apparatus, system, and machine-readable medium thereof.
US08028291B2
A method for job selection and resource allocation of massively parallel processors, the method includes: providing to a constraint satisfaction problem solver multiple domains, variables, and constraints representative of a massively parallel processor, of queued job requests and of jobs being processed by the massively parallel processor, and generating, by the constraint satisfaction problem solver a result representative of multiple jobs to be executed, at least partially in parallel, by multiple resources of the massively parallel processor.
US08028290B2
Multiple instruction set architectures are supported in a system that provides a power-efficient and flexible platform for virtual machine environments requiring multiple support for multiple instruction set architectures (ISAs). A processor includes multiple cores having disparate native ISAs and that may be selectively enabled for operation, so that power is conserved when support for a particular ISA is not required of the processor. A hypervisor controls operation of the cores, locates a core and enables it if necessary when a request to instantiate a virtual machine having a specified ISA is received. The ISA may be specified by a particular operating system and/or application program requirements.
US08028289B2
When requested by an application, a library unit provides a resource to the application, acquires an ID for identifying the application which has requested the resource, and stores a combination of a resource name of the provided resource and the application ID in a table. When an application is completed, the library unit receives an application ID of the completed application, detects a resource name corresponding to the received application ID in the table, and collects a resource specified by the resource name.
US08028285B2
This disclosure provides a system and method for summarizing jobs for a user group. In one embodiment, a job manager is operable to identify a state of a first job, the first job associated with a first job scheduler. A state of a second job is identified. The second job is associated with a second job scheduler. The first job scheduler and the second job scheduler are heterogeneous. A summary of information associated with at least the first job scheduler and the second job scheduler is determined using, at least in part, the first job state and the second job state. The summary is presented to a user though a dashboard.
US08028283B2
A method and system that enable an automatic invocation of device functionalities on devices in a network. Invocation mechanisms are provided to support heterogeneous invocation mechanisms including new invocation mechanisms. Invocation mechanisms using scripts can be added without the need for recompilation of support systems such as home-networking middleware systems. This further enables the use of scripts that can coordinate the use of multiple devices in accomplishing a task.
US08028276B1
A method for generating a test file, that includes parsing annotated test code written in a source language to create a data structure representation of the annotated test code, generating test code in a markup language according to a plurality of testing definitions using the data structure representation, and storing the test code in the markup language in the test file.
US08028274B2
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for providing an integration framework that enables tools to be integrated. The integration framework enables tools participating in the framework to be encapsulated in a manner that hides their implementations, thereby preventing them from taking deep dependencies on each other. The integration framework also enables the tools participating in the framework to carry formal type definitions called service and data contracts that describe the public behaviors they offer. The integration framework also provides support for migrating integration logic from tools into pluggable commands to further reduce coupling between the tools.
US08028268B2
A method and system for building an embedded software package for a target system including creating a cross-compiling stub in the target system, wherein the stub accesses a compiling tool at a remote location, starting a software package building process at the target system, and intercepting a compiling command coming from said software package building process and forwarding the compiling commands to said remote compiling server using the cross-compiling tool stub so that a source file will be compiled by a corresponding cross-compiling tool in the remote compiling server. The method and system allow a developer of software for an embedded system be able to start a software package building process on the target system as in the native compilation situation, and have the actual compiling of the source file in the software package be performed by cross-compiling tools in another computer with high performance.
US08028264B2
A semiconductor device including a plurality of cells having an antenna protection element and a cell other than the antenna protection element; and a first dummy pattern and a second dummy pattern arranged in a layer above the plurality of cells. Further, the first dummy pattern overlaps with the antenna protection element, the second dummy pattern overlaps with the cell other than the antenna protection element, and a first layout rule of the first dummy pattern is different from a second layout rule of the second dummy pattern.
US08028263B2
Disclosed are a method, system, and computer program product for implementing incremental placement for an electronic design while predicting and minimizing a perturbation impact arising from incremental placement of electronic components. In some embodiments, an initial placement of an electronic design is identified, an abstract flow is computed, target locations of various electronic components to be placed are identified, a relative ordering of electronic components is determined, and the placement is then legalized. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the method, system, or computer program product starts with an initial placement of an electronic design and derives a legal placement by using an incremental placement technique while minimizing the perturbation impact or an total quadratic movement of instances. In some embodiments, an augmented or incremental clumping technique based data structure is utilized for rapid and substantially exact perturbation prediction of effects of local incremental placement operations.
US08028252B2
During a method for generating a third mask pattern to be used on a photo-mask in a photolithographic process, first features are added to a first mask pattern to produce a second mask pattern. A majority of the first features may have a size characteristic larger than a pre-determined value, and that the first features are topologically disconnected from second features in the first mask pattern that overlap third features in a target pattern. Moreover, the first features may be added at positions which are determined based on the gradient of a first cost function depending, at least in part, on the first mask pattern and the target pattern. Then, the third mask pattern may be generated based on the second mask pattern, where the photo-mask corresponds to the third mask pattern.
US08028250B2
A carousel view is described. In an implementation, a method includes determining a number of items that are included in data. A carousel is then generated for output in a user interface. The carousel has a plurality of bins, each of which representing a corresponding one of the items. The carousel has a radius for display of each of the bins based on the determined number of items.
US08028247B2
In a GUI environment including a plurality of windows, a user may establish one or more groups of windows such that the windows comprising each group are related. The user may cycle focus successively between the windows in the group in response to a focus cycle command input by the user. The focus may cycle bidirectionally between the windows in the group in response to bi-directional focus cycle command inputs by the user. The user may shift focus to a window outside of the group by entering a focus shift command.
US08028237B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing a portal-based desktop. A computer-implemented method for providing access to one or more computer programs and information includes receiving a request from a client computer, the request specifying a user. The method includes identifying one or more computer programs and information to which the user has subscribed. The method includes organizing the one or more computer programs and the information according to context. The method includes defining a user interface in which the organized one or more computer programs and information.
US08028230B2
A input method selects a character from a plurality of characters of a logographic script, and identifies characters proximate the selected character. One or more candidate characters are then selected based on a composition input and the proximate characters.
US08028221B2
An error correction and/or error detection method reads of stored information data from a storage device; wherein in addition to the information data, code data is read from the storage device. Syndrome data is formed from the information data and the code data in order to determine errors and/or error positions in the read data. For detection of multiple errors, it is verified whether in the case of a determined error position, the information data or code data associated with the relevant storage positions are either all equal to 0, or are all equal to 1.
US08028220B2
A method is disclosed of determining a coordinate value of a position on a printed document having patterns printed thereon. Each pattern represents a sequence having a repeating codeword of a cyclic position code. The method includes sensing the patterns printed on the document, obtaining from each sensed pattern a sub-sequence, mapping each of the sub-sequences to a respective mapped codeword of the cyclic position code, and determining an offset indicative of the position, in the corresponding sequence, between each mapped codeword and the codeword. Also included are the steps of deriving, for each pair of the sequences, a difference between the corresponding pair of offsets, as well as deriving the coordinate value by interpreting the differences as a digit of the coordinate value, and by interpreting the differences as a marker separating the coordinate value from an adjacent coordinate value.
US08028219B2
An approach is provided for interleaving low density parity check (LDPC) encoded bits in 16ASPK modulation systems. By assigning the bits determining modulation symbols based on different bit degrees, one can efficiently find the desirable tradeoff between error performance and error floor provided by the LDPC codes in use.
US08028213B2
A data transformation method for a testing system includes using a reception end for receiving a test signal comprising a test data and a timing information corresponding to the test data, and using a transformation unit for transforming the test data according to the timing information, so as to generate a test pattern utilized for testing a communication device.
US08028212B2
Testing of integrated circuits is achieved by a test architecture utilizing a scan frame input shift register, a scan frame output shift register, a test controller, and a test interface comprising a scan input, a scan clock, a test enable, and a scan output. Scan frames input to the scan frame input shift register contain a test stimulus data section and a test command section. Scan frames output from the scan frame output shift register contain a test response data section and, optionally, a section for outputting other data. The command section of the input scan frame controls the test architecture to execute a desired test operation.
US08028202B2
A data management device accessible to a plurality of memories includes a risk unit which determines risk of failure associated with each of the plurality of memories, a selection unit which selects a memory from among the plurality of memories on the basis of the determined risk and a transmitting unit which transmits a replication instruction to another memory of the plurality of memories. The replication instruction causes replication of the data to be replicated that is stored in the selected memory.
US08028201B2
A method, system, and program product for a VTS subsystem's logging server to optimize applications' logging data entries where applications use the logging service. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the system comprises logic executed within a VTS subsystem to which a tape library subsystem is attached. The logic controls VTS subsystem applications' logging data entry strategy through applications' configured logging level, log entry category, and a cache buffer. The logic not only dynamically balances applications' logging request but also maximizes the availability of system information.
US08028198B2
Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for a memory device. In one embodiment, a memory device is disclosed that may include a command error module operably coupled to a mode register, a command input, and an address input. The command error module may be configured to detect an invalid command sequence and report an error indication to an output signal. Additionally, the memory device may include a temperature sensor operably coupled to a mode register and a reference voltage. The temperature sensor may be configured to sense a device temperature and report a temperature status. Furthermore, the memory device may be incorporated into a memory module, which may be included in an electronic system.
US08028197B1
Systems and methods are provided for problem ticket resolution. A resolution component allocates a cause for each problem ticket, assigned by resolution teams to root cause clusters, to systems based on historical records that identify one of multiple historical systems as a cause for each historical problem ticket. If a corresponding number of causes allocated to a system is a predetermined amount greater than a corresponding historical number of causes allocated to the system, the resolution component may output a notification to a user interface to prompt a management action regarding the system, access a report associated with the system and output a notification to the user interface to prompt a management action regarding the system based on the report, or assign a set of problem tickets allocated to the system to a resolution team.
US08028196B2
The present application discloses a preventative, diagnostic maintenance system designed for gaming systems. Sensor and software monitor, accumulate, store and share information for efficient maintenance of the gaming systems. Diagnostic and prognostic tests are run and results prioritized wherein minor and intermittent problems that indicate potential future problems are stored. When a technician visit is prescribed, the system will present via a GUI a visualization of the status of gamed devices, and, forearm the technician with the high and low priority information regarding the high priority problems along with the low priority problems for all the game devices at the same site. The technician will be able to bring the specific tools, programs and parts to service the high and the low priority problems of all the game devices.
US08028188B2
The invention describes a test bed, a method and a computer program product for testing an application installed on a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device communicates with a server over a network through the test bed. Further, the test bed is connected to the server and receives various testing parameters from a user. Furthermore, the test bed establishes a wireless connection between the test bed and the wireless communication device. Thereafter, the test bed emulates various network conditions, based on the testing parameters, and subsequently communicates the emulated network conditions to the wireless communication device. The application installed on the wireless communication device experiences the emulated network conditions. The user then tests the application in the emulated network conditions.
US08028185B2
A processor may comprise one or more cores, where each respective core may comprise one or more state registers, and non-volatile memory configured to store microcode instructions executed by the respective processor core. The processor may further comprise a power management controller (PMC) interfacing with each respective core, and a state monitor (SM) interfacing with the PMC. The PMC may be configured to communicate with each respective core, such that microcode executed by the respective processor core may recognize when a request is made to transition the respective core to a low-power state. The microcode may communicate the request to the PMC, which may in turn determine if the request is for the respective core to transition to a zero-power state. If it is, the PMC may communicate with the SM to determine whether to transition the respective processor core to the zero-power state, and initiate transition to the zero-power state if a determination to transition to the zero-power state is made.
US08028182B2
A voltage regulator phase shedding system includes one or more subsystems to receive a system management interrupt (SMI), gather processor utilization information, determine whether to adjust a performance state, lookup voltage regulator information for new performance state, adjust active voltage regulator phase, and adjust performance state. The voltage regulator phase shedding system can also include one or more subsystems to read a power measurement, calculate throttling requirements, determine whether to adjust a throttling, lookup voltage regulator information for new performance state capacity, adjust active voltage regulator phase, and adjust throttling.
US08028181B2
A method, device, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes supplying a processor with a first voltage. The method also includes allowing the processor to function within an enhanced processor halt state at the first voltage. The first voltage is a voltage below the lowest compatible voltage for the enhanced processor halt state. The method allows the processor to execute instructions upon waking from the enhanced processor halt state at the first voltage by throttling a maximum throughput rate of instructions being executed in the processor.
US08028180B2
A method and system for power conservation in a hierarchical branch predictor system are provided. The method includes addressing multiple branch predictors, each of the branch predictors having various sizes of hierarchical storage and storing information about previously encountered branch instructions. In response to receiving a first branch prediction from one of the branch predictors, the method includes comparing the first branch prediction with previously stored branch predictions to determine the existence of a branch prediction loop, the branch prediction loop including a sequence of branch predictions that repeat as long as constituent predictions of the branches remain unchanged. Upon determining that a branch prediction loop exists, the method includes associating the branch prediction loop with the branch predictors that provided each branch prediction, and activating power saving to the branch predictors that are not associated with the branch prediction loop.
US08028177B2
A method for changing power states of a computer sends a shutdown event to all running applications before the computer goes to sleep to prevent data loss in a sleep state of the computer. Furthermore, the method stores a system memory image into a flash memory before the computer goes to the sleep state. Moreover, the method restores the system memory image from the flash memory to the system memory when the computer exit the sleep state to come back the work state.
US08028173B2
An electronic device comprises a first interface operable to receive from a user a selection of a first data set and a processor coupled to the first interface. The processor is operable to access the selected first data set, determine if the user is authorized to receive the first data set, and store the first data set on a memory device.
US08028168B2
A system and method for storing identifying information and telephone numbers associated with individuals, and cross-referencing said information so as to link a first individual to other referee individuals capable of identifying the first individual as a result of a telephone conversation. When a relying party wishes to confirm the identity of a contracting party, the system is contacted and, using identifying information pertaining to said contracting party, identifies the set of referee individuals capable of identifying said contracting party, contacts a referee selected at random from the set, and places the contracting party in telephonic communication with the referee. At the conclusion of said telephonic communication, said system invites the referee to state the name of the first individual; by comparing the voice sample with a stored voice sample, the apparatus then provides identity confirmation to said relying party.
US08028167B2
A method and an electronic apparatus for rolling over from a first to second trusted certificate in the electronic apparatus. Information containing identification data for identifying the second trusted certificate is acquired in the electronic apparatus. Also, the second trusted certificate, which is preinstalled in the electronic apparatus, is activated based on said identification data.
US08028164B2
The present invention relates to an electronic device (301) in which acceleration of data processing operations is provided, the device comprising a secure execution environment to which access is controlled. A basic idea of the present invention is to provide a device (311) for acceleration of data processing operations (an “accelerator”). In particular, the accelerator is used to accelerate cryptographic data operations such that it performs cryptographic operations on data provided to it via a first logical interface. The cryptographic operations are performed by means of encryption/decryption keys provided to the accelerator via a secure second logical interface which may share a same physical interface (312) with the first logical interface or which may use a distinct physical interface (414) from that of a distinct physical interface (412) used as the first logical interface.
US08028160B1
A data link layer switch having an associated method and computer program comprises a processor; a plurality of ports to exchange packets of data with a network; a memory to store a switch table; and a packet processor to transfer the packets of data between the ports according to the switch table, the packet processor comprising a classifier to send copies of selected ones of the packets of data to the processor; wherein the processor determines whether an attack upon the data link layer switch has occurred based on the copies of the selected ones of the packets.
US08028157B2
A boot method an apparatus are described which reduce the likelihood of a security breach in a mobile device, preferably in a situation where a reset has been initiated. A predetermined security value, or password, is stored, for example in BootROM. A value of a security location within FLASH memory is read and the two values are compared. Polling of the serial port is selectively performed, depending on the result of such comparison. In a presently preferred embodiment, if the value in the security location matches the predetermined security value, then polling of the serial port is not performed. This reduces potential security breaches caused in conventional arrangements where code may be downloaded from the serial port and executed, which allows anyone to access and upload programs and data in the FLASH memory, including confidential and proprietary information.
US08028155B1
A computer system firmware stores an operating system boot loader along with accompanying firmware boot driver and a service option ROM. A firmware boot enables the computer system to initiate an operating system boot without necessarily utilizing a hard drive or other peripheral. The service option ROM is installed, indicating to the firmware that a firmware boot is available. When selected the firmware boot copies the operating system boot loader from firmware to main memory and then initiates the operating system boot loader.
US08028150B2
A method and system for decoding and modifying processor instructions in runtime according to certain rules in order to separately control processing elements embedded within a multi-processor array using a single instruction. The present invention allows multiple processing elements and/or execution units in a multi-processor array to perform different operations, based upon a variable or variables such as their location in the multi-processor array, while accepting a single instruction as an input.
US08028144B2
A memory module having reduced access granularity. The memory module includes a substrate having signal lines thereon that form a control path and first and second data paths, and further includes first and second memory devices coupled in common to the control path and coupled respectively to the first and second data paths. The first and second memory devices include control circuitry to receive respective first and second memory access commands via the control path and to effect concurrent data transfer on the first and second data paths in response to the first and second memory access commands.
US08028143B2
A processing system and method is disclosed wherein a processor may be configured to predict an address of memory from which data will be needed, transmit to a memory controller a pre-fetch command for the data at the predicted address of the memory, and transmit to the memory controller a read request for the data at the predicted address of the memory if the data is needed.
US08028140B2
Backing up data blocks is disclosed. An indication that a first set of one or more backed up data blocks are related at an application level to one or more other sets of one or more backed up data blocks is received. An associating data that associates the first set of backed up data blocks with the one or more other sets of backed up data blocks is stored. The associating data is used to ensure that the first set and the one or more other sets remain stored together.
US08028127B2
A volume provider unit in a computer system that detects a logical block address of a read or write I/O accessing a logical volume of a storage device from a host. According to the logical block address fetched, a storage domain of the logical volume is dynamically expanded. Moreover, the storage domain of the logical volume is reduced or expanded according to an instruction of logical volume capacity reduction or expansion from a host commander part to a volume server.
US08028122B2
A storage system for exchanging data with a host system, the storage system including a plurality of storage devices, each of the storage devices including: a non-volatile memory, wherein a fixed static-IP address resides in the non-volatile memory, the fixed static-IP address being common to two or more of the plurality of storage devices, and the fixed static-IP address providing enablement of a storage-device functionality of the storage device; a physical interface for operationally connecting the storage device with the host system; and a memory controller for: controlling the respective non-volatile memory; and exchanging data, using a communication protocol, via the respective fixed static-IP address. For at least one of the storage devices, the respective fixed static-IP address may be pre-loaded into the respective non-volatile memory during manufacture, or installed in the respective non-volatile memory after manufacture.
US08028118B2
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for increasing the number of page attributes specified by a page table while minimizing an increase in size of the page table. According to embodiments of the invention, attribute index bits may be included within a page table and may be used to determine page attributes stored within an attribute index. Additionally, embodiments of the invention provide a plurality of new page attributes.
US08028117B2
A data storage gateway and method for providing virtual local storage on remote storage devices to devices. A plurality of devices, such as workstations, are connected to a first transport medium, and a plurality of storage devices are connected to a second transport medium. The storage router maps the virtual storage to one or more storage devices connected to the second transport medium such that the one or more storage devices contain at least a portion of the virtual storage and wherein the storage router allows access from the devices connected to the first transport medium to the virtual storage using native low level block protocol.
US08028115B2
A file system adapter card that may be plugged into a host computer system for providing hardware-based file system accesses outside the purview of a host operating system running on the host computer system. The file system adapter card includes a hardware-implemented or hardware-accelerated file service subsystem and a computer bus that permits a host computer system to communicate directly with the file service subsystem for providing file service requests and receiving file service responses. The file service subsystem includes dedicated hardware that operates outside the immediate control of a host operating system, including specialized circuitry for performing at least one major subsystem function.
US08028113B2
Methods and systems for memory management. A method for memory management includes: maintaining a reference count for at least one first process associated with a portion of memory; maintaining a shared reference count for at least one second process associated with the portion of memory; and freeing the portion of memory when the shared reference count is decremented to zero.
US08028104B2
A method and system suitable for grouping a plurality of multifunction devices (MFDs), the system including a storage station for storing information gathered from the plurality of MFDs by selectively polling the plurality of MFDs; wherein the information is selectively processed based on static performance data and dynamic performance data relating to the plurality of MFDs.
US08028103B2
In one embodiment, a direct memory access (DMA) controller comprises a transmit control circuit, an offload engine, and a receive control circuit. The transmit control circuit is configured to read first DMA data from an address space in a host. Coupled to receive the first DMA data from the transmit control circuit, the offload engine is configured to perform at least a first operation on the first DMA data to produce a result. The offload engine is configured to at least start performing the first operation during a DMA transfer that provides the first DMA data to the offload engine. Coupled to the offload engine to receive the result, the receive control circuit is configured to write the result to the address space in the host according to a DMA descriptor data structure that describes the DMA transfer.
US08028086B2
In one embodiment, a method can include: (i) classifying a packet in a server load balancer (SLB) for determining if the packet is destined for a virtual Internet protocol (VIP) address hosted on the SLB; (ii) selecting a server from a group of servers representing the VIP address; (iii) changing a destination IP address of the packet from the VIP address to a real IP address of the selected server; and (iv) recirculating the packet for repeating the classifying.
US08028084B2
A method and apparatus are provided for routing a call within an automatic contact distributor. The method includes the steps of transferring control of the call to a buffer server, setting up a call connection between an agent of the automatic call distributor and a client of the automatic call distributor through the buffer server, re-addressing SIP messages received by the buffer server from the agent and forwarding the re-addressed SIP messages to the client and re-addressing SIP messages received from the client and forwarding the re-addressed SIP messages to the agent.
US08028081B2
Systems and methods are provided for obtaining look-ahead segments for a streaming media item during playback such that the viewer can easily skip to the look-ahead segments without experiencing any substantial interruption or delay in playback. In general, a streaming media source begins streaming a media item to a streaming media client for playback. In one embodiment, the streaming media client selects one or more segments of the media item as one or more look-ahead segments to prefetch from the streaming media source. Then, while the media item is being streamed to the streaming media client for playback, the streaming media client prefetches the one or more look-ahead segments of the media item from the streaming media source. The look-ahead segments are thereafter utilized to enable the viewer to skip ahead in playback without experiencing a substantial interruption or delay in playback.
US08028079B2
This disclosure describes data conversion and techniques for sending and receiving data at a mobile device. In one implementation, a proxy server may receive data from a mobile device. The proxy server may convert the data and send the converted data to a network service. In another implementation, a mobile device may convert data and send that data to a network service. The network service may generate data in response and send that data to the mobile device directly.
US08028077B1
A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment provides for a management and resource policy for computers. The policy may control whether users can access or not access local and network software and hardware resources and affects the computer's human interface. A hierarchy of management data may be combined into managed and unmanaged preference data and conflicts within the management data are resolved based on the policy.
US08028074B2
A user agent (UA) is provided. The UA comprises a processor configured to send a message specifying a subset of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Dialog-Info Event package that is to be returned to the UA. A method for a user agent (UA) to manage notifications related to session events is also provided. The method includes sending a message specifying a subset of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Dialog-Info Event package state information that is to be returned to the UA. The method also provides for receiving the subset of the SIP Dialog-Info Event package state information.
US08028073B2
A method for coordinating the remote participation of a client device in a meeting within a network comprising the client device and one or more nodes, the meeting involving a multimedia presentation. According to one embodiment, the method includes receiving an invitation for the client device to participate in the meeting, where a user will participate in the meeting using the client device. Temporal information for the meeting is stored. Furthermore, it is determined whether or not to notify the user of the meeting based on the stored temporal information or other information. In the event that the user should be notified, it is determined when to notify the user of the meeting based on the stored temporal information. One or more messages about the meeting are sent for the meeting. In one embodiment, the one or more messages about the meeting includes a reminder to join the meeting. In another embodiment, the one or more messages about the meeting includes an instruction which causes the client device to connect to the meeting without user action.
US08028069B2
A design structure embodied in a machine readable storage medium for designing, manufacturing, and/or testing a design is for securing of leased resources on a computer. The design structure includes a computer for securing resources may comprise at least one processor, a plurality of resources, wherein each resource is associated with configuration data and a programmable logic device connected to each of the plurality of resources. The programmable logic device may be configured for determining whether a resource is leased, reading un-encoded configuration data from a resource, and sending the configuration data to a first unit, if the resource is not leased. The programmable logic device may further be configured for reading encoded configuration data from a resource, decoding the configuration data, sending the configuration data that was decoded to a first unit, and logging use of the resource by the first unit, if the resource is leased.
US08028066B2
Method and apparatus for service level management, wherein business processes are composed of services. A state of the service is defined by one or more service parameters, and the service parameters depend upon performance of network components that support the service, e.g., component parameters. The state of the service may depend, for example, on a collection of service parameter values for availability, reliability, security, integrity and response time. A service level agreement is a contract between a supplier and a customer that identifies services supported by a network, service parameters for the services, and service levels (e.g., acceptable levels) for each service parameter.
US08028052B2
An event processing system performs quickly processing of events in a communication network. The system comprises a client process that controls the sequencing of event processing, a plurality of servers that process the events with the help of a shared object library and a dispatcher that selects an available server so that no two servers process events from the same event queue at any given time. The client time-stamps the events and organizes them into event queues per node, using a node identification. An outstanding queue tracks the current events being processed for a node based on a message ID that is returned by the dispatcher when an event is sent to a server. Also, an overflow queue tracks the sequence of nodes to be serviced after a maximum outstanding limit of events being processed at a given time has been reached.
US08028049B1
A method and apparatus for web-based tool management are implemented. A tool object model provides a logical representation of the physical tool. The tool object model defines a hierarchical set of tool objects that characterize the tool, and additionally a set of method for performing actions on the tool objects. These actions also correspond to operations, which may include reporting as well as processing tasks, performed by the tool. A user may remotely control and monitor a tool using a conventional web browser. For example, a user may execute methods of the tool object model, or obtain detailed information about a tool object. User actions are passed to a server by embedding them in hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) requests. The server receives the HTTP request, and passes the request to a corresponding page server in accordance with the action requested. Depending on the action requested, the page server may generate a web page in response, or may invoke a method of the tool object model.
US08028046B2
In a particular illustrative embodiment, a method of configuring a network device is disclosed that includes determining network device information at a network device using a boot strapping protocol during an initial set-up process of the network device. The method further includes automatically modifying a configuration profile of the network device to connect to a network in a first device mode using the network device information. The method also includes receiving configuration information transmitted from a configuration server without requesting the configuration information. The configuration information includes routing information and configuration parameters particular to the network device. The method further includes automatically modifying the configuration profile of the network device to operate in a second device mode based on the configuration information. The first device mode is a non-operational mode and the second device mode is an operational mode.
US08028043B2
A novel real time internet communication system is disclosed. It is a novel way for users to collaborate on the fly, and without having to own or download any programs that then stay resident on the user's computer. It is marketed under a novel business system that makes highly productive software available to businesses and end users, but which is not purchased by customers or end users, has no conventional distribution system, and never requires update, installation or rollout by the customer or end user.
US08028037B2
A method and apparatus for managing bookmark information of a media server through a network based on the UPnP AV standard is disclosed. If a request for bookmarking a content item is made, a bookmark item is created and the created bookmark item is linked to the content item by adding the ID of the created bookmark item to the property information of the content item and recording the ID of the content item to be bookmarked in the created bookmark item.
US08028033B2
A method or system for synchronizing e-mail messages for a user, particularly for POP3 protocols. E-mail messages addressed to the user are received at an e-mail control at a local server, from an external e-mail server. The e-mail control stores each e-mail message in a consolidated e-mail storage at the local server. The e-mail control stores a message identifier for each e-mail message, in a message identifier storage at the local server. It is determined whether an e-mail message in the consolidated e-mail storage has been deleted from the external e-mail server, and if so, then the e-mail message is deleted from the consolidated e-mail storage.The invention provides for forward and/or reverse synchronization of e-mail messages. Optionally, the step of determining includes comparing message identifiers in the message identifier storage to message identifiers in e-mail received from the external e-mail server. Alternatively, the step of determining includes comparing the message identifiers of e-mail on the external e-mail server to the message identifiers in the message identifier storage, or, comparing the message identifiers in the message identifier storage to the message identifiers of e-mail in the consolidated e-mail storage.
US08028031B2
Determining email filtering type based on sender classification. Incoming email is accessed and a sender of the incoming email is identified. The reputation of the sender of the incoming email is determined. An email sender classification is made based on the reputation of the sender. A determination of the type of filtering operations to be performed by an email filter on the email is made based on the classification. The parameters of the type of filtering operations to be performed are determined. The parameters of the type of filtering operations to be performed are provided to the email filter.
US08028023B2
Plug-ins for instant messaging (IM) systems are described. By using plug-ins in conjunction with IM systems, the functionality of IM systems may be greatly extended. Specifically, in business applications, such as workflow processes, IM provides a more reliable approach to determining actual delivery of messages.
US08028021B2
A technique for providing presentation material in an on-going virtual meeting includes converting a real-world (RW) presentation into a virtual-world (VW) presentation. A media format of the VW presentation corresponds to a media format utilized by a target VW. The VW presentation is then stored in an RW media repository. The VW presentation is associated with an RW media uniform resource locator (URL). A VW screen control script is used to set a VW media URL associated with a VW screen parcel to the RW media URL. The VW presentation is then provided to participants of the VW meeting by accessing the RW media repository using the VW media URL.
US08027991B2
A method of providing enhanced on-line computer searching capabilities comprises: (a) forming a thesaurus database including first core concept terms and a series of secondary related terms; (b) providing a user interface to said database for selection of first core concept terms by a user; (c) carrying out a search for information relating to the core concept terms and to the secondary related terms; and (d) returning the results of the search to the user.
US08027988B1
A system determines categories for business listings identified in a list of search results and assigns scores to the categories. The system presents one or more high scoring ones of the categories as one or more category suggestions relating to the list of search results.
US08027986B2
A method is disclosed for controlling the display of activation elements for tools for editing medical data on a user interface in a computer-based, medico-technical system. In at least one embodiment, the activation elements are displayed in an activation element area, divided into various segments, of the user interface on the basis of the medical context. The doctor is thus able to select the tools clearly on a task- or indication-specific basis without an image data area of the user interface being concealed by the activation elements.
US08027985B2
A system and article of manufacture for managing query results and, more particularly, for sorting data records contained in a query result obtained in response to execution of a query against a database. In one embodiment, the data records in the query result are sorted on the basis of related information which is retrieved from a corresponding data source. In another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of a value variance which is determined for each of the data records in the query result. In still another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of a requested value range coverage. In yet another embodiment, the sorting is performed on the basis of suitability scores which are determined with respect to analysis routines which are configured for processing the query result.
US08027979B2
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with automatically summarizing a document are described. One method embodiment includes computing term scores for members of a set of terms in a document to be summarized and computing sentence scores for sentences in a set of sentences in the document. The method embodiment also includes computing a set of entries for a term-sentence matrix that relates terms to sentences. The method embodiment also includes computing a dominant topic for the document and simultaneously ranking the set of terms and the set of sentences based on the dominant topic. The method embodiment provides a summarization item(s) selected from the set of terms and/or the set of sentences.
US08027963B2
A coarse evaluation lock on data is provided to ensure only one evaluation is run on selected data until completed. A fine exclusive lock on selected data is provided to ensure only one user may change such selected data. The locks may be selectively used during evaluations and while users are changing data.
US08027961B2
An improved system and method for composite record keys ordered in a flat key space for a distributed database is provided. A data schema may be created that defines a composite record key for data records in a canonical form. Composite record keys may then be constructed in canonical form defined by the data schema for each data record in data tables of a distributed database. An ordered index of composite record keys may then be built by inserting the composite record keys in canonical form into the index in sorted order. The index of composite record keys ordered in a flat key space for a distributed database may then be used for efficiently comparing or sorting distributed data records in the distributed database. The composite record keys ordered in a flat key space may be compared or sorted without referencing the data schema of the composite record keys.