US08029832B2
The present invention relates to a composition for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome, containing tanshinone derivatives as an effective ingredient. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition for preventing and treating metabolic syndrome, containing tanshinone derivatives that exhibit superior activity in enhancing metabolic activity, as an effective ingredient.
US08029831B2
A novel dietary supplement or therapeutic composition is provided that serves to treat lower urinary tract disorders or to support normal urinary tract function in animals. The supplement comprises a thymoquinone formulation and at least one member of the group consisting of cranberry fruit, cranberry extract, cranberry juice and a pharmaceutical grade methionine.
US08029829B2
To provide a composition for prevention, amelioration, or treatment of diabetes mellitus and/or diabetic nephropathy, which is less likely to cause any disadvantages such as side effects, and highly safe. [1] A composition for prevention, amelioration, or treatment of diabetes mellitus and/or diabetic nephropathy, containing one or more dietary fiber selected from the group consisting of a degraded galactomannan, an indigestible dextrin, a polydextrose, inulin, arabinogalactan, dietary fiber derived from corn, a water-soluble soybean polysaccharide, psyllium, and a low-molecular weight sodium alginate, and/or a polyphenol compound.
US08029814B2
Described herein is (E)-6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-ol (geranyl acetol), termed here fuscumol, which has been identified as a male-produced pheromone emitted by Tetropium fuscum (F.) and Tetropium cinnamopterum. Also described are novel derivatives thereof e.g. esters, methods for the synthesis thereof and to a composition comprising fuscumol plus host volatiles e.g. a synthetic blend of monoterpenes plus ethanol, for attracting male and female T. fuscum and female T. cinnamopterum.
US08029813B2
Concentrated microemulsions comprising: 1) 10-25 parts by weight of a pesticide with a solubility in water 20° C. lower than 1% by weight and having a melting point from 10° C. to 60° C.; 2) 8-25 parts by weight of one or more solvents containing oxygen atoms, having a solubility in water at 20° C. lower than 5% by weight and the Hildebrand solubility parameter in the range 16-21 MPa1/2: 3) 10-20 parts by weight of a polyol; 4) 10-25 parts by weight of one or more non ionic surfactants having a HLB value from 9 to 15; 5) 2-10 parts by weight of one or more anionic surfactants: 6) water up to 100 parts by weight; wherein—the ratio by weight between 2) and 1) ranges from 0.8:1 to 1.5:1;—the ratio by weight between 4)+5) and 1) is in the range 0.5:1-3:1;—the ratio by weight between 4) and 5) ranges from 1:1 to 4.1.
US08029802B2
The invention provides attenuated Flavivirus vaccines, such as vaccines against Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus, as well as methods of making and using these vaccines.
US08029797B2
An anti-HIV vaccine composition is disclosed. The vaccine comprises an combination of immunogenic peptide mixtures, which mixtures may be prepared in a single synthesis. The composition collectively represents the in vivo variability seen in immunogenic epitopes from highly variable regions of HIV. Immunization with the vaccine elicits broadly reactive immunity (CTL and T helper cell responses) against the divergent strains of HIV upon which it is based. The vaccine may be formulated to target regionally distinct variability based on an HIV clade predominant in a geographical region.
US08029785B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of a transmittable disease in a subject, such as avians and mammals. The methods and compositions of the invention specifically make use of avian antibodies to the disease to be treated or prevented. Administration of such avian antibodies to a subject has been shown effective for reducing mortality in a population of subjects that are infected, or become infected, with the disease. The invention also provides kits useful for detecting the presence of transmittable diseases in subjects.
US08029774B2
A composition includes at least one biologically active agent covalently attached to a first polymerizing molecule that is adapted to undergo a free radical polymerization. The first polymerizing molecule retains the ability to undergo free radical polymerization after attachment of the bioactive agent thereto. The first polymerizing molecule is preferably biocompatible. The polymerizing molecule can, for example. be dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) or tyrosine. The composition can also include a second component synthesized by reacting at least one core molecule having a plurality of reactive hydrogen groups with at least one multi-isocyanate functional molecule to create a conjugate including terminal isocyanate groups. The conjugate molecule is reacted with a second polymerizing molecule that is adapted to undergo a free radical polymerization. The second polymerizing molecule includes a reactive hydrogen to react with the isocyanate groups of the conjugate. The second polymerizing molecule retains the ability to undergo the free radical polymerization after reaction with the conjugate. In several embodiments, the first polymerizing molecule and the second polymerizing molecule are the same and dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (DOPA) or tyrosine.
US08029773B2
The invention relates to a mascara containing fibre components and a method for producing the same. Said mascara contains (in % by weight) 0.1-10 of at least one oil-soluble or oil-dispersible polymer or copolymer, 0.3-10 of a natural or synthetic fibre with an average length of between 3 and 6 mm, 10-30 of a natural or synthetic wax which hardens at 25° C., 1-10 of a synthetic wax which is liquid at 18° C. and above, 0.5-10 of inorganic pigments, organic colourants and mixtures thereof, 40-80 water and cosmetic auxiliaries, active agents and mixtures thereof making up the remainder up to 100% by weight, wherein said mascara does not contain any water-soluble or water-dispersible hydrophilic polymers, film-forming agents, thickeners or clays. The fibres are separated very well and the mascara shows a very good balance between its adhesive properties and the brittleness of the mascara film.
US08029767B2
The invention relates to a family of cyanine dyes which fluoresce in the far red and near infra red wavelengths of the spectrum and preferably possess lipophilic side chains. The dyes of the invention are soluble in commercially available membrane staining vehicles, are useful as probes for rapidly staining lipophilic structures such as membranes in cells or isolated from cells, and are well retained therein. Methods of using the dyes to detect stained cells both in vivo and in vitro are also disclosed.
US08029749B2
The invention relates to piping for use as a pyrolysis tube in a cracking furnace. The tube is formed such that it has at least one section whose centerline curves in three dimensions, to induce swirl flow in the tube. Preferably, the tube is formed as a helix.
US08029748B2
The invention provides methods, apparatus and chemical systems for making vinyl acetate from ethylene, oxygen, and acetic acid.
US08029740B2
Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.
US08029735B2
A test system comprises a sensor container and a testing device. The sensor container has a base and a lid. The container encloses test sensors therein. The container includes a calibration label attached thereto. The label includes electrical contacts located thereon. The electrical contacts encode calibration information onto the calibration label. The testing device has an auto-calibration feature externally located thereon. The testing device is adapted to determine the analyte concentration in a fluid sample. The auto-calibration feature includes calibration elements that communicate with the electrical contacts on the calibration label. The testing device is adapted to determine the calibration information encoded on the calibration label in response to the calibration elements engaging the electrical contacts. The encoded calibration information is determined without inserting the sensor container or the calibration label into the testing device.
US08029728B2
An air removal device removes air from blood flowing in a perfusion system. A generally cylindrical chamber has a liquid flow region at a lower end thereof and has a gas collection region at an upper end thereof. An arcuate manifold provides an arcuate flow path outside of the chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. A slit aperture is provided between the arcuate manifold and the chamber along at least a substantial portion of the arcuate manifold. A mixture of gas and liquid introduced into the arcuate flow path at the upstream end flows through the slit aperture to create a spiral flow within the chamber causing the gas to move toward a central axis of the chamber and into the gas collection region.
US08029720B2
A resin molten in a pot portion 59 is molded by being loaded via a gate 48 into a cavity, which has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in plan view and is formed of both molds 1 and 2, which are a second mold 2 and a first mold 1 that can make or release contact with the second mold 2. The pot portion 59 is provided at either one of the molds 1 and 2 and constituted of recess portions 54c located at prescribed intervals at the cavity. The recess portions 54c have a bottom surface constituted of part of a moving member 60 movable toward an opening portion. The gate 48 is structured so that one side of the cavity and the long side of the pot portion 59 are connected with each other.
US08029719B2
A method and device for shaping of an article of composite material. The method includes arranging a blank of composite material on a top surface of a forming tool. A portion of the blank is arranged to protrude outside the top surface of the tool. At least one support is arranged in contact with an underside of the protruding portion of the blank. An air-tight foil is arranged over the arrangement. The air-tight foil is forced towards the blank. The support is lowered until the blank is shaped over the tool. The support is stopped and/or removed. The device includes a tool including a top surface and side surface for shaping at least one blank of composite material into an article having a predetermined profile; and a air-tight foil. The device further includes at least one support arranged to be in supporting contact with the underside of the protruding part of the blank.
US08029718B2
The invention relates to a rotomolding process for forming a multi-layer article of two different polymers with different melting points in which an outer layer polymer powder is added to a rotational molder along with an inner layer polymer powder that is separated from the outer layer powder by a release film. The release film has a particular melting point that is greater than that of the outer layer polymer and preferably between the melting points of the inside layer and outside layer polymers. In one embodiment, the release layer forms an enclosure or bag in which the inner layer (higher melting point) powder is enclosed. In another embodiment the release film forms a barrier between an insulated cavity and the mold. The process provides a means for a “one-shot” rotomolding method.
US08029711B2
A method for producing a core sand and/or mold sand for foundry purposes mixes a granular mineral mold base material with an additive and an inorganic binder. An inorganic swelling additive having a swelling index of at least 9, in other words a higher swelling index that that achieved for coal, is used as an additive. Alternatively, it is also possible to work with an inorganic additive, for example with macro-crystalline graphite, whereby the finished mixture of the mold base material, the additive, and the binder is compacted to a density increase of at least 20 g/dm3.
US08029702B2
An electrostatic dissipative paint including a plurality of particles having a composition selected from the group consisting of gallium magnesium oxide, gallium aluminum magnesium oxide and combinations thereof. The paint further includes an inorganic binder mixed with the particles to form a mixture. A method of making a thermal paint, a method of applying thermal paint and painted components are also disclosed.
US08029700B2
The invention provides a compound of silver nanowire with polymer. The compound comprises a resin, a dispersant, and a plurality of silver nanowires. The dispersant is capable of copolymerizing with the resin. The dispersant has a plurality of functional groups capable of connecting with the silver nanowires respectively. Therefore, the silver nanowires could disperse in the resin by means of the functional groups of the dispersant.
US08029698B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing photoluminescent silicon nanoparticles having uniformly hydrogen-terminated surfaces that are essentially free of residual oxygen. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a blue-emitting photoluminescent silicon nanoparticle. The present invention further relates to a composition that includes a photoluminescent silicon nanoparticle having a surface that is uniformly hydrogen-terminated and essentially free of residual oxygen. The present invention also relates to a composition including a photoluminescent silicon nanoparticle having a surface that is uniformly coated with an organic layer and essentially free of residual oxygen. The present invention additionally relates to a composition including a photoluminescent silicon nanoparticle stably dispersed in an organic solvent and having a surface that is uniformly coated with an organic layer and essentially free of residual oxygen.
US08029696B2
The invention relates to fused naphthalenes of the general formula I, in which A1, A2, A3, A4, Q1-Q2, G1-G2, R1, R2, X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, q, r, s and t have the meaning indicated, and to the use thereof as components of liquid-crystalline media and to an electro-optical display element containing them.
US08029688B2
For patterning during integrated circuit fabrication, a first pattern of first masking structures is formed, and a buffer layer is formed on exposed surfaces of the first masking structures. Also, a second pattern of second masking structures is formed in recesses between the buffer layer at sidewalls of the first masking structures. Furthermore, the first and masking structures are formed from spin-coating respective high carbon containing materials. Such first and second masking structures pattern a target layer with higher pitch than possible with traditional photolithography.
US08029685B2
A method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head and a liquid ejection head capable of preventing corrosion of electrodes are provided. The method of manufacturing a liquid ejection head includes: a step of forming porous silicon areas in portions of a silicon substrate where the liquid paths are to be formed; a step of forming in layers in the porous silicon areas a protective layer, a heating resistor layer, an electrode layer and a heat accumulation layer; a step of forming ink ejection openings in the silicon substrate; and a step of removing the porous silicon areas.
US08029682B2
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium includes forming a first hard mask, a second hard mask and a resist on a magnetic recording layer, imprinting a stamper to the resist to transfer patterns of protrusions and recesses to the resist, removing residues remaining in the recesses of the patterned resist, etching the second hard mask by using the patterned resist as a mask to transfer the patterns of protrusions and recesses to the second hard mask, etching the first hard mask by using the second hard mask as a mask to transfer the patterns of protrusions and recesses to the first hard mask, subjecting the magnetic recording layer exposed in the recesses to modifying treatment to change an etching rate, and deactivating the magnetic recording layer exposed in the recesses.
US08029678B2
The invention concerns a water treatment method including a step of clarification, followed by an ozonization step and at least one filtration step, wherein after the clarification step (1), one fraction of the main stream of water is diverted (9); said diverted fraction of water is circulated counter-current (7) to an ozone-rich carrier gas, and the ozone-enriched fraction of water is diluted in the main stream.
US08029672B2
A filter head, designed to hold at least two filter elements. The filter head having a housing, into which feed channels to, and return channels from, the filter elements are integrated. A rotatable switching drum is provided for selectively opening or closing the channels to control the flow of fluid to the filter elements. The filter head has a cover, which closes off the housing, and a spring element, which produces an axial force which presses one of the sealing surfaces of the switching drum against the cover and the other sealing surface of the switching drum against the housing.
US08029671B2
In some embodiments, systems and methods are provided for purifying a liquid, such as an impaired water. In some examples, seawater or brackish water is purified, such as to a potable level. Some configurations provide a system which includes a membrane-distillation unit, such as a vacuum-enhanced direct contact membrane distillation unit. The system also includes a forward-osmosis system, which may include one or more forward-osmosis units. A concentrated draw stream from the membrane-distillation unit, such as a concentrated brine solution, serves as a draw solution for a forward-osmosis unit, which may extract water from a source water, such as an impaired water. In some implementations, the forward-osmosis system includes a second forward-osmosis unit which uses the diluted draw solution from the first forward-osmosis unit as a draw solution to extract water from a source water. The system may include additional components, such as a heater or a buffer tank.
US08029667B2
The unit comprises a tubular filler, provided with an internal thread) suitable for coupling with a corresponding external thread of the mouthpiece of the tank, and with, internally, a plurality of essentially coplanar anchoring prominences which, in the fitted condition, rest on part of the top edge of the mouthpiece of the tank to which they are constrained by fixing elements in such a way as to prevent the unscrewing of the filler. The anchoring prominences have respective retention elements protruding radially towards the centerline of the filler and capable of being opened out elastically towards the outside. The unit also comprises a filter with, at the top, an annular flange protruding radially towards the outside. It is possible to introduce this filter through the filler prefitted on the tank until the said flange interferes with the retention elements of the prominences of the filler and, after passing beyond the said retention elements, is held between them and the top edge of the mouthpiece of the tank.
US08029653B2
An electroplating apparatus can form a plated film having a more uniform thickness and good film quality over an entire surface of a substrate having a conductive layer (seed layer) whose resistivity is equal to or higher than that of copper. The electroplating apparatus includes: a substrate holder for holding a substrate; a sealing member for contact with a peripheral portion of a surface of a substrate, held by the substrate holder, to seal the peripheral portion; a cathode contact for contact with a conductive layer formed in the surface of the substrate, held by the substrate holder, to feed electricity to the conductive layer; and a housing having therein an anode to be immersed in a plating solution, and a porous structure disposed at an open end facing the substrate held by the substrate holder, said porous structure defining a plating chamber in the housing; wherein the plating chamber is divided into rooms by a partition plate and the porous structure, and the anode is comprised of a plurality of divided anodes, each divided anode being disposed in each room of the plating chamber so that each divided anode can pass an independent plating current.
US08029638B2
A component mounting apparatus includes: a plurality of pressure-bonding units which are arrayed in line and each of which includes a pressure-bonding head for pressure-bonding a component to a component pressure-bonding area of the substrate, and an edge-portion support member for supporting an edge portion of the substrate during the pressure bonding; a guide support member for supporting the pressure-bonding units so that their movement along the edge portion for execution of substrate pressure-bonding can be guided; a common head up/down unit for integrally moving up and down the individual pressure-bonding heads; and a plurality of unit-moving devices which are provided for the plurality of pressure-bonding units, individually and respectively, to move the pressure-bonding units along the edge portion so that placement of the pressure-bonding units is changed.
US08029633B2
A method of consolidating thermoplastic fibrous layers by providing a plurality of fibers having a core with an exterior surface portion comprising polypropylene and a first layer disposed on at least a portion of the core containing at least 70% alpha-olefin units which is formed into a first fibrous layer. A second fibrous layer is applied to the first fibrous layer which second layer contains a second polymer being a co-polymer having at least 50% alpha-olefin units which is characterized by a number-average molecular weight of about 7,000 to 50,000 g/mol, a viscosity of between about 2,500 and 150,000 cP measured at 170° C. and a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the exterior surface of the core. Heat and optionally pressure are applied to the assembly to consolidate the layers.
US08029629B2
A sputtering target manufactured by die forging is provided. It is characterized in that an average crystal grain size D at a portion where an average crystal grain size is the largest and an average crystal grain size d at a portion where an average crystal grain size is the smallest are related as 1.0
US08029625B2
Illustrated and described are a method and a device for the simultaneous cleaning of a plurality of pipe conduits or pipe conduit systems, particularly in each case having different pipe cross sections, wherein the cleaning takes place with a liquid cleaning medium, which is taken from a reservoir by a feed pump and fed to the systems to be cleaned. The invention makes provision for the cleaning medium stream to be fed to the first system to be cleaned and after leaving the first system to be cleaned, as cleaning medium stream, to be divided into two component streams, one component stream of which is used for cleaning the second or further system and the other component stream is again fed to the reservoir. In addition the second or further system to be cleaned is assigned a feed pump, whose speed and direction of rotation are variable for determining or regulating the cleaning method.
US08029618B2
Spent Claus catalyst having a high alumina content is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of Portland cements in place of all or a portion of a conventional source of alumina. The spent Claus catalyst is preferably of a small particle size and can be ground to the desired fineness before mixing with the other ingredients that are heated in a conventional kiln to produce the cement composition. Finely ground spent Claus catalyst can also be used as an additive at levels of 0.1% to 2% by weight to increase the thickening time of shallow casing cement slurries.
US08029611B2
A salt of a sulfonated dye comprising an ammonium cation as a counterion. The ammonium cation comprises at least 3 hydroxyl groups. The salt is useful in reducing kogation in thermal inkjet printheads. One example of these salts is the compound of formula (II): wherein M is Ga(OH); and each of Z1+, Z2+, Z3+ and Z4+ is protonated 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2,2′,2″-nitrilotriethanol.
US08029610B2
Disclosed herein are compounds having a formula of R1—CONH—R6—CONH—R3, R1—NHCO—R6—CONH—R3, R1—CONH—R6—NHCO—R3 or R1—NHCO—R6—NHCO—R3, wherein R6 is a cyclic group having from 5 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein R1 and R3 are the same or different and comprise an alkyl group having from about 3 carbon atoms to about 200 carbon atoms, and wherein one or both of R1 and R3 include at least one hydroxyl group substituent, and ink compositions including the compounds as an ink vehicle.
US08029609B2
An ejection liquid which can be ejected stably by an inkjet method using thermal energy even in the case of containing at least one of proteins and peptides, and a method and device of discharging a liquid containing at least one of proteins and peptides, which use the ejection liquid. At least one compound having a guanidine group is added to an aqueous solution of at least one of proteins and peptides to improve its qualifications to an ejection event by an inkjet method using thermal energy.
US08029608B1
A furnace filter indicator system comprises a pressure differential switch that monitors air pressure near a furnace filter, and a transmitter coupled to the pressure differential switch sends a signal to a receiver within a thermostat. The receiver includes an indicator for indicating the status of the furnace filter. If the pressure differential near the furnace filter triggers the switch, then the indicator will receive a “dirty” signal and will indicate that the furnace filter is dirty and should be replaced. The furnace filter indicator system is able to be installed on a previously installed furnace/thermostat system by utilizing the pre-existing wiring.
US08029600B2
Methods and apparatuses are described for removing a contaminant, such as a vaporous trace metal contaminant like mercury, from a gas stream. In one embodiment, a primary particulate collection device that removes particulate matter is used. In this embodiment, a sorbent filter is placed within the housing of the primary particulate collection device, such as an electrostatic precipitator or a baghouse, to adsorb the contaminant of interest. In another embodiment, a sorbent filter is placed within a scrubber, such as a wet scrubber, to adsorb the contaminant of interest. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods and apparatuses that can advantageously be retrofit into existing particulate collection equipment. In some embodiments, the invention provides methods and apparatuses that in addition to removal of a contaminant additionally remove particulate matter from a gas stream.
US08029584B2
A particularly advantageous vacuum cleaner system has at least two filters and self-cleans its filters via back-flushing, without needing to stop normal operation to self-clean. Also, a self-cleaning valve assembly is provided for use in a vacuum cleaner. Also, a vacuum cleaner is provided that uses permanent, self-cleaning filters, and does not need disposable filters or filter bags, and advantageously can use inexpensive plastic bags. In another vacuum cleaner system, waste is collected in an ordinary plastic bag without any special preparation or modification of the bag being needed. Further, an inventive self-cleaning X-valve assembly cleans itself and is useable in the vacuum cleaner system.
US08029582B2
An assembly includes a particulate matter (PM) filter that comprises an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas, a downstream end and multiple zones. An absorbing layer absorbs microwave energy in one of N frequency ranges and is arranged with the upstream end. N is an integer. A frequency selective filter has M frequency selective segments and receives microwave energy in the N frequency ranges. M is an integer. One of the M frequency selective segments permits passage of the microwave energy in one of the N frequency ranges and does not permit passage of microwave energy in the other of the N frequency ranges.
US08029580B2
A reformer for a fuel cell system has at least a dual pipe configuration that forms independent spaces through which fuel containing hydrogen passes. The reformer includes a first reaction assembly for generating heat energy by an oxidation reaction of the fuel and a second reaction assembly for generating hydrogen gas from the fuel through a reforming reaction using the heat energy. The reformer further includes a first pipe, and a second pipe having a circumference significantly less than a circumference of the first pipe to thereby allow for positioning of the second pipe within the first pipe. An oxidation catalyst layer is formed in the second pipe, and a reforming catalyst layer is formed between the first pipe and the second pipe.
US08029567B2
Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally-invasive medical procedures are described. In one embodiment, for example, an apparatus includes an elongate member having a proximal portion configured to move repeatedly between a first configuration and a second configuration. At least a section of the proximal portion is collapsed in the first configuration and is expanded in the second configuration. The elongate member has a distal portion configured to move repeatedly between a first configuration and a second configuration. At least a section of the proximal portion is collapsed in the first configuration and is expanded in the second configuration. A non-expanding central portion is positioned between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The non-expanding central portion is configured to engage adjacent spinous processes.
US08029561B1
The current invention comprises an approach to solving the clinical problem of restenosis, which involves the administration of combinations of drugs to patients undergoing PTCA or stent implantation. In one embodiment of the invention, an antiproliferative agent such as rapamycin, vincristine or taxol is administered in combination with the antiinflammatory agent, dexamethasone, to patients systemically, either subcutaneously or intravenously. In another embodiment of the invention, the antiproliferative and antiinflammatory agents are bound in a single formulation to the surface of a stent by means of incorporation within either a biodegradable or biostable polymeric coating. Alternatively, such drug combinations could be incorporated into a stent constructed with a grooved reservoir.
US08029551B2
A fracture fixation plate with cover sheath having a head element that is rigidly connected to a plate element in an upwardly angled direction. The head element is anatomically shaped and includes medial and lateral sheath recesses wherein non-threaded bone screw holes and a threaded sheath screw hole are located. Cylindrical head bone screws are inserted through the sheath recess and oriented at set angles allowing for bone fragment fixation and fracture reduction. Medial and lateral sheath elements are placed within the boundaries of their respective sheath recesses and are secured with a sheath screw. The sheath elements contact the heads of the inserted bone screws restricting and maintaining their implanted positions. Alternative sheath elements with outreaching medial, lateral and distal fragment capture flanges may also be utilized. The plate element includes at least one longitudinal slot with several bone screw holes for use with pivotable spherical headed bone screws.
US08029542B2
A supplemental spine fixation device and method is used in association with a primary spine fixation device. The supplemental spine fixation device includes a guide and spacer for distracting apart adjacent spinous processes and the device has hook members which hook about the first and second spinous processes. With the spinous processes distracted and the hook members about the spinous processes, the hook members can be rigidly secured to a hub in order to rigidly affix the spinous processes about the spacer. The rigidity between the spinous processes assures that the vertebral bodies will be held rigidly in place in order to promote bone growth and fusion. Further additional freedom of movement between the spacer and hub is accomplished with the spacer being pivotably mounted relative to the hub. The hooks have a tissue distracting lead-in guide for allowing the hooks to be easily urged between spinous processes.
US08029536B2
A suture anchor for securing soft tissue to bone may include a threaded body, a head extending along a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of eyelets that extend though the anchor head and that are each configured to receive a suture. The eyelets are offset from one another along an axis that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the suture anchor. Each eyelet may have a desired shape and cross section. Surgical kits including one or more suture anchors and one or more surgical tools are also described.
US08029534B2
A repositionable closure device for occluding a body opening is provided. The closure device includes distal and proximal occluding bodies having expandable distal and proximal umbrella frames. Each umbrella frame includes a plurality of struts connected to a biocompatible sheet material. The distal and proximal umbrella frames expand to expanded configurations on opposite sides of the body opening. The struts of the distal umbrella frame terminate with an eyelet. The distal occluding body is connected to a distal end of a center rod and the proximal umbrella frame is slidable along the center rod via a center ring. At least one drawstring is threaded through the eyelets and the center ring, connecting the distal and proximal occluding bodies. The drawstring extends proximally from the center ring. Manipulation of the drawstring and the center rod is configured to collapse the closure device for at least partial retrieval during repositioning.
US08029527B2
A device for locally puncturing skin is disclosed, especially for applying permanent make-up or a tattoo, comprising a housing, a needle guided in the housing for movement between extended and retracted positions, and a diaphragm made of an elastically extensible material and dividing a front-end space at a front surface of the diaphragm from a rear-end space at a back surface of the diaphragm in the housing. A coupling mechanism firmly couples the needle and the diaphragm for backward movement of the needle in the direction of the retracted position, a return force generated by the diaphragm for moving the needle back in the direction of the retracted position being introduced into the needle shaft.
US08029519B2
Surgical eversion apparatus for preparing a conduit for anastomosis in a human patient includes an everting member having a loop shaped portion adapted to be inserted into an end portion of a conduit harvested from a human patient and configured to fold a portion of the conduit end portion over itself when moved proximally away from the end of the conduit and along the conduit while a portion of the conduit is held fixed relative thereto. A method of everting a graft includes positioning a graft in a support device such that an end portion of the graft extends therefrom; introducing a generally looped shaped member into the end portion of the graft extending from the support device; and moving the looped shaped member over the support device to fold at least a portion of the end portion of the graft over the support device.
US08029517B2
Techniques for implementing an epilation device are described, including a body including a first half and a second half, the first half having a first arm and the second half comprises a second arm, an axle having a third arm disposed at an end of the axle and a fourth arm disposed at another end of the axle, the axle being coupled to a first set of teeth, and a trigger coupled to a spring, the trigger being substantially housed within the body and being partially exposed through an aperture in the body, the trigger further including a second set of teeth configured to engage the first set of teeth.
US08029516B2
Medical devices robotically manipulated by a medical robotic system for performing a medical procedure on a patient are bundled together as a bundled unit and inserted into the patient through a single entry port. Bracing of the bundled unit at the surgical site so as to be constrained in one or more degrees of freedom of movement may be performed using an anchor secured to an anatomic structure at the surgical site and physically coupled to the bundled unit, or using a tool extending out of a distal end of the bundled unit that extends out to an anatomic structure at the surgical site.
US08029515B2
A system comprising a hollow member is used to deliver a constrained corneal implant into a corneal pocket. The hollow member may be tapered and the system may further include an implant deformation chamber and an axial pusher to advance the implant through the hollow member.
US08029512B2
Devices and methods for immobilizing adjacent vertebrae are disclosed including the utilization of one or more implants inserted between adjacent vertebrae and having protrusions thereon for substantially fixedly securing with the vertebrae. In one form, an implant may be inserted in a first orientation and then rotated to a second orientation having a larger profile. A second implant may also be inserted in the same vertebral space in the same manner. A trial spacer may be used to determine the proper implant size. In another form, an implant may be inserted already in the fusion orientation. The implants and trial spacer, as well as a spreader and/or a scraper for preparing the intervertebral space, may be inserted in the vertebral space with the same insertion tool. The inserter tool may include a threaded member for attachment with the implants or other devices.
US08029510B2
In order to so improve a surgical machine comprising a housing and a surgical drive that maintenance of the machine is simplified, it is proposed that the drive and the housing be directly on indirectly connectable in a detachable manner.A method for controlling and/or regulating a surgical machine is also proposed.
US08029507B2
An orthopedic device and method for correcting angular deformation of a bone structure having a growth plate. The device includes first and second hinge members connected together at a hinge joint. The device is adapted for mounting the orthopedic device to the bone structure with the pivot joint positioned over the growth plate. Alignment of the pivot joint with the growth plate promotes asymmetric growth of the growth plate to thereby correct the angular deformation.
US08029503B2
Method and systems for nerve repair and for microfabrication. In specific embodiments, nerve repair is accomplished by repairing axons. In further embodiments, a modular, 3D system having very small dimentions is described. In further embodiments, a method ans system for performing surgery on axons is disclosed.
US08029502B2
The cryosurgical probe assembly with multiple deployable cryoprobes includes a) a housing assembly; b) a plurality of elongated structural support elements, each securely connected at a first end to the housing assembly; c) a tip member securely connected to second ends of the plurality of elongated structural support elements, the tip member including a plurality of cryoprobe openings; and, d) a plurality of cryoprobes each having a shaft thereon, each shaft being deployable through a respective cryoprobe opening during operation to a deployed position used for ablating tissue. In an alternate embodiment, a cylindrical housing is utilized rather than elongated structural support elements.
US08029499B2
An endoprobe for ophthalmic microsurgery for intraocular treatment of the eye and that affords a surgeon good visibility regardless of the distance from the treatment site in the eye. The endoprobe includes a stainless steel cannula enclosing one or more optical fibers and a laser fiber. A distal end of the optical fibers can be closed by a transparent lens-shaped structure such that an illuminating light transmitted through the optical fibers is radiated and transmitted laser light can exit from the laser fiber, or such that the laser fiber is embedded in a transparent shaped element. The laser fiber may have a covering for transporting light. The laser light may be injected directly into the laser fiber and the illuminating light is injected via at least one optical element into the covering of the laser fiber or into the transparent shaped element.
US08029496B2
Methods of treating functional disorders of the bladder in mammalian females are disclosed. A therapeutic compound is delivered directly into the trigone of the bladder. The therapeutic may be delivered to the trigone through the vaginal wall. A device for delivering the therapeutic compound is also disclosed. The device may be an array of microneedles connected to a reservoir.
US08029493B2
Methods for aspirating a space within the body of a patient, such as the subdural space, including providing an evacuating port device having an evacuating lumen in fluid communication with the space in the body. A port aspiration device is mounted on the evacuating port device, creating fluid communication between an aspiration channel of the port aspiration device and the evacuating lumen. An instrument is positioned in the aspiration channel so that the instrument is capable of entering the evacuating lumen of the evacuating port device. The instrument can dispense medication and/or remove materials from the lumen or the space in the body. The evacuating port device can be mounted to a patient's skull.
US08029490B2
An absorbent article having at least one belt part with a first end secured to the absorbent article, and a second end, wherein the belt part has a feature for cooperating with an application aid so that the belt and the application aid cooperate when guided under the user.
US08029486B2
A disposable wearing article is provided with a skin-contactable panel laid in a front half of a crotch region of the article and a liquid-impervious partition laid in a vicinity of a transverse center line of the article. The panel has transversely opposite side edges bonded to transverse opposite side portion of the article and a intermediate region defined between these side edges. The partition has an upper edge bonded to the panel, a lower edge bonded to a topsheet of the article transversely opposite side edges bonded to the side portions of the article and a middle portion defined between the upper and lower edges. The intermediate region of the panel describes an upward convex circular arc above the topsheet and the middle portion of the partition is unfolded in a thickness direction of the article so as to form a pocket-like barrier against movement of bodily wastes.
US08029485B2
A tampon for feminine hygiene that has an insertion end, a withdrawal end, a central portion between the insertion end and the withdrawal end, a length, a longitudinal axis, a radial axis, and an outer surface. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material. The outer surface of the insertion end has a plurality of longitudinal grooves which are offset from the plurality of longitudinal grooves located in the withdrawal end.
US08029475B2
A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a seal body permitting the selective insertion and removal of instruments. The seal body includes a plurality of overlapping seal segments, each seal segment including a peripheral edge with a central seal member extending therefrom. The central seal member includes a free edge remote from the peripheral edge. A reinforcement pad is located on at least one of the seal segments between the peripheral edge and the free edge of the central seal member.
US08029469B2
A medical device is provided, comprising a first unit and a releasably attachable second unit. The first unit comprises a mounting surface adapted for application to the skin of a subject, and a transcutaneous device comprising a distal pointed end adapted to penetrate the skin of the subject, wherein the transcutaneous device has a first position in which the distal end is retracted relative to the mounting surface, and a second position in which the distal end projects relative to the mounting surface. The second unit comprises actuatable driving means adapted to move the transcutaneous device from the first position to the second position when the driving means is actuated with the second unit attached to the first unit. By this arrangement the first unit can be applied to the skin of the subject using the second unit as a gripping and handling means, whereafter the driving means can be actuated for insertion of the transcutaneous device.
US08029467B2
A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.
US08029465B2
A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.
US08029464B2
A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature. The stretch resistant member may be formed from a therapeutic and/or bioactive non-metallic material to enhance the therapeutic properties of the vasoocclusive coil.
US08029456B2
The present invention provides a compact intravaginal device applicator assembly having a longitudinal axis comprises an elongated barrel with an insertion end and an opposite gripper end; an intravaginal device and a plunger with a restraint.
US08029454B2
A system, method and apparatus for performing a renal replacement therapy is provided. In one embodiment, two small high flux dialyzers are connected in series. A restriction is placed between the two dialyzers in the dialysate flow path. The restriction is variable and adjustable in one preferred embodiment. The restriction builds a positive pressure in the venous dialyzer, causing a high degree of intentional backfiltration. That backfiltration causes a significant flow of dialysate through the high flux venous membrane directly into the patient's blood. That backfiltered solution is subsequently ultrafiltered from the patient from the arterial dialyzer. The diffusion of dialysate into the venous filter and removal of dialysate from the arterial dialyzer causes a convective transport of toxins from the patient. Additionally, the dialysate that does not diffuse directly into the patient but instead flows across the membranes of both dialyzers provides a diffusive clearance of waste products.
US08029453B2
An orthopedic device includes at least one torque band disposable around a users' body and having opposing ends extending outwardly from the users' body and generally transverse to a user's spine along with apparatus applying counteracting forces to the ends in order to torque the body to the corrective posture. In addition, a support table may be provided along with a cervical device disposed on the table drop leaf and a pelvis/leg/feet carrier slidably disposed on the table. A lumbar sacral unit is disposed on the table between the cervical device and the pelvis/leg/feet carrier and a movable thorax carrier may be disposed on the support table between the sacral unit and the cervical device.
US08029449B2
Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.
US08029440B2
A laryngoscope including a control circuit and a camera having a housing enclosing the camera that is detachably connectable to a handle, where the camera functions and is compatible with a wide variety of displays. The laryngoscope may optionally be used in either the video mode where the user views a display presenting image data of the area ahead of the blade, or the user may use the laryngoscope in the direct visualization where the user uses the laryngoscope in a traditional manner directly viewing the area ahead of the blade during the intubation procedure. When used in the video mode, an LED is positioned adjacent to a window enclosing the digital image sensor to defog the window.
US08029439B2
An LED based light source unit for an endoscopic imaging system produces illumination for a camera through an endoscope. The light source unit includes an array of LEDs mounted to a thermally conductive substrate, a light guide to collect light emitted from the LEDs and to couple the light into a group of optical fibers within the endoscope, and an interface to allow the light source unit to be removably attached to the endoscope at the endoscope's external light port. The LEDs therein may be overdriven by power for increased light output. When the LEDs reach their lifetime, the light source unit can be discarded.
US08029412B2
A portable hurdle for use primarily athletes has a base portion operably secured to a bow portion that holds the hurdle to a predefined height when the bow portion is placed in tension by a securing structure. The hurdle lays substantially flat when the bow portion is returned to its neutral position. In one disclosed embodiment, the securing structure is a trap that forms the top of the hurdle. In other disclosed embodiments, the base portion defines the top of the hurdle. An adjustment structure allows for adjustment of the hurdle's height.
US08029411B2
Systems and methods are provided for remotely a monitoring an individual's ability to carry out a various exercise activities and to evaluate the individual's range of motion. The individual can stand or sit in the field of view of the camera and carry out a set of base line activities. The baseline activities can be stored for subsequent retrieval and analysis. Based on the results of that evaluation, other activities can be prescribed for the individual to systematically carry out. The results of the subsequent activities can be evaluated and compared to the result of the base line activities to determine how the activities should be revised or whether other treatments are required or appropriate.
US08029399B2
A drive configuration for a skid steered vehicle incorporates a controlled differential for use in exercising steering control of the vehicle, comprising a compound planetary gear set (8) coupling two shafts (7a, 7b). Respective sun gears (10a) and (10b) turn with the shafts and mesh with compound planet gears (12) in a common planet carrier (13), the ratios of the number of gear teeth between each sun gear and the respective gears (14a) or (14b) of the compound planets being unequal so that when the planet carrier is stationary the two shafts are coupled through the differential to turn together in the same sense but with a speed difference, and controlled rotation of the planet carrier varies the speed difference between the shafts in accordance with the sense and speed of rotation of the planet carrier.
US08029393B2
A game ball is provided with the shape of a football with tubular symmetrically placed holes along the length of the ball. The ball is made of foam and when submerged in water the holes will fill with water. As the ball is thrown in a spiraling rotation, the centrifugal force will cause the water to be expelled through the holes producing multiple spiraling streams of water to spray away from the ball as the ball travels in the air.
US08029386B2
A golf ball composed of a solid core of at least one layer and a cover of at least one layer is characterized in that the solid core or an inner cover layer adjacent to an outer cover layer has a color difference ΔE with a ball surface of at most 30, and at least the outer cover layer is transparent or translucent and made of a resin material that includes an interference pigment in which color develops through an interference effect by reflected light. The golf ball is stylish and has a high-quality feel, yet also has an excellent scuff resistance.
US08029384B2
A golf club head includes a striking face having a plurality of grooves formed therein. At least one groove includes a first curved side surface, a second curved side surface opposite to the first curved side surface, and a bottom surface connecting the first and the second curved side surfaces. As viewed in the longitudinal direction of the at least one groove, the first and the second curved surfaces respectively have first and second involute profiles. A distance measured between the first and the second curved surfaces continuously increases from the bottom surface to the striking face.
US08029382B2
The subject golf clubs have a shaft and clubhead. The shaft has a tip-end coupled to the clubhead, a butt-end, a reduced-EI portion located adjacent the tip-end, and a remaining portion extending between the butt-end and the reduced-EI portion. The portions are coupled together at an interface. The remaining portion exhibits a respective rate of stiffness reduction as a function of distance from the butt-end. The reduced-EI portion is typically shorter than and has less stiffness than the remaining portion. A stiffener is coupled to the shaft, such as in the reduced-EI portion, to add stiffness locally. The reduced-EI portion exhibits a respective rate (which can be zero) of stiffness reduction as a function of distance toward the tip-end. These rates can be similar or different. The interface can exhibit a greater rate in stiffness reduction than the other portions. The stiffeners can be user-selectable, from a kit supplied with the club, for example. The clubhead can be removable from the shaft to facilitate stiffener exchange.
US08029380B1
A golf putting training apparatus for improving a golf stroke along a line of intended travel of a golf ball. The golf training apparatus includes a pair of upright supports and an eye alignment tool for aligning a user's eyes above the apparatus and in a vertical plane that includes the golf ball and the line of intended travel. The eye alignment tool is supported by and connected between the supports and above the golf ball and includes a substantially linear top edge and pair of generally parallel planar sides depending from the top edge toward a bottom edge. With the golf putting training apparatus further including a longitudinally elongated tool arranged under the lower bottom edge of said eye alignment tool and extending along the line of intended travel of said golf ball. A method of training a golfer to use a putter used by the golfer during a golf putting stroke is also disclosed.
US08029378B1
An apparatus for training a golf stroke comprising: a grip for orienting the user's hands; a restraining bar for orienting the user's arms mechanically coupled to one end of the grip; a shaft mechanically coupled to the end of the grip opposite the restraining bar; and an indicator for the user to determine the orientation of the apparatus mechanically coupled to the end of the shaft opposite the grip. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate training a golfer to swing a golf club by executing a stroke with a proper grip, posture, alignment, balance, and movement during setup, backswing, downswing, and follow-through.
US08029373B2
A fixed constant velocity universal joint of a structure, which easily allows incorporation of an inner ring into a cage without impairing a function of the joint, is provided. The fixed constant velocity universal joint has an outer ring having in an inner spherical surface thereof a plurality of track grooves arranged at equal circumferential intervals and extending axially toward an open end, an inner ring having in an outer spherical surface thereof a plurality of axially extending track grooves paired with the track grooves of the outer ring and arranged at equal circumferential intervals, a plurality of balls interposed between the track grooves of the outer ring and the track grooves of the inner ring, for transmitting torque, and a cage interposed between the inner spherical surface of the outer ring and the outer spherical surface of the inner ring, for holding the balls, in which an outer ring open end side of the outer spherical surface of the inner ring is cut off, with a boundary portion between a cutoff portion thereby obtained and the outer spherical surface being rounded.
US08029372B2
A constant velocity universal joint is provided, having a hollow outer joint member, an inner joint member, an outer roller including a cylindrical surface, an inner roller including a concave sphere, and plural leg shafts each including a convex sphere formed in a tip portion and engaging with the concave sphere, where the cylindrical surface of the outer roller satisfies the following: W1>PCR(1−cos θ)/2+μ3R3+μ2R1 W2>3PCR(1−cos θ)/2−μ3R3+μ2R1, where W1 indicates a length of the cylindrical surface from a center of the leg shaft and an intersection of the cylindrical surface and an upper side taper portion of the outer roller, W2 indicates a length of the cylindrical surface from the center of the leg shaft and an intersection of the cylindrical surface and a lower side taper portion of the outer roller, and θ indicates a maximum joint angle.
US08029362B2
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.
US08029361B2
A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location.
US08029352B2
Game play requests in a bingo gaming system are associated with different play characteristic classes and collected into different game play groups simultaneously according to play characteristic class. Once a sufficient number of game play requests are collected in a respective game play group, a bingo game is conducted with the respective game play group and results are returned to the players associated with that game play group. Play characteristic class may be defined on the basis of the speed at which players take any required actions to claim results in a game so that players who may take the required actions relatively slowly will not be grouped for games with players who may take the required actions relatively quickly.
US08029344B2
A motor vehicle climate control system that utilizes a door to selectively open and close an inlet formed in a housing of the climate control system. The housing includes a wall having a seal surface. The seal surface is spaced outwardly from an inner surface of the wall. A seal member, typically attached to the door used to open and close the inlet, contacts the seal surface when the door is placed in a position to close the inlet.
US08029335B2
In a wafer processing method, rough grinding using a first grinding stone is divided into first and second steps. In the first step, a wafer is processed into a concave shape at a first transfer rate with a reinforcing rib area slightly left. Thereafter, as primary rough grinding in the second step, the grinding stone is positioned slightly on the inner circumferential side and the wafer is further processed into the concave portion at a second transfer rate faster than the first transfer rate. Since the first transfer rate is suppressed to a rate not to cause a burst chipping, a burst chipping resulting from the second step fast in the processing rate to ensure productivity will occur at the stepped edge portion on the inside of the reinforcing rib area surface. Thus, the flatness of the reinforcing rib area can be ensured.
US08029334B2
A device is described comprising: a segmented sanding pad having a plurality of segments, each segment having a longitudinal axis and corresponding to a respective contact roller having a longitudinal axis, wherein, when the sanding pad is moved obliquely, the segments align in accordance with a degree of oblique movement, characterized in that the longitudinal axes of the individual contact rollers and the respective segments are aligned with respect to each other when the gap between the segments is adjusted to the longitudinal axis of the contact rollers.
US08029323B2
An electrical connection includes a socket having a bore and a pin. The pin is allowed to move along an axis defined inwardly into the socket bore, and also to move radially relative to the axis. The socket bore has a generally conical portion. The pin has a generally conical face. The generally conical face of the pin is in contact with the generally conical portion of the socket. A motor system including such a connection is also disclosed. In another feature, an electrical connection includes a socket having a bore and a pin. The pin is allowed to move along an axis defined inwardly into the bore, and also to move radially relative to the axis. The pin is spring-biased into the bore such that an end of the pin seats on an end face of the bore.
US08029322B1
An electrical connector that includes a plug insert having a dielectric body and having a pair of contact channels. The contact channels have central axes that extend parallel to each other in a common direction. The contact channels are defined by respective channel walls and are separated by an inter-channel portion of the dielectric body. The channel walls have wall perimeters that extend around the corresponding central axes. The electrical connector also has a contact sub-assembly that includes mating contacts that are received in the contact channels and retention clips that are positioned within the contact channels between the mating contacts and the channel walls. Each of the retention clips has a concave body with an open side. The concave body extends partially about the wall perimeter with the open side positioned along a portion of the wall perimeter. The retention clips are oriented to face one another.
US08029321B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a connector into which a plug is insertable. The connector includes a housing and a terminal portion provided in the housing. The housing includes an insertion opening part which exposes the terminal portion outside, a back part positioned at an end part opposite to the insertion opening part in the housing, and a side part provided between the insertion opening part and the back part and configured to oppose to the plug when the plug is inserted into the connector. The side part includes an inclined part which continues to the insertion opening part and is inclined such that a distance between the inclined part and the plug increases in a direction from the back part toward the insertion opening part to form a gap between the inclined part and the plug.
US08029320B1
An embodiment may include an integrated module that may include a physical layer network device and a cable connector receptacle. The physical layer network device may be physically and electrically coupled to the cable connector receptacle. The physical layer network device may include a circuit board. The circuit board may be directly physically coupled to the receptacle. The circuit board also may be electrically coupled to the receptacle. Many alternatives, variations, and modifications are possible.
US08029317B2
A power plug system for use with a submersible pump. One embodiment comprises a male plug end, a female plug end, and a plurality of seals. The male plug end comprises a housing and a conductive sleeve. The housing receives an electrically conductive cable and conducts an electric current from the cable to the conductive sleeve. The female plug end comprises a housing, a conductive pin, and a female plug sleeve. The conductive sleeve is radially sealable within the female plug end through a plug end seal of the plurality of seals. The conductive sleeve and the conductive pin are conductively connectable. The female plug sleeve is radially sealable within a complementary plug end through a female plug sleeve seal of the plurality of seals. The conductive pin conductively connects to a conductive lead of the complementary plug end with insertion of the female plug sleeve therein.
US08029314B2
A connector is adapted to mount a FPC board. The connector includes a base and a cover. The base includes an opening and a first connecting portion located at two sides of the opening. The cover is pivotally connected to the base, and includes a second connecting portion, wherein when the cover is turned and then the second connecting portion is engaged with the first connecting portion, there is an accommodating space formed between the cover and the opening of the base for accommodating the FPC board, and the first and second connecting portions are adjacent to the position portion, whereby the position portion cannot escape from the accommodating space.
US08029309B2
Electronic devices with sliding and tilting mechanisms are disclosed. The electronic device can include a first electronic component having a handheld display, a second electronic component having a handheld keyboard, and a coupling slidably and pivotably connecting the first and second electronic components. Accordingly, the first and second electronic components can both slide and pivot relative to each other.
US08029305B2
Connection resistance (Rc) resulting from the resilient deformation of a lock arm (26) is produced in the process of connecting two housings (10, 20), and connection resistance (Rb) resulting from a resilient restoring force of a grommet (30) held in contact with a panel (P) is produced with the two housings (10, 20) properly connected. In the process of connecting the two housings (10, 20), the connection resistance (Rb) resulting from the resilient restoring force of the grommet (30) increases after the lock arm (26) is resiliently restored.
US08029304B1
A portable storage device comprises a main body, a first connector electrically coupled to the main body and a second connector electrically coupled to the main body. The first connector and the second connector are respectively capable of connecting to an electronic device. The main body is capable of storing data transmitted from one electronic device to another. Thus, data can be transmitted among different electronic devices.
US08029303B2
A multi-in-one connector has a casing and a plug assembly. The casing has a cavity and a front opening communicating with the cavity. The plug assembly is mounted in the cavity and extends through the front opening and has a first plug and a second plug. The second plug is separately stacked with the first plug and mounted slidably in the cavity through the front opening, wherein the second plug moves relative to the first plug to extend out of or retract from the front opening. Hence the multi-in-one connector is compatible with at least two connection interfaces of connector sockets.
US08029298B2
A device for preventing electrical shock from a device with electrical interfaces. A shutter or other barrier associated with the device that physically prevents access or contact to one of the electrical interfaces while another electrical interface is in use.
US08029293B2
A lighting assembly includes a lighting unit having a housing defining an internal cavity and an opening. A light source is assembled within the internal cavity of the housing. An electrical wire is electrically connected to the light source at a first end and is configured to be contained at least in part within the housing. The opening is configured to permit withdrawal of a user selected amount of the electrical wire from within the internal cavity and/or to permit a user selected amount of the electrical wire to be inserted into the internal cavity.
US08029283B2
Abutment of a dental implant system, having at the top a support region intended for receiving a prosthetic build-up construction and at the bottom an implant contact region intended for insertion into a receiving hole of an implant, and wherein the abutment has between the support region and the implant contact region a soft tissue contact surface. The soft tissue contact surface is at least partially hydroxylated or silanated.
US08029274B2
A convection oven with laminar airflow and/or moisture injection. A radial airflow fan is used to provide a circulating airflow that is substantially even and substantially turbulence free. The circulating airflow is provided to an oven chamber via a plurality of egress ports that rim a divider wall disposed between the oven chamber and a fan chamber. The airflow interleaves with a plurality of pans in the oven chamber to provide a laminar airflow. Moisture is injected into the circulating airflow either upstream of the fan or by flashing water onto the hot blades of the fan from either the low pressure side or the high pressure side of the fan.
US08029265B2
A burger press includes a base having upward extending sidewalls, a lifter sized and shaped to fit within the base, and a plunger having a handle attached to a first side of a generally planar plate that is sized and shaped to fit within the base. At least one of a second side of the plunger plate and the lifter are shaped to include a surface feature selected from a plurality of ribs and a raised portion, the plurality of ribs and the raised portion being structured to press into a burger as the burger is formed in the burger press by compressing the burger between the plunger and the lifter.
US08029263B1
A mold assembly includes a support table mounted for rotation within a vacuum chamber. A plurality of hollow part molds is radially disposed about an axis of rotation of the support table. Each part mold has fiber architecture disposed between an inflatable bladder and internal walls of the part mold. A first motor rotates the support table and resin is urged by centrifugal force to flow along the length of each part mold until the fiber architecture is thoroughly impregnated with resin. A second motor spins each part mold about an axis of rotation of the part mold to ensure that the resin migrates radially outwardly relative to the interior wall surface of each part mold. The resulting product is a monolithic, seamless part having no voids.
US08029253B2
The invention provides a finger-type peristaltic pump (2) having a body (4) and a housing (6). The body contains two or more finger-type valves (16) and a processor (22) configured to operate the valves according to a predetermined temporo-spatial pattern. The housing has a passageway (18) configured to receive a conduit. The housing has a first position in which a conduit in the passageway is positioned adjacent to the valve fingers, and a second position in which a conduit in the passageway is not adjacent to the valve fingers. The invention also provides a housing for use in the pump of the invention.
US08029251B2
A fan for generating an air flow by rotating an impeller with a motor is provided. A cylindrical outer side surface of a rotor of the motor is press-fitted to an inner side surface of the impeller cup which is substantially cylindrical. An outer side surface of the impeller cup is a portion of a circular conical surface, thereby increasing the amount of air generated and transmitted by the fan. A gap is formed between the outer side surface and the inner cylindrical surface of the impeller cup. The cylindrical outer side surface of the rotor is connected to the inside of the inner cylindrical surface of the impeller cup coaxially with each other. Thus, the impeller and the rotor can be reliably fixed to each other with improved performance of transmitting air.
US08029250B2
A portable pumping system provides insulin or other drugs to a user. A shape memory element is used to actuate the pump and an intelligent system controls the actuator in order to minimize stresses within the system and provide accurate and reliable dosage delivery. The control system utilizes various types of feedback to monitor and optimize the position of the pumping mechanisms. Physical design aspects also minimize stress and the combination of the physical design aspects and the intelligent operation of the system results in a lightweight and cost effective pump that may be used in a disposable fashion if desired.
US08029244B2
A by-pass fluid flow amplifier which contains a primary nozzle and a primary profile for discharging compressed air into a conduit of the air amplifier and entraining ambient air in the process. A secondary nozzle and a secondary profile for discharging compressed air into the conduit of the air amplifier towards the rear that assists the primary nozzle such as to allow consistent fluid wall attachment of the compressed air and the entrained air caused by the primary nozzle and the primary profile. The secondary nozzle increases the total flow of the amplifier and prohibits the total flow from traveling towards the center of the conduit where flow reversal and turbulence are likely to occur.
US08029239B2
A rotor for a wind energy turbine includes a hub defining an inner space and at least one rotor blade defining an inner space and having a tip and a root attached to the hub. The inner spaces of the hub and the at least one rotor blade are in fluid communication. The rotor further includes air flow means for causing air to flow out of the hub and into the at least one rotor blade.
US08029235B2
A piston (21; 104) to be mounted inside a cylindrical bore (46; 117) has a cylindrical surface (32; 114) provided with at least one axially extending deepening (31; 116) for accommodating a thermal distortion of the cylindrical bore (46; 117). Preferably, the piston is used in a piston valve as a valve control member or turbine as a variable nozzle control member.
US08029234B2
Systems and methods involving struts are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes a gas turbine engine defining a gas flow path. The gas turbine engine comprises a strut extending into the gas flow path. The strut has an interior operative to receive pressurized air, an outer surface, and ports communicating between the outer surface and the interior of the strut, the ports are operative to receive the pressurized air from the interior and emit the pressurized air into the gas flow path such that an effective aerodynamic length of the strut along the gas flow path is increased.
US08029222B2
A fastening system and method of use is disclosed. The fastening system includes a substrate, an aperture and a fastener. The fastener includes flexible wings that allow for insertion of the fastener into an aperture of a vehicle component.
US08029221B2
A cage nut assembly includes a cage, a nut and a heat sensitive adhesive. The cage includes a plurality of walls defining an internal chamber and an open end. An opening is formed through one of the walls. The nut is secured to the cage within the internal chamber. The nut includes a threaded channel exposed through the opening. The heat sensitive adhesive adhesively secures the nut to the cage within the internal chamber. The nut breaks away from the cage within the internal chamber when heat is applied to the heat sensitive adhesive.
US08029217B2
The invention relates to the transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool 200 to/from an accessory 100 mounted in the spindle 210 of the machine tool 200. A first electrical link or interface 1a,1b,1c,1d provides electrical communication between the stationary part 200 and the spindle 210, and a second electrical link or interface 3 is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area 230. The second link 3 is in the form of electrical contacts. The invention extends to an accessory shank 360 for mounting to the spindle 210 of the machine tool, and also to an accessory 100 e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank 360.
US08029193B2
A guide rail and method of forming a guide rail is provided. The guide rail includes a base rail having a groove with a plurality of fingers formed therein and a race insert mounted in the groove. The race insert has at least two different load directions. The fingers extend generally non-parallel to the different load directions. The fingers are preferably deformed into a state of bending.
US08029190B2
A method for determining the relative body temperature of a warm-bodied animal is described. The method, in part, involves an article of manufacture that provides a manifestation, or visually observable indication on an exterior surface, of a relative state of the warm-bodied animal's body temperature, either being too cold or too hot, as a measure against relative levels of hypothermia or hyperthermia, or poor circulation.
US08029181B2
A light collector is provided to converge light from a light source down to a range of acceptance angles of an illumination optic, and to couple the converged light into the illumination optic, where the range of acceptance angles of the illumination optic is less than a range of emission angles of the light source.
US08029180B2
A light unit, a backlight, a front light, and a display device, have a structure such that an uneven luminance generated in display is suppressed by radiating light in a sufficient amount even to an end portion of a display region, thereby uniformly radiating light in a sufficient amount to the entire display region, without a complicated structure. The light unit includes a light guide plate and a plurality of light sources, the plurality of light sources being arranged in a line to oppose at least one side surface of the light guide plate, wherein one or more light sources at at least one terminal among the plurality of light sources are positioned outside a lateral edge of a display region, and such a light unit is preferably used in a side-light type backlight or front light.
US08029177B2
A lighting device with at least one lighting unit for vehicles, preferably motor vehicles. The lighting device comprises at least one illuminant unit with one circuit board, and with at least one illuminant attached to the circuit board, connected to the conductive paths of the circuit board through contacts. The illuminant is positioned at the front face of the circuit board in order to configure the lighting device so that it can be manufactured simply and economically in a particularly flat configuration and in any curved shape. The lighting device is advantageously used in vehicles, preferably in motor vehicles.
US08029170B2
Provided is an LED lamp for AC power. The LED lamp for the AC power can replace a related art halogen lamp. Since the bottom of an LED substrate for AC power is allowed to directly contact an inner upper surface serving as a substrate base of a main body with a built-in heatsink where heatsink pins are formed in an entire outer peripheral surface, so that heatsink operation of heat generated while the LED for the AC power operates is maximized. A reflection funnel whose inner surface is entirely chrome-deposited extends on the upper end of the main body with the built-in heatsink to reflect light while the LED for the AC power is lit, so that the intensity of illumination can be enhanced.
US08029169B2
An LED illumination device includes a lamp housing, a heat sink, a cooling fan, and a light source. The heat sink, the cooling fan and the light source are received in the lamp housing. The heat sink includes a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. The light source is attached to the base of the heat sink. The cooling fan causes ambient air to enter into the lamp housing and flow through the heat sink. A plurality of air-disturbing plates extends from the lamp housing towards the heat sink. The air-disturbing plates disturb the air in the lamp housing and guide the disturbed air into air passageways defined between adjacent fins of the heat sink.
US08029167B2
The light emitting device comprises a point light source, a solid and transparent light guide, a recess arranged on center of a light receiving surface of the light guide, a concave lens formed on a surface of the recess. A reflecting side surface is a revolving surface determined by revolving a parabola passing through one point of peripheral border of the light receiving surface and the other point of peripheral border of the light radiating surface, and having a focal point on the other point of peripheral border. The point light source is arranged apart from the light receiving surface so as to divide the light from the point light source into light entering into the light guide through the surface of the recess and light entering into the light guide through some part of the light receiving surface other than the recess.
US08029164B2
A light emitting diode light source with mirrored surfaces is formed on a planar substrate which, when folded, forms both a light recycling cavity and an optical taper at the end of the light recycling cavity.
US08029159B2
A light source device capable of switching to different color temperature planes includes a cooler, a first lighting module, a second lighting module and a rotating mechanism. The cooler has a first surface and a second surface formed at one side of the first surface. The first and second surfaces are non-coplanar to each other. The first lighting module is arranged onto the first surface by adhesion and the second lighting module is arranged onto the second surface by adhesion. The first lighting module and the second lighting module can radiate light of different color temperatures respectively. The rotating mechanism, which is connected to the cooler, provides a rotating operation to the cooler. When the first surface or the second surface is rotated for radiating light, the first lighting module or the second lighting module can emit an illumination of different colors.
US08029158B2
A system in package, high power, and highly efficient diode lamp is provided. The diode lamp includes a heat-conducting/heat-dissipating module, a LED light module, an optical module, and a control circuit module. The heat-conducting/heat-dissipating module includes a heat-conducting device and at least one heat-dissipating fin. The LED light module is disposed on a flat portion of the heat-conducting device. The optical module focuses the light emitted by the LED light module. The control circuit module is used to control the LED light module. When the diode lamp is electrically connected to a power supply, the control circuit module selectively controls the LED light module to emit the light. The heat generated during the operation of the LED light module is conducted from the flat portion of the heat-conducting device to the at least one heat-dissipating fin, and then it is dissipated by the at least one heat-dissipating fin.
US08029151B2
Embodiments of this invention provide a secondary, or back-up, lighting system for light fixtures having a primary light source. The back-up lighting system is configured to mount onto a support structure of the light fixture. The back-up lighting system includes a light source and a lens with optical properties. A housing retains the light source and lens. The back-up lighting system may include a controller that monitors the main power source for the primary light source of the light fixture. The controller activates the light source of the back-up lighting system upon detecting power restoration after a power loss. In some embodiments of this invention, the back-up lighting system includes a secondary power source that powers the back-up lighting system during a loss of power.
US08029140B2
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems and methods for providing image projection and entertainment.
US08029132B1
The present invention relates to 3D eyeglasses with a detachable front eyeglasses frame, including: eyeglasses arms having a coupling rim disposed in the middle portion thereof and attaching and detaching protrusions formed at the center portion of the coupling rim; the detachable front eyeglasses frame having lens insertion holes formed on both sides thereof, fixing protrusions formed at each of the upper and lower sides of the lens insertion holes on the rear surface thereof, and attaching and detaching grooves formed at the center portion of the rear surface thereof; and 3D eyeglasses lenses adapted to be inserted into the lens insertion holes of the detachable front eyeglasses frame.
US08029117B2
A method for filling an ink tank to one of several selectable ink fill volumes, by providing an ink tank including an ink reservoir having a maximum fill volume V and selecting an ink fill volume Vi to store in the ink reservoir. One subsequently determines a quantity of pellets to add to the ink reservoir, wherein the total pellet volume Vp>(V−Vi−2) cubic centimeters. Upon adding the determined quantity of pellets to the ink reservoir, the ink reservoir is sealed with a lid. Whereupon, ink, in the amount Vi, is added to the ink reservoir.
US08029116B2
The present invention provides an ink cartridge including a cartridge body defining an air vent at an upper section thereof and an ink discharge port detachably assembled to a lower section of the cartridge body. The cartridge body and/or the ink discharge port can be replaced separately when they are damaged and, thus, there is no need to replace the ink cartridge as whole.
US08029110B2
A droplet ejection head comprises: a substrate having first through-holes forming reservoir chambers, a second through-hole forming a supply chamber, and a bonding film on one surface; a nozzle plate having nozzles for ejecting ejection liquid and a second bonding film on one surface, the first and second films being bonded together to cover the first through-holes and the second through-hole; a sealing plate on another surface of the substrate covering the first through-holes, one surface of the sealing plate contacting the substrate's another surface; and piezoelectric means on another surface of the sealing plate for driving the droplet ejection head. The bonding films contain an Si-skeleton of constituent atoms containing silicon atoms, with siloxane (Si—O) bonds and elimination groups bonded to the silicon atoms, the constituent atoms being randomly bonded together, and the elimination groups existing near a surface of the bonding films.
US08029099B2
A nozzle assembly for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate assembly defining an ink inlet; a nozzle defining an opening through which ink is ejected, the nozzle including a crown portion and a skirt portion depending from the crown portion; wall portion extending from the substrate towards the nozzle and bounding the ink inlet; thermal bend actuator assembly mounted to the substrate assembly; and a lever arm extending from the thermal bend actuator to the nozzle, the lever arm supporting the nozzle above the wall portion. The thermal bend actuator assembly is adapted to actuate the lever arm such that the crown portion of the nozzle is displaced with respect to the wall portion, whereby ink contained in the nozzle is ejected out through the opening.
US08029096B2
A device for depositing layers of material to form three dimensional objects using a plurality of printheads that can print multiple layers simultaneously and different materials into the same layer, wherein some of the printheads can be maintained at a temperature that differs from the operating temperature of the other printheads.
US08029094B2
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head that discharges liquid, a liquid receiving portion that receives the liquid from the liquid ejection head, a detachable liquid storage portion that stores the liquid within the liquid receiving portion, and a liquid passage that conducts the liquid within the liquid receiving portion into the liquid storage portion. The liquid storage portion includes an absorbing portion that absorbs the liquid, and a scattering prevention portion that prevents scattering of the liquid.
US08029082B2
A liquid discharging apparatus includes a head that is driven in response to a driving signal to discharge liquid, a controller that drives the head by generating the driving signal, an adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the liquid, and a supply path that supplies the head with the liquid having the temperature adjusted by the adjustment unit. The controller alters the driving signal in accordance with a flow amount of the liquid, which flows in the supply path.
US08029081B2
A refrigerator can prevent torsion of a rail member guiding withdrawal of a storage box to stably withdraw the storage box. The refrigerator includes a body, a movable storage box, a rail member, and a supporting member. The body includes a storing compartment. The movable storage box is provided inside the body. The rail member is provided in at least one side of the storage box and guides a movement of the storage box. The supporting member is disposed between the rail member and the body and allows the rail member to be tiltably supported with respect to the body. Therefore, the usability of the refrigerator is improved.
US08029078B2
An ejection device for a furniture component moveably housed in or against a furniture body. The ejection device includes a swivellably housed lever. A first castor is attached to a free end of the lever, and a second castor is attached to the lever at a distance from the free end.
US08029073B2
The invention relates to a brake booster with a short operating travel, in which the three-way valve comprises a mobile valve seat borne by a sleeve (54). The movement of this sleeve is controlled by the piston. According to the invention, there is an elastic device (70) applying force to the sleeve (54) in the direction of the front of the booster, and tending to move this sleeve forward with respect to the pneumatic piston (12). In addition, there is a device for transmitting the pressure of the master cylinder (120) to the sleeve (54) and that tends to apply a rearward force to the sleeve (54).
US08029068B2
In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.
US08029065B2
A sliding armrest for use in an automotive vehicle. The sliding armrest including a lower cover, and a lower rail case arranged on a top surface of the lower cover. The armrest includes a guide arranged on the surface of the lower rail case and an upper case cover having a plurality of bosses extending from the surface thereof with the bosses contacting the guide. The sliding armrest also includes a force member arranged between the upper case cover and the guide.
US08029064B2
A connecting device may include first and second connecting elements that are axially oppositely coupled to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other, a locking member that is positioned between the first and second connecting elements, an operating member that is positioned between the first and second connecting elements, and a retainer member that is arranged and constructed to circumferentially clamp the first and second connecting elements. The retainer member has a retainer portion and is fixed to the first connecting element while the second connecting element is axially supported by the retainer portion of the retainer member.
US08029060B2
A chair has a supporting frame, a seat portion, a back portion, and a recline mechanism. The mechanism moves the seat portion upon a reclining action of the back portion. The mechanism has a rear deformable member and a front deformable member operatively connecting the seat portion and the supporting frame. The recline mechanism also has a lower deformable member operatively connecting a lower part of the back portion and the supporting frame, and a puller member above the lower deformable member. The recline mechanism is configured such that as the back portion is reclined, the lower deformable member deforms and the puller member applies a rearward pulling action which causes the seat portion to move and the front and rear deformable members to deform.
US08029057B2
A coupling arm presses a first or second arm of a swing member, connected to a frame of a seat back, by an occupant's backrest load caused by a rear-end collision of a vehicle to pivotally move the swing member. The first arm receives a first backrest load via the coupling arm and the second arm receives a second backrest load, which is larger than the first backrest load, via the coupling arm. The first and second arms are set so that a maximum pivot amount of the swing member when the first arm is pressed to pivot is equal to a maximum pivot amount of the swing member when the second arm is pressed to pivot.
US08029052B2
A roof system for a vehicle includes a panel assembly having a transparent roof panel (14), a privacy panel (18), and a transparent display panel (16). An image generator (40) is configured to display an image on the display panel (16) and a control system operates the image generator (40) and actuates the privacy panel (18) between a transparent mode and an opaque mode. The system may also includes a perimeter trim member (20) having a perimeter ventilation system surrounding the panels. The transparent display panel (16) may also be provided with a user interface region having instruments, displays and touch-activated switches (52). The system may also include ambient lighting bands (60) adjacent to the perimeter of the panels.
US08029048B2
An insert for reducing deflection of a vehicle fender or wing panel includes an attachment member for attachment to a lamp cluster or lamp housing of a vehicle and a head for lying between the panel and the cluster or housing.
US08029047B2
A center pillar assembly for a vehicle may include a center pillar panel which is not connected to a side reinforcing panel at one end thereof, and a center pillar reinforcing member connecting the other one end of the center pillar panel with the side reinforcing panel for reinforcing the center pillar panel.
US08029045B2
A crossbeam for a motor vehicle comprises a crossbeam body and at least one attachment device for attaching at least one vehicle component of the motor vehicle to the crossbeam, the attachment device having an attachment body which is fastened to the crossbeam body and extends in the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam body over a partial length of the crossbeam body and away from the crossbeam body in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of attachment elements being present on the attachment body. The attachment body is built up from a plurality of individual blanks which are fastened to the crossbeam body in a distributed manner over the partial length and which each extend with their longitudinal direction and with their blank area transversely to the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam body.
US08029040B2
A vehicle including a window fastened to a body wall and a method of assembling the vehicle. The window is lined with a safety film adhering to an inner face of the window. A border at the periphery of the window is free of film such that a peripheral limit of the film is situated at a distance from the edge of the window, the distance separating the edge of the window and the limit of the film being alternately variable such that first peripheral portions of the film are in contact with a strip of adhesive, which fastens the window to a vehicle body wall, and second peripheral portions of the film are free with respect to the strip of adhesive.
US08029037B2
A trim panel for a vehicle is formed with a pinch-sealed edge by compression molding. The mold is designed with one or more cutting surfaces that compress or pinch the trim panel material to the point of severing the trim panel to form a tightly compressed and cut edge.
US08029036B2
Apparatus for the lifting of pipelines, includes a frame having two vertical side beams and a transverse top beam interposed between the vertical beams. Two concave and symmetrically disposed supporting members pivotally connect to the two vertical beams, respectively, and are configured to achieve a pipe supporting position without applying a radial inwardly directed force to the bottommost portion of the pipe when the frame is suitably lowered and the supporting members are suitably pivoted. A driving unit is disposed within, and fixedly attached to, each of the supporting members, for generating a linear downwardly directed force; a force transmitting element connected to a driving unit rod along which a corresponding driving unit housing is slidingly displaceable. A control unit independently controls each of the driving units; and at least one connector releasably connects the two supporting members to one another when the supporting members are in a pipe supporting position. The control unit is adapted to immobilize the force transmitting elements against a trench bed in a pre-lifting mode when a first force is generated by the driving units, and to lift each of the driving unit housings together with the corresponding supporting member with respect to the corresponding force transmitting element in a lifting mode when a suitable second force greater than the first force is generated by each of the driving units.
US08029032B1
A directly coupled-inertia activated mechanism that may be incorporated into a door handle assembly and counteracts inadvertent door opening during a side crash. An inertia lever with certain inertia moment in relation ship to that of the handle is coupled to the handle, such that it rotates in the opposite direction of that of the handle when the handle is being pulled. The inertia lever is capable of canceling totally the inertia force causing the handle to move inadvertently to unlatched position during side impact crash, and stops the handle's unlatching move.
US08029025B1
A tubular connection includes a pin member and box member. The pin member includes a pin thread formed on a small step and a large step and a first seal surface formed between the small step and the large step. The box member includes a box thread formed on a small step and a large step and a second seal surface formed between the small step and the large step. The pin thread and the box thread are wedge threads. The small step and the large step of both the pin member and the box member are formed on a single taper. Upon a selected make-up of the pin member with the box member, a seal is formed between at least a portion of the first seal surface and the second seal surface.
US08029024B2
A tube coupling includes a coupling body (10) having an open ended throughway (11) to receive a tube (16). A collet (20) is located in the open end of the throughway having a ring (21) and a plurality of flexible arms (22) extending into the throughway. The throughway has a tapered cam surface (25) convergent towards the open end and the collet arms have heads (23) at their distal ends for engaging both the cam surface and a tube extending through the collet into the throughway to be compressed against the tube by the cam surface with outward movement of the collet with respect to the throughway to secure the tube in the throughway. A collet lock (27) is rotatably mounted on the coupling body having one rotary position in which the lock holds the collet (20) and another rotary position in which the collet can move axially.
US08029020B2
A trailer jack stand for supporting a trailer comprising: a pedestal stand, where stand attaches to a trailer jack, said stand includes a top connecting section and a pivoting section; a center mount pin, where the mount pin attaches the stand to the jack through the top connecting section; a locking pin, where the locking pin secures the mount pin into place; a platform, where the platform attaches to the bottom of the pivoting section; and a spring assembly, where the spring assembly includes a top pivot pin extending from the top connecting section, a stand pin extending from the pivoting section and a spring attached between the pivot pin and stand pin. The pivoting section is capable of pivoting between a retracted position and an extended position, where in the extended position the stand supports the trailer.
US08029017B2
An example airbag inflator manifold assembly includes a cap portion establishing a plurality of apertures that are operative to communicate flow from an inflator to an airbag interior. A baffle portion redirects at least some of the flow from the plurality of apertures. A mounting face extends radially from the cap portion and is securable to a flange extending radially from the inflator to hold the cap portion and the baffle portion relative to the inflator.
US08029013B2
At least one embodiment of the inventive technology relates to a snowboard having a lower surface that does not at any point along at least one specified portion thereof contact a horizontal surface underlying the snowboard when the snowboard is unweighted. Such portion(s) may be defined, at least in part, by one or more cambers. A rocker may be used to impart additional board performance benefits to a rider. Other embodiments may relate more specifically to the positioning of cambers relative to mount regions.
US08029012B2
A tow hook coupling device to automatically align and couple a tow hook of a first vehicle onto a female member of a second vehicle when the two vehicles are brought into proximity. The female member has a lateral attachment that is suitable to be grabbed by a hook, and the male member has a shaft, a hook connected to the shaft and an elevation guide extension. Upon contact of the guide extension with the lateral attachment, the shaft is raised to align the hook to couple with the lateral attachment.
US08029011B2
An adjustable handlebar assembly for a saddle-type vehicle includes a base member, a support member, a left handlebar and a right handlebar. The support member is rotatably coupled to the base member and each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar is attached to the support member. The support member is configured to permit the left handlebar and the right handlebar to be selectively moved relative to the support member and the base member, independently of one another, to selectively adjust each of the left handlebar and the right handlebar in respective, generally longitudinal directions along a saddle-type vehicle, when the adjustable handlebar assembly is pivotally coupled to a frame of the saddle-type vehicle.
US08029010B2
A suspension fork for a bicycle includes at least one stanchion tube and at least one slider tube interacting therewith and a wheel receiving space, and a damper system. The damper system includes a damper chamber divided into a first chamber and a second chamber by a movable piston and a damping device for rebound damping and a damping device for compression damping. The damper system is disposed at the stanchion tube, the damping device for rebound damping and the damping device for compression damping are disposed above the movable piston.
US08029008B2
A vehicle leaf spring suspension having a low spring rate is disclosed. The suspension has an axle seat secured to a vehicle axle. The leaf spring is clamped at its spring seat area to the axle seat at the clamp group mounting surface of the axle seat and with certain of the disclosed axle seats, can be clamped such that the spring seat area is asymmetrically positioned with respect to the vehicle axle centerline. Also, an active clamp group arrangement can be used to utilize the entire physical length of the leaf spring.
US08029006B2
A stackable dolly includes a platform having upper and lower surfaces and a peripheral edge. A plurality of legs are generally coextensive with the platform and extend from the platform beyond the peripheral edge and extend radially outwardly from the platform beyond the platform periphery. Each leg includes an upper surface generally coextensive with the upper surface of the platform a lower surface serving as a mounting surface. The legs are equally angularly spaced from each other about the axis along the periphery of the platform. Casters are secured to each mounting surface of each leg. Engaging members are provided below the platform lower surface each engaging member being arranged approximate to the peripheral edge to abut against the peripheral edge of a cooperating dolly placed below the platform when the platform is supported on the cooperating dolly. The engaging members are restricting lateral movements of the engaged dollies relative to each other. In this manner, a plurality of dollies can be stacked one on top of the other while the engaging members maintain vertical stability of a stack of dollies by preventing adjacent dollies from shifting laterally from each other in relation to the axis.
US08029005B2
A principle for alternately activating and deactivating a blocking device by means of a magnetic field. A further developed embodiment of the invention is provided in that the deactivating magnetic field can be smaller than the activating magnetic field.
US08028995B2
One possible embodiment could be an electro-mechanical beer pong game table and a method of operating same. The game table could comprise a playing surface with a centerline axis; a plurality of movable platforms, the movable platforms being located over the playing surface; each movable platform reversibly and securely receiving a set of upright cups, each cup capable of containing beer and receiving a bear pong ball as played in the game of beer pong; one or more actuators that impart at least one motion to the movable platform relative to the playing surface; and an controller connected to the one or more actuators and controlling the at least one motion provided by the actuators wherein at least one movable platform is placed into motion relative to the playing surface and beer pong ball is thrown in the direction the moving movable platform.
US08028994B2
A gaming device with orbs for the generation of a greater number of results is disclosed. The device draws out numbers in a single playing cycle in various games where a greater number of orbs are used and the result depends on the numbers that are marked in the openings by randomly laying orbs. The balls are, as a rule, of two dimensions—wherein the balls with the smaller dimensions are in the game for reasons of better scattering and greater attractiveness, while the balls with the greater diameter that represent the result or the drawn numbers are retained in random holes on the plate of the cylinder with the help of the offset plate of the cylinder.
US08028990B2
A paper thickness detecting apparatus includes a first sensor and a second sensor in which the electrostatic capacitance changes when a piece of paper such as a bank note or a piece of copying paper is inserted, and a thickness detecting unit for detecting the thickness of the piece of paper from the signals obtained from the respective first sensor and the second sensor, in order to provide a paper thickness detecting apparatus that can reliably detect a foreign object adhered to the paper.
US08028984B2
A sheet finishing apparatus includes an inlet roller to receive a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus, a sheet introduction unit to guide the sheet received by the inlet roller to a finishing unit, a sheet ejection unit to guide the sheet performed to a post process by the finishing unit to an ejection port and to eject from the ejection port, a paper storage tray to receive the ejected sheet, a drive unit including a plurality of motors to drive respective devices, and a control unit to control operations of the plurality of motors. In a trial operation of the sheet finishing apparatus, the control unit controls the plurality of motors, and first drives a motor with a sound pressure level less than a previously set reference level.
US08028979B2
A sheet folding apparatus includes an adjuster which supports a stack of sheets stacked on an inclined surface of a sheet path and adjusts a position of the stack of sheets along the inclined surface, a stapler which staples the stack of sheets set at a stapling position, a folding unit which folds the stack of sheets set at a folding position, and a guide provided between the stapler and the folding unit. The stapler ejects a staple from a staple surface by sinking from the inclined surface. The folding unit includes folding rollers and a folding blade which inserts the stack of sheets into a nip between the folding rollers. The guide includes a loading surface offset from the staple surface and an uprising member which is disposed on a part of the loading surface to keep the stack of sheets symmetric with respect to the folding rollers.
US08028976B2
A new arrangement for machining parts is disclosed. The parts to be machined are mounted on fixture plates on a fixture. Using a stationary hydraulic line, hydraulic equipment is then pressurized by a pump within the fixture. The pump is mechanically powered by a separate (and disconnectable) power source. A rotatable coupling is attached to the pump. It receives a spindle from a CNC machine, enabling the machine to activate the pump by rotating the spindle while the spindle is received in the coupling. The coupling has axially extending prongs that form slots that accommodates the spindle. The prongs have ends that taper inwardly toward the slots. The spindle is also used to actuate a pressure release valve. The fixture also has at least four angled work faces and an access face that separates two of those faces. In operation, parts are first mounted on the fixture plates. The fixture is then moved to a work area, where the spindle actuates the pump, pressuring clamps that lock the parts in position. The parts are then machined, and the spindle then actuates the pressure release valve to release the pressure in the clamps. The fixture is then moved out of the work area, and the parts are removed. The process is then repeated for the next batch of parts.
US08028975B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a stack for a separation vessel adapted to receive a fluid having one or more phases. The stack may include one or more walls surrounding a void, a packed bed positioned within the void, and a distributor positioned above the packed bed. Generally, the stack has a height greater than its width. Usually, the separation vessel further includes a base having a length greater than its height, and the height of the stack is orientated substantially perpendicular to the length of the base.
US08028969B2
A vacuum solenoid valve may comprise a valve body defining an interior cavity and include a plurality of ports configured to be in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the valve body. One or more valve seats may be disposed about an opening between at least one of the plurality of ports and the interior cavity. One or more valve members may be configured to be moveably disposed within at least a portion of the interior cavity of the valve body and to sealingly engage with the valve member. Either the valve seat and/or the valve member may comprise a material having a higher resistance to wear and erosion compared to valve body.
US08028968B2
A temperature control system for a gas appliance utilizes an improved variable orifice gas flow modulating valve (10) capable of direct modulation of gas flow through an orifice (20) directly into a gas burner (54) to provide a constantly maintained temperature in an appliance working compartment, as selected by human interface via a temperature selector. An actuator (12) attached to a gas fitting body (14) of the valve provides for linear movement of a metering pin (16) into the taper inside the orifice, accomplishing the variable controlled modulated flow of gas directly into the burner. The actuator (12) is controlled by an input signal from a programmable controller (90) whose output is determined by calculations based on inputs from a temperature selector and a temperature sensor located in the gas appliance working compartment.
US08028959B2
An automatic recycling ice detector includes a sensor for sensing the formation of ice on an aircraft surface and a heater for melting the detected ice. The detector also includes a timing circuit for indicating the time to melt any detected ice and automatically recycling the detector when the ice is melted. A computer including a look up table or the like are provided for measuring and indicating the thickness of the accumulated ice based on a relationship between melting time and thickness.
US08028952B2
A system to launch and recover an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) aircraft has a pole member attached to a deck of a ship. An arm member is attached to the pole member and extends away from the pole member in an approximately horizontal direction. The arm member is able to move rotationally and vertically on the pole member. An attachment mechanism is attached to a distal end of the arm member for holding and capturing the UAV aircraft. Momentum of the UAV aircraft causes the arm member to move rotationally around and vertically on the pole member when the UAV aircraft is coupled to the attachment mechanism.
US08028947B1
An embodiment of the invention comprises a retractor for use with a depth finder unit. The retractor includes a depth probe on a length of cord, a winding mechanism, a ratcheting slip ring assembly, and a housing.
US08028944B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of manufacturing the apparatus for grinding and evenly disseminating solid materials within a vehicle or carrier. More specifically, the apparatus of the present invention may be comprised of an impeller with a plurality of grinding pegs extending therefrom. The plurality of grinding pegs extend from two faces of the impeller wherein the grinding pegs work in concert with a plurality of grooves on the impeller to finely grind the solid material and improve the turbulent flow within the vehicle. The end result is that the impeller of the present invention improves the efficiency of finely grinding and evenly dispersing the solid particles within the vehicle.
US08028943B2
An agitating ball mill includes a comminution vessel surrounding an agitating shaft which is provided with a product inlet and a product outlet, wherein the comminution media located within the comminution vessel is activated through the rotation of the agitating shaft and held back in the comminution chamber by a separating and/or pre-classifying device. For optimum energy and space utilization a pre-crushing device is arranged upstream of the comminution chamber. The pre-crushing device includes either a static or dynamic gap guard.
US08028941B2
A pulper to pulverize and suspend paper stock. The pulper includes a container open at the top with a cylindrical side wall and a driven rotor that is arranged in an off-center manner to the center of the container. The base of the container can be inclined toward the side wall.
US08028937B2
A fuel injection valve for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, in particular for injecting fuel directly into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, said fuel injection valve comprising a fuel inlet which is designed to allow fuel to flow into the fuel injection valve, and an actuating device which can be electrically activated and cooperates with a valve arrangement in order to discharge fuel into the combustion chamber in a directly or indirectly controlled manner via a fuel outlet the actuating device having a solenoid arrangement which is to be energized, a substantially magnetically soft magnet yoke arrangement which cooperates therewith, and a substantially magnetically soft magnet armature arrangement which cooperates therewith. The magnet yoke arrangement is constituted by at least two yoke discs. At least one of the faces of each yoke disc has at least one pole web which together with the solenoid arrangement acts upon the magnet armature arrangement. Each yoke disc is composed of at least two partial yokes which contain soft iron and at least partly surround an actuating rod which supports the magnet armature arrangement.
US08028920B2
A data capture terminal for, and method of, automatically capturing data in a handheld mode, and in a hands-free mode, of operation, include an actuatable laser scanning reader supported by the terminal for electro-optically reading indicia to obtain data by scanning the indicia, an actuatable imaging reader supported by the terminal for electro-optically reading indicia to obtain data by capturing an image of the indicia, and an actuatable radio frequency identification (RFID) reader supported by the terminal for reading an RFID tag to obtain data. A trigger mechanism is manually actuatable by an operator to initiate actuation of the readers in the handheld mode with different triggering actions unique to the respective readers.
US08028900B2
A cash dispensing automated banking machine includes a card reader associated with a card slot. An anti-fraud sensing device is able to sense ambient light or generated radiation that passes to the sensing device through the card reader slot. The installation of an unauthorized card reading device on the machine changes at least one property sensed by the sensing device. A controller in the machine receives signals from the sensing device, and determines if an unauthorized card reading device has been installed.
US08028899B2
A cash dispensing automated banking machine includes a card reader associated with a card slot. An anti-fraud sensing device is able to sense ambient light or generated radiation that passes to the sensing device through the card reader slot. The installation of an unauthorized card reading device on the machine changes at least one property sensed by the sensing device. A controller in the machine receives signals from the sensing device, and determines if an unauthorized card reading device has been installed.
US08028897B2
Method, apparatus and system for receiving coins and generating a certificate for depositing the sum of received coins in a banking account. The user may redeem the certificate in an already existing bank account or may enroll into a new banking account and receive immediate access to the funds redeemed.
US08028896B2
A method for conducting a financial transaction can be used by a person using a mobile device to conduct the transaction. The mobile device receives information related to the person that can be used for authentication purposes, such as a PIN or biometric data. The mobile device then authenticates the person by verifying the information received. If the person is authenticated, the transaction is completed using the mobile device, and if the person is not authenticated, the transaction is prevented.
US08028893B1
Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.
US08028891B2
The embodiments herein provide an authentication and tracking and retail analytics system. The system comprises of code generation module, a database server, an authentication module and a communication channel. A code generation module generates unique authentication code. This unique authentication code is printed/labeled on the product. Label/tag that is marked or contains a hidden code is placed on a product requiring verification. In order to verify the product, the consumer or retailer defaces or scratches a portion of the label/tag and reveals its hidden code. Consumer or retailer sends the product authentication code to a specified number mentioned via any communication device capable of sending and receiving SMS/MMS/picture/graphics. The verification software decrypts the encrypted authenticated code and compares decrypted code with the original data assigned for the code to determine an authenticity of the product and sends reply message to the consumer or retailer.
US08028883B2
A surgical stapling device includes a tissue contacting surface and a buttress attachment feature. The buttress attachment feature permits selectively securing a surgical buttress to the tissue contacting surface, which may be disposed on a cartridge assembly or an anvil plate of the surgical stapling device. The buttress attachment feature may include a shape memory alloy, such as a nickel titanium alloy, that is responsive to a temperature change to allow the buttress attachment feature to move between a first position where a free end of the buttress attachment feature is substantially spaced from the tissue contacting surface, and second position where the surgical attachment feature is approximated with respect to the tissue contacting surface.
US08028873B2
A pocket clip is attached at a first end to a tool such as a folding knife. A roller assembly is provided at a second end of the clip with a portion extending toward the tool. The roller assembly includes a ratchet wheel between a pair of elastomeric roller wheels. A pawl engages the ratchet wheel and limits rotation of the roller assembly such that the assembly rotates in one direction around an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the tool, and resists rotation in an opposite direction. When the tool is positioned in a user's pocket, a panel of the pocket engages the roller assembly, which rotates substantially freely, permitting the pocket panel to slide easily between the pocket clip and the surface of the tool. However, the roller assembly resists movement of the pocket panel in the opposite direction, holding the tool securely in the pocket.
US08028869B2
The adjustable clothes hanger has adjustable sleeve upper stays, sleeve lower stays, and torso side stays. These components adjust to spread the sleeves and torso of a shirt on the hanger to hold the fabric in a smooth, lightly stretched condition to optimize drying and preclude wrinkling. The hanger has opposed sleeve upper stays, which adjust along the underlying frame of the hanger. The outer portions of the sleeve upper stays extend to support the shirtsleeve upper edges. Torso side stays extend downwardly from the horizontal crossmember of the hanger, and adjust to hold the sides of the shirt apart and to hold the torso fabric in a smooth and unwrinkled condition during drying. Pivotal or fixed sleeve lower stays may extend from the upper portions of the torso side stays, or may extend adjustably from the outer ends of the adjustable sleeve upper stays.
US08028847B2
A baby bottle comprising a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment comprised a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is comprised of at least one substantially open bore. The distal end is comprised of at least one partially closed port and a stabilization coupling mechanism first portion. The second compartment is comprised of a first end and a second end. The first end of one embodiment comprises a partially closed cavity and a stabilization coupling mechanism second portion. The stabilization coupling mechanism second portion may be adapted to mate with the stabilization coupling mechanism first portion. Furthermore, the first end may be adapted to couple to the first compartment distal end. The second end of one embodiment may have a substantially open bore and a removably coupled end cap.
US08028842B2
The present invention provides a membrane, kit, and method of making a hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer membrane. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer membrane includes a hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer. The hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer includes one or more hydrophilic monomers having a sulfonated polyarylsulfone monomer and a second monomer and one or more hydrophobic monomers having a non-sulfonated third monomer and a fourth monomer. The sulfonated polyarylsulfone monomer introduces a sulfonate into the hydrophilic-hydrophobic random copolymer prior to polymerization.
US08028841B2
Apparatus and methods include an improved filter and cleaning processes for same. A rotating cleaning element is actuated by vacuum pressure, and relatively precise controls ensure that all portions of the filter's surface are vacuumed cleaned during cleaning cycles. Longitudinal pressure on the rotating cleaning element is balanced to reduce wear and improve performance.
US08028838B2
A suspension package assembly can include a package member, a stretchable retention member, and a closure device disposed on the stretchable retention member. The package member and a stretchable retention member cooperate to suspend at least one article. At least one article can be held securely between the retention member and a base member of the foldable member. The pocket of the retention member can be positioned over the foldable portions of the package member. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then can be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member.
US08028835B2
A transaction management system is capable of simply and accurately gathering information about the use of medical products with minimized human errors and automatically executing issuance of invoices of suppliers and restocking of used products on the basis of the results of use of products deposited at medical centers. The system comprises a computer system having an antenna electrically connected to a reader and a medical product encapsulated in a sterilized environment in a package. The package is provided with an IC tag arranged such that signal transmission and/or reception is disabled while the package remains unopened so that the medical product is in the sterilized condition. The IC tag becomes wirelessly communicable with the antenna when the package is opened to remove the medical product. The computer system reads the product information about the medical product from the IC tag now wirelessly communicable with the antenna and, on the basis of the obtained product information, places an order to a supplier for the replenishment of the used medical product through a dedicated line or an external network.
US08028834B2
A medical tubing bag disclosed herein includes a housing having an open interior area and generally opposed first and second ends defining respective first and second openings. A first guide is adjacent the first opening for guiding tubing in and out of the first opening. In an embodiment, the first opening has a center axis being offset from a center axis of the first guide. In an embodiment, a second guide is inwardly adjacent the second opening for guiding tubing in and out of the open interior area. In an embodiment, a medical system includes a medical tubing bag, a medical device, and medical tubing. The tubing has a first end coupled to the medical device, the tubing extends into the medical bag, and the tubing continues from the medical bag to a user.
US08028832B2
A storage device and a method for making the storage device are described. In one implementation, the storage device comprises first and second walls having interior and exterior portions. The second wall opposes and is connected to the first wall so that the interior portions of the first and second walls define an interior of the storage device and the exterior portions of the first and second walls define an exterior of the storage device. An access opening is located between the first and second walls, and the access opening is sized to receive an electronic device. A plurality of voids is located in the first wall and the voids are configured to permit air passage between the interior and exterior of the storage device. A porous material that permits airflow through the voids may be connected to the first wall. Other implementations are described.
US08028831B2
A package structure prevents an optical sheet from being brought into contact with a display panel and making scratches on the display panel due to motion caused during transport of a display device, thereby minimizing cost increase. A package structure for a thin display device is the structure for storing the thin display device in a package case. The thin display device includes at least one optical sheet situated in approximately parallel with its display surface, and the package case includes a storage member for holding a thin display device with the optical sheet having a surface inclined relative to a vertical direction.
US08028830B1
A structure is disclosed to protect explosive ordnance. The structure comprises an inner ceramic layer. A polyurethane layer encompassing the inner ceramic layer. A third layer is a stainless steel layer encompassing the polyurethane layer with a second polyurethane layer wrapping around the stainless steel layer. A fifth layer is an outer ceramic layer. A sixth layer through tenth layer comprises interconnected aramid fiber fabric (i.e., KEVLAR) impregnated with polyurethane. The structure may be part of an explosive handling system to include a shipping container that decelerates projectiles approaching the explosive device. The container comprises fifteen additional layers to encompass the structure. The first layer is steel encompassing the structure with a second layer through fifteenth layer of the container each being KEVLAR impregnated with polyurethane. Both the composite structure and the shipping container can be made from commercially available products.
US08028821B2
An apparatus is provided for gathering signatures along a conveying section of a circulating conveyor provided with spaced-apart pushers that are attached to a traction mechanism. The apparatus includes a delivery station adapted for being arranged along the conveying section. The delivery station includes a downward slanted conveying path wherein the signatures are supplied via the downward slanted conveying path from the delivery station to the conveyor approximately in synchronism with movement of the circulating conveyor. The conveying path includes a convex conveying section followed by a concave conveying section in the conveying direction for the signatures.
US08028817B2
A conveyor, which has an area in its conveyor line and for adjusting intervals between articles, includes (1) a plurality of zones constituting the area and each having at least one driving motor and an article sensor, (2) structure for measuring either an interval between adjacent articles in the conveying direction or a difference of time points when adjacent articles in the conveying direction pass the sensor, and (3) a motor controller for each of the zones and for varying a rotational speed of the driving motor. When the measuring structure measures either the interval or the difference upon reception of signals from the sensor, the motor controller either accelerates or slows down the rotational speed of the driving motor in a zone where the article is placed.
US08028809B2
An elevator system (20) includes a transceiver (22) that receives at least one wirelessly transmitted signal (24). In one example, a signaling device (26) includes a plurality of switches (28) that can be activated to provide a signal indicating a desired or intended destination. The signal also provides an indication of the individual from whom the signal is received. A system controller (30) responds to the signal by assigning an elevator car (32) to travel to the intended destination. When the elevator car (32) is situated to receive the individual, in the event that another wireless signal is received, the system provides at least one access feature including delaying closing an elevator car door or generating an audible sound to guide the individual to the car. In one example, the system maintains information regarding expected locations of individuals providing such signals to facilitate providing assistance to them for exiting a building, for example.
US08028806B2
A method of dispatching an elevator car to a destination requested by a passenger before the passenger enters the car includes determining which trip of the elevator car begins at a time having a desired relationship to an expected arrival time when a passenger is expected to arrive near the elevator car. An actual arrival time of the passenger near the elevator car is determined. The elevator car is dispatched to the requested destination during a trip that begins at a time that corresponds to or is after the actual arrival time.
US08028795B2
A lightweight exhaust component cover having a small number of components is disclosed. In the exhaust component cover, an internal plate is formed by bending part of a single plate at both ends, and the internal plate is joined to the inside surface of an external plate.
US08028783B2
A tilt apparatus and method for operating it is disclosed. The tilt apparatus for a cab of a construction vehicle comprises a support frame attached to a chassis of said vehicle, the horizontal plane of said support frame being parallel to that of said chassis, a mounting attached to said cab and connected with said support frame, and configured so that the horizontal plane of said mounting can tilt about any direction of said chassis, at least one actuator having one end connected with said support frame and the other end connected with said mounting, and operating so as to tilt said mounting, at least two inclination sensors comprising at least one top sensor installed on said mounting and at least one bottom sensor installed on said support frame or said chassis and a CPU installed in said cab and receiving the continual slope information from said top and bottom sensors and controlling the operation of said actuator on the basis of said continual slope information and the relative tilted angle information between the horizontal plane of said mounting and that of said support frame or chassis. The tilt apparatus of the invention is able automatically to level the cab of vehicle whilst the vehicle is in transit.
US08028779B2
The present invention provides a hybrid vehicle including a first transmission path that transmits a traction of an engine to driving wheels and a second transmission path that transmits a traction of a motor to the driving wheels, and the hybrid vehicle runs by alternatively selecting either the first or second transmission path or in combination thereof. The first transmission path has a first reduction gear ratio that is defined to be smaller than a reduction gear ratio at which a maximum vehicle speed can be achieved by the traction of the engine alone.
US08028771B2
Polycrystalline diamond constructions include a diamond body comprising a matrix phase of bonded together diamond crystals formed at high pressure/high temperature conditions with a catalyst material. The sintered body is treated to remove the catalyst material disposed within interstitial regions, rendering it substantially free of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the body. Accelerating techniques can be used to remove the catalyst material. The body includes an infiltrant material disposed within interstitial regions in a first region of the construction. The body includes a second region adjacent the working surface and that is substantially free of the infiltrant material. The infiltrant material can be a Group VIII material not used to initially sinter the diamond body. A metallic substrate is attached to the diamond body, and can be the same or different from a substrate used as a source of the catalyst material used to initially sinter the diamond body.
US08028770B2
A rock drilling bit having PDC radial bearings has journal and cone bearing surfaces with increased contact area to increase load support. The radius of curvature of the bearing pin journal and cone bearing surfaces are matched or conformed on the bearing pressure side. The conformal journal surfaces may be formed on the main journal bearing, the pilot pin radial bearing, or both surfaces. In addition, diamond inlays may be located on the bearing surfaces of the cone, the bearing pin, or both components.
US08028769B2
A reamer bit for use in earth boring operations comprising a body, cutter mounts having rolling cutters on the bit body, and stabilizers pads on the body placed between adjacent cutter mounts. The reamer may further include a pilot bit on a drill pipe extending downward from the reamer body. The reamer bit outer periphery with its stabilizers and bit body has a radial profile approximating a circle thereby reducing dynamic perturbations during drilling operations.
US08028750B2
Force balancing adjusts hydraulic fluid pressure in an upper piston area of a Rotating Pressure Control Device (RPCD) that has an inner housing rotatably engaged within an outer housing by an upper bearing and a lower bearing. The hydraulic fluid pressure is adjusted to balance net force in a upper piston area and a lower piston area. The fluid pressure adjustment creates a force differential that balances the total load transmitted through the upper bearing and the lower bearing and thereby extends the life of the sealing element and bearings. Additionally, a wear indicator signals the end of the useful life of the drill pipe sealing element.
US08028749B2
Apparatus for expanding first and second portions of a downhole tubular in a single trip comprises a support and first and second expansion devices. The first expansion device is mounted on the support and is operable to expand a first portion of tubular. The second expansion device is mounted to a second portion of tubular and is adapted to be engaged by the support following the expansion of the first portion of tubular, and is then used to expand the second portion of tubular.
US08028747B2
A tube spacer S formed by bending a wire, includes a plurality of projections 20 and a base-bending portion 21. Each of the projections 20 is inserted between tubes, and has a pair of extending portions 201 extend in X direction and a front-bending portion 202 for connecting both front ends of the pair of extending portions 201. The base-bending portion 21 connects both rear ends of the projections 20 so that the projections 20 are arranged at interval in Z direction. With this structure, manufacturing cost for the tube spacer S can be low, and the tubes can be stably supported.
US08028742B2
Modular panels for radiant thermal conditioning systems have special purpose bus tracks for routing tubing. Specifically, these tracks enable the routing of tubing, and specifically tubing from multiple circuits, in-plane, in the floor, ceiling, or walls. Specifically, multiple laterally extending tracks are provided for handling multiple circuits. A modular panel enables the interconnection between tubing held in bus tracks and the arcuate return tracks that are used for the tubing direction changes that are needed for creating serpentine paths of the tubing loops.
US08028741B2
Apparatus for continuously casting metal strip includes a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls laterally positioned to form a nip therebetween through which thin strip can be cast, a pair of confining side dams adjacent the ends of the casting rolls capable of confining a casting pool of molten metal supported on the casting rolls and formed on the casting surfaces above the nip, a metal delivery system disposed above the nip and capable of discharging molten metal to form the casting pool supported on the casting rolls, side dam actuators each capable of applying cyclical axial force to the side dams without leakage, and a control system capable of actuating at least one side dam actuator to cyclically vary the apply force of the side dam against the ends of the casting rolls during a casting campaign.
US08028732B1
Preferably, an embodiment of a tire inflation system includes at least an axle housing a pressurized fluid, a hubcap supported by the axle and having an interior and an exterior, and a rotary union axially aligned with the axle and mounted to the hubcap from the exterior of the hubcap. The rotary union preferably includes at least a rotating portion and a non-rotating portion, the rotating portion rotates with hub cap, and the non-rotating portion including at least a fluid conduit defining an air passage there through. The air conduit is preferably in fluid communication with the source of pressurized air, and is preferably configured for conducting pressurized air from said source of pressurized air to a tire mounted to the wheel of the vehicle, and for developing a dynamic seal between the fluid conduit and the rotating portion.
US08028728B2
A dispensing apparatus for determining a location of a container into which at least one of a liquid and ice is dispensed from a refrigerator. A sensor is configured to sense a position of the container, without contacting the container, and to send a first signal indicating the sensed position. A microprocessor is configured to receive the first signal and to send a second signal based on the first signal. An indicator is configured to receive the second signal and to indicate the position of the container.
US08028726B2
Methods, systems and apparatus for automatically maintaining a pressure differential for the continuous delivery of a liquid to semiconductor manufacturing equipment. A refillable bulk liquid delivery system includes a plurality of canisters residing along a liquid flow path, whereby an over pressure is detected within at least one of the canisters. The over pressure may be detected using an automatic venting circuit or a programmable logic controller programmed for detecting such over pressures. The over pressure is then exhausted by removing excess pressure from the canister through a venting valve to maintain a Delta pressure across the canisters for continuously delivering the liquid along the liquid flow path.
US08028724B2
Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat insulated tank and liquefied natural gas contained in the tank. The tank has heat insulation sufficient to maintain liquefied natural gas therein such that most of the liquefied natural gas stays in liquid. The contained liquefied natural gas has a vapor pressure from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar. The apparatus further includes a safety valve configured to release a part of liquefied natural gas contained in the tank when a vapor pressure of liquefied natural gas within the tank becomes higher than a cut-off pressure. The cut-off pressure is from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar.
US08028717B2
A double valve having inlet, outlet, and exhaust ports maintains an outlet pressure below one percent of inlet pressure during a faulted state while maintaining a relatively small exhaust for reduced overall valve size. Crossover passages receive inlet pressure through main crossover poppets when the respective valve units are not in a deactuated position. When the valve units are in a deactuated position, then the crossover passages receive inlet pressure through respective bypass passages whose flow rate can be controlled independently from the size of the crossover poppets. The use of bypass passages provides particular benefits for double valves for non-press applications which have a ratio of exhaust flow coefficient to inlet flow coefficient that is less than about 2.5.
US08028715B2
The present invention provides a check valve for use in a vacuum sewage pipe. The check valve includes a body having a sewage inlet and a sewage outlet to be coupled to the vacuum sewage pipe, a flap valve element disposed in the body and rotatably supported by a first shaft, and a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism can keep the flap valve element in a closed state so as to allow the flap valve element to function as a gate valve. The closing mechanism can also limit an opening degree of the flap valve element so as to allow the flap valve element to function as a check valve.
US08028711B2
A hot tap clamp. The clamp includes a first clamp part, a second clamp part, a fastener for stable fastening of the clamp parts around a section of a pipeline provided with a hot tap coupling, a pipe socket fixedly integrated with one of the clamp parts at an inner end and extending outward from the clamp part to an outer end, a hub on the outer end of the pipe socket, the pipe socket at the inner end going through the clamp part abutting the surface of the pipeline, such that the pipe socket can be sealingly welded to the pipeline by internal welding.
US08028710B2
A hand-washing system for washing fingernail beds and cuticular regions of human fingers and thumbs (collectively “digits”). The hand-washing system includes a work enclosure for containing ones of the digits and a high-velocity, high-flow water spray during a washing operation. The work enclosure defines an interior space, part of which defines an energy-dissipation region that, during use, provides a water reservoir for dissipating energy in the high-velocity, high flow water spray. The work enclosure includes a high-energy spray nozzle and a digit portal sized to receive the four fingers of one hand simultaneously in closed-fingered, upwardly-curled configuration. A mixing valve may be provided to allow a user to adjust the temperature of the water during washing. A quick-disconnect fluid-coupling assembly may also be provided and be used to quickly select between work enclosures of differing size.
US08028706B2
The invention relates to a method for controlling the alertness of a human subject and a light source for use in this method and use of a light source for this method. The method comprises exposure of a human subject during an exposure period to suitable light radiation without substantially influencing the phase of a melatonin cycle. Melatonin is a sleep-hormone that can be used to control the alertness of a human subject. The suitable light radiation being specified by an output fraction of melatonin suppressive radiation (Melatonin Watt/Watt) and light output (lumen/Watt), the output fraction and light output being adjusted to obtain the desired effect on the phase of said cycle.
US08028700B2
The full face flexible oxygen mask for use with flight helmets includes an elastic face seal with an oronasal cone that seals around the nose and mouth of the wearer, and flexible sealing flaps along the perimeter of the face seal to adapt the face piece of the mask to seal against the surface of a flight helmet. The mask face piece has two large sealing surfaces or channels down each side of the mask that overlap and flex to adapt to seal to a variety of flight helmets. The top of the face seal has an inner and outer flap that work together to seal the exposed face visible between the sides of the flight helmet.
US08028697B2
A ventilator circuit for use in administering medication to a patient includes a housing, a one-way inhalation valve and a one-way exhalation valve. A metered does inhaler receptacle is in fluid flow communication with an interior space of the housing holding chamber. An exhaust conduit communicates between input and output passageways disposed on opposite sides of the interior space.
US08028696B2
An alarm system and method for use with a breathing apparatus that provides a source of breathable air to a user/diver. A tactile signal is generated in response to a signal representing at least one parameter corresponding to the breathing apparatus status, and the tactile signal can be both felt and heard by the user. The tactile signal may be generated in combination with a visual and/or an additional audible alarm. The tactile signal may be a vibration. The alarm may be worn on the face, either on the mask or on the mouthpiece. The vibrator serves two functions, one as a tactile alarm that the diver can feel during operation, and a second as an auditory alarm through bone-conduction of sound. The tactile alarm indicates to the user/diver that his particular unit is the one transmitting an alarm signal, and cannot be mistaken for any other device. The tactile signal may be generated to have one or more signal characteristics that are modulated to convey additional information about the parameter or parameters being monitored.
US08028688B2
An apparatus for splitting a concrete block and pitching at least one edge of the split concrete block is provided. The apparatus includes a splitting blade have a blade edge, such as a sharpened edge or a dull edge. The splitting blade is configured to move in a first direction so as to split a concrete block into two or more sections. The apparatus also includes a pitching blade having a blade edge, such as a sharpened and adjacent to the splitting blade, the pitching blade edge vertically offset from the splitting blade edge so as to pitch an edge of one of the sections of the concrete block after the concrete block has been split.
US08028686B2
A thin veneer stone saw and related methods are provided. The thin veneer stone saw includes one or more circular saw blades. In an embodiment, two circular saw blades are arranged such that a masonry block, such as stone, may be sawed completely through in a single pass through the thin veneer stone saw. The stone may be delivered to, and processed through, the circular saw blades by a conveyor system. One of the circular saw blades may be centered below the top surface of the conveyor and protrude through a gap between two sections of the conveyor system. The other circular saw blade may be positioned entirely above the top surface of the conveyor system. The thin veneer stone saw may be operable to produce thin veneer stones in a variety of widths. The thin veneer stones may be used to form facade for a structure.
US08028682B2
An apparatus improves the efficiency and emissions of a combustion process by producing sufficient amounts of ozone in the air flow to the combustion chamber to enable more complete and cleaner combustion of the fuel. An ozone cell comprises a plurality of cylindrical ozone elements for producing ozone disposed within a housing that is placed in the air intake to a combustion chamber such as a diesel engine. The ozone elements are bonded together in a block and placed perpendicular to the air flow in the cell. The ozone elements are bound together in the block with a block plate at the top and bottom of the block with the ozone elements running lengthwise from the top to the bottom of the block.
US08028680B2
A fuel system for an LPI engine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a reservoir disposed in a fuel tank, a recovery pipe inserted in the reservoir, and a fuel pump disposed in the reservoir and supplying LPI fuel, wherein liquefied fuel mixed with gaseous fuel recovered through the recovery pipe is separated in the reservoir and the liquefied fuel is pumped again by the fuel pump.
US08028678B2
Boosted engine operation and spark timing of an engine may be adjusted with alcohol content of the fuel in a direct injection engine. Further, various adjustments may be performed in numerous related systems to account for increased maximum engine torque, such as traction control, transmission shifting, etc.
US08028675B2
A novel method and apparatus useful for the installation of a flame cone within a respective throughbore in the head of an ICE having a pre-ignition system without removal of the head from the ICE, followed by threading a spark plug into the outboard end of the flame cone. This installation is effected from a location external of the head and while the head is affixed in covering relationship to one or more combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine. The installation further comprises employing unique interconnection between the flame cone and an installation tool. The flame cone includes a rotational position indicator which is aligned with an exit port in the flame cone and which contributes to the exclusivity of mating interconnection with the tool in a manner which converts rotational movements of the tool to like rotational movements of the flame cone, hence like rotation of the location of the exit port.
US08028673B2
A fuel line protective cover is disclosed. The fuel line protective cover includes a first leg configured to be mounted to a top surface of an engine and configured to extend the length of an engine. The fuel line protective cover further includes at least one second leg configured to be mounted to a side surface of an engine. The first leg and the at least one second leg cooperate to at least partially enclose a high pressure fuel system.
US08028671B1
A serpentine belt system for use in connection with an engine block for an automotive engine is disclosed. A spacer, which is preferably a pair of brackets, is provided for mounting on the face of the engine block. A bridge bracket is secured to the spacer brackets, and other elements of the automotive system, such as the air conditioner compressor and alternator, may be secured to the bridge bracket. The system may further include a tensioner having a tensioner housing mounted on and supported by the air conditioner compressor, and a tensioner pulley is mounted to the tensioner housing for adjusting the serpentine belt system.
US08028667B2
A valve timing adjusting apparatus includes a driving-side rotor, a driven-side rotor, and a bias mechanism. The bias mechanism includes a projection portion that is rotatable synchronously with the one of the driving-side and driven-side rotors and that contacts a contact part of the other one of the driving-side and driven-side rotors. The contact part includes a receiver part that is configured to increase the restoring force of the resilient member when the other one of the driving-side and driven-side rotors is rotated relative to the one of the driving-side and driven-side rotors in the advance direction or in the retard direction.
US08028657B2
An automated method and system for individual animal electronic identification, measurement, and management of cattle in a feedlot. Through the use of a computer system integrated with individual animal identification, multiple measurement and remeasurement systems, and a handling and sorting system, animals are individually identified and measured. The computer system calculates optimum slaughter weight, economic end point and marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. Individual animals are sorted by the computer in response to calculations from the measurements. The computer system stores individual animal measurement, performance and location data, which is used to select animals for shipment to slaughter at the optimum time. At the slaughter facility, the animal's identification is used to correlate the live animal physical characteristics and performance data to the carcass characteristics data and build a database to more accurately identify and measure value-based characteristics in subsequent animals for more effective selection and management.
US08028650B2
A light irradiation device (151) includes a UV lamp (153), first and second optical filters (164, 165) which transmit and block wavelengths within different specific ranges, and a filter switching mechanism (162) which selectively interposes the first and second optical filters (164, 165) between the UV lamp (153) and an optical lens. The blocking wavelength of the first optical filter (164) is relatively longer than that of the second optical filter (165). The first optical filter (164) is interposed between the UV lamp (153) and the optical lens since the start of curing a coating solution until a lapse of a predetermined period of time. When the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the second optical filter (165) is interposed between the UV lamp (153) and the optical lens to replace the first optical filter (164).
US08028649B2
The liquid ejection apparatus has: a head having a nozzle group including a plurality of nozzles which are aligned in a first direction and performs ejection of resist liquid onto a wiring substrate; a scanning device which causes the head and the wiring substrate to move relatively in the first direction; an ejection control device which controls the ejection of the resist liquid from the head; and a scanning control device which controls the scanning device in such a manner that the head and the wiring substrate are relatively moved only once in the first direction, through a region of the wiring substrate which corresponds to one relative movement in the first direction of the wiring substrate and the scanning device, wherein the ejection control device controls the ejection of the resist liquid from the head to cause the resist liquid to be ejected onto a same position of the wiring substrate sequentially, at prescribed time intervals, from different nozzles of the nozzle group, to deposit the resist liquid ejected onto the same position of the wiring substrate sequentially from the different nozzles of the nozzle group, in such a manner that a resist pattern having a prescribed thickness and a prescribed pattern is formed on the wiring substrate.
US08028639B2
A tuned transom for a marine vessel comprising a boat hull having a bow and an aft section, a port side and starboard side with a centerline. The transom comprises an outer constraining layer positioned in the aft section enclosing the boat hull, an inner constraining layer which is a separate sheet from the outer constraining layer and positioned in the hull spaced-apart forwardly from the outer constraining layer to form a space between the inner constraining layer and the outer constraining layer, an a constrained damping layer adapted to bond the outer constraining layer to the inner constraining layer; wherein the constrained damping layer comprises an adhesive and means for securing the edges of the outer and the inner constraining layers to the hull.
US08028636B2
A stern shape of a displacement-type marine vessel enables reduction of the hull resistance and prevents propeller cavitation. The displacement-type marine vessel which travels in a velocity range in which the Froude number is smaller than the last hump and the stern includes knuckle lines connecting knuckle points provided on the surface of the hull, from a starting point in front of a propeller to an end point behind the propeller. A portion of the stern located inside the knuckle line in the direction of the width of the hull has a dome shape with upward curvature, and the length of the portion which has the dome shape is set to 10% or more of the entire hull length or at least the diameter of the propeller.
US08028635B2
A needle bar supported in a head unit is connected with a needle bar lever extending from the inside of a sewing machine arm and the needle bar is moved up and down by swing of the needle bar lever about a supporting shaft generated by transmission from a sewing machine main shaft. The sewing machine arm and the head unit are fluid-tightly shielded by a shield plate, and a first sealing part is provided in the shield plate. The first sealing part supports the needle bar lever by fitting a portion of the needle bar lever into seal plates held between a presser plate and a back face of a seal support having a curved shape of a circular arc taken along a swinging locus of the needle bar lever. The inside of the sewing machine arm is oil-lubricated, and the inside of the head unit is grease-lubricated.
US08028630B2
A folding-table arrangement includes a supporting device, a table housing accommodating a table top in an essentially vertical stowed position and a table top which can be adjusted from an essentially vertical stowed position in the table housing into an essentially horizontal use position. The table housing is arranged in a height-adjustable manner on the supporting device and, in the use position, the table top has its underside supported on the table housing.
US08028626B2
In making frangible objects, including lead-free bullets and other projectiles, powdered metal primary and powdered ceramic secondary phases are mixed and densified at an elevated temperature such that the ceramic phase forms a brittle network. Any combination of metal and ceramic phases may be used to achieve desired chemical and physical properties. Any appropriate mixing, forming, and/or thermal processing methods and equipment may be used. Degrees of frangibility, strength, and toughness can be adjusted to suit a given application by precursor selection, degree of mixing, relative amounts of metal and ceramic phases, forming method, and thermal and mechanical processing parameters.
US08028617B2
An easily-cleaning multifunctional soybean milk maker comprises a motor, a blade, a head unit, and a container, wherein a lower cover of the head unit being capped on the container, characterized in that a flow guider is securely fastened to the lower cover of the head unit, with the lower part of the flow guider immersed into water and the lower port of the flow guider being open. The blade fastened at the front end of the motor shaft is arranged within the flow guider and extends into water. Guiding holes are provided in the flow guider, and/or guiding channels in communication with the interior of the flow guider are provided on the lower cover of the head unit.
US08028616B2
A beverage maker for brewing a beverage from water and a quantity of particle material includes a water supply structure, a brewing chamber downstream of the water supply structure, and a dispensing channel downstream of the brewing chamber. A bounding member is adjustable for adjusting the operational size of the brewing chamber, and an adjustment structure is provided for adjusting said bounding member. The adjustment structure is adjustable in response to the quantity of particles present in said brewing chamber.
US08028608B2
A torque-limiting fastener driver for driving a bone fastener into bone includes a handle supporting a driver shaft. The driver shaft includes limited components which are designed to provide feedback to a user regarding the applied torsional force. In addition, the driver shaft is designed to controllably fail before any potential uncontrolled failure of the distal driving tip. This prevents application of too much torque and controlled design of the shape and size of the failed components.
US08028606B2
Provided is a tire puncture repair device capable of injecting a puncture sealing agent into a tire stably and speedily. A container is compressed between plate members by placing one of the plate members on the ground and pressing down the other one of the plate members with a foot. Thereby, the puncture sealing agent is discharged from the container and is injected into the tire through an injection tube. Discharge amount control means is attached to the injection tube to level an amount of the puncture sealing agent to be discharged.
US08028601B2
A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a support structure, a take-up unit and a shift positioning mechanism. The support structure has an inner wire fixing part. The take-up unit includes a rotating body mounted on the support structure to rotate about a first axis, and an inner wire routing pulley mounted on the rotating body to move with the rotating body about the first axis and to rotate independently of the rotating body about a second axis that is offset from the first axis of the rotating body. The shift positioning mechanism is operatively coupled to the take-up unit to selectively hold the take-up unit in one of a plurality of shift positions.
US08028599B2
1. Vehicle (10), in particular tracked vehicle (10).2.1 The invention relates to a vehicle (10), in particular a tracked vehicle (10), having a manual controller (40) for controlling driving functions of the vehicle (10) and/or additional functions of the vehicle (10), the manual controller (40) having a base (42) and a handle which can move in relation to the base (44) and is designed such that it can pivot at least about a substantially horizontal pivot axis (44a, 44b) for control purposes.2.2 According to the invention, the handle (44) has a contact zone (46) which is to be held by the inner surface of a hand, the manual controller (40) having at least one touch sensor (50, 52) which is designed to detect that a user is touching the handle (44).
US08028590B2
In the traction apparatus, a control circuit has the following traction control process portions. First, a first traction control process portion winds up the slack portion of a wire by a motor to eliminate the slack of the wire connected to a body to be pulled. Next, a second traction control process portion converts a set traction force that is set by an operation portion to a traction amount to calculate a converted value and, by defining a predetermined amount of a traction amount set based on the converted value as an initial target value, continuously winds up the wire by the motor to that target value. Next, a third traction control process portion detects the traction force that is being applied to the body to be pulled by a load cell, calculates a drive stop time of the motor by defining the set traction force as a final target value on the basis of a detected output of the load cell and drives the drive mechanism, and stops the driving of the motor at a point of reaching the drive stop time.
US08028563B2
A cased hole pressure test tool is used to determine the integrity of cement between two points in a borehole in terms of permeability or transmissibility. The test tool drills at least one probe hole through the casing up to the cement. In one embodiment, two probes are set and the dissipation of a pressure pulse through the cement initiated by the first probe is observed by the second probe. In another embodiment, one probe hole is in hydraulic communication with the borehole fluid and a single offset probe is set in another probe hole. Fluid (water) is then added to the borehole to cause a pressure increase in the borehole fluid. Detection of the pressure increase through the cement by the offset probe is indicative of a loss of hydraulic isolation. Packers may be used to isolate the portion of the borehole under test. A mechanism for generating a pressure pulse of known magnitude is also described.
US08028560B2
Vise pliers with duck bill jaws and a brake attached thereto, having utility as a vise pliers tool and/or as a handheld sheet metal brake.
US08028549B2
A device and method for controlling a drainage pump of a washing machine. The drainage pump is powered by a synchronous motor that is connected to a mains voltage bus by a switch. During one or more stages of a washing program the switch is operated to apply in each half cycle of the mains voltage a delay time from the zero setting of the mains voltage to cause the motor to operate in a cut-wave mode.
US08028546B2
A pick-up device for picking up a tubular knitted article from a circular knitting machine for hosiery and for transferring the article to a unit adapted to perform additional work thereon. The device comprises an annular pick-up body that supports pick-up members that can slide with respect to the pick-up body along radial directions. The pick-up body can be arranged coaxially around the needle cylinder of a circular knitting machine for hosiery so that each one of the pick-up members faces laterally a needle of the machine. The end of each one of the pick-up members that is directed toward the axis of the pick-up body has a seat that can engage a region of the stem of the needle that is arranged proximate to the latch of the needle on the opposite side with respect to the head of the needle. The device comprises actuation elements formed by elastic elements that act on the pick-up members for their sliding toward the axis of the pick-up body and radial pushers that act on the pick-up members for their sliding away from the axis of the pick-up body in contrast with the action of the elastic elements.
US08028544B2
Isopipes (13) for making a glass or a glass-ceramic using a fusion process are provided. The isopipes are made from a silicon nitride refractory material that is: (a) produced in block form in an atmosphere having a pO2 of less than 0.1 using less than 10 weight percent of one or more sintering aids, (b) machined into an isopipe configuration, and (c) exposed to a partial pressure of oxygen equal to or greater than 0.1 for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to form a SiO2 layer (31) which exhibits substantially only a passive oxidation mechanism. The SiO2 layer (31) serves as a protective barrier for further oxidation of the silicon nitride during use of the isopipe (13). The isopipes (13) exhibit less sag during use than isopipes composed of zircon.
US08028534B2
An improved refrigerator is provided with a freeze tolerant valve for the water tank assembly in the refrigerator. The valve includes a body with an internal plastic spool which minimizes the volume of water within the valve, and which provides a space in the valve to accommodate freezing water in the valve. The valve will not crack or fail in the event of a temperature control problem in the refrigerator which results in frozen water within the valve.
US08028530B2
A turbomachine including an annular combustion chamber is disclosed. The combustion chamber includes a radially inner wall and a radially outer wall exhibiting symmetry of revolution. An annular chamber end wall equipped with a fuel injection device connects upstream ends of the inner and outer walls. A suspension device suspends the upstream end of the combustion chamber from an outer casing.
US08028525B2
A multistage exhaust turbocharger is easily mountable in a narrow engine compartment of a vehicle by simplifying its construction and reducing its bulk. The multistage exhaust turbocharger has a high-pressure stage turbocharger and a low-pressure stage turbocharger. A cover of the high-pressure stage turbocharger has a compressor inlet passage, a bypass inlet passage, a switching aperture between the passages to be opened and closed by a valve body of the compressor bypass valve device, and a bypass outlet pipe part connecting to the bypass inlet passage to introduce bypass air passed through the aperture opened by the bypass valve to the compressor bypass channel which is to be connected to the bypass outlet pipe part.
US08028523B2
An arrangement for recirculation of exhaust gases of a supercharged combustion engine in a vehicle. A first EGR cooler effects a first step of cooling the recirculating exhaust gases in the return line by means of a cooling medium in the form of a cooling air flow, and a second EGR cooler effects a second step of cooling the recirculating exhaust gases in the return line by means of a cooling medium which is at substantially the temperature of the surroundings. The first EGR cooler is fitted in an internal region of the vehicle which is adapted to have the cooling air flow passing through it during operation of the combustion engine.
US08028519B2
The invention relates to a method for regenerating an emission control system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a storage catalytic converter, a first exhaust gas probe being situated in an exhaust gas tract upstream of the storage catalytic converter and a second exhaust gas probe being situated in a second exhaust gas tract downstream of the storage catalytic converter. A first output signal of a first exhaust gas probe and a second output signal of a second exhaust gas probe are supplied to an engine management system and the storage catalytic converter is regenerated by being exposed to a reductant in a regeneration phase. If the quantity of reductant is controlled by the engine management system during the regeneration phase, whereby said system detects the quantity of reductant that is present downstream of the storage catalytic converter by means of the second output signal of the second exhaust gas probe situated downstream of said converter, the charging of reductant can be significantly reduced with respect to an optimised dosage. Excess consumption of fuel or reductant as a result of the regeneration of the storage catalytic converter is minimised. In addition, the method improves the emission values, thus significantly contributing to the maintenance of emission limits.
US08028515B2
An engine exhaust controlling device is provided, including a controller for detecting whether or not a request is present for activating a catalyst when the engine is started, and whether or not a fuel pressure meets or exceeds a predetermined pressure. When a request is not present, the engine is operated in a homogeneous combustion mode in which fuel is injected during the intake stroke and ignition occurs before compression top dead center. When a request is present, an intake valve characteristic is adjusted to be larger than when the request is not present. If the fuel pressure is not greater than or equal to the predetermined fuel pressure, the engine is operated in the homogeneous combustion mode, otherwise, the engine is operated in a retarded combustion mode in which the ignition timing is retarded to ignite the fuel-air mixture after compression top dead center.
US08028513B2
An engine for powering a vehicle, such as a military aircraft or a commercial aircraft, is provided. The engine broadly comprises a main core with a plurality of spools with each spool having a plurality of compressor blades and a plurality of turbine blades attached thereto. One of the spools has a first set of fan blades attached thereto. The engine further has a variable bypass turbine fan formed by a second set of fan blades. The second set of fan blades is arranged outboard of the main core. The second set of fan blades may be decoupled from the first set of fan blades.
US08028507B2
Picking arrangement for picking at least one fruit (36) located on an elongate stem (33) of a plant (34), has a holder (3), that can be moved along the ground (9), and having an elongate picking gap (30), which is provided on the holder (3), bounded by lateral edges (31) and through which the stem (33) can be guided. The fruit (36) is separated off along the edges (31) in the process, wherein the picking gap (30) is oriented such that the step (33) can be fed to the picking gap (30) with its longitudinal axis oriented parallel, or essentially parallel, to the longitudinal axis of the picking gap (30).
US08028505B1
A foldable mower includes a telescoping flail conditioning system. The telescoping flail conditioning system includes a first tube having a first set of tines, a second tube having a second set of tines, and a first arrangement of corresponding slots extending through at least a portion of the first tube and configured to permit the second set of tines to extend substantially radially out of the first tube upon at least a portion of the second tube being positioned within the first tube.
US08028503B2
A method and system for ultrasonic sealing of food product packaging is provided. The ultrasonic sealing system preferably includes a food product packaging-positioning system that delivers food product packaging and food product into direct on-item-packaging forming box. The direct on-item-packaging forming box then receives the food product packaging and forms it directly around the supplied food product forming a partially packaged food product. The partially packaged food product is then ultrasonically edge sealed around the food product by an ultrasonic food product packaging fin-sealing unit forming a partially sealed food product packaging. The partially sealed food product packaging then enters a food product packaging end-sealing unit which ultrasonically seals and crimps the ends of the food product packaging resulting in a fully packaged and ultrasonically sealed food product.
US08028501B2
A method of producing a packaged uses an electronic user interface to receive a first image of an object to be packaged, along with information relating to one or more properties of the object. A three dimensional size for the object is determined, and a package is automatically selected. Based on the object properties, a packing material type is automatically determined. Based upon the size and the selected package, a packing material amount is determined.
US08028488B2
A foldable truss having a pair of side frames hinged together by a foldable arm allowing the truss to be collapsed to a smaller width while maintaining the truss length as a constant.
US08028485B2
Module (1) for the production of concrete elements, particularly of concrete semi-finished products or of relatively “thin” in-situ concrete surfaces. The modules includes a plurality of displacement bodies (5, 5′, 5″, 5′″) able to be inserted and arranged adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of displacement bodies (5, 5′, 5″, 5′″) is arranged respectively undetachably in a latticework (2) of bars (3, 3′, 4, 4′, 4″). The displacement body (5, 5′, 5″, 5′″) is formed as a substantially oblate rotation ellipsoid with two at least slightly flattened pole sides (7, 7′, 8, 8′).
US08028478B2
The present invention provides a skylight frame design that is adapted to receive at least two panels of glass. The skylight frame comprises a stepped frame section that includes a lower step surface and an upper step surface. The lower step surface is adapted to receive a first glass panel so that a section of the first glass panel lies flush against the lower step surface. Similarly, the upper step surface is adapted to receive a second glass panel so that the second glass panel lies flush against the upper step surface. The skylight frame design of the invention is either incorporated into a skylight frame that may be attached to a curb unit on a roof or it may be an integral part of a skylight frame-curb assembly that also contains a curb section. In another embodiment of the invention, a skylight frame design which directly incorporates one or more panels of glass during molding is provided.
US08028476B1
A pool leveling system uses a threaded bolt that interacts with a support surface to alter the vertical alignment of the individual wall panels used to construct a modular swimming pool. The threaded bolt is coupled to the wall panels through a mounting bracket attached directly to a flange on the wall panel or indirectly through a frame used to support the wall panels. The mounting bracket is preferably a substantially C-shaped bracket having a hole adapted to receive the threaded bolt. The vertical alignment of the wall panels is adjusted by advancing or retracting the threaded bolt with respect to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and threaded bolt are left in place and encased in concrete when the pool installation is complete.
US08028475B2
A ventilating component for a building, particularly a ventilating soffit, provides a high ratio of ventilation flow area to component coverage area. A sheet in a plane of coverage has a spaced-channel configuration, or alternatively a terraced configuration. Ventilation openings are placed in the connecting webs between the upper and lower levels, especially in sidewalls of elongated channels that open as slots on the exposed side of the soffit. These connecting webs are oriented at an acute angle relative to the coverage plane. In a channel arrangement the webs can be shaped to block direct view of the side walls. The acute angle precludes, or at least foreshortens, a view of the webs that contain the ventilation openings. The ventilation aspects are concealed while permitting a high ratio of flow area to coverage area.
US08028471B2
A wrapper for wrapping an item to form a decorative cover thereabout is disclosed. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion thereof and provides the decorative cover with the appearance of being formed of two separate, unconnected sheets of material.
US08028468B1
A bait station system has a bait station mounted to a base. The bait station has the general shape of a box with a locking hinged lid. The box has side walls with openings so that rodents can enter into the box and gain access to poison bait or a mechanical trap. The base has a lower tray for receiving a weight. The lower tray has a lower surface which may be glued, attached by a screw, bolt, or earth anchor to a planar surface. The bait station is releasably mounted to the base by a locking mechanism which can be unlocked only by gaining access to the interior of the box forming the bait station.
US08028463B2
A fishing pole holder that can be used in specific situations where a folding chair or chair with a intersecting rods or support structure is available, most common situation of a fisherman is that the fisherman is seated in a chair with his tackle box with a fishing pole holder that is staked into the ground to hold the pole and allow the fisherman to do other tasks, such as drinking while the pole remains fixed in a holder of some sort and type. There have been various types of fishing pole holders, This invention is created to simplify the number of things that is normally carried in order to fish, when a folding chair or chair with intersecting rods or support structure is available.
US08028461B2
A switch assembly 16 which is selectively deployed upon a weapon and which normally causes electrical power to be communicated to a visible energy emission assembly 14 from a source of electrical power 90 and which requires positive actions to interrupt such communication.
US08028460B2
Embodiments of the application can include an integrated rail system construction for a firearm with transverse ribs or tabs (e.g., picatinny rail) to include an undercut or slot at a front and/or rear face to cooperate with mounting structure for a detachable accessory. Embodiments of a rail structure can include a channel to pass wires used to power accessories mounted to the rail. Embodiments of the application can include methods for manufacturing an integral rail system.
US08028458B2
A housing for a rifle, comprising a first anchoring for a barrel, a second anchoring for a butt, a guide for a breech that can be locked with the barrel, and a seat for a trigger that interacts with the breech. The housing is subdivided into a lower part and a separate upper part which can be firmly connected thereto. The lower part forms the anchorings for the barrel and the butt and the seat for the trigger and the upper part forms the guide for the breech.
US08028453B2
Apparatus and methods for displaying a card via a decorative figurine, or similar device, equipped with one or more card retention mechanisms. In one embodiment, the retention mechanisms are arranged in a V shape to allow a card placed therein to be retained in a partially open state. In another embodiment, upper projections may be included to provide further stability to the retained card. In some embodiments, the apparatus is in the form of a quadruped, the retention mechanisms are integral to or coupled to the quadruped's legs, and the upper projections are in the form of the quadruped's arms. In another embodiment, a tent-style card is held between upper and lower retention mechanisms. In another embodiment, the card is permanently adhered to the figurine.
US08028444B2
An apparatus for feeding items of laundry to a mangle having loading clamps (27) arranged on conveyors (20) having endless toothed belts (21), the loading clamps (27) being driven in circulation, and if the respective toothed belts (21) are assigned a plurality of the loading clamps (27), the cycle times can be reduced.
US08028430B2
A height measurement apparatus for measuring a height of a workpiece is provided. The height measurement apparatus includes a support member, a level bar and a height gauge. The level bar is installed on the support member and movable along a horizontal direction. The height gauge is installed on the level bar and vertically movable along a vertical direction relative to the level bar. The height gauge comprises a probe for contacting the workpiece, thereby detecting the position of the workpiece.
US08028427B2
A stage for aligning a workpiece relative to analyzing apparatus. The stage has a platform and means for maintaining a workpiece on the platform. The platform is operable to tilt relative to the analyzing apparatus and thereby rotate the workpiece relative to the analyzing apparatus.
US08028425B1
The present invention generally pertains to a saw device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a handheld centerless saw. The saw comprises a frame and a pair of driving rollers mounted to the frame for rotation. The saw also comprises an annular blade mounted between the drive rollers and functionally engaged thereby, where the blade defines frontward and backward hemispheres. At least two guide wheels are mounted to the frame, or to a cover mounted to the frame, the guide wheels being positioned in the backward hemisphere of the blade. The guide wheels are operatively engaging the inner circular edge of the blade. A drive assembly mounted to the frame is operable for urging the countersense rotation of drive rollers, thereby causing rotation of the blade.
US08028424B2
The invention relates to a cutting head for a brush cutter, edge trimmer or similar, the head being of the type including at least a passageway for a cutting string and a locking element of the cutting string. The cutting head is characterized in that the locking elements include at least one ratchet wheel, including a toothed wheel mounted in rotation around an axis in such a manner that said teeth project in the passageway. The ratchet can be arranged in such a way that the toothed wheel can turn in a given direction to allow the introduction of the cutting string in the passageway and cannot turn in the opposite direction, thereby locking the cutting string in the passageway.
US08028417B1
The present invention is directed toward a tool holder for a flexible tube that contains a composition used in connection with the tool. The tool holder has a frame adapted to be secured the sealed end of the flexible tube and a tool portion having a tool such as a razor blade, a brush, a cosmetic scraper blade, a planar scraper blade, a massager head, sandpaper, polishing, and the like.
US08028416B2
The object of this invention is to provide a hybrid composite journal bearing which is constructed so that a composite liner is positioned on an inner surface of a metal housing having a circular cross-section, thus preventing a journal from being broken or damaged or seized to the bearing, due to friction between the metal or composite journal and the journal bearing. The hybrid composite journal bearing (210) includes a metal housing (211) which is secured on an outer surface thereof to a bearing system and has a circular cross-section. A composite liner (212) is laminated to an inner surface of the metal housing (211) with a uniform thickness so as to minimize friction between the journal bearing and a journal.
US08028405B2
A device for fitting printed circuit boards (5) with contact pins (7), comprising at least one insertion device (1) for inserting at least one contact pin (7) into a printed circuit board (5), at least one measuring device (3) for measuring the angle of insertion (θ) between the at least one inserted contact pin (7) and the printed circuit board (5), wherein the measuring device (3) comprises a sensor assembly (9) having at least two sensors (11) arranged at different heights above the printed circuit board (5) in such a way that the contact pins (7) can be detected by the sensors (11). At least one of the sensor assemblies (9) and the printed circuit board (5) are capable of being displaced in a plane parallel to the printed circuit board (5). The angle of insertion (θ), between the contact pin (7) and the printed circuit board (5), is determined using the relative speed between the printed circuit board (5) and the sensor assembly (9) and from the time difference for the sensors (11) to detect the contact pins (7). The measuring device (3) may connect to the insertion device (1) in such a way that a resulting measurement, taken by the measuring device (3), may be transmitted to the insertion device (1), which is capable of readjustment in response to the transmitted resulting measurement.
US08028396B2
A method and mechanism for automatic or manual winding of a stator. A fixed arbor serves to support the stator during the winding process, as well as a wire feed point and wire guide. A mechanism moves the stator in a back and forth motion along the major axis of the arbor. Proper axial position of the wire is maintained by the outer surface of the arbor and the axial slot itself. The arbor has a channel that serves to guide the wire, allowing it exit in each of the two possible longitudinal directions along the major axis of the arbor.
US08028395B2
A method for forming a high flow insufflation needle stylet having distal, intermediate and proximal sections includes providing a flat sheet of metal and forming pilot holes in the sheet proximate opposed edges of the sheet. A profile of a flat pattern of the stylet is formed. The flat pattern has a proximal end, a distal end and a pair of substantially longitudinal edges. At least one support tab is positioned between the flat pattern and the sheet. The intermediate and the proximal sections of the stylet are progressively formed into a partial cylindrical shape with the proximal end being open and the longitudinal edges in the intermediate and proximal sections being positioned between about 90° and 180° apart. The distal section is progressively formed into a substantially cylindrical shape having a closed distal end. The stylet is trimmed from the sheet by cutting the at least one support tab.
US08028394B2
A back surface of an outer case is formed by mutually overlapping left and right back panels. The overlapping edges on the front side and backside of the panels may be bent toward the opposite side at a blunt angle. A joint between the back panels is established in which the overlapping edge of one back panel is pressed against the overlapping edge of the other back panel. Spacers are mounted between the outer and inner case such that the overlapping edges are put in close contact with each other. The bends are deformed in order to prevent leakage from the joint after the injection of foam liquid. Due to the pressure of the foam, both of the overlapping edges are placed in closer contact while deforming the bends to be substantially flat. Consequently, the sealing properties of the joint after the completion of the thermally insulated housing are secured.
US08028379B2
Closure clips and a process for the production of closure clips of strip-form or wire-form material for the closure of tubular or bag-like packagings. In the process, a substantially wave-form profile with successive first and second apex points is stamped along the strip-form or wire-form material, the first apex point forming a clip bottom, flanks respectively adjoining the first apex point on each side thereof form clip limbs that are bent over in a U-shape and the second apex point forms limb ends that are bent over outwardly with respect to the U-shape at which two adjacent closure clips are separably connected. The strip-form or wire-form closure clip material is pierced inwardly with respect to the U-shape so that a raised material portion is formed at the limb inside.
US08028375B2
A slide door is provided to be movable between a closed position to cover a side opening formed at a vehicle-body side face and an open position. The slide door is configured to move outward and subsequently slide rearward along a rear vehicle-body outer face when the slide door moves from the closed position to the open position. There is provided a detection sensor to detect a foreign matter in coming into a gap from a vehicle-compartment inside. A drive of the slide door is stopped in case the detection sensor detects the foreign matter in coming into the gap when the slide door moves toward the open position. Thereby, any foreign matter can be prevented from being pinched in the gap formed between the slide door and the rear edge portion of the side opening.
US08028366B2
A tile and grout cleaning tool that can be turned over to place either a first series of bristle bundles projecting from the head of the tool in position to clean tile surfaces or a second series of bristle bundles spaced from the first series in position to clean the grout between tiles, the second series of bristle bundles comprising bristles that can be pressed into the grout channels and have ends of different lengths that form rough cleaning surfaces.
US08028359B2
A support apparatus (10) for use in supporting a person, particularly a bariatric patient. The apparatus (10) is selectively convertible between a seat configuration for supporting the person in a substantially seated position and a table configuration for supporting the person in a substantially prostrate position. The apparatus (10) is both vertically and angularly adjustable in either configuration. The apparatus (10) includes enhanced lateral support provided by telescoping support cylinders (74,76), and substantially automatically retracting foot support portions (50).
US08028354B2
A spa apparatus includes a chair and a basin supported by a base. The basin is movable in an up/down direction relative to a portion of the base. The chair may include actuators to tilt forward to permit easy entry and exit from the chain. The chair may also move in a fore/aft direction relative to the basin. A pair of foot rests may be located within the basin. A manicure assembly may be located within a cavity in the arm of the chair. The basin may have a narrowed front portion to allow a technician to easily fact the customer. A base may include two support frames that pivot relative to one another proximate an end of the base distal the basin.
US08028347B2
A hand protection structure is provided. The hand protection structure includes a fixing unit, a plurality of finger protection units, a plurality of fingertip members, and a plurality of backbone members. The finger protection units are configured of flat strip shapes. Each of finger protection units has one fingertip member assembled at a distal end thereof, and a fastening piece is configured at the end thereof of the finger protection unit for mounting the finger protection unit to the fixing unit. The hand protection structure can be assembled in a glove. When a hand of the user is impacted by external forces, the finger protection units relieve the external impact to protect the fingers from injury.
US08028346B2
A patient gown for a nursing mother is disclosed, the patient gown includes an outer gown releasably fastened in a front thereof and providing an inner jacket releasably fastened to an interior of the outer gown, the outer gown and inner jacket cooperate to provide coverage of a desired portion of the body of the patient, as well as coverage of a nursing child, as desired.
US08032939B2
A Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) based method for providing wireless vulnerability management for local area computer networks. The method includes providing a security server being hosted by a service provider entity to provide analysis of data associated with wireless vulnerability management for a plurality of local area computer networks of a plurality of customer entities, respectively. The method includes creating a workspace for wireless vulnerability management for a customer entity on the security server and receiving configuration information associated with the workspace. The method also includes supplying one or more sniffers to the customer entity. The method includes receiving at the security server information associated with wireless activity monitored by the one or more sniffers at premises of the customer entity and processing the received information within the workspace for the customer entity using the security server. The method includes metering usage of the workspace for wireless vulnerability management for the customer entity.
US08032912B2
In order to easily download a program obtained from the outside onto a connected device while a device on which a program is to be downloaded is being properly selected, when a second device connected to a first device is controlled by executing a first program inputted to the first device from the outside and a second program prepared beforehand in the first device, the most desirable device is selected as the second device by executing the second program and the first program is executed by using information on the selected device.
US08032910B2
A system comprising first input means for receiving a transport stream from an external source, second input means for receiving an input from a memory, means for connecting the first and second input means to an interface which is arranged to provide an output stream to a decoder. The second input means is arranged to provide an output to the interface in such a form that the interface does not distinguish between the output from the first and second input means.
US08032900B2
A computer system that is configured to conduct communications between a client process and a server process is disclosed. To conduct such communications, an inter-process communication thread is initiated that is separate from a main client inter-process communication thread and operates to establish a connection with a server. A client communication port is created during the establishment of the connection with the server. One or more non-blocking asynchronous communications are transmitted to a server communication port. Responses to the one or more non-blocking asynchronous communications are awaited for receipt by the client communication port.
US08032896B1
A system and method suppresses chattering events in a storage system by determining a suppression level based upon a rate of growth of log files. An event management system of the storage system calculates a histogram and a set of statistics including a mean and standard deviation associated with non-chattering events. A cutoff point is determined for the non-chattering events and is utilized for each received event to determine if the received event is a chattering event. Events determined to be a chattering event are suppressed according to a predefined suppression rate.
US08032890B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for application management. Application management may include managing a context of an executing application such that the application is isolated from contexts of other executing applications. Furthermore, application management may include providing methods for accessing resources for the context of the executing application, the resources to process application tasks, and managing the resources.
US08032888B2
A method for scheduling a thread on a plurality of processors that includes obtaining a first state of a first processor in the plurality of processors and a second state of a second processor in the plurality of processors, wherein the thread is last executed on the first processor, and wherein the first state of the first processor includes the state of a cache of the first processor, obtaining a first estimated instruction rate to execute the thread on the first processor using an estimated instruction rate function and the first state, obtaining a first estimated global throughput for executing the thread on the first processor using the first estimated instruction rate and the second state, obtaining a second estimated global throughput for executing the thread on the second processor using the second state, comparing the first estimated global throughput with the second estimated global throughput to obtain a comparison result, and executing the thread, based on the comparison result, on one selected from a group consisting of the first processor and the second processor, wherein the thread performs an operation on one of the plurality of processors.
US08032875B2
A system and method for profiling a software application may include means for defining a custom cost metric that includes a cost metric identifier and a cost function. The cost function may apply a mathematical formula to data extracted from an event set to calculate a respective cost metric value for each of one or more events in the event set. The data extracted from the event set may include one or more respective profiling object identifiers and one or more other respective costs associated with each of the one or more events. A cost associated with an event in the event space may be associated with a function or basic block of instructions. The cost function may include a distribution formula for attributing at least a portion of the cost associated with a function or basic block to each of the instructions comprising the function or basic block.
US08032871B2
Processor resources are partitioned based on memory usage. A compiler determines the extent to which a process is memory-bound and accordingly divides the process into a number of threads. When a first thread encounters a prolonged instruction, the compiler inserts a conditional branch to a second thread. When the second thread encounters a prolonged instruction, a conditional branch to a third thread is executed. This continues until the last thread conditionally branches back to the first thread. An indirect segmented register file is used so that the “return to” and “branch to” logical registers within each thread are the same (e.g., R1 and R2) for each thread. These logical registers are mapped to hardware registers that store actual addresses. The indirect mapping is altered to bypass completed threads. When the last thread completes it may signal an external process.
US08032865B2
A system and method are provided for field diagnosing system software in a wireless communications device. The method comprises: executing system software; launching a run-time engine; receiving patch manager run time instructions (PMRTI), including dynamic instruction sets and new code sections, in a file system section nonvolatile memory; and, processing dynamic instruction sets to field diagnose the system software. Processing the dynamic instruction sets includes: executing the diagnosis instruction sets with the system software to collect data; analyzing the collected data; and, in response to analyzing the collected data, operating on system data and system software. The method further comprises: following the operating on the system software and system data, executing the system software.
US08032857B2
Methods and systems for generating and verifying circuit layouts from computer-aided design tools for vertically integrated, three-dimensional integrated circuits are disclosed. In one instance, a 3-D technology file of these teachings is obtained by providing an identifier for two or more circuit levels, providing for each one of the two or more circuit levels an identifier for a 2-D technology file corresponding to each of the one or more circuit levels and providing a file structure including the two or more circuit levels and each identifier, corresponding to each one of the one or more circuit levels, for the 2-D technology file corresponding to each one of the two or more circuit levels. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08032846B1
Provisioning resources in public cloud infrastructure to perform at least part of electronic design automation (EDA) tasks on the public cloud infrastructure. Performance metrics of servers in the public cloud infrastructure and performance history of a user's past EDA tasks are maintained to estimate operation parameters such as runtime of a new EDA task. Based on the estimation, a user can provision appropriate types and amounts of resources in the public cloud infrastructure in a cost-efficient manner. Also, a plurality of EDA tasks are assigned to computing resources in a manner that minimizes the overall cost for performing the EDA tasks.
US08032838B2
A system and method of processing a markup language based electronic mail includes identifying in a head section of markup language code any style rules for rendering the markup language based e-mail and sorting the style rules in order of reference in the markup language code, interleaving the style rules for placement in a body section of one or more blocks of markup language code corresponding to one or more sections of the markup language based e-mail, wherein interleaving is based on predetermined rules, and storing the one or more blocks of markup language code including the interleaved style rules as separately downloadable blocks of data corresponding to sections of the markup language based e-mail. The method may also include receiving, at a mobile communication device, a block of markup language code for rendering a section of the markup language based e-mail on a display, identifying in the block of markup language code any style rules interleaved therein for rendering the section of the markup language based e-mail on the display, processing the interleaved style rules identified in the block of markup language code, and rendering the section of the markup language based e-mail on the display based on the processed style rules.
US08032832B2
Technologies are described herein for providing a non-linear presentation canvas. A non-linear presentation canvas is provided. The non-linear presentation canvas is a virtual space onto which multimedia files and hyperlinks can be inserted. A content preview for one or more of the multimedia files and hyperlinks inserted onto the non-linear presentation canvas is displayed. The content preview is selectable to display the corresponding multimedia files and hyperlinks during a presentation.
US08032827B2
A summarization system generates summaries from documents. Text structure tags, in conformance with the Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), are inserted into the documents to generate encoded documents. The text structure tags, when associated with portions of the document, identify text types. A text type, such as an argumentative text type, provides meta-information about the associated portion of text. The documents are also encoded, via document type declaration (“DTD”) in the eXtensible mark-up language (“XML”), to generate a tree structure that depicts the text types and hierarchical relationships among the text types in the tree structure. The summarization system generates a summary of the documents by extracting portions of the document, associated with the text type tags, using the tree structure in accordance with user input. The summarization system may be used to generate summaries from multiple documents.
US08032824B2
A system and methods for comparing two documents comprising graphic elements is described. Attributes of graphic elements amongst the two documents are examined to identify sufficiently similar graphic elements. A merged document can be automatically produced based on the comparison. The merged document advantageously preserves the investment made in modifying a first document during a production phase. A means for viewing the comparison results and overriding the automatically generated merge actions is provided.
US08032819B2
At least two Exclusive-OR (EOR) circuits for carry-out which output carry-out bits and the complementary signals thereof are provided in the 5-3 compressor circuits constituted by an Exclusive-OR (EOR) circuit group, and dual lanes are employed at least for carry-out. As a result, the number of inverters required can be reduced, increases in delay time can be suppressed, and fast addition operation can be achieved.
US08032816B2
An apparatus and method for distinguishing correctable bit errors in memory. A bit error detection module detects a correctable bit error in a memory in response to a READ operation. The correctable bit error is correctable using error-correcting code. The READ operation is generated during normal operation. A comparison module compares an error location indicator with a stored error location indicator. The error location indicator includes a memory location of the correctable bit error. The stored error location indicator corresponds to a previously stored error location indicator of a previous correctable bit error. A storage module stores the error location indicator if the comparison module determines that the error location indicator differs from a stored error location indicator. An error counter module increases an error counter corresponding to the error location indicator if the comparison module determines that the error location indicator matches a stored error location indicator.
US08032815B2
A semiconductor memory device configured to execute a standby operation for saving power during standby, and including a memory cell array including plural memory cells arranged at intersections of bit lines and word lines and storing cell data. A redundant memory cell array shares the bit lines with the memory cell array and includes plural redundant memory cells arranged at intersections of the bit lines and redundant word lines storing redundant data for error correction of cell data stored in the memory cell array. A sense amplifier senses and amplifies the voltage on the bit line to read the cell data or the redundant data from the memory cell array or the redundant memory cell array. A cyclic redundant encoder/decoder, through sequential processing, encodes the cell data to generate the redundant data, or decodes the cell data and the redundant data for error correction of the cell data.
US08032802B2
In a storage device, a bad-sector detecting unit detects a bad sector, and a process determining unit determines whether rescue process is performed for the bad sector. Upon determining to perform the rescue process, the process determining unit controls a damping ratio. A table-updating control unit records various information in an alternating-process control table, and a controller records and reproduces data with respect to a rescue sector based on the alternating-process control table.
US08032794B2
An error processing method processes an error generated on a bus of a CPU, by inputting a bus error that is generated on at least one of an instruction bus and a data bus of the CPU to the CPU by a bus error input part, counting the bus error by a bus error counter part of the CPU, and specifying a region of a memory part that is coupled to the CPU based on a value of the bus error counter part.
US08032793B2
In a method of controlling an information processing system in which an information processing device is connected to each of a plurality of input/output ports provided in a routing device and having a first property or a second property, for conducting data transmission among the information processing devices via the routing device, a step of causing all of the information processing devices to halt data transmission, a step of resetting properties and identification information of the input/output ports with the second properties other than the input/output port with the first property which cannot be used, in the routing device, and a step of causing the information processing devices to restart the data transmission after the reset of the identification information are executed.
US08032792B2
A method for monitoring exception events generated by a software application including operating the software application to generate exception event data responsive to an exception event, monitoring the software application to identify an occurrence of the exception event and to obtain the exception event data, examining the exception event data to determine type of the exception event and processing the exception event data responsive to the type of the exception event.
US08032790B2
A method and computer program product for testing a system logger. Randomized input is provided into a logging facility and automated testing of the logging facility is performed in a multi-processing environment. Self-verification of data retrieved from the logging facility is performed to ensure no data loss occurs due to external system events or failures driven by a test tool. Real-time analysis of results received is performed by the test tool based on the randomized input into the logging facility. First failure data is captured and self-verification of results of a data recovery operation of the logging facility is performed in a disaster recovery scenario. Self-verification includes writing log blocks of random sizes to the log stream, iteratively forcing log data to be offloaded from primary storage to secondary storage, iteratively updating log stream attributes, and iteratively swapping duplexing modes.
US08032787B2
According to some embodiments, power loss recovery information related to an active operation is stored in volatile memory. Upon detection of a power loss condition, the power loss recovery information is copied to non-volatile memory. Upon a return of power, the power loss recovery information is used to complete or correct the interrupted operation.
US08032784B2
A simultaneous failure occurrence degree calculation section calculates a simultaneous failure occurrence degree a value of which becomes smaller with an increase in a difference between numeric values indicative of manufacture date information on a computer which performs a process on the basis of a duplication combination management program. A combination pattern generation section then combines two of a plurality of storage apparatus and generates a plurality of combination patterns. A simultaneous failure occurrence degree adding section then calculates a total of simultaneous failure occurrence degrees corresponding to combinations of storage apparatus for each of the plurality of combination patterns. A duplication combination pattern determination section then determines that a combination pattern for which the total of simultaneous failure occurrence degrees is the smallest is a duplication combination pattern.
US08032780B2
Provided are a virtualization based high availability cluster system and a method for managing failures in a virtualization based high availability cluster system. The high availability cluster system includes a plurality of virtual nodes, and a plurality of physical nodes each including a message generator for generating a message denoting that the virtual nodes are in a normal state and transmitting the generated message to virtual nodes in a same physical node. One of the virtual nodes not included in a first physical node among the plurality of the physical nodes takes over resources related to a service if a failure is generated in one of virtual nodes included in the first physical node.
US08032773B2
A computer system including at least one wake-up unit to sense whether a wake-up event occurs in a standby mode to decrease power consumption, a power supplying unit to supply power to the at least one wake-up unit, and a controlling unit to control a power supplying unit to the at least one wake-up unit in the standby mode according to predetermined setting corresponding to whether the at least one wake-up unit is operable.
US08032763B2
A Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card is disclosed. The PCMCIA card may include a cryptographic module, a communications interface, and a processor. The cryptographic module may perform Type 1 encryption of data received from a computer into which the card is inserted. The cryptographic module may support High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryption (HAIPE). The communications interface may provide connectivity to a network adapter. The communications interface may include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The processor may detect whether a network adapter is coupled to the communications interface, identify a device driver that corresponds to the network adapter, and employ the device driver to provide operative communication between the cryptographic module and the network adapter. The PCMCIA card may contain a datastore that maintains a plurality device drivers. For example, the plurality of device drivers support any one of IEEE 802.x, Ethernet, V.90, or RS-232 network protocols.
US08032762B2
A wireless communications device (110) has a digital section (800) and a radio frequency section (840). The digital section (800) does setup and execution on a set of data in at least first and second threads concurrently in a series of overlapping iterations by dividing the set of data into at least two different subsets and concurrently reading and writing in both subsets. A state machine (1010, 1100) is shared by the setup and execution iterations. Two or more memory units (930, 940) segregate the set of data, the predetermined size of the set of data in the memories (930, 940) combined comprehending the total number of addresses occupied by the set of data utilized in operation of circuitry (910). Dirty bits (1430) are accessible at addresses corresponding to addresses in the memory. A selector circuit (1412) has a selector output selectively coupled to an address line, and to a data line. The selector circuit (1412) responds to a state on a dirty bit line (db) to couple data bits related to the address bits themselves from the address line (1421) to the selector output (1412). Other circuits and methods of manufacture and operation are also disclosed.
US08032760B2
A system for authenticating a physical object includes an enrolment device, an authentication device, and a storage for storing authentication data. The enrolment device includes an input for receiving a property set Y of the object measured using a measurement procedure. A processor is used for creating a property set I from the measured property set Y that meet a predetermined robustness criterion. It then creating a property set A from the property set I that includes less information on the actual properties than property set Y, and finally generates a control value V in dependence on properties of the property set A. An output is used for supplying the control value to the storage as part of the authentication data. The enrolment device operates in an analogous way.
US08032759B2
Signatures for multiple encodings is disclosed. In some embodiments, signatures for multiple encodings includes receiving a first signature of digitally signed data included in a first document having a first document encoding; receiving a second signature of digitally signed data included in the first document having a second document encoding; receiving a third signature of digitally signed data included in a canonicalized version of the first document having a canonical encoding, in which canonicalizing the first document includes providing a different order of data within the first document based on a canonical ordering; selecting a signature from the received first signature, the received second signature, and the received third signature, in which the first signature, the second signature, and the third signature are associated with the first document to provide a digitally signed first document; and verifying the digitally signed data using the selected signature.
US08032751B2
A method is provided to handle an electronic mail message such that the receiver of the e-mail message can verify the integrity of the message. A request is provided from a sender's side to a service. The request includes information regarding the e-mail message. The service processes at least a portion of the request to generate a result. For example, the service may encrypt the portion of the request, according to a public/private key encryption scheme, to generate a digital signature as the result. The service provides the result to the sender's side. At the sender's side, the result is incorporated into the e-mail message and the result-incorporated message is transmitted via an e-mail system. At the receiver's side, the result-incorporated e-mail message is processed to assess the integrity of the received e-mail message.
US08032746B2
A Tamper-Resistant Communication layer (TRC) adapted to mitigate ad hoc network attacks launched by malicious nodes is presented. One embodiment of the invention utilizes TRC, which is a lean communication layer placed between a network layer and the link layer of a network protocol stack. All aspects of the network protocol stack, with the exception of the routing protocol and data packet forwarding mechanism in the network layer, are unchanged. TRC takes charge of certain key functions of a routing protocol in order to minimize network attacks. Additionally, TRC implements highly accurate self-monitoring and reporting functionality that can be used by nodes in the network to detect compromised nodes. TRC of a node controls its ability to communicate with other nodes by providing non-repudiation of communications. The tamper-resistant nature of TRC provides high assurance that it cannot be bypassed or compromised.
US08032736B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for regaining memory consistency after a trap via transactional memory. Transactional memory and a transactional memory log are used to undo changes made to memory from a transaction start point up to the point of a trap event. After the trap event is processed, and the changes are rolled back, the program can resume execution at the beginning of the transaction.
US08032730B2
In exemplary embodiments a storage control unit is able to provide and track priority control among virtual ports created for corresponding physical ports and/or volume groups made up of one or more volumes, and thereby ensure application of priority settings. According to exemplary embodiments, when a virtual port created for a physical port on a first storage control unit is transferred to another physical port, such as in the same storage control unit or on another storage control unit, priority settings on the first physical port and storage control unit are checked and transferred with the virtual port to the other physical port to prevent competition for priority by virtual ports at the destination physical port. Similarly, priority settings assigned to volume groups may also be transferred when a volume group is transferred to another physical port within a storage control unit or to a different storage control unit.
US08032728B2
A digital data reproducing apparatus comprising: a reading unit configured to read digital data stored in a recording medium at a speed higher than a reproduction speed to store the digital data into a first memory; an encoding unit configured to store encoded data obtained by encoding the digital data read by the reading unit into a second memory; a reproducing unit configured to reproduce the digital data stored in the first memory at the reproduction speed; and a transferring unit configured to transfer the encoded data stored in the second memory into a third memory different from the second memory.
US08032721B2
An access control apparatus includes a memory and a command executor executing an access process on a command with the command completion time limit. An address of an inaccessible recording area is stored in the memory. Data attempted to be written on the inaccessible recording area is obtained. The data is stored in association with the address in the memory. An automated alternate processor executes the automated alternate process of the inaccessible recording area in a predefined period of time after the process executed by the command executor is completed. A memory updater deletes the address of the inaccessible recording area whose automated alternate process has succeeded and the data attempted to be written in the recording area at the address.
US08032720B2
A memory access controlling apparatus, for monitoring an access of a memory to generate a target watch signal, includes: at least one monitoring circuit, a setting unit and an output circuit. The monitoring circuit corresponds to an address of the memory and holds an access setting value. The monitoring circuit monitors the access of the memory according to the access setting value to generate an initial watch signal. The setting unit holds a setting value for triggering an exception, which is related to a condition for triggering the exception while the memory is accessed. The output circuit is coupled to the monitoring circuit and the setting unit, and is used for generating the target watch signal according to the initial watch signal and the setting value.
US08032719B2
A method of managing a memory resource is provided for the storage of a plurality of sequentially received data elements, each data element comprising a plurality of data integers, the method comprising prior to storing a received data element, checking if the available storage capacity of the memory resource is less than a predetermined threshold value and in response to the available storage capacity being less than the predetermined threshold value, deleting at least one data integer from at least one of the data elements stored in the memory resource.
US08032717B2
A data storage control apparatus and method for reduction of traffic of an interconnect occurring in the timing of a cache miss within a CPU. The apparatus and method are realized by utilizing, as a response to the read request from the CPU, data tags DTAGs used for management of data registered to the cache memory within the CPU under the control of a local node and a retention tag used for holding secondary data indicating that the object data is not held in the cache memory of any CPU of a local node.
US08032710B1
A method and system of ensuring coherency of a sequence of instructions to be executed by a processor having a trace unit and an execution unit includes grouping at least a portion of the sequence of instructions to form at least one trace where a status of the at least one trace is set to a verified status when the at least one trace is formed; holding in the at least one trace a coherency component that includes a pointer to a physical address of the at least one trace; receiving, based on the coherency component, the pointer to the physical address as associated with an invalidating event, and in response thereto, setting the status of the at least one trace to be an unverified status; and preventing the at least one trace from being executed when the status of the at least one trace is the unverified status.
US08032702B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture wherein configuration information for a first plurality of storage devices is sent to be stored on at least one removable storage media of a removable storage media library. Data corresponding to the first plurality of storage devices is sent to be stored in the removable storage media library. A first plurality of storage devices is replaced by a second plurality of storage devices. The second plurality of storage devices is configured from the configuration information stored in the at least one removable storage media of the removable storage media library, in response to replacing the first plurality of storage devices. The stored data is copied from the removable storage media library to the second plurality of storage devices, in response to configuring the second plurality of storage devices.
US08032699B2
Systems and methods of monitoring logical block address (LBA) activity are disclosed. In an embodiment, a pattern of a data storage device may be monitored. An LBA may be detected that is accessed based on the pattern. The LBA may be added to a list of LBAs stored in a memory.
US08032698B2
A method of controlling a hybrid HDD to permanently deactivate a non-volatile cache support mode by determining whether a limit in the use of a non-volatile cache is passed, and a recording medium and apparatus suitable for the control method. The control method of a hybrid hard disk drive having a hard disk and a non-volatile cache includes determining whether an erasure number of the non-volatile cache exceeds a usage limit based on the erasure number of the non-volatile cache, and permanently deactivating a non-volatile cache support mode when the erasure number of the non-volatile cache is determined to exceed the usage limit.
US08032693B2
A serial in random out memory circuit has a number of memory cells integrated with write control circuitry for writing a sequence of data inputs to sequential locations in the memory cells. Read control circuitry is integrated to receive address signals from an external device and provide a random access read output from the memory cells, mapped into an address range of the external device. Compared to circuits using discrete components and conventional RAM chips, the integrated SIRO can enable some of the circuitry or external software to be dispensed with and so reduce costs or increase performance. The memory cells can be arranged in a number of blocks, selectable one at a time for mapping to the external device address range.
US08032688B2
In one embodiment of the invention, a memory integrated circuit is provided including an address decoder to selectively access memory cells within a memory array; a mode register with bit storage circuits to store an enable bit and at least one sub-channel select bit; and control logic. The control logic is coupled to a plurality of address signal lines, the address decoder, and the mode register. In response to the enable bit and the at least one sub-channel select bit, the control logic selects one or more of the address signal lines to capture independent address information to support independent sub-channel memory accesses into the memory array. The control logic couples the independent address information into the address decoder.
US08032685B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a data modifying bus buffer generally includes a switch that is configured to selectively couple a first databus to a second databus. The switch is controlled by a buffer controller. The first databus and a second databus have a similar predetermined protocol. The buffer controller is operable to monitor the first databus for the presence of a particular sequence of the signals such that, when the particular sequence of the signals is found, the first switch may be selectively opened or closed.
US08032678B2
Masters request access to a shared resource, such as a shared bus. Usage of the shared bus by each of the masters is monitored, a request to use the shared bus by one of the masters is received, and usage of the shared bus by the master is compared with a corresponding bandwidth threshold. The request is arbitrated if the usage of the shared bus by the master is below the bandwidth threshold, and the request to use the shared bus is granted to the master based on the arbitration.
US08032675B2
A method, computer program product, system (including a circuit card), and integrated circuit for initializing a buffer pool, such that the buffer pool includes a plurality of data buffers available for use during a plurality of I/O transfers. In response to the initiation of a first I/O transfer concerning a first data portion being transferred from a first data source to a first data target, the first data portion is written to a first portion of the plurality of data buffers. The first data portion is transferred to the first data target, and the first portion of the plurality of data buffers is released back to the buffer pool for use during one or more subsequent I/O transfers.
US08032673B2
A PIO transaction unit includes an input buffer, a response buffer, and a control unit. The input buffer may receive and store PIO write operations sent by one or more transactons sources. Each PIO write operation may include a source identifier that identifies the transaction source. The response buffer may store response operations corresponding to respective PIO write operations that are to be transmitted to the transaction source identified by the identifier. The control unit may store a particular response operation corresponding to the given PIO write operation in the response buffer prior to the given PIO write operation being sent from the input buffer. The control unit may store the particular response operation within the response buffer if the given PIO write operation is bufferable and there is no non-bufferable PIO write operation having a same source identifier stored in the input buffer.
US08032669B2
A universal DMA (Direct Memory Access) engine can be dynamically configured to function in either a receive or transmit mode. DMAs are logically assembled and bound as needed, without limitation to a fixed, pre-determined number of receive engines and transmit engines. Because a DMA engine may be dynamically assembled to support the flow of data in either direction, varied usage models are enabled, and components used to assemble a receive DMA engine for one application may be subsequently used to assemble a transmit engine for a different application. An application may request a specific number of each type of engine, depending on the nature of its input/output traffic. The number of receive or transmit engines can be dynamically increased or decreased without suspending or rebooting the host. A universal DMA architecture provides a unified software framework, thereby decreasing the complexity of the software and the hardware gate count cost.
US08032667B2
Connection of a USB memory (storage device) to a USB port (data transmitting and receiving unit) is detected and the date and time of detection of this connection is stored. Using this detection of connection as trigger, a camera is caused to pick up an image of an area embracing a user positioned in a position where the user can operate a user interface. Picked-up image data outputted from the camera is stored together with shooting date and time.
US08032658B2
Techniques and modes of operation for using network interfaces in a single or multi-CPU environment are disclosed. The techniques provide a virtual “vertical perimeter” framework suitable for processing data through multiple network interfaces assigned to a single CPU. In this framework, techniques for installing and servicing a plurality of network interfaces with a single CPU utilizing virtual vertical perimeters and sub-queues is disclosed. A computer system including at least one CPU and more network interfaces than CPU's is disclosed. At least two of the interfaces are assigned to an associated CPU. The computer system includes an operating system with plurality of sub-queues and an associated sub-queue controller. The sub-queues are associated with at least two network interfaces assigned to the CPU. The sub-queue controller is configured for coordinating the generation and operation of the sub-queues thereby to facilitating message traffic through the at least two network interfaces.
US08032654B2
A system for data exchange in multiprocessor computer system is disclosed. The system includes at least one processing module adapted to communicate with at least one of a plurality of routing modules or a plurality of buffer modules or both and at least one communicating interfaces to facilitate data exchange in multiprocessor computer system.
US08032653B1
In one aspect the invention provides a method for allocating bandwidth in a network appliance where the network appliance includes a plurality of guaranteed bandwidth buckets used to evaluate when to pass traffic through the network appliance. The method includes providing a shared bandwidth bucket associated with a plurality of the guaranteed bandwidth buckets, allocating bandwidth to the shared bandwidth bucket based on the underutilization of bandwidth in the plurality of guaranteed bandwidth buckets and sharing excess bandwidth developed from the underutilization of the guaranteed bandwidth allocated to the individual guaranteed bandwidth buckets. The step of sharing includes borrowing bandwidth from the shared bandwidth bucket by a respective guaranteed bandwidth bucket to allow traffic to pass immediately through the network appliance.
US08032650B2
A media server comprises a plurality of nodes each comprising a gateway, each gateway providing memory and communication of data between mass storage and I/O ports of a node, and/or providing communication of data between the node and other nodes. Each node utilizes one or more central processors. The media server comprises logic to enable the processors to manage the streaming of data from the mass storage to the I/O ports via the gateways without communicating the data between the processors and any of the mass storage, I/O ports, or gateways.
US08032647B2
A device management method using a broadcast channel which is capable of simultaneously initializing services provided to a plurality of terminals, varying set values of the plurality of terminals, or upgrading part of software, the method comprising: receiving bootstrap information including data (content) for connecting to a typical device management server; receiving information related to a terminal provisioning server from the typical device management server, and receiving a device management message via a session of the terminal provisioning server, so as to implement a reliable device management method.
US08032642B2
A network arrangement that employs a cache having copies distributed among a plurality of different locations. The cache stores state information for a session with any of the server devices so that it is accessible to at least one other server device. Using this arrangement, when a client device switches from a connection with a first server device to a connection with a second server device, the second server device can retrieve state information from the cache corresponding to the session between the client device and the first server device. The second server device can then use the retrieved state information to accept a session with the client device.
US08032632B2
A Domain Name System (DNS) service provider may be engaged to host DNS service for a domain. Before providing service for a domain, the service provider may wish to verify that the entity that set up the service is the owner, or authorized controller, of the domain. The service provider gives the entity some information, such as a particular pair of name servers, and instructs the entity to have the domain registrar put the information into the name server (NS) record(s) for the domain. The service provider then queries NS for the domain and compares the NS record(s) returned with the information provided to the entity. If the NS records match the information given to the entity, then the service provider concludes that the entity has control over the domain, and uses the DNS records provided by the entity to provide service.
US08032631B2
Terminals are connected to an IM server and a registration Web server through a network. The terminals allow an information storage device to store personal information through the registration Web server. Also, the IM server allows the information storage device to store buddy lists of the terminals, the buddy lists showing relationship among the terminals. When one of the terminals requests obtaining personal information of the user of another terminal, the IM server determines the disclosure level of the requesting terminal based on the buddy list, selects items to be provided from personal information based on the disclosure level, and transmits the selected items to the terminal which has requested the personal information. The present invention can be applied to an IM system.
US08032623B2
An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method, system, and storage medium for providing context-based dynamic policy assignment in a distributed processing environment. The system includes a first resource management host in communication with a client system, an application executable by the first resource management host, a dynamic policy assignment system executing on the first resource management host, policies stored on the first resource management host and an application profile associated with the client system. The application profile is received by the first resource management host. Application hosting services include executing the application on behalf of the client system. The dynamic policy assignment system receives the request, and based upon a task name associated with the application profile, selects at least one policy for an application instance. The dynamic policy assignment system further associates the policy to the application, and the host system executes the application.
US08032619B2
Methods and apparatus implementing techniques for providing network environment information. In one implementation, a environment information server includes: a server controller; a network connection connected to said server controller; an environment information database connected to said server controller for storing data for one or more network environments; and a request handler connected to said server controller for processing requests received through said network connection; wherein said request handler exchanges data with said environment information database in the course of processing a received request.
US08032613B2
A system in which a AV data stored in an AV server is previewed by a plurality of edit terminals includes a recording apparatus which is connected to those edit terminals and which is capable of higher speed access than a recording element in the AV server, and a first processing element which makes a request to transfer AV data from the AV server to the recording apparatus and a second processing element which previews AV data from the recording apparatus are provided for each of the edit terminals. Accordingly, a material stored in the AV server can be previewed by the plurality of edit terminals simultaneously in parallel without being limited to the number of the input and output ports of the AV server, and the waiting time becomes short when the edit terminal previews the material stored in the AV server.
US08032610B2
The present invention discloses a scalable high-speed cache system in a storage network. It gives a solution to the bottleneck problem that the speed of seeking on the hard disk is slow, and realizes the high speed respondence to the input/output of the server. The present invention includes a high-speed cache system in a storage network which is constituted with at least one high-speed cache module which is connected to the network, a storage network manager constitutes with at least one storage network management module. The said storage network management module is constituted with hardware platform unit and software platform unit. The said hardware platform unit uses an embedded system platform or a server platform. The said high-speed cache system in a storage network is managed by the storage network manager, and it can be shared by the server and the disk storage system which is connected to the storage network.
US08032602B2
A conveyed set of recipient email messages can be identified. An event triggering the conveyed set of email message to be prioritized relative to each other can be detected. Responsive to the detected event, a priority score for each of the emails in the conveyed set can be determined based upon recipient specific criteria. The recipient specific criteria can be based upon recipient behavior regarding a set of previous email messages. The priority score can be calculated base upon prioritizing factors determined from patterns discovered in the recipient behavior regarding the set of previous email messages. At least one programmatic action can be performed based upon the determined priority scores of the email messages.
US08032596B2
A system for managing the download of e-mail messages is disclosed. The system has an e-mail host holding e-mail messages for download to a recipient's e-mail client. Prior to downloading the messages, the e-mail client uses a message manager to evaluate the characteristics of the communication connection between the e-mail client and it's e-mail host server. Also, the evaluation of the communication connection may be continued while the download is proceeding. Responsive to the evaluation, a message rule is defined or selected according to the characteristics of the communication connection. The selected message rule is applied for downloading the e-mail messages. More particularly, the message rule selects messages for download, formats those messages, and provides for download limitations. The appropriately selected, formatted, and limited e-mail messages are then transmitted to the e-mail client.
US08032589B2
Methods and systems for resuming, transferring or copying an IMS session associated with a first terminal or user at a second terminal in e.g., a same household are described. If a session is to be transferred, resource reservations associated with establishing a second IMS session for the transfer can be bypassed by informing the IMS system, either explicitly or implicitly, of the relationship between the terminals involved in the transfer. A controller can select a content server to support the resumed session and coordinate session identities associated with the selection.
US08032588B2
A method for hosting one or more versions of a service using a service proxy includes specifying an interface definition of a service which defines and uniquely identifies an interface version for the service, and an implementation definition of the service which uniquely identifies an implementation version for the service; generating one or more service proxies each representing an interface version of a service; providing a proxy configuration that contains entries for a plurality of service implementation versions, wherein each proxy utilizes the proxy configuration to access a certain one or more of the implementation versions which share the same or a compatible interface version of a service, and wherein the proxy configuration contains attributes that include information about each of the implementation versions; and wherein the proxy dynamically selects one of the implementation versions in the proxy configuration to route one or more client service requests to based on the attributes.
US08032587B2
The Asynchronous Aggregator shifts the burden of retrieving and aggregating asynchronous responses by replacing asynchronous requests in an original request thread with placcholders with a unique identifier, creating new threads for each asynchronous request, writing a script to request the asynchronous request output, and returning the original request and the script to the client. Each of the new threads run independently and when completed, place the output in the server store. The script then requests each output from the server store as the output becomes available to fill the placeholders.
US08032578B2
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using distributed queues in an overlay network. Embodiments of the invention can be used to replicate queue state (e.g., inserted and/or deleted messages) within an overlay network and can be used to continue a process at a different node within the overlay network based on replicated queue state. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention can be used to increase the availability of queue state, compensate for node failures within an overlay network, and promote replication of consistent queue state between nodes within an overlay network.
US08032576B2
A fast Fourier transform circuit includes a computation component, an extraction component and a setting component. The extraction component, at each step of the computation, extracts, from computation result data points calculated by the computation component, data in a pre-specified range with a number of bits the same as a predetermined number of bits, which is an effective range for a butterfly computations. The setting component sets the data points of the predetermined number of bits which have been extracted by the extraction component to serve as input data when butterfly computations of a next step are to be performed by the computation component.
US08032575B2
A digital signal processing apparatus including: an arithmetic circuit that performs first digital signal processing on an input signal SA sampled at a first sampling frequency f1 and second digital signal processing on a result of the first digital signal processing; a timing control circuit that controls and causes the arithmetic circuit to perform the first and second digital signal processing; and a control circuit that monitors in real-time at least one of an amount of data subjected to the second digital signal processing and an amount of data to be transmitted by the input signal SA, and which controls the timing control circuit when the monitored data amount reaches a predetermined value.
US08032567B2
According to some embodiments, demonstration data is received via a front-end application associated with a business information enterprise system. The demonstration data may then be interpreted in accordance with at least one rule to generate business data. A query may be received at a back-end application associated with the business information enterprise system. At least a portion of the business data may then be presented in accordance with the received query.
US08032564B2
A system and method for monitoring and analyzing Internet traffic is provided that is efficient, completely automated, and fast enough to handle the busiest websites on the Internet, processing data many times faster than existing systems. The system and method of the present invention processes data by reading log files produced by web servers, or by interfacing with the web server in real time, processing the data as it occurs. The system and method of the present invention can be applied to one website or thousands of websites, whether they reside on one server or multiple servers. The multi-site and sub-reporting capabilities of the system and method of the present invention makes it applicable to servers containing thousands of websites and entire on-line communities. In one embodiment, the system and method of the present invention includes e-commerce analysis and reporting functionality, in which data from standard traffic logs is received and merged with data from e-commerce systems. The system and method of the present invention can produce reports showing detailed “return on investment” information, including identifying which banner ads, referrals, domains, etc. are producing specific dollars.
US08032546B2
A transformation-based record matching technique. The technique provides a flexible way to account for synonyms and more general forms of string equivalences when performing record matching by taking as explicit input user-defined transformation rules (such as, for example, the fact that “Robert” and “Bob” that are synonymous). The input string and user-defined transformation rules are used to generate a larger set of strings which are used when performing record matching. Both the input string and data elements in a database can be transformed using the user-defined transformation rules in order to generate a larger set of potential record matches. These potential record matches can then be subjected to a threshold test in order to determine one or more best matches. Additionally, signature-based similarity functions are used to improve the computational efficiency of the technique.
US08032544B2
A method includes receiving a request for information from a relational database, translating the received request to at least one of an object and a relational persistent query, parsing the query to determine one or more of table names, attributes and attribute types, and generating at least one set of related files. The parsing results are used to update at least one configuration file to accept the related files for use by at least one of the object and the relational persistent query service, and execute at least one of the persistent query services based on the translated queries, wherein the persistent query services are programmed to receive the translated query. Based on the execution of the translated query, the results are either fetched from at least one of the object cache or retrieved from at least one of the database, stored, and the results are transmitted to the user.
US08032540B1
A user interface engine may be created that uses a descriptive language to describe the user interface fields, the corresponding device properties, and other layout attributes. This information may be stored in description file. The user interface engine may then read in this description file, render the user interface, and generate device property value payload. Then the payload may be deployed to target devices. This allows a network management application to be modified without requiring user interface code or data structure classes to be written or changed.
US08032533B1
With conventional print and electronic tools, researching statutory material is difficult and time-consuming. So, to facilitate this type of research, the present inventors devised systems, methods, and software that promise to improve the ability of researchers to find, verify, read, and/or interpret statutory information. One exemplary system provides options for users to access statutory information by citation, by table of contents, by index, and/or by popular name; presents specific statutory information in combination with visual indicators, such as red or yellow flags, that indicate the validity or status of the information; and provides requested statutory information in context of links to related information, such as tables of contents, other versions of a statute, case law, scholarly materials, legislative history, cross-referenced statutes, and administrative-law materials.
US08032532B2
A method and system for querying multifaceted information. An inverted index is constructed to include unique indexed tokens associated with posting lists of one or more documents. An indexed token is either a facet token included in a document as an annotation or a path prefix of the facet token. The annotation indicates a path within a tree structure representing a facet that includes the document. The tree structure includes nodes representing categories of documents. A query is received that includes constraints on documents. The constraints are associated with indexed tokens and corresponding posting lists. An execution of the query includes identifying the corresponding posting lists by utilizing the constraints and the inverted index and intersecting the posting lists to obtain a query result.
US08032531B2
A system is provided for specifying arbitrary nodes and identifying a section between them on a system diagram of a distribution system. It comprises a system diagram information management portion for managing information on each of nodes and spans constituting the system diagram and ID information given to each of the nodes, an input portion for receiving an input specifying the nodes, a search portion for creating a search condition using the ID information based on the node specification and searching the span between the specified nodes so as to identify the section constituted by the searched span, and an output portion for display-outputting the system diagram visually indicating the section identified by the search portion.
US08032528B2
A system and method may include assigning a review request to a queue based on a content subject matter category of content, the review request requesting review of the content, and generating a notification message indicating that the review request is pending in the queue. The system and method may further include providing access to the content via a network for review, processing a response message to the notification message, and determining whether to publish the content based on the response message.
US08032525B2
A semantic query may refer to a logical rule, where the rule is defined in terms of constituent expressions. In order to execute the semantic query efficiently, occurrences of the rule may be expanded by replacing the rule with its constituent expressions. Expansion may be performed repeatedly, until only grounded expressions remain. Expressions are grounded when they refer to tables or views that are represented in an underlying database. Once the rule has been reduced to grounded expressions, the semantic query processor may formulate a relational query in terms of the grounded expressions. If the relational query takes into account the various grounded expressions to which the rule reduces, then the portion of the semantic query that refers to the rule may be processed without an excessive number of round trips to the relational database.
US08032520B2
A system, method and article for handling ambiguous joins among a plurality of tables based on a query are disclosed. Metadata associated with the plurality tables is generated. The metadata comprises ambiguous join dimensions and special measures, where the ambiguous join dimensions provide a list of all dimensions used in conditions of the query that are ambiguous, and the special measures provide a list of measures that are affected by the ambiguous join dimensions. Data is aggregated in the plurality of tables according to an aggregation level expressed in the query and based on the metadata.
US08032514B2
An apparatus and method optimize a query in a computer database system having a DISTINCT specifier. An SQL SELECT statement with a DISTINCT specifier is analyzed to determine if the expression can be optimized, and if so, the SELECT statement is reformulated to improve system performance. In preferred embodiments, the query optimizer eliminates the DISTINCT specifier in the outer select statement to reformulate the query. In other preferred embodiments, a query optimizer reformulates the query before being sent to the database manager to optimize the query to improve system performance.
US08032509B2
Systems and methods for storing and accessing data. A query language statement may reference a plurality of data sets and a plurality of algebraic relations between the data sets may be composed from the query language statement. The algebraic relations may be used to define new data sets and to optimize access to data sets. A store of algebraic relations may be accumulated over time. Alternative collections of algebraic relations may be generated and evaluated to determine an optimized collection of algebraic relations to use in calculating and providing a requested data set. The optimization may be performed using the algebraic relations rather than retrieving underlying data sets from storage. As a result, optimization may be performed at processor speeds to minimize the amount of time required for data to be retrieved from slower storage.
US08032504B2
A mechanism is disclosed for enabling new task types to be added to a management server without changing the source code of the management server. To add a new task type, a descriptor file is provided. This descriptor file specifies all of the particulars of the new task type. Any mechanisms referred to in the descriptor file are also provided. At startup time, the management server processes the descriptor file and forms associations between the various aspects of the task type with the mechanisms that are responsible for implementing those various aspects. At runtime, these associations are used to manage the definition and execution of tasks of that task type. By doing so, the management server enables new task types to be added, and enables task instances of the new task types to be defined and executed, without changing the source code of the management server.
US08032502B2
A system and method for actively validating a network device is provided. Nodes in a network game community are prompted to engage in interrogation and response to facilitate the identification of nodes operating with hacked, modified and non-typical game configurations. In one embodiment, a query is presented to a user's machine which triggers a response, and where the response indicates whether certain data at the user is valid and wherein invalid data is suggestive of illegal community behavior. Functions are triggered and data is queried to determine whether the state of game environment is operating according to known metrics or constraints. Various queries to test user integrity include memory peeks, confirmation of location of functions in memory, memory hashing, profiling of threads operating on the user machine, and combinations thereof. Queries may be actively initiated by a server, peer, peer group or combinations thereof and may be scheduled on a routine basis, triggered in response to passive listening, and via collaborating users who suspect cheat activity.
US08032501B2
Embodiments of the present invention can comprise systems and methods for managing filesystems and can provide a programmable filesystem with active rules and policies, an n-tier network filesystem, stack mounting, a union filesystem with write-through semantics, a filesystem middleware with selective delegation, a filesystem with a statistical warehouse and/or other management functionality.
US08032500B2
A method involving enqueuing, according to a policy associated with an offering, a document in a queue for delivery to a first document endpoint; transmitting the document to the first document endpoint; retaining a copy of the document and marking the copy to indicate transmission of the document; and upon receipt of an indication, unmarking the copy of the document using the processor; and transmitting the copy to a second document endpoint.
US08032499B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for compression of tables based on occurrence of values. In general, a number representing an amount of occurrences of a frequently occurring value in a group of adjacent rows of a column is generated, a vector representing whether the frequently occurring value exists in a row of the column is generated, and the number and the vector are stored to enable searches of the data represented by the number and the vector. The vector may omit a portion representing the group of adjacent rows. The values may be dictionary-based compression values representing business data such as business objects. The compression may be performed in-memory, in parallel, to improve memory utilization, network bandwidth consumption, and processing performance.
US08032496B2
Disclosed are algorithms, mechanisms, processes, mechanisms, and systems to implement a query upon past versions. In one approach, the version query can be defined as either “rowid”-based access or non-rowid based access. With rowid based access, a given rowid is used to identify the data for which past versions are desired. Also disclosed is a mechanism, system, interface, and process to allow specification of a new table decoration clause to obtain one or more past version of one or more data items. The version query provides for a direct interface to get multiple versions of the row(s). In addition, information about the past versions can be retrieved and displayed along with the past versions.
US08032489B2
The present invention generally relates to log message processing such that events can be detected and alarms can be generated. For example, log messages are generated by a variety of network platforms (e.g., Windows servers, Linux servers, UNIX servers, databases, workstations, etc.). Often, relatively large numbers of logs are generated from these platforms in different formats. A log manager described herein collects such log data using various protocols (e.g., Syslog, SNMP, SMTP, etc.) to determine events. That is, the log manager may communicate with the network platforms using appropriate protocols to collect log messages therefrom. The log manager may then determine events (e.g., unauthorized access, logins, etc.) from the log data and transfer the events to an event manager. The event manager may analyze the events and determine whether alarms should be generated therefrom.
US08032484B2
A method and system are disclosed for modeling a relational database. The method comprises the steps of defining a set of data tables to accommodate any number of levels of a business hierarchy and using these tables as a generic data model to handle various levels of requirements of the business hierarchy. This set of tables include a first control table, a second table containing hierarchy nodes in a flattened format, a third table storing unique hierarchy node names, and a fourth table describing the hierarchy nodes in one or more languages. For example, this business hierarchy may be a commodity hierarchy, a geography hierarchy and a client organization hierarchy. Also, in the preferred embodiment, no new tables are needed when a new hierarchy is introduced, and the generic data model supports different numbers of reporting levels from one hierarchy to the next hierarchy.
US08032479B2
A string matching system comprises a state transition table generator for generating a state transition table based on a matching condition described in a regular expression, and an automaton for including a state that makes a transition according to the state transition table generated by the state transition table generator; if, in the state transition table generated based on the matching condition, there exists no next transition destination state with respect to a current-state and input-characters tuple, the automaton makes a transition to the initial state without proceeding to read input characters.Furthermore, the string matching system comprises a state transition table generator for generating a state transition table based on matching conditions described in a regular expression, and an automaton that makes a transition according to the state transition table generated by the state transition table generator; if no next-transition destination state with respect to a current-state and input-character tuple exists in the state transition table generated based on the matching condition, then the state transition table generator determines an exclusion character based on which the automaton make a transition to a predetermined state without proceeding to read input characters, to generate a state transition table.
US08032474B2
Systems, methods and articles solve queries or database problems through the use of graphs. An association graph may be formed based on a query graph and a database graph. The association graph may be solved for a clique, providing the results to a query or problem and/or an indication of a level of responsiveness of the results. Thus, unlimited relaxation of constraint may be achieved. Analog processors such as quantum processors may be used to solve for the clique.
US08032469B2
Methods, systems and computer-readable media for finding similarities between visual objects by evaluating user interactions with a collection of visual objects are provided. Using a neural network, human interactions with a collection of visual objects are evaluated to ascertain relationships or connections between visual objects. The relationship between visual objects indicates that the visual objects are similar. Once relationships between visual objects are identified, a user may select one or more visual objects and receive suggested visual objects that are similar to the one or more visual objects selected by the user.
US08032458B2
The present invention provides methods and systems for processing bills electronically. Generally, a bill is created for a customer using billing information and master data from a biller and master data from a customer. Billing information is received from the biller by a first processing module having access to the master data of the biller. The first processing module generates a bill using the billing information and the master data of the biller. A second processing module having access to the master data of the customer provides customer data to the first processing module. The bill is transformed into a format specified in the master data of the customer by the first processing module if the format of the generated bill is not the format specified in the master data of the customer. The generated or transformed bill is transferred to the second processing module by the first processing module.
US08032456B1
A computer-implemented method, system and program product for managing funds for a plurality of broker dealers, the method comprising: maintaining or having maintained a separate account for each of a plurality of customers of a plurality of broker dealers; receiving by a self clearing broker dealer deposit sweep data; maintaining a plurality of FDIC-insured and interest-bearing aggregated accounts, with aggregated accounts held at a plurality of different program banks, with at least one of the aggregated accounts at one of the program banks holding funds of a plurality of broker dealers; accessing an aggregated account electronic database, containing information on funds of each of a plurality of the customers in the plurality of aggregated deposit accounts; accessing an accounting electronic database, containing information on one or more accounting parameters to be applied when performing accounting functions relating to funds of a plurality of the customers of a plurality of the broker dealers; plus additional aspects.
US08032454B2
A system and method for verifying the value of goods on a supplier invoice comprises inputting a first value (import declaration value) and second value (payment invoice value) of imported goods in a computer system, and comparing the values. Next, a user is alerted if the values are unequal, or a payment is made if the values are equal. Then, the process is repeated for subsequent invoices. The values are compared for every occurrence, or alternatively, it occurs selectively. The method further comprises selecting a statistical sample of invoices having the first value greater than a predetermined amount. Alternatively, the method comprises selecting a statistical random sample from all invoices in the system, and identifying an amount of occurrences of unequal values, attributed to a common supplier. Then, all invoices of the common supplier are selected if the amount of occurrences exceeds a predetermined amount, and the user is alerted.
US08032435B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for enabling a validated money transfer between a sending and a receiving person via a sending and a receiving financial institution, where a request to a validation agent for validation of a money transfer replaces normal time consuming cross border security checks. The validation agent, being unaffiliated with the sending financial institution and the receiving financial institution, administers a data base comprising validated transfer agreements, which agreements specifies at least the identity of a sending person and of a receiving person. A validation of a transfer is executed at the validation agent by comparing current transfer data with information specified in the validated transfer agreements.
US08032429B2
A method, identification tag, data signal, and service for asset management are disclosed. Identification data may be retrieved from an identification tag. The identification data may include a first data element comprising a global routing prefix and a second data element comprising an asset identifier. Based on the global routing prefix, a uniform resource locator may be determined for a selected asset lookup service. Based on the determined uniform resource locator, the received asset identifier may be sent to the asset lookup service.
US08032428B2
A universal gift registry providing a partial payment option for gift givers and a mandatory and contingent gift substitution for gift recipients. The gift recipient registers any type of gift idea from any store or establishment, for any occasion with an associated gift amount in the registry. The registrant is able to name their own gift price by selecting a gift amount not necessarily the same as the retail cost of the gift idea. The gift recipient also indicates whether they will accept a contingent substitute of gift or cash if the system is unable to provide the gift idea at the gift amount. The recipient can also select mandatory substitution of gift or cash. A gift giver is also able to select a gift idea and make a partial contribution toward purchase of the gift idea.
US08032423B2
In one embodiment, a method effectuated over an online ordering system for customized golf bags, comprising: prompting a consumer with one or more options for one or more components of the golf bag that are customizable through an online website; receiving selections made by the consumer for the one or more options for the one or more components through the online website; packaging the selected one or more components of the golf bag as a kit; and distributing the consumer to the consumer for final assembly of the golf bag. In one embodiment, a final assembly of the golf bag by the consumer is substantially completed using manual and tool-less techniques. The options for the one or more components comprises at least one of: a color of a golf bag body, a color of a cuff, a color of a collar, a color of a top portion.
US08032420B2
The invention provides a method and apparatus for allowing a user to sample and order a product using an interactive ordering system. The ordering system includes a vending station to allow a user to sample a quantity of the product, an ordering station in close proximity to the vending station to allow the user to purchase a related product, and a delivery station to delivery the purchased product to the user.
US08032417B2
A method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed in a computer system for tracking inventory values. Multiple physical storage locations, within a plant, are defined where inventory items can be stored. An indication that an inventory item is being physically moved from a first storage location to a second storage location is received. In response to the receipt of the indication, a financial value of the inventory item is determined and an indication is provided that the financial value was transferred from the first physical storage location to the second physical storage location, wherein the financial value of the inventory item is tracked as the inventory item is physically moved within the plant.
US08032416B2
A method for separating an event-driven application in an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a smart-card, and the application resident in the smart-card may be separated in at least two modules: a central module and one or more complementary modules. The method includes managing the interaction between the modules by a framework of the smart-card, and generating new set of events by the framework at the end of execution of the central module. In this manner, the central module can be developed early in production and in any set of programming languages. It can access any card resources and even in an architecture dependent way.
US08032412B2
An apparatus for and method of transacting business over a network, such as the Internet. The technique is applicable to a number of e-commerce applications, but the low transaction cost permits its use with microsales involving micropayments of less than one U.S. dollar. An Internet user requests a purchase from a content provider via the user's Internet Service Provider. The Internet service provider records the transaction in a transaction log. The content provider records the transaction in an invoice log. At the end of a billing cycle, a transaction reconciler performs a reconciliation of all transaction logs from all Internet service providers with all invoice logs from all content providers. After correction of any errors found, each Internet service provider is billed by the transaction reconciler for all purchases made by its subscribing users during the purchase period. The payments are collected by the transaction reconciler and paid over to the content providers on the basis of the reconciled invoice logs.
US08032411B2
A group advertisement method in a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) based message service, and a PT client device are discussed. According to an embodiment, the method includes receiving, by a PT server, a request to send a group advertisement message for a specific PT group from a requesting PT client; determining, by the PT server, if the specific PT group is a restricted chat group or a pre-arranged group; determining, by the PT server, if the requesting PT client is allowed to send a group advertisement based on a PT group document associated with the specific PT group; and selectively transmitting, by the PT server, the group advertisement message to at least one member of the specific PT group based on results of the determining steps.
US08032409B1
A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for interacting with a client user in a network-based environment during installation management in order to enhance visibility. A user is identified and information about the user is collected, wherein the information relates to the installation of a service. A profile of the user is built based on the collected information and a plurality of different contents are managed. The profile and the contents are analyzed in order to match attributes of the profile of the user and attributes of the contents. The contents which have attributes that match the attributes of the profile of the user are then selected and delivered to the user. The user is allowed to manually select which of the delivered contents are depicted on a display. The user is also allowed to selectively position the delivered contents on the display.
US08032407B2
This application describes an application of resource unit brokering algorithms, chip management methods for automated brokering, chip management methods for live brokering, and chip allocation methods to the brokering of scalability characteristics of service level management within an enterprise. Typically, the scalability characteristics are derived from known capacity values that are provided by configuration managers. Calculations are made on the capacity values and maximum quantities of the availability resource units are provided to resource brokers for spot or periodic sale and auction to one or more buyer's agents.
US08032406B2
A computer-implemented method involves modeling of product decisions in a retail store. The product decision variables are profit, assortment, placement, promotion, and inventory. Various rules and constraints such as facing elasticity, shelf replenishment costs, shelf space, carrying costs, facing capacity, slotting fees, and cannibalization are defined for multiple product decision variables. An objective function utilizes the rules and constraints for the multiple product decision variables. The objective function model is resolved by uses nested loops to solve for a first variable, and then using the first variable to solve for a second variable. Each decision variable in the objective function is controllable by externally determined multipliers. The objective function simultaneously models each of the multiple product decision variables by iteratively resolving the objective function into values which optimize sales, revenue, and profit for the retail store. The model is output in graphic format.
US08032402B2
Electronically creating an itinerary schedule in a calendar program. A geographic indicator and a calendar date are acquired and coordinated with each other to define an itinerary entry. The itinerary entry is included into a calendar program maintained by the machine. The step of acquiring the geographic indicator further comprises the step of updating a counter upon each selection of a geographic indicator. Another method electronically populates a calendar program with an event using an itinerary entry. Optionally, health care providers from within a geographic indicator are included in the itinerary entry. A geographic indicator and calendar date are obtained from an itinerary entry, and additional search criteria are input. A search of a database is executed to identify candidates matching the geographic indicator and search criteria. Candidate matches are assigned to a time slot, and each time slot is populated into the calendar program on the calendar date.
US08032401B2
A system and method to calculate a mode of procurement of at least one asset is provided. The system comprises a tracking element operable to generate a signal representative of a location of the at least one asset, and a controller in communication with the at least one tracking element. The controller includes a processor operable to execute program instructions representative of the acts of measuring a utilization of the at least one asset having a unique identifier over at least one time interval, calculating a projected need of the at least one asset over a predetermined future time interval dependent on the utilization of the at least one asset, calculating a mode of procurement of the projected need of the at least one asset dependent on the projected need of the at least one asset, and displaying the mode of procurement to the user.
US08032398B1
An interactive computer assisted method compiles comprehensive health care information on patients in a central repository, assesses and analyzes this information, and identifies high utilizers of health care services using a computer and a user associated therewith. The method includes the steps of creating a central repository of various databases containing patient information, including demographic information and behavior, and optionally the results of a core survey of health status questions. The invention optionally involves the step of determining the appropriate core questions and the criteria to determine whether and when to ask certain questions of particular patients based on their response to prior questions. The invention accurately predicts risk of a medical condition or progression of a medical condition utilizing an interactive administration of a set of core survey questions combined with diagnostic data and places patients efficiently, reliably, and accurately into the appropriate treatment intervention programs. The invention eliminates redundant, repetitive surveying of patients with multiple medical conditions.
US08032397B2
A system and method for prescription therapy management and compliance are provided. The system framework integrates primary databases from pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), health plans, and EHR providers with a secondary database system, user interface, and wireless messaging platform, in order to extract and aggregate user-specific prescription data and make it available to users through a personalized account and as a part of a wireless prescription reminder service. The system helps users access, aggregate, manage, update, automate, and schedule the prescriptions they are currently taking. Users receive real-time wireless prescription dosing reminders based on their prescribed drug, dosage, and other indications, tailored to each individual's daily schedule. These wireless dosing reminders (i) include additional instructional content such as pill images, compliance tools, and Web or WAP drug links, (ii) are automatically scheduled and transmitted based on the user's prescription source data, in conjunction with selections indicated on their personal account, and (iii) are transmitted via SMS, EMS, MMS, WAP, email, and other formats to the user's mobile phone, PDA, or other wireless device. The integrated interface and secondary database system enable a number of additional system features which focus on compliance and management of the underlying source prescription data.
US08032390B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, to manage context information of events. Data characterizing an event is received, a data structure is generated, and an event resolution procedure that is to be initiated is determined (e.g., based on the data characterizing the event and one or more associated business processes being identified). The event may be defined in a business process (e.g., a computer-implemented business), for example, as a business activity. The relevance of the event to one or more business processes may be computed (e.g., to determine if the event relates to a business process such that action for a business process may be required) such that relevant business processes are identified. The data structure may be generated in response to receipt of the data (e.g., after the identification of the event or at about the same time).
US08032383B1
A speech service, including a speech-to-text engine and a text-to-speech engine, creates and maintains user profiles at a central location accessible over the Internet. A user connects to a software application over a mobile telephone and delivers a voice command. The speech service transcribes the voice command into a text command for the software application. The software application performs a service desired by the user and delivers a text result to the speech service that is converted into a speech result that is delivered to the user. A user speaks to a hardware device to perform a function. The hardware device sends the speech to the speech service over the Internet that transcribes the speech into a text command that is sent over the Internet to a device service provider. The device service provider maps the text command into a device command that is then sent back over the Internet to the hardware device to perform the function. A remote hardware device can be controlled using the software application.
US08032378B2
Methods and systems for providing a network-accessible text-to-speech synthesis service are provided. The service accepts content as input. After extracting textual content from the input content, the service transforms the content into a format suitable for high-quality speech synthesis. Additionally, the service produces audible advertisements, which are combined with the synthesized speech. The audible advertisements themselves can be generated from textual advertisement content.
US08032373B2
A system and method for enabling two computer systems to communicate over an audio communications channel, such as a voice telephony connection. Such a system includes a software application that enables a user's computer to call, interrogate, download, and manage a voicemail account stored on a telephone company's computer, without human intervention. A voicemail retrieved from the telephone company's computer can be stored in a digital format on the user's computer. In such a format, the voicemail can be readily archived, or even distributed throughout a network, such as the Internet, in a digital form, such as an email attachment. Preferably a computationally efficient audio recognition algorithm is employed by the user's computer to respond to and navigate the automated audio menu of the telephone company's computer.
US08032368B2
In one embodiment, a channel in a frame of the audio signal is subdivided into a plurality of blocks according to a subdivision hierarchy. The subdivision hierarchy has more than one level, and each level being associated with a different block length. At least two of the blocks have different lengths. An optimum prediction order is determined for each block based on a maximum permitted prediction order and a length of the block, where a prediction order is the number of linear prediction coefficients. The optimum prediction order is selected as a minimum one of the global prediction order and the local prediction order. The global prediction order is determined based on the maximum permitted prediction order, and the local prediction order is determined based on the length of the block.
US08032366B2
To increase channel capacity, mobile phone carriers have deployed speech coders, such as Advanced MultiBand Excitation coding (AMBE), in networks to reduce the bit rate of each call. One undesired consequence of employing such speech coders is that the voice quality can be much worse as compared to higher bit-rate speech coders. A method or corresponding apparatus in an example embodiment of the present invention performs voice quality enhancement transparently within a network by detecting use of a coder applying rate reduction to a speech signal and known to have an adverse effect on a coded speech signal. Upon detection of the use of such coder, the coded speech signal is corrected based on components introduced into the coded speech signal due to the rate reduction. As a result of applying the voice quality enhancement, adverse effects of speech coders can be reduced, while maintaining high quality voice signals.
US08032360B2
A system and method for high-quality variable speed playback of audio-visual (A/V) media is provided. The system receives an encoded visual signal and an encoded audio signal. The encoded visual signal is decoded to generate a decoded visual signal and the encoded audio signal is decoded to generate a decoded audio signal. The decoded audio signal is time scale modified to generate a time scale modified audio signal. The decoded visual signal and the time scale modified audio signal are then synchronized for playback at a predefined playback speed. Only partial decoding of the encoded audio signal may be performed to conserve processing power.
US08032354B2
A method and system for communicating between two independent software components of the WINDOWS® SIDESHOW™ device are disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method, which includes the steps of independently queuing an incoming packet from a second software component via an emulated serial transport in a first software component before parsing and responding to the incoming packet and independently queuing an outgoing packet in the first software component before transmitting the outgoing packet to the second software component also via the emulated serial transport.
US08032351B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to the running of a virtual machine directly from a physical machine using snapshots of the physical machine. In one example, a computer system performs a method for running a virtual machine directly from a physical machine using snapshots of the physical machine. A snapshot component takes a snapshot of the physical system volume while the physical system volume is in an operational state. The virtual machine initializes using the physical system volume snapshot thereby allowing the physical system volume snapshot to be a virtual system volume snapshot representing an initial state of a virtual system volume. The physical system volume snapshot includes instances of all the files within the physical system volume at the time the snapshot was taken.
US08032348B2
A method, system and computer readable medium for facilitating a process performed by a semiconductor processing tool. The method includes inputting data relating to a process performed by the semiconductor processing tool and inputting a first principles physical model relating to the semiconductor processing tool. First principles simulation is then performed using the input data and the physical model to provide a first principles simulation result, and the first principles simulation result is used to facilitate the process performed by the semiconductor processing tool.
US08032346B1
The present invention provides an apparatus, system, method and computer program and computer program product for analyzing cellular samples. One embodiment of the apparatus and method provides a multiparameter assay that provides information with respect to cell proliferation, cell cycling and cell death. The multiparameter assay is particularly useful for assessing and screening candidate compounds for anti-cancer utility.
US08032343B2
A method of weld design for a work piece is provided. The work piece may be a unitary piece or a multi-component piece. The method includes determining a manufacturing feasible region of the work piece satisfying one or more predetermined manufacturing requirements including accessibility of welding components. The method includes determining a performance feasibility function satisfying one or more predetermined performance factors as applied in a performance simulation of the work piece. The workpiece may have a varying number of welds. An optimized weld design may be determined by minimizing an objective function, defined as a summation of the number of welds and the performance feasibility function, within the manufacturing feasible region. The optimized weld design is configured to have a minimum number of welds, and concurrently satisfy the predetermined manufacturing requirements and the performance factors.
US08032341B2
A system for detecting abnormal operation of at least a portion of a process plant includes a composite model for modeling at least the portion of the process plant. The model may be configurable to include multiple regression models corresponding to multiple different operating regions of the portion of the process plant. A new model may be generated from two or more of the regression models, and the composite model may be revised to replace the two or more regression models with the new model. The system may also include a deviation detector configured to determine if the actual operation of the portion of the process plant deviates significantly from the operation predicted by the composite model. If there is a significant deviation, this may indicate an abnormal operation.
US08032338B2
A computer-implemented method for the design of a power supply is disclosed. Multiple lists of power supply design variables are provided. The method includes simulating a first power supply design in response to power supply design variables selected from these multiple lists of variables. The method then calculates a score of the first power supply design and determines whether the score is better than the score of any power supply design included in a set of power supply designs. If so, the method replaces a power supply design having a worst score from the set of power supply designs with the first power supply design.
US08032334B2
A system for identifying a subset of sensors to sample to reduce the frequency of sensor access. The system determines rise times and records values for the sensors in the system. A time criticality of the sensors is determined based on the rise times. The system processes the sensors by first creating sensor subsets based on one or more constraints on the sensors. The system monitors the values of the sensors in a sensor subset and flags a sensor when it makes a determination that, prior to a next scheduled sampling of the sensor subset, the value of a sensor in the monitored sensor subset will exceed a threshold constraint. The system moves those flagged sensors to a second sensor subset which complies with the sensor's constraints.
US08032323B2
An apparatus and method measure a temperature of a temperature sensing element having a temperature dependent resistance based on a ratio of discharge times of a capacitor through a reference resistance and through the combination of the reference resistance in parallel with the temperature sensing element is disclosed. A reference discharge time is determined by measuring the discharge time of the capacitor from a first voltage to a second voltage through a reference resistance. A temperature evaluation discharge time is determined by measuring the time to discharge the capacitor from the first voltage to the second voltage through the reference resistance in parallel with the temperature sensing element. The ratio of the temperature evaluation discharge time to the reference discharge time is used to determine the temperature and produce a digital representation of the temperature.
US08032312B1
An Inductive Probe/Conductive Probe Emulator is designed to replace conductive probes at a much lower cost than existing inductive probe systems. The conductivity probe simulator is usable with any industrial controller that uses a standard two wire conductivity probe interface. A continuously variable semiconductor resistive element is employed to match the conductivity of any conductive probe. The system uses the inductive probe reading to adjust the resistive element to the correct value. The conductivity probe simulator can be configured to emulate any conductivity probe with any probe constant by downloading configuration parameters to the probe controller or by setting configuration switches on the controller module. Additionally, the inventive probe simulator is equipped with an embedded temperature sensing element, giving the system a capability to perform a temperature correction in the controller section, if necessary.
US08032311B2
A method for characterizing a desired property of a fluid downhole is described. In some non-limiting examples, the method comprises receiving an input signal representing sound speed of a fluid downhole, processing the input signal using a correlation equation expressing the desired property in terms of at least sound speed to produce an output signal representing the desired property, and outputting the output signal. In some examples, the correlation equation is derived through a chemometric analysis of a training data set, the training data set comprises a plurality of input values and a plurality of output values derived from said input values, between the desired fluid property and the first measured property, and the output values are calculated from the input values using a series of correlation equations. In at least one example, the desired property is gas oil ratio. In another example, the desired property is gas brine ratio. In a further example, the series of correlation equations comprises the Batzle and Wang relations. In another example, the receiving comprises receiving a plurality of input signals representing a plurality of measured properties of a fluid downhole and the processing comprises processing the plurality of input signals using the correlation equation expressing the desired property in terms of the plurality of measured properties.
US08032299B2
The present invention belongs to the field of positioning applications, particularly those requiring or benefiting from the use of geographic information and needing a high service or integrity guarantee, such as positioning by means of a satellite navigation system for users and ground vehicles circulating through a network of streets and highways for example. The invention can be used both for critical safety applications and for those entailing legal or contractual responsibilities.
US08032298B2
A method and apparatus for a navigation system achieves a smooth and, intuitive scrolling operation by checking available resources such as a computational power of the navigation system and map data stored in a video memory to determine an optimum scrolling operation and to dynamically adjust a scroll speed and a scale factor to move an image on a monitor screen to a specified location. The method includes the steps of: receiving a scroll signal from an input device for scrolling an image on the monitor screen, checking a current condition of the navigation system related to the scroll operation, and conducting the scroll operation while adjusting the scroll speed and scale factor of the image based on the current condition.
US08032296B2
An approach is provided for providing a first-person perspective video mapping service. Information corresponding to a geographic area is received from a subscriber of the mapping service over a network. One or more first-person perspective videos of at least a portion of the geographic area are retrieved based on the information. A first-person perspective video map is generated using the retrieved first-person perspective video(s) and is transmitted to the subscriber over the network.
US08032291B2
A method for detection of emissions levels during extended engine speed controlled operation is provided. The method includes monitoring mass airflow passing through the engine while operating the engine. The method further includes adjusting mass airflow responsive to engine speed to maintain a desired engine speed. The method further includes shutting down the engine when engine mass airflow becomes higher than a predetermined mass airflow threshold.
US08032289B2
On the occasion of a cutoff of fuel supply to an engine in an accelerator-off state, the invention expands a throttle opening over a specific throttle opening set in the state of idling of the engine at the reference rotation speed. On resumption of fuel injection to the engine, the invention reduces the throttle opening to the specific throttle opening set in the state of idling of the engine at the reference rotation speed. Under no control of lowering the rotation speed of the engine by a motor or under the condition of low vehicle speed with control of lowering the rotation speed of the engine by the motor, the invention resumes fuel injection to the engine resumed with setting of a smaller correction amount to a fuel increase correction amount.
US08032272B2
A method of determining the rotary, rotationally immobile or mobile, state of a vehicle wheel, according to which the signal delivered by an active motion sensor fitted to the wheel is analyzed instantly according to a procedure consists, firstly, at time t1, in connecting the motion sensor to an analog circuit including at least one capacitor and interposed between the motion sensor and a first input of an electronic comparison element, so as to store in the capacitor reference value V1 representing the value of the signal at t1. Thereafter, the motion sensor is connected to a second input of the comparison element, to compare V1 with a value V2 representing the value of the signal at time t2, and to deliver a diagnostic signal representing either a rotationally immobile state of the wheel when V1=V2, or a rotationally mobile state of the wheel when V1≠V2.
US08032271B2
A boat is capable of preventing shocks on gears in meshing engagement with each other and an abrupt movement thereof when a remote control shift lever is quickly rotated to reverse from a cruising mode. A control microcomputer is arranged to control the operation of a shift actuator based on the displacement of a remote control shift lever for remotely switching between forward, neutral, and reverse positions. The control microcomputer has a shift detector arranged to detect whether a shift operation from the neutral position to the forward position or the reverse position was made based on a signal from a lever position sensor arranged to detect the position of the remote control shift lever; and a switch control which does not drive a shift motor when a shift operation from the neutral position to the forward position or the reverse position is detected by the shift detector and the engine rotational speed detected by the engine rotational speed sensor is higher than a prescribed value, and drives the shift motor and controls a shift operating device to start shifting when the engine rotational speed decreases to a value equal to or smaller than the prescribed value.
US08032270B2
Methods and systems for handling aircraft control information are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a display medium coupleable to a flight manager, with the flight manager configured to receive and direct instructions for automatically controlling aircraft functions at a future time during flight of the aircraft. The system can further include a display controller coupled to the display medium to present at least one operator activatable element at the display medium and update information presented at the display medium when the operator activates the operator activatable element. For example, the operator activatable element can include an icon presented at a computer display screen, and can be activated by a keystroke.
US08032269B2
A flight control system which detects a failure of a flight control surface and performs at least one action in response to the detected failure.
US08032264B2
Heads-up display systems for vehicles which generate a virtual display in a field of view of an occupant of the vehicle when facing outward of the vehicle. A control system is coupled to the heads-up display system and detects an action by the occupant, e.g., touching of a touch pad, and controls the content of the virtual display being generated by the heads-up display system based on the detected action. The touch pad may include a surface acoustical wave (SAW) device whereby touching causes a particular returned signal from the SAW substrate, with this particular returned signal being processable into an activation of the manner in which the touch pad was touched.
US08032261B1
A cooling system includes a fan unit having a terminal receiving a signal representative of a commanded fan speed and a terminal for receiving a signal representative of actual fan speed. A system controller is responsive to temperature and the actual fan speed, for producing control signals for fan to adjust fan speed in accordance with the temperature and the actual fan speed, for producing the control signals in one of a plurality of different predetermined two-wire communication protocols. The system includes a fan controller and a two-line communication bus coupling the control signals between the system controller and the fan controller. The fan controller detects the one of the plurality of predetermined two-wire communication protocols on the two-wire communication bus and provides, in accordance with such detection, one terminal of the fan unit with the commanded fan speed and transmits the signal representative of the actual fan speed to the system controller via the communication bus.
US08032260B2
A method and system for a power distribution system are provided. The method includes determining at a central controller normal mode configuration settings for a plurality of circuit breakers of the power distribution system and determining at the central controller alternate mode configuration settings for the plurality of circuit breakers of the power distribution system. The method further includes controlling with the central controller the operation of the plurality of circuit breakers based on the normal mode configuration settings and the alternate mode configuration settings.
US08032252B2
An automated small items dispensing apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a networked, programmable, automatic medication items dispensing apparatus for use by individual patients who are enrolled in a medication protocol or medication therapy regimen. The device is located separate from the patient's health care provider's facility, such as in the patient's home.
US08032243B2
A system for handling a dependency between two product segments of a process modeling a production system within a manufacturing execution system (MES) includes a network and a production modeler. The network has data processing units running a MES software for controlling and/or monitoring a production process operating a production components. The production modeler within the MES software defines the dependency between the two product segments, and allows modeling the dependency in a graphical environment as a link between the two product segments. The link is selected from a tool box having link types, each defining one of predetermined dependencies, such as: the two product segments run in parallel, one of the product segments starts after end of the other product segment, one of the product segments starts with a predetermined delay after the other product segment has been started, both two product segments use an identical equipment.
US08032231B1
Methods, systems, and devices to reduce power demands substantially for current deep brain stimulation DBS using smart technology type applications. The invention uses miniaturized components that allow integration with the implanted probe(s) themselves, and includes a skull-sited housing having all the controls and battery power supply needed. This avoids implanting obtrusive card-deck size batteries in the chest area and the use of vulnerable wire leads under the skin from the chest area to connect with the implanted electrode(s) on the skull, improving comfort. The Generating of non-continuous pulses on demand of conditions such as the occurrence of a tremor occurs, without having to continuously run pulses at all times, substantially increasing life spans over current techniques. Shaped electrodes and their methods further reduce power demands and efficacy by directing electric fields to focus towards specific areas and regions of the brain rather than inefficient 360-degree emission.
US08032221B2
This application discusses, among other things, an implantable medical device including a setscrew that enables lead tip visibility as an indicator of full lead insertion without requiring a grommet. In an example, the implantable medical device header is provided with a lead bore and a setscrew bore with the setscrew bore having a longitudinal axis that extends in a transverse direction to, and in communication with, the lead bore. In one example, the setscrew bore intersects with the lead bore at a location that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the lead bore.
US08032211B2
The present invention relates to probes, systems, and methods for tissue characterization by its dielectric properties, wherein a physical feature of the probe is designed to define and delimit a tissue volume, at a tissue edge, where characterization takes place. Thus, the probe for tissue-edge characterization comprises: a first inner conductor, which comprises: proximal and distal ends, with respect to a tissue edge, along an x-axis; a first sharp edge, inherently associated with the proximal end; at least one feature, issuing from the first inner conductor, substantially at the proximal end, for forming at least one additional sharp edge, operative to enhance localized electrical fringe fields in the tissue, within a generally predefined tissue volume, at the tissue edge, the tissue volume being generally defined by physical parameters associated with the at least one feature; and a dielectric material, which encloses the conductor, in the y-z planes.
US08032210B2
A system for detecting and analyzing electrical activity in the anatomy of an organism underlying an electromyographic (EMG) sensor device provides signals corresponding to electrical activity adjacent each electrode of sensor device. A method using the system may comprise determining EMG data for a patient using the EMG sensor device. The method may further include determining whether the determined EMG data for the patient corresponds to predetermined EMG data associated with at least one of a facet condition, a disc condition, and a muscle condition.
US08032209B2
Described herein is a non-invasive determination of locations of neural activity in a brain. In particular, methods and systems have been developed that utilize a FINES algorithm for use in three-dimensional (3-D) dipole source localization to locate neural activity in a brain.
US08032205B2
Transillumination uses light to image tissues and organs, specifically the veins within the tissue. Strong ambient light hinders the imaging of veins and often, transillumination must be done in a dark or dim room. To enhance the capabilities of a transilluminator, a light shield is placed over the viewing area of the transilluminator so that turning off or dimming of ambient light is not necessary. For pediatric care, a frustroconical adapter attached to the bottom of the transilluminator. The adapter reduces the size of the viewing area.
US08032200B2
The invention relates to methods and systems to optically analyze samples such as tissue based on speckle patterns of microscopic motion, such as Brownian motion.
US08032186B2
A mobile communication terminal and method of connecting a call thereof are discussed. The mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment includes a wireless communication unit configured to receive a call, a display unit configured to display that the call is received and to output an image for selecting either a first item or a second item, if the call is received by the wireless communication unit, an input unit having a key for selecting either the first or second item, and a control unit configured to connect the received call if the first item is selected and to control the display unit to output an image for displaying that the call is received if the second is selected, when the upper body is closed against the lower body. Accordingly, a call is connected or a message is transceived even if the terminal is in the closed status.
US08032182B2
A communication system includes a phone and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). The phone includes a user input interface, a first wireless transceiver and a first application program interface. The SIM is plugged into the phone and includes storage, a second wireless transceiver, and a second application program interface. The phone uses a service-subscriber key stored in the storage of the SIM to access a plurality of services provided by a wireless network using the first transceiver according to a first communication protocol. The first application program interface, in response to a user selection via the user input interface, interacts with the second application program interface. The phone communicates with a node using the second wireless transceiver according to a second communication protocol by way of the interaction between the first application program interface and the second application program interface.
US08032181B2
Systems and methods for activating a mobile device for use with a service provider are described. In one exemplary method, a mobile device having a currently inserted SIM card may be prepared for activation using a signing process in which an activation server generates a signed activation ticket encoded with SIM policy data that corresponds to the combination of the device and one of a number of SIM cards belonging to a set of SIM cards defined by the SIM policy data. The activation ticket is securely stored on the mobile device. In another exemplary method the mobile device may be activated in an activation process in which the device verifies an activation ticket against information specific to the device and SIM card in accordance with the SIM policy in the activation ticket, and initiates activation when the verification of the activation ticket is successful.
US08032173B2
A method for providing a wireless network connection between a device and a wireless network includes storing data related to wireless service providers. The method includes selecting at least one of the wireless service providers based on information related to at least one of services subscribed to by the device and characteristics of a selected wireless service provider. The method includes establishing the wireless network connection between the device and the selected wireless service provider.
US08032170B2
The method of present invention is used for addressing a broadcast message in a trunking system, in which said trunking communication system includes a base station and mobile stations. This method includes the following steps: adding a new index of trunking broadcast time slots, with all the mobile stations that support boundless capacity group call service monitoring these trunking broadcast time slots; the base station transmitting the paging message of the boundless capacity group call in the trunking broadcast time slot; and using the group identification as the broadcast address, allowing addressing to the group identification and not a single mobile station. The method of present invention efficiently solves the problem of paging channel capacity limitations of the boundless capacity group call service supported by CDMA trunking telecommunication systems, and greatly shortens the time of group call connection.
US08032160B2
A method, system, and machine-readable medium for transmitting a downlink signal in a substantially non directional manner from a communication station to a first remote communication device on a downlink channel. The communication station includes a smart antenna system having an array of antenna elements. The method includes determining a first downlink smart antenna processing strategy for transmitting in a first non-directional manner, transmitting a first downlink message from the communication station in the first non-directional manner using the first downlink smart antenna processing strategy, and repeating transmitting the first downlink message from the communication station in a second non-directional manner. The repeated transmitting is non-identical repetition to facilitate the interference environment being different in the repetition.
US08032158B2
Method of transmitting paging information for a wireless communications system and related apparatus
A method of transmitting paging information for a network terminal of a wireless communications system including initiating a dedicated paging procedure to transmit dedicated paging information to a user equipment using a high speed downlink operation in a CELL_PCH state. The high speed downlink operation includes reception of a high speed downlink shared channel.
US08032157B2
A method includes receiving location area-related information, associating the location area-related information with a neighbor cell information to determine if a cell belongs to a forbidden location area, and avoiding selection of the cell if the cell is determined to belong to the forbidden location area. Embodiments described include a UE, network element, computer program product, and integrated circuit.
US08032156B2
A device, method and system are provide which permits the methodology used to make the position determination to change dynamically in connection with achieving a position fix of a desired accuracy.
US08032145B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate restrictive reuse resource set management with equal grade of service on forward link transmission. User throughput over a resource reuse set can be estimated, and an iterative method can be employed to reallocate users with poor spectral efficiency to reuse sets exhibiting high throughput to optimize overall throughput in a wireless network or a portion thereof.
US08032138B2
Devices and methods for placing a call from a mobile device on one of a plurality of communication lines accessible at the mobile device are disclosed herein. After the initiation of a call at the mobile device is detected, an audio prompt is output to the user requesting a line selection. In at least one embodiment, the audio prompt is a voice prompt. After receiving user input identifying the line selection, a selected communication line is identified and the call is placed on the selected communication line. In at least one embodiment, the user input received is voice input.
US08032137B1
A method of registration in a telecommunications system by a mobile station, which system includes a home location register for maintaining subscriber data and supports a first network, such as GSM, and a second network, such as GPRS. The home location register maintains the mobile subscriber data and a message is sent to the home location register for requesting the mobile subscriber data. The home location register maintains an access parameter which indicates whether the mobile subscriber is entitled to use the first network, the second network or both networks. In response to said message for requesting the subscriber data, the home location register sends the mobile subscriber data and also the access parameter. The network element that requested the mobile subscriber data uses said access parameter for restricting the access of the mobile subscriber only to a circuit-switched network and/or to a packet-switched network.
US08032127B2
A receiver (FIG. 2) receives IP session announcement signals from a terrestrial digital video broadcasting system. Each IP session announcement (RM) includes information concerning announcements on an immediately lower level as well as information identifying the quantity of announcement data, such as the number of announcement messages, and a timeout value. The quantity data tells the receiver how many messages X1 to X3 it needs to receive (C) before it has received all the relevant announcement messages. The timeout value informs the receiver how long it can wait before again receiving the messages X1 to X3 (which may have changed in content by then). After initially receiving the messages X1 to X3, the receiver may sleep (E), or it may receive announcement messages from another channel Y (D).
US08032125B2
A system and method for controlling the presence status in an instant messaging application on a mobile device is provided. An active notification profile for the mobile device which has been selected from a plurality of existing notification profiles defined for the mobile device is determined, e.g. on a periodic or dynamic basis. A set of one or more rules is then used to compare the active notification profile to the rules and determine which one of a selected presence status for the corresponding profile is appropriate. A notification is then prepared which pertains to the corresponding presence status for the active notification profile. Using the notification, the corresponding presence status can be compared to the current presence status in the instant messaging application so that the presence can be updated automatically according to changes in notification profiles to avoid the need to change both the profiles and the presence status when the environment changes.
US08032122B2
Methods for provisioning and initializing visual voicemail services on a mobile device, setting or changing a voicemail greeting for visual voicemail service, changing a password for accessing visual voicemail service, setting or changing a recorded name for a visual voicemail service, managing incoming voicemail messages for a visual voicemail system, managing a telephone user interface (TUI) for a visual voicemail system, managing multiple subscriber identify modules on a mobile device configured for visual voicemail service, and secure connections to a visual voicemail system are described herein. Corresponding systems are also described.
US08032112B2
The number of messages required in networks where both location and presence services are deployed may be reduced, by retrieving presence data from messages otherwise intended to provide only location information. Thus, information determined in a location service scheme is utilized to provide a presence service as well. A location server requests mobile subscriber (MS) information from a Core Network (CN) Node (i.e. HLR, MSC, etc.) that can be used in determining the Location of the MS. A single message aggregates retrieval of information for two services, specifically, for both location and presence.
US08032111B2
The disclosed technology automatically terminates wireless service that a mobile communication network provided to a telematics unit, e.g. when the customer is no longer active for telematics service. The disclosed deactivation allows the network service provider to reuse any resources, such as mobile numbers, that were previously assigned to the particular telematics unit. In a disclosed example, a SMS deactivation message causes the telematics unit to delete its mobile provisioning data, such as its MDN and/or its MIN, and replace that data with a dummy number. The deactivation procedure may also provide a replacement destination number for emergency calls, typically a cleared number, such as 911. For example, the deactivated telematics unit would be able to call a PSAP, and the PSAP would recognize that the unit is inactive for wireless service (and cannot be called-back) from the dummy number used to identify the unit.
US08032101B2
An electronic apparatus includes: a first integrated circuit including an internal component section capable of being adjusted with adjustment data, a nonvolatile memory in which beforehand acquired adjustment data of a result of adjustment carried out in advance for the internal component section are stored, and an interface section having a data transfer function of transferring the beforehand acquired adjustment data read out from the nonvolatile memory to the outside and a data storage function of storing actual use adjustment data sent from the outside and supplying the stored actual use adjustment data to the internal component section; and a second integrated circuit including a signal processor, to which the interface section of the first integrated circuit is connected.
US08032100B2
A system and method for communicating a plurality of carrier waves that are received by a single receiver system is provided. The receiver system includes at least one antenna, at least one splitter, a plurality of tuners, and at least one combiner. The antenna receives a plurality of carrier waves. The splitter is in communication with the antenna, and splits the plurality of carrier waves. The plurality of tuners are in communication with the at least one splitter, and the split carrier waves are communicated to a separate tuner. The at least one combiner is in communication with the plurality of tuners, and combines an output of the plurality of tuners to generate an output based upon at least a portion of the received plurality of carrier waves.
US08032098B2
MIMO receiver with a reconfigurable pooled digital filter is disclosed. A processor sets parameters of the filter to minimize the number of instructions per second and the amount of power required by the filter to perform, while matching the filter to a transmitter filter. The processor uses an algorithm or a lookup table stored in memory to select the combination of filter parameters. The parameters may be selected from at least one of: a number of taps, a filter length, a word length, a coefficient quantization, a sampling rate, bits per sample, a sampling bit, a tap delay and a coefficient length. After selecting a combination of filter parameters, the processor sends a control signal to the adaptive filter. The pooled adaptive filter reconfigures itself in accordance with the selected filter parameters.
US08032094B2
Provided is a discrete filter capable of adjusting the number of notches and the notch frequency and easily eliminating a particular frequency component. In a sampling mixer (100), a control signal generation unit (104) generates a plurality of control signals having the same frequency and different phases. A convolution capacity unit (110) integrates the discrete signals obtained by sampling reception signals by using convolution capacitors at a timing based on the control signals. The signals integrated by the convolution capacitors are successively emitted at the timing based on a control signal other than the control signals used for the integration timing. Cb (15) integrates the emitted discrete signals. Thus, by adjusting the number of the convolution capacitors arranged in parallel to one another and the capacitance of each of the convolution capacitors, it is possible to realize a sampling mixer capable of adjusting the number of notches and the notch frequency and easily eliminating a particular frequency component.
US08032086B2
Controlling a signal transmitted from a device in a vacant channel in a spectrum.
US08032076B2
An audiocassette adapter (10) for coupling a mobile wireless communication station (20) to an audiocassette player, including a cassette head coupling device (12), a cassette adapter insertion detect switch (14), a mobile wireless communication station coupling device (50) having a mobile wireless communication station audio input coupled to the cassette head coupling device, the mobile wireless communication station coupling device having an insertion detect signal output (54) coupled to the cassette adapter insertion detect switch.
US08032074B2
The present invention relates to a connection state setting method of a dual tuner and an apparatus. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the method of setting a tuner connection state of n satellites in a digital broadcast receiver having the plurality of tuners, n being a natural number, that are connected to one or more antennas includes setting the tuner connection state for each satellite by using a satellite signal inputted from each satellite, which has information on one antenna, and setting the tuner connection state between the satellites by using a connection state set for each satellite and the satellite signal inputted from each satellite. Accordingly, with the present invention, the digital broadcast receiver having two tuners can automatically set the connection state of satellite lines of each tuner.
US08032071B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image reading part configured to read image information on an original document, an image forming part configured to form an image on a sheet according to the image information, a sheet discharge part configured to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed from a front side to a backside of a main body, a sheet stack part onto which the sheet is discharged, and first and second supporters located outside the sheet stack part along a sheet discharge direction. The sheet stack part is located between the image reading part and the image forming part. The first and second supporters form a space between the sheet stack part and the image reading part. The second supporter is smaller than the first supporter in the sheet discharge direction.
US08032058B2
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus which allows a locking operation to be easily performed even when a lock mechanism for a developing cartridge is provided at a position hard of access for a user. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a cartridge door opening and closing an opening portion for allowing mounting and detachment of the developing cartridge, a lock member which locks the developing cartridge mounted to a mounting portion so that the developing cartridge may not be detached from the mounting portion and which is rotatable to release the lock, and a link member which abuts the lock member and which can rotate to effect switching between the lock and lock releasing of the lock member, with an end portion of the link member being situated in the vicinity of the opening portion.
US08032057B2
An image forming apparatus including a plurality of developing devices each having a plurality of guide parts on both lateral sides, a frame body having a plurality of guide members configured to receive the guide parts of the developing devices, a front door for receiving and removing the developing devices from the frame body, and a position regulating member having a plurality of regulating parts and a connecting part configured to connect each regulating part, the position regulating member having an L-shape to regulate movement of the plurality of developing devices, each end of the regulating part configured to be placed between the guide part and the guide member, and the connecting part configured to be placed between the developing devices and the front door.
US08032056B2
Disclosed are a developing unit and an image forming apparatus having the same. The developing unit includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame supports thereon a first set of processing members and includes at least one jig hole for mounting to a jig. The second frame supports thereon a second set of processing members. Several connection parts provided in the first and second frames allow assembly of the developing unit that includes a rectilinear movement and a rotational movement of the first and second frames relative to each other during the coupling together of the connection parts so as to couple the first and second frames together. The relative movement in certain direction of the frames may be limited during the relative rotational movement of the frames.
US08032055B2
A developing device includes a developer bearing member and a shock absorbing member. The developer bearing member includes a developing region across from an image bearing member including an image forming region, and a center portion including an image creating region corresponding to the image forming region on the image bearing member. The developer bearing member is configured to bear the developer on the surface thereof and transport the developer to the developing region while moving the surface. The shock absorbing member is provided to each of both ends of the developer bearing member in a width direction thereof across from the image bearing member. Each of both ends of the developer bearing member is provided outside the center portion of the developer bearing member, and an outer diameter of each of both ends of the developer bearing member is substantially smaller than an outer diameter of the center portion.
US08032034B2
An optical code communication system comprises an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and an optical transmission line. The optical receiver has an optical mixing decoder for mixing a coded light and a local light, dividing the mixed light into an object optical frequency and a non-object optical frequency, and outputting the lights and a detection adder-subtractor filter for detecting the object optical frequency and the non-object optical frequency, filtering the intermediate frequency signals, subtracting one of the intermediate frequency signal from the other, and outputting the resultant intermediate frequency signal. The coded light and the local light are coherent with each other between the optical frequency chips constituting the coded light when detected. The optical mixing decoder or detection adder-subtractor filter regulates the phase of the intermediate frequency signal within the passband when filtered so that the output value or the absolute value of the intermediate frequency signal within the passband when filtered is different when the optical receiver receives a coded light modulated with a different value of the transmission data.
US08032032B2
A fiber optic link for platforms with data sources including, e.g., sensors, cameras, radars and antennas. An array of optical transmitter/receiver pairs is coupled to an integrating network of the platform. Data modules are each coupled to certain ones of the data sources and include a receiver for detecting control data, and a modulator for modulating a light signal according to signals from the module's data sources. At least one optical fiber is coupled between a given transmitter/receiver pair of the array, and a corresponding data module. A laser source associated with each transmitter supplies a light signal with the control data to a corresponding data module downstream over an optical fiber. The light signal is modulated by the signals from the module's data sources, and the modulated light signal is returned to an array receiver upstream over an optical fiber.
US08032028B2
Optical add/drop nodes are used in a network having a pair of optical transmission paths for transmitting optical signals in opposite directions to each other. Each add/drop node comprises a variable split ratio optical coupler for splitting an optical signal output from a transmitter. The split ratio of the variable split ratio optical coupler is set such that the optical power levels of the signals added through the respective optical add/drop nodes are equal to one another respectively on the pair of optical transmission paths.
US08032021B2
A robust and redundant status link is established by a first multi-channel optoelectronic device with a second multi-channel optoelectronic device in a multi-channel communication link. Transmitter bias currents are effectively modulated with a status link modulation signal representative of status data and subsequently modulated with primary data modulation signals. The resulting signals are transformed into optical signals and transmitted over the link as main communication links combined with a status link. At the second device, the optical signals are received and converted to electrical signals. The receipt of the optical signals creates multiple receiver bias currents, which may be monitored to detect the status link modulation signal. The second device may adjust various operating parameters in response to the information conveyed by the status link. For instance, devices can use status links to operate above nominal eye safety limits and/or to adjust transmit power to compensate for degradation effects.
US08032014B2
A fragrance emitting apparatus (20) for connection to a USB port. In one embodiment, the fragrance emitting apparatus (20) comprises a casing (22) having an interior and a fragrance vent (36A, 36B) in communication with the interior, a heating element (42) located within the casing (22) that generates heat when electrical power is applied thereto, a USB connector (28) connected to the casing (22) and electrically connected to the heating element (42) so as to provide electrical power to the heating element (42) when the USB connector (28) is connected to a USB port, and a stationary fragrance member (50) located within the casing (22) to provide a fragrance, scent or aroma when heat is applied to the fragrance member (50). The fragrance member (50) is proximate to the heating element (42) so that heat generated by the heating element (42) causes the fragrance member (50) to emit a fragrance, scent or aroma which exits the interior of the casing (22) through the vent (36A, 36B). Other embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention are disclosed herein.
US08032013B2
In the data structure for managing reproduction of text subtitle data, a recording area stores a main file and at least one separate text file. The main file includes multiplexed audio and video data streams, and the text subtitle file includes a single text subtitle stream.
US08032011B2
A recording apparatus for recording a moving picture file and a still picture file to a program area on an optical disk, capable of converting the format of management information to be recorded in combination with the file according to the attribute of the file.
US08032007B2
The application manager 37 conducts “application signaling” when a first disc is replaced with a second disc. At this point, an application is continued if it is written in an application management table assigned to a Title played last on a first disc and also written in an application management table assigned to a Title to be played first on a second disc. On the other hand, an application is ended is it is written in the application management table assigned to the Title played last on the first disc but not written in the application management table assigned to the Title to be played first on the second disc.
US08032003B2
A field-installable multi-fiber ferrule has two portions and one portion has optical fibers already secured therein. The second portion receives optical fibers to mate with the secured optical fibers. A tool is provided to assist in inserting the optical fibers into the multi-fiber ferrule by aligning and holding the optical fibers while they are secured in the multi-fiber ferrule.
US08032002B2
A fiber distribution system includes one or more fiber distribution hubs (FDHs) that provide interface at a splice panel and/or a termination panel between incoming fibers routed from a central office and outgoing fibers routed to network subscribers. Splice trays, termination modules, splitter modules, and storage modules can be incrementally added to the FDH. The termination modules, optical splitters, and storage modules can be provided on a swing frame chassis within the FDH cabinet.
US08031997B2
Disclosed is an improved optical fiber that employs a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The improved coating system provides optical fibers that are useful in relatively thin-walled, low-modulus buffer tubes (i.e., “flextubes”) that can be readily accessed without special tools.
US08031991B2
An optical coupler is formed of a low index material and exhibits a mode field diameter suitable to provide efficient coupling between a free space optical signal (of large mode field diameter) and a single mode high index waveguide formed on an optical substrate. One embodiment comprises an antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) structure in conjunction with an embedded (high index) nanotaper coupling waveguide. Another embodiment utilizes a low index waveguide structure disposed in an overlapped arrangement with a high index nanotaper coupling waveguide. The low index waveguide itself includes a tapered region that overlies the nanotaper coupling waveguide to facilitate the transfer of the optical energy from the low index waveguide into an associated single mode high index waveguide. Methods of forming these devices using CMOS processes are also disclosed.
US08031989B2
Optical systems for sensing radiation emissions from radiological and nuclear matter. An example system includes a light source, a light sensor, a processing device in signal communication with the light source and the light sensor, and a fiber optic cable that receives light from the light source and delivers light to the light sensor. The fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber core region surrounded by a cladding region. The optical fiber is a single mode optical fiber having a mode field diameter greater than 25 μm. The optical fiber cladding region includes a plurality of lengthwise holes positioned to provide single mode light propagation properties. The plurality of lengthwise holes have a diameter between 0.1-5 μm.
US08031985B2
An all-optical XOR logic gate. In one embodiment, a single photon absorption medium is used to provide enhanced optical response of a gate to an applied optical signal. The apparatus described uses at least two gate inputs and an optical modulation structure such as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer to perform logical XOR operations on an optical input signal using the gate inputs. The result of the XOR operation is provided as information in an optical output signal representative of the result of the XOR operation impressed on the optical input signal.
US08031982B2
A pen-shaped sensing device is provided for sensing coded data disposed which is substantially invisible to the average unaided human eye on a surface. The device has a region identity sensor configured to sense, when the sensing device is positioned or moved relative to a region of the surface, and using at least some of the coded data, region identity data indicative of an identity of the region, and a transmitter configured to transmit the sensed region identity data to the computer system to a computer system.
