US08058284B2
The present invention provides novel sulfonylurea compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives and polymorph and amorphous forms thereof. The compounds in their various forms are effective platelet ADP receptor inhibitors and may be used in various pharmaceutical compositions, and are particularly effective for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases, particularly those diseases related to thrombosis. The invention also provides a method for preparing such compounds and forms and for preventing or treating thrombosis and thrombosis related conditions in a mammal comprising the step of administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or forms thereof.
US08058280B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula: wherein R1 is a C1-4 alkyl; R2 is (1) a 5- to 7-membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group which may have a substituent selected from the group consisting of (1′) a halogen, (2′) a hydroxy group, (3′) a C1-4 alkyl and (4′) a C1-4 alkoxy, (2) a phenyl which may have a substituent selected from the group consisting of (1′) a halogen, (2′) a C1-4 alkoxy-C1-4 alkyl, (3′) a mono-C1-4 alkyl-carbamoyl-C1-4 alkyl, (4′) a C1-4 alkoxy and (5′) a mono-C1-4 alkylcarbamoyl-C1-4 alkoxy, or the like; R3 is a C1-4 alkyl; R4 is a C1-4 alkoxy, or the like; n is an integer of 1 to 4; or a salt thereof, as a thienopyrimidine compound having gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonistic activity.
US08058272B2
The present disclosure relates to XIAP inhibitor compound of the formula I:
US08058270B2
Disclosed is the use of a compound of general Formula (1), optionally in form of its tautomers, racemates, enantiomers, diastereomers and the mixtures thereof and optionally in form of the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts, solvates, hydrates, polymorphs, physiologically functional derivatives or prodrugs thereof, for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation in a human or non-human mammalian body by inhibition of polo like kinases as mitotic regulators.
US08058266B2
The present invention describes linking a therapeutic agent to a compound which is known to be naturally concentrated in a tissue affected by, or that is causing, a disease, to create a prodrug for treatment of the disease. Embodiments of the present invention include a new class of carotenoid-linked drugs to treat such blinding retinal disease such as age-related macular degeneration, retinoblastoma, and diabetic macular edema. For example, the present invention comprises a method for the treatment of a disorder of the eye comprising linking a therapeutic agent to a xanthophyll carotenoid to create a prodrug, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of the prodrug to an individual in need of treatment. Provided are prodrugs for treatment of retinoblastoma, cystoid macular edema (CME), exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, diabetic macular edema, or inflammatory disorders.
US08058254B2
The present invention is related to a method of treating a T cell-mediated inflammatory autoimmune disease by administering to an individual in need thereof an immunogenic composition comprising a recombinant construct of a nucleic acid sequence encoding heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), or an active fragment thereof, wherein the nucleic acid sequence is operatively linked to one or more transcription control sequences, and wherein the disease is other than insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), thereby treating the disease.
US08058253B2
This invention is related to compositions and methods for decreasing cholesterol levels in a subject. The method utilizes a nucleic acid expression construct that encodes a growth-hormone-releasing-hormone (“GHRH”) that is delivered into a tissue of the subject, wherein, GHRH is expressed in vivo in the subject.
US08058252B2
The invention relates to the use of inhibitors of the expression or the activity of scinderin and/or of ephrin-A1 inhibitors for increasing the susceptibility of tumor cells to CTL killing. Such inhibitors may be for instance interfering RNAs targeting the scinderin gene and/or interfering RNAs targeting the ephrin-A1 gene.
US08058251B2
The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for improving memory and/or cognitive function by brain delivery of compositions of small interfering RNA or vectors containing the DNA encoding for small interfering RNA. Such compositions can be administered using devices, systems and methods for direct delivery of the compositions to the brain, or using devices, systems, methods of delivery, and compositions that deliver small interfering RNA or vectors containing the DNA encoding the small interfering RNA across the blood-brain barrier. The present invention also provides valuable small interfering RNA vectors, and methods for reduction of BACE1 levels in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, or other regions of the brain that have beneficial effects on improving memory and/or cognitive function in a subject.
US08058247B2
An antibacterial agent having high antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis is provided. Specifically, the antibacterial agent of the present invention having high antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis is a caprazamycin derivative represented, for example, by the following general formula (II): wherein Me is a methyl group; and R1 is a straight or substantially straight chain alkyl group having 5 to 21 carbon atoms, a straight or substantially straight chain alkenyl group having 5 to 21 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 12 carbon atoms, or a phenyl group substituted at the para-position with a straight chain alkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, a straight chain alkoxy group having 1 to 9 carbon atoms or a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 12 carbon atoms.
US08058246B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one amylose-containing starch, and its use in extending or improving the color durability and stability of artificially colored hair. Such compositions may be applied either as a leave-on or as a rinse-off composition.
US08058243B2
A clonogenic neurosphere assay is described that carries out high throughput screens (HTS) to identify potent and/or selective modulators of proliferation, differentiation and/or renewal of neural precursor cells, neural progenitor cells and/or self-renewing and multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs). Compositions comprising the identified modulators and methods of using the modulators and compositions, in particular to treat neurological disorders (e.g. brain or CNS cancer) or damage are also disclosed.
US08058233B2
Methods are disclosed for decreasing calorie intake, food intake, and appetite in a subject. The methods include peripherally administering PYY or an agonist thereof and GLP-1 or an agonist thereof to the subject, simultaneously or sequentially, thereby decreasing the calorie intake of the subject.
US08058232B2
The present invention relates to polypeptide variants of the HMGB-1 high affinity binding domain Box-A (HMGB1 Box-A) or to a biologically active fragment of HMGB1 Box-A, which are obtained through systematic mutations of single amino acids of the wild-type HMGB1 Box-A protein and which show an increased resistance to proteases and which are therefore characterized by more favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. Moreover, the present invention concerns the use of said polypeptide molecules of HMGB1 Box-A to diagnose, prevent, alleviate and/or treat pathologies associated with extracellular HMGB1 and associated with RAGE.
US08058230B2
This document provides methods and materials for treating pain. For example, this document provides methods that involve administering a neurotensin receptor (NTR) agonist and an opioid receptor agonist to a mammal (e.g., a human). Compositions containing an NTR agonist in combination with an opioid receptor agonist also are provided.
US08058229B2
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.
US08058226B2
A Factor VIII composition formulated without albumin, comprising the following formulation excipients in addition to Factor VIII: 4% to 10% of a bulking agent selected from the group consisting of mannitol, glycine and alanine; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; 100 mM to 300 mM NaCl; and a buffering agent for maintaining a pH of approximately between 6 and 8. Alternatively, the formulation can comprise 2% to 6% hydroxyethyl starch; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; 100 mM to 300 mM NaCl; and a buffering agent for maintaining a pH of approximately between 6 and 8. In a further embodiment, the formulation can comprise: 300 mM to 500 mM NaCl; 1% to 4% of a stabilizing agent selected from the group consisting of sucrose, trehalose, raffinose, and arginine; 1 mM to 5 mM calcium salt; and a buffering agent.
US08058225B2
The present invention relates to a polypeptide termed ply_pitti26 comprising the sequence as depicted in SEQ ID NO:1 as well as variants of this polypeptide. Furthermore, the present invention relates to nucleic acids and vectors encoding for said polypeptide and variants thereof as well as host cells comprising these nucleic acids and/or vectors. Finally, the present invention relates to the uses of said polypeptide, variants thereof, nucleic acid sequences, vectors and host cells, in particular for the treatment or prophylaxis of a subject infected by or exposed to Staphylococci.
US08058220B2
Problem: To provide a cleaning liquid for lithography and a cleaning method using it for photoexposure devices. In a process of liquid immersion lithography, the cleaning liquid may efficiently clean the photoexposure device site (especially optical lens member) contaminated with the component released from photoresist and remove the contaminant, and in addition, the waste treatment for the cleaning liquid is easy, the efficiency in substitution with the cleaning liquid for the medium for liquid immersion lithography is high, and the cleaning liquid does not detract from the throughput in semiconductor production.Means for Solution: A cleaning liquid for photolithography to be used for cleaning a photoexposure device in a process of liquid immersion lithography that comprises filling the space between the optical lens member of a photoexposure device and an object for photoexposure mounted on the wafer stage, with a medium for liquid immersion lithography, the cleaning liquid comprising (a) a surfactant, (b) a hydrocarbon solvent, and (c) water; and a cleaning method using it for photoexposure devices.
US08058218B2
The invention relates to compositions which comprise one or more glycerol ethers together with one or more diol/diols and/or polyol/polyols. As a result, as well as good microbicidal effectiveness, whitening is reduced or avoided, drying-out of the skin is prevented, the moisture content is regulated and the skin is regreased to an adequate extent.
US08058217B2
The oil for metal working according to the invention is an oil for metal working comprising a triester of fatty acids and glycerin, wherein the content of oleic acid in the fatty acids is 40-98% by mass based on the total amount of the fatty acids. The oil for metal working of the invention can achieve a high level of machining performance without using a chlorine-based extreme pressure agent.
US08058216B2
The present invention provides a grease composition capable of securely preventing an abnormal noise from being generated when it is cold and having a long life at a high temperature, and a rolling bearing in which this grease is enclosed. The grease composition having heat-resistant properties and performance of preventing the generation of a low-temperature abnormal noise contains a base oil, a thickener, and an additive, and is used for a rolling bearing. A worked penetration of the grease composition at 25° C. is 300 or less, and an unworked penetration thereof at −20° C. is 200 or more. The grease-enclosed rolling bearing has an inner ring, an outer ring, rolling elements interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and the above-described grease composition enclosed on a periphery of the rolling elements. The grease-enclosed rolling bearing is used for an automotive electric auxiliary machine.
US08058215B2
The passage of a container along a conveyor is lubricated by applying to the container or conveyor a mixture of a water-miscible silicone material and a water-miscible lubricant. The mixture can be applied in relatively low amounts, to provide thin, substantially non-dripping lubricating films. In contrast to dilute aqueous lubricants, the lubricants of the invention provide drier lubrication of the conveyors and containers, a cleaner conveyor line and reduced lubricant usage, thereby reducing waste, cleanup and disposal problems.
US08058213B2
A composite proppant having an increased buoyancy comprising a proppant substrate such as a porous ceramic or a silica sand coated with a material of a lesser actual density than the apparent density of the proppant substrate to increase the buoyancy of the composite proppant.
US08058208B2
A molecularly imprinted polymer ion exchange resin for selectively removing one or more inorganic ions in a liquid medium is disclosed and described. The exchange resin can include a bead having a porous structure and comprising a cross-linked molecularly imprinted polymer having molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind a specific inorganic ion in a liquid medium. A process for preparing a molecularly imprinted polymer ion exchange resin can include (a) polymerizing a polmerizable mixture in the presence of an inorganic ion imprinting complex to form a bead, said inorganic ion imprinting complex including a ligand and an inorganic ion; and (b) removing the inorganic ions from the bead to form the molecularly imprinted polymer ion exchange resin, the bead having a porous structure and comprising a cross-linked molecularly imprinted polymer having molecular sized cavities adapted to selectively receive and bind a specific inorganic ion in an liquid medium.
US08058201B2
A pressed sorbent form includes a sorbent and a binder. The sorbent is chosen from the group including silica gel, molecular sieve, activated carbon, and clay. The binder is powdered ethyl vinyl acetate.
US08058199B2
The alkylation of aromatic compound with acyclic mono-olefin is effected at low aromatic compound to mono-olefin ratios with reduced co-production of heavies. In the processes a small crystal, acidic FAU molecular sieve is used as a catalyst under alkylation conditions. This invention also relates to catalysts containing small crystal, acidic FAU molecular sieve and at least one other acidic catalytic component.
US08058180B2
This invention provides methods of fabricating semiconductor devices, wherein an alloy layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate to form a substrate structure, which methods include using an aqueous solution diluted ammonia and peroxide mixture (APM) to perform cleaning and/or wet etching treatment steps on the substrate structure.
US08058179B1
Higher overall etch rate and throughput for atomic layer removal (ALR) is achieved. The reaction is a self-limiting process, thus limiting the total amount of material that may be etched per cycle. By pumping down the process station between reacting operations, the reaction is partially “reset.” A higher overall etch rate is achieved by a multiple exposure with pump down ALR process.
US08058173B2
Methods for reducing the surface roughness of semiconductor wafers through a combination of rough polishing and thermally annealing the wafer.
US08058171B1
An apparatus and system for stirring liquid inside a flow cell. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a rotatable disc configured to receive liquid at a top side of the disc and distribute the liquid substantially evenly around a periphery of the flow cell. The disc has a triangular cross sectional area. The apparatus may further include a set of fins attached to a bottom side of the disc, wherein the set of fins is configured to draw the liquid from the periphery of the flow cell into the center of the flow cell.
US08058166B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes the steps of introducing first impurities of a first conductivity type into a main surface of a semiconductor substrate 1 to form a first impurity region, introducing second impurities of a second conductivity type to form a second impurity region, forming a first nickel silicide film on the first impurity region and forming a second nickel silicide film on the second impurity region, removing an oxide film formed on each of the first and second nickel silicide films by using a mixed gas having an NH3 gas and a gas containing a hydrogen element mixed therein, and forming a first conducting film on the first nickel silicide film and forming a second conducting film on the second nickel silicide film, with the oxide film removed.
US08058150B2
A method for singulating semiconductor wafers is disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises forming scrub lines on one side of the wafer and filling the scrub lines with a temporary fill material. The wafer is then thinned by removing material from the opposite side of the wafer from the scrub lines, thereby exposing the temporary fill material on the opposite side. The temporary fill material is then removed, and the individual die are removed from the wafer.
US08058146B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing massively and efficiently a minute device which can receive or send data in contact, preferably, out of contact by forming an integrated circuit which is formed by a thin film over a large glass substrate and by peeling the integrated circuit from the substrate. Especially, an integrated circuit which is formed by a thin film is extremely thin, and so there is a threat that the integrated circuit is flied when transporting, and so handling thereof is difficult. In accordance with the present invention, a separating layer (also referred to as a peeling layer) is damaged at a plurality of times by at least two different kinds of methods (a damage due to laser light irradiation, a damage due to etching, or a damage due to a physical means), subsequently, the layer to be peeled can be efficiently peeled from a substrate. Further, handling of individual devices becomes easy by arching the peeled device.
US08058143B2
A method that in one embodiment is useful in bonding a first substrate to a second substrate includes forming a layer including metal over the first substrate. The layer including metal in one embodiment surrounds a semiconductor device, which can be a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) device. On the second substrate is formed a first layer comprising silicon. A second layer comprising germanium and silicon is formed on the first layer. A third layer comprising germanium is formed on the second layer. The third layer is brought into contact with the layer including metal. Heat (and pressure in some embodiments) is applied to the third layer and the layer including metal to form a mechanical bond material between the first substrate and the second substrate in which the mechanical bond material is electrically conductive. In the case of the mechanical bond surrounding a semiconductor device such as a MEMS, the mechanical bond can be particularly advantageous as a hermetic seal for protecting the MEMS.
US08058125B1
The present disclosure provides a poly resistor on a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the same. In an embodiment, a poly silicon resistor device is formed by providing a substrate having a first region and a second region. A dummy gate stack is formed on the substrate in the first region, wherein the dummy gate stack has a dummy gate stack thickness extending above the substrate. A poly silicon resister is formed on the substrate in the second region, wherein the poly silicon resistor has a poly silicon resistor thickness extending above the substrate a distance which is less than the dummy gate stack thickness. A dopant is implanted into the substrate in the first region thereby forming a source region and a drain region in the first region of the substrate. The dopant is also implanted into the poly silicon resistor. An inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer is formed on the substrate over the dummy gate stack and also over the poly silicon resistor. The ILD layer is planarized, thereby exposing the dummy gate stack and leaving a portion of the ILD layer over the poly silicon resistor. The dummy gate stack is replaced with a high k metal gate while using the portion of the ILD layer over the poly silicon resistor as a mask to protect the poly silicon resistor during replacement of the dummy gate stack with the high k metal gate.
US08058123B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure comprising the steps of forming a first and second device region on a surface of a wafer, forming a spacer of a first width on a sidewall of a first gate stack in the first device region, forming a spacer of a second width on a sidewall of a second gate stack in the second device region, with the first width being different from the second width.
US08058121B2
A semiconductor device fabricating method is described. The semiconductor device fabricating method comprises forming an epitaxial layer on a substrate, wherein the epitaxial layer is the same conductive type as the substrate. A first doped region having the different conductive type from the epitaxial layer is formed in the epitaxial layer. An annealing process is performed to diffuse dopants in the first doped region. A second doped region and an adjacent third doped region are formed in the first doped region. The second doped region is a different conductive type from that of the first doped region, and the third doped region is the same conductive type as that of the first doped region. A gate structure is formed on the epitaxial layer covering a portion of the second and the third doped regions.
US08058102B2
The present invention discloses a semiconductor device package structure with redistribution layer (RDL) and through silicon via (TSV) techniques. The package structure comprises an electronic element which includes a dielectric layer on a backside surface of the electronic element, a plurality of first conductive through vias across through the electronic element and the dielectric layer, and a plurality of conductive pads accompanying the first conductive through vias on an active surface of the electronic element; a filler material disposed adjacent to the electronic element; a first redistribution layer disposed over the dielectric layer and the filler material, and connected to the first conductive through vias; a first protective layer disposed over the active surface of the electronic element, the conductive pads, and the filler material; and a second protective layer disposed over the redistribution layer, the dielectric layer, and the filler material.
US08058101B2
A method of making a microelectronic assembly includes providing a microelectronic package having a substrate, a microelectronic element overlying the substrate and at least two conductive elements projecting from a surface of the substrate, the at least two conductive elements having surfaces remote from the surface of the substrate. The method includes compressing the at least two conductive elements so that the remote surfaces thereof lie in a common plane, and after the compressing step, providing an encapsulant material around the at least two conductive elements for supporting the microelectronic package and so that the remote surfaces of the at least two conductive elements remain accessible at an exterior surface of the encapsulant material.
US08058096B2
A thin film transistor is manufactured by a process including forming an oxide semiconductor channel, patterning the oxide semiconductor channel with a photolithographic process, and exposing the patterned oxide semiconductor channel to an oxygen containing plasma.
US08058095B2
Methods and devices associated with phase change cell structures are described herein. In one or more embodiments, a method of forming a phase change cell structure includes forming a substrate protrusion that includes a bottom electrode, forming a phase change material on the substrate protrusion, forming a conductive material on the phase change material, and removing a portion of the conductive material and a portion of the phase change material to form an encapsulated stack structure.
US08058082B2
A light-emitting diode (LED) device is provided. The LED device has raised semiconductor regions formed on a substrate. LED structures are formed over the raised semiconductor regions such that bottom contact layers and active layers of the LED device are conformal layers. The top contact layer has a planar surface. In an embodiment, the top contact layers are continuous over a plurality of the raised semiconductor regions while the bottom contact layers and the active layers are discontinuous between adjacent raised semiconductor regions.
US08058081B2
A method comprises providing a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor structure comprises a feature comprising a first material and a layer of a second material formed over the feature. The semiconductor structure is exposed to an etchant. The etchant is adapted to selectively remove the first material, leaving the second material substantially intact. After exposing the semiconductor structure to the etchant, it is detected whether the feature has been affected by the etchant.
US08058080B2
A magnetic material of a magnetoresistive element is formed on a lower electrode. An upper electrode is formed on the magnetic material. A resist for nano-imprint lithography is formed on the upper electrode. A first pattern or a second pattern is formed in the resist by setting a first template or a second template into contact with the resist and curing the resist. The first template has the first pattern that corresponds to the magnetoresistive element and the lower electrode. The second template has the second pattern that corresponds to the magnetoresistive element and the upper electrode. The magnetic material and the lower electrode are patterned at the same time by using the resist having the first pattern, or the magnetic material and the upper electrode are patterned at the same time by using the resist having the second pattern.
US08058077B2
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.
US08058076B2
The present disclosure relates to an in vitro method for measuring the T75 of reduction kinetics of iron from Fe+3 to Fe+2 in an iron-sucrose complex and hence assessing the bioequivalency of iron-sucrose composition. According to the disclosed method, T75 of reduction kinetics of iron in an iron-sucrose complex in between 25 to 50 minutes indicates bioequivalent iron-sucrose composition.
US08058073B2
An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.
US08058065B2
The present invention relates to a nuclear reprogramming factor having an action of reprogramming a differentiated somatic cell to derive an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell. The present invention also relates to the aforementioned iPS cells, methods of generating and maintaining iPS cells, and methods of using iPS cells, including screening and testing methods as well as methods of stem cell therapy. The present invention also relates to somatic cells derived by inducing differentiation of the aforementioned iPS cells.
US08058061B2
Recombinant lentiviral vectors having a region encoding a functional β-globin gene; and large portions of the β-globin locus control regions which include DNase I hypersensitive sites HS2, HS3 and HS4 provides expression of β-globin when introduced into a mammal, for example a human, in vivo. Optionally, the vector further includes a region encoding a dihydrofolate reductase. The vector may be used in treatment of hemoglobinopathies, including β-thalessemia and sickle-cell disease. For example, hematopoietic progenitor or stem cells may be transformed ex vivo and then restored to the patient. Selection processes may be used to increase the percentage of transformed cells in the returned population. For example, a selection marker which makes transformed cells more drug resistant than untransformed cells allows selection by treatment of the cells with the corresponding drug.
US08058058B2
A submerged membrane supported bioreactor for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including a plurality of membrane modules having a plurality of hollow fibers, each of the plurality of hollow fibers having a gas permeable hollow fiber wall defining a hollow fiber lumen and an outer surface; a membrane tank for retaining the membrane modules at least partially submerged in a process liquid for formation of a biofilm on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with a process gas and for the production of a liquid product that mixes with the process liquid, wherein the membrane tank retains the membrane modules in a common horizontal plane; a seal between contents of the membrane tank and ambient atmosphere; and a gas supply conduit for communicating the process gas with the hollow fiber lumens of the hollow fibers.
US08058054B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides a systems and methods for the real-time amplification and analysis of a sample of DNA.
US08058043B2
A non-invasive method for the electroporation of cells contained in a substrate wherein the cells are placed in contact with carbon nanotubes and then said substrate is subjected to the action of two orthogonal pulsed electric fields generated by means of two pairs of electrodes in contact with said substrate according to a specific time sequence in such a way that, when a pair of electrodes is active, the other pair of electrodes is deactivated and vice versa. A device for performing electroporation according to this method.
US08058031B2
Labeled nucleotide analogs used in place of naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates or other analogs in template directed nucleic acid synthesis reactions and other nucleic acid reactions, and various analyses based thereon, including DNA sequencing, single base identification, hybridization assays and others.
US08058024B2
The subject invention provides novel devices and methods for the detection of the presence and/or activity of proteases in biological samples.
US08058023B2
The invention features methods and compositions for assessing risk, particularly immediate risk, of thrombotic events in patients with suspected or known vascular disease, and more particularly to assessing risk of thrombotic events in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly acute myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, stable angina, or restenosis. Risk of thrombosis can be assessed by analysis of platelet reactivity and/or velocity of thrombin or fibrin formation, and determining whether the patient has a score associated above a risk threshold value. In other embodiments, risk of thrombosis in a patient is evaluated in the context of a profile generated from values obtained from one or more assays that evaluate various factors associated with thrombosis and/or atherosclerosis.
US08058018B2
Described herein are methods of diagnosing lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) that permits differentiating LAM from another lung disorder. Methods of treatment are also provided.
US08058011B2
Methods for measuring an endocrine substance, such as feline insulin, in a biological sample taken from an animal with high accuracy, rapidity and brevity. The methods involve pre-treating a biological sample by removing an autoantibody bound to an endocrine substance present in a sample and measuring the endocrine substance after the pre-treatment. The methods can be used to measure autoantibody bound to an endocrine substance in the sample. Methods for diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with endocrine substances are disclosed involving measuring an autoantibody value for an endocrine substance in a biological sample.
US08058002B2
The present invention relates to a method of immobilizing and stretching a nucleic acid on a silicon substrate, to nucleic acids and substrates prepared according to this method, to uses of the method and to uses of the nucleic acid and the substrate.
US08057998B1
The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2, vectors and hosts containing these fragments and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human resistin and human syntaxin binding protein 2 and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.
US08057990B2
The present invention provides a medicament for preventing/treating cancer, comprising a tacrine compound, or a compound promoting the binding between the tacrine compound and a protein comprising the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1.
US08057989B2
The present invention provides a composition for detecting and/or characterizing a multiple-charged biomolecule comprising a charged d8 or d10 metal complex, wherein the metal complex electrostatically binds to the multiple-charged biomolecule to induce aggregation and self-assembly of the metal complex through metal . . . metal interactions, π . . . π interactions, or a combination of both interactions. The present invention further provides assay methods and kits for label-free optical detection and/or characterization of biomolecules carrying multiple charges, e.g., single-stranded nucleic acids, polyaspartate, polyglutamate, using a composition comprising a charged d8 or d10 metal complex.
US08057983B2
The present invention provides a chemically amplified resist composition comprising: a resin (A) which contains no fluorine atom and a structural unit (a1) having an acid-labile group in a side chain, a resin (B) which contains a structural unit (b2) having a fluorine-containing group in a side chain and at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of a structural unit (b1) having an acid-labile group, a structural unit (b3) having a hydroxyl group and a structural unit (b4) having a lactone structure in a side chain, and an acid generator, wherein the amount of the resin (B) is 2 parts by weight or less per 100 parts by weight of the resin (A).
US08057980B2
Translucent, transparent, or semi-translucent microlens sheetings with composite images are disclosed, in which a composite image floats above or below the sheeting, or both. The composite image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. The sheeting may have at least one layer of material having a surface of microlenses that form one or more images at positions internal to the layer of material, at least one of the images being a partially complete image. Additional layers, such as retroreflective, translucent, transparent, or optical structure layers may also be incorporated into the sheeting.
US08057978B2
An electrophotographic toner is disclosed, meeting the requirement that G′ (60)/G′ (80) is from 1×102 to 1×104, where G′ (60) G′ (80) are each a storage modulus of the toner at 60° C. and 80° C., respectively; G′ (100)/G′ (130) is from 1 to 102, where G′ (100) and G′ (130) are each a storage modulus of the toner at 100° C. and 130° C., respectively; and G′ (100-130) is from 5×102 to 1×102 dyn/cm2, where G′ (100-130) is a storage modulus of the toner at a temperature of from 100 to 130° C.
US08057972B2
The invention relates to a method for forming a pattern on a substrate surface of a target by means of a beam of electrically charged particles in a number of exposure steps, where the beam is split into a patterned beam and there is a relative motion between the substrate and the pattern definition means. This results in an effective overall motion of the patterned particle beam over the substrate surface and exposition of image elements on the substrate surface in each exposure step, wherein the image elements on the target are exposed to the beamlets multiply, namely several times during a number of exposure steps according to a specific sequence. The sequence of exposure steps of the image elements is arranged in a non-linear manner according to a specific rule from one exposure step to the subsequent exposure step in order to reduce the current variations in the optical column of the multi-beam exposure apparatus during the exposure of the pattern.
US08057970B2
A method for forming circular patterns on a surface using a character projection (CP) charged particle beam writer is disclosed, wherein circular patterns of different sizes may be formed using a single CP character, by varying dosage. A method for forming circular patterns on a surface using a variable shaped beam (VSB) charged particle beam writer is also disclosed, wherein the dosages of the shots may vary, and wherein the union of the shots is different than the set of target patterns. A method for forming circular patterns on a surface using a library of glyphs is also disclosed, wherein the glyphs are pre-calculated dosage maps that can be formed by one or more charged particle beam shots.
US08057963B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for accomplishing a optical direct write phase shift lithography. A lithography system and method are provided wherein a mirror array is configured to generate vortex phase shift optical patterns that are directed onto a photosensitive layer of a substrate. The lithography methods and systems facilitate pattern transfer using such vortex phase shift exposure patterns.
US08057954B2
Disclosed is a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) that prevents an electrolyte membrane from being damaged upon the fabrication of a single cell or a stack of fuel cells. The MEA further includes a guard gasket interposed between conventional gaskets, wherein the guard gasket has a thickness corresponding to 70%-95% of the thickness of the electrolyte membrane. The MEA ensures mechanical protection of the electrolyte membrane, and thus prevents the electrolyte membrane from being damaged by an excessive binding pressure upon the fabrication of a single cell or a stack of fuel cells. Furthermore, the contact resistance between the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst layer and the contact resistance between the gas diffusion layer and the catalyst layer can be minimized, thereby improving the quality of a fuel cell.
US08057953B2
The coupling structure of fuel cells according to the present invention comprises a body and a plurality of channels. A first fuel cell is adapted on a first side of the body; a second fuel cell is adapted on a second side of the body. The plurality of channels penetrates through the first and the second sides. Each of the channels connects to a fuel-guiding inlet, a fuel-guiding outlet, an oxidant-gas-guiding inlet, and an oxidant-gas-guiding outlet of the first and the second fuel cells, respectively. The coupling structure has an insulation property with a conductive module embedded used for conducting a negative terminal of the first fuel cell and a positive terminal of the second fuel cell on the first and the second sides. By means of a coupling module, the internal wires can be used for cascading or isolating the positive and the negative terminals of the two fuel cells. The coupling structure has channels for fuel (anode) and oxidant gas (cathode), used for communicating the fuel or oxidant gas while cascading two or more fuel cells. Thereby, convenience of cascading planarly fuel cells can be enhanced.
US08057951B2
Conveying gas containing sulfur through a sulfur tolerant planar solid oxide fuel cell (PSOFC) stack for sulfur scrubbing, followed by conveying the gas through a non-sulfur tolerant PSOFC stack. The sulfur tolerant PSOFC stack utilizes anode materials, such as LSV, that selectively convert H2S present in the fuel stream to other non-poisoning sulfur compounds. The remaining balance of gases remaining in the completely or near H2S-free exhaust fuel stream is then used as the fuel for the conventional PSOFC stack that is downstream of the sulfur-tolerant PSOFC. A broad range of fuels such as gasified coal, natural gas and reformed hydrocarbons are used to produce electricity.
US08057950B2
A solid oxide fuel cell includes: a solid electrolyte; and electrodes on both surfaces of the solid electrolyte, wherein at least one of joint surfaces where the solid electrolyte and the electrodes are in contact with each other is a roughened surface having at least two different types of surface roughness.
US08057948B2
A fuel cell system (10) of the present invention has a fuel cell (20) which generates electric power by being supplied with reactive gas, an air compressor (C1) which supplies oxidizing gas to the fuel cell (20), a pressure sensor (P2) which detects the pressure of oxidizing gas, a pressure control valve (C2) which adjusts the pressure of oxidizing gas, and a control device (50) which adjusts the valve opening of the pressure control valve (C2) on the basis of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor (P2). When an abnormality in the pressure sensor (P2) is detected, the control device (50) opens the pressure control valve (C2) so that the valve opening thereof is equal to or larger than a predetermined opening. This arrangement ensures that the cell operation can be continued for a while instead of being immediately stopped in the event of abnormality in the pressure sensor (P2).
US08057943B2
A fuel cell operating system which can prevent freezing of a valve and a method of preventing fixation of the valve in the fuel cell operating system are provided. In steps of the process of preventing freezing of a valve in the present invention, first, supply of hydrogen, which is a fuel gas, is stopped. Power generation is continued in a fuel cell stack until the fuel gas which has already been supplied is consumed by the fuel cell reaction. It is constantly judged whether or not the power generation is stopped. When it is judged that the power generation is stopped, a function of a water discharge process module executes a process to open a bypass valve. When the bypass valve is opened, a large amount of pressurized air is supplied to a bypass flow path, and water present in the bypass flow path and water present in an exit-side flow path are forcibly pushed and discharged.
US08057940B2
A fuel cell system having an excellent orientation free performance by separating a fluid into a liquid and a gas without being affected by shaking and/or rotation of the fuel cell system includes a fuel cell main body, a first liquid/gas separation unit, and a buffer line. The fuel cell main body receives a fuel containing hydrogen and an oxidizing gas containing oxygen and generates electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and the oxygen. The first gas/liquid separation unit is installed on a first recycling line extending from an anode outlet of the fuel cell main body to separate a gas byproduct from unreacted fuel discharged through the anode outlet. The buffer line is fluidly connected to the first and second recycling lines to receive and mix the unreacted fuel and the liquid byproduct at a predetermined amount from the first and second recycling lines, and is further fluidly connected to a third recycling line extending toward an anode inlet of the fuel cell main body to direct the unreacted fuel and the liquid byproduct into the fuel cell main body through the anode inlet.
US08057939B2
Electrical power generators incorporating stabilized fuels and methods for the encapsulation of fuels are provided. More particularly, methods for the passivation or encapsulation of water reactive, hydrogen gas generating fuels. The electrical power generators employ water reactive fuels encapsulated in a water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable membrane, or coated with a water vapor permeable, liquid water impermeable substance to control the quantity of water that is permitted reach the chemical fuel. In the event of damage, electrical power generators incorporating the fuels of the invention are protected from explosions that might otherwise result from rapid, uncontrolled hydrogen generation.
US08057937B2
Disclosed herein is a hybrid battery using an electrochemically stable electrolyte composition and electrodes suitable for use in the electrolyte composition. The hybrid battery is non-toxic and highly stable, and has improved high-current charge/discharge characteristics.The hybrid battery comprises an electrode unit consisting of an anode and a cathode, a separator for electrically separating the anode and the cathode, and an electrolyte filled in a space between the anode and the cathode so as to form an electric double layer on surfaces of the anode and cathode when a voltage is applied wherein the electrolyte contains a mixture of a lithium salt, an ammonium salt and a pyrrolidinium salt as solutes in a carbonate-based solvent so that the solute mixture has a concentration of 1.0-2.5 mol/L.
US08057931B2
A battery including: a plurality of battery cells arranged side-by-side, each battery cell including a terminal tab for delivering power from the cell; a bus plate made of an electrically non-conductive material, the bus plate also having an array of holes formed therein, the array of holes defining a plurality of hole pairs, wherein the terminal tab from each cell of the plurality of cells extends through a corresponding different hole in the array of holes, wherein for each hole pair of the plurality of hole pairs, the terminal tabs extending through that hole pair are folded one over the other to produce overlapping tabs for that hole pair; and a plurality of clamps each of which clamps together the overlapping tabs of a corresponding different hole pair.
US08057925B2
A dual spin filter that minimizes spin-transfer magnetization switching current (Jc) while achieving a high dR/R in STT-RAM devices is disclosed. The bottom spin valve has a MgO tunnel barrier layer formed with a natural oxidation process to achieve low RA, a CoFe/Ru/CoFeB—CoFe pinned layer, and a CoFeB/FeSiO/CoFeB composite free layer with a middle nanocurrent channel (NCC) layer to minimize Jc0. The NCC layer may have be a composite wherein conductive M(Si) grains are magnetically coupled with adjacent ferromagnetic layers and are formed in an oxide, nitride, or oxynitride insulator matrix. The upper spin valve has a Cu spacer to lower the free layer damping constant. A high annealing temperature of 360° C. is used to increase the MR ratio above 100%. A Jc0 of less than 1×106 A/cm2 is expected based on quasistatic measurements of a MTJ with a similar MgO tunnel barrier and composite free layer.
US08057924B2
Heat-insulating layer systems have to be provided with along service life of the heat-insulating layer in addition to having good heat-insulating properties. The inventive layer system comprises a ceramic layer which contains a mixture of two pyrochlore phases.
US08057919B2
Provided are an organic electroluminescence device, which: shows high luminous efficiency; is free of any pixel defect; and has a long lifetime, and a material for an organic electroluminescence device for realizing the device. The material for an organic electroluminescence device is a compound of a specific structure having a n-conjugated heteroacene skeleton crosslinked with a carbon atom, nitrogen atom, or oxygen atom. The organic electroluminescence device has one or more organic thin film layers including a light emitting layer between a cathode and an anode, and at least one layer of the organic thin film layers contains the material for an organic electroluminescence device.
US08057914B2
A method of fabricating a medical implant component. The method may comprise producing a substrate from a first material in which the substrate has a bearing portion, and causing particles of a second material to be formed onto at least the bearing portion of the substrate. The second material may be formed from a biocompatible material and a carbide source, in which the carbide source is 6.17% or more of the second material by weight. The particles of the second material may be formed onto at least the bearing portion of the substrate by a predetermined spraying technique, a CVD process, a PVD process, or a carburization process. The biocompatible material may be cobalt chrome and the carbide source may be graphite.
US08057909B2
A pressure sensitive adhesive film comprising a substrate film and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer formed on a surface of the substrate film, said pressure sensitive adhesive layer being prepared from (A) a silicone composition comprising a diorganopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and (C) a polyorganosiloxane having an SiH bond, characterized in that the alkenyl groups are contained in an amount of from 0.0007 to 0.05 mole per 100 g of the diorganopolysiloxane (A) and that the polyorganosiloxane (C) is contained in such an amount that a molar ratio of the SiH bond to the alkenyl group of the diorganopolysiloxane (A) ranges from 0.5 to 20. The adhesive film is useful in protecting the surface of a flat panel display.
US08057907B2
An optical film, which comprises: a support; and a layer containing an electrically-conductive particulate material, in which an interior of the electrically-conductive particulate material is porous or hollow, wherein the optical film comprises a fluorine-containing silane compound.
US08057903B2
Multilayer articles comprising a coating layer comprising resorcinol arylate chain members bound to a support substrate via an optional intermediate tie layer. Adhesion between the layers of the multilayer article is enhanced by modifying at least a part of a surface of at least one of the layers in the multilayer article by a technique selected from at least one of: surface adhesive treatment, surface corona treatment, flame treatment, plasma surface treatment, vacuum deposition treatment, ionization radiation, chemical surface treatment, surface abrasion treatment, and surface texturing treating.
US08057900B2
Disclosed is a material having a composite particle, the composite particle including an outer shell and a core. The core is made from a lithium alloying material and the outer shell has an inner volume that is greater in size than the core of the lithium alloying material. In some instances, the outer mean diameter of the outer shell is less than 500 nanometers and the core occupies between 5 and 99% of the inner volume. In addition, the outer shell can have an average wall thickness of less than 100 nanometers.
US08057899B2
A nano-particle composition including a poly(alkenylbenzene) core and a poly (conjugated diene) or a poly(alkylene) surface layer is provided. The nano-particles have a mean average diameter less than about 100 nm. The nano-particles can be modified via, for example, hydrogenation or functionalization. The nano-particles can advantageously be incorporated into rubbers, elastomers, and thermoplastics.
US08057898B2
Provided are a multi-functional hybrid fiber, a composite material with the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. The multi-functional hybrid fiber includes a carbon fiber having a bundle of a plurality of continuous fibers, the continuous fiber having an external diameter of 5 μm to 10 μm, a nano particle attached to an outer surface of the carbon fiber by an electrophoretic deposition method, and a metal attached to the outer surface of the carbon fiber by an electroplating method. The nano particle and metal are mixed and attached to the outer surface of the carbon fiber by the simultaneous electrophoretic deposition and electroplating methods.
US08057897B2
Compositions that are intimate blends of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and which are melt spinnable. The compositions include certain quasi-spherical particles. Also disclosed is a method of melt spinning from such compositions and the multi-filament fibers produced thereby. The fibers of the invention are useful in a variety of applications.
US08057877B2
A flexible hose for transporting food liquids, particularly for irrigation or the like, comprising at least one outer protective layer (2) of a first flexible polymer material and at least one inner layer (3) in direct contact with the fluid to be transported, made of a second flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-containing polymer material. The second polymer material includes a plasticizer agent having as low a migration level as to maintain the flexibility of said second polymer material substantially unaltered with time. The plasticizer agent is selected from the group comprising non-phthalate additives, so that it can be non-toxic and non-polluting for the food products to be transported.
US08057863B2
An embodiment of a method of depositing graphene includes bringing a stamp into contact with a substrate over a contact area. The stamp has at least a few layers of the graphene covering the contact area. An electric field is developed over the contact area. The stamp is removed from the vicinity of the substrate which leaves at least a layer of the graphene substantially covering the contact area.
US08057858B2
A method for producing corrosion-resistant, painted oxide layers on aluminum or aluminum alloys. According to the method, a polysilazane solution is applied to a dry oxide layer that is painted with a water-soluble, anionic color, and the coating is then hardened at a temperature ranging from 40 to 150° C.
US08057856B2
The present invention is a method for gettering undesirable atomic species from a vaporizing atmosphere during deposition of multi-element thin film phosphor compositions. The method comprises vaporizing one or more getter species immediately prior and/or simultaneously during the deposition of a phosphor film composition within a deposition chamber. The method improves the luminance and emission spectrum of phosphor materials used for full colour ac electroluminescent displays employing thick film dielectric layers with a high dielectric constant.
US08057846B2
A composition for use in a fiber modified layer, comprising an aggregate material, a binder, and a plurality of fibers, wherein each fiber has a length of greater than 0.25 inches. Also provided is a method of selecting a fiber modified layer for applying on an existing surface, comprising the steps of: providing a binder mixture having an effective amount of an aggregate material, a binder, and a plurality of fibers, wherein each of the plurality of fibers has a length greater than 0.25 inches; applying the binder mixture to a selected surface to form a fiber modified proposed layer; testing the fiber modified proposed layer for fatigue or crack resistant properties; and selecting the binder mixture for application on the existing surface for performance if the fiber modified proposed layer has fatigue or crack resistant properties.
US08057840B2
A food product comprises an oligosaccharide composition that is digestion resistant or slowly digestible. The oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process that comprises producing an aqueous composition that comprises at least one oligosaccharide and at least one monosaccharide by saccharification of starch, membrane filtering the aqueous composition to form a monosaccharide-rich stream and an oligosaccharide-rich stream, and recovering the oligosaccharide-rich stream. Alternatively, the oligosaccharide composition can be produced by a process that comprises heating an aqueous feed composition that comprises at least one monosaccharide or linear saccharide oligomer, and that has a solids concentration of at least about 70% by weight, to a temperature of at least about 40° C., and contacting the feed composition with at least one catalyst that accelerates the rate of cleavage or formation of glucosyl bonds for a time sufficient to cause formation of non-linear saccharide oligomers, wherein a product composition is produced that contains a higher concentration of non-linear saccharide oligomers than linear saccharide oligomers.
US08057839B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing whey proteins in nanoparticulated form and to the nanoparticulated whey proteins thus obtained. Specifically, the present invention pertains to the use of these nanoparticulated whey proteins as emulsifiers, fat substitute, micellar casein substitute, whitening, foaming, texturizing and/or filling agents.
US08057835B2
The present invention is directed to seed oil compositions that can be used for cooking and frying applications. These oil compositions of the present invention have advantageous stability characteristics. In some embodiments, the oil compositions have a low concentration of α-linolenic acid.
US08057831B2
The use of actinidin as a digestive/laxative aid. Method of obtaining actinidin from fruit.
US08057819B2
The use of additives to stabilize DHA when compressed into tablets, or filled as a powder into capsules, for oral administration.
US08057809B2
The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising copepods, such as marine Calanus species, process for the production thereof and use of said compositions in the prevention and/or treatment of ectoparasite infestations in animals. Further the invention relates to methods for prevention and/or treatment of ectoparasite infestations in aquatic animals, particularly fish.
US08057807B2
The present invention related to methods for treating neurological-urological conditions. This is accomplished by administration of at least one neurotoxin.
US08057803B2
The present invention relates, in general, to attenuated negative-strand RNA viruses having an impaired ability to antagonize the cellular interferon (IFN) response, and the use of such attenuated viruses in vaccine and pharmaceutical formulations. The invention also relates to the development and use of IFN-deficient systems for selection of such attenuated viruses.In particular, the invention relates to attenuated influenza viruses having modifications to the NS1 gene that diminish or eliminate the ability of the NS1 gene product to antagonize the cellular IFN response. The mutant viruses replicate in vivo but demonstrate reduced pathogenicity, and therefore are well suited for live virus vaccines, and pharmaceutical formulations.
US08057795B2
We previously reported that NKG2A, a key inhibitory ligand for HLA-E, is expressed on activated TH2, but not TH1, cells. Here we measured cytokine expression in ex vivo TH2 cells and in a mouse model of asthma upon activation with antiCD3/28 and challenge with an NKG2A-specific agonist. We show that signaling through NKG2A modulates Th2 cell effector function. This new molecular pathway data provides a novel explanation and treatment for respiratory virus-associated asthma. RSV and hMPV suppress IFN-γ and HLA-E expression and therefore decrease NKG2A signaling in activated TH2 cells. This results in a relatively robust Th2 response and an unfavorable shift in Th1/Th2 balance. The data presented here suggest that increasing signaling via the NKG2A receptor suppresses Th2 effector function and could positively impact Th1/Th2 balance in asthma.
US08057789B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods of using placental stem cells that originate from a postpartum placenta with conventional cord blood compositions or other stem or progenitor cells. The placental stem cells can be used alone or in a mixture with other stem cell populations. In accordance with the present invention, the placental stem cells may be mixed with other stem cell populations, including but not limited to, umbilical cord blood, fetal and neonatal hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells, human stem cells and progenitor cells derived from bone marrow. The placental stem cells and the mixed populations of placental stem cells and stem cells have a multitude of uses and applications, including but not limited to, therapeutic uses for transplantation and treatment and prevention of disease, and diagnostic and research uses.
US08057776B2
We disclose a process to produce carbon nanotubes from microalgae. Microalgae is been utilized for biodiesel production. The algal membrane resulted from oil extraction of microalgae is used here to produce carbon nanotubes. The process utilized for the conversion is composed of two steps, in the first step the algal membrane is converted to carbon black through a pyrolysis process in inert atmosphere, in the second step the resulted carbon black is converted to carbon nanotubes by mixing the carbon black with a fluid with known self ignition condition and subjecting the mix to said self ignition condition.
US08057767B1
Chemical species such as nitrogen oxide (NO), carbon monoxide, and low molecular weight hydrocarbons (e.g., C1-C5 and saturated or ethylenically unsaturated) in an oxygen-containing gas stream, such as the exhaust stream from a diesel engine, or other lean burn engine, may be oxidized using a mixture of MnOx with one or more other base metal oxides, with or without palladium. The oxidation is effective at temperatures above about 200° C. to convert about ninety percent or more of the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and to consume the hydrocarbons. The oxidation is also effective to convert much of the NO to NO2. In general, the mixed base metal oxides may be used as catalysts for the oxidation of nitrogen oxide in hot gas streams containing oxygen. They may optionally be used in a combination with palladium or platinum. But platinum, which is very expensive, does not have to be used in such oxidation reactions.
US08057746B2
A carrier for exhaust-gas purification is able to effectively protect against getting clogged with the particulate matters in a filter having carriers. The carrier is constituted with a web corrugated to have straight and/or zigzag ridges and then wound up into a column. The carrier for exhaust-gas purification is made of the web of wire netting or nonwoven metallic fabric, which is embossed to have ridges and grooves extending at least in a widthwise direction and further wound up spirally or stacked on top of the other into the column.
US08057739B2
A liquid purification system operates an air flow generator to provide a high speed air flow. The air flow passes through a venturi and liquid introduced into the air flow passes through the venturi and is subjected to compression, heat, and shockwaves. The air flow generator may be computer controlled and automatically directed in response to sensed contaminants.
US08057731B2
A light beam is irradiated to sinter powder layers into a plurality of cured layer which are superimposed to each other to fabricate a three-dimensional object. A portion forming an outer shell of the object is given by high-density cured layers, while the other portion is given by low-density cured layers. The high-density cured layer making up at least a side of the object is composed of a high-density primary cured layer obtained by irradiation of a primary irradiation to the powder layer, and a high-density secondary layer obtained by a secondary irradiation to a supplemental powder layer supplied on the high-density primary cured layer. Thus, the high-density cured layer is given a height in level with the low-density cured layer, which assures constant height of each cured layer which is a combination of the high-density cured layer and the low-density cured layer.
US08057709B2
A method of making a treating wash includes mixing brass granules with acetone, mixing carbon nanotube material, iron pyrite granules and copper granules in the acetone brass mixture, and straining the liquid from the remaining solid material. Methods of treating materials such as brass granules, iron pyrite granules, carbon nanotube material, and brass granules comprises washing the materials in the treating wash, followed by straining and drying the materials.
US08057705B2
A SiAlON phosphor represented by a general formula (1) Lup(Si, Al)12(O, N)16:Euq (1) wherein at least a main phase has an alpha SiAlON crystal structure; and 0.25≦p≦0.65.
US08057699B2
The polymerizable liquid crystal composition includes at least two selected from the group of compounds represented by the following Formulas (1) and (2): wherein m is 5 or 10; and wherein n is 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 or 9, and R is hydrogen or methyl wherein said composition includes at most only two compounds of Formula (1) in which m is 10; and wherein said composition does not include a compound of Formula (2) in which n is 3 and R is hydrogen.
US08057676B2
Drainage water containing an organofluorine compound is introduced into a raw tank (1) and then filtered through a filtration device (4). Next, a microorganism, a micro-nanobubbling auxiliary agent and a nutrient are added thereto in a first transit tank (5) while micro-nanobubbles are generated thereinto by a micro-nanobubbling machine (7), thereby giving treated water. This treated water is then fed into an active carbon column (14) and then the above-described organofluorine compound contained in the treated water is decomposed by the microorganism as described above.
US08057673B2
Treatment system for wastewater containing ammonium is provided. The treatment system of the present invention includes an ammonia oxidation reactor and a membrane reactor disposed on the back of the ammonia oxidation reactor. The ammonia oxidation reactor includes biological carriers for carrying the ammonium oxidation bacteria and nitrite oxidation bacteria, a pH level controller for increasing the pH level to above 7.5, and a DO (dissolved oxygen) controller for reducing the DO content to less than 1.0 mg/L. The membrane reactor composed of a membrane and an aerator is used to separate the solids and liquids of the effluent of the ammonia oxidation reactor. In addition, a method for treating wastewater containing ammonium is also provided.
US08057672B2
Provided is a disposable multi-layered filtration device for the separation of blood plasma which can be applied to a biochip and appropriate for disposal uses. The filtration device for the separation of blood plasma includes: an upper substrate including a blood inlet; an intermediate substrate including a filtering unit for extracting blood plasma from blood flowing through the blood inlet; and a lower substrate including an air outlet, wherein the upper substrate, the intermediate substrate, and the lower substrate are stacked and adhered.
US08057663B2
A process and apparatus for cracking a hydrocarbon feed in a steam cracking furnace by withdrawing a resid-rich stream from a resid knockout vessel and recycling the resid-rich stream through a convection heating section of the furnace.
US08057653B2
The present invention generally relates to carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor that incorporates lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) as an electrolyte and sensing electrode comprising a combination of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and barium carbonate (BaCO3). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor has a reduced sensitivity to humidity due to a sensing electrode with a layered structure of lithium carbonate and barium carbonate. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of producing carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors having lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) as an electrolyte and sensing electrode comprising a combination of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and barium carbonate (BaCO3).
US08057644B2
A process and apparatus utilizing at least one conformable anode (40) in a plating process to apply a plating to an article (10). A wire or other material suitable for an anode is shaped to conform to the approximate shape of a region of the article to be coated. The anode is powered by an electrical power source (44), and the article serves as the cathode. The anode and article are both immersed in a plating bath (38). The article and anode are rotated relative to one another about a central axis (22) of the article. The relative movement between the anode and the article causes a uniform plating (46) to be applied to selected regions of the article that pass the anode. Another anode (50) can be arranged in fixed relation with the article to cause plating to a separate selected region of the article concurrently with the other anode.
US08057632B2
A laminated assembly (10) comprising a substrate (100) with an image (103) thereon, has a first film (20) with a brush stroke texture embossed therein (21), a second film (40) with a canvas texture embossed therein (41) to create a final product having the appearance of a piece of fine art.
US08057631B2
A method for applying thermoplastic strips to thermoplastic membranes, the method comprising applying a first strip to a membrane, providing apparatus comprising a housing having drive wheels thereon, a guide assembly fixed to the housing and comprising a first pair of guide wheels for disposition around the first strip and a second pair of guide wheels for disposition around a second strip to guide the second strip to a welding station mounted on the apparatus to heat weld the second strip to the membrane, mounting the first pair of guide wheels on the first strip, mounting the second pair of guide wheels on the second strip, moving the housing on the drive wheels, the first pair of guide wheels riding along the first strip and the second pair of guide wheels channeling the second strip therebetween and into the welding station for attachment to the membrane by the heat weld, the second strip thereby extending equidistantly from the first strip.
US08057629B2
A method for making a polymeric microfluidic structure in which two or more components (layers) of the microfluidic structure are fixedly bonded or laminated with a weak solvent bonding agent, particularly acetonitrile or a mixture of acetonitrile and alcohol. In an aspect, acetonitrile can be used as a weak solvent bonding agent to enclose a microstructure fabricated in or on a non-elastomeric polymer such as polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic or other linear polymer to form a three-dimensional microfluidic network. The method involves the steps of wetting at least one of the opposing surfaces of the polymeric substrate components with the weak solvent bonding agent in a given, lower temperature range, adjacently contacting the opposing surfaces, and thermally activating the bonding agent at a higher temperature than the lower temperature range for a given period of time. The contacted polymeric substrates may also be aligned prior to thermal activation and compressed during thermal activation. A laminated, polymeric microfluidic structure is also disclosed.
US08057627B2
A method and device (1) are provided for applying laminated tapes (2, 3) with an adhesive tape (2) and a cover tape (3) on a surface (4). The tape application device (1) includes a frame (5), a tape winder (8) for the laminated tape (2, 3), a tape winder (9) for the pulled-off cover tape (3), a tape guide (14) and a pressure-exerting device (18) for pressing the adhesive tape (2) onto a surface (4). During application, the cover tape (3) is at some parts detached and guided away from the adhesive tape (2), wherein the adhesive tape (2) can be severed at the detachment point and can be pressed onto the surface (4) with two closely adjacent pressing elements (19, 20).
US08057614B2
A method of forming a molding mat formed bundles of reinforcing fibers and bonding materials is provided. The reinforcing fibers are preferably wet use chopped strand glass fibers (WUCS). The bonding materials may be any thermosetting material having a melting point less than the reinforcing fiber. The molding mat may be formed by partially opening the wet use chopped strand glass fibers and filamentizing the bonding materials, blending the reinforcement and bonding fibers, forming the reinforcement and bonding fibers into a sheet, and bonding the sheet. During bonding, the sheet is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the bonding fibers but below the temperature of the glass fibers. The molding mat thus formed may be used as a reinforcement material in sheet molding compounds.
US08057603B2
A method of cleaning a substrate processing chamber that enables formation of an oxide film on a surface of a processing chamber inside component to be prevented. A substrate processing chamber 11 has therein a processing space S into which a wafer W is transferred and carries out reactive ion etching on the wafer W in the processing space S. The substrate processing chamber 11 has an upper electrode plate 38 that comprises silicon and a lower surface of which is exposed to the processing space S. A dry cleaning is carried out on the upper electrode plate 38 using oxygen radicals produced from oxygen gas introduced into the processing space S. An oxide removal processing is carried out on the upper electrode plate 38 using fluorine ions and fluorine radicals produced from carbon tetrafluoride gas introduced into the processing space S.
US08057595B2
The present invention relates in general to implantable compositions, and method for preparing same, containing a calcium salt-containing component, optionally demineralized bone, a plurality of discrete fibers, optionally a flow additive, and optionally continuous reinforcing fibers or an array of organized fibers in the form of mesh. Advantageously, the discrete fibers have a specific aspect ratio (length/diameter) from about 50:1 to about 1000:1. The addition of a small amount of discrete fibers and/or the continuous reinforcing fibers or fiber mesh can cause drastic increases in certain mechanical properties including flexural strength, flexural toughness, and/or screw pullout strength.
US08057594B2
The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to high strength foam materials and methods of making the same. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention relate to high strength foam materials comprising pozzolans, such as cenospheres derived from fly ash. An embodiment of the present invention comprises, a pozzolan foam material comprising a pozzolan, an alkali, a silicate, and an organosilicon compound. Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to strong, lightweight materials that are environmentally-friendly and can be economically manufactured.
US08057593B1
The present invention relates to a pigment dispersion and a black water-reducing agent, more particularly, to a pigment dispersion comprising a carbon black whose surface is modified with an aminosilane compound and a polycarboxylic acid-based water-reducing agent, and a black water-reducing agent using the same. The present invention is characterized in that the surface-modified carbon black with an aminosilane compound is water-dispersed by using a polycarboxylic acid-based water-reducing agent as a dispersing agent having better performance than a naphthanlene-based water-reducing agent. Therefore, the present invention can display black color of the water-reducing agent and cement at the same time and improve the flowability of cement owing to the presence of carbon black in the form of nanoparticles, which enables to manufacture ultrahigh strength concrete. Further, by using the method in accordance with the present invention, it is also possible to use conventional polycarboxylic acid-based water-reducing agents as a pigment dispersing agent for carbon black.
US08057581B2
A system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter that comprises an upstream end for receiving exhaust gas and a downstream end. A zoned heater is arranged spaced from the upstream end and comprises N zones, where N is an integer greater than one, wherein each of the N zones comprises M sub-zones, where M is an integer greater than one. A control module selectively activates at least a selected one of the N zones to initiate regeneration in downstream portions of the PM filter from the one of the N zones and deactivates non-selected ones of the N zones.
US08057570B2
Efficient coordination of processing (by desulphurizing) and moving hot metal from a direct smelter, producing hot metal on a continuous basis, to an electric arc furnace or furnaces, operating on a batch basis, is disclosed. The invention includes the use of hot metal storage devices, such as ladles, that are large enough to supply hot metal for a small number, preferably two or three, of electric arc furnace batch operations.
US08057567B2
Thermoplastic bicomponent binder fiber can be combined with other media, fibers and other filtration components to form a thermally bonded filtration media. The filtration media can be used in filter units, such as breather caps. Such filter units can be placed in the stream of a mobile fluid and can remove a particulate and/or fluid mist load from the mobile stream. The unique combination of media fiber, bicomponent binder fiber and other filtration additives and components provide a filtration media having unique properties in filtration applications.
US08057566B1
In the description and drawings a final fiberglass product is disclosed. The final fiberglass product may have a fiber curl layer, a fiber skin layer, and a fiber loft layer between the fiber curl layer and the fiber skin layer. The fiber curl layer may be on an unfiltered air entry side of the final fiberglass product and have a plurality of generally sinusoidal fiber bundles therein.
US08057563B2
An air cleaner includes a housing with a dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet, and an interior. A tubesheet is in the housing interior having a plurality of openings. A panel-style filter arrangement is oriented such that each one of the openings in the tubesheet is covered by the panel-style filter arrangement. A plurality of blowpipes are oriented to direct a fluid pulse at a respective one of the openings in the tubesheet covered by the filter arrangement. Preferably, each blowpipe is oriented to direct a fluid pulse at a respective one of the openings in the tubesheet covered by the panel-style filter arrangement at an angle that is: (i) not normal to a plane of the openings in the tubesheet; and (ii) not in line with a general direction of filtration flow through the panel-style filter arrangement.
US08057561B2
The invention provides an isolated, particulate polyoxometalate complex comprising a water-soluble cationic polymer and a polyoxometalate compound ionically bound to the cationic polymer. The polyoxometalate compound can be an isopolyoxometalate compound, such as an isopolytungstate, or a heteropolyoxometalate compound. The invention further provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition comprising a preformed polyoxometalate abrasive, as well as a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate therewith.
US08057560B2
A fuel processor having a movable burner, a method of operating the fuel processor, and a fuel cell system having the fuel processor. The fuel processor includes a combustion chamber, a reformer burner, a portion of which is partially disposed inside the combustion chamber, a reformer which is heated by heat transfer from the combustion chamber, and a burner-moving apparatus that moves the reformer burner with respect to the combustion chamber. The method of operating the fuel processor includes determining the load on and a plurality of temperatures within the fuel processor and moving the reformer burner depending upon such information.
US08057548B2
A fusion cage of the present invention includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion, and an insert portion adapted to be received therebetween, wherein the geometry of the fusion cage corresponds substantially to the geometry of a void into which the fusion cage is to be inserted. Also described is a novel tool for insertion of a fusion cage and a novel method for designing a fusion cage or other surgical implant for filling a void identified within a patient.
US08057544B2
The present invention relates to methods of separating, supporting or both separating and supporting layers of tissue in the human spine. Such methods generally comprise inserting at least one member between layers of tissue in the human spine and changing the configuration of the member to define a support structure between the tissue layers.
US08057541B2
Provided herein are small diameter inlays for correcting vision impairments by altering the shape of the anterior corneal surface. In an embodiment, inlays having diameters smaller than the pupil are provided for correcting presbyopia. To provide near vision, an inlay is implanted centrally in the cornea to induce an “effective” zone on the anterior corneal surface, within which diopter power is increased. Distance vision is provided by a region of the cornea peripheral to the “effect” zone. In another embodiment, small diameter inlays are provided that induce effective optical zones on the anterior corneal surface that are much larger in diameter than the inlays. The increase in the effective optical zone, due at least in part to a draping effect, allows an inlay to produce a much larger clinical effect on a patient's vision than the diameter of the inlay.
US08057539B2
An instrument for positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis in a vessel includes a wire element to slidingly guide the valve prosthesis towards an implantation site and an expandable element coupled to the wire element. The expandable element is expandable in the vessel to position the wire element in association with the implantation site. A method for positioning a cardiac valve prosthesis includes securing a delivery instrument at an appropriate location at the implantation site and delivering the valve prosthesis to the implantation site using the delivery instrument.
US08057530B2
Medical devices made at least in part of amorphous metals or alloys are provided. Certain embodiments include filters, stents, guidewires, snares, and coils comprised of amorphous metal. Methods of forming the medical devices, including methods of shape setting amorphous metals or alloys into components of medical devices are also provided. Methods of using amorphous metal medical devices are also provided.
US08057523B2
The present application is directed to set screws used with fasteners to capture and engage an elongated member. The set screws include a body sized to attach to a receiver of the fastener. A deformable member may be attached to an end of the set screw and provides for the set screw to more fully engage the elongated member to prevent potential damage to the elongated member and prevent the set screw from backing out of the fastener. In one embodiment, just the deformable member contacts the elongated member. In another embodiment, the deformable member and the body contact the elongated member. In yet another embodiment, a contact member is attached to the deformable member to contact against the elongated member.
US08057513B2
Spinal implants and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine are describe herein. In one embodiment, for example, a method includes percutaneously inserting into a body an expandable member having a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration. The expandable member includes a support portion and a retention portion. The support portion has a longitudinal axis and is configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes. The retention portion is configured to limit movement of the support portion along the longitudinal axis. When the expandable member is in the first configuration, it is disposed in a first location between the adjacent spinous processes. The expandable member is then expanded from the first configuration to the second configuration. The expandable member is then contracted from the second configuration to the third configuration and disposed in a second location, the second location being different from the first location.
US08057512B1
A combined teething ring and pacifier may include a support member with a pacifier section and a teething ring section extending from the posterior and anterior sides thereof respectively. The teething ring may be removably coupled to the support member such that it may be removed therefrom while the pacifier remains situated inside the infant oral cavity. Multiple teething rings may be available to interchange with a single support member and pacifier. Further, the support member may include an automatic reciprocating mechanism for reciprocating the teething ring along an arcuate direction as the infant inhales air into the pacifier. The mechanism preferably includes an actuator that rotates inside an ambient-air diverting chamber as the infant breaths. With each rotation, the actuator contacts a trigger attached to the teething ring. The trigger may reciprocate along a linear path, thus urging the teething ring along the arcuate direction.
US08057501B2
A lancing device for use with a removable lancet having a sharp tip. The lancet includes a housing. The lancing device can include a handle connected to the housing for movement between a storage position, where the housing and handle are configured to be compactly stowed, and a use position, where the housing and handle are configured to be grasped by a user to perform the piercing operation. The lancing device can include an opening formed in the housing and a tray that is moveable with respect to the housing between an open position, where the lancet can be installed on or removed from the tray, and a closed position, where the lancet can be utilized to perform a piercing operation. The lancing device can include a structure moveable with respect to the housing between a first position, where a first piercing aperture is defined, and a second position, where a second piercing aperture is defined, where the second piercing aperture is larger than the first piercing aperture.
US08057498B2
An ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonically actuated blade or end effector having a treatment portion. The blade can define a central axis and at least one axis which is transverse to the central axis, wherein the transverse axis can lie within a plane which is perpendicular, or normal, to the longitudinal axis and can define a cross-section of the treatment portion. Such a cross-section can include a central portion and a step extending from the central portion, wherein the central portion can comprise a width, and wherein the step can comprise a cutting edge. In at least one embodiment, the cutting edge can be defined by first and second surfaces which define an angle therebetween. In various embodiments, the position of the cutting edge and/or the angle between the cutting edge surfaces can be selected in order to balance the blade with respect to the transverse axis.
US08057491B2
Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract.
US08057490B2
The present invention involves new interventional methods for reducing gastric volume, and thereby treating obesity. The procedures are generally performed laparoscopically and may generally be described as laparoscopic plication gastroplasty (LPG) in which, after obtaining abdominal access, spaced apart sites on a gastric wall are engaged, approximated and fastened to create one or more tissue folds forming one or more plications projecting into the gastrointestinal space. The serosal tissue may optionally be treated during the procedure to promote the formation of a strong serosa-to-serosa bond that ensures the long-term stability of the tissue plication. These procedures are preferably carried out entirely extragastrically (i.e. without penetrating through the gastrointestinal wall), thereby minimizing the risks of serious complications.
US08057484B2
An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving objects, such as for example, severed human tissue, foreign objects or impacted food bolus, from within a subject is disclosed. The device includes a body and handle movable relative to the body, a tubular member fixed to the body, a link having a first end fixed to the handle and a second end remote from the body, and a net including a loop and a net element. The loop is expandable and collapsible by action of the handle relative to the body. The loop retains an expanded configuration when deployed to allow for the capture certain objects that were otherwise difficult to capture because of positioning, location, or object characteristics. The loop may be constructed of flat wire and form a polygon shape when deployed. Structure at the distal end of the loop may propel and retain the loop into an open position when in use in narrow organs such as the esophagus.
US08057479B2
A system and method for detecting and measuring changes in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses dual orientation devices of a type capable of measuring angular position changes from a reference position. One such device provides information as to changes in position of an anatomical landmark relative to a reference position. The second device provides information as to changes in position of a surgical instrument and/or prosthesis relative to the reference position.
US08057478B2
The present invention provides for an apparatus for cutting a tibia, a stylus, an apparatus for cutting a femur, an apparatus for aligning a femoral cutting guide, and an ankle clamp in support of a unicondylar knee surgery. The present invention further provides for a method of preparing a femoral condyle of a femur for the implantation of a unicondylar femoral knee implant. The apparatus for cutting a tibia includes a unicondylar tibial resection guide that is adjustably connectable to a unicondylar tibial alignment guide and configured to operate concurrently with the tibial alignment guide. The apparatus for cutting a femur includes a spacer block and a cutting guide configured to operate concurrently with the spacer block.
US08057472B2
A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.
US08057469B2
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having at least one closure device at its distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter also includes one or more energy transmission members for delivering energy to the closure device(s) and to the tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. Closure devices may comprise, for example, a bioresorbable matrix or a non-resorbable matrix. In some embodiments, the closure device contains particles dispersed within the closure device to increase conductance and/or to reduce resistance and/or impedance. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter to position its distal end into the tunnel of the PFO and fixing the closure device within the tunnel of the patent foramen PFO.
US08057464B2
A light transmission system to provide photodynamic treatment to a patient includes a single use integrated control module and catheter assembly having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transmit light toward target cells within a patient. The integrated light catheter and control module are used in combination with a light activated drug. Selected operating parameters may be programmed into the control module, or it may be wirelessly programmable in situ prior to use to allow user flexibility to tailor treatment for a particular patient or condition. Among the features that prevent reuse are that the control module lacks access to recharge the power source, and it may include a deactivation module that destroys circuitry or software when triggered. To prevent patient interference when in use, the control module may also be configured to selectively deactivate.
US08057463B2
A system for adaptive laser scanning correction includes a laser scanner coupled to a controller. The controller develops control signals for the laser scanner for a directed scan pattern that is modified to compensate for a characteristic scan-pattern distortion introduced by the laser scanner. The laser scanner responds to the control signals to provide an actual scan pattern approaching a target scan-pattern shape. The system may be useful for ophthalmologic laser surgery and other applications requiring precise control over scan pattern shape and a high scanning speed.
US08057462B2
A control system for allowing a user to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions.
US08057458B2
A method for treating a facet pain in a subject by providing an effective amount of therapeutic agent in manner that by a biological repair effect on the facet is produced as compared to a temporary anti-inflammatory effect.
US08057454B2
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining hydration of an article and/or a person. The physical and/or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article may be altered by hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Furthermore, a time period for receiving the hydration in the absorbent article may also be determined. The hydration of the person may be determined based on a fluid output rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period for receiving the hydration.
US08057452B2
A brassiere for supporting the breasts of a wearer and for receiving and supporting a funnel for expressing breast milk, comprising a pair of cups, at least one of which includes a first portion and a second portion having at least one elastic band. The first and second portion of the cup are expandable to allow a funnel to be selectively inserted between and under said first portion and said second portion so as to contact said breast for expressing milk.
US08057451B2
An absorbent wearing article including an air permeable and liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-retentive absorbent structure placed on the backsheet. An outer sheet has having elastic members is placed on and bonded to a surface of the backsheet opposed to its surface bonded to the absorbent structure. The outer sheet has the elastic members intermittently bonded under tension thereto, and is formed in a region thereof facing the absorbent structure with an opening. The elastic members extend laterally under tension from a peripheral edge of the opening beyond the absorbent structure and the first backsheet is exposed through the opening.
US08057436B2
Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a drive system that advances a piston rod to dispense medicine to the patient in a safe and energy efficient manner.
US08057433B2
A pharmaceutical delivery system that releases an active agent in a controlled manner for an extended period in the vaginal cavity to treat or cure ailments associated with the vaginal cavity or proximal areas. The delivery system includes an applicator which is composed of a high internal phase emulsion, allowing the delivery system to adhere to the mueosal surfaces of the body, primarily the lining of vaginal cavity. The delivery system can maintain the high internal phase emulsion at a temperature of 86° F. for at least one month, without decomposition or instability of the emulsion.
US08057429B2
An feeding tube and a kit for installation of a feeding tube includes a balloon anchored gastric tube. A protective sleeve on a dilator protects the toroidal balloon from damage during surgical insertion of the feeding tube. An integrated gastro jejunal feeding tube unit may include a jejunal tube outlet port at one end, a jejunal balloon port, a gastric sleeve outlet port, one or more gastric balloon ports, one or more gastric balloons, gastric drainage holes, a jejunal balloon positioned at end of the jejunal tube and sleeve. Drainage holes may be provided in the jejunal tube and/or the gastric sleeve. Drainage holes in the gastric sleeve may be used to deflate the stomach, while nutrition is provided by a jejunal tube inserted in the jejunum, simultaneously.
US08057425B1
A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.
US08057423B2
A dialysis system includes a dialysis instrument; a disposable cassette, the cassette including a rigid portion defining at least one pumping chamber, a pouch fitted over the rigid portion, the pouch including at least one flexible sheet sealed so as to provide a sealed environment inside the pouch; and wherein the instrument is configured to press the at least one flexible sheet against the pumping chamber to seal the pumping chamber for operation.
US08057419B2
An extracorporeal blood perfusion system includes a disposable assembly and a control unit having a control interface region. The interface region includes pump assemblies for selective pumping of venous blood, arterial blood, cardioplegia solution, suctioned blood and blood removed from the left ventricle. Valve assemblies control the flow of fluids through the assembly and to/from the patient and sensors monitor various fluid parameters including temperature and pressure within the various fluid circuits. The user interface is a functional screen interface for effecting the operation of the control unit and valve assemblies. The screen interface may be a touch screen having objects that corresponds to the component interface region. The display may be selectively controlled to provide graphic depictions of disposable assembly components with corresponding narrative instructions.
US08057417B2
A lower back supporter including a pair of flat anchor parts that come into contact with the lower back of a wearer with a specified space in between, a pair of anchor belts that wrap around the abdomen with the end portions connected to each other, a first and second support belt that cross over each other on the back, and a connecting belt that connects the anchor parts. The inner side surface of the anchor part comprising a non-slip material that closely contacts the skin of the wearer, and the outer side surface comprising a material that fastens to surface fasteners. After the anchor belts are put on, operation belts connected to the first and second support belts are pulled, the surface fasteners are fastened to the outer side surfaces of the anchor parts, applying tensile force between the anchor parts in closely contact to the lower back.
US08057416B2
A restraint device includes first and second restraint and/or support portions adapted to extend around part of a person. First and second connector portions may secure the first and second restraint and/or support portions to the person. A lock member may be used to selectively prevent disconnection of the first and second connector portions. One or more removable tags or other information elements may be carried on at least one of the first and second restraint and/or support portions and may indicate who placed the restraint device on, or removed the restraint device from the person, and/or what time the restraint device was placed or removed. The tags or other elements may include a unique identifier to indicate whether the restraint device had been previously removed from the person after an initial placement. The restraint device may include an electronic information element configured to transmit information related to the wearer.
US08057409B2
An ultrasonic therapeutic device and an ultrasonic therapeutic system including the ultrasonic therapeutic device and guided by an imaging device are provided. The ultrasonic therapeutic device includes an ultrasonic therapeutic applicator that comprises an ultrasonic transducer, a box which contains the ultrasonic therapeutic applicator and the couplant liquid, a moving unit which extends through the wall of the box and connects the ultrasonic therapeutic applicator, and compensating units which set on opposing sides of and incorporate with the box and holds the level of the liquid when the moving unit drives the ultrasonic therapeutic applicator to move. Stabilization of the liquid level in the box consequently decreases the interference to imaging results of an imaging device due to the level changing of the couplant liquid and improves the diagnostic accuracy of the imaging device.
US08057403B2
A flexible biopsy needle assembly includes a flexible coring stylet that is slidably disposed within a flexible outer cannula. The stylet includes an elongated body, a tip, a sampling notch adjacent to the tip, and at least one ferrule along the length of the body. The cannula includes an elongated tubular body defining a lumen sized for sliding passage of the stylet, a cutting edge at the opening of the lumen, and an array of slits along the length of its body. The slits are sized to allow the diameter of the ferrule(s) to extend partially therein. The slits and ferrule(s) interact to limit or control the flexibility of the cannula at the location of the slits.
US08057400B2
A medical diagnostic device performs diagnostics for assessing the ability of the arteries to respond to an increase in blood flow. The medical diagnostic device determines relative changes in arterial volume of the limb segment during a time period after a stimulus relative to the arterial volume of the limb segment during a baseline period using the amplitudes or other portions of the component pulse waves (such as early systolic components) of volume pulse waves during the baseline period and after the stimulus.
US08057399B2
An anchor for an implantable medical device, for example, and implantable physiologic sensor, includes a proximal hub portion, an intermediate portion extending radially and distally from the hub portion, and a distal portion extending distally from the proximal portion and adapted to engage an inner surface of a target vessel for securing the implantable medical device therein. The anchor can assume a collapsed configuration for delivery through a catheter, and an expanded configuration for fixation within the vessel once deployed. The intermediate portion extends from the proximal portion at an oblique angle, allowing the anchor to be retracted and re-collapsed within the delivery catheter after initial deployment, if re-positioning or removal of the implantable medical device is necessary or desired.
US08057397B2
An imaging and navigation system is disclosed herein. The imaging and navigation system includes a computer and an ultrasonic imaging device disposed at least partially within an ultrasound catheter. The ultrasonic imaging device is connected to the computer and is adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The imaging and navigation system also includes a tracking system connected to the computer. The tracking system is adapted to estimate a position of a medical instrument. The imaging and navigation system also includes a display connected to the computer. The display is adapted to depict the generally real time three-dimensional image from the ultrasonic imaging device and to graphically convey the estimated position of the medical instrument.
US08057395B2
A rotationally vibrating imaging catheter and method of utilization has an array of ultrasound or optical transducers and an actuator along with signal processing, display, and power subsystems. The actuator of the preferred embodiment is a solid-state nitinol actuator. The actuator causes the array to oscillate such that the tip of the catheter is rotated through an angle equal to or less than 360 degrees. The tip is then capable of rotating back the same amount. This action is repeated until the desired imaging information is acquired. The rotationally vibrating catheter produces more imaging points than a non-rotating imaging catheter and eliminates areas of missing information in the reconstructed image.Rotationally vibrating catheters offer higher image resolution than stationary array catheters and greater flexibility and lower costs than mechanically rotating imaging catheters.The rotationally vibrating array carried on a catheter is vibrated or rocked forward and backward to allow for acquisition of three-dimensional information within a region around the transducer array.The addition of adjunctive therapies to the imaging catheter enhances the utility of the instrument. Examples of such therapies include atherectomy, stent placement, thrombectomy, embolic device placement, and irradiation.
US08057387B2
A system, method and apparatus for regulating vacuum applied to surgical suction devices allowing the use of a single vacuum regulator and associated canister to provide vacuum to two suction devices, such as a suction stabilizer and a suction retractor. Vacuum controllers may be placed in the vacuum lines provided to each of two or more suction devices, or may be placed only in the vacuum line of the suction device believed most likely to detach during the procedure. Each vacuum controller is provided with a primary vacuum line, coupling its associated suction device to the output of the vacuum regulator and a pilot passage, also coupling the suction device to the vacuum regulator. The controller closes a valve in the main vacuum line in response to loss of vacuum attachment, which valve remains closed until attachment is reestablished. Closure of the valve results in substantial or complete blockage of the main vacuum line. The pilot passage, which may be part of the valve or a separate vacuum line, serves to allow reestablishment of vacuum attachment while the valve is closed. The pilot passage is configured so that airflow through the pilot passage is low enough that the other suction device or devices coupled to the vacuum regulator can still maintain vacuum attachment.
US08057383B2
Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient.
US08057379B2
Devices and methods are provided for controlled application of a treatment to tissue adjacent a body cavity, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. cancer. A device embodying features of the invention includes one or more radiation shielding components to control emitted radiation from a radiation source to minimize radiation damage to healthy portions of the body cavity. A device embodying features of the invention can include a sealing member at a location on a shaft of the device proximal to a treatment location therein to seal the passageway leading to the body cavity. Methods for treating a body cavity include methods for delivering a radiation source to a body cavity while minimizing damaging irradiation of healthy tissue.
US08057376B2
A centrifugal blood separation apparatus having an optical camera control system with a focused, stationary light source. A diffusion plate mounted on a rotor, rather than on or near the light source, allows an intense light beam to be transmitted from the light source to the rotor and then diffused at the rotor across an observation region. Different characteristics of a diffusion surface allow different lighting regions within the observation region. The diffusion plate has upper and lower plates with a diffusion surface sealed between the plates. This prevents degradation or contamination of the diffusion surface by abrasion, dirt, blood components or other materials that might incidentally contact the diffusion surface.
US08057355B2
A hydraulic control system for a multi-mode hybrid-type power transmission is provided, including an engine-driven main pump in fluid communication with a main regulator valve, and an electrically driven auxiliary pump in fluid communication with an auxiliary regulator valve. A first pressure control solenoid is configured to provide boost pressure to the main regulator valve and thereby boost output of the main pump. A second pressure control solenoid is configured to provide boost pressure to the auxiliary regulator valve and thereby boost output of the auxiliary pump. The distribution of boost pressure from the pressure control solenoids is selectively modified such that at least one of the flows of pressurized fluid from the pumps is equal to the current line pressure requirements of the transmission during engine auto-start and auto-stop, and transitions thereto. An improved method for regulating the hydraulic control system is also provided.
US08057351B2
A planetary gear device having two sun gears with different diameters that engage with double planet gears having a first gear teeth area, which interacts with the fist sun gear, and a second gear teeth area, which interacts with the second sun gear. The double planet gears are continuous helical gear wheels. The crown circle diameters of the gear teeth areas of the double planet gears and the crown circle diameters of the sun gears are adapted such that the pitch circle diameters between the double planet gears and the sun gears are arranged in the center between the crown circle diameters and the effective root diameters of the gear teeth areas of the double planet gears and the sun gears.
US08057345B2
An electromagnetic actuator assembly with a frame, a movable element, first and second sensor targets that are coupled to the movable element for movement therewith, first and second sensors that are coupled to the frame and a controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a position of the first sensor target and to produce a first sensor signal in response thereto. The second sensor is configured to sense a position of the second sensor target and to produce a second sensor signal in response thereto. The controller that receives the first and second sensor signals and identifies three or more discrete points along a path of travel of the plunger. A differential assembly that incorporates the electromagnetic actuator assembly is also provided.
US08057341B2
A chain drive with at least two sprocket wheels provided with teeth having an evolvent spline, and a toothed chain that engages therewith, especially for a vehicle propulsion system, which toothed chain includes individual rows of link plates that have openings, wherein the link plates are movably connected with each other by rocker pieces penetrating the openings and have chain teeth. The chain drive is characterized in that the tooth flanks of at least one tooth of least one of the sprocket wheels are designed differently.
US08057339B2
A pulley holder for rotatably supporting a pulley around which a belt is wound, in which the pulley holder includes a shaft having a shaft body for supporting the pulley and a projection at least one end of the shaft body in its axial direction, and a holder body having a bearing for supporting the shaft body, and a fitting part for fitting the projection. Since the projection is biased from an axis of the shaft body, once the projection is fit into the fitting part, the shaft body would not rotate around the axis. Accordingly, a friction wear of the bearing of the holder body is prevented and thus a shift in conveying a carriage is prevented.
US08057338B2
A bicycle sprocket apparatus comprises a sprocket support, a first sprocket coupled to the sprocket support at a plurality of circumferentially spaced first sprocket mounting locations, a second sprocket coupled to the sprocket support at a plurality of circumferentially spaced second sprocket mounting locations, and a reinforcement member other than the sprocket support. The reinforcement member is disposed between the first sprocket and the second sprocket between a pair of the first sprocket mounting locations and between a pair of the second sprocket mounting locations.
US08057335B1
An emergency braking system for use in connection with a drive apparatus including a drive belt and pulley system for transferring power from a prime mover to a transmission or transaxle. The braking system includes a pulley engaged to the drive belt and a spring engaged to the pulley to provide a bias force thereto. When tension from the belt is removed from the pulley, the spring forces the pulley into engagement with an actuator to engage a brake mechanism.
US08057331B2
A cutting wheels archery broadhead includes a ferrule with an upper fork, a lower fork and a forward tip. An upper sharpened cutter wheel is rotatably mounted in the upper fork. A lower sharpened cutter wheel is rotatably mounted in the lower fork and such wheels overlap within the ferrule. A sharpened arrowhead is mounted in the forward tip portion of the ferrule to assist in broadhead penetration and rotational cutting of the cutter wheels.
US08057313B2
A longitudinal shaft, for use in particular in four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive motor vehicles includes a gearbox-side articulation, a differential-side articulation, as well as a central articulation through which a gearbox-side section is integrally linked in rotation to a differential-side section of the longitudinal shaft. To reduce the centrifugal forces occurring at the longitudinal shaft in operation. Therefore, the gearbox-side articulation and the differential-side articulation have each an inner hub, designed to connect the longitudinal shaft integrally in rotation respectively to a gearbox output shaft and to a differential input shaft, the longitudinal shaft being centered on the gearbox output shaft and the differential input shaft by interlocking through the inner hubs.
US08057309B1
A toy capable of interchangeably activating an electronic controller and a projectile launching component through the same trigger mechanism providing for a fun and interesting toy with a variety of play modes. A holder assembly including a receiving compartment is capable of accepting the electronic controller and the projectile launching component. The electronic controller includes at least one human user interface input button for controlling an electronic game, and the projectile launching component includes a mechanical actuator for launching a projectile. The trigger mechanism is in mechanical communication with the holder assembly for engagement with the human user interface input button for controlling the electronic game and the mechanical actuator for launching the projectile.
US08057303B2
This description describes wagering game systems that include docking stations. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a presentation unit configured to present a wagering game and a docking controller configured to detect when the apparatus is docked with a docking station and to detect when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station. The apparatus can also include a docking port, the docking port including at least one of a dock power unit configured to receive power via the docking station and a dock communication unit configured to receive wagering game content associated with the wagering game, the dock communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the apparatus is docked with the docking station. The apparatus can also include a wireless communication unit configured to receive the wagering game content when the docking controller when the apparatus is undocked from the docking station.
US08057302B2
A modularized gaming machine operable to receive wagers on a play of a game of chance is described. The modularized gaming machine may include a base gaming module that can operate independently or can be coupled to additional gaming modules. In one embodiment, the base gaming module may include a security monitoring system operable to determine a security configuration including error conditions that depends on features of gaming modules coupled to the base gaming module. In another embodiment, the security monitoring system may be operable to monitor a fixed security configuration that is independent of the configuration of the modularized gaming machine. The fixed security configuration may anticipate input from security devices that are unconnected in a particular configuration of the modularized gaming machine. In these instances, a signal mechanism may provide information to the security monitoring system to ensure a non-error condition for unconnected security devices.
US08057300B2
A method and system for providing sports betting information, in real time, utilizing a standard Internet connection on a computer to display the odds from a plurality of sports books are provided. The system provides its users with a line seeker alert, a major line move alert, a bet tracker, and a fully customizable display. A method of gaining real time sports betting information without the use of a web browser, through the use of a separate program written in the C++ programming language is disclosed.
US08057293B2
A gaming machine and a gaming system that may encourage a player to continue to play a game even though the player almost gives up winning a progressive jackpot are provided. After a part of bet coins is added to the progressive jackpot, if it is determined that the progressive jackpot is won (S47: Yes), a number of coins or the like equivalent to the amount of the progressive jackpot accumulated so far is paid out (S48). On the other hand, for example, one game number is determined from among three game numbers to trigger occurrence of a special combination. After a total game number N reaches the thus-determined game number (S44: Yes), a number of coins or the like equivalent to a predetermined payout amount is paid out (S45) upon winning of the special combination (S44-2: Yes).
US08057289B1
A system for use with a video of a golf game containing images of the ground, wherein the system comprises a source, a processor, data storage with computer instructions in communication with the processor and a digital display to assist in predicting an outcome for each golf shot.
US08057287B2
An abrasive mesh for a powered grinding wheel is made by weaving plural twisted warp threads with plural single weft threads. The twisted warp threads construct an even machining surface for grinding the workpiece evenly, avoiding the occurrence of surface scratch. Since the twisted warp threads are connected to the single weft threads by weaving, the structure strength of the abrasive mesh is relatively high, thus extending its service life. Further, the abrasive mesh can be applied to grind the workpiece requiring high grinding fineness.
US08057283B1
A method of fabricating a whispering gallery mode resonator (WGMR) is provided. The WGMR can be fabricated from a particular material, annealed, and then polished. The WGMR can be repeatedly annealed and then polished. The repeated polishing of the WGMR can be carried out using an abrasive slurry. The abrasive slurry can have a predetermined, constant grain size. Each subsequent polishing of the WGMR can use an abrasive slurry having a grain size that is smaller than the grain size of the abrasive slurry of the previous polishing iteration.
US08057280B2
A semiconductor process includes polishing a substrate with a slurry in an enclosure. Polishing the substrate is stopped. First mist is injected into the enclosure, such that the first mist has at least about 80% of saturation of a liquid or gaseous solvent in a carrier within the enclosure.
US08057270B2
A contact device that has decreased contact pressure against a conductor caused by elastic repulsion force of a spring contact, to thereby enable suppressing friction and reducing electrical-resistance. The contact device includes first and second conductors arranged on a same axis and moved in their axis direction to fit to each other, a spring contact fitted to an installation groove of the second conductor, and a conductive contact piece arranged between a fitting face of the first conductors and the spring contact, so that electric current flows in a pair of conductors through the conductive spring contact and the conductive contact piece. The spring contact has an elliptical cross section formed of a bare wire being spirally wound with tilting against the winding axis thereof, and the contact piece is divided into a plurality of segments in a direction of the winding axis of the spring contact, and configured to line-contact or face-contact the other of the conductors.
US08057265B2
There is provided an electrical charger including a base unit and an adaptor unit. The base unit is configured for being coupled to an electronic device. The adaptor unit is configured for being coupled to a power supply. The base unit is configured to co-operate with the adaptor unit such that there is provided an electrically coupled state wherein the base unit is electrically coupled to the adaptor unit, and such that there is also provided an electrically uncoupled state wherein the base unit is electrically uncoupled from the adaptor unit. Effecting a change in state from one of the electrically coupled state or the electrically uncoupled state to the other one of the electrically coupled state and the electrically uncoupled state includes effecting rotation of the base unit relative to the adaptor unit. There is also provided an electrical charger including a base unit and an adaptor unit. The base unit is configured for being electrically coupled to an electronic device. The adaptor unit is configured for being electrically coupled to a power supply. The base unit is configured to co-operate with the adaptor unit so as to effect electrical coupling between the base unit and the adaptor unit. The base unit is configured to co-operate with the adaptor unit such that there is provided a mechanically coupled state wherein the base unit is disposed in a mechanical coupling relationship with the adaptor unit. Effecting mechanical uncoupling of the base unit from the adaptor unit includes effecting rotation of the base unit relative to the adaptor unit.
US08057264B2
This Utility Model is a multi-purpose plug. It includes a pedestal (1) which is used to connect with the electric equipment. Its feature is that it also includes a number of different-typed plug connectors (2) which are detachably connected with the described pedestal (1). This multi-purpose plug includes a number of different types of plug connectors. They are suitable for various sockets thus making them more convenient to use.
US08057260B2
A cable assembly (100) includes an interior printed circuit board (13) with a number of conductive pads (132), a cable (2) and an insulative holding device (25). The cable (2) includes a number of conductors (21), a conductive sheath (22) shrouding the conductors (21) and an insulative sheath (23) shrouding the conductive sheath (22). Each conductor (22) has a soldering tail (24) extending to the outside of the insulative sheath (23) and soldering to the conductive pad (132). The insulative holding device (25) encloses the insulative sheath (22) and the conductors (21).
US08057249B1
An electrical connector includes a mating end having a plug interface. The mating end has a retaining surface defined around the plug interface. At least one retention feature is provided on the retaining surface. A cap is provided having a plurality of sides and a front face. An opening extends through the front face. The cap is mounted to the mating end so that at least one of the plurality of sides of the cap engages the at least one retention feature to secure the cap to the mating end. The plug interface is accessible through the opening in the cap. The electrical connector is configured to be rear mounted to a panel so that the plug interface is accessible through an opening in the panel and the front face of the cap is capable of positioning flush with a front face of the panel.
US08057247B2
A contact is attached to a connector housing thereby contacting a mating connector. The contact includes a contact section, a pair of tabs, and a pair of springs. The contact section is includes a pair of arms that extend frontward while facing each other and a support bearing the pair of arms. The pair of tabs are positioned on left and right sides of contact with the contact section positioned between. The pair of springs bend from both left and right sides of the support respectively, and frontward further than the tabs. The pair of springs also extend backward and then connect to the tabs. The pair of springs support the contact section and allow the contact section to move in the left-right direction by elastic deformation.
US08057245B2
A lever-type connector capable of preventing a worker from damaging a lever when removing the lever from a housing is provided. The lever-type connector includes a housing containing a contact, a wire cover and a lever. The wire cover includes a main body, stopper and a first tapered section formed between the main body and the stopper. The wire cover is attached to a rear side of the housing. The lever includes a pair of side plates and a connecting part that connects the pair of side plates to each other. The lever rotatably attaches to the housing by bridging over the rear side of the wire cover with the wire cover inserted between the pair of side plates in a thickness direction. The main body has a smaller thickness than a distance between the pair of side plates and the stopper has a greater thickness than the distance between the pair of side plates.
US08057242B2
A burn-in socket assembly comprises a base, a loading member and a plurality of contacts. The base has a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls and a cavity surrounded by the bottom wall and the sidewalls, the bottom wall defines a plurality of contact receiving holes. The loading member is assembled within the base for loading an integrated circuit package and defines a plurality of passageways corresponding to the contact receiving holes of the base. The contacts are received in the contact receiving holes of the base and the passageways of the loading member. The bottom wall is further formed with a plurality of protruding strips on a top surface thereof and between two adjacent rows of the contact receiving holes to support the loading member.
US08057235B2
An agent based model system provides simulation of the influence of environmental variables and tendencies in individual and social decision making relating to the formation of coalitions and ethnic groups. The system is based on improved understandings of human decision making under risk, and incorporates recent theoretical developments and computational tools. The system gives analysts the ability to predict the development of coalitions and ethnic groups, as well as the ability to manage the behavior of individuals in such groups. The model results provide confidence intervals for various possible scenarios in a mix of agents' decision rules and distribution of environmental resources. Applications include management of ethnic groups and violent conditions in unstable nations, the tracking of terrorist organizations, development of coalitions and oligopolies in business, and the modeling and interdiction of criminal organizations.
US08057233B2
A manually manipulable device adapted to present an individual characterization to a user comprising a processor, a power source, a communications unit, a response generator, and a proximity sensor adapted to sense the close proximity of a similar device, such that a user can manipulate the device and generate a sensory response in the response generator or a response generator of another, at least similar, device, in accordance with the proximity of the other device.
US08057232B2
A kit for guiding a user is drawing a trace includes a sketching device coupled to a paper tablet. The sketching device comprises a first pattern of raised bumps sized and positioned to form a plurality of intersecting grooves along the surface of the sketching device.
US08057214B2
A method for manufacturing a plate-like structure, the method including a step of transferring concave and convex patterns on a master to a surface of a transferred substrate by sandwiching the master provided with the concave and convex patterns and the transferred substrate, between a press surface of a hollow cylindrical upper and a press surface of a lower mold, and pressurizing central parts of the upper and lower molds to apply pressure to the master and the transferred substrate, wherein a compressive load imposed on inner peripheral portions of the upper and lower molds is blocked and distributed toward outer peripheries of the upper and lower molds.
US08057210B2
A mould member 1 for blow moulding plastic containers, comprising an outer shell 2 supporting a sidewall mould insert 2, and a base mould insert 5 having the required shape features 7 of the body and base of the container to be moulded, the base mould insert being mounted on a base member by cooperating locking means 9, 10 engageable by a tool 17 for quick release by manipulations of the tool.
US08057209B2
A mold for an injection molding apparatus includes a light-transmitting part forming at least a portion of the mold, and configured to transmit light to a cavity to be filled with photo-setting resin.
US08057204B2
An expandable bladder for shaping a pneumatic tire is provided. The bladder in an unmounted, relaxed state has a shaped body having a pair of opposed annular beads, said body further comprising a central portion, sidewall portions, and shoulder portions interposed between the central portion and the sidewall portions, wherein the body is defined by an outer contour surface and an inner contour surface, wherein the central portion has gauge which increases to a maximum value axially inward of the shoulder portion, and wherein the bladder gauge in the shoulder is less than the maximum value, and wherein the bladder gauge increases from the shoulder to the bead.
US08057203B2
Crystalline alumina particles are intimately mixed with a gaseous fuel, air and oxygen. The mixture is then ignited in a torch. Such blending of the powder with the combustible gas allows the alumina particles to be immediately heated to above their melting temperature and allows the particles to form into spheres. The spheres are then rapidly cooled to ambient temperature, providing high purity micron-sized polymorphic alumina spheres without the use of additives or special treatment.
US08057201B2
A variable capacity vane pump has a pump control ring which is moveable to alter the volumetric displacement of the pump. The pump ring is moved by at least first and second control chambers, which acts on the pump control ring when pressurized working fluid is supplied to them to move the pump control ring to alter the volumetric capacity of the pump. When pressurized fluid is supplied to only one control chamber, the pump operates at a first equilibrium pressure and when pressurized fluid is also supplied to the second chamber, the pump operates at a second equilibrium pressure. If desired, pressurized fluid can also be supplied only to the second control chamber to operate the pump at a third equilibrium pressure and/or additional control chambers can be provided if required.
US08057191B2
The invention is directed to the elimination of changes of the chemical composition of a pumped liquid caused by introduction of strange components or by modification of original components. Another object of the invention is to provide the possibility of use of electrodes of the first order in order to increase productivity and decrease size and cost of the micropump.For this purpose, the electrokinetic micropump comprises a multichannel structure 810 made of non-conducting material, for example, a piece of a polycapillary column. The inlet and outlet end of this structure are adjacent to electrode sections 803, 804 having openings 821, 822 for inlet and outlet of the pumped liquid. These sections are divided by ion-exchange membranes 811, 812 into chambers 813, 814 for flow of the pumped liquid, communicating with the ends 841, 842 of the multichannel structure, and chambers 815, 816 filled with an auxiliary medium for transfer of electric charges. In the latter electrodes 817, 818 are located. One of the membranes, namely, membrane 811, is monopolar, and its type corresponds to the polarity of the adjacent electrode 817. The other membrane, namely, membrane 812, is bipolar and faces the adjacent electrode 818 with its side that corresponds to the polarity of said electrode. On one or both sides of each ion-exchange membrane may be installed baromembranes 829, 830 for nanofiltration or reverse osmosis. As auxiliary medium may be used, in particular, the pumped liquid itself or a granulated ion-exchange material.
US08057187B2
A steam turbine rotating blade for a low pressure section of a steam turbine engine is disclosed. The steam turbine rotating blade includes an airfoil portion. A root section is attached to one end of the airfoil portion. A dovetail section projects from the root section, wherein the dovetail section includes a skewed axial entry dovetail. A tip section is attached to the airfoil portion at an end opposite from the root section. A cover is integrally formed as part of the tip section. The cover comprises a first flat section, a second flat section, and a depression section located laterally between the first flat section and second flat section. The depression section is located below the first flat section at a first end where the first flat section and depression section are contiguous. The depression section rises above to the second flat section at a second end where the second flat section and depression section are contiguous. The second flat section is raised above the first flat section. The cover is positioned at an angle relative to the tip section, wherein the angle ranges from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees.
US08057186B2
A turbine bucket that may include an airfoil having a tip shroud, the tip shroud having an edge; wherein the edge has a profile substantially in accordance with values of X and Y in a Cartesian coordinate system set forth in Table 1 at points 1-14, wherein X and Y represent distances that may be proportionally scaled by a common multiplier which, once scaled and connected, define the profile of the edge of the tip shroud.
US08057184B2
The invention relates to a propeller blade bearing, for the propeller blades of aircraft propellers that can be adjusted along their longitudinal axis, a plurality of propeller blades being individually fastened on a propeller hub in a corresponding number of blade seats. Every propeller blade, at its blade base, has a primary adjustable bearing and a secondary adjustable bearing and is received so as to be rotatable along its longitudinal axis inside a blade seat. The primary and the secondary adjustable bearing are configured as angular contact ball bearings that have respective upper bearing races and lower bearing races and rolling bodies interposed between said bearing races. A lubricating oil reservoir is arranged in the propeller hub and supplies the primary and the secondary adjustable bearing with lubricating oil when the propeller rotates. Every propeller blade is configured as a completely pre-assembled unit with the primary adjusting bearing and the secondary adjusting bearing. The upper bearing races of the primary and the secondary adjustable bearing are connected to respective lubricating oil overflow rings which axially enclose the lower bearing races on one side and which allow to store the lubricating oil from the lubricating oil reservoir in the propeller hub mainly in the adjustable bearings.
US08057176B2
The present invention concerns a wind power installation and in particular the identification of a wind power installation as an aviation obstruction. The object of the present invention is to provide a simple daytime identification which can be easily modified and which avoids the disadvantages of the blades identified by color marking. Apparatus for temporary signal identification of a wind power installation wherein the apparatus comprises a sheath which is of a predetermined colored configuration and also has releasable fixing means for releasably fixing the sheath to a rotor blade of the wind power installation, wherein during fixing the sheath at least partially encloses the rotor blade.
US08057173B2
A single-bearing fan structure includes a fan frame having a bearing cup with a bearing received therein, the bearing cup having a radially inward protruded lip portion formed at a first end to abut on a top of the bearing, and a groove internally formed at a second end; a blade hub having a rotary shaft fixedly connected thereto with a distal end of the rotary shaft inserted into the bearing; a retainer engaged with the groove; a first elastic element fitted around the rotary shaft and located between the blade hub and the bearing; and a second elastic element received in the bearing cup and located between the bearing and the retainer. The first and second elastic elements and the bearing respectively axially and radially support the blade hub, enabling the fan structure to operate stably and have extended service life.
US08057168B2
A fan includes an impeller and a housing. The housing includes a base portion and a sidewall portion disposed around and connected with the base portion. A plurality of first recesses are disposed at a connection between the base portion and the sidewall portion, and a rib is disposed between every two adjacent first recesses. The impeller includes a hub having a base portion and a wall portion disposed around and connected with the base portion, and a plurality of blades disposed on a circumference of an outer wall of the wall portion. A plurality of third recesses are disposed at a connection between the base portion of the hub and the wall portion, and a rib is disposed between every two adjacent third recesses. The recesses can prevent the impeller and the housing from the defects and shape deformation caused by injection molding during manufacturing processes, and enhance the structural strength.
US08057162B2
The invention relates to a peptidic compound containing a polyprotein NS3/NS4 of a hepatitis C virus and a polypeptide NS5b of hepatitis C virus. Said invention also relates to expression vectors such as adenovirus and poxvirus in which nucleic sequences coding for the polyprotein NS3/NS4 and the polypeptide NS5b. The inventive compound can be used for a therapeutic application.
US08057156B2
The invention relates to an analysis apparatus with an analysis device for analyzing body fluids, and a magazine for test elements with a fresh supply container and a transfer unit that comprises a transfer element. At least one aperture for receiving a test element is formed in the circumferential surface of the transfer element. A waste container is provided in which used test elements are stored again after use.
US08057145B2
A radially expanding bolt assembly has a hollow element insertable into a hole of an object and having an inner surface with at least one inner surface portion which is tapered, an expanding element insertable in the hollow element and having an outer surface with at least one outer surface portion which is tapered and cooperates with the inner tapered surface portion of the hollow element, additional elements for displacing the expanding element in opposite axial directions for tightening and loosening the bolt assembly, and a washer positionable between the object and one of the additional elements at one of the axial ends, so that the one additional element displaces the expanding element in one axial direction and due to cooperation of the tapered surface portions expands the hollow element to clamp it in the hole of the object, while the other additional element displaces the expanding element in an opposite axial direction and the tapered surface portions disengage from one another so that the hollow element contracts and the radially expanding bolt assembly can be removed from the hole of the object.
US08057143B2
A trailer includes a floor engageable with a load, the trailer floor comprising a plurality of floor panels. Each floor panel comprises a plurality of tubular portions that are hollow inside to reduce weight. The tubular portions have an upper wall comprising pairs of parallel channels which slideably receive at least one sliding bracket for securing the load to the trailer.
US08057133B2
Machining of aluminum workpieces with diamond or diamond-like carbon-surface coated tools may be conducted in an atmosphere containing hydrogen gas at a partial pressure effective for hydrogen to react with carbon atoms at the surface to form C—H bonds that resist adherence of aluminum to the tool surface. Suitably, hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas mixture is confined at the interface of tool and workpieces at the machining site. Hydrogen partial pressure may be determined for a tool-workpiece-machining temperature combination by calculation or experiment.
US08057130B2
A metal cutting system with a tool holder, a shim, an insert with a top depression, a top piece and a clamp. A rake face cooling channel for fluid delivery is formed between the top piece and the depression in the insert. A primary discharge slot at the end of the rake face cooling channel delivers fluid from below the cutting edge of the insert. A second cooling channel for delivery of fluid to the flank face is formed between the insert and the shim or is formed between the shim and the tool holder with a portion of the cooling channel passing through the shim.
US08057129B2
The invention concerns a process and a device (2) for the pneumatic conveyance of powdered material (4), in which a cylindrical chamber (10, 12), which can be connected with a reservoir (6) by a sealable inlet (14, 16) and with a delivery line (28) by a sealable outlet (18, 20), is alternately filled with material from the reservoir (6) and emptied of this material by applying a negative pressure to the chamber with its outlet (18, 20) closed and its inlet (14, 16) open through a bordering wall formed by a gas-permeable filter element (50) to draw material into the chamber (10, 12) from the reservoir (6), and by then admitting a gas under pressure into the chamber (10, 12) with its inlet (14, 16) closed and its outlet (18, 20) open to force the material previously drawn into the chamber (10, 12) out of the chamber and into the delivery line (28). To prolong the service life of the filter element (50) and to avoid contamination of the filter element more easily, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that the filter element (50) be designed as a hollow cylinder and that it surround at least a portion of the chamber (10, 12).
US08057128B2
A truss shoe for a roof support system includes a bolt receiving section, an intermediate section, and a cable engaging section. The cable receiving section has a passageway having a first open end spaced from, and in facing relationship, to the bolt receiving section and an opposite second end, wherein the passageway has a cone-shaped portion having a decreasing diameter as the distance from the first end of the passageway increases to receive a wedge shaped cable retention assembly. The surface of the intermediate section includes a cut out portion that extends from the first opening of the passageway toward the bolt receiving section and terminating at a riser. A locking tube has one end in the passageway in facing relationship to the retention assembly and the other end in engagement with the riser to prevent the retention assembly from moving out of the first opening of the passageway.
US08057125B2
Vibratory percussion rammers and methods of making vibratory percussion rammers are provided. In one example, a vibratory percussion rammer includes a gear box, a percussion delivery unit extending downwardly from the gear box, and one or more slide bearings disposed in the percussion delivery unit between adjacent surfaces of reciprocating metal components. The slide bearings include a sheet of non-metal material that is curved into the shape of a tube having a C-shape in cross section. Slide bearings according to this design can be disposed in the percussion delivery unit to eliminate some or all of the metal-on-metal contact between reciprocating components, including between the ram and shaft assembly, spring box and the guide cylinder, the spring separator and the spring box, and the shaft of a ram and shaft assembly and an upper end of the spring box.
US08057124B2
A soil compaction device has a vibrated contact element that makes contact with the soil during a contact phase and that is exposed to a contact force exerted by the soil and travels over a contact distance. A dynamic stiffness of the soil is formed from the gradient of the contact force and from the contact distance. Furthermore, a contact surface parameter to take account of the actual contact surface of the contact element with the soil is determined. The dynamic deformation modulus is then the product of the contact surface parameter and the dynamic stiffness. The method allows the determination of the dynamic deformation modulus, and hence of the soil stiffness, during the compaction operation.
US08057123B2
The present invention relates to a device for a pavement manhole with a support frame, for closing a panel hinged on the frame using permanent articulation means. The device is characterized in that the pivot axis (8) includes a pin made of at least two parts (13, 14) telescopically mounted into each other and spaced from each other by a spring (15) provided between the two telescopic parts (13, 14) so as to engage and hold the two ends of the pin (8) respectively in two blind holes (20) of the frame. The invention can be used in road equipment.
US08057121B2
A releasable connector assembly comprising a socket body 2 and a plug body 3. The socket body 2 has a set of channels 15 formed therein and the plug body 3 having a corresponding set of radial tabs 7 formed thereon, the channels 15 forming a keyway for the tabs 7 such that load bearing projections 5, 14 on the bodies are releasably engageable in the manner of a bayonet coupling. The assembly is characterised in that a set of locking pins are provided on the socket member that are extendable into the channels 15 so as, in use, to trap the tabs 7 in undercuts 15k of the channels 15, thereby preventing unintentional release of the plug 3 from the socket 2, and retractable from the channels 15 so as to enable release of the plug 3 from the socket 2.
US08057120B2
A structure for joining structural members is disclosed. The structure joins an end of a first member to a side of a second member by a coupling insert. The coupling insert has a web coupling portion that is received by the end of the first member and a tenon portion that is received by a transverse opening in the side of the second member. The web coupling portion and the tenon portion are connected by a base plate.
US08057112B2
A multi-mount apparatus for devices such as camera heads or lights on the end of a crane arm is disclosed. The multi-mount can include two substantially parallel side plates connected together with internal support members. A top mounting plate can be rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a top pivot point on the side plates. The multi-mount contains a leveling head, which can include a motor that drives a worm gear engaged with a moon gear. A bottom mounting plate can be attached to the moon gear, which is rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a bottom pivot point on the side plates. A motor drives a moon gear to rotate and maintain the bottom mounting plate at a desired orientation. In some embodiments, one or more push/pull rods rotatably attached to the bottom and top mounting plates also cause the top mounting plate to be maintained at the same orientation as the bottom mounting plate.
US08057107B2
An adapter couples a length of optical fiber to a hollow probe and to an optical coherence tomography instrument. The length of optical fiber may be greater than the length of the adapter itself. The optical fiber is fixed to an optical coupler at a proximal end of the adapter and may be maintained in a curved configuration by features located in an internal cavity of the adapter. An optical fiber advance mechanism be used to advance and/or retract the length of optical fiber to align it within the hollow probe.
US08057104B2
The angular contact roller bearing has an outer bearing ring, an inner bearing ring, a plurality of ball rollers arranged between the rings, and a bearing cage. The ball rollers in the two adjacent rows have pressure angle axes extending parallel to one another and are arranged directly one next to the other with their side faces point toward one another. Adjacent ball rollers in the two rows are arranged on a common rotational axis. The ball rollers have diameters and widths which are dimensioned in such a way that envelope cones which form tangents with all the ball rollers at their diameters are arranged with their cone tips precisely at the intersection point of the common rotational axes of the bearing longitudinal axis.
US08057097B1
An anatomical imaging system including a scanner having an opening for receiving a patient, a transport mechanism mounted to the base of the scanner, wherein the transport mechanism comprises a movement mechanism for moving the scanner, relative to the patient, and a radiation-protective curtain pivotally connected to the scanner so as to cover at least one side of the opening in the scanner during scanning.
US08057096B2
A dental radiograph sensor positioning device utilizing an elongated member which is fixed to a pair of supports. The first and second supports include holders for the radiograph sensor and are used interchangeably for this purpose. When one of the supports is held to the sensor, the other support is used as a grip for the user of the device. In this manner the device of the present invention may be used to obtain digital images from all four dental quadrants.
US08057095B2
Device for adapting a temperature probe for a use in a port in a heart-lung machine. An adaptor slip is tapered at an adaptor taper angle less than a port taper angle. The adaptor slip is sized such that the exterior wall of the adaptor slip provides an interference fit with at least a portion of the fluid port. The adaptor slip has an external shoulder abutting the end of the fluid port. The adaptor slip additionally has a sleeve having a closed end having a position with respect to the end of the adapter slip. A probe is configured to be seated in a lumen of the adaptor slip with a proximate end of the probe being proximate to the closed end of said sleeve.
US08057090B1
A device and related method for mixing a powdered component and a liquid component with minimal user interaction are described. A powdered component and a liquid component are separately fed into a mixing chamber. The powdered component may be released into the liquid component by removing a barrier. Alternatively, the two components are drawn into the mixing chamber from respective sources by a vacuum. The mixture is sonicated at precise vibrational frequencies to control the physical properties of the final blended content. A piston-like device is used to remove the blended content from the mixing chamber.
US08057085B2
An illumination apparatus includes at least one light source for outputting light, a light guide for guiding light input from the at least one light source through multiple reflections in the light guide, at least one groove formed on the light guide to reflect incident light, and a light extraction pattern formed on a surface of the light guide to output the incident light to an exterior of the light guide.
US08057079B2
An interior illumination apparatus includes a design member fixed to an interior side of a member of a vehicle, and which has a switch operating portion disposed movably on a housing of the design member, a function attaching member attached to an exterior side of the design member, and a function member attached to the function attaching member by an attaching unit, and which has a switch portion connected to the switch operating portion. The design member has a positioning portion which positions the function member.
US08057073B2
A light pipe and an illuminating device having the light pipe are provided. The light pipe may include an optical film in a rolled shape to have a hollow conduit and a supporter surrounding a surface of the optical film. The supporter may have at least one of a protrusion and an indentation on a surface of the supporter.
US08057072B2
A light-emitting module includes at least one light-emitting element provided on a mount surface of a substratum. A translucent member is provided so as to face the mount surface of the substratum. The translucent member is separated from the light-emitting element and contains a phosphor material that converts a wavelength of light emitted by the light-emitting element. A frame having heat conducting properties is interposed between the substratum and the translucent member. The frame surrounds the light-emitting element. The frame includes an opening that leads light emitted by the light-emitting element to the translucent member, and a heat conductor thermally connected to the translucent member. The heat conductor includes a heat radiator exposed outside of the translucent member.
US08057069B2
A graphical-user-interface manipulable lighting system is disclosed in which a light source having a position of focus is moved by an articulator adapted to receive and send signals through a control box indicating the current and intended positions of the focus of the light source, and further a computer interface operating wirelessly which graphically displays the current position of the light source and is adapted to allow a user to drag an icon indicating the current position of the light source onto a new intended position thereby resulting in the movement of the light source to the new position.
US08057053B2
A device serves for controlling temperature of an optical element provided in vacuum atmosphere. The device has a cooling apparatus having a radiational cooling part, arranged apart from the optical element, for cooling the optical element by radiation heat transfer. A controller serves for controlling temperature of the radiational cooling part. Further, the device comprises a heating part for heating the optical element. The heating part is connected to the controller for controlling the temperature of the heating part. The resulting device for controlling temperature in particular can be used with an optical element in a EUV microlithography tool leading to a stable performance of its optics.
US08057046B2
A laminate type light emitting diode device having excellent heat radiation performance and high output capability is provided. A plurality of reflection type light emitting diode units 10 each of which includes a light emitting diode 2 and a dichroic mirror 3 in a hollow metal holder case 5 having high thermal conductivity so as to face each other are joined to one another through joint members 4 formed of electrical insulating material, thereby constructing the laminate type light emitting diode device 100.
US08057041B2
The invention proposes a manual measuring appliance (112) and an analytical measuring system (110) which can be used to measure at least one analyte in an eye fluid of an eye (114). The handheld measuring appliance (112) comprises a measuring system (120) and a positioning system (122). The measuring system (120) can measure at least one property of the at least one analyte and/or at least one analyte-dependent change of property of at least one ocular sensor (116) in the eye fluid, and this can be used to infer a concentration of the analyte in the eye fluid. The positioning system (122) is set up to measure a spatial positioning, wherein the spatial positioning comprises a distance between at least one measurement location in the eye (114) and the handheld measuring appliance (112) and also furthermore at least one further positioning co-ordinate. The positioning system (122) comprises at least one of the following systems: a camera system, particularly a monocular or binocular camera system, having at least one camera (410; 910); an image recognition system; a triangulation system; a propagation time measuring system, particularly for 1-, 2- or 3-dimensional propagation time measurement, particularly using at least one laser and/or at least one phase mix detector (PMD); a 1-, 2- or 3-dimensional intensity measuring system for at least one signal; a 2- or 3-dimensional magnetoresistive measuring system.
US08057034B2
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for improving peripheral vision by positioning the peripheral image points at a pre-determined and precise position relative to the retina to achieve optimal performance according to one or more pre-selected criteria parameters for optimal peripheral vision performance.
US08057017B2
A manufacturing method for a substrate for an ink jet head, including formation of an ink supply port in a silicon substrate, the method includes a step of forming, on one side of the substrate, an etching mask layer having an opening at a position corresponding ink supply port; a step of forming unpenetrated holes through the opening of the etching mask layer in at least two rows in a longitudinal direction of the opening; and a step of forming the ink supply port by crystal anisotropic etching of the substrate in the opening.
US08057016B2
The invention provides for a micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement on a substrate with motion conversion coupling structures. The structures operatively link a thermal actuator and a roof structure of the nozzle arrangement. The roof structure defines an ejection port therein. The coupling structure includes a connecting member connected to the thermal actuator, and a tongue and rod assembly located on the substrate, said assembly configured to convert an arcuate displacement of the connecting member into a linear displacement of the roof structure towards the substrate.
US08057006B2
A fluid ejection device for use with a print system to eject fluid onto a substrate includes a fluid reservoir and an identifier associated with the fluid reservoir, wherein the identifier is fixed and specifies a nominal fluid ejection rate of fluid from the fluid reservoir.
US08056999B2
A printer is described that has a configurable memory to which waveform definitions are uploaded just prior to a printing process. The printer manufacturer can program a printer controller with waveforms that have been created by the printer manufacturer, instead of waveforms pre-programmed by the printhead manufacturer.
US08056995B2
A toolbox assembly 10 which is adapted to allow material to be easily and securely stored and retrieved and which is aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.
US08056988B2
A cabinet assembly has at least one cabinet. Each cabinet is a frame and has multiple erect bars, a front board, a rear board, a bottom board, a left opening, a right opening, a wheel assembly and an inner chamber. The wheel assembly is mounted on a lower surface of the bottom board and has multiple wheels and a substrate. The wheels are mounted on the lower surface of the bottom board. The substrate is mounted below the bottom board and contacts to the wheels, allows the wheels to slide on the substrate and holds the cabinet. The inner chamber is formed between the front board, the rear board and the bottom board and communicates with the left opening and the right opening. Therefore, users put the objects from both the left opening and the right opening, so the cabinet assembly is very convenient for the users.
US08056987B2
A quick release assembly for a bicycle wheel that includes a pair of heads disposed at generally opposite ends of a skewer rod. One of the heads includes a cam surface that is translatable relative to the head. The quick release includes an operator having a handle portion and a stem portion. The stem portion includes a cam that cooperates with the cam surface formed in one of the heads such that operation of the handle alters the distance between the heads from a first orientation wherein the heads secure a wheel to a bicycle, a second orientation wherein the heads loosely secure the wheel to the bicycle and a third orientation wherein the wheel assembly can be freely removed from the bicycle.
US08056977B2
A mounting bracket for securing a doorway jumper apparatus having clamp contacts is provided. The mounting bracket includes a flange and a housing having a receptacle area. The housing is located at a center portion of the flange. The flange includes holes through which fasteners are insertable to affix the housing to a beam or to a wall above a doorway.
US08056967B2
There is provided a ceiling decorative panel that can be carried easily and reliably even if a dome lamp is disposed in an opening portion. The ceiling decorative panel of the present invention is disposed on an inside of a roof panel of a vehicle body. The ceiling decorative panel includes a recessed portion protruding toward a back face side of the ceiling decorative panel and having the opening portion at a bottom face. The recessed portion retains the dome lamp in itself. A grip that can be raised in a direction same as a protruding direction of the recessed portion so as to be gripped is disposed to be adjacent to the opening portion.
US08056959B2
A detachable side fairing for a vehicle in one form comprises a panel body that can include steps. An access opening is defined by the panel body and is opened and closed by a door, such as the riser of a step, to allow access to the rear of the panel. A latch actuator can be accessed through the access opening for use in operating a latch to allow movement of the panel body away from the vehicle. The latch actuator can comprise first and second actuators comprising respective first and second elongated handles that each actuates an associated latch to release the panel body. The handles can be configured to prevent closing of the door when the actuators have not been moved to a position that completes the latching of the panel body to the vehicle.
US08056952B2
A nested seating unit for use in a motor vehicle is provided. The nested seating unit comprises a first seat having a seating surface and a second seat having a seating surface. The nested seating unit is adjustable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first seat and the second seat have a first lateral distance between them, and in the second position, the first seat and the second seat have a second lateral distance between them. The first lateral distance is greater than the second lateral distance.
US08056949B1
A robot gripper block is provided that facilitates the simultaneous attached of robot deployed tools to a plurality of distinct robot platforms having robot grippers with opposing moveable fingers. The block includes a plurality of parallel cylindrical sockets passing through the block to accept the complementary cylindrical bars of the robot deployed tools. A set pin is inserted through the block and tools to secure the tools in the block. Running along the faces of the block and arranged in pairs are channels sixed and shaped to complement the fingers of the robot grippers. Each set of channels is arranged for a given robot gripper.
US08056944B2
An improved latch assembly (14) is provided for securing a vehicle door (12) in a closed position. Specifically, in one embodiment, the improved latch assembly (14) is intended to secure a first door fastener (16) to an opposing second door fastener (18) when the vehicle door (12) is subjected to a substantial acceleration. In this embodiment, the improved latch assembly (14) includes a release lever (26) coupled to the first door fastener (16). This release lever (26) is intended to selectively disengage the first door fastener (16) from the opposing second door fastener (18) thereby releasing the vehicle door (12) from its closed position. The Improved latch assembly (14) further includes an inertia-actuated detent lever (38) that is intended to block a predetermined path of the release lever (26) and prevent the release lever (26) from unlatching the vehicle door (12) from its closed position.
US08056941B2
A door locking device for a door cooperating with a door frame includes a cylinder lock, at least one elongated bolt, and an emergency unlocking mechanism. The elongated bolt is adapted to move linearly to engage to and disengage from the door frame. A transmission including an operating wheel translates circular motion of a rotor of the cylinder lock to a linear motion of the elongated bolt. The emergency unlocking mechanism includes a gear arm connected to a handle and adapted to turn the operating wheel when the handle is turned, disengaging the elongated bolt from the door frame.
US08056936B2
A telescopic pipe structure for a marine light includes a telescopic pipe and a positioning device. The telescopic pipe includes a second pipe and a fixed pipe. The positioning device is used to control the telescopic pipe in a fixed status or in an adjustable status. The positioning device includes a rotatable lid, a resilient sleeve, and a metallic ring. When the rotatable lid is turned clockwise or counterclockwise, the metallic ring will be pushed by the top of the fixed tube or returned to its original position by the resilient sleeve for controlling the engagement or disengagement of an contracted opening of the resilient sleeve and the second pipe so as to change the telescopic pipe in a fixed status or in an adjustable status.
US08056932B2
The invention relates to a corner accessory for placing at the junction between at least two ducts that extend in different directions, the accessory comprising two distinct flaps, one of which includes a projecting element and the other of which includes a circular opening receiving said projecting element to allow said flaps to pivot about a pivot axis, the circular edge of said opening opening out locally to a straight slot that extends radially relative to the circular edge of said opening and that opens out into a free edge of said flap. According to the invention, said projecting element is a cylindrical wall presenting firstly an outside diameter equal, ignoring clearance, to the inside diameter of said circular opening so that during pivoting of one flap relative to the other, the outside face of said cylindrical wall slides over the edge face of the circular edge of said opening, and presenting secondly a height that varies around its circumference.
US08056929B2
A moiré pattern display sheet defined by a surface is described. A first layer has a pattern printed thereon. The pattern includes a series of visual elements in a first row that have been distorted at least in a first direction. The series of visual elements is generated from an electronically saved file of vector based graphics. A light steering optical layer overlaying the first layer. The light steering optical layer comprising a plurality of optical features which change the direction of the light and thereby provide a depth effect of the series of visual elements to a viewer looking through the light steering optical layer.
US08056922B2
The invention has the object of increasing workability of an attachment operation of a knee airbag module of a column-mounted knee airbag device. When fixing a knee airbag module to a lower portion outer peripheral surface of a steering column, it is possible to perform the fixing from a vehicle upper side and a vehicle rear side of the steering column, using a space between an instrument panel (interior member) at a vehicle upper side of the steering column and a combination switch provided at a rear end side of the steering column. Accordingly, when performing an attachment operation of the knee airbag module to the steering column, an operator does not have to enter from a lower side of the steering column.
US08056919B1
A tow bar having telescoping tow bar legs connected to a head member which is structured to be releasably securable to a towing hitch member of a towing vehicle; aft leg connector mechanisms structured to releasably connect the tow bar legs to a towed vehicle; and a latching mechanism, including latching portions structured to releasably retain the tow bar legs in a stored configuration, and locking portions structured to releasable lock the tow bar legs in a deployed configuration.
US08056916B2
Drive systems configured to combine arm power with leg power are disclosed. A drive system may comprise an arm power headset comprising: a joint assembly configured to provide forward and aft movement; and a mounting bracket coupled to the joint assembly and configured to align the joint assembly. The drive system may further comprise: a push/pull rod configured to convert forward and aft arm movement into rotary movement, the push/pull rod coupling the arm power headset to a first drive assembly; the first drive assembly comprising a first drive sprocket coupled to a first crank shaft; a second drive assembly adjacent the first drive assembly; and a linking device linking the second drive assembly with the first drive assembly.
US08056884B2
A portable hoist assembly having a housing. The housing has a recoil spring secured thereto wherein the recoil spring is secured to a cable spool such that constant tension is provided on the cable spool. The cable spool contains a cable that is secured thereto and has a hook member secured at a first end. An actuating member having a self contained power source and connected to the cable is thus operable to feed and retract the cable.
US08056881B2
The present invention relates to microfluidic devices, and in particular, flow management in such devices. In particular, the present invention provides an electrostatic valve for flow manipulation in a microfluidic device. The valve of the present invention sits on a valve seat in a microchannel and deflects away from the valve seat by electrostatic actuation to assume an opened configuration to allow fluid flow.
US08056869B2
A bracket is provided having a spacer connected to a first and second arms. The spacer has a proximate end and a distal end disposed apart from each other at a suitable distance. The first arm has a base end and a free end, the base end being connected to a first side of the proximate end of the spacer and the free end extending from the proximate end. The second arm has a base end and a free end, the base end connected to the proximate end, and the free arm extending from the proximate end. The first arm, the second arm, and the proximate end substantially form a ring having a gap between the free ends of the first and second arms. Another bracket is provided having a hook and a ring connected to a top of the hook, wherein the ring includes a gap formed therein.
US08056866B2
An augmented kinesthetic control system for use with a lift platform, the lift platform comprising first and second longitudinally-spaced thrust generating means, is provided. The first and second lift planes defined by the first and second thrust generating means are positioned below the lift platform center of gravity. The kinesthetic control means are coupled to means for aerodynamically altering the air flow from the first and second thrust generating means such that the intuitive and balancing movements of the pilot are magnified to allow kinesthetic control of a vehicle of greater size and utility.
US08056864B2
A convex forward surface of a forward-biased probe head of a first portion of a docking system engages a central concave conical surface of a second portion of the docking system. A first linear actuator moves a flexible docking cable assembly relative to a support structure through bores therein and through the probe head. An aftward retraction of the docking cable assembly causes a linearly-actuated cam element thereof to rotate a rotary cam follower pivoted from the support structure, which engages an aft edge portion of the probe head, forcing the probe head forward. A plurality of distal coupling elements operatively coupled to the support structure around a central axis thereof engage with and become releasably captured by a corresponding socket and associated capture mechanism of a mating second portion of the docking system, and rigidized when the probe head is forced against the central concave conical surface.
US08056852B1
The Longitudinal Flying Wing aircraft idea provides for design of large cargo and passenger aircraft in range from low to high subsonic and transonic speed. Such aircraft would have up to twice lower fuel consumption per unit of payload, higher lift capacity, and a significantly longer range, while having a significantly lower level of noise inside passenger cabin and cockpit relative to classical concept aircraft. This idea is further providing for efficient, reliable, and simple flight controls, hence it may be successfully applied for design of all-size, long range, high-lift-capacity unmanned aircraft throughout the entire range of subsonic speeds.
US08056850B2
A wing-to-body fairing for reducing noise due to wing-to-body fairing vibrations in an aircraft, spacecraft, or vehicle may include a honeycomb center having a cavity which is at least partially filled with particle material.
US08056844B2
A method for processing unseparated egg shells is provided. The method includes placing the unseparated egg shells in a fluid tank containing a fluid mixture, applying cavitation to the fluid mixture to thereby assist in separating the egg shell membranes from the egg shells, and recovering the egg shell membranes. Preferably, the fluid mixture is recirculated to thereby provide for continuous processing of unseparated egg shells. The method may further include drying the egg shell membranes to produce dried egg shell membranes which may then be vacuum packaged for storage and/or transport. The dried egg shell membranes may then be subjected to an extraction process for extracting at least one type of polypeptide from the egg shell membranes. Collagen, hyaluronic acid, or amino acids of interest may be extracted from the egg shell membrane and purified for numerous uses.
US08056834B2
A nozzle is provided. The nozzle includes a cylindrical housing defining a fluid flow path therethrough about a longitudinal axis and a first finger mounted to a first end portion of the housing comprising a wedge disposed on an outer surface of the first finger. A hollow shroud is coaxially disposed around the housing and longitudinally movable with respect to the housing. An outlet aperture is disposed in fluid communication with the fluid flow path, and a ramp disposed within an internal surface of the shroud and engageable with the wedge.
US08056833B1
In a fluid pump and cartridge assembly, a cartridge includes a material inlet port, a material outlet port, and a feed screw. The feed screw delivers fluid to be dispensed from the fluid inlet to the outlet port. The fluid inlet is preferably elongated in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the feed screw to enhance consistency in material flow through the cartridge. The feed screw is preferably driven by a closed-loop servo motor to achieve high-performance dispensing resolution. The assembly is preferably compatible with fixed-z and floating-z cartridges. A optional vented dispense tip, in combination with the fluid pump, allows for repeatable deposit of fillet patterns while maintaining optimal consistency.
US08056831B2
A self-powered foam (e.g. compressed-air foam (CAF)) distributor has a rotor mechanism with impingement surfaces against which foam impinges to rotate the rotor. The rotor is mounted on an inlet shaft geared to an output shaft. A rotary outlet is mounted to the output shaft so that foam entering the distributor rotates the rotary outlet, which in turn projects foam around in a circular sweep. The rotary outlet can rotate over a full 360 degrees, providing superior coverage for a large floor space, such as in hangars or warehouses, with less water and concentrate than in unfoamed conventional systems. Having a compact vertical profile this versatile distributor can be installed in a floor trench of a hangar or on a wall or ceiling. Since all rotational energy is harnessed from the pressure of the foam itself, no external energy source is required to power the distributor.
US08056812B2
A holding device for holding an object, which is disposed on an electronic device in a detachable manner, is disclosed. The holding device comprises a first holding portion, a second holding portion and a connecting portion. The first holding portion comprises a first holding member and a second holding member. The first holding member and the second holding member are foldable toward a first direction and a second direction, respectively to form an accommodating space for accommodating the electronic device. The second holding portion holds the object. The connecting portion connects the first holding portion with the second holding portion in a foldable manner. Additionally, the connecting portion, the first holding portion and the second holding portion are integrally formed as a single piece.
US08056810B2
Systems and techniques for multiple laser and multiple detector bar code scanning. multiple laser sources generate multiple laser beams directed to a rotating spinner and along optical paths to emerge from a scanner as multiple scan beams. The scan beams trace out a scan pattern within a scan volume. As the multiple scan beams strike an object within the scan volume, reflected light rays are produced representing reflections of the multiple scan beams. As the reflected light rays enter the scanner, they are directed to a collector and focused onto a plurality of detectors so that reflected light rays representing reflections of each scan beam are focused onto a detector associated with the laser source from which the scan beam originates.
US08056802B2
Methods (3500-3695) and apparatus (10, 20) for controlling physical (30, 40) and virtual (12) access for accelerated recognition and processing of privileges, benefits, value transfers, crowd control, community membership and status, in particular for institutions, arenas and other large venues.
US08056796B2
Adjustable, elongate, beam-offset jig structure for assisting, under manual, or appropriate computer, control, in welding a pair of beam-end, column-interface components to the opposite ends of an elongate beam. The jig structure includes spaced, adjustable head-stock and tail-stock structures, each capable of holding such a component adjacent a beam end for adjustment to an infinite number of different, pre-weld angular-offset dispositions relative to such a beam end in order to accommodate planned horizontal and vertical beam offsets which will be encountered when such beams are installed in a building frame. A computer-controlled, robotic welder may be provided adjacent each end of the jig structure to implement appropriate welding when any and all offset angles have been jig-established.
US08056791B2
A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples.
US08056790B2
A hollow tissue inosculation apparatus is to inosculate two hollow tissues to each other with a staple having a plurality of elastically deformable bent staple pins. The hollow tissue inosculation apparatus includes a staple holder to hold the staple, a curvature control mechanism to control curvature of the staple pins of the staple held in the staple holder, an incision mechanism to incise the hollow tissues, and a gap control mechanism to control gaps between the staple holder and the hollow tissues. The curvature control mechanism substantially straightens the staple pins. The gap control mechanism reduces the gaps to cause the substantially straightened staple pins to penetrate through the hollow tissues. The staple holder prevents the ring member of the staple from expanding at least until the incision of the hollow tissues is completed.
US08056787B2
A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A traction biased firing mechanism avoids binding in driving this straightened linked rack. The instrument further has a manually actuatable retraction system that does not require the use of additional springs or other mechanisms to generate retraction forces which must be overcome when generating the forces necessary to fire the device. In various embodiments, the retraction system provides a visual indication to the surgeon as to how far firing has progressed.
US08056785B2
A movable holding bracket is provided for attachment to a fastening tool having a nosepiece for driving a fastener, the holding bracket configured for holding overlapping portions of two members to be fastened to one another, the bracket including a fixed portion configured for attachment to a workpiece contact element of the tool, and a movable portion movably attached to said fixed portion. A holding arm is attached to the movable portion and defines a gap configured for holding the overlapping portions of the two members for insertion of a fastener driven from the tool nosepiece.
US08056779B1
A device for carrying a child piggyback upon an adult wearer, having a back plate which is positioned against the lower back of the adult wearer. A saddle extends rearwardly from the back plate for holding a seated child. A waist belt extends from the back plate and around the waist of the adult wearer. Stirrups hold the feet of the child and are supported from the waist belt. Major shoulder straps, each having an apex, extend from the back plate and extend over the shoulders of the adult wearer. A mid belt extends horizontally around both the adult wearer and child. Minor shoulder straps extend from the mid belt, over the shoulders of the child, and are attached near the apex of the major shoulder straps to hold the child securely in place against the back of the adult.
US08056765B2
A discharge device for media includes an outer housing with a discharge opening, a discharge handle for manual actuation. A support is arranged in the outer housing. Movable along a main axis relative to the outer housing and connected to the discharge handle, it has a seat for a pump dispenser. A pump is actuated by compression of the pump dispenser. A first abutment on the housing interacts with the pump dispenser, actuating the pump.The support has a functional portion which acts on the pump dispenser with a force oriented in the direction of the first abutment on the housing. An adjuster is provided between the handle and the functional portion of the support, by which the position of the functional portion relative to the first abutment on the housing can be adjusted for a defined setting of the discharge handle.
US08056759B2
The bird carcass container includes a closed container body adapted to be mounted to a sidewall of a facility. A tubular extension or inlet extends from a side of the container body to the interior of the facility. The inlet includes an access door accessible from the facility interior so that users may deposit dead carcasses into the container body. A trap door is disposed on the bottom of the container body and selectively opened by a bracket actuator attached to the trap door. The door is maintained in a closed position by a system of counterweights. The bracket actuator is operated on by the bucket of a skid steer to open the trap door. The interior of the container includes sloping sides forming a chute towards the bottom of the container body. The rear side of the container may also include an access door.
US08056753B2
A nestable crate for bottles which includes a floor member and first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls integrally formed with the floor member. Each sidewall includes a side band member which is defined by a centrally disposed upper edge and lower edge. The lower edge is spaced above the floor member by a predetermined distance to define a sidewall nesting area therebelow. The upper and lower edges each contoured downwardly to form a corner band portion having a corner upper edge and corner lower edge, wherein each nesting area matingly receives a corresponding side band member of a crate nested subjacent thereto.
US08056749B2
A plastic closure includes a base molded as one piece with a lid and integrally connected to the lid by a hinge. The lid is radially inwardly displaced from an outer periphery of the base. The hinge has a central portion with a convex outer surface, with the lid closed and as viewed in side elevation, that blends with a smooth curvature into outer surfaces of the lid and the base. The hinge has laterally spaced end portions on opposite sides of the central portion and having concave outer surfaces when the lid is closed. The base preferably has a circular periphery and the end portions of the hinge are angularly spaced from each other. The outer surface of the lid preferably is flat, and the lid preferably is integrally connected to the base as molded by at least one frangible bridge spaced from the hinge.
US08056744B2
A closure and container combination where the closure has flanges that define a channel capable of receiving a portion of the neck of a container and forming a surface seal therewith.
US08056737B2
A screwdriver holder has a base and a holding bar. The base has a protrusion, a bottom board, a hanging seat and at least one hanging hole and may have multiple insert holes. The protrusion protrudes from the bottom board. The hanging seat is formed on or protruded along an edge of the bottom board. The at least one hanging hole is defined through the hanging seat. The multiple insert holes of the base are defined through the protrusion and the bottom board. The holding bar has a bottom surface or a side surface attached to the protrusion. The holding bar may have multiple pairs of aligned insert holes or multiple insert holes aligned with the insert holes of the base.
US08056733B2
Structures treated with a microbiological interception enhancing agent comprising of a water-soluble cationic material having a counter ion associated therewith at specific sites on the cationic material, in combination with a biologically active metal salt, wherein the counter ion associated with the cationic material preferentially precipitates with at least a portion of the cation of the biologically active metal salt such that precipitation of the biologically active metal cation and the counter ion associated with the cationic material occurs in proximity to the cationic material are disclosed herein. The microbiological interception enhancing agent may be incorporated into articles of commerce by treating the starting materials of the structure or by applying the microbiological interception enhancing agent on to at least one surface of the article.
US08056732B2
The present invention relates to a microporous material which is a non-network polymer having a chain comprised of repeating units bonded to each other and each including a first generally planar species and a rigid linker, the linker having a point of contortion such that two adjacent first planar species connected by a rigid linker are held in a non-coplanar orientation, the rigid linker further being such that the polymer chain has a rigid contorted structure, and the polymer being such that said repeating units comprised of the first generally planar species and the rigid linker are bonded predominately to two other such repeating units.
US08056730B2
A magnetic separator conventionally includes a conveyor belt (1) that forms a closed loop around a magnetic roller (2) and an idler roller (3) to convey a mix of materials (4), the novel aspect being that the belt (1) is not driven by the roller (2) but by the idler roller (3) that is motorized, and in that the belt (1) is not wound directly on the roller (2) but on an idle tube (3′) of non-magnetic material inside which the roller (2) is arranged with a minimum gap. It is therefore possible to obtain two surfaces with a relative slip and therefore two different speeds whereby the attracted material, during the path defined by the 180° of tangency to the magnetic area, due to the backing or advancing of the magnetic polarities tends to rotate backward or forward with respect to the travel direction of the belt. This results in substantially all the inert material being released and falling by gravity in a first fall area (5) located below the vertical tangent to the belt (1), and also in a progressive release of materials with increasing permeability, with a fan-like detachment that leads them to fall into distinct fall areas (6, 7, 8).
US08056729B2
In a method for sorting shredder residues of metal-containing wastes, in particular of vehicle bodies, where the shredder residues are separated into a shredder light fraction and a non-ferromagnetic fraction) and a system for implementing the method, (a) a crude-fiber fraction being generated during the processing of the shredder light fraction and the shredder heavy fraction in preliminary processes and a main process, by extracting at least a ferromagnetic fraction, a fraction containing nonferrous metals, a granulate fraction, and a sand fraction, and (b) the crude-fiber fraction being separated into a metal-containing dust fraction, a fiber fraction depleted in metals, and a metallic fraction in a refining process, using the successive process steps of metal-balling, dust removal, and density separation.
US08056728B2
A method for separating mixtures of solid materials includes incorporating a ferromagnetic particulate material into a mixture of solid materials and, after the incorporating step, separating the mixture of solid materials into at least two groups based on the magnetic and frictional properties of the different components of the mixture of solid materials. The ferromagnetic particulate material can differentially incorporate into or adhere to different components of the mixture of solid materials. The different components of the mixture have different frictional properties and, after the incorporating step, the different components have different magnetic properties.
US08056726B2
A repair kit (10) includes a sealed package (12) having a plurality of isolated compartments (32, 42, 44) for holding substances (50, 52) that, when mixed together, form an adhesive, and for holding a flexible substrate (54). Pull tabs (60, 66, 80, 86) are arranged on the package (12) to aid in opening fluid communication between the compartments to permit adhesive mixture and to permit adhesive flow onto the substrate (54) for subsequent repair purposes.
US08056722B2
A unitary, single-piece baking pan support clip for stacking one or more baking pans vertically to save space without contacting or damaging the contents of each stacked pan. Each clip is comprised of a thin, planar rigid bar having a vertical shaft, horizontal and vertical upper arms that contact and support the bottom surface and exterior sidewall of a baking pan and a base having a recess that secures the clips to the interior sidewall and lip bead of the lower pan. The base recess that is shaped as a cylindrical channel to securely snap or fit over the lip bead of the baking pan to which the clip is attached.
US08056711B2
A display for a bicycle handlebar grip comprises a base element to which a receiving element is connected. The rod-shaped receiving element serves to be able to slip a bicycle handlebar thereon.
US08056706B2
This invention is about water carrying lift that enables water to be used in watering fields (agricultural fields), energy production, etc by increasing the level of water in places like rivers, streams, creeks etc.
US08056703B2
A process for lubricating a container, such as a beverage container, or a conveyor for containers, by applying to the container or conveyor, a thin continuous, substantially non-dripping layer of a liquid lubricant. The process provides many advantages compared to the use of a conventional dilute aqueous lubricant.
US08056699B2
A pan inverting system (10) comprises a rotating table (11) having a central longitudinal axis (13), the table being rotatably mounted within a static frame (15) for rotation about the longitudinal axis (13). Conveyors (21) are disposed on opposed pan-receiving surfaces (20) of the table (11). The conveyors (21) are independently operable to displace a pan (12) along the table (11) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (13). A pan engagement device (24) within the table (11) is operable to releasably fasten the pan (12) to the pan receiving surface (20) of the table (11), such that when the pan (12) is fastened to one of the pan receiving surfaces (20) by the pan engagement mechanism (24), rotation of the table (11) about the longitudinally extending axis (13) will invert the pan (12). The table (11) may also equipped with air headers (507), nozzles and/or air knives (508) to clean the pans (12), for example during the rotating operation, by injecting cleaning air jets onto the surfaces of the pan (12).
US08056685B2
A mechanical device including an elongated structural element provided for absorbing, at least in part, certain shocks by deformation. The structural element or piece has a selected right sectional profile, the profile being provided with localized alterations, shapes, and with selected respective positions for approximately satisfying a given law of deformation under the combined effort of compression in an axis of the piece and of the moment of the axis perpendicular to a plane passing through the axis. The law includes an energy absorption phase followed by a retraction of the piece.
US08056677B1
This lift system serves as a powered ladder having a small footprint. The system is divided into two subchasses with a mast fixedly attached to a first subchassis for support of a liftable platform which may carry a human operator. Maneuverability is accomplished by a virtual articulating joint between the two subchasses. The joint comprises hydraulic cylinders operating in conjunction with wheel struts to form a three-point support. Articulation enables the lift system to be adjusted on sloped or uneven terrain to maintain the mast in a vertical orientation. One use of the lift system is to carry a fruit picker into an orchard or vineyard and to position the picker to work efficiently. The lift system may carry a robot and may be controlled either locally or remotely.
US08056672B2
A steering control system for directing fluid to steering actuators on a machine include a set of right and left manually-operated pilot pressure fluid control valves and a set of right and left electro-hydraulic (EH) pilot pressure fluid control valves, with both sets being coupled to a main steering control valve for controlling movement of the latter to effect operation of the steering actuators. An electronic control unit (ECU) includes a computer and a memory and receives signals representative of various operating parameters of the control system and of the vehicle ground speed and operates to control the EH pilot pressure control valves and a set of right and left solenoid-operated valves such that only flow from the set of manually-operated valves is connected for operating the main steering control valve to effect a least aggressive steering mode when the vehicle speed is indicative of road travel, and for also actuating the EH pilot pressure control valves for effecting a more aggressive steering mode when the vehicle speed is low indicating off-road travel. EH valve failure results in the control system defaulting to that for effecting the least aggressive steering mode, while failure of one or both of the manually-controlled valves results in the EH control valves being activated to provide that pilot pressure called for by the manually-operated valve.
US08056670B2
A pump unit applied to a working vehicle includes an input shaft operatively connected to an output shaft of a driving source, first and second hydraulic pump bodies, a pump housing that accommodates the first and second hydraulic pump bodies having respective rotational axis lines parallel to the input shaft, a PTO shaft, and a mounting housing that couples the pump housing with the driving source in a state that the pump housing is free from the vehicle frame. The input shaft is supported by the pump and is parallel to the output shaft of the driving source, and extends outwardly from a surface of the pump housing that faces the driving source and is inserted into the mounting housing. The PTO shaft is supported by the pump housing and is parallel to the input shaft and extends outwardly from a surface of the pump housing that is opposite to the surface that faces the driving source.
US08056668B2
A motorcycle including at least two wheels. The at least two wheels include a front wheel and a rear wheel, the rear wheel defining a rotational axis. The motorcycle includes an engine for driving at least one of the wheels. A radiator assembly includes a radiator configured to receive coolant from the engine and dissipate heat from the coolant. The radiator assembly further includes an inlet guide configured to direct air toward the radiator. The inlet guide has an inlet opening positioned closer to the rear wheel than the front wheel. At least a portion of the inlet opening is positioned below the rotational axis of the rear wheel.
US08056665B2
A magnetic air car uses a magnetic motor to compress input air and save moderately compressed high-pressure air in storage tanks. The compressor and storage tanks deliver the high-pressure working air and operational flows to several stages of compressors that boost the pressures during driving to very high-pressure, then ultra high-pressure, then super high-pressure, and finally to extremely high-pressure. A pneumatic torque converter uses jets of the extremely high-pressure to turn an input shaft of a transmission and differential. These, in turn, drive the powered wheels of a car. The compressors float a connecting shaft with matching vanes and impellers on opposite ends on air bearings to reduce shaft turning friction to near zero. The balance of forces between the two ends of a coupled turbo pair allow a simple air bearing design to operate safely and reliably at high rotational speeds.
US08056663B2
A hybrid module interconnects an engine and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The hybrid module includes a first carrier, a second carrier, and a first clutch. The first carrier is operatively connected to the DCT and is rotatable about the axis at a first rotational velocity. The second carrier is operatively connected to the engine and is rotatable about the axis at a second rotational velocity. The first clutch surrounds the axis and operatively interconnects the first carrier and the second carrier. The first clutch overruns such that they rotate independently when the first rotational velocity of the first carrier is less than the second rotational velocity of the second carrier. The first clutch also engages and locks rotation of the carriers when the second rotational velocity is equal to the first rotational velocity such that the second carrier drives the rotation of the first carrier about the axis.
US08056662B2
A bearing lubrication device in a right angle gear reducer includes a gear housing having an interior portion and a lubricating fluid reservoir therein. An oil slinger, rotating pinion shaft, pinion shaft housing, and bearings for supporting the pinion shaft within the pinion shaft housing work together to provide a continuous supply of oil to the bearings. The pinion shaft includes two radially and longitudinally extending passageways therethrough which supply oil from a recess in one end of the pinion shaft to the bearings. Oil is slung from the reservoir into the recess of the rotating pinion shaft where it is forced outwardly and through the passageways to a chamber formed by the rotating pinion shaft, shaft housing and bearings. The roller bearings pump the oil from the chamber back to the fluid reservoir. Oil passageways in the shaft housing enable the return of oil from one bearing set.
US08056659B2
The hybrid vehicle includes an engine, two motors, and a power distribution integration mechanism arranged coaxially with one another and a transmission. The transmission includes a transmission shaft extended in parallel with a first motor shaft and a second motor shaft, a first coupling gear train in combination with a second coupling gear train and a clutch arranged to selectively connect a ring gear and a sun gear of the power distribution integration mechanism to the transmission shaft, a deceleration mechanism connected with the transmission shaft and arranged to decelerate power from the transmission shaft and output the power of the reduced speed from a carrier, and a clutch arranged to selectively connect the carrier and the ring gear to a driveshaft.
US08056657B1
A bicycle may tow a trailer for the purposes of carrying a heavy or large object across great distances. A motor may be mounted to the trailer which drives a rear wheel of the bicycle. To this end, a transmission is added to the rear hub of the bicycle which is mechanically coupled to the output shaft of the motor. When the trailer is detached or not used in conjunction with the bicycle, the rider does not have to carry the weight of the motor. Also, this setup provides a stable configuration since the bicycle is pulling the trailer.
US08056639B2
A continuous feed injection unit used for example for injection and removal of continuous well string from wells operates in a dual speed configuration. The unit comprises a first hydraulic motor, a second hydraulic motor, cooperating continuous well string gripping chains connected to be driven by the first and second hydraulic motors, a hydraulic power supply connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors and a control system for the hydraulic power supply. The control system for the hydraulic power supply has a motor speed control valve with at least a first and second operating configuration, the first operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in parallel and the second operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in series. The hydraulic power supply may be a conventional power tong hydraulic supply.
US08056628B2
A technique is provided to facilitate use of a service tool at a downhole location. The service tool has different operational configurations that can be selected and used without moving the service string.
US08056616B2
An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes an evaporation unit and a condensation unit communicated with the evaporation unit such that an operation fluid circulates therein. The evaporation unit is disposed in a first fluid passage through which a first fluid flows, and performs heat exchange between the first fluid and the operation fluid, thereby evaporating the operation fluid. The condensation unit is disposed in a second fluid passage through which a second fluid flows, and performs heat exchange between the second fluid and the operation fluid. The exhaust heat recovery apparatus further includes a wet area increasing member in a tube of the evaporation unit for increasing a wet area of the operation fluid due to surface tension of the operation fluid. The wet area increasing member is disposed adjacent to an inner surface of the tube and has extension surfaces extending in directions intersecting with the inner surface.
US08056615B2
An evaporative compact high intensity cooler (ECHIC) for transferring heat from a heat source along a heat conduction surface of the heat source with a two-phase coolant, comprises a flow passage labyrinth of flow passages with short conduction paths interrupted by coolant columns that all radiate from at least one coolant supply passage and offer the coolant expanding volume as the coolant evaporates due to absorbing heat within the flow passages from the heat conduction surface to maintain nearly isobaric conditions for the coolant to maintain relatively constant temperature throughout the ECHIC as it absorbs heat from the heat source and limit boundary layer formation within the flow passages to improve heat transfer.
US08056610B2
A secondary cooling apparatus capable of gradually cooling cast thin pieces and a cast apparatus that uses it are provided. A comb tooth-shaped device is arranged inside a vessel of the secondary cooling apparatus; the cast thin pieces are piled on the comb tooth-shaped device; and crushed small pieces are placed thereon. After the cast thin pieces and the crushed small pieces are gradually cooled, the cast thin pieces are crushed by a pressing device. The crushed small pieces are rapidly cooled by being in contact with a surface of a bottom wall and side faces of cooling teeth. Nd-rich phases or R-rich phases can be annealed by the gradual cooling, and after the crushed small pieces are rapidly cooled to its oxidation temperature or below, the crushed small pieces can be taken out to the air atmosphere.
US08056603B2
A method for producing a casting die by simple work without requiring any high work skill in which the working days required for producing the casting die can be shortened greatly. A die model suitably employed in this production method, an NC processing system and a processing robot are also provided. The method for producing the casting die comprises: (1) a die data making step for making die data through designing a requisite die in compliance with a configuration of an article to be produced; (2) an automatic processing preparation step for preparing processing data as to how processing is to be performed by an automatic processing machine on the basis of the die data; (3) a die model cutting step for producing a die model by cutting a die model material with the automatic processing machine; (4) a die mold making step for making a die mold by packing casting sand in a box whose upper side is open, with the die model produced in the die model cutting step being placed at a central part of the box, the casting sand being provided with a gate and solidified with bond to thereby obtain the die mold; (5) a die casting step for casting a die by pouring a molten die material into the die mold made in the die mold making step; and (6) a finishing and assembling step for finishing and assembling the die cast in the die casting step.
US08056602B1
A retainer strip assembly for securing screening and screen covering and the like to a framing member comprises a base strip, cover strip and cap strip fastened to the framing member, the cap strip covering the base strip and holding in place the screening and screen covering, and the cover strip contained within the base strip for avoiding the tearing or fraying of screen covers when the cap strip is placed on or removed from the base strip while installing or removing screen covers.
US08056599B2
A system for forming a looped suture having a tapered cut is provided. The system includes a base for selectively retaining a portion of thread, a clamping device for receiving a first end of the thread, a tensioning device for receiving a second end of the thread, a welding assembly configured to join a first and second section of the thread to form a loop, and a cutting assembly configured to form a tapered end on the first section of the thread.
US08056596B2
A tire carcass to be used with any type of tire is shown herein. A tire carcass includes a first ply portion, a second ply portion, each ply portion having an inner sidewall ply, an outer sidewall ply, a first end, a second end, and a bead core, a bridge portion, wherein the first ends of the ply portions are separated by the bridge portion, and at least two bridge plies, wherein the bridge plies span the bridge portion, wherein each of the bridge plies have a first end and a second end.
US08056594B2
An external puncture sealing patch for a vehicle tire is provided. The patch comprises a thin spiked pad made of flexible base and a number of sharp pins partially implanted in the base in a radial arrangement around a central void protruding vertically downward from the bottom surface of the base for penetratively engaging a depth of the tire about its puncture upon depression onto the top surface of the base. A thick coat of an elastomeric sealant is added to the spiked side of the patch for sealingly adhering the spiked pad to the tire as the sealant fills any irregular clearances between the spiked pad and tire to reinforce the attachment thereof. In order to keep the patch effective for an extended period of time, the patch is also provided in a contained form whereby the patch in a dual-purpose container can be quickly deployed at the time of need for application to a tire puncture in a safe and comfortable manner.
US08056593B2
A non-pneumatic tire comprising side cavities that are staggered with respect to laterally opposing side cavities, and laterally extending tread grooves that are in substantial radial alignment with the cavities. In another embodiment, the invention is to a tire comprising side ribs that are staggered with respect to laterally opposing side ribs, and laterally extending tread grooves that are substantially offset relative to the side ribs. Also provided are processes for making such tires and to off-the-road (OTR) vehicles employing such tires.
US08056588B2
A dispenser for dispensing a mixture of water and one of a plurality of concentrated formulas is disclosed. The dispenser comprises a housing that includes an electronic controller, a water inlet connected to a pressurized water source, and a water inlet valve that is electrically controlled and connected to the controller. A mixture reservoir is in fluid communication with the water inlet valve and a mixture outlet through which the mixture of water and one of the concentrate formulas exits the dispenser. A plurality of concentrate reservoirs each adapted to receive the concentrated formulas are each in fluid communication with the mixture reservoir. Each concentrate reservoir has a valve connected to the controller and capable of delivering a metered volume of the concentrated formula into the mixture reservoir when signaled by the controller. A selector knob is electrically connected to the controller and has at least one manually selectable position representative of each concentrate reservoir. A bypass valve may be included for bypassing the concentrate formulas, and a removable water filter may be included for filtering water passing through the device.
US08056585B2
The invention relates to a flexible pipe for transportation of fluids and gasses, e.g. useful in water transportation, and in offshore transportation of crude oil e.g. from seabed to an installation or between installations. The flexible pipe of the invention comprises a new type of armouring layers which is made from a combination of one or more profiled wires and one or more metal strips. A folded strip is an endless unit with at least one fold and a width which in unfolded condition is at least 6 times its thickness, such as at least 10, such as at least 15, such as at least 25 times its thickness or even up to 100 or 500 times its thickness. A profile is a preshaped non-folded cross sectional profile. The profile may preferably have a width of less than 6 times its thickness. The term ‘endless’ is used to indicate that the tapes and profiles are very long compared to their other dimensions.
US08056580B2
A valve to control the flow of pressurized fluids, such as medical or industrial gases, consists of a body with an internal fluid distribution circuit, comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a internal fluid passage connecting them. Fluid flow can be controlled by an operator manually actuating a lever. This lever can move between at least three stable positions that are angularly staggered in relation to each other. In the rest position, the lever is fixed and solidly connected to the body of the valve, and there is zero fluid flow in the internal fluid passage. In the intermediary released position, the lever is disconnected from the body, but the fluid flow remains zero. In the active position, the lever is disconnected from the body, and fluid flows thorough the internal fluid passage at a non-zero rate. Application also to gas cylinders equipped with such valves.
US08056576B2
A hydraulic valve has a valve body with a bore into which an inlet port, an outlet port, and a workport all open. A valve spool is slideably received within the bore. The valve spool has a first position that provides a path between the inlet port and the workport, and a second position that provides another path between the outlet port and the workport. Inlet port pressure tends to move the valve spool into the first position and outlet port pressure tends to move the valve spool into the second position. A linear actuator is coupled to the valve spool by a spring, thereby biasing the valve spool toward the first position. Another spring biases the valve spool toward the second position.
US08056572B2
An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, dynamically configurable and modular system of concealment and shelter. An operator configures a number of concealment blinds or shelters using brackets, supports, segmented and folding shafts, covers, curtains, and skirts, and more complex modules. Advanced modules include user adjustable domes and angular structures. Angular frames with corresponding angular covers provide improved headroom. The system can be configured for placement on a hillside or over rough terrain and obstacles, or for different types use. The system provides covers with novel windows, movable panels, and configuration attachments. The operator changes the configuration of the structure to quickly provide cover, to increase cover, and to adapt to terrain or changing weather. The system includes novel methods of tightening the skin on a cover to reduce movement and noise, while improving safety. Methods include using the full human body, from hands to feet, and its strongest muscle groups to rapidly set up the system with tighter skin. Foot attaching means and hand attachment means enable methods for setting up a fast setup frame or angular frame with the body in a horizontal seated row or a vertical power jerk position. Improved fast setup frame and angular frame are comprised of novel simpler components such as plates with single anchor connections. The components are easier to make, less costly using less material, yet yielding stronger, more durable frames. The system includes novel tent floors, netting, and rain cover configuration for use on fast setup frames or angular frames.
US08056568B2
An adjustable hair combing, drying, and straightening device and related method is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the device includes: a first row of comb teeth disposed upon a comb body in a fixed position relative to a comb handle; a second row of comb teeth disposed upon the comb body and configured to slide in a generally parallel manner alongside the first row of comb teeth; an adjustable tension device disposed upon the comb body and configured to provide a tension between the first row of comb teeth and the second row of comb teeth, thereby configured to compress hair at a variable level of tension and provide a wring effect; and a tab, operable by a single digit of a user, disposed upon the comb handle, operable to regulate a position of the second row of comb teeth in relation to the first row of comb teeth.
US08056564B2
Architectures and techniques for treating conditions of the eye, such as presbyopia, utilize sources of treatment energy, such as electromagnetic energy emitting devices, to implement non-corneal manipulations. According to these devices and methods, the sources of treatment energy are activated to direct energy onto parts of the eye, such as the conjunctiva and sclera, to treat presbyopia. The treatments can affect at least one property of the eye and enhance an accommodation of the eye.
US08056558B2
A patient delivery tube for the delivery of a heated, humidified gas. The patient delivery tube includes an elongated tubing member molded from a flexible polymer, said elongated tubing member comprising a first end, a second end and an axially aligned passageway extending therethrough and an electric heater comprising a conductive material, said electric heater arranged along said axially aligned passageway for perimetrically heating said axially aligned passageway. A method of delivering a heated, humidified gas to a patient is also provided.
US08056551B2
The present invention relates to a method and a system for manufacturing wafer-like slices from a body of a substrate material, especially for use in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. The method comprises providing a slicing device with a cutting wire equipped on its surface with abrasive particles; providing an aqueous cooling and lubricating fluid, said fluid having an ionic strength corresponding to an electrical conductivity of about 30 IJS/cm or less; cutting said body with said cutting wire into slices while dispensing said cooling and lubricating fluid into a kerf area where said cutting wire contacts and cuts said body, said cooling and lubricating fluid promoting removal of powdered substrate material from said kerf area resulting in spent fluid; and removing said spent fluid from said cutting device and recovering said powdered substrate material from said spent fluid.
US08056548B1
A vibration dampening device for use on compound archery bows. A device may be associated with one or more bow limb, with each device disposing a vibration damping bumper in position to shorten the vibrating length of the bow string at brace, compared to the vibrating length of a bow string of a comparable bow lacking the device(s). Certain embodiments couple bowstring vibration at brace with one or more cable. Preferred embodiments include a limb anchor adapted to distribute string-induced loading onto a bow limb at both sides of a string cam.
US08056542B2
An intake system is provided for a barrel internal combustion engine. The intake system includes a main air inlet, an intake plenum for a plurality of combustion cylinders, a first throttle, a second throttle and a control unit. The first throttle is operative to control a flow of air from the main air inlet, through a charging unit, and to the intake plenum. The second throttle is operative to control a flow of air from the air inlet to the intake plenum. The control unit controls the operation of the first and second throttles in supercharged or normally aspirated modes, where the first throttle operates as a main throttle and the second throttle is closed in the supercharged mode, and where the first throttle is closed and the second throttle operates as the main throttle in the naturally aspirated mode.
US08056532B2
In a direct fuel injection diesel engine having a piston with a pentroof-shaped top face, with regard to a pentroof-shaped piston (13) with a cavity (25) recessed in a central part of the top face, a radial width S of a squish area (26) formed between an outer peripheral part of the top face and a lower face of a cylinder head (14) changes in the circumferential direction of the piston (13). By setting a squish clearance H large for a portion where the radial width S of the squish area (26) is large and setting the squish clearance H small for a portion where the radial width S of the squish area (26) is small, more specifically, by setting S/H so that it is constant in the circumferential direction, it is possible to make the strength of the squish flow uniform in the circumferential direction of the piston, thus promoting the mixing of air and fuel and reducing harmful exhaust components.
US08056527B2
The split-chamber rotary engine includes a rotary power module having a case with a circular rotor installed therein. At least one, and preferably two or more combustion chambers are formed peripherally in the rotor. The generally circular rotor cavity of the case includes at least one, and preferably two or more, peripheral expansion chambers. A corresponding number of reciprocating compressor modules are installed upon the case, with the compressor module axis being aligned generally tangentially to the rotor periphery. The compressor module includes concentric reciprocating pistons and valves that compress the air charge and transfer the compressed charge to the rotary power module for power production. The compressor module is driven purely by combustion gas pressure acting upon its inboard piston. No mechanical linkage exists from power module to compressor module. The engine may include multiple rotor and case rows, as desired.
US08056525B2
An induction system for an internal combustion engine includes an upper intake for receiving air from a supply, such as a turbocharger, and a lower intake which combines a cylinder valve actuator cover, a plenum for receiving air from the upper intake, and a number of intake runners which extend across, an integrally with, the cylinder valve actuator cover to cylinder head intake ports which are configured at outboard sides of the engine cylinder head.
US08056523B2
The present invention provides to a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation with a new structure for increasing fuel efficiency in a gasoline engine.For this, the present invention provides a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation including: a rocker arm; a restoring spring supported at the bottom of a rear end portion of the rocker arm; a roller coupled to the rocker arm to be pressed by a cam; a pair of rocker shaft assemblies each including first and second rocker shafts, and a connecting rod integrally connecting the first and second rocker shafts; a pair of rocker shaft support members connected to the rocker arm by means of the first and second rocker shafts; and a transfer member for controlling the rocker shaft assembly.
US08056518B1
A valve actuating system determines a shape of its jam nut surface as a function of a resultant force on a ball stud exerted by a rocker arm on the ball stud during operation of the valve train. The contact surface of the jam nut, which is pressed against an associated surface of the head of an engine, is a conical surface with an included angle that is generally twice the magnitude of an angle between a resultant force on the ball stud and a central axis of the ball stud and its associated jam nut. Certain accommodations can be made in order to reduce the cost of the system that would occur if perfect mathematical preciseness with a most preferred embodiment of the present invention is employed.
US08056517B2
A variable valve lift apparatus of an engine includes: a control shaft; a driving arm rotatable around the control shaft by a cam of a camshaft; a first rocker arm rotatable around the control shaft, that is operated by the driving arm so as to drive a first valve through a first swing arm; a second rocker arm rotatable around the control shaft, that is operated by the driving arm so as to drive a second valve through a second swing arm; and a mediating device rotatable around the control shaft, that transmits a movement of the driving arm to the first and second rocker arms.
US08056514B2
A pressure device maintains the raceways (48, 160 to 165) of the main moving components (3, 5, 7 and 40) of a variable compression ratio engine permanently in contact with one another and with the faces on which they rest in a cylinder case. The inventive device includes pressure elements which are solidly connected to the cylinder case (100) and which exert a pressure force on a control rack (7) having a toothed segment (75) formed by teeth (74). The pressure force is applied against a support surface (78) provided on the lower part of the rack (7).
US08056495B2
A bimini extender fits overlappingly onto and extends forward of a pontoon's primary bimini for extended shade. The bimini extender includes a flexible cover that is at least about one-third of the deck surface area of the pontoon boat, a framework configured for attachment to one or both of the deck and pontoon's perimeter railing, a rear attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to one of the deck, perimeter railing, and primary bimini, and a front attachment structure for attaching the flexible cover to the framework. The flexible cover shades an “extra” portion of the deck surface area. The bimini extender is made to be collapsible, removable, and storable, and further is made with robust and lower-cost components including a novel railing clamp, yet is aesthetic, durable and easily installable/removable.
US08056494B1
The disclosure depicts and describes flotation device including a deck, and a chaira seat on the deck. A well extends downwardly from the deck, and a ledge extends upwardly from the deck. The deck has an aperture positioned adjacent the ledge; additionally, the invention includes a motor having a power head and tiller positioned above the deck, a shaft passing through the aperture, and a propeller adjacent the terminal end of the shaft.
US08056490B2
The invention relates to a water craft comprising a kite-type element, which is connected to said water craft by means of a traction cable. Said water craft is characterized in that the kite-type element is equipped with adjusting devices, which are supplied with energy from the water craft, said energy being transmitted in the traction cable or by an element on the latter.
US08056489B2
A telescopic column, in particular for height-adjustable tables, comprises a first member (1) and a second member (2) arranged telescopically relative to each other, wherein the first member (1) is provided with a rack (12) and the second member (2) with a gear wheel (5) in mesh with the rack. Configuring the rack as a plurality of holes (12) in the member (1) allows the column to be made of a thin sheet.
US08056486B2
A railroad car hatch cover including a high strength and highly rigid laminate panel having an inner aluminum member, an outer aluminum member, and a solid plastic core. A cross-section of the laminate panel includes a center section with two generally parallel and generally vertical sides. Each generally vertical side of the panel is joined to center section of the panel along a longitudinally elongated curved corner having a radius of less than 1.5 inches. Moreover, compressible gasket structure is secured to an underside of the center section of the laminate panel in the vicinity of each corner for engaging and pressing against a top rim of railcar coaming to seal the hatch cover whereby inhibiting contaminants from passing between the closed clover and the coaming on the railcar. Additionally, the laminate panel is provided with longitudinally spaced structure, arranged inwardly from the opposed ends of and secured across the laminate panel, for adding further strength and rigidity to the hatch cover.
US08056483B2
The invention relates to a cable or pipeline trolley (2) for travelling along a carrier rail, comprising at least one chassis (1) and a carrier device (10) for cables or pipelines, in addition to a central plate (9) that connects the carrier device (10) to the chassis (1). Known cable or pipeline trolleys of this type are sensitive to high winds and are frequently derailed from the guides as a result of the large wind-exposure area. The aim of the invention is to develop a cable or pipeline trolley so that it is more operationally secure and the chassis can run more reliably along the carrier rail even when exposed to high winds or other stress. To achieve this, at least two rectangular cavities and two triangular cavities (6, 7) are positioned within the outer boundary of the central plate (9), said cavities being symmetrical in relation to the central axis of the central plate and being separated by a strut.
US08056471B2
A flexible, plastic thin film food package is provided having an elongate opening check valve with an air removal port that allows repeated opening and resealing of the package followed by removal of air and moisture by vacuuming. The top open edge of the food package is bonded to a flexible but rigid frame that fits a lid with the air removal port flat valve. The flat valve is a compressed foam sponge and a thin film housed in a rigid case that is bonded to the lid. Air is removed with a spatula attachment of the vacuum pump that is inserted into the space between the lid and the flat check valve. Once vacuum is induced in the interior of the food package, the film covering the frame is sucked against the lid thereby shutting off influx of air into the package.
US08056463B2
A window cover for a military vehicle which includes both upper and lower armored plates angled away from an underlying vehicle window. An upper and lower reflector are placed so that light striking the upper reflector is reflected onto the lower reflector. One of the reflectors is pivotable. The window cover allows an occupant of the vehicle to view outside the vehicle window, as light is reflected off an upper reflector to a lower reflector and toward an occupant of the vehicle. A filter is placed between the upper and lower reflectors to filter out a portion of light reflected. The filter may also provide a collimation function.
US08056457B2
An arrangement for covering a flat lying blank, preferably made of paperboard, with a cover, as is in particular applicable in the manufacture of book cases. The arrangement comprises fixing means for simple coupling of a circular cutting device. This circular cutting device comprises transport means for direct feeding of the cut blank to the arrangement.
US08056454B2
A knife has a cutting blade with an elongate planar body having a front and a back, a first and second opposite edges, the elongate body having a centerline extending between the first and the second edges, each of said first and second edges being provided with a plurality of angularly-oriented notches defined by beveled surfaces, which intersect to form cutting edges. The notches have a generally V-shaped configuration and have one or more sides that extend at an acute angle in relation to the centerline.
US08056453B2
A fast tool arrangement, in particular for lathes for machining optical workpieces, has a carriage, which for linear reciprocating movements is guided in a housing on bearing elements stationary in relation to the housing, and which at its outer end carries a holder for a tool or workpiece and at its inner end is actively connected with a moving coil drive. The carriage has the cross-section of a T-profile with plane-parallel flange and web faces wherein the bearing elements are arranged in pairs on both sides of the profile web and the profile flange.
US08056444B1
An automated surface covering removal machine having a handle, a housing, a lever member, a reciprocating cylinder and edge means for providing vertical or near vertical movement of the edge means relative to the surface covering to facilitate removal of the surface covering is disclosed. The surface covering may be shingles, carpeting, linoleum, or any other type of surface covering. The automated surface covering removal machine is lightweight and easy to use and does not exert a debilitating backwards force on the user. The reciprocating cylinder allows for a variable stroke height of the tooth bar allowing for more rapid removal of a surface covering.
US08056439B2
A device to mount a control lever to a bicycle handlebar includes a bracket, an expanding bolt, and a fixing member. The bracket is configured to be connected to the control lever and includes an inlet opening with a center axis, a first tapered portion extending along an axial direction, and at least one tapered outer serration formed on the first tapered portion. The expanding bolt includes a tubular portion and a second tapered portion extending along the axial direction. The tubular portion includes an outer threaded surface. The fixing member is disposed on the tubular portion of the expanding bolt. The first and second tapered portions are configured to operate so as to push the fixing member against an inner surface of the bicycle handlebar when the device is mounted to the bicycle handlebar.
US08056433B2
A shifting device for a multi-gear manual transmission, in particular a gearwheel variable-speed transmission of a vehicle, with a gearshift shaft that can be axially and rotationally moved. A shift gate can be selected by axial movement of the shaft and a gear in the shift gate is engaged by rotation movement of the shaft. A locking device communicates with the gearshift shaft and increases a selection force when selecting a shift gate having a reverse gear. A spring arrangement includes a first spring element, which acts during the selection of a shift gate with two forward gears, and the second spring element acts, together with the locking device, during the selection of the shift gate with the reverse gear.
US08056432B2
An active control stick assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the active control stick assembly includes a housing assembly, and a control stick support body mounted within the housing assembly for rotation about two substantially orthogonal and co-planar rotational axes. A control stick is fixedly coupled to the control stick support body and rotatable along therewith from a null position to a plurality of control positions. A first spring element is coupled between the housing assembly and the control stick support body and passively biases the control stick toward the null position.
US08056421B2
An apparatus structure and measurement method are provided to retain high precision and high reliability of a semiconductor mechanical quantity measuring apparatus which senses a mechanical quantity and transmits measured information wirelessly. As to a silicon substrate of the semiconductor mechanical quantity measuring apparatus, for example, a ratio of a substrate thickness to a substrate length along a measurement direction is set small, and a ratio of a substrate thickness to a substrate length along a direction perpendicular to the measurement direction is set small. The apparatus upper surface is covered with a protective member. It is possible to measure a strain along a particular direction and realize mechanical quantity measurement with less error and high precision. An impact resistance and environment resistance of the apparatus itself can be improved.
US08056415B2
A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensor (52) includes a substrate (62) a movable element (58) spaced apart from the substrate (62), suspension anchors (66, 68, 70, 72) formed on the substrate (62), and compliant members (74) interconnecting the movable element (58) with the suspension anchors. The MEMS sensor (52) further includes fixed fingers (76) and fixed finger anchors (78) attaching the fixed fingers (76) to the substrate (62). The movable element (58) includes openings (64). At least one of the suspension anchors resides in at least one of the multiple openings (64) and pairs (94) of the fixed fingers (76) reside in other multiple openings (64). The MEMS sensor (52) is symmetrically formed, and a location of the fixed finger anchors (78) defines an anchor region (103) within which the suspension anchors (66, 68, 70, 72) are positioned.
US08056410B2
A method for determining an imbalance of a propeller shaft assembly can include establishing balancing planes relative to certain areas of the propeller shaft assembly and identifying each component of the propeller shaft assembly that could have a potential imbalance condition due to a tolerance variation. The method can also include determining the potential imbalance condition for each identified component, and determining a contribution of each determined potential imbalance condition to a respective pair of the established balancing planes. The method can further include determining a total magnitude of imbalance at the respective pair of established balancing planes based on the determined contributions of each potential imbalance condition, and determining a statistically representative value of the determined magnitude of imbalance.
US08056401B2
In-line systems for and methods of measuring the moisture content of ceramic material within an extrusion system used to form ceramic articles are disclosed. One method includes arranging, relative to the extrusion system, at least one radio-frequency (RF) sensor system having an RF antenna, and generating through the RF antenna an RF field that resides substantially entirely within the ceramic material. The method also includes, in response to the RF field interacting with the ceramic material, generating in the RF sensor system a signal representative of a raw moisture-content measurement of the ceramic material. The method also includes generating calibration data by performing RF moisture-content measurements on samples of the ceramic material having different known moisture contents, and establishing a calibrated moisture-content measurement using the raw moisture-content signal and the calibration data. Both contact and non-contact systems and measurement methods are described.
US08056394B2
In a procedure for measuring the concentration of a target gas, a gas sensor is provided whose sensor signal at constant temperature is dependent on a target gas concentration and has a lower measurement sensitivity in a first modulation range than in a second modulation range. The position of the modulation ranges is dependent on the temperature. The temperature of the gas sensor is controlled so that the sensor signal is essentially independent of the target gas concentration and lies within the second modulation range. The temperature of the gas sensor is then a measurement for the target gas concentration.
US08056392B2
A method, system, and device for optimizing a vehicle's suspension includes: mounting at least one modified passive shock with a plurality of sensors onto a vehicle, where the shock is adjustable for a plurality of damping forces; connecting the shock to an electronic control unit being for adjusting the damping forces of the shock and reading the plurality of sensors; and running the vehicle through a plurality of test cycles where the electronic control unit reading the plurality of sensors during each test cycle and adjusting the shock to a different damping force between each test cycle, where the adjusted shock emulating the damping forces of multiple standard passive shocks.
US08056389B2
A system, computer program product and method of obtaining a performance parameter associated with a sensor, such as an accelerometer, is provided. The method includes applying an acceleration to the accelerometer and a first frequency to obtain a sensitivity of the accelerometer at the first frequency. A first self-test is performed on the accelerometer. The first self-test includes stimulating the accelerometer with a first self-test stimulation signal encoded with the first frequency, such that the accelerometer outputs a first signal. A self-test equivalent acceleration is then determined based, at least in part, on the first signal and the accelerometer sensitivity at the first frequency. A second self-test is performed on the accelerometer. The second self-test includes stimulating the accelerometer with a second self-test stimulation signal encoded with the second frequency, such that the accelerometer outputs a second signal. A parameter of the accelerometer is determined at the second frequency based, at least in part, on the second signal and the self-test equivalent acceleration. The parameter may be sensitivity of the accelerometer at the second frequency.
US08056385B2
A press forming die assembly for press forming a blank material includes a draw forming portion that the blank material flows and a draw bead for controlling the amount of the blank material flowing into the draw forming portion. A first draw bead is provided at a periphery of the draw forming portion in a direction substantially parallel to an outer peripheral shape of the draw forming portion. A second draw bead extends from the first draw bead toward the outside of the draw forming portion in a direction intersecting the first draw bead. The blank material includes a thick sheet portion having a greater thickness than the other portion or a high rigidity portion having a higher rigidity than that of the other portion. The second draw bead is provided at a portion corresponding to the thick sheet portion or the high rigidity portion of the blank material.
US08056383B2
A steel part with regions of different ductility is made by first loading the part onto a heatable rack and then heating the rack with the part on it in a furnace to a temperature above the AC3 point of the part. The part is then removed from the rack and loaded while still above the AC3 point into a press where it is shaped and hardened. In the press the part is engaged by tools that deform it and that cool it quickly to well below the AC3 point. Finally, before the rack has cooled substantially, the shaped and hardened part is taken out of the press and placed on the rack with predetermined regions of the part in heat-conducting engagement with the rack such that the ductility of the predetermined regions is increased by transfer of the residual heat from the rack to the predetermined regions.
US08056379B2
A lock cylinder that includes a housing and a plug. The housing includes a wall that defines a hollow portion and a pin portion that defines a first pin chamber that is configured to receive a first pin. The plug includes a body rotatably housed within the hollow portion of the housing. A key slot is defined in the body in part by a pin resting surface 90, and a second pin chamber is disposed in communication with the key slot. A second pin is disposed within the second pin chamber and is configured to engage the pin resting surface 90. An engagement member is disposed within the body as a separate piece, and engaged with the second pin to space the second pin a distance from the pin resting surface 90 in the absence of a key in the slot.
US08056376B2
A lock includes a housing, a locking mechanism and an indicator. The locking mechanism is disposed in the housing and includes a first module and a second module both configured to lock or unlock the lock. The indicator is able to move from an original position to an indicative position outside the housing in response to operation of the first module. However, when being located in the indicative position, the indicator is unresponsive to the operation of the first module.
US08056367B2
A situation where glass chip produced as a result of breakage of waste glass sheets floats in a cutting chamber when the waste glass sheets produced in glass sheet producing steps are collected is suppressed. Provided is a glass sheet production installation (1), in which a sheetshaped glass ribbon (B) is formed by supplying molten glass (A) into a forming body (2) and causing the molten glass (A) to flow downward on a conveyance path extending in an upper and lower direction from the forming body (2), and the glass ribbon (B) is cut into a predetermined dimension in a cutting chamber (6) provided on the conveyance path so that glass substrates (C) are produced. The glass sheet production installation (1) is provided with a drop hole (8) provided in a floor surface of the cutting chamber (6) and a collection chamber (7) provided under the cutting chamber (6) and is configured so as to collect waste glass substrates of the glass substrates (C) by dropping the waste glass substrates through a drop hole (8) into the collection chamber (7), the glass substrates (C) being obtained by cutting.
US08056356B2
In order to improve a refrigerating plant, comprising a refrigerant circuit, with a high-side refrigerant-cooling heat exchanger, with an expansion cooling device, with a reservoir for the main mass flow, with at least one normal cooling stage, with an intense cooling stage, which removes an overall intense cooling mass flow from the reservoir, and with at least one refrigerant compressor unit, which is disposed in the refrigerant circuit, in such a way that it has a better efficiency, it is proposed that the intense cooling stage has for further cooling of the overall intense cooling mass flow an intense cooling expansion cooling device, which in the active state cools the overall intense cooling mass flow and thereby produces a main intense cooling mass flow, which is fed to the intense cooling expansion element, and an additional intense cooling mass flow.
US08056348B2
A heat pump system includes a compressor, a reversing valve, an outdoor heat exchanger and an indoor heat exchanger in a circuit, and a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. In the air cooling with water heating mode, the air heating with water heating mode and the water heating only mode, water from a water reservoir is passed through refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger. A refrigerant reservoir may be provided for use in refrigerant charge control. A refrigerant line (71) couples reservoir to the refrigerant circuit intermediate the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers for directing liquid refrigerant into the reservoir and a refrigerant line (73) couples the refrigerant circuit upstream of the suction inlet to the compressor for returning refrigerant to the refrigerant circuit. A controller controls flow into and from the refrigerant reservoir through selective opening and closing of control valve (72) in line (71) and control valve (74) in line (73).
US08056347B2
An auxiliary cooling device is used in another main cooling device, such as a refrigerator. The auxiliary cooling device includes a thermoelectric element, such as a Peltier element, which includes a heat source and a heat sink. The heat sink is used to directly or indirectly cool an item, such as a bottle of liquid. The heat source, which is insulated from the heat sink, is in close thermal contact with a heat exchange fluid in a container. The heat exchange fluid is used as a thermal buffer for the waste heat generated by the cooling process. That waste heat may be transmitted into the main storage chamber of the main cooling device.
US08056343B2
The present application provides a liner for a combustor. The combustor liner may include a mouth, a passage for a flow of fuel, a passage for a flow of air, a first zone for mixing the flow of fuel and the flow of air, and the first zone having a constant diameter. The combustor liner may have at least one transition zone with first and second side walls angled substantially in the same direction, and an off center exit. This configuration will provide a more stable flow when exiting the combustor liner.
US08056336B2
A variable nozzle for a turbocharger includes a plurality of vanes rotatably mounted on a nozzle ring and disposed in a nozzle flow path defined between the nozzle ring and an opposite nozzle wall. Either or both of the faces of the nozzle ring and nozzle wall include(s) at least one step that defines sealing surfaces positioned to be substantially abutted by airfoil surfaces of the vanes in the closed position of the vanes and to be spaced from the airfoil surfaces in positions other than the closed position. This substantial abutment between the airfoil surfaces and the sealing surfaces serves to substantially prevent exhaust gas from leaking past the ends of the airfoil portions. At the same time, clearances between the nozzle ring face and the end faces of the airfoil portions can be sufficiently large to prevent binding of the vanes under all operating conditions.
US08056334B2
An energy recovery system for a pipe manufacturing process is shown. A compression or injection molding operation is used to form a sealing gasket which is used in the subsequent pipe manufacturing operation. A Stirling engine cycle is used to recover heat during the gasket manufacture. The Stirling engine is driven by waste heat from the mold members or other associated parts of the injection or compression molding apparatus. The recovered waste heat is used to subsequently heat the female pipe end which is being belled in the pipe manufacturing process.
US08056332B2
A method for controlling an actuating device in an automated shifting system of a motor vehicle. The position of the actuating device is determined by a path measurement system. The actuating device can be controlled by a pressure regulation device, including a pressure medium reservoir, at least two pressure lines and a switching valve for connecting a first pressure line to a pressure medium line leading to the pressure chamber of the actuating device, and a pressure regulating device for adapting the pressure level of the main pressure line to the control pressure level of the actuating device. By appropriately controlling the pressure regulation device before the piston of the actuating device moves in the intended direction, it is moved in the direction opposite to the intended movement direction. When this movement direction is registered the movement direction is changed to the intended movement direction.
US08056314B1
A wide pick-up for a baler includes a crop feed rotor and auger arrangement located at an elevated position rearward of a tined pick-up reel arrangement. Positioned for receiving crop delivered by the reel arrangement, and extending beneath the crop feed rotor and auger arrangement is a crop guide plate arrangement including a central movable crop guide plate portion mounted to be moved vertically between a raised feed position, wherein it is relatively close to a circular path traced by the outer peripheries of the crop feed rotor and the converging augers, and a lowered, crop unplugging position, wherein it is spaced to create a gap between the crop guide plate portion and the crop feed rotor and auger arrangement. Right and left, primary crop stripper plates are respectively mounted to right and left front end regions of the moveable crop feed plate portion, with the primary stripper plates each having an edge located close to the associated auger for preventing crop from being wrapped about the augers when the movable crop guide plate portion is in its normal raised operating position. Right and left secondary crop stripper plates are respectively mounted to right and left fixed walls extending upwardly about the augers from right and left fixed guide plate portions, these secondary stripper plates remaining in place to strip crop from the augers when the central movable crop guide plate portion is lowered.
US08056308B2
A harvester and method for harvesting aquatic algae or floating vegetation in shallow areas of water bodies, such as lakes. The harvester is manually operated. The harvester includes a pair of blades which are manually moved by a rope connected to an extension spring, a compressed gas cylinder or the harvester wheels through a metal rod driven system. The harvester provides improved hydraulic flow through a hydraulic friction reducing plastic or metal sheet, a movable plastic or metal bar to adjust the volume of water allowed into the apparatus and vertical hydraulic flow guides to improve flow of water through the apparatus. The aquatic algae or floating vegetation is collected on the harvester, removed from the harvester, dewatered and used for compost in garden and agricultural activities.
US08056304B2
For the purpose of packaging diapers (10), the latter are fed to a grouping arrangement (13) in order to produce diaper groups (20, 21) from a plurality of diapers (10) positioned closely one beside the other. The diaper groups (20, 21) are fed along a plurality of conveying paths, in particular along two removal conveyors (35, 36) located one beside the other or one above the other, to a (multi-path) packaging machine or a plurality of packaging machines.
US08056299B2
The installation of a foundation at a selected location enables a superstructure to be installed and supported in a desired attitude such as a vertical attitude at the foundation. An installation template is placed at the selected location and support sites on the installation template can be adjusted so that the installation template will support the foundation subassembly in a manner such that the superstructure can be supported in said desired attitude. The foundation subassembly is placed onto the installation template using a lifting subassembly that is secured to the foundation subassembly. The foundation subassembly is fixed in place by concrete or the like into which the foundation assembly is inserted. The superstructure can then be secured to the foundation subassembly. The superstructure and the foundation assembly can be elongated lengthwise relative to their lateral dimensions, and the superstructure can comprise a post adapted to hold a panel for deflecting road noise.
US08056293B2
The invention disclosed herein is directed to a fire retardant head-of-wall assembly configured to seal a linear head-of-wall construction joint or gap when exposed to a heat source such as a building fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly comprises a header track having an elongated intumescent strip affixed lengthwise on at least one of the outer sidewall surfaces of the header track and above a centrally located and outwardly protruding lengthwise corrugated groove. When exposed to a heat source such as a building fire, the intumescent strip is able to expand so as to at least partially fill the head-of-wall construction joint or gap; and in so doing, retard or prevent the spread of smoke and fire. The inventive fire retardant head-of-wall assembly has been certified as complaint with respect to Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.'s standards set forth in its Tests for Fire Resistance of Building Joint Systems—UL 2079.
US08056280B2
A shotgun includes a forearm and a fastening mechanism that is used to couple the forearm to the remainder of the shotgun. The fastening mechanism moves between a first position where the forearm is coupled to the remainder of the shotgun and a second position where the forearm is uncoupled from the remainder of the shotgun. In one embodiment, the fastening mechanism is a lever-type fastening mechanism. In another embodiment, the fastening mechanism includes an anchor that is shaped to be received in a hole in a magazine of the shotgun. The anchor rotates between a first position where the anchor is unable to exit the hole so that the forearm is coupled to the magazine and a second position where the anchor is able to exit the hole so that the forearm is uncoupled from the magazine.
US08056278B2
A barrel insert is disclosed. A firearm may use a target barrel or another barrel, such as a standard barrel. The stock of a firearm may have a barrel receptacle that is shaped to hold a larger barrel. The larger barrel may be untapered. The barrel insert may be used to adapt a barrel receptacle to fit a smaller barrel. The smaller barrel may be tapered. The barrel insert may have a texture that substantially matches a texture of the firearm.
US08056272B2
A steam appliance having a water pump controlled by an actuator or motion switch response to movement of the appliance is provided. In one embodiment, a micro-switch is turned ON and OFF by movement of a micro-switch actuator in operative engagement with the towel frame at the base if the appliance. In another embodiment, the actuator is operatively connected to a mechanical pump to activate the pump. The motor switch or actuator will be displaced whenever the unit is moved by a user, thus causing the pump to pump water to the boiler. Steam is then fed to a steam pad that may have a replaceable fabric pad fit snugly on the frame to distribute clean steam to a surface to be steamed.
US08056270B1
A dredge propulsion system mounted on the same boom as the cutter head. The propulsion system has one or more augers which can be operated individually to maneuver the dredge. In the preferred embodiment a pair of augers are mounted parallel to one another on a subframe which is connected to the boom of the cutter head. The subframe comprises a first member pivotally attached to the boom. Each auger is carried by a three bar linkage mounted to the first member.
US08056262B2
A first load (L1) is put on the upper leg (606) to create a contact area (619) between the front segment (610) and the front segment (618). The contact area (619) has a center point (601) located a distance (p1) from the front end (602). An upper forward segment (621) pulls away from a lower forward segment (623) immediately adjacent to the front end (602) to create a loop (625a). The first load (L1) is progressively increased to a second load (L2) and the center point (601) is rolled back from the distance (p1) to a distance (p2) from the front end (602). The segments (621) and (623) expand the loop (625a) to a loop (625b).
US08056250B2
An eccentricity measurement method of measuring the eccentricity between a center of a connection portion of a rotary disk of a rotary encoder connected to a rotary shaft of a rotary member, and a center of a scale provided at the periphery of the rotary disk. The method includes forming, on the rotary disk, a circle pattern concentric with the scale and at least three straight-line patterns intersecting or contacting the circle pattern and the connection portion; and measuring an amount and direction of the eccentricity of the rotary disk by comparing a coordinate of the center of the connection portion, calculated from coordinates of intersections of the straight-line patterns and the connection portion, with a coordinate of the center of the scale, calculated from the coordinates of intersections of the straight-line patterns and the circle pattern.
US08056247B2
A tilt sensor including a body, an LED, a first photosensitive device, a second photosensitive device, and a moving thin-element is provided. The body has a movement region, a first containing region, a second containing region, and a third containing region. The first, second, and third containing regions have an opening respectively and are connected with the movement region through the openings. The LED providing a light beam is disposed in the first containing region. The first and second photosensitive devices are disposed in the second and third containing regions respectively. When the body tilts toward different tilt directions, the moving thin-element moves in the tilt direction, allowing the light beam provided from the LED to reflect directly to the first and second photosensitive devices, or shielding the light beam provided from the LED from being transmitted to the first and second photosensitive devices.
US08056233B2
The invention provides a method for manufacturing an automotive component member, including the steps of: (A) positioning at least one insert into a mold, wherein the insert defines a plurality of holes; and (B) casting a portion of the automotive component member in the mold to substantially encapsulate the insert such that a major portion of the insert is substantially non-bonded with the casting material to provide a proper interfacial boundary with the casting material for damping. The method may include the step of coating the insert to prevent bonding between the insert and the casting material. A damped automotive component member having an insert cast therein is also disclosed.
US08056223B2
A suspension board with circuit includes a circuit board containing a metal supporting board, an insulating pattern formed on the metal supporting board, and a conductive pattern formed on the insulating pattern; an optical waveguide disposed on the circuit board; and a positioning portion provided on the circuit board in order to position the optical waveguide with respect to the circuit board.
US08056221B2
An apparatus that includes a plurality of metalized planes, one or more dielectric layers separating the plurality of metalized planes; and one or more conductive trenches connecting to at least one of the plurality of metalized planes.
US08056220B2
A printed circuit board is disclosed. A printed circuit board, which includes a first board part, a flexible board part which has one side coupled with the first board part and which includes an electrical wiring layer and an optical waveguide to transmit both electrical signals and optical signals, and a second board part coupled with the other side of the flexible board part, where the electrical wiring layer and the optical waveguide are disposed with a gap in-between, can provide greater bendability and reliability, by having the optical waveguide and electrical wiring layer separated with a gap in-between at the flexible portion of the board, and the optical waveguide can be manufactured with greater precision for even higher reliability, by having the optical waveguide manufactured separately and then inserted during the manufacturing process of the board.
US08056218B2
Crimping apparatus for crimping separate parts of a metal sleeve arranged concentrically about the junction between a shielded cable and a plug connector, including a pair of colinearly arranged annular crimping dies that are operable by an annular operating member arranged concentrically about the crimping dies, such that upon a single angular movement of the operating member in a given direction from a retracted position to a crimping position, one end of the sleeve is crimped to the plug in one desired manner, and the other end of the sleeve is crimped to the shielded cable in another desired manner.
US08056214B2
A magnetic head includes a pole layer, first and second side shields, and an encasing layer having a pole groove that accommodates the pole layer and first and second side shield grooves that accommodate the first and second side shields. In a manufacturing method for the magnetic head, the pole groove and first and second initial side shield grooves are formed in a nonmagnetic layer using an etching mask layer having first to third openings. In the manufacturing method, a wall face of the first initial side shield groove that is closer to the pole groove and a wall face of the second initial side shield groove that is closer to the pole groove are etched by dry etching to thereby complete the first and second side shield grooves.
US08056213B2
A PMR head comprises a substrate, a magnetic pole formed over the substrate, the pole having a pole tip having a cross-sectional tapered shape wherein the pole tip is surrounded by a write gap layer, an integrated shield comprising side shields on the substrate laterally surrounding the pole tip and a trailing shield overlying the pole tip and integral with the side shields.
US08056212B2
A reactor coil 12 has a first coil element 121 formed by winding one flat type wire 17 edgewisely and rectangularly in a manner in which the wound flat type wire 17 is stacked rectangularly and cylindrically, and a second coil element 122 formed by winding the flat type wire 17 edgewisely and rectangularly at a winding terminating end point of the first coil element 121 in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the first coil element 121 and thereby stacked in a direction opposite to the stacking direction of the first coil element 121. Parts of the flat type wire 17 constituting each one edge of the first coil element 121 and the second coil element 122 are rendered to be projecting from outer circumferences of the first coil element 121 and the second coil element 122 by distances capable of obtaining insulation between a core and lead portions 121L, 122L formed in end portions of start-of-windings of the first coil element 121 and the second coil element 122.
US08056210B2
A sleeve portion is inserted into a hole portion of a base bracket on which an adhesive of heat cure type is applied while a rotor portion and a stator portion are retained by a position determining jig. Then, the sleeve portion is initially affixed to the base bracket by a high frequency induction heating of an induction coil. Then, the initial affixation is cured completely in an oven. Since the adhesive of heat cure type is used, generation of outgass will be minimized and a manufacturing cost of the motor having such components will be reduced.
US08056209B2
Tubular, especially can-shaped, receptacle for the accommodation of fluids, especially drinks, with a tubular body and a base and top section attached to this, wherein the top section is constructed in the shape of a shoulder and is suitable for attaching a closure device, especially a resealable one. The shoulder-shaped top section is at least partially enclosed, especially in the shape of a shoulder, by an upper edge of the tubular body and sealed with this.
US08056197B2
A blank (10) for a coffin comprising a blank body (12) defining a plurality of wall panels (14, 16, 18, 20) each having a pair of opposed sides; a base supporting member (28) formed integrally with one side of at least one of the panels; and a flap member (30) formed integrally with opposite side of at least one of panels. In one embodiment an insert (58) is held captive between at least one of side wall panels of the blank body and their associated flap portions folded onto the side wall panels to impart rigidity to a side wall of a coffin formed from blank.
US08056195B2
A U-shaped clip that is configured to be quickly installed by attaching the clip over the top edge of the vertical wall defined by plural end to end oriented landscape edging restraint members. This action is quick and easily accomplished by hand, requiring no tools or forceful effort. The clip is made of a material having a hardness characteristic that is harder than the material of the edging restraint members. The clip includes a series of pointed, opposing, hardened steel barbs that bite into the softer edging material to create a mechanical lock. Further, the barbs are angled so as to increase the force applied to the edging material as the parts are drawn apart in opposite directions.
US08056184B2
The present invention relates to a door lock device for a motor vehicle door, comprising: a door retaining bar mounted on the door or the body to be pivotable, and including one first side and a profiled section formed on the first side; a first braking element arranged respectively on the other part (door or body), which is applied by sections on the first side of the door retaining bar under the effect of a preload, and which, with the profiled section of the first side, defines retaining positions. The inventive door lock device, which enables the door to be selectively opened via defined retaining positions, in particular by a specific stop, is produced according to the present invention such that an actuating device is associated with the first braking element, and so that the actuating device enables the first braking element to be moved against the preload to be no longer in contact with the first side of the door retaining bar.
US08056182B2
A portable extractor apparatus is shown which includes a wheel mounted base having a solution tank for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A cleaning wand is connected to the solution tank and has a head which contacts the surface to the cleaned for dispensing and recovering cleaning solution. A fluid pump circulates cleaning solution in a path between the solution tank and the cleaning head. A vacuum motor provides a vacuum source for the cleaning head for suctioning the surface being cleaned and has an exhaust fan for exhausting excess heat created by the operation of the vacuum motor. A fluid operated heat exchanger is mounted in the vicinity of the vacuum motor. The heat exchanger is plumbed in the circulation path of the cleaning fluid, whereby excess heat generated by the vacuum motor is transferred to the cleaning fluid being applied from the cleaning head onto the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head can also be integrally mounted on the wheel mounted base.
US08056180B2
A mobile leaf blower includes a main blower assembly driven by an engine or motor. The blower has a deflector box at the blower outlet with deflector plates which enable the air flow to be either directed laterally and forwardly of the blower unit or to a flexible blower tube attached to the unit. The operator may either cause the air flow to flow through the flexible blower tube or forwardly and laterally of the blower unit along the ground. When not in use, the flexible blower tube can be wound around a hose reel attached to the main handles of the ground blower unit.
US08056173B2
Aspects of the invention relate to the use of soluble thread in the preparation of footwear, in particular athletic footwear. After preparing aspects of the footwear, the soluble thread is dissolved.
US08056168B2
A pillow 1 stores a main part 2 and an elastic part 3 laminated by the main part 2 in a cover part 4. The main part 2 includes a core material 21 arranged along a longitudinal direction, and a storage object 23 in which charcoal 22 is stored at both sides, and is covered by a cover material 25. A concave portion 27 is formed in a position corresponding to the core material 21. The elastic material 3 has elastic materials 31, 32 and 33 having hardness which becomes larger as they come closer to the main part 2. A convex part 27 is formed in the surface, and a convex part 34 of the elastic part 3 is fitted to the concave portion 27, and a portion corresponding to the convex part 34 is formed thicker than a portion which does not support the convex part 34.
US08056165B2
A support apparatus includes a rotation therapy device, a pulsation therapy device, a dynamic therapy device, and a control system for operating the devices.
US08056160B2
A siderail assembly for a hospital bed is provided. In one embodiment the bed is a chair bed having a first deck section, a second deck section and a third deck section. The siderails are provided adjacent the third deck section. The siderails remains stationary relative to the third deck section during movement of the third deck section from a generally horizontal to a substantially vertical position. The siderails are configured to be gripped by a patient while the patient is entering and exiting the chair bed.
US08056159B2
A folding mattress support system replaces both a conventional box spring and the bed frame with rails. The mattress support system is lighter, quieter and easier to transport, and also provides more storage space beneath the mattress. The mattress support system includes bed frame assemblies, central connecting bars, edge attachments and a bed skirt. Leg brackets fold out from the bed frame assemblies, which themselves unfold in the middle. Central connecting bars connect inner side edges of the bed frame assemblies. Plastic edge attachments are attached at outer corners of the bed frame assemblies and hold a bed skirt taught around the frame assemblies when the frame assemblies are standing on the extended leg brackets. A mattress is then placed on top of the assembled mattress support system. Optionally, metal edge attachments at the head corners of the mattress support system both hold the bed skirt and support a headboard.
US08056151B2
A chin strap assembly for a protective sports helmet features a buckle that comprises a body portion, an attachment portion, a first side rail, and a second side rail. The body portion has a first strap opening and a second strap opening formed therethrough. The body portion has a first end segment and a second end segment. The attachment portion is adapted to interact with a fastener on the helmet. The first and second side rails are opposed and extend between the first and second end segments, and have a generally arcuate shape. First and second lateral holes are positioned internal to the first and second side rails.
US08056148B1
A glove fabricated of a polyethylene has a distal portion in a shape to accommodate a hand. A proximal portion of the glove formed as an extension of the distal portion has a length between 150 percent and 175 percent of the length of the distal portion. A polyethylene tab and a strap form a seal on the proximal portion of the glove. The tab is integrally formed with the glove. The strap is fabricated of elastic bandage material and has an attached end coupled to the tab with a semi-adhesive property for removably coupling the strap to itself.
US08056147B1
A necktie has an integrated system to limit movement of the free ends of the necktie when worn. The necktie has a wide end section and a narrow end section. The necktie has a selected width transition from the wide end section to the narrow end section. The overall length of the necktie is selected to allow the necktie to be secured to a person's neck using a selected knot-tying technique such that the wide end of the necktie is positioned at a selected location with respect to the person's waistline and such that the narrow end of the necktie is positioned behind the wide end of the necktie. At least one loop is secured to the back of the wide end of the necktie. The narrow end of the necktie passes through the loop. At least one buttonhole is formed through the narrow end of the necktie.
US08056146B2
A disposable isolation hospital gown is provided having a main body and a pair of sleeves. Integrally formed with the hospital gown is a disposable wrapper that is particularly positioned or placed such that the gown can be rolled or folded into a bundle, after which the disposable wrapper is reversed and in the process of reversing the disposable wrapper, the bundled gown is stuffed or placed into the reversed disposable wrapper for disposal.
US08056144B2
A safety helmet includes a cap equipped with at least one visor, which is hinged to the sides of the front opening of the cap itself and can be rotated between a position of interception of the front opening and a raised position with respect to the opening. A shielding element is also hinged to the sides of the front opening of the cap and is rotatable both with respect to the cap and with respect to the visor. The relative rotary displacement of the shielding element with respect to the visor, and vice versa, is limited at a predefined angular interval, in both of the directions of rotation.
US08060942B2
A technique for film marking includes coding a print identifier into a binary-coded serial number; identifying particular frames (bit frames) that will be used to convey the bits (binary digits) of the binary-coded serial number and marking these bit frames in accordance with the particular bit values of the binary-coded serial number. The presence of a predefined mark on a bit frame is representative of a binary digit having a value of one, while the absence of the predefined mark on a bit frame is representative of a binary digit having a value of zero.
US08060932B2
An authorization framework located external to an application may be invoked to determine user authorization for a requested application component. Small amounts of supplemental authentication code are added to application code to invoke provider modules within the authentication framework. The provider modules perform authorization functions outside of the application and return authorization results to the application. The functions include determining a user role, determining the permissions associated with the user role, comparing the role permissions to the security defined on the requested application component by a rule, and returning an authorization state to the authentication framework. The supplemental authentication code may invoke one or more providers through provider interfaces that translate requests to a particular provider. Using the provider based authorization framework, authorization for an application component is achieved externally without hard-coding authorization code within the application itself.
US08060928B2
The present invention can control a logout procedure of each user according to an operation state and provides an information-processing apparatus with enhanced security and excellent usability. A method for controlling an information-processing apparatus capable of maintaining a state in which a plurality of users has been logged in to the information-processing apparatus comprises causing a display unit to switch an operation screen for a user who currently logs in to the information-processing apparatus between an active state and an inactive state where the user can or cannot operate the screen respectively; automatically logging out the user of the information-processing apparatus when a predetermined time has elapsed; and controlling so as not to automatically log out a user whose operation screen is in the inactive state of the information-processing apparatus when the predetermined time has elapsed.
US08060926B1
Techniques are provided for securely managing and accelerating the delivery of data associated with remote sites. A client desires to establish secure communications with a remote site. Requests made from the client to the remote site are intercepted or forwarded to a proxy, which locates a local managing service associated with handling the requests. The local managing service acts as an intermediary between the client and the remote site and communicates securely with the client. Data associated with the client's requests is at least partially cached by the local managing service for purposes of accelerating the delivery of that data to the client.
US08060925B2
A processor communicating with a first memory configured to store first information and first data, and communicating with a second memory configured to store second information and second data, includes a computing unit configured to perform computation using the first data and the second data; an storing unit configured integrally with the computing unit to store first authentication information and second authentication information; a reading unit configured to read out the first information and the second information; an authenticating unit configured to authenticate the first memory by comparing the first information and the first authentication information, and to authenticate the second memory by comparing the second information and the second authentication information; and an controlling unit configured to control an access of the computing unit to the first memory and the second memory based on a result of the authentications.
US08060923B2
A digital license includes an identification of a removal service that can authorize removing such license. A client selects the license to be removed and the service, constructs a challenge including therein a challenge license identification block (LIB) identifying the license to be removed, and sends the challenge to the service. The service receives the challenge, stores at least a portion of the challenge in a database, constructs a response corresponding to the challenge and including therein a response LIB identifying the license to be removed and an identification of the service, and sends the response to the client. The client receives the response, employs the response LIB from the response to identify the license to be removed, and removes the identified license upon confirming that the identification of the service in the identified license matches the identification of the service in the response.
US08060919B2
A method of auto updating a password comprises opening a password file and a new password file and reading information from the password file including user ID type. The method applies the user ID type to a predetermined application type and executes password-updating logic to generate a new password for the application type. The method further updates the new password file with the new password for the predetermined application type. A system comprises at least one of a hardware component and a software component configured to read information from a password file including user ID type. The hardware component and/or software component is further configured to determine that the user ID type matches to an application type and to apply the user ID type to the matched application type. The hardware component and/or software component is further configured to generate a new password for the application type and to update the password file with the new password for the application type.
US08060916B2
A web site can be authenticated by a third party authentication service. A user designates an authentication device that is a shared secret between the user and the authentication service. A web site page includes a URL that points to the authentication service. The URL includes a digital signature by the web site. When the user receives the page, the user's browser issues a request to the authentication service, which attempts to authenticate the digital signature. If the authentication is successful, it sends the authentication device to the user computer.
US08060913B2
According to one embodiment a method is disclosed involving storing in a device a static policy framework and one or more dynamic policy algorithms, and controlling policy management in the device by operating the static policy framework and executing the dynamic policy algorithms. The invention also provides in other embodiments an apparatus configured to perform such a method and a computer program product for performing the method.
US08060911B2
An apparatus, medium, and method for displaying the downloading progress of data on an auxiliary display window when software is downloaded into a digital broadcast receiver (e.g., a set-top box). The apparatus for displaying the downloading progress of data includes a reconstruction unit, which receives broadcast signals from a broadcasting station and reconstructs data from the received broadcast signals, a processing unit, which calculates the downloading progress of the reconstructed data, an auxiliary display unit, which displays the calculation result obtained by the processing unit, and a control unit, which determines whether software to-be-downloaded is included in the reconstructed data, switches a current screen mode of the auxiliary display unit to a download mode if the software is included in the reconstructed data, and controls the auxiliary display unit to display the calculation result obtained by the processing unit.
US08060908B2
Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced consumer access to information sources and controllable entities. An Access device can be a stand alone device such as a DVD player in which the DVD disk contains the back-end information network. Other Access devices obtain the back-end information network from remote sources. By way of a specific example, the consumer can then view a game and interactively select every television camera located at the game venue.
US08060904B1
A system and method are provided for dynamically adjusting advertisement (“ad”) time for a multicast channel. In one embodiment, a variable ad insertion function operates to receive one or more multicasts of media content from a core distribution network, insert ad timeslots into the media content, and optionally perform late-binding of ads to the ad timeslots. The media content including the inserted ad timeslots and late-binded ads, if any, is then multicast to associated client devices over a feeder network using corresponding multicast channels. For each multicast channel, insertion of ad timeslots into the associated media content is dynamically controlled based on the number of users currently consuming or predicted to consume the multicast channel, the number of client devices receiving or predicted to receive the multicast channel, or both.
US08060901B2
A terminal can play back song or video information in real time without downloading it, and thus restrictions on the hardware of the terminal are reduced and a large amount of music can be listened to anytime and anywhere. Also, the user can listen to music more cheaply than if it was downloaded, and copyright problems are reduced. Further, the terminal is charged based on the playback time or the amount of information. Accordingly, when the user stops playback because he or she does not like a song, the price is less than it is when the user listens to the song to the end, and thus the user can feel free to use this service.
US08060895B2
A disk device tray includes a first support component, a second support component and a step component. The first support component has a first support face with a first disk supporting area that supports an outer edge portion of a lower face of a first disk. The second support component has a second support face with a second disk supporting area that supports an outer edge portion of a lower face of a second disk. The step component has an inner side portion protruding upward with respect to an outer side portion. The inner side portion has a top face that is located lower than the second support face and a first inner peripheral face that extends upward from the first support face to the top face and restricts movement of the first disk in a radial direction of the first disk.
US08060870B2
A system and method for advanced polyhedral loop transformations of source code in a compiler are provided. The mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments address the weaknesses of the known polyhedral loop transformation based approaches by providing mechanisms for performing code generation transformations on individual statement instances in an intermediate representation generated by the polyhedral loop transformation optimization of the source code. These code generation transformations have the important property that they do not change program order of the statements in the intermediate representation. This property allows the result of the code generation transformations to be provided back to the polyhedral loop transformation mechanisms in a program statement view, via a new re-entrance path of the illustrative embodiments, for additional optimization.
US08060866B2
Systems and methods for remotely monitoring and debugging processes over a distributed network are provided. In one aspect, a method includes attaching to a first process of a plurality of processes running on a remote device such that a second process of the plurality of processes is not interrupted, and displaying details of the first process at a client.
US08060849B2
Particular embodiments generally relate to automatic routing of a bus in an integrated circuit design. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a description of a circuit design. Buses are automatically detected based on pin adjacency in terms of distance between pins and routing layer of the pins. A bus routing area is determined by the bounding box of first group of source pins and a second group of destination pins. Bus routing guidance is then generated by an automatically search engine in the bus routing area. The bus routing guidance models a bus as a skinny wire with large spacing, and it does not violate design rules. Real bus wires are generated based on the bus guidance. A bus is then automatically routed between a first group of source pins and a second group of destination pins based on the bus routing guidance.
US08060830B2
Techniques for detecting, managing, and presenting syndication XML (feeds) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a web browser automatically determines that a web site is publishing feeds and notifies the user, who can then access the feed easily. In another embodiment, a browser determines that a web page or feed is advertising relationship XML, and displays information about the people identified in the relationship XML. In yet another embodiment, a browser determines that a file contains a feed and enables the user to view it in a user-friendly way. In yet another embodiment, feed state information is stored in a repository that is accessible by applications that are used to view the feed. In yet another embodiment, if a feed's state changes, an application notifies the repository, and the state is updated. In yet another embodiment, a feed is parsed and stored in a structured way.
US08060829B2
A method and system provides arrangements creating a relationship between a real-world entity and a virtual world environment. A participant or player can participate in various virtual world activities including transactions to acquire virtual products, virtual services, and/or virtual items of value. Feedback may be provided and records kept regarding the virtual world activities and transactions. The participant or player may also have an opportunity of engaging in related real-world activities and transactions. In some implementations, multiple players at different locations can be involved in the virtual world and real-world activities and transactions. Some embodiments include arrangements for real-world informational data to be made available in the virtual world environment to a participant or player, based on virtual world activities related to a topic of interest to a real-world entity. Other embodiments provide for making a profile record for use by a real-world entity, wherein the profile record may include particular types of participation activity by a participant or player in the virtual world environment.
US08060827B2
Systems and methods provide users with suggested content that is preloaded on a media player. The suggested content is selected based on playback data from individuals and groups in a social network or playback data from anonymous users, or explicit suggestions from peers of the user in the social network, such as friends or family. The user may set aside space on their media player, such as a DVR or PC hard drive. A service then populates this space with suggested content. In addition, systems and methods allow users to track and create recommendations of content and to automatically schedule recording of showings of this content. The user may automatically record everything suggested, or require the user make selections. Systems and methods also provide for automatic selections, based on content type, time of day, or a random pattern.
US08060822B2
A system and method relating to creation of object(s) in an object hierarchy structure is provided. An object generator that in response to a command to expand a node/object provides a initiator node that facilitates generation of a new object within the object hierarchy upon expansion of the node. A display component concurrently displays the initiator node with the expanded node. The initiator node used for creating objects placed (e.g., in-line) within an object hierarchy structure. To create a new object, an instruction (e.g., user input) to expand a node having a initiator node is received. By selecting the initiator node and entering a name, an object of type defined by the initiator node is created. For example, once the object is created the user can enter information defining parameter(s) of the object. Information can be entered through a user interface box (e.g., text box) that is displayed upon the creation of the object. Also, a grid can overlay the object hierarchy structure allowing information to be entered directly into grid cell(s). The grid can further be employed to display defined parameter(s).
US08060821B2
An item in a user interface is visually enhanced in response to an interaction with the item or in response to a request. In some implementations, the item (e.g., an icon, button, text, etc.) is visually enhanced and displayed in the user interface at a conspicuous location (e.g., the center of the user interface). Optionally, the user interface can be altered (e.g., darkened) to improve the visibility of the enhanced item. In some implementations, visual enhancement includes displaying enhanced feedback (e.g., text, data, graphical objects or images, etc.) associated with the item in a caption panel. The caption panel can display enhanced feedback associated with any items in the user interface and not just the item associated with a current user interaction. In some implementations, the user can interact with items (e.g., launch an application) from within an interaction panel.
US08060820B2
Disclosed is a method, apparatus and computer program for a first client to facilitate collaborative editing of a document with a second client. The document contains data of a first data type and is accessible by a first application for processing the first data type. The first application is used to identify a portion of the document for review, The identified portion is extracted and provided to an application for processing data of a second type at the first client. This application is a messaging application. A second client is identified for performing the review and the identified portion is sent via the messaging application to the identified second client. Comments are received back from the identified second client and these comments conform to the messaging application's protocol. The comments are then interpreted back at the first client and the document is updated if appropriate.
US08060809B2
An efficient Chien search method in Reed-Solomon decoding is adapted for use in a processor having a parallel processing instruction set. The method includes the following steps: (a) if an error location polynomial that has been found matches a preset condition, finding at least one error symbol location directly through table lookup; (b) if the error location polynomial does not match the preset condition, executing steps (c) to (e); (c) calculating an error evaluation value; (d) if the error evaluation value is equal to 0, storing an error symbol location in an error location memory; and (e) if the error evaluation value is not equal to 0, the flow returning to step (c).
US08060806B2
A method for operating a memory (24) includes storing data in analog memory cells (32) of the memory by writing respective analog values to the analog memory cells. A set of the analog memory cells is identified, including an interfered cell having a distortion that is statistically correlated with the respective analog values of the analog memory cells in the set. A mapping is determined between combinations of possible analog values of the analog memory cells in the set and statistical characteristics of composite distortion levels present in the interfered memory cell. The mapping is applied so as to compensate for the distortion in the interfered memory cell.
US08060805B2
An apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving a signal in a communication system are provided. A signal reception apparatus of a communication system receives a signal and generates a child Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codeword vector by decoding the received signal according to a child parity check matrix supporting a first coding rate. The child LDPC codeword vector includes an information vector including A (A≧1) information bits, and when the first coding rate is equal to a coding rate for a case where D (D≧1) parity bits are punctured among B (B≧1)+C (C≧1) parity bits included in a parent LDPC codeword vector generated by encoding the information vector according to a parent parity check matrix supporting a second coding rate, a child bipartite graph corresponding to the child parity check matrix is generated such that a parent bipartite graph corresponding to the parent parity check matrix corresponds to an edge merge scheme.
US08060804B2
A method, a system and an access device for implementing error correction are disclosed. The method includes upon receiving a data stream, identifying, by an access device, the data stream on which a forward error correction (FEC) needs to be performed and performing FEC coding on the data stream, and then sending out an FEC data stream generated by FEC coding together with a raw data stream, or sending out directly a data stream on which the FEC does not need to be performed. The system includes a data source for sending out a data stream and an access device for receiving the data stream from the data source, identifying the data stream on which a FEC needs to be performed, performing FEC coding on the data stream, and then sending out an FEC data stream generated by FEC coding together with a raw data stream, or sending out directly a data stream on which the FEC does not need to be performed. The bandwidth can be saved when the FEC is performed in data stream transmission, and it can be adapted to conditions of different access lines according to the invention.
US08060803B2
Disclosed is an apparatus having a detector for an iterative LDPC-coded MIMO-OFDM system, where the detector is configured to use a structured irregular LDPC code in conjunction with a belief propagation algorithm. Also disclosed is an apparatus having a detector for a structured irregular LDPC-coded MIMO-OFDM system, where the detector is configured to use an iterative Recursive Least Squares-based data detection and channel estimation technique. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also disclosed.
US08060800B2
An evaluation circuit and method for detecting faulty data words in a data stream is disclosed. In one embodiment the evaluation circuit according to the invention includes a first linear automaton circuit and also a second linear automaton circuit connected in parallel, each having a set of states z, which have a common input line for receiving a data stream Tn. The first linear automaton circuit and the second linear automaton circuit are designed such that a first signature and a second signature, respectively, can be calculated. Situated downstream of the two linear automaton circuits are respectively a first logic combination gate and a second logic combination gate, which compare the signature respectively calculated by the linear automaton circuit with a predeterminable good signature and output a comparison value.
US08060798B2
In one or more of the disclosed embodiments, memory cells in a memory device are refreshed upon an indication of a fatigue condition. In one such embodiment, controller monitors behavior parameters of the cells and determines if any of the parameters are outside of a normal range set for each one, thus indicating a fatigue condition. If any cell indicates a fatigue condition, the data from the block of cells indicating the fatigue is moved to another block. In one embodiment, an error detection and correction process is performed on the data prior to being written into another memory block.
US08060793B2
A processor operation inspection system includes a processor and an operation inspection circuit that inspects an operation of the processor. When a program under execution changes from one predefined state to another state, the processor outputs a state switching signal indicating a transition of its state, a state signal indicating a current state to the inspection circuit. The inspection circuit includes a state register that stores the state of the processor, a combinational logic circuit that calculates, according to the stored state of the processor and the state switching signal, a new state to be taken by the processor, and a comparison circuit that inspects the operation of the processor by comparing the calculated new state to the state of the processor inputted as the state signal.
US08060790B2
This invention is to provide a technology for taking out trace information externally without lacking under the condition of limited output bandwidth. A semiconductor integrated circuit provided includes: a processing unit which can perform arithmetic processing according to a predetermined program and can output trace information with respect to the arithmetic processing; and a trace compression unit which can compress the trace information outputted from the processing unit. The trace compression unit includes a storage device, a comparator unit which can compare trace information stored in the storage device and the trace information newly outputted from the processing unit, and a trace information compression controller which can compress trace information to be externally outputted, based on the comparison result of the comparator unit. When a content of the trace information is in agreement with that of the trace information already outputted, information indicating the already-outputted trace information is outputted, accordingly the trace information is compressed.
US08060788B2
The present invention relates to signal handling in a host operating system process executing code portions of a single- or multi-threaded application and of the embedded guest operating system. When a signal is sent from the host operating system to the operating system process, the signal handler of the guest operating system will be invoked in a deterministic time, independent of the operating system process executing code portions of the application or of the guest operating system or executing system calls of the host operating system in a masked or non-masked operation.
US08060785B2
A method for tuning memory parameter values and a computer system using the same are disclosed. In the invention, the computer system provides an embedded controller which may accumulate a counting value and send a reset signal to reboot the computer system. Firstly, the embedded controller reloads a memory parameter value corresponding to the counting value. Then, the computer system executes a memory test procedure. When the memory test procedure successes, a BIOS stores the memory parameter value. On the contrary, when the memory test procedure fails, the embedded controller accumulates the counting value and sends the reset signal to reboot the computer system. The BIOS reloading another memory parameter value corresponding to the accumulated counting value and re-executes the memory test procedure.
US08060782B2
Correlating activity events to identify a root cause of a process failure. Activity event data is received from a process executing on a computing device. The activity event data corresponds to a plurality of activity events. Each of the activity events has a correlation identifier, a resolution status, and an occurrence time value associated therewith. Each of the activity events are assigned to one of a plurality of event groups based on the correlation identifier of the activity event. Thereafter, at least one of the event groups is determined to have an activity event with a resolution status indicating failure of the process. One of the activity events within the determined event group is selected as a root cause activity event based on the occurrence time values. In some embodiments, the root cause activity event is identified to a user of the computing device.
US08060780B2
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products for handing transactions. The method may include, for example, processing, at a state correlation engine, a plurality of transactions; saving the effects of at least one of the transactions to a persistence, when the at least one transaction includes a reliable interaction with an external application; saving other transactions to a buffer rather than to the persistence; and reading the at least one transaction from the persistence and continuously executing rules representing the other transactions in response to a failure causing a recovery. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
US08060770B2
A system that includes a clock tree and multiple variable delay components. The system is characterized by including a first set of fuses indicative of identities of variable delay components that belong to a first set of variable delay components, a second set of fuses indicative of delay values of the variable delay components that belong to the first set of variable delay components, and a second set of variable delay components that are set to at least one default delay value. A method for reducing clock skews, the method includes providing a clock tree that includes a set of variable delay components. The method is characterized by selecting a first set of variable delay components in view of timing violations occurring due clock skews, setting delay values of variable delay components that form a first set of variable delay components by programming fuses, and setting delay values of variable delay components that form a second set of variable delay components to at least one default value.
US08060764B2
A power supply converting circuit includes a multi-phase pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller, a single-phase PWM controller, some first voltage converting circuits, a second voltage converting circuit, first and second electrical switch units. The multi-phase PWM controller provides some first PWM signals and a second PWM signal. The single-phase PWM controller provides a third PWM signal. The first voltage converting circuits receive the first PWM signals to output a first power supply to a central processing unit (CPU) chipset. The first electrical switch unit receives the second and third PWM signals to selectively output the second or third PWM signal to the second voltage converting circuit to output one of the first and second power supplies. The second electrical switch unit receives one of the first and second power supplies from the second voltage converting circuit to selectively output one of the first and second power supplies to the CPU chipset.
US08060762B2
Some embodiments provide determination of a processor performance characteristic associated with a first workload, and determination of a processor performance state for the first workload based on the performance characteristic. Further aspects may include determination of a second processor performance characteristic associated with a second workload, determination of a second processor performance state for the second workload based on the performance characteristic, determination of a similarity between the first performance characteristics and the second performance characteristics, determination of a cluster comprising the first workload and the second workload, and association of a third processor performance state with the cluster, wherein the third processor performance state is identical to the first processor performance state and to the second processor performance state.
US08060760B2
Modular information handling systems supported in a modular chassis, such as blade information handling systems, have power allocation managed by dynamic and automated prioritization of power application to each modular information handling systems. A priority list of modular information handling systems is generated and updated by analysis of priority factors discovered from the modular information handling systems, such as with periodic polling of the modular information handling systems or detection of predetermined events at the information handling systems.
US08060751B2
A programmable electronic device (10) stores a number of cipher-text software modules (14) to which access is granted after evaluating a user's token (55, 80, 82), a software-restriction class (58) for a requested software module (14), and/or a currently active access-control model (60). Access-control models (60) span a range from uncontrolled to highly restrictive. Models (60) become automatically activated and deactivated as users are added to and deleted from the device (10). A virtual internal user proxy that does not require users to provide tokens (80, 82) is used to enable access to modules (16) classified in a global software-restriction class (62) or when an uncontrolled-access-control model (68) is active. Both licensed modules (76) and unlicensed modules (18,78) may be loaded in the device (10). However, no keys are provided to enable decryption of unlicensed modules (18,78).
US08060750B2
A technique is utilized in the configuration and seeding of security tokens at third party facilities, particularly at facilities of a configuration agent, such that a token can be configured without the configuration agent having security-defeating knowledge about the token. Such a technique allows a third party to provision a token with a seed, but in such a way that the third party will not know, or be able to construct, the seed after the seed provisioning process is complete. The seed may include, by way of example, a symmetric key or other secret shared by two or more entities. In some arrangements, a method is used for secure seed provisioning. Data is derived from inherent randomness in a token or other authentication device. Based on the data, the token or other authentication device is provisioned with a seed.
US08060749B2
According to a conventional technique, in the case where a program is stored into a non-volatile memory once and then activated, authentication of the program is performed immediately before such activation. However, calculations such as decryption of encrypted values are required before the activation of the program starts, which causes the problem that responsiveness is decreased in proportion to the time required for calculations. In order to solve this problem, authentication of a program is performed immediately before such program is stored, so that no authentication is performed or only a part of the authentication is performed to verify the validity of certificates at program activation time.
US08060748B2
Methods and apparatus for verifying that an electronic device has been disabled are disclosed. An exemplary electronic device includes a communications interface, a secure memory, storing a secret key, and a cryptographic circuit configured to calculate a verification token from the secret key, using a first cryptographic operation. The cryptographic circuit is further configured to calculate an identification token from the verification token, using a second cryptographic operation. The cryptographic circuit is further configured to output the identification token in response to a first command received via the communications interface. The verification token is output to the communications interface only if a predetermined functionality of the electronic device has been disabled. The electronic device may further comprise a disabling circuit configured to disable the predetermined functionality in response to a disable command.
US08060747B1
Generating a digital signature of an entire embedded code project while maintaining certain exclusion areas so that a productivity application can incorporate application-specific information into the embedded code project without hampering the digital signature.
US08060737B2
A method and an apparatus for preventing a basic input/output system (BIOS) from failing to enter a boot program are adapted to solve the problem that when a central processing unit (CPU) executes a first instruction after a computer is powered on, a start address to be executed is erroneously set as another corresponding start address, resulting in that a BIOS cannot enter a boot program. In the method of the present invention, a jump instruction is written to the corresponding start address, so as to enable an execution instruction to jump to a boot block of the BIOS when the start address is erroneously set in the computer, thus performing a normal boot operation. Moreover, in the present invention, a step for checking a register that may cause the start address to be inverted to the corresponding start address is further added to the BIOS program, such that in each boot process, the value of the register can be pre-checked and overwritten when an error occurs, so as to avoid the problem of false pointing next time the computer is booted.
US08060728B2
A method for performing parallel operations in a computer system when one or more memory hazards may be present, which may be implemented by a processor, is described. During operation, the processor receives instructions for detecting conflict between memory addresses in vectors when operations are performed in parallel using at least a portion of the vectors, and generating one or more stop indicators corresponding to any detected conflict between the memory addresses, where a given stop indicator indicates a memory hazard. Next, the processor executes the instructions for detecting the conflict between the memory addresses and generating the one or more stop indicators.
US08060727B2
There is provided a novel microprogrammed processor (100) by combining two or more processor cores (10) in such a way that the processor cores can share the special microprogram memory resource (20) that is located deep inside the processor architecture. In other words, the novel microprogrammed processor (100) basically includes at least two processor cores (10), and a common internal microprogram control store (20) including microcode instructions for controlling at least the internal standard operation of the multiple processor cores, and suitable elements (30) for providing time-shared access to the microprogram control store by the processor cores.
US08060712B2
In one embodiment, a method for remote mirroring includes providing a control entity coupled to a primary site and a secondary site, receiving first memory space information indicative of a location of a first memory space, establishing a remote mirroring relationship between the primary site and the secondary site, copying data from the primary site to the secondary site, and writing status information to the first memory space for storing status information representative of a relationship between data stored in the primary site and destined to be copied to the secondary site and data copied from the primary site to the secondary site.
US08060707B2
A method, system and computer program product for minimizing read response time in a storage subsystem including a plurality of resources is provided. A middle logical block address (LBA) is calculated for a read request. A preferred resource of the plurality of resources is determined by calculating a minimum seek time based on a closest position to a last position of a head at each resource of the plurality of resources, estimated from the middle LBA. The read request is directed to at least one of the preferred resource or an alternative resource.
US08060704B2
A device stores a plurality of applications and a list of associations for those applications. The applications are preferably stored within a secondary memory of the device, and once launched each application is loaded into RAM. Each application is preferably associated to one or more of the other applications. Preferably, no applications are launched when the device is powered on. A user selects an application, which is then launched by the device, thereby loading the application from the secondary memory to RAM. Whenever an application is determined to be associated with a currently active state application, and that associated application has yet to be loaded from secondary memory to RAM, the associated application is pre-launched such that the associated application is loaded into RAM, but is set to an inactive state.
US08060701B2
When misses occur in an instruction cache, prefetching techniques are used that minimize miss rates, memory access bandwidth, and power use. One of the prefetching techniques operates when a miss occurs. A notification that a fetch address missed in an instruction cache is received. The fetch address that caused the miss is analyzed to determine an attribute of the fetch address and based on the attribute a line of instructions is prefetched. The attribute may indicate that the fetch address is a target address of a non-sequential operation. Another attribute may indicate that the fetch address is a target address of a non-sequential operation and the target address is more than X % into a cache line. A further attribute may indicate that the fetch address is an even address in the instruction cache. Such attributes may be combined to determine whether to prefetch.
US08060696B2
PET system including array, data processing, and data acquisition. Data acquisition includes one-to-N channel write striping, N-to-one channel read unstriping, N data storage elements, and control logic. Control logic allocates (statically or dynamically) write/read access to data storage elements. Dynamic allocation can be conditional, e.g., that data storage elements be available to receive all input data from array. Embodiments include an input buffer where the condition is determined dynamically based on capacity of the input buffer to temporarily preserve all input data supplied during periods data storage element unavailability. Communication between array and data acquisition can be Fibre Channel simplex implementing only FC-0, FC-1. Data storage elements have data handling bandwidth equal to or greater than (data output rate /N) plus (data input rate/N). Control logic, write striping, read unstriping can be implemented in FPGA. Data storage elements can form a Redundant Array of Independent Disks, e.g., RAID 0.
US08060692B2
Memory control techniques for dual channel lockstep configurations are disclosed. In accordance with one example embodiment, a memory controller issues two burst-length 4 DRAM commands to two double-data-rate (DDR) DRAM sub-channels behind a memory buffer (e.g., FB-DIMM or buffer-on-board). The two commands are in time-staggered lockstep. The time-stagger allows data coming back from the two back-side DDR sub-channels to flow naturally on the host channel without conflict. Multiple DIMMs can be used to obtain chip-fail ECC capabilities and to reclaim at least some of the lost performance imposed by the burst-length of 4 s typically associated with dual channel lockstep memory controllers. The techniques can be implemented, for instance, with a buffered memory solution such as fully buffered DIMM (FB-DIMM) or buffer-on-board configurations.
US08060691B2
An apparatus and method of page program operation is provided. When performing a page program operation with a selected memory device, a memory controller loads the data into the page buffer of one selected memory device and also into the page buffer of another selected memory device in order to store a back-up copy of the data. In the event that the data is not successfully programmed into the memory cells of the one selected memory device, then the memory controller recovers the data from the page buffer of the other memory device. Since a copy of the data is stored in the page buffer of the other memory device, the memory controller does not need to locally store the data in its data storage elements.
US08060687B2
An allocating method for a flash memory is disclosed. The allocating method includes the following steps: adjusting a preliminary data storage capacity corresponding to the flash memory for determining a real data storage capacity of the flash memory; adjusting a preliminary spare area capacity corresponding to the flash memory for determining a real spare area capacity of the flash memory, wherein a total capacity of the preliminary data storage capacity and the preliminary spare area capacity is equal to the total capacity of the real data storage capacity and the real spare area capacity; and allocating the real data storage capacity and the real spare area capacity to the flash memory, wherein the real data storage capacity stores data, and the real spare area capacity stores parity codes generated by an error codes correction algorithm performed upon the stored data in the real data storage capacity.
US08060686B2
A method, an apparatus and a controller for managing memories are provided. In the present invention, a data accessing format of each of the memories is adjusted such that the accessing units for each data accessing operation are unified. A mapping table is then established for recording the adjusted data accessing format. When a data accessing command is received from a host, the mapping table is inquired so as to execute the data accessing command. Accordingly, incompatibility of hardware structures can be resolved, and management of different types of flash memory can be achieved.
US08060681B2
A wireless protocol may be implemented in a smart transceiver device that contains the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers of the wireless protocol stack. In various embodiments, a serial peripheral interface (SPI) based design may be used. Disclosed is an embodiment of a protocol which may be used to provide control and data transfer to and from the smart transceiver. In particular, an exemplary format of the protocol, the commands, and responses is disclosed. In a further embodiment, an application programming interface (API) is disclosed. The API may provide hardware independent services that can be used to establish, maintain, and transport data to and from the system and the smart transceiver device. In particular, an exemplary and non-limiting set of services, function calls, configuration methods, events, and parameters is disclosed.
US08060678B2
A simple clock source synchronous DDR data transfer mechanism may be combined with static bus state signaling to replace a complex bus (e.g. USB) with an easy to implement digital serial interconnect bus. This may eliminate various pull-up/pull-down resistors required in USB, and enable the interconnect bus to operate with little or no leakage current when the bus is in an idle state, or data transmission state. All required functionality may be implemented using only two signal pins. The interconnect bus may also enable silicon solutions for high speed USB that do not require a PLL, since the clock may be provided by the transmission source and may thus not need to be recovered from the serial data stream. The digital serial interconnect bus may provide an easy reuse mechanism for USB silicon by enabling a designer to remove the analog PHY and replace it with a serial digital I/O transfer mechanism, while retaining the IP's USB timers, and other protocol specific features.
US08060674B2
An integrated data storage control system provides, in a single integrated circuit, RDC, servo logic, ATA interface, microprocessor, and other formerly discrete components in one highly integrated system design. The integrated circuit is rendered using a single integrated circuit technology type (e.g., digital CMOS) for all components. Analog and digital circuits are combined in such a way as to eliminate or reduce noise or interference in digital circuits from analog circuit components. Individual elements may have their outputs and inputs MUXed together such that individual elements can be selectively switched (during testing modes) such that the integrated circuit emulates or behaves in the same or similar manner as one of the prior art components. The present invention may be applied to magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) or other types of storage devices such as floppy disk controllers, optical disk drives (e.g., CD-ROMs and the like), tape drives, and other data storage devices.
US08060664B2
An integrated circuit supporting a first interface and a second interface and an integrated circuit card having the same includes the first interface capable of communicating with a first host, the second interface communicating with a second host, and a control block. The control block activates the second interface when a voltage level of a contact that the second host can be connected is in a first state at a first-occurring timepoint between a reference timepoint and a state transition timepoint of an external reset signal output from the first host, and deactivates the second interface when the voltage level of the contact is in a second state. The integrated circuit card has the integrated circuit built in.
US08060651B2
In an exemplary embodiment, an RTP packetization component receives data partitions corresponding to a single slice of coded data from an H.264 encoder. The RTP packetization component evaluates a first set of conditions in order to determine whether to merge the data partitions into a single packet for transport over a network or to include the data partitions in separate packets for transport over the network. If it is determined that each condition within the first set of conditions is satisfied, the data partitions are merged into the single packet. If any condition within the first set of conditions is not satisfied, the data partitions are included in the separate packets.
US08060641B2
Systems and methods provide for on-the-fly adaptation of a send rate for content sent to a client based on a detected read rate of the client system for data previously sent. The system and method work within the bounds of simple, existing, open protocols and the media files served are playable by standard media playback clients. The method is driven by a request for media content from a client, in response to which the server provides portions of the media content and monitors the reception rate of the content as it is sent to the client. This method allows for dynamic modification of the send rate of the content after the server has calculated an adjustment to correct for the difference between the reading rate and sending rate, thereby allowing for a send rate most compatible with the client.
US08060634B1
A method quantifies unread content items for a stream subscribed to by a user. The stream includes a time-ordered list of content items from two or more content feeds. Each content feed includes a set of content items published by a respective publication source. The method includes determining a count of content items having an unread status in accordance with read state information stored for the user with respect to the stream, and transmitting the count to a client system for display.
US08060629B2
A system for managing information requests a header data library accessible by a processor. The system also comprises a security module accessible by the processor. The security module is adapted to receive a request for information from a client where the request comprises header data and direct the request to a server if the request header data corresponds to the library header data.
US08060618B2
The present invention discloses a method comprising a first step of the client transmitting a bandwidth test request signal to the server; a second step of the server transmitting a test request approval signal to the client; a third step of the client conducting a bandwidth test for respective lines; a fourth step of the client transmitting results of the bandwidth test to the server; a fifth step of the server setting first traffic distribution weights; a sixth step of the client setting second traffic distribution weights; and a seventh step of the server distributing data to respective lines depending on the first traffic distribution weights and transmitting the distributed data to the client and the client distributing data to respective lines depending on the second traffic distribution weights and transmitting the distributed data to the server.
US08060617B2
In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a request for scheduling a meeting event between client endpoint devices in an Internet Protocol (IP) based network, the meeting event having a starting time and duration, the meeting event requiring identifiable network resources from the network; determining whether the network will have available network capacity to supply the identifiable network resources during the meeting event; and selectively reserving the identifiable network resources for the meeting event, from the available network capacity, based on determining the network will have the available network capacity during the meeting event.
US08060607B2
A system and method for detecting aberrant network behavior. One embodiment provides a system of detecting aberrant network behavior behind a network access gateway comprising a processor, a first network interface coupled to the processor, a second network interface coupled to the processor, a storage media accessible by the processor and a set of computer instructions executable by the processor. The computer instructions can be executable to observe network communications arriving at the first network interface from multiple clients and determine when the traffic of a particular client is indicative of malware infection or other hostile network activity. If the suspicious network communication is determined to be of a sufficient volume, type, or duration the computer instructions can be executable to log such activity to storage media, or to notify an administrative entity via either the first network interface or second network interface, or to make the computer instructions be executable to perform other configured actions related to the functioning of the network access gateway.
US08060597B2
A method for implementing service interaction in the IP multimedia subsystem is disclosed in the present invention, wherein each service logic has a unique service identifier. The method comprises the following steps: (a) a Serving-Call Session Control Function (S-CSCF) sends a session initiation protocol (SIP) request message to the service capability interaction manager (SCIM) or to the application server (AS) to which a user requests for a service; (b) after the AS or SCIM has received the request and has executed this service, it inserts the service identifier of this service into the SIP request, and returns the SIP request with the service identifier to said S-CSCF. With the present invention, most of the service interaction requirements can be satisfied.
US08060584B1
A personalized audio system and method that overcomes many of the broadcast-type disadvantages associated with conventional radio stations.
US08060583B2
A personalized audio system and method that overcomes many of the broadcast-type disadvantages associated with conventional radio stations.
US08060578B2
There are provided an output information management system and a method therefor that prevent an output device, which outputs information onto media from being used by an unauthorized third party and allow efficient investigation of an unauthorized activity by an authorized user. A server which constitutes the output information management system stores ID information stored on an IC card for a user and information to be outputted by the output device in an output information database in association with each other. Thus, in case that an unauthorized output is performed, specific evidence as to who outputted what information on the output device is preserved. Therefore, an unauthorized output can be deterred and, if by any chance an unauthorized activity is committed, the activity can be efficiently identified.
US08060577B1
A method and apparatus for employing user input to classify unknown files whereby when a given unknown/unclassified file is downloaded and/or activated on a given computer system associated with a given user, the given user is asked to provide input regarding the legitimacy of the given unknown/unclassified file. The classification of the given unknown/unclassified file is then determined via one or more sources other than the given user's input. The accuracy of the given user's input regarding the legitimacy of the given unknown/unclassified file is then determined and used to calculate, and/or transform, a reliability score that is then associated with the given user. A given user's reliability score is then used to determine the given user's eligibility to provide further input regarding the legitimacy of other unknown/unclassified files, and/or to determine a value to be place on, or otherwise filter, future input from the given user regarding the legitimacy of other unknown/unclassified files.
US08060573B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for matching of individuals to one another using a matching model. The matching model matches social network users based on ratings given by users one to another, as well as, as appropriate and available, explicit attributes indicated by users and other data such as location data and system usage data.
US08060571B2
A method of sharing audio/visual content is presented. In the method, the audio/visual content is received from an audio/visual content source at an audio/visual content receiver by way of a content channel selection resource of the receiver, and stored therein. A message is transmitted from the receiver to a communication node, wherein the message indicates that the audio/visual content is available for viewing by a selected user. The communication node notifies the selected user of the message by way of a communication device associated with the selected user. In response to receiving a request for the audio/visual content from the communication device, the communication node facilitates a communication connection between the receiver and the communication device. The audio/visual content is transmitted from the receiver to the communication device over the communication connection. At the communication device, the audio/visual content is then presented to the selected user.
US08060564B2
A system and method for pushing information from a host system to a mobile data communication device upon sensing a triggering event is provided. A redirector program operating at the host system enables a user to continuously redirect certain user-selected data items from the host system to the user's mobile data communication device upon detecting that one or more user-defined triggering events has occurred. The redirector program operates in connection with event generating applications and repackaging systems at the host system to configure and detect a particular user-defined event, and then to repackage the user-selected data items in an electronic wrapper prior to pushing the data items to the mobile device. Included in the system is a program to manage information moved by the user within the host system or the mobile data communication device so that the move is made on both the host system and the mobile data communication device.
US08060563B2
A collaboration agent for facilitating real-time communications on behalf of a user. The collaboration agent includes a conference bridge that anchors calls to the conference bridge. The collaboration agent uses contextual information associated with the user to manage the real-time communications. The collaboration agent can communicate with other collaboration agents associated with other users.
US08060561B2
A system and method for content distribution are provided. A content provider generates a network topology having one or more subnetworks made up of content sources. The content provider segments content, such as applications, into segments for distribution. The content provider then distributes the content such that for each identified subnetwork, each content segment is distributed to a content source. Subsequent, client computing device requests for content can be serviced by selecting a content source in a particular subnetwork selected for delivering the requested content to the client computing device to minimize traffic flow of the requested content through the nodes of the distribution network.
US08060558B2
Automatic annotation of data recorded by a device. A portion of an event may be recorded as an image, movie, sound byte, audio recording, etc., and contemporaneous to the recording, a time value (which may encode a calendar date) is determined. The time value is looked up on a calendar, and a description of the event is read from the calendar and used to automatically annotate the recording.
US08060554B2
There is provided a system and method of enabling asynchronous push-based applications on a wireless device in a system having an application gateway server including an application repository and a server proxy including an event sink for communicating between the system and the device. The method comprises reading a Web service interface, generating a Web service interface therefrom conforming to a notification protocol, creating a notification-based application bundle for the Web service, publishing the notification-based application bundle, creating an event source. The system comprises an application gateway server, an application repository and an application registry. The application gateway includes an event sink for communicating between the system and the device. The application gateway server is configured for communication with a backend server including an event source.
US08060544B2
One or more operations are defined to be used against a repository of one or more items. One or more associations between each of the one or more items are also defined. A classification is associated with the one or more operations for an execution environment within a transformation graph, wherein the classification defines whether the operation can be executed in parallel or not in parallel with other operations. The operations are processed based on the classification.
US08060542B2
A server instance, which is a collection of LUNs, containing an operating system, any applications and data storage. A processing element is the physical hardware. The combination is a server as normally understood. Templates are used to define server instances and server types to simplify deploying a server instance to a processing element. A graphical user interface provides the templates where the particular storage groups are identified and then server instances are created from lists of operating systems, applications, and available storage. The management service processor is a PXE server and provides the necessary software to identify the components of the processing element and correlate between the processing element and a server instance. The management service processor then automatically provides software to the processing element to allow it correctly boot. The management service processor manages the interconnection of the processing element and the relevant LUNs.
US08060539B2
The present invention provides a method for notifying at least one invitee of an initial event of changes to the initial event. The method comprises receiving the initial event comprising a plurality of initial event elements and receiving an updated event comprising a plurality of updated event elements, each updated event element corresponding to a respective initial event element. The updated event elements are compared to the initial event elements to determine which of the updated event elements are changed event elements that differ from their respective initial event elements and the at least one invitee is notified of any specific changed event elements.
US08060528B2
According to some embodiments, a method is provided including receiving, from a front-end portion of a business information system, a data request at a back-end portion of the business information system, identifying an information provider associated with the data request, passing the data request to the information provider via a consumer services interface using a selection object and a query view object, and receiving a result set from the information provider.
US08060522B2
A tree-structured index to multidimensional data is created using naturally occurring patterns and clusters within the data which permit efficient search and retrieval strategies in a database of DNA profiles. A search engine utilizes hierarchical decomposition of the database by identifying clusters of similar DNA profiles and maps to parallel computer architecture, allowing scale up past previously feasible limits. Key benefits of the new method are logarithmic scale up and parallelization. These benefits are achieved by identification and utilization of naturally occurring patterns and clusters within stored data. The patterns and clusters enable the stored data to be partitioned into subsets of roughly equal size. The method can be applied recursively, resulting in a database tree that is balanced, meaning that all paths or branches through the tree have roughly the same length. The method achieves high performance by exploiting the natural structure of the data in a manner that maintains balanced trees. Implementation of the method maps naturally to parallel computer architectures, allowing scale up to very large databases.
US08060519B2
Attribute mapping information is stored, in which a superclass of an associated class in an integration-source ontology already associated with an integration-destination ontology, an attribute of the superclass, and an integration destination attribute of a class in the integration destination are associated with each other. An integration target class in the integration source is specified to acquire an attribute of a superclass of the integration target class. An associated class having the shortest distance from the integration target class is specified, to specify an integration-destination-associated class associated with the specified associated class. An inheritance relation is followed from the integration-destination-associated class to specify a class having the integration destination attribute corresponding to the attribute in the mapping information as a position where the class associated with the integration target class is present.
