US08071535B2

Reagents and methods useful for the synthesis of conjugates comprising guanidinylated cyclic acetals are provided. Also provided are methods for increasing the cellular uptake of various therapeutic compounds and treatment modalities using these conjugates.
US08071528B2

The present invention relates to cleaning compositions comprising conversion agents and methods of using them. The conversion agents of the present invention comprise water insoluble compounds such as metal oxides, metal hydroxides, and combinations thereof. The compositions can be substantially free of a builder, e.g., a chelating agent, sequestrant, and/or threshold agent, while still achieving effective soil removal.
US08071522B2

The club cleaner, conditioner and protectant comprises alpha-olefins, low-odor aromatic solvents; and at least one base oil selected from the base oil group consisting of Hydroisomerized high base oils and HT Severe Hydro-cracked Base oils; as well as other (optional) ingredients. Also disclosed is a method for producing this product and related product-by-process. This product uses a formulated cleaning mixture to clean and restore the face of the club while rejuvenating the grips. The invention when sprayed on the clubface removes foreign materials and when wiped dry protects the face of the clubs from harsh stains, caused by soils, grass and chemicals related to fertilizers. In experimental testing, the invention increases drive distances by reducing sidespin and increasing backspin. The club is left with a factory-like finish making it easy to wipe clean of soiling. The invention when applied to the grips restores the surface to the new feel.
US08071503B2

An electrocatalyst, suitable for use in a fuel cell, comprises an alloy having a single crystalline phase, wherein the alloy consists of 5-95 at % palladium, 5-95 at % ruthenium and less than 10 at % of other metals, provided that the alloy does not consist of 50 at % palladium and 50 at % ruthenium.
US08071493B2

In all of an in-plane magnetic recording system and a perpendicular magnetic recording system, there is provided a crystallized glass for a disk substrate for information recording medium, etc., which has satisfactory surface properties capable of sufficiently adapting with a lamp loading system for high-density recording, has high strength such that it is able to withstand high-speed rotation and impact, has heat expansion properties and heat resistance in agreement with respective drive members, has a low melting temperature, has excellent productivity and is reduced in the elution amount of an alkali from the raw material, namely excellent in chemical durability. The crystallized glass of the invention is a crystallized glass containing an SiO2 component and an Li2O component; further containing at least one member selected from an SrO component and a BaO component in a total content of more than 3.5% and not more than 15% in terms of % by mass; and containing at least one member selected among lithium disilicate, lithium monosilicate, α-quartz, an α-quartz solid solution and a β-quartz solid solution as a main crystal phase on the oxide basis.
US08071491B2

A laminated composite material is provided. The material has first and second layers. The first layer is composed of a fibrous material and a binder, and the second layer is composed of a woven material and a binder.
US08071489B2

A method of imparting oil repellency to flexible, fibrous, nonwoven substrates comprising contacting the substrate with an amphoteric fluorochemical copolymer composition prepared from polymerization of monomers in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 60% to about 90% of a fluorinated (meth)acrylate monomer of Formula 1 which is Rf-Q-CO—CR═CH2, (b) from about 10% to about 25% of an amine substituted (meth)acrylate or (meth)acylamide monomer of Formula 2 which is CH2═C(R)COZ(CH2)q(CHR)rNR2R3, and (c) from about 1% to about 15% of a substituted (meth)acrylic acid monomer of Formula 3 which is CH2=CR(R5)e—COOH.
US08071487B2

A stacked structure for patterning a material layer to form an opening pattern with a predetermined opening width in the layer is provided. The stacked structure includes an underlayer, a silicon rich organic layer, and a photoresist layer. The underlayer is on the material layer. The silicon rich organic layer is between the underlayer and the photoresist layer. The thickness of the photoresist layer is smaller than that of the underlayer and larger than two times of the thickness of the silicon rich organic layer. The thickness of the underlayer is smaller than three times of the predetermined opening width.
US08071482B2

A manufacturing method for a silicon carbide semiconductor device is disclosed. It includes an etching method in which an Al film and Ni film are laid on an SiC wafer in this order and wet-etched, whereby a two-layer etching mask is formed in which Ni film portions overhang Al film portions. Mesa grooves are formed by dry etching by using this etching mask.
US08071475B2

A semiconductor wafer assembly includes a base of dielectric. A layer of silicon is deposited thereover. A metal hard mask is deposited over the silicon. A dielectric hard mask is deposited over the metal hard mask. Photoresist is deposited over the dielectric hard mask, whereby a plurality of sacrificial columns is formed from the layer of metal hard mask through the photoresist such that the sacrificial columns extend out from the silicon layer. An interface layer is disposed between the layer of conductive material and the layer of hard mask to enhance adhesion between each of the plurality of sacrificial columns and the layer of conductive material to optimize the formation of junction diodes out of the silicon by preventing the plurality of sacrificial columns from being detached from the layer of silicon prematurely due to the sacrificial columns peeling or falling off.
US08071471B2

A packaging conductive structure for a semiconductor substrate and a method for manufacturing the structure are provided. The structure comprises an under bump metal (UBM) that overlays a pad of the semiconductor substrate. At least one auxiliary component is disposed on the UBM. Then, a bump conductive layer is disposed thereon and a bump is subsequently formed on the bump conductive layer. Thus, the bump can electrically connect to the pad of the semiconductor substrate through the UBM and the bump conductive layer and can provide better junction buffer capabilities and conductivity.
US08071466B1

Zinc sulfide (ZnS) single crystals and multi-grain ZnS crystals are suitable for many applications. The disclosed method produces ZnS single crystals or multi-grain ZnS crystals. More specifically, ZnS single crystals or multi-grain ZnS crystals of pure or substantially pure hexagonal wurtzite structure with sufficiently high purity and crystalline perfection to be used to fabricate components and devices including but not limited to optical components (useful in the infrared (IR) & visible spectrum range of 0.34-14 μm), photoluminescence devices, cathode luminescence devices, electroluminescence devices, semiconductor devices, and IR laser gain mediums (in the wave length range of 1-5 μm).
US08071465B2

A method for producing a semiconductor chip with an adhesive film, which includes: preparing a laminate in which a semiconductor wafer, an adhesive film and a dicing tape are laminated in that order, the adhesive film having a thickness in the range of 1 to 15 μm and a tensile elongation at break of less than 5%, and the tensile elongation at break being less than 110% of the elongation at a maximum load, and the semiconductor wafer having a section, for dividing the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips, which is formed by irradiating with laser light; dividing the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of semiconductor chips without dividing the adhesive film, by expanding the dicing tape; and dividing the adhesive film by picking up the plurality of semiconductor chips.
US08071463B2

A reusable transfer substrate member for forming a tiled substrate structure. The member including a transfer substrate, which has a surface region. The surface region comprises a plurality of donor substrate regions. Each of the donor substrate regions is characterized by a donor substrate thickness and a donor substrate surface region. Each of the donor substrate regions is spatially disposed overlying the surface region of the transfer substrate. Each of the donor substrate regions has the donor substrate thickness without a definable cleave region.
US08071460B2

In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, a first film is formed directly on a semiconductor substrate and a second film is formed on the first film. A region of the second film is then etched to form an opening that exposes the first film. The first film is then arbitrarily patterned by etching to expose a surface of the semiconductor substrate. Thereafter, the second film and the exposed surface of the semiconductor substrate are simultaneously etched using the patterned first film as a mask and in an etching ambient having a low etching rate for the first film and having a high etching rate for the second film and the semiconductor substrate until the second film is almost completely etched and a detection amount of a monitored element of the first film increases.
US08071457B2

A precision low capacitance resistor is formed, e.g., in a bulk substrate. An embodiment includes forming a source/drain region on a substrate, patterning a portion of the source/drain region to form segments, etching the segments to substantially separate an upper section of each segment from a lower section of each segment, and filling the space between the segments with an insulating material. The resulting structure maintains electrical connection between the segments at end pads, but separates the resistor segments from the bottom substrate, thereby avoiding capacitive coupling with the substrate.
US08071454B1

A method for manufacturing a dielectric isolation type semiconductor device comprises: forming a plurality of trenches in a first region on a major surface of a semiconductor substrate; forming a first dielectric layer on the major surface of the semiconductor substrate and a first thick dielectric layer in the first region by oxidizing a surface of the semiconductor substrate; bonding a semiconductor layer of a first conductive type to the semiconductor substrate via the first dielectric layer; forming a first semiconductor region by implanting an impurity into a part of the semiconductor layer above the first thick dielectric layer; forming a second semiconductor region by implanting an impurity of a second conductive type into a part of the semiconductor layer so as to surround the first semiconductor region separating from the first semiconductor region.
US08071438B2

A semiconductor memory device includes a substrate and an interconnect region carried by the substrate. A donor layer is coupled to the interconnect region through a bonding interface. An electronic device is formed with the donor layer, wherein the electronic device is formed after the bonding interface is formed. A capacitor is connected to the electronic device so that the electronic device and capacitor operate as a dynamic random access memory device.
US08071437B2

A method of fabricating an efuse, a resistor and a transistor includes the following steps: A substrate is provided. Then, a gate, a resistor and an efuse are formed on the substrate, wherein the gate, the resistor and the efuse together include a first dielectric layer, a polysilicon layer and a hard mask. Later, a source/drain doping region is formed in the substrate besides the gate. After that, the hard mask in the resistor and the efuse is removed. Subsequently, a salicide process is performed to form a silicide layer on the source/drain doping region, the resistor, and the efuse. Then, a planarized second dielectric layer is formed on the substrate and the polysilicon in the gate is exposed. Later, the polysilicon in the gate is removed to form a recess. Finally a metal layer is formed to fill up the recess.
US08071436B2

Methods and systems for monolithically fabricating a lateral double-diffused MOSFET (LDMOS) transistor having a source, drain, and a gate on a substrate, with a process flow that is compatible with a CMOS process flow are described. In some implementations, a method of fabricating a semiconductor device is provided that includes forming an LDMOS transistor having a first drain with a first drain-side n+ region, a first source with a first source-side n+ region and a first source-side p+ region, and a first gate between the first drain and the first source on the substrate. The method also includes forming an n-type CMOS transistor having a second drain having a second drain-side n+ region, a second source having a second source-side n+ region, and a second gate between the second drain and the second source. In so doing, the LDMOS transistor can be fabricated through a process that can be seamlessly integrated into a sub-micron CMOS process.
US08071434B2

Provided is a method of fabricating a thin film transistor including source and drain electrodes, a novel channel layer, a gate insulating layer, and a gate electrode, which are formed on a substrate. The method includes the steps of forming the channel layer using an oxide semiconductor doped with boron; and patterning the channel layer. The channel layer formed is an oxide semiconductor thin film doped with boron. The electrical characteristics and high temperature stability of the thin film transistor are improved remarkably.
US08071426B2

A leadframe for use in fabricating a no lead semiconductor package contains connecting bars between individual electrical contact pads. For embodiments having a die pad, the leadframe further includes connecting bars between the contact pads and the die pad. The lower surfaces of the connecting bars are coplanar with the lower surfaces of the contact pads and/or the die pad, and the upper surfaces of the connecting bars are recessed with respect to the upper surfaces of the contact pads and/or the die pad. The semiconductor package is fabricated by encapsulating the die and the leadframe in a molding compound and then removing the connecting bars. The leadframe is typically formed by half etching a metal sheet to form the connecting bars. The connecting bars are removed from the encapsulated package by a selected cutting, sawing, or etching means, based on a predetermined pattern.
US08071419B2

Methods and devices are provided for forming thin-films from solid group IIIA-based particles. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described comprising of providing a first material comprising an alloy of a) a group IIIA-based material and b) at least one other material. The material may be included in an amount sufficient so that no liquid phase of the alloy is present within the first material in a temperature range between room temperature and a deposition or pre-deposition temperature higher than room temperature, wherein the group IIIA-based material is otherwise liquid in that temperature range. The other material may be a group IA material. A precursor material may be formulated comprising a) particles of the first material and b) particles containing at least one element from the group consisting of: group IB, IIIA, VIA element, alloys containing any of the foregoing elements, or combinations thereof. The temperature range described above may be between about 20° C. and about 200° C. It should be understood that the alloy may have a higher melting temperature than a melting temperature of the IIIA-based material in elemental form.
US08071416B2

A method of forming a uniform color filter array. In one embodiment, a first compensation layer is formed over a non-planar color filter array and is patterned to form material structures. A second compensation layer is blanket deposited over the first layer. A technique, such as etching or polishing, is then performed to remove the first and second compensation layers, creating a substantially planar color filter array surface. In another embodiment, the planar color filter array is formed in a recessed trench.
US08071410B2

A light sensor having a light conversion element between first and second electrodes is disclosed. The light conversion element includes a body of semiconductor material having first and second surfaces. The body of semiconductor material is of a first conductivity type and has doping elements in a concentration gradient that creates a first electrostatic field having a magnitude that varies monotonically from the first surface to the second surface. A bias circuit applies a variable potential between the first and second electrodes to create a second electrostatic field having a direction opposite to that of the first electrostatic field and a magnitude determined by the potential. One of the electrodes is transparent to light in a predetermined band of wavelengths. The body of semiconductor material can include an epitaxial body having a monotonically increasing concentration of a doping element as a function of the distance from one the surfaces.
US08071403B2

A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a color defect compensation process for compensating for a color defect if it is present in a color filter that includes color portions in a plurality of colors. The color defect compensation process includes specifying a compensation area in at least one of glass substrate among a pair of glass substrates, the compensation area that overlaps a shadow of a color defect occurrence area, which is a possible cause of the color defect, and the shadow projected on a glass substrate, doping metal ions that correspond to a color of the color portion that includes the color defect occurrence area in the compensation area of the glass substrate, which is specified, and forming a colored portion having the same color as the color portion that includes the color defect occurrence area in the compensation area.
US08071401B2

The present invention is to provide a method of forming a vertical structure light emitting diode with a heat exhaustion structure. The method includes steps of: a) providing a sapphire substrate; b) depositing a number of protrusions on the sapphire substrate, each of which has a height of p; c) forming a buffer layer having a number of recesses, each of which has a depth of q smaller than p so that when the protrusions are accommodated within the recesses of the buffer layer, a number of gaps are formed therebetween for heat exhaustion; d) growing a number of luminescent layers on the buffer layer, having a medium layer formed between the luminescent layers and the buffer layer; e) etching through the luminescent layers and the buffer layer to form a duct for heat exhaustion; f) removing the sapphire substrate and the protrusions by excimer laser lift-off (LLO); g) roughening the medium layer; and h) depositing electrodes on the roughened medium layer.
US08071398B1

The present invention relates to integrating an inertial mechanical device on top of an IC substrate monolithically using IC-foundry compatible processes. The IC substrate is completed first using standard IC processes. A thick silicon layer is added on top of the IC substrate. A subsequent patterning step defines a mechanical structure for inertial sensing. Finally, the mechanical device is encapsulated by a thick insulating layer at the wafer level. Compared with the incumbent bulk or surface micromachined MEMS inertial sensors, vertically monolithically integrated inertial sensors provided by embodiments of the present invention have one or more of the following advantages: smaller chip size, lower parasitics, higher sensitivity, lower power, and lower cost.
US08071395B2

Described here is an automated robotic device that isolates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or other biological structures with extremely high purity. The device uses powerful magnetic rods covered in removable plastic sleeves. These rods sweep through blood samples, capturing, e.g., cancer cells labeled with antibodies linked to magnetically responsive particles such as superparamagnetic beads. Upon completion of the capturing protocol, the magnetic rods undergo several rounds of washing, thereby removing all contaminating blood cells. The captured target cells are released into a final capture solution by removing the magnetic rods from the sleeves. Additionally, cells captured by this device show no reduced viability when cultured after capture. Cells are captured in a state suitable for genetic analysis. Also disclosed are methods for single cell analysis. Being robotic allows the device to be operated with high throughput.
US08071392B2

The present invention provides a protein analysis method using a combination of two or more kinds of stable isotopes of a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and each is hydrogen, halogen or alkyl, or a salt thereof, as a labeling compound to produce a difference in the mass of the same kind of protein contained in each sample.
US08071390B2

A use composition monitor determines the concentration of peracid and/or peroxide in a use composition using a kinetic assay procedure. A sample mixture containing a sample of the use composition, a diluent and at least one reagent is prepared and analyzed using, for example, an optical detector. A temperature stabilized optical cell is disclosed which enhance consistency of response data obtained from the optical detector, especially when the use composition monitor is utilized on site.
US08071386B2

A method and means for identifying the authenticity and the genuine nature of a solid or liquid bulk material, by incorporating a marking composition containing at least one trace ion into the said bulk material, whereby the total concentration of the incorporated trace ions in the market bulk material is chosen to be lower than the corresponding concentration of the same ions in standard sea water. The authenticity and the genuine nature or the adulteration level of the marked bulk material can be tested in-the-field using electrochemical sensors, and confirmed in the laboratory using a method such as atomic absorption spectroscopy, ion chromatography or mass spectrometry.
US08071380B2

The present invention discloses the isolation and characterization of cells isolated either from adult skeletal muscle or from adult cardiac muscle. These cells are used for the treatment of muscular disorders including muscular dystrophy and cardiopathics, respectively.
US08071372B2

The present invention provides Tumor Endothelial Marker 5α (TEM5α) polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. The invention also provides selective binding agents, vectors, host cells, and methods for producing TEM5α polypeptides. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment, amelioration, or prevention of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with TEM5α polypeptides.
US08071371B2

A method for producing a clone of an immortalized human B memory lymphocyte, comprising the step of transforming human B memory lymphocytes using Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in the presence of a polyclonal B cell activator. The method is particularly useful in a method for producing a clone of an immortalized human B memory lymphocyte capable of producing a human monoclonal antibody with a desired antigen specificity, comprising the steps of: (i) selecting and isolating a human memory B lymphocyte subpopulation; (ii) transforming the subpopulation with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in the presence of a polyclonal B cell activator; (iii) screening the culture supernatant for antigen specificity; and (iv) isolating an immortalized human B memory lymphocyte clone capable of producing a human monoclonal antibody having the desired antigen specificity.
US08071370B2

Methods and compositions for targeted modification of chromatin structure, within a region of interest in cellular chromatin, are provided. Such methods and compositions are useful for facilitating processes such as, for example, transcription and recombination, that require access of exogenous molecules to chromosomal DNA sequences.
US08071368B2

The present invention relates to compositions containing unacylated ghrelin and derivatives thereof and their uses in the control of glycemia in ageing patients, GH deficient patients, diabetic patients and obese patients.
US08071365B2

The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid sequences for regulating the transcription and expression of genes, the novel promoters and expression units themselves, methods for altering or causing the transcription rate and/or expression rate of genes, expression cassettes comprising the expression units, genetically modified microorganisms with altered or caused transcription rate and/or expression rate, and methods for preparing biosynthetic products by cultivating the genetically modified microorganisms.
US08071363B2

A chip for a cell electrophysiological sensor has a substrate. The substrate has a through-hole formed from the upside to the downside, and the opening of the through-hole is formed in a curved surface curved from the upside and downside of the substrate toward the inner side of the through-hole. In this configuration, the electrolyte solution (first electrolyte solution and second electrolyte solution) flows more smoothly, and the sample cell can be sucked accurately, and the trapping rate of the sample cells is improved.
US08071352B2

The present invention relates to a novel bacteriophage, more precisely a novel bacteriophage having killing activity specific to Staphylococcus aureus which is the causing agent of infectious diseases in human and animals, a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of the disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic and a disinfectant containing the bacteriophage as an active ingredient.
US08071350B2

In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.
US08071346B2

Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photodamage of one or more reactants in illuminated analytical reactions by one or more of incorporating photodamage mitigating agents within the reaction mixture and/or interrogating different observation regions of the reaction mixture for a period that is less than a photodamage threshold period.
US08071345B2

The present invention relates to a liquid detergent composition comprising a surfactant, a subtilisin and a protease stabilizer that is 3-chlorobenzoic acid, 4-chlorobenzoic acid, 3-chlorophenylacetic acid, 3,5-dichlorobenzoic acid, 3-(3-chlorophenyl)propionic acid or their corresponding salts. The composition can further comprise a another enzyme that is a lipase, an amylase, a cellulase or mixtures thereof. The stabilizer can be present at a concentration of 0.001 to 20% w/w. The concentration of the subtilisin can be at least 1.5 g/L.
US08071334B2

The invention relates to a method for preparation of soluble N-protein/truncated P-protein complex of a virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, complexes prepared thus and the soluble N-proteins which may be isolated from said complexes. The invention further relates to vaccine compositions comprising said N-protein/truncated P-protein complexes or N-proteins from Paramyxoviridae.
US08071333B2

The present invention relates to at least one novel anti-alpha-V subunit antibodies, including isolated nucleic acids that encode at least one anti-alpha-V subunit antibody, alpha-V subunit, vectors, host cells, transgenic animals or plants, and methods of making and using thereof, including therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.
US08071331B2

A method of producing amino acid metal chelates includes producing an amino acid ligand by enzymatically hydrolyzing bacterial cells, and reacting the amino acid ligand with a metal cation.
US08071324B2

Methods, reagents and kits for diagnosing and treating kidney cancer are disclosed. An immunoassay for detecting kidney cancer is based on the relative change of the CELSR1 protein in urine or blood compared with normal tissue. An immunohistochemical assay for detecting kidney cancer is based on the relative absence of labeled antibody binding to cancerous tissue, compared with normal tissue.
US08071316B2

Detection of toxic gluten oligopeptides refractory to digestion and antibodies and T cells responsive thereto can be used to diagnose Celiac Sprue.
US08071311B2

The invention provides methods for isothermal amplification of RNA. The methods are particularly suitable for amplifying a plurality of RNA species in a sample. The methods employ a composite primer, a second primer and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In another aspect, the methods employ a single primer (which is a composite primer) and strand displacement to generate multiple copies of DNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest. In some embodiments, a transcription step is included to generate multiple copies of sense RNA of an RNA sequence of interest. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.
US08071310B2

A method for the identification of a gene in a transposon population is provided. The method comprises isolating genomic DNA, optionally pooling the DNA, restricting the DNA in the pools using an enzyme, ligating adaptors, amplifying the adaptor-ligated fragments with primers one of which is a primer complementary to a border of a transposon sequence, sequencing the fragments using high throughput sequencing, aligning the fragments with known sequences in a database and thereby identifying gene candidates.
US08071306B2

In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for amplifying a microRNA molecule to produce DNA molecules. The methods each include the steps of: (a) using primer extension to make a DNA molecule that is complementary to a target microRNA molecule; and (b) using a universal forward primer and a reverse primer to amplify the DNA molecule to produce amplified DNA molecules. In some embodiments of the method, at least one of the forward primer and the reverse primer comprise at least one locked nucleic acid molecule.
US08071305B2

The present invention discloses disease-associated molecules and assays, which are useful for diagnosing and assessing those animals with herpes virus infection, and determining those animals at risk of developing an herpes virus infection or its sequelae. The invention has practical use in the early diagnosis of disease, in monitoring an animal's immune response to the disease, and in enabling better treatment and management decisions to be made in clinically and sub-clinically affected animals.
US08071303B2

This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a sample. This invention also provides related reaction mixtures, kits, systems, and computers.
US08071299B2

The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing a predisposition of a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient for responsiveness to a treatment of MS by administration of interferon-α (IFN-α) and/or interferon-β (IFN-β) and means to perform the method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of diagnosing a predisposition of a patient for developing multiple sclerosis (MS) and corresponding means.
US08071293B2

Compositions and methods for detecting PRRG4- and PRRG2 associated molecules are provided as are methods of use thereof for the detection and treatment of cancer.
US08071288B2

The present invention provides novel methods and reagents for detecting the binding of protein targets to nucleic acid ligands. Using Universal Protein Stains (UPS), proteins bound by nucleic acid ligands may be labeled with a detectable moiety. The methods and reagents are particularly useful for the detection of protein targets bound to multiplexed arrays of nucleic acid ligands. The present invention also provides novel methods for the multiplexed evaluation of photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligands. The methods allow one simultaneously to: (1) evaluate the performance (dynamic range) of a plurality of photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligands; and (2) assess the specificity of each photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligand for its cognate target protein. Photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligands with the most desirable properties can then be selected for use in diagnostic and prognostic medical assays. The present invention also provides a photocrosslinking nucleic acid ligand that binds specifically to HIV gp120MN.
US08071285B1

The present invention provides zinc finger nucleotide binding polypeptide variants that have at least three zinc finger modules that bind to a target cellular nucleotide sequence and modulate the transcriptional function of the cellular nucleotide sequence.
US08071283B2

This invention generally relates to methods, apparatus, and computer program code for antenatal screening for chromosomal abnormalities, in particular Down's Syndrome. A method of determining a likelihood of a fetus carried by a pregnant mother having a chromosomal abnormality, a first biological, parameter being suitable for screening said fetus for said chromosomal abnormality, the method comprising: receiving first data from a first stage of pregnancy of said mother, said first data comprising data representing a first value of said first biological parameter; receiving second data from a second, later stage of said pregnancy, said second data comprising data representing a second value of said first biological parameter; and determining likelihood data from said first and second data, said likelihood data representing the likelihood of said fetus having a chromosomal abnormality.
US08071279B2

The present invention describes an aperture including: an opaque plate; two sliver openings located in the opaque plate, the two sliver openings having rectangular shapes, the two sliver openings being parallel to each other.The present invention further describes a method including: decomposing a pattern into horizontal sub-features and vertical sub-features; forming a first mask corresponding to the horizontal sub-features; forming a second mask corresponding to the vertical sub-features; forming a first aperture with two parallel horizontal sliver openings corresponding to the first mask; forming a second aperture with two parallel vertical sliver openings corresponding to the second mask; exposing a wafer using the first aperture and the first mask; exposing the wafer using the second aperture and the second mask; and exposing the wafer with the third mask.
US08071277B2

A method and system are provided for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) structures having micron or submicron features. The method includes providing a continuously-formed relief structured material, the relief structured material having a first layer comprising a material having a pattern of relief structures formed on a first surface thereof. The structured material includes second layer comprising a photosensitive material that is disposed on the first layer. The relief structured material is exposed to radiation through the first layer, where the pattern of relief structures formed on the first surface of the first layer generates a 3-dimensional light intensity pattern of the radiation that is incident on the second layer. The exposed material is developed, where the developed material comprises a plurality of 3D structures having micron or submicron features.
US08071276B2

An exemplary method for making an alignment mark on a substrate includes the following steps. First, a substrate with a recess is provided. Second, a photoresist layer is formed on a surface of the substrate including in the recess. Third, the photoresist layer is exposed and developed to leave a body of remaining photoresist in the recess, with the body of remaining photoresist protruding above the surface of the substrate. Fourth, a metal layer is formed in an unfilled area of the recess and on the surface of the substrate, with the metal layer substantially surrounding the remaining photoresist. Finally, the remaining photoresist is removed to form an alignment mark in the metal layer on the substrate.
US08071271B2

Disclosed is a method for producing a conductive film, which includes a silver metal forming step for forming a silver metal portion by exposing and developing a photosensitive material which has a silver salt-containing layer containing a silver salt on a supporting body, and a smoothing step for smoothing the silver metal portion. The smoothing step is performed by calender roll at a line pressure of not less than 1960 N/cm (200 kgf/cm). Consequently, the surface resistance of the film after development can be reduced in production of a conductive film which is effective for shielding electromagnetic waves.
US08071269B2

The present invention relates to an improved compressible flexographic printing plate that uses a compressible layer comprising a polyurethane (meth)acrylate resin and microspheres. The process of the invention produces a chemically fused printing plate that eliminates the need for an adhesive to secure the compressible layer to the back of the printing plate.
US08071266B2

An objective is to provide a high releasing electrophotographic photoreceptor exhibiting lubricity and mechanical strength. The photoreceptor possessing a photosensitive layer on a conductive support, wherein an outermost layer of the photoreceptor comprises a fluorine resin represented by the following formula. wherein each of X, Y and Z represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a halogen-substituted alkyl group or a halogen-substituted alkoxy group; at least one of X, Y and Z represents a fluorine atom; each of R4, R5, R6 and R7 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a halogen-substituted alkyl group; each of R1, R2, and R3 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a halogen-substituted alkyl group; at least one of R1, R2, and R3 represents a fluorine atom; n1 represents an integer of 1-8000; and n2 represents an integer of 0-4000.
US08071262B2

An attenuated phase shift reticle, or photomask, includes radiation blocking regions that are subdivided, by cut lines, into discrete, spaced apart sections with dimensions (e.g., surface area, etc.) that are configured to minimize or eliminate the buildup of electrostatic energy by the radiation blocking regions and/or the discharge of electrostatic energy from the radiation blocking regions and the damage that may be caused by such electrostatic discharge. The reticle may be configured to prevent radiation from passing through the cut lines between adjacent sections of a subdivided radiation blocking region. Methods for designing, fabricating, and using such masks are also disclosed, as are methods for subdividing the radiation blocking regions of previously fabricated reticles of previously existing designs.
US08071260B1

The present invention provides an article comprising: a binder component, a polymerizable component; and a photoinitiator component comprising at least one photoinitiator that causes the polymerizable component to form a polymer or co-polymer when a portion of the polymerizable component is exposed to a light source. The present invention also provides a method for making such an article, and a method and a system for holographically recording a spatial light distribution to such an article. The present invention also provides an article comprising: a binder component and a photoactive component, a method of making such an article, a method of recording to such an article and a system for recording to such an article.
US08071259B2

Nanoparticles which contain noble metals alone or noble metals in combination with base metals. The nanoparticles are embedded in an aqueous solution of a temporary stabilizer based on a polysaccharide.
US08071257B2

A fuel cell including a fuel cartridge with a fuel storage portion and a fuel feed opening and a fuel cell body with an output terminal and a power generation portion. The fuel cell comprises a wiring portion for electrically connecting the output terminal and power generation portion of the fuel cell body with each other when the fuel cartridge is mounted to the fuel cell body to place a fuel in a state in which the fuel is feedable from the fuel cartridge to the fuel cell body and for electrically disconnecting the output terminal and power generation portion of the fuel cell body when the fuel cartridge is removed from the fuel cell body.
US08071250B2

A conductance at an oxidizer flow path forming member is defined as C1, a conductance at an opening portion of the oxidizer flow path forming member at which an oxidizer flow rate regulating portion is arranged is defined as C2, the conductances have a relationship of C1>C2. Further, the fuel cell stack has at least one inner fuel cell unit having a value of C1/C2 which is larger than values of C1/C2 of fuel cell units located at both ends of the fuel cell stack.
US08071243B2

In a fuel cell system, during the state where the fuel cell system is not generating an electric power, a fuel gas passage and an oxidizing gas passage are closed, and an inert gas supply device (54, 58) supplies an inert gas to an anode space (111) which is substantially isolated from outside, the anode space including the closed fuel gas passage and a space connected to the closed fuel gas passage, while an air supply device (67, 70) supplies air to a cathode space (112) which is substantially isolated from outside, the cathode space including the closed oxidizing gas passage and a space connected to the closed oxidizing gas passage. With this, the fuel cell system is capable of achieving high energy efficiency and of surely preventing degradation of electrodes during the state where the fuel cell system is not generating the electric power, irrespective of repeated start-up and stop.
US08071242B2

A hydrogen generator, operative to provide molecular hydrogen to an anode of a fuel cell, including a catalyst and employing a water-based fuel including one of salts, bases and acids, as well as at least one of zinc, magnesium, iron and aluminum and a method for electrical power generation using a fuel cell and a hydrogen generator.
US08071240B2

Disclosed are a heat-generating device for a battery and a battery assembly enabling a battery to stably produce electricity even under low-temperature conditions. The heat-generating device for a battery includes a heating element positioned on one side of the battery and generates heat through a reaction with the air. The heating element comprises a main body generating heat through the reaction with the air, and a supporting body wrapping the main body to adhere to the battery. Accordingly, the internal temperature of the battery can be maintained within possible activation temperature ranges to allow the battery to produce electricity, thereby making the battery performance sustainable under low-temperature conditions.
US08071233B2

A battery comprises a first terminal in electrical communication with a first electrode of the battery, a second terminal in electrical communication with a second electrode of the battery, a battery can electrically insulated from the first terminal, and at least one current interrupt device in electrical communication with the battery can. The battery can includes a cell casing and a lid which are in electrical communication with each other. At least a portion of the battery can is at least a component of the second terminal, or is electrically connected to the second terminal. The current interrupt device includes a first conductive plate in electrical communication with the second electrode, and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate. The second conductive plate separates from the first conductive plate when pressure inside the battery is greater than a predetermined value, whereby a current flow between the second electrode and the second terminal is interrupted.
US08071231B2

Disclosed herein is a plate-shaped secondary battery constructed in a structure in which an electrode assembly of a cathode/separator/anode structure is mounted in a battery case, and the battery case is sealed by thermal welding, wherein the secondary battery has at least one valve (one-way exhaust valve), having a small thickness, mounted at a sealed portion, formed at the outer circumference of an electrode assembly receiving part of the battery case, for allowing internal high-pressure gas to be exhausted out of a battery cell and preventing external gas from being introduced into the battery cell. The secondary battery according to the present invention has the effect of effectively exhausting internal high-pressure gas generated during the abnormal operation of the battery, such as overcharge, out of the battery case, while maintaining the sealability of the battery case, thereby simultaneously improving the efficiency and safety of the battery.
US08071221B2

An organic resin composition with a low coefficient of thermal expansion comprising (a) an organic resin and (b) an inorganic silicate containing alkali metals and alkaline earth metals in a total amount of 1,000 ppm or less.
US08071219B2

The invention concerns a culinary item comprising a support element and a first coating of a sol-gel baked composition, said first coating overlying at least a portion of a first face of the support element, wherein said culinary item further comprises a second coating of a silicone-based baked composition overlying at least a portion of the first coating. The invention also involves a method of manufacturing such a culinary item.
US08071218B2

This invention is thought as a material for decoration and construction. It can be used in wet areas, walls, floors, and all surfaces. Changing appearance glass tile (8) is made up of colored, non colored, transparent, translucent, or any type, any size, shape, form and thickness of glass (6) laminated with the use of an adhesive material (7) to a lenticular image (5) which is made up of more than one image (1) divided into dozens of strips per cm with the use of special computer programs (2) and are interlaced in to one image (3) which is then printed behind a lenticular film (4) which is a semi cylindrical formed, precisely specified dimensioned, ribbed transparent plastic which allows the viewer to see one image at a time according to the observation angle or printed on a graphic film and then laminated to lenticular film (4).
US08071211B2

A surface-coated cutting tool according to the present invention includes a base material and a coating film formed on the base material. The coating film includes one or more hard layer and one or more oxygen-rich hard layer. The hard layer is crystalline in its entirety or crystalline with a part thereof being amorphous. The oxygen-rich hard layer and the hard layer are stacked and the oxygen-rich hard layer is amorphous in a region of interface with the hard layer.
US08071199B2

The present invention refers to labels for bottles of a rigid material. In particular, a rigid body of a ceramic material reproduces writing characters in high and/or low relief and is realized by overlapping at least a first layer of terracotta with a second layer. According to the present invention, the first layer reproduces the writing characters in high and/or low relief and the second layer is a layer of enamel disposed over the first layer such to cover at least the writing characters uniformly.
US08071192B2

A flooring system comprising a carrying panel with edges, said edges being provided with means for joining. The carrying panel is further being provided with an upper side and a lower side. The flooring system comprises a plurality of panels where each panel is provided with an upper decorative surface. The flooring system comprises panels with at least two of decorative surface selected from the group consisting of a thermosetting composite, a thermoplastic composite, an elastomeric foil, a thermoplastic foil, a metal sheet, a fabric, a mineral and a mineral composite.
US08071189B2

A hollow molded article including a polyolefin resin-based layer (A), a modified polyolefin resin-based layer (B) and a fluororesin-based layer (C), wherein the fluororesin-based layer (C) constitutes at least one of the innermost and outermost layers of the hollow molded article.
US08071187B2

A fabrication method for metallized a ceramics substrate including the steps of: forming a first conductive paste layer containing metallic powder on a sintered ceramics substrate; forming a second conductive paste layer containing metallic powder of which average particle diameter is different from that of metallic powder constituting the first conductive paste layer; and forming a first conductive layer and a second conductive paste layer. The surface roughness of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer is different. By this method, it is possible to secure airtightness of the metallized ceramics substrate even if it is a multilayered substrate having a plurality of metallized layers.
US08071186B1

A modular rollover mat comprises a plurality of interconnecting mat sections, each having a plurality of connection portions and a retaining rail assembly. Each of the plurality of mat sections comprises a hard top material for providing a smooth and durable rolling surface for computer chairs and the like. The sections engage each other in order to selectively connect separate floor mats together. The retaining rail comprises a raised edging located along the perimeter of the connected floor mat sections.
US08071172B2

A process is provided for manufacturing devices that carry an active material. The process involves the continuous deposition of a strip of low-melting alloy in the liquid state on a ribbon of a metal net or a micro-perforated and stretched sheet metal, which surface has been pre-treated, for example by means of deoxidation. The ribbon is preferably prepared for subsequent cutting into individual components with active material. The deposition can occur by immersion into laminar wave or into a constant jet, by spraying of small drops or by liquid dispensation.
US08071165B2

A method of and system for chemical vapor deposition of layers of material on substrates for producing semiconductor devices provides for continuous in-line processing. The method includes continuously conveying a plurality of substrates through a plurality of in-line deposition regions, continuously providing and distributing a chemical vapor at each region to deposit material for the layer, and continuously supplying a flow of chemical material for each region to provide the chemical vapor. The system includes a continuous in-line substrate conveyance apparatus for moving a plurality of substrates through a plurality of deposition regions, a deposition head for providing and distributing a chemical vapor at each of the regions to deposit material for the layers, and a chemical material supply apparatus for providing a flow of chemical materials to each of the heads for the chemical vapor.
US08071144B2

A method for manufacturing a chew toy for pets has steps of: producing a base layer and an outer layer; shaping the base layer; (c) applying the outer layer to the base layer to manufacture a semifinished material and drying the semifinished material to obtain a chew toy, wherein the base layer has poprice, sweet rice flour and water and the outer layer has soybean, animal parts and glycerol. The chew toy has poprice, sweet rice flour, soybean, animal parts and glycerol, therefore has a nutritional value, is easily digested and has health benefits for the pet, including strengthening their teeth and exercising their palate and jaw.
US08071141B2

A composition for preventing or ameliorating multiple risk factor syndrome involving visceral fat-type obesity, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia and hypertension, which comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a licorice hydrophobic extract, a turmeric extract, a clove extract, and a cinnamon extract.
US08071139B2

A medicament for treating skin is described. It comprises essentially of bulbine frutescens, centella asiatica and a phenol derived from olive oil preferably oleuropein. The medicament may be used in the treatment of scars formed during surgery. It may also be used cosmeceutically in the treatment of aged skin where it may be used with phosphatidylserine. The medicament can also act in conjunction with anti-acne treatment to diminish scarring from the acne condition.
US08071134B2

Disclosed are methods of treating subjects having conditions related to angiogenesis including administering an effective amount of a polymeric form of thyroid hormone, or an antagonist thereof, to promote or inhibit angiogenesis in the subject. Compositions of the polymeric forms of thyroid hormone, or thyroid hormone analogs, are also disclosed.
US08071132B2

The present invention provides a method for the synthesis of unagglomerated, highly dispersed, stable core/shell nanocomposite particles comprised of preparing a reverse micelle microemulsion that contains nanocomposite particles, treating the microemulsion with a silane coupling agent, breaking the microemulsion to form a suspension of the nanocomposite particles by adding an acid/alcohol solution to the microemulsion that maintains the suspension of nanocomposite particles at a pH of between about 6 and 7, and simultaneously washing and dispersing the suspension of nanocomposite particles, preferably with a size exclusion HPLC system modified to ensure unagglomeration of the nanocomposite particles. The primary particle size of the nanocomposite particles can range in diameter from between about 1 to 100 nm, preferably from between about 10 to 50 nm, more preferably about 10 to 20 nm, and most preferably about 20 nm.
US08071122B2

Compositions and methods for increasing lean muscle mass and/or reducing fat gain in growing animals by feeding the animals a composition having a total lysine to metabolizable energy ratio of from about 2.5 to about 6 g/Mcal and comprising (a) arginine in a total arginine to total lysine ratio of from about 1.1 to about 1.6; (b) isoleucine in a total isoleucine to total lysine ratio of from about 0.8 to about 1.3; (c) leucine in a total leucine to total lysine ratio of from about 1.8 to about 3.0; (d) valine in a total valine to total lysine ratio of from about 0.8 to about 1.4; and (e) methionine and cystine in a total methionine plus cystine to total lysine ratio of from about 0.8 to about 1.7.
US08071117B2

The apple leaf midge and raspberry cane midge pheromones have been found to be acetoxyheptadecenone and acetoxyundecanone, respectively, and uses for these and related compounds are provided, including monitoring population levels of the midge and control of midge populations by disrupting mating patterns.
US08071114B2

This invention relates to compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 12 carbon atoms, characterized in that said composition includes at least 20% in weight by weight of the total composition, of ammonium halides in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 14 carbon atoms and more than 5%, preferably more than 7% in weight by weight of the total composition, of ammonium halides in which the nitrogen atom is substituted by at least one alkyl group having at least 16 carbon atoms. This invention also relates to ophthalmic oil-in-water emulsions containing such compositions, said ophthalmic emulsions being useful for eye care or for the treatment of eye conditions.
US08071113B2

The invention relates to Salmonella typhi Ty21a comprising core-linked Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 O-specific polysaccharide (O-Ps) and DNA encoding O antigen biosynthesis, said DNA selected from the group consisting of: a) the DNA sequence set out in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2 and species homologs thereof; b) DNA encoding Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 polypeptides encoded by any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, and species homologs thereof; and c) DNA encoding a O antigen biosynthesis gene product that hybridizes under moderately stringent conditions to the DNA of (a) or (b); and related sequences, compositions of matter, vaccines, methods of using, and methods of making.
US08071107B2

The present invention relates, in general, to an immunogen and, in particular, to an immunogen for inducing antibodies that neutralizes a wide spectrum of HIV primary isolates and/or to an immunogen that induces a T cell immune response. The invention also relates to a method of inducing anti-HIV antibodies, and/or to a method of inducing a T cell immune response, using such an immunogen. The invention further relates to nucleic acid sequences encoding the present immunogens.
US08071106B2

The present invention refers to a topical formulation containing natural latex or fraction thereof, for topical application, aiming to provide skin regeneration. It particularly refers to a formulation comprising latex from plants of the families Euphorbiaceae, such as Hevea brasiliensis, Apocinaceae, such as guava and sorb, Compositae such as guayule, Caricaceae such as papaya, or one of its fractions, whose topical application provides the skin with regeneration benefits, such as whitening or elimination of senile spots, increase in turgor, improved texture, shine and resilience.
US08071094B2

The present invention is related to a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody directed against a Factor VIII inhibitor antibody binding to the domain A2 of Factor VIII, and to a cell line producing this monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody, to the use of this monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody as drug, and more particularly, to its use for the manufacturing of a drug to be used for the treatment of haemophilia A.
US08071093B1

Disclosed are fully human anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies, fragments thereof, and nucleic acid sequences encoding for the same. Further disclosed are methods of making and using the antibodies.
US08071089B2

The invention provides compositions and methods for treating pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, such as the pancreatic enzyme insufficiency associated with cystic fibrosis. The invention also provides compositions comprising lipase from Candida cylindracea, alone or in combination with amylase or amyloglucosidase, protease and/or lactase. Furthermore, the invention discloses methods for treating pancreatic enzyme insufficiency comprising administering compositions to patients in need thereof.
US08071087B2

Methods for treating proliferative disorders, by administering reovirus to a Ras-mediated proliferative disorder, are disclosed. The reovirus is administered so that it ultimately directly contacts ras-mediated proliferating cells. Proliferative disorders include but are not limited to neoplasms. Human reovirus, non-human mammalian reovirus, and/or avian reovirus can be used. If the reovirus is human reovirus, serotype 1 (e.g., strain Lang), serotype 2 (e.g., strain Jones), serotype 3 (e.g., strain Dearing or strain Abney), as well as other serotypes or strains of reovirus can be used. Combinations of more than one type and/or strain of reovirus can be used, as can reovirus from different species of animal. Either solid neoplasms or hematopoietic neoplasms can be treated.
US08071084B2

Compositions and methods for protecting a susceptible host against an infection of Shigella sonnei are disclosed. Such compositions and methods are useful for protecting the host against bacillary dysentery and shigellosis.
US08071079B2

Oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and microemulsions containing elastomeric silanes or siloxanes preferably having quaternary ammonium groups are generally made by reacting organic quaternary ammonium compounds having epoxide groups or halohydrin groups, with silanes or siloxanes having amino groups. The reaction is carried out in an aqueous polar phase containing a crosslinking agent and surfactant. The emulsions and microemulsions are especially useful for treating hair, skin, or the underarm.
US08071077B2

Antiplaque oral compositions are provided that contain an orally acceptable carrier and an antibacterial effective amount of the compound of formula (I). In various embodiments, the compositions contain from about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the compound of formula (I).
US08071076B2

An oral lubricant having usefulness for alleviating the symptoms of dry mouth and preventing accumulation of dental stains based on a polyvinyl alcohol polymer containing composition in an orally acceptable carrier or vehicle. The invention relates generally to an oral composition having a function in lubricating the mouth and preventing the formation of stains on the surfaces of the teeth. The active ingredients of the composition are a polyvinyl alcohol, a metal chelating agent, lipophilic vitamin, surface active material and a phenolic anti microbial agent with anti-inflammatory properties.
US08071074B2

Hypersecretion of mucus in the lungs is inhibited by the administration of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) antagonist. The EGF-R antagonist may be in the form of a small organic molecule, an antibody, or portion of an antibody that binds to and blocks the EGF receptor. The EGF-R antagonist is preferably administered by injection in an amount sufficient to inhibit formation of goblet cells in pulmonary airways. The degranulation of goblet cells that results in airway mucus production is thereby inhibited. Assays for screening candidate agents that inhibit goblet cell proliferation are also provided.
US08071072B2

This invention relates to the staging, diagnosis and treatment of cancerous diseases (both primary tumors and tumor metastases), particularly to the mediation of cytotoxicity of tumor cells; and most particularly to the use of cancerous disease modifying antibodies (CDMAB), optionally in combination with one or more CDMAB/chemotherapeutic agents, as a means for initiating the cytotoxic response. The invention further relates to binding assays, which utilize the CDMAB of the instant invention. The anti-cancer antibodies can be conjugated to toxins, enzymes, radioactive compounds, cytokines, interferons, target or reporter moieties and hematogenous cells.
US08071064B2

State-of-the-art electronic structure calculations yield results consistent with the observed compound SiLi2Mg and provide likelihood of the availability of IrLi2Mg and RhLi2Mg. Similar calculations provide likelihood of the availability of YLi2MgHn, ZrLi2MgHn, NbLi2MgHn, MoLi2MgHn, TcLi2MgHn, RuLi2MgHn, RhLi2MgHn, LaLi2MgHn, Ce4+Li2MgHn, Ce3+Li2MgHn, PrLi2MgHn, NdLi2MgHn, PmLi2MgHn, SmLi2MgHn, EuLi2MgHn, GdLi2MgHn, TbLi2MgHn, DyLi2MgHn, HoLi2MgHn, ErLi2MgHn, TmLi2MgHn, YbLi2MgHn, LuLi2MgHn, HfLi2MgHn, TaLi2MgHn, ReLi2MgHn, OsLi2MgHn, and IrLi2MgHn (here n is an integer having a value in a particular compound of 4-7) as solid hydrides for the storage and release of hydrogen. Different hydrogen contents may be obtained in compounds having the same XLi2Mg crystal structures. These materials offer utility for hydrogen storage systems.
US08071061B2

The invention relates to a device for the catalytic treatment of exhaust gases of motor vehicles which comprises a catalyst substrate designed as a hollow cylinder, an inlet-side and an outlet-side gas baffle and an outer wall, wherein the gas baffles enclose the catalyst substrate and the outlet-side gas baffle and the catalyst substrate form a first cavity into which an exhaust-gas stream can be fed, passing through the catalyst substrate and entering a second cavity which is surrounded by outer wall, gas baffles and catalyst substrate, wherein the outlet-side gas baffle has gas vents, and wherein the recessed part of the outlet-side gas baffle is beaded, with the result that the catalyst substrate is fixed. The invention also relates to a process for the production of the device according to the invention and its use, plus a method for cleaning exhaust gases of motor vehicles.
US08071060B2

A flue gas control system of a coal combustion boiler comprises an HCl atomizer that sprays hydrogen chloride to flue gas from a coal combustion boiler that uses coal as a fuel; NOx removing apparatus that removes nitrogen oxides by ammonia denitration by adding ammonia to the flue gas after spraying hydrogen chloride and oxidizes mercury; an air preheater that recovers heat in the gas after removal of nitrogen oxides; a precipitator that removes particulates in the gas; an activated carbon atomizer that sprays activated carbon into the gas after particulate collection; a bag filter that collects activated carbon having adsorbed mercury; a desulfurizer that removes sulfur oxides in the flue gas after removal of activated carbon; a stack that discharges the gas which has undergone desulfurization to outside; and an ORP meter that measures an oxidation reduction potential for feeding air to a slurry absorbent in the desulfurizer.
US08071053B2

A dispensing apparatus includes a dispensing arm, a driving motor, and a transmitting/buffering unit. The dispensing arm is rotatable and conveys a fluid drawn at a predetermined drawing position to a predetermined discharge position. The driving motor rotates the dispensing arm. The transmitting/buffering unit includes a crank shaft that rotates through a driving force of the driving motor and a crank rod that is coupled with the crank shaft and rotates with a rotation of the crank shaft thereby rotating the dispensing arm.
US08071048B2

The invention concerns test elements, in particular diagnostic test elements, for determining the presence or concentration of biological, medical or biologically or medically effective substances including nucleic acids, proteins, viruses, microorganisms and cells, characterized in that these test elements contain nanofibers.
US08071042B2

A method and apparatus for application of electrostatic charges to compounds to change the physical characteristics of the compounds. The compound is located within a container, that can be sealed or open, in proximity to an electrode so that there is capacitive coupling between the electrode and the compound. A high frequency, high voltage signal is applied to the electrode for a time sufficient to increase negative ions in the compound, thus changing its physical characteristics. The method can increase the pH and decreases oxidation-reduction potential. A grounded platform is provided for use with a non-conductive container, and the entire apparatus can be provided in a housing enclosure to permit safe application of electrical potential to the compound being treated.
US08071040B2

A mounting mat for an exhaust gas treatment device including high temperature resistant ceramic fibers containing alumina and/or high temperature resistant biosoluble inorganic fibers, organic binder which at least partially liquefies at elevated temperature prior to binder burnout, colloidal inorganic oxide and optionally intumescent material. The exhaust gas treatment device includes a housing, a fragile catalyst support structure resiliently mounted within the housing, and the mounting mat disposed in a gap between the housing and the fragile catalyst support structure.
US08071039B2

A multilayer mat (10) for mounting a pollution control element (40) in a pollution control device (60). The mat comprises at least one non-intumescent layer comprising ceramic fibers and having a width defined by opposite lateral edges, and at least one intumescent layer comprising an intumescent material and having a width defined by opposite lateral edges. The width of the intumescent layer is less than the width of the non-intumescent layer. The intumescent layer can have an exposed major surface.
US08071037B2

Described are apparatuses, systems, and methods for treating exhaust. The described apparatus and systems typically include a catalytic device for converting aqueous urea to ammonia. The catalytic device may include a pyrolysis catalyst and a hydrolysis catalyst for converting aqueous urea to ammonia. The catalytic device typically includes an upstream face that is positioned at an angle relative to exhaust flow when the device is positioned in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.
US08071033B2

A reactor for contacting a fluid with a granular solid, the reactor including: a reactor housing including a reaction zone in which the fluid and the granular solid are contacted together; a granular solids inlet adapted to deliver a bed of granular solids into the reaction zone wherein the height and/or width dimension of the bed of the granular solids is substantially less than the length of the bed; a plurality of fluid inlets for delivering the fluid into the reaction zone, whereby the delivery of the fluid into the reaction zone at least partially fluidises the bed of granular solids; a granular solids outlet for receiving the bed of granular solids after having passed through the reaction zone; and, a fluid outlet for receiving the fluid, and any entrained particles, after the fluid has passed through the reaction zone.
US08071027B2

The invention relates to a method for selectively detecting and/or quantifying superparamagnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles on analytes. The method is characterized in that a frequency component of magnetic fields (15, 18), which is generated due to the non-linearity of the magnetization characteristic curve of the particles, is measured at a mixing frequency. A device for selectively detecting and/or quantifying superparamagnetic and/or ferromagnetic particles on analytes comprises: a container (12) that contains particles, which are to be detected and/or quantified, on analytes; at least one oscillator (13, 16; 25) for generating frequencies of alternating magnetic fields (15, 18); at least one field generator (14, 17) for subjecting the analytes to alternating magnetic fields (15, 18); a magnetic field sensor (20) for measuring a response magnetic field (19) of the particles, and; at least one phase-sensitive detector (21, 23). These elements are configured in such a manner as to enable a frequency component of the magnetic fields (15, 18), which is generated due to the non-linearity of the magnetization characteristic curve of the particles, to be measured at a mixing frequency.
US08071025B2

An automatic analyzer having a smaller size, allowing a larger number of reagents to be loaded, and having a higher processing capability. Reagent disks are disposed inside and outside a reaction disk. Reagent probes are disposed to be able to suck reagents from the reagent disks and eject the reagents at common positions. A plurality of reagent probes are alternately accessed one by one to each of the reagent disks per cycle. Each reagent probe comprises two arms rotatable independently of each other so that the reagent probe is able to access a plurality of points and interference between the plurality of reagent probes can be avoided. A first reagent and a second reagent can be loaded on each of the reagent disks, and the number of loadable reagents can be increased without enlarging an overall system size. Thus, an automatic analyzer having a shorter cycle time and a higher processing capability can be realized.
US08071018B2

A high carbon hot-rolled steel sheet which is a hot-rolled spheroidizing annealed material, including 0.2 to 0.7% C, 2% or less Si, 2% or less Mn, 0.03% or less P, 0.03% or less S, 0.08% or less Sol.Al., and 0.01% or less N, by mass, which contains carbide having a particle size of smaller than 0.5 μm in a content of 15% or less by volume to the total amount of carbide, and the difference between the maximum hardness Hv max and the minimum hardness Hv min, ΔHv (=Hv max−Hv min), in the sheet thickness direction being 10 or smaller.
US08071010B2

A process for manufacturing concrete bodies at elevated temperatures including the steps of providing pre-selected amounts of cement, aggregate and water where the temperature of at least the aggregate and more likely the cement and water are heated to a temperature between about 32° C. and 45° C. The heated amounts of cement, aggregate and water are mixed at an elevated temperature within the aforementioned range and a set retarding, water reducing admixture added. The mixing is continued and the hot mixture including the set retarding, water reducing admixture is cast at an elevated temperature within the same range to provide a concrete body form or structure with improved short and long-term compressive strengths.
US08071008B1

A system, machine and method of forming a composite structure. The composite may be placed between a first mold half and a second mold half and heated at a first temperature, T1, and held at a first pressure, P1, wherein the first pressure is applied to the structure through the first and second mold halves. In addition, the composite may be cooled at a second temperature, T2, and held at a second pressure, P2, wherein the second pressure is applied to the composite through the first and second mold halves, wherein T1>T2 and P1
US08071007B1

The invention relates to the use of Fused Deposition Modeling to construct three-dimensional (3D) bioresorbable scaffolds from bioresorbable polymers such as polycaprolactone (PCL), or from composites of bioresorbable polymers and ceramics, such as polycaprolactone/hydroxyapatite (PCL/HA). Incorporation of a bioresorbable ceramic to produce a hybrid/composite material support provides the desired degradation and resorption kinetics. Such a composite material improves the biocompatibility and hard tissue integration and allows for increased initial flash spread of serum proteins. The basic resorption products of the composite also avoids the formation of an unfavorable environment for hard tissue cells due to a decreased pH. The scaffolds have applications in tissue engineering, e.g., in tissue engineering bone and cartilage.
US08070997B2

The present invention relates to a process for the production by extrusion of piping made of a cementitious material having a circular section and fine thickness, suitable for the channeling of liquids and gases at atmospheric operating pressure or slightly higher.
US08070995B2

A system and method for establishing plumbing kit specifications for kits containing plastic hose or tubing for installation on boats, RVs or other uses where ruler markings are imprinted longitudinally along the outside surface of stock hose. The ruler markings can be spaced approximately one inch, or other distance, and can include a series of numerals such as 1-12 or 1-11 followed by a repeat symbol. The sequence can repeat indefinitely along the length of the hose. The method allows a length specification for a particular hose segment to be generated by cutting a piece of stock hose at a particular starting ruler mark, clamping or connecting it in place, and then completing the installation of the segment by cutting the second end to the correct length and clamping or connecting it in place. The length can then be computed by reading the ruler marks on the installed hose. This information can be entered as part of the specification for a hose kit.
US08070989B2

The photostabilizing electronic excited state energy—particularly singlet state energy from retinoid compounds—has been found to be readily transferred to (accepted by) α-cyanodiphenylacrylate compounds having an alkoxy radical in the four (para) position (hereinafter “alkoxycrylenes”) on one of the phenyl rings having the formula (I): wherein one of R1 and R2 is a straight or branched chain C1-C30 alkoxy radical, preferably C1-C8, more preferably methoxy, and the non-alkoxy radical R1 or R2 is hydrogen; and R3 is a straight or branched chain C1-C30 alkyl radical, preferably C2-C20. The alkoxycrylene compounds of formula (I) significantly increase the photostability of retinoid compounds in a composition by at least 3-fold and as much as 10-fold or greater. The ability of the alkoxycrylene compounds to stabilize the retinoid compound is concentration dependent, with the amount of retinoid photostabilization increasing with the concentration of the alkoxycrylene compound.
US08070987B2

Semiconductor materials suitable for being used in radiation detectors are disclosed. A particular example of the semiconductor materials includes tellurium, cadmium, and zinc. Tellurium is in molar excess of cadmium and zinc. The example also includes aluminum having a concentration of about 10 to about 20,000 atomic parts per billion and erbium having a concentration of at least 10,000 atomic parts per billion.
US08070986B2

The present invention provides a silver paste for forming electrically conductive pattern comprising 0.1 to 60 wt % of a silver C0 to C12 aliphatic carboxylate; 1 to 80 wt % of silver powder; 0.1 to 15 wt % of a binder; and a residual organic solvent.The silver paste composition according to the present invention has advantages in that it produces micro-structures of layers denser than those conventional metal pastes do; shows characteristics of a much lower electric resistance even with a relatively small thickness or a small line width, as compared with the electrically conductive pattern formed from a conventional paste; and allows heat treatment at a very low temperature even without the use of expensive nano-sized metal particles.
US08070985B2

There is provided a method of making a SrB6O10:Pb phosphor that increases the manufactured quantity of the SrB6O10:Pb phosphor by approximately seven fold when using the same size reaction vessel, decreases the lead-containing waste stream, and eliminates the use of hazardous concentrated ammonium hydroxide. The UV emission brightness is equivalent to or better than the same phosphor when prepared using prior methods.
US08070974B2

The invention relates to a soft-magnetic material comprising a micro fraction composed of particles of a soft-magnetic material having a particle size in the range from 1 to 100 μm and a nano fraction composed of particles of a soft-magnetic material having a particle size in the range from 100 to 200 nm, where the proportion of the nano fraction based on the total mass of micro fraction and nano fraction is from 5 to 70% by mass and the particles of the micro fraction and the particles of the nano fraction optionally consist of the same material, and also a process for producing an article composed of the soft-magnetic material.
US08070970B2

A layer of photoresist is spread on a metal substrate and heated, this layer is exposed through a mask to UV irradiation, the parts not photocured are developed, by dissolving them, so as to obtain a mold, a first layer of metal or of an alloy is galvanically deposited in the open parts of the mold, the metal structure and the mold are leveled by machining so as to obtain a plane upper surface, a metal ply layer is deposited on the entire upper surface, and then the above steps are repeated. A second layer of metal or an alloy is galvanically deposited in the open parts of the mold, the multilayer metal structure obtained is detached from the substrate by delamination and the photoresist is cured, the photoresist is separated so as to free the multilayer metal structure, and then that portion of the metal ply layer or layers which is not inserted between two electrodeposited metal layers is removed.
US08070969B2

A method of fabricating microelectromechanical systems devices is disclosed. A silicon substrate having a plurality of microelectromechanical systems elements formed on a first surface thereof is provided. A guard layer defining a plurality of recesses is applied to the silicon substrate such that respective microelectromechanical systems elements are located within respective recesses. The silicon substrate is then segmented into discrete parts and an adhesive layer is bonded to a second surface of the silicon substrate. The guard layer is next segmented into discrete parts corresponding to the discrete parts of the silicon substrate, thereby forming individual microelectromechanical systems devices. Finally, the adhesive layer is selectively exposed to a light source allowing removal of individual microelectromechanical systems devices.
US08070965B2

Separating a multi-phase mixture influent even during excessive flows of specific phases. The dynamic phase separator includes a chamber divided into two regions by an inner wall disposed radially inward relative to an outer wall. A gross separation region is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, while a fine separation region lies inside an area defined by the inner wall and top of the chamber. Influent to be separated is fed through an inlet into the gross separation region. A plurality of porous disks are mounted to a rotatable shaft and disposed in the fine separation region. The outer and inner walls are separated by a predetermined distance sufficient to allow for adequate rotational velocity of incoming tangential flow of the influent and dwell time sufficient for natural separation of lighter phases from heavier phases within the gross separation region.
US08070962B2

A method for reclamation of a brine that includes mixing a brine containing thiocyanates with an oxidizing agent; and allowing for a time sufficient for the oxidizing agent to oxidize at least a portion of the thiocyanates is disclosed. Other methods may also include determining the quantity of unoxidized thiocyanates after the oxidizing treatment.
US08070961B2

The invention aims at enabling, in a catalytic decarbonation apparatus, inert particles coated with calcium carbonate to be constantly and systematically extracted from the reactor, with no risk of clogging the discharge pipes. Therefor, said pipes (7′a, 7′b) have an inside diameter ranging between 40 and 60 mm and they have a downward incline up to their connection to an outside discharge conduit (8′), except, possibly, a horizontal portion starting from the orifice through which they emerge into the reactor (1′).
US08070952B2

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for simultaneous extrarenal blood purification therapy and respiration support therapy. The apparatus includes a CO2 removing means having a first inlet for receiving a flow of blood for CO2 removal and a first outlet for expelling blood deprived of CO2. The apparatus also includes filtering means having a first inlet for receiving the flow of blood, a first outlet for expelling purified blood, and at least one drain channel. The drain channel directs a diluting liquid obtained from the blood expelled during purification of the blood. The drain channel is directly connected to the first inlet of the CO2 removing means to supply the diluting liquid to the CO2 removing means without submitting the diluting liquid to any filtering treatment during passage along the drain channel.
US08070946B2

An apparatus for filtering water and/or wastewater including at least one underdrain lateral. The underdrain lateral is configured to receive a liquid during a filtration cycle and directs a washing fluid through a filter bed of one or more layers of filter media during a washing cycle. The filter can take any form including but not limited to an upflow clarifier, an upflow filter, a downflow clarifier, a downflow filter and a bi-flow filter. The filter media may be supported by one or more layers of gravel. Alternatively, a porous plate can be attached to the underdrain lateral in place of the gravel layers. The washing cycle can be a liquid only wash, a gas only wash, a combined liquid and gas wash or a combination of any of the aforementioned wash cycles. Preferably, the underdrain lateral includes a primary gas chamber and a secondary gas chamber where the secondary gas chamber serves to equalize pressure differences that may occur during the initial distribution due to velocity head changes and friction effects. Preferably, the underdrain lateral includes a plurality of chambers directing a washing fluid into the filter bed during a washing cycle where at least one of the plurality of chambers directs a liquid and a gas simultaneously into the filter bed and at least one other chamber of the plurality of chamber directs only one of a liquid and a gas into the filter bed at the same time as that the combination of liquid and gas is directed into the filter bed. Preferably, the height of evacuation openings formed in at least one wall common to a gas wash chamber and at least one adjacent chamber are varied to compensate for velocity head or friction loss.
US08070945B2

A filtration module is provided which includes a manifold (100), a filtration cartridge (104) and a bowl (102) that houses the filter cartridge. The filtration cartridge and bowl are connected to each other to form a unitary construction. The filtration cartridge and bowl are in fluid communication with the manifold in a manner which prevents mixing of a fluid feed to the module and a permeate removed from the module.
US08070943B2

A pump for use in a filtration process for a deep fryer is disclosed. The pump includes a drive shaft linked to a motor or motor drive shaft. The drive shaft passes through a seal assembly before passing into the pump chamber. The seal includes an outer seal housing that accommodates a lip seal. The lip seal is fabricated from PTFE. A combination oil filtration and supply system for a deep fryer is also disclosed that includes a motor linked to the drive shaft. The drive shaft passes through a supply pump and a filter/return pump. The supply pump includes an inlet in communication with a fresh oil reservoir and an outlet in communication with the filter/return pump. The filter/return pump includes an inlet in each communication with an oil filtration system and an outlet in communication with the outlet of the supply pump and an inlet to an oil distribution network. The oil distribution network includes a plurality of outlets, each in communication with an inlet of a vat. Each vat each includes an outlet in communication with the oil filtration system. The supply pump further includes a bypass valve that closes the inlet to the supply pump when flow from the fresh oil reservoir is cut off by closing a fresh oil supply valve. The bypass valve permits continuous circulation of fresh oil in the supply pump chamber and around the seal to prolong the life of the seal.
US08070935B2

An apparatus for a continuous, automated quantitation of tin compounds in liquid samples and a method for quantitative analysis based on the said apparatus are provided herein. The inventive apparatus acidifies liquid samples and in case organotin compounds are present in the sample, a selective UV irradiation converts the organotin compounds into inorganic tin. The inventive apparatus quantitates this inorganic tin by means of electrochemical methods. The apparatus and method of the present invention allow quantitative analyses of trace amounts of organic and inorganic tin compounds present in liquid samples by converting organotin, a form unsuited for measurement, into inorganic tin, a form amenable to measurements and performing electrochemical analysis. Above all, the present invention affords the construction of an automated, continuous analysis system, making unnecessary additional manual operations and reducing labor costs. The present invention also provides an apparatus for converting organotin compounds into inorganic tin.
US08070932B2

A circuit board with identifiable information and a method for fabricating the same are proposed. At least one insulating layer within the circuit board has a non-circuit area free of a circuit layout. A plurality of openings are formed in the non-circuit area of the insulating layer. A patterned circuit layer is formed on the insulating layer. Metal identifiable information is disposed in the openings of the non-circuit area. By this arrangement, a product status of the circuit board can be traced and identified via the metal patterned information.
US08070930B2

Methods for the preparation of long, dimensionally uniform, metallic nanowires that are removable from the surface on which they are synthesized. The methods include the selective electrodeposition of metal nanowires at step edges present on a stepped surface, such as graphite, from an aqueous solution containing a metal or metal oxide. Where a metal oxide is first deposited, the metal oxide nanowires are reduced via a gas phase reduction at elevated temperatures to metal nanowires. Alternatively, beaded or hybrid nanowires comprising a metal A into which nanoparticles of a metal B have been inserted may be prepared by first electrodepositing nanoparticles of metal B selectively along step edges of a stepped surface, capping these nanoparticles with a molecular layer of an organic ligand, selectively electrodepositing nanowire segments of metal A between nanoparticles of metal B and then heating the surface of the hybrid nanowire under reducing conditions to remove the ligand layer. In all three methods, the nanowires may be removed from the stepped surface by embedding the wires in a polymer film, and then peeling this film containing the embedded wires off of the stepped surface.
US08070924B2

The present invention provides an electrode for generation of hydrogen comprising: a conductive substrate; a catalytic layer formed on the conductive substrate and containing at least one platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd and Rh; and a hydrogen adsorption layer formed on the catalytic layer. The present invention also provides an electrode for generation of hydrogen comprising: a conductive substrate, a catalytic layer formed on the conductive substrate and containing: at least one platinum group metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ir, Ru, Pd and Rh and/or at least one oxide of said platinum group metals; and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanum series metals, valve metals, iron series metals and silver and/or at least one oxide of said metals; and a hydrogen adsorption layer formed on the catalytic layer.
US08070923B2

A structure of cathodic fingers for a chlor-alkali diaphragm cell with improved voltage and faradic efficiency is described, characterized in that a sheet provided with projections is inserted inside each finger. The interwoven wire mesh or the perforated sheet, forming each finger, is secured by a conductive connection, preferably by welding, to the top of each projection, thereby providing optimal uniformity of the electrical current distribution. The projections have a shape preferably equivalent to spherical caps, disposed in a quincuncial pattern. The internal volume of each finger is subdivided by the sheet provided with projections into two portions wherein both the free upward motion of hydrogen bubbles and the free longitudinal motion of the separated hydrogen take place towards the cell perimetrical chamber. Within the internal volume of each finger, which is only partially occupied by the projections, the natural recirculation of the solution constituted by the product caustic soda and the depleted sodium chloride also occurs, supported by the hydrogen bubbles.
US08070922B2

An oxygen generator includes a monolithic body having first and second channels extending longitudinally therein. An electrode is operatively disposed in the first channels and a counter-electrode is operatively disposed in the second channels. The second channels are formed in the monolithic body so each second channel is electrically isolated from, yet adjacent to a first channel, resulting in an alternating configuration of first and second channels. The first channels have fluid or oxygen flowing therethrough, while the second channels have the other of oxygen or fluid flowing therethrough. An output manifold, having an oxygen collection area separated from a fluid collection area, operatively engages with the monolithic body. The oxygen collection area receives substantially pure oxygen from one of the second or first channels, and the fluid collection area receives oxygen-depleted fluid from the other of the first or second channels.
US08070920B2

The invention provides methods for sharpening the tip of an electrical conductor. The methods of the invention are capable of producing tips with an apex radius of curvature less than 2 nm. The methods of the invention are based on simultaneous direction of ionized atoms towards the apex of a previously sharpened conducting tip and application of an electric potential difference to the tip. The sign of the charge on the ions is the same as the sign of the electric potential. The methods of the invention can be used to sharpen metal wires, metal wires tipped with conductive coatings, multi-walled carbon nanotubes, semiconducting nanowires, and semiconductors in other forms.
US08070907B2

A jointing apparatus includes a first laser head which emits a laser beam for adhesive heating and a second laser head which emits a laser beam for welding. In jointing components of a work with a thermosetting adhesive agent, the defocused laser beam is applied to an adhered part for a short time. Thereupon, the adhesive agent is primarily cured so that the components are tacked together. In spot-welding the components, the laser beam for welding that is converged by the second laser head is applied to a spot-welded joint.
US08070899B2

A method of positioning a tape preform as a layer onto a resistive device substrate during the manufacture of a layered resistive device is provided. The method includes locating the tape preform in a predetermined position and translating one or more of the following relative to each other until a portion of the positioning device engages the tape preform: a positioning device, the resistive device substrate, and the tape preform. The method also includes continuing the translation until the tape preform engages the resistive device substrate and continuing the translation such that components of the positioning device progressively translate around the resistive device substrate and subsequently position the tape preform onto the resistive device substrate. In some forms, the method includes using a controller and/or applying a predetermined cycle of temperature, pressure, and time to the substrate and tape preform.
US08070893B2

The invention provides Cu—Ni—Si—Co—Cr copper alloys for electronic materials having excellent characteristics such as dramatically improved strength and electrical conductivity. In one aspect, the invention is a Cu—Ni—Si—Co—Cr copper alloy for electronic materials, containing about 0.5-about 2.5% by weight of Ni, about 0.5 -about 2.5% by weight of Co, about 0.30-about 1.2% by weight of Si, and about 0.09 -about 0.5% by weight of Cr, and the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities, wherein the ratio of the total weight of Ni and Co to the weight of Si in the alloy composition satisfies the formula: about 4≦[Ni+Co]/Si≦about 5, and the ratio of Ni to Co in the alloy composition satisfies the formula: about 0.5≦Ni/Co≦about 2, and wherein Pc is equal to or less than about 15/1000 μm2, or Pc/P is equal to or less than about 0.3 wherein P is the number of inclusions dispersed in the alloy and having the size of 1 μm or more, and Pc is the number of inclusions, among those having the size of 1 μm or more, whose carbon concentration is 10% or more by weight.
US08070891B2

The present invention relates to an amorphous alloy and a method for manufacturing thereof. The amorphous alloy according to the present invention includes has a chemical formula of Feioo-a-b-c-d-e-f-gCraMobCcBaYeMflg. Here, the M is at least one selected from a group consisting of Al, Co, N1 and Ni, and the I is at least one selected from a group consisting of Mn, P, S, and O as impurities. The a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are satisfied with the compositions of 16.0 wt %≦a<22.0 wt %, 15.0 wt %
US08070882B2

A method for the wet-chemical treatment of a semiconductor wafer involves: a) rotating a semiconductor wafer; b) applying a cleaning liquid comprising gas bubbles having a diameter of 100 μm or less to the rotating wafer such that a liquid film forms on the wafer; c) exposing the rotating semiconductor wafer to a gas atmosphere containing a reactive gas; and d) removing the liquid film from the wafer.
US08070880B2

Provided is a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus includes a reaction tube, a substrate holder, a gas nozzle, a heating unit, a temperature detector, and an exhaust unit. The reaction tube accommodates and processes substrates. The substrate holder holds substrates stacked at predetermined intervals in the reaction tube. The gas nozzle is installed along a stacked direction of the substrates. The heating unit heats the substrates. The temperature detector is installed along the stacked direction of the substrates. The exhaust unit exhausts an inside atmosphere of the reaction tube. Each of the gas nozzle and the temperature detector includes first and second parts and is supported by a narrow tube supporting member including first and second supporting parts. The first supporting part makes contact with the first part. The second supporting part is parallel with the second part and supports the second part.
US08070871B2

An ink jet ink is provided which can retain good stability and shows superior intermittent ejection stability not only under a low-temperature, low-humidity environment but also a high-temperature, low-humidity environment even when the evaporation of water in the ink progresses. The ink jet ink includes a coloring material and water-soluble organic solvents, wherein the content of the coloring material is less than 7.0 mass %, the water-soluble organic solvents include glycerin and a branched alkanediol having hydroxyl groups at both terminals of its main chain, the content C of glycerin is 6.0 to 12.0 mass %, the content A of the branched alkanediol is 4.0 to 11.0 mass %, and the content A of the branched alkanediol and the total content B of the water-soluble organic solvents satisfy the relationship of 0.30≦A/B≦0.50.
US08070869B2

Disclosed is an inkjet recording yellow ink comprising at least one water-soluble azo dye selected from the group consisting of a compound represented by formula (Y) described below and a salt thereof and at least one glycol ether represented by formula (A) described below, wherein the glycol ether is contained in an amount of 25% by mass to 100% by mass relative to a total amount of water-soluble organic solvent in the ink.
US08070866B2

Disclosed herein are ink compositions including an ink vehicle and a colorant, wherein the ink vehicle comprises a compound having a formula of: R1—CONH—R6—CONH—R3, R1—NHCO—R6—CONH—R3, R1—CONH—R6—NHCO—R3, R1—NHCO—R6—NHCO—R3, R1—CONH—R6—CONH—C34H64+n—CONH—R6—CONH—R3, R1—NHCO—R6—NHCO—C34H64+n—NHCO—R6—NHCO—R3, R1—CONH—R6—NHCO—C34H64+n—CONH—R6—NHCO—R3, R1—NHCO—R6—CONH—C34H64+n—NHCO—R6—CONH—R3, R1—CONH—R4—CONH—C34H64+n—CONH—R5—CONH—R3, R1—CONH—R4—NHCO—C34H64+n—CONH—R5—NHCO—R3, R1—NHCO—R4—CONH—C34H64+n—NHCO—R5—CONH—R3, R1—NHCO—R4—NHCO—C34H64+n—CONH—R5—CONH—R3, or R1—CONH—R4—CONH—C34H64+n—NHCO—R5—NHCO—R3, wherein n is an integer of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, R6 is a cyclic group having from 5 to 8 carbon atoms, R1 and R3 each comprise a branched alkyl group derived from isostearic acid, and R4 and R5 are the same or different and comprise an alkylene having from 1 to about 200 carbon atoms or
US08070865B2

A vacuum vessel for continuous or semi-continuous treatment of oils in connection with deodorization comprises spaces (12, 121, 122) through which oil to be treated is brought to pass and means to heat or cool the oil in the form of U-tubes. There are perforated pipes (26) arranged at the bottom of said spaces to lead stripping gas into said oil. The vessel has a connection to a vacuum source (7). The spaces in the vessel are arranged such that the oil to be treated in the vessel flows through the same by gravity. The heating or cooling medium passing the U-tubes is arranged to be pumped therethrough. The U-tubes for heating or cooling medium are arranged in such a way in said spaces that the flow of oil is counter-current to the flow of heating or cooling medium all through the vessel and a number of U-tubes are arranged in groups (13), parallel and in rows above each other in said spaces.
US08070857B2

A particulate removal tool and method are provided to remove the particulates such as ash and soot from a particulate filter. The particulate filter can be placed on a filter holder in a housing of the tool where a quick burst of air can be provided to clean the particulate filter. The air then can travel to a container which includes additional filter to filter the air. A vacuum can be used to remove additional particulates from the container.
US08070850B2

A system which uses available waste acid process streams from hydrometallurgical extraction processes as absorption media for the direct production of leach grade acid solutions for return to the hydrometallurgical processing circuit for use in liberating metals from metal-bearing materials. The produced acid may have a concentration in the range suitable for processing of metal-bearing materials.
US08070840B2

A method of producing methane is described. The method includes providing formation fluid from a subsurface in situ conversion process. The formation fluid is separated to produce a liquid stream and a first gas stream. The first gas stream includes olefins. At least the olefins in the first gas stream are contacted with a hydrogen source in the presence of one or more catalysts and steam to produce a second gas stream. The second gas stream is contacted with a hydrogen source in the presence of one or more additional catalysts to produce a third gas stream. The third gas stream includes methane.
US08070831B2

The present disclosure relates to compositions for dyeing or lightening human keratin fibers, dyeing or lightening processes using the compositions, and two-compartment or three-compartment devices comprising the compositions, wherein the compositions comprise, in a cosmetically acceptable medium: at least 25% by weight of a mixture of fatty substances comprising at least one fatty alcohol that is solid at ambient temperature; at least one oxidizing agent; and optionally at least one basifying agent.
US08070829B2

A resilient lower extremity prosthesis comprising a foot, an ankle and a shank above the ankle is provided with an artificial muscle on the shank of the prosthesis for storing energy during force loading of the prosthesis in the active propulsion phase of a person's gait and in the later stages of stance-phase of gait releasing the stored energy to aid propulsion of the person's trailing limb and body.
US08070827B2

A method for use of a double-structured tissue implant or a secondary scaffold stand alone implant for treatment of tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant comprising a primary scaffold and a secondary scaffold consisting of a soluble collagen solution in combination with a non-ionic surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold. A stand alone secondary scaffold implant or unit.
US08070824B2

Apparatus for delivering a medical device to a location in a patient's body includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, a pod coupled with the distal end of the catheter body and adapted to house the medical device during delivery to the location and to open to release the medical device, and at least one distal actuator coupled with at least one of the pod and the medical device. The distal actuator is adapted to promote opening of the pod. A method involves advancing a pod at the distal end of an elongate catheter to the location within the body and activating an actuator coupled with the pod and/or the medical device to cause the pod to open. Opening the pod releases the medical device.
US08070820B2

An implant assembly and associated method for selectively performing reverse and traditional arthroplasty for a shoulder joint that includes a humerus and a glenoid. The implant assembly may include a head, a cup, a humeral stem and an adaptor. The method includes inserting the humeral stem to the humerus and connecting a male taper of the adaptor to a female taper of the head. For reverse arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the glenoid and the cup to the stem. For traditional arthroplasty, the method includes attaching the adaptor to the humeral stem and the cup to the glenoid. The method also includes articulating the head with the cup.
US08070808B2

A variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant is disclosed for augmentation or reconstruction of the breast. The prosthesis of this invention comprises an implantable shell or envelope (not limited to a single shell or envelope), filled with a biocompatible gel, or gels, having alterations in gel cohesiveness to maintain stable form, shape, and dimension after surgical implantation. The gel cohesiveness may increase, with increased volume or dimension of the prosthesis. The variable cohesiveness of the gel filler material may be altered by any means (i.e. chemical, fabrication, etc.). The variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant has shape retention characteristics to maintain its form, thereby reducing or eliminating the undesirable effects of shell wrinkling, knuckling, scalloping or deformation, which can occur at the upper or lower pole of the prostheses, along the perimeter of the shell or at the base, post-implantation. Finally, the variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant provides new control and possibilities for achieving and preserving the most natural breast shape.
US08070806B2

An accommodative intra-ocular lens deformable between the unaccommodating and accommodating configurations upon the relaxation and contraction of the ciliary muscle. The lens anterior and posterior portions are substantially sealingly joined together about their peripheral edges and define a lens internal volume filled with a substantially incompressible lens internal fluid. Causing a variable internal fluid pressure exerted on the lens inner surfaces. The lens is configured such that radius of curvature of both the central and peripheral sections of the lens anterior portion will decrease upon an increase in internal fluid pressure and increase upon a decrease in internal fluid pressure.
US08070804B2

Embodiments of a medical device and methods for percutaneously treating a heart valve. In one embodiment, the medical device has a first catheter body suitable for percutaneous advancement to a heart region, a support annulus disposed within the first catheter body, a steerable tendon disposed in the first catheter body, a deployment mechanism disposed in the first catheter body and configured to release a support annulus from the distal opening in the first catheter body, a second catheter body disposed in the first catheter body, the second catheter body defining a lumen therethrough and a clip disposed in the lumen of the second catheter body and a cord coupled to the clip.
US08070803B2

A holder for an annuloplasty ring is disclosed. It comprises a plurality of linked-together suture platforms, wherein said holder comprises an upper face, a lower face, and a closed peripheral edge with means for accommodating and supporting said suture platforms of said annuloplasty ring.
US08070800B2

The present teachings relate to a heart valve prosthesis. The heart valve prosthesis includes a docking station (77) having a wire frame defining a lumen and a valve frame (91) for positioning within its lumen. The docking station includes a diaphragm (78) adapted to have an open position and a closed position, which provides a temporary control mechanism for preventing free regurgitation during the time period between the deployment of the docking station and the deployment of the valve frame, and a sealing mechanism for preventing paravalvar leakage.
US08070796B2

A medical method that is adapted for introducing the medical device into the vascular system of a body which is designed to inhibit or prevent thrombosis after the insertion of the medical device.
US08070794B2

A frangible bridge structure for a stent includes three successive branches, a first of which is connected to one of the stent portions which the bridge structure makes it possible to connect and a second of which is connected to the other of the stent portions which the bridge structure makes it possible to connect, these first and second branches being connected, by two connecting portions, to a third intermediate branch, between the first and second branches, these three branches extending parallel to each other with the longitudinal direction of these branches preferably being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the stent, and in immediate proximity to each other.
US08070793B2

Disclosed is a stent for a vessel implanted and left in the vessel of a living body to support the lumen of the vessel from inside. The stent for a vessel consists of a plurality of stent constituting members (4a and 4b), formed by combining a plurality of the tubular-body constituting elements (5a and 5b) in multistage, each of the tubular-body forming elements (5) comprising a part of a tubular member (2) is formed by bending a yarn (3) of a biodegradable polymer in a zigzag design. Each of stent constituting members (4a and 4b) is comprised with tubular segments (6) formed by combining the tubular-body forming elements (5a and 5b) facing each other, and by continuously joining at least neighboring parts of each tubular-body forming element (5a and 5b) together, to comprise a continuously joined tubular body (2).
US08070782B2

An implant is insertable onto a vertebral facet joint includes a body with an inner surface that mates with one or both articular processes of the facet joint. The inner surface may define an interior cavity that accepts at least a portion of an inferior articular process and a superior articular process forming the facet joint. The body may be constructed of a bone growth material that fuses with the articular processes. The implant may help retain bone growth promoting substance that is inserted between or on articulating surfaces of the facet joint. A receiving portion of an exterior surface of one or both articular process may be prepared to stimulate bone growth. The implant may be placed onto the receiving portion to cover an exterior junction between or on the articulating surfaces of the facet joint. The implant may be secured to one or both of the articular processes.
US08070781B2

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an offset connection assembly that can be used to securely connect a spinal implant to a bone anchor. In particular, the present invention preferably provides a variable angle connection assembly that is able to securely connect the spinal implant to the anchors even when there is a variance in the angle and position of the anchors with respect to the spinal implant. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a connection assembly that will not inadvertently lock the components of the connection assembly preventing the relative movement of the components.
US08070777B2

This invention relates to a spinal facet cap for treating scoliosis, the facet cap comprising a shim portion for inserting into a facet joint of a spine, and an alignment portion for maintaining alignment of the shim portion within the facet joint. The invention also provides a method for treating scoliosis, comprising implanting at least one spinal facet cap into at least one facet joint of a subject in need thereof.
US08070775B2

A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08070752B2

A method of preparing a joint for a prosthesis in a patient. The method includes obtaining scan data associated with the joint of the patient, preparing a three-dimensional image of the joint based on the scan data, preparing a pre-operative surgical plan based on the scan data, and preparing an image of a patient-specific alignment guide, and intra-operatively modifying the surgical plan.
US08070750B2

A tunnel notcher and guidewire delivery device is provided for creating a notch and positioning a guidewire within a bone tunnel. In general, the device includes an elongate member having proximal and distal ends with an inner lumen extending therebetween that is adapted to receive a guidewire. The device also includes a cutting element disposed on a distal portion of the elongate member that is adapted to remove bone within an opening of a bone tunnel. In use, the device 10 can be at least partially positioned within a bone tunnel containing a bone plug, and it can be manipulated to form a notch within or adjacent to an opening of the bone tunnel using the cutting element 18. The device 10 is also effective to deliver a guidewire 16 to the bone tunnel at a location adjacent to the notch.
US08070748B2

An endoscopic bipolar forceps includes a housing having a shaft affixed thereto, the shaft including jaw members at a distal end thereof. The shaft includes a longitudinal axis defined therethrough and the jaw members are adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. The forceps also includes a drive assembly which moves the jaw member relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for manipulating tissue. A movable handle is included which is rotatable about a pivot to force the drive assembly to move the jaw members between the first and second positions. The pivot is located a fixed distance above the longitudinal axis. A knife assembly is also included which has a movable knife bar having a generally t-shaped proximal end dimensioned to operatively engage a corresponding slot defined within the housing, the slot being dimensioned to guide the movement of the knife bar during translation thereof.
US08070744B1

A nasal aspiration device for clearing nasal passages is provided. The nasal aspiration device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of slots are formed in the proximal end of the housing. A fan is mounted within the housing and a power mechanism powers the fan. An activation mechanism activates the power means. A nose cone is removably connectable to the distal end of the housing, the nose cone having an opening wherein upon powering the fan, air travels into the opening in the nose cone, through the housing, and out of the housing the slots.
US08070741B2

A medical device is provided which includes a shield system and a syringe which is coupled to the shield system. The shield system includes a syringe holder and a shield which is slidably coupled to the holder. A spring resiliently urges the shield from a retracted position to an extended position. Stop members are provided on the holder and shield for maintaining the shield in the retracted position. The syringe is slidably coupled to the holder, and extends within the shield. Axial movement of the syringe with respect to the holder causes disengagement of the stop members, allowing the spring to move the shield to the extended position. Detents are provided on the holder for maintaining the shield in the extended position.
US08070739B2

Liquid drug transfer devices including a vial adapter designed for failsafe correct snap fitting on a medicinal vial for ensuring flow communication with the vial's interior. The vial adapters include at least two non-adjacent vial retention flex members for snap fitting over a vial opening for vial retention purposes and at least two non-adjacent vial guidance flex members longer than their counterpart vial retention flex members for guiding a vial adapter with respect to a vial prior to snap fitting the vial adapter thereon.
US08070736B2

A waste management system includes a waste transport device, a waste collection device, and an insertion device. The waste transport device includes a collection member with a distal end opening having a first cross-sectional area and a proximal end opening having a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, and a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member. The insertion device is positioned about the collection member and retention cuff to retain the collection member and retention cuff in a collapsed configuration.
US08070732B2

A holding device for locking the head of a syringe piston on a pusher has arms connected to respective pinions pivotable and translationally displaceable so that the corresponding arm is involved in the same motion between a rest position, in which the arms are closed and pressed against the pusher, and an open position, in which the arms are opened and remote therefrom, the translation is carried out prior to rotation during the movement toward the open position or in reverse order toward the rest position. The holding device also has a control member and means for converting a part of the control member movement by transmitting it to at least one pinion as a translation movement, which are translationally locked, and means for converting a part of the control member movement by transmitting it to at least one pinion as a rotation movement.
US08070730B2

A trocar assembly includes a trocar valve body defining a cavity. The assembly includes a rotatable valve handle that is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first end is sized and configured to be rotatably maintained within the cavity and the second end extends outwardly so as to be actuatable by a user. The rotatable valve handle defines a lumen therethrough which extends longitudinally from the first end to the second end. The valve body defines an outlet that communicates with the cavity. The rotatable valve handle is rotatable from an open position, in which the lumen is at least partially aligned with the outlet so as permit fluid to pass through the lumen, and a closed position, in which the lumen is not aligned with the outlet so as prevent fluid to pass through the lumen.
US08070725B2

A vascular access device incorporating a luer integrated air venting system, including a female luer fitting having a venting mechanism located within the female luer fitting and a fluid diverter located within the vent mechanism. The venting mechanism providing communication between said vascular access device and ambient surroundings until contact with a fluid.
US08070719B2

Balloon catheter comprises a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and an inflation lumen extending therein, and a balloon on the shaft which has an interior in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The balloon is formed of a blend of polymeric materials comprising a transparent amorphous nylon having a Shore D duromcter hardness of not less than 77D and being not more than about 40% by weight of the blend, and a polyamide or a polyether block amide having a Shore D duromcter hardness of no more than 73D. An increase in radial diameter of the balloon above nominal pressure for one atmosphere of pressure is no greater than 0.025 mm/atm. A guidewire catheter is also provided.
US08070707B2

A device for continuously measuring osmotic pressure of blood flowing through an extracorporeal blood circuit including: a blood passage further comprising a withdrawal blood passage connectable to a blood vessel in a patient and an infusion blood passage connectable to a blood vessel in a patient; a filter further comprising a filtrate chamber, a blood chamber and a permeable membrane separating the filtrate chamber and blood chamber, wherein the blood chamber is in fluid communication with the blood passage; a pressure sensor measuring a pressure difference between the filtrate chambers and the blood chamber, and a controller receiving a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, determining an osmotic pressure across the permeable membrane of the filter, and adjusting a rate of removal of fluid from blood in the filter if the determined osmotic pressure level varies from a predetermined osmotic pressure setting.
US08070703B2

According to various embodiments of the invention, an orthotic device comprises an upper support member adapted to be secured to a thigh; a lower support member adapted to be secured to a lower leg; a means of connecting the upper support member to the lower support member; a conformable, discrete liner segment attached to the upper or lower support member configured to provide a conforming interface with the thigh or lower leg; a first electrode disposed on the liner segment configured to contact the leg; a second electrode configured to contact the leg; and an electrostimulation unit in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes and configured to provide an electrophysical modality to the leg.
US08070698B2

The present invention relates to a massage device. In one embodiment, the massage device includes a massage assembly and a transmission assembly having a threaded bolt transmission mechanism for driving the massage assembly to provide massage effects. The massage assembly includes a pair of massage members. Each massage member has a driving member having an eccentric wheel and an eccentric block, a massage bracket engaged with the driving member and a plurality of massage heads attached to the massage bracket.
US08070690B2

The bone marrow harvesting drill of the invention includes an inner needle having a cutting edge at the tip thereof; a tubular mantle that receives the inner needle thereinto so that the inner needle and the tubular mantle are detachably attached; and a lock mechanism that prevents the axial rotation of the tubular mantle and the inner needle relative to each other; the inner needle having a groove formed at the tip thereof projecting from the tubular mantle for discharging bone scraps produced by the cutting edge at the tip of the inner needle; and the tubular mantle having a cutting edge formed at the tip edge thereof and a helical groove extending from the tip edge to at least part of the peripheral surface of the tubular mantle so as to be flush with the groove of the inner needle.
US08070689B2

The invention concerns the field of surgical instruments. The inventive trocar (1) is of the type comprising a rigid tube (2) wherein may slide a rod (3) with a perforating distal tip, and it is characterized in the distal tip zone of the rod forms a perforating drill capable of rotating on its axis while the distal end of the tube is divided into at least two segments (10, 11), with helical cutting edge. The invention is applicable in particular to bone biopsy.
US08070686B2

This patent document describes, among other things, systems and methods for monitoring lung fluid status, such as monitoring the presence or absence of pulmonary edema, in a subject using information about the cardiac impedance-indicating component of a measured impedance-indicating signal. In various examples, an amplitude or contribution change over multiple cardiac cycles of the cardiac impedance-indicating component is used to compute and provide a lung status indication. In various examples, a decreasing amplitude or contribution trend of the cardiac impedance-indicating component signifies an increasing amount of fluid in the subject's lungs, as a greater portion of an injected thoracic impedance measurement current formerly traversing the heart is rerouted through the lung due to the less resistance path created by the fluid accumulation therein. In another example, measurements of the impedance-indicating signal, and thus the cardiac impedance-indicating component, are taken at one or a combination of end-inspiration or end-expiration.
US08070682B2

Methods and apparatus for medical imaging using diffusive optical tomography and fluorescent diffusive optical tomography and ultrasound are disclosed. In one embodiment, the probe comprises emitters and detectors that are inclined at an angle of about 1 to about 30 degrees to a surface of the probe that contacts tissue. In another embodiment, the scanned volume is divided into an inclusion region and a background region. Different voxel sizes are used in the inclusion region and the background region. Appropriate algorithms facilitate a reconstruction of the inclusion region to determine structural and functional features of the inclusion.
US08070672B2

Described are surgical instruments for use in surgical procedures, related methods, systems, and kits, the instruments including features that optionally include one or more specific dimensions, and features that may result in an ergonomic advantage during use.
US08070670B2

Devices and methods for augmenting or otherwise enhancing closure of body lumens comprise magnetic or magnetizable components or particles which are implanted in the wall of the lumen. The magnet fields exerted by the components or particles act to close the body lumen with a desired force.
US08070669B2

A wall integrable multisensory therapy device for securement in a wall of a room dedicated for physiological therapeutic treatment is described. The device has a convection conduit with a bottom air intake and a top air outlet. A blower is secured between the inlet port and outlet port to heat air convected therethrough. Associated with the convection conduit is a front panel incorporating therein audio speakers and two different light sources, one being a white light source and the other being a colored light source. The white light source provides a luminotherapeutic sensation and the colored light source provides a chromotherapeutic sensation. The heated air provides a thermotherapeutic sensation. An aromatic liquid dispenser is also associated with the front panel provides an aromatherapeutic sensation. An audio transmitter equipped with speakers provides for a relaxing sensation of hearing to a user person. A control module is associated with a data processor which is programmed to generate combinations of these treatments some being adjustable in intensity levels and all having time adjustment capabilities, as programmed for selection by the user person.
US08070668B2

A drive unit to control the peak pressure of air for the inflation of a left ventricular assist system is disclosed. The control of the peak pressure can address the problem of the “kick” experienced by patients when the peak inflation pressure reaches approximately 200 mm Hg. The peak pressure of the air released for the inflation cycle of the system is reduced either by the reduction of the inner diameter of the interconnect line running from the compression tank to the valve manifold or the use of a multi-valve manifold with independently controlled valves and an electronic controller to selectively open and close the valves of the manifold. Either technique, whether used alone or in combination, reduces the peak pressure of the air released for the inflation cycle to below the levels associated with the “kick,” while still meeting the operating specifications to properly inflate and deflate the system's blood pump.
US08070664B2

The invention relates to disposable device for the continuous centrifugal separation of a physiological fluid. The inventive device comprises: a fixed axial element; a centrifugation chamber which is mounted such that it can rotate around the axis of said element; an inlet channel for the blood to be centrifuged, the dispensing port of which is located close to the base of the chamber; and an outlet passage for a separated constituent, the inlet port of which is located close to the other end of the chamber in a concentrated area of one of the separated constituents having the lowest mass density in order for same to be removed continuously. The above-mentioned chamber takes the form of a long tube. The fixed axial element comprises a second outlet passage for a second of the separated constituents, the inlet port of which is located close to the end of the chamber opposite the above-mentioned base in a concentrated area of said second separated constituent having the highest mass density in order for same to be removed continuously.
US08070659B2

The present invention generally relates to an orthopedic exerciser and its actuating mechanism which, more specifically, are used for therapy, post-surgery rehabilitation or healing of a knee, of a joint, or the muscles of a leg or any other body member. Such exercisers usually allow a combination of exercises that help in the recovery of the joint, but to minimize the chances of further injuring the body part and therefore increase the recovery process, the exerciser must submit the body part to a controlled level of force. The orthopedic exerciser of the present invention includes an actuating mechanism cooperating with a resistance assembly which provides resistance and/or assistance along different directions of movement of the actuating mechanism.
US08070656B2

A collapsible ladder for use primarily for athletic training and the like has a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid rungs secured with collapsible connectors to a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid spacers extending therebetween. In one disclosed embodiment, the collapsible connectors are strips of flexible material extending between the rungs and spacers. Another disclosed embodiment has a second set of rungs aligned substantially parallel to the plurality of spaced-apart rungs along a common central set of spacers. The collapsible connectors allow the ladder to be quickly and easily transitioned between an extended, operational position, and a collapsed, storage position.
US08070645B2

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches.
US08070644B2

A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.
US08070641B2

A differential gear assembly is disclosed. The differential gear assembly includes a first sun gear and a second sun gear coaxially aligned with each other; a first set of planetary gears in mating engagement with the first sun gear; and a second set of planetary gears in mating engagement with the second sun gear. The first and second sets of planetary gears are in mating engagement with each other. The differential gear assembly also includes a first set of friction members, each of which faces a respective one of axial ends of the first set of planetary gears; and a second set of friction members, each of which faces a respective one of axial ends of the second set of planetary gears. The differential gear assembly further includes a first body connecting at least a plurality of said first set of friction members together, and a second body connecting at least a plurality of said first set of friction members together.
US08070639B2

Power train for a motor vehicle, having an engine with a driven shaft which has a crankshaft axle which is located longitudinally to the direction of travel and which is connected to a starting unit, a preliminary gear stage with an input shaft and an output shaft, the input shaft of the preliminary gear stage being connected to the starting unit and the output shaft of the preliminary gear stage having a lateral offset to the crankshaft axle, a variator which is preferably made as a disk variator with two adjustable disk sets for the continuous transmission of torque, and for which the input-side disk set is connected to the output shaft of the preliminary gear stage, while the output-side disk set is located laterally offset, a subsequent gear stage which has an input shaft and an output shaft and which is located on the same side of the variator as the preliminary gear stage, the input shaft of the subsequent gear stage being connected to the output-side disk set of the variator, and a first differential with a lateral driven shaft which is located transversely to the direction of travel and between the engine and the starting unit, and forms a first drive axle, the first differential being connected to the output shaft of the subsequent gear stage.
US08070635B2

A transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The transmission provides multiple powerpaths and can be combined with electrical components to provide motor/generator functionality, which reduces the overall size and complexity of the motor and transmission compared to when they are constructed separately. In one embodiment, rotatable components of a continuously variable transmission are coupled separately to an electrical rotor and to an electrical stator so that the rotor and stator rotate simultaneously in opposite directions relative to one another. In other embodiments, an electrical rotor is configured to transfer torque to or from a disc that is in contact with a plurality of speed adjusters, while an electrical stator is configured to transfer torque to a shaft that is operationally coupled to the speed adjusters via an idler.
US08070634B2

A sprocket comprising at least one groove for engaging a toothed belt, said groove having a flank, the flank having a groove tip radii (R1) of between approximately 105% and approximately 125% of a belt tooth root radii (R8) when the toothed belt is in rack form, said groove tip radii being joined to a groove arcuate conjugate flank portion (200) by a linear flank portion (202), and said linear flank portion being disposed at an angle (Φ) of between approximately 18° to approximately 24° with respect to a groove centerline (CL) and comprising a length of at least approximately 20% of a sprocket groove depth (h).
US08070631B2

A quick release base system that includes a base platform and a removable base. The base platform includes a bottom platform surface and a top platform surface. The top platform surface is positioned above the bottom platform surface. The top platform surface includes platform prongs. The platform prongs are substantially perpendicular to the top platform surface and extend away from the top platform surface and away from the bottom platform surface. The removable base rests on top of the base platform, and the removable base includes an interior base surface. The interior base surface includes base prongs. The base prongs are substantially perpendicular to the interior base surface and extend away from the interior base, and the platform prongs interact with the base prongs to create a lateral restraining force between the base platform and the removable base.
US08070629B2

A golf GPS device is disclosed herein. The device includes a GPS unit, a memory for storing a plurality of aerial images of a golf course, a display for displaying the plurality of aerial images, a user input for inputting a plurality of location points on an aerial image of the plurality of aerial images displayed on the display, and a processor comprising means for determining a distance between any two points on a golf course.
US08070625B2

Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a rubber center and a rubber outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard, thermoplastic intermediate core layer.
US08070623B2

A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face includes one or more stiffening members or other structures on the inner surface of the face to provide locally increased stiffness to particular areas of the face. Certain stiffening members may provide greater stiffness than other stiffening members, allowing the face to be configured for areas of greatest stiffness and greatest COR tailored to common impact patterns.
US08070605B2

The system provides a control and management solution for linked gaming machines in a progressive game environment. The system can track multiple meters so that multiple progressive jackpots can be maintained for each game and/or for multiple participating business entities sharing in game revenue. Correspondingly, multiple progressive display meters can be controlled for each game machine. The system is scalable from near area progressive systems to wide area progressive systems. In the event that communication is lost with in a wide area progressive environment, one or more game machines may automatically switch to near area progressive behavior until communication is restored. The system is independent of currency and denomination limitations by employing and converting currency as units instead of particular denominations. Game machine population and participation can be remotely managed, updated, and changed from a central management location.
US08070603B2

Disclosed is a network game system in which a time lag is adjusted, using game terminal type information such as its ID number. A network game server comprises a lag adjusting program and a database to be referenced to execute the lag adjusting program. On the network, data from game terminals is transmitted in packets to the network game server where concentrated management is made of all packet data as user information. Different transmission time lags predetermined for the product types of the game terminals that are expected to connect to the server are stored into the database beforehand. When the server receives packet data from a terminal device having an EUI-64 identifier, the appropriate transmission time lag is read, based on the identifying information.
US08070594B2

A machine having a card processing assembly. The machine has a plurality of card holders connectable to the card processing assembly. One card holder is configured to hold data cards associated with one condition. At least one other card holder is configured to hold data cards associated with another condition.
US08070591B2

A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a wagering apparatus, a display, and an award apparatus. The wagering apparatus receives a wager from a player. The display depicts a scrolled sequence of elements. The award apparatus provides an award based on an indicated portion of the sequence of elements. If the elements are digits, for example, the award may be based on a multi-digit number formed by the digits in the indicated portion of the sequence of elements.
US08070579B2

Novel methods, devices and systems are described for mapping a variety of Class III game outcomes to a common set of bingo patterns. Each game theme may have a different entertaining display, based upon a corresponding Class III game. Preferably, each game theme will offer game play and paytable percentages closely matching those of the original Class III game. Some implementations provide a system wherein electronic gaming machines presenting entertaining displays of various Class III game themes are linked to a single bingo server. By linking many participating electronic gaming machines to a single server, some implementations of the invention allow all of the progressive contributions to be pooled into one large progressive jackpot, thereby making the game more attractive to players.
US08070573B2

A video game apparatus has a memory for storing two or more tasks which a player character can get instructed character(s) to execute according to a scenario development of a game, means for displaying tasks at a time when a scenario development of a game reaches a predetermined position so as to be selected by the player, means for determining candidate characters which can participate the task selected by the player and for displaying these so as to be selectable by the player, means for determining the character selected by the player as participant character, and means for executing the task according to a parameter which is set on the participant character on the basis of the participant character and the selected task.
US08070562B1

A polishing stand for supporting a slab of solid material comprises a plurality of vertical supports, a horizontal platform attached to the vertical supports, and at least one clamp member attached to the horizontal platform, the clamp member comprising a vertical section that is coupled to the horizontal platform and horizontally adjustable to clamp a slab. A sink installation tool features an elongated connecting rod, a clamp head mounted to a first end of the connecting rod, and a flip foot mounted to a second end of said connecting rod. The flip foot is movable between a first position substantially parallel to the connecting rod, so that the flip foot may be inserted through the drain hole of a sink, and a second a second position where the flip foot is nonparallel to the connecting rod to engage a bottom surface of the sink.
US08070560B2

A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish. The polishing apparatus includes a polishing table having a polishing surface, a polishing head having at least one elastic membrane configured to form a plurality of pressure chambers for being supplied with a pressurized fluid, and a controller configured to control supply of the pressurized fluid to the pressure chambers. The controller controls supply of the pressurized fluid so that the pressurized fluid is supplied first to the pressure chamber located at a central portion of the substrate when the substrate is brought into contact with the polishing surface, and then the pressurized fluid is supplied to the pressure chamber located at a radially outer side of the pressure chamber located at the central portion of the substrate.
US08070559B1

A method of surface grinding a Zr-rich bulk amorphous alloy article includes providing a substrate; providing a first surface grinder for rough surface grinding; and providing a second surface grinder for finish surface grinding. During the rough surface grinding, the rotating speed is in the range from 20 r/min to 30 r/min, the grinding time period is from 3 minutes to 12 minutes, and the grinding pressure is from 1 kg/cm2 to 2 kg/cm2, and a first pump circularly conveys a first lubricant to a first rotating abrasive wheel. During the finish surface grinding, the rotating speed is in the range from 30 r/min to 40 r/min, the grinding time period is from 5 minutes to 7 minutes, and the grinding pressure is from 1 kg/cm2 to 2 kg/cm2, and a second pump circularly conveys a second lubricant to a second rotating abrasive wheel.
US08070541B2

A protective system for underwater installation on the propeller of a boat inhibits marine growth from fouling the propeller. The system includes a flexible material sized and shaped so as to be capable of enclosing the propeller. A member such as a clamp or clip maintains the flexible material in a state enclosing the propeller. The system further includes a link (such as a piece of line) having one end attached to the member and/or the flexible material and a free second end. The link is of sufficient length such that when the flexible material is installed about the propeller the free end of the link extends to a location proximate to the boat at or above the waterline of the boat (such as to the transom or deck of the boat, or to a dock against which the boat is tied) wherein the link can be retrieved by a user of the boat. A tug on the link by the user releases the flexible material from the propeller permitting the retrieval of the link, the member and the flexible material as a unit from the propeller without the aid of a diver.
US08070516B2

An electrical connector includes an inner shell having a bottom board, two side boards and a top board to define a receiving space thereamong, an insulating body having a base portion mated with a rear of the receiving space and a tongue portion extended forward from the base portion and stretching into a front of the receiving space, a plurality of terminals disposed in the insulating body, and an outer shell mounted around the inner shell. The outer shell has a base plate electrically covered on the top board and at least one soldering tail soldered to a printed circuit board so as to achieve a ground function of the inner shell through the outer shell and the outer shell further prevents the water which enters the receiving space from an opened front end mouth of the receiving space from flowing onto the printed circuit board.
US08070509B2

The present invention relates to a splice restraint for use with sleeves that attach to joints. The splice restraint includes a first securing member constructed and arranged to be received in a groove of a first sleeve that is installable on a first leg of a joint, a second securing member constructed and arranged to be received in a groove of a second sleeve that is installable on a second leg of the joint, and a strap connecting the first securing member to the second securing member. The strap having a length determined by the distance between the groove on the first sleeve and the groove on the second sleeve when the first and second sleeves are properly installed on the joint. The splice restraint provides a visual indication that the sleeves are properly installed on the joint, as well ensures that sleeves will not be displaced after the lineman leaves the site.
US08070506B2

A connector for use in terminating communications cables including electrical contacts (42) arranged to receive wires (30) of a communications cable (60), at least one cover (12, 22) pivotally connected with the connector and having wire-receiving spaces (14, 24), wherein the cover is arranged to move pivotally to bring wires positioned in its wire-receiving spaces into engagement with the contacts (42).
US08070475B2

A casting mold is provided for forming a biomedical device including an ophthalmic device such as a contact lens. The casting mold includes an anterior mold section and a posterior mold section, wherein one of the mold sections includes a plurality of radially extending ribs and the remaining mold section includes an annular shoulder for engaging an outer end of the ribs to define a mold cavity.
US08070471B2

A molding apparatus includes a bottom platen, a bottom mold portion carried by the bottom platen, and a top platen overlying the bottom platen and the bottom mold portion. The top platen includes slots extending therethrough for receiving a molding material. The molding material is to be gravity deposited into the bottom mold portion. A top mold portion is carried by the top platen and is moveable between a molding material loading position and an article forming position. An actuator is coupled to the top mold portion for moving the top mold portion between the molding material loading position and the article forming position. The molding material loading position corresponds to when the top mold portion is non-overlying the bottom mold portion so that the molding material can be gravity deposited therein. The article forming position corresponds to when the top mold portion is overlying the bottom mold portion for molding an article.
US08070469B2

A hand operated injection molding machine apparatus constructed from prefabricated sub-assemblies and a desired mold clamping means attached to a main support structure, and then electrically integrated with each other.
US08070468B2

A sheet film forming roll includes a center rotary shaft. Fixed end plates are disposed in two locations which are away from each other in an axial direction of the center rotary shaft, respectively. An external cylinder is made of a metal thin film. Two ends of the external cylinder are rotatably supported by the fixed end plates, respectively. Multiple rolling rubber rolls have ends which are rotatably supported by the respective fixed end plates. The rolling rubber rolls are in sliding contact with an outer peripheral surface of the center rotary shaft, and in sliding contact with an inner peripheral surface of the external cylinder. The rolling rubber rolls divide an annular space between the external cylinder and the center rotary shaft into multiple heating medium chambers arranged in a circumferential direction of the sheet film forming roll. A heating medium is configured to be filled in each of the multiple heating medium chambers. At least one heating medium chamber includes a heater which uses electricity as its heat source.
US08070467B2

This invention is an improved process to formulate polymeric microspheres/nanospheres and encapsulate therapeutic proteins or other useful substances, and a polymer sphere apparatus. The invention is also methods of purifying protein-containing-polymeric-microspheres from unused polymer, and an apparatus therefore.
US08070452B2

The present invention relates to a rotorcraft blade (1) provided with a distributed spar (10) on a leading edge (4), a suction side (2), and a pressure side (3) of the blade, and the invention also relates to a method of fabricating such a spar. The blade is provided with a fastener insert (20) integrated in the blade root for the purpose of fastening the blade to a rotor, the fastener insert (20) comprising a horizontal shaft (21) perpendicular to the span of the blade and to an axis of rotation of said rotor, with the distributed spar (10) of the blade being wound in part about the horizontal shaft.
US08070449B2

A vertical-axis wind turbine for use with an electrical generator for producing power by converting the energy of wind currents into mechanical rotational energy which is then used to operate the electrical generator. In an embodiment, a rotor is responsive to wind currents by imparting rotation upon a central vertical shaft. Preferably, the rotor is designed with functional curved surfaces for efficient operation.
US08070446B2

The present invention provides an improvement for a wind turbine (20) having at least one blade (21) mounted on a hub (22) for controlled rotation about a blade axis (yb-yb) to vary the pitch of the blade relative to an airstream. The hub is mounted on a nacelle (23) for rotation about a hub axis (xh-xh). The wind turbine includes a main pitch control system for selectively controlling the pitch of the blade, and/or a safety pitch control system for overriding the main blade pitch control system and for causing the blade to move toward a feathered position in the event of an overspeed or fault condition. The improvement includes: an energy storage device (26) mounted on the nacelle and associated with the blade; a pitch-axis controller (25) mounted on the nacelle and associated with the blade and with the energy storage device; an electro-mechanical actuator (28) mounted on the hub and associated with the blade; and at least one slip ring (29) operatively arranged to transmit power and/or data signals between the pitch-axis controller and the electro-mechanical actuator; whereby the mass on the rotating hub may be reduced.
US08070434B2

A fan mounting assembly includes a fan, a supporting device, two fixing devices, and two magnetic units. The fan includes a frame having two spaced walls, and at least two spaced fixing holes are defined in each of the walls. The fixing devices are oppositely mounted to the supporting device and sandwich the fan therebetween. Each of the fixing devices includes a fixing plate and two fixing arms perpendicular to the fixing plate. The fixing arms of the fixing devices are made of ferromagnetic material and align with the fixing holes of the fan respectively. Each of the magnetic units includes two magnets. Each magnet of the magnetic units engages in a corresponding one of the at least two fixing holes of a corresponding wall of the fan and attracts a corresponding fixing arm, to make the fixing arms clamp the fan.
US08070429B2

Embodiments of this invention include a nozzle assembly for a turbine, the nozzle assembly including an airfoil, inner and outer sidewalls, and inner and outer rings. Each of these sidewalls and rings are coupled together at an interface through a combination of a mechanical interconnection on one end and a welded connection on the other end. The mechanical interconnection includes either the sidewalls or the rings having a protruding hook and the other having a corresponding hook recess. The interconnection can also include axial and radial mechanical stops. The configuration may further include one or more surfaces at an interface between a ring and a sidewall angled away from the interface to form a narrow groove. The configuration further may include a ring with a consumable root portion.
US08070421B2

A sealing interface for a component in a turbine machine, wherein a plug is mechanically affixed within an entrance passage of an aperture. The plug is secured in place within the entrance passage through deformation of an inner end of the plug to cause the plug to mechanically engage a groove formed adjacent the entrance passage.
US08070408B2

The present invention generally includes a load lock chamber for transferring large area substrates into a vacuum processing chamber. The load lock chamber may have one or more separate, environmentally isolated environments. Each processing environment may have a plurality exhaust ports for drawing a vacuum. The exhaust ports may be located at the corners of the processing environment. When a substrate is inserted into the load lock chamber from the factory interface, the environment may need to be evacuated. Due to the exhaust ports located at the corners of the environment, any particles or contaminants that may be present may be pulled to the closest corner and out of the load lock chamber without being pulled across the substrate. Thus, substrate contamination may be reduced.
US08070404B1

A fastener assembly comprising a fastener with a head having a first surface and second surface, and a shaft extending from the second surface of the head. An annular washer is rotatably disposed about the shaft and rotatable relative to the second surface of the fastener head. The washer has an inner diameter, an outer diameter, a first surface and a second, the first surface being positioned adjacent to the second surface of the head. A plurality of identical conical projections extend out from the second surface of the washer and are formed integrally therewith.
US08070402B2

A method and apparatus for increasing the volumetric efficiency with which automotive vehicle frames are stacked on a carrier such as a railroad flat car. Frames are alternately reversed end-for-end and/or laterally offset from one another and may be longitudinally angled and internested between adjacent stacks. Twin sheet molded HDPE spacers are used.
US08070401B2

An improved centrifugally-cast tube is provided, along with a related method and apparatus of making the tube. The tube includes a plurality of grooves and bosses that are mechanically machined into an interior surface of the tube, such as by a broaching process. The profile of grooves and bosses may be defined by a plurality of intersecting concave and convex radii. The tube is resistant to creep, carburization and metal dusting. The tube also has an enhanced heat transfer rate, and a desirable surface roughness. A method of making the tube is also provided. The method essentially consists of mechanically deforming the interior surface of the tube by passing a series of cutting inserts on support rings having incrementally-differing dimensions over the interior surface. An apparatus is also provided which includes a telescoping shaft upon which is mounted at least one cutting tool that has a plurality of cutting inserts and is adapted to form a plurality of grooves and bosses in the interior surface of the tube. The grooves and bosses may be straight or spiraled.
US08070400B2

A device for the high-speed drilling of boards for printed circuits and the like. The device has a support, a drill head with an associated mandrel, and a member for locking and driving a drill bit in the mandrel. The mandrel is actuated by a compressed air turbine and has an optical encoder for encoding the speed of rotation of the turbine and generating a signal representing this speed. The signal is supplied to a control circuit in order to drive a proportional valve supplying compressed air to the turbine as a function of the speed of rotation encoded by the optical encoder.
US08070399B2

A drill point (1) for drilling sandwich panels (100), composite materials and similar, comprising a shank (2) for coupling into the chuck a tool apt to drive said point (1) in rotation; a drilling member, integral to the shank, comprising a substantially cylindrical working portion (3), and a cutting head (4), located at the end of the working portion (3), having cutting edges (C); wherein onto the surface of the working portion (3) there are obtained helical flutes (5), spirally arranged about a substantially central longitudinal axis (A-A) of the working portion (3), the flutes (5) ending on a top face (4′) of the cutting head (4), characterized in that the constructive geometry thereof provides a helix angle (ε) with respect to the longitudinal axis (A-A), along which there develop the helical flutes (5), substantially comprised in a range of 30° to 35°.
US08070391B2

A pile driving system for driving a pile comprising a support system comprising an arm assembly, an engaging system comprising a primary housing and a secondary housing, a suspension system, a vibratory system, and first and second clamp assemblies. The first clamp assembly rigidly connects the secondary housing to the pile. The second clamp assembly rigidly connects the secondary housing to the pile. The second clamp assembly rigidly connects the secondary housing to the side portion of the pile. The tip portion of the at least one pick member engages at least one sheet pile of a substantially horizontal stack of sheet piles to remove the at least one sheet pile from the stack of sheet piles. The pile driving system drives the pile using at least one of a driving force generated by the support system and a vibrational force generated by the vibratory system.
US08070389B2

The present disclosure provides an improved method and system for loading a topsides onto an offshore structure by functional modules. A module support frame forms a supporting structure to which production modules can be assembled. The production modules are adapted to extract or process hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon well in an offshore location. One production module is a well bay production module to which other production modules can be coupled, including a drilling support production module, separation production module, export module, and utility module. The module support frame can be loaded onto floating barges and other modules assembled thereto to allow the barges to provide incremental and controlled support during the loading process and for the floatover installation. The barges can be floated out to the offshore structure and loaded onto the offshore structure by methods including a floatover method or with a heavy-lift crane vessel.
US08070379B2

The mentioned parking barrier doesn't need a prior electric infrastructure since it creates it for its own use and for the units which are connected to it. When a vehicle comes into contact with the parking barrier unit, the part bearing the weight of the vehicle, the mechanical parts of the parking barrier unit will be set in motion. The motion of the mechanical parts in the parking barrier unit will activate a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy that is created by the device is stored in a storage device. The stored electrical energy will serve to activate the various parts of the parking barrier unit and its parts.
US08070375B2

Shaft-coupling assemblies using the same shaft but different removable coupling devices (pulleys or gears, etc). The coupling devices are located at any location on the shaft and can be the same or different sizes.
US08070364B2

A roller bearing having two cooperating rolling parts of which one is of ceramic and the other of a steel. The steel part is of such structure and/or material and/or is so produced to cause residual compressive stresses to form beneath the contact surface of the steel part, at least in a load-free state, down to a depth.
US08070362B2

A sliding radial bearing assembly for use on a rotating shaft in machinery where a fluid lubricant passes through the assembly to provide a lubricant film between stationary and rotating parts of the assembly. Any gaseous phase is allowed readily to escape from the assembly by providing a lubricant passage which exits close to the shaft, while a substantially non-gaseous film of liquid lubricant is maintained at the bearing interface.
US08070356B2

A method for measuring the temperature of substrates to be coated is disclosed. The substrates have an opening or a cavity, and the substrates are successively moved past a source of coating material. At least one substrate's temperature is measured during coating by at least one temperature sensor and the measured temperature value is transmitted to a measuring device. The temperature sensor is disposed inside the substrate's opening or cavity so as to prevent coating of the temperature sensor.
US08070350B2

The clay extruder includes a drum 2 having a screw 4 having a rotary shaft 6, a spiral rotary blade 5 for feeding the clay under pressure while kneading the clay fed into the screw, a pressure raising portion 10 to feed the clay under pressure while kneading the clay, and a rectifying portion 11 provided on the side of an extrusion port 20 in the drum 2 to rectify the clay into a columnar shape. The rectifying portion 11 has a rectifying rotary blade 7 whose intervals being longer than that of the rotary blade; an angle formed between the face on the side of the extrusion port in a sectional shape of the rectifying rotary blade cut along the central line of the rotary shaft 6 and the central line gradually decreases, as the rectifying rotary blade comes close to the extrusion port.
US08070348B2

A concrete mixing drum includes a wall having at least one projection (32a, 32b) integrally formed as part of a unitary body with the wall. The at least one projection extends from the inner surface of the wall and includes a tapered base region proximate the inner surface of the wall.
US08070345B2

A light guide plate includes a body having a bottom surface and a light output surface opposite to the bottom surface. A reflector is located on the light output surface opposite to the center of the bottom surface. The reflector is a cavity concaved from the light output surface to the inside of the body. A plurality of scattering dots are located on the bottom surface. The scattering dots are arranged in the form of a plurality of concentric circles around the center of the bottom surface. The number of the scattering dots is defined based on a radius of the circle they reside on, and the radius of the circle is greater than or substantially equal to 4 millimeter.
US08070343B2

A light pipe is configured to provide a wide effective angle of illumination while simultaneously providing a substantially uniform distribution of light along a length of the light pipe. One or more reflective surfaces not aligned with an inner surface are disposed such that when at least one reflective surface is illuminated, light is emitted from the light pipe at one or more specified angles of light emission. A plurality of reflection points are formed on the inner surface to cause the specified angles when at least one of the reflective surfaces is illuminated. A light pipe is also provided having one or more exterior protrusions configured to function as a secondary light source. A second portion of an outer surface of the light pipe has a radius of curvature which differs from the radius of curvature of the first portion of the outer surface.
US08070338B2

A high intensity discharge lamp automotive headlamp system is provided for three different lighting functions. The headlamp system is a single unit that provides for low beam, high beam, and daylight running light (DRL) functions. Two optical components are used to easily and effectively switch between the different modes of operation. The first optical component is a shutter that selectively blocks a portion of the light beam output. Secondly, either a single lens or lens portions can be moved either within the light beam path or into the light beam path to alter the divergence.
US08070334B2

The work machine has an operator's cab, an engine hood, an exhaust pipe, a first headlight, and a second headlight. The engine hood is disposed in front of the operator's cab. The exhaust pipe projects upwards from the engine hood. The first headlight and the second headlight are provided at a front part of the operator's cab spaced in a lateral direction and disposed so that optical axes of the first and second headlights are mutually intersect but not to overlap with the exhaust pipe when viewed in a top plan view.
US08070325B2

A light fixture using LEDs includes a lower skin layer possessing heat transfer properties. A circuit board is affixed to the lower skin layer, and a single LED, or a plurality of LEDs, is electrically connected to the circuit board. The single LED, or plurality of LEDs, when electrically activated, emits light through substantially around a vertical axis. The light fixture also includes a core possessing heat transfer properties that is in thermal contact with the LED and has an interior cavity for the LED. The core is affixed to the lower skin layer, and an upper skin layer, containing a window or windows over the LED or LEDs, is affixed to the core. The LEDs may be white, infrared, ultraviolet, and/or colored and may be mounted on a printed circuit board or individually.
US08070324B2

A thermal control system for a light-emitting diode comprises a thermistor array thermally coupled to a heat sink. The thermistor array may be disposed within a thermal conductive member. A power supply is electrically connected to the thermistor array. A cooling device is electrically connected in series with the power supply and the thermistor array. The thermistor array is between the power supply and the cooling device. A rheostat may further be electrically connected, in series, between the thermistor array and the cooling device.
US08070319B2

An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
US08070315B2

An illumination arrangement comprising a plurality of light-emitting semiconductor components (1), arranged in a row, a diffuser (2), which is illuminated by the light-emitting semiconductor components during operation of the illumination arrangement, intermixes light emitted by the semiconductor components during operation and has a light coupling-out area (200) remote from the semiconductor components, and two mutually opposite, reflective longitudinal side faces (3), between which the row of light-emitting semiconductor components is arranged, which run perpendicular or obliquely with respect to the light coupling-out area, and which reflect at least part of the light emitted by the light-emitting semiconductor components during operation in the direction toward the light coupling-out area.
US08070307B2

A light-emitting warning device of a safety helmet, including a helmet main body, a light guide element and a light source control mechanism. An annular locating groove and a receiving cavity are formed on an outer face of the helmet main body. Two end sections of the locating groove communicate with the receiving cavity via two through holes formed in the helmet main body. An elongated flexible strip body is received in the locating groove. Two end sections of the light guide element extend through the through holes into the receiving cavity to connect with the light source control mechanism. The light source control mechanism projects light into the light guide element, and emits as a lighting ring along the periphery of the helmet main body. The light guide element communicates with an interior of the helmet main body to avoid dropping.
US08070306B2

An LED lighting fixture including a housing including a first and second border structures. An LED assembly is secured with respect to the housing to permit air/water-flow over the LED assembly. The LED assembly includes at least one LED-array module mounted at an elongate LED heat sink that extends along the housing and between two heat-sink ends. The heat sink has an LED-module-engaging surface and a heat-transfer surface. One heat-sink end is at the first border structure and the other heat-sink end is at the second border structure. The housing and the heat sink define an air gap permitting air/water-flow to and from the heat sink.
US08070304B2

A lens unit including a first lens including a first lens section having a first optical axis along which light passes, and a second lens. The second lens includes a second lens section having a second optical axis along which light passes, and a flange provided at the outer circumferential part of the second lens section and having a surface opposed to the first lens, and a tubular section extending from the flange in the direction of the second optical axis and having an inner side face opposed to the second lens section. The first lens is fitted in the tubular section and in contact with the inner side face of the tubular section of the second lens. The tubular section of the second lens has a plurality of protrusions protruding in the direction of the second optical axis and a plurality of valleys provided between the protrusions.
US08070293B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a design-superposing display apparatus for superposing a design above a part of a display surface of a display device. The design-superposing display apparatus includes a design display portion disposed above the display surface for accepting a transmitted light from a rear thereof; a light source disposed outside of the display device for emitting the transmitted light of the design display portion; and a light guide portion extending from the rear of the design display portion toward the light source and guiding the emitted light toward the rear of the design display portion.
US08070288B2

Eye shade structure comprising inner and outer compressible material layers, and a resiliently compressible intermediate layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers, the layers being flexible and locally compressed to define two re-entrant recesses adapted to be located over the user's eyes, the locally compressed layers defining reduced thickness sections of the layers in registration with the recesses, the inner and outer layers having portions bounding the recesses, and providing cushions to engage users facial structure bounding the eyes.
US08070283B2

The image forming apparatus, comprises: a plurality of ejection heads which eject liquid containing, a first ultraviolet curing initiator having spectral absorption characteristics at least in a first wavelength range, a second ultraviolet curing initiator which has spectral absorption characteristics at least in a second wavelength range being on a shorter wavelength side from the first wavelength range and has no spectral absorption characteristics in the first wavelength range, an ultraviolet-polymerizable compound, and a coloring material, onto a medium; a semi-curing device which radiates, at least once, ultraviolet light having at least a wavelength which is in the first wavelength range and which is on a longer wavelength side from the second wavelength range, onto dots formed by the liquid ejected from the ejection heads onto the medium; an intermediate processing device which performs intermediate processing of an image formed on the medium by the dots; and a main curing device which radiates ultraviolet light having at least a wavelength in the second wavelength range, onto the image which has undergone intermediate processing by the intermediate processing device.
US08070276B2

A cartridge is constituted by a plurality of absorbing materials for retaining liquid, an interface formed by press-contact between opposing surfaces of the absorbing materials, an introducing portion for supplying the liquid out of the absorbing materials, and a filter provided at an end portion of the introducing portion. The absorbing materials press against the filter so that an end portion of the interface reaches the filter.
US08070274B2

A printing-fluid container includes a printing-fluid reservoir configured to hold printing fluid. A printing-fluid interface is configured to output printing fluid from the printing-fluid reservoir and an air-interface is configured to regulate an operating pressure within the printing-fluid reservoir.
US08070271B2

A liquid transfer device of the present invention includes a passage unit, an energy supplier, and a supporter. In the passage unit, a common liquid chamber and a plurality of individual passages branching off from the common liquid chamber are formed. Such a passage unit includes a plurality of plates which are laminated on one another and include a first plate having a hole constituting the common liquid chamber and a second plate. The energy supplier supplies, to liquid in the individual passages, energy for transferring the liquid. The supporter projects inwardly from a side wall defining the hole formed on the first plate, and is continuous from one end to the other end of the common liquid chamber in a laminating direction of the plates so as to support the second plate in the laminating direction.
US08070265B2

A method for forming a floating heater element includes processing a silicon substrate to form a heater stack having the heater element on the substrate with peripheral edge portions, processing the heater stack by depositing and patterning a layer of photoresist or hard mask thereon to substantially mask the heater stack and form a trench through the photoresist or hard mask exposing a surface area of the substrate extending along the peripheral edge portions of the heater element, and processing the masked heater stack and exposed surface area of the substrate by sequentially removing the photoresist and portions of the substrate at the exposed surface area and that underlie the heater element so as to create a well in the substrate undercutting the heater element and open along the peripheral edge portions thereof, the well being capable of filling with a fluid so as to produce the floating heater element.
US08070257B2

A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first head having a first nozzle group in which nozzles from which a first liquid is ejected are aligned in a nozzle-row direction at a predetermined pitch and a second nozzle group in which nozzles from which a second liquid is ejected are aligned in the nozzle-row direction at the predetermined pitch, the nozzles in the first nozzle group being positioned between the nozzles in the second nozzle group in the nozzle-row direction; a second head having a third nozzle group in which nozzles from which the first liquid is ejected are aligned in the nozzle-row direction at the predetermined pitch and a fourth nozzle group in which nozzles from which the second liquid is ejected are aligned in the nozzle-row direction at the predetermined pitch, the nozzles in the third nozzle group being positioned between the nozzles in the fourth nozzle group in the nozzle-row direction; and a moving mechanism that moves the first head and the second head relative to a medium in a direction intersecting the nozzle-row direction. In the nozzle-row direction, the nozzles in the third nozzle group are positioned between the nozzles in the first nozzle group, and the nozzles in the fourth nozzle group are positioned between the nozzles in the second nozzle group.
US08070256B2

An ink jet head includes (A) a first black nozzle column having a plurality of nozzles arranged at a predetermined pitch in a transportation direction of a medium and discharging black ink, (B) a second black nozzle column having a plurality of nozzles arranged at the predetermined pitch in the transportation direction and located at positions shifted from the plurality of nozzles of the first black nozzle column in the transportation direction and discharging the black ink, and (C) a color nozzle column having a plurality of nozzles arranged at the predetermined pitch in the transportation direction and located at the same positions as the plurality of nozzles of the second black nozzle column in the transportation direction and discharging different colors of ink from different groups of nozzles thereof, each group including a predetermined number of nozzles consecutively disposed in the transportation direction.
US08070250B2

An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a transport belt, a pressure device, a sheet detection device, an ejection/transport device, and a control device. The control device controls generating a first stop timing of the sheet transportation by the transport belt, at which first stop timing the transfer belt stops transporting the sheet, and that controls a predetermined delay time after which a second stop timing is generated, at which second stop timing the ejection/transport device stops transporting the sheet, and that shortens the delay time after the sheet detection device detects a trailing edge of the sheet.
US08070232B2

The present invention provides a scooter with two chair backs. The scooter includes a main body containing a wheel seat, a pedal and front/rear wheel set; two chair back supports, assembled separately onto both sides on the back of wheel seat of the main body; and two chair backs, incorporated onto at least one chair back support via the connecting frame and transversely arranged at interval. The scooter of the present invention substantially improves the structural functionality and comfort of the chair back of the scooter, and also meets the diversified customer requirements with improved applicability.
US08070222B2

The active headrest of the invention includes individual parts provided in a seat back. The individual parts include a lower unit which operates by an impact given to a frame, a wire which elevates/lowers inside the seat back linked to the lower unit, a solenoid to which the wire is locked and/or an upper unit having the solenoid, and a headrest device linked to a lifter or a connecting portion of the upper unit. At the time of collision, the wire is tensioned downward, the lifter or connecting portion of the upper unit ascends or tilt forward, and the ascent and forward tilting of the headrest are performed instantaneously. As a result, this headrest can secure the ascent stroke and forward tilting which can follow the movement of a head, etc. at the time of collision, and can protect a head, etc.
US08070206B2

A method for lowering a tailgate is disclosed. The method may include selecting a vehicle comprising a first side, a second side, a tailgate, and a first tailgate support. The tailgate may be connected to pivot with respect to the first and second sides through a range of motion. The first tailgate support may have a first end connected to the first side and a second end connected to tailgate. The method may further include detaching the first end of the first tailgate support from first side of the vehicle. Once a first extension link is selected, the first end of the first tailgate support may be connected to the first extension link. The first extension link may be connected to the first side. Once installed, the extension link may effectively lengthen the tailgate support, permitting the tailgate to hang lower than ninety degrees from its closed position.
US08070188B2

A quick-connecting coupler for connecting hoses, connectors together or to a faucet or other water accessories that allows ease of use by anyone, including the elderly, the infirm, and those suffering from disabilities. The quick-connecting coupler has a first male-end and a second female end. The second female end is provided with of spaced-apart through-slots or opening for receiving therethrough a pair of forks or leg-sections of a yoke. Each of the pair of forks or leg-sections is provided with at least one interior-facing linear thread or rib for engaging with the male threads of the mating male end of another hose, or the like. The second female end of the coupler of the invention has a pair diametrically opposed cutouts through which portions of the linear threads or ribs are exposed, whereby these exposed portions of the threads or ribs may mate with corresponding portions of the male threads of the mating male end positioned in the second female end of the coupler for coupling the mating male end in the female end of the coupler.
US08070172B1

A leaning vehicle suspension. Preferred embodiments have two transversely-mounted steerable front wheels and a single rear wheel, but the vehicle suspension of the present invention may be used with two-wheeled vehicles or four-wheeled vehicles, and front and rear coupled vehicle suspensions may be employed. Two preferred embodiments of the vehicle suspension of the present invention are described. Both have a transverse leaf spring, left and right rotary dampers, and independent left and right parallelogram transverse control arms movably mounting left and right wheel mounting members to the vehicle's frame. A rocker member, to which the rotary dampers and leaf spring are mounted, is pivotally mounted to the vehicle frame by a central pivot bearing, permitting the rocker member to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The parallelogram geometry holds the front wheels at even camber throughout the suspension travel.
US08070167B1

An arcade game pick-up device for use with hollow cylindrical targets that can be picked-up by applying a suction force to the bottom of the target, the pick-up device having a suction means and a control for reducing the tolerance between an impeding structure and the upper wall of the target to control the win percentage.
US08070161B2

A game ball has two different game indicia associated therewith. One or more of such game balls may be part of a set of game balls, such as a set of balls used to play a bingo, keno or lottery game where the game indicia may comprise numbers used to play lottery or keno, or combinations of letters and numbers for play of a bingo game. Compared to game balls bearing a single game indicia, selection of a game ball bearing multiple game indicia presents a player with an increased or bonus matching opportunity. The game balls may be physical elements or be electronic representations, such as displayed images, thereof.
US08070160B2

The invention presents a methodology and device for distribution of playing cards. Automatic operation without manual intervention is its main theme. This eliminates the likely manipulations, monotony, errors associated with manual handling of playing cards. The device has provision of conventional automatic shuffling prior to distributing. Playing cards shuffled in more elaborate manner by other suitable devices also can be used on the invented device. There are many user friendly features of the invented device. These include compact size, portability, ease of operation and maintenance, adaptability to any card games. Optional operation of this device by a remote control enhances its utility Standard playing cards of Bridge or Poker size can be used with this device. The invented device is said to be useful to group of players in homes, club houses, casinos and at out-doors.
US08070151B2

A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet-table unit, a sheet-separating unit disposed at a downstream end of the sheet-table unit along a convey direction of the sheets, a convey unit arranged at a downstream end of sheet-separating unit, a discharge unit located at a downstream end of the convey unit, an sheet processing unit placed between the convey unit and the discharge unit, a speed sensor arranged at an upstream end of the sheet-separating unit for detecting a movement of each sheet for forming a sheet interval between two adjacent sheets, and an edge sensor located between the sheet-separating unit and the sheet processing unit. The edge sensor detects a front edge and a rear edge of each sheet passing therethrough, and sends corresponding control signals to a system controller which delays a predetermined time according to the control signals to control the sheet processing unit to start and stop processing.
US08070149B2

An arrangement for gathering or assembling printed sheets into semi-finished products for producing bound printed products, the arrangement including a conveying device and a plurality of replaceable feeder units arranged side-by-side along the conveying device. Each replaceable feeder unit includes at least two feeders for supplying the printed sheets to the conveying device and an undercarriage. The plurality of replaceable feeder units are arranged on the undercarriage. The undercarriage includes interface sections assigned, respectively, to the replaceable feeder units and the interface sections each include a first interface configuration. The arrangement further includes an adapter device that is arranged on the interface section and includes a top side compatible for attaching feeders with a second interface configuration different from the first interface configuration and includes a bottom side compatible with the first interface configuration so that the adapter device can be fitted on the interface section of the undercarriage.
US08070148B2

A cutting board, including retaining holes in a side surface thereof, each retaining hole including a screw hole at an end side of the retaining hole and a first fitting portion at an opening side of the retaining hole; projecting rods inserted into the retaining holes each include a cylindrical second fitting portion and a threaded portion to be screwed onto the screw hole with ends of the second fitting portion projecting from the side surface of the cutting board; a remaining portion of each first fitting portion is fit into the fitting portion of each retaining hole; each projecting rod is pivoted in a forward and reverse direction to allow the threaded portion thereof to move in a left and right direction within the screw hole; the length of each of the projecting portions projecting from the side surface of the cutting board is adjusted to fasten each projecting rod.
US08070137B2

A handrail assembly configured for grasping by a pedestrian includes a railing formed from an extruded metal such as aluminum. The railing includes an integrally formed channel running a length thereof within the interior of the railing. The channel includes a threaded portion for receiving a fastener for mounting the handrail assembly to a mounting assembly for interconnection to a wall. The mounting assembly includes a fastener secured within a bracket post that extends downwardly from the railing of the handrail assembly. The fastener of the bracket post is self-threaded onto the railing through a pilot hole drilled into the bottom surface of the railing. The bracket post is coupled to a bracket by way of a fastener to thereby mount the bracket to a wall so as to secure the handrail assembly to the wall.
US08070134B1

A lift system for raising and lowering a load including a rigid platform, four spaced fixed supports positioned around corners of the platform, and a power source connected to a first of the supports. First and second inextensible lines are each preferably fastened at one end to a third support diagonally opposing the first support, and at another end thereof to the power source. The first line preferably extends from the power source to the third support, passing to a plurality of four pulleys each attached to a corner of the platform and over a pulley attached to the second support. The second line preferably extends from the power source to the third support, passing to a plurality of four pulleys each attached to a corner of the platform and over a pulley attached to the fourth support. The lift system produces a mechanical advantage of four.
US08070133B1

A mechanical lift for raising, lowering, and positioning a flywheel or a clutch assembly, the mechanical lift incorporating a base, the base being configured as a mechanic's floor creeper; a boom arm mounted upon the base for motion between first and second positions, the boom arm extending upwardly from the base while in the second position, the boom arm being positioned downwardly from the second position while in the first position; a first hydraulic cylinder connected operatively to the boom arm, the first hydraulic cylinder being mounted for moving the boom arm between its first and second positions; a telescoping shaft and a second hydraulic cylinder actuating the telescoping shaft, the telescoping shaft being connected operatively to the boom arm; and a clutch or flywheel adapter fixedly attached to the boom arm.
US08070131B2

A gate valve having a body, a chamber housed in the body, a passage through the body that intersects the chamber, a gate for selectively opening and closing the valve, and a cutting edge on the gate. The cutting edge can sever any lines that may be in the valve and still seal after closing. The gate includes a recess formed to collect cuttings formed while severing the line.
US08070125B2

A mounting apparatus includes a bracket, fasteners, and a positioning member. The bracket includes an end member, and a pair of side plates perpendicular to the end member. The positioning member is pivotably attached to the end member. A pair of mounting holes is defined in each side plate. Each mounting hole includes an entry portion extending through an edge portion of the side plate, and a locating portion communicating with the entry portion. The entry portion is closer to the end member than the locating portion. The fasteners are attached to two sidewalls of a storage device. Each fastener includes a gasket received in the entry portion of a mounting hole to abut against the storage device. The positioning member is pivoted to abut against the storage device when the gaskets move from the entry portions to the locating portions of the mounting holes.
US08070122B2

A scissor-action carrier for suspending a sign or other display from an overhead inverted “U” shaped channel support track. The scissor-action carrier comprises an elongated first arm and an elongated second arm pivotally connected to one another at a pivot axis. A rotatable wheel is attached to an upper end of each elongated arm. Wherein the wheels are individually insertable into and removable from the “U” shaped channel. A connector means is arranged at a lower end of each arm to permit support of a sign or other display therefrom when the carrier is inserted within the support track and the connector means of each arm are in respective alignment with one another, wherein the arms are prevented from rotating freely and the wheels are kept inside of the support track when the carrier is supporting a sign or other display.
US08070113B1

A sway brace including a U-shaped sling with flanges at each end. The flanges are mounted to two mounting fixtures including block bodies and passages therethrough. Mounting surfaces on the fixtures receive the flanges of the U-shaped sling. Threaded members affix the flanges to the mounting surfaces of the mounting fixtures. The sling includes metal strapping formed in a U-shaped curve about an axis perpendicular to the width of the strapping in a manner to create rigidity and strength.
US08070112B2

A system including an overhead cable pathway structure and a cable storage device that mounts overhead to the cable pathway structure. The cable storage device including a storage spool and a cable pathway exit having a curved surface that guides excess cable exiting from the overhead cable pathway structure to the spool.
US08070110B2

Exemplary embodiments of sink support systems. An exemplary embodiment includes a cross-member having respective first and second cross-member attachment structures attached at respective ends. First and second mount brackets are configured for attachment to a vertical surface of the support structure. Each of the cross-member attachment structures is configured to engage a corresponding mount bracket to vertically support the cross-member. The cross-member has a plurality of leveling devices to support the sink.
US08070100B2

An aircraft structure comprising: a spar; a primary cover attached to the spar and extending on a first side of the spar; and a secondary cover positioned on a second side of the spar and partially overlapping an internal surface of the primary cover. A bracket is attached to the spar, and a spacer is provided between the secondary cover and the bracket. The spacer is sized so that the primary and secondary covers together form a substantially continuous external aerodynamic surface. The structure provides an alternative to conventional butt-strap arrangements.
US08070098B2

In a rear cone of a fuselage of an airplane a pressurized space is arranged in the rear cone and extends up to an impervious strong wall, placed on a rear portion of the length covered by a fin. The pressurized space constitutes an area accessible to individuals and is able to constitute, in particular, a rest and service area for the crew.
US08070091B2

Electromechanical actuation systems and methods are provided. The electromechanical actuation system includes first, second, and third linear actuators having respective first, second, and third ranges of motion and an output member coupled to the first, second, and third linear actuators such that a position of a selected portion of the output member is based on actuation of the first, second, and third linear actuators.
US08070075B2

The description is given of a sanitary water-outflow fitting, in particular a tub-filling mixer unit, having a water-outflow housing (1) and a jet former for a wide-surface-area water-outlet jet (19), the jet former being arranged in the housing. The water-outflow housing (1) comprises an elongate supply channel (21) which runs essentially perpendicularly to the water-outlet jet (19), tapers in a funnel like manner in the throughflow direction and is bounded by an intermediate wall (37). The intermediate wall (37) has a multiplicity of throughflow holes (51), via which the supply channel (21) is connected to an elongate distributor chamber (11) essentially parallel to it. The distributor chamber (11) has at least one water-outlet channel (9) leading to the water outflow.
US08070073B2

An end post for a rail joint assembly comprising: a top portion having a profile substantially identical to cross-sectional shapes of rail head sections of first and second rails of the rail joint assembly; a base; and a stem disposed between the top portion and the base; wherein one or more of the top portion, base and stem comprise a plurality of pieces of a first electrically insulating material disposed on or in a second electrically insulating material. The plurality of pieces are preferably spaced apart and may have a substantially disc-shape or a substantially cylindrical-shape, and are preferably made from a ceramic material such as zirconium dioxide, aluminum oxide or silicon nitride, where the second electrically insulating material comprises a polymeric material, such as polyurethane.
US08070072B2

A method for controlling a digital shower system includes the steps of: actuating the digital shower system for operation; detecting whether the system is in order or not, and if not, generating an error message; otherwise, performing the next step; entering a ready mode, for discharging in advance a water flow in an outlet pipe that does not reach a preset outlet water temperature; entering a shower mode, in which a desired message is input through a digital user interface, a water outlet is controlled by a control unit to continuously output water maintained at the same temperature as the preset outlet water temperature; and providing several preset power-off conditions for automatically turning off the digital shower system. The method may not only achieve the function of discharging water in advance, but also automatically shut off the water output in a certain time period, so as to save water.
US08070061B2

In one implementation, a method for providing access to a secure facility includes authenticating the user; generating a card credential, transmitting the card credential to an access card carried by of the user, and transmitting the card key to the access card in a form that is usable by the access card. The generating the card credential includes encrypting the card key using a server encryption key. The card key is usable for a challenge-response interaction during subsequent access requests by the user.
US08070059B2

A method for authorizing device interaction includes requesting, from a connected device, authorization data from a remote service. At the connected device, authorization data is received and then passed with an authorization prompt to a user interface device. From the connected device, a user interface device response to the prompt is passed to the remote service. At the connected device, authorization setting data is received and stored. The authorization setting data has a value determined according to the user interface device response and is useable by the connected device to determine authorization for subsequent connected device interaction with the remote service.
US08070053B2

A stackable container for carrying produce. The container has tapered side walls or end walls to aid in the stacking of like containers. Also, the container has locking flaps that allow the container to be erected manually and without the need for fasteners. Further, at least one tapered wall of the container has a reinforcement flap that creates a partial top structure in the upper part of the container that helps prevent bulging of the walls. The reinforcement flap also creates doubled stacking tabs and diagonal corner posts that aid in the stacking of like containers.
US08070052B2

A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The first top panel and the second top panel being at least partially overlapped to form a top wall of the carton. At least two end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. A handle in the top wall of the carton comprises a first handle section in the first top panel, a second handle section in the second top panel, and a handle reinforcement flap foldably connected to at least one of the first top panel and the second top panel. The first handle section, the second handle section, and the handle reinforcement flap are placed in overlapping relationship to form the handle.
US08070049B2

The instant invention relates to a device for wave soldering workpieces, encompassing means for moving the workpiece, which is to be soldered, along a specific path across at least one solder wave generated above a solder reservoir, with a protective and/or active gas atmosphere of a first composition being located above the solder reservoir so as to exclude oxygen and with means for introducing the protective and/or active gas as well as an enclosure being provided, with the enclosure being configured in such a manner that it encloses at least the essential parts of a solder zone.
US08070042B1

A process for joining a stainless steel part and a silicon carbide ceramic part, comprising steps of: providing a stainless steel part, a SiC ceramic part, and a Al foil; bringing surfaces of the stainless steel part, SiC ceramic part, and Al foil into contact, with the titanium foil inserted between the metal part and ceramic part; applying a pulsed electric current to the stainless steel part, SiC ceramic part, and Al foil, heating the stainless steel part, SiC ceramic part, and Al foil to a joining temperature of about 500-650° C., and simultaneously applying a joining pressure of about 50-100 MPa to the stainless steel part, SiC ceramic part, and Al foil while the current is applied, and maintaining the joining temperature and the joining pressure for about 10-30 minutes.
US08070041B2

A method for constantly controlling a direct application of pressure for bonding porous coatings to substrate materials used in orthopaedic implants. The direct pressure is applied to an interface between the porous coating and the substrate material via a pressure application mechanism unaffected by heat and air pressure conditions of the bonding process. The pressure application mechanism maintains a pressure on the implant which is constantly controlled throughout the bonding process.
US08070039B1

A linear friction welding system in one embodiment includes a ram configured to vibrate along a welding axis, a cam follower operably connected to the ram, an eccentric including an eccentric outer periphery operably engaged with the cam follower, and an inner periphery, a first power shaft slidingly engaged with the eccentric, and a second power shaft eccentrically engaged with the inner periphery.
US08070037B2

A circular stapler for performing hemorrhoidal operations is disclosed. The circular stapler includes an anvil, a stapler head and a shaft which movably supports the anvil in relation to the stapler head between open and closed positions. The stapler includes at least one displacing member, each of which is arbitrarily and/or independently displaceable along the shaft. Each of the at least one displacing members has a first end configured to engage a pursestring suture and a second end which extends through the body, e.g., the neck of the stapler. The displacing member is arbitrarily displaceable along the shaft. In one embodiment, two independently displaceable displacing members are provided. In another embodiment, the at least one displacing member is at least partially embedded in the shaft.
US08070023B2

A beverage dispensing assembly that is capable of dispensing controlled or metered portions of a beverage charged with a gas fits onto a shelf in a conventional household refrigerator. The beverage dispensing assembly includes a sealed disposable container assembly that contains the beverage and a dispensing assembly that cooperates with the container assembly to selectively unseal the container assembly and dispense controlled portions of the beverage from the container assembly.
US08070018B2

A viscoelastic liquid flow splitter includes a flow splitter body having a first bore including a first bore outlet and a first bore inlet, and a second bore including a second bore outlet and a second bore inlet. The bore inlets are substantially parallel to each other and the bore outlets diverge from each other at an angle. The flow splitter also includes a compression fitting having a first and a second tubular portion fluidically coupled to the first and second bore inlets where the tubular portions are configured to fluidically couple to a double barreled viscoelastic liquid dispensing syringe.
US08070007B2

Described is a herb keeper comprising a body having a closed end and an open end defining a cavity therebetween, and a removable tray portion sized to be slidingly received within the cavity of the body, at least one flexible projection extending from the body toward the tray portion, wherein the tray portion is held in a rest position by the at least one flexible projection.
US08070004B2

In various embodiments, shipping container systems are described included an extended tunnel flooring system with a steel floor piece running lengthwise down the center of the extended tunnel floor, and an Omega flooring system including alternating lengthwise strips of 6 wood floor pieces and 5 floor steel pieces on a structure of support beams reinforced with steel gusset plate.
US08070001B2

A housing for a railway car draft gear assembly for cushioning buff and draft shocks includes a rear portion engageable with the rear stops of such railway car and a front portion configured for attachment to a coupler arm. Opposed ends of the front and rear portions are provided with complimentary flanges for removable attachment of the front portion to the rear portion with threaded fasteners.
US08069992B2

A product display system and method includes a support and at least one product container supported by the support. The product containers incorporate one or more wings or flanges that enhance viewability of the containers from the side. The wings of the product containers may project forwardly or rearwardly from card portions of the containers, such as at angles of at least 20 degrees relative to the card portions. The containers may be supported at a support arm or the like, and have a center of gravity located behind a header for suspending the packages from the support arm, causing the packages to angle or tilt with their front faces angled somewhat upwardly, such as toward an illumination source, when suspended from the support arm.
US08069988B2

Vacuum packed absorbent articles including diapers, kits thereof, and retail packages including vacuum packed and non vacuum packed absorbent articles are disclosed.
US08069987B2

A shipping container having side walls, a bottom and a top defining an internal volume. The top is selectively displaceable for gaining access to the internal volume and for sealing the internal volume of the container. A valve drawing a vacuum on the internal volume from outside of the container is provided. The side walls are capable of contracting and expanding as a result of the pressure within the internal volume.
US08069984B2

A bit holder comprises a body defining at least one cavity. The cavity includes a first pathway for receiving a bit and a second pathway for holding a bit. The first and second pathways intersect to define an open area between the first pathway and the second pathway such that a bit can be rotated between the first pathway and to a locked position in second pathway. The first pathway is disposed at an angle relative to the second pathway. The bit is retained by an interference fit with the body. The holder may be releasably retained in a case using mating structures on the case and holder. In a method for retaining a bit in a holder, the bit is inserted into the holder along the first pathway. The bit is rotated through the open area to position the bit in the second pathway where it is held.
US08069978B2

A coin holder having edge view optics. The coin holder includes a coin having an obverse side, a reverse side and a coin edge having features on the coin edge. The features can include lettering, decorative patterns or other features of interest. An optical frame is configured to surround the coin edge and includes reflective surfaces that project an image of the coin edge to a viewing side of the optical frame, where the features of the coin edge can be viewed in a desired orientation.
US08069961B2

Engaging grooves 8e extending in the cylinder axial direction and circumferential grooves 8f formed in a cylinder axial direction middle portion of the engaging grooves 8 are formed on a bottom side of a cylinder hole 8. Engaging rib 12b engaging with the engaging groove 8e and engaging rib 16d which engages with the engaging groove 8e and fits to the circumferential groove 8f are formed on a fixed side cam plate 12 and a housing, respectively. A bleeder hole 8g which penetrates communicates with the engaging grooves 8e and circumferential grooves 8f of the cylinder hole 8 is drilled in a caliper body 2. Communication holes 16h which allow communication between the inside and outside of the housing 16 is formed at a bottom side of the cylinder hole 8 rather than the engaging rib 16f of the housing.
US08069955B2

An elevator may include an elevator car, a counterweight, a set of hoisting ropes, and one or more rope pulleys. The car and counterweight may be suspended on the hoisting ropes. At least one rope pulley may include a solid surface including a plurality of rope grooves configured to receive at least one hoisting rope. Each rope groove may generally conform to a semi-circular shape and may include a groove bottom and sides. The at least one rope pulley may include a coating adhesively bonded to it. The coating may directly contact the at least one hoisting rope. A coating thickness may be less than or equal to about 3 mm. At the groove bottom of each rope groove, the coating thickness may be substantially less than half a thickness of the at least one hoisting rope. The coating may cover the groove bottom and sides of each rope groove.
US08069953B2

A system and method for making a food item are provided. The apparatus includes a food item assembly and packaging station having a first work area for assembling and packaging a food item and a meal order assembly station having a second work area for assembling a meal order that includes a food item packaged on the first work surface. A conveyor is positioned beneath the first work area and extends from a position proximate to the first area to a position proximate to the second work area. A conveyor access opening is proximate to the first work area to provide worker access to the conveyor to permit manual placement of a food item assembled and packaged at the first work area onto the conveyor for conveying the packaged food item beneath the first work area to the location proximate the meal order assembly station.
US08069949B2

In accordance with certain embodiments, the present invention provides a modular approach to a lubrication package. Certain components such as the filter and cooler are directly connected to a block that has connections to accept them and internal porting to establish the proper flow paths for circulation, cooling and filtration of the circulating lubricant. The block can accept one or more coolers and one or more filters. The isolation valving for redundant equipment can also be integrated into the block. Many connections that had been used in past designs for the piping network are integrated into the block. The block can also be close mounted to the reservoir while a submersible pump further saves space and piping connections. Indeed, having the ability to maintain mechanical equipment (e.g., remove and replace filters and coolers) without shutting down, allows for continuous process flow, which eliminates down-town scheduling, loss of product and/or redundant backup, all of which comes at a considerable cost.
US08069943B2

A vehicle pop-up hood apparatus of the invention includes: an arm member whose proximal end portion is connected to a vehicle body so as to be pivotable about a first axis extending in the vehicle width direction; and a connection mechanism by which a hood of the vehicle is integrally connected to a tip side portion of the arm member. The hood is allowed to pivot relative to the arm member about a second axis extending in the vehicle width direction, and to move relative to the arm member in the vehicle longitudinal direction when the integrative connection, established by the connection mechanism, between the arm member and the hood is broken. The apparatus further includes an actuator that breaks the integrative connection, established by the connection mechanism, between the hood and the arm member, and that generates a lifting force that lifts the hood relative to the body.
US08069941B2

A fuel cell vehicle capable of improving energy efficiency by reducing switching loss is provided. The fuel cell vehicle includes: a fuel cell that generates direct current power; inverters which respectively include switching elements and convert the direct current power generated by the fuel cell into alternating current power; a diode that prevents current from flowing from the inverters toward the fuel cell; a step up/down DC/DC converter that adjusts the voltage of the cathode side of the diode; a voltage control part that controls the step up/down DC/DC converter, thereby controlling current output from the fuel cell; and a stop and idle determination part that stops the supply of air to the fuel cell, thereby stopping idling of the fuel cell. The voltage control part reduces the voltage of the cathode side of the diode as the voltage of the fuel cell is reduced by activating the stop and idle determination part.
US08069939B1

A beach cart system for transporting goods between locations is provided. The beach cart system comprises a lower cart portion having a first recessed area and a second recessed area. An upper cart portion having at least one storage bay is receivable within the first recessed area. A front cart portion having at least one insulated cup holder is receivable within the second recessed area. A plurality of wheels is secured to the lower cart portion. A motor is secured to the lower cart portion for driving the wheels. A handle for steering the beach cart system is attached to the lower cart portion and has controls for controlling operation of the motor.
US08069926B2

A downhole valve comprises a tubular body and a valve member. The valve member is normally closed and in the closed position may prevent or restrict passage of a working fluid through the body. The valve member is movable to an open position, a first working fluid pressure differential being necessary to move the valve member from the closed position and a lower second working fluid pressure differential being necessary to maintain the valve member in the open position.
US08069925B2

A top sub of a clutch swivel for connection to a production well tubing string is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to a mandrel. The engaged position allows an anchor to be set in a well casing by rotating the tubing string. Tension can be applied to the tubing string to move the top sub to the disengaged position, allowing the tubing string to be rotated without rotating the mandrel. The anchor can be moved to a different position, without pulling the tubing string to the surface, by removing tension from the tubing string to move the top sub from the disengaged position to the engaged position, rotating the tubing string in an opposite direction to release the anchor, and resetting the anchor by again rotating the tubing string. The top sub may also include a sealed internal volume of the swivel remains constant are.
US08069918B2

A downhole tool, such as a packer or liner hanger, has a mandrel on which slips are disposed for engaging a surrounding tubular downhole. When the tool is being run in or out of the hole, at least one magnetic component magnetically retains the slip adjacent the mandrel so the slip can be held away from the surrounding tubular. When the tool is set downhole, the initial magnetic retention can be broken, and the slips can be moved away from the mandrel to engage the surface of the surrounding tubular.
US08069914B2

The invention is directed to a hydraulic actuated pump system which lifts production fluids and re-circulating hydraulic fluid from a petroleum well. Additives may be added to the hydraulic fluid to apply direct chemical treatment to the production formation. A sonic stimulator may be included to stimulate and produce the same liquids from the horizontal section of the well.
US08069911B2

A radiator including a core part having a plurality of tubes and fins, a tank fluidically connected with the tank, an oil cooler contained in the tank, the oil cooler being provided with a pair of connecting pipes which fluidically communicate an interior of the oil cooler and penetrate a wall portion of the tank. The wall portion is formed with a projecting reinforcement portion which projects therefrom and is formed at least between the connecting pipes.
US08069910B2

A thermal management system is provided herein which comprises a synthetic jet ejector (201) driven by an acoustic resonator (209).
US08069904B2

In a method for producing hot strips from a deformable lightweight steel which includes as main elements Fe, Mn, Si and Al, melt is cast close to its final dimension in a horizontal continuous strip casting installation under a protective gas to form a pre-strip between 6 and 20 mm, and the temperature of the pre-strip is adjusted after complete solidification and before the beginning of a hot-rolling process. The pre-strip is passed through a device under a protective gas for homogenization in concert with a selective maintenance of the temperature, cooling or heating, and subsequently subjected to a hot-rolling process having at least one pass with a total degree of deformation of at least 50%, and is then reeled as a hot strip following the cooling process. The hot-rolling process is executed in-line or in decoupled manner depending on the ratio of casting speed to rolling speed.
US08069890B2

A system and apparatus for installing a central tire inflation (CTI) valve containing member into the hub bore opening of a wheel so as to be in communication with an air passageway hub port in the vehicle hub. Preferably, the CTI valve containing member includes a CTI valve sealed to a hub bore manifold with the hub bore manifold being mounted to the wheel disc and/or the vehicle hub. The hub bore manifold seals against the vehicle hub and the wheel hub bore surface (and/or the front face of the wheel disc). An air passageway in the manifold runs from the vehicle hub port to the CTI valve, and other air passageway(s) connect the CTI valve to the tire interior, such that air can travels from the vehicle hub to and from the tire cavity by way of the manifold and CTI valve.
US08069888B2

The present disclosure relates to methods for reducing warp potential of lumber derived from a raw material, such as a log or stem are provided. In some embodiments, the methods involve examining the log or stem for shrinkage properties and/or properties of spiral grain. The location of the shrinkage properties and/or properties of spiral grain may be used to determine how the log is oriented relative to a cutting device. In some embodiments, these characteristics may determine what cutting pattern is selected for creating the lumber or how a stem is bucked.
US08069885B2

A service station, in particular a hydrogen service station for filling a motor vehicle with a gaseous and/or a liquid medium, in particular with gaseous or liquid hydrogen, is disclosed. The station includes a) a reservoir for storing a liquid medium, b) a liquid medium dispensing unit which is supplied with the liquid medium from the reservoir, c) a compressor, an evaporator, a heating system, and an intermediate reservoir for intermediate storage of a compressed gaseous medium, d) a gaseous medium dispensing unit mounted downstream of the intermediate reservoir, e) a fuel cell which is supplied by the gaseous medium coming from the reservoir and/or the intermediate reservoir and supplies power to the compressor, and f) a control unit which is powered by the fuel cell and used for controlling the compressor, the gaseous medium dispensing unit and/or the liquid medium dispensing unit.
US08069881B1

A method for residual stress enhancement for a coil spring includes radially expanding at least a select axial portion of the coil spring to remove residual tensile stress from the spring inner diameter and induce residual compressive stress in the spring inner diameter. The spring is expanded by radial force on the inner diameter and/or by a helical unwinding force induced by rotating at least one end of the spring relative to the other end of the spring. A tool includes a spring expansion portion and, optionally, a diameter control portion. Cylindrical, conical and/or beehive springs are processed to enhance residual stress.
US08069879B2

A hydrocarbon application hose to avoid substantial compression and blow-out resulting from high pressurization differentials therethrough. The hose is formed from an inner tube that has a layer of material with electromagnetic target, such as carbon fiber, disbursed therethrough. In this manner, the material, generally a polymer, may be electromagnetically heated once the layer has been wrapped with a metallic reinforcing member. Thus, the layer of material may transform into surrounding relation relative to the reinforcing member. A substantially unitary inner tube may thereby be provided that includes a reinforcing member for blowout resistance and is of unitary character for compression resistance.
US08069875B2

A ventilation member and a ventilation member kit are provided that can extend the time until fogging will be produced in a housing and also can shorten the time until the produced fogging will be cleared up even when the interior of the housing has been fogged. A vented housing and a vented tank using them are also provided. A ventilation member includes: a first gas permeable membrane, a second gas permeable membrane, and an absorbing layer allowing a gas passing through an opening of a housing or a tank to permeate therethrough, with the ventilation member being fixed to the opening; a support body for supporting the first gas permeable membrane, the second gas permeable membrane, and the absorbing layer; and a first one-way valve disposed so as to cover the first gas permeable membrane. The first gas permeable membrane and the second gas permeable membrane are disposed in such a manner that the gas permeates through the gas permeable membranes independently of each other. The second gas permeable membrane and the absorbing layer are disposed in such a manner that the gas permeates through the second gas permeable membrane and the absorbing layer successively. The absorbing layer contains a water absorbent.
US08069871B2

A protective canopy housing (1) for a barbeque grill (2) having a canopy (6) with a vent opening on a top (22) with an elevated vent cover (8). The canopy is supported by supports (5a, b and c) attached to a grill by C-clamps (4a,b). The canopy housing can include side curtains (10a, b) which may be rolled up and secured along the sides of the canopy. The side curtains may include mesh and can be maintained in a down position during use to protect the users from insects. The curtains can be removably detachable. The canopy would preferably be made of heat-resistant material.
US08069858B2

Methods and apparatus described herein may utilize activation of an SMP material to install medical devices with respect to a surgical site. Activation of the SMP material may be performed with the use of a triggering force and/or a constraint applied to the SMP material. Activation using a triggering force and/or a constraint may be used to create varied activation rates in an SMP material and may be combined with temperature or other activation stimuli to create the varied activation rates.
US08069856B2

A dynamic infant head support for preventing, or correcting, the abnormal shape of a head of an infant, and a method of using the support for treating deformational plagiocephaly. The support is an oval-shaped pillow, with a central opening to receive the head of the infant to be treated. Spaced barriers divide the interior of the pillow into a plurality of compartments. A ring-like manifold passes through the interior of the pillow and communicates with each compartment. A plurality of valves is operatively associated with the manifold; one valve is located in each compartment. The valves allow fluid, such as pressurized air, in the manifold, to inflate individual compartments. The manifold is pressurized by a pump, at a remote location; a heater warms the pressurized air. A remote controller is connected to the valves by electrical leads. The controller governs the sequence of operation of the valves, and regulates the duration of time that each valve is open. The controller may be programmed, to inflate or expand the compartments in the pillow, to gently lift, and mildly turn, the head of the infant positioned thereon, thus combating the abnormal shape or deformation.
US08069855B2

A respiratory mask includes: a rigid mask frame having a ring portion, a loop portion spaced apart from the ring portion, and rib portions interconnecting the ring portion and the loop portion, the rigid mask frame defining a frame space; and a single piece of a flexible mask body having a flat central portion, a surrounding portion extending outwardly and curvedly from the flat central portion, and a peripheral end portion flaring from the surrounding portion. The flat central portion is formed with an annular flange sleeved on the ring portion. The peripheral end portion is disposed outwardly of the frame space. The surrounding portion extends into the frame space and is restrained by the rib portions and the loop portion of the mask frame.
US08069854B2

A ventilation device for non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment of a patient has a gas flow generator, a gas delivery circuit optionally including a humidifier, a controller and sensors monitoring values of operational parameters of the device. The device further includes one or more relationships stored in data storage of the controller relating combinations of parameter values as being indicative of fault conditions of the device operation, the sensors and/or the fault detection process.
US08069852B2

The present invention monitors and interprets physiological signals and spontaneous breathing events to detect the onset of arousal. Once the onset of arousal is determined, the present invention determines adjustments that are needed in the operation of a therapeutic device to avoid or minimize arousals. In one embodiment, the present invention includes one or more sensors which detect a patient's physiological parameters, a controller which monitors and determines the onset of arousal based on the physiological variables received from the sensor, and a therapeutic treatment device which is controlled by the controller. The sensor can be a combination of one or more devices which are able to monitor a physiological parameter that is used by the present invention to determine the onset of arousal or the onset of a sleep disorder. The sensors can be integrated into one unit or may operate independent of the others.
US08069849B2

A passive solar collector utilizes a support constructed of precisely machined foam to simplify the construction and calibration of the reflective surface. Further improvements include sensor-based positioning, and a receiver having inflow and outflow conduits adapted to improve thermal efficiency.
US08069844B2

A fuel delivery unit for a motor vehicle, wherein a swirl pot has a base formed from an upper part and a lower part, and an outer wall connected to the base, forming a seal. The upper part and the lower part bound fuel-delivering regions of a suction jet pump and of a section of a feed line. This arrangement allows the fuel delivery unit to be produced at particularly low cost.
US08069836B2

Generally, a multiple electrode spark gap fuel injector and methods of utilizing a multiple electrode spark gap fuel injector for internal combustion engines. Specifically, at least one pair of electrodes having a corresponding pair of electrode ends radially located and axially located in relation to an amount of dispersed fuel to increase efficiency of fuel combustion.
US08069834B2

An oil level management system for a vehicle has an oil pan configured to contain oil and to be mountable to an engine block with a baffle extending transverse to the axis of rotation of the engine crankshaft when the oil pan is so mounted. The baffle is configured to partially define a first oil reservoir and a second oil reservoir, as well as an oil flow opening such that the oil reservoirs are in fluid communication with one another and are characterized by respective first and second oil levels within the pan. The second reservoir drains to the first reservoir when the engine is running and when the engine block and crankshaft are positioned on the vehicle with the axis of rotation tilted from horizontal. The first oil level is lower than the second oil level to avoid oil contact with the crankshaft.
US08069832B2

In a system, a starter includes a motor for rotatably driving an output shaft with a pinion and an actuator that shifts the pinion toward a ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. A monitor unit monitors a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine. The rotational speed of the internal combustion engine drops after an automatic control for stop of the engine. When an engine restart request occurs with the rotational speed being within a preset range during the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine dropping by the automatic control for stop of the engine, a drive unit drives the actuator to shift the pinion toward the ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. The drive unit rotatably drives the motor with the pinion being engaged with the ring gear to thereby crank the crankshaft.
US08069831B2

An accessory switch SWa and an ignition switch SWi are connected to a sub-relay RL1. A starter switch SWs is connected to a sub-relay RL2. The sub-relay RL2 is turned OFF when welding occurs in the starter switch SWs. When welding occurs in the accessory switch SWa, the starter switch SWs is turned OFF, or the starter switch SWs is not turned ON.
US08069822B2

A pet exercise wheel assembly having a light-emitting device includes an exercise wheel made of a material pervious to light. The exercise wheel has a tapered sleeve projecting from a center of the exercise wheel and is axially formed with a penetrating channel. A light-emitting device has a casing coupled to the tapered sleeve of the exercise wheel. The light-emitting device has a circuit board formed with a central hole and provided with at least a lamp, a battery, a rocker switch, and an IC chip that are electrically connected with each other, with the lamp exposed at an exterior of the casing. Thereby, rotation of the exercise wheel drives the light-emitting device to rotate, so that the rocker switch in the light-emitting device is rocked to close a loop of the circuit board, thus causing the lamp to blink and provide a visual entertaining effect.
US08069817B2

Showerhead electrodes for a semiconductor material processing apparatus are disclosed. An embodiment of the showerhead electrodes includes top and bottom electrodes bonded to each other. The top electrode includes one or more plenums. The bottom electrode includes a plasma-exposed bottom surface and a plurality of gas holes in fluid communication with the plenum. Showerhead electrode assemblies including a showerhead electrode flexibly suspended from a top plate are also disclosed. The showerhead electrode assemblies can be in fluid communication with temperature-control elements spatially separated from the showerhead electrode to control the showerhead electrode temperature. Methods of processing substrates in plasma processing chambers including the showerhead electrode assemblies are also disclosed.
US08069816B2

A coating film processing method is used for processing a coating film formed on a surface of a substrate to prepare for an immersion light exposure process arranged to perform light exposure through a liquid. The method includes supplying a solvent-containing liquid comprising a combination of a solvent and a solvent-ability decreasing agent for decreasing solvent ability, or a diluted solvent, onto an edge portion of the coating film, thereby performing edge portion cutting; and supplying a cleaning liquid onto the edge portion of the coating film, thereby performing edge portion cleaning, subsequently to the edge portion cutting.
US08069812B2

A booth with a plurality of spray nozzles for the application of sunscreen, insect repellent, aloe lotion, skin care products, or similar lotions or liquids to substantial portions of the human body. One or more spray nozzles are oriented to avoid opposing air or spray flows that may cause inefficient or uneven application of the lotion or liquid. Spray nozzles may be fixed or adjustable. The invention may include means for rinsing the body prior to application of the lotion or liquid to promote even and unobstructed application to the body, as well as means for washing down the booth between or after use is provided. Power may be provided by electrical power sources, a battery, or solar panel(s).
US08069809B2

A laterally stable foldable boat comprising a single sheet of corrugated plastic further comprising a first planar plastic substrate, a second planar plastic substrate, a plurality of elongate parallel ribs disposed between and joining the first and second plastic substrates, the plurality of elongate parallel ribs extend parallel along the entire length of the plastic substrates to form a plurality of open flute channels lengthwise through the substrates, a plurality of bend lines, a plurality of folding hinges located at each corner of the single sheet of corrugated plastic, and a stabilizing ballast, that further includes a first plurality of apertures centrally located in the hull area, wherein the first plurality of apertures are formed perpendicular to the sidewall bend lines and create at least one opening in the plurality of flute channels, wherein the first plurality of apertures allow water to enter or exit the plurality of flute channels running lengthwise through the foldable boat.
US08069808B1

A buoyancy control system comprises a housing and first and second pistons movably supported by the housing. In a shallow mode, displacement of the first piston alters a buoyancy of the buoyancy control system. In a deep mode, displacement of the first and second pistons alters the buoyancy of the buoyancy control system.
US08069807B2

The floating drive-on docking system for a watercraft uses a main floatation portion where the watercraft rests when loaded and a pivoting entry portion for creating a low loading angle between the watercraft and the floating drive-on docking system, resulting in only a small amount of propulsion from the watercraft being required to load onto the docking system. The pivoting entry portion has entry features, either rollers or raised bumps, that remain above the waterline when not engaged by the watercraft to keep the loading surfaces free from marine growth that can harm the hull of a watercraft. Wide side guides on the pivoting entry portion assist in positioning the craft for loading onto the docking system.
US08069806B1

The invention is directed towards a watercraft module and a connectorless sea train including two or more of the watercraft modules. The watercraft modules in the sea train are formed in a bow-to-stern relationship and are held together by compression forces. Each module includes a hull having a bow end having a substantially V-shaped profile, and a stern end having either a continuous end or a substantially V-shaped notch cut therein. The size and shape of the substantially V-shaped notch is substantially similar to the size and shape of the substantially V-shaped profile of the bow end. In the sea train having two or more watercraft modules, the substantially V-shaped profile of the bow end of a trailing watercraft is received in the substantially V-shaped notch at the stern of a leading watercraft.
US08069803B1

An improved tiller restraining device is provided for attachment to the underside of a boat's tiller to selectively control the position of the tiller and rudder. The device features a specialized mechanical clutch that grips or releases a control rope, which runs through the clutch and is secured across the cockpit. The device is operated with one hand by moving an integrated clutch lever upward to release the rope and allow free tiller movement, or downward to engage the rope and restrict tiller movement. Inside the device, a spring acts on the lever to pinch and bind the rope against the openings where the rope passes through the clutch housing. The spring and lever are aligned so they toggle, enabling the clutch to remain either engaged or disengaged with no additional controls.
US08069800B2

The invention relates to an armed stealth surface vessel (1) comprising a hull (2), a deck (5, 6) and superstructures (3). The inventive vessel is equipped with sensors, transmitters, arms and, optionally, handling means. The invention is characterized in that the outer casing (4) of the deadworks comprises walls which are all inclined inwards such that the outer faces thereof are oriented upwards and form an angle that is greater than or equal to 20° with the vertical at least above a line located 5 m above the waterline and, along at least 50% of the length of the vessel, above a line located less than one meter above the waterline. The invention is also characterized in that that the essentially-vertical joint lines between two adjacent walls are inclined inwards and form an angle of more than 20° with the vertical. The invention is further characterized in that the sensors and transmitters, the arms and the handling means are concealed or can be concealed in or under the outer casing of the deadworks.
US08069793B2

A model railroad train or other vehicle capable of operating in a vertical plane, inverted, or at any other desired angle of inclination.
US08069790B1

Methods and apparatus for mounting a secondary system on a projectile according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a collar. The collar is adapted to at least partially receive a fuze assembly or other projectile structure within the collar. The collar may be adapted to attach to a cover.
US08069788B2

Printing plates are prepared at installation positions on one of a plurality of plate cylinders disposed in a printing machine. A plurality of flat printing plates, which are provided for a printing process to be carried out by the printing machine itself, and which printing plates are themselves bendable, at least along their length, are provided at the outlet of a plate line which is spatially separated from the printing machine and which comprises at least one plate exposure device. Each of the printing plates is temporarily stored in a specific shelf of a mobile collection container that has a plurality of such shelves. The printing plates which are stored in the same mobile collection containers are prepared for installation positions of the same plate cylinder. Each shelf of each of the mobile collection containers storing one of the printing plates is selected based on the intended installation position of the respective printing plate on the respective plate cylinder using data that is provided by a control unit of a production planning system. The data is provided prior to the storing of the printing plates. The printing plates which are stored in the mobile collection container, and which are to be provided to the same plate cylinder, are conveyed to the printing machine in a pre-sorted storage condition.
US08069785B2

A printing group of a printing press is comprised of a transfer cylinder, a forme cylinder and a first roller of an inking unit. That first inking unit roller cooperates, as an ink application roller, with the forme cylinder. The inking unit is provided with two axially traversing friction cylinders which are serially disposed in the ink path to the forme cylinder. The first inking unit roller has substantially the same diameter as the forme cylinder.
US08069775B2

A brewing apparatus (1,101) for making infusions, particularly espresso, including a pumping unit (2,102) for pumping water from a tank (3,103) to a water superheating boiler (6,106), wherein the boiler (6,106) has a lower container (11,111) closed at its top by a perforated cover (12,112) allowing superheated water to flow into the lower container under pressure, the lower container (11,111) and top cover (12,112) being a plastic material. The brewing process includes a first step in which water is fed and pumped at a first feed velocity, a second step in which the velocity is increased to increase pressure in the chamber; the first velocity being lower than the second velocity. The upper boiler body (112) has the closing face (112a) of such a shape as to receive a corresponding single-dose pod (100) packed in paper, aluminum or another biodegradable material containing coffee or another flavor base in general.
US08069772B1

Methods and systems for controlling a hydraulic motor are described. By way of illustration, a motor control system has a first input configured to receive a step/direction command signal. A second input is configured to receive a position signal from a motor position sensor, such as a continuous turn motion sensor coupled to a hydraulic motor. A processing system is configured to control a hydraulic servo valve based at least in part on the step/direction command signal and the position signal.
US08069770B1

A method and device for protecting a surface. The device includes modular spaced armor assemblies having a ceramic face plate, a composite backing plate, and a lightweight low-density module therebetween. The modular spaced armor assemblies may be tiled to form a protective arrangement for protecting a desired surface. The lightweight low-density module includes one or more gas filled cavities.
US08069759B2

Material webs (1), in particular printed products which are designed as two-ups or multiple-ups, are separated parallel to a conveyor direction (F) during an essentially continuous conveying, in that a waste strip is separated out of the material webs (1) in an alternating sequence of cutting steps. The material webs (1) in consecutive cutting steps, are cut in a shearing manner, and in an alternating manner on the one or the other side of the waste strip between essentially straight-lined cutting edges (3, 5) of the cutting knife (4) and the counter-knife (5). The cutting knives (4) are arranged around the periphery of a separating disk (2) rotating running in the same direction as the conveyor direction (F), wherein its cutting edges (3, 3′) lie in an alternating manner in the plane of the one and the other end-side of the separating disk (2). In each case, a stationary counter-knife (6) is aligned onto in each case one of the two end-sides of the separating disk (2).
US08069754B2

A multipurpose socket wrench includes an elongated tubular body with an internal opening extending longitudinally from the distal end and having a hexagonal cross-section. A driver receiving opening extends longitudinally from the proximal end. Elongated holding arms are positioned in longitudinally extending grooves formed in the outer surface of the body. The arms are mounted for limited longitudinal movement between an extended position and a retracted position. An attachment component gripping feature is positioned in the portion of the arms extending beyond the distal end of the body with the arms in the extended position. The arms are further mounted for limited radial movement of the gripping features.
US08069752B1

The present invention is a quick-release device for engaging an umbilical. The device includes a coupling base and arms. The coupling base has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the coupling base is configured for attachment to a valve known in the prior art which is used within rescue chambers. The first arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the coupling base. The second arm is pivotally connected with the top surface of the base. Each arm defines anterior portions to engage the umbilical. The first arm and second arm are configured to move relative to one another to engage or disengage the umbilical. In operation, a user moves the first and second arms towards one another to engage the umbilical in fluid connection to the valve. To disengage the umbilical from the fluid connection with the valve, the user releases the spring-biased arms.
US08069749B2

A shift control apparatus for a bicycle comprises an output transmission member that moves to at least a first output position and a second output position, a position maintaining mechanism, and a release control mechanism. The position maintaining mechanism includes a position maintaining member that moves between a position maintaining position and a position release position, wherein the position maintaining position maintains the output transmission member in one of the first output position and the second output position. The position release position allows the output transmission member to move toward the other one of the first output position and the second output position. The release control mechanism includes a release member that moves between a first release member position and a second release member position. The release control mechanism moves the position maintaining member to the position release position as the release member moves from the first release member position toward the second release member position and allows the position maintaining member to return to the position maintaining position before the release member begins moving back toward the first release member position, or as the release member continues to move toward the second release member position.
US08069739B2

A device having at least one housing and one bottom connected to the housing. In this context, the housing has a housing wall and the bottom at least one base. Further it is provided for the base to have a specifiable edge. The essence of the present arrangement now lies in the fact that the edge of the base has at least two regions, a first region being situated closer to the housing wall and a second region being further removed from the housing wall.
US08069733B2

A device for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state comprises two bimetallic strips placed on an insulated metal ring plated with insulating paint, wherein the two bimetallic strips are placed in parallel or V-shaped to insulated metal ring on the same plane, one end of each bimetallic strip is fixed on the insulated metal ring, the other end of the bimetallic strip hangs inside of the insulated ring, the distance of two bimetallic strips were controlled within 0.002-1 mm. Also provided is a method for measuring electromechanical properties and microstructure of nano-materials under stress state.
US08069727B2

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that generates vibration-resistance signatures for hard disk drives (HDDs). In this system, a set of HDDs is mechanically affixed to a disk enclosure. The system additionally includes a vibration generator which is mechanically coupled to the disk enclosure and can apply a translational vibration profile to the disk enclosure. The system further includes a coupling mechanism between the set of HDDs and the disk enclosure which translates the translational vibration profile into both translational and rotational vibrations for the set of HDDs in multiple dimensions. The system additionally includes a monitoring mechanism which monitors an HDD performance metric from the set of HDDs while the HDDs are subject to the translational and rotational vibrations. The system also includes a signature-generation mechanism which uses the monitored HDD performance metric to generate vibration-resistance signatures for the set of HDDs.
US08069720B2

A sensor housing for a field device includes a housing body and a solar module that may be put in place and removed. The solar module supplies the field device with electrical energy and may be placed on top of the housing body at various angles of rotation, as a result of which at the same time an electrical contact between the solar module and an energy storage device is provided.
US08069709B2

An ion-based triple sensor is disclosed. The ion-based triple sensor may include an ion sensing unit, configured to measure an ionic current intensity, a pressure sensing unit, configured to measure a pressure, and a temperature sensing unit, configured to measure a temperature. The ion-based triple sensor may further include a signal processing unit coupled to the ion sensing unit, the pressure sensing unit and the temperature sensing unit. The signal processing unit may include a filtering component, configured to filter at least one of the ion, pressure and temperature measurements, and a data acquisition component, configured to sample the filtered measurements and communicate the samples to a controller.
US08069708B2

A method for determining the life cycle of a power station component is provided. The method includes the following steps: definition of a first characteristic for the life cycle of a power station component at a constant output, definition of a second characteristic for the life cycle of the power station component at a variable output, definition of a first equivalence rule as a function from an actual time parameter, definition of a second equivalence rule wherein the pre-defined operation of the power station component at the variable output in accordance with a plurality of second characteristics is depicted, determination of the numbers of first and second characteristics that are generated during the actual operation of the power station, determination of the sum of the numbers of first and second characteristics, and assessment of the life cycle of the power station component using the determined sum.
US08069701B2

An optical element is manufactured by means of a mould by a replication technique including a mold that is manufactured from a ductile metal and is given a mold shape which corresponds to a pattern of sub-elements by means of a die having a die surface which corresponds to the optical sub-element and which is imprinted in the mold with a predetermined force in consecutive positions in accordance with the pattern. A workpiece holder fastened to the mold including a stepped chamber which is displaceable relative to the workpiece holder by a positioning device. The die surface imprints the sub-shape in the mold with a predetermined force substantially independent of a position occupied by the die during imprinting. The predetermined force plastically deforms the ductile metal exclusively at the area of the surface contact between the mold and the die.
US08069689B2

A levitation process for producing fire-polished gobs is provided. The process includes feeding a glass slug into a levitation mold and reducing a through-flow of the fluid between the glass slug and the levitation mold. The levitation mold includes a membrane of a porous material.
US08069678B1

A system and apparatus for regasifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other cryogenic liquids on a continuous basis utilizing improved atmospheric air vaporizer heat exchangers of the vertical single pass and parallel connected type. A multiplicity of such heat exchangers is positioned on a defined grid, such as to improve the natural convection of the ambient air heat source. An improved heat exchange system includes heat exchange elements within the heat exchangers comprised of hybrid externally finned elements, smooth interior stainless steel tubes thermally bonded within the externally finned elements, the tubes containing vortex generators. Flow distributors in the form of venturi shaped injectors are positioned at the inlet of each tube of the multiplicity of heat exchangers of the system.
US08069677B2

Liquefied natural gas is regasified to form natural gas, including circulation of an intermediate fluid between a vaporizer and an ambient air heater, where the intermediate fluid is warmed by exchanging heat with the ambient air as the intermediate fluid passes through the ambient air heater, and the intermediate fluid is cooled by exchanging heat with LNG as the intermediate fluid passes through the vaporizer. The ambient air heater is subjected to a defrosting cycle by intermittently regulating the temperature of the intermediate fluid fed to the ambient air heater to a temperature greater than zero degrees Celsius using a source of supplemental heat.
US08069670B2

A combustion chamber wall in a combustion chamber is proposed, The chamber wall has a support structure with a number of heat shield which are attached to the support structure with the aid of a fastening unit. The fastening unit encompasses a spring device which is fixedly connected to the support structure and is composed at least of a spring that is mounted in a jacket. The spring is secured against falling out on the side facing away from the combustion chamber by a first removable retainer. The interior of the spring device is provided with an axial hole for accommodating the fastening unit. The spring is secured against falling out on the side facing the combustion chamber by a second removable retainer. The spring device can be dismounted on the side facing the combustion chamber.
US08069663B2

A method for improving operation of a turbocharged engine is presented. In one embodiment, the method may reduce engine emissions and improve engine efficiency during an engine start.
US08069659B2

An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine includes an outer housing having a front shell and a rear shell, a prechamber in which exhaust gas from the combustion chamber enters, and an intermediate shell having a front and back as well as a catalytic converter holder. A catalytic converter element is arranged on the catalytic converter holder where an exhaust port directs exhaust gas from the catalytic converter element. To place the center of gravity of the exhaust system near the internal combustion engine or cylinder, the intermediate shell forms the prechamber and the exhaust port.
US08069657B2

A diesel combustion engine comprises multiple particulate filters and corresponding exhaust piping and valving in the exhaust manifold and/or exhaust line, configured to enable regeneration to occur in one of the DPF filters through heating the exhaust from a single cylinder of the engine, while the exhaust from the remaining cylinders is temporarily routed through the other DPF filter during the regeneration event. Flow redirection devices are placed within the DPF filters to direct flow of exhaust gas through the DPF filters during regeneration in a manner to facilitate complete regeneration, including in outer volumes along the interior walls of the DPF filters.
US08069655B2

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for delivering a dosant with engine exhaust. The apparatus includes a flow-rate regulator disposed downstream from an engine exhaust manifold that operates to control a fraction of exhaust from the engine exhaust manifold. The apparatus also includes a doser disposed downstream of the flow-rate regulator that provisions a supply of dosant to the path of the controlled fraction of exhaust, which atomizes, vaporizes, disperses, mixes with, and/or delivers the dosant.
US08069653B2

A dispensing module having a dispenser body having a liquid passageway, a valve element movably mounted within the liquid passageway, and a nozzle removably coupled with the dispenser body. The nozzle has a valve seat contacted by a tip of the valve element for modulating liquid flow through the liquid passageway. The tip may be made of a harder material than the valve seat and may have a surface finish characterized by an Ra less than or equal to about 32 microinches. The tip may have a compound angle provided by contiguous frustoconical surfaces of differing included angles in which one frustoconical surface contacts the valve seat. The nozzle is configured to be attached to the dispenser body so that the valve seat and a sealing surface of the valve element tip form a circular line of contact when among multiple different nozzles and dispenser bodies.
US08069645B2

The invention relates to a link chain having two or more rows of chain elements, wherein the chain elements of one row are rotatably connected to those of the adjacent row in the chain plane in such a way that each chain element has two rotational axes, of which in each case one of the two rotational axes belongs to two different chain elements in adjacent rows, and that the chain elements of one row are connected to one another by means of toothed devices at their ends in such a way that the chain is flexible in the chain plane. The chain elements at one end of the link chain are likewise provided, at their outer side, with a toothed device, which is in engagement with an actuator. The actuator is a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, an electromotive actuator or a manual drive actuator. The actuator may have a latching fitting, wherein the latching fitting is provided with a toothed surface that is in engagement with a toothed surface of a chain element in one row. The latching fitting may also be provided with a latching lug which is pivotably connected thereto and which can be locked in different angle positions. The latching fitting may also have a connection plate that has a toothed surface which is in engagement with a toothed surface of a chain element of the other row.
US08069635B2

Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.
US08069624B1

A pocketformer apparatus for post-tension construction has an anchor member with an interior passageway, a tubular member extending into the interior passageway, a cup member with an interior opening in which the tubular member extends through the interior opening, and a securement member affixed adjacent the opposite end of the tubular member from the anchor body. The interior passageway has a threaded portion. The tubular member has a first end retained in the threaded portion. The tubular member has the second end extending outwardly of a side of the anchor body opposite the threaded portion. The cup member is interposed between the securement member and the anchor member. A form board is interposed between the cup member and the securement member. The threaded portion is an internal thread formed on an non-tapered portion of the interior passageway.
US08069623B2

Herein is disclosed a sleeve system and methods of using the system. The system uses an elongated open-ended sleeve, and mounting plate parts which mate with each other to form a mounting plate and which are securable to each other and to a wall. The mounting plate thus formed comprises a collar which, when the mounting plates parts are secured together, presses against portions of the outer surface of the sleeve to hold the sleeve in place.
US08069621B2

A ridge ventilator for covering an open ridge of a roof while promoting ventilation of a space beneath the roof. The ridge ventilator has a sectional body having a first side and a second side, a number of partitions extending across said body between said sides, as well as a first end and a second end. The vent body has a width between said sides to permit said body to be laid over and cover an open ridge in a roof formed at the peak. The body also includes a recessed middle portion in a top face of the body, the recess being sized and shaped to accommodate roofing cap shingles. The body also includes opposed raised and curved, in side view, air foil side sections; which have a grill to permit air to pass therethrough between a space beneath said roof and the outside, the air foil side sections being sized and shaped to create, in a wind passing over the air foil sections, a low pressure adjacent to the grill to facilitate drawing air out of the space.
US08069617B2

This invention related to the field of drains and rain gutters typically attached to a house or commercial building. This invention describes gutter inserts that block, or deflect vegetation and other debris from entering rain gutters.
US08069616B2

A motor vehicle door and to a motor vehicle door lock and a method for mounting the motor vehicle door lock in a motor vehicle door, the motor vehicle door lock having an inside locking lever, and when installed, being located in a hollow space of the door and coupled to an inside safety element via a connecting rod that extends through a passage opening in an inside wall segment of the door body. To facilitate installation, the connecting rod is formed of two segments, a lower connecting rod segment extending through the passage opening and being connected to a an upper connecting rod segment at a location that is outside of the hollow space in proximity to the passage opening.
US08069615B2

A hollow seal for use in sealing between relatively movable first and second panels, such as between a fixed window panel and a slidable window panel of a rear window of a pick-up truck or the like. The hollow seal has an internal geometry that supports an outside layer or portion of the seal under pressurization to prevent leakage and seal blowout. The outside portion is shaped to provide a pair of laterally spaced-apart sealing lips that have a pressure-activated sealing geometry for tight sealing against the panels when under pressurization.
US08069611B2

A sensor assembly and method includes a window regular mechanism having a main lift arm supporting the pane and a drive mechanism. The main lift arm includes a sector gear plate that is drivingly rotated by the drive mechanism. A slot defined in the sector gear plate receives a guide of a sensor mechanism. The guide is moved along the slot as the sector gear plate is rotated such that the guide is moved into a first portion of the slot when the sector gear plate is driven in a first rotatable direction to move the window pane toward its closed position and moved into a second portion of the slot when the sector gear plate is driven in a second, opposite rotatable direction to move the window pane toward its open position.
US08069594B2

A clamping piece structure includes a one-piece clamping piece body (10). The body (10) includes a first folding piece portion (11), a second folding piece portion (12), a third folding piece portion (13), and a connecting piece portion (14). A first bending portion (15) is provided at a central section of an edge of the first folding piece portion (11) for interconnection with the connecting piece portion (14). A second bending portion (16) is provided at the other edge of the first folding piece portion (11) for interconnection with the second folding piece portion (12). A third bending portion (17) is provided at an edge of the second folding piece portion (12) for interconnection with the third folding piece portion (13). An engagement section (141) is provided at an outer edge of the connecting piece portion (14). An opening (121) is formed in a central section of the second folding piece portion (12). The connecting piece portion (14) is insertable through the opening (121). Thus, the connecting piece portion (14) can be inserted through the opening (121), and the engagement section (141) at the end of the connecting piece portion (14) can be engaged with the third folding piece portion (13). The structure can easily be assembled with reliable effect.
US08069592B2

The present invention is a heavy equipment vehicle for laying pipe, such as a modified excavator. The vehicle includes an undercarriage with a tracks for moving, an excavator cab mounted to the undercarriage by a rotating platform, a counterweight mounted to the cab, a boom having a first arm and a second arm, two pipe hoists, and an excavator tool attachment. The excavator tool attachment can be a bucket, scoop, grapple, a pulverizer, claw or a hammer of an excavator. Each arm of the vehicle has a pipe hoist attached to an underside thereof. The pipe hoist element is a two-block hoist with a top block and a bottom block with a hook extending downward, and a winch with line connecting to the two-block hoist, such that the line lowers and raises a hook connected to a harness of a pipe. The boom can also have stabilizer attachments.
US08069584B2

An anti-static sole is provided with a pad body between a midsole and an insole. In the pad body is provided a chip resistor. The chip resistor includes a connecting pin at each of two opposite ends thereof. The two connecting pins of the chip resistor are electrically connected to the insole and the midsole, respectively. Since the chip resistor has no exposed wires, damage to the wires is avoided. Further, the anti-static effect can be improved since the resistance of the chip resistor is stable.
US08069583B1

A shoe with replaceable shoe cartridges includes a shoe frame having a forefoot portion, a middle portion extending from the forefoot portion and a heel portion extending from the middle portion; a sole provided on the shoe frame; a forefoot sole cartridge removably engaging the sole at the forefoot portion of the shoe frame; and a heel sole cartridge removably engaging the sole at the heel portion of the shoe frame.
US08069581B2

Disclosed herein is a system for purifying contaminated soil, which restores soil contaminated by a variety of pollutants to the condition before the contamination, and which itself provides the driving source required for the purification. The system includes: a dryer which dries contaminated soil, separates waste gas generated during the drying from the contaminated soil, and discharges the waste gas; a pyrolysis apparatus which indirectly heats the dried contaminated soil in a hermetic condition to divide the contaminated soil into purified soil and pyrolysis gas, and separately discharges the purified soil and the pyrolysis gas; a transfer fan for forcibly transferring the discharged pyrolysis gas; a burner for oxidizing the waste gas discharged from the dryer and the pyrolysis gas forcibly transferred by the transfer fan, to heat the pyrolysis apparatus; and a cooling facility for directly spraying cooling water on the discharged purified soil to cool the purified soil.
US08069577B1

An optical sight having a reference housing having a reference housing aperture formed therein; at least one reference point positioned within the reference housing aperture; an eclipsed ring having an eclipsed ring aperture formed therein; wherein the eclipsed ring includes a pivot aperture formed therein, wherein the eclipsed ring is pivotably coupled, via a pivot pin extending through the pivot aperture, to the reference housing such that the eclipsed ring may pivot relative to the reference housing and such that the eclipsed ring naturally pivots to a predetermined position, and wherein the eclipsed ring is pivotably coupled such that a first side surface of the eclipsed ring faces generally towards a second side surface of the reference housing; and at least one surface preparation on the first side surface of the eclipsed ring, wherein the surface preparation is visually distinguishable from a surface of the reference housing aperture.
US08069570B2

A knife and sheath for housing the knife, the sheath including a light, an actuator for activating the light, and finger openings, with the knife being withdrawn from the sheath to permit the fingers of the user to be inserted through the finger receiving openings and enable a thumb of the user to be positioned on the actuator for selective activation and de-activation of the light emitting device.
US08069553B2

A method of fabricating a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The fabrication method includes providing a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, the inner conductor extending at least partially therein. The method further includes providing a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein. A high strength material may be injected from an inflow slot to an outflow slot of the distal portion such that the material is disposed in-between the inner conductor and a ceramic layer. The material bonds the distal portion and the ceramic layer to the proximal portion while providing mechanical strength to the distal portion.
US08069548B2

A vehicle taillight indicator which provides an easy way for a driver to check the taillights of his or her vehicle on a regular basis, from within the vehicle, is composed of an elongated V shaped housing with two V shaped end covers with attached mounting brackets and the edge opposite the V angle of each end cover curved to accommodate an elongated rectangular shaped convex reflector which is viewable in the side opposite the V shaped angle of the housing. The taillight indicator is fastened vertically to an object so that its convex reflector is observed in the rear view mirror or side view mirror of a vehicle. Each operating taillight of a vehicle is reflected as a vertical red line in the convex reflector. A vehicle with two operating taillights will reflect two parallel vertical red lines in the convex reflector of the taillight indicator.
US08069543B2

There is provided a piezoelectric vibrator 1 that includes a base substrate 2, a lid substrate 3, a piezoelectric vibrating reed 4, a pair of external electrodes 38 and 39, a pair of through electrodes 32 and 33, and routing electrodes 36 and 37. The lid substrate 3 includes a recess 3a for a cavity and is bonded to the base substrate so that the recess faces the base substrate. The piezoelectric vibrating reed 4 is bonded to the upper surface of the base substrate so as to be received in a cavity that is formed between both the substrates. The pair of external electrodes 38 and 39 is formed on the lower surface of the base substrate. The pair of through electrodes 32 and 33 is formed by hardening paste P, which contains a plurality of metal fine particles and a plurality of metal beads P1, so as to pass through the base substrate, maintains airtightness in the cavity, and is electrically connected to the pair of external electrodes, respectively. The routing electrodes 36 and 37 are formed on the upper surface of the base substrate and electrically connect the pair of through electrodes to the piezoelectric vibrating reed. The melting point of the metal bead is higher than the firing temperature of the paste.
US08069538B2

A decorative charm and fastener system and its method for use upon an item to be worn by the user or a pet animal; the item to be worn may be a shoe, an item of clothing (including shirts, hats and caps, or the like), or a pet collar. The fundamental embodiment features a charm part and a base part that may be connected together on opposite sides of the item to be worn, with the item situated between the base part and the charm part. The system also includes an elastically compressible washer member that is placed upon the charm part. The compressible washer promotes a secure, yet temporary, connection between the charm part and base part when those respective parts are installed upon an item. Assortments of different charms thus are interchangeable for temporary attachment to the base part. Specialized alternative versions of the apparatus are disclosed for use upon the shoelaces of a shoe, as a pet collar. A variety of decorations accordingly may selectively be used in combination with a shoe, pet collar, or other item.
US08069519B2

A bridge decking panel and structures for attaching the panel to supporting bridge beams. An anchor plate assembly is cast within a paving material and has a pair of parallel runner bars extending along the decking panel and spaced apart by the width of a supporting bridge beam that is received between the runner bars. The connecting structures include panel to beam connecting structures that have several clamping plates extending from beneath a runner bar to beneath a portion of a bridge beam. The decking panels arc cast in a form that has two or more channel-forming sheets attached to the bottom wall of the form and extending from wall to wall. Each sheet is dimensioned to receive an anchor plate assembly and form a channel in the cast concrete between the runner bars.
US08069508B2

A rotatable shower rod system may be provided. The system may include a pair of mounting brackets coupled to a wall, the pair of mounting brackets includes a stationary portion; a rotatable portion rotatably coupled to the stationary portion, the rotatable portion rotates to at least one of a first position and a second position about an axis of rotation; and a cover coupled to the stationary portion; and a curved rod extending between the pair of mounting brackets.
US08069507B2

A shower curtain support system includes a first rod having a first arcuate portion and a first end portion and a second rod having a second arcuate portion and a second end portion. The second arcuate portion is telescopically mounted within the first arcuate portion. A first end support is removably and pivotably mounted to the first end portion and a second end support is removably and pivotably mounted to the second end portion.
US08069502B2

The present disclosure generally relates to improved water closet flanges and methods for installing such water closet flanges. In one exemplary embodiment, an improved water closet flange apparatus includes a flexible conduit portion (i.e. sleeve) and an integral membrane element sealing the top opening of the flexible sleeve. The membrane element is made of flexible materials such that the membrane element may be removed without breaking into pieces. In one embodiment, the integral membrane element includes indented portions to facilitate its removal. In another embodiment, the flange apparatus includes an outer flange connected to the flexible sleeve. Related methods for installing the disclosed flange apparatus between plumbing fixture discharges and waste drainpipes are also described.
US08069497B2

The present invention relates generally to hospital gowns and more specifically to gowns with specific pockets, slits to allow mounting catheter bag concealed inside gown of patient for maximum mobility and privacy with various monitors, catheters and lumens attached and passing through openings in gown to reach the patient's body and closures that are simple to use and provide for patient privacy with approximately 125% wrap around.
US08069496B2

An article of clothing adapted to be worn by a person has an odor absorbing substance incorporated therein. The odor absorbing substance absorbs odors emitting from that portion of the person which is substantially surrounded by the clothing. Reduction of odors emitting from a person wearing the article of clothing will help to avoid detection of the wearer of the article of clothing by many species of wildlife having an acute sense of smell.
US08074292B2

The present invention concerns the enhancing of the mass resolution of wide angle tomographic atom probes. The invention consists of an atom probe also comprising a sample-holding device and a detector which are separated from one another by a distance L and enclosed in a chamber, an “Einzel” type electrostatic lens consisting of three electrodes arranged inside the chamber between the sample and the detector, to which electrical potentials are applied so as to form an electrical field that strongly focuses the beam of ions emitted by the sample under test when the probe is operating. According to the invention, the geometry of the electrodes is defined precisely so as to greatly limit the effects of the spherical aberration that affects the “Einzel” lens on the beam of ions, said spherical aberration being clearly sensitive when the lens is greatly polarized. The invention applies more particularly to the atom probes known as 3D atom probes.
US08074291B2

A scanning probe microscope and method for operating the same to correct for errors introduced by a repetitive scanning motion are disclosed. The microscope includes an actuator that moves the probe tip relative to the sample in three directions. The actuator executes a repetitive motion, characterized by a repetitive motion frequency, in one of the directions, and changes a distance between the sample and the probe tip in a second one of the directions. A probe position signal generator generates a probe position signal indicative of a position of the probe tip relative to the cantilever arm. A probe signal correction generator generates a corrected probe position signal by correcting the probe position signal for errors introduced by the repetitive motion. A controller maintains the probe tip in a fixed relationship with respect to the sample in the second one of the dimensions based on the corrected probe position signal.
US08074289B1

Access to content addressable data on a network is facilitated using digital information storing devices or data repositories (“silos”) that monitor broadcast data requests over the network. A number of silos automatically monitor both data requests and data itself that are broadcast over a network. The silos selectively store data. Each silo responds to data requests broadcast over the network with data the silo has previously intercepted. A content addressable file scheme is used to enable the data repositories to reliably identify data being requested. When a data request is received, each silo evaluates whether it has all or a portion of the data being requested and responds to requests when it has the data. Requests for data are implemented by broadcasting a cryptographic hash data identifier of the data file needed. The data identifier is used by a silo to determine which data to receive and store. A silo includes a network interface, a digital asset collector, an asset request list, asset storage, an asset identifier processor and an asset supplier. The asset identifier processor computes a cryptographic hash asset identifier for a received asset and compares it to an asset identifier on its asset request list to verify it has the correct asset. A hash of a list of assets is also computed and broadcast over the network. When the hash of the list of assets is received by a silo, it places all the assets in its asset request list.
US08074288B2

A mechanism is provided for isolating application-specific data in an environment where multiple applications share a same user account. This mechanism enables data specific to an application to be accessed only by the application. When an application requests application-specific data, the data is loaded and a handle to the data is returned to the application. Access to the data is allowed only though the handle. Therefore, only the application possessing the handle can access the data. A counter may be associated with the loaded data. The counter's value is incremented whenever a handle is created for the data and decremented whenever a handle for the data is terminated. When the value of the counter reaches zero, the data is automatically unloaded.
US08074283B2

Techniques for use in enterprise and similar computing systems securely protect data during software application use by generating private table seeds as a function of a predetermined parameters and private tables as a function of the private table seeds. Each of the private tables associates with a distinct one of the private table seeds, each of the private tables associates with a site. An enterprise table seed is formed using other parameters and an enterprise table is derived from the enterprise table seed. The enterprise table permits data communication throughout an enterprise. A string of characters allows accessing a global private information protection system which includes global tables for integrating the private tables, the enterprise tables, and the global tables into a runtime application program at a remote location and coordinating the user's use to control assure only secure use and prevent inadvertent disclosure of the protected information.
US08074281B2

Malware may be identified based on attempts to use tainted data in certain ways, such as by attempting to execute the tainted data, by attempting to modify execution control based on tainted data, or by attempting to apply an existing function to the tainted data. A data's taint is determined based on the location from which the data originates. When data from a tainted source is moved to an otherwise non-tainted destination, the taint may be propagated from the source to the destination, to indicate that the destination is now of unknown safety. A component may be used to observe the operation of a process, in order to determine what data is being moved with respect to the process, and how that data is being used.
US08074279B1

Detecting an unauthorized wireless access point in a network uses a detector. A rogue access point detector receives an incoming data packet which is scanned for a time expiration value. The time expiration value may be a Time To Live (TTL) value as used in Internet Protocol data packet headers. It is determined whether the time expiration value is the same as a threshold time expiration value. If the time expiration value is not the same as the threshold value, it is determined whether the incoming data packet was routed through an authorized access point in the network. If it is determined that the packet is not being routed from an authorized access point, a security component in the network, such as a network administrator's workstation, is notified. During this process the time expiration value remains unchanged.
US08074273B2

A security management system, comprising: an authentication unit for authenticating an operator of an operating terminal in order to determine whether the operator is permitted to log in or release a lock; a current operator information inquiry unit for inquiring for login status information and current operator information; an authority information inquiry unit for inquiring for authority information regarding the operator and that regarding the current operator; a lock unit for detecting an event, where a predetermined lock condition is satisfied, in the login status to allow the operating terminal to change to a lock status, and for allowing the operating terminal to change to an operable status in response to a login instruction or an instruction for a release; and a lock control unit for transmitting the instruction for a release to the lock unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
US08074272B2

Tools are described that notify a user of a security risk in a network browser. The tools can determine that a security setting of a network browser poses a security risk and notify the user of this risk. In some situations the tools also enable a user to reduce the security risk with a single user action. This single user action can alter one or multiple security settings responsible for the security risk.
US08074269B2

A system and method for controlling, by an outside entity, one or more devices associated with a location. A representative embodiment of the system architecture comprises an internal computer system through which a device may be remotely controlled by the outside entity during a communication session between the outside entity and the internal computer system through an external computer network. The external computer network can be the Internet. When the outside entity is requested to control the device, the outside entity's identity information is authenticated before the communication session is established. In a preferred embodiment, the internal computer system is protected by a firewall. The firewall allows the outside entity to access the internal computer system to control the device if the outside entity can provide proper identity information. The identity information of the outside entity may be a password that is recognized by the firewall. In the preferred embodiment, the identity information is a digital certificate issued to the outside entity by a certificate authority. In preferred embodiments, after the communication session is established, only the outside entity can terminate the communication session.
US08074265B2

A server, method and/or computer-readable medium verifies a location factor associated with a token. The server generates a challenge and encrypts the challenge by a key commonly shared by the server and the token, and transmits the encrypted challenge to the token. The token decrypts the encrypted challenge by the commonly shared key and manipulates the challenge by an elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) procedure so that the server can verify that the signed manipulated challenge was generated at the token based upon the ECC public key.
US08074261B2

A method for providing internet security includes providing a storage medium including a first executable application module. In response to inputting the storage medium onto a local computer the first executable application module is loaded into virtual memory in the local computer. The first executable application module is executed, the first executable application module providing information identifying at least one remote server. Communication is performed between the local computer and the remote server using the information provided by the first executable application module. The remote server is instructed to send a second application module to the local computer. Upon receipt of the second application module, the second application module is loaded into virtual memory on the local computer. The second application module is executed from virtual memory and a prompt is displayed to the user.
US08074254B2

A data transmission device transmits a data broadcast using a narrow unused broadcasting band in a digital broadcast, and to record the data broadcast, which has been received, on a receiving side so that the receiving side can play back the data broadcast after a data stream is totally recorded. The transmission device generates a first data stream, which is recorded on a recording medium on a receiving side, and a second data stream including audio and video data, which is transmitted as a broadcasting program. The transmission device multiplexes the first and the second data streams and then transmits the multiplexed data stream. The transmission of the multiplexed data stream is controlled so that a transmission rate for the multiplexed data stream does not exceed the maximum transmission rate, and so that a transmission rate for the first data stream becomes lower than that for the second data stream. A receiving device records the first data stream on the recording medium, and permits the first data stream to be played back for use after the transmission completes.
US08074248B2

A system and method for providing video content associated with a source image to a television that is part of a communication network is provided. At least a portion of the source image and the video content are displayed on the television. A request at a content distribution platform in the communication network is received for display of the source image from a communication device associated with the television. In certain embodiments, the communication network is cable television network. In other embodiments, the communication network may be a television over IP network. The requested source image is retrieved by the content distribution platform. The source image is displayed on a user's television, and the user may desire to have video content associated with a link displayed on the user's television. A request for video content associated with the link is then received. The content distribution platform then retrieves the video content that is associated with the link. The video content is pre-encoded and may be, for example, an MPEG data file. The content distribution platform then composites the video content and at least a portion of the source image together. The data of the source image and the pre-encoded video content form a video stream that can be decoded by a decoder associated with the television. The composited video stream is then sent through the communication network to the communication device where it is decoded and displayed on the user's television. In certain embodiments, the source image is a web page.
US08074247B2

Four techniques which result in the visual improvement of transitions between video streams with a same packet identifier (PID). All four techniques are applicable in the situation where the stream transition is between two streams that utilize the same PID. Retaining the same PID reduces the delay between the time the user selects an action via the remote control to the time when the new stream is displayed on the TV.The first technique includes two methods: a method for pre-conditioning video stream data for storage; and a method for transitioning between video streams which utilizes the pre-conditioning. The second technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where timing information in the new stream is modified so as to be consistent with timing information in the old stream. The third technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where packets in the old stream are replaced by picture repeat packets. The fourth technique involves a method for transitioning between video streams where packets in the old stream are replaced by null packets.The various techniques discussed above may be combined to further improve the smoothness and quickness of the video stream transitions. For example, the first technique may be combined with either the third or fourth technique. Similarly, the second technique may be combined with either the third or fourth technique.
US08074237B2

An optical disk device includes: a disk motor for rotating an optical disk D inserted into a package; an optical pickup that moves in a radial direction of the optical disk, for controlling recording information on the optical disk or reading information from the optical disk; a chassis that is a base for supporting the disk motor and the optical pickup to chuck the optical disk directly inserted into the package to the disk motor; a motor plate that secures the disk motor to the base and that has one side, where the optical pickup is not located, supported by the base and the other side overhanging; and a raised portion for buffering elastic deformation of the optical pickup side of the disk motor plate.
US08074233B2

According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a monitoring module which periodically transmits a message to a device driver which controls a device controller in accordance with an instruction issued by a program executed by a CPU to drive a peripheral device, and initializes the device driver when a response to the message is not issued received. The information processing apparatus further includes a setting module which sets an interval of transmission of the message based on a predetermined rule.
US08074232B2

A method for improving the communication of the human interface device, comprising reporting at least one interrupt input endpoint and at least one interrupt output endpoint to the host; specifying that the USB device has a report descriptor in the HID class descriptor; specifying an input report and an output report in the report descriptor; and receiving an instruction from the host through the bulk output endpoint by the USB device, and returning the result from the USB device to the host through the bulk input endpoint, in which the size of the data transferred between the USB device and the host each time is equal to that of the corresponding report to increase the communication speed of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) device, which is designed to work as an HID.
US08074228B2

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for a mockup business object. The mockup business object implemented within a computer framework including other business objects. In one exemplary embodiment, the method may include generating, within the computer framework, the mockup business object based on a metadata stored within the computer framework, when the mockup business object does not exist within the computer framework. The method may also include determining whether a structure of the mockup business object has changed based on the metadata, when the mockup business object does exist within the computer framework. Moreover, the method may include modifying the mockup business object based on the result of the determining step.
US08074224B1

Embodiments of the present invention facilitate dynamically adapting to state information changes in a graphics processing environment. In one embodiment, a master register holds state information corresponding to units of work (threads) to be performed. The state information in the master register is copied to a per-group state register when a group of threads is to be launched. The per-group state register is coupled to processing engines configured to process the threads, so that the processing engines read state information from the per-group state register rather than the master register. In another embodiment, a number of master registers may be used to store state information for different types of threads.
US08074210B1

Method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for producing an optimized matrix triangulation algorithm is described. In one example, tile functions are generated for a matrix triangulation problem. Cost data is measured for the tile functions with respect to a target architecture. The cost data is processed to identify optimal composition of tiles for rows in an iteration space of the matrix triangulation problem. The optimal compositions of tiles are processed to identify optimal composition of rows for triangles in the iteration space. A sequence of tile function invocation based on the optimal compositions of tiles and the optimal compositions of rows is generated.
US08074209B2

The functionality of a core application is extended using an add-on application (module) by extending native data types on the core application with custom data types and custom actions on the module. The module provides metadata associated with its custom data types and custom actions to the core application, which creates a dynamic type/action table. In some cases, native data types may be extended with custom data types and their associated actions. In other cases, native data types may be extended with custom actions from the module. The custom actions may be enabled for instances of native data types that have been extended. When a custom action is selected, code corresponding with the selected custom action is called from the module and run to perform the selected custom action.
US08074202B2

The present invention discloses a software development system for WIKIs including a WIKI server, a BLOG server, and a data store. The WIKI server can serve WIKI pages to WIKI clients. The BLOG server can serve BLOGs to BLOG clients. The data store can manage WIKI BLOG entries. Each WIKI BLOG entry can include a link to one of the WIKI pages and metadata for the linked WIKI page. The metadata can include a WIKI page title, a WIKI page version, a WIKI page description, design notes, and other information. Searchable keywords can be generated from the metadata. WIKI BLOG entries can be searched by WIKI developers to find WIKI pages having designer specified criteria based on a keyword search. Wherein searching for WIKI BLOG entries and editing discovered WIKI pages associated with WIKI BLOGs can be performed by a WIKI client via a WIKI interface.
US08074188B2

A method for designing a mask is disclosed. A chip region can be defined and reduced to form a parent dummy pattern. A mesh dummy pattern can be formed, and portions where the parent dummy pattern and the mesh dummy pattern overlap each other can be removed to form offspring dummy patterns.
US08074187B2

Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for inserting several fills in an integrated circuit (“IC”) layout. The method identifies a set of potential fills in a region of an IC layout, where the set of potential fills has a first fill size, wherein the first fill size is from a set of fill sizes. The method specifies a halo around each potential fill in the set of potential fills. For each potential fill, the method determines whether the specified halo overlaps with a foreign object in the region of the layout. For each potential fill, the method specifies a legal fill in the region of the IC layout if the specified halo does not overlap with a foreign object in the region of the IC layout. The method inserts at least one legal fill in the region of the IC layout. In some embodiments, the halo is a spacing halo.
US08074178B2

Visual feedback may be provided. First, a continuous contact with a first point on a surface may be detected. The surface may comprise, for example, a touch screen or a touch pad. The continuous contact may be caused by a selecting element comprising, for example, a stylus or a digit of a subject. Then a menu may be displayed in response to the detected continuous contact. The menu may comprise a plurality of menu selectable elements. Next it may be detected that the continuous contact has moved from the first point on the surface to a second point on the surface. The second point may correspond to a one of the plurality of menu selectable elements. Then a control may be displayed corresponding the one of the plurality of menu selectable elements.
US08074164B2

The document management device is for managing a document circulated to a reader in accordance with a circulation tree and additional information added to the document by the reader. The circulation tree indicates the circulation order of plural readers. The device includes: document circulation unit for enabling the nth (n is an integer not less than 2) reader to read the n−1th generation document data cumulatively including the 1st additional information to the n−1th additional information added, by the first reader to the n−1th reader respectively, to the 0th generation document data readable by the first reader of the circulation tree; recognition unit for recognizing the nth additional information added by the nth reader as electronic data; and additional information management unit for managing the nth additional information by associating it with the 0th generation document data.
US08074162B1

The present invention relates to systems and methods for verifying the appropriateness of shared content. In a first embodiment, a system displays a link to a site addressable by an identifier. The system includes an indexer that determines a content type for the site. A link displayer displays a link to the site, wherein the displayed link has a graphical presentation associated with the content type. In a second embodiment, a method displays a link to a site addressable by an identifier. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining a content type for the site; and (b) displaying a link to the site, the link having a graphical presentation associated with the content type.
US08074159B2

A semiconductor memory includes multi-mode reporting signals, a state register, and parity detectors. The parity detector determines whether signals received on a communication bus contain a desired parity. The multi-mode reporting signals enable reporting of communication faults without adding additional signals to the semiconductor memory by being configured in a normal operating mode or a parity fault mode for reporting communication faults to an external memory controller. The state register enables storing of received values from the communication bus. With the state register, a memory controller may determine correctly received signal patterns and failing signal patterns. Parity may be defined as even or odd and may be generated based on various signal configurations. The invention may be configured as a computing system comprising a processor, an input device, an output device, the memory controller, and at least one semiconductor memory.
US08074156B2

Disclosed herein is a decoding method of performing maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) decoding of selecting one decoded word from one or more decoded word candidates obtained by subjecting a linear code to iterative decoding by comparison of distances between a reception word and each decoded word candidate. A decoded word candidate in which a known value in a part of a transmission word has been changed to another value is excluded from the one or more decoded word candidates.
US08074154B2

Provided are an encoder and a syndrome computer for cyclic codes which process M codeword symbols per cycle where M is greater than or equal to one, whereby the encoder and syndrome computer optionally further provide the configurability of a different M value for each cycle and/or the configurability of a different cyclic code for each codeword. Further provided is a hybrid device which provides the configurability of two modes of operation, whereby in one mode, the hybrid device functions as the encoder as provided above and, in the other mode, the hybrid device functions as the syndrome computer as provided above, with the majority of the components of the hybrid device being shared between the encoding function and the syndrome computing function.
US08074148B2

A memory management method and a controller for a non-volatile memory storage device are provided. The memory management method and the controller are adapted for establishing a logical-to-physical mapping table of each block in a memory buffer of the controller by merely reading the data stored in a system management area within a start page of each block, so as to promote the management efficiency of the non-volatile memory storage device. In addition, the method and the controller of the present invention integrate all of or a part of the system management areas within the start page for efficiently managing and using the memory capacity of all the system management areas within the start page.
US08074143B2

Detecting, avoiding and/or correcting problematic puncturing patterns in parity bit streams used when implementing punctured Turbo codes is achieved without having to avoid desirable code rates. This enables identification/avoidance of regions of relatively poor Turbo code performance. Forward error correction comprising Turbo coding and puncturing achieves a smooth functional relationship between any measure of performance and the effective coding rate resulting from combining the lower rate code generated by the Turbo encoder with puncturing of the parity bits. In one embodiment, methods to correct/avoid degradations due to Turbo coding are implemented by puncturing interactions when two or more stages of rate matching are employed.
US08074137B2

A method and system for supporting multiple hybrid automatic repeat request (H-ARQ) processes per transmission time interval (TTI) are disclosed. A transmitter and a receiver include a plurality of H-ARQ processes to transmit and receive multiple transport blocks (TBs) simultaneously per TTI. The transmitter generates a plurality of TBs and assigns the TBs to multiple H-ARQ processes. The transmitter sends control information for the TBs and H-ARQ processes associated with the TBs to the receiver. The transmitter then sends the TBs using multiple H-ARQ processes simultaneously per TTI. After receiving the TBs, the receiver sends feedback to each of the TBs indicating successful or unsuccessful receipt of each of the TBs to the transmitter. The control information and the feedback may be sent via a layer 1 or layer 2/3 control part.
US08074134B2

An address operation circuit generates a row address which indicates an address in memory under test to be accessed. The row address memory stores the row addresses generated by the address operation circuit in increments of banks. A memory control signal that includes a bank address to be applied to the memory under test, and which is generated according to a pattern program, is used as a save address to be used to write the row address to the row address memory, and as a load address to be used to read out the row address from the row address memory.
US08074133B2

An apparatus or method for testing of a SOC processor device may minimize interference that is caused by interfacing a comparatively low-speed testing device with the high-speed processor during testing. Implementations may gate the input clock signal at the clock input to each domain of the SOC processor device rather than at the output of the PLL clock. The gating of the clock signal to each domain may then be controlled by clock stop signals generated by the testing device and sent to the individual domains of the processor device. Gating the clock signal at the domain may provide a more natural state for the circuit during testing as well as allow the test control unit to test the different domains of the SOC device individually.
US08074126B1

A signal receiver includes a data recovery module that generates an equalized data signal and a recovered data signal based on a data input signal. An error module generates an error information signal based on the equalized data signal and an error threshold signal. An eye measurement control module generates an eye characteristic signal based on the recovered data signal and the error information signal.
US08074113B2

Disclosed herein is a technique to protect sector remapped boundary data from corruption due to catastrophic errors such as loss of power in storage disks including SATA (Serial ATA) drives. Specially, one method is provided for protecting the boundary sector data from power failure through a data recovery mechanism, namely, a boundary sector table in which the boundary sectors are pre-stored in case any power failure or loss occurs during the sector remapped write operations. In connection with the boundary sector table stored in a reserved region of the storage disk, a boundary sector information index is provided in a bridge coupled to the disk, which serves as a key to identify and retrieve the needed boundary sector data from the table for corrupted data recovery.
US08074108B2

Spare disk drives are provided to a chassis for storing storage devices, and, when any one of the storage devices configuring RAID fails, the storage controller copies data of the failed storage device to a spare storage device, and recognizes an additional storage device inserted into the spare disk drive as the spare storage device. Thereafter, when the foregoing storage device fails, the storage controller reproduces data of the failed storage device, copies this data to an additional storage device inserted into the spare disk drive, and recognizes the additional storage device inserted into the spare disk drive as a spare storage device. Subsequently, when the foregoing storage device fails, the storage controller reproduces data of the failed storage device and copies this data to an additional storage device inserted into the spare disk drive. RAID 6 is maintained thereby.
US08074092B2

Network architecture, computer system and/or server, circuit, device, apparatus, method, and computer program and control mechanism for managing power consumption and workload in computer system and data and information servers. Further provides power and energy consumption and workload management and control systems and architectures for high-density and modular multi-server computer systems that maintain performance while conserving energy and method for power management and workload management. Dynamic server power management and optional dynamic workload management for multi-server environments is provided by aspects of the invention. Modular network devices and integrated server system, including modular servers, management units, switches and switching fabrics, modular power supplies and modular fans and a special backplane architecture are provided as well as dynamically reconfigurable multi-purpose modules and servers. Backplane architecture, structure, and method that has no active components and separate power supply lines and protection to provide high reliability in server environment.
US08074091B2

Proposed is an operation method for seeking a power interruption operation target in which MTBF will become longest. When a target value regarding a power interruption time and a target value regarding a power interruption count per 24 hours is input from an administrator to a management computer, the management computer calculates the MTBF after one year and the annual power consumption for each of the input target values, and, as a power interruption operation target in which the MTBF will become longest in one year, a target value regarding a power interruption time and a target value regarding a power interruption count are respectively selected among multiple target values in which the MTBF will become longest based on each of the calculation results, and displayed on a screen of an output unit.
US08074090B2

Conventionally, no consideration was given to the control of the main power supply circuit in a storage apparatus. Thus, unnecessary electric power will be consumed because it is not possible to inhibit the power consumption of the main power supply circuit of the storage apparatus. With this storage system having a plurality of storage apparatuses, a storage apparatus internally has a power supply control program for controlling the respective components and the main power supply circuit, and the power supply control command program provided to the management computer migrates a storage extent to be used for business to another storage apparatus based on the operation schedule of business to use the storage extent of the storage apparatus, and commands the power supply control of the main power supply circuit in the storage apparatuses and the respective components.
US08074088B2

An electronic circuit according to the present invention has one or more circuit sections which operate according to a variable power supply voltage and a variable clock frequency. In the electronic circuit, active information related to load and/or processing time which changes in real time from a control processing section included in the circuit section is output and, based on the active information, a voltage/frequency setting section which sets values of a power supply voltage and clock frequency is provided. The electronic circuit further includes a voltage controller which controls the power supply voltage to be supplied to the circuit section based on the voltage value set by the voltage/frequency setting section and a clock frequency controller which controls the clock frequency to be supplied to the circuit section based on the frequency value set by the voltage/frequency setting section.
US08074086B1

Disclosed are a circuit and a method for controlling dynamic in-rush current in a power management circuit. The circuit includes a current limiting unit having a first quantity of sleep mode devices. A voltage drop minimization unit is coupled to the current limiting unit and has a second quantity of sleep mode devices. The second quantity of sleep mode devices is greater than the first quantity of sleep mode devices. A sequential enabling unit is coupled to both the current limiting unit and the voltage drop minimization unit. The sequential enabling unit is configured to turn on the voltage drop minimization unit after the current limiting unit in accordance with a predetermined delay.
US08074084B2

In a wired data telecommunication network power sourcing equipment (PSE) coupled to a powered device (PD) carries out an inline power discovery process to verify that the PD is adapted to receive inline power, then a plurality of classification cycles are carried out to convey a series of inline power classes back to the PSE. The series of inline power classes may all be the same, in which case the PD is legacy equipment and is adapted to receive the power level corresponding to that class. If they are not all the same, information is thus conveyed to the PSE which may, for example, correspond to a specific power level to be applied or to other information.
US08074080B2

A method is provided for updating a contact listing. The method includes receiving a request from a requestor for a contact listing corresponding to a desired listing among a plurality of available listings. The request includes one or more information element relating to the desired listing. The desired listing among the plurality of available listings is retrieved and a modification to the retrieved listing is generated based on the one or more information elements relating to the desired listing provided by the requester.
US08074076B2

This invention relates to a method to protect an assembly implementing a cryptographic calculation process which uses a homographic function f of type: f(z)=(az+b)/(cz+d) when (cz+d) is not equal to 0 and f(−d/c)=a/c the function f operating on masked variables, wherein, for any k, if x is an input and y=f(x+k) is an output of the function f, to pass directly from a masked value x+m_i (additive masking of type XOR) to a masked value y+m_j, the method consists in comprises of performing this operation using a composition of several transformations operating on GF(2^k) with addition of the infinite, defined as (ax+b)/(cx+d), and of transformations which exchange two points.
US08074075B2

To provide an authentication technology making it compatible to facilitate inputting of authentication information and to ensure the security. An authentication device connected to a transmitting terminal and a receiving terminal via a communication line, receives a message from the transmitting terminal, receives authentication information from the transmitting terminal, registers the message in association with the authentication information, receives a request with a purport of acquiring the message from the receiving terminal, determines, based on the authentication information received from the receiving terminal and the registered authentication information, whether to authenticate or not, and, if authenticated, transmits the message to the receiving terminal.
US08074073B2

A digital message is sent from a sender to a recipient in a public-key based cryptosystem comprising an authorizer. The authorizer can be a single entity or comprise a hierarchical or distributed entity. In some embodiments, no key status queries or key escrow are needed. The recipient can decrypt the message only if the recipient possesses up-to-date authority from the authorizer. Other features are also provided.
US08074069B2

Embodiments of the invention relate to reading at least one locked, encrypted computer file encrypted by an encryption filter driver running on an operating system of a computer system, with an added kernel driver, while the operating system is running and reading at least one locked, unencrypted computer file in a computer system with an operating system with an added kernel driver while the operating system is running. An exemplary embodiment includes getting the handle of the locked, encrypted computer file, causing encryption key information associated with the locked, encrypted computer file to be processed, and reading data from the locked, encrypted computer file by using the added kernel driver.
US08074065B2

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for providing information about units installed in a computing device. The method includes identifying an installed unit prior to an initialization of an operating system and obtaining information about the installed unit, wherein the information comprises a regulatory identification number, a manufacturer's logo, or a combination thereof. The method also includes receiving a request to provide information about the installed unit and providing the information about the installed unit.
US08074052B2

A tag monitoring system for assigning tags to instructions embodied in software on a tangible computer-readable storage medium. A source supplies instructions to be executed by a functional unit. A queue having a plurality of slots containing tags which are used for tagging instructions. A register file stores information required for the execution of each instruction at a location in the register file defined by the tag assigned to that instruction. A control unit monitors the completion of executed instructions and advances the tags in the queue upon completion of an executed instruction. The register file also contains a plurality of read address enable ports and corresponding read output ports. Each of the slots from the queue is coupled to a corresponding one of the read address enable ports. Thus, the information for each instruction can be read out of the register file in program order.
US08074049B2

An encryption for a distributed global online backup system with global two-stage deduplication in the absence of an indexing database where data blocks are encrypted using their SHA-1 signatures as encryption keys.
US08074045B2

In a computing system having virtualization software including a guest operating system (OS), a method for providing page tables that includes: providing a guest page table used by the guest OS and a shadow page table used by the virtualization software wherein at least a portion of the guest page table and the shadow page table share computer memory; wherein: machine pages have a predetermined size; and the virtualization software maps guest OS physical pages to machine pages at a predetermined alignment.
US08074034B2

A memory subsystem includes a volatile memory, a nonvolatile memory, and a controller including logic to interface the volatile memory to an external system. The volatile memory is addressable for reading and writing by the external system. The memory subsystem includes a power controller with logic to detect when power from the external system to at least one of the volatile and nonvolatile memories and to the controller fails. When external system power fails, backup power is provided to at least one of the volatile and nonvolatile memories and to the controller for long enough to enable the controller to back up data from the volatile memory to the nonvolatile memory.
US08074027B2

A transactional logging service is provided to user-mode and kernel-mode log clients by utilizing a marshalling area to buffer a set of log records that a log client assembles into a log stream. Disk I/O (input/output) functionality is then separately brokered using a kernel-mode address space for a single dedicated physical log, or virtual logs multiplexed to a single log, which is written to stable storage that contains log records from across all of the log streams. Physical log writes are handled by a shared log flush queue and physical log reads are provided by a file system cache that underlies the service. A multi-level cache hierarchy is utilized when a log client needs to access a log record. A series of caches are queried in order of increasing latency until the targeted log record is located. The target log record is only read from disk in the event that it missed at each cache in the hierarchy.
US08074025B2

A memory manager that compacts a memory heap and reclaims space allocated to dead entities is disclosed. The memory manager may include threads of a first phase, threads of a second phase, and threads of a third phase. The threads of the first phase may assign a target address to each live entity of the memory heap. The thread of the second phase may update references of the memory heap based upon the target address for each live entity. The threads of the third phase may copy each live entity of the memory heap to its target address.
US08074020B2

A mechanism to permit consolidation of storage subsystem volumes into larger, more easily managed volumes and an operating system device driver which includes a trap mechanism for intercepting calls from a host into logical unit devices that were previously consolidated into a single physical volume. A map converts such calls to a logical unit device into a corresponding offset in the single physical volume. A driver accesses the single physical volume with corresponding offsets to transfer data associated with a particular logical unit device. So, logical unit devices can be consolidated and reconsolidated to single physical volumes and other physical volumes without requiring changes to the operating system or its application software and without requiring application or host downtime.
US08074005B2

Provided are a data processor, and a control system, in which an interrupt controller and an event link controller are adopted. The event link controller responds to a generated event signal to output a start control signal for controlling start of an operation of a circuit module. The circuit module is able to generate an event signal. The event link controller generates the start control signal according to the correspondences between event signals and start control signals which are defined by event control information. The links between the event signals and start control signals can be prescribed by the event control information. Therefore, operations of circuit modules prescribed by such links can be controlled sequentially. The control neither involves save and return processes by CPU as in the interrupt processing, nor needs priority level control as executed on competing interrupt requests.
US08073998B2

If a device non-compatible with CEC is contained in an input path when a display apparatus is HDMI-connected hierarchically to a plurality of external devices, an external device which has transmitted is selected as an operation object device. A TV (100) is HDMI-connected hierarchically to external devices (an AV amplifier (20a), recorders (10a, 10c), a DVD player (10b)) in a tree shape. The TV (100) receives indicating an active state capable of video output from the DVD player (10b) and transmits for switching the input path to the DVD player (10b). When a device non-compatible with CEC (AV amplifier (20a)) is contained in the input path which transmits , the TV (100) selects the DVD player (10b) specified as an operation object device.
US08073996B2

The present invention provides a programmable modular circuit for testing and controlling a system-on-a-chip integrated circuit, and applications thereof. In an embodiment, the programmable modular circuit comprises a plurality of serial-to-parallel interface registers coupled together by a data line, a clock line, and an enable line. Each of the plurality of serial-to-parallel interface registers is coupled to a module of the system-on-a-chip. The data line and the clock line are used to serially clock data into the plurality of serial-to-parallel interface registers. Applying a first logical value to the enable line provides the data serially clocked into the plurality of serial-to-parallel interface registers to modules of the system-on-a-chip. Applying a second logical value to the enable line provides default values to modules of the system-on-a-chip. The data values serially clocked into the plurality of serial-to-parallel interface registers can be used to test and/or to modify selected operating characteristics of the system-on-a-chip.
US08073991B2

An isolated highway addressable remote transfer (HART) interface with programmable data flow is provided. The isolated HART interface includes a HART channel having at least one pair of terminals configured to connect with a HART device via a current loop. The HART channel is programmable to have each pair of terminals assigned as a current loop input or a current loop output.
US08073988B2

A reconfigurable computing device includes a reconfigurable logical device of which a circuit logic can be changed based on configuration data, a storage part to store beforehand input-output attributes of input-output parts of the reconfigurable logical device, and a verification part to verify the configuration data by making a comparison between information on the input-output parts in the configuration data and the input-output attributes stored in the storage part. With this, it is possible to inspect the configuration data of the reconfigurable logical device by a simple method.
US08073976B2

The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for synchronizing clocks in an asynchronous distributed system. Embodiments of the invention facilitate creation of a trustable and practical common time (time of day) reference across a set of peer nodes (observers), such as, for example, members within a common asynchronous (distributed) system. A class of pseudo synchronous system can be created via tracking and accumulating worst case relativistic time skews amongst pairs of nodes (observers), without reference to a common master. As such, cooperating nodes can essentially guarantee a lower bound on the time-of-day that one node will observe, given an observation on another node. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention can be applied to provide a consistent (essentially safe) view of the worst case (i.e., greatest variance in) current time across such an asynchronous system—without a common external time-of-day clock entity being used.
US08073972B2

A system and method for enabling a client to query a DNS server for location information that is associated with the client's IP address. The client receives the location information which identifies a list of sub-locations and a location IP address space encompassing the sub-locations listed. The client selects a network service located nearest to the client based on the location information, and then accesses the network service.
US08073970B2

Systems and methods of the present invention provide for returning website content after being requested by a client. A static component may be requested, which may be updated, and a dynamic component may be requested. The combination of static and dynamic website content may be returned to the client.
US08073968B1

An Optimized Edge Routing (OER) technique provides efficiently data routing at the edge of a network or subnetwork. The technique employs a Master node that manages a set of border nodes located at the edge of the network or subnetwork. The Master node may be a stand-alone network management node or may be incorporated into a network node, such as a border node. Unlike prior implementations, the Master node instructs the border nodes to dynamically acquire (“learn”) prefixes of incoming and outgoing data flows and to selectively filter a set of learned address prefixes whose corresponding data flows match a predetermined set of criteria. The criteria may be based on routing metrics other than, or in addition to, conventional cost-based or distance-based metrics. Further, the criteria may include a set of filtering parameters that may be reconfigured, e.g., by the Master node, from time to time. Using the learned prefixes filtered by the border nodes, the Master node can distribute network traffic and utilize network bandwidth more efficiently than conventionally done.
US08073967B2

A web services-based communication system and technique uses an information server to facilitate the communication of process control data and analysis results between a plurality of web services coupled to a communication network. A graphical user interface coupled to the network enables users to store user profile information and configuration information in a database within the information server. The information server uses the configuration information and the profile information to control the operations of a scheduler and a router within the information server to enable users to selectively view process control information via the graphical user interface and to route process control information to appropriate ones of the web services.
US08073954B1

A method and apparatus which provides for remote and secure access to a host computer, and which further provides an open application standard for client access to the host computer.
US08073952B2

A load balancing system is described herein that proactively balances client requests among multiple destination servers using information about anticipated loads or events on each destination server to inform the load balancing decision. The system detects one or more upcoming events that will affect the performance and/or capacity for handling requests of a destination server. Upon detecting the event, the system informs the load balancer to drain connections around the time of the event. Next, the event occurs on the destination server, and the system detects when the event is complete. In response, the system informs the load balancer to restore connections to the destination server. In this way, the system is able to redirect clients to other available destination servers before the tasks occur. Thus, the load balancing system provides more efficient routing of client requests and improves responsiveness.
US08073949B2

A client application (16) establishes in a client network (10), a first connection having a first security level, directly with a first port (1) of a server application (17) hosted in a server machine (13) linked to a server network (11), in order to send messages addressed to the server machine (13). The messages pass from the client network (10) to the server network (11) through a network layer (CR) of a gateway machine (9). In the gateway machine, a secure application proxy reroutes the messages from the first connection, in a way that is transparent for the client application, and establishes a second connection having a second security level with the server application; the second connection is unknown to the client application.
US08073947B1

A computerized method for gauging the importance of web content and presenting selected content to a user. A web site that has a plurality of comment-enabled entries is monitored, by tracking the number of comments that are posted to the entries by visitors to the web site. An average number of comments per entry is calculated. The web site is monitored over time so as to calculate a moving average, the moving average being the latest average number of comments per entry. The number of comments posted to each of the entries is compared with the moving average, to determine an importance score for each of the entries. A list of some of the entries ranked in accordance with their determined importance scores is displayed to a web user. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08073945B2

A method and an apparatus for providing a measurement of performance for a network are disclosed. For example, the method sends a plurality of multi-objective probes on a path, and receives one or more of said plurality of multi-objective probes for the path. The method then determines a plurality of performance measurements.
US08073942B2

A storage area network (SAN) includes a management server, a storage device, and a management station coupled to a fabric. The management server implements device domains on the SAN. The storage device instructs the management server to add new device domains on the SAN. The management station defines the new device domains to include the storage device and an initiator coupled to the fabric, and directs the storage device to instruct the management server to add the new device domains. A method includes coupling a management server to a SAN fabric, implementing device domains in the management server, defining a new device domain that includes a storage device and an initiator coupled to the SAN, and coupling a storage device to the SAN fabric, the storage device being operable to instruct the management server to add the new device domain.
US08073928B2

Profile data from multiple networking services can be combined and queried from one networking service. A primary networking service may store user profile data for one or more secondary networking services and the primary networking service. When stored, the data from the multiple networks may be aggregated or merged. The stored data may include user profile data and relationship data for each networking service that a primary networking service has a profile account with. A graph of user-contact relationships existing over the primary networking service and one or more secondary networking services may be constructed and queried against.
US08073926B2

Virtual machine image files are stored in a virtual machine storage by a virtual machine image file server. Users at virtual machine clients connect to the virtual machine image file server and are presented with a list of the available virtual machine image files in a virtual machine image store. Users of the virtual machine clients are able to select the desired virtual machine image, and begin executing in the selected virtual machine environment as soon as the selected virtual machine image file begins downloading to the client computer. When a virtual machine image file is selected for storage it is divided into several segments. Each segment is compared with segments of previously stored virtual machine image files already in storage. For example, only non-duplicate segments are stored.
US08073915B1

Chain-letters within user-generated comments on a website are detected based on an inserted watermark. Comments identified as likely chain-letters are rendered for display with the inserted watermark. When a user propagates a chain-letter by copying and pasting a comment already rendered on the website with the inserted watermark, the inserted watermark is recognized, and a spam score associated with the comment is adjusted. Those comments with spam scores above a pre-defined threshold are displayed on the website in an altered format.
US08073913B2

A method for pushing email in heterogeneous networks as well as a mobile terminal and a server are disclosed. The method comprise steps of: sending a mail notification including at least mail priority and mail size of the email from a mail-pushing server to a mobile terminal; determining, by the mobile terminal, a download strategy for the email based on at least one predefined threshold, said mail priority and said mail size; and downloading said email from the mail-pushing server based on the determined download strategy. With the above solutions, it is possible to seamlessly integrate the long standby duration in the WAN mode with free-of-charge and high speed in the LAN mode and thus give a full play to these advantages. Moreover, the mobile terminal can select automatically the most suitable mail access strategy based on network condition and mail size for the simultaneous realization of effective power saving and efficient transmission.
US08073910B2

A user interface for email users which calls attention to one or more categories of emails in different ways. In some species, at least three categories are used: branded senders with Trumarks; white list buddies; and fraudulent emails which are either not from the domain they purport to be from or in which the content was tampered. The preferred embodiment authenticates emails from branded senders and displays them with the sender's Truemark. Branded sender emails have their Truemarks displayed in the sender column of a list view in the preferred embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, white list senders have either an icon or other graphic or photo they choose displayed to the left or right of the sender column with their name in the sender column. In a preferred embodiment, fraudulent emails have a fraud icon displayed to the left or right of the sender column with a warning in the sender column. Antiphishing processing is also disclosed.
US08073908B2

Executing a program structure by leveraging a peer-to-peer network comprises generating a program structure comprising a plurality of program instructions. A first of a plurality of network peers then executes a portion of the program instructions which initiates the execution of code hosted by said first network peer, where said portion comprising fewer than all program instructions. The first network peer then migrates one or more of the program instructions, together with any requisite data, to at least one other of the plurality of network peer. The at least one other network peer then continues execution of the program structure until one or more of the objections of the program structure are achieved.
US08073904B2

Process and system for metasearching on the Internet performed by a metasearch engine, comprising: receiving an HTTP request from a client device for the metasearch engine to send a plurality of search queries to a plurality of unique hosts providing access to information to be searched, each search query comprising at least one keyword; sending the plurality of search queries to the plurality of unique hosts in response to the HTTP request from the client device; receiving search results from the plurality of unique hosts in response to the plurality of search queries sent to the plurality of unique hosts, wherein the search results comprise details about an item that may be ordered; incorporating the received search results into a response; communicating the response from the metasearch engine to the client device; receiving another HTTP request from the client device for placing an order for the item; processing the order.
US08073900B2

Apparatus and a method for communicating media over a network including encoding the media into a server database at a server, downloading from the server database to a client database generally only those portions of the media which are necessary to satisfy user requests and in response to a user request for a given item of media, determining whether the media is present in the client database, and if not, automatically downloading those portions of the media which are necessary to supply the user with the given item of media from the server database. An image server is provided including at least one processor operative to supply portions of image data to clients in response to multiple requests therefrom, and thread management software operating the at least one processor by causing it to process the requests using at least one of a plurality of threads, the thread management software being characterized in that it initiates a new thread when an existing thread has exceeded a predetermined metric of busyness.
US08073883B2

A wireless mobile communication device has an application program and a garbage collection program stored in memory. The garbage collection program is configured to identify a root set of referenced objects of the application program with use of a reference indicator array and to perform a mark and sweep process based on the root set of referenced objects. The reference indicator array has a plurality of reference indicators where each referenced indicator corresponding to a referenced object is set as referenced. The application program is configured to be executed during execution of a mark and sweep process of the garbage collection program, such that information received or provided via the user interface during the execution of the mark and sweep process is received or provided without suspension or delay. The application program has computer instructions which are based on an instruction set defined by a plurality of opcodes or native codes, including a single predefined opcode or a single predefined native code which is a “get object reference” instruction. Each “get object reference” instruction is associated with a target object and is defined to retrieve a reference from the target object and also set one of the reference indicators corresponding to the target object as referenced in the reference indicator array.
US08073878B2

A method to generate linkage indicative data for a linkage indicative diagram, representing a linkage at least between two information resources being interrelated with each other, in a printing apparatus, is provided. The method includes collecting at least two pieces of primary linkage information respectively identifying the at least two information resources and subsidiary linkage information included in each of the at least two plurality of information resources, storing the collected subsidiary linkage information in association with corresponding one of the at least two pieces of primary linkage information in a storage, judging whether each of the at least two pieces of primary linkage information stored in the storage is included in the subsidiary linkage information, determining the linkage between the at least two information resources, and creating the linkage indicative data to represent the linkage indicative diagram.
US08073875B2

An instruction to delete the entry is received. A second entry that includes a reference to the entry is identified. A third entry including information to be preserved from the entry is added in a deleted entries subtree. The third entry is modified to include the reference information from the second entry. The third entry is saved such that during a restore of the entry the third entry provides the information to restore the entry and the reference to the entry. The third entry may include a set of attributes that store an identifier of the second entry. The entry is restored from the third entry and made available in the directory. A reference is recreated in the second entry to the restored entry forming a restored second entry.
US08073872B2

An information processing apparatus includes a processor and a memory unit connected to the processor. The memory unit stores a setting value and an web application. The web application causes the processor to change the setting value according to a request message from a client. The web application causes the processor to update the setting value stored in the memory unit with a setting value contained in a query string if the request message indicates a request for changing the setting value and the request message is transmitted from the client by a user with administrator privilege, and the web application causes the processor to insert a cookie having the setting value contained in the query string to a response header if the request message is transmitted from the client by a user without administrator privilege.
US08073869B2

A method to support efficient, interactive, and fuzzy search on text data includes an interactive, fuzzy search on structured data used in applications such as query relaxation, autocomplete, and spell checking, where inconsistencies and errors exist in user queries as well as data. It utilizes techniques to efficiently and interactively answer fuzzy queries on structured data to allow users to efficiently search for information interactively, and they can find records and documents even if these records and documents are slightly different from the user keywords.
US08073866B2

A method of providing content from an internet server to an internet user based on the user's internet navigation history. The method begins with the step of installing a profile decoder, including a profile library, on the server. The profile decoder maps server content to content categories contained in the profile library. The server then receives a communication from a user then in internet communication with the server, at least a portion of that communication including an encrypted summary of user navigation history. The server then processes the user communication in the profile decoder to identify user content preferences by matching user content preferences with available server content, employing the profile server. Finally, the server provides content to the user based on the user's identified preferences.
US08073858B2

To provide data to a user front end while conserving processor resources and network bandwidth, a front end driver operates between the user front end and data processing and storage devices. When users access databases from the user front end, the front end driver maintains virtual objects containing control information associated with the windows and data items visible at the user front end. The user front end need only maintain data corresponding to the visible data items, while the front end driver provides updated versions of the visible data items to the user front end. The updated data items may be provided at refresh intervals, independent of the rate at which the front end driver downloads data from the storage devices. Thus, the system provides access to all database data in a manner that appears to the user as real time, while conserving resources at the user front end.
US08073851B2

To provide a content searching device which can efficiently present to the user a topical related keyword.A content searching device (100), which searches content from a content database with a use of a related keyword, includes: a related segment calculating unit (106) which calculates, for each content attribute, a related segment which is defined in order for first content and second content to be included in a same time segment, the related segment being calculated based on whether or not a degree of difference, for each content attribute, calculated out of a plurality of first keywords and a plurality of second keywords meets a predetermined reference value, the plurality of the first keywords each describing the first content to be stored in the content database (101), and the plurality of the second keywords each describing the second content having been stored in the content database (101); and a dictionary updating unit (107) which updates a degree of relevance stored in a dictionary database (102), the degree of relevance being updated with a use of the related segment, and the degree of relevance, among the plurality of keywords, being calculated for each content attribute.
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